For months, the Calgary Flames have faced a stark reality: their current roster, despite flashes of talent and veteran leadership, is not built to contend for the top of the NHL.
A combination of aging stars, cap constraints, and a need to inject youth left the organization with a difficult choice. That decision came into sharp focus on March 6, 2026, when the Flames traded veteran forward Nazem Kadri, along with a 2027 fourth-round pick, to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for the rights to Max Curran, winger Victor Olofsson, a conditional 2027 second-round pick, and a conditional 2028 first-round selection.
Kadri, a cornerstone of the locker room and a proven scorer, carries a $7 million cap hit through the 2028-29 season—a figure that increasingly limited Calgary’s flexibility to add younger talent and build a sustainable core. For a franchise embarking on a multi-year reconstruction, retaining Kadri while balancing salary and roster development simply wasn’t feasible.
Nazem Kadri CALLS GAME in the 8th round of the shootout 🔥
Trading a player of Kadri’s stature is never undertaken lightly. He consistently delivered offensively, brought playoff experience, and served as a leader in the dressing room. His departure underscores the Flames’ acknowledgment that the team cannot realistically compete at the highest level without recalibrating its strategy. The organization is now fully committed to a long-term rebuild, one that prioritizes youth, cap flexibility, and draft capital over established veteran presence.
Nazem Kadri spent parts of the last four seasons with the Flames before being traded back to the Avalanche. Credit: Sergei Belski
The trade also creates opportunities for younger players to step into meaningful roles. John Beecher, for example, recently showcased his potential with a two-goal performance in Calgary’s 5–4 win over the New Jersey Devils. Kadri’s exit clears the path for emerging talent to take on central positions and gain valuable NHL experience, accelerating the franchise’s evolution.
Draft Capital as the Cornerstone
Ultimately, the success of Calgary’s rebuild will hinge on its draft strategy. By exchanging a fourth-round pick for the potential of a second-rounder and a first-round selection, contingent on conditions, the Flames have placed their future in the hands of scouting and player development. Smart drafting could fast-track the team’s return to competitiveness, while missteps could extend the rebuilding timeline. Every choice in the coming years will reverberate far beyond the immediate roster.
According to TSN’s Craig Button, the Flames boast a pair of promising prospects. In his annual ranking of the top 50 NHL-drafted prospects, two Flames prospects made the list: Cole Reschny at 24th and Ethan Wyttenbach at 39th.
Reschny, from Macklin, Saskatchewan, was a first-round pick by the Flames in 2025, selected 18th overall with the pick acquired from New Jersey in the Jacob Markstrom trade. He spent two seasons with the Western Hockey League’s Victoria Royals, including a standout 92-point campaign in 2024–25, his draft-eligible season. Reschny also impressed internationally, delivering a strong showing for Canada at the Under-18 World Championships.
Reschny playing at the World Junior championships in January. Credit: Nick Wosika
Looking Forward
The Flames had little choice but to move Kadri. Calgary is entering a period defined by strategic patience, calculated risk, and the deliberate cultivation of young talent. The organization is signaling that the next chapter of the franchise will be built on potential and opportunity, with a new core poised to shape the team’s future. For fans, Kadri’s departure represents both the closing of a familiar era and the opening of a promising—though inherently uncertain—one.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout!
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review!
Sign Up Now atimg src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/2/bet365.svg" alt="bet365" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Warriors computer picks
Quinten Post Over 10.5 points (-110)
Projection: 13.4
The Golden State Warriors' injury report is looking like a grocery list, which means plenty of minutes for able bodies.
No Al Horford and Draymond Green means Quinten Post is in line for a big minutes bump. Someone will need to score, and Post will be that guy.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Quinten Post Now at bet365!/span
Quinten Post Over 1.5 threes (-160)
Projection: 2.4
More playing time means more shots for the 7-footer, who hasn't shied away from letting it fly when needed. Post has hit two threes multiple times this season, and he's in line to do so again tonight at MSG.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Quinten Post Now at bet365!/span
Gui Santos Over 5.5 rebounds (-150)
Projection: 6.7
Gui Santos will also get a big minutes bump tonight, and he's in line for a big night on the boards.
Santos has started in five straight for the shorthanded Dubs, clearing this rebound total in three of them. The biggest outing came when he snared 11 boards in 37 minutes vs. OKC.
His minutes will be in the high 30s again, giving him ample time to clean the glass.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Gui Santos Now at bet365!/span
Knicks computer picks
Mikal Bridges Over 11.5 points (-120)
Projection: 14.3
A string of rough games has dropped Mikal Bridges' points line to 11.5, which provides us with an excellent buyback spot.
The 29-year-old is still averaging 15 points per game, and our projections have him scoring nearly three more points than his line.
Bridges will get four to six threes up, and his 38% three-point shooting tells us he'll hit enough of those to get him close to or Over this number.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Mikal bridges Now at bet365!/span
Jalen Brunson Under 7.5 assists (-110)
Projection: 6.7
Jalen Brunson has been racking up the dimes over the last month, but our projections call for him to go Under 7.5 assists tonight.
While he can reach this total with ease, he may not need to. The Knicks are 14.5-point favorites, and there's a world where Brunson and the rest of the starters sit the entire fourth quarter. It's hard to get assists with your ass planted on the bench.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet XYZ Now at bet365!/span
Mitchell Robinson Over 4.5 points (-112)
Projection: 5.7
As mentioned, the Warriors are missing a majority of their interior defense. This opens the door for New York to run some of its offense through Mitchell Robinson. The big man will also be feeling himself after posting a career high in points on Friday.
Three buckets cash this prop, and the line is too low for us not to jump on it.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Mitchell Robinson Now at bet365!/span
How to watch Warriors vs Knicks
Location
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Date
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC
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.
DUNEDIN, FLORIDA - MARCH 03: Kevin Gausman #34 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch in the first inning against team Canada during a game at TD Ballpark on March 03, 2026 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There isn’t a lot for Blue Jays’ news this morning.
The team has announced that Kevin Gausman will be our opening day starter. So far he’s thrown 4.1 innings of ‘official spring’ ball so fair. He hasn’t allowed a run, with four hits, one walk and six strikeouts. Last year he had a 3.59 ERA in 32 starts.
Brendon Little has added a couple of pitches and dropped one from last year:
Pitch Repertoire Update! ⚾️🚨📢 Brendon Little (TOR) has added a four-seamer & slider this year in place of the cutter he threw in 2025; his full arsenal is now SI / FF / SL / KChttps://t.co/U7PVgzr9Xm
He’s looking to have a something else he can throw in the strikezone. It looks like he’ll be the number one lefty in the pen, so it’s good to see him looking to fix things up that weren’t working at the end of last season.
So far this spring, he’s thrown five innings, three hits, four walks and eight strikeouts with no runs against. we’ll see how things go.
The Jays play at 1:00 Eastern. Grant Rogers is starting. Since Berrios is suddenly out, we get a spring bullpen day. But the team is bringing a surprising number of regulars to St. Lucie County. Google maps says it is a 3 hour 15 minute days. Generally veterans don’t like to make bus rides that long.
Today’s Lineups
BLUE JAYS
METS
George Springer – DH
Francisco Lindor – SS
Daulton Varsho – CF
Marcus Semien – 2B
Davis Schneider – 2B
Bo Bichette – 3B
Addison Barger – 3B
Jorge Polanco – DH
Jesus Sanchez – RF
Luis Robert – CF
Nathan Lukes – LF
Brett Baty – 1B
Leo Jimenez – SS
Francisco Alvarez – C
Brandon Valenzuela – C
Mike Tauchman – RF
Charles McAdoo – 1B
Tyrone Taylor – LF
Grant Rogers – RHP
Zach Thornton – LHP
The game is on Sportsnet.
And tonight we have the USA vs Dominican Republic in the semifinal for the WBC. Paul Skenes starts for the US (that couldn’t have worked out better for them. Luis Severino starts for DR.
We’ll have a GameThread up for that.
Italy and Venezuela play tomorrow.
What should we expect the Jays rotation to look like the first time through?
Gausman, Cease, Scherzer, Ponce, Lauer? Or will Yesavage be ready? Pretty doubtful.
Then it is a game of when will Yesavage, Bieber and Berrios be ready. Maybe Mr. Grant Rogers there is closer than I think.
On the bullpen side, does Spencer Miles make the team? Angel Bastardo?
Beyond that: Hoffman, Tyler Rogers, Varland, Nance, Little, Fisher, Nance and Fluharty. That’s eight guys without Miles or Bastardo.
Opening Day is on the 27th, and there is still a few decisions to be made.
NORTH PORT, FL - MARCH 14: A general view of a baseball cap and glove of the Atlanta Braves sits on the field prior to the spring training game between the Boston Red Sox and the Atlanta Braves on March 14, 2026 at CoolToday Park in North Port, FL. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
JR Ritchie was slated to start today’s game, but instead, Jose Suarez gets the start, with Ritchie set to get some work later in the game. Taijuan Walker will take the mound for Philly, coming off of a rough two seasons and looking to bounce back in a contract year.
The Braves are running out the quad-A lineup, while the Phillies are starting a number of their regulars. You can see the lineups below.
You can watch today’s game on MLB Network or MLBTV at 1:05 PM ET.
Join us and discuss today’s game in the comments below!
Build Your Winning Bracket!
SB Nation’s CBB expert Mike Rutherford and resident bracketologist Chris Dobbertean will answer all your questions this week and help guide you to bracket glory! Drop in SB Nation’s March Madness Feed all week long and we’ll have both on hand! (All times ET)
MUNICH (AP) — An unlikely run of injuries has sidelined Bayern Munich's top three goalkeepers and could mean the German champion starts New York-born 16-year-old Leonard Prescott for its upcoming Champions League game against Atalanta.
With first-choice Manuel Neuer recovering from a calf muscle tear, Prescott was on the bench in the Champions League last week as Bayern beat Atalanta 6-1 in the first leg of their round-of-16 encounter.
At the time it seemed mostly like a chance to familiarize a promising young player, who starts for the Bayern under-19 team, with a more professional environment.
Prescott was born in New York but started his playing career at Union Berlin before a 2023 move to Bayern’s academy. He has also played for the German under-17 national team.
Prescott has suddenly become a possible starter after Jonas Urbig was concussed in a collision in the final minute of the game. Backup Sven Ulreich tore his right adductor in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen but stayed on the field. He will be “sidelined for the time being,” Bayern said Sunday, after he was examined following the game.
If Neuer or the others can't recover in time, that could leave Prescott as Bayern's starter against Atalanta on Wednesday after he was also the backup for Ulreich on Saturday.
Among the other goalkeepers under contract to Bayern, reserve-team goalkeeper Leon Klanac has been injured since December and Daniel Peretz is on loan at Southampton.
One other option besides Prescott might be the 19-year-old Jannis Bärtl, who has played reserve games since Klanac's injury and was on the bench for two Bundesliga games this season.
WEST PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 03: Cristian Javier #53 of the Houston Astros pitches during the game between the Team Venezuela and the Houston Astros at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Lawrence Brown/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Houston Astros (8-10-3) host the Miami Marlins (8-10-2) in Grapefruit League play.
RHP Cristian Javier is set to make his second start of the Grapefruit League. RHP Eury Perez will be on the mound for the Marlins.
TODAY’S STARTER: RHP Cristian Javier is making his second start of the Grapefruit League this season. In his only outing in the Grapefruit League on March 9 vs. STL, he allowed one earned run on one hit and three walks with three strikeouts in 1.2 innings.
In his return from Tommy John surgery in 2025, Javier made eight starts, going 2-4 with a 4.62 ERA (19ER/37IP), 34 strikeouts and a .230 opponent average. In his career, Javier has held opponents to a .203 (397×1956) batting average. Among AL pitchers to toss 525.0-plus innings between the 202025 seasons, Javier ranks first in the AL in that category.
He’s also helped author several notable moments in his career, starting a combined no-hitter in Game 4 of the 2022 World Series, as well as a combined no-hitter in June of that season at Yankee Stadium.
TODAY’S POTENTIAL RELIEVERS: RHP Bryan Abreu, RHP AJ Blubaugh, LHP Bryan King, LHP Steven Okert and RHP Christian Roa
TODAY’S ROSTER MOVES: The Astros have reassigned LHP Tom Cosgrove and RHP Amos Willingham to minor league camp.
LINEUP NOTES: Astros top prospect Kevin Alvarez will play LF and bat fifth. Alvarez, 18, played last season for DSL Astros Blue in his first year of professional baseball. He slashed .301/.419/.455 with 12 doubles, 3 triples and 2 homes in 156 AB. He also walked more than he struck out (23/19) and stole 11 bases.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Sunday, March 15, 12:05 p.m. CST
Location: CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches – W. Palm Beach, Florida
Are the Oklahoma City Thunder hot or not? With seven straight wins, OKC has its longest win streak since winning 16 in a row during its 24-1 start to the season. However, the Thunder have failed to cover in all seven games.
That changes today. Minnesota is finishing a road trip and may be without MVP candidate Anthony Edwards, who's dealing with a bad knee. My Timberwolves vs. Thunder predictions and NBA picks see the Thunder getting a cover as they win again.
Timberwolves vs Thunder prediction
Timberwolves vs Thunder best bet: Thunder -7.5 (-105)
The Minnesota Timberwolves snapped a three-game losing streak — both straight up and ATS — with a win at Golden State. However,they've failed to cover in the game following a victory 60% of the time this season.
Minnesota has been this large an underdog just one other time this season, and that was also against the Oklahoma City Thunder. They've covered in all three games against the Thunder this year, but the teams haven’t played in a month and a half.
Since then, Minnesota has gone 6-12 ATS. OKC had been 8-3 ATS since that game before the current, puzzling 7-game streak.
Timberwolves vs Thunder same-game parlay
OKC plays at the No. 18 pace in the league. Minnesota is at No. 10. Lately, both teams seem to have slowed things down. OKC has gone Under five of the last six games, including two games with cutoffs below 220. Minnesota has gone Under in six of the last eight, including two with a points cutoff lower than today’s.
Ajay Mitchell faces the prospect of having to defend against a Minnesota team that's either missing Anthony Edwards or he’ll be guarding a hobbled Edwards. That should free him up to spend more energy on the other end of the floor, where he’s scored at least 15 in four of the last five.
Timberwolves vs Thunder SGP
Thunder -7.5
Under 226.5
Ajay Mitchell Over 13.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Ajay Against Ayo!
Edwards is a game-time decision. If he doesn’t play, Ayo Dosunmu will likely see an increase in shots. Even if Edwards plays, Dosunmu has scored in double digits in four of the last five and remains a good pick to go Over.
OKC center Isaiah Hartenstein is day-to-day with a calf injury. That means Chet Holmgren will need to handle more of the work in the paint. He’s pulled down 58 rebounds in the last five games, so getting 9+ against a Minnesota team that ranks No. 19 in the league in offensive rebounding seems likely.
Timberwolves vs Thunder SGP
Under 226.5
Ajay Mitchell Over 13.5 points
Ayo Dosunmu Over 10.5 points
Chet Holmgren Over 8.5 rebounds
Timberwolves vs Thunder odds
Spread: Timberwolves +8.5 | Thunder -8.5
Moneyline: Timberwolves +275 | Thunder -320
Over/Under: Over 225.5 | Under 225.5
Timberwolves vs Thunder betting trend to know
The Thunder have gone Under their team total in 13 of their 17 home games. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Thunder.
How to watch Timberwolves vs Thunder
Location
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Date
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Tip-off
1:00 p.m. ET
TV
ABC
Timberwolves vs Thunder latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
After dropping two points against the San Jose Sharks at the Bell Centre on Saturday night, the Montreal Canadiens will have to bounce right back to take on the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday night. The Habs lost their first meeting against Anaheim last week in a lengthy shootout session with Samuel Montembeault in what would be his last start before the decision was made to call up Jacob Fowler.
The good news for the Canadiens is that the Ducks will be without their captain, Radko Gudas, who is serving a five-game suspension for ending Toronto Maple Leafs’ captain Auston Matthews’ season. No, that Gudas has that much of an impact, but he plays carelessly, and the last thing Montreal needs would be an injury to a key player.
Neither team has confirmed who will be their starter today, but given the fact that both teams played yesterday, we should see a Jacob Fowler vs. Lukas Dostal matchup. The Ducks were shut out 2-0 by the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night with Ville Husso in the net.
Fowler has never played the Ducks, but he has a 5-4-2 record this season, including a shutout with a 2.56 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage. Meanwhile, Dobes has never faced them, but he is 21-7-4 with a 2.97 GAA and a .891 SV% on the season. He should be the one who backs up Fowler tonight, even though that hasn’t been confirmed yet, and there will be no media availability before the game.
As for the Ducks, Dostal has a 3-1-1 record with a 3.11 GAA and a .882 SV in five career games against the Canadiens, while Husso is 4-0-2 with a 1.95 GAA and a .929 SV and two shutouts.
Up front, we know that Brendan Gallagher will be back in the lineup tonight. Martin St-Louis was clear about that on Saturday morning, but we’ll have to wait until game time to know who will make way. Zachary Bolduc or Alexandre Texier could be possibilities. The alternate captain is the Canadiens’ point leader against Anaheim with 12 points in 16 games, followed by Phillip Danault with 11 points in 26 games, and Nick Suzuki wraps up the top three with nine points in just 10 games. It’s also worth mentioning that Lane Hutson has four points in three games against Anaheim, while Zachary Bolduc has six points in as many nights, and Cole Caufield has six points in seven tilts.
As for the Ducks, new acquisition John Carlson has 28 points in 46 games, but he has yet to play for his new team since he was traded and is currently listed as day-to-day. Chris Kreider comes in second place with 22 points in 33 games, including four in last week’s game. Veterans Alex Killorn and Mikael Granlund both have 21 points, the former in 43 games and the latter in just 20 games. As for Troy Terry, who’s currently listed as day-to-day, he only has 10 points, but he got them in just nine games.
Since beating the Habs last week, the Ducks have lost three of their last four games and have a 6-4-0 record in their last 10 games. They are involved in a three-way battle with the Vegas Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers for the Pacific Division lead and sit in second place, a single point behind the Knights, making tonight’s game all the more important for them. Meanwhile, the Canadiens are 5-2-3 in their last 10 games and now only have a two-point lead on the Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings, who occupy the two wild-card spots. The Habs have games in hand on both teams, but they still need the win, ideally in regulation. Should they end the season tied in points, the number of regulation wins is a tie-breaker, and Montreal only has 25 of them, just like Detroit, while the Bruins have 27. The Ducks have won six of the last 10 duels between the two teams.
The game is set for 7:00 PM, and you can catch it on RDS, TSN2, KCOP-13, and Victory+. Frederick L'Ecuyer and Francis Charron are set to officiate, while Julien Fournier and Jesse Marquis will serve as the linemen. After seeing Macklin Celbrini, the Bell Centre crowd will get to see Beckett Sennecke in action. The youngster is second in points amongst rookies with 51, just one behind Ivan Demidov, who has 52. Rookie blueliner Matthew Schaefer is catching up on both of them; however, he now has 48 points.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 8: Taijuan Walker #99 of Mexico throws a pitch during a World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Brazil and Mexico at Daikin Park on March 8, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Braves will visit BayCare Ballpark on Sunday afternoon for some Grapefruit League action.
Taijuan Walker will be the first pitcher for the Phillies, fresh off his stint with the Mexican team in the WBC.
Game time is 1:05 and will be televised locally on NBCSP.
Build Your Winning Bracket!
SB Nation’s CBB expert Mike Rutherford and resident bracketologist Chris Dobbertean will answer all your questions this week and help guide you to bracket glory! Drop in SB Nation’s March Madness Feed all week long and we’ll have both on hand! (All times ET)
SIOUX FALLS, SD - FEBRUARY 6: Max Shulga #44 of the Maine Celtics dribbles the ball during the game against the Sioux Falls Skyforce on February 6, 2026 at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Dave Eggen/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Shortly after the Boston Celtics took care of the Washington Wizards in a 111-100 victory, Shams Charania of ESPN announced that Boston will be signing Max Shulga to a standard two-year contract. Shulga was previously on a two-way contract that he signed with the Celtics after they selected him 57th overall in the 2025 Draft (via the Orlando Magic).
Max is a 24-year-old 6’4 wing out of VCU, with an excellent three-point shot. He has only appeared in four games for Boston this year, most recently seeing just one minute of court time against the Wizards mere hours before inking his new deal. In fact, he’s only played six total minutes with Boston, and has just one shot attempt, which he missed.
Shulga has spent most of his time with Boston’s G-League counterpart up in Maine where he has been very productive. In 34.5 minutes per game, Max has averaged 16.2 points, 7.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks, all while shooting 43.8% from the floor and 39.6% from beyond the arc on 6.5 three-point attempts per game.
He’s scored as much as 35 points in a game (13-19 on field goals, 6-11 from three), and has career-highs of 9 rebounds, 14 assists, 5 steals, and 3 blocks. He has clearly shown his skill as a shooter, which Boston will surely look to utilize in the future, but his passing game will be an underrated addition.
Along with Shulga’s standard deal, the Celtics also announced that they will be signing Charles Bassey to a 10-day contract earlier today.
By making both of these signings, Boston gets back in roster compliance before tomorrow’s deadline by having 14 players on standard deals, the league minimum. Since Shulga was drafted by Boston, his pro-rated contract ends up being even cheaper than if the Celtics were to sign a veteran to a standard minimum contract. This helps them stay under the luxury tax, and opens the door for them to reset their repeater bill next year if they see a path to doing so while remaining competitive.
For those wondering, this does not prevent the Celtics from converting Ron Harper Jr. to a standard contract before the end of the year. They will likely do that on the final day of the regular season to keep the cap hit to a minimum, while ensuring that he is eligible for the playoffs. Shulga’s signing also opens up a two-way spot for the team, which they will likely fill in the coming days.
NYON, Switzerland (AP) — UEFA said Sunday that the game between Argentina and Spain known as Finalissima that was supposed to be held in Qatar has been canceled after the widening Middle East war.
The game between South American champion Argentina and European champion Spain was scheduled to be held in Doha on March 27. It was going to be a marquee matchup between the teams led by Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal before this summer’s World Cup in North America.
But the security of the game was put into serious doubt when Iran intensified its attacks on neighboring countries in retaliation to the aerial attacks by United States and Israel that are now in their third week.
“After much discussion between UEFA and the organizing authorities in Qatar, it is announced today that due to the current political situation in the region, the Finalissima between UEFA EURO 2024 winners Spain and CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 champions Argentina cannot be played as hoped in Qatar on 27 March,” UEFA said in a statement.
Argentina and Spain were to play at Lusail Stadium, which staged the epic 2022 World Cup final. Argentina won a penalty shootout against France after Messi scored twice and Kylian Mbappé got a hat trick in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Other venues had reportedly been considered as alternatives to Doha, including Spain's capital. UEFA, however, said all other feasible alternatives it explored “ultimately proved unacceptable to the Argentinian Football Association.”
“The first option was to stage the match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on the original date with a 50:50 split of supporters in the stadium,” UEFA said. “This would have provided a world-class setting, befitting of such a prestigious event, but Argentina refused."
The option of staging the event over two legs — one in Madrid on March 27, the other in Buenos Aires before the Euros and Copa America in 2028 — was also rejected. Argentina had proposed to play the match later this year after the World Cup but Spain had no available dates.
South American soccer body Conmebol said in a statement on Sunday that Argentina’s soccer federation (AFA) received an offer from UEFA to play the match in Italy on March 27, but the defending World Cup and Copa America champions countered that the game take place on March 31.
“Regrettably, UEFA said the match taking place on the 31st – only four days after their original offer – was not possible, and so the Finalissima was cancelled,” the South American confederation said. “CONMEBOL and AFA regret deeply that, despite all the efforts and the manifested interest in playing the match in a neutral ground since the first moment, it was not possible.”
Argentina won the inaugural edition of the Finalissima in 2022 with a 3-0 victory over Italy at Wembley Stadium in London.
The violence in the Middle East, where Iran is hitting the Gulf Arab states with drone and missile attacks, has stranded travelers, upset economic markets and sent oil prices soaring.
It has also impacted the world of international sport beyond the Finalissima. Formula 1’s races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia scheduled for April have been called off due to the war, while President Donald Trump has suggested that Iran not participate in this summer's World Cup that is co-hosted by the U.S.
Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor at spring training last month after undergoing left hand surgery.
PORT ST. LUCIE — The final piece of the Mets lineup is healthy enough to play.
Francisco Lindor was penciled into the team’s lineup for Sunday’s game against the Blue Jays at Clover Park, giving the All-Star shortstop his first Grapefruit League start of the season.
Lindor has spent the last month rehabbing from left hamate bone surgery and had just progressed to batting against live pitching in recent days.
Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor at spring training last month after undergoing left hand surgery. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
“He went through his progression and we’re getting to a point now where it’s time for him to start playing with us,” manager Carlos Mendoza said.
Sunday’s plan was for Lindor to play four innings and receive two at-bats. He will likely have Monday off and then resume Grapefruit League action on Tuesday. The Mets have spring training games running through next weekend, ahead of the March 26 opener against the Pirates at Citi Field.
Mendoza said in the aftermath of the surgery there wasn’t a firm timetable for Lindor to begin playing games.
“But we saw he was progressing, not only defensively but offensively, with the way he was swinging the bat in the cages, transitioning to the field, getting live at-bats,” Mendoza said.
Lindor became the second starting position player to begin exhibition games this week: Luis Robert Jr. debuted in the Grapefruit League on Thursday after the Mets slow played his spring to ensure his legs were strengthened.
There are all kinds of 2026 baseball season predictions out and about, from those determined by complex computer algorithms, or made by the bookies whose money is on the line, or tossed out by fans of one team or another.
However, the one you are about to read has much more expertise applied than any of those others. Not only does it go point-by-point, but, in keeping with what math teachers always want we show our work.
Trust me on this.
THE PREMISE We will begin where we left off in 2025, with 60 wins. Depending on how you wish to look at it, that was either a wonderful 19 more victories than in 2024, or a not-so-hot one victory fewer than the dismal 2023 season. Either way, it’s the point from which we apply precise mathematical analysis, sector by sector.
AS THINGS STAND
Catchers Catching was obviously a bright spot last season, with Kyle Teel, Edgar Quero and Korey Lee combining for 3.4 bWAR. There’s no particular reason their hitting will be much different this year, Quero’s hot spring and Teel’s cold one and hamstring strain notwithstanding. They are all young guys, thrust up to the majors too quickly on the defensive side, so there’s room for improvement there.
Add one win for improved D. Now we’re at 61 wins.
Infield Here’s where there’s a big position jump upward, with the addition of Munetaka Murakami at first. The professional prognosticators aren’t as crazy about the Japanese batting champion as you might think, hovering around the 2.0 WAR mark. But we’re fans, so we’ll say he earns a three-spot.
Second and third are apt to be the same meh mish-mash as 2025, so call that even. But Colson Montgomery will be around the whole season, barring injury, and he rated 3.3 bWAR in just 71 games last year. From a fan perspective, it’s tempting to think pitchers will learn nothing about him and double that, but the computers are apt to be more realistic and they all see him not even matching the 3.3. Using brilliant math analysis (and a tad bit of fandom), we split the difference and give him one added win.
That’s old-fashioned golf pants (plus-fours, get it?), so we’re at 65 wins.
Outfieldand DH Aye, here’s the rub.
Andrew Benintendi will be a year older and quite possibly even worse, but we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and say he holds his own.
In center, Luis Robert Jr. is gone. He may have had two bad years in 2024 and 2025, but he was still better than whatever ends up taking his place. Minus one win.
In right, the brilliant minds of White Soxdom decided not to keep Mike Tauchman (1.9 bWAR), replacing him with Austin Hays (0.8 in about the same playing time). The algorithms don’t like Hays any better for 2026. Minus another one.
As for DH — same bunch as last year.
We now stand at 63 wins.
Pitching The relief pitching should have a major upgrade in Seranthony Domínguez, who is apparently destined to be the closer even though he seems to have bought completely into the myth of Magical Mystical Final Out Syndrome and has a career ninth-inning ERA a full run more than the seventh or eighth, and an absolutely massive difference last year of 2.00 in the seventh, 2.18 in the eighth, and 5.00 in the ninth. He also hasn’t had a bWAR better than 0.5 since 2022. But he has a nifty first name and the one-run-game record last year was abysmal, so we add two wins with him.
By far the best reliever last year was Mike Vasil (2.9 bWAR) and if he moves to the starting rotation or is lost for the season after his injury on March 14 that will be lost, but we can hope that doesn’t happen. Otherwise, bullpen types will go up or down as they are wont to do, so it’s a wash — except 2025’s second-best reliever, Steven Wilson (1.2 WAR) is gone, so we take away one win.
As for the rotation,, by far the best starter last year was Adrian Houser (3.0 WAR), who is gone, as is Martín Pérez (1.2 WAR, despite missing most of the season). Theoretically, the slack will be picked up by Anthony Kay, (who the Sox brain trust figures will be the 2026 version of 2024 Erick Fedde, back from Asia new and improved despite a dismal MLB career), and, well, Erick Fedde again. The pros see little benefit in either. Subtract two wins.
That’s a total of minus one, so we’re at 62 wins.
AS THINGS MAY BECOME It’s highly likely that some combination of Braden Montgomery, Noah Schultz, Hagen Smith, Tanner McDougal, Sam Antonacci and others will be brought up to the majors during the season. If Montgomery is anything close to what he’s shown so far, he’ll be a big improvement in the outfield. Even if the pitchers have rookie struggles, they’ll improve the starting rotation. Antonacci should be a step up from whatever infielder gets injured or doesn’t perform.
Here we go big and add three wins due to the prospects trickling up to the South Side.
However, on the flip side, if Kay, Fedde, Hays (or even Murakami?) are any good, they’ll be gone by the trade deadline, because they aren’t contracted long enough to be around when the White Sox are actually competitive: one year for Fedde and Hays (who is theoretically just holding a spot for Braden), two for the others. Subtract two wins (more if Murakami goes, but we have to hope that doesn’t happen).
Now we’re at 63 wins.
NON-PLAYERS As Will Venable didn’t seem to have any of those “what the hell is he thinking” moments of his two predecessors and doesn’t have the morale-crushing stupidity of Pedro Grifol or arrogance of Tony La Russa, having a year of experience is bound to make him better. Add three wins.
Going the other way, the inexplicable decision to let pitching coach Ethan Katz go when he did such a fine job with so many young pitchers, converting two Rule 5 draft pickups and a waiver signing into good-to-excellent performers and keeping Fedde solid for the only stretch of his MLB career is going to hurt. Having a replacement who is just part of the pathetic KC-to-Chicago pipeline (the theory “we small-market teams have to stick together” in practice) makes matters worse — yes, Zach Bove joined the Royals in 2023 and their pitching improved during his tenure, but that had far less to do with coaching than with acquiring Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans and Michael Lorenzen. Subtract three wins.
We stay at 63 wins.
A LITTLE HELP FROM OTHERS The attempt by some other members of the AL Central to bring the division back to its traditional position as the laughingstock of baseball is apt to be helpful. Particular thanks should go to the Guardians and Twins, who decided not to try any more.
It’s too bad you don’t get 76 games within your division these days, but you do still get 52. Last year the Sox were 18-34 within the division, a 56-win season pace that was even worse than reality. That’s not going to happen again.
Versus Detroit, the Sox went 5-8, so look for no improvement there unless the Tigers again tend to hold back their best pitchers to face better opponents. In fact, that record may end up a game worse. Minnesota will be giving the White Sox a good crack at fourth place in 2026, but the Sox went 8-5 against the Twins last year, so that may happen again.
Chicago went 3-10 against Kansas City, and an improvement of two games seems reasonable. And the 2-11 recorded versus the Guardians is bound to improve another three games.
That would take us to 67 wins, but the rest of the majors are bound to improve a little given the failure to do so by Cleveland and Minnesota, so subtract a win there.
WHICH MEANS … The White Sox will end the 2026 season with a 66-96 record.
That’s smack dab in the middle of what the bookies say. They must use my system.
The Montreal Canadiens are right back in action tonight against another California-based team as they welcome the Anaheim Ducks to the Bell Centre.
Both clubs have struggled to put the puck in the net over the past week, and I’m predicting a low-scoring affair in my Ducks vs. Canadiens predictions and NHL picks for Sunday, March 15.
Ducks vs Canadiens prediction
Ducks vs Canadiens best bet: Under 6.5 (+110)
The Montreal Canadiens have boasted one of the NHL’s strongest offenses this season, ranking second in goals per game (3.51), while the Anaheim Ducks have also had a respectable attack.
However, both clubs have struggled to put up much offense this week. Montreal is averaging just 2.67 gpg over its last three outings, while Anaheim has scored 2.00 gpg over its last four.
The Habs have cashed the Under in three straight, while the Ducks have done so in three of their last four.
Both teams will also have tired legs in the second half of a back-to-back.
Ducks vs Canadiens same-game parlay
The Canadiens have been hot at home, winning 10 of their last 14 games at Bell Centre, while the Ducks have struggled on the road with just one victory in their last five as the visitors.
This marks the fourth road game for Anaheim, so the tank is running on fumes.
The Under is 4-2 in the last six meetings. Find more NHL betting trends for Ducks vs. Canadiens.
How to watch Ducks vs Canadiens
Location
Bell Centre, Montreal, QC
Date
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Puck drop
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
KCOP-13, TSN2
Ducks vs Canadiens latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Once again, the Western Conference race to the postseason is going to be a tight one, and the Kings are in the thick of it.
Entering just near the end of the regular season with a few weeks left, little separates seeds three through six, meaning nearly anything is possible for the Kings. By the start of the playoffs, the Kings will either be home for the entire summer or could be staring at a potential playoff berth.
Now, after suffering a disappointing loss yesterday to the New Jersey Devils, the Kings fell from the fourth seed in the Pacific Division to the sixth seed just like that, with a loss.
The difference in their standings could be the smallest of tiebreakers.
With head-to-head being the first decider, let’s take a look at the tiebreaker situation between the Kings and all teams they are currently competing with for a playoff spot.
Seattle Kraken
With only one game remaining between the two, the Kraken already own the tiebreaker over the Kings as they've won all three meetings this season.
The Kings and Kraken will play one more game this season on April 13, but it won't mean much for Los Angeles, which has already lost the tiebreaker.
Both teams are currently tied for the fifth seed in their division with 69 points, so that could later come back to haunt the Kings for not playing well against Seattle this season.
The Sharks are another team that owns the tiebreaker over the Kings. San Jose completed the season series sweep, winning all three contests very early in the season.
San Jose, like Seattle, is neck and neck with the Kings, so both teams could end up spoiling LA's playoff chances by owning the tiebreaker.
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings have split their first two meeting this season, with the Oilers dominating the road game in Crypto.com Arena, winning 8-1. The Kings won the first meeting back in January and will meet one more time on April 11 for a chance to gain the advantage over their Western Conference foe.
The Oilers have been struggling as of late, currently on a two-game losing streak and having lost four of their last seven games, leaving them just four points ahead of the Kings. That deciding game in the last week of the season could be a critical one.
Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim, currently the second seed in the Pacific Division, just one point behind the Vegas Golden Knights for the top spot, won the season series 3-1 against Los Angeles. The Ducks are only six points ahead of the six-seed Kings, so it's possible for Los Angeles to climb up, but considering the lead and tiebreaker that the Ducks have on the Kings, it's only likely if the Ducks continue losing. But that remains unlikely, with Anaheim having one of the easiest remaining schedules.
Utah Mammoth
Utah is the only top team in the Western Conference against whom the Kings have a good position right now, leading the tiebreaker 1-0, with their last matchup coming in December. The Mammoth, who are in the Central Division, are in a good position with 74 points, but have lost four straight games, and LA can overtake them with just five points separating them.
The pair of teams will split two games at the end of March in Utah and Los Angeles, rounding out their final two games of the season. The Kings will just need to win one of two contests to own the tiebreaker.
Nashville Predators
Nashville, in the hunt for a playoff spot, is two points behind the Kings and three points behind the Sharks for the final playoff spot. The Predators won the first matchup very early in the season back in October in a shootout, and Nashville will fly to LA for a pair of games in April.
Nashville is still very much alive in the playoff hunt, with the seedings changing every day in the Western Conference. Those two games at Crypto.com Arena will be critical for the Kings, needing to win both contests to own the tiebreaker.
Overall, LA is in some tough spots, having already lost the tiebreaker to Seattle, San Jose, and Anaheim. Also, have tough games coming up where they will need to capitalize against Utah, Nashville, and Edmonton to take sole possession of the tiebreaker.
In short, they're playing with desperation every night. This late into the season, that’s giving them something to use in their games if they want to make a run at the playoffs and control their own destiny.
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.
Warriors
Knicks
