After a tough loss to the Florida Panthers in their last game, the Flyers traveled to New York, no not to the garden, but down to the Nassau Coliseum, for a matchup with the perennial elixir that is the Islanders. This time however, it looked like for a while that they would only makes things worse, but the Flyers woke up just in time in the 3rd period and managed to rally back for the win. Marty Biron again got the start in goal and netted 30 huge saves, out of the 33 shots he faced. Meanwhile after two lackluster periods, Joffrey Lupul save the day with two scores in the 3rd period, including his 100th career goal. Late in the first period Radek Martinek scored for a 1-0 Islander lead. Early in the 2nd period Jeff Tambellini made it 2-0 Isles. Early in the 3rd period Lupul scored his first to cut it to 2-1. A couple minutes later Scott Hartnell scored to knot it up at 2. A couple minutes later Lupul scored again and suddenly the Flyers were up 3-2. Seconds later Mark Streit scored to tie it up again for the Isles. From there neither team could score for the remainder of regulation or in overtime, so the game went into a shootout. Fortunately, the Flyers were playing about the only team worse than them at shootouts. In the first round of the shootout Danny Briere scored for the Flyers and Brendan Witt missed for the Isles. In the 2nd round of the shootout Mike Richards scored for the Flyers and Frans Nielsen scored for the Isles. Finally in the 3rd round of the shootout,Mark Streit was unsuccessful for the Isles, to clinch the 4-3 win for the Flyers. So the Orange and Black improve to 41-23-10 overall for 92 points, and still 4th in the Eastern conference, now just 6 points behind the Devils for 1st in the Atlantic division and 3rd in the conference, but it is still long shot that they will catch them.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
Carlos Ruiz slammed a 3 run homer, and Ryan Howard crushed a 500+ foot solo homer, but Jamie Moyer allowed 7 runs on 11 hits and the Phils fell to the Pirates 10-4. It's okay Moyer always saves his best stuff for the season.
Friday, March 27, 2009
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers welcomed Larry Brown and the Charlotte Bobcats to the Wachovia center tonight. With the Miami Heat idle, the Sixers had an golden opportunity to steal away the 5th spot in the Eastern conference with a win over the struggling Bobcats. It would have been their 4th in a row overall, and 5th in a row at home. Instead they came out sluggish, and the Bobcats came out firing on all cylinders, before almost blowing a huge lead, and then holding off a late Sixes charge. Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young led the way offensively , with 25 and 21 points respectively, but the rest of the Sixers strugggled all night long, shooting just 46% from the field and getting to the foul line just 33 times, 10 less than what they had been averaging. Charlotte meanwhile, threaded the Sixers defense again and again, shooting 51% from the field and outmuscling them on the boards, with 13 offensive rebounds, to just 7 for the Sixers, and 41 overall, to just 23 for the Sixers. The Bobcats are also currently 9th in the Eastern conference, just 2.5 games out of the 8th final spot in the East, so they were in much more need of a win tonight then the Sixers, and it showed. Early Charlotte was just on fire as they jumped to a 17 point lead at the half with the score 50-33. In the 3rd quarter the Sixers slowly began chipping away at the Bobcats lead, and had it down to 13 heading into the 4th, with the score 73-60. Finally, late in the 4th quarter, the Sixers offense picked it up and suddenly with just over a minute to play, following a Thaddeus Young layup they pulled to within 2, as the Bobcats were self combusting, perhaps having flashbacks of their last game where they lost after blowing a 20 point lead. Unfortunately, that would not be the case tonight, as Boris Diaw scored on the other end to put Charlotte back up by 4, and complete a 24 point night. Andre Iguodala then drained a 3 pointer with about 25 seconds left to bring the Sixers within 6, after Charlotte had hit some free throws, but again the Sixer's D could not hold off the Bobcats, to set up one last possession to force overtime, and after Iggy missed another three, the Bobcats had held on 100-95. So the Sixers drop to 37-34 overall, but remain 6th in the Eastern conference, .5 games behind the 5th place Miami Heat.
PHILLIES NEWS
Brett Myers allowed 4 runs on 8 hits, and Jayson Werth slammed a 2 run homer, but Miguel Tejada collected 3 hits, including a homerun, to top Werth and lift Astros past the Phils 6-5. It was still decent effort for Myers and it would seem he's ready to start opening day, if Cole Hamels isn't ready to make a go of it. In other news it seems Chris Coste will remain the Phils backup catcher at least for a while longer. The Phils had acquired Ronny Paulino from Pirates in the offseason to replace Coste who's played in just 2 games all spring, but Paulino has hit so poorly this spring, batting under just .194, that Phils traded him to the Giants today for lefty reliever Jack Taschner. Taschner has been a decent reliever in his 4 year career and he simply gives the Phils another lefthanded option in the bullpen until J.C Romero returns from his suspension. Also with Paulino gone, it opens space on the Phillies roster, for both J.A Happ and Chan Ho Park, to stay with team to begin the season. So they don't need to decide right away who will be the 5th starter.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers welcomed the desperate Florida Panthers to the Wachovia center tonight. Loser's of their last three and 9th in the Eastern conference just a couple points out of the final playoff in the Eastern conference, the Panthers simply needed this one more than the Flyers and it looked like it as they went up early, beating Marty Biron 4 times, and did not relinquish their lead. Late in the 1st period Corey Stillman scored for a 1-0 Panther lead. Late in the 2nd period Jeff Carter scored to knot it up at 1 briefly, before Radek Dvorak scored seconds later to put the Panthers back ahead 2-1. A few minutes later Scott Hartnell scored with just seconds left in the period to knot it up again at 2. Early in the 3rd period Brett Mclean scored for a 3-2 Panther lead. Finally with under a minute to play David Booth scored to put the Panthers up for good 4-2, the eventual final score. So the Orange and Black drop to 40-23-10 overall but remain 4th in the Eastern conference.
PHILLIES NEWS
Chase Utley and Ryan Howard each homered, but Carlos Carrasco allowed 4 runs on 6 hits in 5 innings work as the Phils fell to the Yankees 10-2. At this point the battle for the 5th spot in the rotation is probably down to Chan Ho Park and J.A Happ.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers returned home at last tonight, as they welcomed the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Wachovia center. Considering the T-Wolves came in with just 20 wins on the season, it seemed a foregone conclusion the Sixers would claim their third win in a row. Surprisingly it was the T-Wolves who came out firing early on, but the Sixers calmly rallied back in the 3rd quarter and eventually outlasted the young T-Wolves for the win. Thaddeus Young led the way offensively, with 29 points, and Andre Iguodala and Andre Miller each added 15. Defensively, it was a solid team effort aided largely by poor offensive execution by the T-Wolves, who shot just 36% from the field. The Sixers, conversely shot a decent 40% from the field, and got to the free throw line twice as many times as the T-Wolves. Simply put when the stakes were highest the Sixers made the plays they had to, while Minnesota could not . Early on Minnesota had the lead, and seemingly control of the game as they took a 6 point cushion into the half. In the 3rd quarter it was all Sixers , as they rallied ahead by 3 with the score 65-62 heading into the 4th quarter. Finally in the 4th quarter they simply held off the T-Wolves until they had won by 8, with the final score 96-88. So the Sixers improve to 37-33 overall but remain 6th in the eastern conference, now just .5 games behind the 5th place Miami Heat, who lost tonight.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Top 5 Emotionally charged moments involving Philly sports figures
Since there is so little to talk about today I thought I would present a top 5 list to pass the time. One of the most prevalent aspects of sports is emotion. Whether it is laughter, contempt, joy, or agony, you can seldom watch a sporting event without feeling some sort of emotion. Here now i present to you the top 5 moments involving philly sports figures, that will bring a tear to your eyes.
5. Tearful T.O
Following a stunning loss to the eventual super bowl champion NY Giants in a 2007 NFC divisional playoff, T.O breaks down in tears in defense of QB Tony Romo, as he stammers "That's my quarterback you're talking about" sniffle, sniffle, "That's my quarterback".
4. Rocky Stuns Drago
Was it really only a movie? Using sheer guts and determination Rocky defeats Soviet Goliath Ivan Drago in an 1985 bout, than emotionally exclaims to the soviet crowds afterwards, "I saw a lot of hate from you when I first got here, but now I feel a lot of love. If you can change, I can change, we all can change". 4 years later the walls at last come down in Berlin as Communism falls. Nice going Rock.
3. Tug Closes the Vet.
Dying of brain cancer, Tug Mcgraw ends the closing ceremonies at veterans stadium and thus the Phils final day at the vet with one last simulation of his world series winning pitch complete with a call by Harry Kalas. Afterwards he and a legion of all former Phils greats who had played at the stadium from 1971-2003, take a last lap around field to salute the fans. There is not a dry eye in the house.
2. This is for Joey
After a stalwart 1973 season at running back for Penn State, Monsignor Bonner HS's own John Capelletti wins the heisman trophy. Upon accepting the trophy he tearfully dedicates it to his younger brother Joey who is dying of Leukemia. We Are Penn State.
1. One for Hank
Playing for Loyola Marymount, In the 1990 NCAA tournament Ex Philly HS basketball star and righthanded Bo Kimble shoots every one his opening free throw attempts lefthanded in honor of fallen teammate Hank Gathers and sinks each one. The 11th seeded Lions go on to surprise everyone, reaching the regional final before finally ending their emotional run. As a fan's sign reads during one game, Hank is indeed with them all along the way.
5. Tearful T.O
Following a stunning loss to the eventual super bowl champion NY Giants in a 2007 NFC divisional playoff, T.O breaks down in tears in defense of QB Tony Romo, as he stammers "That's my quarterback you're talking about" sniffle, sniffle, "That's my quarterback".
4. Rocky Stuns Drago
Was it really only a movie? Using sheer guts and determination Rocky defeats Soviet Goliath Ivan Drago in an 1985 bout, than emotionally exclaims to the soviet crowds afterwards, "I saw a lot of hate from you when I first got here, but now I feel a lot of love. If you can change, I can change, we all can change". 4 years later the walls at last come down in Berlin as Communism falls. Nice going Rock.
3. Tug Closes the Vet.
Dying of brain cancer, Tug Mcgraw ends the closing ceremonies at veterans stadium and thus the Phils final day at the vet with one last simulation of his world series winning pitch complete with a call by Harry Kalas. Afterwards he and a legion of all former Phils greats who had played at the stadium from 1971-2003, take a last lap around field to salute the fans. There is not a dry eye in the house.
2. This is for Joey
After a stalwart 1973 season at running back for Penn State, Monsignor Bonner HS's own John Capelletti wins the heisman trophy. Upon accepting the trophy he tearfully dedicates it to his younger brother Joey who is dying of Leukemia. We Are Penn State.
1. One for Hank
Playing for Loyola Marymount, In the 1990 NCAA tournament Ex Philly HS basketball star and righthanded Bo Kimble shoots every one his opening free throw attempts lefthanded in honor of fallen teammate Hank Gathers and sinks each one. The 11th seeded Lions go on to surprise everyone, reaching the regional final before finally ending their emotional run. As a fan's sign reads during one game, Hank is indeed with them all along the way.
PHILLIES NEWS
Chan Ho Park allowed 3 runs on on 4 hits in 4 innings of work, and Chase Utley homered and drove in 3 runs, to help the Phils defeat the Blue Jays 7-6. Hopefully, this means Chase is ready for the season, and won't need to miss any games.
Monday, March 23, 2009
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers at last finished off their west coast road trip tonight in Portland in a thriller with the Blazers. Coming in only 6 teams could claim wins at the Rose Garden, and the chances of the Sixers ,playing on back to back nights, of joining those ranks were slim. Thanks to sheer guts and determination the Sixers beat the odds and toughed out a win, to finish the road trip 3-2. Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young each had 25, and Andre Miller dropped 27 to fuel the Sixers offense, which was red hot again at 51% from the field. Defensively, it was a team effort, and a good one in the first half, and good when it needed to be in the 2nd half, but mostly Portland just had a poor shooting night, and made some bad decisions at the wrong the times. The Sixers came out firing early, shooting nearly 80% at one point in the first quarter, but the incredible offensive rebounding of the Blazers kept the Sixers from pulling away, and they could only take a 14 point lead into the half, with the score 58-44. In the 3rd quarter it was Portland who came out firing, as they seemed poised to steal the game away from the Sixers. Somehow, the Sixers managed to slow things down enough to withstand the charge, even after Rudy Fernandez went off for 8 points early in the 4th quarter to put Portland back ahead. Thanks to clutch free throws down the stretch by Andre Iguodala, and perfect defense by Royal Ivey against Brandon Roy, as his buzzer beater fell short, the Sixers managed to force overtime. There Sammy Dalembert blocked Roy late in the period, and then Roy turned it over on the next Portland possession to finally allow the Sixers to push ahead for good. Finally after sinking their free throws down the stretch the Sixers had hung on for an impressive 114-108 win. So the Sixers move to 36-33 overall, but remain 6th in the Eastern conference, 1.5 games behind the 5th Heat.
FLYERS NEWS
After a huge win over the Penguins yesterday afternoon, the Flyers came back down the road to the Wachovia center as they welcomed the New Jersey Devils to town for an even bigger game. Once again Marty Biron put forth a dazzling effort, outdueling the other Marty, Brodeur, with 32 saves out of the 34 shots he faced. Meanwhile Simon Gagne had a goal and a pair of assists to lead the Flyers attack. Brendan Shanahan scored early in the first period for a 1-0 Devils lead. Then late in the period Danny Briere scored off the power play to knot it up at 1. Early in the 2nd period Mike Knuble scored off the power play again for a 2-1 lead. A few minutes later Jamie Langenbrunner scored to knot it up at 2 again. Just seconds into the 3rd quarter Jeff Carter scored yet another power play goal for a 3-1 lead. A few minutes later Gagne scored for a 4-1 lead. From there Biron shut down the Devils and Flyers went on to hang on for the 4-2 win . So the Orange and Black move to 40-22-10 overall for 90 points and still 4th in the Eastern conference, now 3 points clear of the 5th place Hurricanes and 7 points behind the Atlantic division leading Devils, keeping their slim division title hopes alive for now.
PHILLIES NEWS
J.A Happ continued to impress today, allowing just one run on 5 hits, as Matt Stairs and Miguel Cairo homered, Eric Bruntlett and Raul Ibanez collected 3 hits and Phils beat the Yankees 8-3. In other news Kyle Kendrick was optioned off to triple A today, meaning he is out of the running for the 5th spot in the Phils rotation, which leaves Happ, Chan Ho Park, and young Carlos Carrasco to battle out. Finally in some somber news, Curt Schilling announced his retirement today. With 3116 strikeouts, 216 wins, a 3.46 ERA, and the best ever postseason record for a starting pitcher, he could be on his way to cooperstown in about 5 years. For the Phils he was irrefutably their best pitcher in the 90s, a decade full of bad Phillies pitching, save for one unforgettable year. Unfortunately, thanks to a certain foolhardy GM, thanks a lot Ed, many of his best years, and postseason heroics, came in a different uniform. Perhaps if he had been able to stay around, the Phils would have more than one ring in the last 25 years.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
SIXERS NEWS
After completely overlooking the Oklahoma City Thunder in a surprise loss earlier season, the Sixers made sure history didn't repeat itself tonight as they continued their road trip in Sacramento against the lowly Kings. They had their best shooting day of the season thus far, shooting 59% from the field and 53% from beyond the arc. The young kings conversely, shot just 43% from the field, and turned the ball over 19 times. As a result it was never a close game. The Sixers rolled to an 18 point lead after a quarter of play, and never looked back. Heading into the 4th quarter with Andre Iguodala posting 27 and Thaddeus Young dropping 22, they were still leading by 21, and so the starters pretty much sat out the final quarter. With backups on the court the Sixers easily held off a final charge by the Kings to win by 112-100. So the Sixers move to 35-33 overall, but remain 1.5 games behind the Heat for 5th.
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers traveled up the road to Pittsburgh this afternoon for a key matchup with the Penguins, who came in tied with the Flyers for 4th in the Eastern conference. Thanks to their best defensive performance of the season so far, and 27, at times spectacular, saves by Marty Biron the Flyers were able to hold off the Pens for a huge win. Early in the first period Simon Gagne scored for a 1-0 lead. Early in the 2nd period Scott Hartnell scored for a 2-0 lead. Late in the 3rd period Chris Letang scored off the power play to cut it to 2-1. The Pens then pulled goalie Marc Andre Fleury in a desperate attempt to tie it up late, but Darrell Powe scored on the open net with about 30 seconds to play to close out a 3-1 Flyer's victory. So the Orange and Black improve to 39-22-10 overall for 88 points and now 4th in the Eastern conference all by their lonesome.
PHILLIES NEWS
Brett Myers allowed just 2 runs on 2 hits in 5 innings of work, but Josh Beckett allowed 0 runs on just 4 hits in 5 innings , and the Phils fell to the Red Sox 3-0. Somtimes it's just not your day.
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