Archives for April 2009

“It gets fans excited. Who wants to see an offensive tackle play?” – Deion Sanders on Lions No. 1 pick — NFL Network’s Draft Quotes

April 25, 2009 By admin

2009 NFL Network Draft Coverage Recap – Day 1

NFL Total Access at the 2009 NFL Draft

DRAFT COVERAGE QUOTES:

“If the two of them can be half of what Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison were to the Indianapolis Colts, the Detroit Lions have done well.” – Marshall Faulk on new Lions QB Matthew Stafford and Lions WR Calvin Johnson

“It’s fitting that in the town of Madoff, it’s all about the SEC.” – Rich Eisen on SEC players being selected

“This is a great 49er pick and they have a history of some pretty good receivers.” – Gruden on the 49ers selection of WR Michael Crabtree

“I’ve never seen a kid more explosive in my life. He’s a big play waiting to happen.” – Mayock on Florida WR Percy Harvin

“Sooner or later, someone is going to say, ‘I want Pat White.’” – Mayock on QB Pat White

“The spread offense is officially in the National Football League…I’m telling you, I’ve being studying this all offseason, I don’t have a job.” – Gruden on the selection of QB Pat White

“He just created a path for Tim Tebow.” – Faulk on the selection of QB Pat White

“That Roy Williams trade handicapped them in this draft and it might handicap their season if he doesn’t produce to the abilities of T.O.” – Faulk on the Dallas Cowboys

PRE-DRAFT SHOW QUOTES:

“It’s a good pick. It gets fans excited. Who wants to see an offensive tackle play?” – Deion Sanders on the Stafford pick at #1 by the Lions

“You can win games in spite of your quarterback, but you’re going to win championships because of your quarterback.” – Gruden on the importance of having a good quarterback

“The chances of us being up in the top ten this year are less than zero.” – Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on the chances of the Patriots trading up

“He could be a premiere impact player from Day 1.” – Sanders on DE B.J. Raji

Quotes from Steve Wyche’s EXCLUSIVE interview with Rams General Manager Billy Devaney:

“Yeah, there’s always a possibility. I don’t know how sincere some of these calls are…there’s more calls than I expected, more activity all around us at this point, so I guess at this point anything’s possible.” – Rams General Manager Billy Devaney on the possibility of the Rams trading their No. 2 pick

“Yes, he’s certainly in that group. We’re in the same mindset as everyone. If you’re in the position to get a franchise quarterback, it doesn’t present itself that often. There are a lot of sound reasons why you would think about taking Sanchez and we’ve thought of all those reasons.” – Devaney on the possibility of taking Mark Sanchez

“It’s the toughest position to play, not just in football, but in all of sports. He’s the baseball pitcher that pitches every game, he’s the point guard in basketball that has to beat the press on every possession.” – Steve Mariucci on playing quarterback in the NFL

“I don’t care that he’s stumpy with short arms, he can play football.” – Mayock on Center A.Q. Shipley

“You never want to pick out of necessity and the Ravens don’t have to.” – Brian Billick on the Ravens draft

“He’s the rock of that organization, him and (Robert) Kraft. That’s why they continue to win, they have continuity year in and year out and I don’t think they’re finished winning Super Bowls.” – Mariucci on Belichick

“I’ve got an $86 haircut.” – Jon Gruden on working the draft as an analyst for NFL Network

Notes from TNT’s Coverage of the NBA Playoffs – Saturday, April 25, 2009

April 25, 2009 By admin

Notes from TNT’s Coverage of the NBA Playoffs – Saturday, April 25, 2009

TNT’s “40 Games in 40 Nights” NBA Playoffs coverage continues on Sunday, April 26th with the Orlando Magic @ Philadelphia 76ers (Game #4) at 6:30 p.m. ET followed by the Portland Trail Blazers @ Houston Rockets (Game #4).

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TNT NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader.com

Announcers: Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith

Smith on the Spurs needing to be more aggressive on offense: “A lot of times when you look back at a game you look at what you could do differently to get back into a series. (The Spurs) just weren’t aggressive enough offensively and trying to make basketball plays. They were moving the ball around the perimeter, they stayed outside the three-point line and never infiltrated (to the basket), with the exception of Tony Parker. You can’t always rely on another guy to get you a shot.”

TNT’s John Thompson interviewed Hawks head coach Mike Woodson, forward Al Horford and guard Joe Johnson in another edition of Timeout with Thompson

Joe Johnson on his defensive strategy against Heat guard Dwyane Wade: “You have to mix (you defense) up, you can’t give (Wade) the same look every time. Sometimes you might want to get close and sometimes you might want to hang back. You can’t let him get comfortable.”

Woodson about the Hawks struggling on the road: “It’s tough but I can’t let (the players) know that. I have to remain upbeat and positive. That’s the only way you can have a shot to win on the road in a hostile environment. We’ve struggled on the road this year and we were better this year than last year on the road.”

Woodson on the Hawks half-court offense which has been under scrutiny: “We are a transition team and we are a team where our defense has put us into position to win basketball games this year. Playoff basketball slows down a little bit and you don’t get all the transition. You still have to be able to execute in the half-court game.”

Woodson on the growth of the Hawks since he’s been the head coach: “(The Hawks have) grown so much since I got here five years ago. They didn’t have a clue (then). They’ve stayed persistent from an individual standpoint and a team standpoint. They are very close-knit group that believes in each other. That’s a good start when you are talking about winning a playoff series.”

Barkley on the Hawks needing another scorer to go along with guard Joe Johnson: “Joe Johnson is a good player, he’s an All-Star but there’s not another player on the team that you can give the ball to and say, ‘go get it, get me a shot’. Joe Johnson is a great player but he can’t get you 30 (points) a night.”

TNT’s Marty Snider interviewed Mavericks guard and Sixth Man of the Year Jason Terry before Game #4

Terry on the hardest part about coming off the bench: “The hardest part of it is there’s no warm-up. You come right in and (teammates) are counting on you to get things accomplished. That’s what I do for this team; I bring the energy and the heart every night.”

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Game #1: San Antonio Spurs (90) @ Dallas Mavericks (99) – Mavericks lead the series 3-1

Announcers: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller; and Marty Snider reporting

Miller on Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich resting his starters in Game #3: “I think (Gregg) Popovich’s thinking is that he’s got a veteran ballclub and he felt his team had no shot in Game #3 and it’s an early turnaround game on the schedule. Let him rest his starters and get them ready for a Game #7-type situation for the Spurs.”

Miller on Spurs point guard Tony Parker: “When (Tony Parker) first came into the league, shooting was not his strong suit. He was a great finisher with great speed but knocking down that mid-range shot was very difficult for him.”

Miller on Spurs forward Bruce Bowen: “Bruce (Bowen) is very limited offensively but you know he’s going to knock down three’s from each corner. He’s out there to basically annoy (the opponent). If you talk to Ray Allen, Rip Hamilton and Kobe Bryant and other guys that Bowen has faced over the years, there are a lot of claw marks on their arms because of Bruce Bowen.”

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T-Mobile Halftime Report

Announcers: Johnson, Barkley and Smith

Smith on the adjustments Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich made in Game #4: “It was great for (Gregg) Popovich to figure out how to get his big guys involved that weren’t involved before. They have put Tim Duncan into a pick-and-roll situation and more importantly, they put him at the center position where (Erick) Dampier has to guard him.”

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Miller on his relationship with Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle: “Rick and I had a special relationship when he was an assistant coach under Larry Brown. He and I would work out before games and go over some of the plays and positions on the court so that’s where our friendships really grew. When he became the head coach, I was almost like an assistant coach because we had such a young team. We went over game plans from day to day and teaching these guys how to play day-to-day.”

Miller on Mavericks reserve forward Ryan Hollins coming off the bench: “When you’re a role player coming off the bench, you’ve got to do something to validate why you are on the floor. Ryan Hollins did that (with energy).”

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Game #2: Atlanta Hawks (78) @ Miami Heat (107) – Heat lead series 2-1.

Announcers: Dick Stockton, Marv Albert; and Cheryl Miller reporting

Fratello on the aggressive Heat defense: “The Heat defense is sharp. They are all over everything right now. (They are) very physical and aggressive. They are taking away every move that the Hawks try to make.”

Fratello on Heat reserve center Jamaal Magloire: “(Jamaal) Magloire is going to pick up fouls because he’s going to put his body up against people, he’s going to box out strong and he’s going to try to go over people’s backs for offensive rebounds. He’s not worried about getting his six fouls.”

Fratello on Hawks reserve center Zaza Pachulia: “(Zaza Pachulia is) a very experienced player. He’s started a lot of games in his career and he understood that going to the bench was a different role for him. He’s got a toughness about him, he’s good around the basket and puts the ball down with his left hand so he’s an excellent backup center.”

Fratello on Heat rookie forward Michael Beasley: “Michael Beasley is much longer than you think he is isn’t a leaper but he’s long and he’s effective.”

Fratello on Hawks forward Josh Smith “As you see the growth and development of Josh Smith, eventually he’s going to get past the point where he gets angry when the game doesn’t come to him early. He’s got to fight his way through that, maintain control and don’t complain.”

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T-Mobile Halftime Report

Announcers: Johnson, Barkley and Smith

Barkley on the skill level of today’s teams compared to when he played: “I’m just mad because I had to play against Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Michael Jordan and guys like that instead of some of these stiffs that are playing in the NBA today. We used to have real basketball back in the (19)80’s and (19)90’s. We would’ve beat these teams like drums.”

Smith on the Hawks offensive struggles: “The Hawks half-court offense is atrocious but if they get into a transition game they can be really good.”

Smith on the Dallas Mavericks: “The Dallas Mavericks are so fortunate, they might end up in the Western Conference Finals because of all the injuries (to the Spurs). They have a great chance.”

Barkley: “They just got lucky at the right time.”

Smith: “I didn’t say they were good, I said they were lucky.”

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Fratello on the Hawks needing a vocal leader on their roster: “You would think that based on his performance and ability to play as an All-Star (the vocal leader) would be Joe Johnson. Mike Bibby has been around a long time and has played in big games but he is a bit of a quiet guy and I don’t know if he’s going to step up in the locker room and tell his teammates that they need to turn things around.”

Fratello on when coaches need to step up and become the vocal leader: “Sometimes as a coach, you don’t have a vocal player. That’s when you find coaches who are more vocal with the team and they have to be the ones to deliver the message. Somehow the message has to get across to the team.”

Fratello on how Hawks forward Josh Smith could adjust his game to benefit his team: “I’d like to see Josh Smith get down in the low post a little bit more, get some high percentage shots and an opportunity to get to the free throw line. That could open up the perimeter for his teammates by forcing double-teams.”

TNT’s Cheryl Miller interviewed Heat guard Dwyane Wade following the game

Wade on Heat forward Udonis Haslem stepping up his game in the playoffs: “We’ve been here together for six years and he’s been doing that for six years. We all know in the locker room how important he is. He’s really taken the challenge of going against an athletic guy like Josh Smith. Coach (Spoelstra) challenged him and J.O. (Jermaine O’Neal) and they stepped up.”

Log onto TNT OverTime on NBA.com for a full replay of Inside the NBA and exclusive reports from TNT announcers.

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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell And NFLPA Executive Director Demaurice Smith First Joint Interview Exclusively On NFL Network

April 25, 2009 By admin

NFL COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL AND NFLPA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DEMAURICE SMITH FIRST JOINT INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON NFL NETWORK

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and newly-elected NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith sat down together for their first joint interview on NFL Network’s 2009 Draft Pre-Draft show.

Below is the transcript from the exclusive interview on NFL Network:

Rich Eisen: DeMaurice, can I call you ‘D’?

DeMaurice Smith: You can call me D, we’re friends now.

Eisen: Since we’re friends, let’s hammer out a CBA right now…the three of us.

Smith: Done. You got a pen? (laughs)

Eisen: Sure. I’ve got all sorts of pens and office equipment…what would you say is the one main obstacle you think that needs to be broached with players and management right now to get a new CBA?

Smith: The main obstacle is something that I think we’ve actually taken care of. We’ve agreed to sit down and chat. When you’re here, you know that our fans love our game. My players want to play, our players want to play, our owners want to play. I know Roger wants to play. The biggest obstacle is overcome. We’re going to sit down and chat and we’ll get a deal.

Eisen: When? When are we talking?

Roger Goodell: Well, we’ve already met a few times. We’ll start more formal negotiations in the next several weeks. (DeMaurice) is going to go out spend some time talking to some of the players and some of the teams and we hope to sit down in the next few weeks.

Eisen: DeMaurice, you’ve said that you’d like to see more financial information from management and the NFL. What do you want to see?

Smith: Our players ask me good questions and the fans ask good questions. One of the things that we are interested in is anytime that we move into a new deal and people are interested in the full fairness of the deal, they want to see the audited financial statements, they want to know if the teams are doing well. If there are ways that we can get together and help this game grow, we want to know how we can do it. I come from a world where if you share that information, you get a heck of a lot closer to making a deal and that’s something that I’m sure we’re going to chat about.

Eisen: How do you respond to that?

Goodell: Anytime both parties are better informed, it gives them a chance to make better decisions. Certainly, they are well aware of our economics in the sense that they know our revenue down to a penny; it’s also audited. They know 60% of our costs go to the players so if there’s other information that’s necessary to help us through, we’ve talked about the analysis on an extended season. That’s something we want to share. We want to share information so they can make better decisions and we can reach an agreement. So if that’s what the focus is on, we will certainly engage in that.

Eisen: We have reached a point officially that the top pick in the NFL Draft, someone who has never played (in the NFL) before is making more guaranteed money than the rest of the National Football League. Do you think that there is a problem with the system like that?

Smith: You know, I don’t. I’ve been a big fan of this game for a long time. I’ve watched this game for a long time. But I have to tell you…my guess is that at the end of the day today, it’s going to be the same that it’s always has been. The owners sign the checks, our players don’t. We know the work that goes into picking the right guy. Our players know the work that goes into making a decision on how much to pay (players). That’s not a decision that lies on the players and they know that. So, in respect to a rookie (salary) cap, I am very happy with the scenario that we have now. Less than 4% of our total cap amount is dedicated to rookie salaries, so we do have a cap, but when the day comes that we start signing checks, then that’s when we’ll start answering those kind of questions.

Eisen: Commissioner, a lot of people think that there are so many other issues that the owners want to address with management, that eventually they’ll be bigger fish than this to fry in the CBA discussions. How do you respond to something like that?

Goodell: That’s true Rich. There’s no question that this is just one of many issues that we want to address. DeMaurice and I have talked about this. We haven’t had extensive discussions, but we know who signs the checks – it’s the owners. The problem is that the system right now has been skewed. It’s not only having financially ramifications to clubs, it’s having competitive ramifications. That’s why we need to sit down and figure it out. I believe that (DeMaurice) and the players want the money to go to proven veterans and people that are in the NFL rather than people that may be out of the NFL because they didn’t pan out. As much as we do work and study, as you know, mistakes are made about who can play at this level and who can’t. So we’d like to see the proven veterans get that money.

Eisen: D, there’s an “A.D.” in New England named Adalius Thomas. He was very vocal in calling out the Commissioner on playing extra games in the regular season. Essentially saying to count him on being on injured reserve for those two extra weeks. Do you think that reflects the rank and file of the rest of the players association?

Smith: There is nobody in this game who understands the toll on their bodies more than the players. We want to talk about the extra game scenario and I’m happy that the Commissioner and the league wants to talk about that. We want to talk about the increased chance of injury. It’s got to be a discussion. I’m happy to say that our players want to have the conversation. We want to look at the metrics. There isn’t a day where we don’t want to make this game better for all these people who have come in here today to watch (the draft).

Eisen: Commissioner, you have made so many different rule changes in regards to player safety, but this would give two more weeks to a season in which many injuries may occur because it’s a longer season. How do the extra two games jive with the league’s push to maintain player safety?

Goodell: We’ve always have a focus on player safety. We want to make sure that this game is as safe as possible for the players under every circumstance and there are certain techniques that we know can cause injury or that are more likely to cause injuries, serious injuries. We have always had a focus on taking those out of the game. On the extended season, we’re staying within the 20-game format. Any changes that we would make, there would be a reduction in the number of preseason games. I recognize that the players aren’t playing in the preseason that fans want to see and that’s part of the problem. The preseason isn’t as attractive to our fans and in this kind of environment, we have to do everything we can to improve the quality of what we do.

NFL Network’s pre-Draft show also included an interview with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. To access the interview with Belichick, as well as additional draft coverage and features, please visit http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80ffa07a.

NFL Network brings wall-to-wall coverage of the 2009 NFL Draft. Day two coverage begins Sunday at 9:00 AM ET with a one-hour NFL Total Access at the 2009 Draft Pre-Draft show, followed by Day two of the NFL Draft at 10:00 AM ET.

NFL Network airs seven days a week, 24 hours a day on a year-round basis and is the first television network fully dedicated to the NFL and the sport of football. For more information, log onto www.nfl.com/nflnetwork. NFL.com is the exclusive internet home of NFL Network.

– NFL Network –

News and Notes from ESPN’s 2009 NFL Draft – Day 1

April 25, 2009 By admin

News and Notes from ESPN’s 2009 NFL Draft – Day 1

Boom or Bust? Raiders Select Heyward-Bey No. 7 Overall …
ESPN analysts Mel Kiper, Jr., Keyshawn Johnson and Todd McShay explain their surprise at the Raiders’ pick and why they think Darrius Heyward-Bey — selected No. 7 overall by the Oakland Raiders — was a reach.

Kiper: “I’m shocked. I’m happy for Darrius Heyward-Bey … great kid, now a couple games this year he did not catch a pass, but he was shut out in two games. Not the guy that you throw the ball and can depend on. I gave it an F grade. I don’t know how you pass up Michael Crabtree at number 1. … I’ve got to give it an F. In my opinion there’s no way you can pass up Crabtree, or if you want Heyward-Bey, trade down. Take Heyward-Bey and trade down and take him in the middle of the first round.”

Click here to watch video of this discussion.

Matthew Stafford vs. Mark Sanchez: Who’s a better NFL quarterback? …
ESPN’s Draft analysts discussed the Lions’ selection of Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford with the No. 1 overall pick and the Jets’ trading up from No. 17 to Cleveland’s No. 5 position to pick USC quarterback Mark Sanchez. (Click here to watch videos of the Stafford vs. Sanchez discussions.) Highlights:

Kirk Herbstreit: “If you watch Matthew Stafford stand on the sidelines and throw the football, you are blown away. You think this guy is going to be one of the greatest quarterbacks you’ve ever seen. For whatever reason, that has not transitioned into the college game consistently. When you watch him throw, and you watch him on seven-on-seven drills, and then you watch him in a game, it’s not there. You’re not seeing the consistency. So, to me, he needs to mature.”

Cris Carter (on Sanchez): “This guy has IT. I’m more excited about him. I think he’ll be a better pro with the Jets than (Matthew) Stafford will with the Lions.”

On Percy Harvin and his potential character issues that could challenge the Vikings organization …
Herm Edwards: “This guy is one of those guys, whether he’s driving a Ferrari, a Cadillac, a Volkswagen — if he even goes to Disneyland and drives the little cars that run on the rail — he’s going to have a wreck, So you better have a good body and fender man. … There’s going to be some things you have to deal with and you know that, but this guy is an explosive player.”

On Miami’s selection of former West Virginia quarterback Pat White as a wide receiver …
McShay: “I look at Pat White specifically and wonder, ‘Is he worth this high of a draft pick?’ … He’s never played receiver. He’s never returned a punt or kick. He didn’t do it in the Senior Bowl. He didn’t do it during workouts, only during individual workouts and he’s a 4.5-5 receiver that has no experience. To me, it’s an interesting pick. I think they took him too high. They could have taken a wide receiver like Mohamed Massaquoi who would have been of value in a position they really needed.”

Prediction about incoming USC freshman quarterback Matt Barkley …
Kiper: “I said three and a half years ago, Matthew Stafford to be No. 1 pick and I’m going on record now to say …three years Matt Barkley – who will be a true freshman this year – will be the No. 1 pick in the draft. Three years from now.”

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Interview
In an interview with Chris Berman on ESPN’s pre-NFL Draft SportsCenter Special: On the Clock, commissioner Goodell addressed a wide range of NFL topics and issues, including:

On possibly re-instating Michael Vick …
“What I said, when he was still in the legal process, I said I would sit down and I would try to understand what he’s learned from this experience. How he’s going to conduct himself going forward and whether he’ll be a positive influence. And if he’ll do that, we’ll consider it at that point in time. But I think at this stage, he needs to focus on himself and what he’s going to do differently going forward.”

Click here to watch the entire interview.

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2009 Mock Draft video and article on NFL.com — how the NFL Network analysts would make the picks — Aaron Curry #1

April 24, 2009 By admin

On Thursday, NFL Network analysts sat down to conduct their own mock Draft for NFL.com. They were told to make their selections if they were picking for each team, NOT who they predict each team would make their picks.

(Click on the video to see the draft and the entire draft is below the video).

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story?id=09000d5d80fef85a&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true

Rich Eisen started it off picking Aaron Curry for the Lions at #1. With NFL Network Draft Expert Mike Mayock will unveiling his mock draft Saturday morning on NFL.com, he filled the role of commissioner and analyst for this mock draft. The analysts who participated are: Jon Gruden, Marshall Faulk, Steve Mariucci, Brian Billick, Jamie Dukes, Charley Casserly, Charles Davis and host Rich Eisen

NFL Network’s Draft coverage begins Saturday at 11 AM ET, with live coverage of the Draft starting at 4 PM ET.

An interview with the Commissioner is scheduled at 3 PM ET on NFL Network’s predraft show (time is subject to change).

Fans can visit NFL.com for all the information to get ready for the Draft and watch live streaming of it on Saturday and Sunday. In addition, this year there are new fan war room chat sessions on NFL.com where fans of each team can chat with their fellow fans of their favorite teams.

For more information, please visit www.nfl.com or contact us.

NBC SPORTS COVERAGE OF STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS CONTINUES THIS WEEKEND

April 24, 2009 By admin

NBC SPORTS COVERAGE OF STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS CONTINUES THIS WEEKEND

Pittsburgh Penguins at Philadelphia Flyers Saturday, 3 p.m. ET; Washington Capitals at New York Rangers Sunday, 2 p.m. ET (if necessary)

“The biggest surprise for me in this series is how willing the Penguins have been to push back physically against the Flyers.”

NEW YORK – April 24, 2009 – NBC Sports’ coverage of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs continues this weekend with Mike Richards and the Philadelphia Flyers hosting Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and the Pittsburgh Penguins, Saturday at 3 p.m. ET. The Penguins lead the series 3-2 after the Flyers stayed alive by winning Game 5 last night.

On Sunday at 2 p.m. ET (if necessary), Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals visit Madison Square Garden to take on Henrik Lundqvist and the New York Rangers. The Caps will try and stave off elimination Friday night in D.C., as they trail 3-1 in the best of seven series.

Mike “Doc” Emrick (play-by-play), Eddie Olczyk (analyst) and Pierre McGuire (inside-the-glass analyst) call the action (Darren Pang will fill in for McGuire Saturday in Philadelphia). McGuire and Pang will pull double duty, hosting NBC’s studio show alongside analyst Mike Milbury on site in Philadelphia and New York.

MCGUIRE ON PENS-FLYERS: “The biggest surprise for me in this series is how willing the Penguins have been to push back physically against the Flyers. They’ve even dictating a lot of the physical play, which the Flyers aren’t used to. I think it’s made a big difference.”

MCGUIRE ON CAPS-RANGERS: “It doesn’t take a genius to say that Henrik Lundqvist has been the difference-maker but I also give a lot of credit to John Tortorella. He knows that he doesn’t have the firepower to match the Capitals but they’ve game-planned really well in taking away second chances. He’s squeezed as much from the lemon as he can in getting the Rangers to this point.”

NHL ON NBC CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS SCHEDULE:

CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS
Saturday, April 25, 3 p.m. ET, Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, Game 6
Sunday, April 26 2 p.m. ET, Washington at New York Rangers, Game 6*

*if necessary

CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS
Saturday, May 2, 1 p.m. ET, TBD
Sunday, May 3, 2 p.m. ET, TBD

PROGRAMMING NOTE: If there is no Game 6 between the Capitals and Rangers on Sunday, the Jeep World of Adventure will air from 3-4 p.m. ET and the National Heads-Up Poker Championship from 4-6 p.m. ET.

Notes from TNT’s Coverage of the NBA Playoffs – Thursday, April 23, 2009

April 24, 2009 By admin

Notes from TNT’s Coverage of the NBA Playoffs – Thursday, April 23, 2009

TNT’s “40 Games in 40 Nights” NBA Playoffs coverage continues on Saturday, April 25^th with a special 30 minute edition of TNT NBA Tip-off at 3:30 p.m. ET followed by the San Antonio Spurs @ Dallas Mavericks (Game #4) at 4 p.m. ET and the Atlanta Hawks @ Miami Heat (Game #3) at 6:30 p.m. ET.

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TNT NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader.com

Announcers: Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith

Smith on teams not guarding Celtics guard Rajon Rondo: “You have to respect him. Most teams all through his career said, ‘he can’t shoot the basketball, so we are not going to play him.’ I think that’s the worst thing to do. Guys who don’t shoot the basketball comfortably from the outside you have to play them so they have a hand in their face when they try to take it. (Rondo) gets way too many open looks and they don’t pay him attention because they don’t think he’s an outside shooter, so it creates passing lanes, it creates driving lanes. Play the guy like he is Mark Price or Chris Paul, like he is a great shooter or a great guy who can play the point.”

Barkley on Celtics forward Kevin Garnett coming back during the playoffs: “I think it’s great that (Kevin Garnett) is out there working with (Kendrick) Perkins, working with Mikki Moore, trying to help those guys. But the notion that a guy join the playoffs and be effective, I don’t think that’s realistic to say, ‘I’ve been sitting out for three months, but I can just come in the playoffs and play against NBA players,’ I think that is just unrealistic.”

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Game #1: Boston Celtics (107) @ Chicago Bulls (86) – Boston leads the series 2-1.

Announcers: Kevin Harlan, Doug Collins; and Pam Oliver reporting

Collins comparing Bulls guard Derrick Rose to former 76ers guard Maurice Cheeks: “As a player, I had a young player from the city of Chicago who really became a great point guard, who was a really great player. That was Maurice Cheeks who was very quiet and unassuming, I don’t know if he said six words the first six weeks. He won us over with his play, just like Derrick Rose has.”

Collins on Celtics guard Rajon Rondo making a great pass: “Look at that no look-away look, like he was going to Paul Pierce, take your eyes in one direction. Like Peyton Manning throwing a little touchdown pass there.”

Collins on the Celtics needing forward Paul Pierce to be their main scorer: “With the depleted team and with the bench being much thinner, for Boston to win this series Paul Pierce can not be their third leading scorer, he has to be the star.”

Collins on the impact of Celtics guard Rajon Rondo’s rebounding: “(Rondo) has that knack to go to the boards, he has big hands. A lot of times his guy is helping a lot defensively and what that does is gives him a lot of room to roam, so he can sneak in there and go to the boards and do the things he is doing and he is putting up All-Pro numbers here.”

Collins on Celtics forward Kevin Garnett coaching Kendrick Perkins from the sidelines: “When you can’t play sometimes you have to be an assistant coach. You are going to work on this move, showing him the footwork, talking to him about it. (Perkins) should look over at Kevin Garnett, a nice little teacher and a good student.”

**** **** **** **** *****

T-Mobile Halftime Report

Announcers: Johnson, Barkley and Smith

Barkley on Utah’s chances of beating the Lakers: “This is not the same Utah team, Ernie. We keep expecting them (to play better), they are going to get it, they are going to get it. You know what? The season is over, now the playoffs have started and I don’t think it’s going to ever kick in for Utah.”

Smith on the home court advantage in Utah: “When you go into Utah it is a different animal. Utah is different from 95% of arenas that you play in. It is important for your best player to play and create and set the tone. (Kobe Bryant) wants the crowd to be on Kobe Bryant. He doesn’t want the crowd to be on (Trevor) Ariza, he doesn’t want the crowd to be on Pau Gasol, he wants them to be on himself. So if he is making shots they are going to be booing him and if he is missing shots they are going to be laughing at him. So it takes the pressure off the guys in the second quarter, and in the third quarter and he can come back in the fourth and be Kobe Bryant.”

**** **** **** **** *****

Collins on the death of Long time Bulls announcer Johnny “Red” Kerr: “(Kerr) was just like Mr. Chicago, when you seen him at a game he put all kinds of a smile on your face.”

Collins on home court advantage being overrated until Game #7: “In the playoffs home court is overrated to me unless you are playing in that seventh game. I know you will look at the stats and say percentages don’t tell you that, and when you play against a really good team unless it’s that seventh game I don’t see an advantage.”

Collins on Celtics forward Glen Davis finding his niche with the Celtics: “(Davis) has very quick hands, he is an undersized player, what he has done he uses his bulk very well. He does a nice job playing against Yao Ming and some of these bigger guys because he gets his lower leverage and gets into their bodies. He is a weapon now offensively; he can shoot the basketball out from 15 to 17 feet so he has found his own niche here offensively with the Celtics.”

**** **** **** **** *****

Gamebreak

Announcers: Johnson, Barkley and Smith

Barkley on Utah forward Carlos Boozer’s quotes “We are not going to go down 3-0”: “I still think the Lakers are going to win. This is not Utah’s year.”

Smith: “That to me sounds like a boxer, ‘I will not get knocked out in this fight.’ That doesn’t impress me.”
Barkley: “You don’t look at it like that. You say, ‘we just have to win this one game tonight to get back in this series.’”

**** **** **** ****

Game #2: Utah Jazz (88) @ Los Angeles Lakers (86) – The Lakers lead the series 2-1.

Announcers: Marv Albert and Reggie Miller; Craig Sager reporting

Miller on Utah’s early success at home: “Isn’t it amazing when you put on those white uniforms how crisp you run your offense, how some of those openings in the lane are there?”

TNT’s Craig Sager interviewed L.A. Lakers head coach Phil Jackson.

Jackson on Utah forward Carlos Boozer: “He’s a monster in there. He’s a big strong guy, he’s pushing our guys around and getting good position for rebounds.”

Miller on Lakers guard Trevor Ariza: “(Trevor) Ariza has really been a factor for the Lakers. You would think he is out there for his defense, but it has been his offense that has carried the Lakers.”

Miller on playing in Utah during his career: “This crowd is fantastic. They are expert hecklers, kind of creative at times. Some were clever, some could be downright ugly at times, but it’s all fair, it’s all good.”

**** **** **** **** *****

T-Mobile Halftime Report

Announcers: Johnson, Barkley and Smith

Barkley on Utah forward Carlos Boozer breaking the first half rebounding record set by Karl Malone and Greg Ostertag: “Wow, I never thought I’d hear those two names (Malone and Ostertag) in the same sentence.”

Barkley on why a close game favors the L.A. Lakers with Kobe Bryant: “I don’t like the pace of the game for them (Utah). The Lakers have the ultimate closer (in Kobe Bryant). The closer the game, the better it is for the Lakers and the Black Mamba.”

**** **** **** **** *****

Miller on Lakers guard Kobe Bryant’s work ethic: “Kobe (Bryant) usually takes one month off after the season, then he starts lifting weights. Then he starts his one-a-days, sometimes two-a-days. His goal is to be at 95% going into Labor Day. Most basketball players are just picking up a basketball after Labor Day. You see why Kobe Bryant is so far ahead of the rest of the competitors in this league, it’s because he puts his time and his hours.”

Miller on future Hall of Famer John Stockton mentoring current Jazz guard Deron Williams: “You are coming in to fill the shoes of one of the greatest point guards to play the game. John Stockton, very gracious, they actually worked out early on during Deron Williams’ first two years. Stockton is also helping let him know how to handle your head coach in Jerry Sloan, and Jerry Sloan’s been around the block a few times. (Malone) saying ‘this is how you are going to have to approach every day.’ If I’m a young player, that is such a treat to learn from a Hall of Famer in John Stockton.”

TNT’s Craig Sager interviewed Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan.

Sloan on why the Jazz lost their halftime lead: “They jumped on us and we kind of dropped our heads and felt sorry for ourselves.”

Miller on Lakers forward Pau Gasol: “At 7’2” he is always going to have the advantage over any of the Jazz frontcourt players. He is always going to be able to back them down and shoot over them.”

Miller on the game winning shot by Utah guard Deron Williams: ‘You need a player to be able to create his own shot. I wonder if this is something future NBA Hall of Famer John Stockton might have taught Deron Williams during those informal workout sessions.”

TNT’s Craig Sager interviewed Jazz guard Deron Williams and forward Carlos Boozer after the Jazz defeated the Lakers.

Williams on his game winning shot: “I had to make up for my horrible play all night. I’m glad I made the shot.”

Boozer on teammate Ronnie Brewer’s defense on Kobe Bryant: “Ron (Brewer) just played great ‘D.’ He’s physical, he’s tough, he makes him (Bryant) take tough shots. He’s our best defender and we put him one of the best players.”

**** **** **** **** *****

Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai

Announcers: Johnson, Barkley and Smith

Barkley on the complacency of the Lakers: “The Lakers are winning because they are really good. They are not on a mission. Denver is on a mission. LeBron (James) is on a mission. (The Lakers, Nuggets and Cavaliers) are the three best teams I’ve seen in the playoffs this year. But the Lakers are playing the worst out of those three teams because they are not on a mission.”

Barkley on the Lakers not finishing teams off when they have the chance: “This is going to come back to bite them in the long run, when they have a chance to finish teams off…anything can happen in any extra game (in a series). A guy can get hurt, something flukey can happen in the next game…anything can happen. (Lakers head coach) Phil Jackson has to be very disappointed.”

Smith on the Lakers beating themselves in Game #3: “Tonight (in Game #3), the Los Angeles Lakers beat themselves. They had the lead and were playing well enough to finish the game off and all of a sudden, they let up on the gas and let the Jazz back in (the game).”

TNT’s Marty Snider interviewed Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki following their Game #3 win over the Spurs.

Nowitzki on the Mavericks’ defense in Game #3 being the key to their win: “Defense was the key for us (in Game #3). You can do whatever pick-and-roll coverage you want to do, if you don’t have that focus and energy, nothing is going to work. Getting a big lead early was the key because that opens it up for us offensively and we don’t have to grind it out all the time. We can open up the floor and get the ball on the run and that’s when we are at our best.”

CNN’s Anderson Cooper, the host of Anderson Cooper 360, joined the studio show via satellite.

Barkley on a recent cover of Washingtonian Magazine featuring a photo of President Obama without his shirt on: “I think it’s disrespectful to show the President without his shirt (on). First of all, this is before he was (elected) President so it’s an old photo. If he went to the beach as President, this wouldn’t be a big deal. I just think to show an old photo is disrespectful to the President.”

Smith on how the Washingtonian Magazine cover might motivate people to get in shape: “I think that with the amount of child obesity in the country and the number of people who are out of shape, a lot of people said they have to get to the gym after seeing that photo (of President Obama). (They say) ‘The President of the United States is in shape and I need to get into the gym’.”

Barkley on the Somali pirates: “Why don’t they shoot those damn pirates?”

Cooper: “It’s a good question, a lot of people have asked about that. They brought (one pirate) to the United States, he was smiling and clearly seemed disoriented; it must have been surreal for him. But I don’t know why they don’t shoot them or at least arrest them. NATO arrested a couple just the other day and released them so they are back out there doing the same thing.”

Johnson on Cooper’s Twitter page: “You have 154,000 followers on Twitter and we are on Twitter for the NBA Playoffs. Do you have people Tweeting for you or do you do your own Tweets?”

Cooper: “We have a show (Anderson Cooper 360) Twitter and anytime it’s me Twittering, we say that it’s me and if it’s something about the show, it might be somebody else. If it’s from me, I’ll say ‘this is from Anderson’ because I wouldn’t want anyone Twittering in my place. If you’re saying it’s from you…you guys might actually have to do this. Not sure if that’s the answer you wanted.”

Barkley on Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo who recently suffered a potentially career-ending knee injury: “Not only was (Mutombo) a great player, he was also a great man.”

Log onto TNT OverTime on NBA.com for a full replay of Inside the NBA and exclusive reports from TNT announcers.

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NFL Network Draft Expert Mike Mayock’s Mock Draft Released

April 24, 2009 By admin

NFL NETWORK DRAFT EXPERT MIKE MAYOCK RELEASES FINAL MOCK DRAFT

NFL.com’s Fan War Rooms Up To 145,000 Total Comments And Counting!

NFL Network draft expert Mike Mayock releases his final mock draft before the start of the 2009 NFL Draft on NFL Total Access at the 2009 NFL Draft Pre-Draft Show.

In 2008, Mayock correctly picked the first six selections and 11 of the top 14.

MAYOCK 2009 MOCK DRAFT

1. Detroit Matthew Stafford QB Georgia

2. St. Louis Jason Smith OT Baylor

3. Kansas City Aaron Curry OLB Wake Forest

4. Seattle Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech

5. Cleveland B.J. Raji DT Boston College

6. Cincinnati Andre Smith OT Alabama

7. Oakland Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland

8. Jacksonville Mark Sanchez QB USC

(trades pick to Washington)

9. Green Bay Eugene Monroe OT Virginia

10. San Francisco Michael Oher OT Ole Miss

11. Buffalo Aaron Maybin OLB/DE Penn State

12. Denver Tyson Jackson DE LSU

13. Washington Chris Wells RB Ohio State

(trades pick to Jacksonville)

14. New Orleans Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State

15. Houston Brian Cushing OLB USC

16. San Diego Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia

17. N.Y. Jets Percy Harvin WR Florida

18. Denver Brian Orakpo DE Texas

19. Tampa Bay Vontae Davis CB Illinois

20. Detroit Rey Maualuga ILB USC

21. Philadelphia Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri

22. Minnesota Phil Loadholt OT Oklahoma

23. New England Darius Butler CB Connecticut

24. Atlanta Peria Jerry DT Ole Miss

25. Miami Robert Ayers DE Tennessee

26. Baltimore Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma State

27. Indianapolis James Laurinaitis ILB Ohio State

28. Buffalo Eben Britton OT Arizona

29. N.Y. Giants Hakeem Nicks WR North Carolina

30. Tennessee Ziggy Hood DT Missouri

31. Arizona Larry English OLB Northern Illinois

32. Pittsburgh Eric Wood C/OG Louisville

In addition to Mayock’s mock draft, fans across the country are weighing in on who they believe should be the top pick of their favorite franchise in NFL.com’s Fan War Rooms. With over 145,000 comments and counting, watch in real time as fans discuss and debate which draft prospect should be donning their team’s favorite uniform next season. Please visit http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/war-rooms?icampaign=TW_%20Day1 to join the nationwide LIVE discussion.

NFL Network brings fans wall-to-wall coverage of the 2009 NFL Draft. Day two coverage begins Sunday at 9:00 AM ET with a one-hour NFL Total Access at the 2009 Draft Pre-Draft show, followed by Day two of the NFL Draft at 10:00 AM ET.

– NFL Network –

The 2009 NBA Playoffs Continue on TNT and NBA TV

April 24, 2009 By admin

The 2009 NBA Playoffs Continue on TNT and NBA TV

TNT’s coverage of the NBA Playoffs continues Saturday, April 25 at 3:30 p.m. ET with a special 30-minute edition of NBA Tip-Off presented by AutoTrader.com with Ernie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst). After the pre-game show, the action gets underway at 4 p.m. ET with Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks hosting Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs in the fourth game of their series which Dallas leads two games to one. Calling the action will be Marv Albert (play-by-play), Reggie Miller (analyst) and Marty Snider (reporter). At 6:30 p.m. ET, Joe Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks will take on Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat in Game #3 of their series. Dick Stockton (play-by-play), Mike Fratello (analyst) and Cheryl Miller (reporter) will call the game.

The NBA action on TNT continues on Sunday, April 26 with another 30-minute edition of NBA Tip-Off presented by AutoTrader.com at 6 p.m. ET with Johnson (host), Barkley (analyst), Smith (analyst) and Chris Webber (analyst). The doubleheader tips off at 6:30 p.m. ET with the first game featuring Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic visiting Andre Miller and the Philadelphia 76ers in Game #4 of the best-of-seven series. Matt Devlin (play-by-play), P.J. Carlesimo (analyst) and Laura Green (reporter) will call the game. The second game of the doubleheader will see Yao Ming and the Houston Rockets host Brandon Roy and the Portland Trail Blazers at 9 p.m. ET for Game #4. Sitting courtside will be Kevin Harlan (play-by-play), Doug Collins (analyst) and Craig Sager (reporter). To finish the evening’s coverage, Johnson, Barkley, Smith and Webber will break down the action on the Emmy® award-winning studio show Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai.

NBA TV will also continue to provide extensive coverage of the playoffs throughout the weekend, beginning tonight, April 24 with host Rick Kamla and analyst Steve Smith previewing the night’s action on NBA Gametime at 6 p.m. ET. Beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET, Kamla and Smith will recap the playoff games and the network will air all post-game press conferences in their entirity. NBA TV’s coverage continues on Saturday, April 25 with host Kamla and Eric Snow analyzing the action on NBA Gametime beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET. On Sunday, April 26, Kamla and Steve Smith will break down the NBA Playoffs beginning at 12 p.m. ET on NBA Gametime. Live NBA Playoff action will return to NBA TV on Monday, April 27 with Game #4 of the Denver Nuggets @ New Orleans Hornets series. Host Ahmad Rashad and analysts Gary Payton and Chris Webber will tip off the night at 7:30 p.m. ET with the game airing at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Exclusive content, analysis from TNT announcers and replays of Inside the NBA are available on TNT OverTime on NBA.com. The broadband channel offers an all-access pass to the excitement and drama of the NBA Playoffs, with special features and reports being added throughout the postseason.

NBA PLAYOFFS ON TNT SCHEDULE

DAY/DATE

TIME (ET) EVENT

Saturday, April 25
3:30 p.m.	NBA Tip-Off presented by AutoTrader.com Ernie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst)
4 p.m.	San Antonio Spurs @ Dallas Mavericks (Game #4) Marv Albert (play-by-play), Reggie Miller (analyst) and Marty Snider (reporter)
6:30 p.m.	Atlanta Hawks @ Miami Heat (Game #3) Dick Stockton (play-by-play), Mike Fratello (analyst) and Cheryl Miller (reporter)
Sunday, April 26
6 p.m.	NBA Tip-Off presented by AutoTrader.com Ernie Johnson (host) and analysts Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Chris Webber
6:30 p.m.	Orlando Magic @ Philadelphia 76ers (Game #4) Matt Devlin (play-by-play), P.J. Carlesimo (analyst) and Laura Green (reporter)
9 p.m.	Portland Trail Blazers @ Houston Rockets (Game #4) Kevin Harlan (play-by-play), Doug Collins (analyst) and Craig Sager (reporter)
Post-game	Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai Ernie Johnson (host) and analysts Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Chris Webber
Monday, April 27
8 p.m.	NBA Tip-Off presented by AutoTrader.com Ernie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst)
	Atlanta Hawks @ Miami Heat (Game #4) Dick Stockton (play-by-play), Mike Fratello (analyst) and Cheryl Miller (reporter)
10:30 p.m.	Utah Jazz @ Los Angeles Lakers (Game #5) Marv Albert (play-by-play), Reggie Miller (analyst) and Craig Sager (reporter)
Post-game	Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai Ernie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst)
Tuesday, April 28
7 p.m.	NBA Tip-Off presented by AutoTrader.com Ernie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst)
	Chicago Bulls @ Boston Celtics (Game #5) Kevin Harlan (play-by-play), Doug Collins (analyst) and David Aldridge (reporter)
9:30 p.m.	Dallas Mavericks @ San Antonio Spurs (Game #5) Matt Devlin (play-by-play), P.J. Carlesimo (analyst) and Marty Snider (reporter)
Post-game	Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai Ernie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst)

NBA PLAYOFFS ON NBA TV SCHEDULE

Friday, April 24
6 – 6:30 p.m.	NBA GameTime Rick Kamla (host) and Steve Smith (analyst)
9:30 – 10:30 p.m.	NBA GameTime (Cavaliers/Pistons Game #3 postgame) Rick Kamla (host) and Steve Smith (analyst)
10:30 – 11:30 p.m.	NBA GameTime (Magic/76ers Game #3 postgame) Rick Kamla (host) and Steve Smith (analyst)
1 – 2 a.m.	NBA GameTime (Trail Blazers/Rockets Game #3 postgame) Rick Kamla (host) and Steve Smith (analyst)
2 – 2:30 a.m.	NBA GameTime Rick Kamla (host) and Steve Smith (analyst)
Saturday, April 25
12:30 – 1 p.m.	NBA GameTime Rick Kamla (host) and Eric Snow (analyst)
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.	NBA GameTime (Nuggets/Hornets Game #3 postgame) Rick Kamla (host) and Eric Snow (analyst)
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.	NBA GameTime (Spurs/Mavericks Game #4 postgame) Rick Kamla (host) and Eric Snow (analyst)
9 – 10 p.m.	NBA GameTime (Hawks/Heat Game #3 postgame) Rick Kamla (host) and Eric Snow (analyst)
11:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.	NBA GameTime (Lakers/Jazz Game #4 postgame) Rick Kamla (host) and Eric Snow (analyst)
1 – 2 a.m.	NBA GameTime Rick Kamla (host) and Eric Snow (analyst)
Sunday, April 26
12 – 12:30 p.m.	NBA GameTime Rick Kamla (host) and Steve Smith (analyst)
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.	NBA GameTime (Celtics/Bulls Game #4 postgame) Rick Kamla (host) and Steve Smith (analyst)
6 – 7 p.m.	NBA GameTime (Cavaliers/Pistons Game #4 postgame) Rick Kamla (host) and Steve Smith (analyst)
9 – 10 p.m.	NBA GameTime (Magic/76ers Game #4 postgame) Rick Kamla (host) and Steve Smith (analyst)
11:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.	NBA GameTime (Trail Blazers/Rockets Game #4 postgame) Rick Kamla (host) and Steve Smith (analyst)
1 – 2 a.m.	NBA GameTime Rick Kamla (host) and Steve Smith (analyst)
April 27, Monday
7:30 – 8 p.m.	NBA GameTime Ahmad Rashad (host), Chris Webber (analyst) and Gary Payton (analyst)
8 – 8:30 p.m.	AutoTrader.com Pregame Show Ahmad Rashad (host), Chris Webber (analyst) and Gary Payton (analyst)
8:30 p.m	Denver Nuggets @ New Orleans Hornets (Game #4) Local Announcers
11 p.m. – 12 a.m.	NBA GameTime (Nuggets/Hornets Game #4 postgame) Ahmad Rashad (host), Chris Webber (analyst) and Gary Payton (analyst)
12 a.m. – 1 a.m.	NBA GameTime (Hawks/Heat Game #4 postgame) Ahmad Rashad (host), Chris Webber (analyst) and Gary Payton (analyst)
1 a.m. – 2 a.m.	NBA GameTime (Jazz/Lakers Game #5 postgame) Ahmad Rashad (host), Chris Webber (analyst) and Gary Payton (analyst)
April 28, Tuesday
7 – 7:30 p.m.	AutoTrader.com Pregame Show Ahmad Rashad (host), Chris Webber (analyst) and Gary Payton (analyst)
7:30 p.m.	Philadelphia 76ers @ Orlando Magic (Game #5) Local Announcers
10 p.m.	Houston Rockets @ Portland Trail Blazers (Game #5) Local Announcers
12:30 – 1:30 a.m.	NBA GameTime (Rockets/Trail Blazers Game #5 postgame) Ahmad Rashad (host), Chris Webber (analyst) and Gary Payton (analyst)
1:30 – 2:15 a.m.	NBA GameTime (Mavericks/Spurs Game #5 postgame) Ahmad Rashad (host), Chris Webber (analyst) and Gary Payton (analyst)
2:15 – 3 a.m.	NBA GameTime (76ers/Magic Game #5 postgame) Ahmad Rashad (host), Chris Webber (analyst) and Gary Payton (analyst)
3 – 3:45 a.m.	NBA GameTime (Bulls/Celtics Game #5 postgame) Ahmad Rashad (host), Chris Webber (analyst) and Gary Payton (analyst)

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Datsyuk, Parise and St. Louis Named Lady Byng Trophy Finalists

April 24, 2009 By admin

DATSYUK, PARISE AND ST. LOUIS NAMED LADY BYNG TROPHY FINALISTS

NEW YORK (April 24, 2009) — Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk, New Jersey Devils left wing Zach Parise and Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Martin St. Louis are the three finalists for the 2008-09 Lady Byng Trophy, awarded the player “who has exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability,” the National Hockey League announced today.

Members of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association submitted ballots for the Lady Byng Trophy at the conclusion of the regular season, with the top three vote-getters designated as finalists. The winner will be announced Thursday, June 18, during the 2009 NHL Awards show that will be broadcast live from the Pearl Concert Theater inside the Palms Hotel Las Vegas on VERSUS in the United States and on CBC in Canada.

Following are the finalists for the Lady Byng Trophy, in alphabetical order:

Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings

Hockey Hall of Fame forward Frank Boucher, the only player in League history to capture the award for four consecutive seasons, could be joined by Datsyuk, the winner of the Lady Byng Trophy from 2006 through 2008.
Boucher claimed the trophy from 1928 through 1931 with the New York Rangers. Datsyuk finished fourth in the NHL scoring race with 97 points (32 goals, 65 assists), equaling his career high set in 2007-08. He ranked second among NHL players in takeaways with 89, placed third in plus-minus with a +34 rating and was whistled for just 11 minor penalties totaling 22 minutes.

Zach Parise, New Jersey Devils

A first-time NHL Awards finalist, Parise set single-season career highs in virtually every major category in 2008-09, including goals (45), assists (49), points (94), power-play goals (14), game-winning goals (eight) and plus-minus (+30). He ranked third in the League in goals and shots and was fifth in points. The Devils’ rising star did not miss a game
and committed just 12 minor penalties for a total of 24 minutes. He also set a franchise record with 364 shots on goal, registering at least one shot in 81 of 82 games.

Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning

St. Louis is a Lady Byng Trophy finalist for the fourth time, finishing second in each of the past two seasons and third in 2004. The versatile winger led the Lightning in goals (30), assists (50) and points (80), as well as in takeaways (74). He scored 30 goals or more for the fifth time in the past six seasons and reached the 80-point mark for the third consecutive campaign. St. Louis logged more total ice time (1,745:27) than all but three NHL forwards yet received just seven minor penalties totaling 14 minutes.

History

Lady Byng, wife of Canada’s Governor-General at the time, presented the Lady Byng Trophy to the NHL in the 1924-25 season. After Frank Boucher of the New York Rangers won the award seven times in an eight-year span, he was given the trophy to keep and Lady Byng donated another trophy in 1936. After Lady Byng’s death in 1949, the League presented a new trophy in her memory.

Announcement Schedule

The NHL will announce the three finalists for each of its awards daily. The remaining announcement schedule:

Mon., Apr. 27: Vezina Trophy (top goaltender)
Tue., Apr. 28: Frank J. Selke Trophy (top defensive forward)
Wed., Apr. 29: Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP)
Thur., Apr. 30: Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (perseverance and
dedication to hockey)
Fri., May 1 Jack Adams Award (Coach of the Year)
Mon., May 4 NHL Foundation Player Award (contributions to charitable
causes)

Previously Announced Trophy Finalists

Calder Trophy (outstanding rookie):
Steve Mason, Columbus Blue Jackets
Bobby Ryan, Anaheim Ducks
Kris Versteeg, Chicago Blackhawks

Norris Trophy (outstanding defenseman):
Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins
Mike Green, Washington Capitals
Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings

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