ESPN Carrying Three Games To Celebrate Opening Night Of NHL’s 2021-22 Season

Posted on October 12, 2021 by philspicks

The National Hockey League opens its 2021-22 season tonight and ESPN will be along for the ride.

The ESPN networks will carry three games to celebrate the season’s start. Two of the games will air as part of a double header on ESPN. Up first in the double header schedule is a matchup of the defending NHL Champion Tampa Bay Lightning and Pittsburgh Penguins at 7:30 p.m. ET. The expansion Seattle Kraken and the Las Vegas Golden Knights follow at 10:15 p.m.

The Anaheim Ducks and Minnesota Wild are also scheduled to play tonight. That game’s start time is scheduled for 10:15 p.m. ET. It will stream online through ESPN+

Sean McDonough will have the call for the Lightning-Penguins game. Analyst Ray Ferraro will join him for additional commentary while reporter Emily Kaplan will have all of the latest in-game news and interviews.

John Buccigross will anchor coverage of the Kraken-Golden Knights game. Brian Boucher will provide additional commentary while reporter A.J. Mlezcko will have the game’s latest news and interviews.

Over on ESPN+, Leah Hextall will anchor the streaming coverage of the Ducks and Wild. Boucher will join her in the analyst role while Linda Cohn will have all of that game’s latest news and interviews.

Arda Ocal, Ryan Callahan, and John Tortorella will provide mid-game discussion and analysis during intermissions.

More information on the ESPN networks’ NHL coverage is available along with all of the latest NHL headlines at https://www.espn.com/nhl.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to https://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

Posted on March 2, 2019 by philspicks

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

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 aports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

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

Posted on January 5, 2018 by philspicks

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

Posted on April 17, 2017 by philspicks

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

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

Posted on January 14, 2017 by philspicks

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

Posted on December 17, 2016 by philspicks

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

ESPN Announces MNF Pre-Season Broadcast Schedule

Posted on April 10, 2015 by philspicks

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

Big Shot A Gripping Sports Scandal Story

Posted on October 22, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: ESPN/ESPN Films

ESPN is set to release the next collection of films in its Peabody Award winning series, 30 for 30next month. As ESPN’s fans count down the days to the release of ESPN Films Volume II, the “Worldwide Leader In Sports” will debut another film likely to be included in the set Tuesday October 22^nd in the form of Big Shot. The nearly ninety minute film is a must see for any hockey fan regardless of team allegiance. It follows the story of how one man conned the entire New York Islanders organization from top to bottom and its waning fan base. Throughout the course of the film, director Kevin Connolly presents to audiences how John Spano conned the sports world into believing he was a Texas billionaire. It presents his rise to power as the head of a struggling NHL franchise that once boasted four NHL Championships, and his eventual downfall after being revealed as the fraud that he was. As with every one of the films in the 30 for 30 series, the very story itself is reason enough to watch this film. Just as much reason to watch it, those closest to the scandal share the story in their own words. This includes Spano himself. From former players to sports writers and others, the whole twisted tale is told in depth. And sealing the deal for this film is once again the inclusion of classic game footage and newspaper articles to help drive the story along and illustrate everything that happened throughout the ordeal. Together, they make yet another film that proves once more why ESP continues to earn the title of the “Worldwide Leader in Sports.”

The story behind Big Shot alone is reason enough to watch this film. The story follows John Spano’s deception of so many people. From the Islanders to the team’s fans to the NHL as a whole, Spano deceived so many people. Through it all, he seemed to have no remorse at all for his actions. This is the case even in one-on-one interviews between director Connolly and Spano for the film. He didn’t try to make himself a victim. But he seemed to have had no remorse at all for what he did. Just as incredible is that he was able to fool so many people for so long, despite certain parties openly crying foul. The sports world is no stranger to scandals. But this is one of the rarest scandals ever to have hit the sports world. The closest that any sports organization comes from the world of NASCAR. Both times, they involved team owners facing criminal charges for fraud. Keeping that in mind, Spano’s scandal is even more eye opening. It is one that any sports fan should see.

The story of Big Shot is an eye opener. It will keep any sports fan engaged throughout its near ninety-minute run time. The story by itself wouldn’t be as interesting as it is though, without the interviews with those closest to the scandal. Those interviewed for this film include former Islanders greats Clark Gillies, Bob Nystrom, and former coach Mike MIlbury. Even Spano himself is interviewed, as noted previously. The interviews with Milbury and Spano show that while the scandal has long past, there is obviously still some bad blood between them in regards to everything that happened. Audiences should be warned that some language used in the interviews may not be suitable for all viewers. Also interviewed throughout the film are professional sports journalists that covered the Islanders’ struggles and Spano’s impact on both the team and the league as a whole. Their stories help to even better illustrate just how deep the scandal went and how it managed to go on for so long. It’s one more positive to what is yet another success from ESPN and ESPN Films.

Both the interviews and the story of Big Shot make this film yet another gripping sports story. There is still one remaining factor to be examined that makes this film as interesting as ESPN Films’ other stories in its 30 for 30 series. That factor is the vintage newspaper articles and game footage used throughout the film. Viewers get to see the Islanders’ heyday from the early 1980s thanks to the footage used in the film. Also included are newspaper articles used to help illustrate Spano’s rise and eventual fall. They are good visual aids for viewers. They make the discussions raised by the interviewees clearer for viewers. Together with the interviews in question, the game footage and the film’s story, it makes this piece another “win” for ESPN and ESPN Films. It debuts tonight at 8pm ET on ESPN. More information on this and other films in the 30 for 30 series is available online at http://www.facebook.com/espn30for30 and http://www.espn.com/30for30. 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.

30 For 30 Series Continues With NHL Documentary “Big Shot”

Posted on October 17, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: ESPN/ESPN Films

The next film in ESPN’s Peabody Award winning series, 30 for 30, airs next Tuesday. Big Shot is the next film in the hugely popular series. It is directed and narrated by Kevin Connolly. Mark Ciardi (Million Dollar Arm, Secretariat) and Ted Schillinger (Benji) produced the film.

Big Shot follows the issues that plagued the NHL’s New York Islanders after the team was bought by Dallas businessman John Spano in 1996. Spano bought the beleaguered team for $165 million. His purchase of the team looked like a good thing on the surface. But, not everything was as it seemed for the Islanders and the team’s fans. Big Shot presents as part of its presentation, the only interview that Spano ever gave about the Islanders deal. Audiences will see in this film just how the scam went undetected by so many for so long. A trailer for the film is available online at http://espn.go.com/30for30/film?page=bigshot.

Each film in the 30 for 30 series will be available online via iTunes and Amazon Instant Video the day after its broadcast. A special collectible six-disc DVD set featuring the first fifteen films from 30 for 30 Volume II will be available in stores and online November 26^th, 2013. The remaining films in this season of ESPN Films’ 30 for 30 are listed below.

Tuesday, Oct. 22, 8 p.m. – Big Shot (Director: Kevin Connolly)
Tuesday, Oct. 29, 8 p.m. – This is What They Want (Directors: Brian Koppelman and David Levien)
Tuesday, Nov. 5, 8 p.m. – Bernie and Ernie (Director: Jason Hehir)

More information on this and all things 30 for 30 is available online at http://www.facebook.com/espn30for30 and http://twitter.com/30for30. 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’s 30 For 30 Series Returns This Fall

Posted on July 24, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: ESPN

ESPN has officially announced the schedule for the return of its hit 30 for 30 film series. The Peabody Award-winning series will return this Fall beginning Tuesday, October 1^st with the tragic story of Hawaiian surfer Eddie Aiku in Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aiku. The film (and all new films in the series) will broadcast at 8pm on ESPN with a new film debuting each Tuesday from October 1^st to November 5^th. The story of Eddie Aiku is just the beginning in the return of ESPN’s award-winning series. Also included in this Fall’s schedule are stories of the John Spano Islanders scandal in Big Shot and Jimmy Connors’ unbelievable run in the 1991 U.S. Open in This is What They Want. It’s all capped off with a look at one of the most infamous rivalries and moments in modern sports history in Tonya and Nancy. This film documents the rivalry between skaters Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan and how it led to the brutal attack on Kerrigan.

Connor Schell, ESPN Films Vice President explained the motivation behind bringing the network’s famed series back with more new films in a recent interview. “We continue to see an insatiable appetite for well-told sports stories that both tap into nostalgia and allow for discovery of new insight and detail. We are proud to be the destination for fans looking for high-quality films that take them inside the worlds that they love,” he said. “Sports hold an increasingly prominent place in American culture, and our new slate of films exemplifies our ongoing goal of telling cultural stories that last.”

Fans can download each new film the day after its broadcast via iTunes and Amazon Instant Video. And for those that want the physical object, ESPN will release a special six-disc set titled 30 for 30 Volume II on November 26^th, just in time for the holidays. The set will feature the first fifteen films in the new, upcoming slate of films. It will be available online at ESPNShop.com and in stores.

The current listing of upcoming films is available below:

Tuesday, Oct. 1, 8 p.m. – Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau

Tuesday, Oct. 8, 8 p.m. – Free Spirits

Tuesday, Oct. 15, 8 p.m. – No Mas

Tuesday, Oct. 22, 8 p.m. – Big Shot

Tuesday, Oct. 29, 8 p.m. – This Is What They Want

Tuesday, Nov. 5, 8 p.m. – Tonya and Nancy

Fans can keep up with all of the latest updates on the 30 for 30 series online at http://www.facebook.com/espn30for30 and http://espn.go.com/30for30. And 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.

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