espn.com Ali Contest
There are three guarantees about the NFL draft: The Bengals will screw up, TV analysts will indulge themselves in meaningless stats, and every coach will say he "really, really likes" his new players. Page 2's Gregg Easterbrook examines all this "truth-stretching," then tries to stretch your brain with his draft IQ test, the TMQlic.
TMQ: LIE DETECTOR | TMQLIC TEST




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At one time, Drew Bledsoe was a New England sports icon -- a howitzer-armed QB who gave everything he had on the playing field. But the dirty little secret New England fans could never admit to themselves was this: Bledsoe's "everything" was seldom enough. Now that Bledsoe has shuffled off to Buffalo, The Sports Guy looks back on what was ... and what should have been.

The Power Poll Mystery Photo
The Mariners, Red Sox and Pirates -- yes, the Pirates! -- are en fuego, the Lakers are focused and the Canucks are opening eyes, but Page 2 is looking elsewhere for No. 1 in its Power Poll ... to a sport that isn't even playing. It's the NFL draft, where everything is bigger than life -- whether we're talking booms or busts.
It appears David Wells is really rubbing off on El Duque. While these two Yankees pitchers share the same hairstyle, Page 2 couldn't figure out what was going on with the pair in this week's Mystery Photo. As usual, we need you to provide us with some sort of explanation. We'll run the best responses Wednesday.

NFL DRAFT REVIEW
After a first round that seemed to last for two days, the annual meat market known as the NFL draft is now history for another year. So who were the big winners and losers? Page 2's Ralph Wiley pulls no punches in passing judgment on all 32 teams.


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.


THE WATER COOLER
Page 2's Brian Murphy welcomes the first class of inductees into the Cooler Hall of Fame.

LET US PRAY
While investigating the TigerWoodsisGod.com website, Page 2's Jim Caple confesses some skepticism at the alter of the Church of Tiger.

THE SPORTS GUY
Page 2's Bill Simmons tries to forecast which team will be the ultimate "Survivor" of the NBA postseason.

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.

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.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's Warriors guard Bob Sura, left, and actor Stephen Baldwin from "Slap Shot II." Page 2 has received 10 requests for this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.

Bruins at Canadiens
7 p.m. ET, ESPN2 (regional)
Game 3 of even series or some get Game 4 of Devils-Hurricanes.
 
Blues at Blackhawks
8 p.m. ET, ESPN
St. Louis goes for commanding 3-1 lead.
 
Jazz at Kings
10:30 p.m. ET, TBS
Jazz try to even series before heading to Utah.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Mon., April 22: Grading the Beef
• Fri., April 19: Tribe Has Spoken
• Thurs., April 18: Move Over, Mel
• Wed., April 17: Icy Hot

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
Tuesday, April 23, 2002
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