It’s mid-may – the weather is heating up and so Is the NHL, where round three of the playoffs, the Conference Finals, are underway.
In the Western conference, the Anaheim Ducks are battling the Chicago Blackhawks, in a series currently tied 1-1. In the first game of the matchup, Anaheim defeated Chicago, 4-1. The Ducks scored a goal in each of the first two periods and closed out the game with two more goals in the final period. Chicago scored its single goal in the second period. In Game 2, Chicago came out strong, scoring two goals in the first period. Anaheim scored one goal in each of the first two periods. The third period was scoreless and therefore the game went into overtime. And not just one overtime – the game proceeded to triple OT! There are no ties in hockey playoffs so the show had to continue. Despite Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen making 53 saves in the game, it just wasn’t enough. In the third period of OT, Marcus Kruger was able to score for Chicago, allowing the Blackhawks to come out victorious. The first two games were in Anaheim and the next two in the best-of-seven series will be in Chicago. Game three will take place on Thursday, May 21st.
In the Eastern conference, the New York Rangers and the Tampa Bay Lightning are also tied 1-1. The first two games were held in New York and the series has now moved to Tampa. In Game 1, the Rangers won 2-1, as the Lightning were only able to score one goal in the final period. In Game 2, Tampa Bay creamed New York, winning 6-3. The Lightning scored two goals in the first period, one in the second and finished the game with three goals in the third period. New York scored a goal in the first period and again in the second, but were no matchup for the Lightning’s offense. A key to victory for the Rangers in Game 3 will be to stay out of the penalty box. The Lightning had decent success in the second game as a result of power play opportunities. The Rangers must also find a way to stop Tampa Bay’s line that includes Tyler Johnson, Nikita Kucherov and Ondrej Palat, who have scored half of the Lightning’s post season goals thusfar. For Tampa Bay to come out victorious, the team will need to play strong in the middle as they did in the last game, and will also need to play physical. Game 3 takes place Wednesday night and Game 4 is scheduled for Friday, May 22nd.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Monday, May 11, 2015
NBA Playoffs
The most magical time of the year for professional basketball fans is from April through mid-June, where the NBA Playoffs take place. Or as the NBA’s slogan states: Where Amazing Happens. Killer dunks, big blocks, smooth 3-pointers, beautiful passes and total teamwork take place on the court.
The 2015 NBA playoffs are under way, with the Eastern and Western Semi-Conference Finals. Each series is determined by the best of seven games. In the East, the Chicago Bulls are battling the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Atlanta Hawks are taking on the Washington Wizards. Even with their star John Wall out due to a hand injury, the Wizards have taken a 2-1 lead over the Atlanta Hawks in the series, most recently beating the Hawks on Saturday night. The Atlanta Hawks have played remarkably well this season due in large part to their stars, Al Horford, Jeff Teague and Kyle Korver. While they managed to move past the first round of the playoffs, defeating the Brooklyn Nets, they have historically struggled to move forward in the post-season.
The Bulls beat the Milwaukee Bucks in six games. In Game 6, they sent a message loud and clear that they were the better team, defeating the Bucks by a solid 54 points. The Cavs swept the Boston Celtics in the first round, but are currently down 2-1 in their series with the Bulls. Derek Rose hit an amazing buzzer beater shot in Game 3, allowing the Bulls to take the victory. Many expect this to be a close series and go the full seven games as Lebron James and Derrick Rose attempt to take their teams all the way.
In the Western semi-conference finals, the Golden State Warriors are facing off against the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Clippers are facing the Houston Rockets. The LA Clippers had a hard-earned victory over the reigning champion San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs, going to all seven games. The Houston Rockets beat their cross-state Texas rivals, the Dallas Mavericks in round 1 of the playoffs and are now down 2-1 against Blake Griffin and the Clippers. The Rockets have Dwight Howard and James Harden, who was considered a top contender for the MVP title.
The Warriors defeated the New Orleans Pelicans in a 4-game sweep. Warriors Stephen Curry was also named the NBA’s MVP of the season. The Grizzlies defeated Portland in round 1 and face off against the Warriors again Saturday night at home. Currently, the series is tied 1-1.
After this round concludes, the conference finals will take place and then the NBA Championship series will occur.
The 2015 NBA playoffs are under way, with the Eastern and Western Semi-Conference Finals. Each series is determined by the best of seven games. In the East, the Chicago Bulls are battling the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Atlanta Hawks are taking on the Washington Wizards. Even with their star John Wall out due to a hand injury, the Wizards have taken a 2-1 lead over the Atlanta Hawks in the series, most recently beating the Hawks on Saturday night. The Atlanta Hawks have played remarkably well this season due in large part to their stars, Al Horford, Jeff Teague and Kyle Korver. While they managed to move past the first round of the playoffs, defeating the Brooklyn Nets, they have historically struggled to move forward in the post-season.
The Bulls beat the Milwaukee Bucks in six games. In Game 6, they sent a message loud and clear that they were the better team, defeating the Bucks by a solid 54 points. The Cavs swept the Boston Celtics in the first round, but are currently down 2-1 in their series with the Bulls. Derek Rose hit an amazing buzzer beater shot in Game 3, allowing the Bulls to take the victory. Many expect this to be a close series and go the full seven games as Lebron James and Derrick Rose attempt to take their teams all the way.
In the Western semi-conference finals, the Golden State Warriors are facing off against the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Clippers are facing the Houston Rockets. The LA Clippers had a hard-earned victory over the reigning champion San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs, going to all seven games. The Houston Rockets beat their cross-state Texas rivals, the Dallas Mavericks in round 1 of the playoffs and are now down 2-1 against Blake Griffin and the Clippers. The Rockets have Dwight Howard and James Harden, who was considered a top contender for the MVP title.
The Warriors defeated the New Orleans Pelicans in a 4-game sweep. Warriors Stephen Curry was also named the NBA’s MVP of the season. The Grizzlies defeated Portland in round 1 and face off against the Warriors again Saturday night at home. Currently, the series is tied 1-1.
After this round concludes, the conference finals will take place and then the NBA Championship series will occur.
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Detroit Red Wings in the first round of the NHL playoffs earlier this week. This series went the full seven games as neither team could gain enough momentum for back-to-back wins until the final two.
In Game 1, the Red Wings defeated the Lightning, 3-2. In Game 2, Tampa Bay won with a score of 5-1. The victory for Game 3 went back to the Red Wings, where goalie Petr Mrazek was able to shutout the Lightning. The Red Wings won, 3-0. In Game 4, the Lightning defeated Detroit, 3-2. Detroit had similar results to Game 3 in Game 5, where Mrazek was able to execute another shutout. In Game 6, the Lightning came out victorious with a final score of 5-2. In Game 7, the Lightning were able to repeat success, winning the game 2-0. Lightning goalie, Ben Bishop made 31 saves in the final game. Defensemen Braydon Coburn scored the game winning goal and defensemen Anton Stralman followed that up with the game-sealing goal.
Despite being the second leading scorer in the NHL’s regular season (43 goals), Lightning Center Steven Stamkos was shutout from scoring in the Detroit series. With so much focus on defending him from Tampa Bay’s opponents, opportunities have opened for other Lightning players to make big plays, not just in the Detroit series, but throughout the season. With a strong combination of young, energetic players and experienced veterans including recent player acquisitions, the Lightning are in a good position to continue advancing through the playoffs.
The Lightning begin the second round of the playoffs on Friday vs. the Montreal Canadiens. The Lightning went 5-0 when facing the Canadiens in the regular season this year. Bishop was in goal for each of these five matchups. Each team had to work hard to earn its place here playing past the first round. The biggest key to victory for the Lightning is to keep Stamkos and Bishop playing at their full potential.
In Game 1, the Red Wings defeated the Lightning, 3-2. In Game 2, Tampa Bay won with a score of 5-1. The victory for Game 3 went back to the Red Wings, where goalie Petr Mrazek was able to shutout the Lightning. The Red Wings won, 3-0. In Game 4, the Lightning defeated Detroit, 3-2. Detroit had similar results to Game 3 in Game 5, where Mrazek was able to execute another shutout. In Game 6, the Lightning came out victorious with a final score of 5-2. In Game 7, the Lightning were able to repeat success, winning the game 2-0. Lightning goalie, Ben Bishop made 31 saves in the final game. Defensemen Braydon Coburn scored the game winning goal and defensemen Anton Stralman followed that up with the game-sealing goal.
Despite being the second leading scorer in the NHL’s regular season (43 goals), Lightning Center Steven Stamkos was shutout from scoring in the Detroit series. With so much focus on defending him from Tampa Bay’s opponents, opportunities have opened for other Lightning players to make big plays, not just in the Detroit series, but throughout the season. With a strong combination of young, energetic players and experienced veterans including recent player acquisitions, the Lightning are in a good position to continue advancing through the playoffs.
The Lightning begin the second round of the playoffs on Friday vs. the Montreal Canadiens. The Lightning went 5-0 when facing the Canadiens in the regular season this year. Bishop was in goal for each of these five matchups. Each team had to work hard to earn its place here playing past the first round. The biggest key to victory for the Lightning is to keep Stamkos and Bishop playing at their full potential.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
NFL Draft
As the NFL Draft gets closer each day, predictions for picks are running high by analysts and fans alike. Will FSU quarterback Jameis Winston go #1 or will be it be Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the first pick and many people predict the team will select Winston. From a marketing and revenue standpoint, Winston is the clear winner. With a large Seminole alumni and fan base, the interest is already there. The Bucs have continued to struggle in recent years. While his on-field performance, Winston has proven his skills countless times, however his off-field behavior and decisions have many questioning his character and may impose a risk for any potential teams.
Both Winston and Mariota had successful seasons and have proven their capabilities in high-pressure games. In addition to the Bucs, the Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Oakland Raiders and Washington Redskins have the other top four picks, respectively. Offensive linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (Florida), defensive end Leonard Williams (USC), wide receiver Amari Cooper (Alabama), offensive linebacker Vic Beasley (Clemson), guard Brandon Scherff (Iowa), wide receiver Kevin White (West Virginia) and defensive end Shane Ray (Missouri) are additional prospects whose names are repetitively raised as top draft prospects. Similar to the Bucs, the Jags selecting Fowler Jr. seems like a no-brainer from a marketing and ticket sales perspective. Jacksonville has a large Florida Gator alumni base. As Super Bowl champions, finishing last season on the highest note, the New England Patriots will have the 32nd and final pick in the first round of this year’s draft.
The NFL draft has been held in New York City since 1963. Prior to 1963, it was held in Chicago where it will return this year. Round 1 begins on April 30th, rounds 2 and 3 will take place on May 1st and rounds 4-7 will conclude on Saturday, May 2nd.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the first pick and many people predict the team will select Winston. From a marketing and revenue standpoint, Winston is the clear winner. With a large Seminole alumni and fan base, the interest is already there. The Bucs have continued to struggle in recent years. While his on-field performance, Winston has proven his skills countless times, however his off-field behavior and decisions have many questioning his character and may impose a risk for any potential teams.
Both Winston and Mariota had successful seasons and have proven their capabilities in high-pressure games. In addition to the Bucs, the Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Oakland Raiders and Washington Redskins have the other top four picks, respectively. Offensive linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (Florida), defensive end Leonard Williams (USC), wide receiver Amari Cooper (Alabama), offensive linebacker Vic Beasley (Clemson), guard Brandon Scherff (Iowa), wide receiver Kevin White (West Virginia) and defensive end Shane Ray (Missouri) are additional prospects whose names are repetitively raised as top draft prospects. Similar to the Bucs, the Jags selecting Fowler Jr. seems like a no-brainer from a marketing and ticket sales perspective. Jacksonville has a large Florida Gator alumni base. As Super Bowl champions, finishing last season on the highest note, the New England Patriots will have the 32nd and final pick in the first round of this year’s draft.
The NFL draft has been held in New York City since 1963. Prior to 1963, it was held in Chicago where it will return this year. Round 1 begins on April 30th, rounds 2 and 3 will take place on May 1st and rounds 4-7 will conclude on Saturday, May 2nd.
Saturday, April 25, 2015
New York Metss
The New York Mets began their season with a 13-3 start, including an 11-game winning streak. The team currently has the best record in baseball.
The Subway Series kicks off the weekend of April 24th where the Mets will face off against their fellow New Yorkers, their rivals, the Yankees. Historically, the Yankees have dominated but now it seems a shift is occurring. The series is sparking a strong buzz, as the Yankees are in unfamiliar territory with a 9-7 record this season, and the Mets are holding their best record.
The Mets organization began in 1962. The team last won a World Series in 1969. The Mets made their last playoff appearance in 2006, losing the eventual World Series Champions, the St. Louis Cardinals. With this being 9 years ago, it’s safe to say the fans are ready, and welcoming this change!
The Mets have a generally young roster, which includes pitcher Matt Harvey, aka: the Dark Knight. The Mets drafted Harvey in 2011 after he pitched for 3 years at UNC Chapel Hill. He played for their minor league team and made his Mets debut in 2012. In 2013, Harvey continued to receive recognition for his throwing strength and control. In a game against the Atlanta Braves, Harvey attained a career-high 13 strikeouts, allowing just 3 hits in 7 innings. Due to a ligament tear in his elbow, Harvey required Tommy John surgery and as a result of this injury, missed the 2014 season. On April 9th of this year, Harvey pitched his 1st game since 2013 and allowed 6 innings with no runs and also struck out 9 Washington Nationals players.
While the majority of the team is young, the Mets also have experienced veteran pitcher, Bartolo Colon. Colon has played with several teams since joining the Cleveland Indians in 1997. This is his 2nd season with the Mets.
Following the conclusion of the Subway Series on Sunday, the Mets will face the Miami Marlins on the road before finishing next week at home against the Nationals.
The Subway Series kicks off the weekend of April 24th where the Mets will face off against their fellow New Yorkers, their rivals, the Yankees. Historically, the Yankees have dominated but now it seems a shift is occurring. The series is sparking a strong buzz, as the Yankees are in unfamiliar territory with a 9-7 record this season, and the Mets are holding their best record.
The Mets organization began in 1962. The team last won a World Series in 1969. The Mets made their last playoff appearance in 2006, losing the eventual World Series Champions, the St. Louis Cardinals. With this being 9 years ago, it’s safe to say the fans are ready, and welcoming this change!
The Mets have a generally young roster, which includes pitcher Matt Harvey, aka: the Dark Knight. The Mets drafted Harvey in 2011 after he pitched for 3 years at UNC Chapel Hill. He played for their minor league team and made his Mets debut in 2012. In 2013, Harvey continued to receive recognition for his throwing strength and control. In a game against the Atlanta Braves, Harvey attained a career-high 13 strikeouts, allowing just 3 hits in 7 innings. Due to a ligament tear in his elbow, Harvey required Tommy John surgery and as a result of this injury, missed the 2014 season. On April 9th of this year, Harvey pitched his 1st game since 2013 and allowed 6 innings with no runs and also struck out 9 Washington Nationals players.
While the majority of the team is young, the Mets also have experienced veteran pitcher, Bartolo Colon. Colon has played with several teams since joining the Cleveland Indians in 1997. This is his 2nd season with the Mets.
Following the conclusion of the Subway Series on Sunday, the Mets will face the Miami Marlins on the road before finishing next week at home against the Nationals.
Friday, April 17, 2015
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers are 51-30 and will wrap up their regular season play this week on the road against the Dallas Mavericks. The Trail Blazers are in 1st place in the Northwest Division and in 4th place in the Western Conference, following the Golden State Warriors, the LA Clippers and the San Antonio Spurs. These teams have all secured spots in the playoffs with their rankings.
Portland has been battling injuries late in the season, including losing Wesley Matthews in March with a torn Achilles. Matthews has been out for the remainder of the season. With the playoffs approaching very quickly, the goal for the final game is to emerge uninjured. Neither team is expected to play their regular rotation for more than one quarter in this final matchup of the season.
In the basketball world, Portland is commonly known as Rip City. This name originated in the team’s first season (1970-71) with announcer Bill Schonely shouting “Rip City!” after a deep shot from Trail Blazer guard, Jim Barnett to tie the game with the Lakers. Portland ended up losing the game. When asked where Rip City came from, Schonely says he just happened to blurt it out. It has stuck with the franchise ever since.
The Trail Blazers have advanced to the NBA Finals three times, most recently in 1992 and have one NBA Championship, from 1977, where the team defeated the Philadelphia 76ers. Portland has had some serious NBA talent with Hall of Fame stars previously on their roster including Lenny Wilkens, who later coached the team. Additional Hall of Fame noteworthy players include: Bill Walton, Clyde Drexler and Scottie Pippen. In 2012-13, Damian Lillard was unanimously named NBA Rookie of the Year and has continued to shine for the Trail Blazers.
This season, the team’s leaders include LaMarcus Aldridge, who is averaging just over 23 points per game and 10 rebounds, as well as Lillard, who’s averaging 6 assists per game. To succeed in the playoffs, the Trail Blazers will need to bring powerhouse plays on offense and continue to stay healthy and injury free.
Portland has been battling injuries late in the season, including losing Wesley Matthews in March with a torn Achilles. Matthews has been out for the remainder of the season. With the playoffs approaching very quickly, the goal for the final game is to emerge uninjured. Neither team is expected to play their regular rotation for more than one quarter in this final matchup of the season.
In the basketball world, Portland is commonly known as Rip City. This name originated in the team’s first season (1970-71) with announcer Bill Schonely shouting “Rip City!” after a deep shot from Trail Blazer guard, Jim Barnett to tie the game with the Lakers. Portland ended up losing the game. When asked where Rip City came from, Schonely says he just happened to blurt it out. It has stuck with the franchise ever since.
The Trail Blazers have advanced to the NBA Finals three times, most recently in 1992 and have one NBA Championship, from 1977, where the team defeated the Philadelphia 76ers. Portland has had some serious NBA talent with Hall of Fame stars previously on their roster including Lenny Wilkens, who later coached the team. Additional Hall of Fame noteworthy players include: Bill Walton, Clyde Drexler and Scottie Pippen. In 2012-13, Damian Lillard was unanimously named NBA Rookie of the Year and has continued to shine for the Trail Blazers.
This season, the team’s leaders include LaMarcus Aldridge, who is averaging just over 23 points per game and 10 rebounds, as well as Lillard, who’s averaging 6 assists per game. To succeed in the playoffs, the Trail Blazers will need to bring powerhouse plays on offense and continue to stay healthy and injury free.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks have had a phenomenal season thus far and with a record of 50-14, it’s no secret why they are the 1st place team in the Southeast Division. The Hawks have defeated other great NBA teams this season including the Cleveland Cavaliers twice, as well as the Golden State Warriors who have superstars Lebron James and Stephen Curry, respectively. The Hawks’ own powerful lineup boasts Kyle Korver, Al Horford and Jeff Teague.
Last Monday, the Hawks defeated the Sacramento Kings, at home in Atlanta, scoring 76 points in the 1st half! The final score was 130-105. All 5 Hawks starters had double figures. This game also marked Atlanta’s 50th victory this season, the 1st time the franchise has achieved this record since 2010.
Most recently, the Hawks were defeated by the Denver Nuggets, falling 115-102. This was the Hawks 8th loss to Denver in the Mile High City. Denver has had a less than impressive season, but have been playing much better under Melvin Hunt, interim head coach, after Brian Shaw was let go earlier this season. The Hawks were outrebounded in the game and although the team went on a 24-1 run in the 4th quarter, making the game more competitive, it just wasn’t enough to bring Atlanta to a victory.
If the Hawks want to advance past the 1st round in the playoffs, the team will need to continue playing great basketball – the kind that has guided them to 50 victories so far this season. While the Hawks have made the playoffs frequently in recent years, advancing beyond the initial round has been a challenge the team has struggled with historically. Although, Atlanta hasn’t had a season this great in a few years, so perhaps 2015 is the year they will turn things around! Staying healthy and maintaining focus are keys to achieving this success.
The Hawks face off against the Phoenix Suns tomorrow night as the second of six games on their road trip.
Last Monday, the Hawks defeated the Sacramento Kings, at home in Atlanta, scoring 76 points in the 1st half! The final score was 130-105. All 5 Hawks starters had double figures. This game also marked Atlanta’s 50th victory this season, the 1st time the franchise has achieved this record since 2010.
Most recently, the Hawks were defeated by the Denver Nuggets, falling 115-102. This was the Hawks 8th loss to Denver in the Mile High City. Denver has had a less than impressive season, but have been playing much better under Melvin Hunt, interim head coach, after Brian Shaw was let go earlier this season. The Hawks were outrebounded in the game and although the team went on a 24-1 run in the 4th quarter, making the game more competitive, it just wasn’t enough to bring Atlanta to a victory.
If the Hawks want to advance past the 1st round in the playoffs, the team will need to continue playing great basketball – the kind that has guided them to 50 victories so far this season. While the Hawks have made the playoffs frequently in recent years, advancing beyond the initial round has been a challenge the team has struggled with historically. Although, Atlanta hasn’t had a season this great in a few years, so perhaps 2015 is the year they will turn things around! Staying healthy and maintaining focus are keys to achieving this success.
The Hawks face off against the Phoenix Suns tomorrow night as the second of six games on their road trip.
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