Sharks Buried 7-1 by Maple Leafs, Losing Streak at 12

The Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) and forward Mitch Marner (16) scramble for the puck against the San Jose Sharks forward William Eklund (72) in the first period at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Tue Jan 9, 2024 (Canadian Press via AP photo)

By Mary Walsh

The San Jose Sharks lost 7-1 to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday. Morgan Reilly, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, Pontus Holmberg, Jake McCabe and Nicholas Robertson scored for Toronto, with Marner scoring twice.

Martin Jones made 22 saves for the win. Sharks defenseman Henry Thrun scored for the Sharks, his first goal in the NHL. Kaapo Kahkonen made 16 saves on 20 shots before being relieved by Mackenzie Blackwood, who made 22 saves in the loss.

Morgan Reilly opened the scoring at 16:48 of the first period, a wrist shot from low in the slot. Tyler Bertuzzi was creating a good screen right in front of the Sharks goaltender. Assists went to William Nylander and TJ Brodie.

Auston Matthews made it 2-0 with a slap shot on the power play at 17:22. Low in the faceoff circle, Matthews sent the puck between Kahkonen and the post. Assists went to Mitch Marner and William Nylander.

Mitch Marner scored just 54 seconds into the second period to make it 3-0. From just above the goal line, and facing away from the goal, Marner pushed the puck behind him into the blue paint where it slipped by Kahkonen. Assists went to Jake McCabe and Timothy Liljegren.

Pontus Holmberg scored the fourth goal at 2:06. Skating into the zone, Holmberg held Kyle Burroughs off with his left hand while guiding the puck with one hand on the stick. Assists went to Bobby McMann and David Kampf.

The Sharks changed goaltenders after that goal, bringing in Mackenzie Blackwood.

Henry Thrun got one back for the Sharks at 7:21 of the second. Thrun tipped a shot from Mikael Granlund on the power play, scoring his first goal in the NHL. Assists went to Granlund and Anthony Duclair.

Jake McCabe made it 5-1 at 1:27 of the third period. Off a faceoff win, Marner’s pass found McCabe out in the open and a snap shot beat Blackwood. Assists went to Marner and Simon Benoit.

Marner scored his second of the game at 4:00 of the third period. The first of two goals they would score during a 4-minute major penalty against the Sharks, Marner pushed the puck over the line after Morgan Reilly’s shot was slowed down by Blackwood. Assists went to Reilly and William Nylander.

The second goal for that power play was scored by Nicholas Robertson at 5:54. His shot came from the faceoff dot through some traffic. Assists went to Matthew Knies and Jake McCabe.

The Sharks had Scott Sabourin in the lineup, his debut with the team. The forward had five hits in 11:12 of ice time and took one penalty, that four-minute penalty in the third period. He was called for a high-stick to the face of Simon Benoit.

The Sharks were out-shot badly, 45-23. this was most conspicuous in the first period when they had just five shots to the Leafs’ 16. In the face-off circle they struggled too, winning only 38.7% of the draws. Neither team did well with their penalty kills, as both teams were perfect on the power play.

The Sharks next play on Thursday at 4:00 PM PT in Montreal against the Canadiens.

NFL Post Season podcast with David Zizmor: Taking a look at this weekends four games

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is preparing his team to face the Houston Texans in Houston for the AFC Playoffs on Sat Jan 13, 2024 (AP file photo)

On the NFL Post Season podcast with David Zizmor :

#1 David, let’s go over each playoff game coming up this weekend starting with this Sat Jan 13th and we’ll start with the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans. The Browns finished 11-6 on the season and the Texans finished at 10-7. The Texans have the homefield advantage how do you see this game’s outcome and what your predicted score?

#2 The Miami Dolphins (11-6) goes up against the Kansas City Chiefs (11-6) this one at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City do you see this as an evenly matched contest or the Chiefs who know their way around getting deep in the post season and have homefield might have the edge?

#3 On Sun Jan 14th the AFC game is the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Buffalo Bills. The Steelers are 10-7 and the Bills are 11-6. The Bills have the homefield and face the Steel Curtain. Tony do you see this one?

#4 The Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys round off the playoff games for this weekend at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The Packers come in at 9-8 and the host Cowboys are 12-5. The Cowboys are the number two seeded team in post season with home field. How do you see the outcome of this contest?

Dave Zizmor covers the NFL for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Hernandez signs one year deal with Dodgers; Manaea signs with Mets, 2 yrs and $28M; plus more news

Former Seattle Mariner Teoscar Hernandez signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Mon Jan 8, 2024 for a one year deal worth $23.5 million (AP file photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 The Los Angeles Dodgers have reached a one year deal with All Star outfielder Teoscar Hernandez worth $23.5 million. Hernandez 31 hit .258, 70 runs, 161 hits and 93 RBIs for Seattle last season. Also this week pitcher Tyler Glasnow joins the Dodgers talk about how Hernandez and Glasnow will be a of a help to the Dodgers.

#2 Former Oakland A’s starter left hander Sean Manaea has signed with the New York Mets. Manaea 7-6 with an ERA 4.44 with his only year with the San Francisco Giants last season. You’ve seen Manaea over the years he’s a eight year veteran how do you see him in the Mets rotation?

#3 This past week the Giants traded for Robbie Ray for outfielder Mitch Haniger and Anthony DeSclafani and six million dollars. Ray won’t be ready until July as he’s recovering from Tommy John surgery did the Giants take a gamble on Ray waiting for him until July and coming back from Tommy John ?

#4 Also this past week the Los Angeles Angels signed Dan Plesac to a one year $1 million dollar deal. Plesac a right hander. In 2023 Plesac five games with a 1-1 record and a 7.59 ERA in 21 1/3 innings of work. Plesac appeared in 19 games and 18 of those were starts.

#5 The investigation continues for Tampa Bay Rays Wander Franco as to if he had a relationship with a 14 year old girl. Franco was released from a Dominican Republic jail. Franco bailed out paying $2 million Dominican pesos ($34,000 US) as a judge ordered his conditional release. Franco had been accused by two other minor girls and did not speak to reporters upon his release on Monday.

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

Original Joe’s San Jose/Sportstalk podcast: Great food, great service a tradition in the South Bay since 1956; Giants are dealing; 49ers playoffs; and Warriors troubles

Entrance to Original Joe’s at 301 South First Street downtown San Jose hosted Sportstalk radio/podcast program on Mon Jan 8, 2024 (photo from Original Joes.com)

Mon Jan 8, 2024

Sportstalk is honored to do our podcast at Original Joes 301 South First Street in downtown San Jose. We thank our hosts and Original Joe’s owners Brad Rocca, Michelle Rocca, Matt Rocca, Greg Bardakos, assistant manager Chris, and our server Jenny. Original Joes welcomes our panel Jimmy Price Sports Talk contributor, Titus Wilkinson San Jose Barracuda and Sharks beat writer, Troy Ewers San Jose State Spartans and Sharks beat writer, and your host Marko Ukalovic.

On May 24, 1956 Louis J. Rocca, Louis J. Rocca, Jr. (Babe), Arthur Tortore (Otto) and Anthony Caramagno (Nino) opened “Original Joe’s” in San Jose. The four partners wanted to bring an authentic San Francisco restaurant to the South Bay. They were convinced that if they could keep it authentic, they could serve the community by producing their traditional home-style Italian American Cuisine. Their desire was so great that they actually transported San Francisco French Bread via Greyhound Bus everyday for the first two years of operation.
 In the early 1970’s downtown San Jose started to flounder. Businesses were relocating to the outskirts of town. Original Joe’s became one of the cornerstones for an ever changing downtown. As the genres of food have changed over the years, Original Joe’s maintains its traditional roots. Still owned and operated by the Rocca Family, Original Joe’s continues to strive to replicate the dining experience that people have enjoyed for over half of a century.

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Barracuda look to rebound Tuesday against Reign at Tech CU

The San Jose Barracuda defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin (85) and the Ontario Reign left wing Andre Lee (26) scramble for the puck at the Toyota Arena in Ontario on Sat Jan 6, 2024 (San Jose Barracuda photo)

On the SJ Barracuda podcast with Marko:

#1 Marko, it has to be tough to score a season high of four goals on the road in Ontario in the third period only to lose the game by a one goal margin 5-4 in overtime against the Ontario Reign (18-10-3-1) as the San Jose Barracuda drop their record to 11-15-5-0 at the Toyota Arena in Ontario.

#2 The Barracuda Scott Sabourin got his third career two goal game and the Barracuda added goals from defenseman Radim Simek and Shakir Mukhamadullin.

#3 Marko the Barracuda did go all out in that third period talk about the scorers in that period and the job they have done, Radim Simek (4), Shakir Mukhamadullin (5), Scott Sabourin who scored twice (8) and (9).

#4 Chrona Magnus who is trying to get tracked after going up to the San Jose Sharks on Thu Dec 29th vs. Edmonton in a 5-0 loss and giving up four goals. On Saturday Magnus gave up five goals after facing 27 shots.

#5 The Barracuda face off against the Ontario Reign Tuesday to conclude their home at home series a 7:00pm PT face off at Tech CU in San Jose. As you saw this past weekend the Reign are tough customers and the Barracuda are looking to get back in the win column after that Saturday night loss.

Join Marko for the Barracuda podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Raiders Close Out Season Beating Denver Broncos 27-14

The Denver Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillan (29) takes a diving stab at the Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DeVante Adams (17) who catches the football for a touchdown in the first half at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Jan 7, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Sunday afternoon the Las Vegas Raiders (8-9) closed out their 2023 season taking on the Denver Broncos (8-9) at Allegiant Stadium in front of a packed crowd. It has been an up and down season for the Raiders and a win would definitely take some of the sting out of the disappointment this year and that is exactly what Las Vegas did. 

They went out and played a great game beating the Broncos 27-14. Quarterback Aiden O’Connell had a terrific game throwing two touchdowns and 244 passing yards with zero interceptions. While it was not even a five hundred season, this final game was a great way to close out 2023.

After the first quarter, the Raiders had a 7-0 lead. Jakobi Meyers rushed for five yards and the first score of this game.

The Broncos tied up the game in the second quarter. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham found Jerry Jeudy for 24 yards and the touchdown. The Raiders would take back the lead 10-7 at 7:09 when Daniel Carlson kicked a 49 yard field goal. Las Vegas tacked on more points to close out the quarter. Davante Adams caught a three yard pass from O’connell extending the Raiders lead to 17-7 at halftime.

Both defenses stepped up in the third quarter. Neither offense was able to find the end zone in the third and this game would go into the fourth quarter with the Raiders leading 17-7. Las Vegas added to their lead in the opening minute of the final quarter. 

O’Connell threw his second touchdown of the game. He connected with Meyers for 33 yards extending their lead to 24-7. The Raiders had this game well in hand. The Broncos would rush for their second touchdown of the game in an effort to remain relevant in the game but it was just too little too late. 

The Raiders would add a second field goal in the closing minutes of the game, a 21 yard Carlson kick, and that was the ball game 27-14.

This was the perfect way to close out the season and it was not long after this game ended that both players and fans made it known that their preference for next seasons coach was current interim coach Antonio Pierce. 

This would make perfect sense. This guy is without doubt a player’s coach. Pierce is beloved by not only the players but also the fans. He certainly has made waves since he stepped in. The games they lost were close and they not only beat the rival Bronco’s today but the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day. In fact the “AP” chants actually began before the game had even ended.

Both teams ended the season with 8-9 records. The Raiders were able to light up those cigars after all and the locker room was, despite their record, a huge party. Former Raiders Marcus Allen, Ted Hendricks, Jim Otto, Jim Plunkett and Charles Woodson joined in on the fun. 

Now it remains to be seen who will lead this team next season. While Pierce enjoyed the celebrating today, he is no doubt hoping to continue this ride into the 2024 season. He has this team believing in him, believing what he is teaching them and that sure sounds like a perfect fit especially since he has gotten some outstanding results. 

It should not be too long before the announcement will be made. Who will be the head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders next season? Bill Belichick, Jim Harbaugh or Antonio Pierce? Stay tuned! 

Barbara Mason covered the 2023-24 Las Vegas Raiders season for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Warriors Slammed in First Half Lose to Raptors 133-118; Barrett scores season high 37 pts in forth game for Toronto

The Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) defends against the Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) in the first quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sun Jan 7, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Golden State Warriors (17-19) lost to the Toronto Raptors(15-21) Sunday night at Chase Center 133-118. They were hammered in the first half losing the second quarter 40-21 and trailing at halftime 76-49. 

This team seems to be dealing with a multitude of interior problems as well as problems on the court. It is just not working right now and seems to continue to get even worse instead of better. There are some real problems in Warrior Land right now.

The Warriors took on the Raptors Sunday night at Chase Center. This team has been struggling for awhile now. It has not been a happy locker room lately and this team needs to turn things around before it really affects their season. 

It is getting out of hand. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have not been themselves and with the approaching return of Draymond Green, the starting roster may have to eventually deal with more changes. Right now it’s a team in turmoil and and with their fifth loss in their last ten games the Warriors are looking for a way out of this slump.

Game recap: The Raptors got right to work in the first quarter. They took a 36-28 lead and this was another slow start for Curry and the Warriors. It would not get any better for Golden State in the second quarter losing it 40-21 getting absolutely punched and trailing 76-49 at the half. It had been a disastrous first half for the Warriors and really indicated something going very wrong with this team.

The Warriors did make a nice bid in the third quarter winning it 38-25 but when you are trailing by 27 points at halftime, you had better have a huge fourth quarter. Golden State did not have a huge fourth quarter barely winning it 32-31 and the Warriors came up short in this game losing by the score of 133-118. Golden State got hammered in the first half and just was not able to repair the damage.

Just watching the Warriors bench the team looked angry, frustrated and disgruntled. This was an awful showing from Curry who finished with eight points hitting only two baskets. He was 2 of 14 from the floor and was 0 of 9 from downtown. 

The Raptors were all over Curry from start to finish. Thompson had the high for the Warriors with a nice game of 25 points and was 5 of 7 from beyond the arc. The high from the Golden State bench came from Moses Moody with 21 points. 

Trayce Jackson-Davis continues to impress with 11 rebounds and 16 points. The Warriors could not stop the Raptors RJ Barrett who had a field day finishing with 37 points. Barrett was a huge part of the Toronto win Sunday. Barrett has been with the Raptors for only four games and he led in scoring.

Golden State will get a few days off before taking on the New Orleans Pelicans at Chase Center. They have a lot to address after this loss. The Pelicans are playing some very good basketball right now and are coming off a win against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. Golden State will have to find their A-game if they want to get back on the winning track. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 5:30 next Wednesday night.

 

  

Kings Lose to Pelicans 133-100; McCollum leads Pelicans with 30 points in win

The New Orleans Pelicans Brandon Ingram (14) takes a jump shot over the Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox(5) and Chris Duarte (3) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sun Jan 7, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings had not had a great season against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Kings entered Sunday with a 0-3 record against the Pelicans this year. On Sunday, the Kings looked to get their first win of the season against the Pels.

The Kings were coming off a tough stretch of game, albeit at home. The Pelicans came into town having last played on Friday against the Clippers. The Pelicans lost that game. The Kings last played on Friday night, where they defeated the Toronto Raptors 135-130.

The tip-off on Sunday was set for 3 PM PST in Sacramento. The Kings would lose to the Pelicans by the final 133-100.

In the first quarter, the Kings offense started to get ice cold. The Kings had only managed 12 points at the 4:00 mark left to go in the quarter. On the other hand, the Pelicans found a rhythm early to put together a solid first quarter. The Pelicans outscored the Kings in the first quarter 33-21 to jump out to a quick lead. The Kings would need to take better care of the ball moving forward against a Pelicans team that refuses to lose to the Kings.

As the second quarter opened up, Kings fans were looking for better energy from the Kings. The Kings wouldn’t appear to be turning the page from the first quarter early in the second. The struggles shooting continued as the Pelicans shots were seemingly all falling.

The Kings would get blown off the floor for the rest of the quarter as they were outscored 39-26 in the second quarter. The Kings would take a 72-47 deficit into halftime. It was one of the more ugly halves of basketball this year in Sacramento.

The second half of this game doesn’t even deserve per-quarter breakdowns. This game was just a pathetic showing from the Kings from start to finish. The Kings had no energy on the defensive end, and that translated to the offensive end.

The Kings were outscored 31-14 in the third quarter as the game ballooned to a 50-point deficit for the Kings. Yes, you read that right, 50 points. The Kings would need to do some serious soul-searching after the atrocious performance.

The Kings had three tough losses, all in the last couple of weeks. The Kings losses to Portland, Charlotte, and now New Orleans were tough to swallow, all for their own reasons. In the fourth quarter, the Kings got a bit of life from the bench by outscoring the Pelicans 39-30. The Kings would lose the game 133-100.

Up Next: The Kings will go on the road to take on the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday at 4 PM PST.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Raiders finish 2023-24 season with 27-14 victory; Will Pierce be back as head coach?

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell (4) confers with head coach Antonio Pierce during the second half at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Jan 7, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich:

#1 Aidan O’Connell led the Las Vegas Raiders (8-9) for 244 yards and two touchdowns in the Raiders 27-14 win to conclude the 2023-34 season.

#2 Former Raider quarterback Jarrett Stidham and current Denver Bronco (8-9) quarterback went 20-34 for 272 yards and one touchdown.

#3 . Both Broncos and Raiders didn’t score in the third quarter both defenses held each other off.

#4 Raiders scored ten points in the fourth quarter to stay ahead of Denver.

#5 How special was it for Raider head coach Antonio Pierce to get this win? The players like him but will he be able to return next season?

Rich Perez did the Las Vegas Raiders podcasts for the 2023 season at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: Powerful 49ers have four players with over 1,000 yards; What Raiders will be looking for next season; plus more news

Although the San Francisco 49ers didn’t win this game 49ers backup quarterback Sam Darnold (14) got some reps in against the Baltimore Ravens and linebacker Malik Harrison (40) in the second half on Mon Dec 25, 2023 at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara. Darnold is slated to start against the Los Angeles Rams Sun Jan 7, 2024. (AP News photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie in last week’s game against the Washington Commanders, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle became the fourth 49ers player to have 1,000 yards or over. Kittle joins Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.

#2 The 49ers close out the regular season and will rest most of their starters. Quarterback Brock Purdy will get two weeks rest until the playoffs and Sam Darnold will get the start today against the Los Angeles Rams.

#3 The Las Vegas Raiders (7-9) close out their 2023-24 season against the Denver Broncos (8-8) today at Allegiant Field in Las Vegas. The Raiders had many ups and downs this season but got things turned around once interim head coach Antonio Pierce took over and since that 63-21 demolishing of the Los Angeles Chargers on Sun Nov 26th, they’ve defeated the Kansas City Chiefs and nearly beat the Indianapolis Colts.

#4 The Raiders finish up the season today against the Broncos at 1:25pm PT. The Broncos have won their last three out of six. The Raiders have won two of their last three games. Charlie talk about some of the things that coach Pierce will be looking for in this last game?

#5 Turning to MLB and the Oakland A’s story that owner John Fisher may not have the $1.1 billion to pay for his share of the construction costs for the new Tropicana Ball Park on the Las Vegas strip. If he were to get a loan from Goldman Sachs with interest that will cost him $1.5 billion after it’s paid back. He was reportedly going from casino to casino talking to casino owners and sharing the new renderings with them and talking about getting a loan toward his share of the construction cost. How difficult does this have to get for the A’s?

Join Charlie O for Headline Sports each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com