Author: Sports Radio Service

NHL podcast with Len Shapiro: Luukonen saves 35 in 4-0 Buffalo shutout over Ottawa; Lightning get some offense against Bruins in 4-1 win; plus more NHL news

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Ottawa Senators Brady Tkachuk (7) attempts to deflect a shot past Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukonen (1) in third period action at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa on Thu Jan 9, 2025 (Canadian Press via AP photo)

On the NHL podcast with Len Shapiro:

#1 Ukko-Pekka Luukonen stopped 35 shots as the Buffalo Sabres shutout the Ottawa Senators 4-0 at the Canadian Tire Centre on Thursday night. It was Luukonen’s second shutout of the season and his seven career. Luukonen has the hot hand he’s 5-1-1 in his last seven starts.

# 2 Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 11 of his 27 saves in third period action to help beat the Boston Bruins 4-1 at Amalie Arena. The Bolts Brandon Hagel had a goal and an assist and Ryan McDonagh and Nikita Kucherov each had two assists as the Lightning have now won two in a row.

#3 The New York Rangers Sam Carrick scored in the overtime stanza help defeat the New Jersey Devils 3-2 at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night. Jacob Markstrom robbed what could have been game winners in overtime for the Rangers Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad. But it was Carrick who scored on a two on one with Reilly Smith and putting the puck on net for winner.

#4 The Dallas Stars have gone undefeated in their last six games including the win on home ice Thursday 4-1 over the Philadelphia Flyers. The Stars Mavrik Bourque, Roope Hintz, Wyatt Johnston and Miro Heiskanen all scored in the three goal winner.

#5 The Pittsburgh Penguins Syd Crosby passed Joe Sakic for ninth place on the all time points list with 1643 points (604 goals and 1039 assists) Crosby moves two points ahead of Sakic who has 1641 points. The Penguins also defeated the Edmonton Oilers 5-3 at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.

Len Shapiro does the NHL podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cardinal Won ACC Home Opener over the Hokies 70-59; stopped losing streak on the Farm

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Virginia Tech Hokies guard Rodney Brown Jr (4) takes a shot against the Stanford Cardinal forward Maxime Raynaud (42) at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Wed Jan 8, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal X)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (10-5, 2-2 ACC) ended their 3-game losing streak, while winning their Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) home opener, 70-59, against the Virginia Tech Hokies (6-9, 1-3 ACC), on a Wednesday Evening inside Maples Pavilion.

The Cardinal overcame a 12-point deficit, and performed a 23-point turnaround during their 40-minute conference battle versus their new rival Hokies. VA Tech took the lead a little over three minutes into the game, after trailing by two twice.

Virginia Tech not only took the lead, they went on a 14-0 run, amassing their largest advantage of the contest, 12 points. They accomplished that margin midway through the first half. Stanford did chip away at the lead, and managed to get within single digits of the lead.

The Hokies managed to hold onto the lead going into recess, but felt the comeback momentum of the Cardinal. VA Tech led by five at the half, 30-25. They had one player reach double figures, while the home team had none, Senior forward Ben Burham led all players with 12 points, while Stanford’s leader was junior guard Qziyah Sellers with 9 points.

In the second half, the Cardinal made their move, with two 9-0 runs and finally taking the lead in just under five minutes into the final half. The second stanza had two ties and seven lead changes. After the 56-56 tie, Stanford put on the second 9-0 run and pretty much sealed the game.

Virginia Tech only managed to add three more points from that final tie, while the Cardinal put up 14 more tallies. Their defense was also a lot better during the second 20-minute block. VA Tech shot 50$ from 2 and 3 in the first half. Their percentages were 43% & 0% respectively in the second half. They also outrebounded their cross-country visitors 21:11 in the second stanza.

With all of those statistical advantages, VA Tech not only relinquished the lead, but essentially conceded the game. Stanford went on to win the conference contest by 11 points, 70-59.

Three Cardinal hoopers accomplished the 10+ points plateau. Senior forward Maxime Raynaud grabbed 14 rebounds and he and Sellers both led with game high 19 points. Senior guard Jaylen Blakes contributed 17 points and 6 assists to the cause.

As for the Hokies, Burnham finished with a team high 18 points, while his teammates Tobi Lowal chipped in 15 points and 5 rebounds and Mylyjael Poteat offered 12 points to his squad.

Stanford will next be in action Saturday, January 11, as they host the Virginia Cavaliers, at 1:00 PM PT on ESPNU. Virginia Tech heads across the Bay to Berkeley to take on Cal on the same date, at 3:00 PM PT on the ACC Network.

Golden Bears down Virginia 75-61 for first ACC win

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Cal Bears forward Joshua Ola-Joseph (1) throws down on the Virginia Cavaliers at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Wed Jan 8, 2025 (Cal Bears X photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

California came up with its first Atlantic Coast Conference men’s basketball victory of the season Wednesday at Haas Pavilion, as the Golden Bears defeated Virginia 75-61.

After the Bears’ win, Cal (8-7 overall, 1-3 ACC) and Virginia (*-7 overall, 1-3 ACC) are tied for 13th place in the conference race.

Andrej Stojakovic topped the scoring column for the Golden Bears, popping in a game-high 23 points on 6 of 11 field goals and 11 of 13 at the fee throw line. It was the eighth 20-point game for Stojakovic, who transferred to Cal from Stanford.

DJ Campbell was next for Cal with 11 points, followed by Joshua Ola-Joseph and Jeremiah Wilkinson with 10 points each off the bench.

Mady Sissoko scored nine points while leading Cal with 11 rebounds, as the Golden Bears had a 40-33 edge on the boards.

Andrew Rohde led the Cavaliers with14 points and six assists, followed by Jacob Cofie with 12 points and Elijah Saunders with 11 points and 10 rebounds for his first career double-double.

The Golden Bears shot 43.1 from the field (22 of 51, 4 of 13 3-pointers) and 27 of 33 at the free throw line. Virginia was held to 32.8 percent shooting 19of 58 field goals, 7 of 23 3-point) and 16 of 18 free throws.

The announced crowd of 3,696 watched the Golden Bears snap a three-game losing streak.

On Saturday, the Golden Bears host Virginia Tech. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.

Panthers Pounce On Utah HC In 4-1 Home Loss 

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The Florida Panthers defenseman Nate Schmidt (88) takes the puck against the Utah Hockey Club’s center Nick Bjugstad (17) at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wed Jan 8, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Tom Walker

SALT LAKE CITY–Meet the new year, same as the old year. Utah’s home struggles continue in 2025 opener at Delta Center in a 4-1 loss to the Florida Panthers.

The Utah Hockey Club returned to Salt Lake City on Wednesday night to kick off a season-high 7-game homestand against the visiting Florida Panthers. Utah went 1-2-1 on their recent road trip and hoped their home rink would be friendlier in 2025 than it was in 2024 when they won just 5 of 16 in the first three months of their inaugural season at Delta Center.

The two teams’ defenses held the line in the opening frame, with Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky turning away all five shots he faced, and Utah’s Karel Vejmelka turning away all six from the Panthers.

Just sixteen seconds into the second period, Utah forward Barrett Hayton went to the penalty box for high-sticking against Niko Mikkola, and Florida center Sam Reinhart cashed it in on the power play with his 23rd goal of the season, assisted by Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov.

Less than two minutes into the third period, Jesper Boqvist put the Panthers up 2-0 with his 8th goal of the season, assisted by Carter Verhaeghe and Anton Lundell. At 12:56 of the third, Florida forward Sam Bennett went to the sin bin for slashing against Kevin Stenlund which opened the door for Logan Cooley to bring Utah back to within one on the power play with his 11th goal of the season, assisted by Clayton Keller and Mikhail Sergachev.

With Karel Vejmelka pulled from goal for an extra attacker in the waning minutes, the Panthers pounced twice with empty net strikes from Jesper Boqvist and Eetu Luostarinen to put the game away for good with a final score of 4-1.

After the game, Utah Hockey Club head coach André Tourigny weighed in with his assessment. “We can be better in certain areas offensively. But defensively, I think we were solid. (Florida is) a good team; Stanley Cup Champion. I think defensively, we did a lot of good things. I liked the effort of the guys, I liked the passion, all of it. Offensively, we need to be more connected…I feel that we were pretty good defensively. I think offensively, we did not have the same speed, the same rhythm, the same puck movement coming from our breakouts to the offensive zone. Give (Florida) credit; they check hard. They’re No. 1 in a lot of areas defensively and they didn’t give us time and space. That said…I like our team. Even if we didn’t have time and space, we went at the net, put pucks on the net, we got rebounds, we got chances. We created chances–not by pretty play all the time, but by playing the right way and grinding. When you play against those kinds of teams–Dallas and (Florida) and other teams–you need to generate those. Because if not, the pretty play never comes. I think we scored a good goal on the power play. But we had a lot of grind to lead to that. There’s a lot of positives, obviously one goal short.”

Next up for Utah are the Sharks at 7:00pm MST on Friday, followed by the Islanders, Canadiens, Rangers, Blues, and Jets over a 13-day stretch.

Valley Suns put a damper on Kings five game win streak 111-102

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Terry Taylor forward (32) for the Stockton Kings takes a jump shot against the Valley Suns at Adventist Health Arena in Stockton on Wed Jan 9, 2025 (Stockton Kings X photo)

By William Espy

STOCKTON–The Stockton Kings returned home as they hosted the Valley Suns on Wednesday night. The Kings entered the night at the top of the Western Conference, as they were 5-0 so far in the regular season. The Suns, meanwhile, were fifth in the conference with a 2-2 record. The Suns ended the Kings five game winning streak with a 111-102 win.

Almost all of the Suns offense early on was from TyTy Washington, who had nine points by the end of the first frame.

The Kings pulled out to an early lead, with all of their starters chipping in offensively. They maintained that lead through the end of the quarter, keeping it 28-23 through 12 minutes.

The Suns would make it a much closer game in the second quarter though, bringing it within a single point multiple times through the quarter. The Kings would then pull back ahead with some momentum of their own, but never got the separation they were undoubtedly hoping for. That is, until they finished the half with an 8-0 run, making it 55-46 heading into the break. While it was a decent gap, it was far from a comfortable lead for the home team.

Jalen Bridges was struggling heavily for the Suns, going 0-5 from the field from the first half, while Moses Wood was the only other starter who had yet to make a shot, going 0-2.

The Kings’ lead was almost entirely erased at the start of the third quarter, as a 5-0 run by the Suns made it a four-point game once again. After some back and forth, the Kings would be forced to take a timeout after the Suns made it 57-55. Stockton’s lead was quickly evaporating, and they needed to improve on both ends of the court to get momentum back on their side. Washington would get fouled on the Suns’ next possession, and they would tie it for the first time since the first quarter, then take the lead.

The Kings would retake the lead with less than a minute remaining in the third, but the Suns would hit their last shot of the quarter, making it 76-75 in their favor. For the first time of the night, Stockton would start a quarter with a deficit to overcome.

It wouldn’t take long for that to change though, as the Kings retook the lead 15 seconds into the fourth. That would be short-lived though, as the Suns would regain the lead and walked away with their third win of the season, ending Stockton’s winning streak, with a final score of 111-102. Washington finished 31 points for the Suns, shooting 13-21 from the field. Terry Taylor was Stockton’s top offensive performer, scoring 23 points in the loss

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Stanford gets convincing win against Virginia Tech; Cardinal tips off against Virginia Saturday

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Stanford Cardinal guard Jaylen Blakes(21) had 17 points scored against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Wed Jan 8, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Michael, the Stanford Cardinal (10-5) played a solid game Wednesday night against the Virginia Tech Hokies (6-9). Stanford started out behind the Hokies in the first half 30-25 but caught on later with a 45-29 second half.

#2 The Cardinal forward Maxime Raynaud and guard Oziyah Sellers both wound up with 19 points and when you get a tandem like that your going to win some ball games.

#3 Michael, in that first half was it a matter of Stanford just getting out of the gate a little slow on offense.

#4 Jaylen Blakes provided some offense as well finishing with 17 points he was a key distributor for Stanford getting some good looks.

#5 Stanford hosts the Virginia Cavaliers who just got done playing the Cal Bears on Wednesday night. Virginia is 12th in the Atlantic Coast. The Hokies are just above .500. This game is at Maples Pavilion this Sat Jan 11 and Stanford is coming off that win against Virginia Tech how do you see this match up?

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

Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong: Jets hoping Rogers will return for 25; Titans are hoping to get QB in NFL draft; plus more news

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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rogers (8) will be looking for a new contract with the Jets or a new team somewhere in the NFL for the 2025 season (AP News photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong:

#1 The New York Jets Aaron Rogers still has it he threw four touchdown passes against the Miami Dolphins in a 32-20 on Sunday. Some had doubted Rogers ability to return but he turned it up a notch against a playoff bound team.

#2 After losing six straight games the Tennessee Titans have clinched for a shot at the No.1 NFL draft pick a quarterback. The Titans benched their starter Will Levis and can choose either one of the top college quarterbacks Colorado Buffaloes Shedeur Sanders or Miami’s Cam Ward that they can acquire in a draft or a trade.

#3 The New York Giants win last week over the Indianapolis Colts 45-33 on Sun Dec 29th cost the Giants a shot at the No.1 draft pick. With the win the Giants moved into third place at a shot for the top pick. The Giants could try and trade for Rogers if Rogers wants to stay in the number media market and play for the Giants who struggled all season.

#4 The Las Vegas Raiders after losing ten straight games and won two straight lost their chance at the No.1 draft pick slipping to six place in the top sweepstakes lottery. The Raiders are looking for a quarterback Minority owner and Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady who has a great relationship with Rogers might try and entice Rogers to consider coming to Vegas and continue his career there.

#5 The Indianapolis Colts who drafted quarterback Anthony Richardson as their overall fourth pick in 2023 has not been the kind of quarterback that they expected. The Colts have not been in the post season since 2020. They also fell short in 2021 when they went 9-8 with quarterback Carson Wentz and were no better in 2022 going 4-12-1 with quarterback Matt Ryan . The Colts are hoping that Rogers will consider coming to Indianapolis and help Richardson with some tips to help improve for the 2025 season.

Jessica Kwong does Headline Sports every other Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears WBB podcast with Morris Phillips: Cal and NC State clash Thursday night at Haas Pavilion

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Cal Bears head coach Charmin Smith goes over instructions with the players during a time out (photo by Cal Bears Athletics program)

On the Cal Bears WBB podcast with Morris Phillips:

#1 The Cal Bears (14-2, 2-1 ACC) will tip off against No.21 NC State (12-3) on Thursday night at 7pm here at Haas Pavilion. It is the first top 25 match up played here in Berkeley since the 2017-18. This is the first ever meeting between Cal and NC State.

#2 If Cal were to win on Thursday that would give them two top 25 wins at home for the first time since 2018-19 when they beat No.8 Stanford and No.17 Arizona State.

#3 Morris, what could have been the Bears could have been 10-0 but lost a couple game between win number nine and the two loses but just the same they’ve been a tough customer.

#4 Marta Suarez is having a season she has a leading 19 points hitting eight of 12 shots with six rebounds and was three for three from downtown. What do you look from Marta going into Thursday’s game?

#5 Morris, one important note the NC State Wolfpack are no pushovers they bring a seven game win streak into Haas Pavilion on Thursday night and defeated the Boston College Eagles (10-8) in their last game by a clear decision 91-52 at NC State last Sun Jan 5th.

Morris Phillips does the Cal Bears podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: 49ers motivated to sign Purdy as soon as possible; Shanahan makes coaching moves

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) walks off the field after losing to the Detroit Lions Sun Jan 5, 2025 at Levi Stadium (AP News photo)

On the San Francisco 49ers podcast with David:

#1 The 49ers made it no secret they are anxious to sign quarterback Brock Purdy. Purdy’s base salary for 2024 was $985,000. Purdy could get signed for a nine year $50 million deal. Purdy said this is the first time he’s been through the negotiation process but considering it’s his first time those are some good numbers he’s working with.

#2 The 49ers have made some coaching moves today, Clay Kubiak was elevated to defensive coordinator, Nick Sorenson is out from being defensive coordinator has not been fired by the 49ers but will work as an assistant in another position, Brian Schneider was fired as special teams coordinator.

#3 The 49ers released defensive tackle Javon Hargrave talk about Hargrave’s release and was it expected.

David Zizmor is the 49ers analyst for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

SJSU MBB extend losing streak, falling 85-78 to Utah State

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Robert Vaihola touching the net during their game on Tuesday January 7th at Provident Credit Union Center against Utah State (Via SanJoseStateMBB)

By Madison Montez

SAN JOSE–Coming into today’s game, San Jose State was fighting against a losing streak losing their last two, most recently on the road against UNLV, a 79-73 loss at Provident Credit Union Center.

After the 1st half, the Spartans went into the locker room trailing the Aggies 45-36. In the first half, it was all Utah State with a 46.2% 1st FG going 12-26 while San Jose State went 13-34 with a 38.2%. “Ultimately I think our first half defense let us down, it was too easy for Utah State” said HC Tim Miles.

When asked about if there was a message given to the team between halves, Miles put it simply. “It’s not repeatable”, then after chuckling he responded, “I just think we had to commit to playing harder, just effort level, and intensity, and defensive edge. I just think we didn’t have that and I let them have it at halftime”

Coming out of the gates strong, Yap Jr started the second half with a steal, drew a charge, and shot a three. That really fueled the bench and set the tone for how the rest of the game was going to go after going into the locker room down. “That was a big momentum boost for us as a group so you know, we could have that type of energy in the second half every game” said Teammate Josh Uduje.

San Jose State was able to stay in the game because of a career-high night by Donovan Yap Jr. He registered 22 total points, four assists, one steal, and went 6-10 on three pointers, his best offensive game of the season. “Coach was really preaching for us to come out playing harder defensively and I just wanted to set the tone for my team, make sure I was doing what it took to try to come out and win the game.”

Their record now falls to 7-10 but although their record isn’t the best, it doesn’t define the type of team that they are. “I feel like we’re better than the record displays, we’ve had some up and downs throughout the season but I do feel like we should have won some of those games for sure” said Yap Jr.

The Spartans will be back in action on Saturday January 11th traveling to Colorado to take on the Air Force.