Pro Sports News

UFC 300 for home

SportsNets - Sun, 04/14/2024 - 00:34

Conor McGregor to make return vs. Michael Chandler at UFC 303

SportsNets - Sun, 04/14/2024 - 00:31

The UFC’s biggest star is set for his return.

Conor McGregor will face Michael Chandler in the main event of UFC 303 on June 29 in Las Vegas, UFC president Dana White said late Saturday.

The fight will be at 170 pounds.

This fight has been in the works for months, as in early February, White said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show that McGregor and Chandler will “eventually” fight, vaguely adding “hopefully this year.”

Chandler and McGregor coached opposite one another on the UFC’s reality series The Ultimate Fighter in 2023, with the expectation they would fight at a future event following the conclusion of the tournament.

McGregor, who turns 36 in July, has fought just four times since winning the lightweight title back in 2016. He lost three of those fights, including back-to-back losses to Dustin Poirier in 2021. McGregor was knocked out at UFC 257 then sustained a broken leg in the rematch at UFC 264 and has not fought since.

More from Sportsnet

Categories: Canada Sports News, Ontario Sports News, Pro Sports News

Corey Perry shares some of his peculiar pre-game rituals

SportsNets - Sun, 04/14/2024 - 00:04

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-207007" ); var permalink = $el.closest('.snet-single-article').data('permalink');

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350910262112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350910262112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350910262112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc")

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP")

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-207007" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: false, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6350910262112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6350910262112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/corey-perry-shares-some-of-his-peculiar-pre-game-rituals/" }); });

Categories: Canada Sports News, Ontario Sports News, Pro Sports News

Oilers’ Calvin Pickard on his inspiring journeyman career

SportsNets - Sun, 04/14/2024 - 00:03

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-479116" ); var permalink = $el.closest('.snet-single-article').data('permalink');

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350911717112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350911717112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350911717112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc")

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP")

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-479116" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: false, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6350911717112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6350911717112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/oilers-calvin-pickard-on-his-inspiring-journeyman-career/" }); });

Categories: Canada Sports News, Ontario Sports News, Pro Sports News

Wrana, Tirinzoni to face off again for Princess Auto Players’ Championship women’s title

SportsNets - Sat, 04/13/2024 - 23:55

TORONTO — The rematch is set for the Princess Auto Players’ Championship women’s final as defending champs Team Isabella Wranå of Sweden will meet Team Silvana Tirinzoni once again on Sunday.

Wranå defeated South Korea’s Team Eunji Gim 6-5 while Tirinzoni topped Canada’s Team Rachel Homan 5-3 during Saturday’s soldout semifinals at the Mattamy Athletic Centre.

It was almost exactly one year ago when Wranå captured her first career Grand Slam of Curling title with a narrow 6-5 victory over Tirinzoni, and she’ll need deja vu in order to secure her second.

“That would mean so much and it’s going to be so fun playing against Team Tirinzoni,” Wranå said. “It’s always a great game against them.”

Tirinzoni, who skips and throws third rocks, has claimed three championships in the series and will play in a third consecutive Grand Slam women’s final to wrap up the season. Will the third time be the charm to finish the season on a high note?

“It would mean the world to us,” said Alina Pätz, who throws last rocks for Tirinzoni. “We haven’t won a lot of Grand Slams yet, so to win the Players’ Championship would just be a dream come true. We’re looking forward to a good game tomorrow.”

Oddly enough, both women’s semifinal matches were won on steals. Gim came up an inch short on her final draw with the measure going in Wranå’s favour after a second look.

“It feels amazing,” Wranå said. “We had some struggles this game, but we really fought it out to the last stone and it feels so good to play in the final again.”

Wranå watched from the side during the measure and pumped her fists after the first pass of the stick, but she had to wait another couple of nervous moments as Team Gim third Minji Kim asked to double check before it was confirmed.

“My eyes saw that it was our stone [after] the first measure and then I was like, OK, they want to do it again, so of course we did it again,” Wranå said. “I guess the reaction was because I thought we were better.”

Meanwhile, the loss for Homan was her first of the week and only the seventh on the season as her team capped an amazing year with an overall unprecedented 67-7 record.

Homan had Tirinzoni’s number this season, winning both of their meetings during the previous two Grand Slam women’s finals plus their pair of encounters at the world women’s curling championship including the gold-medal match.

Tirinzoni took a 2-1 lead in the third, only the second time all week Homan had trailed, after the skip from Ottawa was light on her last to give up a steal.

Homan bounced back big time with an amazing angle raise takeout to score a deuce in the fifth end to reclaim a one-point lead.

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-698235" ); var permalink = $el.closest('.snet-single-article').data('permalink');

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350895018112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350895018112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350895018112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc")

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP")

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-698235" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6350895018112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6350895018112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/curling/video/rachael-homan-holds-team-tirinzoni-to-one-point-with-double-takeout/" }); });

Another unreal Homan shot, this time redirecting off one Tirinzoni and into the house to eliminate another, had her sitting three counters in the house and forced Pätz to draw for the equalizing single.

That handed Homan the hammer for the final frame and even though Pätz rolled deep on her last, Team Tirinzoni still sat first and second shot rock. Homan had to draw around a wall of granite but couldn’t get her shooter close enough to count.

Pätz said it feels amazing to reach another Princess Auto Players’ Championship final.

“It was a tough game and it’s always a battle against Rachel,” she said. “It was about time for us to beat her, to be honest. We always have close games and it could have been on both sides this game. Both teams made amazing shots and at the end, it was a tough draw she had to play and we’re lucky we pulled out the win.”

She believes it will take a similar strong effort in order to upend Wranå and avoid a repeat of last year.

“We have to bring our ‘A’ game if we want to beat them,” Pätz said. “We saw it last year, they’re amazing, so we’ll just try to stay focused, try to play the same level that we did today then we have a good chance to have a good game.”

The women’s final kicks off Championship Sunday at 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT on Sportsnet, Sportsnet+ (Canada) and gsoclive.com (international).

The men’s final between Canada’s Team Brad Gushue and Italy’s Team Joël Retornaz follows at 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT on Sportsnet 360, Sportsnet+ (Canada) and gsoclive.com (international).

More from Sportsnet

Categories: Canada Sports News, Ontario Sports News, Pro Sports News

Oilers shrug off loss that all but hands Pacific crown to Canucks

SportsNets - Sat, 04/13/2024 - 23:54

EDMONTON — You often wonder if National Hockey League players have the same priorities as National Hockey League fans. (Answer: No, they do not.)

As in, weren’t the Edmonton Oilers supposed to be all-out, super desperate to beat the Vancouver Canucks, and put themselves in the driver’s seat for first place in the Pacific Division?

And weren’t they supposed to be all mean and surly, facing a Vancouver team that had won all three meetings so far this season? Wasn’t this supposed to be a physical, prove-a-point grudge match? Just in case they meet in Round 2 of the playoffs?

Well, in a 3-1 loss in which where the Oilers ceded first in the Pacific to the Canucks, the home team wasn’t particularly physical and scored just once against Canucks backup Casey DeSmith.

After playing their third consecutive game without scoring — and spiritual — leader Connor McDavid, the Oilers (1-1-1 without No. 97) appear content entering the post-season as the Pacific’s second seed and matching up with Los Angeles (highly likely) or Vegas (still possible) in Round 1.

“It was a tight-checking game, lots of hits. It got chippy here and there. I thought we battled pretty hard,” countered Vincent Desharnais, after what was basically a 2-1 game, with a late empty netter by Dakota Joshua

“We lost and it doesn’t really matter, as long as we are in the playoffs,” Desharnais said. “These type of games will get us ready for playoffs. Games like Vegas got us ready as well. We just have to build on it and look at some tape. I thought we did some pretty good things.”

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-608441" ); var permalink = $el.closest('.snet-single-article').data('permalink');

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350901656112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350901656112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350901656112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc")

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP")

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-608441" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6350901656112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6350901656112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/canucks-suter-displays-soft-touch-for-slick-deflection-vs-oilers/" }); });

In three games without McDavid, Edmonton scored five times versus Vegas, twice against Arizona, and just once on Saturday. It’s obvious to say they aren’t as dangerous a team without their captain, but what you notice in McDavid’s absence is all the different ways he can help his team turn the momentum inside a 60-minute game.

The power play went 1-for-6 in his absence over three games, a unit that can be the Oilers’ oxygen in a tight, low-scoring game like this one. The Oilers needed one more regulation goal to gain the second point in a 3-2 OT loss to Arizona, and a second regulation goal would have got the Oilers into overtime against Vancouver.

They’re not a one-man team. But it’s impossible not to become somewhat dependent on a player who annually gives you a point and a half per game.

“When things aren’t going well, one possession, one play by him can change the dynamic of the game,” said head coach Kris Knoblauch. “He’s the best player in the league and the impact he has on this team … Tonight, we only scored one goal.

“A lot of credit to their goalie but we’ve just played three games without him and obviously we’re a better team with him. But I don’t think it’s cause for worry.”

Knoblauch would not declare McDavid ready to return against San Jose on Monday, a decision that will be made likely Sunday or after Monday’s morning skate. But you can expect to see young defenceman Philip Broberg called up and inserted into the lineup for at least two of the Oilers’ final three games, now all but meaningless in the standings.

Does this loss change the way Knoblauch will approach these final three games?

“Yeah it does,” he admitted. “Definitely there is opportunity for rest if players need it. Giving other players more responsibility in certain situations. There could be call-ups. Maybe Broberg is somebody we’ll consider.”

NHL on Sportsnet

Livestream Hockey Night in Canada, Scotiabank Wednesday Night Hockey, the Oilers, Flames, Canucks, out-of-market matchups, the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the NHL Draft.

Broadcast Schedule

Truth be told, the likelihood of facing the Los Angeles Kings and goalie Cam Talbot, as opposed to finishing first and getting Nashville and Juuse Saros, might just be better for Edmonton. At worst, we’re not sure it matters either way.

Meanwhile, the guys who drive this team won’t be changing the way they play. They’re prepping their game for the playoffs, not playing out string on the regular season.

“I don’t know if it changes how the coaching staff sees it, but as a player whenever you’re out there you want to play your best,” Zach Hyman said. “You can’t just lollygag your way into the playoffs — you have to be on your game.

“There were times in my career where I was locked into a position for 20 games. And it’s a lot harder than three games.”

It was the first regulation loss at home for Edmonton since Feb. 26, snapping a 10-0-2 run that bodes well for a team whose motto for the season was “Cup or bust.”

More from Sportsnet

Categories: Canada Sports News, Ontario Sports News, Pro Sports News

Alex Pereira knocks out Jamahal Hill, defends title at UFC 300

SportsNets - Sat, 04/13/2024 - 23:34

LAS VEGAS — Light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira knocked out top-ranked challenger Jamahal Hill at 3:14 of the first round in UFC 300 on Saturday night.

Pereira dropped Hill to the canvas with a straight left hand and then pounded him. Referee Herb Dean stepped into the fight, giving the Brazilian the victory.

Pereira, 36, was a minus-132 favourite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

“I see myself as the champion. I didn’t want to let the belt go to my head,” Pereira said through an interpreter. “I had to step in and win the championship.”

Hill, 32, was the previous title holder, but a torn Achilles tendon forced him to vacate the championship last July. That put the belt in Pereira’s hands, eventually setting up this matchup and his fourth pay-per-view event in 16 months.

As would be expected from a milestone card number, this was a strong lineup that included 12 current or former champions, and 11 have headlined UFC pay-per-view events.

Zhang Weili (25-3) retained her women’s strawweight championship in the co-main event, beating No. 1 challenger Yan Xiaonan (18-4) by unanimous decision. Each judge scored the fight 49-45.

Zhang nearly choked out Yan to end the first round. Yan, however, found a way to take the fight the five-round distance.

“She bounced back very quickly,” Zhang said through an interpreter.

In perhaps the night’s most anticipated fight, Max Holloway (26-7) delivered a devastating right to knock out Justin Gaethje (25-5) with 1 second left in the five-round BMF title fight.

Holloway, who also used a spinning kick at the end of the first round to bloody Gaethje’s nose, was in control throughout most of the fight for the ceremonial title belt.

Even though Holloway was well on his way to a victory by decision — two judges had him ahead 39-37 — the former featherweight champion pointed to the floor in the final seconds and then traded blows with Gaethje, a tremendous combination of punches from both fighters before the one that sent the now ex-BMF champ to the mat.

No. 4 lightweight challenger Arman Tsarukyan (22-3) won by split decision over top-ranked challenger and former champion Charles Oliveira (34-10). Each scorecard was 29-28, two in favour of Tsarukyan.

“I thought all (the) judges were going to give me the decision,” Tsarukyan said.

Three-time NCAA wrestling champion Bo Nickal (6-0) led off the five-fight main card by submitting Cody Brundage (10-6) by rear-naked choke hold at 3:38 of the second round.

“I’m a little bit embarrassed with that performance because I expected to go in there and completely dominate,” Nickal said.

One of the more notable matchups on the undercard was between two-time U.S. Olympic judo gold medalist Kayla Harrison and International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Holly Holm.

Harrison (17-1), who made her UFC debut, dominated Holm (15-7). She won the bantamweight bout by submission with a rear-naked choke at 1:47 of the second round.

Retired champion Amanda Nunes posted a video of herself on social media listening to Harrison in the cage and wondering why she didn’t mention her by name.

“I didn’t call Amanda’s name because Amanda’s not the UFC champion,” Harrison said. “I thought she was happily retired. I would love to win the UFC title, and if Amanda wants to come back, I would welcome her with open arms.”

Also on the undercard, second-ranked challenger Jiri Prochazka (30-4) put himself on track to reclaim the light heavyweight championship with a technical knockout at 3:17 of the second round of fifth-ranked Aleksandar Rakic (14-4). Prochazka lost his belt to Pereira in November on a second-round TKO.

“Whoever will win tonight in the main event, I want to take (him on),” Prochazka said.

Categories: Canada Sports News, Ontario Sports News, Pro Sports News

Holloway discusses last-second KO to win BMF belt vs. Gaethje

SportsNets - Sat, 04/13/2024 - 23:27

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-613911" ); var permalink = $el.closest('.snet-single-article').data('permalink');

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350905618112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350905618112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350905618112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc")

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP")

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-613911" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: false, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6350905618112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6350905618112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/ufc/video/holloway-discusses-last-second-ko-to-win-bmf-belt-vs-gaethje/" }); });

Categories: Canada Sports News, Ontario Sports News, Pro Sports News

'Special things happen' - Wrexham ambition grows

BBC Sports - Sat, 04/13/2024 - 23:17

Even as the red smoke fades on another promotion party, the question already turns to how far can Wrexham go?

Categories: Pro Sports News, World Sports News

'Special things can happen' - Wrexham ambition grows

BBC Sports - Sat, 04/13/2024 - 23:17

Even as the red smoke fades on another promotion party, the question already turns to how far can Wrexham go?

Categories: Pro Sports News, World Sports News

NHL Highlights: Canucks 3, Oilers 1

SportsNets - Sat, 04/13/2024 - 22:52

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-884332" ); var permalink = $el.closest('.snet-single-article').data('permalink');

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350901706112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350901706112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350901706112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc")

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP")

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-884332" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: false, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6350901706112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6350901706112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/nhl-highlights-canucks-3-oilers-1/" }); });

Categories: Canada Sports News, Ontario Sports News, Pro Sports News

‘A major distraction’: Sheldon Keefe feeds into Auston Matthews’ 70 hype

SportsNets - Sat, 04/13/2024 - 22:25

TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs‘ scarred nation of supporters has never seen a player this good chase heights these high.

So, why wouldn’t they flood their home barn in greedy droves, hoping to catch a glimpse of history? A man who can score 70 goals in a single season.

With their favourite team’s playoff seeding now chiselled in stone — third seed in the Atlantic Division, surprise — the final Saturday night of the regular season was all about watching for, waiting for, the puck to fly off Auston Matthews‘ stick, past James Reimer, and into the Detroit Red Wings‘ net.

Not once. No, that wouldn’t suffice.

Like getting dealt 11, or Kendrick aiming at Drake and Cole, this was all about doubling down.

Don’t take our word for it.

Glance around Scotiabank Arena and read the ticket buyers’ homemade signs: WE CAME FOR 70!… MAKING HISTORY: 3 PLUS 4 = 70!… LEGACY 70!… 69, 70!… MANIFESTING 70… I CAME FOR MATTHEWS’ 70th GOAL… BERTUZZI IS SUDBURY STRONG! (OK, maybe not that last one.)

NHL on Sportsnet

Livestream Hockey Night in Canada, Scotiabank Wednesday Night Hockey, the Oilers, Flames, Canucks, out-of-market matchups, the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the NHL Draft.

Broadcast Schedule

Or listen to the audible buzz spike in volume each time Toronto’s No. 1 centre straddled the boards for an O-zone faceoff or when the Leafs went on the power play.

“It’s really nice,” Matthews said, “to have the support that we have in the city and the fan base and all that stuff. It means a lot. It’s obviously really cool and really special.”

No wonder, then, that even Sheldon Keefe — the same coach who recently announced he was “not concerned about 70 goals, at all” — found himself caught up in the excitement.

The coach lost himself in the moment, just as his half-inspired Maple Leafs lost a 5-4 overtime decision to the hungrier Red Wings, a team desperate for a wild card yet threatening to extend the NHL’s second-longest active playoff drought.

We don’t throw Keefe’s we-before-he vow back at him as a gotcha, but rather as an example of how the power of sports can influence decisions. How the most intoxicating situations can rewrite gameplans written sober.

And once Matthews corrected an early pinged crossbar and made nice with his 69th of the campaign, the whole building quaked with the knowledge that the next shot could be the one.

“Obviously, that’s a major distraction. Doesn’t help us, what we’re trying to accomplish on the ice. But it’s exciting. I get it. Especially when he gets to 69, you can see it,” Keefe said.

“It’s growing. Anticipating. And now you’re feeding it. I’m feeding it. I want it to happen. But I want it for the fans.”

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-793385" ); var permalink = $el.closest('.snet-single-article').data('permalink');

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350892087112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350892087112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350892087112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc")

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP")

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-793385" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6350892087112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6350892087112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/matthews-fires-home-his-69th-goal-of-the-season/" }); });

So, the coach who had so closely been monitoring his superstar’s workload, with an eye toward playoffs, skates Matthews 23:59, his most since Feb. 5. He watches him rip a game-high 10 shots on net and game-high 15 attempts. He throws him out for a final shift lasting three minutes and 33 seconds. Burns his timeout to let him catch a breather.

Keefe goes all-offence on a late power play, and Matthews’ setup man, Max Domi, takes a bad tripping penalty that later leads to Dylan Larkin’s clutch OT power-play winner.

In short, everyone drifts from the team structure and playoff rehearsing that the Leafs have been preaching for weeks now.

And maybe that’s not the worst sin, choosing to play Santa over Scrooge, given the circumstances and stakes. (Heck, if Matthews tucks one more, then Keefe is likely getting praised for grasping the moment and riding the wave.)

Keefe’s own sons, whom he takes to minor hockey rinks around the city, are way too young to have seen 70 by anyone ever. The chase has captured the imagination of their teammates, too.

“I had a dozen 10-year-olds running up to me asking how many Auston’s going to get. Everybody’s excited about that. It’s definitely a thing,” Keefe said. “I get the hype around it.”

The coach has other worries, though.

Anytime he gets a role player back from injury, another one goes down.

His goaltending, so solid in March, appears more susceptible in April.

And the Leafs’ concerning penalty kill — just 1-for-3 on this night — is trending in the wrong direction again.

The Maple Leafs have but two games left, Tuesday in Sunrise and Wednesday in Tampa.

Both are meaningless to their standings position. Both could equal 69 + 1.

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-201004" ); var permalink = $el.closest('.snet-single-article').data('permalink');

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350865546112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350865546112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350865546112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc")

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP")

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-201004" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6350865546112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6350865546112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/kane-explains-why-matthews-is-generational-scorer/" }); });

Has any head coach in the history of hockey healthy-scratched a player riding a career-best eight-game goal streak?

How difficult does Keefe’s decision become now, to hold back Matthews or give the fans one more goal?

“Well, I don’t think these fans are going to travel with us on the road. But we’ll make the decision that we think is best for the team,” Keefe said.

“We got guys dropping right now. We’re going to have to dress 18 skaters. So, we got some guys that will not be available for us. So that, in itself, is going to be a factor. And the salary cap is what it is. We can only have so many guys. There are lots of things to sort out here in the next little bit.”

And only one big reason to tune in.

Fox’s Fast Five

• How is Leafs Nation feeling about Ilya Samsonov?

The goaltender surrendered 11 goals Thursday and Saturday, losing the final two home games of the season.

After the goalie allowed four in the first period, contributing to a 4-1 deficit, Keefe and his staff discussed pulling him.

“It wasn’t unanimous by any means,” Keefe revealed. “I felt our team was gonna be better, and I felt Sammy needed to be part of that. Obviously, glad it worked out the way it did, because he was outstanding.”

Samsonov held the fort in periods 2 and 3. His stop on Lucas Raymond alone in front with the score tied 4-4 was needed to reach overtime. Still, this was his shakiest week since December.

“He’s had to battle his way from a difficult start. And even at times, in games, when things don’t always go his way, you can just see how hard he’s fighting, doing everything he can to give us a chance and make that next save,” John Tavares said. “He certainly did that again today.”

• Keefe says he’d had an idea of his Game 1 lineup “for quite some time now,” with the caveat that nothing is finalized until Game 82.

To that end, there is uncertainty about the readiness of Calle Järnkrok (hand).

Bobby McMann left Saturday’s game early due to a lower-body injury (severity unknown).

Jake McCabe took a close-range Larkin shot in the face (his cheek is swollen something nasty, but he should be fine).

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-651735" ); var permalink = $el.closest('.snet-single-article').data('permalink');

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350897543112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350897543112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350897543112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc")

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP")

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-651735" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6350897543112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6350897543112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/maple-leafs-keefe-provides-updates-on-mcmann-and-mccabe/" }); });

And Joel Edmundson needed a night off after blocking another painful shot Thursday.

“Seems like pucks are a bit of a magnet to his feet,” Keefe said. “But that is a credit to how he plays and a credit to him for stepping right in and putting himself in harm’s way once again. It is the type of guy he is.”

As for the top line, go ahead and scribble Bertuzzi–Matthews–Domi in ink.

“That’s a real thing. This is not just a short-term thing,” Keefe said. “What you’ve seen of late is how we see it going forward.”

• Pending free agent Patrick Kane says he hasn’t thought about where he’ll play next season. He’s put up 45 points in 48 games as a healthy 35-year-old in Detroit, and a return would make sense.

“Nothing but positive things to say. It’s been great being a Wing and playing at LCA, and the way the fans have embraced me,” Kane said.

Cap space isn’t an issue.

• Matthews leads all NHLers with 20 posts and crossbars pinged this season.

• Matt Murray played his first pro hockey game since April 2, 2023 on Saturday — a conditioning start with the Marlies.

The veteran made 22 saves on 27 shots in a 6-5 win over the Syracuse Crunch, and the farm team punched its ticket to the Calder Cup playoffs.

“It’s been tremendous how he’s gone about things. It’s been very much on the periphery. You see him in there every day. You see him working. It’s often by himself and at odd hours when there’s not a lot of people working. You have a good appreciation for how long a road it’s been,” said Keefe, cautioning that Murray’s comeback is independent of the Leafs’ playoff prep.

“Just the fact he’s going down to play in the American League is a tremendous story.”

More from Sportsnet

Categories: Canada Sports News, Ontario Sports News, Pro Sports News

WWHC Takeaways: Canada’s offence heats up ahead of gold-medal game vs. USA

SportsNets - Sat, 04/13/2024 - 22:07

Here we go again.

For the 22nd time in 23 tournaments since 1990, Canada and the United States will battle for gold at the IIHF Women’s World Championship.

Just a few hours after the defending champion Americans toppled Finland to get themselves back to the final on the power of Laila Edwards’ hat trick, Canada booked its ticket for Sunday’s showdown with a 4-0 victory over Czechia Saturday night. The team in red and white continued its scoring-by-committee approach in the semifinal matchup, with the third line shining in the spotlight this time to tee up another edition of everyone’s favourite rivalry.

Linemates Blayre Turnbull and Emily Clark each scored their first goal of the tournament, as did defender Jocelyne Larocque. Top-line forward Sarah Fillier, meanwhile, woke up her own offensive game with her second of the tournament — and first since scoring an empty-netter against Switzerland early in the preliminary round. It was only a matter of time for Fillier, whose 20 shots through six games are the sixth most tournament-wide.

For as dominant as Canada has been once again, going into the gold-medal game with a 5-1 record, the offence hasn’t exactly been up to the usual standards. No forward has totalled more than two goals in Utica — defender Renata Fast is the only player on the roster with three.

While that certainly speaks to the depth of this group, as all but two forwards have at least one goal to their name, it’s a far cry from the usual offensive output we’re used to seeing from this star-studded group. And it’s particularly surprising to see that one of those two goalless forwards is Marie-Philip Poulin — though, considering Captain Clutch’s track record in gold-medal games, she’s probably just waiting for the right moment. Poulin really hit her stride in the second half of this semi-final matchup, a good sign she’ll be at her best on the biggest stage.

Canada outshot Czechia 47-9, the team’s highest shot output so far and its largest shot differential — that they only scored on one of their 20 third-period shots is a testament to the strength of Czech goaltender Klara Peslarova. The netminder has been the busiest goalie of the tournament, starting all six of her team’s games and facing 194 shots, and yet she’s second in tournament shutouts, with two — same as Canada’s Ann-Renee Desbiens, whose second in four starts came Saturday night.

CANADA’S POWER PLAY WOES CONTINUE

While Canada’s offence is heating up, its power play remains cold. The team’s been frozen at just one power-play goal since defender Ella Shelton scored an insurance marker against Finland late in the first game of preliminary play. It’s not for lack of opportunity — the Canadians have found themselves with an advantage 16 times, including four times Saturday night, but the unit is operating at just 6.25 per cent. That’s worse than every other team but Switzerland (5.88 per cent). While their power-play woes didn’t necessarily stand out against the Czechs, considering Czechia’s PP percentage ranks just one slot higher than Canada’s, it’ll be something to watch against the Americans on Sunday. Team USA has the tournament’s second-best power-play, scoring on a quarter of its chances.

Special teams battles so often prove to be the difference, so it’ll be something to watch when the top two teams face off. Of course, it’s not all bad news for Canada — its penalty kill has been stellar, allowing just a single goal on 17 penalties.

ANOTHER SHUTOUT FOR DESBIENS SETS UP SUNDAY’S ELITE GOALIE SHOWDOWN

Considering Canada and the USA held each other scoreless through regulation when they met on Monday night to conclude the round-robin, it’s no surprise that goaltending is going to be the biggest story going into the gold-medal matchup.

Desbiens didn’t face many shots against Czechia, but she’s been excellent all tournament — including, of course, in her first showing against the Americans in a 29-save effort that didn’t see a goal for either team until overtime.

Desbiens holds the tournament lead in save percentage (.976) and goals against average (0.49) in four outings, but Aerin Frankel’s tournament-best four shutouts, well… that’s a number that really jumps off the page. Frankel allowed three goals against Finland in round-robin play, but otherwise has been a brick wall — including against Canada, her 26-save shutout ultimately backstopping USA to victory.

She’s the only opponent Canada has yet to best. Can they solve her on Sunday with gold on the line?

CANADA LOOKING TO TAKE BACK GOLD IN ENEMY TERRITORY

The crowd at Adirondack Bank Center featured a heavy presence of the maple leaf against Czechia — unsurprising, considering its proximity to the border — but it might not feel so friendly on Sunday.

Team USA claimed gold in Brampton, Ont., a year ago with a 6-3 win over Canada, stealing gold in front of a mostly red-and-white crowd. The Canadians won back-to-back golds before that, but it’s been a while since they’ve bested the Americans on U.S. ice. Canada last won gold south of the border in 2012, when the tournament was held in Burlington, Vermont.

More from Sportsnet

Categories: Canada Sports News, Ontario Sports News, Pro Sports News

Canadiens, Senators should be desperate for much more next season

SportsNets - Sat, 04/13/2024 - 21:40

It was a spirited affair between two bitter rivals, with eight goals, 69 shots, 58 hits and plenty of bitterness exchanged before it ended dramatically in the shootout.

Drake Batherson scored, Joonas Korpisalo stopped Nick Suzuki on the final breakaway, and the Ottawa Senators raised their arms at Canadian Tire Centre to celebrate a win almost none of their fans wanted them to achieve.

Meanwhile, most Montreal Canadiens fans, who feared seeing the gap in the standings between their team and the Senators eliminated with a win, were relieved when it ended 5-4 in favour of the home team.

Ugh.

It’s sad, isn’t it?

We were just thinking about how great it would be to see these teams play a game like this against each other — especially this late into a season — with much more on the line than just draft lottery implications; how exciting it would be to see them battling for playoff positioning rather than battling for who’ll end up swirling to a lower rung of the NHL’s toilet bowl.

But here we are again.

Both teams are now just two games from getting flushed. They were both dumped into the water weeks ago, discarded from the playoff race well ahead of schedule, and all their fans have left to cheer for is a one per cent better chance — but, at best, an 8.5 per cent chance — of drafting Macklin Celebrini.

The Canadiens currently have it, sitting in 28th place in the NHL, while the Senators are now at 6.5 per cent after having leapt over the idle Arizona Coyotes and into 26th place.

Sure, their fans are celebrating it. But the Canadiens certainly aren’t.

This was Montreal’s ninth loss in a row to this Ottawa team, which hasn’t found a way to beat anyone else with any consistency over the last few seasons. It was also a 19th loss (regulation, overtime and shootout combined) to an Atlantic Division foe in 24 games this season — a record that has had a monumental impact on them finding themselves in a place they were hoping not to be in after 80 games played.

You couple those things together and they should be a main source of concern for why games between the Canadiens and Senators — which should still provide fireworks, regardless of position in the standings — won’t necessarily mean much more at this time next year.

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-584277" ); var permalink = $el.closest('.snet-single-article').data('permalink');

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350896429112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350896429112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350896429112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc")

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP")

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-584277" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6350896429112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6350896429112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/batherson-and-senators-pushing-to-finish-this-season-on-a-high-note/" }); });

Even if the Canadiens should feel good about the progress they’ve made both individually and collectively this season, their opponents down the 417 have offered them a cautionary tale to consider since the puck dropped in October.

Perhaps no team in the NHL — outside of Buffalo — has provided stronger proof of progress not necessarily being linear than these Senators. There was hope after a strong end to a wonkily-navigated 2022-23 season, and after a reasonably good off-season, that a game on April 13 would have playoff implications for them. Instead, they erased it with an embarrassing tumble backwards.

Oh, the Senators stood tall on this night, with captain Brady Tkachuk scoring two goals to get to 37 on his season (two more than he scored last season for a career high) and the boys in black and red erasing four separate deficits en route to a victory. But it only guaranteed that the best they can hope for is to finish with six fewer points than they earned last season, rather than eight fewer.

They will have a new general manager, and a new head coach by next fall, and those are just two of several changes they’ll have to make to get to where they should be going after all this time rebuilding.

Meanwhile, the Canadiens, who are only two seasons into the process, are going to have to get a whole lot better just to keep up.

It was nice to see them go punch for punch with the Senators in this game, with Cole Caufield scoring two goals to get to 27 on his season, Mike Matheson scoring a beautiful shorthanded goal to get to 10 goals and 61 points and goaltender Cayden Primeau making 40 saves. But they have much more to aspire to.

They should want much more, the Senators should be desperate for much more, and fans on both sides should demand it to see this rivalry heat up to scorching levels over the coming years.

More from Sportsnet

Categories: Canada Sports News, Ontario Sports News, Pro Sports News

Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese headline one of the most anticipated WNBA drafts in years

SportsNets - Sat, 04/13/2024 - 21:28

NEW YORK — Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Cameron Brink and others make this one of the most anticipated WNBA drafts in recent years. There are several impact players up for grabs, but their talent is nearly eclipsed by their popularity among basketball fans.

“Caitlin is kind of in a world of her own, but I don’t know that we have seen this kind of excitement across the board,” ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo said. “You know, Angel Reese has a massive following. Cameron Brink has a large following of people, whether it’s following them on social media or following them throughout the course of their college career.

“We have women coming into the draft this year, who people are very much aware of and eager to see how their game is going to translate at this level.”

Clark has helped bring millions of new fans to the game with her signature logo shots and dazzling passing ability. The Iowa star was a big reason why a record 18.9 million viewers tuned in to the NCAA championship game where South Carolina beat the Hawkeyes.

The NCAA Division I all-time scoring leader will go first to the Indiana Fever on Monday night when the draft takes place at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in front of 1,000 fans.

“This is the first time we’re going to have fans at the draft, so I think that’s going to be special,” ESPN analyst Andraya Carter said. “For people watching at home to see and hear a crowd and fans and people there, I think it’ll be really exciting.”

While Clark is a lock to go first, Brink, Tennessee’s Rickea Jackson and South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso have all been in the discussion to be taken at No. 2 by Los Angeles. The Sparks also own the No. 4 pick with Chicago choosing third.

“They are foundational. They’re an incredible opportunity for our organization,” Sparks GM Raegan Pebley said. “We definitely want to see two players that not only have the skill set to make an impact early, but also a long runway ahead of them, opportunities to develop, opportunities to, not only be excellent in what they do, but how they impact the other pieces around them as we continue to build this team.”

Dallas is fifth and Washington sixth. Minnesota, Chicago, Dallas, Connecticut, New York and Atlanta close out the first round. In all, there are three rounds and 36 picks in total.

Here are a few other tidbits for the draft:

INJURY SETBACKS

All-Americans Mackenzie Holmes of Indiana and Elizabeth Kitley of Virginia Tech won’t be able to play in the WNBA this season because of knee injuries. Holmes said on social media that she is having surgery next month.

“At this time to ensure my body is healthy and my playing career is as long and successful as possible, I have decided to get the necessary surgery in May to prevent further issues and alleviate the pain it has caused,” she said. “I have declared for the 2024 WNBA draft and pray that a team honors me with a selection knowing I will be ready for the start of 2025 training camp.”

Kitley tore the ACL in her left knee in Virginia Tech’s final regular season game and missed the entire postseason.

“Whenever you see any player go through an injury at any point in their career, but especially at that point, this special season that Virginia Tech was having. But I think she’s a player that has, I’ll use this word ‘track’ again,” Pebley said. “Just a lot of runway ahead of her. She’s going to, I think, have a great career with her versatility, her footwork abilities. And I think her impact around the rim.”

INVITEES

The WNBA invited 15 players to the draft Monday, including Clark, Reese, Brink, Jackson, Cardoso and Kitley. The others are Aaliyah Edwards and Nika Muhl of UConn; Charisma Osborne of UCLA; Celeste Taylor and Jacy Sheldon of Ohio State; Alissa Pili of Utah; Marquesha Davis of Mississippi; Dyaisha Fair of Syracuse; and Nyadiew Puoch of Australia.

Categories: Canada Sports News, Ontario Sports News, Pro Sports News

NHL Roundup: Three-way tie for final playoff spot in East

SportsNets - Sat, 04/13/2024 - 21:06

WASHINGTON (AP) — John Carlson scored the go-ahead goal on a power play with 11:31 left, Charlie Lindgren made 32 saves in another strong performance when his team needed him and the Washington Capitals kept their playoff hopes alive by beating the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2.

Washington, Detroit and Philadelphia are tied for the final playoff spot in the East, one point ahead of Pittsburgh.

Sonny Milano scored twice and Nic Dowd provided an insurance goal with 3:14 remaining as the Capitals won for just the second time in nine games to at least temporarily move into the Eastern Conference’s second and final wild-card spot. They may need to win their final two games of the season to return to the postseason after missing last year.

Beating Tampa Bay was essential to just make that possible. A 5-on-3 power play in the third period gave Washington its best chance to crack 2019 Vezina Trophy-winning and 2021 playoff MVP Andrei Vasilevskiy, and Carlson did just that with a blast from the point after the first Lightning penalty had expired.

Milano’s goals helped the Caps keep pace earlier, while Anthony Duclair scored on a double deflection and Brandon Hagel got his 25th of the season for Tampa Bay. Lindgren did the rest, robbing Steven Stamkos of his 40th among a handful of quality saves throughout.

Vasilevskiy at the other end was on his game as well, looking unbeatable for long stretches of the game and finishing with 30 saves.

RANGERS 3, ISLANDERS 2 (SO)

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-177355" ); var permalink = $el.closest('.snet-single-article').data('permalink');

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350874973112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350874973112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350874973112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc")

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP")

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-177355" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6350874973112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6350874973112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/nhl-highlights-rangers-3-islanders-2-so/" }); });

NEW YORK (AP) — Artemi Panarin scored late in the third period to tie game and tallied the shootout winner as the New York Rangers rallied to defeat the New York Islanders for a franchise-record 54th win.

Igor Shesterkin made 34 saves, Braden Schneider scored a short-handed goal and Vincent Trocheck ended the shootout with another goal as the Rangers inched closer to winning the Presidents’ Trophy for the NHL’s best regular-season record.

Panarin scored to the open the shootout against Ilya Sorokin. After Kyle Palmieri hit the post and Brock Nelson was stopped by Shesterkin, Trocheck ended the exciting game between the long-time rivals with a shot into the lower corner of the net that ended the Islanders’ six game winning streak.

Brock Nelson had scored twice in second period to put the Islanders ahead 2-1 but Panarin scored his 48th goal with 4:17 remaining to tie the game and help the Rangers end a two-game slide.

The Islanders are 8-2-1 in their last 11 games and moved closer to clinching a playoff spot, thanks to their late-season surge under Patrick Roy who replaced Lane Lambert as head coach on Jan. 20. The Islanders are third in the Metropolitan Division with 90 points and two games remaining.

STARS 3, KRAKEN 1

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-699380" ); var permalink = $el.closest('.snet-single-article').data('permalink');

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350885259112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350885259112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350885259112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc")

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP")

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-699380" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6350885259112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6350885259112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/nhl-highlights-stars-3-kraken-1/" }); });

DALLAS (AP) — Defenceman Miro Heiskanen had a goal and two assists, and Jason Robertson had a goal and an assist as Dallas beat Seattle to clinch the Central Division title for the first time in eight years.

Craig Smith also scored for the Stars, who remain in contention for both the top seed in the Western Conference and the Presidents’ Trophy with one game to play in the regular season.

Heiskanen scored Dallas’ final goal on a wrap-around with 7:37 left to play for his fourth game of at least three points this season.

The Stars’ other goals came late in periods. Smith with 2.5 seconds left in the first period and Robertson with 35.9 left in the second, coming on a 5-on-3 power play.

Three Seattle shots struck either the crossbar or a post.

Jake Oettinger stopped 26 shots. Kailer Yamamoto spoiled Oettinger’s bid to shut out Seattle for the second time in two weeks late in the third period. Philipp Grubauer made 28 saves for the Kraken, who began a season-ending four-game road trip.

JETS 7, AVALANCHE 0

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-942437" ); var permalink = $el.closest('.snet-single-article').data('permalink');

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350886518112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350886518112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350886518112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc")

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP")

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-942437" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6350886518112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6350886518112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/nhl-highlights-jets-7-avalanche-0/" }); });

DENVER (AP) — Josh Morrissey and Adam Lowry scored 10 seconds apart in a four-goal first period that chased Colorado goaltender Alexandar Georgiev from the net, and Winnipeg moved into the driver’s seat for the Central Division’s second seed with a win against Colorado

Connor Hellebuyck made 30 saves for his fifth shutout of the season.

Sean Monahan and Lowry each had two goals, while Gabriel Vilardi and Tyler Toffoli also scored to help the Jets extend their win streak to six in a row. Winnipeg led 7-0 after two periods as 10 players had a point. It’s the first time in franchise history the team has scored seven consecutive goals in a game, according to NHL Stats.

The Dallas Stars wrapped up the Central Division title by beating Seattle earlier in the day. It set the stage for Colorado and Winnipeg meeting in the first round, with all that remains to sort out is which team has home-ice advantage. The Jets are two points ahead of the Avalanche for the No. 2 spot in the division with two games to play. They also hold the tiebreaker.

Winnipeg finished 3-0 against Colorado this season, outscoring the Avalanche by a 17-4 margin.

Nathan MacKinnon and the Avalanche entered the game as the league’s highest scoring team (3.72 goals per game) but were bottled up by Hellebuyck. It’s the fifth time the Avalanche have been blanked this season — and first time at home.

FLYERS 1, DEVILS 0

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-250369" ); var permalink = $el.closest('.snet-single-article').data('permalink');

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350889838112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350889838112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350889838112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc")

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP")

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-250369" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6350889838112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6350889838112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/nhl-highlights-flyers-1-devils-0/" }); });

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Travis Konecny scored a short-handed breakaway goal and Samuel Ersson stopped 20 shots to keep Philadelphia’s miniscule postseason hopes alive with one game left to play in a win over New Jersey.

The Flyers entered Saturday with two games left while Pittsburgh, Washington and Detroit all had three games remaining as they competed for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Flyers had to win both games to have a shot at a playoff berth. The rest hinged on Detroit, Pittsburgh and Washington all losing or tying their games to give the Flyers a slim mathematical edge at making the postseason for the first time since they reached the Eastern Conference semifinals in 2020.

Konecny’s NHL-best sixth short-handed goal past Kaapo Kahkonen in the second period stood as the difference maker and ensured the Flyers at least ended the game with a chance to extend their season.

PANTHERS 3, SABRES 2, OT

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-309519" ); var permalink = $el.closest('.snet-single-article').data('permalink');

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350888967112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350888967112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350888967112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc")

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP")

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-309519" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6350888967112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6350888967112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/nhl-highlights-panthers-3-sabres-2-ot/" }); });

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Sam Reinhart got his 55th goal of the season with 1:02 left in overtime, and Florida clinched home ice for at least Round 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs by beating Buffalo in the next-to-last regular-season game for both teams.

Reinhart took a pass from Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov and delivered the winner. Anton Lundell and Kevin Stenlund also scored for Florida, and Matthew Tkachuk had an assist — his 60th of the season, the third straight year he’s had that many.

Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 27 shots for Florida.

Tyson Jost and Jack Quinn scored for Buffalo, which got 39 saves from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. The Sabres got a point off Florida for only the second time in the teams’ last 11 meetings; they’re 1-9-1 in that span.

Florida had a 5-minute power play in the third after Buffalo defenceman Connor Clifton was given a match penalty for an illegal check to the head of Panthers’ centre Nick Cousins. But the Panthers got nothing past Luukkonen, who stopped seven shots to preserve what was a 2-2 tie.

SENATORS 5, CANADIENS 4, SO

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-377988" ); var permalink = $el.closest('.snet-single-article').data('permalink');

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350895724112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350895724112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350895724112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc")

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP")

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-377988" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6350895724112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6350895724112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/nhl-highlights-senators-5-canadiens-4-so/" }); });

OTTAWA (AP) — Brady Tkachuk had two goals and an assist, Drake Batherson scored the only goal in the shootout and Ottawa beat Montreal.

Shane Pinto and Thomas Chabot also scored for Ottawa, which swept the season series against the Canadiens 3-0 and extended its winning streak against Montreal to nine games.

Joonas Korpisalo made 21 saves for Ottawa.

Cole Caufield had two goals for Montreal, while Mike Matheson and Alex Newhook also scored. Cayden Primeau stopped 40 shots.

With the game tied 3-3 Newhook put a shot on net that deflected in off Ottawa’s Jakob Chychrun to put Montreal up 4-3 with 4:11 left in regulation. But with Korpisalo on the bench Chabot tied the game at 4-all with 1:05 remaining.

Tkachuk tied the game, 3-3, with his second power-play goal of the game 47 seconds into the third period.

RED WINGS 5, MAPLE LEAFS 4, OT

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-976994" ); var permalink = $el.closest('.snet-single-article').data('permalink');

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350893936112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350893936112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350893936112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc")

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP")

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-976994" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6350893936112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6350893936112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/nhl-highlights-red-wings-5-maple-leafs-4-ot/" }); });

TORONTO (AP) — Dylan Larkin scored on a power play 41 seconds into overtime and Detroit overcame Auston Matthews’ 69th goal of the season to beat Toronto.

Alex DeBrincat scored twice, David Perron had a goal and an assist, Simon Edvinsson also scored and J.T. Compher had two assists for Detroit, which led 4-1 after one period. James Reimer stopped 32 shots against his former team in his 500th NHL game.

Mitch Marner had a goal and two assists, John Tavares and Nick Robertson also scored, and Morgan Rielly had two assists for Toronto. Ilya Samsonov finished with 28 saves.

Matthews, who has scored 10 times in his last eight games, moved one away from becoming the first to player to hit 70 goals in a season in more than 30 years. He matched Mario Lemieux’s total of 69 in the 1995-96 season.

In the extra period, Larkin redirected a shot by Patrick Kane past Samsonov with Max Domi off for high-sticking.

PREDATORS 6, BLUE JACKETS 4

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-122777" ); var permalink = $el.closest('.snet-single-article').data('permalink');

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350897511112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350897511112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350897511112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc")

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP")

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-122777" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6350897511112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6350897511112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/nhl-highlights-predators-6-blue-jackets-4/" }); });

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Roman Josi scored two goals and assisted on two others, Tommy Novak had two goals and an assist, and Nashville defeated Columbus.

Cody Glass and Filip Forsberg also scored and Juuse Saros made 31 saves for the playoff-bound Predators, winners of three of four. Gustav Nyquist and Luke Evangelista each had two assists.

Trey Fix-Wolansky scored twice and James Malatesta and Alexandre Texier also scored and Jet Greaves made 31 saves for Columbus, losers of four straight. Justin Danforth had three assists.

Saturday was the 101st all-time meeting between Columbus and Nashville. The Predators have now won 69 of the 101 matchups.

After Malatesta scored his first-career NHL goal at 2:04 of the opening period, Nashville reeled off the next four goals, including two by Novak.

BRUINS 6, PENGUINS 4

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-422578" ); var permalink = $el.closest('.snet-single-article').data('permalink');

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350899100112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350899100112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350899100112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc")

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP")

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-422578" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6350899100112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6350899100112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/nhl-highlights-bruins-6-penguins-4/" }); });

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Brad Marchand scored short-handed to cap Boston’s four-goal second period, as they beat Pittsburgh.

Pavel Zacha had a goal and an assist, and Jake DeBrusk, Kevin Shattenkirk, Danton Heinen and Morgan Geekie also scored as the Bruins regained the top spot in the Atlantic Division with their fifth win in six games. Linus Ullmark finished with 28 saves.

Michael Buntin scored twice, Drew O’Connor had a goal and an assist, and Bryan Rust also scored for the Penguins, who lost in regulation for the first time in 11 games (7-1-3). Alex Nedeljkovic was pulled after giving up three goals on 16 shots midway through the second period. He was replaced by Tristan Jarry, who stopped 12 of the 14 shots he faced.

The Penguins fell out of the second wild card in the Eastern Conference and now trail Washington, Detroit and Philadelphia by one point.

After O’Connor scored short-handed for Pittsburgh at 4:32 of the third to cut the deficit to 4-3, Geekie got his 17th of the season with 5:50 left to restore a two-goal lead.

WILD 6, SHARKS 2

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-645905" ); var permalink = $el.closest('.snet-single-article').data('permalink');

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350908044112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350908044112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350908044112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc")

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP")

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-645905" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6350908044112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6350908044112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/nhl-highlights-wild-6-sharks-2/" }); });

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Liam Ohgren scored his first career goal and Minnesota beat San Jose to assure the Sharks of having the best odds to win the NHL draft lottery.

Ohgren, a first-round pick from the 2022 draft, made his NHL debut on Friday night in Las Vegas and delivered in a big way in his second career game.

He had an assist in the first period and then scored late in the second when Jonas Brodin’s point shot ricocheted right to Ohgren, who knocked it past Mackenzie Blackwood to make it 3-1.

Kirill Kaprizov added two goals in the final minute of the second period for the Wild, who were eliminated from playoff contention Tuesday night.

Matt Boldy, Declan Chisholm and Marcus Johansson also scored for Minnesota. Jesper Wallstedt made 27 saves.

Jan Rutta and Mario Ferraro scored for the Sharks and Mikael Granlund had two assists to extend his points streak to 11 straight games.

CANUCKS 3, OILERS 1

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-590677" ); var permalink = $el.closest('.snet-single-article').data('permalink');

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350901706112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350901706112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350901706112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc")

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP")

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-590677" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6350901706112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6350901706112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/nhl-highlights-canucks-3-oilers-1/" }); });

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Casey DeSmith made 32 saves and Vancouver strengthened their lead atop the Pacific Division with a win over Edmonton.

Sam Lafferty, Pius Suter and Dakota Joshua scored for the Canucks, who won all four games between the teams this season. Vancouver has a five-point lead in the division over Edmonton, which still has an extremely slight chance with three games remaining to Vancouver’s two.

Evander Kane scored for the Oilers, who were again without captain Connor McDavid, who missed his third straight game with a lower-body injury and is considered day-to-day. Stuart Skinner had 24 saves.

Lafferty scored with just 16 seconds remaining in the first period when he blasted a shot stick-side that beat Skinner for his career-best 13th goal of the season. J.T. Miller picked up an assist to extend his points streak to 10 games.

The Canucks went up 2-0 with nine minutes to play in the second period as Tyler Myers sent a puck toward the net that was deflected in by Suter.

KINGS 3, DUCKS 1

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-567880" ); var permalink = $el.closest('.snet-single-article').data('permalink');

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350904977112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350904977112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350904977112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc")

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP")

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-567880" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6350904977112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6350904977112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/nhl-highlights-kings-3-ducks-1/" }); });

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Pierre-Luc Dubois and Matt Roy ended long goal droughts and Los Angeles beat Anaheim to remain in third place in the Pacific Division.

Kevin Fiala also scored for the Kings, who have won five of their last six, and David Rittich stopped 28 shots. The victory gave them a three-point lead over Vegas with two games remaining in the regular season.

Trevor Zegras scored for Anaheim, which has dropped four of its last five. Lukas Dostal made 25 saves.

Dubois found the net for the first time in 14 games while Roy ended a 10-game drought.

Dubois opened the scoring 2:45 into the second period while the Kings were on the power play with his first goal since March 15. The centre was able to get the rebound near the net and went top shelf.

More from Sportsnet

Categories: Canada Sports News, Ontario Sports News, Pro Sports News

Gushue, Retornaz to meet in men’s final at Princess Auto Players’ Championship

SportsNets - Sat, 04/13/2024 - 20:53

TORONTO — Canada’s Team Brad Gushue will take on Italy’s Team Joël Retornaz for the men’s title in the Princess Auto Players’ Championship.

Gushue and his crew from St. John’s, N.L., got by Scotland’s Team Bruce Mouat and Retornaz defeated Canada’s Team Mike McEwen by identical 6-5 scores Saturday night in front of a soldout crowd at the Mattamy Athletic Centre.

Both Gushue and Retornaz arrived at the season finale event straight from the world championships. They also both finished on the podium in Switzerland — with Gushue earning silver and Retornaz taking bronze — and may have arrived here fatigued but are pushing to the end with one game remaining before the summer break.

“It feels amazing right now,” Retornaz said. “I mean, we had two tough weeks at the worlds plus here, lots of games. We played 15 games in eight days at the worlds, 10-end games, and now here and we made it to the final. It’s awesome. The way the team is performing even though they’re tired physically because of the game, because of the time difference and everything, but they’re just performing, giving everything we have out there and we’re just trying to make shots and coming up with a win. This one was very important and to make it to the final is unbelievable.”

Gushue is aiming for a 15th Grand Slam of Curling title, drawing him another step closer to legendary skip Kevin Martin’s all-time record of 18.

“It’ll be exciting,” said Gushue, who calls the Players’ Championship his favourite event. “It’s been a long time since I’ve won (the Players’). It was 2016, so yeah, eight years. … We were in one final, so it’s nice to be back in it, but it’s tough to get to Slam finals. It’s tough to win, so we’ll see what happens.

“I think it’s a real toss-up between us and Joël. It’ll probably come down to who gets a break or who gets a key shot at the right time.”

Retornaz is aiming for a record fourth championship in the series during a single season. He said it’s sick to think about how he was just making his Grand Slam debut at the Players’ Championship two years ago and now is on the brink of history.

“We were discussing this, this morning at breakfast with my teammates, if you look back at two, three years ago we would not have even thought, first of all, being in the Slams, we’re always watching the Slams from home and now we’re playing for titles,” said Retornaz, who won three consecutive Grand Slams to start the season. “We’re the No. 1 ranked team in the world and we’re going to be until the end of the season because I think it’s mathematic we’re going to be the No. 1 ranked team in the world, so it’s been a great season but it started last year. Already we were winning spiels and we won a Slam last year. We keep building our team with [coach] Ryan Fry on the team this year, he’s a good add-on for the team.

“Everything is working so well right now even though we struggled a bit. Not everything was that fluid, especially at the worlds and even here at the beginning of the week we lost our first two games. So we were 0-2 after two games but that’s who we are. We don’t give up. We do our best until the end and we’ll see where we are at the end of the competition.”

Both teams finished pool play with 3-2 records. Gushue came from behind to dispatch Scotland’s Team Ross Whyte 6-5 and Retornaz brushed aside Sweden’s Team Niklas Edin, who captured the gold medal at the men’s worlds, 7-2 during the afternoon quarterfinals.

Gushue also erased an early deficit (and avenged a round-robin loss) against Mouat, who was forced to a single the first but swiped two points in the second when the six-time Brier winner wrecked against two guards.

A huge third end allowed Gushue to draw for the equalizing three points. Mouat was forced to one in the fifth, and Gushue grabbed his first lead of the game in the sixth with a deuce to make it 5-4. Gushue forced Mouat to a tying single in the seventh to take the hammer coming home and didn’t need to throw his last in the eighth end as he was already sitting shot rock and Mouat misfired his final shot.

Gushue called it “a little bit of smoke and mirrors” as he doesn’t believe his team is playing anywhere near its best.

“We’ve played better and not gotten this far, just making some shots at the right time, getting some misses at the right time, and pulled some games out,” Gushue said. “We gave up two earlier against Ross and found a way to win and then we were down 3-0 there against Bruce and found away, so it’s exciting. It’s nice to be back in another Players’ final. Hopefully, we can play our best tomorrow.”

Retornaz also fell behind to start against McEwen — who had a bye to the semis like Mouat and opened with the hammer — blanked the first couple of ends and his patience paid off with a two-point conversion in the third end. After Retornaz responded with a deuce in four, he grabbed the lead with a single steal in the six.

McEwen put a crooked number on the board in the seventh with a count of three, however, Retornaz charged right back and capped off an incredible eighth end pulling off a cross-house hit for the winning trio of points.

“Of course, we know the game is not over until it’s over, so we know we have chances to score multiple in the last end,” Retornaz said. “We were looking for a deuce and thought if we could get some chances to score three points, we can win this game. We played every rock paying attention to details and trying to do our best and we didn’t look at the scoreboard and hoping I had a shot on my last one for three or for two.”

Gushue and Retornaz know each other quite well on the ice with their first game taking place way back at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games. Although Gushue won the gold medal during those Olympics in Turin, he did lose to Retornaz during their clash in round-robin play.

Gushue now holds a lopsided 11-2 advantage all-time in head-to-head meetings, but knows his team will have to play better Sunday.

“I think they’ve been the best team in the world this year and had a lot of success at the Slams, so we know we’ve got to play a little bit sharper than we have,” Gushue said. “But I know if we play well, we get a break or two, we’ll come out on top. The thing is, we just have to play a little bit sharper, clean up some of the misses that we’ve had, especially early in the game, and we’ll see what happens.”

It’ll be a rematch of last year’s final on the women’s side between defending champ Team Isabella Wranå of Sweden and Team Silvana Tirinzoni of Switzerland.

Wranå, who captured her first career Grand Slam title one year ago, defeated South Korea’s Team Eunji Gim 6-5 while Tirinzoni topped Canada’s Team Rachel Homan 5-3.

Both women’s semis were won on steals. Gim came up an inch short on her final draw with the measure going in Wranå’s favour after a second check.

Team Tirinzoni’s fourth Alina Pätz rolled deep on her last, but her side still sat first and second shot rock. Homan had to draw around a wall of granite but couldn’t get it in far enough.

The women’s final kicks off Championship Sunday at 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.

The men’s final goes down at 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT on Sportsnet 360 and Sportsnet+.

More from Sportsnet

Categories: Canada Sports News, Ontario Sports News, Pro Sports News

Report: NHL to buy Coyotes, sell to Utah ownership for $1.2B - theScore

Google Sports - Sat, 04/13/2024 - 20:45

Report: NHL to buy Coyotes, sell to Utah ownership for $1.2B theScore
Sources - Coyotes players told team is relocating to Utah ESPN
Coyotes sale to Utah Jazz owner expected next week, Arizona to get expansion team, AP source says The Associated Press
Bickley: Coyotes relocation is on the owner, not us Arizona Sports
Duhatschek: As Coyotes era ends, so does three decades of bickering, turmoil and instability in Arizona The Athletic

Categories: Pro Sports News, World Sports News

NHL Highlights: Senators 5, Canadiens 4 (SO)

SportsNets - Sat, 04/13/2024 - 20:25

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-975278" ); var permalink = $el.closest('.snet-single-article').data('permalink');

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350895724112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350895724112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6350895724112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc")

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP")

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-975278" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: false, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6350895724112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6350895724112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/nhl-highlights-senators-5-canadiens-4-so/" }); });

Categories: Canada Sports News, Ontario Sports News, Pro Sports News

Kayla Harrison sends message with dominant stoppage of Holm at UFC 300

SportsNets - Sat, 04/13/2024 - 20:23

Kayla Harrison made it look easy.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist in judo and former PFL women’s lightweight champion put the UFC women’s bantamweight division on notice thanks to her one-sided win over former titleholder Holly Holm Saturday at UFC 300.

Harrison submitted Holm with a rear-naked choke in the second round, which followed a dominant opening five minutes.

Surprisingly, Holm, a dangerous striker, initiated a clinch early in the fight. Harrison predictably used her elite judo skills and threw Holm to the canvas immediately, however Holm pulled off a crafty reversal before Harrison worked back to her feet and eventually gained a dominant position when the action hit the canvas a second time.

She controlled Holm’s left arm, at one point pinning it behind her back as she landed heavy strikes. The significant strikes in the opening round were 46-1 in favour of Harrison. Many of them were elbows.

“It’s gonna be ground-and-pound,” Harrison said Thursday when asked what fans could expect to see in her UFC debut. “There’s gonna be a lot of blood on the canvas.”

Holm wasn’t too bloodied but her face was marked up. Harrison was not allowed to use elbows in PFL as that tournament-based organization doesn’t allow the strikes since they often result in lacerations.

“She didn’t just clinch with me, she reversed me and that just goes to show what a phenomenal mixed martial artist Holly Holm is,” Harrison told Joe Rogan following her win. “That is a legend of our sport. It was an honour for me to share the Octagon with her tonight. Holly, God bless you. God bless your family.”

Holm is 42 and hasn’t strung consecutive wins together since 2020. The former world boxing champion became a UFC and mixed martial arts superstar when she knocked out Olympic judoka Ronda Rousey in 2015.

Harrison, 33, is looking to join Holm and Rousey among the list of women’s 135-pound UFC champions. Once she took the fight to the ground in the second round, the submission eventually presented itself.

The story heading into the event was whether or not Harrison could make weight and perform well. She did both and knows what she wants next.

“I want my title next, Joe,” Harrison said in the Octagon after her victory. “That’s what I came over here for, one thing and one thing only, so I don’t care if it’s Raquel (Pennington), I don’t care if it’s Julianna (Pena), by the end of the year I will be UFC champion.”

Pennington became champion in January when she defeated Mayra Bueno Silva at UFC 297. Former champion Julianna Pena is expected to return from an injury layoff later this year and could be Pennington’s first title defence.

Former UFC two-weight women’s champion Amanda Nunes, who retired after UFC 289 last summer, took to social media after Harrison’s win perhaps hinting at a comeback.

More from Sportsnet

Categories: Canada Sports News, Ontario Sports News, Pro Sports News