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Gibson Cup
For the eighth straight year, the Portage Lake Pioneers have won the Gibson Cup. The Pioneers defeated the Calumet Wolverines 8-5 in the final game of the best-of-three series last night at Dee Stadium. Calumet dominated the first period, and took a 4-1 lead into the break. Alex VanWagner and Byron Parks each scored twice. Eric Bausano made it 5-1 early in the second period, before Portage rallied for seven straight goals to take the game. Jay Pietila scored twice for the Pioneers, and Ryan Greenley netted the game-winner just over three minutes into the third period.
Both teams will begin play in the Great Lakes Hockey League tournament in De Pere on Friday. We’ll broadcast their games on KBear 102.3 and KBear102.com.
NHL
The Detroit Red Wings’ playoff hopes suffered another blow last night when they lost 4-3 to the Montreal Canadiens. Detroit goalie Petr Mrazek was pulled after giving up two goals in the first period. With Jimmy Howard in net, the Wings scored three times in the second period to take the lead. The Canadiens responded with two unanswered goals in the third period to earn the win. Detroit remains tied with Philadelphia for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot, but the Flyers now have two games in hand. The Penguins won last night, so they now lead Detroit by three points in the race for the third guaranteed playoff spot in the Atlantic Division. The Wings host Minnesota Friday night. Face-off is at 7:30 on AM 1400 and FM 99.3, WCCY.
NBA
The Detroit Pistons kept their playoff hopes alive with an 88-82 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder last night. Marcus Morris led Detroit with 24 points. The Thunder played without Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka, who were given the night off. The win moved the Pistons a half-game ahead of the Pacers, who lost to the Bulls last night. Detroit is now in seventh place in the Eastern Conference with seven regular-season games remaining. The top eight teams make the playoffs. The Pistons entertain the Mavericks Friday evening.
MLB
In spring training baseball yesterday, the Detroit Tigers’ game against the Toronto Blue Jays was rained out. The Tigers face the Orioles this evening.
The Tigers have traded catcher Bryan Holaday to the Texas Rangers. In exchange, they get veteran catcher Bobby Wilson and pitching prospect Myles Jaye. Wilson is expected to become the starting catcher at Toledo, and will provide some depth in case of injury. Jaye will likely begin the season in the starting rotation at Double-A Erie.
Detroit also sent outfield prospect Wynton Bernard to the Mudhens yesterday. That probably means that Tyler Collins will start the season with the Tigers, until Cameron Maybin’s broken wrist is healed.
The Milwaukee Brewers lost to the Cincinnati Reds 9-2 yesterday. Milwaukee starter Wily Peralta was chased from the game after giving up three runs in the fourth inning. The Brewers face the Rockies this afternoon.
NFL
The Detroit Lions have signed free agent cornerback Darrin Walls. He spent the past four seasons with the Jets.
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