Author Archives: Anoop Uppal

Jets VS. Stars a game 4 preview

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(Photo: Global news, NHL)

The Dallas Stars take control of there second round match up with a 5-2 victory in game 3 taking a 2-1 lead in the series in there best of seven match up. The win from the Stars was fueled by a massive 3rd period in which Dallas scored 3 goals and 2 in quick fashion Goals coming from Mikko Rantanen and Alexander Petrovic. Petrovic’s third goal which was the eventual game winner sparked controversy as he appeared to kick the puck in the net. After a lengthy review the NHL determined that Petrovic did kick the puck but the Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck put the puck into his own net. Heres a clip of the goal https://x.com/GinoHard_/status/1921698828392010195

Rantanen took home the first star of the game as he had 1 goal and 2 assists on the night giving him 3 points for the game. Giving him 18 points and 9 goals in his 10 playoff games played this year. Roope Hintz and star defence man Tomas Harley each also had a goal and an assist as well. Jake Oettinger made 23 saves on 25 shots, anchoring the Stars defence. 

Despite entering the 3rd period with the game tied the Jets couldn’t get anything going in the 3rd. The Jets have yet to pick up a road win these playoffs which is shocking because this is the team that won the Presidents Trophy. Looking a head to game 4 on Tuesday in Dallas the Jets face a must win on the road. Historically teams that take a 2-1 series lead usually go on and win that series and teams that take a 3-1 lead history usually sees the team with that type of lead go through to the next round. The Jets need to figure out there road play ASAP. 

On the other hand the Stars will try to capitalise on the Jets woeful road play and there strong home crowd to take a 3-1 series lead. With Rantanen playing the way he is he can single handedly change the Jets season in an instant. To be fair he is the reason Dallas has won game 1 and 3 against Winnipeg. As the series moves forward the keys for the Jets have to be to regain composure forget about that controversial goal and play the hockey that made you guys Presidents Trophy winners. For the Stars keep playing aggressive and feed off that amazing home crowd in Dallas its one of the hardest arenas to play in the NHL for a reason. Game 4 will be a very tightly contested game so buckle up.  

Whitecaps draw in comeback

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(Photo: Los Angles Times, MLS)

In week 12 of the 2025 MLS season the Vancouver Whitecaps and LAFC fought too a 2-2 draw in BC Place on Sunday night. The game showed the never give up attitude of the Whitecaps who overcame a 2-0 deficit. Huge comeback that sees the Whitecaps gain a valuable point which helps them stay a top of the Western Conference standings. 

The game started with LAFC taking an early lead in the first half Marky Delgado scoring the first goal and Denis Bouanga converting a penalty in the 19th minute. Vancouver was shook and fans were in shock. The visitors seemed to have taken control of the game but the Whitecaps had other plans. 

Striker Brian White took control and spearheaded a Whitecaps comeback scoring two goals to level the score. The first goal came off a header with a great cross from Sebastian Berhalter who also has been playing great the son of former USMNT coach Greg Berhalter. The second goal was set up by CMNT player Ali Ahmed with him getting a head on the ball in the box which found White for the equalizer. The game was not done yet though as LAFC still had some push back in them. LAFC’s Jeremy Ebobisse got a huge chance in the 90th minute to score a late winner, but Vancouvers goalie Yohei Takaoka saved the game as he got enough of the shot to make the ball go over the net. LAFC even got another chance of the ensuing corner, but Takaoka was up too the challenge making another difficult save. Heres rhe clip of him making the unbelievable save in question. https://x.com/WhitecapsFC/status/1921958556640633015

Takaoka’s heroics did not get him Man of the Match but those honours went to teammate Brain White. The Whitecaps with this draw are still at the summit of the Western Conference with 27 points and are un beaten in there last 11 games in all competition. On the other hand LAFC sits in sixth place in the Western Conference standings with 18 points still good enough to have a playoff spot. 

The Whitecaps look to keep there un beaten run going as they face Austin FC next in there MLS game. Austin FC sit in a play in spot right now so I am predicting a little bit of a faster start from the Whitecaps in there up coming game and a three to one victory in Austin. 

Jays sweep in Seattle

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(Photo: MyNorthwest.com, MLB)

The Toronto Blue Jays completed a sweep of rivals Seattle Mariners this weekend capping off a successful 5-2 road trip where the jays reached back to the .500 mark and they also stopped the 9 series wins in a row Seattle had. In the series opener the Jays took the game 6-3, setting the tone for the weekend. Saturdays game mirrored Fridays, as the Jays also won 6-3 again with the highlight in that game being Bo Bichette’s 2 run homer in the 5th inning. 

The series ended last night as the Jays continued there domination in Seattle with a 9-1 victory in T-Mobile park. George Springer lead the way on Sunday with a 3 run home run moon shot. Down below the Springer Dinger and some stats on Springers action packed year.  https://x.com/Hall_Thomas_/status/1921681528154685764  Addison Barger also picked up his first homer of the season. Eric Lauer picked up the win in this contest delivering 4 2/3 innings of scoreless ball allowing 1 hit and striking out 5. The Blue Jays had 15 hits this game with a whole lotta team contributing from the top of the order to the bottom. Nathan Lukes had a huge game going 3 for 3 and driving in 1 run. Myles Straw also drove in one and former Mariner Jonatan Clase drove in 2 runs. The bottom of the order made up of 5 of the 9 runs and for a Jays team with very inconsistent bats this year if the bottom of the order can get going that is huge.  

Seattles only run came in the third inning from a solo homer coming from Dylan Moore. Mariners starter Bryce Miller struggled in his outing, allowing seven runs on eight hits through 5 innings of work. Miller also had a rough start his time out before that against the athletics in that game giving up 4 runs in 4 innings pitched. 

This sweep marks a huge turnaround for the Jays who had previously lost there mini series in Anaheim after losing the first two, ending the series on a winning effort coming into Seattle .The teams so far these last few games balanced offence and unbelievable pitching and defence were huge factors in sweeping the Mariners. I know it’s a little early ( its never too early)

but the Jays find themselves one game out of a a wildcard spot. The Jays look to carry this momentum into there up coming home series against division rivals Tampa Bay Rays as they keep climbing the American league latter. 

Oilers lose on a buzzer beater

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(Photo: Vegas Hockey Now, NHL)

The Edmonton Oilers suffered a heartbreaking lose 4-3 to the Vegas Golden Knights in their second round matchup on Saturday night. The loss came in crazy fashion as re acquired Golden Knight Reilly Smith got the puck in the slot waited patiently went around Oilers Goalie Stuart Skinner and shot the puck which hit star player Leon Draisaitl’s stick and went into the back of the empty net. Originally fans had thought the shot had hit the post but after a short review by officials the crowd in Rogers Place knew that the game was over. This was one of the latest game winning goals in NHL playoff history.  https://x.com/spittinchiclets/status/1921411387969974630

The Oilers had entered Rogers Place with a lot of confidence of the back to back Victories in Vegas, And it wasn’t gonna stop there as early in this game Correy Perry scores 2 goals to give the Oilers the quick 2-0 lead. The Golden Knights did not panic though as they scored 2 right back in quick fashion to tie the game heading into the 2nd period. The knights would then add a 3rd making it 3-2 heading into the 3rd period, But as we have seen these playoffs you can never count out the Oilers. The Oilers had a shaky start to the 3rd and the game was slowly slipping away from them, but a goal from the captain Connor McDavid at 3:03 of the 3rd period put the Oilers back on even terms with the Knights. 

However the Knights Capitalised on the last play of the game before overtime. A heads up play by William Karlsson who brought the puck into Oilers territory and just through the puck to the middle. As you guys know then Smith scored the winner with .4 left on the clock to make this a series. 

The loss ended a six game win streak for the Oilers in this years playoffs. The Oilers fans though do not seem to be worried and i kind of get it. The way these Oilers just seem to outscore there worries these playoffs it makes sense. The only issue I can find with the Oilers is the man in between the pipes Stuart Skinner is 0-3 these playoffs and with Calvin Pikard being out for game 4 Skinner us going to have to step it up. The Oilers will look to rebound tonight in Edmonton, aiming to regain control of this series and move one step closer too the Western Conference Finals.   

Leafs back to there old ways?

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(Photo: CBC,NHL)

The Toronto Maple Leafs lost last night 2-0 in Sunrise, Florida meaning the Panthers even up this second round contest 2-2. In my article after the Leafs went up 2-0 in the series one of the keys to winning games was goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky had too be much better, and he did exactly that. The 36 year old future Hall Of Famer posted a 21 save shut out. Do not let the low shot count fool you he made some massive saves including some big saves in the 3rd period off of Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies. 

In this game the Leafs came out very undisciplined taking 4 minor penalties in the first period. This star studded Panthers team had to take advantage of one of these penalties and thats exactly what they did as carter verhaeghe put one in the back of the net too give the Panthers a 1-0 lead. After that the Panthers had countless opportunities but Leafs goalie Jospeh Woll stood on his head the entire game really giving the Leafs a chance to come back in this game. The Leafs how ever did not re pay there goalie as they played a very not good game don’t get me wrong they did have chances but it was no where near enough push back as the Leafs needed. 

Late in the 3rd period Sam Bennet who has been a thorn in the side for Toronto all series scores a beautiful goal to seal the victory for the Panthers. https://x.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1921748066014577081.

This game marks a shift in momentum with the Panthers coming back from 2-0 series deficit. Now all the pressure is back on Toronto going into game 5.  For Toronto too win game 5 they need to address there disciplinary issues they faced this game, and captain Matthews NEEDS to step it up. He has had about 0 offensive production this series and in 9 games played in his career after the first round he has 0 goals. He needs to wake up in order for Toronto to even have a chance in game 5. 

In my opinion i think the series has completely flipped and I just do not see a way in which the Maple Leafs can come back here. Toronto is not a team who plays well under pressure as they have a recent history of blowing leads in the playoffs. Even if Toronto does manage to win game 5 there numbers in closeout games are horrendous and yes they did beat an Ottawa team but even in that game 6 it was shaky, and maybe you can get away with it against an inexperienced team in Ottawa, but playing the defending Stanley Cup champs I don’t think they have it in them.  

 

Jets takeoff delayed

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(Photo: Dallas Morning News, NHL)

The Dallas Stars took care of business in game 1 against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday night. Both teams are coming off a tough round one match up after each series went to a 7th game. Maybe you were expecting a slow physical game due to both teams being a little tired but thats not what we got on Thursday night. The Jets started the scoring off taking the lead 1-0 early on into the 2nd period but what happened throughout the rest of the period was historic. 

Mikko Rantanen after scoring a hatrick in game 7 to propel the Stars to the 2nd round he follows that performance up by scoring a natural hatrick in the first game of round 2 in the second period. Its unbelievable to me how people called this guy a “MacKinnon merchant”, referring to how he wouldn’t be as good as a player he is without Nathan MacKinnon. There was still a lot of game left to be played though, and the Jets did respond with a goal coming from Mark Scheifele late into the second period. It was a nervy third period for the Stars but they managed to get the job done and take game 1 3-2 in Winnipeg and steal home ice in the series for now.  The NHL post on Rantanen’s hatrick  https://x.com/NHL/status/1920326257113280811

The only hero though wasn’t just Mikko Rantanen though another hero was Jake Oettinger. He made 30 out of 32 saves in this win and making 10 saves out of 10 shots in the 3rd period. The Jets are in tough against this Stars team but they are presidents trophy winners for a reason so i have 3 keys for them winning game 2.

1. Contain Mikko Rantanen he has been on a tear and i bet you every time he touches the puck right now he feels like he can score so contain him be physical with him just be as chippy as you can be around him. 

2. You have too play better on the special teams side of things. Dallas capitalised on there power play opportunities and stopped the Jets power play, so for the Jets be better on special teams and if you can do that it also helps on containing Mikko as well which ties into the first key. 

3. Get to the front of the net more Jake ottinger has struggled with controlling rebounds this year this is an achilles heal for a lot of great goalies just like the man across the crease from him in Connor Hellebuyck. More shots at the net, more bodies at the net higher chance for a goal. I think if they follow these steps they have a great shot at evening this series tomorrow night. 

Toronto keeps on going

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(Photo:TSN)

The Maple leafs secured a massive 4-3 victory on home ice against the Florida panthers on Wednesday night at the Scotiabank Arena, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the eastern conference semis. 

The game was a thrilling contest with the Panthers going up 1-0 then going up 2-1 but every time the Panthers pushed the Maple leafs Pushed back eventually the Leafs took a 3-2 the Panthers tied the game but just 17 seconds later Mitch Marner scored the eventual game winner. The Leafs are getting key contributions from the Maxes this playoffs, those being Max Pacioretty and Max Domi both having 2 points each in this massive Maple leafs win. Also another player out of the core four who has been great these playoffs is William Nylander. He has 13 points in 8 playoff games this year which is the most for him in any playoff campaign he has ever had. 

Leafs goalie Joseph Woll had a steady game after stepping in relief in game 1 for starter Anothny Stolarz he played very nicely stopping 26 of 29 shots. Across the ice the same cannot be said for goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. After a rough game 1 things did not change for the Russian goalie as he only managed to save 16 out of 20 shots. Some positives for the Panthers are they are not out of this series just yet and the big boys for the Panthers are scoring so far this series. The negatives though now the Panthers face a must win at home there can be no more mistakes from here on out. 

Some keys for Florida to pick up a win in game 3.

1.Sergei Bobrovsky has to be much sharper and I know this is not a team thing but he’s gotta be better with his positioning in the net and much better with his rebound control. Heres a link too a tweet showing where the goaltender has been beat for every goal he has let in these playoffs. https://x.com/DArm91/status/1920280872424530132

2. The Panthers need to set the tone early now you are in your own barn, lay the        body early and send a message to the leafs that in this building nothing is             

gonna come easy. 

3. Florida has to make a lineup switch. Brad Marchand has to be on the first line. Carter Verhaeghe and Brad Marchand have to switch spots. Marchand has been a thorn in the leafs organisation since 2013 and he might be a little bit older now but he has the experience so if I am Paul Mourice i’m getting Marchand on the first line with Barkov and Reinhart.

Whitecaps look to do the improbable

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(photo:Whitecaps, bcbuisness.ca)

The Whitecaps have had a up and down last couple of years. Now with a new head coach and rumors of the team being moved fans had an uneasy feeling about how this year would go. The Vancouver sports scene needed a break from failure after failure especially after the abysmal season the Canucks put together  this year.

All of a sudden the Whitecaps started there season off hot like scorching hot 4 league games in a row and in between the league games getting too the Concacaf Champions cup quarters. The city was on the bandwagon now and the pressure was just starting for the Whitecaps as in the league they were fine, but no one was looking at the league they were looking forward to the semi final coming up. This was no ordinary Semi Final though this was a final with MLS giants Inter Miami who are captained by the greatest football player of all time Lionel Messi and other former Barcelona legends such as Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets. 

Semi Final time came and went as the Whitecaps destroyed Miami 2-0 at home in front of a record setting 53,837 fans in BC Place, and then a 3-1 thrashing in Miami which gave the Whitecaps a score of 5-1 on aggregate. Fun fact the Whitecaps became the first team ever too beat Lionel Messi in each of there first two meetings against each other. Now its Finals time and the Whitecaps take on a tough team in Cruz Azul.

Vancouver are in tough against this Cruz Azul side. Cruz Azul have won 6 Concacaf Champions Cups in there history so this franchise have become accustom to winning its not just the championship pedigree but the Cruz Azul fans show up its gonna be an Atmosphere like no other in which the Whitecaps players will have to play in for the first time. Heres a clip of the loud Cruz Azul fans  https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mqGccqucNMg.

I think the keys to the game for playing in such a charged atmosphere in Mexico is they have to keep there emotions in check one thing about an atmosphere like that is it can get to your head so keep cool. Key number two is the Whitecaps need to keep the press on. The press is what has made the Whitecaps so good this year so if they can do these two things the Whitecaps can be in very good shape to win the Concacaf Champions Cup.