NY Knickerbockers Keeping Pace in East

 Hello there NY Knick fans, I am coming to you live from the road again in Port Washington, Long Island where down by the water we’ve got ourselves a nasty, precipitation filled day as we brace for the ice storm predicted to hit this evening.   Coming into tonight’s game the Knicks are currently in sole possession of the 7th spot as the playoff push is heating up and they sit just under .500 at 13-15. But as we’ve learned in the East over the past few seasons a .500 record is all it takes to squeak into the playoffs! Tonight they get set to take on the 11-15 Atlanta Hawks who are losers of their last 3.  The Knicks will be without one of their big men Mitchell Robinson over the next 4 to 6 weeks as he is dealing with a fractured left hand he suffered in a Win  against the WiZards over the weekend. In order to fill the void left by Mitchell Robinsons injury, the Knicks will have to keep relying heavily on Julius Randle   who is in the midst of an all star campaign, as well as stellar play from the youngster Obi Toppin.  One of the more  interesting moves the Knicks made was bringing back veteran D Rose, who was a Knick 2 years ago and also is no stranger to coach Thibs system as they are familiar with eachother and their tendencies from their time in Minnesota as well as Chicago together. Matchups to watch this evening are D Rose and Trey Young, Julius Randle and John Collins, as well as the youngsters in Obi Toppin and Cam Reddish! 

In other Knicks related news, we’ve heard rumblings of possibly acquiring the likes of Bradley Beal (Washington) although he says Washington is where his heart is, Victor Oladipo (Houston) or Zach LaVine (Chicago). But as for now this is pure speculation, but is interesting none the less to monitor and determine whether the Knicks will give up assets of the future whether they be players or draft picks just to make a little noise in the NBA playoffs this year. But let’s face it, this team is a number of moves away from being a serious contender, which is why giving up future assets at this point would be nothing short of Ludicrous. 

You can catch tonight’s action on MSG at 7:30 pm et with Walt Clyde Frazier and Mike Breen, with the Knicks Pre-Game show @ 7pm et! 

Go Knicks Go Knicks Go Knicks GOOOOOO !!!!!!

This is Tommy Buckley signing off our hoops segment of Buckley knows best!! @NYK

Islanders look to make it 3 straight

 Hello NY Islander faithful, I am coming to you  live from the road on this wintery Thursday in February on Long Island.  Islanders have tallied two in a row as they look to build off of that as they get set to take on the Pittsburgh Penguins this evening. The Isles sitting at 5-4-2 are just inside the playoff picture as the Penguins are in a similar boat sitting at 5-5-1.  The Islanders got key scoring from some unexpected places on Monday evening as they took on the Rangers at MSG. It was the identity line coming up big as Czekas and Martin accounted for the scoring.  Due to unforeseen events in this case Covid-19 Pittsburgh hasn’t played since last week when they also met the Islanders, which was a victory as Anders Lee netted the game winner in a 4-3 a Islander victory!  Players to watch this evening are Matt Barzal, Jordan Euberle, Jake Guentzel, Anders Lee and of course the hot goaltender Varlamov. On the other side of the ice keep an eye on Sid the Kid Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and  Kris Letang who has been a top tier defender thus far in this early season. Casey Desmith will be in net for the Pens as the youngster hopes to continue to prove himself at the NHL level. You can catch tonight’s action with the Islanders pregame at 6:30 pm et on MSG+ with Shannon Hogan, AJ Maleszco, Brendan Burke, and Butch Gorin. With the puck drop at 7 pm et. 

 Let’s Go Islanders!!!! Go NY, Go NY, GOooo!!!! Bring home another big 2 points tonight! Yes! Yes! Yes!!!!

Showdown In The Big Apple

 

    Good evening New York hockey fans, Thomas Buckley coming to you from Floral Park, NY with the latest installment of Buckley Knows Best!!  We have a rivalry matchup renewed tonight at MSG, between the New York Islanders and the New York Rangers.  Coming into tonight's action the New York Islanders and New York Rangers are both sitting towards the bottom of the now called East division as they both hope to right the ship in hopes of a potential playoff appearance in this modified 56 games schedule, both teams clearly have their work cut out for them as only the top 4 teams per division are eligible to qualify for the postseason.  

    These 2 teams are no stranger to each other, and just because they share a city, does not mean there is any love loss between the 2 storied franchises.  Coming into tonight's matchup these 2 teams have split the 2 decisions they have played on this young season.   While the Islanders are the veteran group who made an appearance in the ECF last year seem to need a stutter step as they come out of the gate this year.  After a short win streak to start the year they have put together multiple losses in a row which is the reasoning behind their current spot in the East division, (6th place).  While the Rangers on the other hand are still wrapping up rebuild mode as they try to get their top draft picks acts together to see what this young team is really capable of.  As the days go on, the pressure mounts more and more to complete the development of the Rangers' young stars in the likes of LaFreniere, Kakko, Miller, and goaltender Shasterkin.  

    Some key matchups to keep an eye on this evening in New York City are Matt Barzal (NYI) and Mika Zebanijad (NYR).  Both are relied on heavily to generate scoring offense and that is exactly what both teams will look for out of their key goal scorers this evening.  

    As for some other Islanders who will be depended on to provide a spark this evening, keep your eyes on Anders Lee

who the Isles will look to to provide a spark on this cold evening in the big apple.   

    As Semien Varlamov mans the net tonight, the Islanders will look for yet another gritty and shutdown performance as Varlomov carries a (4-2) record into tonight's action, providing one of the few bright spots on a sluggish Islanders team as of late.  

    The Rangers goaltender this evening is still TBD as no reports have been made official as of yet.  Whoever it is scheduled to start between the pipes will have to be sharp as the Rangers, like the Islanders have some ground to make up if they have any hopes of being apart of the 2021 NHL Playoffs.  

You can catch all of tonights high flying action with your choice of broadcast whether it be Butch Goring, Brendan Burke, Shannon Hogan, and AJ Malesco on MSG+ the home of the Islanders.  Or you can enjoy it all on MSG with Sam Rosen, Joe Micheletti, Don Maloney, and Ansen Carter!! Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 pm et sharp, we will see you there New York Hockey fans!!! 

MLB Off-season Moves

 Hello there MLB fans, it is your favorite sports reporter coming to you live from a snowy Floral Park, NY, bringing you the latest MLB news as we approach Spring Training which begins on February 17th.  Let’s start by breaking down the moves within the Big Apple.  First,  over in Queens, the newly owned New York Mets have opened their wallets in a huge way! Acquiring Francisco Lindor from the Cleveland Indians, along with Cookie Carrasco. Not giving up very much, but hoping to ultimately sign one of the premiere players in the game! The Mets have also signed Catcher, James McCann to a 4 year contract worth up to 40.6 Million dollars. After a potential trade with Kris Bryant seems to have hit skids, the Mets have dealt homegrown once highly touted prospect  in Steven Matz to Toronto in order to free up cap space in hope maybe of signing a bi time arm to go along with Jacob Degrom and Noah Syndergaard.

Now for the news out of the Bronx, where the Yankees have not exactly been in hibernation mode signing 2 arms in Corey Kluber and Jameson Taillon as  both pitchers  are looking to revitalize their careers here as they put on the pinstripes. In other Yankee off-season news they have finally reached an agreement to bring back “The Machine” DJ LeMahieu who has posted MVP caliber numbers over the last 2 seasons. That deal is in the neighborhood of 6 years and 90 million  dollars guaranteed. 

Probably one of the biggest trades in recent years Nolan Arenado moved from Colorado to St . Louis for prospects. The incentive for St. Louis is to clearly add another championship trophy to their case, while Colorado is hoping to shed salaries and have someone take over the obsurd contract they so foolishly  extended Arenado to some years back. 

As for some other notable signings we have Toronto making all kinds of splashes in free agency signing highly soughted after free agent in George Springer to a   6 year deal, Steven Matz and budding shortstop from Oakland in Marcus Semien to a 1 year deal. 

Also we have Kyle Schwarber coming over to the 1 year removed World Series Champs down in DC, and Joc Peterson has set out for greener pastures leaving the Dodgers to fill the bat void that Schwarber has left in the Chicago Cubs roster. 

For all your other free agency and sports news, keep up with my latest installments of Buckley Knows Best! Until next time my friends, yours truly, Thomas Buckley.!.!.!.!.!.!

Superbowl Preview, The Goat Vs. The Firecracker

 

    Hey NFL fans, it's your favorite Sports reporter here with your latest installment of Buckley Knows Best live from New York!  Here is your Superbowl preview and predictions, and oooo is it gonna be a dooozy! On February 7th from Tampa Bay, Florida we should be in store for a real barn burner as probably the most prolific player to ever pout the pads on in Tom Brady will go up against the new young phenom in Patrick Mahomes who has taken the league by storm in his 3 years in the league posting accolades such as 3 AFC title appearances, 1 Superbowl victory, 1 Superbowl MVP, 1 league MVP, and now in his 3rd year set to make another appearance on the big stage that is the Superbowl once again.  Coming into this season there were many questions surrounding Tom Brady's status in the league and which team he would be suiting up for. After the honeymoon in New England came to a screeching halt no later than 72 hours was Mr. Brady signed to a 2 year 50 million dollar deal by the South Florida, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  With a group of solid receivers such as Mike Evans and Chris Godwin and an up and coming premier defense in the making, it seemed like the Bucs were just a solid QB away from being a serious title contender as they certainly had the right man at the helm in Bruce Arians.  Que the Goat, (Tom Brady), at age 43  he not only came to the rescue of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he also brought reinforcements with him in the likes ok former favorite target in New England out of retirement in the ever so colorful Rob Gronkowski.  It didn't stop there, Brady also convinced Head Coach, Bruce Arians as well as management to give the highly controversial Antonio Brown a look, which had some critics shaking their heads, but in the long run, worked out and did nothing but add another weapon to Tom Brady's arsenal down in  Tampa Bay.  Tom Brady is proving exactly what he set out to prove.  He can do it on his own without being under the tutelage of mastermind head coach Bill Bellicheck.  While coach Bill is on the outside looking into the playoffs, Tom Brady is doing what Tom Brady does, and that is winning big games as he strolls into an unfathomable 10th Superbowl Sunday in what has been a ridiculously long and illustrious career.  As for this sports blogger, it's gonna come down to a 3 point victory for the old man and the Tampa Bay Bucs as the score will reflect Bucs 30 Kansas City Chiefs 27.  Buckley up football fanatics, we should be in store for one hell of a Superbowl Sunday!!!!!!! Tune in live to CBS at 6:30 pm ET, for any and all action!!

Big Moves In The Big Apple

        The Brooklyn Nets have now acquired  James Harden from the Houston Rockets, in exchange for multiple players as well as multiple 1st round picks which include multiple draft swaps.  The honeymoon in Houston for James Harden has been over for quite some time now, as Harden has publicly criticized Houston's front office as well as his teammates which was the icing on the cake that officially ended his tenure with the Rockets.   It was rumored that Harden was not showing up to practice and spending time at the Crap tables in Las Vegas as per ESPN reports.  Harden also butted heads with teammates in Houston due to his lack of triumph, leadership, and ego issues he possesses.   While it can be very difficult to trade a superstar of Harden's magnitude there were multiple suitors in play to acquire him.  But in order for a franchise to pull off a monster deal of this caliber, said franchisee must be willing to give up the farm!  And that is exactly what Shaun Marks did.  Harden will be joining the likes of Kevin Durant and the highly controversial Kyrie Irving in a quest for an NBA Championship!  Some would say too many personalities on 1 court could lead to disaster, but time will tell as we watch this strong core developer before our very eyes!

                                                

NHL 2021 Season Puck Drops Wednsday 1/13/2021

                                                 

       

    Hello to all my avid readers out there!! We are back for another installment of Buckley knows Best!!  As I have previously hinted in a past post, I now have your preview of the upcoming NHL Season! According to NHL.com here are your top 10 players heading into the 2021 season. 

    

10. Auston Matthews, C, Toronto Maple Leafs

Matthews set NHL career highs in goals (47), points (80), and power-play points (25) in 70 games last season, increasing his goal and point totals for the second straight season. The center has scored at least 34 goals in each of his first four NHL seasons, and his 158 goals since 2016-17 are second in the NHL behind Alex Ovechkin's 181. Matthews led the Maple Leafs with six points (two goals, four assists) in five games against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the best-of-5 Stanley Cup Qualifiers.

 

"He's a beast and he's only going to get better," NHL Network analyst Ken Daneyko said. "It's going to be interesting to see. He might be at the top of that list one day. … He is fantastic."

9. Victor Hedman, D, Tampa Bay Lightning

Hedman scored 55 points (11 goals, 44 assists) in 66 games last season, third among NHL defensemen behind John Carlson of  Washington Capitals (75 points) and Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators (65 points). He was voted the winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs after he scored 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists) and was plus-13 in 25 games to help the Lightning win the Cup. He finished third in voting for the Norris Trophy as the best defenseman in the NHL, the fourth straight season he was a finalist for the award (he won in 2017-18). Hedman has scored 244 points (56 goals, 188 assists) in 292 games since 2016-17, third among NHL defensemen behind Carlson (250) and Brent Burns of San Jose Sharks (271). His plus-86 rating in that span was second at the position behind Zdeno Chara, who was plus-88 for the Boston Bruins.

 

"If we're only going to have one defenseman in the top 10, it's Victor Hedman," Daneyko said. "… With the skating stride, the mobility, the positioning, he's the best in the National Hockey League. … I don't think there is a comparison, he is the best defenseman in the National Hockey League."

 

8. Alex Ovechkin, LW, Washington Capitals

Ovechkin scored his 700th NHL goal Feb. 22 and is eighth in NHL history (706), two behind Mike Gartner for seventh. His 48 goals last season were tied with David Pastrnak for the NHL lead, and he won the Rocket Richard Trophy for a record ninth time. Ovechkin has scored at least 48 goals in six of the past seven seasons and won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2018 after helping the Capitals win the Stanley Cup for the first time. His 1,278 points are second among active NHL players behind Joe Thornton's 1,509.

 

"Year after year, he doesn't disappoint," Daneyko said. "He continues to get older, but he continues to do what he does best, put the puck in the net. Ovechkin's been as good a goal-scorer as the game has ever seen, all time."

 

 

7. Nikita Kucherov, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning

Kucherov won the Hart Trophy voted as NHL MVP in 2018-19, when he scored 128 points (41 goals, 87 assists), the most in one NHL season since Mario Lemieux scored 161 points and Jaromir Jagr scored 149 for the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1995-96. In 68 games last season, Kucherov scored 85 points (33 goals, 52 assists) and was plus-26 before leading the NHL with 34 points (seven goals, 27 assists) in 25 postseason games to help the Lightning win the Cup. He is second in the NHL with 398 points (153 goals, 245 assists) in 304 games during the past four seasons, behind Connor McDavid's 421. Kucherov is expected to be out for the entire regular season following hip surgery Dec. 29, but Tampa Bay is hopeful he will return for the playoffs.

 

"He's got a little edge to his game, but I love watching him because he's smart," NHL Network analyst E.J. Hradek said. "He's always kind of ahead of the game, he's got great skills and he's always thinking. … Just a terrific player … Nikita Kucherov is a fun player to watch."  Unfortunately, Nikita Kucherov was forced to undergo season-ending hip surgery just a few weeks ago but holds out hope to be back to full strength just in time for a playoff push if Tampa Bay was set to make one.

6. David Pastrnak, RW, Boston Bruins

Pastrnak won the Rocket Richard Trophy for the first time last season when he shared the award with Ovechkin as the NHL goals leaders, and his 95 points (48 goals, 47 assists) in 70 games were tied for third in the NHL with Artemi Panarin. Pastrnak's 20 power-play goals led the NHL, his 10 game-winning goals were tied with Leon Draisaitl for the lead, and his 38 power-play points were third. Pastrnak has increased his goals and points totals in each of the past three seasons, and he has scored at least 34 goals and 70 points in each of the past four. His 49 points (18 goals, 31 assists) in 46 Stanley Cup Playoff games the past three seasons are fourth in the NHL.

 

"He's just getting better and better," Hradek said. "… Great personality, but the high-skill guy can put the puck in the net, no question about that. Blessed to be playing alongside two great players, a great fit with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand. …He's been a terrific player for the Bruins, and for me right now, I'd say he might be a little high at six on this list. But I think he's clearly moving in that direction with his career, maybe next year he could end up being higher."

5. Sidney Crosby, C, Pittsburgh Penguins

Crosby scored 47 points (16 goals, 31 assists) in 41 games last season, missing 28 because of a core muscle injury that required surgery. He scored 100 points (35 goals, 65 assists) in 2018-19, his sixth straight with at least 84 points. Crosby has scored 598 points (224 goals, 374 assists) in 514 games since the start of the 2013-14 season, tied for the NHL lead with Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2016 and 2017, when he helped the Penguins win the Cup in back-to-back seasons. His 107 points (38 goals, 69 assists) in 106 playoff games since 2011-12 leads the NHL.

 

"One of the greats of all time," Daneyko said. "… Just watching on a nightly basis and over the years, that wide base that he keeps the puck just enough away from his defenders. It makes him so tough to cover, all the twists, the turns, all the skill, and everything he has accomplished in his illustrious career. That's something that really stands out to me. You know how these guys are so good at shooting the puck. Nobody does it better than Sidney Crosby."

4. Artemi Panarin, LW, New York Rangers

In his first season with the Rangers, Panarin tied for third in the NHL with 95 points (32 goals, 63 assists). He led the NHL with 71 even-strength points and was first among forwards with a plus-36 rating. Panarin scored at least one point in 54 of 69 games and helped New York earn a berth in the Cup Qualifiers. He was a finalist for the Hart Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award as the most outstanding player in the NHL as voted by members of the NHL Players' Association. He has scored 415 points (148 goals, 267 assists) in 391 games in five NHL seasons and never has scored fewer than 27 goals or 74 points in a season.

 

"Artemi Panarin is someone that's overcome a lot of different things in his career," Hradek said. "… Comes to the New York Rangers and there's a lot of pressure that comes with signing the big contract to come to the big city and being a star player. What does he do? Has a career season, 95 points, 63 assists, he's a plus-36 player. … When he was on the ice, the Rangers were statistically a much better team."

 

 

3. Leon Draisaitl, C, Edmonton Oilers

Draisaitl won the Hart Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award last season when he led the NHL with 110 points (43 goals, 67 assists), an average of 1.55 points per game, and 44 power-play points. He was second with 66 even-strength points and 16 power-play goals, and was first among NHL forwards in average ice time per game (22:37). Draisaitl leads the NHL with 215 points (93 goals, 122 assists) in 153 games the past two seasons, two more than McDavid and Kucherov.

 

"Anytime he wasn't with McDavid or McDavid was out, you saw Leon Draisaitl take his game to another level to be an elite player in this game," Daneyko said. "… A few years ago, we were talking about, 'Can he drive his own line and matures as a player?' Well, forget it. He's a dominant player that can take over a game and did many nights for the Edmonton Oilers."

2. Nathan MacKinnon, C, Colorado Avalanche

MacKinnon was a Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award finalist last season after he was fifth in the NHL with 93 points (35 goals, 58 assists) in 69 games and third with 62 even-strength points. He had 29 multipoint games, scored at least one point in 53 of 69 games, and was plus-13. He ranks third in the NHL the past three seasons with 289 points (115 goals, 174 assists), behind McDavid (321) and Kucherov (313). He was leading the NHL in playoff scoring with 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists) in 15 games when the Avalanche were eliminated by the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Second Round.

 

"We can use any superlative you want," Daneyko said. "One word that stands out is power. Powerful and the quickness … he separates himself from his opponent as good as any player in the National Hockey League. …You've got to love everything about Nathan MacKinnon. …Fun player to watch. He is worth the price of admission every night."

 

1. Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers

McDavid finished second in the NHL with 97 points (34 goals, 63 assists) last season. A two-time Ted Lindsay Award winner (2017, 2018), he was on pace for his fourth straight 100-point season before last season was paused on March 12. Despite missing 37 games with an injury as a rookie in 2015-16, McDavid leads the NHL in points in his five seasons with 469 (162 goals, 307 assists) in 351 games, four more than Kane in 46 fewer games.

 

"Speed, hands and mind, all in unison collectively, he's the best we've ever seen," Daneyko said. "… We've never seen a guy with quite the tools that Connor McDavid has. The fastest guy I've ever seen. But to be able to do it with his hands and his mind makes him almost impossible to stop for a defenseman when he gets a full head of steam. … As far as skillset and the things we've seen from him so far early in his career, we've seen nothing like it ever."

    As for the local teams, The New York Rangers are in an interesting situation, coming off a 1st round exit in last year's postseason at the hands of Carolina.  Finding themselves in an interesting position, one of transition but also one of success where they could hang with almost everyone across the league.  They will be adding from what is being reported, transitional, generational talent in the #1 overall pick in Alexis LaFrenier.  But with still a young core the Blueshirts may be a year or so away from achieving big time success with this group.  

Coming into the 2021-2022 season the New York Islanders will be playing with a chip on their shoulders after pushing the eventual Stanley Cup Champions (Tampa Bay Lightning) to a 6th game in the Eastern Conference Finals of last year.  After remaining pretty much dormant in this past offseason the Islanders seem to be content with what they have going forward with Barry Trotz and his mastermind system he incorporates on all of his teams.  It is, however, worth noting, the Islanders after a long back and forth with star player Matthew Barzal, has resigned with the team as of yesterday on a deal that will go for 3 years and 21 million dollars once all is said and done.    

Coming into this NHL season due to covid restrictions Gary Bettman (NHL COMMISSIONER) was forced to configure a Division re-alignment to eliminate some of the travel distances across the country to help prevent the likely spread of the well known Covid-19 Coronavirus. 

The shake-up of the Metropolitan now referred to as the East division, which both our local teams belong to has endured a bit of a makeover. While the top 4 teams per division will be guaranteed playoff spots, it is almost critical teams get off to hot starts due to the revamped 56 game schedule as opposed to the typical 82 game array due to Covid.  The Metropolitan division will now be joined by the Boston Bruins, the Buffalo Sabres, while the Carolina Hurricanes, as well as the Columbus Blue Jackets, are sent packing over to the Central division in order to reside in a division that would require less travel for away games to again, help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. 

These days nothing is what it used to be, and we are still trying to figure out what exactly the new normal is.  But one thing is for sure, we are in store for an unorthodox, exciting upcoming NHL season, and if nothing else, sports are a great distraction to the rocky shape the landscape of our current world is in.