McQuaid's Goal Sends Bruins to Stanley Cup Finals

Tuukka Rask knew how potent the Penguins offense was. He also knew he could shut them out.
"Every game starts with zero," the Bruins poised goalie said, "so you have a chance."
And two games ended with a zero for Pittsburgh as Boston completed a sweep with a 1-0 win on Friday night that sent it to its second Stanley Cup final, and maybe its second championship, in three years with a 4-0 series victory.
The Bruins will play the winner of the Western Conference finals. The Chicago Blackhawks lead the Los Angeles Kings 3-1 and can wrap it up Saturday night.
Rask's second shutout of the Eastern Conference finals continued his domination of the highest scoring team in the NHL. The Penguins big offensive threats — Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Jarome Iginla and James Neal — didn't score a single point and Boston outscored Pittsburgh 12-2.
"We knew we had to be at our best to beat this team," Bruins coach Claude Julien said. "That's exactly what happened."
Rask stopped 134 of 136 shots by a team that averaged 4.27 goals a game in its first two playoff series.
"I don't feel like they totally shut us down," Crosby said. "I feel like we got chances, but Rask made some big saves."
The few rebounds Rask allowed throughout the series were quickly cleared away by a defenseman or a forward getting back into the play. On offense and defense, the Bruins always seemed to be in the right spot at the right time. They made precise passes and got their sticks in the way of many passes the Penguins tried.

In the clincher, all the Bruins needed was one goal and defenseman Adam McQuaid provided it with a 45-foot slap shot from the right that went over goalie Tomas Vokoun's right arm at 5:01 of the third period.
Of Boston's 50 playoff goals, 15 have been scored by defensemen.
"I think first and foremost, we're obviously trying to be solid defensively," said McQuaid, who had one goal in 32 regular-season games but two in the playoffs. "It obviously feels good. It feels good to be able to contribute that way when you don't normally."
Rask provided the final flourish when he gloved Iginla's hard 40-foot shot as the final buzzer sounded.
Iginla had turned down a trade from Calgary to Boston before being dealt to Pittsburgh because he thought the Penguins had a better chance to win the Cup, but that turned out to be wrong.
The Penguins never led in the series.
"I just didn't play very well," he said. "That's when you want to play your best for the team."
McQuaid's goal sparked a chant of "We want the Cup!" from the capacity crowd. At the end of the game, the Bruins were one step closer to another title.
They were outplayed for much of regulation in Game 3. But they improved after that and won 2-1 on Patrice Bergeron's goal at 15:19 of the second overtime.
On Friday night, Boston's Milan Lucic admitted, "We were a little sluggish the first two periods ... and we said, 'We have to win a period to win a series.'"
They did just that.
The top-seeded Penguins were trying to overcome both the disciplined defense of the fourth-seeded Bruins and history. Only three teams had lost a series after winning the first three games. The last was the Bruins in the 2010 Eastern Conference semifinals against the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Penguins felt they were "put together to win the Stanley Cup. That's our expectation from Day One," coach Dan Bylsma said. "You're going to look at this as a missed opportunity."

World Cup quarter-finals: Sportsmail's lowdown on the eight remaining teams

Ahead of this weekend's quarter-finals, Sportsmail's experts in Brazil run the rule over the eight remaining teams at the World Cup...

FRANCE
Strengths: There is a balance that somehow works. Not the best side on paper but sum of their parts may be greater than the rest.
Weaknesses: Patrice Evra is often exposed; Blaise Matuidi and Paul Pogba are red cards waiting to happen; and Olivier Giroud has struggled.
Can they win it? Probably not. Could beat Germany, but could struggle if they face Brazil in the semi-finals.
Key man: Yohan Cabaye. If he imposes himself on the game, the rest falls into shape.

GERMANY
Strengths: They have the world’s best keeper in Manuel Neuer. In midfield they have unlimited attacking options.
Weaknesses: The indulgence of captain Philipp Lahm in the centre. He should be playing full back. Defence is vulnerable and they will be beaten by the best teams.
Can they win it? No, they will come up short.
Key man: Toni Kroos. More passes than any other player so far at the World Cup. He is the heartbeat of the team.

BRAZIL
Strengths: Neymar, especially now he is fit for Friday night’s game. Wide man Hulk is improving and David Luiz and Thiago Silva can look solid.
Weaknesses: Over-reliant on Neymar; Fred as a target man; Oscar not imposing himself; the nerves that may overwhelm them — it’s a long list.
Can they win it? Yes, but only because there is a determination not to fail.
Key man: Neymar. When he plays, they function; when he’s denied space, they falter.

COLOMBIA
Strengths: Incisive passing, speed down the flanks, clinical finishing. Coach Jose Pekerman has worked out a system to mitigate the absence of Radamel Falcao.
Weaknesses: Mario Yepes has been imperious but at some point the 38-year-old defender will be exposed. The back four is yet to be tested.
Can they win it? The heart says yes, the head says Brazil will end the fairytale.
Key man: The star of the World Cup, James — that’s Hamez — Rodriguez.

ARGENTINA
Strengths: Same as they ever were: Lionel Messi and that array of attacking options. That said, in reality the difference between them and the others all boils down to one man.
Weaknesses: Defensively they are a shambles at times. A really good side, who can dominate possession against them, will expose that.
Can they win it? Yes. They are finding a way to win despite their problems.
Key man: Everything starts and finishes with Messi.
Weight of expectation: Messi is the man Argentina hope will deliver them the World Cup

BELGIUM
Strengths: Rarely concede and boast lots of match-winners. Have the capacity to get much better.
Weaknesses: Players like Kevin de Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Kevin Mirallas are all gifted, but sometimes play like they’ve never met each other before.
Can they win it? Perhaps, if they can build on what they have and keep their defensive line strong.
Key man: Vincent Kompany. They aren’t the same team without their composed captain.

HOLLAND
Strengths: They have match-winners and a smart coach who has convinced them they’re better than they are. Players like Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder can turn games.
Weaknesses: They lack quality throughout the team. Their defence isn’t good enough to get the job done at this level.
Can they win it? We may have seen the best of them already. Could struggle against a top side.
Key man: Robben. Has gifts that most players can only dream of.

COSTA RICA
Strengths: Hungry and energetic with terrific spirit. Joel Campbell’s pace and Bryan Ruiz’s craft build on a strong defensive base.
Weaknesses: The element of surprise is wearing a little thin. Oscar Duarte will miss the quarter-final through suspension and they are not deadly in front of goal.
Can they win it? It would be a fabulous story but — no.
Key man: Keylor Navas. The keeper has been inspirational. He is an athletic shot-stopper who commands his area.

Chile journalist Jhendelyn Nunez shows her bra after Alexis Sanchez goal against Brazil

Chilean stunner Jhendelyn Nunez showed her colours when star forward Alexis Sanchez scored the equaliser against Brazil - by flashing her bra.

The journalist was clearly delighted when Sanchez fired home to cancel out David Luiz's opener
 
Stunner: Jhendelyn Nunez shows her support for the Chile national team
Single show: Unfortunately Chile were only able to find the net once, and lost on penalties
Inspiration: Alexis slots home the goal that led to Nunez's topless celebration in Belo Horizonte

Nunez lifted her shirt to show a bra emblazoned with the Chile flag.

Brazil went on to win the game on penalties after the visitors hit the crossbar in the last minute of extra time - who knows how Nunez would have celebrated if her side had won!

France vs Germany: World Cup 2014 match preview

Read a full match preview including team news of the World Cup quarter-final between France and Germany at Estadio Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, on Friday, July 4, 2014, kick-off 17.00 (BST) 

Kick-off: 17.00 BST.
TV: BBC ONE.

France (Possible, 4-2-1-3): Lloris; Debuchy, Varane, Sakho, Evra; Matuidi, Cabaye; Pogba; Valbuena, Benzema, Griezman.

Germany (Possible, 4-3-3): Neuer; Hummels, Boateng, Mertesacker, Howedes; Schweinsteiger, Lahm, Kroos; Özil, Müller, Götze.

Referee: Nestor Pitana (Argentina).

Betting: France 11-5, Germany 7-5, Draw 2-1.

Team News
France jave a doubt over defender Raphael Varane, who spent the night in hospital with dehydration following Monday's 2-0 win over Nigeria.
Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho is fit again after knee problems.
Coach Didier Deschamps should decide between Giroud or Antoine Griezmann in attack.
Germany are without Shkodran Mustafi, who tore his hamstring against Algeria in the last-16 tie.
Christoph Kramer has had what was described by the German camp as a light fever but should be available.
And Mats Hummels, who missed the 2-1 win over Algeria with flu, has recovered and could feature as a replacement for Mustafi.
There were suggestions that Philipp Lahm could be swiitched to full-back to cover for Mustafi, as he did after the defender went off against Algeria, but that appears unlucky.
Lukas Podolski should be available after a thigh problem.
Match Notes
These European rivals know each other well and the rivalry goes back to 1931, but they last met in the World Cup in 1986 when West Germany won 2-0 in the semi-final.
Previously was the infamous game that ended in a penalty shoot-out after a 3-3 draw and the incident in which France's Patrick Battiston was shoulder-charged by German keeper Harald Schumacher.
France say they are fired up for the tie and the prospect of playing Brazil or Colombia in the semi-final.
Certainly there is a unity within the French squad rarely witnessed in recent tournaments, and that could carry them through.
Stat of the game: In 25 previous clashes, France have won 11 to Germany's eight successes, with six drawn. In terms of goals scored, Germany have the edge, with 42 to France's 41.

Why Mayweather Has No Product Endorsement: A Sports Marketing Analysis

Every year, over a combined billion people watch marquee sporting events, like the Super bowl, the NBA Play-Offs and WWE Wrestlemania. The Super bowl alone attracts more than 160 million people (bigger than half of the US population), and in certain parts of the spectacle, the full viewership will have their eyes fixed on the game. So, it should come as no surprise that some advertisers are willing to spend US$ 3.5 million on a 30-second ad just to reach their audience and grab their attention.

Highest Paid Athlete vs Brand Ambassador
Although Boxing does not enjoy the level of popularity of other sporting and entertainment events such as football, soccer, basketball and professional wrestling, the mega-fight between two of the greatest boxers of today (and maybe even in history), Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, is touted to draw billions of Dollars, billed by some analysts as the “biggest payday in sports history”. The massive amount of profit waiting for the promoters, and the boxers and their entourage is expected to come from ticket sales, pay-per-view subscriptions, and product endorsements.
Manny Pacquiao’s career earnings after the fight will reach an estimated US$ 425 million, paving his way into an elite group of highest-earning active athletes, which includes Tiger Woods, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. Pacquiao receives paychecks not only from his promoters, but also from his endorsements, such as HP, Sony, Henessy, Monster Energy and San Miguel Beer. But, while Manny Pacquiao is raking in millions through endorsements alone (his fighting shorts is estimated to be worth more than US$ 2.3 million), Floyd Mayweather is conspicuously devoid of any.

Bad Reputation Means Bad Marketing
Experts say that Mayweather is undoubtedly popular and that people are excited to watch him, but his reputation and history discourages sponsors from being associated with him. Mayweather has pleaded guiltily to domestic violence charges in at least three separate occasions, and he has served two months in jail for attacking the mothers of his 9- and 10-year old sons in front of them. He was also found guilty of the same charge in 2001, 2002 and 2003.
Mayweather also has some nasty mic habits, hurling racist and homophobic comments about other boxers, including Pacquiao. And unlike other athletes who work hard to re-gain the lost trust and affection of their fans when they get into trouble, Mayweather has never acknowledged or apologized for his transgressions.
Despite this, Mayweather is the world’s highest paid athlete, and he has reached that distinction solely through his in-ring earnings. For the May 2 mammoth match, Mayweather is to earn an estimated US$ 120 million.

Largest Economic Impact in Boxing History
Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao weighed in on 1^st May 2015 with a strong 12,000 fans watched at the arena. This was the most lucrative weigh-in in the history of boxing.
The entry to the weigh-in at the MGM Grand Garden Arena cost $10, but the ticket resale online and on the street skyrocketed at $800. This is just the weigh-in ticket.
The ticket sales for the fight night on 2^nd May 2015 at the ring side is a whooping $141,575 USD per person. The projected ticket revenue is $74M, exceeds 6 games of 2013 World Series ($62.6) and Super Bowl XLIX Live Gate ($60M). The expected pay-per-view revenue is larger than the GDP of 29 countries. If the fight goes the distance to 12^th Round, Mayweather and Pacquiao will split approximately $130,000 per second, on pay-per-view revenue alone. Expected revenue for the bout will surpass $400M, the largest in boxing history.

Tale of the Tape
Mayweather vs Pacquiao
Age:                38  vs  36
Wins:               47  vs  57
Losses:            0  vs  5
KO:                   26  vs  38
Draws:             0  vs  2
Weight:           146 pounds  vs  145 pounds
Height:            5’8″  vs  5’6 1/2″
Reach:             72″  vs  67″
Style:               Defensive  vs  Offensive

Sports Celebrity Endorsement: Marketing 101
Sports celebrities are ideal for businesses to linked with to project relevant aspects of their brand and products. Sports heroes can personify success, tenacity, resilience, teamwork, innovation, and determination despite vulnerability. Their performance in their respective fields, be it on court, on clay, on grass, or inside the ring or squared-circle impacts the viewers in more ways than any other media. Spectators feel awe when they experience jaw-dropping surge in speed, display of power, mind-breaking coordination or calm under tremendous pressure. Such a sensation could only be transmitted by sports stars, whose display of skills and mastery rise above and beyond the confusing web of messages conveyed by myriad companies through different channels.

Linking one’s brand to a personality should, however, come with utmost calculation and caution. Even as sports celebrities guard their reputation in public, they remain to be humans and can at times be susceptible to the temptations of wealth, popularity and ill-advice.

Want to know about Sports Marketing, Brand Management and Product Endorsement?
Email us at frmdhk@gmail.com

Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports