Hockey Fought Cancer, Sharks Did Not Show any Fight, lose to Wild 5-2 at SAP

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The Sharks once again for Thursday night action at SAP Center hosting the second-best team in the Central

Mac. Celebrini cellies his first goal in his return from injury at SAP Center in San Jose, CA on Nov 7, 2024 (Photo by San Jose Sharks)

By Fernando Abarca – San Jose Sharks Beat Writer.

SAN JOSE–Another night of action for the Sharks as the celebrations in commemoration of the fight against cancer begin league-wide. The Teal celebrates this fight Thursday night while hosting one of the best teams in the Western Conference.

San Jose pulled a good battle on Tuesday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets with a win in OT adding another win to the standings but couldn’t take out the Minnesota Wild lacking in offense the Sharks took a three goal loss 5-2 on Thursday night at SAP Center.

The Sharks have seen some improvement in getting wins. However, the Teal has struggled to manage to hold leads and keep the score in their favor.

The good news besides the victory was the return of our own Macklin Celebrini, who was injured during the first week of the regular season with a lower-body injury. Mac was clear and healthy to return to the ice.

Also, a wholesome moment happened on the ice before the start of the first period. Ezra, a local kid, witnessed his first hockey game ever and had the chance to be featured during the face-off. Erza just completed a nine-session chemo for the Medulloblastoma brain tumor. As hockey writers, we are glad Erza won the battle.

The first period started with the Wild scoring just two minutes after the start of the period Zach Bogosian, assisted by D. Chisholm and M. Foligno with a wrist shot, netted the first one for the visitors.

In the second period, that was the period where competitive hockey started to take place when Macklin Celebrini scored the first for the Sharks, making a statement of his return to the ice, The Barn certainly missed him. Assisted by Mikael Granlund and Henry Thrun.

The tie did not last that long as the Wild came harder on the Sharks.

Two goals were scored in the second period for the Wild. One slap-shot by Matts Zuccarello plus a snap-shot by Matt Boldy on a Power-Play goal. These two goals turned off the vibes at the tank for the rest of the period.

However, it could have gone a 4-1 score in the second due to a coach’s decision for a goal overturned as Ryan Hartman preceded the puck on an off-side position in an offensive zone.

The action continued in the third period with Minnesota scoring a definite fourth goal, and this time not being overturned with Jonas Brodin putting the four on the scoreboard of the SAP Center assisted by Frederick Gaudreau and Kirill Kaprizov.

Close to the end of the game, Celebrini delighted the 10,526 in attendance with another goal, making two goals for the Sharks with the help of Grandlund. The goal created a little hope, but not enough to keep fighting.

As the period nears its end, bad decisions are once again affecting the Sharks. Minnesota’s Matt Boldy took the lead, making his second of the night, and buried any hopes of a win for San Jose with an empty net goal. Sadly, The ideas could not be properly implemented.

This time, Celebrini did not get help from his teammates, but what he had been building could look special.

The Sharks will get some rest and are back in action this Saturday evening at Prudential Center in New Jersey for a 4:30pm PST faceoff.

Sharks are back home on Mon Nov 18 when the Teal face the Red Wings.

Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips: Cal needs to tighten up on turnovers; Bears rank 16th in six turnover categories

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Cal Bears wide receiver Mikey Matthews (8) and wide receiver Nyziah Hunter (13) celebrate at Cal Memorial Stadium in Berkeley against the Oregon State Beavers on Sat Oct 26, 2024 (Cal Bears X photo)

On Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips:

#1 After Cal Bears (4-4) had lost four straight and crushed the Oregon State Beavers (4-4) last Saturday there is little doubt that Cal head coach Justin Wilcox had this team prepared and turned around and it was a weight off their back to get back in the win column.

#2 Cal has outscored opponents 212-138 in it’s four wins that averages out to 20.75. In contrast in their four loses Cal have averaged to 2.25 points.

#3 Not a good category for Cal they are number 16 in six statistical categories in turnovers, Cal is second in turnover margin (+1.63 per game), tied for third in interceptions (14), tied for fourth in fewest passes intercepted (3), tied for fifth in turnovers lost (5), tied for sixth in turnovers gained (18) and tied for 16th in fumbles lost (2).

#4 Morris, Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza is coming off throwing 27-36, for 364 yards, and two touchdowns against Oregon State last week. Will this be something that could carry over for Mendoza in terms confidence and piling up the throwing yards against Wake Forest for Friday night?

#5 There have been surprising results in the ACC and how do you see the Championship chase nationally.

Join Morris Phillips for the Cal football podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings sink Raptors 122-107; DeRozan leads Sac with 27 points

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Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) defends as the Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett (9) reaches for a rebound in the first half at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Nov 6, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Wednesday night, playing their first game since returning from a four-game road trip. Their trip included stops in Utah, Atlanta, Toronto, and Miami, where they went 3-1, improving their season record to 4-3.

The Kings returned home on Wednesday to face the Toronto Raptors at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, with tip-off set for 7 PM PST. The Kings defeated the Raptors 122-107 Wednesday night.

In the first quarter, the Raptors jumped out to an early lead, scoring 33 points, led by Chris Boucher and RJ Barrett, who combined for 22 points. These two quickly made themselves known as “Kings killers” in Sacramento.

The Kings’ offense managed 30 points in the first quarter, led by Keegan Murray with 12 points. The Kings seemed to start slow in both games they had played against the Raptors to open the 2024 season.

In the second quarter, the Kings’ defense picked up the pace, holding the Raptors to only 21 points. Meanwhile, the Kings scored 27 points to take a 57-54 lead into halftime. Solid adjustments made in the second quarter raised the question of whether they could continue to limit the Raptors’ offense in the second half. Keegan Murray led the Kings in first-half scoring with 14 points, while RJ Barrett led the Raptors with 14 points.

In the third quarter, the Kings’ defense faltered again, struggling to find rhythm in defensive shifts, allowing the Raptors to retake the lead. The Kings scored a respectable 32 points, but the Raptors scored 39, leading 93-89 going into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings took control. DeMar DeRozan and the Kings’ offense dominated, outscoring the Raptors 33-24 to secure a 122-107 victory and improve to 5-3 on the season. DeRozan led the Kings with 27 points, while RJ Barrett led the Raptors with 23 points in defeat.

Kings head coach Mike Brown had high praise for Keegan Murray, who finished with 22 points and 12 rebounds in the game. “His transformation is all about him and his work ethic. His will and determination to become the best possible player he can be… Look out for Keegan Murray,” Coach Brown said of Murray after the win.

The Kings will aim to keep up the momentum on Friday as they take on the LA Clippers at Golden 1 Center, with tip-off set for 7 PM PST.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Mayor of Oakland also leaving “a recall”

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Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao will be recalled by the voters of Oakland. Thao has served two years as Oakland Mayor. Voters have complained of high crime, homelessness is out of control, and her losing the Oakland A’s. Here she is addressing A’s fans at a City Hall meeting in her attempt to get a ballpark built at Howard Terminal at the time. Thao lost the A’s after raising the lease at the Oakland Coliseum when they wanted to play there until 2028 before moving to Las Vegas. The A’s turned down her offer and are playing in Sacramento in 2025.

Mayor of Oakland also leaving “a recall”

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao inherited a good situation when Mayor Libby Schaff left her term, and Thao started hers in 2023. At the time, the Oakland A’s were in a good position with the possibility of the A’s ownership building the new $1.5 billion ballpark in Oakland.

Back then, even Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred spoke positively about Mayor Schaff. Thao did not handle the negotiations with the A’s very well, and things deteriorated quickly. The citizens of the City of Oakland started a campaign to recall the mayor.

Early in June of this year, a big unexpected problem occurred when FBI agents conducted an early-morning raid on the home of Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, looking for documents with a warrant under a corruption investigation.

This was news from coast to coast carried by most networks, and it was not a good look for Oakland’s leadership. It was a ‘punch in the gut’ for the reputation of Oakland. Even comedians were making fun of Oakland.

On November 5, election day, the recall measure was voted with 65% in favor. Mayor Thao will be leaving Oakland, just like the Athletics, not for Sacramento, but she is losing her job as the top executive in the city.

Sheng Thao is not leaving just because of the A’s departure but because of the high percentage of crime in her town that she could not correct. Many businesses have been vandalized multiple times, and some of them, like the famous burger chain “In N Out,” closed their restaurant on Hegenberger Road.

It was the first time the popular fast-food chain closed one of its franchises anyplace in the country because of crime. That is what “In N Out” corporate office released to the media after they took action.

Budget problems are under her leadership and missing a grant deadline did not help, and the high crime and negative press across the country were too much for her to survive (“In-N-Out currently has locations throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon, Colorado and Idaho)

According to the latest reports, as of Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Thao was trailing in the recall, 65% to 35%, and there is a likely outcome for her removal. It would be the first time this happened in Oakland in 100 years.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Taylor said Wolfpack’s Bailey had time to run on the pass rush

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Stanford Cardinal Tobin Phillips (40) attempts to pass rush NC State Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey in the first half in Raleigh NC on Sat Nov 2, 2024 (AP News photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Michael in Stanford head coach Troy Taylor’s presser this week coach explained what happened as the NC State Wolfpack had a good first half as the Wolfpack scored two touchdowns in the first quarter and 17 points in the second quarter.

#2 Coach Taylor said that Wolfpack kept rolling until the fourth quarter when Stanford got an interception.

#3 Coach Taylor said that NC State quarterback CJ Bailey had time to throw the ball and that Bailey is “talented and a heck of a player” Bailey wound up throwing three touchdowns last Saturday.

#4 Coach said that if you don’t pressure the quarterback the Wolfpack didn’t make any mistakes. ” (Bailey) had a lot of time to throw and he did a great job when we had him covered down he would run for yards”

#5 The Cardinal (2-7) return home to host the Louisville Cardinals (6-3). Louisville beat the Clemson Tigers in their last game 33-21 at Clemson last Saturday. Louisville has won three of their last four games. What’s your take as it’s the Cardinals vs. the Cardinal this Sat Nov 16 at 12:30pm PST.

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

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Purdy ready to battle Buccaneers Sunday in Tampa Bay

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San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch watches his players in a drill during camp in Santa Clara on Mon Jul 31st, 2023 (AP News file)

On the SF 49ers podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 Dave, the 49ers getting their last win against the Dallas Cowboys 30-24 a close game and Brock Purdy put up some good numbers at quarterback 18-26 for 260 yards, and one touchdown. How do you see Purdy matching up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense this Sunday?

#2 49ers general manager John Lynch said that running back Christian McCaffrey could come off the injury list soon. Lynch said that McCaffrey has passed every test in their plan. During the bye week McCaffrey stayed and worked with the trainers. McCaffrey has been on the injured list since Sep 14th when he injured his with bilateral Achilles tendinitis.

#3 There is talk that 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy could wind up being one of the NFL’s top paid quarterbacks. The question is would Purdy make in the neighborhood of $50, $55, $60, or $65 million and if Purdy has the same type of second half like he did like in the first half he could fetch for those dollar amounts.

David Zizmor does the 49ers podcasts Wednesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sharks Beat Blue Jackets 2-1 in OT, Wennberg With 2nd OT Winner; Celebrini is back from injuries

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San Jose Sharks Macklin Celebrini (71) returned after suffering a hip injury his presence has fired up the team in their win over the Columbus Blue Jackets at SAP Center in San Jose on Tue Nov 5, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Mary Walsh

The San Jose Sharks defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 in overtime Tuesday. Jack Thompson and Alexander Wennberg scored for San Jose. This was the second time this season that Wennberg scored the overtime winner. Vitek Vanecek made 49 saves for the win. Kirill Marchenko scored for the Blue Jackets and Elvis Merzlikins made 25 saves in the loss.

Vitek Vanecek was the difference in the game, keeping the Sharks in it despite a very lop-sided shot count. After the game, forward Alexander Wennberg talked about Vanecek’s performance: “He made so many good saves and key saves as well that makes us stay in the game. So, we wouldn’t win this game without him. So it’s just great to have that goaltending that you really can rely on.”

Macklin Celebrini made his return to the roster Tuesday. In 17:06 of ice time, he had three shots and one penalty. He also won 7 of 13 faceoffs. Sharks Head Coach Ryan Warsofsky said, of Celebrini’s performance: “I thought you could see the rust in his game. Kinda what we expected. Obviously impacted the game in some other ways in a positive side.”

The first period saw several penalties. The Sharks had one power play and killed two penalties. The shot count at the end of the period was 13-6 Columbus.

Carl Grundstrom seemed to score his first as a Shark and the first of the game midway through the second period. The goal was called back as offside after a coach’s challenge from Columbus.

The first goal of the game came very late in that period, Just as a Columbus penalty expired, Jack Thompson scored his first NHL goal. He caught a cross-ice pass from Will Smith and put the puck in the net with a wrist shot at 18:49. A secondary assist went to Fabian Zetterlund.

In the second period, Columbus took the only two penalties. The shot count for the period was 17-11 Columbus.

The Sharks took a timeout at 8:06 of the third period. Columbus had just come very close to scoring, requiring four quick saves from Vanecek. After the timeout, Columbus continued to apply pressure and finally broke through with a goal at 9:17.

Kirill Marchenko gathered up a rebound from Damon Severson’s shot. He dragged the puck around Vanecek and poked it in on the far side. Assists went to Severson and Yegor Chinakhov.

The Sharks had a late power play but had no shots goal with the man advantage. The shot count at the end of regulation was 49-25 Columbus.

Alexander Wennberg scored the overtime winner 3:11 into overtime, skating around and between all three Columbus skaters before shooting into the top corner. Assists went to Zetterlund and Vanecek.

The Sharks next play on Thursday at 7:30 PM PT at home against the Minnesota Wild.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Eovaldi walks away from $20 million and Rangers declares free agency; Cole and Yanks settle on not changing the contract; plus more news

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Former Texas Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi will be seeking greener pastures as Eovaldi has declined the $20 million offer by the Rangers and will not return for the 2025 season and will declare free agency and seek a new club. (AP News photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Texas Rangers Two time All Star starter RHP Nathan Eovaldi became a free agent on Monday. Eovaldi declined a vested $20 million player option with the Rangers for next season. Eovaldi will get a $2 million buyout. In 2023 Eovaldi pitched in the deciding game that landed the Rangers the World Series Championship. Eovaldi was 5-0 with a 2.85 ERA in the 2023 post season.

# 2 New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole was prepared to leave after asking for a $36 million extension that would raise his contract from $140 million to $180 million. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and Cole sat down and hashed things out. It was agreed upon that both sides wanted to stay in New York so it was agreed that there would be no extension raise and Cole would finish out his current contract as a Yankee.

#3 Amaury, 13 players are getting qualifying offers which includes the Yankees Juan Soto as free agency began on Monday. Soto hit .288, 166 hits, 41 homers, and 109 RBIs. No doubt Soto will be well sought after if he ever hits the market but like Cole he might want to stay in New York too.

#4 Two San Francisco Giants were awarded the Golden Glove Awards third baseman Matt Chapman and catcher Patrick Bailey both had a superb season at their respective positions.

#5 The former Oakland Athletics released brand new guidelines and saying they will be referred to as the Athletics or A’s not the Sacramento A’s where they will be playing for the next three years at Sutter Health Park. The A’s are foregoing any mention of Sacramento and do not want fans to be confused with any city name because they have already vacated Oakland and eventually will vacate Sacramento in 2028.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez does News and Commentary podcasts at http://www.sportsradiioservice.com every Tuesday

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Raiders fire offensive assistant coaches; Vegas face Dolphins in Miami next Sunday

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The Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (bottom) tries to recover quarterback Gardner Minshew’s fumble in front of the Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Logan Wilson (55) at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sun Nov 3, 2024 (AP News photo)

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 The Las Vegas Raiders (2-7) once again get pummeled this time by the Cincinnati Bengals (4-5) at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati 41-24. In the first half Tony the Raiders did have a close half coming out of it trailing 17-10 and it looked like the Raiders were going to stay in step with the Bengals.

#2 Raider starting quarter back Gardner Minshew was 10-17, 124 yards, did not throw or carry for a touchdown and didn’t throw an interception. Minshew and the Raiders just couldn’t much going on scoring in the third and fourth quarters.

#3 The Raiders couldn’t shut down the Bengals scoring in the second half as the Bengals in third quarter scored 14 points and ten points in the fourth quarter to run away with the game.

#4 Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow got good protection and was mobile against the Raiders pass rush finishing with a line of 27-39, 251 yards, had all day to throw with five touchdowns and was intercepted once.

#5 The Raiders hope to end their current five game loss streak as they head to Miami and Hard Rock Stadium for a 10:00am PST kickoff with the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins have struggled of late as well with three loses in a row and they lost Sunday 30-27 to the Buffalo Bills. The Dolphins drop their record to 2-6. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had a 25-28 afternoon throwing for 231 yards and two touchdowns. Any chance the Raiders can snap out of this funk against the Dolphins next Sunday?

Tony Renteria does the Las Vegas Raiders podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Newbies lead Cal to 86-73 win over CSU Bakersfield in season opener

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Cal Bears guard DeJuan Campbell (3) is all smiles on opening night against the CSUB Roadrunners at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Mon Nov 4, 2024 (Cal Bears X photo)

Monday, Nov. 4, 2024

Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, California

CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners 73 (0-1)

California Golden Bears 86 (1-0)

By Stephen Ruderman

The Cal Bears (1-0) opened the 2024-2025 season, and a bunch of new faces shined in an 86-73 win over the CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners (0-1) at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Monday night.

Following a brutal 3-29 2022-2023 season, the Bears bounced back under first-year head coach Mark Madssn to go 13-19. It wasn’t the greatest record ever, but it didn’t come without its memorable and heartbreaking moments.

The Bears had some epic come-from-behind wins last season, as well as big wins against stronger teams. They even had a chance at a winning season until they lost their final four.

Most of the faces from last season are gone, and the Bears are now in the Atlantic Coast Conference as Madsen returns for his second season. With new blood in the Bears’ locker room, and an entirely new starting lineup of transfers, Madsen would try to build off the momentum from last season.

First up in this new season would be the CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners out of the lesser-known Big West Conference. Right away, one of the newcomers made his presence known. I’m talking about Andrej Stojakovic, the son of former NBA forward Peja Stojakovic, who believe it or not transferred over from Stanford of all places.

Stojakovic hit a three 15 seconds into the game to put the Bears on the board and stake them out to an early 3-0 lead. Over a minute later, he would hit a layup to make it 5-2. Oddly enough, Stojakovic was just 3-for-9 in field goals, but his perfect 9-for-9 in free throws led him to a 16-point performance.

The Roadrunners would take an 8-7 lead a few minutes later, but that would be the only lead they would hold the entire night.

The Bears went into the half with a 46-28 lead. One of the biggest themes in Bears’ games last season was that whichever team had a big lead at halftime was likely to lose it in the second half. Fortunately for the Bears, that did not happen Monday night.

Yes, the Roadrunners made things a little bit interesting late, as they cut the lead in half. However, a strong finish gave the Bears a comfortable 86-73 win.

The leading scorer for the Bears Monday night with 17 points was Jovan a Blacksher Jr., a transfer from Grand Canyon University playing his sixth season of college basketball. Blacksher was 6-for-14 in field goals, and 3-for-7 from beyond the arc.

BJ Omot, a transfer from the University of North Dakota, scored 13 points. DJ Campbell, who transferred from Stockton University, scored 12; and Mady Sissoko, who came over from Michigan State University, scored 10.

The Bears are 1-0, and they will welcome the Cal Poly Mustangs into Haas Pavilion Thursday night. Tipoff will be at 7 p.m.