Author: Mikesportz

Among all the things that have gone right for the Detroit Red Wings since Christmas, on an individual level, Lucas Raymond’s performances are at the top. The 22-year-old has 23 points spanning Dec. 27-Jan. 27, tied for second in the NHL with Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl (who the Wings will see Thursday) and Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov and one behind sublime Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak. That’s heady company, and if that’s not enough, coach Todd McLellan brought up former Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg when asked what has stood out about Raymond’s play since McLellan was named coach Dec.…

“Seattle Seahawks Stun NFL with $80M Bid for DK Metcalf Replacement” In a shocking move that has sent waves through the NFL, the Seattle Seahawks have reportedly made an $80 million bid to secure a replacement for wide receiver DK Metcalf. While Metcalf remains under contract, sources indicate that the Seahawks are preparing for the possibility of his departure amid escalating contract negotiations. This aggressive move suggests the franchise is determined to avoid a major gap in their offensive firepower. The identity of the targeted replacement remains unconfirmed, but rumors suggest the Seahawks have set their sights on Tee Higgins…

Todd McLellan to Detroit Red Wings: If you’re not working, you’re useless TAMPA, Fla. — The Detroit Red Wings have an easy scouting report to pull up next weekend. When they host the Tampa Bay Lightning on this coming Saturday, it should still be a fresh memory how poorly the Wings fared in their first outing of the season against their divisional foe. Certainly coach Todd McLellan did not have much positive to say after watching his Wings drop a 5-1 decision Saturday at Amalie Arena, letting the Bolts have time and space down low to seemingly score at will. …

Steve Yzerman took a flier with his first head coach hire as Detroit Red Wings general manager, bringing in Derek Lalonde, who had never served in that capacity in the NHL. It didn’t work, despite Lalonde’s success as a head coach at lower levels and two Stanley Cups in four years as an assistant with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Yzerman needed an experienced, proven NHL head coach for his second hire, which might be his last. He had to bring in someone who could immediately command respect in the room. Todd McLellan fits that description. He was hired Thursday, signed…

DETROIT – Coaching against your former team for the first time can be a strange feeling, one Todd McLellan knows all too well. He’ll experience it for the third time tonight when the Detroit Red Wings host the Los Angeles Kings (7 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network Extra). McLellan has put his stamp on the Red Wings a month into his tenure. They’re playing faster. They’re scoring more. They’re outshooting opponents most nights because of better puck possession and a newfound shot mentality. The Red Wings (23-21-5, 51 points) are 10-4-1 since he arrived. They’ve ascended from a tie for the…

Former Georgia Bulldogs offensive coordinator Todd Monken is signing an extension with the Baltimore Ravens, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Monken will continue to lead one of the most impressive offenses in the NFL. Monken was the Georgia offensive coordinator for one of the most impressive stretches of UGA football history. He was the playcaller of the back-to-back national champions, leading the ninth best scoring offense in 2021 and the fifth best scoring offense in 2022. He helped develop Georgia legends such as Brock Bowers, Stetson Bennett, and Ladd McConkey. That success translated over to the NFL. Ever since the…

Three South Carolina football stars make ESPN’s top 100 list for 2024-25 season (WCIV) — Three South Carolina stars made ESPN’s top 100 college football players list for the 2024-25 season. The list, published on Wednesday, Jan. 22, was put together by ESPN’s selection committee and includes the top 100 players from around the country on every roster. From South Carolina, Nick Emmanwori, a junior who claimed 57 solo tackles, four interceptions and came into the season unranked, claimed the No. 66 spot on the list. “Emmanwori was the leader in total tackles (88) on a South Carolina defense that finished 14th nationally…

There’s a first time for everything. The Texas Longhorns have been playing football since 1893, and Clemson’s first football game happened in 1896. These two teams, though, have never played each other. That is, until the first round of the 2024 College Football Playoff. The No. 5 and 12 seeds in the CFP, Texas (11-2) and Clemson (10-3) will meet at Royal-Memorial Stadium at 3 p.m. Saturday. The winner will advance to play Arizona State (11-2) in the Peach Bowl-hosted quarterfinals. 1. DKR will host a high school reunion Clemson will be led into Royal-Memorial Stadium by junior quarterback Cade…

The bags were packed, the goodbyes were said, and the train was probably about to leave Baton Rouge. But then came Brian Kellyknocking with feverish eyes on the door. And mind you, when Kelly comes knocking, you better answer that door. Don’t get me wrong, some things are pretty much inevitable, for instance, Kelly’s failure to sign Bryce Underwood. But, if things in LSU are considered, Kellynomics still reigns supreme. A similar thing has happened in the LSU camp very recently. And, it may well change the fortunes of Kelly and LSU going into the 2025 season. Well, it’s…

The Miami Hurricanes saw their dreams for their first-ever ACC title go up in smoke against Syracuse 42-38 to end the 2024 regular season and ultimately their playoff hopes as well. Miami’s path to take their season one step further in 2025 got a little bit rocker on Monday night, thanks to the ACC itself. The ACC released the full schedule for all teams, and Miami’s has a couple of noteworthy obstacles in their conference slate that could prove particularly challenging.  And one of them is flat-out ridiculous. The 2025 season will provide two bye weeks again for teams, and…