SURPRISE, AZ - MARCH 20: Josh Owens #93 of the Texas Rangers fields a ball during the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
In non-Rangers news, Christopher Sanchez, the Philadelphia Phillies lefty who will be facing the Rangers on Opening Day, has agreed with the Phillies on a re-worked deal that adds a couple of years at $30 million guaranteed to his existing contract, as well as having the existing option years picked up.
Brian Brobbey capped a fine individual display with a last-minute winner to heap misery on the Magpies
“G’Day Luke, hope you’re well!” writes Chris Paraskevas.
“A Sunday evening kick-off means this result will be having a tangible impact on my mood this week / year / forever, at work, family functions and during unexpected visits from the parents.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 6: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics and Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on during the game on November 6, 2023 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 2023 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
BOSTON — The Celtics will be without Nikola Vucevic for the 8th consecutive game when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night. Vucevic is expected to be re-evaluated in the next 1-2 weeks as he continues to recover.
Jaylen Brown is probable to play as he deals with a left quad contusion. The rest of the Celtics, including Jayson Tatum, are available for Sunday’s match-up.
Jaylen Brown is probable for tomorrow’s game with a left quad contusion
Nikola Vucevic remains out
Jayson Tatum continues to be available for Celtics
The Wolves, meanwhile, will be without Anthony Edwards, who is out with right knee soreness. Perennial Sixth Man of the Year candidate Naz Reid is questionable to play with a right ankle sprain.
How the Celtics, Timberwolves stack up
The Celtics have won four straight games and 7 of their past 10 games. They currently hold a 47-23 record, good for second-best in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics have the third-best net rating in the NBA at +8, the second-best offensive rating at 119.7, and the fourth-best defensive rating at 111.7.
The Timberwolves have been among the West’s playoff teams, and currently have the conference’s sixth-best record at 43-28. They have the league’s 10th-best net rating at +3.5, the 11th-best offensive rating at 116.2, and the 9th-best defensive rating at 112.7.
The Celtics and Timberwolves have faced off once this season, with the Wolves coming away with a 119-115 win on November 29th. Jaylen Brown tallied one of his best games of the season in the loss, finishing with 41 points, 7 assists, and 5 steals.
Celtics-Timberwolves will tip off at 8pm ET on Sunday at TD Garden.
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 29: A view of the Dodger Stadium light towers during Game Five of the 2025 World Series presented by Capital One between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Spring training isn’t quite yet complete, but has changed scenery for the Dodgers, who are back home in Southern California to face the Angels for three games in the Freeway Series. Also this week, the real shebang gets underway with opening day and three games against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Here’s a look at the week ahead.
Beginning on Sunday, every game the rest of the way this season will be broadcast on Dodgers radio in English on AM 570 and in Spanish on KTNQ 1020 AM. For the schedule below, assume SportsNet LA for television unless noted otherwise (opening day this week on NBC, for instance).
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 11: Cade Cavalli #24 of the Washington Nationals throws a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning of a spring training game at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on March 11, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With the Grapefruit League all wrapped up, I wanted to discuss a pair of the Nats biggest stars this spring. Brady House and Cade Cavalli are entering key seasons in their pro career. Both are starting their first full season as a big leaguer. This spring, both of them looked ready to roll.
I want to start with House, who was the only Nats hitter to truly stand out this spring. He had a tough introduction to the big leagues last season, posting a .574 OPS in 73 games. Most people figured House would struggle with plate discipline and strikeouts, but that he would run into some homers. We saw the struggles, but we did not see that signature power.
House only hit 4 homers and 11 doubles in 261 at bats last season. This spring has been a totally different story. He has hit 3 homers and 6 doubles in just 38 at bats. House made a statement in his first game of the spring with a pair of homers, and never looked back. He has been totally locked in this spring.
Hopefully that can carry over into the regular season because that would be a big boost to the Nats offense. Consistently hammering the ball like he has this spring is what House has to do to succeed. His approach will never be great, so he has to feast on the pitches he does get in the zone. This spring, even House’s outs have been loud.
If House can consistently drive the ball with authority, the rest of his game will come together. He is a good defender at third base, which could offset some of the potential offensive holes in his game. If he can hit 25 homers and a bunch of doubles, the approach and whiff concerns become less of a problem. It is no guarantee that this happens, but the spring was a good sign.
The other big star of the spring has been Cade Cavalli. Entering Spring Training, he was the favorite to be the Opening Day starter, and he locked up that honor with his performances. Cavalli tossed 14 scoreless innings this spring with 10 strikeouts and just two walks. He generated a ton of weak contact and kept the ball on the ground.
If you have been following, you know this has been my breakout arm for 2026.
Cavalli has become a popular breakout pick, and for good reason. His stuff is dynamic and now he is finally 100% healthy. After undergoing Tommy John Surgery in early 2023, Cavalli had a tough road back. He had some setbacks, which led to him missing two whole seasons. However, he showed some major promise when he got called up to the big leagues in the second half of last season.
Now, Cavalli seems ready to take the next step and that will start in four days at Wrigley Field. Being the Opening Day starter with just 11 career starts feels crazy, but Cavalli is by far the most talented pitcher in the rotation. I would not be surprised if he outperformed the now departed MacKenzie Gore this season. He has the big sturdy frame to hold up for the whole season.
Cavalli’s stuff might be even better than Gore’s as well. He has a 4-seam and a sinker that are both in the mid to upper 90’s. They set the table for his power curveball and his new sweeper. Cavalli also has a really nice changeup he will show off every once in a while. There is also an occasional cutter he will mix in.
Cade Cavalli is a pitcher I need to talk about more!
After a myriad of injuries that kept him out effectively since 2022, Cavalli returned strong at the end of the last season and looks even better this Spring! He is sustaining his upper 90s velocity and producing well. pic.twitter.com/DtqoN4kufG
Overall, it is a very impressive arsenal. I think that new sweeper will be very helpful, especially against right handed hitters. Righties were actually Cavalli’s kryptonite last year, but the sweeper gives him a new weapon against them.
Cavalli and House were picked in the first round in back to back years. It has been a long road for both, but if this spring is any indicator, they have arrived. Now, it will be time for them to prove themselves in the regular season. They are two of the Nats I will be following the closest this season. House and Cavalli are two true breakout candidates. I can’t wait to watch their 2026 seasons, and we only have to wait a few more days.
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 19: Maxime Raynaud #42 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 19, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images SACRAMENTO, CA – MARCH 19: Maxime Raynaud #42 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 19, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Almost got it. The Brooklyn Nets gave the New York Knicks all they could handle, but ultimately fell short by one point, 93-92. The losing streak is up to six.
The opponent tonight is praying for some lottery luck. The Sacramento Kings have had a rough season but hope things turn around in the NBA Draft this April. They’ve been off since Thursday after losing to the Philadelphia 76ers 139-118.
Where to follow the game
YES Network on TV. Gotham Sports on streaming. WFAN on radio. Tip after 6 PM.
🤕 Injuries
The following are out:
Michael Porter Jr
Egor Demin
Noah Clowney
Day’ron Sharpe
Nic Claxton
The following are out:
Russell Westbrook
Domantas Sabonis
Keegan Murray
Zach Lavine
DeAndre Hunter
Drew Eubanks
This the last game on Malachi Smith’s initial 10-day contract. Nets can simply let the contract expire, extend him another 10 days, essentially till season’s end ,
🏀 The game
This is the first meeting between the teams this season.
First night of a back-to-back for the Nets. They fly north to face the Portland Trailblazers tomorrow night.
So we’ve got two teams that are racing to finish this season and get to the real season. Before we get there, we’re going to be subjected to some more ugly basketball to watch. For both of these trying to accomplish the big goal (a high draft pick) while also completing the small one (development of young players), it makes for a frustrating dynamic. Pooch wrote about it recently:
“The irony, of course, is that under the current system, math doesn’t even guarantee a miracle. Even if the Nets manage to secure one of the three worst records in the league, they are only rewarded with a 14% chance at the No. 1 pick. The league has created a system where teams are forced to torch their culture and disrespect their fans for a reward that is statistically unlikely to actually happen.“
Over at The Kings Herald, Akis Yerocostas is feeling the same way:
I knew the schedule was going to ease up for the Kings here but at this point in the season these wins are more annoying than anything else. It sucks that the league is structured in such a way that I can’t be happy when my team is winning, but I am finding very little joy in these recent victories, because in my mind, they’re just costing themselves opportunities for a higher draft pick. Yes, nothing is a guarantee, and yes no matter what the Kings will likely have an excellent shot at landing a top 4 pick. But winning makes those chances go down and the number one rule of being a Kings fan is basically to embrace the worst case possibility happening, which as of now would mean the Kings fall to the 8th pick.
It would be much better for the Kings to suck extremely hard for a short while than just be kinda bad for a long time like we just experienced during that recent playoff drought. I don’t blame the players for trying their hardest, and some guys are really balling out right now (shout out Precious Achiuwa). But I just can’t find myself enjoying these wins (although I do crack a small smile at the young guys putting on sun glasses and styling themselves as the Beam Boys). Hopefully the ping pong balls bless us and we can turn this around sooner rather than later so we don’t have to go through this for too long.
We’ll be spinning our wheels until the Draft Lottery.
But until then, we hold on to the small, yet meaningful moments. Over to you, Josh Minott:
Josh Minott had a passionate response when asked about tonight’s tight loss in his first Nets-Knicks matchup:
“I wanted that shit so fucking bad. Ever since we’ve been here, it’s like every game’s an away game. Tonight was just the night to really just stick it to everybody.… pic.twitter.com/RDyYkYf55u
Nolan Traore will look to cut down on the turnovers. He’s coughed it up ten times in the past two games, and for a Nets team that is shorthanded and missing out on scorers, they have to take better care of the ball. If they don’t, it makes winning even more difficult.
👀 Player to watch: Maxime Raynaud
Maxime Raynuad has been a revelation. Since entering the starting lineup on February 6, the French rookie is averaging close to 17 points and nine rebounds on 59.7 percent shooting from the field. March is all for finding who your future prospects will be, and maybe Sacramento has something here with Raynaud.
Danny Wolf will get another start and another opportunity to make the most of his minutes. He’ll have all the opportunity in the world tonight and with Brooklyn even more shorthanded in the frontcourt, Jordi Fernandez will count on him a little bit more.
“I understand that with Opening Day a few days away, I don’t want it to be a distraction. Cal and I have talked and I apologized for what I said after the game,” Arozarena said in a statement issued by the Mariners. “Nothing in the WBC takes away from the fact that we are brothers and teammates. He’s family, and we are both focused on helping the Mariners win the World Series.”
The incident between the two took place on March 9 when Arozarena reached down to greet Raleigh in his catcher’s squat at home plate, and Raleigh declined to offer his hand back in a game in which the Americans beat Mexico 5-3.
Arozarena, speaking to Mexican journalist Luis Gilbert in Spanish, said Raleigh “has to thank God that he has nice parents, well educated,” and added he recently hugged them during a friendly greeting at the team hotel.
He then used profane Cuban and Mexican slang to insult Raleigh before pivoting to English and saying Raleigh could shove his “good to see you” in his rear. Arozarena was born in Cuba but defected to Mexico to pursue an MLB career.
“I love Randy, I do,” Raleigh said. “I hate that this is a thing. There’s no beef when we get back to Seattle. He’s my brother. We’re family.”
On Saturday night after their spring training game, Raleigh reiterated his feelings.
“We talked it out, and everything went great,” Raleigh said, according to MLB.com. “Randy knows that I love him, and he’s a brother, and it’s in the past and none of us are carrying this forward. We’re in a good spot.”
The Mariners open the season Thursday against the Cleveland Guardians.
Seattle is coming off a season in which it won the franchise’s first AL West title since 2001. Raleigh helped lead the way by becoming the seventh different player in major league history to hit 60 homers in a season.
As recently as Friday morning Eddie Howe talked about some results having “bigger consequences than others”. This was most definitely one of them.
In completing a Premier League double against Newcastle, Régis Le Bris’s promoted Sunderland surely consigned Howe and his players to one of their most chastening afternoons at St James’ Park.
MIDRAND, South Africa (AP) — Bryson DeChambeau won for the second straight week by saving par on the final hole for a 6-under 65 and blistering a 3-wood from a wet lie in the rough on the par-5 18th in a playoff to set up birdie and defeat Jon Rahm at LIV Golf South Africa on Sunday.
DeChambeau's final start before the Masters brought out some of his best work in winning his fifth overall LIV title. He won last week in Singapore.
He did that to finish at 26-under 258 and join Rahm in the playoff.
Returning to the par-5 18th, DeChambeau pulled his drive into the mud and muck left of the fairway on the rain-soaked course. He was given free relief and eventually allowed to place the golf ball. Keeping his feet stable, he ripped 3-wood onto the green to 12 feet.
Rahm from the fairway went into a bunker, blasted out to just beyond 12 feet and misread his birdie putt. That gave DeChambeau two putts for the win, and he left the eagle putt inches short.
DeChambeau is the third player with at least five LIV wins, joining Joaquin Niemann (seven) and Brooks Koepka (five), who is now back on the PGA Tour.
Essendon lacked energy and cohesion. If they don’t learn to defend, other clubs will continue to run rings around them
Heading into the season, Essendon released a mini-documentary called “Spend a day with Brad Scott”. To be honest, it didn’t really present as the most riveting 24 hours. Most of it took place in a classroom type setting, with the coaches and players endeavouring to bed down a team defence. They sat with their notepads and biros, nodding and jotting and giving every impression that they were taking it all in. Clearly this was something that needed to be taught, that needed to be learned, and that needed to be swiftly implemented.
It was an acknowledgment that this has been their major malfunction for the entirety of Brad Scott’s tenure. And the way footy’s being played in 2026, if you don’t have a coherent and reliable team defence then you’re toast. Heading into Sunday's game against Port Adelaide, Essendon would have thought it was a prime chance to implement some of their summer learnings. Port, after all, had been every bit as disappointing against North Melbourne as Essendon had been against Hawthorn.
Mar 9, 2026; Peoria, Arizona, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Ty France (4) bats against the Texas Rangers during the second inning at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Good morning and happy Sunday everybody! We’re only three sleeps away from meaningful Major League baseball and that means rosters are being finalized and difficult decisions are being made in front offices across the league, all to bring us closer to the baseball we so desperately desire. And all so we can spend Thursday night yelling at our screens. It’s soooo close. Just a little longer.
The Mariners reassigned Colt Emerson to minor league camp yesterday, ending an impressive spring for the 20 year old prospect. Rhylan Thomas was optioned to Tacoma in the move as well, bringing the Mariners roster to 32.
Randy Arozarena released a statement yesterday to finally put to rest the “drama” between him and Cal Raleigh. Cal followed up Randy’s statement with a similar sentiment, firmly placing the entire exchange in the past where it belongs.
Cal Raleigh “We talked it out. Randy knows that I love him and he’s a brother. It’s in the past and none of us are carrying this forward. We’re in a good spot. We talked it out. We’re both sorry, and we both got in a good place, and we’re both happy to be here too.” https://t.co/Iw4cEABojh
New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston will join Netflix’s Opening Day coverage on Wednesday night. Jameis certainly strikes me as an entertaining and charismatic character, however I’m not necessarily convinced that baseball needs more football, and vice versa.
Jose Alvarado has made himself a fixture in the Knicks rotation in a short amount of time. Thanks to quality defense and good decision-making, Alvarado has already helped New York’s title hopes after he was acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans ahead of the trade deadline.
In 19 games with the Knicks, Alvarado has already proven to be an impact player down the stretch of the season. The cost to acquire the Brooklyn-born guard was minimal. The Knicks only had to send two second-round picks and Dalen Terry to the New Orleans Pelicans to acquire Alvarado.
Listed at just 6-foot, Alvarado has been an essential part of the Knicks’ defense, providing energy and effort. In 319 minutes with the soon-to-be 28-year-old guard on the floor, the Knicks are giving up just 102.8 points per 100 possessions, per NBA Stats, a number that would rank first in the Association.
Alvarado has been effective for the Knicks as a point-of-attack defender and has also excelled as a help defender. But where he makes a significant impact is his ability to be a defensive playmaker. Alvarado is averaging 2.4 steals per 36 minutes.
The stat fits perfectly with Alvarado’s “Grand Theft Alvarado” moniker. His ability to force turnovers has an effect on the offensive end, as it creates transition opportunities and easier looks for a Knicks team that can, at times, be methodical and stuck in the half court.
Most nights, Alvarado is facing a height disadvantage, but he’s been able to hold up mainly because of his smarts on the defensive end. It has allowed Knicks coach Mike Brown to trot out units with Alvarado and Jalen Brunson on the floor together. In 104 minutes together, the Brunson and Alvarado pairing has outscored opponents by 13.5 points per 100 possessions.
It’s a small sample size and not every opponent will make sense for the combination. But it gives the Knicks additional lineup options.
Scoring drought
Alvarado has gotten off to a slow offensive start with the Knicks, averaging 5.9 points in 16.8 minutes. The diminutive guard has struggled from deep, shooting a ghastly 29.2 percent from three on 65 attempts. Outside of a few electric nights, like a 26-point, eight-three-pointer night against the Philadelphia 76ers in February, Alvarado has been quiet.
Before scoring 16 points and hitting four three-pointers in a 136-110 win against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night, Alvarado went nine consecutive games without nailing a three.
Alvarado has never been a great shooter, but he’s been able to knock down shots at a passable efficiency. He shot 34.8 percent from downtown in his first four seasons. The point guard should probably rebound from his slow shooting start before the end of the season.
Alvarado is thriving as a caretaker of the ball. He has a 4.3 assist-to-turnover ratio. The guard has also formed some chemistry with Karl-Anthony Towns. The Knicks All-Star center is who Alvarado has passed the ball the most to so far. In 200 minutes on the floor together, Towns is averaging 39.9 points per 100 possessions, according to PBP Stats. When Alvarado is on the bench, that number falls to 30.8 points per 100 possessions.
With the potential return of Miles McBride either during the end of the regular season or during the playoffs, Alvarado isn’t guaranteed substantial postseason minutes. Both he and McBride could potentially play together in specific spots depending on the matchup.
With his defensive impact, ability to set his teammates up and constant energy, Alvarado could swing a playoff game or two for the Knicks. The guard is just what the Knicks needed for this playoff run.
TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 13: RJ Barrett #9 and Ja'Kobe Walter #14 of the Toronto Raptors high five during the game against the Phoenix Suns on March 13, 2026 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Toronto Raptors continue their travels to Arizona, where they will go toe-to-toe tonight with the Phoenix Suns. These teams meet twice a year, with the first contest going in Toronto’s favour.
So far on this road-trip, the Raptors are 1-1. They beat Chicago effortlessly and followed that up with a close but frustrating loss to Denver. Now, they face the Phoenix Suns who are sitting 7th in the West, four games outside of guaranteed playoff contention. Toronto maintains only a one-game advantage on the Hawks who have won nine of their last ten games.
Phoenix is currently on a five-game losing streak, with the first in that slide being handed to them by Toronto last Friday. The next three were all top-10 teams, making them understandable, but then last night they dropped one to the Bucks who are 29-41 this season. It’s safe to say that the Suns will be looking to end this slump.
Devin Booker and Jalen Green have been Phoenix’s biggest offensive players. Booker is averaging almost 26-4-6 and Green has almost 18-4-3. The tandem each had 30 points the last time they took on Toronto, so it would be unsurprising if they are called on again to have big scoring nights, especially while they remained shorthanded. Dillon Brooks continues to recover from hand surgery, Mark Williams with a stress reaction in his foot, and Grayson Allen with a knee injury.
The depleted lineup should play in the Raptors’ favour, as well as their rest advantage. Pace and transition play, both big aspects of Toronto’s game can be factors tonight. With only CMB wavering on availability, their full-strength roster and fresh bodies should be able to outpace the Suns.
To improve on their last contest with the Suns, they should look to slow Booker and Green and force others to score.
Their ability to close will be more important than anything else. Against Denver, like many games this season, they could get buckets to stay within striking distance in the last couple minutes, but a few poor decisions or selfish plays cost them the game. No amount of frustration with the whistle or missed calls should suggest driving into three defenders in the paint and forcing a shot is a good idea, or that it would yield points. And yet, all too often plays like that become the undoing of Toronto in the final seconds of games.
With only a dozen games left after this one, the Raptors need to decide how they’re going to handle close games before the postseason starts. What better time to start than now?
Probable Starters
Toronto: Jakob Poeltl, Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley
Randy Arozarena and Cal Raleigh start their season with the Mariners on Thursday. Photograph: Alika Jenner/Getty Images
Randy Arozarena says he has apologized to his Seattle Mariners teammate Cal Raleigh after an incident at this month’s World Baseball Classic.
Arozarena was representing Mexico against Raleigh’s USA when the teams met at the WBC on 9 March. Raleigh ignored Arozarena’s offer of a handshake during an at-bat, a move that angered the outfielder. In a later interview, Arozarena said Raleigh could “fuck off” and “go to hell.” Raleigh downplayed the incident, saying “we’re good friends and we’ll continue to be good friends”.
On Saturday, Arozarena issued a statement through the Mariners saying he had made amends with Raleigh.
“I understand that with Opening Day a few days away, I don’t want it to be a distraction,” Arozarena said. “Cal and I have talked and I apologized for what I said after the game. Nothing in the WBC takes away from the fact that we are brothers and teammates.”
Raleigh hit 60 home runs last season, a record for a catcher, as the Mariners won the AL West and fell just short of a World Series appearance. Mariners manager Joe Wilson said he wasn’t surprised at Arozarena’s apology.
“It’s just a special group,” Wilson told MLB.com. “They love each other, and yeah, it’s time. I think we’re all ready to get back to Seattle and get this thing started.”
The Mariners play their first game of the season on Thursday, against the Cleveland Guardians.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are back on the road for the first of three games away from Nationwide Arena. This game features the New York Islanders and is huge.
New York Islanders - 39-26-5 - 83 Points - 5-5-0 in the last 10 - Lost 2 - 4th in the Metro
Columbus Blue Jackets - 37-21-11 - 85 Points - 7-0-3 in the last 10 - Won 4 - 3rd in the Metro
Team Notes Per CBJ PR
Columbus won for the four-straight contest and stretched its season-high points streak to 12 games (8-0-4) with a 5-2 win over Seattle last night. It's tied for the third-longest points streak in club history (third time) and the longest since a 12-game points streak from Dec. 9, 2019-Jan. 3, 2020 (8-0-4).
The club has earned points in 23 of its last 25 contests (19-2-4, 42 pts) to lead the league in points (tied) and points pct. (.840) since Jan. 11.
Since Dec. 22, CBJ are tied for the least regulation losses in the NHL with a 23-6-5 record (51 pts, .750 points pct.), and rank second in points and points pct., third in goals-against/game (2.65) as well as sixth in goals for/game (3.56).
CBJ conclude their 14th of 16 back-to-back sets of the season tonight at the NY Islanders. The club leads the NHL in wins and points pct. in back-to-back sets in 2025-26 (18-5-4, .741).
Player Notes Per CBJ PR
Charlie Coyle, who has tallied 7-18-25 in the last 19 contests, has tied his single-season career high in assists (2016-17 w/MIN) and has the third-most points of his 14-year career with 17-38-55 in 69 games in 2025-26.
Adam Fantilli has registered points in six consecutive games (3-5-8), one game shy of his career best (4-4-8 from Jan. 2-16, 2025). He also has points in 12 of the last 14 games (8-9-17) and has 9-13-22 in the past 19 contests since Jan. 24.
Jet Greaves has earned points in each of his last 13 starts since Jan. 11 (11-0-2, 2.34 GAA in 14 GP), while G Elvis Merzlikins has recorded points in 10 of his past 12 starts over that span (8-2-2, 2.50 GAA in 13 GP).
Mathieu Olivier has registered six multi-point outings in the last 18 games since Jan. 28 (10-4-14).
Cole Sillinger posted his second three-point effort of the season yesterday (1-2-3) and has assists in three-straight (1-5-6).
Zach Werenski has notched consecutive three-assist outings and is one multi-point effort shy of tying Artemi Panarin's single-season franchise record (25 in 2018-19). He has collected points in 27 of his past 32 games played since Dec. 11 (11-34-45, 14 multi-point efforts) and has 20-55-75 in 62 games in 2025-26.
Blue Jackets Stats
Power Play - 20.3% - 17th in the NHL
Penalty Kill - 77.5% - 25th in the NHL
Goals For - 222 - 12th in the NHL
Goals Against - 213 - 18th in the NHL
IslandersStats
Power Play - 16.8% - 26th in the NHL
Penalty Kill - 81.1% - 9th in the NHL
Goals For - 201 - 22nd in the NHL
Goals Against - 197 - 5th in the NHL
Series History vs. TheIslanders
Columbus is 28-23-1-8 all-time, and 9-16-0-3 on the road vs. New York.
CBJ have earned points in four of the last five meetings (3-1-1) and five of the past seven since Oct. 30, 2024 (4-2-1).
The home team has earned points in seven consecutive games in the series (5-0-2) and in 13 of the past 16 (11-3-2).
The winning team has won by multiple goals in seven of the last 10 meetings overall, but by a single goal in three of the five most recent contests (two after regulation).
Four of the last six games played at New York have been decided by a single goal.
The winning team has scored four-plus goals (including SO goals) in four of the past five meetings overall.
The Blue Jackets have killed off 9-of-10 Islanders power play attempts over the last five games (90.0 pct.).
The teams have averaged a combined 58.1 shots on goal in the past seven meetings of the series.
CBJ has recorded five shutouts in the all-time series (MR: Merzlikins, 26 saves in 2-0 W at CBJ on Oct. 30, 2024).
Who To Watch For TheIslanders
Bo Horvat leads NYI with 28 goals.
Mathew Barzal leads all Islanders with 46 assists and 64 points.
Goaltender Ilya Sorokin is 25-17-2 with a SV% of .911. He's 7-0-3 in his career against the CBJ.
CBJ Player Notes vs
Islanders
Charlie Coyle has 16 points in his career against the Islanders.
Zach Werenski has 17 career points in 26 games against the NYI.
Boone Jenner has 16 points in 35 games against the Isles.
Injured Reserve
Brendan Smith - Lower Body - Missed 31 Games IR - Out for the rest of the regular season.
TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 177
How to Watch & Listen: Tonight's game will be on FANDUEL SPORTS NETWORK. The radio broadcast will be on 97.1 The Fan, with Bob McElligott behind the mic doing the play-by-play.
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