It's Tuesday

It's Tuesday. Here's what's happening....

*************************************************

Today is February 3rd, the 34th day of 2015. There are 331 days left in the year.

*************************************************

Gordie Howe progressing after stem-cell treatment.

Busy month could precede NHL Trade Deadline.

Visit the official league website, http://www.nhl.com.

************************************************

Today's Birthdays: Blythe Danner (Meet the Parents movies, Gwyneth Paltrow’s mom) is 72. Maura Tierney (ER, NewsRadio) is 50. Isla Fisher (The Lookout, Now You See Me, Wedding Crashers) is 39. Rebel Wilson (Pitch Perfect, Super Fun Night) is 29.

************************************************

Tampa, FL. -- Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper called the decision to waive veteran goaltender Evgeni Nabokov “painful” and likened the process to cut-down day during training camp.

Read the rest here.

************************************************

NEW ON DVD - Released February 3

The Best of Me
Ouija
Dracula Untold
John Wick
Wonder Years Season 2

************************************************

Minnesota State Back to No. 1 in USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine College Hockey Poll

USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine 2014-15 Men's College Hockey Poll - Regular Season #17 (First-place votes in parentheses) Rank School Last Week's Rank 2014-15 Record Weeks in Top 15 1. Minnesota State University, 480 (13) 3 21-5-1 17 2. Boston University, 473 (15) 2 16-4-4 17 3. University of North Dakota, 470 (6) 1 19-6-2 17 4. University of Nebraska Omaha, 391 5 16-7-3 11 5. Michigan Tech University, 322 9 20-7-1 12 6. Harvard University, 316 4 12-5-2 8 7. University of Minnesota Duluth, 305 7 15-10-1 10 8. Miami University, 275 8 15-9-1 17 9. Bowling Green State University, 255 6 15-6-5 9 10 University of Denver, 194 12 15-9-1 13 11. UMass Lowell, 177 10 16-8-3 15 12. Boston College, 149 15 16-8-2 11 13. Providence College, 102 11 16-9-1 10 14. University of Michigan, 65 13 15-8-0 7 15. Yale University, 46 n/a 12-6-3 3 Others Receiving Votes: Quinnipiac University, 21; Colgate University, 12; Merrimack College, 9; Robert Morris University, 8; University of Vermont, 7; University of Minnesota, 2; St. Lawrence University, 1. Notes: A total of 22 schools received votes in this week's poll ... The National Collegiate Hockey Association leads all conferences with five ranked schools. The Hockey East Association has four, while the Western Collegiate Hockey Association has three and ECAC Hockey has two. The Big Ten Conference has one ranked school. ... This season's previous polls can be found here. About the Poll: The 20th annual USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Men's College Hockey Poll is conducted each week in conjunction with the American Hockey Coaches Association. The poll includes input from coaches and journalists representing each of the six NCAA Division I ice hockey conferences, as well as composite votes from officers of the AHCA and USA Hockey. USA Tops Korea, 8-1, at World Sled Hockey Challenge Nine Players Register A Point in the Victory LEDUC, Alberta – Brody Roybal (Northlake, Ill.) and Josh Pauls (Green Brook, N.J.) scored two goals each and nine different U.S. players registered points as the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team defeated Korea, 8-1, in its second game at the 2015 World Sled Hockey Challenge today at the Leduc Recreation Centre. With the win, Team USA improves to 2-0-0-0 (W-OTW-OTL-L) in the tournament and sits at the top of the standings. “We improved as a team today,” said Jeff Sauer, head coach of the 2015 U.S. National Sled Hockey Team. “Everyone, including our second goaltender, got a chance to play. Now, it’s time for us to turn our attention to Canada.” Kevin McKee (Chicago, Ill.) started the scoring for Team USA just 22 seconds into the game. Taking a pass from Declan Farmer (Tampa, Fla.), McKee fired the puck past Korean goaltender Man-Gyun Yu. Roybal added a power play goal from the point at the 9:08 mark when he finished a cross-ice pass from Nikko Landeros (Johnstown, Colo.). Team USA added to its lead 3:17 into the second frame when McKee’s pass from below the goal line found Roybal alone in the slot for his second goal of the game. Three minutes later, seconds after being released from the penalty box, Adam Page (Lancaster, N.Y.) finished a two-on-one pass from Pauls to make it 4-0 for Team USA. Just 21 seconds into the third stanza, Pauls’ unassisted effort from the left side gave the United States its fifth goal of the game. Less than a minute later, Pauls’ high shot from the point soared over everyone, including the Korean goalie, to give him his second goal of the game. Billy Hanning(Festus, Mo.) collected an assist on the goal. Korea’s lone goal came on the power play with 5:04 left in the third when Ju Seung Lee’s shot got by Kyle Huckaby (Port Arthur, Texas). Farmer and Dan McCoy (Cheswick, Pa.) added a goal apiece late in the period to seal the victory for Team USA. The U.S. will return to action at the 2015 World Sled Hockey Challenge Wednesday (Feb. 4), against Canada at 9:00 p.m. ET. The game can be seen live on FastHockey.com. 2015 World Sled Hockey Challenge • Team USA Schedule Feb. 1-7 - Leduc, Alberta - Leduc Recreation Centre Date Opponent Time (ET)/Result Sun., Feb. 1 Russia W, 3-2 Mon., Feb. 2 Korea W, 8-1 Wed., Feb. 4 Canada 9:00 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 5 Semifinal 2:00 p.m. Semifinal 9:00 p.m. Sat., Feb. 7 Third-Place Game 2:00 p.m. Championship Game 7:00 p.m. NOTES:: Josh Pauls was named the U.S. Player of the Game … Team USA outshot Korea 25-7 … The U.S. power play was two-for-three, while its penalty kill was three-for-four … For full game statistics, click here … For complete Team USA coverage, click here … Follow @USAHockeyScores for in-game updates. Join the World Sled Hockey Challenge conversation on Twitter using the hashtag#WSHC.

************************************************ On this date in 1927, the Federal Radio Commission was created when U.S. President Calvin Coolidge signed a bill. ************************************************ The Tampa Bay Juniors were in action this past weekend, with a set of road games at the Atlanta Junior Knights. On Saturday, January 31st, the Empire Juniors lost to Atlanta 4-0. Sam Coleman made 61 saves for the Juniors, who went 0-for-4 on the power play and 3-of-3 on the penalty kill. Also on Saturday, the Elite Juniors topped Atlanta 5-3. Trey Stern scored twice, Christopher Astrom, Richard Foy and Brock Thompson once each. Michael Krch made 43 saves for Tampa Bay, which went 1-for-3 on the power play and 9-of-9 on the penalty kill. On Sunday, February 1st, the Empire Juniors dropped a 6-3 decision to Atlanta. Max Mulholland scored twice, Steven Noyes once. Zac Gazzanna had 31 saves for the Juniors, who went 1-for-7 on the power play and 0-of-1 on the penalty kill. Also on Sunday, the Elite Juniors lost to Atlanta 3-2 in a shootout. Tampa Bay goals were scored by Tucker Barone and Christopher Astrom, Michael Krch made 40 saves. The Juniors were 1-for-3 on the power play and 6-of-6 on the penalty kill. The Juniors are back in action this coming weekend, with each team playing a pair of games. The Empire Juniors will take on the Florida Junior Blades, with games to be played in Ellenton on Saturday, February 7th at 5:15pm EST, then on Sunday, February 8th in Estero, beginning at 12:00pm EST. The Elite Juniors will be taking on the Roswell Bulldogs, with both games to be played in Ellenton. Saturday, February 7th's contest starts at 8:00pm EST and Sunday, February 8th's game starts at 12:15pm EST. All games can be seen on Fasthockey.com. ************************************************ On this date in 1946, the first issue of "Holiday" magazine appeared. ************************************************

Heenan released by Riders as he looks south.

Chamblin, Riders round out 2015 coaching staff.

Please visit the league's official website, http://www.cfl.ca.

************************************************

A man was arrested for trying to climb over a crowd control barrier outside the White House. [He claimed that he was just there to pick up his drone.]

************************************************

Phoenix, AZ. -- Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Warren Sapp was arrested in Phoenix on Monday morning on charges of soliciting a prostitute and assault, FOXSportsFlorida.com has confirmed.

Read the rest here.

************************************************

On this date in 1966, the first rocket-assisted controlled landing on the Moon was made by the Soviet space vehicle Luna IX.

************************************************

Corvallis, OR. -- A first half offensive explosion from junior Jamie Weisner helped carry the No. 7/7 Oregon State women’s basketball team to a 82-64 win over UCLA Monday evening at Gill Coliseum.

Read the rest here.

************************************************

Groundhog Day was more eventful than usual in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin Monday morning as their resident rodent prognosticator, Jimmy the Groundhog, tried to take a bite out of the mayor’s face while relaying his Groundhog Day forecast. Heroically holding it together, despite rubbing his ear and checking his fingers for blood, Mayor Jonathon Freund announced that Jimmy the Groundhog had not seen his shadow. | VIDEO

************************************************

Nice shoes!

************************************************

You're reading the Johnny Blog. Almost as much fun as all the neighborhood dogs barking at once, isn't it?

************************************************

Today in Elvis History:

1957 - "The New York Times" ran a story entitled "Presley Records a Craze in Soviet Union." The article was about bootleg records being made in the Soviet Union since Elvis records were not legally available. 

1962 - Elvis Presley's single "Can't Help Falling In Love" hit #2 in the U.S. 

1973 - Elvis Presley's single "Separate Ways" hit #20 in the U.S. 

************************************************

Britain’s first police beekeeping ­club has launched to help officers in Scotland Yard’s CO19 firearms unit keep calm. Publicity material for the club says the activity is ideal for stressed cops because it is a “relaxing and rewarding hobby”.

************************************************

Today in Beatles History:

1966 - Paul McCartney attended a performance of Stevie Wonder at the Scotch of St. James' Club in London. McCartney met the 15-year-old Wonder backstage. 

1968 - At Abbey Road, the Beatles recorded "Lady Madonna" in three takes. 

1969 - John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison hired Allen Klein as the Beatles' business manager. McCartney disagreed with the decision, leading to further divisions among the group. 

2004 - "The Beatles - The First U.S. Visit" was released on DVD. The DVD included 81 minutes of black and white footage and a 51-minute "Making of Feature." 

************************************************

A police officer in England (Staffordshire) who thought he’d stumbled upon a major load of cannabis was embarrassed to discover his haul was potpourri.

************************************************

Today in Sports History:

1876 - Albert Spalding and his brother started a sporting goods store. They manufactured the first official baseball, tennis ball, basketball, golf ball and football. 

1912 - In the U.S., professional football set some new rules. The field was shortened to 100 yards, touchdowns were to be worth six points instead of five, four downs would be allowed instead of three and the kickoff was moved from midfield to the 40 yard line. 

1944 - Syd Howe (Detroit Red Wings) scored six goals in a 12-6 win over the New York Rangers. 

1951 - Dick Button won the U.S. figure skating title for the sixth time. 

1972 - The first Winter Olympics in Asia were held at Sapporo, Japan. 

1979 - The Minnesota Twins traded Rod Carew to California for four players. 

1984 - At Madison Square Garden in New York City Carl Lewis beat his own world record in the long jump by 9-1/4 inches. 

1990 - Darryl Strawberry (New York Mets) voluntarily entered an Alcohol rehab center. 

1998 - Dino Ciccarelli (Florida Panthers) became the 9th NHL player to score 600 career goals. 

2001 - The XFL debuted. The Las Vegas Outlaws beat the New York/New Jersey Hitman 19-0 and the Orlando Rage beat the Chicago Enforcers 33-29. 

2002 - The New England Patriots won Super Bowl XXXVI 20-17 over the Los Angeles Rams. It was the first Super Bowl win for the Patriots. The game ended with a last second field goal. Britney Spears performed the national anthem. 

************************************************

NBC’s broadcast of Super Bowl 49 was the most-watched broadcast in television history, beating last year’s big game to take the title.

************************************************

Coming Up:

Tonight --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at St. Louis Blues 8:00pm EST

Wednesday --

Nothin' Doin'

Thursday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at Dallas Stars 8:30pm EST

Friday --

Nothin' Doin'

Saturday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Los Angeles Kings 5:00pm EST

USPHL Empire Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Florida Junior Blades 5:15pm EST

USPHL Elite Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Roswell Bulldogs 8:00pm EST

Sunday --

USPHL Empire Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors at Florida Junior Blades 12:00pm 

EST

USPHL Elite Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Roswell Bulldogs 12:15pm EST

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Anaheim Ducks 5:00pm EST

************************************************

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by, see you tomorrow.

Monday Morning Meissnervations

It's Monday. Here's what's happening....

*************************************************

Today is February 2nd, the 33rd day of 2015. There are 332 days left in the year.

*************************************************

Brodeur learning on fly in Blues front office.

Green doing more for Capitals with less ice time.

Visit the official league website, http://www.nhl.com.

************************************************

Today's Birthdays: TV chef Ina Garten (Barefoot Contessa) is 67. Brent Spiner (Star Trek: The Next Generation) is 66. Bounty hunter and TV personality Duane “Dog” Chapman is 62. Christie Brinkley is 61. Shakira is 38.

************************************************

Tampa, FL. -- The Tampa Bay Lightning have placed goalie Evgeni Nabokov on waivers, the Lightning said Sunday.

Read the rest here.

************************************************

Romance Alert: Valentine's Day is one week from Saturday.

************************************************

USA Defeats Russia, 3-2, to Open World Sled Hockey Challenge Farmer's late goal lifts USA in rematch of gold-medal game from 2014 Paralympic Winter Games LEDUC, Alberta – Declan Farmer (Tampa, Fla.) scored with 1:45 left in the third to break a 2-2 tie and help the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team defeat Russia, 3-2, here today in the first game of the 2015 World Sled Hockey Challenge. The game was a rematch of the gold-medal game at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, which the U.S. won, 1-0. “It was an exciting first game, not just for the tournament, but for our season in general,” said Jeff Sauer, head coach of the 2015 U.S. National Sled Hockey Team. “Our newcomers learned a lot today against a strong Russian team. We’re glad to get the win and ready to improve next game.” Team USA struck first at 10:26 in the opening period. While on the power play, Brody Roybal(Northlake, Ill.) collected a pass from Nikko Landeros (Johnstown, Colo.) and fired a shot by Russian goaltender Vladimir Kamanstev. Goaltender Steve Cash (Overland, Mo.), who earned the win with 18 saves, was also credited with an assist on the play. In the second stanza, Team USA applied pressure quickly when a two-on-one between Farmer andJosh Pauls (Green Brook, N.J.) forced Kamanstev to make a sprawling save. The United States extended its lead at 7:05 in the second when Farmer’s pass found Kevin McKee (Chicago, Ill.) alone in the slot and he fired a shot into the bottom right corner. Evgeny Petrov’s wrister with 3:39 left in the period made it a one-goal game. Both teams traded chances to start the third frame. Russia scored the tying goal with 4:07 to play when Vasily Varlakov walked in alone seconds after being released from the penalty box. Farmer and McKee, who connected for a goal in the second period, did so again in the final two minutes of play. McKee’s pass sent Farmer down the middle, allowing him to tuck the puck passed Kamansteve for the game-winning goal. Team USA is back in preliminary round action tomorrow (Feb. 2) against Korea. Puck drop is 2:00 p.m. ET, and the game can be seen live on FastHockey.com. 2015 World Sled Hockey Challenge • Team USA Schedule Feb. 1-7 - Leduc, Alberta - Leduc Recreation Centre Date Opponent Time (ET)/Result Sun., Feb. 1 Russia W, 3-2 Mon., Feb. 2 Korea 9:00 p.m. Wed., Feb. 4 Canada 9:00 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 5 Semifinal 2:00 p.m. Semifinal 9:00 p.m. Sat., Feb. 7 Third-Place Game 2:00 p.m. Championship Game 7:00 p.m. NOTES: Brody Roybal was named the U.S. Player of the Game … Each team was credited with 20 shots on goal in the game. … The U.S. penalty kill was two-for-two, while its power play was one-for-four … For full game statistics, click here … For complete Team USA coverage, click here … Follow@USAHockeyScores for in-game updates. Join the World Sled Hockey Challenge conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #WSHC.

************************************************ The claws came out during a Brazilian beauty pageant when an angry runner-up yanked the crown off the winner’s head and threw it to the ground. The runner up later claimed the pageant suffered from corruption and said the winner bought her way to the title. ************************************************

Waiting Game: Messam anxious heading into free agency.

Video: 'Happy to be back here'.

Please visit the league's official website, http://www.cfl.ca.

************************************************

On this date in 1887, Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, PA was first held.

************************************************

Phoenix, AZ. -- Here's a sampling of media reports on the Buccaneers today.

Read the rest here.

************************************************

The Super Bowl is over. Some people are happy. Some people are sad. [And a lot of people are worried that they can’t get Katy Perry’s voice out of their heads.]

************************************************

Norman, OK. -- The Oregon State wrestling team scored one of its biggest dual wins of the season on Sunday by edging Oklahoma 20-17 to conclude another successful road trip.

Read the rest here.

************************************************

GROUNDHOG DAY 2015 - Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning. That means he goes back into his hole for six more weeks of winter. Website

************************************************

Go, go Lightning Guys!

************************************************

You're reading the Johnny Blog. Almost as much fun as watching the Seahawks blow the Super Bowl, isn't it?

************************************************

Today in Elvis History:

1977 - Elvis Presly did not show up for an RCA recording session. 

************************************************

A tortoise was stolen from a farm in England twice in the same weekend. Teo the tortoise was pocketed by a visitor to Puxton Park Farm on Saturday afternoon, but was returned after the thief felt guilty. But just hours after the animal was returned a second thief broke in and took Teo and a second tortoise, Taylor.

************************************************

Today in Beatles History:

1963 - The Beatles began their first British tour supporting Helen Shapiro. 

1969 - Yoko Ono obtained a divorce from her first husband, Tony Cox, and gained custody of her daughter, Kyoko. 

1970 - "Look" magazine used "I read the news today, oh boy" has the headline to its '60s retrospective. 

************************************************

American Sniper is No. 1 at the North American box office for a third weekend, earning an additional $31.9 million. Two films tied for second: Paddington and the new release Project Almanac. Both made about $8.5 million.

************************************************

Today in Sports History:

1876 - The National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs (known as the National League) was formed in New York. The teams were located in Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Hartford, Louisville, New York, Philadelphia and St. Louis. 

1949 - Golfer Ben Hogan was seriously injured in an auto accident in Van Horn, TX. 

1967 - The American Basketball Association was formed by representatives of the NBA. 

2003 - Dany Heatly (Atlanta Thrashers) became the fifth player to score four goals in the NHL's All-Star game. 

************************************************

How to Train Your Dragon 2 dominated the 42nd annual Annie Awards held Saturday. The DreamWorks Animation flick won a total of six awards including the best animated feature at the event honoring the best in film and TV/broadcast animation for the past twelve months.

************************************************

Coming Up:

Tonight --

Nothin' Doin'

Tuesday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at St. Louis Blues 8:00pm EST

Wednesday --

Nothin' Doin'

Thursday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at Dallas Stars 8:30pm EST

Friday --

Nothin' Doin'

Saturday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Los Angeles Kings 5:00pm EST

USPHL Empire Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Florida Junior Blades 5:15pm EST

USPHL Elite Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Roswell Bulldogs 8:00pm EST

Sunday --

USPHL Empire Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors at Florida Junior Blades 12:00pm 

EST

USPHL Elite Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Roswell Bulldogs 12:15pm EST

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Anaheim Ducks 5:00pm EST

************************************************

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by, see you tomorrow.