Lefty needs one more round

Phil Mickelson is only one round away from claiming his thrid straight PGA Tour major at this weekend's U.S. Open. Sunday's final round should prove interesting!

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My FIFA World Cup 2006 prediction

Now that all groups have played at least one game, I feel comfortable making a stab at a prediction for the ongoing World Cup.

First, the contenders...

Germany: I would be remiss if I didn't mention the home Germans first and foremost. Home teams have a history of doing well in the World Cup, and this shouldn't be any exception. The Germans have looked solid through two games, although not spectacular.

Argentina: A team stacked with talent with a history of falling just short in recent years. This could be the year that all changes.

Brazil: A perennial favorite, this Brazilian team has skill, speed, youth and experience. The only thing that can defeat Brazil are themselves and the elements. Only once has a non-European team won the World Cup in Europe.

England: Always highly rated, but often a disappointment. Unfortunately, given the pressure this team is under, I don't see that changing this time around.

France: Always highly rated, many are downplaying the French chances this time around because they have an admittedly older team. Experience is a good thing, but a younger faster team should be enough to pick them off.

Italy: Another solid squad, but one accused of often playing too defensive. That might bode well against some of the teams out there, but a skilled squad like Brazil might be too much to handle if they get an early goal.

Korea: A stellar performance four years ago on home soil will not be repeated this time around. I believe the Koreans will advance to the quarterfinals, but unfortunately no farther.

Netherlands: An injury plagued squad represents the best soccer nation never to win the World Cup. Despite the injury bug they have won their first two games, but the Dutch wounds might be too much to overcome.

Spain: Never a winner of the World Cup, but out of the gates like wild fire for their first game in 2006. Inexperience in the "big game" might be their downfall.

My prediction...



ARGENTINA

I believe it's the Argentines time to shine to eclipse their Brazilian counterparts - at least this time around. Although it's hard to win in Europe, this team is too talented to miss out.

A complete turn around, but is it enough?

I have to admit, I all but wrote off the Edmonton Oilers in their Stanley Cup final against the Carolina Hurricanes. I am not alone in my skepticism, especially after the Oilers lost playoff star goalie Dwayne Roloson. But with a little luck, and a lot of heart, Edmonton has rebounded back to force a deciding seventh game with a 4-0 thrashing over the Hurricanes this evening.

The only team to comeback from a 3-1 deficit to win the Cup were the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs, who came back from 3-0 down to beat the Detroit Red Wings. Unfortunately for the Oilers, I don't see it happening this time.

The Oilers have the momentum, but the game will be played in Carolina where the Hurricanes were 31-8-2 this season. Although I will be cheering for them, I have a sinking feeling the luck will run out inOil Town. We'll know one way or the other Monday night.

And now it's getting ugly

5-0 Hurricanes. Enough said. The Oilers have to shape up or ship out.

Slipping on the oil slick

Although I was unable to watch game 1 of tonight's Oilers / Hurricanes game, I have to say the highlights make me happy I missed it.

The Oilers jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, followed up by the first successful penalty shot in Stanley Cup finals history with Chris Pronger potting one to go up 2-0. After another quick goal to make the score 3-0, the Oilers fell apart. It went to 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, and then 4-3 with the Hurricanes scoring shorthanded of all things.

Although the Oilers battled back to a 4-4 tie, their star goalie, Dwayne Roloson, went out with a knee injury. This was extremely unfortunate for the Oilers, but even more so for back-up goalie Ty Conklin. Jumping in to his first game since April 17th, with the hockey world watching late in the 3rd period of the Stanley Cup final, poor Ty muffed a pass allowing Rod Brind'Amour to score the winning goal for the Canes. I feel horrible for Conklin, especially as he'll have to head back between the pipes in game #2 given Roloson's wonky knee.

Rookie Hurricane goalie Cam Ward was stellar on the other hand, making 18 saves in the 3rd period, including a miraculous save with seconds remaining.

So the Oilers slipped on their own slick, and in a game of momentum like playoff hockey, I don't know if they can recover.

Prediction: Hurricanes in five games.