tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918Sun, 11 Jan 2026 15:50:37 +0000NHLhockeyMLBtoronto maple leafsMaple LeafsMats SundinPittsburgh PenguinsSidney CrosbyfootballMontreal CanadiensNFLOttawa SenatorsToronto Blue JayscrosbyleafsAngelsBoston Red SoxNew York YankeesPhiladelphia FlyersbaseballDetroit Red WingsFlyersMalkinOvechkinPatriotsSan Jose SharksStanley CupVancouver CanuckstorontoCalgary FlamesDallas StarsJeterNew York RangersTom BradypuckAJ BurnettBill BelichickBrian BurkeCanadiensCapitalsCleveland IndiansColtsEdmonton OilersHossaNHL hockeyNHL playoffsNew EnglandPenguinsRed SoxRoberto LuongoStaalTampa Bay LightningYankeesZetterbergcanuckssports2008 OlympicsARodAlex OvechkinAnaheim DucksAtlanta ThrashersChicago CubsChicago White SoxChinaChris ProngerDatsyukDodgersHeatleyJohn FergusonKovalevLecavalierLos Angeles AngelsMinnesota WildOrtizPatrick RoyPeyton ManningPhilaelphia PhilliesRichardsRoy HalladaySteelersSuper Bowlblogschampionshipeastern conferencefantasyfightfree agentsmalkin staalpeter forsebergplayoffspodcastprotestrangerssenssteroidssticktiger woodstmzwebb2008 free agencyA RodAHLAL EastAlex RodriguezAlexei KovalevAndy PettitteAnze KopitarAtlanta FalconsAtlanticBaltimore RavensBeijingBelichickBen SheetsBettmanBironBlue JacketsBluesBoston BruinsBrad BoyesBrett FavreBrewersBrian MurrayBryan McCabeBuffalo SabresCC SabathiaCFLCarterChelsea FCChicago BearsChicago BlackhawksCito GastonCliff FletcherCliff LeeColorado AvalancheColorado RockiesDallasDallas CowboysDany HeatleyDavid OrtizDerek LoweDerek RoyESPNEli ManningEric StaalEuro 2008FacebookFlamesFleuryFlorida PanthersFrancisco RodriguezFrantisek KaberleFranzenGary BettmanGeneralsGibbonsGolfGreen Bay PackersHGHHNICHallidayHortonIndiansJFJJamie MoyerJarome IginlaJason ArnottJason SpezzaJeff FrancisJerry JonesJoe NathanJoe SakicJoe ThorntonJoe TorreJohan FranzenJohn TavaresJohn lesterJonathan RoyJonathon CheechooKevin LoweKovalchukKurtis FosterLaDainian TomlinsonLiverpool FCLos Angeles DodgersLos Angeles KingsMLB playoffsMLB rumorsMSMManchester UnitedMannyManny RamirezMaple Leafs GMMarc SavardMarian GaborikMarian HossaMarionMaroneyMarty TurcoMarvin HarrisonMatt HollidayMilan LucicMilkwaukee BrewersMinnasota WildMinnesota TwinsNBANHL free agentsNHL standingsNHL tradesNaplesNew England PatriotsNew Jersey DevilsNew York GiantsOHLOilersOlli JokinenOlympicsOshawaOzzie GuillenPEDPartice BergeronPaul MauricePhoenix CoyotesPredatorsQMJHARandy JohnsonRandy MossRangers PenguinsRavensRaycroftRed WingsRick NashRiosRoger ClemensRyan DempsterRyan MaloneRyan keslerSTFUSabathiaSabresSam GagnerSantanaSean AveryShanahanShaqSharksSid the kidSpezzaStarsTSNTexas RangersTibetTurcoUEFAVernon WellsWellsWestern ConferenceXM radioXMP3arnold palmerautismbalcobasketballbay hillbeersben hoganbrawlbrian mcnameec101.5fmcarey pricecelebchampionscheerleaderscongressdeadspindraftdugout clearlingemeryforecastfuturesgamblinggame plangirlsgoal scoringgoaliegoalsgoaltendersgoaltendinghurricanesicingjack adams trophyjeff carterjuly 1stlifelinksmarion jonesmoneyballmonksolympic gamesoscarsoutlookpeoria brawlperfect patriotsperformance enhancing drugspgaphilidelphia flyerspickspitcherspitchingplayer blogspredictionspreparationpreviewprojection predictionprojectionsradioraysreturnrule changesrushingsabermetricssabremetricsscoringseminsexy collegesports bettingsports celebritysprintingsundaysundinsuperbowltampa bay raystechnologythe big leadtheme songtirestoskalavideo replayviolencewill leichwinningworldworld championwrongThe Cloud9 Sports Blog offers a variety of opinionated takes on the NHL, MLB and NHL. Stay up to date on baseball, football and hockey news with Cloud9 Sports.http://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)Blogger102125en-usnoThe Cloud9 Sports Blog offers a variety of opinionated takes on the NHL, MLB and NHL. Stay up to date on baseball, football and hockey news with Cloud9 Sports.The Cloud9 Sports Blog offers a variety of opinionated takes on the NHL, MLB and NHL. Stay up to date on baseball, football and hockey news with Cloud9 Sports.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-3511746902819100255Fri, 11 May 2012 02:41:00 +00002012-05-10T22:41:15.562-04:00Im back.  Stay Tuned.http://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2012/05/check-1-2.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-5981175461028296500Thu, 27 Nov 2008 06:22:00 +00002008-11-28T20:40:43.769-05:00Brian BurkehockeyNHLSTFUtoronto maple leafsTSNQuick post because it's way past my bed time. Seriously, I'm not accountable for this unpolished rant. Enjoy...How many times have you heard some surly, unmotivated journo describe sports executives as the 'men behind the scenes'? What happens to an organization where these men step out from behind the curtain and assume center stage? Bobby Clark told the TSN audience tonight that it's big http://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2008/11/brian-burke-and-media-orgy-in-toronto.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-6164768939915691446Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:23:00 +00002008-11-20T14:32:28.298-05:00Alex OvechkinMalkinNHLpodcastRangers PenguinsRoberto LuongoseminSharksSidney CrosbyStaalStarsLength~ 22mins.Topics: Pretty well a complete recap of the NHL landscape, with some notable highlights:Eastern Shockers -- Thomas and the Bruins, the struggling Flyers, Penguins and a brief look at the other playoff contenders.Western Front -- Vancouver and Dallas: Righting my wrongs, What Cup hangover for Detroit?, How good are the Sharks?XMp3 Review to go with this from earlier in the week. http://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2008/11/all-nhl-podcast-studs-and-shockers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-5671758029239186028Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:52:00 +00002008-11-19T13:49:56.272-05:00AJ BurnettBen SheetsCC SabathiaDerek Lowefree agentsJamie MoyerMLBMLB rumorspitchersRandy JohnsonRyan DempsterUpdated: 11/19/08:And by wing I mean arm, but you should have known.There are several arms available, but the value is not there for most of them. Sabathia, Burnett, Sheets, Dempster, Lowe, Moyer and Johnson complete the list of reasonable choices for JP Riccardi and the Blue Jays. When you get below the surface of these men you're really looking into some skeleton-filled lockers.Sabathia and http://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2008/11/free-agent-pitchers-blue-jays-need-new.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-8267007246053604326Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:50:00 +00002008-11-17T16:02:06.390-05:00returnXM radioXMP3I'm BACK!After my annual Fall hiatus I am back in my home after visiting Vancouver, Seattle, Whistler, Banff, Calgary and everywhere in between. It was a far cry from my trip to Australia and New Zealand last year, but it was still incredible.I got the pleasure of visiting both Qwest Field (Nov 02, V. Eagles) and Pengrowth Saddledome (Flames v. Leafs on Nov 11th). Tons to say about both of http://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2008/11/triumphant-return-xmp3-satellite-radio.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-8518705549186710992Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:47:00 +00002008-10-01T18:07:02.984-04:00Boston Red SoxChicago White SoxDavid OrtizJohn lesterLos Angeles AngelsMLBSantanatampa bay raysHurray for my 1-year Anniversary as a sports blogger! My first post was a year-ago to the day and can be found here for those curious of my humble beginnings.-----------------The American LeagueThere are some serious match-ups between the heavyweights in the strong AL: Can the Angels follow their 100-win season by finally defeating the Red Sox? Are the Rays going to prove themselves as one of http://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2008/10/al-playoff-breakdown-youth-v-experience.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-1617951948283765807Wed, 01 Oct 2008 03:26:00 +00002008-10-01T13:33:49.584-04:00Atlanta ThrashersEric StaalLecavalierMats SundinMontreal CanadiensNHLPhiladelphia FlyersTampa Bay Lightningtoronto maple leafsThere is no secret that people are losing a lot of money in the US right now. Consider that alongside the state of several conceivably insolvent NHL franchises. Phoenix, Tampa and Atlanta are barely scraping by at the best of times -- there screwed now that people aren't spending their money.What about franchises in regions that have been hit hard with foreclosures? There are two teams in http://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2008/09/nhl-franchise-fire-sale-of-2008.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-6492860125954953Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:38:00 +00002008-09-30T14:20:49.314-04:00Chicago CubsLos Angeles DodgersManny RamirezMilkwaukee BrewersMLB playoffsI've been wrestling with these MLB picks for almost a week and am pretty much spinning my wheels. It could be a product of the parity, or a measure of my own aversion to the National League; whatever the problem it's about to be resolved. On the eve of the 2008 MLB Playoffs, here are your picks...The National LeaguePhiladelphia Phillies vs. Milwaukee Brewers-- how about a round of applause for http://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2008/09/mlb-playoffs-manny-v-curse-howard-v.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-2200742637170585792Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:19:00 +00002008-09-26T21:16:13.751-04:00Anaheim DucksCalgary FlamesDallas StarsEdmonton OilersMinnesota WildNHLpodcastSan Jose SharksVancouver CanucksWestern ConferenceEverything. Division breakdown, final points standings. Hint: The Kings are brutal and the Red Wings look good... Listen at your own risk:Thanks for listening, more to come next week. -- Derekhttp://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2008/09/nhl-western-preview-podcast.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-2852648393277490534Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:59:00 +00002008-09-18T22:08:03.743-04:00Canadienseastern conferencefantasyFlyershurricanesMaple LeafsNHLOttawa SenatorsPenguinspreviewTampa Bay LightningFrom the material posted previously comes an audio version of the 2008-2009 NHL Eastern Conference outlook. Listening is leisurely, so do it.Thanks for listening. Check out the Western Conference version next week by subscribing here.http://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2008/09/all-nhl-podcast-full-eastern-conference.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-119170809566823045Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:29:00 +00002008-09-12T12:07:10.421-04:00fantasyforecastNHL standingsoutlookprojection predictionFor the detailed analysis of how these numbers came to be, check out Part IV: Central, Part V: Pacific, and Part VI: Northwest. Otherwise, here is a comprehensive forward projection of the 2008-2009 NHL season. Enjoy.1. Detroit Red Wings.............49-25-8, 1st Central.............106pts2. Dallas Stars.......................48-26-8, 1st Pacific...............104pts3. Calgary Flames.........http://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2008/09/nhl-western-conf-projected-standing.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-6994021585302792916Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:31:00 +00002008-09-11T15:46:01.983-04:00Calgary FlamesColorado AvalancheEdmonton OilersJarome IginlaJoe SakicMarian GaborikMinnesota WildNHLRoberto LuongoSam GagnerVancouver CanucksThe North West: My best estimation is that this division will come down to a very tight 3-horse race. That level of competitiveness which has existed among the Flames, Canucks, Oilers, Wild and Avalanche will eliminate their odds at a high seed in the West, but condition them nicely for playoff-style hockey.Calgary Flames-- Started last season at a geriatric pace and it cost them. Mikka http://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2008/09/7-habits-of-highly-effective-nhl_11.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-3627130673358948199Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:07:00 +00002008-09-11T12:55:39.480-04:00autismBaltimore RavensCFLfootballAs a proud Canadian I feel a small responsibility to uphold the integrity of the Canadian Football League. Since I don't care for our Northern variety of football this is a very challenging task -- one which regular readers know I consciously avoid with regularity.Taking a shot at the CFL is like hazing the kids coming off the short bus. Only the cruel and sadistic would take pleasure in makinghttp://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2008/09/are-cfl-teams-worse-than-jr-college.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-7716122512896385284Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:46:00 +00002008-09-09T11:11:43.295-04:00Alex RodriguezCleveland IndiansCliff LeeFrancisco RodriguezJoe NathanLos Angeles AngelsMinnesota TwinsMLBNew York YankeesRoy HalladayToronto Blue JaysCliff Lee is pitching his ass off.For emphasis, I allow that statement to get the room is deserves. Any pedestrian account would certainly puts Lee and his phenomenal wire-to-wire performance above that of any pitcher in the Bigs. According to ESPN, he currently ranks:• Ranks 1st in AL in W (21)• Ranks 2nd in AL in IP (201.2)• Ranks 8th in AL in SO (154)• Ranks 1st in AL in ERA (2.28)• Ranks http://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2008/09/lee-not-lock-for-al-cy-young.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-745890839347707951Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:53:00 +00002008-09-08T16:24:25.360-04:00Atlanta FalconsChicago BearsColtsEli ManningLaDainian TomlinsonNew England PatriotsNew York GiantsNFLPeyton ManningRavensTom BradyThe pre-season of the NFL won a large victory yesterday. The month-long dog-and-pony show that fans, players and coaches alike screamed to have abolished stepped up and punched them right in the throat. Clearly there is only so much it was willing to take and it should be commended for teaching the league a lesson: use me wisely, or else...Week 1 of the NFL showed us a few interesting things http://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2008/09/why-pats-colts-chargers-got-burned-for.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-6337812677053680085Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:00:00 +00002008-09-03T19:24:59.598-04:00Anaheim DucksAnze KopitarChris ProngerDallas StarsJoe ThorntonLos Angeles KingsMarty TurcoNHLOlli JokinenPhoenix CoyotesSan Jose SharksWestern Pacific Division: Another powerhouse that with certainty will rival their Eastern Atlantic foes in terms of overall calibre of play. The Ducks, Stars, Kings, Coyotes and Sharks will have some epic battles which won't stop in the regular season. Read on below to find out who is best positioned to stand atop the rest. Anaheim Mighty Ducks-- Oh, how the Mighty are fallin'... OK, not thehttp://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2008/09/7-habits-of-highly-effective-nhl.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-1664464968842713824Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:47:00 +00002008-08-30T16:19:53.323-04:00Blue JacketsBluesBrad BoyesDetroit Red WingsJason ArnottKovalevMarian HossaMats SundinNew York RangersNHLPredatorsRick NashShanahantoronto maple leafsTo open the Western Conference, I honour the champions from last season: The CENTRAL DIVISION. ---------------------------------Detroit Red Wings:What is there to say? They have been lauded endlessly since destroying the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup final, lost no one of significance and gained Marion Hossa: they took a great thing and made it better (like undressing the Mona Lisa, or http://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2008/08/7-habits-of-highly-effective-nhl_30.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-1135798014668344923Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:05:00 +00002008-08-27T12:04:34.781-04:00AngelsARodBoston Red SoxDodgersJeterMannyMLBNew York YankeesraysToronto Blue Jaysvideo replayDear MLB Video Replay:Welcome to 2008. I'm sure catching up with the times was extraordinarily exhausting but you need to know how worthwhile your efforts are to baseball. You have the support of every human being having witnessed a Major League Baseball game since the Negro Leagues, in addition to anyone excluded above with the capacity to wipe their own ass.Your presence is so valuable http://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2008/08/open-letter-to-mlb-video-replay-welcome.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-2772346548125080224Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:34:00 +00002008-08-25T10:55:34.624-04:00Capitalseastern conferenceFlyersMontreal CanadiensNHLNHL playoffsOttawa SenatorsPenguinspickspredictionsprojectionsYou can check out Part I- Atlantic, Part II- Northeast, and Part III- Southeast at their respective locations, all of which are offering full explanations. According to the information contained therein, here is a tally representing how the NHL playoff picture will take shape. Any beefs? 1. Philadelphia Flyers ...........47-25-10, 1th Atlantic.................104pts2. Washington Capitals ......http://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2008/08/nhl-eastern-conference-wrap-up.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-8322200304863876784Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:36:00 +00002008-08-22T15:54:25.100-04:00Alex OvechkinAtlanta ThrashersCapitalsFlorida PanthersHortonKovalchukKovalevLecavalierMontreal CanadiensNHLPittsburgh PenguinsSidney CrosbyStaalTampa Bay LightningYou can check out Part I, and Part II at their respective locations.The Dirty South East:This division is full of teams that I would like to see out of the NHL entirely, as I've documented previously. Their shitty revenue kills their operating budget erasing any chance of being competitive on a consistent basis (see Cups to the can for Tampa (2004) and Carolina (2006)). Hope is limited to thosehttp://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2008/08/7-habits-of-highly-effective-nhl_22.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-8243998980767162397Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:12:00 +00002008-08-20T14:28:05.613-04:00Alexei KovalevBoston BruinsBryan McCabeBuffalo SabresDany HeatleyDerek RoyFrantisek KaberleJason SpezzaMarc SavardMats SundinMilan LucicNHLOttawa Senatorstoronto maple leafsPart II of VI in the on-going NHL 2008-2009 season predictions. For Part I, click here. If this image at-all resembles Kovalevs' season this year, the Habs are in trouble. --------------------------------------------------Northeast DivisionThere exists some formidable competition in this division, which could match the 3 playoff teams it generated last year. Find out whats good with the Leafs,http://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2008/08/7-habits-of-highly-effective-nhl_20.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-7015362641199687363Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:24:00 +00002008-08-20T11:55:15.506-04:00Atlantichockeyjeff carterMalkinmalkin staalNew Jersey DevilsNew York RangersNHLPhiladelphia FlyersPittsburgh PenguinsRichardsSidney CrosbyThanks for checking out the site. You can also find me on the radio tonight (Tuesdays, 6-9pm) 101.5Fm or streaming online here. Cheers, Derek.---------------------------------------------------------Predicting the future is a challenging business. It is governed by many of the same factors that determine the outcome of our own life: hard work and dedication (collecting data and information onhttp://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2008/08/7-habits-of-highly-effective-nhl.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-2362524083683771959Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:07:00 +00002008-08-14T21:05:38.122-04:00canucksCapitalsChicago BlackhawksDetroit Red WingsFlamesFlyersMaple LeafsMontreal CanadiensNHLOilersOttawa SenatorsPenguinsrangersSabresI don't get Versus and I know Americans try hard to hate hockey, so my efforts to help out with this piece are likely in vain.Nevertheless, Versus has released their TV Schedule for the 08-09 NHL Season and I wanted to offer a viewing guide for those interested in setting their TVO's months in advance. To further my assistance in the matter the games will be judged on a scale we are all familiarhttp://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2008/08/24s-on-ice-guide-to-watching-nhl-in.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-4020581027823151783Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:42:00 +00002008-08-12T15:04:03.135-04:00Summer time has given me ample opportunities to neglect not only this site, but a host of important responsibilities that have taken a back seat to watching the Olympics, drinking beer and planning for my radio show (tonight, 6-9pm click here to listen).-----------------------------------------------------------Sports is a business of calculated performances and intricate interpersonal dynamics.http://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2008/08/nfl-holdouts-when-cashing-in-costs.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538224420335381918.post-5733799661972915631Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:15:00 +00002008-08-05T12:31:52.022-04:00A RodbaseballESPNfootballhockeyJeterMLBNFLNHLsports celebritytmzFans are thrilled by walk-off jacks, pick-6's in OT and end-to-end game-winning ginos. It's only understandable that they become intrigued by the people who are responsible for eliciting these powerful emotions. However, dramatic changes in our relationship with athletes has altered the way we interact, and fulfill our desire to be associated with greatness. Physical restrictions fostered http://floatoncloudnine.blogspot.com/2008/08/sports-celebnalism-morphing-from-espn.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Derek from Cloud9 Sports)1