It appears as if Jonathan Quick is inching closer to making a return for the New York Rangers.
Quick landed on injured reserve after a collision with Michael Carcone in the third period of the Rangers' 3-2 loss to the Utah Mammoth on Nov. 22.
Starting on Monday, Quick resumed practicing with the team, and Sullivan confirmed that he’s making significant progress in his recovery from his lower-body injury.
“He is obviously back involved with the practice environment, and we'll see where that goes moving forward,” Sullivan said. “We feel (Quick) is making progress.”
With Quick out of the lineup, the Rangers recalled Dylan Garand who backed up Igor Shesterkin for a total of four games before being sent back down to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League.
In place of Garand, the Rangers called up Spencer Martin, a goaltender the Blueshirts signed to a two-year contract on Nov. 12.
Martin was previously playing in the KHL with CSKA Moscow before his contract was bought out after 14 games.
The 30-year-old goaltender has played in 66 total NHL games for the Colorado Avalanche, Vancouver Canucks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Carolina Hurricanes.
In those 66 games, Martin recorded a 24-30-8 record, 3.56 goals against average, and .883 save percentage.
Sullivan explained why the team decided to call up Martin while sending Garand back down to the AHL.
“We don’t want anybody sitting on the sidelines too long,” Sullivan said about why he sent Garand back down to the Wolf Pack. “We want guys playing, and that's an important aspect that we try to manage all the time. Spencer is a guy that we don't have a lot of familiarity with. It gives us an opportunity to get to know him a bit, seeing practice things of that nature. I think those are a few of the reasons why.”
Martin will serve as Shesterkin's backup goalie on Tuesday night when the Rangers play the Dallas Stars.
Tonight's Coast 2 Coast Tuesday doubleheader features an exciting lineup. First, at 8:00 PM ET, the New York Knicks face the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Then, at 11:00 PM, the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Golden State Warriors. Live coverage begins at 7:30 PM on NBC and Peacock. See below for additional information on how to watch both games and follow all of the NBA action on NBC and Peacock.
The Knicks defeated the Toronto Raptors 116-94 on Sunday, extending their win streak to four straight. Josh Hart had 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists in the win. Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 22 points and 8 rebounds, and Jalen Brunson added 18 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds.
Brunson currently leads the Knicks in scoring (28.5 ppg) and assists (6.2 apg). Anthony-Towns is right behind him in scoring (21.7 ppg) and leads the team in rebounding (11.9 rpg).
The Knicks have the longest active win streak in the conference and are second in the East behind the Detroit Pistons.
Boston Celtics:
The Celtics have won six of their last games, most recently defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-115 on Sunday. Payton Pritchard led the way for the Celtics with a season-high 42 points.
Jaylen Brown finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists, earning his fourth career triple-double.
With Jayson Tatum still sidelined due to a torn Achilles tendon last season, Brown has emerged as a leader for Boston.
The four-time All-Star is on pace for career highs in the following categories: scoring (28.4 ppg), field-goal attempts per game (21.6), field-goals made per game (10.6), and free-throw attempts per game (6.8).
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.
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NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule
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When the Rangers best defenseman Adam Fox was crushed by Brandon Hagel during the Tampa Bay victory over New York, no member of the home team went after Hagel.
Veteran hockey writer Al Greenberg – watching from The Garden press box – told me that he was disappointed that not a single revengeful move was made.
It was interpreted by Greenberg – and many others – that the non-reaction was a signal that the Rangers lack toughness. But upon further review, no retaliation was in order because the Hagel hit is the kind sanctioned by the National Hockey League.
Because it was completely and eminently legal; a perfect hit, as a matter of fact.
It was the kind of clean bodycheck that historic Rangers defensemen such as Bill Juzda, Bill
Moe, and Bill Gadsby – right up to Ryan Lindgren and Jacob Trouba – have delivered.
How can anyone take issue with Hagel?
1. His stick was down.
2. He made contact with good posture.
3. He finished through the hands and arms.
4. It was well-executed just as you'd find in a reputable hockey manual.
5. If a hit is to be finished; Hagel showed how.
Too often, clean hits that do damage to a foe inspire retaliation no matter what because of emotion not reason. One veteran Rangers fan I know insisted that – in his eyes – legal hit or not, didn't matter to him. "Get back at Hagel" was his theme.
As for those who claim the Rangers are too soft, Sam Carrick has proven otherwise as well as Will Cuylle – plus Matt Rempe when he eventually returns.
Super scout Jess Rubenstein studies the Rangers as intensely as anyone I know. When The Maven asks him if the Rangers lack toughness, his response intrigues me.
"It's not a lack of toughness," says Rubenstein, "they are emotionally fragile!"
“For teams that are in the market for high-end starting pitching and willing to deal big league talent to get it, the Royals represent one of the most interesting potential trade partners of the offseason,” Speier wrote. “Kansas City isn’t hiding its willingness to deal a rotation member for an outfielder. ‘Our starting pitching, we have some depth there,’ said Royals general manager J.J. Piccolo. ‘A lot of teams are looking for starting pitching, so if we have what they may be interested in, and they have an outfielder that would be of interest, then there’s potentially the opportunity to make a deal.’
“Is anyone, including left-hander Cole Ragans, off limits? ‘I wouldn’t say off limits,’ said Piccolo, who noted that the Royals were reluctant to deal either Seth Lugo or Michael Wacha after the two veteran right-handers committed to them via free agency. ‘There would have to be a really big return for one (starter) in particular.’
“That starter, of course, is Ragans. Though the Royals would prefer a right-handed-hitting outfielder, they won’t be tethered to the notion — making their considerable interest in Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran at the trade deadline notable.”
While it’s up for debate whether the 36-year-old Gray could be Boston’s No. 2 starter behind Garrett Crochet, Ragans has ace upside. The soon-to-be 28-year-old placed fourth in the 2024 American League Cy Young vote, finishing with a 3.14 ERA and an AL-best 10.8 strikeouts per nine innings. He’s under team control through 2028 after signing a bargain $13.25 million contract extension last year.
That said, there are injury concerns. Ragans missed time last season with groin and rotator cuff ailments, limiting him to only 13 starts (61.1 innings pitched). He posted a 4.67 ERA, though his 2.50 FIP and 14.3 K/9 suggest he still had his Cy Young-caliber stuff.
A first-round draft pick by the Texas Rangers in 2016, Ragans has undergone two Tommy John surgeries — the first in March 2018 and the second in May 2019. His 2024 All-Star campaign marked the only full season in his four-year MLB career.
It would almost certainly take more than just Duran to pry Ragans from the Royals. Similar to last offseason’s Garrett Crochet blockbuster, multiple top prospects would likely have to be involved. Slugging outfielder Jhostynxon “The Password” Garcia, left-hander Connelly Early, and southpaw Payton Tolle are among the Red Sox prospects who could entice Kansas City.
With the Crochet and Gray deals, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has proven willing to part ways with promising prospects in exchange for a “win-now” arm. If Ragans is truly on the trade block, Breslow shouldn’t shy away from making another big splash to upgrade Boston’s rotation from good to great.
With Ragans in the mix, the Red Sox’ rotation would look something like this:
Garrett Crochet, LHP
Cole Ragans, LHP
Sonny Gray, RHP
Brayan Bello, RHP
Kutter Crawford, RHP
Other possible contributors include Connelly Early, Patrick Sandoval, Payton Tolle, and Hunter Dobbins.
That’s a potentially elite rotation, especially if Bello can build off the best season of his young career. The No. 5 spot would remain a question mark, but that 1-4 could match up against most starting staffs in MLB.
Ragans should be a top trade target for Breslow and the Red Sox. The free-agent market for starting pitching is underwhelming — even more so now that Dylan Cease signed a mega deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. Adding Ragans to the mix and signing a slugger or two would point Boston toward contention again in 2026.
Hadjar replaces Yuki Tsunoda after impressive 2025
British teenager Arvid Lindblad to join Racing Bulls
Red Bull have announced they are to sign Isack Hadjar to drive alongside Max Verstappen at the team next year. The 20-year-old Frenchman is being promoted from sister squad Racing Bulls after only one season in F1 to replace Yuki Tsunoda in 2026, while the 18-year-old British driver Arvid Lindblad is to join Racing Bulls to make his F1 debut.
Hadjar has been impressive in his rookie year in the sport, taking his debut podium at the Dutch GP and a series of points finishes that have moved him up to 10th in the drivers’ championship. He has demonstrated confidence and assurance, outscoring and repeatedly out qualifying the New Zealander Liam Lawson who will continue at Racing Bulls.
December is here and so is the quarter-mark of the 2025-26 NBA season.
With each team about 20 games into their respective seasons, it’s easier now to make sense of the player data. But we’re here to make it easier for those in the fantasy world looking for trends. Who’s on the rise? Who’s trending downward?
Let’s discuss.
→ Watch the NBA Coast 2 Coast Tuesday on NBC and Peacock with two tremendous matchups! The Knicks take on the Celtics in Boston at 8 p.m. ET before the Warriors host the Thunder at 10 p.m. ET. Both games are available on Peacock. Check your local listings for the NBC game in your area.
It's not exactly breaking news that Kawhi Leonard is great at basketball, but it’s easy to overlook at times given his availability issues from a health standpoint. However, in his return from a foot injury that had kept him sidelined for 10 games, he’s logged three 30-point outings in a row and is averaging 28.8 points, 2.6 three-pointers, and posting 53.3/48.1/97.1 shooting splits across the last five games. Even more impressively, he’s hitting these numbers despite a minutes restriction that has only allowed him to reach the 30-minute mark in one of those games. Obviously, Leonard’s injury history is long enough to make him an unreliable (but impactful) option in fantasy leagues — depending on the fantasy manager, Leonard could either be a valuable player to shop while he’s healthy and performing well, or a nice trade-for candidate for those willing to bet good injury luck is past due. When on the floor, he’ll remain one of the Clippers’ most relied upon players amidst a tough start to their season.
Kon Knueppel — SG/SF, Hornets
Knueppel has very much performed at the level of a top-five NBA pick. He’s leading all rookies in points per game, has made over 30 more threes than the next closest rookie, and ranks in the top-10 in his class regarding rebounds and assists per game. The versatility he’s displaying through the first quarter of the season has already allowed him to become one of Charlotte’s most reliable pieces on the offensive end. Knueppel averaged 19.9 points per game in November, up from 13.8 in October. It feels early for a rookie wall to be looming — I would suggest taking a hard look at Knueppel as a roster addition if he’s available in your fantasy league.
Collin Gillespie — PG/SG, Suns
Gillespie has been a fun player to watch this season, as has the Suns team as a whole. He’s played well in every role so far, but as a recent starter at the point guard position, the production has become even louder. In the former Villanova Wildcat’s three starts, all within the last week, he’s topped 20 points, dished at least four assists, recorded a steal, and splashed four or more three-pointers in each — this includes his most recent 28-point outburst against the Lakers on Monday night in a game that Devin Booker (groin) exited in the first quarter. Gillespie’s contributions may not be as needed or as available once the banged-up Suns receive some of their most productive players back from injury. But until then, he has a chance to continue his upward trend.
Injuries stink. Sharpe had really come on as an efficient scorer to begin November, packed with the potential to grab rebounds, tally assists, and collect steals on a nightly basis. More specifically, the fourth-year shooting guard was averaging 26.5 points and 5.5 rebounds on 49.7 percent from the floor through the first eight games of November, including three 30-point games, before being sidelined for four. His minutes are down in his return to the lineup, and so is his production — he’s scored 18 total points over the past two games and is currently coming off the bench. Things could change for the better, but for now, he’s in a tougher spot as a result of the previous calf injury.
LaMelo Ball — PG/SG, Hornets
It’s been another interesting season for Ball. Injuries have taken him off the floor for seven games already, but even when healthy, it appears now that minutes aren’t guaranteed. For reference, the superstar guard was subbed out with 8:31 left in regulation and did not return to the court in a recent overtime win over the Raptors. It could have been a case of head coach Charles Lee rolling with the lineup that had a rhythm during Charlotte’s comeback effort. Or, there could have been a subtle message sent. It’s not my place to speculate, but either way, Ball is averaging fewer than 20.0 points per game for the first time since his rookie season and is currently putting together the worst shooting numbers of his career. There’s nothing I’ve seen thus far that leads me to believe his production will see a significant increase in the near future. But I’d love to be wrong.
Luke Kornet — C, Spurs
Kornet instantly came to mind when Victor Wembanyama’s calf injury was reported. On paper, it seemed as though the former NBA champion would be able to fill in nicely for the superstar center, which he did very admirably in the 13-point, 11-rebound, three-block outing he had against the Kings in his first start and Wemby’s first absence. Yet, Kornet has scored just 6.2 points per game in the following six appearances and only come close to securing double-digit rebounds on one occasion over that period. Many may not have been as high on Kornet’s short-term potential as I was, which I understand. Still, it seems like he could be more productive on the offensive end.
“It feels good to me to go to a place now where, you know what, it’s easy to hate the Yankees, right?” Gray said. “It’s easy to go out and have that rivalry and go in it with full force, full steam ahead.”
As you might expect, there’s context here. The Oakland Athletics dealt Gray to New York at the 2017 MLB trade deadline, and he never really adjusted to the move. While Gray posted a respectable 3.72 ERA (albeit with a 1.255 WHIP) in 11 starts down the stretch of the 2017 season with the Yankees, he regressed significantly in 2018 to the tune of a 4.90 ERA and 1.496 ERA in 30 appearances.
In fact, Gray struggled so much in pinstripes that New York demoted him to the bullpen in August of 2018 while giving his rotation spot to Lance Lynn. Five months later, the Yankees traded Gray to Cincinnati, where he immediately rebounded and became an All-Star for the Reds in 2019.
“It just wasn’t a good situation for me,” Gray said of playing for the Yankees. “It wasn’t a great setup for me and my family. I never wanted to go there in the first place.
“When that was happening, and we were in Oakland and getting traded — that was a long time ago — I never wanted to go there. So then I was there, and it just didn’t really work for who I am.
” … I just wasn’t myself. I just didn’t feel like I was allowed to go out there and be Sonny.”
Newest Red Sox Sonny Gray on his time with the Yankees:
Now, Gray finds himself on the other side of the rivalry, where he’ll face New York 13 times this upcoming season as a member of the rival Red Sox. And considering Gray’s rough stats at Yankee Stadium — he owns a 6.06 ERA and 1.644 WHIP over 101 career innings in New York — it’s fair to wonder how he’ll fare in the pressure cooker that is the Bronx.
But Gray says he’s stronger now after that rough stint in New York.
“I do appreciate my time there, because … I do feel like the last seven years of my career, my life and everything has been better,” Gray said. “I’ve been a better baseball player, husband, everything from having that experience and going through that.
” … I like the challenge, I appreciate the challenge, I accept the challenge. But this time around, it’s just go out and be yourself.”
The Red Sox’ first series against the Yankees in 2026 begins on April 21, and here’s hoping Gray takes the hill so he can play the villain role vs. New York.
ST. LOUIS -- It's not a trade St. Louis Blues fans may have been expecting at this point of the season, but the team made a minor move on Tuesday morning.
The Blues announced they have acquired forward Akil Thomas from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Nikita Alexandrov.
Thomas, 25, will report to Springfield of the American Hockey League, where Alexandrov, 25, had been playing.
Thomas, a second round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, had 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 19 games for Ontario of the AHL; he has 106 points (50 goals, 56 assists) in 176 games in the AHL. He also has played in 32 NHL games with the Kings and had seven points (four goals, three assists).
Alexandrov, who was selected in the second round of the 2019 draft, had a couple different bouts with the Blues in 51 regular-season games, where he had nine points (three goals six assists). He had 143 points (61 goals, 82 assists) in 188 games with Springfield, including 14 points (three goals, 11 assists) in 18 games this season.
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The Los Angeles Kings have acquired Nikita Alexandrov from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Akil Thomas.
This is a one-for-one trade involving two minor-league centers, both 25 years old. Alexandrov is eight months younger than Thomas and was drafted one year later than him.
St. Louis drafted Alexandrov in the second round with the 62nd overall pick in 2019. In contrast, the Kings selected Thomas 52nd overall in the 2018 draft, also in the second round.
For Thomas he is playing in his fifth campaign down in the American League with the Ontario Reign. In 19 games this season, he has four goals and 13 points.
The Toronto native has played 32 career NHL games over the last two years. In fact, he only played NHL games last year. He featured in 25 games and scored three goals and an assist.
Meanwhile, Alexandrov has 19 more games in the NHL, featuring in 51 contests, but hasn't made an appearance since April 12, 2024.
With the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds, Alexandrov has played part of five seasons. Last season, he finished over a point per game, recording 21 goals and 49 points in 48 outings.
So far this year with the Thunderbirds, the German has three goals and 14 points in 18 games.
According to puckpedia.com, this is Kings GM Ken Holland's fifth trade since joining Los Angeles in May.
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The first is that with a corner outfield spot now open, New York is suddenly in position to pursue one of the biggest outfielders available -- whether they do it via free agency or trade.
The second is that since the Mets just created flexibility, they won't necessarily be in a rush to add another potentially big contract right back on the books in the same position -- especially with Carson Benge almost ready for the majors.
The reality is more nuanced.
Yes, it's fair to wonder if the Mets will go full bore after someone like Kyle Tucker so soon after trading Nimmo.
But it's also reasonable to believe the Mets didn't move on from Nimmo because they didn't want a long deal for any left fielder on their books. They moved on from Nimmo because they didn't believe he was the right fit anymore as he approaches his age-33 season.
Nimmo's defense had regressed to the point where an issue was developing with New York's overall outfield defense -- which has Juan Sotoin the other outfield corner. And Nimmo's offense, while still above average, has also regressed.
Could the Mets go internal with Benge in left field and Tyrone Taylor in center field? Sure.
But they could also dive head first into the outfield market.
Here are the free agent outfielders they should be targeting, ranked...
5. Harrison Bader
Bader had a very good year at the plate for the Twins and Phillies in 2025, hitting .277/.347/.449 with 17 home runs and 24 doubles in 146 games.
He was especially strong for Philadelphia down the stretch after being acquired at the trade deadline, posting an .824 OPS in 50 games.
Minnesota Twins outfielder Harrison Bader (12) celebrates his home run against the Chicago Cubs in the eighth inning at Target Field. / Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Bader was also elite defensively, worth seven Outs Above Average (in the 92nd percentile).
For the Mets, a reunion with Bader would give them a center fielder with pop and likely result in Taylor being a fourth outfielder -- a role he's better suited for than starting.
4. Adolis Garcia
The free agent crop of outfielders is not deep, nor is it very impressive beyond the top two. That's one of the reasons Garcia, who has struggled badly the last two seasons, is on this list. And he's only available because he was recently non-tendered by the Rangers.
Offensively, Garcia still hits the ball very hard -- his average exit velocity was in the 89th percentile this past season. But his other advanced offensive metrics were ugly.
He provides serious value elsewhere, though.
Garcia is a strong base runner, is an above average outfielder when it comes to range, and has one of the best arms in baseball.
If the Mets think Garcia's bat can bounce back, he could make sense as a low-risk. high-reward move.
And if he's paired with a left-handed hitting platoon partner, Refsnyder could be a nice fit.
For the Red Sox this past season, Refsnyder mashed left-handed pitching, slashing .302/.399/.560 in 138 plate appearances.
Defensively, Refsnyder's range was a tick below average, but his arm continued to be a strength.
Now, a caveat: In a world where the Mets sign Garcia, Bader, or Refsnyder as a main outfield move, it would have to be in conjunction with big swings elsewhere on the roster -- at first base, designated hitter, and/or third base.
Oct 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker (30) reacts after hitting a home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the seventh inning for game four of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Wrigley Field. / David Banks - Imagn Images
2. Kyle Tucker
The most impactful offensive player available via free agency this offseason, Tucker is expected to get a deal worth more than $300 million.
A relatively young star (he'll be entering his age-29 season in 2026) who controls the strike zone at an elite level and whose Baseball Savant page lights up red, Tucker is coming off an uneven season with the Cubs that was interrupted by a fractured hand.
But even in a relatively down year, Tucker posted an OPS+ of 143.
Inking Tucker would add a third megadeal to New York's books to go along with the ones given to Soto and Francisco Lindor. But Tucker is a special offensive player still in his prime whose addition would take New York's lineup to another level.
Tucker hasn't played left field since 2020, so the Mets would need him or Soto to shift to left field in the event a deal is struck.
Numerous reports have linked the Mets to Bellinger, a versatile player the Yankees have spoken about wanting to retain.
For the Mets, Bellinger could fit snugly in left field, where he spent the majority of his time last season.
An elite defender, Bellinger can also play right field (if the Mets explored a move of Soto to left) and first base.
Offensively, Bellinger has put his poor 2021 and 2022 campaigns behind him, settling in as an above average performer -- though he hasn't come close to the height he reached for the Dodgers during his 2019 MVP campaign. Still, what Bellinger provides on both sides of the ball has immense value.
Over the last three seasons for the Cubs and Yanks, Bellinger has slashed .281/.338/.477 (.815 OPS). He's also been reliable, playing 130 games or more in every full season of his nine-year career except one.
The Mets are still in on Diaz, SNY's Andy Martino reported shortly after Williams agreed to move from the Bronx to Queens.
If the Mets are able to retain Diaz, it will give them an elite 1-2 punch at the end of games, with Williams setting up (a role he excelled in for a large part of his time with the Brewers) and Diaz closing.
Per Will Sammon of The Athletic, Diaz is seeking a five-year deal, with the Mets' preference being a contract for three years or so.
It's fair to believe a compromise at four years is possible -- especially with Williams (who profiles as a setup man if Diaz is retained) already getting three.
In addition to the Mets, multiple reports have linked the Dodgers and Blue Jays to Diaz.
As it pertains to the Dodgers' interest, Martino noted on Monday that the talk at last month's GM Meetings was that Los Angeles could be reluctant to offer a significant amount of years to Diaz.
The Blue Jays, who already have closer Jeff Hoffman, have recently been linked to free agent Pete Fairbanks -- who would likely cost significantly less than Diaz.
Some have speculated that the Yankees could also be interested in Diaz, though there hasn't been any recent reporting linking them.
Diaz has repeatedly discussed his affinity for the Mets organization, and Stearns has said multiple times this offseason that he would "love" to retain both Diaz and fellow free agent Pete Alonso.
Whether Diaz returns remains to be seen, but the door remains very much open despite the signing of Williams.
For the second time this season, the Montreal Canadiens will host the Ottawa Senators tonight at the Bell Centre. The first duel between the two sides was a highly entertaining affair with the Habs taking a 2-0 lead before letting the Sens claw their way back in the game, to not only tie it, but take a 3-2 lead which held until Ivan Demidov tied it up with less than three minutes to go in regulation. Alex Newhook then scored the game-winning goal to allow Montreal to take the two points.
Many believed the Senators would struggle after losing their captain, Brady Tkachuk, to a broken thumb on October 13. Still, Ottawa stayed afloat until his return on November 28 against the St. Louis Blues. Right now, the visitors are trailing the Canadiens by a single point in the extra-tight Eastern Conference. They haven’t won since his return, though, dropping the game to the Blues 4-3 and suffering a 6-1 defeat against the Dallas Stars. In their last 10 games, the Sens are 5-4-1 while the Habs are 4-5-1.
Martin St-Louis has already announced that Samuel Montembeault would be in the net, just like in the first duel this season, where he had made 14 saves on just 17 shots. The Becancour native has a 4-4-0 record against Ottawa with a 3.15 goals-against average and a .884 save percentage. Jakub Dobes, who should therefore be in the net on Wednesday night against the Winnipeg Jets, has never taken on the Sens.
While Travis Green has yet to confirm who will be manning Ottawa’s net, it would be surprising if it wasn’t Linus Ullmark. The organization’s top goaltender has a 4-4-1 record against the host with a 3.40 GAA and a .871 SV. As for backup Leevi Merilainen, he has never taken on the Habs.
Up front, the Canadiens will want to keep a close eye on Claude Giroux, the veteran has 39 points in 52 games against Montreal. He has, however, slowed down, and Drake Batherson is the man to watch. In 29 duels, the right winger has 28 points, including two this season. Of course, Tkachuk is also a constant threat with 27 points in 30 games. Tim Stutzle also has a lot of success against the Canadiens with 21 points in 24 games.
For the Habs, Cole Caufield has a seven-game point streak, with two goals and six assists in that span, and is a regular contributor against Ottawa, with 14 points in 15 games. He’s also just two goals away from joining Martin Rucinsky as the 43rd best goal scorer with the Habs, with 134. As for captain Nick Suzuki, he’s on a five-game point streak (three goals and four assists) and has 22 points in 30 duels. Brendan Gallagher is, however, the Habs’ most productive forward against the visitors with 29 points, but he will be playing his 50th game against them on Tuesday night.
The Canadiens have only won four of the last 10 duels between the two sides, but that includes four of the last five tilts. Ottawa’s last win in Montreal goes back to January 2024, a 4-1 win. This game will be the second of four meetings between the two sides this season, the other two being scheduled for January and March in Ottawa.
Montreal will want to play a disciplined game, since the Sens rank 11th in the league with a 21.8% success rate on the man advantage, but they struggle on the penalty kill at 69.9%, which ranks 31st. Meanwhile, the Habs rank ninth on the power play with 23.5% and are 26th when it comes to the penalty kill with a 76.5% success rate. In the November tilt, each team received 16 penalty minutes, but that included the “payback” fight between Jayden Struble and Nick Cousins for his slash on Demidov in the preseason.
Judging by what we saw at practice yesterday, the lineup should be similar to the one used against the Colorado Avalanche since Jayden Struble is still day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
Tonight is the Lane Hutson bobblehead night at the Bell Centre, so make sure you arrive early since only the first 8,000 fans will receive the free collectible. The game is set for 7:00 PM, and you can catch it on RDS, TSN2 and TSN 5.
The Fallout From Adam Fox's Injury Presents Opportunities There’s a lot of fallout, yet opportunities that come from Adam Fox’s injury.
Raphielle Johnson
