A phone call before Christmas “sparked something” in Australia’s newest captain.
Patrick Kane becomes top US-born scorer, breaking Mike Modano's record
Detroit Red Wings star Patrick Kane passed Hockey Hall of Famer Mike Modano to become the top U.S.-born scorer in NHL history.
Kane, 37, had an assist in the second period on Thursday, Jan. 29 against the Washington Capitals to give him 1,375 points, one more than Modano, the former Minnesota North Stars/Dallas Stars standout who finished his career in Detroit.
It was the second milestone that Kane reached this month. He scored his 500th goal on Jan. 8, becoming the fifth U.S.-born player and 50th overall to hit that mark.
He drew the second assist on a goal by Ben Chiarot to break the points record Thursday. Teammates poured onto the ice to congratulate him.
Kane, who was born in Buffalo, New York, has 500 goals and 875 assists with the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers and Red Wings.
THIS ONE COUNTS ✅
— NHL (@NHL) January 30, 2026
PATRICK KANE HAS PASSED MIKE MODANO FOR MOST POINTS BY AN AMERICAN-BORN PLAYER! pic.twitter.com/UAeTo6lLUg
Kane needs two attempts to break record
Kane looked like he might have the record early in the first period when he set up an Alex DeBrincat power play goal, but the play was ruled offsides after a Capitals challenge.
Of all things, just as Patrick Kane is celebrated for setting up DeBrincat and reaching 1,375 points, video review shows it was offside. pic.twitter.com/HzBmm5naqP
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) January 30, 2026
It was the second time in three games in which he lost a point. He was originally awarded an assist on a goal against the Winnipeg Jets on Jan. 24, but it was later taken away. He had an assist late in that game to move within one point of Modano and then tied the record on Jan. 27 with an assist against the Los Angeles Kings.
Patrick Kane vs. Mike Modano
Modano, who was born in Michigan, played 1,499 games. Kane has played 1,343. Modano had been the U.S. leader for 18-plus years, passing Phil Housley in November 2007 shortly after Kane's NHL debut.
Modano (1988) and Kane (2007) are former No. 1 overall picks. Modano won a Stanley Cup with the Stars in 1999 and Kane won with the Blackhawks in 2010, 2013 and 2015. He won a scoring title with 106 points in 2015-16, the only American to do so, and also took home the Hart Trophy that season, ending a 91-year drought for U.S.-born players. His career best was 110 points in 2018-19.
Kane had a brief stint with the Rangers after a 2023 trade, then had hip surgery in the offseason. He signed with the Red Wings in November 2023 after recovering and has been in Detroit since.
Modano was not in the building but the Red Wings played a video message in which he praised Kane's skill level and the influence he has had on young American players.
"They all wanted to be Patrick Kane growing up," Modano said.
Mike Modano with a message to Patrick Kane after he broke his all-time scoring record among U.S.-born players 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/vltRjnvL27
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 30, 2026
Modano's U.S. record of 561 goals (Brett Hull, who played internationally for the USA, was born in Canada) might hold up as the standard for a while. Kane is the next-closest active player at 500. Between him and Modano are Joe Mullen (502), Jeremy Roenick (513) and Keith Tkachuk (538).
Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthew is the next active U.S.-born player at 427 goals and 772 points. He's averaging 1.14 points per game to Kane's 1.03.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Patrick Kane breaks Mike Modano record, becomes top US-born scorer
Patrick Kane Becomes Highest-Scoring U.S.-Born Player In NHL History
Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane continues to set records in his illustrious career, and now, he's officially the highest-scoring U.S.-born player of all time.
With an assist on Ben Chiarot's second-period goal on Thursday evening against the Washington Capitals, Kane picked up the 1,375th point of his career, passing Mike Modano for the major milestone.
HISTORY IN DETROIT 🚨
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) January 30, 2026
Patrick Kane passes Mike Modano for the most points EVER by a US-born player in NHL history (1,375)
pic.twitter.com/NoaJTazz9c
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Cavs at Suns: How to watch, odds, and injury report
The Cleveland Cavaliers are playing some of their best basketball of the season. That will be put to the test on Friday as they embark on a five-game Western Conference road trip that starts Friday when they take on the Phoenix Suns.
The Suns have been a pleasant surprise this season. They’ve exceeded expectations and are heading in the right direction under the leadership of former Cavs assistant Jordan Ott. They are, however, expected to be without the services of Devin Booker. He’s dealing with an ankle injury. And, they’ll also be playing the second end of a back-to-back as they take on the Detroit Pistons on Thursday.
The Cavs will also be without two starters, with Darius Garland and Evan Mobley unavailable. We’ll see if they can keep the momentum going from their impressive performance on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Lakers.
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Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (29-20) at Phoenix Suns (28-19)
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center – Phoenix, AZ
When: Fri., Jan. 30 at 9 PM
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, FanDuel Sports Network App, NBA League Pass
Point spread: Not yet set
Cavs injury report: Evan Mobley – OUT (calf), Darius Garland – OUT (toe), Max Strus – OUT (foot), Tristan Enaruna – OUT (G League), Luke Travers – OUT (G League)
Suns injury report for Thursday’s game against Detroit: Devin Booker – OUT (ankle), Collin Gillespie – QUESTIONABLE (hand), Jalen Green – QUESTIONABLE (hamstring)
Cavs expectedstarting lineup: Donovan Mitchell, Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, Dean Wade, Jarrett Allen
Suns expected starting lineup: Jordan Goodwin, Grayson Allen, Dillon Brooks, Royce O’Neale, Mark Williams
Previous matchup: The Cavs won the first meeting of the season 129-113.
Here’s a look at both teams’ impact stats via Cleaning the Glass.
| Offensive Rating | Defensive Rating | Net Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cavs | 117.5 (9th) | 114.1 (11th) | +3.5 (9th) |
| Suns | 115.8 (15th) | 113.1 (7th) | +2.7 (11th) |
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Cody scores 16 for No. 24 Alabama women over No. 23 Georgia
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Essence Cody scored 16 points and Ta'Mia Scott added 13 for No. 24 Alabama in a 68-53 win over No. 23 Georgia on Thursday night.
Cody, who put up 10 points in the first half, shot 6 for 7 from the field and a perfect 4 for 4 from the free throw line. Karly Weathers scored 11 points, eight rebounds and two steals and blocks each. Jessica Timmons added 10 points and eight rebounds for Alabama (19-3, 5-3 Southeastern Conference).
Mia Woolfolk scored 13 points for the Bulldogs (18-4, 4-4) before fouling out. Rylie Theuerkauf added 11. Dani Carnegie, who leads Georgia in scoring with a 19.2 points per game, was held to only six points.
The Crimson Tide led 31-28 heading into halftime and built its lead over the second half. A 12-2 run in the fourth quarter that lasted more than five minutes helped Alabama pull ahead by double digits. The Bulldogs didn't score for the final 6:11, going 0 for 11 from the field.
Alabama now has a five-game winning streak over Georgia, the longest in program history.
Up nextAlabama: Visits No. 6 LSU on Feb. 1.
Georgia: Hosts No. 15 Tennessee on Feb. 5.
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Islanders Rookie Matthew Schaefer Passes Bobby Orr For Second-Most Goals By An 18-Year-Old Defenseman In NHL History After Scoring vs. Rangers
NEW YORK, NY -- New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer found himself back in the record book on Thursday night against the New York Rangers.
At 18:53 of the second period, Schaefer wired a wrister over the right pad of a screened Jonathan Quick to give the Islanders a 2-0:
First goal against #NYR for Schaefer #Islespic.twitter.com/cPUaXQi3gT
— The Elmonters (@TheElmonters) January 30, 2026
With that goal, Schaefer passed hockey legend Bobby Orr for the second-most goals by an 18-year-old defenseman in franchise history.
He is now three goals shy of tying Phil Housley's record of 17 for the most ever by an 18-year-old defenseman.
Schaefer now has 36 points (14 goals, 22 assists) in 54 games played this season.
Richardson scores 21 as Mississippi State upsets No. 15 Tennessee women in 77-62 win
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Kharyssa Richardson scored 21 points and Mississippi State downed No. 15 Tennessee 77-62 on Thursday night.
Richardson was 9 of 11 from the floor and scored 16 in the second half. Trayanna Crisp added 15 points to go with five rebounds and three steals. Madison Francis added 12 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks, while Favour Nwaedozi notched 11 points, 14 rebounds and two steals.
It's the second win of the season for the Bulldogs (16-6, 3-5 SEC) against a ranked opponent. The Volunteers won the earlier meeting between these sides 90-80 on Jan. 8.
It's the first home loss and conference loss for the Vols (14-4, 6-1 SEC) after entering on a seven-game winning streak and the last remaining team undefeated in SEC play. Their previously slated game on Monday — a contest with No. 17 Ole Miss — was postponed due to weather.
With 2:31 left in the first half, the game was knotted at 26 points apiece. The Bulldogs closed on a 9-0 run with a pair of 3-pointers from Crisp, and continued with an 11-3 run at the start of the second half to build a 14-point lead at the 5:53 mark of the third quarter. The Bulldogs' lead grew to as much as 20, and never dropped below double digits from that point on.
Talaysia Cooper led with 19 points for the Vols. Mia Pauldo had 13 and four steals, and Janiah Barker added 10 and six rebounds.
The Bulldogs, who entered 12th in the country with 43.9 rebounds per game, dominated the glass with a 50-31 rebounding advantage against a Tennessee team that entered 19th in the nation in rebounds per game (42.7). They outscored the Vols 35-11 on the fast break.
Up nextMississippi State will host Missouri on Sunday.
Tennessee's next game is Sunday, on the road against the No. 1 Connecticut Huskies.
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Red Wings' Patrick Kane becomes highest-scoring US-born player in NHL history
DETROIT (AP) — Red Wings' Patrick Kane becomes highest-scoring US-born player in NHL history.
Former Yankee Anthony Rizzo set to join NBC’s MLB coverage as an analyst
Former Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo is joining NBC as part of their MLB coverage team, according to multiple reports on Thursday.
The three-time All-Star will have a role on the network’s studio show as the lead MLB analyst during “Sunday Night Baseball” broadcasts, Opening Day, as well as some postseason games carried by NBC, Sports Business Journal reported.
Rizzo was mentioned in November as a target for media companies for the upcoming baseball season, according to Front Office Sports.
The former first baseman’s ability to navigate the tough New York media market during his tenure with the Yankees helped make him an attractive analyst option to network executives.
“Rizz played the New York media better than anybody — and that’s not easy,” a source told Front Office Sports. “He always had a smile on his face.”
Rizzo played 14 years in the major leagues, 10 with the Cubs and three and a half in the Big Apple. He finished his career with 303 home runs and 965 RBIs.
The well-liked Gold Glove winner is best remembered for being a member of the 2016 World Series-winning Cubs who helped break the infamous Curse of the Billy Goat that lasted 71 years.
News of Rizzo’s hiring comes shortly after Front Office Sports broke the news that Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw is also being added to the network’s MLB coverage.
NBC is also slated to bring in Bob Costas for hosting duties.
Hartenstein set to return for Thunder after missing 16 games because of strained calf
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein was set to return Thursday night against Minnesota after missing 16 games because of a strained right calf.
Hartenstein last played Dec. 28 in a victory over Philadelphia. The defending champion Thunder were 11-5 in his absence.
The return of the 7-foot Hartenstein gives Oklahoma City added size to pair with 7-foot-1 big man Chet Holmgren. Hartenstein leads the Thunder in rebounding at 10.4 per game and had an 11.2 scoring average.
“He’s an elite offensive rebounder, elite screener, great pocket passer, above the rim finisher on the rolls. He obviously brings a lot of stuff to the table for us and expands our optionality as a team,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “We welcome him back. We’re certainly thrilled to have him back.”
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA
What Should the Cardinals’ Opening Day Infield Be If Donovan Stays?
As of today, we’re almost exactly two weeks from the day when pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training. I would say there’s at least an even chance that Brendan Donovan will remain a St. Louis Cardinal once the season begins. If that’s the case, what do you think the St. Louis Cardinals opening day infield should be?
Until I have reason to believe otherwise, let’s assume for the sake of argument that Brendan Donovan remains a St. Louis Cardinal through Spring Training and remains untraded once the regular season starts. What should the team’s infield look like on opening day? There are some easy assumptions, but there are also some complicated questions, too. I’ll share what I think this might look like, but I’m more interested in what moves (or not) you would make. Here’s my St. Louis Cardinals starting infield against the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday, March 26:
1B – Alec Burleson
2B – JJ Wetherholt
SS – Masyn Winn
3B – Nolan Gorman
C – Ivan Herrera
If Brendan Donovan is still a part of the St. Louis Cardinals roster on that day, I start him in left field with Victor Scott II in center and Jordan Walker in right field. If Lars Nootbaar were healthy and ready for opening day, I’d start him in right and let Jordan start the season in AAA. I still think one more trip to Memphis would help Walker until he shows consistent plate discipline, but I’d be thrilled if I had to change my mind because he was so impressive in Spring Training.
For my opening day infield, I’ve made the assumption that JJ Wetherholt is ready for the show. If there’s an unforeseen hiccup with Wetherholt’s development, then Brendan is the obvious choice to be opening day starter at second base. I’m also frustrated that I don’t have a place for Thomas Saggese. I would like to see what Thomas would do if given the chance to be an everyday player. I’m fine with José Fermín being the off-the-bench utility man to fill in roster holes.
I need to add one additional thought. I am fine with Nolan Gorman being the DH instead of our third baseman. 20/20 hindsight being what it is, I prefer that to Nolan playing the field, but I think it’s important for him to have a consistent lineup presence one way or another so we can determine once and for all if he can become a successful major league player. Having Nolan at DH then brings the debate of who plays third. Do you then bring Brendan in at third and leave JJ at second or reverse the roles? I think that wherever you play JJ initially is where you need to leave him. I’m in agreement with many that he should not have to figure out multiple positions his rookie year.
I’m torn on how I feel about the St. Louis Cardinals possibly hanging on to Brendan Donovan. On one hand, we are no doubt a better team with him on our roster and in our lineup, but I also think his trade value will never be higher than it is right now. As I was trying to envision what the St. Louis Cardinals infield would look like, I understand why Chaim Bloom isn’t in a rush to trade him. Beyond opening day, Brendan is a great solution to take over third base if Nolan Gorman fails to solve his strikeout woes. He’s also insurance if JJ Wetherholt isn’t ready for the big league roster and the team needs Brendan at second base. His versatility also means he’s a backup if Masyn Winn were to be injured again. The Athletic’s Andrew Baggarly says the San Francisco Giants “remain engaged” with the St. Louis Cardinals on Brendan Donovan, so where he fits in the opening day lineup may become a non-issue soon, but we also have to anticipate that the Giants (or any other team) won’t meet the Cardinals demands.
If you were making the call, what do you think the St. Louis Cardinals opening day infield should look like? I look forward to see what you think the priorities should be and how you would fill in the missing pieces.
Olivia Miles has 20 points and 6 assists, No. 12 TCU women beat Kansas 79-77
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Olivia Miles had 20 points and six assists, Donovyn Hunter added 15 points, and No. 12 TCU never trailed Thursday night in a 79-77 win over Kansas.
TCU starters Clara Silva and Marta Suarez fouled out 32 seconds apart on back-to-back offensive fouls with a little more than five minutes to play and Miles fouled out in the closing seconds. Suarez had 13 points and eight rebounds and Silva added nine points for TCU (20-2, 8-1 Big 12).
Kansas, which went into the game shooting 36% (second in the Big 12) from 3-point range, made a season-low two 3s on 12 attempts.
Jaliya Davis, the four-time reigning Big 12 freshman of the week, had 29 points — her ninth 20-point performance in 12 games played this season — and nine rebounds for Kansas (13-9, 3-7). The 6-foot-3 Davis, who made 11 of 19 from the field and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line Thursday, is averaging 22.7 points since she returned from a lower-leg injury on New Year's Day in a 79-72 loss to West Virginia.
S’Mya Nichols added 24 points for the Jayhawks.
Kansas scored nine of the first 11 fourth-quarter points, seven by Davis, to trim its deficit to 67-65 with 3:58 remaining but Miles answered with a three-point play and Clara Bielefeld hit a 3-pointer that gave the Horned Frogs a six-point lead with 2:14 to go. Miles added a short pull-up jumper with 18 seconds left before Veronica Sheffey made a free throw that made it 78-74 with nine seconds left.
Up nextKansas: The Jayhawks host Colorado on Sunday.
TCU: The Horned Frogs play Sunday at No. 21 Texas Tech.
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Grace VanSlooten scores 17 and No. 13 Michigan State women beat Purdue 86-65
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Grace VanSlooten scored 17 points, Kennedy Blair had 15 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and five steals, and No. 13 Michigan State beat Purdue 86-65 on Thursday night.
Michigan State took control during a 12-0 run late in the first quarter to build a 27-12 lead. The Spartans also held Purdue to just eight points in the second quarter to extend their lead to 50-23 at the break. The Boilermakers were 2-of-16 shooting in the second quarter.
VanSlooten scored eight points in the third quarter and Michigan State's lead did not drop below 20 points in the second half.
It was the most points Michigan State has scored in a Big Ten game this season.
Inés Sotelo added 12 points and Jalyn Brown scored 11 for Michigan State (19-2, 8-2 Big Ten). Former Boilermaker Rashunda Jones struggled in her return to West Lafayette after playing two seasons for Purdue. Jones was held to five points on 2-of-12 shooting for the Spartans.
Avery Gordon made 9 of 11 shots for 20 points to lead Purdue (11-10, 3-7). Madison Layden-Zay scored 18 points and made six 3-pointers. Hila Karsh added 10 points.
Michigan State has won five of the last six overall meetings with Purdue, and five straight at Mackey Arena.
Up nextMichigan State: Returns home to play No. 9 Michigan on Sunday.
Purdue: Goes on the road to face Minnesota on Sunday.
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Penguins Recall Forward Prospect From AHL
Ahead of Thursday's matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks, the Pittsburgh Penguins needed to make a few roster moves.
With forward Bryan Rust set to begin serving his three-game suspension for a hit to the head of Brock Boeser Sunday against the Vancouver Canucks and defenseman Jack St. Ivany heading to injured reserve, the Penguins recalled forward prospect Rutger McGroarty from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS), Pittsburgh's AHL affiliate.
McGroarty, 21, had five assists in his four AHL games since being re-assigned to WBS from the Penguins on Jan. 18. Prior to his re-assignment, McGroarty had two goals and three points in 16 NHL games this season.
A 2022 first-round pick (14th overall) by the Winnipeg Jets, McGroarty has struggled to establish himself at the NHL level this season, and one of the central reasons has been injury. He had an upper-body ailment that caused him to miss all of training camp and the first month and a half of the regular season, and a concussion kept him out for a few games in January prior to his AHL re-assignment.
However, he has excelled at the AHL level this season, putting up four goals and nine points in 12 AHL games. There is a good chance that McGroarty will remain with the NHL club through the end of Rust's suspension, as he is eligible to return to the lineup on Feb. 2 against the Ottawa Senators.
McGroarty has three goals and six points in 24 career NHL games.
Penguins' Rust Suspended Three Games For Hit Against CanucksIt looks like the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> will be without one of their top forwards for an upcoming crucial stretch of games.
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The balancing act for Artemi Panarin as he weighs his trade destination
The clock is winding down on Artemi Panarin’s time with the Rangers, reaching an hour-by-hour countdown after the decision was made Wednesday to hold him out of the lineup until the Olympic break.
Panarin, who will finish his Blueshirts tenure as one of the greatest free agent signings of all time, appears to be using the leverage he has.
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SIGN UP NOWWith final say on his destination due to his full no-move clause, there is belief that Panarin would prefer a trade that includes an extension with the club he lands with.
What that extension could look like would presumably vary depending on the organization signing it.
Most of the top contending teams aren’t in a position to extend him now, which could force Panarin to weigh future security with his desire to go to a team that can help him hoist his first-ever Stanley Cup.
At 34, the star Russian wing is naturally looking for a deal with term. He is said to believe he can play for several more years.
Amid minimal signs of Panarin slowing down, however, there appear to be multiple interested parties.
Panarin has been linked to at least six teams at one point or another this season, including all three California clubs. Considering he is the top impending free agent available, the widespread inquiries from contenders and bubble teams alike don’t come as a shock.
The friendship between Panarin and Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is well documented, which likely puts Florida at the top of his list. A lot would have to happen on the Panthers’ end to make that work.
Even if the Rangers retained up to 50 percent of Panarin’s $11.64 million cap hit, salary would have to be moved or a third team would have to be brought in to make the numbers fit.
Running with the California theory, San Jose and Los Angeles are probably the most appealing options to both Panarin and the Rangers. The Sharks turned a corner this season behind a young and exciting core, and they are projected to have plenty of cap space next season to handle an addition like Panarin.
Both the Sharks and the Kings have their 2026 first-round pick to offer. The two teams are also neck-and-neck in the Western Conference wild-card race.
San Jose has some enticing prospects and young players who the Rangers could pursue, especially at center.
The Rangers are going to be even thinner down the middle than they were at the start of the season if president and general manager Chris Drury decides to move Vincent Trocheck.
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Targeting centermen should be a priority. The Sharks’ deep pool of options, such as Filip Bystedt (27th overall in 2022), Cole McKinney (53rd overall in 2025) and Braden Svoboda (71st overall in 2023), make them an enticing trade partner. Michael Misa (second overall in 2025) would be a top choice, but he is considered part of the core and is unlikely to be made available.
Left wing Igor Chernyshov, who the Sharks selected 33rd overall in 2024, is another notable option.
The Rangers are expected to follow the trade template that most high-scoring wingers have demanded as of late. Expecting a return that’s some combination of NHL-ready players, prospects and picks, Drury will also have to navigate which teams he’d have to retain salary on Panarin for.
Among teams that could fit his entire cap hit with minimal — or any — retention include the Ducks, the Hurricanes and the Red Wings.
Panarin could always go to a team as a rental and be the No. 1 available option on July 1. That might help the dynamic forward maximize his next deal.
Either way, Panarin’s days in Manhattan are numbered.
Teams looking to acquire Panarin presumably would want him to be on the ice, get settled and be ready to hit the ground running after the Olympic break.
All it comes down to is the right deal.