Stanley Cup Playoffs Round One Predictions

Western Conference

1. Chicago Blackhawks 

8. Minnesota Wild

Blackhawks 4-1

2. Anaheim Ducks

7. Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings 4-2

6. San Jose Sharks  

3. Vancouver Canucks 

Canucks 4-3

4. St. Louis Blues

5. LA Kings

Blues 4-2

Eastern Conference

1. Pittsburgh Penguins 

8. New York Islanders

Penguins 4-1

2. Montreal Canadians

7. Ottawa Senators

Canadians 4-0

3. Washington Capitals

6. New York Rangers

Rangers 4-2

4. Boston Bruins

5. Toronto Maple Leafs  

Bruins 4-3

Prior to the season I made a little prediction piece on final standings. While I completely flopped on the Canadians, (Had them finishing last in the North West) and Nashville Predators whom I had in the playoffs, everything else turned out pretty accurate. To see that piece, click here. 

But if you're lazy like me and would rather not click a link, I correctly picked 13/16 teams to make the playoffs! That's a .812 "winning percentage" for all you stat guys! 

Keep calm, playoff hockey is here! 

Detroit Lions Draft Grades 2013

"Big" Larry Warford gets my top pick.

5. Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU: B

I give this pick a solid B. Could it be an A+? Yes. Could it be an F? Sure. Lets just face facts here, Ansah is a freak athletically. However, he hasn't played football too long, and is still raw. Everyone considers him the second coming of JPP and if that's true, he could be a steal even at pick five. Overall, I like the pick.

36. Darius Slay, CB, Mississippi State: B-

Can't complain here. Slay was the fastest DB at the combine, along with great size he should have a good chance at gaining the starting job outside of Chris Houston.

65. Larry Warford, G, Kentucky: A+

My favorite pick of the draft. Warford fills a huge need and has a great chance at becoming the starting right guard come week one. He's the perfect fit for a team in serious need of a strong run game.

132. Devin Taylor, DE, South Carolina: C

I'm okay with the selection. Should add a nice piece of depth at the DE position that was depleted this off-season.

165. Sam Martin, P, Appalachian State: D

Meh, a punter. Nothing to see here.

171. Corey Fuller, WR, Virginia Tech: B

A little surprised the Lions waited so long to pick a wideout. Fuller's skills fit just what the Lions were looking for. The big question is he can transition his game to the pro level.

199. Theo Riddick, RB, Notre Dame: C

Riddick is a guy who can run, catch, and return the football. Somewhat of a jack of all trades, he will have a hard time making the team.

211. Michael Williams, TE, Alabama: A

Love the pick. Will Williams be anything special? Probably not but he will be a great blocking tight end. Most believe he will take over and fill the H-back role one held by Will Heller.

245. Brandon Perburn, ILB, Florida A&M: C

Worth a shot. The Lions needed help at the linebacker position. Like many late picks, the chances he makes the team may be slim.

Overall Draft Grade: B

Larry Murphy Fired From Fox Sports Detroit

If you haven't heard the mass outcry on Twitter yet, FSD had fired fan favorite broadcaster and studio analyst for the Detroit Red Wings, Larry Murphy. Murphy, also known as just "Murph" played four plus season with the Red Wings and has been played a big part on the broadcasting side since 2002.

Larry Murphy back in his playing days as a Wing.

Greg Hammaren, senior vice president and general manager of FSD cited ratings as the main reason Murphy was let go, and that they just needed a change. I'm sorry, Greg, but I'll have you know that Murphy wasn't the reason the ratings are low. Did you ever hear about that lock-out thing? Or how about that lock-outs piss fans off, and lower the odds of them tuning in. Or maybe the fact that the Red Wings are just not as good as the fans are accustom to? Nope, it's all Murph's fault. But it's okay, keep using the FSDetroit girls to up those ratings, sex sells right?

The simple fact is Murph had nothing to do with bad ratings, in-fact, he was adored my many Wings fans. I just see this move as a slap in the face to the true Wings fans out there. While we watch every game we can, FSD is catering to the fair-weathers. Needless to say, I'm upset by their decision.

Here are a few quotes.

"I was shocked, didn't see it coming, they said they just needed a change, ratings weren't what they were. That was basically it. I'm still trying to figure it out."

He went on to say

"It's disappointing, I really enjoyed the job, working for Fox and covering the Detroit Red Wings. I'm going to miss it."

If you would like to try and help bring Murph back to the booth, please go to this website and sign the petition. At last glance, there were already 870 names on it, including myself.

To read the full story on Mlive, click here.

Projected Detroit Tigers Line-Up and Rotation

Can April first hurry up already? For many Tigers fans, me included, we just can't wait till opening day. After just misses in 2006 and 2012 we're all in high hopes to finally bring home the championship for the first time since 1984. I'm going to predict the Tigers line-up and rotation, which really isn't that difficult, however, I'm going to give you guys my projected stats for each player! So without further adieu..

The line-up

More long balls for Prince?

1. CF Austin Jackson 14 HR/ 63 RBI/ 20 SB/ .281 AVG

2. RF Torii Hunter 13 HR/ 72 RBI/ 7 SB/ .275 AVG

3. 3B Miguel Cabrera 37 HR/ 130 RBI/ 2 SB/ .329 AVG

4. 1B Prince Fielder 40 HR/ 119 RBI/ 0 SB/ .296 AVG

5. DH Victor Martinez 12 HR/ 81 RBI/ 1 SB/ .307 AVG

6. LF Andy Dirks 10 HR/ 51 RBI/ 8 SB/ .267 AVG

7. SS Jhonny Peralta 14 HR/ 62 RBI/ 1 SB/ .260 AVG

8. C Alex Avila 18 HR/ 72 RBI/ 3 SB/ .259 AVG

9. 2B Omar Infante 13 HR/ 69 RBI/ 12 SB/ .284 AVG

The Rotation

Can JV add another Cy Young in 2013?

1. Justin Verlander 22 Wins 5 Losses 2.45 ERA 1.03 WHIP 244 K

2. Doug Fister 15 Wins 9 Losses 3.35 ERA 1.25 WHIP 142 K

3. Max Scherzer 16 Wins 10 Losses 3.75 ERA 1.29 WHIP 217 K

4. Anibal Sanchez 14 Wins 8 Losses 3.91 ERA 1. 29 WHIP 149 K

5. Rick Porcello 10 Wins 11 Losses 4.54 ERA 1.51 WHIP 104 K

Closer Bruce Rondon 27 Saves 3.67 ERA 1.47 WHIP 57 K

Playing in the weakest division in baseball, and having one of the more stacked teams, I see the Tigers finishing 99-63 in 2013, easily winning the AL central crown.

Happy Trails, Detroit Lions Edition

For those of you wondering where your former Detroit Lions players have moved onto, look no further! Here's the list that will be updated as free agency goes on. If you do not see the players name he's still either a free agent, or has been resigned by the Lions.

The Newest Seahawk

OT, Gosder Cherilus signs a five-year 34 million dollar deal with the Indianapolis Colts.

DT, Sammie Hill Signs a three-year 11.4 million dollar deal with the Tennessee Titans.

DE, Cliff Avril signs a two-year 15 million dollar deal with the Seattle Seahawks.

CB, Drayton Florence signs one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers.

OT, Jeff Backus retires.





Keep checking in as I'm sure the list will go on, there are still many valuable players left searching for a job. The most notable remaining players are Titus Young, Kevin Smith, Stefan Logan, Stephen Peterman, Lawrence Jackson, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Corey Williams, Jacob Lacey, and Justin Durant.

For the quickest updates, follow me on Twitter @zrojones

Wes Welker Signs Two-Year Deal With Denver.

Wow. Who would have ever thought Wes Welker would ever leave New England? Welker signs a two-year 12 million dollar deal to go play for the Denver Broncos. All I can say is wow. The contract is very reasonable, and it just makes you wonder why the Pats couldn't bring him back and if there was anything else involved.

Either way, Welker goes from Brady to Manning to play the slot. Great move by Elway, and Manning has got to be thrilled. Brady on the other hand, has got to be, well, pissed. Ah, the pot thickens.

Lions Agree to a Five-Year Deal With Glover Quin

Moving North.

The busy Lions are at it again! After Louis Delmas wasn't brought back, the Lions jumped to sign Quin. The former Texan had 84 tackles and 14 pass deflections last season. The biggest reason I like Quin over Delmas is a simple one. Quin has only missed one game during his career. It's really that simple, the Lions need impact players on the field, not crutches.

In my opinion, Quin is solid upgrade. His numbers are consistent, and he's just entering his prime. The Lions are looking to improve from a sluggish 4-12 season, and I believe Quin is just the player they needed on the defensive side of the ball.

So take a deep breath Lions fans, there still may be more to come.