Hana's Huddle: It's football and hockey season, who has time for a pumpkin patch?
It's one of those weeks where I can easily forget that sports aren't the only thing happening. Between the crowded Halloween decorations and the sudden overboard of pumpkin-flavored everything, you would think I spent my time worrying about the holiday. But no, not quite.
Football, both college and pro, is in the peak of its season. All the preseason jitters are finally off the field, now venturing down to the NHL teams who are ready to take the ice for regular season. Plus the NBA is on deck, warming up the courts with a little bit of preseason action.
So the question is, who really has time for a pumpkin patch?
The Miami Heat have lost both of their preseason games, first against the New Orleans Pelicans (98-86) over the weekend and vs. the Orlando Magic (108-101) in overtime on Tuesday night. But of course, it's just preseason, and coach Erik Spoelstra is still putting the puzzle pieces together. I'm most definitely looking forward to this Saturday evening's game to catch LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Heat.
As for the Magic, they held their own on the court without Victor Oladipo and Channing Frye, who were both out with knee injuries. But it was a game for the rookies as the Magic started lottery pick Aaron Gordon and finished with show-stealing second-round pick Devyn Marble, who scored eight out of his 13 points in overtime.
Not too shabby.
We'll see how Marble and the Magic follow up their victory Friday when they pay a visit to Indiana.
But while coach Spo and coach Vaughn have time to troll for tweaks before the season, the NHL is ready for primetime.
Last Saturday, the Florida Panthers visited the Tampa Bay Lightning for the preseason finale. It was a shutout for the speedy Lightning who won 4-1, but I have a feeling that Panthers new head coach Gerard Gallant is just getting started.
New Panther captain Willie Mitchell, a two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Los Angeles Kings, is definitely the veteran to watch. His recent success will hopefully help mold the Panthers' young talent, especially defenseman Aaron Ekblad, the top pick in the draft last June. The 18-year-old from Canada is hoping to make an impression for his first NHL game.
And now that Lightning star Steven Stamkos is back and healthy, the team is looking forward to his shot at carrying a comeback season. With a 5-1 preseason under their belt, I have my fingers crossed that the Bolts can keep up their winning streak in the regular season.
The Panthers concluded preseason without a win, but I'm not jinxing anything just yet (because who really thinks preseason should be counted anyways?).
The real test starts Thursday (7:30 p.m. on Sun Sports and FOX Sports Florida) when the Panthers pay another visit to Amalie Arena. I don't know about you, but I've already started counting down for that puck to drop.
VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Chris Bosh and the Heat are currently in Brazil where they'll meet former teammate LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Hear what Bosh had to say about the upcoming encounter and whether he talked with James since he departed.
FLORIDA FOX JOCK SPOTLIGHT: JELANI JENKINS
Dolphins linebacker Jelani Jenkins has had an impressive season thus far. From the University of Florida, he was chosen in Round 4 of the 2013 draft, and took on the starting role this season due to injuries suffered by Philip Wheeler, Dannell Ellerbe and Koa Misi.
I sat down with Jenkins on Monday afternoon, just after the news broke regarding the suspension Florida QB Treon Harris.
HANA: Everyone's tagging you as the biggest surprise of the season-- what's that been like for you?
JENKINS: It's exciting. I'm just blessed and I thank God for the opportunity. But it's just so exciting.
HANA: Coming off of bye, what do you think the team needs to improve on going into week 6?
JENKINS: I think we need to work on our communication. That's something we've been struggling with and getting everybody on the same page. I think if we line up where we're supposed to be, then I think we'll make a lot more plays than we have.
HANA: Well how do you think the Gators can hold up this season with or without Treon Harris?
JENKINS: Well, they're winning. They lost against Alabama, but they're getting their wins. But Alabama just lost, so we're all even. As ugly as the wins may be, it's still winning. And I think that's the most important thing. It's a playoff system now, so the wins are what matters, and to set up the points.
HANA: What kind of advice can you offer to the rest of the Florida team?
JENKINS: Just try to stay focused. I know the media and fans and everybody else outside of the locker room is probably going to make a big deal out of it. And they just have to try to keep the distraction out of the field and out of the locker room and just stay together and don't make any separation. Just play as a team, be a family, and come together, and they'll be good.
HANA: And what are you looking forward to going into Week 6 against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers?
JENKINS: I'm looking forward to a great game. We're going to be in our own stadium, fans will be wild, we'll be playing against a great quarterback, and I'm looking forward to that. It's been a long time since we all got back on the field, so I'm just excited after bye week.
You can follow Hana Ostapchuk on Twitter @hana_marie or email her at HANAMARIE13@AOL.COM..
