Often in the many posts written/typed here over the years, I cited the greatness of goaltender Ken Dryden.
Now (who knew he was sick?!)Dryden, who goaltended great Montreal Canadiens teams to an incredible 6 titles in 8 full seasons (’72-’79, he was not even a rookie when he burst on the ’71 playoffs scene and led third place Montreal to an upset crown) has died, far too young, at age 78.
He “burst” when I loved two teams, for a long time not the case and Dryden led Montreal over each, yet I l remain awed by the achievement and even love it.
Dryden had not even achieved rookie status (he won the Calder Trophy as the NHL top rookie, the next season ’71-’72, one of only 2 seasons Ken played and the Cup did not go to Montreal) when his brilliant goaltending led the Habs, a third place team to the title, allowing their captain the great Jean Beliveau, to “go out” a champion, as similar greats Joe DiMaggio and Bill Russell, had respectively achieved 20 and 2 years before.
Oh the memories vs my then two teams, (the record breaking, defending champion Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks, each of whom finished first and had home advantage, when Dryden’s sensational save on Phil “Espo” (Phil’s brother Tony and Ken shared goaltending duties when Canada won a rousing “Summit Series” 4-3-1 vs Russia in the fall of 1972) caused Phil to react with the on ice glass.
Even more sensational and when all is considered, not so arguably the greatest hockey save was made by Ken on the excellent “Chi” player, Jim Pappin, in the waning minute or so of a (3-2) Montreal win in #7 for “all the marbles” in 1971.
In subsequent years, ’73 and ’76-’79 Ken, with a great defense in front of him and part of a truly all-time team, backstopped 5 title winners.
There is so much more regarding the eloquent, brilliant Ken Dryden.
I close with this and maybe it will “click” with Mr. Dryden on the hopefully, continuing journey.
Only Ken among the many athletes I called and tried to record when that was possible, another era or even two ago, perceived/”caught” me, politely asking are you tape (remember that and where might it be?!) recording this?
One of a great kind, go easy, Mr. Dryden and thanks for a life so well lived.
Click below to read one of my myriad references regarding Ken Dryden and his magnificent career.
Exact Dates/Defending Champions Ousted on April 18, 2021
The video includes the great Montreal and all of hockey broadcaster, Danny Gallivan’s so memorable calls.
It will be Aryna Sabalenka vs Amanda Anisimova in Saturday’s U.S. Open Women’s Tennis final round match.
In this year’s Women’s Wimbledon “semi,” Anisimova prevailed vs Sabalenka, before losing (6-0) (6-0) to Iga Swiatek in the final match.
Meanwhile hail the first year Golden State Valkyries, whose win last night clinched a playoff spot in the W,N.B.A.
They are the first WNBA expansion team to qualify for the ‘Offs in their inaugural season.
A scheduling conflict will cause the Valkyries to play an ‘Offs tilt in San Jose, California, away from their regular home arena.
This evokes the so called miracle 1975 NBA champion, Golden State Warriors playing two away from their regular home, their former home The Cow Palace in the final round,
Sixty one years have “rear windowed” since The Beatles’ famed first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, on Sunday February 9th, 1964.
Today an episode of the great television show, “What’s My Line?” that aired live, as of course were The Beatles (we no longer have that), from that night.
There were two great mystery guests, Johnny Mercer and Jane Fonda.
The panelists were Arlene Francis, Bobby Darin, Dorothy Kilgallen and Bennett Cerf. John Charles Daly is the show’s host.
There are references to the Beatles appearance on the Sullivan Show earlier in the evening, two interesting guests not of the “mystery” variety, and commercials from the time are included.
This one is great! Enjoy.
The Minnesota Lynx, who lost a heartbreaking decisive winner take all to the New York Liberty last season, have eased to an early clinching of the WNBA top mark.
If for no reason alone to avoid Spike Lee’s so annoying “exuberance,” I will “sign” right now for the highly deserving Lynx to succeed the first time in 28 seasons Liberty, as the WNBA title winners.
The ‘offs begin September 14th and the final will be best of 7 for the first time in the loop’s 29 seasons.
Despite a dominant regular season, the Lynx are far from prohibitive favorites to win the title.
Last night’s clash a Georgia Tech 7 point win, (27-20) vs Colorado, came 35 years after they did not meet in ’90 and the two teams shared the mythical college football title.
The game last night was the first time the teams played each other.
Today, a redux of one 2024 national playoff semi, as defending champion, Ohio State hosts Texas.
In their last home tilt, bitter rival Michigan shocked Ohio State.
However, in the new college football “12 in the ‘offs” landscape, Ohio State, so often denied crowns after great regular seasons, won it all.
Wally Henry, pictured above as a Philadelphia Eagles player, hauled in 2 John Sciarra TD passes as U.C.L.A. handed Ohio State a devastating 1/1/1976 Rose Bowl defeat that cost Ohio State the crown, spoiling a magnificent (11-0) “reg.”
As football swings in, the Eagles and Ohio State are the current champions.
Considering tonight’s Cincinnati vs Nebraska college football game, recollections of repeat championships by each school in both football and basketball come to mind.
Cincinnati’s Bearcats under Ed Jucker and after their greatest player, Oscar Robertson graduated, won back to back basketball crowns in 1961 and 1962 and nearly won a third straight, losing (60-58) to Loyola Chicago in the 1963 final game.
Nebraska has twice won back to back college crowns, all too at least some degree mythical. However all were well deserved with the ’71 team, among college football’s greatest.
“Nebby” won it in ’70 and ’71 and also repeated with titles in ’94 and ’95.
Jerry Tagge, pictured above, was the Nebraska quarterback on both the ’70 and ’71 Nebraska title teams.
Today, presenting another wonderful episode of the television show, “What’s My Line?”
The beautiful Jayne Mansfield is the mystery guest.
Panelists are Dorothy Kilgallen, Martin Gabel, Arlene Francis and Bennett Cerf.
John Charles Daly is the show’s host.
Kudos to Jayne’s daughter, the actress Mariska Hargitay, for “digging deep” in her current book, “My Mom Jayne.”
NEW YORK — Rick’s Cabaret New York, the adult club known for its beautiful entertainers, the best in VIP treatment, and its highly rated Rick’s Steakhouse, will welcome the NFL season with Football Kickoff Parties on Thursday, September 4th, through Monday, September 8th, featuring over 100 sexy dancers anxious to excite and show off their latest moves.
The 2025 NFL season opens Thursday night Sept. 4 with the Dallas Cowboys vs the Philadelphia Eagles. On Sunday Sept. 7th the New York Giants open on the road against the Washington Commanders, and the New York Jets open at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Come watch the games while surrounded by lots of hot babes,” said Rick’s girl Tracy. “And the fun never stops because the Rick’s post-game parties go all night. It’s always exciting at Rick’s.”
“Come be a baller, pop some bottles, make it rain, and party and play with us,” purred Rick’s girl Deanna. “Football and gorgeous girls—it’s a winning combination.”
Rick’s Cabaret New York is conveniently located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan at 50 West 33 Street between Fifth Avenue and Broadway. The three-story club features private suites, luxury skyboxes, and a Roof Top Cigar Lounge. The Rick’s Steakhouse serves daily lunch specials, dinner, and has the city’s best late-night menu, served all the way until 3AM.
RICK: NASDAQ Listed
A number of years back, the great player and Mets’ broadcaster, (the original three Lindsey Nelson, Bob Murphy and Kiner were so good) Ralph Kiner, came into the press room at Citi Field and sat at the same table as me.
This was a great honor and pleasure, as I came up with the name of the St. Louis Cardinals’ pitcher John Beazley, against whom Ralph got his first big league hit.
I reminded Ralph of his most meaningful “call” when reliever Nolan Ryan of the Mets got the Atlanta Braves’ Tony Gonzalez to ground out third to first, Wayne Garrett to Ed Kranepool, clinching the 1969 National League pennant for the Mets.
In listening to a good chunk of that clinching game the other night, I note that Ralph came in to broadcast the third inning, and as in the first, with Murphy behind the microphone, Gonzalez got a hit followed by a Hank Aaron extra base hit.
The great Aaron homered in all 3 games of that best of 5 1969 NLCS, the great home run hitter, Kiner’s first and last calls were with Tony Gonzalez batting.
NLCS Gm3: Aaron crushes two-run homer to center
Click above to view Mr. Aaron’s home run in game 3 of the 1969 NLCS as called by Curt Gowdy on NBC television.
It is very likely that only I could “link” Kiner and Johnny Beazley, the following way: 27 years apart in 1942 and 1969, the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets lost the first game of the World Series but won the next four, clinching the title in New York.
Kiner was a Mets’ broadcaster and Beazley, as was the case regarding Jerry Koosman of the Mets 27 years later, won games two and five of the World Series.
I am truly looking forward to MeTV’s celebration of the seminal show, Gunsmoke (Mrs. William Paley’s favorite) as it reaches age 70.
On August 30th one of the TV movies, “Return to Dodge will air.
Also on that day, “Matt’s Love Story” (Matt Dillon played by James Arness did not get to kiss Amanda Blake’s “Miss Kitty” on the show, however, he does get romance and kissing with Miss Michael Learned, who later starred as Olivia Walton on another MeTV show, “The Waltons,” in the episode “Matt’s Love Story.”
The beautiful, talented Miss Michael Learned is pictured above.
Andy B Sports 