Category: Sports News

Worldwide Sports News

Posted on

Bloodied and battered Pogacar fights back from a crash to finally conquer Milan-San Remo

SAN REMO, Italy (AP) — Bloodied, bruised and battered Tadej Pogacar finally won the Milan-San Remo race.

Pogacar recovered from a crash about 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the finish to edge out Tom Pidcock on the line and win the race known as La Classicissima for the first time on Sarurday.

“When I crashed, for a second I thought it’s all over because to crash in Imperia just before the most important part of the race is not ideal,” said Pogacar, who rides for UAE Team Emirates. "But luckily I was quickly back on the bike and not too much damage to me or to the bike.

“Then I saw my team ... they left out everything to come back to the front and they gave me back hope and the legs were still okay ... today if there is no team probably I would just go straight to the finish line.”

Milan-San Remo is one of the longest one-day classics in Europe at almost 300 kilometers (186 miles), and the first of the season.

It was one of the few titles that still eluded Pogacar, the five-time Grand Tour winner, and the Slovenian admitted several times to being desperate to change that.

Pogacar’s chances appeared to diminish when he was caught up in the crash that shredded the left side of his shorts and left him with scrapes and cuts on his leg.

Last year’s winner Mathieu van der Poel also went down but the duo managed to get back onto the back of the peloton at the start of the penultimate Cipressa climb.

Pogacar worked his way to the front, stuck with an initial attack and then attacked himself towards the top, with only Pidcock and van der Poel able to follow.

The trio had a gap of 25 seconds at the top although that was down to 11 seconds as they began the Poggio climb shortly before the finish.

Pogacar attacked halfway up and managed to drop van der Poel. He tried several times to shake Pidcock but couldn’t distance him and they were locked together as they crested the summit.

Little could separate the duo on the descent. Pogacar opened up the sprint 200 meters from the line and beat Pidcock by half a wheel.

“Honestly, I need time to reflect because right now I’m pretty disappointed because it hurts to be so close,” Pidcock said. "I was told it’s four centimeters.

"Tadej, he’s the best cyclist ever, so I can’t be disappointed but I can’t help it ... It was so close to a monument win. But I need to look at it from a wider perspective. Because I think what I did was quite amazing, I’m quite proud."

Wout Van Aert, who was also caught up in the crash, won a bunch sprint for third.

“I have to say I saw him (Pogacar) next to me on the ground when we crashed and then the next moment I saw him again was after the finish, so I have no clue what he has been doing, but it must have been impressive because it was quite a hard crash and he still managed to get in the front like that,” Van Aert said.

Five-way sprint in women's race

Lotte Kopecky edged Noemi Rüegg and Eleonora Gasparrini in a sprint of five to win the women’s race.

The race was marked by a horrific-looking crash on the descent of the Cipressa.

Several riders were caught up in the incident; Italian Debora Silvestri flew over a guardrail as she tried to avoid the pileup.

Silvestri’s team, Laboral Kutxa, said she was conscious as she was taken to hospital.

The women’s race followed a 156-kilometer (97-mile) route from Genoa to San Remo.

___

AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

Posted on

Gamethread: Jets @ Penguins

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 22: Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates with the puck under pressure from Nino Niederreiter #62 of the Winnipeg Jets in the third period during the game at PPG PAINTS Arena on November 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Talk about the game with Pens fans here!

Posted on

How to watch Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Boston Celtics: TV, live stream info for Sunday's game

The Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves will meet for the second and final time this season in a Sunday night game on NBC and Peacock.

The visiting Timberwolves (43-28) will try to sweep the Celtics (47-23) for the first time since 1999-200 and without superstar Anthony Edwards, who is out for at least a week with right knee inflammation.

Minnesota is 7-4 this season without Edwards, who will need to return by March 30 to meet the 65-game eligibility for the MVP, All-NBA and other awards.

The Celtics, meanwhile, have gotten a jolt from the return of another superstar. Since Jayson Tatum made his season debut on March 6, Boston is 4-1 when the 6-8 forward (who tore his right Achilles last May) is on the floor.

Tatum's shooting percentage has slowly improved, and he's scored at least 20 points in each of the past four games.

In their Nov. 29 meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota beat Boston 119-115 with Edwards scoring 39 points for the Timberwolves. Jaylen Brown had a game-high 41 points for the Celtics.

See below for additional information on how to watch the Timberwolves-Celtics matchup and a breakdown of the game. Also check out the schedule for the NBA on NBC and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the 2025-2026 season.

Click here to sign up for Peacock!

How to watch Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Boston Celtics:

  • When: Sunday, March 22
  • Where: TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET
  • TV: NBC, Telemundo
  • Live Stream: Peacock

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Boston Celtics preview:

Edwards' absence provides opportunities for bigger contributions from several Timberwolves players. Ayo Dosunmu, recently acquired from Chicago, scored 19 points in his first start in place of Edwards, and guard Bones Hyland adde 22 points off the bench in 29 minutes.

Three-time All-Star forward Julius Randle, the team's second-leading scorer, is averaging 26.9 points per game when Edwards is out of the lineup — nearly 7 points more than his average with Edwards. Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo also have bumped up their scoring without Edwards.

Despite Edwards' absences, the Timberwolves have been healthier otherwise, using an NBA-low eight starting lineups over the course of the season.

Though they trail the Pistons by four games in the East, the Celtics now are the favorite for the conference title since Tatum's return.

Brown became an All-Star starter for the first time and is on pace for career highs in scoring (28.4 points per game, fifth in the league), assists (5.1 per game) and field goals per game (10.4). But in games with Tatum this season, Brown is attempting seven fewer shots on average.

The Celtics' strengths continue to be 3-point shooting (third in the league for long-distance shots made and attempted) and scoring defense (107.1 points allowed per game leads the NBA). Derrick White leads the team in steals (1.2 per game) and blocks (1.4 per game, most among guards).

How to watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock:

Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.

Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.

How to sign up for Peacock:

Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC and Bravo hits for whatever suits your mood

NBA on NBC 2025-26 schedule:

Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.

What devices does Peacock support?

You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.

Posted on

Pacers vs Spurs Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

Two teams on different trajectories intersect Saturday, when the Indiana Pacers visit the San Antonio Spurs.

The Spurs are on a 4-game win streak and trying to chase down the top seed in the West, while Indy has dropped 15 straight and is firmly entrenched in the battle for the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

While Miami has dominated this head-to-head series, my Pacers vs. Spurs predictions and NBA picks have this one in a more defensive battle, where I will target the total.

Pacers vs Spurs prediction

Pacers vs Spurs best bet: Under 233 points (-110)


The Indiana Pacers are 18.5-point underdogs, but weirdly enough, they still compete. Of their 15 straight losses, just five have been by 20+ points.

Their injury list is long, with Ivica Zubac (rib) and Micah Potter (triceps) out and Pascal Siakam (knee) and Andrew Nembhard (knee) headlining a list of seven players listed as questionable.

The San Antonio Spurs have allowed just 105.3 points over their 4-game win streak, with opponents shooting just 42.9% from the field.

Indy will struggle against one of the NBA's premier defenses, who have cashed the Under in three of its last four.

Pacers vs Spurs same-game parlay


Victor Wembanyama has just a single block in each of the last two games, but he's yet to go three straight without picking up at least two. He's swatted at least three shots in 11 of his last 15 games and has also grabbed 12 boards or more in three of his last four games.

Pacers vs Spurs SGP

  • Under 233 points
  • Victor Wembanyama Over 2.5 blocks
  • Victor Wembanyama Over 11.5 rebounds

Our "from downtown" SGP: Wemby!

Wemby is coming off a 34-point game against the Suns, and he's gone for 26+ in six of the last eight; those two Unders came during this current 4-game win streak.

I've targeted his 3-point prop because he's been around this number for a while. Wembanyama has hit the Over four times in his last eight, but he's missed the Over by a single triple in each of the other four games.

Pacers vs Spurs SGP

  • Under 233 points
  • Victor Wembanyama Over 2.5 blocks
  • Victor Wembanyama Over 11.5 rebounds
  • Victor Wembanyama Under 25.5 points
  • Victor Wembanyama Over 2.5 made threes

Pacers vs Spurs odds

  • Spread: Pacers +17.5 (-110) | Spurs -17.5 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Pacers +1000 | Spurs -2000
  • Over/Under: Over 233.5 (-110) | Under 233.5 (-110)

Pacers vs Spurs betting trend to know

The Pacers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last eight road games. Find more NBA betting trends for Pacers vs. Spurs.

How to watch Pacers vs Spurs

LocationFrost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
DateSaturday, March 21, 2026
Tip-off8:00 p.m. ET
TVFDSN-IN, FDSN-SW

Pacers vs Spurs latest injuries

Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Posted on

Clippers vs Mavericks Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

The Los Angeles Clippers’ four-game losing streak has deflated some of their postseason optimism, and that raises the stakes ahead of tonight’s visit to the Dallas Mavericks.

While this looks like a decent bounce-back spot for L.A., my Clippers vs. Mavericks predictions aren't sleeping on Cooper Flagg, who’s getting quality reps as a No. 1 option.

Get the lowdown on this battle with my free NBA picks for Saturday, March 21.

Clippers vs Mavericks prediction

Clippers vs Mavericks best bet: Cooper Flagg Over 33.5 points + rebounds + assists (-115)

Cooper Flagg has fallen behind Kon Knueppel in the Rookie of the Year race, but he’s poised to finish strong for the Dallas Mavericks.

With the keys to the offense and great size on the boards, Flagg has eclipsed this combo O/U number in three of his last four games.

His scoring will be the driver for this Over, and that’s a nice volume play. Flagg has taken 17+ shots in 12 of his last 17 games, and he’s averaging 22.5 points per game in his past four outings.

Even if Kawhi Leonard returns for the Los Angeles Clippers, Flagg can still stuff the stat sheet.

Clippers vs Mavericks same-game parlay

With the Clippers trying to improve their play-in seeding and the Mavs seemingly content to pile up losses, I’m taking the visitors’ moneyline here — and wagering on their role players to show up.

Kris Dunn has strung together four straight contests with at least one 3-pointer, while John Collins has cashed this rebounding Over in four of his past five games.

Clippers vs Mavericks SGP

  • Clippers moneyline
  • Kris Dunn Over 0.5 threes
  • John Collins Over 6.5 rebounds

Our "from downtown" SGP: P.J. Max

This SGP turns to two of Dallas’ steadiest role players, with a focus on P.J. Washington, who’s averaging 18.3 ppg and 9.3 rebounds per game in his last four starts.

Meanwhile, Max Christie has hit the Over on this points prop in four of his past five contests.

Clippers vs Mavericks SGP

  • P.J. Washington Over 13.5 points
  • P.J. Washington Over 6.5 rebounds
  • P.J. Washington Over 1.5 assists
  • Max Christie Over 11.5 points

Clippers vs Mavericks odds

  • Spread: Clippers -7 (-110) | Mavericks +7 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Clippers -280 | Mavericks +230
  • Over/Under: Over 234.5 (-110) | Under 234.5 (-110)

Clippers vs Mavericks betting trend to know

The Over has been a winning ticket in six of the last nine meetings between these teams. Find more NBA betting trends for Clippers vs. Mavericks.

How to watch Clippers vs Mavericks

LocationAmerican Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
DateSaturday, March 21, 2026
Tip-off8:30 p.m. ET
TVFDSN-SC, KFAA

Clippers vs Mavericks latest injuries

Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Posted on

Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster projection, Volume 3

GOODYEAR, ARIZONA - MARCH 5: Nathaniel Lowe #31 of the Cincinnati Reds at bat during a Spring Training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Goodyear Ballpark on March 5, 2026 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images

As is always the case during the six-plus weeks between the day pitchers and catchers report and the actual Opening Day of the regular season, injuries have begun to dictate the precise direction the roster of the Cincinnati Reds will go.

Hunter Greene, resident ace, will be out until about the All Star break after having bone chips removed from his right elbow. New lefty reliever Caleb Ferguson will be out for a few weeks as he works his way back from an oblique issue. Considering there’s no one-for-one way to replace an ace or the team’s go-to lefty reliever, the Reds will likely end up with something of a ripple effect down roster, and that plays into these latest projections.

Beyond that, there’s the looming administrative decisions. Some players on the fringe of the roster still have options remaining, while others do not – building an Opening Day roster capable of winning games early is important, no doubt, but so is making sure you’ve got the most possible depth for seven months of baseball is, too. So, we’re going to see some decisions that walk that tightrope made this week, too.

With Opening Day now less than a week away and Cactus League play wrapping this weekend, here’s our last, final stab at what the team’s Opening Day roster will look like.

Starting Rotation

LHP Andrew Abbott

LHP Nick Lodolo

RHP Brady Singer

RHP Chase Burns

RHP Rhett Lowder

LHP Brandon Williamson

Notes: This is a known, that the Reds will have six guys for five spots but not a ‘six-man rotation.’ How that actually shakes out, though, remains to be seen.

Burns, Lowder, and Williamson may each have a would-be start skipped, one or two may piggyback with another, and off-days baked into the early season schedule will define this while Greene is out, too. What we do know is that manager Terry Francona has said plainly that this won’t be the mix for the long term, but this is an early way to limit innings on that trio while also making sure there’s a big-league capable starter for each and every game, too.

What we don’t know, though, is exactly how much we can expect from them as relief options, and that impacts how we build out the team’s bullpen below significantly.

Bullpen

RHP Emilio Pagán

RHP Tony Santillan

RHP Graham Ashcraft

LHP Brock Burke

RHP Pierce Johnson

RHP Connor Phillips

LHP Sam Moll

Notes: Moll is locked in a battle for a spot here with Zach Maxwell with the rest listed here already having made the roster (and the likes of Luis Mey and Kyle Nicolas having been told they won’t make the club for Opening Day). Moll, though, is out of options, and his presence as a lefty with Ferguson out is a double-whammy for why he’ll make the club.

There’s no way the Reds will risk losing him altogether on waivers before the season even begins given the other injuries on the roster right now. That’s a bummer for Big Sugar, but he’ll marinate with AAA Louisville and firmly be in the mix at the big league level at some point down the road.

Position Players

C Tyler Stephenson

C Jose Trevino

1B Nathaniel Lowe

DH/IF Eugenio Suárez

IF Sal Stewart

IF Matt McLain

IF Elly De La Cruz

3B Ke’Bryan Hayes

IF/OF Spencer Steer

OF TJ Friedl

OF Noelvi Marte

OF Will Benson

OF Dane Myers

Notes: Not a ton of movement here aside from Benson having been told he’d made the club, and that bumps JJ Bleday – who has options – off the Opening Day roster and back to AAA Louisville. That may be a tough pill to swallow for him, but he struggled last year, spent time in AAA last year, and still needs to show he’s made fundamental changes, and that’s a scenario very similar to where Benson (and Noelvi Marte) were this time last year when both were sent to AAA to begin the year and work their way back.

It’s a bummer for Rece Hinds, too, as he’s shown out well all spring after a solid 2025 with AAA Louisville, but he, too has options.

It’s that maximized flexibility that makes me think the Reds will do what it takes to keep Nate Lowe within the franchise, and since he’s a non-roster guy that means adding him to the 40-man and carrying him on Opening Day. They can’t simply option him to AAA, as he’s got an opt-out clause with his veteran status. While he’s not a perfect roster fit, he’s a proven guy who’s got a Silver Slugger and Gold Glove under his belt, and he even hit well last year down the stretch with Boston last season. You don’t just let that walk when you’ve got it around as a bench option, especially when your likely 1B to start the season (Sal Stewart) is a rookie who’s barely played there and there’s a dearth of legitimate left-handed hitting on the roster (or in the franchise altogether).

Posted on

Report: 'Mutual interest' between Jonathan Kuminga, Atlanta Hawks in reaching extension

Jonathan Kuminga has looked completely at home since coming over to the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 14.8 points and 7.5 rebounds a game, shooting 56.6% overall and hitting better than 50% of his 3-pointers. While he has been in and out of the lineup with knee issues, the Hawks have won all six games he has played in.

That has led to "mutual interest" between Kuminga and Atlanta in talking contract extension, reports NBA insider Jake Fischer, writing at The Stein Line.

Last summer, Kuminga was pushed in restricted free agency and eventually settled on a two-year, $48.5 million contract extension with Golden State, which included a $24.3 million team option for next season. That contract was built to be traded, and he was at the deadline to the Hawks.

The Hawks and Kuminga are discussing an extension in which the team would not pick up next year's option but would give him a multi-year contract worth more total money, Fischer reports. Kuminga told Fischer that his goal is to make the Hawks a consistent contender.

"That's the goal," Kuminga said. "That's what we're trying to do here, what we're trying to stamp here as a group. We talk about it every day. It starts now. We're not waiting until next year."

Atlanta had its 11-game winning streak snapped by Houston on Friday night, but the Hawks are now up to No. 7 in the East with a real opportunity to move into the top six and avoid the play-in altogether. Kuminga is a part of that push, and maybe a big part of the future in Atlanta.

Posted on

New York Yankees @ Detroit Tigers: Cam Schlittler vs. Framber Valdez

Mar 11, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

We’re just days away from the season starting for real, and that can make the remaining Grapefruit League showdowns feel kind of underwhelming. For today at least, the big hook is the starting pitching matchup, with one of the game’s most reliable workhorses facing one of its bright up-and-comers, as the Yankees travel down to Lakeland to play the Tigers.

Framber Valdez has never been the best pitcher in baseball, but for the last five years or so has comfortably been very damn good. He’s put up a 4+ fWAR season in three of the last four campaigns, and was the second-biggest pitching target of this winter’s FA class. While he certainly slots behind Tarik Skubal in the Tigers’ rotation, he’s a terrific No. 2, with a bowling-ball sinker that makes it very difficult to go yard, and regularly touching 190+ innings pitched — not notable for 1996, sure, but in today’s game is pretty close to workhorse status.

Cam Schlittler meanwhile is just getting started. The right-hander had a Cinderella 2025, and comes into this season needing to find a way to augment his terrific fastball options with some kind of breaking or offspeed pitch. He’s been great in spring action so far, striking out a hilarious 43.5 percent of hitters faced, albeit in just six innings. Look at his secondary offerings today as a good sign of what the club expects from him once the games actually count.

Offensively, this is certainly an away spring game type of lineup. The Yankees will feature some regulars but nobody that will likely be a day-to-day starter save for catcher Austin Wells, and of course José Caballero who is likely to be the Opening Day shortstop. Paul Goldschmidt leads off, with recently-named fourth outfielder Randal Grichuk and likely Triple-A depth Paul DeJong also scheduled to play.

How to watch

Location: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium — Lakeland, FL

First pitch: 1:05 pm ET

TV broadcast: Gotham Sports App | Detroit Sports App

Radio broadcast: WXYT 97.1 FM

Online stream: Gotham Sports App

For updates, follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Posted on

Sharks' Ryan Reaves injures finger during fight vs. Flyers' Garrett Wilson

Sharks' Ryan Reaves injures finger during fight vs. Flyers' Garrett Wilson originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Hockey’s reputation for toughness was on full display Saturday.

Just over two minutes into the game between the Sharks and Philadelphia Flyers, Ryan Reaves dropped the gloves with Flyers forward Garrett Wilson in an early heavyweight fight.

Both players exchanged a flurry of punches, but the moment took a turn when Reaves appeared to injure a finger during the scrap.

Instead of heading to the locker room, Reaves skated to the bench to have the finger reset. He then served his penalty in the box — and returned to the ice shortly after.

Reaves was added to the Sharks’ roster in June 2025 in a trade that sent defenseman Henry Thrun to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Before joining San Jose, he was familiar to Sharks fans for his rivalry with former forward Evander Kane during his time with the Las Vegas Golden Knights — a feud that included a heated fight in the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs.

That physical edge has long been a defining part of his game.

Playing through injuries is nothing new in hockey, but Reaves’ quick return showed just how far players are willing to go to stay on the ice.

Download and follow the San Jose Hockey Now podcast

Posted on

Ilya Sorokin To Start For Islanders vs. Canadiens

MONTREAL -- Ilya Sorokin will start for the New York Islanders against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, the first leg of a back-to-back situation.

The Islanders host the Columbus Blue Jackets at 7 PM ET. 

We'll see if Sorokin gets both games of the back-to-back. 

In eight career starts against Montreal, Sorokin is 6-0-2, with a 1.83 GAA and a .939 SV%, with one shutout. He stopped 22 of 25 in the Islanders' 4-3 overtime win against them on Feb. 26. 

Posted on

Islanders vs Canadiens Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

The Montreal Canadiens will try to avenge a recent overtime loss to the New York Islanders when the two teams clash tonight.

Each side has leaned into low-scoring, defense-first hockey down the stretch as they prepare for the postseason, and I’m expecting a similar script to play out in my Islanders vs. Canadiens predictions.

Read more in my NHL picks for Saturday, March 21. 

Islanders vs Canadiens prediction

Islanders vs Canadiens best bet: Under 5.5 (+110)

The Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders are both battling for playoff positioning, and it shows.

Montreal has allowed just 2.71 goals per game over the past two weeks, while New York has been even stingier at 2.17 — the third-best mark in the league over that span.

The Under is 5-1 in each team’s last six games, with the Islanders hitting Under 5.5 in four straight and the Canadiens in two straight.

New York has also cashed the Under in 53.6% of its games this season, the seventh-highest rate in the NHL.

Islanders vs Canadiens same-game parlay

Goals will be hard to come by tonight, but if there’s anyone who can break through, it’s Cole Caufield.

The Habs winger has goals in three of his last four games and six of his last 10, including a tally vs. the Islanders in their last meeting on February 26.

Islanders vs Canadiens SGP

  • Under 5.5
  • Cole Caufield anytime goalscorer

Islanders vs Canadiens odds

  • Moneyline: Islanders +105 | Canadiens -125
  • Puck Line: Islanders +1.5 (-230) | Canadiens -1.5 (+190)
  • Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+115) | Under 6.5 (-135)

Islanders vs Canadiens trend

The Under is 9-4 in New York’s last 13 road games. Find more NHL betting trends for Islanders vs. Canadiens.

How to watch Islanders vs Canadiens

LocationBell Centre, Montreal, QC
DateSaturday, March 21, 2026
Puck drop7:00 p.m. ET
TVMSGSN, SNE

Islanders vs Canadiens latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Posted on

Blackhawks Penalty Kill Trying To Move Forward With Young Players Taking Over

The Chicago Blackhawks have had the number one penalty kill in the NHL for quite some time. They aren’t a winning team, but that aspect of their overall game has been impressive for most of the 2025-26 season. 

Part of the PK success was the play of Nick Foligno, Connor Murphy, and Jason Dickinson. All three of them were traded away ahead of the deadline, and the penalty kill units miss them. 

On Friday night against the Colorado Avalanche, the Blackhawks gave up two power-play goals. Despite having so much firepower, the Avalanche came in with the 29th-ranked power play, but they found a way against the Blackhawks. 

That makes it 7 power play goals against over the 8 games since the trade deadline. Chicago enters an idle Saturday with the second-ranked PK at 84.1 percent. To still be in second after giving up 7 power play goals in 8 games tells you how good the kill was ahead of the deadline. 

Now, the Blackhawks must move forward with younger players taking over the kill. Special teams is an important aspect of the game, and they have a PK system that has worked well, but new faces need reps. 

"I think it's something that you continue to gain experience with," Wyatt Kaiser said of the PK. "There are going to be some stumbles and falls, but we have to learn from those and continue to move forward and get better."

Kaiser mentioned that there are certain plays that you only see in the NHL, and that seeing them and learning from them is how to get better. With stars like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Marty Necas on the other side, it can take time for young players to process. 

"Some new guys are on there, but our structure hasn't changed," Ryan Greene said. "We're still trying to accomplish the same thing within the same structure. Giving up two [against Colorado] wasn't good enough; it's on us to execute better."

Ryan Greene, as a rookie, has a deep understanding of the game. He isn't a flashy player who will have all of these incredible stats, but he knows how to play well in all situations. His words echo what Kaiser said: they just need to keep learning from their triumphs and mistakes. Blashill had a similar response. 

"You need reps," Blashill said on the PK postgame. "Penalty kill is one of those things where there are so many different nuances that happen. We certainly have our structure, but I don't know any way to learn it without going through it. They're getting those reps."

Blashill also made a point that they have had multiple instances of killing off most of the penalty and then allowing one late after some great work. That will certainly impact the numbers, but he also understands that you need to kill the full two minutes to win more than you lose. 

The head coach also pointed out that they have committed to trial by fire, so the young players are going to continue getting big PK minutes as the season winds down. In that sense, moving out the veterans to make room for them was a wise choice. It's better to develop the PK now than when they are trying to win down the line. 

The commitment to being a winning player is there up and down the lineup, and they are not afraid to work on getting better.

The dip in penalty kill since the deadline is never easy to deal with, but it will be more valuable for the future of the team to see the youth take over, rather than guys succeeding who won't be there in the long term.

Image

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay up to date on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

Posted on

Yankees option Oswaldo Cabrera to Triple-A, Randal Grichuk makes Opening Day roster

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 21: Oswaldo Cabrera #95 of the New York Yankees smiles before the game against the Detroit Tigers at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 21, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The moment that news broke late Friday afternoon that the Yankees would be optioning Jasson Domínguez to Triple-A, it seemed like a cinch that big-league veteran Randal Grichuk would make their Opening Day roster. Although he arrived to camp as a late-signing non-roster invitee and manager Aaron Boone tried to make it sound like it wasn’t a sure thing that be with them at the start of 2026 (even saying so yesterday), Grichuk so clearly seemed to fit what the Yankees claimed they were looking for all winter: a righty-hitting bench outfielder.

As such, it has to come to pass: Grichuk will be on the 2026 Yankees, per Boone’s report on Saturday morning. Domínguez wasn’t the only player who had to make room for Grichuk given the crowded roster situation, and so came the related news that utilityman Oswaldo Cabrera would begin the year in Triple-A:

Cabrera had an option and is coming back from a pretty brutal ankle injury, only making it into seven games thus far in spring training. So for as solid as a bench option as he is at full health, he’s not quite there yet, and he can keep getting regular reps at Scranton rather than rarely playing in the majors. More likely than not, he’ll be needed sooner rather than later given the overall age of the Yankees’ roster.

As for Grichuk, he’s not terribly exciting on the surface, but as Estevão noted earlier in March, there’s a reason why he had the Yankees were interested in him. Is it possible that he was just cooked in his 85 OPS+ age-33 season last year? Sure. However, he has an .819 career OPS against lefties and that figure was .913 as recently as 2024. So it’s worth the flyer to see if he still has that in him, especially when the roster flexibility is available at the moment with Cabrera and Domínguez’s options (and need for playing time).

Just to throw my hat in the ring on Opening Day roster projections, here’s what I think it could be as of now, acknowledging that Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Anthony Volpe will all begin the year on the IL:

Catchers (2)
Austin Wells
J.C. Escarra

Infielders (6)
Ben Rice
Jazz Chisholm Jr.
José Caballero
Ryan McMahon
Paul Goldschmidt
Amed Rosario

Outfielders (4)
Cody Bellinger
Trent Grisham
Aaron Judge
Randal Grichuk

Designated Hitter (1)
Giancarlo Stanton

Starting Pitchers (5)
Max Fried
Cam Schlittler
Luis Gil
Ryan Weathers
Will Warren

Bullpen (8)
David Bednar
Camilo Doval
Fernando Cruz
Tim Hill
Ryan Yarbrough
Paul Blackburn
Cade Winquest
Jake Bird

That last spot in the bullpen could go to someone like Brent Headrick rather than Bird, but aside from that, this all seems to be in order. What do you think?

Posted on

Heat vs Rockets Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

Two teams jockeying for playoff positioning in their respective conferences clash Saturday, when the Miami Heat visit the Houston Rockets.

Miami is in a logjam of five teams currently battling for the two playoff spots in the East, all separated by 1.5 games.

Houston, meanwhile, the slight betting favorite Saturday, is in a three-way battle for the 4-seed with Denver and Minnesota out West.

While Miami has dominated this head-to-head series, my Heat vs. Rockets prediction and NBA picks have this one in a more defensive battle, where I will target the total.

Heat vs Rockets prediction

Heat vs Rockets best bet: Under 229.5 points (-110)

The Miami Heat has dropped three straight and sits in eighth in the East, though just 1.5 games out of fifth.

They have ripped the Houston Rockets of late, going 9-1 in the last 10 and 8-2-0 against the spread, but they're currently hard to trust. They're also down Andrew Wiggins (toe) and Jaime Jaquez Jr (hip).

Houston just ended Atlanta's 11-game win streak in a 117-95 romp. They're fourth in scoring defense and have held five of the last eight opponents to 105 points or less.

The Under has cashed in three straight matchups, with all signs pointing to a fourth.

Heat vs Rockets same-game parlay

While he's shooting a blistering 55.9% from the field and 43.2% from three, Kevin Durant is only averaging 22.7 points in 10 March games. He's gone Under 26.5 points seven times.

Tyler Herro's 21.5 scoring line is gettable: he's topped that mark in four of seven games, missing the over by a bucket in two others.

Heat vs Rockets SGP

  • Under 229.5 points
  • Kevin Durant Under 26.5 points
  • Tyler Herro Over 21.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Amen!

Bam Adebayo has rebounded well against Houston historically, grabbing at least 10 boards in seven of the last nine meetings, missing the Over by a single rebound in another.

Amen Thompson has hit the 6-assist mark once in his last five, while never hitting six dimes in four career games vs Miami.

Heat vs Rockets SGP

  • Under 229.5 points
  • Kevin Durant Under 26.5 points
  • Tyler Herro Over 21.5 points
  • Bam Adebayo Over 9.5 rebounds
  • Amen Thompson Under 5.5 assists

Heat vs Rockets odds

  • Spread: Heat +3 (-110) | Rockets -3 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Heat +125 | Rockets -150
  • Over/Under: Over 226.5 (-110) | Under 226.5 (-110)

Heat vs Rockets betting trend to know

Houston has lost eight straight against Miami teams with a winning record. Find more NBA betting trends for Heat vs. Rockets.

How to watch Heat vs Rockets

LocationToyota Center, Houston, TX
DateSaturday, March 21, 2026
Tip-off8:00 p.m. ET
TVFDSN-SU, SCHN

Heat vs Rockets latest injuries

Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Posted on

Dodgers on Deck: Sunday, March 22 at Angels

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 16: Tyler Glasnow #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers walks to the dugout during a Spring Training game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Camelback Ranch on March 16, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After six weeks in Arizona, the Dodgers return home to Southern California to finish up their exhibition season with the Freeway Series against the Angels. First up is a game in Anaheim on Sunday night at Angel Stadium.

Tyler Glasnow takes the hill in his final spring tuneup for the regular season, which for the right-hander likely begins next weekend against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Non-roster right-hander George Klassen starts for the Halos.

Sunday game info
  • Teams: Dodgers at Angels
  • Ballpark: Angel Stadium, Anaheim
  • Time: 6:07 p.m.
  • TV: SportsNet LA, MLB Network (out of market)
  • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)