A Bad Sports Night...

Not a very good sports night for me, particularly in relation to my predictions with the Stanley Cup Finals series.

The Devils really needed to win that one, and it seemed like they had some wonderful opportunities to do so, and to finally end the undefeated road run in these playoffs by the Los Angeles Kings.The game went into overtime largely because of a goal that was, frankly, a bit of a fluke. I love the Devils, but that was one of the weirdest goals that I have ever seen, bouncing off the shoulder of a King defender, than bounding off the head of Patrick Elias, before beating Jonathan Quick.

That saved the Devils, because they essentially had not mustered so much as a single shot on goal through almost three quarters of the way through that second period. In fact, the Devils were quite thoroughly outplayed  in last night's Game One. It was great to see them get the opportunity to steal a victory, and they still had that opportunity when it went into overtime. But ultimately, the Kings were able to capitalize, and got a well-earned victory. Another one on the road, which pushes their road record in these playoffs to an incredible, perfect 9-0. Undefeated on the road, so far. If the Devils do not manage to end that perfect streak, this series will be over sooner rather than later.

It was frustrating to watch that game last night, simply because it seemed so undeniable that the Kings were, in fact, outplaying New Jersey. It was convincing, too. More than the score suggested.

It made me wonder if my pick was not from the heart, rather than from the head.

Otherwise, the Boston Celtics had a great opportunity - several of them, actually - to grab a win in Miami and head back to Boston with the series tied 1-1. They held a 15 point lead at one point, and looked in control. Even towards the end of the game, they did not give up, they kept on fighting back. Yet, the Heat came up with the answers, time and time again, to their credit.

That the Heat would be up, 2-0, at this point is not all that surprising. After all, despite my strong partiality for the Celtics, I did predict the Heat to win in five. But what was discouraging was that the Celtics really seemed to have this game. Like with the Devils series, I began to wonder if I had not given Boston too little credit, or Miami too much credit. But with that come from behind victory, it is hard to imagine Boston not being a bit discouraged. The Celtics absolutely have to hold serve on their own court, because they cannot afford to go back to Miami down 3-1.

The Spurs and Thunder will resume their series as well, with San Antonio sporting a 2-0 lead in that series, as well. That brings them to 20 consecutive victories, which is truly incredible! They have not lost since, I believe, early April. That is perfect timing, to go on a massive winning streak right at the end of regulation, and then to continue it in the playoffs! If the Spurs managed to win even one game in Oklahoma City, it is hard to imagine them not wrapping up the series shortly thereafter. This is a tough and experienced team, after all. OKC had better start to show some signs of life, and soon. They need to put it together, because San Antonio is the best team that they have had to face thus far. If they do not win the next game, in fact, then the talk will be of them avoiding the sweep, rather than of possibly winning the West and having a shot at the NBA Championship.

One other newsworthy sports event: Roger Federer surpassed Jimmy Connors with his 234th career Grand Slam victory. Just one more brick in the wall of accomplishments that solidifies him as the greatest men's tennis player ever. It's hard to imagine anyone will be able to scale that wall anytime soon, let alone break it down completely. Every time I watch this guy, even though he is now past his prime, there is a distinct feeling that I am watching the best ever at his profession. It is a privilege to have witnessed such an era of dominance. As good as Nadal and Djokovic may be, and as much as they may yet accomplish, it is hard to imagine that either of them will eclipse Federer's massive list of accomplishments and records, that seem destined to stand for a long, long time to come. But it should be noted that number 1 ranked Novak Djokovic has a chance to become only the eight man in history, and the third man in the men's circuit right now, to have achieved the career "Grand Slam", should he manage to win, and he is looking quite strong. It looks like it will be either him or Federer with a chance to beat the King of Clay, Nadal. It's hard to imagine someone else other than one of the big three winning it this year.