Flyers eliminate Penguins in round 1

 The Philadelphia Flyers are advancing into the 2nd round of the playoffs after beating the Pittsburgh Penguins 1-0 in game 6 of their first round series. Cam York scored the game's lone goal in overtime with 2 minutes left to clinch the series for the Flyers. Daniel Vladar had 42 saves in the clinching game. The Flyers won the first 3 games of the series before the Penguins won the next 2. The Flyers will now play the Eastern Conference's best team, the Carolina Hurricanes.

This was a fantastic series. I thought Pittsburgh was dead in the water after those first 3 games. I was impressed by how well they fought back in those 2 games. It was mainly the Flyers mistakes that allowed them to stay alive, but still. Vladar was incredible in the series, and in the clinching game, he was the reason they stayed in it. He is a great goalie to watch, and I am excited to see how he does against the Hurricanes.

Now, the Flyers are playing with house money as they head into North Carolina. Will they pull off the upset? Maybe, but they should be glad to be even in this spot.

Phillies fire manager Rob Thomson

 The Philadelphia Phillies have announced they're firing manager Rob Thomson after 4 years. Thomson led the team to 4 playoff appearances, 2 National League East titles and a National League championship in 2022. Thomson's dismissal comes after a 9-19 start to the season for Philadelphia, worst in the MLB. Legendary player and former Dodgers and Marlins manager Don Mattingly will take over for the Phillies the rest of the way.

As a Phillies fan, I am sad that Thomson is gone, but I understand why they made the change. The team has trotted out the same team the last 2 years and it didn't work either time. Now here they are at the bottom of the league, and they needed to make a change. Should Thomson have been fired? Maybe not, but it's a start. I will remember the good he did for the team, but he didn't really evolve in these 4 years.

The Phillies will look to dig out of this hole and make the playoffs. Probably won't happen, but nothing is impossible.

2026 NFL Mock Draft

 The 2026 NFL Draft is in a few days, so I will do my predictions for the first round. I will only be doing one because I'm not ESPN or NFL Network. The NFL Draft is where NFL teams choose college players to be on their team. This year's draft is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, near the Steelers stadium. Let's get into it.

1. Las Vegas Raiders, Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

This is a no-brainer. Mendoza is the best player in this draft class, bar none, and the Raiders would have to be dumb to pass up on him. 

2. New York Jets, Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

This is where things start to get interesting. Many people say the Jets take David Bailey here, but I just don't see that happening. Reese is an incredible linebacker and a fun player to watch.

3. Arizona Cardinals, David Bailey, LB, Texas Tech

I think Bailey would be better suited in Arizona. The Cardinals defensive coordinator, Nick Rallis, was the Eagles linebacker coach when they went to the Super Bowl in 2022. Bailey had the most sacks in the country last season, and the Cardinals only had 30 sacks last year.

4. Tennessee Titans, Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Love has been projected to go to Tennessee for a while now, and it makes sense. He's an incredible running back, something the Titans haven't had since Derrick Henry.

5. New York Giants, Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Tate was a great receiver in college, and he and Malik Nabers would be a great receiver duo.

6. New Orleans Saints (projected trade with Cleveland Browns) Rueben Bain, Edge, Miami

Browns GM Andrew Berry expressed interest  in trading down in round 1. The Saints need help on defense, specifically at the edge rusher position, with Cam Jordan gone. Bain is the best edge rusher in the draft, regardless of what people say. 

7. Washington Commanders, Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

The Commanders had the league's worst defense last year, giving up over 300 yards a game. Styles is fast, athletic, and hard to stop. Those are some needed things in DC.

8. Cleveland Browns (projected trade with New Orleans Saints), Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

The Browns have a ton of needs, but mostly o-line. Their o-line is banged up, and they need someone to protect whoever their QB will be, although it's likely to be Shedeur Sanders. Mauigoa is probably the best offensive lineman in this draft class. He's 6'6, 315 pounds, and can block very well.

9. Kansas City Chiefs, Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

The Chiefs had a rough year after making 3 straight Super Bowls. They had a terrible defense, and they need help in that secondary for sure. Caleb Downs is the answer. He can do it all.

10. New York Giants (from Cincinnati Bengals) Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Giants got the 10th pick a few days before the draft, trading Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati in exchange for the #10 pick. With that pick they should help their o-line, because they gave up 48 sacks last year. I feel like both the Giants first-round picks should be on the same side of the ball. That's just me though. 

11. Miami Dolphins, Makai Lemon, WR, USC

The Dolphins receiver room is a mess, with Jaylen Waddle getting traded away and Tyreek Hill being released. Makai Lemon won the Fred Biletnikoff award for the best receiver. It wouldn't make sense not to go receiver here.

12. Dallas Cowboys, Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami

The Cowboys defense was horrible last year under the leadership of Matt Eberflus. It didn't help that they traded Micah Parsons right before the season began. I absolutely think they need to go defense here, and Mesidor would be a good pick, although I understand that this could be considered a reach.

13. LA Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

The Rams need another receiver alongside Puka Nacua. It's a good idea to go with Tyson here. He's fast, athletic and can catch. 

14. Baltimore Ravens, Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

The Ravens offensive line isn't good, losing Tyler Lindenbaum and having no real offensive guard. They need protection for Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. Freeling is athletic and was very impressive at the combine. A good sign for scouts looking to get him.

15. Detroit Lions (projected trade with Tampa Bay Buccaneers) Kadyn Procter, OT, Alabama

Procter is a great offensive tackle, and Detroit shouldn't take any chances to how far he falls, considering they need help on the o-line.

16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

I understand people might not expect to see Delane fall this far, but I just feel that there are more impressive players above him. Not that he's at all bad, just there's better players. The Jets need a corner now that Sauce Gardner is gone and they have no one else.

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (projected trade with Detroit Lions) Olaivavega Ione, OT, Penn State

The Buccaneers o-line is really good, but having a player like Ione wouldn't hurt. He's a fantastic blocker, and probably the best interior offensive lineman in the draft. I wouldn't be surprised if they went defense or if Ione is taken way earlier.

18. Minnesota Vikings, Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

The Vikings might lose Harrison Smith this offseason, so it's best to get a safety now in case he's gone. Thieneman is a fast safety and can cover quite well too. Some Vikings fans say they shouldn't take him, but what if Harrison Smith leaves? Then what do you do?

19. Carolina Panthers, Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Sadiq is the best tight end in the class by far, and Bryce Young needs a tight end to throw to if he wants to take an even bigger leap than he did last year. Tommy Tremble won't cut it. 

20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

The Cowboys have no depth at cornerback. McCoy missed the 2025 season with a torn ACL, so it might be a risk to take him in round 1, but he's fast, can read the ball well, and so much more. I'd be willing to take that risk.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers, KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

The Steelers wide receiver chart isn't impressive outside of DK Metcalf. Concepcion is a fantastic route runner and he's a fast receiver, which is always important. He and Aaron Rodgers would be a great pairing for one another. 

22. Chicago Bears (projected trade with LA Chargers) Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

The Bears need to get a better defensive line, and they might need to get aggressive to do that. Woods is a fantastic and strong defensive lineman, which is something the Bears need, even if they have a good defense in general.

23. Philadelphia Eagles, Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

The Eagles offensive line suffered some injuries in 2025, and longtime offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland retired in February, leaving a dent in the unit. They need to get a lineman in case they struggle againthis year, and Miller is a good one. I could also see them going with a receiver in case AJ Brown does wind up traded, but we'll see. Howie Roseman is a wizard, he'll figure it out.

24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) Omar Cooper, WR, Indiana

The Browns need a receiver here. They need to help out Shedeur Sanders. Omar Cooper is an insane athlete, as shown by his game winning touchdown at Penn State. I feel like he's the perfect choice.

25. LA Chargers (projected trade from Chicago Bears) Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State

McDonald is a logical choice here. The Chargers need depth on the d-line and McDonald is a beast (6'3, 326). What's not to like?

26. Buffalo Bills, Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

The Bills need to protect Josh Allen, as he is the most important guy on the team and it's not close. Lomu is 6'6 and one of the best protectors in the draft. He's a perfect choice here.

27. San Francisco 49ers, Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn

The 49ers are short on edge rushers with Bryce Huff retiring. Faulk is a fantastic choice here, as he's athletic, fast and strong. He and Nick Bosa will feast.

28. Arizona Cardinals (projected trade with Houston Texans) Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

The Cardinals need a quarterback. They can't go this whole year with Jacoby Brissett. They won't go anywhere that way. Simpson went to one of the most prestigious quarterback schools in the country, and he's got a fantastic arm, and best of all, he doesn't make mistakes. He threw only 5 picks last year to 28 touchdowns. He did only have a 64.5% completion percentage, but I'm willing to overlook that.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LA Rams) Max Iheanchor, OT, Arizona State

Iheanchor is probably the most athletic OT in the draft. He ran a 4.91 second 40 yard dash at the combine, and has gotten praise from ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr, the most famous draft analyst out there. I'd be surprised if he slipped to round 2.

30. Miami Dolphins (from Denver Broncos) Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Terrell is a polarizing prospect, as he didn't have the best 40 time, and has dealed with injuries, and is only 5'11, but he's still a solid corner, and scouts shouldn't overlook him. Especially a team that needs a corner, like the Dolphins.

31. New England Patriots, Chase Bisontis, OT, Texas A&M

The Patriots were sacked 6 times in Super Bowl 60, so it'd be foolish not to draft o-line here. Bisontis has been mocked to the late first round, and it'd be perfect for New England to draft him here.

32. Seattle Seahawks, Mike Washington, RB, Arkansas

The Seahawks lost Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker in free agency, so they kinda need to go running back here. Washington might not be the most sought-after prospect, but I loved what I saw from him at the combine. He ran one of the fastest 40 times for a running back EVER. He should get some love for that.

Those are my predictions for the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. I probably will be wrong on some, but that's alright. 

2026 Stanley Cup Playoff predictions

 The 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs are here, and it should be an epic one. We've got a bunch of rivalries and some teams returning after years of futility. One team we will not be seeing are the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, who are missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019. But the playoffs should still be very entertaining. Let's get into it.

Eastern Conference First Round

(M1) Hurricanes vs (WC2) Senators- Hurricanes win in 5 games

The Hurricanes have the best record in the Eastern Conference, after putting up a whopping 113 points. They are led by veterans Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis, and rookie goalie Brandon Bussi. Their opponent is the Ottawa Senators, who are led by a mix of young talent and older stars. Their best player is Tim Stutzle, a 5th-year player from Germany. The Sens are decent, but I don't think they're ready for the Hurricanes.

(M2) Penguins vs (M3) Flyers- Flyers win in 6 games
Ohhh yeah. The Battle of Pennsylvania. The Penguins are back after a 4-year absence, a rarity from the 5-time Cup champions. This is probably the last ride for their core that led them to back-to-back Cups in 2016 and 2017. Sidney Crosby is 38 and might be considering retirement. Evgeni Malkin is 39, and Kris Letang is 38. The trio that led them to those back-to-back Cups are aging and aren't the same players at all. The Flyers, on the other end, are a young core that is growing. They're back in the dance for the first time in 6 years. Their core is led by younger players, like Trevor Zegras and Tyson Foerster, and their goalie, Daniel Vladar. This is the most fun I've had watching the Flyers in years, and I think it will continue into the next round. Hopefully they retire Sidney Crosby.

(A1) Sabres vs (WC1) Bruins- Sabres win in 6 games

The Sabres are in the playoffs for the first time in 14 years, ending the longest active drought in the NHL. They're led by Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin and Alex Lyon, their goalie. The team is dominant, something the Sabres have been lacking the past decade-plus. Their opponent is the Bruins, who are back after a one-year absence. They're led by David Pastrnak, in his 12th season (although he's only 29), Morgan Geekie and Pavel Zacha. They have an interesting team, but I don't think it's good enough.

(A2) Lightning vs (A3) Canadiens- Lightning win in 7 games

This might be the best series of the first round. The Lightning are back for the 9th straight year. Andrei Vasilevsky is back and a candidate for the Vezina Trophy. Nikita Kucherov is in the prime of his career and is looking to win a 3rd Stanley Cup with the team around him. The Canadiens are attempting to stop them, with Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki leading the way. I could see this going either way, but I can't pick against the Lightning here. 

Western Conference First Round 

(C1) Avalanche vs (WC2) Kings- Avalanche win in 4 games

The Avalanche claimed the Presidents Trophy with the most points in the league. Nathan Mackinnon is going to win league MVP, and it makes sense. He had 53 goals in the regular season, leading the league. The Avs aren't playing at as high of a caliber as they were in the early season stages, but I think they have the talent to go all the way. The Kings made it in despite only having 90 points this season. It was somehow enough. They are led by Alex Kempe, Quinton Byfield and others. I would be shocked if the Kings won this series. I really would.

(C2) Stars vs (C3) Wild- Stars win in 6 games

The Stars had a great season, but came second in the Central Division behind the Avalanche. They are led by Jason Robertson, Mikko Rantanen and Wyatt Johnston, and Jamie Benn might be in his last ride. Their opponents are the Minnesota Wild, led by Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy, and rookie goalie Jesper Wallstedt. This should be a riveting series, but I am taking the Stars here. 

(P1) Golden Knights vs (WC1) Mammoth- Mammoth win in 6 games

The Golden Knights won the putrid Pacific Division with only 95 points. In the Eastern Conference, they would've missed the playoffs entirely. But they don't so they have home-ice advantage for at least 2 rounds. They are led by Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner (in his first season in Vegas). Their opponent is the Utah Mammoth. Yes, in just their second season, the Utah Mammoth are playing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They are led by Clayton Keller and Dylan Guenther, among others. I actually think they have what it takes to win this series.

(P2) Oilers vs (P3) Ducks- Oilers win in 6 games

The two-time defending Western Conference champions have home ice advantage in this series. The Oilers are back, and led by none other than Connor McDavid and Leon Draisatl. They will try to make it back to the Finals for the 3rd straight year, and they are facing the Ducks in round one. The Ducks are in the playoffs for the first time in 8 years, and they are led by Cutter Gauthier and others. It's gonna be tough to beat the champs, and that's something I don't think the Ducks can do.

Eastern Conference Semifinals

Hurricanes vs Flyers- Hurricanes win in 5 games

I would love to see the Flyers pull off the upset here, but I don't think it will happen. It would be amazing though.

Sabres vs Lightning- Lightning win in 7 games

This would be a fantastic series, but I will have to take Tampa here, they're loaded with talent.

Western Conference Semifinals

Avalanche vs Stars- Avalanche win in 6 games

Another potential fun series. I will give the edge to Colorado because I believe in their talent and roster.

Oilers vs Mammoth- Oilers win in 5 games

The Oilers are much more talented than the Mammoth.

Eastern Conference Finals

Hurricanes vs Lightning- Lightning win in 7 games

The Lightning are a machine, and there hasn't been a Stanley Cup Finals without a Floridian team since 2019. I think that streak will continue.

Western Conference Finals

Avalanche vs Oilers- Avalanche win in 4 games

I just think that the Avalanche are a very hard team to beat. Plus they swept Edmonton in the 2022 Western Finals, so I think history will repeat itself.

And now here we are at a rematch of 2022. Will the Lightning get revenge?

Stanley Cup Finals

Avalanche vs Lightning- Avalanche win in 6 games

I just think that Colorado is the best team there is, if I'm being honest. I wouldn't be surprised if I was wrong, because of the President's Trophy curse, but I want to see that curse be lifted, so I am an optimist.

Those are my predictions for this years Stanley Cup Playoffs. I hope it will be a lot of fun, especially since my Flyers are back in it. 

Michigan wins March Madness tournament

 The Michigan Wolverines are college basketball champions for the first time in 37 years, beating the Connecticut Huskies 69-63 in the national championship. Eliot Cadeau was named the game's MVP, scoring 19 points. 2 years ago, the Wolverines went 8-24 and fired Juwan Howard, who played for the team in the 90s and was a top 5 pick in the NBA draft. They hired Dusty May from Florida Atlantic, where he reached the final 4 in 2023. They reached the Sweet 16 in 2025, but came up short against Auburn. They won 29 games in the regular season, a program record, but lost the Big 10 championship to Purdue. They still were a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. They dominated Howard in the first round and St. Louis in the second round. They beat Alabama in the Sweet 16, led by Big 10 player of the year Yaxel Landenborg who had 23 points and 12 assists. They then embarrassed Tennessee in the Elite 8, winning by 33 points, the biggest blowout in an Elite 8 matchup since Michigan themselves in their only other title in 1989. In the Final 4 they blew by Arizona, led by Aday Mara, who had 26 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks. They then beat Connecticut in the championship led by Cadeau's 19 points.

I'm glad that Michigan got the win here, especially because I can't stand Connecticut. I'm sick of them. But I'm also happy because of how much improvement this Michigan team has shown in the last few years, going from an 8-win team to the kings of college basketball. It's been fun to watch this team play, and I'm excited to see what this team has in store for next year.

That concludes the 2026 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball tournament. I hope you all had as much fun as I did watching this.

Final Four preview

 The NCAA Final Four is here, and we have no new participants, although we have a team that's in their 3rd Final Four in the last 4 years (UConn). Illinois, UConn, Michigan and Arizona will attempt to bring home the title in Indianapolis, Indiana. Let's meet the teams.

Illinois has made March Madness the past 6 years, but hadn't got farther than the Elite Eight, and were knocked out last year by Kentucky in the second round. Brad Underwood's crew went 24-7 in the regular season, but lost their first game of the Big 10 tournament to Wisconsin. They made the tournament as a 3 seed, defeating Penn in round 1 and VCU in round 2. They made the sweet 16, beating Houston, and then beat Iowa in the Elite 8 to advance to their first Final Four in 21 years. They will be taking on the University of Connecticut, or UConn for short. UConn won the championship in 2023 and 2024, but lost in round 2 to eventual champion Florida in 2025. The Huskies went 27-4 in the regular season, and made it to the Big East Championship before losing to St. John's. They made the tournament as a 2 seed, and took care of Furman in round 1 and UCLA in round 2. They squeaked by Michigan State in the Sweet 16, but were down 15 at halftime of the Elite 8 against Duke. After fighting very hard in the second half, they found themselves down 3 with 10 seconds left. Silas Demary Jr. hit 1 of 2 free throws, then stole the inbound from Cameron Boozer, who is projected to be a top pick in the NBA Draft in June. Braylon Mullins hit a deep 3 pointer to send the Huskies back to the Final Four. The Huskies have the talent to dismantle Illinois, and they probably will. But this is March Madness, and I really don't want UConn to win, so I will take Illinois here.

Now we get to the battle of the top seeds: Arizona and Michigan. Arizona lost in the 2025 Sweet 16 to Duke. They went 29-2 (!!) during the regular season, and won the Big 12 title. They dismantled Long Island and took out Utah State after a bit of a scare. They then smoked Arkansas and took care of Purdue to make their first Final Four in 25 years. They have been DOMINANT this tournament thanks to a dominant frontcourt led by Brayden Burries and Jaden Bradley. They'll need a lot of points to take down Michigan. The Wolverines lost in the Sweet 16 last year, and this team was determined to bounce back. They did. They went 29-2 in the regular season, but lost the Big 10 championship to Purdue. They were still a #1 in the NCAA Tournament. They also rolled over all their challengers (Howard, St. Louis, Alabama and Tennessee) by double digits to earn their first Final Four berth in 8 years. They are led by the Big 10 player of the Year in Yaxel Lendeborg. What Arizona is, Michigan is more, and I think they ride that wave to the National Championship.

That would set up an all-Big Ten national championship between Illinois and Michigan. I have Michigan taking that and becoming champions. I'll see you after the games are done for another preview or recap.