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Sidney Crosby breaks Penguins scoring record previously held by Mario Lemieux

Sydney Crosby

Dec 21, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) skates with the puck in a shootout against the Montréal Canadien at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Charles LeClaire/Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

PITTSBURGH — As far as Sidney Crosby is concerned, Mario Lemieux still is No. 1 in his book.

But now, Lemieux officially is No. 2.

Crosby broke Lemieux’s franchise scoring record with a goal and an assist in the first period of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 4-3 shootout win against the Montreal Canadiens.

“I don’t think you can put a stat line or a number on what he means to this team and to hockey, so yeah, in my mind, he’s still No. 1,” Crosby said.

Crosby, who began the night one point behind Lemieux, now has 645 goals and 1,079 assists for 1,724 points in 1,387 games. It also moved him past Lemieux for the eighth-most points in NHL history.

Crosby tipped Erik Karlsson’s point shot at 7:58 of the first period for a goal to tie the record. He then broke the mark with 7:20 left in the period when his shot on a power play hit Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell tapped the rebound behind Jakub Dobes.

Crosby, Rust and Rakell embraced behind the net after the goal and the Penguins spilled over the bench to congratulate their captain. Later in the period, a 30-second video message recorded by Lemieux congratulating Crosby on the accomplishment was played.

“I knew when we played together in 2005 that you were going to be a very special player and accomplish a lot of great things in your career,” Lemieux said in the message. “Here we are 20 years later, you’re now one of the best to ever play the game.”

A hush fell over the arena as fans intently listened to Lemieux’s message.

“Seeing the crowd go quiet when Mario’s message come on, that was pretty special,” Crosby said. “If you don’t understand the impact he’s had here and you were here tonight, I think you understand it a little bit better given how quiet it got.”

Lemieux, the Hall of Famer, who also owned the franchise following his second retirement, became the Penguins’ all-time points leader, surpassing then-assistant coach Rick Kehoe on Jan. 20, 1989, when Crosby was 17 months old. Lemieux, who was in the lineup when Crosby recorded his first NHL point, finished his career with 1,723 points in 915 games.

“I have so much appreciation for having the opportunity to play with him, live with him and learn from him,” said Crosby, who lived with Lemieux and his family early in his career. “You grow up watching him, you never expect you’re going to make it to the NHL let alone play with him. He was a big part of helping me out and a huge influence on me.”

Crosby, the No. 1 overall pick in 2005, is the seventh outright all-time points leader in 58 years of the franchise’s history and the ninth active player to lead a franchise in points. Crosby previously broke Lemieux’s record for most assists in franchise history last Dec. 29 against the New York Islanders. Crosby is 45 goals behind Lemieux’s franchise record of 690.

Crosby now is third on the NHL’s all-time points list with a single franchise, behind only Steve Yzerman (1,755) and Gordie Howe (1,809), both with Detroit.

Crosby also passed Phil Esposito (449) for sole possession of the ninth-most even-strength goals in NHL history. He also tied Adam Oates for the eighth-most assists in NHL history in the first period. Crosby, who has 20 goals this season, achieved his 18th 20-goal season. Only six players in NHL history have more.

The biggest number was Lemieux’ franchise scoring record.

“Having an opportunity to play on the same line and connect on a few goals … those are things that I’ll always remember,” Crosby said. “The impact he’s had on me, this team and hockey in general is pretty amazing.”

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Rugby brain injury case suffers huge blow after judge rejects court appeal

  • Up to 80% of league and 20% of union claims face strike-out

  • Appeal over medical record disclosure denied on all grounds

Two appeals launched by the legal firm representing former players in rugby league and rugby union have both been denied in a significant blow to the ongoing legal action about brain damage caused by the sport. It means that after five years of legal arguments a large number of the claimants in both codes face the risk of having their cases struck out before they come to trial.

The appeal judge, Mr Justice Dexter Dias, ruled that the judge presiding over the management of the case, Senior Master Jeremy Cook, had been right to find that the claimants firm, Rylands Garth, had failed to fulfil its obligations to disclose necessary medical material to the defendants, World Rugby, the Wales Rugby Union, and the Rugby Football Union in one case, and the Rugby Football League in the other.

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Yankees sign former Mets INF Zack Short to minor league deal

The Yankees are bringing in INF Zack Short on a minor league deal. 

Short spent time with the Mets two seasons ago after being claimed off waivers from the Tigers. 

The New York native was able to crack the team coming out of camp, but ended up being DFA'd after just 10 appearances. 

He was traded to the Red Sox in exchange for cash considerations, but was only in Boston briefly before he was again let go and shipped off to the Atlanta Braves. 

Short appeared in a combined 32 games between the two teams the rest of the year. 

He elected to hit free agency at season's end, and received a minor league deal with the Astros.

The 30-year-old spent most of the year in Triple-A, logging just 22 appearances in the majors. 

Now in the Bronx, he is facing a bit of an uphill battle for a roster spot, but he'll look to provide the Yankees with a versatile glove off the bench. 

Short has just a career .567 OPS, but he's logged appearances at second, third, and shortstop. 

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Is Samuel Girard On the Brink of a Trade?

The Colorado Avalanche have established themselves as one of the NHL’s top teams.

They are riding a five-game winning streak and boast a league-best 26-2-7 record through 35 games. But even with that success on the ice, the season is reaching a point where practical considerations start to matter more—when strong results are weighed against the careful, and sometimes difficult, business decisions teams have to make.

While the Avalanche have been undeniably dominant, some analysts have pointed out a potential vulnerability on the blue line in what has been dubbed “The Two Sams.” The third-pairing defensive duo of Samuel Girard and Sam Malinski does not bring the kind of physical presence or bone-crushing hits typically seen in postseason play. While penalties are called more frequently during the regular season, officiating tends to be somewhat more lenient in the playoffs. As the stakes rise, shots become harder, hits more punishing, and success often depends on defensemen who can not only absorb that physicality but respond in kind when necessary.

Solovyov Steps Up

Ilya Solovyov, claimed off waivers from the Calgary Flames in October, was sent to the AHL’s Colorado Eagles for a conditioning assignment on December 12 and was recalled ahead of Sunday’s game in Minnesota, where the Avalanche defeated the Wild 5-1 at Grand Casino Arena.

Unlike Girard, Solovyov stands 6'3" and weighs approximately 208 pounds, compared with Girard, who is 5'10" and around 170 pounds. During the Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup run, Girard missed most of the postseason after being wrecked into the boards by then–St. Louis Blues forward Ivan Barbashev, which left him with a broken sternum and forced him to sit out the remainder of the playoffs.

The Avalanche will likely need the added strength on the back end. While Girard has been an impactful defenseman for Colorado for years, he has also been mentioned in trade discussions repeatedly. Sending Solovyov on a conditioning assignment suggests the team has a clear plan for him. The extra work he has put in at both the AHL level and with Avalanche skills coach Mark Popovic behind the scenes further indicates that Colorado is preparing him to take on a larger role.

Will the Avs Trade Girard?

It’s no secret that Jared Bednar is looking for a third-line center. Based on what we’re seeing with the defense, it seems the Avalanche want a multi-dimensional player in that role—not just someone with a quick shot, but also a significant physical presence. Colorado is clearly aiming to step things up.

After what happened in the first round last year against Dallas, and the team’s struggles to respond to the slew of penalties handed out, the Avalanche know they need players who can levy serious punishment when necessary.

Detroit’s Michael Rasmussen is a true behemoth. At 6'6" and 222 pounds, the 26-year-old former ninth overall pick from the 2017 NHL Draft would be a solid addition for Colorado. Last year, he ranked third on the Red Wings with 141 hits, and through 32 games this season, Rasmussen boasts a faceoff win percentage of 58.3—a career-high by a wide margin. He finished the 2022–23 season with a 51 percent success rate.

Acquiring Rasmussen, who carries a $3.2 million cap hit through the 2027-28 season, would give the Avalanche the third-line center they’ve been seeking. With Detroit in the market for a left-handed, puck-moving defenseman, 27-year-old Girard would be an ideal fit for the Red Wings’ system—assuming he approves the trade.

Girard is in the sixth year of his seven-year, $35 million deal. He carries a nine-team no-trade list, which isn’t public, so the Red Wings may or may not be on it. If they aren’t, the move would be a win-win for both teams.

With the arrival of Brent Burns, Girard’s ice time has decreased this season, but in Detroit, he would slot in as a top-four defenseman and help solidify the blue line. He’s a shutdown defender who can also contribute offensively from the backend. This season, he has one goal and six assists for seven points in 20 games, recording his first goal of the year on December 16 when the Avalanche defeated the Seattle Kraken 5-3.

While Rasmussen has been dominant in the faceoff circle, he could benefit from a change of scenery. If the Avalanche are smart, they might also include a mid-round pick to sweeten the deal.

Here’s a proposed trade scenario:

Red Wings acquire:

Samuel Girard

Avalanche acquire:

Michael Rasmussen

2026 third-round pick

What Happens Next

This trade would allow several things to fall into place. First and foremost, the Avalanche would secure their third-line center in Rasmussen. Ilya Solovyov could step into Girard’s spot, and unlike Girard, Malinski would likely remain in place. He’s been such a vital part of Colorado’s depth this season that he’s almost untouchable. The truth is, Colorado needs Malinski more than they need Girard.

In all honesty, the Avalanche have been looking to move on from Girard for some time, but nothing has really worked out. For example, Colorado attempted to get Ryan Lindgren to agree to an extension in the days leading up to July 1, but he ultimately signed with the Seattle Kraken.

This move would also allow Jack Drury to stay in the fourth-line center role and let Ross Colton return to the wing, where he’s most effective.

It’s always fun to dig through ideas like this, but Chris MacFarland is the genius behind these deals. Let’s let him work his magic.

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Columbus Blue Jackets (34 pts) vs. Los Angeles Kings (39 pts) Game Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets are at Crypto.com Arena to take on the LA Kings at 10 PM. 

Los Angeles Kings - 15-10-9 - 42 Points - 4-4-2 in the last 10 - 4th in the Atlantic

Columbus Blue Jackets - 14-15-6 - 34 Points - 3-6-1 in the last 10 - 8th in the Metro  

Blue Jackets Stats

  • Power Play - 18.8% - 18th in the NHL
  • Penalty Kill - 72.9% - 30th in the NHL
  • Goals For - 101 - 20th in the NHL
  • Goals Against - 123 - 31st in the NHL

Kings Stats

  • Power Play - 14.6% - 30th in the NHL
  • Penalty Kill - 79.8% - 20th in the NHL
  • Goals For - 87 - 31st in the NHL
  • Goals Against - 85 - 2nd in the NHL

Series History vs. The Kings

  • Columbus is 28-33-1-7 all-time, and 10-22-1-2 on the road vs. L.A.
  • The home team is 6-0-2 in the last 8 games of the series.
  • The CBJ went 1-1 vs. the Kings last season.
  • Columbus has killed off 20 of the last 23 Kings man advantages.

Who To Watch For TheKings

  • Adrian Kempe leads the Kings in goals(13), assists(17), and points(30).
  • Darcy Kuemper is 10-6-6 with a SV% of .917. His last start was on December 15th.
  • Former Blue Jackets Goalie Anton Forsberg is 5-4-3 with a SV% of .901. His last start was on December 18th.

CBJ Player Notes vs.Kings

  • Zach Werenski has 7 points in 14 career games vs. the Kings.
  • Boone Jenner has 6 points in his last 17 games against LA.
  • Charlie Coyle has 16 points in 31 games.

Injuries 

  • Erik Gudbranson - Upper Body - Missed 27 Games - IR - No timeline for a return
  • Mathieu Olivier - Upper Body - Missed 12 Games - IR- No timeline for a return - He is skating
  • Miles Wood - Unknown - Missed 1 Game

TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 70

How to Watch & Listen: Tonight's game will be on FANDUEL SPORTS NETWORK. Bob Wischusen will be on the play-by-play. The radio broadcast will be on 97.1 THE FAN, with Bob McElligott behind the mic doing the play-by-play. 

Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more!

Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News and never miss a story. 

Let us know what you think below.

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Canadiens: Crosby Makes History And The Penguins Finally Win One

The Montreal Canadiens didn’t hold a morning skate or a media availability on Sunday. However, they still made the headlines when the Communications department confirmed that Samuel Montembeault wouldn’t be joining the team in Pittsburgh as initially planned. With the Becancour native staying behind and Jacob Fowler having played on Saturday night, Jakub Dobes was on duty Sunday night.

While the Canadiens managed to stave off the inevitable on Saturday night when they shutout the Pittsburgh Penguins and therefore kept Sidney Crosby off the scoresheet, they couldn’t repeat the feat on Sunday night. It took less than eight minutes for the Pens’ captain to find the back of the net and tie Mario Lemieux’s point total atop the franchise history, and less than five minutes later, he took sole possession of the title of top scorer in the team’s history.

Canadiens Soaring Rookie Has Been Big Surprise
Canadiens: Montembeault Stays With The Rocket
Canadiens: Fowler In Fantastic Company

Jekyll and Hyde

Martin St-Louis has often said over the last few seasons that the biggest challenge with such a young team is to find consistency, and in the first frame, we got a prime example of that struggle.

The Habs took the lead on a fantastic passing play at even strength. Arber Xhekaj prevented the puck from leaving the zone by poking it to Ivan Demidov, who immediately fed Juraj Slafkovsky with a cross-zone pass before he, in turn, sent it across the zone to Oliver Kapanen, who one-timed it in.

It was as near perfect as a passing play could be. Still, on the very next shift, with the top line and the top pairing on the ice, the Habs skated like headless chickens in their own zone, turning the puck over to the Penguins and faster than a toddler goes from a broad smile to a full-blown temper tantrum, the Canadiens had conceded the equalizer.

It’s puzzling to see the effect scoring a goal can have on this young squad at times. Instead of giving them confidence, it makes them panic and all too often, they concede the equalizer right away.

Everything That Goes Up…

Trailing by one after 20 minutes and down 14-8 shots-wise, the Canadiens stormed back at the start of the second frame. They played a smart game, didn’t take any unnecessary risks, but were ready when an opportunity presented itself. Less than four minutes into the middle stanza, it was once again the kids’ line that struck gold. Slafkovsky first fed Kapanen, who was denied, but the big Slovak sent the rebound to the Russian rookie, who one-timed it in.

Once again, Slafkovsky’s pass was perfect. It makes a world of difference when he takes the time to check where his pass is going. Earlier this season, he would often try no-look backhand passes and lose the puck that way, no more. He’s playing smart and safe, and he’s being rewarded for it.

That proved to be another high, and by 9:36, the Canadiens had 15 shots on net and had caught up to the Pens in that department. From then on, it was all Pittsburgh, all the time for the rest of the period. The Habs' next shot came over seven minutes later, and by that point, Pittsburgh had 25 shots.

Granted, Dobes wasn’t great on Acciari’s goal, but the netminder faced 14 shots in each of the first two frames. A team that looked lifeless for large stretches of time in Montreal on Saturday night had the energy of a cup contender in the second game of this back-to-back.

Montreal finished the second down by a goal, and while it was able to tie up the score in the third frame, it couldn’t seal the deal.

Going To Extra Time Is Playing Russian Roulette

While I’ll agree that Dobes didn’t look great in the shootout, the truth of the matter is that the Canadiens wouldn’t have needed a good effort in the shootout had they been consistent all game long. When you can’t seal the deal in regulation, you’re basically leaving the result up to luck. One wrong move and it’s over. Or luck can be on your side, and your opponent absolutely dominates overtime but hits a couple of posts, which is what happened to Montreal tonight. The Penguins win their first game in nine outings on Crosby’s big night, a real Hollywood ending if there ever was one.

Despite the loss, it’s worth mentioning that the Habs were poetry in motion on the ice in overtime. Long gone are the days of the Canadiens’ big, heavy defenseman who could punish the opposition by hitting them, but couldn’t skate. Having Lane Hutson, Mike Matheson and Noah Dobson on the same team opens a world of possibilities for St-Louis.

The Canadiens will have a day off on Monday before playing their last game before the Christmas break when they take on the Boston Bruins on Tuesday. Phillip Danault, who has now arrived in Montreal, should join them there and be in the lineup, especially if the news isn’t good for Joe Veleno, who looked very shaken up after a hard collision late in the game.

Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.  

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Shaikin: Should Angels fans just give up and join the Dodgers bandwagon?

Angels star Mike Trout signs autographs for fans before a game against the Minnesota Twins at Angel Stadium on Sept. 8.
Angels star Mike Trout signs autographs for fans before a game against the Minnesota Twins at Angel Stadium on Sept. 8. (Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images)

Christmas is three days away, and you’re running out of time to get a gift for the Angels fan in your life. How about a Dodgers cap?

If ever a winter posed a loyalty test, this one could. The Dodgers spent $69 million on Edwin Díaz, the best closer available in free agency, and another $2 million in championship parade costs. The Angels spent $2 million on a closer who put up an 8.23 earned-run average last season.

Next year the Dodgers will try to become the first National League team to win three consecutive World Series. The Angels will try to end baseball's longest postseason drought at 11 years, still without much of a plan beyond rushing first-round draft picks to the major leagues while treading the financial waters until Anthony Rendon’s contract runs out.

On Sunday they missed out on Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami, who signed with the 102-loss Chicago White Sox. Of the Angels’ five acquisitions this winter, three did not play in the majors last season, and not because they are up-and-coming prospects.

Read more:Tyler Skaggs' family reaches a settlement with the Angels during deliberations in wrongful-death case

If you’re an Angels fan and you’re sick and tired of this, should you reconsider your loyalty?

Jim Bowden believes you should.

Bowden, formerly the general manager of the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, serves as a baseball insider on several media platforms. On “Foul Territory” last week he suggested fans of small-market teams have an option that might be more constructive than getting angry.

In Pittsburgh, for instance, the owner would rather complain about the lack of a salary cap than spend enough money to build a winner around generational pitcher Paul Skenes.

“You don’t have to be a Pirate fan,” Bowden said. “You can retire as a Pirate fan, or trade yourself to the Dodgers.

“If you want to see your team win, right now the Dodgers have got the best chance to win a World Series again. As a fan, you can root for any team you want.

“You don’t have to root for the team in your home city. You can see the Dodgers play in your home city. They’ll come into Pittsburgh and beat you.

“If it bothers you that much, just become a Dodger fan. It’s fine.”

Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto celebrates with teammates, coaches and owners.
Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto celebrates with teammates, coaches and owners after the Dodgers' World Series victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Nov. 1. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

The Angels no longer operate as a large-market team, and their circumstances could get even more dire in the near future.

On Sunday, Sports Business Journal reported that the parent company of FanDuel Sports Network is in jeopardy of shutting down if it cannot complete a sale to streaming service DAZN. The Angels would not disappear from your screens and streams, but it likely would mean the Angels would take a big cut in local broadcast revenue for a second consecutive year.

The Dodgers’ bandwagon shows no sign of slowing. The Dodgers set a franchise attendance record last season. They offer stadium tours in English, Spanish and Japanese. They launched a fan club in Japan.

So, as a frustrated Angels fan, you could hop on that bandwagon. Or you could try another large-market team — say, the New York Mets.

Mets owner Steve Cohen is worth $23 billion, according to Forbes. When Cohen bought the Mets in 2020, he said this: “If I don’t win a World Series in the next three to five years — I’d like to make it sooner — I would consider that slightly disappointing.”

Read more:Shaikin: What the Dodgers are doing isn't normal in pro sports. Be sure to appreciate it

The Mets still have not won a World Series since 1986. On Friday he took to social media to criticize “the usual idiots misinterpreting a Post article on Mets payroll.”

On Sunday, given the Mets’ losses of Díaz and beloved slugger Pete Alonso in free agency, New York Post columnist Mike Vaccaro shot back, comparing Cohen to greatly unloved former owner Fred Wilpon in this adaptation of a Christmas carol: “Steve’s beginning to look a lot like Wilpon/Mets fans say ‘Hell, no!’/What’s the point in being so rich/And a ruthless sonofabitch/If you don’t spend dough?”

The concept of fan free agency — essentially what Bowden suggested — is not new. Every now and then some disgruntled fan will publicly disown his favorite team, then invite rival teams to suggest why he should support them. If you’re creative enough, rival teams will send you some free swag.

That level of desperation is what many Dodgers fans felt a decade and a half ago, when former owner Frank McCourt needed a loan to cover payroll, hired a Russian physicist who channeled positive energy toward the team and “diagnosed the disconnects” among baseball operations personnel, and disparaged as “un-American” the league’s refusal to approve a television contract that he said would have provided the revenue to keep the Dodgers out of bankruptcy court.

Fans wearing Shohei Ohtani Dodgers jerseys wait to enter Angel Stadium before a game between the Angels and Dodgers.
Fans wearing Shohei Ohtani Dodgers jerseys wait to enter Angel Stadium before a game between the Angels and Dodgers on Aug. 12. (Luke Hales / Getty Images)

In 2011, the year McCourt took the team into bankruptcy, the Angels outdrew the Dodgers for the only time. The Dodgers fans did not bail on their team. They waited for better days.

That is where Angels fans are now — and, for that matter, where Pirates fans are too. Bowden’s suggestion that unhappy Pirates fans exhausted by the perennial futility try the Dodgers did not go over well in Pittsburgh. At the Pirates’ fan site Rum Bunter, Emma Lingan wrote: “Fandom isn’t a streaming subscription you cancel when the content gets bad.”

This year’s World Series was the best and most dramatic I ever covered. But the one that was the most fun was the 2002 World Series: the underdog Angels, the Disney team no one projected for a happy ending, rampaging through October and toppling giants. As The Times’ headline on the Game 7 victory put it: “Fantasyland!”

If you were there in 1982 and 1986, when the Angels had six chances to win one game to clinch their first World Series appearance — and lost all six — then you could have a greater appreciation of 2002. And, if you were there for McCourt bankruptcy, you can have a greater appreciation of Guggenheim majesty.

So get that Angels fan in your life an Angels cap. That fan will be able to wear that cap proudly one of these years, and all the tears will make the cap fit that much more snugly.

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Fairer laws passed, polluting factories shuttered, charges against innocent people dropped – and 10 more ways our US reporting made change in 2025

Our work would not be possible without the support of our readers. From everyone at the Guardian US: thank you

After we exclusively revealed that Israel’s elite spy agency was using Microsoft technology to store recordings of millions of mobile phone calls made each day by Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, Microsoft announced it was terminating the Israeli military’s access to services used in that surveillance system. According to sources, the sweeping and intrusive surveillance program was used to shape military operations and facilitate the preparation of deadly airstrikes. Our report, in collaboration with Israeli-Palestinian publication +972 Magazine and Hebrew-language outlet Local Call, prompted protests at Microsoft’s US headquarters and pressure from employees and investors that led to the tech company’s extraordinary decision.

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What NBA games are on Christmas Day 2025: Schedule, how to watch, preview, tipoff times

In what's become a familiar holiday tradition like unwrapping presents from under the tree, the NBA will deliver its annual gift Thursday — a full slate of Christmas Day games for the 78th edition.

Starting with a noon tipoff and running until after midnight, there are five games on Christmas Day 2025 over more than 13 consecutive hours of coverage on ABC and ESPN.

Four of the past six NBA champions will be in action: the Lakers (2020), Warriors (2022), Nuggets (2023) and Thunder (2025).

Here's the rundown of the NBA on Christmas Day, past and present (and a look at the future on NBC and Peacock):

NBA Christmas Day 2025 full schedule and how to watch

*All times listed are ET

  • Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks
    Time: Noon. TV: ABC, ESPN
  • San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder
    Time: 2:30 p.m. TV: ABC, ESPN
  • Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors
    Time: 5 p.m. TV: ABC, ESPN
  • Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers
    Time: 8 p.m. TV: ABC, ESPN
  • Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets
    Time: 10:30 p.m. TV: ABC, ESPN

How long has the NBA played on Christmas Day?

The tradition dates to the league's second season in 1947.

Which NBA team has played the most times on Christmas Day?

The New York Knicks have played a record 57 games on Christmas Day. The Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers are tied for most Christmas Day victories with 25 apiece.

There are seven players in NBA history with at least 11 Christmas Day starts: LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant and Steph Curry.

Who holds the record for most points scored on Christmas Day?

Bernard King scored 60 points for the New York Knicks in a 120-114 defeat to the New Jersey Nets on Dec. 25, 1984.

Three other players have scored more than 50: Wilt Chamberlain (59 for the Philadelphia Warriors in a 136-135 double-overtime loss to the New York Knicks on Dec. 25, 1961), Luka Doncic (50 for the Dallas Mavericks in a 128-114 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Dec. 25, 2023) and Rick Barry (50 points for the San Francisco Warriors in a 124-112 victory over the Cincinnati Royals on Dec. 25, 1966).

LeBron James on Christmas Day history:

LeBron James holds multiple NBA records for points (507) and games played (19) on Christmas Day. James surpassed former teammate Dwyane Wade with his record 11th victory on Christmas Day last year (his teams are 11-8 on Dec. 25).

NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule

Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.

How to watch NBA on NBC and Peacock

Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.

Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.

How to sign up for Peacock:

Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC and Bravo hits on Peacock for whatever suits your mood.

What devices does Peacock support?

You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.

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Premier League: 10 talking points from the weekend’s action

Highs and lows for Alexander Isak, Wolves’ sobering survival chances and were Chelsea lucky at Newcastle?

Can results be misleading? That is the question. Aston Villa’s winning streak continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, our friend xG was unimpressed: according to Opta, United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows, games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and torment him. Talent and management, working together. Tim de Lisle

Match report: Aston Villa 2-1 Manchester United

Match report: Everton 0-1 Arsenal

Match report: Manchester City 3-0 West Ham

Match report: Tottenham 1-2 Liverpool

Match report: Newcastle 2-2 Chelsea

Match report: Wolves 0-2 Brentford

Match report: Leeds 4-1 Crystal Palace

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Joshua and Paul provide pitiful spectacle and the worst is there’s more to come | Donald McRae

Miami bout was a bleak and blood-flecked affair but both men will find more opponents willing to take the money

Jake Paul’s mouth opened wide, and his eyes became huge glazed saucers, as he sank to the canvas in shock and awe after a pulverising right hand from Anthony Joshua finally ended the circus in Miami late on Friday night. It looked as if Paul was trying to say “Wow!” as the severity of impact registered in his scrambled brain.

Pinned in a corner of the ring midway through the sixth round, Paul could no longer run or cling to Joshua’s legs like a forlorn little boy as the gravity of boxing enveloped him. Instead, as he tried to absorb the punch that broke his jaw in two separate places, Paul was lost in his utterly stunned moment.

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Sharks' Rising Star to Stay in NHL, Will Not Join World Juniors

Sam Dickinson is poised to continue his progression in the NHL, as the San Jose Sharks have opted to keep the 19-year-old defenseman with the team rather than sending him to the Canadian National Junior Team for the World Junior Championship.

Dickinson, who was selected 11th overall by the Sharks in the 2024 NHL Draft, had been eligible to represent Canada in the prestigious tournament but will instead remain with the Sharks. The 19-year-old has appeared in 27 of San Jose’s 36 games so far this season, recording one goal and two assists. He is averaging nearly 15 minutes of ice time per game, including a notable 17:33 in the Sharks' 4-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken on Saturday.

Sharks Considered Allowing Dickinson To Participate

Initially, general manager Mike Grier and Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky had been discussing whether it would be beneficial for Dickinson’s development to loan him to the Canadian team. Warsofsky, however, expressed some reservations about sending him back to junior hockey, citing the importance of establishing strong habits at the NHL level.

Dickinson had previously competed in the World Junior Championship in 2023 while still with the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights, a team that went on to win the Memorial Cup under coach Dale Hunter, who now also serves as the coach of Team Canada.

The Sharks currently have eight healthy defensemen on their roster, with a ninth, Vincent Desharnais, recovering from an upper-body injury.

The World Junior Championship will take place from December 26 to January 5 in Minnesota, and several Sharks prospects will be representing their countries in the tournament.

Sharks Who Are Playing In World Junior Tourney

Among them are center Michael Misa (Canada), defenseman Leo Sahlin Wallenius (Sweden), and goalie Christian Kirsch (Switzerland). Misa, selected second overall by the Sharks in June, along with Wallenius and Kirsch, both 2024 draft picks, will play for their respective teams.

Additionally, goalie Josh Ravensbergen, a first-round pick this year, is currently training with Team Canada. The final 25-man roster for Canada has yet to be announced. Center Cole McKinney, a second-round pick, remains on the preliminary roster for Team USA.

Next Game for the NHLers

The Sharks will hit the ice Tuesday to face the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Coverage begins at 9 p.m. local time.

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Back in Knicks' starting lineup, Josh Hart is making All-Star case: 'He does everything well'

If you’re looking at the Knicks box score from Sunday, Jalen Brunson’s line (47 points, 8 assists, 0 turnovers) probably catches your eye. Maybe Mikal Bridges’ three-point shooting (6-for-7) gets your attention.

What about Josh Hart? 

Hart’s numbers (13 points, 10 rebounds and five assists against Miami) are solid. But they aren’t spectacular.

Judging Hart’s impact by a box score, though, is a mistake.

“His impact, you can't really tell from the stat sheet,” Brunson says. “But by the eye test, everyone knows that he's a competitor. He brings a winning style of basketball to this team."

The Knicks have done a lot of winning since they traded for Hart in 2023. 

In fact, they are 137-89 in the regular season with Hart in the lineup -- that includes a 10-2 record this season when Hart is in there alongside Brunson, Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns.

“I think he does a great job pushing the pace, and he presents a different... obstacle for the opponents to have to deal with,” Towns said after the Knicks’ win over Miami. “I think that he's done a great job of utilizing his game, what he does best, and maximizing our team’s chance to win.”

Entering Sunday's game against the Heat, New York had the No. 2 net rating in the NBA since Nov. 24, when Hart moved into the starting lineup. And they have a net rating of +16.1 with Hart on the floor since the lineup change.

They rank fourth in the NBA in rebounding percentage during that span.

“He’s a guy that just does everything well. If you’re not careful, you may look at it and say, ‘Well, he can’t really do (this).’ Nah, nah, he does everything well,” Mike Brown said. “He does a couple things at an elite level, and when you have a guy like that who’s pretty selfless, it can bode well to connecting the group, no matter who he’s on the floor with.”

Brown moved Hart into the starting group in late November after listening to feedback from his staff.

Credit Brown for keeping an open mind. Hart’s ability to push the ball in transition has changed the Knicks.

“Josh gets in (and) he's probably one of the fastest with the ball; he's going to the rim, or he's driving in the paint, trying to find guys,” Bridges says. “I think his ability to get in transition and push and create opens up a lot.”

Hart’s individual numbers as a starter are strong. He’s averaging 15 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists while shooting 52.6 percent from the floor and 40.7 on threes. And the Knicks have done a lot of winning with Hart in the starting lineup.

“He’s our Draymond Green,” one Knick staffer said recently.

The comparison is not far off.

In 2015-16, Green averaged 14.2 points, 9.5 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game prior to the All-Star break. The Warriors were 48-3 with Green in the lineup at the time. Opposing coaches recognized Green’s value by voting him to the Western Conference All-Star team. He joined teammates Steph Curry and Klay Thompson in the game.

If you looked at Green’s individual numbers that season, you wouldn’t think he’d make an All-Star team.  

Green’s All-Star bid was based on team success, not individual stats.

Just like Green in 2015-16, Hart is having a huge impact on his team’s success. Opposing coaches recognize his value.

“Right now, he’d definitely get consideration,” one opposing coach said of Hart and an All-Star bid. The coach cited Hart’s 'impact on' New York’s record and said he’s 'playing like’ an All-Star

It sounds like Hart will have a strong case for an All-Star spot if he continues to produce and the Knicks continue to win.

Perfect night

Brunson had an MSG career-high 47 points against Miami. But he was pleased with another stat from Sunday’s win: zero. Brunson had eight assists and no turnovers against the Heat. Brunson had nine assists and zero turnovers in a loss to Philadelphia on Friday. No turnovers in his past 75 minutes on the floor.

“That means a lot,” Brunson said late Sunday. “…. Obviously, no turnovers is what I strive for. Obviously, sometimes when you're aggressive, you make aggressive mistakes. I can live with (the aggressive mistakes), the passive mistakes, I can't live with. But yeah, just trying to hold the ball as much as I can and not give it to the other team.”

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The Penguins NEEDED Sunday's Win And They Got It

The Pittsburgh Penguins had nothing going right for them heading into Sunday's game against the Montreal Canadiens.

They had lost eight in a row and were coming off back-to-back lifeless performances against the Ottawa Senators and this very Canadiens team on Saturday. They got blanked 4-0 in both games and were desperate for something positive to happen on Sunday.

They got a whole lot of positives during Sunday's game, starting with Sidney Crosby becoming the Penguins' franchise all-time leader in points (1,724). He notched a goal and an assist in the first period, giving the Penguins a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes before they snapped their eight-game losing streak with a 4-3 shootout win. They even snapped their nine-game shootout losing streak, too. 

It's the first time that the Penguins have won a shootout since Nov. 16, 2024, against the San Jose Sharks. 

Once Arturs Silovs made that final save in the shootout, it felt like a weight was lifted off everyone's shoulders, at least for this game. The players went nuts on the bench, and even head coach Dan Muse let out a few fist pumps. 

They needed to pick themselves up off the mat, and they did exactly that. This was their best overall performance since they were up 5-1 against the San Jose Sharks on Dec. 13. Yes, I know what happened after they made it 5-1, but up until then, they were skating the Sharks off the ice. It's precisely what they were doing to the Canadiens on Sunday (outside of 3-on-3 overtime). 

The Penguins finished the game with 65.2% of the scoring chances and 79.1% of the high-danger chances at 5v5. They also had 69.8% of the expected goals. 

The question now is whether the Penguins can build on this win, but for now, they got the victory when they desperately needed it. 

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