Firebirds put a beat down on Barracuda in 8-3 win

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The Coachella Valley Firebirds celebrate one of their eight goals against the San Jose Barracuda at Tech CU Arena on Friday DEC 9, 2022. (San Jose Barracuda)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE–The new team in the desert is not your typical expansion team.

The Coachella Valley Firebirds exploded for a five-goal outburst in the first period en route to a dominating 8-3 victory over the San Jose Barracuda on Friday evening at Tech CU Arena.

San Jose had its two-game winning sneak snapped. Coachella Valley has won five games in a row.

It was a night to forget for ‘Cuda starting goalie Aaron Dell, who gave up five goals on 17 shots in the opening 20 minutes as the Firebirds peppered him with shots early and often.

Max McCormick got the party started early for Coachella Valley (12-4-2-0) when he scored his seventh goal of the season, set up by Peetro Seppala, at the 1:46 mark.

Brogan Rafferty scored just his second goal of the season under three minutes later at the 4:20 mark. Jesper Froden and former ‘Cuda center Alexander True recorded assists on Rafferty’s goal.

San Jose (12-10-0-1) cut the Firebirds lead in half when Jeffery Viel scored his fourth goal of the season at the 6:04 mark. Luke Johnson and Scott Reedy helped set up Viel’s goal.

Coachella Valley score the final three goals of the period, with two coming on the power play. Kole Lind scored an even strength goal, his eighth of the season at the 7:45 mark. Then John Hayden scored his seventh goal of the season with his team on the man advantage 45 seconds later.

Lind scored his second goal of the period, Coachella Valley’s second straight power play goal at the 13:45 mark.

Dell was replaced by rookie goalie Strauss Mann to start the second period but Coachella Valley didn’t make life any easier for Mann.

Lind picked up where he left off in the first period as he began the second period as he scored a natural hat trick on the Firebirds third consecutive power play goal at the 1:53 mark.

William Eklund gave the Barracuda some life he scored an even strength goal at the 13:39 mark of the middle frame. Andrew Agozzino and Montana Onyebuchi recorded assists on Eklund’s seventh goal of the season.

Onyebuchi cut the Firebirds lead in half when he one-timed a centering pass from behind the net by Danil Gushchin for his third goal of the season at the 8:15 mark of the third period.

The Firebirds made the ‘Cuda pay for a fourth time when they went to the sin bin. McCormick scored his second goal of the game and eighth of the season at the 13:37 mark.

Andrew Porturalksi finished off the scoring with 1:29 remaining in the game when he scored his sixth goal of the season.

Firebirds goalie Joey Daccord had a slow night with 13 saves on just 16 shots to earn his fourth straight victory to give him a 7-2-1 record. Mann made 17 saves 20 shots in 40 minutes of mop up duty.

San Jose finished 0-for-2 on the power play. Coachella Valley went 4-for-6.

The Three Stars of the Gamer were: 1) Lind 2) McCormick 3) Hayden.

UP NEXT: San Jose concludes its six-game home stand on Sunday 12/11 when they host the Bakersfield Condors at 5:00pm at Tech CU Arena.

Sharks back rookie Makiniemi to his first NHL win 6-1

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~ By Pearl Allison Lo

~ December 9, 2022

ANAHEIM – After losing two close ones to the Ducks last month in overtime, San Jose broke through with a 6-1 multi-goal win in regulation Friday night.

Goaltender Eetu Makiniemi made his first career start after entering in relief of Kaapo Kahkonen the previous game. This outing included a 2-on-1 shorthanded stop as he veered to his right across the net in the first period. Makiniemi made 23 saves. San Jose head coach David Quinn commented, ¨…this game may take on a whole new complexion on that 2-on-1. They get the shorthand and the first power play if they score…it’s amazing what one play can do early in a game when a goalie makes a big save.¨

It was the Sharks’ first win in their teal and yellow Reverse Retro jerseys, wearing them the second of six times during the season. Coach Quinn referred to the team´s win as ¨thorough,¨ as they broke a four-game losing streak.

Special teams was also up to par as San Jose killed three penalties while scoring once. 

Anaheim began with the first three shots on goal and built up to a 5-1 advantage before the Sharks notched the 1-0 lead. Erik Karlsson connected the diagonal dots to Timo Meier at 10:18 who positioned himself stick side behind goalie John Gibson. It was Meier´s second goal in as many games as Tomas Hertl collected the secondary assist. 

In the second, Scott Harrington earned his first goal with San Jose in the three games he has played as he shot down the slot, breaking the Ducks´ Cam Fowler´s stick in the process. With the primary assist, Kevin Labanc tacked on his 200th NHL point. 

A second Anaheim penalty in the game at 6:55 of the second led to two goals eight seconds apart.

Alexander Barabanov, who was questionable before the game, pushed the puck out to Karlsson from behind the net who reacted right away for the 2-0 lead at 7:53.

Teammate Niko Sturm got in the action as well as he was able to strike before Gibson could get back to the net securely.

At 9:37, Trevor Zegras gave the Ducks some life as he broke Makiniemi´s shutout from the right faceoff circle.  

Anthony Stolarz entered in place of Gibson to start the third period.

The teams combined for another three penalties in the first half but the period looked like it might remain scoreless, until Nick Bonino scored an empty netter at 16:18. 25 seconds later, teammate Steven Lorentz, who missed the last game due to the flu, gave the Sharks a sixth goal. This preceded the game´s first fight 11 seconds later, featuring Anaheim´s Sam Carrick and San Jose´s Jonah Gadjovich and roughing calls to Meier and the Ducks´ Max Jones at 18:47.

Game notes: The California rivalry also featured the Jay- brothers, that is Jaycob (Sharks) and Jayson (Anaheim) Megna, playing each other in the NHL for the first time. Meier (1 G, 1A), Tomas Hertl (2A), Karlsson (1G, 1A), Bonino (1G), Barabanov (2A) and Labanc (1A) all kept point streaks alive. San Jose next heads home for one game to host the Arizona Coyotes Tuesday at 7:30pm. 

Kings Handle Cleveland 106-95; Barnes lead Sac with 20 pts

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Sacramento Kings forwards Trey Lyles, right, and KZ Okpala, second from left, fight for the rebound against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Cedi Osman, second from right, at Rocket Mortgage Field House in Cleveland on Fri Dec 9, 2022 (AP News photo)

Kings Handle Cleveland 106-95

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Sacramento Kings (14-10) took on the Cleveland Cavaliers (16-10) at Rocket Mortgage Field House. The Kings were without De’Aaron Fox who has been dealing with right foot soreness for awhile now. He has not been right for a few games especially offensively. He will really benefit from some time off which will serve not only himself but the team better down the road.

Donovan Mitchell (out with a hamstring injury ) or Kevin Love for Cleveland so both team’s season leaders Mitchell and Fox missed Friday’s game. Mitchell had a monster game Tuesday night shooting for 43 points so he will be missed by Cleveland. The Kings moved fast on offense and created some key shots in their 106-95 win over the Cavaliers.

The Kings started Davion Mitchell, Kevin Huerter, Harrison Barnes, Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis. Defensive rebounding for Sacramento will play a huge role in this game.

The Kings came out fast in the first quarter taking a 24-11 lead with 3:00 left on the clock. The Kings Barnes and Murray were perfect from downtown. Murray hit four three’s and Barnes had 2 of 2. Sacramento also had 12 rebounds to Cleveland’s seven rebounds. The Kings led after the opening quarter 31-20. Sacramento had done exactly what they needed to do to start this game.

The Kings were able to hold a double digit lead minutes into the second quarter. That lead began to slip away with seven minutes left in the half, although, they held onto a 37-30 lead. The Kings started missing shots and turnovers played a role in the Cavalier surge. The Kings had scored 31 points in the first quarter and 18 in the second. The 15 point lead the Kings had held evaporated and at the half the two teams were tied at 49.

The third quarter remained close and at the finish, the Cavaliers held an 80-79 lead. The Kings continued to fight hard and going into the fourth quarter it became apparent that Sacramento had the ability to win this game. They had to clean up the turnovers and avoid forcing shots and continue to challenge Cleveland on every possession.

With under two minutes left in the game the Kings had taken back the lead 101-95. They fought hard blocking shots, drawing fouls and sinking three’s. Sacramento took a 103-95 lead with 35.4 ticks left on the game clock.

The Kings had a great offensive effort with Barnes the high score shooting for 20 points. Huerter had 19 and Murray and Sabonis each had 18 points. Sabonis also had an amazing 19 rebounds.

Caris Levert was the high for the Cavaliers with 22 points.

The Kings continue on this road trip traveling to New York to take on the Knicks Sunday afternoon. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM.

San Jose Sharks podcast with Len Shapiro: Sharks trying to find a way towards their next win; Battle continues in Anaheim tonight

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San Jose Sharks right wing Timo Meier (28) celebrates with defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) after scoring a goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period at the SAP Center in San Jose on Wed Dec 7, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the SJ Sharks podcast:

#1 Elias Petterson’s goal at 4:25 of the overtime period gave the Vancouver Canucks (12-12-3) a 6-5 win over the San Jose Sharks Wednesday at SAP Center.

#2 The Sharks (8-16-5, 20 points) let a 5-4 lead slip away in the third period. An unassisted goal by Jonah Gadjovich at 2:45 tied the game at 4-4. 

#3 Kevin Labanc’s sixth goal of the season – from Tomas Hertl and Erik Karlsson – gave San Jose a 5-4 lead at 11:28.

#4 San Jose was penalized four times, while the Canucks were also whistled four times, including a 5-minute fighting major to Joshua for a scuffle with the Sharks’ Radim Simek in the first period. The Sharks have now lost seven of their last eight games.

#5 The Sharks have now lost seven of their last eight games and will try to string some wins together as they face the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night at 7:00pm at the Honda Center.

Join Len for the Sharks podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Rams Steal Game From Raiders In Final Seconds 17-16

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Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole (84) is hauled down by Los Angeles Rams safety Taylor Rapp, right, during the second half at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Thursday Night Football Dec 8, 2022 (AP News photo)

Rams Steal Game From Raiders In Final Seconds 17-16

By Barbara Mason

On Thursday Night Football the Las Vegas Raiders (5-8) took on the Los Angeles Rams (4-9) on National television at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. It went right down to the wire and the Raiders had their three game win streak broken in the last ten seconds of the contest losing to the Rams 17-16.

The Rams have struggled mightily the entire season while the Raiders have been on fire winning their last three games. Josh Jacobs and Davante Adams have been the mainstays for Las Vegas.

The Raiders first possession in the opening quarter culminated in a one yard rush from Josh Jacobs. The extra point was good and Las Vegas took an early 7-0 lead. The Rams went three and out giving the Raiders the opportunity to extend their lead which they wasted no time in doing so. Daniel Carlson made a 52 yard field goal and Las Vegas took a 10-0 lead.

Just last Monday quarterback Baker Mayfield was released from the Panthers and was snatched up by the Rams. His first play of the game, their second possession, was a long pass into Raider territory after one day of practice. He actually delved into the Ram playbook on his flight into Los Angeles. The Rams didn’t find the end zone and had to settle for a Matt Gay 55 yard. field goal trailing 10-3 going into the second quarter.

The Raiders would tack on a second field goal in their third possession. Carlson would kick a 31 yard field goal giving Las Vegas a 13-3 lead. The Rams went on an amazing drive that was squelched by a Los Angeles fumble recovered by the Raiders and Las Vegas was back in business.

Las Vegas drove into Ram territory with less then three minutes left in the half. When another Las Vegas score seemed imminent, the Rams intercepted the ball in the end zone. The score at the half was 13-3 in favor of the Raiders.

Mayfield had a decent first half considering all that has led up to his playing in this game. What he has been through since last Monday made this a one of kind commendable performance. The Raiders leveled the amazing field with some great catches by Adams, one for 35 yards and a second for 32 yards. Jacobs finished the half with 58 rushing yards and Adams had 71 receiving yards.

Neither team scored in the third quarter. The Raiders were delivered a devastating blow in the quarter when Jacobs left the game with a right hand injury. He headed into the locker room for x-rays.

The Raiders opened the fourth quarter with a 32 yard Carlson field goal. Las Vegas now led 16-3. With 3:19 left in the game the Rams scored their first touchdown of the game but still trailing 16-10. Cam Akers rushed for a one yard carry and the extra point was good. Los Angeles would need a stop and the Raiders were looking for a couple of first downs to put this game away.

The Raiders went three and out and the Rams had 1:45 left on the clock to drive the length of the field. Las Vegas punted to the Los Angeles two yard line. With ten seconds left on the clock Mayfield connected with Van Jefferson for 23 yards and the touchdown. The extra point was good and the Rams had stolen this game from the Raiders.

Derek Carr finished the game with 137 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. Jacobs had 99 rushing yards and 15 receiving. Despite the hand injury Jacobs was back on the field in the fourth quarter .Adams had 71 rushing yards all in the first half. Las Vegas had a very disappointing second half.

When it seemed that the Raiders may have this game in hand Mayfield came up with an amazing 98 yard drive scoring with ten seconds left on the clock. His performance was nothing short of amazing in the second half and you have to give hime all the credit in the world.

This was a devastating loss for the Raiders and it breaks their three game winning streak and blows any playoff hopes out of the water. They will next take on the New England Patriots in Week 15. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Superbowl Wayne: Raiders fail to execute drop game to Rams in 4th quarter

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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Van Jefferson are thrilled after the game winning touchdown with ten seconds left in the game for the win over the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Thu Dec 8, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Superbowl:

#1 The Las Vegas Raiders (5-8) who had a three game win streak dropped a game when they were ahead 16-3 with 3:19 left in the fourth quarter when the Los Angeles Rams (4-9) Cam Akers carried for a yard to cut the Raiders lead to 16-10.

#2 The Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield throwing his first game as a Ram after coming to the Rams just 48 hours early in the week and came out and threw the game winning touchdown for 23 yards to Van Jefferson for the 17-16 win.

#3 The Raiders didn’t get on the scoreboard in the third quarter likewise the Rams. It was a crucial third quarter as the Raiders needed to get on the board but not doing so would cost them later in the game.

#4 For Mayfield going 22-35 for 230 yards and one touchdown and the Raiders defense kept after Mayfield all night but the Rams stuck to it and won it with just ten seconds left.

#5 The Raiders made mistakes with getting into penalty trouble and it helped moved the ball against them and the Rams and Mayfield were able to make hay in the final seconds of Thursday Night Football.

#6 The Raiders go up against the New England Patriots (6-6). The Patriots at Allegiant Stadium Sun Dec 18th a 1:05pm kick off. The Pats have been playing .500 ball do they catch the Raiders down after their loss to the Rams or do the Rams get fired up and try to put the Patriots to bed?

Superbowl Wayne filled in for Rich Perez for all Raiders podcast wrap up following all Raiders home and away games at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings continue road trip in Cleveland Friday

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Sacramento Kings guard Davion Mitchell (15) knocks the Ball away from Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (21) during the second half at Fiserv Arena in Milwaukee on Wed Dec 7, 2022 (photo by the Milwaukee Journal)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The Bucks outscored the Kings in both quarters in the first half. Milwaukee led after the opening quarter 34-29. They would extend their lead at the half leading 68-61.

#2 This game was tied at 25 with 4:12 left in the opening quarter but the Bucks began to turn things around for the 34-29 lead after one.

#3 An 8-0 run for Sacramento cut the Buck lead dramatically trailing 80-76 with under seven left in the third. After three quarters the Kings trailed by a mere three points 97-94. Fox had a great third quarter and had 13 points along with Huerter and Murray who each had 13 points for the game.

#4 The Kings got another double double from Sabonis. He finished with 23 points. Every starter had double digits with Barnes shooting for 20 points Monk finished with 16 points. 

#5 The Kings continue on this very tough road trip taking on the Cleveland Cavaliers Friday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM.

Join Jeremiah for the Sacramento Kings podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Basketball player traded for Merchant of Death; Aledmys Díaz now Highest Paid A’s player

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Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner will be returning to the US after a prisoner exchange for the Merchant of Death Viktor Bout in a one person prisoner exchange between the US and Russia (AP file photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

The United States and Russia have exchanged prisoners. WNBA Phoenix Mercury basketball star Brittney Griner for famous arms dealer Viktor Bout aka “The Merchant of Death” who was in an American prison for 12 years.  Brittney Griner was held for nearly 10 months in a Russian prison on drug charges and was released Thursday in a one-for-one international prisoner swap.

The US still has work to do, as Paul Whelan, a U.S. Marine veteran was sentenced to 16 years in 2018 for espionage charges which the United States said are false, he was not involved in the exchange. Some experts in this matter were expecting that maybe the Russian government will also release the Marine.

Brittney Griner was arrested when at the Moscow airport she was trying to board a plane headed for the United States when it was found that she was carrying vape cartridges containing hashish oil. Griner a center for the Phoenix Mercury went to Russia to play for UMMC Yekaterinburg, and was earning a reported, at least $1 million from the team, far more than the WNBA maximum base salary of about $230,000.

The US and Russia are two countries with very tense relations these days, especially since Russia invaded Ukraine, the US has been sending billions of dollars to Ukraine (including some sophisticated weapons) and Russia’s Vladimir Putin considers the US a big contributor in a proxy war against Russia.

Brittney Griner was a victim of the situation when the Russian-Ukraine war was just getting started.  According to the Associated Press Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout is widely known abroad as the “Merchant of Death” who fueled some of the world’s worst conflicts, many countries consider Bout one of the biggest professional mass murderers in the world.

Aledmys Díaz now Highest Paid A’s player

Utility man Aledmys Díaz who played for the Houston Astros last four seasons agreed to a 2-year $14.5 million contract with the Oakland A’s. He immediately becomes the highest paid A’s player on the current roster. Díaz born in Cuba, is 32 years old, began his career with St Louis in 2016, then played in Toronto and since 2019 with the Houston Astros, winning a championship with Houston win over the Philadelphia this most recent World Series.

Ironically the only free agent on the current roster for the Oakland A’s is another utility man, Chad Pinder who last season signed a one-year deal for $2.7 million and together with Tony Kemp who singed for one-year in 2022 for $2.2 million.

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

Golden State Warriors podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Jazz get an edge on Warriors; Golden State hosts Boston Saturday

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Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) shoots as Golden State Warriors forward Anthony Lamb (40) defends during the second half in Salt Lake City on Wed Dec 7, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Jerry F:

#1 The Golden State Warriors missed three starters Wednesday night when they faced the Utah Jazz at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City. Stephen Curry was out with an ankle injury. Draymond Green could not play with a hip problem, and Andrew Wiggins has a groin injury.

#2 The Jazz thought they could coast to an easy win. The revamped Warrior lineup gave the Jazz fits. Jordan Poole, Klay Thompson, Jonathan Kuminga, and Donte DiVincenzo all played well and their effort almost, but not quite, got them a win.

#3 The Jazz found a way to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat as they found a way and were able to send their fans home happy with a thrilling 124-123 victory. 

#4 The Warriors led most of the way, but Utah came right back. Jordan Clarkson, Malik Beasley, and Collin Sexton led the way for Utah. The teams raced up and down the court. The Warriors head coach Steve Kerr had Ty Jerome and JaMychal Green in the starting lineup.

#5 The Warriors host the Boston Celtics at the Chase Center Saturday night. Last year, the Warriors beat the Celtics in the Finals to become NBA Champions. The Celtics will be hoping to gain revenge by beating the Warriors on their homecourt Saturday night.

Join Jerry for the Warrior podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears basketball podcast with Michael Duca: Bears clawed and battle but came up two points short

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The Cal Bears guard Joel Brown drives against Eastern Washington at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Wed Dec 7, 2022 (Cal Bears photo)

On the Cal Bears basketball podcast with Michael:

#1 The Cal Bears (0-9) received bad news before Wednesday’s contest against Eastern Washington when they announced that leading scorer Devin Askew and freshman ND Okafor would be unavailable due to health and safety protocols. 

#2 Then the Bears coughed up 17 turnovers and never led in a 50-48 loss to the Eagles of the Big Sky Conference, a team they had beaten in all three, previous meetings.

#3 The Bears trailed 45-36 with 5:22 remaining only to rally and tie the contest at 48 with 33 seconds left on Joel Brown’s made free throw. But Tyreese Davis’ layup on EWU’s next possession gave the visitors their winning margin.

#4 In the final seconds, Kuany Kuany missed a three-pointer that would have given the Bears a lead. Sam Alajiki’s foul put EWU’s Casey Jones on the foul line, but he missed both attempts. Brown’s desperation 3-point attempt then fell short at the final buzzer as Cal loses by two points 50-48.

#5 Cal hosts the Butler Bulldogs (8-2) on Saturday afternoon at 2pm at Haas Pavilion how tough will that one be for the Bears as they seek their first win of the season?

Join Michael Duca does the Cal Bears podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com