If 7 Isn’t Your Favorite Number….It Will Be!!

May 24, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

7.

It can mean so many things:

7 days of the week. Lucky 7. The 7 Dwarfs.

But when 7 and Game collide in the same sentence, the world is a better place.

Eastern Conference Finals (NHL style)

alex-ovechkin-052318-getty-ftrjpeg_7513g6pe4b50zgp6p6q1ian9

The Washington Capitals and Tampa Bay Lightning spoiled us with a Game 7 Wednesday night. The winner, would face the Las Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Finals. The loser, would get reacquainted with their couch.

It’s not often a game-winning goal is scored just 1:02 into a game. But Alex Ovechkin made sure of it. Check out his one-timed slap shot of beauty here:

Capitals’ goaltender, Braden Holtby, stood on his head for the 2nd consecutive game, posting another shutout, 4-0 (29 saves). The Capitals are heading to their 1st Stanley Cup Finals in 20 years, shedding the “choke artists” label one win at a time. The general public is now guaranteed a brand spankin’ new Stanley Cup Champion, as the Golden Knights continue their historical inaugural season.

The puck drops on the Stanley Cup Finals Monday @ 8:00 P.M. EST on NBC.

Eastern Conference Finals (NBA style)

Celtics-Beat-Cavs-96-83-in-Game-5-Lead-East-Finals-3-2-696x521

Stop me if I sound like a broken record….

LeBron James’ teammates SUCK!!!!

Oh, okay, I’ll stop.

It’s literally LeBron against the Boston Celtics. Now staring a 3-2 deficit in the face, LeBron MUST reach into his bag of tricks and pull out something amazing — again. If LeBron wants to see a Game 7, he’ll need to add to his list of 40-point playoff games.

Now, it’s hard to feel TOO bad for him, as he requested this band of losers:

J.R. Smith, Tristan Thompson, Kevin Love, Larry Nance Jr., Rodney Hood, Jordan Clarkson, and George Hill.

Outside of the occasional Kevin Love sighting, this is a REALLY BAD TEAM. Without LeBron, this is a 25-win team (at best).

The Celtics held serve (96-83), as both teams have done in this series, sending the series back to Cleveland. Last time I checked, you can’t win a basketball game with 83 points. Anyway, LeBron will do what he does, and will gift us another Game 7. And we all know what LeBron does in Game 7s….

Do you still have faith the Cleveland LeBrons will win this series?? If not, explain yourself!!

You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.

Since you LOVE my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! NOW GO TELL ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!

Monday….It’s Not ALL Bad

May 22, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Monday.

The start of the week. The root of all evil — for some.

Hey, dummy, instead of hating Mondays, why don’t you embrace the awesomeness it often provides.

LeBron

Yes, I write about LeBron James a lot. See, it’s like when Michael Jordan was playing. Even though the Knicks fan in me hated MJ’s guts, I appreciated his greatness. I didn’t want him to retire (three times), but all careers come to an end. While I wish LeBron would don a Knicks’ uniform, and I don’t necessarily love him, I appreciate his greatness.

44 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals

He surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most field goals in postseason history.

And he’s just two games away from his 8th consecutive NBA Finals appearance.

Just another day at the office.

The Cleveland LeBrons jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. They won the 1st quarter 34-18, and despite losing each following quarter, never relinquished the lead. 111-102 brings the Eastern Conference Finals to 2-2, and the momentum has fully shifted to the LeBrons. The Celtics will be happy to return home, as they’re just 1-6 on the road in the playoffs.

I’ll stick with my original prediction: LeBrons in six.

There’s Nothing Better Than A Game 7

The Washington Capitals, the perennial disappointment, are looking to change history. Often lauded as Eastern Conference contenders, the Capitals repeatedly fail to live up to expectations. Prior to this season, the Capitals had lost in the 2nd round in three consecutive seasons. But Monday night, they forced a game 7, keeping their chance alive to return to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in 20 years. Not since the ’97-’98 season have the Capitals played in the Finals (they were swept 4-0 by the Detroit Red Wings).

Behind the strong play of goaltender, Braden Holtby (24 saves), and right wing, TJ Oshie (2 goals), the Capitals took down the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-0. With the Cinderella story, Las Vegas Golden Knights, waiting on the other side, the Capitals would be seeking their first Stanley Cup. But first, they must handle their business, on the road, in game 7.

Clear your schedule, and watch game 7. There’s nothing better. Trust me.

Wednesday, May 23rd @ 8:00 P.M. EST on NBCSN.

Juan Soto Thinks Age Is Just A Number

I wonder what it’s like to be a Phenom. A 19-year old Phenom who jumped straight from Double-A to the Major Leagues overnight and hit a monster three-run home run in his 2nd ever MLB at-bat (1st pitch in 1st start).

World, Juan Soto. Juan Soto, world.

Naturally, since he plays for the Washington Nationals, Soto is already being compared to Bryce Harper. It’s fair, I guess, considering the list of 19-year olds to hit home runs in MLB history is rather short.

Soto is from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He’s currently the 15th ranked prospect in MLB. And he plays the outfield. Many expect Soto to have a long, fruitful career in the middle of the batting order. If he continues to show-off opposite field power, like this, he may very well do that….

Still hate Mondays?? After all the awesomeness I provided, you must explain yourself in the comment section below.

Best. Week. EVER (For Everyone Except Robinson Cano)!!

May 17, 2018May 17, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

When all four major sports collide, special things happen in the universe.

Special, this week, is an understatement.

MLB suspensions, a new Monday Night Football crew, NBA playoffs, NBA awards, and NHL playoffs. Could this week get any better?!

Robinson Cano Suspension

Everybody cheats. No revelation here, just simple fact. The professional athlete, by definition, seeks a competitive advantage. On the field or at home. Robinson Cano chose the latter. It was announced Tuesday that Cano had tested positive for the banned substance, furosemide. Furosemide is a diuretic, and MLB determined Cano used it as a masking agent and doled out an 80 game suspension. Cano has chosen not to appeal but made the following statement:

“Recently I learned that I tested positive for a substance called Furosemide, which is not a performance enhancing substance,” Cano said in a statement released by the MLB Players Association. “… For more than 15 years, playing professional baseball has been the greatest honor and privilege of my life. I would never do anything to cheat the rules of the game that I love, and after undergoing dozens of drug tests over more than a decade, I have never tested positive for a performance enhancing substance for the simple reason that I have never taken one.”

While Cano’s suspension will begin immediately, the timing of his “punishment” infuriates me to no end. Cano broke a bone in his right hand after being hit by a pitch this past Sunday. So, while Cano will lose $11.85 of his $24 million salary (boohoo!), he’ll have the privilege of serving his suspension from the DL. HOW DOES THAT MAKE SENSE?! Suspension time should not count during DL stints. That’s common sense!!

NBA Awards Finalists

The NBA announced the finalists for their prominent awards Wednesday. On Monday, June 25th, the NBA will host the ultimate money grab, award show in Los Angeles. They will announce the winners of the following awards:

MVP, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Most Improved Player, and Sixth Man of the Year.

MVP: LeBron James (Cavaliers), James Harden (Rockets), Anthony Davis (Pelicans)

Rookie of the Year: Ben Simmons (76ers), Donovan Mitchell (Jazz), Jayson Tatum (Celtics)

Defensive Player of the Year: Davis (Pelicans), Joel Embiid (76ers), Rudy Gobert (Jazz)

Coach of the Year: Dwane Casey (Raptors), Quin Snyder (Jazz), Brad Stevens (Celtics)

Most Improved Player: Clint Capela (Rockets), Spencer Dinwiddie (Nets), Victor Oladipo (Pacers)

Sixth Man of the Year: Eric Gordon (Rockets), Lou Williams (Clippers), Fred VanVleet (Raptors)

Check back with DaveTalksSports.com to see my winners.

New MNF Crew

Monday Night Football is getting a much needed makeover. Fresh off retirement, Jason Witten (analyst) will headline the new MNF crew. He’ll be joined by Joe Tessitore (play-by-play), Booger McFarland (field analyst), and Lisa Salters (sideline reporter).

No one knows if Witten will be any good, as he has ZERO broadcasting experience, but he’s well liked (he’s got that going for him). Joe Tessitore will be an ENORMOUS upgrade over the most monotone voice in sports, Sean McDonough. Lisa Salters, a consummate professional, will be a nice addition to a program in need of professionalism. As for Booger McFarland, your guess is as good as mine….

NHL Playoffs

Yes, hockey is still being played. Both conference finals stand at 2-1. Now is the time casual fans wonder into a bar, pretend they like hockey, and watch the Stanley Cup Finals. Let’s Go Vegas!!

What is your favorite major sport?? Tell me in the comment section below.

Sports Betting Is Coming To A Living Room Near You!!

May 15, 2018May 15, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

I’ll make you a bet!

Oh don’t worry, you won’t get in trouble, it’s legal now.

As of Monday, May 14th, all states are free to authorize sports betting. This is a monumental day in United States’ history. NO, I’m not exaggerating. This effects everyone — everywhere.

This result stems from a Supreme Court ruling (6-3) that abolished the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). PASPA, aka the Bradley Act was passed in 1992 and outlawed sports betting nationwide (expect Nevada of course).

Years have been spent trying to overturn PASPA, hoping to legalize, regulate, and tax sports betting. And Monday, persistence prevailed. The Supreme Court cited the violation of the 10th Amendment, stating it allowed federal law to commandeer states’ rights as it pertained to sports betting.

While this is a GIANT step in the right direction, many questions still exist:

Will sports organizations receive a “cut”??
Will EVERY state participate??
Will each sports’ integrity remain intact??

Yes, each sports organization is going to attempt to receive their piece of the pie. That’s logical, reasonable, and will happen.

I can’t speak for Hawaii, Alaska, Montana, South Dakota, etc., but every state SHOULD participate. It’s a money making venture, and last I checked, states are in the money making business.

Integrity. It’s a funny word. Does such a thing exist?? If so, does it exist in sports betting?! People are funny. Integrity exists in 95% of people — everywhere. There will ALWAYS be a small percentage, whether in sports betting, banking, religion, politics, etc., that will look for a shortcut. An advantage by cutting corners, that may, in turn, compromise integrity. That my friends, is called human nature.

So, to think the legalization of sports betting is going to compromise the integrity of sports, is laughable. That 5% already exists, you just pretend not to see it.

What WILL happen: Increased accessibility. Casual fans, who never imagined betting on the outcome of a game before, may be enticed to lay some action.

Forgive me, but all I can think about is Dumb & Dumber:

Lloyd: I’ll bet you twenty dollars I can get you gambling before the day is out!
Harry: No!
Lloyd: I’ll give you three to one odds.
Harry: No.
Lloyd: Five to one.
Harry: No.
Lloyd: Ten to one?
Harry: You’re on!
Lloyd: I’m gonna get ya!
Harry: Nu uh!
Lloyd: I don’t know how but I’m gonna get ya.

Classic!!

Sports betting, gambling, lottery, cigarettes, and alcohol. All can be harmful if utilized the wrong way, but where do we draw the line?? THAT is THE question. The answer, however, is an opinion. Mine believes freedom and personal responsibility are the answers. Unfortunately, they don’t collide in the same sentence often enough….

How do you feel about the legalization of sports betting???? Please tell me in the comment section below.

APRIL; Where The Four Major Sports Collide

April 16, 2018April 17, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

April is an interesting month.

The NBA and NHL playoffs, a.k.a. the never-ending journeys, begin. MLB gets under way (sort of). And the NFL sprinkles breaking news on top of the sports world to stay relevant.

NBA Playoffs

If you already knew the outcome of a game, or series, would you still watch?? Well you already do, so don’t lie to me. Everyone knows the Golden State Warriors are going to win another NBA championship, yet we watch the NBA playoffs anyway.

Sunday’s round 1 drama was a good excuse to watch the meaningless. While the Milwaukee Bucks ultimately fell to the Boston Celtics 113-107 F/OT, no one will doubt their effort. Check out the shot that sent this game to overtime:

Wild!!

LeBron James, and the Cleveland Cavaliers, should be ashamed of themselves. They were outclassed by the Indiana Pacers on their home court Sunday afternoon. 98-80. No need to check your spectacles. The Cavaliers scored just 80 points, at home, in the playoffs. I do, however, feel bad for the Pacers. LeBron is going to do unspeakable things to them in Game 2. You’ll have to wait until WEDNESDAY NIGHT @ 7:00 P.M.!! Hence the never-ending part.

NHL Playoffs

I don’t really like Pittsburgh. I don’t like Philadelphia. I really don’t like Boston. But Las Vegas I like. There’s a reason to enjoy the Las Vegas Golden Knights’ dominance over the Los Angeles Kings. Have your brooms handy?? Never has an NHL team gone from expansion team to Stanley Cup Champion in one year. Maybe, just maybe, this is the year. It would make me a hell of a lot happier than Sydney Crosby hoisting another trophy over his puny head.

MLB Season

Jackie Robinson Day deserves a do-over. Only 10 out of a potential 16 games were played Sunday. The rest — rained/snowed out.

Despite actually losing a game (snapping a nine-game winning streak), the Mets got right back to their winning ways:

We must give a shout-out to Big Fat Bartolo Colon!! At the ripe old age of 44, Colon flirted with a perfect game Sunday night. Colon’s perfect game, no-hitter, and shutout were erased on consecutive batters. The first baserunner of the game was Carlos Correa (8th inning walk). Followed by a Josh Reddick double. Followed by a Yuli Gurriel sacrifice fly. The Rangers would hold on to win 3-1 F/10.

Who needs 98 m.p.h. when you have 86 m.p.h. with movement and location?!

Bye-Bye Dez

One of the more overrated “superstars” in recent NFL history, Dez Bryant, is looking for work. In an era when wide receivers exceed 1,000 yards by accident, Dez hasn’t done so since 2014. And Friday afternoon, the Dallas Cowboys sent Dez packing. This wasn’t a financial move, as the Cowboys will save just $4 million of Dez’s $12.5 million salary this upcoming season. As an unbiased outsider, I enjoy this story. Dez is easy to dislike thanks to his overtly cocky attitude, underwhelming production, and Dallas Cowboys jersey.

What is your favorite part of April?? Tell me all about it in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

When A Dream Actually Comes TRUE!!

April 3, 2018April 3, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

We all dream.

Dream of what we will one day become. Some dream of being a doctor, a lawyer, or an engineer. While others dream of being a professional athlete (MLB player was my dream). The latter, is nearly impossible. Only the most talented and luckiest of the lucky become professional athletes. Sure, there are the stories of LeBron James and Sidney Crosby. The phenoms who made it. But every so often, a professional athlete takes the road less traveled.

Meet Scott Foster….

Scott Foster is a 36-year old accountant from Oak Park, Illinois. He also dabbles in some hockey from time to time. Foster played for the Petrolia Jets in the Western Ontario Hockey League in 2000-2001 and also played at Western Michigan University from 2002-2006. And his current team:

Johnny’s IceHouse in a Chicago Rec League!!

You can’t make this stuff up.

Foster has attended 15 Blackhawks’ games this season as their emergency backup goalie. That means that in order to get into a game, both the starting and backup goalie would have to get hurt on the same night….

Enter Scott Foster….

On Thursday night, March 29th, Starting goalie, Anton Forsberg, injured himself during pregame warmups, forcing Collin Delia to start the game. This launched Foster into the backup role, meaning he was one more injury away from making his NHL debut. And with 14:01 to play in the 3rd period, Delia left the game as well. This was Foster’s moment. He would be responsible for preserving a 6-2 lead over the Winnipeg Jets. Preserve he would. Foster went 7 for 7 on saves, and the Blackhawks won.

Foster, obviously, was named the 1st Star of the game!!

Check out Foster in action:

Following the game, Foster had this to say:

“A few hours ago I was sitting on my computer typing on the 10-key, and now I’m standing in front of you guys, just finished 14 and a half minutes of NHL hockey. From my perspective, this is a dream regardless. This is something that no one can ever take away from me, it’s something I can go home and tell my kids.”

Share your dreams in the comment section below….

What’s Your Name Again??

March 2, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Who are you??

I’m sorry, I’ve never heard of you before. Can I see some identification please??

In the wide world of sports, many athletes fly under the radar. Some ride the bench, so they go unnoticed for good reason. Others, however, are “unknown superstars”. Today, we’ve comprised a list of the best athletes most people didn’t know existed.

Justin Thomas

justin thomas

Casual golf fans, if such a group exists, have heard of Tiger Woods. They’ve also probably heard of Phil Mickelson. But that’s about it. They probably haven’t heard of Justin Thomas. Thomas is currently the 3rd ranked golfer in the world. He’s already won two PGA Tour events this year, after winning five last year (including a Major). Oh, and he’s currently in 1st place in the FedEx Cup Standings. Not bad for a 5’10”, 145 pound, 24-year old man who could blend into a crowd easier than Where’s Waldo.

Whit Merrifield

whit

If you know who Whit Merrifield is, I’ll be impressed. Merrifield currently plays second base for the Kansas City Royals. At 29 years old, he’s looking to duplicate his success from last season. Merrifield was one of only two players to hit at least 15 home runs and steal at least 30 bases. The other; Jose Altuve. Colliding in the same sentence with the reigning AL MVP isn’t what I’d call a bad thing.

Nikita Kucherov

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Pittsburgh Penguins at Tampa Bay Lightning

I’ll give you a hint. His team has the best record in his sport. Give up?? Nikita Kucherov plays in the NHL for the Tampa Bay Lightning. They currently hold the best record in the league at 44-17 (92 points). Kucherov, despite never having entered a conversation in your living room, is leading the NHL in points (82). Yeah, the 24-year old is that good.

Megan Rapinoe

megan-rapinoe-1024

How is that you’ve never heard of one of the best soccer players in this country?! Megan Rapinoe is an international superstar. Rapinoe plays for the Seattle Reign FC in the National Women’s Soccer League and is part of the U.S. Women’s National Team. Rapinoe was a crucial part of their gold medals at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2012 London Olympics. And she scored the lone goal in the U.S.’ victory over Germany yesterday. Shame on you for not knowing Megan Rapinoe!!

David Goffin

david goffin

If you were ranked 7th in the world, in an individual sport, you’d think people would know your name, no?! Well I’m betting most of you wouldn’t recognize David Goffin if you bumped into him on the street. Goffin won 2 single’s titles last year, and has been in the top-25 in the world tennis rankings since October of 2014.

Mario Addison

mario addison

I will be shocked if you know this next one. Who is Mario Addison?? Don’t go to the Google, that’s cheating. Okay, time’s up. Mario Addison is a defensive end the NFL. Addison has spent the past six seasons with the Carolina Panthers and may be the most overshadowed defensive player in the NFL. Addison is one of just seven players to average 10 or more sacks over the past two seasons.

Khris Middleton

khris-middleton

This one you may know, but his talent doesn’t match his name (or face) recognition. His celebrity status if you will. Khris Middleton is an extremely talented small forward for the Milwaukee Bucks. Middleton is one of only nine NBA players averaging at least 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists this season.

Had you heard of any of these athletes prior to today?? Don’t lie in my comment section!!

The Islanders Are Headed Back Where They Belong — HOME!!

December 20, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

New-York-Islanders-Belmont-1024x473

Welcome back to the island!! Long Island. My island. My home. And now, the new (old) home of the New York Islanders. On Tuesday, according to Newsday and other sources, the Islanders won the bid to build a new stadium next to Belmont Park racetrack in Elmont. The Islanders must have been extremely home sick, as they left for Brooklyn just 3 years ago.

This move is being made possible by the team and the Sterling Project Development. The Sterling Project Development is run by the owners of the New York Mets, the Wilpon family (uh oh). The Islanders’ new stadium will seat approximately 18,000 fans, an increase from the 15,795 seats (2nd smallest in the NHL) in Barclays Center. The ‘play hockey at Barclays Center experiment’ didn’t last long — for good reason. The scoreboard was off-center. And last time I checked, you can’t have obstructed views in an arena. Someone get me in touch with the structural engineer on that job. Idiot.

While both the Islanders and Barclays Center have an opt-out clause in their contract this coming January, expect the Islanders to call Brooklyn home until the new stadium is ready. New stadiums generally take 2 or 3 years to complete. I’ll get out there and help build it if it means I don’t have to travel to Brooklyn anymore to watch hockey….

This news is an early Christmas present to real Islanders fans. I mean, who wouldn’t appreciate a 20 minute drive to a professional sporting event?! Also included in the proposal, plans to reopen a Long Island Railroad stop at Belmont Park. Beautiful!! Now you can partake in a few extra Yoo-Hoos on the way to the game.

The official announcement is set to come today, Wednesday, December 20th, 2017 by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

Many believe this will make the Islanders a more attractive franchise. Their hope is they’ll be able to resign all-star center, John Tavares, when he becomes a free agent next July. Will a new state-of-the-art stadium be enough to keep Tavares in Orange and Blue??

Only time will tell….

Are you excited for the Islanders to come back to Long Island?? Pour your heart out in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. WE HAVE A SPECIAL, EARLY SHOW FOR YOU TONIGHT FROM 5:45 – 7:00 P.M. EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Pick A Sport, Any Sport

October 5, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

yankees-at-indians

This is the best time of the year in sports. Football, Baseball, Hockey, and Basketball. It’s like Christmas in October….

NL Wild Card Game

Another Wild Card Game, another 3-run lead in the 1st inning. Thanks to Paul Goldschmidt’s 3-run home run, the Arizona Diamondbacks jumped out to an early lead Wednesday night.

Paul Goldschmidt is the 2nd best baseball player in the world.

They led by as many as 6 runs, before the Colorado Rockies came storming back with a 4-run 4th inning. The Rockies ‘kept hanging around’, as they trailed just 6-5 in the 7th inning. And then, Diamondbacks’ relief pitcher Archie Bradley did something unexpected. He hit a 2-run triple, providing insurance, with his bat. The Diamondbacks would go on to win 11-8, advancing to the NL Division Series. Now, they have the great pleasure of taking on the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB Best Record). Yay!

The Dodgers had a phenomenal season, but don’t sleep on the Diamondbacks. They CAN win this series, and they will….

Diamondbacks in 5

You heard it here first.

WNBA Finals

In case you didn’t notice, there was a decisive Game 5 played last night in the WNBA Finals. The Los Angeles Sparks took on the Minnesota Lynx. The Minnesota Lynx may be the quietest dynasty in the history of sports. New England who?? Alabama who?? The Lynx have now won 4 championships in the last 7 years. They were led by Sylvia Fowles and Maya Moore. Fowles became the 1st player in WNBA history to win the MVP in the regular season and finals.

NHL Drops The Puck

Speaking of things you didn’t notice, the NHL season started last night, with 8 teams in action. The Toronto Maple Leafs stormed out of the gate, dominating the Winnipeg Jets to the tune of 7-2. Interestingly, the Maple Leafs and Arizona Diamondbacks simultaneously took 6-0 leads.

There was 1 overtime thriller last night, between the St. Louis Blues and the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Blues nearly blew this one, as the Penguins came back from a 4-2 deficit in the 3rd period. The Blues would ultimately take down Sidney Crosby and the defending champs 5-4 (F/OT).

The New York Rangers open their season at home, tonight, against the Colorado Avalanche.

The Islanders open their season Friday night at the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Let’s Go Islanders!!

Thursday Night Football

And then, there was football. Those who stay up to watch horrid matchup after horrid matchup on Thursday Night Football, are finally being rewarded. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the New England Patriots tonight. Expect New England, who I hate, to bounce back after last week’s home-loss to the Carolina Panthers. I’d say they’re going to blowout the Bucs, but a defense this bad doesn’t do blowouts. Expect Jameis Winston and the Bucs to put up impressive offensive numbers, but fall short of victory.

Patriots 31, Buccaneers 24

AL Division Series

New York Yankees vs. Cleveland Indians. That’s what I’ll be watching tonight. The Yankees have announced that Sonny Gray will get the ball in Game 1 against Trevor Bauer, and CC Sabathia will pitch Game 2. In a surprise move, the Indians will opt to hold their ace, Corey Kluber, until Game 2. Indians’ manager, Terry Francona, said he wants Kluber to pitch on normal rest. If this series goes the distance, Kluber will be available to start Game 5.

Game 1 is the game for the Yankees to steal. While Bauer had a nice year, the Yankees’ lineup will be pleased not to see Kluber on the bump. The Yankees will carry the momentum from a fantastic Wild Card Game into tonight….

Yankees 5, Indians 4

What will you be watching tonight?? Will the Yankees win Game 1 of the ALDS?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:10 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Legendary Sportscaster Bob Wolff’s Unrivaled Legacy

July 18, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

Unmatched. Unparalleled. Unbelievable. The impact legendary sportscaster Bob Wolff made, not only on the sports world, but on society, will live on for generations. Wolff passed away Saturday night in his Nyack home, leaving behind a legacy that is second to none. The iconic sportscaster was 96 years old.

Wolff stood as the record holder for longest running broadcaster (78 years). His work dates back to 1939, when he was on WDNC Radio as a student at Duke University. His most recent work, in 2017, sports commentary for News 12 Long Island. Over the last 78 years, Wolff accomplished more than most could ever dream of, compiling the most impressive broadcasting resume in the history of sports.

Every accomplishment of Wolff’s is more impressive than the last, so I will list the major ones in no particular order:

Called the only perfect game in World Series history (Don Larsen in 1956)
Did TV play-by-play for both New York Knicks’ championships (1970 and 1973)
Called “The Greatest Game Ever Played” (1958 NFL Championship Game — Baltimore Colts vs. New York Giants)
Called Jackie Robinson’s last major league hit (game winning hit in Game 6 of the 1956 World Series)
Interviewed Babe Ruth

The list is endless, as Wolff seemingly did every broadcasting job known to man. He is the only sportscaster to call play-by-play of championships in all 4 major sports (MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL). Throughout his career, he even found time to become the TV play-by-play voice for 8 different teams across 5 sports:

Baltimore Colts, Washington Redskins, and Cleveland Browns
New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons
New York Rangers
Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins
Tampa Bay Rowdies (Soccer)

How is this even possible?? Broadcasters are fortunate to become the voice of 1 team, in 1 sport. Wolff managed to conquer multiple sports, in multiple cities, across the country. Wolff also served his country. He served as a supply officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

All of his hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. Wolff was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995 as well as the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008, becoming only the 2nd sportscaster to be inducted into both Halls of Fame (Curt Gowdy). Bob Wolff’s life and career should be endlessly applauded. He was a pioneer, and without his efforts, it is unlikely you’d be reading this article right now. Thank you Bob Wolff, for paving the way.

What is your favorite Bob Wolff memory?? Please share it in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M EST.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

7.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: