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Who's in 2026 NHL playoffs? Bracket, standings and clinching scenarios

The NHL's playoff makeover continues on Thursday, April 9 with three teams possibly clinching after missing the postseason in 2024-25.

The Edmonton Oilers, who went to the Stanley Cup Final the past two seasons, could also clinch. They could be joined by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins and Utah Mammoth.

The Bruins last made the playoffs in 2024 and the Penguins have missed the last three seasons. The Mammoth technically are a second-year franchise but the players who came over from the Arizona Coyotes last made the playoffs in 2020.

The division, wild-card and Presidents' Trophy races also are in play on Thursday.

The Sabres (104 points), who took the Atlantic lead on Wednesday and have ended a record 14-season playoff drought, are in action. Their closest pursuers, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens (102 each), are facing each other.

The Vegas Golden Knights (88) and Anaheim Ducks (87) will look to narrow their gap against the idle Pacific-leading Oilers (90).

In the race for the Eastern Conference's second wild-card spot, the leading Ottawa Senators (92) are playing, as are the Columbus Blue Jackets (90), Detroit Red Wings (89) and New York Islanders (89). Peter DeBoer will make his debut as Islanders coach. The Blue Jackets could move into third place in the Metropolitan Division with a win and a Philadelphia Flyers regulation loss.

In the race for the West's second wild-card spot, the leading Nashville Predators (84), Los Angeles Kings (83), San Jose Sharks (82), Winnipeg Jets (80) and St. Louis Blues are playing. The Jets and Blues face each other.

Also, the Colorado Avalanche have another chance to clinch the Presidents' Trophy and home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. The Minnesota Wild, two points behind second-place Dallas in the Central Division, visit the Stars on Thursday in a preview of their first-round series.

Here's what to know about the NHL standings, including the latest playoff bracket, clinching scenarios and the tiebreaker procedures for the 2025-26 season:

Who's in the 2026 NHL playoffs?

Eastern Conference: Carolina, Tampa Bay, Buffalo, Montreal

Western Conference: Colorado, Dallas, Minnesota

Who can clinch an NHL playoff berth today?

  • The Pittsburgh Penguins will clinch a playoff berth if they beat the Devils or if they get one point and the Blue Jackets lose or if the Islanders lose and the Blue Jackets lose in regulation.
  • The idle Boston Bruins will clinch a playoff berth if the Islanders, Red Wings and Blue Jackets lose in regulation.
  • The idle Edmonton Oilers will clinch a playoff berth if the Sharks lose, the Predators lose in regulation and the Jets fail to win in regulation.
  • The Utah Mammoth will clinch a playoff berth if they beat the Predators in regulation and the Sharks lose.
  • The Colorado Avalanche will clinch the Presidents' Trophy if they beat the Flames or if the Hurricanes lose in regulation. They'd also clinch if they get one point and the Hurricanes lose.

Today's NHL games (Thursday, April 9)

All times p.m. ET

  • Toronto at N.Y. Islanders, 6:45
  • Columbus at Buffalo, 7
  • Tampa Bay at Montreal, 7
  • Florida at Ottawa, 7
  • Philadelphia at Detroit, 7
  • Pittsburgh at New Jersey, 7
  • Winnipeg at St. Louis 8
  • Carolina at Chicago, 8:30
  • Minnesota at Dallas, 9
  • Calgary at Colorado, 9
  • Nashville at Utah, 9
  • San Jose at Anaheim, 10
  • Vegas at Seattle, 10
  • Vancouver at Los Angeles, 10:30

NHL playoff standings

NHL Eastern Conference standings 2025-26

After April 8 games. x-clinched playoff spot. y-clinched division. z-eliminated.

Metropolitan Division

  • y-Carolina Hurricanes (106)
  • Pittsburgh Penguins (96)
  • Philadelphia Flyers (92)

Atlantic Division

  • x-Buffalo Sabres (104)
  • x-Tampa Bay Lightning (102)
  • x-Montreal Canadiens (102)

Wild card

  • Boston Bruins (96)
  • Ottawa Senators (92)

Sitting out of playoff position: Columbus Blue Jackets (90), Detroit Red Wings (89), New York Islanders (89), Washington Capitals (89), z-New Jersey Devils (83), z-Florida Panthers (78), z-Toronto Maple Leafs (78), z-New York Rangers (75)

NHL Western Conference standings 2025-26

After April 8 games. x-clinched playoff spot. y-clinched division. z-eliminated.

Central Division

  • y-Colorado Avalanche (112)
  • x-Dallas Stars (104)
  • x-Minnesota Wild (102)

Pacific Division

  • Edmonton Oilers (90)
  • Vegas Golden Knights (88)
  • Anaheim Ducks (87)

Wild card

  • Utah Mammoth (88)
  • Nashville Predators (84)

Sitting out of playoff position: Los Angeles Kings (83), San Jose Sharks (81), Winnipeg Jets (80), St. Louis Blues (78), Seattle Kraken (75), z-Calgary Flames (73), z-Chicago Blackhawks (70), z-Vancouver Canucks (52)

NHL playoffs if they started today

NHL Eastern Conference playoff bracket

Here is how the Eastern Conference playoff bracket would look if the season ended on April 8:

  • Carolina (M1) vs. Ottawa (WC2)
  • Pittsburgh (M2) vs. Philadelphia (M3)
  • Buffalo (A1) vs. Boston (WC1)
  • Tampa Bay (A2) vs. Montreal (A3)

The winner of the first series would play the winner of the second in the second round. The winner of the third series would play the winner of the fourth. Key: M - Metropolitan Division. A - Atlantic Division. WC - wild card

NHL Western Conference playoff bracket

Here is how the Western Conference playoff bracket would look if the season ended on April 8.

  • Colorado (C1) vs. Nashville (WC2)
  • Dallas (C2) vs. Minnesota (C3)
  • Edmonton (P1) vs. Utah (WC1)
  • Vegas (P2) vs. Anaheim (P3)

The winner of the first series would play the winner of the second in the second round. The winner of the third series would play the winner of the fourth. Key: C - Central Division P - Pacific Division. WC - wild card

NHL tiebreakers: What is the first tiebreaker in NHL standings?

If two teams are tied in points at the end of the regular season, here are the tiebreakers:

  1. Regulation wins
  2. Regulation and overtime wins (ROW)
  3. Total wins
  4. Most points earned in head-to-head competition: If teams had an uneven number of meetings, the first game played in the city that has the extra game is excluded. When more than two clubs are tied, the percentage of available points earned in games among each other (and not including any odd games) shall be used to determine standings.
  5. Goal differential
  6. Total goals

When does the NHL regular season end?

The NHL regular season is scheduled to end on Thursday, April 16, with six games.

When do the NHL playoffs start?

The NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs are scheduled to begin on April 18.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NHL playoff bracket, latest 2026 standings and clinching scenarios

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Paul Skenes makes cryptic comments after Konnor Griffin’s $140 million Pirates extension

Paul Skenes is the undisputed face of the Pirates’ franchise, right? To many fans, that’s the case.

But Skenes thinks it’s Konnor Griffin.

After Griffin inked a nine-year, $140 million extension with the Pirates on Wednesday, Skenes was asked of the deal.

“He’s gonna be the face of the Pirates for a long time,” Skenes said of Griffin.

Paul Skenes led the league in ERA in 2025, leading to his Cy Young win. Archie Carpenter/UPI/Shutterstock

Of course, that distinction undoubtedly falls on Skenes right now.

The 2023 No. 1 overall pick won the National League Cy Young Award last season in just his second year in the league.

He also captured Rookie of the Year honors the campaign prior after posting a 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts over 23 games.

Last year, Skenes was even better, leading the league with a 1.97 ERA in 187 2/3 innings, while also punching out 216 batters. That is what you call the face of a franchise.

But for Skenes, he thinks that should be Griffin.

In 2025, he split time between three levels, eventually finishing the year in Double-A. Before the season, Griffin was ranked as the No. 1 prospect in baseball at just 19 years old.

He started this season in Triple-A, where he batted .438 in just 21 plate appearances before being called up to the majors.

Konnor Griffin has played six games at the MLB level since being called up. Getty Images

Griffin has played in six MLB games thus far, racking up three hits and four RBIs but hitting .167.

His extension marks the largest contract in Pirates history, surpassing Bryan Reynolds’ $106.75 million deal in 2023.

“I see a winning organization here,” Griffin said after inking the deal. “We’re gonna do a lot of great things with the players that we have. I wanna be a part of it for nine years. I wanna continue to be a part of the build of winning playoff baseball. This is a great place for me, a great place for my family. I couldn’t be more proud.”

Now, Skenes hasn’t exactly agreed with that sentiment recently. After Pittsburgh fired Derek Shelton midway through last season, Skenes blasted the team for its poor play.

“Unfortunately, I wasn’t shocked,” Skenes said. “At the end of the day, we’re (12-26). Someone’s gotta be held accountable. Right now, it’s him. That’s just kind of how it goes. I don’t know if it fixes the root of the issue, which is that we need to play better.”

In contrast to Griffin, Skenes has yet to sign an extension with the Pirates, and he would currently become a free agent after the 2029 season.

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Appendicitis yet another chapter with Embiid's absurd injury misfortune

Appendicitis yet another chapter with Embiid's absurd injury misfortune originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The absurd extent of Joel Embiid’s health misfortune is impossible to exaggerate. 

The latest addition to the Sixers’ star big man’s extensive injury history is that he’s been diagnosed with appendicitis and will undergo surgery Thursday afternoon in Houston. Needless to say, he won’t play Thursday night in the Sixers’ important meeting with the Rockets. There’s no timeline yet for his potential return.

The Sixers’ immediate concern is that Embiid’s surgery goes smoothly and he feels like himself again soon. Assuming that happens, he’d still be well within his rights to ponder if he’s cursed. Last time the Sixers were in the postseason, Embiid played through Bell’s palsy. Other playoff health troubles include multiple orbital fractures and a torn meniscus.

As far as life without Embiid, the Sixers have gotten many reps. He’s been much healthier this year than last but has still only played in 38 games, averaging 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists. 

Both common sense and the numbers point to the Sixers having many more challenges when Embiid’s absent. According to Cleaning the Glass, the team’s net rating has been 10.0 points better with Embiid on the floor compared to off it this season. Second-year center Adem Bona and veteran Andre Drummond are the next men up. Even at their best, neither has close to Embiid’s immense two-way impact. 

The Sixers will hope Paul George can remain aggressive, efficient and healthy post-suspension. To fare well without Embiid, they’ll need George and Tyrese Maxey to play like superstars. They’ll also need their role players to be solid, perhaps even outstanding on occasion. Maybe a player or two outside of the current rotation like Jabari Walker will get some chances in the short term. 

As Sixers head coach Nick Nurse highlighted often last season, he became accustomed to on-the-fly adjustments during his days coaching overseas and in the G League. He’ll have to crumple up his primary game plan and find savvy solutions that are nowhere near Plan A. 

Keeping his team confident and focused is also an awfully tough task for Nurse. Even with Embiid available, the Sixers were in a position where they needed quite a bit to go their way to avoid the NBA’s play-in tournament, and then to spring an upset in Round 1 of the playoffs.

The Sixers do have ways they could manage big wins without Embiid, but there’s no question their outlook has darkened with yet another health woe for their cornerstone center. 

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Oklahoma City Thunder lock up No. 1 seed for third straight season

For the third straight season, the Oklahoma City Thunder will finish as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

For the second straight season, the Oklahoma City Thunder will finish with the best record in the NBA and have home court advantage for as long as they are playing.

All that came after the Thunder easily handled the Clippers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, 128-110. And those two stats above just begin to touch on what the Thunder have done:

• Oklahoma City is the first team with back-to-back best records in the NBA since the 2019-20 Milwaukee Bucks.
• OKC is trying to become the first team with back-to-back best records in the NBA and to win the NBA title since Michael Jordan's Bulls in 1996-97.
• Only five other teams have had three or more consecutive seasons with a No. 1 seed — most recently the 2015-17 Golden State Warriors — and those five teams all won multiple NBA titles in that stretch.
• This was the Thunder's 64th win. If they win one of their remaining two games, they will become only the third team with back-to-back 65+ win seasons, joining the peak Jordan Bulls and the Curry/Durant-era Warriors (again, teams that won multiple titles).

OKC didn't coast into this, it has won 19-of-20 down the stretch. It also has reached these records despite its second-best player, Jalen Williams, only playing in 33 games this season due to injury (plus the team has faced a lot of other injuries, having guys in and out of the lineup). Part of why the Thunder have pulled this off is that, to a man, they have bought into what coach Mark Daigneault is selling: focusing on yourself, on short-term improvement, and if you do that the big picture will take care of itself.

"I think the first thing for us is just making sure that we're taking care of our stuff," Daigneault said the night before, when the Thunder beat the Lakers. "It starts with how we're playing, the habits we're trying to sharpen what we're trying to get done. You go through the regular season, there's different opponents every night that present different challenges, but it always starts between you and yourself."

Oklahoma City will open the playoffs at home the weekend of April 18 against one of the teams that have fought their way out of the play-in (Phoenix, the LA Clippers, Portland or Golden State).

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Warriors Reacts Survey: Do you want Steve Kerr to come back?

Steve Kerr standing next to LJ Cryer.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 27: LJ Cryer #18 of the Golden State Warriors and head coach Steve Kerr look on from the bench against the Washington Wizards in the first quarter at Chase Center on March 27, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Golden State fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Despite being one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, Steve Kerr has been a controversial topic among online segments of the Golden State Warriors fanbase ever since he agreed to take the job 12 years ago.

Since then, he’s led the Warriors to four championships, six NBA Finals appearances, and the greatest regular season in NBA history, while overseeing Steph Curry’s rise from All-Star to all-time great. But there have been quips from the fanbase, mainly about Kerr’s Curry-centric offensive system, and his struggles with developing young, raw talent like Jonathan Kuminga and James Wiseman.

All good things run their course, and that will happen for Kerr at some point. But will it be this summer? The Warriors coach is about to see his contract expire, and there haven’t been any reports of working on a new contract. Even though there’s occasionally been some tension between Kerr and owner Joe Lacob, the simple fact is that Kerr has an open invite to coach the Warriors for as long as Curry is on the roster. Curry very openly does not want to play for any other coach … but of course, it takes two to tango, and Kerr will have to make the decision.

So we’re asking Warriors fans: do you want to see Kerr return next year? Or would you prefer he call it quits, and the organization can bring in a new face?

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Game 13: Twins vs Tigers

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 08: Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins is congratulated after scoring a run by Victor Caratini #37 during the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Turner/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

First Pitch (CT):12:40 PM
TV: Twins.TV
Radio: TIBN/830 WCCO/102.9 The Wolf /Audacy App
Know Yo’ Foe: Bless You Boys

The Twins have already secured their first series win of the season and they’ll go for their first sweep of the season as they try to take game four against Jack Flaherty and the Tigers. Both Flaherty and Twins starting pitcher Mick Abel have great stuff, but have struggled in their first few starts of the young season. With both bullpens pretty taxed after short starts and bullpen struggles, whichever starter can last the longest will likely emerge victorious.

One way or another, expect a heavy dose of new Twin Garrett Acton this afternoon.

Meanwhile, Luke Keaschall gets his first day off of the season amid this stretch of 15 straight days with a game. He is likely available off the bench to pinch hit against a lefty, but I would expect Austin Martin up first as they try to get him completely off his feet for the day. As talented as he is, it’s important to remember he’s never played over 103 games in a season due to his various arm injuries and it does no one any favors to wear him down in April.

Let’s sweep this series up and head to Toronto!

Lineups

TwinsOpponent
SP: Mick AbelSP: Jack Flaherty
1. Byron Buxton, CF1. Colt Keith, 3B
2. Trevor Larnach, DH2. Gleyber Torres, DH
3. Josh Bell, 1B3. Riley Greene, LF
4. Matt Wallner, RF4. Kerry Carpenter, RF
5. Victor Caratini, C5. Spencer Torkelson, 1B
6. Kody Clemens, 2B6. Zach McKinstry, 2B
7. Royce Lewis, 3B7. Javier Baez, SS
8. Tristan Gray, SS8. Parker Meadows, CF
9. James Outman, LF9. Jake Rogers, C
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Noa-Lynn van Leuven banned from women-only darts events by PDC transgender ruling

  • Van Leuven can no longer play in PDC Women’s Series

  • DRA report determines darts is ‘gender-affected sport’

Noa-Lynn van Leuven will be banned from competing in any of the Professional Darts Corporation’s women-only events with immediate effect after a ruling from the sport’s regulatory body stated only biological females can now compete in women’s tournaments.

The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) has ruled that transgender women will no longer be permitted to compete in women’s events. Van Leuven can therefore no longer participate in the PDC Women’s Series, where she has won six titles, and will be prevented from also competing in the Women’s World Matchplay, which she was on course to qualify for this summer.

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New MLB City Connect jerseys, ranked: See the 2026 alternate uniforms

In its never-ending quest to separate the hardball superfan from more of their hard-earned money, Major League Baseball, its apparel and merchandising partners and eight teams have rolled out a second generation of “City Connect” jerseys and hats.

Coming just three years after dropping alternate togs for the Braves, Brewers, Orioles, Padres, Pirates, Rangers, Reds and Royals, fans of that octet of teams will now have the right drop $200 on a new jersey, or $53 on a cap.

Yet is it all worth it?

Whether these Connects 2.0 are an improvement on the OGs is of course a matter of taste. Yet the first pass through these eight mid-market clubs produced both iconic jerseys and also some mail-it-in efforts that made it an easier bar to clear.

Ranking the eight new City Connect jerseys – and whether they represent an improvement on the original:

1. Pittsburgh Pirates

Daunting and haunting, from font to cap. Pirates are supposed to be a little scary and this kit fills that bill, thanks to a heaping spoonful of what outfielder Jake Mangum calls “mustard gold” accenting the jersey and cap. The Jolly Roger on the sleeve is downright horrifying. While the league wants to siphon more cash out of the consumer, you might be in a plundering mood yourself when donning this gear.

An improvement?

Yes. Both the Pirates and Reds seemed to draw the short straw the first time around, with unimaginative “PGH” and “CIN” slapped across the jerseys. The Pirates, at least, got better treatment this time around.

2. San Diego Padres

Just a gorgeous callback to their orange and blue color scheme of the 1990s. While the Padres have wisely and successfully leaned into Brown over the years, this color scheme is regionally evocative and recalls an era that was quietly successful, including a surprise 1998 World Series run.

An improvement?

No. You wanna talk retro regionally evocative? There’s just no improving upon the fluorescent aerobics-class gear of the original City Connects, an apparel set that makes you want to grab a Walkman and rollerblade through Mission Bay Park. This version's La Catrina Dia de los Muertos patch, while a nice touch, seems to make the kit want to split the difference between "active lifestyle" and "cultural history."

3. Texas Rangers

The Rangers opened their airplane hangar of a ballpark with an accompanying everyday uniform set that was appropriately bland. Their ’23 City Connects were an improvement on that. Yet this version steers hard into the red that was a staple of their franchise for most of their first six decades. And the “TEJAS” script across the chest is “also in homage to the Tejano culture as we know it,” Daisy Rincón, the Rangers manager of multicultural marketing tells MLB.com. “There’s a large mix of Mexican-Americans here in Texas. It’s in the spirit of celebrating Texas culture.”

An improvement?

Yes. The originals that paid homage to the long history of baseball in Texas were pretty cool, even if they had a “Will I really wear this in public?” vibe. Acknowledging the multicultural makeup of the club’s fans is a nice touch, though it loses some steam when you take into account some, um, other actions of the franchise.

4. Baltimore Orioles

Aiming to connect the city’s “big stoop energy” with its jewel of a gathering place, Camden Yards, the Orioles’ new entry features accents of “Camden Green” (who knew?) and patches celebrating the Eutaw Street home-run plaques and the iconic clock tower. Hey, why be less when you can BMORE?

An improvement?

Yes. If only because the previous version’s special touches were so subtle they often escaped the naked eye. The green and orange does evoke a Miami Hurricanes intrasquad scrimmage, but it’s a pretty combo.

5. Milwaukee Brewers

The “Wisco” in script letters across the chest immediately signal an aggressive rebrand: “Even though the official branding is City Connect, we call it ‘State Connect’ internally,” Brewers president of business operations Rick Schlesinger tells MLB.com. So, shoutout Kewaunee County, we guess. It is a pretty color scheme, for sure, with its Base Blue intended to reflect the state’s endless shorelines and waterways.

An improvement?

No. Hey, the Great Lakes are freaking awesome, and the club is wise to tap into the state’s greatest natural resources. Yet the grill-out theme of the originals also captured the Milwaukee baseball experience and the winterlong pining for warmer times so wonderfully.

6. Atlanta Braves

The most powdery blue you’ve ever seen, the Braves have scrawled an audacious “Atlanta” across the chest with font choices aimed to evoke the team’s TBS glory days of the 1980s and ‘90s (the ATL sleeve patch is essentially the old TBS logo). Sartorially pleasing.

An improvement?

No. The 2023 originals were so clean, with “The A” scrawled in such gorgeous type. It provided a nice roadmap should the club ever want to move on from its nickname. Also, it was released “to honor the legacy of Hank Aaron,” which one would think might have a shelf life greater than three years.

7. Cincinnati Reds

They are the Reds, and the uniforms are very red – seven shades of it, according to the team. For the first time since that odd swath of franchise history when the club commuted from Riverfront Stadium/Cinergy Field to Great American Ball Park, the kits will feature pinstripes, though they’re less pronounced set against the, well, redness of it all.

An improvement?

Yes. Like the Pirates, the Reds’ first Connects seemed bereft of creativity, relative to their major league brethren. These pop a little more and feature more interesting design elements, though the “C” logo is, well, interesting.

8. Kansas City Royals

They’ve gone from a fountain theme to a… fountain theme. At first glance, the scheme looks like way too much is going on, though the subtleties pop a little more once you slow everything down. Most notably: Two blue stripes on the armbands surrounding a swath of white, symbolizing the city’s position with one foot in Missouri and another in Kansas.

An improvement?

No, but it’s close. The Kauffman Stadium fountains have given way to a more regional look, appropriate given the club’s desire to join the Chiefs in greener pastures elsewhere in the surrounding area.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB City Connect 2026 new jerseys ranked, from Padres to Braves

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Lightning vs Canadiens Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game

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The Montreal Canadiens host the Tampa Bay Lightning in an Atlantic Division heavyweight bout on Thursday, April 9.

This potential playoff matchup is perhaps the most important game of the season for both teams, with the division title up for grabs.

My Lightning vs. Canadiens predictions and NHL picks suggest that Cole Caufield, laden with the ever-looming 50-goal plateau, will find other ways to hit the scoresheet in front of the Bell Centre faithful.

Lightning vs Canadiens prediction

Lightning vs Canadiens best bet: Cole Caufield Over 0.5 assists (+100)

The elephant in the room regarding Cole Caufield has overshadowed a particularly generous stretch for the Montreal Canadiens' 25-year-old.

He's racked up three assists in three games since his latest tally, and 10 over his last 12 games. This plus-odds pricing is perhaps as egregious as his Olympic omission.

Caufield's natural goal-scoring ability outshines his playmaking, but he’s tied his career-high assist total and has been playing at a 68-assist pace since mid-March.

Lightning vs Canadiens same-game parlay

Rookie sensation Ivan Demidov is quickly becoming a focal point of the Canadiens' stacked offense, only one year removed from his contract signing late last season.

The 20-year-old has a point in seven of his last eight games, notably racking up a power-play point (+215) in four of them. He leads all rookies with 61 points.

On the topic of red-hot Habs rookies, Jakub Dobes has been the best goaltender in the league over the last month. He's won six straight games and boasts an astounding 28-8-4 record.

Dobes has allowed three goals or fewer in 11 consecutive starts, holding Tampa to a lone goal as he stopped 36 of 37 shots on March 31.

Lightning vs Canadiens SGP

  • Cole Caufield Over 0.5 assists
  • Ivan Demidov Over 0.5 points
  • Tampa Bay Under 3.5 goals

Lightning vs Canadiens odds

  • Moneyline: Lightning -115 | Canadiens -105
  • Puck Line: Lightning -1.5 (+200) | Canadiens +1.5 (-245)
  • Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-105) | Under 6.5 (-115)

Lightning vs Canadiens trend

The Over has hit in three of the last four head-to-head meetings. Find more NHL betting trends for Lightning vs. Canadiens.

How to watch Lightning vs Canadiens

LocationBell Centre, Montreal, QC
DateThursday, April 9, 2026
Puck drop7:00 p.m. ET
TVThe Spot, TSN2

Lightning vs Canadiens latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Giants Reacts Survey: What part of the roster is to blame?

Matt Chapman taking his hat off.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - APRIL 08: Matt Chapman #26 of the San Francisco Giants puts on his cap during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies on April 8, 2026 at Oracle Park in San Francisco, CA. (Photo by Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Giants fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

It hasn’t been the start to the season that the San Francisco Giants wanted. And unfortunately, it’s been a struggle across the board.

The offense, which on paper should arguably be the strength of the the team, is 28th in the Majors in runs per game. The defense, something Buster Posey openly wants to win with, has graded out as fairly poor, with plenty of mistakes. The pitching looks significantly better after back-to-back shutout wins over the Philadelphia Phillies, but even so, the rotation is 15th in ERA, and the bullpen 19th … despite playing 10 of their 13 games at Oracle Park.

So which of those four do you assign the most blame to when assessing the poor start to the 2026 season?

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Game # 12, Athletics vs. Yankees Game Thread

Jeffrey Springs will take the mound today in the rubber match of the 3-game series with the New York Yankees. | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Fresh off a come from behind, ninth inning victory over the New York Yankees last night, the two teams are back at it this morning in the Bronx. Yankee Stadium will host the rubber match of this three-game series with the 4-7 A’s going up against the 8-3 Yankees.

Jeffrey Springs will get the start for the Athletics today. Springs is 1-0 in his two starts this season with a 2.38 ERA and nine strikeouts in 11.1 innings.  He’ll go up against 26-year-old lefty Ryan Weathers who came to the Yankees vis trade from Miami in the off-season.  Weathers is the son of former MLB (and Yankees) hurler David Weathers. He has no record in his two starts for the Yankees this season with a 4.50 ERA and eleven strikeouts.

Weathers will face off against this lineup for the A’s:

View Link

Springs will go up against this batting order for Aaron Boone’s first place Yankees:

View Link

Follow the Game:

Watch:
Athletics – NBCSCA

Listen:
Athletics – Talk 650 KSTE, A’s Cast

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Celtics vs Knicks Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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It is possible to have an NBA game in the final week of the season where both teams care and have incentive to win.

It may be rare, but that is very much the case tonight with the Boston Celtics heading to face the New York Knicks with hopes of clinching the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.

My Celtics vs. Knicks predictions and these NBA picks are glad to consider legitimate rotations in a game with real stakes on Thursday, April 9.

Celtics vs Knicks prediction

Celtics vs Knicks best bet: Jaylen Brown Over 26.5 points (-115)

While the Boston Celtics are just about locked in as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks could technically still catch them. That would require the Celtics to lose out and the Knicks to finish 3-0, but neither thought is impossible.

So, for once this week, both teams may play genuine basketball with their actual rotations.

Perhaps more earnestly, New York has to worry about Cleveland snagging the No. 3 seed, and Boston has to continue reintegrating Jayson Tatum into the lineup. His 15 games thus far have been quite impressive, but the Celtics should want even more consistency before the playoffs.

It very well may be Tatum is firmly the No. 2 option for Boston all spring behind Jaylen Brown. Brown’s 28.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.2 assists this season deserve more praise. He took a team expected to meander and has it firmly in the No. 2 spot in the East. Brown gave Tatum reason to return, and that made the Celtics the Eastern Conference favorites (+165 at bet365).

Brown has cleared this prop in eight of his last 10 games, both exceptions coming by merely the hook.That kind of production should be immune to New York’s slowed pace, particularly since Boston works at nearly as slow a tempo by default.

Celtics vs Knicks same-game parlay

What Jayson Tatum is doing is somewhat absurd. This is not to take away from his recovery or subsequent production. But he is shooting just 41.9% from the field and 33.8% from deep, while averaging 21.6 points. He has cleared this prop only three times in his 15 games back.

Tatum is, understandably, more focused on rebounds and assists than points currently, which should serve to further boost Brown.

Taking this first-half Under is entirely an acknowledgement that these are the two slowest teams in the NBA.

Celtics vs Knicks SGP

  • Jaylen Brown Over 26.5 points
  • Jayson Tatum Under 24.5 points
  • First Half Under 111.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: Tatum's Intentional Choices

This may look absurd, but realize Tatum has cashed this exact same-game parlay once in his last three games and came a point away from doing so an additional time in his last four games.

He is not driving with abandon. Instead, he is pulling up from deep, albeit with inconsistent results, while looking to impact the game beyond scoring.

Celtics vs Knicks SGP

  • Jayson Tatum Under 24.5 points
  • Jayson Tatum Over 3.5 3-pointers
  • Jayson Tatum Over 8.5 rebounds
  • Jayson Tatum Over 5.5 assists

Celtics vs Knicks odds

  • Spread: Boston +4.5 | New York -4.5
  • Moneyline: Boston +155 | New York -185
  • Over/Under: Over 216.5 | Under 216.5

Celtics vs Knicks betting trend to know

Boston has gone 10-5 against the spread this season with Jayson Tatum in the lineup. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Knicks.

How to watch Celtics vs Knicks

LocationMadison Square Garden, New York, NY
DateThursday, April 9, 2026
Tip-off7:30 p.m. ET
TVPrime Video, MSG

Celtics vs Knicks latest injuries

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San Diego Padres honor past legends in 2026 City Connect jersey unveiling

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows San Diego Padres player in a colorful City Connect uniform running with a bat, Image 2 shows Tony Gwynn acknowledging the crowd, holding his helmet in one hand and a bat in the other

One of the most passionate fan bases in baseball just got a lot happier Thursday morning.

MLB and the Padres announced San Diego’s new City Connect jerseys for the 2026 season, revealing a striking color combination that honors the cross-cultural fan base between Southern California and Mexico.

Per the Padres, the slogan for the jerseys are “Two Countries. Two Cultures. Together as One.”

The uniform begins with a white hat and navy blue bill, with the traditional “SD” embroidered in orange and navy blue. The jersey is navy blue with trim colors that reflect the traditional celebration of Día de Los Muertos. The pants are white with an orange band the runs from the hip to the ankle along the side.

According to the Padres, there are six distinct features for the city connect uniforms.

The newest iteration of the jerseys are a stark contrast to its predecessors.

While the old combination was bright and vibrant, celebrating San Diego’s sublime coastal location, the newest version pays homage to past that honors its legends and former greats.

Among Padres legends who have passed recently are Tony Gwynn, Ken Caminiti, Randy Jones and Padres owner Peter Seidler.

Gwynn, or better known as “Mr. Padre” after spending 20 season with the team, is the greatest Padre to have ever lived. He finished with a career .338 batting average, eight national league batting titles and played in San Diego’s two World Series trips. He passed away on June 16, 2014 at the age of 54 after losing his battle with cancer.

San Diego Padres’ Tony Gwynn, who passed away in 2014, acknowledges the crowd as he comes up to bat in the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Pacific Bell Park in San Francisco, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2001. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg) AP

According to the Padres, there are six distinct features for the city connect uniforms.

Sleeve Patch

Día de los Muertos is about remembering and celebrating our loved ones. The Padres honor our traditions and families with a La Catrina patch, an iconic symbol of this holiday and celebration of those we hold dear. She is adorned with a traditional floral crown, surrounded by ofrenda candles, and set against the aqua backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

Wordmark

The uniform is a continued celebration of our binational region. The refreshed wordmark is inspired by our beautiful shared coastline, spectacular sunsets, and active lifestyle.

The Cap

Featuring a bone crown, obsidian bill and floral pattern on the interior, the hat design is a nod to one fo the Padres greatest teams and legends taken too soon.

Trim and Braid

A marigold pattern is sublimated on the trim of the sleeves and the braids on the bone-colored pants. This flower is quintessential to Día de los Muertos and symbolizes joy and the beauty of life.

Colors

Evocative of our vibrant landscape, rich culture, history, and traditions, the colors — bone, obsidian, marigold, aqua, fireberry, and Padres gold — come together in one uniform.

Jock Tag

The papel picado celebrates the history of the Padres franchise and region we call home, using logos from the past that pay tribute to our teams, players, and faithful fans.

To purchase the City Connect jerseys, click HERE.

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Alex Vesia pitched his 300th game with Dodgers

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 27, 2026: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia (51) reacts after striking out Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2) to retire the side in the seventh inning at Dodger Stadium on March 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Alex Vesia pitched in one of the highest-leverage moments of the young season for the Dodgers on Tuesday night against the Toronto Blue Jays, escaping a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the seventh inning to protect a two-run lead.

Vesia inherited runners at the corners after Yoshinobu Yamamoto allowed a double and single to open the frame, the first Dodgers starting pitcher to last into the seventh inning this season. Vesia walked his first batter to load the bases, but then sandwiched two flyouts around a strikeout to get out unscathed.

Tuesday was also notable because it was Vesia’s 300th game with the Dodgers, a number reached by only 25 pitchers in franchise history. A fitting number, considering Vesia walked off the mound with the energy of Leonidas.

When the Dodgers acquired Vesia in February 2021 — from the Miami Marlins along with Kyle Hurt for reliever Dylan Floro — the left-hander was entering his age-25 season, and to that point had pitched five games in the majors, all with the Marlins in 2020.

He’s been a fixture in the Dodgers bullpen for the last half-decade, with a 2.62 ERA and 3.01 xERA, and 32.6-percent strikeout rate, and also has a 1.86 ERA and 3.76 xERA in 26 postseason games, including a save in Game 2 of the 2024 World Series.

Since joining the Dodgers, he ranks 21st in the majors in games pitched, including sixth-most among left-handed pitchers.

Only one of Vesia’s Dodgers games was a start. He served as the opener on July 8, 2023 against the Angels, and pitched a scoreless first inning. But when he pitches next in relief, Vesia will join an even more exclusive club. Currently only nine Dodgers have pitched 300 times in relief.

Most relief appearances, Dodgers history

  1. Kenley Jansen, 519 games
  2. Ron Perranoski, 456 games
  3. Jim Brewer, 456 games
  4. Clem Labine, 388 games
  5. Jonathan Broxton, 386 games
  6. Charlie Hough, 385 games
  7. Pedro Báez, 355 games
  8. Ed Roebuck, 321 games
  9. Tom Niedenfuer, 310 games
  10. Alex Vesia, 299 games
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Celtics Reacts Survey: who could be an unexpected x-factor in the playoffs?

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 28: Baylor Scheierman #55, Anfernee Simons #4, Hugo Gonzalez #28 and Jordan Walsh #27 of the Boston Celtics look on during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on January 28, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Celtics fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

In this march (and April) to the playoffs, head coach Joe Mazzulla has been checking items off his to-do list.

First and foremost has been the assimilation of Jayson Tatum back into the rotation. It hasn’t exactly been seamless. There’s been the expected rust and acclimation to the speed and timing of the NBA game. He’s had to get his legs underneath him and after fourteen games, he’s starting to look like he’s got his quick twitch back.

Second, Brown’s game has shifted slightly to more scoring and less playmaking with his partner-in-crime back into the fold. During his Player of the Week campaign, he averaged he averaged 31 points, 5.5 rebounds, and (still getting his teammates involved with) 5.8 assists.

Third, Mazzulla has also trimmed the rotation. Before Tatum’s return, the Celtics routinely went ten-deep. But with everybody back and the injury list clean, Boston has gone to an 8-to-9-man depth chart:

  • Jaylen Brown
  • Jayson Tatum
  • Derrick White
  • Neemias Queta
  • Sam Hauser
  • Payton Pritchard
  • Luka Garza
  • Baylor Scheierman
  • Jordan Walsh

Now, with Nikola Vucevic back from a fractured finger that has had him out since Tatum’s return, will anything change? On Sunday, Vucevic replaced Garza in those backup big minutes. We’ve also seen Hugo Gonzalez effectively phased out over the last two weeks.

In a seven-game series, teams will systematically take things away and force teams to do something different. One of the benefits of this “gap year” has been getting intel for every player, from Jaylen Brown all the way down to Ron Harper Jr. who just signed a standard contract to be eligible for the playoffs. So, come Game 4, 5, 6, or even 7, Mazzulla could throw an unexpected curveball — or shall we say “uneXpected?”

X-factors have littered the Celtics long-storied history. Danny Ainge dusted off a retired P.J. Brown to join the 2008 run. The aptly named Xavier Tillman helped put Dallas on the brink in just twelve minutes in Game 3 of the Finals. Throughout the regular season, we’ve seen nearly every player either start or make an impact on the bench, so who’s your favorite x-factor heading into April, May, and June?