Back by popular demand, I give you this year's first installment of Legends & Letdowns.
Legends
Mark Messier—As if the six-time Stanley Cup champion couldn't do anything more to add to his already legendary status, Messier did exactly that, when, 50 years young, he completed the New York City Marathon in four hours and 14 minutes. Inspired by the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, he ran to raise awareness for two charities: Tomorrows Children's Fund and the New York Police & Fire Widows and Children's Benefit Fund. I think most hockey players can't stand the thought of running one mile, let alone 26, so I think it goes without saying: Hats off to you, Mark.
Edmonton Oilers—It seems the team may have struck oil (pun intended) yet again with their newly formed "Kids and the Hall" line. Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are turning heads with their play on the ice and have the look of a future dynasty. This team's early success has many in oil country experiencing déjà vu flashes of the mid-'80s, in the days of Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier and Jari Kurri—the original "Finnish Flash." And how about goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin? Talk about déjà vu, I feel like I'm back in 2003 watching "The Bulin Wall" shut down offenses.
Letdowns
Chris Johnson—It's September 4 and I'm in the NFL fantasy draft war room making last minute adjustments to my big board. "I'm taking it home this year, next question," I said to my friends as I was sitting pretty with the No. 2 pick. It was a no-brainer. "I'm taking Chris Johnson." I gave myself a nice little pat on the back, followed by a not-so-subtle fist pump and was off planning my next move, not thinking twice about my previous one. One touchdown and a whopping 3.0 yards per carry later, I'm now looking into a trade that will potentially swap Johnson for three Polar Points. Three Polar Points! That will get me a slice of cheese pizza at the Pub if I'm lucky. Beggars can't be choosers, I guess.
New England Patriots' Defense—Ranked second to last in yards allowed, this Patriot defense has more holes than the Garrison Street living room. It's evident New England misses that Mike Vrabel-like presence of the strong linebacker on the outside with the ability to get off his blockers and apply pressure on the opposing quarterback. The idea that the Patriots can win games by simply outscoring their opponents may work in the regular season, but with this defense, I can't really see them getting out of the first round of the playoffs. Defense wins championships, plain and simple. On the brighter side, at least this summer's acquisition of Albert Haynesworth has been paying dividends. Or not.
Jam of the Week—I battled back and forth trying to pick one song; however, I just couldn't justify leaving one out. I love both of these gems, and I'll be a monkey's uncle if you don't feel the same way. "Can't Stop Me Now" by Afrojack featuring Shermanology and "DJ (Madeon Remix)" by Alphabeat.
If you have questions or would like to hear my perspective on specific sporting events, feel free to email me at pking@bowdoin.edu and I will publish and answer your question in my next column.