Hopeless Sports Guy: Recent Episodes
John Ott
This is a Hopeless Sports Guy, I’m your host John Ott. On the show we’ll discuss video games, technology, sports and everything in between. Being from Michigan I’ll profile the Red Wings, Tigers, Pistons and Lions... being a journalist I’ll bring these sports into a league-wide view to discuss the hottest topics. In my spare time I like to practice NBA play-by-play and write show content. I encourage you to listen and discuss about sports and hobbies with me.
It was a busy weekend, and I wanted to let you know my immediate thoughts on the latest happenings. As far as next week, it will be Wild Card baseball. Then to follow that is the upcoming NHL season on Tuesday, OCT 8!
The Sun and Fever meet up in the playoffs as I call a WNBA game for the first time. This result was not surprising, but I'll take you through the league updates as they happen... and roll into the P-B-P especially in the second half! It ended up being a game with a lot of layers to it.
Last week was miserable at 6-9. But the measurables are still 16-13 in the young year. Lets get back on track.
It's hard to believe, but the Tigers have been playing so well that they have put themselves in a position to actually claim an American League Wild Card spot. The Kansas City Royals are trying to avoid the sweep, because they want to stay above the Minnesota Twins in playoff positioning.
Follow along with live scoring updates as they happen! (:
Corbin Burnes is a 4-time all-star and that is exactly why the Orioles went out in 2024 to go get him and try to win the World Series. The Tigers weren't going to make things easy.
It was a 10-4 start to begin the 2024-2025 NFL season. I implore you to take that for what it is. I still do think that this week can be at least an 8-7 type on the winning side, I'm just hoping that some of these teams that played poorly in Week 1 likely still do so early in the season.
The Boston Red Sox need a win badly in order to keep their hopes for postseason play alive. The New York Yankees are still trying to claim the AL East. With not much of the 2024 season left... we should be in for a good matchup between two bitter rivals.
If you want the video details I am referring to than feel free to click on my YouTube link here! https://youtu.be/iam_SOaTJV8?si=IsJBfGNH75JvT2f6
But I will give you my own thoughts and be just as honest here. It's not a purchase for me, but here are all the details that you need to know. I want to here from all of you, what do you think about the price? Is this a must-own product?
Bonus Info: If you want the latest and best reaction to the PlayStation news in general, you should give a follow to Mystic. Ryan Biniecki has been the unofficial father of console news and his video is here. https://youtu.be/QISVSpHhItw?si=_uiMRX8led26FxV3
Sometimes the game can be simple. If you have the players who are capable of winning games, and they come through... it's probably going to result in a victory. Both San Diego and Seattle need victories to keep pace in the Wild Card races across both circuits.
Here is the start of the 2024-25 season of NFL Picks against the spread and an outlook at what the calendar is going to bring on the channel.
The title says it all. And yes, good things happen in 2024 when I cover my favorite team!
It was a potential World Series matchup, and alongside Alec Nava we saw Houston close the doors pretty much against Baltimore.
Eugenio Suarez had a grand slam and a five-RBI night as the Arizona Diamondbacks routed the Boston Red Sox. The final innings was a fun league look-around and MLB talk.
I am so thrilled to be able to bring this game to you and to be joined by Alec Nava as we took in an instant classic. This game stayed close the entire way, we saw what both teams were made of... then we witnessed greatness from the best shooter in the history of the game! Don't miss this one!
It was Tarik Skubal vs. George Kirby in an excellent pitching display and there was a defensive play that had to be seen (or heard) to believe! Alec Nava joined me in progress for this one.
With two good teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers all it takes is one inning for the game to get away. It was a solid pitching matchup between Aaron Nola and Tyler Glasnow.
Nothing more needs to be said. This was the best game in the series and it came down to the very end to see who would win the Stanley Cup!
The Hershey Bears and Coachella Valley Firebirds played a very disciplined and compelling Game 5 on Saturday night in Palm Desert.
There is nothing left to say after the Oilers seemingly have declawed the Panthers. The conversation was good during the intermission between Alec, Cooper and myself... but whatever you choose to believe to happen in this series will now be sorted out for good on Monday. And we will see you then too.
This game was a lot of fun and it ended up being a barnburner with some spectacular plays. Lots of penalties too. (:
This is a series now. If the Edmonton Oilers were able to take a Game 5... it seems like an almost certainty that the Oilers are going to match serve on Friday. Well, part of that thought process is done. This game was jaw-dropping and alongside Alec Nava, Cooper Hopkins, Ian Genge and myself (and despite a crash on the Twitter Spaces side) this was one not to miss!
This was a dominating effort from the Edmonton Oilers and also something that we haven't seen to this point in the series. As of now, it is going to make the contest on Tuesday interesting... but all narratives will have to wait for a few more days.
The Edmonton Oilers had a golden opportunity to win Game 3 against the Florida Panthers and constantly shot themselves in the foot in the process. Is the Stanley Cup Finals (and NBA Finals for that matter) really going to end in a sweep?
Alongside Alec Nava this was a Game 2 that was a complete reversal if what we saw in the opener. Edmonton made some key mistakes, and doing that against Florida... is a quick way to grab some golf clubs. There will also be some questions for Barkov, Draisaitl and Nurse going forward.
The Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers got off to an electric start in Game 1 and the intensity never wavered! Sergei Bobrovsky was a monster in the goal crease, and the Stanley Cup Finals couldn't have gotten off to a better start! Take in the call alongside Alec here!
Alongside Alec Nava and Cooper Hopkins at the end of the show (after my prep lead-in for 35 minutes or so) we headline our predictions to this thrilling series. I'll get you ready with what you need to know with stats and game thoughts... but I want to know who are you taking to lift the Stanley Cup?!
The Edmonton Oilers came up clutch early and the Dallas Stars had their playoff lives on the line!
The Florida Panthers played in another one goal game against the New York Rangers, but this time is for the right to go to the Stanley Cup Finals.
I haven't covered this series since Game 1, and it was good to be back alongside Alec Nava in another contest that came down to the wire. The 3-0 series opener for the Panthers was the outlier. Join us for the thrilling call of Game 5.
Whether it was the "Inside the NBA" crew or not that were asking for the Timberwolves stars to play better, the wish was granted and this series isn't over yet. Here is the Game 4 call. I got lucky with back-to-back excellent games on the hardwood.
Boston yet again came through in the clutch in a very exciting game against Indiana. It was yet another nail-biter and this series didn't disappoint.
The Dallas Stars were expected to even the series up against the Edmonton Oilers... and it ended up being yet another battle.
It's another double overtime instant classic. Edmonton and Dallas provided all of the intrigue in an unexpected epic. The question is now, whether this will be the story in long form.
It's been awhile since I've covered an NBA game. In fact, it's been since the NBA In-Season Tournament with Alec Nava. It's the Pacers and the Celtics in a pretty good opener.
The Edmonton Oilers looked to be in cruise control until they weren't. This All-Canadian series needed seven games. Six of them were decided by one goal.
This game was truly outstanding. Join the trio of John Ott, Alec Nava and Ian Genge for an epic call! The winner awaits the Edmonton Oilers or Vancouver Canucks in the Western Conference Finals!
If you want to find belief that the Dallas Stars can win the Stanley Cup... this game is microcosm of that belief.
The Florida Panthers are a very dangerous team when given multiple opportunities to score. The Boston Bruins were very generous.
If there is ever a contest in which you listen to "Hopeless Sports Guy" please do yourself a favor and check in with the duo out of retirement! (I joke of course) But Cooper Hopkins and I were treated to a contest that had all sorts of intrigue and we also hit on every single prediction for the game in real time. I'm not sure how we keep landing memorable broadcasts, but this was just otherworldly!
The Rangers have the opportunity to take a massive 2-0 lead against the Hurricanes and are one of the most dangerous teams in the league on the powerplay. This game was epic.
The Dallas Stars are trying to get revenge against the Vegas Golden Knights for what happened in the Western Conference Finals last season. Winner gets the Colorado Avalanche.
It was a third-straight game with a 2-1 score line as the series between Toronto and Boston comes to a thrilling conclusion!
The defending Stanley Cup Champion Vegas Golden Knights are up against it as the Dallas Stars have won three-straight games.
Adin Hill comes up with a monster performance.
Will the home team win a game for the first time in this series? This contest between the Golden Knights and the Stars was the best game in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs to date. Join Alec and I on the call.
The Boston Bruins had just two shots in the first period! The Toronto Maple Leafs made some lineup changes, and it was a welcome sight to see.
The Florida Panthers had a chance to eliminate the Tampa Bay Lightning and they dominated the third period to get some quick rest in this shortened series. Winner gets Boston or Toronto.
Coming off a wild 7-6 victory over the Colorado Avalanche... the Jets looked to take a dominating 2-0 series lead. But Colorado wasn't messing around.
P2 Edmonton Oilers (49-27-6, 104 PTS +57 vs. P3 Los Angeles Kings (44-27-11, 99 PTS +41)
HC: Kris Knoblauch vs. Jim Hiller
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Here We Go Again vs. Quick Start
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Line 1 vs. Dominant Top Line/ Solid Backend
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Know Each Other Well (Meeting for a third-straight year!)
Stats on Centerpieces: Connor McDavid (75 GP, 32-100-132 +35); Leon Draisaitl (81 GP, 41-65-106 +26); Zach Hyman (80 GP, 54-23-77 +36); Ryan Nugent-Hopkins 79 GP, 18-49-67 +10); vs. Adrian Kempe (77 GP, 28-47-75 +13); Kevin Fiala (82 GP, 29-44-73); Anze Kopitar (81 GP, 26-44-70 +11); Trevor Moore (82 GP, 31-26-57 +11); Quinton Byfield (80 GP, 20-35-55 +19)
Premium Defense: Evan Bouchard (81 GP, 18-64-82+34); Mattias Ekholm (79 GP, 11-34-45 +44); vs. Drew Doughty (82 GP, 15-35-50 +15); Matt Roy (25 PTS, +21); Mikey Anderson (18 PTS +22);
Did You Even Worry: EDM was 2-9-1 to begin the season lost to SJ. But I think any worries were overblown because McDavid was hurt to start the year.
Los Angeles Can Be Elite: Is middle of the road in goals (254) But third (210) in goals against. 22.6 on the powerplay which is 12th. 84.6 is the second-best penalty kill in the league.
EDM Powerplay Excellence: EDM is fourth at 26.3 and while not breaking records, is still a big problem for the opponent. EDM: PK is 15th at 79.5.
Goaltending: Stuart Skinner (59 GP, 36-16-5, 2.62 GAA, .905 SV, 2 SO); Calvin Pickard (23 GP, 12-7-1, 2.45 GAA, .909 SV, 1 SO) vs. Cam Talbot (53 GP, 27-20-6, 2.50 GAA, .913 SV, 3 SO); David Rittich (24 GP, 13-6-3, 2.15 GAA, .921 SV, 3 SO)
Who wins the series? Give some reasons for both....
Monday, April 22 10 p.m. EST on ESPN2
P1 Vancouver Canucks (50-23-9, 109 PTS +56) vs. CWC1 Nashville Predators (47-30-5, 99 PTS +21)
HC: Rick Tocchet vs. Andrew Burnette
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Breakout Season vs. Steamrolling Late
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Coaches in New Places; Expectations and A Drag Out Series?
Stats on Centerpieces: J.T. Miller (81 GP, 37-66-103 +32); Elias Pettersson 82 GP, (34-55-89 +20); Brock Boeser (81 GP, 40-33-73 +23); Conor Garland (82 GP, 20-27-47 +19) vs. Filip Forsberg (82 GP, 48-46-94 +16); Gustav Nyquist (81 GP, 23-52-75 +7); Ryan O’Reilly (82 GP, 26-43-69 +6)
Premium Defense: Quinn Hughes (82 GP, 17-75-92 +38); Filip Hronek (81 GP, 5-43-48 +33); vs. Roman Josi (23-62-85 +12); Ryan McDonagh (74 GP, 3-29-32 +19);
Styles: A 15-0-2 stretch got Nashville back into the playoffs. Vancouver is a team (28.5, 27th) that doesn’t average a ton of shots. When they get the lead, it’s a shell mentality and expectation that Thatcher Demko can take care of the rest. But, the Predators are a pain to play against and have elite goaltending too.
Weak Specialty Teams? Want 5-on-5 Play?
Vancouver: Is 11th on the man advantage at 22.7%; PK is 17th at 79.1%.
Nashville: PP 16th at 21.6% PK: Tied with TOR for (23rd) 76.9%
Goaltending: Thatcher Demko (51 GP, 35-14-2, 2.45 GAA, .918 SV, 5 SO); Casey DeSmith (29 GP, 12-9-6, 2.89 GAA, .895 SV, 1 SO); vs. Juuse Saros (64 GP, 35-24-3, 2.86 GAA, .906 SV, 3 SO); Kevin Lankinen (24 GP, 11-6-0, 2.82 GAA, .908 SV, 1 SO)
Who wins the series? Give some reasons for both....
Sunday, April 21 10 p.m. EST on ESPN
C2 Winnipeg Jets (52-24-6, 110 PTS +60) vs. Colorado Avalanche (50-25-7, 107 PTS +50)
HC: Rick Bowness vs. Jared Bednar
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Loss to Champs vs. Loss to Kraken
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Top Defense vs. Top Offense
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Anywhere vs. Road Woes
Stats on Centerpieces: Mark Scheifele (74 GP, 25-47-72 +19); Kyle Connor (65 GP, 34-27-61 –6); Nikolaj Ehlers (82 GP, 25-36-61 +27) vs. Nathan MacKinnon (81 GP, 51-89-140 +35); Mikko Rantanen (80 GP, 42-62-105 +19); Jonathan Drouin (79 GP, 19-37-56 +12); Valeri Nichushkin (54 GP, 28-25-53 +5)
Premium Defense: Josh Morrissey (81 GP, 10-59-69 +34); Dylan DeMelo (81 GP, 3-28-31 +45!) vs. Cale Makar (77 GP, 21-69-90 +15); Devon Toews (82 GP, 12-38-50 +28)
Splits: COL Away from Ball Arena 19-16-6! On Home Ice: 31-9-1. WPG: 25-13-3 Away From Canada Life Centre. On Home Ice: 27-11-3. PP COL is fifth at 24.5, PK 12th just outside 80%. Jets: PP 22nd 18.8% PK 21st 77.1%
Best on Best: WPG 199 GA is the best in the league. COL: 302 GF is number one as well.
WPG Swept Series (3-0) and outscored COL (17-4)!
Does Lowry, Namestnikov, Niederreiter, Appleton outplay the COL group of Colton, Trenin, Wood, Parise? Chris MacFarland worked with Joe Sakic to address the depth and the Avalanche want this revenge tour.
Goaltending: Connor Hellebuyck (60 GP, 37-19-4, 2.39 GAA, .921 SV, 5 SO); Laurent Brossoit (23 GP, 15-5-2, 2.00 GAA. .927 SV, 3 SO) vs. Alexandar Georgiev (63 GP, 38-18-5, 3.02 GAA, .897 SV, 2 SO); Justus Annunen (13 GP, 7-4-1, 2.35 GAA, .925 SV, 2 SO)
Concerns in net in this series?
Who wins the series? Give some reasons for both....
Sunday, April 21 7 p.m. EST on ESPN2
Western Conference (New Blood, Intriguing Matchups)
C1 Dallas Stars (52-21-9, 113 PTS +64) vs. PWC2 Vegas Golden Knights (45-29-8, 98 PTS +22)
HC: Peter DeBoer vs. Bruce Cassidy
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Potential Juggernaut vs. Defending Champs
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Supreme Balance vs. Healed Up?
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Heiskanen vs. Any Worries?
Stats on Centerpieces: Jason Robertson (82 GP, 29-51-80 +19); Joe Pavelski (81 GP, 27-40-67 +12); Roope Hintz (79 GP, 30-35-65 +26); Wyatt Johnson (82 GP, 32-33-65 +14); Matt Duchene (80 GP, 25-34-65 +15); Jamie Benn (81 GP, 21-39-60 +8); Tyler Seguin (68 GP, 25-27-52 +10); Mason Marchment (81 GP, 22-31-52 +22) vs. Jonathan Marchessault (82 GP, 42-27-69); Jack Eichel (63 GP, 31-37-68 +4); William Karlsson (70 GP, 30-30-6- +15); Mark Stone (56 GP, 16-37-53); Chandler Stephenson (75 GP, 16-35-51 –9); Ivan Barbashev (82 GP, 19-26-45 +15); Nicolas Roy (70 GP, 13-28-41 +8)
Premium Defense: Miro Heiskanen (71 GP, 9-45-54 +8); Thomas Harley (79 GP, 15-32-47 +28) vs. Shea Theodore (46 GP, 5-36-41 +6); Alex Pietrangelo (64 GP, 4-29-33 –5); Brayden McNabb (82 GP, 4-22-26 +18)
Dallas is Balanced: Sixth on the PP at 24.2 and eighth on the kill at 82.0. It has been that way for a while. GA: 232 Top-8/10. GF 294 (3rd)
Did VGK Even Worry?: Vegas had a 1-6-1 stretch; Vegas wants 5-on-5 play. PP For the Golden Knights is tied with the San Jose Sharks at 21st with 20.2%. PK: 16th, 79.3%.
Goaltending: Jake Oettinger (54 GP, 34-14-4, 2.72 GAA, .905 SV, 3 SO); Scott Wedgewood (32 GP, 16-7-5, 2.85 GAA, .899 SV) vs. Adin Hill (34 GP, 19-11-2, 2.70 GAA, .910 SV, 2 SO); Logan Thompson (46 GP, 25-14-5, 2.70 GAA, .908 SV, 1 SO)
Who wins the series? Give some reasons for both....
Monday, April 22 9:30 p.m. EST on ESPN
A2 Boston Bruins (47-20-15, 109 PTS +43) vs. A3 Toronto Maple Leafs (46-26-10, 102 PTS +40) HC: Jim Montgomery vs. Sheldon Keefe - No Repeat of 2023 vs. Take That to Start - Pasta vs. AM34 - Goaltending Duo vs. The Unknown Stats on Centerpieces: David Pastrnak (82 GP, 47-63-110 +21); Brad Marchand (82 GP, 29-38-67); Charlie Coyle (25-35-60); Pavel Zacha (21-38-59 +12); vs. Auston Matthews (81 GP, 69-38-107 +31); William Nylander (82 GP, 40-58-98); Mitchell Marner (69 GP, 26-59-85 +21); John Tavares (80 GP, 29-36-65) Premium Defense: Charlie McAvoy (74 GP, 12-35-47 +4); Hampus Lindholm (73 GP, 3-23-26 +18) vs. Morgan Rielly (72 GP, 7-51-58 +7); Jake McCabe (73 GP, 8-20-28 +20); T.J. Brodie (78 GP, 1-25-26 +17) Backend Defense Highlights, Who Gets The Best of Their Matchups: Brandon Carlo (76 GP, 4-10-14 +23); vs. Simon Benoit (+7); Connor Timmins (+9); Timothy Liljegren (55 GP, 3-20-23 +3); Spotting a Weakness? Goals aplenty. Powerplay: Boston 22.2% (13th); Toronto 24.0% (7th); Penalty Kill: 82.5 % (7th); 76.9% (23rd) GF: 263 (13th) vs. 298 (1st). Goaltending: Jeremy Swayman (44 GP 25-10-8, 2.53 GAA, .916 SV, 3 SO); Linus Ullmark (40 GP, 22-10-7, 2.58 GAA, .915 SV, 2 SO) vs. Ilya Samsonov (40 GP, 23-7-8, 3.13 GAA, .890 SV, 3 SO); Joseph Woll (25 GP, 12-11-1, 2.93 GAA, .907 SV); Martin Jones (22 GP, 11-8-1, 2.87 GAA, .902 SV, 2 SO) BOS 4-0 in the season series. Who wins the series? Give some reasons for both.... Saturday, April 20 8 p.m. EST on TBS
A1 Florida Panthers (52-24-6, 110 PTS +68) vs. AWC1 Tampa Bay Lightning (45-29-8, 98 PTS +23) HC: Paul Maurice vs. Jon Cooper - Beast in the East vs. Peaking Old Guard - Reinhart vs. Hart Canidate - Sandpaper, Skill, Battle of Florida Stats on Centerpieces: Sam Reinhart (82 GP, 57-37-94 +29); Matthew Tkachuk (80 GP, 26-62-88 +19); Alexsander Barkov (73 GP, 23-57-80 +33); Carter Verhaeghe (76 GP, 34-38-72 +17); vs. Nikita Kucherov (81 GP, 44-100-144 +8); Brayden Point (81 GP, 46-44-90 –16); Steven Stamkos (79 GP, 40-41-81 –21); Brandon Hagel (82 GP, 26-49-75) Premium Defense: Gustav Forsling (79 GP, 10-29-39 +56!); Brandon Montour (66 GP, 8-25-33); Oliver Ekman-Larsson (80 GP, 9-23-32 +10) vs. Victor Hedman (78 GP, 13-63-76 +18); Darren Raddysh (82 GP, 6-27-33); OUT: Mikhail Sergachev (34 GP, 2-17-19 –16) Additions: Stats Since Vladimir Tarasenko (18 GP, 6-7-13 –2); Kyle Okposo (6 GP, 0-0-0 Even) vs. Anthony Duclair (16 GP, 7-6-13 +4) How Does Bottom-6 Fare? Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen, Evan Rodrigues (All 30+ range, High +); vs. Nick Paul, Michael Eyssimont, Tanner Jeannot (54 GP 6-7-13 –10); A Bolt of Energy? Special Teams: Tampa Best PP Marker (28.6%) Fifth PK (83.3); vs. Florida PP: (8th, 23.5%); PK: (6th, 82.5) Goaltending: Sergei Bobrovsky (58 GP, 36-17-4, 2.37 GAA, .915 SV, 6 SO); Anthony Stolarz (27 GP, 16-7-2, 2.03 GAA, .925 SV, 2 SO) vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy (52 GP, 30-20-2, 2.90 GAA, .900 SV, 2 SO); Jonas Johansson (26 GP, 12-7-5, 3.37 GAA, .890 SV, 2 SO) FLA 2-1 Season Series with a 9-2 victory! Who wins the series? Give some reasons for both.... Sunday, April 21 12:30 p.m. EST on ESPN
M2 Carolina Hurricanes (52-23-7, 111 PTS +63) vs. M3 New York Islanders (39-27-16, 94 PTS –17) HC: Rod Brind’Amour vs. Patrick Roy - ECF vs. Repeat of Last Year? - Model of Consistency vs. Dice Roll (16 OTL) Stats on Centerpieces: Sebastian Aho (78 GP, 36-53-89 +34); Seth Jarvis (81 GP, 33-34-63 +23); Martin Necas (77 GP, 24-29-53 –9); Teuvo Teravainen (76 GP, 25-28-53 +15); Andrei Svechnikov (19-33-52 +13) vs. Mathew Barzal (80 GP, 23-57-80 –4); Bo Horvat (80 GP, 33-35-68 –2); Brock Nelson 33-34-67 -6); Kyle Palmieri (29-24-53 –17) Premium Defense: Brady Skiei (80 GP, 13-34-47 +15); Brent Burns (82 GP, 10-33-43 +19); Jaccob Slavin (6-31-37 +21) vs. Noah Dobson (79 GP, 10-60-70 +12); Mike Reilly (58 GP, 6-17-23 +3); Ryan Pullock (57 GP 5-13-18) Adam Pelech (57 GP, 1-15-16) CAR Additions: Jake Guentzel (67 GP, 30-47-77 +25) Since Trade From PIT: 17 GP, 8-17-25 +16; Evgeny Kuznetsov (63 GP, 8-16-24 –11) Since Trade From WSH 20 GP, 2-5-7 Even. NYI Additions: Patrick Roy! (20-12-5) since his tenure. Goaltending: Frederik Anderson (16 GP, Blood Clots, 13-2-0, 1.84 GAA, .932 SV, 3 SO); Pyotr Kochetkov (42 GP, 23-13-4, .911 SV, 4 SO) vs. Ilya Sorokin (55 GP, 24-19-12, 2.99 GAA, .908 SV, 2 SO); Semyon Varlamov (28 GP, 14-8-4, 2.60 GAA, .917 SV, 3 SO) Stark disparity for GF (277 8th vs. 240 23rd) GA: (211 4th vs. 254 18th) Canes: 3.38 per vs. 2.96. PP/PK: Carolina (2nd 26.9%; 1st: 86.4%) Isles: (21st: 19.7%; 32nd: 72.2%) when combined. It’s 114+ vs 91-ish. Yikes. The average is 100% for a standard level of specialty teams. Split Season Series 2-2, Had a 7-Game Series Last Season. Who wins the series? Give some reasons for both.... Saturday, April 20 at 5 p.m. EST on TBS
2024 Stanley Cup Preview
Eastern Conference (Prepare For Beatdowns?)
M1 New York Rangers (55-23-4, 114 PTS +53) vs. MWC2 Washington Capitals (40-31-11, 91 PTS -37)
HC: Peter Laviolette vs. Spencer Carbery
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President’s Trophy Winners vs. -37 Goal Differential
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Revenge On The Mind vs. Opportunistic? Lindgren.
Stats on Centerpieces: Artemi Panarin (82 GP, 49-71-120 +18); Vincent Trocheck (82 GP, 25-52-77 +16); Chris Kreider (82 GP, 39-36-75 +19); Mika Zibanejad (26-46-72 +15) vs. Dylan Strome (82 GP, 27-40-67 –13); Alex Ovechkin (79 GP, 31-34-65 –22); Tom Wilson (74 GP, 18-17-35 –19)
Premium Defense: Adam Fox (72 GP, 17-56-73 +21); Erik Gustafsson (76 GP, 6-25-31 +3); K’Andre Miller (80 GP, 8-22-30 +5); Jacob Trouba (69 GP, 3-19-22 –4) vs. John Carlson (10-42-52 –7); Rasmus Sandin (68 GP, 3-20-23 –13); Out: Nick Jensen, Ethan Bear, Can Iorio, Mcllrath, play on a postseason level?
New York is full of depth; Alex Wennberg isn’t going to have to carry and should be comfortable in the bottom-6. This is also a team that can frustrate defensively, the knock is that they need the powerplay to do the majority of the damage and can be had with 5-on-5 play.
Who else steps up for Washington? Because if the team can’t suppress shots and get a heroic effort from Charlie Lindgren... I can’t see a pathway here. They win low-scoring games 2-0 or get smacked around and drop 7-2 results. This is not a team that wants to push the pace.
New York GF: 282 (6th) Washington GF: 220 (28th) Only CHI, SJ, ANA, SEA was worse!
Goaltending: Igor Shesterkin (55 GP, 36-17-2, 2.58 GAA, .912 SV, 4 SO); Jonathan Quick (27 GP, 18-6-2, 2.62 GAA, .911 SV, 2 SO); vs. Charlie Lindgren (50 GP, 25-16-7, 2.67 GAA, .911 SV, 6 SO); Darcy Kuemper (33 GP, 13-14-3, 3.31 GAA, .890 SV, 1 SO)
Spilt Season Series 2-2. WSH had a 6-0 Shutout!
Who wins the series? Give some reasons for both....
Sunday, April 21 3 p.m. EST on ESPN
It all comes down to this, what a ride it has been for Red Wings fans over the last couple of days! Thank you for all of the support on the YouTube side as well. This has definitely been a rollercoaster ride.
Detroit needed to get at least a point to keep their season alive and try to push for a playoff spot. Heroics and a inside look between the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins. This sets up a critical Tuesday... What is going to happen on Tuesday?
This was a great contest between a couple of the best college hockey programs in the game. Alongside Alec Nava we take you through all of the tension that Saturday had to offer!
It's going to be a monster couple of days with the NHL Playoff Chase and the Frozen Four, so I Alec and I took you through the Red Wings and the Penguins heroics and went through the college hockey landscape!
These two teams have been sliding out of the playoff picture but the second Wild Card in the Eastern Conference is still up for grabs. This was a tilt that had a lot of banter back and forth from me and our YouTube viewers when the game was winding down. The content was pretty good.
The Arizona Diamondbacks made the World Series in 2023 and looked to be in supreme form against the New York Yankees who have been hot to start the new season.
The Michigan State Spartans were going for a fifth victory in six meetings over the Michigan Wolverines after just winning the "Big Ten Tournament" last week. The Wolverines were determined as a spot to the "Frozen Four" was on the line. There were some electric plays in this one and I was happy to be joined by Alec Nava!
The new 2024 MLB campaign has begun and it was a pretty good game between Boston and Seattle!
It's a giant four-point swing game for both Detroit and Washington and the intensity of this contest was palpable.
This was a loaded broadcast as Cooper Hopkins and I take you through a wild game. Alongside a start from youngster Dustin Wolf the Flames looked really locked in. Vegas is fresh off making some moves at the deadline are eyeing a big four-point swing game and want to lock in at least that third spot in the Pacific.
We talk trades, teams, plans and more!
If you had any doubt that the Colorado Avalanche could get back to making a big run in the upcoming 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, you might want to look at this game for reference.
The opening of this broadcast is a special save of the real-time call of my alma mater Oakland Golden Grizzlies making the NCAA Tournament. It was a day of mixed emotions, yes... March makes madness!
There was lot to get to tonight between Calgary and Seattle and Cooper Hopkins joined me to break it all down.
We will have much to also break down next week as CGY will face Colorado and Vegas after the deadline. (At that time, we will discuss the moves made and expect to see a joined cast on Tues or Thurs)
We had some issues with the broadcast truck last night, so I used the audio recorder at the rink to upload for the game story alongside a Facebook Live cast with Jon Stonehouse (for online viewers, through rink Wi-Fi) we did what we could! (:
It was the first time that Miami and Denver crossed paths in the 2023-2024 season and this game turned out to be pretty good on an "Inside The NBA" (NBA on TNT) nightcap.
Both Boston and Seattle need to get going (even though they are both are different ends of the conference and standings) and this game was pretty damn entertaining!
The Calgary Flames were looking to get the first victory over the season against the Edmonton Oilers. This contest was covered by the trio John Ott, (@JohnRyanOtt) Alec Nava (@DatYinzerAlec) and Copper Hopkins (@CooperHopkins
Both Colorado and Detroit are coming off back-to-back wins and the Red Wings haven't beaten the Avalanche since March 18, 2017. This game was electric!
Alec Nava joined me through most of the contest before I finished out the game with Cooper Hopkins. I wasn't as discouraged after the game on Tuesday... as it was "Old Flames" that won the game between the Red Wings and Canucks.
It was a great competitive game until it wasn't. Connor McDavid had a six-point night. It's 603 assists in 615 total games. I will have the whole group with me on Thursday.
This matchup between the Flames and Rangers has some of the fisticuffs and extracurricular play that we have seen over the last several seasons... but this first period performance may be one of the very best I have ever seen and I hope it was reflected in the call. What a duel between Markstrom and Shesterkin.
MSU hasn't won the "Iron D" trophy since the inaugural start of the tournament in 2016. But the Spartans have one of the best hockey programs in school history and a seriously good netminder in Trey Augustine. They are the favorite against Michigan and look to go 3-1-0 in the season series.
This game was physical, fast, frantic and downright nasty at times and I think Alec and I walked into another terrific broadcast and enjoyed calling the game with you.
The Maple Leafs haven't been lighting the world on at Scotiabank Arena with just a 2-6-0 record on home ice in recent games. The Stars are in first place in the Central Division but are playing off a back-to-back. Toronto needs this game, and it got crazy in the end.
The Edmonton Oilers have won 16 games in a row. If they win tonight, it would tie an NHL franchise record of 17-straight with the 1992-1993 Pittsburgh Penguins. The problem is that they are facing the Vegas Golden Knights. Join the trio that takes you through all of the excitement!
The Avalanche and the Rangers are two powerhouse teams that are first in their respective divisions. This game was played much of that same way.
The Red Wings were trying to win their fourth-straight game against the Flyers. Philadelphia is trying to end a three-game losing streak and keep pace in the Metro.
Here it is. My NHL 2023-2024 All Star Selections, My Fan Vote, Team Synopsis, Who to Watch for in the Second Half: - http://tinyurl.com/9xx8cfh2
@JohnRyanOtt
Other Tags:
CauseChaos #GoAvsGo #LGRW #TimeToHunt #Isles #NYR #LetsGoFlyers #SeaKraken #LeafsForever #Canucks #GoJetsGo #VegasBorn #Flames
This ended up being a game that went down to the wire and it was full of up and down moments.
Join @JohnRyanOtt & @CooperHopkins as we call the @MapleLeafs and the @NHLFlames. #LeafsForever have dropped four straight and could treat this game as a must win inside a brutal road trip. The #Flames have won four in a row and are rolling back in the hunt.
The Flames have been playing well lately and they have needed to because all of the teams above them have been winning. I had the nightcap of a full 16-game schedule and was joined by Cooper Hopkins with some postgame and late period thoughts. We will both be covering a full broadcast next week! (:
Opportunistic were the Seattle Kraken against the Washington Capitals on Thursday. Alec Nava joins to combine on the call as we talk about headlines, the league scoreboard and some bonus OT calls!
Both the Los Angeles Kings and the Tampa Bay Lightning need a win. This came was close all the way through, and it only takes a surge to change momentum.
This is it. The 2024 World Junior Championship comes down to the United States and Sweden. This is the entire call and the postgame celebrations.
Sometimes it's not about pressure alone, it's what you do as a group when adversity hits. This game was breathless from puck drop and both Trey Augustine and Niklas Kokko had their work cut out for them in net. Don't miss this one.
Czechia and Canada exchanged goals through the first 40 minutes of play and what happened next was utter elation for one side and devastation for the other.
All of a sudden the United States must find a way to win the game against Czechia... because Slovakia is undefeated in Group B. For the first time in this tournament, two things happened. Heart in your throat moments aplenty.
The host country Sweden hasn't given up a goal in this tournament. Germany is coming off an emotional victory over Finland.
On the first day of the 2024 World Juniors Championship Tournament we take a look at Finland and Canada. This game was a lot closer than it looked!
I don't mean to call every game I do an "Instant Classic" but I've been on such a ridiculous run lately picking games to cover. This one had clutch goals, fights and some crazy moments!
The Edmonton Oilers were riding an eight-game winning streak. Steven Stamkos had other ideas!
There always seems to be a classic game when I am on the call with Cooper Hopkins and this contest between the Flames and Avalanche was something special. Even if you don't root for either of these teams... it should be illegal to miss this game. As always we talked about the latest happenings in the league and around the sports world during the intermission.
The Lakers imposed their will in this game as Anthony Davis put up an historic performance!
After a tough week for everyone in the pool, I'm just a point out of first place after winning the pool during Thanksgiving Week!
The Lakers defense came to play and it carried them through a poor shooting night. The Suns would respond and it came down to the wire.
This was a thrilling contest! The winner heads to Las Vegas in the first ever NBA In-Season Tournament.
This was the best game of the year to date and Cooper Hopkins and I split the call the whole way through alongside plenty of intermission topics. Don't miss this one!
I have been rolling to start the second half and I need to find a floor of 10-6 with all games on the docket this week. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! All streams and ESPN+ (Trying to get a Black Friday Sale) renewal begins next week.
It was a complete game by the Calgary Flames against the best team in the Western Conference.
This was my first NBA assignment for the season and it was the big four of the Clippers alongside the league standard of the Denver Nuggets. It was a great game alongside Alec Nava.
It was the last meeting of the regular season between the Colorado Avalanche and the Seattle Kraken. It was entertaining per usual, join Alec and I on the call.
Two straight marginal winning weeks at 7-6 put me at 61-66 on the season with a standings reset in the second half. Hopefully I can get off to a good start. Here are the picks and the latest on the channel alongside plans for the week!
This game was one of the best in the regular season to date. Join the trio of John Ott, Alec Nava and Cooper Hopkins as we go through the entire game and have some fun!
Join Alec Nava and I as we take an early season look at two of the better teams in the league alongside the Boston Bruins and the Dallas Stars. This game got crazy (and a little weird) in the end!
This was a great game that featured a fantastic pitching performance. Can Texas play its best game of the playoffs?
Merrill Kelly was outstanding and gave the Texas Rangers no quarter in a look to tie the World Series at 1-1.
If this is how the entire 2023 World Series will play out.. then we are all in for a treat!
It's really hard to go 1-11 in a week. Lets try to do better shall we? Here are the picks and a World Series update!
This was an amazing contest between two really good teams! Don't miss this one. It was also a very busy sports day!
The Detroit Red Wings have been on target heading into this contest with a 9-for-18 powerplay and 4.80 goals accounted for per game. The Calgary Flames are trying to end a 5-game road stand on the right note.
It was a game that the Astros had to have... and now all of a sudden we may have a series again. This was an outstanding game with some sparkling defense.
Maybe all that I will ever be each week is 6-7! Oh well... here are a quick edition of the picks anyway!
The Detroit Red Wings have added some solid players and look to be competitive. The New Jersey Devils are a perennial cup favorite. This was a pretty exciting contest.
In just the second night of the 2023-2024 NHL season, we had an extremely thrilling game in the first broadcast year alongside Cooper Hopkins. As you can expect, we had some lively intermission banter and shared more than a few laughs! Join in on this electric contest!
For most teams, it's hard to replicate an effort against a solid team on such an emotional night. The Vegas Golden Knights are not most teams... and the Seattle Kraken found that out quickly.
I'm still hovering around .500 but that is all I'm doing! Here is an NHL 24 update as well as what to look forward to starting on Tuesday!
Alec Nava took care of the heavy lifting as I'm battling a virus. But the audio was clean as Alec takes you through the P-B-P and I handled color. It was a great pitching matchup. Can the Rays finally got away from a recent postseason slump? This Rangers lineup is very deep and talented.
In with the picks on Week 4 are a couple of topics at the end that I wanted to offer an update on. My MLB Wild Card schedule will also be posted on Monday! (:
Going into the contest on Tuesday, Seattle played a strong game behind a great pitching performance. Houston needed a win and has Valdez going on the mound. See my call here.
These are two teams that are fighting to get into the playoffs and this game featured plenty of ebb and flow.
Coming off a 7-8 record in Week 2, I'm still 16-14 on the early season. I'm feeling better about the matchups and some of the games on the slate will be worth watching as multiple teams try to avoid 0-3 starts. It's an early edition the next couple of weeks with weekend plans!
It was a very good 9-5 week to begin the year. BUT, even with some spreads that are very small... I'm counting on a couple of bounce backs from some teams and that could make things a little dicey!
The start of the 2023-2024 NFL Season is here and I'm back to make my picks each week! Near the end of this video are updates on several new video game reviews on the site as well as scheduling plans. Since we don't cover Thursday games in our league (except on Thanksgiving) you didn't have to hear about the Lions!
The Wild Card might be the only ticket into the playoffs for both of these teams, but it was a well played game.
Tampa used a bevy of HR's to top the New York Yankees in an AL East clash before the trade deadline.
The Houston Astros may be lying in wait, but it is probably right where they went to be in the AL West. Yesterday's game was a wild 10-9 win for HOU. Now the Rangers need to keep pace, it came down to the end in back-to-back days.
A great pitching performance from Castillo and Maeda... and then some clutch performances from both teams led to a great game for both Alec and I to call our first MLB game as a duo.
I give my take on the state of pro sports in Michigan. The good news is that some teams are ready to make a move and that there is some hope. But what do you think of the Detroit Lions, Pistons, Red Wings and Tigers and what is your take? Let me know!
This is the show in its entirety that is manufactured in a different light this year. It's based on topics, the official opening of the window and our standings and predictions for the upcoming 2023-2024 season. Listen to the show at your own pace, but we kept the segments moving as timely as possible while throwing in our thoughts for almost every team!
The last time there was an overtime in a Game 7 of a Calder Cup Final... you'd have to move the calendar back to the year 1953! I sure know how to pick my first AHL assignment!
It's always fun to do a Stanley Cup Finals broadcast, the game may have gotten out of hand.... but Cooper Hopkins and I take you through the entire thing!
It was a game that I called a must win and alongside Cooper Hopkins (and thank you to Alec Nava, Ian Genge, Sean Jarrett and Dustin Hall) it was game that carried intrigue for the first time in this series.
Alongside Cooper Hopkins, I take you through the first period. Cooper takes the second period, and both of our intermission conversations were can't miss. Alec Nava and Ian Genge joined me for the backend of the game during the third period and helped finished it off. I thank them for sticking with me the whole way through. Should something happen in terms of a sweep, I may just cherry pick some coverage, if not for a delayed call. It is looking that way.
As far as Game 2, it was very entertaining! But my goodness, it gave me Tampa Bay-Colorado vibes from last season in the finals.
The Stanley Cup Finals are always exciting. Cooper Hopkins joined me for the opener between the Panthers and the Golden Knights and was very tense throughout. Our first intermission was a great discussion of Craig Conroy as GM of the Flames. Don’t miss it. There was a slight audio issue from the third period that will be cleaned up in the next contest, as the Twitter Spaces app crashed, there won't be any interference from speakerphone if needed in Game 2!)
Breaking down everything you need to know between the Florida Panthers and the Vegas Golden Knights. Here are some stats, predictions, personal thoughts and a schedule of the Stanley Cup Finals! One of these teams will lift the best trophy in all of sports for the first time in franchise history!
The Vegas Golden Knights were trying to get to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 2018 in the original "Golden Misfit" inaugural season.
It's becoming a real possibility that the Stars are gaining momentum against the Golden Knights.
Leading into Game 4, with Stars captain Jamie Benn suspended and the injury to Evgenii Dadonov it would have been simple for Dallas to concede this game. Dustin Hall joins me for the third period and beyond as we witness something special.
The Florida Panthers are trying to head back to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1996. The Hurricanes are trying to keep its playoff hopes alive.
The first four games in the respective conference finals have all gone to overtime. This one was no different. Vegas is looking to take a commanding 2-0 series lead. Dallas is looking for answers.
The Florida Panthers took a punch from the Carolina Hurricanes to start, but this team doesn't go away. For the second time in as many games, it is another close game that ends in bedlam.
This was the longest game I have ever called! It was the first time covering the Panthers and Hurricanes in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. If was a four overtime classic!
This was a game that didn't have a ton of scoring, but the pulse-pounding moments rarely subsided. Cooper Hopkins and I take you through the action and give our thoughts on the playoff landscape during intermission. Don't miss this one.
It's a pivotal 2-2 series wing game at an emotional American Airlines Center. Ian Genge hung out with me during the call.
The Dallas Stars aimed to prove that they could dominate the Seattle Kraken just like they did in Game 2. I take you through a solo call.
Cooper Hopkins joins me in Game 3 of the series between the Dallas Stars and the Seattle Kraken. This was the complete reversal against two good teams that can give the confidence that either one of these teams can go pretty deep in a 2023 playoff run.
I take you through a solo call, and Dallas meant business. Will this be the signaling point of the series? Or will Seattle bounce back?
The Seattle Kraken are trying to win its first series in playoff history against the defending Stanley Cup Champions in the Colorado Avalanche. John Ott opens the game (off- double duty with the Waterford Sharks) and Cooper Hopkins closes out the contest. (and saved me big time!) This was a special broadcast in so many ways.
It's the chance for the Maple Leafs to do something for the first time since 2004. The Lightning will have to take three-straight elimination games... but this is a team that knows what it takes.
It was the first time I was able to reconnect with Cooper Hopkins since the start of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Not only will we take you across all eight series during the intermission, we have the main course of a fantastic Game 5, in which someone will take a 3-2 series lead after tonight. Don't miss this one.
It was a wild scene in Seattle and a very entertaining playoff game between the Avalanche and the Kraken!
This was yet another fantastic game between these two rivals... and not only did we have a great time with the call, Don did a great job.
The Vegas Golden Knights look to avoid going down 2-0 in the first round series against the Winnipeg Jets.
A historic marker that I wanted to document from one of the best to do it in Dan Dickerson. (I will delete this if I have to) Nice to see this team have some good at-bats against the San Francisco Giants and Cleveland Guardians.
I sure know how to pick openers in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It's 2023 and its time for postseason play once again. I thank Alec Nava (and Ian) for joining me again. This was an amazing contest.
My Thoughts: EDM has been on an absolute tear since getting Ekholm at the Trade Deadline. I normally don’t read into regular season numbers or wins when it comes to compiling goals like a 7-2 consistently, because we saw what happened to the EDM against COL. But with the injuries to Fiala and Vilardi I’m concerned. LA has been shutting down an offense that averages 3.96 to the 2.10-2.30 range. If they can do that and still score enough without some pieces, it’s a series.
Who wins the series? Give some reasons for both....
Series Opener: Monday April 17, 10 p.m. EST ESPN
My Thoughts: VGK is like SEA with the four-line attack. Is Mark Stone healthy? Can Eichel lead? Which goalie tandem will the Golden Knights use? This may be a shock to some... but I like the Jets. The numbers say what they do, but they are no questions with Connor, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Scheifele and Morrissey. Hellebuyck is legit.
Who wins the series? Give some reasons for both....
Series Opener: Tuesday April 18, 9:30 p.m. EST ESPN2
My Thoughts: Which DAL team will we see? The team against CGY trying to shell last season? Or this dynamic do-everything squad? We know MIN is physical and likes to close off and punish teams. Can they score? This goaltending matchup is amazing. It should be a great, deep series.
Who wins the series? Give some reasons for both....
Series Opener: Monday April 17, 9:30 p.m. EST ESPN2
My Thoughts: This seems to be a matchup that is a heavy advantage for COL. I love the depth scoring and defense that SEA can bring. But I’m very concerned about the goaltending.
Who wins the series? Give some reasons for both....
Series Opener: Tuesday April 18, 10 p.m. EST ESPN
My Thoughts: Is this the best playoff series? What NJ shows up? Is Shesterkin going to dominate? I may go out on a limb.
Who wins the series? Give some reasons for both....
Series Opener: Tuesday April 18, 7 p.m. EST TBS
My Thoughts: How will CAR do without scoring depth? Who scores at all? 2-1, 3-2 Games? Can Sorokin steal games/series?
Who wins the series? Give some reasons for both....
Series Opener: Monday April 17, 7 p.m. EST ESPN 2
My Thoughts: Slay the beast? Are we going to see the holes from TB, defensive issues?
Who wins the series? Give some reasons for both....
Series Opener: Tuesday April 18, 7:30 p.m. EST ESPN
My Thoughts: Historic Team, Any Letdown? Finding Groove?
Who wins the series? Give some reasons for both....
Series Opener: Monday April 17, 7:30 p.m. EST ESPN2
If the Jets get a single point, they will get WC2. The Wild have dominated the season series taking the first three games, it got physical and nasty in the end.
There is only one team who can pick up two points. Whoever doesn't tonight is officially eliminated from playoff contention. Join me. The stakes don't get much higher than this!
The Quinnipiac Bobcats were looking for the first title in program history, but they would have to solve a strong Minnesota Golden Gophers team to do so.
The Quinnipiac Bobcats and Michigan Wolverines were looking for a date against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday. This would be a one-sided celebration or pain depending on who you root for, but it was a game that featured a lot of skill.
If you are looking for something to believe in, or want intrigue on a quiet NHL schedule... the Flames must win this game in regulation to gain ground on the Jets and take the series tie-breaker. If the Jets win, Calgary has its season come to an end. Cooper Hopkins takes you through the first and third periods. John Ott handles the second period while we discuss what looms ahead for the playoff landscape.
This incredible 2023 NCAA MBB Tournament will close tonight. Will it be the Huskies or the Aztecs that take title?
In the nightcap of the Final Four it was now up to the Hurricanes and Huskies to duke it out, to see who goes to the National Championship game against the Aztecs.
It's Opening Day of the 2023 MLB Season. Join the two-man booth of John Ott and Cooper Hopkins as we take you through a good matchup between the Cleveland Guardians and the Seattle Mariners! The new rules made for a much better pace to the game and still kept the excitement. This should be a fun year!
Cooper Hopkins and I broke down everything that this Tuesday night (3-28) had to offer. Not only do you get complete game coverage from both of us.... but you also get live look-ins of the Edmonton Oilers-Vegas Golden Knights and the Winnipeg Jets-San Jose Sharks.
I'm tired! (:
But I can say it was a hell of a lot of fun, and we also talked some baseball prior to Opening Day! If you love hockey and want more of our reactions, this will be the episode for you!
Minnesota is trying to stay out of the play-in game and take the sixth seed for the time being. If Sacramento wins this game tonight, they will make the playoffs for the first time in 16 seasons. Nick Edwards closes the game out with me.
It was the storybook game that many have asked for. Did USA and Japan live up to the hype? You bet!
This ended up being one of those games, but we did get a live look-in in the second intermission that was fun! All things considered though, this was good to have saved for the memory banks because I'm sure it will be a talking point for awhile (even after the NHL 2022-2023 season is over).
With the season series already containing an 11-9 split in goals, it is time for the season finale. Buckle up!
The Calgary Flames are 0-7-1 all-time at T-Mobile Arena. The Vegas Golden Knights have won four-straight games. If the Flames win tonight, not only can they make a statement.... but they can pull within three points of the last Wild Card spot. Cooper Hopkins joined me to take in this game late.
It may be getting closer to the playoffs, but these two teams aren't exactly firing on all cylinders. What will give between Carolina and Winnipeg? Find out here.
The Dallas Stars have been on some kind of goal scoring run lately. They looked to continue that against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena.
This is property of Sportsnet and CBC so if I have to take it down I will. This was a great interview... and a great addition to the broadcast so listen while you can!
The Wild have been closing down games. The Flames need points to keep playoff hopes alive. John Ott takes on the first period, while Cooper Hopkins closes out the game. We went through some big time results in the first period intermission as well as some trades (of deadline day). In the second intermission we discussed some quotes, critical questions and a gaff from ESPN programming.
It's trade deadline eve. Join Cooper Hopkins and I as we take you through the game and the moves. John Ott has the first half call and Cooper Hopkins closes out another nail-biting game.
When you get a battle between inter-conference teams like the Devils and the Avalanche... the potential for something special is tangible. Join Alec Nava and myself as we take you through this wild contest.
This was an excellent game that had some serious highlights in the second half. Morant exploded and the Lakers bench was excellent. A memorable dunk for the 2022-23 season included.
It's the first meeting of the season between the Bruins and the Oilers. Trade acquisitions and milestones in a memorable call.
This was a game coming in that both the Flames and Avalanche needed badly. There were some electric goals and heavyweight bouts. Don't miss this contest as Cooper Hopkins and I take you through it.
This was a giant game for both the Calgary Flames and the Vegas Golden Knights. Plenty of ebb and flow. We take you through the game and include a lively intermission and postgame show per usual!
Coming into the contest the Ottawa Senators are one of only two teams that have beaten Boston Bruins twice this season. Enjoy the matinee contest on an early Monday.
The Rangers are currently riding a seven-game win streak. The Flames need points badly, and are heading into the most difficult part of the schedule to date. The last game on FEB 6 was the best game of the season. Would Round 2 be just as good? In short, yes.
It's the last meeting of the regular season between these two teams. Detroit has been on fire. Calgary is trying to improve playoff positioning. It was a lively call... and a strong intermission discussion per usual.
This game was just as good as another of the other games in the Stanley Cup Finals last season. I'm glad to be on the call with all of you!
Both teams look different since the trade deadline... but this game had provided a lot of positive feedback and a great atmosphere.
It was the first time that Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving were on the floor together. This game was exciting the whole way through!
It's the first time this season that our favorite teams (Cooper: Calgary Flames; John: Detroit Red Wings) get to play head-to-head. Lets have some fun with a spilt broadcast, go around the league with us during intermission and stick around for some bonus hockey a Super Bowl prediction!
The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers played a close game, and alongside Griffin Kass on P-B-P we included the audio from the ceremony.
In a recent stretch of mind-blowing games during this week... here is another one! It would be great to watch these two in the playoffs. Here's hoping!
It is always something when these two teams get together. A game that started off slow... finished with a flourish!
These two teams may be going in opposite directions at the moment... but the game still came down to the wire!
Cooper Hopkins and I witnessed something special that had been talked about for awhile. The game itself was just as good.
Cooper Hopkins joined for the first period of this contest. It was a fun game between Tampa and Seattle. I also think it ended up being a lesson too. Join in.
A big time battle in the Pacific Division. It was a great contest all of the way through.
It has been two teams that are flying up the division standings in opposite sides of the conference. It's also two teams I've never covered this season. I'm equipped with my Matty Beniers jersey on the YouTube feed! It was a fascinating contest. Yes, after recovering from COVID-19... I now have a cold! Listen in.
Detroit Red Wings (16-14-7) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (23-9-7) A classic "Original Six" matchup on "Hockey Night in Canada."
It was a sleepy couple of periods before the contest turned into the summer blockbuster it was in August of last year. If Canada was going to claim back-to-back gold medals at the WJC's they would have to survive a late push from Czechia. Can Canada avenge a preliminary loss and finish off Czechia?
It's the United States vs. Canada for the chance to play in the finals on Thursday! Join us on the call.
It was the Hurricanes who have won 11 games in a row and are riding a 17-game point streak. The Rangers are holding onto the second Wild Card spot. It's the first time these Metropolitan Division rivals meet this season.
Here is everything that has been going on with me. I try to always be an open book within reason, and I want to say thank you. It's been a rough year.... but I want to highlight some of the topics that had made the year great, and sometimes when things go bad.... it's about how you handle situations that let people realize the type of person you really are.
It's a massive game three in Group B action! The United States has to win over a team that is undefeated so far in group play.
Coming off an 11-0 win over Austria on Monday night, Sweden looks to win the first two games of the tournament.
It's a pre-Christmas battle in the Pacific Division between the Flames and Kings that really found its pace throughout. Join Cooper Hopkins and John Ott as we call one more NHL tilt before the end of 2022!
Alec Nava joined me for this exciting "Hockey Night in Canada" contest. He is a walking encyclopedia of hockey knowledge. It was back-and-forth and it was crazy!
On a 6-8 effort last week, I feel better that I can at least flip that number around. What are your thoughts?
It was a Hulu and ESPN+ only tilt. Cooper Hopkins joined me to save my sanity! A one-sided contest... as Florida put Detroit on notice.
It was a game that was a bit all over the place! Cooper Hopkins took control of the third period. Per usual, we had to share a few laughs... and I wouldn't have it any other way!
I was 11-5 last week as the early Thanksgiving schedule was good to me. There are some questionable picks here though I am taking a chance on. You have been warned!
John Ott and Cooper Hopkins take you through the contest. Both teams needed a win and wanted to make a statement.
An "Original Six" matchup between the Maple Leafs and Red Wings. It was a fun contest per usual.
I was 5-8 last week. With the full slate of games this week as Thanksgiving gets underway. We have to pick each game this week and do so early. It's early going to be a big jump forward or a big step back heading into Week 13. Wish me luck!
This was an outstanding game from start to finish. I was too jacked from not being able to call my first semi-pro hockey local assignment and I had to work this game as originally planned. I called this excellent game and Cooper Hopkins and I took in the late game heroics together. It's a must-listen showcase!
It was an 8-5 week as the standings reset for the second half. Hopefully it will be more of the same!
The Flames and Lightning do battle at Amalie Arena. John Ott will take you through the first half of the play-by-play. Cooper Hopkins closes out the contest. Join us and listen to full intermissions with post-game content. It got pretty heated and the assessments stayed honest.
The Islanders look to stay hot and climb the standings in the Metropolitan Division. Live P-B-P and first coverage of both squads. It was a pretty good tilt.
I was a miserable 2-10 last week. Fortunately for me the standings reset to start the second half so I can hopefully begin anew and have some hope to share with all of you.
It's an early season test as the Calgary Flames and Boston Bruins do battle at the TD Garden. Cooper Hopkins takes you through the first and third periods. John Ott handles the second period. Come join the booth with full intermission coverage!
The Hawks aim to give the Bucks its first loss of the season. A drama-filled contest and a show from A.J. Griffin.
For those who don't know the story, I hope you take the time to listen and have a discussion about this.
It was history tonight! A lively cast with a special guest from Twitter Spaces and Cooper Hopkins closes out the contest.
It was a light show at Citizens Bank Park. Thank you to Cooper Hopkins for joining in during the broadcast! We hope to close out the series and call a winner later in the week!
Listen in as John Ott takes you through the first half of the contest. Cooper Hopkins closes out the backend of the game as the Hurricanes and Flames show why they are powerhouses in their respective conferences!
Cooper Hopkins joins me late in the contest... and closes a tense contest with some postgame thoughts.
We spent some time talking and had some fun alongside the call. But I did get the big calls in, if you need to fast forward through the second period. This was an outstanding contest all the way through overtime!
The Calgary trio makes the debut against the defending Stanley Cup Champions. This was a wild game!
No-holds barred complete outlook of the gameplay, features, console breakdown and a history lesson. Listen at your own pace!
Hey everyone, the last of the trio of passion projects are now completed. This is something I like to do at least once a year. Give a “State of the Union Address” on all pro sports in Michigan. Detroit Lions, Pistons, Red Wings and Tigers. Here is the lowdown on the state of the teams with numbers, predictions, thoughts and rants.
What are your thoughts?
Thank you for listening!
Now that the majority of moves have taken place during the 2022 NHL Free Agency, I sat down with Cooper Hopkins to reconnect after our Stanley Cup Playoffs broadcasts to talk about the shape of the upcoming season. We can't wait to catch back up with all of you when the puck drops for the 2022-2023 season!
Hey everyone, with the release of E60: Unrivaled; I wanted to take a deeper dive into the battles between the Colorado Avalanche and the Detroit Red Wings. To do this I have spliced clips from the documentary, added additional stats, newsworthy notes, some personal stories and additional league perspective.
It’s a longer show, so listen at your own pace and take the experience in. I hope everyone enjoys this love affair, it took a while to make... but I couldn’t do something like this without doing it right.
I never ask for people to like and share my content. But if you did in this instance, I would be extremely thankful! Best, - John
Stanley Cup Finals Lightning-Avalanche Game 1 John Ott (P-B-P) and Cooper Hopkins (Color) 6-15-22
EDM-CGY Battle of Alberta Game 1 WC Semis Cooper Hopkins (P-B-P) John Ott (Color) 5-18-22
2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs Breakdown of All Opening Round Series. Offense, Defense, Goaltending. Who wins the series and why?
Breaking down everything in the first-round matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings. Offense, Defense, Goaltending. Who wins and why?
Breaking down everything in the first-round matchup between the Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars. Offense, Defense, Goaltending. Who wins and why?
Breaking down everything in the first-round matchup between the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues. Offense, Defense, Goaltending. Who wins and why?
Breaking down everything in the first-round matchup between the Colorado Avalanche and Nashville Predators. Offense, Defense, Goaltending. Who wins and why?
Breaking down everything in the first-round matchup between the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins. Offense, Defense, Goaltending. Who wins and why?
Breaking down everything in the first-round matchup between the Carolina Hurricanes and Boston Bruins. Offense, Defense, Goaltending. Who wins and why?
Breaking down everything in the first-round matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning. Offense, Defense, Goaltending. Who wins and why?
Breaking down everything in the first-round matchup between the Florida Panthers and Washington Capitals. Offense, Defense, Goaltending. Who wins and why?
Detroit Sports Recap; Aaron Rodgers Counterpoint 1-26-22 I take a deeper look into the numbers and offer another look at the Green Bay Quarterback.
Hello everyone, another podcast here for you with the complete recap of the Detroit Red Wings and the Pistons.
MLB hasn’t reached an agreement with the MLBPA yet, (Rob Manfred I know...) but some of the principles discussed are worth looking over.
Microsoft drops a staggering $68.7 billion (all-cash) acquisition of Activision Blizzard. I think Bobby Kotick’s eyes are even greener with envy.
Come hang out with me and listen.
I’m aiming for a weekly recap show between the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings. Lets discuss the games, look around the league and see what you missed. Check out the first show here. If you have any comments, suggestions and concerns let me know. I want to know what you want to see or hear.
What to expect from PSVR2. My gaming highlights in 2021. The uncomfortable news disasters of 2021 in gaming and sports.
Some MLB news came out this weekend. First locally, Evan Woodbery (mlive.com) got a chance to catch up with Detroit Tigers play-by-play man Dan Dickerson who shared some memories and thoughts on the upcoming 2022 season. Will CBA talks resume? And are you fed up with the lockout yet? Let’s discuss.
This is a Hopeless Sports Guy, I’m your host John Ott. On the show we’ll discuss sports, video games, technology and everything in between. I have to do that being from Michigan because the Red Wings, Tigers, Pistons and Lions all suck. Because of that, and being a journalist, I'll bring these sports topics into a league-wide view, and often time talk about my other hobbies. If that sounds good to you, and you also enjoy written content and NBA play-by-play, come hang out with a Hopeless Sports Guy!
NHL 22 News Announced! (Uploaded RE Village Review, Diablo 2 Beta To Follow) 8-20-21 Show
Closing The NHL Season, NBA Finals, Rachel Nichols and Maria Taylor, MLB Draft, Nintendo Switch OLED Show 7-8-21