Road Troubles Phoenix,Az – Playing at home helped the Colorado Avalanche establish some consistency, but it remains to been seen if that success will translate on the road.
Author: Mark
Disappoinments Minneapolis,Mn – With both teams coming off 22-win seasons, the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves were hoping to solidify their futures when they pulled off a late-night, trade after last summer’s draft.
Defensive Troubles East Rutherford,NJ – Poor defense is largely to blame for the New Jersey’s struggles at the Izod Center. That’s rarely been a problem for the Nets at home against the Chicago Bulls in recent years.
Big East Begins Hartford,Cn – In a season in which the Big East may get an unprecedented amount of bids to the NCAA tournament, it seems only fitting two of its heavyweights would mark the start of conference play.
Crosstown Rivals Philadelphia,Pa – Before No. 18 Villanova begins Big East play, it can wrap up an unofficial Big Five title on Monday when it hosts Temple.
Home Cooking Calgary,Al – As usual, the Calgary Flames are playing well at home. That doesn’t bode well for the Minnesota Wild.
Bad Memories Dallas,Tx – Losses at the American Airlines Center ended the San Jose Sharks championship hopes last spring, but the Sharks have won there consistently during the regular season.
Coming Home SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -Randy Johnson had a fairly simple free-agent wish list. The San Francisco Giants badly wanted a pitcher with the Big Unit’s talent and experience and could meet those requests.
Written Off SAN DIEGO (AP) -The mild, mild AFC West belongs to LaDainian Tomlinson, Philip Rivers and the rest of the San Diego Chargers.
Big Turnaround PHILADELPHIA (AP) -Donovan McNabb flexed his muscles, seemingly mocking Terrell Owens. The always stoic Andy Reid played cheerleader, encouraging the crowd to make noise.