Royalty w/o 3/26 in review

Another royal week of attending sporting events has come and gone.

Here's how it went:

Monday night after work I went to Madison Square Garden to see the Knicks play the Bucks. Both teams were battling for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. I went with expectations of seeing a really good game. I wound up not getting the result I hoped for. Both teams played awful most of the night. They shot terribly and they didn't resemble teams that even belonged in the playoffs or in the professional ranks for that matter. The Knicks wound up beating the Bucks, 89-80. The Knicks played without Amar'e Stoudemire who hurt his back and Jeremy Lin was listed as day to day. In their absence, Carmelo Anthony led the way for the Knicks as he scored 28 points and he pulled down 12 rebounds.

Tuesday night after work I went to Newark, NJ to see the Devils play the Blackhawks at the Prudential Center.

As for the game I saw, it was 1-1 after regulation time. It remained that way after the overtime session, so it was decided by a skills competition. The Devils got rewarded with the extra point as they won the shootout, 2-1.

Wednesday night I went back to the Garden to see the Knicks play the Magic who were still without Amar'e Stoudemire and Jeremy Lin.

The Magic got off to a good start with their guard Jameer Nelson leading the way in the first quarter. After that the Magic disappeared for the night as the Knicks shot the lights out as they destroyed the Magic, 108-86.

Thursday night I went back to the "Rock" to see the Devils again. This time they hosted the Tampa Bay Lightning. This was a rare high scoring game as the Devils lit the lamp early and often as they beat the Lightning, 6-4 despite Ryan Malone of the Lightning who had a hat trick.

Friday night after work I went home to do the laundry so I could have some clean clothes to wear. I was very tempted to go to the Garden to see the Rangers play the Canadiens but I thought better of it.

Saturday afternoon the King and I went out to the Nassau Coliseum to see the Islanders play the Bruins. We were joined by our friend Rich Wolber aka Staten Island Rich.

We took public transportation to get out there so it seemed like a road trip for the King and I. When we got inside the building we thought we were in Boston. They're were a tremendous number of people who came down from Boston to see the game too. People were dressed up in their Bruin gear to root on their defending Stanley Cup Champions.

As for the game we saw, it was competitive for the first two periods as the score was tied at two. In the third period, the Bruins put the pedal to the metal as they crashed the net much to the delight of their fans who were in the house as they went on to whip the Islanders, 6-3.

After the game, the King and I took another road trip if you will to Madison Square Garden courtesy of public transportation. We arrived at the Garden with plenty of time to spare as we prepared to see the Knicks play the Cleveland Cavaliers.

As for the game we saw, not only did Amar'e Stoudemire not play, I found out that Jeremy Lin is now out for the rest of the regular season with a knee injury. To make matters worse, the Cavaliers were without potential rookie of the year candidate, Kyrie Irving. I was looking forward to seeing him play again. With those key players out, the Cavaliers had a very tall order to overcome. They did hang around for the first three quarters but the Knicks pulled away in the fourth quarter as they cruised to a 91-75 victory. I was hoping the Cavaliers would find a way to win for the great people I know from Cleveland but it wasn't meant to be on that night.

Sunday afternoon the King and I took our last road trip to the Nassau Coliseum to see the Islanders battle the Ottawa Senators. Unlike Saturday afternoon, the visiting team only had a handful of their fans there this time.

As for the game we saw, the Senators raced off to victory after they gave up the first goal of the game to the Islanders. After that, they didn't look back as they scored five unanswered goals to beat the Islanders, 5-1. Kyle Turris of the Senators had two goals and an assist.

Thank you for reading and following along.

Yours truly,

Gary Herman

Royalty gets a taste of "Lin-Sanity" at MSG!

When the King and I were at Madison Square Garden on February 4th, we saw the Knicks play the
Nets that night. Little did we know we were going to get a glimpse of the hottest thing to hit NYC in recent memory.

All of a sudden, the first ever Asian American player of Chinese descent came into the game. His name was Jeremy Lin. We like others we're wondering who is he.

Since he entered that game 10 days ago, he continues to be the talk of the town. He was living with his brother on the East Side on a couch. I think he may be ready to check in for a while at the Trump Tower now. He's no dummy. He graduated from Harvard. He went undrafted. In matter of fact, two teams had him and cut him. First the Golden State Warriors who he played briefly for. He was let go and the Houston Rockets picked him up. After they dumped him, the Knicks decided to take a chance on him. What a decision that was. They put him in the game and he exploded on the scene.

He electrified the crowd instantly hence the reference "Lin-Sanity". He finished the game with 25 points off the bench and he added 7 assists and 5 rebounds. What a performance.

He was rewarded with his first NBA start that Monday night when the Utah Jazz came to the Garden. "Lin-Sanity" took center stage again. This time he scored a new career high of 28 points and he added 8 assists. It was absolutely "Lincredible".

He took his instant success to Washington DC Wednesday night where the Knicks were visiting the Wizards and John Wall. The "Linning" ways continued again. This time he led the way as he scored 23 points and dished out 10 assists.

The Knicks returned home on Friday night to face Kobe Bryant and the Lakers at the Garden. "Lin-Sanity" stole the show as he outscored Kobe by pouring in a new career high 38 points as he led the Knicks to another victory.

Saturday night the Knicks hit the road again as they went out to the Twin Cities to play the Timberwolves. It appeared that the Knicks were going to lose but "Linderella" wouldn't let the glass slipper wear off just yet as the "Linning" ways continued.

Tonight the Knicks headed north of the border to play the Toronto Raptors. The Knicks trailed most of the game but once again "Linderella" got across the border and was the difference as the Knicks return home a winner again. He scored 27 points including the "Linning" shot and he handed out 11 more assists. By the way, that was Jeremy's way of saying "Happy VaLINtine's Day" to all his fans.

Since Lin got some serious playing time against the Nets, the Knicks haven't lost they're 6-0. He continues to be the talk of the town but he always defers the credit to his teammates.

Now the question is if and when is "Linsanity" going to end. At this rate, I think it's here to stay.

Time will tell.

Thank you for reading and following.

Yours truly,

Gary Herman

Royalty w/o 2/6 in review

Nets and Spurs on Hardwood Classics Night 

Another royal week of stadium travel is in the books.

 Here's how it turned out:

Monday night after work I went to Madison Square Garden to see the Knicks play the Utah Jazz with the King. There was some good news and some bad that came out of this game. As for the good, the Knicks rallied around the troops that they had on this night since they were shorthanded. With the aid of somebody named Jeremy Lin who made his first NBA start they found a way to win. They won, 99-88 as they beat the Jazz.

As for the bad news, they played without superstar Amar'e Stoudemire who tragically lost his older brother, Hazell who got killed in a car accident in Florida. To add insult to injury, Carmelo Anthony came up lame early in the game. He was diagnosed with a pulled groin. As a result, he was finished for the night and for the next few weeks as well.

Tuesday night after work, I stayed home so I could do my laundry.

Wednesday night after work I went out to the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ with the King to see a rematch from the week before as the NJ Nets hosted the Detroit Pistons again. This time the Pistons emerged victorious, 99-92. By doing so, they avenged the loss from the week before.

Thursday night after work the King and I went back to Newark to see hockey as the Devils faced off with the St. Louis Blues who were making a rare visit to the area. As for the game we saw, it was a good seesaw battle as both teams exchanged goals during the game. The Blues got the equalizer with 5:50 left in regulation time to knot the game at three. After a scoreless overtime session, the game was decided in a shootout. The Blues' T.J. Oshie scored the first and only goal of the skills competition as the Blues came away with the 4-3 win.

Friday night after work the King and I went back to Madison Square Garden to see more basketball. It was a special night since Kobe Bryant and the Lakers were making their only local area appearance. With the Lakers in the building, the Garden was really rocking. There were a number of Laker fans as usual in attendance.

As for the game we saw, the Knicks were still without their big guns, Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony. Despite that, once again somebody named Jeremy Lin emerged as the hero on this night. He lead the way as the Knicks got passed Kobe and the Lakers, 92-85. Kobe shot awful early on in this game. He perked up in the second half but it was too little too late as his team fell short on the big stage.

Saturday afternoon the King and I went out to the Nassau Coliseum to see the Islanders play the LA Kings. I want to personally thank our friend Larry Peim who was kind enough to pick us up and drive us out there. Royal treatment indeed.

As for the game we saw, the Kings and Islanders fought hard in a very physical affair. The game was tied at one after regulation time. Captain Mark Streit of the Islanders netted the game winner 1:36 into overtime to give the Islanders the 2-1 victory.

After the game, Larry dropped off the King and I back home on his way to Bridgeport, Connecticut where he was going to see the Sound Tigers, the Islanders farm team play. He would have gladly taken us with him but since the Nets were playing the Spurs, the King and I wanted to see them play.

In addition, I arranged to have my Cousin Andy join us as well. Our friends Frank Anichiarico, Ralph and his son Vincent Ascanio were also there. It made for a nice social gathering at the arena.

Furthermore, we got to see the San Antonio Spurs who have been a powerful team over the last decade with their silent assassin Tim Duncan and great play making point guard Tony Parker. They made it look easy as they cruised past the Nets, 103-89 on Hardwood Classics night as both teams turned back the clock and they wore old school uniforms which was an added treat. It was also my 1,200th NBA game that I've seen live in my life.

Sunday afternoon the King and I trekked back out to the Nassau Coliseum by public transportation to see the Islanders take on the Florida Panthers on Marvel Comic Book Day. It was a fun day for all the kids that were in attendance. They were able to meet and greet some of their favorite superheroes. The Incredible Hulk, Spiderman and Thor were on hand to keep the children amused during the game and between periods.

As for the game we saw, the Islanders drew first blood as they scored the game's first goal but it went down hill after that as they gave up the next four goals as the Panthers went to win easily, 4-1.

We did have company at the game as our friend Dennis Barbera was there. After the game, he drove the King and I home. More royal treatment. I would like to thank Dennis for taking us back. It was very nice and thoughtful of him.

Stay tuned for the special post I'm going to be do about somebody named Jeremy Lin.

Thank you for reading and following along.

Yours truly,

Gary Herman

Royalty w/o 1/30 in review

Quick Change

Monday after work I had a night off from attending a game so I used my free time wisely and I did my laundry.

Tuesday night after work I went out to the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ to see the Devils host their Hudson River rivals, the NY Rangers with the King.

As for the game we saw, it turned out to be a good action packed match. Both teams battled and fought hard all night exchanging goals. The Devils wound up getting a lucky bounce off the boards as the puck caromed to David Clarkson in front of the net who buried the equalizer with just 48 seconds left in regulation time to tie the game at three. After a scoreless overtime session, the game was decided in a shootout. The Devils came away with the extra point as they won the skills competition. As a result, they were 4-3 winners.

Wednesday night after work I went back to the "Rock". This time to see basketball. The NJ Nets took on the Detroit Pistons.

As for the game I saw, the Nets and Pistons played in a closely contested game. The Nets managed to pull out the victory by a score of 99-96.

I was joined by the King and our friend Vinny Ascanio. As usual, we all enjoyed each other's company.
Thursday night after work I went to Madison Square Garden to see the Knicks entertain the Chicago Bulls.
The Knicks were able to hang around with the Bulls most of the game but in the end, the Bulls came away with a 105-102 win. They were lead by their young superstar point guard Derrick Rose. Rose had a MVP like performance as he sliced and diced his way through the Knicks defense throughout the game as he scored 32 points including 15 in the critical fourth quarter. He also dished out 13 assists to carry his team to the narrow victory in front of an electric atmosphere at the World's Most Famous Arena.

In addition, during the halftime intermission, the crowd was treated to an act called "Quick Change." These people have been doing this routine for many years. Every time I see it, I still don't believe it. They change what their wearing numerous times right before your eyes. It's truly amazing.

Friday night after work I went back to Newark, NJ to see the Nets play the Minnesota Timberwolves who have Ricky Rubio, the point guard from Spain. The Timberwolves drafted him a few years ago but he had to fulfill his obligations in Spain before he was allowed to come to the United States. With his arrival in the Twin Cities, the Timberwolves have improved drastically thus far.

This was the first time I got to see him play live in person. Needless to say, he didn't disappoint. In matter of fact, he put on quite a show. He scored 10 points, handed out 10 assists and he stole the ball 6 times. In the process, he made his teammates better. In particular, Nikola Pekovic, who finished with 27 points and 11 rebounds and Kevin Love who added 20 points and 10 boards as the Timberwolves came out on top, 108-105. For the Nets, Anthony Morrow had a career high 42 points in the losing effort.

Saturday morning the King and I took a bus from Chinatown here in NYC to Philadelphia to see the Flyers take on the NJ Devils in a matinee affair at the Wells Fargo Center . We were joined by our pal Andrew Van Cleve and his son, Dylan aka the Ultimate Sports Baby.

We saw a wild game. The Devils raced out to a 6-0 lead after two periods. The Flyers finally woke up but it was too little too late as they managed to get within a few goals at 6-4 late in the game but they couldn't come all the way back as they lost by that score. At least they made it interesting for us and those who stayed and didn't leave early.

After the game, the King and I took a Chinese bus back home so we could go to Madison Square Garden to see the Knicks play their cross town rivals, the NJ Nets.

As for the game we saw, the Knicks in need of a victory in the worst way after losing to the Bulls then they went to Boston and lost there as well. So despite playing for the third night in a row thanks to the lockout, they needed to find a way to win. On this night they sure did. The Nets fresh off a tough loss to the Timberwolves were beat up by the Knicks by a score of 99-92.

The Knicks found a way to win by calling on a recent undrafted free agent pickup. I'm talking about a guy named Jeremy Lin who graduated from Harvard and was let go by the Houston Rockets. Lin played one game in the Developmental League before the Knicks had him join the team. Based on his heroic performance, he instantly became a fan favorite. Lin brought the energy the Knicks' so desperately needed. He scored 25 points and added 7 assists to go along with 5 rebounds in his Knick debut. What a way to make a splash.

Super Bowl Sunday the King and I didn't spend it in Indianapolis as many thought we might have.
Instead we went out to the Prudential Center to see the Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins play some hockey. It was my 100th Devil game there. The Devils fresh off their 6-4 win over the Flyers, came out strong again as they whipped up the Penguins, 5-2.

After the game, the King and I went back to Queens to our friend Frank and Tina's place to watch the Super Bowl on TV. It's become a tradition the last so many years for us to do so.

I would like to thank Frank and Tina for their fine hospitality as usual.

As for the Super Bowl, we weren't happy with the outcome but since we have no control, there's not much we can do about it. It was a good competitive game at least as the Giants beat the Patriots again, this time 21-17.

It capped off a great football season for me. With that being said, please stay tuned for the special post I'm going to do regarding my record breaking season of attending live football games.

Thank you for reading and following along.

Yours truly,

Gary Herman