Fourth-annual charity game to benefit new academic scholarship for at-risk youth

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Sunday, March 4, 2012, a team of federal lawmakers, Congressional staff and administration officials will face off against federal lobbyists at Verizon Center, home of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Washington Capitals, for the 2012 Congressional Hockey Challenge™.

Yes I’ve made up a fictitious terror color to get your attention. I think most Flyers fans have finally reached their limit and their patience is waning. It was clear that the fan base had lost their tolerance for defensive breakdowns and soft goals. The team and its fans started the season with great expectations. They had a new goalie in Ilya Bryzgalov and the roster had been turned over with younger talent and that was working, well mostly working.

Dallas defenseman Nicklas Grossman brings needed size and hitting ability, but is Holmgren done?

As the Flyers’ season marches closer towards its conclusion, it didn’t take much to realize that their defense was in need of a sizable player who would present somewhat of an intimidating presence that had been sorely missing since captain Chris Pronger’s season ending concussion.

While it’s next to impossible to replace the size, skill, and intimidation package Pronger possesses with just one defenseman, standing pat was not in the mindset of general manager Paul Holmgren.

Just when you thought that the countdown to the February 27 NHL Trading Deadline was going to be closer to “Flatline,” out comes Columbus Blue Jackets’ general manager Scott Howson announcing far and wide that he was listening to offers for team captain Rick Nash.

That news was followed shortly by reports that the right winger submitted a list of teams that he would prefer to be dealt to if an agreement could be reached, a list that is likely not a long one.

Sandy Alderson has joined the Twitterverse and so far he’s posted a few gems. A few days ago he posted this:

“Prepping for trip. Bought 4 like-new tires at chop shop across from Citi. He threw in free wiper fluid. Better than the Wheeler deal!”
Or this one:

“Getting ready for Spring Training-Driving to FL but haven’t left yet. Big fundraiser tonight for gas money. Also exploring PAC contribution.”
And finally this one:

“Wife was not happy with the gift card. Should’ve bought her a box of chocolates.”

It's been four years since the Zamboni's released “Fight on the Ice,” their last full length album that featured 10 rockin' hockey songs. Well guess what? How about another full length album with 15 rockin' hockey songs? According to the Zamboni's frontman Dave Schneider Valentine's Day should now be referred to as “I LOVE HOCKEY ROCK” day because that is the official release / download day for “Five Minute Major (In D Minor).”

Fans are used to hearing that defenseman and goaltenders take the longest amount of time to develop in the NHL. In most cases that’s true and in the case of Michael Del Zotto that’s definitely one of the reasons that he’s quietly become one of the New York Rangers most dependable defenseman after a bit of a journey that saw him temporarily fall out of favor with the New York Rangers fan base.

Philadelphia – Flyers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky was hoping to break the Rangers hold on them this season and early on he made a point blank save off a Gaborik one-timer. The Slovak forward would get the last laugh having a 4-point game for the first time this season leading his team to a 5-2 win over the Flyers to keep the top spot in the Eastern Conference and a 5-0 record against Philly this season.

Anytime you are in Detroit you always think about Canada, or at least I do. I know that Windsor, Ontario, is just across the Detroit River and it’s a different world there, or at least a different country. Well now with the Winter Classic being named in Michigan, Canadians won’t have to wait for another “Heritage Classic” they will be able to cross the border.

Here is a listing of what’s in store.
http://www.sportsology.info/node/15921

The Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs are playing and they are quite familiar with each other playing an amazing 643 times since 1926-27.

For all of you out there who think you know your baseball – especially Yankee baseball, this is the quiz for you. Eighteen questions. At the end of this challenging quiz, answers follow questions. No peeking. A score of ten or more correct makes you a major leaguer. Below that you are in the minors but on your way up. Have fun.
1 - Who wore # 7 before Mickey Mantle?
2 - Whose number (and what was it ) was retired by both the Mets and Yankees?
3 - Who caught Dave Righetti's no-hitter on July 4, 1983? A. Butch Wynegar B. Cliff Johnson C. Yogi Berra