On Tuesday, the Minnesota Vikings announced a multiyear contract extension for head coach Kevin O’Connell after an outstanding 14-3 regular season. Despite predictions of a losing record or last-place finish in the NFC North, O’Connell defied expectations and guided the team to remarkable success. While the specifics of the deal were not disclosed, it came with one year remaining on his current contract, solidifying his future with the team.
Record-Breaking Performance by Sam Darnold
One of the standout stories in 2024 was the stellar performance of quarterback Sam Darnold, who was brought in to replace Kirk Cousins. Darnold, who had previously struggled with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, had a breakthrough season, setting a record as the first starting quarterback in NFL history to win 14 games in his debut season with a team. His success also earned him a Pro Bowl selection, marking a new chapter for the Vikings’ offense under O’Connell’s leadership.
Kevin O’Connell (NFL)
Kevin O’Connell has already made history with the Vikings, becoming the first coach in the team’s history to lead them to multiple 13-win seasons. In just three years, he joined a select group of coaches, including Matt LaFleur and George Seifert, who have managed such success early in their careers. O’Connell’s rapid rise has shown his capability as a head coach, bringing consistent success and setting high standards for the team moving forward.
Building a Strong Team Culture and Leadership
Vikings owner Mark Wilf spoke highly of O’Connell’s leadership, describing him as an innovative play-caller and a strong motivator who connects well with his players. O’Connell has fostered a positive culture that emphasizes communication and trust, which has been crucial to the team’s success. His ability to perform well in close games, with a 26-9 record in one-possession matches, highlights his leadership and tactical skills in high-pressure situations.
Despite the team’s success, there are still challenges for O’Connell and the Vikings. The team faced tough losses to the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs and was swept by the NFC North champion Detroit Lions. However, O’Connell’s strategic leadership and strong quarterback management have shown that the Vikings are on the right trajectory. As the team continues to evolve, O’Connell’s understanding of the game and his passion for coaching will be essential for their pursuit of a championship in the coming years.
The Philadelphia Eagles versus Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship is a matchup I never anticipated. Despite its significance, the game offers little excitement for me. The only way it could have been worse is if it were held in Dallas, which adds to the difficulty of facing teams from my division.
Rivalries Rooted in Childhood: The NFC East Struggles
Growing up near FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, shaped my view of NFL fandom. As a New York Giants fan, I found myself rooting as much against NFC East rivals, like Washington and Dallas, as I did for my team. These rivalries were deeply personal and defined my early football experiences.
Eagles vs. Commanders (NFC)
For me, the legacy of the Giants’ past Super Bowl victories was distant. The 1987 and 1991 championships happened before my time, leaving me to admire legends from afar. By the time I became a fan, the Giants’ glory years felt distant, and I was left clinging to whatever moments of success I could find.
The 2001 Super Bowl and Growing Hatred for Rivals
The 2001 Super Bowl cemented my hatred for rival teams. While the Giants’ loss to the Baltimore Ravens was painful, it fueled my disdain for the division’s other teams. Their continued success was something I couldn’t bear, and the Philadelphia Eagles soon emerged as my prime target, further fueling my frustration.
Despite the Giants’ struggles and brief moments of glory, my hatred for NFC East teams never wavered. The Eagles’ dominance under Andy Reid only added to my animosity, while Eli Manning’s 2008 and 2012 Super Bowl victories kept my passion alive. The rivalry between the Eagles and Commanders remains intense, and this NFC Championship clash feels like my personal hell.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden during 2025 CFP National Championship Media Day
Al Golden, the defensive coordinator from Notre Dame, is expected to join the Cincinnati Bengals in the same role, according to sources reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Wednesday. This move comes just days after Notre Dame’s loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship game.
Golden’s Background with Notre Dame
Golden, 55, spent the last three years as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator. He will replace Lou Anarumo, who held the position for six seasons before being let go after the Bengals missed the postseason in 2024.
Golden’s Previous Role with Bengals
This will be Golden’s second time working with the Bengals. Before joining Notre Dame, he was the Bengals’ linebackers coach for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. During that time, he played a key role in helping the Bengals’ defense reach the Super Bowl for the first time in 33 years.
Notre Dame’s Defense and Golden’s Success
Under Golden’s leadership, the Fighting Irish defense was a key factor in their success, pushing them to within one game of winning their first national championship since 1988. Before their loss to Ohio State, Notre Dame’s defense ranked fourth among Power 4 teams in points allowed per drive, according to ESPN Research.
Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden
Task Ahead with Bengals Defense
Golden will now lead a Bengals defense that looks much different than the one he worked with in 2021. Key players from that Super Bowl team, like safety Jessie Bates III and defensive tackle DJ Reader, left the team in free agency over the past two years. In 2024, the defense faced challenges, including injuries and a mix of aging veterans and inexperienced players.
Despite these struggles, the defense showed improvement during the Bengals’ five-game winning streak to end the regular season. However, after missing the playoffs for a second consecutive year, head coach Zac Taylor decided to make staff changes. Along with Anarumo, offensive line coach Frank Pollack and defensive line coach Marion Hobby were also let go.
Bengals’ Defensive Struggles in 2024
Last season, the Bengals’ defense ranked poorly in several key categories. They finished 26th in points allowed per drive, 30th in defensive red zone efficiency, and 30th in first downs allowed per game, according to ESPN Research.
Bengals’ Focus on Playoff Push
As Cincinnati looks to end its two-year playoff drought, the team is focused on building around star quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Burrow earned his second Pro Bowl selection after a standout year, and Chase made his fourth Pro Bowl in as many seasons. Along with defensive end Trey Hendrickson, they were the first Bengals players to earn All-Pro selections since 2015.
Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine
On Wednesday, the Jacksonville Jaguars announced that they have parted ways with general manager Trent Baalke, just hours after head coaching candidate Liam Coen decided to stay with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Jaguars owner Shad Khan released a statement explaining the decision. “Following several discussions with Trent Baalke this week, we both arrived at the conclusion that it is in our mutual best interests to respectfully separate, effective immediately,” Khan said. “Trent leaves us with my deepest appreciation for his efforts over the past five seasons.
Ethan Waugh will serve as interim general manager and play an important role, with others, as we continue the process of interviewing candidates to serve as our new head coach. I am deeply committed to building a winner here in Jacksonville and look forward to introducing a new head coach who will make that happen for our players and fans alike.”
Baalke’s History with the Jaguars
Baalke joined the Jaguars in 2020 as director of player personnel and was promoted to general manager when Khan fired Dave Caldwell that November. During his time with the team, Baalke’s tenure included highs and lows.
One of his most notable decisions was drafting quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 overall pick in 2021. He was also part of the hiring of head coach Doug Pederson, which led the team to an AFC South title and a thrilling comeback win in a wild-card playoff game in 2022.
However, Baalke also oversaw the Jaguars’ most significant collapse in franchise history in 2023, when they missed the playoffs despite starting the season 8-3.
Jacksonville Jaguars Manager Trent Baalke walks off the field during the third day of an NFL football training camp practice
Controversial Draft Picks and Free Agent Moves
Baalke made the controversial decision to draft defensive end Travon Walker over Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 1 pick in 2022. He believed Walker’s athleticism and potential upside made him the better choice, but Hutchinson has outperformed Walker, becoming one of the top sack leaders in the NFL.
Baalke’s free-agent signings were also mixed. In 2022, he made key moves that helped the team win the AFC South title, including signing players like receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, and tight end Evan Engram. However, his most recent free-agent class in 2024 was disappointing, as none of the players had a significant impact on a team that finished with a 4-13 record.
Baalke’s Draft and Free-Agent Legacy
Baalke’s 2021-2024 draft picks had a mixed track record. While players like Lawrence, running back Travis Etienne Jr., and cornerback Tyson Campbell became key starters, Baalke’s decision to draft Walker over Hutchinson remains a point of contention.
In free agency, Baalke’s big-money signings in 2024, including receiver Gabe Davis and defensive back Darnell Savage, failed to make a meaningful impact on the team’s performance.
The decision to part ways with Baalke comes after the Jaguars missed out on top coaching candidates like Ben Johnson, who chose to join the Chicago Bears. Liam Coen was also in the running, but he decided to stay with the Bucs for a raise, leaving the Jaguars in search of a new head coach.
Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki watches the Lakers play the Washington Wizards
On Tuesday night, Roki Sasaki was featured on the video screen at Crypto.com Arena during the Lakers’ game against the Washington Wizards. The 23-year-old Japanese pitcher received an overwhelming and enthusiastic reaction from the crowd, even more energetic than what many celebrities get at Lakers games.
Sasaki Joins the Dodgers
Sasaki, who recently signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, can expect more of this kind of attention from L.A. sports fans. He is a hard-throwing right-handed pitcher with an impressive 2.10 earned-run average over four seasons in Japan. While he may not have been well-known to U.S. sports fans until recently, Sasaki became a sought-after free agent during the MLB offseason.
Sasaki’s Nippon Professional Baseball team, the Chiba Lotte Marines, posted him last month, allowing him to become eligible to sign with an MLB team once the international signing period began on January 15. Two days later, Sasaki announced via Instagram that he had chosen the Dodgers.
Signing Details and Introduction
Because Sasaki is under 25, MLB’s international signing rules meant he could only sign a minor-league contract. His deal includes a $6.5 million signing bonus and will keep him under team control for six years. He will be officially introduced as a Dodgers player at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday.
New Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki, left, and Lakers forward Rui Hachimura make the L.A. fingers sign for photographers
Meeting Lakers Stars
Before the game, Sasaki sat on the Lakers bench during pregame warmups and received a warm welcome from some of the biggest names in sports. Lakers superstar LeBron James greeted Sasaki with a handshake, saying, “Welcome to the city. Good to see you.”
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, who was born in Japan, also made sure to connect with Sasaki before the game. The two spoke in Japanese and posed for photos, with Hachimura teaching Sasaki how to make the “L.A. fingers” sign.
Rui Hachimura’s Baseball Connection
Hachimura has a strong connection to baseball. He was given the name “Rui” by his baseball-loving grandfather, and before focusing on basketball, he was passionate about baseball. Growing up, Hachimura idolized future Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki and drew inspiration from Shohei Ohtani. He was excited to throw the ceremonial first pitch at Dodger Stadium in July 2023 for Japanese Heritage Day.
Sasaki’s Visit to Crypto.com Arena
Sasaki, the newest Dodgers pitcher, seemed to enjoy his time at the Lakers game. He received a Lakers jersey with his name and No. 11, which is rumored to be the number he will wear with the Dodgers. Sasaki was also seen shaking hands with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.
In a video posted by the Lakers, Sasaki shared his excitement for attending his first Lakers game. He said in Japanese, “Today I’m here to watch my first Laker game. I’m looking forward to it.” Then, in English, he added, “Go Lakers!” It looks like Sasaki is already getting comfortable in L.A.
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich gives instructions to his players during the second half of an NBA basketball game
San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is still away from the team after suffering a stroke last fall. It’s unclear when or if he will return, but Spurs CEO R.C. Buford shared some positive news about Popovich’s recovery on Wednesday.
Buford, who is a close friend of Popovich, provided an encouraging update. “All I can share is he’s attacking his rehab in a way that … you know Pop, you’ve observed him for years. The same resilience that he’s shown over the course of our career as a coach, he’s approaching his rehab in an incredibly unique way,” Buford said, according to The Associated Press. He also mentioned the strong support Popovich has received from former players, which has been vital to his recovery.
Stroke and Ongoing Recovery
Popovich suffered a mild stroke on November 2 at the Spurs’ arena. Since then, he has been focusing on his recovery. While details about the stroke and his rehabilitation process remain unclear, it’s expected that he will make a full recovery. During his absence, assistant coach Mitch Johnson has taken over the coaching duties, leading the Spurs to a 17-19 record. The team is currently in Paris for a pair of games against the Indiana Pacers this week. Heading into Wednesday’s game, they have a 19-22 record and have lost six of their last seven.
Popovich’s Legacy and Age
Popovich, who became the Spurs’ coach in 1996 while also serving as their general manager, holds the record for the most wins in NBA history. He has led the team to five NBA championships and helped the USA Basketball team win a gold medal at the 2021 Olympics. Popovich will turn 76 next week.
Gregg Popovich (NBA)
Popovich Remains Involved
Despite being away from the team, Popovich continues to be very involved in the Spurs’ daily operations. Mitch Johnson mentioned that they stay in constant communication, and Popovich is “still as opinionated as he’s ever been.”
Spurs guard Chris Paul added, “I’m not even sure if this is public, but he calls. He calls after games and I talk to him, and he tells me what he sees, and I appreciate that more than anything because he doesn’t have to do that. And he does.”
Uncertainty About His Return
While no one knows when Popovich will return, the updates are promising, and it seems that things are improving for him. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle expressed hope that Popovich will be back soon. “He’s really an institution and he’s been such a constant. It’s different not seeing him. But I’ve had some communication with him. He’s doing better all the time. And the hope is he’ll be back.”
The Miami Heat have decided to suspend Jimmy Butler for two games after he missed a team flight, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Butler missed the team’s Wednesday flight as they were heading to Milwaukee for a Thursday game against the Bucks. Although Butler had planned to meet the team for the game, he will now be suspended for both the Bucks game and the Saturday game against the Brooklyn Nets.
Second Suspension of the Season
This suspension marks the second time this season Butler has been disciplined. Previously, on January 3, the Heat suspended him for seven games due to “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team.”
Jimmy Butler (NBA)
Butler’s Trade Request and Comments
Before his first suspension, Butler made it clear that he wanted a change. On January 1, he stated, “I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball and wherever that may be, we’ll find out pretty soon.” He expressed his desire to be dominant and help his team win but mentioned that he wasn’t currently achieving that.
Team’s Response
Following reports of Butler wanting to leave, Heat president Pat Riley denied trade talks in December, saying, “we are not trading Jimmy Butler.” However, after Butler’s first suspension, the Heat’s position shifted, and they stated, “we will listen to offers.”
Draymond Green wants to move past the incident that happened over two years ago. After Jordan Poole made some comments following the Golden State Warriors’ 122-114 win against the Washington Wizards on Saturday, Green posted an apology to Poole on social media, admitting he was “sorry” for punching the young guard in a practice before the 2022-23 NBA season.
Green Explains His Apology
On his podcast, “The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis,” Green explained why he apologized to Poole. Green said, “It’s been three years… we’re supposed to move on.” He emphasized that he wanted to end the situation, stating, “I shouldn’t have punched him. But it happened, let’s move on.”
Green also mentioned that he had apologized to Poole’s parents after an incident when Poole’s dad commented online. He admitted that he regretted responding to Poole’s father and let the situation affect him more than it should have.
Reflecting on the Incident
Green shared his thoughts on what led to the punch. He noted that Poole had called him names and pushed him during practice, and while he recognized his mistake, he felt that Poole’s actions played a role in the conflict.
Draymond Green (NBA)
Green said, “I know I was wrong, but you can’t call a man a b-word and push him and not get hit either.” He acknowledged that his reaction was a natural one but mentioned that he probably should have handled it differently.
Poole’s Career After the Incident
After a challenging 2022-23 season for Poole and the Warriors, he was traded to the Washington Wizards in exchange for veteran guard Chris Paul. Poole is currently enjoying the best season of his career, averaging career-highs in points (21.4), assists (4.7), steals (1.5), and 3-point shooting (40.2%).
Green’s Message to Poole
Green believes Poole is keeping the conversation alive by continuing to bring up the incident. He urged his former teammate to move forward and let it go. Green said, “When you do that, you just bring back that moment up on yourself… You gotta let it go.”
Moving On from the Past
Although the punch affected the Warriors’ season and Green admitted its negative impact, he now believes it is time for everyone to move on from the incident.
The Phoenix Suns have traded their 2031 first-round pick to the Utah Jazz and in return, they received first-round picks from the Jazz in 2025, 2027, and 2029.
This trade gives the Suns three more draft picks, which gives them more assets as the trade deadline approaches on February 6. The Suns, currently at a 21-21 record, are looking to strengthen their team and take advantage of the prime years of stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. They are reportedly interested in acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat, who has asked for a trade.
Jimmy Butler shoots in the 1st half
Details of the Trade
The Jazz, who previously traded players like Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, have multiple picks in the 2025, 2027, and 2029 drafts. The Suns will receive the lowest first-round pick from the Jazz, Timberwolves, and Cavaliers for each of those years.
In 2025, the Suns are expected to get one of the last picks in the first round since the Cavaliers have the best record in the league at 36-6. The picks for 2027 and 2029 are harder to predict, but the Jazz are confident enough in the value of Phoenix’s 2031 pick to make the deal.
Jazz’s Stockpile of Draft Picks
After this trade, the Jazz now have 11 first-round picks over the next seven years, including the Suns’ 2031 pick, which is unprotected.
Micah Parrish scored 11 of his career-high 22 points in the final six minutes to lead Ohio State to a 73-70 win over No. 11 Purdue in West Lafayette, Indiana. The Buckeyes had been down by 16 points late in the first half but managed to pull off a 10-0 and 15-0 run in the second half to break Purdue’s 26-game home winning streak. Parrish hit six 3-pointers on just eight attempts. Devin Royal contributed 16 points and six rebounds, and Bruce Thornton added 11 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
Trey Kaufman-Renn led Purdue with 26 points, while Fletcher Loyer scored 15. Braden Smith, despite battling early foul trouble, finished with 12 points and eight assists but struggled with shooting, hitting only 3 of 14 attempts. Purdue’s seven-game winning streak was snapped.
Iowa State Beats UCF in High-Scoring Game
Joshua Jefferson scored a career-high 30 points, and Keshon Gilbert added 21 points and eight assists as No. 3 Iowa State defeated UCF 108-83 in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State shot 56.3% from the field and improved to 11-0 at home. Curtis Jones also contributed 19 points and eight rebounds.
UCF’s Jordan Ivy-Curry scored a season-high 24 points, and Keyshawn Hall added 13, but the Knights could not keep up with Iowa State’s offensive output, dropping their second consecutive game.
No. 4 Alabama Defeats Vanderbilt
Aden Holloway and Mouhamed Dioubate each scored 22 points to help No. 4 Alabama secure a 103-87 victory over Vanderbilt in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Dioubate also grabbed 10 rebounds for his second career double-double. Mark Sears added 21 points and seven assists.
Vanderbilt’s Jason Edwards scored 21 points, and Tyler Nickel added 19. However, Vanderbilt could not overcome Alabama’s balanced offense.
Tennessee Beats No. 14 Mississippi State
Chaz Lanier scored 23 points, including five 3-pointers, to help No. 6 Tennessee defeat No. 14 Mississippi State 68-56 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee’s defense held Mississippi State to just 16 points in the first half. Zakai Zeigler added nine points, seven assists, and five steals, while Jahmai Mashack and Jordan Gainey scored 10 points each.
Mississippi State’s Josh Hubbard led with 14 points, but the Bulldogs were unable to get close in the second half.
No. 10 Marquette Beats Seton Hall
Kam Jones scored 19 points, including four 3-pointers, to lead No. 10 Marquette to a 76-59 win over Seton Hall in Newark, New Jersey. Marquette bounced back from its first conference loss, led by Jones and contributions from David Joplin (12 points) and Ben Gold (11 points).
Seton Hall’s Isaiah Coleman scored a career-high 27 points, but the Pirates could not keep up with Marquette’s scoring.
Oregon Defeats Washington
TJ Bamba scored a game-high 21 points to lead No. 15 Oregon to an 82-71 victory over Washington in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon overcame an early deficit to win their second conference home game. Brandon Angel added 15 points, while Supreme Cook scored 13.
Washington’s Great Osobor led the Huskies with 20 points and eight rebounds, but Washington lost their fifth consecutive game.
UCLA Holds Off No. 18 Wisconsin
UCLA defeated No. 18 Wisconsin 85-83 in Los Angeles with big second-half performances from reserves Aday Mara, Sebastian Mack, and William Kyle III. Mara scored a career-high 22 points, and Mack added 19. Kyle made a crucial blocked shot in the final seconds.
No. 5 Marquette and No. 11 Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s John Tonje led with 24 points, and John Blackwell scored 23 before fouling out. Wisconsin’s seven-game winning streak ended.
No. 19 UConn Wins in Overtime
Solo Ball scored a career-high 23 points to help No. 19 UConn beat Butler 80-78 in overtime in Hartford, Connecticut. UConn avoided back-to-back home losses, and Butler’s Jahmyl Telfort, who led all scorers with 25 points, missed two critical 3-point attempts in the final seconds.
Butler’s close fight ended in a narrow defeat, marking their seventh consecutive loss to UConn.
Texas Defeats No. 22 Missouri
Arthur Kaluma recorded 14 points and 12 rebounds to help Texas defeat No. 22 Missouri 61-53 in Austin, Texas. Kaluma’s late putback basket capped a 7-0 run for the Longhorns, who held Missouri to just 31.3% shooting.
Tamar Bates led Missouri with 10 points, and the Tigers were limited offensively in this loss.
Arizona State Stuns No. 23 West Virginia
Jayden Quaintance scored 15 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and blocked three shots to help Arizona State defeat No. 23 West Virginia 65-57 in Morgantown, West Virginia. Basheer Jihad added 17 points and eight rebounds, leading the Sun Devils to a win after a four-game losing streak.
Javon Small, West Virginia’s leading scorer, struggled with 14 points on 2-of-11 shooting.
No. 25 Louisville Beats SMU
Reyne Smith set a program record with 10 3-pointers, scoring 30 points, while Chucky Hepburn dished out a program-record 16 assists as No. 25 Louisville defeated SMU 98-73 in Dallas.
James Scott and J’Vonne Hadley each scored 16 points for Louisville. SMU struggled defensively and allowed over 90 points for the first time this season. Matt Cross led SMU with 18 points.
Pierre-Luc Dubois contributed a goal and an assist, helping the Washington Capitals secure a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. This win marked Washington’s fifth consecutive win.
Tom Wilson and Matt Roy also scored for the Capitals, who have extended their point streak to 11 games with a record of 8-0-3. Logan Thompson, who was named the NHL first star of the week, made 30 saves and earned his first assist of the season.
Leon Draisaitl led Edmonton with his NHL-leading 34th goal and an assist, extending his point streak to seven games. Despite his efforts, the Oilers suffered their second straight loss after a four-game winning streak. Corey Perry also scored for Edmonton, while Stuart Skinner allowed three goals on 14 shots. The Oilers played without their captain, Connor McDavid, who was serving a suspension.
Flyers Edge Red Wings in Overtime
Rasmus Ristolainen scored the game-winner with just 26 seconds left in overtime, giving the Philadelphia Flyers a 2-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings. Joel Farabee added a goal and an assist, helping the Flyers extend their unbeaten streak to 5-0-1 in the past six games. Samuel Ersson recorded 27 saves for Philadelphia.
Ben Chiarot scored the only goal for Detroit, which has now lost four of its last five games. Alex Lyon made 24 saves against his former team.
Predators Rally to Beat Sharks
The Nashville Predators made an incredible comeback, erasing a four-goal deficit to defeat the San Jose Sharks 7-5. Nick Blankenburg scored the game-winner, while Jonathan Marchessault added a goal and three assists. Tommy Novak and Filip Forsberg also contributed with a goal and two assists each for Nashville, who won their fourth straight game.
San Jose’s Mikael Granlund scored twice, while Macklin Celebrini, Luke Kunin, and Jake Walman also found the net. San Jose has now lost four straight and seven of its last eight games.
Rangers Shut Out Senators
Igor Shesterkin recorded his second consecutive shutout, making 20 saves to lead the New York Rangers to a 5-0 victory over the Ottawa Senators. Alexis Lafreniere scored in the first period, and in the third period, Arthur Kaliyev, Matt Rempe, Artemi Panarin, and Will Cuylle added goals to seal the win. The Rangers extended their point streak to nine games, with a 6-0-3 record during that stretch.
Igor Shesterkin makes a save in the 1st period
The Senators’ Leevi Merilainen allowed two goals on 16 shots before being replaced by Anton Forsberg, who made 10 saves. Ottawa’s six-game point streak came to an end.
Canadiens Edge Lightning with Late Goal
Jake Evans scored the go-ahead goal with 2:15 remaining, lifting the Montreal Canadiens to a 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Rookie Lane Hutson matched an NHL record for the longest point streak by a rookie defenseman with an assist in the game. Alex Newhook and Juraj Slafkovsky each had two assists, while Sam Montembeault made 33 saves for Montreal.
Nikita Kucherov scored for Tampa Bay, extending his point streak to 10 games, the longest active streak in the NHL. Jake Guentzel also scored for the Lightning, and Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 19 shots.
Hurricanes Hold Off Stars
Jesperi Kotkaniemi scored the winning goal just 24 seconds after Dallas tied the game in the third period, giving the Carolina Hurricanes a 2-1 victory. Kotkaniemi’s goal came off a fortunate deflection off his skate. Pyotr Kochetkov made 22 saves, including 11 in the third period, to secure the win for Carolina.
Dallas’ Thomas Harley scored their only goal, while Jake Oettinger made 17 saves. Carolina’s Martin Necas assisted on both goals.
Panthers Complete Sweep of Ducks
Carter Verhaeghe contributed a goal and an assist, helping the Florida Panthers open a four-game western road trip with a 5-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks.
The Panthers completed a sweep of the home-and-away back-to-back. Sam Reinhart, Evan Rodrigues, Sam Bennett, and Uvis Balinskis also scored for Florida, which extended its point streak against Anaheim to 10 games (9-0-1). Sergei Bobrovsky made 28 saves.
Anaheim’s Frank Vatrano and Mason McTavish scored for the Ducks, who have now lost four straight games.
Sabres Rally to Defeat Canucks
Jiri Kulich scored a goal and added two assists, helping the Buffalo Sabres come from behind to defeat the Vancouver Canucks 3-2. JJ Peterka also scored a goal and contributed an assist, while Tage Thompson added a goal and Rasmus Dahlin had two assists. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 32 saves for the Sabres, who had previously lost three of their last four games.
Phillip Di Giuseppe and Elias Pettersson scored for Vancouver, while Thatcher Demko stopped 23 shots. The Canucks have now gone 2-5-2 in their last nine games.
Ty Jerome's home targeted in a burglary while on a road trip (Cleveland Cavaliers)
High-profile athlete Ty Jerome has recently experienced a burglary at his home. The Cleveland Cavaliers guard was away on a road trip when the incident occurred at his Los Angeles residence.
Jerome’s situation is part of a troubling trend, as other athletes such as Travis Kelce and Joe Burrow have also faced similar break-ins in the past few months.
High-profile athletes face rising burglary threats during games (Cleveland Cavaliers)
While specific details regarding the stolen items from Jerome’s home remain unclear, police reports indicate that a window was broken during the burglary. Authorities confirmed that the intruders fled the scene swiftly after the crime.
FBI Investigation Launched
In response to these incidents, the FBI has launched an investigation into the series of burglaries, suspecting an organized crime ring may be involved.
According to a Liaison Information Report, the FBI stated, “These homes are targeted for burglary due to the perception they may have high-end goods like designer handbags, jewelry, watches, and cash.”
They emphasized that while many break-ins occur when homes are unoccupied, some happen while residents are present.
In such cases, individuals are advised to contact law enforcement and refrain from confronting potential criminals, who may be armed and violent.
The report also reveals that the crime ring is known to use “Wi-Fi jammers to block Wi-Fi connections and disable devices, cover security cameras, and obfuscate their identities.” Investigators have identified a group of illegal South American immigrants as the primary suspects.
This group reportedly monitors athletes’ social media activity to time their burglaries while the victims are away.
Recent Victims in the NBA
Most robberies have taken place during road games, mirroring the circumstances surrounding Burrow’s break-in, which occurred while he was playing against the Dallas Cowboys.
Four Chilean nationals were identified as key suspects in that case, as authorities discovered a Bengals and LSU shirt among their possessions during a traffic stop.
Other NBA players have also fallen victim to this crime spree. The NBA Paris Games history includes several games, such as the Milwaukee Bucks defeating the Charlotte Hornets on January 24, 2020, and the Chicago Bulls triumphing over the Detroit Pistons on January 19, 2023.
Most recently, the Cleveland Cavaliers secured a win against the Brooklyn Nets on January 11, 2024, with upcoming matchups featuring the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers on January 23 and 25, 2025, respectively.
In addition to Jerome, Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic has experienced a burglary at his home in recent months.
NHL players are also facing similar threats, as evidenced by Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin, whose Stanley Cup rings were stolen during a game.
