New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel will miss the third day of the 2026 NFL Draft as he s...

<p>New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel will miss the third day of the 2026 NFL Draft as he seeks counseling.</p><p>"As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization, and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them," Vrabel told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48566969/mike-vrabel-seek-counseling-not-patriots-day-3-nfl-draft">ESPN's Mike Reiss</a> on Wednesday. "In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend."</p><p>Vrabel's commitment comes a day after the 50-year-old acknowledged that he had "<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3527641" href="https://thescore.com/news/3527641">difficult conversations</a>" with his family and members of the Patriots organization in the wake of the New York Post publishing photos of him and former NFL reporter Dianna Russini at a resort in Arizona.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them," Vrabel continued.</p><p>He added, "I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result."</p><p>The NFL draft begins Thursday in Pittsburgh. Day 3, involving Rounds 4-7, takes place Saturday.</p><p>Vrabel also said that he would remain in contact with the team throughout Saturday but that executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and vice president of player personnel Ryan Cowden will lead the process.</p><p>"The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel's decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being," the Patriots said in a statement Thursday, according to <a href="https://x.com/MikeReiss/status/2047410458085253184">Reiss</a>. "Mike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this team, and our fans, and we respect the steps he is taking to follow through on that commitment.</p><p>"We are confident in the leadership and communication Mike has established with our personnel staff throughout this predraft process."</p>

Foxborough, MA - February 10: New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has his final press conference of the 2025-26 season at Gillette Stadium on February 10, 2026.

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Vrabel to miss Day 3 of NFL draft, seek counseling

The Winnipeg Jets missed the playoffs, and star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is directing questio...

<p>The Winnipeg Jets missed the playoffs, and star goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3997" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a> is directing questions about the team's offseason to executive vice president and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff.</p><p>"That's a great question for Chevy, it really is," the three-time Vezina winner and reigning Hart Trophy recipient said Friday when asked what the Jets can do to improve. "From my perspective, I would like to see - I mean, complacency is not gonna get us moving forward, so something's gotta happen."</p><p>He added, "To just put that same product on the ice, I don't think it worked for a reason."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLJets?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLJets</a> goaltender Connor Hellebuyck's full answer when asked what the Jets can do this offseason. He starts by saying it's a great question for Kevin Cheveldayoff, before expanding on it: <a href="https://t.co/DIORvZrbjU">https://t.co/DIORvZrbjU</a> <a href="https://t.co/izZwarWfeH">pic.twitter.com/izZwarWfeH</a></p>— Connor Hrabchak (@ConnorHrabchak1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ConnorHrabchak1/status/2045242466572632209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Jets, who posted a 35-35-12 record, finished seventh in the Central Division, ending their three-year streak of playoff appearances. Last year, they won the Presidents' Trophy by going 56-22-4 but wound up losing in the second round of the postseason to the Dallas Stars.</p><p>Hellebuyck authored a 2.86 GAA and .895 save percentage over 57 games but also missed time due to injury. The 32-year-old American isn't expected to earn serious consideration for a fourth Vezina.</p><p>"I don't want to go and leave any speculation. I love this city, and I love playing here, and the fans have given me so much," Hellebuyck <a href="https://x.com/ConnorHrabchak1/status/2045243795898605658">added</a> after a long pause when asked about his future with the franchise. "I've given so much back to the fans. And there's a real connection there."</p><p>Hellebuyck is signed through the 2029-30 campaign on a deal that's worth $8.5 million annually.</p>

WINNIPEG, CANADA - MARCH 26: Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck #37 of the Winnipeg Jets looks on prior to NHL action against the Colorado Avalanche at Canada Life Centre on March 26, 2026 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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Hellebuyck attributes Jets' regression to complacency: 'Something's gotta happen'

The Vancouver Canucks are in the midst of a rebuild following one of the worst seasons in franchi...

<p>The Vancouver Canucks are in the midst of a rebuild following one of the worst seasons in franchise history, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a> is prepared to see it through.</p><p>"I like it here. This feels like home," Pettersson said Friday during the Canucks' final media day before their offseason begins. "I signed here for a reason. We are in a tough spot. None of us are happy with the season. Like Thatcher (Demko) and Brock (Boeser) said, we've got good pieces here. Just trying to build it up."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"I like it here. This feels like home."<br><br>Elias Pettersson makes it clear he wants to remain in Vancouver. <a href="https://t.co/soljoMsKsQ">pic.twitter.com/soljoMsKsQ</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/2045189776765055458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Pettersson, 27, signed an eight-year, $92.8-million contract in March 2024. The deal runs through the 2030-31 campaign and carries an $11.6-million average annual value, which ranks 10th in the NHL.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The four-time All-Star led the Canucks with 51 points over 74 games this season, scoring 15 goals and generating 36 assists. Pettersson, one of the longest-tenured players on the roster, has 508 points across 545 games since making his debut in 2018.</p><p>The Canucks finished dead last in the standings and have the best odds to win the NHL draft lottery. By points percentage, Vancouver's 25-49-8 record is tied for the third worst in franchise history.</p><p><strong>Worst seasons in Canucks history by points percentage</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Season</th>
<th>Record</th>
<th>Points percentage</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1971-72</td>
<td>20-50-8*</td>
<td>.308</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1972-73</td>
<td>22-47-9*</td>
<td>.340</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1998-99</td>
<td>23-47-12*</td>
<td>.354</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2025-26</td>
<td>25-49-8</td>
<td>.354</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>* Earlier seasons included ties instead of overtime losses</em></p><p>The Canucks, who <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3454468" href="https://thescore.com/news/3454468">fired</a> general manager Patrik Allvin earlier Friday, seem poised to continue trading away players this offseason to facilitate a rebuild. This season, Vancouver traded away captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a> as well as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4659" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4659">Conor Garland</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7628" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7628">Kiefer Sherwood</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/152" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/152">Tyler Myers</a>, among others.</p>

VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 2: Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks skates up ice during their NHL game against the Seattle Kraken at Rogers Arena on January 2, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Pettersson wants to stay with Canucks: 'This feels like home'

The Vancouver Canucks relieved general manager Patrik Allvin of his duties, the team announced Fr...

<p>The Vancouver Canucks relieved general manager Patrik Allvin of his duties, the team announced Friday.</p><p>Allvin took over as Canucks GM in January 2022 and oversaw a surprising Pacific Division title in 2023-24.</p><p>However, Vancouver failed to make the postseason the last two seasons and is coming off an NHL-worst 25-win campaign, finishing with 14 fewer points than the next-worst team, the Chicago Blackhawks.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Season results under Allvin:</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Season</th>
<th>Record</th>
<th>Division standings</th>
<th>Playoffs result</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2021-22*</td>
<td>40-30-12</td>
<td>5th</td>
<td>DNQ</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2022-23</td>
<td>38-37-7</td>
<td>6th</td>
<td>DNQ</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2023-24</td>
<td>50-23-9</td>
<td>1st</td>
<td>Lost in 2nd round</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2024-25</td>
<td>38-30-14</td>
<td>5th</td>
<td>DNQ</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2025-26</td>
<td>25-49-8</td>
<td>7th</td>
<td>DNQ</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>* Joined midseason</em></p><p>The decision ends the long-standing working relationship between Allvin and Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford. The two worked together in the Pittsburgh Penguins front office before Rutherford hired Allvin as the Canucks' GM in 2022.</p><p>"I would like to thank Patrik for all his hard work over the past four seasons," Rutherford said in the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/canucks/news/patrik-allvin-relieved-of-duties-as-general-manager">press release</a>. "Under his guidance we have accumulated a lot of good young talent, and he has helped us lay the foundation of our rebuild. This season was disappointing for everyone in the organization, and we understand how frustrating it was for those who care about the team. Moving forward our goal will be to continue to bring in younger players who can grow together with our current group and form our next competitive core."</p><p>This past season, the Canucks notably traded away captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a> as well as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4659" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4659">Conor Garland</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7628" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7628">Kiefer Sherwood</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/152" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/152">Tyler Myers</a>. Last year, the franchise also shipped <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> to the New York Rangers after a tumultuous tenure.</p>

VANCOUVER, BC - MARCH 20: Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin speaks to the press prior to their NHL game against the Buffalo Sabres at Rogers Arena on March 20, 2022 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Canucks fire GM Allvin after last-place finish

The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin Saturday with the Carolina Hurricanes hosting the Ottawa Sena...

<p>The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin Saturday with the Carolina Hurricanes hosting the Ottawa Senators. That'll kick off an opening day tripleheader also featuring the series between the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins as well as the Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars. Here's the full Round 1 schedule.</p><p><em>All times ET.<br>*If necessary</em></p><h3>Eastern Conference</h3><p><strong>Ottawa Senators vs. Carolina Hurricanes</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time</th>
<th>Home team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>April 18</td>
<td>3 p.m.</td>
<td>Hurricanes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>April 20</td>
<td>7:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Hurricanes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>April 23</td>
<td>7:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Senators</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>April 25</td>
<td>3 p.m.</td>
<td>Senators</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>April 27</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Hurricanes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>April 30</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Senators</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 2</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Hurricanes</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time</th>
<th>Home team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>April 18</td>
<td>8 p.m.</td>
<td>Penguins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>April 20</td>
<td>7 p.m.</td>
<td>Penguins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>April 22</td>
<td>7 p.m.</td>
<td>Flyers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>April 25</td>
<td>8 p.m.</td>
<td>Flyers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>April 27</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Penguins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>April 29</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Flyers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 2</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Penguins</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Boston Bruins vs. Buffalo Sabres</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time</th>
<th>Home team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>April 19</td>
<td>7:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Sabres</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>April 21</td>
<td>7:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Sabres</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>April 23</td>
<td>7 p.m.</td>
<td>Bruins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>April 26</td>
<td>2 p.m.</td>
<td>Bruins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>April 28</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Sabres</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>May 1</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Bruins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 3</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Sabres</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time</th>
<th>Home team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>April 19</td>
<td>5:45 p.m.</td>
<td>Lightning</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>April 21</td>
<td>7 p.m.</td>
<td>Lightning</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>April 24</td>
<td>7 p.m.</td>
<td>Canadiens</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>April 26</td>
<td>7 p.m.</td>
<td>Canadiens</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>April 29</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Lightning</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>May 1</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Canadiens</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 3</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Lightning</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Western Conference</h3><p><strong>Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time</th>
<th>Home team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>April 18</td>
<td>5:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Stars</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>April 20</td>
<td>9:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Stars</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>April 22</td>
<td>9:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Wild</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>April 25</td>
<td>5:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Wild</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>April 28</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Stars</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>April 30</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Wild</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 2</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Stars</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Kings vs. Avalanche</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time</th>
<th>Home team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>April 19</td>
<td>3 p.m.</td>
<td>Avalanche</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>April 21</td>
<td>10 p.m.</td>
<td>Avalanche</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>April 23</td>
<td>10 p.m.</td>
<td>Kings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>April 26</td>
<td>4:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Kings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>April 29</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Avalanche</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>May 1</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Kings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 3</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Avalanche</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Utah Mammoth vs. Vegas Golden Knights</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time</th>
<th>Home team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>April 19</td>
<td>10 p.m.</td>
<td>Golden Knights</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>April 21</td>
<td>9:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Golden Knights</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>April 24</td>
<td>9:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Mammoth</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>April 27</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Mammoth</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>April 29</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Golden Knights</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>May 1</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Mammoth</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 3</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Golden Knights</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Ducks vs. Oilers</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time</th>
<th>Home team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>April 20</td>
<td>10 p.m.</td>
<td>Oilers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>April 22</td>
<td>10 p.m.</td>
<td>Oilers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>April 24</td>
<td>10 p.m.</td>
<td>Ducks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>April 26</td>
<td>9:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Ducks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>April 28</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Oilers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>April 30</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Ducks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 2</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Oilers</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>

OTTAWA, ON - APRIL 05: Tim Stutzle #18 of the Ottawa Senators before a face-off against the Carolina Hurricanes on April 5, 2026, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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NHL announces Round 1 playoff schedule

The Mad Scientist is at it again.  Bryson DeChambeau plans to use a 5-iron that he designed and 3...

<p>The Mad Scientist is at it again.</p><p>Bryson DeChambeau plans to use a 5-iron that he designed and 3D-printed himself during the Masters this weekend.</p><p>"That's the plan as of now," DeChambeau said Wednesday, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/48431238/bryson-dechambeau-using-iron-made-3d-printer-masters">ESPN's Mark Schlabach</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The United States Golf Association would still have to approve DeChambeau's clubs before play begins Thursday.</p><p>"We'll see where it goes. We'll see where it takes me," the captain of LIV's Crushers GC added. "All I could say now is, if I don't put them in the bag, it's my fault now."</p><p>DeChambeau attempted to enter the 2024 Masters with custom 3D-printed clubs, but the USGA deemed them nonconforming. The 32-year-old finished sixth that year but insists the clubs "are finally ready" this time around.</p><p>The two-time major winner posted the best Masters result of his career last year, finishing tied for fifth and four strokes behind winner Rory McIlroy.</p><p>DeChambeau is slated to tee off at 10:07 a.m. on Thursday at Augusta National in a group with Matt Fitzpatrick and Xander Schauffele.</p>

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 08: Bryson DeChambeau of the United States laughs on the second hole during the Par Three Contest prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 08, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia.

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DeChambeau plans to use 3D-printed iron during Masters

Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk will undergo left thumb surgery, manager John Schneider ...

<p>Toronto Blue Jays catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11875" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11875">Alejandro Kirk</a> will undergo left thumb surgery, manager John Schneider announced Monday, according to <a href="https://x.com/MitchBannon/status/2041244832002085066?s=20">The Athletic's Mitch Bannon</a>.</p><p>Kirk's recovery timeline will be known once he undergoes the operation Tuesday, Bannon adds.</p><p>The 27-year-old exited Friday's loss to the Chicago White Sox after taking a foul tip off his catching hand.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alejandro Kirk was removed from the game after taking a foul tip off his glove hand <a href="https://t.co/jnBelzsjXa">pic.twitter.com/jnBelzsjXa</a></p>— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/2040174408447214005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The two-time All-Star was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday, while catcher Brandon Valenzuela was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo.</p><p>Kirk met with hand specialist Thomas Graham in Pennsylvania on Monday, according to <a href="https://x.com/ArdenZwelling/status/2041245007995162828?s=20">Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling</a>.</p><p>Kirk went 3-for-20 to start the season and hit one homer.</p><p>Backup catcher Tyler Heineman has since stepped in behind the plate. The 34-year-old veteran is 4-for-10 this season.</p>

DUNEDIN, FLORIDA - MARCH 14, 2026: Alejandro Kirk #30 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks on during the fourth inning of a spring training game against the Detroit Tigers at TD Ballpark on March 14, 2026 in Dunedin, Florida.

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Blue Jays' Kirk to undergo thumb surgery

theScore's Michael Bradburn overreacted to everything that happened on MLB's Opening Day.  Jump t...

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 26: A general view of the centerfield scoreboard prior to the game between the Chicago White Sox and Milwaukee Brewers on Opening Day at American Family Field on March 26, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Opening Day: Overreactions for every game as MLB season begins

Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot will be sidelined four-to-eight weeks after undergoing s...

<p>Ottawa Senators defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4794">Thomas Chabot</a> will be sidelined four-to-eight weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a broken bone in his arm, head coach Travis Green announced Thursday, according to <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/2037193174867685624">Sportsnet</a>.</p><p>Chabot exited Monday's game against the New York Rangers after getting cross-checked by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thomas Chabot headed straight to the room after taking a cross-check from J.T. Miller at the conclusion of the first period. <a href="https://t.co/yDg61y8d25">pic.twitter.com/yDg61y8d25</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/2036239856012009706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Senators are in a precarious position, currently holding the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. The Senators and New York Islanders both have 85 points but Ottawa has played one fewer game.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Chabot, 29, has been a key contributor for the Senators this season, scoring seven goals and adding 24 assists in 54 games. He was averaging over 22 minutes per contest.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 18: Thomas Chabot #72 of the Ottawa Senators rests during a break in the game against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on March 18, 2026 in Washington, DC.

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Senators' Chabot out 4-8 weeks after arm surgery

The National Basketball Players Association issued a statement Tuesday criticizing the Milwaukee ...

<p>The National Basketball Players Association issued a statement Tuesday criticizing the Milwaukee Bucks for their reported efforts to shut superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> down for the rest of the season and the NBA for failing to step in.</p><p>"The player participation policy was designed by the league to hold teams accountable and ensure that when an All-Star like Giannis Antetokounmpo is healthy and ready to play, he is on the court," the statement said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48297502/nbpa-rebukes-bucks-giannis-antetokounmpo-dispute">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>"Unfortunately, anti-tanking policies are only as effective as their enforcement; fans, broadcast partners, and the integrity of the game itself will continue to suffer as long as ownership goes unchecked. We look forward to collaborating with the NBA on meaningful new proposals that will directly address and discourage tanking."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Antetokounmpo is currently sidelined with a left knee injury but has reportedly been cleared to play and wants to do so. The 10-time All-Star and the Bucks <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3502858" href="https://thescore.com/news/3502858">reportedly disagree</a> on whether he should sit out the remainder of the season. The team apparently believes it's in the best interest of both parties to shut down the 31-year-old, who's frequently played on a minutes limit this season due to various injuries.</p><p>The two-time MVP holds a player option for the 2027-28 campaign. Milwaukee listened to offers for Antetokounmpo leading up to the trade deadline but opted to keep him.</p><p>The Bucks have 11 games remaining in the 2025-26 season. At 29-42, they are tied with the Chicago Bulls for 11th in the Eastern Conference and sit eight games back of the Charlotte Hornets for the final play-in spot.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 03: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks sits by the court before a game against the Chicago Bulls at Fiserv Forum on February 03, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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NBPA rips league, Bucks over Giannis situation: 'Integrity of the game' suffers

Georgia Tech hired Troy's Scott Cross as head coach, the program announced Friday.  The Yellow Ja...

<p>Georgia Tech hired Troy's Scott Cross as head coach, the program announced Friday.</p><p>The Yellow Jackets and Cross agreed to a five-year contract, a source told <a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48257038/sources-georgia-tech-closing-troy-scott-cross-coach">ESPN's Pete Thamel</a>.</p><p>Cross succeeds Damon Stoudamire, who was fired earlier in March after failing to lead Georgia Tech to an NCAA Tournament berth for a third consecutive season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Coach Cross is a proven winner with 350 career victories and seven conference championships on his resume," Georgia Tech athletic director Ryan Alpert <a href="https://ramblinwreck.com/cross-named-georgia-tech-mens-basketball-head-coach/">said</a> in a statement Friday. </p><p>"His combination of experience, success and development of student-athletes, both on and off the court, makes him the perfect person to carry on the proud tradition of Georgia Tech men's basketball."</p><p>The 51-year-old Cross led Troy to consecutive March Madness appearances and back-to-back Sun Belt regular-season championships. Troy lost its opening-round matchup to Nebraska 76-47 on Thursday. Before his seven seasons with the Trojans, Cross spent 12 years as head coach at UT Arlington.</p><p>Georgia Tech has not advanced past the second round of the NCAA Tournament since appearing in the national title game in 2004.</p>

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 19: Head coach Scott Cross of the Troy Trojans reacts against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the first half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Georgia Tech hires Troy's Scott Cross as coach

The NBA's board of governors meetings March 24-25 will vote on whether to explore adding expansio...

<p>The NBA's board of governors meetings March 24-25 will vote on whether to explore adding expansion teams in Las Vegas and Seattle that would aim to start play in the 2028-29 season, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48221805/sources-nba-set-1st-vote-las-vegas-seattle-expansion">Shams Charania of ESPN</a>.</p><p>Twenty-three of 30 owners must vote in favor of expansion to proceed.</p><p>If that's approved, the league would eventually open a bidding process for the new franchises. The board of governors would later vote again on whether to finalize the transactions and expand the league from 30 to 32 teams.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The market to own an expansion team in either Las Vegas or Seattle is expected to be robust, with bids reportedly expected to come in at $7 billion-$10 billion.</p><p>In the last decade, Las Vegas has become a hub for professional sports franchises, welcoming the NHL's expansion Golden Knights in 2017, the WNBA's relocated Aces in 2018, and the NFL's relocated Raiders in 2020.</p><p>Seattle has been without an NBA franchise since the SuperSonics moved and became the Oklahoma City Thunder for the 2008-09 season. The city added the Kraken, an NHL expansion franchise, in 2021. Climate Pledge Arena is the current home of the Kraken as well as the WNBA's Seattle Storm and the PWHL's Seattle Torrent.</p>

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 14: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during a press conference during 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend at Intuit Dome on February 14, 2026 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the GettyImages License Agreement.

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Report: NBA to vote on expansion teams in Vegas, Seattle

Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo scored 83 points against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, surpass...

<p>Miami Heat center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53731" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53731">Bam Adebayo</a> scored 83 points against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, surpassing Kobe Bryant to claim the second-highest point total in a single game in NBA history.</p><p>Only Wilt Chamberlain has ever scored more in one game, recording 100 points in 1962.</p><p>The Heat toppled the Wizards 150-129.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">83 POINTS FOR BAM ADEBAYO.<br><br>THE SECOND-MOST EVER.<br><br>Wilt: 100<br>Bam: 83<br>Kobe: 81 <a href="https://t.co/5AxI6j8m35">pic.twitter.com/5AxI6j8m35</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/2031554188337979593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Adebayo shot 20-for-43 from the field and 7-for-22 from deep in the historic performance. He also went 36-for-43 from the free-throw line while adding nine rebounds and three assists over 42 minutes.</p><p>"An absolutely surreal night," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said postgame, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48168997/bam-adebayo-scores-83-second-most-points-nba-history">ESPN</a>. </p><p>Bryant became just the second player in NBA history to reach the 80-point mark in a contest, notching 81 on Jan. 22, 2006.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Year</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Wilt Chamberlain</td>
<td>Warriors</td>
<td>100</td>
<td>1962</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Bam Adebayo</td>
<td>Heat</td>
<td>83</td>
<td>2026</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Kobe Bryant</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
<td>81</td>
<td>2006</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Wilt Chamberlain</td>
<td>Warriors</td>
<td>78</td>
<td>1961</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T5</td>
<td>Wilt Chamberlain</td>
<td>Warriors</td>
<td>73</td>
<td>1962</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T5</td>
<td>Wilt Chamberlain</td>
<td>Warriors</td>
<td>73</td>
<td>1962</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T5</td>
<td>David Thompson</td>
<td>Nuggets</td>
<td>73</td>
<td>1978</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T5</td>
<td>Luka Doncic</td>
<td>Mavericks</td>
<td>73</td>
<td>2024</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Wilt Chamberlain</td>
<td>Warriors</td>
<td>72</td>
<td>1962</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T10</td>
<td>Elgin Baylor</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
<td>71</td>
<td>1960</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T10</td>
<td>David Robinson</td>
<td>Spurs</td>
<td>71</td>
<td>1994</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T10</td>
<td>Donovan Mitchell</td>
<td>Cavaliers</td>
<td>71</td>
<td>2023</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T10</td>
<td>Damian Lillard</td>
<td>Blazers</td>
<td>71</td>
<td>2023</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The previous Heat franchise record for most points in a single game was held by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a>, who scored 61 against the Charlotte Bobcats on March 3, 2014.</p><p>"Welp won't have the highest career high in the house anymore," four-time WNBA MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/41039" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/41039">A'ja Wilson</a> and Adebayo's girlfriend posted on social media.</p><p>Adebayo's previous career high was 41, which he managed to best in the first half of Tuesday's win.</p>

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 10: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat poses for a photo holding up a sign after scoring 83 points in game breaking Kobe Bryant's Record of 81 points after the game against the Washington Wizards on March 10, 2026 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

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Bam surpasses Kobe's single-game mark with 83 points vs. Wizards

The Toronto Maple Leafs entered the NHL trade deadline as sellers for the first time in many year...

<p>The Toronto Maple Leafs entered the NHL trade deadline as sellers for the first time in many years, and general manager Brad Treliving is holding himself accountable for the direction that the team is headed.</p><p>"I'll take responsibility," Treliving told media, including <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/2030043883929817443?s=20">Sportsnet</a>, following Friday's deadline. "We met earlier in the year - through about the 20-game mark - where we got off to a slow start. The failures here start with me. And once we get through the end of the season, there'll be all sorts of evaluation. But to start parsing through it right now ... we've got games to play."</p><p>The Leafs are in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2016-17 campaign. Toronto, which is 27-25-11 with 65 points, currently sits seventh in the Atlantic Division and eight points back of the final wild-card spot.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Leafs wound up shipping out three forwards ahead of the deadline and acquired a handful of draft picks in exchange.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>IN</th>
<th>OUT</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2026 3rd-round pick*</td>
<td>F Bobby McMann</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2026 4th-round pick</td>
<td>F Scott Laughton</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2026 5th-round pick*</td>
<td>F Nicolas Roy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2027 1st-round pick*</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2027 2nd-round pick*</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>* conditional picks</em></p><p>"I know there's lots of speculation and all sorts of things out there," Treliving <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/2030044521963147649?s=20">added</a>. "The market speaks. At the end of the day, we were trying to be as active as we could to obtain and acquire as many young assets as we could, and we were able to do what we were able to do."</p><p>Treliving, whom the Leafs hired in May 2023, is in his third season as general manager.</p>

TORONTO, ON - September 17 Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving chats to the media with Head Coach Craig Berube to the left. The Toronto Maple Leafs held a media availability prior to to their first skate of the season tomorrow at their practice facility at the Ford Performance Centre. September 17 2025 Richard Lautens/Toronto Star

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Maple Leafs' Treliving: 'Failures here start with me'

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is upset to see longtime teammate John Carlson get trad...

<p>Washington Capitals captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> is upset to see longtime teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1445" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1445">John Carlson</a> get traded away.</p><p>"It's obviously a sad day," Ovechkin said during Friday's practice. "Probably the toughest day in my career. ... It's sad."</p><p>Carlson's 17-season tenure with the Capitals came to an abrupt end early Friday morning when the team <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3481703" href="https://thescore.com/news/3481703">traded</a> the star defenseman to the Anaheim Ducks. The right-hander was shipped out for a conditional first-rounder and a third-round pick.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Carlson debuted with the Capitals during the 2009-10 season as Ovechkin, who was named captain that year, was in the midst of his fifth campaign in the NHL. Both players were instrumental in the team's 2017-18 Stanley Cup victory.</p><p>The 36-year-old ends his Capitals career with 166 goals and 605 assists over 1,143 games. He's the franchise leader in goals, assists, points, and games played by a defenseman.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 31: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals speaks with John Carlson #74 during the second period of the game against the New York Islanders at Capital One Arena on October 31, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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The 2026 Major League Baseball season is nearly upon us, and MLB Pipeline, ESPN, Baseball America...

<p>The 2026 Major League Baseball season is nearly upon us, and <a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects">MLB Pipeline</a>, <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/47684202/top-100-mlb-prospects-2026-kiley-mcdaniel-konnor-griffin-kevin-mcgonigle-jesus-made">ESPN</a>, <a href="https://www.baseballamerica.com/rankings/2026-top-100-prospects/">Baseball America</a>, and <a href="https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2026-top-100-prospects/">FanGraphs</a> have each released their top 100 prospect lists. Here's what you need to know.</p><p>Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Konnor Griffin is the consensus No. 1, topping all four lists. Griffin, the No. 9 pick in the 2024 draft, hit 21 homers and stole 65 bases in 122 games across three minor-league levels last year while flaunting elite defense at shortstop.</p><p>In total, 133 different players appeared on at least one of the lists. The Milwaukee Brewers and Cleveland Guardians led the way with eight prospects each. Meanwhile, the Houston Astros were the only team without a single representative.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>However, if we narrow the field to the top 100 of those 133, the Brewers stand alone with seven prospects, while the San Diego Padres join the Astros in getting shut out.</p><p>By evenly weighting all four lists and combining them, we can establish a composite top 100. Here's how it looks, including a note beside each player indicating their highest and lowest appearances on any list.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Top 100 MLB Prospects" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-3DloR" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/3DloR/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="4772" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure>

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2026 MLB composite top 100 prospect rankings

Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg will fight for the vacant light heavyweight championship at UFC ...

<p>Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg will fight for the vacant light heavyweight championship at UFC 327 in Miami on April 11, Dana White announced Friday.</p><p>Alex Pereira is vacating his light heavyweight title, allowing Prochazka and Ulberg to compete for the belt.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This card is VIOLENT! 🤯<br><br>The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC327?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC327</a> card is LOCKED IN for Miami!<br><br>[ LIVE SAT APR 11 on <a href="https://twitter.com/paramountplus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParamountPlus</a> ] <a href="https://t.co/gPcAkCyzJ2">pic.twitter.com/gPcAkCyzJ2</a></p>— UFC (@ufc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/2027596654967500807?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Joshua Van will also be tasked with defending his flyweight championship belt against Tatsuro Taira in the co-main event.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The card's other notable fights include Curtis Blaydes vs. Josh Hokit with Patricio Pitbull vs. Aaron Pico and Mateusz Gamrot vs. Esteban Ribovics on the prelims.</p><p>Prochazka, 33, previously held the light heavyweight belt after beating Glover Teixera at UFC 275. The Czech fighter later had to vacate the belt and failed to win it back from Pereira on two separate occasions. </p><p>Since his most recent loss to Pereira, Prochazka has rattled off two straight wins, knocking out Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr.</p><p>Ulberg, 35, is 14-1-0 for his career and is riding a nine-fight win streak that includes five KOs and a submission.</p><p>Pereira vacating his 205-pound division belt will only ramp up speculation that the 38-year-old Brazilian is looking to move up to heavyweight and become the first three-division champ in UFC history. He is also a former middleweight titleholder.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Jiri Prochazka of the Czech Republic prepares to enter the Octagon before his light heavyweight fight against Khalil Rountree Jr. during the UFC 320 event at T-Mobile Arena on October 04, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Czechia men's hockey coach Radim Rulik had a somewhat ironic criticism of the officiating after h...

<p>Czechia men's hockey coach Radim Rulik had a somewhat ironic criticism of the officiating after his team's 4-3 overtime loss to Canada at the Milan Cortina Games.</p><p>"The referees really worry me. ... After every game, we send them two or three clips where they confirm that the opponent should have been penalized," Rulik said following Wednesday's quarterfinal defeat, according to <a href="https://x.com/RonoAnalyst/status/2024208209850794302?s=20">RonoAnalyst</a>. "I don't understand it. I just don't get it. I feel like everyone is afraid to call anything against Canada. We were basically playing against six players."</p><p>However, Czechia had too many men on the ice when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/2121" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/2121">Ondrej Palat</a> scored a late go-ahead goal that nearly led to an upset of the heavily favored Canadians. The infraction wasn't called.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">There were EIGHT (!!!) Czech players on the ice when they score the go-ahead goal in the third period vs. Canada 😳 <a href="https://t.co/RNglz2kIYK">pic.twitter.com/RNglz2kIYK</a></p>— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBCOlympics/status/2024212008246399070?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"In this respect, it's not a fair tournament. ... The guys deserved a top-level performance from the referees," Rulik continued. "They always admit afterward that we were right, but nothing ever changes. We should have had power plays against Canada. But they were afraid (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/4122" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/4122">David Pastrnak</a>) or (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/6484" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/6484">Martin Necas</a>) would score another power-play goal."</p><p>The referees called five penalties during the game, with Czechia serving three minors and Canada getting called for two. Pastrnak gave Czechia its first lead of the game with a power-play goal late in the first period. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> equalized with the man advantage midway through the second.</p>

18 February 2026, Italy, Mailand: Olympia, Olympic Winter Games Milan Cortina 2026, ice hockey, Olympia, Canada - Czech Republic, final round, quarter-finals, coach Radim Rulik (Czech Republic) follows the action. Photo: Peter Kneffel/dpa

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Czech men's hockey coach blames refs after Canada loss: 'Playing against 6 players'

Finland avoided a massive upset, rallying past Switzerland 3-2 in overtime during its quarterfina...

<p>Finland avoided a massive upset, rallying past Switzerland 3-2 in overtime during its quarterfinal game of the men's hockey tournament at the Milan Cortina Olympics on Wednesday.</p><p>Finnish defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/6612" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/6612">Miro Heiskanen</a> scored the equalizer with 1:12 remaining in the third period. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/5569" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/5569">Artturi Lehkonen</a> cashed in the OT winner on a breakaway for the defending Olympic champions.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/5681" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/5681">Sebastian Aho</a> also scored for Finland.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Finnish goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/4571" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/4571">Juuse Saros</a> settled in after a rough start to make 21 saves.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/17348" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/17348">Damien Riat</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/1826" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/1826">Nino Niederreiter</a> found twine for Switzerland.</p><p>Finland will face top-seeded Canada in the semis if the Americans beat Sweden. If the Swedes upset the U.S., Finland would face Slovakia.</p>

Finland's #62 Artturi Lehkonen (C) celebrates with teammate Finland's #15 Anton Lundell after scoring his team's third goal in overtime during the men's play-off quarter-final ice hockey match between Finland and Switzerland at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, on February 18, 2026.

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Finland avoids upset vs. Switzerland, heads to men's hockey semis

Norway's Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo won a 10th gold medal Wednesday, crossing the line first in the...

<p>Norway's Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo won a 10th gold medal Wednesday, crossing the line first in the men's cross-country team sprint at the Milan Cortina Games.</p><p>Klaebo, 29, joins American swimming legend Michael Phelps as the only Olympians to reach double-digit gold medals. Phelps claimed 23 golds during his storied career.</p><p>The Norwegian team of Klaebo and Einar Hedegart crossed the line 1.4 seconds ahead of the American duo of Ben Ogden and Gus Schumacher, who claimed silver. Italy's Elia Barp and Federico Pellegrino won bronze.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It's obviously very satisfying to make this happen," Klaebo said, according to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3480920" href="https://thescore.com/news/3480920">The Associated Press</a>. "The team sprint is one of the most fun events, but also one of the hardest."</p><p>Klaebo had already set the all-time record for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3479308" href="https://thescore.com/news/3479308">most gold medals in the Winter Olympics</a>. The Norwegian hasn't lost an event he's entered during the 2026 Games, adding five golds to his resume.</p><p>He still has the men's 50-kilometer mass start to come on his itinerary Saturday.</p>

Norway's Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo celebrates after crossing the finish line for Norway to win gold during the men's team cross country free sprint final event of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium in Lago di Tesero (Val di Fiemme), on February 18, 2026.

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Norway's Klaebo joins Phelps as only Olympians with 10 gold medals

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