Stanley Cup: game four recap

By Scott Antoszewski

Flyers 5 Blackhawks 3

Series Tied 2-2

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a series. The outcome of game four is exactly why I don’t pick games, especially in the playoffs. The Flyers showed grit and skill at the same time as they evened the Stanley Cup Finals at two games apiece.

The Blackhawks were never really in this game. The Flyers imposed their will from the opening face-off all the way to the final whistle. I find it amazing what a little “home cooking” can do for a team. Less than a week ago the Hawks were up 2-0 and a lot of folks (myself included) were thinking sweep. Now, the series heads back to the “Mad House on Madison” on Sunday evening for game five, with the Stanley Cup Final down to a best of three.

Toews and Kane are still struggling to get on the board for the Hawks, and Chicago really needs them to get going. Philly’s big guns woke up for games thee and four, the two Flyer wins. It will be interesting to see if the trends hold true and the Hawks win again at home. Looks like a long road to the Cup from here. Goal scorers in game four were as follows:

Flyers: Mike Richards, Matt Carle, Claude Giroux in the first. Ville Lieno and Jeff Carter in the third.

Blackhawks: Patrick Sharp in the first. Dave Bolland and Brian Campbell in the third.

Game five is Sunday night at 8 pm.

NBA Finals, just as I suspected

By Dan Rodgers

I told you so. Kobe is so far beyond anyone it amazes me. Well, maybe not considering it is something I am getting used to seeing. I'm writing this post during game two, so I'll include parts of that as well.

Let us keep track during the post. I'm starting and it's Lakers 21 Celtics 20.

Game one went exactly how I suspected Kobe owned; and Pau Gasol showed that he can play with the big boys (i.e. Garnett). Like I said in the previous post, the Lakers x-factor Gasol, would be the key to the Lakers dominating in the paint on both sides of the ball. He had 23 points and 14 rebounds, eight of them on the offensive end. He also added three blocks while managing to stay out of foul trouble.

Kobe added another 30-point performance, which he achieved on a three-pointer with three seconds left in the game. Kind of funny but understandable because the shot clock expired so he had to take a shot.

The Celtics shot a measely 1-10 from three-point land and got out rebounded by 11. Paul Pierce had a respectable game with 24 points and nine rebounds. No one else on the Celtics had a notable game. I know what you're thinking, not even Rajon Rondo did (13 pts 8 assists).

Update: Lakers 22 Celtics 29 End Q1

As for my other x-factor, clearly since above I said Kobe had 30, they didn't do their job. So, we'll see if anyone can do a better job covering number 24 tonight. I don't think they will, but hey...what do I know?

Rodgers That

Stanley Cup: game three recap

By Scott Antoszewski

Flyers 4 Blackhawks 3 OT

Blackhawks lead series 2-1

Game three was probably the most exciting game of the Stanley Cup Finals yet. The Flyers played desperation hockey in front of the largest home crowd in Flyers history. The 20,000+ Orange clad fans were sent home happy after Claude Giroux(pronounced Jerr-oo) scored his first goal of the finals in game winning fashion. The Blackhawks held a 3-2 lead in the third period after Patrick Kane got his first goal of the Cup Finals on a sweet breakaway.

I’d be lying if I told you that thoughts of a Blackhawks sweep didn’t enter my mind when the Hawks got the lead. Honestly, I’m excited to see that we will have what looks like a competitive series. Both goalies played well in Game 3. The Flyers just played more desperate hockey and fixed a lot of the mistakes that cost them in the first two games. I love overtime in the playoffs. We’ve only had one epic three overtime game so far this year. I was hoping this one would keep me well up into the night, but no such luck.

The series isn’t over yet! Game four should be very interesting. The Flyers now know they can beat Chicago, and will be playing at home again. The Hawks on the other hand will be looking to start another road winning streak. My instinct tells me that if the Flyers can win game four, then the series will probably go all seven games. A Blackhawks win in game four will most likely lead to the Hawks claiming the Cup after game five. I don’t usually make predictions, but since this one is in writing, I’m curious to see how it turns out.

Game three goal scorers are as follows: Flyers: Daniel Briere in the first on a power play, Scotty Hartnell in the second on the power play,Ville Leino in the third even strength, and Claude Giroux in overtime at even strength. Hawks: Duncan Keith in the second at even strength, Brent Sopel in the second at even strength, and Patrick Kane in the third on the even strength breakaway.

Game four is Friday night in Philadelphia at 8 pm.

Celtics @ Lakers...Need I Say More?

By Dan Rodgers

I know you're probably upset that no one wrote anything about the worst call in sports history last night, but I'm sure Dr. Jekyll will include it in his segment of Rounding the bases.

This is a quickie as I am going to see Get Him to the Greek. (Don't worry, it's free)

Game One:

Celtics @ Lakers 9:00 PM on ABC

This is a ridiculous rematch of the greatest player of my era (Kobe) against a franchise that owns the Lakers in the finals (Celtics hold 9-2 edge).

I don't think it will matter because Kobe is a hoss and wants payback after losing in 2008. I will review this game and go into more depth before game two. Enjoy watching Kobe, KG, and Uncle Ray.

L.A. X-Factor: Pau Gasol

Boston X-Factor: Whoever defends Kobe

All I know is that if I were a gambling man, I'd bet on the Lakers...

Rodgers That

The Kid calls it quits

By Dan Rodgers

George Kenneth Griffey, Jr. is hanging up his very historic cleats. "The Kid" or "Junior", whichever you prefer, didn't show up to the ballpark today and informed the Mariners that he has decided to retire.

Griffey, one of the greatest players ever, could have held the all-time home run lead if not for devastating injuries in the middle to the end of his career. He played 22 seasons, however, 11 of those seasons he played less than 130 games and five with less than 100 games.

Even though Griffey had multiple hamstring and knee injuries which severely hurt his career numbers, his 630 home runs puts him in fifth on the all-time list. Many speculate that if he hadn't been injured so often players would be chasing him and not Barry Bonds for the all-time lead in home runs.

Griffey spent most of his career, 13 seasons, with the Seattle Mariners; the team that drafted him number one overall in the 1987 draft. He also spent eight and a half seasons with his father's old team, the Cincinnati Reds. The other half of the 2008 season he spent with the Chicago White Sox. Griffey was then brought back to Seattle for the 2009 season and then resigned for 2010.

He was a 13-time all-star and a 10-time gold glove recipient. He was also awarded the 1997 AL MVP (56 HR 147 RBI).

One of the greatest players that I've ever had the pleasure of seeing, and one of the all-time greats is calling it quits. I had the pleasure of seeing him play once because I was in Arizona and my father and I decided to go to a Diamondbacks game before we left. They happen to be playing the Reds that night, and I was given the great opportunity to witness one of his many home runs. This guy was awesome and I hope he stays in the game some way or another.

Stanley Cup: game two recap

By Scott Antoszewski

Game two was the exact opposite of game one. A tight checking, defensive battle that put stellar goaltending on display. The Blackhawks scored two goals somewhere in the neighborhood of 40 seconds apart in the second period, and that’s all they would need. Philly goalie Michael Leighton rebounded nicely from a tough game one, but still took the loss. The legend that is Antti Neimi continues to grow as the rookie is now only two wins away from a Stanley Cup Championship. The Flyers activated Dan Carcillo for game two for some reason. He had little to no impact on the game. His accidental hit on teammate Mike Richards, will stick in most people’s memory; I would be surprised if he plays again in the series. The Hawks are still waiting for a breakout game from Patrick Kane. He played well, just hasn’t been the offensive force that he was all year long. The Hawks’ goals were scored by Marian Hossa and Ben Eager. The Flyers’ lone goal came courtesy of Simon Gagne.

I watched game two with a friend of mine who does not follow hockey. I very much enjoyed getting his perspective on the game. Avid hockey fans can enjoy a tight checking defensive battle; much like a die hard baseball fan can enjoy a 1-0 pitchers duel. I tried to explain to him that games like this are not what the league is looking for from the finals. The NHL wants a more wide open, run and gun, 6-5 final.(See my post about game one) The league believes that more scoring will entice the “casual fan” to pay more attention to the game, hence the changes to the red line rule, the goalie equipment sizes, the trapezoid, etc. Overall, it was a fun game to watch, both teams have proven they can play wide open and tight defensive hockey. Game three is Wednesday night in Philadelphia. Enjoy!