Thursday, May 30, 2013

NBA Playoffs: LeBron Leads Heat On Brink Of East Title, Return To NBA Finals


At Miami:

LeBron James scored 30 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out six assists on Thursday night as the Miami Heat outlasted the visiting Indiana Pacers 90-79 to lead the NBA's Eastern Conference finals three games to two.  The Heat can solidify their third straight NBA Finals appearance with a game-six victory on Saturday in Indianapolis.

Merci, Frederic: First-Half Quadruple Helps Timbers Skin Alive Hammerheads In US Open Cup Play; Get Rowdies (Who Knocked Off Sounders) Next

At Portland, Oregon:



Frederic Piquionne scored four goals (2', 17', 34', 45'+2) in the first half on Wednesday as the Portland Timbers crushed the visiting Wilmington Hammerheads (who play in the third-division USL Pro League) 5-1 to advance to the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup tournament.


The Timbers, who did their best to avoid a repeat of last year's debacle, losing at home in overtime to amateur club Cal FC, are scheduled to host the Tampa Bay Rowdies (of the second-division North American Soccer League), who knocked off Portland's arch-rivals, the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Blackhawks Eliminate Wings In OT, Face Kings For West Title

At Chicago:

In Wednesday Stanley Cup Playoff action, Brent Seabrook scored the winning goal at 3:35 of overtime as the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the visiting Detroit Red Wings 2-1, enabling them to come back from a three-games-to-one deficit and win their Western Conference semifinal series four games to three.  The Blackhawks will face the Los Angeles Kings in the Western Conference finals, which will open in Chicago on Saturday.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Kings Hold Off Sharks, Win Series, Advance To West Final

At Los Angeles:

In Tuesday Stanley Cup Playoff action, Justin Williams scored twice in the second period (once on the power play) as the Los Angeles Kings held off the visiting San Jose Sharks 2-1 and won their Western Conference semifinal series four games to three.  The Kings will play in the Western Conference final against the winner of the Detroit-Chicago series (which, deadlocked at three games apiece, will be decided in Chicago on Wednesday).

NBA Playoffs: Pacers Top Heat At Home, Square East Final At 2-2

At Indianapolis:

Roy Hibbert scored 23 points and grabbed 12 rebounds while Lance Stephenson added 20 as the Indiana Pacers squared the NBA's Eastern Conference finals at two games apiece with their 99-92 game-four home win on Tuesday over the Miami Heat.

Monday, May 27, 2013

NBA Playoffs: Spurs Complete Sweep Of Grizzlies, Return To NBA Finals

At Memphis:

Tony Parker scored 37 points on Monday night as the San Antonio Spurs completed their four-game sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies with their 93-86 road victory in game four of the NBA's Western Conference finals.  The Spurs will take on the Miami-Indiana series winner in the NBA Finals (their first since winning their most recent league title in 2007), which will begin on June 6.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Blackhawks Come From Behind To Force Game Seven Back Home

At Detroit:

In Monday Stanley Cup Playoff action, third-period goals from Michal Handzus, Bryan Bickell, and Michael Frolik enabled the Chicago Blackhawks come from behind to defeat the Detroit Red Wings, 4-3 on the road and square their Western Conference semifinal series at three games apiece.  The series will be decided in Chicago on Wednesday.

Sunday, May 26, 2013

NBA Playoffs: Heat Too Much For Pacers; Miami Takes 2-1 Series Lead In East Finals

At Indianapolis:

LeBron James scored 22 points while Dwyane Wade added 18 and Udonis Haslem 17 as the Miami Heat grabbed a two-games-to-one series lead and  regained home advantage in the NBA's Eastern Conference finals with their 114-96 Sunday game-three road win over the Indiana Pacers.


Stanley Cup Playoffs: Sharks Hold Off Kings, Force Game Seven Back In LA

At San Jose, California:

In Sunday Stanley Cup Playoff action, Joe Thornton (power play) and T.J. Giliardi each scored a goal as the San Jose Sharks held off the visiting Los Angeles Kings 2-1 to square their Western Conference semifinal series at three games apiece.  The seventh and deciding game will be played in Los Angeles on Tuesday night.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Make It Eight Losses In A Row For VooDoo

At New Orleans:

The Chicago Rush (5-5), who scored six touchdowns on the ground (two of them by J.J. Payne, who ran for 28 yards), scored the most points by a single team in an Arena Football League contest this season with their 84-48 Saturday road man-handling of the hapless New Orleans VooDoo (1-8), who have now lost eight straight games.  Their plight was not helped by six turnovers (three interceptions and three fumbles) and the loss of starting quarterback Kurt Rocco to a third-quarter knee injury.

Rodney Wallace Haunts Former Team As Timbers Blank Hapless DCU On Road

At Washington:

Rodney Wallace haunted his former team with his goal in the 21st minute as the Portland Timbers stretched their MLS-era club-record unbeaten streak to eleven games on Saturday as they defeated DC United 2-0 on the road.  Darlington Nagbe delivered the insurance goal for the Timbers in the 57th minute.  With two wins on the road this season, Portland has already tied their MLS-era single-season club record for road wins.  Meanwhile, Donovan Ricketts posted a shutout for the Timbers, who stretched DC's winless streak to ten games as they continue with the worst start in their 18-year history.

NBA Playoffs: Spurs Overcome Big Early Deficit, Put Grizzlies On Brink Of Elimination

At Memphis:

Tony Parker scored 26 points while Tim Duncan (who grabbed ten rebounds) added 24, including the first five points of overtime on Saturday as the San Antonio Spurs overcame an early 18-point deficit and defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 104-93 on the road in game three of the NBA's Western Conference finals.  The Spurs can close out the series and advance to their first NBA final since winning their least league championship in 2007 with a game-four win in Memphis on Monday.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Bruins Close Out Rangers, Get Stab At Penguins; Blackhawks Stay Alive In Series With Wings

The Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Saturday with two games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Boston:

Gregory Campbell scored twice while Tuukka Rask stopped 28 of 29 saves as the Boston Bruins locked up their conference semifinal series with the New York Rangers four games to one following their 3-1 home win in game five.  The Bruins will take on the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference final.  The Penguins, who were the conference's top-seeded club, will have home-ice advantage.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Chicago:

The Chicago Blackhawks, with Andrew Shaw (who scored two overall) and Jonathan Toews each scoring a power-play goal, handled the visiting Detroit Red Wings 4-1.  Corey Crawford saved 25 of 26 shots. The Red Wings, who still lead the series three games to two, can still close out the 'Hawks back home in Detroit on Monday night.

Friday, May 24, 2013

NBA Playoffs: Pacers This Time Hold Off Heat To Square East Finals At 1-1

At Miami:

Roy Hibbert scored 29 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while Paul George added 22 as the Indiana Pacers squared the NBA's Eastern Conference finals at one game apiece and seized home-court advantage after holding off the Miami Heat (and LeBron James' 36 points) 97-93 on Friday night.  The defeat was only Miami's fourth in their last 50 starts.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Penguins Finish Off Sluggish Senators; Get Home-Ice Advantage In Conference Final

At Pittsburgh:

In Stanley Cup Playoff action, James Neal delivered a hat trick (on of the goals on the power play) as the Pittsburgh Penguins dominated the visiting Ottawa Senators 6-2 Friday night in game five of their Eastern Conference semifinal series and eliminated them four games to one.  The Penguins assured themselves of home-ice advantage in the Eastern Conference finals against the winner of the Boston Bruins-New York Rangers series (Boston leads three games to one).

Stanley Cup Playoffs: OT Goal Saves Rangers From Elimination; Red Wings Take 3-1 Series Lead; Kings Top Sharks To Take 3-2 Series Advantage

The Stanley Cup Playoffs continued with three games on Thursday.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At New York:

Brian Boyle delivered the power-play equalizer midway through the third period, then Chris Kreider delivered the game winner at 7:03 of overtime as the New York Rangers avoided elimination from their conference semifinal series with a 4-3 home win over the Boston Bruins, who still lead the series three games to one and can finish off the Rangers with a game-five home win in Boston on Saturday.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Detroit:

Jakob Kindl (power play) and Daniel Cleary (empty net) each scored a goal and Jimmy Howard turned back all 28 as the Detroit Red Wings blanked the visiting Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 in game four of their conference semifinal series, which the Red Wings lead three games to one and can wrap up with a game-five win in Chicago on Saturday night.

At Los Angeles:

Anze Kopitar, Slava Voynov, and Jeff Carter (empty net) provided the goals while Jonathan Quick provided the stellar goaltending as he saved all 24 shots as the Los Angeles Kings took a three-games-to-two conference semifinal series lead following their 2-0 game-five home shutout over the San Jose Sharks.  The Kings can advance to the conference finals with a victory in San Jose on Sunday.  The Sharks, though, are unbeaten at the HP Pavilion (the "Shark Tank") in this year's playoffs (so, though, are the Kings).

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

NBA Playoffs: LeBron's Lay-Up Lifts Heat Past Pacers In East Finals-Opening OT Thriller

At Miami:

LeBron James (who delivered a triple double; 30 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) made a layup as time expired in overtime as the Miami Heat took the opening game of their NBA Eastern Conference finals series 103-102 over the visiting Indiana Pacers.  Paul George scored 27 points and David West added 26 to pace Indiana.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Penguins Spank Senators, One Win Away From East Finals

At Ottawa:

In the lone Stanley Cup Playoff contest, Jerome Iginla and James Neal each scored twice, one apiece on the power play, as the Pittsburgh Penguins spanked the home-standing Ottawa Senators 7-3 in game four of the clubs' Eastern Conference semifinal series.  The Penguins can finish off the Senators with a game-five win back home in Pittsburgh on Friday night.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Bruins One Win Away From Eliminating Rangers; Sharks Square Series With Kings At Two Games Apiece

The Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Tuesday with two games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Boston:

Third-period goals from Johnny Boychuk (3:10, time expired) and Daniel Paille (16:29, time expired) lifted the Boston Bruins to a 2-1 come-from-behind game-three road win over the New York Rangers.  The Bruins, who lead their conference semifinal  series three games to none, can finish off their closed-circuit era rivals with a game-four victory in New York on Thursday.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At San Jose, California:

Brent Burns and Logan Couture (power play) each scored a goal as the San Jose Sharks evened up their conference semifinal series with the Los Angeles Kings at two games apiece with their 2-1 home victory in game four.

NBA Playoffs: Spurs Blow Big Lead, Still Come Back To Top Grizzlies, Lead West Finals Two Games To None

At San Antonio:

Tim Duncan scored 17 points (including his team's first six points of overtime) while Tony Parker added 15 (to go with his playoff career-high 18 assists) as the San Antonio Spurs blew a 13-point fourth-quarter lead, then recovered to defeat the visiting Memphis Grizzlies 93-89 in overtime in the lone Tuesday NBA Playoff contest.  The Spurs now lead the Western Conference finals two games to none.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Wings Outmuscle Blackhawks To Take 2-1 Series Lead

At Detroit:

Jimmy Howard saved 39 of 40 shots while Gustav Nyquist and Drew Miller each scored a second-period goal 31 seconds apart in the lone Monday Stanley Cup Playoff contest as the Detroit Red Wings defeated the visiting Chicago Blackhawks 3-1 in the third game of their Western Conference semifinal series.  The Wings now lead the series two games to one.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Ten-Man Timbers Battle Back, Gain Cascadia Cup Road Draw With Caps

At Vancouver, British Columbia:

Despite losing Mamadou Futty Dansa to a red card in the 81st minute, the Portland Timbers, with goals courtesy of Will Johnson (PK-52') and Jose Adolfo Valencia (84'), came back from two one-goal deficits to gain a 2-2 Saturday Cascadia Cup road draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps as the Timbers stretched their Major League Soccer unbeaten run to ten games.  Camilo Sanvezzo (24') and Gershon Koffie (54') provided the scoring for the Whitecaps.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Bruins Take 2-0 Series Lead Over Rangers; Senators Win 2 OT Thriller To Climb Back Into Series With Penguins

Two games, both in the Eastern Conference, were contested on Sunday as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued.

At Boston:

Torey Krug, Gregory Campbell, Johnny Boychuk, Brad Marchand, and Milan Lucic each scored a goal while Tuukka Rask turned back 35 of 37 shots as the Boston Bruins took a two-games-to-none lead in their conference semifinal series with the New York Rangers following their 5-2 home win in game two.

At Ottawa:

After Daniel Alfredsson's shorthanded goal at 19:31 of the third period forced overtime, Colin Greening scored the winning goal at 7:39 of the second extra period at the Ottawa Senators cut the Pittsburgh Penguins' conference semifinal series advantage to two games to one with their 2-1 home win in game three. Craig Anderson saved 49 of 50 shots to preserve the victory while his Pittsburgh counterpart (and the hard-luck loser) Tomas Voloun saved 46 of 48 shots.

NBA Playoffs: Spurs Open West Finals By Dominating Grizzlies

At San Antonio:

In the lone Sunday NBA Playoff contest, Tony Parker scored 20 points and dished out nine assists while Kawhi Leonard added 18 points as the San Antonio Spurs dominated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies 105-83 in the opening game of the Western Conference finals.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Wings Level Series With Blackhawks; Sharks Climb Back In Series With Kings After OT Win

The Stanley Cup Playoffs continued with two games on Saturday, both in the Western Conference.

At Chicago:

Goals from Damien Brunner and Brendan Smith in the second period, Johan Franzen and Valtteri Filppula in the third, and 19 saves in 20 shots from Jimmy Howard carried the Detroit Red Wings to a 4-1 road win over the Chicago Blackhawks.  The Wings leveled their conference semifinal series at one game apiece and seized home-ice advantage for the series.

At San Jose, California:

A power-play goal from Logan Couture 89 seconds into overtime lifted the San Jose Sharks to a 2-1 win over the visiting Los Angeles Kings in game three of their conference semifinal series as the Sharks now trail the series two games to one.  San Jose's other goal, 94 seconds in the first period, was also on the power play, in this case, thanks to Dan Boyle. 

NBA Playoffs: Pacers Oust Knicks, Get Heat Next

At Indianapolis:

In the lone Saturday NBA Playoff contest, Lance Stephenson scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the Indiana Pacers closed the curtain on the second round of the league playoffs with an Eastern Conference semifinal series-clinching 106-99 game-six home win over the New York Knicks.  Paul George added 23 and Roy Hibbert 21 (to go with his 12 rebounds) to help guide the Pacers, offsetting Carmelo Anthony's 39 points for the Knicks.  The Pacers advance to their first Eastern Conference finals since 2004, and they will open that series in Miami on Wednesday.

35 Years And Counting: No Triple Crown Winner This Year

At Baltimore:




Oxbow, a 15-1 shot with Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens (his third Preakness victory, his ninth in Triple Crown races---three for each) aboard, won the 138th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Track on Saturday, with trainer D. Wayne Lukas picking up his sixth Preakness triumph.  Itsmyluckyday was second and Mylute was third with Kentucky Derby winner Orb, who was more or less boxed in throughout the race, finishing fourth.  This will be the 35th consecutive year without a Triple Crown winner.

Shock Extend VooDoo Losing Streak

At Spokane, Washington:

Quarterback Erik Meyer completed 29 of 40 passes for 353 yards and six touchdowns, two of them to Adron Terrell as the Spokane Shock (6-3) extended the visiting New Orleans VooDoo's (1-7) losing streak to seven games 65-54 in the lone Friday night Arena Football League contest.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Sid The Kid Helps Penguins Open Up 2-0 Series Lead Over Senators

At Pittsburgh:

In the lone Friday Stanley Cup Playoff contest, Sidney Crosby delivered his second career playoff hat trick (including a power-play tally in the second period) as the Pittsburgh Penguins held off the visiting Ottawa Senators 4-3 to take a two-games-to-none lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

NBA Playoffs: Spurs Finish Off Warriors, Get Grizzlies Next; Melo Helps Knicks Stay Alive

The NBA Playoffs continued with two games on Thursday.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At New York:

Carmelo Anthony scored 28 points as the New York Knicks defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers 85-75 in game five of their conference semifinal series.  The Pacers, whose Paul George scored 23 points, still lead the series three games to two and can finish off the Knicks with a game-six home win at Indianapolis on Saturday.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Oakland:

Tim Duncan scored 19 points while Kawhi Leonard added 13 as the The San Antonio Spurs finished off the Golden State Warriors 94-82 on the road in game six and won their conference semifinal series four games to two.  The Warriors' Stephen Curry paced all scorers with 22 points.  The Spurs open the Western Conference finals at home in San Antonio on Monday night against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Bruins Top Rangers In OT In Series Opener; Kings Blow Two-Goal Lead, Come Back To Take 2-0 Series Lead Over Sharks

The Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Thursday with two games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Boston:

Torey Krug's power-play goal in the third period squared things, then Brad Marchand's first goal of the postseason at 15:40 of the first overtime period lifted the Boston Bruins to a conference-semifinal-series-opening 4-3 home victory over the New York Rangers.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Los Angeles:

Power-play goals from Dustin Brown and Trevor Lewis, 22 seconds apart with less than two minutes remaining in regulation time helped the Los Angeles Kings recover from blowing a two-goal lead then falling behind 3-2 and post a stunning 4-3 game-two home win over the San Jose Sharks.  The Kings, who have now won six consecutive contests,  scored three of their four goals on the power play (Drew Doughty scoring one in the second period) and now lead their conference semifinal series two games to none.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

NBA Playoffs: Heat, Griz Advance To Conference Finals

Two games were played in the NBA Playoffs on Wednesday.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Miami:

LeBron James scored 23 points while Dwayne Wade added 18 as the Miami Heat defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls 94-91 in game five and won their conference semifinal series four games to one, despite 26 points and 14 rebounds from the injury-battered, but game Bulls' Carlos Boozer.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Oklahoma City:

Zach Randolph scored 28 points and grabbed 14 rebounds while Mike Conley added 13 (to go with his 11 assists) as the Memphis Grizzlies advanced to the Western Conference finals for the first time in their 18-year history with their 88-84 conference-semifinal series game-five road win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.  The Grizzlies won the series four games to one.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Blackhawks Overwhelm Wings In Series Opener

At Chicago:

In the lone Wednesday night Stanley Cup Playoff contest, Marian Hossa (power play), Johnny Oduya, Marcus Kruger, and Patrick Sharp (empty net) each delivered a goal while Corey Crawford stopped 20 of 21 shots as the Chicago Blackhawks dominated the visiting Detroit Red Wings 4-1 in the opening contest of their Western Conference semifinal series.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

NBA Playoffs: Pacers, Spurs One Win Away From Advancing To Final Four

The NBA Playoffs continued with two games on Tuesday.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Indianapolis:

George Hill scored 26 points while Paul George added 18 (to go with his 14 rebounds and seven assists) as the Indiana Pacers defeated the visiting New York Knicks 93-82 in game four of their conference semifinal series.  The Pacers, who lead the series three games to one, can finish off the Knickerbockers with a game-five win at New York on Thursday night.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At San Antonio:

A 25-point, 10-assist night from Tony Parker guided the San Antonio Spurs to a 109-91 game-five win over the visiting Golden State Warriors.  The Spurs, who lead their conference semifinal series three games to one, can close out the Warriors with a game-six win on Thursday at Oakland.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Penguins, Kings Win Series Openers

The second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs got under way on Tuesday with two games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Pittsburgh:

Paul Martin and Chris Kunitz each scored a power-play goal while Evgeni Malkin added an even-strength tally and Pascal Dupuis delivered a shorthanded score as the Pittsburgh Penguins dominated the visiting Ottawa Senators 4-1 in the opening game of their conference semifinal series.  Tomas Vokoun saved 35 of 36 Ottawa shots.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Los Angeles:

Slava Voynov and Mike Richards each delivered a goal while Jonathan Quick saved all 35 shots as the Los Angeles Kings blanked the visiting San Jose Sharks 2-0 in the opening contest of their conference semifinal series.

Timbers Keep Unbeaten Streak Going After Beat-Down Of Visiting Goats

At Portland, Oregon:

Rodney Wallace (34'), Diego Valeri (70'), and Will Johnson (90'+2) each provided a goal on Sunday as the Portland Timbers stretched their club record (MLS era) to nine games following a 3-0 Major League Soccer home domination of slumping Chivas USA.

Monday, May 13, 2013

NBA Playoffs: Heat, Grizzlies One Win Away From Advancing To Conference Finals

The NBA Playoffs continued on Monday with two games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Chicago:

A 27-point performance from LeBron James (along with seven rebounds and eight assists) carried the Miami Heat to an 88-65 game-four road domination of the Chicago Bulls.  The Heat, now leading their conference semifinal series three games to one, can close out the Bulls with a game-five home win on Wednesday back in Miami.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Memphis:

Mike Conley scored 24 points while Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol each added 23 (Zach had 12 rebounds, Marc 11) helped the Memphis Grizzlies overcome an eight-point halftime deficit and defeat the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder 103-97 in overtime to take a three-games-to-one conference semifinal series lead.  The Grizzlies can advance to the first conference final in their eighteen-year,  two-city history (they moved from Vancouver to Memphis in 2001) with a game-five victory in Oklahoma City on Wednesday night.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Bruins Overcome Three-Goal Deficit, Oust Leafs In OT, Advance To Take On Rangers (Who Clobber Caps In Series Decider)

The opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs concluded on Monday with the seventh and deciding game of each of two Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.

At Boston:

Patrice Bergeron scored twice, once at 19:09 of the third period to tie the game, then, at 6:05 into overtime with the game and series winner as the Boston Bruins overcame a 4-1 third-period deficit and defeated the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs 5-4 in the deciding game of their opening-round series. The Bruins (who won the series four games to three) became the first team in NHL history to win a seventh-game of a playoff series after trailing by three goals in the third period.

At Washington:

Aaron Asham, Taylor Pyatt, Michael Del Zotto, Ryan Callahan, and Mats Zuccarello each scored a goal while Henrik Lundqvist turned aside all 35 shots as the New York Rangers ran roughshod over the Washington Capitals 5-0 in the deciding contest of their first-round series and took out the Southeast Division regular-season champs four games to three to advance to the second round of the playoffs.

The Rangers and Bruins, two closed-circuit-era clubs, will battle it out in an Eastern Conference semifinal series, which is slated to start at Boston on Thursday night.


Dr. Joyce Brothers, Culturally-Iconic Psychologist Whose Long-Running Broadcasting Career Was Launched By Quiz-Show Success, R.I.P.

Dr. Joyce Brothers, the psycologist whose long radio and TV career as someone who counseled millions over the airwaves long before Doctors Ruth, Phil, and Laura was launched by being a champion contestant (on the subject of boxing) on The $64, 000 Question, passed away on Monday at her home in Fort Lee, New Jersey at age 85.

Here's a nugget here:

Historically, she was a bridge between advice columnists like Dear Abby and Ann Landers, who got their start in the mid-1950s, and the self-help advocates of the 1970s and afterward.
Throughout the 1960s, and long beyond, one could scarcely turn on the television or open a newspaper without encountering her. She was the host of her own nationally syndicated TV shows, starting in the late 1950s with “The Dr. Joyce Brothers Show” and over the years including “Ask Dr. Brothers,” “Consult Dr. Brothers” and “Living Easy With Dr. Joyce Brothers.”
       
She was also a ubiquitous guest on talk shows like “The Tonight Show” and on variety shows like “The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour.”
She was a panelist on many game shows, including “What’s My Line?” and “The Hollywood Squares.” These appearances had a fitting symmetry: It was as a game-show contestant that Dr. Brothers had received her first television exposure.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Wings Hold Off Ducks To Take Series Decider, Get Blackhawks Next; Leafs, Rangers Force Same Sevens

The Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Sunday with three games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At New York:

Derick Brassard scored the only goal of the contest in the second period while Henrik Lundqvist saved all 27 shots as the New York Rangers squared their conference quarterfinal series with the Washington Capitals at three games apiece with their 1-0 game-six home win.  The series will decided at Washington on Monday night.  The home team has won all the games in this series thus far.

At Toronto:

Dion Phaneuf and Phil Kessel each scored a goal in the third period as the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Boston Bruins in a home playoff contest for the first time since 1959.  The 2-1 victory forced a seventh and deciding game in this first-round series to be played on Monday night in Boston.  The winner will take on the New York Rangers-Washington Capitals series survivor in the second round.  Goalie James Reimer stopped 29 of 30 Boston shots.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Anaheim, California:

Henrik Zetterberg and Valtteri Filppula each had a goal and an assist as the Detroit Red Wings held off the home-standing Anaheim Ducks 3-2 to win their conference quarterfinal series four games to three.  The Red Wings will take on the Chicago Blackhawks in a conference semifinal series next.

NBA Playoffs: Warriors Top Spurs In OT To Square Series At 2-2

At Oakland, California:

In the lone Sunday NBA Playoff contest, Harrison Barnes scored 26 points (and grabbed 10 rebounds) while Jarrett Jack added 24 and Stephen Curry (bad ankle and all) 22 as the Golden State Warriors squared their Western Conference semifinal series with the San Antonio Spurs at two games apiece following their 97-87 game-four overtime victory at home.  The Warriors outscored the Spurs 13-3 in the extra period.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Barnstormers Hornswaggle Hapless VooDoo

At Des Moines, Iowa:

On Saturday, the Iowa Barnstormers (4-4) handed the visiting New Orleans VooDoo (1-6) their sixth consecutive Arena Football League defeat, 62-16.  Wide receiver Jesse Schmidt caught six passes for 67 yards and three touchdowns for the Barnstormers, who picked up their first home win of the season.

The struggling, punchless VooDoo will visit the Spokane Shock (6-2) for a Friday night contest.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Penguins Eliminate Islanders In OT, Get Senators Next

At Uniondale, New York:

In the lone Saturday Stanley Cup Playoff contest, Brooks Orpik scored the winning goal 7:49 into overtime as the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the visiting New York Islanders 4-3 to win their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series four games to two.  The Penguins will take on the Ottawa Senators in a conference semifinal series, next.

NBA Playoffs: Pacers, Grizzlies Gain 2-1 Series Leads

The NBA Playoffs continued on Saturday with two games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Indianapolis:

Roy Hibbert scored 24 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as the Indiana Pacers defeated the visiting New York Knicks 82-71 in game three of their conference semifinal, which the Pacers now lead two games to one.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Memphis:

Marc Gasol scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds as the Memphis Grizzlies grabbed a two-games-to-one conference semifinal series lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder with their 87-81 game-three home win, despite 25 points and 11 rebounds from the Thunder's Kevin Durant.

Friday, May 10, 2013

NBA Playoffs: Heat, Spurs Take 2-1 Series Leads After Game-Three Road Wins

The NBA Playoffs resumed with two games on Friday.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Chicago:

LeBron James scored 25 points while Chris Bosh added 20 (to go with his 19 rebounds) as the Miami Heat took a two-games-to-one conference semifinal series lead after their 104-94 game-three road win over the Chicago Bulls.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Oakland, California:

Tony Parker scored 32 points while Tim Duncan added 23 (to go with his 10 rebounds) as the San Antonio Spurs outlasted the Golden State Warriors 102-92 on the road in game three of their conference semifinal series, which the Spurs now lead two games to one.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Kings Eliminate Blues And Advance; Wings Force Game Seven With Ducks; Leafs Stay Alive; Caps Take 3-2 Series Lead Over Rangers

Four games were played on Friday as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Washington:

Mike Ribiero scored the winning goal 9:24 into overtime as the Washington Capitals grabbed a three-games-to-two advantage in their conference quarterfinal series following their 2-1 game-five home win over the New York Rangers.  Joel Ward tied the game for the Capitals with his power-play goal at 7:44 of the second period.  The Capitals can wrap up the series with a game-six victory at New York on Sunday.

At Boston:

Tyler Bozak (shorthanded) and Clarke MacArthur provided the scoring as the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Boston Bruins 2-1 on the road to avoid elimination.  The Bruins, who still lead their conference quarterfinal series three games to two, can still finish off the Leafs on Toronto ice on Sunday.  The Leafs last defeated the Bruins on home ice in the playoffs in 1959.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Detroit:

Henrik Zetterberg scored his second goal of the match 64 seconds into overtime as the Detroit Red Wings squared their conference quarterfinal series with the Anaheim Ducks at three games apiece following their 4-3 home win in game six.  The series will be decided on Sunday at Anaheim.

At Los Angeles:

Dustin Penner scored what proved to be the game and series-winning goal with one second remaining in the second period as the Los Angeles Kings defeated the visiting St. Louis Blues 2-1 in game six and won their conference quarterfinal series four games to two.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Senators, Blackhawks Advance; Penguins Take 3-2 Series Lead

Three games were played in the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Thursday.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Pittsburgh:

Tomas Vokoun, in his first playoff start in six years, saved all 31 shots for the shutout while Tyler Kennedy, Douglas Murray, Sidney Crosby, and Kris Letang (power play) each delivered a goal as the Pittsburgh Penguins hammered the visiting New York Islanders 4-0 in game five of their conference quarterfinal series.  The Penguins, who now lead three games to two, can finish off the Islanders with a game-six victory at Uniondale, New York on Saturday.

At Montreal:

Cory Conacher scored twice (once on the power play) while Craig Anderson stopped 33 of 34 shots as the Ottawa Senators, who scored three third-period power-play goals, demolished the Montreal Canadiens 6-1 in game five and won their conference quarterfinal series four games to one.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Chicago:

Marian Hossa scored twice Corey Crawford stopped 21 of 22 shots as the Chicago Blackhawks cruised to a conference quarterfinal-series-clinching 5-1 home win over the Minnesota Wild to oust their guests four games to one.

Thursday, May 09, 2013

Timbers And Hoops Extend Unbeaten Runs To Eight Games After 1-1 Draw In Frisco (Texas, That Is)

At Frisco, Texas:

Kenny C0oper delivered the game-tying penalty kick in the 77th minute after a controversial foul was called in the penalty area on Andrew Jean-Baptiste as FC Dallas battled to salvage a 1-1 home draw with the Portland Timbers in Wednesday night Major League Soccer action.  Darlington Nagbe gave the Timbers a short-lived 1-0 lead after scoring in the 70th minute.  Both clubs' respective unbeaten streaks have now reached eight games.

Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Rangers Top Caps To Square Series At 2-2; Bruins One Win From Eliminating Leafs; Kings, Ducks (Both With OT Wins) Take 3-2 Series Leads

The Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Wednesday with four games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Toronto:

David Krejci delivered a hat trick (including a power-play goal), topped off with the game winner at 13:06 of overtime as the Boston Bruins defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 in game four of their conference quarterfinal series, which Boston now leads three games to one.  The Bruins can finish off the Leafs with a home win on Friday.

At New York:

Dan Girardi and Derek Stepan each scored a goal in the third period as the New York Rangers leveled their first-round series with the Washington Capitals at two games apiece following their 4-3 game-four home win.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At St. Louis:

Jeff Carter scored twice (once on the power play) and Slava Voynov scored the game winner eight minutes into overtime as the Los Angeles Kings defeated the St. Louis Blues 3-2 on the road to take a three-games-to-two opening-round series lead.  The Kings can wrap up the series with a game-six win in Los Angeles on Saturday.

At Anaheim, California:

Nick Bonino scored the winning goal at 1:54 of overtime as the Anaheim Ducks defeated the visiting Detroit Red Wings 3-2 in game five of their conference quarterfinal series.  The Ducks, who lead three games to two, can finish off the Red Wings with a victory in Detroit on Friday.

NBA Playoffs: Heat Roast Bulls, Square Series At 1-1; Warriors Square Series With Spurs At 1-1 With Road Win

The NBA Playoffs continued on Wednesday with two games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Miami:

Ray Allen scored 21 points while LeBron James added 19 as the Miami Heat scorched the visiting Chicago Bulls 115-78 in game two of their conference semifinal series, which is now deadlocked at one game apiece.  It was the most lopsided playoff win in Heat history and the most lopsided playoff defeat in Bulls history.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At San Antonio:

Klay Thompson scored 34 points while Stephen Curry added 22 as the Golden State Warriors defeated the San Antonio Spurs 100-91 on the road in game two of their conference semifinal series.  It was the Warriors first win in San Antonio since February 14, 1997.

Ever Tasted Wild Hickory Nuts?

From the early 1970s, here's naturalist and author Euell Gibbons extolling the virtues of cat tail and Post Grape Nuts.

Yummy!

Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Sharks Complete Sweep Of Canucks With OT Goal; Senators, Blackhawks One Way Away From Advancing; Islanders Square Series With Penguins At 2-2

Four games were played on Tuesday night as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Ottawa:

Kyle Turris scored the winning goal at 2:32 of overtime as the Ottawa Senators overcame a 2-0 to defeat the visiting Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in game four of their conference quarterfinal series.  The Senators, who can finish of Les Canadiens with a Thursday victory on Montreal ice, now lead the series three games to one.

At Uniondale, New York:

John Tavares scored what proved to be the game-winning and series-equalizing goal midway through the third period as the New York Islanders leveled their opening-round series with the Pittsburgh Penguins at two games apiece with a 6-4 game-four home win.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At St. Paul, Minnesota:

Patrick Sharp scored twice while Corey Crawford saved all 25 shots for his second career playoff shutout as the Chicago Blackhawks blanked the Minnesota Wild 3-0 on the road in game four.  The Blackhawks can lock up their conference quarterfinal series by finishing off the Wild at home on Thursday.

At San Jose, California:

Joe Pavelski scored two power-play goals, one of them at 15:33 of the third period and Patrick Marleau scored the game and series winner at 13:18 of overtime as the San Jose Sharks completed the first four-game playoff-series sweep in their history by coming from behind to defeat the visiting Vancouver Canucks 4-3 as they advance to the Western Conference semifinals.

NBA Playoffs: Knicks, Grizzlies Square Respective Series At 1-1

Two games were played in the NBA Playoffs on Tuesday.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At New York:

Carmelo Anthony scored 32 points, half of them during a 30-2 second-half blitzkrieg as the New York Knicks squared their conference semifinal series at one game apiece with a 105-79 game-two home beat-down of the Indiana Pacers.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Oklahoma City:

Mike Conley came within an assist of a triple double (26 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists) while Marc Gasol tallied 24 points as the Memphis Grizzlies leveled their conference semifinal series with the Oklahoma City Thunder at a game apiece following their 99-93 game-two road win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, despite Kevin Durant's own near triple double (36 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists).