In mid-June, we have 2 major sports end, a huge tennis tournament, the last leg of the Triple Crown, and then other huge events get started. So, if you are a casual sports fan enjoying the summer, then you still will have plenty to keep you plugged into over the next couple of weeks.
NHL Finals
The Washington Capitals started off the weekend with their first championship and Stanley Cup in franchise history. Leading the series 3-1 with Game 5 in Las Vegas, the Caps needed to stop all the choking speculation. The Golden Knights had to match Washington goal for goal during a spirited 2nd period. With the score tied at 2, Reilly Smith scored for the Knights as the 2nd period was winding down on the power play to give them a 3-2 lead going into the final period. Well, it’s just the Caps year. The Capitals scored twice in the 1st twelve and half minutes to take control of the game and eventually win the title. Alex Ovechkin won the Conn Smythe Trophy for most outstanding player in the playoffs, and from what we have seen on social media, he has not let the Cup out of his hands yet. The parade will be tomorrow in DC, which is the first championship since 1992 for the District. Info on the parade below:
https://www.si.com/nhl/2018/06/11/capitals-stanley-cup-parade-date-time-details-route-road-closures
NBA Finals
The Golden State Warriors completed a 4 game sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Lebron James. The Warriors were just a class above the Cavs, and even if Lebron did have a broken hand as he stated after Game 4, the Cavs were not match for the back to back champs. Kevin Durant took home the NBA Finals MVP, and rightly so. Durant averaged 28.8 PPG, but that huge Game 3 and the big 3 pointer to ice the game was the moment people will remember. The speculation on where James will play next year begins and will dictate all the rest of the NBA free agency moves. Plus, the NBA Draft is Thursday, June 21st. Still, the Warriors will celebrate their 3rd title in 4 years with their parade in Oakland tomorrow. See details below:
French Open
Rafael Nadal is healthy and he dominated the French Open again. Nadal wins his 11th French Open title and 18th career Grand Slam. It’s good to see him so strong again. He should be good at Wimbeldon next month (July 2nd – 15th), too. On the Women’s side, #1 player, Simona Halep won her 1st Grand Slam title with a hard fought 3 set match over USA’s Sloane Stephens. Halep was able to grit to the victory, but Stephens should be a favorite at Wimbeldon.
Belmont Stakes
Justify became the 13th horse all time to win the Triple Crown with a wire to wire win at the Belmont Stakes on Saturday. Justify was dominate in each race, and really didn’t have a challenge on Saturday. The 2nd place finisher, Gronkowski, made a late run to get 2nd and Hofburg finished 3rd.
Upcoming Events
This week we will review some other huge sports stories:
- World Cup – The World Cup starts in Russian on Thursday. The World Cup is the 4 year event to determine which country has the best soccer team. I will provide a detailed preview tomorrow.
- US Open of Golf – The 2nd of the golf Grand Slam also begins on Thursday in Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, NY. With Tiger Woods back and the huge field, it should be a great tournament. Preview for the tournament will be posted on Wednesday.
- NBA Draft – the NBA Draft takes place on Thursday, June 21st. I will break down the top players in a 3 part series starting next week.
- NBA Free Agency – The “Summer of Lebron” will consume a lot of time on the air waves. There are a lot of other players potentially moving, so post-Draft and that week we will cover those topics.
- Wimbeldon – Tennis continues with its 3rd Grand Slam beginning on July 2nd. Preview to come later this month.
- MLB – Mid-Season Report
- NFL – Never too early to think about the NFL. Training camps start in late July.
So, with the huge weekend behind us, let’s get ready even more sports.
Wegs