Author: Sports Radio Service

San Jose Sharks podcast Lincoln Juarez: Will Lightning be a test for Sharks Saturday?

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Macklin Celebrini center (71) for the San Jose Sharks skates off the ice after scoring a shootout goal against the Minnesota Wild at SAP Center on Thu Jan 1, 2026 (AP News photo)

San Jose Sharks podcast Lincoln Juarez:

Can Macklin Celebrini continue his recent high-octane offense and challenge Tampa Bay’s defense right from the opening puck drop?
(The young Sharks star leads the team in scoring and has been a standout all season.)

How will Tyler Toffoli’s scoring touch impact the Sharks in Saturday’s matchup, especially considering his clutch goal in the last season Sharks win over the Lightning?
(Toffoli scored and helped San Jose snap its skid the last time these clubs met.)

Will Yaroslav Askarov’s netminding be a key factor, particularly if the Lightning come out firing early?
(Askarov made 24 saves in their prior meeting and could again be pivotal.)

Can Collin Graf make noise offensively again and continue to grow chemistry with Celebrini and Will Smith on that forward line?
(Graf has been working with San Jose’s up-and-coming core upfront.)

What defensive adjustments will Mario Ferraro and the Sharks blueline need to contain Tampa Bay’s transition game?
(Defense and gap control will be tested against a fast Lightning squad.)

Join Lincoln Juarez for the San Jose Sharks podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Brown leads Celtics to 120-106 win over Kings

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Photo credit: Sacramento Kings guard Demar Derozan, right, looks on while being guarded by Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)

By Vince Cestone

The Sacramento Kings couldn’t handle a 29-point game from Jaylen Brown as the Boston Celtics win 120-106 on Thursday night at Golden 1 Center.

Brown made 11 of 25 shots, with only one of them being a 3-pointer. But he made six free throws in the game. Brown did foul out in the fourth quarter, but the Celtics were able to close out the game easily.

On Sacramento’s side, DeMar DeRozan was the headliner with 25 points. Dennis Schroder had 18 points, and Keon Ellis had 16 points. But it wasn’t enough for the Kings as they fell to 8-26 on the year. The beam hasn’t lit up in Sacramento too often this season. The Kings have now lost nine of 11 games.

The game was tied at 90 with under 11 minutes remaining, but Boston’s Derrick White shot a 3-pointer to put his team up for good.

Sacramento was up 61-56 right before halftime, but Brown helped the Celtics go on a 6-0 run to take the lead.

The Kings came within four points with 6:30 left in the game, but they could not overcome the Celtics, who showed why they were the better team.

The Celtics are now 21-12 on the season.

Up next, the Kings will take on the Phoenix Suns on Friday in Arizona.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Rose Bowl Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza guides Indiana to a 38-3 rout over Alabama

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Indiana Hoosiers lineman Jackson Lloyd (78) and quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) share congratulations after a touchdown pass from Mendoza to wide receiver Elijah Sarratt in the second half at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Thu Jan 1, 2026 (AP News photo)

Rose Bowl Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza guides Indiana to a 38-3 rout over Alabama, the Hoosiers’ first bowl win since 1991, and they are now on their way to the CFP semifinal berth against Oregon

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza completed 14 of 16 passes for 192 yards(87.5%), for three touchdowns, as Indiana routed Alabama 38-3. The Hoosiers’ first bowl win since 1991, and they are now on their way to the CFP semifinal berth against Oregon.

Always a big deal to beat Alabama, arguably the most prestigious as well as dominant college football program ever. They consistently have multiple players selected in the NFL Draft each year, with some years yielding significant first-round picks, and many NFL stars who played for Alabama, such as Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Thursday, Hurts’ team, the Eagles, is a strong contender (among the top 6) to win the upcoming Super Bowl.

Fernando Mendoza is the first Heisman winner of Cuban heritage; all four of his grandparents were born and raised in Cuba before moving to the US. Mondoza was born in Miami, Florida, and grew up immersed in the most vibrant Cuban community in the US.

As a Latino quarterback, he’s seen as an inspiration, bringing pride to the Hispanic community, particularly Cubans. In the Miami area, Mendoza is highly engaged with the community, consistently speaking with young Latinos about family, hard work, sacrifice, and other values.

He is seen as an inspiration to the Hispanic community. Other famous quarterbacks of Hispanic heritage include the following. Jim Plunkett is the most successful, won the Heisman Trophy and led the Oakland Raiders to two Super Bowl victories.

He was the first Hispanic starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl and the Super Bowl MVP Award. Tom Flores, Joe Capp, Jeff García, Tony Romo, and Mark Sánchez also made it to the NFL and they all had Latino roots. Attention Raiders fans: Fernando Mendoza has not declared his favorite NFL team (at least publicly).

Raiders fans hope he is drafted by them, as betting odds strongly favor him as the #1 pick for the Raiders in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. I believe it would be a strong move for the Raiders to select young Fernando Mendoza.

Let’s face it, the Raiders need all the help they can get. The whole organization needs a total overhaul. And it would not be a bad start if they pick this talented young man. There is hardly any doubt that the majority of the Raiders fans live here in the Bay Area. No team that moves from the Bay Area to Las Vegas can have a larger following in Las Vegas than here in Oakland.

Quote: “Gentlemen, it is better to have died a small boy than to fumble this football.” – Attributed to John Heisman, the trophy’s namesake, often used to emphasize ball security.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

San Jose Sharks podcast Len Shapiro: Celebrini scores 22nd and 23rd goals stands at third in NHL goals

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San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) takes a shot on goal against the Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) in the second round of the shootout at SAP Center in San Jose on Wed Dec 31, 2025 (AP News photo)

San Jose Sharks podcast Len Shapiro:

#1 Len, the game started with the Minnesota Wild’s Vladimir Tarasenko scoring his eighth goal of the sesaon to put the Wild on top 1-0 at 10:38

#2 The Sharks got two goals to the Wild’s no goals in the second period. Igor Chernyshov scored for his third of the season for the Sharks at 1:14 to tie it 1-1 San Jose. The Sharks Jeff Skinner scored his fifth goal a power play goal to give San Jose the 2-1 lead at 16:47.

#3 In the third period the Sharks Macklin Celebrini scored his 22nd goal of the season as San Jose took a two goal lead 3-1 at 4:16. The Wild came back with two straight goals to tie it up with Marcus Foligno his first of the season at 6:40 and Mats Zuccarello scored his fourth goal of the season to tie up the game at 3-3 at 8:47 which forced overtime.

#4 In the overtime stanza neither team scored. In the second round of the shootout following the overtime. Celebrini scored the first shootout goal and Will Smith scored the clincher for the second shootout goal for the 4-3 Sharks win. Top three stars #3 Jeff Skinner, #2 Igor Chernyshov and the #1 star Celebrini

#5 Next up for the San Jose Sharks they face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning who were in their own overtime against the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday. Face off between the Bolts and Sharks on Sat Jan 3 is 1:00pm PT at SAP Center.

Len Shapiro is a San Jose Sharks reporter for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Carlsson’s buzzer beater gives Barracuda a 5-4 win over Reign on New Year’s Eve

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San Jose Barracuda defensemen Cole Clayton (#59) and Luca Cagnoni (#42) help take Ontario Reign forward Jared Wright (#78) to the ground after the whistle during the Barracuda’s 5-4 win at Toyota Arena on Wednesday DEC 31, 2025. (San Jose Barracuda)

by Marko Ukalovic

Lucas Carlsson ended up giving the San Jose Barracuda a Happy New Year.

Carlsson scored the game winning goal with one tenth of a second left on the clock as the Cuda defeated the Ontario Reign 5-4 on New Year’s Eve at Toyota Arena.

Cam Lund sent a cross-ice pass through the crease that hit off the stick off of Reign goalie Phoenix Copley and Carlsson cleaned up the rebound into the back of the net with just one tenth of a second remaining. The goal went to review, and it was deemed a good goal as San Jose escaped with two points in regulation after blowing a two-goal lead.

San Jose concluded the season series with Ontario with a 5-2-1 record including going 3-0-1 at Toyota Arena. They also have won three consecutive road games and three out of their last four overall.

Ontario (18-10-1-1-38 points) drew first blood with a power play goal just past the halfway mark of the first period. Glenn Gawdin sent a pass over to Cole Guttman to the right wing. Guttman looked out in front before unloading a wrist shot past Cuda goalie Gabriel Carriere for his sixth goal of the season at the 10:57 mark. Guttman played in his first game back from a two-game suspension when he had a hit to the head of Quentin Musty back on December 22nd.

San Jose (18-10-1-1-38 points) showed little to none forecheck during the opening frame as they only registered four shots against Reign goalie Phoenix Copley, who only had to make one tough save off of a Musty shot through traffic in front of his crease with under five minutes remaining.

The Barracuda evened the game with an even strength early in the second period. Colin White’s pass behind the net found Kasper Halttunen inside the trapezoid. Halttunen’s back hand pass was tucked home by Oliver Wahlstrom for his ninth goal of the season at the 2:47 mark.

San Jose gained its first lead of the game less than three minutes later. Musty led a two-on-one odd man rush inside Ontario’s zone. Musty sent a cross-ice pass over to an unmarked Ethan Cardwell who buried a one-timer to the short side for his fourth goal of the season at the 5:27 mark.

The Barracuda scored its third unanswered goal with a short-handed goal late in the middle frame. Filip Bystedt initiated a two-on-zero odd man rush inside the neutral zone. Bystedt skated all the way before depositing a wrist shot through the five-hole of Copley for his ninth goal of the season at the 12:41 mark.

Ontario responded just 32 second later moments after their power play opportunity just ended. Jack Hughes sent a backhand pass from behind the net to Kenny Connors at the left wing. Connors sneaked a wrist shot past Carriere to the short side for his seventh goal of the season.

San Jose regained its two-goal lead with 40 seconds left in the middle period with an even strength goal. Egor Afanasyev rifled in a one-timer from the left wing for his fifth goal of the season to cap off a four-goal second period.

Ontario erased San Jose’s two goal lead with two goals in the first 1:45 of the third period. Guttman scored his second goal of the game 1:20 in when he beat Carriere with a wrist shot to the glove side for his seventh goal of the season. Then 25 seconds later on the next shift, Tim Rego cleaned up a rebound into an open net for his first goal of the season.

Carriere (8-6-2-1) finished the game stopping 18 of the 22 shots to earn his eighth win of the season. Copley (7-7-0) made 26 saves on 31 shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 0-for-1 on the power play. Ontario went 1-for-4.

The Three Stars of the Game:

1) Carlsson (1G, 0A)

2) Guttman (2G, 1A)

3) Rego (1G, 0A)

UP NEXT: San Jose begin the new calendar year with a weekend series against the Bakersfield Condors on Friday January 2nd at 7:00pm at Dignity Health Arena.

Sharks End the Year on a 3-game Winning streak against the Minnesota Wild, 4-3

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Ryan Hartman (38) of the Wild collides with Sharks center Ty Dellandrea (10) during the first period Wednesday in San Jose. (Photo Credits to Godofredo A. Vásquez/The Associated Press)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN JOSE – The San Jose Sharks closed out the year on a high note, defeating the Minnesota Wild 4-3 in a shootout in a thrilling 1 p.m. contest at SAP Center, extending their winning streak to three games and completing a season series sweep of Minnesota.

San Jose entered the game on a two-game winning streak and extended it to three straight wins with the win. The Sharks’ record has also improved over the last ten games, from 6-4 to 7-3, giving them momentum heading into the new year. The victory finished a successful season series against the Wild, with San Jose winning 3-0, including a dramatic 3-2 overtime win in their most recent meeting on November 11, 2025.

Before the puck dropped, Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini made headlines for being chosen as the youngest member of Team Canada, which included NHL players. Celebrini continues to make NHL history, tying Sidney Crosby for the most points by a teenager before Christmas with 55. The sophomore superstar has been electrifying this season, ranking third in the NHL with 60 points (21 goals, 39 assists) in 39 games played as of December 29, while tying for second in the league with 39 assists.

Despite the pregame hype, Minnesota struck first. Vladimir Tarasenko scored for the Wild within 11 minutes of the game’s start. Minnesota dominated the first period, holding San Jose scoreless and carrying out its game plan perfectly. The Sharks went into the first intermission anxious, having to rearrange lineups and change formations after being outplayed in the first 20 minutes.

San Jose responded with energy in the second period. Igor Chernyshov scored the Sharks’ first goal of the afternoon just two minutes in, regaining momentum for the home team. The momentum continued when Jeff Skinner scored 14 minutes later to give San Jose their first lead of the game. After two quarters of play, the Sharks led 2-1 heading into the locker room.

The Sharks scored immediately to start the third quarter. Macklin Celebrini scored early, extending San Jose’s lead to 3-1 and exciting the SAP Center crowd. However, Minnesota refused to go away. Marcus Foligno and Mats Zuccarello reestablished Minnesota’s offense, tying the game at 3-3.

The final five minutes of regulation turned into a defensive battle, with both teams locked in and unwilling to surrender the decisive goal.

Overtime matched the intensity of the regular game, with both sides playing aggressive defense and contesting every shot. Neither team could find the back of the net in the additional five minutes, forcing the final game of the season into a shootout.

Collin Graf of San Jose started the shootout but missed. Minnesota’s Mats Zuccarello followed, but also came up empty. With the pressure growing, Celebrini stepped up and calmly sank his shot, giving the Sharks a 1-0 lead in the shootout. Minnesota failed to convert on its second try, securing the victory.

The Sharks skated off the ice with a 4–3 shootout victory, closing out the year in dramatic fashion and extending their winning streak as they head into the next stretch of the season. Macklin Celebrini is now at 23 goals so far in the season. The Sharks look forward to the new year as they face the Tampa Bay Lightning on January 3rd, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. back at SAP Center.

San Jose Sharks podcast Michael Villanueva: Celebrini scores his 22nd and shootout goal as Sharks put away Minnesota in SAP matinee

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San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) celebrates one of his two goals against the Minnesota Wild at SAP Center in San Jose on Wed Dec 31, 2025 (photo by @Kavinm95)

San Jose Sharks podcast Micahel Villanueva:

#1 Michael, the game started with the Minnesota Wild’s Vladimir Tarasenko scoring his eighth goal of the sesaon to put the Wild on top 1-0 at 10:38

#2 The Sharks got two goals to the Wild’s no goals in the second period. Igor Chernyshov scored for his third of the season for the Sharks at 1:14 to tie it 1-1 San Jose. The Sharks Jeff Skinner scored his fifth goal a power play goal to give San Jose the 2-1 lead at 16:47.

#3 In the third period the Sharks Macklin Celebrini scored his 22nd goal of the season as San Jose took a two goal lead 3-1 at 4:16. The Wild came back with two straight goals to tie it up with Marcus Foligno his first of the season at 6:40 and Mats Zuccarello scored his fourth goal of the season to tie up the game at 3-3 at 8:47 which forced overtime.

#4 In the overtime stanza neither team scored. In the second round of the shootout following the overtime. Macklin Celebrini scored the first shootout goal and Will Smith scored the clincher for the second shootout goal for the 4-3 Sharks win. Top three stars #3 Jeff Skinner, #2 Igor Chernyshov and the #1 star Celebrini

#5 Next up for the San Jose Sharks they face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning who were in their own overtime against the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday. Face off between the Bolts and Sharks on Sat Jan 3 is 1:00pm PT at SAP Center.

Michael Villanueva is a San Jose Sharks reporter for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Cardinal need to regroup on offensive strategy; Stanford faces Louisville Friday

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Stanford Cardinal Chisom Okpara was the only player on Stanford in double figures as the Cardinal strugggled to get any offense going against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Tue Dec 30, 2025 (Sports Illustrated file photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 Chisom Okpara finished with 13 points and was one of Stanford’s leading scorers Tueday night — what adjustments do you think the team needs to make offensively after a tough shooting night.

#2 Ebuka Okorie came into the game as one of the nation’s top scorers but was held to seven points — what credit do you give Notre Dame’s defense?

#3 Oskar Giltay led Stanford with 11 rebounds — can you talk about his presence on the boards and how he might build a better transition offense off those rebounds next time?

#4 The team struggled with shooting efficiency overall — what specific areas (shot selection, ball movement, or spacing) do you feel most need improvement before your next ACC game?

#5 After playing a tough defensive battle on the road, how does Stanford keep the team’s confidence up and reset for the next game, especially after a frustrating offensive performance like this?

Join Michael Roberson for the Stanford Cardinal podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast David Zizmor: 49ers got both sides of the football working against Chicago; 49ers gearing up for big one with Seahawks Saturday

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San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey (23) charges towards the end zone against the Chicago Bears at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on Tue Dec 30, 2025 (AP News photo)

San Francisco 49ers podcast David Zizmor:

#1 Dave, talk about the job that San Francisco 49ers (12-4) quarterback Brock Purdy did did under center on Sunday Night Football with five touchdowns, 303 yards passing.

#2 It was a game where the 49ers from start to almost finish controlled the tempo, had both the receivers and the run game working. Their plans to success was well executed.

#3 David talk about the Seattle Seahawks the 49ers next opponent. The Seahawks have won six in a row coming into Santa Clara this Saturday night with a record at 13-3. The Seahawks won their last game against the Carolina Panthers. It’s the Seahawks and 49ers kicking off at 5:00pm in Santa Clara.

David Zizmor does the San Francisco 49ers podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings Routed by Clippers 131-90, but Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud Remain Bright Spots

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Nique Clifford #5 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball during the game against the LA Clippers on December 30, 2025 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

INGLEWOOD — The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Tuesday night in Los Angeles. It was the Kings’ second of a two-game trip to Los Angeles, as they played the Lakers on Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena, where they fell 125-101. On Tuesday, the Kings got Keegan Murray and Drew Eubanks back from injury, which was a needed lift for a club that has had a rough go of the injury situation this season. However, it wasn’t enough, as they fell to the Clippers in another Los Angeles blowout, 131-90.

The Kings started the game off poorly. The Clippers were getting whatever they wanted, and the Kings’ shots weren’t falling as the offense stagnated. Sacramento was outscored 34-20 in the first quarter, as nothing was going right for them. On the other hand, Kawhi Leonard picked up right where he left off after his career-high 55-point performance in his last game against the Detroit Pistons. Leonard scored eight points in the first quarter, while James Harden paced the team with 12 first-quarter points.

The second quarter was even worse for the Kings.

The Clippers outscored the Kings 39-20 in the second quarter to go up by 33 points. The score going into halftime was 73-40, as the Clippers were well on their way to routing the Kings. Kawhi Leonard finished the first half with 26 points on 8-for-13 shooting from the field, while James Harden was right behind him with 16 points of his own. Russell Westbrook and Keegan Murray led the Kings in first-half scoring, as they each managed seven points.

In the third quarter, the Kings and Clippers traded baskets, which was not what the Kings needed at that point in the game, trailing by over 30 going into the quarter. The Kings outscored the Clippers 31-27 in the third to chip away ever so slightly at the Clippers’ massive lead. Going into the fourth quarter, the Kings trailed by 29 points, and Kawhi Leonard had a 30-point game going for Los Angeles.

In the fourth quarter, the game was all but decided, and the 12 minutes of action were merely a formality. Nothing noteworthy happened in the final quarter, as the Kings were outscored 31-19 to finish the game and lost by the final score of 131-90.

Nique Clifford was the leading scorer for the Kings, as he ended the night with 18 points. Maxime Raynaud had a solid offensive game and finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

“First and foremost, there’s a standard that we are going to play to, and that is just what it is, period,” Doug Christie said after the game. “So the fact that you come out and don’t is unacceptable. So we search for lineups, try to find lineups tonight that have energy.”

Well, Doug hasn’t been able to find any lineups with that sort of energy here in Los Angeles.

On the bright side, Max Raynaud and Nique Clifford continue to develop in a positive direction for the Kings. Raynaud had 12 points and 12 rebounds, and Clifford had a career-high 18 points in the loss.

“Those kids are trying,” Doug said of Max and Nique after the game. “They’re figuring it out, and that’s everything that we can ask for from them, and they continue to improve.”

Up next: The Kings will return home to take on the Boston Celtics on Thursday at 7 p.m. inside Golden 1 Center.