Getting eliminated from playoff contention about an hour before their season finale didn’t alter the Detroit Lions’ approach.

If you’re looking for a one word answer to the question, can you or do you believe the Lions are for real, you’ll have to wait a moment. One word answers are great but that wouldn’t be much of a column. So let’s proceed.

Javier Baez said exactly what Detroit Tigers fans wanted to hear five weeks ago, after delivering a thrilling walk-off victory on Opening Day.

There’s only one week left in Major League Baseball’s regular season, and the playoff races are dwindling.

The NHL is preparing to adjust playoff contingency plans if virus restrictions in Canada prevent travel between provinces or back and forth to the U.S. Commissioner Gary Bettman says it’s going to depend on government regulations in terms of where teams will be able to travel.

Since you’re reading this clearly labelled college football column, I’m guessing you already know this by now, but Alabama won... again. Notre Dame, Georgia, LSU, Oregon, Michigan State, Florida State and Washington made up the other eight, and they went a combined 4-7. These are supposed to be the premier moments of the college football season. Think about Western Michigan and Coastal Carolina getting to say they played in a College Football Playoff. It took me awhile to get here, but I’m confident this is the direction college football should take.

The season came to a screeching halt just before heading into the playoffs, but on Monday, weeks later high school football players will be back to practice. Read: Michigan high school football, volleyball, swimming and diving tournaments to resume“I thought that was the last game with my team. Read more: Michigan high school football tournament to resume next month -- here is the scheduleHead coach Jermain Crowell who just recovered from COVID-19 says the shutdown was necessary. He’s thrilled the Michigan High School Athletic Association will be providing more testing for the athletes as they finish out their season. Read even more: Michigan lets high schools, entertainment venues reopen

Major League Baseball’s first-ever 16-team postseason begins Tuesday afternoon with the best-of-three wild card round. This week will be a dream come true for baseball fans, with four games Tuesday, eight games Wednesday and at least four more games Thursday. These teams battled through a difficult and unusual 60-game schedule to get here, and it could all be over in two games. Here’s a look at the full schedule of MLB Wild Card Series games, including game times, TV channels and pitching matchups. St. Louis Cardinals vs. San Diego PadresDetails : Game 3 of NLWS (if necessary) -- Game time TBDPitching matchup: Jack Flaherty vs. TBDCincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta BravesDetails : Game 3 of NLWS (if necessary) -- Game time TBDPitching matchup: Sonny Gray vs. TBDMiami Marlins vs. Chicago CubsDetails : Game 3 of NLWS (if necessary) -- Game time TBDPitching matchup: TBD vs. Jon LesterMilwaukee Brewers vs. Los Angeles Dodogers

The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) is announcing changes to the 2020 high school football postseason. All Michigan high schools football teams this season are able to play up to six regular-season games before the start of the MHSAA Playoffs. That’s down from the usual nine games because the first games this season weren’t played until the traditional Week 4. Here’s the adjusted MHSAA Football Playoffs in each format:11-player footballField: 512 teams -- There are currently 507 playing 11-player football this season, so five teams are scheduled to receive first-round byes at this time. Schedule: 3 District Rounds, Regional Finals, Semifinals, Finals.

With six days left until the end of the regular season, the Cardinals will either play seven or nine games. Milwaukee is the team to watch this week because all seven games are between desperate, fringy playoff teams. Why do you think this playoff race is so great?”First of all, think of the unique schedule circumstance. Miami plays six games against playoff teams in the Braves and Yankees. The best teams in baseball will be playing the most desperate teams in baseball the final weekend of the year.

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers are only two games out of a playoff spot heading into this weekend, but that doesn’t mean they have any breathing room. The Cleveland Indians are out of reach for the first of two wild card spots, leaving the Tigers, Yankees and Orioles as the top three contenders for the No. That starts this weekend, against a White Sox team that has embarrassed the Tigers this season. It looked like the White Sox were taking batting practice against the kids from their alternate training site. Detroit Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire takes the ball from pitcher Casey Mize (12) in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs in Detroit, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020.

DETROIT The Detroit Tigers are still very much in the hunt for a playoff spot, and Friday could end up being one of the most important days left in the season. The Minnesota Twins and Houston Astros are both three games ahead of the Tigers. READ: Heres how the Tigers should shuffle their starting lineup following the JaCoby Jones injuryFriday is so important for a number of reasons. First of all, the Tigers, Blue Jays, Yankees and Twins all have doubleheaders, meaning there could be massive swings in the standings by the time the dust settles at the end of the day. Christin Stewart #14 of the Detroit Tigers is congratulated by Willi Castro #49 following a home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the third inning at Miller Park on September 01, 2020 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Ryu is an ace, and hell give the Blue Jays a chance to win every time he takes the mound. All three of the Blue Jays deadline acquisitions have been very good in the past and could be so again, but theyre far from safe. Of the seven relievers who have made at least 10 appearances for the Blue Jays, six have sub-3.00 ERAs. As good as Soto and Cisnero have been, the edge has to go to the Blue Jays. Add in the much easier remaining schedule and it looks like itll be a tall task for the Tigers to overcome the Blue Jays for the final wild card spot.

Copyright 2020 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. Philadelphia Flyers (1) vs. New York Islanders (6)Here is the NHL’s 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs Round 2 schedule. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

Here is the schedule for the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. This tournament started with 24 teams. Eight teams were eliminated from playoff contention in a qualifying round. EASTERN CONFERENCEPhiladelphia Flyers (1) vs. Montreal Canadiens (8)Wednesday, Aug. 12, 8 p.m.: Canadiens @ Flyers | NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVASFriday, Aug. 14, 3 p.m.: Canadiens @ Flyers | NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVASSunday, Aug. 16, 8 p.m.: Flyers @ Canadiens | NBC, CBC, SN, TVASTuesday, Aug. 18, 3 p.m.: Flyers @ Canadiens | NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVAS*Wednesday, Aug. 19, TBD: Canadiens @ Flyers | TBD*Friday, Aug. 21, TBD: Flyers @ Canadiens | TBD*Sunday, Aug. 23, TBD: Canadiens @ Flyers | TBDTampa Bay Lightning (2) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (7)Tuesday, Aug. 11, 3 p.m.: Blue Jackets @ Lightning | NBCSN, SN, TVASThursday, Aug. 13, 3 p.m.: Blue Jackets @ Lightning | NBCSN, SN, TVASSaturday, Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m.: Lightning @ Blue Jackets | NBCSN, SN360, TVASMonday, Aug. 17, 3 p.m.: Lightning @ Blue Jackets | NBCSN, SN, TVAS*Wednesday, Aug. 19, TBD: Blue Jackets @ Lightning | TBD*Friday, Aug. 21, TBD: Lightning @ Blue Jackets | TBD*Saturday, Aug. 22, TBD: Blue Jackets @ Lightning | TBDWashington Capitals (3) vs. New York Islanders (6)Wednesday, Aug. 12, 3 p.m. Islanders @ Capitals | NBCSN, SN, TVASFriday, Aug. 14, 8 p.m.: Islanders @ Capitals | NBCSN, FX-CA, TVASSunday, Aug. 16, 12 p.m.: Capitals @ Islanders | USA, SN360, TVASTuesday, Aug. 18, 8 p.m.: Capitals @ Islanders | NBCSN*Thursday, Aug. 20, TBD: Islanders @ Capitals | TBD*Saturday, Aug. 22, TBD: Capitals @ Islanders | TBD*Sunday, Aug. 23, TBD: Islanders @ Capitals | TBDBoston Bruins (4) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (5)Tuesday, Aug. 11, 8 p.m.: Hurricanes @ Bruins | NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVAS -- POSTPONED TO 11 a.m. Aug. 12Thursday, Aug. 13, 8 p.m.: Hurricanes @ Bruins | NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVASSaturday, Aug. 15, 12 p.m.: Bruins @ Hurricanes | NBC, SN, TVASMonday, Aug. 17, 8 p.m.: Bruins @ Hurricanes | NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVAS*Wednesday, Aug. 19, TBD: Hurricanes @ Bruins | TBD*Thursday, Aug. 20, TBD: Bruins @ Hurricanes | TBD*Sunday, Aug. 23, TBD: Hurricanes @ Bruins | TBDWESTERN CONFERENCEVegas Golden Knights (1) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (8)Tuesday, Aug. 11, 10:30 p.m.: Blackhawks @ Golden Knights | NBCSN, SN, TVASThursday, Aug. 13, 5:30 p.m.: Blackhawks @ Golden Knights | NBCSN, SN360, TVASSaturday, Aug. 15, 8 p.m.: Golden Knights @ Blackhawks | NBC, CBC, SN, TVASSunday, Aug. 16, 6:30 p.m.: Golden Knights @ Blackhawks | NBCSN, SN1, SN360*Tuesday, Aug. 18, TBD: Blackhawks @ Golden Knights | TBD*Thursday, Aug. 20, TBD: Golden Knights @ Blackhawks | TBD*Saturday, Aug. 22, TBD: Blackhawks @ Golden Knights | TBDColorado Avalanche (2) vs. Arizona Coyotes (7)Wednesday, Aug. 12, 5:30 p.m.: Coyotes @ Avalanche | NBCSN, SN360, TVASFriday, Aug. 14, 2 p.m.: Coyotes @ Avalanche | NHLN, SN360, TVASSaturday, Aug. 15, 3 p.m.: Avalanche @ Coyotes | CNBC, SN360, TVASMonday, Aug. 17, 5:30 p.m.: Avalanche @ Coyotes | NBCSN, FX-CA, TVAS*Wednesday, Aug. 19, TBD: Coyotes @ Avalanche | TBD*Friday, Aug. 21, TBD: Avalanche @ Coyotes | TBD*Sunday, Aug. 23, TBD: Coyotes @ Avalanche | TBDDallas Stars (3) vs. Calgary Flames (6)Tuesday, Aug. 11, 5:30 p.m.: Flames @ Stars | NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVASThursday, Aug. 13, 10:30 p.m.: Flames @ Stars | NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVASFriday, Aug. 14, 10:30 p.m.: Stars @ Flames | NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVASSunday, Aug. 16, 2 p.m.: Stars @ Flames | NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVAS*Tuesday, Aug. 18, TBD: Flames @ Stars | TBD*Thursday, Aug. 20, TBD: Stars @ Flames | TBD*Saturday, Aug. 22, TBD: Stars @ Flames | TBDSt. Louis Blues (4) vs. Vancouver Canucks (5)Wednesday, Aug. 12, 10:30 p.m.: Canucks @ Blues | NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVASFriday, Aug. 14, 6:30 p.m.: Canucks @ Blues | NHLN, SN, TVASSunday, Aug. 16, 10:30 p.m.: Blues @ Canucks | CNBC, SN, TVASMonday, Aug. 17, 10:30 p.m.: Blues @ Canucks | NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVAS*Wednesday, Aug. 19, TBD: Canucks @ Blues | TBD*Friday, Aug. 21, TBD: Blues @ Canucks | TBD*Sunday, Aug. 23, TBD: Canucks @ Blues | TBD* if necessaryTBD - To Be Determined

TIGERS ROSTER: Tigers reveal final 30-man roster for Opening DayThat leaves nine AL teams fighting for two spots. Twins (101 wins last year)10 games vs. Indians (93)6 games vs. Reds (75)4 games vs. Cardinals (91)Blue Jays:10 games vs. Yankees (103)10 games vs. Rays (96)4 games vs. Nationals (93)3 games vs. Braves (97)Red Sox:10 games vs. Yankees (103)10 games vs. Rays (96)6 games vs. Braves (97)3 games vs. Nationals (93)Rangers:10 games vs. Astros (107)10 games vs. Athletics (97)3 games vs. Dodgers (106)4 games vs. Diamondbacks (85)Angels:10 games vs. Astros (107)10 games vs. Athletics (97)6 games vs. Dodgers (106)3 games vs. Diamondbacks (85)While the Tigers will undoubtedly struggle against the Twins and the Indians, their interleague games against the NL Central offer a distinct advantage. In a normal season, the Tigers would have already been 20 games out of the playoff hunt by July 24.

The Yankees have Gerrit Cole, James Paxton and Masahiro Tanaka at the top of a solid starting rotation, but the real story is their offense. 3 because Bostons starting rotation could be one of the worst in the entire league. Cleveland has the best rotation in the division by far, headlined by new co-aces Shane Bieber and Mike Clevinger. Texas could have a strong starting rotation if Corey Kluber bounces back and Lance Lynn and Mike Minor build off of last year. The Brewers could have a sneaky good pitching staff with Brandon Woodruff, Adrian Houser and Corbin Burnes.

The Detroit Tigers are the ultimate case study. To have any chance to compete, the Tigers would need to do something like this:15-8 against the Royals, Pirates and White Sox. White Sox have to bustThe Tigers need the White Sox -- this years darling sleeper in the American League -- to be a disappointment. (Getty Images)The White Sox are so intriguing because they have a wider range of possible outcomes than any team in baseball. Cron #26 (L) of the Detroit Tigers is greeted at home plate by teammate Jonathan Schoop #8 after he hit a home run during the Detroit Tigers Summer Workouts at Comerica Park on July 11, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan.

Maple Leafs, 4 p.m.Thursday, Aug. 6 : Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets, TBDFriday, Aug. 7 : Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets*, TBDSunday, Aug. 9: Blue Jackets vs. Lightning, 4 p.m.Wednesday, Aug. 5 : Lightning vs. Bruins, 4 p.m.Thursday, Aug. 6 : Capitals vs. Flyers, TBDSaturday, Aug. 8 : Bruins vs. Capitals, TBDSunday, Aug. 9: Flyers vs. Lightning, TBDWestern Conference (Edmonton)(5) Edmonton Oilers vs. (12) Chicago BlackhawksSaturday, Aug. 1 : Blackhawks vs. Oilers, 3 p.m.Monday, Aug. 3 : Blackhawks vs. Oilers, 10:30 p.m.Wednesday, Aug. 5 : Oilers vs. Blackhawks, 10:30 p.m.Friday, Aug. 7 : Oilers vs. Blackhawks*, TBDSaturday, Aug. 8: Blackhawks vs. Oilers*, TBD(6) Nashville Predators vs. (11) Arizona CoyotesSunday, Aug. 2 : Coyotes vs. Predators, 2:30 p.m.Wednesday, Aug. 5: Predators vs. Coyotes, 2:30 p.m.Friday, Aug. 7 : Predators vs. Coyotes*, TBDSunday, Aug. 9: Coyotes vs. Predators*, TBD(7) Vancouver Canucks vs. (10) Minnesota WildSunday, Aug. 2 : Wild vs. Canucks, 10:30 p.m.Tuesday, Aug. 4 : Wild vs. Canucks, 10:45 p.m.Thursday, Aug. 6 : Canucks vs. Wild, TBDFriday, Aug. 7 : Canucks vs. Wild*, TBDSunday, Aug. 9: Wild vs. Canucks*, TBD(8) Calgary Flames vs. (9) Winnipeg JetsSaturday, Aug. 1 : Jets vs. Flames, 10:30 p.m.Monday, Aug. 3 : Jets vs. Flames, 2:30 p.m.Tuesday, Aug. 4 : Flames vs.

FILE - In this Jan. 24, 2015, file photo, NHL Player's Association executive director Donald Fehr, left, and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman are shown during a news conference at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. You have to prepare for what we hope is going to be a consensus that we can and should play,” NHL Players’ Association executive director Don Fehr told The Associated Press. The NHL projects players might be allowed to begin returning for voluntary workouts next week. Bettman announced the NHL has narrowed the list to 10: Chicago, Columbus, Ohio, Dallas, Las Vegas, Pittsburgh and Minneapolis/St. The committee not only proposed the 24-team format, but also devised a list of protocols for teams to follow once players return to their facilities.

Commissioner Gary Bettman is expected to offer details on the NHLs return to play during a news conference at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Insiders say Bettman will discuss the 24-team format agreement reached by the NHL and the NHLPA players union. From the NHL: ``National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman will make an announcement today at 4:30 p.m. Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 26, 2020PROGRAMMING NOTE:@NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman will appear on NBCSN today to make an announcement about the league's Return To Play Plan. ET NBCSN NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) May 26, 2020It is expected the details of the NHL draft and draft lottery timing/format will be part of todays big reveal by the NHL on RTP format(s).

TORONTO, ONT The NHL hopes to have players back in team facilities soon -- with plenty of precautions. It has not yet been determined when precisely Phase 2 will start or how long it may last, the said read. Teams are not allowed to require a player to return to a club's home city to complete any necessary quarantine measures before the workouts begin. The NHL/NHLPA Return to Play Committee has been hashing out details of what the game will look like if it's allowed to return this summer. Most NHL players have not been on the ice since the league halted its schedule, although some, including a number of Swedish players who returned home, have been skating in recent weeks.

A decision on when the 2020 NHL Draft -- originally scheduled for June 26-27 -- would be held is expected this week. Clearly, if the draft is held any time earlier or even during return play, it will be different. Trades are a BIG part of the NHL draft, and with teams still fighting for the Stanley Cup with their current rosters, things will be a bit different with this year’s selections. How will draft positions be set up if the regular season is not finished before the draft date? The draft position hasn’t been established; we don’t know who’s in the playoffs, who’s out of the playoffs, in some cases ...

The National Hockey League (NHL) has suspended the remainder of its 2019-20 season amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. According to reports, the NHL hopes to resume the season at some point. The Detroit Red Wings were scheduled to play Thursday night in D.C. against the Washington Capitals. Regular season NHL games were scheduled through April 4, with the Stanley Cup playoffs scheduled right after that. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement that the league would like to continue the season when it is “appropriate and prudent.”The NBA announced its decision to suspend the season on Wednesday night after one of its players tested positive for COVID-19.