thedenverpost--2020-10-10--Coming this fall: Return of the video game console wars

BERKELEY , Calif. — Even before the coronavirus forced the world indoors and glued millions of people to their screens , 2020 was shaping up to be a huge year for gaming .
Microsoft is set to release a new Xbox in November , and Sony is expected to introduce the next iteration of its PlayStation this holiday season .
Both are big draws for video gamers eager to fire up the newest version of Halo or Spider-Man as they wait out the pandemic .
And as the ninth generation of consoles approaches , the cancellation of in-person events has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is likely to juice their sales — even as their availability is expected to be limited by supply chain problems caused by the pandemic .
Roughly every seven years , companies release a fresh series of consoles with technological improvements — in this case , the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X .
Although they aren ’ t expected to be drastic departures from previous versions , there ’ s still plenty of hype for the holiday releases .
Gaming has become one of the biggest global entertainment industries , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game this year , according to the gaming market researcher Newzoo .
Growth has accelerated during the pandemic , and gamers worldwide are expected to spend nearly $ 160 billion this year .
“ This launch is a massive moment , ” said David Gibson , the chief investment officer at Astris Advisory , a financial advisory firm in Tokyo .
“ It is the largest and most important next-generation console launch ever.
” But Gibson said temporary factory shutdowns caused by the virus in several Asian countries , coupled with an increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the rise in remote work , would most likely lead to a scarcity of Xboxes and PlayStations come November .
“ It ’ s going to be really hard to find them , ” he said .
The rectangular , black Xbox Series X will be released Nov. 10 for $ 499 , Microsoft announced last week after months of speculation .
The company also said it would release a miniature budget version , the Series S , for $ 299 .
Sony has yet to announce a date or price for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , futuristic-looking white device , but said it , too , would release an alternative version .
Both consoles will have faster loading times for games and better graphics than their predecessors , though the Series X is anticipated to have slightly more powerful hardware .
Even with the supply limitations , Gibson expects Sony to sell about 5 million PlayStations and Microsoft 3 million Xboxes in the first five months .
Game developers do not have the same hardware limitations , though , and are likely to benefit from the high console @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a streamer for the professional e-sports organization Team SoloMid , said he played on consoles from both companies , as well as on Nintendo ’ s 3-year-old Switch , and would buy both new devices .
He said most of his fans seemed to favor the new Xbox .
“ I think the Xbox will be better , ” said Throop , better known to his 1 million Twitch followers as ChocoTaco .
“ On paper , the specs are better , so it looks like it will be a more powerful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect Sony to continue its historical sales advantage in large part because of the perception that the PlayStation offers superior games .
And in August , the producers of Halo Infinite , the newest version of Xbox ’ s flagship game series , announced that the pandemic had delayed its release until 2021 , rather than release it with the Series X .
“ Having Halo at our launch would have been tremendous , ” said Cindy Walker , an Xbox spokeswoman .
But “ we are not reliant on massive exclusive titles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have thousands of games from four generations of Xbox available to play on launch day.
” Sony , which declined to comment on its coming release , has produced the three best-selling individual home consoles — the PlayStation 2 , PlayStation 4 and original 1994 PlayStation — and is focusing on the strength of its exclusive games and brand recognition while promoting the PlayStation 5 .
But Microsoft is signaling for the first time that it wants an end to the decades-long console war , or at least a truce .
Microsoft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ betting that the future of gaming will be mobile , with gamers spread across consoles , computers and even phones while on the go .
The release of the Series X is still a big moment for the company , but Microsoft is also highlighting the success of Xbox Game Pass — think a Netflix library for games — and a new feature , xCloud , which will allow users to play Xbox games on Android phones for $ 15 per month , starting Tuesday .
“ Sony is focused on convincing gamers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Matthew Ball , the managing partner at Epyllion Industries , which operates a venture capital fund .
Rival companies are also sensing an opportunity to break into the growing market , and are experimenting with cloud gaming , a new technology that theoretically allows players to download and run games on any device using the strength of the internet — or cloud .
The nascent feature could devalue expensive consoles , especially at 5G internet speeds .
Google Stadia , a $ 10-a-month cloud service that lets subscribers play games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has struggled with bugs and graphics problems .
Amazon has been said to be working on its own cloud gaming service , Project Tempo .
Microsoft ’ s response to these incursions is xCloud .
“ We ’ re committed to bringing more games to more gamers around the world , and cloud gaming is a long-term investment for Microsoft and critical to making this commitment real , ” Walker said .
Sony ’ s cloud service , PlayStation Now , was introduced in 2014 and lets subscribers play some PlayStation games on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been enamored with the feature , especially before Sony slashed the monthly charge in half to $ 10 last year .
Analysts said Sony ’ s more traditional thinking as the PlayStation 5 ’ s arrival approached could pay off in the short term .
“ Sony has tremendous strength following the eighth generation of consoles and will thrive in the ninth , but it is still applying the old playbook , ” Ball said .
Despite technological developments that make it easier for gamers to play on the go , or to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Amazon-owned Twitch , Sony and Microsoft have spent months building suspense .
Kris Lamberson , known by fans of the FaZe Clan e-sports team as FaZe Swagg , plays Call of Duty on the PlayStation 4 and said he was looking forward to both devices ’ improved graphics .
“ With the way technology is advancing , these consoles are going to take gaming to the next level , ” he said .

By Kellen Browning
BERKELEY, Calif. — Even before the coronavirus forced the world indoors and glued millions of people to their screens, 2020 was shaping up to be a huge year for gaming.
Microsoft is set to release a new Xbox in November, and Sony is expected to introduce the next iteration of its PlayStation this holiday season. Both are big draws for video gamers eager to fire up the newest version of Halo or Spider-Man as they wait out the pandemic.
And as the ninth generation of consoles approaches, the cancellation of in-person events has created a surge of interest in gaming and is likely to juice their sales — even as their availability is expected to be limited by supply chain problems caused by the pandemic.
Roughly every seven years, companies release a fresh series of consoles with technological improvements — in this case, the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X. Although they aren’t expected to be drastic departures from previous versions, there’s still plenty of hype for the holiday releases.
Gaming has become one of the biggest global entertainment industries, with 2.7 billion people projected to play a game this year, according to the gaming market researcher Newzoo. Growth has accelerated during the pandemic, and gamers worldwide are expected to spend nearly $160 billion this year.
“This launch is a massive moment,” said David Gibson, the chief investment officer at Astris Advisory, a financial advisory firm in Tokyo. “It is the largest and most important next-generation console launch ever.”
But Gibson said temporary factory shutdowns caused by the virus in several Asian countries, coupled with an increased worldwide demand for similar hardware components because of the rise in remote work, would most likely lead to a scarcity of Xboxes and PlayStations come November.
“It’s going to be really hard to find them,” he said.
The rectangular, black Xbox Series X will be released Nov. 10 for $499, Microsoft announced last week after months of speculation. The company also said it would release a miniature budget version, the Series S, for $299.
Sony has yet to announce a date or price for the PlayStation 5, a more curved, futuristic-looking white device, but said it, too, would release an alternative version.
Both consoles will have faster loading times for games and better graphics than their predecessors, though the Series X is anticipated to have slightly more powerful hardware.
Even with the supply limitations, Gibson expects Sony to sell about 5 million PlayStations and Microsoft 3 million Xboxes in the first five months. Game developers do not have the same hardware limitations, though, and are likely to benefit from the high console demand, he said.
Jacob Throop, a streamer for the professional e-sports organization Team SoloMid, said he played on consoles from both companies, as well as on Nintendo’s 3-year-old Switch, and would buy both new devices. He said most of his fans seemed to favor the new Xbox.
“I think the Xbox will be better,” said Throop, better known to his 1 million Twitch followers as ChocoTaco. “On paper, the specs are better, so it looks like it will be a more powerful machine.”
Many analysts, though, expect Sony to continue its historical sales advantage in large part because of the perception that the PlayStation offers superior games. And in August, the producers of Halo Infinite, the newest version of Xbox’s flagship game series, announced that the pandemic had delayed its release until 2021, rather than release it with the Series X.
“Having Halo at our launch would have been tremendous,” said Cindy Walker, an Xbox spokeswoman. But “we are not reliant on massive exclusive titles to drive console adoption. Our players will have thousands of games from four generations of Xbox available to play on launch day.”
Sony, which declined to comment on its coming release, has produced the three best-selling individual home consoles — the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 4 and original 1994 PlayStation — and is focusing on the strength of its exclusive games and brand recognition while promoting the PlayStation 5.
But Microsoft is signaling for the first time that it wants an end to the decades-long console war, or at least a truce.
Microsoft is putting a priority on flexibility and betting that the future of gaming will be mobile, with gamers spread across consoles, computers and even phones while on the go.
The release of the Series X is still a big moment for the company, but Microsoft is also highlighting the success of Xbox Game Pass — think a Netflix library for games — and a new feature, xCloud, which will allow users to play Xbox games on Android phones for $15 per month, starting Tuesday.
“Sony is focused on convincing gamers they need to get a PlayStation 5,” said Matthew Ball, the managing partner at Epyllion Industries, which operates a venture capital fund.
Rival companies are also sensing an opportunity to break into the growing market, and are experimenting with cloud gaming, a new technology that theoretically allows players to download and run games on any device using the strength of the internet — or cloud. The nascent feature could devalue expensive consoles, especially at 5G internet speeds.
Google Stadia, a $10-a-month cloud service that lets subscribers play games across devices, arrived in November but has struggled with bugs and graphics problems. Amazon has been said to be working on its own cloud gaming service, Project Tempo.
Microsoft’s response to these incursions is xCloud.
“We’re committed to bringing more games to more gamers around the world, and cloud gaming is a long-term investment for Microsoft and critical to making this commitment real,” Walker said.
Sony’s cloud service, PlayStation Now, was introduced in 2014 and lets subscribers play some PlayStation games on computers, but users haven’t been enamored with the feature, especially before Sony slashed the monthly charge in half to $10 last year.
Analysts said Sony’s more traditional thinking as the PlayStation 5’s arrival approached could pay off in the short term.
“Sony has tremendous strength following the eighth generation of consoles and will thrive in the ninth, but it is still applying the old playbook,” Ball said.
Despite technological developments that make it easier for gamers to play on the go, or to watch others stream their play on sites like Amazon-owned Twitch, Sony and Microsoft have spent months building suspense.
Kris Lamberson, known by fans of the FaZe Clan e-sports team as FaZe Swagg, plays Call of Duty on the PlayStation 4 and said he was looking forward to both devices’ improved graphics.
“With the way technology is advancing, these consoles are going to take gaming to the next level,” he said.


thedenverpost--2020-10-10--Retail analysts urge consumers to keep calm in the weeks ahead

Retailers remain laser-focused on keeping their shelves stocked after getting caught flat-footed this spring by the outbreak of COVID-19 .
But concerns are mounting that consumers , fearful of a resurgence in the coronavirus and the potential for election unrest , may start stockpiling aggressively again .
“ The food/staples supply chain is very stable right now , but there ’ s alarm that a big buying event in the midst of a COVID uptick could lead to a buying frenzy with consumers , especially if they start to see shelves less stocked , ” said Jack Buffington , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Denver ’ s Daniels College of Business .
In the early days of the pandemic , toilet paper and cleaning supplies were nowhere to be found .
Grocery store shelves temporarily emptied of meat , flour and other staples , even yeast , after restaurants shut down and people cooked more food at home .
Electronic gear and laptop computers briefly ran low as more people started working at home .
This summer , bikes , tents and camping gear , and even expensive recreational vehicles , were tough finds as more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shortages appear mostly seasonal right now .
Canned pumpkin is a hot commodity , reflecting the time of year and wet weather that delayed the planting of pumpkin crops in some areas of the country .
More broadly , cans remain in short supply as people continue to stock their pantries , but not the food needed to fill them .
As temperatures drop , expect cold and flu medicines and herbal teas to become harder to find , said Karl Gibbons , president of Third Eye Management & Associates , a management @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerned that consumers could go into another buying frenzy at the slightest indication of shortages , and they are going to great lengths to avoid that .
“ People need to be sensible and they need to be realistic and they need to be considerate of other people .
Do you really need to buy that item ?
” he asked .
A poll for the “ Back-to-Normal Barometer ” released at the start of the month found that six in 10 Americans said they agreed with the concern that the country is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And the unease is influencing their behavior , with just over half said they have stockpiled food items or essential goods in anticipation of social unrest or a resurgence in COVID-19 cases .
“ This is the single most frightening poll result I ’ ve ever been associated with , ” Rich Thau , president of Engagious , one of the three firms — along with the Sports and Leisure Research Group and ROKK Solutions — that conducted the survey , said in a release .
Even in good times , consumers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % to 7 % of the specific items they were shopping for , said Gibbons .
That ratio is probably running closer to 10 % to 12 % because of the pandemic .
But it could go much higher if consumers don ’ t keep their wits about them .
Shortages of Clorox wipes are well-publicized and remain ongoing .
Paper towel supply is spotty .
Gibbons said a store manager he recently spoke is still having trouble keeping enough frozen pizzas in stock .
“ They are flat and easy to store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shelves of them as fast as they can .
You can put 20 or 30 of those into the deep freezer , ” Gibbons said .
Manufacturers are making more frozen pizzas than they did before .
But the problem is that demand at one point nearly doubled and remains elevated .
When other consumers see store freezers empty , they grab as many pizzas as they can , which reinforces the idea of a shortage .
“ People just need to calm down , ” Gibbons said .
“ As fast as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help them help us.
” He doesn ’ t deny the powerful pull that scarcity has on human psychology .
Just grab one or two extra items when out on a shopping trip , not five or 10 , he advises .
Stockpile if necessary , but do so gradually .
Shoppers should also realize some shortages are intentional .
Large manufacturers have stopped producing less popular items so they can focus on the most popular ones .
Likewise , retailers are preserving valuable shelf space for items or brands that turn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carry less variety because it makes sense for them .
They want to turn their inventory faster .
They may carry more inventory of things that sell well , ” Buffington said .
Consumers shouldn ’ t interpret the reduced variety of goods as a failure of the supply chain , but rather a rational adjustment .
Retailers are going to great lengths to ensure their shelves aren ’ t empty , including shortening store hours so they have more time to restock at night and acquiring warehouse space to keep more inventory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority of manufacturers and supermarkets have invested huge amounts of money in new production facilities and warehousing .
They are getting all caught up , ” Gibbons said .
But those extra measures also cost money , which will mean higher prices .
That ’ s not to stay there won ’ t be potential weak spots in the weeks and months ahead .
Buffington said the “ cold chain ” or the supply line for refrigerated and frozen goods could come under pressure .
“ The cold chain will be the distribution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to build up their capacity for when that day comes , ” Buffington said .
Trying to distribute adequate supplies to vaccinate 300 million people , not to mention billions more globally , will require a logistics mobilization unlike any the country has seen since D-Day , he said .
Another difference consumers may notice this year is that the holiday buying season is starting earlier and will be more stretched out , Ray Wimer , an assistant professor of retail practice at Syracuse University ’ s Martin J. Whitman School of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amazon , the nation ’ s largest online retailer , normally holds its Prime Day in July , followed by the usual Black Friday and CyberMonday sales in late November .
This year , it delayed Prime Day back to Oct. 13-14 , effectively firing an early starting gun on the peak holiday shopping season .
One reason Amazon and others have for stretching the season out is to avoid the pressure on delivery companies in late December .
To avoid the risks associated with crowds , brick-and-mortar retailers will downplay doorbuster events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a more subdued affair this year .
Wimer expects items like home furnishings and décor , kitchen products , comfy clothes like sweats and loungewear , home office equipment , and puzzles and games will be popular .
Out of favor will be higher-end clothing , workwear and travel-related items .
Skip the neckties — they aren ’ t needed .
Buffington said that retailers , in their focus on keeping essentials well-stocked , have placed less emphasis on securing seasonal items .
They have a good sense of how many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less so of how many artificial Christmas trees and light strands .
That could result in some holiday items selling out earlier than usual .
Retailers also face uncertain consumer demand given the elevated rate of unemployment , dwindling amount of federal assistance and tighter budgets .
About a tenth of Colorado ’ s households are struggling with food scarcity and around three in 10 are having trouble meeting other basic household expenses , according to the Household Pulse Survey from U.S. Census Bureau .
“ We have a lot of people still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cash flow has been hit .
People are going to be a lot more careful about what they do .
There will be very little frivolity , ” Gibbons predicted .

Retailers remain laser-focused on keeping their shelves stocked after getting caught flat-footed this spring by the outbreak of COVID-19. But concerns are mounting that consumers, fearful of a resurgence in the coronavirus and the potential for election unrest, may start stockpiling aggressively again.
“The food/staples supply chain is very stable right now, but there’s alarm that a big buying event in the midst of a COVID uptick could lead to a buying frenzy with consumers, especially if they start to see shelves less stocked,” said Jack Buffington, an assistant professor of marketing at the University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business.
In the early days of the pandemic, toilet paper and cleaning supplies were nowhere to be found. Grocery store shelves temporarily emptied of meat, flour and other staples, even yeast, after restaurants shut down and people cooked more food at home.
Electronic gear and laptop computers briefly ran low as more people started working at home. This summer, bikes, tents and camping gear, and even expensive recreational vehicles, were tough finds as more people escaped into the great outdoors.
Shortages appear mostly seasonal right now. Canned pumpkin is a hot commodity, reflecting the time of year and wet weather that delayed the planting of pumpkin crops in some areas of the country. More broadly, cans remain in short supply as people continue to stock their pantries, but not the food needed to fill them.
As temperatures drop, expect cold and flu medicines and herbal teas to become harder to find, said Karl Gibbons, president of Third Eye Management & Associates, a management consulting firm.
Gibbons said retailers are concerned that consumers could go into another buying frenzy at the slightest indication of shortages, and they are going to great lengths to avoid that.
“People need to be sensible and they need to be realistic and they need to be considerate of other people. Do you really need to buy that item?” he asked.
A poll for the “Back-to-Normal Barometer” released at the start of the month found that six in 10 Americans said they agreed with the concern that the country is on the edge of another Civil War. And the unease is influencing their behavior, with just over half said they have stockpiled food items or essential goods in anticipation of social unrest or a resurgence in COVID-19 cases.
“This is the single most frightening poll result I’ve ever been associated with,” Rich Thau, president of Engagious, one of the three firms — along with the Sports and Leisure Research Group and ROKK Solutions — that conducted the survey, said in a release.
Even in good times, consumers could expect to not find about 5% to 7% of the specific items they were shopping for, said Gibbons. That ratio is probably running closer to 10% to 12% because of the pandemic. But it could go much higher if consumers don’t keep their wits about them.
Shortages of Clorox wipes are well-publicized and remain ongoing. Paper towel supply is spotty. Gibbons said a store manager he recently spoke is still having trouble keeping enough frozen pizzas in stock.
“They are flat and easy to store in a freezer. People are emptying shelves of them as fast as they can. You can put 20 or 30 of those into the deep freezer,” Gibbons said.
Manufacturers are making more frozen pizzas than they did before. But the problem is that demand at one point nearly doubled and remains elevated. When other consumers see store freezers empty, they grab as many pizzas as they can, which reinforces the idea of a shortage.
“People just need to calm down,” Gibbons said. “As fast as retailers are catching up, we need to help them help us.”
He doesn’t deny the powerful pull that scarcity has on human psychology. Just grab one or two extra items when out on a shopping trip, not five or 10, he advises. Stockpile if necessary, but do so gradually.
Shoppers should also realize some shortages are intentional. Large manufacturers have stopped producing less popular items so they can focus on the most popular ones. Likewise, retailers are preserving valuable shelf space for items or brands that turn over more quickly.
“Retailers will carry less variety because it makes sense for them. They want to turn their inventory faster. They may carry more inventory of things that sell well,” Buffington said.
Consumers shouldn’t interpret the reduced variety of goods as a failure of the supply chain, but rather a rational adjustment. Retailers are going to great lengths to ensure their shelves aren’t empty, including shortening store hours so they have more time to restock at night and acquiring warehouse space to keep more inventory close at hand.
“The vast majority of manufacturers and supermarkets have invested huge amounts of money in new production facilities and warehousing. They are getting all caught up,” Gibbons said. But those extra measures also cost money, which will mean higher prices.
That’s not to stay there won’t be potential weak spots in the weeks and months ahead. Buffington said the “cold chain” or the supply line for refrigerated and frozen goods could come under pressure.
“The cold chain will be the distribution mechanism for the vaccine. They are trying to build up their capacity for when that day comes,” Buffington said. Trying to distribute adequate supplies to vaccinate 300 million people, not to mention billions more globally, will require a logistics mobilization unlike any the country has seen since D-Day, he said.
Black Friday comes early this year
Another difference consumers may notice this year is that the holiday buying season is starting earlier and will be more stretched out, Ray Wimer, an assistant professor of retail practice at Syracuse University’s Martin J. Whitman School of Management, said in an email.
Amazon, the nation’s largest online retailer, normally holds its Prime Day in July, followed by the usual Black Friday and CyberMonday sales in late November. This year, it delayed Prime Day back to Oct. 13-14, effectively firing an early starting gun on the peak holiday shopping season.
One reason Amazon and others have for stretching the season out is to avoid the pressure on delivery companies in late December. To avoid the risks associated with crowds, brick-and-mortar retailers will downplay doorbuster events and last-minute deals. Expect Black Friday to be a more subdued affair this year.
Wimer expects items like home furnishings and décor, kitchen products, comfy clothes like sweats and loungewear, home office equipment, and puzzles and games will be popular. Out of favor will be higher-end clothing, workwear and travel-related items. Skip the neckties — they aren’t needed.
Buffington said that retailers, in their focus on keeping essentials well-stocked, have placed less emphasis on securing seasonal items. They have a good sense of how many hams and turkeys are needed, but less so of how many artificial Christmas trees and light strands. That could result in some holiday items selling out earlier than usual.
Retailers also face uncertain consumer demand given the elevated rate of unemployment, dwindling amount of federal assistance and tighter budgets. About a tenth of Colorado’s households are struggling with food scarcity and around three in 10 are having trouble meeting other basic household expenses, according to the Household Pulse Survey from U.S. Census Bureau.
“We have a lot of people still working from home. Everybody’s cash flow has been hit. People are going to be a lot more careful about what they do. There will be very little frivolity,” Gibbons predicted.


thedenverpost--2020-10-10--Evan Slack, who founded a popular and far-reaching agriculture radio network based in Denver, dies a

Evan Slack, who founded a popular and far-reaching agriculture radio network based in Denver, dies at 86

James “ Evan ” Slack , a longtime radio broadcaster who founded a Denver-based , self-named radio network specializing in agriculture news and reports , died Sept. 19 in Arizona .
He was 86 .
In 1985 , he founded the Evan Slack Network , which could be heard across the Rocky Mountain Empire , from Montana to New Mexico , in northern Nevada and eastern Oregon .
His programs were heard on over 40 radio stations in nine states , including Colorado , and in Canada .
A pilot , Slack enjoyed flying and traveling in a Mooney 252 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ license in 1967 .
Weather , agricultural news , grain and livestock markets were extensively covered on Slack ’ s network .
He delivered four-minute reports five times daily — twice in the morning and three times in the afternoon , according to his website .
Close to 20 Colorado radio stations carried his programs , with about another 40 from around the Western U.S. Pat Grant , former President and CEO of the National Western Stock Show from 1990-2010 , described his longtime friend Slack as a “ fun , outgoing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Over the years Slack was a generous and steady supporter of National Western scholarships , which funded rural youth to advance their careers in ranching and farming , Grant recalled .
“ He really did feet strongly about his Western way of life , and certainly the ranching way of life , ” Grant said .
Born on Aug. 6 , 1934 , on a family farm in Seymour , Mo.
, Slack attended Southwest Missouri State University ( now Missouri State University ) for a year before serving in the U.S. Marine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Missouri and earned a degree in agriculture , with a minor in journalism , from the University of Missouri .
Slack ’ s radio career began in June 1952 at KWTO , in Springfield , Mo .
He found his way to Colorado and worked for several radio stations including KOA in Denver , reporting on farm and ranch news , before founding the Slack Network .
He sold the network in January .
Slack received many honors over his decades of “ on the air and in the air ” reporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 37 years .
“ His life was exciting .
He had the airplane , we flew everywhere we went , mostly to smaller communities , ” Browne said .
“ He was always on the go.
” The couple flew often to agriculture trade conventions , cattle sales and to ranches , Browne said .
“ It was an exciting life , ” she said .
“ We met lots of people and saw lots of places.
” Browne recalled having lunch with Slack and Robert Norris , a rancher known for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Man , ” at the Pink Pony restaurant in Scottsdale , Ariz. A lifetime member of the Colorado Cattleman ’ s Association , Slack was an inductee of the National Association of Farm Broadcasters Hall of Fame , and the Broadcast Pioneers of Colorado Hall of Fame .
He ’ s a former president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting .
David Zalubowski , a photographer , lived down the hall from Slack in a Denver high-rise apartment building .
They were neighbors since 1996 .
“ He was still getting up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few years ago , to do one of his daily reports , ” Zalubowski said .
“ You could hear him from down the hall reading his script , you could hear it — that broadcast voice.
” Slack was away often , Zalublowski said , attending county fairs and agriculture expositions all over the Intermountain West .
“ His life was dictated by the dates of the National Western , the American Royal and the Greeley Stampede ” among other events .
A baseball fan , Slack rooted for the St. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the family farm .
In Denver , he was a season ticket holder with the Colorado Rockies .
Slack is survived by Browne ; and a sister , Barsha Batson .
A memorial service , delayed because of the pandemic , will be held in the spring of 2021 at Trinity Methodist Church in Denver .
Memorial contributions may be made to the NAFB Foundation , or to a charity of the donor ’ s choice .

James “Evan” Slack, a longtime radio broadcaster who founded a Denver-based, self-named radio network specializing in agriculture news and reports, died Sept. 19 in Arizona. He was 86.
In 1985, he founded the Evan Slack Network, which could be heard across the Rocky Mountain Empire, from Montana to New Mexico, in northern Nevada and eastern Oregon. His programs were heard on over 40 radio stations in nine states, including Colorado, and in Canada. A pilot, Slack enjoyed flying and traveling in a Mooney 252. He earned his pilot’s license in 1967.
Weather, agricultural news, grain and livestock markets were extensively covered on Slack’s network. He delivered four-minute reports five times daily — twice in the morning and three times in the afternoon, according to his website. Close to 20 Colorado radio stations carried his programs, with about another 40 from around the Western U.S.
Pat Grant, former President and CEO of the National Western Stock Show from 1990-2010, described his longtime friend Slack as a “fun, outgoing, effervescent, swashbuckling kind of guy.”
Over the years Slack was a generous and steady supporter of National Western scholarships, which funded rural youth to advance their careers in ranching and farming, Grant recalled.
“He really did feel strongly about his Western way of life, and certainly the ranching way of life,” Grant said.
Born on Aug. 6, 1934, on a family farm in Seymour, Mo., Slack attended Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University) for a year before serving in the U.S. Marine Corps for two years. He returned to Missouri and earned a degree in agriculture, with a minor in journalism, from the University of Missouri.
Slack’s radio career began in June 1952 at KWTO, in Springfield, Mo. He found his way to Colorado and worked for several radio stations including KOA in Denver, reporting on farm and ranch news, before founding the Slack Network. He sold the network in January.
Slack received many honors over his decades of “on the air and in the air” reporting, said Carolyn Browne, his companion of 37 years.
“His life was exciting. He had the airplane, we flew everywhere we went, mostly to smaller communities,” Browne said. “He was always on the go.”
The couple flew often to agriculture trade conventions, cattle sales and to ranches, Browne said.
“It was an exciting life,” she said. “We met lots of people and saw lots of places.”
Browne recalled having lunch with Slack and Robert Norris, a rancher known for his role as the original “Marlboro Man,” at the Pink Pony restaurant in Scottsdale, Ariz.
A lifetime member of the Colorado Cattleman’s Association, Slack was an inductee of the National Association of Farm Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and the Broadcast Pioneers of Colorado Hall of Fame. He’s a former president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting.
David Zalubowski, a photographer, lived down the hall from Slack in a Denver high-rise apartment building. They were neighbors since 1996.
“He was still getting up at 4:15 a.m. each morning, until a few years ago, to do one of his daily reports,” Zalubowski said. “You could hear him from down the hall reading his script, you could hear it — that broadcast voice.”
Slack was away often, Zalubowski said, attending county fairs and agriculture expositions all over the Intermountain West. “His life was dictated by the dates of the National Western, the American Royal and the Greeley Stampede” among other events.
A baseball fan, Slack rooted for the St. Louis Cardinals in his youth working on the family farm. In Denver, he was a season ticket holder with the Colorado Rockies.
Slack is survived by Browne; and a sister, Barsha Batson.
A memorial service, delayed because of the pandemic, will be held in the spring of 2021 at Trinity Methodist Church in Denver.
Memorial contributions may be made to the NAFB Foundation, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.


thedenverpost--2020-10-10--Grading the Week: As Avalanche bides its time in free agency, a plea for Corey Crawford

It ’ s been a long time since the Colorado Rapids passed something this well .
A little more than two weeks ago , the Rapids announced they would host fans at upcoming matches at Dick ’ s Sporting Goods Park .
Fast forward to Friday , and the team has now had four straight matches postponed by MLS due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the club .
As has been the case for months , men make plans , and coronavirus laughs .
A few days after the Avs were eliminated in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sakic said the franchise would stand pat in goal this offseason .
Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz were compromised by injuries , Colorado ’ s general manager insisted , and played well enough during the regular season to convince the club they ’ re capable of leading a team to the Stanley Cup .
Posturing ?
We ’ re about to find out — now that two-time Cup-winning goaltender Corey Crawford has hit the market .
As promising as Grubauer and Francouz were during the regular season — one could make a statistical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to be awfully enticing for the Avs to consider an upgrade in net .
Given that the club has just about everything else covered , Crawford feels like the missing piece .
How bad are things with the Arizona football program right now ?
Pac-12 media members voted head coach Kevin Sumlin ’ s Wildcats to finish behind the CU Buffs in the South Division cellar .
Yes , behind the team that doesn ’ t have a quarterback with a single college start , hired its current head coach ( Karl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its first real practice under said head coach this week .
That , dear readers , is a vote of no confidence in Sumlin , because it ’ s going to be awfully hard for Dorrell to salvage what may be the most challenging debut season for a CU head coach in program history .
Of course , Dorrell was talking Pac-12 title when he spoke with media members earlier this week — just as every coach should before a single ball has been snapped .
But let ’ s face it : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in more than one of their seven games this fall ( possibly vs. UCLA in the opener or at Arizona on Dec. 5 ) .
If they can scratch out more than two wins ( or even play their full schedule amid the CU-Boulder COVID hot house ) , the season should be considered a rousing success .
One of the things that ’ s been gnawing in the back of the Grading the Week staff ’ s collective brain the past two weeks : When the NFL put together its 2020 schedule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggest it might be a good idea to add a few extra bye weeks because of , you know , the CURRENT GLOBAL PANDEMIC ?
• Avalanche quiet on free-agent front , signing just four minor-league forwards on Day 1 • Taylor Hall and the Avalanche could make a deal in NHL free agency • Avalanche selects four forwards on Day 2 of NHL draft ; Elizabeth ’ s Ty Smilanic goes to Florida Panthers • Avalanche selects center Jean-Luc Foudy with second pick ( third round ) of NHL draft Just about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ microphone put in front of his face , including the Broncos ’ Vic Fangio , has said they knew positive COVID-19 tests would impact weekly schedules at some point this fall .
So why , in the name of Dr. Anthony Fauci , didn ’ t the league add some scheduling flexibility for the imminent postponements to come ?
Even from a financial perspective , doesn ’ t a longer season mean more weeks to sell to television networks ?
There ’ s no doubt CBS , FOX , NBC and ESPN would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line for that .
Alas , we ’ re now moving games to Mondays and Tuesdays in an effort to get these games in , ruining best-laid fantasy football plans in the process .
( Not that we ’ re bitter about it . )

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect that Corey Crawford signed with the New Jersey Devils late Friday night.
It’s been a long time since the Colorado Rapids passed something this well.
A little more than two weeks ago, the Rapids announced they would host fans at upcoming matches at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Fast forward to Friday, and the team has now had four straight matches postponed by MLS due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the club.
As has been the case for months, men make plans, and coronavirus laughs.
Avalanche — C
A few days after the Avs were eliminated in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals for the second straight year, Joe Sakic said the franchise would stand pat in goal this offseason.
Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz were compromised by injuries, Colorado’s general manager insisted, and played well enough during the regular season to convince the club they’re capable of leading a team to the Stanley Cup.
Posturing? After two-time Cup-winning goaltender Corey Crawford hit the market, then signed with the New Jersey Devils late Friday night, it sure isn’t looking like it.
As promising as Grubauer and Francouz were during the regular season — one could make a statistical case Francouz was top tier — it has to be awfully enticing for the Avs to consider an upgrade in net.
Given that the club has just about everything else covered, a goalie of Crawford’s caliber could be the missing piece.
Pac-12 media voters — B+
How bad are things with the Arizona football program right now?
Pac-12 media members voted head coach Kevin Sumlin’s Wildcats to finish behind the CU Buffs in the South Division cellar.
Yes, behind the team that doesn’t have a quarterback with a single college start, hired its current head coach (Karl Dorrell) in late February and had its first real practice under said head coach this week.
That, dear readers, is a vote of no confidence in Sumlin, because it’s going to be awfully hard for Dorrell to salvage what may be the most challenging debut season for a CU head coach in program history.
Of course, Dorrell was talking Pac-12 title when he spoke with media members earlier this week — just as every coach should before a single ball has been snapped.
But let’s face it: The Buffs won’t be favored in more than one of their seven games this fall (possibly vs. UCLA in the opener or at Arizona on Dec. 5). If they can scratch out more than two wins (or even play their full schedule amid the CU-Boulder COVID hot house), the season should be considered a rousing success.
NFL — C
One of the things that’s been gnawing in the back of the Grading the Week staff’s collective brain the past two weeks:
When the NFL put together its 2020 schedule, did nobody in the league office suggest it might be a good idea to add a few extra bye weeks because of, you know, the CURRENT GLOBAL PANDEMIC?
Just about every coach who’s had a microphone put in front of his face, including the Broncos’ Vic Fangio, has said they knew positive COVID-19 tests would impact weekly schedules at some point this fall.
So why, in the name of Dr. Anthony Fauci, didn’t the league add some scheduling flexibility for the imminent postponements to come?
Even from a financial perspective, doesn’t a longer season mean more weeks to sell to television networks? There’s no doubt CBS, FOX, NBC and ESPN would’ve happily signed on the dotted line for that.
Alas, we’re now moving games to Mondays and Tuesdays in an effort to get these games in, ruining best-laid fantasy football plans in the process. (Not that we’re bitter about it.)


thedenverpost--2020-10-10--Membership of anti-mask Facebook groups jumps sharply

It ’ s no surprise that people pushing anti-mask arguments popped up online around the time the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States in March and April .
But here is what might surprise you : The audience for misleading anti-mask posts on Facebook has grown sharply in the last eight weeks , despite the growing evidence that masks can help prevent the spread of the virus .
The number of people who have joined anti-mask Facebook groups has grown 1,800 % , to more than 43,000 users , since the beginning of August , according to an analysis of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tool that Facebook owns .
Almost half of the 29 anti-mask groups discovered by The New York Times were created in the last three months , with names like “ Mask off Michigan ” and “ Mask Free America Coalition.
” Many of the posts on the pages include false or misleading information .
The topics range from the sale of fraudulent mask-exemption cards , the promotion of “ America ’ s Frontline Doctors , ” a fringe group of medical professionals promoting pseudoscience , and a barrage of memes incorrectly claiming that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health .
One anti-mask meme led to Donald Trump Jr. being suspended from Twitter for 12 hours in late July .
Articles from conservative media sites like The Daily Wire , The Blaze and Fox News were among the most heavily shared news articles inside the network of anti-mask Facebook groups .
Researchers have long said that masks can prevent people from spreading airway germs to others .
And they have also pointed to evidence suggesting that masks also protect the people wearing them .

The New York Times News Service Syndicate

By Ben Decke
It’s no surprise that people pushing anti-mask arguments popped up online around the time the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States in March and April.
But here is what might surprise you: The audience for misleading anti-mask posts on Facebook has grown sharply in the last eight weeks, despite the growing evidence that masks can help prevent the spread of the virus.
The number of people who have joined anti-mask Facebook groups has grown 1,800%, to more than 43,000 users, since the beginning of August, according to an analysis of data provided by Crowdtangle, a media tool that Facebook owns. Almost half of the 29 anti-mask groups discovered by The New York Times were created in the last three months, with names like “Mask off Michigan” and “Mask Free America Coalition.”
Many of the posts on the pages include false or misleading information. The topics range from the sale of fraudulent mask-exemption cards, the promotion of “America’s Frontline Doctors,” a fringe group of medical professionals promoting pseudoscience, and a barrage of memes incorrectly claiming that masks are harmful to one’s health. One anti-mask meme led to Donald Trump Jr. being suspended from Twitter for 12 hours in late July.
Articles from conservative media sites like The Daily Wire, The Blaze and Fox News were among the most heavily shared news articles inside the network of anti-mask Facebook groups.
Researchers have long said that masks can prevent people from spreading airway germs to others. And they have also pointed to evidence suggesting that masks also protect the people wearing them.


thedenverpost--2020-10-10--Week 5 NFL Picks: Colts, Browns have both won three consecutive games heading into Sunday’s meeting

Both teams have won three consecutive games after bad Week 1 losses ( Colts fell to Jacksonville and the Browns were routed by Baltimore ) .
The Colts are a 1 1/2-point road favorite , but Cleveland ’ s offense should make it the favorite — the Browns have scored 35 , 34 and 49 points the last three weeks .
The 0-4 Falcons are a two-point home underdog against the suddenly surging Panthers ( 2-2 ) .
One of these Monday mornings , Falcons owner Arthur Blank is going to realize it ’ s time to move on from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be this Monday because Atlanta will pull off the mild upset .
The Texans are a six-point home favorite despite being 0-4 and having fired coach/GM Bill O ’ Brien .
That ’ s why this is our lock — teams with interim coaches usually get some kind of bump and they ’ re facing the right team ( the Jaguars ) at the right time ( the Jaguars ’ defense is a mess ) .
O ’ Brien gets gate .
Bill O ’ Brien the general manager ultimately failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , resulting in his firing Monday following Houston ’ s 0-4 start .
How attractive is the Texans job ?
Well , they ’ ve got quarterback Deshaun Watson … and then what ?
They don ’ t have first- or second-round picks in 2021 because of the trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil .
A key for any interested candidate is getting the truth about Jack Easterby ’ s role .
Brought to Houston by O ’ Brien , Easterby has seen his influence increase and will reportedly advise owner Cal McNair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manager and coach candidates .
No big plays for Raiders .
Las Vegas is back at sea level following a 2-0 start ( 2-2 ) and now heads to Kansas City .
Uh oh .
The issue is their defense isn ’ t making any plays .
Their four sacks are tied for second-fewest in the NFL and their two takeaways is third-fewest .
“ We have to get the turnovers from our defense , ” coach Jon Gruden said .
“ That ’ s a big story here.
” The Raiders ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , vs. Tampa Bay , at Cleveland and at the Chargers .
That stretch will define Gruden ’ s third season .
Colts ’ defense impressive .
Indianapolis ’ defense leads the NFL in fewest yards per game ( 236.3 ) , yards per play ( 4.44 ) , passing yards per game ( 159.3 ) , passing yards per play ( 5.44 ) , third down ( opponents convert only 31.1 % ) , points per game ( 14.0 ) and interceptions ( seven ) .
A key addition has been defensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight quarterback hits ) .
“ It ’ s rare that you get a guy with that size ( 6-foot-7 ) and is that athletic , ” defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus said .
Around the NFC : Quick hook in Washington for second-year quarterback Dwayne Haskins Packers rolling .
Green Bay sprinted into its bye with a 4-0 record , a point-differential of plus-51 and quarterback Aaron Rodgers having 13 touchdowns and no interceptions .
Coach Matt LaFleur is 17-3 since being hired , tied for the second-best 20-game record in NFL history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seifert , who inherited Bill Walsh ’ s team and went 18-2 .
The Packers have started 4-0 in consecutive years for the first time since 1965-66 .
Haskins ’ quick hook .
Never underestimate a coach ’ s lack of loyalty to a quarterback he didn ’ t draft .
Washington ( 1-3 ) pulled the rug out from Dwayne Haskins , the 15th overall draft choice in 2019 , on Wednesday .
Coach Ron Rivera made the change to Kyle Allen ( they were together in Carolina ) and elevated Alex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it does have the feel that Washington is still chasing its tail , Rivera basically admitted the NFC East being up for grabs drove his decision , plus the lack of practice time .
In reality , Rivera should have started Allen from Week 1 .
Dallas ’ defense awful .
The Cowboys ’ offense is averaging 509.5 yards per game , 64 more yards than any team .
Problem is , their defense can ’ t stop anybody .
Dallas is 30th in yards allowed ( 430.5 ) and worst in points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 307 yards last week , the most ever allowed by the Cowboys .
“ There have been no effort issues , in my opinion , ” defensive coordinator Mike Nolan said .
“ We played very poorly .
I hope we don ’ t have to live through another one of those.
” Next up are the Giants , whose 276.1 yards per game is tied for last in the league .
That could fix things .

Game of the week
Indianapolis at Cleveland
Both teams have won three consecutive games after bad Week 1 losses (Colts fell to Jacksonville and the Browns were routed by Baltimore). The Colts are a 1 1/2-point road favorite, but Cleveland’s offense should make it the favorite — the Browns have scored 35, 34 and 49 points the last three weeks.
Browns 25, Colts 22
Upset of the week
Carolina at Atlanta
The 0-4 Falcons are a two-point home underdog against the suddenly surging Panthers (2-2). One of these Monday mornings, Falcons owner Arthur Blank is going to realize it’s time to move on from coach Dan Quinn. But it won’t be this Monday because Atlanta will pull off the mild upset.
Falcons 13, Panthers 10
Lock of the week
Jacksonville at Houston
The Texans are a six-point home favorite despite being 0-4 and having fired coach/GM Bill O’Brien. That’s why this is our lock — teams with interim coaches usually get some kind of bump and they’re facing the right team (the Jaguars) at the right time (the Jaguars’ defense is a mess).
Texans 31, Jaguars 20
Around the AFC: Bad trades, signings doomed Houston GM/coach Bill O’Brien
O’Brien gets gate. Bill O’Brien the general manager ultimately failed Bill O’Brien the head coach, resulting in his firing Monday following Houston’s 0-4 start. How attractive is the Texans job? Well, they’ve got quarterback Deshaun Watson … and then what? They don’t have first- or second-round picks in 2021 because of the trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil. A key for any interested candidate is getting the truth about Jack Easterby’s role. Brought to Houston by O’Brien, Easterby has seen his influence increase and will reportedly advise owner Cal McNair during a search. Beware, general manager and coach candidates.
No big plays for Raiders. Las Vegas is back at sea level following a 2-0 start (2-2) and now heads to Kansas City. Uh oh. The issue is their defense isn’t making any plays. Their four sacks are tied for second-fewest in the NFL and their two takeaways is third-fewest. “We have to get the turnovers from our defense,” coach Jon Gruden said. “That’s a big story here.” The Raiders’ next four games: At the Chiefs, vs. Tampa Bay, at Cleveland and at the Chargers. That stretch will define Gruden’s third season.
Colts’ defense impressive. Indianapolis’ defense leads the NFL in fewest yards per game (236.3), yards per play (4.44), passing yards per game (159.3), passing yards per play (5.44), third down (opponents convert only 31.1%), points per game (14.0) and interceptions (seven). A key addition has been defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (18 tackles and eight quarterback hits). “It’s rare that you get a guy with that size (6-foot-7) and is that athletic,” defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus said.
Around the NFC: Quick hook in Washington for second-year quarterback Dwayne Haskins
Packers rolling. Green Bay sprinted into its bye with a 4-0 record, a point-differential of plus-51 and quarterback Aaron Rodgers having 13 touchdowns and no interceptions. Coach Matt LaFleur is 17-3 since being hired, tied for the second-best 20-game record in NFL history, behind San Francisco’s George Seifert, who inherited Bill Walsh’s team and went 18-2. The Packers have started 4-0 in consecutive years for the first time since 1965-66.
Haskins’ quick hook. Never underestimate a coach’s lack of loyalty to a quarterback he didn’t draft. Washington (1-3) pulled the rug out from Dwayne Haskins, the 15th overall draft choice in 2019, on Wednesday. Coach Ron Rivera made the change to Kyle Allen (they were together in Carolina) and elevated Alex Smith to No. 2. Although it does have the feel that Washington is still chasing its tail, Rivera basically admitted the NFC East being up for grabs drove his decision, plus the lack of practice time. In reality, Rivera should have started Allen from Week 1.
Dallas’ defense awful. The Cowboys’ offense is averaging 509.5 yards per game, 64 more yards than any team. Problem is, their defense can’t stop anybody. Dallas is 30th in yards allowed (430.5) and worst in points allowed (36.5). Cleveland rushed for 307 yards last week, the most ever allowed by the Cowboys. “There have been no effort issues, in my opinion,” defensive coordinator Mike Nolan said. “We played very poorly. I hope we don’t have to live through another one of those.” Next up are the Giants, whose 276.1 yards per game is tied for last in the league. That could fix things.


thedenverpost--2020-10-11--5A state softball: Fossil Ridge claims first title with 5-1 victory against Cherokee Trail

AURORA — Nikki McGaffin leaped into the outstretched arms of teammates on Saturday to complete an improbable 10-month journey from spinal surgery to Class 5A state softball champion .
The Fossil Ridge junior with flowing blonde hair and a devastating fastball lit the celebration fuse at Aurora Sports Park with a seventh-inning strikeout against Cherokee Trail to give the SaberCats a 5-1 victory and the school ’ s first state title in softball .
McGaffin laid beneath a dogpile of teammates to erase Fossil Ridge ’ s postseason demons and establish herself as arguably Colorado ’ s top prep pitcher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the direction of head coach Dave Philop , were state runners-up in 2019 , 2017 and 2014 .
They had reached the Final Four in seven of the past eight seasons .
Now , a new descriptor for the program : Champions .
“ It feels great , ” McGaffin said .
“ I think all of us had it in the back of our mind that we wanted to do it for Dave because he ’ s just such a great coach .
… Both of us to have such a successful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Added Philop : “ I ’ m getting pretty old here .
You don ’ t know if you ’ re ever going to win one .
It ’ s neat , but you still do this for the kids , as much as it ’ s satisfying for myself , too , and my family.
” Fourth-seeded Fossil Ridge ( 17-3 ) faced an early uphill climb against Cherokee Trail ( 17-3 ) , the surprise tenth-seed to reach the final .
McGaffin gave up hits to her first two batters and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RBI single from junior Brooke Scott scored junior Ryleigh Cruz .
Fossil Ridge never lost faith in its starting righthander — whose perseverance is well established .
McGaffin said she underwent spinal surgery in mid-December that kept her off the field for six months and that she is “ almost 100 percent back.
” The challenge proved motivating .
Throughout the season , during important moments on the mound , she ’ d curl her arm and tap her shoulder .
Translation : “ We came back this year with a chip on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That swagger paid dividends Saturday .
McGaffin shut down CT ’ s lineup after the first and allowed only one base runner over her final three innings .
Fossil Ridge ’ s infield also turned two double plays .
“ I just love to watch that young lady pitch , ” Philop said .
“ She ’ s competed from the first day that we ever saw her as a freshman in our program .
It ’ s just the way she plays .
She really became a leader on the mound .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ us.
” The comeback effort gave McGaffin her 17th win on the year with a sub-2.00 ERA .
“ In the first inning they jumped on me , but I stayed to the same game plan and worked my fingers , ” McGaffin said .
“ I gave up some speed to work my spin .
My defense worked great behind me .
It just came out in our favor.
” Fossil Ridge broke the game open with the four-run fourth inning .
Junior Bella Forbes tabbed an RBI infield single to tie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CT junior pitcher Jenna Medhus gave the SaberCats a 2-1 lead .
Then junior Elizabeth Browning cranked a two-out , two-run single to put Fossil Ridge up 4-1 .
A solo homer in the fifth from sophomore Kodi Alvord gave the Sabercats a 5-1 cushion that Philop called “ gigantic ” in securing the victory .
“ The best feeling in the world , ” Alvord said .
“ We just played our hearts out.
” The player sentiment to win the title for Philop was strong as Fossil Ridge players hoisted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up with emotion discussing his team ’ s long journey to finally winning it all .
“ That almost makes you cry , ” Philop said .
“ It just tells you how truly blessed you are to have a bunch of young ladies that play that hard for you .
”

AURORA — Nikki McGaffin leaped into the outstretched arms of teammates on Saturday to complete an improbable 10-month journey from spinal surgery to Class 5A state softball champion.
The Fossil Ridge junior with flowing blonde hair and a devastating fastball lit the celebration fuse at Aurora Sports Park with a seventh-inning strikeout against Cherokee Trail to give the SaberCats a 5-1 victory and the school’s first state title in softball. McGaffin laid beneath a dogpile of teammates to erase Fossil Ridge’s postseason demons and establish herself as arguably Colorado’s top prep pitcher in 2020.
The SaberCats, under the direction of head coach Dave Philop, were state runners-up in 2019, 2017 and 2014. They had reached the Final Four in seven of the past eight seasons.
Now, a new descriptor for the program: Champions.
“It feels great,” McGaffin said. “I think all of us had it in the back of our mind that we wanted to do it for Dave because he’s just such a great coach. … Both of us to have such a successful moment together really meant a lot.”
Added Philop: “I’m getting pretty old here. You don’t know if you’re ever going to win one. It’s neat, but you still do this for the kids, as much as it’s satisfying for myself, too, and my family.”
Fourth-seeded Fossil Ridge (17-3) faced an early uphill climb against Cherokee Trail (17-3), the surprise tenth-seed to reach the final. McGaffin gave up hits to her first two batters and CT established a 1-0 lead when an RBI single from junior Brooke Scott scored junior Ryleigh Cruz.
Fossil Ridge never lost faith in its starting righthander — whose perseverance is well established. McGaffin said she underwent spinal surgery in mid-December that kept her off the field for six months and that she is “almost 100 percent back.” The challenge proved motivating.
Throughout the season, during important moments on the mound, she’d curl her arm and tap her shoulder.
Translation: “We came back this year with a chip on our shoulder,” McGaffin said.
That swagger paid dividends Saturday. McGaffin shut down CT’s lineup after the first and allowed only one base runner over her final three innings. Fossil Ridge’s infield also turned two double plays.
“I just love to watch that young lady pitch,” Philop said. “She’s competed from the first day that we ever saw her as a freshman in our program. It’s just the way she plays. She really became a leader on the mound. … Her competitive desire is what carries us.”
The comeback effort gave McGaffin her 17th win on the year with a sub-2.00 ERA.
“In the first inning they jumped on me, but I stayed to the same game plan and worked my fingers,” McGaffin said. “I gave up some speed to work my spin. My defense worked great behind me. It just came out in our favor.”
Fossil Ridge broke the game open with the four-run fourth inning. Junior Bella Forbes tabbed an RBI infield single to tie the game before a bases-loaded walk from CT junior pitcher Jenna Medhus gave the SaberCats a 2-1 lead. Then junior Elizabeth Browning cranked a two-out, two-run single to put Fossil Ridge up 4-1.
A solo homer in the fifth from sophomore Kodi Alvord gave the Sabercats a 5-1 cushion that Philop called “gigantic” in securing the victory.
“The best feeling in the world,” Alvord said. “We just played our hearts out.”
The player sentiment to win the title for Philop was strong as Fossil Ridge players hoisted the trophy on Saturday. Their coach welled up with emotion discussing his team’s long journey to finally winning it all.
“That almost makes you cry,” Philop said. “It just tells you how truly blessed you are to have a bunch of young ladies that play that hard for you.”


thedenverpost--2020-10-11--Kiszla: Why the Avs are frugal in Cup quest, Von Miller might be done with Broncos and Nolan Arenado

Kiszla: Why the Avs are frugal in Cup quest, Von Miller might be done with Broncos and Nolan Arenado could be stuck in bad Rockies marriage

With legit Stanley Cup aspirations and oodles of money to spend , why didn ’ t the Avalanche splurge on former MVP Taylor Hall on the first day of NHL free agency ?
Why does linebacker Von Miller get crabby when a Denver radio station asks him about taking a paycut to remain with the Broncos ?
How could it be possible the Rockies might find it extremely difficult to get a fair return by trading Nolan Arenado ?
With the coronavirus forcing hockey , basketball , baseball and football to play games in a bubble or near-empty stadiums , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ losing revenue by the billions .
As the Broncos well know , the pandemic has already messed the NFL schedule , while the NBA and NHL aren ’ t certain when next season will begin .
There ’ s a COVID winter coming .
Sports are already feeling the economic chill .
And here ’ s your proof : Hall , who scored 39 goals and added 54 assists two years ago , should already be wearing an Avs sweater , making plans to hoist the Cup in 2021 .
Hall is worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 56 million deal our old pal Matt Duchene signed with Nashville last year .
But uncertain when COVID will allow hockey to be played again or how many fans will be in Pepsi Center when Colorado next takes the ice , the league has quit spending big U.S. dollars like Monopoly money .
Miller got miffed last week when asked by Zach Bye and Brandon Stokley of 104.3 The Fan if he would be willing to take a paycut to ensure his long-term future with the Broncos .
“ I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about , ” Miller insisted .
Don ’ t let the Vonster fool you .
He knows the score .
Miller wants to return from a serious ankle injury to play again this season because he wants to make a playoff push with teammates and also needs to make a contract drive .
The Broncos hold a club option at a salary-cap hit in excess of $ 20 million for next season .
It makes zero economic sense for John Elway to pay that much money to an edge-rusher who hasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a tricky financial situation , and Miller had a friendlier , more-nuanced discussion about it with my colleague Ryan O ’ Halloran than on the radio .
“ I want to be here forever , through the thick , the thin , the Super Bowl seasons , the losing seasons .
I want to be here forever , ” Miller told The Denver Post .
But he also understands the down-and-dirty business of football has no sentimentality .
“ I know how the NFL works : 31 years old and been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Miller said .
“ But if I had a choice , I would want to be here and be the same Von I was and the same Von I was going to be this season … ” Miller doesn ’ t want to say goodbye to Denver .
He might not have a choice .
We ’ ve saved the most absurd situation for last .
As the Rockies crumbled after a fast start to this virus-abbreviated season , Arenado was no happier with general manager Jeff Bridich than any Colorado fan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mid-September , with his shoulder aching and his team sinking in the National League standings like rocks , Arenado was irked by the prospect of missing this year ’ s expanded playoffs .
When I asked his role in the collapse , he did not hesitate to take responsibility .
“ I haven ’ t been very good .
You can say it .
It ’ s fine .
I ’ ll say it .
I haven ’ t been very good , ” admitted Arenado , who hung up his spikes after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looks worse when cross-referenced with more advanced metrics .
Arenado can opt out his contract at the end of 2021 , which screams Colorado should trade him before the third baseman walks for nothing .
But this could become a murky mess .
What team is going to trade a boatload of top prospects to the Rockies without a long-term commitment from Arenado ?
With the pandemic fallout likely to linger well into next year , would Arenado really walk away from more than $ 160 million guaranteed after next season ?
Sounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Bridich could be stuck in .
Way back in April , there was a survey conducted that raised eyebrows by suggesting more than 70 % of fans wouldn ’ t feel comfortable attending games until a coronavirus vaccine was available .
The pandemic is a major disruptor capable of destroying cherished traditions .
As sure as there are movie theaters and restaurants that won ’ t survive COVID , the Broncos have to be mindful while playing in front of 70,000 empty seats at home games for the remainder of this season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finish 4-12 , because some paying customers will be hesitant to re-invest in bad football .
The only thing more important in pro sports than a W or L is the $ .
When there was understandable grousing in the Denver locker room about how New England ’ s poor handling of the pandemic messed with the Broncos ’ schedule , coach Vic Fangio was quick to remind players that unlike millions of Americans , they still had jobs during these pandemic times .
If the lack of action in NHL free agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is grinding to a halt .
Until further notice , here ’ s the deal for any athlete looking for a big , fact paycheck : No more Monopoly money .
We hate to inform the Vonster , but these are the new rules .
Do not pass Go !
Do not collect $ 20 million .

With legit Stanley Cup aspirations and oodles of money to spend, why didn’t the Avalanche splurge on former MVP Taylor Hall on the first day of NHL free agency?
COVID-19.
Why does linebacker Von Miller get crabby when a Denver radio station asks him about taking a paycut to remain with the Broncos?
COVID-19.
How could it be possible the Rockies might find it extremely difficult to get a fair return by trading Nolan Arenado?
COVID-19.
With the coronavirus forcing hockey, basketball, baseball and football to play games in a bubble or near-empty stadiums, major professional leagues in North America are losing revenue by the billions. As the Broncos well know, the pandemic has already messed the NFL schedule, while the NBA and NHL aren’t certain when next season will begin.
There’s a COVID winter coming. Sports are already feeling the economic chill.
And here’s your proof: Hall, who scored 39 goals and added 54 assists two years ago, should already be wearing an Avs sweater, making plans to hoist the Cup in 2021. Hall is worth every penny of the seven-year, $56 million deal our old pal Matt Duchene signed with Nashville last year.
But uncertain when COVID will allow hockey to be played again or how many fans will be in Pepsi Center when Colorado next takes the ice, the league has quit spending big U.S. dollars like Monopoly money.
The new coronavirus reality bites.
Miller got miffed last week when asked by Zach Bye and Brandon Stokley of 104.3 The Fan if he would be willing to take a paycut to ensure his long-term future with the Broncos.
“I don’t know what y’all are talking about,” Miller insisted.
Don’t let the Vonster fool you. He knows the score.
Miller wants to return from a serious ankle injury to play again this season because he wants to make a playoff push with teammates and also needs to make a contract drive. The Broncos hold a club option at a salary-cap hit in excess of $20 million for next season. It makes zero economic sense for John Elway to pay that much money to an edge-rusher who hasn’t been the Vonster since 2018.
It’s a tricky financial situation, and Miller had a friendlier, more-nuanced discussion about it with my colleague Ryan O’Halloran than on the radio.
“I want to be here forever, through the thick, the thin, the Super Bowl seasons, the losing seasons. I want to be here forever,” Miller told The Denver Post.
But he also understands the down-and-dirty business of football has no sentimentality. “I know how the NFL works: 31 years old and been in the league for 10 years,” Miller said. “But if I had a choice, I would want to be here and be the same Von I was and the same Von I was going to be this season …”
Miller doesn’t want to say goodbye to Denver. He might not have a choice.
We’ve saved the most absurd situation for last. As the Rockies crumbled after a fast start to this virus-abbreviated season, Arenado was no happier with general manager Jeff Bridich than any Colorado fan who pines for winning baseball.
In mid-September, with his shoulder aching and his team sinking in the National League standings like rocks, Arenado was irked by the prospect of missing this year’s expanded playoffs. When I asked his role in the collapse, he did not hesitate to take responsibility.
“I haven’t been very good. You can say it. It’s fine. I’ll say it. I haven’t been very good,” admitted Arenado, who hung up his spikes after posting a .253 batting average that actually looks worse when cross-referenced with more advanced metrics.
Arenado can opt out his contract at the end of 2021, which screams Colorado should trade him before the third baseman walks for nothing. But this could become a murky mess. What team is going to trade a boatload of top prospects to the Rockies without a long-term commitment from Arenado? With the pandemic fallout likely to linger well into next year, would Arenado really walk away from more than $160 million guaranteed after next season?
Sounds like this is a bad marriage Arenado and Bridich could be stuck in.
Way back in April, there was a survey conducted that raised eyebrows by suggesting more than 70% of fans wouldn’t feel comfortable attending games until a coronavirus vaccine was available. The pandemic is a major disruptor capable of destroying cherished traditions.
As sure as there are movie theaters and restaurants that won’t survive COVID, the Broncos have to be mindful while playing in front of 70,000 empty seats at home games for the remainder of this season that it would be bad business to finish 4-12, because some paying customers will be hesitant to re-invest in bad football.
The only thing more important in pro sports than a W or L is the $. When there was understandable grousing in the Denver locker room about how New England’s poor handling of the pandemic messed with the Broncos’ schedule, coach Vic Fangio was quick to remind players that unlike millions of Americans, they still had jobs during these pandemic times.
If the lack of action in NHL free agency is any indication, the gravy train is grinding to a halt. Until further notice, here’s the deal for any athlete looking for a big, fact paycheck: No more Monopoly money.
We hate to inform the Vonster, but these are the new rules.
Do not pass Go! Do not collect $20 million.


thedenverpost--2020-10-11--Lakers didn’t like calls, but NBA says they were right ones

LAKE BUENA VISTA , Fla. — The NBA said Saturday that two calls that sent Jimmy Butler to the line in the final minute of Game 5 of the NBA Finals held up in the league ’ s customary review of close games .
The calls the Lakers ’ took issue with came with 46.7 seconds left and 16.8 seconds remaining , the first one charged to Markieff Morris and the other charged to Anthony Davis .
Butler made all four free throws on those plays , and the Heat won 111-108 to extend the series to Game 6 on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls at the end put Butler to the line , you know , and that ’ s unfortunate in a game of this magnitude , ” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said after the game .
“ Anthony Davis has a perfect verticality , should be a play on .
And the time before that , Markieff Morris has his hands on the ball , that should be a play on.
” The league , however , disagreed in Saturday ’ s Last 2 Minute Report — the customary review of all calls made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the final two minutes of close games .
It said Morris hit Butler ’ s left arm on a play where the Heat star drove the lane and , after his shot missed , slumped over a video board several feet behind the baseline for a few seconds to catch his breath .
On the second play , the league said Davis jumped into Butler and initiated contact .
“ A couple , you know , questionable calls that swayed their way and put Jimmy to the free-throw line , ” Lakers forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can ’ t do that.
” There were two calls that the Lakers should have gotten , the league said , though they cost L.A. one point at the most .
James , the league said , was fouled by Butler with 1:01 left and should have gotten two free throws — but on the same play , James grabbed the offensive rebound of his own miss and scored , so the Lakers got the two points anyway .
The other missed call that disadvantaged the Lakers was what should have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Andre Iguodala with about 28 seconds left .
The Lakers wound up scoring on that play as well , with Davis grabbing an offensive rebound and laying it in for a 108-107 lead .
Miami ’ s Duncan Robinson became the 10th player in NBA Finals history to make seven 3-pointers in a game , doing it in Game 5 on Friday night .
Stephen Curry has done that five times and Ray Allen did it twice .
The others besides Robinson to do it — Danny Green , Kyrie Irving , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smith , Kenny Smith and Klay Thompson .
Miller , like Robinson , did it in a Heat uniform .
LeBron James made six 3s in Game 5 , tying the Los Angeles Lakers ’ record for 3 ’ s in a finals game .
The others on that list : Derek Fisher , Michael Cooper and Kobe Bryant .
Miami ’ s Jimmy Butler has been in five NBA Finals games — and is already tied for fourth on an all-time list .
He has two triple-doubles in his finals career .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Magic Johnson ( 8 ) and Draymond Green ( 3 ) have more .
Larry Bird , Wilt Chamberlain , Bob Cousy , Walt Frazier and Bill Russell also had two in their careers .
Butler is the first player in NBA history to have two triple-doubles in his first finals appearance .

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The NBA said Saturday that two calls that sent Jimmy Butler to the line in the final minute of Game 5 of the NBA Finals held up in the league’s customary review of close games.
The calls the Lakers’ took issue with came with 46.7 seconds left and 16.8 seconds remaining, the first one charged to Markieff Morris and the other charged to Anthony Davis. Butler made all four free throws on those plays, and the Heat won 111-108 to extend the series to Game 6 on Sunday.
“I felt two bad calls at the end put Butler to the line, you know, and that’s unfortunate in a game of this magnitude,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said after the game. “Anthony Davis has a perfect verticality, should be a play on. And the time before that, Markieff Morris has his hands on the ball, that should be a play on.”
The league, however, disagreed in Saturday’s Last 2 Minute Report — the customary review of all calls made (and calls not made) in the final two minutes of close games. It said Morris hit Butler’s left arm on a play where the Heat star drove the lane and, after his shot missed, slumped over a video board several feet behind the baseline for a few seconds to catch his breath.
On the second play, the league said Davis jumped into Butler and initiated contact.
“A couple, you know, questionable calls that swayed their way and put Jimmy to the free-throw line,” Lakers forward LeBron James said. “Obviously, we can’t do that.”
There were two calls that the Lakers should have gotten, the league said, though they cost L.A. one point at the most. James, the league said, was fouled by Butler with 1:01 left and should have gotten two free throws — but on the same play, James grabbed the offensive rebound of his own miss and scored, so the Lakers got the two points anyway.
The other missed call that disadvantaged the Lakers was what should have been a defensive 3-second violation against Miami’s Andre Iguodala with about 28 seconds left. The Lakers wound up scoring on that play as well, with Davis grabbing an offensive rebound and laying it in for a 108-107 lead.
ON 3s
Miami’s Duncan Robinson became the 10th player in NBA Finals history to make seven 3-pointers in a game, doing it in Game 5 on Friday night.
Stephen Curry has done that five times and Ray Allen did it twice. The others besides Robinson to do it — Danny Green, Kyrie Irving, Mike Miller, Scottie Pippen, J.R. Smith, Kenny Smith and Klay Thompson. Miller, like Robinson, did it in a Heat uniform.
LeBron James made six 3s in Game 5, tying the Los Angeles Lakers’ record for 3’s in a finals game. The others on that list: Derek Fisher, Michael Cooper and Kobe Bryant.
BUTLER’S NUMBERS
Miami’s Jimmy Butler has been in five NBA Finals games — and is already tied for fourth on an all-time list.
He has two triple-doubles in his finals career. Only LeBron James (10), Magic Johnson (8) and Draymond Green (3) have more. Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain, Bob Cousy, Walt Frazier and Bill Russell also had two in their careers.
Butler is the first player in NBA history to have two triple-doubles in his first finals appearance.


thedenverpost--2020-10-10--Chambers: Next NHL season to begin in 2021, and it could be an experiment

The reason most hockey players are great golfers is obvious : They ’ re excellent athletes and have summers off .
Next summer , however , what will be dubbed the 2020-21 regular season will probably go into July , and the Stanley Cup won ’ t be awarded until late August or September .
A new tentative Jan. 1 start to the season might stick for ensuing years if next season highlights all the advantages of playing in one calendar year .
The NHL has never fared well going head-to-head with fall football , and joining baseball in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Stanley Cup has been awarded almost every spring or early summer since 1893 — it ’ s the oldest trophy to be awarded to a professional sports franchise in North America — traditionalists are bound to provide significant push-back .
But 2021 will serve as a large-scale experiment .
“ We really haven ’ t focused precisely on what we ’ re going to be doing next season , ” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said on NHL Network last week .
“ I think it ’ s fairly clear that while Dec. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we ’ re focused on the fact that we ’ re really looking now at Jan. 1 to start the season up .
Our hope is to have a full season , full regular season , and to have fans in the building , but there are a lot of things that have to transpire , many of which , if not most of which , are beyond our control before we can finalize our plans.
” The NHL has too many markets that can ’ t afford to play without fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with its national television contract with NBC ( $ 200 million revenue annually ) , it pales in comparison to Major League Baseball ( $ 1.5 billion ) , the NBA ( $ 2.66 billion ) and the NFL ( $ 6 billion ) .
So fans in the stands are highly important to the NHL , and the league will plan around that .
If the COVID-19 crisis continues , next season could be pushed further into next year .
Free-falling agency .
The litany of one- and two-year contracts signed since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct result of coronavirus-caused economics .
And the fact the top-two free agents — defenseman Alex Pietrangelo and forward Taylor Hall — were still unsigned early Saturday night served as another example of the uncertain financial future .
NHL teams are leery of doling out massive contracts when preparing to possibly take a financial hit next season and beyond .
The situation we discussed heavily throughout North American media markets before Friday , and what has unfolded , has certainly underlined the significant concerns by teams .
Pietrangelo and Hall were also still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow a recruiting period before Friday .
In some previous years , the league allowed teams to make their pitches to players in the days leading into free agency , and most of those players would finalize their deals within the first two hours of the event .
Pietrangelo on Saturday confirmed a report that he flew to Las Vegas to visit with the Golden Knights .
For all we know , Hall could have been in Denver visiting with the Avalanche — which we believe is interested in signing the 2018 Hart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deals .

The reason most hockey players are great golfers is obvious: They’re excellent athletes and have summers off.
Next summer, however, what will be dubbed the 2020-21 regular season will probably go into July, and the Stanley Cup won’t be awarded until late August or September.
A new tentative Jan. 1 start to the season might stick for ensuing years if next season highlights all the advantages of playing in one calendar year. The NHL has never fared well going head-to-head with fall football, and joining baseball in the summer could be advantageous.
Given that the Stanley Cup has been awarded almost every spring or early summer since 1893 — it’s the oldest trophy to be awarded to a professional sports franchise in North America — traditionalists are bound to provide significant push-back.
But 2021 will serve as a large-scale experiment.
“We really haven’t focused precisely on what we’re going to be doing next season,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said on NHL Network last week. “I think it’s fairly clear that while Dec. 1 has always been a notional date, we’re focused on the fact that we’re really looking now at Jan. 1 to start the season up. Our hope is to have a full season, full regular season, and to have fans in the building, but there are a lot of things that have to transpire, many of which, if not most of which, are beyond our control before we can finalize our plans.”
The NHL has too many markets that can’t afford to play without fans. And while the league is happy with its national television contract with NBC ($200 million revenue annually), it pales in comparison to Major League Baseball ($1.5 billion), the NBA ($2.66 billion) and the NFL ($6 billion).
So fans in the stands are highly important to the NHL, and the league will plan around that. If the COVID-19 crisis continues, next season could be pushed further into next year.
Free-falling agency. The litany of one- and two-year contracts signed since NHL free agency began Friday is a direct result of coronavirus-caused economics. And the fact the top-two free agents — defenseman Alex Pietrangelo and forward Taylor Hall — were still unsigned early Saturday night served as another example of the uncertain financial future.
NHL teams are leery of doling out massive contracts when preparing to possibly take a financial hit next season and beyond. The situation we discussed heavily throughout North American media markets before Friday, and what has unfolded, has certainly underlined the significant concerns by teams.
Pietrangelo and Hall were also still unsigned because the NHL didn’t allow a recruiting period before Friday. In some previous years, the league allowed teams to make their pitches to players in the days leading into free agency, and most of those players would finalize their deals within the first two hours of the event.
Pietrangelo on Saturday confirmed a report that he flew to Las Vegas to visit with the Golden Knights. For all we know, Hall could have been in Denver visiting with the Avalanche — which we believe is interested in signing the 2018 Hart Trophy winner to one of those short-term deals.


thedenverpost--2020-10-10--Avalanche trades Nikita Zadorov to Chicago in a four-player deal that nets Brandon Saad

The Avalanche acquired forward Brandon Saad and defenseman Dennis Gilbert from the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday in exchange for defensemen Nikita Zadorov and Anton Lindholm , the team announced .
The trade was first reported by Sportsnet ’ s Elliotte Friedman , who said the Blackhawks will retain $ 1 million of Saad ’ s $ 6 million contract for 2020-21 .
Saad can be an unrestricted free agent after next season , so he could become just a yearlong “ rental ” for the Avs .
Saad , who turns 28 this month , has reached 20 goals in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Chicago .
He won the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2013 and 2015 before being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets on June 30 , 2015 .
Saad had a career-high 31 goals and was selected to the NHL All-Star Game in 2015-16 .
He was re-acquired by the Blackhawks on June 23 , 2017 .
Gilbert , 23 , split his time last season with the Blackhawks and their AHL affiliate , the Rockford IceHogs .
Gilbert played three years at Notre Dame before turning pro in 2018 .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stanley Cup champion who brings veteran leadership and experience to our team .
He is a proven goal scorer and at age 27 , is in the prime of his career , ” Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic said in a release .
“ We are also adding a sturdy , young defenseman in Dennis who plays a physical game and will help our depth on the blue line .
“ We thank Nikita and Anton for their time with the Avalanche and wish them the best of luck moving forward.
” Zadorov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and all 15 playoff games with the Avalanche .
At times a fierce hitter , he likely wore out his welcome in Colorado because of his inconsistent play — he was a healthy scratch three times and benched late in games a number of times last season .
Zadorov agreed to a $ 3.2 million one-year contract with the Blackhawks on Saturday — the same deal he signed a year earlier with the Avs .
Lindholm , 25 , mostly played for the AHL ’ s Colorado Eagles last season .
The 66-game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start with a new team .
Acquiring Saad might end the Avalanche ’ s desire to sign free-agent forward Taylor Hall , 28 , in free agency .
Saad and Hall are similar left-shooting forwards .

The Avalanche acquired forward Brandon Saad and defenseman Dennis Gilbert from the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday in exchange for defensemen Nikita Zadorov and Anton Lindholm, the team announced.
The trade was first reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who said the Blackhawks will retain $1 million of Saad’s $6 million contract for 2020-21. Saad can be an unrestricted free agent after next season, so he could become just a yearlong “rental” for the Avs.
Saad, who turns 28 this month, has reached 20 goals in five seasons, including the last two with Chicago. He won the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2013 and 2015 before being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets on June 30, 2015. Saad had a career-high 31 goals and was selected to the NHL All-Star Game in 2015-16. He was re-acquired by the Blackhawks on June 23, 2017.
Gilbert, 23, split his time last season with the Blackhawks and their AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs. Gilbert played three years at Notre Dame before turning pro in 2018.
“In Brandon we are acquiring a two-time Stanley Cup champion who brings veteran leadership and experience to our team. He is a proven goal scorer and at age 27, is in the prime of his career,” Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic said in a release. “We are also adding a sturdy, young defenseman in Dennis who plays a physical game and will help our depth on the blue line.
“We thank Nikita and Anton for their time with the Avalanche and wish them the best of luck moving forward.”
Zadorov, 25, played 64 regular-season games and all 15 playoff games with the Avalanche. At times a fierce hitter, he likely wore out his welcome in Colorado because of his inconsistent play — he was a healthy scratch three times and benched late in games a number of times last season.
Zadorov agreed to a $3.2 million one-year contract with the Blackhawks on Saturday — the same deal he signed a year earlier with the Avs.
Lindholm, 25, mostly played for the AHL’s Colorado Eagles last season. The 66-game NHL player from Sweden gets a fresh start with a new team.
Acquiring Saad might end the Avalanche’s desire to sign free-agent forward Taylor Hall, 28, in free agency. Saad and Hall are similar left-shooting forwards.


thedenverpost--2020-10-10--White House COVID-19 aid offer is panned by Pelosi, Senate GOP

WASHINGTON — A new White House coronavirus aid offer got bad reviews from both ends of the political spectrum on Saturday .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , rejected the most generous Trump administration plan to date as “ one step forward , two steps back.
” The Republicans who control the Senate dismissed it as too expensive and a political loser for conservatives .
Pelosi said she is still hopeful that progress can be made toward a deal but it ’ s as clear as ever that GOP conservatives don ’ t want a deal on her terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer before Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Pelosi spoke on Friday afternoon .
President Donald Trump is eager for an agreement before Election Day , even as his most powerful GOP ally in the Senate said Congress is unlikely to deliver relief by then .
“ Covid Relief Negotiations are moving along .
Go Big !
” Trump said Friday on Twitter .
The new offer totals about $ 1.8 trillion , aides familiar with it said , with a key state and local fiscal relief component moving from $ 250 billion to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House says its most recent offer before that was about $ 1.6 trillion .
The aides were not authorized to publicly discuss private negotiations and spoke on condition of anonymity .
Pelosi ’ s most recent public offer was about $ 2.2 trillion , though that included a business tax increase that Republicans won ’ t go for .
In a letter Saturday to colleagues , Pelosi said , “ This proposal amounted to one step forward , two steps back .
When the president talks about wanting a bigger relief package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wants more money at his discretion to grant or withhold.
” She said that while his administration attempted to address some of the Democratic concerns , disagreement remained on many priorities and Democrats are “ awaiting language ” on several provisions .
“ Despite these unaddressed concerns , I remain hopeful that yesterday ’ s developments will move us closer to an agreement on a relief package that addresses the health and economic crisis facing America ’ s families , ” Pelosi ’ s letter said .
Mnuchin ’ s latest offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who weighed in on a conference call Saturday morning , according to a Republican familiar with the call who was not authorized to discuss the call publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity .
Many conservatives are skeptical of so much deficit-financed aid in the first place , and Pelosi-sought provisions such as expanding eligibility for the Affordable Care Act landed with a thud .
Pragmatists such as Sen .
Rob Portman , R-Ohio and politically endangered Republicans including Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina appear willing to “ go big ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Sens .
Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee , Rick Scott of Florida , and John Barrasso of Wyoming , for example — are adamantly opposed to another relief bill that ’ s so generous .
GOP Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell remains skeptical of the chances for an agreement , having told an audience in Kentucky on Friday that he didn ’ t see a deal coming together before Election Day .
“ I think it ’ s unlikely in the next three weeks , ” McConnell said Friday .
He said later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Senate is the Supreme Court , ” suggesting there isn ’ t time to process both a relief bill and the high court nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett before the Nov. 3 election .
President Donald Trump has been all over the map , first as one of the forces in favor of a deal , then killing the talks on Tuesday , only to revive them by weeks ’ end .
On Tuesday , he ordered an end to the weekslong talks after being told that few Republicans in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible Pelosi-Mnuchin deal .
Now , after a political beating , Trump is pressing hard for a deal , motivated by the prospect of sending $ 1,200 direct payments to voters before November .
It ’ s clear from Saturday ’ s Senate GOP conference call that the skepticism or outright opposition hasn ’ t changed .

WASHINGTON — A new White House coronavirus aid offer got bad reviews from both ends of the political spectrum on Saturday.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., rejected the most generous Trump administration plan to date as “one step forward, two steps back.” The Republicans who control the Senate dismissed it as too expensive and a political loser for conservatives.
Pelosi said she is still hopeful that progress can be made toward a deal but it’s as clear as ever that GOP conservatives don’t want a deal on her terms.
The White House had boosted its offer before Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Pelosi spoke on Friday afternoon. President Donald Trump is eager for an agreement before Election Day, even as his most powerful GOP ally in the Senate said Congress is unlikely to deliver relief by then.
“Covid Relief Negotiations are moving along. Go Big!” Trump said Friday on Twitter.
The new offer totals about $1.8 trillion, aides familiar with it said, with a key state and local fiscal relief component moving from $250 billion to at least $300 billion. The White House says its most recent offer before that was about $1.6 trillion. The aides were not authorized to publicly discuss private negotiations and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Pelosi’s most recent public offer was about $2.2 trillion, though that included a business tax increase that Republicans won’t go for.
In a letter Saturday to colleagues, Pelosi said, “This proposal amounted to one step forward, two steps back. When the president talks about wanting a bigger relief package, his proposal appears to mean that he wants more money at his discretion to grant or withhold.”
She said that while his administration attempted to address some of the Democratic concerns, disagreement remained on many priorities and Democrats are “awaiting language” on several provisions.
“Despite these unaddressed concerns, I remain hopeful that yesterday’s developments will move us closer to an agreement on a relief package that addresses the health and economic crisis facing America’s families,” Pelosi’s letter said.
Mnuchin’s latest offer also got a roasting from GOP senators, who weighed in on a conference call Saturday morning, according to a Republican familiar with the call who was not authorized to discuss the call publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Many conservatives are skeptical of so much deficit-financed aid in the first place, and Pelosi-sought provisions such as expanding eligibility for the Affordable Care Act landed with a thud.
Pragmatists such as Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio and politically endangered Republicans including Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina appear willing to “go big” as Trump wants. But rank-and-file Republicans — Sens. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Rick Scott of Florida, and John Barrasso of Wyoming, for example — are adamantly opposed to another relief bill that’s so generous.
GOP Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell remains skeptical of the chances for an agreement, having told an audience in Kentucky on Friday that he didn’t see a deal coming together before Election Day.
“I think it’s unlikely in the next three weeks,” McConnell said Friday. He said later that “the first item of priority of the Senate is the Supreme Court,” suggesting there isn’t time to process both a relief bill and the high court nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett before the Nov. 3 election.
President Donald Trump has been all over the map, first as one of the forces in favor of a deal, then killing the talks on Tuesday, only to revive them by weeks’ end.
On Tuesday, he ordered an end to the weekslong talks after being told that few Republicans in Congress would end up voting for a possible Pelosi-Mnuchin deal. Now, after a political beating, Trump is pressing hard for a deal, motivated by the prospect of sending $1,200 direct payments to voters before November.
It’s clear from Saturday’s Senate GOP conference call that the skepticism or outright opposition hasn’t changed.