Sports this 'n' that

 A couple of weeks ago, I had written that there was a possibility that we would see New York vs. Boston in the Eastern Conference finals in both the NBA & NHL.

Not happening this year, but maybe next year.

First, it was the Boston Bruins who couldn't hold their end, losing to the Florida Panthers in 6 games, meaning the Panthers are tasked to try to slow down or stop the Rangers, who are inching closer to their first Stanley Cup since 1994.

Then, on Sunday, a hand injury knocked Knicks star Jalen Brunson out of the game in the 3rd quarter of game 7 vs. Indiana. Game, set, & match to the Pacers, who now advance to face the Celtics after winning handily, 130-109.

Wait 'til next year. Photo courtesy Yahoo!.

And that ain't all that's wrong in New York these days.......

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Mets closer Edwin Diaz has blown three straight save opportunities in the last week. 2 vs. Philadelphia, and 1 on Saturday vs. Miami. One wonders if Diaz, who missed all of last year due to a freak injury at the end of the World Baseball Classic, wasn't truly 100% healthy when the season started.

Part of it may be psychological, too.

After showing they could hang with some of the best in the majors in the first month of the season, New York has come crashing down to earth, falling to 4th place in the East before beating Miami on Sunday. Mets fans are not used to seeing Diaz blow back-to-back opportunities to close games, but three in a row? Unsurprisingly, some fair weather "fans" on a Reddit message board were quick to jump and hate on Diaz for no other reason than to have something to whine about. The pressure has gotten to Diaz, at least mentally, but physically is another story we're waiting to hear about.

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Fox won't be doing business with WWE come mid-September, when Smackdown moves back to USA Network after 5 seasons. 

Still, there's no better time than now to engage in a little cross-promotion.

For that reason, wrestlers JD McDonagh and Baron Corbin were given front row seats at a PBA tour event airing on Fox on Sunday. Corbin, for his part, looked like he actually was interested, and, like a lot of us, has bowled in his spare time. McDonagh (Jordan Devlin) from Ireland? Not sure.

You were expecting them to show up at a UFL game? I think even they know that league is in trouble.....!