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Playoff mode is activated as I’ll uncover what the NBA & NHL has in store for the next few days. Plus, anything else that’s happening in sports as the latest podcast has arrived. On deck:

(4:00) We’re two play-in games from the NBA playoffs tipping off on Saturday afternoon. The Lakers and Sixers have punched their tickets as #7 seeds in their respective conferences. As unconventional lower seeds that they are, could they be darkhorses to make deep runs in the postseason? I’ll preview tomorrow night’s do-or-die #8 seed games between Bulls-Heat and Kings-Pelicans. I’ll unpack the top storylines of this year’s playoffs (ex. Celtics scars/trustworthy, OKC title worthy?, Bucks expectations/fortitude and more) and preview the opening round of all the matchups as the quest for the Lawrence O’Brien Trophy commences this weekend.

(41:15) Due to a strange quirk in the schedule, the NHL has a half dozen games out West today, but the East has completed all 82 of their games. I’ll share my disdain for that, discuss the storylines of what may lie ahead (Rangers Cup threat, Leafs pressure, Oilers time to shine, a wide open field for a champion) as well as preview the East matchups since the West hasn’t been settled as of yet. Hence, quirky schedule.

(59:41) Sadly, there were a few deaths in baseball over the past few days. Hall of Fame manager of the Royals & Cardinals of the 70’s & 80’s, Whitey Herzog passed away at 92. The last living Brooklyn Dodger, Carl Erskine, died at 97. And former Oakland A’s champion pitcher, Ken Holtzman died at 78. The longtime radio voice of the New York Yankees, John Sterling abruptly retired this week. I’ll have a good thought about him and his career. I’ll even get into how the Mets have won 10 of 13 after an 0-5 start. They’ll have a litmus test this weekend as they go to LA to play the Dodgers for three games. I’ll also take a look at the schedule to see if there are any interesting series on the docket.

I’m honored to welcome in a new partnership to the podcast. Are you familiar with Olipop soda? If not, you’ll definitely want to acquaint yourself with this healthy, crisp and refreshing beverage that has no GMO’s, organic with natural ingredients that you can read. They have the classics (Vintage Cola, Root Beer, Ginger Ale, Lemon Lime) as well as new flavors that are irresistible (Banana Cream, Watermelon Lime and my favorite, Tropical Punch) Please go to www.drinkolipop.com, type in SODALOVE for 15% off of your purchase.

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Intro/outro music by Cyklonus.

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I have a full smorgasbord of sports to whet your appetite on this weeks edition of The JAYREELZ Podcast. We’re now down to two. The Final Four was overcome with controversy as the Auburn Tigers was thisclose to making their first trip to the Championship Game. Was it a foul? Should have it been called? I’ll be sure to delve into those final 0.6 seconds vs. Virginia which changed the trajectory of the Final Four, Texas Tech’s mild upset over Michigan State and a preview of what lies ahead for tonights’ winner take all matchup. The NBA is about to embark on another postseason, but there are still a couple of games to be played. The Brooklyn Nets have punched their ticket to the playoffs, but their seed isn’t set in stone. I’ll get into both races in the East and West as the bottom of the playoff seedings in each conference have yet to be determined. On the other hand, the NHL playoffs are set. The Islanders will host the first round since 1984 against the battle tested Penguins. What are their chances to move onto the next round? Who is the biggest X-factor of this series? It may not be who you think, so you’ll have to listen to find out. I’ll also reveal the main headlines leading the chase for Lord Stanley’s Cup, with the Tampa Bay Lightning at the forefront of being one of the all time great teams with a potential championship in their sight. There’s some baseball to talk about. Not just the week that was for the Mets and Yankees, but the Orioles Chris Davis’s plight, the cold Cubs & Red Sox and the white hot Mariners, Dodgers and Mike Trout’s torrid HR streak. Plus, the Jets new uniform reveal, Antonio Brown is in the news again and the Masters are just days away. Chock full of sports talk to fill your headphones on this weeks episode of The JAYREELZ Podcast. (Episode 63)

Music by Bensound.

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The quest for sports greatest trophy, the Stanley Cup, is upon us. Joining me to break it all down is Chris Wassel, NHL columnist for The Sporting News & Dobberhockey.com. We'll deep dive into the plethora of story lines this postseason has to offer. Are the Pittsburgh Penguins primed to three-peat? Can the Washington Capitals finally get to a conference final? Will the Tampa Bay Lightning come out of the East? Can the upstart expansion Vegas Golden Knights make it to a Cup Final? Are the Nashville Predators ready to seal the deal and win a Cup for the first time in franchise history? We'll get into all of that, plus, look at what the New York Rangers will do as they search for a new head coach. Also, will the New York Islanders and captain, John Tavares part ways this summer? It'll be wall to wall NHL playoffs. (Episode 7)

Plus, my thoughts on John Tavares's impending free agency and the New York Mets historic 9-1 start on this installment of The JAYREELZ Podcast.

Music by Bensound.com

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