Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Stanley Cup Final: Penguins Erupt For Three Third-Period Goals To Stretch Series Lead Over Predators To 2-0

At Pittsburgh:
USP NHL: STANLEY CUP FINAL-NASHVILLE PREDATORS AT S HKN PIT NSH USA PA
Third-period goals from Jake Guentzel (his second of the game; that's him [#59] celebrating with defenseman Brian Dumoulin after scoring what proved to be his second game winner of the series), Scott Wilson, and Evgeni Malkin scored during a stretch of three minutes and 18 seconds in the third period broke open what was a 1-1 stalemate after two periods on Wednesday as the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the visiting Nashville Predators 4-1 in game two of the Stanley Cup Final, which the Penguins now lead two games to none.

Matt Murray saved 37 of 38 shots for the Pittsburgh.

USA Today Sports photo by Charles LeClaire

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

'60 Dart

Here's a magazine ad for the 1960 Dodge Dart.

Connie!

Here's a glamour photo of screen legend Constance Bennett.

Magic Madeleine!

Here's a glamour photo of English-born 1930s and 1940s screen actress Madeleine Carroll.

Monday, May 29, 2017

Stanley Cup Final: Penguins Outlast Predators In Series Opener

At Pittsburgh:
 
Jake Guentzel scored the game-winning goal at 16:43 of the third period (shown here) while Nick Bonino scored twice (once on an empty netter) as the Pittsburgh Penguins recovered from blowing a three-point lead and outlasted the visiting Nashville Predators 5-3 in Monday's opening game of the Stanley Cup Final. 

Photo from NHL.com

Saturday, May 27, 2017

Chalk Up Another Defeat For T2

At Tulsa, Oklahoma:

Joaquin Rivas (17'), Juan Pablo Caffa (PK-25), and Ian Svantesson (41') each scored once as the Tulsa Roughnecks produced a 3-1 Saturday United Soccer League home win over struggling Portland Timbers 2.

T2 will try to get back on track as they host Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 next Sunday at 2:00 PM Pacific Time.

Cristian Roldan's Header Carries Sounders Past Timbers In Cascadia Cup Clash As Portland's Recent Woes Continue

At Seattle:

Cristian Roldan scored the only goal of the match in the fourth minute as the Seattle Sounders, despite being outshot 19-8, defeated the visiting Portland Timbers 1-0 in Saturday Major League Soccer action that was also a Cascadia Cup clash.

The Timbers, whose winless streak has now stretched to five games, will host the San Jose Earthquakes next Friday at 8:00 PM Pacific Time (UniMas).

Thursday, May 25, 2017

NBA Playoffs: It's Cavaliers vs. Warriors III For NBA Crown After Cleveland Blows Out Celtics In Beantown For East Title

At Boston:

LeBron James scored 35 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out eight assists on Thursday night as the Cleveland Cavaliers demolished the Boston Celtics 135-102 on the road in game five of the NBA's Eastern Conference Finals, which the Cavaliers won four games to one.

Kyrie Irving added 24 points to the Cavaliers' coffers.

Avery Bradley led the Celtics with 23 points.

For an unprecedented third straight year, the same two teams---the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors---will battle for the NBA Championship as the Finals are set to start next Thursday in Oakland (6:00 PM Pacific Time, ABC).

Stanley Cup Playoffs: It's Penguins vs. Predators For Lord Stanley's Cup After Pittsburgh Eliminates Ottawa In OT #2 Of Game #7 Of East Final

At Pittsburgh:

The second of Chris Kunitz's goals on Thursday night was the game (and series) winner at 5:09 of the second overtime period as the Pittsburgh Penguins won their second straight Eastern Conference title following their 3-2 home victory in game seven of their conference final against the Ottawa Senators (which means that the Montreal Canadiens' title in 1993 is still the most recent won by a Canadian club).

Matt Murray saved 27 of 29 shots for the Penguins.

The Penguins--who are the defending champions--will host the Nashville Predators in the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final, which will open on Monday in the Steel City (5:00 PM Pacific Time, NBC).

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

T2 Fall Again, This Time At OKC

At Oklahoma City:

Daniel Gonzalez (54') and Michael Daly (75') each scored a goal on Wednesday as the Oklahoma City Energy defeated visiting Portland Timbers 2 by a score of 2-1 in United Soccer League action.

The Portland Timbers' owned-and-operated USL affiliate will pay a visit on the Tulsa Roughnecks this coming Saturday at 5:30 PM Pacific Time.

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

NBA Playoffs: Cavs Overcome Early Deficit, Upend Celtics To Take 3-1 East Finals Series Lead

At Cleveland:

Kyrie Irving scored 42 points while LeBron James added 34 and Kevin Love 17 (to go with his 17 rebounds) on Tuesday night as the Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a double-digit first-half deficit and upended the visiting Boston Celtics 112-99 in game five of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Avery Bradley paced the Celtics with 19 points.

The Cavaliers, who lead the series three games to one, can close out the Celtics with a game-five victory on Thursday night in Boston and make an unprecedented third straight NBA title series between themselves and the Golden State Warriors (set to open on June 1 in Oakland) a reality.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Senators Force Game Seven With Penguins

At Ottawa:

As the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Tuesday, Mike Hoffman scored the winning goal in the third period while Craig Anderson saved 45 of 46 shots as the Ottawa Senators squared the Eastern Conference Final at three games apiece after their 2-1 come-from-behind game-six home victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The series will conclude in Pittsburgh on Thursday (5:00 PM Pacific Time, NBCSN) with the winner set to take on the Nashville Predators in the Stanley Cup Final, set to open next Monday in either Pittsburgh or Ottawa.

Sir Roger Moore, Actor Who Played James Bond 007 Times, R.I.P.

Sir Roger Moore, the British actor best remembered for his seven film portrayals as British Secret Agent James Bond, passed away on Tuesday in Switzerland at age 89.

More on Sir Roger's life and career can be found here.

Monday, May 22, 2017

NBA Playoffs: Warriors Advance To Finals For Third Straight Year After Completing Sweep Of Spurs

At San Antonio, Texas:

Stephen Curry scored 36 points while Kevin Durant added 29 on Monday night as the Golden State Warriors completed a four-game sweep of the San Antonio Spurs by winning game four of the NBA's Western Conference Finals 129-115 on the road.

Kyle Anderson paced the Spurs with 20 points while Manu Ginobili, in what may have been his finale in a San Antonio uniform, added 15.

The Warriors, who became the first club to ever open an NBA playoff season at 12-0, will open their third successive NBA Finals at home in Oakland next Monday against the winner of the Boston-Cleveland Eastern Conference Finals (which the Cavaliers lead two games to one).

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Predators Finish Off Ducks, Advance To First-Ever Final

At Nashville, Tennessee:

Colton Sissons produced a hat trick while Austin Watson scored twice (once on an empty netter) as the Nashville Predators defeated the visiting Anaheim Ducks 6-3 in Monday's sixth game of the Western Conference Final and won their first-ever conference championship four games to two.

The Predators will open their first-ever Stanley Cup Final next Monday night at either Pittsburgh or Ottawa, depending on who wins the Eastern Conference Final (the Penguins lead that series three games to two).

Sunday, May 21, 2017

NBA Playoffs: Avery Bradley's Game-Winning 3-Pointer Lifts Celtics Over Cavaliers In Cleveland To Cut East Finals Deficit To 2-1

At Cleveland:

Avery Bradley, who scored 20 points on Sunday, sank the game-winning three-point basket with 0.1 seconds remaining to left the Boston Celtics, who trailed by 16 points at halftime, stormed from behind to knock off the Cleveland Cavaliers 111-108 on the road in game three of the NBA's Eastern Conference Finals.

Marcus Smart paced the Celtics with 27 points as they bounced back after being blown out in the first two games of the series at home (and losing Isaiah Thomas for the balance of the playoffs with a hip injury).

Kyrie Irving paced the Cavaliers, who still lead the series two games to one, with 29 points while Kevin Love added 28 (to go with his 10 rebounds).

LeBron James was held to 11 points.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Penguins Nuke Senators To Move To Within A Victory Of Return To Finals

At Pittsburgh:

As the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Sunday, seven players---Olli Maatta, Sidney Crosby (power play), Bryan Rust, Scott Wilson, Matt Cullen, Phil Kessel (PP), and Trevor Daley (PP)---each scored once while Matt Murray saved all 25 shots as the Pittsburgh Penguins annihilated the visiting Ottawa Senators 7-0 in game five of the Eastern Conference Finals to take a three-games-to-two series advantage.

The Penguins, who are the defending Stanley Cup Champions, can lock up a berth in the finals with a game-six victory in Ottawa on Tuesday night.

Saturday, May 20, 2017

NBA Playoffs: Warriors Outlast Spurs In San Antonio; Golden State One Win From Another Finals Appearance

At San Antonio, Texas:

Kevin Durant scored 33 points and grabbed 10 rebounds on Saturday night as the Golden State Warriors outlasted the game San Antonio Spurs 120-108 on the road in game three of the NBA's Western Conference Finals and now hold a commanding three-games-to-none advantage.

Stephen Curry added 21 points to the Warriors' coffers.

Manu Ginobili came off the bench to pace the Spurs with 21 points.

The Warriors can finish off the Spurs and clinch their third successive appearance in the NBA Finals by winning game four in San Antonio on Monday.

No team has ever come back from a three-games-to-none deficit to win a best-of-seven NBA playoff series.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Predators Knock Off Ducks In Anaheim; Nashville One Win Away From First Finals

At Anaheim, California:

Coptin Wilson (power play), Pontus Aberg, and Austin Watson (empty netter) each scored a goal while Pekka Rinne saved 32 of 33 shots as the Nashville Predators came from behind to upend the Anaheim Ducks 3-1 on the road in game five of the Western Conference Finals as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Saturday.

The Predators, who now lead the series three games to two, can lock up their first-even appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals by finishing off the Ducks in game six back in Nashville on Monday night.

Impact Manhandle Shorthanded Timbers

At Montreal:

In Saturday Major League Soccer action, Ignacio Piatti scored twice (PK-13', 50') while Kyle Fisher (43') and Ambroise Oyongo (77') each tallied once as the Montreal Impact dominated the Portland Timbers (who were reduced to ten men after Diego Chara was ejected via the red card in the 18th minute) 4-1 at home.

Diego Valeri scored the Timbers' lone goal in the opening minute of first-half stoppage time.

The Timbers' next match is in Seattle against the rival Sounders in a nationally-televised Cascadia Cup clash next Saturday at 12:00 Noon Pacific Time (FOX).

142nd Preakness Stakes: Cloud Computing Nips Out Classic Empire While Derby Winner Always Dreaming Fades Down The Stretch, Ending Possibility Of Triple-Crown Winner

At Baltimore:

In Saturday's 142nd running of the Preakness Stakes, Cloud Computing, with jockey Javier Castellano aboard, nosed out Classic Empire to win the second jewel of horse racing's Triple Crown.

Senior Investment, a 30-1 morning line longshot, finished third.

Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming, who was dueling with Classic Empire for much of the race, faded down the stretch to finish eighth out of ten horses, thus making sure there would be no Triple Crown winner this year.

For Mr. Castellano, it was his second Preakness win while Cloud Computing's trainer Chad Brown won his first Triple Crown race.

Friday, May 19, 2017

NBA Playoffs: Cavs Destroy Celtics In Boston, Stretch East Finals Series Lead To 2-0

At Boston:

LeBron James scored 30 points while Kyrie Irving added 23 and Kevin Love 21 (to go with his 12 rebounds) as the Cleveland Cavaliers handed the home-standing Boston Celtics their most lopsided playoff defeat ever, 130-86 in game two of the NBA's Eastern Conference Finals, which the Cavaliers now lead two games to none.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Penguins Hold Off Senators To Square East Finals At 2-2

At Ottawa:

Goals from Olli Maatta, Sidney Crosby (power play), and Brian Dumoulin enabled the Pittsburgh Penguins to square the Stanley Cup Playoffs' Eastern Conference Finals at two games apiece on Friday as they defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-2 on the road in game four.

Matt Murray in his first start in goal for the Penguins in this year's  playoffs, saved 22 of 24 shots.

Thursday, May 18, 2017

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Ducks Beat Preds In OT, Square West Finals At Two Games Apiece

At Nashville:

As the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Thursday, Corey Perry scored the game-winning goal at 10:25 of overtime as the Anaheim Ducks reclaimed home-ice advantage in the Western Conference Finals after their 3-2 game-four road victory over the Nashville Predators, which squared the series at two games apiece.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

NBA Playoffs: Cavs Too Much For Celtics In East Finals Opener

At Boston:

LeBron James scored 38 points (while grabbing nine rebounds) while Kevin Love added 32 (to go with his 12 rebounds) on Wednesday night as the Cleveland Cavaliers downed the home-standing Boston Celtics 117-104 in the opening match of the NBA's Eastern Conference Finals.

Tristan Thompson (who also pulled in nine boards) added 20 points to the Cavs' coffers.

Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder each scored 21 points to top the Celtics while Isaiah Thomas added 17 (to go with his ten assists) for Boston.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Senators Score Four Goals In Opening Period To Smother Penguins And Take East Finals 2-1 Series Lead

At Ottawa:

As the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Wednesday, Mike Hoffman, Marc Methot, Derick Brassard, and Zack Smith each scored a first-period goal as the Ottawa Senators made short work of the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins 5-1 in game three of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Craig Anderson saved 25 of 26 shots for the Senators, who now lead the series two games to one.

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Predators Top Ducks To Take 2-1 West Finals Series Lead

At Nashville, Tennessee:

Third-period goals from Filip Forsberg and Roman Josi (power-play) enabled the Nashville Predators on Tuesday to come from behind and upend the visiting Anaheim Ducks 2-1 in the third game of the Western Conference Finals as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued.

Pekka Rinne saved 19 of 20 shots for the Predators, who now lead the series two games to one.

The Ducks' John Gibson was the hard-luck loser as he saved 38 of 40 shots.

NBA Playoffs: Warriors Skewer Spurs, Stretch West Finals Series Advantage To 2-0

At Oakland, California:

Stephen Curry scored 29 points while grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out seven assists on Tuesday night as the Golden State Warriors (with seven players scoring in double figures) ran roughshod over the shorthanded San Antonio Spurs 136-100 at home to open up a two-games-to-none NBA Western Conference Finals series lead.

Jonathan Simmons paced the Spurs with 20 points (17 of them in the opening half).

Monday, May 15, 2017

NBA Playoffs: Celtics Finish Off Wizards With Game Seven Victory, Will Open East Finals At Home Against Cavs

At Boston:

Isaiah Thomas scored 29 points (while grabbing 12 rebounds) while Kelly Olynyk added a playoff-career high 26 off the bench as the Boston Celtics won the seventh and deciding game of their NBA Eastern Conference semifinal series against the visiting Washington Wizards 115-105.

All eleven games between the Celtics and Wizards---four in the regular season and seven in this playoff series---were won by the home team.

Bradley Beal scored 38 points while Otto Porter added 20 while grabbing 10 rebounds to pace the Wizards.

The Celtics will host the Cleveland Cavaliers in Wednesday's opening game of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Penguins Square East Finals At 1-1 After Home Win Over Senators

At Pittsburgh:

As the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Monday, Phil Kessel scored the only goal of the game in the third period while Marc-Andre Fleury stopped all 22 shots as the Pittsburgh Penguins leveled the Eastern Conference Finals at one game apiece following their 1-0 game-two home victory over the Ottawa Senators.

Senators goalie Craig Anderson stopped 28 of 29 shots.

Timbers Settle For Home Draw With ATL United

At Portland, Oregon:

In Sunday Major League Soccer action, Liam Ridgewell's equalizer in the 50th minute lifted the Portland Timbers to a 1-1 home draw with Atlanta United in the first-ever regular-season meeting between the two clubs.

Julian Gressel scored his first career MLS goal for the visiting expansion club from the Peach City in the 46th minute.

The Timbers will play a visit to Montreal for a contest against the Impact this coming Saturday at 12:00 Noon Pacific Time (ROOT Sports Northwest).

Sunday, May 14, 2017

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Ducks Square West Finals With Preds At 1-1

At Anaheim, California:

As the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Sunday, Jakob Silfverberg, Ondrej Kase, and Nick Ritchie each scored a second-period goal as the Anaheim Ducks battled back from a two-goal deficit to upend the visiting Nashville Predators 5-3 and squared the Western Conference Finals at one game apiece.

NBA Playoffs: Warriors Open West Finals By Storming Back To Upend Visiting Spurs

At Oakland, California:

In Sunday's opening game of the NBA Western Conference Finals, Stephen Curry scored 40 points while Kevin Durant added 34 as the Golden State Warriors overcame a 20-point halftime deficit and upended the visiting San Antonio Spurs 113-111.

The Warriors once trailed by as many as 25 points.

LaMarcus Aldridge paced the Spurs with 28 points while Kawhi Leonard added 26 points before re-inuring his ankle in the third quarter (this was followed by an 18-0 Golden State run).

Saturday, May 13, 2017

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Senators Open Up East Finals With OT Win In Pittsburgh

At Pittsburgh:

As the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Saturday, Bobby Ryan scored the winning goal at 4:59 of overtime as the Ottawa Senators took the opening contest of the Eastern Conference Finals 2-1 on the road against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Craig Anderson saved 27 of 28 shots for the Senators while his Pittsburgh counterpart Marc-Andre Fleury saved 33 of 35 shots.

Glenda!

Here's another glamour photo of 1930s-1960s screen actress Glenda Farrell.

Glenda Farrell

Friday, May 12, 2017

Stanley Cup Playoffs: OT Goal Lifts Preds Past Ducks In West Finals Opener In SoCal

At Anaheim, California:

In Friday's opening game of the semifinal round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, James Neal scored the winning goal at 9:24 of overtime to carry the Nashville Predators to a 3-2 road win over the Anaheim Ducks in the opening contest of the Western Conference Finals.

NBA Playoffs: John Wall's Late Three-Pointer Allows Wizards To Force Game Seven With Celtics

At Washington:

John Wall, who scored 26 points, converted the game-winning (and series-leveling) three-point shot with 3.5 seconds remaining on Friday to carry the Washington Wizards to a 92-91 game-six home victory over the Boston Celtics that squared their NBA Eastern Conference semifinal series at three games apiece.

Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 33 points.

Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley each scored 27 points to lead the Celtics while Al Horford added 20.

The series will be decided in game seven at Boston on Monday night at 5:00 PM Pacific Time (TNT), with the winner to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Thursday, May 11, 2017

NBA Playoffs: Spurs Destroy Rockets In Houston, Win Series And Get Shot At Warriors

At Houston:

In the lone Thursday NBA Playoff contest, LaMarcus Aldridge scored a season-high 34 points (to go with his 12 rebounds) as the San Antonio Spurs, with six players scoring in double figures, demolished the Houston Rockets 114-75 on the road in game six of their Western Conference semifinal series and ousted their downstate rivals four games to two.

Trevor Ariza paced the Rockets with 20 points as James Harden was held to 10 points.

The Spurs will open up the Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland on Sunday (12:30 PM Pacific Time, ABC).

Stadium Expansion For Timbers

4,000 seats are set to be added to Portland's Providence Park.

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Penguins, Ducks Advance To Respective Conference Finals As Second Round Ends

The quarterfinal round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs concluded on Wednesday with two games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Washington:

Bryan Rust and Patric Hornqvist each scored a goal while Marc-Andre Fleury saved all 29 shots as the Pittsburgh Penguins blanked the Washington Capitals 2-0 on the road to win their conference semifinal series in seven games.

The Penguins will face the Ottawa Senators in the Eastern Conference Finals, set to open on Saturday in Pittsburgh.



WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Anaheim, California:

Andrew Cogliano and Nick Ritchie each scored a goal while John Gibson saved 23 of 24 shots as the Anaheim Ducks came from behind to upend the visiting Edmonton Oilers 2-1 and win their conference semifinal series four games to three.

The Ducks will open the Western Conference Finals at home on Friday night against the Nashville Predators.

NBA Playoffs: Celtics Overpower Wizards, Take 3-2 Series Lead

At Boston:

In the lone Wednesday NBA Playoff contest, Avery Bradley scored a playoff-career high 29 points as the Boston Celtics dominated the visiting Washington Wizards 123-101 in game five of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

John Wall topped the Wizards with 21 points.

The Celtics can close out the series, which they now lead three games to two, with a game-six win at Washington on Friday.

Goose Eggs For T2 And Switchbacks In Portland

At Portland, Oregon:

In Wednesday United Soccer League action, Portland Timbers 2 and the visiting Colorado Springs Switchbacks battled to a 0-0 stalemate.

T2 will pay a visit on the Oklahoma City Energy on May 24 at 5:00 PM Pacific Time.

Tuesday, May 09, 2017

NBA Playoffs: Manu's Heroics Allowed Spurs To Take 3-2 Series Lead Over Rockets

At San Antonio:

Kawhi Leonard scored 22 points and grabbed 15 rebounds while Manu Ginobili (who scored 12 points) came up with a huge defensive play late in overtime as the San Antonio Spurs knocked off the visiting Houston Rockets 110-107 in game five of their Western Conference semifinal series in the lone Tuesday NBA Playoff contest.

Patty Mills scored 20 points to help the Spurs' cause.

James Harden paced the Rockets with 33 points while grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing out 10 assists.  Patrick Beverley added 20 points to the Houston coffers.

The Spurs, who now lead the series three games to two, can close out the Rockets with a game-six win in Houston on Thursday (5:00 PM Pacific Time, ESPN)

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Senators Finish Off Rangers, Get Penguins-Capitals Winner Next In East Finals

At New York:

In the lone Tuesday Stanley Cup Playoff contest, Mike Hoffman, Mark Stone, Erik Karlsson, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau (empty netter) each scored once while Craig Anderson saved 37 of 39 shots as the Ottawa Senators defeated the New York Rangers 4-2 in game four of their Eastern Conference semifinal series and took out the hosts four games to two to advance to their first conference finals since 2007.

The Senators will next take on the winner of the Pittsburgh-Washington series (deadlocked at three games apiece, set to be decided in Washington on Wednesday night; 4:30 PM Pacific Time, NBCSN).

Monday, May 08, 2017

NBA Playoffs: Warriors Throttle Jazz In SLC, Complete Series Sweep, Advance To West Finals

At Salt Lake City, Utah:

Stephen Curry scored 30 points while Klay Thompson added 21, Kevin Durant 18, and Draymond Green 17 (to go with his 10 rebounds and 11 assists) as the Golden State Warriors dominated the Utah Jazz 121-95 on the road in game four and completed a four-game sweep of their Western Conference semifinal series in the lone Monday NBA Playoff contest.

Gordon Hayward scored 25 points to lead the Jazz.

The Warriors advanced to the Western Conference Finals, in which they will face the Houston-San Antonio winner (that series is currently deadlocked at two games apiece).

Staley Cup Playoffs: Capitals Smother Penguins To Force Game Seven Back In DC

At Pittsburgh:

In the lone Monday Stanley Cup Playoff contest, Andre Buravsky scored twice while T.J. Oshie and John Carlson each added a power-play goal as the Washington Capitals coasted to a 5-2 road victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins to square their Eastern Conference semifinal series at three games apiece.

The series will conclude on Wednesday back in Washington.

Sunday, May 07, 2017

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Predators Finish Off Blues, Advance To First Conference Final; Oilers Roast Ducks, Force Game Seven Back In Anaheim

The Stanley Cup Playoffs will continue on Sunday with game six of both Western Conference semifinal series.

At Nashville, Tennessee:

Roman Josi, Ryan Johansen, and Calle Jamkrok (empty netter) each scored once while Pekka Renne saved 23 of 24 shots as the Nashville Predators downed the visiting St. Louis Blues 3-1 in game six of their series and knocked out the guests four games to two to advance to their first-ever conference final, in which they will play the Anaheim-Edmonton series winner (that series now deadlocked at three games apiece).

At Edmonton, Alberta:

Leon Draisaitl produced a hat trick (with one of the goals on the power play) while Mark Letestu adding a pair (scoring a power-play goal himself) and Cam Talbot saved 34 of 35 shots as the Edmonton Oilers demolished the visiting Anaheim Ducks 7-1 in game six of their conference semifinal series.

The series, now squared at three games apiece, will decided at Anaheim on Wednesday.

NBA Playoffs: LeBron Helps Cavs Complete Sweep Of Raptors; Wizards, Rockets Square Respective Series At 2-2

The NBA Playoffs continued on Sunday with three games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Toronto:

LeBron James scored 35 points (and grabbed nine rebounds) while Kyrie Irving added 27 (to go with his nine assists) as the Cleveland Cavaliers completed a four-game conference semifinal series sweep of the Toronto Raptors with a 109-102 game-four win on the road.

Serge Ibaka scored 23 points, DeMar DeRozan added 22 (to go with his eight assists), and Cory Joseph 20 (to go with his 12 assists) to top the Raptors.

The Cavaliers will next face the winner of the Boston-Washington series (deadlock at two games apiece) in the Eastern Conference Final.

At Washington:

Bradley Beal scored 29 points as the Washington Wizards used a 26-0 third-quarter run to overpower the visiting Boston Celtics 121-102 in game four of their conference semifinal series, now squared at two games apiece.

John Wall added to the Wizards' coffers with 27 points and 12 assists.



WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Houston:

James Harden scored 28 points (while dishing out 12 assists) while Eric Gordon (coming off the bench) added 22 as the Houston Rockets squared their conference semifinal series with the San Antonio Spurs at two games apiece following their convincing 125-104 game-four victory at home.

Saturday, May 06, 2017

Wondo And Quakes Too Much For Timbers

At San Jose, California:

In Saturday Major League Soccer action, Chris Wondolowski scored twice (31', 55') and assisted once (on Jahmir Hyka's goal in the eighth minute) as the San Jose Sharks dominated the visiting Portland Timbers 3-0.

The Timbers will try to regroup in time for their next match, their first-ever meeting with Atlanta United FC at home next Sunday at 1:00 PM Pacific Time (ESPN).

T2 Fall On Road To S2

At Tukwila, Washington:

In Friday United Soccer League action, Irvin Parra scored twice (PK-6', 52') as Seattle Sounders 2 posted a 2-0 blanking of visiting Portland Timbers 2.

This coming Wednesday, T2 will host the Colorado Springs Switchbacks at 11:00 AM Pacific Time.

143rd Kentucky Derby: Dreamy Win For Always Dreaming

At Louisville, Kentucky:

In Saturday's 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby, Always Dreaming, a 9-2 co-favorite with John Velazquez aboard, finished ahead of 19 other horses to win the Run for the Roses on a sloppy track at Churchill Downs.  For both Mr. Velazquez and trainer Todd Pletcher, it was each his second Derby victory.

Lookin At Lee finished second with Battle of Midway third.

Always Dreaming is expected to run in the Preakness Stakes, to be run Saturday after next at Pimlico, near Baltimore.

NBA Playoffs: Warriors Put Jazz On Brink Of Elimination

At Salt Lake City, Utah:

In the lone Saturday NBA Playoff contest, Kevin Durant scored 38 points and grabbed 13 rebounds as the Golden State Warriors defeated the Utah Jazz 102-91 on the road in game three of their Western Conference semifinal series.

Stephen Curry added 23 points to the Warriors' coffers.

Gordon Hayward scored 29 points and Rudy Gobert added 21 (to go with his 15 rebounds) to top the Jazz.

The Warriors, who now lead the series three games to none, can finish off the Jazz with a game-four road win in Salt Lake City on Monday night.


Stanley Cup Playoffs: Senators Beat Rangers In OT, Take 3-2 Series Lead; Caps Come From Behind To Avoid Elimination

Both Eastern Conference semifinal series continued on Saturday as the Stanley Cup Playoffs rolled on.

At Ottawa:

Kyle Turris scored the winning goal at 6:28 of overtime as the Ottawa Senators defeated the visiting New York Rangers 5-4 in game five of their series.

The Senators can close out the Rangers with a game-six win back in New York City on Tuesday.

At Washington:

Third-period goals from Nicklas Backstrom, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and Alex Ovechkin enabled the Washington Capitals to come from behind to upend the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2 and cut the Penguins' series lead to three games to two.

The Penguins can still close out the series with a game-six home win back in Pittsburgh on Monday.

Friday, May 05, 2017

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Ducks Erase Three-Goal Deficit, Upend Oilers In 2 OT To Take 3-2 Series Lead; Blues Hold Off Predators, Avoid Elimination

Both Western Conference semifinal series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs resumed on Friday.

At St. Louis:

Dmitrij Jaskin and Jaden Schwartz each scored a goal while Jake Allen saved 21 of 22 shots as the St. Louis Blues held off the visiting Nashville Predators 2-1 in game five of their series.

The Predators, who still lead the series three games to two, can close out the Blues with a game-six home win in Nashville on Sunday.

At Anaheim, California:

Corey Perry scored the winning goal at 6:57 of the second overtime as the Anaheim Ducks, who trailed 3-0 until late in regulation, fought back to upend the visiting Edmonton Oilers 4-3 in game five of their series, which the Ducks now lead three games to two.

Anaheim can wrap up the series on Sunday with a game-six win in Edmonton.

NBA Playoffs: Cavs Put Raptors On Brink Of Elimination; Spurs Knock Off Rockets In Houston For 2-1 Series Lead

Two NBA Playoff games were contested on Friday.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Toronto:

LeBron James scored 35 points (while grabbing eight rebounds and dishing out seven assists) as the Cleveland Cavaliers broke open a close game in the fourth quarter and smothered the Toronto Raptors 115-94 on the road in the third game of their conference semifinal series, which they now lead three games to none.

DeMar DeRozan topped the Raptors with 37 points.

The Cavaliers can close out the series with a game-four road win in Toronto on Sunday.



WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Houston:

Kawhi Leonard (who grabbed 10 rebounds) and LaMarcus Aldridge each scored 26 points as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Houston Rockets 103-92 on the road in game three of their conference semifinal series, which they now lead two games to one, despite 43 points from the Rockets' James Harden.

Thursday, May 04, 2017

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Rangers Spank Senators, Square Series At 2-2

At New York:

In the lone Thursday Stanley Cup playoff contest, Oscar Lindberg scored twice while Henrik Lundqvist saved 22 of 23 shots as the New York Rangers leveled their Eastern Conference semifinal series with the Ottawa Senators at two games apiece following their 4-1 game-four home triumph.

NBA Playoffs: Wizards Blast Celtics In Contentious Game Three, Cut Boston's Series Advantage To 2-1; Warriors Hold Off Jazz To Stretch Series Lead To 2-0

The NBA Playoffs continued on Thursday with two more games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Washington:

John Wall scored 24 points and dighed out eight assists as the Washington Wizards, in a contest that saw eight technical fouls and three ejections, demolished the visiting Boston Celtics 116-89 in game three of their conference semifinal series, which the Celtics still lead two games to one.



WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Oakland, California:

Kevin Durant scored 25 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out seven assists as the Golden State Warriors held off the visiting Utah Jazz 115-104 in the second game of their conference semifinal series and stretched their series lead to two games to one.

Stephen Curry added 23 points and Draymond Green 21 to the Warriors' coffers.

Gordon Hayward paced the Jazz with 33 points.

Wednesday, May 03, 2017

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Penguins Defeat Caps, Put Washington On Brink Of Elimination; Ducks Top Oilers In OT, Square Series At 2-2, Reclaim Home-Ice Advantage

The Stanley Cup Playoffs had two games played on Wednesday. 

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Pittsburgh:

Patric Hornqvist, Jake Guentzel, and Justin Schultz (power play) each scored a goal while Marc-Andre Fleury saved 36 of 38 shots as the Pittsburgh Penguins---sans the injured Sidney Crosby---held off the visiting Washington Capitals 3-2 in game four of their conference semifinal series.

The defending Stanley Cup champs, who now lead the series three games to one, can close out the Caps with a game-five victory in Washington on Saturday night.



WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Edmonton, Alberta:

Jakob Silfverberg scored the winning goal 45 seconds into overtime as the Anaheim Ducks defeated the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 on the road in game four of their conference semifinal series, now deadlocked at two games apiece.

Ryan Getzlaf scored twice in the second period for the Ducks, who have now reclaimed home-ice advantage in the series.

NBA Playoffs: Cavs Dominate Raptors To Stretch Series Lead To 2-0; Spurs Level Rockets To Level Series At 1-1

The NBA Playoffs continued on Wednesday with two games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Cleveland:

LeBron James scored 39 points while Kyrie Irving added 22 (to go with his 11 assists) as the Cleveland Cavaliers stretched their conference semifinal series lead to two games to none over the Toronto Raptors after their dominating 125-103 game-two home victory.

Jonas Valanclunas led the Raptors with 23 points off the bench while Cory Joseph (also off the bench) added 22 and Kyle Lowry 20.



WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At San Antonio, Texas:

Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points as the San Antonio Spurs leveled their conference semifinal series with the Houston Rockets after leveling the visitors 121-96 in game two.


Tuesday, May 02, 2017

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Rangers Top Senators To Cut Ottawa Series Advantage To 2-1; Predators Top Blues, Are One Win Away From First Conference Final

Two games were contested on Tuesday as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At New York:

Mats Zuccarello scored a goal and dished out an assist as the New York Rangers manhandled the visiting Ottawa Senators 4-1 in game three of their conference semifinal series, which the Senators still lead two games to one.

Henrik Lundqvist saved 26 of 27 Ottawa shots.



WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Nashville, Tennessee:

Ryan Ellis and James Neal each scored a goal while Pekka Renne stopped 32 of 33 shots as the Nashville Predators downed the visiting St. Louis Blues 4-1 in game four of their semifinal series, which the Predators now lead three games to one.

The Predators can close out the Blues and advance to their first-ever conference final with a game-five victory in St. Louis on Friday night.

NBA Playoffs: Celtics Stretch Series Advantage Over Wizards To 2-0; Warriors Take Series Opener From Jazz

The NBA Playoffs continued on Tuesday with two games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Boston:

Isaiah Thomas scored 53 points---nine of them in overtime---as the Boston Celtics stretched their conference semifinal series advantage over the Washington Wizards to two games to none after their 129-119 home win in game two.  Mr. Thomas' point total was a career-playoff best and only one point short of John Havlacek's club-record (set in 1973) for most points in a playoff game.

John Wall paced the Wizards with 40 points while dishing out 13 assists.



WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Oakland, California:

Stephen Curry scored 22 points as the Golden State Warriors took the opening contest of their conference semifinal series with the Utah Jazz 106-94 at home.

Monday, May 01, 2017

NBA Playoffs: Cavs, Rockets Grab Series Openers

The second round of the NBA Playoffs continued on Monday with two games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Cleveland:

LeBron James scored 35 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while Kyrie Irving added 24 (to go with his ten assists) as the Cleveland Cavaliers downed the visiting Toronto Raptors 116-105 in the opening game of their conference semifinal series.

Kyle Lowry paced the Raptors with 20 points while dishing out eleven assists.



WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At San Antonio:

Trevor Ariza scored 23 points while James Harden (who dished out 14 assists) and Clint N'Dumba-Capela (who grabbed 13 rebounds) each added 20 as the Houston Rockets embarrassed the San Antonio Spurs 126-99 on the road in the opening game of their conference semifinal series.

Kawhi Leonard paced the Spurs with 21 points while grabbing 11 rebounds.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Caps Knock Off Penguins In OT In Pittsburgh As Washington Cuts Series Deficit To 2-1; Sid The Kid Injured

At Washington:

Kevin Shattenkird scored the game-winning power-play goal at 3:13 of overtime as the Washington Capitals defeated the Pittsburgh 3-2 on the road in the lone Monday Stanley Cup Playoff contest.

The Penguins, who still lead their Eastern Conference semifinal series at two games to one, suffered what may prove to be a major blow to their title defense as team captain Sidney Crosby was cross-checked to the head by the Caps' Matt Niskanen with just over five minutes remaining in regulation and did not return.