10/14/2008 - Washington, DC (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - For the second time in his presidential tenure, George W. Bush welcomed the Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings to the White House.
"In 2002, the Red Wings were the first NHL team I hosted for a Stanley Cup ceremony," the president said. "Turns out they are the last team I'll be hosting. You guys may be back next year -- but not me."
Bush recognized the young players and the aging veterans of the championship team that beat Pittsburgh in the Stanley Cup Finals for Detroit's 11th title, including four in the last 11 seasons.
"Chris Chelios set a record when he played his 248th career playoff game," said Bush. "At 46 years old -- or 46 years young -- Chris is the oldest player to win the Stanley Cup, and the second-oldest player to play in the NHL. That guy is going to play a lot more. I mean, if he can do it age 46, why not 52 like Gordie Howe?"
The president also joked how Kris Draper deflected a puck off his face and into the net in a playoff game against Dallas. Draper lost three teeth because of the goal.
"He is the first player to score a playoff with his teeth," Bush said to laughter. "Those are beauties. But somebody said they wished he'd have kept his Chuck Norris beard."
There was also mention of how forward Darren McCarty overcame a drinking problem to get his life back in order and return to the NHL and celebrate a fourth Stanley Cup championship with Detroit.
"This guy got his life back together, seized the moment, and scored the opening goal in game two of the series against Nashville," said Bush. "That is a stout story."
Bush also joked how some of the players used the Stanley Cup when they got a chance to take it home.
"Several players had young relatives baptized with the Cup," Bush said. "Others let their children use it as a bowl for cereal, for ice cream, and donuts. Tomas Kopecky took it home to Slovakia and used it as a bowl for a special Slovakian broth. No telling what was in that special Slovakian broth.
"Many Red Wings used their time with the Cup to lift the lives of others. Kris Draper took the Cup to Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children. That must have been a joyous moment for them to see the Cup. Coach (Mike) Babcock took it to visit the disabled residents of a Sherbrooke Community Center. Brian Rafalski took it to a Wisconsin veterans home."
The team honored the president with a pair of Red Wings jerseys, one with the No.43 for the current presidency and the other of No.41 for ex-president George H.W. Bush.
<< Missouri extends Jamieson's contract
Columbia, MO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The University of Missouri has signed baseball
coach Tim Jamieson to a contract extension that will keep him at the school
through the 2013 season.
Jamison is 480-329-2 through 14 seasons with the Tig
<< Sabres' Hecht undergoes surgery
Buffalo, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Buffalo Sabres forward Jochen Hecht is expected
to be sidelined a couple of weeks after having surgery to repair an injured
finger on Tuesday.
The injury occurred during Monday's 7-1 thrashing of the New Y
<< Buckeyes' DE Wilson done for season
Columbus, OH (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Ohio State coach Jim Tressel announced Tuesday
that defensive end Lawrence Wilson will need surgery after suffering a torn
left anterior cruciate ligament in Saturday's 16-3 victory over Purdue.
This is the
<< Indians DH Hafner undergoes successful shoulder surgery
Cleveland, OH (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner
underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on Tuesday on his right shoulder,
which hampered him for the entire 2008 season.
The decision for surgery was made a
Gonzalez remains with Chiefs >>
Kansas City, MO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Tight end Tony Gonzalez will remain with
the Kansas City Chiefs as the team couldn't work out a trade.
Head coach Herm Edwards met with the media as he usually does on Tuesdays and
announced just after
Chiefs RB Johnson faces another assault charge >>
Kansas City, MO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Chiefs running back Larry Johnson is in hot
water again, this time reportedly facing a simple assault charge for pushing a
woman at a Kansas City nightclub.
The Kansas City Star obtained court and police d
Miettinen, Wild beat Thrashers >>
Atlanta, GA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Antti Miettinen scored twice and Andrew
Brunette had a goal and an assist as the Minnesota Wild dispatched of the
Atlanta Thrashers by a 4-2 margin at Philips Arena.
Marian Gaborik added an unass
Louisville's Williams out with knee injury >>
Louisville, KY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - University of Louisville senior forward
Terrence Williams will be sidelined four-to-six weeks after suffering a knee
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Williams had an MRI exam which revealed a meniscus tear i
Academy Award Betting Odds for Best Picture Offer Great Value
If there is any category that is not an obvious win for any one nominee in this year's Academy Awards, it would be for Best Picture. Sure the Departed is a 5/7 favorite, but that's hardly anything when we look at Helen Mirren and her "out-of-reach" 1 to 40 odds (which means you would win a whopping $1 for every $40 bet).
For value, take a look at MySportsbook.com Oscars betting odds on my personal favorite, The Queen - a remarkable 12 to 1 long shot. The film hasn't won any pre-awards for Best Picture (compared to The Departed and Little Miss Sunshine), but there is a tremendous following and it is a strong enough film to warrant a surprise win.
TV Guide advises Oscar watchers should be cautioned not to discount the drama "Babel" with its strong social themes about overcoming communication gaps among people of different cultures.
"While 'Babel' lost several guild awards to 'Sunshine' and 'Departed,' it still enjoys loyal support, and historically Oscar voters favor dramas with social messages over comedies like 'Sunshine' and violent crime movies like 'Departed'."
"It hasn't done well in the guilds, which means there isn't much industry support," said Tom O'Neil of awards site TheEnvelope.com, "But several critics are expecting it to win, and that gets my attention." Babel had 7 to 2 odds at press time.
Who is to say independently produced Little Miss Sunshine won't be this year's Crash. Last year, Crash won for Best Motion Picture, shocking those who bet on gay cowboy flick, Brokeback Mountain, as the favorite to win.
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