NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Caps Ovechkin scores tying and winning goals; Kreider scores twice for Rangers in 5-1 win over Pens; plus more

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, left, gets congratulated by teammates right wing Tom Wilson (43), defenseman Martin Fehervary (42) and left wing Axel Jonsson-Fjallby (45) after scoring the game winner in the overtime shootout at Key Bank Arena in Buffalo on Fri Mar 25, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the NHL podcast with Matt:

#1 The Washington Capitals (36-20-10) Alex Ovechkin can do it all he scored his 41st goal of the season a real bullet no time for the Buffalo Sabers goalie Dustin Tokarski to get a glove on the top shelf goal and later Ovechkin scored the winning goal in the shootout against the Sabers (23-33-9) for the 4-3 win at Key Bank Arena in Buffalo on Friday night.

#2 The New York Rangers (41-19-5) Chris Kreider took it to the Pittsburgh Penguins (39-17-10) with two goals in a four goal win 5-1 for the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mika Zibanejad picked up his 500th career point and Andrew Copp scored his first goal with the Rangers.

#3 Another disappointing finish for the Montreal Canadiens (17-37-10) who were eliminated on Friday night when the Capitals defeated the Sabers. The Canadiens who sit in 16th and last place in the Eastern Conference will have to go home after the regular season and figure it out for next season.

#4 Patrik Laine made his Winnipeg (31-25-10) return in the Columbus Blue Jackets (32-29-4) uniform for the first time since being traded to the Jackets back on Jan 23, 2021. Laine had four shots on goal and three shots blocked by the Jets on Friday night. The Jets edged the Jackets in overtime 4-3.

#5 The Chicago Blackhawks (24-32-9) Jonathan Toews will play in his 1000th game against the Florida Panthers (43-14-6) next week Thursday and it did not come easy as Toews missed all of last season because of chronic immune response syndrome and this year had to deal with concussion issues missing 11 games. Is Toews facing the end of his career he says he’s not sure what he will do after this season.

Matt Harrington does the NHL podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Barracuda can’t hold onto lead with second period meltdown at SAP Center

The San Jose Barracuda Joachim Blichfeld (86) scored his 50th career AHL goal in the first period against the Colorado Eagles at SAP Center in San Jose on Sat Mar 26, 2022 (photo from wikipedia.com)

On San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko:

#1 Marko if you light the lamp the San Jose Barracuda lit it up in the first period with goals by Joachim Blichfeld, Evan Weinger, Adam Raska, and Antonine Morand only Jayson Megna the long goal for the Colorado Eagles. Blichfeld’s goal was his 50th AHL career goal.

#2 That first period was what many can recall as one of their best starts of a game in a long while at the first period intermission the Cuda had a 4-1 lead.

#3 The Eagles wasted no time beginning the second period scoring at 36 seconds by Callahan Burke, Mikhail Maltsev was the key goal scorer for the Eagles in the second period scoring at 2:51 to make it 4-3 later with the score Barracuda 5 and Eagles 4 Maltsev tied it up scoring a full strength goal at 9:39 making it 5-5. The Eagles closed the period off to regain the lead with a goal by Jacob McDonald at 19:50 on the power play to take the lead at the intermission 6-5.

#4 Like we talked about just before the third period that the goal scoring settled down between both teams taking shots on net talk about the defense from both the Eagles and Barracuda in the third period. The Eagles added an empty net goal by Kiefer Sherwood to finish up with a 7-5 win at SAP Center tonight.

#5 Tough finish for the Barracuda who opened the game up with that 4-1 lead and finish losing by two goals 7-5 and couldn’t get on the board to come back and tie this one up in the third period. It just seemed like they petered out after that four goal first period.

#6 Little eye opener towards the end of the contest when the Barracuda’s Montana Onyebuchi and the Eagles Stefan Matteau tangled for fighting penalties.

Join Marko for the Barracuda podcasts weekends at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Eagles overcome first period deficit in 7-5 comeback win over Barracuda

The Colorado Eagles made a second period comeback on the San Jose Barracuda at SAP Center in San Jose on Sat Mar 26, 2022 (photo from the San Jose Barracuda)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — It was a good old Wild Wild West shootout at the Shark Tank.

The Colorado Eagles overcame a three goal deficit with a five goal second period for a 7-5 comeback victory over the San Jose Barracuda on Saturday afternoon at SAP Center.

San Jose have lost three games in a row. Colorado snapped its two-game losing streak.

San Jose (20-32-2-2) drew first blood early in the first period. Jayden Halbgewachs set up Joachim Blichfeld on a two-on-zero odd man rush. Blichfeld beat Eagles goalie Justus Annunen with a wrist shot for his team leading 21st goal of the season at the 4:29 mark.

It was Blichfeld’s 50th career AHL goal.

The Barracuda doubled its lead just over two minutes later. Jasper Weatherby sprung Evan Weinger on a breakaway in the neutral zone. Weinger skated around one defender before depositing the puck between the five-hole of Annunen for his 11th goal of the season at the 6:54 mark.

San Jose scored its third unanswered of the period a faceoff win in the Eagles zone. A shot from the point pinballed in front of the crease that leaked behind Annunen. Adam Raska cleaned up the rebound for his fourth goal of the season at the 14:06 mark.

Colorado (31-19-4-3) answered back when Jayson Megna was left all alone in the crease to tap home a centering pass from Kifer Sheerwood for his eighth goal of the season at the17:40 mark.

Newly acquired Antoine Morand made it 4-1 when he scored his first goal in a Barracuda uniform. Off of a turnover, Raska found Morand between the faceoff circles and he wired a wrist shot off the post and into the back of the net for his fifth goal of the season at the 18:37 mark.

Morand was one of the players the San Jose Sharks traded for at the NHL trade deadline back on Monday. He came via the Tampa Bay Lightning for goalie Alexei Melnichuk.

Annunen was replaced by Hunter Miska to start the second period as he made six saves on just 10 ten shots.

Colorado cut the lead in half 36 seconds into the second period. Callahan Burke got ‘Cuda goalie Alex Stalock to go down before sliding the puck past him for a short-handed goal, his 11th of the season.

The Eagles special teams made it a one-goal game over two minute later on the power play. Jordan Gross’ shot from the point was redirected by Mikhail Malstev for his 14th goal of the season at the 2:51 mark.

Colorado scored the equalizer with its second short-handed goal in less than five minutes. Martin Kaut scored on a breakaway for an unassisted goal, his 13th of the season at the 4:15 mark.

San Jose responded on the same power play when Nick Cicek rifled home a wrist shot to the far corner top shelf 29 seconds later for his fifth goal of the season at the 4:54 mark.

The Eagles made it an even 5-5 when Malstev sent a shot off of Stalock that bounced up in the air and was accidentally knocked in by Kyle Topping who was attempting to clear the puck. It was Malstev’s second goal of the game and 15th of the season.

Colorado gained its first lead with their second power play goal of the period. Jacob MacDonald blasted a slap shot from the right faceoff circle that beat Stalock to the short side for his fourth goal of the season with 10 seconds left in a wilder middle frame.

The Eagles sealed the deal with 1:33 remaining in the third period when Sheerwood scored an empty net goal, his 28th on the season.

Miska stopped 14 of the 15 shots he faced in 40 minutes to earn the victory. Stalock made 25 saves on 31 shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 1-for-5 on the power play. Colorado was 2-for-4.

The Three Stars of the Game were: 1) Weatherby 2) Mastev 3) Raska

UP NEXT: San Jose continues its five-game homestand versus the Colorado Eagles on Monday 3/28 at 7:00pm at SAP Center.

Atlanta Prevails Over Golden State 121-110

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) has a conversation official Bennie Adams during the first half at State Farm Arena Fri Mar 25, 2022 (AP News photo)

Atlanta Prevails Over Golden State 121-110

By Barbara Mason

After the incredible win against the Eastern Conference leading Miami Heat (47-27), the Warriors (48-26) took on the Hawks (37-37) in Atlanta Friday night. The young’uns played the game of their lives on Wednesday and it sure would have been fun to see them again in tonight’s game but with Klay Thompson and Draymond Green back on the court the starting roster will look different.

Chances are that those guys were pretty tired after the Magic game playing more minutes than they are used to under normal circumstances. Jordan Poole and Jonathan Kuminga would join Thompson, Green and Wiggins to start this game.

There have been ups and downs in the month of March for the Warriors so what we would see tonight was uncertain. We were soon to find out.

The first quarter was the start that we hoped for from the Warriors. Golden State was leading after the first twelve minutes 42-36. Poole and Thompson had an amazing start in this game. 42 points in one quarter was a great start for the team.

The Warriors led by as much a 11 points in the second quarter but fell behind to trail 69-67 after two quarters. Thompson and Poole continued to lead the team but there were three missed threes in the late minutes of the half. The Warriors were having a great offensive game but they needed more defense having allowed the Hawks to shoot 60% in the first half. There was some work to do in the second half.

The Warriors offense had cooled significantly in the third quarter as the Hawks took a nine point lead 86-77 mid-way through the quarter. Trae Young was making life pretty miserable for Golden State, taking over the game. The Warriors offense needed to wake up since they had pretty much gone to sleep. The offense we saw in the first quarter was no where to be found. They trailed 101-83 after three.

When it looked as if the Warriors were doomed in this game they came storming back in the fourth quarter trailing by five points with 5:12 left in the game. There were some anxious moments in the game when if looked as if Jordan Poole had been pinned with his fifth foul.

After a review it was determined that he did not foul and the Warriors would still have Poole on the floor. The Warriors desperately needed some defense and just could not produce any. The Hawks came away with a 121-110 win.

Despite Golden State overcoming an 18 point deficit to pull within three points the Hawks had just enough left in the tank to beat Golden State.

The offense in the first quarter of this game was a good one and when this game finished Thompson had scored 37 points and Poole with 24. Gary Payton II had 14 points off the bench. The third quarter was the turning point for the Warriors. The Hawks outscored Golden State in that quarter 32-16 and that spelled another loss for the Warriors.

The Warriors will continue their road trip on Sunday taking on the Washington Wizards. Tipoff is schedule for 3:00 PM.

Oakland A’s podcast with Daniel Dullum: Kaprielian and Piscotty standing shoulder to shoulder trying to get over shoulder pain

Oakland A’s right fielder Stephen Piscotty (left) gets congratulations from Jed Lowrie (right) after belting a two run home run in the 11th inning on Sat Jul 10, 2022 at the Ball Park in Arlington against the Texas Rangers. Piscotty is rehabbing his sore throwing shoulder and hopes to get in the line up soon in Cactus League action in Mesa with the A’s (AP file photo)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Daniel:

#1 Oakland A’s right fielder Stephen Piscotty says he’s feeling good after receiving a low dose cortisone shot and was in Los Angeles at the Kerlan-Jobe Institute. Piscotty said before the shoulder would have pain for two days following hitting but is hoping after the cortisone he can swing and put the pain behind him.

#2 Piscotty has not played a pre season game yet and worked out on Wednesday at Hohokam Stadium taking on field defensive drills and took batting practice and after putting it to the test Piscotty could be ready to get in one of the Cactus League games.

#3 A’s pitcher James Kaprielian a right hander is having issues with his throwing shoulder. The A’s trainer Nick Paparesta says that Kaprielian has irritation in the AC joint of his should and is scheduled to throw from the mound on Saturday.

#4 A’s manager Mark Kotsay said that Kaprielian will not be in the rotation until after April 5th and at that time Kotsay said he will see live hitting and will throw in various bullpen sessions.

#5 The A’s who added catcher Stephen Vogt on Wednesday and who played for the A’s between 2013-2017 was brought back to bring a veteran presence in the clubhouse. Vogt is expected to be a back up catcher to first stringer Sean Murphy.

Join Daniel for the A’s podcasts Fridays throughout the 2022 season at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Close win ends Kings three game loss streak over Pacers; Sac in Orlando Saturday

Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield (24) passes the ball past Sacramento Kings guard Davion Mitchell (15) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Wed Mar 23, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah, the Sacramento Kings (26-48) got a last second tip in by Damian Jones that just got the Kings over the hump and defeated their hosts the Indiana Pacers (25-48) 110-109 on Wednesday night in Indiana.

#2 The Kings Trey Miles took a three point shot but with just 0.2 seconds left on the clock that missed and Jones jumped and tipped in the shot for the winner. Jones and the Kings have played much improved basketball of late.

#3 The Kings had lost three straight game previous to coming to Indiana and Kings head coach Alvin Gentry says the Kings have struggling on the road and winning Wednesday’s game against the Pacers was important.

#4 Gentry said he knows what Jones can do on being aggressive on the boards and Jones had a great block and got the winning tip.

#5 The Orlando Magic (20-54) have been playing .500 ball of late winning four of their last eight they lost their last game Wednesday to the Oklahoma City Thunder (21-52) 118-102 but one thing about the Magic lately you just don’t know which team is going to show up. The Magic and Kings go at it Saturday night in Orlando.

Jeremiah does the Kings podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Canucks cruise past Barracuda 4-1

The Abbottsford Canucks made work of the San Jose Barracuda with a three goal win at SAP Center in San Jose Thu Mar 24, 2022 (photo from the San Jose Barracuda)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — The Abbotsford Canucks had four different goal scorers in a balanced attack to defeat the San Jose Barracuda 4-1 on Thursday evening at Solar4America Ice at San Jose.

San Jose has lost three of their past four games and are nine points out of the seventh and final playoff spot in the Pacific Division. Abbotsford has won four games in a row and five of its past six games and have climbed up to third in the division with 65 points.

Abbotsford (30-19-4-1) scored two goals in a two-minute span in the first 10 minutes of the first period.

Jarid Lucosevicius set up Sheldon Rempal in front of the crease. Rempal’s wrist shot trickled past ‘Cuda goalie Alex Stalock for his 25th goal of the season at the 6:54 mark.

Then Sheldon Dries cleaned up the rebound from a Madison Bowey shot from the point for his team leading 32nd goal of the season at the 8:56 mark.

San Jose (20-31-2-2) outshot Abbotsford by a two-to-one margin 12-6 but headed into the first intermission scratching their heads down by two goals.

The Barracuda cut the lead in half early in the second period. Santeri Hatakka found Jayden Halbgewachs along the left wing as he skated in from the point. Halbgewachs beat Canuck’s goalie Spencer Martin with a wrist shot to the far side top shelf for his 16th goal of the season at the 7:22 mark.

Halbgewachs now has 34 points on the season, one shy of his career high with 13 games remaining.

Abbotsford scored an insurance goal on the power play near the halfway mark of the third period. John Stevans sent a centering pass to the back post where Yushiroh Hirano tapped home the puck past Stalock for his fifth goal of the season at the 9:26 mark.

Bowey sealed the deal for the Canucks with an empty net goal, his seventh of the season, at the 19:01 mark.

Martin finished the night stopping 32 of the 33 shots he faced to earn the victory. Stalock made 14 saves on 17 shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 0-for-5 on the power play. Abbotsford was 1-for-5.

The Three Stars of the Game were: 1) Martin 2) Dries 3) Rempal

UP NEXT: San Jose continues its five-game homestand hosting the Colorado Eagles on Saturday 3/26 at 1:15pm at SAP Center.

Headline Sports podcast with Tony Renteria: NYC to lift Covid 19 protocols will allow Irving back at Nets home games; Things get Heated after Miami drops game to Golden State

Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving goes one on three against Memphis Grizzlies guard De’Anthony Melton (0), forward Dillon Brooks (24), and center Steven Adams, right, on Wed Mar 23, 2022 in Memphis. Irving on Sun Mar 27, 2022 will be allowed to play in Brooklyn his first home game this season as New York is lifting it’s Covid 19 protocols. Irving is still not vaccinated and refuses to be. (AP News photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Tony R:

#1 Tony, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has lifted the Covid 19 protocols effective today (Thursday) and that will allow Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving to play this Sunday. Without Irving in the line up for 35 home games how much did the team miss his talents as the Nets are in eighth in the Eastern Conference and hold the last and final playoff spot.

#2 The Miami Heat lost their second straight game and their were words exchanged and fingers were pointed between Heat star Jimmy Butler and Udonis Haslem on the bench and head coach Eric Spoelstra threw his clipboard down in frustration. Heat players were trying to keep the peace as the Heat lost to the Golden State Warriors in Miami on Wed Mar 23rd 118-104. In the post game press conference players expressed it was just passion and getting some frustration out from losing games.

#3 UFC star Jorge Masvidal who was booked into custody for hitting UFC rival and former friend Colby Covington at the Papi Steak Restaurant in Miami. Masvidal said in a tweet “You talk that s—, you got to back it up. That’s how my city rolls, man.” Masvidal is being charged with aggravated battery with bodily harm and criminal mischief. Covington lost a tooth was punched in the mouth and left eye.

#4 Well lower the temperature with a discussion on the sport of baseball. The Oakland A’s signed Stephen Vogt who formerly caught for the A’s and was a fan favorite not to mention a media favorite for four years 2013 to 2017. After Vogt left the A’s he caught for the Milwaukee Brewers, San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks and Atlanta Braves. Tony what’s it going to be like having a guy like Vogt in the A’s clubhouse.

#5 Tony, the Miami Dolphins haven’t had a top ten offensive team in ten years but they have a shot at getting one now with a major deal getting the wide receiver Tyreek Hill from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange of five draft picks on Wednesday. Hill’s line from the 2021 season 111 receptions for 1239 yards, was tied for ninth in touchdowns with nine. How does this improve the Dolphins offense?

Join Tony R for Headline Sports each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: Expectations of Pederson, Crawford, and Webb; Will the Thrill to have #22 retired opening day

San Francisco Giants former first baseman Will Clark in banner that announces a Giants season ticket plan named after Clark the Thrill 22 Plan. This banner is displayed at Willie Mays Plaza in front of Oracle Park. Clark will have his #22 jersey retired on opening day Apr 8, 2022. (image from the San Francisco Giants)

On the San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael:

#1 Michael just wanted to go over some of the names in camp that might have an impact on the Giants line up we’ll start with Joc Pederson. Pederson split action between the Chicago Cubs where he hit .230 and with the Atlanta Braves .249. How do you see Pederson helping the club this season.

#2 Brandon Crawford always consistent with the glove and at the plate hit .298 last season with 24 homers and 90 RBIs and looking forward to open at shortstop.

#3 Logan Webb a great year in 2021 on the hill finishing 11-3 ERA 3.03 talk about some of the expectations of Webb for this coming season can he repeat again.

#4 How important is it that former San Francisco Giant first baseman Will Clark has lent his name and image to the Giants 2022 season ticket plan, also on opening day the Thrill will be retiring his jersey number. How important is it that for the Giants, for Will and more importantly for you as someone who covers the team and is a season ticket holder did you get to take advantage of the Thrill 22 plan?

#5 Miguel, are Will Clark’s numbers good enough to get him in the Hall of Fame and do you agree Will numbers better than some players who are already in the Hall? Career average .303, 284 home runs, and 1205 RBIs.

#6 Former writer and columnist Bruce Jenkins who retired from the Chronicle last season was a beat writer for the Oakland A’s and also covered the Giants as well. Here an example of someone whose longtime service should be recognized where do you see his chances of making a Cooperstown ballot and getting a shot at the Ford C Frick wing of the Hall?

Michael Duca does the Giants podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong: US Officials say Griner in good condition; Barty retires from tennis at 25; plus more

Brittney Griner the Phoenix Mercury star has been imprisoned in a Moscow jail since Feb 17, 2022 and was visited by US consular officials this week and reported to be in good condition (photo from the New York Post)

On Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong:

#1 Brittney Griner got to meet with US officials who reported that the Phoenix Mercury WNBA star is doing well in a Russian prison. The Russian Government said that Griner will remain in prison as a Russian judge has extended Griner’s imprisonment until May. Griner has been accused of trying to transport smuggle vape cartridges containing hashish oil. Russian officials previous to this week had denied US officials access to Griner.

#2 Ash Barty the No.1 women’s tennis star who announced her retirement at 25 this week. Barty who won the Australian Open grand slam singles final. This is the second time that Barty has walked away from tennis at 15 she was the Wimbledon junior champion and said she was overwhelmed by the pressure and travel required. This time she said “I don’t have the physical drive, the emotional want and everything it takes to challenge yourself at the very top of the level any more. I am spent.”

#3 Jessica, former Houston Astros star Carlos Correa said that he wants to help build a winning culture with his new team the Minnesota Twins after signing a $105 million contract for three years. The Twins have lost 18 straight post season games since 2014 and Correa is hoping to get that turned around.

#4 Changes are coming in MLB one them is rosters will expand from 26 to 28 players between Apr 7 to May 1st. There will also be a rule that will allow a runner at second base in extra innings a rule that was thought to go away from last season but could return, another rule is that pitchers can stay in the line up after they have been replaced. These changes could be in effect if owners ratify them the vote will be next week.

#5 Jessica, former Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Malone has agreed to reach a multi year deal with the Denver Nuggets for a multi year extension, Malone had next season 2022-23 remaining on his contract and the Nuggets look forward to working with Malone for many years to come. Malone is third winningest coach for career wins in Nuggets history.

Join Jessica for Headline Sports every other Wednesday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com