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.
Saturday, May 2, 2015
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.
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