Fijian wing Josaia Raisuqe, who won Olympic rugby sevens silver in Paris last year, has died after the 30-year-old’s car was hit by a train on Thursday, his Top 14 club Castres said.
Warriors vs. Timberwolves Game 2: Minnesota races out to 13-0 start, cruises to win over Curry-less Warriors
May 8, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) dribbles the ball past Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) in the first half during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
This was the tall, athletic Timberwolves' defense that overwhelmed the Lakers last series, the defense we saw all season in Minnesota.
This was the Warriors' offense we expected without Stephen Curry, the one that would have been in the bottom three in the league. They didn't score in the first five minutes of the game (and only had 15 in the first quarter).
The result was Minnesota racing out to a 13-0 lead to open the game and never looking back, cruising to a 117-93 win, tying the series at 1-1.
WOLVES EVEN SERIES BEHIND BALANCED ATTACK
— NBA (@NBA) May 9, 2025
Randle: 24 PTS | 11 AST | 7 REB
Ant: 20 PTS | 9 REB | 5 AST | 3 STL
NAW: 20 PTS | 4 3PM
McDaniels: 16 PTS | 3 STL | 3 BLK#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google pic.twitter.com/hf5nVjwQrJ
Game 3 is in the Bay Area on Saturday. The Warriors are expected to be without Stephen Curry for that game as he recovers from a strained hamstring (he will be re-evaluated after Game 4).
The only moment of concern for the Timberwolves came in the second quarter, when Anthony Edwards went down with a sprained ankle after Trayce Jackson-Davis stepped on it.
Edwards left the game at that point, but returned and played in the second half. He finished with 20 points on 6-of-13 shooting with nine assists, although it was not a strong night of shot selection or ball security for him.
Julius Randle led the Timberwolves — particularly stepping up when Edwards was out — and finished with 24 points and 11 assists. Nickeil Alexander-Walker broke out of his shooting slump and scored 20 off the bench, while Naz Reid added 11.
The Warriors came out flat, maybe because they were without Curry, maybe because they already had a win on the road in their pocket, or maybe a little of both. Minnesota's strong defense had something to do with that, too.
Jonathan Kuminga led the Warriors with 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting, earning more minutes in the next game. Jimmy Butler had 17 points, but Jaden McDaniels did a good job keeping him in check, while Buddy Hield scored 15 but on 5-of-14 shooting.
Dodgers lose to Arizona in first real test in 'the best division in baseball'
It’s much too early to call it 2021 yet.
But, just like the last time the Dodgers tried to defend a World Series title, the National League West isn’t presenting the easiest of paths.
Entering Thursday night, the division was home to the best team in baseball, the 25-win Dodgers. But, based on overall league records, it also included the clubs ranked third (San Diego at 23-13), fifth (San Francisco at 24-14) and 13th (Arizona at 19-18) in the majors, too.
“I think we’re the best division in baseball,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I don’t think anyone is gonna run away with it.”
Read more:Shaikin: Agent Nez Balelo 'wouldn't do anything different' with Shohei Ohtani's $700-million deal
In 2021, of course, the Dodgers faced a similar test in the NL West. That year, the division wasn’t as deep, the bottom three teams all finishing below .500. But at the top, the Dodgers and Giants duked it out to the end. The Dodgers finished with 106 wins. The Giants topped them with 107. It forced the Dodgers to settle for a wild-card berth in the playoffs, and down an elongated October path that saw them run out of steam in the NL Championship Series.
While this season isn’t even at its quarter-point yet, a similar threat is starting to brew.
In a 5-3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday night, the Dodgers got their first taste of the challenge that might lie ahead. Over the next several weeks, plenty more intradivision tests loom.
After playing just one division foe over the first six weeks of the season — a three-game sweep of the utterly helpless Colorado Rockies last month — the Dodgers are finally getting into the meat of their division schedule. Starting with this weekend’s four-game set at Chase Field, five of their next 12 series will be against the Diamondbacks, Padres and Giants.
The Diamondbacks were supposed to be the weakest link of that group, starting the season slowly amid a couple of key injuries and repeated late-game collapses from their bullpen.
But on Thursday, they thrilled a lively crowd of 40,319, besting the Dodgers in every phase for a thorough series-opening victory.
While Arizona starter Brandon Pfaadt cruised through 6 ⅓ scoreless innings, Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto was knocked around for five runs in five innings; the first four scoring on Gabriel Moreno’s grand slam in the fourth.
Struggling with his command all night, Yamamoto’s fourth-inning jam was largely of his own creation. He walked leadoff batter Pavin Smith. He hit Eugenio Suárez with a 0-and-2 slider to load the bases following an infield single. Then, after falling behind Moreno in a 2-and-0 count, he threw an elevated cutter that the Arizona catcher smashed to right field.
The following inning, Ketel Marte hit a solo home run to an almost identical spot.
The five runs were tied for the most Yamamoto has allowed in an MLB game, and it doubled his ERA from an MLB-best 0.90 to 1.80 — on a night he was pitching on five days’ rest (as opposed to six) for the first time this season.
“Those are great hitters, so tip my hat to them. However, I allowed the walks and the hit by pitch,” Yamamoto said through interpreter Yoshihiro Sonoda. “Overall, my stuff wasn’t too bad. But the grand slam, that cost the game.”
While Shohei Ohtani hit a solo home run with two outs in the ninth, the Dodgers’ best chance to come back was in the eighth.
Max Muncy smoked a ground-rule double for their first run. Andy Pages hit an RBI single that brought the tying run to the plate. But, with one out, Michael Conforto hit a rocket ground ball for an inning-ending double play, finishing his night 0 for three despite hitting the ball hard all three times. Over his last 12 games, he is one for 40.
“I’m definitely frustrated,” Conforto said. “Happy with a couple hard-hit balls today. Frustrated to be in position to keep a rally going and not being able to beat that ball out. It’s frustrating. It makes me sick.”
Thursday, of course, was just one game. There’s a long way to go before any real 2021 deja vu begins setting in.
Read more:Hernández: Shohei Ohtani pitching this season initially felt like a luxury. Now it's a necessity
Ahead of this week’s series, Roberts downplayed concerns that the division race could exhaust his team like it did four years ago, when the Dodgers and Giants went down to the last day.
“You don’t win the World Series, or the division, in May,” Roberts said. “I think it’s still just kind of making sure we stay the course and protect guys and play good baseball. So that’s what is more front of mind for me.”
Still, the longer the Dodgers’ division rivals hang around, the more pressure it will put on their regular-season performance. The last thing they want, in a year they’ve already dealt with an early wave of pitching injuries, is to be grinding through a division race during the stretch run of the season, or be in any danger of falling to a wild-card place. The way the division has played to this point, however, keeps those outcomes as real possibilities.
“I think the records show there’s a lot of great teams in this division,” Conforto said. “It’s going to be competitive right down to the end.”
Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Thunder vs. Nuggets Game 3 predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for May 9
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets Preview
On Friday, May 9, the Oklahoma City Thunder (68-14) and Denver Nuggets (50-32) will square off at Ball Arena in Denver.
After getting upset in game one, the Oklahoma City Thunder responded in a big way. They won game two by 43 points. The Thunder shot 56.2% from the field and 44.4% from three. They forced 20 turnovers in the game as well.
The Thunder are currently 32-8 on the road with a point differential of 13, while the Nuggets have a 4-6 record in their last ten games at home.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game details & how to watch Thunder vs. Nuggets live today
- Date: Friday, May 9, 2025
- Time: 10:00PM EST
- Site: Ball Arena
- City: Denver, CO
- Network/Streaming: ESPN
Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.
Game odds for Thunder vs. Nuggets
The latest odds as of Friday:
- Odds: Thunder (-210), Nuggets (+174)
- Spread: Thunder -4.5
- Over/Under: 233 points
That gives the Thunder an implied team point total of 118.02, and the Nuggets 115.68.
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!
Expert picks & predictions for Friday’s Thunder vs. Nuggets game
NBC Sports Bet Best Bet
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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Thunder & Nuggets game:
- Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Oklahoma City Thunder on the Moneyline.
- Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Denver Nuggets at +4.5.
- Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 233.
Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Thunder vs. Nuggets on Friday
- The Thunder have won 5 straight road games
- The Nuggets' last 3 matchups against Western Conference Northwest Division teams have gone over the Total
- The Nuggets have covered the Spread in 4 of their last 5 games as an underdog
- The Nuggets have covered the Spread in 4 of their last 5 games as an underdog
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
Rangers at Tigers prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for May 9
The Rangers (18-20) are in Detroit Friday to open a series against the Tigers (23-13).
Patrick Corbin is slated to take the mound for Texas against Tarik Skubal for Detroit.
The Rangers were blanked Thursday in Boston, 5-0. Tucker Barnhart went 3-3 for Texas but the rest of the lineup was just 2-27 against Brayan Bello and three Red Sox relievers.
Detroit enters the weekend series having won five in a row. Thursday, they swept a pair from the Rockies outscoring Colorado 21-3. Casey Mize won his sixth game of the year in the opener allowing just one run over six innings in a 10-2 win. Keider Montero pitched eight innings of five-hit, one run ball in the nightcap, an 11-1 win for the Tigers.
Lets dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.
Game details & how to watch Rangers at Tigers
- Date: Friday, May 9, 2025
- Time: 6:40PM EST
- Site: Comerica Park
- City: Detroit, MI
- Network/Streaming: RSN, FDSNDT
Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.
Odds for the Rangers at the Tigers
The latest odds as of Thursday:
- Moneyline: Rangers (+219), Tigers (-270)
- Spread: Tigers -1.5
- Total: 7.0 runs
Probable starting pitchers for Rangers at Tigers
- Pitching matchup for May 9, 2025: Patrick Corbin vs. Tarik Skubal
- Rangers: Patrick Corbin (2-1, 3.28 ERA)
Last outing: 5/3 vs. Seattle - 5.2IP, 1ER, 5H, 2BB, 2Ks - Tigers: Tarik Skubal (3-2, 2.21 ERA)
Last outing: 5/2 at Angels - 6IP, 1ER, 4H, 0BB, 8Ks
- Rangers: Patrick Corbin (2-1, 3.28 ERA)
Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Rangers at Tigers
- Detroit is now 27-13 on the Run Line
- Game Totals in Texas games are now 26-12 to the UNDER
- Spencer Torkelson has 30 hits this season and 21 of them are either doubles (11) or home runs (10)
- Only the Pirates (118) and the Rockies (115) have scored fewer runs than the Rangers (123) this season
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Expert picks & predictions for Friday’s game between the Rangers and the Tigers
Rotoworld Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Friday's game between the Rangers and the Tigers:
- Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the Detroit Tigers on the Moneyline.
- Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Texas Rangers at +1.5.
- Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the under on the Game Total of 7.0.
Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
Cubs at Mets prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for May 9
One of the more highly anticipated series of the young season begins Friday when the Chicago Cubs (22-16) take on the New York Mets (24-14) at Citi Field.
Jameson Taillon is slated to start for Chicago against Clay Holmes for New York.
The Cubs come to town after an off-day Thursday. They lost Wednesday, 3-1, in the series finale to San Francisco. Chicago could muster but four hits off of Robbie Ray and the Giants. Nico Hoerner had two of the four hits. The Mets traveled home Thursday following a three-game series in Arizona. Juan Soto blasted two home runs in a 7-1 Mets' win Wednesday.
Lets dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.
Game details & how to watch Cubs at Mets
- Date: Friday, May 9, 2025
- Time: 7:10PM EST
- Site: Citi Field
- City: Queens, NY
- Network/Streaming: MARQ, SNY, MLBN
Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.
Odds for the Cubs at the Mets
The latest odds as of Thursday:
- Moneyline: Cubs (+138), Mets (-164)
- Spread: Mets -1.5
- Total: 7.0 runs
Probable starting pitchers for Cubs at Mets
- Pitching matchup for May 9, 2025: Jameson Taillon vs. Clay Holmes
- Cubs: Jameson Taillon (2-1, 3.86 ERA)
Last outing: 5/3 at Milwaukee - 6IP, 2ER, 3H, 1BB, 5Ks - Mets: Clay Holmes (4-1, 2.95 ERA)
Last outing: 5/2 at St. Louis - 6IP, 3ER, 8H, 0BB, 3Ks
- Cubs: Jameson Taillon (2-1, 3.86 ERA)
Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Cubs at Mets
- The Cubs lead all of baseball with 223 runs scored
- Only the Yankees (62) and the Dodgers (59) have more home runs than the Cubs (55)
- Juan Soto is 9-26 with 4 HRs in May (7 games)
- Pete Alonso is 0-8 over his last 2 games
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Expert picks & predictions for Friday’s game between the Cubs and the Mets
Rotoworld Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Friday's game between the Cubs and the Mets:
- Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
- Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Chicago Cubs at +1.5.
- Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 7.0.
Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
Yankees at Athletics Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for May 9
Friday the Yankees (21-16) open a weekend series in Sacramento against the surprising Athletics (20-18).
Will Warren is slated to take the mound for New York against Osvaldo Bido for Oakland.
Each of these teams are off on Thursday. The Yankees are using the day to fly West following a six-game homestand that saw them go 3-3. Wednesday, they ended the homestand with their second straight win over the Padres. J.C. Escarra walked off a 4-3 win for New York with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the tenth inning. Wednesday, the Athletics lost their second in a row to the Mariners. Jacob Wilson went 4-5 for the Athletics but it was not enough in a 6-5 loss.
Lets dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.
Game details & how to watch Yankees at Athletics
- Date: Friday, May 9, 2025
- Time: 10:05PM EST
- Site: Sutter Health Park
- City: Sacramento, CA
- Network/Streaming: YES, NBCSCA, MLBN
Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.
Odds for the Yankees at the Athletics
The latest odds as of Thursday:
- Moneyline: Yankees (-142), Athletics (+120)
- Spread: Yankees -1.5
- Total: 10.0 runs
Probable starting pitchers for Yankees at Athletics
- Pitching matchup for May 9, 2025: Will Warren vs. Osvaldo Bido
- Yankees: Will Warren (1-2, 5.65 ERA)
Last outing: 5/4 vs. Tampa Bay - 4.2IP, 3ER, 7H, 3BB, 8Ks - Athletics: Osvaldo Bido (2-2, 4.71 ERA)
Last outing: 5/3 at Miami - 5IP, 4ER, 3H, 2BB, 4Ks
- Yankees: Will Warren (1-2, 5.65 ERA)
Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Yankees at Athletics
- Game Totals in Yankees' games are 16-19-2 to the OVER this season
- The Athletics are 20-18 on the season overall and are 20-18 on the Run Line as well
- Ben Rice is 4-20 (all doubles) through 6 games in May
- Wednesday's game was the first that failed to see Aaron Judge reach base for the first time since April 1
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Expert picks & predictions for Friday’s game between the Yankees and the Athletics
Rotoworld Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Friday's game between the Yankees and the Athletics:
- Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
- Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the New York Yankees -1.5.
- Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 10.0.
Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
Hurricanes Falter, Capitals Take Game 2; Series Now Heads To Raleigh
The Carolina Hurricanes couldn't pull off yet another third-period comeback, falling 3-1 to the Washington Capitals in Game 2 at Capital One Arena on Thursday.
The game looked like it was going to be following the same blueprint as Game 1: the Canes have a strong first period, then the Caps strike first early in the second, but it didn't end the way that one did.
Instead, the Capitals scored twice before the Hurricanes found their first, and the Canes were then just unable to overcome that deficit with the way Washington was defending (the Caps were credited with 32 blocks once again).
"We certainly weren't great, that's for sure," said Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour. "I think you have to give Washington credit. I mean, they played a much better game. We have to be better, that's for sure. We knew it was going to be hard. Having said that, we were still right in the game
The biggest issue for Carolina though is that they just haven't been getting the bounces so far this series (the team hit the frame two more times to put their total up to seven for the series) and Washington's first goal was another prime example of that.
Sean Walker went to flip a puck into the Capitals end from the neutral zone, but it wound up hitting his partner Shayne Gostisbehere in the throat and the puck fell right to Connor McMichael who got loose for a breakaway.
"Obviously it was unfortunate. Just trying to get the puck in their end and then it hits Shayne [Gostisbehere] in the neck, kinds of stuns him there for a sec and then they get a fast break and score," Walker said. "It's part of it. Just move on."
And you could immediately tell that that goal gave Washington some juice as they started to look much more like themselves through the second period.
"That [first] goal was a tough one just because of the way it happened," Brind'Amour said. "Nothing going on and then all of a sudden, it's a breakaway because we banged it off of our own guy. Then that got them going for sure.
The Canes struggled to muster a lot in that middle frame and when they did get their looks, they were either passing up looks, double clutching or shooting off the mark.
But despite the struggles, they were still only down by one heading to the final frame.
That was until Brent Burns turned the puck over in the neutral zone, and wound up taking a hooking penalty less than two minutes into the third.
On that man advantage, Washington's third crack on the power play in Game 2, the Capitals finally broke Carolina's perfect penalty kill as John Carlson snuck in from the blueline and slammed home a pretty pass by Tom Wilson.
"I thought our first was good and then the second period was just no good," said Jordan Staal. "Even the first half of our third was not great. We were playing in our end a little too much and just turning over one too many pucks and not really getting through the neutral zone and getting on them and all the stuff that we do. Took a penalty and obviously the PK would love to have the kill. Obviously our 5v5 game wasn't great and it kind of trended toward them getting an extra goal."
The Canes were in a 2-0 hole, but they were finally able to break through on the power play not too long after themselves as Gostisbehere answered back, putting home a rebound from the wing.
GOSTISBEHERE! Shayne Gostisbehere trims the Carolina deficit to 1 midway through the third!#RaiseUp | #StanleyCuppic.twitter.com/bUlldqhny8
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) May 9, 2025
The Hurricanes were back in it, and they definitely pushed hard that period, but the team just couldn't find that extra gear and second goal.
"When we're playing our game, I think we really controlled the momentum of the game and had a lot more time in their zone and created a lot more, for sure,." Walker said. "We'll look at it tomorrow, but I think we know we got away from our game there a little bit and they capitalized and took away from our momentum. We'll look at it and move on."
Wilson, who was far and away the best player on the ice in Game 2 with his physicality, offensive impact and defensive blocks, sealed the game with the empty netter.
Despite the loss, the Canes are in a good position as they now head back to Raleigh with a 1-1 series split and a chance to take a strong lead in the series if they can stay hot at home.
"Always nice to be in front of our fans and we're going to have to take that momentum back and use our fans to do it," Staal said. "We'd love to be up two, but it's a good team and we're going to have to start fresh at home here and take it to them again.
Be sure to check out the Carolina Hurricanes 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Hub for all postseason stories!
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Rafael Devers tells Red Sox he won't move to first base
BOSTON — Rafael Devers is the Boston Red Sox's designated hitter.
And he's not interested in another position switch.
Speaking with reporters for the first time since Triston Casas was ruled out for the season after rupturing his left knee tendon and undergoing surgery, Devers said on Thursday that Red Sox management approached him about the idea of filling in as Boston’s first baseman.
The three-time All-Star doesn’t see it in his best interest to make another position switch after being asked to move from third base to DH during spring training after the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman to play third.
“They came to me and talked to me about it,” Devers said after homering and driving in two in Boston’s 5-0 win over Texas.
“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 said he spoke with Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow about the prospect of playing first in Casas’ absence.
For now, Boston is filling the first base spot with a platoon featuring Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro.
“He (Breslow) played ball. I would like to think that he knows that changing positions isn’t easy,” Devers said through Red Sox interpreter Daveson Perez.
“They put me in this situation. They told me they didn’t want me to play any other positions."
Devers offered a suggestion to Breslow, who pitched 12 major league seasons and was a key member of Boston’s bullpen when the team won the World Series in 2013. Breslow is in his second season leading the Red Sox baseball operations department.
“Now, they should do their jobs essentially and hit the market and look for another player. I’m not sure why they want me to be an in-between,” Devers said. “Next thing you know, someone in the outfield gets hurt and they want me to play in the outfield. I know the kind of player that I am and that’s where I stand.”
Asked about changing his mind in the event the Red Sox receive little production from the current group of first basemen, Devers reiterated that he’s a full-time DH.
He also stated that he was upset that Boston would consider him taking over a position where he’s logged zero innings as a big leaguer.
“They told me that I’m a little hard-headed, but they already asked me to change (positions) once. This time, I don’t think I can be as flexible,” Devers said. “I don’t feel they stayed true to their word. They told me I was going to play this position, DH. Now they’re going back on that.”
Mets Prospect Roundup: Ryan Clifford hits game-tying homer for Binghamton, Dom Hamel starts with Syracuse
As the 2025 minor league season continues, here's a look at what Mets prospects are doing in all levels of the organization....
Double-A Binghamton Rumble Ponies
The Rumble Ponies were down 4-1 to Reading heading into the eighth inning when Ryan Clifford -- the Mets' No. 4 prospect according to Joe DeMayo -- drove a pitch from RHP Jack Dallas over the center field wall, a three-run shot to tie the game at 4-4.
It was Clifford's fifth home run this season and was the second hit of his evening. The slugger finished 2-for-5 with two strikeouts. He was the only one on Binghamton with a multi-hit game.
Binghamton would pick up the win in walk-off fashion thanks to Jett Williams, the Mets' top no-pitching prospect. The shortstop kept the ninth inning going with a walk that loaded the bases. With two out, Nick Lorusso reached on a fielding error that allowed the Rumble Ponies to push across a run and win 6-5.
Williams went 1-for-3 with two walks, a run scored and a strikeout.
Triple-A Syracuse Mets
Up with the Triple-A team, runs were hard to come by for the Mets, who went up against rehabbing Miami Marlins youngster Ryan Weathers. Syracuse fell to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, 3-1, on Thursday night.
Dom Hamel struggled in his start, allowing three runs on five hits, three walks across three innings pitched. He did strike out five batters, but his ERA rose to 5.00 after Thursday's performance. The three runs came on three hits in the second inning.
In five starts this season, Hamel is now 1-3 with a 1.33 WHIP. He is striking out plenty of batters, picking up 22 across 18.0 innings pitched.
On the offensive side, Drew Gilbert went 1-for-4
The Hockey News Playoff Frenzy Live: Reaction As Capitals Tie Series Against Hurricanes
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 Washington Capitals beating the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1 to tie the second-round series at 1-1.
Capitals vs Hurricanes Game 2 - 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 discuss Game 2 between the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights.
Share your thoughts in the comments, and the hosts may discuss your message during the stream.
Does Team Canada's World Championship Squad Have The Sidney Crosby Effect?
This year’s Canadian team for the 2025 men’s World Championship is star-studded.
There are many name-brand, Grade-A talents on Team Canada, which will play in Stockholm, Sweden.
Hockey Canada officially announced the addition of Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon and star Minnesota Wild goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. That said, the team also added St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington, Blues captain Brayden Schenn and Los Angeles Kings center Philip Danault.
Compare that lineup to last year’s Canadian lineup, where Tampa Bay Lightning left winger Brandon Hagel and Washington Capitals center Pierre-Luc Dubois were among the top players. With due respect, those players aren’t on the same level as this year’s Canadian group. The common factor in the change in roster quality is the superstar we haven’t mentioned yet: Pittsburgh Penguins icon Sidney Crosby.
It wouldn’t be surprising if the Crosby effect attracted more star power to the tournament. It’s not like he went to the Worlds the last two years the Penguins missed the playoffs. And many of the same NHL teams that were out of the playoffs by last year’s Worlds are out again.
World Championship: 10 Must-Watch NHL Players From Canada, USA And MoreThe 2025 IIHF men’s World Championship is just around the
corner.
NHL players are no different than we are when appreciating top talent. It’s one thing to encounter Crosby as an opponent in hockey’s top league or watch him from afar, but knowing he’s playing with you – well, that’s a very rare thing you should take advantage of.
We might also be seeing more talented players at the World Championship in part because there’s a higher overall quality of the NHL teams. Even some teams eliminated in the first round have some good and great players, such as MacKinnon, Schenn, Danault and Binnington.
We don’t blame any elite player for not choosing to play in the Worlds. They have a long and taxing season, and rest and recuperation must be used for their body’s benefit.
But there’s no question Crosby makes the Worlds a must-see event. He’s now 37 years old, reuniting with his longtime teammate in Fleury, and preparing for what could be his final Olympics in 2026. Being part of that squad is a no-brainer for some star Canadian players.
The Hockey News' Remy Mastey is in Stockholm to cover the World Championship from May 9 to 25. Also check out Derek O'Brien's coverage on The Hockey News' international hockey site at THN.com/international.
Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.
Draymond Green accuses NBA referees of ‘agenda' after Game 2 technical foul
Draymond Green accuses NBA referees of ‘agenda' after Game 2 technical foul originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Draymond Green is among America’s most polarizing professional athletes, feeling targeted by NBA officials and surely is high on the list of players crudely heckled by fans.
Both factors likely contributed to his brief, pointed postgame statements Thursday night at Target Center in Minneapolis, where the Warriors took a 117-93 loss to the Timberwolves in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals.
After being assessed with a technical foul in the second quarter and getting harassed by fans in the arena, Green demonstratively expressed his feelings to reporters in the locker room.
“I’m not an angry Black man,” he said. “I’m a very successful, educated Black man, with a great family. And I’m great at basketball. Great at what I do. The agenda to try to keep making me look like an angry Black man is crazy. I’m sick of it. It’s ridiculous.”
This is the outburst of a man who feels persecuted by officials – and for years has been disparaged by fans when the Warriors are on the road. Who will ever forget the wretched treatment he received in Boston during the 2022 NBA Finals?
Yet there is an undercurrent of belief around the league that Green’s history of fines and suspensions has resulted in different and less lenient rules for him than his fellow players. Some believe it – Draymond obviously does – but others do not.
After officials’ crew chief Tony Brothers assessed, upon review, a technical foul on Green for a flailing left arm that landed on the face of Minnesota’s Naz Reid with 8:46 left in the second quarter, Green’s furious reaction prompted Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and coach Steve Kerr to take turns interceding.
Kerr ultimately opted to put Green on the bench for the next six minutes in hopes he would cool off. There were no more flare-ups for the remainder of the game, but Draymond’s postgame statement is proof that he still was simmering.
This was Green’s fifth technical foul in nine postseason games. A one-game suspension hits after a player reaches seven. He also has two flagrant fouls on his ledger, and four of those also warrant suspension.
It’s apparent that Green was upset by something that occurred during the game. Maybe some things.
Draymond Green accuses NBA referees of ‘agenda' after Game 2 technical foul
Draymond Green accuses NBA referees of ‘agenda' after Game 2 technical foul originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Draymond Green is among America’s most polarizing professional athletes, feeling targeted by NBA officials and surely is high on the list of players crudely heckled by fans.
Both factors likely contributed to his brief, pointed postgame statements Thursday night at Target Center in Minneapolis, where the Warriors took a 117-93 loss to the Timberwolves in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals.
After being assessed with a technical foul in the second quarter and getting harassed by fans in the arena, Green demonstratively expressed his feelings to reporters in the locker room.
“I’m not an angry Black man,” he said. “I’m a very successful, educated Black man, with a great family. And I’m great at basketball. Great at what I do. The agenda to try to keep making me look like an angry Black man is crazy. I’m sick of it. It’s ridiculous.”
This is the outburst of a man who feels persecuted by officials – and for years has been disparaged by fans when the Warriors are on the road. Who will ever forget the wretched treatment he received in Boston during the 2022 NBA Finals?
Yet there is an undercurrent of belief around the league that Green’s history of fines and suspensions has resulted in different and less lenient rules for him than his fellow players. Some believe it – Draymond obviously does – but others do not.
After officials’ crew chief Tony Brothers assessed, upon review, a technical foul on Green for a flailing left arm that landed on the face of Minnesota’s Naz Reid with 8:46 left in the second quarter, Green’s furious reaction prompted Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and coach Steve Kerr to take turns interceding.
Kerr ultimately opted to put Green on the bench for the next six minutes in hopes he would cool off. There were no more flare-ups for the remainder of the game, but Draymond’s postgame statement is proof that he still was simmering.
This was Green’s fifth technical foul in nine postseason games. A one-game suspension hits after a player reaches seven. He also has two flagrant fouls on his ledger, and four of those also warrant suspension.
It’s apparent that Green was upset by something that occurred during the game. Maybe some things.
Flyers Prospect Wins Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy
![Denver Barkey of the London Knights [Kalvin Taylor/OHL Images].](https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_hockey_news_articles_331/d726f632fb93f3c57cef9e424a639733)
Earlier today, the Ontario Hockey League announced Denver Barkey as the recipient of the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy, which is awarded annually to the OHL Humanitarian of the Year.
"It's such an honour to receive this reward," said Barkey. "It's really special for me, my family and the fan club to see so many kids and their families get a chance to play and watch the game we love."
The Barkey's Buds program, named for the Philadelphia Flyers prospect, partnered with the London Knights Fan Club to bring more than 1,500 pieces of hockey equipment to children with learning, emotional and social disabilities through the George Bray Sports Association. The organization also provided more than 500 tickets to London-area families could come and watch Knights games.
In addition to his work with Barkey's Buds, the London Knights captain went on monthly visits to the Victoria Hospital & Children's Hospital in London. He also spoke at schools on several occasions and attended minor league hockey practices where he acted as a mentor for younger players.
"Ever since I came to London as a 16-year-old, the support and passion from the fans was something I noticed right away," said Barkey. "To be able to start Barkey's Buds and give back to the community that has treated me and my teammates so well was the least I could do."
On the ice, the fourth-year veteran had a fantastic year, scoring 25 goals and 82 points in 50 games. In the playoffs, he recorded 20 points in the Knights' opening two series before sustaining an injury that has kept him out of the lineup.
These kinds of numbers are nothing new for London Knights fans who have seen Barkey routinely amongst the highest scorers on some stacked Knights' rosters. In the 228 games he's played in the OHL, the dynamic forward has averaged above a point-per-game, scoring a total of 258 points.
Barkey follows Mason Vaccari of the Kingston Frontenacs, who won the trophy last season, while Dalyn Wakely received the honour for his work during the 2022-23 season when he was a member of the North Battalion.
"It's a proud moment for Denver and his family and the London Knights organization," said London GM Mark Hunter. "Denver is a high-character young man, and for him to take on this community service is something we take pride in."