Sharks Finish 2021 With a 3-2 OT Win Over Flyers

Published on by M WalshLeave a comment

San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl (48) scores an overtime goal on Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Felix Sandstrom (32) at SAP Center in San Jose on Thu Dec 30, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Mary Walsh

SAN JOSE– The San Jose Sharks defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 in overtime on Thursday. Logan Couture, Brent Burns and Tomas Hertl scored for the Sharks and James Reimer made 23 saves for the win. Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee scored for the Flyers and Felix Sandstrom made 43 saves in the loss.

After the game, Sharks Head Coach Bob Boughner said:

“I thought we played a complete 60 minutes. You know, no game is without mistakes, both teams made ’em. But I thought we played to our game plan, to our mentality, we grinded it out. Would have been nice if we found a little more puck luck earlier in the game.”

James Reimer took a moment to mention the opposing goaltender, Felix Sandstrom:

“Honestly, we should probably spend 30 seconds to a minute talking about their goalie. Hats off to him. I think that was his first start and a really tough situation for him. I think they got in pretty late last night. And obviously their team didn’t have their legs tonight. So, you know, hats off to him. He played great and he should be proud of his first game.”

(The Flyers did not arrive until 4:30 am)

The Sharks out-shot the Flyers 12-7 in the first period, but failed to score, even with two power plays. Instead, Morgan Frost got the Flyers on the board at 15:23. Travis Konecny raced through the neutral zone with the puck before dropping it to Oskar Lindblom on the outside. Lindblom gave it right back and Konecny centered if for Frost.

Logan Couture tied the game with a short-handed goal at 5:20 of the second period. Couture chased the puck down in the neutral zone after Cogliano got it out. Couture then pushed the puck past Keith Yandle for a self pass and made a dash for the net. It was his 11th of the season. Assists went to Cogliano and Jacob Middleton.

Brent Burns gave the Sharks the lead at 7:20. Tomas Hertl carried the puck into the zone, then spun around and made a pass to Brent Burns, who making a beeline for the net. Assists went to Hertl and Middleton.

The Sharks out-shot the Flyers 16-9 in the second period. Their power play had two chances but no shots. Their penalty kill allowed one shot and took three in two kills.

Midway through the third period, the Sharks had to kill a 5-on-3, with Brent Burns and Timo Meier in the box. Their penalty kill allowed just two shots. San Jose followed that up by stretching out a delayed penalty for 45 seconds with a line change thrown in. In all, the Sharks out-shot the Flyers 16-7 in the third. Still, the Flyers scored.

Joel Farabee took a pass from Oskar Lindblom and took a shot from the top of the face-off circle. His shot got by Middleton’s stick and Reimer’s blocker to tie the game. Assists went to Lindblom and Yandle.

Tomas Hertl ended it in the final 30 seconds of overtime. Erik Karlsson carried the puck in with Hertl 2-on-1 against Travis Sanheim. Karlsson centered the puck at the last second. Hertl’s first shot did not go but he knocked the rebound in.

The Sharks only won 46% of the face-offs but they out-shot the Flyers 46-25.

The Sharks next play on Sunday against the Penguins in Pittsburgh at 10:00 AM PT. The Sharks added defenseman Mario Ferraro to their COVID-19 protocol list Thursday, and removed forward Jonathan Dahlen.

Warriors, Nuggets Bit By the Covid Bug

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Golden State Warriors Draymond Green (left) defends against the Sacramento Kings Buddy Hield (right) during contest at Chase Center San Francisco on Mon Dec 20, 2021. Green said there were Covid 19 protocol rules in place to prevent the postponement of Thu Dec 30, 2021 game in Denver against the Denver Nuggets (AP News photo)

Warriors, Nuggets Bit By the Covid Bug

By Barbara Mason

Tuesday night the Denver Nuggets barely beat the Golden State Warriors 89-86. The Warriors were at a significant disadvantage with a number of starters and bench players sitting this game out on covid protocol. The team was scheduled to play the Nuggets in Denver in a back-to-back Thursday night hoping to settle the score.

The Warriors had arrived in Denver and shortly before the game were advised that this game would have to be postponed due to covid. This was the second Denver game this season that has been postponed. The Nuggets have 7 players that are out (injury) and four that were questionable for tonight’s game. Also out were Head Coach Michael Malone as well as a number of staff members.

The Warriors were waiting to see if the questionable players would be able to go. It was finally decided that this game would not be played tonight.

It was a very frustrating waiting game for Golden State. Draymond Green was vocal on social media blasting the NBA. “How do you continue to cancel games when you’ve implemented rules to prevent this from happening?

Is that not a competitive advantage for other teams? The guys we didn’t have due to the protocol list played no role in Tuesday’s loss? Pick a side but don’t straddle the fence,” he said. The game that will have to be played at a later date will probably be a back-to-back for the Warriors which is another advantage for Denver. Another great point that Green expressed.

So the bottom line is that between the covid cases and the injuries on the Nugget roster the team was unable to put together the league minimum eight players available to start this game. It is what it is but it’s the Warriors that will potentially suffer when this game is finally played.

There was no date for the rescheduled game at the time of this posting. So this virus continues to run rampant across the league. There are currently about 120 players on covid protocol along with countless head coaches joining them on the protocol.

Besides the Nuggets Head Coach Michael Malone on the covid list, Doc Rivers (Philadelphia), Frank Vogel (Lakers), Billy Donovan ( Chicago), Monty Williams (Phoenix), Chauncey Billups (Portland) and Mark Daigneault (OKC) also join Malone in the protocol. Every head coach in the NBA has been fully vaccinated.

The next game for Warriors is scheduled for Saturday night against the Utah Jazz at 6:00 PM. This road game for the Warriors has the Jazz slightly favored to win. With all the disruptions that the Warriors have faced lately they will have to dig deep once again. They have faced adversity before, it is no stranger to the Warriors. They have handled it in the past and they will attempt to do it yet again in Utah.

Stanford postpones game with Cal due to COVID protocol

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Stanford University announces the game between the Stanford Cardinal and Cal Bears has been postponed and will be rescheduled (image Stanford Cardinal Athletics Dept)

By Daniel Dullum
Thursday, December 30, 2021

Stanford University Athletics announced Thursday that the Cardinal’s men’s basketball game against California, scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 2, has been postponed due to “health and safety protocols within the Stanford program.”

No other details are available.

In a statement, the Pac-12 Conference said it will work with Stanford and Cal to reschedule the game for a later date.

Stanford has not played since the semifinals of the Diamond Head Classic tournament in Honolulu on Dec. 23, where the Cardinal’s championship game against Vanderbilt was cancelled two days later due to COVID-19 protocol. Since then, team activities were put on hold.

Stanford Athletics said all tickets purchased for the game at Maples Pavilion vs. Cal originally scheduled for Jan. 2 will be honored for the rescheduled date, once finalized. Ticket purchasers should contact the Stanford Athletics ticked office via email at athleticstickets@stanford.edu.

The Cardinal are 8-4 overall and 1-1 in the Pac-12. Their next games are scheduled at home for Jan. 6 against No. 5 UCLA and Jan. 8 against No. 7 USC.

The Golden Bears are 8-5 overall, and 1-1 in league play. Cal will still be playing a Pac-12 game on Sunday, when they host Arizona State at 4 p.m. at Haas Pavilion.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings tip off against Mavericks Friday in second of 2 game series at Golden One

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Sacramento Kings forward Chimzie Metu (7) can do it all he not only scored the game winner on a buzzer beater but earlier in the game snuffs a scoring attempt on the Dallas Mavericks Moses Brown (9) at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Dec 29, 2021 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah, talk about the thriller that the Sacramento Kings (15-21) Chimzie Metu gave fans when he sunk a three point shot a buzzer beater for a Sacramento 95-94 cliff hanger to edge the Dallas Mavericks (16-18).

#2 I know Morris mentioned in his report that the Kings wanted desperately for a storyline and head coach Alvin Gentry wanted more passion and desire and got it from the players who hung with the Mavericks all game long something they weren’t getting last Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies.

#3 Gentry after that Memphis game Sunday said that in his over 30 years in the NBA that was the worst effort he ever saw. Since that game the Kings have won two straight on Tue 28th against the OKC Thunder and on Wednesday night against the Mavericks.

#4 Jeremiah, this is the first of a two game series against Dallas at Golden One the Kings match up against the Mavericks again Friday at 3:00pm. The Kings are hoping to pick up their third straight win while the Mavericks have won two of their last seven games.

#5 Wednesday was a solid team effort the Kings had six players in double figures with De’Aaron Fox leading in scoring with 16 followed up by Davion Mitchell and Harrison Barnes both who finished with 14.

Join Jeremiah with the Kings podcasts each Friday morning at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Raiders dedication of Hall of Fame coach John Madden; Raiders prepare for Colts this Sunday

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Las Vegas Raiders dedicate the memory of John Madden on the Raiders website (image by the Las Vegas Raiders)

On the Raiders podcast with Rich Perez:

#1 The Las Vegas Raiders have all the lights are turned off at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and the scoreboard dedicates the passing of the of the late former Raiders head coach John Madden no doubt the Raiders will recognize Madden before their next home game on Sun Jan 2 .

#2 Rich, no doubt you’ve spent some time at the Oakland Coliseum during the John Madden years can you share some of your best memories of his days coaching on the sidelines.

#3 The Raiders have put together third multi win streak of the season they have won their last two games by close scores against the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos. Their win against the Broncos comes after the Broncos have their starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater out on concussion protocols and started back up Drew Lock.

#4 The Raiders running back Josh Jacobs carried for 129 yards and the Raiders in the third quarter got the lead for good when quarterback Derek Carr threw to Peyton Barber who ran it in for a touchdown which turned out to be the gamer.

#5 The Raiders face the Indianapolis Colts (9-6). The Colts have won six of their last seven games including their last game Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals (10-5) 22-16. Rich, how do you see the Raiders defense stopping Colts quarterback Carson Wentz this Sunday in Lucas Oil?

Join Rich for the Raiders podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: Is Jimmy G coming back or will he be finished with San Francisco?

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) tries to get out of the way of getting caught from his right side by the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville on Thu Dec 23, 2021 (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with J Hawkes:

#1 After the thumb injury sustained in Tennessee during Thursday Night Football on Dec 23 and some of the criticism you hear from the media that he could be through with the San Francisco 49ers (8-7) what is your reaction from that.

#2 Head coach Kyle Shanahan sounded quite the opposite when speaking to the media on Wednesday saying that Garoppolo has a thumb sprain might just be able to get back in the starting line up for Sunday’s game.

#3 Meanwhile back up quarterback Trey Lance back on Oct 10th while playing in Arizona against the Cardinals had suffered a knee injury and what is reported severe damaged vocal cords (from audibles on the practice squad) is close to being named the starting quarterback this Sunday.

#4 Some of the football analysts and journalist have said that it is time for Lance to take over the reigns of starting quarterback and after Garoppolo’s performance against the Titans that pretty much suffices that. If true is Lance ready being a rookie for such a big role.

#5 The 49ers have won five of their last seven games, lost a tough game to the Titans in their last outing and host a Houston Texans (4-11) who have won their last two games. How do you see this match up Sunday at Levi Stadium this Sunday.

Join J Hawkes for the 49ers podcasts on Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears basketball podcast with Michael Duca: Cal hosts ASU Sun Devils in replacement game Sunday

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Cal Bears Grant Anticevich takes a shot against the UCLA Bruins in this file photo. Anticevich has been leading Cal in scoring which has been instrumental in their wins this season. The Bears game to face the Stanford Cardinal Sun Jan 2, 2022 has been postponed and has been replaced with Arizona State at Cal this Sun Jan 2, 2022 at 4 pm PST (file photo from Cal Bears Athletics)

On the Cal Bears basketball podcast with Michael Duca:

#1 Michael, Sunday’s game between the Stanford Cardinal (8-4) and the Cal Bears (9-5) has been postponed due to Covid 19 protocols. This will be the second straight game that Covid 19 protocols has postponed a game for Stanford the other was in Honolulu for the Diamond Head Classic vs. Vanderbilt on Thu Dec 23.

#2 Cal has been off for ten days since their last game against the Pacific Tigers (5-10) is that an advantage lots of rest before their next game or a disadvantage because they could come back rusty.

#3 In Cal’s last game against the Tigers, the Bears Grant Anticevich led with 25 points and has been a key scorer in some of these recent wins for Cal.

#4 Also in the game against Pacific Andre Kelly and Jordan Shepherd for Cal both finished second in scoring with 11 point they’ve been successful for the Cal offense.

#5 The Pac 12 has scheduled a replacement game for Sun Jan 2nd and the Arizona State Sun Devils will come calling at Haas Pavilion. The Sun Devils (5-7) in their last game Sun Dec 19 took a loss 66-65 to the USF Dons (11-1) in the City in a nailbiter. ASU has won three out of their last four and Cal has won three straight how do you see this match up Sunday.

Join Michael for the Cal Bears basketball podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Metu, But Not For Two: Kings get three from an unlikely source at the horn to beat Dallas, 95-94

Published on by moepeaLeave a comment

By Morris Phillips

SACRAMENTO–Alvin Gentry wanted more passion and desire, Gentry’s players were desperate for a different storyline, and Kings’ fans demanded a win on a blustery, cold night.

And the key to pulling all these wishes together?

Trust your teammates. That’s exactly what De’Aaron Fox did with his decision to find a wide open Chimezie Metu with the game on the line.

“He turned the corner and went so quickly,” Gentry said of Fox’s decision. “He said, ‘I was either gonna dunk it and try to get to the line or if I saw them pull in so far I was going to try to hit the corner guy.'”

“It’s tough,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd said. “Unfortunately if we give up a layup the game is tied, we go into overtime. But DP (Dwight Powell) went to help and they made a shot.”

Metu’s 3-pointer at the buzzer made the Kings winners, 95-94 over the shorthanded Dallas Mavericks, who were without superstar Luka Doncic for the ninth, consecutive game due to COVID protocols. The Kings found themselves in far more favorable circumstances regarding COVID with Davion Mitchell, Alex Len and Louis King gaining clearance for Wednesday’s game although only Mitchell saw playing time.

The Kings took control with a 35-13 second quarter only to see the Mavericks respond with a pair of significant runs in the third quarter, which set the scene for a tense, tight fourth quarter in which the Kings had just one lead, 92-90, until Metu’s final shot.

Gentry’s frustration with his club got the desired effect, as the Kings were better defensively. But at critical junctures, the hosts had no answers for the 1-2 punch of Kristaps Porzingis and Jalen Brunson, who combined for 49 points to lead Dallas.

The Kings got efficient efforts from the rookie Mitchell and De’Aaron Fox who combined for 30 points. They were two of six Kings that scored in double figures, though none scored more than Fox’s 16.

The Kings satisfied Gentry’s desire for more focused play by shooting 38 percent from three along with a 46-40 edge in points in the paint. The Kings free throw shooting perked up as well with the team canning 13 of 15.

Defensively, the Kings were far from stout, but there was a competitiveness in their play, as they collapsed on drivers in the paint, and showed some resistance, especially with Dallas’ wings and their aggressive guards, particularly Brunson, who made tough shots throughout.

Wins on consecutive nights pulled the Kings within a half game of 10th place San Antonio in the densely packed Western Conference playoff race, and made it more likely that the club will look within for improvement as opposed to trying to orchestrate a high profile trade.

How unlikely was Metu’s decisive shot? The 6’9″ forward didn’t make a three in either of his first two seasons in San Antonio, and was shooting just 26 percent from three this season. But with game in the balance, Metu was composed and ready to shoot. His mean mug reaction to the game winner was priceless as well, as he never broke a smile even after his teammates mobbed him in celebration.

“It was a great moment,” he said. “Since I’ve been in the league, for sure one of the best moments I’ve had. For us to grind that one out, it felt good.”

The Kings again host Dallas on Friday night with the possibility that Doncic and some combination of seven other Mavericks in protocols could be cleared to play.

THE RETURN OF I.T.: Did anyone attend Wednesday’s game expecting to see Isaiah Thomas in uniform? Probably not, but Kings’ fans were ready with a hearty ovation when Thomas entered the game for Dallas in the second quarter. The 32-year old signed a 10-day deal with Dallas on Wednesday under a COVID hardship rule, and scored six points in 13 minutes. Thomas was originally drafted by Sacramento and played his first three seasons with the Kings.

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Will this be Lance’s opportunity to win the first string job?

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco 49ers back up quarterback Trey Lance as seen in this Aug 29, 2021 photo will get the call to start this Sun Jan 2, 2021 against the Houston Texans in Houston for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo who is out with a thumb injury. (Bay Area News Group file photo)

On the 49ers podcast with David:

#1 San Francisco 49ers (8-7) quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo out with a thumb injury played with the injured thumb last Thursday against the Tennessee Titans (10-5). It was reported that 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan knew about Garoppolo’s thumb after Garoppolo let him know after the game. The thumb needs surgery but that would mean long layoff for Garoppolo.

#2 49ers back up Trey Lance will get the call to start against the Houston Texans (4-11) this Sunday in Houston. Lance has played in five games is 52.1% on completions, 354 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Is this that open door for Lance to shine and possibly take the starting job away from Garoppolo?

#3 The Texans have won their last two games in a row defeating the San Diego Chargers rather handily last Sunday 41-29, then the week before they defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars Sun Dec 19, 30-16. These last two wins counts towards their fourth win of the season after having such a struggle in the previous weeks. How do you see this match up with Lance as the starter against the Texans this Sunday.

Join David Zizmor for the 49ers podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa Walsh: Covid list grows Dahlen and Hill now out of commission; Hertl returned Tuesday night

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Jose Sharks goaltender Adin Hill as seen here trying to defend against the shot in this Tue Nov 9, 2021 game against the Calgary Flames in Calgary is out and on the Covid 19 protocols list (Canadian Press via AP News file photo)

On the SJ Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa:

#1 Mary Lisa talk about the two latest San Jose Sharks players to be added on the Covid 19 list: Tomas Hertl returned on Tuesday and forward Jonathan Dahlen, and goaltender Adin Hill and how that will impact the Sharks line up.

#2 Defenseman Brent Burns has been removed from the Sharks Covid 19 protocols list how important is it for him to be back in the line up.

#3 Anytime you lose one of your goaltenders that critical and Hill will be out for Covid 19 quarantine for at least a week How much does it impact the Sharks to have a goalie like Hill out of the line up?

#4 The the coaches this quarantine situation has got to have head coach Bob Boughner rearranging game strategy each night.

#5 The Sharks face off against the Philadelphia Flyers (12-12-5) at SAP Center in San Jose on Thursday night the Flyers have lost eleven of their last 15 games. The Flyers did have a three game win streak after losing nine in a row. How do you see these two teams matching up Thursday night at SAP Center.

Join Mary Lisa for the Sharks podcasts Wednesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com