Joshua v Breazeale fight streaming
Joshua v Breazeale fight streaming
Joshua v Breazeale fight streaming
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Joshua v Breazeale fight streaming
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Watch UFC Fight Night: Almeida vs. Garbrandt live stream online, fight time, TV schedule
Welcome to Watch UFC Fight Night 88: Preliminairies Live Stream & Update
In a special Memorial Day weekend Sunday show, the UFC is back in Las Vegas for a Fox Sports 1 card headlined by unbeaten bantamweight contenders Thomas Almeida and Cody Garbrandt. The co-main event is a featherweight matchup between former bantamweight champion Renan Barao and #9 ranked Jeremy Stephens.
The event also features Tarec Saffiedine vs. Rick Story, Jorge Masvidal vs. Lorenz Larkin, Chris Camozzi vs. Vitor Miranda, and Josh Burkman vs. Paul Felder on the FS1 main card.
The four-fight preliminary card on Fox Sports 1 begins at a slightly earlier start time of 7 p.m. ET. The bouts consist of: Sara McMann vs. Jessica Eye, Jordan Rinaldi vs. Abel Trujillo, Jake Collier vs. Alberto Uda, and Erik Koch vs. Shane Campbell.
Leading into the televised preliminary portion of the card is 60 minutes of online viewing at UFC Fight Pass. The two fights are heavyweights Chris de la Rocha vs. Adam Milstead, as well as top 10 bantamweights Aljamain Sterling vs. Bryan Caraway.
Here's all the info you need on how to watch today's event.
UFC Fight Night: Almeida vs. Garbrandt live results, play-by-play, analysis, video highlights, more
Online
The night's action kicks off with two preliminary fights on UFC Fight Pass. You can sign up for a free trial on UFC.tv and get to watching at 6 PM ET/3 PM PT.
Television
Four preliminary bouts will play on FS1 starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and the main card will continue on that channel at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Almost every major cable or satellite carrier offers FS1 in standard definition and hi-def. A list of carriers is available here including Comcast and DirecTV.
UFC Fight Night: Almeida vs. Garbrandt live results, play-by-play, analysis, video highlights, more
Mobile
If you're all out of other options but have an iPhone or Android phone you are able to order the show on either platform. The iPhone app can be located here the Android Market and AppStore or even now on Roku. Chromecast also can live stream UFC Fight Pass right to your television, through the mobile app.
Gamers can also catch the action on Xbox Live and PS3/PS4 with the help of their video game consoles.
In a special Memorial Day weekend Sunday show, the UFC is back in Las Vegas for a Fox Sports 1 card headlined by unbeaten bantamweight contenders Thomas Almeida and Cody Garbrandt. The co-main event is a featherweight matchup between former bantamweight champion Renan Barao and #9 ranked Jeremy Stephens.
The event also features Tarec Saffiedine vs. Rick Story, Jorge Masvidal vs. Lorenz Larkin, Chris Camozzi vs. Vitor Miranda, and Josh Burkman vs. Paul Felder on the FS1 main card.
The four-fight preliminary card on Fox Sports 1 begins at a slightly earlier start time of 7 p.m. ET. The bouts consist of: Sara McMann vs. Jessica Eye, Jordan Rinaldi vs. Abel Trujillo, Jake Collier vs. Alberto Uda, and Erik Koch vs. Shane Campbell.
Leading into the televised preliminary portion of the card is 60 minutes of online viewing at UFC Fight Pass. The two fights are heavyweights Chris de la Rocha vs. Adam Milstead, as well as top 10 bantamweights Aljamain Sterling vs. Bryan Caraway.
Here's all the info you need on how to watch today's event.
UFC Fight Night: Almeida vs. Garbrandt live results, play-by-play, analysis, video highlights, more
Online
The night's action kicks off with two preliminary fights on UFC Fight Pass. You can sign up for a free trial on UFC.tv and get to watching at 6 PM ET/3 PM PT.
Television
Four preliminary bouts will play on FS1 starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and the main card will continue on that channel at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Almost every major cable or satellite carrier offers FS1 in standard definition and hi-def. A list of carriers is available here including Comcast and DirecTV.
UFC Fight Night: Almeida vs. Garbrandt live results, play-by-play, analysis, video highlights, more
Mobile
If you're all out of other options but have an iPhone or Android phone you are able to order the show on either platform. The iPhone app can be located here the Android Market and AppStore or even now on Roku. Chromecast also can live stream UFC Fight Pass right to your television, through the mobile app.
Gamers can also catch the action on Xbox Live and PS3/PS4 with the help of their video game consoles.
Saturday, May 28, 2016
NBA Playoffs: Warriors vs. Thunder Game 6 live stream, how to watch online
The Cleveland Cavaliers advanced to the NBA Finals by eliminating the Toronto Raptors in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Friday night, and the Cavaliers now await the Golden State Warriors or the Oklahoma City Thunder, which holds a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference Finals.
Game 6 of the Warriors-Thunder series is Saturday night in Oklahoma City.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH NOW
Here's what you need to know:
Who: Golden State Warriors at Oklahoma City Thunder
What: Game 6, Western Conference Finals (best of seven)
Where: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City
When: Saturday, May 28, 2016
Tipoff: 9 p.m. EDT
TV: TNT
Livestream: TNTdrama
Line: Thunder -2.5
Finals schedule: Cavs vs. Warriors/Thunder
Finals schedule: Cavs vs. Warriors/Thunder
The Cleveland Cavaliers advanced to the NBA Finals by eliminating the Toronto Raptors in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Friday night and now await the Golden State Warriors or the Oklahoma City Thunder, which holds a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference Finals.
The Thunder won't say they have to win Game 6 against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday to win the Western Conference finals.
The alternative is less than ideal.
Win at home on Saturday and Oklahoma City will advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012. Lose and the Thunder will be forced to play Game 7 in Oakland. The defending champion Warriors have lost three home games all season.
Thunder coach Billy Donovan said his players don't need to get ahead of themselves worrying about results.
Hey, 'Melo: Yankees or Mets?
Hey, 'Melo: Yankees or Mets?
Carmelo Anthony is at Citi Field for Friday night's Dodgers-Mets game, but his fandom isn't very clear.
"We've got to play the 48 minutes tomorrow night," Donovan said Friday. "That's really what it comes down to. You can get caught up in thinking about the future and what the results mean at the end of the game. But the bottom line is the result at the end of the game will happen, and what you don't want to do is be focused on the result and forget to do your job during the course of 48 minutes."
Oklahoma City has done the job at home in the series. The Thunder won Game 3 133-105, tying a franchise record for points scored in a playoff game. The Thunder came back with more of the same in Game 4, a 118-94 blowout that put the defending champion Warriors on the brink of elimination. The Warriors know it's going to take something special to produce a different result at the arena known as Loud City on Saturday.
"It will take all of our IQ, all of our gamesmanship, and just 48 great minutes to get a win down there, considering how the last two games have gone," Warriors guard Stephen Curry said.
Saturday, May 14, 2016
How to Watch all Soccer match at tv channel online free
Selection: bet365 live streams 50,000+ events each year and that includes plenty of football of course.
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Watch live football with Coral
Selection: Coral provides you with live streaming from some of the biggest leagues in the world, including La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1
Quality: You can’t put a finger on the quality when it comes to live streaming at Coral. Both image and sound is some of the best on the market.
Price: Coral only require that you have a funded account. In other words, live streaming is free at Coral
Getting started
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Selection: Paddy Power provides live streaming from several top leagues incl. Bundesliga, Eredivisie & Allsvenskan.
Quality: The stream quality is decent and the stream player is above average.
Price: Free - Register an account, fund it and watch sports live.
Getting started:
Go to Paddy Power and register your free account
Fund your account and go to the Media Center
Select a match in the schedule and watch it live
Selection: Follow your favourite team (s) with Sky Sports Go, including action from the best competitions leagues in the world - think Premier League, Champions League and La Liga.
Quality: The streaming quality is at the high end of the scale and the English-speaking commentators / pundits always come across as being knowledgeable - Gary Neville is our favourite.
Price: Buy a 'Day Pass' from £9.99 or invest in the 'Sports Fan' bundle and get access to 'Sky Go' for one month from £42.50.
Getting Started
Go to Sky Sports and click 'Football' in the top menu
Choose a game and press 'Watch with NOW TV'
Pay the subscription and watch the game live
Quality: As you'd expect from this leading bookmaker, image quality and sound definition are top notch, ensuring a seamless live streaming experience.
Price: It’s free to watch football live streams at bet365, providing you have money in your account or have placed a bet in the last 24 hours.
Watch live football with Coral
Selection: Coral provides you with live streaming from some of the biggest leagues in the world, including La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1
Quality: You can’t put a finger on the quality when it comes to live streaming at Coral. Both image and sound is some of the best on the market.
Price: Coral only require that you have a funded account. In other words, live streaming is free at Coral
Getting started
Go to Coral and register your free account
Fund your account and go to
Select a match in the schedule and start watching
Selection: Paddy Power provides live streaming from several top leagues incl. Bundesliga, Eredivisie & Allsvenskan.
Quality: The stream quality is decent and the stream player is above average.
Price: Free - Register an account, fund it and watch sports live.
Getting started:
Go to Paddy Power and register your free account
Fund your account and go to the Media Center
Select a match in the schedule and watch it live
Selection: Follow your favourite team (s) with Sky Sports Go, including action from the best competitions leagues in the world - think Premier League, Champions League and La Liga.
Quality: The streaming quality is at the high end of the scale and the English-speaking commentators / pundits always come across as being knowledgeable - Gary Neville is our favourite.
Price: Buy a 'Day Pass' from £9.99 or invest in the 'Sports Fan' bundle and get access to 'Sky Go' for one month from £42.50.
Getting Started
Go to Sky Sports and click 'Football' in the top menu
Choose a game and press 'Watch with NOW TV'
Pay the subscription and watch the game live
Atletico Madrid vs. Celta Vigo: Team News, Preview, Live Stream, TV Info
The league title may be gone, but you can be sure that Diego Simeone won’t be telling his players to take it easy.
With a UEFA Champions League final to prepare for in in two weeks’ time, the Atletico Madrid manager will have players determined to force their way into his starting lineup when they face Celta Vigo at Vicente Calderon on Saturday evening.
CHRISTOF STACHE/Getty Images
Simeone would have hoped this would mark a golden ending to what has been a hugely impressive season, but instead it will just be a chance for his team to keep their eye in against opponents who have had a fine campaign themselves.
Needing a win to be certain of finishing fifth, Celta Vigo will hope to call upon memories of their Copa del Rey triumph at the Vicente Calderon earlier this season and will be optimistic given that their hosts are sure to have their minds on Milan to a certain degree.
Date: Saturday, May 14
Time: 6.30 p.m. BST/1.30 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Vicente Calderon, Madrid
TV Info: BeIN Sports, Sky Sports 3 (red button only)
Live Stream: BeIN Sports
With a UEFA Champions League final to prepare for in in two weeks’ time, the Atletico Madrid manager will have players determined to force their way into his starting lineup when they face Celta Vigo at Vicente Calderon on Saturday evening.
CHRISTOF STACHE/Getty Images
Simeone would have hoped this would mark a golden ending to what has been a hugely impressive season, but instead it will just be a chance for his team to keep their eye in against opponents who have had a fine campaign themselves.
Needing a win to be certain of finishing fifth, Celta Vigo will hope to call upon memories of their Copa del Rey triumph at the Vicente Calderon earlier this season and will be optimistic given that their hosts are sure to have their minds on Milan to a certain degree.
Date: Saturday, May 14
Time: 6.30 p.m. BST/1.30 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Vicente Calderon, Madrid
TV Info: BeIN Sports, Sky Sports 3 (red button only)
Live Stream: BeIN Sports
Barcelona vs. Granada: Live Stream Info, TV Channel, Prediction For La Liga Title Decider
Luis Enrique has backed his Barcelona squad to handle the pressure going into their La Liga title decider at Granada on Saturday. Barcelona head into the final round of fixtures topping the table by a single point, meaning a victory and they are sure to retain their title, but anything less and Real Madrid will steal the crown away if they win at Deportivo La Coruna. With such fine margins, Enrique expects it to be a tricky occasion, but one that his players are perfectly equipped for.
“It is going to be a difficult game because of the tension of it being the last day and us still being in contention for the title,” he said in his pre-match press conference. “But otherwise, it’s going to be the same as any other game.
“We are different to other teams. These players have won so many things and are used to all kinds of vicissitudes. We lap up this kind of pressure. These games are made-to-measure for Barça players.”
Barcelona would have hoped to have had the title already wrapped up by this point. However, a run of three straight defeats last month let both Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, before their defeat to Levante last week, back in the running. Still, Barcelona have steadied the ship impressively in recent weeks, winning four straight matches by an aggregate score of 21-0.
Last time out, the Catalans swept aside the potential banana skin of a meeting with local foes Espanyol, winning 5-0 with two goals from Luis Suárez to take his tally for the season in La Liga to 37. That hasn’t, though, been enough to shake off Real Madrid. And Enrique is adamant that Barcelona cannot rely on Real Madrid to end their 11-match La Liga winning streak against Deportivo.
“We are only playing one game,” he said. “If we don’t win it, then we’ll have a look at what’s happened in the other game. I won’t be taking any interest in it until the 95th minute. I get the feeling that we’ll only win the league if we beat Granada.”
Much has been made about what Granada’s motivation will be, having already secured their safety in La Liga with a 4-1 win over Sevilla last week. But coach José González has stressed that because of the importance of the match in the title race he feels duty bound to approach it with the utmost commitment and with a full-strength team.
“If they [Barcelona] do things right they will win, but we will try and not let that happen,” Gonzalez said according to Spanish sports newspaper Marca. “He also made it clear he won't rest any players despite his team having nothing to play for.
“If it had been another type of game I would give some match time to players who deserve to play. But we have to go into this game with the utmost professionalism possible. I will put my best team out there, like we did against Sevilla and Las Palmas. We will suffer, run a lot after the ball and probably won't enjoy the game too much.”
Prediction: Barcelona have looked unwavering in recent weeks, but they will be desperate for an early goal on Saturday to settle the nerves that will surely be present. And Enrique’s side may not have things all their own way against a Granada outfit unbeaten in their last six home matches. Still, Barcelona’s attacking quality, led by Suárez, should get the job done.
Predicted score: Granada 1-3 Barcelona
Kickoff time: 11 a.m. EDT
TV channel: beIN Sports en Español
Live stream: beIN Sports Connect
“It is going to be a difficult game because of the tension of it being the last day and us still being in contention for the title,” he said in his pre-match press conference. “But otherwise, it’s going to be the same as any other game.
“We are different to other teams. These players have won so many things and are used to all kinds of vicissitudes. We lap up this kind of pressure. These games are made-to-measure for Barça players.”
Barcelona would have hoped to have had the title already wrapped up by this point. However, a run of three straight defeats last month let both Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, before their defeat to Levante last week, back in the running. Still, Barcelona have steadied the ship impressively in recent weeks, winning four straight matches by an aggregate score of 21-0.
Last time out, the Catalans swept aside the potential banana skin of a meeting with local foes Espanyol, winning 5-0 with two goals from Luis Suárez to take his tally for the season in La Liga to 37. That hasn’t, though, been enough to shake off Real Madrid. And Enrique is adamant that Barcelona cannot rely on Real Madrid to end their 11-match La Liga winning streak against Deportivo.
“We are only playing one game,” he said. “If we don’t win it, then we’ll have a look at what’s happened in the other game. I won’t be taking any interest in it until the 95th minute. I get the feeling that we’ll only win the league if we beat Granada.”
Much has been made about what Granada’s motivation will be, having already secured their safety in La Liga with a 4-1 win over Sevilla last week. But coach José González has stressed that because of the importance of the match in the title race he feels duty bound to approach it with the utmost commitment and with a full-strength team.
“If they [Barcelona] do things right they will win, but we will try and not let that happen,” Gonzalez said according to Spanish sports newspaper Marca. “He also made it clear he won't rest any players despite his team having nothing to play for.
“If it had been another type of game I would give some match time to players who deserve to play. But we have to go into this game with the utmost professionalism possible. I will put my best team out there, like we did against Sevilla and Las Palmas. We will suffer, run a lot after the ball and probably won't enjoy the game too much.”
Prediction: Barcelona have looked unwavering in recent weeks, but they will be desperate for an early goal on Saturday to settle the nerves that will surely be present. And Enrique’s side may not have things all their own way against a Granada outfit unbeaten in their last six home matches. Still, Barcelona’s attacking quality, led by Suárez, should get the job done.
Predicted score: Granada 1-3 Barcelona
Kickoff time: 11 a.m. EDT
TV channel: beIN Sports en Español
Live stream: beIN Sports Connect
Real Madrid vs. Deportivo: TV Channel, Prediction, Live Stream Info For Vital La Liga Match
Zinedine Zidane is determined to focus on what his Real Madrid side have to do against Deportivo La Coruna on the final day of the Primera Division season, rather than being drawn into discussing Barcelona’s prospects. Barcelona lead Real Madrid by a single point going into the final round of fixtures meaning, with Barcelona holding the head-to-head advantage, Zidane’s side have to both win at the Riazor and hope that their great rivals fail to claim victory at Granada.
There have been plenty of rumors in recent days that Real Madrid could offer a Granada, already safe from relegation and with nothing to play for, a financial incentive to get a result against the Catalans. The practice is outlawed in Spain, but the payment of bonuses, known as “Maletines,” is known to have gone on in the past. Asked whether such bonuses should be legalized, Zidane had no interest in entering into the discussion.
“I don't know what you're talking about – honestly,” he said, reports Spanish sports daily AS. “I am only focused on what we are going to do tomorrow. I know that this is the last league press conference of the season and that there will be questions asked. All we are focused on is our football and what we want to do tomorrow.
When questioned about whether Granada would be motivated against Barcelona, the Frenchman, who helped Real Madrid to the title in 2003, took a similar tact.
“I'm not going to enter into that,” he added. “All I can tell you is what we are going to do. Tomorrow's game for us is a final, and we have to put in the best game we can to take all three points. That the only thing on our minds. What matters is winning our game tomorrow. Everything else, as always, I'm not going to talk about.”
Zidane has led Real Madrid to 11 successive wins in La Liga to help keep them in the running for a title that looked certain to be heading to Barcelona just six weeks ago. The former Ballon d’Or winner, who took over from Rafa Benitez in January, has also guided Real Madrid to the Champions League final. Still, he insists that all the focus is on trying to win the Spanish title for the first time in four years rather than the meeting with Atlético Madrid in two weeks’ time.
“The game of our lives is tomorrow's, because we will be playing for an important trophy,” he said. “After that we have another important game which we want to win.”
There has been plenty of good news for Real Madrid ahead of their trip to Galicia. Keylor Navas, Dani Carvajal, Luka Modric and Gareth Bale look set to return from injuries that kept them out of a 3-2 win over Valencia last weekend. The only injury doubt is now winger Lucas Vazquez.
Like Granada, Deportivo have nothing tangible to play for on the final day, currently sitting 13th in the league standings. They could, though, still rise up the table significantly on the final day given that only three points separates them from eighth place Malaga. And VÃctor Sánchez’s side did raise themselves to claim an impressive victory over fourth-placed Villarreal last week.
Prediction: It is difficult to see Real Madrid not completing their part of the title equation on Saturday. Deportivo have lost their last three matches at home, including an 8-0 evisceration at the hands of Barcelona. And the last time Real Madrid visisted the Riazor they came away with an 8-2 win. With Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo back in unison, Real Madrid should ease to a win.
Predicted score: Deportivo La Coruna 0-2 Real Madrid
Kickoff time: 11 a.m. EDT
TV channel: beIN Sports
Live stream: beIN Sports Connect
There have been plenty of rumors in recent days that Real Madrid could offer a Granada, already safe from relegation and with nothing to play for, a financial incentive to get a result against the Catalans. The practice is outlawed in Spain, but the payment of bonuses, known as “Maletines,” is known to have gone on in the past. Asked whether such bonuses should be legalized, Zidane had no interest in entering into the discussion.
“I don't know what you're talking about – honestly,” he said, reports Spanish sports daily AS. “I am only focused on what we are going to do tomorrow. I know that this is the last league press conference of the season and that there will be questions asked. All we are focused on is our football and what we want to do tomorrow.
When questioned about whether Granada would be motivated against Barcelona, the Frenchman, who helped Real Madrid to the title in 2003, took a similar tact.
“I'm not going to enter into that,” he added. “All I can tell you is what we are going to do. Tomorrow's game for us is a final, and we have to put in the best game we can to take all three points. That the only thing on our minds. What matters is winning our game tomorrow. Everything else, as always, I'm not going to talk about.”
Zidane has led Real Madrid to 11 successive wins in La Liga to help keep them in the running for a title that looked certain to be heading to Barcelona just six weeks ago. The former Ballon d’Or winner, who took over from Rafa Benitez in January, has also guided Real Madrid to the Champions League final. Still, he insists that all the focus is on trying to win the Spanish title for the first time in four years rather than the meeting with Atlético Madrid in two weeks’ time.
“The game of our lives is tomorrow's, because we will be playing for an important trophy,” he said. “After that we have another important game which we want to win.”
There has been plenty of good news for Real Madrid ahead of their trip to Galicia. Keylor Navas, Dani Carvajal, Luka Modric and Gareth Bale look set to return from injuries that kept them out of a 3-2 win over Valencia last weekend. The only injury doubt is now winger Lucas Vazquez.
Like Granada, Deportivo have nothing tangible to play for on the final day, currently sitting 13th in the league standings. They could, though, still rise up the table significantly on the final day given that only three points separates them from eighth place Malaga. And VÃctor Sánchez’s side did raise themselves to claim an impressive victory over fourth-placed Villarreal last week.
Prediction: It is difficult to see Real Madrid not completing their part of the title equation on Saturday. Deportivo have lost their last three matches at home, including an 8-0 evisceration at the hands of Barcelona. And the last time Real Madrid visisted the Riazor they came away with an 8-2 win. With Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo back in unison, Real Madrid should ease to a win.
Predicted score: Deportivo La Coruna 0-2 Real Madrid
Kickoff time: 11 a.m. EDT
TV channel: beIN Sports
Live stream: beIN Sports Connect
Friday, May 13, 2016
Lightning vs. Penguins 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch NHL playoffs online
The Conference Finals are here, and the Penguins and Lightning are set to open the third round of Stanley Cup playoff action. Puck drop in Pittsburgh is slated for 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN.
Scouting the Lightning
The biggest storyline out of Tampa Bay is the potential comeback of captain Steven Stamkos. Though the Lightning have done OK for themselves without him, a rested Stamkos would jolt an already electric Tampa Bay lineup. Nikita Kucherov is tied for the most playoff goals this year with nine, and his Triplets line with Ondrej Palat and Tyler Johnson are finally starting to click. Ben Bishop will hold down the fort in net against a rapid-fire Penguins offense.
Scouting the Penguins
After downing the Presidents' Trophy winners in six games, the Penguins are set to face the most well-rested team left in the playoffs. Even so, despite Sidney Crosby being held to just three goals in 11 games so far this postseason, the depth of the Penguins has shown through. Trevor Daley, Matt Cullen, Nick Bonino and Carl Hagelin have all contributed nicely in the Pittsburgh lineup, with Phil Kessel leading the Penguins in scoring during the playoffs. Rookie goalie Matt Murray is still scheduled to play between the pipes with Marc-Andre Fleury's health still in question.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Pittsburgh Penguins
8 p.m. ET | Game 1, Eastern Conference Final
Consol Energy Center | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Local: N/A | Nat'l: NBCSN, SN, TVAS2
Live stream at NBC Live Extra and Rogers GameCentre
More coverage: Lightning blog | Penguins blog
Scouting the Lightning
The biggest storyline out of Tampa Bay is the potential comeback of captain Steven Stamkos. Though the Lightning have done OK for themselves without him, a rested Stamkos would jolt an already electric Tampa Bay lineup. Nikita Kucherov is tied for the most playoff goals this year with nine, and his Triplets line with Ondrej Palat and Tyler Johnson are finally starting to click. Ben Bishop will hold down the fort in net against a rapid-fire Penguins offense.
Scouting the Penguins
After downing the Presidents' Trophy winners in six games, the Penguins are set to face the most well-rested team left in the playoffs. Even so, despite Sidney Crosby being held to just three goals in 11 games so far this postseason, the depth of the Penguins has shown through. Trevor Daley, Matt Cullen, Nick Bonino and Carl Hagelin have all contributed nicely in the Pittsburgh lineup, with Phil Kessel leading the Penguins in scoring during the playoffs. Rookie goalie Matt Murray is still scheduled to play between the pipes with Marc-Andre Fleury's health still in question.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Pittsburgh Penguins
8 p.m. ET | Game 1, Eastern Conference Final
Consol Energy Center | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Local: N/A | Nat'l: NBCSN, SN, TVAS2
Live stream at NBC Live Extra and Rogers GameCentre
More coverage: Lightning blog | Penguins blog
Raptors vs. Heat 2016 streaming: Time, TV schedule and how to watch Game 6 online
e Raptors are one step away from making franchise history. A win against the Heat in Miami in Game 6 would mean the first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals for Toronto.
Of course, it won't be easy. Nothing in this series has been. Three of the five games played thus far have gone to overtime and the other two were decided by fewer than 10 points. Parity has reigned and heroics have been needed to secure wins. Kyle Lowry and Dwyane Wade have stepped up when needed, which has resulted in entertaining duels that have been the highlight of a matchup that's been ugly at times. They will once again be ready to lead their teams on Friday.
Jonas Valanciunas and Hassan Whiteside, however, will have to miss the elimination game. The two centers got injured in Game 4 and are not expected back even if the series goes the distance. Both have been greatly missed. Valanciunas was breaking out in the playoffs before going down, while Whiteside was struggling to contain him but was still far and away the best big man on the Heat's roster. Without them, both coaches have had to dig deeper into their benches. Toronto's superior depth helped them in Game 5 and could play a big part in Game 6.
DeMar DeRozan finally had a standout game on Wednesday and is a big reason why the Raptors are in this advantageous position. His 34 points on 22 shots represent his best performance in the postseason and could signify a return to form. If he's once again scoring at will and getting to the line, the Heat will have a hard time keeping up with Toronto on offense. They have to limit at least one of the backcourt stars' scoring to be in good shape.
For the Heat, getting contributions from their starting forwards could be the difference between extending the series or seeing their season end. Luol Deng and Joe Johnson have to hit big shots from outside to mask the absence of an inside presence.
If this series has made something clear it's that these two teams are evenly matched. A Heat win is definitely not out of the question, but it wouldn't be surprising to have the Eastern Conference Finals set at the final buzzer, either.
How to watch Raptors vs. Heat Game 6
Place: AmericanAirlines Arena
Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Streaming: WatchESPN
Of course, it won't be easy. Nothing in this series has been. Three of the five games played thus far have gone to overtime and the other two were decided by fewer than 10 points. Parity has reigned and heroics have been needed to secure wins. Kyle Lowry and Dwyane Wade have stepped up when needed, which has resulted in entertaining duels that have been the highlight of a matchup that's been ugly at times. They will once again be ready to lead their teams on Friday.
Jonas Valanciunas and Hassan Whiteside, however, will have to miss the elimination game. The two centers got injured in Game 4 and are not expected back even if the series goes the distance. Both have been greatly missed. Valanciunas was breaking out in the playoffs before going down, while Whiteside was struggling to contain him but was still far and away the best big man on the Heat's roster. Without them, both coaches have had to dig deeper into their benches. Toronto's superior depth helped them in Game 5 and could play a big part in Game 6.
DeMar DeRozan finally had a standout game on Wednesday and is a big reason why the Raptors are in this advantageous position. His 34 points on 22 shots represent his best performance in the postseason and could signify a return to form. If he's once again scoring at will and getting to the line, the Heat will have a hard time keeping up with Toronto on offense. They have to limit at least one of the backcourt stars' scoring to be in good shape.
For the Heat, getting contributions from their starting forwards could be the difference between extending the series or seeing their season end. Luol Deng and Joe Johnson have to hit big shots from outside to mask the absence of an inside presence.
If this series has made something clear it's that these two teams are evenly matched. A Heat win is definitely not out of the question, but it wouldn't be surprising to have the Eastern Conference Finals set at the final buzzer, either.
How to watch Raptors vs. Heat Game 6
Place: AmericanAirlines Arena
Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Streaming: WatchESPN
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Spurs vs. Thunder 2016 live stream: Game time, TV schedule and how to watch Game 6 online
The Thunder will have a chance to close the series against the Spurs with a win at home in Game 6. They earned that privilege by rallying when they were looking their most vulnerable and beating San Antonio twice in a row. One more victory and they will clinch a spot in the Western Conference Finals.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH NOW
Russell Westbrook deserves plenty of praise for Oklahoma City's turnaround. Following a terrible Game 3, he found his focus. He recommitted to distributing the ball and letting Kevin Durant get more shots in Game 4 before returning to his usual assertive form on Tuesday, firing 27 shots and scoring 35 points. He was huge in the fourth quarter as well, pitching in 10 points and three assists to finish off the Spurs. This might still be Durant's team but Westbrook is proving that he's readier than ever to be a leader.
The stars are not the only reason the Thunder have been outplaying the Spurs. Their role players have been terrific as well. Steven Adams and Enes Kanter are taking advantage of San Antonio's lack of size inside to have their way on the boards and scoring off the pick-and-roll. Serge Ibaka has taken on a lesser role but he's been scorching hot from beyond the arc, averaging 57 percent from outside in the series. Even the always mercurial Dion Waiters is giving them steady minutes at the wing, contributing nine points per game on 48.5 percent shooting.
Even with those advantages, though, the games have been close. The Thunder have not dominated. In fact, the Spurs had the lead going into the final quarter in the past two losses. LaMarcus Aldridge and Kawhi Leonard have been matching the input of Westbrook and Durant, and when someone else steps up San Antonio seems like the better overall team, at least for stretches. They could easily take Game 6 and force a final showdown at home in the AT&T Center.
At the moment, the Thunder have the edge in the series and they need to make the best of it. Use the energy from the home crowd, hurt the Spurs inside and finish this. If they give San Antonio another chance, they might regret it on Sunday in a potential Game 7.
How to watch Thunder vs. Spurs Game 6
Place: Chesapeake Energy Arena
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Streaming: WatchESPN
CLICK HERE TO WATCH NOW
Russell Westbrook deserves plenty of praise for Oklahoma City's turnaround. Following a terrible Game 3, he found his focus. He recommitted to distributing the ball and letting Kevin Durant get more shots in Game 4 before returning to his usual assertive form on Tuesday, firing 27 shots and scoring 35 points. He was huge in the fourth quarter as well, pitching in 10 points and three assists to finish off the Spurs. This might still be Durant's team but Westbrook is proving that he's readier than ever to be a leader.
The stars are not the only reason the Thunder have been outplaying the Spurs. Their role players have been terrific as well. Steven Adams and Enes Kanter are taking advantage of San Antonio's lack of size inside to have their way on the boards and scoring off the pick-and-roll. Serge Ibaka has taken on a lesser role but he's been scorching hot from beyond the arc, averaging 57 percent from outside in the series. Even the always mercurial Dion Waiters is giving them steady minutes at the wing, contributing nine points per game on 48.5 percent shooting.
Even with those advantages, though, the games have been close. The Thunder have not dominated. In fact, the Spurs had the lead going into the final quarter in the past two losses. LaMarcus Aldridge and Kawhi Leonard have been matching the input of Westbrook and Durant, and when someone else steps up San Antonio seems like the better overall team, at least for stretches. They could easily take Game 6 and force a final showdown at home in the AT&T Center.
At the moment, the Thunder have the edge in the series and they need to make the best of it. Use the energy from the home crowd, hurt the Spurs inside and finish this. If they give San Antonio another chance, they might regret it on Sunday in a potential Game 7.
How to watch Thunder vs. Spurs Game 6
Place: Chesapeake Energy Arena
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Streaming: WatchESPN
Predators vs. Sharks, NHL playoffs 2016 live stream for Game 7
after a decidedly quicker overtime in Game 6, the Sharks and Predators play a winner-take-all Game 7 on Thursday for the chance to advance to the Western Conference Final. Puck drop for Game 7 is 9 p.m. EST on NBCSN.
Scouting the Predators
Pekka Rinne allowed a few bad goals in Game 6, and will overall need to be better in the final game of this series. Thankfully for Nashville, his team rallied around him in the overtime victory, with some big time goals from Ryan Johanssen and Colin Wilson. The Predators pushed the pace in the series equalizer with the 32-18 shot advantage, but might not get so lucky against a Sharks team out for blood.
Scouting the Sharks
The Predators were wise not to give the Sharks many chances on the power play in Game 6, as San Jose's special teams has clicked at a 28-percent rate since the playoffs began. The Sharks took advantage of the one power play opportunity they were given in Game 6, but they managed just five shots on goal in the third period of the loss. A bigger offensive output will be needed to best the Predators in Game 7, and better puck possession will be key for the Sharks biggest stars.
Nashville Predators at San Jose Sharks
9 p.m. ET | Game 7, Western Conference Round 2
SAP Center | San Jose, California
Local: N/A | Nat'l: NBCSN, SN, TVAS2
Live stream at NBC Live Extra and Rogers GameCentre
More coverage: Predators blog | Sharks blog
CLICK HERE TO WATCH NOW
Scouting the Predators
Pekka Rinne allowed a few bad goals in Game 6, and will overall need to be better in the final game of this series. Thankfully for Nashville, his team rallied around him in the overtime victory, with some big time goals from Ryan Johanssen and Colin Wilson. The Predators pushed the pace in the series equalizer with the 32-18 shot advantage, but might not get so lucky against a Sharks team out for blood.
Scouting the Sharks
The Predators were wise not to give the Sharks many chances on the power play in Game 6, as San Jose's special teams has clicked at a 28-percent rate since the playoffs began. The Sharks took advantage of the one power play opportunity they were given in Game 6, but they managed just five shots on goal in the third period of the loss. A bigger offensive output will be needed to best the Predators in Game 7, and better puck possession will be key for the Sharks biggest stars.
Nashville Predators at San Jose Sharks
9 p.m. ET | Game 7, Western Conference Round 2
SAP Center | San Jose, California
Local: N/A | Nat'l: NBCSN, SN, TVAS2
Live stream at NBC Live Extra and Rogers GameCentre
More coverage: Predators blog | Sharks blog
Max Scherzer joins exclusive 20-strikeout club with dominant effort
It's a small one: Roger Clemens (who did it twice), Kerry Wood, Randy Johnson and, now, Scherzer. The four men who have struck out 20 batters in a major league game in nine innings.
Scherzer was so dominant early on in this game, his fastball moving, the Detroit Tigers swinging through it, that those watching it started thinking about this way too early. He had eight strikeouts through three innings, and it looked like one of those nights when everything clicks for Scherzer. After all, he had two no-hitters last year, striking out 17 in one of those. He had another game in which he allowed one hit and struck out 16.
He had 13 through six innings. It was possible. He was sitting at 77 pitches, not too high of a count. That's the key. Just the other day I speculated why nobody had challenged the 20-strikeout record since Johnson did it in 2001, even though there are more strikeouts than ever. The main reason? Pitch counts. It takes a lot of pitches to strike out 20 batters. In Clemens' second 20-strikeout game, he threw 151 pitches.
But Scherzer was dominant and efficient. Six of those first 13 strikeouts came on three pitches. In the seventh, with two on and one out, he struck out James McCann on three pitches and then got Anthony Gose swinging on a 2-2 changeup. In the eighth, he struck out the side on 13 pitches -- all looking, freezing Ian Kinsler on a 96-mph heater down the middle.
Scherzer knew he was chasing history. "I think it was the eighth inning," he said in his postgame TV interview. "I punched somebody out and they said 18, and I knew I had a chance at 20."
The ninth inning wasn't easy. J.D. Martinez tagged his first pitch of the inning for a home run, cutting the Washington Nationals' lead to 3-2.
Up stepped Miguel Cabrera, his former teammate with the Tigers. Scherzer talked about the respect he had for Cabrera and the Tigers' lineup. Cabrera fanned on a 97-mph fastball.
Oh, just 97 running up and away from a Hall of Famer on pitch 111 in the 9th. NBD.
— Matthew Leach (@MatthewHLeach) May 12, 2016
Victor Martinez singled to left. Dusty Baker left him in. Maybe a new-school manager goes to his closer at that point. After all, there is a game to win. Dusty is old-school, my friends.
Justin Upton fouled off two pitches and then whiffed on a slider as Scherzer tied the record.
lol
— Jayson Werth's Beard (@JWerthsBeard) May 12, 2016
Scherzer had a chance to set the record for nine innings. (Tom Cheney of the Washington Senators struck out 21, but in 16 innings.) It was up to McCann, who had seen 10 pitches in fanning three times. McCann had maybe the greatest at-bat of his life, hitting a weak grounder to third base. In his 20-strikeout game, Clemens also had a chance at a 21st strikeout. Scherzer's 33 swings-and-misses were the second most in the past 15 seasons (Clayton Kershaw had 35 in a game last September). He got the Tigers to chase 19 pitches out of the zone. Eleven of the 20 K's came on fastballs, five on sliders and four on changeups.
Not bad for a pitcher who had been struggling with his fastball command and coming off a four-homer game.
So in the last year Scherzer has two no-hitters and a 20K game and he's like the fifth-best pitcher in baseball. What a weird time this is.
— Daniel Brim (@DanielBrim) May 12, 2016
After the game, Scherzer said it was all about his fastball. "The fastball really worked for me," he said, pointing out that Stephen Strasburg had said that pitch would work against the Tigers' lineup. And no way was he going to run out of gas in the ninth. "I had everything left in the tank," he said. "When you have something like that going for it, you have all the fans up there, standing on their feet, making a lot of noise, that's all the adrenaline you need."
Scherzer was so dominant early on in this game, his fastball moving, the Detroit Tigers swinging through it, that those watching it started thinking about this way too early. He had eight strikeouts through three innings, and it looked like one of those nights when everything clicks for Scherzer. After all, he had two no-hitters last year, striking out 17 in one of those. He had another game in which he allowed one hit and struck out 16.
He had 13 through six innings. It was possible. He was sitting at 77 pitches, not too high of a count. That's the key. Just the other day I speculated why nobody had challenged the 20-strikeout record since Johnson did it in 2001, even though there are more strikeouts than ever. The main reason? Pitch counts. It takes a lot of pitches to strike out 20 batters. In Clemens' second 20-strikeout game, he threw 151 pitches.
But Scherzer was dominant and efficient. Six of those first 13 strikeouts came on three pitches. In the seventh, with two on and one out, he struck out James McCann on three pitches and then got Anthony Gose swinging on a 2-2 changeup. In the eighth, he struck out the side on 13 pitches -- all looking, freezing Ian Kinsler on a 96-mph heater down the middle.
Scherzer knew he was chasing history. "I think it was the eighth inning," he said in his postgame TV interview. "I punched somebody out and they said 18, and I knew I had a chance at 20."
The ninth inning wasn't easy. J.D. Martinez tagged his first pitch of the inning for a home run, cutting the Washington Nationals' lead to 3-2.
Up stepped Miguel Cabrera, his former teammate with the Tigers. Scherzer talked about the respect he had for Cabrera and the Tigers' lineup. Cabrera fanned on a 97-mph fastball.
Oh, just 97 running up and away from a Hall of Famer on pitch 111 in the 9th. NBD.
— Matthew Leach (@MatthewHLeach) May 12, 2016
Victor Martinez singled to left. Dusty Baker left him in. Maybe a new-school manager goes to his closer at that point. After all, there is a game to win. Dusty is old-school, my friends.
Justin Upton fouled off two pitches and then whiffed on a slider as Scherzer tied the record.
lol
— Jayson Werth's Beard (@JWerthsBeard) May 12, 2016
Scherzer had a chance to set the record for nine innings. (Tom Cheney of the Washington Senators struck out 21, but in 16 innings.) It was up to McCann, who had seen 10 pitches in fanning three times. McCann had maybe the greatest at-bat of his life, hitting a weak grounder to third base. In his 20-strikeout game, Clemens also had a chance at a 21st strikeout. Scherzer's 33 swings-and-misses were the second most in the past 15 seasons (Clayton Kershaw had 35 in a game last September). He got the Tigers to chase 19 pitches out of the zone. Eleven of the 20 K's came on fastballs, five on sliders and four on changeups.
Not bad for a pitcher who had been struggling with his fastball command and coming off a four-homer game.
So in the last year Scherzer has two no-hitters and a 20K game and he's like the fifth-best pitcher in baseball. What a weird time this is.
— Daniel Brim (@DanielBrim) May 12, 2016
After the game, Scherzer said it was all about his fastball. "The fastball really worked for me," he said, pointing out that Stephen Strasburg had said that pitch would work against the Tigers' lineup. And no way was he going to run out of gas in the ninth. "I had everything left in the tank," he said. "When you have something like that going for it, you have all the fans up there, standing on their feet, making a lot of noise, that's all the adrenaline you need."
Stephen Curry's dagger 3 clinches series for Golden State Warriors
Before the Golden State Warriors closed out the Portland Trail Blazers with a 125-121 win in Game 5, there was the small matter of a celebratory event.
There’s a classic NBA wariness regarding pregame MVP ceremonies. It’s a disruption of routine, a moment to acknowledge the season when the present is far more pressing. Curry had finally returned to Oracle, but it remained to be seen whether Golden State could resume its old flow.
The “M-V-P” chants rumbled, and a video played a cut of Curry’s exploits this season. At the beginning of the video, Golden State owner Joe Lacob joyously shouts “Monster!” as a victorious Stephen Curry moves past.
On some nights, such as in overtime of Monday’s game, Curry indeed looks quite monstrous. He’s a mutant who can seize the game and sports zeitgeist in a way that feels surreal. A human vulnerability like last round’s knee sprain only sets up his glorious, supernatural comeback.
He is, however, indeed human. The man has carbon-based, muscle-girded knees, one in particular that needs healing. To begin Game 5, Curry played with savvy, but not so much with force. The burst wasn’t quite there on his drives; the legs weren’t quite there on his 3-pointers. And to start, the Warriors looked less than themselves, falling into an 11-point deficit as shots went begging. Curry finished the half 3-of-9 with seven points.
The Portland Trail Blazers gave the Golden State Warriors a decent run in Game 5, but Stephen Curry and the Warriors took control late and advanced to the Western Conference finals. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Thankfully for Golden State, they have another offensive force, whose monstrous moments come with regularity, but arrive often enough. Klay Thompson continued his breakout playoffs, holding down the fort in Game 5 until Curry found his groove, while also putting the clamps on Damian Lillard (7-of-24, 28 points). Thompson had 33 points through three quarters. After the game, Curry gave a nod to how Thompson had built a bridge to victory. Even though he wasn’t asked about his teammate’s exploits, Curry halted the end of his news conference as media members were getting up to exit.
“I will have to say one thing, though,” Curry said, freezing the room. “I think Klay was in here earlier. That dude had the best series I’ve ever seen him play on both ends of the floor, defending [Lillard], exhausting all his energy to make it uncomfortable for him and what he’s able to do offensively. Hopefully that doesn’t get lost in our series and the way we played as a team. Because you look down and 33 points and you chase [Lillard] around for all 34 minutes he was on the court.” Curry ended with, “Shout out to him for elevating his game on both ends of the floor.”
Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors were ultimately too much for the Portland Trail Blazers, as the Warriors advance to the Western Conference finals after their 125-121 Game 5 win.
Box score »
Game highlights »
Fan reaction »
Game HQ »
2016 NBA Playoffs coverage »
Thompson didn’t score in the fourth and didn’t need to. Curry kick-started the final push.
The pattern, insofar as two games can speak to a pattern, is that Curry starts rusty and dominates late. This time, in the fourth quarter, Curry dropped 14 points, including a dagger 3-pointer with 24.9 seconds left to ultimately put the game out of reach. The play was classic Curry, in that it’d be a horrific play for almost anyone else: Going behind the back, hopping backward, looping a leaning bomb over Al Farouq Aminu’s outstretched futility. Game broken, game over.
Or, as Warriors coach Steve Kerr summarized, “Klay's shooting was incredible tonight. Then the way Steph finished the game, that step back shot to put it to a five-point lead was probably a shot only he can make. So I thought a gutty effort from a lot of guys. It wasn't our best stuff, but we got it done.”
It’s a win Golden State badly needed. Andrew Bogut exited the action in the first half with a strained abductor. Draymond Green left for a spell in the second after appearing to tweak his ankle. Throw in Curry’s continued knee sprain recovery, and closing this game matters in a broader context.
Now the Splash Brothers lie in wait, as monsters sometimes do. Ending this series early helps them restore their fearsome form. Portland offered a steady resistance, but the biggest challenge has yet to come. Golden State enters the Western Conference finals battered, but not broken, hoping to wreak more terror.
There’s a classic NBA wariness regarding pregame MVP ceremonies. It’s a disruption of routine, a moment to acknowledge the season when the present is far more pressing. Curry had finally returned to Oracle, but it remained to be seen whether Golden State could resume its old flow.
The “M-V-P” chants rumbled, and a video played a cut of Curry’s exploits this season. At the beginning of the video, Golden State owner Joe Lacob joyously shouts “Monster!” as a victorious Stephen Curry moves past.
On some nights, such as in overtime of Monday’s game, Curry indeed looks quite monstrous. He’s a mutant who can seize the game and sports zeitgeist in a way that feels surreal. A human vulnerability like last round’s knee sprain only sets up his glorious, supernatural comeback.
He is, however, indeed human. The man has carbon-based, muscle-girded knees, one in particular that needs healing. To begin Game 5, Curry played with savvy, but not so much with force. The burst wasn’t quite there on his drives; the legs weren’t quite there on his 3-pointers. And to start, the Warriors looked less than themselves, falling into an 11-point deficit as shots went begging. Curry finished the half 3-of-9 with seven points.
The Portland Trail Blazers gave the Golden State Warriors a decent run in Game 5, but Stephen Curry and the Warriors took control late and advanced to the Western Conference finals. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Thankfully for Golden State, they have another offensive force, whose monstrous moments come with regularity, but arrive often enough. Klay Thompson continued his breakout playoffs, holding down the fort in Game 5 until Curry found his groove, while also putting the clamps on Damian Lillard (7-of-24, 28 points). Thompson had 33 points through three quarters. After the game, Curry gave a nod to how Thompson had built a bridge to victory. Even though he wasn’t asked about his teammate’s exploits, Curry halted the end of his news conference as media members were getting up to exit.
“I will have to say one thing, though,” Curry said, freezing the room. “I think Klay was in here earlier. That dude had the best series I’ve ever seen him play on both ends of the floor, defending [Lillard], exhausting all his energy to make it uncomfortable for him and what he’s able to do offensively. Hopefully that doesn’t get lost in our series and the way we played as a team. Because you look down and 33 points and you chase [Lillard] around for all 34 minutes he was on the court.” Curry ended with, “Shout out to him for elevating his game on both ends of the floor.”
Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors were ultimately too much for the Portland Trail Blazers, as the Warriors advance to the Western Conference finals after their 125-121 Game 5 win.
Box score »
Game highlights »
Fan reaction »
Game HQ »
2016 NBA Playoffs coverage »
Thompson didn’t score in the fourth and didn’t need to. Curry kick-started the final push.
The pattern, insofar as two games can speak to a pattern, is that Curry starts rusty and dominates late. This time, in the fourth quarter, Curry dropped 14 points, including a dagger 3-pointer with 24.9 seconds left to ultimately put the game out of reach. The play was classic Curry, in that it’d be a horrific play for almost anyone else: Going behind the back, hopping backward, looping a leaning bomb over Al Farouq Aminu’s outstretched futility. Game broken, game over.
Or, as Warriors coach Steve Kerr summarized, “Klay's shooting was incredible tonight. Then the way Steph finished the game, that step back shot to put it to a five-point lead was probably a shot only he can make. So I thought a gutty effort from a lot of guys. It wasn't our best stuff, but we got it done.”
It’s a win Golden State badly needed. Andrew Bogut exited the action in the first half with a strained abductor. Draymond Green left for a spell in the second after appearing to tweak his ankle. Throw in Curry’s continued knee sprain recovery, and closing this game matters in a broader context.
Now the Splash Brothers lie in wait, as monsters sometimes do. Ending this series early helps them restore their fearsome form. Portland offered a steady resistance, but the biggest challenge has yet to come. Golden State enters the Western Conference finals battered, but not broken, hoping to wreak more terror.
Stephen Curry's dagger 3 clinches series for Golden State Warriors
Before the Golden State Warriors closed out the Portland Trail Blazers with a 125-121 win in Game 5, there was the small matter of a celebratory event.
There’s a classic NBA wariness regarding pregame MVP ceremonies. It’s a disruption of routine, a moment to acknowledge the season when the present is far more pressing. Curry had finally returned to Oracle, but it remained to be seen whether Golden State could resume its old flow.
The “M-V-P” chants rumbled, and a video played a cut of Curry’s exploits this season. At the beginning of the video, Golden State owner Joe Lacob joyously shouts “Monster!” as a victorious Stephen Curry moves past.
On some nights, such as in overtime of Monday’s game, Curry indeed looks quite monstrous. He’s a mutant who can seize the game and sports zeitgeist in a way that feels surreal. A human vulnerability like last round’s knee sprain only sets up his glorious, supernatural comeback.
He is, however, indeed human. The man has carbon-based, muscle-girded knees, one in particular that needs healing. To begin Game 5, Curry played with savvy, but not so much with force. The burst wasn’t quite there on his drives; the legs weren’t quite there on his 3-pointers. And to start, the Warriors looked less than themselves, falling into an 11-point deficit as shots went begging. Curry finished the half 3-of-9 with seven points.
The Portland Trail Blazers gave the Golden State Warriors a decent run in Game 5, but Stephen Curry and the Warriors took control late and advanced to the Western Conference finals. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Thankfully for Golden State, they have another offensive force, whose monstrous moments come with regularity, but arrive often enough. Klay Thompson continued his breakout playoffs, holding down the fort in Game 5 until Curry found his groove, while also putting the clamps on Damian Lillard (7-of-24, 28 points). Thompson had 33 points through three quarters. After the game, Curry gave a nod to how Thompson had built a bridge to victory. Even though he wasn’t asked about his teammate’s exploits, Curry halted the end of his news conference as media members were getting up to exit.
“I will have to say one thing, though,” Curry said, freezing the room. “I think Klay was in here earlier. That dude had the best series I’ve ever seen him play on both ends of the floor, defending [Lillard], exhausting all his energy to make it uncomfortable for him and what he’s able to do offensively. Hopefully that doesn’t get lost in our series and the way we played as a team. Because you look down and 33 points and you chase [Lillard] around for all 34 minutes he was on the court.” Curry ended with, “Shout out to him for elevating his game on both ends of the floor.”
Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors were ultimately too much for the Portland Trail Blazers, as the Warriors advance to the Western Conference finals after their 125-121 Game 5 win.
Box score »
Game highlights »
Fan reaction »
Game HQ »
2016 NBA Playoffs coverage »
Thompson didn’t score in the fourth and didn’t need to. Curry kick-started the final push.
The pattern, insofar as two games can speak to a pattern, is that Curry starts rusty and dominates late. This time, in the fourth quarter, Curry dropped 14 points, including a dagger 3-pointer with 24.9 seconds left to ultimately put the game out of reach. The play was classic Curry, in that it’d be a horrific play for almost anyone else: Going behind the back, hopping backward, looping a leaning bomb over Al Farouq Aminu’s outstretched futility. Game broken, game over.
Or, as Warriors coach Steve Kerr summarized, “Klay's shooting was incredible tonight. Then the way Steph finished the game, that step back shot to put it to a five-point lead was probably a shot only he can make. So I thought a gutty effort from a lot of guys. It wasn't our best stuff, but we got it done.”
It’s a win Golden State badly needed. Andrew Bogut exited the action in the first half with a strained abductor. Draymond Green left for a spell in the second after appearing to tweak his ankle. Throw in Curry’s continued knee sprain recovery, and closing this game matters in a broader context.
Now the Splash Brothers lie in wait, as monsters sometimes do. Ending this series early helps them restore their fearsome form. Portland offered a steady resistance, but the biggest challenge has yet to come. Golden State enters the Western Conference finals battered, but not broken, hoping to wreak more terror.
There’s a classic NBA wariness regarding pregame MVP ceremonies. It’s a disruption of routine, a moment to acknowledge the season when the present is far more pressing. Curry had finally returned to Oracle, but it remained to be seen whether Golden State could resume its old flow.
The “M-V-P” chants rumbled, and a video played a cut of Curry’s exploits this season. At the beginning of the video, Golden State owner Joe Lacob joyously shouts “Monster!” as a victorious Stephen Curry moves past.
On some nights, such as in overtime of Monday’s game, Curry indeed looks quite monstrous. He’s a mutant who can seize the game and sports zeitgeist in a way that feels surreal. A human vulnerability like last round’s knee sprain only sets up his glorious, supernatural comeback.
He is, however, indeed human. The man has carbon-based, muscle-girded knees, one in particular that needs healing. To begin Game 5, Curry played with savvy, but not so much with force. The burst wasn’t quite there on his drives; the legs weren’t quite there on his 3-pointers. And to start, the Warriors looked less than themselves, falling into an 11-point deficit as shots went begging. Curry finished the half 3-of-9 with seven points.
The Portland Trail Blazers gave the Golden State Warriors a decent run in Game 5, but Stephen Curry and the Warriors took control late and advanced to the Western Conference finals. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Thankfully for Golden State, they have another offensive force, whose monstrous moments come with regularity, but arrive often enough. Klay Thompson continued his breakout playoffs, holding down the fort in Game 5 until Curry found his groove, while also putting the clamps on Damian Lillard (7-of-24, 28 points). Thompson had 33 points through three quarters. After the game, Curry gave a nod to how Thompson had built a bridge to victory. Even though he wasn’t asked about his teammate’s exploits, Curry halted the end of his news conference as media members were getting up to exit.
“I will have to say one thing, though,” Curry said, freezing the room. “I think Klay was in here earlier. That dude had the best series I’ve ever seen him play on both ends of the floor, defending [Lillard], exhausting all his energy to make it uncomfortable for him and what he’s able to do offensively. Hopefully that doesn’t get lost in our series and the way we played as a team. Because you look down and 33 points and you chase [Lillard] around for all 34 minutes he was on the court.” Curry ended with, “Shout out to him for elevating his game on both ends of the floor.”
Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors were ultimately too much for the Portland Trail Blazers, as the Warriors advance to the Western Conference finals after their 125-121 Game 5 win.
Box score »
Game highlights »
Fan reaction »
Game HQ »
2016 NBA Playoffs coverage »
Thompson didn’t score in the fourth and didn’t need to. Curry kick-started the final push.
The pattern, insofar as two games can speak to a pattern, is that Curry starts rusty and dominates late. This time, in the fourth quarter, Curry dropped 14 points, including a dagger 3-pointer with 24.9 seconds left to ultimately put the game out of reach. The play was classic Curry, in that it’d be a horrific play for almost anyone else: Going behind the back, hopping backward, looping a leaning bomb over Al Farouq Aminu’s outstretched futility. Game broken, game over.
Or, as Warriors coach Steve Kerr summarized, “Klay's shooting was incredible tonight. Then the way Steph finished the game, that step back shot to put it to a five-point lead was probably a shot only he can make. So I thought a gutty effort from a lot of guys. It wasn't our best stuff, but we got it done.”
It’s a win Golden State badly needed. Andrew Bogut exited the action in the first half with a strained abductor. Draymond Green left for a spell in the second after appearing to tweak his ankle. Throw in Curry’s continued knee sprain recovery, and closing this game matters in a broader context.
Now the Splash Brothers lie in wait, as monsters sometimes do. Ending this series early helps them restore their fearsome form. Portland offered a steady resistance, but the biggest challenge has yet to come. Golden State enters the Western Conference finals battered, but not broken, hoping to wreak more terror.
NHL-Blues blow out Stars in Game 7 to advance
May 11 (The Sports Xchange) - The St. Louis Blues advanced to the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2001 after beating Dallas 6-1 in Game 7 of their semi-final series at American Airlines Center on Wednesday.
Troy Brouwer, Robby Fabbri and Paul Stastny each had three points and Brian Elliott stopped 31 of 32 shots for the Blues, who also got a goal and an assist each from David Backes and Patrik Berglund and two assists from Jori Lehtera.
St. Louis will face the winner of Game 7 between San Jose and Nashville on Thursday, with the conference finals starting on Saturday.
St. Louis coach Ken Hitchcock is now 5-2 in Game 7s while Stars coach Lindy Ruff is 0-4.
Patrick Eaves broke the shutout 5:05 into the third with his third goal of the playoffs. Eaves scored on an easy tip-in at the near post after Alex Goligoski's slap shot from the right circle deflected off Joel Edmundson.
Vladimir Tarasenko scored an empty-net goal with 4:40 remaining to make it 6-1.
Antti Niemi stopped eight of 10 shots in relief of Kari Lehtonen, who stopped just five of eight shots.
Fabbri scored a power-play goal 5:23 into the first period off a rebound to give the Blues an early 1-0 lead.
Lehtonen stopped the initial shot by Brouwer with a pad save, but Fabbri popped in the rebound for his third goal of the playoffs.
Fabbri is the youngest player in Blues history to score in a Game 7.
St. Louis were 52 seconds into a power play resulting from a hooking call on Goligoski against Tarasenko at 4:31 of the first period.
Dallas caught a break late in the first period when an apparent goal by Tarasenko 2:21 before the first intermission was waived off. Tarasenko scored from the edge of the left circle with a shot that deflected off the stick of Stars defenseman John Klingberg.
Ruff used a coach's challenge asserting that Tarasenko was offside. A replay showed Tarasenko's left skate was just offside.
However, the Blues scored twice in the final 1:38 of the first period to lead 3-0 after 20 minutes. Stastny sent a wrist shot from the right of the Dallas goal through Lehtonen with 1:38 remaining.
Then Berglund gave the visitors a three-goal edge with his fourth goal of the playoffs with four seconds remaining in the first period. Berglund's wrist shot from the left point traveled in under Lehtonen's blocker.
Niemi replaced Lehtonen in goal to start the second period.
Backes made it 4-0 in the second with his sixth goal of the playoffs. Berglund set Backes up beautifully by sending the puck just over the Dallas blue line from inside the neutral zone.
Backes received it just inside the Dallas zone and beat Niemi far post with a wrist shot from the right circle.
Brouwer made it 5-0 with his fifth goal of the playoffs with 5:54 remaining in the second period. Brouwer's wrist shot from near the far post off the rush capped a well-executed 2-on-1 sequence by the Blues. (Editing by Peter Rutherford)
Troy Brouwer, Robby Fabbri and Paul Stastny each had three points and Brian Elliott stopped 31 of 32 shots for the Blues, who also got a goal and an assist each from David Backes and Patrik Berglund and two assists from Jori Lehtera.
St. Louis will face the winner of Game 7 between San Jose and Nashville on Thursday, with the conference finals starting on Saturday.
St. Louis coach Ken Hitchcock is now 5-2 in Game 7s while Stars coach Lindy Ruff is 0-4.
Patrick Eaves broke the shutout 5:05 into the third with his third goal of the playoffs. Eaves scored on an easy tip-in at the near post after Alex Goligoski's slap shot from the right circle deflected off Joel Edmundson.
Vladimir Tarasenko scored an empty-net goal with 4:40 remaining to make it 6-1.
Antti Niemi stopped eight of 10 shots in relief of Kari Lehtonen, who stopped just five of eight shots.
Fabbri scored a power-play goal 5:23 into the first period off a rebound to give the Blues an early 1-0 lead.
Lehtonen stopped the initial shot by Brouwer with a pad save, but Fabbri popped in the rebound for his third goal of the playoffs.
Fabbri is the youngest player in Blues history to score in a Game 7.
St. Louis were 52 seconds into a power play resulting from a hooking call on Goligoski against Tarasenko at 4:31 of the first period.
Dallas caught a break late in the first period when an apparent goal by Tarasenko 2:21 before the first intermission was waived off. Tarasenko scored from the edge of the left circle with a shot that deflected off the stick of Stars defenseman John Klingberg.
Ruff used a coach's challenge asserting that Tarasenko was offside. A replay showed Tarasenko's left skate was just offside.
However, the Blues scored twice in the final 1:38 of the first period to lead 3-0 after 20 minutes. Stastny sent a wrist shot from the right of the Dallas goal through Lehtonen with 1:38 remaining.
Then Berglund gave the visitors a three-goal edge with his fourth goal of the playoffs with four seconds remaining in the first period. Berglund's wrist shot from the left point traveled in under Lehtonen's blocker.
Niemi replaced Lehtonen in goal to start the second period.
Backes made it 4-0 in the second with his sixth goal of the playoffs. Berglund set Backes up beautifully by sending the puck just over the Dallas blue line from inside the neutral zone.
Backes received it just inside the Dallas zone and beat Niemi far post with a wrist shot from the right circle.
Brouwer made it 5-0 with his fifth goal of the playoffs with 5:54 remaining in the second period. Brouwer's wrist shot from near the far post off the rush capped a well-executed 2-on-1 sequence by the Blues. (Editing by Peter Rutherford)
May 11 (The Sports Xchange) - The St. Louis Blues advanced to the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2001 after beating Dallas 6-1 in Game 7 of their semi-final series at American Airlines Center on Wednesday.
Troy Brouwer, Robby Fabbri and Paul Stastny each had three points and Brian Elliott stopped 31 of 32 shots for the Blues, who also got a goal and an assist each from David Backes and Patrik Berglund and two assists from Jori Lehtera.
St. Louis will face the winner of Game 7 between San Jose and Nashville on Thursday, with the conference finals starting on Saturday.
St. Louis coach Ken Hitchcock is now 5-2 in Game 7s while Stars coach Lindy Ruff is 0-4.
Patrick Eaves broke the shutout 5:05 into the third with his third goal of the playoffs. Eaves scored on an easy tip-in at the near post after Alex Goligoski's slap shot from the right circle deflected off Joel Edmundson.
Vladimir Tarasenko scored an empty-net goal with 4:40 remaining to make it 6-1.
Antti Niemi stopped eight of 10 shots in relief of Kari Lehtonen, who stopped just five of eight shots.
Fabbri scored a power-play goal 5:23 into the first period off a rebound to give the Blues an early 1-0 lead.
Lehtonen stopped the initial shot by Brouwer with a pad save, but Fabbri popped in the rebound for his third goal of the playoffs.
Fabbri is the youngest player in Blues history to score in a Game 7.
St. Louis were 52 seconds into a power play resulting from a hooking call on Goligoski against Tarasenko at 4:31 of the first period.
Dallas caught a break late in the first period when an apparent goal by Tarasenko 2:21 before the first intermission was waived off. Tarasenko scored from the edge of the left circle with a shot that deflected off the stick of Stars defenseman John Klingberg.
Ruff used a coach's challenge asserting that Tarasenko was offside. A replay showed Tarasenko's left skate was just offside.
However, the Blues scored twice in the final 1:38 of the first period to lead 3-0 after 20 minutes. Stastny sent a wrist shot from the right of the Dallas goal through Lehtonen with 1:38 remaining.
Then Berglund gave the visitors a three-goal edge with his fourth goal of the playoffs with four seconds remaining in the first period. Berglund's wrist shot from the left point traveled in under Lehtonen's blocker.
Niemi replaced Lehtonen in goal to start the second period.
Backes made it 4-0 in the second with his sixth goal of the playoffs. Berglund set Backes up beautifully by sending the puck just over the Dallas blue line from inside the neutral zone.
Backes received it just inside the Dallas zone and beat Niemi far post with a wrist shot from the right circle.
Brouwer made it 5-0 with his fifth goal of the playoffs with 5:54 remaining in the second period. Brouwer's wrist shot from near the far post off the rush capped a well-executed 2-on-1 sequence by the Blues. (Editing by Peter Rutherford)
Troy Brouwer, Robby Fabbri and Paul Stastny each had three points and Brian Elliott stopped 31 of 32 shots for the Blues, who also got a goal and an assist each from David Backes and Patrik Berglund and two assists from Jori Lehtera.
St. Louis will face the winner of Game 7 between San Jose and Nashville on Thursday, with the conference finals starting on Saturday.
St. Louis coach Ken Hitchcock is now 5-2 in Game 7s while Stars coach Lindy Ruff is 0-4.
Patrick Eaves broke the shutout 5:05 into the third with his third goal of the playoffs. Eaves scored on an easy tip-in at the near post after Alex Goligoski's slap shot from the right circle deflected off Joel Edmundson.
Vladimir Tarasenko scored an empty-net goal with 4:40 remaining to make it 6-1.
Antti Niemi stopped eight of 10 shots in relief of Kari Lehtonen, who stopped just five of eight shots.
Fabbri scored a power-play goal 5:23 into the first period off a rebound to give the Blues an early 1-0 lead.
Lehtonen stopped the initial shot by Brouwer with a pad save, but Fabbri popped in the rebound for his third goal of the playoffs.
Fabbri is the youngest player in Blues history to score in a Game 7.
St. Louis were 52 seconds into a power play resulting from a hooking call on Goligoski against Tarasenko at 4:31 of the first period.
Dallas caught a break late in the first period when an apparent goal by Tarasenko 2:21 before the first intermission was waived off. Tarasenko scored from the edge of the left circle with a shot that deflected off the stick of Stars defenseman John Klingberg.
Ruff used a coach's challenge asserting that Tarasenko was offside. A replay showed Tarasenko's left skate was just offside.
However, the Blues scored twice in the final 1:38 of the first period to lead 3-0 after 20 minutes. Stastny sent a wrist shot from the right of the Dallas goal through Lehtonen with 1:38 remaining.
Then Berglund gave the visitors a three-goal edge with his fourth goal of the playoffs with four seconds remaining in the first period. Berglund's wrist shot from the left point traveled in under Lehtonen's blocker.
Niemi replaced Lehtonen in goal to start the second period.
Backes made it 4-0 in the second with his sixth goal of the playoffs. Berglund set Backes up beautifully by sending the puck just over the Dallas blue line from inside the neutral zone.
Backes received it just inside the Dallas zone and beat Niemi far post with a wrist shot from the right circle.
Brouwer made it 5-0 with his fifth goal of the playoffs with 5:54 remaining in the second period. Brouwer's wrist shot from near the far post off the rush capped a well-executed 2-on-1 sequence by the Blues. (Editing by Peter Rutherford)
Blackhawks agree to 3-year deal with D Gustav Forsling
CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago Blackhawks and 19-year-old defenseman Gustav Forsling have agreed to a three-year contract.
The Blackhawks announced the contract Wednesday.
Forsling had six goals and 15 assists in 48 games last season for Linkoping HC in the Swedish Hockey League. He was selected by Vancouver in the fifth round of the 2014 draft, and traded to Chicago in January 2015 for defenseman Adam Clendening.
The Blackhawks announced the contract Wednesday.
Forsling had six goals and 15 assists in 48 games last season for Linkoping HC in the Swedish Hockey League. He was selected by Vancouver in the fifth round of the 2014 draft, and traded to Chicago in January 2015 for defenseman Adam Clendening.
Trio of Kessel, Hagelin and Bonino leading way for Penguins
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The line that sent the Pittsburgh Penguins full throttle into the Eastern Conference finals wasn't even on the roster a year ago.
Phil Kessel was stuck in Toronto, where his undeniable talent but occasionally questionable commitment made the three-time All-Star an easy scapegoat for a organization in freefall. Carl Hagelin was weeks away from getting shipped from the New York Rangers to Anaheim, where a four-year contract extension promised a new beginning that lasted barely half a season. Nick Bonino was finishing up a solid but not spectacular year in Vancouver.
Fast forward 12 months and there they were on Tuesday night, doing all the right things at all the right times, including Bonino's tap-in goal 6:32 into overtime to end six taut games against the Washington Capitals and send the Penguins to the conference finals for the second time in four years.
''It's a bit of difference, right?'' Kessel said. ''I'm happy to be here. We have a great group here.''
One thrown together more by attrition than imagination.
Coach Mike Sullivan hooked up the hard-shooting Kessel with the pragmatic Bonino and the liquid-skating Hagelin - all acquired in trades by general manager Jim Rutherford that now seem largely one-sided - only after center Evgeni Malkin injured his left elbow in mid-March. Over the last two months they have developed an eclectic chemistry while taking the burden off Malkin and captain Sidney Crosby.
View galleryTrio of Kessel, Hagelin and Bonino leading way for …
Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) sprawls in the crease as Pittsburgh Penguins' Nick …
While the Capitals focused much of their defensive attention on Pittsburgh's franchise cornerstones - and largely succeeded by holding Crosby and Malkin to four points total in the series - Washington could do little against a line symbolic of a team that rebuilt itself on the fly.
Hagelin, Kessel and Bonino combined for all four of Pittsburgh's goals in the decider and finished with seven in over the course of six games, nearly half of the Penguins' total.
''I thought the stars sort of nullified each other a little bit, especially 5-on-5,'' Washington coach Barry Trotz said. ''The Hagelin line. The Bonino line. They seemed to be the group that scored all the time in the games.''
Never more than with a chance to advance to the Eastern Conference finals against Tampa Bay on the line. Their four goals were fitting examples of their own unique gifts. Kessel started the scoring with a wrist shot through a screen that came at Washington goaltender Braden Holtby so ferociously the Vezina Trophy finalist could only watch was it whizzed by his right arm and into the net.
''Not many guys can score that goal,'' Sullivan said. ''Phil can.''
View galleryTrio of Kessel, Hagelin and Bonino leading way for …
Pittsburgh Penguins' Nick Bonino, facing camera at top, is mobbed by teammates after scoring aga …
Kessel's second offered proof that he's no longer averse to fighting through traffic as he faked a shot from the left circle then deftly walked around a sprawled Holtby to put the Penguins up 2-0. Barely 30 seconds later, Hagelin expertly knocked an Olli Maatta slapshot by Holtby to make it 3-0. When the Capitals put together remarkable rally to send it to overtime, Kessel chased down a puck in the corner and fed it in the slot to a speeding Hagelin. Holtby managed to get his right pad on Hagelin's wrister but Bonino was all by his lonesome just outside the crease.
''It wasn't pretty, but they're usually not,'' Bonino said.
That's not Bonino's job. He is the group's defensive conscience, an intelligent two-way player who doesn't hesitate when tasked with getting to the dirty areas at either end of the rink. His attention to detail allows Hagelin and Kessel to take more chances on breakouts, part of Pittsburgh's plan to play with the kind of speed designed to force opponents into mistakes.
Yet their emergence does more than create pressure. It also gives Sullivan the freedom to even out the playing time, making the Penguins fresher later in games.
''We really like how that line has come together the last 6-8 weeks of the season,'' he said. ''It kind of allows us to spread our talent a little bit and create balance among the forward lines that makes us hard to play against.''
View galleryTrio of Kessel, Hagelin and Bonino leading way for …
Pittsburgh Penguins' Carl Hagelin, right, deflects the puck as it goes by in front of Washington …
A challenge the red-hot but shorthanded Lightning now have to contend with in a series that has some of the hallmarks of the teams' previous playoff showdown five years ago. The Penguins were missing Crosby - who was in the early days of dealing with concussion-like symptoms that would hound him for the better part of two seasons - and Malkin (out with a knee injury) in the first round in 2011, eventually falling in seven games after blowing a 3-1 lead.
Tampa Bay defenseman Anton Stralman is still recovering from a fractured left leg. Forward J.T. Brown is dealing with an upper-body injury while Steven Stamkos remains out while dealing with a blood clot. Stralman and Brown appear nearing a return while Stamkos is uncertain when he'll be cleared to play.
Whoever is in the lineup for the Lightning for Friday night's Game 1 will have to contend with a team that is far more than their longtime guiding lights. Crosby and Malkin have help - and plenty of it.
''It shows the depth of our team,'' Bonino said. ''We've had it all year ... we're playing a team next that is going to have a lot of scoring depth (too). We have to be able to match that.''
Phil Kessel was stuck in Toronto, where his undeniable talent but occasionally questionable commitment made the three-time All-Star an easy scapegoat for a organization in freefall. Carl Hagelin was weeks away from getting shipped from the New York Rangers to Anaheim, where a four-year contract extension promised a new beginning that lasted barely half a season. Nick Bonino was finishing up a solid but not spectacular year in Vancouver.
Fast forward 12 months and there they were on Tuesday night, doing all the right things at all the right times, including Bonino's tap-in goal 6:32 into overtime to end six taut games against the Washington Capitals and send the Penguins to the conference finals for the second time in four years.
''It's a bit of difference, right?'' Kessel said. ''I'm happy to be here. We have a great group here.''
One thrown together more by attrition than imagination.
Coach Mike Sullivan hooked up the hard-shooting Kessel with the pragmatic Bonino and the liquid-skating Hagelin - all acquired in trades by general manager Jim Rutherford that now seem largely one-sided - only after center Evgeni Malkin injured his left elbow in mid-March. Over the last two months they have developed an eclectic chemistry while taking the burden off Malkin and captain Sidney Crosby.
View galleryTrio of Kessel, Hagelin and Bonino leading way for …
Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) sprawls in the crease as Pittsburgh Penguins' Nick …
While the Capitals focused much of their defensive attention on Pittsburgh's franchise cornerstones - and largely succeeded by holding Crosby and Malkin to four points total in the series - Washington could do little against a line symbolic of a team that rebuilt itself on the fly.
Hagelin, Kessel and Bonino combined for all four of Pittsburgh's goals in the decider and finished with seven in over the course of six games, nearly half of the Penguins' total.
''I thought the stars sort of nullified each other a little bit, especially 5-on-5,'' Washington coach Barry Trotz said. ''The Hagelin line. The Bonino line. They seemed to be the group that scored all the time in the games.''
Never more than with a chance to advance to the Eastern Conference finals against Tampa Bay on the line. Their four goals were fitting examples of their own unique gifts. Kessel started the scoring with a wrist shot through a screen that came at Washington goaltender Braden Holtby so ferociously the Vezina Trophy finalist could only watch was it whizzed by his right arm and into the net.
''Not many guys can score that goal,'' Sullivan said. ''Phil can.''
View galleryTrio of Kessel, Hagelin and Bonino leading way for …
Pittsburgh Penguins' Nick Bonino, facing camera at top, is mobbed by teammates after scoring aga …
Kessel's second offered proof that he's no longer averse to fighting through traffic as he faked a shot from the left circle then deftly walked around a sprawled Holtby to put the Penguins up 2-0. Barely 30 seconds later, Hagelin expertly knocked an Olli Maatta slapshot by Holtby to make it 3-0. When the Capitals put together remarkable rally to send it to overtime, Kessel chased down a puck in the corner and fed it in the slot to a speeding Hagelin. Holtby managed to get his right pad on Hagelin's wrister but Bonino was all by his lonesome just outside the crease.
''It wasn't pretty, but they're usually not,'' Bonino said.
That's not Bonino's job. He is the group's defensive conscience, an intelligent two-way player who doesn't hesitate when tasked with getting to the dirty areas at either end of the rink. His attention to detail allows Hagelin and Kessel to take more chances on breakouts, part of Pittsburgh's plan to play with the kind of speed designed to force opponents into mistakes.
Yet their emergence does more than create pressure. It also gives Sullivan the freedom to even out the playing time, making the Penguins fresher later in games.
''We really like how that line has come together the last 6-8 weeks of the season,'' he said. ''It kind of allows us to spread our talent a little bit and create balance among the forward lines that makes us hard to play against.''
View galleryTrio of Kessel, Hagelin and Bonino leading way for …
Pittsburgh Penguins' Carl Hagelin, right, deflects the puck as it goes by in front of Washington …
A challenge the red-hot but shorthanded Lightning now have to contend with in a series that has some of the hallmarks of the teams' previous playoff showdown five years ago. The Penguins were missing Crosby - who was in the early days of dealing with concussion-like symptoms that would hound him for the better part of two seasons - and Malkin (out with a knee injury) in the first round in 2011, eventually falling in seven games after blowing a 3-1 lead.
Tampa Bay defenseman Anton Stralman is still recovering from a fractured left leg. Forward J.T. Brown is dealing with an upper-body injury while Steven Stamkos remains out while dealing with a blood clot. Stralman and Brown appear nearing a return while Stamkos is uncertain when he'll be cleared to play.
Whoever is in the lineup for the Lightning for Friday night's Game 1 will have to contend with a team that is far more than their longtime guiding lights. Crosby and Malkin have help - and plenty of it.
''It shows the depth of our team,'' Bonino said. ''We've had it all year ... we're playing a team next that is going to have a lot of scoring depth (too). We have to be able to match that.''
Boudreau in Minnesota: 'This is the last place I'm going'
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Bruce Boudreau's teams have been remarkably consistent and successful over nearly a decade on the bench in the NHL.
They've also had a history of early exits from the playoffs. Otherwise, the 61-year-old coach would not have been available to the Minnesota Wild.
Though the Wild have qualified for the postseason four straight times, this is a bunch that is badly in need of stability after several years of sudden sharp turns along the chase for a championship.
''They need a different voice,'' general manager Chuck Fletcher said, ''and Bruce's experience, as well as his tremendous passion for the game and his hockey IQ, I believe will allow him to push this group to heights they haven't been to yet.''
Fletcher said he tried not to ''over-think'' the decision once Boudreau became available following his firing by Anaheim. He has the highest winning percentage among active NHL coaches, with eight division titles in nine years beginning with Washington in 2007-08. As fans of the Ducks and Capitals would quickly mention, of course, Boudreau has won only five series in the playoffs. His Game 7 record is 1-7, with all the losses coming on home ice.
''Hey, I'm fully aware. I've been in the business for over 40 years. I know the way this works, and we're in a winning business so you have to win,'' said Boudreau, who has a four-year contract.
View galleryBoudreau in Minnesota: 'This is the last place …
Bruce Boudreau addresses the media after he was introduced as the new Minnesota Wild head coach duri …
Fletcher, who fired Todd Richards after two seasons and Mike Yeo more than halfway into his fifth, also considered interim coach John Torchetti, whom he lauded for steering the Wild into the playoffs last month after replacing Yeo.
''They're good coaches, but for whatever reason the buy-in wasn't there consistently,'' Fletcher said, ''and that's what I hope to change with this.''
With accomplished, expensive and experienced leaders in Mikko Koivu, Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, and a core of 25-and-under players like Charlie Coyle, Mikael Granlund and Jason Zucker who haven't hit their potential, Boudreau will have personalities to manage and plenty of talent to tailor his systems to.
''With his resume, with his communication skills and with our team, he'll have instant credibility with our players,'' Fletcher said.
The Wild might have hit a ceiling with their current roster, reaching the second round twice in four years. They've never played well enough during the regular season to get one of those high seeds, often just desperately trying to play their way in down the stretch.
View galleryBoudreau in Minnesota: 'This is the last place …
Bruce Boudreau, left, is introduced by Minnesota Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher, right, as the …
The round-faced man with the nearly receded hairline known for a sense of humor as well as profane intermission pep talks will aim to reverse that trend.
''The people that manage people the best usually get them to work the hardest,'' Boudreau said.
How?
''My personality, I think, helps a lot. I think they see that I'm pretty passionate,'' Boudreau said, adding: ''I think of myself as the complete average man, so if it works on me, it will work on somebody else.''
The Wild have never been higher than 12th in the league in goals, in 2014-15 under Yeo, the only time in franchise history they've finished in the top half. Boudreau's teams have had a penchant for scoring, though there's no Alex Ovechkin or Corey Perry here like he had in Washington and Anaheim.
View galleryBoudreau in Minnesota: 'This is the last place …
Bruce Boudreau, left, takes questions after he was introduced by Minnesota Wild general manager Chuc …
''You don't need those guys to survive or to win,'' Boudreau said. ''I think we can do it the old-fashioned way.''
Adaptation, then, will be as important as communication.
''It's clear he's a great coach and any team is lucky to have him,'' Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner said. ''They obviously know that by going after him right away. It's going to be scary to think of how good Minnesota can be defensively now with Bruce's ability to get offense out of a team. It's going to be interesting to see.''
There's hardly a better personification of the hockey lifer than Boudreau, who has played for or coached two-dozen different professional teams, from Adirondack to Anaheim and points in between. He even appeared in the 1977 cult classic film ''Slap Shot.'' He said he still laments his lack of dedication to his NHL career, realizing years later how much better he could have been as a player.
His news conference was held Tuesday on the bare floor of Xcel Energy Center, the arena that replaced the St. Paul Civic Center the Minnesota Fighting Saints once called home. Boudreau skated one season for the World Hockey Association club, which drafted the Toronto native in the first round in 1974.
''This is the last place I'm going,'' Boudreau said. ''I told my wife I'm going to say here for as long as they want me, and I hope it's a long time.''
---
AP Sports Writer Stephen Whyno in Washington contributed to this report.
They've also had a history of early exits from the playoffs. Otherwise, the 61-year-old coach would not have been available to the Minnesota Wild.
Though the Wild have qualified for the postseason four straight times, this is a bunch that is badly in need of stability after several years of sudden sharp turns along the chase for a championship.
''They need a different voice,'' general manager Chuck Fletcher said, ''and Bruce's experience, as well as his tremendous passion for the game and his hockey IQ, I believe will allow him to push this group to heights they haven't been to yet.''
Fletcher said he tried not to ''over-think'' the decision once Boudreau became available following his firing by Anaheim. He has the highest winning percentage among active NHL coaches, with eight division titles in nine years beginning with Washington in 2007-08. As fans of the Ducks and Capitals would quickly mention, of course, Boudreau has won only five series in the playoffs. His Game 7 record is 1-7, with all the losses coming on home ice.
''Hey, I'm fully aware. I've been in the business for over 40 years. I know the way this works, and we're in a winning business so you have to win,'' said Boudreau, who has a four-year contract.
View galleryBoudreau in Minnesota: 'This is the last place …
Bruce Boudreau addresses the media after he was introduced as the new Minnesota Wild head coach duri …
Fletcher, who fired Todd Richards after two seasons and Mike Yeo more than halfway into his fifth, also considered interim coach John Torchetti, whom he lauded for steering the Wild into the playoffs last month after replacing Yeo.
''They're good coaches, but for whatever reason the buy-in wasn't there consistently,'' Fletcher said, ''and that's what I hope to change with this.''
With accomplished, expensive and experienced leaders in Mikko Koivu, Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, and a core of 25-and-under players like Charlie Coyle, Mikael Granlund and Jason Zucker who haven't hit their potential, Boudreau will have personalities to manage and plenty of talent to tailor his systems to.
''With his resume, with his communication skills and with our team, he'll have instant credibility with our players,'' Fletcher said.
The Wild might have hit a ceiling with their current roster, reaching the second round twice in four years. They've never played well enough during the regular season to get one of those high seeds, often just desperately trying to play their way in down the stretch.
View galleryBoudreau in Minnesota: 'This is the last place …
Bruce Boudreau, left, is introduced by Minnesota Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher, right, as the …
The round-faced man with the nearly receded hairline known for a sense of humor as well as profane intermission pep talks will aim to reverse that trend.
''The people that manage people the best usually get them to work the hardest,'' Boudreau said.
How?
''My personality, I think, helps a lot. I think they see that I'm pretty passionate,'' Boudreau said, adding: ''I think of myself as the complete average man, so if it works on me, it will work on somebody else.''
The Wild have never been higher than 12th in the league in goals, in 2014-15 under Yeo, the only time in franchise history they've finished in the top half. Boudreau's teams have had a penchant for scoring, though there's no Alex Ovechkin or Corey Perry here like he had in Washington and Anaheim.
View galleryBoudreau in Minnesota: 'This is the last place …
Bruce Boudreau, left, takes questions after he was introduced by Minnesota Wild general manager Chuc …
''You don't need those guys to survive or to win,'' Boudreau said. ''I think we can do it the old-fashioned way.''
Adaptation, then, will be as important as communication.
''It's clear he's a great coach and any team is lucky to have him,'' Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner said. ''They obviously know that by going after him right away. It's going to be scary to think of how good Minnesota can be defensively now with Bruce's ability to get offense out of a team. It's going to be interesting to see.''
There's hardly a better personification of the hockey lifer than Boudreau, who has played for or coached two-dozen different professional teams, from Adirondack to Anaheim and points in between. He even appeared in the 1977 cult classic film ''Slap Shot.'' He said he still laments his lack of dedication to his NHL career, realizing years later how much better he could have been as a player.
His news conference was held Tuesday on the bare floor of Xcel Energy Center, the arena that replaced the St. Paul Civic Center the Minnesota Fighting Saints once called home. Boudreau skated one season for the World Hockey Association club, which drafted the Toronto native in the first round in 1974.
''This is the last place I'm going,'' Boudreau said. ''I told my wife I'm going to say here for as long as they want me, and I hope it's a long time.''
---
AP Sports Writer Stephen Whyno in Washington contributed to this report.
HAGGERTY: ATTENTION, B'S -- PENGUINS SHOW A DIFFERENT VOICE CAN WORK WONDERS
The Penguins and the Bruins were eerily similar for quite a bit of the last two seasons.
In 2014-15, both underachieving teams had their playoff fates decided on the last day of the regular season. The Bruins missed out by a point and the Penguins barely squeezed in before getting dispatched quickly by the top-seeded Rangers.
In 2015-16 they started the same way. Both were in and out of the top eight, with neither looking like a bona-fide contender. There were talented, Cup-worthy holdovers on both rosters -- Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, Marc-Andre Fleury and others in Pittsburgh; Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, Zdeno Chara, Tuukka Rask et al in Boston -- but, even though they each seemed to have enough talent to at least make the playoffs, it felt like something wasn't right on either team.
Then a funny thing happened: The Penguins made a coaching change. They fired Gary Hart lookalike Mike Johnston on Dec. 12 and replaced him with former Bruins boss Mike Sullivan, who had waited 10 years for his next chance at a head NHL coaching job after being terminated in Boston.
The transition was rocky, as the Penguins lost their first four games under Sullivan . . . including a home-and-home series to the B's, who looked more than postseason-worthy at that point, on Dec. 16 and 18.
But then they caught fire. They finished 32-12-5 in their last 47 regular-season games under Sullivan, easily making the playoffs, and -- after their stunning six-game dispatch of the powerful Capitals, favored by many to win it all this year -- are now 40-15-5 since Dec. 21. They're getting ready to face the Steven Stamkos-less Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference Finals and have a good chance of getting to the Stanley Cup Finals.
So what does this have to do with the Bruins?
Pittsburgh’s rise is proof positive that simply changing the voice behind the bench can sometimes lead to a fundamental change with an underachieving core group of players.
Clearly, Johnston wasn’t as established as Claude Julien. And there’s no way of knowing for sure what will happen with a new coach.
But this much feels true: The decision of Bruins upper management to rely largely on player feedback to determine whether Julien’s message had gone stale seems to be a fundamental mistake.
First-year general manager Don Sweeney recommended retaining Julien, and president Cam Neely agreed.
“I thought [Julien] did a great job coaching this year," Neely said at his end-of-the-year press conference. "It was a big transition year for him, different player personnel than he’s accustomed to. He tried to integrate a lot of younger players and I think he did a good job with the roster . . . [So] when Don said he wanted to keep Claude, I had no problem with that at all . . .
“[Ultimately] that’s Don’s decision. If he comes to me and says, ‘Listen I think we need to make a change here,’ I have to go on his recommendation. He’s the one that deals with the coach on a daily basis.”
This is by no means an indictment of Julien. He's the franchise's all-time leader in coaching victories and would have had another job -- in Ottawa, Minnesota, virtually anywhere with an opening that he wanted to go -- within days had the Bruins let him go.
But isn’t the player endorsement of Julien part of the team's problem over the last two years? The B's have looked, felt and played like a group that's entirely too comfortable despite missing the playoffs. Julien's an elite coach, but that doesn’t mean he’s the best fit for Boston’s roster, and changing organizational philosophy, at this moment in time.
Isn’t the impressive success of Sullivan -- who wasn’t on anybody’s radar as a hot coaching prospect -- proof that there are many brilliant hockey minds out there looking for a shot? Maybe even one or two who could do something greater with a young, offensively-skilled group of players in Boston who don't exactly mesh perfectly with Julien’s defense-first, veteran-heavy strengths.
Wouldn’t a shock to the system, and a fresh approach, be exactly what’s needed for the Bruins, rather than keeping just about everything the same after failing two seasons in a row? Didn’t this feel like a team begging for change when it was getting slapped around by the Senators in the last game of the season with the playoffs on the line?
There’s a reason, beyond bad goaltending, why Bruce Boudreau keeps losing Game Sevens and consistently underachieves in the playoffs despite rosters loaded with talent. There may also be a reason beyond blind, dumb luck and coincidence that the Bruins have collapsed, imploded and choked over the final six weeks in each of the last two regular seasons.
It’s clearly not all on the coaching; the players are the ones actually wilting under pressure on the ice. But one thing about it all has been astounding: The sheer unwillingness of many around the Bruins, in the media and elsewhere, to ask if change could be just as beneficial in Boston as it's been in Pittsburgh.
HAGGERTY: ATTENTION, B'S -- PENGUINS SHOW A DIFFERENT VOICE CAN WORK WONDERS
The Penguins and the Bruins were eerily similar for quite a bit of the last two seasons.
In 2014-15, both underachieving teams had their playoff fates decided on the last day of the regular season. The Bruins missed out by a point and the Penguins barely squeezed in before getting dispatched quickly by the top-seeded Rangers.
In 2015-16 they started the same way. Both were in and out of the top eight, with neither looking like a bona-fide contender. There were talented, Cup-worthy holdovers on both rosters -- Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, Marc-Andre Fleury and others in Pittsburgh; Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, Zdeno Chara, Tuukka Rask et al in Boston -- but, even though they each seemed to have enough talent to at least make the playoffs, it felt like something wasn't right on either team.
Then a funny thing happened: The Penguins made a coaching change. They fired Gary Hart lookalike Mike Johnston on Dec. 12 and replaced him with former Bruins boss Mike Sullivan, who had waited 10 years for his next chance at a head NHL coaching job after being terminated in Boston.
The transition was rocky, as the Penguins lost their first four games under Sullivan . . . including a home-and-home series to the B's, who looked more than postseason-worthy at that point, on Dec. 16 and 18.
But then they caught fire. They finished 32-12-5 in their last 47 regular-season games under Sullivan, easily making the playoffs, and -- after their stunning six-game dispatch of the powerful Capitals, favored by many to win it all this year -- are now 40-15-5 since Dec. 21. They're getting ready to face the Steven Stamkos-less Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference Finals and have a good chance of getting to the Stanley Cup Finals.
So what does this have to do with the Bruins?
Pittsburgh’s rise is proof positive that simply changing the voice behind the bench can sometimes lead to a fundamental change with an underachieving core group of players.
Clearly, Johnston wasn’t as established as Claude Julien. And there’s no way of knowing for sure what will happen with a new coach.
But this much feels true: The decision of Bruins upper management to rely largely on player feedback to determine whether Julien’s message had gone stale seems to be a fundamental mistake.
First-year general manager Don Sweeney recommended retaining Julien, and president Cam Neely agreed.
“I thought [Julien] did a great job coaching this year," Neely said at his end-of-the-year press conference. "It was a big transition year for him, different player personnel than he’s accustomed to. He tried to integrate a lot of younger players and I think he did a good job with the roster . . . [So] when Don said he wanted to keep Claude, I had no problem with that at all . . .
“[Ultimately] that’s Don’s decision. If he comes to me and says, ‘Listen I think we need to make a change here,’ I have to go on his recommendation. He’s the one that deals with the coach on a daily basis.”
This is by no means an indictment of Julien. He's the franchise's all-time leader in coaching victories and would have had another job -- in Ottawa, Minnesota, virtually anywhere with an opening that he wanted to go -- within days had the Bruins let him go.
But isn’t the player endorsement of Julien part of the team's problem over the last two years? The B's have looked, felt and played like a group that's entirely too comfortable despite missing the playoffs. Julien's an elite coach, but that doesn’t mean he’s the best fit for Boston’s roster, and changing organizational philosophy, at this moment in time.
Isn’t the impressive success of Sullivan -- who wasn’t on anybody’s radar as a hot coaching prospect -- proof that there are many brilliant hockey minds out there looking for a shot? Maybe even one or two who could do something greater with a young, offensively-skilled group of players in Boston who don't exactly mesh perfectly with Julien’s defense-first, veteran-heavy strengths.
Wouldn’t a shock to the system, and a fresh approach, be exactly what’s needed for the Bruins, rather than keeping just about everything the same after failing two seasons in a row? Didn’t this feel like a team begging for change when it was getting slapped around by the Senators in the last game of the season with the playoffs on the line?
There’s a reason, beyond bad goaltending, why Bruce Boudreau keeps losing Game Sevens and consistently underachieves in the playoffs despite rosters loaded with talent. There may also be a reason beyond blind, dumb luck and coincidence that the Bruins have collapsed, imploded and choked over the final six weeks in each of the last two regular seasons.
It’s clearly not all on the coaching; the players are the ones actually wilting under pressure on the ice. But one thing about it all has been astounding: The sheer unwillingness of many around the Bruins, in the media and elsewhere, to ask if change could be just as beneficial in Boston as it's been in Pittsburgh.
Buffalo Sabres home arena changing names to KeyBank Center
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- The Buffalo Sabres home arena is undergoing yet another name change, and will soon be referred to as KeyBank Center.
Sabres President Russ Brandon announced the pending change on Wednesday after federal regulators approved KeyBank's merger with First Niagara Financial Group.
It's the latest name change for the downtown arena that was first called Marine Midland Arena when it opened in 1996. The name has since been altered to keep up with a series of bank mergers and takeovers.
The arena eventually became the HSBC Arena in 2000, before becoming the First Niagara Center in 2011.
Sabres President Russ Brandon announced the pending change on Wednesday after federal regulators approved KeyBank's merger with First Niagara Financial Group.
It's the latest name change for the downtown arena that was first called Marine Midland Arena when it opened in 1996. The name has since been altered to keep up with a series of bank mergers and takeovers.
The arena eventually became the HSBC Arena in 2000, before becoming the First Niagara Center in 2011.
'The Goldbergs' creator talks love affair with Flyers
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Barry Goldberg has come to say goodbye to a close-knit friend at a Flyers funeral. Resting in a box were the tattered remains of Goldberg's cherished Philadelphia Flyers T-shirt he named Big Orange.
''All my greatest memories were in that shirt,'' Goldberg says at his personal requiem for a team. ''Dad, I was wearing it when we went to our first Flyers game.''
''It's a shirt,'' his irritable fathers bellows from across the room.
Again, the Flyers are mined this week for laughs on the ABC sitcom, ''The Goldbergs.'' ''The Goldbergs'' draws on the childhood and videotaped domestic life of series creator Adam F. Goldberg, a native of the Philadelphia suburbs, whose family were devoted Philly sports nuts and Flyers season-ticket holders. His memories - and ample home-movie proof from his collection that end each episode - serve as source material for the 1980s-themed show.
Wrapping its third season, ''The Goldbergs,'' has made the Philadelphia sports scene of that era as much a staple in episodes as the VHS camcorder, cassette tapes and big hair and shoulder pads.
''Anywhere I can put Flyers stuff in the show, I love doing it,'' Adam F. Goldberg said.
Wednesday's episode is devoted to Flyers fandom and titled "Big Orange." Big brother Barry Goldberg (Troy Gentile) is forced to investigate the disappearance of his favorite shirt, one so hated by his mother (Wendi McLendon-Covey) and girlfriend (AJ Michalka) that they hatched a plan to destroy it.
Goldberg is busted by his mother when he tries to wear the shirt on school picture day, "because the creamsicle orange really makes me pop off the page.''
His younger brother Adam, taking a break from editing the season finale, said the episode didn't stray far from reality.
''It's like him wearing his baby blanket every day,'' Goldberg said. ''He would literally wear the shirt every day for six or seven years until it literally just fell apart. I think a lot of guys have their favorite shirt that they wear for years and years.''
The 40-year-old Goldberg, forced to play hockey as a child, said he was always terrible at sports. His brothers and father (Jeff Garlin) were the Philly diehards that made Adam tag along to defunct Philly stadiums like the Spectrum (home of the Flyers, 76ers) and Veterans Stadium (Phillies).
His Jenkinstown, Pennsylvania, family was part of a group that shared Flyers season tickets from 1985 to 1994 and those games - which connected the end of the franchise's glory years with the start of lean ones - created a bond with his gruff father.
''It was the best thing I would do with my dad. Those were my best memories, going to games,'' Goldberg said.
Goldberg grew his hair out to a wavy length as a tribute to Flyers center Mike Ricci and soon started down a path toward a writing career. Goldberg recorded every Flyers game and edited his own highlight videos and boasted he still has every fight from the 1989 to 1994 seasons stored on his laptop.
Fast forward 25 to 30 years later, and Goldberg is still editing his own Philly sports highlight reel, only this one on location in Los Angeles.
He poked fun in one episode of the time his father made him leave a Flyers game early at the Spectrum to beat traffic on Dec. 8, 1987 - when Ron Hextall became the first goalie to score a goal. Long before Twitter, the father and son only learn about the milestone once they arrive home.
''Best game I've ever been to,'' Adam Goldberg tells his dad, right as Brian Propp delivers a crunching hit into the boards.
''The Goldbergs'' even recreated Veterans Stadium at an old football stadium, nailing every detail from the concourses, the concession stands, and the bathrooms for an episode where Adam (Sean Giambrone) becomes separated from his father.
Goldberg, though, was asked to change a scene in the script set at the Vet that would have depicted Phillies fans throwing batteries at the Goldbergs after Barry pulled a Steve Bartman and catches a foul ball at an inappropriate time. The team balked at the premise.
Goldberg obliged and the Phillies sent out the authentic Phillie Phanatic to cameo in the episode.
The Flyers made national news against last month when disgruntled Flyers fans threw promotional light-up bracelets and trashed the ice during a playoff game.
''I watched it all day long, every angle I could see,'' Goldberg said, laughing. ''Yeah, keeping it classy. That's Philadelphia. The thing is, I don't know anyone shocked by that. That's what Flyers fans are all about. My favorite thing about Philly fans is booing their own team.''
''The Goldbergs'' traditionally close each episode with a short home-movie clip that mirrors an autobiographical event from the show.
At the suggestion of Ike Richman, a friend of Goldbergs and vice president of public relations for the Flyers' parent company Comcast Spectacor, Wednesday's episode is dedicated to team owner and founder Ed Snider. Snider died in April of cancer.
The Flyers archivist unearthed 8mm film of Snider holding the Stanley Cup on May 19, 1974 that was sent to the show and will air at the end.
''From the Flyers perspective, we love the recognition and attention the show gives us,'' Flyers chief operating officer Shawn Tilger said.
Goldberg's love of hockey has passed on to his 8-year-old son, only these father-son trips come at Los Angeles Kings games.
Any chance his kid is secretly taking notes about family hijinks to turn into his own show in 30 years?
''The way I'm raising my kids is so different than the way I was raised,'' he said. ''We're so appropriate and love our kids in all the right ways that I don't think they're going to be funny or have as much material. It was all the misparenting that led to this show.''
---
This story has been corrected to show that the Flyers won the Stanley Cup on May 19, 1974, not May 17 of that year.
''All my greatest memories were in that shirt,'' Goldberg says at his personal requiem for a team. ''Dad, I was wearing it when we went to our first Flyers game.''
''It's a shirt,'' his irritable fathers bellows from across the room.
Again, the Flyers are mined this week for laughs on the ABC sitcom, ''The Goldbergs.'' ''The Goldbergs'' draws on the childhood and videotaped domestic life of series creator Adam F. Goldberg, a native of the Philadelphia suburbs, whose family were devoted Philly sports nuts and Flyers season-ticket holders. His memories - and ample home-movie proof from his collection that end each episode - serve as source material for the 1980s-themed show.
Wrapping its third season, ''The Goldbergs,'' has made the Philadelphia sports scene of that era as much a staple in episodes as the VHS camcorder, cassette tapes and big hair and shoulder pads.
''Anywhere I can put Flyers stuff in the show, I love doing it,'' Adam F. Goldberg said.
Wednesday's episode is devoted to Flyers fandom and titled "Big Orange." Big brother Barry Goldberg (Troy Gentile) is forced to investigate the disappearance of his favorite shirt, one so hated by his mother (Wendi McLendon-Covey) and girlfriend (AJ Michalka) that they hatched a plan to destroy it.
Goldberg is busted by his mother when he tries to wear the shirt on school picture day, "because the creamsicle orange really makes me pop off the page.''
His younger brother Adam, taking a break from editing the season finale, said the episode didn't stray far from reality.
''It's like him wearing his baby blanket every day,'' Goldberg said. ''He would literally wear the shirt every day for six or seven years until it literally just fell apart. I think a lot of guys have their favorite shirt that they wear for years and years.''
The 40-year-old Goldberg, forced to play hockey as a child, said he was always terrible at sports. His brothers and father (Jeff Garlin) were the Philly diehards that made Adam tag along to defunct Philly stadiums like the Spectrum (home of the Flyers, 76ers) and Veterans Stadium (Phillies).
His Jenkinstown, Pennsylvania, family was part of a group that shared Flyers season tickets from 1985 to 1994 and those games - which connected the end of the franchise's glory years with the start of lean ones - created a bond with his gruff father.
''It was the best thing I would do with my dad. Those were my best memories, going to games,'' Goldberg said.
Goldberg grew his hair out to a wavy length as a tribute to Flyers center Mike Ricci and soon started down a path toward a writing career. Goldberg recorded every Flyers game and edited his own highlight videos and boasted he still has every fight from the 1989 to 1994 seasons stored on his laptop.
Fast forward 25 to 30 years later, and Goldberg is still editing his own Philly sports highlight reel, only this one on location in Los Angeles.
He poked fun in one episode of the time his father made him leave a Flyers game early at the Spectrum to beat traffic on Dec. 8, 1987 - when Ron Hextall became the first goalie to score a goal. Long before Twitter, the father and son only learn about the milestone once they arrive home.
''Best game I've ever been to,'' Adam Goldberg tells his dad, right as Brian Propp delivers a crunching hit into the boards.
''The Goldbergs'' even recreated Veterans Stadium at an old football stadium, nailing every detail from the concourses, the concession stands, and the bathrooms for an episode where Adam (Sean Giambrone) becomes separated from his father.
Goldberg, though, was asked to change a scene in the script set at the Vet that would have depicted Phillies fans throwing batteries at the Goldbergs after Barry pulled a Steve Bartman and catches a foul ball at an inappropriate time. The team balked at the premise.
Goldberg obliged and the Phillies sent out the authentic Phillie Phanatic to cameo in the episode.
The Flyers made national news against last month when disgruntled Flyers fans threw promotional light-up bracelets and trashed the ice during a playoff game.
''I watched it all day long, every angle I could see,'' Goldberg said, laughing. ''Yeah, keeping it classy. That's Philadelphia. The thing is, I don't know anyone shocked by that. That's what Flyers fans are all about. My favorite thing about Philly fans is booing their own team.''
''The Goldbergs'' traditionally close each episode with a short home-movie clip that mirrors an autobiographical event from the show.
At the suggestion of Ike Richman, a friend of Goldbergs and vice president of public relations for the Flyers' parent company Comcast Spectacor, Wednesday's episode is dedicated to team owner and founder Ed Snider. Snider died in April of cancer.
The Flyers archivist unearthed 8mm film of Snider holding the Stanley Cup on May 19, 1974 that was sent to the show and will air at the end.
''From the Flyers perspective, we love the recognition and attention the show gives us,'' Flyers chief operating officer Shawn Tilger said.
Goldberg's love of hockey has passed on to his 8-year-old son, only these father-son trips come at Los Angeles Kings games.
Any chance his kid is secretly taking notes about family hijinks to turn into his own show in 30 years?
''The way I'm raising my kids is so different than the way I was raised,'' he said. ''We're so appropriate and love our kids in all the right ways that I don't think they're going to be funny or have as much material. It was all the misparenting that led to this show.''
---
This story has been corrected to show that the Flyers won the Stanley Cup on May 19, 1974, not May 17 of that year.
Rivaldo warns tourists to stay away from Rio Olympics
Brazil great Rivaldo has urged tourists not to travel to Rio de Janeiro for the Olympic Games because of the risk violence.
The former FIFA World Player of the Year posted a warning on Instagram and alluded to the death of a 17-year-old woman, who is reported to have been killed in a shoot-out in the city at the weekend.
"Things are getting uglier here every day," the ex-Barcelona star wrote. "I advise everyone with plans to visit Brazil for the Olympics in Rio to stay home.
"You'll be putting your life at risk here. This is without even speaking about the state of public hospitals and all the Brazilian political mess. Only God can change the situation in our Brazil."
Preparation for the Olympics, which get under way in less than three months, have been hampered by a number of concerns raised over the suitability of the host city.
Amnesty International claimed in a statement that 11 people were killed in police confrontations in Rio's impoverished favelas just last month. A total of 307 were killed by police last year, the group said.
Concerns over water pollution and the spread of the Zika virus have prompted further worries for tournament organisers, with the nation's economic recession and the turbulence of Dilma Rousseff's presidency adding to those anxieties.
The former FIFA World Player of the Year posted a warning on Instagram and alluded to the death of a 17-year-old woman, who is reported to have been killed in a shoot-out in the city at the weekend.
"Things are getting uglier here every day," the ex-Barcelona star wrote. "I advise everyone with plans to visit Brazil for the Olympics in Rio to stay home.
"You'll be putting your life at risk here. This is without even speaking about the state of public hospitals and all the Brazilian political mess. Only God can change the situation in our Brazil."
Preparation for the Olympics, which get under way in less than three months, have been hampered by a number of concerns raised over the suitability of the host city.
Amnesty International claimed in a statement that 11 people were killed in police confrontations in Rio's impoverished favelas just last month. A total of 307 were killed by police last year, the group said.
Concerns over water pollution and the spread of the Zika virus have prompted further worries for tournament organisers, with the nation's economic recession and the turbulence of Dilma Rousseff's presidency adding to those anxieties.
Festus Ezeli's Four Straight Made Free Throws Included Two Of The Ugliest Kind
Playing for the Golden State Warriors includes many perks. Perhaps chief among them? Role players like Festus Ezeli getting easy opportunities to score due to the defense’s attention to Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. But getting a good look isn’t enough for Golden State’s ancillary players when fouled; they have to capitalize at the free throw line to take full advantage of their star teammates’ threat.
Ezeli did just that on Wednesday night against the Trail Blazers, making four consecutive free throws late in the second quarter after Curry found him under the basket. That perfect showing, however, doesn’t tell the whole story of the hulking center’s trips to the stripe.
Related Links:
Here Are Steph Curry’s First Points Since Returning From Injury
Dwight Howard Is Jumping, Dunking, And Blocking All Over The Warriors
Included among Ezeli’s successful tries wasn’t just this wild, pin-balling make, but also a straight-up bank shot that was so bad it looked completely intentional. Not that Steve Kerr and company are complaining, of course. Golden State will take any point at the line it can get from Ezeli, a 53 percent foul shooter.
Ezeli did just that on Wednesday night against the Trail Blazers, making four consecutive free throws late in the second quarter after Curry found him under the basket. That perfect showing, however, doesn’t tell the whole story of the hulking center’s trips to the stripe.
Related Links:
Here Are Steph Curry’s First Points Since Returning From Injury
Dwight Howard Is Jumping, Dunking, And Blocking All Over The Warriors
Included among Ezeli’s successful tries wasn’t just this wild, pin-balling make, but also a straight-up bank shot that was so bad it looked completely intentional. Not that Steve Kerr and company are complaining, of course. Golden State will take any point at the line it can get from Ezeli, a 53 percent foul shooter.
Rivaldo warns tourists to stay away from Rio Olympics
Brazil great Rivaldo has urged tourists not to travel to Rio de Janeiro for the Olympic Games because of the risk violence.
The former FIFA World Player of the Year posted a warning on Instagram and alluded to the death of a 17-year-old woman, who is reported to have been killed in a shoot-out in the city at the weekend.
"Things are getting uglier here every day," the ex-Barcelona star wrote. "I advise everyone with plans to visit Brazil for the Olympics in Rio to stay home.
"You'll be putting your life at risk here. This is without even speaking about the state of public hospitals and all the Brazilian political mess. Only God can change the situation in our Brazil."
Preparation for the Olympics, which get under way in less than three months, have been hampered by a number of concerns raised over the suitability of the host city.
Amnesty International claimed in a statement that 11 people were killed in police confrontations in Rio's impoverished favelas just last month. A total of 307 were killed by police last year, the group said.
Concerns over water pollution and the spread of the Zika virus have prompted further worries for tournament organisers, with the nation's economic recession and the turbulence of Dilma Rousseff's presidency adding to those anxieties.
The former FIFA World Player of the Year posted a warning on Instagram and alluded to the death of a 17-year-old woman, who is reported to have been killed in a shoot-out in the city at the weekend.
"Things are getting uglier here every day," the ex-Barcelona star wrote. "I advise everyone with plans to visit Brazil for the Olympics in Rio to stay home.
"You'll be putting your life at risk here. This is without even speaking about the state of public hospitals and all the Brazilian political mess. Only God can change the situation in our Brazil."
Preparation for the Olympics, which get under way in less than three months, have been hampered by a number of concerns raised over the suitability of the host city.
Amnesty International claimed in a statement that 11 people were killed in police confrontations in Rio's impoverished favelas just last month. A total of 307 were killed by police last year, the group said.
Concerns over water pollution and the spread of the Zika virus have prompted further worries for tournament organisers, with the nation's economic recession and the turbulence of Dilma Rousseff's presidency adding to those anxieties.
Steph Curry's special new MVP sneakers sold out almost immediately
Shortly after the widely expected word came down Tuesday that Stephen Curry had not only won his second straight NBA Most Valuable Player award, but become the first player in NBA history to get every single first-place vote in MVP balloting, Steph's pals at Under Armour — who, as you might have heard, took Curry away from Nike and inked him to an endorsement deal back in 2013 — announced that they were celebrating with some special footwear honoring the back-to-back bid:
[Follow Dunks Don't Lie on Tumblr: The best slams from all of basketball]
View image on Twitter
View image on Twitter
Follow
Under Armour Hoops ✔ @UAbasketball
.@StephenCurry30 went #Back2Back to #BreakTheGame.
The MVP Pack drops 6.24.
But if you wanted the privilege of copping two pairs of the Golden State Warriors superstar's golden sneakers — one of the Limited Edition Curry Ones, and one of the Limited Edition Curry Twos — you had to move as fast as Steph does on the court, because the Back-2-Back MVP Pack wasn't available for long. From Lorraine Mirabella of the Baltimore Sun:
Soon after the NBA's much anticipated announcement, the brand had launched and sold out of limited edition Curry basketball shoes. By early afternoon, the Curry MVP Back 2 Back Pack, including shoes Curry wore in each MVP season, sold out at $400 each in pre-orders online.
Under Armour has Curry and his signature basketball shoe line to thank for much of the surge in footwear sales, up more than 60 percent in the first quarter, as the brand takes on much larger rival Nike.
The company said it's celebrating "Stephen's outstanding achievement" with the commemorative footwear and a men's Back 2 Back MVP SC T-shirt for $35.
If you missed out, though, don't fret; you'll have another crack at the kicks soon.
[Follow Dunks Don't Lie on Tumblr: The best slams from all of basketball]
View image on Twitter
View image on Twitter
Follow
Under Armour Hoops ✔ @UAbasketball
.@StephenCurry30 went #Back2Back to #BreakTheGame.
The MVP Pack drops 6.24.
But if you wanted the privilege of copping two pairs of the Golden State Warriors superstar's golden sneakers — one of the Limited Edition Curry Ones, and one of the Limited Edition Curry Twos — you had to move as fast as Steph does on the court, because the Back-2-Back MVP Pack wasn't available for long. From Lorraine Mirabella of the Baltimore Sun:
Soon after the NBA's much anticipated announcement, the brand had launched and sold out of limited edition Curry basketball shoes. By early afternoon, the Curry MVP Back 2 Back Pack, including shoes Curry wore in each MVP season, sold out at $400 each in pre-orders online.
Under Armour has Curry and his signature basketball shoe line to thank for much of the surge in footwear sales, up more than 60 percent in the first quarter, as the brand takes on much larger rival Nike.
The company said it's celebrating "Stephen's outstanding achievement" with the commemorative footwear and a men's Back 2 Back MVP SC T-shirt for $35.
If you missed out, though, don't fret; you'll have another crack at the kicks soon.
Jake Arrieta not willing to give the Cubs a hometown discount
Should Chicago Cubs ace Jake Arrieta continue at this pace, he's almost certain to receive a mega-deal when he hits free agency following the 2017 season. Until then, however, the Cubs have the exclusive right to make sure Arrieta never leaves. If the two sides can agree on a contract extension, Arrieta will continue his feel-good transformation with the organization.
While Arrieta's feel-good turnaround has been a great story, Arrieta isn't about to get nostalgic during contract negotiations. If the Cubs want him to sign a long-term deal, they are going to have to pay full price. Arrieta isn't willing to give them a hometown discount.
Bruce Levine of 670 The Score in Chicago asked Arrieta if he would consider signing with the Cubs at a discounted price, and Arrieta was pretty clear with his answer.
On Wednesday, Arrieta made clear that he wants to remain in Chicago and also that there won’t be a hometown discount for the Cubs.
“No,” was his emphatic answer to the direct question.
While some Cubs fans might not love that answer, it's tough to blame Arrieta for wanting fair-market value for his performance. It's worth noting that Arrieta is making a little over $10 million this season after receiving a raise in arbitration, but that pales in comparison to what he would receive on the free-agent market. Arrieta will make more next season after another round of arbitration, but, again, it will be nothing close to a free-agent contract.
That much should be obvious by looking at recent deals handed out to pitchers. Both David Price and Zack Greinke received contracts in excess of $200 million on the market. Stephen Strasburg didn't even hit the market, but just received a $175 million extension. It's assumed he would have gotten a lot more had he waited to become a free-agent.
Arrieta doesn't have the track record of Price or Greinke, and he's three years older than Strasburg, but a contract approaching $200 million wouldn't be out of the question. If he can put up similar numbers over the next year and a half, he would enter free agency with four seasons of ace-caliber production under his belt. Teams will be lining up to sign him to a huge deal the instant he becomes available.
[Elsewhere: How many games will the Chicago Cubs win during the regular season?]
The Cubs have the power to prevent that from happening, but it's going to cost them. Arrieta's improvement with the team is a fantastic story that inspires a lot of emotions. That's great, but it doesn't mean a thing during contract negotiations.
While Arrieta's feel-good turnaround has been a great story, Arrieta isn't about to get nostalgic during contract negotiations. If the Cubs want him to sign a long-term deal, they are going to have to pay full price. Arrieta isn't willing to give them a hometown discount.
Bruce Levine of 670 The Score in Chicago asked Arrieta if he would consider signing with the Cubs at a discounted price, and Arrieta was pretty clear with his answer.
On Wednesday, Arrieta made clear that he wants to remain in Chicago and also that there won’t be a hometown discount for the Cubs.
“No,” was his emphatic answer to the direct question.
While some Cubs fans might not love that answer, it's tough to blame Arrieta for wanting fair-market value for his performance. It's worth noting that Arrieta is making a little over $10 million this season after receiving a raise in arbitration, but that pales in comparison to what he would receive on the free-agent market. Arrieta will make more next season after another round of arbitration, but, again, it will be nothing close to a free-agent contract.
That much should be obvious by looking at recent deals handed out to pitchers. Both David Price and Zack Greinke received contracts in excess of $200 million on the market. Stephen Strasburg didn't even hit the market, but just received a $175 million extension. It's assumed he would have gotten a lot more had he waited to become a free-agent.
Arrieta doesn't have the track record of Price or Greinke, and he's three years older than Strasburg, but a contract approaching $200 million wouldn't be out of the question. If he can put up similar numbers over the next year and a half, he would enter free agency with four seasons of ace-caliber production under his belt. Teams will be lining up to sign him to a huge deal the instant he becomes available.
[Elsewhere: How many games will the Chicago Cubs win during the regular season?]
The Cubs have the power to prevent that from happening, but it's going to cost them. Arrieta's improvement with the team is a fantastic story that inspires a lot of emotions. That's great, but it doesn't mean a thing during contract negotiations.
Conor McGregor receives death threats, hires bodyguards 'Rocky' and 'Drago'
He may have been submitted by Nate Diaz in March, but Conor McGregor is still pretty tough. If someone makes a death threat against you, though, you have to assume he has a gun or a knife. Therefore, it’s understandable McGregor hired a pair of bodyguards to follow him around.
McGregor, per the Irish Mirror (via SB Nation), says he has received death threats and is being stalked. These threats are not believed to be related to the ones he heard over Twitter earlier this year from a person allegedly toting an AK-47.
So when McGregor accompanied his girlfriend Dee Devlin on Friday night to the VIP Style Awards in Dublin – where Devlin was honored as the Most Stylish Newcomer – two bodyguards were right there with them.
And in a nod to Rocky IV, McGregor told people his bodyguards are named Rocky and Drago.
"Conor and Dee arrived around 30 minutes after most of the other red-carpet arrivals and they were accompanied by an entourage,” a source told the Irish Sun.
"… Conor was really relaxed and in great humour but the bodyguards didn't let him out of their sight for even a minute.”
McGregor, per the Irish Mirror (via SB Nation), says he has received death threats and is being stalked. These threats are not believed to be related to the ones he heard over Twitter earlier this year from a person allegedly toting an AK-47.
So when McGregor accompanied his girlfriend Dee Devlin on Friday night to the VIP Style Awards in Dublin – where Devlin was honored as the Most Stylish Newcomer – two bodyguards were right there with them.
And in a nod to Rocky IV, McGregor told people his bodyguards are named Rocky and Drago.
"Conor and Dee arrived around 30 minutes after most of the other red-carpet arrivals and they were accompanied by an entourage,” a source told the Irish Sun.
"… Conor was really relaxed and in great humour but the bodyguards didn't let him out of their sight for even a minute.”
Chelsea buys out Adidas deal 6 yrs early to sign with rival
LONDON (AP) -- Chelsea is buying its way out of a sponsorship with sportswear giant Adidas six years early to sign up with a rival jersey maker.
Adidas has been a sponsor and sportswear supplier of Chelsea since 2006, with the Premier League club signing a new 10-year-deal in 2013 worth a reported 30 million pounds (now $43 million) a year.
The German company said Wednesday that it will receive compensation from Chelsea to end the deal early at the end of the 2016-17 season, allowing the London club to ''enter a new equipment agreement with a competitor.''
Adidas, which also makes the Manchester United kits, said it will ''partner with fewer assets on a team level.''
Chelsea began a five-year jersey sponsorship with Japanese tire manufacturer Yokohama this season.
The club's standing in soccer has taken a hit this season because of a miserable defense of its Premier League title. Chelsea can only finish in ninth place, at best.
Adidas has been a sponsor and sportswear supplier of Chelsea since 2006, with the Premier League club signing a new 10-year-deal in 2013 worth a reported 30 million pounds (now $43 million) a year.
The German company said Wednesday that it will receive compensation from Chelsea to end the deal early at the end of the 2016-17 season, allowing the London club to ''enter a new equipment agreement with a competitor.''
Adidas, which also makes the Manchester United kits, said it will ''partner with fewer assets on a team level.''
Chelsea began a five-year jersey sponsorship with Japanese tire manufacturer Yokohama this season.
The club's standing in soccer has taken a hit this season because of a miserable defense of its Premier League title. Chelsea can only finish in ninth place, at best.
Hailstorm Damages Golf Course in Nebraska
A hailstorm moved through the state capital Monday evening and left more than a few golf-ball sized divots (you could call them mini explosions of turf) on one of the greens. According to one report from KETV, golf ball-sized hail was not even the worst of the storm. Hail the size of tennis balls was found in some locations. Check out this photo from a local policeman below.
The course also posted some photos of further damage to its Facebook page. According to that page, Hidden Valley was not open for play Tuesday.
Danny Amendola’s loyalty to New England.
Danny Amendola shows prominent loyalty to the Patriots. He is willing to take a $4 million pay cut in order to stay with his team. Danny along with other plays like Tom Brady and Chris Long have chosen to make the same move in order to play in New England.
There is something about a team that has multiple AFC Championships and Super Bowl rings that brings loyalty and integrity to a place like New England.
AROUND COVER32
2016 Preview: A look ahead at the AFC North
Power Rankings: Ranking the top five NFL broadcasters
NFL: Five year running back rankings
Big Money: The five most expensive NFL games of 2016
Patriots’ Headlines: The next Ty Law or Darrelle Revis?
Patriots’ Headlines: Danny Amendola adds further depth
If Amendola is on the team in 2017, he is looking to make $6.5 million given the value placed on him as of 2016. He gets a guaranteed base salary of $1.25 million with a $100,000 signing bonus, and also can make up to $250,000 on the roster bonus. It’s a hard hit for Amendola, but he knew if he wanted to stay with New England it was a choice he was going to have to make. In 2015, he had 65 catches for 648 yards and three touchdowns.
Amendola had to choose whether or not it was worth taking a pay cut to stay with the Pats. With the acquisitions of Chris Hogan and Martellus Bennett, the Patriots were likely to release Amendola if he didn’t agree to restructure his current deal. Originally, Amendola was set to count as $6 million against the cap this year. However, now he is third behind Julian Edelman at $4.421 million and new addition Chris Hogan at the highest $5.5 million.
In 2013, Amendola signed a five-year, $28.4 million deal with $10 million guaranteed, but due to injuries, ineptitude, and the addition of Edelman, his role on the team was reduced. Last year he received a pay cut from $5 million to $2.71 million. After taking a pay cut last year and then again agreeing to another this year, there has to be a sense of loyalty whether it is to the team or the franchise. Amendola could have said no and became a free agent. There isn’t a doubt that another team would have picked him up. However, New England is where his home is for another year.
There is something about a team that has multiple AFC Championships and Super Bowl rings that brings loyalty and integrity to a place like New England.
AROUND COVER32
2016 Preview: A look ahead at the AFC North
Power Rankings: Ranking the top five NFL broadcasters
NFL: Five year running back rankings
Big Money: The five most expensive NFL games of 2016
Patriots’ Headlines: The next Ty Law or Darrelle Revis?
Patriots’ Headlines: Danny Amendola adds further depth
If Amendola is on the team in 2017, he is looking to make $6.5 million given the value placed on him as of 2016. He gets a guaranteed base salary of $1.25 million with a $100,000 signing bonus, and also can make up to $250,000 on the roster bonus. It’s a hard hit for Amendola, but he knew if he wanted to stay with New England it was a choice he was going to have to make. In 2015, he had 65 catches for 648 yards and three touchdowns.
Amendola had to choose whether or not it was worth taking a pay cut to stay with the Pats. With the acquisitions of Chris Hogan and Martellus Bennett, the Patriots were likely to release Amendola if he didn’t agree to restructure his current deal. Originally, Amendola was set to count as $6 million against the cap this year. However, now he is third behind Julian Edelman at $4.421 million and new addition Chris Hogan at the highest $5.5 million.
In 2013, Amendola signed a five-year, $28.4 million deal with $10 million guaranteed, but due to injuries, ineptitude, and the addition of Edelman, his role on the team was reduced. Last year he received a pay cut from $5 million to $2.71 million. After taking a pay cut last year and then again agreeing to another this year, there has to be a sense of loyalty whether it is to the team or the franchise. Amendola could have said no and became a free agent. There isn’t a doubt that another team would have picked him up. However, New England is where his home is for another year.
Super two: Tyler Glasnow, Jameson Taillon are ruling Triple-A
As of this writing, the Pittsburgh Pirates trail first-place Chicago by eight games in the N.L. Central. The division is probably a lost cause, because the Cubs are clearly the most powerful collection of humans ever assembled for a common purpose. But a postseason berth is very much in play for Pittsburgh, as the Bucs are only 1.5 games out of a wild card spot.
[Yahoo Fantasy Football is open for the 2016 season. Sign up now!]
We mention the Pirates' playoff positioning not because anyone around here has a rooting interest in the team, but because some of us have fantasy investments in two of the club's top prospects, right-handed starters Tyler Glasnow and Jameson Taillon. Both pitchers entered the year ranked among baseball's top minor league arms according to pretty much every source for such ranks. Here's how the duo has performed this season at Triple-A Indianapolis:
Glasnow – 6 G, 33.0 IP, 13 BB, 48 Ks, 1.64 ERA, 1.77 FIP, 1.03 WHIP
Taillon – 6 G, 37.1 IP, 4 BB, 32 Ks, 1.69 ERA, 2.14 FIP, 0.78 WHIP
Badasses, basically. Both of them. It probably won't surprise you to learn that Glasnow leads his level in strikeouts and in K-percentage (37.5). He and Taillon have been ridiculous. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh's big league rotation currently includes this pair of sketchy left-handed veterans:
Jonathon Niese – 7 G, 40.0 IP, 15 BB, 29 Ks, 5.63 ERA, 6.24 FIP, 1.60 WHIP
Jeff Locke – 6 G, 32.2 IP, 19 BB, 22 Ks, 4.68 ERA, 4.69 FIP, 1.68 WHIP
Without question, the two prospects have been facing a very different level of competition than the vets, so it's not fair to make a direct stat-for-stat comparison. Also, the Bucs have won six games and lost seven with Locke and Niese on the hill — not good, yet not completely disastrous. Almost tolerable.
Still, it remains awfully tough to believe that Glasnow — a 6-foot-8 flamethrower with knee-buckling curve — wouldn't be a substantial upgrade over a low-velo starter with a WHIP north of 1.60. Taillon is two years older than Glasnow, but he was sidelined by health issues in 2014 (Tommy John) and 2015 (hernia surgery). He, too, has excellent fastball velocity, as well as MLB-ready secondary pitches and stellar control. It's entirely possible that Taillon could be the first of these two elite prospects to arrive in the bigs, though workload and stamina are concerns following the long layoff. In any case, both of these guys can very clearly help the cause of a team that's lurking just outside the postseason picture.
So why, exactly, are they still pitching in Indy? When will Taillon and Glasnow arrive in the majors?
As most of you know, the answer has only a little to do with player development and readiness, and a lot to do with service time, dollars, arbitration and other weeds into which we're not gonna wander. Here's a link to an explanation of the super-two rules, if you're interested. For business-of-baseball reasons (rather than on-field reasons), it's likely we won't see these guys for a month, probably not until mid-to-late-June. And this happens every year, somewhere. It's more a baseball problem than a Pirates problem; we're not here to assign blame.
Instead, our very simple purpose today is to issue a last call on these guys for fantasy purposes. Glasnow is still available in 60 percent of Yahoo leagues; Taillon is un-owned in 95 percent. One or both will be pitching for Pittsburgh very soon, and they will be fantasy relevant. It's tough to imagine Glasnow not delivering a K per inning in the N.L., along with useful ratios. Glasnow struck out 136 batters in 109.1 innings last season, 157 in 124.1 frames the year before, 164 in 111.1 inn—
Well, you get it. He's dominant. Taillon, too. You want 'em. Get 'em now, while they're cheap.
[Yahoo Fantasy Football is open for the 2016 season. Sign up now!]
We mention the Pirates' playoff positioning not because anyone around here has a rooting interest in the team, but because some of us have fantasy investments in two of the club's top prospects, right-handed starters Tyler Glasnow and Jameson Taillon. Both pitchers entered the year ranked among baseball's top minor league arms according to pretty much every source for such ranks. Here's how the duo has performed this season at Triple-A Indianapolis:
Glasnow – 6 G, 33.0 IP, 13 BB, 48 Ks, 1.64 ERA, 1.77 FIP, 1.03 WHIP
Taillon – 6 G, 37.1 IP, 4 BB, 32 Ks, 1.69 ERA, 2.14 FIP, 0.78 WHIP
Badasses, basically. Both of them. It probably won't surprise you to learn that Glasnow leads his level in strikeouts and in K-percentage (37.5). He and Taillon have been ridiculous. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh's big league rotation currently includes this pair of sketchy left-handed veterans:
Jonathon Niese – 7 G, 40.0 IP, 15 BB, 29 Ks, 5.63 ERA, 6.24 FIP, 1.60 WHIP
Jeff Locke – 6 G, 32.2 IP, 19 BB, 22 Ks, 4.68 ERA, 4.69 FIP, 1.68 WHIP
Without question, the two prospects have been facing a very different level of competition than the vets, so it's not fair to make a direct stat-for-stat comparison. Also, the Bucs have won six games and lost seven with Locke and Niese on the hill — not good, yet not completely disastrous. Almost tolerable.
Still, it remains awfully tough to believe that Glasnow — a 6-foot-8 flamethrower with knee-buckling curve — wouldn't be a substantial upgrade over a low-velo starter with a WHIP north of 1.60. Taillon is two years older than Glasnow, but he was sidelined by health issues in 2014 (Tommy John) and 2015 (hernia surgery). He, too, has excellent fastball velocity, as well as MLB-ready secondary pitches and stellar control. It's entirely possible that Taillon could be the first of these two elite prospects to arrive in the bigs, though workload and stamina are concerns following the long layoff. In any case, both of these guys can very clearly help the cause of a team that's lurking just outside the postseason picture.
So why, exactly, are they still pitching in Indy? When will Taillon and Glasnow arrive in the majors?
As most of you know, the answer has only a little to do with player development and readiness, and a lot to do with service time, dollars, arbitration and other weeds into which we're not gonna wander. Here's a link to an explanation of the super-two rules, if you're interested. For business-of-baseball reasons (rather than on-field reasons), it's likely we won't see these guys for a month, probably not until mid-to-late-June. And this happens every year, somewhere. It's more a baseball problem than a Pirates problem; we're not here to assign blame.
Instead, our very simple purpose today is to issue a last call on these guys for fantasy purposes. Glasnow is still available in 60 percent of Yahoo leagues; Taillon is un-owned in 95 percent. One or both will be pitching for Pittsburgh very soon, and they will be fantasy relevant. It's tough to imagine Glasnow not delivering a K per inning in the N.L., along with useful ratios. Glasnow struck out 136 batters in 109.1 innings last season, 157 in 124.1 frames the year before, 164 in 111.1 inn—
Well, you get it. He's dominant. Taillon, too. You want 'em. Get 'em now, while they're cheap.
