San Jose Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa Walsh: Sharks prepare for Avalanche in game 2 of series Wednesday night

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The San Jose Sharks Rudolf Balcers (92) skates ahead of Brent Burns (88) during Sun Feb 27, 2021 pre game skate at SAP Center. The Sharks host the Colorado Avalanche for game two of the series Wed Mar 3, 2021 in San Jose (photo from @SanJoseSharks)

On the San Jose Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa:

#1 Mary Lisa the four goal 6-2 win for the San Jose Sharks (8-9-2) against the Colorado Avalanche (11-7-1) on Monday night was certainly a well needed win after the Sharks took a tough loss on last Saturday night in a shoot out against the St Louis Blues 7-6.

#2 The Sharks over these last two games have scored 12 goals and win or lose they’re scoring and offensive production has been off the charts.

#3 Even the Sharks defencemen have taken advantage of finding the back of the net Radim Simek and Erik Karlsson both scored a goal a piece.

#4 Sharks Head Coach Bob Boughner coached probably one of his best games this season as the Sharks were down in the second period 2-0 who knew that they would answer back with six consecutive goals for the win.

#5 The Avalanche have won four of their last eight games previous to that they have had five consecutive games postponed. The Sharks have now won three of their last seven games with two postponements intertwined in the schedule how do you see game two coming up with the Avalanche Wednesday night?

Join Mary Lisa for the Sharks podcasts each Tuesday morning at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa Walsh Tue Mar 3, 2021 by Sports Radio Service | Free Listening on SoundCloud

Sharks Score 6 Unanswered goals in 6-2 Statement Win Over Avs

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The scores says it big after the Colorado Avalanche opened up the game with two goals the San Jose Sharks scored six unanswered goals at SAP Center in San Jose for the win on Mon Mar 1, 2021 (photo from @SanJoseSharks)

By Matthew Harrington

The sting from Saturday’s 7-6 shootout loss to the St. Louis Blues seemed like it was still fresh for the San Jose Sharks Monday at the SAP Center. Facing a test of their mettle against Stanley Cup contenders the Colorado Avalanche, the Sharks fell behind 2-0 and looked punchless against a faster, more skilled opponent.

Instead, San Jose (8-9-2) rallied for it’s most impressive win of the season, scoring six unanswered goals in the second and third periods combined to beat the Avs 6-2 Martin Jones made 33 saves against a potent Colorado offense, Timo Meier had his first career three-assist night and a pair of Sharks defensemen not named Brent Burns lit the lamp.

Six different Sharks scored and 11 players picked up a point for San Jose. Samuel Girard and Gabriel Landeskog scored for Colorado (11-7-1) in the defeat.

Girard opened the scoring late in the first, scoring on a wrist shot with 1:28 left in the period for a 1-0 lead, and Landeskog potted his fifth of the year on the power play 4:21 into the second to put Colorado firmly in control for what was shaping up to be a long night for the Sharks. It was a player that coach Bob Boughner called on the carpet specifically after morning skate, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, who helped start the rally.

Vlasic, who generally looked like he’d received his coach’s message with inspired play all around, activated in the offensive end. He found a seam in the slot for another defenseman known more for his defensive work than offensive panache, Radim Simek. Simek slipped a wrist shot through Philipp Grubauer’s five-hole to cut the lead two at 1 6:13 into the period. For the Sharks, it was the first goal scored by a defenseman other than Brent Burns this season. Rudolfs Balcers also assisted on the goal.

Kevin Labanc tied the game with 3:12 left in the period to stay hot and score the first of two goals for the top line Monday night. Evander Kane and Logan Couture assisted on the goal.

“They’ve got a little bit of everything,” said Boughner about his top line Monday. “(Kevin Labanc) has really worked hard on his two-way game. I think you can see he has a nose for the puck, he’s working hard. He’s never forechecked like he’s forechecking now. (Evander) Kane and (Logan Couture) have chemistry where they don’t throw pucks away. They’re both big, strong guys. It works.”

Balcers picked up his second point on the night, firing a shot that Grubauer saved but Nazem Kadri put into his own net while being pressured by Timo Meier 4:18 into the final period which ultimately became the game-winner.

After looking dangerous and motivated in his first game back from a groin injury Saturday, Erik Karlsson built on his last performance by lighting the lamp for the first time this year on the power play 7:53 into the third. He slipped a wrister under Grubauer, with Kane picking up his second point of the night with an assist with San Jose on the power play.

“It seems like he’s got a good reset,” said Boughner. “He’s doing those little things with the puck that we’re used to seeing him do. You’re seeing him exploding out of traffic. He has that separation speed back in his game. I just thought he’s been a real confident player.”

Meier sprung rookie John Leonard on the breakaway 2:18 later, with Leonard burying the puck past Grubauer for his third goal of the season. It was the third-straight goal Meier assisted on. Kane potted the empty net goal for his third point of the night and eighth goal of the year.

For the Sharks to sweep the series against Colorado, they’ll need a near-identical effort, but Monday proves that despite some early-season struggles the Sharks have the talent to hang with the top teams in the division when at their best. They’ll be challenged to replicate the results from Monday when they host Colorado again Wednesday night in San Jose to continue the long homestand.

Notes: Tomas Hertl missed his second game after going on the Covid-19 protocol list last Wednesday…Without Hertl the Sharks went 22-29 at the face-off dot…Alexander True made his season debut, playing 6:29 with two shots on goal and two penalties…Simek’s goal was his first in almost a year, last scoring March 3rd, 2020 against Toronto…It was Karlsson’s first goal since February 10th of last season…The Avalanche were without last season’s Calder Trophy winner Cale Makar, he missed Monday’s game with an upper body injury…Timo Meier has three games with three points or more this season…Kevin Labanc has six points over his last four games.

Cal Bears podcast with Morris: Cal can’t close out season with win against Ducks; Prepare for Pac 12 Tournament next

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Cal Bears struggled to get some offense going but struggled in both halves of their contest against Oregon Ducks on Sat Feb 27, 2021 at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley (Cal Athletics photo)

Morris on Cal Bears basketball podcast:

#1 Morris, final game of the regular season on Saturday night at Haas Pavilion a frustrating loss to end the season for the Cal Bears (8-19) against a very good Oregon Ducks (16-5) team 74-63. Like you said in your headline the Ducks did harass Cal all night long.

#2 Cal did play hard and were focused but the Ducks dominated both halves and from the beginning you get the sense Cal would have a long night trying to keep up with Oregon.

#3 Although Cal had four players in double figures those figures were low scoring from Ryan Betly (13), Matt Bradley (12), Andre Kelly (12), and Jarred Hyder (10).

#4 The Bears (8-19, 3-17) last place finish in the Pac-12 comes with an alarming distinction: among Power 5 conference schools (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, SEC) only Boston College will finish the season with a lower power rating. Boston College at ranked 261 while Cal ranked 246.

#5 Its off to the Pac 12 Tournament for Cal’s next game on March 10th at T-Mobile Center in Las Vegas and Cal gets one more chance to shine how does head coach Mark Fox prepare for this tournament?

Join Morris for Cal Bears coverage at the Pac 12 Tournament starting March 10th at T-Mobile Center in Las Vegas at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips Mon Mar 1, 2021 by Sports Radio Service | Free Listening on SoundCloud

Kings Lose Heartbreaker In Final Seconds 127-126

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The Sacramento Kings starting five left to right De’Aaron Fox (5), Buddy Hield (24), Harrison Barnes (40), Marvin Bagley III (35), and Richaun Holmes (22) couldn’t hold onto to beat the Charlotte Hornets on Sun Feb 28, 2021 at Golden One Center in Sacramento (photo from @SacramentoKings)

By Barbara Mason

Sunday night the Sacramento Kings took on the Charlotte Hornets. Friday night the Kings snuck past Detroit in their first win in a very long time breaking a nine game losing streak. They are hoping to make a win tonight a more favorable streak, one that appears in the win column.

They are still without Tyrese Haliburton on the bench. That was just one of the glaring weak spots in Friday’s game scoring only seven points the entire game. They will need more help off the bench in tonight’s game against the Hornets as well as getting their long shot back on track.

Defense, another sore spot on this team has to find a way to get some stops. They couldn’t do it, leading the entire game the Kings lost it in the last 1.4 seconds 127-126 at Golden One Center in Sacramento.

The King’s led at the end of the first quarter 39-36 keeping pace with the Hornets. By the half, Sacramento managed to hang onto their lead 67-66. Four of their starters had shot double digits after two quarters.

Buddy Hield had 20 points for the half. After 28 minutes the bench had scored a miserable two points. More help was desperately needed from their bench players. The Hornets had 26 points off the bench leaning heavily on their bench players. The Charlotte bench saw 48 minutes of action with Malik Monk scoring 12 points.

The Kings extended their lead as the third quarter came to an end 96-88. The King held onto their lead through the fourth quarter. In the final 1.4 seconds left in the game the Hornets pulled out some Charlotte magic.

The Kings were leading 126-124. Charlotte’s Malik Monk made a driving layup to tie the game. He drew a foul and made the shot to win the game for the Hornets. It was a heart breaker for the King’s who just could not finish the game.

Sacramento got some great work from their starters, especially Buddy Hield with 30 points and Harrison Barnes with 28. Marvin Bagley had 24, De’Aaron Fox with 20 and Richaun Holmes finished with 13 points. Nemanja Bjelica had 11 points off the bench.

The Kings will take on the Lakers on Wednesday in a game that will challenge them to the max. It will have to be all hands on deck for this game. Tipoff is at 7:00 PM.

Lakers crush Warriors 117-91; LeBron leads all scorers with 19

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The final score says it all as Golden State loses to the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The Lakers LeBron James top all the games scorer with 19 points on Sun Feb 28, 2021 (@ Warriors image) 

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Los Angeles Lakers pounded the Warriors 117-91 Sunday night at the Staples Center in LA. The Warriors led for the first 12 seconds of the game. Leading 4-3, the Lakers went on an 11-0 run to go ahead 15-3.

The Laker offense was clicking on all cylinders while their defense stopped the Warrior offense cold. LA continued to put points on the board while the Warrior offense floundered. The Lakers had their highest-scoring first quarter of the year with 41 points. The Warriors scored 21 to trail by 20 after the first 12 minutes. 

The Lakers continued to punish the Warriors in the second quarter. They finished the first half with a season-high 73 points. They increased their lead to 29 points, 73-44. The game was over for all intents and purposes, even with 24 minutes left to play.

To make matters worse, The Warriors start forward, Draymond Green, sprained his ankle and had to leave the game. He did not return, and it is not known how severe the injury is. 

The Warriors could not cut into the deficit in the third quarter. LA led by 30, 99-69 after three periods of play. Both teams pulled their starters, and the reserves finished the game. The Lakers won 117-91.

Game Notes and Stats: With the loss, the Warriors are now 19-16 for the year. The Lakers have the second-best record, 24-11, in the Western Conference.

The Warriors had three players in double figures. The Lakers held Stephen Curry to 16 points. Curry made two threes to break the Warrior team record for consecutive games with a three. He shared the record with Klay Thompson with 94.

Eric Paschall led the Warriors with 18 points. Most of his points came in the fourth quarter when the Laker bench players were on the floor. Kelly Oubre, Jr. had 14. Andrew Wiggins was held to three points. The Warriors shot 40.7% from the floor.

They made eight threes in 34 tries. They shot 19 free throws and made thirteen. The Lakers had 38 free throws and connected on 26. The Lakers outrebounded the Warriors 70-44. The Lakers stole the ball 14 times. They blocked six Warrior shots and forced 20 Warrior turnovers. 

LeBron James paced the Laker attacked with 19 points in 24 minutes of playing time. Five other Lakers were in double figures. Marjieff Morris had 13, Dennis Schroder 19, Anthony Caruso 13, Taken Horton-Cooper 11, and Kyle Kuzma had a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Former Warrior, Damion Jones, signed a ten-day contract with LA, scored eight points. He played well and had the Warriors’ front office wondering why they let him go.

The Warriors have to turn the page and forget Sunday night’s debacle and get ready to face the Portland Trail Blazers Wednesday night. The game starts at 7 pm.

Barracuda take down Reign 3-1, sweep series

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Congratulations all around after the San Jose Barracuda sweep the Ontario Reign in a two game series at Solar4America Ice in San Jose on Sun Feb 28, 2021 (photo from sjbarracuda.com)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE, Calif—The San Jose Barracuda were able to carry the momentum from their previous game against the Ontario Reign and dominated their SoCal rival in a 3-1 victory on Sunday evening at Solar4America Ice.

The ‘Cuda have won two games in a row for the first time this season as they swept the two-game series. Ontario has lost four in a row, including their last five on the road.

San Jose (3-2-1-0) scored the only goal in the first period, a period where they outshot Ontario 11-5.

Ryan Merkley sent a pass up to the point where Brinson Pasichnuk blasted a slap shot that Kuris Gabriel redirected past Reign goalie JF Berube for his second goal in as many nights at the 10:52 mark.

Pasichnuk now has three assists on the season. Merkley received the secondary assist for his second in his pro career.

Ontario (1-8-1-0) scored the equalizer early in the second period. Mikey Eyssimont led a two-on-one rush from the neutral zone. He sent a cross ice pass over to Samuel Fagemo who one-timed a wrist shot past ‘Cuda goalie Josef Korenar for his fourth goal of the season at the 5:10 mark.

The Barracuda took advantage of a delay of game penalty by Sean Durzi midway through the middle frame. Nick DeSimone found Joachim Blichfeld on the left wing and the winger made a cut back move into the middle and snapped home a wrist shot that fooled Berube and into the back of the net for his fifth goal of the season at the 11:37 mark.

Alexander True received the secondary assist on the power play goal for San Jose.

San Jose kept Berube busy in the second period as they outshot Ontario 20-9. Berube gave his team a fighting chance in the third period by keeping the deficit to just one goal.

The ‘Cuda controlled play in the third period as they out shot Ontario 17-6. Ontario wasn’t able to generated much of an offensive attack as San Jose had them on their heels for most of the period.

Blichfeld completed his two-goal game with an empty net goal he fired from the right blue line at the 18:27 mark to ice the game for San Jose. Blichfeld has taken over the as the team’s goal leader with his six goals on the season.

Korenar (2-0-0) stopped 19 of the 20 shots he faced in earning back to back wins. Berube (0-3-1) was the hard luck loser making 44 saves on 46 shots.

GAME NOTES: San Jose was 1-for-1 on the power play. Ontario was 0-for-2.

The Three Stars of the game were: 1) Blichfeld 2) Gabriel 3) Berube

UP NEXT: The Barracuda travel out to Bakersfield to take on the Condors on Wednesday 3/3 at 6:00pm.

 

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Satchel Paige at 59 with the Athletics

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Kansas City Athletics pitchers long time veteran Satchel Paige (left) and rookie Jim “Catfish” Hunter sits for a photo op in this 1965 photo (file photo from MLB Hispanic Heritage Hall of Fame Museum)

Satchel Page at 59 with the Athletics

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

If age is a state of mind or like some say “age is just a number”, Satchel Paige proved it when at 59 years of age started a game for the Kansas City Athletics in 1965, becoming the oldest player to see action in a Major League game.

History has it that on September 29, 1965 Paige started a game against the Boston Red Sox. He pitched three complete inning allowed just one hit to lead off hitter and center fielder Jim Gosger and was relieved by Diego Segui.

That 1965 Kansas City Athletics team had such popular players as Dagoberto “Campy” Campaneris and Dick Green who were two of the players that would make the transition from Kansas City to Oakland when the franchise moved to the Bay Area in 1968.

Satchel Paige dominated the Negro Leagues in the 1920’s and 1930’s way before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier with the LA Dodgers in 1947. His real name was Leroy Paige, who got his nickname Satchel, from carrying suitcases at the Union Railroad Station in Mobile, Alabama as a teenager, where he was born in 1906.

Leroy “Satchel “Paige was truly one of the great characters of the game, here are some of his famous quotes: “I never threw and illegal pitch. The trouble is, once in a while I toss one that ain’t never been seen by this generation”

“I don’t generally like running. I believe in training by rising gently up and down from the bench.” said Paige

“Just take the ball and throw it where you want to. Throw strikes. Home plate don’t move.”

“My pitching philosophy is simple – keep the ball way from the bat.”

“My feet ain’t got nothing to do with my nickname, but when folks get it in their heads that a Feller’s got big feet, soon the feet start looking big.” said Paige

“The only change is that baseball has turned Paige from a second class citizen to a second class immortal.”

“When a batter swings and I see his knees move, I can tell just what his weaknesses are then I just put the ball where I know he can’t hit it.”

“Money and women. They’re two of the strongest things in the world. The things you do for a woman you wouldn’t do for anything else. Same with money.”

“I’ve said it once and I’ll say it a hundred times, I’m forty-four years old.”

“Age is a case of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it don’t matter.”

“Avoid running at all times.”

“If your stomach disputes you, lie down and pacify it with cool thoughts.”

“Avoid fried foods, which angry up the blood.”

“Not to be cheered by praise, not to be grieved by blame, but to know thoroughly one’s own virtues or powers are the characteristics of an excellent man.”

Note: Cuban-born Diego Segui who came to relieve Paige during this historical game, was also the only Opening Day pitcher for two different teams in the same city. Segui was Opening Day pitcher in the history of the Seattle Pilots in 1969 (only year of their existence) and nine years later when baseball returned to Seattle in 1977 with the Seattle Mariners. Seguí a member the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame. He threw one of the most famous fork-balls.

Stay well and stay tuned.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the vice president of the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame Museum and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Daniel Dullum: A’s environmental impact report for new ballpark released; US gymnastics coach Geddert kills himself; plus more

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Artist’s rendering of the Oakland A’s proposed new ballpark at Howard Terminal Jack London Square in downtown Oakland (image from mlb.com)

On Headline Sports podcast with Daniel:

1 City of Oakland’s Draft EIR creates path forward for A’s privately funded project at Howard Terminal

2 Former US gymnastics coach John Geddert commits suicide hours before being charged with 24 crimes

3 North Dakota State, winners of eight of the last nine FCS (Division I-AA) national championships, has 39-game winning streak snapped by Southern Illinois

4 Long road to recovery ahead for Tiger Woods after car accident

5 NBA asks for uniform changes after Hawks and Thunder play in nearly identical alternative uniforms

Daniel does Headline Sports podcasts each Sunday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Barbara Mason: The long wait has ended A’s will have fans in stands for spring training games; Expect Posey to catch most Giant games

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Oakland A’s pitcher Daulton Jefferies tunes up at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa AZ on Sun Feb 28, 2021 for spring training. The A’s will allow fans into the park but with strict Covid-19 protocol rules in tow  (photo from @Athletics)

On Headline Sports with Barbara:

#1 Finally, Finally, the Oakland A’s long awaited seats in the stands at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa AZ will finally have some but not all fannies in the stands after the announcement that A’s spring training games will have a maximum limit of 2,000 fans per game.

#2 Fans attending contests at Hohokam will be sitting in pods that are two and four and that six feet apart that are zip tied between each seat.

#3 A’s manager Bob Melvin wanted to take a look at reliever Lou Trivino and had him throwing batting practice to see how his stuff was and felt his stuff is just about the same and wanted to get Trivino some confidence out there.

#4 San Francisco Giants News: Giants catcher Buster Posey who asked the question last season “what are we doing?” at the start of the Coronavirus pandemic last spring training but this season Posey has a pretty positive outlook on returning and is all in for the upcoming 162 season.

#5 With Posey taking a whole season off last year will he need all of this month to prepare for the regular season and how much preparation will he need. In his last full season 2019 Posey hit .257, 43 runs, 104 hits, and 38 RBIs.

Join Barbara for Headline Sports each Monday morning at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Barracuda come back from three-goal deficit to beat Reign 6-3

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Photo credit: @sjbarracuda

By Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE, Calif. — When you have been off for 13 days, a little rust is expected in your first game back.

The San Jose Barracuda gave up the game’s first three goals, but ended up scoring the final six in a 6-3 victory over the Ontario Reign on Saturday evening at Solar4America Ice.

San Jose had five consecutive games postponed due to a combination of inclement weather and COVID-19 protocols. This was their first game played since February 13th.

In the first period, the ‘Cuda had a tough time shaking off the rust as the Reign scored three goals in a three-minute span to take a commanding 3-0 lead.

First Aidan Dudas scored his second goal of the season at the 8:34 mark. Cameron Gaunce received the only assist on Dudas’ goal.

Quinton Byfield set up Mikey Eyssimont down low and Eyssimont slid the puck past ‘Cuda goalie Josef Korenar for his first goal of the season at the 10:28 mark.

Just over a minute later, Blaine Byron scored a power play goal for Ontario (1-7-1-0) when he tipped in a shot from Blyfield past Korenar for his third goal of the season at the 11:39 mark.

Ontario dominated the opening 20 minutes, outshooting San Jose 14-4.

San Jose (2-2-1-0) began its comeback near the halfway mark of the second period. Kurtis Gabriel centered a pass over to a wide-open Fredrik Handemark and buried home the puck into an open net for the first of his two goals of his AHL career at the 8:33 mark.

The ‘Cuda scored the next three goals in a two-minute span that had the Reign on their heels for the final five minutes of the middle frame.

Joel Kellman finished off a two-on-one odd man rush with a wrist shot that beat Reign goalie Matthew Villalta for an unassisted goal, his first of the season at the 15:32 mark.

After a clean faceoff win, Nick DeSimone fired a slap shot from the right point that Joachim Blichfeld was able to redirect past Villalta for his team leading fourth goal of the game at the 17:02 mark.

30 seconds later, Gabriel completed his “Gordie Howe hat trick” when he skated in from behind the Reign net and tucked home the puck inside the right post for his first goal of the season at the 17:32 mark.

Gabriel, who assisted on Handemark’s goal, also had a spirited fight with Ontario’s Jacob Doty back in the first period.

Reign head coach John Wroblewski pulled Villalta from the game and replaced him with J.F. Berube to start the third period.

San Jose capped off the scoring with two short-handed, empty-net goals at the end of the third period when Ontario pulled Berube for an extra attacker. Antti Suomela scored art the 18:03 mark and Handemark scored his second of the night at the 18:39 mark.

Kornear, who made his season debut, stopped 33 of the 36 shots he faced to earn his first win of the season. Villalta made 13 saves on 17 shots suffered the loss. Berube stopped all 13 shots he faced.

GAME NOTES: San Jose was 0-for-3 on the power play. Ontario was 1-for-6.

Suomela extended his point streak to four games (1G, 3A).

Kellman had his fifth multi-point game of his AHL career.

Gabriel and Jeffery Viel put a team-best nine shots on net.

Blichfeld also extended his point streak to four games (4G, 3A).

San Jose’s four-goal second was the most goals scored in a period this season.

UP NEXT: San Jose and Ontario square off again on Sunday 2/28 at 5:00 pm at Solar4America Ice.