Times wires
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Braves 8, Brewers 0
game 2
ATLANTA — Tim Hudson pitched a one-hitter, Nate McLouth homered and the Braves ruined the Brewers debut of Zack Greinke to complete a doubleheader sweep. Hudson retired his first nine hitters before Rickie Weeks led off the fourth with a double. He was the only Milwaukee player to reach base, also drawing a two-out walk in the ninth.
By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
TAMPA
Marc-Andre Bergeron's eyes widened in surprise.
The Lightning on Wednesday played its fifth game in eight nights, and back-to-back to boot.
"Really?" the defenseman said, "I didn't even know."
What else was he going to say?
"It's the playoffs," wing Ryan Malone said. "You don't think you're tired. It's the last thing that crosses your mind."
Especially with the rush of adrenaline from a 5-3 victory over the Capitals in front of a sellout crowd of 20,835 at the St. Pete Times Forum that gave Tampa Bay a sweep of its best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal and a spot in the conference final against the winner of the series between the Bruins and Flyers.
Boston leads that semifinal 3-0 after a 5-1 win Wednesday.
The win also proved something to Lightning coach Guy Boucher, who said after the game — his team's seventh straight playoff win — he had concerns about his players' energy level because of the schedule and the absences of injured left wing Simon Gagne and defenseman Pavel Kubina.
"The character of our players," Boucher said, "surpassed the lack of energy they might have had."
This was the matchup Boucher said was David versus Goliath: the fifth-seeded Lightning (David) against the top-seeded Capitals (Goliath), who, Boucher said, had no weaknesses.
So how did the Lightning win? "With a pretty big slingshot," Boucher said.
Actually, it did it with Sean Bergenheim scoring two goals to give him seven and a tie for the lead in the playoffs.
It did it with Bergeron, the power-play specialist, scoring a power-play goal and the eventual winner 5:07 into the third period that made the score 4-2 at a time the game could have gone either way.
Malone and Marty St. Louis also scored. Dominic Moore, Teddy Purcell and Steve Downie had two assists each, and goalie Dwayne Roloson made 33 saves.
For good measure, the Lightning had a 37-36 shot advantage, the first time in 11 playoff games it outshot an opponent.
"As a team, we just stayed with what the coach has been telling us to do," Roloson said. "We just went out and played hockey, and we weren't scared we were going to lose."
The line of Bergenheim, Moore and Downie, a third line that combined for 12 points in the series, shined once again. Moore set up both of Bergenheim's goals, which came from in front of the net and gave Tampa Bay a 3-1 lead with 7:26 left in the second period.
"This is the first team we've played in a while that has three lines that really come at you," Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau said. "Their so-called third line, they never quit."
Boudreau's advice to Tampa Bay's next-round opponent? "Don't underestimate them."
Still, when John Erskine's shot from the blue line got past a screened Roloson to make it 3-2 with 56 seconds left in the second period, and when the Lightning failed badly on consecutive power plays, there was speculation fatigue was setting in.
But Bergeron reignited the team with his knee-high blast from the blue line that made the score 4-2. "I got to the point, and I saw the goalie (Michal Neuvirth) was looking right at me, and I knew we were going to have guys screening," Bergeron said. "We want to take hard shots, and that's my good asset."
St. Louis' goal, off a burst of speed and a blazing wrist shot, made it 5-2 with 3:08 left.
No fatigue there.
"We get off days, and as the coach says, rest is a weapon," Bergenheim said. "He's very smart with that, so I didn't feel tired."
Even so, the players have today and Friday off, not only to rejuvenate but to be with their families.
"They deserve that," Boucher said.
Because a lot more work needs to be done.
Times wires
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
CHICAGO — The Bulls first started using the word as far back as training camp.
Grimy, players would say. We want to be known as a team that can be grimy and win ugly games.
Ugly never looked more beautiful than on Wednesday night at United Center.
Making just enough plays to win a much-needed game, the Bulls downed the Hawks 86-73, evening their Eastern Conference semifinal series at 1-1.
"This is a huge game," said Bulls forward Joakim Noah, the former Gator who had 19 points and 14 rebounds.
The Bulls shot just 39.3 percent and committed 14 turnovers. Eight of those came from Derrick Rose, who received his league MVP trophy before the game and scored 25 despite struggling with his shot.
"I'm just happy that (the MVP presentation) is over now, and we can just ball out," Rose said
Chicago received another uninspired outing from Carlos Boozer, who shot 4-for-12 and got booed throughout, finishing with eight points and 11 rebounds.
"We have a lot of love for our crowd, but through tough times, we got to stick together," said Boozer, who hasn't been the same since he missed five games with a sprained left ankle.
The Bulls looked bumbling on offense and settled for jumpers, shooting 5-for-22 on 3-pointers (Rose was 1-for-8 on 3s).
But they returned to the hustling, rebounding, defensive machine that defined them in the regular season. The Bulls held the Hawks to 33.8 percent shooting and outrebounded them 58-39.
Atlanta's Jeff Teague had another good game filling in for injured Kirk Hinrich with 21 points, but Joe Johnson's points dipped from 34 in Game 1 to 16, and Jamal Crawford fell from 22 to 11.
"This one hurt," Johnson said.
Bulls 86, Hawks 73
ATLANTA (73): Williams 2-9 0-2 4, Smith 4-14 5-7 13, Horford 3-12 0-0 6, Teague 7-14 6-7 21, Johnson 7-15 1-2 16, Crawford 2-10 6-6 11, Wilkins 1-1 0-0 2, Pachulia 0-1 0-0 0, Collins 0-0 0-0 0, Powell 0-0 0-0 0, Sy 0-0 0-0 0, Armstrong 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 26-77 18-24 73.
CHICAGO (86): Deng 6-13 2-2 14, Boozer 4-12 0-0 8, Noah 6-8 7-8 19, Rose 10-27 4-6 25, Bogans 2-4 0-0 6, Brewer 1-3 0-0 2, K.Thomas 1-2 0-0 2, Gibson 1-3 0-0 2, Watson 1-3 0-0 3, Asik 0-0 0-0 0, Korver 1-9 2-2 5. Totals 33-84 15-18 86.
Atlanta 19 18 21 15— 73
Chicago 25 23 17 21— 86
3-Point Goals—Atlanta 3-13 (Teague 1-2, Johnson 1-3, Crawford 1-5, Williams 0-1, Smith 0-2), Chicago 5-22 (Bogans 2-4, Watson 1-1, Korver 1-5, Rose 1-8, Brewer 0-1, K.Thomas 0-1, Deng 0-2). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Atlanta 44 (Horford 14), Chicago 67 (Noah 14). Assists—Atlanta 14 (Horford 6), Chicago 19 (Rose 10). Total Fouls—Atlanta 15, Chicago 17. Technicals—Atlanta defensive three second, Chicago defensive three second 3. A—22,872 (20,917).
late tuesday: James Harden led an outburst by Oklahoma City's bench with 21 points, and the host Thunder evened its series by beating the Grizzlies 111-102 in Game 2. After scoring 16 in a Game 1 loss, the Thunder's bench tripled that amount and put Oklahoma City in control with an 18-6 run to start the fourth. Thunder starting power forward Serge Ibaka sustained a right knee injury. He said three days off before Game 3 would help.
griffin top rookie: Clippers forward Blake Griffin was the third unanimous choice for rookie of the year. Wizards guard John Wall was second, followed by Kings center DeMarcus Cousins, Knicks guard Landry Fields, Spurs guard Gary Neal and Pistons center Greg Monroe. Other unanimous choices were San Antonio's David Robinson in 1990 and Houston's Ralph Sampson in 1984. Griffin, who averaged 22.5 points, 12.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists, thanked his teammates for their patience as he learned the NBA game.
AROUND THE LEAGUE: Boston is building a statue of Celtics legend Bill Russell months after President Barack Obama suggested the city needed one. The statue will commemorate Russell as a sports champion, human rights leader and youth mentoring advocate. … Knicks guard and former FSU standout Toney Douglas had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder and could be sidelined four months. … Bobcats forward Dante Cunningham faces a drug-possession charge after police said they found a small amount of marijuana in his pickup during a traffic stop in Philadelphia.
Times wires
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
CHICAGO — The Bulls first started using the word as far back as training camp.
Grimy, players would say. We want to be known as a team that can be grimy and win ugly games.
Ugly never looked more beautiful than on Wednesday night at United Center.
Making just enough plays to win a much-needed game, the Bulls downed the Hawks 86-73, evening their Eastern Conference semifinal series at 1-1.
"This is a huge game," said Bulls forward Joakim Noah, the former Gator who had 19 points and 14 rebounds.
The Bulls shot just 39.3 percent and committed 14 turnovers. Eight of those came from Derrick Rose, who received his league MVP trophy then scored 25 despite struggling with his shot.
"I'm just happy that (the MVP presentation) is over now, and we can just ball out," Rose said
Chicago received another uninspired outing from Carlos Boozer, who shot 4-for-12 and got booed throughout, finishing with eight points and 11 rebounds.
"We have a lot of love for our crowd, but through tough times, we got to stick together," said Boozer, slowed by a lingering left ankle injury.
The Bulls looked bumbling on offense and settled for jumpers, shooting 5-for-22 on 3-pointers.
But they returned to their trademark hustling, rebounding and defense. The Bulls held the Hawks to 33.8 percent shooting and outrebounded them 58-39.
Atlanta's Jeff Teague had another good game filling in for injured Kirk Hinrich with 21 points, but Joe Johnson's points dipped from 34 in Game 1 to 16, and Jamal Crawford fell from 22 to 11.
"This one hurt," Johnson said.
Bulls 86, Hawks 73
ATLANTA (73): Williams 2-9 0-2 4, Smith 4-14 5-7 13, Horford 3-12 0-0 6, Teague 7-14 6-7 21, Johnson 7-15 1-2 16, Crawford 2-10 6-6 11, Wilkins 1-1 0-0 2, Pachulia 0-1 0-0 0, Collins 0-0 0-0 0, Powell 0-0 0-0 0, Sy 0-0 0-0 0, Armstrong 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 26-77 18-24 73.
CHICAGO (86): Deng 6-13 2-2 14, Boozer 4-12 0-0 8, Noah 6-8 7-8 19, Rose 10-27 4-6 25, Bogans 2-4 0-0 6, Brewer 1-3 0-0 2, K.Thomas 1-2 0-0 2, Gibson 1-3 0-0 2, Watson 1-3 0-0 3, Asik 0-0 0-0 0, Korver 1-9 2-2 5. Totals 33-84 15-18 86.
Atlanta 19 18 21 15— 73
Chicago 25 23 17 21— 86
3-Point Goals—Atlanta 3-13 (Teague 1-2, Johnson 1-3, Crawford 1-5, Williams 0-1, Smith 0-2), Chicago 5-22 (Bogans 2-4, Watson 1-1, Korver 1-5, Rose 1-8, Brewer 0-1, K.Thomas 0-1, Deng 0-2). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Atlanta 44 (Horford 14), Chicago 67 (Noah 14). Assists—Atlanta 14 (Horford 6), Chicago 19 (Rose 10). Total Fouls—Atlanta 15, Chicago 17. Technicals—Atlanta defensive three second, Chicago defensive three second 3. A—22,872 (20,917).
mavs win on road again: Dirk Nowitzki scored 24, Shawn Marion added 14 and the Mavericks stunned the erratic Lakers 93-81, taking a 2-0 second-round lead over the two-time defending champions with consecutive road wins. The Mavericks rode Nowitzki's stellar shooting, steady defense and a decisive 9-0 fourth-quarter run. Kobe Bryant scored 23 for the Lakers, who hadn't lost the first two games of a playoff series since the 2008 NBA Finals — also the last series they lost. Only three NBA teams have won a best-of-seven series after losing the first two at home.
griffin top rookie: Clippers forward Blake Griffin was the third unanimous choice for rookie of the year. Wizards guard John Wall was second, followed by Kings center DeMarcus Cousins, Knicks guard Landry Fields, Spurs guard Gary Neal and Pistons center Greg Monroe. Other unanimous choices were San Antonio's David Robinson in 1990 and Houston's Ralph Sampson in 1984. Griffin, who averaged 22.5 points, 12.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists, thanked his teammates for their patience as he learned the NBA game.
AROUND THE LEAGUE: Boston is building a statue of Celtics legend Bill Russell months after President Barack Obama suggested the city needed one. The statue will commemorate Russell as a sports champion, human rights leader and youth mentoring advocate. … Knicks guard and former FSU standout Toney Douglas had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder and could be sidelined four months. … Bobcats forward Dante Cunningham faces a drug-possession charge after police said they found a small amount of marijuana in his pickup during a traffic stop in Philadelphia.
By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
ST. PETERSBURG — There was a lot of shouting at umpiring chief Joe West and his crew in the Rays' 3-2 loss to the Blue Jays on Wednesday night at Tropicana Field.
Before the game ended, both managers were ejected along with Rays centerfielder B.J. Upton after a ninth-inning strikeout, his fourth of the game and third time looking, an outburst he said will likely result in a fine and a suspension.
But long after the yelling and hollering had ended, Rays manager Joe Maddon said one play still screams for Major League Baseball to adopt instant replay, and West acknowledged miscommunication by the umpires.
With the Rays trailing 3-1 and runners on first and second and one out in the seventh, Sam Fuld bounced to third baseman Edwin Encarnacion, who stepped on the bag at third to force Casey Kotchman but fired wildly to first. Fuld was called safe by West, who indicated that first baseman Adam Lind had missed the tag.
But West conferred with second-base umpire Angel Hernandez, and Fuld was called out to end the inning.
"That's the second time that call has happened to us this year, and I really have a hard time with that call being changed from that distance," Maddon said. "If there's any play that screams for instant replay, it's that one.
"You've got first and third, you've got (Ben) Zobrist coming up, not a bad moment for us. I didn't like it. It's such an awkward play to have that happen twice in the same season."
After the game, West agreed with Maddon that while his crew was right to confer, there was a miscommunication between umpires and Fuld should've been called safe.
While Hernandez told West that Fuld had been tagged, he believed the outfielder was already on first when the tag occurred. Fuld also said he was tagged after he touched first.
"All I asked Angel was did he tag him, and Angel told me I thought you had him safe for being on the bag," West said after the game. "I didn't heed that warning. I made a judgment based on what I had at first base. So it appears that we may have erred, but we did everything protocol right by the book."
The Rays, who were stymied by Jays pitcher Brandon Morrow again, rallied for a run on Fuld's RBI single in the ninth and had runners on the corners when Zobrist bounced out to first to end the game.
Jays manager John Farrell was ejected in the seventh inning by home-plate umpire Chad Fairchild for arguing balls and strikes. Upton threw a tirade after being called out on strikes in the ninth, tossing his helmet and both batting gloves.
On April 10, Maddon's most dramatic of his now 18 ejections occurred in a game against the White Sox in Chicago.
Dan Johnson hit a grounder that bounced off Sox first baseman Paul Konerko. Second baseman Gordon Beckham recovered it and threw to pitcher Gavin Floyd, who bobbled the ball. First-base umpire Doug Eddings called Johnson safe, but the play was overturned after umpires convened.
"I'm anti-replay. I've been," Maddon said. "But I'm getting more on board with it now, not because it's been against us."
By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
TAMPA — Years from now, they will talk of the goaltender. The day he arrived, and the impact he made.
They will talk of the captain, and his mid career renaissance. They will talk of the Hart Trophy candidate, and his many moments of glory.
But in the end, I hope they talk of the hero no one saw coming.
For this is the story of the 2011 Tampa Bay Lightning, and of Sean Bergenheim. As of this morning, they appear to be forever linked.
An overlooked team, and a forgotten player. One heading to the Eastern Conference finals, and the other sitting atop the NHL postseason goals list. And no one seems quite sure how either arrived.
"I feel good on the ice," Bergenheim said, struggling to respond to question after question about the hottest scoring streak of his career.
"I don't have an answer for that."
So, for now, we'll let the numbers do the talking. And we'll start with Wednesday night's 5-3 victory that clinched a sweep of the Capitals in the conference semifinals. Bergenheim scored again, including the go-ahead goal in the second period. His second goal of the night gave him seven for the postseason, which is already halfway to his regular-season total of 14. And if you're not impressed that he is tied for the league lead in playoff goals, then consider he was 174th in the NHL in the regular season.
"Every tough game, every important game, every game where there was some pressure, he was there," Lightning coach Guy Boucher said.
Naturally, the temptation is to lump him in with the great one-hit wonders of the postseason. To compare him to Gene Tenace of the 1972 Athletics. Maybe Timmy Smith of the 1987 Redskins, or Chris Kontos of the 1989 Los Angeles Kings.
And, 10 years from now, perhaps those comparisons will be real. But as of now, Bergenheim's legacy is still to be written.
For, at 27, he still has the time and the skill to change the landscape of his career. He has spent parts of six seasons and more than 300 games as a role player in the NHL, but there was a time when more was expected of Bergenheim.
He was a first-round draft pick of the Islanders in 2002, and was playing in the NHL at age 19. The problem was, in those days, Long Island was not the best place for a prospect to grow. There was a contract dispute that sent him to Russia and Sweden, an injury that interrupted a season, and a lot of mediocre talent that did little to help him progress.
"When I was in juniors I scored a lot. When I got into the pros, I was always kind of in the grinding, fourth-line role. And there's nothing wrong with that," Bergenheim said.
"I was playing as hard as I could but you always get what you deserve. So I was in that role, and I'm still in a great role. I love my role on this team. It's different from juniors obviously, but that happens to a lot of players."
What's interesting is Bergenheim has developed the tenacity of a grinder but still retains much of the skill that once made him a prospect.
Still, when he became a free agent last summer, NHL general managers did not exactly body check each other to get close to Bergenheim.
Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman signed him to a one-year, $700,000 deal that looks like one of the bargains of the season when you consider Bergenheim outscored Washington's $124 million man Alex Ovechkin in this series.
"I just liked the way he played all of the time. He's a competitive guy. He's strong on the puck," Yzerman said. "I got a chance to talk at length with people who knew him … so I had a good background on him.
"But mostly, I just liked the way he played. He was a competitive guy, and we were able to get him at a salary that fit into our budget. Obviously, he's worked out well for us."
That salary is about to take a big step forward. More than anyone else, Bergenheim has dramatically improved his bargaining position as an unrestricted free agent.
The Lightning undoubtedly will want him back, and Bergenheim said he absolutely wants to stay, but the finances could get interesting.
Bergenheim said he made some changes in his game before the postseason but was reluctant to go into detail or to say whether they are responsible for this success.
"There's a few things that I've maybe realized. Kind of a mind-set that you have to have," Bergenheim said. "It's something I don't want to get into that much.
"Maybe it's just coincidence that I'm scoring these goals."
Maybe.
Or maybe Bergenheim is in the process of changing the tone of his story. Maybe he is changing the direction of his career.
And maybe he has changed the fortunes of a team along the way.
Times wires
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Orioles 3, Royals 2
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Nick Markakis homered, Jake Arrieta pitched seven strong innings and the Orioles got a lucky landing. It was 3-1 in the eighth with one out and Alcides Escobar on first when the Royals' Mike Aviles drove a ball past centerfielder Adam Jones that wedged under the fence. Aviles circled the bases, but crew chief Tim Welke put him on second and Escobar on third. Melky Cabrera had an RBI grounder, but Alex Gordon flied out.
Times wires
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Marlins 8, Cardinals 7
ST. LOUIS — Mike Stanton hit a tiebreaking two-run drive in the ninth for his third homer in four games, lifting the Marlins. Gaby Sanchez had two hits and a bases-loaded walk for Florida, which blew a four-run cushion but bounced back to secure at least a split for the fifth straight road series.
Times wires
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Athletics 3, Indians 1
OAKLAND, Calif. — David DeJesus hit his first two home runs of the season, former Ray Grant Balfour got his first save, and the Athletics snapped the Indians' seven-game winning streak. DeJesus had never had two home runs in a game in nine seasons in the majors, and he was hitting .227 entering the game. He had gone 55 games without a home run. The Athletics had only four hits, but that was all they needed behind starter Trevor Cahill. He avoided serious jams and matched his career-high with 116 pitches.
Times wires
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Rockies 6, Diamondbacks 4
PHOENIX — Jhoulys Chacin pitched seven effective innings and Chris Iannetta hit a two-run homer for the Rockies. Chacin had lost his previous two starts. Ian Stewart, recalled from Triple A on Tuesday when Ty Wigginton went on the 15-day DL, had a run-scoring double. Huston Street got his 11th save in 11 tries.
Times wires
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Rangers 5, Mariners 2
SEATTLE — C.J. Wilson struck out 12 in a six-hitter and Mitch Moreland and Chris Davis homered off rookie Michael Pineda as the Rangers beat the Mariners. Wilson retired the final 14 batters in his fourth career complete game. The Rangers stopped their losing streak at three. Pineda didn't make many mistakes in seven strong innings, but he left a fastball over the middle of the plate on his first pitch of the fifth inning and Moreland hit a 410-foot shot to right-center, his fourth home run.
By Joey Knight, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Former Jefferson High and University of Florida Gators football standout Donald "Reche" Caldwell was arrested early this morning in Hillsborough County on two misdemeanor charges, including marijuana possession.
Caldwell, 32, was arrested just after midnight for possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis, and driving with a cancelled/suspended/revoked license. He was released about five hours later on a $750 cash bond.
A 1,000-yard receiver and second-team all-SEC pick as a Gators junior in 2001, Caldwell was drafted in the second round by the San Diego Chargers the following spring and spent parts of seven seasons in the NFL.
By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Tampa Bay Rays RHP Jeff Niemann was "still pretty sore" this morning and moving gingerly, and manager Joe Maddon said the Rays are leaning toward putting him on the DL, though nothing was official prior to Thursday's game.
Niemann went to see Rays back specialist Dr. Tom Tolli and had an MRI Thursday morning.
"He's hurting a little bit,'' Maddon said. "It's be hard to imagine that he's going to come back and be well all of a sudden. I'd have to almost believe and anticipate that it's going to be more on the DL side.''
The Rays would have several options if that's the case, but seem to be leaning toward putting RHP Andy Sonnanstine in the rotation. Maddon noted that Sonnanstine looked good in relief on Wednesday.
They also could recall RHP Alex Cobb, who made a spot start on Sunday, or try LHP Alex Torres, another prospect at Triple-A. If Sonnanstine goes into the rotation, they could instead call up a reliever. RHPs Rob Delaney and Dane De La Rosa are among the possibilities on the 40-man roster; Cory Wade and Mike Ekstrom among the non-roster options.
Maddon said the obvious concern was that Niemann's velocity had dropped to the 86-87 range.
By Susan Thurston, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, May 5, 2011
If you haven't seen the blue beards and paddle noisemakers yet, get ready. Lightning playoff fever is catching on.
Call it a long time coming or a deserved case of deja vu, fans are finally joining the march toward the Stanley Cup.
"This town is definitely going Lightning crazy,'' said Ty Alday, downing his last beer before heading into Game 3 against the Washington Capitals. "Hopefully, they'll win it again this year.''
Few have forgotten the Lightning's first and only Cup title in 2004. At the Luxury Box bar, employees sport T-shirts saying: "Get Stanley 'cause Lord knows, he could use another tan!''
The bar across from the St. Pete Times Forum opened in October, right after the hockey season began. The timing couldn't have been better. The Lightning haven't reached the third round of the playoffs since its championship win — back when the bar was a Beef 'O' Brady's.
"Business is good. The electricity is amazing,'' said Crystal Davis, who owns the Luxury Box with her husband, Stephen.
Down the street, fans pack Hattrick's — Tampa's unofficial hockey bar — for every game. As the Bolts advance, the crowd multiplies.
"Sales are better this time around, maybe because more people know about us,'' said David Mangione, general manager and partner in Hattrick's, which opened 14 years ago. "Nothing compares to winning the Stanley Cup, but it's very similar. Everybody's really excited.''
Fans seem more devoted than seven years ago, he said, when the team was relatively new and fans still embraced old allegiances.
"You see very few of the opposing teams' jerseys, which is nice,'' Mangione said.
Despite the growing excitement, it still has a ways to go. Scalpers had wads of tickets left for this week's home games. National sales of Lightning jerseys, caps and other merchandise rank 17th in the league so far this year, compared with second after the 2004 Cup win. In the past month, since the playoffs began, sales inched to 16th, according to market tracker SportsONESource. By comparison, the Lightning's playoff competitors, the Capitals and Penguins, rank second and fourth for the year.
Dump some of the blame on the economy. Back in 2004, the housing market ran on all cylinders and more people went to work every day. Fans had extra cash to spend on fun stuff like sporting events.
Fast forward to today. The Bucs can't sell enough tickets to avoid a blackout, and the Rays grumble about low attendance. Two popular bars near the arena, Newk's and the Outpost, have closed. Still, sales of Lightning jerseys and caps have surged at Bucs & Bulls Heaven in Tampa.
"We've noticed a big upturn since they entered the playoffs,'' said owner Jeffrey Neil Fox. "Community pride sets in, and people want to root for the hometown team.''
Longtime fan Chris Cona said people might not have money they once did, but they still have the desire to get the Cup back to Tampa.
"I think the intensity is just as high, but no one wants to jinx it,'' he said. "But, I gotta say, this feels very similar. We've got a hot goalie."
By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Tampa Bay Lightning star Steven Stamkos is a finalist for the Lindsay Award given by the Players Association to the game's "most outstanding player." The award is voted on by Players Association members. The award will be announced June 22 at the NHL Awards Show in Las Vegas.
Here is the announcement from the Players Association:
The National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) announced today that Corey Perry of the Anaheim Ducks, Daniel Sedin of the Vancouver Canucks and Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning have been selected as finalists for the 2010-11 Ted Lindsay Award. The Ted Lindsay Award is presented annually to the "Most Outstanding Player" in the NHL, as voted by fellow members of the NHLPA.
The Ted Lindsay Award is the only award voted on by the players themselves, carrying on the tradition established by the Lester B. Pearson Award since 1970-71. The Award honours Ted Lindsay, an All-Star forward known for his skill, tenacity, leadership, and for his role in establishing the original Players' Association.
This year's group of all new finalists – Perry, Stamkos, and Sedin – ensures that there will be a new recipient for the first time in three years as Alex Ovechkin won the "Most Outstanding Player" award the last three consecutive seasons (2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10).
The Ted Lindsay Award will be presented at the 2011 NHL Awards in Las Vegas on June 22, 2011 to one of the following finalists:
Corey Perry, of Peterborough, Ontario, played in all 82 games in the 2010-11 season for the Anaheim Ducks. Corey's selection as a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award is his first since entering the NHL in the 2005-06 season. En route to capturing the Maurice Richard Trophy for most goals (50) and finishing third in points (98), Corey was especially dominant in the Ducks' run to the playoffs. With this nomination, Corey is looking to become the first member of the Ducks to receive the "Most Outstanding Player" award as voted on by the players, and is seeking to add this to his impressive list of accomplishments that includes the Memorial Cup (2004-05 – London), Stanley Cup (2006-07 – Anaheim) and Olympic gold medal (2010 – Canada).
Daniel Sedin, of Ornskoldvik, Sweden, appeared in all 82 games in the 2010-11 season for the Vancouver Canucks. Daniel's first selection as a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award follows his brother Henrik's nomination last season. Daniel had an exceptional 2010-11 campaign by all standards, securing the Art Ross Trophy for most points in the regular season (104), tying for fourth in goals (41), and placing third in both assists (63) and game-winning goals (10), while helping lead Vancouver to capturing their first Presidents' Trophy. With this nomination, Daniel is seeking to become just the second Canucks player to receive the "Most Outstanding Player" award as voted on by the players (Markus Naslund – 2002-03 Lester B. Pearson Award).
Steven Stamkos, of Markham, Ontario, appeared in all 82 games in the 2010-11 season for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Steven's selection as a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award is his first, and comes one season after he earned a share of the Maurice Richard Trophy for most goals (51). The 21-year-old helped the Lightning return to the playoffs for the first time since 2007, while finishing second in goals (45), placing fifth in points (91) and contributing the second most power play goals in the NHL (17), behind Daniel Sedin's 18. With this nomination, Steven is looking to join teammate Martin St. Louis (2003-04 Lester B. Pearson Award) as only the second member of the Lightning to receive the "Most Outstanding Player" award as voted on by the players.
The NHLPA also launched the 2010-11 Ted Lindsay Award Contest today on www.nhlpa.com. Fans are encouraged to select the Ted Lindsay Award recipient, just like the players do. A random draw will take place following the 2011 NHL Awards in Las Vegas NV, to determine the Grand Prize winner, as well as the second and third-place finishers.
Fans are encouraged to visit www.nhlpa.com for further information on the Ted Lindsay Award, finalist profiles and contest information.
By Don Jensen, Times Correspondent
Thursday, May 5, 2011
On Saturday afternoon, the barn rat leaves her comfort zone.
Kathleen O'Connell will make the renowned walk, one that begins on the Churchill Downs backside. She will depart Barn 41 and head to the paddock with Tampa Bay Derby winner Watch Me Go, a 50-1 shot in the 137th Kentucky Derby.
The two-time Tampa Bay Downs training champion will go by 150,000 horse-crazed fans and the iconic Twin Spires. The spotlight has never been brighter on O'Connell, who saddles her first Derby starter at Louisville, Ky.
No woman has won the Derby. O'Connell, 59, is the 15th to try.
"I think it would be a great honor, whether I was male or female, to win the Derby," she said. "Gender shouldn't have a lot to do with it. As far as (media requests) going on, I'm not looking forward to that. … I'm kind of a barn rat and private person."
Treating horses, not training them, was O'Connell's original plan. Four decades ago, the Michigan native wanted to be a veterinarian. She attended high school in Livonia, a suburb of Detroit, was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated in the top 10 of her class with a 3.8 grade-point average. She was denied entry into vet school. "I grew up in the era where they really didn't think women were going through the whole (vet) program," she said. "As far as they were concerned, you were just taking up space. … You would just meet a guy and get married."
O'Connell, who is single and owns a home in Odessa, galloped and broke horses at Detroit Race Course. Her first license in 1970 said "exercise boy" because there was no listing for girl. She migrated to Florida in the mid 1980s. O'Connell has more than 10,600 starts, 1,300 victories and $21.5 million in earnings. In 2009-10, she became the first woman to win a training title at Calder in Miami Gardens. O'Donnell began a partnership 20 years ago with Watch Me Go owner Gilbert Campbell, a Massachusetts native and breeder who owns Stonehedge Farm South in Williston.
In 1997, Blazing Sword gave them Derby fever with a second-place finish behind Pulpit in the Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach. Three horses from that race — Captain Bodgit, Jack Flash and Pulpit — started in the Derby. Blazing Sword did not. He incurred an unknown illness that nearly cost him his life. "We still really don't know what happened," O'Connell said. Blazing Sword eventually returned and became a Grade II winner and millionaire. His retirement was announced 10 years to the day that 43-1 shot Watch Me Go punched his ticket to Louisville with a victory in the Tampa Bay Derby, Oldsmar's first Grade II race in 85 years.
"It's a health issue for all of them," O'Connell said. "You can see them falling by the wayside. People do everything to keep their kids well, but they still get sick. These horses are the same way. Everything has to go perfect and you can't skip a beat."
Watch Me Go starts from post 20 under Rafael Bejarano. The 3-year-old Florida homebred colt is by West Acre, who stands for $2,500 at Campbell's farm. "My horse has a very good mind and he can get the distance," O'Connell said. "That 1 1/4-miles (in the Derby) separates the men from the boys."
Watch Me Go comes off a sixth-place finish on a wet surface in the Illinois Derby at Hawthorne in Stickney/Cicero. "On an off track, he's like Bambi on ice," O'Connell said. "I think you'll see the horse that was in the Tampa Bay Derby — if we have a good, fast track."
Oldsmar racing secretary Allison De Luca says O'Connell is the ultimate professional. "You won't find anybody that works any harder than Kathleen O'Connell," De Luca said. "She cares a lot about her horses and owners. And when she sees something that she thinks is wrong, she does try and do something about it. If she won the Derby, I couldn't think of a more deserving person."
By Don Jensen, Times Correspondent
Thursday, May 5, 2011
On Saturday afternoon, the "barn rat" will leave her comfort zone.
Kathleen O'Connell will make the renowned walk that begins on the Churchill Downs backside. She will depart Barn 41 and head to the paddock with Tampa Bay Derby winner Watch Me Go, a 50-1 shot in the Kentucky Derby.
The two-time Tampa Bay Downs training champion will go by 150,000 horse-crazed fans and the Louisville track's iconic Twin Spires. The spotlight has never been brighter on O'Connell, who is saddling her first Derby starter.
No female trainer has won the Derby; 13 have tried before. O'Connell, 59, is one of two in this year's field. Kathy Ritvo, 42, trains Mucho Macho Man.
"I think it would be a great honor, whether I was male or female, to win the Derby," O'Connell said. "Gender shouldn't have a lot to do with it. As far as (media requests) going on, I'm not looking forward to that. … I'm kind of a barn rat and private person."
Treating horses, not training them, was O'Connell's original plan. Four decades ago, the Michigan native wanted to be a veterinarian. She attended high school in Livonia, a suburb of Detroit, was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated in the top 10 of her class with a 3.8 grade point average. She was denied entry into vet school.
"I grew up in the era where they really didn't think women were going through the whole (vet) program," she said. "As far as they were concerned, you were just taking up space. … You would just meet a guy and get married."
O'Connell, who is single and owns a home in Odessa, galloped and broke horses at Detroit Race Course. Her first license in 1970 said "exercise boy" because there was no listing for "girl." She migrated to Florida in the mid 1980s.
She has more than 10,600 starts, 1,300 victories and $21.5 million in earnings. In 2009-10, she became the first woman to win a training title at Calder in Miami Gardens.
O'Connell began a partnership 20 years ago with Watch Me Go owner Gilbert Campbell, a Massachusetts native and breeder who owns Stonehedge Farm South in Williston. In 1997, Blazing Sword gave them Derby fever with a second-place finish behind Pulpit in the Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach. Three horses from that race — Captain Bodgit, Jack Flash and Pulpit — started in the Derby. Blazing Sword did not. He incurred an unknown illness that nearly cost him his life.
"We still really don't know what happened," O'Connell said.
Blazing Sword eventually returned and became a Grade II winner and millionaire. His retirement was announced 10 years to the day that 43-1 shot Watch Me Go punched his ticket to Louisville with a victory in the Tampa Bay Derby, Oldsmar's first Grade II race in 85 years.
"People do everything to keep their kids well, but they still get sick," O'Connell said. "These horses are the same way. Everything has to go perfect, and you can't skip a beat."
Watch Me Go will start from post 20 under Rafael Bejarano. The 3-year-old Florida homebred colt is by West Acre, who stands for $2,500 at Campbell's farm.
"My horse has a very good mind, and he can get the distance," O'Connell said. "That 1 1/4 miles (in the Derby) separates the men from the boys."
Watch Me Go comes off a sixth-place finish on a wet surface in the Illinois Derby at Hawthorne in Stickney/Cicero.
"On an off track, he's like Bambi on ice," O'Connell said. "I think you'll see the horse that was in the Tampa Bay Derby if we have a good, fast track."
Oldsmar racing secretary Allison De Luca said O'Connell is the ultimate professional.
"You won't find anybody that works any harder," De Luca said. "She cares a lot about her horses and owners. And when she sees something that she thinks is wrong, she does try and do something about it. If she won the Derby, I couldn't think of a more deserving person."
By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Thursday, May 5, 2011
TAMPA — There are times, he says, he still gets lost as he walks through the building. There are months that pass without him trying to find his way to the locker room.
Wednesday night, Jeff Vinik found his way.
Given what he had seen, given the realization of his vision, how could he stay away?
Vinik stood at the end of the locker room, as close to out of the way as possible, beaming and watching players who had just swept aside the top seed in the Eastern Conference of the NHL. There was satisfaction on Vinik's face, and joy, but still, he kept his distance, his hands jammed deep into the pockets of his tan pants. He did not glad-hand, and he did not slap shoulders, and he did not high five.
Vinik, the owner of the Lightning, the man who allowed the rebirth of a franchise, merely watched.
Oh, and he grinned a lot.
Who knew this team could win so much so soon? Even now, even when the Lightning has kicked the door open to the Eastern Conference final, you can debate whether the more impressive part of its run is the height it has reached or the speed with which it has done it.
Either way, it was Vinik who manufactured it. It was Vinik who rescued the team from Cowboy Oren and Cowboy Len, and it was Vinik who chased Steve Yzerman until he got him, and Vinik who chased Tod Leiweke until he got him. And then Vinik did something every Lightning fan will appreciate: He stepped out of the way.
Which begs the question.
Can a team owner be Rookie of the Year?
For this team, for this town, Vinik has been the perfect owner. He has been interested without being intrusive. He has been supportive without getting in the way. He has hired smart people, and he has let them work.
Three times, maybe four, he has made his way to the locker. Yet, he watched all 82 regular-season games, including 55 in person. He has made it to every playoff game. He's enough of a hockey junkie that he stays up late, every night, to watch other teams play each other.
"What's more fun?'' asks Vinik.
With that kind of passion, you might think — fear — that an owner would proclaim himself as one of the boys and his team as one of his toys. Not Vinik.
"Players play, coaches coach, managers manage and owners own," Vinik said. "I keep my distance because they don't need to see me every day. They know how much I care.
"I meet with Steve Yzerman every now and then for entertainment value and to find out what's going on. But I let these guys do their jobs. I have full confidence they can do it. They don't need me screwing it up. My job isn't to teach hockey players how to play hockey."
In professional sports, bless the team owner who gets it. If any group of fans knows the value of that, it is Lightning fans, who have seen owners who didn't know hockey (Takashi Okabu), who didn't like hockey (Art Williams), who didn't watch hockey (Bill Davidson) and who seemed to think they were playing fantasy hockey (Oren Koules and Len Barrie). Most of them did nothing. Koules and Barrie did too much.
Here's a dagger to the heart: Take a minute to think of where this team would be if Koules and Barrie still owned it?
It's enough to make you bolt upright in the middle of the night screaming, isn't it?
Now the Lightning is in hockey's Final Four, it's easy to remember how far a solid plan can take a team. And how fast. Think of Vinik, Yzerman and Boucher as a highly effective line.
"I don't know if I imagined being in this position so quickly," Vinik said, "but we want to bring a Stanley Cup here to Tampa Bay. We want to compete at the highest level every year. This is great, but I know we're in terrific hands for the next 5-10 years if not longer."
So, Jeff, do you plan to lift a Stanley Cup eventually?
"Absolutely, he said. "Hopefully, it will be sooner than eventually."
And are you in shape to manage if it's in a few weeks?
"I'll find a way," he said, grinning.
The season is not over, of course, but it has lasted long enough to consider it a success. That was important for this team, and for this community. With each of the last few years, it has been harder to believe in this team. Now, that's possible again.
"It's not my team," Vinik said. "It's our team. It's Tampa Bay's team. I'm just one of 20,500 fans in the building and maybe 100,000 more watching on TV.
"I knew when I bought the team that this is a great sports town and these are great hockey fans. They have a history of success and a history of being supported. I think the fans had gone on sabbatical. Hopefully, they're off sabbatical now."
In other words, it is a great time to be Vinik, even with the sore knuckles on his right hand, of course. During the third period of the Game 2 win over Washington, Vinik leapt to his feet and thrust his fists into the air. His right hand struck a low hanging soffit above him.
Later, when Vinny Lecavalier scored the game winner in overtime, Vinik leapt again. This time, he kept his hands open.
"You always have to learn," he said.
So far, Vinik seems to have every answer. For the only time since Davidson, the team has an owner of whom it can be proud. Put it this way: If owning a sports team was an elected position, wouldn't you vote for Vinik? Wouldn't you think he would win by a landslide.
The present is a thrill ride, and the future is a grand promise, and the Lightning has a heartbeat again. Vinik peeks into the future and seeks packed houses and packed trophy cases.
Not a bad campaign promise, is it?
By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Thursday, May 5, 2011
TAMPA
There are times, he says, he still gets lost as he walks through the building. There are months that pass without him trying to find his way to the locker room.
Wednesday night, Jeff Vinik found his way.
Given what he had seen, given the realization of his vision, how could he have stayed away?
Vinik stood at the end of the locker room, as close to out of the way as possible, beaming and watching players who had just swept aside the top seed in the Eastern Conference of the NHL. There was satisfaction on Vinik's face, and joy, but still he kept his distance, his hands jammed deep into the pockets of his tan pants. He did not glad-hand, and he did not slap shoulders, and he did not high-five.
Vinik, the owner of the Lightning, the man who allowed the rebirth of a franchise, merely watched.
Oh, and he grinned a lot.
Who knew this team could win so much so soon? Even now, even when the Lightning has kicked the door open to the Eastern Conference final, you can debate whether the more impressive part of its run is the height it has reached or the speed with which it has done it.
Either way, it was Vinik who manufactured it. It was Vinik who rescued the team from Cowboy Oren and Cowboy Len, and it was Vinik who chased Steve Yzerman until he got him as general manager and Vinik who chased Tod Leiweke until he got him as CEO. And then Vinik did something every Lightning fan will appreciate: He stepped out of the way.
Which begs the question:
Can a team owner be rookie of the year?
For this team, for this town, Vinik has been the perfect owner. He has been interested without being intrusive. He has been supportive without getting in the way. He has hired smart people, and he has let them work.
Three times, maybe four, he has made his way to the locker room. Yet he watched all 82 regular-season games, including 55 in person. He has made it to every playoff game. He's enough of a hockey junkie that he stays up late, every night, to watch other teams play.
"What's more fun?'' asks Vinik.
With that kind of passion, you might think — fear — that an owner would proclaim himself one of the boys and his team one of his toys. Not Vinik.
"Players play, coaches coach, managers manage and owners own," Vinik said. "I keep my distance, because they don't need to see me every day. They know how much I care.
"I meet with Steve Yzerman every now and then for entertainment value and to find out what's going on. But I let these guys do their jobs. I have full confidence they can do it. They don't need me screwing it up. My job isn't to teach hockey players how to play hockey."
In professional sports, bless the team owner who gets it. If any group of fans knows the value of that, it is Lightning fans, who have seen owners who didn't know hockey (Takashi Okubo), who didn't like hockey (Art Williams), who didn't watch hockey (Bill Davidson) and who seemed to think they were playing fantasy hockey (Oren Koules and Len Barrie). Most of them did nothing. Koules and Barrie did too much.
Here's a dagger to the heart: Take a minute to think of where this team would be if Koules and Barrie still owned it?
It's enough to make you bolt upright in the middle of the night screaming, isn't it?
Now the Lightning is in hockey's final four, it's easy to remember how far a solid plan can take a team. And how fast. Think of Vinik, Yzerman and coach Guy Boucher as a highly effective line.
"I don't know if I imagined being in this position so quickly," Vinik said, "but we want to bring a Stanley Cup here to Tampa Bay. We want to compete at the highest level every year. This is great, but I know we're in terrific hands for the next five, 10 years, if not longer."
So, Jeff, do you plan to lift a Stanley Cup eventually?
"Absolutely," he said. "Hopefully, it will be sooner than eventually."
And are you in shape to manage if it's in a few weeks?
"I'll find a way," he said, grinning.
The season is not over, of course, but it has lasted long enough to consider it a success. That was important for this team and for this community. With each of the past few years, it has been harder to believe in this team. Now that's possible again.
"It's not my team," Vinik said. "It's our team. It's Tampa Bay's team. I'm just one of 20,500 fans in the building and maybe 100,000 more watching on TV.
"I knew when I bought the team that this is a great sports town and these are great hockey fans. They have a history of success, and (the Lightning has) a history of being supported. I think the fans had gone on sabbatical. Hopefully, they're off sabbatical now."
In other words, it is a great time to be Vinik, even with the sore knuckles on his right hand, of course. During the third period of the Game 2 win over Washington, Vinik leapt to his feet and thrust his fists into the air. His right hand struck a low-hanging soffit above him.
Later, when Vinny Lecavalier scored the winner in overtime, Vinik leapt again.
This time, he kept his hands open.
"You always have to learn," he said.
So far, Vinik seems to have every answer. For the only time since Davidson, the team has an owner of whom it can be proud. Put it this way: If owning a sports team was an elected position, wouldn't you vote for Vinik? Wouldn't you think he would win by a landslide?
The present is a thrill ride, and the future is a grand promise, and the Lightning has a heartbeat again. Vinik peeks into the future and sees packed houses and packed trophy cases.
Not a bad campaign promise, is it?
Times staff
Thursday, May 5, 2011
David Price came within one out of a complete game as the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 Thursday at Tropicana Field.
Price (4-3) struck out 10 while allowing one unearned run on four hits and no walks in 8-2/3 innings. Kyle Farnsworth came on to get the final out.
The Rays took two of three from the Blue Jays heading into a three-game series against the Orioles starting Friday in Baltimore.
Tampa Bay scored all of its runs in the third inning off Toronto starter Kyle Drabek.
Sean Rodriguez doubled to left and scored on John Jaso's double to right. Jaso moved to third on a Sam Fuld flyout and scored on Johnny Damon's infield single. Ben Zobrist reached on a walk and came around to score Tampa Bay's third run on a Matt Joyce sacrifice fly.
