The Atlanta Thrashers picked up their first road win of the season, a 5-4 shootout victory against the Anaheim Ducks, and they did it by riding the shoulders of a few lesser-known players.

One of those players, Thrashers forward Anthony Stewart recorded his first career NHL hat trick on a team leading five shots to force the game to overtime. After a scoreless OT period, another new face, Nigel Dawes netted the game winner in the fourth round of the shootout.

Stewart’s hat trick was the first on the road for the Thrashers since February 15, 2009 which ironically also happened in Anaheim when Ilya Kovalchuk netted three.

The No. 1 star of the game, all three of Stewart’s tallies came on the power play; his first coming just 17 seconds into the game, still shy of a team record for quickest tally which was 8 seconds and happened in 2003.

In his entire NHL career, Stewart had found the back of the net just four times until last night’s career night on the West Coast. It was also his first multiple-point game since November 6, 2008 in Los Angeles when he was a member of the Florida Panthers and registered one goal and one assist in a game against the Kings.

Also contributing on the score sheet was forward Chris Thorburn who knocked in his third goal in as many games to set career highs for consecutive point and consecutive goal streaks. Newly acquired defenseman Dustin Byfuglien picked up his first points in a Thrasher’s uniform with two assists while his defensive mate Tobias Enstrom added two of his own.

Goaltender Chris Mason needs a solid mention after turning aside 37 of the 41 shots he faced and stonewalling the Ducks in the shootout. Ducks goaltender Jonas Hiller stopped 29 of 33 shots for Anaheim.

The Thrashers take their 2-2 overall record to San Jose where they will conclude their West Coast road trip tonight with a meeting against the Sharks. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. at HP Pavilion.

Here’s the scoring summery of last night’s win.

Thrashers Scoring Summary

Period (Time) Goal (Assists)

1 – (0:17)   Stewart (1) (Ladd 2), Little (1))

2 – (13:21)  Thorburn (3) PPG (Byfuglien (1), Enstrom (1)

3 – (10:35)  Stewart (2) PPG (Peverley (1), Oduya (1)

3 – (14:38)  Stewart (3) PPG (Byfuglien (2), Enstrom (2)

4 – (SO)     Dawes

Scoring by Period

ATL:  1 – 1 – 2 – 0 – 5 (SO)

ANA:  1 – 2 – 1 – 0 – 4

Shots by Period

ATL: 10 –  8 – 11 – 4 – 33

ANA: 11 – 18 – 11 – 1 – 41

Special Teams

ATL: PP – 3/5   PK – 5/8

ANA: PP – 3/8   PK – 2/5

Copyright ©2010 Sports Climax, LLC

College football rankings are in for the AP Top 25 for the week of Oct. 4th.

Most notably, the Texas Longhorns are out and Air Force slipped into the No. 25 spot. That’s not a misprint. Things are certainly changing on the NCAAF front with the Georgia Bulldogs and Longhorns well out of the Top 25 picture and teams like Nevada, and we’ll say it again only because it’s Air Force. . . . Air Force in the mix.

No. 1 Alabama stayed in their normal nesting place in the top spot after bitch-slapping Florida and dropping them down 7 places from last week to No. 14.

Denard Robinson’s No. 18 Michigan Wolverines and No. 17 Michigan State keep creeping up the ladder on a weekly basis but with the two facing off this weekend in a bitter rivalry game, one should drop by the time this weekend is over.

BTW, Boise State gets an honorable mention just because they have that blue field. Boise’s Broncos dropped down a notch to the No. 4 spot while picking up a lone number one vote.

The Big Ten and SEC were represented by six teams the past two weeks but with Joe-Pa’s Penn State falling out of the Top 25, the SEC rules this week with having six teams in place. Alabama, Florida, Arkansas, LSU, Auburn, and South Carolina are still on the list.

Below is the list of all Top 25 teams:

Associated Press Top 25

1.      Alabama (58) 5-0

2.      Ohio State (1) 5-0

3.      Oregon (5-0)

4.      Boise State (1) (4-0)

5.      TCU (5-0)

6.      Oklahoma (5-0)

7.      Nebraska (4-0)

8.      Auburn (5-0)

9.      Arizona (4-0)

10.   Utah (4-0)

11.   Arkansas (3-1)

12.   LSU (5-0)

13.   Miami (FL)  (3-1)

14.   Florida (4-1)

15.   Iowa (4-1)

16.   Stanford (4-1)

17.   Michigan State (5-0)

18.   Michigan (5-0)

19.   South Carolina (3-1)

20.   Wisconsin (4-1)

21.   Nevada (5-0)

22.   Oklahoma State (4-0)

23.   Florida State (4-1)

24.   Missouri (4-0)

25.   Air Force (4-1)

More Climax Girls: Climax Girls Gallery – Sports Climax

Copyright ©2010 Sports Climax, LLC

NL Wild Card is becoming just that, wild! In the final day of the MLB regular season Sunday, three teams are still in the hunt for an NL playoff spot, it can’t get much better than that.

With the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres battling it out for their NL West division title, the Atlanta Braves stay in the hunt as well, currently tied with San Diego for the Wild Card.

This weekend, the Padres have taken the first two of a three game series on the Giants home field to move within one game behind the Giants in the NL West. Meanwhile, the Braves have dropped two in a row at home against the Philadelphia Phillies, squandering an opportunity to lock the Wild Card and are currently tied with the Padres with identical 90-71 records.

Now here is the scenario that may create at least one Game 163 tie breaker game and possibly a rare Game 164! That is not as typo, we meant Game 164.

If the Giants and Braves both win, the Giants win the NL West and the Braves win the NL Wild Card spot. These teams will then met for a first round, best-of-five NL Division Series that will begin on the west coast in San Francisco on Thursday.

If the Braves and Padres both lose their final games on Sunday, the Giants take the NL West and the Padres will then travel to Atlanta for a tie breaker Game 163 on Monday that will determine the Wild Card.

If both the Braves and Padres win, the Giants play a one-game tiebreaker in San Diego on Monday with that game determining the NL West top spot. The loser of that game then travels to Atlanta on Tuesday for that Game 164 we mentioned earlier. This Game 164 would determine the Wild Card team for the NL.

The only scenario that will eliminate the need for a Game 163 tie breaker game is if the Padres win and the Braves lose. If that occurs, the Padres win the NL West and the Giants fall into the Wild Card spot.

Nuf’ said, play ball!

More MLB:

13 MLB manager changes a real possibility for 2011 – Sports Climax

Derek Lowe unhittable in last 5 leading Braves to playoff spot – Sports Climax

AP Top 25 college football rankings are in for week 4.

After a solid 3-0 start, last week’s No. 10 Arkansas battled No. 1 Alabama at home until the final minutes but a Ryan Mallett interception killed their chances for an upset and dropped the Razorbacks down five notches to No. 15.

As anticipated, No. 1 Alabama (4-0) retained the top spot after that tough road win. The Top 25 also has a surprise newcomer, No. 25 Nevada, who joins the elite group for the first time in several decades.

 The top three spots have remained the same with No. 2 Ohio State (4-0) and No. 3 Boise State Broncos (3-0) staying in their spots after winning over the weekend.

The Big Ten is represented by six teams, Ohio State, Iowa, Wisconsin, Penn State, Denard Robinson’s Michigan and Michigan State. (Nebraska who is joining the Big Ten next season is ranked No. 6).

The SEC also has a strong representation in the AP Top 25 with Alabama, Florida, Arkansas, LSU, Auburn, and South Carolina making it to the list.

No. 21 Texas Longhorns who suffered an embarrassing loss to the unranked UCLA Bruins spiraled down 14 slots from the No. 7 spot.

Below is the list of all Top 25 teams:

Associated Press Top 25

1. Alabama (57) 4-0
2. Ohio State (2) 4-0
3. Boise State (1) 4-0
4. Oregon (4-0)
5. TCU (4-0)
6. Nebraska (4-0)
7. Florida (4-0)
8. Oklahoma (4-0)
9. Stanford (4-0)
10. Auburn (4-0)
11. Wisconsin (4-0)
12. LSU (4-0)
13. Utah (4-0)
14. Arizona (4-0)
15. Arkansas (3-1)
16. Miami (FL)  (2-1)
17. Iowa  (3-1)
18. USC (4-0)
19. South Carolina (3-1)
20. Michigan (4-0)
21. Texas (3-1)
22. Penn State (3-1)
23. North Caroline State (4-0)
24. Michigan State (4-0)
25. Nevada (4-0)

Copyright ©2010 Sports Climax, LLC

Reggie Bush was spectacular in 2005 playing for the USC Trojans, rushing for 1,740 yards, scoring 18 touchdowns and leading the Trojans to the national championship game against Texas and quarterback, Vince Young.

Clearly the best player in NCAAF that season, Bush won the Heisman Trophy by a landslide, receiving 784 first-place votes and landing 933 points ahead of Young.

Now, years later while coming off a Super Bowl victory with the New Orleans Saints, he is returning the award.

Many people believe Bush should have kept his award and the drawn out investigation may actually make him most remembered of all the winners in the history of the award.

When people are asked about the perfect games in MLB this season, the first one to come to most people’s minds is the non-perfect game in Detroit compliments of the botched call by umpire Jim Joyce. That may be remembered more than the perfect games that went into the history books.

In the same manner, I expect Bush’s Heisman win to be most remembered due to the circumstances surrounding its return.

Here is Bush’s statement that was released by the New Orleans Saints:   

“One of the greatest honors of my life was winning the Heisman Trophy in 2005. For me, it was a dream come true. But I know that the Heisman is not mine alone. Far from it. I know that my victory was made possible by the discipline and hard work of my teammates, the steady guidance of my coaches, the inspiration of the fans, and the unconditional love of my family and friends. And I know that any young man fortunate enough to win the Heisman enters into a family of sorts. Each individual carries the legacy of the award and each one is entrusted with its good name.”

“It is for these reasons that I have made the difficult decision to forfeit my title as Heisman winner of 2005.”

“For the rest of my days, I will continue to strive to demonstrate through my actions and words that I was deserving of the confidence placed in me by the Heisman Trophy Trust. I would like to begin in this effort by turning a negative situation into a positive one by working with the Trustees to establish an educational program which will assist student-athletes and their families avoid some of the mistakes that I made. I am determined to view this event as an opportunity to help others and to advance the values and mission of the Heisman Trophy Trust.”

Copyright ©2010 Sports Climax, LLC

The Atlanta Thrashers were busy securing a few more pieces to their roster this week by signing restricted free agent forward Niclas Bergfors then inking a deal with UFA forward Nigel Dawes. Dawes joins several members of last year’s Stanley Cup Chicago Blackhawks team, Fredrik Modin and goalie Chris Mason who all signed earlier deals with the club.

Thrashers GM Rick Dudley has possibly been the most active GM in the NHL this summer, pulling off a few blockbuster deals early and following up with a handful of others like the two mentioned above.

 The 23-year-old Bergfors was named to the 2009-10 NHL All-Rookie Team after having a solid inaugural season scoring 21 goals and 23 assist for 44 points in 81 games with the New Jersey Devils and Thrashers last season. He registered nine power play goals and six game-winning goals, which ranked him 10^th in the NHL.

Bergfors, a Swedish native, was an important signing since he was the main player acquired in the Ilya Kovalchuk trade, coming to Atlanta along with defenseman Johnny Oduya, forward Patrice Cormier and a first round selection in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft in exchange for Kovalchuk and defenseman Anssi Salmela.

Also joining the Thrashers is left winger Dawes, 25 years old, who posted 32 points (14 goals, 18 assists) in 66 games, with the Calgary Flames last season.  The 5-8, 190-pound Winnipeg, Manitoba native’s career numbers include (39g, 44a, 83 pts) in 199 career games over four seasons with the New York Rangers, Phoenix and Calgary.

Dawes had his coming out season last year, scoring a career-high 32 points with the Flames while tying his season-high in goals (14). He has also played in 11 career playoff games, all with the Rangers (2006-07, 207-08), posting four points (two goals, two assists).

One thing for certain this season in Atlanta is, fans attending games will need a roster sheet to keep up with all the new faces Dudley has added and should expect to see a new style of hockey as well. With more size and more balanced scoring, the new GM is definitely bringing a new brand of hockey to the Philips Arena.

Copyright ©2010 Sports Climax, LLC

In a short NFL career that includes just 11 games played, Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has suffered three serious injuries. Assuming like the rest of the world that Stafford will miss time again from yesterday’s hit; doing the simple math means the franchise QB has been knocked out for extended periods of time in more than 1-out-of-4 contests.

In those contests he has played in, the Lions have acted as one of the NFL’s best sparring partners at best.

Not good odds when you’re trying to rebuild a team that has occupied the cellar of their division for too many years to count on one hand.

So as Stafford sat on the sidelines at Soldier Field for the entire second half, shoulder wrapped in ice awaiting an MRI this week, I asked myself, where is the problem?

In addition to college quarterbacks being high-risk first-round picks (Google Joey Harrington, Ryan Leaf and Jamarcus Russell), putting a franchise quarterback behind a questionable offensive line is another reason so many of us were strong advocates of drafting/building defense first as opposed to risking $40 million plus guaranteed dollars on a young arm like Stafford’s.

In yesterday’s game, Jeff Backus became the latest OL victimized by criticism for allowing his assignment, in this case Julius Peppers, to squash the guy he is paid to protect. But in defense of Backus, guys are beat every game and this hit from Peppers looked like any other standard sack that these quarterbacks are paid to take.

Peyton Manning and Tom Brady hit the turf most every game while scramblers like Michael Vick take even harder hits throughout their games, difference is, these guys normally have use ice packs on game day as a basic recovery tool.

The hit Stafford took against Cleveland in his coming out game last season was vicious and we should expect one with that force to create injury but after his third injury in 11 games, a question of Stafford’s durability may come into play.

Stafford is as tough as they come, no doubt, just look at the tape of that Browns game last year but durability is different than toughness. Hopefully for the Lions, the frequent occurrences of these significant injuries are nothing but a coincidence and will play themselves out.

If not, then are we looking at another “franchise” quarterback spending too much time on the sidelines and leading a team to maybe seven wins over his first three seasons for a ton of guaranteed dollars? Google JaMarcus Russell.

Lions one of the NFL’s Best Sparring Partners – Sports Climax

Maybe that Bobby Layne curse IS for real.

More NFL: Who will start against Lions? QB Controversy in Philly– Sports Climax

Sports Babes: Climax Girls Sexy Photo Gallery – Sports Climax

Copyright ©2010 Sports Climax, LLC

Denard Robinson has become a record-setting machine just two weeks into the NCAAF season.

The Michigan Wolverines quarterback started the season setting a team single-game quarterback rushing record with 197 yards on the ground, leading his Maize and Blue to an opening 30-10 win over U Conn.

This week the speedy QB did it again, breaking his one-week old record gaining 258 yards on 28 carries, including an 87-yard sprint for a first-quarter touchdown.

BTW, that 87-yard jaunt was another record.

It happened to be the longest rushing TD in the long history of Notre Dame Stadium. How impressive is that? The Irish have been playing ball in that stadium since 1930.

If that wasn’t enough, the QB known as “Shoelaces” lined up on 4^th and long and dropped a quick kick inside the 4-yardline late in the third, pinning the Irish deep in their end. He also connected on 24-of-40 passes for 244 yards and one TD and added two more TDs on the ground.

Not only was Robinson lighting up the stats sheet. He also orchestrated a 72-yard game-winning touchdown drive over 3:14 late in the final quarter to come back and earn the Wolverines (2-0) a 28-24 win on the road.

Clearly not a one-week wonder, you have to think Denard should begin to be recognized in the chase for the 2010 Heisman Trophy.

Next week it’s the Massachusetts Minutemen’s turn to chase Shoelaces around the field while Notre Dame (1-1) travels to Michigan State.

Copyright ©2010 Sports Climax, LLC

The Georgia Bulldogs will be playing without one of their best offensive weapons for the next several weeks after the NCAA brought the hammer down and levied a four-game suspension against A.J. Green.

Green’s suspension comes after investigators revealed the player sold his Independence Bowl jersey for $1,000 to a qualified agent. ESPN reported that the university made a statement regarding the money Green received and said the player has donated the $1,000 to a charity.

Since Green sat out for the season opener last week against Louisiana-Lafayette, he is now required to miss the next three games. It’s possible that UGA policy caused Green to be on the sidelines but either way, it was an advantageous move by Mark Richt and the Dawgs. Opting to have the star receiver sit out a game they were sure to win by a landslide, the Bulldogs offense were still able to put 48 points on the board in their 55-7 win thanks to a breakout debut performance by quarterback, Aaron Murray.

The investigation was said to include digging up facts surrounding a party in South Beach. Green has always denied being at that bash but it turned out the investigators were looking into the jersey selling violation instead. This suspension seems harsh for a player selling a jersey but the NCAA may have determined that selling it to an agent was the same as accepting cash from an agent.

“I very much regret all that has taken place and the distraction that’s been caused,” Green said. “I’ve learned a valuable lesson and hope others can learn from my mistake. I can only focus my attention now on practicing and looking ahead to getting back with my teammates as quickly as possible.”

Green, 6-ft 4in is projected as a first-round pick in next year’s NFL Draft so this suspension comes in a year when he would most want to showcase his talents.

Possibly filling in for Green is wide receiver, Tavarres King who was charged with possession of alcohol and also sat out a one-game suspension against Louisiana-Lafayette. King is one of nine Bulldogs who have recently been arrested; you could start a Bulldogs mug shot gallery.

More NCAA: 

Seven SEC teams in AP Top 25 – Sports Climax

 Dawgs Dominate in Murray’s Debut – Sports Climax

Gators Struggle in Win at The Swamp – Sports Climax

Copyright ©2010 Sports Climax, LLC

Floyd Mayweather Jr. an African-American boxer presented America with a profanity-laced, racial-filled rant against Philippine fighter Manny Pacquiao, the man he has been accused of avoiding to fight. This video stream will be a test for our country and what boundaries racial watchdogs like Jesses Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton are willing to set.  

The content of the rant was as cheesy as the quality of the video stream. But terrible quality is all that rant deserved. Seeing this reminded me of a few other incidents that were not rants like Mayweather’s but one-liner remarks directed toward African-Americans that created a furor and the issuing of pink slips.

While Jimmy The Greek’s “breeding” comment and Don Imus’ “nappy-headed ‘hos” remark got them axed from their long broadcasting careers, Mayweather has virtually sidestepped most of the criticism for his rant. Compare the tapes to all of these incidents and unless you are Rev. Sharpton or Jesse Jackson, you may be inspired to grab a loathing sign and follow Mayweather during his next press conference.

Most of the racial slurs or undertone statements in the past like Greek’s and Imus’ are normally short one-liners that the media or guys like Sharpton and Jackson like to run with.

Mayweather’s rant lasted several minutes, was profanity-laced and clearly demeaning to Philippine population in the United States, so where is Sharpton and Jackson during this clear display of racism?

Jackson is a self-proclaimed expert in the field of racism and actually tried to create a racial situation out of Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert’s letter that was written after LeBron James left the shores of Lake Erie to dunk at South Beach. “He speaks as an owner of LeBron and not the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers. His feelings of betrayal personify a slave master mentality. He sees LeBron as a runaway slave.” – J.J. 

Jackson doesn’t need to “create” any “racial undertones” with Mayweather’s rant, the racism is as plain as black and white and there may lie the problem.

Mayweather is a black man and was talking about another minority so much of America, including Jackson and Sharpton thus far, is letting it be brushed under the rug compared to if other races and people were involved.

Here’s some of Mayweather’s profanity-laced rant against Pacquiao.

“As soon as we come off vacation, we’re going to cook that little yellow chump.. . . Once I kick the midget ass, I don’t want you all to jump on my d —. So you all better get on the bandwagon now. … Once I stomp the midget, I’ll make that mother f**ker make me a sushi roll and cook me some rice.”

….”that mother f**ker Pacquiao, he can’t speak no English. He never seen a contract he didn’t like. Mother f**ker signed with two companies, look it up. And then this mother f**ker with Nike only got 70 Gs. How stupid can a mother f**ker be? Reebok gave me a million dollars for three weeks. I wore Reebok s for a week for a million dollars.”

Again, where are Jackson and Sharpton? If they ignore and stay clear of this incident, there will be no need for them to wonder why so many cheeks are turned next time they put their faces in front of a camera. How does Jesse interpret this dialogue compared to Gilbert’s letter?

Mayweather did his version of an apology the following day after realizing his more raw personality had been discovered. During the apology, he mentioned various religions and races but neglected to apologize directly to the man most affected by the rant, Manny Pacquiao.

“Some of my guys are Muslim. Some of my guys are Jews. Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Mexicans, white, it doesn’t matter. There’s nothing but love in my heart, you know what I’m saying? . . . .The only thing I want to say is, if anybody who was affected by what I said the other day, I apologize as a man. I apologize.. . . Forgive me for saying what I said. I was just having fun. I didn’t really mean it.. . . .So let’s stay on this roller-coaster ride and keep riding, baby. It’s all love.”

Call it love, but you just ripped your image to shreds in one sitting.

Before Thursday, the only jabs you had been ducking were the accusations of ducking a fight with Pacman. Now get ready for the uppercuts and haymaker rights.

Copyright ©2010 Sports Climax, LLC