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Jasson Dominguez's three homers power Yankees to 10-2 win over Athletics

Jasson Dominguez smashed three of the Yankees' four home runs and Will Warren had the best start of his career, as New York beat the Athletics, 10-2, on Friday night in West Sacramento.

Here are the takeaways..

-The Yankees offense could not capitalize on a fast start. Aaron Judge -- after having his 38-game on-base streak snapped on Wednesday -- started a new streak with a first-pitch double off the left-field wall that put Trent Grisham (who reached on a walk) to third with no outs. But Ben Rice (popout), Paul Goldschmidt (groundout to the pitcher) and Jasson Dominguez (strikeout) could not get the runners home.

They couldn't get it done in the second inning either. With runners on second and third with two outs, Grisham popped out to end the threat.

New York figured out the solution to their clutch-hitting problems: hit home runs. Goldschmidt (417 feet) and Dominguez (398 feet) would go back-to-back with two outs in the third to put the Yanks up 2-0. But that wouldn't be the end of the homers.

-Dominguez would have himself a day at the plate. In addition to his solo homer, he would go yard a second time in the seventh, this time from the right side. The Martian took a Hogan Harris curveball 431 feet over the center field wall. The young outfielder finished 3-for-4 with seven RBI and had his first multi-homer game as a big leaguer, and his seventh-inning longball was his first from the right side.

His at-bat in the eighth with the bases loaded saw him launch his first career grand slam. He also became the youngest player in Yankees history to have a three-homer game.

-Warren was dealing early. He struck out four in his first three innings. The young right-hander wouldn't allow his first base runner (walk) until one out in the fourth inning. After a single, Warren would pitch out of the jam by striking out Shea Langeliers and JJ Bleday in succession. After that, Warren was in cruise control, pitching into the sixth inning when he allowed a leadoff double. Warren settled down, getting the next three batters out and pitching through six innings for the first time in his big league career.

Warren would pitch into the eighth inning, but it was noticeable he was out of gas. He was pulled after allowing back-to-back singles with one out. One of his runners would come around to score after Mark Leiter Jr. came in, but the book was closed on Warren's night pretty quickly.

The young hurler pitched 7.1 innings (87 pitches/59 strikes), allowing one run on four hits, one walk and striking out seven batters.

-There was an odd series of events in the fifth that could have cost the Yankees a run. With men on first and second, and one out, Goldschmidt lofted a ball into shallow left-center field. Bleday clearly trapped the ball and Grisham ran home, but Rice was called out at second on the force because the third base umpire ruled Bleday had caught it, and he went back to first. After a lengthy discussion, the umps ruled it a trap, but sent Grisham back to third and Rice to second.

Dominguez would get Grisham home anyway with a sac fly.

-Every Yankee in the starting lineup -- aside from Grisham -- had at least one hit with Rice (2-5), Dominguez (4-3), Goldschmidt (2-4), J.C. Escarra (2-4) and Jorbit Vivas (2-5) picking up multi-hit games. Judge finished 1-for-4 with a walk as his batting average dipped to .396, the first time he was batting under .400 since April 22.

Game MVP: Jasson Dominguez

Hitting three homers and driving in seven runs will get you this honor 99.9 percent of the time. (Kudos to Warren, though)

Highlights

What's next

The Yankees and Athletics play the middle of their three-game set on Saturday afternoon. First pitch is set for 4:05 p.m.

Carlos Rodon (4-3, 2.96 ERA) will take on JP Sears (4-2, 2.93 ERA).

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Red Sox owner John Henry flies to Kansas City to meet with disgruntled slugger Rafael Devers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Rafael Devers made his feelings known on Thursday. On Friday, it was Boston Red Sox owner John Henry's turn to share his opinions with the disgruntled slugger.

A day after Devers told reporters about his refusal to play first base, Henry, team president Sam Kennedy and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow flew to Kansas City to meet with Devers and manager Alex Cora.

Boston has an opening at first base after Triston Casas ruptured his left knee tendon and had season-ending surgery. Red Sox management approached Devers - who was moved from third base to designated hitter this spring - about filling in at first, and Devers declined.

After he homered and drove in two runs in Thursday's 5-0 win over Texas, Devers told reporters, “They came to me and talked to me about it. I know I’m a ballplayer, but at the same time, they can’t expect me to play every single position out there.

“In spring training, they talked to me and basically told me to put away my glove. I wasn’t going to play another position other than DH. Right now, I don’t think it would be an appropriate decision by them to ask me to play another position.”

Devers is in the second year of a 10-year, $313.5 million contract. He was Boston's regular third baseman before the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman, considered a defensive upgrade, in the offseason.

Devers was reluctant to give up third, but was told he didn't have a choice.

“John spoke directly with Raffy,” Breslow said before Friday's game against the Royals. “(He) felt like it was important, based on the situation that unfolded yesterday. (That included) an honest conversation about what we value as an organization, and that means to be great teammates for each other.”

Breslow would not give details about the conversation, but said: “John had a productive conversation, and that’s where we stand right now.”

Devers started at DH on Friday.

“(Where he plays) is kind of secondary, I think, to the other conversations,” said Breslow, who spent 12 years as a pitcher in the majors, including five with the Red Sox. “That decision was never going to be made on a couch in an office in Kansas City.”

Cora said it would be an ongoing discussion.

“Obviously, having everybody here and in the same place, it means a lot, not only for us that are on the ground, but the players and to Raffy too,” the manager said. “So I thought it was good.”

When asked if Devers would start taking grounders at first, Cora responded tersely.

“No, that’s not the plan right now. The plan is to keep having conversations,” he said.

The question now is whether those conversations will lead to a solution Devers can embrace.

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Donovan Mitchell scores 43 and Cavaliers beat the Pacers 126-104 to cut series deficit to 2-1

INDIANAPOLIS — Donovan Mitchell had 43 points and nine rebounds, and the finally full-strength Cleveland Cavaliers beat Indiana 126-104 on Friday night to cut the Pacers' lead to 2-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The road team has won all three games in the series, and the Pacers will have another chance to break that trend Sunday in Game 4.

Cleveland was desperate to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole and used everything in its arsenal to hold on this time - making 14 3-pointers, holding a 56-37 rebounding edge, even relying on zone defense to slow down the high-scoring Pacers.

And with NBA Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley, All-Star guard Darius Garland and key backup De’Andre Hunter all suited up after missing Game 2, Mitchell got the support he needed.

Max Strus made four 3-pointers and finished with 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Three other Cleveland players also scored in double figures on a night the Cavs led by as much 26, never trailed and managed to protect their late lead when the Pacers cut the deficit to 11 early in the fourth.

Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 23 points. Pascal Siakam had 18 and Tyrese Haliburton finished with four points and five assists in his first career home loss in a postseason game he's appeared.

The most physical of the three games resulted in players routinely sprawled on the floor. Hunter turned into a hard shoulder after making a basket early in the second quarter, a collision that nearly knocked him down, and Mitchell took a nasty spill into the front-row seats while being called for an offensive foul.

Tempers also flared at times with the Pacers drawing five technical fouls, one for a delay of game.

On the court, though, Cleveland controlled most of the game after breaking a 36-36 tie with a 25-4 run that helped push the Cavs to a 66-45 halftime cushion.

Indiana cut it to 80-65 midway through the third quarter and looked ready to pull off another fourth-quarter rally when Siakam's 3 with 8:24 to play made it 104-93. But Mitchell and Strus answered with back-to-back 3s to lead a game-sealing charge.

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Angels setup man Ben Joyce is transferred to 60-day injured list because of inflamed shoulder

ANAHEIM, Calif. — What was originally thought to be a minor shoulder injury was serious enough for the Los Angeles Angels to transfer reliever Ben Joyce to the 60-day injured list on Friday.

The 24-year-old right-hander, whose 105.5-mph fastball to strike out Dodgers utility man Tommy Edman last September was the hardest pitch thrown in the major leagues in 2024, went on the 15-day injured list because of shoulder inflammation on April 11.

Joyce tried to play catch in late April and again on Tuesday but was shut down both times because of discomfort. He is scheduled to visit a doctor and will likely undergo more imaging next week.

“It’s just not getting better,” Joyce said before Friday night's game against the Baltimore Orioles. “It’s frustrating for me and everyone else involved. I just want to pitch and be part of the team.

“I don’t know exactly what the concern level is. We’re evaluating it as we go. But at this point, it’s been a month (on the IL), so even if we start a throwing program, it’s going to be another 30 days. So it makes sense right now to go on the 60-day IL.”

Joyce opened the season as Kenley Jansen’s primary setup man and went 1-0 with a 6.23 ERA in five games. He went 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA in 31 appearances last season, striking out 33 and walking 14 in 34 2/3 innings.

The loss of Joyce has left manager Ron Washington with only two reliable relievers to hold late narrow leads - Jansen and right-hander Ryan Zeferjahn. Angels relievers entered Friday with a 7.15 bullpen ERA, the second-worst in baseball.

“Tremendously,” Washington said, when asked how much Joyce’s absence has impacted the bullpen. “When he went down, it affected us, and we’re still trying to find our footing in the bullpen. He’s an impact-type pitcher. He was the kind of guy we could use to finish an inning, give us another inning, and we miss that.”

Washington said it is unclear who will be responsible for holding leads in the sixth and seventh innings.

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Marta Kostyuk praises Daria Kasatkina ‘courage’ and shakes hands at Italian Open

  • Ukrainian lauds former Russian for switching nationality to Australia
  • 22-year-old makes point of shaking hands with world No 15 in Rome

Daria Kasatkina’s switch from Russian tennis to play for Australia has been given a stamp of approval from her Ukrainian conqueror at the Italian Open.

Marta Kostyuk, one of the women’s tour’s in-form players, has made a high-profile point along with many of her fellow Ukrainian players of not shaking hands with Russian or Belarusian opponents after matches in protest at the invasion of her homeland.

Continue reading...
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Francisco Lindor 'all about vibes' with new walk-up song after Mets produce plenty of hits

Just moments before Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor stepped up to the plate for his second at-bat on Friday night, fans at Citi Field were treated to a little surprise. The speakers didn't blast his tried and true walk-up song of "My Girl" by The Temptations -- instead, another Motown hit played for a new crowd sing-along.

His choice of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" didn't yield another hit, as he struck out swinging on five pitches. But by setting the tone with a leadoff home run in the first inning, there was no valley low enough for a Mets lineup that ultimately produced four long balls in a 7-2 win over the Cubs.

The blast from Lindor came on an 0-2 fastball from Cubs starter Jameson Taillon, and the ball landed in right-center for his fourth leadoff shot of the season. He finished the game 3-for-5 with two runs scored and a stolen base, and raised his average to .297 and OPS to .861. Earlier this week, Lindor became just the ninth shortstop to reach the 50-WAR threshold since 1970.

"I just try to get a good pitch to hit and get on base for the guys," Lindor said after the game. "I have two really good hitters behind me and the lineup is deep. So, just get on base for them and let them do what they do best. It just so happens they've been going out. I'll enjoy it and then turn the page."

Lindor wasn't the only one who displayed some pop. Brett Baty produced the Mets' second leadoff homer in the second, driving a ball to the left-center field bleachers. Jeff McNeil joined in on the fun shortly thereafter, drilling a solo shot to right. New York's four-homer night was capped off by a mammoth solo blast from Juan Soto in the fourth that landed near Shea Bridge.

The Mets' overall success at the plate was recently credited to "controlled aggression" by Brandon Nimmo, and Friday's results backed that claim. Of the team's 13 total hits, a whopping dozen came with two strikes. It was their 11th game with double-digit knocks this season, and third with four homers.

SNY's Gary Cohen suggested "My Guy" by Mary Wells as a clever alternative walk-up tune for Lindor, considering that his wife gave birth to a boy back in March. But Lindor is pleased with hearing the duet from Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, and hopes fans warm up to his minor plate adjustment.

"I think it's a fantastic song and hopefully the fans can vibe to it too," Lindor said. "I'm all about vibes and that's the vibes right now. I didn't fully change it because I had some pushback from some people here. I'm a people pleaser. I pleased the ones who pushed back on me. But I think that song is a banger."

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The Hockey News Playoff Frenzy Live: Reacting To Panthers' Important OT Win Vs. Maple Leafs

Jake McCabe and Carter Verhaeghe (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

Welcome to The Hockey News Playoff Frenzy Live, streaming nightly during the NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs.

After the big game of the night, our experts go live to react to the match that was, break down the key moments and storylines and read your opinions.

On tonight's show, Katie Gaus, Emma Lingan and Michael Augello react to the Florida Panthers coming within one game of tying the series with a 5-4 overtime win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Leafs vs Panthers Game 3 - Playoff Frenzy | The Hockey NewsLeafs vs Panthers Game 3 - Playoff Frenzy | The Hockey NewsWelcome to Playoff Frenzy Live by The Hockey News presented by STIX.com, where we give our live reactions and break down the latest news to all the biggest g...

They also look at the Winnipeg Jets facing the Dallas Stars.

Share your thoughts in the comments, and the hosts may discuss your message during the stream.

Check out the show right now.

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All 4 lines contribute as Panthers get back in series with Game 3 OT win over Toronto

May 9, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Tomas Nosek (92) celebrates after scoring against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period in game three of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

The Florida Panthers picked up perhaps their most important win of the season on Friday night.

Entering Game 3 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Panthers were down 0-2 after dropping both games north of the border.

Florida dug deep and came back from a two-goal second period deficit to take down Toronto 5-4 keep their season very much alive.

It took all of 23 seconds for the Leafs to score first and take the crowd out of the game.

Matthew Knies jumped on a loose puck in front of the net after a Toronto-dominated shift to give the visitors a very early 1-0 lead.

About five minutes later, the fans raised out of their seats for a big hit by Carter Verhaeghe on Chris Tanev, but Toronto simply took the puck up ice and John Tavares pulled Sergei Bobrovsky out of his net with a strong move to his right before wrapping the puck around the opposite side of the net and in.

Florida’s captain stopped the bleeding at the 7:38 mark, carrying the puck off the boards and toward Joseph Woll.

Barkov’s backhand went off the stick of Leafs’ defenseman Morgan Reilly and into the net, cutting Toronto’s lead in half.

An offensive zone interference penalty by A.J. Greer early in the second period led to Toronto’s third goal.

Tavares got his stick blade on a shot by Mitch Marner from just inside the blue line to restore the Maple Leafs’ two-goal lead.

A scrum at Toronto’s net would lead to a replay review and eventually, a Panthers goal.

A shot by Evan Rodrigues was stopped by Woll, but it squeaked behind him and toward the goal line.

Brandon Carlo reached behind Woll and stopped the puck just before it crossed the goal line, but Sam Reinhart came swooping in and poked the puck just over the goal line.

Just 64 seconds later, Carter Verhaeghe converted a gorgeous backhand pass from Sam Bennett into a yawning cage to tie the game at three, sending the packed house into a frenzy.

It wasn’t until there was 4:53 left in the period that another goal was scored.

Tomas Nosek carried the puck into Toronto’s zone, cut behind Jonah Gadjovich to create a screen and beat Woll with a deceptive wrist shot, giving the Panthers their first lead of the night.

A fluky goal midway thought the third period would tie the game at four.

Bobrovsky made the blocker save on a shot by Morgan Reilly, but the rebound went directly off Seth Jones and right into the back of the net with just over nine minutes to go.

Florida failed to convert on a late power play, sending the game into overtime.

With 4:33 left in overtime, after several big saves by Sergei Bobrovsky, Brad Marchand ended the game with a deflected shot that fluttered past Woll.

Florida now has a chance to even the series on Sunday night in Sunrise.

On to Game 4.

QUICK THOUGHTS

Barkov’s goal was his third in the past four games.

Sam Reinhart picked up the primary assist on Barkov’s goal. It was his first point of the series. He finished the game with two.

Rodrigues logged a pair of assists, his first multi-point playoff game since Game 5 of last season’s Stanley Cup Final.

Verhaeghe is up to six points over his past four games after picking up a goal and an assist Friday.

Bennett has points in six of Florida’s eight playoff games.

Nosek’s goal was his second as a Panther, and first since Nov. 7 against Nashville.

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Mets flaunt power with four homers in 7-2 win over Cubs

The Mets opened their six-game homestand with an early-inning power surge, clubbing four home runs in a 7-2 win over the Chicago Cubs on Friday night at Citi Field.

Here are the takeaways...

-- Francisco Lindor recently became just the ninth shortstop to reach the 50-WAR threshold since 1970, and he wasted no time showcasing his elite skills in the field and at the plate. He took an infield single away from Cubs star Kyle Tucker in the top of the first by snagging an excuse-me chopper barehanded and throwing across his body for the out. Then, in the bottom half, he smacked a 0-2 fastball from Cubs starter Jameson Taillon that landed in the bullpen for his fourth leadoff home run this season. The Mets led 1-0 after one.

-- Taillon entered Friday with a sharp 1.96 ERA in six career starts against the Mets, but it sure didn't take long for the veteran right-hander's mark to rise. He gave up another leadoff homer in the second -- this time to Brett Baty, making his second straight start at third -- and then proceeded to watch designated hitter Jeff McNeil bump the Mets' lead to 3-0 witha solo shot to right. The second inning also featured a little surprise from Lindor, who changed his walk-up song to "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" for his second at-bat. The result? A swinging strikeout.

-- Of the Mets' seven knocks through three innings, six came with two strikes. But one ball in play that brought home a pair of runs in the third didn't register as a hit. With the bases loaded and one out, Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson botched a tailor-made double-play on a chopper from Luisangel Acuña, airmailing the throw down to first after stepping on second for the force out. The throwing error allowed Brandon Nimmo and Francisco Alvarez to score and increase the lead to 5-0. Taillon was knocked out after four innings.

-- Clay Holmes finally fell victim to the long ball in the fourth, as Tucker took a 1-1 sinker deep to right-center to cut the Cubs' deficit to four. It was the first homer allowed by the closer-turned-starter this season, and it came on his 168th batter faced. But the Mets made sure that Holmes entered the fifth with a five-run lead -- Juan Soto joined the power show by crushing a solo shot to the Shea Bridge. It was the superstar slugger's eighth homer of the season and third this week.

-- Holmes appreciated the run support he received in his previous start against the Cardinals -- big cushions simply weren't handed to him as a high-leverage reliever. This time around, he limited the damage and generated massive run on his sinker, completing six solid innings of one-run ball with five strikeouts. There were a few mistakes across his season-high 93 pitches -- he allowed three hits and walks apiece plus a wild pitch -- but his season ERA dropped to 2.74, and he's now produced three quality starts.

-- The Mets turned to Ryne Stanek for the seventh, and he retired the Cubs in order on 11 pitches. Dedniel Núñez got the ball to start the eighth and struck out two, but he also walked a pair that created a jam. With two outs, Reed Garrett entered and neutralized the threat by getting Seiya Suzuki to fly out to left-center.

-- Soto showed off his tower power in the fourth and opposite-field approach in the eighth. After Lindor reached first on an infield single and stole his fifth bag of the season, he found his way home on a line drive off Soto's bat that narrowly avoided Swanson's glove. The RBI knock marked Soto's 11th multi-hit game this season. New York produced 13 total hits, and a whopping 12 of them came with two strikes.

-- Jose Butto assumed the ninth and immediately fell into trouble by committing a pitch clock violation and allowing a solo homer and a single. But the right-hander regrouped by striking out three to cap off a strong night from the staff.

Game MVP: Francisco Lindor

Lindor's glovework and power in the first inning set the tone, and his new walk-up song set social media ablaze. Only time will tell if the classic hit from Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell sticks around at Citi Field, but the Mets' shortstop is now hitting .290 with an .848 OPS.

Highlights

What's next

The Mets (25-14) will play the middle game of their series against the Cubs on Saturday night with first pitch scheduled for 7:15 p.m. on FOX.

Tylor Megill (3-2, 2.50 ERA) is slated to take the mound for his eighth outing of the season. Chicago has yet to announce its starter, but rookie Cade Horton is expected to make his MLB debut.

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Mets prospect Nolan McLean pitches seven scoreless innings in Triple-A debut

Right-hander Nolan McLean had himself an impressive debut for the Syracuse Mets on Friday night.

The Mets' No. 3 overall prospect, according to Joe DeMayo, breezed through seven scoreless innings for the Mets' Triple-A affiliate. McLean threw just 78 pitches (57 strikes) to get through seven innings unscathed. He allowed seven hits (all singles) but did not walk a batter, while striking out seven against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimps.

McLean was promoted to Triple-A on Tuesday after dominating the prior level. In five starts with Binghamton, McLean pitched to a 3-1 record, a 1.37 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. He pitched 26.1 innings across those five Double-A starts and struck out 30 batters.

The 23-year-old left with Syracuse up 4-0, thanks to hits from up and down the lineup. Veteran first baseman/DH Jon Singleton picked up an RBI groundout in the first before Jared Young homered to give McLean a 2-0 lead in the third inning.

Luis De Los Santos hit an RBI double in the sixth and Mets No. 10 prospect Drew Gilbert launched a solo homer in the seventh, his second of the year.

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Former New Jersey Devils Defenseman Signs Overseas

Connor Carrick (© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)

Former New Jersey Devils defenseman Connor Carrick is taking his talents overseas. The right-shot blueliner has signed a two-year contract with HC Lugano of the Swiss National League, as announced by the overseas club.

Carrick, 31, played all of this season down in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Bakersfield Condors. In 63 games with the Edmonton Oilers' AHL affiliate, he posted 18 goals, 41 points, 101 penalty minutes, and a plus-5 rating. Overall, it was a strong season in the AHL for the Orland Park, Illinois native, and he will now look to make an impact with HC Lugano from here.

Carrick played three seasons with the Devils from 2018-19 to 2020-21. In 60 games with the Metropolitan Division squad, he had three goals, 12 assists, 15 points, 58 hits, and a minus-14 rating. Carrick's time with the Devils ended during the 2021 NHL off-season when he signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Seattle Kraken.

In 242 career games over eight NHL seasons split between the Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, Devils, and Boston Bruins, Carrick has posted 13 goals, 50 points, 157 penalty minutes, 238 hits, and a minus-19 rating.

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Devils GM Provides New Update On Jake Allen Contract TalksDevils GM Provides New Update On Jake Allen Contract TalksThe New Jersey Devils are entering this off-season with an array of free agents. When it comes to their pending unrestricted free agents, there is no question that Jake Allen is the most notable. Devils Sign Exciting Forward Prospect To Entry-Level DealDevils Sign Exciting Forward Prospect To Entry-Level DealThe New Jersey Devils have made a move, signing forward Lenni Hameenaho to a three-year, entry-level contract. His new deal will kick in during the 2025-26 season. Devils' Sheldon Keefe Has Powerful Message For TeamDevils' Sheldon Keefe Has Powerful Message For TeamWhile speaking with reporters on May 8, New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe had a powerful message for the team. The Devils' bench boss made it abundantly clear that he expects the team to hit another level after taking a step forward during the 2024-25 campaign.
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Goaltending Improvement Must Be Key For Sabres Next Season

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Timothy T. Ludwig, USA TODAY Sports)

It's no secret that, as is true in many sports, defense wins championships in hockey, but it underscores the importance of goaltending when it comes to which teams succeed in the Stanley Cup playoffs. And a quick look at a couple key numbers only confirms it in the current post-season.

To wit: of the eight teams still playing this year, seven of them were in the top-10 in goals-against average. The Edmonton Oilers were the only anomaly, as they were 14th-overall in G.A.A. at 2.87. But otherwise, the teams that have lasted longest also had a well-above-average overall defense. And what we're seeing in the playoffs is similar, as the top four playoff G.A.A.s are owned by four teams -- the Carolina Hurricanes, Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs and (tied for fourth) the Florida Panthers -- who are still playing. That's not by accident.

Thus, this is why the Buffalo Sabres have to have a better overall defense, but they also need improvement in net. Because this season, the team G.A.A. was not only well below-average, but it was the pits, as their 3.50 G.A.A was third-worst in the league. 

That means workhorse Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has to be better. His 3.20 G.A.A. this year wasn't great, and his save percentage of .887 also left much to be desired. Greybeard James Reimer likely won't be back, and youngster Devon Levi's brief (nine-game) stint also didn't look good (.872 SP, 4.12 G.A.A.).

Certainly, the Sabres' defense in front of the goalies has to be better as well. We're not here to tell you it's solely the goalies' fault. But there's no question Buffalo's overall presence in their own zone has to be stronger, and the goalies have to own their role in that challenge.

Another free agent depth signing in net could be crucial for the Sabres if things don't go well defense-wise out of the gate for them next fall. Buffalo's offense can only do so much, if the guy between the pipes can't do their part. So the pressure will be on Sabres goaltending until further notice -- and if it doesn't go as hoped, bigger changes might be on the horizon for the team's goalie picture.

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The pope is a White Sox fan: Baseball and the conclave collide in the holiest fandom twist

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

Every so often, baseball and the outside world collide in ways that feel more mythic than real. On the latest episode of "Baseball Bar-B-Cast," hosts Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman reveled in one such moment: when the brand-new pope turned out to be a Chicago White Sox fan.

Let’s break down why this story became instant baseball legend.

A new pope is big news. But this one hits different. As Mintz says, “All of religious history has led up to this. Yes, my dear friends, the pope is a White Sox fan.” 

It’s the sort of news that, as podcasters, you can’t wait to get behind the mic for. “There just isn’t a better feeling,” Shusterman notes, than being gifted “so much incredible stuff to talk about.”

When news broke that Pope Leo XIV hails from Chicago, speculation erupted: Cubs or White Sox? Initially, reports — and even the Cubs’ own social media! — leaned Cubs, but then the story pivoted.

It wasn’t until the pope’s own brother appeared in an interview that the truth emerged. “He’s always been a White Sox fan,” the brother declared. Despite the family split (mother: Cubs; father: Cardinals), the pope stayed loyal to the South Side. 

Mintz summarizes the stance: “He’s not just, yeah, he liked the White Sox, and then they move on. He’s like, yeah, I don’t know where all this Cub stuff is coming from. He’s always been a White Sox fan.”

As Shusterman adds, “This man is not just, you know, grew up and thought Luis Aparicio was cool. This guy … has been into the Sox for a long time now.” 

The ultimate proof? A photo from the 2005 World Series featuring His Holiness at a White Sox game, Nokia phone in hand, basking in the glory of Chicago’s first championship in generations.

“Going to a World Series game as a fan is an expensive thing to do," Mintz says. "... This is someone who had opinions on Mark Buehrle. Now he’s the pope.”

Does it fit? Jake and Jordan think so. “The White Sox are what you would call a poverty franchise," Mintz says. "And what is the pope supposed to do if not take care of the poor?” 

They laugh, but there’s truth there: A team starved for hope and leadership now has a weird, cosmic link to the Vatican’s top spot.

The hosts muse about what this could mean for the franchise. “If the White Sox, along with his guidance … can rise,” Jordan says, “maybe some divine influence will help.” 

The White Sox themselves quickly embraced the connection. They sent a custom jersey and hat straight to the Vatican and invited the pontiff to his “cathedral” at 35th and Shields.

Don’t expect the pope to be rocking a fitted cap from the balcony or tossing out a first pitch, at least not according to precedent. But Pope Francis (a fan of Argentina’s San Lorenzo) held up plenty of soccer scarves and jerseys, so maybe we’ll see Pope Leo XIV do the same. 

Mintz can't resist asking: “If the pope comes out here and is like, ‘I don’t want robo umps,’ does that move the needle?”

But as Jordan and Jake both note, the larger point is the narrative: “Some things are bigger than baseball,” the White Sox said in a statement, “and in this case, we’re glad to have a White Sox fan represented at the Vatican.”

This intersection of faith and fandom is the kind of bit that only baseball can provide. The new pope is a White Sox fan — documented and witnessed. Cubs fans might grumble, but for a franchise starved for miracles, this moment offers hope, humor and maybe, just maybe, a prayer for the South Side.

For more of the latest baseball news and debates, tune in to "Baseball-Bar-B-Cast" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

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Bruins and Kings Only NHL Teams to Lose to The Same Team in the First Round Four Straight Years

© Perry Nelson

As the final seconds ticked down in Edmonton in Game 6, Kings fans were surely feeling sorry for themselves and maybe even thinking that only the LA Kings could lose to the same team four years in a row in the first round, right?

Wrong. The Boston Bruins were already passengers on this pain train back in the mid-80s. The Bruins ran into their hated rivals, the Montreal Canadiens, every year in the first round between 1984 and 1987, and like the Kings, were sent packing every time. 

If, however, the Kings continue to follow the Bruins' example, they may find themselves in a very long playoff run nest season. 

After four straight losses at the hands of the Habs, Ray Bourque and the Bruins started cooking in 1988. After avoiding Montreal in the first round this time-maybe something the Kings should think about- Boston would take out Dave Andreychuk and the Buffalo Sabres in six games in the first round. 

In the second round it would be time for redemption: a rematch with the red, white, and blue nemesis known as the Montreal Canadiens. This time, however, Ray Bourque, Cam Neeley, and Ken Linsemen would finally have their revenge against Le Tricolore in five games.

The Hockey Samurai 侍 (@hockey_samurai) on XThe Hockey Samurai 侍 (@hockey_samurai) on X1988. Habs/Bruins. Adams Div Final. With this goal, Cam Neely puts the icing on the cake and Boston finally beats Montreal in the playoffs. They had gone 0-18 in series since 1946 and Seabass slays the dragon. #NHLBruins

But getting the Montreal monkey off their back wasn't enough for Boston. They were hungry for more and went on to defeat Kirk Muller and the New Jersey Devils in seven games in the Prince of Wales Conference Finals.

And here's where the parallels with the Los Angeles Kings come into focus. Who did the Bruins face in the Cup Finals? The Edmonton Oilers. Gulp.

Now it's true that the current Oilers feature the formidable duo of McDavid and Draisaitl, it's fair to stay they have nothing on the 1988 Oilers. A quick glace at that roster reveals names such as Jari Kuri, Mark Messier, and Wayne Gretzky: a far cry from the likes of Connor Brown, Evander Kane, and Zach Hyman.

Facing the fire power of these future Hall of Famers would prove to be too much for Boston and they would eventually find themselves on the wrong end of a sweep.

Thus, if it's any solace to the Kings and their fans, precedent has shown that the fifth time can be the charm. The formula? Avoid Edmonton in the first round next year and then don't lose in the Finals. 

Piece of cake.