Lackey's Opportunity is the Stuff of Legends

You can feel it in the air. The city is alive with hope, confidence, and expectations today. With a rare historic opportunity tonight, the Sox can clinch the World Series at home for the first time since 1918.

I'll keep this short and sweet. Lackey's got the ball tonight and what a perfect scenario it is. Few have been more alienated and knocked around by their hometown media than number 41, who has struggled mightily since signing a big contract years ago. Not only did he pitch well all season, he's been phenomenal this post-season.

Regardless of how tonight goes, Lackey's won back the confidence and respect of the fan base. But if he goes in tonight and deals, holding back the Cardinals offense and delivering a win, he will become a legend.

Where is the Love? Reviving Respect in the NHL

The culture of the NHL has always been different than other leagues, and for the most part it's things to be proud of. Due to a hard salary cap, they aren't quite the spoiled, overpaid patricians that you might see in the NBA or MLB. Their pedestrian, blue-collar work ethic has always made them more approachable and relatable to the average American than the spoon-fed superstars you see taking up all the air-time on SportsCenter.

They also have an unmatched willingness to sacrifice their bodies for the game and their teammates. Is that to say that football players and baseball players don't play through injuries and pain? Of course not. But in hockey it's taken to an entirely new level. Think of how often you hear a pitcher's start has been reschedule due to a hang nail, or a Lebron James being carried off the court because a cramp.

Now think of Gregory Campbell throwing himself in front of a shot that broke his leg, but still hobbling around for another 45 seconds and even blocking more shots because

Fantasy Hockey Free Agent Frenzy

What a start to the season it's been! Fantasy seasons are neither won nor lost in October, but those quickest to the waiver wire often reap the benefits. Some of these hot starts are just a lucky streak that will quickly fade, while others are the mark of a true breakout season for players that will carry you to a championship.

We're now two weeks or so into the season and it's time to check out which players are worth a look in your leagues. Take a look at your free agent list and see if these guys are available. If so, it's not too early to start making some GM decisions.

Lars Eller, MTL
He's already picked up 5 goals and 2 assists in 5 games, putting him among league leaders. Finally, the Halak trade seems to be really paying off for the Habs. He's super talented, so he's a good candidate to have a strong year on Montreal's top line.