Tag Archives: Preseason

Marcus Smart is Already Making Enemies

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Marcus Smart is already in midseason form.

The physical guard is notorious for his brash manner on the court, and Saturday’s preseason game was no different. While most Bostonians were watching the Red Sox game, the Celtics faced the Cavaliers in their final preseason matchup. While the Celtics were outplayed throughout the entire game, one moment stood out in particular: the fight between Marcus Smart and J.R. Smith.

What happened

Early in the contest, Aron Baynes and Smith were locked in a fierce battle underneath the hoop as Terry Rozier dribbled the ball on the perimeter. The contest between the two escalated and ended with Baynes and Smith spinning around with locked arms. Smith shoved Baynes hard in the back towards the hoop. As players came to break them up, Smart charged towards Smith and shoved him in the head. The two nearly came to blows before Ante Zizic came in between the two. Smart had to be quite literally tackled to the floor by both Rozier AND Jayson Tatum.

The Aftermath

Smart was ejected from the game, while Smith received just a technical foul. Had he been able to get away from Tatum and Rozier, he most certainly would have been suspended. It’s possible he faces sitting some games anyway, as he was clearly prepared to throw punches at JR Smith. After the conclusion of the game, Smith had a series of tweets directed towards Smart:

Marcus Smart then told the media his side of the story, saying “it is what it is” and telling Smith, “meet me in the back…You know where I’m at.”

Smith had words to say about that, too. He tweeted about the video, “Meet me on the street damn the back!” He then followed up with a third tweet, saying “better keep this s*** bout basketball”.

Smart has never been afraid to defend his teammates, no matter the opponent. Celtics fans surely love to see his competitive spirit out on the court, though it may sometimes lead to consequences for him.

The Celtics play the Cavs again on November 30th, folks. Mark your calendars for Smart-Smith round 2.

Three Takeaways: Celtics 115, Hornets 112

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The Celtics came out with a win in their 2nd preseason game.

The team returned to the TD Garden to take on the Charlotte Hornets. Boston was without Al Horford for the game, who was dealing with a wrist injury. The team, having faced the Hornets on Friday, jumped out to a 64-57 halftime lead. After a mediocre first quarter, the Celtics went for 40 points in the second. The game stayed competitive through the third quarter, with the Celtics unable to pull away. The Hornets took the lead with around 6 and a half minutes remaining the game, and the score remained neck and neck until the very end, when Boston was able to pull away. Here are some key takeaways from Sunday’s game.

1. Boston turns it around from deep, succeeds on free throws

After a poor first game in terms of three-point shooting, the Celtics were able to flip the script. On Friday, the team shot an atrocious 9-47 from deep, for just 19%. Sunday night, however, was a much different story. The team finished with far fewer attempts from deep, going 13-31 on the night. The much higher percentage (42%) was a welcome sight. Also notable was the success from behind the free throw line. Boston converted 18 of 21 attempts from the stripe, a great sign for the regular season.

2. Tatum, Irving shine

Both Jayson Tatum and Kyrie Irving stood out in Sunday’s game. After a scoreless first quarter, Tatum caught fire in the second quarter, scoring 13 points in three minutes. That spurt included 3 three-pointers and a ferocious alley-oop jam from Terry Rozier. He finished with 16 points and 4 boards in 19 minutes of play.

Irving also had a standout game against Charlotte. He contributed his usual scoring total and made multiple eye-catching passes to set up scores for others. He’ll benefit this year from not always having to be the team’s number one scoring option. It’ll leave him more room to make plays and facilitate the offense. Irving finished with 20/4/3 in 29 minutes.

3. Williams shows flashes of potential

The rookie Robert Williams showed a lot of intriguing play in the game on Sunday. Williams had a nice dunk inside and was extremely active on both ends of the floor. Most notably, he set a lot of good screens on offense and freed up a lot of space on that end. Williams also had a clutch block in the closing seconds of the game to secure the win. He finished with 5 points, a board and an assist, as well as the aforementioned block. Though the numbers aren’t the most gaudy, it was certainly a nice performance that could help redeem him in the eyes of some fans.

Bonus: Marcus Smart is back

Good to see ya, buddy.

Boston will take the floor next on Tuesday night, when the Lebron-less Cavaliers come to the Garden. Horford is hopeful to return to action that night against the new look Cleveland team. The NBA season keeps getting closer and closer!

Jakub Lauko

Jakub Lauko Signed; Bruins Announce More Training Camp Transactions

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The Boston Bruins announced Friday afternoon that they had signed 18-year-old Czech forward Jakub Lauko to a three-year entry-level contract. He will be playing for the Huskies Rouyn-Noranda team in the QMJHL (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League).

Jakub Lauko

Jakub Lauko signs with the Boston Bruins (Photo Courtesy: Instagram @jakub_lauko)

The young forward played in two preseason games where he netted two goals with a plus-one rating.Ā  He recently played for the Czech team PiratiĀ Chomutov (Czech Extraliga). Some quick stats: In the Under-18 World Junior Championship, he had three goals and three assists for six points in seven games. With the Under-17 team, he netted seven goals and 11 assists for a total of 18 points in 20 games. For the Pirati Under-16, team Lauko potted 26 goals with 35 assists in 24 games.

Jakub Lauko’s three Extraliga goals in 2017-18

Czech left wing Jakub, a prospect for the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, scored three goals as a 17-year-old playing for Chomutov in his country’s top men’s league. Lauko also participated in both the 2018 World Juniors and World Under-18 Championship. NOTE: HockeyDraftCentral does not own any of this footage, which belongs entirely to its original rights-holder(s).

[youtubeĀ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUkuxTyzIak]

 

More Training Camp Moves

Swedish player Jakob-Forsbacka Karlsson along with Jakub Zboril, Ryan Fitzgerald and Jordan Szwarz will be sent down to Providence (AHL). GoaltenderĀ Zane McIntyreĀ is placed on waivers. With pre-season speculationĀ as to who would fill theĀ open third-line center spot and with “JFK” being sent to Providence, the race has tightened. Both Sean Kuraly and Trent Frederic are two players that Coach Bruce Cassidy will be looking to slot that spot. The St. Louis, MO native has 13 games under his belt while playing for the ProvidenceĀ Bruins last season.Ā  He posted five goals with three assists. With the Under 20 World Junior Championship USA, he played seven games and scored five goals.

 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOLcZmVXdrs]

 

Kuraly already spent some time on the third line with some ice time during last seasons Playoff run. In 12 games he netted two goals, including a spectacular double OT goal in Game 5 against the OttawaĀ Senators. During the regular season, he played 75 games, with six goals and eight assists.

 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgE2K_UU7GA]

Who Would You Want at Your Side for a Bar Fight: Boston Sports Edition

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Patriots: Rob Gronkowski -By @Boston_sports18

If I had to pick a Boston athlete to win a bar fight, itā€™s got to be Gronk. Rob grew up in a house with four brothers, and each has gone pro. They pushed each other every single day, making Rob an absolute beast.

The Gronkowskiā€™s

Getty Images

Gronkā€™s father had them all on a training regimen at an early age. This eventually led Gronk to become arguably the best TE the NFL has ever seen. He has incredible blocking skills and unmatched work ethic. While running with the ball after the catch, forget about bringing him down without a cheap shot to the knee. Heā€™s known for swatting linebackers and corners off of him like annoying mosquitoes at a BBQ. Gronkowski finished one block to the point he actually threw the defender off of the field into the media section. ā€œI had to throw him out the club,ā€ Gronkowski said after the game. THIS IS THE GUY I WANT.

Bar fight Champion

Keith Bedford Boston Globe

Besides Gronkā€™s football toughness, Iā€™m pretty sure he can hold his own at the bar. Heā€™s also good friends with WWE star Mojo Rawley, who Gronk has actually been training with. Last year Gronk even stepped into the ring. He got into a three-point stance and clotheslined another wrestler. Real or fake, Gronk is an animal and would be my top choice of Boston athletes to have in a bar fight. Tough, big and known to party. For me, this is an easy choice. Itā€™s Rob Gronkowski.

Bruins: Zdeno Chara -By @TheBigBlue30

If I am picking any Boston sports athlete to win a bar fight, it is without a doubt Boston Bruins defenseman and Captain Zdeno Chara. At 6’9″ and over 250 pounds, Big Z is a physical powerhouse. If you follow him on Instagram, you would knowĀ how much of freak of nature the guy really is. His workouts put superheroes to shame, whether he is climbing up a 30-foot rope and back down in the blink of an eye, riding the Tour de France every summer, or shoulder pressing over 400 pounds. Chara is a physical specimen, unlike any other human being. The scary part, however, is that Charaā€™s physique and fitness are the least of people’s worries. His father is a former Olympic Roman Greco wrestler, which Big Z has been practicing since a young age.

On top of all that the guy is a genius. He earned a financial planning diploma from Algonquin College in Ottawa in 2015, and took classes at the University of Harvard over this past summer. There is a reason why nobody in the NHL fights Zdeno Chara. Just ask former NHL winger David Koci, who Chara beat so bad in a fight you would have thought he was making a blood donation to the Red Cross. In conclusion, if you donā€™t pick Zdeno Chara for a bar fight, you are just downright stupid.

Celtics: Marcus Smart -ByĀ @jackbuffett_

If I’m picking one player from the Celtics to have my back in a bar fight, I have to choose Marcus Smart. No matter what situation I’m getting into, if he’s on my side, he’s going to fight. Doesn’t matter how many guys, how big, how menacing, Smart will challenge each and every one of them. Ever seen an altercation during a Celtics game? Every time, without fail, Smart is either the one causing it or the first one to a teammate’s defense. It also helps that Smart is the most all-out hustle player on the team, so I’d assume he’d take the same attitude in a bar fight. Smart is an incredibly passionate player. Some players on the court are always emotionless- that’s never him. No matter what he’s doing, he’s going to get super into whatever that activity is. It also helps that Smart is built like a tank at 6’4″, 225 pounds, and absolutely ripped. If I get one phone call to fight some guys at a bar, it’s to Marcus Smart.

Red Sox: Joe Kelly -By @_porchie

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 11: Tyler Austin #26 of the New York Yankees fights Joe Kelly #56 of the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning at Fenway Park on April 11, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

If I were to pick any Boston Red Sox player to be on my side in a bar fight there would only be one option. Joe Kelly would totally have my back! Did you see not only the way he taunted Tyler Austin, but throw him down and was ready to beat him down. If it wasnā€™t for Aaron Judge that man would probably not be alive right now! He has the fire and intensity that I would want in my corner 100%. Thatā€™s why my pick is Joe Kelly.

Claude Dielna Working Out | Photo Credit | Claude Dielna

Ā  Revolution: Claude Dielna -By @Marbies3762

While Claude Dielna is only 6’0″ tall and only weighs 190 pounds, he can pack a punch. Anyone who followsĀ him on InstagramĀ knows when he isn’t at practice he is in the weight room. There are plenty of taller guys on the Revs that could be good picks as well, but none are as good as Claude.Ā He has a much different work mentality than everyone else on the team. When he leaves practice, he trains at home. If he isn’t playing in a game, he is training.Ā When Claude goes to Chipotle, he orders double meat. Every game he plays,Ā he out muscles and throws guys to the ground.Ā In a bar fight, there’s no doubt that Claude would go off. The guy is jacked. Without a doubt, when it comes to bar fights, he’s the guy I want by my side.

With Expectations High, the Bruins Are Preparing for New Season

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Bruins’ 2018-2019 Season Preparation Begins

BostonBruins.com

BostonBruins.comLast season may have ended before fans expected, but the future looked bright. The mixture of veterans and rookies who gained experience last year may lead the Boston Bruins to the promised land sooner than later. If Charlie McAvoy and Jake DeBrusk continue on the rise from last season, the team has the potential to go deep into the playoffs. The division also became much tougher as Tampa is still a strong contender, and the Maple Leafs’ addition of Tavares will make those games a battle.

Some players have began skating this week for the Bruins at captain’s practice. The Warrior Arena ice has seen Bergeron, Krejci and other notable players preparing to begin the long road toward the NHL season. Some of the veterans have decided to not make the trip to China, as Bergeron and Chara have decided to rest to be fully prepared for the upcoming season. Bergeron is hoping to be ready for opening night as he had groin surgery in the offseason. They have two games scheduled against Calgary.

The season will be here before we know it, and the preaseson schedule is set before the puck drops for real on opening night.

– Rookie camp opens on Sep. 7th

– Prospects Challenge Rookie Games have been scheduled versus the Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils.

– Training Camp begins for all players on Sep. 14th

2018 PRESEASON SCHEDULE

Photo courtesy:
SOURCEFRIAS

September 15 (China)
– Preseason Game at Calgary Flames –Ā  Ā  2:30am

September 16
– Preseason Game vs Washington Capitals – 1:00pm

September 18
– Preseason Game at Washington Capitals – 7:00pm

September 19 (China)
– Preseason Game vs. Calgary Flames – 7:30am

September 22
– Preseason Game at Detroit Red Wings – 7:00pm

September 24
– Preseason Game at Philadelphia Flyers – 7:00pm

September 26
– Preseason Game vs. Detroit Red Wings – 7:00pm

September 29
– Preseason Game vs. Philadelphia Flyers – 5:00pm

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Did Etling do Enough to Surpass Hoyer?

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The Mystique of the Backup

The allure of the backup quarterback is one of the most unusual phenomenon in all of professional sports. If the team used a premium draft pick, they expect the kid to grab the job right away. When your team signs a free agent, you hope he can provide depth and competition for a poor starter. In the most optimistic light you look for the positives of the late-round flyer to make the team and grow into a viable option for the next Kurt Warner or Tom Brady. The New England Patriots drafted Danny Etling with the first pick of the seventh round out of LSU. He had all the usual buzzwords of the project quarterback. Big arm, garbage pocket presence, inconsistent mechanics, high upside and development prospect were the most common.

Yet, the New England faithful grasped those brittle straws with a desperation that bordered on mania. The fans of the Patriots had received a 1-2 combo gut punch of former qb news. A swap of Jacoby Brissett for near bust wideout in Phillip Dorsett was not well-received, especially after Brissett went on to perform admirably for a flawed Colts team.

Just when the people resigned themselves to a quarterback controversy in the upcoming offseason New England did the unthinkable. Shipping uber-dreamy backup Jimmy G to the west coast for a perceived discount struck fans the wrong way. The jolt he provided the 49ers gave them the energy to run off a 5 game win streak to close out the season. Could Danny Etling be that guy to make us forget all our woes? He must be; why else would Bill Belichick make those moves and take those risks at the game’s most important position?

Ā 

The Patriots Plan

I get it. Brian Hoyer is not the sexiest option for fans to think about as a backup to Tom Brady. For every positive that you can point out in his career you can point out an equally devastating negative. Still, he is one of the better candidates for helping the Patriots maintain their AFC East domination in the event of the unthinkable. He posted a 61.3 completion percentage with 288 yards in a preseason that started very poorly for him. High throws, lack of rhythm, and uneven chemistry with the offensive personnel. Hoyer saw most of his action against starters and backups that will comprise NFL rosters when the season starts.

Did Etling show enough promise that the Patriots brass might forgo that security of the knowable for the risk of mystique?

The Positives

ā€œRan his way into the practice squad of my heart!ā€

-Mark Schofield gushing over Danny Etlingā€™s 86 yard TD run on the Locked on Patriots podcast.

 

Then came the week 4 preseason game. After an uneven performance in the first half. Danny Etling was seeing his most extensive action of the preseason. On a zone read play that fooled the entire, and I mean, ENTIRE NY Giants defense, Etling kept the ball and ran. He streaked, fully clothed, down the sidelines for a touchdown to secure the lead and the game. This encapsulated a good/bad performance from the young kid trying to scratch out the beginnings of a career in the NFL.

The Negatives

ā€œSeven guys just got cut on that one play!ā€

-Broadcast announcer during the game.

 

As feel good and uplifting as that play was, it was mostly the result of some very poor defense. The play came against young players facing long odds for a roster spot. The final stat line by Etlingā€™s preseason shows the guy that most people scouted prior to the draft. On 36 attempts he connected for 19 passes and 175 yards through the air. His accuracy on short passes was particularly alarming. His running ability did provide a nice contrast to the normally elephantine pace of the New England Patriots quarterbacks. I mean, fleet-footed, gazelle-like speed. He rushed for 4 first downs throughout the preseason. Could that be enough for him to possibly find himself on the roster?

The 2018 Outcome

Unfortunately, no. In the harsh economics of the NFL he simply didnā€™t show enough this preseason to warrant one of the coveted 53 man roster spot. Every spot is valuable and reserving a single spot for a developmental quarterback that will not be active on game day is a very high cost. Several factors could work in his favor if they were present. If Hoyer had a disastrous preseason. Or if his production did not warrant his cost.

If the Patriots had invested a higher round pick in Etling it would have made them more inclined to keep him. I would like him to be able to grab a practice squad spot. His experience in the system is enough to be an asset for practice and an emergency option. The rest of the NFL will get an option to grab him first for their team if the Patriots go this route.Ā 

The NFL is a tough place filled with fleeting success and long memories. Bill Belichick has mastered the more obscure paths of team management, so Iā€™ll refer any questions to him and Iā€™m absolutely sure he will respond to your inquiry with the respect and depth that he is known for.

 

All photos courtesy of Getty images unless noted otherwise.

Be sure to check out other great articles for all your favorite Boston sports teams on Bostonsportsextra.com

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Top 5 Tuesday: Predictions for 2018 Season

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Welcome back to Top 5 Tuesday after our more-than-brief hiatus. This week, we will make 5 bold predictions for the New England Patriots’ 2018 season.

THE PATRIOTS WILL LOSE ONLY ONE GAME

Okay, it definitely is a daring prediction; however, this team is a lot better than the team that went 13-3 last season. My biggest worries would be the Texans, Packers, Vikings, and Jaguars. Hopefully, we don’t also lose a dud game against a divisional rival.

 

THE DEFENSE WILL FINISH TOP 5 IN TOTAL SACKS

Don’t look now but New England’s front 7 just got stacked. Our newcomers include Derek Rivers, Dont’a Hightower, Danny Shelton, Adrian Clayborn, Harvey Langi, and the emerging Ja’Whaun Bentley to add to a defense that achievedĀ 42.0 sacks last year (finished in the top half of the league).

 

PHILLIP DORSETT WILL LEAD THE TEAM IN YARDS IN THE FIRST FOUR WEEKS

With the Edelman out the first four weeks, someone is going to need to step up to be Brady’s top target outside of Gronk. While it may seem like a sure bet for Hogan who has developed a surefire chemistry with Brady in the past, Dorsett should not be forgotten. He has the quickness, hands, and ability to create separation that can propel him into Brady’s circle of trust.

EITHERĀ JC JACKSONĀ OR KEION CROSSEN MAKES THE ROSTER

JC Jackson is enjoying a strong offseason, impressing the coaches and earned first team-reps earlier in the summer. Keion Crossen hasn’t had as good of a summer, but certainly has the measurables and potential to get that dark horse spot. Either way, one of these rookies will make it on the roster and I believe will provide a positive impact in games.

 

JAMES WHITE WILL BE THE PATS’ LEADING RUSHER

I remember when Sweet Feet got drafted in 2014. I hadn’t thought much of it at the time. He proved me wrong, showing up time after time in the playoffs. With all the injuries and players leaving, I think White will finally get a bigger workload and lead New England in both yards and touches.

 

The Case of Ja’Whaun Bentley

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“With the No. 143 pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select Ja’Whaun Bentley, ILB, Purdue. He is a 6-foot-2, 260 pounds off-the-ball linebacker who’s considered to some asĀ a contact player.”

Image result for ja'whaun bentley nfl draft pictures

Following the Super Bowl, a glaring need for the Patriots was a coverage linebacker. When New England drafted Ja’Whaun Bentley, the NFL community didn’t think as much of it. After all, his draft profile from the NFL.com didn’t show much promise.

“…Bentley has athletic limitations that hinder his effectiveness as an NFL finisher and he’s ill-suited to handle coverage duties against the pass. Bentley lacks ideal speed and reaction time…”

He has been proving this profile wrong as he continues to impress in preseason games. In his debut, he logged six tackles (two for loss) and a quarterback hit in addition to four stops in coverage. This performance earned him a 90.0 PFF grade and a spot in PFF’s Team of the Week Defense.

PFF NFL Team of the Week, Preseason Week 1, Harold Landry

In his second preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, he started over Elandon Roberts and ended the game again with six tackles and more notably returned a fumble back for a touchdown. He also forced incompletions against the likes of Jay Ajayi and Dallas Goedert.

Bright Future for the Rookie

One of his biggest concerns about Bentley was his speed and coverage skills. He shined in both of these areas in the two preseason games he had played. He has been able to keep up with both tight ends and running backs which is a good sign for the young rookie and a sign of relief for New England fans. Scott Zolak even noted how Bentley looked like a young Jerod Mayo out there, except Mayo was never that fast.

Another important fact of note is that the rookie donned the green dot on his helmet, meaning that he was the one calling plays for the first team defense. The New England staff has a lot of faith in him.

ā€œHeā€™s always been the middle linebacker, the signal caller, the guy right in the middle of the defense,ā€ Bill Belichick said, citing Bentleyā€™s experience as a four-year captain at Purdue. ā€œHe does a good job of handling the communication and some of the adjustments that have to be made from the center of the field, which thatā€™s his position; thatā€™s part of it. Heā€™s been able to do that pretty well since heā€™s come here… Heā€™s got a long way to go, but heā€™s handled those things well.ā€ (USA Today)

All in all, Ja’Whaun Bentley has been impressing on all cylinders. He’s smart, intuitive, strong, and possesses a huge build. If he continues to play like he has been, Bentley can take over Elandon Roberts’ spot as the starter.

Etling

Patriots Defeat Redskins In Preseason Opener

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After a heartbreaking super bowl and crazy offseason, Patriots’ football is finally back with some preseason action vs the Redskins.

First Half

In the first defensive drive, the Patriots forced a punt. Stephon Gilmore was completed on twice, one of them being conservative in a zone and the other he was turned out on a comebacker. Patrick Chung made a tackle on a run, and he dId a great job coming down to the box on a run down. Chung was also the one to cause the punt by making a stop on third and seven. After Riley McCarron returned a punt, the Patriots went 3-and-out.

A run to Gillislee and throw to Hollister did not go far and a go route to Phillip Dorsett was incomplete on third and long. After a good return on a Ryan Allen punt, the Redskins cashed in on an opportunity to score. Stephon Gilmore was burned for a big gain. Then, Kyle Van Noy was burned by a running back on third and eleven to allow the first touchdown. The Patriots went 3 and out again, with a short Gillislee run, a coverage sack, and a throw over the middle to Dorsett that he could not haul in.

Redskins

Courtesy of Washington Post

First Half Continued

JC Jackson made a tackle on a ten yard in route. Deatrich Wise Jr. got pressure, but McCoy dumped it off to a fullback. A few plays later, Keion Crossen made a big hit. The Pats were able to execute the “bend but donā€™t break” play, and the Redskins led 10-0. Jeremy Hill had a good run to start the next drive, but nothing happened after and they punted again.

JC Jackson could not break up a precision pass. Then, pressure by Derek Rivers and a deflection by Crossan caused a punt. Jeremy Hill had another good run up the middle, showing much more explosiveness than Mike Gillislee. However, a drop by Chris Hogan forced yet another punt. Keion Crossen looked silly and the tackling was awful as Sims got a big gain. The Redskins cashed in on a bootleg TD a few plays later. The Patriotsā€™ offense finally got some points when Devin Lucien got wide open for two plays. Then, Stephen Gostkowski converted on a 52-yard field goal. The Redskins led 17-3 at the end of the first half.

Second Half

The Patriots started off the third quarter with a clock-consuming drive. Brian Hoyer connected with Cordarrelle Patterson on third down and Mike Gillislee had some nice runs, including two fourth-down conversions. Jeremy Hill evaded a tackler on third down to extend the drive. Finally, he punched it in from the one to cut the deficit to seven.

The Redskins went three and out on the next drive due to a holding penalty that lead to third and long. The Patriots had a couple nice runs to start the third and final drive of the third. After three, the Redskins led the Patriots by a score of 17-10.

Ralph Webb, an undrafted free agent got some carries and had some good runs including a third-down conversion. Cordarrelle Patterson made an impressive juggling nineteen-yard catch to get the Pats on the fringe of the end zone. Webb finished off the drive on a seven-yard run. Then, he made a catch on a two-yard conversion to give the Patriots an 18-17 lead.

Patriots

Courtesy of Pats Pulpit

Second Half Continued

After a penalty, the Redskins went 3 and out again. On the next drive, Danny Etling and Mike Gillislee had a bad exchange and the Redskins recovered the fumble. The Patriots forced a fumble in return and Gino Grissom brought it back to the one yard line. Ralph Webb walked into the end zone for his second score of the game. Bill Belichick went for two again, and Ralph Webb punched it in. Dustin Hopkins hit the upright on the following drive and the Patriots maintained a 26-17 lead. It would prove to be the final score.

Boston Bruins 2018 Development Camp

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The Bruins Development Camp is here, and it’s only a matter of time before the veterans show up for some preseason games.

The Bruins’ preseason will begin to take shape. Their Rookie Camp will run from Tuesday, June 26 – Friday, June 29 at Warrior Ice Arena in Brighton, Massachusetts.

This year’s Development Camp roster features 29 players, including 16 forwards, ten defensemen, and three goaltenders. The roster includes 18 players within the Bruins organization and 11 players who will attend on an invite basis.

Forwards:Ā Martin Bakos, Stephen Baylis, Jack Becker, Henry Bowlby, Mitchell Fossier, Curtis Hall, Joona Koppanen, Karson Kuhlman, Philip Lagunov, Jakub Lauko, Tom Marchin, Cedric Pare, Pavel Shen, Oskar Steen, Jack Studnicka, Colin Theisen.

Defensemen:Ā Nick Albano, Axel Andersson, Philip Beaulieu, Victor Berglund, Daniel Bukac, Lucas Ekestahl-Jonsson, Teemu Kivihalme, Dustyn McFaul, Urho Vaakanainen, Nick Wolff.

Goaltenders:Ā Kyle Keyser, Jeremy Swayman,Ā Dan Vladar

Player to watch for – Jack Studnicka

Jack Studnicka- selected 53rd overall in the NHL Entry Draft. – Photo Courtesy of @NHLBruins

The Boston Bruins drafted Jack Studnicka 53rd overall in the 2017 NHL draft. Studnicka has spent the last three seasons with the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League. He was captain of the team in 2017-18. He led the club in scoring with 72 points and was awarded the Marc Savard Award. Studnicka also represented Canada at the 2017 U-18 World Championship. He had also played for his country at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial and the 2015-16 U-17 World Hockey Challenge. He took part in Bostonā€™s rookie camp in Buffalo 2017 and joined Providence after being reassigned by Boston from Oshawa at the conclusion of their season.

During the team media availability, he stated ” I want to make the team this year, I plan on being in the NHL”

Players are available to the media after practice. Also, a member of the Bruins Hockey Operations staff is available to the media after player availability.

All the sessions are open to the public.

If you are betting the Bruins this season make sure you check out BetQL for expert NHL picks.

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