And so it begins...

The Holiday season has come and gone and 2009 is now underway. This first full week of January will bring some quality sporting match-ups as well as a first look at how the economy will respond. However, in my world, there are only two stories worth following this week.

First, the San Jose Sharks embark on a Western Canadian road trip which will take them through Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver. The Sharks will kick things off against the Flames, a rematch of the Western Conference Quarterfinals from a season ago. The Flames bring a rough style to play against the skillful, speedy Sharks. With enforcer Jody Shelly likely out of the lineup, the Sharks recalled Brad Staubitz from Worcester to "beef" up their lines. Defensemen Douglas Murray is expected back after missing a few games and together, with the addition of Alexei Semenov at the forward position, the Sharks are no pushovers. Tuesday will be a very stern test to see if the Sharks can right the ship and recapture their early season success.

After a stop in Edmonton, team teal heads to Vancouver where Mats Sundin could very well be in the lineup. The former Maple Leaf is expected to bring leadership and some offense to the Canucks who are searching for a boost while Roberto Luongo sits out with an injury. Don't expect Sundin to bring Vancouver to the promised land, but he will help their young forwards and can still light the lamp.

This brings me to the most intensive sporting day of my week, Saturday. Prior to the Sharks and Canucks, the NFL Playoffs continue and its my boys from Carolina taking center stage. The Panthers, (yes, I'm a Panther fan) host the Arizona Cardinals in Charlotte. The Cardiac Cats take their 8-0 home record into action against a very underestimated Cardinals team that has something to prove. Many, including myself, counted the Cardinals as a one and done team. After knocking down the Falcons, Arizona is flying high. They have one of the most potent offenses in the league and Kurt Warner has exceptional playoff experience. Sunday, Edgerin James returned to his old form and ran all over Atlanta. I think he will have quite a different experience this Saturday.

Carolina should have both defensive tackles back and will be extremely difficult to run against. Arizona will turn to their air attack which is tough to defend. I'm expecting a good ol' fashioned shootout. The big difference would be Carolina's running game and defensive ability. While Arizona should be able to pass Saturday, Carolina has the ability to create turnovers. A couple stalled drives or a turnover here and there, and Carolina should run out the clock with their "Crunch and Munch" ground game. Call me biased, but I'm picking John Fox's Cats to end Arizona's "Cinderella Story."

Ok, so I realize I have done very little research and added no actual stats or quotes, but it's nearly midnight and I'm resigned to watching reruns on the "CW." Heading back to work tomorrow never sounded so good. Finally got a paycheck and won't have to scrounge for change or coupons, and have a full schedule of sports to watch. Top it all off with a special someone coming home this weekend and you've got the recipe for quite a fun first week of the new year. So if you are still reading this and my lack of direction hasn't scared you off, check out the Panthers game at 5:15 and hop on over to the Sharkies at 7:00. Hopefully my next entry will be a little more organized and that I'll be reporting on some positive work news or sports recaps. Until next time, take care and happy hunting?

BRG