You -- their sports -- Saturday Matthew -- along with my producer for today. The end okay also handling the sports updates and Chiming in when he can't we can't quite a few calls -- issued today which takes. -- hands away from the microphone. Yes. That -- got to go. Joseph yard and expected to join us in just a couple of minutes he comes from NBC sports network pro hockey talk. You if you don't follow him and freedom on Twitter and -- -- what you should also on Twitter. At Matthew WGR -- is on Twitter what's your handle. Is there anything better than we -- come up with rather than just handle. Yeah. Writes back slash name. Like field. Okay that's fine and of course we're gonna talk a little bit about the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils and maybe will touch on the other series as well -- the Western Conference 30. Los Angeles Kings up on the Phoenix Coyotes. Got a lot to talk about some interest and stuff obviously Martin Brodeur is from the view Ilya Kovalchuk rise. Against. A lot of people saying certain things about certain races of players that don't make a lot of sense -- article talks performances. Pretty much gone completely against them as a we bring in Joseph right now julliard for pro hockey -- NBC sports Joseph Howard. Or greater threat and yes thanks for coming up look at Joseph we've been talking a lot today about Kerry Wood and this a little bit of a curve ball the way he. The -- he walked off yesterday. Was the epitome of how a player can leave. His career and I'd say it's even better than winning the Super Bowl walking off because you're doing it in front of your own fans. In hockey right now the whole league you covered the entire NHL. Who is the one player that you could not stand if they didn't go out the right way. Move it. You know man it's not let that it would be that the curve -- at the Kerry Wood twenty case strikeout gave her right there. -- right now. I would say. Well personally for me it's Gilani -- you retired air that you that would have been that would have been bad public -- the playoffs I think for Brodeur. If if he wasn't able to go out. You know going out the playoffs or something like that they'll be pretty an -- that the CI most of these little guys I would I would end up putting on you know putting on media. The pedestal like you know even jogger was literally true yes -- season. If he would be edited after the even you know going out of play -- -- -- game that think that would have been put that a little sad that the little sad to see. I think -- always at the -- with the with the legends -- that you don't want him going out by going out riding high you know. I'm sure that every local market has their guy and we were talking about. Whether fans -- buffalo feel that way about Ryan Miller I think that some have a little bit of a bitter taste the amount of the last two years that he hasn't really. Performed up to snuff but. -- -- To the playoffs now let's let's talk about the playoffs here I read something interesting on pro hockey doctor wasn't written by you but the headline is. Ex referee Frazier brown hurting his reputation -- diving now correct me if I'm wrong. But isn't his reputation diving. It's. It it's one of his reputation. That the -- certainly gotten to be known for be it however but it doesn't that does seem to be stopping anybody from. From from praising him for replaying it like that but often in -- so part of the play out through that. It you know the directing -- -- -- I don't seem to care about it you know. They tip. Well in the instantly get it should be concerned about it but that would await a look at it for him. He's got a goalie that's that's been getting away with flopping around and Iceland and you know you can't yet be thrown stones when you're sitting sitting neglect that. Well I thought the same exact thing win with him it seemed like look. Your players are treated just as much as the other ones and just like in the NBA it becomes a big point of contention in the MBA but it's kind of like there's no real way to. To stopping at the -- just has to use his discretion. And there's no use really complain about it. Yeah -- -- it's the it is the referee's discretion thing and it's something that police wanted to crack down on. Numerous different times and over over the course of many years and they. They thought they had a plan in place where they were gonna be able to punish guys are diving and eventually be able to suspend them that they get a lot of it has to actually kind. And that never come the -- that you think of guys that are that are guilty European -- up there you think of me think of airport I don't the bank Covert not even. The airport got a bad reputation for you know for job and out of but. You know -- because that -- get away with -- you know their whole career without any kind of repercussions. You know it's something -- believe -- serious about it they would do something about it and you know the referees forgot about problem on the road without having to worry about. You know taking it taking time out so well -- he was struck by -- call. I kind of feel like they have done something about it it's stopped calling penalties penalties this year power play opportunities per team. Where their lowest since 1968. And people look at why is there more goals why is the more goals you go back to right after the -- they're calling everything. All the little clutches and grabs and trips and everything. And there was a lot more scoring won't be whole big surprise I mean I think we're seeing. Pretty much a perfect storm of know scoring when it comes to actually eastern and Western Conference but especially. Rangers -- devils two teams that are superior. Defensive teams in an era in which you don't get many power plays. You don't get many chances to score right. Yeah and it's. Is that the power play I think it's it's disturbing to me because we the big like you mentioned after the lockout the big thing with with calling all the penalties by the book at. And been going you know in making sure that he'd rather you know other opportunities score. You know cracking down interference in the structure with what was the big thing -- over the years it's kind of gone away -- whether. Well that's because the referees are getting yelled at by by you know players and coaches and everybody light tour. Just because you know the date they keep getting yelled that -- acquired the site. He can't let the players decide the game if -- just Billick I'd get away with breaking rules and it's a big got a call bigotry and yet yet. We've seen plenty of stuff for guys you can still pick -- you're standing in front of attacking forward and dump of a little bit longer than normal on. -- stuff like that to me -- you know slowing got a running game and hope everybody concerned about speeding concussion and all that. Mean that you can slowdown McCain you're not watches hockey anymore as far as I'm concerns be part of the game that the deal -- it appropriately. And in calling the penalties when there there. I think you make a great point there you know Joseph by the way. I'm impressed that you're able to come on at this time because the game is underway. I'll let you know we got a little but going my producer for today then caveman and myself. That nobody would score by the time that we're off the phone with you so on we'll see how that works out I'm I'm glad you could work this out -- I got to ask you about John toward -- in the press conferences I know that you know I saw what what you were saying on Twitter I was saying some things on Twitter to. My take on this. Is first of all the John toward a relic does not care it's all about his team no matter what he doesn't mind these are your feelings and I guess I don't care about that. And the last thing anybody wants the year is media complaining that's another thing. And I don't mind the coach who decides to put the pressure on himself and put the criticism on himself from the media and take it off some of his players I was. Perfectly fine with that in fact I was tickled by. Yeah yeah. I'm not you know I got bigger here I'm I'm not big sort of welfare and thought you know I'll I'll. Almost always defend an electric completely out of line. Know a lot of -- a lot of other reporters and and folks immediately. Totally out of line with with how he can't just press conferences after after game whether to order a lot to keep the interest crucial. And yeah you know I would I would you -- it's. You go into its formal press conference -- -- -- the Rangers -- you're expecting him to you know to want to expound on -- thoughts and give you an. And I feel like everything that the Rangers -- You're going to press conference with the absolute wrong idea he's not gonna talk about it you know he can keep all that up in the room like that. And he's not gonna throw anybody under the Bob you know he's not gonna criticized the players and put more heat up security notes that that's gonna cause more problems. And for you know for in the it is you know everybody thinks he's making all about him in China is but for for the right reasons you know you get. Pretty much open access to most of the players in the rangers' locker room after -- if you wanna get their thoughts cycle it's somewhat -- -- trying to sadder story around. For the relatively and what he's. You know and what his thoughts -- about about our -- doing what they you know what they did wrong and it. You're gonna be writing a very short story is actually get anything out of order because he he's not gonna do that just got what he's going to do. You might want to do. But you'll have to wait until you know the that the media press conference the next day here. -- conference called two days later that he -- be effective. It is not in that -- not going to. Make it's its players the focus of of the problem. Talking with -- -- pro hockey talk -- my favorite guys follow on Twitter. Remind its Joseph you're -- PHT I got that right on -- got a very awesome. I'm -- -- sell. The New Jersey Devils were not on anybody's radar to be here right now I mean not trying to make them into some unbelievable. Underdog because they were very good all year but I don't think anybody with the power of the flyers Rangers penguins that anybody expect -- to be here right now. And I think that. One guy who's really come into the limelight I think we all -- the political track was good and we all Marty Broder is good even though he's -- -- Mountain View. Its -- the war. His strategy against the flyers to me was absolutely brilliant in his. Stayed away kind of -- -- like we're not gonna get involved in that crap like the penguins did. I think that he's kind of put himself on the map has made -- one of the league's best coaches in this in this playoffs. He's got a really nice job with a double -- yeah it does the reason why liberal hired was was for how. How the Panthers team he coached. Before you know before Orlando in New Jersey played against the doubles quickly with the intensity they got -- -- -- very tough defensively you know they didn't score. What it is that -- very much for. But they put the interstate on top of everybody that's exactly what these doubles in his seat for check everybody that. Very similar to how can do it and big you know they're very different completely stopped all the got to dissect and scored goals -- David Clarkson at thirty that -- adamantly probably you know you can pick all the finalists. You've got politically that Kovalchuk you get healthy Trevor page. -- that got it on that now. And the -- found a way to provide the balance and he learned -- lessons from from his time in Florida that one of the big criticisms of what was that. -- -- he's a bit too harsh on the players. You know look at that you look at -- double play and you don't -- have anything to add these guys they'll stick up for each other mentally. And you push for a while -- made the right moves its and so -- You're sitting at a worsened the restriction that time when it's the perfect for top five rookie of the week that the play. Making sure these -- veterans there. Staying strong the -- play tough and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. In the trade could be doubled our double -- burger reported accurately and I think -- -- No they don't even play the same old. Traps strategy is people always seem to say they do either I feel like they do play more of an open an exciting game but. Unfortunately. This series so far has not been open is not that exciting I guess. One thing made it it is troubling me is I feel like whoever wins this series is the person. Who gets all weird bounce off the boards or has something just bizarre happen. Somebody's stick breaks in their own zone and it turns to go all I feel like. These these two teams it's just gonna calm down to pure luck I guess that's kind of upsets me I want one team to be better than the other one and that's why they win not just well that team got lucky and that's what happened. I are -- -- same -- inside of the electorate you -- that I I don't want actually lucky teens when I wanted to keep that and pretend we. And there's there's a picture you'll of that in this series where. Everything is played so tight. That's just one -- you're there but for the decided. It's been that way for the Rangers and their first here are a little it's very much -- been you know -- breaker and other than you know Ottawa to settle for trapped same thing with the capitals. It was it was just one of those things where things just broke right -- and broke right and in the way that they needed to go. And -- you know that that's how the rangers' -- -- -- -- pointing that way. If they do that immense talent and they they can play tough defensively. You know what if what you're kept electing inability to put teams away by more than a goal. He delivered every game -- -- and that's that infighting walked to the site and. Into the region they would much rather it much rather score goal accomplished probably the pretty. And is that you know that that's where they got to take their opportunities for. But -- basically the shell game in the third period -- -- -- they're happy to back -- you know just -- -- and -- -- and -- Really worry about pushing for the one more goal and that you know the trying to seal the game away it's. The bit frustrating to watch and that's you know it's certainly -- the just happy we haven't really seen that out west so that there's at least that glimmer of hope that the finals can be it can bring -- We've just seen in the slaughterhouse -- what's. I mean you know what you're saying about the rangers' power play it ain't gonna get better New Jersey had the number one penalty kill whole week of new Jersey's. PK hasn't been. Outstanding in the playoffs but you know that they're gonna return to being who they are which is great penalty killing team but before I let you go to jail. And I really appreciate coming on that side. Just the west it's been just the kill and it looks like the kings are gonna move on which one of these teams which -- rather see not. From like a biased standpoint I know people will attack you on Twitter as they deal. How about just which of these teams vs the kings is gonna be more exciting I hate to say this. Because -- I feel like it's the Rangers basically. Because I Henrik Lundqvist I mean I feel like he's at this point in his career a better goalie you basically have the two best goalies going up that it. From this season if you take out Mike Smith from the equation. I feel like you would be more exciting to see -- Rangers maybe that's I don't know that East Coast biased I'm just getting their Albany's what do you think. I think that style like that if you're looking more upbeat period. You want to that Poland but just because it's all there at the kings in double plays the game they played aggressive. Fore -- game they're gonna push the pace a little bit they're gonna go for -- you know lately you know late negate their docket as they like it apart the -- and and -- in the game. The Clinton white the first Hendrick Lundqvist the concern however. If you're seeing going to make -- -- in just the acrobatic monsters and -- India can bring to loses it's certainly picked as John quicken and Henrik Lundqvist there are you know probably the two best guys in the playoffs right now. You know that -- quick quick -- that had to be stellar in the playoffs but you know he's capable of doing that we saw they would get it Cooper. A couple of games of that series so I think. You know it's a and I didn't at all matter preferences anyways but I think if you look at for the games themselves to be excited you want to double. But if you're particular confirms superstars. Playing perhaps at their seats in Europe Rangers. You know I think either way if we can just get through these conference finals which in all honesty just not been great to watch. I think we're in for good Stanley Cup match I think which either one of these teams plays the kings as as you outlined right there and you have some good matchups. When it comes the whether it's the doubles or whether it's the Rangers to take on the kings but man I gotta say. They always talk about those casual fans which I don't think even exist in hockey. And they're always thought about -- what's good for the casual fan what's good for the casual fan. Not this but maybe the Stanley Cup will be so anyway Joseph I really appreciate you coming on great job buddy was a great to have been julliard and pro hockey talk NBC sports and I'll try again the Twitter account. Joseph -- in Ph.D. got it. Got a -- thank you very much relevant. As fun time thanks a lot joke. Here. Joseph your pro hockey talk follow him on Twitter I just gave it did. He's very he's very entertaining on Twitter and does a lot of great work he is good Guyanese he's a central new Yorker. They're doing -- a break on that right. All right well. He's a new Yorker by the is he's not biased toward one team the other to -- he made quite clear okay well. Late for an update. Dan is gonna let us know what's going on whether we one of us won or lost the bad weather team would score. By the time Joseph got off the phone. And even got that right now sports -- Saturday at WGR. Matthew got back here on WGR along with Dan -- producing as well as handling the sports updates on every one. It's -- 00. Our second that we made another bad that someone in the Rangers and devils someone will score before. I leave the -- to clock. Dan's gonna continue on Joseph discount Greg -- they will be rocketed from two -- five sports thought Saturday they have a little more. Preakness that we've that we've had no preakness because I know very little about horse racing. Other than I don't really watch it I know that about it. And that. I I've occasionally -- some races I just don't know a lot about it and I've never really been able to get into it I'm not big on the gambling aspect. Of anything don't bet on sports. Don't you know don't play poker not into the gambling so I've never really been able the jump headfirst into the into the ponies but. Joseph discounting Greg well. -- I don't know I assume eyes on the gonna talk and a I don't know I was trying to make something out of that I assume they're gonna talk a little bit more about the preakness is still 00. Between the Rangers and devils. And you know we're gonna switch gears just a little bit. Well you'll buy -- they won last night. They beat the Gwinnett braves and they have been absolutely on fire and the team that is worth talking about. Really the best team we've seen from the -- -- so far. With the Mets organization since the Mets came over since they they switch from the Cleveland -- so right now to talk a little bit about the -- and we bring in play by play man. And my friend -- Wagner an Oreo. I mean it feels like summer we can't get any better and then later on a minister in the day at the ballparks -- it's a complete day overall. Yes but don't know don't let the weather know -- watching because it'll be forty tomorrow if you do. -- and and and and and and I think I think hopefully we're past that so even more reason for this -- people stand. It's like the people to get downtown and watch this team. You know were spoiled we need to watch it frequently you know you were the ballpark last night -- out exactly how fun it is to watch. But offensively and that this pitching staff itself. It's about a complete of the team that you couldn't. You can happen. In my opinion they kind of -- for a while. Well yeah let's talk about that I mean it really has not been since they've switched to the Mets and probably even years before that. This complete the team is often and -- this this week they faced two pitchers who are Major League -- and starters. And beat the rap bottom. I mean they'd be -- -- and then maybe who -- to parent just beat him down and then last night they opus Gucci two home runs. The offense is. What is it what I mean is that the depth of the lineup is that the middle is it some extra guys coming up and having some speed at the top what is making this offense so good for the -- Well I think first and foremost beat the offensive attack which you've got with this club is because of the better and ship. You know guys that have planned at the plate -- that was evident very early in the season but things really got rolling. Now in the -- you talk about -- Gucci. Just of the knack for hitting long majestic. Home run and you smack dead in the middle of the order that it had a little -- little ball. You know -- so the -- I think -- getting -- you know out of there thinking that like to landed on the disabled list Martina -- now -- -- yet a week -- typically. And you've got -- that is trying to work on something that's well any time hitting for the higher average so. The guys that you would expect to beat even the banner for itself into the back. Haven't you know been out firing on all cylinders at one time yet even. So the fact that all markets Meehan -- -- Corey Wimbley and if you go one through nine went through rate in the case. Like we have over the next couple of days especially with another National League affiliate -- account. This is the very potent offense that against. The top overall pitching depth. Any internationally. Or would that the majority of the season came in about flow rate number two only behind Indianapolis. Biden average eleven hits tonight and score on average six runs tonight. And usually you'll not find that against some the aces Italy and -- was able to do not only a couple of times but all four times. -- last night was really impressive talk about opus -- home run he went out to the street. It would over that the giant offense is there isn't credible bomb but you know. On the other side of the ball. The prospects. Are really the pitchers that too big name's Matt Harvey -- Familia. Are really coming on lately both of them on the -- stumbled a little bit as may have been expected their first time and it AAA level. But Matt Harvey was really on the last night gave -- a couple of home runs early and then. He ends of striking out eleven he was on fire you look at like he may not be long for buffalo. Well remembered that format RV and boat -- -- -- -- they're still very familiar 22 Youkilis starts and I. On the heels the performance that we saw Matt RB. Career high in strikeouts last night after the so Ryan's -- -- -- in the next thirteen the face of complete six settings only allowed four hits. The two home runs a double and a single that's it. It for Harvey. It is thirty fit for special start. Helping people realize. That for being 23 you -- -- -- high school kid that was strapped and he's been ripped through the system deservedly so because of the numbers. There isn't it thirty by 35 professional start he's won more games. At seventeen went a combined for the first time we took the ball on the mound as professional than any other. Pitcher drafted in the first round which to me that's impressive in 2000 and at the draft class now a couple of guys that -- at higher levels -- support. For drivers from that draft class that made it to the big league already in bill at Chicago's -- but. Matt Harvey has the best success the proven track record if you will in his development and it's continuing to spell out. So little bit of that early on interest in Kabul fastballs by a couple of big hitters made a mistake for the breaking ball -- -- got it at punished and he's still working on working out in his own instinct that need to. Happen on a competitive basis on a frequent basis at least from that standpoint that the triple doable. To elevated it to the next level which will be his goal and this is legal that he's had. -- reporting very early to spring training back in February and it will that they use one of the first cut. Out of Terry Allen's big league camp he was sent back to the minors but overall -- -- objectives -- the organization. And help that party be as successful as possible and he's continued to roll in pitched very very well as the season draw on. You know I really liked what I saw from him from makeup standpoint last night where he was able to give up the back to back home runs. And step back off the mound. And take a deep breath say it's only two runs. And then come back and like you mentioned -- the next thirteen and really really turn it on with the strikeouts and in. Really got to -- to gather where sometimes young pitchers they can -- park. We're thought of a -- Wagner buffalo buys his play by play man and a generally good guy argued that compliment -- These New York the New York Mets. It seems like there's a little bit of a changing of the guard here and we're seeing it in buffalo with the Mets that now. Because of their messy ownership situation they are forced to put some emphasis on putting better younger players in buffalo I mean. It would I be wrong to say that. Well I don't know I don't know the ownership situation has thought -- I think the fact that. The talent level in the minors it better than what most people realize it you've seen it with the pitching first and foremost and guys that deserve an opportunity. They come up through the organization and when he got. Individuals such as that -- and Josh -- Who are relatively early in their victory careers overall and you have the ability to go out because your New York team that you need to have secure free agent which has been a key. The guys like belt this -- that Reese signed after good success last year in buffalo put the opportunity again but timber from New York City Machida was about any side. But Lewis was out of a job for a month in your guy that has significant -- exposure with the backup for Barry Bonds and San Francisco a couple of stops along the way. -- -- In the -- found. And he needed a job and he has been lights out 300 since joined by -- in other Atlantis is on its success that the minor league level overall. And I think not only doing that was Sandy Alderson direction as the GM in New York. -- been working with the people in player development the trying to find the right remedies to have success so all the different levels in Binghamton seeing it as well they're pitching staff. And somebody from the guys they have the -- onto the world the mat and -- That you know made it a little bit of a splash because of their exposure and spring training with New York's L. I don't know it's fair to say that ownership situations. Necessarily translate directly to what you're seeing in the minor league levels. But there -- -- ability now for New York to go up there it have on -- lineup because guys finally made it that way. -- the system first and foremost but deserving of that promotion. Dirty about it being headed back to buffalo that that's not that was made for the Mets got started a couple of minutes ago. -- You know one through nine to a couple of weeks ago you saw all homegrown talent from Mike Pelfrey all the way through David Wright but of course. The new it guy in Iraq through Jordanian belt has been so you've got more opportunities for home grown talent. -- is going out and a big league level making it huge and immediate splash with a monster free agent contract. Yeah I guess the way that the way that the way to look at and it is maybe in the past they would have tried to make the deal and move some of these young players out. Where now it just doesn't seem to work that way they -- that big trade. For an upcoming -- at the last three signs of -- like that it's just not coming now and in so you end up with a a better quantity of better pool. Of of young players which is good which is very good for the buffalo -- so bad -- Before coming asking about you got it a good promotion they're going -- Michael feel tonight honest about that second first did you see Kerry would walk off last night. I did and I watched the entire. -- lead up in and of course. In sitting on the bench with the -- as well at Wrigley Field yesterday and I cannot believe the only -- that I have about the entire situation. If you are WG and how are -- not hearing that our moment. From start to finish from the time he gives them the baseball opened back to the coach for the catcher and his entire over the -- I was so. And network with that moment I mean I was locked on the television. It was great to watch on orbit and at each in Natalie go to a break after they called up from the pole and but that they take him out of the ballgame Bill Swancutt dot apps for the baseball. You know they carry it off to get -- got -- that the -- great moment the places go on desert. Slam right to commercial we come back and sitting in it in the dugout on the bench with it's what it's done. He ended the moment play out yeah that's great would I have liked as a baseball fan is somebody. And the youngster that watching strike out twenty when he first came up to the big leagues with that nasty curve ball. I wanted to see that moment I thought it could have been a little bit better so it -- pure and it the peaceful end. I was left wanting more from that situation but I thought overall great moment for for Kerry -- to go back out there on the mound. At the moment with the band at Wrigley and it's like it was sitting home run in his final at bat it's a strike out. As his final pitch in the big leagues so it's been nice way to run right up into the sunset. Yeah out of that you could do anything any better I agree. But the commercial waiter who whatever week we get it up we do that radio all the time I was supposed to be out when he minutes ago now you get. Go to -- I agree with I agree with your point that you know they could have for him. Moved one back found a different place to play -- the sponsors understand so I I agree with that but. Like you said it does not get any better than that I said that I might take that. Over even winning the Super Bowl walking off because it with the Super Bowl you do it in front of what -- corporations. Here you do it in front of all the fans who have. Cheered you won and who you meant something to sell bad how about for a what you go what's going on down the ballpark tonight. A whole lot of fun in fact the Biden are right in the middle ugly very lengthy homestand. Effects were just a quarter of the way through a believer not raping a four game series winning three out of four from Quebec. The Biden -- -- in Indianapolis tonight and -- continues one of our landmark promotions as we celebrate quite but he's in the baseball book -- field. With the courting giveaways and it's available all the effort swan street gate for the first 2000 bands that are coming group. And that is actually the second of what will be five points series. Given away so -- economy and they have an opportunity if you're one of the first 2000 people the line up in front of the U want street gate. To grab these commemorative -- and by the end of the entire promotion you have 25. -- that signify either great players great moments great character great individuals. That I'd -- and beast altogether. And it's one but he's been. Of of baseball downtown -- it is one of those big night emotionally. That -- that stepped up and I'll play what most of bands that came to the ballpark on the first Saturday of the heat and expected only to get one point. Many of them were shot that exactly but in the giveaways that took the spot -- these different days. Every time become very good at five more coincidence that that part -- only getting -- it's been reading about why these individuals why these players were selected. You know as part of this part of this coin series this commemorative coin that everybody has now started really -- about. Excellent stuff that I really appreciate you coming on Coca-Cola field a more exciting place this year because of the product on the field and I'm I'm happy to see it thanks a lot then. Thank you -- Then wider voice of the Batavia mocked on. -- my -- that's -- voice of the buffalo bio agents are looking at my Twitter page sometimes I read things. Out of my mouth. On my Twitter page that are not supposed to -- -- of buffalo buys spent Wagner great job from him. Great -- product down their -- medical field and let me tell you the -- lot of home games so you -- -- baseball. And on down away late for break decades got the update will be back at WG.
