Tuesday’s Morning Mashup: Coaches have confrontation in Rangers-Devils series

Welcome to Tuesday’s Morning Mashup. For the latest news, start at our WEEI.com home page or click here for the top stories from our news wire.

TUESDAY’S BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS:
MLB: Red Sox at Orioles, 7:05 p.m. (NESN: WEEI)
MLB: Royals at Yankees, 7:05 p.m. (MLB Network)
NBA playoffs: Pacers at Heat, 8 p.m. (TNT)
NHL playoffs: Kings at Coyotes, 9 p.m. (NBCSN)

AROUND THE WEB:

♦ Rangers coach John Tortorella and Devils bench boss Pete DeBoer traded barbs through the media over the weekend, and they ramped up their burgeoning feud in Monday night’s Game 4 in New Jersey. In the third period of the Devils’ 4-1 victory, Rangers forward Mke Rupp drew a penalty for leaving his feet on a hit, and then he gave goalie Martin Brodeur a left to the face as he skated by. That led to the coaches screaming at each other from their benches.

“I didn’t expect it, Rupp or no Rupp. I never got punched like that in my career. First time,” Brodeur said.

Asked if Rupp’s cheap shot gives the Devils license to go after Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist in Game 5, Brodeur took the high road. “No. You can’t start that,” he said. “I don’t think that’s the right way to play hockey. Because they do something, you have to reply and do the same?”

As for the coaches’ confrontation, neither one elected to discuss it afterward.

“This isn’t about John and myself,” DeBoer said. “It’s about the guys on the ice.”

♦ Reds flamethrower Aroldis Chapman was arrested in Ohio early Monday for driving 93 mph with a suspended license, police said. Chapman, who had recorded his first save of the season Sunday night vs. the Yankees and appears to be ready to become the team’s closer, was driving a black 2010 Mercedes S63 when he was detained on Interstate 71 North. He is due back in court June 6.

♦ Daniel Jeremiah at NFL.com has a piece in which he debates which quarterback he would choose if it came down to one season, one game or one play. Tom Brady is noticeably absent from his list, which includes one active and one retired player for each category. The selections: Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre for one season, Eli Manning (edging out Brady) and Joe Montana for one game, and Ben Roethlisberger and John Elway for one play.

♦ Real Clear Sports has a list of the top 10 iconic moments in NBA playoff history. Larry Bird‘s steal against the Pistons in 1987 is No. 4. Magic Johnson‘s junior skyhook against the Celtics in the 1987 finals is No. 3. John Havlicek‘s steal to clinch Game 7 of the 1965 Eastern Conference finals against Philadelphia is No. 2. Michael Jordan‘s game-winning shot in Game 6 of the 1998 finals to beat the Jazz for Chicago’s sixth title in eight years is No. 1.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On May 22, 1988, the Celtics and Hawks staged one of the most memorable playoff games in history, with Larry Bird and Dominique Wilkins trading baskets in the fourth quarter of a 118-116 Boston victory in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Lost in the performance of Wilkins (47 points) and Bird (34), a guard for each team finished with a double-double. Which Hawk had 16 points and 18 assists, and which Celtic had 13 points and 10 assists?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “It’s definitely not a goal, but it’s better than being under .500.” – Manager Bobby Valentine, after the Red Sox beat the Orioles, 8-6, Monday night in Baltimore to even their record at 21-21

STAT OF THE DAY: 8-0 – The Celtics’ record since the formation of the new Big Three in Game 5′s of series that have been tied 2-2, after Monday’s 101-85 victory over the 76ers

‘NET RESULTS: A Reds fan snares two home run balls in Monday night’s game vs. the Braves.

Thunder guard Russell Westbrook hits the shot despite being wrapped up by a Lakers defender in Monday night’s game.

Cavaliers star Kyrie Irving transforms into “Uncle Drew” and schools some unsuspecting players at a New Jersey court.

Australian rugby player Jeremy Howe rides on an opponent’s shoulders to make a catch.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge

SOOTHING SOUNDS: On May 22, 1961, Ernie K-Doe had his only No. 1 hit, “Mother-In-Law.”

One Comments for “Tuesday’s Morning Mashup: Coaches have confrontation in Rangers-Devils series”

1. Ewohiwien Says:
   June 8th, 2012 at 2:03 am

   Wouldn’t mind seeing a Avery-Boyle-Gaborik line when Gabby gets back…Avery has been trefiric along the boards, Boyle will do the dirty work in the corners as well and Gabby can freelance and look to get open in the low slots…

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