espn.com Ali Contest
The NFL draft is like a beauty contest -- compared to the average person, they all look good, and the winners are in the eyes of the beholder. With that in mind, Page 2's Ralph Wiley and Road Dog engage in a spirited analysis of who moved closer to the Super Bowl -- and who got closer to the dumper -- on pro football's big weekend.
WILEY: DRAFT GRADES | SPORTOON




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As he sat with his eyes glued to the NFL draft, Brian Murphy's mind began to drift, and then to numb. When the Page 2 columnist came out of his coma, a great idea flew into his brain. Unfortunately, he forgot it -- and instead decided to start the Cooler Hall of Fame. Meet the first class of inductees -- Mr. Draft Guru, "G," the Chairman of the Board and a former gridiron grunt from Florida State.

On the Clock ... Forever God Complex
In what seems like a few minutes ago, Washington selected Tulane quarterback Patrick Ramsey with the 32nd and final pick of the first round. Now that sports has something to rival the Oscars telecast, we shook awake Page 2 cartoonist Larry Johnson to get his take on the 2002 NFL draft.
 Page 2 has always felt that El Tigre had a lot going for him -- a killer golf game, a gorgeous girlfriend, plus riches and fame. But even we didn't suspect how much he really had going for him ... until Page 2's Jim Caple clicked onto TigerWoodsisGod.com and filed this stunning investigative report.

THE SPORTS GUY'S NBA PLAYOFF PREVIEW
If you spent the entire weekend watching the NFL draft, we'd like to inform you that the NBA playoffs are under way. Don't worry, we can catch you up fast. Just know that New Jersey was the only higher seed to lose its opener, and then check out The Sports Guy's playoff preview and our list of What's Hot and What's Not for pro hoops' postseason.


It's playoff time, so Page 2 has compiled its list of the top 10 postseason performances in NHL history. Take a look at our list, then send us your choice. Later this week, we'll run our readers' choices for the top Stanley Cup playoff performances, along with a poll to crown the No. 1 choice.

10]  Normie Smith (1936)
Against the defending Stanley Cup champion Montreal Maroons in the first game of their semifinal playoff, the Detroit goalie held the Maroons goalless through six overtimes.
9]  Brian Leetch and Mark Messier (1994)
Leetch won the Conn Smythe Trophy, and Messier scored the Stanley Cup-winning goal in Game 7.
8]   Bernie Parent (1975)
Parent shut out opponents four times in 15 playoff games, compiling a 1.89 GAA, as the Flyers won the Stanley Cup for the second year in a row.
7]   Ken Dryden (1971)
The rookie netminder tended goal in all 20 of Montreal's playoff games, including the Canadiens' victory in Game 7 of the finals against the Blackhawks.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NBA futures: Odds to win championship (4/19)
Lakers 7-5 76ers 12-1
Kings 7-2 Nets 12-1
Spurs 7-1 Pistons 15-1
Mavericks 7-1 Celtics 15-1
NHL futures: Odds to win Stanley Cup (4/19)
Red Wings 7-2 Sharks 7-1
Avalanche 4-1 Bruins 8-1
Maple Leafs 6-1 Blues 10-1
Flyers 7-1 Blackhawks 10-1
Complete Line


 
Got a comment about something you've seen on Page 2?
Here's your chance to sound off to the editors and columnists.


WEEK IN REVIEW
Page 2's Jim Caple takes a look back at the past week for the fan who just can't believe all the stuff going on in modern sports.

BRIGHT IDEAS
There are good ideas in sports ... and then there are ideas that don't quite work. From The Masters to the NFL draft to the NBA, Page 2's Ralph Wiley details a little of both.

THE SPORTS GUY
Page 2's Bill Simmons finally relented and saw "The Rookie," and he loved it without any arm-twisting from his bosses at Disney.

CRITICAL MASS
Page 2's Eric Neel reviews the latest in sports pop culture, including the new "Bull Durham" DVD, a book on poker and SI's article on posses.

MOCKING BIRD
In his first Tuesday Morning Quarterback column for Page 2, Gregg Easterbrook makes a mockery of mock drafts.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


If "The Sopranos" need a stand-in for "A.J." while actor Robert Iler, left, sorts out his legal troubles, the producers might want to talk to 76ers forward Matt Harpring. This match was requested by Michael Troiano of Houston. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.

Pacers at Nets
7 p.m. ET, TNT
Indiana goes for improbable 2-0 lead.
 
White Sox at Indians
7 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Chicago can make Cleveland forget about that hot start.
 
Sharks at Coyotes
10 p.m. ET, ESPN2 (regional)
Tied at a game apiece, this is looking like a long series (or Avs at Kings).
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Fri., April 19: Tribe Has Spoken
• Thurs., April 18: Move Over, Mel
• Wed., April 17: Icy Hot
• Tues., April 16: Mockery Draft

Other featured content:
• 10 Burning Questions for Mel Kiper Jr.
• What's Hot/Not for NHL playoffs
• Sportoon: NFL draft quiz
• What the Heck Are They Thinking?
• 10 Burning Questions for Samuel L. Jackson
• Anna Kournikova vs. Marilyn Monroe
Monday, April 22, 2002
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