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.

Sharks Did Not Make it Three in a Row Against Golden Knights in 4-2 loss

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William Eklund celebrates the first goal of the night by the Sharks in front of 10,802 in attendance tonight at SAP Center on Tue Jan 7, 2025 (Sharks Media)

Golden Nights Snapped Shark’s Winning Streak at SAP Center Tuesday night with a 4-2 win.

Before the game even started, The men in teal knew it would not be easy. After two consecutive wins in a row, it seemed the team finally got some chemistry to start the year. The Golden Knights, a team that is a contender for the next Stanley Cup Playoffs showed the real dominance over the Sharks, a dominance that has been carried out for years.

Two goals, one by Mark Stone and one by Zach Whitecloud, were enough in the first period to turn the tide for the home team. There was still a lot of hockey left, but it looked like the victory would go to the visitors.

In the second period, a power-play goal by William Eklund raised hope for those in attendance at the SAP Center on Tuesday night. And so we went into the second intermission of the game with a slim 2-1 lead.

Things would start to get complicated in the third period when Victor Olofsson made it 3-1, a score that seemed to continue to advance. At minute 10:41 of the game, Timothy Liljegreen made it 3-2 over the Golden Knights. The game was about tying it.

Two goals, one by Mark Stone and Zach Whitecloud, were enough in the first period to turn the tide for the home team. There was still a lot of hockey left, but it looked like the victory would go to the visitors.

In the second period, a power-play goal by William Eklund raised hope for those in attendance at the SAP Center on Tuesday night. And so we went into the second intermission of the game with a slim 2-1 lead.

Things would start to get complicated in the third period, when Victor Olofsson made it 3-1, a score that seemed to continue to advance. At minute 10:41 of the game, Timothy Liljegreen made it 3-2 over the Golden Knights. The game was all about tying it

Time was ticking away and the opportunities to make it 3-3 were fading away, as the result of an empty net, the Golden Knights scored the fourth of the night with a slap-shot from Tomas Hertl, who wore the colors of the Sharks a while back.

With this result, San Jose has not recorded any wins against the Golden Knights in the current 2024-25 campaign.

Now the team will try to move on, and get another win this time on the road against Utah Hockey Club this Friday night.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Verlander joins Giants 1 year $15 million deal; Peter Seidler wife suing brothers in law suit for control of Padres; and more MLB news

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Former Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander has signed with the San Francisco Giants on Tue Jan 7, 2025 for one year at $15 million (AP file photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 San Diego Padres wife of chairman Peter Seidler, Sheel Seidler is suing Peter’s two brothers Robert and Matthew Seidler on Monday for control of the Padres. Sheel filed the motion in Texas probate court along with her three children. Sheel said she has been ostracized from the team since Peter’s death in November 2023. The Padres said on Dec 21 that Peter’s older brother John would become the team’s controlling person. Sheel has filed a the lawsuit opposing such claims that go against the wishes of her husband Peter.

#2 The Cincinnati Reds acquired infielder Gavin Lux from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Lux comes to the Reds for a draft pick and an outfield prospect. Lux won two World Series titles with the Dodgers and was considered one of the top prospects in baseball. Hyeseong Kim signed with the Dodgers last week and Mookie Betts will move to shortstop. Lux hit .251, 10 home runs, 50 RBIs and 110 hits.

#3 Former New York Met David Wright uniform number five will be retired. Wright’s will become the tenth player to have his number retire by the Mets since owner Steve Cohen had owned the team since 2021. Wright joins the Mets Hall of Fame joining pitcher Tom Seaver both will enter the Mets Hall of Fame on the same day.

#4 The San Francisco Giants have signed pitcher Justin Verlander for one year at $15 million. Verlander had a 8.10 ERA over 17 games last season.

#4 Kansas City Royals Michael Lorenzen agreed to a one year $7 million contract. Lorenzen rejoins the Royals as he was part of their stretch run in the latter part of the 2024 season. Lorenzen 33 was 7-6 with a 3.31 ERA in 130 1/3 innings with Texas and Kansas City last season.

#5 Amaury it now comes down to six MLB teams in the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes. Dodgers, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, and San Francisco Giants. Sources have said the Dodgers and Padres are top two teams in the hunt for Sasaki. Sasaki’s agent Joel Wolfe said that Saski might play in a mid to small market club which could open it up to all MLB clubs.

Join Amaury Pi Gonzalez for the That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Raiders fire Pierce after just one season at the helm; Raiders had a ten game losing streak under Pierce

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Former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce works the sidelines against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Jan 5, 2025 on the last day of the regular season (AP News photo)

On the Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony R:

The Las Vegas Raiders fired head coach Antonio Pierce on Tuesday after leading the team to a 4-12 season. Last season Pierce became interim coach after the Raiders fired Josh McDaniels midway during the 2023 when Pierce took over and led the team to a 5-4 record.

After starting the season 2-2 the Raiders went on a ten game losing streak that went from Oct 6 to ended on Dec Sun Dec 29th in New Orleans. The Raiders injuries Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins put a dent in the Raiders line up. Earlier in the season wide receiver Davante Adams wanted a trade which he got to get out of Vegas and went to the New York Jets. There was no smooth sailing for the Raiders this season.

Tony Renteria is a Las Vegas Raiders analyst at http://www.sportsradioservice.com