ESPN+ To Carry More Than 50 NHL Games In October

Courtesy: ESPN

ESPN is gearing up for the launch of the National Hockey League’s 2019-20 season.

The league’s season opens Thursday, and the network’s digital outlet ESPN+ will carry a total of 51 games throughout the season’s first month, starting with an opening day double header.

The Rangers will host the Jets at 7 p.m. to open the night’s coverage.  The Coyotes will visit the Ducks at 10 p.m., rounding out ESPN+’s opening night coverage.

Each night after through the weekend will also feature a double header schedule while only a handful of the network’s opening month broadcasts will be single-game telecasts.  The network’s full schedule for October is noted below.

NHL on ESPN+ Schedule

Date	Time (ET)	Event
Thu, Oct 3	7 p.m.	Winnipeg Jets at New York Rangers
	10 p.m.	Arizona Coyotes at Anaheim Ducks
Fri, Oct 4	7 p.m.	Washington Capitals at New York Islanders
	10:30 p.m.	Vegas Golden Knights at San Jose Sharks
Sat, Oct 5	7 p.m.	Columbus Blue Jackets at Pittsburgh Penguins
	9 p.m.	Boston Bruins at Arizona Coyotes
Sun, Oct 6	5 p.m.	Tampa Bay Lightning at Carolina Hurricanes
	7 p.m.	Dallas Stars at Detroit Red Wings
Mon, Oct 7	7 p.m.	Buffalo Sabres at Columbus Blue Jackets
Tues, Oct 8	7 p.m.	Dallas Stars at Washington Capitals
	10 p.m.	Boston Bruins at Vegas Golden Knights
Thu, Oct 10	7 p.m.	Edmonton Oilers at New Jersey Devils
	8:30 p.m.	San Jose Sharks at Chicago Blackhawks
Fri, Oct 11	7 p.m.	Florida Panthers at Buffalo Sabres
	7:30 p.m.	New York Islanders at Carolina Hurricanes
Sat, Oct 12	7 p.m.	New Jersey Devils at Boston Bruins
	8 p.m.	Pittsburgh Penguins at Minnesota Wild
Sun, Oct 13	10 p.m.	Vegas Golden Knights at Los Angeles Kings
	10 p.m.	Calgary Flames at San Jose Sharks
Mon, Oct 14	1 p.m.	St. Louis Blues at New York Islanders
	5 p.m.	Colorado Avalanche at Washington Capitals
Tue, Oct 15	9 p.m.	Philadelphia Flyers at Calgary Flames
	10 p.m.	Nashville Predators at Vegas Golden Knights
Wed, Oct 16	10 p.m.	Buffalo Sabres at Anaheim Ducks
	10:30 p.m.	Carolina Hurricanes at San Jose Sharks
Thu, Oct 17	7 p.m.	Tampa Bay Lightning at Boston Bruins
	10 p.m.	Ottawa Senators at Vegas Golden Knights
Fri, Oct 18	7 p.m.	Dallas Stars at Pittsburgh Penguins
	8:30 p.m.	Columbus Blue Jackets at Chicago Blackhawks
Sat, Oct 19	7 p.m.	Dallas Stars at Philadelphia Flyers
	10 p.m.	Calgary Flames at Los Angeles Kings
Sun, Oct 20	5 p.m.	Montreal Canadiens at Minnesota Wild
	7 p.m.	Edmonton Oilers at Winnipeg Jets
Mon, Oct 21	7 p.m.	Columbus Blue Jackets at Toronto Maple Leafs
	8 p.m.	Colorado Avalanche at St. Louis Blues
Tue, Oct 22	7 p.m.	Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins
	7 p.m.	Pittsburgh Penguins at Florida Panthers
Thu, Oct 24	7 p.m.	Buffalo Sabres at New York Rangers
	8:30 p.m.	Philadelphia Flyers at Chicago Blackhawks
Fri, Oct 25	6 p.m.	Colorado Avalanche at Vegas Golden Knights
	10 p.m.	Washington Capitals at Vancouver Canucks
Sat, Oct 26	7 p.m.	Nashville Predators at Tampa Bay Lightning
	8 p.m.	Pittsburgh Penguins at Dallas Stars
Sun, Oct 27	5 p.m.	St. Louis Blues at Detroit Red Wings
	7 p.m.	San Jose Sharks at Ottawa Senators
Mon, Oct 28	10 p.m.	Florida Panthers at Vancouver Canucks
Tue, Oct 29	7 p.m.	Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins
	10 p.m.	Winnipeg Jets at Anaheim Ducks
Wed, Oct 30	10 p.m.	Florida Panthers at Colorado Avalanche
	10:30 p.m.	Vancouver Canucks at Los Angeles Kings
Thu, Oct 31	10 p.m.	Montreal Canadiens at Vegas Golden Knights

*Local market blackout restrictions apply to ESPN+ out-of-market games

Every team in the league will appear at least twice throughout the month.  The Las Vegas Golden Knights will make seven appearances overall and the Penguins, six.

Along with the season’s opening month schedule, ESPN+’s In The Crease will also make its return Thursday.  Linda Cohn will anchor the broadcast.  SportsCenter anchors John Buccigross and Nabil Karim will also serve as anchors for broadcasts throughout the season.  espn.com NHL writers Emily Kaplan, Greg Wyshynski and Chris Peters will provide analysis throughout the month during the program’s broadcasts.

A new episode of In The Crease will air at 10 a.m. on ESPN+ following the previous night’s games throughout the month.

More information on ESPN+’s NHL coverage is available online along with all of the latest NHL headlines at:

Website: http://www.espn.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ESPN

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ESPN

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

ESPN+ Expands NHL Coverage

Courtesy: ESPN/ESPN+

ESPN is giving hockey fans a new way to enjoy their favorite game.

ESPN+ is expanding its National Hockey League coverage as the push to the playoffs heats up.  The broadcast schedule expansion, which started Friday, features 14 games per week through the remainder of the regular season.

The network’s expanded coverage features games, such as a matchup between the Flames and Golden Knights in the Pacific Division on Wednesday; an Atlantic Division showdown on March 11 between the Leafs and Lightning and a possible playoff preview on March 18 between the Sharks and Knights.

Each broadcast on the network’s expanded schedule will be followed by  ESPN+’s post-game program, In The Crease.  The program is co-hosted by NHL experts Linda Cohn and Barry Melrose.

The full schedule for ESPN+’s NHL coverage is noted below.

ESPN+ Battle for the Playoffs schedule (Additional end of month matchups will be announced soon)

Date	Time (ET)	Event
Fri, Mar 1	7:00 p.m.	Washington Capitals at New York Islanders
	8:00 p.m.	Nashville Predators at Winnipeg Jets
Sat, Mar 2	8:00 p.m.	Dallas Stars at St. Louis Blues
	10:00 p.m.	Minnesota Wild at Calgary Flames
Sun, Mar 3	4:00 p.m.	Vancouver Canucks at Vegas Golden Knights
	10:00 p.m.	Chicago Blackhawks at San Jose Sharks
Mon, Mar 4	9:00 p.m.	Toronto Maple Leafs at Calgary Flames
Tue, Mar 5	7:00 p.m.	Carolina Hurricanes at Boston Bruins
	7:00 p.m.	Florida Panthers at Pittsburgh Penguins
	10:30 p.m.	Montreal Canadiens at Los Angeles Kings
Wed, Mar 6	9:00 p.m.	Calgary Flames at Vegas Golden Knights
Thu, Mar 7	8:30 p.m.	Buffalo Sabres at Chicago Blackhawks
	10:30 p.m.	Montreal Canadiens at San Jose Sharks
Fri, Mar 8	7:00 p.m.	Minnesota Wild at Florida Panthers
	10:00 p.m.	Montreal Canadiens at Anaheim Ducks
Sat, Mar 9	3:00 p.m.	Buffalo Sabres at Colorado Avalanche
	7:00 p.m.	Pittsburgh Penguins at Columbus Blue Jackets
	8:00 p.m.	Chicago Blackhawks at Dallas Stars
	10:00 p.m.	Vegas Golden Knights at Vancouver Canucks
Sun, Mar 10	7:00 p.m.	Winnipeg Jets at Washington Capitals
Mon, Mar 11	7:00 p.m.	Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs
	9:00 p.m.	New York Rangers at Edmonton Oilers
Tue, Mar 12	8:00 p.m.	San Jose Sharks at Winnipeg Jets
	10:00 p.m.	Nashville Predators at Anaheim Ducks
Wed, Mar 13	10:00 p.m.	New York Rangers at Vancouver Canucks
Thu, Mar 14	7:00 p.m.	Washington Capitals at Philadelphia Flyers
	8:00 p.m.	Boston Bruins at Winnipeg Jets
Fri, Mar 15	7:00 p.m.	Carolina Hurricanes at Columbus Blue Jackets
	9:00 p.m.	New York Rangers at Calgary Flames
Sat, Mar 16	7:00 p.m.	Columbus Blue Jackets at Boston Bruins
	7:00 p.m.	Calgary Flames at Winnipeg Jets
	10:30 p.m.	Nashville Predators at San Jose Sharks
Sun, Mar 17	6:00 p.m.	New York Islanders at Minnesota Wild
Mon, Mar 18	7:30 p.m.	Arizona Coyotes at Tampa Bay Lightning
	10:30 p.m.	Vegas Golden Knights at San Jose Sharks
Tue, Mar 19	8:00 p.m.	Toronto Maple Leafs at Nashville Predators
	9:00 p.m.	Columbus Blue Jackets at Calgary Flames
Thu, Mar 21	7:00 p.m.	Tampa Bay Lightning at Carolina Hurricanes
	10:00 p.m.	Winnipeg Jets at Vegas Golden Knights
Sat, Mar 23	3:00 p.m.	Chicago Blackhawks at Colorado Avalanche
	7:00 p.m.	Nashville Predators at Winnipeg Jets
	9:00 p.m.	Pittsburgh Penguins at Dallas Stars
	10:00 p.m.	Calgary Flames at Vancouver Canucks
Sun, Mar 24	7:00 p.m.	Montreal Canadiens at Carolina Hurricanes
	10:00 p.m.	Columbus Blue Jackets at Vancouver Canucks

* All games are subject to blackout restrictions in each team’s local market

Consumers can start their free trial of ESPN+ now here.

More information on the ESPN networks’ NHL coverage is available online now at:

 

Website: http://www.espn.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ESPN

Twitter: http://twitter.com/espn

 

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‘NOVA: Secrets Of The Shining Knight’ Will Certainly Shine For Its Target Audiences

Courtesy: PBS/Public Media Distribution

The knight is a popular mascot for athletic teams today. From Las vegas’ new National Hockey League team to so many college athletic teams to even high school and below, knights are used nationwide (and probably worldwide) as mascots. While they may call themselves knights, the teams that used the knight as their mascot are a far cry from real-life knights. One of the key elements that sets those teams apart from their real-life counterparts is their armor. Today’s “knights” use pads and other items to protect themselves from their opponents. Real-life knights used metal to protect themselves in life-threatening battle. Just last month, PBS and PBS Distribution released a new episode of its hit science-based series NOVA examining the knight’s armor in a new program called NOVA: Secrets of the Shining Knight. The roughly hour-long program is an interesting look at the protections used by real-life knights, and will appeal to military history buffs just as much as it will to history buffs in general. That is due in part to the program’s very topic, which will be discussed shortly. The program’s very presentation adds to its presentation. The information shared throughout the program rounds out its most important elements. It will be discussed later, too. Each element noted here plays its own important part in the program’s whole. All things considered, they make NOVA: Secrets of the Shining Knight a shining new program that history buffs and military history buffs alike will appreciate.

NOVA: Secrets of the Shining Knight is an interesting new offering from PBS’ long-running hit science-based series. That is due in part to its topic. The topic — that of the armor that protected real-life knights — is very directed and focused. Considering the program’s title, one would think that the program would, in fact, center on knights in general (their armor, weaponry and even their steeds and perhaps even their lives in general), not just their armor. Even with that in mind, focusing on knights’ armor and what made it so critical to their everyday life, is a topic that is interesting in its own right. It just would have been nice to have had a discussion on their weaponry since the progam’s central focus was knights’ armor. That aside, the discussion on the knights’ armor is still engaging in its own right and makes this doc worth at least one watch. The program’s presentation plays its own important part in making it worth at least one watch.

The presentation of NOVA: Secrets of the Shining Knight makes it worth at least one watch because it doesn’t just present the facts. Rather, it shows the process of how knights’ armor was made all the while explaining that the secrets of how it was made were not written down. That is a matter that will be discussed later. In a fashion similar to that of Mythbusters, the armor is even put to the test to see what it can withstand. There is even a segment in the program that shows how the intricate designs were laid into the armor. Hint: it involved a certain type of acid and some very time intensive work. Audiences will be intrigued to watch that process just as much as the tests to see how strong a knight’s armor truly was and is. Between those tests and the process of creating the armor, this program offers audiences plenty to watch. The information that is shared throughout the course of those segments gives audiences even more to appreciate.

The information that is shared throughout the course of NOVA: Secrets of the Shining Knight strengthens even more, the foundation formed by its presentation and its topic because so much of it is such a surprise. Early on in its run, narrator Jay O. Sanders reveals that trying to recreate knights’ armor of any kind is so difficult because the people who made the armor originally did not write down how they went about making the gear. That was, as Sanders states, because they wanted to keep what they did trade secrets. As a result, it was passed down orally from the master to student. It shows that those craftsmen treated their jobs with the utmost seriousness. It’s the kind of mentality that today’s harshest business people would appreciate. Another interesting piece of information that Sanders reveals is that armor was specifically fitted to its owner, including nobility and not just knights. Not only that, but it was apparently made in the same fashion as the day’s fashion. Between these facts and so many others shared over the course of the program’s roughly hour-long run time, audiences get plenty of reason to remain engaged in the program. When this is considered along with the value of the program’s very presentation and its topic, the whole of the elements makes the program overall one that is certain to shine for history buffs and military history buffs alike.

NOVA: Secrets of the Shining Knight is a program that is certain to shine for history buffs and military history buffs alike. That, as has already been noted, is due in part to the program’s central topic — that of knights’ armor. It focuses solely on their armor and no other aspect of the knight. While this sadly does leave audiences wanting a bit more, the clear focus on the singular topic is good in its own right. The program’s almost Mythbusters style approach is certain to insure even more audiences’ engagement and entertainment. The information that is shared throughout the program puts the finishing touch to its presentation. Each element is important in its own right. All things considered, it will be no secret that this program will definitely appeal to its target audiences. it is available now and can be ordered online direct via PBS’ online store. More information on this and other episods of NOVA is available online now at:

Website: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NOVApbs

Twitter: http://twitter.com/novapbs

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

‘Sports Detectives: Season One’ Is A Winning Debut For Smithsonian Channel Series

Courtesy: Smithsonian Channel/Public Media Distribution

Early this month, Public Media Distribution and Smithsonian Channel partnered to release the first season of the network’s new sports history-based series Sports Detectives on DVD.  One part History Detectives, one part 30 for 30 and one part Expedition Unknown, this introductory season will appeal to any sports and sports history buff. That is due in no small part to the sports that it covers over the course of its episodes.  The stories that are presented within each episode are just as important to discuss as the sports that are covered.  The transitions that are used in the two-part episodes round out the season’s most important elements.  Each element is clearly important in its own right to the season’s overall presentation.  All things considered, Sports Detectives: Season One is, overall, a winner for any sports aficionado.

The debut season of Smithsonian Channel’s Sports Detectives is a presentation that will appeal to sports buffs of all ages.  That is due in no small part to the sports that are covered over the course of its 300-minutes.  From the first disc to the second, the series covers all of America’s major sports.  There are two stories from Major League Baseball, two from the National Football League, one from the National Hockey League and one from the National Basketball Association.  They are not the only sports that are covered in this collection.  NASCAR fans get a nod with a story focusing on the legend of Dale Earnhardt’s pink K-2 Ford driven early in his career, one for the horse racing fans out there and even one focusing on the boxing world.  Simply put, those behind the series made sure to reach out to fans of as many sports as possible with these stories  The only downside here is that there is no listing of the stories inside or outside the box.  Even with that in mind, the inclusion of stories from most of the sports world’s major arenas (yes, that bad pun was intended) is in itself plays a big part in the program’s overall presentation.  The fact that the series has yet to touch on soccer (yes, that bad pun was intended, too) gives fodder for more stories.  There are certain to be stories from the worlds of golf and tennis, too.  That is not even mentioning the college sports realm, too.  Keeping that in mind, this gives plenty of material for at least a second season.  Keeping all of this in mind, the sports that are covered and the sports that could be covered in a second season of Sports Detectives show why they are pivotal to the series’ first season.  They are, collectively speaking, just part of what makes this season so enjoyable for sports lovers.  The stories presented within the episodes are just as important to discuss in examining this season as the sports presented within the episodes.

The stories that are presented within each episode are so important to discuss because of the history that each story presents.  The stories also don’t always result in a clear answer either.  The story of Muhammad Ali’s Olympic Gold Medal supports both of those statements.  Audiences learn through this story about how he represented his country at the 1960 Olympics, only to allegedly throw it in the Ohio River upon his return to the U.S.  The alleged incident happened, according to the story, after he was denied service in his still segregated home city of Louisville.  Not to give away too much here, but the story is never fully solved despite the lengths to which the investigative team of Kevin Barrows and Lauren Gardner go to try to solve the mystery.  That the story isn’t solved actually adds to its interest, leaving one wonder if there is any validity to Ali’s story or not.

The story of Ali’s missing 1960 Olympic Gold medal is just one example of the importance of this season’s stories.  The story of Lou Gehrig’s baseball bat is another prime example of the importance of the season’s episodes.  This is one of the stories that is solved.  The investigation here finds a bat that was in fact once in the hands of the baseball legend.  The revelation that someone out there has a bat that was in fact once held (and used in a game) by the legendary figure is in itself incredible.  The history behind the bat is just as interesting.  It is just one more of the stories that shows the importance of the stories featured in this season.  There is also a story centered on famed horse Secretariat’s saddle cloth that is just as interesting.

The story of Secretariat’s supposedly missing saddle cloth is another one that results in the mystery being solved.  What is so interesting in this story is the revelation of how easily it could have and did go missing in the commotion following Secretariat’s win in one of horse racing’s biggest events.  The story keeps audiences engaged because of the twists and turns that it presents as it eventually leads to the discovery of the saddle cloth.  Those twists and turns keep viewers wondering right up to the eventual discovery if it will turn up.  Again, it is just one more example of why the episodes’ stories are so important to the season’s overall presentation.  The story of a flag brought to the ice after the famed “miracle on ice” Olympic matchup between the U.S. and Russia, the location of an NFL Champion’s ring and that of a famed basketball are a few more examples of why this season’s stories are just as important to discuss as the sports that are covered in examining the season’s overall presentation.  As important as the stories presented in these episodes are to the season’s overall presentation, they are not the last of its important elements.  The transitions used in the two-part episodes are important to note, too.

The sports and stories presented throughout the first season of Smithsonian Channel’s Sports Detectives are both key elements to discuss in examining the season’s overall presentation.  They are not its only key elements to examine either.  The transitions that are used in the season’s two-part episodes are important in their own right to the season’s presentation.  The transitions used in said episodes are so important because they are so smooth. The case of the missing NFL Championship ring and the missing “Immaculate Reception” is a prime example of that statement.  Those behind the lens picked all of the right moments to connect one story to the other, thus keeping the story moving.  It is clear in watching the episode that the choices were made not only through the discussions but also through the shots.  This same approach was used in the episode focusing on Dale Earnhardt’s K-2 Ford and Secretariat’s saddle cloth and in the episode focusing on Lou Gehrig’s baseball bat and Kirk Gibson’s home run ball.  Those smart transitions will certainly keep audiences just as engaged as the stories themselves.  That is because they enhance the stories, thus making them all the more engaging.  When this element is set alongside the show’s actual stories and the sports that are featured, the whole of the elements makes this season of Sports Detectives a win for sports buffs of all ages and tastes.

Sports Detectives: Season One is a winning start for Smithsonian Channel’s new sports-based series.  That is due, as already discussed, to the diversity of sports featured in the season’s two discs and 300 minutes.  The stories at the center of each episode are just as important to discuss as the featured sports.  The transitions that are used in each episode (or more specifically, the editing in general) is the finishing touch to the season’s presentation.  Of course one could also argue the interviews, footage and pictures used in each story are important in their own right, too.  Those who point out those elements would be right, too.  All things considered, the debut season of Sports Detectives leaves no mystery why it is a winning presentation.  It is available now and can be ordered online via PBS’ online store.  More information on Sports Detectives and other Smithsonian Channel series is available online now at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.smithsonianchannel.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SmithsonianChannel

Twitter: http://twitter.com/SmithsonianChan

 

 

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

New York Sports Anthem Will Get NFL Fans Going At Pro Bowl, Super Bowl

Courtesy: Chris Clemence

Bassist Chris Clemence’s New York sports anthem ‘Let’s Go’ is about to become one of the next big national sports anthems thanks to the National Football League.

‘Let’s Go’ will air live during the NFL’s Pro Bowl later this month and early next month during Super Bowl LI. The song will play over the speakers at each game’s stadium.  Clemence originally debuted the song late last year.

The up-tempo, fist-pumping inciting composition features vocals from Cro Mags member Harley Flanagan and additional instrumentation from Madison Square Gardens organist and DJ Ray Castoldi. It went on to become an anthem of the Knicks, Giants and Rangers since its debut.

Photo Credit: Ultra Sound Studios
L – R: Chris Clemence, Harley Flanagan, Ray Castoldi writing ‘Let’s Go’ in New York City.

Clemence was humble as he talked about the continuously growing popularity of ‘Let’s Go.’ He said he was moved by the reaction audiences have had to the song and looked forward to see if it would continue to grow in its popularity.

“The song has had a really great response, and it’s exciting to watch it grow even bigger,” Clemence said.  “I can’t wait to see what happens next.”

Audiences can download ‘Let’s Go’ now via iTunes. Audiences can also stream the song online via Clemence’s website.

Clemence said downloading the song will allow audiences to hear it whenever they want, but stressed fans who hear it live during a game will gain even more of an appreciation for the song.

“For the full effect you have to go hear it at a game,” Clemence said.

More information on ‘Let’s Go’ is available online now along with all of Clemence’s latest news and more at: http://www.chrisclemence.com.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Dropkick Murphys Unveil ‘Paying My Way’ Video

Dropkick Murphys has partnered with the National Hockey League for the band’s video for its new single.

The band unveiled the video for its new single ‘Paying My Way’ this week.  The song comes from the band’s new album 11 Stories of Pain & Glory, which is due out Jan. 6 via the band’s own label, Born & Bred Records.

The song’s new video couples the song with NHL footage from the league’s present and past.  It includes game footage and shots of players from different teams in the locker room, too.  DKM’s hometown team, the Boston Bruins are even included in the video.  The video is streaming online now here. The song is streaming online now via Spotify.

Courtesy: Born & Bred Records/NHL Network

Band founder/vocalist Ken Casey explained the song’s lyrical theme, saying it is about trying to be the best that a person can be, and looking long term at the importance of trying one’s best.

‘Paying My Way’ is not just about paying your bills,” Casey said. ‘It’s about doing what you have to do in order to be a good person, but at the end of the day, never losing sight of the fact that doing the next right thing may lead to great things one day.”

Pre-orders for 11 Stories of Pain & Glory are open now via iTunes.  Audiences who pre-order the album now will get ‘Paying My Way’ as an instant download.  Limited edition CD and vinyl pressings of the album can be placed online now here.

Dropkick Murphys will hit the road in support of 11 Stories of Pain & Glory beginning Feb. 21 in Bethlehem, PA.  The band’s tour winds down on St. Patrick’s Day Week with a string of hometown shows in Boston.  Tickets for the band’s tour are available now.

More information on tickets is available along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.dropkickmurphys.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DropkickMuprhys

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DropkickMurphys

 

 

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

ESPN Announces MNF Pre-Season Broadcast Schedule

Courtesy: ESPN

Spring is one of the greatest times of the year for sports fans. The NHL and NBA are both headed into their respective playoffs. MLB is just getting started. The auto racing world is in high gear. And in the world of football, many universities are planning their annual spring football scrimmages ahead of the annual NFL draft. It also means one other thing for sports fans. It means the annual announcement by ESPN of the network’s pre-season football coverage. And make that announcement is exactly what the worldwide leader in sports did Thursday.

ESPN announced Thursday that it has two games on tap for its 2015 Monday Night Football schedule. The first of those games is a matchup of the Browns and Bills on Thursday, August 20^th in Cleveland. It will be the first chance for new Bills coach and former Jets coach Rex Ryan to put his team, which now features All-Pro running back LeSean McCoy, on display. On the other side of the ball, it is believed that Johnny Manziel will be fighting for his career as the Browns host the Bills in the AFC matchup.

The second matchup on ESPN’s Monday Night Football pre-season schedule will see Andy Dalton and the Cincinnati Bengals on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, August 24th. The Bucs struggled mightily in the 2014- 2015 season and will have the #1 pick in this year’s NFL Draft as a result of those struggles.

The MNF broadcast team of Mike Tirico and Jon Gruden will have the call for both games. They will be joined once again by sideline reporter Lisa Salters. Both games are schedule for an 8pm ET start time and will be preceded by an hour-long edition of ESPN’s weekly NFL pre-game show Monday Night Countdown. ESPN’s Spanish-speaking audiences will be able to catch both games on television on ESPN Deportes, ESPN’s 24-hour Spanish-language domestic sports network. ESPN Deportes will also have coverage of every regular season MNF broadcast.

Along with coverage on television via ESPN and ESPN Deportes, every MNF broadcast can also be seen online through a number of outlets including: Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One via WatchESPN. WatchESPN is available in more than 93 million households across the country to fans who get ESPN’s networks as part of their video subscription.

More information on ESPN’s upcoming MNF broadcast schedule is available online along with all of the latest NFL headlines at:

Website: http://espn.go.com/nfl.mnf

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MNF

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.