Official Google Blog: Ten years and counting

Official Google Blog: Ten years and counting

Saturday on HNLI: Looking Back and Looking Forward

Be sure to tune into Hockey Night on Long Island this Saturday at 3:30 PM EST for what will sadly be the first episode of the Islanders' offseason. Despite that circumstance, however, Saturday's episode of HNLI should be another great one, featuring updates on recent Islanders' news, a look back at the 2007-2008 Islanders season, a preview of Monday's NHL Draft Lottery, a look ahead to the NHL Playoffs, and a look ahead to the Islanders in the offseason. Hosts Alex and Steve will also be taking your calls, IMs, and banter via the HNLI chatroom for the ultimate listener interactivity. So, be sure to spend your Saturday afternoon with Alex and Steve on Hockey Night on Long Island. Click here to tune in!

Tune into Hockey Night on Long Island Saturday!

Be sure to tune in to Saturday's episode of Hockey Night on Long Island. Along with special guest Michael Schuerlein of islesblogger.com, we'll discuss the team's latest woes and talk about how the Isles might turn it around or if the season has reached a point past revival. It'll be an awesome episode with calls, IMS, and of course the open forum of the HNLI chatroom. So be sure to tune in for a great episode tomorrow, 2/9, at 3:30 PM EST. To listen, visit www.show.hockeynightonlongisland.com or click on this button:

"Giant" Super Bowl Victory

The New York Giants finished the New England Patriots 18 game winning streak this season. Before facing the Giants, the Patriots won their last three Super Bowl appearances. The Giants started the season 0-2, but they've defeated the Patriots 17-14 to become Super Bowl Champions of 2007-08 season.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning had 255 yards and completed 19 of his 39 pass attempts. He threw an interception, but finished with two touchdown passes.

"There's something about this team," Manning said. "The way we win games, and performed in the playoffs in the stretch. We had total confidence in ourselves. The players believed in each other."

Manning is happy about his season, and said it couldn't get better. "That's a position you want to be in," Manning told reporters. "You can't write a better script. There were so many big plays on that drive."

Seeing Indianapolis Colts quarterback Payton Manning win his Super Bowl ring, motivated little brother Eli. "When I saw Peyton go through it last year, I was proud of him and I was happy for him," Manning said. "Seeing it up close and what he was going through, it definitely makes you want one yourself and want to be here."

Giants head coach Tom Coughlin believes every team could be defeated. "Every team is beatable, you never know," Coughlin said. "The right moment, the right time, every team is beatable". The Giants won 10 consecutive road victories this season."It's the way we went about our work," Coughlin said. "The road signified the coming together of a team. We rode that emotion all the way through."

Giants running back Brandon Jacobs had fourty two yards, and fourteen rushes. Ahmad Bradshaw had forty five yards, and nine rushes. Plaxico Burress had two receptions, for twenty seven yards, and one touchdown. "We just hung in there on offense, kept executing," said receiver Burress, whom predicted a 23-17 Giants victory. "It came down to one play and we made it."

"All this is entertainment," Burress said. "It's sports and sports are entertainment. So 23-17 is the prediction I made, but the game still has to be played."

Safety James Bulter had 10 tackles, linebacker Antonio Pierce had 8 tackles. Defensive end Michael Strahan had 2 tackles. "That's the best team in the league," Strahan said. "Now we have a better understanding of them and we had never played anybody like that. Obviously, no one has since they are an undefeated team. So now we have that opportunity and if you want it, you ask for it and you better make the most of it."

The Patriots finish the season 18-1, and coach Bill Belichick admits it was disappointment. "They played well," Belichick said while upset. "They made some plays. We made some plays. They just made a few more. We played as hard as we could. We just couldn't make enough plays."

Belichick understood the toughness from the Giants, and it wasn't a surprise to him. "We knew when we played the Giants down there they had a very physical football team," Belichick said. "We felt they were as good as any team we had played and they have gone on to play even better than that in the playoffs and I clearly feel now they are the best team we have played all year. That's a huge challenge."

Tom Brady was 29-48, with 1 touchdown, and threw for 266 yards. "We played them five weeks ago and it was a three-point game," Patriots quarterback Brady said, whom was sacked five times. "And they made enough changes and really eliminated what we did offensively."

Despite losing, Brady still enjoys the 18 consecutive wins this season. "Being 18-0 I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished thus far and I think we have talked as a team that for the rest of our lives we'll all remember this week," Brady said. "We are all going to do our best to hopefully make that one of the weeks that we remember for all of the great reasons and not a week we would like to forget."

Patriots running back Laurence Maroney had 36 yards, with 14 rushes, and 1 touchdown. Kevin Faulk had 7 receptions, tight end Wes Welker had 11 receptions, and Randy Moss had 5 receptions with 1 touchdown. "Hats off to us," reciever Moss said. "I know a lot of people didn't think we were going to do it. A lot of people didn't want us to do it. In this game of football, it's hard to go 16-and-0. As a football player and a fan of the game, my hat's off to this organization."

Santana Coming To Town

The Minnesota Twins have agreed to trade pitcher Johan Santana to the New York Mets for outfielder Carlos Gomez, pitcher Philip Humber, Kevin Mulvey and Deolis Guerra.

The Mets and Peter Greenburg whom is Santana's agent are working on a contract extension. Both sides met in Manhatten, but they've refused to discuss the details.

Santana is seeking a deal worth more then 120 million over six or seven years. Greenburg and Mets owership have until five o'clock on Friday to reach an agreement.

When an agreement is reached, the players will need to pass a physical in-order for the trade to be finalize.

"Every team in the division became stronger, but now with Santana we're the favorites again," Moises Alou (left fielder) said in the Dominican Republic.

The Mets are comfortable with Greenburg, because he represents outfielder Endy Chavez whom just recently signed an extension with the Mets, and shortstop Jose Reyes.

Mets general manager Omar Minaya declined comment according to club spokesman Jay Horwitz. Greenburg refused to return e-mail from others as well.

The Met fans were excited about the news, because lots of feelings were hurt after their collapse last season. Minaya was praised by many, because it wasn't expected from the Mets. "I can't really comment because it's not done. All I can say is that the Twins did what they had to do," New York Yankees senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner told reporters in Tampa Bay, Florida. "I hope it works out well for them. The Mets made a good trade from their end. Hopefully it works out for both teams."

The Yankees showed interest in Santana, but decided not to pursue the deal. The Yankees were willing to trade pitcher Phil Hughes, center fielder Melky Cabarer, and others. During the Winter Meetings in December, the Yankees lost interest.

The World Series champions Boston Red Sox were interested in Santana, and they were willing to trade pitcher Jon Lester or outfeilder Jacoby Ellsbury. The Red Sox weren't able to trade players the Twins were interested in, and that caused them to pull away.

The Twins offered to extend Santana's contract by four years and 80 million dollars. Santana refused to accept the offer, but didn't have confidence about being traded. "I'm a Minnesota Twin. That's all I know. It's up to them. Whatever they have to do is going to happen. It has nothing to do with me at all," Santana mentioned to the News-Press. "I said it from the beginning during the season last year, whatever will be the best for this team and this organization, I'll agree with that."

Mets third basemen David Wright is happy about Santana. He believes the pitching staff is deep with young pitchers. "To have one of those handful that I would call an ace is obviously special to a team that, offensively, we look good on paper," Wright said Tuesday. "And our pitching staff is very deep, especially with these young guys, and they're only going to get better. So obviously there's a lot of positive energy, if it's true, going into spring training."

According to studies, pitchers aren't successful with long-term contracts. Only three pitchers have over 100 million dollar contracts: Barry Zito (San Franisco Giants), Mike Hampton (Colorado Rockies) and Kevin Brown (Los Angeles Dodgers).

Knicks Defeat 76ers

The New York Knicks were able to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 89-81, which gives the Knicks their six victory in ten games.

Knicks head coach Isiah Thomas believes more trust has taken place, and that played apart in their improvement.

"I just think, right now, we're playing with again a lot more trust," Thomas said. "There's a lot more trust and a lot more honesty."

During their unsuccessful season, Thomas said he tried everything. Every idea he used wasn't enough to bring more victories. The Knicks are 14-28, and remain last in the Atlantic Division.

"We have tried everything. I have tried benching, yelling. Again, a lot of your fire needs to come from within," Thomas told the Knicks website. "There's a certain amount of intestinal fortitude that you have to have as a man."

Knicks guard Jamal Crawford finished with 18 points, but struggled shooting 6-19, and 3-8 from three point range. Crawford said the Knicks haven't played this good all-season. "I think we are playing our best ball right now," Crawford told reporters.

76ers coach Maurice Cheeks mentioned that Crawford was used effectively, and that caused their failing effort. "I thought they made plays late in the game, particularly getting the ball in his hands and him being able to get to the basket and make some plays," Cheeks said.

Zach Randolph had 16 points and 15 rebounds. Randolph feels better about the Knicks, and believes team-work was encouragement to their improvement. "We are playing a lot better basketball," Knicks forward Randolph said. "We are playing more together and getting better movement."

Eddy Curry contributed with 11 points, but only attempted seven shots. Curry gave the Knicks credit, and feels their turning around. "I think we are turning the corner as a team," Knicks center Curry said. "We are caring enough to really share the ball."


Knicks guard Nate Robinson had 13 points with 5 assist, and forward David Lee finished with 14 points and 6 rebounds. The Knicks were 5-15 from three point range. The Golden State Warriors are the next competitors for the Knicks; their last meeting wasn't joyful losing 108-82.

"When you're watching a game like we played against the Warriors, the venom that comes out, you deserve it," Thomas said. "The booing, 'Get rid of this guy, get rid of me, get rid of him,' that's how the fans react. It comes with the territory we have and the place that we live in. That's how it is, that's how it goes."

The Knicks have a winning record in their last ten games which is 6-4. Thomas wants to improve, and said its the only concern for him. He understands the Knicks could have won more games, but Thomas believes there's still time.

"That's all we're really concerned about and that's all our team is focused on, how we get better as a basketball team," Thomas said. "All the other stuff you want to talk about, that's up to you guys. But in terms of what we do out on the basketball floor, those are the things that we can control, and out on the basketball floor we had chances to win basketball games."

Andre Iguodala lead with 24 points, but had 6 rebounds. He played 42 minutes, and was 1-6 from three point range. The defense stopped Iguodala's productiveness, and caused him to shot more according to himself.

"They just played good defense," 76ers guard Iguodala said. "The zone played a huge factor in the game. They kept us out of rhythm. We didn't really get too many points in the paint. We shot a lot of jump shots and credit that to their zone."

Guard Andre Miller had 10 points and 6 assist, but shot 4-11 from field goals. Willie Green added with 13 points, and center Samuel Dalembert had 12 points. The 76ers shot .200 percentage from three point range, and shot 2-10.

"Giant" Steps To Promise Land

Dealing with criticism, and being overshadowed from this brother Indianapolis Colts quarterback Payton Manning. Now New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning could finally say "he played in the Super Bowl." Beating the Green Bay Packers in a competitive game, 23-20 in overtime brings excitement to Manning.

"We haven't been given a shot, but we're here and I think we're deserving of it," Manning said. "Right now I'm excited as I can be."

Manning completed 21 of his 41 passes, 254 yards, and no touchdown passes. Manning had confidences, and believes the Giants could compete against anyone.

"We knew we could compete with anybody," Manning said. "It's just a matter of getting hot at the right time."

Manning lead the Giants with 10 consecutive road victories this season, and he mention everything paid off. "It's just a matter of getting hot at the right time," Manning said. "It feels good because this is what you work for. We stuck with it, we believed in ourselves and we got to the Super Bowl."

Manning never played in the Super Bowl, because the Giants failed to succeed past the first round since their Super Bowl appearance in 2000. Manning said he won't do anything different, and will continue with the game plan. "I don't think I am doing anything different," Manning said. "I am just trying to take what the defense is giving me. It is just a matter of being in a good situation in the game."

Manning mentioned he'll practice, and make sure he's prepared for the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots. "I think you prepare by practicing and getting ready for their defense," Manning insisted. "You don't worry about the weather. There is no point in being concerned about it."

Giants running back Brandon Jacobs had 67 yards, 21 rushes, and 1 touchdown. Ahmad Bradshaw added with 16 rushes, 63 yards, and 1 touchdown. Giants receiver Plaxico Burress had 11 receptions (career-high), with 154 yards, and 1 touchdown.

Tom Coughlin believes leadership, and toughness helped the Giants. "I think it is just a matter of the grit, the determination, the character, the leadership, the toughness, and the mental toughness," Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said. "In a lot of ways when we come out and we get booed, we are kind of interested in how high the volume of the boos are."

Amani Toomer had four receptions, and forty two yards. "This is an opportunity that can make all the dreams that you have ever had since you're a little kid come true with a couple wins," Giants receiver Toomer said.

Packers quarterback Brett Favre had 236 yards, and completed 19 of 35 passes. He threw two touchdown passes, and two interceptions as well. Favre said he believes the Giants could win against the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. "Heck, they could win two weeks from now," Favre said to reporters. "I wouldn't put it past them."

Favre threw an interceptions that could have gotten them the victory against the Giants. "I was disappointed that the last pass I threw was intercepted." The Packers had lots of opportunities, but couldn't capitalize according to Favre. "For me, I kept thinking how many opportunities are we going to let slip away," he said.

It's a possibility Favre will return next season, according to himself. "It's been 11 years, I think, since ... I have to kind of refresh my memory on it," Favre said. "Times have changed a bunch, I guess."

Favre and Giants defensive end Michael Strahan are both heading towards retirement in the short future. Favre realize how important Strahan is, and how productive his career was. "I think I have said that numerous times that I didn't lay down," Favre said. "It is not something we discussed previous or after or whatever and said, 'Hey, we have a formal pact here.' That is over and done with. What he did that year, what he continues to do, is outstanding." Strahan finished with two tackles, but Antonio Pierce lead with six tackles.

Ryan Grant had 13 rushes, but couldn't score. Coughlin understands Ryans ability to produce, and he enjoyed his preseason performance. "Ryan performed and played very well during the preseason," Coughlin said. "We had a position, as anybody who scouts or knows football can relate to, that had five or six NFL football players and that was one of them, that was the position for us."

Grant said he learned from Tiki Barbar (former Giants running back), and other members of the Giants. "I'm very close with a lot of guys on the team, close to Tiki," Packers running back Grant said. "I learned a lot from him, a sense of composure, professionalism and little things on the field."

Packers receiver Donald Driver lead with five receptions, and one touchdown. Donald Lee had three receptions, and only one touchdown. Packers safety Atari Bigby lead with eight tackles and cornerback Al Harris had seven.