The Toronto Maple Leafs need to take the next few days to figure out how to handle success before facing the Boston Bruins in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference First Round at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday (8 p.m. ET; CBC, TVAS, SN, NESN, TBS, truTV, and MAX).

They trail the best-of-7 series 2-1 after losing Game 3 4-2 at home on Wednesday.

“It’s just consistency and staying focused,” coach Sheldon Keefe said Thursday. “Sometimes you might go up on a high and start feeling fantastic, and you have to be able to manage it, especially during the playoffs.

Whether it’s shift to shift, period to period, or game to game, these things are critical for staying focused on the process and the factors that contribute to success.

“That’s really what we will focus on and press on and get ready to have another bounce back game like we did after Game 1 and our mindset will be very similar.”

Nylander’s injury leak publicly: Photo credit: The Athletic

Nylander missed Games 1-3

It’s unknown whether Maple Leafs forward William Nylander will be available for Game 4. He missed Games 1-3 due to an unknown injury after setting an NHL career best of 98 points (40 goals, 58 assists) during the regular season.

“We’ve been working with ‘Willy’ to give him the time that he needs to be ready to play,” he stated. “The medical team works with him on a daily basis to see where he is at, and we continue to assess that.”

Without Nylander, the Maple Leafs took a 1-0 lead in Game 3 with Matthew Knies’ goal at 13:10 of the second session. They promptly allowed a breakaway by Bruins forward James van Riemsdyk, which Ilya Samsonov stopped.

A roughing penalty on Tyler Bertuzzi at 19:44 resulted in a Jake DeBrusk goal and a 2-1 Bruins lead 67 seconds into the third period. Bertuzzi drew it 2-2 at 11:25, but Boston answered 28 seconds later with Brad Marchand’s game-winning goal.

The Maple Leafs had only four more shots until Marchand scored an empty-net goal at 19:24.

“We didn’t handle the momentum very well,” Knies admitted afterward. “Going into the last period we gave up a goal right off the kill and that just ruined our momentum.”

Defenseman Morgan Rielly blamed it on minor mistakes, giving Toronto a lot less room to be complacent in Game 4. “It was only for a moment,” he explained. “It’s simply a question of taking your eye off the ball, and they’re able to capitalize, which is the difference.

But, to be clear, it is not simply that play. The penalty kill occurs early in the period after you give one up. “You have to be more dialed than that.”

Toronto Awarded the Stanley Cup: NHL Archives Image

Toronto Maple Leafs and the Stanley Cup

The Toronto Maple Leafs have not won the Stanley Cup since 1967. One of hockey’s most devoted fans has endured more than five decades of grief and despair.

Every year, there is hope that this will be the season when they break the curse. However, the club consistently fails to meet expectations, leaving fans disappointed and hoping for better days ahead.

Despite having some of the NHL’s best players, the Leafs can’t manage to get over the hump and win the coveted championship. It’s a drought that won’t end until the team lifts Lord Stanley’s Cup in triumph.

Until then, long-suffering Leaf supporters eager to experience Stanley Cup success once more must endure the wait.

Source: NHL.com

For basketball enthusiasts, having their home basketball gym offers unparalleled convenience and endless opportunities for practice and enjoyment.

Creating your indoor basketball court can be rewarding, whether you are a passionate player or a dedicated coach. Below is a comprehensive guide on building a home basketball gym from scratch.

1. Introduction

Developing a home basketball gym is a dream for many sports enthusiasts. This guide will provide you with an overview of the essential steps and considerations for setting up your basketball haven at home to provide a dedicated space for practice, friendly games, and workouts without having to visit public courts.

2. Choosing the Right Space

A half-court or full-court setup can be accommodated in a garage, basement, or spare room. The first step is to identify a suitable space within your house. To minimize joint impact during gameplay, ensure the space has a sufficient ceiling height to ensure comfortable gameplay and consider the flooring options available.

3. Equipment Needed

The next step is to gather your equipment. Make sure you invest in a dependable basketball hoop to mount securely. Add court markings for a professional look, and if you wish, add extras such as a scoreboard and shot clock to further enhance the experience.

4. Setting Up Lighting

Lighting is essential for proper visibility and accurate gameplay. Choose LED or fluorescent lights that evenly illuminate the court without creating shadows or glare. Position the lights strategically to minimize dark spots and maintain uniform brightness throughout.

5. Ventilation and Temperature Control

It is important to ensure proper ventilation and temperature control to ensure a comfortable playing environment. Install fans to ensure proper airflow and regulate humidity levels to avoid moisture buildup and provide a comfortable environment for extended play sessions.

Home Basketball Gym

6. Soundproofing

Consider installing soundproofing elements in your gym. Acoustic panels or foam tiles on walls and ceilings can absorb sound waves, reducing echoes and reverberations. This will ensure a more focused practice and gaming environment.

7. Decor and Personalization

Adding wall art, decals, and team colors can create a vibrant and motivating atmosphere. Display jerseys, trophies, and memorabilia to inspire and showcase your enthusiasm.

8. Storage Solutions

Keep your basketballs, jerseys, and training gear organized by installing racks or shelves. Store additional items such as first aid kits, cleaning supplies, and spare parts in cabinets as well.

9. Safety Measures

Keep a fully stocked first aid kit nearby in case of a minor accident. To prevent injuries, consider padding potential impact areas and covering sharp corners and edges with foam padding.

10. Maintaining the Gym

Keep your basketball gym clean and maintain it regularly by sweeping or vacuuming the floor regularly to remove dust and debris. You should also inspect the equipment, lighting, and safety features periodically to ensure they are in good working order.

11. Budgeting Tips

The cost of building a home basketball gym can be significant. Create a budget outlining equipment, construction, and decor costs. Consider DIY installation and purchasing used equipment in good condition to reduce costs.

12. Benefits of Having a Home Basketball Gym

The benefits of a home basketball gym extend beyond the convenience of having a court at home. It promotes physical fitness, skills development, and family and friends teamwork.

13. Tips for Usage

Utilize your home basketball gym to its full potential by establishing a usage schedule, planning regular practice sessions and friendly games with family and friends. Use the space for social events and celebrations centered around basketball.

14. Conclusion

With these tips, you can create an indoor court that becomes the center of your home, enhancing your love for the game while providing a dedicated space for recreation and fitness.

The following text is from a news article published by the Associated Press in New York: The Heisman Trust announced on Wednesday that Reggie Bush has been reinstated as the recipient of the 2005 Heisman Trophy, over a decade after Southern California returned the trophy. This decision comes after an NCAA investigation revealed that Bush had received advantages not allowed during his tenure with the Trojans.

CBS – VOR News Image

Reggie Bush Is Reinstated As 2005 Heisman Trophy Winner, With Organizers Citing NIL Rule Changes

“We are delighted to announce Reggie Bush’s return to the Heisman family, acknowledging his outstanding achievements during his college years,” stated Michael Comerford, the president of The Heisman Trophy Trust. After carefully evaluating the significant transformations in college athletics in recent years, we have concluded that the present moment is appropriate for the reinstatement of the Trophy for Reggie.” We are delighted to have him return.

Bush received the prestigious college football trophy for being the highest-performing athlete. In 2005, he accumulated over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and scored 18 touchdowns. He received 784 first-place votes, the seventh-highest number of votes in the Heisman Trophy’s history.

The Heisman Trust has restored the trophy to Bush and the duplicate to USC. Bush will get invitations to all forthcoming Heisman Trophy presentations.

“I am personally delighted to be reunited with my fellow Heisman winners and to contribute to the prestigious history of the Heisman Trophy. I feel privileged to be welcomed back into the Heisman family,” Bush stated in a statement to ESPN. “I am eager to collaborate with the Heisman Trust in order to promote the principles and objectives of the organization.”

People – VOR News Image

Reggie Bush Is Reinstated As 2005 Heisman Trophy Winner, With Organizers Citing NIL Rule Changes

In a social media post, the USC football program stated, “returning to its rightful place.” With the reinstatement of Bush, USC now has eight Heisman winners, the highest number among all schools.

The Trust stated that their decision was made after carefully evaluating the developments occurring in the collegiate athletics industry. The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2021 ruling raised doubts about the legality of the NCAA’s amateurism model and allowed for athlete compensation, including payment for their name, image, and likeness. Additionally, the NCAA has proposed eliminating the limit on education-related payments.

The Trust stated that, given the widespread acceptance and permanence of compensating student-athletes and the significant changes in college athletics, returning the Trophy to Bush is appropriate. They emphasized that Bush was undoubtedly the most exceptional college football player in 2005.

Johnny Manziel, the recipient of the 2012 Heisman award from Texas A&M University, expressed on social media last month that he would refuse to participate in the Heisman ceremonies unless Reggie Bush’s revoked award was returned to him.

Variety – VOR News Image

Reggie Bush Is Reinstated As 2005 Heisman Trophy Winner, With Organizers Citing NIL Rule Changes

On Wednesday, he thanked the Trust for their commendable decision to reintegrate a distinguished individual from our past into their organization. Numerous voices advocated for Reggie throughout this process due to his exemplary character. I eagerly anticipate sharing the stage with you, Reggie Bush, in December. You truly deserve this opportunity.

Notable individuals who commended the decision included Caleb Williams, the 2022 recipient of the award and the expected top selection in the next NFL draft, Eric Crouch, the winner in 2001 from Nebraska, and Robert Griffin III, the 2011 recipient from Baylor.

SOURCE – (AP)