The Buffalo Sabres were the hottest club in the National Hockey League for more than three months, but as they near clinching a post-season berth for the first time since 2011, the club has returned to the world of mere mortals, falling out of first place in the Atlantic Division after a 4-1 loss to Ottawa on Thursday.
The Sabres won three straight on a Western road swing late last month, but since have lost four of their last six games (2-2-2). All four losses have come against clubs (Anaheim, Boston, Detroit, and Ottawa) who are battling for a playoff spot or positioning, while Buffalo can clinch a playoff spot with a single point or a loss by the Red Wings any one of their remaining games.
The odds are still in the Sabres favor of finishing with home ice advantage in the first round. According to Moneypuck.com, the Tampa Bay Lightning have a 52.8% chance of winning the Atlantic (with a game in hand over Buffalo), while the Sabres have a 32.9% chance. Both clubs play on Saturday, with Buffalo in Washington and Tampa hosting the Bruins, before they face off in their final meeting of the season on Monday.
Big matchup between the Sabres and Lightning on Monday
Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson scored his career-high 13th goal of the season to open the scoring in the second period, but former Sabre Dylan Cozens tied it for the Senators late in the middle frame, and the home club took over the game in the third, outshooting Buffalo 12-7, scoring the game-winner from Lars Eller and adding a pair of empty-netters.
Head coach Lindy Ruff spoke after the game:
Was it tough to find open ice in the contest?
I don't know if it was tough or they took over the game last two periods. I thought they outskated, they out-competed. Their desperation level was just higher than us. As simple as that.
The game was tied going into the third, which is where you wanted to be:
I thought they were better than us. Simple as that, their compete was better. They won more battles. You look at the empty net, even the fourth goal. We had four guys in the corner. They have one and they're gonna come out and score an empty net goal. We dump it in and we just give them a breakaway on the six and five. We weren't good. We weren't good enough to win the game.
What was said in the room after the second?
(We) talked about winning more battles. Didn't feel like we were coming out of the corners with any puck, and a lot of the wall battles were going their way.
How disappointing was it that you could not take advantage of the Senators depleted defense?
That's all we talked about was they were down to five and and we didn't stress them out enough. I just felt didn't generate enough high-quality opportunities, and the game was sitting there, and they took it over.
It all comes down to this. The final week of the NBA season. If your fantasy basketball league is still active, projecting any sort of production is almost impossible. Outside of a small pocket of teams, most are now in a position to rest players, be it for one or multiple games. Keeping that in mind, let’s try to find a few sure things to help you win your title.
As we move through what is commonly viewed as silly season, the waiver wire is the place to be, providing managers with bargain players who could be about to ascend in the NBA fantasy rankings. And remember, never assume a player is rostered. It always pays to double-check, just in case they have been overlooked.
Identifying players who are benefiting from expanded roles — whether it's an offensive threat delivering points and threes or a defensive-minded player boosting your blocks and steals — is vital as you navigate the season.
Let's dive into nine key NBA sleepers whose current stats suggest they are poised for significant value and are currently rostered in fewer than 40% of Yahoo leagues.
Yahoo High Score Leagues
Ousmane Dieng, Milwaukee Bucks (16% rostered)
Despite some questions regarding his long-term role, Dieng has been playing the best basketball of his young career over the past week. In four appearances during that time, he has averaged 40.7 fantasy points per game, including a career-best 66 fantasy points in Wednesday’s loss to the Rockets. Dieng has flashed some upside on both ends of the floor, as he tries to earn himself a sizeable role, be it in Milwaukee or for another team. The Bucks have seemingly given up on this season, which should allow Dieng to play a sizeable role the rest of the way. While we shouldn’t expect the world, Dieng has shown enough to be rostered in just about every format, including Yahoo High Score leagues.
Brice Sensabaugh, Utah Jazz (33% rostered)
After a disappointing start to the season, Sensabaugh has found his rhythm in recent times. He has scored at least 32 fantasy points in six straight games, averaging over 40 fantasy points per game during that time. Although his overall value is built largely on points, he has flashed some playmaking upside, recording at least four assists in three of the past four contests. Although there is a small amount of risk associated with his role, it appears as though Sensabaugh is going to see out the season, playing a sizeable role on a team focused on building for what could be an eventful 2026-27 season.
Kobe Brown, Indiana Pacers (2% rostered)
An injury to Jarace Walker has seemingly opened up an unexpected opportunity for Brown, who has now logged at least 30 minutes in three straight games. During that span, he has averaged 35.0 fantasy points per game, providing solid numbers across the board. Indiana finds itself in a precarious position, with losses very important moving forward. If this ultimately means that a number of players are shut down over the course of the coming week, Brown could find himself in a favorable position. Despite some uncertainty, Brown is someone to consider picking up, especially given he has center eligibility, a position that can be tricky to fill at times.
Standard 9-Category Leagues
Will Riley, Washington Wizards (20% rostered)
Washington has arguably the most unpredictable rotation in the league right now, meaning that streaming — let alone adding — players is tough. With that said, Riley appears to have settled into a consistent role, playing at least 28 minutes in 11 of the past 13 games. Perhaps even more important is the fact that he has not missed a game in almost three months, providing managers with a small sense of assuredness. Despite being ranked outside the top 150 over the past two weeks, Riley has averaged 16.0 points and 1.6 3-pointers in eight games during that time. If you need points and 3s from a player who could very well see upwards of 30 minutes per contest down the stretch, Riley might be your man.
Jamal Shead, Toronto Raptors (6% rostered)
With Immanuel Quickley continuing to miss time due to a foot issue, Shead has managed to put himself firmly on the standard-league radar, albeit for one purpose only. Over his past six appearances, Shead has averaged 9.2 assists and 1.8 steals, putting him firmly in the specialist category. While the eventual return of Quickley will likely take the shine off Shead, he is certainly doing more than enough to be rostered right now.
John Konchar, Utah Jazz (4% rostered)
Although Konchar is also viewed by many as a defensive specialist, his ability to chip in across the board cannot be overlooked. A perfect example of this is that despite the fact that he has only averaged 6.6 points in 13 appearances over the past month, he has still managed to put up borderline top-80 value. During that span, Konchar has also averaged 5.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks, shooting 51.7% from the floor. He has also played at least 29 minutes in four of the past five games, perhaps an indication that he could have a somewhat consistent role moving forward.
Standard Points Leagues
Collin Sexton, Chicago Bulls (28% rostered)
While it might not make a lot of sense, Sexton continues to play a meaningful role for his new team, having logged at least 26 minutes in five of the past six games. He has tallied at least 32 fantasy points in all five games, providing the Bulls with a seemingly reliable scoring threat, be it as a starter or off the bench. As long as Sexton continues to play close to starter-level minutes, he should be a serviceable contributor across most fantasy formats, including points leagues.
Brandon Williams, Dallas Mavericks (9% rostered)
Despite Jason Kidd’s refusal to start him, Williams has been arguably one of the most consistent producers for the Mavericks. While his numbers don’t jump off the page, consistency can be an important factor at this time of the year. Williams has scored at least 24 fantasy points in 15 of his past 16 games, a number that we can expect to hold for the remainder of the season. If you are simply looking for a player that you can plug into your lineup, knowing exactly what you are going to get, Williams could be a sneaky option.
Pelle Larsson, Miami Heat (10% rostered)
In what has been a breakout season, Larsson continues to fly under the radar. Injuries to other players have allowed Larsson to play more minutes than expected, during which he has proven himself to be a viable role player in the NBA. He has scored at least 26 fantasy points in six of the past seven games, and much like Williams, provides fantasy managers with a reliable asset. Given what we have seen thus far, Larsson seems likely to maintain a solid role, even if and when the team is fully healthy. Again, if you are looking for a safe plug-and-play option, look no further than Larsson.
We have a slew of early baseball games this Good Friday, so let's make some quick money with some of the earliest bets that cash out: the “run first inning” markets.
My MLB picks are expecting some early scoring in a trio of games today, including a West Coast clash between the Mariners and Angels.
Getting the YRFI at -122 in a game at Coors Field is a bargain, and today's pitching matchup suggests we'll get plenty of runs.
Philadelphia Phillies righty Aaron Nola is coming off his worst season as a pro (6.01 ERA over 17 starts) and allowed five runs in five innings in his first outing this year.
The Colorado Rockies are giving the pill to Michael Lorenzen, who surrendered seven hits and three runs in 4 1/3 innings in his season debut. Lorenzon had a 4.64 ERA with the Royals last year, and his subpar ground ball rate and exit velocity suggest he'll struggle at Coors.
Especially against a hard-hitting Phillies lineup that has some big bats at the top of the order.
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBC Sports Phil | Rockies.TV
Reds at Rangers: YRFI (-102)
The Cincinnati Reds haven't been productive at the plate, but the analytics suggest positive regression. Anchored by rising stars Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart, the Reds lead the majors in exit velocity while ranking fifth in barrel rate.
Today, they take on the Texas Rangers and Mackenzie Gore, who generates strikes but gives up too much hard contact. The lefty was in the 20th percentile in barrel rate and exit velocity last year while posting a 4.33 xERA.
Reds starter Brady Singer had an almost identical 4.27 xERA last, and he allowed three runs in four innings in his 2026 debut. I don't trust him to navigate a Rangers lineup that is sixth in the majors in runs per game (5.33) and third in hard-hit rate.
Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Rangers Sports Network | Reds.TV
Mariners at Angels: YRFI (+114)
The Seattle Mariners mashed away from home last season, posting 5.09 runs per game. Expect the same production as they begin their first road trip this year.
The M's retained Josh Naylor while adding leadoff man Brendan Donovan to a lineup anchored by MVP runner-up Cal Raleigh and Randy Arozarena.
They'll have success against Los Angeles Angels lefty Reid Detmers, who has been shaky as a starter and is better out of the bullpen. Detmers didn't make a single start last year but had a 6.70 ERA in 17 starts in 2024. He started last Saturday and gave up three runs in 4 2/3 frames.
Meanwhile, Seattle will start Bryan Woo, who has been great at pitcher-friendly T-Mobile Park but can be inconsistent on the road.
Time: 9:38 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FanDuel SN West | Mariners.TV
Rohit NRFI bets 2026 Transparency Record
NRFI/YRFI picks: 4-5, -1.25 units
What is a NRFI bet?
NRFI (No Run First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Run First Inning) bets add a thrilling twist to the start of an MLB game. A NRFI bet is a wager that no runs will be scored in the first inning. You're betting that the starting pitchers for both teams will get through the first inning without allowing any runs, whether by striking out batters, inducing ground balls, or through solid defensive play.
A YRFI bet is the exact opposite. You're betting that at least one run will be scored in the first inning. In this case, you’re hoping for an early offensive burst such as a leadoff walk, a timely hit, or even a home run.
NRFI and YRFI bets add excitement to the early part of a game and offer immediate gratification for bettors looking for a quick resolution.
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.
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 13: A general view during the game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Saturday, September 13, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, welcome (back) to Fenway Park!
The Red Sox look to get their mojo this season as Don Orsillo and Xander Bogaerts return to Boston with the San Diego Padres. Gonna be a cool and cloudy one out there!
⚾️ First Pitch: 2:10pm ET — Fenway Park, Boston, MA
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 01: Jackson Merrill #3 of the San Diego Padres laughs in the dugout during the sixth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park on April 01, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
San Diego Padres (2-4) at Boston Red Sox (1-5), April 3, 2026, 11:10 p.m. PST
Don’t troll in your comments; create conversation rather than destroying it
Remember Gaslamp Ball is basically a non-profanity site
Out of respect to broadcast partners who have paid to carry the game, no mentions of “alternative” (read: illegal) viewing methods are allowed in our threads
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 16: Cody Delvecchio #25 of the UCLA Bruins throws a pitch during a game against the UC Davis Aggies at Jackie Robinson Stadium on April 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Well, I lied to you. I hope you’ll forgive me. In yesterday’s roundup, I said that Thursday would finally bring the return of multiple-game days days for the San Francisco Giants Minor League Baseball affiliates. Turns out I was wrong, as AAA Sacramento had their game rained out and postponed. Actually, it apparently stopped raining, because the official postponement is for “wet grounds.” It will be made up on Saturday, when they play a doubleheader against the Salt Lake Bees, presuming Utah soil has dried by then.
So just one game it was, but it was a good one. Lets jump into it.
All listed positions in the roundup are the position played in that particular game.
News
Just two small transactions for the affiliates on Thursday. AAA Sacramento lost one of their pitchers, as RHP Blade Tidwell (No. 9 CPL) was called up to San Francisco to replace the injured José Buttó. Tidwell got into Thursday’s game against his former team, the New York Mets, and made his Giants debut by recording a 3-inning save. Gotta love it!
Replacing Tidwell on Sacramento’s roster is RHP Will Bednar (No. 24 CPL). Bednar was an NRI at Spring Training this year, but curiously opened the year on the Development List. Now he’s off it, and will prepare to make his season debut.
Low-A San Jose (1-0)
San Jose Giants beat the Stockton Ports (A’s) 12-8 Box score
The Baby Giants kicked off their title defense on Thursday night by heading up the road to Stockton. And what a glorious start to the season it was, as San Jose found all the offense they were looking for (and then some), while also featuring a stellar pitching performance from an exciting arm.
One of the fun things about Low-A in this era of Minor League Baseball is that when the season starts, so do the debuts. So many young players get drafted (or sign as undrafted free agents) and don’t debut until the next year, and so this game featured a whopping 5 San Jose players who were playing in a professional baseball game for the first time in their life. A day to remember!
It’s quite fitting, then, that the 2 position players who were making their debuts were the ones who carried the offense. First baseman Hayden Jatczak and catcher Junior Barajas would have remembered Thursday for their debuts alone, but now they’ll really remember the game, because they had star showings.
Jatczak positively carried the offense, with a nearly perfect day: he hit 3-4 with a 3-run home run in the 8th inning, plus a triple, a walk, 4 RBIs, and a strikeout. It’s hard to do much better than that, especially since the home run was positively majestic and towering.
HAVE A NIGHT HAYDEN! A three-run bomb in the eighth gives the Giants a 10-6 lead. pic.twitter.com/0U2vKFKkE2
The Giants have had some remarkable success with undrafted free agents in recent years, both in the form of their own signings (Bo Davidson and Trent Harris) and players they traded for (Parks Harber). Jatczak, a 24-year old out of Kent State, will try to be the next in that line of overlooked talent.
As for Barajas, he wasn’t far behind. He also homered, as part of a 2-5 day that also included a double, 3 RBIs, and a strikeout. The son of Rod Barajas (the younger Barajas is technically Rod Barajas Jr., but goes by the eternally-cool “Junior” moniker), the lefty catcher was an 11th-round pick in July’s draft, but it’s been clear from the buzz around him that the team has been highly impressed with his bat. While not undrafted like Davidson, he may have been overlooked for one of the same reasons: a collegiate career spent at a junior college, rather than an NCAA school.
The Giants don’t have a lot of intriguing backstop bats in the system, so it will be very exciting if Barajas can hit as well as they hope — and perhaps think — he will.
While Jatczak and Barajas were the stars of the day on offense, the star of the team is shortstop Jhonny Level (No. 3 CPL), and he followed up his breakout 2025 with a solid day at the top of San Jose’s lineup, as he hit 3-5 and stole a base, while striking out twice. It will be interesting to see how San Jose handles infield reps for Level and Lorenzo Meola (No. 23 CPL), last year’s 4th-round pick, who is a dynamic defensive player. In this game, Level played short while Meola (who hit 1-4 with a double and a sacrifice fly) handled second base, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they switch off assignments.
Jhonny Level with his first RBI of the year! Giants take a 2-0 lead in the 3rd. pic.twitter.com/gU4f0DNLBL
Level, who dominated the Complex League last year before holding his own for a month in San Jose, will be hoping to rid himself of that tandem by playing his way up to High-A Eugene by the summer, though a similar predicament will await him there, as last year’s 1st-round pick, Gavin Kilen (No. 7 CPL) will be handling shortstop for the Emeralds. Good problems to have, especially since Level just turned 19 earlier this week.
Center fielder Andy Polanco, who was an 11th-round pick in 2024, also had an intriguing day, hitting 1-4 with a hit by pitch and stealing 2 bases, though he also had 2 strikeouts.
On the whole, the pitching wasn’t good, but only because the Giants used the bullpen. The game started brilliantly thanks to another debuting player who has been building a lot of buzz: RHP Cody Delvecchio, the organization’s 12th-round pick in July’s draft.
Delvecchio, a recently-turned 22-year old who played at UCLA, earned quite a bit of hype in his first pro camp, and even got into a Spring Training game, where he impressed with 2 strikeouts in a scoreless inning. Opening Day assignments are symbolic, even in the Minor Leagues, so it’s telling that Delvecchio got the nod on Day 1 in a rotation that also features RHPs Keyner Martinez (No. 10 CPL) and Argenis Cayama (No. 13 CPL). Don’t take that to mean that the Giants think Delvecchio is a better prospect than Martinez and Cayama, but it might mean that they think he’s their best pitcher right now (he’s a bit older than those two fast-rising prospects).
And Delvecchio certainly rewarded that decision with a dynamic game against the Ports, pitching 4 scoreless innings while allowing just 1 hit (a single), 1 walk, and 1 hit batter. The righty lived in the strike zone, with 42 of 64 pitches going for strikes, and he struck out 6 Stockton hitters. That’s a pretty phenomenal debut, and one that will have us excited to see what he does with his next start.
Cody Delvecchio with a strong professional debut, hurling four shutout innings, allowing just one hit and one walk while punching out six batters.
He lived at the top of the zone with his flat VAA heater, mixing in his cutter, slider, and changeup from time to time. pic.twitter.com/Au43QfOuJy
— Giant Prospective (@giantprospectiv) April 3, 2026
Unfortunately, the bullpen was awful through and through. LHP Ricardo Estrada and RHP Cooper McGrath (last year’s 18th-round pick, who was debuting) each walked 4 batters, with Estrada only recording 4 outs and McGrath only recording 1. RHPs Dylan Carter and Garrett Langrell (the final debuting player, and last year’s 16th-round pick) each gave up a trio of hits and a free pass (a walk for Carter; a hit batter for Langrell), with the former ceding 3 runs in 1.1 innings, and the latter 2 runs in as many innings. Better days ahead for all of them!
Sacramento: 5:35 p.m. PT at Salt Lake (SP: Carson Seymour) Richmond: 3:05 p.m. PT at Erie (SP: Greg Farone) Eugene: 6:35 p.m. PT vs. Hillsboro (SP: Niko Mazza) San Jose: 7:05 p.m. PT at Stockton (SP: Jordan Gottesman)
Reminder that almost all MiLB games can be watched on MLB TV
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Will Warren #98 of the New York Yankees in action against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium on September 09, 2025 in New York City. The Tigers defeated the Yankees 12-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a highly successful 5-1 road trip to open the season, the Yankees return home to Yankee Stadium for the first time in 177 days to open a three-game set with the Miami Marlins on a rare Friday matinee. The Marlins come into this one on a roll to start the season, taking advantage of hosting the Rockies and White Sox on their season-opening homestand to match the Yankees and Brewers’ league-best starts.
Will Warren will look to keep the rotation dominance going in his second start of the season after a solid opening effort in San Francisco. The 26-year-old threw some of the fastest pitches of his career in the first inning, but lost considerable velocity as the game went on and was removed after 4.1 innings of one-run ball. It’ll be interesting to see if the adrenaline has him throwing 97 to start again, or if he’ll look to maintain normal velocity throughout.
Eury Pérez gets the start for the Marlins after throwing seven strong innings against the Rockies last week. After missing all of 2024 and the start of 2025 with Tommy John recovery, he’s healthy to start 2026 and will be looking to power through this Yankee lineup. Pérez, who turns 23 later this month, doesn’t even have 200 MLB innings under his belt, but has the potential to be one of the game’s best pitchers.
Pérez leans heavily on his high-octane four-seamer, which has consistently sat at 98 mph even after elbow surgery. He utilizes five other pitches, but throws none of them more than 20 percent of the time. Look out for curveballs and changeups to lefties, sweepers and cutters to lefties, and sliders as his primary secondary pitch. The big weakness that has bedeviled Pérez is that, when hitters do make contact, it’s usually very loud and in the air, which makes for an interesting matchup against an offense like this at Yankee Stadium (compared to last August in the Marlins’ more spacious home).
It’s a usual lineup for the Yankees, featuring the same nine players that it has for four of the six games this season. They do mix up the bottom third, however, moving Austin Wells up to seventh and putting the struggling Ryan McMahon in the 9-hole.
Jakob Marsee—who had a spectacular debut series against the Yankees when Miami swept them after the 2025 Trade Deadline—leads off for the Fish, followed by Xavier Edwards and former Baby Bomber Agustin Ramírez. Liam Hicks, Otto Lopez, and Owen Caissie (acquired from the Cubs for starter Edward Cabrera) are all off to great starts this year and will be the heart of the order, as Connor Norby, Griffin Conine, and Graham Pauley bring up the rear. That’s five lefties and a switch-hitter against Warren, who needs to be better against lefties.
Holmstrom, who has 39 points (19 goals, 20 assists) in 73 games this season, sustained an upper-body injury in their 8-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday. He did not play in their 4-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday.
Forward Anthony Duclair played in his spot on the team's second line alongside Brayden Schenn and Mathew Barzal. While Roy wouldn't divulge who would be coming out of the lineup if Holmstrom was able to play, one would think Duclair would come out.
Puck drop between the Islanders and Flyers comes your way at 7 PM ET.
The Vancouver Canucks are 75 games into their 2025–26 NHL season and have officially clinched 32nd overall for the 2025–26 season. With this result, they have secured the best possible odds to select first-overall in the 2026 NHL Draft. Vancouver has seven games remaining in their 2025–26 NHL season; here’s how they stack up to the rest of the league at this point in the year.
Team Stats
Vancouver Canucks team stats, 75 games into 2025-26.
Vancouver became the first team to be mathematically eliminated from playoffs last week, though this week, they officially locked themselves into 32nd overall in the NHL. Around the league, other teams have only just begun to find themselves being eliminated from post-season contention, as the Chicago Blackhawks (31st), New York Rangers (29th), and Toronto Maple Leafs (25th) are now out of the running. Having said that, all three teams still currently have over 65 points on the season, with Chicago registering 68 in 76 games, New York putting up 71 in 76, and Toronto averaging slightly over a point per game with 77 in 76.
The Canucks’ lone saving grace stats-wise is their power play, which has found some success throughout the season but not as much as it appears to be having now in relation to the team’s place in the standings. Vancouver currently ranks 17th in the NHL in power play percentage with a success rate of 20.2%, with the Canucks having scored power play goals in four consecutive games. They’ve scored a total of nine power play goals in their past 10 games.
Individual Skater Stats
Vancouver Canucks individual skater stats, 75 games into 2025-26.
Vancouver finally has their first 20-goal scorer of the season, as Brock Boeser hit this mark after his hat trick against the Colorado Avalanche on April 1. Now at a season total of 21 goals, he’s tied for the 92nd-most goals in the NHL alongside Zach Werenski, Mikko Rantanen (who has been injured), and Kiefer Sherwood. Prior to this, Sherwood had retained the Canucks’ lead in goals despite not playing for the team since the start of January.
When it comes to the team’s overall lead in points, Elias Pettersson’s 48 currently sits at the top of the Canucks but is tied for 119th in the NHL. Ironically enough, 48 points is the current lead for power play points by a player in the league, with this being held by Connor McDavid. Pettersson also has the Canucks’ lead in power play points with 21.
Goaltending Stats
Vancouver Canucks goaltending stats, 75 games into 2025-26.
It’s not exactly a good sign when the goaltender who holds your team-high in SV% and GAA hasn’t played in months, but with the season the Canucks have had, it almost feels expected. Thatcher Demko remains the Canucks’ leader in SV% (.895%) and GAA (2.90), and has remained at the top for the better-half of this season. The next highest Canucks goaltender in both of these stats is Nikita Tolopilo, who is tied for 52nd in the NHL in SV% (.886%) and ranks 68th in GAA with 3.57. Having said that, Demko’s previous team-high of eight wins has finally been surpassed, as Kevin Lankinen notched his ninth win of the season against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday.
Lankinen has taken the bulk of Vancouver’s starts since Demko was declared out for the remainder of the season, though he’s played much more as of late. While he’d started in five consecutive games, the goaltender has played in every game but one (April 2) since March 17. This has been reflected in his personal stats, as he currently ranks 23rd in the NHL in overall minutes played (2404:27), 21st in shots faced (1181), and 14th in high-danger shots faced (359).
Apr 1, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Vancouver Canucks left wing Jake DeBrusk (74) scores on Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) in the first period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Vancouver will wrap up their 2025–26 season with three games at home and four on the road. They’ll face the Utah Mammoth and Vegas Golden Knights in Vancouver on April 4 and 7 respectively, before heading to California to take on all three of the Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, and Anaheim Ducks. The Canucks will play their final home game against the Kings on April 14, but will wrap their season up in Alberta against the Edmonton Oilers.
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.
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.
Mar 31, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) shoots a three point basket against Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (23) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images
From undrafted to making franchise history, as the Phoenix Suns put it, there’s a new member in the Phoenix Suns record books, and it’s Collin Gillespie. Last night, the guard set the franchise record for most three-pointers made in a season, passing a 21-year record that was held by Quentin Richardson when he hit 226 threes in the 2004-2005 season.
Gillespie, 26, has been one of the main reasons the Suns have surpassed their preseason expectations. Starting the season off the bench, he’s started 57 games this year and leads the team in total minutes, and is having his best season in nearly every statistical category. Averaging three triples per game, shooting 41% from long range, he’s not only been efficient from behind the arc, but consistent. His second year on the team, the guard was resigned this offseason after a strong end to his 2024-2025 campaign. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
It’s been an overall strong and surprising season from the former Villanova guard, but he’s hit a bit of a cold stretch of late. In March, his points per game were the lowest they’ve been since before he was inserted into the starting lineup, and it was his least efficient month both from the field and three, shooting under 40% for both. In his first game of April, he shot 2/7 from the field, 29%. He’s had to deal with a change in his offensive role since Jalen Green and Devin Booker have been fully healthy and back in the lineup. The team has also dealt with a slew of injuries, including to starters Mark Williams and Dillon Brooks.
For the Suns to get out of the play-in tournament and give the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs some trouble in the first round, Gillespie is going to need to get his rhythm back, but for now, the focus is that he put himself in the Phoenix Suns record books. Gillespie has five more games this season to expand his lead as the Suns’ all-time leader in threes made in a season; he can give himself some cushion to make his record last.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 21, 2026: John Gil #93 of the Atlanta Braves throws the ball to first base to retire George Lombard Jr. of the New York Yankees during the second inning of a Spring Breakout game at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 21, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Today is the day where Columbus and Augusta get their seasons underway, meaning all four levels of the Atlanta Braves system are now underway. With that in mind I decided to make this guide for following where our Top 30 prospects, and honorable mentions, will open the season.
Below you will find the players in order of their rankings in the Battery Power Top 30 Braves prospects, followed by where they will open the season as well as the positions you can expect them to play. At the bottom you can find a guide on which prospects are a part of which team.
Cam Caminiti – A+ Rome, LH Starting Pitcher
JR Ritchie – AAA Gwinnett, RH Starting Pitcher
Didier Fuentes – AAA Gwinnett, RH Starting Pitcher. Note Fuentes also was a part of the Atlanta Opening Day roster, but was sent down to stretch out as a starter
Owen Murphy – AA Columbus, RH Starting Pitcher
Diego Tornes – Extended spring training. Tornes will likely open with the FCL club next month playing mostly center field.
Tate Southisene – A Augusta, SS/2B/3B/CF
Briggs McKenzie – Extended spring training. McKenzie will likely open as a starting pitcher with the FCL team when that season begins.
Luke Sinnard – Extended spring training. Sinnard wasn’t included on any of the rosters, meaning he will start in Florida. He will likely move to Columbus, or possibly Rome, once he is ready.
John Gil – A+ Rome, SS/3B/2B
Alex Lodise – A Augusta, SS/2B/3B
Jhancarlos Lara – AA Columbus, RH Reliever
Garrett Baumann – AA Columbus, RH Starting Pitcher
Luis Guanipa – A Augusta, CF/RF
Conor Essenburg, A Augusta, RF/LF/1B
Isaiah Drake – A+ Rome, CF/RF/LF
Cody Miller – A+ Rome, SS/2B/3B
Owen Carey – A+ Rome, CF/LF/RF
Blake Burkhalter – Extended spring training. Burkhalter will likely move to Gwinnett shortly after his return and pitch in relief.
Lucas Braun – AAA Gwinnett, RH Starting Pitcher
Herick Hernandez – AA Columbus, LH Starting Pitcher
Jose Perdomo – A Augusta, SS/3B/2B
Rayven Antonio – TBD. Antonio is on the roster for Augusta on the website, where he spent all of last year. However he wasn’t named in any of the roster tweets for the four affiliates.
Raudy Reyes – N/A. Reyes is out with Tommy John surgery according to his social media.
Eric Hartman – A+ Rome, CF/LF/2B
Ethan Bagwell – A Augusta, RH Starting Pitcher
Dixon Williams – A+ Rome, 2B/3B
Cade Kuehler – A+ Rome, RH Starting Pitcher
Hayden Harris – AAA Gwinnett, LH Reliever
Carter Holton – A Augusta, LH Starting Pitcher
Drue Hackenberg – AA Columbus, RH Starting Pitcher
Honorable Mentions
Jeremy Reyes – A+ Rome, RH Starting Pitcher
Brett Sears – AA Columbus, RH Starting Pitcher
Juan Mateo – A Augusta, SS/3B/2B. Will open on the injured list
David McCabe – AA Columbus, 1B/3B/DH
Landon Beidelschies – A Augusta, LH Starting Pitcher
By Team
Triple-A Gwinnett
2.JR Ritchie
3.Didier Fuentes
19.Lucas Braun
28.Hayden Harris
Other Prospects of Note: Rolddy Munoz, Jim Jarvis
Double-A Columbus
4.Owen Murphy
11.Jhancarlos Lara
12.Garrett Baumann
20.Herick Hernandez
30.Drue Hackenberg
HM.Brett Sears
HM.David McCabe
Other Prospects of Note: Elison Joseph, Ambioris Tavarez, Patrick Clohisy
High-A Rome
1.Cam Caminiti
9.John Gil
15.Isaiah Drake
16.Cody Miller
17.Owen Carey
24.Eric Hartman
26.Dixon Williams
27.Cade Kuehler
HM.Jeremy Reyes
Other Prospects of Note: Cedric De Grandpre, Ian Mejia, Logan Braunschweig
Low-A Augusta
6.Tate Southisene
10.Alex Lodise
13.Luis Guanipa
14.Conor Essenburg
21.Jose Perdomo
25.Ethan Bagwell
29.Carter Holton
HM.Juan Mateo (IL)
HM.Landon Beidelschies
Other Prospects of Note: Cristobal Abreu, Luis Arestigueta, Davis Polo, Zach Royse, Nick Montgomery, Junior Garcia
Aug 20, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Lucas Erceg (60) enters the game during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images | William Purnell-Imagn Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in Kansas City Royals fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Earlier this week, Carlos Estévez went on the Injured List with a foot contusion. Until he returns, the Royals will need someone else to close games. So we asked who Royals fans would choose if they could have their druthers. The results were overwhelming in selecting one guy.
73% of respondents said they preferred that Lucas Erceg do all the closing for KC until Estévez gets his mojo back, and it seems like Matt Quatraro agrees with them. In three save opportunities since Estévez’s injury, Erceg has gotten the call twice. The third game went to John Schreiber, but only because Erceg had already pitched two games in a row.
Interestingly, fans were not at all high on once-and-now-again reliever Matt Strahm; he received only 4% of the vote, barely ahead of potential rookie Luinder Avila’s 3% – Avila is set to make his first major league start tonight, in any case.
One in five thought that a closer by committee would be the best option since the Royals have so many relievers on their roster with late-game experience. Closers by committee always seem like shaky endeavors to me, so I’m perfectly happy to just let Erceg handle things with Matt Strahm seeming to take over quasi-fireman duties, pitching in whatever situations late in the game. For example, pitching the seventh in yesterday’s game because that was when the heart of the Twins order was due up, hoping that the lower part of the lineup would be easier for Steven Cruz to handle. Obviously, it didn’t work out that way, but it made a lot of sense in the moment.
Now, what I’m curious about is whether everyone thinks Lights Out Lucas should just continue saving even when – or if – Estévez has his foot and mechanics fixed. Depending on how long he’s out and how well Erecg does, it could end up being a controversial decision either way.
Apr 1, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Fans gather at the main entrance in a snow flurry before the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Indians on Opening Day at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-Imagn Images
Detroit Tigers (2-4) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (4-2)
Time/Place: 1:10 p.m., Comerica Park SB Nation Site: Viva El Birdos Media: Detroit Sportsnet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network Pitching Matchup: LHP Framber Valdez (0-0, 1.50 ERA) vs. RHP Michael McGreevy (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Mar 28, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Michael McGreevy (36) pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
The St. Louis Cardinals begin their first road series of the season as they take on the Detroit Tigers for their home opener in Comerica Park. According to MLB.com, Michael McGreevy will make his second start for the Cardinals after his epic effort against the Tampa Bay Rays where he held them hitless through 6 innings. Framber Valdez is expected to the Friday’s starter for the Tigers. Game time is set for 12:10pm. Note that Masyn Winn is in the lineup today after the car accident after Wednesday’s walk-off victory.
DENVER, CO - JULY 4: A detail of the purple row of seats as the Colorado Rockies participate in Major League Baseball Summer Workouts at Coors Field on July 4, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Happy Home Opener, everyone!
The Rockies had a lot of turnover this offseason and we needed to get to know the new coaching staff. As it turns out, Purple Row also had some turnover with Mac Wilcox headed off to do other projects, but we’re also pleased to welcome Cory Cohen, Zeke Perez Jr., and James Riggenbach to the staff!
So in the spirit of introductions, we wanted to introduce ourselves to you — or reintroduce in some cases since we recognize (and appreciate!) that some of the Purple Row community have had a long-term commitment to the site.
And in addition, we’d like to invite you to introduce yourselves, too, by copying and pasting the questions below and answering them in the comments:
Name:
Location:
On Twitter or BlueSky, I am:
How I became a Rockies fan:
Favorite Current Rockies:
Favorite All-Time Rockie:
Favorite Non-Rockie:
Favorite Rockies Prospect:
Metaphysical Position on the Diamond:
Ballpark I’d Most Like to Visit:
Favorite Baseball Movie:
What was the best thing about your past year:
When Not Rowing, I:
Baseball Card Back Fun Fact:
Walkup Music:
Name: Sam Bradfield
Location: Phoenix, AZ
On Twitter or BlueSky, I am: @sammieb27.bsky.social
How I became a Rockies fan: Rocktober was during my freshman year of high school, so I became glued to every inning during that magical run! When I went off to college in Arizona a few years later, I took my love of the team with me (wearing Rockies gear is always a conversation starter). I took a few years off to watch other sports, and some life happened, but when I discovered the Arizona Fall League in 2016, it reignited my passion for baseball and the Rockies were the obvious choice to root for as my hometown team. And then I applied for Purple Row a year later and the rest, as they say, is history!
Favorite Current Rockie: I have a lot of guys I really like, but I think my favorite right now is Ryan Feltner. He’s been through a lot, and he and I always have good conversations about baseball and art.
Favorite All-Time Rockie: Troy Tulowitzki — he was my first favorite Rockie in the World Series run and I haven’t let go of that since. I’m so bummed that his career didn’t pan out the way folks thought it would.
Favorite Non-Rockie: Ryan McMahon — I know he’s a former Rockie, but he and I “debuted” right around the same time (him in Aug. 2017 and me in Dec. 2017) so he has a special place in my heart. He was the first Rockies prospect I started following after meeting him in the AFL, and was also my first Purple Row interview in 2018. If we’re talking about guys who never played on the team, I really like David Peralta. He always seemed like such a stand-up guy as well as a good baseball player, and I loved watching him play for the Diamondbacks.
Favorite Rockies Prospect: I’m really excited for Charlie Condon. I think he has a ton of potential to do some damage and be good in this league for a long time.
Metaphysical Position on the Diamond: Probably one of the corner outfield spots — I’m more of an introverted extrovert, so I’m happy to both be part of the action and also let others have their moments.
Ballpark I’d Most Like to Visit: I’ve heard excellent things about PNC Park, so I’m excited to check it out!
Favorite Baseball Movie:A League of Their Own, hands down
What was the best thing about your past year: Moving back to the Phoenix area from LA — sure, I grew up in Colorado and still love the state, but Phoenix is really where I call home (plus I’m happy to be out of Dodgers country!).
When Not Rowing, I: Work as an Academic Advisor for first-year students studying English and Communications, and previously advised for students studying Theatre. In my free time, I hang out with my cat Simon, play piano in my living room, and love watching TV shows (I’m currently watching Shrinking, the Scrubs revival, The Americans and The Pitt) and the Phoenix Suns.
Baseball Card Back Fun Fact: Usually writing for Purple Row is my “fun fact” but I guess in this case, I was a music major in college and never played a sport beyond eighth grade rec league volleyball. Most of my sports knowledge is self-taught because I was in marching band and wanted to know what was happening on the field/court.
Walkup Music: Ok, I’m going to be weird and say Test Drive from How to Train Your Dragon. I know it doesn’t have words or anything, but this score just pumps me up:
/
- YRFI
/
- YRFI
/
- YRFI
