Tag: Sports Radio Service

San Jose Sharks hosted the Anaheim Ducks on Fri Oct 4, 2024, during the preseason game at SAP Center in San Jose (San Jose Media Relations)

San Jose Adds Another Loss in Dramatic Fashion

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San Jose Sharks hosted the Anaheim Ducks at the SAP Center in San Jose on Fri Oct 4, 2024, during the final pre-season game at home. (San Jose Media Relations)

By: Fernando Abarca, San Jose Sharks Beat Writer.

SAN JOSE, CA –– Time flies by, and so does the NHL Pre-season.

Back in action for the final time, at least for pre-season at home, the Sharks host for the third time during these warm-up games to the Anaheim Ducks. The Sharks last played against Anaheim a week ago where the local team managed to take the win home with a 3-2 score in Overtime.

Things have not gone well since that Friday night for the Sharks. The Teal added another loss against Utah and lost something more than just a game, Mac. Celebrini was injured in the second period, and the young star did not return to the game. The good news is that. The injury is nothing serious and is clear to play.

This time, The Sharks played well but simply couldn’t maintain the pressure that playing in life-or-death situations requires. The team showed good chemistry and fighting, but in. these instances, the team that plays better wins

Throughout the first period, both teams were fairly evenly matched, dominating strategy and playmaking more than execution, so the first period passed without much news with a score of zero to zero.

The Sharks came out onto the ice with a different DNA, showing a more aggressive game, especially on the offensive side, recovering pucks and closing down opportunities for Anaheim to score goals.

All of this paid off, and at minute 19:07, with an assist from W. Smith and J. Walman on a deflected slap shot, Klim Kostin scored the first goal for the home team.

San Jose maintained the lead for a long time until minute 12:06, when Anaheim’s Frank Vatrano tied the game for Anaheim.

The second period was plagued by penalties, power-plays, and a close game.

Everything seemed to be setting up a good third period, Anaheim managed to counterattack, starting with a play by L. Carlsson, A. Killorn, and a goal by Cutter Gauthier. During the third period, Anaheim maintained the lead for the rest of the game, and San Jose seemed to add another loss in regulation time.

San Jose’s Henry Thrun took charge of tying the score at 3-3 with a powerful slap shot assisted by W. Eklund.

The game went to overtime, and there was not much new, but the latest thing about the game was that the game went to a penalty shootout for the first time this season.

The first to score in the shootout was Anaheim star Trevor Zegras, who failed to get the puck into the net, and then Will Smith for San Jose, who also failed to score.

That’s how the second shootout went, neither team scored. San Jose’s D. Gushchin had a good performance tonight but couldn’t give any hope in the shootout.

The game was decided on the last goal as Anaheim’s Cutter Gauthier scored again for Anaheim and gave itself the lead and the chance to win.

San Jose’s F. Zetterlund failed to score, and thus, the Sharks added another loss in the pre-season.

San Jose will travel to Las Vegas to finish its pre-season commitments against the Vegas Golden Knights and thus begin the long-awaited opening night next October 10 against the Blues.

San Jose will once again host the Ducks on Hispanic Heritage Night on October 12 at home.

Aces Beat Liberty For First Time This Season 95-81; Vegas cuts New York’s lead to one; Aces can tie series Sunday

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Las Vegas Aces guard Tiffany Hayes (15) is fouled by the New York Liberty forward Nyara Sabally (8) in game 3 of the WNBA Playoffs at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

With grit and determination, the Las Vegas Aces (1-2) beat the New York Liberty (2-1) for the first time this year. This game was a win big or go home for Las Vegas trailing 0-2 and the Aces starters could not have picked a better time to turn things around.

Playing at home was a plus but it was the defense, the lack of turnovers and some brilliant offense that won this game. The first half was back and forth with 18 lead changes but the second half was a different story with the Aces totally dominating winning the game 95-81.

All four of the Vegas starters had double digits and A’ja Wilson had another double double with 17 points and 13 rebounds. The Aces were protecting the ball well Friday night with only six turnovers through three quarters.

Game recap: It was a wild first half of basketball with 18 lead changes the most in WNBA playoff history. The Aces led after the first ten minutes of play 26-23 in a close contest. Another back and forth quarter ensued with the both teams scoring 26 points in the second.

Las Vegas led at halftime 52-49 with the promise of two more crazy quarters before this game was all said and done. The Aces had contained Sabrina Ionescu who had not scored at all in the first half. The Liberty’s Jonquel Jones was in a bit of trouble with three fouls.

Mid-way through the third quarter, New York was forced to call a time-out when Las Vegas led 61-53. The Liberty missed 12 shots in a row in the quarter and Jones had her fourth foul. Las Vegas really got going in the quarter leading 66-53 with 2:51 left in the third quarter.

The Liberty were committing some uncharacteristic fouls and turnovers. The Aces had a 13-0 run going with 1:31 left in the quarter leading 73-53 and Las Vegas had taking control of the third.

They outscored the Liberty 21-6 in the quarter and New York had gone eight minutes without scoring. The Aces took a 73-55 lead into the fourth quarter. Ionescu had still not scored and with Jones in danger of fouling out, New York had a lot of work to do and it seemed unlikely that Las Vegas was slowing down in any way.

The Aces did not back off leading by 25 points at one point in the final quarter. The final was 95-81 Aces. With under three minutes left in the game the starters took the bench. Jackie Young had the team high with 24 points.

Kelsey Plum was on point with 20 points and A’ja Wilson finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds. The Las Vegas defense was lights out and kept the Liberty out of the paint. The Aces totally contained Sabrina Ionescu allowing only four points from the talented guard.

Game notes: Friday night, the Aces faced a win or go home situation as they beat the Liberty in game three and are now 1-2 with the win. It is a major long shot but if any team in the league is capable of not only winning Friday night but taking the series it is the Las Vegas Aces.

With unanimous MVP of the season A’Ja Wilson on board and a great supporting cast in Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young plus Tiffany Hayes off the bench who just won the WNBA 6th person of the year award this team will fight to the end.

It’s a lot of pressure and every one of these players brought their A game in this all-important daunting task. They got some solid defense and it all started with Jackie Young who is one of the strongest guards in the league.

Plum, Young and Gray are a great combo providing defense that were all clicking in game 3. The unfortunate truth is that all three were not clicking in games one and two. Of the three, Gray has struggled and has been strangely sloppy.

The Liberty have clogged the paint a favorite location of A’ja Wilson and the missed layups in games one and two had head coach Becky Hammon enraged on the sidelines. The bottom line is that Las Vegas met the Liberty five times this season and they lost all five games this was different on Friday they beat New York for the first time all season.

Sunday afternoon, the Aces will be looking for a win in game four and tying up this series. Sunday’s matchups gets underway at 2:30 ET. The Las Vegas Aces are not done yet.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Stephen Ruderman: Murray will get lots of looks this season; Mason Jones glad to join Kings

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Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) scores over Utah Jazz guard Ochai Agbaji (right) during NBA game on Sat Dec 16, 2024 at Golden One Center in Sacramento. Murray talked about getting the opportunity to take shots as his teammates have confidence in his scoring abilities while meeting the press on media day in Sacramento on Mon Sep 30, 2024 (AP file photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Stephen:

#1 The Sacramento Kings have exercised the four year option Keegan Murray’s contract. Murray was a key offensive component for the Kings last season averaging 15.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 77 games.

#2 Murray spoke with the media and is noted for being a quiet type and said he’s just being himself. No doubt his playing does the talking.

#3 Murray says he gets a lot of passes and that his teammates realize he’s on a roll with his ability to score.

#4 Mason Jones who played last season in Europe now with the Kings for this season said it was something that he needed to experience. Jones said it was something God was showing him that one year can change his life.

#5 The Kings open the pre season Wed Oct 9 against the Golden State Warriors. It’s time as a team the Kings look forward to getting the pre season started.

Stephen is filling for Jeremiah Salmonson on the Sacramento Kings podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips: Cal offensive line needs to look out for the Miami pass rush this Saturday in Berkeley

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Cal Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) gets dragged down by the Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Marvin Jones Jr (7) at Florida State on Sat Sep 21, 2024. Cal’s offensive line will need to protect Mendoza all day Sat Oct 5, 2024 as the Miami Hurricanes have a potent offensive line in ACC action. (AP News photo)

On Cal Bears podcast with Morris:

#1 For Cal ESPN is hosting a Game Day visit which features lots of celebrities for a first time ever appearance at UC Berkeley coming this Saturday. This no doubt has to be exciting for Cal and alumnus.

#1 The Miami Hurricanes the Cal Bears next opponent. The Hurricanes are living up to their namesake and blowing away the competition at 5-0 in their last game they played a tight game with the Virginia Tech Hokies 38-34 but have been dominant against their opponents this season.

#2 Hurricanes quarterback Cameron Ward is throwing the football with much accuracy in his last game against the Virginia Tech Hokies went 24-38 for 348 yards with 4 touchdowns and was picked off two times.

#3 Cal dropped to 3-1 taking their first loss of the season against a struggling Florida Seminoles who picked up their first win. Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza was 22-36 for 303 yards but didn’t throw for any touchdowns. Do you see him getting those kinds of yards once again but completing passes for scores will that be a question for this week as well?

#4 Miami has a very good pass rush against Virginia Tech but the Hokies also countered with putting pressure on the quarterback as well. Do you seeing Cal focusing on protecting the quarterback from the Hurricanes pass rush this Saturday.

#5 Morris, just wanted to get your prediction on this upcoming game as Miami comes calling this Saturday at Cal Memorial in Berkeley in ACC action between the Miami Hurricanes and the Cal Bears with that 7:30pm PT?

Morris Phillips does Cal Bears podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Stanford to host Virginia Tech; Cardinal looking to rebound from Clemson loss

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Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ashton Daniels (15) runs for a first down against the Clemson Tigers linebacker Barrett Carter (0) and defensive tackle Payton Page (55) at Memorial Stadium in Clemson on Sat Sep 21, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 The Stanford Cardinal (2-2) will play their fifth game of the season against the Virginia Tech Hokies (2-3). Stanford in it’s last two games won it’s first game against Syracuse 26-24 and dropped it’s second game against at Clemson by a huge score 40-14.

#2 Clemson right of the gate established themselves taking a 10-0 in the first quarter and you had to ask yourself how concerned was Stanford head coach Troy Taylor at that juncture.

#3 Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik was dominant throwing four touchdowns and the Stanford defense struggled to get some footing to try and even stopo Klubnik.

#4 The Tigers were in double digits in the first, second, and fourth quarters, Klubnik had all day and you had to be watching anyone on the line for Stanford trying get past the Clemson offensive line to even get a glove on Klubnik but Clemson whose playing excellent football right now is getting Klubnik all the time he needs.

#5 Stanford goes back to the drawing board again as the Cardinal host the Virginia Tech Hokies (2-3). The Hokies lost a razer close game to the Miami Hurricanes 38-34. Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones was 19-33 for 189 yards and two touchdowns. Stanford needs a big day from quarterback Ashton Daniels can he provide? Kickoff Sat Oct 5 at Stanford Stadium 12:30pm PT.

Join Michael Roberson for the Stanford Cardinal podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong: Goff, Lions are the real deal; Bills Von Miller felony assault no charges have been assessed; plus more NFL news

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Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff throws football into the stands after carrying for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks in the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Tue Oct 1, 2024 (AP News photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong:

#1 Former Cal quarterback and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff threw a perfect game against the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday when he went 18-18 without throwing a incomplete pass, in a 42-29 win. Goff had such a great afternoon he threw for two touchdowns and caught a touchdown pass.

#2 Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller has been suspended for four games without pay for violating the league’s personal conduct policy for third degree felony assault for assaulting a pregnant woman on Nov 30, 2023. Miller could face two to ten years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Miller has posted a $5,000 bond. Miller and the woman have been together for seven years. No charges have been filed against Miller. Miller said the case is closed from information received from Miller’s legal representatives.

#3 There is dissension amongst the Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pierce and wide receiver Devante Adams. Adams wants out of Las Vegas and coach Antonio Pierce had liked a social media post that talked about a possible trade with Adams. This should make for a dysfunctional group that could fracture the players if things don’t take hold internally at the Raiders as they head to Denver to play the Broncos this Sunday.

#4 Jessica lets take a look at a couple NFL games from this last Sunday. The Raiders were able to squeeze by the Cleveland Browns after holding a 20-10 lead the Browns in the fourth quarter were able to score six but ended up losing to the Raiders 20-16. The Raiders were able to score in the second and third quarters to hold on for the win.

#5 The San Francisco 49ers after losing two straight games came back last Sunday and defeated the New England Patriots. The 49ers kept the Patriots offense to a low roar the Pats scored only one touchdown and the 49ers scored two touchdowns in the second quarter. The 49ers ended up beating the Patriots 30-13 at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara.

Join Jessica every other Wednesday for Headline Sports podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Warner made the difference with his interception return

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San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) returns an interception in first half action at Levi Stadium on Sun Sep 29, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 Dave, San Francisco 49ers Fred Warner returned a interception for a touchdown and quarterback Brock Purdy threw for a touchdown. Warner’s touchdown helped the 49ers in their 30-13 win at Levi Stadium on Sunday.

#2 Dave, after losing two straight games how much does this build confidence for winning in a game like that against the Patriots.

#3 The 49ers host the Arizona Cardinals at Levi Stadium. The Cardinals got a whooping from the Washington Commanders on Sunday 42-14. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray threw for 142 yard, went 16-22, and threw for one touchdown. Should this be another easy opportunity for the 49ers this Sunday?

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

Double Loss For Sharks Against Utah; SJ loses game 3-1 and Celebrini to injury

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Macklin Celebrini seen here at the San Jose Sharks practice on Sep 19, 2024. Celebrini left during Tue Oct 1, 2024 pre season game against Utah with a lower body injury at SAP Center in San Jose (AP News photo)

By Fernando Abarca

The Sharks added another preseason loss but they did not just lose in the final score.

We are just a week away from the NHL’s 2023 face-off opening week where all the games finally mean something. Tuesday night, the San Jose Sharks hosted the Utah Hockey Club. Utah, a team that has been having a good pre-season so far (4-1), demonstrated that the team could give surprises as the season begins. San Jose could not replicate the same success as last Friday on the road.

The first period began without much news, and in the same way as the game started, it also ended since no team managed to put the puck in the net. San Jose struck by scoring the first goal eight minutes past the start of the second period at 12:33, a play assisted by William Eklund and Andrew Poturalski helped defenseman Matt Denning, to add points to the teal.

The Sharks kept the lead for almost the whole period. However, a powerplay granted to the visitors, Utah’s Sean Durzi brought hope just seconds to finish the period as it concluded with a tie heading on to the second intermission. 

The highlight of the story is the plague of injuries in the league and a plague that various teams are dealing with in this case, Macklin Celebrini, the number one pick and star of the team, was affected by a lower-body injury when trying for a breakaway goal that just did not go right.

Macklin returned for one more shift, but the pain won the battle against his conviction to continue playing, and did not return for the third period.

In the third period, Maklin’s absence was felt, and the San Jose team was unable to maintain a tie or find ways to score goals.

The visiting team took advantage of every indirect advantage, and this is how it happened, demonstrating a change in the dynamics of the game. Utah’s Kailer Yamamoto was the author in giving Utah the two-goal lead at minute 17:38 and 6:23.

It is also worth highlighting the work of Utah’s goaltender, Connor Ingram, who recorded 19 saves, avoiding opportunities for the Sharks to widen the scoresheet.

The Sharks still have two opportunities to refine details, try new ideas, and reinforce the areas that remain to be improved in this game this Friday night against Anaheim.

The Sharks look to get another pre-season victory, and this time at home.

The Sharks are confident that this is the way and that despite the numbers and statistics do not support the result after the games. The Sharks want to be ready and in good shape for the home opener this October 10 against St. Louis.

More updates regarding Macklin Celebrini’s injury will be provided as news becomes available

Continuing coverage will be provided on Sports Radio Service this Friday night when the Sharks host the Anaheim Ducks at SAP Center in San Jose.

Liberty Dashes Hopes of an Aces Three-Peat Winning Game Two 88-84 Taking a 2-0 Series Lead

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New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart drives on the Las Vegas Aces Chelsea Gray (12) in the first half of game 2 in the WNBA Playoffs at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn on Tue Oct 1, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (0-2) fought hard in game two of their best of five series against the New York Liberty (2-0) and came so very close losing 88-84. The Liberty have an amazing defense that gave the Aces trouble all night long.

A’ja Wilson finished with 24 points but Kelsey Plum never really got on track hitting a couple of three’s for 6 points in this game. In game three the Aces will need all hands on deck if they are to make a comeback in the series. It’s a lot of pressure on the entire team but it is the only way they will have any chance at all.

The Aces took on the New York Liberty in an all-important game two. The Aces went down 0-2 and lost on New York’s home court which was not ideal heading home to Las Vegas for game three.

Game recap: The Aces got a good start leading for most of the opening ten minutes. The largest lead for Las Vegas was an eight point lead 27-19 in the final minute of the quarter. The Aces held a 27-22 lead going into the second quarter.

Two minutes into the second quarter Las Vegas was forced to take a time-out after their lead shrunk to a single point 27-26. The Liberty began to match the Aces shot for shot and three minutes into the quarter coach Becky Hammon took a second time-out very unhappy with her team’s offense.

The Aces continued missing layups and the Liberty’s defense was making things awfully difficult for Las Vegas clogging up the paint and forcing shots from outside. With under three minutes left in the half, the game was tied at 37.

The Aces were getting stops but not taking advantage of those stops. After leading briefly in the final two minutes of the half, the Aces let the Liberty take over the game. New York led after two quarters 46-40. They had outscored the Aces 24-13 in the second quarter.

Sabrina Ionescu really got into her stride in the second half of the second quarter. New York really kept the wraps on A’ja WIlson holding her to six points in the half and Kelsey Plum was also struggling with a single three point shot in the half.

The Liberty had scored 20 points on 11 Aces turnovers. In game one, the Aces missed 16 layups and you just cannot continue to do this against the best team in the league. The biggest challenge the Aces would have in the second half would be getting the ball to A’ja Wilson.

The third quarter was a close one with the Liberty outscoring the Aces by a single point 23-22. Las Vegas had one quarter left in this game to even up the series trailing 69-62. At 8:54 in the fourth quarter Las Vegas was trailing 66-69 but let it slip away a minute later as the Liberty extended their lead 74-66. With more than five minutes left in the game Las Vegas was within reach trailing by two points 72-74 forcing the Liberty to take a time-out.

With two minutes left in the game, Las Vegas continued to trail but remained within a point 78-79. With 90 seconds left on the clock this game was tied at 81. This game was going down to the wire and the Aces just couldn’t get over the top.

It came down to an Ace possession with ten seconds left on the clock trailing by two points 82-84. Chelsea Gray fouled Sabrina Ionescu, she made both free throws and that was the game 88-84. Breanna Stewart also made two free throws when fouled by Tiffany Hayes making both free throws to end the game.

The Las Vegas Aces are in deep trouble as they head back to Las Vegas trailing 0-2. While there is still that outside possibility that they can tie up the series it will be a huge mountain to climb. It will all start with game three Friday night which gets underway at 6:30 PM PT at Michelob ULTRA Arena.

San Francisco Giants podcast with Stephen Ruderman: Posey Giants new President; Ex-catcher says changes on the way; Putila out as GM

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San Francisco Giants president Buster Posey (left) and Giants Chairman Greg Johnson (right) address the media at Posey introduction as new team president on Tue Oct 1, 2024 at Oracle Park in San Francisco (AP News photo)

On the Giants podcast with Stephen Ruderman:

#1 Giants catcher Buster Posey said at his press conference when he was introduced as the team’s new president replacing Farhan Zaidi, that ultimately the team needs to hit and pitch better and that the margins were so small between winning and losing when your talking about the best players in the world.

#2 Posey who caught for San Francisco in all three World Series Championships was the leader of the team during those years knowing that how well does that fit in as a team president knowing what to look for on the field.

#3 Posey said that the decision making will be coming from a new general manager as far as delegating some of the on field strategy and decision that goes on on day to day operations.

#4 Posey said he wanted to be as useful as he can to the all people that he’s working with. Posey also said he didn’t want to feel like he’s the kind of leader where he’s constantly looking over somebody’s shoulder all the time.

#5 Giants general manager Pete Putila is out as GM and Posey said Putila will take a different role with the club and that the search for a new GM will start immediately.

Stephen Ruderman is a San Francisco Giants beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com