Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to the LA Galaxy’s latest loss which still leaves them winless this MLS season. What is going on with the Galaxy and who is to blame for their abysmal form? Christian and Alexis then bring on Professional Referee Organization referees Natalie Simon and Alyssa Nichols to chat why they became refs and how VAR helps or hurts their jobs. Later, Christian and Alexis then react to the latest news around soccer in another edition of Rápido Reactions including Harry Kane’s first trophy, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s awkward goodbye & EA FC’s newest cover athlete.
Cummins’ heroics in vain as IPL powerhouse knocked out in cruel scenes — Wrap
Pat Cummins’ figures of 3-19 went in vain after rain ended his and Sunrisers Hyderabad’s chances of reaching the playoffs as their clash against Delhi Capitals was called off on Monday.
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk Has Big Praise For Brad Marchand
The Florida Panthers made a major move at the 2025 NHL trade deadline, acquiring star forward Brad Marchand from the Boston Bruins. With this move, the Panthers added another top-six forward to their group.
The addition of Marchand has benefited the Panthers, especially during this post-season thus far. In Florida's first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the 36-year-old winger recorded four assists and a plus-5 rating. This included two helpers in Florida's series-clinching 6-3 win in Game 5.
During a recent appearance on Spittin' Chiclets, Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk had some serious praise for Marchand and his contributions to the team.
"It's been unreal having [Marchand], having him in," Tkachuk said. "He's got what everybody wants in this league, and that's that winning pedigree. Being a champion and having that experience. I think that's what our team's greatest strength is. We might not be the most skilled team. We might not be the most fast, the most physical, but we're a deep team, and we have the experience."
Tkachuk then added:
"Bringing in a guy like Marchy, who's done it before and been on such a great team, and year after year being on great playoff runs. We couldn't have asked for a better addition... We're happy that he is on our side now. That is for sure."
When looking at Marchand's resume, it is hard to disagree with Tkachuk's take here. Marchand has played in 162 career playoff games and lifted the Stanley Cup back in 2011 with the Bruins. Furthermore, No. 63 has been a star in the NHL for a long time now, posting 424 goals, 980 points, and a plus-285 rating in 1,100 career games.
It will now be fascinating to see how much of an impact Marchand can make for the Panthers during their second-round matchup against the Maple Leafs from here. He has had plenty of playoff success against Toronto over the years and will look to continue that trend this year, but this time as a Panther.
Recent Panthers News
3 Panthers Who Must Shine In Game 1 Against Maple LeafsThe Florida Panthers kick off their second-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs on May 5 with Game 1. The Panthers' goal will be to start the series on the right foot against a very talented Maple Leafs squad.
'It's pretty special': Teammates Sasha Barkov, Sam Reinhart relish being selected as Selke finalistsThere are a few key reasons the Florida Panthers have become one of the most feared teams in the NHL in recent seasons.
Panthers open second round in Toronto against Atlantic Division champ Maple LeafsThe second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin Monday night in Toronto.
NHL Playoff Predictions 2025: Which West Teams Will Win In Round 2?
It’s time for the second round of the NHL’s Stanley Cup playoffs, and that means it’s time to chime in with our series predictions.
In the first round, we went 4-0 with the Eastern Conference predictions and 2-2 with our Western Conference picks to go 6-2 overall.
Earlier, we posted our second-round Eastern Conference picks. It’s now time for our Western Conference picks. And remember, these are one person’s educated guesses. Let’s get to it.
Winnipeg Jets (C1) Vs. Dallas Stars (C2)
Season series: 3-1 Winnipeg
Why Winnipeg will win:The Jets were the NHL’s best regular-season team, and they narrowly avoided elimination in Game 7 against the St. Louis Blues, tying the game late and winning on overtime.
The Jets found ways to win, even if they weren’t at their best. They’ve also beaten the Stars in the regular season, so they have confidence they can win this round.
Winnipeg has home-ice advantage in this series, which may come into play – the Jets’ 30-7-4 home record matches up very well compared to Dallas’ so-so 22-16-3 road record. Of course, regular-season stats don’t always translate into the same post-season stats, but the Jets should feel like they can compete with the Stars.
The Jets are hungry to make it to the Western Conference final for the first time since 2017-18. They’ll need a better showing from goalie Connor Hellebuyck, but if they get that, the Jets will be tough to eliminate.
Why Dallas will win: The Stars have significantly better special teams in the post-season, with a power play at 30.4 percent efficiency (compared to Winnipeg’s 22.7 percent) and a penalty kill rate of 86.4 percent (compared to the Jets’ 76.9 percent).
Stars goalie Jake Oettinger’s 2.85 goals-against average and .911 save percentage are also vastly better than those of Jets counterpart Hellebuyck, who has a 3.85 GAA and .830 SP.
Even without injured star blueliner Miro Heiskanen and injured left winger Jason Robertson, the Stars knocked off a Colorado Avalanche squad that is as competitive as Winnipeg. That said, Stars coach Peter DeBoer said he expects Robertson and Heiskanen to be back at some point in the second round, which would be a huge boost to Dallas’ fortunes.
The Stars’ depth, speed and high-end skill will help them beat a Jets team that barely got by the second wild-card team. The Stars are well-constructed, well-coached, and determined to get back at least to the Western final for the third straight season.
Prediction: Stars in five games
Are we disrespecting the Jets by predicting they’ll only win one game against the Stars? No, we’re just being more respectful to a Stars team we predicted would win the Central Division and this year’s Cup before the season. Yes, we did lose a bit of faith in Dallas after it was known Heiskanen and Robertson would be out of action in the first round, but the team’s resilience in their absence makes it all the more impressive.
Adding star right winger Mikko Rantanen, who was Dallas’ Game 7 hero against the Avs, really puts the Stars over the top. If the Jets don’t have star center Mark Scheifele for any period, Winnipeg will be in trouble.
NHL Playoff Predictions 2025: Which East Teams Will Win Round 2? Expect A Leafs And Panthers Game 7The second round of the NHL’s Stanley Cup playoffs starts Monday, so it’s time to predict them.
Vegas Golden Knights (P1) Vs. Edmonton Oilers (P3)
Season series: 2-2 tie
Why Vegas will win: The Golden Knights were the Pacific Division’s top team in the regular season, and they overcame a 2-1 series deficit to the Minnesota Wild by winning two overtime games and a tight Game 6 to advance to the second round.
Vegas’ heavy grind proved too much for Minnesota, and the Edmonton Oilers are in serious trouble taking on a Golden Knights team that is confident and expertly coached, which limits its mistakes.
The Knights must contain Edmonton’s elite forwards, as the Oilers had the best first-round offense, averaging 4.50 goals-for per game. However, Vegas can and will exploit Edmonton’s porous defense, which surrendered a bloated 4.00 goals against per game against the Los Angeles Kings.
Vegas got to the second round without much offense, with no Golden Knights player averaging at least a point per game against the Wild. But Knights star center Jack Eichel, right winger Mark Stone and center Tomas Hertl should feast on the Oilers’ defense and goaltending.
Why Edmonton will win: The Oilers stormed back from a 2-0 series deficit with four straight wins – two of them came despite trailing after two periods – as they generated 20 goals in their victories to beat L.A.
The Oilers got the expected excellent output from superstars Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, who combined for 21 points in six games. But the supporting cast also contributed meaningfully, with four other Edmonton players generating at least five points.
Edmonton’s skill at punching back when trailing games is a terrific harbinger of what they could do against a Golden Knights team that sometimes buckled against the Wild.
Calvin Pickard’s 2.93 GAA and .893 SP aren’t especially encouraging, but they compare fine to Vegas goalie Adin Hill, who had a 2.83 GAA and .880 SP. If Pickard can continue battling the way he did against the Kings, Edmonton’s offense can impose its will on the Golden Knights, and the Oilers can return to the Western final for the second consecutive season.
Prediction: Golden Knights in seven games.
The Oilers aren’t a subpar team by any means, and we expect them to put up a valiant effort against the Golden Knights. When you pick a team to win in seven games, you’re essentially saying the series is a toss-up. That’s exactly the case in this series. But we still believe the Oilers’ defense is their Achilles’ heel.
Vegas comes at its opponent in waves. They also defend very well.
Edmonton has the two best players in the series, McDavid and Draisaitl, but the absence of injured defenseman Mattias Ekholm will continue to impact the Oilers’ ability to defend.
And considering that Edmonton gave up 24 goals to the Kings, the Golden Knights will have an excellent opportunity to put the Oilers on their heels in their own zone. And so, in what will almost assuredly be a seven-game series, we like Vegas just a little bit more than we like the Oilers.
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Draymond clowns Chuck for failed Warriors Game 7 prediction
Draymond clowns Chuck for failed Warriors Game 7 prediction originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Many counted the Warriors out after they let their first-round NBA playoff series against the Houston Rockets reach seven games despite starting with a 3-1 lead.
One doubter was NBA on TNT host Charles “Chuck” Barkley. Before Sunday’s Game 7 tip-off, he dished one of his infamous “guarantees” in favor of the Rockets – but he was a bit off the mark as the Warriors won 103-89 and advanced to the Western Conference semifinals.
Longtime Warriors icon Draymond Green caught wind of Barkley’s failed prediction and made a sarcastic Instagram Story post about it.
Green wrote, “MY OG Brother doesn’t understand Championship pedigree,” adding, “We love you Chuckster!”
Ouch – Green spared no mercy.
Barkley, a retired 16-year NBA veteran and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, accomplished virtually everything a player would want to. However, Barkley failed to reach one massive goal.
Barkley retired ringless.
Green, on the other hand, has won four NBA championships with the Warriors thus far in his 13-year career in the Bay. He rightfully doesn’t care for doubts coming from those who have accomplished less than him.
Still, Green quietly – with a teeny-tiny font – acknowledged Barkley’s international career with Team USA.
“You do have a couple golds though,” Green wrote about Barkley’s pair of Olympic gold medals. Ironically, Green has two gold medals, too.
To the anticipation of Dub Nation and others, Green and Golden State lived to see another day and earned a second-round series with star guard Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
But the Warriors’ prevailing caught Barkley off guard. And Green is having fun with the analyst’s incorrect “guarantee.”
How Have Former Penguins Fared Through Round One Of Playoffs?
The Pittsburgh Penguins may not be participating in the Stanley Cup playoffs this season.
But a whole lot of ex-Penguins are.
Prior to the start of the postseason, we provided you with a comprehensive guide to former Penguins playing for their respective teams in the playoffs, which excluded only the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Colorado Avalanche, and the Los Angeles Kings - meaning there is only one team remaining in the second round - the Leafs - who do not have an ex-Penguin on their roster.
Here is an update on how each former Penguin is faring through one round:
Your Guide To Ex-Penguins In The 2025 NHL PlayoffsThe Pittsburgh Penguins may not be participating in the Stanley Cup playoffs this season.
Carolina Hurricanes
- F Jordan Staal: The 36-year-old, 6-foot-4 centerman certainly isn't the player he used to be for the first six seasons of his NHL career in Pittsburgh, when he was one of the league's premier two-way third-line centers. He has no points and is a minus-1 through five postseason games so far, but he's eating tough minutes on the penalty kill and in defensive zone starts, proving that he's still a valuable bottom-six forward for a playoff run.
- F Mark Jankowski: Jankowski - with the Penguins for only one season in 2020-21, registering four goals and 11 points in 45 games - was a healthy scratch for the first three games of the Hurricanes' first-round series against the New Jersey Devils. But he broke the lineup in the last two games to close out the series, earning an assist in the series-clinching Game 5.
Dallas Stars
- G Casey DeSmith: DeSmith - dealt in the summer of 2023 to the Montreal Canadiens as part of the blockbuster Erik Karlsson trade - has only appeared in one game for the Dallas Stars this postseason as their backup goaltender. Starting netminder Jake Oettinger was pulled during Game 4 against the Avalanche after allowing three goals, and DeSmith relieved him, allowing one goal on 14 shots. The Stars dropped Game 4, 4-0, before going on to win the series in seven games - and in dramatic fashion.
- D Cody Ceci: Ceci has gotten off to a pretty good start in the playoffs, heading into the second round with three assists in seven games and even in the plus/minus department. He spent one season in Pittsburgh in 2020-21 before moving on to the Edmonton Oilers as a free agent, where he was for three seasons.
- F Mikael Granlund: Granlund - infamously acquired by the Penguins and former GM Ron Hextall at the 2023 NHL trade deadline - has been a solid depth piece for the Stars so far in the playoffs, recording a goal and two points.
Edmonton Oilers
- F Kasperi Kapanen: Kapanen - who played parts of three seasons with the Penguins before getting waived in February 2023 - has yet to appear in a playoff game for the Oilers this postseason.
Florida Panthers
- F Evan Rodrigues: Rodrigues has seen time on Florida's second line with Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk, and he registered one assist in Game 3 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He spent parts of three seasons on Pittsburgh's NHL roster from 2019-22 and was a solid depth piece, and his lineup and special teams versatility is something that the Panthers have found value in as well.
- D Dmitry Kulikov: The 34-year-old veteran defenseman only played in six games with the Penguins post-trade deadline in 2023 because of injury, but he has been solid for the Panthers so far on their second pairing, tandeming with Niko Mikkola and recording two assists in the five-game first-round series against Tampa.
Minnesota Wild
- F Frederick Gaudreau: Gaudreau, 31, spent parts of one season in 2020-21 with the Penguins. He didn't factor on the scoresheet in Minnesota's first-round loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, but he was a plus-2 and played important minutes on the penalty kill.
- F Vinnie Hinostroza: Hinostroza appeared in only one game for the Wild during their first and only round of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs, recording no points and logging 11:57 of ice time. He was with the Penguins' organization in 2023-24 and played in only 14 games at the NHL level.
- G Marc-Andre Fleury: Beloved to the Pittsburgh faithful and forever a legend, Fleury did appear in Game 5, relieving a sick Filip Gustavsson in the third period and for the overtime period. He surrendered one goal on seven Vegas shots, which was, unfortunately, the overtime winner by Brett Howden.
Fleury announced his retirement following Minnesota's first-round exit, and he got a warm reception in his final NHL appearance.
Flowers For 'Flower': Penguins Goaltending Legend Earns Warm Reception In Final NHL AppearanceOn Thursday, the Minnesota Wild suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss in Game 6 to the Vegas Golden Knights, eliminating them in the first round for the eighth time in their last 10 postseason appearances. Montreal Canadiens
- D Mike Matheson: The Washington Capitals were simply too much for Matheson and the Habs in the first round this season, as they were eliminated in five games. Matheson produced one assist in those five games, and he plans to join Penguins' captain Sidney Crosby in representing Team Canada at the IIHF World Championship this week.
New Jersey Devils
- F Cody Glass: Glass was brought to Pittsburgh from the Nashville Predators last summer and was dealt to the Devils at the trade deadline. He was on the wrong side of an unfortunate slash in a bad spot by his own goaltender, Jacob Markstrom, during Game One, but he returned for the rest of the series. He registered no points through five games and was a minus-2.
Markstrom intended this slash for Svechnikov but accidentally hit Glass 😬 pic.twitter.com/zsPC1Pl1iC
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 20, 2025
- F Daniel Sprong: Sprong was drafted in the second round (46th overall) by Pittsburgh in 2015, never panning out and getting traded to the Anaheim Ducks during the 2018-19 season. He only appeared in Game One during the playoffs this season and was a non-factor, leading to a healthy scratch for the remainder of the series against the Hurricanes.
- D Brian Dumoulin: 'Dumo' - as he did during his 10-year Pittsburgh tenure from 2013-23 - played heavy shutdown minutes for the Devils down the stretch and during the first round on the top pairing alongside Brett Pesce. He didn't register any points but proved valuable in his role, which may earn him a contract extension this summer as a pending-UFA.
Ottawa Senators
- F David Perron: Perron was a factor in the Senators' first-round series loss against the Leafs, registering two goals and three points in six games on Ottawa's second line. He with the Penguins for parts of two seasons from 2014-16 before being dealt to the Ducks, recording 16 goals and 38 points in 86 total games with Pittsburgh.
DAVID PERRON BANKS IT IN OFF STOLARZ FROM BEHIND THE GOAL LINE 😱😵 pic.twitter.com/4lmCjuIn7B
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) May 2, 2025
St. Louis Blues
- F Oskar Sundqvist: As the third-line center for the Blues in their seven-game first-round series against the Winnipeg Jets, Sundqvist - who played in 28 total games for the Penguins from 2015-17 - recorded a goal and two points and played in some critical situations for St. Louis. The Blues lost in dramatic fashion during double overtime in Game 7.
Tampa Bay Lightning
- F Jake Guentzel: Guentzel - dealt from the Penguins to the Hurricanes as a rental at last season's trade deadline - was his usual playoff self production-wise for the Bolts during round one, putting up three goals and six points in five games. However, he was also a minus-3 and made some key mistakes in his own zone that led to goals against by the Panthers, who won the series in five games.
Vegas Golden Knights
- F Tanner Pearson: Pearson - who came to Pittsburgh for one season during 2018-19 when forward Carl Hagelin was sent to Los Angeles - appeared in only three of the six games during Vegas's first-round series against the Wild, recording one assist.
- F Reilly Smith: Smith got what he wanted since being traded to Pittsburgh from Vegas prior to the 2023-24 season when he was dealt back to Vegas from the New York Rangers at the trade deadline. In six games on Vegas's third line during the first round, he put up a goal and two points - with his goal being a shorthanded beauty during Game 3.
Reilly Smith scores a beautiful short handed goal!
— Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) April 25, 2025
🎥: TNT | #VegasBornpic.twitter.com/Lx4CmZ0ECP
Washington Capitals
- F Lars Eller: Eller - dealt from the Penguins to the Capitals in November - showed his value as a third-line center in the first round against the Canadiens. He played difficult minutes on the penalty kill and in defensive zone starts, contributing one assist on the scoresheet as well.
- F Anthony Beauvillier: Of all the players on this list, Beauvillier has, arguably, made the biggest impact. He has skated on Washington's first line with Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome, racking up a goal and five points in five games while coming it at a plus-4 in those five games. Beauvillier has, historically, been clutch in the playoffs, as he is showing his postseason prowess again with the Caps after getting dealt at the deadline to Washington from the Penguins.
It hasn't been a bad year for Beauvillier, who has been a linemate of two all-time greats.
Former Islanders Forward Anthony Beauvillier Boosts Capitals in First-Round Battle vs. CanadiensWashington Capitals forward Anthony Beauvillier had quite the Round 1 performance in the 2025 playoffs.
Winnipeg Jets
- F Brandon Tanev: A Penguins' casualty of the 2021 expansion draft for the Seattle Kraken, Tanev didn't register any points for Winnipeg through seven games in the first round, but his notorious energy, defensive prowess, and physicality was on full display, as he led the team in blocked shots with 11 and was third in hits with 27.
- D Luke Schenn: Penguins' 48 hour-legend Luke Schenn got the last laugh in round one, beating his brother, Brayden Schenn, and the Blues in seven games while playing bottom-pair minutes and recording one assist despite being a minus-8.
Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!
Flyers drop two spots in NHL draft lottery; Metropolitan team grabs No. 1 pick
Flyers drop two spots in NHL draft lottery; Metropolitan team grabs No. 1 pick originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Flyers didn’t have any luck in the 2025 NHL draft lottery.
After the drawings Monday night, they finished at No. 6, their second-most likely landing spot.
The Islanders, who had the 10th-best lottery odds at 3.5 percent, won the first overall pick.
The Flyers came in with the fourth-best lottery odds and, per Tankathon.com, had an equal chance at grabbing either the first or second pick (9.5 percent). They were most likely to finish between fourth and sixth. More on that here.
Right now, the Flyers have 11 selections in the 2025 draft, which will be held June 27-28. They own three first-round picks and four second-rounders.
“There are all kinds of possibilities here,” general manager Danny Briere said over two weeks ago. “I think it’s really exciting going into it. It’s powerful to have so many picks like that. I think a lot of teams will be wanting to have discussions with us to make some things happen — teams that don’t have picks or teams that want to tweak things.”
Assistant general manager Brent Flahr has overseen the Flyers’ draft efforts since 2019. In the first round under Flahr, the Flyers have taken Cam York (14th overall — 2019), Tyson Foerster (23rd overall — 2020), Cutter Gauthier (fifth overall — 2022), Matvei Michkov (seventh overall — 2023), Oliver Bonk (22nd overall — 2023) and Jett Luchanko (13th overall — 2024).
Among the 2025 NHL draft prospects, Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer is considered the consensus top overall pick. James Hagens, Porter Martone, Roger McQueen, Anton Frondell and Caleb Desnoyers are five players that could be available for the Flyers at No. 6.
2025 lottery results
1. Islanders
2. Sharks
3. Blackhawks
4. Utah
5. Predators
6. Flyers
7. Bruins
8. Kraken
9. Sabres
10. Ducks
11. Penguins
12. Rangers
13. Red Wings
14. Blue Jackets
15. Canucks
16. Canadiens (via the Flames)
The Wraparound: Burning NHL Questions Ahead Of Round 2
Welcome to a new episode of The Hockey News Wraparound, where we discuss NHL and hockey topics in rapid-fire segments.
Burning NHL Questions Ahead Of Round 2 by The WraparoundundefinedHere's what Emma Lingan and Michael Augello discussed in this episode:
0:00: Could the Winnipeg Jets’ Game 7 historic victory vs. the St. Louis Blues propel them to a deep run?
4:15: Was Mikko Rantanen’s Game 7 performance vs. the Colorado Avalanche one of the best playoff performances ever?
9:04: Which Toronto Maple Leafs player needs to reach another level to defeat the Florida Panthers?
13:50: Should the Edmonton Oilers stick with Calvin Pickard against the Vegas Golden Knights?
17:38: Will Frederik Andersen’s availability be the biggest factor for the Carolina Hurricanes against the Washington Capitals?
19:45: What to make of the Hurricanes’ recent extensions
22:23: Could Matt Coronato’s seven-year extension end up being a steal for the Calgary Flames?
24:05: Breaking down the Jack Adams finalists
26:55: Can Mike Sullivan lead a turnaround with the New York Rangers?
29:45: Did the Los Angeles Kings make the right decision by parting ways with GM Rob Blake?
See below for where to subscribe to the show for future episodes.
MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers back on top, Tigers continue their climb
Featured in this week’s MLB Power Rankings, the Dodgers reclaim the top spot, Riley Greene makes history, PCA drives a Brewers fan into madness, the Royals find their power stroke against the Orioles, Lance McCullers Jr. returns to the majors, speedster Chandler Simpson is as advertised, and the White Sox win the hearts of 90's kids everywhere.
Let’s get started!
(Please note these power rankings are a combination of current performance and long-term projected outlook)
Eric Samulski breaks down some of the top waiver wire adds for the upcoming week of fantasy baseball.
Eric Samulski1) Los Angeles Dodgers ⬆️
Last week: 2
The Dodgers are back on top, even after seeing their seven-game winning streak snapped on Sunday night against the Braves. Los Angeles scored seven runs or more in six out of the seven games on their win streak. Early-season sensation Tommy Edman is out with a right ankle injury, but now we'll get a chance to see what offseason acquisition Hyeseong Kim can do against major league pitching.
2) San Diego Padres ⬆️
Last week: 4
The Padres are also rolling, as they’ll bring a five-game winning streak into Yankee Stadium on Monday. Fernando Tatís Jr. had quite the scare when he was hit in the forearm by a pitch on Friday, but he was right back in the lineup on Saturday and pulled off an aggressive and heads-up baserunning play to help the Padres to a win.
FERNANDO TATIS JR. JUST DID THAT pic.twitter.com/0FFJWRtquG
— MLB (@MLB) May 3, 2025
3) New York Mets ⬇️
Last week: 1
The Mets have lost four of five, including a doubleheader sweep at the hands of the Cardinals on Sunday. Bullpen issues are beginning to manifest, including injuries to left-handers A.J. Minter and Danny Young over the past week.
4) Detroit Tigers ⬆️
Last week: 5
The Tigers rebounded from losing two out of three to the Astros by winning three out of four from the lowly Angels. We love history around here, especially of the quirky variety, which is why we have to call out Riley Greene becoming the first player to hit two home runs in the ninth inning of a game.
No player in MLB history had ever hit 2 homers in the 9th inning of a game ... until Riley Greene last night.
— MLB (@MLB) May 3, 2025
(h/t @SlangsOnSports)
(MLB x @BudweiserUSA) pic.twitter.com/WckSd9djOY
5) Chicago Cubs ⬆️
Last week: 7
The Cubs’ buzzsaw of an offense is driving some to the point of madness. To illustrate, watch this dejected Brewers fan react to the latest home run from Pete Crow-Armstrong.
Pete Crow-Armstrong is on another level right now
— MLB (@MLB) May 3, 2025
He blasts his 2nd homer of the night pic.twitter.com/kGOWMBSvZP
P.S. - Imagine how Mets are feeling about PCA these days? Actually, I don’t have to imagine. I’ll tell you. It stinks.
6) San Francisco Giants ⬇️
Last week: 3
The Giants are a bit topsy-turvy of late, but veteran left-hander Robbie Ray has been steady presence in the rotation so far. After making his return from Tommy John surgery last year, the 33-year-old has posted a 3.05 ERA through his first seven starts this season.
7) Seattle Mariners ⬆️
Last week: 8
The Mariners’ offense has been one of the league’s best in recent weeks and George Kirby is hitting 98 mph in rehab games. While Logan Gilbert’s status is TBD, things are mostly looking up here.
8) New York Yankees ⬇️
Last week: 6
I’m sorry to report that Aaron Judge is in a slump. After managing just one hit on Sunday against the Rays, his batting average has cratered to .423 for the season.
9) Philadelphia Phillies ⬆️
Last week: 11
Bryce Harper finally snapped his 13-game homerless drought on Sunday, but Alec Bohm is still searching for his first home run of the season.
10) Cleveland Guardians ⬇️
Last week: 9
Speaking of home runs, Jhonkensy Noel hit one of the longest blasts of the season last week.
The sound of this homer
— MLB (@MLB) May 1, 2025
Jhonkensy Noel just sent this baseball 450 feet pic.twitter.com/oWRzZLQK5O
11) Arizona Diamondbacks ⬆️
Last week: 12
After inking a six-year, $210 million contract with the Diamondbacks over the winter, Corbin Burnes has had his next start pushed back to some inflammation in his right shoulder. Time will tell if it’s something of long-term concern, but there have been some indications that he’s not quite right. While Burnes holds a decent-enough 3.58 ERA through six starts, he’s posted an underwhelming 28/17 K/BB ratio in 32 2/3 innings.
12) Kansas City Royals ⬆️
Last week: 17
The Royals had an MLB-low 15 home runs through their first 33 games this season, but they mashed 10 homers between Saturday and Sunday against the Orioles, including a new franchise record with seven in the latter. The question is how much this power surge was about a breakthrough for KC’s bats versus the woeful state of Baltimore’s pitching staff.
13) Boston Red Sox
Last week: 13
A tough week for the Red Sox where they blew three saves and saw first baseman Triston Casas go down with a ruptured patella tendon. At least Garrett Crochet managed to avoid disaster with this comebacker on Sunday?
Garrett Crochet taking one off the nose and staying in the game.
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 4, 2025
Dawg. pic.twitter.com/DeOBgEWwF1
14) Texas Rangers ⬇️
Last week: 10
No AL team has scored fewer runs than the Rangers, who demoted Jake Burger last week and fired offensive coordinator Donnie Ecker on Sunday. Raise your hand if you just learned that offensive coordinator is a thing in baseball too.
15) Atlanta Braves
Last week: 15
Just when you think the Braves are ready to make their move, they stumble a bit. Still, it's been encouraging to see Austin Riley get off to a nice start this season. After seeing his production fall in 2024 before a fractured hand ended his season, he's hitting .292 with eight homers and an .847 OPS through 33 games this year. While the Braves' third baseman is striking out more often this year, he's also barreling balls up at a rate he's never done before.
16) Athletics ⬆️
Last week: 20
A’s fans have had a long wait for Gunnar Hoglund, who was acquired from the Blue Jays as part of the Matt Chapman trade in March of 2022. The southpaw has seen his star fade in recent years, but he’s shown a velocity uptick this season which led to his MLB debut on Friday against the Marlins. The 2021 first-rounder shined with seven strikeouts and no walks over six innings of one-run ball.
17) Houston Astros ⬇️
Last week: 14
A lot of things are possible with AI technology these days, but I promise you this is the real deal. For the first time since Game 3 of the 2022 World Series, Lance McCullers Jr. was back on a major league mound on Sunday against the White Sox. The 31-year-old dealt with some control issues, but turned in 3 2/3 scoreless innings. Kudos to McCullers’ perseverance.
18) Cincinnati Reds ⬇️
Last week: 16
From All-Star closer to Triple-A in the span of two years. That’s the story for Alexis Díaz, who served up three home runs to the Cardinals last Wednesday before being optioned to Louisville. Diaz’s control has always been shaky, but he showed signs of decline last season, particularly in regard to a loss in fastball velocity which has carried over to 2025. Fortunately for the Reds, Emilio Pagán has stepped up in the closer role.
19) Milwaukee Brewers
Last week: 19
The Brewers have struggled to get on a roll this season, but there’s reason for hope. Brandon Woodruff, who is returning from shoulder surgery, pitched into the sixth inning in his most recent rehab start and is currently on track to make his return to the majors around the middle of the month.
20) Tampa Bay Rays
Last week: 19
The Rays took two out of three from the Yankees over the weekend and Chander Simpson’s ridiculous speed was a key factor. For most people, a ground ball to second base is a routine out. For Simpson, it’s just the beginning of an experience.
BEEP BEEP pic.twitter.com/dVG6B55uEe
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) May 4, 2025
21) Toronto Blue Jays
Last week: 21
After the Royals’ weekend power display against the Orioles, the Blue Jays now sit last in the majors with 23 home runs. Anthony Santander, who received a five-year, $92.5 million contract this offseason, has struggled with four homers and a .577 OPS.
22) Washington Nationals
Last week: 22
The Nationals’ bullpen holds a 6.55 ERA this season. Only the Angels (7.02 ERA) have been worse.
23) St. Louis Cardinals ⬆️
Last week: 24
A nice family saw Nolan Arenado literally fall into their laps on Sunday. It resulted in one of the best baseball photos in recent memory. There's a real choose-your-own-adventure quality to it.
This great AP photo by Joe Puetz shows the lengths that #STLCards star third baseman Nolan Arenado went to to snag a foul popup at Busch Stadium on Sunday night. pic.twitter.com/zyCMtEDAYf
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) May 5, 2025
24) Minnesota Twins ⬆️
Last week: 26
Help has arrived for the Twins, as Royce Lewis and Willi Castro were activated from the injured list on Monday. Lewis has been out all season with a hamstring injury. You can’t question the talent with Lewis, but can he finally stay on the field for a sustained period?
25) Baltimore Orioles
Last week: 25
Let’s be real: Some (maybe most?) of the Orioles’ struggles are about poor roster construction and planning, but how much leash does Brandon Hyde have as manager? We're about to find out.
26) Los Angeles Angels ⬇️
Last week: 23
Eight losses in their last nine and missing Mike Trout due to a bone bruise in his surgically-repaired knee. It's just sad, man.
27) Pittsburgh Pirates ⬆️
Last week: 28
Seeing Paul Skenes struggle against the Cubs last week was sort of like when Superman gave up his powers and got beat up in a diner in “Superman II.” How does he respond this week?
28) Miami Marlins ⬇️
Last week: 27
We mentioned Agustín Ramírez as a potential building block for the Marlins in last week’s Power Rankings, but Kyle Stowers is also showing signs of promise. Including a walk-off grand slam against Mason Miller and the A’s on Saturday, Stowers is slashing .321/.387/.541 with six homers and 25 RBI this season.
KYLE. STOWERS. #marlinsbeisbolpic.twitter.com/alvy44pOkB
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) May 3, 2025
29) Chicago White Sox
Last week: 29
We can probably stop making City Connect uniforms because the Bulls-inspired White Sox fits will not be topped.
The White Sox win in their new City Connect uniforms! pic.twitter.com/imsEoGqPWq
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 3, 2025
30) Colorado Rockies
Last week: 30
The Rockies won back-to-back games last week! They’ve lost three in a row since then and will host the Tigers and the Padres this week, so that might be the high point for a while.
What we learned as errors, Cubs' offense punish Giants in blowout loss
What we learned as errors, Cubs' offense punish Giants in blowout loss originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants started their season in Cincinnati and already have visited the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels and Houston Astros, but when it comes to scheduling, they have nothing on the Chicago Cubs. Monday’s game was Chicago’s 21st against the National League West, easily the most games any team has played against one division this year.
Given that the West is likely to be the best division in baseball this season, it’s wildly impressive that the Cubs entered this series seven games above .500. They lead the majors in runs, and on the first night of a three-game series, they took advantage of uncharacteristically sloppy Giants defense to get a 9-2 blowout win on Monday at Wrigley Field.
The Giants made four errors, two by shortstop Willy Adames and two by Gold Glove third baseman Matt Chapman. It was the first time since 1948 (shortstop Buddy Kerr and third baseman Jack Lohrke) that the Giants got multiple errors in the same game from both infielders on the left side, and it buried their young pitchers.
Hayden Birdsong paid a heavy price in relief, getting just one out in his first appearance in his home state as a big leaguer. Landen Roupp started the game and half of his runs were unearned.
Here are three things to know from an ugly night in Chicago …
Where’d That Come From?
When the wind is gusting, Wrigley can be tough on outfielders — but it was two guys on the dirt who really struggled defensively Monday.
The Adames and Chapman mistakes led to big innings and gave the Giants their first four-error game since last Aug. 9. Chapman’s first led to a Cubs rally, and both infielders had an error in the sixth as the Cubs tacked on five runs and pulled away.
Adames’ first error of the game came on a hard grounder, but the second was a throw to second that sailed wide. That put him at seven errors on the year, and the advanced metrics aren’t any better. The new shortstop entered the day with negative-five Outs Above Average, which ranked 32nd among 33 qualified shortstops. He’s tied for last with negative-six Defensive Runs Saved.
Chapman leads his position in DRS and is tied for third in OAA, but he had a rare off night. The two-error game was his first since last June 19, also at Wrigley Field.
Can’t Catch A Break
If you look at the advanced metrics, Roupp has been one of the unluckiest pitchers in the National League. He entered the game with a 5.10 ERA, but a 3.30 xERA and a 3.87 FIP. That continued in the bottom of the fourth, when the Cubs scored a couple of two-out runs.
Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a slow roller to third and reached when Chapman, who was playing in, dropped the ball. Nico Hoerner followed with a 71-mph bloop to right and stole second, and both runners scored on Dansby Swanson’s 79 mph single to left. Both runs were unearned for Roupp, who earlier gave up a two-run homer to Ian Happ.
Roupp likely can feel Birdsong and Kyle Harrison, both now in the bullpen, breathing down his neck, but he did his job Monday. He went five and likely would have given Bob Melvin another inning had it not been for the Chapman error. He struck out four and didn’t issue a walk, and three of the five hits on his line came right after the error.
Matos Mania
The Giants lost eight of their first 10 games against lefties this season, and part of the issue was their lack of production in right field. Luis Matos is supposed to get those starts, but he was in such a deep slump earlier this year that Mike Yastrzemski started getting additional reps against southpaws. Matos had a good weekend back home, but had just two hits in 26 at-bats against lefties heading into the matchup with Matthew Boyd.
With the Giants trailing by a pair in the fourth, Matos worked the count full and then smashed a hanging changeup into the seats in left. After going 1-for-27 over an eight-game span, Matos has a hit in three straight and has reached base six times in his last three starts, with two homers.
Hurricanes Make Roster Move Ahead Of Round 2
The Carolina Hurricanes kick off their second-round series against the Washington Capitals on May 6. The Hurricanes' goal will be to stay hot after defeating the New Jersey Devils in the first round in just five games.
As the Hurricanes prepare for their Game 1 matchup against the Capitals, they have made a roster move. The Hurricanes have re-assigned goaltender Ruslan Khazheyev to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Chicago Wolves.
Khazheyev, 20, was called up to the Hurricanes' roster ahead of their series against the Devils and served as an extra goaltender. However, with this latest roster move, he is heading back to the AHL.
The Hurricanes selected Khazheyev with the 158th overall pick of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. He just completed his first professional season in North America after signing his entry-level contract with the Hurricanes last May. He spent the bulk of this campaign with the Wolves, posting a 5-13-0 record, a .876 save percentage, and a 3.49 goals-against average in 20 games. He also made one ECHL appearance with the Bloomington Bison, saving 12 out of 15 shots in a loss.
Recent Hurricanes News
3 Carolina Hurricanes Who Could Be Extended NextThe Carolina Hurricanes have been busy since their first-round series win against the New Jersey Devils, signing forward Taylor Hall and goaltender Frederik Andersen to contract extensions.
Hurricanes Made Right Call Extending Frederik AndersenOn May 3, the Carolina Hurricanes announced that they signed goaltender Frederik Andersen to a one-year, $2.75 million contract extension. This was just three days after the Hurricanes signed forward Taylor Hall to a three-year, $9.5 million extension. With this, the Hurricanes have certainly been busy since defeating the New Jersey Devils in the first round last week.
Former Hurricanes Star Has Big Playoff GameSince being traded to the Colorado Avalanche in January, former Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas has undoubtedly had plenty of success. In 30 regular-season games following the trade, the 26-year-old forward recorded 11 goals, 28 points, and a plus-1 rating in 30 games. Now, he is only continuing to make a big impact during the post-season. Maro Itoje’s chance of Lions captaincy grows with Caelan Doris set for surgery
- Injury to Ireland No 8 looks ‘serious’, says Leinster coach
- Andy Farrell due to name tour squad on Thursday
Maro Itoje’s chances of being named British & Irish Lions captain this week have been strengthened after Caelan Doris – one of his closest rivals for the role – emerged as an injury doubt for the tour of Australia.
Doris, the Ireland captain, will undergo shoulder surgery this week but, after a worrying assessment by the Leinster coach, Jacques Nienaber, he is in danger of missing the series against the Wallabies in a potentially momentous development before Andy Farrell names his squad on Thursday.
Continue reading...Barcelona boosted by Lewandowski return for semi-final clash with Inter
- Polish striker back from hamstring injury for second leg
- Inter have fitness doubts for Champions League tie
The Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has been declared fit to return from a hamstring injury but is set to start on the bench in their Champions League semi-final second leg at Inter on Tuesday, the Barça manager, Hansi Flick, confirmed.
The 36-year-old Polish international, who has scored 40 goals for Barcelona in all competitions this season, had been sidelined for his club’s last four games. After sustaining the injury during Barça’s 4-3 victory against Celta Vigo on 19 April, he missed the Copa del Rey final victory against Real Madrid and the first leg of the semi against Inter.
Continue reading...Marc-Andre Fleury Reunites With Sidney Crosby On Canada's World Championship Team
Although his NHL career ended, Marc-Andre Fleury is reuniting with Sidney Crosby.
Team Canada added another Stanley Cup champion, Fleury, to the men’s World Championship squad.
Fleury retired from the NHL when the Minnesota Wild were eliminated by the Vegas Golden Knights. He left the ice for the last time, saluting the crowd.
However, that won’t be the last moment in his hockey career, as Fleury’s agent, Allan Walsh, said Fleury accepted an invitation to join the Canadians.
This will be Fleury’s first World Championship during his 21-year NHL career. The 40-year-old hasn’t played a game for Canada in a tournament since he played in the World Junior Championship in 2002-03. Despite playing in two world junior tournaments, Canada only earned silver in both competitions.
Fleury was selected for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, but he didn’t play since Roberto Luongo and Martin Brodeur were ahead of him on the goaltending depth chart. Canada took home the gold medal in those Olympics.
Not only will this likely be Fleury’s last dance, but he’ll be doing it with longtime teammate and friend, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. It was announced on Sunday that Crosby will join Canada for the World Championship after multiple weeks of consideration.
The two were teammates for 12 seasons with the Penguins between 2005 and 2017. They won the Stanley Cup together in 2009, 2016 and 2017.
The IIHF World Championship begins on May 9, and Canada’s first game is on May 10. They’ll take on Slovenia to kick off their campaign.
Canada played their first exhibition game on Sunday, defeating Austria 5-1. New York Rangers prospect Dylan Garand stopped 22 of 23 shots in net for the Canadians. Their next and final pre-tournament game is on Tuesday, when they visit Budapest to take on Hungary.
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Twins activate Royce Lewis for season debut, and also bring back Willi Castro from injured list
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins have returned third baseman Royce Lewis from his rehab assignment, clearing the way for his season debut after he strained his left hamstring in spring training.
The Twins reinstated both Lewis and multi-position player Willi Castro from the injured list, putting both regulars in play for the start of their three-game series against Baltimore. Castro missed 16 games with a strained right oblique muscle.
Infielders Mickey Gasper and Edouard Julien were sent to Triple-A St. Paul to make room on the roster with the Twins, who are still missing right fielder Matt Wallner (strained left hamstring) and second baseman Luke Keaschall (broken right forearm) with long-term injuries.
Lewis went 4 for 23 with one double in six games with St. Paul, finishing yet another rehabilitation that has defined his young career. The first overall pick in the 2017 draft, Lewis suffered his latest injury on March 16 while running out a ground ball in an exhibition game.
Lewis missed the 2021 season after he tore his right ACL when he slipped on ice at his Texas home during a freak winter storm. He needed reconstructive ACL surgery on the same knee in 2022, after a collision with the wall while making a catch during a brief audition in center field barely two weeks after his major league debut.
He opened the 2023 season on the injured list while still in recovery and debuted that year in late May. Lewis also had IL stints that season with a strained left oblique and a left hamstring strain. In 2024, he played in a career-high 82 games, enduring IL stints for a strained right quadriceps and a right adductor strain.