Pro Sports News

'An icon of the game' - ex-England captain Houghton to retire

BBC Sports - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 15:02
Manchester City defender and former England captain Steph Houghton will retire at the end of the current Women's Super League season.

Zadorov on importance of home-ice in playoffs as Canucks eye top seed

SportsNets - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 14:39

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-106406" ); 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=6349826051112&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=6349826051112&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=6349826051112&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-106406" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: false, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6349826051112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/6349826051112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/zadorov-on-importance-of-home-ice-in-playoffs-as-canucks-eye-top-seed/" }); });

Bob Murdoch’s family says two-time Stanley Cup winner suffered from CTE

SportsNets - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 14:34

The family of Bob Murdoch says the two-time Stanley Cup champion suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a progressive and fatal disease associated with repeated traumatic brain injuries.

The Concussion Legacy Foundation said in a statement Wednesday that Boston University CTE Center researchers made the diagnosis after Murdoch died in August at age 76.

The foundation added Murdoch’s widow, Bev, released the findings to raise awareness around the long-term effects of repetitive blows to the head in hockey.

The brain study found Murdoch, who was also the NHL’s coach of the year in 1989-90 with the Winnipeg Jets, suffered from stage 3 CTE at the time of his death.

Murdoch is the latest ex-NHLer to be diagnosed posthumously with the disease, which can’t be confirmed while a person is alive. Doctors can, however, identify suspected cases based on symptoms and neurological exams.

Former NHL enforcer Chris Simon died by suicide last week at age 52. His family said in a statement it “strongly believes” CTE was to blame. The NHL has repeatedly disputed any links between hockey and CTE, including at the league’s recent general managers’ meetings in Florida.

Murdoch played for the Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings and Atlanta/Calgary Flames over 12 seasons from 1970-82, registering 60 goals and 278 points.

The defenceman from Kirkland Lake, Ont., won the Stanley Cup with the Canadiens in 1971 and 1973.

“This diagnosis was not a surprise,” Bev Murdoch, Bob’s wife of 37 years, said in the statement provided by the Concussion Legacy Foundation. “He knew, we all knew, intuitively what caused his suffering. So much more needs to be done in professional hockey to acknowledge and prevent CTE.

“If not, there will be more people like Bob who will lose many years of their lives.”

The foundation said 16 of 17 NHL players studied in the United States and Canada have now been diagnosed with CTE, including Murdoch’s former Montreal teammates Ralph Backstrom and Henri Richard, as well as Stan Mikita, Bob Probert and Steve Montador.

Murdoch was an assistant with the Flames before coaching the Chicago Blackhawks (1987-88) and original Jets (1989-91). He won the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year in 1989-90 after Winnipeg improved by 11 wins and 21 points.

The family said Murdoch began to experience mild cognitive impairment in 2015 before being diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinsonism and Alzheimer’s disease in 2019. Murdoch suspected CTE was contributing to his symptoms and made the decision to donate his brain to Boston University after his death, the Concussion Legacy Foundation said.

“It’s not only the athletes who suffer,” Bev Murdoch said. “This disease causes such a significant impact on the family, especially the spouses who become caregivers. For seven years, I watched the love of my life disappear.”

The Concussion Legacy Foundation said researchers are studying whether CTE increases the risk of developing additional brain diseases later in life.

“I’m disappointed that the NHL still refuses to acknowledge a clear causal relationship between repetitive head impacts and CTE,” Dr. Ann McKee, chief of neuropathology for the VA Boston Healthcare System and director of the Boston University CTE Center and UNITE Brain Bank, said in the statement.

“I wish (NHL commissioner Gary Bettman) could see the damage these brains endure and the pain this disease causes families.”

More from Sportsnet

What the Calgary Flames have left to play for down the stretch


Maple Leafs’ John Tavares responds to Sheldon Keefe’s callout for accountability

Middleweight madness: How a 16-fighter tournament would play out

ESPN Latest Sport News - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 14:26
What would happen if a tournament between 16 of the top 185-pounders from UFC, Bellator and PFL took place?

Azarenka sets up Miami Open semi-final with Rybakina

BBC Sports - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 14:17
Victoria Azarenka will face Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina in the Miami Open semi-finals, while Danielle Collins also reaches the last four.

How Keenan Allen went from the best year of his career to blindsided by a trade

ESPN Latest Sport News - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 14:14
The Chargers traded Allen to the Chicago Bears on March 14 in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick.

Everything you need to know about the NFL's new hybrid kickoff rule change

ESPN Latest Sport News - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 14:14
To generate more kickoff returns and maintain safety, the NFL's changes will be "brand new to everybody."

Lyon beat Benfica to reach Champions League semis

BBC Sports - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 14:10
Delphine Cascarino scores twice as eight-time winners Lyon beat Benfica to progress to the Women's Champions League semi-finals.

Capitals, Wizards arena plan in Virginia now dead

SportsNets - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 14:08

WASHINGTON (AP) — The NBA’s Washington Wizards and NHL’s Washington Capitals are staying in the District of Columbia for the long term after ownership and the city reached an agreement on a $515 million arena project.

Mayor Muriel Bowser and owner Ted Leonsis signed a letter of intent on Wednesday for the deal, which keeps the teams in the District through 2050. They announced the development at a joint news conference at Capital One Arena minutes later.

“It’s a great day, and I’m really relieved,” Leonsis said.

The project is set to include 200,000 square feet (18,580 square meters) of expansion of the arena complex into the nearby Gallery Place space, the creation of an entertainment district in the city’s surrounding Chinatown neighbourhood and safety and transportation upgrades.

“We are the current home and the future home of the Washington Capitals and the Washington Wizards,” Bowser said. “As Ted likes to say, we’re going to be together for a long time.”

In a statement, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb said residents “could not have been louder or clearer in expressing their desire for the teams to stay.”

“This outcome will have significant positive impacts on economic development, public safety, and overall District energy and spirit generated by the millions of people who attend games, shows, and concerts at Capital One Arena,” Schwalb said.

The Council of the District of Columbia will take up the deal next week and is expected to pass it, Chairman Phil Mendelson said at the news conference.

The agreement between Monumental Sports & Entertainment and the city came as Alexandria officials said talks for a new arena that would have moved the teams to Virginia had ended. Leonsis acknowledged Virginia had land as an advantage D.C. didn’t.

“You’re in this arms race to build bigger and better and higher quality and we’ve been running out of space,” Leonsis said, referencing the new entertainment community the agreement envisions. “We now have 200,000 square feet that we can expand to. It’s not 12 acres, but it’s enough.”

Alexandria said earlier Wednesday that the Potomac Yard proposal “will not move forward,” a blow to Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who announced months ago with fanfare the outlines of a proposal negotiated with the teams’ parent company to bring them across the Potomac River.

In a statement, the governor expressed disappointment and frustration over the demise of a plan he said would have created $12 billion in economic investment, laying blame with the Democratic-controlled state Legislature.

“This should have been our deal and our opportunity,” Youngkin said, adding: “But no, personal and political agendas drove away a deal with no upfront general fund money and no tax increases, that created tens of thousands of new jobs and billions in revenue for Virginia.”

Alexandria, which first announced the news, said in a statement posted to its website that it was disappointed in the outcome.

“We negotiated a framework for this opportunity in good faith and participated in the process in Richmond in a way that preserved our integrity,” the statement said. “We trusted this process and are disappointed in what occurred between the Governor and General Assembly.”

In December, Youngkin and Leonsis announced at a public event that they had reached an understanding on the outlines of a plan to move the teams to a proposed new development district in Alexandria, with not only a new arena but also a practice facility and corporate headquarters for Monumental, plus a separate performing arts venue.

The proposal called for the General Assembly to set up an authority that would issue bonds to finance the majority of the project, backed partly by the city and state governments and repaid through a mix of projected tax revenues recaptured from the development.

Youngkin and other supporters said the development would generate tens of thousands of jobs, along with new tax revenues beyond what would have been needed to cover the financing.

But the plan faced opposition from labor unions, Alexandria residents concerned about traffic and D.C. officials who feared the loss of the teams would devastate downtown Washington.

Youngkin and other backers also failed to win over powerful Democratic Sen. L. Louise Lucas of Portsmouth, who chairs the Senate’s budget-writing committee. She used that position to block the legislation, citing a range of concerns but foremost the financing structure of the deal: The use of moral obligation bonds put taxpayers and the state’s finances at risk, Lucas said.

Lucas celebrated the proposal’s demise Wednesday. On social media, she posted a cartoon of herself swatting away a basketball with the word “REJECTED” superimposed. She wrote, “As Monumental announces today they are staying in Washington DC we are celebrating in Virginia that we avoided the Monumental Disaster!”

Leonsis had shifted his tone on social media in recent days, pointing to large crowds in Capital One Arena this month for everything from the Capitals and Wizards to ACC Tournament basketball and a Zach Bryan concert. He posted Wednesday that Monumental expected over 400,000 fans to pass through turnstiles in March.

Leonsis was notably not on the ice Sunday for a ceremony honouring longtime Capitals winger T.J. Oshie for reaching the milestone of 1,000 NHL games. He was booed by some fans when his message to Oshie came up on arena video screens.

More from Sportsnet

Leading Virginia Senate Democrat deals major setback for Washington sports arena bill


Unions oppose plan to move Washington NBA, NHL teams to northern Virginia

What the Calgary Flames have left to play for down the stretch

SportsNets - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 14:05

The Calgary Flames can be officially eliminated from playoff contention as early as Saturday night. For many, they were unofficially eliminated weeks ago.

With 11 games to go, the Flames are playing out the string.

And while this final stretch is going to feel largely meaningless, especially for remaining veterans, Calgary has to go out of its way to make sure that’s not the case. The final three weeks of the season can’t be a miserable march to the finish line.

“We have a lot of guys that have a lot to play for,” said assistant coach Dan Lambert on Sunday’s Flames Talk post-game show. “We have a lot of new players that are trying to prove (themselves) to a new coaching staff, to a new organization.”

It’s not preparing for the post-season or fighting tooth and nail to get in. But the Flames still have things to accomplish between now and the end of the regular season.

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

Dustin Wolf’s time

When it comes to players with something to prove, Wolf unquestionably leads the way.

And for the first time in his NHL career, Calgary’s goaltender of the future has runway and opportunity. Wolf will remain with the Flames for the rest of the season after the team announced season-ending hip surgery for Dan Vladar last week. Now paired with Jacob Markstrom, Wolf’s most recent returns have been encouraging.

Since being called up earlier this month, Wolf is 2-2-0 with a .929 save percentage in four starts. More importantly, he’s looked comfortable and like he belongs at the highest level. While still early, the “too small” knock on Wolf hasn’t been a factor on this most recent recall.

Wolf needs NHL reps as he continues down his development path. Aside from a return for Calder Cup playoff action next month, there’s nothing left for Wolf to accomplish in the American League.

Opportunity knocks

With mathematical elimination a formality, it’s time for the Flames to start prioritizing the big picture when making lineup decisions. Based on Tuesday night in Chicago, they may have already made that pivot.

2021 first-round pick Matt Coronato returned to the lineup against the Blackhawks after sitting for a pair of games as a healthy scratch. There’s no reason to scratch him again. In fact, now’s the time to elevate Coronato’s role at five-on-five and give him some powerplay time. Like Wolf, he needs the reps before joining the AHL Calgary Wranglers for a playoff run.

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-214814" ); 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=6345265835112&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=6345265835112&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=6345265835112&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-214814" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6345265835112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/6345265835112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/certain-guys-dont-fit-on-a-fourth-line-flames-huska-on-giving-callups-opportunities/" }); });

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-640921" ); 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=6345265835112&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=6345265835112&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=6345265835112&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-640921" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: false, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6345265835112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/6345265835112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/certain-guys-dont-fit-on-a-fourth-line-flames-huska-on-giving-callups-opportunities/" }); });

At this stage, the Flames can try things they’d be less comfortable doing in the heat of a playoff race. For instance, moving rookie standout Connor Zary to the middle for a stretch of games makes a lot of sense. 

A natural centre, Zary has played almost exclusively on the wing in his first NHL season. In dire need of future depth at the position, an extended run down the middle for Zary would be more than worth it.

Individual milestones

With 17, MacKenzie Weegar has more goals than all but two NHL defencemen: Nashville’s Roman Josi (19) and Colorado’s Cale Makar (18). The ultimate team-first guy, Weegar would far rather be chasing down a wildcard spot than an individual mark. But the chance to lead all players at his position in goals is a fun consolation prize.

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-898908" ); 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=6343466285112&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=6343466285112&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=6343466285112&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-898908" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6343466285112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/6343466285112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/how-flames-weegar-has-grown-since-trade-from-panthers/" }); });

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-488673" ); 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=6343466285112&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=6343466285112&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=6343466285112&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-488673" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: false, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6343466285112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/6343466285112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/how-flames-weegar-has-grown-since-trade-from-panthers/" }); });

It’s a similar situation for Blake Coleman. The two-time Stanley Cup winner has already posted new career marks in goals, assists and points this season at the age of 32. But with 11 games to go, Coleman is two away from being a 30-goal scorer for the first time.

Also sitting at 28, the same is true for Yegor Sharangovich. The Flames believed more opportunity was the key to unlocking Sharangovich when they acquired him from New Jersey in June. And while they’ve already been proven right, seeing him hit 30 for the first time would be a nice exclamation mark.

Getting Rasmus Andersson’s mojo back

It felt like Andersson was ready to cement himself as one of the NHL’s top blueliners entering the season. He’d be the first to admit things haven’t gone as planned, however.

Relative to what he’s capable of, Andersson has struggled defensively at five-on-five. That’s been more apparent since the subtraction of Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev in recent weeks.

And he’s taken a step back offensively, too. After consecutive seasons of 50 and 49 points, Andersson sits at 33 and hasn’t spent time on Calgary’s number-one powerplay unit in weeks. With the pressure off down the stretch, the Flames are hoping Andersson can rediscover the swagger that makes him so effective.

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-571033" ); 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=6338876047112&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=6338876047112&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=6338876047112&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-571033" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6338876047112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/6338876047112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/flames-andersson-joins-rush-to-snipe-short-handed-goal-vs-jets/" }); });

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-906643" ); 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=6338876047112&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=6338876047112&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=6338876047112&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-906643" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: false, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6338876047112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/6338876047112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/flames-andersson-joins-rush-to-snipe-short-handed-goal-vs-jets/" }); });

And it starts with shooting the puck.

“We had a long conversation a couple days ago,” Lambert admitted over the weekend.

“Rasmus has a great shot, but unfortunately nobody knows it. It’s like a guy that’s an unbelievable skater but he doesn’t skate. I told Rasmus, I said: if you want to get more points, you have to start shooting the puck.

“I coached Roman Josi (in Nashville). He didn’t care, if there was a lane, he was shooting the puck, and he gets rewarded for it every year. We’re trying to get Rasmus to three or four shots a night.”

Perhaps the message is getting through.

Andersson has averaged more than five shot attempts over the last four games and snapped a 26-game goalless drought Saturday in Vancouver. Tuesday in Chicago saw him finish with five shots on goal for just the third time this season.

This is the type of shot mentality Calgary hopes Andersson can bring into the summer and, more importantly, next season.

More from Sportsnet

Maple Leafs’ John Tavares responds to Sheldon Keefe’s callout for accountability


Pitiful power play continues to haunt Flames

Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won’t play vs. Rockets with quad injury

SportsNets - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 14:03

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will not play in Wednesday’s game against the Houston Rockets because of a quad injury.

It is just the second game Gilgeous-Alexander will have missed this season.

The Thunder are playing on the second half of a back-to-back. Gilgeous-Alexander suffered the injury against the Utah Jazz.

The Toronto native is having an MVP-calibre season, averaging 30.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game.

Panthers sign free-agent pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney

SportsNets - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 13:56

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have bolstered their pass rush, agreeing to terms on Wednesday with veteran free agent Jadeveon Clowney, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 draft.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that it is a two-year, $20-million contract that could be worth up to $24 million for the former No. 1 overall pick.

Clowney grew up in Rock Hill, South Carolina, about 20 minutes from where the Panthers play their home games.

The 31-year-old Clowney is coming off a strong season with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023, where he had 9.5 sacks and will play outside linebacker in Carolina’s 3-4 defensive scheme. Clowney spent his first five years with the Houston Texans, and has moved around quite a bit since with stops in Seattle, Tennessee, and Cleveland and Baltimore. He has 52.5 sacks during his career.

Clowney helps offset the loss of outside linebacker Brian Burns, who was traded to the New York Giants earlier this offseason. Carolina managed a league-low 27 sacks last season.

Clowney is expected to be paired opposite pass rusher D.J. Wonnum, who signed earlier this offseason from the Minnesota Vikings. The Panthers have also added free agent pass rusher K’Lavon Chaisson.

The Panthers also announced they’ve re-signed safety Sam Franklin, who led the team in special teams tackles the past two seasons.

The top 10 women's hoops players in the portal right now

ESPN Latest Sport News - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 13:52
More than 650 women's college basketball players are already in the transfer portal. Who are the top players looking for a new school next season?