Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Unbalanced.
Is the Presidents' Trophy Cursed?
In any of North America's four major pro sports leagues, having the best record has its benefits. In the NFL, it means home-field advantage up to that team's Conference Championship (as the Super Bowl is usually played on neutral sites), while in MLB, the NBA, and the NHL, it often means home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. In the NFL, the NBA, and MLB, having the best record usually equates a championship. In the NHL? Not so much. The National Hockey League is the only one of these leagues that awards an actual trophy for finishing with the league's best record: the Presidents' Trophy. The Presidents' Trophy was first awarded in the 1985-86 season, with the Edmonton Oilers being the very first winners, as they racked up 119 points. However, the Presidents' Trophy has hardly ever led to a Stanley Cup for the teams that won it, and the overall history of Trophy winners failing to win the Cup (including in the last decade) have led fans and analysts to wonder if the Trophy is actually cursed.
By Clyde E. Dawkinsabout a year ago in Unbalanced
What Happened to the Philadelphia Flyers?
The Philadelphia Flyers lost back-to-back games to the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday and Thursday, with Thursday's 5-3 loss eliminating them from playoff contention. The Flyers' inconsistency has been a huge story this season, as they tend to look good in some games, but play so terribly in others. Though this season has been problematic for the Flyers, their woes actually date back to last year's playoffs.
By Clyde E. Dawkinsabout a year ago in Unbalanced
15 Years: The Penguins' Playoff Streak Continues
Death, taxes, and the Stanley Cup Playoffs in Pittsburgh. Those seem to be the only certainties that exist. The Pittsburgh Penguins' 5-4 overtime victory over the Washington Capitals on Thursday evening officially placed them in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the 15th straight season. That streak is not only the longest current streak in the NHL, but it is the longest one in sports, with the Penguins earning the distinction after the NBA's San Antonio Spurs missed the playoffs after 22 straight appearances. The last time the Penguins missed the playoffs was the 2005-06 season, which was not only the first season back from the lockout, but it was also Sidney Crosby's rookie year, meaning that his debut season his only one without playoffs.
By Clyde E. Dawkinsabout a year ago in Unbalanced
A Look at the Criticism Towards the NHL's North Division
I have been a diehard hockey fan since I was seven years old. I love the sport; I love how it operates, I love the chaos and unpredictability I see in every game, I love how literally anything is possible. This NHL season has been unconventional to say the least. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a number of changes all over the sports world, and the NHL was no different; having to pause before starting a modified Stanley Cup Playoffs in August, which resulted in the Stanley Cup being awarded in the end of September. In addition, a 56-game all divisional season started on January 13, 2021, and for this year only, conferences were eliminated, and the league featured four immensely regional divisions--North, Central, East, and West.
By Clyde E. Dawkinsabout a year ago in Unbalanced
India vs England: A Comprehensive Look at the First T20 Match
The much-anticipated T20 series between India and England kicked off on January 22, 2025, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. In a dominant performance, India clinched a seven-wicket victory, setting the tone for the rest of the series. The match was a testament to India’s all-around strength and exposed weaknesses in England’s strategies. Below, we delve into the performances of both teams and key moments that defined the game.
By Jayuabout a year ago in Unbalanced
Ichiro Suzuki: From Skepticism to Baseball Immortality
On a cold April day in 2001, Bret Boone jogged to second base for Opening Day at Safeco Field in Seattle. The roof was open, and the Oakland Athletics were in town for what promised to be a thrilling game. ESPN2 was broadcasting the event live, but the buzz wasn’t just about the game—it was about the Mariners' newest addition, Ichiro Suzuki.
By Jayuabout a year ago in Unbalanced
The Cleveland Browns Can They Finally Get it Right
Another year and another season by the hapless Cleveland Browns. Cleveland has not played well all season and is at the bottom of many different offensive and defensive categories. What's wrong with the Cleveland Browns? Let's take a closer look at the problems that Cleveland is facing right now.
By Kenneth Watkinsabout a year ago in Unbalanced
Somers Battles Back in 54-49 Defeat
Please see tip, pledge and subscribe buttons or my venmo : @Rich-Monetti On Friday December 27, Somers traveled to Pelham Middle School and faced Fox Lane in the Pelham Winter Basketball Tournament. Putting the festivities aside, the Tuskers matched up well on the inside and out. But a pair of buzzer beaters gave the Foxes a 34-25 halftime lead. So with their work cut out for them, Somers did not fail to answer the call.
By Rich Monettiabout a year ago in Unbalanced
Story #250: My Experience at The Ballpark in Arlington
250 stories on Vocal! I've come a long since I first started writing stories on this platform back in 2018. For my 250th story, I'll be sharing of how I became a fan of a Major League Baseball team. But first, a bit of history.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Unbalanced
This Is the Moment You've Been Waiting For...
Greetings, baseball nerds! The most exciting moment has finally arrived: the announcement of the 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame Class. After much anticipation, the players who will be inducted this summer are the following players:
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Unbalanced
2025 Texas Rangers Predictions
I know that y'all miss baseball so much. Believe me, I know the feeling. It won't be long until Spring Training arrives, also known as the unofficial start of baseball. The Texas Rangers may not have repeated as World Series Champions last year, but it's a new year and we're wiping the state clean. The Rangers have been busy during the offseason by signing several players. I won't go through every single one, but the most notable ones. In case you missed it, here are the new additions:
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Unbalanced
Benfica vs. Barcelona: Champions League Showdown, Lineups, and Predictions
The UEFA Champions League is heating up, and Barcelona is set to face Benfica on Tuesday in Lisbon. The match at Estadio da Luz promises to be an exciting clash, with both teams fighting for crucial points. For Barcelona, it’s a chance to secure their spot in the next round, while Benfica is battling to stay in the competition.
By Jayuabout a year ago in Unbalanced
