Before continuing with “the everybody, or just about everybody, loses at home in the NHL ‘offs,” (by the way, largely it has applied in the NBA as well, clearly a more stunning fact, given the natures of the sport, never evidenced more clearly than this season with two NBA juggernauts Cleve and G.S. with (10-0) marks while the 13th and 16th ranked NHL teams are as far as the semis, having led said semis (2-1) and are each in (2-2) series, as I type. (By the way, typing an elective in high school, is so important, that in itself not great, but far worse an indicator of technical dominance, that is not good.)
I believe the road team has won the first two games of an Eastern Conference/Division final only four times with the Cleveland Cavaliers doing so twice in the past three seasons. (The ’03 New Jersey Nets and 2010 Celtics also turned the trick).
Cleveland the defending NBA champion, also accomplished the feat in 2015, en route to a sweep of the Atlanta Hawks, a team with a (1-12) semis game record in its current location.
That season, Golden State in the first of what is now 3 seasons with the top NBA mark, “6’d” Cleveland in the NBA finals. Last season, the Cavs won #’s 5 and 7 at “G.S.” en route to overcoming a (3-1) finals series deficit en route to the city of Cleveland’s first title since Jim Kanicki and the Browns’ defense was the key, in a (27-0) win vs the great John Unitas and the Baltimore Colts, in the 1964 NFL title tilt.
That NHL home loss additional note is not only has there been but one team, the ’88 Oilers (Edmonton) that went through the ‘offs, sans a home defeat (’87-2017), but just three other teams did so (’71-’86), 16 seasons of either three best of seven rounds or possibly a fourth round of best of 5 prelims, avoidable with a certain record (’71-79) and mandatory, no matter a team’s place in the standings from (’80-’86).
Only the ’74 Flyers, awesome (12-1) in the ‘offs 1976 Canadiens, (the even better ’77 Habs did not) and ’85 Oilers turned the trick.
Three other teams, making 7 in the 49 NHL seasons since expansion have gone sans a home loss, all winning titles, but all three teams were aided immensely by a finals series vs an expansion team, in all three seasons (’68-70) vs the St. Louis Blues.
Hector “Toe” Blake’s last season culminated in the ’68 Montreal crown, Claude Ruel guided the ’69 Canadiens and Harry Sinden coached the ’70 Bruins, all three, title winners, none worse than (12-2) in the ‘offs, but all with a finals series vs the Blues and all three sans a home loss in that season’s ‘offs.
However, just 4 teams in 46 seasons of post expansion hockey without a finals vs an expansion team division winner have gone undefeated at home in the NHL playoffs.
Click below for a good piece on the enormous contributions to great Montreal Canadiens’ teams made by Claude Ruel.
Claude Ruel: The Canadiens forgotten superstar – The Hockey News
After Corey Perry’s overtime goal lifted Anaheim (Ducks) (3-2), at Nashville (Predators) in #4, not only is their semi tied at two games apiece, but now for the 29th time in the 30 NHL seasons with four rounds of best of seven series, no team will go through the NHL ‘offs, sans a home defeat.
Nashville was (6-0) in these ‘offs, but already having “vibed” An in #4, I noticed a bit too much military and police for my taste anyway, in their anthem ‘monies (ceremonies) and felt more confidence in my “An” prediction, posted here the other day. Alas, Washington (Capitals) had gone all military in their anthem “stuff,” before losing #7 at home to Pittsburgh and other examples are on file.
However, the fact Nashville tied the game in the last minute, as I had gone to sleep with “An” ahead (2-0), does not, in my opinion, augur well for the Ducks.
Game 5 follows NBC’s Preakness Stakes coverage tomorrow night, a promo for them, a “hedge” for me, Nashville in 6, knowing I was correct/lucky last night.
By the way, only the 1988 repeat Stanley Cup champion, Edmonton Oilers went undefeated at home, in the 30 seasons of 4 rounds of best of 7 NHL ‘offs (1987-2017).
Did Katharine Hepburn ever say Petr, Petr, Petr?! Petr Klima, pictured above was on the ’88 “Vogues,” (the Detroit Red Wings) a team Edmonton 5’d en route to a 4th title in 5 seasons.
In 1990, in their second season sans Wayne Gretzky, who had “Janet Jones’d” to L.A., the Oilers won it all, winning all 3 road games in Boston in the finals, to claim a truly “rarefied air of greatness” (think Green Bay Packers doing the same ’61-’67), 5th crown in 7 seasons.
Klima, did not play in the third period nor in the first two overtime periods of game 1/’90 finals at Boston Garden, but scored in the third overtime, to lift the Oilers to victory, in what is still the NHL’s longest finals game.
While the odds in favor of the anticipated third straight Cleveland/Golden State final are at least 15 to 1, I will inform you that 13th overall, Ottawa (Senators) would have the home advantage vs 16th overall, Nashville (Predators), should they meet in the 2017 Stanley Cup finals.
There is a long way to go, but with both “Ott” and “Nash” up (2-1) in their respective semis, the unlikely scenario where whom would have “home” between the two teams becoming relevant, has manifested as a point of great interest, but not fact.
If “Nash” wins tonight vs Anaheim, likely, they will eventually become the first team since the ’08 Pittsburgh Penguins (the Pens are Ottawa’s current semis opponent) to advance to the Cup finals sans a home loss.
I could cite a most serious situation involving his wife or lightheartedly recall a pitcher with the same name, but alas suffice to say Craig Anderson, pictured above, has been brilliant in goal vs the defending champion, (do not dare count them out), Penguins, allowing but 3 goals in 3 games, only two at all meaningful.
James Neil, #25 above had the winning goal in overtime in game 1, one of all 5 earlier NHL playoffs, Saturday tilts that went into overtime.
Perhaps the “clue,” at least thus far is that someone other than “Pittsburgher” Mike Emrick is the lead NBC announcer. The one and only “Mike W,” who “wrote in” harshly, as to it being Eagle, not Marv Albert, for #7 NBA quarters, asked what happened to Bob Ryan?
Apparently Ryan called Emrick the best announcer ever? He is not even close. In Ryan’s Boston alone, just in hockey, Fred Cusick and Bob Wilson, each of whom “did” the far more challenging, more important to the fans, radio, (Emrick rarely has) were at least as good, notice I did not say great. (Dan Kelly and Danny Gallivan were Great!)
That said, with what is left I say “give me Emrick, or give me” nobody!
There were four cities with teams in both the NHL and NBA ‘offs. Only one of the eight teams, the Boston Celtics, six to one “semis” underdogs to the defending NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers, are still playing, as their “semi” begins tonight in Boston.
Yes, (Marv Albert’s emphatic “Yes” did not do it for me, but he is a great basketball broadcaster and I hope and think he is the TNT broadcaster for this “semi”) despite home advantage, the Cavs are huge series favorites, 4 point game 1 favorites and one would think no, certainly not many, teams without home advantage have ever been such prohibitive favorites in NBA annals.
The other Boston 2017 winter sports (they determine the league titles, far too close to summer), the Bruins were ousted in six games in the prelims by the Ottawa Senators. Ottawa went on to “6” the Rangers and are tied (1-1) in their semi vs the defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins.
Both Chicago ‘offs teams lost in the first round, the West top seed and ’10, 13 and ’15 title winning Blackhawks in 4 straight to the Nashville Predators, while after winning the first two games in Boston, the Bulls lost the next four to lose the series vs the Celtics in six games.
Nashville won its “qtr” in six vs St. Louis (Blues) and riding Roman Josi’s third period, game 3 winning goal at home, where they are (6-0) in these ‘offs and have won 10 straight ‘offs games, over the last two seasons, lead Anaheim (Ducks) two games to one. Beware “Nash” in #4, but even if the Ducks win that, it looks like “Nash”ville to the finals.
Both Washington teams were “quartered” out, the top ranked Capitals in 6 to Pittsburgh, the Wizards in an all home 7 game series vs the Celtics.
One Toronto team, the Maple Leafs fell in 6 to the Caps in the prelims while the Raptors were swept out by the Cavs.
Last night, Roman Osi, pictured above, had the winning goal in what was the Predators’ first home “semis” game.
Last night at “Symphony Space,” another wonderful presentation by Athena Theatre, this one, “A New Memory” was performed.
Nora Sorena Casey, Athena Theatre Playwright in Residence, introduced the evening’s work, “A New Memory,” which was eight ten-minute plays.
The performances were dazzling, both humorous and meaningful, touching on most relevant and important topics.
There were great themes examined, including sibling rivalry and love, manifestations of and speculation about the current U.S administration, and romantic relationships, all performed in great fashion.
Citing the playwrights: Nora Sorena Casey, Adam Seidel, Meron Langsner, Kate Mulley, Julienne L. Hairston, Bara Swain, Rachel Mann, and Brenda Foley.
The cast included Gustavo Pace, Jak Watson, Shauna Pinkett, Marilyn Oran, Veronique Ory, Amanda Cate Fuller, Allesondra Helwig, Dave T. Koenig and Patrick T. Horn.
All the plays and performers were marvelous under the stellar direction of Noa Egozi.
Upcoming in the wonderful world of Athena Theatre is “Sub-Basement” which I saw and loved, in Silver Spring, Maryland from June (1-18).
Let’s hope with Marv Albert, tonight TNT presents a Monday night #7 “quarters” between the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards nee Bullets.
Why was this game not played yesterday, as the S.A. Spurs might be asking, as the top heavy favorite, Golden State Warriors overcame a 25 point third quarter deficit to “open” San Antonio in their semi.
If Celts/Wizards nee Bullets, (try education and tolerance, try being without severe malice–I rage vs certain announcers, not healthy but perhaps but I do not shoot guns–not changing team nicknames to curtail violent acts, also those who enforce the law should NEVER do so with malice and hate), had been played yesterday, the Spurs would have another game 1 chance tonight.
The home team is (6-0), in the Wizards/Bullets (all as the Bullets) in previous franchise #7’s of quarters. Boston (Celtics) is a 5 point fave, in a bid to make the home team (7-0) in the 7 Wizards # 7’s quarterfinals games.
Next a famed Monday night, semi or later, game 7 from each franchise is recalled.
In the ’71 semis, at the half of #7, shown on channel 7 in N.Y. as unlike in the previous season, which was a Knicks’ title season, there was no blackout in New York (Cosell related, Ali often asked why the bad things were black?!!) Howard Cosell (it was as stated, a Monday night) was chirping about Dick Barnett and the defending champion New York Knicks and their lead.
However, Fred Carter had a key shot and the Bullets prevailed.
On Monday night May 5, 1969, in the last NBA game that season and of the extraordinary careers of Bill Russell (not known or announced before the game) and Sam Jones (known well before the game) the great Boston Celtics made it an incredible 11 NBA titles in 13 seasons (108-106) (L.A. had the last two points as the game was close but not THAT close) at L.A. vs the Lakers.
The great Sam Jones, a key member of 10 Boston Celtics’ title teams, to this point, one more than Michael Jordan and LeBron James have won combined, is pictured above.
Also while not as great a player as either, Jones’ great clutch play certainly rivals James and is in the ballpark, maybe even closer with Mr. Jordan.
Last night, after I missed Bobby Ryan’s overtime winning goal as Ottawa (Senators) “opened” at Pittsburgh, vs the Pens, with “Pitts” native Mike Emrick not broadcasting, (WHY?!) I noticed some coincidences, watching the fine Larry Peerce directed film, 1969 “Goodbye, Columbus.”
Richard Benjamin is “Neil KLUGMAN” in the 1969 film, falling in love with Ali MacGraw’s “Brenda,” whose father is played by Jack Klugman.
During the film, a marquee for a movie theater shows ” The Odd Couple” starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau is being presented.
One year later, Klugman would begin a great run on the television series, “The Odd Couple,” also starring Tony Randall.
All four were great, so was “Goodbye, Columbus” and its cast. Mr. Peerce also directed, among others, another tremendous film, “The Incident.”
Goodbye, Columbus was written by the superb author, Philip Roth.
Also back to hockey, en route to at least the semis, Pittsburgh did “say” “Goodbye, Columbus,” dispatching the Blue Jackets (Columbus) in five games.
Both the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers and top ranked (for a third straight regular season) Golden State Warriors sailed through the NBA prelims and semis with (8-0) records, an NBA first.
Many feel and the odds are say three to one in favor of a Cleveland/Golden State finals series which has decreased interest in the NBA ‘offs thus far.
Three is the operative number as if such a finals series manifests, it would be the first time in NBA history, that the same two teams clash for its crown in three straight seasons.
The “G.S.” opponent is set and they are no slouch in that they are the San Antonio Spurs, whose coach Gregg Popovich not only knows how, albeit somewhat arrogantly, to put the often ridiculous media in its place but has also coached 5 title teams (just one after a truly great 4 in 9 seasons from ’99-07).
Yet “G.S.” is an unbelievable 8 plus to one series favorite.
Cleveland will also be a huge favorite in its semi, huge, huge if it is Washington (Wizards), not as high vs the Boston Celtics, the latter would have home advantage.
The three remaining East teams with a #7/Qtrs, evokes memories of 1976, as the Cleveland Cavaliers won a melodramatic 7 game “quarters” series vs the then Washington Bullets, now the Washington Wizards.
Next in ’76, the Celtics “6’d” the Cavs. Likely the Cavs will do the same to Monday night’s 7th game winner, whether it is the visiting Wizards or 4 plus point “fave,” Celtics.
I would pay in dollars, likely significant ones, to view/ re live the unbelievable ’76 “Quarters” won in 7 in the waning seconds by the Cavs vs the Washington Bullets.
Thirty five years ago, in the decisive fifth game of a preliminary series, the two time champion, New York Islanders overcame a two goal, third period deficit and “OT’d” the Pittsburgh Penguins (a great clutch player, John Tonelli had both the tying and winning goals), to advance and then as one of hockey’s greatest teams, won 12 of 14 subsequent games and the third of four straight titles, as part of five straight finals appearances.
Randy Carlyle, then an All-Star defenseman with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and now in his second stint as Anaheim Ducks’ coach (25 years after ’82 and ten years ago Carlyle guided the Ducks to a Stanley Cup victory), unfortunately for he and the ’82 Pens, contributed to the Isles’ comeback win, making “mistakes” leading to the goals that enabled the Isles to overcome the deficit and tie the score.
Two nights ago and thirty five plus years later, both the Penguins, who are defending champions with 4 titles all at least nine years after ’82, and Carlyle (“An” edged upstart Edmonton (2-1) were victorious in decisive games, this time #7’s of the quarters and each will have home advantage in the upcoming semis.
Looking a bit back, the Penguins beat the Capitals for the ninth time in ten ‘offs clashes, none later than the quarters. “Wash” has gone (all) 42 straight seasons without as much as a finals game win, making but two semis, none since 1998.
Maybe, but not likely though even with likely team personnel losses they will be a contender, the Caps can take a page from the “Vogues”/Red Wings book and capture a title after a one year longer drought and two straight “most points” (virtually meaningless) regular season finishes. Detroit was sans a title 41 straight seasons from (’56-96), the last two as with the ‘2016 and 2017 Caps after a top mark “reg” finish. By the way “Det” won titles in both ’97 and ’98, sweeping the Caps (’98) in what is to date, their lone finals appearance in their 42 completed seasons (’75-2017 with no NHL season in 2005–don’t worry Gary Bettman “recovered” and then some).
Looking ahead Pittsburgh is a 13 to 5, top heavy favorite vs the Ottawa Senators in one NHL semi while the Nashville Predators, as referenced above, without the home advantage, are slight “faves” vs Carlyle’s Ducks.
A good sign for Anaheim, both Barry Melrose and Joe Micheletti, each so often wrong and so often “chalk,” each predict a Nashville series win. I will further “increase” the Ducks’ chances and offer no prediction.
Finally, this was a 5th straight post regarding hockey, tomorrow an NBA update will appear here.
Carlyle was a fine player and a masterful coach.
Click below to read a fine piece by John Kreiser, written 5 years ago, regarding the historic significance of the ’82 game 5 of the prelims between the Islanders and Penguins.
The day the Isles’ dynasty almost died | NHL.com
The subject is hockey again, as the NBA is seemingly a foregone conclusion until the finals, and it is still early in the baseball season.
However this hockey is recalling “exactly” 45 years ago tonight and not the wins by Pittsburgh (yet again!!) vs Wash (cue South Pacific as again, albeit unfairly in a quarterfinal, the Caps are not “washed out of her hair”, but the NHL ‘offs). and Anaheim (vs upstart Edmonton) in #7’s last night.
On Thursday night May 11, 1972 led by the great Bobby Orr (paraphrasing John Lennon, I am not saying Orr was better than Gretzky–who is often “Wayned” as the greatest by proclamation and I feel Orr, certainly Gordie Howe and others make that claim exaggerated. Also Wayne, you left Edmonton where the likelihood of many more titles was great and you never won another), Wayne Cashman and goaltender Gerry Cheevers, the Boston Bruins won their second title in three seasons, after a 29 year drought, clinching it that night (3-0) and 4 games to 2 vs the team with the second most points in the NHL that season, the New York Rangers.
Contrast that tremendous finals series, though essentially controlled by the Bruins, with the “quarters” clash of the two top points teams just completed.
The key game in the series was in game 1, when after the Bruins shockingly dissipated a (5-1) lead vs an excellent Rangers’ team, one that was better than the franchise’s lone title winner in the past 76 seasons, the “bought and paid for” 1994 team, that avoided the Mario Lemieux (another I might compare favorably with the surely great but yet over rated Gretzky–by the way you know what they say re opinions) Penguins, as low and behold the mediocre record Washington Caps did the Rangers’ “dirty work” and KO’d the Pens, as you are reading elsewhere today, the one time in 10 series, Wash beat Pitts and oh did it help the Rangers.
In that series opener on a Sunday afternoon with the great Dan Kelly broadcasting for CBS, (think “Cincinnati Kid” as Emrick is good but “Dans” such as Kelly and Gallivan were better) after the Rangers made that aforementioned great comeback, Garnet “Ace” Bailey took a pass from Mike Walton (Shaky), and scored the decisive goal.
One tragic consequence, among many concerning the events of “9-11,” on a Tuesday in 2001, is that Mr. Bailey lost his life that day.
Andy B Sports 