“Any good comeback needs some true believers.” -John Boehner
“Comebacks” have been a common theme in both the NHL and NBA playoffs, which are heading into the homestretch. Sure each year there are teams that come from behind to win a series, but 2014 appears to be setting a new standard. Since teams possess a “never say die attitude” the two leagues have already combined for 11 game 7’s in one year, only one behind the record of 12 set in 1994.
The NHL had three game 7’s in round one and three more in round two. The NBA had a first round record five game 7’s in the opening round.
I am not sure why there is a general belief among many sports fans “that a series is over” when one team goes ahead. How often do you believe that one team is “done” after trailing three games to two in a best of seven? Odds certainly suggest the team with the lead will win, but by no means is it a certainty. This year, eight of the 24 series winners in the NHL and NBA over the first two rounds have been behind 3-2 (a whopping 33 per cent).
Let’s further examine what transpired in the year of the comeback. It’s interesting to note that all four NHL teams and three of the four in the NBA, that are still competing for a championship, have faced adversity in the Conference quarter-final, Conference semi or both:
NHL
The LA Kings trailed San Jose 3-0, yet became just the 4th team ever to win while facing such a huge deficit. The Kings did it again against Anaheim rallying from a 3-2 hole. LA is a whopping 6-0 while facing elimination.
The New York Rangers are 4-0 when facing elimination. They won game seven against Philadelphia and then defied the odds overcoming a 3-1 deficit against Pittsburgh to upset the heavily favored Penguins.
The Montreal Canadiens were written off when they lost game five to Boston but they erased a 3-2 deficit by dominating the Bruins in games six and seven (winning 4-0 and 3-1).
The Chicago Blackhawks trailed St Louis 2-0 before they pulled it together to win four in a row.
Other come from behind efforts included: Minnesota erasing a 3-2 deficit to beat Colorado in seven and Boston lost the opener to Detroit before winning four straight.
Of the 12 NHL series completed over two rounds; the winning team has been behind at least one
game in seven of them (58 per cent). Furthermore, the winning team has trailed by at least two games in three of them (25 per cent).
NBA
The Oklahoma City Thunder were buried when they trailed the Memphis Grizzlies 3-2 in round one, yet took the series in seven. The Thunder lost the opener to the LA Clippers but won in six.
It hasn’t all been clear sailing for the San Antonio Spurs as they fell behind the Dallas Mavericks 2-1 before taking the Conference quarter-final in seven.
The Indiana Pacers were severely criticized when they trailed the Atlanta Hawks 3-2, but persevered and rallied to win in seven. The Pacers dropped the opener to the Washington Wizards but again came back to win in six.
The Miami Heat did not trail against Charlotte or Brooklyn but lost the opener to Indiana before tying the East Final at a game each.
In other series: The Toronto Raptors had their fans excited with a 3-2 series lead but lost in the opening round to Brooklyn in seven, and the LA Clippers lost game one to Golden State but won that series in seven.
Just like the NHL, of the 12 NBA series completed over two rounds; the winning team has been behind at least one game in seven of them.
As fans we love “comebacks” in sports, unless of course it is our favorite team that has blown a lead.
Given the evidence in the 2014 playoffs, it would be wise to not jump to conclusions that a series is finished until one team actually gets to four wins.
Yogi Berra (who celebrated his 89th birthday this month) words were prophetic when he stated, “It ain’t over till it’s over”.
From the Quote Rack:
Mallory Edens, the attractive 18-year old daughter of Milwaukee Bucks owner Wesley Edens, stole the show at the NBA Draft Lottery. But before she went on, she was assured that there was no sign there of Brent Musberger.
There’s a new mens golf shoe coming out designed by Caroline Wozniacki that has special insulation and fur lining on the inside–it’s designed to keep the wearer from getting cold feet.
Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California
Caroline Wozniacki tweeted that she is having a difficult time with her engagement breakup from golfer Rory McIlroy. Advantage: McIlroy.
In an interview with People Magazine, Elin Nordegren praises Tiger as a good father. Translation: Tiger is making his monthly support payments on time.
Comedy writer TC Chong of Vancouver (http://alwaysfunny.com/)
Tara the cat, the internet sensation who saved a little boy from a dog attack, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Bakersfield Blaze minor league baseball game. Hey, don’t laugh. The cat probably has a better chance of throwing a decent pitch than the Mets bullpen.
The Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins played their NINTH game 7 last week which is a pro sports record. And Chicago Cubs fans responded “What’s a game 7?”
Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com
TSN1 was showing highlights of hits from the Canadiens-Bruins series. At one point PK Subban hit Reilly Smith so hard I thought the Bruin might land on TSN5.
Russia’s president played in a celebrity hockey game in Sochi. He recorded a Vladimir Putin hat-trick, with six goals, five assists and three foreign invasions.
Comedy writer RJ Currie www.Sportsdeke.com
And in case you missed it:
55-year old Julio Franco recently signed a contract with the Fort Worth Cats of the Independent League. At his age he really should be looking for a team in the Independent Living League.
Comedy Writer Marc Ragovin of New York
Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio station 94X. His column appears Fridays on hqprincegeorge.com. Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to [email protected].
Follow him on twitter: @Hartley_Miller