When the history books are written about this era in Boston sports — and they will be — the date April 21st, 2018 will likely be just a footnote.
We hope.
Because, darn, if it didn't feel like a mild punch to the gut by the time the day was over
It didn't start out that way. As a beautiful morning (finally) dawned, Boston felt like the Hub of the Universe as always:
- The Celtics, despite the emergence of somebody named Thon Maker, were still leading their series against the Bucks 2-1.
- The Bruins were on the verge of closing out a first-round series with the Toronto Maple Leafs, which would mean the B's would be well-rested for the main event against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the next round.
- The Red Sox were humming at 17-2 with the best record in baseball, and set for their second game against the Oakland Athletics. Since blowing the season opener in Tampa, Boston was one win away from putting together its second nine-game winning streak around their only other loss.
- And the Patriots, despite any perceived or real drama involving Tom Brady, are still the Super Bowl favorites in Las Vegas (6-1 odds).
Gronk laughs it up on Patriots soil
Rob Gronkowski
What do you have to say to your fans that are concerned about your future?
That they're going to see a freak-a-leak when I come back. That's what.
So you are coming back...
Oh ... maybe? (high-pitched laugh)
So you've been in communication with (Bill) Belichick about your plans?
Oh ... just Monster Motorcross is what I'm worried about today.
Will you be putting on your other helmet anytime soon?
The other one? When it comes down to the time. Yeah...
People will see you here and wonder why you're not at the optional workouts...
Because I'm training for this dirt biking.
Do you plan on attending the optional workouts that are upcoming?
Uh ... no. I've got dirt biking skills to work on.
Robert Kraft
Bill Belichick
Bruins, Rask fall flat
Auston Matthews
Tuukka Rask
Bruce Cassidy
Charlie McAvoy
Zdeno Chara, David Krejci, Rick Nash
David Backes
Red-hot Sox are ... no-hit?
Sean Manaea
as a team
Andrew Benintendi
Bob Melvin
Matt Olson fields the ball and lunges for the tag, forcing Andrew Benintendi to leave the base path and keep Sean Manea's no-hit bid intact (00:58)
MLB Gameday: https://t.co/W91qs6MEvu pic.twitter.com/EcoUkD14B0
— Ballpark Videos (@BallparkVids) April 22, 2018
Claude Julien
Alex Cora