Overtime Overload

The first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs saw a record-setting 18 overtime games.

The opening round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs were filled with drama and exciting overtime finishes. Although no series went seven games, there were a record-setting 18 games that needed extra time to decide a winner out of the 42 played in total. Four out of the six games played in the Ottawa Senators-Boston Bruins series and five out of the six games played in the Washington Capitals-Toronto Maple Leafs series needed extra time. That's a ton of closely contested, drama-filled games for just the opening round. This speaks to how close the standings and comparable levels of teams were throughout the regular season. A mere eight points separated the Atlantic Division champion Montreal Canadiens from the second wild card Maple Leafs. Four teams, the Capitals, Penguins, Blue Jackets and Rangers, tallied more than 100 points in the regular season. Only three points separated the Chicago Blackhawks from the Minnesota Wild in the Central Division, and two points differentiated the Anaheim Ducks and Edmonton Oilers in the Pacific Division. We had surprising results, such as the upstart Nashville Predators sweeping the ever-dominant Blackhawks. The inexperienced Oilers also took out the more seasoned San Jose Sharks in a tough six-game tussle. The Eastern Conference featured battles of some familiar foes, as the Rangers outlasted the Canadiens in six, hard fought games, the Senators edged the Bruins in similar fashion and the Capitals survived a scare from a young, hungry Maple Leafs bunch led by rookie star Auston Matthews. The second round is sure to see some more rugged, hard fought series. The Penguins and Capitals will battle it out in a duel between arguably the league's two best players in Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. The big, physical Ducks will take on an Edmonton team with nothing to lose, led by young gun Connor McDavid. We may not see as many overtime games as the opening round, but we're sure to get a couple of seven-game series in the next round. As hockey fans, we hope this continues as the best teams fight for the chance to get to the Stanley Cup Final.

Roger's Resurgence

Switzerland's Roger Federer continues to cement his status as the greatest men's tennis player of All-Time.

Roger Federer is putting together an incredible start to his 2017 campaign on the ATP World Tour, collecting his 18th major title down under at the Australian Open, capturing back-to-back Masters 1000 titles in Indian Wells and Miami and soaring from No. 17 to No. 4 in the latest Emirates ATP Rankings. The 35-year old recovered from an injury-riddled 2016 where he missed the entire second half of the season, and has utilized a few new wrinkles in his already complete game to turn the tables on his greatest rival, Rafael Nadal. Federer has won the last four meetings against Nadal, three coming this year in Australia, Indian Wells and Miami, improving his overall record against the Spaniard to 14-23. Previously in their rivalry, Nadal has been able to exploit Federer's weaker one-handed backhand by pressuring him with high, heavy topspin forehands. This has been the trademark pattern, especially on clay, that has seen Nadal control the matchup over the years. This season, however, Federer is not giving up his position on the baseline and is taking his backhand early. This is not allowing Nadal, and others, to gain control of the rally and take advantage of Federer's "weaker" wing. He is taking time away from his opponents, and using his backhand as a weapon to complement his already explosive forehand. This key change, combined with his strong serving and aggressive net approaches, has seen Federer dominate the field this season. He has been able to do this with World Numbers' 1 and 2, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic,  struggling with their form and missing time due to injuries. He will surely be tested even more when they return hungry to regain their form at the top of the men's game. The resurgence of the Federer-Nadal rivalry has been the main storyline this season a couple of months into the year, and it is incredible to see that these two All-Time greats are still competing at such a high level on the biggest stages against one another. With the clay court season just around the corner, Nadal will surely look to regain his dominance on the dirt. It will be interesting, and even more impressive, to see if Federer can continue this incredible form on the clay courts, his weakest surface. In addition to the Federer-Nadal rivalry taking center-stage once again, Australian young gun Nick Kyrgios continues to be a polarizing figure in the game. His brash attitude and overly aggressive style of play, while rubbing some people the wrong way, is exactly what men's tennis needs. Kyrgios is the outlaw on tour, and owns it completely. Regardless of his antics, he is a captivating player that will constantly have media attention and storylines surrounding him. If he can mature a little bit more, he could start collecting major championships in the near future. With all the intrigue, rivalries and high level of play going on out on the court, the 2017 season is shaping up to be one to remember.