Sports

NHL: Tampa Bay Lightning Winning Streak Extends to 8 with Canucks Win

Published

4 years ago

January 8, 2020

Victor Hedman (#77) and Alex Killorn (#17) celebrate a goal against the Vancouver Canucks at Amalie Arena Tuesday, January 7, 2020. Photo: NHL.

TAMPA BAY, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – In the first home game of 2020, the Lightning returned home with a seven-game win streak under their belt and prepped to host the Vancouver Canucks in hopes to extend their streak. The first period opened up in a mild manner, with both teams trying to find their footing and both goalies making significant saves. It wasn’t until under the final two minutes of the first period that a goal was finally scored. Getting on the board first was Vancouver, thanks to Elias Pettersson.

Heading into the first intermission down 1-0 to the Canucks, the Bolts must have had a motivating pep talk. The second period opened up and in less than five minutes, Hedman found Palat, Palat found Johnson and Johnson found the net for his 10^th goal of the season. Tying up the game fueled the Lightning, and after another five minutes of play in the second period Point set up Stamkos to score his 17^th goal of the season. Vancouver’s Eriksson tied up the game in response to Stamkos’s goal, but it was Alex Killorn’s speedy unassisted goal that ignited the Bolts to floor the gas. The Lightning solidified three goals in under a minute. Verhaeghe took the Bolts to four goals, then Kucherov knocked the score up to 5-2, and with 1:58 left in the second period, Cernak with a slap shot closed the period with a 6-2 lead.

Third period meant three more goals for the Lighting. After the attack the Lightning led against the Canucks goalie in the second, it was clear they got in his head. The Bolts defense and exemplary goalie Vasilevskiy stepped up, holding the Canucks off from any scoring opportunities, creating a lot of frustration for Vancouver, which showed. Brayden Point relentlessly shooting on goal scored top shelf 4:37 into the third period and then it turned into the Verhaeghe show as Carter Verhaeghe got two more goals for the Lightning projecting the score to a 9-2 lead and gifting the audience with his first NHL hat trick. The fans began tossing their hats into the rink in celebration of Verhaeghe’s successful night and career milestone.

The playoff conversation is beginning to sing a different tune for Tampa Bay. Now with an eight-game winning streak the Lightning set their eyes and intentions to make the streak nine as they host the Arizona Coyotes at 7pm Thursday evening.

_________________________________________________

Kasey Hudson is the Sports Associate Editor for Florida National News. | sports@floridanationalnews.com

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Allen and the Cavaliers host Orlando with 1-0 series lead

Published

4 days ago

April 21, 2024

Willie David

Orlando Magic (47-35, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (48-34, fourth in the Eastern Conference)

Cleveland; Monday, 7 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK: LINE Cavaliers -6; over/under is 202.5

EASTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND: Cavaliers lead series 1-0

BOTTOM LINE: The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference first round with a 1-0 lead in the series. The Cavaliers won the last meeting 97-83 on April 20 led by 30 points from Donovan Mitchell, while Paolo Banchero scored 24 points for the Magic.

The Cavaliers are 31-21 in Eastern Conference games. Cleveland is fifth in the Eastern Conference at limiting opponent scoring, giving up only 110.2 points while holding opponents to 46.3% shooting.

The Magic are 32-20 in conference matchups. Orlando has a 6-9 record in one-possession games.

The Cavaliers are shooting 47.9% from the field this season, 0.5 percentage points higher than the 47.4% the Magic allow to opponents. The Magic are shooting 47.6% from the field, 1.3% higher than the 46.3% the Cavaliers’ opponents have shot this season

TOP PERFORMERS: Jarrett Allen is averaging 16.5 points and 10.5 rebounds for the Cavaliers. Max Strus is averaging 2.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Orlando Magic's Paolo Banchero (5) shoots a 3-point basket over Cleveland Cavaliers' Georges Niang (20) during the second half in Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Nick Cammett)

Magic can’t overcome miserable shooting performance in Game 1 playoff loss to Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell (45) celebrates an offensive foul against the Orlando Magic during the second half in Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Nick Cammett)

Donovan Mitchell scores 30, Cavaliers open playoffs with tough-minded 97-83 win in Game 1 over Magic

FILE - Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, left, drives to the basket as center Jarrett Allen (31) looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic, Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. Game 1 of the Cavaliers playoffs series against the Orlando Magic starts Saturday, April 20. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)

Cavaliers feel better prepared for playoff stage after ’23 flop, face Magic in first-round series

Banchero is scoring 22.6 points per game and averaging 6.9 rebounds for the Magic. Jalen Suggs is averaging 1.7 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Cavaliers: 5-5, averaging 110.9 points, 40.4 rebounds, 28.3 assists, 8.7 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 48.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.6 points per game.

Magic: 5-5, averaging 108.1 points, 40.6 rebounds, 23.9 assists, 8.7 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.6 points.

INJURIES: Cavaliers: Ty Jerome: out (ankle), Dean Wade: day to day (knee), Craig Porter Jr.: day to day (ankle).

Magic: None listed.

Sports

Win the Ultimate Big Race Weekend Experience in Miami with Brightline

Published

1 week ago

April 17, 2024

FNN NEWS

MIAMI (April 17, 2024) – Rev up your engines race fans, we’re putting you in pole position for a chance to win a turbocharged weekend to the Big Race! Brightline, in partnership with F1® Experiences, presents the Ultimate Big Race Weekend Experience – an action-packed package starting Thursday, May 2 through Sunday, May 5, that includes exclusive access to the Big Race and transportation to the event.

HOW TO ENTER

On Wednesday, April 17, it’s “Lights Out” to enter Brightline’s sweepstakes for a chance to win. Here’s how:

Follow @GoBrightline and @F1Experiences on Instagram.
Like Brightline’s sweepstakes post in collaboration with F1® Experiences.
Head to the link in our bio and sign up to subscribe to Brightline’s newsletter*.
Comment on Brightline’s sweepstakes post to confirm you have submitted your entry.

The deadline for entries is Monday, April 29, 2024. The winner will be announced on Brightline’s Instagram page on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

PRIZE PACKAGE

The Ultimate Big Race Weekend Experience includes admission for two to F1® Experiences Live: Turn 18 package, which grants access during all four days. Kick off the Big Race weekend with F1® Experiences Live, an invitation-only event on Thursday evening. This exclusive interactive event grants you access to watch your favorite Team practice pit stops and prepare cars for the race. Enjoy a guided track tour, special guest appearances from the world of motorsports, a championship trophy photo op, and complimentary street food and beverages. From Friday to Sunday, enjoy grandstand seating outside Turn 18 with a prime view as the cars race toward the Finish Line along the Stadium. View the track map here.

The winner will also receive two roundtrip Brightline rides for travel to and from the event from Friday through Sunday. Hassle-free transportation to and from the Big Race will be provided on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Brightline Aventura Station. For more information about Brightline and its service during race weekend, visit gobrightline.com/events/specialty-trains/the-big-race.

THE BIG RACE WEEKEND ACTIVATIONS AT BRIGHTLINE

Throughout race weekend, Brightline’s Aventura station will have special tastings and food pairings, offer guests race day swag, and more. For those traveling out of MiamiCentral, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, a specialty race day cocktail will be available at Brightline’s signature Mary Mary bar. Guests who book PREMIUM can also indulge in complimentary food and beverages including select cocktails and alcoholic beverages available in the PREMIUM lounge and onboard.

*By subscribing to Brightline’s email database, you consent to share your email address with F1® Experiences for marketing purposes related to the Big Race. If you would like to opt out of receiving emails from F1® Experiences, please unsubscribe directly using the unsubscribe link provided in their emails. Do not enter this sweepstakes if you do not consent. Terms and Conditions apply.

Sports

CARBAHN PEREGRINE RACING POWERS THROUGH SEBRING TRIALS, EYES REDEMPTION AT LAGUNA SECA

Published

1 month ago

March 19, 2024

FNN SPORTS

Sebring, Florida. (March 18, 2024) — Following an intense showdown at the Sebring International Raceway, CarBahn Peregrine Racing experienced another rollercoaster of emotions in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Alan Jay Automotive Network 120 race.

Starting from the 4th row after a strong qualifying performance that landed them in 8th place, the No. 39 Accel / Menlo BMW M4 GT4, driven by Sean McAlister and Jeff Westphal, showcased resilience and strategy throughout the race. With clean runs and impeccable pit stops, the team steadily climbed up the ranks, making their way to 4th place with only 2 laps remaining.

However, as the race entered its crucial final moments, the team faced a devastating setback. An ill-timed maneuver by the No. 69 Motorsports In Action McLaren Artura GT4, which incurred a subsequent penalty, saw it aggressively attempt to overtake Westphal’s No. 39 CarBahn Motorsports BMW M4 GT4 at Turn 3. This contact caused the No. 39 to spin out, dashing the team’s hopes of reaching the podium and resulting in a disappointing 9th place finish.

Despite the disappointment, Jeff Westphal’s stellar performance shone through with the second-best sector 1 time and the fastest time for sector 3, securing the team’s runner up spot in the ideal lap chart.

Looking ahead, CarBahn Peregrine Racing remains undeterred as they prepare for their next challenge. On May 11, the team will embark on a two-hour battle at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, eager to bounce back and reclaim their position at the forefront of the competition.

Jeff Westphal – driver of the No. 39 Accel / Menlo BMW M4 GT4

“A tough ending to an otherwise extremely positive day for the No. 39 Carbahn Peregrine Racing BMW M4. We had great pace on a single lap in the heat of the Florida sun, as well as a good long run average.

However some over zealous decisions by many of our competitors found our rear bumper in multiple ways and angles, one of which took me out of a fight for 2nd. I was able to get moving again in P10 and make it back up to P9 by the checkered, but a disappointment as a podium was within reach.

I would like to highlight the incredible job done by my team, and team mate this past weekend. We were firing on all cylinders as a group!”

Sean McAlister – driver of the No. 39 Accel / Menlo BMW M4 GT4

“Sebring was a tough one. We struggled with an unfavorable balance of power for the weekend which gave us more weight and less power compared to Daytona, while most of the other manufacturers got weight reduced and power increased. I did what I could in qualifying to put us in P8 to start the race.

The team gave Jeff and I an amazing race car to drive in order to be consistent, as that would be our only chances at doing well in the race. I was able to move the car up through the field a few positions while on track. After I handed it off to Jeff, he also did a great job moving the car through the field but unfortunately we got spun by a low percentage move while battling for a podium position with only a few laps to go, resulting in us finishing 9th.

Even though it wasn’t the result we wanted, it was important to get some points on the board for the championship. Can’t wait for Laguna Seca in a few weeks!”

Sameer Gandhi – team co-owner

“While Sebring brought moments of disappointment, it also showcased the incredible determination and skill of our drivers, Sean McAlister and Jeff Westphal. Despite facing setbacks beyond their control, they demonstrated unwavering commitment and resilience, pushing the No. 39 Accel / Menlo BMW M4 GT4 to its limits.

We acknowledge the outstanding effort put forth by every member of our team, from the drivers to the crew, whose dedication and hard work are the backbone of our success.

As we look forward to the upcoming race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, we remain focused and determined to bounce back stronger than ever. Our sights are set on reclaiming our position at the forefront of the competition, and I have full confidence in the ability of our team to rise to the challenge.”