Hello Sports fans, remember me?

 

My last post got a lot of attention and since a week has passed and the fire has come down to a smolder, I’m prepared to get “back in the game” as it were and focus once again on the reason I started this website… 

 

SPORTS

 

So.. with all that’s going on, NHL playoffs, NBA playoffs, MLB in full swing, NFL Draft fallout, what should we talk about.  Well out of all that is going on this month, let’s begin with my favorite this time of year, and that’s the NHL Playoffs.  First of all, I am a Tampa Bay Lightning fan, and although I have not enjoyed the cup since their one and only cup win in 2004, I am a hockey fan and have thoroughly enjoyed this postseason.  The first two rounds saw perennial favorites Chicago and Montreal see early exits, while the upstart Nashville predators have made it to the Western Conference finals for the first time in franchise history.  They are tied right now with the Anaheim “Mighty” Ducks 2-2 in the Conference finals, losing their first home playoff game of the season last night, and also losing Captain Ryan Johnson for the playoffs after an injury in game 4 that saw him have to undergo emergency surgery.  the Preds are under the gun and with Anaheim winning back home ice advantage last night, Nashville is going to have to look for someone to step up and take control if they are going to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals.  In the Eastern Conference finals we have Pittsburgh and Ottawa going at it (as I type this game four is Live).  Now I admit I do not have a horse in these payoffs as the Lightning are sitting home watching, but anytime a team from Pittsburgh is playing for a title it is my Cleveland-Loving solemn duty to root against them.  No matter if it is the Pirates, the Penguins or the HATED Steelers, go SENS!!  Both Conference finals have been entertaining and a lot of great hockey is being played, but the homer in me hates the Penguins, so I root for the Senators, and the underdog-loving part f me would like to see the Predators make the finals as well, because it is a good story and they have that underdog feel to them.  I hope you are watching because if you have never seen the fast-paced, intense feel to the NHL Playoffs it is an experience you have to have, because the intensity of the NHL far surpasses the NBA in my book, there isn’t any of the tension, excitement or fast-paced action in the NBA that can even come close to comparing how it is done in the NHL.

 

The NBA playoffs are going on right now and al I will say about that is….  meh..  the NBA is a mere shadow of what is was 20 years ago.  this is not the NBA I watched and loved in the 80’s and 90’s.  todays game is all about the “three” and there is no semblance of even a hint of defense being played in today’s NBA.  I admire LeBron and his talent, but I hate the game now, and would prefer to watch the NCAA tournament over the NBA finals.

 

Six weeks into the MLB season and already there are teams making noise.  Now I really don’t get into the MLB until after the All-Star break but from what I have seen thus far I am excited for what could happen in August and September.  the Yankees are the best in the East, but the Astros have the best record in baseball right now and no one though that would be the case when the season began.  As my good friend Robert Arnold would say.. it’s MAY..  there is a lot of baseball yet to be played.. so … stay tuned.

 

The NFL offseason has been quite exciting in my eyes, and although there is no action on the field there is plenty of action off the field.  The Browns signed their draft choices in the last 48 hours and I am proud to welcome Myles Garrett to the Dawg Pound as well as Jabril Peppers (Michigan Wolverine notwithstanding – GO BUCKEYES)  and David Njoku.  three first round picks..  three potential starters.   In other news, The Buccaneers signed (gulp) Ryan Fitzpatrick, The new LA Stadium has been delayed til 2020, Gisele Bundchen Tom Brady’s wife said he suffered a concussion in 2016, while the NFL states that there is no evidence to show that he did, while at the same time he announced this week that he will be endorsing a car neither you or I could afford in our lifetime.  So..  much more to come I am sure, but that is just a taste of how the NFL never sleeps and things tend to happen when you least expect it, much like our President.

 

FIVE THINGS I LIKE:

 

1.  The potential of a Warriors-Cavs finals.  the NBA may not be the game I grew to love 20 years ago, but you have to admit the excitement building over this matchup is getting thicker as we edge closer to it becoming reality.  Question remains, will the Warriors or Cavs lose a game before the finals start?

2.  The NHL Playoffs – these have been some of the most exciting hockey I have seen in a long time.

3.  Mayweather-MacGregor – With Dana White confirming that he got a deal done with McGregor, all that is left is for “Money Mayweather” to sign on the dotted line.

4.  Ryan Leaf – hats off to this guy for getting in front of the camera and the world about hos he has dealt with his addiction and how he is helping others.  story Here.

5.  Nashville Fan base – These fans are wonderful, and make playing in their building a hard thing to do if you are a part of the opposing team.  Cheers to the Ducks for pulling off a game 4 win despite the hostile environment.

 

(Bonus) – Chicago Bears – for becoming the biggest clusterfuck in the NFL, a title previously held by the Cleveland Browns

 

FIVE THINGS I HATE

 

1.  Politics – no need to expand on this

2.  The Pittsburgh Penguins…  GO SENATORS

3.  ESPN – For canceling Mike And Mike after 18 years together and being quite possibly the best morning sports show ever

4.  Tom Brady – for allowing his wife to put him in yet another difficult position, and for promoting a car that shows just how much of an elitist he is.

5.  Jim Kick and Nick Buoniconti – How heroes from the NFL past have fallen on hard times regarding their health, and yet it appears the NFL is abandoning them.

 

(Bonus) – The death of Chris Cornell – Depression is no joke people, having suffered for years with this affliction, I can say from personal experience, if you are depressed and are having thoughts of suicide, get help, talk to someone and above all else, know that you are not alone.  Suicide prevention Hotline:  1-800-273-8255

 

Until next time…  Take care..

 

Scott Wright “The Sports Nerd”