hockey
We talk pucks and objects of that kind. We yell, complain, and analyze in the language of hockey fandom. Gretzky can do no wrong.
The Vast History of NHL Expansion (and Relocation)
Expansion. A beautiful nine-letter word to us sports fans. Merriam-Webster defines "expansion" as "the act, process, or state of growing larger or becoming more extensive." One thing I know as a sports fan: the 1960s was a big decade for sports expansion. Baseball saw a lot of teams placed all over the continent, with the decade ending with the American and National Leagues each being split into two divisions. The NBA saw a lot of teams added and relocated during that decade, and pro football actually added a second league in 1960.
By Clyde E. Dawkinsabout a month ago in Unbalanced
Who's Hot and Who's Not in Sports: Chicago
Of course, when I started this series, the logical route was to start with the three biggest markets in the country. First was Southern California , mainly Los Angeles (the "City of Angels"). I started with that because it's my neck of the proverbial woods. Next, New York/New Jersey, mainly New York City (the "Big Apple). So it makes sense that this third installment in the series centers on the "Windy City," Chicago.
By Clyde E. Dawkins2 months ago in Unbalanced
Who's Hot and Who's Not in Sports: New York/New Jersey
When I started this series on sports regions, I had to start with SoCal, because, well, that's my neck of the woods. Plus it made sense to start with one of the largest sports areas in North America. When you think Western sports, you automatically think SoCal (mainly Los Angeles). When it comes to the East, New York is the nucleus, whether some like it or not. The facts are there. At least 8.5 million people in NYC, the most populous city in the US, as well as the largest metropolitan sports market in North America. In addition, the area has not one, not two, but actually four of the most popular arenas/stadiums in the continent.
By Clyde E. Dawkins2 months ago in Unbalanced
In the Spotlight: Dallas-Fort Worth Professional Sports Teams
As someone who grew up in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, winning is everything. Us sports fans don't care about our favorite teams making it to the playoffs. We do care, but anything less than a championship is considered a failure. Yes, we have very high expectations for our teams. This logic is also true for high school sports teams. Especially Friday night football. Attending these was like being at church and we do take them very seriously. I'm still waiting for the Dallas Cowboys to win their first Super Bowl in 30 something years. In this story, I'll be highlighting some of the teams from the area and how well they've performed over the years. The teams of focus for this story are the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Dallas Stars, FC Dallas, Dallas Mavericks, and Frisco RoughRiders.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 2 months ago in Unbalanced
Who's Hot and Who's Not in Sports: Southern California
I've been considering doing this exact series for a long time, mainly because I talk a lot about sports markets--mainly who the top teams and the "black sheeps" are in each area. Regarding how I'll do this, I had to think about how I would go about cooking up this series, but after careful consideration, here's how it'll go:
By Clyde E. Dawkins2 months ago in Unbalanced
Jaylen Brown: NBA Champion, Finals MVP, and Modern Icon
In today's NBA, few players embody excellence on and off the court as completely as Jaylen Brown. Known for his elite athleticism, championship pedigree, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering personal philosophy, Brown has evolved from a promising young prospect into one of basketball's most respected stars. As an NBA champion, Finals MVP, entrepreneur, activist, and cultural figure, Jaylen Brown represents a new generation of athletes who refuse to be defined by a single identity.
By Mr How3 months ago in Unbalanced
Brady Tkachuk Won't Make the Panthers a Dynasty, Stop Pretending He Will
I knew this would happen. I really did. But I thought I'd have to wait a few years for this. Exactly one week after the NHL season ended with the Carolina Hurricanes as Stanley Cup Champions, the deal was made. Brady Tkachuk is out of Ottawa, as the Senators traded him to the Florida Panthers, who gave up two 1st round picks in this year's Draft, a 2nd round pick in next year's Draft, and a 1st round pick in the 2029 Draft (which is top 10 protected). So for the first time ever, Brady Tkachuk will be playing alongside older brother Matthew Tkachuk on an NHL level.
By Clyde E. Dawkins3 months ago in Unbalanced
Somers Falls in Section Final Loss to Rye
See Photos at end After holding on for a 7-6 victory over Pelham last week, top seeded Rye awaited the Tuskers in the section finals. The upgrade in completion didn’t take long to reveal. At the same time, Rye also noticed an uptake in intensity. Somers fought back from 5-1 and 11-4 deficits that didn’t surprise Coach Jordan Hirsch. “They are always ready for a battle,” he boasted. But the favorites seemed to have an extra gear that the defending state champs could not match.
By Rich Monetti3 months ago in Unbalanced
Stanley Cup Final Game Six: Hurricane Stanley, 20 Years Later
There is always something extra special about that first game with the Stanley Cup in the building. No matter who it is, whether it's your favorite team, a team you respect, or a team you despise, when said team is one win away from capturing that Cup, it's always a sight to see. On this Sunday evening in Vegas, the Carolina Hurricanes entered Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final needing just one win to get Lord Stanley's holy grail, the absolute hardest trophy to win.
By Clyde E. Dawkins3 months ago in Unbalanced
Somers Heads to Section Finals with 7-6 Thriller Over Pelham
Scroll to end for photos In the semifinal round of the sectionals at Somers on Saturday May 30, Pelham’s 1-0 lead at 8:14 amounted to their last lead of the game. The Pelicans definitely didn’t go away, though. A Somers turnover gave Pelham the ball with 55 seconds remaining in the game, but the Tuskers always feel comfortable having Hudson Ruby as the last line of defense. “He’s just the guy who makes all these plays,” said Holden Brelesky, and with Pelham’s big time scorer making a lateral rush on the goal line, the Somers stop gap engaged his silencer
By Rich Monetti3 months ago in Unbalanced
Stanley Cup Final Game Five: Best-of-Three
It is always very interesting when a best-of-seven series is 2-2 after four games. A 1-1 tie after two games turns the series into a best-of-five, but a 2-2 tie after four games turns the series into a very pivotal best-of-three. In sports, the only best-of-three series is MLB's Wild Card Series, but even so, a best-of-three format leaves very, very little room for error. This is what the Vegas Golden Knights and the Carolina Hurricanes faced on a Thursday Night in Raleigh.
By Clyde E. Dawkins3 months ago in Unbalanced
John Jay Advances with Easy Win Over Tappan Zee
See Photos Below On Tuesday May 26, John Jay jumped out to an 8-1 lead versus Tappan Zee and looked on their way to an easy afternoon. Then the Dutchman scored three straight, and needing a spark, Fin Degl knew exactly which Wolf could turn the ignition.
By Rich Monetti3 months ago in Unbalanced
