NBC's Latest Gaffe

It does not come as a surprise to followers of this blog to see me ripping on NBC. Nor does it come as a surprise to see NBC making mistakes. But I assure you that what you are about to read will change your opinion of the broadcasting company for quite some time. For those of you still willing to give them a chance, I expect that to change. For those of you who hate them with a passion, here's some fuel for that fire. The following will expose NBC for the incompetent, nonsensical company they are.

I have enjoyed a long, successful career (since January) as one of the nation's most popular (18 followers) journalists. I possess a deep understanding of conducting interviews with high-profile athletes (my cousins). Therefore, believe each and every statement I make about the world of journalism.

There are many components to conducting an interview, some more complicated than others. You must identify potential candidates, instill in them an interest to speak with you, create an open, welcoming speaking environment with non-invasive questions. These can be difficult, especially when dealing with high-profile athletes who have little time to waste, more important matters to attend to, and need a complication-free environment to succeed. (cough, remember this, cough)

The easiest step, by far, is to confirm that the person you're interviewing is really the person you say he or she is. When you're famous, people know who you are, what you sound like, your personality, etc. When you're recognized for greatness and considered a hero by your countrymen, you expect these very same countrymen to respect your reputation. It's not too much to ask.

Well, it's too much to ask of NBC. As the starting goaltender for Team USA, Ryan Miller was getting prepared for his Gold Medal Game against either Canada or Slovakia, at which point the competitor was yet to be determined. With little time to waste, important matters to attend to, and in need of a complication-free environment, he was off doing his own thing, minding his own business, trying his best to avoid attention. And that's right where NBC stepped in to throw a wrench into Miller's plans.

As NBC commentator Willie Geist prepared for his interview with Miller, he was likely trying to create the welcoming environment discussed earlier. But because he works for NBC, he was incapable of doing so. The man he was about to speak with was not Ryan Miller. It was a random Joe off the street who felt like pranking our great nation's "must see TV," or so they call themselves.

Being the astute journalist he is, the guru managed to uncover a video of the event. It very clearly and objectively depicts the story that transpires. I highly recommend watching it so that you may gain a fuller grasp on the situation.

First of all, Willie, "deepfully" is not a word. I understand that you aren't on top of your game right now, but a man in your line of work should be able to speak coherently. As for Chris Matthews, he couldn't care less because nobody watches his show anyway.

Here is a video of another interview conducted with Miller. Watch this clip to see Miller speak with a competent broadcaster.

Click this link to see Miller's real personality.

Clearly, Miller is by no means a cocky guy. His character contrasts sharply with that of Joe Schmoe who managed to dupe NBC with nothing but a cell phone. His reputation was put on the line by a company incapable of performing the easiest of tasks correctly. Being the classy guy he is, Miller appeared on NBC to set things straight and accept an apology from the network.

That's where the guru comes in. Most of you are unaware of the incident. You may have heard Miller "guaranteeing" Gold and eating his words. What you likely didn't hear was that the mistake was not his, it was NBC's. Afraid to show the nation their blunder, they made a quick apology on a show few people watch. The guru is here to rectify the situation. Ryan Miller is a class act who was unwillingly put into this situation. He needs every medium possible to salvage his public image. Don't let NBC's error tarnish your view of Miller, a guy who shows nothing but class.

Fantasy Guru 37 NHL All Star Teams: Eastern Conference Starters

As previously stated by the guru, the Olympics have complicated matters for the NHL in terms of scheduling. The 17 day break for the Games has forced the NHL into canceling a fan favorite, the All Star Game. While it's fair to say that the duration and intensity of international competition easily trumps the half-hearted play of the midseason long weekend, it's a disappointment that we, the fans, miss the talent display of the Skills Competition.

Because he feels as though the fans deserve a fresh topic, the guru has formed his own All Star teams. Unlike the real-life squads, fan voting will take no part in picking the players. There will not have to be at least one representative from each NHL team. These are the best 21 players from each conference, the ones that deserve the honor of being called All Stars.

Eastern Conference Starters

Left Wing- Alex Ovechkin - Washington Capitals

No surprise here. While he may be reeling from his goose egg in Russia's crushing elimination from the Olympics, there is no justification for AO8 to not be in the starting lineup. He leads the league with 89 points, nine more than Henrik Sedin, who is second in that category. Ridiculously, he has played in only 54 games thus far, putting him at a 1.648 point per game pace. At this rate, he would have accumulated 135 points, including 63 goals, after an 82 game season. Even then, he wouldn't break the 65 goal mark, set by none other than himself. You don't think he's a complete player? Take a look at the NHL's +/- leaders. The guy is willing to play physically; just ask Jaromir Jagr. The guru is going on record saying that "Alex Ovechkin is the best hockey player in the world today." That says it all.

Center- Sidney Crosby -Pittsburgh Penguins

Fresh off of becoming the youngest captain to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup, Crosby is once again amongst the league leaders in points. Sitting in third behind Ovechkin and Sedin, Sid the Kid has made a highly discussed transformation from playmaker to sniper. He is tied with none other than Ovechkin for the league lead in goals, sitting at 42. Not only is he tearing it up in regulation, but he has been nearly unstoppable in the shootout as well. Clicking at 75%, best among shooters with at least five attempts, Crosby has repeatedly embarrassed opposing goaltenders.

thestar.com

Right Wing- Marian Gaborik -New York Rangers

The Slovak has bounced back after playing in just 17 games in 2008-09. Finding a new home in the Big Apple, he has regained his scoring touch. He sits in fourth place with 35 goals thus far. Assuming he overcomes his recent knee laceration, it's safe to say Gaborik will break his career high of 83 points, set in 2007-08.

Defense- Mike Green - Washington Capitals

Green cannot be happy about the NHL canceling the All Star game this year. Left off of Canada's Olympic roster for his spotty defensive play, the Capitals defenseman has taken out his anger on the rest of the NHL. He has accumulated 140 points in his last 130 regular season games, an unheard of mark for a defenseman. While it's true that he is a liability in the defensive zone, you can bet Mike Babcock was missing Green's presence as Team Canada struggled on the power play in their loss to the Americans.

Defense- Sergei Gonchar - Pittsburgh Penguins

This pick may leave some readers scratching their heads, but a closer look shows Gonchar is qualified for this honor. He may only be ranked 8th amongst defenseman with 37 points, but he missed substantial time with injuries. At his current pace, he pots 4 points every five games, leaving him behind only the aforementioned Green and the West's Duncan Keith. Responsible in the defensive zone, he gets the call over Toronto's Tomas Kaberle, who is a -10.

Goalie- Ryan Miller - Buffalo Sabres

The guru has already touted Miller's performance this season, and for good reason. Earning the role of USA's starting goaltender in the Olympics, Miller has been dominant in 2009-10. With a .930 SV%, he trails only Florida's Tomas Vokoun (.931), who posted four shutouts in January. Miller, with five blanks of his own, has been more consistent, recording a 30-14-7 record in 51 starts this year. In addition to insane hand-eye coordination, he also has great taste in designing goalie masks.

Too many shooters on one line? Crosby has been known to make pretty nice passes from time to time. Is Mike Green too one-dimensional to be an All Star? Should Sergei Gonchar get the nod with a -1 +/-? Does Miller deserve the start? Have your voice heard in the comment section.

Be sure to check back for the rest of the East's roster, as well as a look at the West's squad.

NHL Midseason Report

I'm shocked to report that the NHL regular season is halfway over. As fantasy football has ended (except for you crazy playoff managers) and bowl season is dwindling, I have started devoting my my attention to hockey (about time). For the most part, I found most things as I expected them to be. But, as always, there were some shocks as I scanned what had played out in the first 41 games.

The Sabres, who finished 2008-09 in 18th place, are sitting comfortably atop the Northeast Division and have the 4th most points in the league. Thanks to the Vezina-quality play of goaltender Ryan Miller, Buffalo is allowing just 2.22 goals per game, good enough for 3rd in the NHL. Miller, who appeared in just 59 games last year due to injury, is dominating statistically. He is tied for the league lead in both Save % (.934) and shutouts (5), and is 2nd in Goals Against Average (2.02) and wins (23) as of Wednesday. Buffalo has also been benefiting from the health of scoring leader Tim Connolly, who has appeared in every game so far this season (knock on wood). Connolly had only played 98 games in the previous three seasons. It's worth mentioning that the Sabres won seven of their ten final games in 2008-09.

Heading south, the Carolina Hurricanes have experienced a dramatic fall from Eastern Conference Finalists to owners of the league's worst record. They have 29 points in 41 games (.354), primarily due to three wins in 20 road games. They have been outscored 146-102 thus far, easily the worst differential in the league. The only player anywhere near a point-per-game pace is center Eric Staal, who has 8 goals and 19 assists in 31 games. Staal has scored 327 points over the past four seasons, including a 100 point campaign in 2005-06. There is not a single player on the roster with a positive +/- record. Tom Kostopoulus and Pat Dwyer are the only players with even +/- to appear in at least 10 games. Carolina is only converting on 15.6 % of their power plays (26th) and killing 77.8% of their own penalties (25th), down from 18.7% and 80.4% last season. They're a mess.

The Western Conference has had a major shakeup as well. The bottom three teams from last year (Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Colorado) would all be in the playoffs, were the season to end today. Detroit, Western Conference champions each of the last two years, currently sits five points out of the playoffs with only one game in hand.

Colorado owes their success largely in part to the surprising play of rookie centers Matt Duchene and Ryan O'Reilly, who have combined for 55 points thus far. Between the pipes, free-agent acquisition Craig Anderson and Peter Budaj have combined for .918 Save %, tied for 7th in the NHL. An offseason trade brought them defenseman Kyle Quincey, who has helped jumpstart the power play, up from 15.7% in 08-09 to 18.2% this season.

In return for Quincey, a minor league prospect, and a late draft pick, the Kings received right wing Ryan Smyth, who has 26 points in 28 games. Drew Doughty, the #2 overall pick in 2008, has developed into a franchise-caliber defenseman, second on the team with 32 points, 19 of those coming on the PP. Anze Kopitar was tearing it up at the start of the season, scoring 30 points in his first 19 games. He has returned to Earth since the injury of Smyth, but still has 42 points in 43 games thus far.

Phoenix is making hay from Ilya Bryzgalov's 4th ranked Save % (.926) and #3 GAA (2.08). He has guided the Coyotes to a 23-11-4 record in his 38 starts, including five shutouts. While no individuals have stood out offensively, the team is playing great D in front of Bryzgalov, allowing the 10th lowest shots per game in the league.

As for Detroit, they have been ravaged by injuries. Only four players have appeared in every game this season. Forwards Henrik Zetterberg and Dan Cleary are both expected to return to the lineup Thursday against LA. They have been on the shelf with separated shoulders. Coach Mike Babcock has started leaning on youngster Jimmy Howard, who spent the last few years in Grand Rapids of the AHL, only seeing NHL action when injuries befell either Chris Osgood or Dominik Hasek. Howard has started 24 games this year, including 12 of the Wings' last 15.

Teams will be busy in January, playing hectic schedules before the Olympics begin. For those players who get to stay home (though they wish they weren't), the break will be relaxing. But for us fans, the viewing will get even more involved as we follow all the action in Vancouver. If you like plenty of hockey, you'll be in paradise for the next month and a half.