I’m So Confused!!!!

June 19, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

I’m sorry, can you please repeat that??

No, I heard you, I just don’t understand….

Sports have never been complicated. Most things are easy to understand. But today, I am legitimately confused:

Win A Championship And….Quit?!

Barry Trotz, head coach of the Washington Capitals, won the Stanley Cup on June 7th. And resigned as head coach of the Washington Capitals on June 18th.

No Ron Burgundy, that doesn’t make sense.

Trotz spent four years as the head coach of the Capitals. During his tenure, the Capitals had the best record in the NHL (205-89-34). And Monday, just 11 days after bringing the Capitals their 1st Stanley Cup in franchise history, Trotz said this:

“After careful consideration and consultation with my family, I am officially announcing my resignation as the head coach of the Washington Capitals.”

It appears this was a dispute over what else; money. Trotz made $1.5 million last season, less than 25% of the highest paid coaches in the NHL. Trotz probably feels disrespected, as he feels he deserves an extension and a sizable raise. While there was an extension clause written into his contract, if they won the Stanley Cup, the raise allegedly wasn’t walking ‘hand-in-hand’ with the extension.

Which means Barry Trotz will be the next head coach of the New York Islanders — hopefully.

Win THREE Championships….And QUIT?!?!

Zinedine Zidane shocked the world when he left Real Madrid just five days after winning his 3rd consecutive Champions League championship. Zidane is creating a pattern here:

“I want to end with Real Madrid when everything is going well,” he concluded. “I did it as a player, and now again as a coach. This the right moment to end things well.”

Great players often go out on a high note. Barry Sanders retired immediately following a nearly 1,500 yard rushing season (1,491 yards). Jim Brown led the NFL in rushing in his final season (1,544 yards). But this isn’t often a move for great coaches. Zidane, just 45 years old, seemed to have a bright coaching future ahead of him. Instead, he’ll be….actually, I have absolutely no idea what he’ll be doing.

The Mets Scored A Run?!?!

The New York Mets applied to have their logo permanently placed next to the word anemic in the dictionary. They may have to rescind their application.

After scoring just 21 runs in their previous 13 games (1-12 record), the Mets have now scored 22 runs in their past 3 games (3-0 record). That’s hard to explain. Their latest offensive outburst came in the form of a 12-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies Monday night. Because nothing cures a putrid offense like some Colorado air.

Brandon Nimmo’s 4-for-6 performance, with 2 home runs, and 4 rbi didn’t hurt either. One of those home runs was of the inside the park variety:

The Mets may revert back to their hapless ways real soon, but you HAVE to respect Brandon Nimmo’s hustle!!

Can you explain any of the above?? Good luck….

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The WAIT, Is OVER!!!!

June 8, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

To the streets Washington, it’s time to celebrate!!

The Washington Capitals and their fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief — and rejoice.

After 43 looong years of pain, anguish, heartache, blood, sweat, and tears (oh the tears), the Washington Capitals are Stanley Cup champions (4-3). Capitals’ fans could be heard, seemingly everywhere, chanting, “We got the cup!” and “Ovi! Ovi!”.

Although the Capitals won four consecutive games to close out the Stanley Cup Finals, this series was a battle of attrition. After eleven lead changes, and two one-goal victories, the Capitals proved too much for the Las Vegas Golden Knights. Capitals’ goaltender, Braden Holtby, outplayed his counterpart Marc-Andre Fleury. While Fleury was the primary reason for the Golden Knights’ Stanley Cup Finals appearance in their inaugural season, he would let up the final, decisive goal with 7:37 left to play. A goal that squeaked through Fleury’s legs, only to be slammed home by Lars Eller.

And then, there’s “Ovi”….

Alexander Ovechkin’s impressive career is now a complete career. In his 13th season, and 10th playoff appearance, Alexander Ovechkin can now add Stanley Cup champion to his surname. Ovechkin’s 668th career goal would be a 2nd period, power-play goal. It was his 15th goal and 27th point of the playoffs, earning him the Conn Smythe Award (Playoff MVP).

I think it’s safe to say there’s plenty of vodka being passed around Ovechkin’s home-town; Moscow, Russia.

Washington D.C., Virginia, Maryland, and Capitals’ fans everywhere, it’s time to celebrate (when the hangover subsides). While there is no official date for the Capitals’ parade, owner Ted Leonsis, is already expecting “a parade bigger than people expect”.

Oh boy!

Well, I guess there are worse things roaming the streets of Washington D.C. than hundreds of thousands of drunk, hockey fans….

Are you happy the Washington Capitals broke their 43 year championship drought?? Express your feelings in the comment section below.

The Sports World’s Amazing Weekend

June 12, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

crosby

When it’s 95 degrees outside, you can either go to the beach or do what I did. Yup. I sat in an air conditioned living room and watched sports all weekend. As my Boston people would say, “That was wicked smart.” It was a good weekend to reacquaint yourself with the special a** groove in your couch, because the sports world was busy. Let’s start with the most important (but probably least watched) sporting event of the weekend:

STANLEY CUP FINALS

Following a bad loss in Game 5, the Nashville Predators were happy to head home. Prior to Game 6, the Predators stood an impressive 9-1 in their home arena in the playoffs. Unfortunately for the Predators, the Pittsburgh Penguins handed them their 2nd home loss. The Penguins broke a scoreless tie 58 minutes and 35 seconds into the game, scoring what would be the game winning goal. They would add an empty-net goal 1 minute and 21 seconds later, securing a 2-0 victory. And just like that, the Pittsburgh Penguins became the first team in 20 years to win back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships. Sidney Crosby (duh) won the Conn Smythe Trophy (MVP of the Playoffs) for the 2nd straight year. I don’t normally talk about shoulda, woulda, couldas..but ah..what the hell. The Predators actually scored in this game. Just 1 minute and 7 seconds into the 2nd period, Colton Sissons had a goal erased by a quick whistle. The goal shoulda counted, but we can’t go back in time. Also, Sissons and fellow Predator, Filip Forsberg, both hit the post in the 3rd period. That sucks! I feel for the Predators, as their run through the playoffs was fun to watch. Better luck next year!

NBA FINALS

No sweep. No history. Well, history was still made, just not by the Golden State Warriors. The Cleveland Cavaliers finally won a game (137-116), and they did it in historic fashion. When so many changes are made to the record books, a list is necessary:

The Cavaliers scored 49 points in the 1st quarter
The Cavaliers scored 86 points in the 1st half
The Cavaliers made 24 3-pointers
Lebron James recorded his 9th triple-double in the Finals (breaking Magic Johnson’s record)
Dahntay Jones became the 1st player to get a technical foul from the bench in the NBA Finals (I don’t actually know if this is true – but I think it’s really funny)
Lebron James passed Michael Jordan for 3rd all-time in points scored in the NBA Finals (trailing only Jerry West and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar)

Heading into Game 4, the Golden State Warriors were looking to become the 1st team in NBA history to sweep through the playoffs at 16-0. If they win Game 5 they will still be in rarified air. They will join the 2001 Los Angeles Lakers and the 1983 Philadelphia 76ers as the only 1-loss teams to win a championship.

All you Lebron fanatics can pump the brakes. Don’t expect the Cavaliers to hit 24 3-pointers and score 137 points again. You can also expect Lebron, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love not to combine for 94 points again. The Cavaliers are David Wells. They are capable of throwing a Perfect Game, but they aren’t bringing home a Cy Young Award anytime soon. Expect the Warriors to roll in Game 5. 124-111. Warriors win another title. Book it.

U.S.A. VS. MEXICO

Soccer?! Yes. We are going to talk about soccer. Have you ever seen anyone happier to end in a draw before?? That is the question to ask following a draw between U.S.A. and Mexico on Sunday night. You’d think U.S.A. had just won the World Cup. The two nations squared off in a CONCACAF World Cup qualifying match. The match was played in front of 87,000 screaming fans in Estadio Azteca, the famed stadium in the heart of Mexico City. Michael Bradley of U.S.A. scored a shocking goal (from about 40 yards out) just 6 minutes into the match. But, thanks to incredibly poor defense by U.S.A, Mexico tied the match in the 23rd minute when Carlos Vela ran untouched for what seemed like 8 miles before putting home a left-footed strike from just outside the box. The match would end in a 1-1 draw. Maybe there is reason to celebrate, as the U.S.A earned just their 3rd win or draw in 22 tries playing in Mexico City. Pop the champagne……?

AARON JUDGE FOR MVP

Before you laugh, check out the numbers. If the MLB season ended today, Aaron Judge would be the Rookie of the Year and MVP. That hasn’t been done since Ichiro Suzuki in 2001. Aaron Judge is hitting .344 with 21 home runs and 47 r.bi.’s. Yup, that would give Judge the lead in the Triple Crown. Plus, Judge’s Yankees are in 1st place in the American League East with a record of 37-23. PLUS, Aaron Judge hits baseballs really, really FAR. Yes, that baseball really travelled 496 feet. That would be the longest home run since ESPN began tracking distance in 2009. The Yankees are now riding a 5-game winning streak. In their last 5 games, the Yankees have scored a total of 57 runs. That is insane!! This offensive outburst is still being done without future 1st baseman Greg Bird. As good as the offense has been, it is the pitching that has the Yankees in 1st place on June 12th. C.C. Sabathia’s resurgence has been the untold storyline of the Yankees’ season. Let’s hope it continues.

RAFAEL NADAL

And last but not least….words you’ve heard many times before. 10 times now to be exact. Yes. Rafael Nadal won his 10th French Open title. What words could I possibly find to explain the greatness that is Rafael Nadal?? I don’t know, but I’ll try. He is the best clay-court tennis player ever. We have never seen a player this dominant at anything..ever. Not Wayne Gretzky on ice. Not Bill Russell on the hardwood. And no, not Tom Brady on the gridiron. Rafael Nadal dominates clay like nothing we’ve ever seen. Think about this. Nadal just won the French Open without dropping a set in the ENTIRE TOURNAMENT!! The finals was about as anti-climatic as they come. He defeated Stan Wawrinka 6-2, 6-3, 6-1. At age 31, Nadal is finally healthy again, and that means only one thing..the sky is the limit.

With all these fantastic sporting events on TV this weekend, what did you watch?? Tell me what was on your TV in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. You can also follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!

Who Said There’s Nothing To Talk About?

June 25, 2013 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

The NBA Finals have come and gone, and baseball hasn’t hit its full stride yet. Within the dog days of summer lie a time with very little to talk about in the world of sports. However, Monday brought about an eventful day of sports news and action. Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals crowned a champion, while a former Wimbledon champion fell unexpectedly. A window of opportunity has opened for the much deserving Brian Shaw. And lastly, as I’m sure you’ve all heard by now, Aaron Hernandez has himself in some hot water.

With Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals being played in Boston, it was almost a certainty that the Bruins would force a decisive Game 7 in Chicago. This series had been so closely contested (with half of its games going to overtime), that a Game 7 seemed inevitable. With just under a minute and a half to play that looked like the case, but the Chicago Blackhawks had other ideas. The Bruins were winning 2-1 after Milan Lucic scored the go ahead goal midway through the 3rd period. They looked like they were going to cruise to a series tying victory until Brian Bickell put in the game tying goal with 1:16 left in the game. Boston had to be deflated but at least they had a chance to win the game in overtime, right? Oh No, no no, they were not granted that opportunity. Just 17 seconds after the game tying goal came, the game winning goal by Dave Bolland followed. And just like that, victory was snatched right out of Boston’s hands. Players are used to losing, but to be so close to victory and lose in heartbreaking fashion is never easy to get past. I’m sure the Bruins players will need some time to fully recover from a loss of this magnitude. Doesn’t it seem eerily similar to the Game 6 loss by the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals? When there is a loser there must also be a winner. Congratulations to the Chicago Blackhawks on winning the 2013 Stanley Cup.

An absolute stunner is the only way to describe Rafael Nadal’s first round loss at Wimbledon. This is the first time he has EVER lost in the first round of a Grand Slam. His loss came in straight sets at the hands of the 135th ranked player in the world, Steve Darcis. Who? Exactly, I’ve never heard of him either. If you watched the match, the camera continued to follow Nadal’s taped up knee, and the commentators kept harping on the fact that he couldn’t track down balls he once called routine gets. Yes, I’ll admit that Nadal did not look his usual gritty self, but injury or not a player of his caliber should NEVER lose to Steve Darcis. Nadal simply did not have any fight in him on Monday, and he simply mailed in his performance once he was down 2 sets to none. While I’ve never personally been a Nadal fan, it still would have been nice to watch the great Roger Federer spank him in the quarter finals. I guess we’ll have to settle with Federer mopping the floor with John Isner in the quarters. Will there be anymore shocking upsets in Wimbledon? Only time will tell, but I see Roger Federer and Andy Murray playing a hard fought semi finals to see who has the right to lose to Novak Djokavic in the finals. Enjoy the tennis.

To the hardwood we go. The second the NBA season ends, head coaches get the ax (deservedly or not). As the off season progresses, those coaching vacancies slowly get filled. Monday, the Denver Nuggets filled their coaching vacancy with a name that has been floating around the rumor mill for quite some time. Brian Shaw, the former assistant of the Indiana Pacers, is now the new head coach of the Denver Nuggets. Shaw’s name has been on many executives lists for coaching possibilities over the past couple of years, but Denver has finally pulled the trigger. Denver just cur their tenure with George Karl short in the same season he won Coach of the Year, so I wouldn’t get too comfortable if I were Shaw. Good luck Brian, you deserve it.

And last but certainly least, we move on to Einstein himself. Nope, sorry, I meant Aaron “the rocket scientist” Hernandez. Aaron Hernandez has been a very good tight end for the New England Patriots, and had a very bright future ahead of himself (emphasis on the word HAD). Rather than use his potential to enjoy his future, he decided to entangle himself in a murder mystery. No, not the make believe Law And Order type of mystery, but the hey I actually murdered someone and tried to cover it up type of mystery. As of right now Hernandez has not been convicted of a crime or has even been arrested, but there has been the possibility of an arrest warrant hanging over his head for about 5 days now. See, Hernandez intelligently destroyed his home surveillance system, smashed his cell phone to unrecognizable pieces, and had a professional cleaning crew come leave his house spotless. Yeah, this should end well. I don’t want to jump to any conclusions, but I will. Hernandez obviously either murdered this guy, ordered the murder to take place, or has proof of the murder and is trying to cover it up. Either way his life is in shambles, and I highly doubt it’s going to get any better anytime soon. Man, don’t you wish you, an intelligent responsible person, had the talents these numbskulls have? You surely wouldn’t waste it and throw your life back into the sewer that they most likely came from to begin with. It’s such a shame. You can follow ESPN for daily updates on the Hernandez situation.

If you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. Also you can follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!