Faceoff

Dear GM Feldy ...

PHERSY: So Feldy, along the lines of our Brett Favre and Percy Harvin debates, I came up with another question for you, and I'm interested to hear your response.

When Michael Vick gets out of jail soon, do you think the Vikings should sign him? I mean, he's got everything you're asking for with Favre and the problems of Harvin (of course, without the injury history).

Ask yourself these questions Feldy, like you did with Favre ... 1) Is Mike Vick better than T-Jack? 2) is Mike Vick better than Sage Rosenfels?

The answer is yes, of course. Even after being in jail, I'm certain Vick is faster and can throw it farther than both Rosenfels and T-Jack.

And he would put butts in the seats, just like you've been saying with Favre and Harvin. So what's not to like, right Feldy? It fits everything you've been saying here the last few days. It's a Feldy-type no-brainer!

Of course, I'm kidding ... except about the Feldy part. At this point, the Vikings just need to sit with Rosenfels and T-Jack and hope Rosenfels develops into an NFL starter over the next few months. Cross your fingers.

• • •

FELDY: I'm pretty sure neither Percy Harvin nor Brett Favre have ever taken pleasure out of maming and killing dogs. I don't want Michael Vick anywhere near this team. He should not be allowed to play in the NFL again. 

What gets me is, think back to the time when all the Vick/dogfighting news broke. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE was up in arms about it. Everyone said Vick should get more jail time, never be allowed back in football, etc. Now people are acting like it's no big deal that he might be allowed back in the NFL. I want nothing to do with that #!%$*^! and I hope he never winds up in purple.

And what about Vick's 53 percent career completion percentage makes anyone think he's a good QB? He can run, so whoever ends up with him should make him a receiver or a punt returner or something. The guy was never worth even close to the amount of money the Falcons gave him to be a QB.

U.S. to play Frenchies in qualification round

FELDY: The U.S. men's hockey team ended pool play at the 2009 World Championships with a fall-from-ahead, 6-5 overtime loss to Sweden on Wednesday afternoon. The U.S. led 5-2 in the third period before Sweden charged back for a victory.

Rochester's Colin Stuart doesn't have a point yet in the tournament, but he has averaged about 12 minutes of ice time per game and has a couple of penalties.

Still, the U.S. has advanced to the qualification round and will face France at 1:15 p.m. CDT on Friday. France will wave a white flag at about 1:18 p.m. The U.S. will then play Russia at 1:15 p.m. on Saturday, followed by a 1:15 p.m. game on Monday against host Switzerland, a team that beat the U.S. 5-2 in a pre-tournament exhibition game.

The tournament quarterfinals are set for next Wednesday and Thursday, with semifinals on May 8, and bronze (9 a.m.) and gold medal (1:30 p.m.) games on Sunday, May 10.

Gooooooo Twins!

PHERSY: What, seriously, Joe Nathan blew a save and the Twins still won a game? That can't be right.

Yep, sure enough, Nathan gave up a solo blast last night on his first pitch, but the Twins broke the tie in their half of the ninth for a 4-3 victory.

It was an odd game. The Twins went up 2-0, then blew that lead when the Rays scored two to pull even in the sixth. The Twins scored a run in the bottom half of the inning, when James Shields plunked Brian Buscher with the bases loaded. Odd way to reclaim the lead, but whatever.

Then Nathan gives up his shot in the ninth, only to have Justin Morneau hit into what could have been an inning-ending double play in the bottom half of the inning. But Morneau beat out the throw to first and the run came across to give the Twins a 4-3 win.

Crazy, but fun game.

Still, it seems like through 21 games, the Twins have been one of the most inconsistent teams in baseball. One night they look great, then the next night they look terrible. Heck, it's been an inning-to-inning thing for this team so far this year.

One of the big things that's hampered them to this point is their hitting with runners in scoring position. Last year, the Twins hit above .300 with runners in scoring position. This year, they're hitting about .265. A 40-point drop is not good, so hopefully they can get that turned around.

It's been odd this season in that every team people seem to be ready to jump off the bandwagon or throw in the towel, the Twins deliver a big win. They go through that rough stretch, and then they get through it and give their fans something to cheer about.

Another one of the big problems has been the rotation. Most of the rotation seems to be taking a step back this season, and that's another thing that must turn around if this team is going to compete for a division title. Certainly, there's loads of potential between Perkins, Liriano, Baker, Slowey and Blackburn. I feel like they're just off to a slow start, and they'll turn it around, though. We're already seeing signs of that.

Blackburn vs. Scott Kazmir looks like a terrible matchup for the Twins (10-11) tonight. But after an exciting win like they had last night, let's hope the Twins stay jacked up and send the Rays out of town on a down note.

Mark Stuart, Bruins on Vs. Sunday

FELDY: Now that Rochester's Mark Stuart and the No. 1-seeded Boston Bruins know who they're playing in Eastern Conference semifinals (No. 6 Carolina), the series schedule is set. Games 1 and 2 are on Boston's home ice. According to bruins.nhl.com, Game 2 can be seen on Versus (Channel 35, Charter Cable) on Sunday at 6:30 CDT.

If the best 4-of-7 series goes more than four games, Game 5 (at Boston) is also scheduled to air on Versus at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 10.

With the Western Conference's No. 1 seed, San Jose, being bullied out of the playoffs by eighth-seeded Anaheim, the Bruins are the top seed left in the playoffs and they will have home ice for as long as they're alive.

The series schedule:
No. 1 BOSTON vs. No. 6 CAROLINA

Game 1: Friday, at Boston, 6:30 p.m. CDT
Game 2: Sunday, at Boston, 6:30 p.m. CDT (Versus)

Game 3: Wednesday, May 6, at Carolina, 6:30 p.m. CDT
Game 4: Friday, May 8, at Carolina, 6:30 p.m. CDT

Game 5: Sunday, May 10, at Boston, if necessary, 6:30 p.m. CDT (Versus)

Game 6: Tuesday, May 12, at Carolina, if necessary, 6 p.m. CDT

Game 7: Thursday, May 14, at Boston, if necessary, Time/TV TBD

******

PHERSY: With all due respect to Mr. Stuart, this is not the series I'm most jacked up for. As a hockey rube, it's hard not to be excited to see Washington vs. Pittsburgh. Ovechkin, Crosby, Malkin all on the ice at the same time ... that's dirty!

But I have to ask you this Feldy ... is there a better time of year? I mean, last night was a perfect example. Game 7 in the NHL playoffs is maybe the greatest sports moment around. Doesn't matter who's playing. Game 7 is going to be intense whether you care about the teams that are playing or not.

There's no hockey tonight, but then Round 2 kicks off Friday. I, for one, can't wait. Man I love me some puck playoffs!

Favre in Purple ... Get it done

FELDY: I'll make this simple. Perhaps Phersy will weigh in with his feelings on this one, if he's over the shock of the Percy Harvin pick.

1. The Vikings are a team built to win in the next two-to-three years.

2. Brett Favre still wants to play, no matter his words, and probably has two years left, maximum.

3. Is Favre better right now than Tarvaris Jackson?

4. Is Favre better right now than Sage Rosenfels?

Sounds like the biggest question left is how much will it take to get John David Booty to surrender the No. 4 jersey?

*****

PHERSY: Well Feldy, I hope Mr. Booty doesn't even have to think about that last question. While I was all about bringing Favre to Minnesota last offseason, this year, I'm taking a different approach.

In my mind, Favre made it clear last season that he's not the same player. Yes, he can still throw the ball a little bit, but he threw as many interceptions (22) as he did touchdowns last season and I think he caused Jets fans more pain than enjoyment. I also don't see Brett Favre wanting to come in and compete for a job, and there's no way Chili is handing him the keys to the offense right now, not with his boy T-Jack still around and new pick-up Sage Rosenfels.

If Favre better right now than T-Jack? Yeah, probably. But I'm not convinced that Feldy isn't a smarter QB than T-Jack, so ...

Is Favre better than Rosenfels? I don't think so. Sage can play, and he's more mobile than people think. I have a feeling he's going to be the starting QB when the season opens.

Now, I'm not saying it would be a horrible move to bring in Favre. I just wouldn't do it this offseason. Bretty's performance last year basically shows me he needs to stay retired. And I think that's exactly what he'll do.

NFL Draft: Donations are welcome for our No. 12 jersey

FELDY: If you're wondering why Phersy and I have been so silent about the the Vikings' picks in the NFL Draft, it's because Phersy is still in denial, and I'm trying to talk him down off the ledge.

If you read our lengthy online argument late last week, you'll know that Phersy is, to say the least, not enamored with Percy Harvin, the Vikings' first-round draft pick. That's understandable, considering some of the baggage Harvin brings with him from Florida. As I wrote last week, there is no defending Harvin's failed drug test at the NFL Combine; that's just pure stupidity to smoke pot shortly before YOU ARE TOLD you're going to be tested. I hope Phersy's favorite head coach, Chili, has informed Percy that he will NOT be told when the NFL decides to come drug-testing.

I would have been fine with the Vikes taking Michael Oher, the big tackle from Ole Miss, in the first round. Everything I wrote last week -- essentially begging the Vikings to pick Harvin -- was written with the thought that there was absolutely no way Oher would fall to No. 22, the Vikings' first-round pick. Still, I cannot complain because the Vikes did exactly what I had hoped for -- get Harvin in the first round, then get mammoth tackle Phil Loadholt from Oklahoma in Round 2.

(As far as the Harvin pick goes, yes, it's nice to add another playmaker to the offense, but I believe the pick was made just as much for Chili to try to save his job, and for the Vikings to put a few more fans in the out-of-date Metrodome seats.)

All of that gets us to this: Phersy and I are pooling our money (about two weeks worth of salary each) to land a hot-off-the-line No. 12 purple Percy Harvin jersey. The deal is this: If Harvin becomes a bust, I will wear the jersey every Sunday of every NFL season until Oher is out of the league. If Harvin pays off for the Vikes, Phersy will wear the No. 12 every Sunday of every NFL season until Harvin is out of the league.

So, the question becomes, how long is necessary to determine if a guy is a bust? We're thinking two years. Is that sufficient? And what should we do with the No. 12 jersey in the time being? Hang it between our desks in the P-B sports department? Make Mrs. Feldy and Mrs. Phersy wear it on alternating Sundays for the next two seasons? Any suggestions (and donations) are welcome.

*******

PHERSY: Typical Feldy. He doesn't even give me credit for dreaming up that bet ... something I was very proud of, considering how ticked off I was all weekend.

Yes, I wasn't happy with the Percy Harvin pick. It sure seems like I'm the only one. The Twin Cities media just gushed about the Vikings draft. I didn't see any member of that crew ripping the Vikings.

I understand Harvin has upside and he's a potential playmaker. But if the red-flag alarm didn't go off with this kid,  I'm pretty sure this organization officially doesn't have a red-flag alarm.

My biggest problem with the pick was that the Vikings passed on Oher. The fact that Oher slipped to the Vikings at No. 22 was a perfect storm, a gift from the football gods. But of course, our Vikings decided to pass on the gift. I really believe Oher's a kid who can start at tackle in this league for 10-plus years. Harvin's a kid who could be out of the league (because of injury or over-use of his bong) in two or three years.

Harvin has upside, there's no denying that. Some people compare him to Steve Smith, and if he ends up being half as good as Smith, picking him at No. 22 was the right move. It wasn't the smart move ... getting a tackle who can start for 10 years was the smart move.

But Harvin failed a drug test, he has injury problems (the extent of which still isn't known) and he's had anger issues since high school. If any of these problems came into play, then I think it was a terrible pick for the Vikings.

If the Vikings really did make this pick to put butts in the seats, that's silly. Maybe a few people buy tickets to see this kid this year, but if he's not on the field due to injury or suspension, then the move will backfire in a hurry.

Like Feldy, I did like the pick of Loadholt in the second round. It was an obvious pick, though. Loadholt was the best tackle left, and the Vikings HAD to take a tackle because Ryan Cook is terrible. Loadholt is really, really slow, which is why he was drafted late in the second round instead of late in the first round. But he's a mountain of a man, and hopefully he'll turn into a solid tackle who at least won't have as many penalties as Feldy's boy Cook.

All that said, I'm not feeling terrible about the Vikings. I definitely wish they would have done more this offseason, especially with their QB situation. By the way, why did the Vikings not take a QB late in the draft or sign one after the draft? I mean, Graham Harrell was still out there, the slinger from Texas Tech. I felt like they should have brought in another player to compete, but I guess Chili feels set with Rosenfels, T-Jack and Booty. Oh well.

As for the bet with Feldy, here's what I'm offering ... if Harvin has a 1,000-yard season (he can combine rushing and receiving yards to get that total, but not return yards) or makes a pro bowl in his first two years, I put on the Harvin jersey every Sunday until he's out of the league. If not, Feldy puts on the Harvin jersey every Sunday until Oher is out of the league. It's a win-win for me ... I watch the games from home on Sundays, while Feldy is out in public. He's going to look like an idiot with that Percy Harvin jersey on in 2019, when Harvin has been out of the league for eight years. Little kids will be coming up to him at Vikings games and asking him who this Harvin guy is ... I can't wait! And if Harvin ends up being a stud, sweet. I'll wear the jersey like I was on his bandwagon since Day 1. HA!

Team USA, Stuart are into second round

FELDY: The United States routed Austria, 6-1, in their second pool-play game at the IIHF World Championships in Switzerland on Monday morning. The victory assures the U.S. a spot in the qualification round, and it can finish no lower than second in its pool.

The U.S. is 2-0 in Group C play, beating Latvia on Saturday and Austria on Monday. Sweden is next up for the Americans, in the final pool play game, Wednesday at 1:15 p.m. CDT.

Rochester's Colin Stuart doesn't have a point yet,but he has found his way to the scoresheet in both games, taking a penalty in the final minute of each game. Stuart -- wearing jersey No. 49, just as he does with the Atlanta Thrashers -- is averaging about 12:30 of ice time and has three shots on goal.

Former Faribault Shattuck-St. Mary's player Drew Stafford scored once in the win over Austria, while former Minnesota-Duluth defenseman Matt Niskanen had a goal and an assist, as did Moorhead native Jason Blake. Lake of the Woods native Keith Ballard also had an assist. Phersy's guy David Backes, a former MSU, Mankato Maverick, was penalized twice against Austria.

You can follow the Worlds at USAhockey.com or IIHF.com.

Feldy stinks, but who should the Vikes take?

PHERSY: OK Feldy, we're only two days away from your favorite day of the year -- the NFL draft.

Your favorite team has the No. 22 overall pick. So Feldy, who do you think the Vikings take at No. 22. I'll take my thoughts (and my mean words) for after you respond.

Much of the day today there were reports surfacing about the Vikings being interested in Florida WR Percy Harvin. Rumor has it that Chili even flew down to Florida to speak with Harvin. That's kind of been the latest draft buzz around Winter Park. It should make for an interesting Saturday.

So Feldy, if you're the GM, who are you taking with the No. 22 pick? And how about in the second round?

• • •

FELDY: I don't actually stink. It's those shoes Phersy left under his desk.

Right off the bat, we're going to disagree on this one, Phersy. I would be fine with the Vikes taking Harvin at 22. The elephant in the room, of course, is his failed marijuana test at the NFL scouting combine. No excuse for that. None whatsoever. That's a stupid, stupid decision on Harvin's part. But ... I would bet my house and Phersy's house that Harvin isn't the first NFL-bound player to smoke pot. Again, not that it's OK, but I'm just sayin' ... (royalties go to Greg Sellnow for those last three words).

Now, we hear he's a bit of a bad teammate. Ever heard of Cris Carter? The guy was the biggest horse's-Favre I've ever seen. He'll also be in the Hall of Fame 'cuz all he did was catch touchdowns. There are enough veterans in the Vikings locker room to squash Harvin's head if he gets out of line.

The potential upside for this guy, to me, offsets the potential downside. It would be different if the Vikings were picking at, say, No. 7, where they got Adrian Peterson two years ago. But they're picking at No. 22, where it's far more permissible to take a gamble. Remember the uproar when they picked Randy Moss? They got him at No. 21.

Harvin would give this team something it badly needs: Another playmaker. Plus, he can return kicks and punts. If he's there at 22, I will absolutely be screaming at the screen in my war room for the Vikings to take him. The bottom line with this club is, it's getting older. The window of opportunity to advance deep in the playoffs is shrinking. They NEED a playmaker like Harvin.

All of that said, I think the Vikes will actually red-dot Harvin and take a tackle, probably Eben Britton. Either way, this draft is deep at tackle and receiver, and the Vikes could come back either way in Round 2, or I'd also be fine with them trading down, stockpiling some more mid-round picks (we gave up our 4th-rounder to Houston for Sage Rosenfels) and getting a guy such as Oklahoma OT Phil Loadholt, or Ohio State WR Brian Robiskie.

• • •

PHERSY: Old shoes? No Feldy, you do actually stink. The guys in the office have been trying to figure out a way to tell you, and I figured this was as good as any.

And you are right Feldy, we're going to disagree on this one ... big time!

So now Percy Harvin is Randy Moss??? Come on. Percy Harvin is NOT Randy Moss. He's not even close to Randy Moss.

And the biggest difference here (aside from skill, speed, hands, size) is health. Yes, both Moss and Harvin had off-the-field issues. But Harvin has some serious health concerns. Harvin is talented, there's no doubt. But if that talent isn't on the field, then what good is it.

The NY Daily News is reporting that there is a hole in one of the bones in Harvin's foot, and that will require more surgery. He's had several injuries in his college career, and he's already had multiple surgeries.

The failed drug test is another mess. I mean, you know you're going to be tested at the combine, which in my mind means he just didn't care.

How many red flags do you need Feldy? This guy has been a punk at every step of the way, high school through college and right up until the combine, and he's also had injury problems. Yet you want to use a first-round pick on him?

I don't get it. Everything about Harvin screams bust. So I think the Vikings need to pass on him in the first round. There's no question there is upside there, and if he stays healthy and out of trouble, there's a chance he could develop into a top-end NFL receiver. But there are too many ifs. Taking a receiver in the first round is one of the biggest gambles an NFL team can make (right up there with QB). It's just not worth it. I'm not saying the Vikings won't do it (I mean, this team has done crazier things), but if I'm the GM, I stay away.

The safe pick is Britton. If he's sitting there at No. 22, the Vikings need to grab him. Feldy's guy Ryan Cook has proven he's not a starting tackle in the NFL, so the Vikings need a guy who can step in right away. I think Britton is that guy. Maybe they can move Cook back to center and he can compete with Sullivan for the starting spot this season.

One thing is for sure ... draft experts are all over the place on who they have the Vikings taking. I've seen many going with Harvin or Britton, but others have said Rutgers WR Kenny Britt, Kansas State QB Josh Freeman, Connecticut CB Darius Butler, Oregon C Max Unger and Illinois CB Vontae Davis. And there are many more names out there. I'm not sure if it's just that the Vikings are a crazy team or if these "draft experts" know nothing. Probably a little of both. One recent mock I read had Jeremy Maclin slipping all the way down to No. 22. If that happens, I'd love to see the Vikings go that way, even though I'm not a fan of taking WRs in Round 1. Of course, that won't happen, but we can dream.

If you're looking for Mock Draft central, check out this Web site ... mock draft database. They have so many mock drafts, it will make your head spin.

•••

PHERSY: OK, well this is where Feldy should be typing ... but I just had an idea (yeah, I know, first time for everything).

Feldy wants the Vikings to take Percy Harvin with that No. 1 pick. If you're so set on a receiver, why not offer that first-round pick to Arizona for Anquan Boldin? I'd say he's a sure bet compared to Harvin. If the Vikings are really set on getting a WR, then why not make this move or at least try to make this move? Very little risk. Yes, you have to pay Boldin, but you already know he can be a top-end receiver in the NFL. And he hasn't tested positive for taking any bong rips lately, at least that I know of.

Seems like a no-brainer to me. Feldy, you'll have to explain to me why this move isn't much more attractive than your new man crush, Percy Harvin.

•••

FELDY: Oh boy, so many words put into my mouth by Phersy, so little time to respond.

Randy Moss? I didn't say he's the next Randy Moss, but he is unquestionably a playmaker, which again is exactly what this team needs. Phersy you're OK with Britton, the "safe pick." This team doesn't need a safe pick, doesn't have time for a safe pick, it needs someone to make the passing game a bigger threat. We obviously can't trust Sidney Rice and Bobby Wade is, well, Bobby Wade.

If the Vikes decide to take Britton at 22, I'm cool with that. It's obvious the Purple needs a tackle; I just think there are enough good tackles in this draft that they can find one in Round 2.

As for Boldin, I wouldn't be against that trade. He is more of a sure bet than Harvin, but the Cardinals are looking for a Roy Williams-type trade (remember, he went to Dallas for a first, a third and a sixth) because Boldin is a better receiver. Let's say the Cards asked for a first and a third for Boldin. Do you really want to keep mortgaging the team's future by giving up high draft picks, for a receiver who is 30 years old this season? ... I know I just said this team needs to win now, but if it keeps giving up first round picks it's going to become the Detroit Lions in three or four years.

On top of that, Boldin isn't exactly Mr. Team Leader. I'm fully aware his red flags aren't nearly as numerous as Harvin's, but what do you make of Bolding pouting, showering and leaving the locker room without celebrating just minutes after his team MADE IT TO THE SUPER BOWL!?! That smacks of selfishness.

If the Vikes are going to pursue a trade for a receiver, I'd rather see them make a run at Braylon Edwards from Cleveland.

I will agree with you on one more thing, Phersy: My head is definitely spinning as to who the Vikes will take after reading through all the mock drafts out there. Harvin, Britton, Britt, Butler, Unger, Davis ... you could make compelling arguments for drafting any of those guys, and I wouuldn't be upset with any of them. It's just that I want Harvin. That said, I would be somewhat upset if the Vikings traded up to get him. I'd prefer to see them stat at No. 22 or move down, because there are so many good players in this draft at positions they need to fill.

And I'll give you this, Phersy: If Harvin is the selection; Childress, Rick Spielman and Zygi Wilf better hold a public bonfire to burn that "Culture of Accountability" book, or whatever it is that they have at Winter Park. They can't ever use that term again, and, in all honesty, it should have been stricken from their vocabulary after Dwight Smith's incident and Bryant McKinnie's (and signing Fred Evans).

***

PHERSY: Feldy, you're talking out of both sides of your mouth. You say the Vikings are built to win now. What makes you so sure Harvin can help the Vikings win now? What makes him special? He never had a 1,000-yard receiving season in college, and you totally skipped over his injury history. Honestly, that's what concerns me most. He's dinged up, always! And with the latest reports, he may need more surgery before the Vikings even open camp.

Harvin's injury problems should concern people above all else. But on top of that, why are we all so sure he's going to be a great NFL player? He's only 5-foot-11, and yes, he's fast. I watched Harvin play maybe nine or 10 times in his college career. He's a nice receiver. But he's not Michael Crabtree. Harvin had just two 100-yard receiving games this season, and he caught a total of three passes over his team's final four regular-season games (of course, he was hurt during that time ... again). His best college season was his sophomore year, when he had a little more than 800 yards receiving and four receiving TDs.

He's never put up unreal numbers, like Crabtree or other elite receivers.

So let's just assume Harvin will be healthy and stay out of trouble, why will he be a stud in the NFL? How many rookie receivers make an impact? Very few, and there seems to be nothing to indiciate Harvin will be that guy. If the Vikings are set up to win now, then why not trade for an established receiver, as opposed to drafting a guy who has a little potential?

I will be seriously upset if the Vikings take Harvin at No. 22 today. Hopefully someone else will take the risk and draft him before Chili and the boys have the chance to make the mistake.

Get a tackle, solidify the line and let's see what these boys can do!

Whatever Feldy?!

PHERSY: Jeez, I get called out by Feldy ... what's that all about? I figured I'd wait until at least one reader called me out, but apparently I'm not loved, so ...

Anyway, I really have no excuse. I've been covering lots of high school golf this week, which has been nice. Of course, Monday wasn't nice. I battled the rain, sleet, wind and cold along with the high school golfers that day, but yesterday was great out at the Mayo Invite. And Papa G took care of me! He's the man!

What else is going on ... well, No. 1, the Twins got smoked in both games of a doubleheader yesterday. I followed Game 1 with my cell phone while covering golf, then watched most of Game 2 when I got home. Ugh. Are you ready to hit the panic button on the Twins yet? I'm not quite there, but I'm getting close. The rotation needs to shape up in a hurry. I didn't envision those guys taking a step back this season. Hopefully they'll get the kinks out and be good to go the rest of the way ...

Oh yeah, NHL playoffs are going on. It's probably my favorite time of the year. You can flip on the TV, and it doesn't matter who's playing, I'll watch it. Gotta love the chase for Lord Stanley's Cup. Speaking of calling somone out, I'm calling out Feldy on his NHL picks ... he basically picked the higher seed in every series (and he literally picked the higher seed in every first-round series). Way to put your neck out there Feldy. As for my picks, I'm taking Detroit. The Red Wing are playing better than anyone right now ... they've just kicked it into another gear. I love what Boston is doing, too, because they can adapt to whatever style of play you want. Want to be physical? They can do that. Boston and Detroit are the teams to beat in my book. And how about San Jose? Everyone was talking about how this was going to be the year they got rid of their playoff curse. Well, it's tough to play hockey with your hands around your throat. ...

That's all I've got for now. Feldy and I will be on here between now and Draft Day to kick around some thoughts on the Purple. Rumors are swirling about the Vikings and Percy Harvin. I pray (and I mean PRAY) that the Vikings don't make that mistake! We'll have to wait and see.

Stuart, USA open Worlds play on Saturday

FELDY: First off, has anyone seen Phersy? Last I heard he was still curled up in the fetal position in his basement after the Ice Hawks came so close to reaching the national semifinals, but just missed. I haven't heard from him since. Someone texts me once in a while from his phone, but I can't be certain it's him. Anyhow, Ice Hawks rubes, I'm putting out an APB for our guy Phersy. If you see him, let him know his blog misses him. Now, some hockey stuff ...

One thing that should make Phersy happy: Former MSU, Mankato forward David Backes has been added to the U.S. roster for the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships, which begin this week in Switzerland. Another Minnesota native, T.J. Oshie, was also added to the roster. Backes and Oshie were both added today, now that their St. Louis Blues were eliminated from the NHL playoffs.

The 2009 IIHF World Championships open on Friday, but the United States team (of which Rochester native Colin Stuart is a member) will open pool play Saturday against Latvia at 9:15 a.m. CDT.

The United States will then play Austria at 9:15 a.m. Monday and close pool play on Wednesday at 11:15 a.m. against Sweden.

The qualification rounds will be held April 30-May 4, with the quarterfinals scheduled for May 6-7, the semifinals on May 8, and the bronze and gold medal games on May 10.

Here is the official Team USA site for the World Championships. On that site you can find the entire team roster, schedule, stats, and media guide. The U.S. lost an exhibition game to Switzerland, 5-2, on Tuesday night. From just looking at the box score, I'd guess we'll see more of Robert Esche in goal than Al Montoya.

Here is a link to the IIHF World Championships site.