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Premier League and FA Cup semis: 10 talking points from the weekend

Palace’s best-paid player shows his class, Ipswich meet their fate and Mateo Kovacic sounds a warning

In April 1964 a side from north London came to Anfield with Liverpool one good result from winning the league, and conceded five. “Arsenal did little to allay the general suspicion that they were there just to be sacrificed,” Eric Todd wrote in his report for the Guardian. This time it was Tottenham but otherwise, for anyone whose memory stretches back 61 years it was a familiar story. Time and again Spurs meekly surrendered possession in dangerous areas, and while they defended in numbers – which suggests willing – they did so with terrifying inefficiency, which suggests poor organisation. Their focus is now fully on the Europa League, but if Liverpool had been a little more ruthless this would have been truly another real embarrassment in a season full of them. In April 1988 it was Spurs themselves who came to Anfield with Liverpool needing one point to guarantee the title. It had been a terrible season for Tottenham, and they were only just outside the bottom three. They lost 1-0. “Tottenham remain in the relegation penumbra,” wrote Stephen Bierley in his Guardian report. “Strange it seems that nobody much under the age of 30 will remember them being champions. Who would have thought it?” Simon Burnton

Match report: Liverpool 5-1 Tottenham

FA Cup report: Nottm Forest 0-2 Man City

Match report: Bournemouth 1-1 Man Utd

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Pacers roll to 129-103 victory in Game 4 to take 3-1 lead after Bucks lose Lillard to injury

NBA: Playoffs-Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks

Apr 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) take a shot against Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) in the second quarter during game four of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Indiana Pacers scored at will while the Milwaukee Bucks couldn't recover from the loss of one of their two superstar players.

Now the Pacers are on the verge of ending the Bucks' season for a second straight year.

Myles Turner scored 23 points and the Pacers shot 60.2% on Sunday night while winning 129-103 over the Bucks, who lost Damian Lillard to a lower left leg injury midway through the first quarter.

The preliminary examination of Lillard indicated a possible Achilles tendon injury, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team did not immediately reveal those details.

“Once he kind of looked back, I think we all kind of knew what it was,” Turner said. “It's a weird feeling to describe because you have to still compete, you have to get out there, but you just never want to see that happen to another athlete who puts in as much time as he does to his craft and to his game, like we all do.

"It's very disheartening, but it happens fast. It's the playoffs. You have to be able to move on.”

The Pacers, who beat Milwaukee 4-2 in the first round last year, can eliminate the Bucks again by winning Game 5 on Tuesday in Indianapolis. The Bucks have lost eight straight road playoff games and the last five of those defeats have come at Indiana.

Milwaukee might have to try ending that streak without Lillard, who was helped off the court and into the locker room after suffering a non-contact injury midway through the first quarter.

“They’re going to do an image tomorrow,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. “Obviously, it’s lower leg. And, just being honest, it’s not very promising.”

The Pacers led 15-12 at the time of Lillard’s departure and seized control without him, as eight Pacers scored in double figures.

Aaron Nembhard had 20 points and Tyrese Haliburton had 17 points and 15 assists. T.J. McConnell had 15 points, Aaron Nesmith 14 and Obi Toppin 13. Pascal Siakam and Jarace Walker added 12 points each.

Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo had 28 points, 15 rebounds and six assists before leaving with 4:44 left and the Bucks trailing 120-98. Kevin Porter Jr. added 23 points for the Bucks.

Antetokounmpo was the only Bucks starter to score more than six points. Kyle Kuzma continued his tough series by scoring three points and shooting 1 of 6.

“I've seen injuries deflate teams, but tonight, that one hurt," Rivers said. “I thought our guys tried, but it was tough. ... My job over the next 48 hours or whatever we have is to get us upright again, try to win one game in Indiana and get it back here.

"But my brain right now is at the same place as our players are, and that's thinking about Dame."

Two nights after blowing a 10-point halftime lead in a 117-101 loss at Milwaukee, the Pacers bounced back. They won convincingly despite missing Bennedict Mathurin, who was out with an abdominal bruise.

“I feel like we kind of let our foot off the gas pedal (in Game 3),” Haliburton said. “I thought we responded the right way today."

Turner, who had scored six points while shooting 1 of 9 from the floor in Game 3, had nine points in the first 4½ minutes Sunday as the Pacers never trailed.

The Pacers went on a 10-3 run immediately after Lillard's exit to extend its lead to double digits. Indiana led 63-52 at halftime and stayed in control by shooting 69.2% over the final two quarters.

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POSTGAME: Gabe Landeskog and His Two-Point Night Highlight Demanding Game 4 Win Over Stars

Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) celebrates his goal in the second period against the Dallas Stars at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Denver, Colo. - The Colorado Avalanche stamped their mark on Game 4 with a resounding 4-0 win over the Dallas Stars to tie the series at 2. Samuel Girard put on one of his best performances of the season, capped off with the fourth goal of the game in the third period. Mackenzie Blackwood earned his first ever postseason shutout in just his fourth ever postseason performance.

And who wasn't a little emotional when Captain Gabriel Landeskog scored his first goal since June 20th, 2022? In just his second NHL game since returning from an injury that kept him away from professional hockey for three seasons, he worked with his teammates on the second line to score the game's third goal.

I've envisioned scoring again for a long time. and then there were obviously days where I didn't know if I was ever going to get the score again. So obviously feels good. It's a tight playoff series and a big game here at home, get to do it in front of our fans. Obviously means a lot. So super exciting. Hopefully more to come."
- Landeskog on scoring his first NHL goal since returning.

How the Game Shook Out

The Avalanche played a dominant game after dropping Wednesday's home match 2-1 in overtime. 

The first period saw Logan O'Connor rise to the occasion while his team was on the penalty kill, creating a turnover at the Avalanche blue line and carrying it up the ice. He found himself one-on-one with Jake Oettinger and snapped the puck over Oettinger's blocker on the near side and scored, putting Colorado up 1-0.

Nathan MacKinnon didn't want to miss out on the fun, though, showing that both special teams came to dominate. He finds himself all alone in the left faceoff circle, receives a pass from Jonathan Drouin, and his shot, somehow, sneaks through Oettinger's pad and into the net. The period ended shortly after that, making it 2-0 heading into the second period.

While the scoring may not show it, the game only became more dangerous thanks to the Avalanche.

While the first period statistics seemed a little even with shots at 12-11 and high-danger chances 3-2, both in favor of the Avalanche, the second period saw Colorado keep Dallas at just 5 shots-for while they nailed 8 high-danger chances on Oettinger. 

Among those high-danger chances, surprisingly, was not Landeskog's one-timer from the slot to make it 3-0. The pass from linemate Brock Nelson was swift and clean, and Landeskog found himself open in the slot to slap it past Oettinger in his first goal in 1,041 days.

Going into the third period, the Stars decided to sit Oettinger in favor of getting some game time in for backup goaltender Casey DeSmith.

The Avalanche played half a period before Girard found the team's fourth goal. Landeskog battled in front of the net with Stars' Lian Bichsel, a 6-foot-7 defenseman, creating a bit of turmoil in front of DeSmith, making it a little easier for Girard's shot from the blue line to make it through. 

The night ended 4-0 in favor of Colorado, who also led shots 48-23 and high-danger chances 17-6.

A Lot to Be Happy With, A Lot to Improve

Saturday's win forces a Game 6, which will bring the series back to Denver on May 1st. This gives Colorado an opportunity to win on home ice to bring the team into round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Head Coach Jared Bednar was pleased with the game, going as far as to say, "I can't find a player on our roster I didn't like tonight."

We were just on our toes. It was highly competitive. Puck decisions were all good. Guys were willing to skate with the puck and force them to defend -- some of the things we've been talking about for a few games now, and it came together there for a while tonight, which was good to see. I thought it continued in the third period a little bit too.
- Coach Bednar on the team's performance on Saturday

Earlier in the series, Bednar talked about not getting enough out of his top guys, which included the second line, and when asked, seemed like the second line he reworked for Wednesday's game also worked in their favor on Saturday, too.

That's two good home games from those guys. [Nichushkin], [Nelson], [Landeskog] on there, that's been a good line for us, in the last two home games, and on both sides of the puck. It's not just about production. Certainly, we need production spread out through our lineup. You got to come up with enough chances to be able to put some by these guys. And we did that tonight. The other night we had a little bit of a tough time. But on the defensive side of it, they've been really good too.
- Coach Bednar on the second line.

Dallas Head Coach Pete DeBoer also seemed a little disappointed following Saturday's game, but during media availability before their flight back to Dallas, seems to have a good view on the series so far: 

If you had told me at Christmas we were going to go into the first round of the playoffs against Colorado, and we were going to be without [Miro] Heiskanen and [Jason] Robertson, and we'd be 2-2 coming home with home ice advantage, I think I would have been pretty happy. Sometimes you have to have that perspective that this group has battled pretty hard under some serious adversity, and we're in a pretty good spot.
- Coach DeBoer on surprises during the series so far.

What's Next?

Game 5 will be played in Dallas on Monday, 4/28, at 7:30 pm MT/8:30 pm CT.

Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday, May 1st, at Ball Arena in Denver. A start time has not been released yet.

If necessary, Game 7 is scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd, at American Airlines Center in Dallas. No start time will be released until the game becomes necessary.

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Top fantasy baseball prospects: Roman Anthony, Moises Ballesteros continue to impress in minors

A reminder: This is ONLY players who have Rookie of the Year MLB eligibility, and ONLY a look at potential help for 2025.

That out of the way, here’s a look at the top prospects who can help your fantasy roster this season.

1. Roman Anthony, OF, Boston Red Sox

2025 stats: 23 G, .313/.451/.588, 5 HR, 2 SB, 21 BB, 21 SO at Triple-A Worcester.

Anthony continues to hit for average, hit for power and get on base at an exceptional clip with the Triple-A Red Sox. The outfielder has been especially good over the last week-plus, and he’s hitting .353/.465/.706 over his last 10 games with three homers and eight free passes. He isn’t running, but that’s not a big part of Anthony’s game, and it doesn’t need to be if he’s maxing out in those other categories. The Red Sox have no room at the inn, but that’s not going to matter soon if Anthony keeps hitting like this. He should be rostered now, because it’s going to be very hard to get him later if you don’t.

2. Jordan Lawlar, INF, Arizona Diamondbacks

2025 stats: 26 G, .356/.451/.644, 5 HR, 12 SB, 16 BB, 29 SO at Triple-A Reno.

Lawlar, as the kids once said, is “on one” right now. He’s picked up multiple hits in five of his last six games, and over that same 10-game sample as Anthony he’s slashing .382/.482/.647 and he’s added eight stolen bases for good measure. It’s easy to forget how talented Lawlar is because he played so little in 2024, but what he’s done in 2025 -- even in a small sample size of a month -- cannot be ignored. Whenever the Diamondbacks decide to make him part of their roster, fantasy managers should do the same if they can.

3. Coby Mayo, 3B/1B, Baltimore Orioles

2025 stats: 19 G, .256/.361/.500, 4 HR, 1 SB, 15 BB, 25 SO at Triple-A Norfolk.

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Mayo hasn’t homered since April 15, but he’s shown that he’s capable of being more than a one-category player in that timeframe. He’s picked up two hits in three of his last four contests, and he’s seen his batting average raise 31 points since Tax Day. The reason Mayo is considered one of the top prospects in baseball is largely based on his impressive power from the right side, but also because that power has a chance to play since there are other tools that will allow it too. Mayo needs to either change organizations or for Baltimore to make some significant roster changes -- be it via injury or trade -- but even with his ugly line with the team in 2024, fantasy managers should pounce on adding him when Baltimore gives him a shot.

4. Bubba Chandler, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates

2025 stats: 5 G, 20.1 IP, 1.33 ERA, .106 BAA, 6 BB, 27 SO at Triple-A Indianapolis. 

Chandler was once again impressive in his latest start with five scoreless innings, one hit allowed and four strikeouts against Triple-A St. Paul on Friday. The right-hander has not allowed more than two runs in any outing thus far this year, and while he’s not missing bats at an exceptional rate, there’s more than enough punchouts to go with weak contact and a lack of self-inflicted damage to be excited about what he’s doing in the International League. Chandler should be up soon, and while the Pirates may not provide a ton of win chances, his stuff is good enough to roster him and adding him to lineups against all but the best teams in the sport.

5. Marcelo Mayer, SS, Boston Red Sox

2025 stats: 19 G, .280/.324/.548, 7 HR, 1 SB, 7 BB, 20 SO at Triple-A Worcester.

We need a new name with Nick Kurtz already in the majors, and while there are a few decent candidates, I’m adding another Boston prospect in Mayer. The former fourth-overall pick has the tools to hit for both average and power from the left side, and he’s done just that -- particularly the latter -- to begin the 2025 season with Worcester. The reason Mayer ranks this ‘low’ is because Boston just doesn’t seem to have an open spot for him, but it’s the same thing with Anthony; when the Red Sox feel he’s ready to help, they’re going to find a place for him to play. It’s not quite the upside of the names above, but there’s still a lot to like about his chances of making a fantasy impact when he gets that call.

Around the minors:

There are a plethora of quality shortstop prospects at the lower levels, but Leo De Vries might be the best of them from a fantasy perspective. Despite being just 18 until October, the Padres gave him an assignment with High-A Fort Wayne and he’s picked up nine extra-base hits, three homers and forged an .854 OPS over his 17 games with the TinCaps. A switch-hitter, De Vries has the potential for plus power from both sides of the plate, but it’s his pitch-recognition skills and smooth swing that make his hit tool the best in his skill set. He also has plus speed, and shouldn’t have an issue sticking at shortstop. De Vries is a couple years away, but there’s a great chance he’s a five-category player when he’s ready to roll in the latter part of the decade.

Bryce Eldridge was finally able to make his season debut after missing the first few weeks of the campaign with a wrist injury, and he homered in his first at-bat back. He’s gone just 1-for-12 since that, but the most important thing is the 20-year-old first baseman is back on the field for Double-A Richmond. A 6-foot-7 left-handed hitter that was considered a two-way prospect in high school, Eldridge has enormous power from his enormous frame, and he makes enough hard contact to suggest that he’ll hit for a decent average even with strikeouts basically a guarantee. He’s limited to first base so the bat is going to have to max out, but if it does, we’re talking about a 35-plus homer hitter who gets on base at a high clip and registers an average that won’t kill you. That’s obviously a very valuable fantasy prospect, and it’s one that could make his debut in the majors this summer.

George Lombard Jr. was the Yankees first-round pick back in 2023, and his first season didn’t go very well as seen in a .672 OPS over 110 games at the Low- and High-A levels. He was assigned to High-A Hudson Valley to begin 2025, and at least over the first month, things have gone better. Much better, in fact, with a slash of .306/.494/.452 over 62 at-bats with nine stolen bases in his first 19 games. The son of former top prospect George Lombard, Lombard Jr. has outstanding athleticism, but also a strong baseball acumen with the willingness to draw walks and put his speed into play. The power is still a work in progress, but both that tool and his hit project to be average; with a chance for plus in the latter. He’s a very strong defensive player, and there’s plenty of time for his skills to develop as a player who doesn’t turn 20 until June. Lombard Jr. needs to be on the roster radar in dynasty leagues as a player who could help in multiple categories in a few years.

Moises Ballesteros is one of the top catching prospects in baseball, and to say he’s playing like it right now is the understatement of understatements. After reaching four times against Louisville on Sunday with two hits and two walks, he’s now slashing an unrealistic .414/.475/.586 over 22 games with two homers and 10 extra-base hits. Ballesteros has exceptional bat-to-ball skills, and the 21-year-old has enough power to turn on mistakes for 15-to-20 homer seasons with plenty of doubles. He’s considered a below-average defender, but not so bad that he has no chance of sticking at the position. The Cubs have gotten quality production out of Carson Kelly so far, but when Kelly starts playing like, well, Carson Kelly, the Cubs should turn to Ballesteros. Fantasy managers might want to do the same when that occurs at some point in 2025.

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Kings fail to stop another Oilers comeback, losing in Game 4 OT heartbreaker

EDMONTON, AB - APRIL 27: Edmonton Oilers Center Connor McDavid (97) celebrates a goal.
Oilers star Connor McDavid celebrates after an Edmonton goal in the third period of a 4-3 overtime win against the Kings in Game 4 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. (Curis Comeau / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

What started as a best-of-seven Stanley Cup playoff is now a best-of-three series after the Edmonton Oilers rallied from a two-goal third-period deficit to beat the Kings 4-3 in overtime Sunday, evening the series at two wins apiece.

The winning goal came from Leon Draisaitl, who beat Kings goalie Darcy Kuemper on the power play with 1:42 left in the extra period. Kuemper deserved a better fate on a night he stopped 44 shots.

The teams will meet again Tuesday for Game 5 at Crypto.com Arena, where the Kings have won a league-leading 33 times, including the playoffs. Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday in Edmonton. Game 7, if needed, would be Saturday in Los Angeles.

None of that appeared necessary after the Kings, who won the first two games, took a 3-1 lead into the final 13 minutes of regulation. They were 28 seconds away from winning when Evan Bouchard blasted a slap shot by Kuemper from just inside the blue line, capping a wild third-period rally. It was Bouchard’s second goal of the period and his fourth of the playoffs.

It was also the third goal the Oilers have scored after pulling their goalie for an extra attacker, and it marked the third time in four games the Kings have blown a lead in the final 13 minutes.

The Oilers have outscored the Kings 12-5 in the third period and overtime in the series.

Read more:Kings must overcome power of rabid Edmonton Oilers fans after faltering in Game 3

The Kings’ goals came from Trevor Moore, Warren Foegele and Kevin Fiala, and Phillip Danault had two assists. Corey Perry had the other Oilers goal; Draisaitl assisted on Edmonton's first three goals.

The Kings haven’t beaten Edmonton in a postseason series since 1989 — and haven’t eliminated anyone in the playoffs since 2014, when they won their second Stanley Cup.

The Kings set the tone early, peppering Oilers goalie Calvin Pickard with 10 shots in the first 10 minutes before Moore beat him from the center of the right circle on the 11th shot. The goal, 10:35 into the first period, marked the third time in four games the Kings had scored first.

Read more:Kings rally to take lead, only to collapse in third period of Game 3 loss to Oilers

Foegele, a former Oiler, doubled the lead 91 seconds into the second, spinning into the crease to collect a pass from Danault, then shoving the puck under Pickard.

The Oilers’ pulled that goal back on a power play less than three minutes later when Perry took three whacks at the puck before getting it by Kuemper. Fiala restored the two-goal lead later in the period, reaching up to bat down a high pass from Alex Laferriere, then deflecting the puck into the net off the Pickard's stick side.

But the Oilers wouldn’t quit, cutting the deficit with 12:09 to play on the first of Bouchard’s two goals. That set the stage for a desperate push from the Oilers, who put 15 shots on net in the final period, the last Bouchard’s tying goal that sent the game to overtime.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Damian Lillard leaves game after non-contact leg injury, he is feared to have torn his Achilles

"It's not very promising…" Doc Rivers said of Damian Lillard's Game 4 leg injury. "I feel bad for him. The guy tried to come back for his team."

Midway through the first quarter, Damian Lillard went down with a non-contact leg injury. He was helped off the court and did not return to the Bucks' eventual loss to the Pacers.

It is feared to be a torn Achilles, reports Chris Haynes. If that is the case, Lillard will miss most, if not all, of next season.

Lillard, 34, is a nine-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA player who was part of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team. He averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists a game this season.

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Damian Lillard leaves game after non-contact leg injury, he is feared to have a torn Achilles

"It's not very promising…" Bucks coach Doc Rivers said of Damian Lillard's Game 4 leg injury. "I feel bad for him. The guy tried to come back for his team."

Midway through the first quarter Sunday, Damian Lillard went down with a non-contact leg injury. He was helped off the court and did not return to the Bucks' eventual loss to the Pacers.

It is feared to be a torn Achilles, reports Chris Haynes (who is tightly connected to Lillard’s camp). Lillard will get an MRI on Monday, Rivers said.

If that is his Achilles, Lillard will miss most, if not all, of next season.

Lillard was out for six weeks from the end of the regular season through the start of the playoffs after deep vein thrombosis was discovered in his calf. He went on blood thinners and made a speedy recovery, however, during that process his workouts were limited. He's been working to get his game and conditioning back.

Lillard, 34, is a nine-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA player who was part of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team. He averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists a game this season.

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Celtics close Game 4 on 16-7 run, beat Magic to take commanding 3-1 series lead

NBA: Playoffs-Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic

Apr 27, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) moves the ball past Orlando Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (3) in the fourth quarter during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Orlando was always going to be a tough matchup for Boston — they are big, physical, and Boston can’t just force switches and target someone, this is an elite defensive team who can hold their own after switches.

Boston, however, has Jayson Tatum and guys who know how to close out a game.

Orlando tied it up with Boston 91-91 with four minutes remaining, but the Celtics closed the game on a 16-7 run, led by Jayson Tatum, who was a force all night and scored 37 in the win.

With the 107-98 victory, the Celtics have a commanding 3-0 series lead heading home for Game 5.

This game summed up a lot of what we have seen in this series: Orlando is an elite defensive squad that does not quit, but it lacks the firepower to hang with the defending champions.

Everything falls on the shoulders of Paolo Banchero, going into the teeth of an outstanding Boston defense. He scored 31 in Game 4, but shot 12-of-32 to get there. The Magic don’t have anyone else to turn to.

Boston is deep with scoring options (and were playing without Jrue Holiday again due to a hamstring strain. Beyond Tatum, this was the best game in the series for Kristaps Porzingis, who was getting position inside and finished with 9 points on 7-for-14 shooting despite playing through foul trouble. Jaylen Brown added 21 points.

The only thing we can say for sure about Game 5 on Tuesday is that Orlando is not going to roll over and let Boston have this one. The Celtics are going to have to earn it.

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Lachlan Galvin lifts lid on emotional toll of Tigers saga after ‘tough’ few weeks

  • Teenager stars in win over Cronulla on return to first grade
  • ‘It’s been pretty difficult,’ says Wests playmaker of contract situation

Lachlan Galvin has described the last fortnight of his life as “difficult” and “tough” after the wantaway five-eighth made a triumphant return to Wests Tigers’ NRL side.

Galvin claimed he was undaunted by making his first grade comeback – after a six-day exile in NSW Cup – at a packed Leichhardt Oval as he starred in the Tigers’ 20-18 golden point win over Cronulla on Sunday.

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Tucker Injury Another Tough Blow For Blues

St. Louis Blues players look on as teammate Tyler Tucker (75) is helped off the ice by head athletic trainer Ray Barile late in the third period on Sunday against the Winnipeg Jets. (Jeff Le-Imagn Images)

ST. LOUIS -- It was shaping up to be another signature St. Louis Blues win in Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round against the Presidents' Trophy-winning Winnipeg Jets.

Well, as it turns out, the win was significant, and a signature one since the Blues evened the best-of-7 series at 2-2 with a commanding 5-1 win that came on the heels of a dominant 7-2 win in Game 3. But it ended on a bit of a down note.

Defenseman Tyler Tucker went down late in the third period with an apparent right leg injury.

Tucker was injured when he sort of toe-picked his right skate going to check Winnipeg's Brandon Tanev, then he ran into the corner glass and buckled on both of his legs, with the right one taking the brunt of his weight:

Tucker needed help of the ice and down the tunnel into the Blues' dressing room, and coach Jim Montgomery had no immediate update afterwards but it's believed he will likely miss at least the rest of this series, potentially longer, should the Blues prevail.

The defenseman, playing in his third game of the series, scored his first Stanley Cup playoff goal, which turned out to be the game-winner in the second period:

"His goal was huge for us getting a lead and being able to play with the lead," Montgomery said.

Tucker finished with 17:05 minutes played and was a plus-1 with two shots on goal (three attempts), two hits, two takeaways, two giveaways and two blocked shots.

"I thought he was really aggressive tonight, I thought that was his best game of the three games and I thought he was physical," Montgomery said of Tucker. "His ability, I’ve said it many times but he’s a really good offensive defenseman and it shows with how he gets shots off. They don’t get blocked because he puts himself in a shot-ready mindset."

Blues defenseman Colton Parayko added, "He’s been a big part of this team for a long time. He’s a great player, a great defender and we’re lucky to have him. Just hope everything is OK."

With Tucker sidelined, look for veteran Ryan Suter, a healthy scratch in Games 3 and 4 after playing in all 82 regular-season games and Games 1 and 2 of this series, to jump back into the lineup alongside Nick Leddy.

The Blues are already without talented young forward Dylan Holloway, who hasn't played since April 3 when he suffered a lower-body injury in a 5-4 overtime win against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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Knicks' Tom Thibodeau pushing all the right buttons, outcoaching his competition

If it wasn’t clear before Game 4, Jalen Brunson’s play on Sunday removed any doubt that he’s the best player in this Knicks-Pistons series. 

Brunson had 15 points and two assists in the fourth quarter to lead the Knicks back from a 10-point deficit in the Game 4 win. He finished with 32 points on 50 percent shooting, 11 assists, two turnovers and two free-throw attempts. 

This is no slight to Cade Cunningham, who is an incredible young player. If he remains healthy, Cunningham is going to be one of the top guards in the NBA for a long time. But to say Cunningham is the best player in this series is to ignore what’s happening on the court. 

Another Knick outplaying his competition? Tom Thibodeau. The oft-criticized head coach pushed the right button often in Detroit this week. 

After taking just three shots in the second half of Game 2, Karl-Anthony Towns has gotten the ball – and delivered – over the past two games. 

In Game 3, the Knicks got Towns open looks from the perimeter early on. 

On Sunday, they got him touches deep in the paint.

The Knicks built double-digit leads early in both games.  

If you’re going to criticize Thibodeau for Towns’ play in Game 2, doesn’t he also deserve some credit for what Towns did over four days in Detroit?

“(There’s) a lot of people who don’t give him that credit, but I’m happy to say he puts us in position where we’re prepared, we’re ready, and he lets us play,” Brunson said on Sunday.  “… He lets us talk things out. He talks things out, too. But for the most part, he’s gonna let us play, he’s gonna let us figure it out, and we’re gonna have to figure it out together. He puts us in position to be successful, and that’s how he’s been since I’ve known him.”

The Knicks have succeeded often under Thibodeau. They have reached the playoffs in four of his five seasons as head coach. They’ve won 50 games in back-to-back seasons. Still, the stakes were high for Thibodeau coming into this series. If the Knicks failed to get out of the first round, there would have been a lot of tough conversations in the offseason. Those conversations would include an assessment of the head coach. 

But Thibodeau’s Knicks took care of business in Detroit this week. They come home with a 3-1 series edge. 

The last time the Knicks took two straight road games in a playoff series, Thibodeau was a 41-year-old assistant coach. 

Rick Brunson was a 26-year-old guard. It’s been a while. 

That Knicks team reached the NBA Finals. This Knicks team has the same championship aspirations. 

First, they have to finish off Detroit on Tuesday. No matter how it plays out that night at the Garden, you can be sure Thibodeau will have the Knicks well prepared. 

“We’re always, I feel like, one of the best prepared teams in the league,” Josh Hart said Sunday. “That’s a credit to him and his philosophy. Now we’ve gotta roll that into Game 5.” 

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Nailers' Quest For Kelly Cup Ends Following Game 5 Loss

Gabe Klassen - Image courtesy of the Wheeling Nailers' Facebook page.

The Wheeling Nailers fought off getting swept in their North Division Semifinals matchup with the Norfolk Admirals with a thrilling win on Friday night.

However, a sloppy third period in Saturday's Game 5 resulted in three goals against, and the Admirals went on to win 5-2, ending the Nailers' 2024-25 campaign. 

It was a difficult start for Wheeling, which fell behind 2-0 before the game was four minutes old. Norfolk opened the scoring at 3:07 with a Denis Smirov goal, followed by a Brandon Osmundson tally at 4:00.

Your Guide To Ex-Penguins In The 2025 NHL PlayoffsYour Guide To Ex-Penguins In The 2025 NHL PlayoffsThe Pittsburgh Penguins may not be participating in the Stanley Cup playoffs this season.

The hometown team finally got on the board at 9:03 when David Jankowski lit the lamp thanks to assists from Chase Pietila and Kyle Jackson. 

Neither team found the back of the net in the second period, while Norfolk's Colton Young tallied the game winner just 2:41 into the third. 

Yet, the Nailers, down 3-1 at the midway point of their final period, kept pushing back, cutting the deficit back to one with a Jack Beck goal at 10:42. Gabe Klassen and Kyle Jackson set up the final goal of Wheeling's season. 

Despite the pressure, Young scored his second of the period at 12:43, all but sealing the win with a little over seven minutes to go. The Admirals then put the game out of reach at 17:20 with a Darick Louis-Jean goal. 

In his return to the Nailers crease, Taylor Gauthier made 21 saves on 26 shots (.807 SV%), suffering his first loss of the playoffs. 

Penguins' Crosby Continues To Pace NHL In Top 10 Scoring Finishes During Salary Cap EraPenguins' Crosby Continues To Pace NHL In Top 10 Scoring Finishes During Salary Cap EraPittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby just finished his ninth 90-point campaign in the NHL, finishing as the league's 10th highest scorer, the 13th time he's accomplished that feat in 20 seasons. 

Meanwhile, Norfolk switched things up, sitting Thomas Milic for the first time in the series, giving the start to Domenic DiVincentiis, who made 29 stops on 31 shots (.935 SV%). 

Despite outshooting the Admirals 31-29, Wheeling gave up two power-play goals on four chances, while going 0-for-2 on the man advantage.

After compiling the first 40-win season since 2005-06, the Nailers' quest for their first Kelly Cup will need to wait for another season.  

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Cleveland fan ejected for heckling Red Sox star Jarren Duran, who revealed suicide attempt

CLEVELAND — Jarren Duran has found plenty of support from his Boston Red Sox teammates and others outside baseball since he revealed in a Netflix documentary that he attempted suicide three years ago.

His openness has also exposed him to hecklers, though.

Duran said a fan in the front row Sunday near the Red Sox dugout in Cleveland said “something inappropriate” to him after the All-Star left fielder flied out in the seventh inning of a 13-3 victory over the Guardians.

Duran stayed on the top step of the dugout and glared at the fan as the inning played out. During the seventh-inning stretch, before the singing of “God Bless America,” Red Sox teammates and coaches kept Duran away from the area as umpires and Progressive Field security personnel gathered to handle the situation.

The fan tried to run up the aisle, but was caught by security and taken out of the stadium.

“The fans just said something inappropriate. I’m just happy that the security handled it and the umpires were aware of it and they took care of it for me,” Duran said.

After the game, the Guardians released a statement apologizing to the Red Sox and Duran. The team said it has identified the fan and is working with Major League Baseball on next steps.

Duran said it was the first time he was heckled by a fan about his suicide attempt and mental health struggles since the Netflix series “The Clubhouse: A Year With the Red Sox” was released on April 8.

“When you open yourself up like that, you also open yourself up to the enemies. But I have a good support staff around me, teammates, coaches. There were fans that were supporting me, so that was awesome,” he said.

Boston manager Alex Cora was in the opposite corner of the Red Sox dugout but lauded security for how the incident was handled.

Cora was even prouder of Duran's restraint. Duran was suspended for two games last season when he directed a homophobic slur at a heckling fan at Fenway Park when the fan shouted that Duran needed a tennis racket to hit.

“There’s a two-way street. That’s something I said last year. We made a mistake last year and we learned from it. We grew up, you know, as an individual and as a group,” Cora said.

The incident dampened what had been a solid game and series for Duran. He went 4 for 6 with an RBI and had at least three hits in consecutive games for the second time in his career.

In Saturday's doubleheader nightcap, Duran had Boston’s first straight steal of home plate in 16 years.

Duran went 7 for 15 with three RBIs as Boston took two of three games in the weekend series. Six of his hits in the series came against lefties after Duran was just 3 for 31 against southpaws coming into the weekend.

“I’ve been getting some good swings on lefties lately, just hitting it right at guys. I'm trying to stay with my process and it just happened to work good for me this series. So I’m just going to keep at it,” said Duran, who has hit safely in 13 of his last 14 games and is batting .323 (20 for 62) with eight extra-base hits, including a home run, and six RBIs during that span.