espn.com Ali Contest
If you're a degenerate NFL bettor wondering what to do in the offseason, a Red Sox fan wondering whether it's OK to date a Yankees fan, a voyeur wondering about "Freebies" lists or an NBA FAN-atic trying to put together an All-Asphalt Team, then Page 2's Bill Simmons has an answer for you ... like it or not.
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When Detroit fans at a Pistons-Raptors playoff game booed the Canadian national anthem recently, it got Page 2's Jim Caple thinking about the recent post-9/11 breakout of patriotic music at sporting events ... and he's wondering if it might not be time for a timeout. However, if teams insist on playing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at every opportunity, Caple has a few rules they ought to keep in mind.

Ageless wonder Sportoon
What's the story with John Stockton of the Jazz, who are giving the NBA's top-seeded Kings the scare of their lives? Found the Fountain of Youth? Sold his soul to the devil? Whatever, Page 2's Eric Neel makes a case that Stockton is the best -- and most amazing -- post-40-year-old team athlete ever.
 NBA and NHL playoffs are in the midst of their annual spring dances, and Page 2 cartoonist Kurt Snibbe noticed a number of similar terms creeping into the lexicon of these two very different games. As a service to our readers, Snibbe illustrates a glossary of differences between these parallel sports.

WHO'S THE LUCKIEST MAN ALIVE?
Eight sports icons duke it out for one of Page 2's most coveted titles, the Luckiest Man Alive. Consider the merits of each candidate, then use your vote wisely in the first round. And remember to come back next week and vote in the semis and finals.


You've already taken a look at Page 2's top 10 postseason performances in NHL history. Now check out how our readers ranked their choices and vote in the poll to crown the No. 1 Stanley Cup playoff performance of all time.

10]  Patrick Roy (2001)
"He proved he's the best to ever play in net because he can get it done in the postseason when it matters most."
8]  tie Ron Hextall (1987)
"He took a team, without two of its best players, to the seventh game of the finals against probably one of the best teams in the history of the league."
8]  tie Bobby Orr (1970)
"The guy held down the Bruins defense while leading the team's offense. That's like Pedro hitting .300 with 25 dingers for the Red Sox."
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NBA futures: Odds to win championship (4/26)
Lakers 6-5 76ers 30-1
Kings 4-1 Nets 15-1
Spurs 8-1 Pistons 12-1
Mavericks 5-1 Celtics 10-1
NHL futures: Odds to win Stanley Cup (4/26)
Red Wings 2-1 Sharks 6-1
Avalanche 7-2 Bruins 10-1
Maple Leafs 8-1 Blues 5-1
Senators 7-1 Devils 15-1
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 SPORTS GUY
Page 2's Bill Simmons had a lot on his mind, so he had to spill some of it out in the latest editiion of The Ramblings.

REEL LIFE
Closer Look examines how much the real-life "Field of Dreams" resembles the reel-life "Field of Dreams."

CRITICAL MASS
Eric Neel grooves to Jurassic 5 and the Sacramento Kings and gets inspired by "Eco-Challenge" in his roundup of sports and pop culture.

TMQ
Page 2's Gregg Easterbrook cuts through all the coachspeak to interpret the 2002 NFL draft.

DRAFT DOGMA
On draft day, all the NFL prospects look good. Page 2's Ralph Wiley tells you who won't look good when the games begin.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


At least 12 readers believe these two tough bosses resemble each other, except for the mustache: Mr. Spacely of "The Jetsons" and Hall of Fame coach Scotty Bowman, right, of the Detroit Red Wings. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.

Islanders at Maple Leafs
7 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Hard-hitting series is all tied up, heading into crucial Game 5.
 
Nets at Pacers
8:30 p.m. ET, TNT
No. 1 New Jersey has tough task in even series.
 
Coyotes at Sharks
10 p.m. ET, ESPN2
San Jose tries to finish off Phoenix in Game 5.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Thurs., April 25: Feeling Lucky?
• Wed., April 24: Head Games
• Tues., April 23: Draft Lies
• Mon., April 22: Grading the Beef
• Fri., April 19: Tribe Has Spoken

Other featured content:
• What the heck are they thinking?
• Philadelphia's Floppers
• Mystery Photo
• The Power Poll
• 10 Burning Questions for Mel Kiper Jr.
• What's Hot/Not for NHL playoffs
• Anna Kournikova vs. Marilyn Monroe
Weekend Edition, April 26-28, 2002
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