By “Nunnie” Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
The Florida Panthers are on a mission: to win the Stanley Cup, the NHL’s version of the Super Bowl. And soundly defeating the Edmonton Oilers 3-0 on Saturday night at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise bodes well for a team that has proven through out the playoffs to be the most dominant, versatile in professional hockey. Winning game one in a series puts them in an enviable position, pragmatically and psychologically. As with the Rangers series, though they lost games two and three in thrilling overtimes, turning the series around was made easier because they won the first game. Coming back from a 2-1 deficit is psychologically plausible . Many pundits felt that the Panthers were outplayed by the Oilers, and it was only the play of goalie Sergei Bobrovsky that saved the day. However, the same could be said of the prior losses to the Rangers. On Monday night the Panthers took control of the series with a resounding 3-1 victory over the Oilers after trailing 1-0 early in game. Heading to Edmonton for the next 2 games provides well-earned confidence. Go Cats!!
U Conn’s Dan Hurley declined the Los Angeles Lakers’ 5 year, $70 million offer to become their head coach, deciding to remain with the Huskies with hopes of winning a third straight NCAA championship. He has developed a solid program and next year’s team is primed to repeat. Aware that the standard in college basketball isn’t a 3-peat but UCLA and legendary coach John Wooden, it is equally plausible that he recognized that his style of coaching and personality may not jell with rich professionals. Based on his options, there was no bad choice.
Caitlin Clark’s magnetism has ignited a firestorm in women’s basketball. When the USA Olympic team was publicized sans Ms. Clark, myriad fans were upset, angry and disappointed. If you’re on the side where selecting the 12 best players and winning gold are paramount, then you’re okay with her being excluded. On the contrary, if you believe that growing the game and all the attention, i. e., revenue, new fans, national recognition, increased attendance, and advertising that Caitlin has brought to the game, then you’re probably highly irritated and angry. Whatever your position, the Olympics, women’s basketball and Caitlin will be fine.
The great Chet Walker, 2 time Bradley University All-American, NBA champion with the 1967 Philadelphia 76ers and HOF inductee, died at the age of 84. A Mississippi native, he spent several productive years with the Chicago Bulls, becoming an icon in the city pre Michael Jordan.