Artturi Lehkonen scored an overtime, semi-final series clinching goal for the second straight season, lifting the Colorado Avalanche (6-5) OVER (I’ll say, but after (8-6), two “unders,” then this) the Edmonton Oilers to complete a 4 game sweep, that sends the Avalanche to their first Stanley Cup Final since 2001.
Last year, Lehkonen scored in overtime of game 6, lifting Montreal to a big upset semi-final series win vs Las Vegas. This year his goal sends big series favorite Colorado to the final.
Tampa Bay (Lightning) beat the Canadiens in the subsequent, 2021 final. Right now, the New York Rangers lead the Lightning two game to one, in their semi-final series. That winner will face the ‘Lanche in the final, beginning who knows when (possible rust factor for Colorado, which will be the series favorite and they also have injuries).
Artturi Lehkonen, pictured above with the Habs (by the way, for a 28th consecutive season, there will be no Canada team Cup crown), scored at 1:39 of overtime last year and 1:19 of it this year to send the Habs and Avs respectively to the final round.
Below a good note transmitted on ESPN.com, however it ought to read Gordie did so in both the 1938 and 1939 semi-final round.
Lehkonen becomes the second player in NHL history, and first in 83 years, to score an overtime goal to send his club into the championship series more than once in his career. Toronto’s Gordie Drillon accomplished the feat in 1938-39.
Rafael Nadal, an, (if not THE) all-time great and rising star, Iga Swiatek took French Open crowns.
Nadal won his 14th such title, easing in straight sets vs Casper Ruud in the final. Nadal did “bark” as a near 2 to 1 underdog in the quarters vs Novak Djokovic, but otherwise, I believe was a prohibitive favorite in all his matches.
Ditto (I believe) Ms. Swiatek, who was a 5 to 1 favorite and also won a final in straight sets. She did so vs Cori Gauff.
Iga Swiatek, pictured above.
31 of the 32 NHL and NBA ‘offs teams have now lost at least one home game as Al Horford, called Big Al by a “would be ” Bucks’player (Giannis?) after the Celts 7’d defending champion “Milw” in the qtrs, hit for 26, as Boston outscored Golden State (now (9-1) at home in the ’22 ‘offs) (40-16) in the 4th quarter, in a (120-108) final round opening game win. (Only the other Boston winter sports team, the Bruins, did not lose a home ‘offs game, however, they were 7’d by Carolina in the NHL prelims).
Now the Celtics, opening line, plus 7 to 5 series u/dogs are roughly 8 to 5 series faves, putting Celts backers such as Jackie in pretty good shape, with a nice “hedging” option, seek to become the first team since the ’04 Pistons upset the Lakers to win both a road final round opening game and that series.
The Warriors fell to (8-4) in final round opening games, in losing a second straight such tilt. Home teams are now (10-2) in final round opening games, involving the Warriors.
(40-16) evokes memories of the great Wilt led ’67 76ers clinching 5th game, 1″40″ -1″16″ (oh to hear Andy Musser and Mr. Zinkoff regarding it!) semis win vs Boston, that broke the Celtics’ incredible 8 straight titles skein from (’59-’66). Those Sixers 6’d the Warriors in that year’s final.
Al Horford pictured above had played a record 141 ‘offs games without playing in a final round tilt until last night.
Tonight the NBA final to be contested by the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics commences.
Meanwhile one game in each NHL semi-final series has been played.
The New York Rangers scored 6 goals and the Colorado Avalanche allowed 6 goals, each team winning a home semi-final opening game.
Colorado is only (2-6) in previous “semis,” (0-2) as the Quebec Nordiques. Only in 2001, when they won their second and to date last title, did “Col” win both its home “semi” opener and said semi-final series.
It is even more “pronounced” regarding the New York Rangers, who have home advantage in a semi for the third time in their last four “semis” (had in ’15 and ’12, not in ’14) but for just the fourth time in 18 semis, dating back to 1950.
They opened a semi on the road 12 straight times also dating back to 1950 when they also last won both a home semi-final round opening game and that semi-final series.
In the NBA, the home team has prevailed in 15 of the last 16 final round opening games, (’05-2021 with the 2020 game(s) played in a so called “bubble.” Only the 2013 San Antonio Spurs won a final round opening game on the road in that span and they lost that final in 7 to the Miami Heat.
Detroit (Pistons) in 2004 were the last team to both win a road final round opening game and win the crown.
In 10 of the previous 11 Warriors’ final round opening games, the home team won 10 with the Warriors going (7-0) at home and (1-3) on the road.
“G.S.” is the only team among the 32 ‘offs participants in the NBA and NHL that is unbeaten at home (9-0) and advanced at least one round. (The Bruins were (3-0) at home but lost in 7 to Carolina, which in turn took a (7-0) home record into a #7 “qtrs” loss to the Rangers, who now have won a franchise record 7 straight home ‘offs games).
The great player, Rick Barry, pictured above led the Warriors to both the lone road team win by either team in a Warriors’ final and the subsequent series win in 1975.
In reflection I treasure an interview I conducted with Mr. Barry at the 1987-1988 season NBA “Hall” game, in which he talked about a late non call that went against his Warriors in the ’67 final, an eventual first title win for Wilt Chamberlain. A great Sixers’ team won that series in 6 games, winning a close 6th in S.F. after failing to clinch on TV in a home 5th.
Igor Shesterkin, the likely Vezina Trophy winner for the past regular season, made 37 saves and the New York Rangers eased (6-2) at Carolina in game 7, to advance to their first NHL “semi” since 2015.
They will face the two time defending champion, Tampa Bay Lightning, an early, roughly 9 to 5 series favorite, the same team that won the ’15 semi in 7 games.
That was the only time the Rangers ever lost a home 7th game, they are (8-1) in such and (11-6) in any 7th game, having won three straight road 7th’s, to be (3-5) in those tilts, all-time.
Meanwhile, since becoming the Carolina Hurricanes after leaving Hartford (Whalers), the franchise is now (6-1) in game 7.
In a 10 year, 11 season span, the Rangers have played two 7th games (more this season?) in one ‘offs season, four times. (’12, ’14, ’15 and 2022).
Igor Shesterkin, the outstanding New York Rangers’ goaltender, pictured above.
Last night, the Boston Celtics both built and nearly squandered significant leads, but in the end hung on (100-96) at Miami, as 3 point favorites and with it, their third road win of the series and seventh such vs but two losses, in these ‘offs, advanced to their 22nd NBA final ( Celts are17-4 in previous, but once were (15-1) beginning Thursday night in San Francisco vs the 8 to 5 series faves, the Golden State Warriors.
Some notes not likely found elsewhere follow:
The franchises, with the Warriors still in Philadelphia for the first three, clashed in the ‘offs in 4 straight even years (’58,’60, ’62 and ’64), before not doing so for 28 consecutive even years and now will meet in the ‘offs 56 years after their last ‘offs get together, a 5 game Celtics’ triumph in the ’64 final, one of two times a Bill Russell team (of course the Celtics) prevailed vs a Wilt Chamberlain team (the ’64 Warriors and then the ’69 Lakers) in an NBA final.
Russell and the Celtics won vs Wilt and the Warriors in both ’60 and ’62 while also winning in ’58.
Hail Jimmy Butler of Miami, who had keyed the Heat’s “stay alive win,” in 36, hitting for 47 points. He had 35 in a game 7 loss last night, however, he did miss a “3” ( in most cases, in my opinion this “3” is a blight on a once great game) with the Celts’ lead just (98-96) with 17 seconds left.
The Warriors will be the fourth franchise to face the Celtics in as many as 2 NBA final rounds.
Boston is (9-3) vs the Lakers in such competition. They were once (8-0). They are (3-1) vs the Hawks franchise, all four clashes occurring when the Hawks were located in St. Louis.
Additionally, Boston is (2-0) vs the Houston Rockets while they are (1-0) vs the Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, and as cited the Warriors.
Meanwhile the Warriors, will be playing in their 12th NBA final, (only the Celts and Lakers with 17 each have won more titles or played in more final rounds. Only the Bulls have as many as the Warriors 6 titles), a 6th in 8 seasons and will have home advantage for a 5th time in 6 final round entities. (Top of my head– only the Celts, who had home adv in an incredible 12 straight final round appearances (’57-”68) have topped that).
The Warriors are (6-5) in previous final rounds, (2-1) as Philly and (4-4) on the West Coast (winning in ’75, ’15. ’17 and ’18 and losing to great Celts and Sixers teams in ’64 and ’67 respectively. In ’16, let’s just say Cleveland, a loser to GS in the ’15,’17 and ’18 final, was NOT a great team. Ditto the ’19 more likable Toronto Raptors).
Boston has been the “home advantage” team in 17 of their 22 final round appearances but has been “sans it” in 3 of their last 4. They won without home advantage vs the Lakers in ’69 and the Bucks in ’74. They lost with home advantage vs the Hawks in ’58 and in “reverse the digits” ’85 vs the Lakers.
The Warriors’ final round/home advantage history is not as clear.
One can say they had home advantage in all 3 final rounds as the Philadelphia Warriors. This despite the fact both the 1947 Chicago Stags (Philly beat them in 5 games, #’s 1, 2 and 5 played in Philadelphia. Would Chi have hosted 6 and 7, giving them home advantage?) and 1948 Baltimore Bullets, each by the way, a defunct franchise, (the Bullets won the series in 6 games but games 1, 2 and 5 were in Philly. Would #7 have been in Baltimore?)
Alas, having 2 of the first 3 tilts at home has clearly indicated being the home advantage team in almost every final round in any of the major sports leagues. One exception was in ’75 when the Warriors had games 2 and 3 at home, (by the way it was their former home, the venerable Cow Palace that was the venue), but not overall H/Advantage vs the favored Washington Bullets. The Warriors won the series in 4 straight games. (In ’78, the Bullets sans home advantage, had games 2 and 3 at home and despite falling down (2-1) won vs Seattle in 7 games. Those two are the only such configurations in NBA annals).
Thus the Warriors, who one can say had/have home advantage in 8 of 12 final round entities, can lay claim to have hosted 2 of the first 3 tilts in nine/three quarters of their 12 final rounds. They had clear home advantage in 6/half and likely had it in 8/two thirds. In ’75 the Bullets had it, we might never know (most would not care) regarding ’47 and ’48.
Al Attles, pictured above, both played and coached for the Warriors in NBA final round entities.
Ah thoughts of my friend and Warriors’ rooter, Brad Weiner and also related to Brad, leisure suits.
Was that Mr. Attles’ attire in the above picture?
Last Thursday, the Warriors rode 32 Klay Thompson points to a (-7) by 10,) win over the Dallas Mavericks to take their “semi” in 5 and advance to their 6th NBA final in 8 seasons.
They will face the winner of tonight’s Boston (Celtics) at Miami (Heat) #7 winner in the 76th NBA final, which culminates the league’s 75th anniversary season, one virtually devoid of close ‘offs contests.
I sense a close tilt tonight. Boston (25-9) in previous #7’s, once (9-0), the first loss on another Sunday the 29th of a month, (the Knicks won #7 of their semi on April 29, 1973 in a day/over the air ‘cast–no such luck today), is a 2 plus point(s) fave. They lost the home 6th, as 8 plus point(s) favorites Friday past.
On a day I told the news to a not surprised, baseball great, Frank Robinson at Yankee Stadium in June 1986, the Celts copped an incredible 16th title in 40 NBA seasons, meaning they had 40 percent of the league’s crowns at that point.
Soon after, their coveted NBA second pick, Len Bias died and years later, but now long ago, Al “Grampa” Lewis, lamented on that loss while on my cable show.
35 completed seasons since and but one title for Boston. Golden State is (9-0) at home in these ‘offs. Miami has 3 crowns and is (6-4) in previous #7’s including a Leb James led “winner take all,” win vs San Antonio in #7 of the 2013 NBA final.
Klay Thompson, pictured above, and his father Mychal, each played on back to back title teams, 30 years apart. Mychal and L.A. did so in ’87 and ’88 while Klay and Golden State did so in 2017 and 2018.
Amazing but true, Darren Helm scored with less than 6 seconds left in “reg,” lifting the Colorado Avalanche, throughout– the plurality “fave” to title, into their first “semi” in 20 years, (3-2) at St. Louis, to wrap in 6 vs the last non T.B. champion.
Helm scored in overtime, “exactly” 13 years earlier (date, not day), getting Detroit (Red Wings) into a second straight final vs Pittsburgh, which unlike the ’08 version, they lost.
Meanwhile a seemingly great player, Conor McDavid scored in overtime in game 5, lifting the Edmonton Oilers into their first semi since 2006, when they eventually were 7’d by the Carolina Hurricanes in the Cup final, as “Edm” won (5-4) to “5” the “f”avored “F”lames (By the way, in the lone “qtr,” still going, those Hurricanes take a (3-2) series lead into New York’s Madison Square Garden for tonight’s #6 vs the Rangers).
The results set up a TNT televised Nathan Mac Kinnon another seemingly great player vs Conor Mc David/Colorado Avalanche vs Edmonton Oilers, “semi.”
Colorado will be at least a 2 to 1 series favorite.
Darren Helm, pictured above as a “Vogue”/Red Wings player, has now scored goals 13 years to the date apart, that respectively in ’09 sent Detroit to the final and now put Colorado into its first “semi” in 20 years.
It was well worth fighting a cold and waiting for a parking space to be legal, as the May 23rd performance “Broadway By The Year,” From Ziegfeld To Moulin Rouge at historic Town Hall in New York City, was truly fantastic.
Created, written, directed, and hosted by the prolific achiever, Scott Siegel–“Broadway By The Year” celebrated songs from “Ziegfeld Follies” to “Moulin Rouge.”
There were so many great performances.
The performers included the personable Tony Danza, who told stories and sang “How About You,” and “Angel Eyes.”
Melissa Errico, John Easterlin, Danny Gardner, Ryan Knowles (he was so personable, posing for pictures after the show), Douglas Ladnier, Anais Reno and Hayley Swindal were the other performers.
All of them were highly entertaining. Ms. Swindal sang “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend with The Broadway By The Year Dance Troupe as the penultimate song. It truly stirred some nice emotions.
Mr. Ladnier closed the show with Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young.” I leaned that way and felt so much better after this fantastic show.
There are two more shows, each with its own theme, scheduled at Town Hall in 2022. Click below for ticket information.
Scott Siegel, pictured above.
The Golden State Warriors are now almost certain to “one up” the NHL Tampa Bay Lightning, (T.B. to a 6th SEMI in 8 seasons) at least in “round advance,” with a 6th final round appearance in the last 8 seasons.
“G.S.” has a commanding (3-0) “semis” lead vs the Dallas Mavericks.
There will NOT be a first time champion in either the NBA or NHL as the Lightning completed a sweep of Florida Panthers, the last remaining team without a crown.
Has this ever happened with 9 teams remaining in the ‘offs? I doubt it.
Max Zaslofsky, pictured above, was in the first NBA (then the BBA) title series. The Philadelphia Warriors won that 1946-1947 title series vs Max and the Chicago Stags.
Andy B Sports 