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Islanders 5, Penguins 4 (OT): Horvat, Barzal find their groove

Bo knows OT. | NHLI via Getty Images

The New York Islanders pulled out a late equalizer and 5-4 overtime win in an intense, back-and-forth meeting with the Pittsburgh Penguins that highlighted how we have Ilya Sorokin and they have Replacement Jarry.

True, Sorokin allowed at least one goal he would want back, when Bryan Rust banked a shot in off his glove from below the goal line to make it 3-2 in the second period, but he faced more shots (35-23) and stopped more nailbiters while Stuart Skinner offered holes the Islanders gratefully found.

[NHL Gamecenter | Game Summary | Event Summary | Natural Stat Trick]

That applies to Bo Horvat’s late first period goal, when Skinner bobbled a glove save and Horvat pounced on the loose puck with Skinner unawares (to be fair, it took an odd carom in between). It also applies to noted cannon-launcher Mat Barzal’s one-timer from the point to tie it at 3-3 and Ryan Pulock’s snap shot from the slot to tie it at 4-4 with 4:36 left in regulation.

Horvat finished things off on an overtime breakaway, snapping a shot past Skinner right as the wobbling, rolling puck finally settled down.

Notes

  • It was a competitive game throughout, but felt too tilted Pittsburgh’s way for comfort. As has often been the case this season, Islanders goaltending provided an important difference, just enough cover to keep them in the game.
  • There Barzal Offensive Zone Orbits aplenty, but his rushes and breakouts were also key to several goals, including his own. Made a nice chip to send Horvat on the breakaway for the OT winner, too.
  • Matthew Schaefer continued his “moah than Bahbby Aahh” season with his 16th goal of the season, and 23rd assist on the winner.
  • Was that a power play goal? No. No, the Isles did not score on the power play. 0 for 2.
  • Gotta be huge for Horvat to put a couple in; he’s had some breakaways since coming back from injury, so finishing one will help make him feel whole going to Italy.
  • Damn, Patrick Roy is cold and hard-ass with Anthony Duclair. Benched him after four shifts, 3:04 TOI. Per Andrew Gross, “Roy said this was a ‘big game’ and he didn’t like Duclair’s defensive tracking. But he said Duclair will be OK.” Duclair got back as the third man on Anthony Mantha’s goal, but he was covering no one. So I definitely get it, especially if this is a discussion they’ve had before.
  • After the Isles tied it up yet again at 4-4, the Penguins thought they had another go-ahead goal, but Ben Kindel clearly was kicking Sorokin’s pad and then continuing to drive him into the net, so even by current random standards that was pretty obvious goalie interference. Took the refs long enough to review it though.

Sidney Crosby had a bout of Vintage Crosby Whiner when he tripped Simon Holmstrom as the Isles winger carried the puck out of the zone in the third period. It was special edition, since Crosby pre-whined, stopping and making a diving gesture as play carried on before a penalty was called…oh, by the way, no penalty was called. So it was fun to see Crosby continue to whine after he went to the bench, a display reminiscent of his early Entitlement Years in the league. It was one of those occasion where it didn’t take much to cause Holmstrom to fall — skating fast on edges can be like that — but it wasn’t a dive. I didn’t see Crosby’s reaction to his trip of Barzal, also in the third, but I’m sure it was totally dignified.

Second-Best Moment of the Night

Schaefer with the laser, after the Isles make a big push as the clock wound down in the first, making two goals in 1:15:

Best Moment of the Night

Gotta be the Horvat winner. Schaefer breaks up the play, Barzal pitches it forward, Horvat keeps the wobbling puck moving forward and is able to snap it just in time:

Up Next

Damn, the Isles needed those two points. It was not looking promising at several moments there. Unfortunate that they let the Penguins get a point, too, but it sure beats zero and two.

They finish the pre-Olympics stretch with a visit to the struggling Devils on Thursday.

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Purple Row After Dark: How would you rank the Rockies’ offseason talent acquisitions?

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 15: Jake McCarthy #31 of the Arizona Diamondbacks jogs off the field in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on August 15, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Tonight, I’d be curious about your thoughts on a ranking published by Bleacher Report over the weekend. Joel Reuter asked this question: “Which MLB team has added the most talent this offseason?” (It kind of follows up some of the discussion we had today in the Rockpile comments.)

He then goes on to rank all 30 teams. (The Rockies come in 23rd.)

Watching a team truly rebuild is a bit disorienting since none of the familiar metrics apply. What constitutes a successful season for the Rockies won’t apply to most MLB teams.

So with that in mind, I’d like to pose Reuter’s question to the Purple Row Night Owls: How would you rank the Rockies’ offseason talent acquisition given that they are in the midst of a rebuild?

Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!

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Zac Gallen thinks it would be ‘awesome’ to re-sign with Diamondbacks

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen throws a pitch.
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen throws against the Texas Rangers during the first inning in Game 1 of the baseball World Series Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, in Arlington, Texas....

One of the top remaining pitchers available in free agency wouldn’t mind a reunion with his old club.

Right-hander Zac Gallen, a 2023 All-Star who remains unsigned with pitchers and catchers officially set to report to spring training next week, said it would be “awesome” to re-sign with the Diamondbacks.

“It’s been humbling,” Gallen told reporters Tuesday at the WM Phoenix Open. “That’s kind of been the constant thing the last couple of weeks. People have been like, ‘Hey, we’d really love for you to come back.’ I think people understand what Phoenix means to me.

Zac Gallen still hasn’t signed with a team this offseason. AP

“My wife is from here, I’m calling this home base now, so for us to be here would be awesome.”

Gallen, 30, developed into Arizona’s ace after being acquired from the Marlins exchange for Jazz Chisholm Jr. in July 2019  — but he’s coming off a disappointing season.

The Somerdale, N.J., native went 13-15 with a 4.83 ERA in 33 starts across a career-high 192 innings in 2025.

While he posted career-worst marks in several categories, Gallen finished strong, pitching to a 3.32 ERA in the second half, right in line with his career 3.58 mark.

Even with that rebound, 2025 was a far cry from his elite form; he went 12-4 with a 2.54 ERA in 2022 and followed it with a National League All-Star selection the next season.

Gallen’s market has been murky this offseason, likely compounded by his decision to decline Arizona’s $22.025 million qualifying offer, which would entitle the Diamondbacks to draft-pick compensation if he signs elsewhere and penalize the team he signs with.

The Diamondbacks discussed a reunion with Gallen while the Cubs, Padres, Angels and others have also expressed interest, The Post’s Jon Heyman reported.

Retaining Gallen would be a solid way for Arizona to wrap up an offseason in which the team did not trade superstar infielder Ketel Marte and added veteran hitters Carlos Santana and Nolan Arenado.

The Diamondbacks also added former Yankees reliever Jonathan Loaisiga and reunited with fellow righty Merrill Kelly.

Former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes, who signed a franchise-record six-year, $210 million deal last offseason, is expected to return at some point in 2026 after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Zac Gallen of the Arizona Diamondbacks delivers a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies at Chase Field on September 20, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. Getty Images

Despite an uneven year and Arizona’s failure to reach the postseason, Gallen said the support from the fanbase has left a lasting impression.

“It gives you chill that people still want you to come back and be part of the organization and franchise,” Gallen said.

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Blue Jays emerge as team in Framber Valdez sweepstakes

Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez throws a pitch in the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx, New York, USA, Saturday, August 09, 2025.
Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez throws a pitch in the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx, New York, USA, Saturday, August 09, 2025.

Another American League East squad is in the running for baseball’s top remaining free agent pitcher.

The Blue Jays — among several other clubs — have expressed interest in left-hander Framber Valdez, The Post’s Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman reported on Tuesday.

Heyman reported last week that Valdez, 32, was believed to be patient as he decided on his next team.

Framber Valdez throws a pitch during the Yankees’ win over the Astors in The Bronx on Aug. 9, 2025. JASON SZENES/ NY POST

The Orioles have previously expressed interest in the former Astros hurler, and the Yankees checked in on him before trading with the Marlins for lefty Ryan Weathers.

Toronto, after falling two outs shy of a World Series, has been active this offseason, particularly in the pitching market. The Blue Jays have already added righty starters Dylan Cease (seven years, $210 million) and Korean Baseball Organization MVP Cody Ponce (three years, $30 million) and submarine reliever Tyler Rogers (three years, $37 million) this offseason.

Valdez was a workhorse for Houston over eight seasons, especially over the past four seasons when he averaged over 191 innings per year.

A two-time All-Star and 2022 World Series champion, Valdez has received Cy Young votes in four separate seasons.

In 2025, he held a 3.66 ERA and 1.245 WHIP over 192 innings. His season wasn’t free of drama, however, as he appeared to intentionally cross up catcher César Salazar, throwing a pitch at the backstop’s chest during a September game against the Yankees. His agent, in the immediate aftermath, called the allegations “preposterous.”

Framber Valdez has not yet signed with a new team. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

Another one of Valdez’s former catchers, Martin Maldonado, told Chron.com this week that Valdez is reliable pitcher any team would be lucky to have.

“He’s a hard worker, a guy ready to compete, ready to get the ball every five days, even four, if needed,” Maldonado said of Valdez. “He’s developed himself into that guy, too. He’s worked to be that kind of pitcher.

“As a teammate, I never had a problem with him. He’s a guy that, you know, like me, he competes. Everyone knows that about him.”

Valdez turned down a qualifying offer from Houston to hit free agency, so that means any team that signs him will forfeit some form of draft picks in 2026.

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Bo Horvat's OT goal lifts Islanders to 5-4 win over Penguins

NEW YORK (AP) — Bo Horvat scored his second goal of the game 52 seconds into overtime and the New York Islanders beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-4 on Tuesday night.

Mathew Barzal had a goal and an assist, Ilya Sorokin made 31 saves and New York snapped its two-game skid. Matthew Schaefer and Ryan Pulock also scored for the Islanders.

Justin Brazeau had a goal and an assist for the Penguins, who dropped their second consecutive game. Anthony Mantha, Egor Chinakhov and Bryan Rust also scored. Stuart Skinner stopped 18 shots.

Horvat buried a breakaway in overtime to give the Islanders a critical victory in their second-to-last game prior to the Olympic break.

Barzal tied it at 3 midway through the third period, but Brazeau redirected a shot from Brett Kulak to put Pittsburgh ahead 4-3 with 9:20 remaining.

Pulock responded for the Islanders with less than six minutes left in the third to tie it again and force overtime.

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby corralled a loose puck behind the net and slid it to Rust, who fired a sharp-angled shot from behind the goal line that caught Sorokin off guard with under six minutes to play in the second.

Brazeau set up Mantha in the slot for the opening goal of the game at 12:09 of the first.

Horvat tied it with less than two minutes left in the period when he buried a rebound.

Schaefer, the 18-year-old rookie defenseman, fired a slap shot from the point in the closing seconds of the first to give the Islanders a 2-1 lead. It was his 16th goal.

Chinakhov evened the score at 2 early in the second off a feed from Tommy Novak.

Up next

Penguins: Visit the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday.

Islanders: Visit the New Jersey Devils on Thursday.

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Rapid Recap: Bucks 131, Bulls 115

MILWAUKEE, WI - FEBRUARY 3: Matas Buzelis #14 of Chicago Bulls passes the ball during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 3, 2026 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images

The Milwaukee Bucks started their three-game homestand with a blowout win over the Chicago Bulls. It stops the bleeding a little bit, after the Bucks had lost five in a row. Kyle Kuzma tied a season high with 31 points on 12/22 shooting, while Ryan Rollins finished with a 21-point, 10-assist double-double. Second-year forward Matas Buzelis led the Bulls offense with 22 points on 5/10 shooting from three-point range. 

NBA.com Box Score

Game Recap

With nine rotational players out tonight on both sides (for various reasons), they each needed someone to step up. After Kuzma got the Bucks started with the first four points, AJ Green found his rhythm from distance. Green’s back-to-back threes helped extend Milwaukee’s lead to nine points after Kuzma laid it in, forcing a timeout from Chicago. That didn’t slow down the Bucks, finishing the quarter on a 10-4 run. That gave the Bucks their largest advantage, 39-24, heading into the second quarter. 

Already up by double-digits, Milwaukee continued to pour it on a short-handed Chicago squad. They hit their first two shots from beyond the arc, making it eight consecutive makes from three-point range going back to Ryan Rollins’ three in the first. For once, the Bucks were the team ahead by 20+ points, after Myles Turner hit a couple of free throws. Turner and Rollins took turns scoring on the Bulls, with the pair going for 10 straight points. Green punctuated an explosive first half for Milwaukee’s offense, putting up 77 points while Chicago limped into the locker room with 52. 

The Bulls got out to a fast start in the second half, going on a 10-2 run. After a timeout from Doc Rivers, the Bucks settled in thanks to Kuzma, scoring two straight buckets for Milwaukee. Yet, the Bucks we’ve come to expect this season reared their ugly heads once again. Chicago went on a 15-4 run, cutting Milwaukee’s lead from 19 to just eight. The Bucks were able to close out the frame on a 9-3 run, thanks in part to the two-man game of Cole Anthony and Pete Nance. The run gave Milwaukee a 16-point lead going into the fourth, 105-89. 

The Bucks continued to cash in from three-point range. Three of their first four makes in the stanza were from beyond the arc, including two from Kuzma. The early barrage put them back up by 22, forcing Billy Donovan to call a timeout. From there, the Bucks were able to put the game into Kuz-control, as they ended their five-game losing streak. 

Stat That Stood Out

The Bucks’ three-point shooting was exceptional tonight. After a rough outing from distance against the Celtics on Sunday, they shot it efficiently against the Bulls. On the night, Milwaukee went 20/38 (60.5%), with Trent tying a season high in three-point makes with five.

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Jaylen Brown’s 33 points push Celtics past Mavs, 110-100

Feb 3, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) reacts against the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Celtics got their third straight win on Tuesday night, beating the Mavericks 110-100. Jaylen Brown’s 33 points led the way with Payton Pritchard’s 26 points and Luka Garza’s 16 points off of the bench.

The Celtics were without Jayson Tatum, Chris Boucher and (technically) Anfernee Simons — the trade with Chicago has yet to be finalized, so Simons is still on the roster. They started Derrick White, Baylor Scheierman, Sam Hauser, Jaylen Brown and Neemias Queta. Payton Pritchard came off of the bench for the first time this season as the Celtics are now down a guard due to the trade. Dallas started Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, Naji Marshall, Caleb Martin and Daniel Gafford. They had a lengthy injury report; Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively II, D’Angelo Russell, Brandon Williams and Dante Exum all missed the game for Dallas.

The Celtics got off to a 7-2 start but Dallas quickly took it back with an 8-0 run of their own. It was a hot start for Jaylen Brown. He scored 12 of the first 15 Celtics points, going 5/8 from the field and 2/2 from three.

The Celtics led 32-29 after the first quarter, thanks to another Payton Pritchard buzzer beater.

Brown led the team with 15 points while Payton gave the team 8 points on 4/5 shooting off the bench.

The Celtics created a little separation in the 2nd quarter. A 18-5 start and an 11-0 put Boston up 16, 50-34. However, back-to-back Dallas baskets including a wide open layup had Joe Mazzulla calling a timeout.

Dallas closed the quarter with 10-2 run to cut Boston’s 16-point lead in half by halftime. The Celtics led 52-44, Brown had 17 points while Pritchard had 15 points off of the bench. For the Mavericks, Caleb Martin had 11 points in the first half (because of course he did).

We will never have peace from this man.

It was also a dominate 2nd quarter for the Celtics defense.

The Mavericks kept pushing in the third quarter, but the Cs did a good job at keeping Dallas at an arm’s length with Luka Garza’s back-to-back threes. Then, the Celtics put together an 8-0 run to extend the lead to 19.

The Celtics led the Mavs 86-67 at the end of three quarters. Luka Garza was great; he had 16 points while going 4/4 from three, including 3 in the third quarter. JB led the team in scoring with 25 points.

Boston ballooned the lead to 23 points but Dallas fought back with a 15-5 run to cut the Celtics lead to 13. However, Sam Hauser hit a big three to settle everyone down and got the lead back to 16.

Dallas tried to make a real push to get back in the game, but 8 straight Jaylen Brown points kept them at a distance.

The Celtics won the game, advancing to 32-18 on the season. They shot 49% from the field and 33% from three while the Mavericks shot 42% from the field and 28% from three. The Celtics next game is tomorrow night at 8 EST in Houston.

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Bo Horvat’s overtime goal lifts Islanders to roller-coaster win over Penguins

Matthew Schaefer #48 of the New York Islanders celebrated with his teammates after he scores a goal during the first period when the New York Islanders played the Pittsburgh Penguins Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at UBS Arena in Elmont, NY.
Matthew Schaefer #48 of the New York Islanders celebrated with his teammates after he scores a goal during the first period when the New York Islanders played the Pittsburgh Penguins Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at UBS Arena in Elmont, NY.

The Islanders are sputtering to the NHL’s three-week Olympic break, that much is clear. You can see them night after night, treading water and trying to get results better than their play warrants.

Thing is, they have a way of finding a way.

That’s just what they did Tuesday night in a crucial match against the Penguins, overcoming themselves and three different Pittsburgh leads for a mad, mad 5-4 win in overtime at UBS Arena in which they flipped the night’s narrative on its head over the game’s last 10 minutes.

“I just think tonight was massive,” Mat Barzal said after assisting Bo Horvat’s OT winner. “You’re playing a team you’re right there with [in the standings]. Down a goal, up a goal, down a goal. Just a great game.”

The win, plus the loser point for the Penguins, meant the Islanders finished the night a point behind Pittsburgh for second in the Metro. Crucially, though, they kept the Capitals and Blue Jackets both four points behind for third.

All night, it looked like the Islanders were veering toward a third straight defeat that would have warranted some alarm bells.

The Islanders rolled to a 5-4 overtime win over the Penguins on Feb. 3, 2026 at UBS Arena. Robert Sabo for NY Post

They were struggling to generate a forecheck or sustain pressure. There was little physicality in their game. Anthony Duclair was benched early, and the list of players who could have followed him was not at all short. Pittsburgh led just 3-2 entering the third, which often amounts to nothing in the NHL.

It felt, though, like there was a measure of good fortune in the Islanders being that close, even after Bryan Rust’s sharp-angle shot broke a 2-all tie at 14:09 of the second.

Then the Islanders found what they’d been missing, and the night went all haywire.

After Horvat and Matthew Schaefer had scored the Islanders’ first two goals, it was only fitting that their third superstar, Barzal, would score their third, connecting on a blast from the top of the zone 8:35 into the third to tie the game at three and give the Islanders some badly needed momentum.

The momentum lasted all of 2:03 before Justin Brazeau’s tip from Brett Kulak gave Pittsburgh the lead back.

The Islanders weren’t done yet, though, as Ryan Pulock — who, to that point, was having a rough night — connected on a wrist shot to tie it back up with just under five minutes left.

That got it to the extra period, where Horvat’s breakaway ended it, handing the Islanders two of their guttiest points of the season.

“I think just guys responding,” Horvat said. “Us not getting down on ourselves. Not shying away from the fight. … I think just the resiliency here in this room. We have the belief we can do it.

“We got it done.”

Matthew Schaefer (left) celebrates after he scores a goal during the first period of the Islanders’ home overtime win over the Penguins. Robert Sabo for NY Post

The Islanders had taken a 2-1 lead in the first with goals from Horvat and Schaefer after Anthony Mantha had opened the scoring. Under the hood, though, it was less encouraging.

All three defense pairs had been on the ice for at least one goal against, and the Islanders were bleeding traffic around their own net. The fourth line was struggling and so was Jean-Gabriel Pageau, whose linemates shifted all night after Duclair’s benching. The power play, across two chances, accounted for zero shots on goal.

Even Ilya Sorokin, usually the Islanders rock, let in a rare bad goal from Rust.

Two points doesn’t erase those worries, and truth be told, they’ve been building for the better part of a month.

But the Islanders have just one more game to get through, and then comes a three-week exhale in which they’ll hope that rest can solve at least a chunk of their problems.

So, again, they punted away the worries for another day.

“There’s belief in here we can do it the right way and find a way to win any night,” Ryan Pulock said. “This group is resilient. There’s nights where it works and there’s nights where it doesn’t. I feel like every night we push to the end and give it a shot.

“Obviously tonight we got rewarded.”

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Guentzel's goal in the final seconds of OT gives the Lightning a 4-3 win over the Sabres

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Jake Guentzel scored with 14 seconds remaining in overtime after teammate Darren Raddysh forced the extra session by scoring with 26 seconds left in regulation as the Tampa Bay Lightning beat Buffalo Sabres 4-3 on Tuesday night.

Guentzel took a long pass from Nikita Kucherov just outside the blue line of the Sabres' zone, skated in and beat Colten Ellis with a low shot to extend the Lightning's winning streak to four games.

Kucherov had a four-point game with a goal and three assists. Oliver Bjorkstrand also scored and Raddysh finished with a goal and an assist. Guentzel also assisted on Kucherov's goal in the first period. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 23 saves.

Mattias Samuelsson scored twice and Josh Doan added a goal for Buffalo, which was coming off a win over Florida on Monday night and has won six of its last eight games. Ellis made 31 saves.

The teams traded goals in the first period and, after a scoreless second, each scored twice in the third.

After goals by Samuelsson and Bjorkstrand early in the third, Doan appeared to give Buffalo the edge, scoring a power-play goal with just over five minutes remaining. But, Tampa Bay took advantage of an extra skater and struck in the final seconds as Raddysh scored with 26 seconds remaining to force the extra session.

The Atlantic Division-leading Lightning were coming off a 6-5 win over Boston in an NHL Stadium Series game at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday. Tampa Bay rallied from a four-goal deficit and won that game in a shootout.

Tampa Bay was without centers Anthony Cirelli (undisclosed) and Brayden Point (lower body) and winger Nick Paul (undisclosed). Lightning coach Jon Cooper said before the game that Cirelli and Paul would also miss Thursday’s game against Florida. Cirelli was replaced on Canada’s Olympic roster.

Buffalo was without Zach Benson (upper body), Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (lower body) and Jordan Greenway (abdomen). Luukkonen’s injury will keep him off Finland’s roster for the upcoming Milan Cortina Games.

Up next

Sabres: Host Pittsburgh on Thursday.

Lightning: Host Florida on Thursday.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

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Nets receive royal LeBron James Lakers beating in possible New York finale

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers slams the ball during the first half at Barclays Center, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in Brooklyn, NY, Image 2 shows Ziaire Williams #1 of the Brooklyn Nets drives down court as LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers gives chase during the first half at Barclays Center, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in Brooklyn, NY

A sellout crowd packed Barclays Center to watch what might have been LeBron James’ last game in New York.

They saw King James give the Nets a royal thrashing.

The Nets got beaten 125-109 by James and his Lakers before a crowd of 18,248 on Tuesday night. And it wasn’t as close as the score would indicate.

This was yet another desultory performance by a team getting all too comfortable with getting blown out and bullied around.

“Man, they just came out and punched us in the face, honestly speaking. Lobs, yeah, they just look like the Globetrotters out there,” Ziaire Williams said. “Honestly it was just pretty embarrassing.”

The Nets (13-36) had already suffered a 54-point loss to the Knicks on Jan. 21 and a 53-point rout at the Pistons on Feb. 1, only the fourth team in NBA history with multiple 50-point losses in the same season. They had a 37-point caning at the Clippers sandwiched in between, just for good measure.

LeBron James slams home a dunk during the first half of the Nets’ 125-109 blowout loss to the Lakers at Barclays Center on Feb. 3, 2026. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

Tuesday they trailed by 39 before at least trying to make it respectable, rallying rather than wilting. But it was too little and far, far too late.

“Yeah, more of the same. We got to figure something out,” Nic Claxton told The Post. “Like, this is not basketball. We’re supposed to be NBA basketball players. We shouldn’t be getting beat by this much. We shouldn’t get down by this much.”

Michael Porter Jr. led the Nets with 21 points and 10 rebounds.

Day’Ron Sharpe had season highs of 19 points, 14 boards and five assists off the bench, while Williams added 17 points on 7-for-11 shooting in his return from injury.

But Porter, their deadeye shooter, was 0-for-9 from deep. Egor Dëmin, their point guard, had a game-high six turnovers. And Claxton was a staggering minus-30.

The Lakers pulled out a zone defense, and the Nets offense went into abysmal disarray.

Michael Porter Jr. drives to the basket during the first half of the Nets’ blowout home loss to the Lakers. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

“They played zone. It’s kind of been a kryptonite I would say for the past couple years for us,” Sharpe said. “We had 20 turnovers and whenever you turn the ball over like that it usually doesn’t work out for you.”

James — who has been in the league longer than most of Brooklyn’s starting lineup have been alive — was the one that looked young and spry. He had 25 points, seven assists, three steals and sailed in for several highlight dunks before checking out with 8:05 remaining to loud applause.

If it was the 41-year-old’s final competitive game in New York — and he hasn’t made any declarative statements about how long he’ll play — it was a solid one.

Ziaire Williams drives down court as LeBron James defends during the Nets’ blowout home loss to the Lakers. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

“It’s LeBron James obviously,” Sharpe said. “But he bleeds just like we bleed, so just trying to beat him, for real.”

The Nets were the only ones bleeding, after the Lakers punched them in the mouth.

They trailed by as much as 39, at 83-44 when Luka Doncic (24 points, six rebounds, five assists) hit from behind the arc with 8:08 left in the third.

It was 111-83 when James checked out with 8:05 to play.

The rest was garbage time, and a crowd filled with purple-and-gold-clad Lakers fans cheering for James’ son, Bronny, who scored a couple of late buckets that sent them into a frenzy.

Brooklyn kept pace with Washington, tied for fourth in the lottery odds. They’re a game behind the Indiana Pacers and two clear of the sixth-place Utah Jazz.

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3 thoughts as the Mavericks get out-manned by the Boston Celtics, 110-100

DALLAS, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 03: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots over Sam Hauser #30 of the Boston Celtics during the second quarter at American Airlines Center on February 03, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The shorthanded Dallas Mavericks (19-31) looked lost in Tuesday’s 110-100 loss to the Boston Celtics (32-18) at American Airlines Center, extending their losing streak to five games. The Mavericks were without P.J. Washington (head), Brandon Williams (leg) and D’Angelo Russell (illness) and lost big man Daniel Gafford to yet another ankle injury in their latest loss. The night is dark and full of terrors, y’all.

Jaylen Brown scorched Dallas for 15 points and five rebounds in the first quarter, a sure sign of trouble to come. But Dallas countered with the vaunted one-two punch of Cooper Flagg and Caleb Martin, who combined for 15 points of their own in the first to keep the Mavericks’ heads above water, trailing 32-29 after one. Martin found Flagg running along the baseline in transition for a man-sized alley-oop slam less than five minutes into the proceedings to give the Mavs an early 12-9 lead.

Klay Thompson came off a screen near the top of the key for a 3-pointer to tie the game, 32-32, on Dallas’ first make of the second quarter, but the Celtics responded with a little 9-2 run over the next two minutes to force Mavs’ head coach Jason Kidd into his first timeout of the game, trailing 41-34. The Celtics scored the game’s next eight points after the timeout to extend the run and put the Mavs behind the eight-ball midway through the second.

Finally, Flagg drove down the lane and converted a hard-earned leaner in the lane to stop the bleeding, with five minutes left before halftime, but the Mavs were already down 50-36 at that point. Dallas went nearly four minutes without scoring at one point in the second and shot just 7-of-22 from the field and just 1-of-9 from beyond the arc in the period. Boston led 52-44 at the break after letting the Mavs back in it with a 10-2 run late in the second.

Flagg nailed a contested jumper on the Mavs’ first possession of the third to continue that run, but Brown and the Celtics kept the Mavericks at arm’s length throughout most of the quarter. Flagg recorded a highlight chase-down block on a transition attempt from Baylor Scheierman two minutes later, and Max Christie hit his first 3-pointer of the game with 8:20 left in the third to bring Dallas to within 58-51. Luka Garza knocked down back-to-back 3-balls, though, with 3:30 left in the third to extend the Boston lead to 15, up 78-63.

Brown, who entered the fourth with 25 points and 10 rebounds already to his credit, rested to start the fourth quarter, but the Celtics didn’t miss him much. The lead floated near 20 points for much of the final frame. Flagg, however, continued to pour it in for Dallas. He nailed a 3-pointer with eight minutes remaining to give him 33 points and push his season scoring average to just over 20 points per game. He became the only teenager in NBA history to score 30 or more points in three straight games in the loss, and also the first rookie to score 34 or more in three straight since Trae Young did it in 2018. Flagg finished with 36 points, nine boards and six assists, another otherworldly performance in another hopeless Mavericks’ loss.

Brown came into the game with nine minutes remaining, as the Mavs threatened to get back in it, and scored on a forceful drive through the lane to give him a team-high 27 points on the night. He scored another tear-drop in transition over Flagg with five minutes to play to give Boston a 104-89 advantage. He finished with 33 points and 11 rebounds in the win.

Lack of assets

All you have to do is watch a few games to realize why, as ESPN’s Shams Charania reported earlier on Monday, Dallas’ phone lines remain “wide open” as the NBA Trade Deadline nears. Why would anyone want any of these guys? Flagg is the only winning player on the Mavericks’ roster at this point, and this team is truly hard to watch in long stretches.

Naji Marshall can’t save you, Mavs fans, even as nice as he’s looked this year. None of the guards are bringing any juice right now. Martin is a starter at this point. What are we even doing here?

The Celtics focused all of their energy on slowing Flagg down, forcing the rest of the Mavs to come to the table with literally anything at all. Most of the time, it just wasn’t there. This season is in the sewer. We are waist-deep in the muck.

Gafford goes down, gets back up

Late in the second quarter, Daniel Gafford, one of the most mediocre trade assets the Mavericks have dangled this winter, went down with an apparent ankle injury while moving into position for a rebound. If there was any hope of getting anything for Gafford before Tuesday’s game, the chances of doing so took a big hit as Gafford writhed in pain in the lane and was helped to the locker room with two minutes to go before the half.

Gafford’s right ankle has given him trouble for most of the season, since he sprained it in training camp and missed the first five games of the year. He hasn’t been right since, and his already modest production has been neutered as a result. He appeared to hurt the same ankle on Tuesday.

It was announced midway through the third quarter that Gafford would be available to return against the Celtics. He came back into the game with 5:18 left in the third quarter for some reason and immediately winced with apparent pain in his right shoulder after grabbing his first rebound of the second half.

Gafford skied for a putback dunk on Thompson’s missed jumper with 2:15 left in the third to get to eight points and eight rebounds in just 17 minutes to that point, perhaps giving potential trade suitors something to think about with his all-out effort in the face of what has been a tough season. He ran through Garza on his way to the bucket with 31 seconds left in the third for a basket that was wiped away on review as the Celtics took an 86-67 lead into the fourth quarter.

Thin bench

The Celtics got 26 points from Peyton Pritchard and 16 more from Garza off the bench while the Mavs searched for any production whatsoever from their beleaguered second unit. Boston’s bench outscored Dallas’ 44-22 and helped the Celtics coast to the win. After the Celtics’ 5-of-20 start from 3-point range, Boston made seven of their next 14 from distance to close out the win. Garza made all four of his 3-point attempts, tying a career-high mark in the win.

No Maverick reserve scored more than seven points in Tuesday’s loss.

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Cubs BCB After Dark: Who is the dark horse in the NL Central?

CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 24: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws during a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on September 24, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s Tuesday evening here at BCB After Dark: the hippest hangout for night owls, early risers, new parents and Cubs friends abroad. Come on in and relax for a while. Get out of the cold. We can check your coat for you. There are still a few tables available. Bring your own beverage.

BCB After Dark is the place for you to talk baseball, music, movies, or anything else you need to get off your chest, as long as it is within the rules of the site. The late-nighters are encouraged to get the party started, but everyone else is invited to join in as you wake up the next morning and into the afternoon.

Last night, I asked you if you’d be open to trading Matt Shaw to the Red Sox for a top 100 pitching prospect. When you add up the three “Yes” answers, 52 percent of you would make that deal with 32 percent of you willing to accept either Connelly Early or Payton Tolle in return. Another 48 percent of you would refuse to deal Shaw for such a package. So it was a close vote.

I don’t normally do movies on Tuesdays, but you still have time to vote in the BCB Winter Science Fiction Classic between 2001: A Space Odyssey and Planet of the Apes. But I always have time for jazz, so those of you who skip that can do so now. You won’t hurt my feelings.

Tonight I’m featuring South African saxophonist Sisonke Xonti’s tribute to a city that I worked in for four years, “Minneapolis.” (I lived across the river in St. Paul.) This is from 2020.

Welcome back to everyone who skips all that jazz.

Fangraphs is up with their first standings and playoff predictions and to no one’s surprise, they have the Cubs winning the National League Central with 86 wins.

But the Cubs have only a 44 percent chance of winning the division. As you might expect, the Brewers are given the second-best chance at 24 percent. After all they’re the three-time defending division champs and they’ve won the division four of the past five seasons. The Brew Crew certainly seem to have taken a step backwards with the trades of Freddy Peralta and Isaac Collins, but the Brewers have made trades like that before and not lost a step. So it makes sense that the Brewers would be given the second-best chances of winning the division.

We’d assume that the Reds would have the third-best chance. After all, the Reds finished in third last season and made the Wild Card round. They’ve just signed third baseman Eugenio Suárez, and that’s going to be worth a win or two against the Cubs alone, I would guess. The Reds have four excellent young starters in Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Brady Singer and Andrew Abbott. And while they weren’t able to sign Elly De La Cruz to an extension, he still plays for the Reds in 2026.

But according to the Steamer projections, the Reds are not the team threatening to come up from the outside. Instead, they give the Pirates to finish with 82 wins and a 20 percent chance to win the division. The Reds, on the other hand, are projected for 76 wins and only a nine percent chance at the division crown.

The Cardinals are going into a rebuilding phase and are predicted for just 75 wins. I think that’s generous. I think it was also calculated before the Brendan Donovan trade.

So are the Pirates a team to worry about? Of course, they have the chance to beat you everytime Paul Skenes takes the mound. But that was true last year as well. The Pirates only won 71 games with Skenes in 2025 and he went 10-10. Maybe we don’t put much stock in W-L records for pitchers anymore, but that does indicate that Pittsburgh doesn’t win every time Skenes takes the mound.

So why is the projection so bullish on the Pirates that they have them increasing their win total by 11 and being a legitimate threat to win the division? For one, the Pirates have attempted to improve their anemic offense, which was worst in the majors by run scored, by bringing in three new starters to the lineup. Outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia was acquired in a trade with the Red Sox. Second baseman Brandon Lowe came over from the Rays in a three-way deal. And the Pirates added first baseman Ryan O’Hearn in a free agent deal.

On top of that, the Pirates have two really, really good prospects who may be ready to play this year. Right-handed starter Bubba Chandler has already made his major league debut and he was quite solid over four starts. The ZiPS projection system has Chandler being an above-average starter this year.

Then there’s shortstop Konnor Griffin, who is the number-one prospect in all of baseball. Some are calling him the best prospect since Mike Trout. Keith Law of The Athletic was calling him “Willie Mays except he plays shortstop.” I think Law was being a bit hyperbolic there, but the point is that Griffin could be a superstar as early as this year. He’s only played 21 games at the Double-A level so he’ll probably start the season in the minors, but it wouldn’t surprise anyone if Griffin is playing in the majors by May.

Is that enough to make up a 12 game difference from last year over the Reds? I’m not sure. As good as he’s likely to be, Griffin isn’t a 12-win player. Garcia, Lowe and O’Hearn are certainly upgrades on what the Pirates ran out there last year, but none of those three players are what I’d call a star. Garcia is a rookie who played just five games last year. Lowe and O’Hearn had a bWAR last year of 1.9 and 2.4 respectively. Solid everyday starters, but not stars.

So between the Reds and the Pirates, which team is the “dark horse” to watch out for in the NL Central?

Thanks for stopping by tonight. We always enjoy it when you stop by. Please get home safely. Stay warm. Recycle any cans and bottles. Tip your waitstaff. And join us again tomorrow evening for more BCB After Dark.

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Game Thread: Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers

Nov 18, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) lays up a shot past Portland Trail Blazers guard Caleb Love (2) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images | Soobum Im-Imagn Images

Game 51.

Hopefully win 31.

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Johnson, McCollum lead Hawks to commanding 127-115 victory in Miami

Feb 3, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Christian Koloko (35) defends Miami Heat forward Simone Fontecchio (0) during the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images | Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

In a matchup featuring the two fastest teams in the NBA, the Atlanta Hawks were in South Beach to take on the Miami Heat on Tuesday evening. After dropping two consecutive games against Houston and Indiana, the Hawks were looking to get back to winning ways — and keep the surging Charlotte Hornets* off their tails for the 10-seed in the Eastern Conference.

*winners of seven straight!

The Hawks were without Kristaps Porzingis* (illness) and Onyeka Okongwu (dental fracture) for this one. Meanwhile, Miami were missing Andrew Wiggins (left hamstring tightness), Tyler Herro (ribs), and Norman Powell (personal) — who was named to his first career All-Star game on Sunday.

Atlanta reinserted Christian Koloko into the lineup tonight, as he joined Daniels, Alexander-Walker, Risacher and Jalen Johnson in the starting unit. Davion Mitchell, Pelle Larson, Myron Gardner, Simone Fontecchio and Bam Adebayo started the game for Miami.

Miami’s pace was on display early on, as they raced out to a 9-3 lead with multiple buckets in transition before back-to-back triples from Risacher and Alexander-Walker got Atlanta settled into the contest.

Though Norman Powell was sidelined for this one, Jalen Johnson reminded the Miami crowd that there was still an All-Star competing in tonight’s game — slicing through the lane for this emphatic jam on Jaime Jaquez Jr. mid-way through the quarter to put the Hawks up 17-13.

Miami knotted things at 19, before a 14-4 Hawks run over the last four-and-a-half minutes of the period put the good guys up by 10 heading into the second quarter. Though Risacher gets the highlight for this deft finish in transition — CJ McCollum was instrumental for Atlanta during this run, pouring in 8 points on 3-of-4 shooting off the bench in the opening frame.

Atlanta kept their foot on the gas to open the second quarter. Asa Newell and Jalen Johnson made their presence felt on the interior with back-to-back jams, before a three from Luke Kennard extended the lead to 48-30 at the 7:51 mark of the second.

A mini-run from the Heat brought them as close as 11 points, but the Hawks quickly extinguished any talk of a first-half comeback, closing the quarter on a Jalen Johnson-led 11-5 run to take a 67-50 lead into the locker room.

The biggest difference between the two sides in the first half was the three-point shooting. Atlanta shot 11-for-28 (39.3%) from distance while Miami went just 5-for-19 (26.3%). Jalen Johnson led all scorers at the half with 15 points. Simone Fontecchio was the high man for Miami with 11 points.

Miami looked the better team to start the second half, opening the quarter on a 19-7 run to cut the lead to five at the 7:03 mark of the period. With the Heat gaining momentum, an and-one bucket from Kispert at the 5:37 mark kept Miami at arms length.

CJ McCollum continued his stellar play from the first half with a couple of buckets from the mid-range to get the lead back up to 10.

Atlanta closed the third quarter on a 19-8 run to take a commanding 98-81 advantage into the fourth quarter.

True to their nature however, Miami would not concede so easily — cutting the lead to 11 at the 8:52 mark of the fourth, resulting in an early timeout for Quin Snyder. Out of the timeout, a refocused Hawks side put things right, going on an 8-0 run (punctuated by the Mo Gueye triple below) to get the lead back up to 19 with 7:01 remaining.

From there, it was quite comfortable for Atlanta. Both sides cleared their benches with a little over a minute left to play, and the Hawks took home a comfortable 127-115 win.

Jalen Johnson finished with 29 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists — his 9th triple-double of the season. CJ McCollum poured in 26 points (6-for-9 from three-point range) — setting a new Hawks-high for the veteran guard. Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in with 19 points.

Atlanta is back in action on Thursday night, taking on the Utah Jazz on their home floor. They’ll be looking to to continue to build momentum as the All Star break approaches.

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Penguins/Islanders Recap: NYI makes comeback, wins in OT

ELMONT, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 03: Ryan Pulock #6 of the New York Islanders scores a goal on Stuart Skinner #74 of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at UBS Arena on February 03, 2026 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Steven Ryan/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images

Pregame

The Penguins happily welcome the return of Bryan Rust from his suspension and get Stuart Skinner in net.

First period

Good start for the Penguins, they get an early power play after Scott Mayfield hooks Egor Chinakhov. Smart penalty to take being as Chinakhov was in a similar position to his goal last night, catching a centering feed from Tommy Novak this time and about ready to fire before getting impeded. The Islanders kill the penalty, though Sidney Crosby almost has a highlight reel goal skating by Matthew Schaefer and getting a nice shot away.

Game goes back and forth for a little, the big guys come through. Justin Brazeau dishes to Anthony Mantha who uses his reach to manipulate just how he can lift the puck to the far-side of Ilya Sorokin. 1-0 Pittsburgh.

The period turns sour for the Penguins as the Islanders score two goals in the final 1:19.

The first goal is mostly bad luck compounding, Skinner leaves a rebound off his glove, then Ryan Shea can’t clear the puck out of danger. The opposite happens with it ricocheting off bodies and right back to Bo Horvat. Horvat reaches to it before Shea can recover. 1-1.

As the period nears its end, a delayed penalty call is coming up on Pittsburgh. It never gets called, a long stretch of puck control tires the Pens out and Schaefer is there to hammer one from deep. 2-1 NYI.

Not a good last minute or so for the visitors to see their lead turn into a 2-1 deficit after 20.

Second period

The Pens find a goal to tie the game. Slick setup from Tommy Novak coming from behind the net. Who else but Egor Chinakhov is there to somehow get just far enough away from the reach of Ryan Pulock and still stay in a prime scoring position. Then again, with his release speed and shot velo, almost everywhere in a prime scoring position. 2-2.

Rust gets back on the scoreboard in his first game back from suspension, sneaking a bad angle shot off Sorokin and in. Fittingly the sequence starts with Rust out-working Schaefer to keep a puck alive in the zone, a few seconds later it comes back around behind the net and Rust puts some mustard on a Crosby-esque bank shot that leaks through. 3-2.

Chinakhov and Novak nearly combine for another highlight-reel goal but toss around one too many passes (gahh). Chinakhov does draw his second power play of the game, again for getting impeded as he slipped behind the defense and cut into the net. The power play doesn’t score and the second period wraps up.

Great response period for the Pens, who outshoot NYI 12-5 in the second period and outscore them 2-1 to regain the lead.

Third period

More good work in the early going, it takes until the 13:59 to go mark before NYI gets their first shot of the period, an outside shot that Skinner easily corrals. By then the Pens had four shots, including Malkin nearly scoring from just in front of the net.

Which makes it more frustrating when the Islanders find a tying goal with 11:23 to go. Crosby and Ilya Solovyov bump into each other in front of Skinner with no Islanders around them. Mat Barzal shoots from long range, there’s no one in the lanes to block it. Not sure if that puck deflected off Rakell or Solovyov there, it hits the back of the net. 3-3 game.

The crowd comes to life with something to cheer about and the Pens quiet them with a big answer. Brett Kulak does well to win a puck off the wall and quickly fire it to the net. Justin Brazeau makes a brilliant deflection back across where Sorokin thinks it’s going. 4-3 game, Pittsburgh back in front with 9:20 to go.

Crosby gets the gate for a tripping call and the NYI power play gets a crack at it, they’re unable to generate a shot.

Crosby gets high-sticked, no penalty since it was Karlsson’s stick. The Islanders get back to work, Barzal’s pass clicks off Malkin and right to Pulock. Pulock measures up and beats Skinner cleanly. 4-4 game, 4:36 to go.

The Pens get a close call for a goal, which would have been controversial on Ben Kindel’s part by sticking his leg into Sorokin as Brazeau followed up on a chance.

Pittsburgh takes their timeout, the plans they draw up don’t work out.

Frantic third period leads to extra time.

Overtime

Crosby-Rust-Karlsson start things out, Crosby wins the draw and the Pens get the all-important possession though only for the first 20 seconds. The Pens get it back but Kulak mis-hits the puck and Horvat goes the other way on a breakaway. He makes no mistakes beating Skinner and ending the game.

Some thoughts

  • It seemed like the Islanders were either lazy/fatigued in their gap control or perhaps surprised by how fast the Penguins looked when they allowed them to slip behind them and then play catch up on rushes up the wall. These teams haven’t seen each other since the early days of the season. These Pens with players like Chinakhov, Novak and even the deceptively fast Mantha aren’t really the Pittsburgh teams of the past few years. Not that these Penguins are excessively fast across the board but it probably caught their opponent off guard that this team isn’t quite as familiar as they might have remembered.
  • Speaking of growth and changes from the beginning of the season, how amazing is that Schaefer huh? Hard to believe the last time he played the Penguins it was his first night in the NHL. He’s had plenty of highlight moments since then, just seeing how comfortable and much more in control he is out there from where he was in Game 1 in October to now is really remarkable. Schaefer’s already one of the best and most dynamic players out there, scary to think what he’s going to look like in another 1-2-3 years as he gains even more experience.
  • There’s an old trope that when the second line wingers get too productive they soon find themselves playing on Crosby’s line. That turned out to finally benefit Evgeni Malkin now that *he* has become the productive second line winger. The Pens tried a Chinakhov-Crosby-Malkin line for an o-zone draw. They got too cute with the passing and then someone took a penalty (negated by the Schaefer goal). Humble beginnings, maybe it’ll work out next time.
  • Sorokin’s been arguably the best goalie in the league by far this season, which might make it all the more surprising he just looked average tonight. Everyone has their off days (see also, the Penguins last night), how she goes sometimes. Probably aren’t too many times when he’s just straight up getting beat (Mantha, Chinakhov shots) or giving up a weak, leaky goal from no angle that he definitely would want back (Rust). It wasn’t like it was bad luck on bounces or instances where traffic was making his life difficult, just maybe a “C” type of game for what’s been an A goalie.
  • Then again, Skinner had a few he would want back too. That fourth goal, by Pulock, is one that has to be a save. The earlier goal in the third period was a team breakdown, it was also the type of stop Skinner was making when he was in a groove a few weeks ago. Now, not so much. Olympic break suddenly is coming at a good time for him.
  • Chinakhov has scored a goal in five of his last seven games. Sometimes you see a guy pop a high shooting percentage or maybe string a couple of two-goal games together or hit an empty net or two and can see the inevitable fall coming a mile away. In this case it looks like Chinakhov is still getting started, he’s just scratching the surface of what he could lie ahead. If he (and, to be fair, his linemates) didn’t over-pass the puck so much, there would be even more. They’re generating so many potential looks and his shot is so good that it’s going to find success as long as they keep it going.
  • The Bob Grove stat of the night is a good one: Pittsburgh recorded their 15,000th regular season goal tonight as a franchise. Only the Original 6 teams have more.
  • Getting one point on the road is something, based on the first 40 minutes it was a night where the Pens were the better team for the majority of the night, so not getting that second point hurts in that regard.

This has been a crazy stretch of games (five in eight nights) and it’s nearly over. One more to go on Thursday night in Buffalo and then the NHL takes an Olympic pause.