'Fantasy' baseball

Don't mind me. I'm just daydreaming about the baseball playoffs. You remember last year, don't you? When everyone seemed to be watching every game of every series? I-Rod holds on to the ball at home? Foulke blows the lead for the A's? Boone? Bartman?

October is usually a time (for me anyway) of hockey, football, and rooting against the Yankees. But this year, I think I'll have different interests. Hockey is gone -- maybe for good. (But don't believe anyone who says that, they haven't got a clue about professional sports). Football is always compelling, but I can put even Kurt Warner's wife on the backburner for more compelling storylines. And if things break the right way this October, oh the storylines we'll have.

Here's my dream scenario:

In typical Dodger fashion, L.A. pulls an El Foldo in the final days of the season, blowing a three-game NL West lead and allowing San Francisco to slip past them on a Barry home run with two outs in the ninth. Houston and Chicago tie for the NL wild card, setting up a one-game playoff, Clemens against Wood. Rocket strikes out 14 and goes eight innings before abruptly declaring he's retiring with the game tied at 2-2 in the ninth. Moises Alou (can you smell the irony?) belts a game-winning single to send Chicago into the postseason.

In the AL, Anaheim and Oakland are tied going into the last game of the season; it's Hudson against Washburn for the West Division crown. Vlad Guerrero cracks three home runs, erasing a four-run deficit as Anaheim heads back to the big show. Meanwhile, Boston makes the bumbling Yankees sweat it out till the final day of the season before getting blown out against pesky Baltimore to hand the Bombers the crown.

Now, it's on to the playoffs.

Atlanta meets Chicago, and since I can't think of any possible reason why anyone would want to watch the Braves any more than they'd have to, let's root for a three-game Cubs sweep... Mark Prior goes nine innings to nail down the series. Greg Maddux forgets which team he's on and leaves the country immediately after the series to begin his customary early-October vacation.

St. Louis takes on the Giants, and it's Barry vs. Albert. Pitching staff X vs. Pitching staff Y, where X = lousy and Y = who are these guys? Pujols & Co. battle Barry to a fifth game, where the Giants load the bases against Jason Isringhausen down two runs in the ninth. Edgardo Alfonzo lines a double to left-center, here comes the throw from Edmonds, Barry's chugging around third... The slide.... SAFE! Bonds' elbow pad is later found lodged in Cardinal catcher Mike Matheny's head.

Yankees vs. Minnesota: We've seen this before, haven't we? Due to a bizarre contractual clause, David Wells is allowed to pitch Game 3 for the Yankees, going eight innings and striking out nine. The sweep is complete!

Boston vs. Anaheim: In the battle of the only two teams with a shot at upending the Bombers, the Red Sox go down two games to love on a Chone Figgins suicide squeeze of David Eckstein in the bottom of the ninth. Derek Lowe leaves Game 3 trailing 9-1, but Manny and Ortiz go deep over the Green Monster to win it in the 11th. Vlad throws out his back hacking at Tim Wakefield's knuckler in Game 4. And in Game 5, Schilling dominates and the game is scoreless after eight. Orlando Cabrera drives in the winning run after robbing Troy Glaus in the top of the ninth.

We've set up a Cubbies-Giants matchup in the NLCS, which features Barry Bonds against the best pitching staff in baseball. Bonds jacks five homers in the series, but can't recover after a grown-up Jeffrey Maier (now a Cubs fan, by the way) reaches over the right field wall at Wrigley to steal a home run in Game 7. Derrek Lee renews his role as NLCS hero with a bases-clearing triple to seal the series in the bottom of the ninth. After the game, MLB announces the installation of 15-foot chain-link fences to surround the stands at Wrigley. Maier sells Bonds' would-be home run ball to Steve Bartman, who in turn sells it to a Chicago bar for $5 million, moves to Aruba, and retires a rich man.

In the ALCS, Pedro plunks A-Rod in Game 1, Brown punches out Varitek in Game 2, and in Game 3, the teams use 16 total pitchers in a 19-18 marathon. Byung-Hyun Kim is the emergency starter for Boston in Game 4, and appears to have everything well in hand, until allowing a pair of solo home runs by Gary Sheffield and Alex Rodriguez give the Yanks a 3-1 series lead. The series moves to the Stadium, where the Pinstripes try to keep the Curse alive. Derek Jeter has a chance to tie it in the bottom of the ninth, but Boston's Bill Mueller makes a diving, head-first catch on a foul pop into the stands, breaking his nose and chipping a tooth. Schilling shuts down New York in Game 6, but the Yanks take an early lead in Game 7 against Pedro. El Duque takes the lead into the ninth for the Yankees; Rivera for the save. With two outs, Trot Nixon cracks a three-run homer down the left field line, sending all of Boston into revelry.

In the All-Cursed World Series, the Cubs jump out to 2-0 series lead before Schilling and Pedro tie it back up. Maddux is shelled in Game 5 to put the Sox just one game away from the title. But in Game 6, Kerry Wood is seen eating Baby Ruth bars in the clubhouse before the game, then strikes out 22 and and hits two home runs in a 3-0 win. Game 7 moves the series back to Wrigley, where Schilling meets Prior. In the 11th inning, it's tied 0-0 when Doug Mientkiewicz bombs a two-run homer off Joe Borowski to put the Red Sox on the precipice. Closer Keith Foulke gets the first two outs, but Chicago gets a pair of clutch singles from pinch-hitter Greg Maddux (series ERA: 45.00) and Corey Patterson. Nomar comes to plate with the series on the line. On a two-strike count, he hits a little roller along the first base line, behind the bag. Millar coasts over to pick it up but steps on the ball, breaking his arm. Maddux and Patterson score and all of Addison is in hysterics. Pedro relieves Foulke to face a slumping Sammy Sosa. On a first-pitch fastball, Sammy clocks one into the left field bleachers. "I don't believe what I just saw! Touch 'em all, Sammy! CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN!"

Somewhere Harry Caray smiles.

Somewhere George Steinbrenner shouts.

But there is no joy in Boston. They should have taken Pedro out.

For the love of the game

Ahhhh Mark, we fans of the pigskin do some terrible things to ourselves in the name of love, don't we?

Some like to lay down an occasional buck on teams named the "Browns," the "Seahawks," and the "Cardinals," then seem surprised when these perennial losers don't come through. Others prefer a more interactive form of torture.

Fantasy football, I'm convinced, is the greatest invention of the 20th century. Forget television and the internet. Nothing Al Gore claims to have invented could rock this hard. Like all good inventions, though, fantasy football can be dangerous in the wrong hands.

Take my friend Glenn, which is not is real name, so we'll call him Pete for honesty's sake. In just the second year of our keeper league, Pete has managed to turn his team of respectable NFL starters into a Who's Who of the 1997 All-Madden team. Jerome Bettis, Terry Glenn, Marcus Robinson, and Eddie George are all nice players, if you're hosting an old-timers day. But when you're up against Clinton Portis, Koren Robinson, Edgerrin James, and Steve McNair, that simply won't cut it.

Yet Pete's predicament is secondary to ones like what I endured last night. Trailing by five points, I needed Terrell Owens and Bryant Westbrook to outscore Philly kicker David Akers by a margin of 5.5 or more to go 2-0. Simple enough. Of course, this required me to root for the hated Eagles, which I, as a lifelong Giants fan, decided to allow myself given the substantial prize pool at stake.

At the end of the first quarter, Philadelphia had a 7-6 lead and I still trailed by four. McNabb started the Eagles' first drive of the second with a 15-yard pass to Owens. A couple of decent runs by Westbrook and I was only down three. But on 3rd-and-7, the Eagles try a bizarre screen play to Owens that is stopped for -3 yards. Worse yet, I don't get the points for a reception, because the almighty ($%*!hole) official scorer rules it's a backwards pass. Worst STILL, here comes Akers for a 37-yard field goal.

I'm back down by six. But I'm relaxed -- I still have two of the best at their position out there... it's just a matter of time...

Sure enough, the Eagles get the ball back and connect with Westbrook for a 19-yard pass play. That's worth a big two poin-- oops! Westbrook fumbles. Instead of rolling out of bounds, the loose ball sits like a stone near the sideline until a cloddish Vikings defender snatches it. Westbrook giveth; and he taketh away. Minus two for the fumble. Still down six. Time for a rally.

I go downstairs and fetch my lucky Sam Adams bottle, which I found next to eleven others in the fridge, and wait for the magic to begin. It seems to be working as Westbrook notches a catch and an 18-yard carry and I'm only down five at half.

On the first drive of the second half, McNabb finds Owens for six yards. It's a negligible play, but due to our bizarre scoring system, I'm now trailing by just 3.5. Next play, McNabb takes the snap... looks, looks, Owens is open!... pulls it downs and run for a 20-yard touchdown. *#@! Another point for Akers.

Now the Vikings get the ball and a series of painstaking conversions begins. 3rd-and-3: three yard pass. 3rd-and-1: three yard run. Get the ball back, D! The Eagles take a pair of penalties. Finally, the bumbling Vikes boot a 39-yard-field goal. That drive took 6:45, and now I only have 20 minutes to make up four points. I'm getting nervous. Worse yet, I'm still rooting for the Eagles.

Eagles ball. 10 yard pass to L.J. Smith. No points. Two yard run for Westbrook. No points. Incomplete pass to Owens. No points. Incomplete to Ritchie. Zip. 18 minutes to go. Vikings ball.

Again, it's a torturous drive of narrow conversions when all I need is a Vikings touchdown or Eagles stop to get the ball back. Culpepper throws a 10-yard pass on 2nd-and-1. Then a five-yard pass on 3rd-and-3. Another five-yard pass on 2nd-and-3. A 20-yard pass on 3rd-and-11. They're only now reaching Philadelphia territory. A few more dinks and dunks, and I'll be done. Only 11 minutes left. Minnesota's in a 3rd-and-16. Culpepper trots out of bounds and finally this beast is over. Anderson misses the FG... Hooray.

Go to work Eagles. (I'm rooting openly now.) McNabb one-hops a pass to Owens. That was worth 1.5, you #@%!!. Six yard pass to Greg Lewis. Who the hell is Greg Lewis?!. 15-yard run by Westbrook. Now I'm in business. Down 3.5 with 8 minutes to go. But I still need a big gainer by Owens. McNabb drops back to the 50... Throoooows... Is it Owens?. 81 is lunging after the toss. Catch it, big boy!. He got it. He got it!. He tumbles, near the goalline. "Touchdown!" says Al Michaels. "Yeeeeeeahhh!!" I scream, no longer in my head.

Even Akers' meaningless extra point can't stop me now. It's an insurmountable lead with 7 minutes to go. Why are they showing replays? ABC shows Owens bobbling the ball near the endzone. Snap it! Snap it! Snap the ball! The boot is up.... and good! Atta boy, Akers! Unchallengable, baby!

The win is complete. A night of shameful rooting for an enemy team is over. Embarrassed and a little excited, I reach for the remote. It's 12:15 a.m. Work is in five hours. Time to dream a winner's dreams.

But first, I need another drink.

E-mail Mike at michael.casey@newsday.com

We need another Miracle!

Somewhere in between references to LL Cool J, twins and bling, my fellow blogger makes one thing clear in his previous post.

He doesn’t know what he is talking about.

Hockey is a great American sport. Unfortunately a commissioner that makes Bud Selig look like the second-coming of Pete Rozelle has run it into the ground.

That is not to say that this lockout is the fault of Gary Bettman, but letting the NHL fall this far is. In 1994 we had the Rangers win the Stanley Cup (I mean buy the Stanley Cup), we had Gretzky in Hollywood and yes, even rap stars were wearing hockey jerseys in their videos. Hockey was on the brink of bling.

However, the Rangers fell apart, as did the Kings, knocking the NHL out of its two biggest American cities. The Canadian economy is designed to make people move south and we get stuck with expansion.

All I know is that if I don’t have any money coming in, I’m not going to build a new kitchen on my house. This is essentially what Bettman allowed.

No TV contract? Put a team in Phoenix! No new American stars? Put a team in Atlanta. And while this was all going on, great teams in big cities were being ignored. Detroit and New Jersey had a dynasties and no one noticed.

I agree hockey needs to change. It needs to accept its fate as the 4th sport in this country. They need to make the rinks bigger. They need a salary cap. They need fewer teams.

They need to come back.

And they do, I will be in Section 307, just under the overhang at Nassau Coliseum, where the spackle is cracking off the roof screaming.

Mike must go!

Tecmo-style NFL Preview, Part 2

For the thousands of you that e-mailed me thanking me for the hard work that went into producing my Tecmo Super Bowl-style AFC preview, thank you. I do it for the fans. And for the millions more who are dying to read my NFC preview, here you are:

NFC EAST

1. PHILADELPHIA -- I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about how badly I'd carve up defenses using Donovan McNabb's speed, Terrell Owens' glue-like hands, and Bryant Westbrook's return game. And ohhhh the defense! Jevon Kearse, Hugh Douglas, and a surely-overrated Dhani Jones! Thank you, Lord, for giving us the most perfect Tecmo Super Bowl team since the 1990 Bills. (14-2).

2. WASHINGTON -- Sometimes a good running game is all you need. With Clinton Portis, Washington zig-zags their way to a NFC playoff spot. The Skins lack an established passer, but Mark Brunell could be good on those Tarkenton-esque rollouts. The receivers stink, but hey, after a few Portis runs, a flea flicker might do the job. Use LaVar Arrington on D, probably the only defender worth mentioning. (10-6)

3. GIANTS -- The weapons are there, and the rest means jack squat in Tecmo Super Bowl. With Kurt Warner's arm, Tiki Barber's legs, and Amani Toomer's fingers, the Giants could off-set their miserable offensive line and shaky defense. Jeremy Shockey in 'good' condition would destroy opposing DBs. Michael Strahan is hard-pressed to carry the defense, but he'll make a go of it with TSB's patented five-yard lunges. (9-7)

4. DALLAS -- Defense may be the 'Boys' best weapon, but TSB gamers know it's all about scoring. With Vinny tossing footballs like bagles all over the field, his crummy receivers routinely peeling off routs, and Eddie George bogging down the running game, Dallas looks like a lost cause. Wait for Julius Jones to emerge, get a real quarterback, then try again. (3-13)

NFC NORTH

1. MINNESOTA -- When I think of Randy Moss and Daunte Culpepper, I imagine Warren Moon and Haywood Jefferies, tearing down the field with lightning precision and tremendous 90-yard pass plays. Both WRs and QBs have extraterrestrial talents. The difference? Culpepper can run. Remember that bizarre QB draw from the Oilers' playbook? Doesn't seem so useless when Culpepper runs it, does it? It might be a little tough to get stops on defense, but no one's feeling bad about that after another 48-24 win. (12-4)

2. GREEN BAY -- Green Bay has come a long way since the days of Dan Majkowski and his wretched offense limping the ball all over the field. Now, with Brett Favre running the show, Ahman Green dodging LBs with stunning evasiveness, and a capable defense, the Packers are in the hunt for a playoff spot. Just watch out that KGB doesn't get injured, or your defense might be in trouble. (9-7)

3. DETROIT -- The TSB ratings gurus usually don't think too highly of unestablished rookies and youngsters, so the Lions might have a tough time getting many wins. Joey Harrington has yet to have a breakout season; Charlie Rogers was hurt most of last year, and Harrington's other options (RB Kevin Jones and WR Roy Williams) are unknown quantities. The defense is nothing to get excited over. Maybe they'll get some respect in next year's game. (7-9)

4. CHICAGO -- Brian Urlacher is a dominant force on D, but who's going to score points? Anthony Thomas and Thomas Jones might be good on those fake-draw pitch-outs, but Rex Grossman won't be doing much on offense, other than lobbing a lot of balls 50 yards beyond the closest receiver. I foresee a lot of blitzing (pick-your-plays), and a lot of swearing and joystick smashing. (5-11)

NFC WEST

1. SEATTLE -- This team best compares to the 1990 Redskins. It's a solid quarterback (Matt Hasselbeck), a quick running back (Shaun Alexander), and two reliable receiving options (Koren Robinson and Darrell Jackson) coming off the line of scrimmage. Seattle's offense should be unpredictable, because they can burn you with a deep pass or a run up the middle as easily as they can with a WR reverse or direct snap. That ridiculous WR-reverse-flea-flicker seems made for this team. (11-5)

2. ST. LOUIS -- I can only imagine how devastating this team would have been three years ago. Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt... (sigh)... Now that's 16-0 material. But now they've been reduced to a sum of working parts. Marshall is slowed, but still runs with his deadly agility. Holt and Bruce still run crisp routs. But mistake-prone Marc Bulger is problematic. Too many INTs and fumbles can ruin even the best offense. (10-6)

3. SAN FRANCISCO -- No defense! None whatsoever! At least they've got Kevan Barlow, Brandon Lloyd, and Tim Rattay, to whom I think TSB's scouts would inexplicably give acceptably high ratings. Seven wins would be a coup. (5-11).

4. ARIZONA -- Some things just never change. An inept quarterback, useless running game, and wholly worthless defense smacks of their 1990 counterparts. The only bright spots are at receiver, where a healthy Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald might be effective if Josh McCown could ever get them the ball. But McCown's frustrating inaccuracy and lob passes will somehow lead to a lot of X's winding up near the bottom of your screen, out of bounds and completely uncatchable. (3-13)

NFC SOUTH

1. ATLANTA -- He's a running back! No, he's a quarterback! No, he's a running back! Roll him Michael Vick out on bootlegs and let the fun begin. If I were ever inclined to use the 'playbook' feature (and I never have been), I would make sure every Falcons down involved some kind of trickery. Fake-draw pitch-outs to Warrick Dunn, playaction dives to T.J. Duckett, WR reverses to Peerless Price; flea-flickers! Chaos! The Falcons offense might not have the most talent, but they will be fun to watch. (11-5)

2. NEW ORLEANS -- Michael Vick be damned, they say. The Saints have Deuce McAllister and they're not about to concede the division title. Although Pat Swilling and Sam Mills don't run the defense any more, they still have good receiving options, a talented, mobile quarterback, and a fitting heir to the dangerous Hilliard-and-Heyward running game. (9-7)

3. CAROLINA -- Sadly, defense just isn't rewarded as much as a the defending AFC champs would like to believe. Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker will do their best to destroy opposing offenses, but it still may be possible to burn them on pass plays. Jake Delhomme is only average, and Stephen Davis won't win any rushing titles. (8-8)

4. TAMPA BAY -- Brad Johnson? No thanks. We'll take Chris Simms for the block. True, Simms has never taken a snap in the NFL. But at least it will FEEL like we're playing with a good team. Just imagine... Simms drops back! Throws to Bavaro -- no, wait, that's Ken Dilger. Ugh, sorry. Handing off to Charlie Garner seems like a slap in the face to powerful '90 Bucs back Reggie Cobb. We'll take Derrick Brooks on defense and hope he can steal the show. (6-10) I added an extra win because they signed original Tecmo Bowler Tim Brown -- that's gotta be worth something.

NFL Preview: Tecmo-style

Those of us in the Nintendo generation know that God has blessed us with no greater gift than an eight-bit jewel of fun known as “Tecmo Super Bowl.” With its revolutionary eight-option playbook, use of real NFL team names and players, and ability to compile statistics throughout an entire NFL season, it single-handedly changed the lives of millions of studious 10-year-olds. All of my sub-90 grades in middle school are owed to that game.

With a new NFL season dawning, I got to thinking the other day: What if Tecmo Super Bowl only appeared now? Which would be the best teams (think Bills and 49ers) and which would be the dregs? (think Packers and Colts).

With everyone offering their own perspectives and predictions on the season before us, I don’t see my system as anything crazier than anyone else’s. So without further adieu, here are Mike’s AFC predictions – Tecmo Bowl-style.

AFC EAST:

1. Patriots – Tom Brady doesn’t have the strongest arm, but his accuracy will help avoid those pesky interceptions. Corey Dillon’s combination of speed and power make him a dangerous back, particularly on those off-tackle runs. On defense, I’m scrolling over to Ty Law to harass quarterbacks with the occasional blitz, sprinting all the way across the screen to defend passes over 15 yards. Adam Vinatieri bombs field goals from behind the 50-yard line. (11-5)

2. Bills – No doubt Tecmo would have highly overrated Drew Bledsoe’s throwing arm, making him and receivers Eric Moulds, Lee Evans, and Josh Reed nearly unstoppable. Travis Henry and Willis McGahee make a decent one-two punch at back. On defense, Takeo Spikes crushes any running play. (9-7)

3. Jets – Even with Chad Pennington and Santana Moss hooking up for 2-to-3 touchdowns a game, the Jets’ lack of superstars is their downfall. There is no clear standout on defense, and with a slogging Curtis Martin running the ball, the best they can hope for is an 8-8 season. (8-8)

4. Dolphins – No Rickey, no QB, no chance. No Tecmo team can succeed without stars at one of the two backfield positions. With Williams gone and Jay Fiedler at QB, it’s going to be a long, painful year, Fins fans. Use Sam Madison on defense and hope you can shut down the opponent’s passing game. Stay close with a few Randy McMichael button-hooks. Prepare for the worst. That’s all you can do. (4-12)

AFC NORTH:

1. Baltimore – Jamal Lewis. How can you stop him? Bo Jackson he’s not, but with power, speed, and still more power, he’s going to run over a lot of LBs. Think Christian Okoye in ‘excellent’ condition. On defense, Ray Lewis is a sure-fire sack leader. Just run him right through the line at the snap, evading and obliterating blockers. Expect a 64-sack year. (13-3)

2. Pittsburgh – Call us crazy, but this is an offense with potential. Tommy Maddox may be a bust, but Ben Roethlisberger could be golden off the bench. Hines Ward and Plaxico Burress will devastate on deep routes, and Antwan Randel-El is a kick returner extraordinaire. Kendrell Bell and James Farrior are solid options on defense. I’d take Farrior for his all-around skill. (10-6)

3. Cincinnati – Tecmo doesn’t think much of rookie quarterbacks, so Carson Palmer – or should we say QB Bengals? – will struggle to move the ball. Rudi Johnson is OK at tailback, but he can’t do it alone. The defense lacks true playmakers, but Kevin Hardy at least brings respectability. (8-8)

4. Cleveland – Yuck. No top QB, RB, or WR means the Dogs get pounded this year. Run all the rollouts you want, Jeff Garcia; your best receiving option is still Andre Davis. Linebacker Andra (yes, Andra) Davis is your only hope on ‘D.’ (3-13)

AFC WEST:

1. Kansas City – Priest Holmes may be the best RB in the game, but he’ll struggle due to his lack of pure speed and power. With Priest, it’s all about a nose for the endzone, and that just doesn’t translate in TSB ratings. Trent Green and Tony Gonzalez help move the ball through the air. Defense just doesn’t seem the same without Derrick Thomas, but one of the Chiefs linebackers could still emerge as a star. (11-5)

2. Denver – After KC, this division’s a toss up. Losing Clinton Portis hurts the Broncs offensively, but they still have enough firepower to be competitive. On defense, Champ Bailey could be the most dominant DB in the game. Get a few INTs, a few sacks, and Denver should be good to go. (9-7)

3. Oakland – It’s hard to pick these guys over a team with LT, but how can you turn down Warren Sapp? Sapp will terrrorize quarterbacks with his deadly off-the-snap strength and quickness. It will be tough for anyone to put a block on him. On the offensive side, Rich Gannon and Tyrone Wheatley won’t get anyone too excited, but Jerry Porter could be a star at receiver. (7-9)

4. San Diego – Up-and-comers, but still at least a year away. LaDainian Tomlinson is unstoppable coming out of the backfield or taking the ball on an outside sweep. He and Tim Dwight might even hook up on the occasional reverse to really throw the defense for a loop. We have to put these guys last because they just have no reliable defenders. (4-12)

AFC SOUTH:

1. Indianapolis – Peyton Manning, Edgerrin James, and Marvin Harrison. They don’t call ‘em the Triplets for nothing and they’re still the best QB-RB-WR trio since Aikman-Irvin-Emmitt. I don’t see them dominating on defense, but when you’re putting up 60 points a game on offense, who really needs defense? (12-4)

2. Jacksonville – TSB fans would surely love Byron Leftwich’s mobility, although his accuracy might leave something to be desired. A very solid Fred Taylor in the backfield and Jimmy Smith and Reggie Williams on the flanks completes a very nice offense. I foresee a lot of flea-flickers, and a lot of QB draws. (10-6)

3. Tennessee – Steve McNair can still throw the ball off the screen, but his options are just too limited. Promising running back Chris Brown could help relieve some of the pressure, but with no standout WRs and a gaping hole filling Jevon Kearse’s left end spot, the Titans could disappoint some country fans. (9-7)

4. Houston – David Carr is coming along, but Domanick Davis isn’t ready to be a star yet. Andre Johnson will haul in some of those sick leaping catches, but the defense and the supporting cast aren’t ready for prime time… Yet. (6-10).

Coming tomorrow….. NFC!

E-mail Mike at michael.casey@newsday.com

Icy reflections

Thoughts while watching Tuesday night's USA-Canada World Cup of Hockey game:

-Worst thing about hockey on ESPN: Gary Thorne's mispronunciations; best thing about hockey on ESPN: "sideline" reporter Erin Andrews.

-Jeremy Roenick is officially the Jerry "the King" Lawler of broadcasting.

-There is way too much yelling in that broadcast booth. Thorne and Roenick almost make Bill Clement tolerable.

-Canadians love hockey more than Brazilians love soccer, more than Americans love baseball, and more than Indians love badminton.

-Barry Melrose is still a goof. His mullet is still outstanding. Somehow it wouldn't be hockey without him. Where is John Buccigross? Riding the Zamboni with Cam Neely?

-Martin St. Louis = Theo Fleury with grace and without the baggage.

-I've got a great way to speed up the game: Get rid of the ridiculous 20-minute intermissions! And there are TWO of them!

-I thought of another... Make the blueline wider. There would be fewer off-sides calls (is there a more frustrating rule in the game?) and it would make the offensive zone a little larger.

-Kind of dig the 1920s-era yellow Team Canada sweaters, although I'm not sure that putting "CANADA" as the name on the back of every jersey is great for marketing.

-First hockey fight in two months: Jeff Halpern from Potomac, MD pounds on Norris Trophy winner Scott Niedermayer. Mario Lemieux drops the gloves with Steve Konowalchuk. This is what makes hockey fun.

-Former Ranger Brian Leetch is sporting sort of a spikey goatee. Sorry Brian, you're still not tough.

-Tell me this game isn't better than Cleveland 15, Yankees 0 or Marlins 2, Mets 0. I dare you.

-Canada 2, USA 1. Time to watch Sharapova.

E-mail Mike at michael.casey@newsday.com