Archives for May 2015

@ESPNTennis: French Open Monday Highlighted by Completion of Federer/Monfils; plus Serena/Sloane, Murray/Chardy, Nadal/Sock, Djokovic/Gasquet

May 31, 2015 By admin

@ESPNTennis: French Open Monday Highlighted by Completion of Federer/Monfils; plus Serena/Sloane, Murray/Chardy, Nadal/Sock, Djokovic/Gasquet

Federer and Hometown Crowd Favorite at One Set Apiece before Darkness Sunday
Serena-Sloane in All-U.S. Rivalry of Generations
Young American Jack Sock Faces “King of Clay” in Round of 16; Winner Could Get No. 1 Djokovic in Quarterfinal on ESPN2 on Wednesday
Day Begins with Sharapova-Safarova in Round of 16
Djokovic Faces Gasquet, Murray Plays Chardy as the Men’s “Big Four” All in Action

The French Open on ESPN2 and ESPN3 resumes Monday, June 1, full of intriguing matches:

Monday’s play will begin with No. 2 Maria Sharapova vs. No. 13 Lucie Safarova in a Round of 16 match originally scheduled for Sunday but not begun.
The resumption of the Round of 16 match – tied at one set apiece – between No. 2 seed Roger Federer, who counts the 2009 French Open among his 18 Major titles, and Frenchman No. 13 Gael Monfils who loves to thrill the crowd in Paris with his shot-making and ebullient personality;
22-year old Nebraska native Jack Sock – the surprising last American male in Paris – facing nine-time champion Rafael Nadal in the Round of 16;
and the quickly growing Serena Williams-Sloane Stephens rivalry in a Round of 16 battle of Americans born 12 years apart. On espnW.com, Jim Caple analyzed the duo’s history: http://espn.go.com/espnw/news-commentary/article/12985955/rivalry-not-serena-williams-sloane-stephens-full-intrigue.

Brad Gilbert Says:

Re: Sock/Nadal — “I am increasingly impressed with Jack ‘Rockem’ Sock, and I’m not saying Rafa is looking ahead, but the ‘King of Clay’ and his 69-1 record in Paris is not going to let Jack Sock get in the way of an off-the-charts quarterfinal duel with the Djoker. I see one tough set, but see Rafa in winning in three.”

Re: Federer/Monfils, tied at one set apiece — “Fedfans are nervous, now that if he wins he’ll have to play back-to-back days. I think this one is going five.”

Re: Serena/Sloane — “Serena in straights. She’s had her hiccups, but gets stronger as tournaments go on.”

In a quarterfinal match Wednesday on ESPN2, the Sock/Nadal winner will face the winner of top-seeded Novak Djokovic – seeking to complete a career Grand Slam with a win on the red clay of Roland Garros – and Frenchman Richard Gasquet, the No. 20 seed, in action later Monday.

The French Open schedule this week for ESPN2 and ESPN3:

On Monday, June 1, action starts at 5 a.m. ET on both ESPN2 and ESPN3.
On Tuesday, June 2, ESPN2 will air live and same-day quarterfinal action at 1 p.m. (ESPN3 begins at 8 a.m.)
ESPN2 will air live quarterfinals Wednesday, June 3, at 8 a.m. (ESPN3 begins at 5 a.m.)
ESPN will then conclude its coverage of the French Open with the women’s semifinals live on ESPN2 on Thursday, June 4, at 9 a.m. (ESPN3 begins at 5 a.m.) If current top seeds advance, those matches will see three former French Open winners and a two-time Major champion: No. 1 and two-time winner Williams facing No. 4 and reigning Wimbledon champ Petra Kvitova, plus No. 7 Ana Ivanovic (the 2008 winner) vs. No. 2 Maria Sharapova, a two-time champion in Paris including last year.

Chris Fowler leads the ESPN tennis team in Paris, with Darren Cahill, seven-time French Open champ Chrissie Evert, Major Joe Fernandez, Brad Gilbert and Patrick McEnroe.

Overall, for the second Major of the tennis year, ESPN2 will present 50 hours on television with nearly 300 more via ESPN3’s presentation of up to seven courts on the days ESPN2 is on the air.

French Open 2015 on ESPN2 & ESPN2 HD

Date	Time (ET)	Event
Mon, June 1	5 – 10 a.m.	Round of 16 Sharapova vs. Safarova Monfils vs. Federer (begun Sunday, tied 1-1) Murray vs. Chardy S.Williams vs. Stephens Sock vs. Nadal	Live
Tue, June 2	1 – 5 p.m.	Quarterfinals	Live & Same-day action
Wed, June 3	8 a.m. – 1 p.m.	Quarterfinals	Live
Thur, June 4	9 a.m. – 2 p.m.	Women’s Semifinals	Live

French Open 2015 on ESPN3

Date	Time (ET)	Event
Mon, June 1	5 a.m. – 3 p.m.	Round of 16 Sharapova vs. Safarova Pennetta vs. Muguruza Monfils vs. Federer (begun Sunday, tied 1-1) Murray vs. Chardy S.Williams vs. Stephens Sock vs. Nadal Djokovic vs. Gasquet Kvitova vs. Bacsinszky	Live
Tue, June 2	8 a.m. – 3 p.m.	Quarterfinals	Live
Wed, June 3	5 a.m. – 1 p.m.	Quarterfinals	Live
Thur, June 4	5 a.m. – 1 p.m.	Men’s Doubles Semis Women’s Semifinals	Live

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GAME 7 – LAST NIGHT’S WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL DELIVERS NBC’S HIGHEST NHL OVERNIGHT EVER FOR NON-STANLEY CUP FINAL GAME

May 31, 2015 By admin

Blackhawks-Ducks on NBC Posts 3.27 HH Rating in Metered Markets

Chicago (26.6) & Los Angeles (3.9) Both Deliver Highest HH Ratings Ever on NBC for Respective Teams, Excluding Stanley Cup Final Games

STAMFORD, Conn. – May 31, 2015 – Last night’s Western Conference Final Game 7 between the Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks, in which the Blackhawks advanced to their third Stanley Cup Final in the past six years with a 5-3 victory at Honda Center, delivered overnight milestones for NBC and record local ratings for both the Chicago and Los Angeles markets.

The game produced a 3.27 metered market rating, making it NBC’s highest overnight rating for an NHL game ever, excluding Stanley Cup Final games, according to The Nielsen Company. The 3.27 overnight rating for Blackhawks-Ducks Game 7, in which the Blackhawks never had less than a two-goal cushion after taking a 4-0 lead in the second period, was also up slightly from last year’s Kings-Blackhawks overtime Game 7 on NBCSN (3.17).

Locally, the Chicago market delivered a 26.6 HH rating, its highest ever for a non-Stanley Cup Final Blackhawks game on NBC and its third-highest overall.

The Los Angeles market produced a 3.9 HH rating, its highest ever for a non-Stanley Cup Final Ducks game on NBC and its second-highest overall, trailing only the Cup-clinching Game 5 of the 2007 Stanley Cup Final (vs. Ottawa, 6.0).

The 2015 Stanley Cup Final between the Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning begins from Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, June 3, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

-NBC SPORTS GROUP-

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS VS. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING IN 2015 STANLEY CUP FINAL

May 30, 2015 By admin

Western Conference Final Game 7 Notes and Quotes

Blackhawks Advance to Third Stanley Cup Final in Six Years with 5-3 Win Over Anaheim Ducks in Game 7

Stanley Cup Final Game 1 – Blackhawks at Lightning – Wednesday, June 3 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC

STAMFORD, Conn. – May 30, 2015 – The Chicago Blackhawks advanced to the 2015 Stanley Cup Final with a 5-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks in Game 7 tonight on NBC. Marian Hossa scored the eventual game-winning goal for Chicago, while goaltender Corey Crawford made 35 saves.

Three-time Emmy Award-winning play-by-play commentator and Sports Illustrated 2014 Media Person of the Year Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick, U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame member and analyst Eddie Olczyk, and Emmy Award-winning Inside-the-Glass analyst Pierre McGuire called tonight’s Game 7 matchup. NBC and NBCSN’s NHL Live studio team featured host Liam McHugh, and analysts Mike Milbury, Keith Jones and Brian Boucher.

Following are quotes from tonight’s Game 7 coverage between the Blackhawks and Ducks:

PRE-GAME

Keith Jones on the series and the matchup: “I can’t wait for it to start. I don’t want it to end. I’m hoping for overtime tonight.”

Mike Milbury on Ryan Kesler in Game 7: “This is the moment that he was brought in for. This is the moment he is meant to make a difference for the Anaheim Ducks. This is the guy who is going to help them win a Stanley Cup.”

Doc Emrick on Game 7: “The best of seven has reached seven. It’s the Blackhawks against the Ducks. What a series it has been.”

FIRST PERIOD

Emrick on first period: “Many who paid the price of admission would not have guessed a start like this. Yet, this is certainly not the finish.”

FIRST INTERMISSION

Jones on Joel Quenneville’s line-change 3 seconds into the first Period: “He has done an amazing job to start this game. Quenneville quickly gets the matchup he wants. The Chicago Blackhawks do a great job defensively, then Toews goes down the other end and scores a huge goal against the Getzlaf line.”

SECOND PERIOD

Pierre McGuire on the Blackhawks: “Their bench is well orchestrated right now. They are like an unbelievable symphony working perfectly in concert with each other.”

Eddie Olczyk on goal by Ryan Kesler: “The Ducks have a little bit of life. Very late. VERY late in the second period.”

SECOND INTERMISSION

Jones on Ryan Getzlaf: “Horrible. He’s going to be livid. He’s going to be livid with himself. Ryan Getzlaf has been at his absolute worst in this game. He’s an outstanding player who is having an awful night.”

Milbury on Corey Crawford: “He has been terrific. He’s been solid except for one miscue. This game needed some big saves early, and Corey Crawford was able to deliver. He looks like a Hungry Hippo down there.”

THIRD PERIOD

McGuire on goal by Brent Seabrook: “Every time there’s a big goal scored by Chicago, seemingly 7 in white is in the picture.”

Emrick on the Blackhawks: “It is the killer instinct that teams talk about. The Blackhawks have it. Much of it has come from the experience of being this deep, this many times.”

Emrick on the Stanley Cup Final: “The Blackhawks will face the Lightning in the Stanley Cup Final of 2015.”

Emrick on the Ducks: “For the Ducks there is nothing to do now but rest, recover and come back in the fall.”

POST GAME

Jones on Jonathan Toews: “It’s remarkable to watch him play. He’s not the biggest guy in the league, he’s not the most skilled guy in the league, but he’s the best guy in the league when it comes to clutch moments.”

Milbury on Jonathan Toews: “The consistent level of excellence is unmatched in any player I’ve ever seen. Every time the Blackhawks need something to happen, Toews seems to be in the middle of it.”

Milbury on Duncan Keith: “Duncan Keith to me has been as good as he’s ever been. Showing his quickness, showing his experience, showing his all-around skill.”

The Stanley Cup Final begins Wednesday, June 3 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, when the Tampa Bay Lightning host the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 1 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla. The Lightning return to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2004, while the Blackhawks advance to their third Stanley Cup Final in six years.

Following is NBC Sports Group’s television schedule for the 2015 Stanley Cup Final:

Date	Game	Teams	Network	Time (ET)
Wed., June 3	Stanley Cup Final – Game 1	Chicago at Tampa Bay	NBC	8 p.m.
Sat., June 6	Stanley Cup Final – Game 2^	Chicago at Tampa Bay	NBC	7:15 p.m.
Mon., June 8	Stanley Cup Final – Game 3	Tampa Bay at Chicago	NBCSN	8 p.m.
Wed., June 10	Stanley Cup Final – Game 4	Tampa Bay at Chicago	NBCSN	8 p.m.
Sat., June 13	Stanley Cup Final – Game 5*	Chicago at Tampa Bay	NBC	8 p.m.
Mon., June 15	Stanley Cup Final – Game 6*	Tampa Bay at Chicago	NBC	8 p.m.
Wed., June 17	Stanley Cup Final – Game 7*	Chicago at Tampa Bay	NBC	8 p.m.

*if necessary ^following coverage of The Belmont Stakes

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

GAME 7 – LAST NIGHT’S EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL IS NBCSN’S SECOND-HIGHEST RATED NON-STANLEY CUP FINAL GAME EVER

May 30, 2015 By admin

Lightning-Rangers Delivers 2.65 Overnight Rating, Up 53% vs. 2011 ECF Game 7 Featuring Lightning-Bruins

Tampa Market Posts Highest Rating (11.9) Ever For Lightning Game on Any NBC Network

New York Market Delivers Highest Rating (10.3) Ever For Rangers Game on NBCSN

STAMFORD, Conn. – Saturday, May 30 – Last night’s Eastern Conference Final Game 7 between the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers, in which the Lightning advanced to their first Stanley Cup Final since 2004 with a 2-0 victory at Madison Square Garden, delivered record overnight ratings for NBCSN and record local ratings for both the Tampa and New York markets.

The game produced a 2.65 metered market overnight rating, up 53% versus the last ECF Game 7 in 2011, which also featured the Lightning (vs. Bruins; 1.73), making it the second-highest rated game ever on NBCSN, excluding Stanley Cup Final games, according to The Nielsen Company.

The 2.65 overnight for last night’s game (8-11 p.m. ET) trails only last year’s Western Conference Final overtime Game 7 between the Los Angeles Kings and Chicago Blackhawks (3.17) as the highest-rated non-Stanley Cup Final game ever on NBCSN. Lightning-Rangers Game 7 also ranks as a Top 5 NHL game ever on NBCSN.

Locally, the Tampa market scored an 11.9 HH rating, the highest ever for a Lightning game on any of NBC’s NHL networks (NBC, NBCSN, CNBC, USA). The New York market produced a 10.3 HH rating, the highest ever for a Rangers game on NBCSN, including Games 3-4 of last year’s Stanley Cup Final.

Another Game 7 takes place at 8 p.m. ET tonight on NBC in the Western Conference, as the Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks meet at Honda Center to determine who will meet the Lightning in the Stanley Cup Final, which begins Wednesday, June 3, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

-NBC SPORTS GROUP-

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING ADVANCE TO STANLEY CUP FINAL – GAME 7 NOTES AND QUOTES

May 29, 2015 By admin

Lightning Defeat Rangers 2-0 in Game 7 to Advance to Stanley Cup Final for First Time Since 2004

“A perfect road game for the Tampa Bay Lightning.” – Keith Jones

“Big Ben delivers on one of the biggest stages in sports.” – Liam McHugh on Lightning Goaltender Ben Bishop

Western Conference Final Game 7 – Blackhawks-Ducks – Tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET on NBC

Stanley Cup Final Begins with Game 1 on Wednesday, June 3 on NBC – Lightning vs. Winner of Blackhawks-Ducks Game 7

STAMFORD, Conn. – May 29, 2015 – The Tampa Bay Lightning advanced to their first Stanley Cup Final since 2004 with tonight’s 2-0 Game 7 win in the Eastern Conference Final over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden in New York. Alex Killorn scored the eventual game-winning goal early in the third period, while Ben Bishop made 22 saves to earn his second consecutive shutout at Madison Square Garden, as the Lightning became the first team to defeat the Rangers in a Game 7 in New York.

Three-time Emmy Award-winning play-by-play commentator and Sports Illustrated 2014 Media Person of the Year Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick, U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame member and analyst Eddie Olczyk, and Emmy Award-winning Inside-the-Glass analyst Pierre McGuire called tonight’s Game 7 matchup. NBCSN’s NHL Live studio team featured host Liam McHugh, and analysts Mike Milbury, Keith Jones and Brian Boucher.

Following are quotes from tonight’s Game 7 coverage between the Lightning and Rangers:

PRE-GAME

Boucher on the goaltending matchup: “This is a great situation for Ben Bishop. He’s got nothing to lose. All of the pressure is on Lundqvist.”

FIRST PERIOD

Emrick on possible loss of Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh: “He’s only the captain, and he’s only a shut-down guy. Very important in an elimination game.”

McGuire on Lightning’s play in first period: “The Tampa Bay Lightning have been hustling and bustling to start this Game 7…they’ve been on their toes, while the Rangers have been on their heels.”

FIRST INTERMISSION

Jones on impact of potential McDonagh injury: “It’s about trying to win one for your captain that has done so much for your team. He clearly did not look like the Ryan McDonagh we’ve seen in the past.”

SECOND PERIOD

McGuire on goaltending duel: “If you’re Ben Bishop at the other end, you’re wondering. ‘How perfect do I have to be to beat this guy?’”

SECOND INTERMISSION

Milbury on Tampa Bay’s penalty kill: “They’ve made some adjustments. They’ve been much more aggressive attacking the puck…this is the kind of stuff that has made them a much tougher team to play against.”

Milbury on Lightning forward and former Ranger Ryan Callahan: “He has six shots on goal and he’s been involved in this game. It would be a great time to put him back with Steven Stamkos.”

Jones: “This has been a perfect road game for the Tampa Bay Lightning.”

THIRD PERIOD

McGuire on the Tampa Bay defense: “Tampa Bay’s putting their signature on team defense. They put on a clinic here in Game 5 and now in Game 7.”

McGuire on goal by Ondrej Palat to give Lightning 2-0 lead: “You knew at some point this line was going to step up.”

POST GAME

Emrick on Tampa Bay’s Game 7 win: “What a proud night in Tampa. And the road game that Jon Cooper talked about turned out to be a brilliant one.”

McHugh: “Big Ben delivers on one of the biggest stages in sports.”

Milbury on Rangers’ lack of offense: “It was sort of manic depressive out there. The Rangers get no goals, 22 shots…it kind of like was feast or famine for them. In the end, famine ruled the day.”

Milbury on Rangers: “They lost this game simply because their forwards couldn’t apply enough pressure. You didn’t see Nash tonight. You didn’t see Brassard…you hardly saw St. Louis. None of that offensive pressure that’s necessary. You can’t win by tie. You have to score a goal sooner or later, and tonight they didn’t show enough moxie until it was much too late.”

Jones: “The Lightning took a page out of what the Rangers like to do.”

Milbury: “Callahan might have been the best player on the ice…he seemed to will his team in the right direction.”

The Lightning will face the winner of tomorrow’s Western Conference Final Game 7 between the Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks, which will air in primetime at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. Emrick, Olczyk and McGuire will have the call of tomorrow’s Game 7 matchup from Honda Center, while McHugh, Milbury, Jones and Boucher will provide handle studio coverage.

The Stanley Cup Final begins Wednesday, June 3 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, with the location of Game 1 dependent upon the result of tomorrow’s Blackhawks-Ducks Game 7 on NBC.

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

NBC SPORTS GROUP’S PRESS PASS – WHAT TO WATCH MAY 29, 2015 – MAY 31, 2015

May 29, 2015 By admin

(All times ET)

The “Press Pass” on NBC Sports Group Press Box is a quick overview of upcoming program information and highlights from the NBC Sports Group Communications team.

For live streaming information on NBC Sports Live Extra, and Golf Channel Live Extra, click here.

Friday, May 29

4 p.m. on Golf Channel – PGA Tour: AT&T Byron Nelson

5:30 p.m. on NBCSN – Pro Football Talk

7 p.m. on NBCSN – NHL Live

8 p.m. on NBCSN – NHL Stanley Cup Eastern Conference Final Game 7 – Tampa Bay at N.Y. Rangers

Saturday, May 30

8:30 a.m. on Golf Channel – European Tour: Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Hosted by the Rory Foundation

12 p.m. on NBC – French Open Third Round

1 p.m. on Golf Channel – PGA Tour: AT&T Byron Nelson

3 p.m. on NBC – Penn Mutual Collegiate Rugby Championship

3 p.m. on Golf Channel – LPGA Tour: ShopRite LPGA Classic

3:30 p.m. on NBCSN – Track and Field: Prefontaine Classic

4:30 p.m. on NBC – Track and Field: Prefontaine Classic

4:30 p.m. on NBCSN – Penn Mutual Collegiate Rugby Championship

7 p.m. on NBCSN – NHL Live

8 p.m. on NBC – NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Western Conference Final Game 7 – Chicago at Anaheim

8 p.m. on NBCSN – Lucas Oil Motocross Thunder Valley

Sunday, May 31

8 a.m. on Golf Channel – European Tour: Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Hosted by the Rory Foundation

12 p.m. on NBC – French Open Fourth Round

1 p.m. on Golf Channel – PGA Tour: AT&T Byron Nelson

2 p.m. on NBCSN – Penn Mutual Collegiate Rugby Championship

3 p.m. on NBC – Global Rallycross

3 p.m. on Golf Channel – LPGA Tour: ShopRite LPGA Classic

4 p.m. on NBC – Penn Mutual Collegiate Rugby Championship

4 p.m. on NBCSN – 2015 U.S. Open Polo Championship

7 p.m. on NBCSN – World League Volleyball: USA vs. Iran

9 p.m. on NBCSN – World League Volleyball: USA vs. Iran

2015 NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

NBC Sports Group’s coverage of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs continues this weekend with two decisive Game 7 NHL Conference Final Matchups. Coverage begins tonight at 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN when Henrik Lundqvist and the New York Rangers host Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final.

Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick (play-by-play) Eddie Olczyk (analyst), and Pierre McGuire (Inside-the-Glass analyst) will travel coast-to-coast to call back-to-back Game 7 matchups.

Pre-game coverage of both Game 7 matchups begins at 7 p.m. ET tonight and Saturday night with NHL Live, featuring host Liam McHugh alongside analysts and former players Mike Milbury, Keith Jones and Brian Boucher.

PREFONTAINE CLASSIC

NBC Sports Group presents live coverage of the 2015 Prefontaine Classic Saturday from Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore., beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN, and continuing at 4:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

Tom Hammond hosts coverage, joined by Ato Boldon, Lewis Johnson, Craig Masback, Dan O’Brien and Todd Harris.

FRENCH OPEN

NBC’s coverage of the 2015 French Open continues this weekend with the Third and Fourth Rounds live on NBC beginning at Noon ET Saturday and Sunday.

Host Ted Robinson anchors NBC’s coverage, joined by analysts John McEnroe and Mary Carillo.

GOLF

Golf Channel’s live tournament coverage this weekend features the European Tour’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Hosted by the Rory Foundation, PGA Tour’s AT&T Byron Nelson and LPGA Tour’s ShopRite LPGA Classic.

Coverage of the AT&T Byron Nelson begins today at 4 p.m. ET, and continues Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

Brian Hammons (play-by-play) and Frank Nobilo (analyst) host coverage from TPC Four Seasons Las Colinas in Irving, Texas. Joining Hammons and Nobilo are Matt Gogel and John Mahaffey (tower), and Craig Perks (on course).

Coverage of the European Tour’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Hosted by the Rory Foundation begins Saturday at 8:30 a.m. ET on Golf Channel, and continues Sunday with coverage of the final round at 8 a.m. ET.

Calling the action from Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle, Northern Ireland are Dougie Donnelly (play-by-play), Ken Brown and Jay Townsend (analysts) and Gary Murphy (on course).

Weekend Coverage of the LPGA Tour’s ShopRite LPGA Classic begins Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.

Whit Watson (play-by-play) hosts coverage from Stockton Seaview Hotel & Golf Club in Galloway, N.J. Joining Watson will be Judy Rankin (analyst), Tom Abbott (tower) and Karen Stupples and Jim Gallagher Jr. (on course).

COLLEGIATE RUGBY

NBC Sports Group presents coverage of the 2015 Penn Mutual Collegiate Rugby Championships this weekend with a combined 11 hours of coverage across NBC, NBCSN and Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia. Coverage begins Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on NBC with live preliminary-round matches, followed by live coverage on NBCSN at 4:30 p.m. ET, and an encore presentation at midnight ET on NBCSN. Penn Mutual Collegiate Rugby Championship coverage continues Sunday at 2 p.m. ET on NBCSN, and shifts to NBC at 4 p.m. ET with coverage of the Championship Final.

Mike Corey will serve as the play-by-play commentator for all telecasts. Corey will be joined in the booth by former USA Sevens captain and USA Rugby World Cup participant Brian Hightower. Tracy Wilson will report all the action from the sidelines.

U.S. POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS

NBCSN presents coverage of the 2015 US Open Polo Championship final from the International Polo Club in Palm Beach, Fla., this Sunday at 4 p.m. ET. The match between Valiente and Orchard Hill features 10-goal players Adolfo Cambiaso, Facundo Pieres and Polito Pieres.

Play-by-play announcer Kenny Rice calls the action, joined by polo hall of famer Adam Snow.

MOTORSPORTS

NBC Sports Group’s motorsports coverage this weekend features the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship’s Thunder Valley National, and the opening event of the 2015 Red Bull Global Rallycross season from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Coverage of the Thunder Valley National begins Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN. Sunday’s Red Bull Global Rallycross coverage begins at 3 p.m. ET on NBC.

Jason Weigandt, Grant Langston and Georgia Lindsay host coverage of the Thunder Valley National from Lakewood, Colo., and Toby Moody, Anders Krohn and Kristen Kenney host Global Rallycross coverage from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

espnW’s Julie Foudy and Former U.S. Soccer Teammates Kristine Lilly and Kate Markgraf Headline ESPN’s Women’s World Cup Coverage

May 29, 2015 By admin

1999 Women’s World Cup Champions to Appear on SportsCenter, ESPN FC, espnW and Other Platforms

espnW’s Julie Foudy, captain of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team that captured the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, will be joined by two of her 1999 teammates Kristine Lilly and Kate Markgraf to headline ESPN’s comprehensive analysis, news and information coverage of the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada.

The three are among the most accomplished and decorated players in international women’s soccer, collectively with five World Cup titles and six Olympic gold medals among them and combined 825 international appearances for the USWNT.

Foudy will provide analysis for ESPN’s news and information programs including SportsCenter and ESPN FC, and offer previews, reports and commentary for espnW.com.

Lilly and Markgraf will join ESPN FC beginning Saturday, May 30, from Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J., the site of the USWNT’s final send-off match before the World Cup, against South Korea.

Additionally, ESPN digital anchor Antonietta “Toni” Collins will join the rotation as a host of ESPN FC during the Women’s World Cup. ESPN reporter Bob Holtzman will follow the U.S. team throughout the tournament, providing updates for SportsCenter.

espnW will be onsite providing original content for all 52 games of the tournament – with a collection of veteran writers from espnW, ESPN FC and ESPN.com, including Andrea Canales, Jim Caple, Jeff Carlisle, Kate Fagan, Ben Gladwell, Graham Hays, Doug McIntyre, D’Arcy Maine, Elizabeth Merrill, Graham Parker and Sarah Spain. espnW will provide comprehensive coverage of the Women’s World Cup at espnW.com/WWC, which will include automated stats, rosters, game previews and recaps powered by ESPN FC.

Bios:

Canales covers Liga MX and Mexico National Team for ESPNFC.com.

Caple is an award-winning columnist and senior writer for ESPN.com, who has reported from 17 World Series, nine Olympic Games and six continents.

Carlisle has covered MLS and the U.S. national teams for ESPN since 2005, and provided on-site coverage from the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups, as well as the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup. He began his soccer journalism career in 2002 when he wrote for QuakeMagic.com, covering the San Jose Earthquakes and the WUSA’s San Jose CyberRays.

Collins joined ESPN in 2013 as a digital anchor. She played for the Mexican Women’s National Team’s under-19 squad and has previously reported on MLS’ FC Dallas, among other assignments. Collins also contributes to various platforms for ESPN Deportes.

Fagan has been a columnist for espnW.com since 2012 who has covered a variety of sports for the site, including college and professional basketball, women’s soccer, the NFL and more. She spent three seasons reporting on the Philadelphia 76ers for the Philadelphia Inquirer from 2009 – 2012 and played women’s basketball at the University of Colorado from 1999 – 2004. Last October, she wrote the in-depth profile “After the Storm” about USWNT star Abby Wambach for espnW and ESPN The Magazine.

Foudy is one of the most accomplished female soccer players in the world. She joined ESPN in 2005 as women’s soccer and FIFA World Cup analyst. Following her work during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Foudy’s role at ESPN was expanded to include serving as a features reporter and a spokesperson for select company initiatives. She served as a host, analyst and reporter for ESPN’s productions of the the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups and was an analyst during ESPN’s presentation of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup. In 2015, Foudy was named espnW’s primary representative at major sporting events.

Gladwell is a writer for ESPNFC.com, covering international soccer.

Hays began his career with ESPN in 1999, and has since become one of the preeminent women’s college sports writers in the country, covering basketball, soccer and softball for espnW. In 2015, Hays was honored with the Mel Greenberg Media Award from the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association for his women’s college basketball writing.

Holtzman joined ESPN in November 2000 as a Cincinnati-based reporter. He primarily covers stories that are featured on the network’s award-winning news and information shows including SportsCenter, Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown, Outside the Lines and Baseball Tonight. A seasoned international sports reporter, Holtzman has covered the U.S. National Soccer Teams for SportsCenter and other shows.

Lilly is the most-capped player in international soccer history, appearing 352 times for the USA. A midfielder, she scored 130 goals in her career – good for fourth-most all-time — and played in five Women’s World Cups. Lilly is a three-time U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the year. She was inducted into the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame in 2014.

MacIntyre is a staff writer for ESPN The Magazine and a U.S. Soccer Insider for ESPNFC. He has covered American and international soccer since 2002.

Maine is a staff writer for espnW, covering culture and sports, and highlighting some of the top trending sports social media topics the espnW’s The Buzz. She previously served as SportsNation’s mobile correspondent, hosting chats from some of the biggest sporting events in the country.

Markgraf was one of the best defenders in U.S. Women’s National Team history. Though she was the least experienced starter in 1999, having joined the team a year earlier, Markgraf helped anchor the defense for the United States’ 1999 Women’s World Cup winning team. Markgraf played in 201 international matches from 1998 – 2008, the seventh-most in the U.S. women’s team history. She previously served as an analyst for ESPN during the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Merrill is a senior writer for ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine who has written extensively on the NFL and several Olympic sports. She previously wrote for The Kansas City Star and The Omaha World-Herald.

Parker is a soccer columnist for ESPNFC.com and Grantland where he writes “The Designated Player” column, and serves as the chief U.S. soccer writer for The Guardian US

Spain is the co-host of espnW Presents: Spain & Prim on ESPN Radio, a SportsCenter anchor for ESPN1000 and has been an espnW columnist since 2010, covering a variety of sports including the NFL, NBA and soccer.

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NBA TV’s Critically Acclaimed Open Court Celebrates “Signature Moves” Tuesday, June 2, at 11 p.m. ET

May 29, 2015 By admin

Host Matt Winer is Joined by Hall of Famers Dominique Wilkins & Isiah Thomas, Seven-Time NBA All-Star Grant Hill, Five-Time NBA All-Star Chris Webber & NBA Champion Steve Smith

Hour-Long Roundtable Discussion Looks Back at Classic Signature Moves Including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Skyhook, Hakeem Olajuwon’s Dream Shake,

Allen Iverson’s Crossover & the Moves by Current NBA Stars Stephen Curry, James Harden and Kyrie Irving

NBA TV’s critically acclaimed Open Court returns with an all-new episode Tuesday, June 2, at 11 p.m. ET with a roundtable discussion focused on signature moves of NBA players past and present. The “Signature Moves” show features a cast of NBA greats discussing their favorite and most-feared signature moves while reminiscing about what it was like to face some of the league’s all-time greats. The group will also look ahead to the impact the moves of current NBA stars such as Stephen Curry, James Harden and Kyrie Irving and the impact they will have on the next generation.

Open Court’s “Signature Moves” episode is hosted by Matt Winer with Hall of Famers Dominique Wilkins and Isiah Thomas, seven-time NBA All-Star Grant Hill, five-time NBA All-Star Chris Webber and NBA Champion Steve Smith.

Excerpts from the “Signature Moves” episode of Open Court:

Grant Hill on NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s signature skyhook: “Unbelievable. You can’t guard it. The thing about Kareem, if you look back at some of those games and iconic moments where he hit those shots, he was hitting deep ones. You know it’s coming. You know what he’s going to do. I don’t know if there is ever a play or a shot in the history of the game that scored as many points and you couldn’t guard it as the skyhook. I’m surprised more big guys don’t try to work on that shot. I know it takes a lot of finesse and a lot of touch, but I’m even thinking why didn’t I try to work on it? That shot right there was unbelievable to defend.”

Dominique Wilkins on the footwork of Hall of Famers Kevin McHale and Hakeem Olajuwon: “They are the two best. I played against both of those guys. It got to a point where we were calling Kevin McHale ‘The Man of a Thousand Moves.’ You could not guard him one-on-one on the box. He had such great footwork. He did a great job of feeling the contact. Once he felt you, you were done. Same thing with Hakeem Olajuwon. Not only was he a very agile guy, but he was super strong around the basket. He had an unbelievable feel for the game.”

Hill on Rockets All-Star James Harden: “He has a lot of moves, but when he gets into the paint he brings his arms through, a lot like how Sam Perkins used to do in the post and Stacey Augmon. He extends his arm as he is going down the lane and goes into your arms as he is going to the basket. One of the best at drawing fouls and creating contact as an offensive player.”

Isiah Thomas on 11-Time NBA All-Star Allen Iverson’s crossover: “There are two different kinds of crossovers. I was always taught you play inside the box, so you can get right to your shot. Then Allen Iverson came in with a shot that was outside of the box. His crossover was out here, he would shake with it and then bring it back. When he added the shake to it, I’m glad it was on Michael Jordan and it wasn’t on me.”

About NBA TV

NBA TV is a part of NBA Digital, the NBA’s extensive cross-platform portfolio of digital assets jointly-managed by the NBA and Turner Sports including NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA LEAGUE PASS, NBA LEAGUE PASS Digital, NBA Mobile, NBADLEAGUE.com and WNBA.com.

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FOX Sports Programming Highlights: Soccer, UFC, NASCAR & More

May 29, 2015 By admin

FOX SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS – 3 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

SOCCER: FA Cup Final on FOX on Saturday

UFC: Top Welterweights Condit and Alves Headline Six-Bout Main Card

on FOX Sports 1 UFC Fight Night

NASCAR: Tripleheader from Dover this weekend on FOX, FOX Sports 1

#ICYMI: A Soldier’s Story – Major Stephen Reich

https://vimeo.com/127644520

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

SOCCER

FA CUP FINAL ON FOX THIS SATURDAY

Matchup/Network/When:

Arsenal vs. Aston Villa, FOX & FOX Sports GO, Saturday, May 30 (12:00 PM ET)

Talent:Sky Sports’ Martin Tyler and Stewart Robson call the match along with FOX Sports’ analyst Brad Friedel providing on-site reports at the legendary Wembley Stadium. Rob Stone hosts pregame, halftime and postgame coverage from the FOX Network Center in Los Angeles with analysts Alexi Lalas, Eric Wynalda and Warren Barton.
This Week: This year’s final features reigning champions Arsenal looking for their record 12th triumph, and Aston Villa, appearing in the final for the first time in 15 years.

NASCAR

FOX SPORTS PACKS A NASCAR TRIPLEHEADER INTO THIS WEEKEND’S ACTIVITIES FROM DOVER

FOX Sports offers a NASCAR tripleheader this weekend from Dover International Speedway, kicking off the first of four consecutive NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES races airing live on FOX Sports 1 to close out FOX Sports’ portion of the 2015 Cup Series season. More than 21 hours of live coverage from Dover includes the NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES and NASCAR XFINITY SERIES races, culminating with the Cup Series race live on FOX Sports 1 on Sunday, May 31 (1:00 PM ET), with pre-race coverage beginning at 11:30 AM ET with NASCAR RACEDAY.

Carl Edwards took the checkered flag last week at Charlotte for his first Cup Series win of the season and first with Joe Gibbs Racing. Edwards, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kurt Busch, Denny Hamlin, defending champion Kevin Harvick, Matt Kenseth, Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano have locked up spots in the NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup via wins in the season’s first 12 races.

Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY SERIES race is the final of four XFINITY Series races broadcast on FOX in 2015, with FOX Sports’ last two XFINITY Series races of 2015 airing on FOX Sports 1. Adam Alexander calls Saturday’s race at 2:30 PM ET alongside Michael Waltrip and driver analyst Kevin Harvick. Harvick, the reigning NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES champion, is one of five NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES drivers announced as part of a rotation in the FOX and FOX Sports 1 booth for FOX Sports’ coverage of the 2015 NASCAR XFINITY SERIES season. Danica Patrick is scheduled as analyst on June 13 from Michigan (1:30 PM ET on FOX Sports 1), while four-time champion Jeff Gordon, 2012 champ Brad Keselowski, Clint Bowyer and Harvick also have called races throughout the season.

In the NASCAR XFINITY SERIES, Chris Buescher leads Ty Dillon leads (-4), followed by defending champion Chase Elliott (-28), Darrell Wallace Jr. (-30) and Regan Smith (-41) after 11 races.

The NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES opens the weekend from Dover on Friday, May 29 on FOX Sports 1 (5:30 PM ET) with its sixth of 23 races this year and the first of four consecutive. Heading into Dover, defending champion Matt Crafton leads Erik Jones (-16), followed by Tyler Reddick (-18), Johnny Sauter (-25) and John Wes Townley (-57) after five races. On-track action from Dover begins Friday, May 29 at 10:00 AM ET on FOX Sports 1 with NASCAR XFINITY SERIES practice.

NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES RACING

Network/When: FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports GO, Sunday, May 31 (1:00 PM ET)
Talent: Play-by-play announcer Mike Joy; analysts Darrell Waltrip and Larry McReynolds; reporters Jamie Little, Chris Neville, Vince Welch and Matt Yocum
Talent: Host Chris Myers; analysts Darrell Waltrip and Michael Waltrip; reporters Jamie Little, Chris Neville and Matt Yocum

LARRY MCREYNOLDS SAYS IT WAS NO SURPRISE KYLE BUSCH WAS STRONG OUT OF THE GATE IN HIS FIRST POINTS RACE BACK FROM INJURY LAST WEEK AT CHARLOTTE:

“It was no surprise at all Kyle Busch ran as well as he did because we know he’s an extraordinary driver, athlete and person. Although he qualified 17^th, I thought he had a top-five car most of the night. He had to pit with 20 laps to go, but in my book, that was another victory for Joe Gibbs Racing that night in just his second time back in a car and in a race that was four times the length of the All-Star Race. Now we’re headed to Dover, where Kyle Busch has two Sprint Cup wins.”

MCREYNOLDS ON THE DISAPPOINTMENT OF MARTIN TRUEX JR. AGAIN LEADING THE MOST LAPS BUT FINISHING FIFTH LAST WEEKEND AT CHARLOTTE:

“That’s been the case a lot in 2015. But in talking to that team Sunday morning in the garage, based on their confidence in their car, leading the most laps in the 600 was not a big surprise. There were a lot of comers and goers but what I saw from Martin Truex Jr. and the No. 78 car was that they were good in the beginning, middle and the end from green flag to checkered flag. That’s two races in a row they’ve led the most laps – Kansas and Charlotte. I’m not saying they had the wrong strategy – they did not have the race-winning strategy — but the way they’re running, I’m confident they will make it to Victory Lane, possibly this week at Dover.”

NASCAR RACEDAY

Network/When: FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports GO, Sunday, May 31 (11:30 AM ET)
Talent: Hosts Chris Myers and Danielle Trotta; analysts Larry McReynolds, Michael Waltrip and Kenny Wallace; reporters Jamie Little, Chris Neville, Vince Welch and Kaitlyn Vincie
This Week: .An explanatory feature on early driver/team feedback regarding the new adjustable track bar option available to drivers inside the car; a piece on Martin Truex Jr.’s tough luck when leading and dominating races the last three years; the seven-year-old “NASCAR rapper” and interviews with Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr.

NASCAR XFINITY SERIES RACING

Network/When: FOX & FOX Sports GO, Saturday, May 30 (2:30 PM ET)
Talent: Play-by-play announcer Adam Alexander; analysts Phil Parsons and Michael Waltrip; reporters Vince Welch, Jamie Little and Chris Neville

NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES RACING

Network/When: FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports GO, Friday, May 29 (5:30 PM ET)
Talent: Play-by-play announcer Ralph Sheheen; analysts Phil Parsons and two-time series champion Todd Bodine; reporters Hermie Sadler and Matt Yocum

NCWTS SETUP

Network/When: FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports GO, Friday, May 29 (5:00 PM ET)
Talent: Host John Roberts; analyst Ray Dunlap; reporters Hermie Sadler and Matt Yocum
This Week: A look back at Kasey Kahne’s win two weeks ago at Charlotte; a flashback to Kyle Busch’s victory last year at Dover; a piece on analyst and two-time NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES champion Todd Bodine’s last win, which came in the 2012 race at Dover; a feature on Chad Boat; and an examination of John Wes Townley’s strong run at Charlotte and subsequent climb in the point standings.

NASCAR RACE HUB & NASCAR RACE HUB WEEKEND EDITION

Network/When: FOX Sports 1, Wednesday, May 27-Thursday, May 28 (6:00 PM ET); Saturday, May 30 (12:30 PM ET), Monday, June 1-Thursday, June 4 (6:00 PM ET)
Talent: Co-hosts Adam Alexander, John Roberts and Danielle Trotta; analysts Larry McReynolds, Jeff Hammond and Wally Dallenbach; reporters Alan Cavanna, Andrew Doud and Kaitlyn Vincie
This Week: Alan Cavanna sits down with Matt Kenseth at the Joe Gibbs Racing shop and a feature on NASCAR XFINITY SERIES driver Cale Conley on Wednesday, May 27
Next Week: Driver/guest analyst Greg Biffle on Monday, June 1; crew chief/guest analyst Drew Blickensderfer on Tuesday, June 2

FIM MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

NEXT STOP FOR MOTOGP: GRAND PRIX OF ITALY; YAMAHA EXTENDS LEAD

Network/When: FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports GO, Sunday, May 31 (7:30 AM ET)

Talent: Jonathan Green, Nick Harris, Matt Birt, Dylan Gray

This Week: Racing legend Valentino Rossi (Italy/Yamaha) maintains his points lead over Grand Prix of France winner Jorge Lorenzo (Spain/Yamaha) heading into this weekend’s Grand Prix of Italy. Moto3 (6:00 PM ET) and Moto2 (7:00 PM ET) air on FOX Sports 2 and FOX Sports GO on same-day delay.

TUDOR UNITED SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP

IMSA RACING HEADS TO DETROIT’S BELLE ISLE PARK

Network/When: FOX Sports 2 & FOX Sports GO, Saturday, May 30 (12:00 PM ET); replays on FOX Sports 1, Sunday, May 31 (5:00 PM ET)
Talent: Bob Varsha, Calvin Fish, Brian Till, Jamie Howe
This Week: With 26 cars entered – nine Prototype, seven Prototype Challenge, 10 GT Daytona – the TUDOR United Sportscar Championships heads to Detroit’s Belle Isle Park for the Chevrolet Sports Car Classic presented by the Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers, the final street circuit of the season. The 100-minute race serves as Round 5 for the Prototypes and Round 4 for the Prototype Challenge and GT Daytona cars. Of note, there has yet to be a repeat Prototype winner on the season. Two TUDOR regulars competed at Indy: Townsend Bell finished 14^th; James Davison wound up 27^th. Several drivers are leaving after the Detroit race and flying to Le Mans to get seat time in the Sunday test for the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans.

MLB

REGIONALIZED PRIMETIME MLB COVERAGE SATURDAY ON FOX SPORTS & NATIONAL GAME OF THE WEEK AIRS ON FOX SPORTS 1

Network/When: FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports GO, Saturday, May 30

Arizona Diamondbacks at Milwaukee Brewers: Brian Anderson & Bob Brenly (4:00 PM ET)

Network/When: FOX Sports, Saturday, May 30

Los Angeles Dodgers at St. Louis Cardinals: Joe Buck, Tom Verducci, Harold Reynolds & Ken Rosenthal (7:00 PM ET)
Boston Red Sox at Texas Rangers: Kenny Albert, Eric Karros & Jon Paul Morosi (7:00 PM ET)
Kansas City Royals at Chicago Cubs: Len Kasper & CJ Nitkowski

This Week: The MLB on FOX Sports 1 pregame show is preempted this week. Host Kevin Burkhardt & analyst Frank Thomas provide necessary MLB updates from FOX Sports 1 studios as needed.

MLB WHIPAROUND

Network/When/On-air Talent: FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports GO, weekdays
- Thursday, May 28 (7:00 PM ET) Talent: Kevin Burkhardt, Frank Thomas & Mark Sweeney
- Friday, May 29 (7:30 PM ET) Talent: Kevin Burkhardt, Frank Thomas & Mark Sweeney
- Monday, June 1 (7:00 PM ET) Talent: Kevin Burkhardt, CJ Nitkowski & Ken Rosenthal
- Tuesday, June 2 (7:00 PM ET) Talent: Chris Myers, CJ Nitkowski & Dontrelle Willis
- Wednesday, June 3 (7:00 PM ET) Talent: Chris Myers, CJ Nitkowski & Dontrelle Willis
Show Description: MLB WHIPAROUND is FOX Sports 1’s nightly in-progress highlights and analysis studio show. The 60-minute program features live look-ins at games from across the country, courtesy of FOX Sports’ Regional Sports Networks, in addition to recaps and analysis from some of the games most respected journalists and former players.

UFC

AGGRESSIVE CONDIT ONE TO WATCH IN UFC FIGHT NIGHT: CONDIT VS. ALVES, SAYS FOX UFC ANALYST BISPING

This weekend’s FOX SPORTS 1 UFC FIGHT NIGHT: CONDIT VS. ALVES features two top ranked welterweights, No. 4 Carlos Condit (29-8) and No. 12 Thiago Alves (26-9) in an exciting showdown. FOX UFC analyst Michael Bisping believes Condit is the one to watch in the fight: “The moment the fight starts, he’s trying to take the other guy out. He’s always moving forward with punches and kicks. When he fought Rory MacDonald, he was down two rounds, and he went out and took him out in style to win. Don’t miss this fight.” FOX Sports 1 airs the UFC FIGHT NIGHT PREFIGHT SHOW (7:00 PM ET), UFC FIGHT NIGHT PRELIMS (8:00 PM ET), main card (10:00 PM ET) and FOX SPORTS LIVE postfight coverage (1:00 AM ET) on Saturday, May 30.

UFC TONIGHT: UFC FIGHT NIGHT PREVIEW, PLUS CORMIER, CONDIT AND RUTTEN INTERVIEWS, BISPING GUEST HOSTS

Network/When: FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports GO, Wednesday, May 27 (8:00 PM ET)
Talent: Kenny Florian, Daniel Cormier, Karyn Bryant, Ariel Helwani, Michael Bisping
This Week: Daniel Cormier returns as host and discusses his title fight victory at UFC 187. Michael Bisping guest hosts, and with host Kenny Florian, breaks down the upcoming UFC FIGHT NIGHT: CONDIT VS. ALVES, then interviews headliner Carlos Condit. Plus, the crew catches up with former heavyweight champion Bas Rutten who was recently named to the UFC Hall of Fame. Karyn Bryant and Ariel Helwani add reports.

THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER: FIGHT THROUGH THE PAIN

Network/When: FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports GO, Wednesday, May 27 (10:00 PM ET)
Talent: Dana White, Dan Lambert, Glenn Robinson
This Week: This week on THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER, American Top Team readies themselves for their next fight, drawing on personal rituals and studying their opponents’ techniques. Meanwhile, the Blackzilians must push the morale of their team to face their upcoming challenges and stay strong through the turbulence of the competition.

FOX SPORTS LIVE PRESENTS TUF TALK, RECAPS LATEST EPISODE, PLUS JACKSON AND CARL INTERVIEWS

Network/When: FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports GO, Wednesday, May 27 (11:00 PM ET)

Talent: Karyn Bryant, Michael Bisping
This Week: Host Karyn Bryant and analyst Michael Bisping discuss the latest episode of THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER with American Top Team’s Steve Carl and Jason Jackson of the Blackzilians. Bisping then breaks down this week’s fight.

FOX SPORTS 1 UFC FIGHT NIGHT WEIGH-INS FEATURE ANALYSIS FROM FORMER BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMP CRUZ

Network/When: FOX Sports 2 & FOX Sports GO, Friday, May 29 (3:00 PM ET)
Talent: Karyn Bryant, Michael Bisping, Dominick Cruz, Yves Edwards and Heidi Androl
This Week: The FOX SPORTS 1 UFC FIGHT NIGHT WEIGH-INS features host Karyn Bryant with analysts Michael Bisping, Yves Edwards and Dominick Cruz breaking down the fighters on the card as they attempt to make weight. Heidi Androl interviews fighters during the show.

FOX SPORTS 1 UFC FIGHT NIGHT PREFIGHT SHOW: CONDIT VS. ALVES PREVIEW

Network/When: FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports GO, Saturday, May 30 (7:00 PM ET)
Talent: Karyn Bryant, Michael Bisping, Dominick Cruz, Yves Edwards and Heidi Androl
This Week: Host Bryant and analysts Bisping, Edwards and Cruz preview the exciting night of fights, including the welterweight headliner between top-ranked welterweights Carlos Condit and Thiago Alves and the other fights on the main card and prelims.

FOX SPORTS 1 UFC FIGHT NIGHT PRELIMS FEATURE BATTLE OF TOP-RANKED FLYWEIGHTS, PLUS THREE MORE BOUTS

Network/When: FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports GO, Saturday, May 30 (8:00 PM ET)
Talent: Jon Anik, Brian Stann
This Week: The two-hour FOX SPORTS 1 UFC FIGHT NIGHT PRELIMS feature four exciting bouts, including a featherweight bout between Rony Jason (15-5) and Damon Jackson (9-1). No. 4 ranked flyweight Jussier Formiga (17-3) faces No. 11 Wilson Reis (19-5), while Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (14-4) faces undefeated Nicolas Dalby (13-0) in a welterweight fight. Lucas Martins (15-2) and undefeated Mirsad Bektic (9-0) get the prelims started with a featherweight bout.

FOX SPORTS 1 UFC FIGHT NIGHT MAIN CARD FEATURES SIX EXCITING BOUTS

Network/When: FOX Sports 1, FOX Deportes & FOX Sports GO, Saturday, May 30 (10:00 PM ET)
Talent: Jon Anik, Brian Stann
This Week: The three-hour FOX SPORTS 1 UFC FIGHT NIGHT main card is headlined by the return of No. 4 ranked welterweight Carlos Condit (29-8) versus No. 12 Thiago Alves (26-9). No. 8-ranked featherweight Charles Oliveira (19-4, 1NC) faces No. 9 Nik Lentz (27-6-2, 1NC), while KJ Noons (12-6, 1NC) squares off against Alex Oliveira (10-2-1, 1NC) in a welterweight brawl. Light heavyweights Francimar Barroso (16-4) and Ryan Jimmo (19-4) collide, and lightweights Francisco Trinaldo (16-4) and Norman Parke (21-3-1) keep the action moving. Wendell Oliveira (24-8) and undefeated Darren Till (12-0) kick off the main card with a welterweight bout.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT POSTFIGHT COVERAGE ON FOX SPORTS LIVE RECAPS EVENING’S FIGHTS

Network/When: FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports GO, Saturday, May 30 (1:00 AM ET)

Talent: Karyn Bryant, Michael Bisping, Dominick Cruz, Yves Edwards and Heidi Androl
This Week: Host Bryant and analysts Bisping, Edwards and Cruz break down the evening’s biggest bouts including the headliner between Carlos Condit and Thiago Alves. They also recap the other exciting fights.

UFC ULTIMATE INSIDER: ROUSEY’S ENTOURAGE, FIGHT NIGHT MANILA RECAP, SWICK’S RETURN TO THAILAND

Network/When: FOX Sports 2 & FOX Sports GO, Sunday, May 31 (12:30 PM ET)
Talent: Megan Olivi
This Week: Watch an exclusive behind-the-scenes with UFC champion Ronda Rousey during the filming of Entourage, featuring stars Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Jerry Ferrara and Kevin Dillon. Then, witness never-before-seen sights and sounds from the UFC’s much-anticipated debut in the Philippines, from exclusive backstage access to all-new angles of the night’s greatest action. Plus, a decade after his memorable performance as a cast member of the original season of The Ultimate Fighter, Mike Swick returns to Thailand to repay a country that helped fuel his UFC career.

STREET LEAGUE

STREET LEAGUE KICKS OFF 2015 TOUR WITH SLS NIKE SB PRO OPEN FROM BARCELONA

Network/When: FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports GO, Thursday, May 28 (8:00 PM ET)

Talent: Andrew Cannon, Felix Arguelles, Geoff Rowley and Paul Zitzer
This Week: The first contest of the SLS season, the SLS Nike SB Pro Open, kicks off with the world’s best street skateboarders competing at the newly built outdoor skate plaza in the skate mecca of Barcelona, Spain. It serves as the international gateway into the League through which the two highest scoring non-SLS Pros advance into the SLS Nike SB World Tour, becoming a career-forging opportunity to make their mark alongside today’s greats of street skateboarding like Paul Rodriguez, Shane O’Neill, and reigning SLS Champ Nyjah Huston. For existing SLS Pros, the contest is a chance to gain vital Championship Points for the season, compete for a piece of the $76,500 purse, and fight to claim the prized Golden Ticket: the express pass straight into the SLS Nike SB Super Crown World Championship this fall from Chicago. With this winner-takes-all first-place prize open to all finalists — both non-SLS and current League Pros alike — innovation and elevation for the standard of skateboarding is guaranteed. To win, the skateboarders not only have to conquer the challenging obstacles of the custom-built skate plaza, but also continually one-up their competitors with trick difficulty, consistency and style, down to the last trick.

RED BULL

RED BULL AIR RACE MAKES FIRST VISIT TO JAPAN

Network/When: FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports GO, Sunday, May 31 (9:00 AM ET)

Talent: Nick Fellows, Mike Mangold
This Week: For the first time in the eight-year history of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship, the world’s fastest motorsport competition flies into the heart of Japan. Following the season-opening race in Abu Dhabi won by Britain’s Paul Bonhomme, the most highly skilled pilots on the planet turn their attention to the man-made beach of Makuhari Seaside Park in Chiba, a city with a proud aviation tradition and the location of Japan’s first civilian airfield built in 1912. Bonhomme, who won the overall title in 2009 and 2010, has his work cut out for him against a hard-charging pack of pilots battling for podium spots, including defending champion Nigel Lamb of Britain, Matt Hall of Australia, Pete McLeod of Canada and Hannes Arch of Austria. “Chiba features the straightest course I’ve ever seen, so we can expect some fast lines going through the 11 air gates,” says FOX Sports 1 analyst Mike Mangold. “But it’s the turns on each end that will make the difference in crowning a champion.”

RED BULL CLIFF DIVING SEASON KICKS OFF IN COLUMBIA

Network/When: FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports GO, Monday, June 1 (8:00 PM ET)

Talent: Trace Worthington, David Boudia
This Week: The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series kicks off a new season in Colombian waters. Local legend Orlando Duque is one of 14 cliff divers who dive from almost 90 feet in their bid for glory in this first of eight competitions this year. Overall, athletes from seven nations have spent their off-seasons perfecting their techniques, including reigning champion Gary Hunt, Russia’s graceful Artem Silchenko, the sport’s figurehead Orlando Duque, Mexico’s Jonathan Paredes, and the American duo of Steven LoBue and David Colturi. “This is a homecoming for cliff diving’s most famous athlete, Duque, but that won’t matter to defending champion Gary Hunt,” says FOX Sports 1 host Trace Worthington. “What matters is how all the divers manage the incredible 90-foot drop from the roof of the Convention Center into the waters of Cartagena.” Here is a preview of what’s to come on FOX Sports 1 all year long: http://win.gs/1Fb7Mbo

SPECIALS

UNCOMPROMISING FEATURES BASKETBALL STAR KYRIE IRVING

Network/When: FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports GO, Thursday, May 28 (4:30 PM ET)
Talent: Kyrie Irving
This Week: UNCOMPROMISING is a documentary series from FOX SPORTS ORIGINALS in partnership with Budweiser, highlighting the untold stories of athletes who are living their dreams by staying true to themselves. The second episode features basketball prodigy Kyrie Irving, who was born in Australia and lost his mother when he was four. He experienced a devastating foot injury his freshman year in college, and only played 11 games at Duke before being selected with the first draft pick and ultimately becoming the NBA Rookie of the Year. The episode wraps with life in the NBA, LeBron James’ return to Cleveland and what’s next for the young player.

ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING

GARBAGE TIME WITH KATIE NOLAN TAKES ON SPORTS’ BIGGEST STORIES SUNDAYS AT 9:30 PM ET

Network/When: FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports GO, Sunday, May 31 (9:30 PM ET)
Talent: Katie Nolan
This Week: Katie Nolan continues to tackle the hottest topics in sports, interjecting her wit, sarcasm and comedy in the weekly show GARBAGE TIME WITH KATIE NOLAN on FOX Sports 1. In case you missed it, last week Katie let a ping pong lottery determine the course of the show, chatted with Will Leitch and more. This week, Katie is joined by members of the U.S. Women’s National Team before the squad heads to Canada for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015™ in Canada.

STUDIO SHOWS

FOX SPORTS LIVE – NBA AND NHL FINALS RECAPS NIGHTLY, MLB HIGHLIGHTS, NFL OFFSEASON PRACTICE COVERAGE, COUNTDOWN TO FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP™ ROUNDTABLES BEGIN WEDNESDAY

Network/When: FOX Sports 1, nightly (11:00 PM ET)
Talent: Jay Onrait, Dan O’Toole, Charissa Thompson, Don Bell, Ryan Field, Donny Marshall, Petros Papadakis, Bill Reiter.
This Week: FOX Sports 1’s flagship nightly highlight, news and opinion show rolls on this week featuring extended highlights and analysis, covering the action across the spectrum of sports. With both the NBA and NHL playoffs reaching their respective finals, FOX SPORTS LIVE has it covered, recapping all of the nightly action off the top of the show. FOX Sports 1 analysts and former NBA veterans Donny Marshall and Brian Scalabrine are in studio each night, breaking down all of the night’s biggest moments from the hardwood. On the NHL front, coverage continues from the Stanley Cup Finals as the league reaches its crescendo. The Major League Baseball schedule is in full swing and highlights come in nightly from around the league. Additionally, NFL teams are in the midst of their offseason workout calendars and storylines are aplenty, with looming contract disputes and training camp position battles already beginning to make headlines. Each night, FOX SPORTS LIVE incorporates reports and sounds from team facilities, keeping fans up to speed on all of the news from around the league. Wednesday night’s show marks the first of a special 10-part, FIFA Women’s World Cup™ 2015 preview countdown series that dives into a different aspect of the international tournament’s biggest storylines in anticipation for the action that kicks off on in less than two weeks on FOX Sports’ family of networks. The first installment airs Wednesday night, taking an in-depth look at the “History of the WWC” and segments continue to be revealed each night leading into the Saturday night, June 6, commencement of tournament play.

AMERICA’S PREGAME – NIGHTLY FINALS GAME PREVIEWS, BLAZERS’ SHARPSHOOTER MATTHEWS IN-STUDIO THURSDAY, PREEMPTED FRIDAY

Network/When: FOX Sports 1, weekdays (6:00 PM ET)
Talent: Mike Hill, Molly McGrath, Donny Marshall, Kirk Morrison, Ephraim Salaam, Brian Scalabrine, Frank Thomas.
This Week: Amidst one of the most active pressure points on the sports calendar, APG continues to set the stage for all of the nightly action, leading with extensive preview coverage of both the NBA and NHL finals series, in addition to updates on breaking news and analysis on all of the day’s biggest stories. With games beginning in the early evening, the show goes to site, getting live reports from local correspondents who have covered the championship-contending teams throughout their respective regular seasons. Thursday’s show is highlighted by the in-studio presence of Portland Trail Blazers’ guard Wesley Matthews, who drops by to provide his assessment of the playoffs thus far and his prediction for what will unfold in the NBA Finals. Nightly Major League Baseball reports also come in from ballparks around the country, previewing each night’s biggest stories as the 162-game season surges past its quarter pole. The show is preempted on Friday as FOX Sports 1 provides live coverage of the NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES race from Dover.

GAME 7 – LIGHTNING-RANGERS TONIGHT AT 8 P.M. ET ON NBCSN, BLACKHAWKS-DUCKS TOMORROW AT 8 P.M. ET ON NBC

May 29, 2015 By admin

NHL Conference Final Game 7s Tonight and Tomorrow on NBCSN and NBC with Stanley Cup Berths at Stake

Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick, Eddie Olczyk and Pierre McGuire Travel Coast-To-Coast to Call Back-To-Back Game 7s

NBC Continues to Showcase Stanley Cup Playoffs in Primetime on Saturday Night

Game 6 Ducks-Blackhawks is NBCSN’s Second-Most Watched Game of 2015 Playoffs

STAMFORD, Conn. – May 29, 2015 – NBC Sports Group goes coast-to-coast this weekend to present two NHL Conference Final Game 7 showdowns in a 24-hour span tonight and tomorrow on NBCSN and NBC, respectively. Coverage begins tonight on NBCSN at 8 p.m. ET, when Henrik Lundqvist and the New York Rangers host Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final.

NBC presents live coverage of Game 7 of the Western Conference Final on Saturday night in primetime at 8 p.m. ET, when Ryan Getzlaf and the Anaheim Ducks host Jonathan Toews and the Chicago Blackhawks. NBC Sports Live Extra – NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets – will provide streaming coverage of both Game 7s.

Pre-game coverage of both Game 7 matchups begins at 7 p.m. ET on Friday and Saturday nights with NHL Live, featuring host Liam McHugh alongside analysts and former players Mike Milbury, Keith Jones and Brian Boucher. This marks the first time in 15 years, and only the third time in Stanley Cup Playoff history, that both Conference Finals have required a Game 7. In 2000, the Stars-Avalanche Western Conference Final and Devils-Flyers Eastern Conference Final both required Game 7s. Keith Jones and Brian Boucher played for the Flyers in that Game 7, losing 2-1 to New Jersey.

The Rangers forced tonight’s Game 7 with a 7-3 victory in Tampa in Game 6, and have won six straight Game 7s, tied for the longest such streak in NHL history. The Rangers are also a perfect 7-0 all-time in Game 7s at Madison Square Garden, and Lundqvist has gone 6-1 in Game 7s with a 0.97 goals against average. The Rangers last played in an Eastern Conference Final Game 7 in 1994, when Stephane Matteau scored in double overtime to give New York a 2-1 win over the New Jersey Devils.

Tampa Bay’s most recent Eastern Conference Final Game 7 appearance came in 2011, when the Lightning fell to the Bruins by a score of 1-0 in Boston, their only Game 7 loss in five Game 7s in franchise history.

The Blackhawks forced Saturday night’s primetime Western Conference Final Game 7 showdown on NBC with a 5-2 win in Game 6 on Wednesday night. This marks the second straight Western Conference Final Game 7 for the Blackhawks, who lost 5-4 in overtime to the Los Angeles Kings in last year’s Game 7.

The Ducks are appearing in a Game 7 at home for the third straight season, having lost to Detroit in 2013 and the Kings in 2014. Their last victory in a Game 7 at home came during the 1997 Western Conference Quarterfinal against Phoenix.

MIKE ‘DOC’ EMRICK, EDDIE OLCZYK AND PIERRE MCGUIRE TRAVEL COAST-TO-COAST TO CALL BACK-TO-BACK GAME 7s

Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, and Pierre McGuire will travel coast-to-coast to call the Eastern Conference Final Game 7 at Madison Square Garden tonight and the Western Conference Final Game 7 at Honda Center on Saturday night.

Following tonight’s Lightning-Rangers game, the trio will depart for their respective hotels to get some brief sleep before getting up to board a 6 a.m. ET, 2,500-mile flight from Newark to Los Angeles on Saturday.

Doc, Edzo and Pierre will arrive at LAX at 9:08 a.m. PT and will check into their second hotel of the day. In addition to their usual preparation, pre-game schedules may include attending practice, catching a nap, and getting a meal or two before calling their second Game 7 in 24 hours at Honda Center.

After Blackhawks-Ducks, it’s red eyes and morning flights to their respective homes to rest up for a few days before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday. Whew!

GAME 6 DUCKS-BLACKHAWKS IS SECOND MOST-WATCHED GAME OF 2015 PLAYOFFS ON NBCSN

The Blackhawks’ 5-2 win over the Ducks in Wednesday’s Game 6 on NBCSN averaged 2.383 million viewers, making it the second most-watched game of the 2015 playoffs on NBCSN. Viewership of the game peaked in the 10:30 p.m. ET quarter hour with over 3.6 million viewers.

NBC CONTINUES TO SHOWCASE STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS IN PRIMETIME ON SATURDAY NIGHT

Tomorrow night’s presentation of Game 7 between the Blackhawks and Ducks on NBC in primetime marks the third straight, and fifth overall, Saturday night that NBC will air Stanley Cup Playoff coverage this postseason. If the Stanley Cup Final requires five games, forcing Game 5 on Saturday, June 13 on NBC, it would set NBC’s record for the most NHL Saturday night primetime games in one year (7), most in one postseason (6), and most consecutive Saturday night primetime games (4).

GAMES TELEVISED SO FAR

For the fourth consecutive year, NBC, NBCSN, USA Network, CNBC and NHL Network are combining to televise every Stanley Cup Playoff game nationally.

Network	Games
NBC	12
NBCSN	50
USA Network	8
CNBC	10
NHL-N	1
Total	81

One-goal Games: 43

OT games: 19

COMPREHENSIVE LOCAL COVERAGE

Comprehensive coverage of the Stanley Cup Playoffs will be provided daily via NBC Sports Regional Networks, available in more than 50 million U.S. households. Comcast SportsNet Chicago will provide the hometown fans of the Chicago Blackhawks with comprehensive coverage throughout their Stanley Cup Playoff run, including pre- and post-game shows and extensive on-line coverage via Comcast SportsNet’s team of NHL Insiders.

NBC SPORTS LIVE EXTRA COVERAGE

NBC Sports Live Extra – NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets – will stream comprehensive coverage of games airing on NBC, NBCSN, USA Network and CNBC via “TV Everywhere,” giving consumers additional value to for their subscription service, and making high quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms. The NBC Sports Live Extra app is available on the iTunes App Store, Google Play and Windows Store.

For more information about NBC Sports Group shows and properties, including press releases, photos, talent and executive bios and headshots, please visit NBCSportsGroupPressBox.com.

— NBC Sports Group —