An advice column for people who live with people who live for sports
What happened on Tuesday, December 9, 2014?
Late surge from Liverpool almost works: Liverpool had to beat FC Basel outright to advance in the Champions League. Down two goals and one man, they finally started to play well but it wasn’t quite enough in the end. Despite a brilliant free kick goal from their captain, Steven Gerrard, the comeback attempt came up short. Line: Liverpool’s slogan is “You’ll never walk alone,” so at least they will be walking out of the Champions League together.
Undefeateds stay that way in college basketball: The two undefeated teams I thought might have a shot at losing last night won their games to stay undefeated for the season. Villanova beat Illinois 73-59 and Louisville beat Indiana 94-74. Line: Another day in college basketball and the rich keep getting richer.
Blackhawks find the Devils hard to solve: Imagine you’re a hockey goalie. You’ve been playing your whole life and now you’re in the minor leagues, so close to your dream of playing in the NHL. Finally, you get the call — you’re to catch a plane down from Albany to make your NHL debut! But my god, does it have to be against the Blackhawks? The Blackhawks who are on a six game winning streak powered by their deep lineup of ridiculous offensive players like Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Patrick, Brad Richards, Marian Hossa, and Kris Versteeg? Yikes, that’s a baptism by fire! It’s exactly what faced Devils goalie Keith Kinkaid in his first NHL game ever. He played amazingly well, making 37 saves and helping the overpowered Devils force a shootout after a 2-2 tie. Sure, the Blackhawks won in overtime, but that’s nothing to be ashamed of! Line: Pretty good debut for a goalie — 37 saves against the Blackhawks.
Kobe Bryant and Marc Gasol power their teams with scoring: Kobe Bryant scored 32 points and Marc Gasol scored 30 to lead their teams to victories. The Lakers beat the Sacramento Kings (minus DeMarcus Cousins who is still out with viral meningitis!!) 98-95 and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Dallas Mavericks 114-105. Line: The effort Kobe Bryant is putting out, in a season that is already lost for the team, is amazing.