A few of the stories we're reading this morning:
Boston's Zdeno Chara leveled Montreal's Max Pacioretty on Tuesday night, setting the hockey world ablaze in the reality that even the hardest hits are sometimes impossible to decidedly call either "dirty" or "clean." Fans and media from both sides as well as neutral parties couldn't come anywhere near a consensus on whether the hit was deserving of further discipline from the league. The stanchion played a big role in Pacioretty's injury, which is now known to be a fractured vertebrae and a severe concussion. Yesterday, the league decided the penalty called on the ice was sufficient, and Chara will not be suspended. What do you think? [Puck Daddy, where video is available if you haven't seen it]
I don't know about you, but I think Jayson Stark is one of the best baseball analysts in the national media today, if not the best. Scratch that, he is the best, in my opinion. So when I caught Jon Marks teasing a replay of Mikey Miss's interview with Stark from earlier in the day on my ride home last night, I was eager to hear what he had to say about the big Utley news yesterday. Stark lays out a few of the possible timeframes, but admits no one really knows, but he also gets into some of the options the Phils have at 2B. Looks like they might have been preparing for this under the radar... [97.5 The Fanatic]
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Philadelphia sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Following a more positive story out of Phils camp, Jim Salisbury continues to track the contract situation of our skipper, with the current update being that Charlie and the team are nearing a deal on his extension. Long live Charlie. [CSNPhilly] Update! Reports are that Charlie and the Phils have agreed on a 2-year extension. More to come.
John Smallwood says that last night's Sixers loss was a big reminder that this team still lacks a superstar. [Daily News]
Ryan Bright checks in with Peter Nowak on the Philadelphia Union's progress in pre-season action. The Phillies aren't the only season opener that's almost here... The U get underway later this month, with first kick less than 2 weeks away (3/19). [CSNPhilly]
Finally, in remembrance of Biggie, whose passing anniversary was yesterday, we bring you this:
News
h/t: Flyers Goal Scored By, who actually has a much more important Flyers video. Must see stuff. Seriously go watch this right now. This is why there's a Youtube. In the words of that immortal song... America, this is you. I'm thinking we get this guy up in the opposite end of the upper bowl to have a dance-off with Shawny.