'I Couldn't Be More Excited To Get Started Here': 3 Takeaways From Dan Muse's Introductory Press Conference As Penguins' Head Coach

On Wednesday, Pittsburgh Penguins president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas formally introduced Dan Muse as the 23rd head coach in franchise history at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Muse, 42, was hired to replace former bench boss Mike Sullivan on Jun. 4, and after a long search and process, Dubas believes that they've found the right guy for where the Penguins are at right now.

And it was someone who was not initially on his radar.

"What stood about Dan during the process was that he was not somebody that I knew personally going into it," Dubas said. "But right from the time that we met and we spoke on the phone, then when we met over Zoom, and then met in person, it became clear that he was somebody that was going to be extraordinarily well-suited to develop all of our players. Not just our young players, but all of them."

He continued: "[With] everything about him as we got through and further on in the process, it became clear that he was going to be a great fit to partner with us and help lead us through this transition and then back into contention with the Pittsburgh Penguins."

Muse is excited to get started in Pittsburgh, too, as this is his first head coaching opportunity at the NHL level. He previously had assistant coaching stints with the Nashville Predators, and - most recently - with the New York Rangers.

And he is aware of the caliber of the organization that he is joining.

"It's an honor to work in the NHL," Muse said. "It's a huge honor to be a head coach in this league. It's extremely humbling to be a part of this organization, this city, working with this staff and with these players. I couldn't be more excited to get started here."

Here are three takeaways from Muse's introductory press conference:

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1. Development is the no. 1 priority in a "transitional" period

If one thing was made very clear on Wednesday, it's that the Penguins have fully shifted their focus to development.

"Through this process, you see what an exciting time it is to come in here," Muse said. "You have legendary players of our game here in Pittsburgh. Future hall-of-famers. You have these exciting young players that are coming up, and then you have a little bit of everything in between. So, to have an opportunity to work together with everybody here to make sure that these players are continuing to grow wherever they are in their career... I just can't tell you how exciting an opportunity that is."

Muse understands the assignment, too, as he is aware of the fact that the team is in a transitionary period. He's ready to undertake the task of bridging the team back to contention - and he'll do it one player at a time, one day at a time.

"There's going to be a lot of work that goes into it [before training camp]," Muse said. "And that's the work with each individual and what they need, it's going to be the work with the collective group, and then, as soon as we get on the ice for the first time, we're going to continue to build. It's going to be a step-by-step process. Each day, we're going to be looking to get a little bit better as a group, a little bit better for each of these guys."

New Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Muse speaks to the Pittsburgh media on Jun. 11. (Credit: Kelsey Surmacz - The Hockey News)

2. Muse values an individualistic approach to coaching

And on that note, one of the best bits from Muse during this presser was when he was asked about his approach to balancing the desire to win and the focus on development.

He kept mentioning how each player is different and has different needs depending on where they're at in their respective careers. This individualistic approach to coaching his players is something that separates him, and he knows how to put it all together to meet common goals, too.

"Everybody's different," Muse said. "Everybody's path's going to be different, so as a coach, you enjoy that part of it because you've got to learn who the person is to really work with them and help them."

He added: "You have guys in different places in their careers, and that's very clear. My job coming in here is going to be to help maximize each person and to help each person work toward what their highest level could be right now. And that's going to be my focus."

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The understanding that every player's path is different should bode well for a coach working with so many young players - and young players with different things to work on.

"Part of player development is saying, 'What could you become?' and helping that person believe that, and then helping guide them, helping them with the road map on how to get there," Muse said. "And then, you're working together with the player in order to help that player take their game to the next level.

"I think it's really rewarding to be able to be a part of that, and to be able to help players achieve those things that they're looking to do and help them see what could be possible."


3. There will be a high degree of collaboration between Muse and Dubas

Pittsburgh Penguins general manager and president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas (left) introduces new head coach Dan Muse to the Pittsburgh media on Jun. 11. (Credit: Kelsey Surmacz - The Hockey News)

Make no mistake: Dubas and Muse will definitely be working very closely.

And that collaboration is one of the aspects that drew Muse to the job in the first place:

"One of the things that really excited me about this opportunity was the clear collaboration it's going to have," Muse said. "And that, kind of, started right away within this process. I think that, early on in our conversations - and especially when coming in here in that meeting with other members of the organization - it became very clear that this is an opportunity for full collaboration at a very high level. And there will be."

He added: "That's something that excites me. That's something that I've seen and something that I believe in that you have to have. You have to take all the resources that you have, all the different people and ideas, and you have to become united in what your approach is going to be and in everything that you do. And I believe that's what leads to success."

Dubas echoed that sentiment, and he thinks the collboration between him, Muse, and the players will help propel the team toward a better future.

"Of course, when we're talking about building out the team and how we want it to play, there's always a give-and-take between the coach and the manager," Dubas said. "There's the way that Dan would like the team to play, and then there's the group of players that we have and the group of players that are available... and then trying to find the best way, collectively, to move the team ahead."

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Schmitt has Giants feeling ‘lucky' as he steps up in Chappy's absence

Schmitt has Giants feeling ‘lucky' as he steps up in Chappy's absence originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

When Matt Chapman landed on the injured list Tuesday with a right hand sprain, it looked as though the Giants’ win streak could be in jeopardy with their home run leader and star third baseman sidelined.

But two games later and San Francisco now has won seven in a row, the latest another thrilling comeback victory over the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday night at Coors Field — and the player who has taken over for Chapman on the hot corner helped lead the 10-7 win.

Casey Schmitt got it done with the bat, the glove and on the base paths in the victory and is taking advantage of his chance to play every day with Chapman out. On a two-RBI night that also featured a Chapman-esque play at third, Schmitt scored the go-ahead run with a dazzling slide in the eighth inning after drawing a pivotal bases-loaded walk that gave the Giants belief they could come back yet again.

“You’re getting breaking ball after breaking ball, and then to be able to take a fastball for a ball on the last pitch, that’s a great at-bat,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said after the game of Schmitt’s “huge” walk. “And then the next time up, hits a ball in the hole and gets us another RBI. So, it’s a great opportunity for him, and he made a great play defensively.

“He’s got a real opportunity to do some good things while Chappy’s out. We’re lucky to have him.”

After Mike Yastrzemski drove in the tying run as San Francisco rallied in the eighth, Tyler Fitzgerald laid down a perfect bunt that allowed Schmitt to dive in under the tag at home. Though he initially was called out, Melvin successfully challenged the call and the comeback was complete.

“We knew we were going to bunt there,” Schmitt told Laura Britt and Ron Wotus on “Giants Postgame Live” after the win. “Talked to [Giants third base coach Matt Williams] before, just make sure I see it down. I saw it down and just took off, and luckily I got in there.”

Earlier in the fifth inning, Schmitt threw out Keston Hiura from foul territory after the grounder forced him to make a one-legged throw all the way across the diamond and into Jerar Encarnacion’s glove at first.

While Chapman and his Gold Glove are a tough act to follow, Schmitt is a stellar defender in his own right and earned the 2022 Minor League Baseball Gold Glove as the best defensive third baseman in the minors during his time with the Eugene Emeralds.

But now, he gets to take notes from one of the greatest ever to do it at the major-league level. And with Chapman himself expecting to miss more than 10 games, Schmitt will be able to learn plenty.

“I’m feeling good,” Schmitt told Britt and Wotus of returning to third base in Chapman’s absence. “Just there filling in for Chappy, and he’s right there helping me out with everything, too. I get to be out there, and I’m learning form the best as well. It’s been awesome just to be here and to be a part of it.”

The Giants are riding high, even though the wins haven’t come easy. Wednesday’s victory was their MLB-leading ninth comeback this season of three or more runs, and the first of their current win streak that they’ve won by more than one — and everyone is contributing.

Willy Adames, who has underproduced so far this season, is 4-for-7 with five RBI and five runs this series, and Schmitt had a big night in the Giants’ 6-5 series-opening win Tuesday, too, with a solo homer that put San Francisco back in the game. Jung Hoo Lee, who had hit a bit of a dry spell after a red-hot start, has scored five runs and smashed two triples in Colorado, just to name a few contributors.

The Giants also lost starting catcher Patrick Bailey to the 10-day IL with a neck strain earlier on Wednesday, but right now, they feel like they’re in every game — even with two of their best defensive players injured.

“You can never count us out,” Schmitt told Britt and Wotus. “Every time we step out there, we’re expecting a war. It’s just been so much fun, and we’re all sticking together. It’s been great to be able to come back in late games like that.”

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Yankees' Marcus Stroman effective in first rehab start with Double-A Somerset

Yankees right-hander Marcus Stroman began his rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset on Wednesday afternoon, and the results from his start were encouraging.

In the first game of a home doubleheader against Double-A Portland, Stroman looked comfortable on the mound, striking out four across 3.1 innings while allowing one run on one hit and two walks. He retired five of six batters to begin the outing, induced four groundouts plus a flyout, and threw 27 of his 46 total pitches for strikes.

Stroman's appearance was his first taste of game action in exactly two months, as he landed on the injured list back on April 12 with left knee inflammation. The 34-year-old veteran struggled prior to the injury, producing a ghastly 11.57 ERA across 9.1 innings (three starts). He gave up five runs on four hits and three walks and logged only two outs against the Giants on April 11.

It's unclear when Stroman will return to the Yankees' active roster -- or what his future role will look like, with existing competition in the rotation -- but he'll need a handful of rehab starts to build up his workload after a lengthy absence.

Stroman told the media, including The Athletic's Brendan Kuty, after the game that he's "very open to whatever it may be" when asked about his role when he returns to the Yankees. He also acknowledged that they haven't spoken about it yet, but expects to be built up as a starter with his next rehab start coming next week.

Meanwhile, in the starting lineup for Somerset, veteran slugger Giancarlo Stanton appeared in his second rehab game. Batting second as the designated hitter, he went 1-for-4 with a sharp RBI double to center in the first inning.

Stanton, who's missed the entire season due to lingering tennis elbow injuries, saw game action for the first time on Tuesday. The 35-year-old went 2-for-3 with a walk and three RBI. His return to the big league club is yet to be determined, but it could arrive sooner rather than later.

Pair Of Hurricanes Prospects Earn Unprecedented Honor

The AHL unveiled its 2024-25 Top Prospect Team on Wednesday with a pair of top Carolina Hurricanes prospects — Bradly Nadeau and Scott Morrow — being named to the team.

The chosen players are selected by the league's hockey operations department in conjunction with AHL general managers as the prospects projected to be the best future NHL players.

To qualify, players must have been 22 years old or younger on the first day of the regular season and must have played in at least 36 regular season AHL games and no more than 30 NHL games.

Nadeau, 19, led all AHL rookies in goals this season with 32 —  becoming just the fifth player in AHL history to score at least 30 goals as a teenager —  and was also second in points with 58 in 64 games.

The 2023 first-round pick was named to the 2024-25 AHL All-Rookie Team as well and registered his first career NHL point as well in the final games of the regular season.

Morrow, 22, had 13 goals and 39 points in 52 AHL games this season and was a top power play quarterback for the Wolves.

The 2021 second-round pick played in 14 regular season games for Carolina this season, registering a goal and six points, and also played in all five games against the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final as well.

Recent NHL Run Putting Hurricanes Rookie Blueliner Scott Morrow's Talent, Growth On DisplayRecent NHL Run Putting Hurricanes Rookie Blueliner Scott Morrow's Talent, Growth On DisplayCarolina Hurricanes rookie defenseman Scott Morrow got his first taste of NHL action last season — playing the final two games of the regular season — but it hasn't been till recently where he's actually gotten to feel like a real NHL player.

It is also just the first time in AHL history that a pair of teammates from the same organization have each been named to the Top Prospect Team in the same year.

The other players selected to the team include Konsta Helenius (Rochester Americans/Buffalo Sabres), Dalibor Dvorsky (Springfield Thunderbirds/St. Louis Blues), Logan Mailloux (Laval Rockets/Montreal Canadiens) and Jet Greaves (Cleveland Monsters/Columbus Blue Jackets).


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The Wraparound: Could Paul Maurice Become The Best NHL Coach Not Named Scotty Bowman?

Tune in to The Hockey News Wraparound for rapid-fire discussions about the NHL and beyond.

Could Paul Maurice Become The Best NHL Coach Not Named Scotty Bowman? by The WraparoundCould Paul Maurice Become The Best NHL Coach Not Named Scotty Bowman? by The Wraparoundundefined

Here's what Emma Lingan and Michael Augello discussed in this episode:

0:00: Could Paul Maurice go down as the best NHL coach not named Scotty Bowman?

3:45: Breaking down Game 3 between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers

8:29 Was hiring Derek Lalonde a smart move for the Toronto Maple Leafs?

10:42 Should the Ottawa Senators consider trading Drake Batherson?

13:00 Breaking down Spencer Carbery’s Jack Adams victory with the Washington Capitals

16:21 Reflecting on the standout performers of the 2025 NHL draft combine

19:55 Could we see a top-five draft pick be traded this season?

22:17 Will Marco Rossi be traded by the Minnesota Wild?

26:20 Can the New York Rangers afford to move on from K’Andre Miller?

28:50 Exploring the impact of the PWHL expansion draft

See below for where to subscribe to the show for future episodes.

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Promo image credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Flyers Trade Rumors: Philly Linked to Stars Forward Not Named Jason Robertson

The Flyers could settle for a lesser, more tame trade target instead of Jason Robertson. (Photo: Eric Hartline, Imagn Images)

As the Philadelphia Flyers snoop for more ways to quietly improve their roster, one Dallas Stars forward has emerged as a potential trade target. He's just not Jason Robertson like everyone had hoped.

Rumors had previously surfaced that the Stars could trade Robertson, a former 100-point-scorer heading into the last year of his contract, to create cap space and flexibility down the road.

That may still be true, but a new report has suggested that the Flyers are interested in a different Stars forward of a lesser caliber, which would help Dallas towards its goal all the same.

According to Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff, the Flyers are fans of Stars left winger Mason Marchment, a 6-foot-5 winger with 20 goals in consecutive seasons.

The 29-year-old has one year remaining on his contract with the Stars at a $4.5 million cap hit, which Dallas is presumably looking to shed to allocate funds elsewhere. Marchment has a 10-team no-trade list, according to PuckPedia.

"I have heard Marchment is a guy PHI likes. If they're looking to add size up front (which I believe they are) I wonder if they'll pursue him," Di Marco reported on his X account Wednesday afternoon.

Over the years, Marchment has evolved into a decent offensive play-driver in a middle-six role. (Evolving-Hockey)

Considering the Stars' salary cap pinch ($5 million to sign nine players) the Flyers could acquire Marchment at a relatively minimal cost. The two main questions are, of course, if the Flyers are on Marchment's no-trade list and if he'll stay beyond the 2025-26 season.

At 29 years old, Marchment is on the older side for the Flyers' roster, and Philadelphia may be better suited in the long-term giving guys like Jakob Pelletier, Nikita Grebenkin, or Alex Bump the NHL ice time rather than trading for Marchment for a year's worth of hockey.

Something else to consider is the possibility the Flyers flip Marchment to a contender at the NHL trade deadline, and being able to retain salary will give them the chance to earn the best possible return possible.

At the same time, the Flyers have only one retention slot available remaining due to the Scott Laughton and Kevin Hayes trades, so if they retain salary on a future Marchment deal, they won't be able to retain salary on further trades until the summer.

This is something that could potentially prohibit them from trading a player like Rasmus Ristolainen, for example, at some point next season.

If the Flyers trade for Marchment, he'll presumably slot into a top-nine role immediately, but management may want to make sure the former Panthers and Maple Leafs forward will stick around before rushing into any deals.

Marchment shares an agent, Paul Capizzano, with top Flyers defense prospect Oliver Bonk.

For more Flyers news and up-to-date coverage, visit The Hockey News and like our Facebook page. Follow us on 𝕏: @ByJonBailey,  @TheHockeyNews

Where Will Sam Bennett Play Next Season? New Bettting Odds Spark Major Buzz

Panthers' Sam Bennett betting odds for next team officially come out with sizeable front runner ahead of the pack

Image

After another bruising and productive postseason, Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett is gaining attention not just for his on-ice heroics but also for his uncertain future.

The 28-year-old has been a difference-maker in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, leading the league with 10 goals in 17 games to go with 6 assists, 58 shots, and a whopping 91 hits. He’s been instrumental during Florida’s Finals run, including a highlight-reel breakaway goal in Game 3 after delivering a thunderous hit to ignite the play.

This follows his 2024 playoff campaign where he produced 7 goals and 7 assists in 19 games during Florida's Cup win.

Over the past two postseasons, Bennett has racked up 17 goals and 13 assists in 36 games while playing a physical, agitating, and clutch brand of hockey. As a pending unrestricted free agent, teams across the league are watching closely—and sportsbooks are already lining up next-team odds for the rugged forward.

Betting Odds: Sam Bennett’s Next Team per FanDuel Sportsbook

  • Florida Panthers –230
  • Toronto Maple Leafs +500
  • Vegas Golden Knights +900
  • Boston Bruins +2200
  • Los Angeles Kings +2600
  • Ottawa Senators +2600
  • Colorado Avalanche +3400
  • New York Rangers +3400
  • Vancouver Canucks +3400
  • New Jersey Devils +3400
  • Detroit Red Wings +3700
  • St. Louis Blues +3700
  • Buffalo Sabres +4500
  • Anaheim Ducks +4500

More NHL: Florida Fade: Why Bettors Should Rethink Backing McDavid on the Road in Cup Final

Florida Panthers (–230)

The Panthers are the clear betting favorite to retain Bennett and for good reason. He's a perfect fit for Florida’s system with a fast and physical playstyle that works well in Paul Maurice's system and has proven to be successful in the playoffs. He’s already racked up a league-best 14 goals this postseason, including five goals over his last four games. 

Florida has created a winning culture in a location that's very hard to beat with nice weather all year round and no-state tax that has allowed Bennett to keep more of his money. He's been vital to the success of the Panthers for the last three seasons and will likely be one of the main priorities for management this off-season. 

Toronto Maple Leafs (+500)

A homecoming to Toronto is definitely a possibility as the Buds are desperately looking for playoff competitors with Bennett being one of the best in the league. Bennett’s grit and playoff prowess could be a massive addition to a Leafs team that has always struggled to close out series due to their stars failing to play at their best when it counts. 

The Leafs could also benefit from his versatility as he's able to play center or wing. If Bennett is interested, Toronto will do everything they can to get him as they'll have extra cap space following the likely departure of Mitch Marner.

Vegas Golden Knights (+900)

The Golden Knights have built their identity on being aggressive with acquiring playoff-tested forwards like Bennett. If Vegas doesn’t retain all of its current free agents, there could be a roster and cap-space opening for a player with his unique blend of scoring touch and sandpaper that Vegas is known for as well as Florida. His game would mesh well with Bruce Cassidy’s system, particularly in heavy matchups.

Boston Bruins (+2200)

Boston has been on the hunt for a gritty forward who thrives in the playoffs and after last season's 33-39-10 record, they'll be looking to make some serious changes to get themselves back into playoff contention. 

Bennett fits that bill of a Boston Bruin and could play the Charlie Coyle-style hybrid role up and down the lineup with his ability to play multiple positions. Cap gymnastics may be needed but the Bruins have a winning culture that is always enticing to free agents. 

Los Angeles Kings (+2600)

The Kings are an intriguing dark horse. They have young, impactful centers but may look to add more physical edge and depth scoring. Edmonton disposed of LA for the fourth year in a row this postseason and could influence the Kings to try and make a serious move like bringing in Bennett. 

If the Kings are looking to retool, his veteran presence could make sense—especially as a tone-setter on the road.

Ottawa Senators (+2600)

If Ottawa aims to accelerate its rebuild into playoff contention, a forward like Bennett makes sense. He brings experience and edge, and his Ontario roots might play well with fans and local interest. Still, the Sens would likely need to overpay to outbid a win-now contender.

Colorado Avalanche (+3400)

Colorado is a bit of a longshot considering their cap, but Bennett’s game has traits the Avs might appreciate, particularly his toughness, versatility, and postseason success. 

He could slot in as a utility forward with significantly less pressure as he goes undercover behind their top stars like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Gabriel Landeskog. Bennett would propel the Avalanche to potentially the best forward group in the NHL but it all depends on financial flexibility.

New York Rangers (+3400)

The Rangers have often lacked grit in the playoffs, and Bennett could help fix that. This season was a turbulent one in New York and they may be looking for a serious shakeup to the roster after closing in on a deal to send longtime Ranger Chris Kreider to the Ducks. Bennett's ability to draw penalties, create chaos, and contribute timely goals could complement New York’s elite skill players they already have in Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin. 

Vancouver Canucks (+3400)

Vancouver’s deep run last season showed they’re on the cusp. But after a dramatic season with locker room problems and losing a key player in J.T. Miller, they could be looking to add another big ticket winger that could help the Canucks back into the playoff picture. 

Adding a playoff-tested player like Bennett would bring edge and scoring, especially on a team needing consistency from their forward group. The Canucks’ cap situation is tight, but if they create space, Bennett could thrive there.

More NHL: 2026 Stanley Cup Odds: Oilers, Panthers Lead Early Contenders But One Unexpected Favourite Emerges

New Jersey Devils (+3400)

New Jersey is building a dynamic core but could use some grit and playoff experience up front. Bennett could be an anchor on a line with younger talent, helping push the team further in the playoffs. 

Detroit Red Wings (+3700)

Detroit’s slow but steady progress makes them a sleeper pick for Bennett. The Red Wings lack playoff seasoning as their roster is still very young and bringing in a player of Bennett's caliber could help them into the playoffs after just barely missing out the last two seasons. 

Bennett could be a stabilizing two-way player in their top six, mentoring younger forwards with his playoff experience. Still, Detroit would be required to go all-in for a player like Bennett and they may not have enough cap space to make the move. 

St. Louis Blues (+3700)

The Blues had he identity of a gritty, phyical team when they won the Stanley Cup back in 2019 and still today, they work well with forwards like Bennett. His gritty style fits their mold, and he’d be a solid piece in a team on the rise as the Blues are almost complete with their retooling phase. St. Louis may have some big upcoming contracts like keeping Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas for the rest of their careers which may limit the feasibility with the cap. 

More NHL: New Jonathan Toews Next Team Betting Odds Revealed With Unexpected Frontrunner

Buffalo Sabres (+4500)

Buffalo is improving, but remains far from playoff contention. GM Kevyn Adams has been vocal about how aggressive the Sabres will be this off-season as their players are begging for a chance to play in meaningful games. Bennett would be a major asset for Buffalo as a locker-room leader, playoff performer and a cornerstone piece for a hopeful contender in the future. The Sabres have cap space, but it’s unlikely Bennett would choose a non-contender unless he's paid handsomely.

Anaheim Ducks (+4500)

Anaheim’s odds are long for a reason. While Bennett would provide leadership and energy, the Ducks are rebuilding and likely won’t be a competitive team in the near term. Like the Sabres, GM Pat Verbeek spoke out about wanting to be agressive this off-season and made the bold proclamation that he wants Anaheim back in the playoffs next season. 

Bennett would be a key player in getting the Ducks back in contention and excel when getting there. He’d also be a solid mentor for a young roster, but it’s a fit better suited for a veteran on a long-term deal—something Bennett may not seek.

More NHL: Ducks Nearing Big Splash, Landing Rangers' Chris Krieder in Potential Trade for Top Prospect

WATCH: Marcelo Mayer homers twice in Wednesday's game vs. Rays

WATCH: Marcelo Mayer homers twice in Wednesday's game vs. Rays originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Marcelo Mayer’s sweet left-handed swing was on display during Wednesday night’s Boston Red Sox-Tampa Bay Rays matchup at Fenway Park.

Mayer, Boston’s No. 2 prospect, took Rays starter Zack Littell deep twice for the first two Fenway Park homers of his promising career. The first homer came in the second inning and was a 418-foot solo shot down the right field line:

In the fourth inning, Mayer blasted his second homer 410 feet in the same location:

Mayer, 22, became the youngest Red Sox player with a multi-homer game since Rafael Devers in 2018.

With the “Big Three” of Mayer, Kristian Campbell, and No. 1 prospect Roman Anthony finally on the big-league roster, the youth movement in Boston is in full effect. Anthony was the story of Tuesday’s game vs. the Rays as he propelled the Red Sox to victory with a two-run double for his first MLB hit.

Mayer is up to three homers on the season. His first career homer came at Yankee Stadium on June 6.

Oilers' Depth Players Must Drill Down In Game 4

Playoff fact: You almost always win Stanley Cups on the strength of the play of your star players.

Also playoff fact: You also win Stanley Cups when your depth players are difference-makers as well.

The Florida Panthers choked off the head of the snake so well in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup final that the Edmonton Oilers' duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl was limited to two shot attempts. That might be difficult for the Panthers to repeat, but with home-ice advantage and the last change, they'll have the opportunity to get the players they want out on the ice against the Oilers' stars.

Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Reinhart aren't exactly lighting the world on fire themselves, but the likes Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, Anton Lundell and Nate Schmidt have been lights-out.

It's time for the likes of Evander Kane, Connor Brown, Viktor Arvidsson and John Klingberg to do the same.

Evander Kane and Tomas Nosek (Perry Nelson-Imagn Images)

Watch today's video column for more, and share your thoughts.

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Sound meter hit ridiculously high level when Sam Bennett scored during Game 3 of Stanley Cup Final

The volume was turned up inside Amerant Bank Arena for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final.

A total of 19,863 fans packed inside the Sunrise hockey barn to see their Florida Panthers battle the Edmonton Oilers in what was a tied series entering the contest.

It didn't take long for Florida to get their fans going, as Brad Marchand scored a goal 56 seconds into the game that had the building rocking.

That turned out to only be the beginning.

Hard Rock Bet had someone inside the building with a sound meter, checking to see how loud the crowd would get at different points of the game.

For the most part, the loudest moments saw the decibel levels somewhere between 100 and 110

At different points, the meter was running while Panthers fans were chanting Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner's name, while Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo was banging the pregame drum and during an intermission performance from worldwide entertainment star D.J. Khaled.

But the loudest the building got all night, according to the meter, was after Sam Bennett scored a breakaway goal during the second period.

According to the sound meter, the decibel level reached a whopping 130.9 dB.

The goal put the Panthers up 4-1 at the time. They would go on to win 6-1 and take a two games to one lead in the best-of-seven series.

Perhaps it was the buildup to the goal that helped the crowd get so loud.

Bennett had almost half the ice to skate down before scoring the goal, and in those couple of seconds, you could both hear and feel the crowd building to a potential crescendo.

It was an incredibly cool moment to be part of in a night that was full of them.

NHL (@NHL) on XNHL (@NHL) on XMAKE A HIT ✅ POT A BEAUTY ✅ Sam Bennett is an absolute force to be reckoned with. #StanleyCup 🇺🇸: @NHL_On_TNT & @SportsonMax ➡️ https://t.co/4TuyIATi3T 🇨🇦: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF

Florida beat down the Oilers in Game 3, and Edmonton's players seemed perfectly happy to engage and instigate much of the physical hostilities that came during the latter stages of the night.

How much of that bleeds over into Game 4 remains to be seen.

Regardless, it should be another loud night at the Cats' home barn.

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Photo caption: Jun 9, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett (9) scores against Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) during the second period in game three of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. (Jim Rassol-Imagn Images)

Mets Notes: Frankie Montas to make fifth rehab start Friday, Sean Manaea slated to pitch Sunday

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza shared injury updates on a pair of veteran starting pitchers before Wednesday's game against the Nationals at Citi Field. Here's what he said...


Frankie Montas

The Mets aren't ready to add the veteran right-hander (lat strain) to their active roster just yet. He's scheduled to pitch for Triple-A Syracuse on Friday, in what'll be the fifth start of his rehab assignment.

It may not be Montas' final rehab appearance, either -- Mendoza said they could utilize the entire 30-day rehab window to build up his workload even further.

Montas' overall results in the minors haven't exactly been uplifting. While he's reached higher pitch counts and avoided setbacks, he owns a glaring 9.00 ERA across 12 total innings between Syracuse and High-A Brooklyn. In his most recent outing last Thursday, he allowed three runs on four hits and three walks with two strikeouts over 3.2 innings.

Mendoza said pitching coach Jeremy Hefner has discussed mechanics with Montas, but the team isn't bothered by the pitching lines he's produced. He's in the midst of shaking off plenty of rust.

"This is kind of like spring training for him, and hitters now are in midseason form, you know?" Mendoza said. "It's hard to put too much into it, where you're not gameplanning and just going out there. I think we've got to do a better job of that, preparing him and giving him a little bit of an idea. But as far as the results and all that, we're not too concerned right now."

Sean Manaea

While it's still unclear where the veteran left-hander (oblique) will make his next rehab start, Mendoza said the plan is for him to pitch again on Sunday.

Manaea spent Tuesday night with High-A Brooklyn, striking out four with one hit, one walk, and one hit-by-pitch allowed across 2.2 scoreless frames (46 pitches, 31 strikes). Call his second rehab outing progress, considering he gave up four runs (three earned) in 1.2 innings last Friday.

The Mets' rotation has performed exceptionally well without Manaea this season, but the team is eagerly awaiting his return. In 32 starts for New York in 2024, the 33-year-old southpaw posted a 3.47 ERA with 184 punchouts across 181.2 innings.

DeMarcus Cousins suspended for season, contract terminated after brawl with fans

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Former NBA All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins was suspended for the rest of the season in Puerto Rico’s basketball league and his team terminated his contract after a brawl with fans during a game earlier this week.

The 34-year-old Cousins, who played for seven teams during his NBA career, made an obscene gesture, exchanged words and grabbed the arm of a fan sitting courtside Monday night before being taken away by his teammates.

Cousins received a second technical foul for his actions and was ejected. In the tunnel heading to the locker room, he argued with another fan while people in the stands threw liquids toward him.

Cousins received a $4,250 fine and could face an additional one of $5,750, the Baloncesto Superior Nacional league announced late Tuesday.

“As an organization, we strongly condemn any form of violence or provocation, whether on or off the field. Safety, respect, and sportsmanship are non-negotiable values for this franchise,” the Mets said in a news release.

It was Cousins’ second season playing in Puerto Rico. He was averaging 18.2 points per game with nine rebounds for a team that has a 9-18 record. In his previous stint with the Mets in the 2023 season, Cousins helped the team reach the semifinals.

In the NBA, Cousins averaged 19.6 points and 10.2 rebounds over 11 seasons. The four-time All-Star’s best season came with Sacramento in 2016-17, when he averaged 27.8 points.

After the NBA, besides his stop in Puerto Rico, Cousins also played in the Taiwan and Mongolia basketball leagues.