Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist stopped 21 shots for fifth career postseason shutout and his second of the playoffs this year after winning Game 3 of the first round, 1-0, on April 16th.

Below is Audio from the Devils locker room

Marty Bordeur

Ilya Kovalchuk

Zach Parise

Michaels has a family wedding which will force him to miss receiving the hardware in person.

Scully, a proud product of Fordham and WFUV where he honed his broadcast skills before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers, was the inaugural recipient (2008) of the honor that bears his name. Previous recipients also include: Dick Enberg (2009), Ernie Harwell (2010), and Pat Summerall (2011).

Michaels on Scully: “There’s nothing better than receiving an honor with Vin Scully’s name attached to it.  I’ve been listening to Vin since I was six or seven years old growing up in Brooklyn and he’s been a tremendous inspiration.”

Scully on Michaels: “Al Michaels is truly a master at his craft, and the consummate professional. He has brought excellence to the airwaves in all of his assignments – from the Super Bowl to the World Series, and everything in between.”

Mike Beer, Daily Racing Form: Union Rags, Daddy Nose Best, El Padrino
John Cirillo, Cirillo World (event organizer): I’ll Have Another, Bodemeister, Dullihan, Alpha
John DaSilva, NY Post: Daddy Nose Best, Union Rags, Dullihan
Dan Illman, Daily Racing Form: Daddy Long Legs, Bodemeister, Dullihan
Dave Johnson, Sirius Radio: Bodemeister, Gemologist, Union Rags
Marc Malusis, WFAN Radio/SNY TV: Union Rags, Alpha, Bodemeister
Gene Menez, Sports Illustrated: Dullihan, Union Rags, Bodemeister
Anthony Stabile, vegasinsider.com: Alpha, Gemologist, Bodemeister

In addition, Gallagher’s Steak House and Gallagher’s Stud (Ghent, N.Y.) owner Marlene Brody, who was in attendance, picked Alpha to win.

Bill Lynch, who has attended all 12 Derby Seminars and more than 40 racing events at Gallagher’s, was on hand again, wearing of course his Derby hat.

The Daily Racing Form co-sponsors the seminars.

The Preakness Seminar is set for Tuesday, May 15, at noon. For reservations call 212-245-5336.

Gallagher’s is celebrating its 85th birthday throughout 2012.

For a while there, it looked like New Jersey had the horses to run with the Flyers. However, in the end, there were just too many offensive weapons for Pete DeBoer’s team to overcome. Too many scoring lines. Too much Claude Giroux.

And, of course, too much Danny Briere.

Something needs to change in Game 2.

It’s quite simple.

If the Devils are going to beat the Flyers in this series, they need to get more physical, smarter, and will have to play a slower game. New Jersey needs to be more defensive, looking for opportunities rather than going toe to toe with the Philadelphia offensive.

In short, they have to win the way they used to and not continue the footrace we saw today.

“I think the second half of the game, we didn’t dump the puck well enough to get our forecheck going,” said Devils captain Zach Parise. “We didn’t forecheck well enough the second half. When we did in the first part, that’s how we were having them in their zone, but the second part I think they were coming out a little too easy on us.”

In the first period, the Devils came out strong, forechecking the puck and putting the Flyers on the heels. They kept the play in front of them and ultimately outshot Philly, 15-6 and leading 1-0 on Parise’s wrister 3:13 into the match.

But that all changed in the second when the Flyers were able to turn the tables and open up the match.

“I think we couldn’t sustain what we did in the first period,” DeBoer said. “They took the game over in the second half. When you’re just hanging on that’s what happens.”

The footrace for the last 44:36 allowed Briere to score two – including the overtime game winner – Giroux and James Van Riemsdyk one. They did it with breakaways and the wide open game, which Philly demonstrated in Round 1.

Yet, the Devils need to slow it down. They need to force the Flyers to take every inch, even if it means going back to the trapping system of the glory days. Martin Brodeur will be 40 in a week. Although, he’s still a very good goalie, the lights out Marty of 10 years ago is long gone.

Rather, the defense led by Marek Zidlicky, Bryce Salvador, and Andy Greene need to continue to clog lanes and block shots. They have to backcheck the Flyers, forcing their high flying forward to earn every inch of the ice.

And the Devils need to be more disciplined. With six penalties on the day, they are giving Philly too many chances. One of those man-advantages was converted into Giroux’s goal in the second.

“Well, we had a little penalty trouble, even though they didn’t score on a couple of them, they got some momentum off of it,” Parise said. “Like I was saying earlier, we didn’t forecheck right in the second half of the game and they were coming out of the zone pretty easily, so we’ll have to fix that a little bit.”

There was only one point separating the Devils and Flyers in the regular season. Today’s game had to go to overtime, so the Devils are not outmatched here. Rather, they have a very solid chance of making the Eastern Conference Finals, for the first time since winning the Stanley Cup back in 2003.

But they have to play their game and not get into a Philadelphia foot race. They need to be smart, resourceful, and deliberate.

Then, the odd of continuing playing increase.

But play the Flyers way and the season will end in a week.

It was UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre, the charismatic Canadian who was in town briefly to promote a new partnership with MISSION Athletecare’s new EnduraCool product. The throngs of people, from guys in suits to moms of every color, are a continuing testament to the drawing power of Mixed Martial Arts, especially the UFC, in one of the few states (New York) that still refuses to regulate the professional side of the sport. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of gyms throughout the region that offer some form of MMA as a training ritual (St-Pierre himself often trains at one, the Renzo Gracie Academy in midtown), but the brightest lights of the sport, as well as the sponsor dollars and television coverage, still have to find a home across the river in New Jersey, which were the next UFC bout will be held (next Saturday at the IZOD Center).

The lack of legalization is frustrating for the sport’s followers and for St-Pierre, who loves New York and has a residence here. “This is my second home, and I love the people and the fans and the fact that I get to train here,” he said. “It is a dream for me to compete in Madison Square Garden as it is the mecca for all of sports and entertainment, and I will continue to help educate and push however I can to get the sport legalized here. We are professionals, we are responsible and the sport continues to come a long way. It will be a great day when it does happen in New York, and I think it will at some point soon.”

It is doubtful that such a move could come for St-Pierre’s next fight, which he said could happen as soon as November, when he is fully recovered from a knee injury that has sidelined him, and will keep him out of fully training until later this summer. In the meantime the business-savvy Montrealer is growing his brand and his fan base in other ways, such as with the partnership with MISSION and their latest athlete-sponsorsed product, a towel which, when wet, maintains a cool 60 degree temperature that will help any athlete recover and cool down faster in the heat of competition.

“It is an amazing technology, and will help anyone stay focused and not overheat when training or running or even fighting,” he added. While it is not clear if he would be able to use the towel in the ultra-regulated Octagon, he said it has become a key part of his training regimen as he works back from recovery, and he will see if when he is back if he can bring the EnduraCool towel into the bout.

“It is very tough to introduce new items into the corner when you fight, because there is the worry about an unfair advantage,” he added, “but this towel can be used by everyone equally so I hope it is approved. It is great to be involved in such a new thing to help improve performance.”

The interesting next step will be to see which happens first, a new technology in the Octagon or the Octagon coming to life in New York. In St-Pierre’s mind, both are worthy and hopefully can coincide with his return to action, two opportunities which would be yet another step forward for the wildly popular sport of MMA.

For months, the winner, Robert Griffin III, and the runner-up, Andrew Luck, of the 2011 Heisman Trophy have been the favorites to be selected first in the 2012 NFL Draft, the annual attempt of each NFL team to improve its position in the league by adding new blood from the  college ranks.

The only difference between the NFL selection process and that of the college election announced in December is that Luck was the first pick and RG3 was the second selection. The two are the first quarterbacks to be selected first and second in the annual draft since 1999 when Tim Couch and Donovan McNabb were #’s 1 and 2.

Both proved to be true scholar/athletes while in college. Luck, the runner-up in the Heisman voting in 2010 and 2011, attended the academically prestigious Stanford University, where he majored in architectural design. He was not only the starting quarterback at Stratford High School in Houston, but was the valedictorian at the school’s graduation ceremony.

The Indianapolis Colts chose Luck, waiting only 1:19 to announcing the selection. They are hopeful the talented and experienced college quarterback can easily make the adjustment to the pro game and replace their long-time superstar Payton Manning.

The intelligent, young man deflected the comparison between him and Manning with humility, “Payton Manning, he may be the greatest ever and he was my football idol growing up. You don’t easily replace a guy like that. How can you? Those shoes to fill are huge. I’m not going to go crazy trying to do everything. I’m going to put my best foot forward and work hard at this game.”

The Washington Redskins traded to move up from sixth to second in order to grab RG3. The Baylor quarterback was a sensation on campus as well as the gridiron because of his outgoing personality and academic achievement.

Griffin was born in Japan to parents who served in the military, thus he was reared with discipline and encouraged to practice inner discipline. He had special need for that trait when he suffered a torn ACJ in his right knee in the third game of the 2009 season. The accomplished athlete explained that the time he spent away from the sport of football, “Made me appreciate the game.”

Like Luck, Griffin was devoted to his studies. The political science major graduated from college in three years. He was a regular on the honor roll each semester. After winning the Heisman in December, he spoke of his future, “Plan A is academics; plan B is athletics, but sometimes B takes over. I plan to apply to law school. If the NFL comes knocking, I’ll be sure to answer.” Griffin gave a positive answer on Thursday night at Radio City Music Hall.

From this moment on, the duo will be under intense scrutiny. Both young men have the intelligence, athletic ability and self-discipline to succeed on the gridiron and elsewhere.

On Saturday, fans of all ages will get a chance to watch and learn from some of the masters of the pitch, as the ESPN TriBeca Film Festival will debut the film “Knuckleball,” for free in an outdoor setting in lower Manhattan.

Created by documentarians Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg with the assistance of MLB productions, the film follows the history of the knuckleball, centered around the stories of veteran Tim Wakefield of those who have used the pitch for success, from Phil Neikro and Wilbur Wood to Charlie Hough and Jim Bouton, and really tells the story of these men and how they fif whatever they could to keep their dreams going, a story which is very relevant in today’s challenging times.

As an added treat, prior to the 8:15 free screening, Dickey, Hough, Wakefield and Jim Bouton will also hold a free clinic on throwing the Knuckleball, with ESPN 1050 personality Ryan Ruocco serving as host.

Here’s a First Look At The Film.

All are invited to attend and enjoy this night of baseball outdoors — the site is Tribeca Drive-In® at the World Financial Center Plaza West Street between Vesey & Liberty Streets. The clinic starts at around six, the screening at 8:15 and there is room for thousands!

With Chris Pontius still a half step short of full effectiveness and Andy Najar still away with Honduras, United Coach Ben Olsen had to rely on two young wingers to make good things happen. Just as Pontius and Rodney Wallace stepped up in their mutual rookie year, the kids came through.

A significant part of their impact came from their comprehensive aggressive play. Danny Cruz, a mixture of Olsen and Josh Gros, was modest about his efforts, “Just trying to contribute. I try to put the defender under as much pressure as I can.

“I feel if he’s back on his heels then he’s not gonna want to be going forward. I try to work as hard as I can and at the end of the day when my number is called and I’m coming off the field, I’m gassed and I gave everything that I have.”

On the other side of midfield, seventh overall draft choice Nick DeLeon was confronted by a winger who puts most of his opponents on their own heels, Brek Shea. He dealt with it calmly, “Once you step on the field, he’s just another man like I am.” Deleon did concede that, “He’s real technical, strong left foot, and long legs. He’s a lot bigger in person.”

After the first game, player-coach Josh Wolff noticed the dearth of wide play and indicated that the staff was working on it. The youngsters performed as asked and trained, and the result was more space for the team’s central operators and strikers.

He explained, “I think you saw it pay dividends tonight. We stressed it during the week and it took a little while for it to open up. That’s how these games typically are and in the second half things tend to slow down a little more and create gaps. We took advantage.”

The duo’s emergence has created a nice dilemma for the coaches, “Absolutely. We have the personnel. Chris and Andy have a different skill set, very aggressive, very good one-on-one dribblers and I think Nick and Danny bring a little more bite to the position, a bit more aggressiveness trying to dig things out in the corner and get in there and get some crosses and certainly get into space behind the backs.”

Wolff agrees wholeheartedly about Cruz’ Olsen and Gros qualities, “He’s certainly got a big engine and that’s something that we lacked in our first game or two. It was clear that a guy like Danny out on the field makes us better. Whereas he might not be as technically sound as some others, he’s got a willingness and a fight that not many possess.”

He summed up the prospects for the season, “At the end of the day, he’s a very dangerous player on the field. Tonight was great; he and Nick were fantastic.” Noting that each opponent provides challenges, he likes the choice of having Najar and Pontius come off the bench or start, “The team has gotten deeper. For a coach to put his stamp on a team, it takes a year or two.

“I think we’ve got a good group now. It’s only one game, but we’ve been saying it for the last couple of weeks that we‘re not panicking here. As the games come, more comraderie, more chemistry comes.”

Both Cruz and DeLeon played together in the Arizona Olympic Development Program (ODP) and that mutual understanding showed perfectly when DeLeon beat a series of Dallas players and looked up to see Cruz rushing to goal and pointing to where he wanted the ball. The finish was poetry and gave Cruz DC’s third goal of the night.

On the other hand, the provider of the opening United score struck it from way out with a great individual effort. Maicon Santos likes to do that, “Every game with DC United I’ve been trying to shoot from long distance; that’s what I do.”

He then struck the teamwork note in describing his header off Dwayne DeRosario’s cross, “We know each other. He knows where I’m gonna be and I know where he’s gonna be.” Yet another example of improving chemistry.

For his part, the always dangerous DeRosario drew his customary close marking which paired with strong play on the wings to draw attention to give others space. He said his runs were meant primarily to free himself up but also had an intended side-effect, “That’s just to be expected and I’ve just got to be smart in terms of making space for other players.”

Wolff sat out the proceedings with a slight groin tweak, noting that with several team injuries already, “It’s a long season. We have 34 games, we have 12 reserve games, we have Open Cup games. My role first is to be a player.” The rest provided a chance to emphasize his coaching mode.

In that role, he would, “Help guys, work with guys. I’ll continue to do that even when I’m playing. Finding the balance is obviously going to be critical. At this point whatever I can do to help guys better themselves or gain a bit more perspective or be different on the field is good.”

Olsen continues to learn, just as his staff and players do. Wolff puts it simply, “There’s a few ways to skin this game and I’m still trying to figure some ways out. If you can learn things here and there from other guys it can help you go a long way.”

DC United still has that long way to go, but with good teamwork and solid training the early steps seem promising.