The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Boston Bruins 4-3 in triple overtime to take Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. Chicago is now three wins away from being the 2013 Stanley Cup Champions, after winning the 2010 Stanley Cup against the Philadelphia Flyers.
This Game 1 has now become the fifth longest game in Stanley Cup Final history after 112 minutes of play. Boston took part in the longest game in Stanley Cup Final history in a 3-2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers back in 1990. Chicago took part in the fourth longest game in Stanley Cup Final history in a 3-2 win against the Montreal Canadiens back in 1931.
Andrew Shaw was the hero Wednesday night scoring the game-winning goal as the clock struck midnight in Chicago, with 12:08 into the third overtime period.The Blackhawks became the first ever home team to win a triple overtime game in a Stanley Cup Final.
Milan Lucic scored the first two goals for the Boston Bruins, the Bruins lead 2-1 after two periods. The Bruins took an early 3-1 lead in the third period with a power-play goal by Patrice Bergeron, but Chicago rallied to tie it with goals coming from Dave Bolland and Johnny Oduya.
Both of these goaltenders were amazing, especially in the overtime period, Tuukka Rask saving 64 shots, and Corey Crawford saving 54.
Boston and Chicago, the first Original Six teams to make it to a Stanley Cup Final since 1979 provided plenty of drama tonight, this is why hockey has the best playoffs in all of sports. The Bruins and Blackhawks have had memorable comebacks in this postseason as the Bruins came back from a 4-1 deficit to the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7 of the third period way back in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. Boston became the first team ever in NHL history after trailing by three goals in the third period in a Game 7. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks have shown why they have won the Presidents' Trophy as they trailed three games to one in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Detroit Red Wings, but rattled off three straight wins to advance to the Western Conference Finals.
In the 2011 Stanley Cup Final, the Bruins defeated the Vancouver Canucks in seven games after trailing in the series two games to none. If anyone can battle through adversity, it's the Boston Bruins.
Settle in folks, we're in for a heck of a series, and it was only Game 1, we could be in for six more of these going forward. This year's first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs set an NHL record with 17 overtime games, who knows what will unfold in these last few games. Thankfully these teams will have two days off with well deserved rest as Game 2 is not until Saturday night in Chicago.
Follow me on Twitter; @SEMOStava12
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Monday, June 10, 2013
Stanley Cup Finals Preview
The Stanley Cup is set as the Chicago Blackhawks get ready to take on the Boston Bruins to determine who will be the 2013 Stanley Cup Champions. This will be the first Original Six Stanley Cup Final since 1979 as the Montreal Canadiens defeated the New York Rangers in five games. The Blackhawks are the #1 seed out of the Western Conference and the Bruins are the #4 seed out of the Eastern Conference.
The shortened regular season due to the lockout was most noted by the great streak of the Chicago Blackhawks lasting 24 straight games to open up the regular season with scoring at least one point which was marked by the best start in NHL history.
Both of these teams are coming off of short series as the Bruins swept the #1 seeded Pittsburgh Penguins in four games in the Eastern Conference Finals and the Blackhawks defeated the defending Stanley Cup Champions Los Angeles Kings in the Western Conference Finals. Patrick Kane scored the game winning goal to win 4-3 in overtime, resulting in a hat-trick. Gregory Campbell, center for the Boston Bruins is out for the postseason with a broken leg, however he was able to finish a penalty-kill shift with a broken leg in a Game 3 victory over the Penguins.
Tuukka Rask was outstanding in the series against the Penguins for the Bruins, only allowing two goals in the entire series as the Bruins held Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin without a point.
Bruins and the Blackhawks haven't lacked any drama in the postseason. In the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, the Bruins were down 4-1 to the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7 with 10 minutes to go in the third period, but a remarkable comeback was held by the Bruins scoring three goals in the final 10 minutes to send the game into overtime. The Bruins became the first team in NHL history to win a Game 7 after trailing by three goals in the third period. Patrice Bergeron scored the game winning goal in overtime to send the Bruins to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Blackhawks then were down three games to one against their rival Detroit Red Wings in the Western Conference Semifinals, but Chicago showed why they won the Presidents' Trophy by winning three straight games to move on to the Western Conference Finals.
This year's Stanley Cup Playoffs have been memorable as the first round of the playoffs set an NHL record with 17 out of 47 opening-round games went into overtime.
How the teams got here:
-Blackhawks defeated the Minnesota Wild in five games in the Western Conference Quarterfinals, Detroit Red Wings in 7 games in the Western Conference Semifinals, and Los Angeles Kings in five games in the Western Conference Finals.
-Bruins defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs in seven games in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, New York Rangers in five games in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, and the Pittsburgh Penguins in four games in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Game 1 of the best-of-seven series starts on Wednesday at 8:00 ET in Chicago. Here is the series schedule:
Game 1: Wednesday in Chicago, 8:00 ET on NBC
Game 2: Saturday in Chicago, 8:00 ET on NBC Sports Network
Game 3: June 17th in Boston, 8:00 ET on NBC Sports Network
Game 4: June 19th in Boston, 8:00 ET on NBC
Game 5: June 22nd in Chicago, 8:00 ET on NBC (If needed)
Game 6: June 24th in Boston, 8:00 ET on NBC (If needed)
Game 7: June 26th in Chicago, 8:00 ET on NBC (If needed)
The shortened regular season due to the lockout was most noted by the great streak of the Chicago Blackhawks lasting 24 straight games to open up the regular season with scoring at least one point which was marked by the best start in NHL history.
Both of these teams are coming off of short series as the Bruins swept the #1 seeded Pittsburgh Penguins in four games in the Eastern Conference Finals and the Blackhawks defeated the defending Stanley Cup Champions Los Angeles Kings in the Western Conference Finals. Patrick Kane scored the game winning goal to win 4-3 in overtime, resulting in a hat-trick. Gregory Campbell, center for the Boston Bruins is out for the postseason with a broken leg, however he was able to finish a penalty-kill shift with a broken leg in a Game 3 victory over the Penguins.
Tuukka Rask was outstanding in the series against the Penguins for the Bruins, only allowing two goals in the entire series as the Bruins held Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin without a point.
Bruins and the Blackhawks haven't lacked any drama in the postseason. In the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, the Bruins were down 4-1 to the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7 with 10 minutes to go in the third period, but a remarkable comeback was held by the Bruins scoring three goals in the final 10 minutes to send the game into overtime. The Bruins became the first team in NHL history to win a Game 7 after trailing by three goals in the third period. Patrice Bergeron scored the game winning goal in overtime to send the Bruins to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Blackhawks then were down three games to one against their rival Detroit Red Wings in the Western Conference Semifinals, but Chicago showed why they won the Presidents' Trophy by winning three straight games to move on to the Western Conference Finals.
This year's Stanley Cup Playoffs have been memorable as the first round of the playoffs set an NHL record with 17 out of 47 opening-round games went into overtime.
How the teams got here:
-Blackhawks defeated the Minnesota Wild in five games in the Western Conference Quarterfinals, Detroit Red Wings in 7 games in the Western Conference Semifinals, and Los Angeles Kings in five games in the Western Conference Finals.
-Bruins defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs in seven games in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, New York Rangers in five games in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, and the Pittsburgh Penguins in four games in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Game 1 of the best-of-seven series starts on Wednesday at 8:00 ET in Chicago. Here is the series schedule:
Game 1: Wednesday in Chicago, 8:00 ET on NBC
Game 2: Saturday in Chicago, 8:00 ET on NBC Sports Network
Game 3: June 17th in Boston, 8:00 ET on NBC Sports Network
Game 4: June 19th in Boston, 8:00 ET on NBC
Game 5: June 22nd in Chicago, 8:00 ET on NBC (If needed)
Game 6: June 24th in Boston, 8:00 ET on NBC (If needed)
Game 7: June 26th in Chicago, 8:00 ET on NBC (If needed)
Thursday, June 6, 2013
NBA Finals Preview
Game 1 of the 2013 NBA Finals gets underway tonight as the San Antonio Spurs battle the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena, 9 ET on ABC. The Miami Heat are making their third consecutive trip to the NBA Finals and are looking to win their second consecutive NBA Championship after winning the NBA Title last year against the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games. The Heat are also looking for their third championship in franchise history as they defeated the Dallas Mavericks in 2006. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs are looking for their fifth NBA Championship in franchise history.
The Heat are coming off a hard-fought seven game series against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals while the Spurs are coming off a four game series sweep over the Memphis Grizzlies.
This year's NBA Finals should be focused on the Heats' big three against the Spurs' big three as LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh take on Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili. Back when LeBron was in Cleveland, the Spurs swept the Cavaliers in four games in the 2007 NBA Finals, now LeBron gets his chance for redemption, looking for his 2nd NBA Championship with the Miami Heat as he looks to build his legacy. Cleveland in 2007, Miami in 2011, LeBron has gone through disappointment, but now after winning his first elusive title last year with the Heat, he will now have a chance to silence the critics as he is becoming one of the best players to play the game. This won't be an easy task as the San Antonio Spurs are a storied franchise with veteran players who now how to win championships.
The Spurs and Heat lay it all on the line as a champion will be crowned in the few weeks to come.
My prediction - Spurs in 7. This will be a thrilling series, but the Spurs are too well coached and have enough veteran players that know how to win.
Here is your NBA Finals Schedule:
Game 1: Tonight at 9 ET on ABC (In Miami)
Game 2: Sunday at 8 ET on ABC (In Miami)
Game 3: Tuesday at 9 ET on ABC (In San Antonio)
Game 4: June 13th at 9 ET on ABC (In San Antonio)
Game 5: June 16th at 8 ET on ABC (In San Antonio) If Necessary
Game 6: June 18th at 9 ET on ABC (In Miami) If Necessary
Game 7 June 20th at 9 ET on ABC (In Miami) If Necessary
The Heat are coming off a hard-fought seven game series against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals while the Spurs are coming off a four game series sweep over the Memphis Grizzlies.
This year's NBA Finals should be focused on the Heats' big three against the Spurs' big three as LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh take on Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili. Back when LeBron was in Cleveland, the Spurs swept the Cavaliers in four games in the 2007 NBA Finals, now LeBron gets his chance for redemption, looking for his 2nd NBA Championship with the Miami Heat as he looks to build his legacy. Cleveland in 2007, Miami in 2011, LeBron has gone through disappointment, but now after winning his first elusive title last year with the Heat, he will now have a chance to silence the critics as he is becoming one of the best players to play the game. This won't be an easy task as the San Antonio Spurs are a storied franchise with veteran players who now how to win championships.
The Spurs and Heat lay it all on the line as a champion will be crowned in the few weeks to come.
My prediction - Spurs in 7. This will be a thrilling series, but the Spurs are too well coached and have enough veteran players that know how to win.
Here is your NBA Finals Schedule:
Game 1: Tonight at 9 ET on ABC (In Miami)
Game 2: Sunday at 8 ET on ABC (In Miami)
Game 3: Tuesday at 9 ET on ABC (In San Antonio)
Game 4: June 13th at 9 ET on ABC (In San Antonio)
Game 5: June 16th at 8 ET on ABC (In San Antonio) If Necessary
Game 6: June 18th at 9 ET on ABC (In Miami) If Necessary
Game 7 June 20th at 9 ET on ABC (In Miami) If Necessary
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Red Wings Blackhawks Game 7 Preview
The Chicago Blackhawks battle the Detroit Red Wings in a winner take all Game 7 tonight at the United Center as the winner of this game will advance to play the Los Angeles Kings in the Western Conference Finals.
This series has been all about momentum changes as the Blackhawks took Game 1 to open up the series which seemed like forever ago, but then the Red Wings surprisingly rattled off three straight wins to take a 3-1 series lead. The Blackhawks then showed why they have won the President’s Trophy by winning two straight games to force a Game 7 on the brink of elimination. Chicago has a chance to win three straight games tonight at home to put them in the Western Conference Finals.
This series has seen everything as Blackhawks forward Michael Frolik scored a penalty shot to take a 4-2 lead in Game 6 as he became the only player in NHL history to score two penalty shots in the postseason as he also did it in 2011 with the Vancouver Canucks.
Whatever happens tonight, it has been one heck of a series between these two Original Six rivals as these two storied franchises battle in a Game 7 with much anticipation.
Follow me on Twitter:@SEMOStava12
This series has been all about momentum changes as the Blackhawks took Game 1 to open up the series which seemed like forever ago, but then the Red Wings surprisingly rattled off three straight wins to take a 3-1 series lead. The Blackhawks then showed why they have won the President’s Trophy by winning two straight games to force a Game 7 on the brink of elimination. Chicago has a chance to win three straight games tonight at home to put them in the Western Conference Finals.
This series has seen everything as Blackhawks forward Michael Frolik scored a penalty shot to take a 4-2 lead in Game 6 as he became the only player in NHL history to score two penalty shots in the postseason as he also did it in 2011 with the Vancouver Canucks.
Whatever happens tonight, it has been one heck of a series between these two Original Six rivals as these two storied franchises battle in a Game 7 with much anticipation.
Follow me on Twitter:
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Bruins' Overtime Heroics
The Boston Bruins defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in one of the most memorable comebacks in Stanley Cup Playoff history as the Bruins scored three goals late in the third period to tie the game at four, eventually winning the game in overtime, by the score of 5-4. Patrice Bergeron was the hero in Game 7 for the Bruins back on Monday night to advance the Bruins to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Thursday night the Bruins defeated their rival, the New York Rangers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals as this one was also an overtime winner, this time Brad Marchand was the hero as the Bruins take a 1-0 series lead in a 3-2 overtime win in what seems to be a series that looks like it could be going a long way.
The Boston Bruins and New York Rangers are long time rivals, but this is the first time these two teams are meeting in the post-season since 1973, as they were members of the Original Six. Rangers won the series back in 1973, 4-1. With New York and Boston rivalries in the playoffs like the Celtics and the Knicks in the NBA, Red Sox and Yankees in the MLB, and Patriots and the Jets and Giants in the NFL, the Bruins and Rangers look to provide the drama in the NHL playoffs for the first time in a long time, and Game 1 provided plenty of excitement as the city of Boston is definitely "Boston Strong" after the last two overtime games they have witnessed.
Playoff hockey provides plenty of drama and excitement to the sports world, no matter what team you are a fan of. The Bruins and Rangers provided plenty of playoff drama tonight and look to do it again in Game 2 as the Rangers try to even the series at one a piece, meanwhile the Bruins look to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Conference Semifinals Preview
The compelling first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs have come to an end Monday night with two Game 7s as the New York Rangers defeated the Washington Capitals on the road 5-0 and the Boston Bruins defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-4 in OT as the Bruins had the comeback for the ages scoring three goals late in the third period to tie the game at 4, and eventually winning in overtime. The first round of the NHL Playoffs have concluded with 17 overtime games, setting an NHL record. Now the Stanley Cup Playoffs focuses on the conference semifinals, which begin tonight with two games. Senators at Penguins and Sharks at Kings. A lot of rivalry games head into the conference semifinals including the Bruins and Rangers, Sharks and Kings, and Blackhawks and Red Wings.
(7) Senators vs (1) Penguins:
The Ottawa Senators are coming off their 4-1 series win over the second seeded Montreal Canadiens as they finished Game 5 with a 6-1 victory over the Canadiens at Montreal. Pittsburgh comes into this series with a 4-2 series win over the eighth seeded New York Islanders. Sidney Crosby did not play in Game 1 of the first round, but has played every game since concerning his jaw. Penguins come into this series with goal-tending issues as Marc-Andre Fluery has struggled in the first round against the Islanders, but Thomas Vokoun is ready to start Game 1 for the Pens. Game 1 is tonight at 7:30 ET on the NBC Sports Network at the Consol Energy Center.
(6) Sharks vs (5) Kings:
The San Jose Sharks are coming off their 4 game sweep of the three seeded Vancouver Canucks, the only sweep in the first round of the playoffs. The defending Stanley Cup Champions Los Angeles Kings are coming off their hard fought 4-2 series win over the St. Louis Blues, winning four straight after losing the first two games in St. Louis. The Kings and Blues series was one of the best series to watch in the first round as every game of the series was decided by one goal or less. 98.8% of the series was either tied or within one goal and the Blues had a two goal lead only 5:01 in Game 4 of the series. The Kings defeated the Blues 2-1 in Game 6 in Los Angeles as Dustin Penner scored with 0.2 seconds left remaining in the second period to take a 2-1 lead. We will see who has the advantage in this series, Sharks coming off plenty of rest or the Kings coming off a grind it out series over the Blues. Game 1 is tonight at 10:00 ET on the NBC Sports Network at the Staples Center.
(6) Rangers vs (4) Bruins
The New York Rangers are coming off their seven game series win over the Washington Capitals winning Game 7, 5-0 as the Rangers became the first team to win on the road in that series. The Boston Bruins are coming off their dramatic 5-4 overtime win over the Toronto Maple Leafs as Patrice Bergeron scored the game winner to advance the Bruins to the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a battle between the their rivalr Rangers. The Bruins were down 4-1 late in the third period but scored three goals to tie the game at four a piece as they scored two in the final minutes. You can't really put that game into perspective, but the Bruins showed why they are Boston Strong with that incredible comeback. Game 1 is Thursday night, 7:30 ET on the NBC Sports Network at the TD Garden.
(7) Red Wings vs (1) Blackhawks
The Detroit Red Wings are coming off their 4-3 series win over the Anaheim Ducks winning Game 7 on the road Sunday night 3-2 to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals. The series shifted every game, but the Red Wings won the final two games of the series Game 6 in Detroit and Game 7 in Anaheim. The one seeded Chicago Blackhawks are coming off their 4-1 series win over the eighth seeded Minnesota Wild as they won Game 5 5-1 in Chicago way back on Thursday night. It's the Blackhawks and Red Wings, great rivalry for hockey fans in the playoffs. Game 1 is tomorrow night at 8:00 ET at the United Center.
The conference semifinals get underway as teams move forward to winning the Stanley Cup.
Follow me on Twitter:@SEMOStava12
(7) Senators vs (1) Penguins:
The Ottawa Senators are coming off their 4-1 series win over the second seeded Montreal Canadiens as they finished Game 5 with a 6-1 victory over the Canadiens at Montreal. Pittsburgh comes into this series with a 4-2 series win over the eighth seeded New York Islanders. Sidney Crosby did not play in Game 1 of the first round, but has played every game since concerning his jaw. Penguins come into this series with goal-tending issues as Marc-Andre Fluery has struggled in the first round against the Islanders, but Thomas Vokoun is ready to start Game 1 for the Pens. Game 1 is tonight at 7:30 ET on the NBC Sports Network at the Consol Energy Center.
(6) Sharks vs (5) Kings:
The San Jose Sharks are coming off their 4 game sweep of the three seeded Vancouver Canucks, the only sweep in the first round of the playoffs. The defending Stanley Cup Champions Los Angeles Kings are coming off their hard fought 4-2 series win over the St. Louis Blues, winning four straight after losing the first two games in St. Louis. The Kings and Blues series was one of the best series to watch in the first round as every game of the series was decided by one goal or less. 98.8% of the series was either tied or within one goal and the Blues had a two goal lead only 5:01 in Game 4 of the series. The Kings defeated the Blues 2-1 in Game 6 in Los Angeles as Dustin Penner scored with 0.2 seconds left remaining in the second period to take a 2-1 lead. We will see who has the advantage in this series, Sharks coming off plenty of rest or the Kings coming off a grind it out series over the Blues. Game 1 is tonight at 10:00 ET on the NBC Sports Network at the Staples Center.
(6) Rangers vs (4) Bruins
The New York Rangers are coming off their seven game series win over the Washington Capitals winning Game 7, 5-0 as the Rangers became the first team to win on the road in that series. The Boston Bruins are coming off their dramatic 5-4 overtime win over the Toronto Maple Leafs as Patrice Bergeron scored the game winner to advance the Bruins to the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a battle between the their rivalr Rangers. The Bruins were down 4-1 late in the third period but scored three goals to tie the game at four a piece as they scored two in the final minutes. You can't really put that game into perspective, but the Bruins showed why they are Boston Strong with that incredible comeback. Game 1 is Thursday night, 7:30 ET on the NBC Sports Network at the TD Garden.
(7) Red Wings vs (1) Blackhawks
The Detroit Red Wings are coming off their 4-3 series win over the Anaheim Ducks winning Game 7 on the road Sunday night 3-2 to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals. The series shifted every game, but the Red Wings won the final two games of the series Game 6 in Detroit and Game 7 in Anaheim. The one seeded Chicago Blackhawks are coming off their 4-1 series win over the eighth seeded Minnesota Wild as they won Game 5 5-1 in Chicago way back on Thursday night. It's the Blackhawks and Red Wings, great rivalry for hockey fans in the playoffs. Game 1 is tomorrow night at 8:00 ET at the United Center.
The conference semifinals get underway as teams move forward to winning the Stanley Cup.
Follow me on Twitter:
Friday, May 3, 2013
Jason Motte to undergo Tommy John surgery
St. Louis Cardinals closer Jason Motte will miss the remainder of the season as Motte will undergo Tommy John surgery early next week to repair a torn collateral ligament.
Motte saved 42 games last season out of 49 opportunities for the Cardinals, with an ERA of 275.
Mitchell Boggs was to replace Motte in the closer role, but he has struggled as of late with a 12.66 ERA as the Cardinal's bullpen look to find their identity. With Boggs struggling, the Cardinals have optioned him down to Memphis and have called up RHP Carlos Martinez, who was 1-0 with a 2.31 ERA in 3 starts for the Springfield Cardinals.
Edward Mujica has took over the new closer role with the struggles of Mitchell Boggs as he has successfully saved all of his seven opportunities and has posted a 2.25 ERA in the last 12 innings. With Mujica's success, the Cardinals bullpen has been slowly improving.
Carlos Martinez has been called up as the Cardinals go up against the Brewers in Milwaukee tonight, first pitch at 7:10 CT. Starting pitching match up is Shelby Miller vs the former Cardinals Kyle Lohse.
Motte saved 42 games last season out of 49 opportunities for the Cardinals, with an ERA of 275.
Mitchell Boggs was to replace Motte in the closer role, but he has struggled as of late with a 12.66 ERA as the Cardinal's bullpen look to find their identity. With Boggs struggling, the Cardinals have optioned him down to Memphis and have called up RHP Carlos Martinez, who was 1-0 with a 2.31 ERA in 3 starts for the Springfield Cardinals.
Edward Mujica has took over the new closer role with the struggles of Mitchell Boggs as he has successfully saved all of his seven opportunities and has posted a 2.25 ERA in the last 12 innings. With Mujica's success, the Cardinals bullpen has been slowly improving.
Carlos Martinez has been called up as the Cardinals go up against the Brewers in Milwaukee tonight, first pitch at 7:10 CT. Starting pitching match up is Shelby Miller vs the former Cardinals Kyle Lohse.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)