Login | Staff | Feedback | Site Map | RSS | FAQ | Mobile | Advertise With Us | Subscription Services

HomeSportsFlorida Everblades

David Moulton: I Could Be Wrong, But ...

STORY TOOLS
Share on Facebook

Everyone is focusing on what the Dolphins are going to do with the first pick of the draft. Big mistake. Whether they sit tight, pass or trade down, they are going to get a very good player that can help them. The success of this draft will depend on what they do after the first round and whether they are going to trade defensive end Jason Taylor.

They should trade him and I think they will. He will be 34 by Opening Day. He is the past, not the future. Look for Miami to get an early second-round pick (and 1 or 2 more) to send the "Dancing with the Stars'' standout to Cincinnati or Arizona.

To me, the big question in this draft should be "Who is going to trade for disgruntled Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson?" The answer should be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They won't. The answer better be the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles are a wide receiver and a pass rush away from being the class of the NFC. Donovan McNabb will be 32 this year. No time to be patient. Trade your first-round pick and cornerback Lito Sheppard to Cincy for Chad Johnson. Then trade your second- and third-round picks to Miami for Jason Taylor.

Both teams would make those deals and the Eagles would make one of the next two Super Bowls.

***

It doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure out that we have likely seen the last of Gerry Fleming as head coach of the Florida Everblades. His contract is up. He has spent seven years here and nine in the ECHL. The Blades may need to change direction to appease their fan base. Gerry knows he needs to get to the next level soon or else he is a minor league "lifer." The timing for both to go their separate ways is perfect. No hard feelings, just time for a change.

In his seven years, the Blades made seven playoff appearances, including three trips to the conference finals, two times making it all the way to the Kelly Cup Finals.

All in all, Pretty good.

But no ring.

Most fans blame Gerry Fleming.

I blame Shane Hnidy.

It was May of 2005 and the Blades were battling Trenton in the Kelly Cup Finals. Trenton won the first two games at Germain Arena and led Game 3 at home, 4-2, with seven minutes to play. Yet, the Blades rallied to tie Game 3 and then win it in OT! From there it was easy. The Blades cruised in Game 4 and led Game 5, 2-0 after two periods. The Everblades were 20 minutes away from coming home to play for (and win) the Kelly Cup. Trenton was lifeless. Put a fork in 'em, they are done!

Until ...

Two minutes into the third period, Shane Hnidy, an NHL defenseman loaned to the Blades that season during the lockout, misplays a puck at the blue line. It leads to a breakaway goal. Building erupts. Everything changed. Trenton scores four more in the third to win, 5-2. Two nights later at Germain Arena, Trenton won the Cup.

To this day, I am convinced the Blades were 18 minutes away ...

Shane Hnidy ...

***

Upon further review ...

How can Tiger Woods have a knee problem for months and have surgery after the Masters, yet no one in the golf media knows about it? Those Tour golf writers and the Golf Channel sure do cover golf well now don't they?

Anybody think Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Alex Rodriguez, Kobe Bryant or LeBron James could hide this injury from their media for 6-8 months?

The moral of the story: no one in the golf media has access to or knows Tiger Woods at all. They just talk about him a lot.

***

Ken Griffey Jr., unlike McGwire, Bonds and Sosa has been free of steroids allegations throughout his career.

Ken Griffey Jr. is about to hit his 600th home run!

No one seems to care.

That's not a good sign for baseball.

***

Finally, a memo to Craig Brush, President and GM of the Everblades: Don't ever meet in your office with the "bloggers" again. They can call you, e-mail you and find you on game nights if they have a problem. The minute you invite them into your office, you empower them. Instead, ignore them. If you can't, a once a year "fan forum" (which you have done before, for all fans) is respectful, professional and appropriate.

Craig, you run the best organization in the league. Your team is always competitive. When it comes to hockey, don't listen to a word they say.

Now if they start talking about the price of concessions ...

***

David Moulton co-hosts "Miller and Moulton in the Afternoon," weekdays 3-7 PM on SportsRadio 770/ESPN. His columns appear every Sunday. David can be reached at: millerandmoulton@sportsradio770.com

Comments

This site does not necessarily agree with comments posted below. Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. Break our rules, and we will ban you. No exceptions, no second chances. Read our privacy policy & user agreement.




Post your comment
(Requires free registration.)

Username:

Password:
(Forgotten your password?)

Your Turn:


Submit your questions to the RACE FOR THE STAR debate

Collier County Sheriff's candidates gear up for a Q&A debate on Studio 55 later this month. Now is your chance to get your questions in front of the future lawmen of Collier County. Drop us a line and ask them what you want to know »

Looking Back – The Fourth of July 2008

Twenty-three suspected growhouses have been busted this year in Collier County. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has now discovered 30 grow houses on the year. Get more information on the growhouse busts in Collier & Lee and around the state in our interactive map!
MORE MAPS: Coyote incidents in Southwest Florida
Email the Governor

Love it, hate it, think the state should wait? Governor Charlie Crist has been getting an earful about the plan to lease Alligator Alley. Now's your turn. Tell the Governor how you feel! »

Severe Weather Guide

As a weathercaster, it is difficult enough to accurately predict the weather for the upcoming week. It never matters how many storms develop. Where they decide to go is what matters. Have a plan. That’s the best advice any expert can give. In this section you will find all the information you need to assess your risk, realize your personal needs and formulate your plan in case another storm decides to visit Southwest Florida.

Daily News Columnists

Participate - Tell Us What's Going On

Tired of being stuck behind that cement mixer? Wondering if you need to buy stock in Bob's Barricades? Check out our Traffic page and get a handle on gridlock. Get live traffic updates from the Collier County Sheriff's Office and local traffic Web sites. Source the cheapest gas in the area with Gasbuddy.com and always be prepared with the latest weather forecast. No matter where you're driving, naplesnews.com has you covered. Get on the road »

News Extras