Game 2: New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat 7:00 (TNT - Kevin Harlan and Reggie Miller, SR: David Aldridge)
Game 2: Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers 7:30 (NBCSN - Rick Peckham, ItG: Eddie Olczyk) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Elliotte Friedman)
Game 2: Orlando Magic vs. Indiana Pacers 7:30 (NBA TV - Ian Eagle and Steve Smith, SR: Stephanie Ready)
Game 2: Los Angeles Kings vs. St. Louis Blues 9:00 (CNBC - Dave Strader and Brian Engblom, ItG: Brian Hayward) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert and Ray Ferraro, SR: Farhan Lalji)
Game 2: Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 9:30 (TNT - Matt Devlin and Mike Fratello, SR: Marty Snider)
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
April 29 Playoffs Live Blog
Game 1: Utah Jazz vs. San Antonio Spurs 1:00 (ESPN - Mark Jones and Doris Burke, SR: Ric Bucher)
Game 1: New Jersey Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers 3:00 (NBC - Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 1: Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers 3:30 (ABC - Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy, SR: Lisa Salters)
Game 1: Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks 7:00 (TNT - Marv Albert and Steve Kerr, SR: Tracy Wolfson)
Game 2: Nashville Predators vs. Phoenix Coyotes 8:00 (NBCSN - John Forslund, ItG: Joe Micheletti) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Darren Pang, SR: Nabil Karim)
Game 1: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Memphis Grizzlies 9:30 (TNT - Dick Stockton and Chris Webber, SR: Craig Sager)
Game 1: New Jersey Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers 3:00 (NBC - Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 1: Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers 3:30 (ABC - Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy, SR: Lisa Salters)
Game 1: Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks 7:00 (TNT - Marv Albert and Steve Kerr, SR: Tracy Wolfson)
Game 2: Nashville Predators vs. Phoenix Coyotes 8:00 (NBCSN - John Forslund, ItG: Joe Micheletti) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Darren Pang, SR: Nabil Karim)
Game 1: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Memphis Grizzlies 9:30 (TNT - Dick Stockton and Chris Webber, SR: Craig Sager)
Saturday, April 28, 2012
2012 NFL Draft Day 3/April 28 Playoffs Live Blog
Game 1: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls 1:00 (TNT - Kevin Harlan and Reggie Miller, SR: Cheryl Miller)
Game 1: Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers 3:00 (NBC - Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Elliotte Friedman)
Game 1: New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat 3:30 (ABC - Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy, SR: Lisa Salters)
Game 1: Orlando Magic vs. Indiana Pacers 7:00 (ESPN - Dave Pasch and Chris Mullin, SR: Holly Rowe)
Game 1: Los Angeles Kings vs. St. Louis Blues 7:30 (NBCSN - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert and Ray Ferraro, SR: Farhan Lalji)
Game 1: Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 9:30 (ESPN - Mike Tirico and Hubie Brown, SR: Heather Cox)
Game 1: Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers 3:00 (NBC - Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Elliotte Friedman)
Game 1: New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat 3:30 (ABC - Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy, SR: Lisa Salters)
Game 1: Orlando Magic vs. Indiana Pacers 7:00 (ESPN - Dave Pasch and Chris Mullin, SR: Holly Rowe)
Game 1: Los Angeles Kings vs. St. Louis Blues 7:30 (NBCSN - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert and Ray Ferraro, SR: Farhan Lalji)
Game 1: Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 9:30 (ESPN - Mike Tirico and Hubie Brown, SR: Heather Cox)
Friday, April 27, 2012
NBA Conference Quarterfinals Schedule
The NBA Playoffs! Nothing like the sweet smell of Philadelphia 76er mediocrity lasting no more than six games in the first round. It's a new tradition. Really. But seriously, this year, the Sixers, in spite of their strong defense, have to be considered the 16th best NBA Playoff team and while they might be able to win one or even two games against the Bulls, they will not be taking the series.
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
#8 Philadelphia 76ers vs. #1 Chicago Bulls
Game 1: April 28: 76ers vs. Bulls 1:00 (TNT - Kevin Harlan and Reggie Miller, SR: Cheryl Miller)
Game 2: May 1: 76ers vs. Bulls 8:00 (TNT - Kevin Harlan and Reggie Miller, SR: Cheryl Miller)
Game 3: May 4: Bulls vs. 76ers 8:00 (ESPN)
Game 4: May 6: Bulls vs. 76ers 1:00 (ABC)
Game 5: May 8: 76ers vs. Bulls TBD (TBD)
Game 6: May 10: Bulls vs. 76ers TBD (TBD)
Game 7: May 12: 76ers vs. Bulls TBD (TNT)
#7 New York Knicks vs. #2 Miami Heat
Game 1: April 28: Knicks vs. Heat 3:30 (ABC - Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy, SR: Lisa Salters)
Game 2: April 30: Knicks vs. Heat 7:00 (TNT - Kevin Harlan and Reggie Miller, SR: David Aldridge)
Game 3: May 3: Heat vs. Knicks 7:00 (TNT - Kevin Harlan and Reggie Miller, SR: David Aldridge)
Game 4: May 6: Heat vs. Knicks 3:30 (ABC)
Game 5: May 9: Knicks vs. Heat TBD (TBD)
Game 6: May 11: Heat vs. Knicks TBD (TBD)
Game 7: May 13: Knicks vs. Heat TBD (TBD)
#6 Orlando Magic vs. #3 Indiana Pacers
Game 1: April 28: Magic vs. Pacers 7:00 (ESPN - Dave Pasch and Chris Mullin, SR: Holly Rowe)
Game 2: April 30: Magic vs. Pacers 7:30 (NBA TV - Ian Eagle and Steve Smith, SR: Stephanie Ready)
Game 3: May 2: Pacers vs. Magic 7:30 (NBA TV - Ian Eagle and Greg Anthony, SR: Stephanie Ready)
Game 4: May 5: Pacers vs. Magic 2:00 (ESPN)
Game 5: May 8: Magic vs. Pacers TBD (TBD)
Game 6: May 10: Pacers vs. Magic TBD (TBD)
Game 7: May 12: Magic vs. Pacers TBD (TBD)
#4 Boston Celtics vs. #5 Atlanta Hawks
Game 1: April 29: Celtics vs. Hawks 7:00 (TNT - Marv Albert and Steve Kerr, SR: Tracy Wolfson)
Game 2: May 1: Celtics vs. Hawks 7:30 (NBA TV - Kevin Calabro and Greg Anthony, SR: Tracy Wolfson)
Game 3: May 4: Hawks vs. Celtics 7:30 (ESPN2)
Game 4: May 6: Hawks vs. Celtics 7:00 (TNT - Kevin Harlan and Reggie Miller, SR: Tracy Wolfson)
Game 5: May 8: Celtics vs. Hawks TBD (TBD)
Game 6: May 10: Hawks vs. Celtics TBD (TBD)
Game 7: May 12: Celtics vs. Hawks TBD (TNT)
Western Conference Quarterfinals
#8 Utah Jazz vs. #1 San Antonio Spurs
Game 1: April 29: Jazz vs. Spurs 1:00 (ESPN - Mark Jones and Doris Burke, SR: Ric Bucher)
Game 2: May 2: Jazz vs. Spurs 7:00 (TNT - Matt Devlin and Mike Fratello, SR: Lewis Johnson)
Game 3: May 5: Spurs vs. Jazz 10:00 (TNT - Matt Devlin and Mike Fratello, SR: Lewis Johnson)
Game 4: May 7: Spurs vs. Jazz TBD (TBD)
Game 5: May 9: Jazz vs. Spurs TBD (TBD)
Game 6: May 11: Spurs vs. Jazz TBD (TBD)
Game 7: May 13: Jazz vs. Spurs TBD (TBD)
#7 Dallas Mavericks vs. #2 Oklahoma City Thunder
Game 1: April 28: Mavericks vs. Thunder 9:30 (ESPN - Mike Tirico and Hubie Brown, SR: Heather Cox)
Game 2: April 30: Mavericks vs. Thunder 9:30 (TNT - Matt Devlin and Mike Fratello, SR: Marty Snider)
Game 3: May 3: Thunder vs. Mavericks 9:30 (TNT - Marv Albert and Steve Kerr, SR: Marty Snider)
Game 4: May 5: Thunder vs. Mavericks 7:30 (TNT - Dick Stockton and Chris Webber, SR: Marty Snider )
Game 5: May 7: Mavericks vs. Thunder TBD (TBD)
Game 6: May 10: Thunder vs. Mavericks TBD (TBD)
Game 7: May 12: Mavericks vs. Thunder TBD (TNT)
#6 Denver Nuggets vs. #3 Los Angeles Lakers
Game 1: April 29: Nuggets vs. Lakers 3:30 (ABC - Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy, SR: Lisa Salters)
Game 2: May 1: Nuggets vs. Lakers 10:30 (TNT - Marv Albert and Steve Kerr, SR: Jamie Maggio)
Game 3: May 4: Lakers vs. Nuggets 10:30 (ESPN)
Game 4: May 6: Lakers vs. Nuggets 9:30 (TNT - Marv Albert and Steve Kerr, SR: Craig Sager)
Game 5: May 8: Nuggets vs. Lakers TBD (TBD)
Game 6: May 10: Lakers vs. Nuggets TBD (TBD)
Game 7: May 12: Nuggets vs. Lakers TBD (TNT)
#5 Los Angeles Clippers vs. #4 Memphis Grizzlies
Game 1: April 29: Clippers vs. Grizzlies 9:30 (TNT - Dick Stockton and Chris Webber, SR: Craig Sager)
Game 2: May 2: Clippers vs. Grizzlies 9:30 (TNT - Dick Stockton and Chris Webber, SR: Craig Sager)
Game 3: May 5: Grizzlies vs. Clippers 4:30 (ESPN)
Game 4: May 7: Grizzlies vs. Clippers TBD (TBD)
Game 5: May 9: Clippers vs. Grizzlies TBD (TBD)
Game 6: May 11: Grizzlies vs. Clippers TBD (TBD)
Game 7: May 13: Clippers vs. Grizzlies TBD (TBD)
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
#8 Philadelphia 76ers vs. #1 Chicago Bulls
Game 1: April 28: 76ers vs. Bulls 1:00 (TNT - Kevin Harlan and Reggie Miller, SR: Cheryl Miller)
Game 2: May 1: 76ers vs. Bulls 8:00 (TNT - Kevin Harlan and Reggie Miller, SR: Cheryl Miller)
Game 3: May 4: Bulls vs. 76ers 8:00 (ESPN)
Game 4: May 6: Bulls vs. 76ers 1:00 (ABC)
Game 5: May 8: 76ers vs. Bulls TBD (TBD)
Game 6: May 10: Bulls vs. 76ers TBD (TBD)
Game 7: May 12: 76ers vs. Bulls TBD (TNT)
#7 New York Knicks vs. #2 Miami Heat
Game 1: April 28: Knicks vs. Heat 3:30 (ABC - Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy, SR: Lisa Salters)
Game 2: April 30: Knicks vs. Heat 7:00 (TNT - Kevin Harlan and Reggie Miller, SR: David Aldridge)
Game 3: May 3: Heat vs. Knicks 7:00 (TNT - Kevin Harlan and Reggie Miller, SR: David Aldridge)
Game 4: May 6: Heat vs. Knicks 3:30 (ABC)
Game 5: May 9: Knicks vs. Heat TBD (TBD)
Game 6: May 11: Heat vs. Knicks TBD (TBD)
Game 7: May 13: Knicks vs. Heat TBD (TBD)
#6 Orlando Magic vs. #3 Indiana Pacers
Game 1: April 28: Magic vs. Pacers 7:00 (ESPN - Dave Pasch and Chris Mullin, SR: Holly Rowe)
Game 2: April 30: Magic vs. Pacers 7:30 (NBA TV - Ian Eagle and Steve Smith, SR: Stephanie Ready)
Game 3: May 2: Pacers vs. Magic 7:30 (NBA TV - Ian Eagle and Greg Anthony, SR: Stephanie Ready)
Game 4: May 5: Pacers vs. Magic 2:00 (ESPN)
Game 5: May 8: Magic vs. Pacers TBD (TBD)
Game 6: May 10: Pacers vs. Magic TBD (TBD)
Game 7: May 12: Magic vs. Pacers TBD (TBD)
#4 Boston Celtics vs. #5 Atlanta Hawks
Game 1: April 29: Celtics vs. Hawks 7:00 (TNT - Marv Albert and Steve Kerr, SR: Tracy Wolfson)
Game 2: May 1: Celtics vs. Hawks 7:30 (NBA TV - Kevin Calabro and Greg Anthony, SR: Tracy Wolfson)
Game 3: May 4: Hawks vs. Celtics 7:30 (ESPN2)
Game 4: May 6: Hawks vs. Celtics 7:00 (TNT - Kevin Harlan and Reggie Miller, SR: Tracy Wolfson)
Game 5: May 8: Celtics vs. Hawks TBD (TBD)
Game 6: May 10: Hawks vs. Celtics TBD (TBD)
Game 7: May 12: Celtics vs. Hawks TBD (TNT)
Western Conference Quarterfinals
#8 Utah Jazz vs. #1 San Antonio Spurs
Game 1: April 29: Jazz vs. Spurs 1:00 (ESPN - Mark Jones and Doris Burke, SR: Ric Bucher)
Game 2: May 2: Jazz vs. Spurs 7:00 (TNT - Matt Devlin and Mike Fratello, SR: Lewis Johnson)
Game 3: May 5: Spurs vs. Jazz 10:00 (TNT - Matt Devlin and Mike Fratello, SR: Lewis Johnson)
Game 4: May 7: Spurs vs. Jazz TBD (TBD)
Game 5: May 9: Jazz vs. Spurs TBD (TBD)
Game 6: May 11: Spurs vs. Jazz TBD (TBD)
Game 7: May 13: Jazz vs. Spurs TBD (TBD)
#7 Dallas Mavericks vs. #2 Oklahoma City Thunder
Game 1: April 28: Mavericks vs. Thunder 9:30 (ESPN - Mike Tirico and Hubie Brown, SR: Heather Cox)
Game 2: April 30: Mavericks vs. Thunder 9:30 (TNT - Matt Devlin and Mike Fratello, SR: Marty Snider)
Game 3: May 3: Thunder vs. Mavericks 9:30 (TNT - Marv Albert and Steve Kerr, SR: Marty Snider)
Game 4: May 5: Thunder vs. Mavericks 7:30 (TNT - Dick Stockton and Chris Webber, SR: Marty Snider )
Game 5: May 7: Mavericks vs. Thunder TBD (TBD)
Game 6: May 10: Thunder vs. Mavericks TBD (TBD)
Game 7: May 12: Mavericks vs. Thunder TBD (TNT)
#6 Denver Nuggets vs. #3 Los Angeles Lakers
Game 1: April 29: Nuggets vs. Lakers 3:30 (ABC - Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy, SR: Lisa Salters)
Game 2: May 1: Nuggets vs. Lakers 10:30 (TNT - Marv Albert and Steve Kerr, SR: Jamie Maggio)
Game 3: May 4: Lakers vs. Nuggets 10:30 (ESPN)
Game 4: May 6: Lakers vs. Nuggets 9:30 (TNT - Marv Albert and Steve Kerr, SR: Craig Sager)
Game 5: May 8: Nuggets vs. Lakers TBD (TBD)
Game 6: May 10: Lakers vs. Nuggets TBD (TBD)
Game 7: May 12: Nuggets vs. Lakers TBD (TNT)
#5 Los Angeles Clippers vs. #4 Memphis Grizzlies
Game 1: April 29: Clippers vs. Grizzlies 9:30 (TNT - Dick Stockton and Chris Webber, SR: Craig Sager)
Game 2: May 2: Clippers vs. Grizzlies 9:30 (TNT - Dick Stockton and Chris Webber, SR: Craig Sager)
Game 3: May 5: Grizzlies vs. Clippers 4:30 (ESPN)
Game 4: May 7: Grizzlies vs. Clippers TBD (TBD)
Game 5: May 9: Clippers vs. Grizzlies TBD (TBD)
Game 6: May 11: Grizzlies vs. Clippers TBD (TBD)
Game 7: May 13: Clippers vs. Grizzlies TBD (TBD)
Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Semifinals Schedule
For the second time in three years, one of each seed remains as we start the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. If only Mike Patrick were here. Then these would be the Conference Sem-uh-finals
Eastern Conference Semifinals
#7 Washington Capitals vs. #1 New York Rangers
Game 1: April 28: Capitals vs. Rangers 3:00 (NBC - Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Elliotte Friedman)
Game 2: April 30: Capitals vs. Rangers 7:30 (NBCSN) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Elliotte Friedman)
Game 3: May 2: Rangers vs. Capitals 7:30 (NBCSN) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Elliotte Friedman)
Game 4: May 5: Rangers vs. Capitals 12:30 (NBC) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Elliotte Friedman)
Game 5: May 7: Capitals vs. Rangers 7:30 (NBCSN) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Elliotte Friedman)
Game 6: May 9: Rangers vs. Capitals TBD (TBD) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Elliotte Friedman)
Game 7: May 12: Capitals vs. Rangers TBD (TBD) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Elliotte Friedman)
#6 New Jersey Devils vs. #5 Philadelphia Flyers
Game 1: April 29: Devils vs. Flyers 3:00 (NBC - Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 2: May 1: Devils vs. Flyers 7:30 (NBCSN) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 3: May 3: Flyers vs. Devils 7:30 (NBCSN) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 4: May 6: Flyers vs. Devils 7:30 (NBCSN) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 5: May 8: Devils vs. Flyers TBD (NBCSN) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 6: May 10: Flyers vs. Devils TBD (TBD) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 7: May 12: Devils vs. Flyers TBD (TBD) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, SR: Scott Oake)
Western Conference Semifinals
#8 Los Angeles Kings vs. #2 St. Louis Blues
Game 1: April 28: Kings vs. Blues 7:30 (NBCSN - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Ray Ferraro, SR: Farhan Lalji)
Game 2: April 30: Kings vs. Blues 9:00 (CNBC - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Ray Ferraro, SR: Farhan Lalji)
Game 3: May 3: Blues vs. Kings 10:00 (NBCSN - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 4: May 6: Blues vs. Kings 3:00 (NBC - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 5: May 8: Kings vs. Blues TBD (CNBC - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (TSN - Chris Cutbhert, ItG: Ray Ferraro, SR: Ryan Rishaug)
Game 6: May 10: Blues vs. Kings TBD (TBD) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Ray Ferraro, SR: Ryan Rishaug)
Game 7: May 12: Kings vs. Blues TBD (TBD) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Ray Ferraro, SR: Ryan Rishaug)
#4 Nashville Predators vs. #3 Phoenix Coyotes
Game 1: April 27: Predators vs. Coyotes 9:00 (NBCSN - John Forslund, ItG: Joe Micheletti) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Darren Pang, SR: Nabil Karim)
Game 2: April 29: Predators vs. Coyotes 8:00 (NBCSN - John Forslund, ItG: Joe Micheletti) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Darren Pang, SR: Nabil Karim)
Game 3: May 2: Coyotes vs. Predators 9:00 (CNBC) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Darren Pang, SR: Katherine Dolan)
Game 4: May 4: Coyotes vs. Predators 7:30 (NBCSN) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Darren Pang, SR: Katherine Dolan)
Game 5: May 7: Predators vs. Coyotes 10:00 (NBCSN) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Darren Pang, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 6: May 9: Coyotes vs. Predators TBD (TBD) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Darren Pang, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 7: May 11: Predators vs. Coyotes TBD (TBD) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Darren Pang, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Eastern Conference Semifinals
#7 Washington Capitals vs. #1 New York Rangers
Game 1: April 28: Capitals vs. Rangers 3:00 (NBC - Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Elliotte Friedman)
Game 2: April 30: Capitals vs. Rangers 7:30 (NBCSN) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Elliotte Friedman)
Game 3: May 2: Rangers vs. Capitals 7:30 (NBCSN) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Elliotte Friedman)
Game 4: May 5: Rangers vs. Capitals 12:30 (NBC) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Elliotte Friedman)
Game 5: May 7: Capitals vs. Rangers 7:30 (NBCSN) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Elliotte Friedman)
Game 6: May 9: Rangers vs. Capitals TBD (TBD) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Elliotte Friedman)
Game 7: May 12: Capitals vs. Rangers TBD (TBD) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Elliotte Friedman)
#6 New Jersey Devils vs. #5 Philadelphia Flyers
Game 1: April 29: Devils vs. Flyers 3:00 (NBC - Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 2: May 1: Devils vs. Flyers 7:30 (NBCSN) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 3: May 3: Flyers vs. Devils 7:30 (NBCSN) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 4: May 6: Flyers vs. Devils 7:30 (NBCSN) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 5: May 8: Devils vs. Flyers TBD (NBCSN) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 6: May 10: Flyers vs. Devils TBD (TBD) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 7: May 12: Devils vs. Flyers TBD (TBD) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, SR: Scott Oake)
Western Conference Semifinals
#8 Los Angeles Kings vs. #2 St. Louis Blues
Game 1: April 28: Kings vs. Blues 7:30 (NBCSN - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Ray Ferraro, SR: Farhan Lalji)
Game 2: April 30: Kings vs. Blues 9:00 (CNBC - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Ray Ferraro, SR: Farhan Lalji)
Game 3: May 3: Blues vs. Kings 10:00 (NBCSN - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 4: May 6: Blues vs. Kings 3:00 (NBC - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 5: May 8: Kings vs. Blues TBD (CNBC - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (TSN - Chris Cutbhert, ItG: Ray Ferraro, SR: Ryan Rishaug)
Game 6: May 10: Blues vs. Kings TBD (TBD) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Ray Ferraro, SR: Ryan Rishaug)
Game 7: May 12: Kings vs. Blues TBD (TBD) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Ray Ferraro, SR: Ryan Rishaug)
#4 Nashville Predators vs. #3 Phoenix Coyotes
Game 1: April 27: Predators vs. Coyotes 9:00 (NBCSN - John Forslund, ItG: Joe Micheletti) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Darren Pang, SR: Nabil Karim)
Game 2: April 29: Predators vs. Coyotes 8:00 (NBCSN - John Forslund, ItG: Joe Micheletti) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Darren Pang, SR: Nabil Karim)
Game 3: May 2: Coyotes vs. Predators 9:00 (CNBC) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Darren Pang, SR: Katherine Dolan)
Game 4: May 4: Coyotes vs. Predators 7:30 (NBCSN) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Darren Pang, SR: Katherine Dolan)
Game 5: May 7: Predators vs. Coyotes 10:00 (NBCSN) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Darren Pang, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 6: May 9: Coyotes vs. Predators TBD (TBD) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Darren Pang, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 7: May 11: Predators vs. Coyotes TBD (TBD) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Darren Pang, SR: Sara Orlesky)
2012 NFL Draft Day 2/April 27 Playoffs Live Blog
Game 1: Nashville Predators vs. Phoenix Coyotes 9:00 (NBCSN - John Forslund, ItG: Joe Micheletti) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Darren Pang, SR: Nabil Karim)
Thursday, April 26, 2012
2012 NFL Draft/April 26 Playoffs Brandon Inge Memorial Live Blog
Game 7: Ottawa Senators vs. New York Rangers 7:00 (NBCSN - Mike Emrick, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (CBC - - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Cassie Campbell-Pascall)
Game 7: New Jersey Devils vs. Florida Panthers 8:30 (NHL Network/NBCSN - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Mike Johnson)
Game 7: New Jersey Devils vs. Florida Panthers 8:30 (NHL Network/NBCSN - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Mike Johnson)
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
April 25 Playoffs Live Blog
Game 7: Washington Capitals vs. Boston Bruins 7:30 (NBCSN - Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (CBC - Dean Brown and Greg Millen, SR: Andi Petrillo)
Chelsea Are Going To The Champions League Final
An absolutely incredible performance from Chelsea ended the only way it could: the much maligned 50 million pound man Fernando Torres driving the dagger into the hearts of Barcelona in stoppage time to give Chelsea a 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou for a 3-2 win on aggregate. Enjoy Gary Neville's orgasm!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
April 24 Playoffs Live Blog
Game 6: Florida Panthers vs. New Jersey Devils 7:30 (NBCSN - Kenny Albert, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferrary, SR: Ryan Rishaug)
Monday, April 23, 2012
April 23 Playoffs Live Blog
Game 6: New York Rangers vs. Ottawa Senators 7:00 (NBCSN - John Forslund, ItG: Brian Hayward) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Cassie Campbell-Pascall)
Game 6: Phoenix Coyotes vs. Chicago Blackhawks 9:00 (CNBC - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 6: Phoenix Coyotes vs. Chicago Blackhawks 9:00 (CNBC - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Sunday, April 22, 2012
April 22 Playoffs Live Blog
Game 6: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers 12:00 (NBC - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro, SR: Ryan Rishaug)
Game 6: Washington Capitals vs. Boston Bruins 3:00 (NBC - Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (CBC - Dean Brown and Greg Millen, SR: Andi Petrillo)
Game 5: Los Angeles Kings vs. Vancouver Canucks 8:00 (NBCSN - Rick Peckham, ItG: Daryl Reaugh) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 6: Washington Capitals vs. Boston Bruins 3:00 (NBC - Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (CBC - Dean Brown and Greg Millen, SR: Andi Petrillo)
Game 5: Los Angeles Kings vs. Vancouver Canucks 8:00 (NBCSN - Rick Peckham, ItG: Daryl Reaugh) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake)
Saturday, April 21, 2012
April 21 Playoffs Live Blog
Game 5: Washington Capitals vs. Boston Bruins 3:00 (NBC - Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (CBC - Dean Brown and Greg Millen, SR: Andi Petrillo)
Game 5: New Jersey Devils vs. Florida Panthers 6:30 (NHL Network - Steve Cangelosi and Chico Resch) (TSN2 - Steve Goldstein and Bill Lindsay)
Game 5: Ottawa Senators vs. New York Rangers 7:00 (NBCSN - Rick Peckham, ItG: Brian Hayward) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Cassie Campbell-Pascall)
Game 5: San Jose Sharks vs. St. Louis Blues 7:30 (CNBC - Randy Hahn and Drew Remenda, SR: Brodie Brazil) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro, SR: Ryan Rishaug)
Game 5: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Phoenix Coyotes 10:00 (NBCSN - Pat Foley and Steve Konroyd) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 5: New Jersey Devils vs. Florida Panthers 6:30 (NHL Network - Steve Cangelosi and Chico Resch) (TSN2 - Steve Goldstein and Bill Lindsay)
Game 5: Ottawa Senators vs. New York Rangers 7:00 (NBCSN - Rick Peckham, ItG: Brian Hayward) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Cassie Campbell-Pascall)
Game 5: San Jose Sharks vs. St. Louis Blues 7:30 (CNBC - Randy Hahn and Drew Remenda, SR: Brodie Brazil) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro, SR: Ryan Rishaug)
Game 5: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Phoenix Coyotes 10:00 (NBCSN - Pat Foley and Steve Konroyd) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Friday, April 20, 2012
April 20 Playoffs Live Blog
Game 5: Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins 7:30 (NBCSN - Kenny Albert, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro, SR: Ryan Rishaug)
Game 5: Detroit Red Wings vs. Nashville Predators 8:00 (CNBC - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (CBC - Mark Lee and Kevin Weekes)
Game 5: Detroit Red Wings vs. Nashville Predators 8:00 (CNBC - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (CBC - Mark Lee and Kevin Weekes)
Thursday, April 19, 2012
April 19 Playoffs Live Blog
Game 4: Florida Panthers vs. New Jersey Devils 7:00 (NHL Network - Steve Cangelosi and Chico Resch, SR: Deb Placey) (TSN2 - Steve Goldstein and Bill Lindsay, SR: Frank Forte)
Game 4: Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals 7:30 (NBCSN - Mike Emrick, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (CBC - Dean Brown and Greg Millen, SR: Andi Petrillo)
Game 4: Phoenix Coyotes vs. Chicago Blackhawks 8:00 (CNBC - John Forslund, ItG: Daryl Reaugh) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro, SR: Ryan Rishaug)
Game 4: St. Louis Blues vs. San Jose Sharks 10:30 (NBCSN - Randy Hahn and Drew Remenda, ItG: Bret Hedican, SR: Brodie Brazil) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 4: Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals 7:30 (NBCSN - Mike Emrick, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (CBC - Dean Brown and Greg Millen, SR: Andi Petrillo)
Game 4: Phoenix Coyotes vs. Chicago Blackhawks 8:00 (CNBC - John Forslund, ItG: Daryl Reaugh) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro, SR: Ryan Rishaug)
Game 4: St. Louis Blues vs. San Jose Sharks 10:30 (NBCSN - Randy Hahn and Drew Remenda, ItG: Bret Hedican, SR: Brodie Brazil) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
April 18 Playoffs Live Blog
Game 4: New York Rangers vs. Ottawa Senators 7:30 (CNBC - John Forslund, ItG: Brian Hayward) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Cassie Campbell-Pascall)
Game 4: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers 7:30 (NBCSN - Mike Emrick, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro, SR: Ryan Rishaug)
Game 4: Vancouver Canucks vs. Los Angeles Kings 10:00 (NBCSN - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 4: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers 7:30 (NBCSN - Mike Emrick, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro, SR: Ryan Rishaug)
Game 4: Vancouver Canucks vs. Los Angeles Kings 10:00 (NBCSN - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake)
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
April 17 Playoffs Live Blog
Game 3: Florida Panthers vs. New Jersey Devils 7:00 (NHL Network - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro, ItG: Ryan Rishaug) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro, SR: Kathrine Dolan)
Game 4: Nashville Predators vs. Detroit Red wings 7:30 (NBCSN - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (CBC - Mark Lee and Kevin Weekes)
Game 3: Phoenix Coyotes vs. Chicago Blackhawks 9:00 (CNBC - Kenny Albert, ItG: Joe Micheletti) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 4: Nashville Predators vs. Detroit Red wings 7:30 (NBCSN - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (CBC - Mark Lee and Kevin Weekes)
Game 3: Phoenix Coyotes vs. Chicago Blackhawks 9:00 (CNBC - Kenny Albert, ItG: Joe Micheletti) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Monday, April 16, 2012
April 16 Playoffs Live Blog
Game 3: Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals 7:30 (NBCSN - Rick Peckham, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (CHEX - Dean Brown and Greg Millen, SR: Andi Petrillo)
Game 3: New York Rangers vs. Ottawa Senators 7:30 (CNBC - John Forslund, ItG: Brian Hayward) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Cassie Campbell-Pascall)
Game 3: St. Louis Blues vs. San Jose Sharks 10:00 (NBCSN - Randy Hahn and Drew Remenda, SR: Brodie Brazil) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 3: New York Rangers vs. Ottawa Senators 7:30 (CNBC - John Forslund, ItG: Brian Hayward) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Cassie Campbell-Pascall)
Game 3: St. Louis Blues vs. San Jose Sharks 10:00 (NBCSN - Randy Hahn and Drew Remenda, SR: Brodie Brazil) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Sunday, April 15, 2012
April 15 Playoffs Live Blog
Game 3: Nashville Predators vs. Detroit Red Wings 12:00 (NBC - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (CBC - Mark Lee and Kevin Weekes)
Game 3: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers 3:00 (NBC - Mike Emrick, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro, SR: Ryan Rishaug)
Game 2: New Jersey Devils vs. Florida Panthers 7:30 (NBCSN - Rick Peckham, ItG: Daryl Reaugh) (TSN - Rick Peckham, ItG: Daryl Reaugh)
Game 3: Vancouver Canucks vs. Los Angeles Kings 10:30 (NBCSN - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 3: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers 3:00 (NBC - Mike Emrick, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro, SR: Ryan Rishaug)
Game 2: New Jersey Devils vs. Florida Panthers 7:30 (NBCSN - Rick Peckham, ItG: Daryl Reaugh) (TSN - Rick Peckham, ItG: Daryl Reaugh)
Game 3: Vancouver Canucks vs. Los Angeles Kings 10:30 (NBCSN - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake)
Saturday, April 14, 2012
April 14 Playoffs Live Blog
Game 2: Washington Capitals vs. Boston Bruins 3:00 (NBC - Mike Emrick, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (CBC - Dean Brown and Greg Millen, SR: Andi Petrillo)
Game 2: Ottawa Senators vs. New York Rangers 7:00 (NBCSN - John Forslund, ItG: Brian Hayward) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Cassie Campbell-Pascall)
Game 2: San Jose Sharks vs. St. Louis Blues 7:30 (CNBC - Randy Hahn and Drew Remenda, SR: Brodie Brazil) (TSN - John Kelly and Darren Pang, ItG: Bernie Federko)
Game 2: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Phoenix Coyotes 10:00 (NBCSN - Pat Foley and Steve Konroyd) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 2: Ottawa Senators vs. New York Rangers 7:00 (NBCSN - John Forslund, ItG: Brian Hayward) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Cassie Campbell-Pascall)
Game 2: San Jose Sharks vs. St. Louis Blues 7:30 (CNBC - Randy Hahn and Drew Remenda, SR: Brodie Brazil) (TSN - John Kelly and Darren Pang, ItG: Bernie Federko)
Game 2: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Phoenix Coyotes 10:00 (NBCSN - Pat Foley and Steve Konroyd) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Friday, April 13, 2012
April 13 Playoffs Live Blog
Game 1: New Jersey Devils vs. Florida Panthers 7:00 (NHL Network - Steve Goldstein and Bill Lindsay, SR Steve Minnervini) (TSN2 - Steve Goldstein and Bill Lindsay, SR Steve Minnervini)
Game 2: Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins 7:30 (NBCSN - Kenny Albert, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 2: Detroit Red Wings vs. Nashville Predators 7:30 (CNBC - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (CBC - Mark Lee and Kevin Weekes)
Game 2: Los Angeles Kings vs. Vancouver Canucks 10:00 (NBCSN - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 2: Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins 7:30 (NBCSN - Kenny Albert, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 2: Detroit Red Wings vs. Nashville Predators 7:30 (CNBC - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (CBC - Mark Lee and Kevin Weekes)
Game 2: Los Angeles Kings vs. Vancouver Canucks 10:00 (NBCSN - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake)
Thursday, April 12, 2012
April 12 Playoffs Live Blog
Game 1: Ottawa Senators vs. New York Rangers 7:00 (NHL Network - Sam Rosen and Joe Micheletti, ItG: Joe Giannone) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Cassie Campbell-Pascall)
Game 1: Washington Capitals vs. Boston Bruins 7:30 (NBCSN - Mike Emrick, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (CHEX - Dean Brown and Greg Millen, SR: Andi Petrillo)
Game 1: San Jose Sharks vs. St. Louis Blues 7:30 (CNBC - Rick Peckham, ItG: Daryl Reaugh) (TSN - Rick Peckham, ItG: Daryl Reaugh)
Game 1: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Phoenix Coyotes 10:00 (NBCSN - Pat Foely and Eddie Olczyk) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 1: Washington Capitals vs. Boston Bruins 7:30 (NBCSN - Mike Emrick, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (CHEX - Dean Brown and Greg Millen, SR: Andi Petrillo)
Game 1: San Jose Sharks vs. St. Louis Blues 7:30 (CNBC - Rick Peckham, ItG: Daryl Reaugh) (TSN - Rick Peckham, ItG: Daryl Reaugh)
Game 1: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Phoenix Coyotes 10:00 (NBCSN - Pat Foely and Eddie Olczyk) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
April 11 Playoffs Live Blog
Game 1: Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins 7:30 (NBCSN - Mike Emrick, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 1: Detroit Red Wings vs. Nashville Predators 8:00 (CNBC - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (CBC - Mark Lee and Kevin Weekes)
Game 1: Los Angeles Kings vs. Vancouver Canucks 10:30 (NBCSN - John Forslund, ItG: Brian Hayward) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 1: Detroit Red Wings vs. Nashville Predators 8:00 (CNBC - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (CBC - Mark Lee and Kevin Weekes)
Game 1: Los Angeles Kings vs. Vancouver Canucks 10:30 (NBCSN - John Forslund, ItG: Brian Hayward) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake)
Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Quarterfinals Schedule
If March is the most exciting month of college sports, then April-June are the most exciting months of professional sports, as 32 teams will participate in playoffs, with two teams winning championships. Thanks to the NBA lockout, the NBA Playoffs do not start until a couple weeks later than normal, which I think on paper I like better, as it avoids the log jam of having 8 playoff games on in the same 6-hour window. With the NBA Playoffs not starting until around the time the NHL cut their playoffs in half from will alleviate that somewhat. Also, it will force the NBA to condense their always much too long first round, which alone is a major benefit. Going back to the NHL, great news. If you get NBC, NBCSN, CNBC, and NHL Network on your television, you will have access to every single Stanley Cup Playoff game on TV this year. Unfortunately, this does not apply to me, but getting every game on TV for the first time ever is a huge step in the right direction. For the first round (and starting this year, the first round only), NBCSN, CNBC, and NHL Network do NOT have exclusive broadcasting rights. If you live in your team's local market, for the first round, local broadcasts on regional sportsnets will be shown. As in years past, though, this only applies to cable networks. All weekend afternoon NBC broadcasts are still exclusive. So without further ado, here is the schedule by series.
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
#8 Ottawa Senators vs. #1 New York Rangers
Game 1: April 12: Senators vs. Rangers 7:00 (NHL Network) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Cassie Campbell-Pascall)
Game 2: April 14: Senators vs. Rangers 7:00 (NBCSN - John Forslund, ItG: Brian Hayward) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Cassie Campbell-Pascall)
Game 3: April 16: Rangers vs. Senators 7:30 (CNBC - John Forslund, ItG: Brian Hayward) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Cassie Campbell-Pascall)
Game 4: April 18: Rangers vs. Senators 7:30 (CNBC - John Forslund, ItG: Brian Hayward) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Cassie Campbell-Pascall)
Game 5: April 21: Senators vs. Rangers 7:00 (NBCSN) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Cassie Campbell-Pascall)
Game 6: April 23: Rangers vs. Senators TBD (TBD) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Cassie Campbell-Pascall)
Game 7: April 26: Senators vs. Rangers TBD (TBD) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Cassie Campbell-Pascall)
#7 Washington Capitals vs. #2 Boston Bruins
Game 1: April 12: Capitals vs. Bruins 7:30 (NBCSN) (CHEX - Dean Brown and Greg Millen, SR: Andy Petrillo)
Game 2: April 14: Capitals vs. Bruins 3:00 (NBC - Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (CBC - Dean Brown and Greg Millen, SR: Andy Petrillo)
Game 3: April 16: Bruins vs. Capitals 7:30 (NBCSN) (CHEX - Dean Brown and Greg Millen, SR: Andy Petrillo)
Game 4: April 19: Bruins vs. Capitals 7:30 (NBCSN) (CBC - Dean Brown and Greg Millen, SR: Andy Petrillo)
Game 5: April 21: Capitals vs. Bruins 3:00 (NBC - Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (CBC - Dean Brown and Greg Millen, SR: Andy Petrillo)
Game 6: April 22: Bruins vs. Capitals TBD (TBD) (CBC - Dean Brown and Greg Millen, SR: Andy Petrillo)
Game 7: April 25: Capitals vs. Bruins TBD (TBD) (CBC - Dean Brown and Greg Millen, SR: Andy Petrillo)
#6 New Jersey Devils vs. #3 Florida Panthers
Game 1: April 13: Devils vs. Panthers 7:00 (NHL Network) (TSN2 - Steve Goldstein and Bill Lindsay)
Game 2: April 15: Devils vs. Panthers 7:30 (NBCSN) (TSN - NBCSN)
Game 3: April 17: Panthers vs. Devils 7:00 (NHL Network) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 4: April 19: Panthers vs. Devils 7:00 (NHL Network) (TSN2 - Steve Goldstein and Bill Lindsay)
Game 5: April 21: Devils vs. Panthers 6:30 (NHL Network) (TSN2 - Steve Goldstein and Bill Lindsay)
Game 6: April 24: Panthers vs. Devils TBD (TBD) (TSN)
Game 7: April 26: Devils vs. Panthers TBD (TBD) (TSN)
#5 Philadelphia Flyers vs. #4 Pittsburgh Penguins
Game 1: April 11: Flyers vs. Penguins 7:30 (NBCSN - Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 2: April 13: Flyers vs. Penguins 7:30 (NBCSN) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 3: April 15: Penguins vs. Flyers 3:00 (NBC - Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 4: April 18: Penguins vs. Flyers 7:30 (NBCSN) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 5: April 20: Flyers vs. Penguins 7:30 (NBCSN) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 6: April 22: Penguins vs. Flyers TBD (TBD) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 7: April 24: Flyers vs. Penguins TBD (TBD) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Western Conference Quarterfinals
#8 Los Angeles Kings vs. #1 Vancouver Canucks
Game 1: April 11: Kings vs. Canucks 10:30 (NBCSN - John Forslund, ItG: Brian Hayward) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 2: April 13: Kings vs. Canucks 10:00 (NBCSN) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 3: April 15: Canucks vs. Kings 10:30 (NBCSN) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 4: April 18: Canucks vs. Kings 10:00 (NBCSN) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 5: April 22: Kings vs. Canucks TBD (TBD) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 6: April 24: Canucks vs. Kings TBD (TBD) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 7: April 26: Kings vs. Canucks TBD (TBD) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake)
#7 San Jose Sharks vs. #2 St. Louis Blues
Game 1: April 12: Sharks vs. Blues 7:30 (CNBC) (TSN - CNBC)
Game 2: April 14: Sharks vs. Blues 7:30 (CNBC) (TSN - John Kelly and Darren Pang, ItG: Bernie Federko)
Game 3: April 16: Blues vs. Sharks 10:00 (NBCSN) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 4: April 19: Blues vs. Sharks 10:30 (NBCSN) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 5: April 21: Sharks vs. Blues 7:30 (CNBC) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 6: April 23: Blues vs. Sharks TBD (TBD) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 7: April 25: Sharks vs. Blues TBD (TBD) (TSN)
#6 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #3 Phoenix Coyotes
Game 1: April 12: Blackhawks vs. Coyotes 10:00 (NBCSN) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 2: April 14: Blackhawks vs. Coyotes 10:00 (NBCSN) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 3: April 17: Coyotes vs. Blackhawks 9:00 (CNBC) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 4: April 19: Coyotes vs. Blackhawks 8:00 (CNBC) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 5: April 21: Blackhawks vs. Coyotes 10:00 (NBCSN) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 6: April 23: Coyotes vs. Blackhawks TBD (TBD) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 7: April 25: Blackhawks vs. Coyotes TBD (TBD) (TSN)
#5 Detroit Red Wings vs. #4 Nashville Predators
Game 1: April 11: Red Wings vs. Predators 8:00 (CNBC - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (CBC - Mark Lee and Kevin Weekes)
Game 2: April 13: Red Wings vs. Predators 7:30 (CNBC - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (CBC - Mark Lee and Kevin Weekes)
Game 3: April 15: Predators vs. Red Wings 12:00 (NBC - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (CBC - Mark Lee and Kevin Weekes)
Game 4: April 17: Predators vs. Red Wings 7:30 (NBCSN - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (CBC - Mark Lee and Kevin Weekes)
Game 5: April 20: Red Wings vs. Predators 8:00 (CNBC - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (CBC - Mark Lee and Kevin Weekes)
Game 6: April 22: Predators vs. Red Wings TBD (TBD - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (CBC - Mark Lee and Kevin Weekes)
Game 7: April 24: Red Wings vs. Predators TBD (TBD) (CBC - Mark Lee and Kevin Weekes)
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
#8 Ottawa Senators vs. #1 New York Rangers
Game 1: April 12: Senators vs. Rangers 7:00 (NHL Network) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Cassie Campbell-Pascall)
Game 2: April 14: Senators vs. Rangers 7:00 (NBCSN - John Forslund, ItG: Brian Hayward) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Cassie Campbell-Pascall)
Game 3: April 16: Rangers vs. Senators 7:30 (CNBC - John Forslund, ItG: Brian Hayward) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Cassie Campbell-Pascall)
Game 4: April 18: Rangers vs. Senators 7:30 (CNBC - John Forslund, ItG: Brian Hayward) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Cassie Campbell-Pascall)
Game 5: April 21: Senators vs. Rangers 7:00 (NBCSN) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Cassie Campbell-Pascall)
Game 6: April 23: Rangers vs. Senators TBD (TBD) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Cassie Campbell-Pascall)
Game 7: April 26: Senators vs. Rangers TBD (TBD) (CBC - Bob Cole and Garry Galley, ItG: Glenn Healy, SR: Cassie Campbell-Pascall)
#7 Washington Capitals vs. #2 Boston Bruins
Game 1: April 12: Capitals vs. Bruins 7:30 (NBCSN) (CHEX - Dean Brown and Greg Millen, SR: Andy Petrillo)
Game 2: April 14: Capitals vs. Bruins 3:00 (NBC - Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (CBC - Dean Brown and Greg Millen, SR: Andy Petrillo)
Game 3: April 16: Bruins vs. Capitals 7:30 (NBCSN) (CHEX - Dean Brown and Greg Millen, SR: Andy Petrillo)
Game 4: April 19: Bruins vs. Capitals 7:30 (NBCSN) (CBC - Dean Brown and Greg Millen, SR: Andy Petrillo)
Game 5: April 21: Capitals vs. Bruins 3:00 (NBC - Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (CBC - Dean Brown and Greg Millen, SR: Andy Petrillo)
Game 6: April 22: Bruins vs. Capitals TBD (TBD) (CBC - Dean Brown and Greg Millen, SR: Andy Petrillo)
Game 7: April 25: Capitals vs. Bruins TBD (TBD) (CBC - Dean Brown and Greg Millen, SR: Andy Petrillo)
#6 New Jersey Devils vs. #3 Florida Panthers
Game 1: April 13: Devils vs. Panthers 7:00 (NHL Network) (TSN2 - Steve Goldstein and Bill Lindsay)
Game 2: April 15: Devils vs. Panthers 7:30 (NBCSN) (TSN - NBCSN)
Game 3: April 17: Panthers vs. Devils 7:00 (NHL Network) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 4: April 19: Panthers vs. Devils 7:00 (NHL Network) (TSN2 - Steve Goldstein and Bill Lindsay)
Game 5: April 21: Devils vs. Panthers 6:30 (NHL Network) (TSN2 - Steve Goldstein and Bill Lindsay)
Game 6: April 24: Panthers vs. Devils TBD (TBD) (TSN)
Game 7: April 26: Devils vs. Panthers TBD (TBD) (TSN)
#5 Philadelphia Flyers vs. #4 Pittsburgh Penguins
Game 1: April 11: Flyers vs. Penguins 7:30 (NBCSN - Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 2: April 13: Flyers vs. Penguins 7:30 (NBCSN) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 3: April 15: Penguins vs. Flyers 3:00 (NBC - Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk, ItG: Pierre McGuire) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 4: April 18: Penguins vs. Flyers 7:30 (NBCSN) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 5: April 20: Flyers vs. Penguins 7:30 (NBCSN) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 6: April 22: Penguins vs. Flyers TBD (TBD) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 7: April 24: Flyers vs. Penguins TBD (TBD) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Western Conference Quarterfinals
#8 Los Angeles Kings vs. #1 Vancouver Canucks
Game 1: April 11: Kings vs. Canucks 10:30 (NBCSN - John Forslund, ItG: Brian Hayward) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 2: April 13: Kings vs. Canucks 10:00 (NBCSN) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 3: April 15: Canucks vs. Kings 10:30 (NBCSN) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 4: April 18: Canucks vs. Kings 10:00 (NBCSN) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 5: April 22: Kings vs. Canucks TBD (TBD) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 6: April 24: Canucks vs. Kings TBD (TBD) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake)
Game 7: April 26: Kings vs. Canucks TBD (TBD) (CBC - Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, SR: Scott Oake)
#7 San Jose Sharks vs. #2 St. Louis Blues
Game 1: April 12: Sharks vs. Blues 7:30 (CNBC) (TSN - CNBC)
Game 2: April 14: Sharks vs. Blues 7:30 (CNBC) (TSN - John Kelly and Darren Pang, ItG: Bernie Federko)
Game 3: April 16: Blues vs. Sharks 10:00 (NBCSN) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 4: April 19: Blues vs. Sharks 10:30 (NBCSN) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 5: April 21: Sharks vs. Blues 7:30 (CNBC) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 6: April 23: Blues vs. Sharks TBD (TBD) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 7: April 25: Sharks vs. Blues TBD (TBD) (TSN)
#6 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #3 Phoenix Coyotes
Game 1: April 12: Blackhawks vs. Coyotes 10:00 (NBCSN) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 2: April 14: Blackhawks vs. Coyotes 10:00 (NBCSN) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 3: April 17: Coyotes vs. Blackhawks 9:00 (CNBC) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 4: April 19: Coyotes vs. Blackhawks 8:00 (CNBC) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 5: April 21: Blackhawks vs. Coyotes 10:00 (NBCSN) (TSN - Chris Cuthbert, ItG: Mike Johnson, SR: Sara Orlesky)
Game 6: April 23: Coyotes vs. Blackhawks TBD (TBD) (TSN - Gord Miller, ItG: Ray Ferraro)
Game 7: April 25: Blackhawks vs. Coyotes TBD (TBD) (TSN)
#5 Detroit Red Wings vs. #4 Nashville Predators
Game 1: April 11: Red Wings vs. Predators 8:00 (CNBC - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (CBC - Mark Lee and Kevin Weekes)
Game 2: April 13: Red Wings vs. Predators 7:30 (CNBC - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (CBC - Mark Lee and Kevin Weekes)
Game 3: April 15: Predators vs. Red Wings 12:00 (NBC - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (CBC - Mark Lee and Kevin Weekes)
Game 4: April 17: Predators vs. Red Wings 7:30 (NBCSN - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (CBC - Mark Lee and Kevin Weekes)
Game 5: April 20: Red Wings vs. Predators 8:00 (CNBC - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (CBC - Mark Lee and Kevin Weekes)
Game 6: April 22: Predators vs. Red Wings TBD (TBD - Dave Strader, ItG: Brian Engblom) (CBC - Mark Lee and Kevin Weekes)
Game 7: April 24: Red Wings vs. Predators TBD (TBD) (CBC - Mark Lee and Kevin Weekes)
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Everything Is Going To Be All Right
In 2011, Chase Utley missed 59 games. In 2011, Ryan Howard was worth 1.6 wins more than a replacement level player. In 2011, the Philadelphia Phillies were a 102-win team.
In 2012, the Philadelphia Phillies will once again be without Chase Utley to start the season, in addition to not having Ryan Howard. While there might be a tendency to see that and panic, read again the first paragraph. Chase Utley missed a third of the season. Ryan Howard was worth less to the team than Placido Polanco. And yet, in that same season, the Phillies set a franchise record for wins and were without question the best team in baseball in 2011.
That the 2011 Phillies lost in five games in the NLDS does not speak ill of the team, but rather, the unpredictable nature of small sample sizes. A team that wins 102 games in a season still loses 60 times. And in a sport such as baseball where no one player has an overwhelming say in the result of a series, unlike basketball, a five game series can be the death knell of any team, regardless of how good the team is. Which is why the 2011 Phillies should not be looked down upon, and why in 2012, everything is going to be all right.
In 2011, Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Cole Hamels formed the most formidable front end of a pitching staff in baseball. Roy, Cliff, and Cole are all returning. In 2011, Vance Worley put up a 3.01 ERA, and while some regression should be expected, he should still find a nice niche as a back of the rotation starter behind three of the best pitchers in baseball today. Put another way, if you compare Vance Worley to other back of the rotation in Major League Baseball, he compares favorably. The same can be said with the other day back of the rotation starter for the Phillies, Joe Blanton.
Watching the Phillies in the late 2000s, it is a bit strange getting used to a team dominant offense to a team dominant with pitching. But that is exactly what they are. And hey, the Phillies offense scored 712 runs last season when they were without Chase Utley for 59 games. And hey, the 2010 San Francisco Giants won the World Series. The key to any season is finding someway, anyway, to get into the playoffs. It does not matter if you flat out dominate the regular season, surge through on an epic September comeback, or back into the playoffs following a poor September. All that matters in baseball is getting into the playoffs, and from there, the only thing that is predictable is unpredictability. It's only baseball's nature.
Panic for 2012 is unwarranted. I prefer not to look too far ahead at 2013 and beyond at the moment because there are a lot of variables that could come into play. It is true that last off-season, the Philadelphia Phillies did not improve. But that is more than okay, that is a good thing. The Phillies' lone faults this off-season were giving Jonathan Papelbon a 4th year and Laynce Nix a 2nd year, and when those are the only missteps of the off-season, that is okay. The Phillies did not mortgage what is left of their farm for David Wright. The Phillies did not panic and sell low on Domonic Brown, like pretty much every WIP caller would have wanted them to do. When you are a 102-win team, there is no need to trade assets for veterans or give out huge contracts to Jose Reyes, Albert Pujols, and Prince Fielder.
But while the Phillies did not improve as a whole over the off-season, there are some positional upgrades. John Mayberry, Jr. is cheaper and better than 2011 opening day starter Raul Ibanez. Hunter Pence is more expensive and better than 2011 opening day starter Ben Francisco. Freddy Galvis, as much as he might struggle offensively, is still better than 2011 opening day starter Wilson Valdez.
It is unlikely the 2012 Phillies will be better than the 2011 Phillies. 102 wins is a lofty expectation for any team, no matter how good. All that is important is the Phillies win the NL East once again, and in spite of the improvements made by the Braves, Marlins, and Nationals, all three still have holes and none of them are quite as good as the Phillies are now.
But there is always the possibility the injury bug bites hard. There is always the possibility that Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and/or Cole Hamels get injured. Should one of these three be injured, it goes without say that would not be good. But, should disaster strike, and should the Phillies not win the NL East, Bud Selig added a Wild Card team to the playoffs. It's an idea worse than the designated hitter, but it could only serve to give an added boost to the Phillies. The idea sucks. The thought behind the idea sucks. But in the end, the Phillies could be the ones reaping the benefits. Think about it. Even if you are five games behind what would normally be the lone wild card team, and you can beat that wild card team in one game, you are in that position. For the 5th place team, it is a life saver. That 5th team could in theory be the Phillies. It is unlikely, but it could be.
The 2012 baseball season is upon us. Another journey has begun. Warm days of spring will slowly transform into hot, humid summer nights, finally concluding with the crisp autumn air. For 29 teams, the season will end in heartbreak. It always does. But for one team that emerges on the other side of the crapshoot, immortality awaits. I will watch, follow, and scream, hoping that team is the Phillies. But chances are, it won't be. Until the World Series begins, no team has a greater than 50% chance of winning the World Series. But even if it is not, the journey the 2012 baseball takes us on will still be an amazing ride.
The Golden Age of a franchise founded in 1883 continues. And everything is going to be all right.
In 2012, the Philadelphia Phillies will once again be without Chase Utley to start the season, in addition to not having Ryan Howard. While there might be a tendency to see that and panic, read again the first paragraph. Chase Utley missed a third of the season. Ryan Howard was worth less to the team than Placido Polanco. And yet, in that same season, the Phillies set a franchise record for wins and were without question the best team in baseball in 2011.
That the 2011 Phillies lost in five games in the NLDS does not speak ill of the team, but rather, the unpredictable nature of small sample sizes. A team that wins 102 games in a season still loses 60 times. And in a sport such as baseball where no one player has an overwhelming say in the result of a series, unlike basketball, a five game series can be the death knell of any team, regardless of how good the team is. Which is why the 2011 Phillies should not be looked down upon, and why in 2012, everything is going to be all right.
In 2011, Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Cole Hamels formed the most formidable front end of a pitching staff in baseball. Roy, Cliff, and Cole are all returning. In 2011, Vance Worley put up a 3.01 ERA, and while some regression should be expected, he should still find a nice niche as a back of the rotation starter behind three of the best pitchers in baseball today. Put another way, if you compare Vance Worley to other back of the rotation in Major League Baseball, he compares favorably. The same can be said with the other day back of the rotation starter for the Phillies, Joe Blanton.
Watching the Phillies in the late 2000s, it is a bit strange getting used to a team dominant offense to a team dominant with pitching. But that is exactly what they are. And hey, the Phillies offense scored 712 runs last season when they were without Chase Utley for 59 games. And hey, the 2010 San Francisco Giants won the World Series. The key to any season is finding someway, anyway, to get into the playoffs. It does not matter if you flat out dominate the regular season, surge through on an epic September comeback, or back into the playoffs following a poor September. All that matters in baseball is getting into the playoffs, and from there, the only thing that is predictable is unpredictability. It's only baseball's nature.
Panic for 2012 is unwarranted. I prefer not to look too far ahead at 2013 and beyond at the moment because there are a lot of variables that could come into play. It is true that last off-season, the Philadelphia Phillies did not improve. But that is more than okay, that is a good thing. The Phillies' lone faults this off-season were giving Jonathan Papelbon a 4th year and Laynce Nix a 2nd year, and when those are the only missteps of the off-season, that is okay. The Phillies did not mortgage what is left of their farm for David Wright. The Phillies did not panic and sell low on Domonic Brown, like pretty much every WIP caller would have wanted them to do. When you are a 102-win team, there is no need to trade assets for veterans or give out huge contracts to Jose Reyes, Albert Pujols, and Prince Fielder.
But while the Phillies did not improve as a whole over the off-season, there are some positional upgrades. John Mayberry, Jr. is cheaper and better than 2011 opening day starter Raul Ibanez. Hunter Pence is more expensive and better than 2011 opening day starter Ben Francisco. Freddy Galvis, as much as he might struggle offensively, is still better than 2011 opening day starter Wilson Valdez.
It is unlikely the 2012 Phillies will be better than the 2011 Phillies. 102 wins is a lofty expectation for any team, no matter how good. All that is important is the Phillies win the NL East once again, and in spite of the improvements made by the Braves, Marlins, and Nationals, all three still have holes and none of them are quite as good as the Phillies are now.
But there is always the possibility the injury bug bites hard. There is always the possibility that Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and/or Cole Hamels get injured. Should one of these three be injured, it goes without say that would not be good. But, should disaster strike, and should the Phillies not win the NL East, Bud Selig added a Wild Card team to the playoffs. It's an idea worse than the designated hitter, but it could only serve to give an added boost to the Phillies. The idea sucks. The thought behind the idea sucks. But in the end, the Phillies could be the ones reaping the benefits. Think about it. Even if you are five games behind what would normally be the lone wild card team, and you can beat that wild card team in one game, you are in that position. For the 5th place team, it is a life saver. That 5th team could in theory be the Phillies. It is unlikely, but it could be.
The 2012 baseball season is upon us. Another journey has begun. Warm days of spring will slowly transform into hot, humid summer nights, finally concluding with the crisp autumn air. For 29 teams, the season will end in heartbreak. It always does. But for one team that emerges on the other side of the crapshoot, immortality awaits. I will watch, follow, and scream, hoping that team is the Phillies. But chances are, it won't be. Until the World Series begins, no team has a greater than 50% chance of winning the World Series. But even if it is not, the journey the 2012 baseball takes us on will still be an amazing ride.
The Golden Age of a franchise founded in 1883 continues. And everything is going to be all right.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Sunday, April 1, 2012
NCAA Tournament National Championship Game Schedule
If that Ohio State-Kansas ending wasn't the funniest damn ending to a Final Four game you've ever seen, then you have no sense of humor. 19 years after Chris Webber's famed gaffe in the Superdome, Ohio State did their damndest to top it on the idiocy scale. Seriously, hilarious.
And now, we are left with KU vs. UK championship NCAA Championship Game. If Kansas wins, a douche bag school loses. If Kentucky win, my bracket is a winner. Either way, I win on Monday night! So here is the schedule information for the game.
National Championship Game
Monday, April 2
New Orleans, LA: Kansas vs. Kentucky 9:23 (CBS - Jim Nantz, Clark Kellogg, and Steve Kerr, SR: Tracy Wolfson)
And now, we are left with KU vs. UK championship NCAA Championship Game. If Kansas wins, a douche bag school loses. If Kentucky win, my bracket is a winner. Either way, I win on Monday night! So here is the schedule information for the game.
National Championship Game
Monday, April 2
New Orleans, LA: Kansas vs. Kentucky 9:23 (CBS - Jim Nantz, Clark Kellogg, and Steve Kerr, SR: Tracy Wolfson)
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