The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to host the Dallas Stars in their final home game of the regular season on Monday, but they wake up to a favourable out-of-town result. They currently have a 32-34-14 record, which puts them in a precarious but potentially advantageous position for the draft lottery.
The Calgary Flames defeated the Utah Mammoth 4-1 on Sunday to pick up another two points in the standings and move into the fourth-worst spot in the NHL. With 75 points in 80 games (33-38-9), they have an identical record to the third-worst New York Rangers, but the Flames moved ahead thanks to having more regulation wins, the first tiebreaker in the NHL. That means the Leafs are now just three points away from both clubs.
If both of those teams can pick up three out of four or more points in their last two games, and the Leafs earn zero or one point in their final two games, Toronto could finish as low as the third-worst team in the NHL. That is significant because finishing with the third-worst record would guarantee that the Leafs retain their 2026 NHL Draft pick. Under lottery rules, they would not be able to finish any lower than fifth for the draft set for May 5.
The Maple Leafs traded their 2026 NHL Draft pick on a conditional basis, along with Fraser Minten, to the Boston Bruins in exchange for veteran defenseman Brandon Carlo. The Leafs will retain their pick and give up a future unconditional first-rounder instead if they finish with a top-five selection. While finishing with the fourth or fifth-worst record does not guarantee they keep the pick, finishing third-worst would.
The Rangers visit the Florida Panthers on Monday. Meanwhile, Toronto’s games are certainly must-lose; if the Leafs were to win both of their remaining games, they could conceivably move as high as the eighth-worst in the NHL, which would be less than ideal for their draft goals.
Welcome to this edition of the Vancouver Canucks post-game analytics report. This recurring deep dive breaks down the analytics behind each Canucks game as recorded by Natural Stat Trick. In this article, we look back on Vancouver’s most recent 4–3 overtime win against the Anaheim Ducks.
The Ducks were by far the better team on Sunday from an analytics perspective. Anaheim won the even-strength scoring chances battle 28-13 while also picking up a win for even-strength high-danger scoring chances created by a count of 12-7. In the end, though, the Canucks' ability to not just score twice on the power play, but also once shorthanded, made the difference as Vancouver skated away with a win.
As for the heatmap, both teams crashed the net hard all night. Two of the Canucks' goals were scored from right in front of the crease, while the Ducks buried two from close range. In the end, Tolopilo was the difference maker as he stopped nine of 10 high-danger shots he faced.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Anaheim Ducks, April 12, 2026, Natural Stat Trick.
To wrap this win up, Curtis Douglas had what many call a legacy goal. He scored his first career goal, won a fight and led Vancouver with an even-strength xGF% of 78.24. While he has only been with the organization for a few weeks, Douglas has already become a fan favourite and someone that many would like to see re-signed this off-season.
The Canucks return home on Tuesday to play their final home game of the season. Their opponent will be the Los Angeles Kings, who are looking to secure a playoff spot. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 pm PT.
Apr 12, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Vancouver Canucks center Teddy Blueger (53) fights with Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas (7) during the first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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Still reeling from the loss of Noah Dobson, the Montreal Canadiens had to bounce right back up as they were facing the New York Islanders in the 81st game of their regular season. With Dobson ruled out for at least two weeks, Kaiden Guhle was back in the lineup, and David Reinbacher, freshly called up from the Laval Rocket, was playing his first NHL game, on the third pairing alongside Arber Xhekaj. That also meant that Adam Engstrom came out of the lineup.
Joe Veleno was also scratched to allow Zach Bolduc to return, while Brendan Gallagher had to sit out another game. As for Alex Newhook, he was back on the second line while Kapanen landed on the third. There’s no denying that Martin St-Louis is holding auditions right now to find out the right combinations for the playoffs.
For a second night in a row, the Canadiens were pitted against a team that was desperately fighting for its survival. The Islanders needed a win to remain in playoff contention after a costly loss to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night.
After a dull first frame in which both teams were extremely prudent, which wasn’t surprising given what was at stake, Montreal managed to break the deadlock at 15:56 of the second frame, through none other than captain Nick Suzuki, who got his 100th point in style. It’s the first time since 1985-86 that a Canadiens player reaches the century mark; Mats Naslund was the last one to do it. The 26-year-old becomes just the fifth player in Habs history to reach the 100-point mark in a season after Guy Lafleur, Pete Mahovlich, Naslund, and Steve Shutt, and it’s the 11th time that has happened.
Bienvenue à notre capitaine dans le club des centenaires
They were barely done celebrating when he got an assist on the next goal, scored by Ivan Demidov, just like Lane Hutson. With a helper on both games, Hutson had 66 assists, tying Larry Robinson’s record for most assists in a season by a Canadiens’ defenseman. The mark had been set in 1976-77. With another game to play, the youngster might even have time to break the record.
Newhook then added a third goal in 55 seconds for the visitors, and Reinbacher got the secondary assist, recording his first NHL point in his first game. The goal scorer immediately grabbed the puck, all too aware of its significance.
Despite not being overly tested in the first two periods, only having to turn aside 14 shots in 40 minutes, rookie netminder Jacob Fowler had to hold the fort in the final frame. Down by three goals and with elimination looming, the Islanders started to put more pucks on net and more traffic in front of the masked man. Still, they could only manage to score once when Casey Cizikas deflected a point shot, which Kirby Dach failed to block. With so many bodies in the way (Arber Xhekaj, Jayden Struble, Cizikas, and Kyle MacLean), it was pretty much impossible for the youngster to see the puck.
With a lead cut down to just two goals, Fowler didn’t let that phase him and was irreproachable for the rest of the game. Under tremendous pressure, he stayed as cool as a cucumber and played a big role in the Islanders’ elimination.
Bolduc Impressed
After being a healthy scratch for the last two games, the sophomore had plenty of energy on the ice. He played very well on both sides of the puck, was a nuisance on the forecheck, landing five hits on the night and was also rewarded offensively with a goal and an assist.
If he could play that brand of hockey every night, he wouldn’t have to worry about having to sit for another game as the Canadiens get ready to embark on their playoff journey. For now, though, he’s done more than enough to ensure that he’s in the lineup on Tuesday when the Canadiens take on the Philadelphia Flyers in their last game of the regular season.
It’s also worth mentioning that Reinbacher’s father, his girlfriend, and one of his best friends were in the building to see him get his first NHL point despite the short notice about his first NHL game. The right-shot blueliner did well in the 11 minutes and change he spent on the ice.
With the win, the Canadiens take back second place in the Atlantic Division. They have 106 points, just like the Buffalo Sabres, who are first, but the Habs only have 34 regulation wins, while the Sabres have 41. Both Buffalo and the Tampa Bay Lightning have two games left to play, while the Canadiens have only one; it’s going to be a tight finish.
Jake LaRavia controls a loose ball against the Washington Wizards in March. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Jake LaRavia pulled on his black T-shirt to reveal a motto befitting the Lakers’ newest iron man.
“Stack good days”
LaRavia has stacked 82 consecutive games for the Lakers, becoming just one of 18 players this season to appear in every regular season game after he finished the year with two points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals in the Lakers’ 131-107 win over the Utah Jazz on Sunday.
The 6-foot-7 forward hadn’t played more than 66 games in a season during his first three years in the NBA, often beset by nagging or unlucky injuries. A broken thumb sidelined him for the final 10 games of the regular season last year and the Sacramento Kings’ play-in tournament loss. When he signed with the Lakers as a free agent, he made playing all 82 regular seasons his biggest goal for the season.
“I just wanted to have a healthy, consistent, reliable year,” LaRavia said, “and I was able to make that happen.”
While helping the Lakers (53-29) secure the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference despite major injuries to LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves at different points this season, LaRavia averaged 8.2 points and four rebounds with career-highs in steals (1.3) and minutes per game (25.1). He was the subject of a viral meme early in the season when he torched Minnesota for 27 points with five made threes on six attempts in October, leaving fans and Minnesota star Anthony Edwards stunned at the unsung player wearing No. 12.
But the early season shooting display was a fleeting offensive highlight for LaRavia. He slogged through his worst three-point shooting season of his career. But he easily made up for it with his unwavering hustle. Entering Sunday’s finale, LaRavia led the Lakers with 249 total deflections and ranked second with 3.0 deflections per game.
“He takes a lot of pride in taking care of himself and doing all the things necessary to get ready to play, and he set that as a goal this year,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick, who played 82 games in one season of his career. “Really happy for him on a personal level. But also just for our team, he's brought a really high level of consistency, particularly on the defensive end, and with his effort throughout the season.”
Major injuries have made this season feel “disjointed,” Redick said. James began the year with a sciatic nerve injury that sidelined him for 14 games. Reaves missed six weeks because of a calf injury. The revolving door continues in the playoffs as the Lakers begin the first round at home against the Houston Rockets on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. without Reaves and Doncic, who are out indefinitely.
LaRavia credited good luck, an iron will and a dedicated weight training regimen for helping him survive the grueling season.
The 24-year-old was on the injury report only once this season. He was questionable against the Chicago Bulls on Jan. 26 with a quad contusion. LaRavia then started and played 33 minutes and 25 seconds with eight points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals.
“I feel like once you hit like a certain threshold, it’s just like, 'make it through this game, make it through this game, make it through this game,'” LaRavia said. “So, I feel like my mindset kind of just got to the point of just like, just keep thugging it out.”
Jake LaRavia reaches in for a steal against Charles Bassey of Golden State in an April 9 game. (David M. Barreda/Los Angeles Times)
The physical demands of the game have never felt greater. In 2018-19, the pace of play broke 100 possessions per 48 minutes for the first time in 30 years, and it has remained higher than at least 98.2 in every season since. From 1994 to 2015, the league-average pace didn’t exceed 94 possessions per 48 minutes in a season, according to Basketball Reference.
The 18 players who played in all 82 regular season games are the most to play every regular-season game in a non-pandemic-shortened season since 21 in 2018-19.
When LaRavia walked into the Lakers locker room after his pre-game warmups, he was greeted with celebratory calls of “Mr. 82.” But in this Lakers season especially, nothing is guaranteed. Walking past his locker, LaRavia stumbled over a towel on the ground.
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA - MARCH 19, 2026: Nick Morabito #70 of the New York Mets bats during the second inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Clover Park on March 19, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Trailing 1-0 for most of the ballgame, a late three-run surge put Syracuse on top in the eighth inning and Ryan Lambert, Joe Jacques, and Ofreidy Gomez locked it down for the win. Duarte, Baumann, Jonathan Pintaro, and Lambert combined to allow a single run over seven innings, a fourth inning Charles McAdoo solo homer, but the offense struggled against Josh Fleming and the Buffalo bullpen behind him. Finally, in the top of the eighth, the bats came alive. Nick Morabito hit a two-run homer to put Syracuse on top and Christian Pache drove in an insurance run with an RBI triple. That insurance run came up big in the bottom of the ninth, as the Bisons loaded the bases and were able to bring a run home on a ground out before Gomez recorded the last out of the ballgame.
Jordan Geber looked fine early on, but he was lifted for Dakota Hawkins in the top of the fourth and things quickly went awry. The right-hander allowed a double, walked a batter, allowed another double, allowed a triple, and allowed yet another double before finally recording his first out. When everything was said and done, it was 5-0 Patriots. A Jacob Reimer two-run homer in the sixth put Binghamton on the board, but those runs were negated in the top of the ninth when Somerset scored two more runs off of Kevin Gowdy. It’s too bad, because the Rumble Ponies mounted a comeback in the bottom of the inning and plated three runs in the bottom of the frame on a Jose Ramon three-run homer before running out of outs; had Gowdy not allowed those two runs, Binghamton would’ve tied the game at 5-5 and who knows what would’ve happened in extras.
Earlier this week, Irving Cota piggybacked Joel Diaz and threw 3.2 innings of scoreless ball against the Jersey Shore BlueClaws after Diaz allowed 3 runs in 3.1 innings to start the ballgame off. This week, the roles were reversed but the results were the same. Cota got the start and threw 3.0 scoreless innings, and he was relieved by Joel Diaz, who allowed 4 runs in 4.0 innings piggyback innings. Allowing four runs in four innings ain’t great, don’t get me wrong, but the Cyclones offense did not at any point make this game feel competitive. Brooklyn logged a measly three hits on the afternoon- a Mitch Voit double and singles off the bats of Vincent Perozo and Kevin Villavicencio- and a couple of walks, while Jersey Shore logged ten hits and half as many walks.
That’s more of a football score than a baseball score. Suffice to say, St. Lucie pitching just didn’t have it yesterday afternoon. Joel Lara allowed 5 runs over 2.0 innings, Felix Cepeda allowed three in 1.1 innings, and Caden Wooster allowed 4 while recording just a single out. On the bright side, A.J. Minter looked good in his inning of work, Nate Lavender did as well, and the offense did log 10 hits, though sadly Elian Pena was 0-4, snapping his seven-game hitting streak going back to opening day. Also of note, a weird peculiarity: 2019 25th round selection Joe Charles pitched his first full inning of work after appearing in his first game on Friday night and recording an out! Charles was a prep right-hander from the TNXL Academy, but opted to not sign with the Mets, instead honoring his commitment to the University of North Carolina. It was a long and winding road for Charles, missing time from the COVID-19 pandemic, a major non-arm injury, and a major elbow injury. After transferring to and graduating from Florida State, the right-hander was signed as a minor league free agent last summer but did not play. Now, six years later, he finally has arrived, one of five prep players drafted by the Mets in 2019 (they selected 13 in total) still in affiliated baseball along with Jace Beck, Tucker Flint, Hunter Barco, and Brett Baty.
Apr 12, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) after hitting a home run during the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Last Week’s Results
Monday: Brewers 8, Red Sox 6
Tuesday: Red Sox 3, Brewers 2
Wednesday: Red Sox 5, Brewers 0
Thursday: Off Day
Friday: Nationals 7, Brewers 3
Saturday: Nationals 3, Brewers 1
Sunday: Nationals 8, Brewers 6
Division Standings
Pirates: 9-6
Reds: 9-7
Cardinals: 8-7
Brewers: 8-7
Cubs: 7-8
Last Week
Pirates: 3-3
Reds: 3-4
Cardinals: 3-3
Brewers: 1-5
Cubs: 3-3
Top Pitching Performance of the Week
It hasn’t been a week to remember for, really, anyone on the Brewers or their performance as a team. Jacob Misiorowski did have an impressive start in which he struck out 10 Red Sox in just 5 1/3 innings, but he walked four in that game, allowed three earned runs, and lost, so I don’t think that’s it. I guess I’ll go with Grant Anderson, who made three scoreless appearances and earned a hold in Monday’s win, the team’s only victory of the week.
Top Hitting Performance of the Week
Again, no major candidates here because the team did so poorly. I think the choice is probably Brice Turang, who not only played well but also proved how important he is to the team: Turang missed the last two games of the Boston series, and Milwaukee scored only two runs in those two games combined. When he was playing this week, Turang led the team with a 1.188 OPS, tied Jake Bauers with two homers, walked more than anyone else this week (five times), and also led in stolen bases (2-for-2, which Christian Yelich matched).
Jared Koenig was sent to the 15-day injured list on Monday with a left elbow strain. That’s not good, and could lead to Tommy John surgery, but for now, Koenig will try short-term, non-surgical treatment, which, according to the team, could see him return in two to four weeks in a best-case scenario.
Christian Yelich had to leave Sunday’s game with hamstring tightness, and Pat Murphy sounded pessimistic after the game. “We’re most likely going to get some bad news,” was what he told reporters postgame.
On Saturday, two of Milwaukee’s young pitchers banged their knees: Kyle Harrison when a Gary Sánchez throw to first was wild and hit him in the kneecap, and Brandon Sproat when he laid out trying to make a defensive play. Both pitchers stayed in the game and pitched after their injuries, and there is no concern about a major injury for either, but both were headed for further examination after the game. The concern level here sounds low (and Sproat reported feeling fine on Sunday)
Turang did miss two games with ankle tendinitis, but he was back for the weekend series.
As for players recovering from injuries, Quinn Priester had a good live batting practice session and is scheduled to face hitters at extended spring training this week. Jackson Chourio and Andrew Vaughn are both recovering the way they should be, but Vaughn still has a ways to go, and while Chourio is closer, he hasn’t yet been cleared to start hitting.
The news isn’t as good on Rob Zastryzny, who had a setback — a ribcage injury — while he was out on a rehab assignment. He isn’t expected to be ready for several weeks.
The initial replacement for Koenig was Shane Drohan, who started against the Red Sox on Wednesday in his major league debut. That start didn’t go very well — four walks, three hits, and three runs in 2 2/3 innings — and Drohan was sent back to Triple-A Nashville after the game in favor of Easton McGee.
Steward Berroa, who was designated for assignment on April 3, was traded to the Phillies for cash.
The Brewers also signed pitcher Reiss Knehr, a 29-year-old right-hander who made 21 appearances between 2021 and 2023 for the Padres but hasn’t pitched in the majors since then, to a minor league deal.
1969 – When the Cubs rally, scoring three runs in the bottom of the ninth, to beat the Expos, 7-6, twenty-seven thousand fans spontaneously swarm Wrigley Field in an early season frenzy. The enthusiastic display of affection for the team had not been witnessed in the ballpark since 1960, when Don Cardwell threw his no-hitter on the North Side of Chicago.
2012 – The Cubs spoil the Cardinals’ home opener and P Adam Wainwright’s return to St. Louis after missing a year with Tommy John surgery, with a 9-5 win. After the Cards receive their World Series rings before the game, Ian Stewart hits a three-run homer in the first, and Bryan LaHair adds his first career grand slam in the third. Jeff Samardzija is the winner.
2015 – Jon Lester* finally attempts a pickoff at first base, ending a streak that covered a span of 66 appearances. The Cubs southpaw, who signed a six-year free-agent deal worth $155 million to start for Chicago this season, last threw over to first base on April 30, 2013 while pitching for the Red Sox.
BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 12: Gunnar Henderson #2 and Jeremiah Jackson #82 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrate after the Orioles defeat the San Francisco Giants at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Sunday, April 12, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Alyssa Piazza/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Good morning, Camden Chatters.
Your eyes do not deceive you. Take a gander at the AL East standings and you’ll find the Orioles atop the division (well, along with the Yankees and Rays in a three-way tie). The O’s, who a week ago at this time were practically left for dead, are back above .500 and currently sitting in first place.
Now, before we get too excited, let’s note that the American League as a whole is in a weird morass of extreme mediocrity. No one team is particularly good or particularly bad. Every club in the AL has between six and nine wins, and between six and 10 losses. The O’s, despite their first-place standing, are only 2.5 games better than the two worst teams in the AL, the 6-10 White Sox and Astros. All it would take is one bad series to knock the Orioles back to one of the league’s worst records.
Still, let’s enjoy this moment while it lasts, because there was no guarantee that the once 3-6 Orioles would get back above the even-water mark. The 2025 Orioles, most notably, never had an above-.500 record after their fifth game of the season, when they were 3-2. This year’s version has so far managed to avoid turning a slow start into a never-ending death spiral, so that’s cool.
And the Orioles are playing legitimately good ball of late. The O’s have won five of their last six games, including a decisive 6-2 victory in their rubber game against the Giants yesterday. Cade Povich pitched brilliantly on his birthday, Pete Alonso and Samuel Basallo each showed much-needed signs of life with two hits and a homer, respectively, and the O’s bullpen continued to pitch above expectations. Check out Tyler Young’s recap of the well-played win.
Of course, even with the good news of the series victory came yet more injury trouble, because the Orioles can’t have nice things. In a brutal three-game stretch, the O’s suffered three separate injuries — to Adley Rutschman, Tyler O’Neill, and Ryan Mountcastle — that have already landed the former two on the IL and will probably send the latter there as well. Barely two weeks into the season, the Orioles already have 12 players on the injured list. Their depth is being tested very early. For now, they’ve added catcher Maverick Handley to take Rutschman’s spot and outfielder Johnathan Rodríguez in place of O’Neill. No word yet on who might be the next man up from Triple-A Norfolk to replace Mountcastle.
To muddle their way through, the O’s will need to continue getting contributions from up and down the lineup like they did against the Giants this weekend. Middle-of-the-order bats Alonso and Basallo took a step toward hitting the way we’re expecting them to, while bottom-of-the-lineup guys like Colton Cowser, Coby Mayo, and Jeremiah Jackson showed signs of life. Let’s see if the O’s can keep the offense going — and perhaps move into sole possession of first place! — against the Arizona Diamondbacks, who roll into town for a three-game set starting tonight.
It’s hard not to feel terrible for Eflin, who worked so hard to return from his back injury, only for his 2026 season — and most of 2027 — to be taken away after just one start. Best wishes in recovery to Eflin, someone who is by all accounts a great guy.
I was as big a Mullins fan as anyone, but his performance with the Rays so far doesn’t exactly look like someone who would be an upgrade for the Orioles.
Rutschman gets scratched from the lineup, Mountcastle breaks his foot while running, and O’Neill injures himself fainting. It’s certainly been an eventful few days.
If those two guys start clicking at the same time…look out, opposing pitchers.
Orioles birthdays and history
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! The only Oriole in history born on April 13 is fan favorite Steve Pearce, who turns 43 today. Pearce spent parts of five years with the Birds but was best known for his out-of-nowhere breakout season in 2014, when he mashed 21 homers and posted a .930 OPS for the AL East champion Orioles. Enjoy your day, Steve!
On this date in 1954, the Baltimore Orioles played their first game in franchise history, getting shut out in Detroit, 3-0. The former St. Louis Browns managed seven hits but none with runners in scoring position as Tigers starter Steve Gromek went the distance. The Orioles’ pitcher for their inaugural game was Don Larsen (the future World Series perfect-game-thrower with the Yankees), who went all eight innings but coughed up three solo home runs.
And on this day in 1966, newly acquired superstar Frank Robinson made his Orioles debut in style, hitting a home run and scoring twice to lead the Birds to a 5-4, 13-inning Opening Day win at Fenway Park. It was the beginning of what would be a Triple Crown and AL MVP season for Robinson and an eventual championship for the Orioles.
Random Orioles game of the day
On April 13, 2010, the Orioles suffered a 10-inning loss to the Rays in Baltimore, 8-6. The O’s seemed to be cruising along just fine, carrying a 3-0 lead into the eighth behind Brian Matusz’s seven shutout frames, but everything fell apart when the Rays rallied for five in the inning. Matusz struck out the first batter of the eighth before the next four batters all singled, and three more hits off the O’s bullpen gave Tampa Bay a 5-3 lead. Luke Scott tied the game with a two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth, sending the game to extras, where Carlos Pena’s three-run dinger in the 10th decided the game for the Rays.
It was the Orioles’ fifth straight loss in what became a nine-game losing streak, en route to a 1-11 record to start the 2010 season. That was a rough, rough year.
Apr 12, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils left wing Jesper Bratt (63) skates against Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto (12) during the third period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images
Here are your links for today:
Devils Links
A pair of Jesper Bratt goals pushed the Devils to a 5-3 win over the Red Wings on Saturday as Detroit was eliminated from playoff contention. [Devils NHL]
And on Sunday in the home finale, a power play goal from Nico Hischier in overtime gave the Devils a 4-3 win over the Senators. [Devils NHL]
“Whether it’s Sunny Mehta or whoever else the Devils hire, they have work to do once they begin the job. Let’s look at the four most important tasks facing the Devils’ next GM.” [Devils on the Rush ($)]
“Mehta is smart and media savvy. But he has not yet been a general manager in the NHL and could use an experienced front-office member to support him. Insert Shanahan, who fits both the experienced front-office member criteria as well as a franchise great. He was Lou Lamoriello’s first draft selection as Devils general manager in 1987 and played his first 281 games in a Devils uniform before bookending his career in New Jersey in 2008-09.” [New Jersey Hockey Now]
Could Tyler Dellow be another good option? “Dellow also has a data-driven background, a history with the organization, and has done tidy work to help elevate the Carolina Hurricanes.” [Infernal Access ($)]
Hockey Links
“The 2025-26 Stanley Cup Playoffs will be the first NHL post-season without all three NYC area teams (NJD, NYI, NYR) since the Devils entered the league in 1974 as the Kansas City Scouts.” [r/hockey]
Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar will not accompany the team on their upcoming two-game road trip due to facial fractures and a corneal abrasion. He will not require surgery at this time and is expected to make a full recovery.
Who are the league’s most underrated forwards? “This list could have easily been 30-50 players long, so unfortunately, a lot of highly deserving candidates (including the one on your favorite team) will likely be left off. Here’s my personal take on seven underrated NHL forwards. I’ve tried to include a diverse mix of player types, including top-six players that out-of-market fans have already heard of but whose talent/production they may not fully appreciate, and some under-the-radar middle-six forwards.” [The Athletic ($)]
“Nick Suzuki recorded his 100th point of the season Sunday night, becoming the first Montreal Canadiens’ skater to reach the single-season milestone in 40 years.” [Daily Faceoff]
Feel free to discuss these and any other hockey-related stories in the comments below.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 08: Head coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks reacts during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 08, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks had a miserable season by basically every metric. Right from the beginning, as the Mavs endured Anthony Davis injuries, point Cooper Flagg and countless clutch losses, you knew where this season was heading. The Mavericks themselves admitted this, firing Nico Harrison for his negligence in November, then promptly trading away the crowned jewel of his trade last year in Anthony Davis.
This frontcourt is the poster child of poor planning from the Mavericks<p>(Photo by David Dowt/NBAE via Getty Images)</p><br> | NBAE via Getty Images
With all that in mind, the Mavericks organization had every reason to race to the bottom. This is a team that got just a handful of games out of their dream front court, with both Davis and Dereck Lively being out of commission for the majority of the year. They ran out Cooper Flagg at point because D’Angelo Russell simply can’t play. They had countless injuries the whole year. Unlike the Jazz and Grizzlies, who are artificially nuking somewhat decent basketball teams, the Mavericks stunk out loud.
So, surely the Mavericks will enter the draft with a great chance at a top four pick, right?
Unfortunately for fans who wanted to see Dallas pair Cooper Flagg with an elite co-star in this draft, the Mavericks played this season about as poorly as you could have. After the Davis trade, they had several veteran players who could’ve been useful for other teams in the playoffs. Guys like Klay Thompson and Naji Marshall, who could’ve been traded before the deadline for several second round picks. By the time Dallas is ready to compete again, those guys will likely be aged out of the rotation. Why keep them in the name of winning a few games you don’t really want to win?
(Photo by Brandon Todd/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Then you have Khris Middleton, who was acquired in the trade with Washington. Middleton is very useful, as he showed when scoring 35 points in an eight-point win over the Grizzlies on March 12. You don’t think that loss could’ve been nice to have now?
The Dallas Mavericks organization is aimless and lacks leadership. From ownership on down, this season was a damning indictment on how this organization failed on almost every level. The coach is snaking around, covering up his role in the Luka trade and potentially aiming for the open GM role. The interim GM’s were only able to take a half measure at the deadline because ownership wanted to wait and fire the previous GM mid-season. Led by Patrick Dumont, this ownership group of non-basketball people have only shown to be a hindrance on building a championship level team. Granted, things could change with the new general manager being brought in. But if how you do one thing is how you do everything, Patrick Dumont and his family will neuter Cooper Flagg for years to come.
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
In the here and now, this team exiting with the seventh or eighth best odds at the top selection in the draft is a huge middle finger to the fans. The Mavericks had their chance to build like the Spurs, with multiple high level lottery picks. Instead, this franchise has failed to maximize the chance they had to put a real, high level guard next to Flagg in this draft. From the top down, they failed not only to execute a plan, but they failed to even implement one. For all of this season’s suffering, the Mavericks didn’t get enough out of it to make it worthwhile. Now, they must rely on lady luck to bail them out of their own poor decisions once again.
This Minnesota Timberwolves season has felt like three different seasons combined. For fans, it probably felt more like 10. It’s been anything but smooth, however the good news is that we’ve finally come to the end. Wait, they’re telling me there’s more basketball to be played? Oh god, it’s not over yet?
Here we go.
Before we officially move into the postseason, let’s hear how you felt the first 82-games went. The Wolves finished the season 49-33 which weirdly feels just about right. What were your bright spots?
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – FEBRUARY 20: Anthony Edwards #5 celebrates with Bones Hyland #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Target Center on February 20, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Mavericks 122-111. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to Canis Pulsus Vol. 48!
For those of you who have been ignoring this series since the 2021 season — Canis Pulsus is designed to give our Canis Hoopus community a published voice.
A pulse, if you will.
We all know that if CH occupied all seats of the Minnesota Timberwolves front office, we would be celebrating our 36th consecutive championship this year. But for now, it’s time for us to exercise our right vote. How would you grade the performance of our pups?
It’s a simple concept, really. Just submit your vote as honestly or sarcastically as you would like. All individual submissions will remain anonymous so no one will know if you were the one voter who gave Enrique Freeman an A+. Once the polls close, the results as a whole will be published on Canis Hoopus and (in theory) be sent to The Athletic’s front page.
Apr 12, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Last Sunday evening, all 30 NBA teams played in an effort to unveil matchups as close to one another as possible.
At the postgame press conference, it was announced that the Spurs first game takes place this Sunday. Almost immediately, social media erupted with a schedule.
The Spurs play the last game on Sunday, April 19 at 8:00 p.m. CST. Their opponent will either be the 7th seed Phoenix Suns or the 8th seed Portland Trail Blazers.
The play-in between them takes place Tuesday night at 9:00 p.m. CST. The winner faces the Spurs, and the loser slugs it out against the winner of the 9th/10th play-in contest between the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors for the opportunity to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs.
In his postgame presser, Spurs forward Carter Bryant said he’d be glued to his TV, phone off, and taking notes as the Spurs await the results. The rookie is excited for the postseason. Last Wednesday, Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson confirmed Bryant will have minutes in the playoffs. Watching the former Arizona Wildcat come into his own late in the season, the decision was easy for Johnson.
If Bryant continues to posterize MVPs the way he did Nikola Jokic on Sunday night, his minutes are guaranteed.
Stephon Castle mirrored what Bryant shared that it doesn’t matter who they are facing, they must be ready for anything.
For the Spurs, many players are entering their first playoffs. But they are not without postseason exposure.
Mason Plumlee and Harrison Barnes (71 games), Kelly Olynyk (48 games), Luke Kornet (43 games), Bismack Biyombo (40 games), Jordan McLaughlin (13 games), De’Aaron Fix (7 games), Lindy Waters III (3 games) all have varied levels of playoff experience.
Unfortunately, with the exception of Fox and Barnes, the players with games under their belts are on the lower half of the roster for minutes.
Of course, Luke Kornet (2024) and Harrison Barnes (2015) have already won titles. They possess knowledge that will come in handy throughout the process.
Until then, the Spurs are watching and waiting.
Go Spurs Go!
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Englishman led for a time in final round on back nine
‘These are the tournaments I focus on,’ says 45-year-old
Justin Rose refused to write off his major chances after another Masters near-miss. The 2013 US Open winner lost a playoff to Rory McIlroy at Augusta a year ago and held the lead on the back nine on Sunday before finishing in a tie for third, two shots behind the Northern Irishman who successfully defended his title.
It was Rose’s third top-six finish in his past eight major appearances and the 45-year-old, a winner on the PGA Tour in February, believes he can compete at the highest level. “In the last two years I’ve really re-kicked on and re-energised my career and myself and have a lot of belief there is a lot of runway ahead,” he said after shooting a final-round 70 having come undone at Amen Corner.
And the third! Aitchison on a hat-trick. A huge smile at the top of his run gets huger as Bailey plays inside the line and loses his stumps. Lancs 147-8. Mitch Stanley comes out, dropping his helmet and generally getting dressed as he does.
Second ball does it! Coughlin trudging back after a corking ball from Aitchison has him edging behind. Lancs 147-7, the lead 124.
