allsportsfan

Tag: Jets

  • Top Draft Classes of the 2026 NFL Draft: Winners and Losers

    The 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books.

    The city of Pittsburgh set a new record, with an attendance of over 805,000 people, over the 3-day event.

    257 players had their dreams come true, hearing their names called on stage.

    The 1st pick wasn’t a surprise as National Champion and Heisman Trophy Winning QB Fernando Mendoza went to the Las Vegas Raiders.

    The Raiders also ended the epic slide of CB Jermod McCoy, when they took him with the 101st pick, in the 4th round. The slide was due to medical reports on his knee, otherwise he’d been takin in the 1st round.

    There were 11 Ohio State Buckeyes taken, the most in this 2026 NFL Draft Class.

    There were 10 Quarterbacks drafted.

    There were a whopping 36 WRs drafted.

    The Naval Academy had 2 players selected this year. DT Landon Robinson with the 226th pick to the Cincinnati Bengals, and Eli Heidenreich with the 230th pick, to his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers. Both were taken in the 7th round.

    Mr. Irrelevant (the name for the player chosen last in the draft), is Red Murdock, LB, from the University of Buffalo.

    There were quite a few really good classes this year. Teams did really well at addressing needs and playing the board.

    There were also a few stinkers, as well.

    So, without further ado, here are a few of the best and worst team class this year.

    My Cleveland Browns had one of the best draft classes, however, I will be writing a stand-alone article on them, so they are not included here.

    BEST – Carolina Panthers.

    • Pick 19: T Monroe Freeling, Georgia Bulldogs
    • Pick 49: DL Lee Hunter, Texas Tech Red Raiders
    • Pick 83: WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee Volunteers
    • Pick 129: CB Will Lee lll, Texas A&M Aggies
    • Pick 144: C Sam Hecht, Kansas State Wildcats
    • Pick 151: S Zakee Wheatley, Penn State Nittany Lions
    • Pick 227: LB Jackson Kuwatch, Miami (OH) RedHawks

    Every single one of these picks, have the chance to be full-time starters, either this season or next season. Freeling might be starting Day 1, because LT Ikem Ekwonu is recovering from a major season ending injury late last season, and RT Taylor Morton is 31 years old and has only 2 years left on his contract.

    WORST – Jacksonville Jaguars

    • Pick 56: TE Nate Boerkircher, Texas A&M Aggies
    • Pick 81: DI Albert Regis, Texas A&M Aggies
    • Pick 88: G Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon Ducks
    • Pick 100: S Jalen Huskey, Maryland Terrapins
    • Pick 119: ED Wesley Williams, Duke Blue Devils
    • Pick 164: TE Tanner Koziol, Houston Cougars
    • Pick 191: WR Josh Cameron, Baylor Bears
    • Pick 203: WR CJ Williams, Stanford Cardinal
    • Pick 233: ED Zach Durfee, Washington Huskies
    • Pick 240: LB Parker Hughes, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

    I’m not even going to pretend to know, what the hell the Jaguars were doing. I’m sure this all makes sense in their heads, not only myself, but some Jaguars fans that I spoke to, are completely baffled. I will say this though…. OG Emmanuel Pregnon is a D-A-W-G!!! He was one of my favorite offensive linemen in this entire class.

    WORST – San Francisco 49ers

    • Pick 33: WR De’Zhaun Stribling, Mississippi Rebels
    • Pick 70: ED Romello Height, Texas Tech Red Raiders
    • Pick 90: HB Kaelon Black, Indiana Hoosiers
    • Pick 107: DL Gracen Halton, Oklahoma Sooners
    • Pick 127: T Carver Willis, Washington Huskies
    • Pick 139: CB Ephesians Prysock, Washington Huskies
    • Pick 154: LB Jaden Dugger, Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns
    • Pick 179: T Enrique Cruz Jr., Kansas Jayhawks

    At least with the 49ers, I knew what their gameplan was here. They’re wanting Stribling to be the replacement for Aiyuk…..OK, but there were better players on the board. I do like CB Prysock. He’s a big corner with long arms, and does a good job locating the ball when it’s in the air. LT Trent Williams is probably retiring after this season, and by taking 2 OTs in Willis and Cruz Jr, they’re hoping for a mid/late round steal. It ain’t happening.

    BEST – New York Jets

    • Pick 2: ED David Bailey, Texas Tech Red Raiders
    • Pick 16: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon Ducks
    • Pick 30: WR Omar Cooper Jr, Indiana Hoosiers
    • Pick 50: CB D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana Hoosiers
    • Pick 103: DL Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State Seminoles
    • Pick 110: QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson Tigers
    • Pick 188: G Anez Cooper, Miami (FL) Hurricanes
    • Pick 228: S VJ Payne, Kansas State Wildcats

    I ABSOLUTELY LOVE what the New York Jets did in this class.
    They got the #1 rated DE/EDGE rusher.
    They got the #1 rated TE.
    They got my #4 WR prospect.
    They got the #1 rated Slot CB, who CAN play outside as well.
    Let me tell you, when Darrell Jackson keeps his hands disciplined and in line with his hips and feet, he just dominates inside. So much potential.
    QB Cade Klubnik had a down season, but he has great timing and accuracy on all levels of the field, with a smooth throwing motion. Do NOT be surprised, if he easily beats out Brady Cook for the backup QB spot, and plays significant time if Geno Smith struggles as the starter.

    WORST – Dallas Cowboys

    • Pick 11: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State Buckeyes
    • Pick 23: ED Malachi Lawrence, UCF Knights
    • Pick 92: ED Jaishawn Barham, Michigan Wolverines
    • Pick 112: T Drew Shelton, Penn State Nittany Lions
    • Pick 114: CB Devin Moore, Florida Gators
    • Pick 137: ED LT Overton, Alabama Crimson Tide
    • Pick 218: WR Anthony Smith, East Carolina Pirates

    They had THE BEST pick in the 1st round, with the #1 overall player in the entire draft (safety Caleb Downs) just fall into their lap. After that, they completely tanked. They wanna get more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, that’s great, but there were far better options at 23, 92, and even 137. It’s like they just threw spaghetti on the wall, and hoping that something sticks. OT Drew Shelton struggles against good competition, and the NFC East is a tough place for linemen.

    BEST – Miami Dolphins

    • Pick 12: T Kadyn Proctor, Alabama Crimson Tide
    • Pick 27: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State Aztecs
    • Pick 43: LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech Red Raiders
    • Pick 75: WR Caleb Douglas, Texas Tech Red Raiders
    • Pick 87: TE Will Kacmarek, Ohio State Buckeyes
    • Pick 94: WR Chris Bell, Louisville Cardinals
    • Pick 130: LB Trey Moore, Texas Longhorns
    • Pick 138: LB Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh Panthers
    • Pick 158: S Michael Taaffe, Texas Longhorns
    • Pick 177: WR Kevin Coleman Jr., Missouri Tigers
    • Pick 180: TE Seydou Traore, Mississippi State Bulldogs
    • Pick 200: G DJ Campbell, Texas Longhorns

    Other than their first pick (OT Kadyn Proctor), who is going to absolutely fail miserably, this is a GREAT draft by Miami. CB Chris Johnson is a Day 1 starting cornerback. LB Jacob Rodriguez is a turnover machine and is always around the football. WR Chris Bell was a LOCK to be a 1st Round WR before he tore his ACL late last season. He’s a great X WR and will be starting as soon as he is medically cleared. LB Kyle Louis is a tacking machine. S Michael Taaffe can do everything you need a safety to do.

    In summary, the 2026 Draft Class will go down as one of the strangest classes of all-time, certainly in my lifetime. Shocking picks, epic slides, a record-breaking number of trades, kept not just the teams on their toes, but fans on the edge of their seats or wondering….. “What the heck are they doing?”

    For the delicious breakfast bowls and bagels, as well as high protein snacks, and boba drinks, stop into The Daily Dose in Convoy. Located on the corner of US-49 and Tully Street. Check out their Facebook page for special drinks and menu items.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Information courtesy of…..NFL, ESPN, and PFF.

    Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, USAToday, and WTAE.

  • Best and the Worst, from the 1st Round, of the 2026 NFL Draft.

    The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is in the books.

    In front of a record crowd of 320,000 people, we got the chaos and surprises that come, when nobody knows exactly what’s going to happen after pick #1.

    Indiana Hoosiers Heisman Trophy winning and National Championship QB, Fernando Mendoza went 1st to the Las Vegas Raiders.

    We all knew that the New York Jets were going to take a pass rusher; we just didn’t know which one. Was it going to be David Bailey, Arvell Reese, or Rueben Bain. They decided on Bailey from Texas Tech.

    The Arizona Cardinals decided to kick off the chaos by selecting HB Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame with the 3rd pick. He was my #2 overall player in this class. The highest a running back had been taken since 2018 (Saquon Barkley to the New York Giants).

    WR Carnell Tate from Ohio State, was the first WR to come off the draft board. But it wasn’t to the Cleveland Browns (my team), it was to the Tennessee Titans at #4.

    For the best high protein breakfast, as well as boba teas, drinks and snacks, stop into The Daily Dose in Convoy. On the corner of US-49 and Tully Street

    Rounding out the Top 5, the New York Giants took pass rushing LB/EDGE, Arvell Reese from Ohio State. Making it back-to-back Buckeyes.

    For all 32 selections you can watch or visit ESPN or NFL Network.

    Without further ado, here are the best and worst of the 1st Round.

    Best overall pick – Dallas Cowboys – Caleb Downs – S – Ohio State.

    The Cowboys trade up from #12 to #11 for the best overall player in the entire class in Caleb Downs. He’s an elite, versatile safety, with exceptional football IQ and excellent leadership. Dallas defensive coordinator Christian Parker loves safeties that can play in the box, and single high. Downs is the perfect fit. Parker had to be doing backflips in the war room.

    Worst overall pick – Minnesota Vikings – Caleb Banks – DT – Florida.

    As soon as I saw this pick, I KNEW my friend Nick was not going to be happy, and he did not disappoint me and my fellow LabRoomFam in our group chat.

    He’s a big 6’6″, 327 lbs defensive lineman, that struggles in run stopping, and has had, not one, not two, but three, foot surgeries already. While he does a good job of splitting lineman, his pass rushing skills and moves are not polished, relying on his quick get off, which to be fair is quite good. They took the 4th best DT in the 1st round.

    For the best artisan pizzas and homemade pies in Van Wert County, stop by The Local Slice in Convoy, Ohio.

    Biggest surprise – Houston Texans – OG – Keylan Rutledge – Georgia Tech.

    I swear, the Texans do not believe in offensive line positions other than center. They just draft offensive guards and stick them at the other 4 positions. Don’t get me wrong, I love Rutledge, he was my OG3, but they need tackles. Are they just gonna line up and play old school, downhill, pound the rock, smashmouth football? As everyone knows, that’s my favorite style, but it’s unrealistic in today’s game.

    Rounds 2 and 3 of the NFL Draft are Friday Night, at 7:00 PM (EST) on ESPN, NFL Network, and ABC.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Pictures courtesy of…..MSN and yahoosports.

  • Winners and Losers from Day 1 of the NFL Scouting Combine.

    Day 1 of the NFL Scouting Combine is in the books, and I must say, that it provided more overall depth of talent than I thought it would.

    The day started out with the defensive tackles taking the field for on the field drills.

    For teams like the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers, and teams that run the 3-4 defense, they were loving it. This DT class is a strong, run stopping, nose tackle class. There’s nobody that’s going to get inside pressure.

    My two biggest winners were Lee Hunter from Texas Tech, who absolutely solidified his position as DT1; and the surprise guy Zane Durant from Penn State, who came in and just crushed the drills.

    My biggest loser was Kaden McDonald from Ohio State. He looked sluggish, stiff, and his footwork was sloppy, causing him to lose his balance, causing slips and falls.

    A hand holding a clear cup of iced coffee in front of a decorative autumn wreath on a door.

    For the best coffee and lattes in Van Wert County, stop into The Rebel Bean in Convoy, Ohio. Check out their Facebook page for store hours and special drinks. There new Honey Bun Latte is absolutely incredible. The staff is friendly and tell them you heard about them from here.

    Group 2 was the Edge Rushers, and they showed that there was some quality depth this year.

    David Bailey from Texas Tech, and TJ Parker showed everyone why they are not just MY #1 and #2 ranked Edge players, but a lot scouts and pundits as well.

    Dani Dennis-Sutton from Penn State showed that the down year this past season, was not a reflection of his true talent. He did quite well, and is my #3 Edge.

    The two players that shocked me the most were, Mason Reiger from Wisconsin and Max Llewellyn from Iowa. They crushed the on the field drills. Whether it was the Wave Drill or the 4-Bag Agility, they looked smooth, and their footwork was great. They really helped their draft stock bigtime.

    The biggest loser to everyone but me, was LT Overton from Alabama. He’s not a pass rusher. He ran slow, his footwork was sloppy, his couldn’t keep his hips, knees, and feet in tandem, it was bad. LOT of my fellow Browns fans were mocking him at #24. I’ve told them and even a family member, that I’m not touching him in the first round.

    A plastic container filled with a dessert featuring whipped cream, caramel sauce, and a mix of pecans and chocolate chips on top.

    Daily Dose in Convoy, has all the sugar-free, protein rich teas and drinks you need for your day. I personally get their Banana Nut Protein Bowl myself, and it’s delicious. Check out their Facebook page for store hours.

    The day finished with Group 3, the Linebackers.

    HOLY CALCUTTA WHAT A CROP IT IS THIS YEAR!!!

    Starting with the two standout Ohio State Buckeyes, Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles. Both ran a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash. Then turned around and made the on the field drills look like a walk in the park, barely breaking a sweat and completely dominating.

    I felt bad for Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodrigeuz, who a GREAT day, but was overshadowed simply by being next after Reese. He’s a turnover machine and so smooth.

    Kyle Louis from Pitt had a great day on the field as well. Ran a solid 4.53 and looked so smooth and fluid during the drills.

    My biggest loser was Jack Kelly from BYU, and that’s simply just nitpicking because he wasn’t all that bad. He ran slower than I thought he would. He was stiffer than he looked in games, and kept losing his balance during the early drills, like the Wave and 4-Bag.

    Business card for Recovery Massage featuring the tagline 'Relax Revive Recover', the name 'Heather Hart, LMT', and a contact number.

    Get rid of those kinks and get a relaxing, much needed massage from Heather Hart. I see her myself, and love to talk about The Word with her. Book your appointment today.

    Day 2 of the NFL Scouting Combine continues tomorrow afternoon, starting at 3:00 PM (EST) on NFL Network.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Picture courtesy of…..USAToday.

  • Cleveland Browns 2025 Regular Season Breakdown.

    Cleveland Browns football helmet logo on an orange and brown background with bulldog graphics.

    The Cleveland Browns 2025 season schedule was released on Wednesday night.

    Looking at the scheduled, I noticed a few things first, before I started getting into the X’s and the O’s, as well as the Jimmy’s and the Joe’s.

    • For the 1st time since 2017, the Browns are taking part in the International Series. Cleveland travels to London, England to take on my friend Nick’s, Minnesota Vikings in a very early morning Week 5 matchup. Game starts at 9:30 AM (EST) on NFL Network.
    • The Browns do not have a “primetime game” this season. In fact, Cleveland only has 3 games, that do not start in the 1 PM window (Weeks 5, 11, and 12).
    • Cleveland’s farthest distance to travel is only to Las Vegas to play the Raiders in Week 12 (2,076 miles).

    The schedule is very balanced for the Browns this season. There is only 1 “back-to-back” road game trip (Weeks 8 and 10), however, Cleveland has their Bye week between those two games (Week 9).

    Graphic of the Cleveland Browns 2025 season schedule, featuring game dates, opponents, and kickoff times.

    A potentially great thing for the Browns, is that 4 of their final 6 games are at home. If Cleveland somehow, some way, finds themselves in the playoff hunt, homefield advantage is always nice to have.

    The Browns open the 2025 season at home against division and in-state rival Cincinnati. Cleveland has not won a season opener at home since 2014 (against the Saints).

    Cleveland REALLY needs to get that win in Week 1, as their next 5 straight games, are against teams that made the playoffs last season (Baltimore, Green Bay, Detroit, Minnesota, Pittsburgh).

    Having that Bye week smack dab in the middle of the season again, is a nice break for Cleveland.

    In Weeks 12, 13, and 14, the Browns play teams that finished in last place within their own divisions, in the Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, and the Tennessee Titans.

    Cleveland finishes the regular season with back-to-back divisional games. Week 17 against the Steelers is the final home game of the season, while Week 18 is once again, against the Bengals, this time in Cincinnati.

    The #1 question on every Browns fans mind, is about who the starting quarterback will be. Veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett are paired along 2 rookies, in Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.

    The answer is, there is no answer right now. They plan to let them all fight it out. Personally, I think Joe Flacco will start the season, with Shedeur Sanders as QB2, and Gabriel as the 3rd stringer. I believe Pickett will end up being traded before the regular season starts.

    The over/under win projection sits at 4.5 games right now; after coming off of a dismal 3-14 season in 2024. I think the Browns can beat that mark.

    My first response upon seeing the 2025 schedule was the Browns can win at least 6 games, Cincinnati, Minnesota, New England, New York Jets, San Francisco, and Tennessee.

    Question – What do you think about the Browns schedule and how many games do you think they can win???

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats and information courtesy of…..NFL and Cleveland Browns.

    Pictures and videos courtesy of…..wallpapercave, Cleveland Browns, and YouTube.

  • NFL Schedule Released, Wolves Return, Celtics Still Alive, Oilers Punch, And So Much More.

    Image showcasing the 2025 NFL schedule release featuring player images and game matchups.

    NFL NEWS.

    The NFL released its’ full schedule for all 32 teams last night. The regular season kicks off on September 4th, when the defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles take on their hated division rival, the Dallas Cowboys.

    I’ll be writing up articles on my Cleveland Browns schedule and on the best games of the upcoming season, in the following days, so stay tuned.

    For the full list, every game, for every team, including your favorite team, go to…… http://nfl.com

    NBA PLAYOFFS.

    A visual representation of the NBA playoff bracket, showing matchups including the Thunder vs. Grizzlies, Nuggets vs. Clippers, Lakers vs. Timberwolves, and Rockets vs. Warriors, along with the Eastern Conference matchups featuring Cavaliers, Heat, Pacers, Bucks, Knicks, Pistons, Celtics, and Magic.

    The #6 seeded Minnesota Timberwolves are returning to the Western Conference Finals, after defeating the #7 seeded Golden State Warriors 121-110 last night, to win the series 4-1, in front of their home fans.

    The Timberwolves shot 62.8% from the field last night, as all 5 starters scored in double digits. Full game highlights below.

    PF led the team in points last night with 29. He tied for the lead in rebounds with C Rudy Gobert, as both had 8. SG Anthony Edwards led the team with 12 assists.

    They now await the winner of the Thunder-Nuggets series.

    The #2 seeded Boston Celtics are still alive, after defeating the #3 New York Knicks 127-102 to make it a 3-2 series. Full game highlights above.

    It was a do or die game for the Celtics at home, and the shots finally started falling for the defending NBA Champions. Boston shot 52.4% from the field last night, making 44.9% from 3.

    PG Derrick White led the team with 34 points. Backup C Luke Kornet came off the bench and led the team in rebounds with 9. Star SG Jaylen Brown in assists with 12, and added 26 points as well.

    Game 6 is Friday night, in New York, at 8:00 PM (EST) on ESPN.

    NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS.

    A graphic displaying the NHL playoff bracket, featuring team logos and seeding information on a colorful background.

    The P3 Edmonton Oilers have punched their ticket to the Western Conference Finals for the 2nd straight season, with a 1-0 overtime victory against the P1 Vegas Golden Knights, to win the series 4-1.

    Oilers RW Kasperi Kapanen scored the game winning goal in a mad scramble in front the net, at 7:19 of the overtime period.

    Edmonton goalie Stuart Skinner got his 2nd straight Stanley Cup Playoffs shutout, stopping all 24 shots he faced. Game winning shot below.

    The Oilers will face the winner of the series between the Winnipeg Jets and the Dallas Stars.

    MLB SCORES.

    The Phillies and Cardinals split their double header yesterday. PHI won the first game 2-1, while STL won the second game 14-7.

    The Twins swept their double header against the Orioles, 6-3 and 8-6.

    The Brewers finally get a win over the Guardians 9-5.

    Yankees beat the Mariners 3-2.

    Tiger beat the Red Sox 6-5.

    The Dodgers win 9-3 over the Athletics.

    The Pirates, once again, beat the Mets, winning 4-0.

    Question of the day – Are you going to attend any NFL games this season???

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Subscribe, follow, like, and comment.

    Follow me on X(Twitter)….. @JoeAmerican6771 and @allsportsfancom

    Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN, NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and bleacherreport.

    Pictures and videos courtesy of…..bleacherreport and YouTube.

  • #1 Seed Eliminated, Superstar Player Has Surgery, NFL Schedule Releases, Coach Involved in Sexual Assault Scandal Hired, and so much more.

    A graphic illustrating the NBA playoffs bracket, showing the teams and matchups, including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers.

    NBA FINALS PLAYOFFS AND NEWS.

    My #1 seeded Cleveland Cavaliers have officially been eliminated from the NBA Finals Playoffs, losing to the #4 seeded Indiana Pacers 4-1, with a 114-105 loss last night.

    The injury bug finally got his teeth into the Cavaliers at the worst possible time. Superstar SG Donovan Mitchell with an ankle injury, PF Evan Mobley, SF De’Andre Hunter, all missed time in this series.

    The shots just weren’t falling for the Cavaliers in this series. The momentum that came from winning 60+ games in the regular season and sweeping the Miami Heat, just didn’t follow them into the 2nd round.

    The Pacers budding stars played their best this series. PG Tyrese Haliburton and PF Pascal Siakam stepped up when it was needed throughout this series. Full game highlights below.

    PG Tyrese Haliburton led the team with 31 points and 8 assists, while SF Aaron Nesmith brought in 13 rebounds.

    The Pacers await the winner between the #2 seeded Boston Celtics and the #3 seeded New York Knicks.

    The Knicks lead that series 3-1.

    The #1 seeded Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the #4 seeded Denver Nuggets 112-105 last night, to take a 3-2 lead in the series.

    PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points and 7 assists. F Jalen Williams led the team with 8 rebounds.

    Nuggets C Nikola Jokic had a big night in a losing effort, scoring 44 points, bringing in 15 rebounds, and 5 assists. Full game highlights below.

    Game 6 is Thursday night, in Denver, at 8:30 PM (EST) on ESPN.

    Boston Celtics superstar SF Jayson Tatum had surgery to repair a torn left Achilles tendon yesterday.

    He suffered the injury late in the 4th quarter of the Celtics Game 4 loss to the Knicks on Monday.

    No timetable has been given for his return.

    NFL NEWS.

    The NFL released the schedule for their international games this upcoming season.

    NFL International Games 2025 schedule overview with matchups and locations including São Paulo, Dublin, London, Berlin, and Madrid.

    The Minnesota Vikings have 2 games overseas this upcoming season, including one against my Cleveland Browns on October 5th.

    My fellow LabRoomFam and close friend Nick, might have to put another wager on that game. I won the last bet on 10/3/21, when the Browns beat the Vikings 14-7 in Minnesota.

    Games will be played in England, Ireland, Spain, Germany, and Brazil.

    The full schedule release will be tonight at 8:00 PM (EST) on NFL Network.

    NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS AND NEWS.

    NHL playoff bracket showing matchups and team rankings for the tournament.

    The C2 Dallas Stars defeated the C1 Winnipeg Jets last night 3-1, to take a big 3-1 lead in the series.

    Stars C Mikael Granlund got his first career playoff hat trick, scoring goals in all 3 periods, including 2 of them on the powerplay.

    Stars goalie Jake Gettinger stopped 31 of the 32 shots he faced.

    See all 3 goals below.

    Game 5 is Thursday night, in Winnipeg, at 9:30 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

    The Anaheim Ducks have hired Joel Quenneville as their new head coach.

    The 66-year-old is 2nd in NHL history with a record of 969-572-150, in stints with the St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, and Florida Panthers.

    He’s been out of the league since October 27th, 2021, when he was fired by Florida Panthers, after he covered up evidence, of sexual assault on former Blackhawks player Kyle Beach, by then video coach Brad Aldrich in 2010.

    A man with a white mustache stands speaking to reporters, surrounded by microphones and smartphones, with a sports team logo in the background.

    My personal opinion is that this is a disgusting move. Quenneville deserves to be banned from coaching at any level, in any league, anywhere in the world.

    It’s a disgrace to victims of sexual assault of both sexes everywhere. He knowingly covered up evidence and misled law enforcement and NHL investigators.

    I’m ashamed of the NHL for even allowing this to happen. It puts a dark pall on what has been a very exciting Stanley Cup Playoffs this season.

    MLB SCORES AND NEWS.

    MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred removed all-time hits leader Pete Rose, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, and others from the leagues permanently ineligible list.

    They had all been banned from anything MLB related for admitting to gambling and in Jacksons’ case “fixing” the 1919 World Series.

    They will now all be eligible for the MLB Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.

    A baseball player wearing a red cap and jacket, looking serious while glancing over his shoulder against a blurred background.

    In my personal opinion, lifting the ban on Pete Rose in long overdue. He never lost games on purpose. Lifting the ban on “Shoeless” Joe Jackson is a disgrace to the game of baseball and all sports. He and others intentially rigged the 1919 World Series. There should never, ever be a place of forgiveness in any sport, for that.

    Guardians beat the Brewers 2-0.

    The Detroit Tigers continue to surprise everyone, as they beat the Boston Red Sox 10-9.

    The Mariners beat the Yankees 2-1, in extra innings (11).

    The Dodgers get smoked by the Athletics 11-1.

    A Seattle Mariners player celebrating joyfully on the field, wearing a Mariners uniform and a teal headband, with fans cheering in the background.

    Question of the day – Do agree that Pete Rose and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson’s bans deserve to be lifted???

    Drop a comment telling me why or why not.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats and information courtesy of…..NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, ESPN, bleacherreport, MSN.

    Pictures and videos courtesy of…..NFL, SI, MLB, MSN, bleacherreport, and YouTube.

  • NFL News, New Champion, Legend Retires, Hall of Famer Announced, NBA Playoffs, Stanley Cup, and more.

    Grid of NFL team logos, including logos from various teams like the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, and Dallas Cowboys.

    NFL NEWS.

    Quarterback Derek Carr has decided to retire, after 11 seasons in the NFL. The former Raiders and Saints QB attended Fresno State and was the 36th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He finishes his career throwing for 41,245 yards, with 257 TDs and 112 INTs.

    Rookie mini camps were held over the weekend. Jaguars #2 pick WR/CB Travis Hunter took snaps on the offensive side of the ball. HC Liam Coen said that Hunter will get defensive reps next week. Browns #5 pick DT Mason Graham made headlines after he was caught vomiting on the field. HC Kevin Stefanski blew it off saying that he simply ate too much.

    MMA NEWS.

    Jack Della Maddalena (18-2) defeated Belal Muhammad (24-4) to become the new UFC Welterweight Champion, in an absolute slugfest. The judges gave Jack the UD win with scores of 48-47 (x2) and 49-46. Jack has now won 18 straight fights. His last lost coming way back in 2016.

    Some things just seem to stay the same. Valentina Shevchenko (25-4-1) defended her Women’s Flyweight Championship for a record 10th time, defeating Manon Fiorot (12-2) by UD. 48-47 (x3).

    Featherweight legend Jose Aldo (32-10), retired in the octagon after losing to Aiemann Zahabi (13-2).

    A muscular mixed martial artist wearing a UFC championship belt and a shirt with a photo of a woman, standing in front of a Brazilian flag.

    Former Light Heavyweight Champion Vitor Belfort will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame later this year.

    Belfort (26-14) burst onto the scene when he won the UFC Heavyweight Tournament back in 1997, at only 19 years of age.

    In 2013, his legal use of testosterone-replacement therapy (TRT) became a worldwide sports controversy. The Nevada State Athletic Commission later banned TRT, from competition without medical proof of necessity.

    He holds career wins against legends Randy Couture, Wanderlei Silva, Rich Franklin, Luke Rockhold, Michael Bisping, and Dan Henderson.

    NBA Playoffs.

    Graphic displaying the NBA playoff bracket with team matchups and seedings.

    The #4 seeded Indiana Pacers defeated the #1 seeded Cleveland Cavaliers 129-109, to take a 3-1 series lead.

    PF Pascal Siakam led the team with 21 points. C Myles Turner had 7 rebounds, and PG T.J. McConnell had 8 assists.

    Game 6 is Tuesday night, in Cleveland at 7:00 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

    The #1 seeded Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the #4 seeded Denver Nuggets 92-87, to tie the series at 2-2.

    PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led with 25 points and 6 assists. C Isaiah Hartenstein had 14 rebounds to lead the team.

    Game 5 is also on Tuesday night, in Oklahoma City, at 9:30 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

    NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS.

    A graphic depicting the NHL playoff bracket, showcasing the matchups and seeds for the 2023 playoffs.

    The A3 and defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers, defeated the A1 Toronto Maple Leafs 2-0, to tie the series at 2-2.

    Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky got his 5th career playoff shutout, stopping all 23 shots attempted.

    Tempers flared at the end of the game, when Maple Leafs C Max Domi (Pussycat Max, as I call him), landed his latest in a long career of cheap shots, this time on Panthers C Aleksander Barkov.

    Game 5 is Wednesday night, in Toronto, at 7:00 PM (EST) on ESPN.

    The C2 Dallas Stars defeated the C1 Winnepeg Jets 5-2, to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

    Stars RW Mikko Rantanen continues his incredible playoff run with another 3 points (1G/2A). Full game highlights below.

    Game 4 is Tuesday night, in Dallas, at 8:00 PM (EST) on ESPN.

    MLB NEWS.

    Phillies beat the Guardians 3-0.

    In a battle of division leaders, the Mets beat the Cubs 6-2.

    League leading Dodgers beat the Diamondbacks 8-1.

    Surprising Tigers lose to the Rangers 6-1.

    The Rockies actually win a game!!! Beating the Padres 9-3.

    OTHER NEWS.

    A digital bracket showcasing the results of the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs, displaying team logos, series scores, and results for various matchups in different divisions.

    Congratulations to my Aunt Chris’ as her Toledo Walleye defeated my Fort Wayne Komets 4 games to 2 and advance to the Western Conference Finals in the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs.

    Question of the day – Did your favorite team make the playoffs?

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN, NFL, NHL, MLB, ECHL, NBA, bleacherreport, UFC.

    Pictures and video courtesy of…..wallpapercave, UFC, ECHL, bleacherreport, and YouTube.

  • Knicks Do It Again, Thunder Reigns, Home Teams Hold Court, and so much more.

    A New York Knicks player celebrating a close victory against the Boston Celtics during an NBA playoff game.

    NBA PLAYOFFS AND NEWS.

    For the 2nd time in 2 games, the #3 seeded New York Knicks overcome a 20-point deficit to beat the defending NBA Champion and #2 seeded Boston Celtics. The 91-90 victory last night, gives them a big 2-0 series lead going back home to Madison Square Garden.

    The odds now heavily favor the Knicks, as 85.7% of teams who win the first 2 games on the road, end up taking the best of seven series.

    SG Josh Hart led the team in points with 23, but it was C Karl Anthony-Towns with his team leading 17 rebounds. Dominating the glass and not allowing those pesky second chance shots by Boston. PG Jalen Brunson led with 7 assists. Check out the final seconds of the game below.

    Game 3 is in New York, Saturday afternoon, at 3:30 PM (EST) on ABC.

    The #1 seeded Oklahoma City Thunder laid a 43-point butt whipping on the #4 seeded Denver Nuggets with a 149-106 victory at home.

    The Thunder set an NBA record, scoring 87 points in the first half alone. The shots just weren’t falling for the Nuggets last night, and the Thunder made 56.2% of their shots, including 44.4% from beyond the arch. Full game highlights of the record-breaking night below.

    PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 34 points and assists with 8. PF Chet Holmgren had 11 rebounds.

    It was a big win for the Thunder as the series is now tied 1-1, going to Denver.

    Game 3 is Friday night, in Denver, at 10:00 PM (EST) on ESPN.

    Golden State Warriors superstar PG Stephen Curry has Grade 1 left hamstring strain, is slated to miss at least 2 games, if not more.

    Hamstring injuries are hard to recover from, as they can linger for weeks or months.

    NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS AND NEWS.

    The A1 Toronto Maple Leafs take a big 2-0 series lead over the defending Stanley Cup Champion and A3 Florida Panthers with a 4-3 victory at home. Full game highlights below.

    Both teams got power play goals by Barkov (FLA) and Pacioretty (TOR) in the 1st period. Goals by Nylander and Domi, gave Toronto a 3-2 lead after 2 periods of play. Lundell scored at 5:33 of the 3rd to tie it at 3-3. Only 17 seconds later, Mitch Marner scored the eventual game winner at 5:50.

    Game 3 is Friday night, in Sunrise, FL, at 7:00 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

    The C2 Dallas Stars steal Game 1 in Winnepeg from the C1 Winnepeg Jets with a 3-2 win, to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

    All 5 goals were scored in a wild and crazy 2nd period. Led by Stars RW Mikko Rantanen, who got his 2nd straight hat-trick. See all 3 goals below.

    Game 2 is Friday night, in Winnepeg, at 9:30 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

    The Utah Hockey Club in the NHL, now officially has a nickname and logo.

    They will be called, the Utah Mammoth.

    Logo of the NHL team Utah Mammoth featuring a stylized mammoth head and text 'UTAH MAMMOTH' against a dark mountain backdrop.

    It was a 13-month process, and they had over 850,000 ballots cast by fans to come up with the name and logo.

    It went through 4 rounds of “community voting” and this is the winner.

    MLB SCORES AND NEWS.

    The Guardians beat the Nationals 8-6.

    The Yankees get the 4-3 win over the Padres in extra innings.

    The Dodgers lay a beat down on the Marlins 10-1.

    The Pittsburgh Pirates lose their 7th straight game to the streaking St. Louis Cardinals 5-0.

    OTHER NEWS.

    My Aunt Chris’ Toledo Walleye defeated my Fort Wayne Komets in double overtime, to get the 3-2 win, and tie the series at 2-2 in the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs. Game highlights below.

    Game 5 is tonight, in Fort Wayne, IN. Puck drops at 7:35 PM (EST)

    Get out and support your local pro and semi-pro teams.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN, NBA, NHL, MLB.

    Pictures and videos courtesy of…..YouTube, myhighplains, and the ChicagoSunTimes.