By Ryan “The Goose” Gosiker
The statistics are staggering on the number of New Year’s resolutions that fail and fail before the even reach 2-3 months. In the sports universe, teams need to stick to theirs and this article will run through the various teams and sports and determine what each team’s resolution should be. Let’s start in the hockey world. If you are the Buffalo Sabres, your resolution has to be to obtain bubble wrap to keep Tage Thompson, a 6’6” 220-pound scoring machine, healthy. The NJ Devils must get a goaltender. This is a need, much more than a want. Heck, I am available to play if they need me to, but there has to be some shakeup in the net. John Gibson from Anaheim comes to mind. The question remains: at what cost? However, with a roster built to win now, should there be a price too high? Time will tell and Tom Fitzgerald must get creative. The NY Islanders New Year’s resolution has to be to find a new General Manager. Lou Lamoriello is well-respected and was terrific with the Devils both as a coach and GM. However, it is time. He handed out 7-year contract extensions like they were candy last offseason while the team is stuck in the middle with goalie who can pitch a 50-save shutout whenever he feels like it. The NY Rangers one and only resolution needs to be winning the Stanley Cup. Nothing less. 1994 was the last time they won it and prior to that was BEFORE World War II! They need a Cup in the worst way. On the diamond, the Mets New Year’s resolution should be patience. Earth to Mets fans, they are not signing the equivalent to the 1998 Yankees. This team will have journeymen and players you have never heard of yet. Give David Stearns and the rest of the front office time to implement their system and processes. Be patient. For the Yankees, their resolution must be a new closer. Clay Holmes did not cut it last season and their bullpen was stellar except in the backend, late in games. Josh Hader is a name to watch, an expensive one, but one they should target. The NY Giants resolution should be to keep Wink Martindale. He certainly wasn’t the issue this season and his defense kept them in games throughout the season. The NY Jets resolution should be to make the playoffs. Sorry, not the Super Bowl. You have to get to the postseason first, figure that out first. The Brooklyn Nets and NY Knicks need a superstar. The Knicks to reach the conference title and the Nets just to make the playoffs. Both need a superstar. ASAP. Teams should file this away for their lates resolutions. Check out my sports show: “Game Time with The Goose” every Saturday from 8:00 to 9:00 AM on WTBQ AM 1110 FM 93.5 and on WGHT Radio with co-host Zach Kruk, Sports Director of WTBQ and WGHT!
