This week in sports

NHL

The Detroit Red Wings travelled to Amalie Arena on March 30 to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning. After an opening period where each team scored once, the Lightning were able to pull away in the second scoring three and allowing one bringing the score to 4-2. One more for each team in the third brought the Lightning to the victory, winning 5-3. The Detroit Red Wings have been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs bringing their 25 year playoff streak to an end.

The Toronto Maple Leafs played the Nashville Predators March 30. The Leafs took command right off the draw and by the second period had a 2-0 lead. It was not until the third when the Predators were able to find the twine and break the shutout but the Leafs answered quickly with one more. The final score was 3-1 for the Leafs. As of right now, both teams have secured a playoff spot and the Predators have the second wild card spot in the Western conference. The Leafs are third ranked team in the Atlantic Division.

NBA

The Detroit Pistons hosted the Brooklyn Nets on March 30 at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Nets held possession for most of the game but the Pistons were able to capitalize on their few possessions. The two balanced each other out and kept the game close with the biggest lead for the Nets at nine points. The final score was 90-89 for the Pistons.

The Toronto Raptors played the Charlotte Hornets at the Air Canada Centre on March 29. The teams were evenly matched for the most part where the Hornets held possession for the first half of the game and the Raptors took over for the second. Despite all of their effort, the Raptors could not overcome the Hornets and ended up losing to them 110-106.

Spitfires

The Windsor Spitfires host the London Knights at the WFCU Centre in the first round for the Memorial Cup playoffs. The two teams played Game 4 on March 30 where the two teams brought their all tying 2-2 in regulation time. The game went to overtime where the London Knights were able to end the game 3-2. This win puts the Knights ahead 3-1 in the series against the Spitfires. Game 5 is March 31 at Budweiser Gardens where the Spitfires will have to fight to keep their chances alive. If the Spitfires are able to pull out a win, Game 6 will be April 2 at the WFCU Centre.

PJHL

The Essex 73’s and the Dorchester Dolphins continue their quarterfinal battle that will put them one step closer to the Schmaltz Cup. The two teams faced-off on March 29 for Game 4 where they took the lead and held it throughout the entire game. The final score was 5-1 and this adds another win for the 73’s moving to a 3-1 series lead against the Dolphins. Game 5 will be played on March 31 at the Essex Centre Sports Complex where the 73’s will have the opportunity to end the season for the Dolphins.