Category: Sports News

Worldwide Sports News

Posted on

Canucks 2024–25 Memorable Matches: April 8

Welcome back to another Memorable Match from the Vancouver Canucks’ 2024–25 season. Last time, we looked at the team’s 4–3 overtime loss against the St. Louis Blues on March 20. This week, we’ll take a look at the Canucks’ record-setting 6–5 overtime win against the Dallas Stars on April 8. 

Coming into this game, the Canucks’ playoff odds were slimmer than a hair. If they won this game, they would continue to be in contention — barely. Dallas, on the other hand, had already clinched their playoff spot and looked to be Stanley Cup favourites after acquiring Mikko Rantanen from the Carolina Hurricanes. Because of this, Vancouver’s chances at winning looked slim even before they’d stepped onto the ice. 

The Stars took the lead in the first period with a goal from Rantanen 13:48 into the first period. Mason Marchment added to their total around five minutes after, sending Dallas to the first intermission with a 2–0 lead. Nearly halfway through the second period, Matt Duchene scored to make the score 3–0 for the Stars. 

Vancouver’s first goal didn’t come until the third period, when Jake DeBrusk found the back of the net 17 seconds into the final regulation frame. Victor Mancini added to this total while on the power play four minutes later. With the game now 3–2, the Canucks had a chance to tie things up and gain a valuable two points. After around 13 minutes, Maverick Bourque scored to give Dallas a two-goal cushion. Mikael Granlund made it 5–2 after scoring an empty net on the Canucks, who’d hoped to even things up. 

Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site: 

PWHL Vancouver Exclusive Signing Window And Expansion Draft Recap

Vancouver Canucks 2025 NHL Draft Target: Eddie Genborg

Report: Canucks Almost Acquired Josh Norris During The 2024-25 Season

What came next may have been one of the most impressive things the Canucks did this season. With only a minute left in regulation and a three-goal deficit, Aatu Räty scored Vancouver’s third goal of the game. 30 seconds later, it was Pius Suter who found the back of the net. With six seconds left to go in the game, Suter scored yet again to tie the game at 5–5. No other team in NHL history had ever come back from being down by three goals in the final minute of regulation. That is, not until the Canucks did so during this game. 

Apr 8, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Vancouver Canucks left wing Jake DeBrusk (74) and center Pius Suter (24) and right wing Brock Boeser (6) and right wing Conor Garland (8) and defenseman Filip Hronek (17) and defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) celebrates the game tying goal scored by Suter against the Dallas Stars during the third period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

While this comeback may have come a bit too late, as the Canucks were eliminated from postseason contention the night after, this win was still a testament to the team’s character. If they can continue to carry this spirit into the 2025–26 season, Vancouver will be a difficult team for others to face. 

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, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.

The Hockey News
Posted on

Sabres 2025 Draft Projection – Radim Mrtka

Coming out of the NHL Scouting Combine last weekend, the Buffalo Sabres got the lowdown on a number of prospects that could be their with the ninth selection at the 2025 Draft in Los Angeles later this month, but barring a trade up they will have to rely on the player they want slipping through the cracks.  

The NY Islanders are likely to select defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the top overall pick, but there is no accurate read on how the remaining seven picks will break. That seems to be reflected in various mock drafts that have emerged since the combine. After Schaefer, names like Michael Misa, Caleb Desnoyers, and rising star Anton Frondell are likely to go in the top five, but at that point, any of a number of players could be there for the Sabres at #9.  

Other Sabres Stories

Is Peterka In Prime Position For Big Payday?

Sabres Summer Dilemmas - Bowen Byram

Sabres Facing An Off-Season Of Change

Seattle Thunderbirds defenseman Radim Mrtka is a possibility for the Sabres, based on the fact that the club is looking to address the right side of the blueline. According to the Hockey News Draft Preview, the 6’6” defenseman can skate and move the puck, which could make his path to the NHL a relatively short one. 

"I want to be better offensively and get better in every (aspect) of the game,” Mrtka said on Saturday.  "(Coming over to Seattle) helped me a lot. They gave me a lot of time and chances, and I think it went pretty good. It's my dream to be in the NHL. So it's kind of preparation for me to live here and stay here." 

Mrtka joined the WHL’s Thunderbirds after starting the season in the Czech League, and while he put up solid offensive numbers in the WHL, scouts aren’t expecting him to duplicate that in the NHL. There’s still a lot to like about the big 18-year-old as a future middle-pair blueliner, who models his game after Victor Hedman and Moritz Seider. 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo

Posted on

Rangers Use Unique Tactic During Interviews With Draft Prospects

Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

The New York Rangers are getting to know the top hockey prospects in the most unique way at the NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo. 

With the NHL Draft approaching later this month, all teams are beginning to interview prospects. 

Rangers Select Explosive Defenseman In NHL Mock DraftRangers Select Explosive Defenseman In NHL Mock DraftThe 2025 NHL Draft is coming up soon and the New York Rangers have to decide if they want to keep the 12th overall selection in the first round. 

It seems as if the Rangers brass are using some interesting tactics during their interviews, to say the least. 

“Multiple prospects confirmed that they played a game during an interview,” Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers wrote via X. “They were presented a 10 X 10 board of numbers, randomly placed 1-100. They were asked to find 3 different numbers on that random board as quickly as possible. The team? The New York Rangers.”

The Rangers hold the 12th overall pick in the first round and have a decision to make whether to give away this year’s first-round pick or next year’s selection due to the J.T. Miller trade. 

The Bluehsirts hold nine picks in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Posted on

With Robertson's Name Out There, Could Penguins Swing Blockbuster Trade?

May 29, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars left wing Jason Robertson (21) during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Edmonton Oilers in game five of the Western Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

With both the NHL Draft and free agency on the horizon, trade speculation is running rampant in hockey circles at the moment.

And one of the latest reports by an NHL insider is beginning to crowd the airways.

Speaking on SN590 Tuesday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman suggested that Dallas Stars superstar forward Jason Robertson's name is out there and that he could potentially be moved to provide some relief for a very cap-strapped Stars team.

Roberston, 25, has been one of the league's best goal-scorers for the past several seasons, and he registered 35 goals and 80 points in 82 games during the regular season. The 6-foot-3, 207-pound left wing has one year remaining on a contract that pays him $7.75 million annually before becoming a restricted free agent (RFA) in 2026, and - with the cap spiking for the next three seasons - he is due for a raise.

On the surface, it doesn't make much sense for the Stars to move on from Robertson, especially given the 1-2 punch they have with him and Mikko Rantanen, who was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes on Mar. 8.

However, with only $4.95 million in projected cap space for this season and with several pending-RFAs and UFAs - such as forwards Mikael Granlund (UFA), Matt Duchene (UFA), Jamie Benn (UFA), and Mavrik Bourque (RFA) and defensemen Cody Ceci (UFA) and Nils Lundkvist (RFA) - it gets a bit more complicated, as the Stars would ideally like to hang onto some of them.

Should The Penguins Target Dallas Stars' RFA Forward?Should The Penguins Target Dallas Stars' RFA Forward?Ahead of the NHL Draft and free agency, the Pittsburgh Penguins - in addition to hiring a new head coach - figure to be busy.

In addition, they will need to fill out the rest of their roster for 2025-26, and the Stars will need to extend young star defenseman Thomas Harley, who will also become an RFA in 2026. 

In other words, the chances of Robertson being dealt may still be slim and very speculative at this point, but they're not zero. And, if he is available, is he someone the Pittsburgh Penguins can make a serious push for?

Honestly, it may not be as far-fetched as it seems.

Per data from Puckpedia, Pittsburgh has more draft capital than any other team in hockey over the next three years, and that includes 18 picks within the first three rounds. They have $24.5 million in cap space to work with this summer, and they will have nearly $53.9 million next summer, which will pretty much all be free spending cap because they will have no obligations to extend anyone on their current roster at that point. 

May 29, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars left wing Jason Robertson (21) reacts after scoring a goal against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period in game five of the Western Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Conceivably, cap should be a non-issue for acquiring someone like Robertson, who more than fits the mold of young talent that Penguins' POHO and GM Kyle Dubas is looking for in the trade market. The biggest question is whether or not they have the assets to pull something like that off. 

And, hey, they just might.

Dallas will definitely be looking for a hefty return for Robertson, should they pull the trigger on any sort of trade - and it will most certainly have to include a mix of everything - NHL talent, prospect talent, and picks. Although the Penguins may not have a golden prospect pool, they may be able to somewhat compensate for that elsewhere.

If Dallas is looking to shed some of Robertson's $7.75 million cap - but still net NHL talent in return - they could consider Penguins forward Rickard Rakell. Rakell makes $5 million for three more years and matched Robertson's 2024-25 goal total with 35 while also notching 70 points, meaning the 32-year-old winger can help Dallas in their current win-now mode. 

Penguins Trading Star Forward Would Come With Big RiskPenguins Trading Star Forward Would Come With Big RiskFor much of the 2024-25 season, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell was the subject of trade speculation. It was understandable, as the Penguins were out of the playoff race, while Rakell enjoyed himself a career year. In 81 games, the 32-year-old winger set new career highs with 35 goals and 70 points.

If the Penguins retained some salary, that should still open up approximately $4 million, and the Stars would be getting some goal-scoring replacement to be deployed in their top-six. Rakell would have to be shipped off with other assets, too - likely a first (which could, perhaps, be the New York Rangers' conditional first), another pick in the second or third round, and a prospect along the lines of, at the very least, goaltender Joel Blomqvist or forward Tristan Broz.

In addition, Robertson does not have any form of a no-trade or no-movement clause on his current contract, making it a bit easier for Dallas to deal him.

Realistically, if Robertson is available - and the Penguins are interested - they could, conceivably, put together a package to get a deal across the finish line. They have a player in Rakell who can fill a need for Dallas for a cheaper price tag than Robertson, and they have the assets to balance out the value in return.

Of course, this will be a situation to monitor in the coming weeks before the draft and prior to free agency. But, if the opportunity arises to acquire a young, star talent, Dubas should not hesitate.

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab  to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!     

Posted on

Giants third baseman Matt Chapman goes on 10-day injured list with hurt right hand

DENVER — San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with inflammation in his right hand after a weekend injury against Atlanta.

The move is retroactive to Monday.

Chapman hurt his hand in the eighth inning Sunday when he slid back into first base on a pickoff attempt.

The 32-year-old Chapman is batting .243 with 12 home runs and 30 RBIs in 65 games during his second season with the Giants, who last September received a six-year, $151 million contract through 2030.

He hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning of a 3-2 win over the Braves on Saturday.

San Francisco recalled infielder Christian Koss from Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday ahead of the series opener at Colorado.

The Giants were riding a five-game winning streak — each of those victories by one run, and they have played seven consecutive one-run games overall.

Posted on

Mark Vientos resumes baseball activities as he works toward return from hamstring injury

Mets slugger Mark Vientosis already making serious progress as he works toward a return from a hamstring injury.

Vientos, who landed on the IL on June 3, has been hitting in the batting cage, doing light jogging, and taking ground balls, manager Carlos Mendoza said before Tuesday's game against the Nationals at Citi Field.

Shortly after injuring his hamstring, Vientos got the relatively good news that it was only a Grade 1 strain. And his return could come somewhat quickly.

He'll likely need a rehab assignment before being activated, Mendoza said.

With Vientos out, the Mets have been using a variety of players at DH, including Ronny Mauricio, Starling Marte, and Jared Young.

It was Mauricio who was called up to take Vientos' spot on the roster.

After a very cold first two-plus weeks of the regular season, Vientos had been hitting well.

In 137 plate appearances spanning 36 games from April 17 until June 2, Vientos hit .272/.321/.464 with six home runs, four doubles, 17 runs scored, and 17 RBI.

Posted on

Doctor explains Chapman's injury, outlines potential return timeline

Doctor explains Chapman's injury, outlines potential return timeline originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Giants third baseman Matt Chapman was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a right hand sprain, dealing a devastating blow to San Francisco’s starting lineup.

With the Gold Glove infielder on the mend, NBC Sports Bay Area spoke with Stanford Medicine’s Amy Ladd, M.D., to get a better idea of what Chapman is dealing with.

“I was able to see some video footage, and it’s interesting because he first fell on his left hand and then his right hand outstretched,” said Ladd, who is an experienced specialist in hand and upper extremity surgery. “And it seemed like it was hyperextended … but it may have also had some torque to the side.

“So a hand sprain or finger sprain, and he complained of multiple fingers being injured, without a broken bone means it could be 10 days and that could be it — the swelling goes down and he gets his mobility back. Or, it could be a little bit longer and it wouldn’t be because of instability, it would be because of stiffness and pain.”

Chapman sustained the injury in the eighth inning of the Giants’ win over the Atlanta Braves on Sunday at Oracle Park, as he dove head-first back to first base on a pick-off attempt.

Ladd’s comments align with what Chapman said to The San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser and MLB.com’s Maria I. Guardado before Tuesday’s game against the Colorado Rockies. Chapman told them that he will miss more than 10 games with his hand injury after an MRI showed ligament sprains.

The 10-game mark for Chapman would mean a return on June 21 against the Red Sox in Boston. But it sounds like he almost certainly will be out longer, but hopefully before the end of the first half on July 13 at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Based on her expertise, Ladd believes Chapman would have an easier time returning to the batter’s box after an injury like the sprain to his throwing hand than returning to the field.

“This [injury] is equivalent to what we call jamming your finger, which can be super painful, not much to do about them,” Ladd said. “So the main focus is mobility and pain. If it were his mitt hand, then he’d probably protect it. The main question would be the impact on recreating the injury effectively, so you’d want to minimize that.

“Throwing, it’s more the fact of can he get his hand around the ball with dexterity and focus? That it’s not hurting, that he has enough grasp and enough mobility to hang on to it and execute the way he wants to throw it.”

In 65 games played, Chapman is leading the Giants in home runs (12) and walks (40) while serving as an indispensable defender on the hot corner. While San Francisco could use him back sooner than later, Chapman returning to full health is most important as the team fights for a spot in the MLB playoffs.

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast

Posted on

WATCH: Roman Anthony rips two-run double for first MLB hit

WATCH: Roman Anthony rips two-run double for first MLB hit originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

BOSTON — After going 0-for-4 Monday in his much-anticipated MLB debut, Roman Anthony didn’t wait to record his first career hit in Tuesday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Anthony, again batting fifth in the Boston Red Sox lineup, stepped up to the plate in the first inning with runners on second and third base. MLB’s No. 1 prospect ripped an opposite-field two-run double to put his team up 2-0.

Anthony accomplished the feat with his family in attendance, making for an emotional moment at Fenway Park:

Anthony now has three RBI through his first two MLB games. His first career RBI came on a groundout during Monday’s 10-8 loss to Tampa Bay.

Later in the game, Anthony flashed the leather with an impressive sliding grab:

The 21-year-old’s two-run knock marks the first of what could be many hits in his promising big-league career. Anthony showcased elite potential in the minors, including this season at Triple-A Worcester with a .288/.423/.491 slash line, 10 homers, and 29 RBI through 58 games.

Posted on

Kirk Cousins: Obviously you'd love to play, but that's not the situation I'm in

Kirk Cousins is now prepared to stick with the Falcons.

Cousins spoke to reporters after Atlanta's minicamp practice on Tuesday, saying that he's going to support second-year QB Michael Penix however he can.

"Obviously, you would love to play," Cousins said, via Tori McElhaney of the team’s website. "But I am not going to dwell on things that are not reality. That's not the situation I am in. So, it's better spent to be focused on the situation I am in, controlling what you can control. I think that is the right mindset to have.”

While Cousins confirmed that he and the team had conversations about trading him. But at this point, those talks are over.

“We are moving forward now,” Cousins said.

And what’s Cousins’ ideal situation for 2025?

"Right now it's being in the situation I am in and being the best I can. And hopefully in February, we — as an organization — are holding up the Lombardi Trophy," Cousins said. "And how we do that is more important as a team that we do that, some way, some how. That's where the focus has to be: That we as an organization win a championship and each one of us individually has to do our part in that to get there.”

Having signed a four-year deal with the Falcons last year, Cousins is set to make $27.5 million in base salary in 2025. Unless there’s an injury or an unexpected change elsewhere, Cousins will earn that with Atlanta.

Posted on

Mets out west was fun, now looking for more hits at home | The Mets Pod

On the latest episode of The Mets Pod presented by Tri-State Cadillac, Connor Rogers and Joe DeMayo cover some wins out west and the homestand ahead.

Leading off, Connor and Joe recap the week that was, including big-time offense from Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, and Jeff McNeil. The guys also look at Ronny Mauricio so far and what his ceiling could possibly be.

Later, they go long on the ongoing bullpen-building strategy of David Stearns, go Down on the Farm to check in on prospect Carson Benge, and go tough on Connor for “missing Marte” on The Scoreboard.

Finally, the winner of last week’s sweepstakes is revealed and the Mailbag delivers questions about developing relievers and the very unlikely possibility of bringing Jacob deGrom back to Queens.

Be sure to subscribe to The Mets Pod at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Posted on

Mets place Francisco Alvarez on paternity list, sign Travis Jankowski to minor league deal

The Mets announced a series of roster moves on Tuesday afternoon, including placing catcher Francisco Alvarez on the paternity list.

Catcher Hayden Senger has been recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to take Alvarez's spot on the roster.

Additionally, the Mets signed outfielder Travis Jankowski to a minor league deal.

Alvarez, whose placement on the paternity list lasts for a minimum of one day and maximum of three days, has been heating up at the plate, slashing .286/.310/.429 with one home run and three RBI over his last seven games.

Overall, it's been a tough season for Alvarez, who suffered a broken hamate bone in his left hand at the end of spring training and has hit just two home runs in 29 games while splitting time with Luis Torrens.

Jankowski, 33, joins the Mets organization for the second time. In 2022, Jankowski appeared in 43 games with the Mets, slashing .167/.286/.167, used primarily as a pinch-runner and late-game defensive substitution.

Jankowski has spent time with the Rays and White Sox this season.