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NHL (National Hockey League)

NHL roundup: Penguins defeat Rangers in Pittsburgh despite missing two key players

Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers

Philip Tomasino’s goal that broke the tie stood out in a three-goal second period as the Pittsburgh Penguins, playing without superstars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, managed a 3-2 win over the New York Rangers on Friday night.

Blake Lizotte and Rickard Rakell also scored, and Alex Nedeljkovic made 22 saves for the Penguins, who extended their unbeaten streak to 3-0-1 in the last four games.

Vincent Trocheck had a goal and an assist, and Adam Fox also scored for the Rangers, who were aiming for a third consecutive win. Igor Shesterkin made 23 saves.

Malkin (lower-body injury) missed his fifth straight game, while Crosby (upper-body injury) saw his streak of 229 regular-season games played end. This was the first time since November 13, 2021, that the Penguins played without both Crosby and Malkin in the same regular-season game.

Jets 4, Islanders 3

Gabriel Vilardi scored twice and Connor Hellebuyck stopped 32 shots as Winnipeg won its eighth straight game, beating the New York Islanders.

This eight-game streak matches the longest in the team’s history, dating back to the 1999-2000 season with the Atlanta Thrashers. The Jets also went 8-0-0 in their first eight games this season.

Alex Iafallo and Nikolaj Ehlers scored for Winnipeg, and Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor each recorded two assists. Simon Holmstrom, Marc Gatcomb, and Kyle Palmieri scored for the Islanders, who lost for only the second time in their last 10 games. Ilya Sorokin made 23 saves.

Avalanche 5, Oilers 4

Martin Necas scored with 4:22 left in the third period to give Colorado a 5-4 win over Edmonton after the Avalanche had lost a 4-2 lead.

Cole Makar scored twice and assisted on another, while Nathan MacKinnon added a goal and three assists for the Avalanche, who have won four of their last five games. Artturi Lehkonen had a goal and an assist, Devon Toews had two assists, and Mackenzie Blackwood made 23 saves.

Colorado Avalanche (NHL)

Leon Draisaitl and Corey Perry each scored twice for Edmonton, with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins earning two assists. Stuart Skinner allowed three goals on 12 shots in the first period, and Calvin Pickard made 17 saves in the last two periods.

Blackhawks 6, Predators 2

Ryan Donato scored two goals and had two assists to lead the Chicago Blackhawks to a 6-2 victory over Nashville.

Frank Nazar, Connor Bedard, and Seth Jones each had a goal and an assist, while Patrick Maroon also scored for the Blackhawks, who ended a three-game losing streak. Teuvo Teravainen and Alex Vlasic each had two assists, and Petr Mrazek stopped 31 shots.

Colton Sissons and Tommy Novak scored for the Predators, who lost their sixth straight. Juuse Saros made 24 saves.

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NFL (American Football)

Patrick Mahomes Addresses Misconceptions About His Recruitment by Some Teams

Tuberville claims friendship with Mahomes but admits he never coached him (Kansas City Chiefs)

A claim about Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his recruitment sparked controversy ahead of Super Bowl 2025, leading some to question its accuracy.

During the Feb. 3 episode of her self-titled podcast, former Fox News host Megyn Kelly asked Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., if he would be supporting the Kansas City Chiefs in their upcoming Feb. 9 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

“So, does this mean, since you used to coach Patrick Mahomes, that you’re rooting for the Chiefs at the big game this Sunday?” Kelly inquired.

Senator Tuberville’s recruitment claim challenged by Chiefs quarterback (Kansas City Chiefs)

Tuberville, who transitioned from a 40-year career as a college football coach—including a tenure at Mahomes’ alma mater, Texas Tech University—to serving in the U.S. Senate, responded with a correction. Flashing a smile, Tuberville addressed Kelly’s assumption.

“Well, I never even coached him,” he clarified. “What happened is — I recruited him. And then I left and went to another school. But I’ve got to be very good friends with him. He’s a good — not just a good athlete. He’s a very good example for a lot of our young youth across this country.”

Mahomes Responds to Tuberville’s Statement

Tuberville’s explanation, however, was quickly challenged.

“He did not recruit me at the time,” Mahomes stated during a Feb. 6 press conference when asked about any connection to Tuberville. “I don’t — I don’t remember if I ever got to meet him or not.”

Attempts to reach Tuberville’s office for clarification went unanswered. From 2010 to 2012, Tuberville served as Texas Tech’s head football coach, leading the team for three full seasons before stepping down on Dec. 8, 2012.

Mahomes later joined Texas Tech, playing for the team from 2014 to 2016 before being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017. Reports from various outlets have attributed Mahomes’ recruitment to Kliff Kingsbury, who succeeded Tuberville as Texas Tech’s head coach.

ESPN reported in 2022 that Kingsbury first became aware of Mahomes in 2012 while working as Texas A&M University’s offensive coordinator.

At that time, Mahomes was a standout student-athlete at Whitehouse High School in East Texas. Once Kingsbury assumed the head coaching role at Texas Tech, securing Mahomes became a priority, according to ESPN.

Kingsbury’s Role in Mahomes’ Recruitment

“We went after him hard and knew that we needed to get him,” Kingsbury stated in an interview with ESPN in 2022. Mahomes later credited Kingsbury for his development and for playing a key role in his football career, as noted by Arrowhead Pride, a publication dedicated to covering the Chiefs.

“(Texas Tech was) really the first and only,” Mahomes explained, as reported by Arrowhead Pride. “I didn’t get recruited by (many schools); I got a couple other offers from smaller schools in the Texas area …

I credit Kingsbury, because he was the one who came down and saw me, talked to me, talked to my family and believed in me. That’s the reason I’m in this position — because he gave me a chance.” Former President Donald Trump has also incorrectly stated that Tuberville coached Mahomes.

Our Ruling

Tuberville claimed that he “recruited” Mahomes during his tenure as Texas Tech’s head coach and that the two developed a friendship. Mahomes refuted that assertion, stating that Tuberville “did not recruit me” and adding that he wasn’t sure if they had ever met.

Since Tuberville departed Texas Tech before Mahomes joined the team, their timelines never overlapped. Reports consistently point to Kingsbury, Tuberville’s successor, as the coach responsible for recruiting Mahomes.

This claim is rated False.

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MLB (Baseball)

Ex-Padres Reliever Joins New York Yankees on New Deal

Yankees banking on Hill’s ground-ball ability to solidify their bullpen (New York Yankees)

Tim Hill is returning to the New York Yankees after agreeing to a new contract, as multiple reports confirmed on Tuesday. His deal spans one year at $2.85 million, with a club option for the 2026 season valued at $3 million.

If the Yankees choose not to exercise that option, Hill will receive a $350,000 buyout, according to information shared by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Prior to securing Hill, New York lacked a projected left-handed reliever in its bullpen, as there were no southpaws listed on the 40-man roster.

Tim Hill returns to the Yankees on a one-year deal with a 2026 option (New York Yankees)

Yankees Reshape their Bullpen

Hill will now be part of a reshaped group of relievers, featuring trade acquisition Devin Williams alongside Luke Weaver, Ian Hamilton, Fernando Cruz—another trade pickup—Mark Leiter Jr., and JT Brubaker.

Jonathan Loaisiga, who underwent a UCL procedure last April, is anticipated to return later in the season, though he may begin the year on the 60-day injured list. At 34 years old, Hill emerged as an unexpected key contributor to the Yankees’ bullpen in 2024.

The veteran left-hander, known for inducing ground balls, spent six seasons with the Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres before starting last year with the struggling Chicago White Sox. His time in Chicago was short-lived, as he was designated for assignment and released in June following a 5.87 ERA over 27 outings.

Just a week later, Hill signed a one-year deal with New York and quickly established himself as one of the most dependable left-handed relievers in baseball. Across 35 regular-season appearances, he delivered a 2.05 ERA over 44 innings.

His impact carried into the postseason, where he took the mound in 10 of the Yankees’ 14 playoff games, surrendering only one earned run across 8.1 innings.

Hill’s Strengths and Limitations

Hill’s signature sidearm delivery and 89 mph fastball contributed to his effectiveness, allowing him to generate the highest ground ball rate (68.2 percent) among all major league relievers.

While his strikeout rate was the lowest (10.7 percent), he excelled at limiting hard contact, ranking second in MLB with a 1.4 percent barrel rate. Given his pitching style, which prioritizes weak contact over swings and misses, Hill allowed a considerable number of hits throughout the 2024 season.

Opponents hit .290 against him, averaging 10.3 hits per nine innings. Most of those hits, however, were singles. Over 291 batters faced, he surrendered just nine extra-base hits—seven doubles and two home runs.

Though slightly more effective against left-handed batters, he managed to neutralize hitters from both sides. Lefties posted a .273/.321/.322 slash line against him, while right-handed hitters put up a .303/.352/.352 line.

His ability to induce ground balls and limit free passes also played a role in forcing eight double plays—only 11 relievers recorded more, and five of them logged more innings.

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MLB (Baseball)

Reports Indicate Boston Red Sox Shopped Slugger in at Least Two Trade Deals

Triston Casas remains a hot topic in trade rumors despite Boston's reluctance (Boston Red Sox)

The Boston Red Sox have been at the center of trade discussions throughout the offseason. While some speculation turned into actual transactions, including deals for Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler, many other rumors never materialized. With Spring Training less than two weeks away, trade talk surrounding the team has not slowed down.

Earlier this winter, Triston Casas found himself mentioned in trade discussions more frequently than anticipated. At one stage, Boston and the Seattle Mariners were linked, and reports indicate that at least two separate trade proposals were declined, according to Adam Jude of the Seattle Times.

Alex Bregman and Nolan Arenado remain potential targets for Boston’s lineup (Boston Red Sox)

Mariners’ Trade Talks With Boston

During the MLB Winter Meetings in December, a source with direct knowledge of the discussions revealed that the Red Sox and Mariners explored a trade involving Luis Castillo heading to Boston.

In return, Seattle would have received Casas along with outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida. Talks finally broke down because the Mariners were unwilling to absorb the $56 million remaining on Yoshida’s contract through 2027.

Additionally, reports suggest that in November, Boston had proposed trading Casas for either Bryce Miller or Bryan Woo, two of Seattle’s young starting pitchers. However, the Mariners turned down the offer.

Given the frequency with which Casas’ name surfaced in trade rumors this offseason, hearing about these proposals is not unexpected. What does stand out is Seattle’s apparent reluctance to engage in a deal.

Patrick McAvoy has covered both local and national sports, specializing in baseball and basketball while working with the New England Sports Network. Beyond journalism, he is currently pursuing an MBA at Brandeis University.

His rapid rise as one of the top contributors at NESN led to opportunities with Baseball Essential, part of Sports Illustrated’s Media Group. For business or marketing inquiries regarding Inside The Cardinals, contact Scott Neville at [email protected].

Red Sox and Arenado Rumors

Speculation surrounding the Red Sox continues to gain momentum. Despite a clear need for a premier bat in the middle of their lineup, Boston has yet to make a major addition. The team has been frequently linked to Alex Bregman and Nolan Arenado throughout the offseason.

Bregman remains unsigned in free agency, while Arenado is still being floated as a trade candidate. Although acquiring either player would be a major move, discussions about Arenado have been particularly active in recent days. Reports indicate that the Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals have engaged in trade talks regarding the future Hall of Famer.

MLB Network’s Matt Vasgersian recently addressed the possibility and expressed strong support for the idea. He suggested that a trade of this magnitude would be something Red Sox fans have long envisioned.

“Raffy Devers would likely move somewhere (like) first base,” Vasgersian said. “Triston Casas would move somewhere (like) DH. I think it would evolve from lineup to lineup, day-to-day, series to series. It would give Alex Cora a big new weapon, and it’s really something to dream on if you’re a Boston Red Sox fan.”

Arenado’s fit with Boston is easy to understand. While his power numbers have dipped in recent seasons, he remains one of the greatest defensive third basemen of all time.

His bat could be more effective at Fenway Park than it has been in St. Louis, and he is under contract for three more years. Meanwhile, acquiring Bregman would likely require a higher financial commitment. The bigger question is what the Red Sox would do with Devers and Casas if Arenado were brought into the mix.

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NFL (American Football)

The Rangers look for consistency in New York as they face the Jackets in a quick turnaround

New York Rangers (NHL)

The New York Rangers will look to bounce back quickly after a short rest when they travel to play the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday.

The Rangers are aiming for redemption after a 3-2 loss on Friday to the Pittsburgh Penguins, who were missing Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

New York had 1-0 and 2-1 leads, thanks to goals from Vincent Trocheck and Adam Fox, but the Penguins scored twice in the second period and held on for the win.

Trocheck also got an assist in the loss, and Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin stopped 23 of the 26 shots he faced.

Rangers center Mika Zibanejad, who didn’t record any points in the game, said after the match, “I think it’s just in general our first two periods are not very good and we dig ourselves a bit of a hole and then we have to try to climb out of it again in the third. We were unable to do that today, so (we) can’t just rely on the first and third period to win the game.”

New York was outshot 26-17 in the first two periods, but despite not allowing any shots in the third period and getting seven shots of their own, they couldn’t find the equalizer.

The loss ended a two-game win streak for New York, and they will look to head into the 4 Nations Face-Off break with a win in Columbus.

The Blue Jackets come into this game after three straight losses (0-2-1), following a three-game win streak. Their most recent loss was 4-3 to the Utah Hockey Club on Thursday, when Dylan Guenther scored in overtime.

Columbus defenseman Ivan Provorov scored for the third game in a row, while Justin Danforth scored his first goal in 19 games.

Columbus Blue Jackets players celebrates after a goal

“There’s no excuses for us,” Danforth said after the game. “We pride ourselves on being a consistent team. I felt like we were there for most of the night but just not good enough.”

Before Thursday, the Blue Jackets had won five straight games at home. They have had one of the best home records in the NHL this season, with a 17-5-4 mark.

A big reason for this success has been the play of Zach Werenski. With an assist against Utah, Werenski extended his home point streak to 20 games (13 goals, 24 assists), making him just the fourth defenseman in NHL history to do this.

In addition to extending his point streak, Werenski also set a new club record for points in a season by a defenseman with 58 points (17 goals, 41 assists). He had 57 points (11 goals, 46 assists) last season, matching the club record set in 2017-18 by Seth Jones (16 goals, 41 assists).

The Rangers have won six of their last eight games against the Blue Jackets. In their only meeting this season, New York defeated Columbus 1-0 in a shootout on Jan. 18.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

The Blues look to finish their homestand strong against the Blackhawks in St. Louis

St. Louis Blues (NHL)

St. Louis Blues coach Jim Montgomery hopes his team can learn from playing top NHL teams as they work on bringing back a winning culture.

The Blues will look to apply what they learned from their 3-2 losses to the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers this week when they play the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday night.

St. Louis took Edmonton to overtime before losing 3-2 on Tuesday, and then lost to Florida 3-2 on Thursday when the Panthers scored a goal with 12 seconds left in the game.

“That’s a (Panthers) team that’s won the Stanley Cup, went to the Stanley Cup Final, they know who they are,” Montgomery said. “They know how they want to play. Pucks go to the goal line, they get in on the forecheck, they get heavy, and they’re just relentless. It’s over and over and over. Really good at it.

“We have to establish that kind of regularity with our identity.”

By losing the first two games of their three-game homestand before the NHL break for the 4 Nations Face-Off, the Blues are now 11-14-2 at home this season. They are 1-5-1 in their last seven games.

Blues forward Oskar Sundqvist found some comfort in the fact that his team made the Oilers and Panthers work hard for their wins.

“We’re playing two of the best teams in the league, and I think we’re playing two good hockey games against them,” Sundqvist said. “If we come out of that second period (Thursday) a goal or two up, it can be a whole different game.

“We take with us that we were playing two really good hockey teams, and we’re right there. We just need that last percent to tip it over to wins.”

The Blackhawks are 3-6-4 in their last 13 games. They are coming to St. Louis after a 6-2 home win against the Nashville Predators on Friday.

Chicago’s point leader, Connor Bedard, had a goal and an assist against Nashville, giving him nine goals and 13 assists in his last 21 games.

Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)

“There’s a lot of pressure on him in general, but I think he puts more pressure on himself than anybody,” said Blackhawks interim coach Anders Sorensen. “So I think he’s handling it terrifically.”

Bedard believes his overall game is improving in his second NHL season.

“Maybe the biggest thing is, stick battles and stuff, I feel pretty good in that area, whether it’s on the forecheck or in my own end or whatever,” Bedard said. “It’s something I worked on a lot over the summer and I feel like I’ve progressed.

“As the year goes on, maybe I can win more battles. I’ll try to keep building on that.”

Chicago forward Jason Dickinson missed Friday’s game due to an ankle sprain he got on Wednesday and will also miss Saturday’s game.

Since Petr Mrazek started in goal on Friday, the Blackhawks will likely start Arvid Soderblom against the Blues. Mrazek gave up six goals on 28 shots when the Blackhawks lost to the Blues 6-2 on Dec. 31 at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

The Blues got strong production from defensemen Cam Fowler (two goals) and Justin Faulk (one goal, two assists) in that outdoor game.

St. Louis goaltender Jordan Binnington stopped 28 of 30 shots to win that game, and he will likely start again on Saturday before joining Team Canada for the 4 Nations event.

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MLB (Baseball)

New York Yankees Aim for a Blockbuster All-Star Trade Move

Jazz Chisholm Jr. may transition to second base as Yankees explore lineup options

The New York Yankees are actively working on strengthening their infield as the offseason comes to play. After opting not to exercise Anthony Rizzo’s option, the team secured former National League MVP Paul Goldschmidt on a one-year deal to handle first base duties in 2025.

Even with this addition, a vacancy remains following the departure of second baseman Gleyber Torres, who signed with the Detroit Tigers in free agency. The Yankees had considered promoting prospect Caleb Durbin to take over Torres’ role, but he was traded as part of the deal that brought elite closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers.

DJ LeMahieu’s return could be pivotal for the Yankees infield dynamics

Exploring Infield Options

Looking beyond free agency, the Yankees have several potential strategies to fill the infield gap. They could move Jazz Chisholm Jr. from third base to second, allowing Oswaldo Cabrera to handle third.

Another option is counting on DJ LeMahieu’s return to full health, as he’s capable of filling either the second or third base position. Reports suggest that the Yankees are considering adding a former All-Star to their roster to help address this need.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees are exploring the possibility of signing free-agent infielder Paul DeJong, who garnered national attention by finishing second in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2017 and earning an All-Star spot in 2019 with the St. Louis Cardinals.

DeJong’s Potential Impact

Once a key part of the Cardinals’ future, DeJong enjoyed a stellar 2019 season, blasting 30 home runs and posting a 5.3 WAR. However, his performance declined sharply over the next few seasons, with OPS+ figures of 87, 85, 52, and 66 between 2020 and 2023.

The Cardinals traded him to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2023, but after just 13 games, he was released. He was subsequently picked up by the San Francisco Giants, only to be released again after 18 games.

A revival in 2024 saw DeJong hit 24 home runs in 139 games split between the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals, though his .227/.276/.427 slash line and 97 OPS+ were less impressive.

DeJong could be a potential short-term solution for the Yankees, who may offer him a one-year contract to play third base and move Chisholm to second. Additionally, the team is reportedly eyeing Jorge Polanco and Brendan Rodgers as potential targets.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

The Islanders and Wild aim for a win in Saint Paul before the 4 Nations Face-Off break

New York Islanders (NHL)

The New York Islanders and Minnesota Wild are both coming off close games as they prepare for their match on Saturday night in Saint Paul, Minn.

This will be the last game for both teams before the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off, which will take place from Feb. 12-20 in Montreal and Boston.

The Wild ended a two-game losing streak with a 2-1 home win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night, while the Islanders lost 4-3 to the Winnipeg Jets on Friday night but have won eight of their last 10 games (8-2-0).

The Islanders were up 2-1 after the first period on Friday, with goals from Simon Holmstrom and Marc Gatcomb. However, the Jets came back with three goals in the second period.

Kyle Palmieri scored for the Islanders in the third period. Ilya Sorokin, who lost for the first time since Jan. 16, made 23 saves.

“We did a lot of good things tonight,” New York center Bo Horvat said after the loss. “I thought we fought back. But at the end of the day, we couldn’t get the job done tonight. I thought in the first we were good. We let our foot off the gas for a minute in the second. We knew they would come, and they did. We fought back in the third period to make it a close game.”

Islanders coach Patrick Roy agreed with Horvat.

“We played really well in the first and third periods. Played very well, took a lead,” Roy said. “I think in the second period, we lost coverage, and that cost us two of the three goals.”

Minnesota Wild (NHL)

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Filip Gustavsson made 37 saves for Minnesota.

“Whether it’s lifting sticks, shot blocking and not allowing second efforts,” Wild coach John Hynes said. “I thought we also did a good job. If the puck was in those areas or below the goal line, we had five players tight. And then when they did get some looks, because they’re going to, I thought ‘Gus’ (Gustavsson) really competed tonight in scrums and battles, and it was going to be one where your goaltender has to compete in traffic tonight, and he did a nice job.”

Yakov Trenin and Vinnie Hinostroza scored for the Wild. Hinostroza played his first game for Minnesota after being claimed off waivers from the Nashville Predators on Wednesday.

“Yeah, (I) felt really good,” Hinostroza said after the game. “Obviously, a lot of emotions. Entering a new locker room sometimes can be hard to do, but this group couldn’t have made it easier for me today. So I’m just happy to be a part of this. Got in late last night, so I’ll go back and get some sleep tonight, and then back at it tomorrow. So it’ll be nice to see a little bit of down time.”

Minnesota forward Ryan Hartman will serve the third game of his 10-game suspension for using his forearm to slam the head of Ottawa’s Tim Stutzle to the ice last Saturday.

Hartman has 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists) in 48 games. The NHL Players Association has filed an appeal on Hartman’s behalf.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

The Ducks are ready for their upcoming away game against the Kings in Los Angeles

Anaheim Ducks (NHL)

The Anaheim Ducks are happy with their recent performance in the standings. They have a chance to improve even more before the two-week break for the 4 Nations Face-Off when they play the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night.

Anaheim has won five of its last six games, bringing them within nine points of the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

The Ducks, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2018, were just seven points behind a playoff spot after beating the Dallas Stars 2-1 on Tuesday.

After a day off on Wednesday, the Ducks had two days of practice to prepare for Los Angeles, who won 5-4 in a shootout against the Dallas Stars on Friday for their third straight win.

“Our team hasn’t really been in a spot to feel that type of added enthusiasm, or emphasis on those games,” said Ducks forward Ryan Strome about the playoff race. “Now we’re in a position where these games are all going to be a little bit more impactful, a little more meaningful. And, with saying that, we kind of have to take a step together and be ready for that challenge.”

The Ducks have struggled against the Kings, going 2-10-1 in their past 13 matchups, and losing the first two games between the teams this season. However, they’ve been stronger against top teams recently.

Anaheim has won both games against the Winnipeg Jets, who lead the Central Division, since their last loss to the Kings. They’ve also split games with the Pacific Division-leading Edmonton Oilers and defeated teams like the New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes, and Tampa Bay Lightning, all of which are higher in the standings than Anaheim.

“I think there’s been a lot of confidence with the group,” said Ducks coach Greg Cronin. “I think it started back when we beat Winnipeg a month and a half ago at home. We had that road trip where we got a little bit sloppy, but I think we got back on the rails pretty quickly. When you win, it builds belief into what you’re doing.”

Los Angeles Kings players react after a goal in the 2nd period

The Kings have been tough to beat at home, winning 12 of their last 13 games, with a 17-3-1 record at home this season.

Los Angeles is third in the Pacific Division, but they were only three points ahead of the Vancouver Canucks and five points in front of the Calgary Flames. The Ducks are 12 points behind the Kings.

Kings coach Jim Hiller respected the Ducks’ offense enough to save starting goalie Darcy Kuemper for their game against Anaheim, choosing to start David Rittich against the Stars on Friday.

“Obviously, we’ve got to play hard,” said Kings forward Phillip Danault, who had two assists against the Stars. “It’s always a hard game against the Ducks. Get the crowd going again and get the two points and go for a little trip on the road.”

Kevin Fiala has been on fire for the Kings, scoring five goals in the past three games, with all three being multipoint games.

Adrian Kempe leads the Kings with 24 goals and is tied with Anze Kopitar for the most points (45). Kempe had been Los Angeles’ top scorer at other points this season but went six games without a point before collecting an assist against the Stars.

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The Sabres will face the Predators in Nashville, with both teams on contrasting streaks

Buffalo Sabres (NHL)

The Buffalo Sabres are feeling confident and will aim to carry their momentum into the 4 Nations Face-Off break when they visit the struggling Nashville Predators on Saturday night.

The Sabres are currently on a season-high four-game winning streak, with one of those wins coming on Jan. 31 at home against Nashville. They haven’t won five games in a row since Jan. 19-26, 2023.

“Each day is big. Each win is big, and I think we’re gaining traction right now,” said forward Tage Thompson. “Obviously, Saturday is going to be a big one and make sure we get that one going into the break, continue to build momentum. … I feel like there’s a lot of confidence in our game right now. … All things kind of coming together, just got to be consistent with it.”

The Sabres are expected to have Thompson back in the lineup after he missed the 3-2 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday due to a concussion from a hit by New Jersey Devils forward Stefan Noesen on Sunday.

Thompson leads the Sabres with 26 goals and 48 points in 47 games. He has eight points (four goals, four assists) in his last three games and 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in his past nine games.

This production has come while playing at right wing, a position change made by coach Lindy Ruff in early January as Thompson dealt with an injury that affected his ability to play center. Recently, he has been paired with rookie center Jiri Kulich and JJ Peterka.

Vancouver Canucks and Nashville Predators

“He’s scoring a lot more. That’s really what has stood out,” said Ruff about Thompson. “The connection with those three guys has been good. I think it’s freed him up a little bit from defensive responsibilities down low, to get out of the zone, use his speed a little bit more, get up ice a little bit quicker.”

The Sabres are also expected to have goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and center Dylan Cozens in the lineup on Saturday. Luukkonen missed Tuesday’s game due to a lower-body injury sustained during the morning skate, and Cozens also missed practice Wednesday with a lower-body issue.

The Predators, on the other hand, are looking to end a six-game losing streak, with the most recent loss being a 6-2 defeat to the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday. This slide follows a 7-2-0 stretch in their previous nine games.

“Obviously, it’s been a really frustrating stretch for us here,” said coach Andrew Brunette. “It’s been a frustrating year, I think, right from the start. Kind of getting our head out of it a little bit, and now we sunk back in. It will be a test of our character. We’ve got one game before the break. Let’s try to play our best game and regroup here a little bit.”

The Predators have struggled offensively, ranking 31st in the NHL with an average of 2.58 goals per game. They’ve also had trouble keeping the puck out of their net, allowing 3.30 goals per game, the seventh-most in the league. During their losing streak, they’ve been outscored 26-10.

“We have another chance tomorrow,” said captain Roman Josi on Friday. “It’s one more game before the break, and we’ve got to find our identity.”

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NFL (American Football)

Pittsburgh Steelers Will Make their Way to Ireland for a Game in 2025

A special moment for the Steelers as they engage with their Irish fanbase (Pittsburgh Steelers)

A regular-season game in Ireland is set to be played by the NFL for the first time in 2025, with Croke Park selected to host this new addition to the international schedule.

Commissioner Roger Goodell mentioned last November that an Ireland game was a “possibility” for 2025, and the NFL confirmed its international schedule for the upcoming season on Friday, designating the Pittsburgh Steelers for the inaugural match in Ireland this September.

While Dublin has seen numerous college football games held at the Aviva Stadium over the past decade, Croke Park, which previously hosted a preseason matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears in 1997, will serve as the NFL’s latest international venue.

Croke Park to host the inaugural NFL matchup in Ireland as excitement builds (NFL)

Steelers’ President Art Rooney II expressed excitement, stating, “We are very excited to be the designated team in the first regular-season game to be played in Ireland this upcoming season.”

He added that the opportunity to play in Ireland is especially meaningful due to the Rooney family’s history there and the chance to engage with the growing fanbase of Steelers supporters in Ireland. Rooney emphasized the importance of this historic event for Pittsburgh and its fans.

NFL’s International Expansion

The inclusion of Ireland marks a continuation of the NFL’s expansion overseas. Since the Miami Dolphins faced the New York Giants at Wembley Stadium in October 2007, the NFL has been hosting games in the UK, starting with one game annually until 2012, which then increased to two matches per season starting in 2013.

Since 2014, at least three games have been held in London each year, with Twickenham Stadium hosting events in both 2016 and 2017, while the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been awarded two matches a season beginning in 2019.

The International Series has since broadened to include Mexico, Germany, and Brazil, and in 2025, Madrid in Spain will join Ireland in hosting a match for the first time, with Australia also slated to be included starting in the 2026 season.

Peter O’Reilly, the NFL’s executive vice president for international, league events, and club business, stated, “We are delighted to officially bring a regular-season NFL game to Ireland as part of our 2025 international games slate.”

He noted the deep historical connections between both the NFL and the Steelers franchise in Ireland, expressing anticipation for the league’s regular-season debut in Dublin and its commitment to reaching a passionate Irish fanbase.

Importance of Croke Park

Croke Park, the home of the GAA, hosts the Gaelic football and hurling All-Ireland finals annually. Additionally, it held the Special Olympics opening and closing ceremonies in 2003 and the college football game between Notre Dame and Navy in 1996. Beyond its sports heritage, Croke Park has also welcomed global music icons such as U2, Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay, and Taylor Swift.

GAA president Jarlath Burns conveyed enthusiasm about the event, stating, “We are absolutely delighted to welcome the NFL and the Pittsburgh Steelers to Croke Park.” He remarked that the occasion would showcase the stadium’s world-class facilities and strengthen the bond of sport shared between communities.

Roger Goodell hints at the possibility of an Ireland game last November now realized (NFL)

Burns characterized Croke Park as a proud symbol of Ireland’s sporting legacy and highlighted the importance of hosting one of the world’s premier sporting organizations as a monumental moment for the nation. He anticipated a special and unique event that celebrates the shared passion of two great sporting cultures in the heart of Dublin.

Regarding other international matches confirmed for 2025, the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and Jacksonville Jaguars are designated as the home teams for the NFL London games.

The Jets will be competing in the UK for the second consecutive year and the fourth time, having previously lost 23-17 to the Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last October. Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell praised the UK fanbase, expressing eagerness to return.

Cleveland will make their second appearance in a London game in franchise history, having suffered a 33-16 defeat to the Vikings at Twickenham in 2017. Meanwhile, the Jaguars are making their 14th trip to London, leading the league in international appearances after playing consecutive games overseas for two years.

The Miami Dolphins are set to represent the NFL in Madrid at the Bernabeu Stadium, while the Indianapolis Colts will participate in Germany, marking the first NFL game ever held in Berlin.

On Sunday, February 9, the Kansas City Chiefs will face the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, with live coverage on Sky Sports NFL and Main Event starting at 10 p.m. before kick-off at 11:30 p.m. The half-time show will be headlined by 17-time Grammy-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

After the trade, Stars’ Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci face off against the Sharks in Dallas

Mikael Granlund (NHL)

Former Sharks players Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci will return to the Bay Area on Saturday night, as the Dallas Stars face off against San Jose, looking to complete a three-game season sweep. The Sharks traded Granlund and Ceci to Dallas for two 2025 draft picks on February 1.

The Stars are in San Jose to finish a three-game road trip through California, aiming to avoid a third consecutive loss before the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off. On Friday night, Dallas lost 5-4 in a shootout to Los Angeles. Matt Duchene scored twice and added an assist. Mavrik Bourque and Thomas Harley also scored, while Jake Oettinger made 33 saves.

“(The Kings) are at a different level this year than they were last year,” Duchene, who recorded his 500th career assist, said. “I thought the first 15 minutes we weren’t very good, and then (Oettinger) was great. The last five minutes of the first period, we sort of came to life, and I thought we were pretty good after that. We had a lot of good looks. Tough loss, but big point.”

The Stars, second in the Central Division, are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games and have a 14-11-1 road record this season.

Casey DeSmith, who is expected to start Saturday, is 8-6-0 in 16 games this season, with a 2.46 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage. In six career games against the Sharks, DeSmith is 2-4-0 with an .888 save percentage and a 3.58 GAA.

Dallas won both of their previous games against the Sharks, both in Dallas: 3-2 in a shootout on October 15 and 5-2 on November 20.

Granlund, who has two assists in three games with the Stars, led the Sharks in assists (30) and points (45) before the trade.

“We miss him, he’s a great player,” said Sharks forward Fabian Zetterlund. “We can’t do anything about it right now. I think we’ve played two really good games here (since the trade).”

Alexandar Georgiev- San Jose Sharks

The Sharks, last in the Western Conference, have won only one of their last 10 games (1-8-1). They enter Saturday’s game after a 2-1 overtime loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday.

Tyler Toffoli scored his team-leading 20th goal, and Vitek Vanecek made 22 saves as the Sharks fell to 9-17-2 at home this season.

“I thought we competed hard, I thought we worked hard,” said Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky. “Our puck play was a little iffy at times, but I thought we did enough to win a hockey game, that’s for sure.”

Toffoli has points in four straight games (three goals, two assists) and ranks fourth on the Sharks’ points list (including Granlund) with 35 points in 53 games this season.

Goaltender Alexandar Georgiev is 2-11-0 in 14 games since joining the Sharks in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche in December, with an .875 save percentage and a 4.01 GAA. Georgiev has a 6-4-0 record with a .901 save percentage and a 3.05 GAA in 11 career games against the Stars.