Sports News 4-25-12

What an incredibly busy week! The NFL Draft, NHL Playoffs and wrap-up of the NBA regular season. How on earth can a fan choose?

DC Bounces Boston Bruins

Joel Ward, Washington Capitals

 Joel Ward’s overtime goal put the Washington Capitals up 2-1 for a 1st round series win. In November, who would have dreamed that the Caps would be able to knock off the defending Stanley Cup Champion Bruins on hostile ice? The team fired its coach, brought in a new manager and battled its way into the playoffs. Since 1998, the Caps have been labeled classic overachievers, but maybe that changes this year. It was a tightly contested match with enough nail biters to fund the entire DC manicure market. “It was the first time in NHL history that a playoff series had seven games determined by one goal. Four of the games went to overtime, and two others were decided with less than two minutes left in regulation.” (ESPN) For more info: Caps-Bruins Match Recap

Metta World Peace Comments on Suspension

Metta World Peace

MWP decides to speak on the last week’s crazy situation calling his wild swing the result of “erratic passion.” The NBA world waited for David Stern’s final say on the punishment for LA Laker Metta World Peace‘s vicious elbow to Oklahoma City’s James Hardin’s head which resulted in Hardin’s concussion. Stern settled on seven (7) games which could have a serious impact on the Lakers 1st round. On Wednesday, Artest addressed the situation, paying particular attention to the flurry of comments from former NBA’ers. Magic Johnson first proclaimed his embarrassment and later suggested that MWP get some help. Larry Bird thought that the 7-game suspension wasn’t nearly enough, suggesting that the former Ron Artest be tossed out of the league for at least a year. What we do know for sure is that MWP had better make sure that he has elbow room before dunking or pulling down a rebound in Round 2 of the playoffs – if the Lakers make it that far. [Metta World Peace Responds]

Calvin Johnson Voted Madden ’13 Cover Man

Calvin Johnson

The race for the cover came down to two sports mega-personalities: Calvin “Megatron” Johnson of the Detroit Lions and Cam Newton, QB of the Charlotte Panthers. An estimated 651,000 votes were cast in the final contest. The EA Sports game is the Super Bowl of gaming since its first release in 1988. Some players shied away from the honor due to the legend of the Madden Curse, which holds that the cover player will suffer a possible devastating injury during the season. Fans have campaigned against their favorite players cover candidacy. Johnson is thrilled and says that he’s not worried in the least. Last year’s winner Peyton Hillis declared that he didn’t believe in such a thing but has since changed his mind following a horrific 2012 season. Let’s hope for the Lions fans that the curse stops here. [ESPN Story on Johnson Win]