NASHVILLE, TN – JANUARY 31: John Scott #28 of the Arizona Coyotes looks on during the 2016 Honda NHL All-Star Final Game between the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference at Bridgestone Arena on January 31, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
The Cheat SheetBy Matt Clapp on

John Scott sticks it to the NHL by winning the All-Star Game MVP, Novak Djokovic and Angelique Kerber win the Australian Open, the Chargers are in San Diego at least one more year, Megatron appears to be retiring, the Suns fired Jeff Hornacek, and much more here at a loaded Monday Cheat Sheet…

John Scott shoves it in the NHL’s face with awesome weekend, capped off by All-Star Game MVP

Despite the NHL’s best efforts to keep John Scott out of the All-Star game, the veteran  made an overlooked event — that the NHL has been desperately trying to make interesting — arguably the top sports story of the weekend.

Scott owned All-Star Weekend.

He laughed at Patrick Kane being booed on Saturday night, he had a fake fight with Kane (the two used to be teammates in Chicago), served as captain of the Pacific team, and then scored two goals on Sunday. And won the All-Star Game MVP!

Scott is currently playing in the AHL for the St. John’s IceCaps, and the IceCaps changed their name for the time being to the St. JohnScott IceCaps on Twitter:

Novak Djokovic, Angelique Kerber are your Australian Open champions

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In what is not at all a surprise if you watched any of his matches in the tournament, Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open men’s title, by defeating Andy Murray in three sets. The bigger takeaway is now looking at Djokovic long term, as he’s at 11 grand slam titles (and tied a record six Australian Open titles. Can he surpass Roger Federer in grand slam titles?

You can see the point being constructed here: Whereas Federer had Nadal and Djokovic to stop him, and whereas Nadal ran into the brick wall Djokovic has become over the past two years, there’s no readily apparent threat to Djokovic. If he is healthy and in form over the next four years, Djokovic could pile up more majors in his early 30s. Federer won only one major after turning 30, and Nadal is unlikely to win a major after he turns 30 this June. Only at the French might he be able to remain a consistent title threat. Djokovic, though, could create the Serena-like autumn empire which would enable him to soar up the charts. Yes, things change quickly in tennis… but Novak Djokovic is making it harder and harder to contest the notion that he’s in prime position to become the most credentialed and accomplished major-tournament player in the history of men’s tennis.

Djokovic keeps looking better and better, and I certainly wouldn’t be the one to bet against him when it comes to being the greatest ever.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 30: Angelique Kerber of Germany celebrates winning the Women's Singles Final against Serena Williams of the United States during day 13 of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 30, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 30: Angelique Kerber celebrates winning the Women’s Singles Final against Serena Williams (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

On the women’s side of the tournament, we had a stunner, with Angelique Kerber taking down Serena Wiliams in the final.

That kind of upset rewards all parties so much more than a Goliath crashing to the earth. Kerber put aside the spectacle, shrugging off the intimidation she easily could have felt. She shelved the pressure of the occasion and quieted the indecision which had marked the previous several years of a career that has now been transformed. Angelique Kerber had always been a fragile underachiever in this sport. That statement was true not even a week ago. She’s now the Australian Open champion.

 Unfortunately, it also brought out scorching hot takes in regards to Serena.

Welp, the Chargers are staying in San Diego for at least one more year

SAN DIEGO, CA - OCTOBER 04: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers looks on against the Cleveland Browns at Qualcomm Stadium on October 4, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – OCTOBER 04: Quarterback Philip Rivers of the Chargers  (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

On Friday morning, it appeared the Chargers were for sure headed to Los Angeles. And by Friday afternoon… we learned they’re staying in San Diego for at least one more year.

Talks between the Rams and Chargers seemed to be progressing quickly, and on Friday the San Diego Union-Tribune reported the two teams had come to a deal. Your team was as good as gone. Then came good news Friday afternoon, when Chargers chairman Dean Spanos announced the team would remain in San Diego… but only for the 2016 season… except maybe for longer if they could get a new stadium. So that’s where we stand now: The Chargers will play next season in San Diego while negotiating with the city for a fresh venue, use the deal with the Rams as leverage and depart for the City of Angels next year if no agreement is reached with San Diego. That means another year in purgatory for the Chargers faithful.

So, we still don’t know where the Chargers are going to be a year from now (well we can assume it’s going to be Los Angeles or San Diego), and it’s going to be a really awkward year in San Diego. Really, if you’re a Chargers fan, this is a super lame spot to be in.

Calvin Johnson reportedly tells the Lions he’s retiring

Detroit Lions v Oakland Raiders

Detroit Lions star wide receiver — and future Hall of Famer — Calvin Johnson has reportedly informed Jim Caldwell, as well as family and friends, that he indeed plans to retire. At just 30 years old, there would still seem to be a more than decent chance that Johnson changes his mind, of course. Either way, if he’s had enough and wants to be healthy and enjoy the rest of his life, good for him. We’ll definitely miss watching him play wide receiver though.

Phoenix Suns fire head coach Jeff Hornacek

PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Jeff Hornacek of the Phoenix Suns stands on the bench during the second half of the NBA game against the Chicago Bulls at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 18, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Bulls defeated the Suns 103-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 18: Jeff Hornacek of the Phoenix Suns  (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Woj reports that the Phoenix Suns have fired head coach Jeff Hornacek.

While this firing may seem surprising on the surface, it’s not as much when you take into the account the numbers Sports Illustrated’s Ben Golliver presents:

We’re 6 days away from Super Bowl 50

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– Brad Gagnon has the 50 greatest players in Super Bowl history. This is a fun read, with some highlights included.

– Denver, Carolina, and the lessons on how to build a Super Bowl roster.

– Peyton Manning, John Elway, and the history of old quarterbacks in the Super Bowl.

– Super Bowl grounds crew messes up Panthers end zone.

– DeMarcus Ware, Luke Kuechly deliver weather forecasts for Super Bowl week.

– Tecmo Bowl simulation forecasts a Panthers win in SB50. Done deal now, folks.

Quick Hits

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– The NFL Pro Bowl happened, and thankfully I saw less than 10 minutes of it. But, I did happen to see this incredible Derek Carr throw in that time:

Also, Richard Sherman dropped an RKO on Clay Matthews.

– Surprise, surprise: Police called after altercation between Johnny Manziel and his girlfriend.

– The Lakers are miserable, tie franchise record with 10-game losing streak.

– Carmelo Anthony palmed Steph Curry’s face.

– Can anyone beat the Warriors? For the NBA title, that is.

– Pro cyclist caught using illegal hidden motor.

– Concussion doctor believes O.J. Simpson has CTE. This would certainly make sense.

– A display of how not to dunk during warmups.

– Florida State giving away free bacon to basketball fans.

– Ray Lewis’ son commits to Utah State.

– Jennifer Aniston to star as a sports agent in new movie.

– Defender manages to have his ankles shattered twice on one play.

– Nick Offerman has the best response to seeing his face on a public toilet in India.

One last breath of gratuitous procrastination

How to pick up a girl at the gym…

View post on imgur.com

What, were you expecting something else?

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

He can be followed on Twitter at @Matt2Clapp (also @TheBlogfines for Cubs/MLB tweets and @DaBearNecess for Bears/NFL tweets), and can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.

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