| 2009 |
| Date visiting team home team sport 1/2/09 Montreal Canadiens 1 New Jersey Devils 4 NHL 1/3/09 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 49 Connecticut Huskies 80 CBB 1/4/09 Boston Celtics 88 New York Knicks 100 NBA 1/5/09 Pittsburgh Penguins 0 New York Rangers 4 NHL 1/7/09 Marquette Golden Eagles 81 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 76 CBB 1/8/09 Atlanta Thrashers 4 New Jersey Devils 0 NHL 1/10/09 Syracuse Orange 82 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 66 CBB 1/11/09 Philadelphia Eagles 23 New York Giants 11 @ NFL 1/14/09 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 59 Cincinnati Bearcats 71 CBB 1/15/09 Boston Bruins 2 New York Islanders 1 NHL 1/17/09 Philadelphia 76ers 107 New York Knicks 97 NBA 1/19/09 Chicago Bulls 98 New York Knicks 102 NBA 1/20/09 Anaheim Ducks 2 New York Rangers 4 NHL 1/21/09 Louisville Cardinals 78 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 59 CBB 1/22/09 Cincinnati Bearcats 71 St. John's Red Storm 60 CBB 1/23/09 Memphis Grizzlies 88 New York Knicks 108 NBA 1/24/09 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 59 St. John's Red Storm 70 * CBB 1/25/09 Georgetown Hoyas 60 Seton Hall Pirates 65 CBB 1/26/09 Houston Rockets 98 New York Knicks 104 NBA 1/28/09 Atlanta Hawks 104 New York Knicks 112 NBA 1/29/09 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 67 Seton Hall Pirates 70 CBB 1/31/09 DePaul Blue Demons 56 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 75 CBB 2/1/09 South Florida Bulls 48 St. John's Red Storm 65 CBB 2/3/09 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 47 Georgetown Hoyas 57 CBB 2/4/09 Cleveland Cavaliers 107 New York Knicks 102 NBA 2/6/09 Boston Celtics 110 New York Knicks 100 NBA 2/8/09 Seton Hall Pirates 65 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 60 CBB 2/10/09 Los Angeles Kings 4 New York Islanders 3 (SO) NHL 2/11/09 New York Islanders 2 New Jersey Devils 4 NHL 2/14/09 Rutgers Scarlet Knghts 68 Providence Friars 78 CBB 2/15/09 Philadelphia Flyers 5 New York Rangers 2 NHL 2/17/09 San Antonio Spurs 107 New York Knicks 112 NBA 2/18/09 New York Islanders 1 New York Rangers 3 NHL 2/19/09 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 72 Villanova Wildcats 82 CBB 2/20/09 Washington Wizards 107 New Jersey Nets 96 NBA 2/21/09 South Florida Bulls 50 Connecticut Huskes 64 % CBB 2/22/09 West Virginia 74 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 56 CBB 2/25/09 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 65 Notre Dame 70 CBB 2/26/09 Toronto Maple Leafs 5 New York Islanders 4 (SO) NHL 2/27/09 Philadelphia 76ers 108 New York Knicks 103 NBA 2/28/09 Florida Panthers 2 New Jersey Devils 7 NHL 2/28/09 Colorado Avalanche 1 New York Rangers 6 NHL 3/1/09 Providence Friars 73 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 66 CBB 3/3/09 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 40 Syracuse Orangemen 70 CBB 3/4/09 Atlanta Hawks 105 New York Knicks 109 NBA 3/5/09 New York Rangers 4 New York Islanders 2 NHL 3/7/09 South Florida 42 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 45 CBB 3/8/09 New York Knicks 101 New Jersey Nets 106 NBA 3/10/09 DePaul Blue Demons 67 Cincinnati Bearcats 57 + CBB 3/10/09 Georgetown Hoyas 59 St. John's Red Storm 64 + CBB 3/10/09 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 50 Notre Dame 61 + CBB 3/10/09 South Florida 54 Seton Hall Pirates 68 + = CBB 3/11/09 DePaul Blue Demons 74 Providence Friars 83 + CBB 3/11/09 St. John's Red Storm 45 Marquette 74 + CBB 3/12/09 Providence Friars 55 Louisville Cardinals 73 + CBB 3/12/09 Marquette Golden Eagles 75 Villanova Wildcats 76 + CBB 3/15/09 Philadelphia Flyers 1 New York Rangers 4 NHL 3/17/09 Chicago Blackhawks 2 New Jersey Devils 3 NHL 3/20/09 Miami Heat 88 New Jersey Nets 96 NBA 3/22/09 Ottawa Senators 2 New York Rangers 1 NHL 3/23/09 Orlando Magic 106 New York Knicks 102 NBA 3/24/09 Minnesota Wild 1 New York Rangers 2 NHL 3/25/09 Minnesota Wild 6 New York Islanders 2 NHL 3/27/09 New Orleans Hornets 93 New York Knicks 103 NBA 3/28/09 New England Revolution 1 New York Red Bulls 1 MLS 4/1/09 Detroit Pistons 98 New Jersey Nets 111 NBA 4/2/09 Montreal Canadiens 5 New York Islanders 1 NHL 4/3/09 Tampa Bay Lightning 4 New Jersey Devils 5 (OT) NHL 4/4/09 Toronto Raptors 102 New York Knicks 95 NBA 4/4/09 Tampa Bay Lightning 1 New York Islanders 3 NHL 4/7/09 Montreal Canadiens 1 New York Rangers 3 NHL 4/8/09 Detroit Pistons 113 New York Knicks 86 NBA 4/9/09 Philadelphia Flyers 1 New York Rangers 2 NHL 4/11/09 Carolina Hurricanes 2 New Jersey Devils 3 NHL 4/11/09 Orlando Magic 93 New Jersey Nets 103 NBA 4/12/09 Boston Bruins 6 New York Islanders 2 NHL 4/15/09 Carolina Hurricanes 1 New Jersey Devils 4 & NHL 4/17/09 Carolina Hurricanes 2 NJ Devils 1 (OT) & NHL 4/18/09 Cherry 31 White 3 $ CFB 4/20/09 Washington Capitals 4 New York Rangers 0 & NHL 4/22/09 Washington Capitals 1 New York Rangers 2 & NHL 4/23/09 Carolina Hurricanes 0 New Jersey Devils 1 & NHL 4/26/09 Washington Capitals 5 New York Rangers 3 & NHL 4/27/09 Florida Marlins 1 New York Mets 7 MLB 4/28/09 Carolina Hurricanes 4 New Jersey Devils 3 & NHL 4/29/09 Florida Marlins 4 New York Mets 3 MLB 5/6/09 Tampa Bay Rays 4 New York Yankees 3 (10) MLB 5/7/09 Tampa Bay Rays 8 New York Yankees 6 MLB 5/8/09 Pittsburgh Pirates 3 New York Mets 7 MLB 5/9/09 Pittsburgh Pirates 1 New York Mets 10 MLB 5/10/09 Pittsburgh Pirates 4 New York Mets 8 MLB 5/22/09 Philadelphia Phillies 7 New York Yankees 3 MLB 5/23/09 Philadelphia Phillies 4 New York Yankees 5 MLB 5/24/09 Philadelphia Phillies 4 New York Yankees 3 (11) MLB 5/29/09 Florida Marlins 1 New York Mets 2 MLB 5/30/09 Florida Marlins 7 New York Mets 3 MLB 5/31/09 Florida Marlins 2 New York Mets 3 MLB 6/2/09 Texas Rangers 3 New York Yankees 12 MLB 6/3/09 Texas Rangers 4 New York Yankees 2 MLB 6/4/09 Texas Rangers 6 New York Yankees 8 MLB 6/6/09 Tampa Bay Rays 9 New York Yankees 7 MLB 6/7/09 Tampa Bay Rays 3 New York Yankees 4 MLB 6/8/09 Tampa Bay Rays 3 New York Yankees 5 MLB 6/9/09 Philadelphia Phillies 5 New York Mets 6 MLB 6/10/09 Philadelphia Phillies 5 New York Mets 4 (11) MLB 6/11/09 Philadelphia Phillies 6 New York Mets 3 (10) MLB 6/19/09 Tampa Bay Rays 3 New York Mets 5 MLB 6/20/09 Tampa Bay Rays 3 New York Mets 1 MLB 6/21/09 Tampa Bay Rays 10 New York Mets 6 MLB 7/12/09 Cincinnati Reds 7 New York Mets 9 MLB 7/17/09 Detroit Tigers 3 New York Yankees 5 MLB 7/18/09 Detroit Tigers 1 New York Yankees 2 MLB 7/19/09 Detroit Tigers 1 New York Yankees 2 MLB 7/23/09 Sacramento Monarchs 88 New York Liberty 73 WNBA 7/26/09 Oakland A's 5 New York Yankees 7 MLB 8/6/09 Boston Red Sox 6 New York Yankees 13 MLB 8/7/09 Boston Red Sox 0 New York Yankees 2 (15) MLB 8/8/09 Boston Red Sox 0 New York Yankees 5 MLB 8/9/09 Boston Red Sox 2 New York Yankees 5 MLB 8/14/09 St. Louis Rams 23 New York Jets 20 ! NFL 8/21/09 Philadelphia Phillies 2 New York Mets 4 MLB 8/22/09 Philadelphia Phillies 4 New York Mets 1 MLB 8/23/09 Philadelphia Phillies 9 New York Mets 7 MLB 8/24/09 Philadelphia Phillies 6 New York Mets 2 MLB 8/25/09 Texas Rangers 10 New York Yankees 9 MLB 8/26/09 Texas Rangers 2 New York Yankees 9 MLB 8/27/09 Texas Rangers 7 New York Yankees 2 MLB 8/28/09 Chicago White Sox 2 New York Yankees 5 MLB 8/29/09 Chicago White Sox 0 New York Yankees 10 MLB 8/30/09 Chicago White Sox 3 New York Yankees 8 MLB 9/3/09 Philadelphia Eagles 27 New York Jets 38 ! NFL 9/7/09 Cincinnati Bearcats 47 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 15 CFB 9/8/09 Florida Marlins 4 New York Mets 2 MLB 9/9/09 Florida Marlins 6 New York Mets 3 MLB 9/10/09 Florida Marlins 13 New York Mets 4 MLB 9/12/09 Howard Bison 7 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 45 CFB 9/13/09 Washington Redskins 17 New York Giants 23 NFL 9/16/09 New York Rangers 2 New Jersey Devils 3 (6 SO)! NHL 9/18/09 New England Revolution 1 New York Red Bulls 1 MLS 9/19/09 Florida International 15 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 23 CFB 9/20/09 New England Patriots 9 New York Jets 16 NFL 9/21/09 Detroit Red Wings 2 New York Rangers 4 ! NHL 9/26/09 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 34 Maryland Terrapins 13 CFB 9/27/09 Boston Red Sox 2 New York Yankees 4 MLB 10/3/09 Ottawa Senators 2 New York Rangers 5 NHL 10/5/09 New York Rangers 3 New Jersey Devils 2 NHL 10/10/09 Texas Southern 0 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 42 CFB 10/11/09 Anaheim Ducks 0 New York Rangers 3 NHL 10/12/09 Toronto Maple Leafs 2 New York Rangers 7 NHL 10/13/09 Philadelphia 76ers 93 New York Knicks 85 NBA 10/16/09 Pittsburgh Panthers 24 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 17 CFB 10/17/09 LA Angels of Anaheim 3 New York Yankees 4 (13)@ MLB 10/18/09 Buffalo Bills 16 New York Jets 13 (OT) NFL 10/20/09 Boston Celtics 103 New York Knicks 108 NBA 10/23/09 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 27 Army Black Knights 10 CFB 10/25/09 LA Angels of Anaheim 2 New York Yankees 5 @ MLB 10/26/09 Phoenix Coyotes 2 New York Rangers 5 NHL 10/28/09 Philadelphia Phillies 6 New York Yankees 1 # MLB 10/29/09 Philadelphia Phillies 1 New York Yankees 3 # MLB 10/30/09 Orlando Magic 95 New Jersey Nets 85 NBA 10/31/09 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 28 Connecticut Huskies 24 CFB 11/1/09 New York Yankees 7 Philadelphia Phillies 4 # MLB 11/2/09 New York Yankees 6 Philadelphia Phillies 8 # MLB 11/4/09 Philadelphia Phillies 3 New York Yankees 7 # MLB 11/6/09 Cleveland Cavaliers 100 New York Knicks 91 NBA 11/7/09 Atlanta Thrashers 3 New York Islanders 6 NHL 11/8/09 San Diego Chargers 21 New York Giants 20 NFL 11/11/09 Anaheim Ducks 1 New Jersey Devils 3 NHL 11/12/09 South Florida Bulls 0 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 31 CFB 11/13/09 Golden State Warriors 121 New York Knicks 107 NBA 11/14/09 Marist Red Foxes 67 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 74 CBB 11/15/09 Jacksonville 24 New York Jets 22 NFL 11/17/09 Washington Capitals 4 New York Rangers 2 NHL 11/19/09 Syracuse Orange 95 California Bears 73 * CBB 11/19/09 North Carolina Tar Heels 77 Ohio State Buckeyes 73 * = CBB 11/20/09 Drexel Dragons 56 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 58 CBB 11/21/09 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 13 Syracuse Orange 31 CFB 11/22/09 Vermont Catamounts 77 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 71 CBB 11/27/09 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 34 Louisville Cardinals 14 CFB 11/28/09 Florida Gators 73 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 58 ? CBB 11/29/09 Orlando Magic 114 New York Knicks 102 NBA 12/1/09 Phoenix Suns 99 New York Knicks 126 NBA 12/2/09 Dallas Mavericks 117 New Jersey Nets 101 NBA 12/3/09 Princeton Tigers 44 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 58 CBB 12/4/09 Tampa Bay Lightning 2 New Jersey Devils 3 NHL 12/5/09 West Virginia Mountaineers 24 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 21 CFB 12/6/09 Colgate Raiders 67 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 76 CBB 12/6/09 Dallas Cowboys 24 New York Giants 31 < NFL 12/9/09 Monmouth Hawks 52 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 66 CBB 12/12/09 Buffalo Sabres 3 New York Rangers 2 NHL 12/13/09 Philadelphia Eagles 45 New York Giants 38 NFL 12/14/09 Atlanta Thrashers 3 New York Rangers 2 (SO) NHL 12/15/09 Rider Broncs 70 Rutgers 80 (OT) CBB 12/16/09 Montreal Canadiens 1 New Jersey Devils 2 NHL 12/19/09 University of Central Fla. 24 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 45 $ CFB 12/21/09 Tampa Bay Lightning 4 New York Islanders 2 NHL 12/22/09 St. Peter's Peacocks 42 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 66 CBB 12/25/09 Miami Heat 93 New York Knicks 87 NBA 12/26/09 Houston Rockets 98 New Jersey Nets 93 NBA 12/28/09 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 67 North Carolina Tar Heels 81 CBB 12/30/09 New York Knicks 95 New Jersey Nets 104 NBA & First-round playoff game @ Second round playoff game # World Series * Game played at Madison Square Garden + Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden % Game played at the XCel Center in Hartford, CT. = Left game before it concluded ! Exhibition game $ St. Petersburg Bowl at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida ? Legends Classic Final at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City < Joined in progress $ Annual Rutgers Cherry-White game at Rutgers Stadium Back to sports page |
| At the January 11th Divisional NFL playoff game between the Philadelphia Eagles and NY Giants. |
| Top 5 sporting events from 2009 |
5. October 17th, 2009 -- New York Yankees 4, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 3 (13): Game two of the ALCS
was another show for Alex Rodriguez in a breakout post-season for him. After the Angels took a 3-2 lead in the 11th
inning in an attempt to tie this series, A'Rod would tie it in the bottom of the inning with a solo home run. A throwing error
in the 13th allowed the Yankees to take full control of the series. Not lost in the excitement was the length of the game --
five hours and 10 minutes. And the threatening rain that was perhaps going to postpone the game, but still came down
pretty fiercely during the extra innings. The only thing that perhaps limited my enjoyment of the game was I was in an
enclosed booth, and thus didn't get to experience in full the atmosphere of the stadium. It did protect me from the cold
elements, though.
4. March 12th, 2009 -- Villanova Wildcats 76, Marquette Golden Eagles 75: After attending so many sporting
events for so many years, it eventually gets a little bit old. Sometimes I get tired of the games, want games to end more
quickly so I can go home, and don't have complete interest in the game I am attending. Games in the Big East
Tournament don't fall under that category, though. I always go to the event with a lot of enthusiasm, and hope to work as
many games as possible (yes, money is a motivating factor in that, too). So, this BE tournament quarterfinal round game,
as good as it was, was also devastating to me since it ended my Big East Tournament for this year as abruptly as you can
ask. I needed Marquette to win, naturally, and for a while it wasn't looking very good as Villanova took a lead as large as
17 points in the first half. But Marquette staged a furious rally in the second half, moving the ball around with such
proficiency to set up open shots, and when it took a 75-74 lead with 1:40 to play, going back to MSG for Friday night's
semifinals appeared to become more of a reality. But a last-second layup by Dwayne Anderson gave Villanova the win,
and while Marquette's players were stunned in disbelief, my head just sank to the table in front of me. Talk about being
teased. I left MSG shortly afterwards and had the next two days off. Tough life!
3. October 31st, 2009 -- Rutgers Scarlet Knights 28, Connecticut Huskies 24: When this game ended, I posted a
Facebook status update indicating that this may have been the best college football game I ever attended. This game in
East Hartford, Connecticut was just two weeks after Jasper Howard of UConn was killed in an on-campus incident. And
Rutgers was looking for its first quality win of the year. The Scarlet Knights led most of the way in this game, including by
21-10 heading in to the fourth quarter, but UConn would score on a Jordan Todman two-yard touchdown run with 38
seconds left in the game to take a 24-21 lead. Under the emotional circumstances, the stadium was ready to celebrate a
victory. But on the first play from scrimmage on Rutgers final possession, the stadium was suddenly sent from a complete
party atmosphere to silence when Tim Brown scored a touchdown on an 81-yard catch and run. This UConn loss came
a week after it lost at West Virginia just a week earlier by the same score on a late Mountaineer touchdown. But its loss
to Rutgers was at home, and Brown was nearly crying himself after the game, having been one of Howard's best friends
growing up.
2. April 28th, 2009 -- Carolina Hurricanes 4, New Jersey Devils 3: It's game seven of a first-round NHL playoff
series. It's a typical Devils defensive struggle at the Prudential Center, with New Jersey leading 2-1 in the last two minutes
of the game. The Carolina Hurricanes radio broadcaster, just in case his season is about to end, gives his
end-of-the-season credits to everybody. It appears like Carolina is going to come up short. But then, Jussi Jokinen
would tie the game with 1:20 left in regulation time to delay the Devils series celebration. Now it appears like this game
seven of this very tight series is headed for overtime. But then, the Prudential Center was sent in to a "panic" when Eric
Staal gave Carolina the lead just 48 seconds later on a shot from the right faceoff circle. After the Devils desperate
attempt in the closing seconds to tie the game failed, everybody -- winners and losers -- were shocked. This win by
Carolina also came after it would score a winning goal with just 0.2 seconds left in game four of the series. So, perhaps
this was just destiny by the Hurricanes. Nevertheless, recaps of this game would describe the Devils world as being
shattered. Meanwhile, Carolina would actually go as far as the Stanley Cup semifinals, after ousting Boston with a game
seven overtime goal.
1. November 4th, 2009 -- New York Yankees 7, Philadelphia Phillies 3: The only event of my top five that didn't
come down to a dramatic finish still is by far and away my number one. The Yankees on this night would clinch their 27th
World Series in six games over the defending champion Phillies. This is the third time I would see a New York based pro
team win a championship (1994 Rangers, 2003 Devils). Although of the three, this was definitely the quietest crowd
during the game. It was a very corporate type of culture in the stands, and only when the Yankees clinched the final out
did the new stadium ever really explode. Nevertheless, it was nice to see the Yankees win this World Series after
witnessing them fall short in six games in 2003. World Series MVP Hideki Matsui drove in four runs in this game, with a
two-run homer and two-run single. Derek Jeter also had three hits and scored two runs. And pitcher Andy Pettitte came
through on short rest, giving up three runs on just four hits in 5.2 innings before the bullpen slammed the door.
was another show for Alex Rodriguez in a breakout post-season for him. After the Angels took a 3-2 lead in the 11th
inning in an attempt to tie this series, A'Rod would tie it in the bottom of the inning with a solo home run. A throwing error
in the 13th allowed the Yankees to take full control of the series. Not lost in the excitement was the length of the game --
five hours and 10 minutes. And the threatening rain that was perhaps going to postpone the game, but still came down
pretty fiercely during the extra innings. The only thing that perhaps limited my enjoyment of the game was I was in an
enclosed booth, and thus didn't get to experience in full the atmosphere of the stadium. It did protect me from the cold
elements, though.
4. March 12th, 2009 -- Villanova Wildcats 76, Marquette Golden Eagles 75: After attending so many sporting
events for so many years, it eventually gets a little bit old. Sometimes I get tired of the games, want games to end more
quickly so I can go home, and don't have complete interest in the game I am attending. Games in the Big East
Tournament don't fall under that category, though. I always go to the event with a lot of enthusiasm, and hope to work as
many games as possible (yes, money is a motivating factor in that, too). So, this BE tournament quarterfinal round game,
as good as it was, was also devastating to me since it ended my Big East Tournament for this year as abruptly as you can
ask. I needed Marquette to win, naturally, and for a while it wasn't looking very good as Villanova took a lead as large as
17 points in the first half. But Marquette staged a furious rally in the second half, moving the ball around with such
proficiency to set up open shots, and when it took a 75-74 lead with 1:40 to play, going back to MSG for Friday night's
semifinals appeared to become more of a reality. But a last-second layup by Dwayne Anderson gave Villanova the win,
and while Marquette's players were stunned in disbelief, my head just sank to the table in front of me. Talk about being
teased. I left MSG shortly afterwards and had the next two days off. Tough life!
3. October 31st, 2009 -- Rutgers Scarlet Knights 28, Connecticut Huskies 24: When this game ended, I posted a
Facebook status update indicating that this may have been the best college football game I ever attended. This game in
East Hartford, Connecticut was just two weeks after Jasper Howard of UConn was killed in an on-campus incident. And
Rutgers was looking for its first quality win of the year. The Scarlet Knights led most of the way in this game, including by
21-10 heading in to the fourth quarter, but UConn would score on a Jordan Todman two-yard touchdown run with 38
seconds left in the game to take a 24-21 lead. Under the emotional circumstances, the stadium was ready to celebrate a
victory. But on the first play from scrimmage on Rutgers final possession, the stadium was suddenly sent from a complete
party atmosphere to silence when Tim Brown scored a touchdown on an 81-yard catch and run. This UConn loss came
a week after it lost at West Virginia just a week earlier by the same score on a late Mountaineer touchdown. But its loss
to Rutgers was at home, and Brown was nearly crying himself after the game, having been one of Howard's best friends
growing up.
2. April 28th, 2009 -- Carolina Hurricanes 4, New Jersey Devils 3: It's game seven of a first-round NHL playoff
series. It's a typical Devils defensive struggle at the Prudential Center, with New Jersey leading 2-1 in the last two minutes
of the game. The Carolina Hurricanes radio broadcaster, just in case his season is about to end, gives his
end-of-the-season credits to everybody. It appears like Carolina is going to come up short. But then, Jussi Jokinen
would tie the game with 1:20 left in regulation time to delay the Devils series celebration. Now it appears like this game
seven of this very tight series is headed for overtime. But then, the Prudential Center was sent in to a "panic" when Eric
Staal gave Carolina the lead just 48 seconds later on a shot from the right faceoff circle. After the Devils desperate
attempt in the closing seconds to tie the game failed, everybody -- winners and losers -- were shocked. This win by
Carolina also came after it would score a winning goal with just 0.2 seconds left in game four of the series. So, perhaps
this was just destiny by the Hurricanes. Nevertheless, recaps of this game would describe the Devils world as being
shattered. Meanwhile, Carolina would actually go as far as the Stanley Cup semifinals, after ousting Boston with a game
seven overtime goal.
1. November 4th, 2009 -- New York Yankees 7, Philadelphia Phillies 3: The only event of my top five that didn't
come down to a dramatic finish still is by far and away my number one. The Yankees on this night would clinch their 27th
World Series in six games over the defending champion Phillies. This is the third time I would see a New York based pro
team win a championship (1994 Rangers, 2003 Devils). Although of the three, this was definitely the quietest crowd
during the game. It was a very corporate type of culture in the stands, and only when the Yankees clinched the final out
did the new stadium ever really explode. Nevertheless, it was nice to see the Yankees win this World Series after
witnessing them fall short in six games in 2003. World Series MVP Hideki Matsui drove in four runs in this game, with a
two-run homer and two-run single. Derek Jeter also had three hits and scored two runs. And pitcher Andy Pettitte came
through on short rest, giving up three runs on just four hits in 5.2 innings before the bullpen slammed the door.
| Honorable mentions |
1. March 17th, 2009 -- New Jersey Devils 3, Chicago Blackhawks 2 -- New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur sets
the all-time record for most wins by a goalie in the NHL. To celebrate the feat after the game, he does the NHL version of
cutting down the nets by cutting the net loose from the goal he was defending.
2. April 9th, 2009 -- New York Rangers 2, Philadelphia Flyers 1 -- The Rangers survive a complete third-period assault
by the Flyers in Philadelphia's attempts to tie the game. The win clinches a playoff spot for New York in its second-to-last
game of the season.
3. April 22nd, 2009 -- New York Rangers 2, Washington Capitals 1 -- In a game very similar to the April 9th contest,
the Rangers again are able to hold on to a one-goal lead to win, in this case, game 4 of their first-round series against the
Caps. The Rangers go up 3-1 in the series, but would lose it in seven.
4. April 27th, 2009 -- New York Mets 7, Florida Marlins 1 -- This game is the first time I ever walked in to CitiField in
any capacity. I got there at noon (for a 7:00 game) and was very impressed with what I saw.
5. May 6th, 2009 -- Tampa Bay Rays 4, New York Yankees 3 (10) -- This was my first-ever game in the New Yankee
Stadium, although I had been at the Stadium three times previously, so not as big a deal as my first game at CitiField.
Carlos Pena's homer in the 10th inning provided the winning run for the Rays.
6. June 7th, 2009 -- New York Yankees 4, Tampa Bay Rays 3 -- Seeing the Yankees rally from a two-run deficit in the
bottom of the 8th inning to win isn't THAT big a deal. But seeing my eventual fiance celebrate during the rally added a new
angle. Willie Aybar's error on a potential inning-ending double-play ground ball allowed the Yankees to tie the game.
7. June 10th, 2009 -- Philadelphia Phillies 5, New York Mets 4 (11) -- The race in the NL East starts to turn in favor of
the Phillies as the Mets blow a 4-1 lead in the 7th inning, then Chase Utley wins it in the 11th with a home run.
8. June 11th, 2009 -- Philadelphia Phillies 6, New York Mets 3 (10) -- A touch of Deja vu, as the Mets blow a two-run
lead they held after five innings. This time it's Raul Ibanez who provides the winning margin with a three-run homer in the
10th.
9. August 7th, 2009 -- New York Yankees 2, Boston Red Sox 0 (15) -- A game between the Yankees and Red Sox
which was very unusually moving very quickly instead refused to end. Alex Rodriguez's two-run homer in the 15th finally
sent everybody home after five hours and 33 minutes of baseball.
10. September 27th, 2009 -- New York Yankees 4, Boston Red Sox 2 -- The Yankees go back to where they belong,
clinching the A.L East with this victory. Hideki Matsui's two-run single in the sixth inning turned a one-run Yankees deficit
in to a one-run lead, which they wouldn't surrender.
11. October 25th, 2009 -- New York Yankees 5, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 2 -- The Yankees clinch their first trip
to the World Series in six years with a win in game 6 of the ALCS. Johnny Damon's two-run single in the 4th inning put
the Yankees on the board, and two Angels errors in the 8th inning pretty much put away any doubt as to the final outcome.
12. November 1st, 2009 -- New York Yankees 7, Philadelphia Phillies 4 -- If I listed a sixth-best sporting event of the
year, this was it. With the Yankees holding a one-run lead in the eighth inning of game four of the World Series and Joba
Chamberlain throwing flat-out gas, Pedro Feliz caught a hold of one with two outs and tied the game with a solo homer to
left field. But a clutch single with two outs by Johnny Damon started the winning rally. Damon would then steal second,
then alertly dash for third base when realizing the bag was uncovered. One batter later, Alex Rodriguez hit a two-run
double down the left field line and the Yankees would end the night with a 3-1 series lead.
13. November 8th, 2009 -- San Diego Chargers 21, New York Giants 20 -- A choke job by the Giants opens the door
for a Chargers comeback. The Giants, leading 17-14, intercept a Phillip Rivers pass to take over on the Chargers
four-yard line with 3:14 left, but fail to get a TD, resulting in a 22-yard Lawrence Tynes field goal and only a six-point lead.
This allows Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers to march down the field in the last two minutes of the game and hit
Vincent Jackson for the winning 18-yard touchdown pass.
14. December 2nd, 2009 -- Dallas Mavericks 117, New Jersey Nets 101 -- The Nets lose their 18th game in a row to
start the season, setting a new NBA record.
the all-time record for most wins by a goalie in the NHL. To celebrate the feat after the game, he does the NHL version of
cutting down the nets by cutting the net loose from the goal he was defending.
2. April 9th, 2009 -- New York Rangers 2, Philadelphia Flyers 1 -- The Rangers survive a complete third-period assault
by the Flyers in Philadelphia's attempts to tie the game. The win clinches a playoff spot for New York in its second-to-last
game of the season.
3. April 22nd, 2009 -- New York Rangers 2, Washington Capitals 1 -- In a game very similar to the April 9th contest,
the Rangers again are able to hold on to a one-goal lead to win, in this case, game 4 of their first-round series against the
Caps. The Rangers go up 3-1 in the series, but would lose it in seven.
4. April 27th, 2009 -- New York Mets 7, Florida Marlins 1 -- This game is the first time I ever walked in to CitiField in
any capacity. I got there at noon (for a 7:00 game) and was very impressed with what I saw.
5. May 6th, 2009 -- Tampa Bay Rays 4, New York Yankees 3 (10) -- This was my first-ever game in the New Yankee
Stadium, although I had been at the Stadium three times previously, so not as big a deal as my first game at CitiField.
Carlos Pena's homer in the 10th inning provided the winning run for the Rays.
6. June 7th, 2009 -- New York Yankees 4, Tampa Bay Rays 3 -- Seeing the Yankees rally from a two-run deficit in the
bottom of the 8th inning to win isn't THAT big a deal. But seeing my eventual fiance celebrate during the rally added a new
angle. Willie Aybar's error on a potential inning-ending double-play ground ball allowed the Yankees to tie the game.
7. June 10th, 2009 -- Philadelphia Phillies 5, New York Mets 4 (11) -- The race in the NL East starts to turn in favor of
the Phillies as the Mets blow a 4-1 lead in the 7th inning, then Chase Utley wins it in the 11th with a home run.
8. June 11th, 2009 -- Philadelphia Phillies 6, New York Mets 3 (10) -- A touch of Deja vu, as the Mets blow a two-run
lead they held after five innings. This time it's Raul Ibanez who provides the winning margin with a three-run homer in the
10th.
9. August 7th, 2009 -- New York Yankees 2, Boston Red Sox 0 (15) -- A game between the Yankees and Red Sox
which was very unusually moving very quickly instead refused to end. Alex Rodriguez's two-run homer in the 15th finally
sent everybody home after five hours and 33 minutes of baseball.
10. September 27th, 2009 -- New York Yankees 4, Boston Red Sox 2 -- The Yankees go back to where they belong,
clinching the A.L East with this victory. Hideki Matsui's two-run single in the sixth inning turned a one-run Yankees deficit
in to a one-run lead, which they wouldn't surrender.
11. October 25th, 2009 -- New York Yankees 5, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 2 -- The Yankees clinch their first trip
to the World Series in six years with a win in game 6 of the ALCS. Johnny Damon's two-run single in the 4th inning put
the Yankees on the board, and two Angels errors in the 8th inning pretty much put away any doubt as to the final outcome.
12. November 1st, 2009 -- New York Yankees 7, Philadelphia Phillies 4 -- If I listed a sixth-best sporting event of the
year, this was it. With the Yankees holding a one-run lead in the eighth inning of game four of the World Series and Joba
Chamberlain throwing flat-out gas, Pedro Feliz caught a hold of one with two outs and tied the game with a solo homer to
left field. But a clutch single with two outs by Johnny Damon started the winning rally. Damon would then steal second,
then alertly dash for third base when realizing the bag was uncovered. One batter later, Alex Rodriguez hit a two-run
double down the left field line and the Yankees would end the night with a 3-1 series lead.
13. November 8th, 2009 -- San Diego Chargers 21, New York Giants 20 -- A choke job by the Giants opens the door
for a Chargers comeback. The Giants, leading 17-14, intercept a Phillip Rivers pass to take over on the Chargers
four-yard line with 3:14 left, but fail to get a TD, resulting in a 22-yard Lawrence Tynes field goal and only a six-point lead.
This allows Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers to march down the field in the last two minutes of the game and hit
Vincent Jackson for the winning 18-yard touchdown pass.
14. December 2nd, 2009 -- Dallas Mavericks 117, New Jersey Nets 101 -- The Nets lose their 18th game in a row to
start the season, setting a new NBA record.
| Strange facts from 2009 |
1. November 8th is the first time I've ever been to a San Diego Chargers game, meaning I have now seen every NFL team
play at least one game. The Chargers had been the only current team I never saw in-person.
2. The April 28th Carolina Hurricanes-New Jersey Devils contest represents the sixth time I've been to a seventh game of
a playoff series. The home team won the first three game sevens I have attended ('94 Rangers, 2003 Devils, 2003
Yankees), and the visiting team has won the last three game sevens (2004 Boston Red Sox, 2006 St. Louis Cardinals).
3. The 2009 World Series is the first time I saw the Yankees play a game in Philadelphia. This means I have now seen
every New York area pro team play at least one game in Philadelphia, including pre-season games. This year's World
Series was also the first time I saw the Yankees play a road game of any kind since the 2005 ALDS.
4. The November 28th Atlantic City Legends Classic is the first-time I've been to Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City since I
attended a game as a fan there on January 6th, 1990, when the building was called Convention Hall. That day N.C. State,
coached by Jim Valvano, played Temple.
5. September 26th is the first time I had ever been to the University of Maryland.
6. 2009 is the 13th year I attended the Big East men's basketball tournament, and is the first time in any of those years I
didn't attend any part of the finals, semifinals or night session of the quarterfinals. By leaving the tournament for good for
this year after the day session of the quarterfinals, that makes this year my earliest exit during the tournament.
play at least one game. The Chargers had been the only current team I never saw in-person.
2. The April 28th Carolina Hurricanes-New Jersey Devils contest represents the sixth time I've been to a seventh game of
a playoff series. The home team won the first three game sevens I have attended ('94 Rangers, 2003 Devils, 2003
Yankees), and the visiting team has won the last three game sevens (2004 Boston Red Sox, 2006 St. Louis Cardinals).
3. The 2009 World Series is the first time I saw the Yankees play a game in Philadelphia. This means I have now seen
every New York area pro team play at least one game in Philadelphia, including pre-season games. This year's World
Series was also the first time I saw the Yankees play a road game of any kind since the 2005 ALDS.
4. The November 28th Atlantic City Legends Classic is the first-time I've been to Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City since I
attended a game as a fan there on January 6th, 1990, when the building was called Convention Hall. That day N.C. State,
coached by Jim Valvano, played Temple.
5. September 26th is the first time I had ever been to the University of Maryland.
6. 2009 is the 13th year I attended the Big East men's basketball tournament, and is the first time in any of those years I
didn't attend any part of the finals, semifinals or night session of the quarterfinals. By leaving the tournament for good for
this year after the day session of the quarterfinals, that makes this year my earliest exit during the tournament.