Stars Love The Matchup The Edmonton Oilers are hoping a change of scenery will end the third-period problems that have plagued them recently. The Dallas Stars, meanwhile, are hoping their dominance of the Oilers helps them avoid a three-game losing streak as the teams meet Monday at American Airlines Center.
Author: Anthony Rome
Lacking Luster When New Orleans and Atlanta were scheduled for a late-season Monday night game, it seemed like an attractive matchup – a Saints team that went to last season’s NFC title game versus star quarterback Michael Vick and the Falcons. With the Saints struggling and Vick in jail on dogfighting charges, this matchup at the Georgia Dome has lost a lot of its luster.
In Command Knocking off an AFC power might be a silver lining in the Baltimore Ravens’ otherwise disappointing season. They came close once, but they’ll get another chance against the franchise that once called Baltimore home and knocked the Ravens out of the playoffs last season. The Ravens (4-8) will look to avoid a seventh straight loss on Sunday – while trying to put a close loss to the Patriots behind them – when the Indianapolis Colts visit the city they abruptly left 24 years ago
Impressive Vikings Behind an improved offense, the Minnesota Vikings have their longest winning streak since 2005, but more importantly, they’ve been able to renew their playoff hopes. Looking to build on that three-game run and help their postseason chances, the Vikings visit the slumping 49ers on Sunday as they try for their first win in San Francisco in nearly two decades.
Easier Challenge Washington State rose to the challenge in posting consecutive road wins its last two times out. The Cougars should have an easier time when they return home Sunday to face Portland State.
Finding Ways to Lose In opening this season with their worst start in six years, the Miami Heat have found a number of different ways to lose. The latest may have been the most disheartening. After blowing an 11-point fourth-quarter lead to drop their season high-tying fifth straight game, the Heat look to snap that skid when they visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.
Losing at Home? Playing four games in five nights didn’t present any problems for the Detroit Pistons. After a day of rest, however, they looked like a tired team. The Central-leading Pistons look to rebound from their second home loss of the season when they host the Charlotte Bobcats on Sunday.
Slowing Down The Wings The Detroit Red Wings are off to their best start in six years, and Henrik Zetterberg has been leading the charge. The Red Wings seek their sixth straight win on Sunday when they host the Carolina Hurricanes.
No Issues On Offense Allen Iverson scored 51 points on Wednesday night, then followed it up with possibly an even better effort. Iverson looks to continue his outstanding play on Saturday when the Denver Nuggets welcome the Sacramento Kings, who are the only NBA team still searching for a road victory.
On Easy Street The Boston Celtics haven’t had much success against the Chicago Bulls in recent years, but that could change this season with Kevin Garnett. The Celtics look to take advantage of the presence of Garnett and end their eight-game losing streak to the Bulls when the teams meet Saturday at the United Center.