Mason Marchment is one of the Columbus Blue Jackets' top pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs). Given how well he played for the Blue Jackets after being acquired from the Seattle Kraken, it would not be surprising if Columbus works hard to keep him around.
Yet, with Marchment being one of the top pending UFA forwards in the NHL heading into the summer, it would also be understandable if he decided to test the market.
Because of this, let's look at four teams that could sign Marchment if he does not end up re-signing with the Blue Jackets.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Recently, The Hockey News' Jason Newland brought up the possibility of the Pittsburgh Penguins landing Mason Marchment due to his past with Pens GM Kyle Dubas. Marchment would have the potential to be a good pickup for Pittsburgh as they look to continue to head in the right direction. He would also offer them a strong replacement for pending UFA Anthony Mantha if he signs elsewhere this summer.
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins could be a team to keep an eye on if Marchment ends up testing free agency. It is no secret that the Bruins' top six could use a boost, and Marchment would provide them with just that if acquired. The Bruins also value players who play with a physical edge, so it would not be shocking if Boston had interest in the 6-foot-5 Marchment this summer.
Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals could use another impactful winger as they look to bounce back after missing the playoffs this season. With Marchment being one of the top pending UFAs who can hit the market on July 1, it would make sense if the Capitals had him on their radar this summer. He would give them another option for their top six and power play if successfully signed.
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks should also be watched when it comes to Marchment. He would be a very good power forward for them to bring in. This is because he would not only provide them with more offense but also another veteran forward to help mentor their younger players as they look to take that next step.
Next Up For Columbus: The NHL Draft is on June 26 and 27 in Buffalo, where the CBJ will own pick #14.
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Jun 29, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich (22) gets a base hit against the Colorado Rockies in the ninth inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
After a quick four-game series split against the Giants in Milwaukee, the Brewers are headed out west for a three-game set in Denver against the Colorado Rockies. The Crew sits at 37-23 on the season, five games ahead of the Cardinals and Pirates atop the NL Central as of this writing. On the other side, the Rockies are coming off back-to-back series wins over the Giants and Angels, moving them to 24-39 on the season, still in last place in the NL West.
While several key players have returned for the Brewers in recent weeks, they had a string of injuries in Thursday’s series finale against the Giants, as both DL Hall and Grant Anderson exited. Hall has already been ruled out for the road trip, as he’ll remain in Milwaukee to undergo an MRI scan as he deals with left subscapular/pectoral discomfort. Anderson, who took a liner off his right arm, is reportedly day-to-day with a contusion after X-rays were negative. Lefty Rob Zastryzny, who returned from the IL last weekend, went right back on the shelf with a trap strain, and he’s out until at least late June. Right-hander Brandon Woodruff is close to returning, as is outfielder Brandon Lockridge, who is on the verge of a rehab assignment. Right-hander Quinn Priester is now rehabbing with the ACL Brewers as he continues to deal with the effects of thoracic outlet syndrome. Right-hander Logan Henderson and left-hander Jared Koenig are also expected to return in the coming weeks.
For Colorado, they also have a few day-to-day injuries, as TJ Rumfield is dealing with a nagging shoulder issue, and Tyler Freeman is dealing with shin soreness. Outfielders Jordan Beck, Mickey Moniak, and Brenton Doyle are also out, with Moniak the closest to returning, potentially as soon as this weekend. DH Kris Bryant continues to be plagued by injuries, as he hasn’t played a single game this season. On the pitching side, RJ Petit (2027), McCade Brown (TBD), Jose Quintana (second half), Chase Dollander (TBD), Victor Vodnik (TBD), Jimmy Herget (mid-June), and Welinton Herrera (TBD) are all out.
Jake Bauers is the first Brewer to hit double-digit homers this year, hitting his 10th of the season earlier this week. Brice Turang has seven homers, while Jackson Chourio’s two-homer game in Thursday’s series finale brings him to four for the year, tied with William Contreras and Christian Yelich. Beyond those guys, Milwaukee’s offense features Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, David Hamilton, Andrew Vaughn, Joey Ortiz, Gary Sánchez, Blake Perkins, and Luis Rengifo. As a team, the Brewers are hitting .247/.336/.369 (.705 OPS ranks tied for 16th), with 44 homers (last), 301 runs (sixth), and 63 steals (second).
Catcher Hunter Goodman leads Colorado’s offense with 15 homers this season, with Rumfield at eight homers and Jake McCarthy and Ezequiel Tovar the next best among active players at four homers apiece. Willi Castro, Kyle Karros, Freeman, Edouard Julien, and Troy Johnston round out healthy regulars, while Sterlin Thompson, Braxton Fulford, Chad Stevens, and Brett Sullivan serve as depth. As a team, the Rockies are hitting .247/.316/.391 (.707 OPS ranks tied for 14th), with 60 homers (tied for 20th), 272 runs (15th), and 50 steals (ninth).
The Brewers’ bullpen picture is a tad unclear after the injuries to Hall and Anderson, but the leaders of the current group include Aaron Ashby, Abner Uribe, and Trevor Megill. Jake Woodford’s ERA has ballooned to 6.94 after another blow-up outing on Thursday, with Chad Patrick, Robert Gasser, Shane Drohan, and Coleman Crow (all three of whom have started games at different points this season, including the latter three in the last week) rounding things out. As a staff, the Brewers have a 3.26 team ERA (third), including a 3.23 starter ERA (third) and a 3.30 bullpen ERA (seventh). They’ve struck out 580 batters (third) over 535 1/3 innings.
Brennan Bernardino leads the Rockies with 28 appearances this season, pitching to a 3.70 ERA over 24 1/3 innings. Juan Mejia (5.79 ERA) and Jaden Hill (3.43 ERA) rank second and third in appearances, respectively, while former starter Antonio Senzatela has looked great in a bullpen role this year, with a 1.30 ERA and three saves over 34 2/3 innings (17 appearances). Seth Halvorsen (2.70 ERA over 13 1/3 innings) is the only other real standout for Colorado. Former Brewer farmhand TJ Shook (no runs allowed over two innings), Keegan Thompson (7.56 ERA over 8 1/3 IP), and Blas Castaño (no appearances) round out the bullpen. As a staff, the Rockies have a 5.46 team ERA (last), including a 6.03 starter ERA (last) and a 4.92 bullpen ERA (26th). They’ve struck out 451 batters (28th) over 552 innings.
Probable Pitchers
Friday, June 5 @ 7:40 p.m.: RHP Brandon Sproat (1-4, 6.24 ERA, 5.59 FIP) vs. RHP Ryan Feltner (2-1, 4.85 ERA, 5.06 FIP)
Sproat hasn’t been able to figure things out just yet, and patience seems to be wearing thin as he’s now 11 appearances (nine starts) deep into the season. He sits with a 6.24 ERA, 5.59 FIP, and 52 strikeouts across 49 innings, as he’s allowed a whopping 48 hits (10 homers) and 27 walks for a 1.531 WHIP. He got hit hard again in Houston his last time out, allowing five runs on six hits (but walking none!) with four strikeouts over 4 1/3 innings in a 9-2 loss. This marks Sproat’s first career appearance against the Rockies.
Feltner, 29, is a former fourth-round pick now in his sixth MLB season with the Rockies. He’s made six starts thus far, with a 4.85 ERA, 5.06 FIP, and 19 strikeouts across 26 innings. He’s coming off his best start of the season, as he went six scoreless innings with four hits and no walks allowed, striking out two in an 8-3 win over the Giants. Feltner has made five career starts against Milwaukee, totaling 27 2/3 innings with a 2.93 ERA and 26 strikeouts. That includes a six-inning, one-run outing last season that resulted in a no-decision.
Saturday, June 6 @ 8:10 p.m.: RHP Jacob Misiorowski (6-2, 1.65 ERA, 1.85 FIP) vs. RHP Tanner Gordon (0-1, 6.37 ERA, 4.09 FIP)
Misiorowski is coming off one of the best months we’ve ever seen for a Brewer pitcher (despite not winning NL Pitcher of the Month). He went seven scoreless frames against the Astros on Sunday, allowing three hits, a hit batter, and no walks while striking out eight in his sixth win of the season. Across 12 starts this year, he has a sterling 1.65 ERA, 1.85 FIP, and league-leading 108 strikeouts over just 71 innings. This marks his first career appearance against the Rockies.
Gordon, 28, is a former sixth-round draft pick now in his third MLB season with the Rockies. After making all 15 of his appearances as a starter a year ago, he started 2026 as a reliever, making his first seven appearances from the bullpen before getting the start in his last two outings. For the year, he’s totaled 35 1/3 innings with a 6.37 ERA, 4.09 FIP, and 35 strikeouts. He got hit hard in a 19-6 loss to the Giants in his last outing, allowing four runs on six hits and a walk while striking out two over three-plus innings. This marks his first career appearance against Milwaukee.
Drohan is set to make his third major league start and 13th appearance in Sunday’s series finale. After making his MLB debut as a starter, he made his next 10 appearances from the bullpen before returning to the rotation on Monday night against the Giants. He went four innings in that one, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out five as the Brewers would go on to a 16-2 blowout victory. As is the case with Sproat and Miz, this is Drohan’s first career appearance against Colorado.
Freeland, a fourth-place finisher in the NL Cy Young race back in 2018, has never quite been able to replicate that success. After leading the majors with a whopping 17 losses last season, he has a dismal 8.06 ERA and 6.08 FIP across his first 10 starts this season, totaling 48 innings with 43 strikeouts. He’s allowed at least three runs in each of his last seven starts, including six runs (five earned) on seven hits and a walk over 5 2/3 innings against the Angels in his last outing, taking a no-decision as the Rockies would go on to win 9-8. A familiar foe for the Brewers, Freeland is 5-4 with a 3.39 ERA and 51 strikeouts across 58 1/3 innings (10 starts) against Milwaukee, though he lost both appearances against them last year, allowing 11 runs over just 10 1/3 innings.
How to Watch & Listen
Friday, June 5: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Saturday, June 6: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Sunday, June 7: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Prediction
This could be one of the highest-scoring series we’ve seen this year, especially when you consider how dismal some of Colorado’s pitchers have been this year and the high-altitude environment of Denver. While the Brewers are just 7-13 in Colorado since beating them in the 2018 NLDS, they did manage to win the series a year ago. Give me a repeat of that performance as the Brewers win two of three.
Pete Crow-Armstrong #4 of the Chicago Cubs reacts after striking out in the 10th inning of a game between the Athletics and the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on June 03, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
The Cubs are in some unfamiliar territory.
With their 5-4 10-inning loss to the visiting Athletics Wednesday night, Chicago became the first team in MLB history to win at least 15 straight home games and then lose their next eight straight at home.
Chicago started its season blazing hot at 27-12, didn’t lose a home game from April 11 to May 18 and was in the driver’s seat in the NL Central.
Pete Crow-Armstrong heads back to the dugout after striking out in the 10th inning of the Cubs’ loss to the Athletics at Wrigley Field on June 3, 2026 in Chicago. Getty Images
The team’s 15-game home win streak included sweeps over NL East teams in the Mets and Phillies as well as sweeps over the Reds and Diamondbacks.
With an offense producing at a high level and the team winning six one-run games at home during the stretch, it seemed Chicago was well on its way to its first NL Central title since 2020.
Chicago was first swept by its rival Brewers from May 18-20, scoring just five runs across three games.
Against the Astros from May 22-24, the Cubs were outscored 15-7 and were even shutout in Game 2 of the series, 3-0. Shota Imanaga struggled mightily in the series finale, surrendering seven runs on seven hits.
The Cubs finally seemed to be getting out of their home funk Wednesday when they were up 4-2 in the eighth inning against the Athletics, but their bullpen imploded, allowing two runs in the eighth and one in the 10th.
Ethan Roberts exits the game in the 10th inning of the Cubs’ loss to the Athletics on June 3, 2026. Getty Images
It’s not just one factor contributing to Chicago’s struggles, however.
The team’s lack of power hurt it throughout May, as Chicago hit just 27 home runs, the sixth-fewest in the majors. A year after blasting 31 home runs, Pete Crow-Armstrong has just eight in 2026 so far.
Once in first place in the NL Central, the Cubs are now just 32-30 and have dropped to fourth, six-and-a-half games back of first-place Milwaukee. Chicago is a game out of the NL’s final wildcard spot.
The Cubs look to avoid a sweep as they conclude their series against the Athletics Thursday night.
Early in the 2026 offseason, one of the most surprising developments has been the number of legitimate potential trade targets the Philadelphia Flyers have at the center position.
On Thursday, that list got one big name longer, and it's perhaps the one the Flyers will covet the most.
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has requested a trade, which immediately makes him the top name on the market for the other 31 NHL teams, and especially the Flyers.
The Flyers, like many aspiring contenders, need a No. 1 center. A team like Minnesota or Montreal need Larkin as a No. 2 center or 1A option, but the Flyers need his talents more than they do. They're starting from the bottom of this ladder.
Larkin will turn 30 this summer, but he's only made the Stanley Cup playoffs once in his career despite his six career 30-goal seasons.
The 2014 first-round pick isn't quite the superstar capable of dragging a team to the postseason by his lonesome, but in the right environment, Larkin can thrive and reach new heights, even at his current age.
And while he may not be a righty like someone such as Mat Barzal, Larkin checks literally every other box.
Larkin is a career 52.7% on faceoffs, plays both special teams (including bumper on the power play!), scores at will, and is capable of leading a team.
And for any concerns about his lack of playoff experience, Larkin gregariously taps the front of his Gold Medal from the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The 29-year-old has consistently ranked in the top half of the NHL's fastest skaters over the years, peaking with a 95th percentile placement in max skating speed (23.32 MPH) in the 2021-22 season, according to NHL EDGE.
Financials at this point aren't a concern for the Flyers, with their cap space situation looking almost spotless compared to previous years.
Larkin has five more years remaining on his current contract at a modest $8.7 million cap hit, though his full no-trade clause gives him full control over where the Red Wings send him next.
Even after the Flyers re-sign the likes of Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale, bringing in Larkin, with term on his deal, should be no issue at all.
The Flyers, under GM Danny Briere, have been opportunistic traders, rather than ambitious chasers or go-getters, so the trade cost could prove prohibitive past a certain point.
But, given Larkin is nearly 30, and with Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider the standard bearers for the future of Red Wings hockey, Detroit is likely to pursue draft picks, prospects, and other assets who are 25 or younger.
The Flyers can offer the Red Wings a whole handful of wingers, excluding Matvei Michkov and Porter Martone, as well as any prospect or draft pick they might want.
You have to give in order to get in the NHL, and players of Larkin's caliber, even if not a traditional No. 1 center these days, don't grow on trees.
If the Flyers are truly committed to taking the next step and pushing their playoff runs even further, getting Larkin in a trade with virtually no downside is the first domino.
Seth Jarvis scored on the power play in overtime after Carolina erased a deficit in regulation only to gave up a late tying goal, and the Hurricanes beat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final on Thursday night to the series.
Jarvis’ OT heroics came after a thrilling third period that included four goals being scored and another getting called off because of goaltender interference.
The Hurricanes had almost nothing going for the first 45 minutes, falling behind by two goals as the Golden Knights took advantage of a couple of scoring chances and locked down defensively. A couple of strong shifts in the offensive zone just before the midway point of the third brought the crowd back to life because the Hurricanes were buzzing.
Logan Stankoven made a terrific individual effort to get them on the board, taking the puck away from Rasmus Andersson, going to the net and banking a shot off Jeremy Lauzon and in with 9:40 remaining in regulation. Less than three minutes later, Mark Jankowski fired a shot past Carter Hart to tie it, flipping the script from Game 1, when Vegas erased a multigoal deficit and won.
The Hurricanes took the lead with 4:35 left when their captain, Jordan Staal, redirected Shayne Gostisbehere’s point shot in on the power play. It was just their eighth power play goal of the playoffs.
That was 25 seconds after the Golden Knights thought they scored at the other end.
Frederik Andersen initially went full extension to deny Ivan Barbashev with the paddle of his stick, and a scrum ensued in the crease that ended with the puck eventually in the net. Referee Jean Hebert waved it off immediately, saying Andersen was pushed into the net and ruling it was goaltender interference.
Tortorella after some deliberation opted to challenge, and the on-ice officials in consultation with the NHL’s situation room confirmed the call on the ice stood. That put the Hurricanes on the power play, and Staal — the captain who has been around longer than anyone else on his team — cashed in.
After Mark Stone tied it for Vegas with 1:21 left in regulation to send the game to OT, Tomas Hertl tripped Staal to put Carolina back on the power play. That allowed Jarvis to score just Carolina’s eighth power play goal of the playoffs.
Seth Jarvis scored on the power play in overtime after Carolina erased a deficit in regulation only to gave up a late tying goal, and the Hurricanes beat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final on Thursday night to the series.
Jarvis’ OT heroics came after a thrilling third period that included four goals being scored and another getting called off because of goaltender interference.
The Hurricanes had almost nothing going for the first 45 minutes, falling behind by two goals as the Golden Knights took advantage of a couple of scoring chances and locked down defensively. A couple of strong shifts in the offensive zone just before the midway point of the third brought the crowd back to life because the Hurricanes were buzzing.
Logan Stankoven made a terrific individual effort to get them on the board, taking the puck away from Rasmus Andersson, going to the net and banking a shot off Jeremy Lauzon and in with 9:40 remaining in regulation. Less than three minutes later, Mark Jankowski fired a shot past Carter Hart to tie it, flipping the script from Game 1, when Vegas erased a multigoal deficit and won.
The Hurricanes took the lead with 4:35 left when their captain, Jordan Staal, redirected Shayne Gostisbehere’s point shot in on the power play. It was just their eighth power play goal of the playoffs.
That was 25 seconds after the Golden Knights thought they scored at the other end.
Frederik Andersen initially went full extension to deny Ivan Barbashev with the paddle of his stick, and a scrum ensued in the crease that ended with the puck eventually in the net. Referee Jean Hebert waved it off immediately, saying Andersen was pushed into the net and ruling it was goaltender interference.
Tortorella after some deliberation opted to challenge, and the on-ice officials in consultation with the NHL’s situation room confirmed the call on the ice stood. That put the Hurricanes on the power play, and Staal — the captain who has been around longer than anyone else on his team — cashed in.
After Mark Stone tied it for Vegas with 1:21 left in regulation to send the game to OT, Tomas Hertl tripped Staal to put Carolina back on the power play. That allowed Jarvis to score just Carolina’s eighth power play goal of the playoffs.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after scoring against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at the Barclays Center.
The Milwaukee Bucks have reportedly made a decision on their superstar.
Bucks ownership is expected to move on from Giannis Antetokounmpo before the 2026 NBA Draft, according to insider Brett Siegel.
“We have heard from multiple sources, one of which is from a team that was involved in Giannis trade chatter at the trade deadline, that have said the Bucks made up their decision and ownership will be moving on from Giannis Antetokounmpo before the NBA Draft,” Siegel said on the ClutchPoints podcast.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after scoring against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at the Barclays Center. Noah K. Murray-NY Post
Antetokounmpo has spent his entire career with the Bucks after being drafted 15th overall in 2013.
But now it seems like his time in Wisconsin is coming to an end.
Since winning a championship with the team in 2020, the Bucks have been unable to reach the Conference Finals.
This year, they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Antetokounmpo has just one more year plus a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season.
Rather than lose him for nothing in free agency, the Bucks have reportedly been shopping him around since the trade deadline.
Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam may be ready to move on from Giannis Antetokounmpo. AP
Now that the team is seemingly ready to let Antetokounmpo go, one team from the trade deadline sweepstakes has emerged as a favorite to land the two-time NBA MVP.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 reacts on the court in a game against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
While the Heat remain in front, other teams, such as the Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics, have been rumored to have interest in Antetokounmpo.
PHOENIX — Former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes, who signed the richest contract in Arizona Diamondbacks history, was scheduled to begin his rehab assignment Friday and return to the Diamondbacks in July for the first time in 13 months.
The plan was to step into the rotation, be there for the pennant stretch, and lead the Diamondbacks back into the postseason with perhaps a deep October run.
Instead, there he was Thursday, talking about changing diapers and making his kids’ lunch at home for another two months, hoping he can just return by the end of the season for his sanity.
Burnes, who signed a six-year, $210 million contract, had his Tommy John surgery recovery paused for at least another two months after an MRI revealed that he has a teres major/lat strain in his right shoulder.
“It's obviously frustrating,’’ Burnes said. “Your team’s playing good baseball, you want to get back and have as much of an impact as you can. … It's tough to have put in work for 11 months and you're a little over a month away from being back. It sucks.’’
Burnes, who faced live hitters last Friday, felt fine except for perhaps one or two pitches. He thought it was maybe a cramp, but certainly wasn’t alarmed. He played catch again Saturday, and then again Monday, and everything was normal.
The D-backs staff asked him whether he was ready to go full-out Tuesday, throwing perhaps 25 pitches. Burnes hesitated.
"I mean, I know I could pitch, but stepping on for 25 pitches, I wasn't sure,’’ Burnes said. “So I said, 'Hey, just for peace of mind, let's have an image,' and got it looked at. Sure enough, it came back (with the strained lat). I think it kind of shocked everyone. …
“We can’t wrap our head around it. There was nothing as far as tinkering with arm slot or anything. Everything literally was the same for the two months of bullpens leading up to game action last year. I wish I had an answer.’’
Now, after making just 11 starts last season in his first year with the Diamondbacks, this season is ruined, too. He insists he should be back by September, but D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said they will proceed with caution. They have plenty invested in Burnes, who has $140 million left in his contract the next four years.
“It's one of those things you want to be a part of this team,’’ Burnes said. “Obviously, I get in here as much as I can to be a part of the team as much as I can, but unless you're out on the mound contributing to the team, it's tough to actually feel like you're doing anything.
“The goal is just kind of listen to (the) training staff here. I'm going to push the envelope, it's what I do. So whatever the timeline is, I'll make sure it's on the short end of that, but just have to do what I can to get healthy and provide as much of an impact as I can.’’
Said Lovullo: “We’re just trying to get him healthy as fast as possible. He wants to be back as soon as possible, which is one of his great qualities. So I know he’s going to work his butt off to heal as far as he can, get the treatment he’s supposed to, and what happens is going to happen.’’
This is the first time the four-time All-Star and Cy Young winner has missed games because of an arm injury, and now he will have missed at least 50 starts in the past two seasons.
Burnes, who was expected to opt out to explore free agency again after this season, now most certainly will be remaining with the Diamondbacks, where he will have a no-trade clause prohibiting trades to 14 teams. It’s hard to imagine that he and agent Scott Boras would take a $140 million gamble after missing most of the past two seasons.
“We haven't thought about that yet,’’ Burnes said. "That's an offseason thing to deal with. Scott Boras knows a lot more about that than I do. I'm here just to play baseball and do what I can to help these guys win. Whether this has any effect in it, I've got no clue.
The best-of-seven series is tied 1-1 with Game 3 on Saturday, June 6, in Las Vegas (8 p.m. ET, ABC).
The Golden Knights led 2-0 after two periods on back-to-back goals by Brett Howden, his NHL-leading 12th and 13th of the playoffs.
The Hurricanes seemed headed to a 2-0 series deficit before Logan Stankoven stole a puck and scored to make it 2-1. Mark Jankowski tied the game. Then the controversy happened.
The Golden Knights appeared to put the puck in the net after Frederik Andersen made back-to-back saves, but the whistle blew first and it was ruled no goal because of that and goaltender interference.
Vegas coach John Tortorella challenged and lost, giving the Hurricanes a power play. Carolina got a rare man-advantage goal - from Jordan Staal - for a 3-2 lead. But Mark Stone tied the score on a play on which Jaccob Slavin appeared to put the puck in his own net.
And the winning goal came from Jarvis, who had been moved off the Hurricanes' struggling top line during the game.
Seth Jarvis scores the winner on a one-timer on the power play. That's two power play goals for the Hurricanes in this game and entering the series at a 12.5% success rate. And more important, a member of the Hurricanes' struggling top line gets a key goal.
He was drafted in the first round in 2016 by the Tampa Bay Lightning but never played for them. He was traded to the New York Rangers in the Ryan McDonagh deal and played three seasons there before joining the Golden Knights in a 2021 trade. He won a Cup in 2023. His top regular season is 17 goals (twice). His 13 goals this postseason ties a Golden Knights record.
The Golden Knights played that period without injured Brayden McNabb and still managed to hold the Hurricanes without a goal. In the meantime, Brett Howden scored his second goal of the game and had another chance. He's jumping to the front of the Conn Smythe Trophy talk with 13 goals this playoffs.
Jordan Martinook breaks a stick on a slash. Vegas is 0-for-2 but scored right after the second one. Golden Knights get no shots on his power play. Still 2-0 Golden Knights.
A great display of strength for Brett Howden as he has both goals in this game. He has a league-best 13 goals, topping his regular season total of 12. He beat defenseman extraordinaire Jaccob Slavin on the second goal.
Right after the power play ended, Brett Howden outmuscles defenseman Jaccob Slavin and makes a slick move to beat Frederik Andersen. Golden Knights 2, Hurricanes 0
The Hurricanes holding the Golden Knights to two shots in th efirst period was a good thing. The problem is the Golden Knights scored on one of those shots. Brett Howden continued his playoff tear by winning a battle against Sean Walker, gathering in a flip pass from Mitch Marner and scoring his 12th playoff goal. That matches his regular season total. Carolina had its chances, but Carter Hart stopped them. The only drawback for Vegas is that defenseman Brayden McNabb went to the dressing room after taking a shot off the visor that appeared to injure his nose.
He's tangled up with Sean Walker, breaks free, gathers in a Mitch Marner flip pass and scores against Frederik Andersen. That's his 12th goal of the playoffs, matching his total from the regular season. Golden Knights 1, Hurricanes 0
He's hit in the visor by a hard shot by Nikolaj Ehlers from the point and goes to the dressing room while holding his nose. McNabb had three assists in Game 1.
The Hurricanes' struggling top line draws a penalty as Seth Jarvis is tripped by Dylan Coghlan. Hurricanes change up the power play a little. One shot and penalty is killed.
The Golden Knights have won seven in a row. In three of the last four games, including Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, they have come from behind. They trailed 2-0 in Game 1 and overcame a 3-0 deficit against the Colorado Avalanche in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals.
The Hurricanes haven't lost two games in a row at home since Jan. 1 and Jan. 3 in regular season. Combining the regular season and playoffs, the Hurricanes are 23-7-0 after a loss in 2025-26. That .767 winning percentage leads the league.
Vegas' Brett Howden leads the NHL playoffs with 11 goals in 17 games during the postseason. He had 12 goals in 58 games during the regular season. He has four years left on his deal at a $2.5 million cap hit.
The Sebastian Aho-Andrei Svechnikov-Seth Jarvis combined for 216 points in the regular season. They have 22 points in the playoffs. They had no points and five shots in Game 1.
That's a stunning development, adding a major name that teams can pursue in the offseason, especially with a thin free-agent market. He has five years left on his contract.
Larkin has been captain of the Red Wings since 2021. He's a six-time 30-goal scorer, including the last five seasons. He also was a standout for the USA at the Olympics and the 4 Nations Face-Off.
The Red Wings' 10-season playoff drought is now the longest in the NHL after the Buffalo Sabres clinched a postseason spot. Larkin hasn't been in the postseason since his rookie year in 2015-16.
Minnesota Twins pitcher Bailey Ober delivers against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Saturday, May 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Tom E. Puskar)
Twins starting pitcher Bailey Ober has a reason for his recent elbow injury.
Ober, who was recently placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation, blamed his injury on slick baseballs used during a rainy game at Fenway Park on May 24.
The righty told reporters that the balls used during the Twins’ 6-5 win over the Red Sox were the worst he’s rubbed during his six-year career. He also said they led to grip issues throughout his five innings pitched, in which he allowed four runs on seven hits.
Minnesota Twins pitcher Bailey Ober delivers against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Saturday, May 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Tom E. Puskar) AP Photo/Tom E. Puskar
“The only way to be able to throw slick baseballs is to grip them harder, so you can execute your pitches,” Ober said, according to the Star Tribune. “If not, you’re not going to know where the ball is going, especially with breaking pitches.”
Ober made one more start against the Pirates on Saturday, but surrendered a season-high eight runs before landing on the injured list.
The Twins pitcher said his arm felt better during the week between his final two starts, but the injury popped up again in the second inning against Pittsburgh.
Ober, 30, is expected to be sidelined for roughly a month while recovering from the injury, adding that he and Twins athletic trainer Nick Paparesta have had conversations since his issues started.
May 17, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Bailey Ober (17) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“We both kind of came to the conclusion, and other people said, ‘Well, you probably did this in Boston,’” Ober said.
Before going on the IL, Ober held a 6-3 record with a 4.59 ERA through 12 starts. Despite having a strong April, he allowed 20 runs in 28.2 innings in May.
Ober is still looking to recapture his 2022 form, in which he pitched to a 3.21 ERA, but his mark steadily increased to 5.10 last season.
The Twins are currently 29-34 and third in the AL Central, behind the White Sox and Guardians.
Santiago high school pitcher Striker Pence announces on Instagram that he is reclassifying from the class of 2028 to the class of 2027.
Striker Pence, the nephew of former San Francisco Giants outfielder Hunter Pence, announced on Instagram on Thursday afternoon that he is reclassifying from the class of 2028 to the class of 2027.
Striker, 17, is a right-handed pitcher from Santiago High School in Corona and is already considered the class of 2027 No. 2 prospect and the top prep pitcher in the country, behind Dylan Seward of Norco.
Considered a power arm pitcher and having a 6-foot-6 frame, while weighing 185 pounds, Striker has already shown why there is so much excitement surrounding him.
Striker’s pitch arsenal includes a fastball that sits at 98 mph and reaches up to 101 mph, while his slider sits in the mid-80s.
Striker Pence reclassified for the 2027 MLB Draft. Instagram/strikerpence8
In August last year, he caught everyone’s attention while pitching in the Area Codes game at Blair Field in Long Beach by throwing seven straight pitches at 100 mph.
The knock against Striker has been commanding his fastball when it reaches triple digits. If he is able to locate his fastball better, he will have a chance to unlock another aspect of his game.
In a game against Orange Lutheran last season, he showed just what the potential of his slider could look like in a league game against Orange Lutheran.
2028(!!) RHP Striker Pence is on to pitch. His first seven fastballs?
Striker threw a slider towards the lower outside part of the strike zone, making University of Texas Commit, Brady Murrieta, drop to his knees swinging for a strike.
Santiago finished last season with a 19-12 record and finished third in the CIF Southern Section Division 1 baseball playoffs.
