All systems nominal: Cal Raleigh (=.09 WPA)
Scrub the launch, we’ve got a problem: Luis Castillo (-.25 WPA)
Game Thread Comment of the Day:
8-12: Chart
Macklin Celebrini breaks Sharks single-season scoring record
San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini wrapped up his tremendous sophomore season by setting a franchise record.
The 19-year-old had a goal and two assists in the season finale against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday, April 16, to give him 115 points this season. That broke the franchise record of 114 set by Hall of Famer Joe Thornton in his first full season in San Jose in 2006-07.
Celebrini set up goals by Igor Chernyshov and Will Smith in the first period. He scored from the slot with 1:14 left in the third period to set the record. He played all 82 games and finished the season with 45 goals and 70 assists.
Macklin Celebrini. 115 points. Most in a season in Sharks history. As a sophomore. #TheFutureIsTealpic.twitter.com/SJ8LhclJYH
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) April 17, 2026
The 2024 No. 1 overall pick had 63 points as a rookie. He nearly doubled that in his second season and was named to Team Canada at the Olympics, where he had 10 points in six games for the silver medalists.
The Sharks, who finished last overall the past two seasons, were in the playoff hunt until the last week. There was talk that Celebrini would be in the running for the Hart Trophy, but since the Sharks missed the postseason, another player is likely to win.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Macklin Celebrini breaks Sharks scoring record
Josh Hart could take on Hawks’ biggest threat as Knicks’ true season begins
The Knicks’ regular season was good, but irrelevant. Their own team owner set the bar as championship or bust, so the measuring starts now.
Josh Hart admits as much.
“I had no expectations [coming in]. We made the playoffs, we had 50 wins, so that was good. You know, we know we’re going to be judged by what we do starting now,” Hart said. “So we didn’t really have expectations going into it. Just wanted to make sure we get to the playoffs.”
But now that the Knicks are in the playoffs, they’ll be facing the white-hot Hawks in an Eastern Conference first-round series that tips off with Saturday’s Game 1 at the Garden. It’s a home-court advantage Hart expects to be electric.
“Man, the energy is great in the regular season, but if you’re able to get to a playoff game, the energy is unreal,” Hart said. “They show up for us every single game. You have fans outside, [the] weather is good. So everyone’s outside wanting to have fun, wanting to see the Knicks play. So we need them, obviously now more than ever, and we want to show them love.”
The Knicks will have to contend with one of the league’s hottest teams, and Hart may find himself guarding one of its biggest breakout players.
While Atlanta is seeded just sixth, they’re rolling into this series having gone 19-5 down the stretch.
And Jalen Johnson averaged 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists this season. While OG Anunoby is the Knicks’ wing stopper, Hart shouldered most of the burden on Johnson in their last matchup, and helped the Knicks come away with an April 6 win in Atlanta.
“Jalen is a really, really good player, a great player. And shoot, he’s won a lot of awards this year. He’s led the charge,” coach Mike Brown said. “Him and Nickeil [Alexander-Walker] have led the charge in their resurgence here at the end of season, so a lot of respect there. In our last game, Josh matched up with him a little bit more than OG. So it’s more a team thing than anything else.”
Hart held Johnson to 2-for-7 shooting in the time he was guarding Johnson, and the latter finished 8-for-19 with five turnovers in that game.
It’s unclear how much of that duty he’ll draw in Saturday’s Game 1. What’s clear is he’s prioritized the dirty work on that end of the floor.
“The thing I’m most proud of myself on [this season] is I feel like I’m doing a better job of moving on to the next plays. If I’m not making shots, what else can I do to help this team be successful?” Hart said. “How can I bring energy? What kind of plays can I make to help guys get in position to be successful?
“I’m doing that and being able to turn the page on a bad play, bad quarter, bad half, a little better than I did before. So that’s been good. But the season, it was solid.”
But unfinished.
Celebrini breaks the Sharks' season points season in a closing 6-1 romp over the Jets
WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — Macklin Celebrini had a goal and two assists to break Joe Thornton's San Jose record for points in a season with 115, helping the Sharks rout the Winnipeg Jets 6-1 on Thursday night in the finale for both teams.
The 19-year-old Celebrini had 45 goals and 70 assists in 82 games in his second NHL season. Thornton had 114 points in 2006-07, also playing 82 games. Last season, Celebrini had 63 points in 70 games, with 25 goals and 38 assists.
San Jose missed the playoff for the seventh consecutive season, finishing 39-35-8.
The Jets were 35-35-12 to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2021-22. They are the fifth NHL team to win the Presidents’ Trophy for the best regular-season record and not qualify for the playoffs the following season.
William Eklund also had a goal and two assists for San Jose. Will Smith had a goal and an assist, Collin Graf, Igor Chernyshov and Michael Misa also scored, and John Klingberg added three assists. Alex Nedeljkovic stopped 25 shots.
Cole Koepke scored for Winnipeg.
___
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
Cubs Minor League Wrap: Matthew Boyd makes a rehab start
Iowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs plundered the Columbus Clippers (Guardians), 11-10 in ten innings.
Matthew Boyd started this game on a rehab assignment. He got into trouble in the second inning when he gave up three runs, but was strong otherwise. The final line on Boyd was three runs on four hits over 3.2 innings. Boyd struck out six and walked just one, which is the most positive number. He threw 64 pitches and 46 were for strikes.
Will Sanders did not pitch as well, but ended up getting the win despite blowing an 8-3 lead. Sanders pitched four innings and allowed five runs on eight hits. He struck out five and walked three. One of those three walks was intentional.
Iowa scored three runs in the top of the tenth and Ryan Jensen got the save because he only gave up two runs in the bottom of the inning. Jensen gave up two runs, one earned, on two hits over one inning. He struck out two, walked one and hit one batter.
In defense of all these pitchers, the wind was howling out to left at 15 miles per hour.
Second baseman Pedro Ramirez had a big day. First, he had an RBI single in the top of the first inning. Next, Ramirez hit a three-run home run in the second inning, his fifth on the young season already. (His career-high for a season is eight.) Finally, he knocked in the third run in the top of the tenth with an infield single. Ramirez went 4 for 6 with two steals. He had the five RBI and scored twice.
Shortstop Ben Cowles cranked a solo home run in the eighth inning. Cowles also had an RBI double in the third inning and a sacrifice fly in the tenth. Cowles went 2 for 4 with the sac fly and the three runs batted in.
Third baseman James Triantos was 2 for 6 with a double to lead off the game. He scored on the Ramirez single. Triantos also stole a base.
Left fielder Owen Miller was 2 for 5 with a double. He scored once and drove in one.
Center fielder Brett Bateman was 2 for 5. He scored twice and had one run batted in.
The Ramirez home run went 394 feet.
Ben Cowles’s RBI double.
Cowles’ home run.
Knoxville Smokies
The Knoxville Smokies stuffed and mounted the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Marlins) on their mantel, 10-9.
Starter Nick Dean put the Smokies behind early when he gave up three runs in the bottom of the second inning. Dean’s final line was three runs on two hits over four innings. One of those two hits was a two-run home run. Dean walked two and struck out four.
The Smokies fell behind 8-2 when Erian Rodriguez got shelled for five runs in the fifth inning.
But the Smokies fought back and scored six runs in the top of the eighth to tie the game. However, Tyler Ras allowed a run in the bottom of the eighth to give Pensacola the lead back. Ras then got the win when the Smokies struck back with two runs in the top of the ninth. The final line on Ras was one run on two hits over 2.1 innings. He walked two and struck out four.
Vince Reilly pitched the bottom of the ninth and got the save. He issued a leadoff walk, but that runner was thrown out trying to steal. Reilly struck out the other two batters he faced to close out the win.
First baseman Edgar Alvarez gave the Smokies an early lead with a solo home run in the top of the second. Alvarez was 1 for 2 with three walks and two runs scored.
DH Alexis Ramírez hit a two-run single in the top of the ninth that ended up being the difference in the game. Ramírez went 1 for 4 with a walk and a sacrifice fly in the eighth, giving him three runs batted in tonight.
Right fielder Andy Garriola was 2 for 3 with an RBI double in the second inning. He was also hit by a pitch. Garriola reached on catcher’s interference and scored in the six-run eighth inning.
Some Smokies highlights from the eighth inning.
South Bend Cubs
The South Bend Cubs won their sixth-straight game, 7-5 over the Beloit Sky Carp (Marlins).
Starter Nazier Mulé gave up just one run on four hits over 3.1 innings. Mulé walked three and struck out four.
Brayden Spears pitched the next 2.2 innings and got the win because Mulé didn’t go five innings. But Spears deserved the W because he allowed no runs on just one hit and no walks. Spears struck out three.
Kenyi Perez pitched the final two innings and picked up the save. Perez did not permit a hit or a run, but he did walk two and hit a batter while striking out two.
DH Owen Ayers homered in his fourth-straight game and his fifth on the year. Ayers’ home run came with a man on in the fourth. He was 2 for 5.
Third baseman Reginald Preciado hit a two-run double in the third inning. He was 1 for 4.
South Bend only had four hits in this game, but scored seven runs because they walked eight times and were hit by pitches twice. The Sky Carp also committed two errors which led to four unearned runs.
Ayers’ home run.
Myrtle Beach Pelicans
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans suffered a direct hit by the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (White Sox), 9-4.
Starter Noah Edders went three innings and took the loss after allowing one run on three hits. He struck out five and walked one.
The game got out of hand when reliever Riely Hunsaker gave up five runs in the fourth inning and one more in the sixth. Hunsaker’s final line was six runs, four earned, on six hits over three innings. He walked two and struck out four.
First baseman Josiah Hartshorn went 1 for 4 with a two-run double in the bottom of the ninth. Hartshorn also walked once.
Myrtle Beach managed just four hits, but drew nine walks.
Panthers Get To Keep 2026 First-Round Pick Thanks To Finishing With Eighth-Worst Record In NHL
It looks like the Florida Panthers are going to keep their 2026 first round pick.
Florida’s top selection at the 2026 NHL Draft was initially traded to the Chicago Blackhawks at the 2025 Trade Deadline in the deal that brought Seth Jones to the Panthers.
At the time, the pick being top-10 protected was almost an afterthought considering the Panthers were on their way to a third straight Stanley Cup Final appearance and second consecutive championship. That, combined with the majority of the roster being locked up for years, made the idea of Florida finishing with a high lottery pick almost laughable.
As it turns out, the only one laughing was the injury bug.
Fortunately for the Panthers, adding that provision to their draft pick turned out to be the silver lining on an otherwise forgettable season.
Now, thanks to the Panthers finishing with the eighth-worst record in the NHL, Florida is guaranteed to keep their 2026 top pick.
Florida’s 25th place finish came thanks to a pair of game 82 road victories by the St. Louis Blues and San Jose Sharks.
Next month, the NHL will hold its annual Draft Lottery, where two separate draws are held for the first and second overall selections, giving two teams a chance at moving up to the top pick, or a maximum of 10 spots up.
With Florida finishing in the bottom eight, even if two teams behind Florida win lottery draws and bump the Panthers back, they’ll still receive the tenth overall pick.
What Panthers General Manager Bill Zito decides to do with that pick will be interesting to see play out.
Whether it’s the eighth, ninth or tenth pick, dangling that kind of asset in front of GMs looking to snag a high-end prospect could land Florida a player or players who can help the team next season and beyond.
Of course, if a ping pong ball with a Panthers logo gets picked and Florida ends up with a selection in the top two, it’s hard to pass up the idea of taking Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg.
We’ll see how things play out in the weeks to come, but considering the Panthers should get right back to Cup contending next season, being in the lottery mix is an unexpectedly fun way to enjoy a one-off season.
The NHL Draft Lottery is set for May 5.
The 2026 NHL Draft takes place in Buffalo on June 26 and 27.
LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA
Devils Hire Former Panthers Assistant GM Sunny Mehta As New General Manager
Panthers Place Noah Gregor, Nolan Foote On Waivers Ahead Of AHL Playoffs
Aleksander Barkov Among Several Panthers Players Expected To Play At World Championships
Several Panthers Prospects Hit Major NHL Milestones During Final Game Of Season
Panthers End Frustrating Season With Dominant 8-1 Victory Over Detroit
Photo caption: Jun 2, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito and head coach Paul Maurice answer questions to the press during media day in advance of the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. (Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images)
Knicks looking to push NBA-best clutch success to its limit in playoffs
In a way, it shaped the tenor of the series last year. When the Knicks erupted for 40 points in the fourth quarter of their Game 1 win against the Pistons, it allowed them to erase an eight-point deficit — anchored by a 21-0 run — and avoid an early setback. It made a statement early in the first round. It avoided the catastrophic scenario of dropping the opener at home and losing home-court advantage.
It was also a bit unexpected, going against the numbers and trends from the 2024-25 regular season. The Knicks finished with the sixth-worst net rating in the fourth quarter that year (minus-4.2), and their minus-1.6 in clutch situations (the final five minutes when the lead or deficit is five points or less) during those frames ranked No. 17 in the NBA.
But when the Knicks open their series against the Hawks one year later Saturday — with most of the same rotation intact and the only major difference a new head coach — fourth quarters, and specifically clutch situations down the stretch, have become an undeniable strength.
Their plus-11.7 net rating in the fourth quarter was the best in the league during the regular season and the best since NBA.com began tracking stats during the 1996-97 campaign.
Their plus-20.5 net rating in clutch situations in fourth quarters is second in the league behind the Lakers (25.4), too. The Knicks already have Captain Clutch, with Jalen Brunson named Clutch Player of the Year last season and once again delivering when it matters most in games, and now, that has seemingly become part of their overarching DNA.
“I think it shows the ability that we have to lock in and focus and have a good attention to detail,” Josh Hart said Thursday in Tarrytown. “Now we gotta make sure, seeing that, you know you have the capability of doing it, and now you have to make sure you do it for all 48 and not 12 minutes.”
That’s the catch-22 of all this, at least in the eyes of the Knicks. For as well as they’ve played in the fourth quarter, it’s also left them wanting more from the other three. There’s a hunger, head coach Mike Brown said, to be as perfect as they possibly can. Because in these playoff games, in these high-stakes and pressure-packed moments, being consistent matters — and being consistent is what makes great players elite, Brown said.
- CHECK OUT THE LATEST NBA STANDINGS AND KNICKS STATS
“So if you can be consistent instead of fluctuate, you have a better chance of being elite,” Brown said. “Because you’ve already shown that you’re a great team, but can you do it over 48 [minutes] instead of over 24 or over 12 or whatever it may be? Because usually the elite ones figure out a way to do whatever they do for a longer period of time than everybody else.”
The Knicks’ four wins against the Pistons last postseason were by a combined 17 points, and they outscored the Celtics by a combined 30 points across the final frames of their victories.
In the Detroit series, Karl-Anthony Towns hit a deep 3 to put the Knicks ahead late in Game 4 after they trailed by 11 earlier in the frame, while Brunson hit the series-clinching 3 with just four seconds remaining in Game 6 to eliminate a pesky Pistons team that became the Eastern Conference’s top seed one year later.
These fourth-quarter and clutch situations factored into the Knicks’ narrow victory over the Hawks earlier this month, too, when Brunson poured in 17 points during the final frame, hit the game-winning jumper and connected on a pair of final free throws to ensure that their one-point lead from the end of the third quarter could remain intact.
Of course, Brunson is at the center of anything for the Knicks down the stretch of a game. He’s the centerpiece who can take over at any point, the guard who’s earned his reputation for what he can do with the ball in his hands on the final possession. That has become a staple for the Knicks, something they can depend on.
Over the course of the year, they’ve flipped their fourth-quarter reality and turned it into a strength for the entire team.
And it could shape their ability to manufacture a deep postseason run.
“If you do it for the first 36, you might not have to do it for those last 12,” Hart said. “It shows our ability to lock in and focus, and we have to make sure we do that during the course of a game.”
Sharks End the Season on a High Note, Defeat Jets 6-1
The San Jose Sharks played their final game of the 2025-26 season on Thursday evening north of the border in Winnipeg, Manitoba, against the Winnipeg Jets.
The Sharks made quite a few changes to their lineup, as it seemed like they were evaluating talent that could potentially depart the organization this summer. Philipp Kurashev, Pavol Regenda and John Klingberg were among those who rejoined the lineup, all of whom are pending free agents, either restricted or unrestricted. Meanwhile, veterans Tyler Toffoli, Alexander Wennberg, and Vincent Desharnais sat out.
Cole Koepke quickly gave the Jets an early lead, as he beat Alex Nedeljkovic with a shot from the slot less than four minutes into the game. Nino Neiderreiter gave the Sharks an opportunity to answer back almost immediately, as he was awarded the first penalty of the night for high-sticking Sharks defenseman Sam Dickinson. The Sharks did just that, as Igor Chernyshov got his ninth of the season. Macklin Celebrini recorded his 113th point of the season on the play, putting him just a single point behind Joe Thornton for the franchise record.
Dickinson would take a penalty of his own, as he tripped Mark Scheifele, with 6:20 remaining in the opening period. The Sharks’ penalty kill has struggled to end the season, and it allowed the Jets to generate quite a bit of pressure early in the kill. Ultimately, though, they would successfully keep the Jets’ power play off the board for the time being.
Will Smith gave the Sharks their first lead of the night off a feed by Celebrini. Celebrini’s assist tied him with Joe Thornton for the franchise points record.
The Sharks seemed motivated to help Celebrini break the record, as they brought a lot of offensive pressure to start the second period, getting six shots before the Jets recorded one.
Collin Graf extended the Sharks’ lead with his 21st goal of the season 5:51 into the second period, making it 3-1.
Just past the halfway point in the second period, the Sharks were given a bench minor penalty for too many men on the ice. Once again, the penalty kill held strong and maintained the Sharks’ lead.
Michael Misa scored on his own rebound to make it a 4-1 game with just under two minutes remaining in the middle frame. With five seconds remaining in the period, William Eklund joined the party with a goal of his own, extending the Sharks’ lead to 5-1.
Celebrini broke the record early in the third period with his first goal of the night, making it 6-1 and forever etching his name in Sharks history.
Shakir Mukhamadullin was called for holding against Gabriel Vilardi just over five minutes into the final frame, giving the Jets another opportunity on the power play. Again, the Sharks’ penalty kill stood tall and nullified the Jets’ man-advantage.
Sharks forward William Eklund went down the tunnel with just under two minutes remaining in the game after a high-stick by Ville Heinola, which earned the Jets’ defenseman a double-minor.
The Sharks mainly held onto the puck as time expired, ending the season with a 6-1 victory over the Jets.
Macklin Celebrini Breaks Franchise Record, Passing Joe Thornton
The San Jose Sharks celebrated as the Canada Life Center blasted "Teenage Dirtbag" by Wheatus over the PA system early in the third period of Thursday night's game. Macklin Celebrini, the Sharks' 19-year-old superstar had done it. He had officially recorded the best season in Sharks history.
It's not often there's a meaningful goal to improve a lead to 6-1 in the third period of a game, but Celebrini's goal in a blowout victory over the Jets meant everything to the city of San Jose, the Sharks organization, and of course, the Sharks' fans.
Celebrini's goal was his 115th point of the season, which moved him past Joe Thornton for the franchise record for points in a single season. He also joined Wayne Gretzky as the only teenagers in NHL history to have a 40-goal, 70-assist season.
Thornton, who is currently Celebrini's landlord/roommate, is one of the most beloved Sharks of all-time. His record of 114 points during the 2006-07 season stood for nearly two decades, and no other Shark even crossed the 100 point plateau until defenseman Erik Karlsson did it in 2022-23.
The years of Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Joe Pavelski, and quite a few others is commonly known as the golden age of the San Jose Sharks. Now, it seems the true golden age will be centered around Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, Igor Chernyshov and others, especially if they can find a way to bring a Stanley Cup to the Bay Area in the future.
It's a strange feeling to say that a 19-year-old might be the best player to ever take the ice for the Sharks, especially considering the caliber of Hockey Hall of Famers that have worn the teal uniform, but on a single-season pace, that's exactly what Celebrini is.
Celebrini's 45 goals, 70 assists and 115 points are the new gold standard that future Sharks will be held against, at least until he breaks his own record which will undoubtedly happen a few times in his career.
Dodgers trade for pitcher Chayce McDermott
The Dodgers made a trade on their off day Thursday, acquiring right-handed pitcher Chayce McDermott from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for minor league pitcher Axel Perez.
McDermott, 27, started this season in Triple-A Norfolk, where struck out nine of his 28 batters faced (a 32.1-percent strikeout rate), but also walked six and allowed four runs in his 5 1/3 innings. He was designated for assignment last Saturday when Baltimore brought up catcher Maverick Handley.
In parts of two seasons in the majors, McDermott pitched in five total games in 2024-25, but allowed 18 runs on 17 hits, including four home runs, and 14 walks in just 12 2/3 innings, with 12 strikeouts.
Drafted in the fourth round out of Ball State in 2021, McDermott had strikeout rates over 30 percent in each of his first four minor league seasons, including a 3.78 ERA in 100 innings for Triple-A Norfolk in addition to making his major league debut in 2024.
In March 2024, McDermott was named among a group of players outside of Baseball America’s top 100 prospects who could make an impact in the majors. From Eli Ben-Porat:
McDermott’s slider is excellent, with great depth and some sweep, and produced excellent results, both from a contact-quality standpoint, as well as plenty of whiffs and chases. He has a curveball with distinct shape from the slider, which isn’t a dominant pitch, but fits well within his arsenal. He rounds it out with a changeup to lefties, giving him plenty of weapons to work with.
In 2025, McDermott mised the first six weeks of the season with a lat strain, and posted a 6.18 ERA and 23.1-percent strikeout rate in 59 2/3 innings between Triple-A and Double-A in addition to his four games with the Orioles.
McDermott is the third major league pitcher acquired by the Dodgers since the start of the regular season, not including trading for minor league pitcher Griff McGarry on Tuesday. They also traded for Jake Eder on April 1, the same day they claimed Grant Holman of waivers. McDermott takes the 40-man roster spot opened up this week when Holman was claimed off waivers by the Tigers. Now, McDermott will join Eder and McGarry as part of the Oklahoma City Comets pitching staff in Triple-A.
McDermott has 56 days of major league service time and one option year remaining, having used options in 2024 and 2025.
Perez, 20, is a 6’4 right-hander signed out of the Dominican Republic last year. He had a 5.48 ERA in 10 games and 23 innings last year in the Dominican Summer League with in his professional debut, with 32 strikeouts and 13 walks.
2026 Conn Smythe Trophy Picks: Top MVP Contenders for Every NHL Playoff Team
Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.
The best playoffs in professional sports begin today, when the NHL postseason kicks off. It's a 16-win war to hoist the Stanley Cup, and the players who make it to the finish line do so with broken bones, collapsed lungs, and injuries you didn't know they had.
Of that group of warriors, only one can be named the MVP of the playoffs... the Conn Smythe Trophy winner.
Who is the best bet to win, if every team potentially wins? Here is a breakdown of my favorite MVP bets for all 16 teams — and my five best bets entering the NHL playoffs.
Conn Smythe Trophy best bets
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
 Darren Raddysh | +25,000 |
 Mikko Rantanen | +4,000 |
 Travis Konecny | +25,000 |
 Connor McDavid | +1,500 |
 Jakob Dobes | +25,000 |
img alt="Get a first bet encore up to $800 — no BET99 promo code needed" width="100%" loading="lazy" src="https://img.covers.com/editorial/2026/bet99round1boost.jpeg"Any Canadian team to reach the Second Round of the playoffs is boosted to +100.
(not available in Ontario)
NHL playoff MVP picks: Eastern Conference
Boston Bruins Conn Smythe pick: Jeremy Swayman (+10000)
31 W | 2.71 GAA | .907 SV% | +10000 at BET99
If the Bruins are going anywhere, it's going to be because of Jeremy Swayman in net. The offense is not the bright spot on this seven-seed and Swayman has the potential to steal a series... plus he might be a Top-5 goalie in the postseason.
Buffalo Sabres Conn Smythe pick: Rasmus Dahlin (+4000)
19 G | 55 A | 74 PTS | +4000 at BET99
Rasmus Dahlin is getting Norris consideration and is the MVP of this second-seeded Buffalo Sabres team. He led the team in points following the Olympics with eight goals and 18 assists in 23 games and is going to play big minutes for a team that splits up ice time among its forwards.
Carolina Hurricanes Conn Smythe pick: Nikolaj Ehlers (+5000)
26 G | 45 A | 71 PTS | +5000 at BET99
I'm looking away from the top line, as each player's production will cannibalize one another. Instead, I'll take a PP1 player in Nik Ehlers, who is also playing with Jordan Staal, with the pair possibly having a bigger postseason role and more minutes.
BEST BET Montreal Canadiens Conn Smythe pick: Jakob Dobes (+25000)
29 W | 2.78 GAA | .901 SV%| +25000 at BET99
Although Nick Suzuki at 100/1 is also a very tempting play, I can't say no to a starting goalie who posted a .916 SV% down the stretch... at this inflated price. He should not be longer than Jacob Fowler, who is +17500. If you really want to back the Montreal Canadiens rookie goaltending, split up your initial wager and place half on Dobes and half on Fowler — Dobes falters and Fowler takes over (and goes on a run), you have that covered at a giant price.
Ottawa Senators Conn Smythe pick: Tim Stutzle (+5000)
34 G | 49 A | 83 PTS | +5000 at BET99
Tim Stutzle is the real offensive threat on this team, and some people love the Senators' chances of making a deep run. I like Stutzle at a longer price than Brady Tkachuk at 40/1.
BEST BET Philadelphia Flyers Conn Smythe pick: Travis Konecny (+25000)
27 G | 41 A | 68 PTS | +25000 at BET99
This is a monster price, which is still a buy in other places at 175/1. This Flyers team is on a heater and has a tough lineup to match up against. Travis Konecny should be the team's top offensive performer in the playoffs, as his style of hockey suits the postseason more than Trevor Zegras.
Pittsburgh Penguins Conn Smythe pick: Erik Karlsson (+10000)
15 G | 51 A | 66 PTS | +10000 at BET99
The Penguins role three lines heavily, which cuts into the forwards' playing time, which is why I'm looking at the blue line. Erik Karlsson was one of the hottest players after the Olympics, with 31 points in 24 games, which paced all defensemen — and was tied for ninth among all NHL skaters.
BEST BET Tampa Bay Lightning Conn Smythe pick: Darren Raddysh (+25000)
22 G| 48 A | 70 PTS | +25000 at BET99
Price is everything, and there is no way that a PP1 D-man on the Lightning should be 250/1. I'd play this number to 100/1. He is the new Victor Hedman, who won this award back in 2020.
NHL playoff MVP picks: Western Conference
Anaheim Ducks Conn Smythe pick: Cutter Gauthier (+20000)
41 G | 28 A | 69 PTS | +20000 at BET99
Goals mean more in the playoffs, and getting a 40-goal scorer at 200/1 is an easy choice. Will the Ducks get past a loaded West? Likely not. However, in the case they do, Cutter Gauthier is my betting favorite to lead this team in playoff goals.
Colorado Avalanche Conn Smythe pick: Scott Wedgewood (+15000)
31 W | 2.02 GAA | .921 SV% | +15000 at BET99
The Avalanche have a good goalie problem, and with the way Scott Wedgewood played down the stretch, while leading the league in GAA and SV%, I think he gets the Game 1 nod. The good thing for bettors here is that Mackenzie Blackwood is also 150/1, so splitting up a wager on both goalies gets you covered with the Stanley Cup Odds favorite.
BEST BET Dallas Stars Conn Smythe pick: Mikko Rantanen (+4000)
22 G | 55 A | 77 PTS | +4000 at BET99
Mikko Rantanen is one player I'm willing to get square with. He had nine goals and 13 assists in 18 playoff games last year, and I think the Dallas Stars can handle both the Wild and the Avalanche — it's been the Oilers they've struggled to beat. With Roope Hintz and Miro Heiskanen banged up, Rantanen could see even more offensive opportunities.
BEST BET Edmonton Oilers Conn Smythe pick: Connor McDavid (+1500)
48 G | 90 A | 138 PTS | +1500 at BET99
If the Oilers win the Cup, Connor McDavid is winning the Conn Smythe. Hell, he can win it, even as the runner-up. McDavid is a 1 of 1, and with a possible easier first-round matchup, Leon Draisaitl could be back just in time. It's not McDavid you're betting on here, it's the Oilers.
Los Angeles Kings Conn Smythe pick: Artemi Panarin (+20000)
28 G | 56 A | 84 PTS | +20000 at BET99
The Kings are very unlikely to make much noise in the playoffs, as they finished with the same amount of regulation wins as the Blackhawks, but Artemi Panarin is head and shoulders above anyone else on this roster in terms of offensive ability. If you're holding a (still alive) Panarin Conn Smythe ticket in June, your friends might just think you're sharp.
Minnesota Wild Conn Smythe pick: Kirill Kaprizov (+6000)
45 G | 44 A | 89 PTS | +6000 at BET99
Quinn Hughes' illness scares me from his 75/1 price, but getting a 45-goal forward in Kirill Kaprizov is not much different. If the Wild can get through the Stars, this team could go deep, and Kaprizov is going to be the body to lead them in points.
Utah Mammoth Conn Smythe pick: Clayton Keller (+15000)
26 G | 62 A | 88 PTS | +15000 at BET99
Clayton Keller might be the most underrated player in hockey. The Utah Mammoth have a winnable matchup vs. the Golden Knights, and would follow that with another Pacific Division team — the car is driving itself, and you're playing with house money. Getting the best player on any team at 150/1, in a pretty open playoff, is a win.
Vegas Golden Knights Conn Smythe pick: Carter Hart (+30000)
11 W | 2.71 GAA | .891 SV% | +30000 at BET99
Carter Hart might not be the Game 1 starter, but he deserves the look as he was incredible after the switch at head coach. This is another good spot to split up a wager and cover both of the Golden Knights' goalies, including Adin Hill.
Conn Smythe favorites
It's no surprise that the Stanley Cup odds favorite Colorado Avalanche lead the Conn Smythe charge, with Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar sitting first and third on the odds board, while Tampa Bay — the favorites in the East — also has two of the Top 5 favorites in Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy.
And then, of course, is Connor McDavid... the best player in the world.
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Nathan MacKinnon | +640 |
| Nikita Kucherov | +1100 |
| Cale Makar | +1200 |
| Connor McDavid | +1500 |
| Andrei Vasilevskiy | +1800 |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.
Guardians rookie Parker Messick has no-hit bid broken up in 9th inning of 4-2 win over Orioles
CLEVELAND (AP) — Parker Messick took a no-hitter into the ninth inning, José Ramírez homered for the third time in four games and the Cleveland Guardians opened a seven-game homestand with a 4-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday night.
Making his 11th major league start, Messick (3-0) faced one batter more than the minimum through eight innings before Leody Taveras led off the ninth with a grounder that just eluded diving second baseman Juan Brito and went into right field for a single.
Blaze Alexander followed with a line-drive single to center before the rookie left-hander was removed to a standing ovation from the crowd of 14,748.
Taylor Ward’s single off closer Cade Smith loaded the bases, and Gunnar Henderson’s sacrifice fly drove in Taveras. Pete Alonso hit an RBI double that put runners at second and third with one out.
Smith then retired pinch-hitter Colton Cowser on a fly to center and Samuel Basallo on a grounder for his fourth save.
The 25-year-old Messick walked two and equaled a career best with nine strikeouts. He was charged with two runs in eight-plus innings, his longest outing in the majors. He threw 112 pitches, 78 for strikes.
The most recent no-hitter in the majors was Sept. 4, 2024, when Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 12-0 at Wrigley Field.
Cleveland has the longest current gap between no-hitters. The team’s last one was Len Barker’s perfect game on May 15, 1981, against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Chase DeLauter walked in the first and Ramírez drove a first-pitch fastball from Shane Baz (0-2) into the right-center stands to give Cleveland a 2-0 lead.
Steven Kwan hit an RBI single in the fifth and George Valera added a run-scoring single in the sixth.
Up next
Orioles RHP Chris Bassitt (0-2, 9.00 ERA) faces Guardians RHP Tanner Bibee (0-2, 6.38) on Friday.
Must See: Canucks Ty Mueller Scores First Career NHL Goal
Ty Mueller is the latest Vancouver Canucks player to score his first career NHL goal. The 23-year-old picked up his first goal by beating Connor Ingram of the Edmonton Oilers. Not only was the goal Mueller's first in the NHL, but also counted as his first career point.
IT'S OFFICIAL: TY MUELLER @NHL GOAL-SCORER❗️ pic.twitter.com/c9V8BZCmSd
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) April 17, 2026
Initially drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 draft, Mueller has played eight games in his NHL career. He spent the majority of the season in the AHL, recording 35 points in 59 games for the Abbotsford Canucks. Mueller was also part of Abbotsford's Calder Cup championship last season, where he recorded 12 points in 24 playoff games.
Mueller is the 509th player to score a goal for the Canucks. His goal reads: "Ty Mueller from Curtis Douglas and Kevin Lankinen." The goal was scored at the 12:10 mark of the first period.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site:
What Canucks Elias Pettersson Has To Work On This Off-Season According To Head Coach Adam Foote
Canucks Prospect Changes NCAA Commitment For 2026-27 Season
Canucks Will Play A Role In Helping Decide Oilers 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Opponent
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
Thoughts on a 9-6 Rangers win
Rangers 9, A’s 6
- There was just way too much going on with this game.
- It was disorienting. It was confusing. It was befuddling.
- It was windy.
- The wind was out of control. It was wild. It was nuts.
- It huffed and puffed and blew a couple of potential home runs down.
- It also blew a high pop fly to right field by Josh Jung into the right field stands for a go ahead homer that we thought would be the difference in the game.
- Then it wasn’t because of a ball lost in the sun and a ball blown back towards the infield and what seemed to be a game the A’s should have won but were trying to lose but then were going to win, only to then lose.
- Four runs from your resilient Rangers in the top of the ninth turned a 6-5 deficit into an9-6 lead and eventual win.
- And Cal Quantrill made his Rangers debut. Got a win, even. Madness.
- These are the games that I’m used to the Rangers losing in Oakland.
- I guess it’s a good thing it was played in Sacramento.
- Jack Leiter maxed out at 98.3 mph with his fastball, averaging 96.2 mph. Robert Garcia’s fastball touched 96.8 mph. Tyler Alexander hit 92.4 mph with his fastball. Jakob Junis’s fastball topped out at 92.9 mph, Jacob Latz reached 95.2 mph with his fastball. Cal Quantrill’s fastball hit 94.5 mph.
- Ezequiel Duran had a 107.3 mph groundout and a 102.9 mph single. Wyatt Langford had a 105.6 mph groundout. Josh Smith had a 105.0 mph double. Brandon Nimmo had a 103.2 mph fly out and a 100.0 mph single.
- Back above .500, back in first place, and on to Seattle.
NHL announces Flyers vs. Penguins playoff schedule for first-round matchup
NHL announces Flyers vs. Penguins playoff schedule for first-round matchup originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Flyers’ first playoff series since 2020 will begin Saturday night when the team visits the Penguins for Game 1 at PPG Paints Arena.
The best-of-seven first-round matchup will continue Monday in Pittsburgh with Game 2.
The series then shifts to Xfinity Mobile Arena for Game 3 on Wednesday and Game 4 next Saturday. It’ll be the Flyers’ first playoff action in Philadelphia since 2018; the 2020 postseason was forced into the bubble because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I’m just excited for our fans,” Nick Seeler said Tuesday. “They’ve been craving playoff hockey. The best fans in hockey, they deserve to see us in the playoffs.”
The times for Games 5 through 7, if necessary, are to be determined.
Rick Tocchet’s club heads into the postseason with 18 wins over its final 25 games. The Flyers finished with 98 points at 43-27-12. The Penguins (41-25-16) also had 98 points, but they earned home ice via the tiebreaker of more regulation wins.
The Flyers split their four-game regular-season series with Pittsburgh (2-2-0).
More: Outside doubt motivated Flyers, but so did Briere’s undisclosed message
Here’s the full series schedule. We’ll update everyone with the NBC Sports Philadelphia broadcast schedule when it’s released.
Game 1 — Saturday, April 18, Flyers at Penguins, 8 p.m. ET/NBCSP
Game 2 — Monday, April 20, Flyers at Penguins, 7 p.m. ET
Game 3 — Wednesday, April 22, Flyers vs. Penguins, 7 p.m. ET
Game 4 — Saturday, April 25, Flyers vs. Penguins, 8 p.m. ET
*Game 5 — Monday, April 27, Flyers at Penguins, TBD
*Game 6 — Wednesday, April 29, Flyers vs. Penguins, TBD
*Game 7 — Saturday, May 2, Flyers at Penguins, TBD
*if necessary