At Phoenix, Arizona:
The Arizona Rattlers (5-0) made mincemeat of the visiting Portland Steel (0-4) 68-21 in Saturday Arena Football League action.
Rattlers quarterback Nick Davila completed 14 of 18 passes for 246 yards and seven touchdowns.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
T2 Battle Arizona United To 1-1 Draw
At Peoria, Arizona:
Arizona United and visiting Portland Timbers 2 battled to a 1-1 Saturday United Soccer League draw.
Voctor Arboleda put the visitors ahead in the opening minute. Sam Garza equalized for the hosts in the 80th
Next Saturday, the Portland Timbers' USL affiliate will host Real Monarchs (owned by and affiliated with Real Salt Lake) at 5:00 PM Pacific Time.
Arizona United and visiting Portland Timbers 2 battled to a 1-1 Saturday United Soccer League draw.
Voctor Arboleda put the visitors ahead in the opening minute. Sam Garza equalized for the hosts in the 80th
Next Saturday, the Portland Timbers' USL affiliate will host Real Monarchs (owned by and affiliated with Real Salt Lake) at 5:00 PM Pacific Time.
NBA Playoffs: Spurs Open Second Round By Stifling Thunder In West Semi Series Opener
At San Antonio, Texas:
In the lone Saturday NBA Playoff contest, which marked the opening of the tournament's second round, LaMarcus Aldridge scored 38 points while Kawhi Leonard added 25 as the San Antonio Spurs demolished the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder 124-92 in the opening contest of a Western Conference semifinal series.
In the lone Saturday NBA Playoff contest, which marked the opening of the tournament's second round, LaMarcus Aldridge scored 38 points while Kawhi Leonard added 25 as the San Antonio Spurs demolished the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder 124-92 in the opening contest of a Western Conference semifinal series.
Stanley Cup Playoffs: Lightning, Penguins Level Respective Conference Semifinal Series At 1-1
The Stanley Cup Playoffs resumed on Saturday with the second game of each of the Eastern Conference's semifinal series.
At Tampa, Florida:
Tyler Johnson scored twice (once an empty netter) and assisted once as the Tampa Bay Lightning leveled their conference semifinal series with the New York Islanders at one game apiece following their 4-1 game-two home victory.
At Washington:
Eric Fehr scored the game-winning goal with 4:28 remaining in regulation as the Pittsburgh Penguins squared their conference semifinal series with the Washington Capitals at a game apiece thanks to their 2-1 game-two road triumph.
At Tampa, Florida:
Tyler Johnson scored twice (once an empty netter) and assisted once as the Tampa Bay Lightning leveled their conference semifinal series with the New York Islanders at one game apiece following their 4-1 game-two home victory.
At Washington:
Eric Fehr scored the game-winning goal with 4:28 remaining in regulation as the Pittsburgh Penguins squared their conference semifinal series with the Washington Capitals at a game apiece thanks to their 2-1 game-two road triumph.
Friday, April 29, 2016
NBA Playoffs: Blazers Finish Off Clippers, Get Warriors Next; Pacers, Heat Force Game Sevens
Three games were contested on Friday as the NBA Playoffs' opening round continued.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Indianapolis:
Paul George scored 21 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out six assists as the Indiana Pacers leveled their conference quarterfinal series with the Toronto Raptors at three games apiece after their 101-83 game-six home domination.
The series will conclude in Toronto on Sunday. The Raptors are trying to win a playoff series for the first time since 2001.
At Charlotte, North Carolina:
Dwyane Wade scored 23 points (10 in the fourth quarter) while Luol Deng added 21 as the Miami Heat overcame a 37-point performance from Charlotte's Kemba Walker and knocked off the Hornets 97-90 on the road in game six of their conference quarterfinal series, which is now squared at three games apiece as the Hornets blew a chance to win a playoff series for the first time in the current organization's history (and a first for a Charlotte NBA franchise since the original Hornets did it in 2002).
The series finale is set for Sunday in Miami.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
Damian Lillard scored 28 points while C.J. McCollum added 20 as the Portland Trail Blazers held off the visiting Los Angeles Clippers 106-103 in game six and won their conference quarterfinal series four games to two.
Jamal Crawford led the gritty injury-savaged Clippers with 32 points.
The Blazers will open their conference semifinal series with the defending champs Golden State Warriors in Oakland on Sunday.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Indianapolis:
Paul George scored 21 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out six assists as the Indiana Pacers leveled their conference quarterfinal series with the Toronto Raptors at three games apiece after their 101-83 game-six home domination.
The series will conclude in Toronto on Sunday. The Raptors are trying to win a playoff series for the first time since 2001.
At Charlotte, North Carolina:
Dwyane Wade scored 23 points (10 in the fourth quarter) while Luol Deng added 21 as the Miami Heat overcame a 37-point performance from Charlotte's Kemba Walker and knocked off the Hornets 97-90 on the road in game six of their conference quarterfinal series, which is now squared at three games apiece as the Hornets blew a chance to win a playoff series for the first time in the current organization's history (and a first for a Charlotte NBA franchise since the original Hornets did it in 2002).
The series finale is set for Sunday in Miami.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
Damian Lillard scored 28 points while C.J. McCollum added 20 as the Portland Trail Blazers held off the visiting Los Angeles Clippers 106-103 in game six and won their conference quarterfinal series four games to two.
Jamal Crawford led the gritty injury-savaged Clippers with 32 points.
The Blazers will open their conference semifinal series with the defending champs Golden State Warriors in Oakland on Sunday.
Stanley Cup Playoffs: Stars, Sharks Take Series Openers
Both Western Conference semifinal series opened on Friday as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued.
At Dallas:
Radek Faksa scored the game-winning goal with 4:44 remaining in regulation as the Dallas Stars took the opening game of their conference semifinal series 2-1 over the visiting St. Louis Blues. Kari Lehtonen saved 31 of 32 shots for the Stars.
At San Jose, California:
Logan Couture scored twice (once on the power play) while Tomas Hertl (power play), Joel Ward, and Tommy Wingels (empty netter) each tallied once as the San Jose Sharks took game one of their conference semifinal series with the visiting Nashville Predators 5-2.
At Dallas:
Radek Faksa scored the game-winning goal with 4:44 remaining in regulation as the Dallas Stars took the opening game of their conference semifinal series 2-1 over the visiting St. Louis Blues. Kari Lehtonen saved 31 of 32 shots for the Stars.
At San Jose, California:
Logan Couture scored twice (once on the power play) while Tomas Hertl (power play), Joel Ward, and Tommy Wingels (empty netter) each tallied once as the San Jose Sharks took game one of their conference semifinal series with the visiting Nashville Predators 5-2.
Bruce Boudreau
Great regular-season records but lousy game-seven playoff results.
Maybe that's why he's now unemployed.
Maybe that's why he's now unemployed.
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Stanley Cup Playoffs: T.J.'s The Man As Caps Top Penguins In OT To Take Conference Semifinal Opener
At Washington:
In the lone Thursday Stanley Cup Playoff contest, T.J. Oshie delivered a hat trick, including the game winner 9:33 into overtime as the Washington Capitals defeated the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 in the opening game of an Eastern Conference semifinal series.
In the lone Thursday Stanley Cup Playoff contest, T.J. Oshie delivered a hat trick, including the game winner 9:33 into overtime as the Washington Capitals defeated the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 in the opening game of an Eastern Conference semifinal series.
NBA Playoffs: Hawks Finish Off Celtics In Beantown, Get Cavaliers Next
At Boston:
In the lone Thursday NBA Playoff contest, Paul Milsap scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds as the Atlanta Hawks, with six players scoring in double figures, knocked off the Boston Celtics 104-92 on the road in game five and won their Eastern Conference quarterfinal-round series four games to two.
Isaiah Thomas paced the Celtics with 25 points.
It is the first time the Hawks have defeated the Celtics in a playoff series since 1958 when they defeated Boston in the 1958 Finals.
The Hawks were based in St. Louis at the time.
Atlanta will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in an Eastern Conference semifinal series which opens on Monday in Cleveland.
In the lone Thursday NBA Playoff contest, Paul Milsap scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds as the Atlanta Hawks, with six players scoring in double figures, knocked off the Boston Celtics 104-92 on the road in game five and won their Eastern Conference quarterfinal-round series four games to two.
Isaiah Thomas paced the Celtics with 25 points.
It is the first time the Hawks have defeated the Celtics in a playoff series since 1958 when they defeated Boston in the 1958 Finals.
The Hawks were based in St. Louis at the time.
Atlanta will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in an Eastern Conference semifinal series which opens on Monday in Cleveland.
Own Goal Cost Timbers Shot At Victory As Portland Settles For Road Deadlock With Revs
At Foxborough, Massachusetts:
Jermaine Taylor's own goal enabled the New England Revolution to salvage a Wednesday night 1-1 Major League Soccer home draw with the Portland Timbers.
Jack Barmby scored for the Timbers in the 64th minute.
Portland will host Toronto FC this coming Sunday at 12:30 PM Pacific Time on ESPN.
Jermaine Taylor's own goal enabled the New England Revolution to salvage a Wednesday night 1-1 Major League Soccer home draw with the Portland Timbers.
Jack Barmby scored for the Timbers in the 64th minute.
Portland will host Toronto FC this coming Sunday at 12:30 PM Pacific Time on ESPN.
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Stanley Cup Playoffs
The Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Wednesday as the opening round ended----and the second round commenced.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At Anaheim, California:
In the finale of the opening round of this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs, Colin Wilson and Paul Gaustad each scored a goal while Pekka Rinne saved 36 of 37 shots as the Nashville Predators knocked off the Anaheim Ducks 2-1 on the road in the seventh and deciding game of their conference quarterfinal series.
The Predators will open their conference semifinal series against the San Jose Sharks on the road this coming Friday.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Tampa, Florida:
In the curtain-raiser for the playoffs' second round, Shane Prince scored twice while Travis Hamonic, John Tavares (power play), and Cal Clutterbuck (empty net) each scored once apiece as the New York Islanders downed the home-standing Tampa Bay Lightning 5-3 in the opening contest of their conference semifinal series.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At Anaheim, California:
In the finale of the opening round of this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs, Colin Wilson and Paul Gaustad each scored a goal while Pekka Rinne saved 36 of 37 shots as the Nashville Predators knocked off the Anaheim Ducks 2-1 on the road in the seventh and deciding game of their conference quarterfinal series.
The Predators will open their conference semifinal series against the San Jose Sharks on the road this coming Friday.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Tampa, Florida:
In the curtain-raiser for the playoffs' second round, Shane Prince scored twice while Travis Hamonic, John Tavares (power play), and Cal Clutterbuck (empty net) each scored once apiece as the New York Islanders downed the home-standing Tampa Bay Lightning 5-3 in the opening contest of their conference semifinal series.
NBA Playoffs: Warriors Finish Off Rockets; Hornets, Blazers Take 3-2 Series Leads
Three games were played in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs on Wednesday.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Miami:
Courtney Lee's three-point bucket with 25.2 seconds remaining lifted the Charlotte Hornets to a 90-88 game-five road victory over the Miami Heat. Marvin Williams paced the Hornets with 17 points while grabbing eight rebounds. Dwyane Wade topped the Heat with 25 points.
The Hornets, who currently lead three games to two, can close out this conference quarterfinal series at home on Friday night in Charlotte.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At Oakland, California:
Klay Thompson scored 27 points as the Golden State Warriors closed out the visiting Houston Rockets in five games following their 114-81 frontier-styled fistbeating of the guest in game five of their conference quarterfinal series.
James Harden led the Rockets with 35 points.
At Los Angeles:
C.J. McCollum scored 27 points while Damian Lillard added 22 as the Portland Trail Blazers, with six players scoring in double figures, defeated the depleted Los Angeles Clippers 108-98 on the road in game five of their conference quarterfinal series.
The Blazers, who now lead the series three games to two, can finish off the Clippers (and get a crack at Golden State in the second round) with a game-six victory at home in Portland on Friday night.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Miami:
Courtney Lee's three-point bucket with 25.2 seconds remaining lifted the Charlotte Hornets to a 90-88 game-five road victory over the Miami Heat. Marvin Williams paced the Hornets with 17 points while grabbing eight rebounds. Dwyane Wade topped the Heat with 25 points.
The Hornets, who currently lead three games to two, can close out this conference quarterfinal series at home on Friday night in Charlotte.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At Oakland, California:
Klay Thompson scored 27 points as the Golden State Warriors closed out the visiting Houston Rockets in five games following their 114-81 frontier-styled fistbeating of the guest in game five of their conference quarterfinal series.
James Harden led the Rockets with 35 points.
At Los Angeles:
C.J. McCollum scored 27 points while Damian Lillard added 22 as the Portland Trail Blazers, with six players scoring in double figures, defeated the depleted Los Angeles Clippers 108-98 on the road in game five of their conference quarterfinal series.
The Blazers, who now lead the series three games to two, can finish off the Clippers (and get a crack at Golden State in the second round) with a game-six victory at home in Portland on Friday night.
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
NBA Playoffs: Raptors, Hawks Take 3-2 Series Leads
The NBA Playoffs' opening round is set to continue on Tuesday with two games, both of them game fives in the Eastern Conference.
At Toronto:
DeMar DeRozan scored 34 points as the Toronto Raptors, who trailed by as many as 17 points, stormed back and upended the visiting Indiana Pacers 102-99 in game five to take a three-games-to-two conference quarterfinal-series lead.
Paul George paced the Pacers with 39 points (to go with his eight rebounds and eight assists). Solomon Hill's three-point basket, which would have tied the game and sent it into overtime, was ruled after the buzzer.
The Raptors can close out the Pacers with a game-six victory on Friday in Indianapolis.
At Atlanta:
Mike Scott scored 17 points off the bench as the Atlanta Hawks dominated the visiting Boston Celtics 110-83 in game five of their conference quarterfinal series.
The Hawks, who now lead three games to two, can finish off the Celtics with a game-six road victory in Boston on Thursday night.
At Toronto:
DeMar DeRozan scored 34 points as the Toronto Raptors, who trailed by as many as 17 points, stormed back and upended the visiting Indiana Pacers 102-99 in game five to take a three-games-to-two conference quarterfinal-series lead.
Paul George paced the Pacers with 39 points (to go with his eight rebounds and eight assists). Solomon Hill's three-point basket, which would have tied the game and sent it into overtime, was ruled after the buzzer.
The Raptors can close out the Pacers with a game-six victory on Friday in Indianapolis.
At Atlanta:
Mike Scott scored 17 points off the bench as the Atlanta Hawks dominated the visiting Boston Celtics 110-83 in game five of their conference quarterfinal series.
The Hawks, who now lead three games to two, can finish off the Celtics with a game-six road victory in Boston on Thursday night.
Monday, April 25, 2016
NBA Playoffs: Hornets, Blazers Square Respective Series At 2-2; Thunder Finish Off Mavs
Three games were contested on Monday as the opening round of the NBA Playoffs continued.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Charlotte, North Carolina:
Kemba Walker scored 34 points while Jeremy Lin added 21 as the Charlotte Hornets squared their series with the Miami Heat at two games apiece following their 89-85 home victory in game four of their conference quarterfinal series.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At Oklahoma City:
Russell Westbrook scored 36 points and grabbed 12 rebounds while dishing out nine assists while Kevin Durant added 33 points of his own as the Oklahoma City Thunder finished off the Dallas Mavericks with their 118-104 game-five home victory as the Thunder closed out their guests four games to one in winning their conference quarterfinal series.
Dirk Nowitski paced the Mavericks with 24 points.
At Portland, Oregon:
Al-Farouq Aminu scored a career-high 30 points as Portland Trail Blazers leveled their conference quarterfinal series with the Los Angeles Clippers at two games apiece following their 98-84 game-four home victory.
The visitors lost the services of Chris Paul (perhaps for the rest of the playoffs) with a broken hand while Blake Griffin aggravated the quad injury that plagued him during the regular season.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Charlotte, North Carolina:
Kemba Walker scored 34 points while Jeremy Lin added 21 as the Charlotte Hornets squared their series with the Miami Heat at two games apiece following their 89-85 home victory in game four of their conference quarterfinal series.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At Oklahoma City:
Russell Westbrook scored 36 points and grabbed 12 rebounds while dishing out nine assists while Kevin Durant added 33 points of his own as the Oklahoma City Thunder finished off the Dallas Mavericks with their 118-104 game-five home victory as the Thunder closed out their guests four games to one in winning their conference quarterfinal series.
Dirk Nowitski paced the Mavericks with 24 points.
At Portland, Oregon:
Al-Farouq Aminu scored a career-high 30 points as Portland Trail Blazers leveled their conference quarterfinal series with the Los Angeles Clippers at two games apiece following their 98-84 game-four home victory.
The visitors lost the services of Chris Paul (perhaps for the rest of the playoffs) with a broken hand while Blake Griffin aggravated the quad injury that plagued him during the regular season.
Stanley Cup Playoffs: Blues Oust Blackhawks, Get Stars Next; Predators Force Game Seven With Ducks
Two games--both in the Western Conference---were contested on Monday as the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued.
At Nashville:
Mattias Ekholm, James Neal, and Shea Weber each scored a goal while Pekka Rinne saved 26 of 27 shots as the Nashville Predators forced the first game seven in the history of that franchise following their 3-1 road win over the Anaheim Ducks in game six of their conference quarterfinal series.
The series, deadlocked at three games apiece, will be decided on Wednesday night at Anaheim.
At St. Louis:
Jorl Lehtera, Colton Parayko, and Troy Brouwer each scored once while Brian Elliot stopped 31 of 33 shots as the St. Louis Blues ended the Chicago Blackhawks' reign as Stanley Cup champions with their 3-2 home victory that enabled them to win their conference quarterfinal series four games to three.
The Blues will next take on the Dallas Stars in a Western Conference semifinal series.
At Nashville:
Mattias Ekholm, James Neal, and Shea Weber each scored a goal while Pekka Rinne saved 26 of 27 shots as the Nashville Predators forced the first game seven in the history of that franchise following their 3-1 road win over the Anaheim Ducks in game six of their conference quarterfinal series.
The series, deadlocked at three games apiece, will be decided on Wednesday night at Anaheim.
At St. Louis:
Jorl Lehtera, Colton Parayko, and Troy Brouwer each scored once while Brian Elliot stopped 31 of 33 shots as the St. Louis Blues ended the Chicago Blackhawks' reign as Stanley Cup champions with their 3-2 home victory that enabled them to win their conference quarterfinal series four games to three.
The Blues will next take on the Dallas Stars in a Western Conference semifinal series.
Sunday, April 24, 2016
NBA Playoffs: Spurs, Cavs Complete Series Sweeps, Advance to Respective Conference Semis; Warriors Dominate Rockets In Houston, Take 3-1 Series Lead; Celtics Square Series With Hawks At 2-2
The opening round of the NBA Playoffs continued on Sunday with four games.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Boston:
Isaiah Thomas scored 28 points, three of them on a clutch three-point shot with 30 seconds left in overtime, plus two more on a pair of clutch free throws as the Boston Celtics squared their conference quarterfinal series with the Atlanta Hawks at two games apiece following their 104-95 game-four home victory.
Marcus Smart added 20 points to the Celtics' coffers.
Paul Milsap paced the Hawks with a career-playoff high 45 points to go with his 13 rebounds.
At Auburn Hills, Michigan:
Kyrie Irving scored 20 of his 31 points in the second half as the Cleveland Cavaliers held off the Detroit Pistons 100-98 on the road in game four as the Cavaliers completed a four-game sweep of their conference quarterfinal series.
LeBron James added 22 points to the Cavs' coffers.
The Pistons, who have now dropped ten consecutive playoff games, were paced by Marcus Morris' 24 points and Tobias Harris' 23 (to go with his 13 rebounds).
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At Memphis:
Kawhi Leonard scored 21 points as the San Antonio Spurs completed a four-game sweep of their conference quarterfinal series with the injury-plagued Memphis Grizzlies with a 116-95 game-four road victory.
Lance Stephenson scored 26 points to pace the Grizzlies, who have now been swept in three playoff series against the Spurs.
At Houston:
Klay Thompson scored 23 points while Andre Iguodala added 22 as the Golden State Warriors, despite losing Stephen Curry to a sprained knee suffered in the final play of the first quarter, buried the Houston Rockets 121-94 on the road in game five.
The Warriors, who lead three games to one, can close out their conference quarterfinal series with a game-five home win in Oakland on Wednesday night.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Boston:
Isaiah Thomas scored 28 points, three of them on a clutch three-point shot with 30 seconds left in overtime, plus two more on a pair of clutch free throws as the Boston Celtics squared their conference quarterfinal series with the Atlanta Hawks at two games apiece following their 104-95 game-four home victory.
Marcus Smart added 20 points to the Celtics' coffers.
Paul Milsap paced the Hawks with a career-playoff high 45 points to go with his 13 rebounds.
At Auburn Hills, Michigan:
Kyrie Irving scored 20 of his 31 points in the second half as the Cleveland Cavaliers held off the Detroit Pistons 100-98 on the road in game four as the Cavaliers completed a four-game sweep of their conference quarterfinal series.
LeBron James added 22 points to the Cavs' coffers.
The Pistons, who have now dropped ten consecutive playoff games, were paced by Marcus Morris' 24 points and Tobias Harris' 23 (to go with his 13 rebounds).
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At Memphis:
Kawhi Leonard scored 21 points as the San Antonio Spurs completed a four-game sweep of their conference quarterfinal series with the injury-plagued Memphis Grizzlies with a 116-95 game-four road victory.
Lance Stephenson scored 26 points to pace the Grizzlies, who have now been swept in three playoff series against the Spurs.
At Houston:
Klay Thompson scored 23 points while Andre Iguodala added 22 as the Golden State Warriors, despite losing Stephen Curry to a sprained knee suffered in the final play of the first quarter, buried the Houston Rockets 121-94 on the road in game five.
The Warriors, who lead three games to one, can close out their conference quarterfinal series with a game-five home win in Oakland on Wednesday night.
Stanley Cup Playoffs: Caps, Stars, Islanders Advance To Conference Semifinals
The opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Sunday with three games.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Philadelphia:
Nicklas Backstrom the the game's only goal in the second period while Braden Holtby saved all 26 shots as the Washington Capitals defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 1-0 on the road in game six of their conference quarterfinal series and finished off their hosts four games to two.
The Capitals will face the Pittsburgh Penguins in an Eastern Conference semifinal series.
At Brooklyn, New York:
John Tavares scored the equalizer with 54 seconds remaining in regulation, then scored the game-and-series-winning goal at 10:41 of the second overtime period as the New York Islanders defeated the visiting Florida Panthers 2-1 in game five of their conference quarterfinal series and won the series four games to one.
The series victory was the Islanders' first since 1993.
Next up for New York: a conference semifinal series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At St. Paul, Minnesota:
Jason Spezza scored once and assisted twice as the Dallas Stars nearly blew a four-goal lead but held on for a 5-4 game-six road victory over the Minnesota Wild and won their conference quarterfinal series four games to two.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Philadelphia:
Nicklas Backstrom the the game's only goal in the second period while Braden Holtby saved all 26 shots as the Washington Capitals defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 1-0 on the road in game six of their conference quarterfinal series and finished off their hosts four games to two.
The Capitals will face the Pittsburgh Penguins in an Eastern Conference semifinal series.
At Brooklyn, New York:
John Tavares scored the equalizer with 54 seconds remaining in regulation, then scored the game-and-series-winning goal at 10:41 of the second overtime period as the New York Islanders defeated the visiting Florida Panthers 2-1 in game five of their conference quarterfinal series and won the series four games to one.
The series victory was the Islanders' first since 1993.
Next up for New York: a conference semifinal series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At St. Paul, Minnesota:
Jason Spezza scored once and assisted twice as the Dallas Stars nearly blew a four-goal lead but held on for a 5-4 game-six road victory over the Minnesota Wild and won their conference quarterfinal series four games to two.
Saturday, April 23, 2016
T2 Too Much For Roughnecks In Tulsa
At Tulsa, Oklahoma:
Kharlton Belmar (22') and Andre Lewis (26') each scored a goal in the first half-four on Saturday as Portland Timbers 2 registered their first United Soccer League road win of the season, 2-0 over the Tulsa Roughnecks.
Next Saturday, the Portland Timbers' USL affiliate will pay a visit on Arizona United at Peoria, Arizona at 7:30 PM Pacific Time.
Kharlton Belmar (22') and Andre Lewis (26') each scored a goal in the first half-four on Saturday as Portland Timbers 2 registered their first United Soccer League road win of the season, 2-0 over the Tulsa Roughnecks.
Next Saturday, the Portland Timbers' USL affiliate will pay a visit on Arizona United at Peoria, Arizona at 7:30 PM Pacific Time.
NBA Playoffs: Pacers Square Series With Raptors At 2-2; Hornets Cut Into Heat Series Lead After Home Win; Blazers Do Same To Clippers
The opening round of the NBA Playoffs continued with four games on Saturday.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Indianapolis:
George Hill and Ian Mahinmi e(who grabbed ten rebounds) each scored 22 points as the Indiana Pacers leveled their conference quarterfinal series with the Toronto Raptors at two games apiece following their 100-83 game-four home victory.
Paul George added to the Pacers' coffers with 19 points.
At Charlotte, North Carolina:
Jeremy Lin scored 18 points as the Charlotte Hornets downed the visiting Miami Heat 96-80 to cut the guests' conference quarterfinal series lead to two games to one. This marked the first playoff game victory for a Charlotte NBA club since 2002, just prior to the original Hornets' move to New Orleans. The current Charlotte organization began play as the Bobcats in 2004 and were renamed the Hornets in 2014 (one year after the New Orleans franchise had been renamed the Pelicans), and had gone 0-10 in playoff games (0-12 counting the final two games of the original Hornets' final playoff series) prior to Saturday.
When the Bobcats were renamed two years ago, they inherited the original club's records from 1988-2002.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At Dallas:
Russell Westbrook scored 25 points and dished out 15 assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Dallas Mavericks 119-108 in game four of their conference quarterfinal series. Enes Kanter added 28 points on 12-of-13 shooting from the field to the Thunder's coffers while Kevin Durant added 19 points before he was ejected.
Dirk Nowitski scored 27 points to pace the Mavericks while grabbing eigth rebounds.
The Thunder can close out the series, which they lead three games to one, on Monday night back home in game five in Oklahoma City.
At Portland, Oregon:
Damian Lillard scored 32 points as the Portland Trail Blazers cut into the Los Angeles Clippers' conference-quarterfinal series lead to two games to one following their 96-88 game-three home win. C.J. McCallum added 27 points to the Blazers' coffers.
Chris Paul topped the Clippers with 26 points.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Indianapolis:
George Hill and Ian Mahinmi e(who grabbed ten rebounds) each scored 22 points as the Indiana Pacers leveled their conference quarterfinal series with the Toronto Raptors at two games apiece following their 100-83 game-four home victory.
Paul George added to the Pacers' coffers with 19 points.
At Charlotte, North Carolina:
Jeremy Lin scored 18 points as the Charlotte Hornets downed the visiting Miami Heat 96-80 to cut the guests' conference quarterfinal series lead to two games to one. This marked the first playoff game victory for a Charlotte NBA club since 2002, just prior to the original Hornets' move to New Orleans. The current Charlotte organization began play as the Bobcats in 2004 and were renamed the Hornets in 2014 (one year after the New Orleans franchise had been renamed the Pelicans), and had gone 0-10 in playoff games (0-12 counting the final two games of the original Hornets' final playoff series) prior to Saturday.
When the Bobcats were renamed two years ago, they inherited the original club's records from 1988-2002.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At Dallas:
Russell Westbrook scored 25 points and dished out 15 assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Dallas Mavericks 119-108 in game four of their conference quarterfinal series. Enes Kanter added 28 points on 12-of-13 shooting from the field to the Thunder's coffers while Kevin Durant added 19 points before he was ejected.
Dirk Nowitski scored 27 points to pace the Mavericks while grabbing eigth rebounds.
The Thunder can close out the series, which they lead three games to one, on Monday night back home in game five in Oklahoma City.
At Portland, Oregon:
Damian Lillard scored 32 points as the Portland Trail Blazers cut into the Los Angeles Clippers' conference-quarterfinal series lead to two games to one following their 96-88 game-three home win. C.J. McCallum added 27 points to the Blazers' coffers.
Chris Paul topped the Clippers with 26 points.
Stanley Cup Playoffs: Penguins Finish Off Rangers; Ducks Take 3-2 Series Lead On Preds; Hawks Overcome Blues, Force Game Seven
The opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued with three Saturday contests.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Pittsburgh:
Bryan Rust scored twice while Matt Murray saved 38 of 41 shots as the Pittsburgh Penguins wrapped up their conference quarterfinal series with the New York Rangers in five games with a 6-3 home victory in game five.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At Anaheim, California:
Sami Vatanen scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in the third period as the Anaheim Ducks defeated the visiting Nashville Predators 5-2 in game five of their conference quarterfinal series. The Ducks, who battled back from a two-games-to-none deficit to take a three-games-to-two series lead (and this after the first victory for the home club in this series), can finish off the Predators with a game-six triumph in Nashville on Monday night.
At Chicago:
Artem Anisimov (power play), Trevor van Riemsdyk, and Dave Weise each scored a second-period goal and Andrew Shaw (power play) and Marian Hossa (empty net) each added a tally in the third period as the Chicago Blackhawks overcame a 3-1 deficit with five unanswered goals en route to a game-six 6-3 home victory over the St. Louis Blues. This conference quarterfinal series, now level at three games apiece, will be decided on Monday night in St. Louis.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Pittsburgh:
Bryan Rust scored twice while Matt Murray saved 38 of 41 shots as the Pittsburgh Penguins wrapped up their conference quarterfinal series with the New York Rangers in five games with a 6-3 home victory in game five.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At Anaheim, California:
Sami Vatanen scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in the third period as the Anaheim Ducks defeated the visiting Nashville Predators 5-2 in game five of their conference quarterfinal series. The Ducks, who battled back from a two-games-to-none deficit to take a three-games-to-two series lead (and this after the first victory for the home club in this series), can finish off the Predators with a game-six triumph in Nashville on Monday night.
At Chicago:
Artem Anisimov (power play), Trevor van Riemsdyk, and Dave Weise each scored a second-period goal and Andrew Shaw (power play) and Marian Hossa (empty net) each added a tally in the third period as the Chicago Blackhawks overcame a 3-1 deficit with five unanswered goals en route to a game-six 6-3 home victory over the St. Louis Blues. This conference quarterfinal series, now level at three games apiece, will be decided on Monday night in St. Louis.
Friday, April 22, 2016
Stanley Cup Playoffs: Sharks Finish Off Kings, Avenge 2014 Collapse; Joonas Flyers Stave Off Elimination Again; Islanders Take 3-2 Series Lead Over Panthers; Wild Stay Alive, Force Game Six With Stars
The opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Friday with four games.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Washington:
Ryan White and Chris VandeVelde (empty net) each scored once while Michael Neuvirth saved all 44 shots as the Philadelphia Flyers again avoided elimination by blanking the Washington Capitals 2-0 on the road in game five of their conference quarterfinal series.
The Capitals, who now lead three games to two, can close out the Flyers in Philadelphia on Sunday with a road win in game six.
At Sunrise, Florida:
Alan Quine scored the winning power-play goal 16 minutes into the second overtime period as the New York Islanders---with Thomas Greiss saving 47 of 48 shots---defeated the Florida Panthers 3-2 in game five of their conference quarterfinal series to take a three-games-to-two lead.
The Islanders, who last won a playoff series in 1993, can close out the Panthers with a game-six home victory at Brooklyn on Sunady.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At Dallas:
Mikko Kiovu scored the equalizer late in the third period, then scored the game winner at 4:55 of overtime as the Minnesota Wild upended the Dallas Stars 5-4 on the road in game five of their conference quarterfinal series. The Stars, who still lead three games to two, can lock up the series with a game-six victory on Sunday at St. Paul, Minnesota.
At Los Angeles:
Joonas Donskoi scored twice as the San Jose Sharks, despite blowing a three-goal lead, still doubled up on the Los Angeles Kings 6-3 on the road in game five and avenged their 2014 first-round collapse (when they blew a three-games-to-none lead and lost their best-of-seven series to the eventual Stanley Cup champions Kings) by eliminating the Kings four games to one.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Washington:
Ryan White and Chris VandeVelde (empty net) each scored once while Michael Neuvirth saved all 44 shots as the Philadelphia Flyers again avoided elimination by blanking the Washington Capitals 2-0 on the road in game five of their conference quarterfinal series.
The Capitals, who now lead three games to two, can close out the Flyers in Philadelphia on Sunday with a road win in game six.
At Sunrise, Florida:
Alan Quine scored the winning power-play goal 16 minutes into the second overtime period as the New York Islanders---with Thomas Greiss saving 47 of 48 shots---defeated the Florida Panthers 3-2 in game five of their conference quarterfinal series to take a three-games-to-two lead.
The Islanders, who last won a playoff series in 1993, can close out the Panthers with a game-six home victory at Brooklyn on Sunady.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At Dallas:
Mikko Kiovu scored the equalizer late in the third period, then scored the game winner at 4:55 of overtime as the Minnesota Wild upended the Dallas Stars 5-4 on the road in game five of their conference quarterfinal series. The Stars, who still lead three games to two, can lock up the series with a game-six victory on Sunday at St. Paul, Minnesota.
At Los Angeles:
Joonas Donskoi scored twice as the San Jose Sharks, despite blowing a three-goal lead, still doubled up on the Los Angeles Kings 6-3 on the road in game five and avenged their 2014 first-round collapse (when they blew a three-games-to-none lead and lost their best-of-seven series to the eventual Stanley Cup champions Kings) by eliminating the Kings four games to one.
NBA Playoffs: Cavs, Spurs Take 3-0 Series Leads; C's Cut Into Hawks Series Lead To 2-1
Three games were played on Friday as the NBA Playoffs' first round continued.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Auburn Hills, Michigan:
Kyrie Irving scored 26 points while Lebron James (who grabbed 13 rebounds, and dished out seven assists) and Kevin Love each added 20 as the Cleveland Cavaliers took a commanding three-games-to-none conference quarterfinal series lead over the Detroit Pistons following their 101-91 road win in game three. The Cavalier can close out the Pistons (who have lost eleven straight playoff games to Cleveland and nine consecutive overall) with a game-four road win at Auburn Hills.
At Boston:
Isaiah Thomas scored a career-high 42 points as the Boston Celtics defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks 111-103 in game three of their opening-round series, which the Hawks still lead two games to one. Jeff Teague scored 23 to pace Atlanta while Kent Bazemore and Dennis Schroder each added 20 to the Hawks' coffers.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At Memphis:
Kawhi Leonard scored 32 points as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the home-standing Memphis Grizzlies 96-87 in game three of their conference quarterfinal series to stretch their advantage to three games to none. Zach Randolph topped the Grizzlies with 20 points while grabbing eleven rebounds.
The Spurs can close out the series on Sunday with a game-four victory in Memphis.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Auburn Hills, Michigan:
Kyrie Irving scored 26 points while Lebron James (who grabbed 13 rebounds, and dished out seven assists) and Kevin Love each added 20 as the Cleveland Cavaliers took a commanding three-games-to-none conference quarterfinal series lead over the Detroit Pistons following their 101-91 road win in game three. The Cavalier can close out the Pistons (who have lost eleven straight playoff games to Cleveland and nine consecutive overall) with a game-four road win at Auburn Hills.
At Boston:
Isaiah Thomas scored a career-high 42 points as the Boston Celtics defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks 111-103 in game three of their opening-round series, which the Hawks still lead two games to one. Jeff Teague scored 23 to pace Atlanta while Kent Bazemore and Dennis Schroder each added 20 to the Hawks' coffers.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At Memphis:
Kawhi Leonard scored 32 points as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the home-standing Memphis Grizzlies 96-87 in game three of their conference quarterfinal series to stretch their advantage to three games to none. Zach Randolph topped the Grizzlies with 20 points while grabbing eleven rebounds.
The Spurs can close out the series on Sunday with a game-four victory in Memphis.
Thursday, April 21, 2016
NBA Playoffs: Raptors, Thunder Take 2-1 Series Leads; Rockets Hold Off Warriors To Cut Golden State Series Lead To 2-1
Three games were contested in the NBA Playoffs on Thursday.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Indianapolis:
DeRar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry each scored 21 points as the Toronto Raptors downed the Indiana Pacers 101-85 on the road in game three of their conference quarterfinal series, which the Raptors now lead two games to one. Paul George scored 25 points to pace the Pacers while grabbing ten rebounds.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At Dallas:
Kevin Durant scored 34 points and Russell Westbrook added 26 as the Oklahoma City Thunder blew out the Dallas Mavericks 131-102 on the road in game two to take a two-games-to-one opening-round series lead. Wesley Matthews led the Mavericks with 22 points.
At Houston:
James Harden---who scored 35 points---scored the game-winning bucket with 2.7 seconds remaining as the Houston Rockets upended the visiting Golden State Warriors 97-96 to cut their conference quarterfinal-series deficit to two games to one. Marreese Speights paced the Warriors---who played again sans the injured Stephen Curry---with 22 points.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Indianapolis:
DeRar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry each scored 21 points as the Toronto Raptors downed the Indiana Pacers 101-85 on the road in game three of their conference quarterfinal series, which the Raptors now lead two games to one. Paul George scored 25 points to pace the Pacers while grabbing ten rebounds.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At Dallas:
Kevin Durant scored 34 points and Russell Westbrook added 26 as the Oklahoma City Thunder blew out the Dallas Mavericks 131-102 on the road in game two to take a two-games-to-one opening-round series lead. Wesley Matthews led the Mavericks with 22 points.
At Houston:
James Harden---who scored 35 points---scored the game-winning bucket with 2.7 seconds remaining as the Houston Rockets upended the visiting Golden State Warriors 97-96 to cut their conference quarterfinal-series deficit to two games to one. Marreese Speights paced the Warriors---who played again sans the injured Stephen Curry---with 22 points.
Stanley Cup Playoffs: Lightning Finish Off Red Wings; Penguins Take 3-1 Series Lead; Ducks Square Series With Predators At 2-2; 2 OT Win Keeps Blackhawks Alive
The opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Thursday with four games.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Tampa, Florida:
Alex Killorn scored the game's only goal with 1:43 remaining in regulation while Ben Bishop saved all 34 shots as the Tampa Bay Lightning eliminated the visiting Detroit Red Wings 1-0 in game five and won their conference semifinal series four games to one.
At New York:
Evgeni Malkin scored twice and assisted twice as the Pittsburgh Penguins demolished the visiting New York Rangers 5-0 on the road in game four of their first-round series. Matt Murray saved all 31 shots to deliver the shutout for the Penguins, who now lead the series three games to one, and who can close out the Rangers with a game-five victory in Pittsburgh on Saturday.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At St. Louis:
Patrick Kane scored the winning goal 3:07 into the second overtime period as the Chicago Blackhawks, after blowing a two-goal lead in the third period, defeated the St. Louis Blues 4-3 on the road in game five of their conference quarterfinal series. The Blues, who still lead three games to two, can finish off the defending Stanley Cup champions with a game-six win on the road in Chicago on Saturday.
At Nashville:
Ryan Getzlaf, Nate Thompson, Jamie McGinn, and Andrew Gogliano each scored once while Frederik Andersen saved 30 of 31 shots as the Anaheim Ducks squared their opening-round series with the Nashville Predators at two games apiece with their 4-1 game-four road victory. The road club has won every game in this series thus far.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Tampa, Florida:
Alex Killorn scored the game's only goal with 1:43 remaining in regulation while Ben Bishop saved all 34 shots as the Tampa Bay Lightning eliminated the visiting Detroit Red Wings 1-0 in game five and won their conference semifinal series four games to one.
At New York:
Evgeni Malkin scored twice and assisted twice as the Pittsburgh Penguins demolished the visiting New York Rangers 5-0 on the road in game four of their first-round series. Matt Murray saved all 31 shots to deliver the shutout for the Penguins, who now lead the series three games to one, and who can close out the Rangers with a game-five victory in Pittsburgh on Saturday.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At St. Louis:
Patrick Kane scored the winning goal 3:07 into the second overtime period as the Chicago Blackhawks, after blowing a two-goal lead in the third period, defeated the St. Louis Blues 4-3 on the road in game five of their conference quarterfinal series. The Blues, who still lead three games to two, can finish off the defending Stanley Cup champions with a game-six win on the road in Chicago on Saturday.
At Nashville:
Ryan Getzlaf, Nate Thompson, Jamie McGinn, and Andrew Gogliano each scored once while Frederik Andersen saved 30 of 31 shots as the Anaheim Ducks squared their opening-round series with the Nashville Predators at two games apiece with their 4-1 game-four road victory. The road club has won every game in this series thus far.
Orange County Gives T2 The Blues
At Irvine, California:
Tevin Caesar scored the only goal of the match in the 29th minute as Orange County Blues FC defeated Portland Timbers 2 in Wednesday United Soccer League action by a score of 1-0.
The next match for T2 will be on the road against the Tulsa Roughnecks this coming Saturday at 5:00 PM Pacific Time.
Tevin Caesar scored the only goal of the match in the 29th minute as Orange County Blues FC defeated Portland Timbers 2 in Wednesday United Soccer League action by a score of 1-0.
The next match for T2 will be on the road against the Tulsa Roughnecks this coming Saturday at 5:00 PM Pacific Time.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
NBA Playoffs: Heat, Cavs, Clips Stretch Respective Series Leads To 2-0
Three games were contested in the NBA Playoffs on Wednesday.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Cleveland:
LeBron James scored 27 points while Kylie Irving added 22 and J. R. Smith 21 as the Cleveland Cavaliers downed the visiting Detroit Pistons 107-90 in game two and stretched their conference quarterfinal series lead to two games to none. Andre Drummond paced the Pistons with 20 points.
At Miami:
Dwyane Wade scored 28 points as the Miami Heat, with five players scoring in double-figures, defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets 115-103 to extend their conference quarterfinal-series lead to two games to none. Kemba Walker scored 29 points and Al Jefferson added 25 to the Hornets' coffers as the current Charlotte (the Bobcats who began play in 2004 and were renamed the Hornets in 2014) organization have dropped ten straight playoff games (counting the original Hornets that moved to New Orleans in 2002, Charlotte's NBA teams have now dropped 12 consecutive playoff contests).
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At Los Angeles:
Chris Paul scored 25 points as the Los Angeles Clippers overpowered the visiting Portland Trail Blazers 102-81 in game two of their opening-round series. The Clippers now lead the series two games to none.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Cleveland:
LeBron James scored 27 points while Kylie Irving added 22 and J. R. Smith 21 as the Cleveland Cavaliers downed the visiting Detroit Pistons 107-90 in game two and stretched their conference quarterfinal series lead to two games to none. Andre Drummond paced the Pistons with 20 points.
At Miami:
Dwyane Wade scored 28 points as the Miami Heat, with five players scoring in double-figures, defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets 115-103 to extend their conference quarterfinal-series lead to two games to none. Kemba Walker scored 29 points and Al Jefferson added 25 to the Hornets' coffers as the current Charlotte (the Bobcats who began play in 2004 and were renamed the Hornets in 2014) organization have dropped ten straight playoff games (counting the original Hornets that moved to New Orleans in 2002, Charlotte's NBA teams have now dropped 12 consecutive playoff contests).
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At Los Angeles:
Chris Paul scored 25 points as the Los Angeles Clippers overpowered the visiting Portland Trail Blazers 102-81 in game two of their opening-round series. The Clippers now lead the series two games to none.
Stanley Cup Playoffs: Flyers Hold Off Caps, Avoid Elimination; Panthers Square Series With Islanders At 2-2; Stars, Sharks Take 3-1 Series Leads
The Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Wednesday with four games.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Philadelphia:
Michal Neuvirth saved 31 of 32 shots while Shayne Gostisbehere (power play) and Andrew MacDonald each scored a goal as the Philadelphia Flyers avoided elimination by defeating the Washington Capitals 2-1 on the road in game five of their conference quarterfinal series. The Capitals, who still lead three games to one, can close out the Flyers with a game-five home win in Washington on Friday.
At Brooklyn, New York:
Alex Petrovic scored the winning goal in the third period as the Florida Panthers leveled their first-round series with the New York Islanders at two games apiece following their 2-1 Game Four road victory.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At St. Paul, Minnesota:
In a contest in which all five goals were scored in the second period, Alex Hemsky (power play), Patrick Evans (power play), and Jason Spezza each tallied once to carry the Dallas Stars to a 3-2 game-four road victory over the Minnesota Wild. The Stars can close out their conference quarterfinal-round series, which they now lead three games to one, with a game-five home victory in Dallas on Friday night.
At San Jose, California
With power-play goals courtesy of Brent Burns and Joe Pavelski in the second period and Patrick Marleau in the third period, the San Jose Sharks defeated the visiting Los Angeles Kings 3-2. Martin Jones saved 26 of 29 Los Angeles shots as the Sharks have taken a three-games to one lead in their conference quarterfinal series, which they can close out with a game-five road victory in Los Angeles on Friday.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Philadelphia:
Michal Neuvirth saved 31 of 32 shots while Shayne Gostisbehere (power play) and Andrew MacDonald each scored a goal as the Philadelphia Flyers avoided elimination by defeating the Washington Capitals 2-1 on the road in game five of their conference quarterfinal series. The Capitals, who still lead three games to one, can close out the Flyers with a game-five home win in Washington on Friday.
At Brooklyn, New York:
Alex Petrovic scored the winning goal in the third period as the Florida Panthers leveled their first-round series with the New York Islanders at two games apiece following their 2-1 Game Four road victory.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At St. Paul, Minnesota:
In a contest in which all five goals were scored in the second period, Alex Hemsky (power play), Patrick Evans (power play), and Jason Spezza each tallied once to carry the Dallas Stars to a 3-2 game-four road victory over the Minnesota Wild. The Stars can close out their conference quarterfinal-round series, which they now lead three games to one, with a game-five home victory in Dallas on Friday night.
At San Jose, California
With power-play goals courtesy of Brent Burns and Joe Pavelski in the second period and Patrick Marleau in the third period, the San Jose Sharks defeated the visiting Los Angeles Kings 3-2. Martin Jones saved 26 of 29 Los Angeles shots as the Sharks have taken a three-games to one lead in their conference quarterfinal series, which they can close out with a game-five road victory in Los Angeles on Friday.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Stanley Cup Playoffs: Lightning, Blues Take 3-1 Series Leads; Penguins Level Series With Rangers At 2-2; Ducks Cut Predators' Series Lead To 2-1
Four games were contested on Tuesday as the Stanley Cup Playoff continued.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Detroit:
The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 on the road in game four of their opening-round series as all three goals were scored on the power play, with Nikita Kucherov scoring twice and Ondrej Palat scoring the game winner with 2:59 remaining in regulation. The Lightning, who lead the series three games to one, can finish off the Red Wings with a game-five home victory this coming Thursday night at Tampa, Florida.
At New York:
Sidney Crosby (power play), Matt Cullen, and Kris Letang (empty net) each scored a goal as the Pittsburgh Penguins squared their conference quarterfinal series with the New York Rangers at two games apiece following their 3-1 game-four road triumph. Matt Murray stopped 16 of 17 Rangers shots.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At Chicago:
Vladimir Tarasenko scored twice (once on the power play) as the St. Louis Blues defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 on the road in game four of their opening-round series. The Blues, who now lead three games to one, can finish off the defending Stanley Cup champions with a home victory in game five in St. Louis on Thursday night.
At Nashville:
Frederik Andersen saved all 27 shots while Jamie McGinn, Rickard Rakell, and Chris Stewart each scored once as the Anaheim Ducks cut their conference quarterfinal series deficit to two games to one following their 3-0 game-three road domination of the Nashville Predators.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Detroit:
The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 on the road in game four of their opening-round series as all three goals were scored on the power play, with Nikita Kucherov scoring twice and Ondrej Palat scoring the game winner with 2:59 remaining in regulation. The Lightning, who lead the series three games to one, can finish off the Red Wings with a game-five home victory this coming Thursday night at Tampa, Florida.
At New York:
Sidney Crosby (power play), Matt Cullen, and Kris Letang (empty net) each scored a goal as the Pittsburgh Penguins squared their conference quarterfinal series with the New York Rangers at two games apiece following their 3-1 game-four road triumph. Matt Murray stopped 16 of 17 Rangers shots.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At Chicago:
Vladimir Tarasenko scored twice (once on the power play) as the St. Louis Blues defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 on the road in game four of their opening-round series. The Blues, who now lead three games to one, can finish off the defending Stanley Cup champions with a home victory in game five in St. Louis on Thursday night.
At Nashville:
Frederik Andersen saved all 27 shots while Jamie McGinn, Rickard Rakell, and Chris Stewart each scored once as the Anaheim Ducks cut their conference quarterfinal series deficit to two games to one following their 3-0 game-three road domination of the Nashville Predators.
NBA Playoffs: Hawks Down Lethargic Celtics, Lead Series 2-0; Spurs Also Up 2-0 After Delivering Another Beatdown On Grizzlies
The NBA Playoffs have two games scheduled for Tuesday with all times Pacific.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Atlanta:
Al Horford and Kyle Korver each scored 17 points as the Atlanta Hawks stretched their conference quarterfinal series to two games to none as they defeated the visiting Boston Celtics 89-72. The Hawks held the Celtics to seven points in the first quarter, the fewest points scored in an opening period of a playoff game since the advent of the 24-second shot clock in 1954.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At San Antonio:
Patty Mills scored 16 points while Kawhi Leonard added 13 as the San Antonio Spurs used a methodically-balanced attack in dominating the visiting Memphis Grizzlies 94-68 in game two of their conference quarterfinal series, which they now lead two games to none.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Atlanta:
Al Horford and Kyle Korver each scored 17 points as the Atlanta Hawks stretched their conference quarterfinal series to two games to none as they defeated the visiting Boston Celtics 89-72. The Hawks held the Celtics to seven points in the first quarter, the fewest points scored in an opening period of a playoff game since the advent of the 24-second shot clock in 1954.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At San Antonio:
Patty Mills scored 16 points while Kawhi Leonard added 13 as the San Antonio Spurs used a methodically-balanced attack in dominating the visiting Memphis Grizzlies 94-68 in game two of their conference quarterfinal series, which they now lead two games to none.
Monday, April 18, 2016
Stanley Cup Playoffs: Wild, Kings Cut Respective Series Deficits To 2-1; Caps One Win Away From Ousting Flyers
The Stanley Cup Playoffs' opening round is set to continue on Monday with three games with all times Pacific.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Philadelphia:
Alex Ovechkin scored twice (once on the power play) and assisted once while Braden Holtby saved 31 of 32 shots as the Washington Capitals demolished the Philadelphia Flyers 6-1 on the road in game three of their conference quarterfinal series. The Caps can finish off the Flyers with a game-four victory in Philadelphia on Wednesday night.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At St. Paul, Minnesota:
Jason Pominville scored twice (once on an empty netter) and assisted once as the Minnesota Wild cut their opening-round series deficit to two games to one after their 5-3 game-two road victory over the Dallas Stars.
At San Jose, California:
Tanner Pearson scored the winning goal at 3:47 of overtime as the Los Angeles Kings defeated the home-standing San Jose Sharks 2-1 in game three of their conference quarterfinal series (which the Sharks still lead two games to one). Kings goalie Jonathan Quick saved 29 of 30 San Jose shots.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Philadelphia:
Alex Ovechkin scored twice (once on the power play) and assisted once while Braden Holtby saved 31 of 32 shots as the Washington Capitals demolished the Philadelphia Flyers 6-1 on the road in game three of their conference quarterfinal series. The Caps can finish off the Flyers with a game-four victory in Philadelphia on Wednesday night.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At St. Paul, Minnesota:
Jason Pominville scored twice (once on an empty netter) and assisted once as the Minnesota Wild cut their opening-round series deficit to two games to one after their 5-3 game-two road victory over the Dallas Stars.
At San Jose, California:
Tanner Pearson scored the winning goal at 3:47 of overtime as the Los Angeles Kings defeated the home-standing San Jose Sharks 2-1 in game three of their conference quarterfinal series (which the Sharks still lead two games to one). Kings goalie Jonathan Quick saved 29 of 30 San Jose shots.
NBA Playoffs: Raptors, Mavs Square Respective Series At 1-1; Steph-less Warriors Stretch Series Lead To 2-0
The opening round of the NBA Playoffs will continue with three Monday contests.
All times are Pacific.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Toronto:
Jonas Valanclunas scored 23 points and grabbed 15 rebounds as the Toronto Rapids leveled their conference quarterfinal series with the Indiana Pacers at one game apiece after their 98-87 game-two home win. Paul George paced the Pacers with 28 points.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At Oklahoma City:
Raymond Felton scored 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Dallas Mavericks squared their opening-round series with the Oklahoma City Thunder at a game piece after their 85-84 road win in game two. Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 21 points while Russell Westbrook added 19 (to go with his 14 rebounds). The Thunder's Steven Adams' game-winning putback at the buzzer was disallowed after video review.
At Oakland, California:
Klay Thompson scored 34 points as the Golden State Warriors, minus the injured Stephen Curry, stretched their conference quarterfinal series lead over the Houston Rockets to two games to none following their 115-106 game-two home victory. James Harden paced the Rockets with 28 points (while dishing out 11 assists).
All times are Pacific.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Toronto:
Jonas Valanclunas scored 23 points and grabbed 15 rebounds as the Toronto Rapids leveled their conference quarterfinal series with the Indiana Pacers at one game apiece after their 98-87 game-two home win. Paul George paced the Pacers with 28 points.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At Oklahoma City:
Raymond Felton scored 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Dallas Mavericks squared their opening-round series with the Oklahoma City Thunder at a game piece after their 85-84 road win in game two. Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 21 points while Russell Westbrook added 19 (to go with his 14 rebounds). The Thunder's Steven Adams' game-winning putback at the buzzer was disallowed after video review.
At Oakland, California:
Klay Thompson scored 34 points as the Golden State Warriors, minus the injured Stephen Curry, stretched their conference quarterfinal series lead over the Houston Rockets to two games to none following their 115-106 game-two home victory. James Harden paced the Rockets with 28 points (while dishing out 11 assists).
Sunday, April 17, 2016
T2 Knock Off SacRepublic At Home, Gain First Victory
At Portland, Oregon:
Kharlton Belmar scored the only goal of the match in the 46th minute on Sunday as Portland Timbers 2 secured their first United Soccer League win of the season, 1-0 over the visiting Sacramento Republic.
The Portland Timbers-owned USL affiliate will pay a visit on the Orange County Blues this coming Wednesday at Irvine, California at 7:30 PM Pacific Time.
Kharlton Belmar scored the only goal of the match in the 46th minute on Sunday as Portland Timbers 2 secured their first United Soccer League win of the season, 1-0 over the visiting Sacramento Republic.
The Portland Timbers-owned USL affiliate will pay a visit on the Orange County Blues this coming Wednesday at Irvine, California at 7:30 PM Pacific Time.
Chalk Up Another Loss For The Steel As Portland Falls At Philadelphia
At Philadelphia:
Quarterback Dan Raudabaugh completed 17 of 25 passes for 221 yards and eight touchdowns on Sunday as the Philadelphia Soul (2-1) blind-sided the visiting Portland Steel (0-3) 70-32 in Arena Football League action.
Quarterback Dan Raudabaugh completed 17 of 25 passes for 221 yards and eight touchdowns on Sunday as the Philadelphia Soul (2-1) blind-sided the visiting Portland Steel (0-3) 70-32 in Arena Football League action.
NBA Playoffs: Series-Opening Wins For Cavs, Heat, Spurs, Clippers
The NBA Playoffs continued on Sunday with four games.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Cleveland:
Kylie Irving scored 31 points while Kevin Love added 28 (to go with his 13 rebounds) and Lebron James 22 ( to go with his 11 assists) as the Cleveland Cavaliers held off the visiting Detroit Pistons 106-101 in the opening contest of their conference quarterfinal series. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 21 points and Marcus Morris added 20 for the Pistons, who are making their first playoff appearance since 2009.
At Miami:
Luol Deng scored 31 points while Hassan Whiteside added 21 (to go with his 11 rebounds) as the Miami Heat dominated the visiting Charlotte Hornets 123-91 in the opening game of their opening-round series. Nicolas Batum paced the Hornets with 24 points.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At San Antonio:
Kawhi Leonard scored 20 points as the San Antonio Spurs handed the visiting Memphis Grizzlies their worst playoff defeat 106-74 in the opening game of their conference quarterfinal series.
At Los Angeles:
Chris Paul (28 points, 11 assists), Blake Griffin (19 points, 12 rebounds), and DeAndre Jordan (18 points, 12 rebounds) each registered a double-double as the Los Angeles Clippers overpowered the visiting Portland Trail Blazers 115-95 in the opening contest of their conference-quarterfinal series.
Damian Lillard paced the Blazers with 21 points.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
At Cleveland:
Kylie Irving scored 31 points while Kevin Love added 28 (to go with his 13 rebounds) and Lebron James 22 ( to go with his 11 assists) as the Cleveland Cavaliers held off the visiting Detroit Pistons 106-101 in the opening contest of their conference quarterfinal series. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 21 points and Marcus Morris added 20 for the Pistons, who are making their first playoff appearance since 2009.
At Miami:
Luol Deng scored 31 points while Hassan Whiteside added 21 (to go with his 11 rebounds) as the Miami Heat dominated the visiting Charlotte Hornets 123-91 in the opening game of their opening-round series. Nicolas Batum paced the Hornets with 24 points.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
At San Antonio:
Kawhi Leonard scored 20 points as the San Antonio Spurs handed the visiting Memphis Grizzlies their worst playoff defeat 106-74 in the opening game of their conference quarterfinal series.
At Los Angeles:
Chris Paul (28 points, 11 assists), Blake Griffin (19 points, 12 rebounds), and DeAndre Jordan (18 points, 12 rebounds) each registered a double-double as the Los Angeles Clippers overpowered the visiting Portland Trail Blazers 115-95 in the opening contest of their conference-quarterfinal series.
Damian Lillard paced the Blazers with 21 points.
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