Tag: Stanley Cup Finals

The WAIT, Is OVER!!!!

~ 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”….

2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final - Game Five

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.

vodka

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.

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!!

I’m Sure You Won’t Regret This For The Rest Of Your Life….

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

How did you sleep last night??

I bet you slept better than James Neal.

“You Gotta Dunk That S***!!”

Neal, who plays left wing for the Las Vegas Golden Knights, missed what can only be categorized as THE MOST WIDE-OPEN SHOT IN THE HISTORY OF THE NHL Monday night. The Golden Knights were in the nation’s capital, looking to even up the Stanley Cup Finals at two games a piece. And with 15:31 to play in the 1st period, Neal had a chance to set the tone.

Instead, he did this:

Neal has scored 294 goals in his career, none would have been easier than this. To think he’s not replaying this opportunity in his head over and over and over again is naïve. If the Golden Knights fail to come back from a 3-1 series deficit, Neal will likely join Terry Rozier in that dark video room (accompanied by scotch of course).

If I could say just one thing to Neal….

dunk that

The rest, as they say, is history. The Washington Capitals would score three 1st period goals en route to a 6-2 whoopin’ of the Golden Knights. Evgeny Kuznetsov finished with four assists, becoming just the 4th player to have four assists in a single Stanley Cup Finals game.

The Golden Knights will try to continue their Cinderella story with a victory in game 5, in Las Vegas, Thursday @ 8:00 P.M. EST. You can catch all the action on NBC.

“The Catch”

The_Catch,_Dwight_Clark,_S_F,_Ca__1981

Dwight Clark, former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver, passed away Monday at the age of 61. Clark who was diagnosed with ALS in 2015, died in his Montana home surrounded by loved ones according to his wife, Kelly Clark.

Clark is best known for “The Catch”, one of the most memorable plays in NFL history. “The Catch” led the 49ers past the Dallas Cowboys in the 1981 NFC Championship Game (01/10/1982). This sparked the 49ers’ dynasty in the 80s, as they won four Super Bowls in nine years.

The 49ers held “Dwight Clark Day” last season at an October 22nd game against the Dallas Cowboys. This would be his final appearance in front of a stadium filled with 49ers’ fans. Clark addressed the crowd, ownership, his family and more than 40 teammates from a Levi’s Stadium suite. That day, he said he simply wanted one more chance to be around the team he loved.

Giancarlo Stanton Vs. Mike Fiers

mike fiers

New York Yankees’ slugger, Giancarlo Stanton, doesn’t like Mike Fiers. Fiers nearly ended his career in 2014….

And Monday, in the 2nd game of a doubleheader, Fiers plunked Stanton again….

Stanton wasn’t overjoyed. Not even a quarter of his way to 1st base, Stanton had a few choice words for Fiers. Benches half-cleared, but nothing real happened. And in the top of the 6th inning, Stanton hit an ABSOLUTE BOMB off Fiers, to the tune of 456 feet. Some, would call it revenge. Stanton took it a step further with an epic bat-flip, and an extra special “point” in Fiers’ direction as he crossed home plate. I’m a Yankee fan through and through, but this was a pretty sad display of machismo by Mr. Stanton.

 

Can the Las Vegas Golden Knights make a comeback?? Post your prediction in the comment section.

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!!

When Did Everything Get So Awesome??

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

In case you hadn’t noticed….

The Stanley Cup Finals is in full swing — and it’s awesome.

There’s a lot of awesome flying around, below the radar, waiting to be consumed. The question is: Can you find it??

Stanley Cup Finals

Vegas-Golden-Knights-1-1

The NHL will have itself a first-time Stanley Cup Champion; the expansion Las Vegas Golden Knights or the Washington Capitals. But first, an epic battle to the death!! Or we’ll just play hockey….Either way. If game one is any indication of how this series is going to go, we’re in for a treat.

135 shot attempts. 52 saves. 10 goals (6-4). 1-0 Vegas.

A raucous crowd filled T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Monday. The towels started waving nearly 30-minutes prior to the drop of the puck, and they never stopped. Game one was fast-paced, competitive, and down right fun. For the first time in Stanley Cup Finals’ history, there were four lead changes in a single game. And after the Golden Knights took the lead on a Tomas Nosek goal with 10:16 to play, they never looked back.

But of course, this game didn’t pass by without controversy. With just over 14:00 to play, Tom Wilson lined up Jonathan Marchessault, in open-ice, with what many have deemed a dirty hit. You tell me….

Watch game two Wednesday @ 8:00 P.M. EST on NBCSN. You won’t be disappointed.

Yankees Win In Extras

gleyber torres walk off

Last time I checked, a win is a win. Although we put more import on games in August and September, games in May mean just as much. And when you’re the New York Yankees, they mean even more against your American League competition. That’s why today, is a good day for Yankee fans. After getting mowed down by Justin Verlander Monday, they bounced back Tuesday with a dramatic 6-5 victory (in 10 innings) over the Houston Astros.

The Astros carried a 5-3 lead to the bottom of the ninth inning. Miguel Andujar led off the inning with a walk. And after Gleyber Torres stuck out, Brett Gardner launched a 2-run, game-tying, home run (his 2nd of the game) to right centerfield. Yankee Stadium, erupted!!

And with 2 outs in the bottom of the 10th inning, Andujar set the table again. This time, for a Gleyber Torres walk-off single. Check it out:

The French Open Is Happening

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In case you hadn’t noticed….

The French Open is happening. It’s well under way, and it’s awesome.

Serena Williams won her 1st match, at a major, in 16 months, taking down Kristyna Pliskova 7-6, 6-4 Tuesday. She played a grand total of ZERO warm-up matches on clay, because, ya know, she’s Serena Williams. Her next opponent will be 17th seed, Ashleigh Barty.

While Serena’s comeback is impressive, this tournament is, and always has been, about Rafael Nadal. The 10-time French Open Champion improved to 80-2 in his favorite tournament, beating lucky loser, Simone Bolelli in straight sets (6-4, 6-3, 7-6). Nadal will take on Guido Pella in the 2nd round.

Don’t be surprised if Nadal’s new title, come June 10th, is 11-time French Open Champion.

 

Did you notice all of this awesomeness?? Don’t lie to me in my comment section!!

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!!

 

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

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

7.

It can mean so many things:

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

7

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

Eastern Conference Finals (NHL style)

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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

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Monday.

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

monday

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

LeBron

Boston Celtics v Cleveland Cavaliers - Game Four

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

Tampa Bay Lightning v Washington Capitals - Game Six

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

NationalsJuanSoto1stHR_1526951554275_5565556_ver1_0_640_360

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.

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!!

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

~ 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

robinson-cano-1-696x391

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.”

raw

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

Harden-LeBron-AD

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

MNF-Team-MZ-Front-Featured

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

marchessault_knights

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.

 

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!!

The Sports World’s Amazing Weekend

~ 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:

  1. The Cavaliers scored 49 points in the 1st quarter
  2. The Cavaliers scored 86 points in the 1st half
  3. The Cavaliers made 24 3-pointers
  4. Lebron James recorded his 9th triple-double in the Finals (breaking Magic Johnson’s record)
  5. 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)
  6. 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!

 

Crosby, Penguins Dominate Game 5

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

penguins

If you like blowouts, 2017 has you covered. The Stanley Cup Finals did their best NBA Finals impression Thursday night. Game 5 between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators was for lack of a better word, not competitive. The Penguins took an early lead, scoring just 1 minute and 31 seconds into the game. They would not look back. They added 2 more goals in the 1st period, forcing Peter Laviolette, Nashville Predators coach, to pull his goalie. The Predators’ hero from Game 4, Pekka Rinne, would watch the rest of the action from the bench. Nashville’s backup goalie, Juuse Saros, didn’t fare much better, giving up 3 more goals in the 2nd period. The Predators would lose by the final score of 6-0. The Penguins now own a 3-2 lead in the series.

Thursday was an eventful evening for Penguins captain, Sidney Crosby. Crosby, regarded by many as the best player in the world, showcased his skills with 3 assists (he was the 1st star of the game). However, Crosby’s evening did not end there. With 1:32 left in the 1st period, Crosby thought it would be a good idea to slam P.K. Subban’s head into the ice..multiple times. Oh yeah, you heard that right. Now, before you watch the video, I’ll say it wasn’t as bad as it sounds, but he definitely deserved a more severe penalty than he received. Check out the head slamming here. I’m pretty sure you can’t do that. Both Subban and Crosby received 2-minute, minor penalties. Naturally, the Penguins scored while playing 4 on 4.

After watching the replay of Crosby’s head slam, I’m having a hard time understanding why Subban was assessed a penalty at all. And at the same time, I’m puzzled as to how Crosby wasn’t assessed a 5-minute, major penalty. Is it just me? Am I crazy?? It must be nice to be a superstar, because they seem to get away with murder (sometimes literally). Crosby’s shenanigans did not stop there. Allow me to break into an entire scene from Super Troopers:

But our shenanigans are cheeky and fun!

Yeah, and his shenanigans are cruel and tragic.

Which… makes them not really shenanigans at all.

Evil shenanigans!

I swear to God I’ll pistol whip the next guy who says “Shenanigans.”

Hey Farva what’s the name of that restaurant you like with all the goofy sh*t on the walls and the mozzarella sticks?

You mean Shenanigans?

OOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Love that movie. Anyway, with just over 12 minutes to play in the 2nd period, Crosby kept his shenanigans going from the bench. He launched his water bottle onto the ice in the middle of play. You can see the throw heard ’round the world here (the throw happens at 44 seconds in the video). Although Crosby claimed it was a complete accident, you can see the wind up and intentional throw very clearly. He was not assessed a penalty (no shocker there), and the Penguins subsequently went up 5-0. The water bottle did not interfere with the on ice action, but last time I checked you can’t do that either. It must be nice to be the king.

Crosby’s Penguins are now 1 win away from winning back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships. They will travel to Nashville to try and close out the series on the road. You can tune into the action on NBC on Sunday night @ 8:00 P.M. EST. I guess the NHL is sticking with giving teams 147 days off in between games.

Will the Penguins win the Stanley Cup on Sunday?? Or will the Predators continue their strong play at home and force a Game 7?? Give me your thoughts 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!

 

 

 

Pekka Rinne Does His Best Impersonation Of A Wall

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

pekka

I call it..the series you should be watching. While the NBA Finals has been filled with blowouts, the Stanley Cup Finals is quietly turning into a thrilling series. This series between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators is now tied at 2-2. Each home team has held serve, and Game 5 will be played on Thursday in Pittsburgh. Well, one thing the NBA and NHL have in common is they schedule 419 days off in between playoff games. But we have to travel from Nashville all the way to Pittsburgh!! Wow, you have to fly 560 miles in 3 days?? How ever will you do it?! Now, it’s not the players’ fault, but it infuriates me that fans must wait 3 days between games in the playoffs. Anyway….

Monday night’s Game 4 was all about Pekka Rinne. Who?! Pekka Rinne would be the Nashville Predator’s goaltender. He can barely be classified as human after his performance last night. Hey, someone get Caliban out here to sniff this guy. I need to find out if he’s a mutant or not. All my X-Men fans know what I’m talking about. I digress.

Rinne saved 23 of 24 shots in Game 4, none more spectacular than the set of saves he made with just over 11 minutes left to play in the 2nd period. With the Predators clinging to a 2-1 lead, Rinne literally saved the day. Enough of me and my words, click here to see the incredible sequence. Wasn’t that unbelievable?? What do you mean you didn’t click on the link to watch Rinne’s saves?! Seriously, you have to see this, click HERE. You’re welcome.

Rinne, who was undoubtedly the 1st star of the game, now holds a .949 save % at home in this year’s playoffs. That is the 2nd best % among goalies since 2007, 2nd only to Jonathan Quick of the LA Kings (.950 – 2013). Rinne and the Predators have been virtually unbeatable at home in the playoffs, as they now hold a record of 9-1 at Bridgestone Arena. The question is, will the “8-seeded” Predators be able to steal a game in the home of the Penguins, PPG Paints Arena. Tune into NBC on Thursday at 8:00 P.M. EST to find out.

Who do you think will win the Stanley Cup Finals?? Tell me 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!

 

 

Playoffs, Playoffs, And More Playoffs!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

predators

Monday was a busy night for the record books. What’s Playoff Season without making a little history, right?? And what’s better than Playoff Season?!

“What do you like better, Christmas or Wedding Season?”

“Mr. Grey?”

“Yes. The answer would be, um, Wedding season?”

Yes. I like Playoff Season better than Christmas. Don’t judge me. From the hardwood to the ice, last night was a channel flippin’ kind of night. I’m surprised the ‘last’ button on my television remote didn’t fall off. Where shall we start first? NHL or NBA? Competitive or ahem..non-competitive? Nail-biting finishes or ummmm..beat the traffic? I guess I shouldn’t beat up the NBA too badly if I want you to read about it….

But first, lace up those skates because we’re heading to the rink.

NHL Playoffs

How many times have you seen the Nashville Predators play hockey this year? Or ever? Well, you should start because they are a lot of fun to watch. And talk about an exciting venue. Bridgestone Arena was absolutely rockin’ last night. The Predators ousted the Anaheim Ducks in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals (by the score of 6-3). The Predators are heading to their 1st Stanley Cup Finals in franchise history. They await the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals (Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Ottawa Senators). The Penguins lead 3 games to 2 and Game 6 will be played tonight on NBC Sports @ 8:00 P.M. Sydney Crosby is good at hockey. Anyway….

The Predators jumped out to an early 2-0 lead just 8:47 into the 1st period. After going up 3-1 early in the 3rd period, enter the “most dangerous lead in hockey”. This of course is the myth that having a 2-goal lead is a bad thing. Well, Monday night, it almost was. The Predators surrendered 2 goals in the span of 3 minutes and 52 seconds. Just like that, the game was tied at 3. The Predators, as they have throughout the playoffs, showed their resiliency. With 6 minutes to play, Colton Sissons completed his hat trick, putting the Predators up 4-3. They would add 2 empty-net goals, after the Ducks pulled their goalie inexplicably early (2:30 left to play!). Apparently, that is new school hockey. Where’s Steve Yzerman when you need him??

Did I mention the Nashville Predators are the #8 seed in the Western Conference?? Oh yeah. It is only the 3rd time a #8 seed has reached the Stanley Cup Finals. Immediately following the game, Michael Bosnack of Floral Park, an NHL enthusiast, said, “Nashville may be famous for their country music, but the Predators are slowly becoming the hidden gem down in the Music City. The pulse of the city runs through Bridgestone Arena these days.”  

Predators coach, Peter Laviolette, became just the 4th coach to bring 3 different teams to the Stanley Cup Finals. That is an exceptional honor, but Laviolette made light of it by saying, “That probably means I’ve been fired a lot.” Laviolette should be proud of his team. They have only lost once at home in the playoffs. For now, they celebrate!!

NBA Playoffs

The Golden State Warriors Won aga…….

Man, I sound like a broken record. I can picture the millennials now: What’s a record? Can I swipe it to the left?? Can I post about it right now???

NO. You can’t. Just show up for work on time.

Anyway, the Golden State Warriors won again by double digits (129-115), sweeping the San Antonio Spurs. This not only completed the sweep of the Western Conference Finals but of the entire playoffs!! This hasn’t happened since the 2001 Los Angeles Lakers swept their way to the NBA Finals. The Lakers accomplished this in 11 games because the 1st round was previously a best-of-five series. The Warriors became the 1st team to win 12 consecutive games to start the playoffs and to also sweep three 7-game series in one playoffs. And now, they will wait for Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers to quit messin’ around and dispose of the Boston Celtics already.

While the Warriors were busy steamrolling the Spurs, fans seemed more preoccupied with paying homage to Manu Ginobili. The soon to be 40 year-old most likely put on his Spurs’ jersey for the last time. Ginobili was the 57th pick in the 1999 NBA Draft. That’s the 2nd to last pick in the draft for those of you keeping score at home. Ginobili played internationally for a few years before entering the league in 2002. And the rest, as they say, is history. 15 NBA seasons and 4 NBA Championships later, Ginobili will more than likely be ‘hangin’ it up’. He will go down as one of the best international players to ever play in the NBA. His high energy and pesky style of play made him a staple as the 6th man on the Spurs’ dynasty of the past decade and a half. Thanks for the good times Manu.

What were you watching last night? The NBA Playoffs, the NHL Playoffs, or something weird I’ve never heard of before? Let me know 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!