NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Did Marchand get off lightly on six game suspension; Kakko listed day to day for Rangers; plus more

The Boston Bruins Brad Marchand delivers a gloved right punch into Pittsburgh Penguin goaltender Tristan Jarry’s right jaw during NHL game on Tue Feb 8, 2022 in Pittsburgh (photo from the Boston Globe)

On the NHL podcast with Matt:

#1 Matt, on Tue 8th the Boston Bruins Brad Marchand who has had previous suspensions and fines for misconduct. On Tuesday Marchand sucker punched Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry in the jaw while the goaltender was on his knees after freezing the puck. After the linesman grabbed hold of Marchand while skating him off the ice they got in front of the net where Marchand raised his stick and caught Jarry in the chin area well after play had ended.

#2 Seeing how the play went is Marchand’s six game suspension a light penalty considering it was a double match penalty or is a roughing, misconduct and double match penalty a six game suspension according to the CBA?

#3 The New York Rangers Kappo Kakko will be out at least one more month with an upper body injury. Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant says that Kakko is day to day. Kakko felt discomfort while skating in warm ups back on Jan 22nd against the Arizona Coyotes. Kakko has 33 goals and is tied with the Edmonton Oilers Leon Draisaittl, Edmonton Oilers for the NHL lead.

#4 Evgeni Malkin whose been out for Covid 19 protocols has missed two games on Tuesday and Thursday. Malkin skated with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday and will be a game time decision on Sunday according to head coach Mike Sullivan.

#5 The Boston Bruins Patrice Bergeron will is listed day to day due to an upper body injury and won’t be able to play tonight against the Ottawa Senators. Bergeron had a collision with the Penguins Sid Crosby at 8:44 during the third period Tuesday in a 4-2 loss.

Join Matt for the NHL podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings big second half overtake Wizards 123-110

Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert (24) drives to the net against Sacramento Kings guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) at the Capital One Arena in Washington on Sat Feb 12, 2022 (AP News photo)

by Marko Ukalovic

WASHINGTON, DC. — Two games after their big blockbuster trade, Cap City is looking to have the last laugh.

The Sacramento Kings outscored the Washington Wizards 64-45 in the second half to cruise to a 123-110 victory on Saturday evening at Capital One Arena.

Sacramento has won two out of its last three games and sit one and a half games back of 10th place in the Western Conference, the final spot for the play in game. Washington has lost three out of its past four games.

De’Aaron Fox opened up the game with six straight points. Newly acquired Domantas Sabonis also had three easy dunks in the first quarter for the Kings.

Washington (25-30) went on a six-zero run to end the first quarter as the led 29-24 at the end of the opening 12 minutes.

Kyle Kuzma scored 11 of his 17 first half points in the second quarter as Washington jumped out to their biggest lead of the half 50-37 on an 8-0 run with 5:32 remaining in the second quarter.

The Wizards had 17 points off of nine Kings turnovers in the first half.

Sacramento (22-36) closed out the quarter on a 21-15 run to close the gap to 65-59 at halftime. Maurice Harkless led the charge for the Kings with 15 first half points, including three for three from three-point range.

It was all Kings in the third quarter as they dominated the Wizards as they outscored them by 10, 33-23 to erase a six-point deficit. Sparked by a 16-4 run in just under five minutes late in the quarter, Sacramento had its biggest lead at 90-84 with two minutes remaining when Chimezie Metu hit a three pointer. Harrison Barnes paced the Kings with 11 points in the quarter.

Sacramento opened up the fourth quarter on 15-8 run in the first three minutes as they extended to its biggest lead at 11 points at 107-96. Fox took charge as he scored seven points in a row for the Kings.

The Kings closed out the game on 17-12 in the final four minutes.

Fox led all scorers with 26 points to go along with four assists and two rebounds. Barnes finished with 21 and Sabonis with 16 points respectively. Harkless also had 17 points as all five starters finished in double digits.

Kuzma led the Wizards in scoring with 22 points to go along with his eight rebounds and seven assists. Corey Kispert chipped in with 20 points.

GAME NOTES: Sacramento finished 12-for-28 from beyond the arc. Washington was 13-for-38.

UP NEXT: Sacramento continues its three-game road trip on Monday 2/14 as they take on the Brooklyn Nets at 4:30pm at Barclay’s Center.

San Jose Sharks podcast with Len Shapiro: NHL teams zeroing in on Hertl; GM Will says Sharks looking forward to negotiating with Hertl

The San Jose Sharks Tomas Hertl (48) is thrilled after scoring a first period goal against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle on Thu Jan 20, 2022. Hertl is rumored to potentially to be sought by a number of teams. The NHL trade deadline is Mon Mar 21, 2022 (AP News photo file)

On the Sharks podcast with Len:

#1 Len, from all aspects the San Jose Sharks will could get some players for the future or a key player for Tomas Hertl but Sharks interim general manager Joe Will says he doesn’t want to do anything else outside of contract negotiations concerning Hertl.

#2 Hertl has said that he would even take less money to stay in San Jose and go somewhere else and play and play out his full financial potential when he could go all out in San Jose for the rest of his playing days.

#3 The Sharks and other teams pursuing Hertl are aware that Hertl at 6’3 presents a player who executes on the power play and penalty kill. Hertl also can score 30 goals a season, handles the center position as one of the best in the league. However things turn out Hertl is a presence.

#4 Other issues that Will will be dealing with is former Shark Evander Kane’s grievance regarding his termination from the team, general manager Doug Wilson is away for a persistent cough, Kevin Labanc and Nikolai Knyzhov’s are out with injuries, could William Eklund return this season, and head coach Bob Boughner will he be back after this season?

#5 The Sharks take on the Edmonton Oilers on Monday night at SAP Center and the return of former Shark Evander Kane. What kind of reception do you see him getting on Monday and do you see him playing with a little extra against his former teammates?

Join Len for the San Jose Sharks podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Barracuda suffer sixth straight defeat in 4-2 loss to Gulls

San Jose Barracuda can’t keep up with the San Diego Gulls on Fri Feb 11, 2022 at Pachanga Arena in San Diego (image by the San Jose Barracuda)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Gulls did just enough to defeat the San Jose Barracuda 4-2 on Friday evening at the Pechanga Arena San Diego.

San Jose has lost a season worst six games in a row. San Diego has won two out of its past three games.

The opening 20 minutes was deadlocked at zero as teams looked like they had a week off as they used the first period to shake off of some of the rust in their first game back since the all-star break.

Both teams found their legs in a wild second period that featured a combined five goals.

San Diego (15-20-2-0) drew first blood early in the middle frame. Hunter Drew scored his seventh goal of the season at the 2:38 mark. Jack Badini and Jacob Larsson help set up the game’s opening goal.

San Jose (14-25-1-0) answered back on the next shift just 21 seconds later. Adam Raska set up Evan Weinger who scored his eighth goal of the season at the 2:59 mark.

The game went back and forth as all five goals were scored before the midway mark of the period.

The Gulls regained the lead when Brent Gates Jr. scored his third goal of the season at the 4:27 mark. Vinni Lettieri and Brendan Guhle were credited with helpers.

The Barracuda responded under four minutes later when Jayden Halbgewachs scored his 12th goal of the season at the 8:02 mark. Jasper Weatherby received the only assist on Halbgewachs’ goal.

Halbgewachs has scored a goal in four straight contests.

San Diego answered back immediately as Gates Jr. scored his second goal of the game just 17 seconds later at the 8:19 mark. Kodie Curran and former ‘Cuda defenseman Trevor Carrick set up Gates Jr. fourth goal of the season.

San Jose tried for the equalizer late in the third period when they pulled goalie Alexei Melnichuk for an extra attacker, but San Diego held down the fort as time expired.

Greg Printz iced the game for San Diego with an empty net goal, his fifth of the season, with 43 seconds remaining in the game.

Gulls’ goalie Lukas Dostal had an impressive evening in between the pipes as he stopped 43 of the 45 shots he faced to earn the victory. Melnichuk made 18 saves on 21 shots in suffering the loss.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 0-for-4 on the power play. San Diego was 0-for-3.

The Three Stars of the Game were: 1) Gates Jr. 2) Dostal 3) Drew

UP NEXT: San Jose returns home to host San Diego on Wednesday 2/16 at 7:00pm at SAP Center.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Outspoken Celtics Center traded and then Waived

Enes Kanter Freedom as he appeared on the cover of the New Yorker was vocal about China and it’s politics was traded from the Boston Celtics to the Houston Rockets later to be released by Houston and is now out of the NBA (photo by the New Yorker)

Outspoken Celtics Center traded and then Waived

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

Enes Kanter Freedom is a good solid pro-basketball player, but we are living during days when free speech has become a liability and not something that should be cherish and respected. Kanter Freedom was traded to the Houston Rockets and soon immediately waived by the Rockets, ahead of the NBA trade deadline.

He has been a critic of China and their abuses of human rights (something that is also part of the narrative of the current Winter Olympics) in Beijing, China, which many are calling the “Genocide Olympics” where US imposed a diplomatic boycott).

The trade, which includes other players aside from Enes Freedom, could just be a coincidence? Or does it makes more sense to come to the simplest of conclusions that the very lucrative NBA associate with the Chinese market was the main reason he got this treatment.

Last month co-owner minority billionaire of the Golden State Warriors Chamath Palihapitiya during an interview said “nobody cares about the Uyghur genocide in China”, then later apologized after being widely slammed for his remarks. Who knows, maybe the NBA now considers Freedom toxic?

The trade was made between the Houston Rockets, going nowhere this year with a 15-40 record and the Boston Celtics positioned to be in the postseason with a 31-25 record. The trade was made official as Houston traded center Daniel Theis to Boston in exchange for guard Dennis Schroeder, center Bruno Fernando, and center Enes Kanter Freedom. Theis spent his first 3 years in the NBA with the Boston Celtics.

As a player (who recently became a Naturalized American citizens and added Freedom to his name) Enes Kanter Freedom, has become an outspoken critic of China and Turkey and has voiced his opinions on several other social issues.

He was not a superstar player and was not getting a lot play recently, but as any American citizen he is entitled to his opinion. He told the Boston Globe, how much he has learned as an American. Nobody knows if he will be picked up by another NBA team. I can only hope and pray we always honor and respect the First Amendment, a key component of our democracy. Where I was born such thing doesn’t exist.

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

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Daniel Dullum: Cardinal face Oregon State Saturday after 68-60 loss at Corvallis

Oregon forward Quincy Guerrier (13) kept Stanford forward Jaiden Delaire (11) and guard Michael O’Connell (5) on the run on defense on Thu Feb 10, 2022 at Eugene (AP News photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast:

#1 Stanford Cardinal (14-10) tried to keep up with the Oregon Ducks (16-7) and made a it a good game but lost by eight 68-60 in Eugene on Thursday night.

#2 Oregon guard De’Vion Harmon led the Ducks with 21 points knowing Stanford head coach Jerod Haase he would like the defense to shut down a shooter like Harmon but he was tough to defend on Thursday night.

#3 The Ducks Will Richardson executed all of his 12 points in the last ten minutes of the game the Cardinal tried to get back in this one but Richardson was one of those shooters who kept persevering.

#4 The Ducks defense was on the Cardinal had three players in double figures but fell short Michael O’Connell led with 11 points followed by Brandon Angel and Harrison Ingram who both had 10 points.

#5 The Cardinal head to Corvallis to face the Oregon State Beavers (3-18) who were just defeated on Wednesday night by the Cal Bears (10-15) in a close one 63-61. How do you see the Cardinal matching up against the Beavers on Saturday night a 7:30 pm tip off.

Daniel Dullum does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Ducks hold off Cardinal 68-60; fourth loss in six games for Stanford

Oregon center N’Faly Dante (1) shoots over Stanford forward Maxime Raynaud (42) at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene on Thu Feb 10, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Thursday, February 10, 2022

Sparked by a season-high 21 points by De’Vion Harmon, Oregon defeated Stanford 68-60 Thursday in Pac-12 men’s basketball at Eugene, Ore.

It was the Cardinal’s third game in five days, and seventh of eight games over a 17-day period.
Harmon was 8-of-15 from the field, including three 3-pointers for the Ducks (16-7 overall, 9-3 Pac-12).

Along with Harmon’s efforts, Will Richardson scored all 12 of his points in the second half. N’Faly Dante added 12 points and seven rebounds for Oregon.

Maxime Raynaud and Michael O’Connell each scored 11 points to lead the Cardinal (14-10, 7-7), followed by Harrison Ingram and Brandon Angel with 10 points each.

Angel had his first career double-double by also pullng down 10 rebounds in Stanford’s second straight loss to Quadrant One teams in the NET rankings.

The Ducks led by eight at halftime and opened the second half with an 8-2 run, capped by a Dante dunk.

The Cardinal held Oregon without a field goal over the next six minutes, but didn’t muster much offense themselves, as the Ducks maintained a five-point lead when Richardson’s basket midway through the second half ended their drought.

Raynaud cut Stanford’s deficit to three with a basket on its next possession, but that was as close as the Cardinal would get. After Ingram missed a 3 with 35 seconds left, Richardson made four straight free throws.

Overall, Oregon made 13 of 15 from the foul line, while the Cardinal made 4 of 4. Stanford committed 17 turnovers.

Stanford visits Oregon State on Saturday; tip-off is at 7:30 p.m.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings in Washington Saturday looking for second straight win

Sacramento Kings players Domantas Sabonis, right, and Jeremy Lamb, left go over plays with Kings assistant coach Lindsey Harding before the game on Thu Feb 10, 2022 at Golden One in Sacramento (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The Sacramento Kings (20-35) have won three of their last five games and picked up a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder (17-35) 113-110 on Wednesday.

#2 The Kings Harrison Barnes played a big role in the win leading the Kings with 30 points.

#3 The Kings were in that terrible ten game losing streak and worked hard and figured a way out how much of that was head coach Alvin Gentry?

#4 De’Aaron Fox finished second in scoring with 27 points how important has Fox been in the role of contributing on offense for the Kings.

#5 The Kings are in Washington to take on the Wizards (24-29) the Wizards got a big win over the Brooklyn Nets 113-112 on Thursday night in Washington. Tell us how you see the Kings chances in Washington on Saturday.

Join Jeremiah Salmonson for the Kings podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears podcast with Michael Duca: Cal snaps 10 game losing streak beat Beavers 63-61

California guard Jordan Shepherd passes around Oregon State guard Dexter Akanno at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis on Wed Feb 10, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Cal Bears podcast with Michael:

#1 Last night the Cal Bears (10-15) finally can breath a sigh of relief after taking a two point victory over the Oregon State Beavers (3-18) 63-61 at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis on Wednesday night to snap a ten game losing streak. 

#2 The Beavers Dexter Akanno hit a three pointer with 5:16 in the second half to tie the game at 55 all. The Beavers did regain the lead hitting six consecutive free throws narrowing the lead to 61-59 with 1:54 left in the contest.

#3 It was Shepherd who took a jump shot 1:39 to tie the game at 61 up on a goaltending call with 18 seconds remaining. The Beavers Jarod Lucas took a three point shot with just two seconds left and Maurice Calloo tried to score on rebound to put the ball in the net but missed. Shepherd led Cal with 15 points.

#4 The Bears Grant Anticevich had 13 points and eight rebounds. Anticevich for his efforts scored three 3 pointers. Cal’s Joel Brown had nine points, seven assists, and nine rebounds.

#5 Cal takes on the Oregon Ducks (15-7) Saturday at 1:00pm in Eugene. The Ducks have won three straight games including a win over the Utah Utes (9-15) a three point victory 80-77. Michael set this one up what are Cal’s chances?

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

Jeremy Kahn Giants beat writer and podcaster passes away at 50

Charlie O (left) and Jeremy Kahn (right) are seen here both working a San Francisco Giants at Oakland A’s Bay Bridge Series game. Charlie was covering the A’s and Jeremy the Giants at the Oakland Coliseum (photo from Charlie O Mallonee)

By Sports Radio Service overnight Staff

What can you say or how can you begin to say about San Francisco Giants beat writer Jeremy Kahn who gave and gave and gave of himself in the media field that he literally gave all that he could give. He was generous to a fault. Our Jeremy Kahn has left us at the tender age of 50.

The shock that of his departure was sudden on Wed Feb 9, 2022 when most of us learned at 12 noon of his passing by the Facebook posting by former KCBS sports anchor Joe Salvatore and his dear friend and broadcast partner Michelle Richardson.

Jeremy worked hard wore many hats, he was a San Francisco Giants beat writer and radio talent for Sports Radio Service he started in 2001 and was a man of many talents broadcasting and writing post game reports covering Stanford Cardinal, Oakland A’s, Oakland Raiders and the Giants.

As time went on Jeremy just covered Giants baseball as he took on many other duties that included working on the Pac 12 Network TV and the TV production for the Golden State Warriors.

Jeremy enjoyed doing remotes for our radio podcasts as he and the Sports Radio Service crew dined in some of the finest restaurants to some of the best hole in the wall restaurants that dished some great food while we promoted the restaurants for the proprietors in the Bay Area and Sacramento.

Jeremy always looked forward to each remote broadcast and poured his heart and knowledge into editorial and commentary. Jeremy was always giving it his all and it was well known that he gave a kidney to a relative he wanted to give part of his life for a life, that was Jeremy. He was always thinking and talking about his father and his late mother and ways he could help them and family members out.

One of Jeremy’s favorite assignments was to work road games. Jeremy would select certain games on the Giants road schedule. His favorite places to work Giants games were PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Nationals Park in Washington DC, Citi Park and Yankee Stadium in New York.

Jeremy was a connoisseur of sorts cooking his own recipes and proudly showing his concoctions on social media. We are grateful to Michelle Richardson who was Jeremy’s broadcast partner both Jeremy and Michelle started doing talks shows in college and later on the professional level and Jeremy loved to talk about his favorite college Michigan and it’s football team.

Our entire staff to man and woman has expressed shock about Jeremy’s sudden loss but also shared many memories with a great talent and a very generous human being who gave of himself to his family and family of broadcasters. The San Francisco Giants plan to pay a tribute to Jeremy at their home opener Fri April 9th at Oracle Park when the Giants host the Milwaukee Brewers.