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Bobrovsky, Barkov propel Panthers to 1-0 victory in Columbus

Mar 20, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) makes a save against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Nationwide Arena. (Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images)

A playoff atmosphere filled Nationwide Arena on Thursday night for a late-season matchup between the Florida Panthers and Columbus Blue Jackets.

With both teams looking to break out of recent funks, the game was as tight and competitive as you’d hope this late in the season between a couple of potential postseason clubs.

Ultimately it was the Panthers coming out on top of this goaltenders’ duel, earning a feisty 1-0 victory in overtime.

Florida played a strong first period, holding Columbus without a shot on goal for almost seven minutes after the opening puck drop.

The Panthers ended up outshooting the home team 12-5 during the first period but nobody was able to solve the goaltenders.

After Elvis Merzlikins was the busier of the tendies during the opening 20 minutes, it was Sergei Bobrovsky who was called upon more frequently after the second period arrived.

Columbus thought they had the game’s first goal with 9:47 left in the third period.

Boone Jenner was tied up just outside the goal crease but was able to kick a loose puck past a sprawling Bobrovsky.

Florida’s goaltender quickly jumped up, waving his arms at the referee, but it took an official review for the refs to take the goal off the scoreboard.

An exciting, physical third period yielded no goals, so for the first time in five seasons, the Panthers went to overtime in a scoreless tie.

Thanks to a late delay of game penalty of Kirill Marchenko, Florida had a 4-on-3 power play when the extra session began.

After some quick puck movement, Panthers Captain Sasha Barkov wired a wrist shot over Merzlikins’ blocker 28 seconds into overtime.

Ballgame.

On to Washington.

QUICK THOUGHTS

Bobrovsky finished with 26 saves, including all six high danger shots the Blue Jackets sent his way.

The last time a Panthers game was 0-0 after sixty minutes was on Feb. 4, 2020 at Columbus.

Florida lost on a Zach Werenski overtime goal.

Barkov has now scored in consecutive games for the second time this month.

Sam Reinhart picked up an assist on Barkov’s goal, his seventh assist and ninth point over his past seven games.

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Ottawa Senators Crushed At Home 5-1 By Colorado Avalanche

Mar 20, 2025: Ottawa Senators goalie Anton Forsberg (31) makes a save in front of Colorado Avalanche center Jack Drury (18) in the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre (Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

After a six-game winning streak, the hot and cold Ottawa Senators are suddenly showing the earmarks of another cold streak, and few things are colder than getting snowed under at home by the Avalanche.

After a 6-3 loss in Montreal on Tuesday, the Senators had a weak response on Thursday, losing 5-1 to the Colorado Avalanche.

Brock Nelson scored twice for the Avs who outshot Ottawa 32-16. Cale Makar, Jonathan Drouin and Ross Colton each had two points.

After being outshot by Ottawa 5-0 in the first five minutes, Colorado completely took the game over, scoring four goals in the second half of the first period.

With Linus Ullmark under siege for several minutes, Nathan MacKinnon finally opened the floodgates with his 28th, 10:29 into the first period. Just inside Ottawa's blue line, MacKinnon took a drop pass from Drouin and ripped a low shot through both Jake Sanderson and Ullmark.

A minute later, Brock Nelson broke free down the left wing and beat Ullmark high to the glove side to make it 2-0. 

Cale Makar scored his 26th goal on the power play on a shot from the point through traffic. And finally, right after a faceoff to the right of Ottawa's goal, Joel Kiviranta ended Ullmark's night and make it 4-0 Colorado.

The residue of Ottawa's terrible first period bled into the second as Dylan Cozens had taken a bad interference penalty with six seconds left in the first. With the extra man, Nelson scored again to make it 5-0 early in the second. 

At that point, Sens head coach Travis Green put all his forward lines in a blender. And why not?

In particular, newcomer Fabian Zetterlund finally got a chance to get off the fourth line where he's been for the past five games since arriving in Ottawa. He played mostly top six minutes in the final two periods and was noticeable, creating at least a couple of good chances.

The Senators hit a couple of goal posts along the way and finally broke the shutout on Cozens' power play goal with under four minutes left, but they were never in this game, getting just 11 shots in the final 55 minutes of the game. This, despite the fact the Avs played last night.

The good news is that the New York Rangers lost 4-3 to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night so Ottawa remains five points above the Eastern Conference playoff cut line.

Fancy that, a favour from the Leafs?

The Sens will hit the road again for another difficult matchup on Saturday night, this time against the New Jersey Devils. 

By Steve Warne
Site Editor at The Hockey News Ottawa

Stay updated with the most interesting Ottawa Senators stories, analysis, breaking news and more at The Hockey News Ottawa. Tap the star here at Google News to add us to your favourites and never miss a thing.

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Knicks' road woes continue, bench struggles in 115-98 loss to Hornets

A lot has been made of the Knicks' schedule, and their fatigue, and it showed Thursday as they dropped the second of their back-to-back, 115-98 to the Hornets in Charlotte.

New York could not feed off of the large contingent of Knicks fans in attendance, as they were outplayed and outworked by the Hornets (18-51). The Knicks' offense was once again flat without Jalen Brunson, and the team is now 3-4 without its captain.

Here are the takeaways...

-The Knicks got off to another slow start, missing their first three shots and allowing the Hornets to get out to a 9-2 lead in the opening minutes. But the Knicks would clamp down on defense and get their offense going through OG Anunoby, as they went on a 15-4 run to take the lead for the first time with six minutes to go in the first.

However, the Knicks' offense would go ice cold in the final minutes. The combination of misses and turnovers allowed the Hornets to go on a 12-0 run and end the first on top, 27-19. The Knicks would not score a point over the last five minutes. Anunoby led the Knicks with 10 points, but the offense as a whole was not good. They shot 7-for-20 in the opening frame.

Mark Williams and Jusuf Nurkic took advantage of the Knicks' lack of size, with Mitchell Robinson not playing due to injury management. Both centers scored six points each and grabbed seven combined rebounds, three offensive.

-The second quarter went a lot like the first, with cold shooting from the Knicks. In the middle of the quarter, the Knicks went without a field goal for four minutes, while the Hornets continued to beat New York on the glass.

Karl-Anthony Towns would hit back-to-back threes to break the Knicks' drought and give the team some life, but New York could not cut more into Charlotte's lead, as they went into halftime down, 54-44.

Only four Knicks scored in the first half, with Miles McBride being the only starter to go scoreless on 0-for-3 shooting. The guard was questionable heading into the game with a groin contusion, but he simply could not find his range. The Knicks bench went a combined 0-for-5 and didn't score a point.

New York was also outrebounded, 27-17, at halftime.

-McBride would find his game early in the third, making his first shots and finding his teammates for early scores. On the defensive end, the Knicks found their intensity just like in Wednesday's game. New York would cut Charlotte's lead to five, but whenever the Knicks made a run, the Hornets would make a timely three or get to the free-throw line.

The Knicks' frustration bubbled over in the waning minutes of the third, when Towns went hard to the basket and thought he had an and-one. The Knicks' center was demonstrative toward the official and was assessed a technical foul. Towns wouldn't shoot his first free throw of the game until 18 seconds left in the third quarter.

-The Knicks' bench was being outscored 32-0 until Cam Payne hit a three with 10:55 left in the game for the bench's first points. It didn't amount to much, as every Knicks run would be extinguished by a Hornets' three or run. With two minutes left in the game and down 18 points, Tom Thibodeau emptied his bench.

-The Hornets outrebounded the Knicks, 52-38, and were better offensively. Charlotte collectively shot 49 percent, including 15-of-32 from three, while the Knicks shot just 40 percent and 10-of-39 from downtown.

Charlotte's bench outscored New York's, 37-11.

Anunoby (25) and Towns (24) led the way for the Knicks, but it was not nearly enough. Josh Hart scored 13 points -- after scoring just two on Wednesday -- but came down with only four rebounds. MIkal Bridges (16 points on 5-of-11 shooting) and McBride (9) rounded out the scoring for the starters. LaMelo Ball had a team-high 25 points for the Hornetts, and went 5-of-10 from three. Williams also finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds (seven offensive).

Highlights

What's next

The Knicks get some much-needed days off before returning to The Garden on Saturday to take on the Washington Wizards. Tip is set for 8 p.m.

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Kings Dominate Blackhawks in 3-1 Win

© Talia Sprague-Imagn Images

Following their 3-1 loss in Minnesota against the Wild, the Los Angeles Kings (37-21-9) arrived in the Windy City as they faced the Blackhawks (20-40-9). The Kings met the Blackhawks for third and final time this season. Spencer Knight escorted his team out while Darcy Kuemper stood in net for the second game in a row. 

Kings Lead 2-0 in Opening Period

Puck drop was underway as the Kings battled for early momentum. At the 11:15 point, Trevor Moore tipped in a wrist shot and put the Kings on the scoreboard 1-0. In a flurry of plays, Alex Turcotte netted his eighth of the season moments later. With Los Angeles leading 2-0 early, the inconsistent Blackhawks found themselves already trailing. Chicago's late attempt to produce scoring opportunities was cut short by the period's end, as both teams headed into intermission for the second period. 

And We’re Back...

With the Kings up 2-0, the second period promised more intense action and a challenge for the Kings to maintain their lead. Los Angeles took the initiative and displayed increased aggression, making it difficult for the Blackhawks to mount a comeback. Frank Nazar of the Blackhawks dominated the faceoff circle against the Kings tonight, winning critical neutral zone battles. Despite a series of impressive saves by Kuemper, Connor Bedard's slapshot ultimately beat him, bringing the score to 2-1 at 9:10. The Kings outshot the Blackhawks 26-12, as each team relentlessly tried to establish physical dominance. Los Angeles maintained control in the first period, but their performance declined in the second. 

Final Twenty in Windy City

The Blackhawks showed more activity in the third. By 13:36, though the Kings had outshot Chicago 27-16, they hadn't converted their opportunities. Their shots weren't translating into goals against a team they should have been able to beat, especially a team not in the playoff conversation. It has proven difficult for Los Angeles to consistently create scoring chances, which has been a key factor in their recent losses and especially when playing away from home. The third period saw the Kings effectively shut down the Blackhawks. With 21 seconds left, Joel Edmundson's goal secured a 3-1 victory. Securing two points, Los Angeles now prepares for a home game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday.

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Exciting Sabres Prospect Is Impressing Big Time In AHL

Noah Ostlund (© Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images)

The Buffalo Sabres selected forward Noah Ostlund with the 16th overall pick of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. With this, the 21-year-old is considered one of the Sabres' most promising prospects. 

Ostlund is currently in his first full season with the Rochester Americans after appearing in two games with the AHL squad this past season. So far, the Stockholm, Sweden native has been solid, posting 11 goals and 24 points in 37 games. This is after he started the season off cold by recording just one point in his first 12 games. 

Ostlund's play is that he is continuing to improve as this campaign rolls on, and he is in the middle of a long hot streak because of it. In his last 12 games, the 5-foot-11 forward has seven goals to go along with 12 points. He also has 23 points over his previous 25 contests. With numbers like these, he is undoubtedly standing out with the AHL squad.

It will now be fascinating to see how Ostlund will build on his strong play from here. He is clearly adjusting well to the AHL level, and that is very encouraging for the Sabres.

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Alex Ovechkin gets 888th career goal to move 7 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record

NHL: Philadelphia Flyers at Washington Capitals

Mar 20, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

WASHINGTON — Alex Ovechkin has scored his 888th career goal to move seven away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career record.

Ovechkin scored in the Washington Capitals’ home game against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night, beating Samuel Ersson with 5:35 left in the first period. The goal counter in the corner of the arena flipped to 888, and fans chanted “Ovi! Ovi!”

The 39-year-old winger now has 35 goals this season, tied for the fourth most in the league. Ovechkin at his current pace has a chance to to pass Gretzky’s legendary 894-goal mark, which was long considered unapproachable, later this spring.

The Capitals have 13 games left in the regular season before starting the playoffs. Ovechkin has one year left on his current contract in case he does not get there this season.

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Mets pound 13 hits en route to convincing 10-3 win over Nationals

The Mets had another offensive onslaught on Thursday night, this time against the Washington Nationals in a 10-3 win.

Here are the takeaways...

-Kodai Senga, looking for a better outing than his last one on March 14 when he allowed seven hits, including a home run, in 3.1 innings with just one strikeout, made his third start of the spring and delivered a spectacular performance. In 3.2 innings, the right-hander's swing-and-miss stuff was back, consistently getting hitters to chase and generating a ton of whiffs on his way to six strikeouts on 49 pitches (29 strikes).

The 32-year-old didn't allow a hit on the night, but he walked two, including CJ Abrams to lead off the bottom of the first who then scored from second base on a dropped third strike by Luis Torrens, who made an errant throw to first base, allowing the runner to advance to second. After another walk, Senga didn't allow the inning to get away from him, as he induced an inning-ending double play niftily turned by Francisco Lindor and Brett Baty.

From there, Senga retired the next batters eight he faced before getting pulled in the fourth inning.

-On offense, New York got to work immediately after going down 1-0, scoring three in the second, two in the third, and five in the fourth. Luisangel Acuña, batting ninth and playing third base, got the party started with a two-run single the opposite way to give the Mets the lead -- one they would never relinquish.

Acuña finished 2-for-5, but had a bit of a weird play in the field where he took a bad route on a popup on the third base line before appearing to give up on the ball and giving way to left fielder Jose Azocar, who couldn't get to it either which allowed a run to score.

-Other notable contributors at the plate were Luis Torrens, who went 3-for-3 with a triple, three RBI, and three runs scored (he should buy a lottery ticket tonight). Jose Siri finished 3-for-4 with a double, three RBI, and a run scored, and Baty produced his fifth double of the spring along with a walk, an RBI, and two runs scored.

-Noticably absent from the hit parade was Lindor, who finished 0-for-5 with an RBI. The shortstop, who historically gets off to slow starts, has not had a great spring and is batting .163 (8-for-49) with a .459 OPS out of the leadoff spot. After his MVP-caliber season in 2024, in which he got off to possibly the worst start of his career, Lindor has earned the right for fans to be patient with him. But a good start to the season would certainly benefit New York's offense.

-Jesse Winker was back in the lineup for the first time since exiting Monday's game with cramps in his calf. Batting cleanup as the designated hitter, he went 0-for-2 with a walk and run scored before getting pinch-hit for in the sixth.

-Max Kranick, the reliever from out of nowhere who has been lights out this spring training, was at it again on Thursday. The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder pitched two scoreless innings while striking out two more batters to get his total up to 14 in 11.1 innings. The 27-year-old right-hander, who last pitched in the majors in 2022 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, has done everything he can to get a spot on the Opening Day roster.

-Tyler Zuber, another reliever fighting for a roster spot who's shown promise during camp, pitched the final two innings and allowed a run on two hits and a walk while striking out two. It was the first run allowed by Zuber this spring, and he still owns a 1.17 ERA in 7.2 innings.

Highlights

What's next

The Mets will complete their spring training slate with a four-game homestand that begins on Friday afternoon against the St. Louis Cardinals (1:10 p.m start).

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Drovers do it again to add SRC Cup to trophy cabinet

Ebbw Vale’s long Wait for a cup final success continues after they were blown apart by Llandovery at Church Bank as the Drovers won the inaugural Super Rygbi Cymru Cup 39-7. Euro Evans’s side ran in fvie tries as they turned the screw in the second half to turn their slender 13-7 interval lead into […]

The post Drovers do it again to add SRC Cup to trophy cabinet appeared first on Welsh Rugby Union | Wales & Regions.

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What Butler yelled at Draymond after clutch block in Warriors' win

What Butler yelled at Draymond after clutch block in Warriors' win originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

While Draymond Green typically authors the Warriors’ defensive heroics, Jimmy Butler couldn’t pass up an opportunity to remind his Golden State teammate he can do it too.

Butler delivered the play of the game with a clutch block in the final minute of the Warriors’ 117-114 win over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday, racing over to Green where the two shared a brief exchange before joining in celebration.

So what exactly did Butler tell the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year?

“I can do that too,” Butler told reporters when asked what he told Green following the block. “Like I always say, I respect Draymond so much. I definitely respect him because he took 14 [3-pointers] tonight. I love that. He’ll do anything to make sure this squad gets a dub. Whatever you ask him to do, he’s willing to do that. So, I’m glad I can follow suit in that sometimes.”

Butler’s heroics helped stave off a gritty effort from a scrappy Raptors team, propelling the Warriors to a 6-1 homestand as Golden State continues to rack up wins after the addition of its new star wing.

Butler and Green form a dynamic defensive duo that inspires plenty of confidence moving forward as Golden State seeks to make a deep NBA playoff run.

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Steph's injury puts Warriors in tough spot even as schedule eases up

Steph's injury puts Warriors in tough spot even as schedule eases up originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – No matter how hard the Warriors practice, how carefully they study video or who they acquire in trade, their fate rests, until further notice, in the same hands that have carried them for 12 seasons.

So, when Stephen Curry landed hard on his backside with 3:24 left in the third quarter, the sellout crowd at Chase Center went library quiet. The Warriors were being pushed around by the lottery-bound Toronto Raptors, and now Curry was face-down on the floor in obvious pain, never to return.

Curry’s departure left the Warriors on their own, lurching through the final 15 minutes before finally massaging their way to a 117-114 victory that was in doubt until the final seconds.

“We decided to be physical, be the more physical team later on in the game,” Jimmy Butler III said. “It’s never too late for that. Then just putting bodies on bodies and going up and getting the loose balls, and getting every rebound, getting some steals, getting some blocks. Then it turns into good things for us offensively.”

The Warriors (41-29) escaped a close call, but Curry’s condition was on everyone’s mind. The initial diagnosis was a “pelvic contusion,” which ended his night and leaves his immediate future subject to closer examination and prognosis.

“He was trying to come back,” coach Steve Kerr said, adding that Curry would undergo an MRI test. “He thought he might be able to come back, and we just decided not to risk anything.”

Draymond Green and Butler covered for Curry. Neither shot well, but they dived into their team leader roles and did the two things that will be absolute requirements to maintain momentum without the team’s offensive engine.

They got crucial stops on defense and valued the ball on offense. Golden State committed two turnovers in the final 15 minutes while forcing seven Toronto giveaways.

“The mentality is just, when Steph’s out of the game, then it’s vitally important that we get stops,” Green said. “So, you just kind of emphasize that. Guys stepped up to the challenge. The offense is never going to be as smooth when he’s not out there.”

The positive single-game outcome notwithstanding, the Warriors are entering the final 12 games of the regular season uncertain about the availability of their most indispensable player.

Regardless how long Curry is out, any chance of the Warriors continuing their stellar play depends on how wide Green and Butler can spread their veteran wings – and how much crisper their younger teammates can perform.

“The message is going to be, whether he’s with us or whether he’s not – hopefully he is,” Butler said of Curry. “But if he isn’t, that’s just more perfect basketball that we’re going to have to play. We can’t afford to turn the ball over. We can’t afford to foul because we don’t have the one individual that can, like, automatically get us back into the game.”

If there is a silver lining, it is this: Golden State will spend another 11 days tucked into the most exploitable portion of their remaining schedule. Having disposed of the 24-46 Raptors to close a 6-1 homestand, the Warriors go on the road this weekend knowing their next four opponents are reeling.

They’re at Atlanta (33-36) on Saturday, at Miami (29-40, nine consecutive losses) in Butler’s return next Tuesday, at New Orleans (19-51) on March 28 and at San Antonio (29-39) on March 30. The Warriors won’t see another winning team until April 1 at Memphis.

Which isn’t to suggest this will be as easy it would seem – with or without Curry.

Six Warriors scored in double figures against Toronto, with Green leading with 21 points. Quinten Post 18, Curry 17, Jonathan Kuminga and Butler 16 apiece and Brandin Podziemski 15. With the Warriors shooting 42.2 percent from field for the game – and only 25 percent in the fourth quarter – every bucket seemed to be small victory.

“The margin for error goes way down when he’s not out there,” Green said of Curry. “We’ve got to understand that and act accordingly.”

The Warriors found a way on this night. It was ugly and the win came with an at least a modicum of negative emotional vibes. The road awaits, and it’s up to Butler and Green to set the tone for a team that can’t prosper without playing focused and productive basketball no matter who is on the court.

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Luke Littler sinks Van Gerwen with nine-darter to stay top of Premier League

  • Teenager throws perfect darts in fourth leg of 6-4 win
  • World champion goes 180-crazy in Cardiff thriller

Luke Littler crowned a third Premier League win of the season with a nine-dart leg in his 6-4 final win over Michael van Gerwen. Littler sent the Cardiff crowd wild with perfect darts in the fourth leg, and the 18-year-old had to be at his brilliant best to ward off a revitalised Van Gerwen.

The world champion hit a remarkable 10 180s and returned a match average of 112.50 to extend his Premier League lead to six points. “I didn’t even realise the double 15 was in until Huw [Ware, the referee] shouted it,” said reigning Premier League champion Littler of his final shot.

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Anaheim Ducks Pull Away to Defeat Nashville Predators, 4-1

The Anaheim Ducks (30-31-8, 68 points) completed their season sweep of the Nashville Predators (25-35-8, 58 points) with a 3-1 win Thursday at Bridgestone Arena.

It was the fourth consecutive loss for the Predators, who had previously won four straight. 

Justus Annunen made 30 saves in the loss for Nashville, while Anaheim's John Gibson made 33 saves in the win.

Michael Bunting, Nashville Predators

How The Predators lined up vs. Anaheim

Forsberg-O'Reilly-Stamkos
Bunting-Sissons-Marchessault
Smith-Svechkov-Evangelista
L'Heureux-McCarron-Vrana

Skjei-Blankenburg
Del Gaizo-Stastney
Oesterle-Barron

Annunen
Saros

Extra: Englund, Bellows
IR: Josi, Lauzon, Wilsby

Predators vs. Ducks: Live Updates

First Period (NSH 1, ANA 0)

The Predators got an early chance on the man advantage when Luke Evangelista drew a tripping call on Isac Lundestrom just past the 6-minute mark. Steven Stamkos made it count, firing home a one-timer on the power play to give Nashville a 1-0 lead at the 7:07 mark.

Stamkos' goal was the 578th of his career, giving him sole possession of 22nd place on the NHL's all-time goal scoring list. 

The shots were even at 10 apiece at the end of the first period, with Nashville maintaining a 1-0 lead.

Second Period (NSH 1, ANA 3)

The Ducks got on the board just past the 7-minute mark in the second when an offensive zone turnover by the Predators resulted in a 2-on-1 for Anaheim in the other direction. Jackson LaCombe followed up on a Mason McTavish shot and tucked in the rebound to tie the score at 1-1.

After that, there was a clear momentum shift in Anaheim's favor as the Predators' defensive effort crumbled. First, Troy Terry shrugged off a pair of Nashville defenders at center ice to carry the puck through the zone and beat Annunen cleanly to give Anaheim a 2-1 lead at the 13:19 mark of the second period.

Then, just over two minutes later, Trevor Zegras batted in a loose puck behind Annunen to make it 3-1. None of the three Predators defenders on the play was able to gain control of the puck, allowing Zegras to score easily.

Third Period (NSH 1, ANA 4)

With Annunen pulled for the extra attacker, Terry appeared to score into the empty net with just over two minutes remaining in regulation. However, a successful offside challenge by Nashville took the goal off the board to keep the score at 3-1.

Alex Killorn successfully scored into the empty net with 35 seconds remaining for the 4-1 final.

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Huerter's ‘revenge game' vs. Kings spoils DeRozan's historic night

Huerter's ‘revenge game' vs. Kings spoils DeRozan's historic night originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

A familiar face spoiled DeMar DeRozan’s historic accomplishment. 

On a night the star Kings forward became the 27th player in NBA history to score 25,000 points, Kevin Huerter got revenge on his former team, handing Sacramento a 128-116 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Thursday at Golden 1 Center. 

Huerter, who was traded to Chicago in the same deal that sent De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs in February, made his mark in his return to Sacramento, erupting for 25 points while adding five rebounds, seven assists and four steals.

It was intentional. The former Kings guard was looking for retaliation.

“One-hundred percent revenge game,” Huerter told reporters (h/t ABC 10’s Matt George). “One-hundred percent. So, that felt good [to] come out of here with a dub.” 

Malik Monk, who scored an impressive five 3-pointers in the first quarter, led the way for the Kings with 34 points. Kings big man Trey Lyles contributed 22 points and six rebounds for Sacramento off the bench. 

No bucket, however, was as significant as DeRozan’s personalized mid-range bucket in the dying minutes of the third quarter. 

Sixteen NBA seasons in the making, DeRozan recognizes the privilege of accomplishing such historic feat – even if it’s going to take time to process its significance. 

“It hasn’t really hit me,” DeRozan told reporters. “You know, it sucks losing. I think maybe tomorrow, day off it [will] kind of sink in. 

“It’s always an honor. It’s an honor period to still be able to play this game at a high level. My 16th year being able to be recognized wherever it is of scorers in this league. I’ve been a fan of this league since I was a kid. 

“I have nothing but love and respect for all the people that came before the people who built this league. To be able to be niched in any type of history in this league is an honor.”

Shooting 9 of 22 from the floor, DeRozan finished with 22 points, four rebounds and five assists. 

Like Huerter and Kings guard Zach LaVine, DeRozan also faced a former team in Chicago on Thursday night. 

No stranger to the scenario, the 35-year-old understands the motivation behind Huerter’s play. 

“ …  He came in here like he had a grudge, and he played like it,” DeRozan said. “He made big shots.

“He came up big and put up 25 for him. That’s how it goes sometimes when you’re playing against your former team.” 

Huerter might have gotten revenge – and spoiled DeRozan’s historic night along the way – but, as Monk recognizes, the star forward is already at the doorstep of league immortality. 

“Man, a lot of people don’t even get to the NBA,” Monk told reporters. “For him to do that, it’s crazy.

“I’m mad we didn’t get the win for him. Hats off to DeMar. That’s why he’s going to be in the Hall of Fame.”

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