Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final was tight Wednesday, right until the third period began. Then Pittsburgh scored three goals in three and a half minutes to win 4-1 and go up 2-0 in the series.
In more serious sports news, LeBron James’ house in Los Angeles was vandalized with the n-word, prompting a powerful response from the four-time MVP.
And, by the way, Mr. Met flipped off some fans.
We’ve got all that and more, right here in The Cheat Sheet.
Flurry of third-period goals gives Penguins 2-0 series lead over Predators
For 40 minutes of game time, Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals looked like a potential thriller. The Penguins and Predators were knotted 1-1, and Nashville had just survived two Penguins power plays in a scoreless second period.
Then, only seconds into the third period, this happened:
Three minutes later…
And one more for good measure…
Yep, that was three goals in less than three and a half minutes of play. Pittsburgh later appeared to score a fifth goal, but it was called back on replay for offside. Overall, it was a great night for Jake Guentzel and the Penguins and a very poor night for goaltender Pekka Rinne and the Predators.
In truth, Thursday’s game wasn’t nearly as lopsided as it looked. In fact, Nashville actually took more shots and won more faceoffs than Pittsburgh. But thanks to that frantic start to the third period, the Penguins get the blowout win and a commanding 2-0 lead nonetheless.
Oh and we’d be remiss not to mention the star-studded fight between Evgeni Malkin and P.K. Subban during that eventful third period.
Game 3 of the series will take place Saturday in Nashville, and the Predators will want to win that one if they have any hope of raising the Cup.
LeBron James responds powerfully after his house is vandalized with racist graffiti
The big storyline the day before the start of the NBA Finals was not related to basketball at all.
The NBA world spent Thursday discussing a gross act of racism, as vandals spray-painted the n-word across the gate to LeBron James’ house in Los Angeles. Police are reportedly investigating the incident as a potential hate crime.
LeBron made the most of the unfortunate situation, speaking eloquently about the scourge of racism in America.
“Just shows that racism will always be a part of the world, part of America. Hate in America, especially for African-Americans, is living every day. It is hidden most days. It is alive every single day,” he said at a press conference. “No matter how much money you have, how famous you are, how much people admire you, being black in America is tough.”
https://twitter.com/SInow/status/870021717799780352
James said he hopes the incident will show people that racism remains prevalent in America, in the way Mamie Till’s decision to hold an open casket for her murdered and defiled son Emmett helped open eyes in 1955.
The focus returns to basketball Thursday, with Game 1 of the NBA Finals, but the racism LeBron talked about isn’t going away anytime soon.
Quick hits
– It’s been a rough season for the New York Mets, and Mr. Met is fed up.
https://twitter.com/SInow/status/870103753608675328
The Mets apologized on Twitter for the incident. Keep your eye out for a job listing for a new Mr. Met.
Statement from the New York Mets. pic.twitter.com/bRVvqZoqg8
— New York Mets (@Mets) June 1, 2017
– Bryce Harper’s suspension for his brawl with Hunter Strickland was reduced to three games after the Nationals outfielder appealed. Here’s why brawls are actually good for baseball.
– Speaking of brawls, Jake Arrieta and Joe Maddon have some interesting opinions on them.
– Austin Rivers called out his former teammate Big Baby Davis for being out of shape and for forgetting plays, Davis offered this fun (and profane) response:
https://twitter.com/SInow/status/870112985749921792
– Could the NFL be headed for a lockout in 2021? An NFLPA executive thinks so.
– Police released dash-cam footage of Tiger Woods’ DUI. See for yourself:
– Burglars in Washington attempted to rob an ATM with a blow torch but lit the money on fire instead. Who could have seen that coming?
– Attention fast-food lovers, McDonald’s unveiled the highly enticing Chicken Big Mac.
One last moment of procrastination
If you happen to be a fan of The Wire and are willing to waste 20 minutes you’ll never get back, click this link:
http://whereswallace.theringer.com/
