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Champions League: Mourinho’s Benfica swat aside Napoli while PSG draw blank

  • Ajax win 4-2 at Qarabag; Juventus edge out Pafos

  • Copenhagen stun Villarreal; Bodø/Glimt hold Dortmund

Benfica’s Richard Ríos scored one goal and set up another to seal a vital 2-0 victory against Napoli on Wednesday, boosting the Portuguese side’s hopes of reaching the Champions League knockout stage.

The result reignited Benfica’s European campaign, clinching a second consecutive win after a poor start and lifting them to six points and up to 25th place, just one point outside the playoff spots. Napoli slipped to 23rd on seven points.

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Canadiens Prospect Has Big Opportunity With Call-Up

The Montreal Canadiens called up multiple prospects from their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Laval Rocket, on Dec. 9.

Among the players who have been recalled to the Canadiens' roster is forward prospect Owen Beck. This comes with forward Jake Evans set to miss the Canadiens' Dec. 11 game against the Pittsburgh Penguins due to personal reasons. 

With this call-up, Beck now has a golden opportunity to try to prove to the Canadiens that he can be a legitimate option for their bottom six. There are spots to fight for right now in their lineup, and Beck will be looking to make a real case for himself to stick around. 

Beck is currently in the middle of a solid season down in the AHL with Laval. In 22 games so far this season with the AHL club, he has posted three goals, eight assists, and 11 points. This is after he recorded 15 goals, 29 assists, and 44 points in 64 games with Laval this past season. With this, the young forward has offensive upside. 

It is going to be very interesting to see how much of an impact Beck makes during his latest call-up to the Canadiens' roster. In 15 career NHL games over three seasons, he has recorded one assist, 10 blocks, and 23 hits. 

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Analysis: Could Dodgers' Edwin Díaz signing portend more big moves later this offseason?

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 14: Edwin Diaz #39 of the New York Mets delivers a pitch during the ninth inning in game two of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024 in Los Angeles. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Edwin Díaz delivers a pitch for the New York Mets during the ninth inning in Game 2 of the 2024 NLCS against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

As the hotel lobby at the Signia by Hilton Orlando filled at MLB’s winter meetings on Tuesday morning, an unexpected prize was falling into the Dodgers’ lap.

Edwin Díaz, the top reliever on this year’s free-agent market, was suddenly slipping away from the incumbent New York Mets, who reportedly made the fan favorite closer only a three-year offer that did little to entice him to re-sign with the team.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, were swooping in late to snatch away the hard-throwing right-hander, submitting a more lucrative three-year bid that would pay Díaz a relief-pitcher-record $23 million per season.

Just like that, the Dodgers had gone from a perfectly content, but unremarkably quiet winter, to one in which they’d once again flexed their financial muscles and stunned the baseball industry.

Read more:Shaikin: Dodgers signing of Edwin Díaz shows they aren't going to worry about a potential salary cap

“There were a lot of scenarios [that could have potentially played out this winter] where we didn't necessarily end up with a top-end reliever,” president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Tuesday night, while declining to comment on Díaz directly since the transaction wasn’t finalized. “But we just kind of prepared on a bunch of different fronts. And being aggressive, if something lined up, we've known all along [it is something we would do].”

The Díaz signing was an affirmation of the team’s operating procedure on the free-agent market. They always at least target top talent. They always at least stay around the proverbial blackboard, as Friedman calls it, in case a player’s market doesn’t develop as expected. And now, they are armed with the kind of endless resources that can make them a threat to scoop up any rebound.

As they leave Orlando this week and embark on the rest of this offseason, it serves as a reminder:

The Dodgers might not need to make another big move, in the same way they downplayed the need for any big acquisition coming into the winter.

But they’ll certainly be ready to pounce if another opportunity materializes.

"I would say we definitely can,” Friedman hinted when asked if another big move this offseason could be possible. “Whether that makes the most sense within the timing of our roster — there's so many factors that go into it, and any decision you make has a future cost. It’s just weighing that. So, yes, we can. How likely it is, is probably another question."

Start with the top overall available free agent, Kyle Tucker.

The Dodgers are not expected to entertain a long-term contract for the soon-to-be 29-year-old and four-time All-Star. If his bidding war, as projected, results in offers upwards of 8-10 years and $400 million, the club is unlikely to engage; given the glut of long-term contracts already on their books, and the crop of young outfield prospects expected to reach the majors in the next several seasons.

But what if Tucker’s market cools? What if, like Díaz, he is left to consider relatively shorter-term deals with higher annual salaries? Granted, that’s unlikely to happen, considering the wide interest Tucker is reportedly attracting, including from the Toronto Blue Jays and their suddenly big-spending front office. If it does, however, the Dodgers could once again become candidates for a blockbuster, still needing to fill out their outfield as they embark on a quest for a World Series three-peat.

Read more:Dodgers and Edwin Díaz agree to terms in blockbuster move to shore up bullpen

The same dynamic could be in play with other top free agents. The Dodgers have already shown interest in familiar face Cody Bellinger, who could bring both positional versatility and a more refined hitting approach than he had during his first stint with the club. Bo Bichette also presents the kind of balanced offensive profile the Dodgers are believed to seeking, as they try to shore up a lineup that too often was boom-or-bust last year.

Like Tucker, both players are unlikely to fit the Dodgers’ bigger-picture plans if their free agencies develop as expected (with Bellinger pegged for roughly five years and $150 million, and Bichette perhaps eight years and more than $200 million).

But thanks to the team’s flush financial outlook — and the fact that a salary cap could be coming next year, potentially incentivizing extra spending right now — all it could take is a slight cooling in either player’s market to make them more realistic targets for the two-time defending champions.

As long as there isn’t an overburdensome long-term risk, the Dodgers don’t seem afraid of lucrative shorter-term commitments to sustain their newly cemented dynasty.

“We have not only a really talented group of players, but an extremely driven group of players, who want to take care of their legacy and create a dynasty and be part of something really special,” Friedman said. “Because of that mindset, it makes it easier to invest. And do everything we can to help support that and be a part of helping bring that to fruition.”

The Dodgers could alternatively get aggressive on the trade market. Brandon Donovan and Lars Nootbaar of the St. Louis Cardinals are seen internally as fits. Steven Kwan of the Cleveland Guardians would be an even bigger-name addition, albeit is less likely to be dealt this winter.

Then there is the real white whale: Two-time Cy Young Award-winning pitcher Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers.

For now, it’s uncertain at best that Skubal, who will be a free agent after next season and is unlikely to sign a contract extension with the Tigers (or any other team that trades for him) before then, gets moved this winter.

Read more:Dodgers downplay Teoscar Hernández rumors, continue assessing bullpen options

If he does, it figures to come at an extremely steep cost for a starting pitcher with one year remaining of team control.

If there’s any team that has the ammunition to pull it off, however, it’s the Dodgers, with their ample pitching depth and top-ranked farm system. Like with their free-agent pursuits, there is likely to be a limit for how much they’d part with. But if the Tigers seriously consider a trade, it would be no surprise to see the Dodgers be seriously involved.

There are less splashy routes for this offseason to go down, of course. If the Dodgers don’t make another marquee addition, they still feel confident with the roster core they have in place.

Then again, that’s the tone they were striking coming into these Winter Meetings, before swiping away Díaz in the surprise move of the week.

Thus, the baseball world has been put on alert again: The Dodgers won’t be reckless. They want to maintain longer-term flexibility. But if they see value in a top-talent target in the short-term, they won’t be afraid to once again spend big.

Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Former Red Wings Forward Robby Fabbri Returns to Where It All Began

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While it appeared that the NHL opportunities for former Detroit Red Wings forward Robby Fabbri were limited after he failed to secure a roster spot with the Pittsburgh Penguins earlier in the fall, he's now been given a chance to return where it all began.

Fabbri has been signed by the St. Louis Blues, the same club that drafted him in the opening round (21st overall) in the 2014 NHL Draft, has returned to the franchise by signing a one-year, two-way contract. 

He'll earn $775,000 at the NHL level, while earning $300,000 at the AHL level. He's scheduled to join the team immediately for their impending matchup on Thursday evening against the Nashville Predators. 

The signing coincides with the Blues placing forward Jordan Kyrou on Injured Reserve with a lower-body injury. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

Fabbri spent the first portion of his NHL career with the Blues, winning the Stanley Cup in 2019 while contributing a goal in 10 postseason games during their run; he lifted the Cup at TD Garden following their Game 7 triumph over the Boston Bruins.

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Fabbri was then traded to the Red Wings in November 2019 for Jacob de la Rose, and was one of the few bright spots for the club in what was otherwise an extremely trying campaign in 2019-20. 

He would play the next several seasons with Detroit, culminating in his best offensive output since 2015-16 by scoring 18 goals with 14 assists. Detroit then sent him to the Anaheim Ducks during that offseason, where he scored eight goals with eight assists while playing just 44 games. 

As he has been throughout his career, Fabbri's season was cut short because of injury. He's undergone multiple ACL surgeries during his time in the NHL, along with meniscus surgery last season. 

He was signed to a professional tryout agreement with the Penguins for this season, but was unable to secure a roster spot. 

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Why Are The Canadian NHL Teams Struggling?

By Gary Pearson, BetMGM

Of the seven Canadian NHL teams, only the Edmonton Oilers would have a chance to win the Stanley Cup if the playoffs started today. 

For hockey fans in the Great White North, it's a good thing there's still a ton of hockey to be played. I can assure you that nobody north of the border will want to repeat the 2015-16 NHL playoffs, which had no Canadian participants. 

To avoid that unlikely and unthinkable scenario, what do Canadian teams need to do to rise from the doldrums?  

Defensive Frailties Headline Shortcomings

Going purely by the Stanley Cup odds, you won't be surprised to learn that the Oilers are the only Canadian outfit in a playoff position.

But if you looked at the standings a couple of weeks ago and not since, you'll be taken aback by the current pecking order.

All but one Canadian team ranks in the bottom 15 according to points percentage, with the Montreal Canadiens the best of the bunch. With a .569 points percentage, they rank 16th. 

Where Do Canadian Teams Rank Defensively?

Poor defensive play, subpar goaltending or a combination of both are the primary reasons for the sluggish start to the 2025-26 season. 

Four Canadian teams rank among the bottom 10 in three primary defensive categories, including goals against, goals against per 60 minutes at 5-on-5, and goals against above expected. 

The Vancouver Canucks allow the most goals per game (3.60), the most goals per 60 minutes in all situations (3.55) and, logically, have conceded the most goals overall (108). 

The Canadiens allow the second-most goals per game (3.55), the third-most goals per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 (2.9) and the third-most goals against above expected (5.65). 

The Oilers, meanwhile, concede the fifth-most goals per game (3.47) and the eighth-most goals against above expected (-1.82). 

And then there are the Ottawa Senators, which allow the ninth-most goals per game (3.31) and goals per 60 minutes in all situations (3.25), and the most goals against above expected (10.32).

 

Four Best Long Shots To Win The NHL's Eastern And Western ConferenceFour Best Long Shots To Win The NHL's Eastern And Western ConferenceThe Ottawa Senators and Minnesota Wild among the NHL squads that are long shots to advance to the Stanley Cup final, but can they pull it off?

Thanks to a recent defensive resurgence, along with solid goaltending from the now-injured Joseph Woll and call-up Dennis Hildeby, the Toronto Maple Leafs have climbed out of the basement in most categories, where they were entrenched for the first quarter of the season. 

You might be surprised to learn of the Calgary Flames' absence from those ignominious stats. The polar opposite issue plagues the Flames, whose offense is about as toothless as a four-month-old baby. 

Most tellingly, only one Canadian team – the Winnipeg Jets – ranks in the top half of the league in overall goals against.

You don't have to be a hockey savant to know what is causing insomnia for the coaches north of the 49th parallel. 

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Brian Cashman: Yankees 'not an open blank checkbook,' remain 'opportunistic'

With free agency in full swing this week during the 2025 MLB Winter Meetings, Yankees fans are waiting for Brian Cashman to make a big move.

Although, as the team is potentially looking to cut payroll below $300 million for the 2026 season, Cashman may not be making the same types of moves that people are used to seeing from the club.

"Fans don't really care about those details. They want what they want," Cashman told reporters Wednesday. "Ultimately, what we both want is to have a team that's going to rack up the win totals to push themselves into the postseason and win it all. But it's just the nature of the beast where you get into the frenzy of the winter times. 'Anything at all cost, doesn't matter,' but in reality, it does matter.

"Everything adds up. Everything counts. We're an aggressive franchise, but while being aggressive, we already have some very large commitments, and the more of those you have, the more impact it affects you in other areas. And so everything's tied together. Our ownership has obviously demonstrated year in and year out how massively committed they are. But at the same time, that's not an open blank checkbook either."

The longtime GM went on to discuss the current state of the free agent market, saying it's moving at "glacial speed," but the Yanks are confident in their group and still searching for ways to make a splash.

“We have a strong team," Cashman said. "The job is to make it better and make it stronger. (Saying) it and doing it are two different things. We’re trying to pull that off, and it takes time. There's a lot of time on the board still, and there's a lot of inventory still there, so there's a lot of possibilities in play.”

Cashman added that current talks with free agents have "been tough so far" and any trade proposals haven't made much progress.

“We’re just staying engaged, trying to match up with some things. But it's been tough so far," Cashman added. "Don't like the asks coming our way, and I guess the opposing teams don’t like what I'm trying to pull from them on the trade stuff. We do have some conversations that possibly could lead somewhere.”

Among the "inventory" still out there includes Cody Bellinger, who opted out of his deal with New York to become a free agent this offseason. Cashman said earlier in the week that the Yanks have had dialogue with Bellinger's agent Scott Boras and a reunion with the OF is "still in play." 

He was asked Wednesday if the Yankees can "afford to wait" on resigning Bellinger because they already have youngsters Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones as replacement options, explaining they're taking an "opportunistic" approach when it comes to signings.

"I don't know if it's ‘afford’ to wait. I think we're opportunistic. We like our players. That is a fact," Cashman said. "But there's players outside of our current control system that we also like, and may very well like more and better because there's a lot more certainty there, which comes with cost, whether it's a trade acquisition or free agent dollars. So it's my job to play on that stuff and try to figure that out, and if we come to an area that this makes a lot of sense, then we're ready to pounce and kind of change the equation. 

"But if not, we like what we have, too, at the same time. Jasson Domínguez is on his journey, and Spencer Jones is just beginning his journey. Those are two names, but I got no idea how this is going to play out."

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Derik Queen's impressive rookie season pushes back on draft-night narrative about Pelicans' trade

It was a trade that left the NBA confounded.

Joe Dumars, newly in charge of the New Orleans front office, made what was seen as the biggest blunder in the 2025 NBA Draft — and Derik Queen was catching strays. Dumars and the Pelicans traded control of their first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft — seen as an incredibly deep draft at the top — to Atlanta for the rights to move up 10 spots and get Queen, a big man from Maryland. To say that trade was ripped to shreds by the media and other front offices is an understatement.

Queen, however, is making Dumars look much better with his play this season, including a recent 30-point triple-double.

Both Dumars and Queen spoke about the perception and his fast start to Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.

"I get it. So much of today's NBA narrative is around picks and different things like that," Dumars told ESPN. "I'm trying to build culture here with some really good young players, and I gave up some draft capital to do that. And I love the two young players we have [Jeremiah Fears and Queen]. I hope that doesn't get lost in all of this."

I've been [hearing] it all my life," Queen said. "Like everybody hated me [before the season started]. I played a little bit at the beginning, and the whole media was hating me. And then once I got to that Charlotte game [and had 12 points, eight rebounds and seven assists on Nov. 4], the whole media started liking me.

"[I'm used to] pretty much people not liking me at one moment, then liking me later on in life."

Two things can be true: Queen can be better than expected and a future star, and the process and price to move up 10 spots to get him can also be very flawed.

Queen's potential was no secret around the draft, despite a rough NBA Draft Combine that led to a slide down draft boards. In grading the June draft I wrote: "Queen is the most skilled power forward/center in this draft... Queen has potential, but the cost of that 2026 pick was steep." Watch Queen in person and his ability to get off his shot and his touch are impressive. He is better than I thought he would be.

Queen should not be catching strays in this debate.

That said, right now the Pelicans have the worst record in the NBA — Dumars traded away the rights to what right now would be a guaranteed top-five pick with a 40% chance of landing in the top three. Whatever happens between now and June, that is going to be a very high draft pick in what is projected to be one of the deepest drafts at the top in a long time. There is a reason other teams have been hoarding picks in this draft rather than trading them away.

Queen, to his credit, looks like one of the best rookies in what has been an impressive 2025 draft class so far.

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Chris Paul is 'at peace' after Clippers exit; Tyronn Lue says report they were feuding 'ain't true'

Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue talks to guard Chris Paul (3) during the second half of an NBA basketball game
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue talks to guard Chris Paul during a game against the Charlotte Hornets on Nov. 22. Lue has denied a report that he and Paul weren't on speaking terms in the weeks leading up to the 40-year-old player's dismissal from the team. (Nell Redmond / Associated Press)

Former Clippers point guard Chris Paul says he's "at peace with everything" after being abruptly dismissed by the team last week.

“Stuff’s been a little crazy in the past few days — to say the least,” Paul told People magazine in an interview published Tuesday. “But honestly, I’m home. My daughter had tryouts yesterday. My nephew had a basketball game. My son has a game coming up on the 12th.”

Paul's son, Chris Paul II, is a sophomore guard for the Campbell Hall varsity basketball team, which plays Newbury Park on Friday.

“I have never seen my son play a game in person," the elder Paul said. "Not a middle school game, not a high school game. So I’m excited about seeing him play.”

Also on Tuesday, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue denied an ESPN report from last week that he and Paul hadn't been on speaking terms in the weeks leading up to the team's decision to part ways with one of its most iconic players.

“That ain’t true. We were talking," Lue told reporters at practice. "I mean, he played. How he gonna play [if] I’m not talking to him?

Read more:Chris Paul cut by Clippers after conflict with teammates, coaches and executives

"I mean, there was a stretch when we said he wasn’t gonna play, he’s gonna be out of the rotation. That was tough for him because he’s a competitor and what the game means to him and what he brings every single day. But after that it wasn’t really much.”

Paul is a 12-time All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist who ranks second in NBA history with 12,552 assists. He was the first player with at least 20,000 points and more than 10,000 assists.

Playing for the Clippers from 2011-17 — the team's "Lob City" era — Paul and fellow superstar Blake Griffin led the team to six winning seasons, its first two Pacific Division titles and three playoff series victories. As a 40-year-old free agent in July, Paul signed a $3.6 million deal to return to the Clippers for his 21st, and very possibly final, NBA season.

This season, Paul averaged career lows in points (2.6), assists (3.3.) and minutes (14.3). He didn’t play at all in five consecutive games in mid-November. The Clippers, off to a disastrous 5-16 start to the season, were in Atlanta for a game against the Hawks when Paul made a surprise announcement on social media.

“Just Found Out I’m Being Sent Home,” Paul posted Dec. 3 on social media at around 3 a.m. Eastern time.

Read more:James Harden moves to 10th on NBA's all-time scoring list in Clippers loss

Later that morning, Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank confirmed the move.

“We are parting ways with Chris, and he will no longer be a part of the team,” Frank said in a statement. “We will work with him on the next step of his career."

Frank indicated that the team will attempt to trade Paul, who becomes trade-eligible on Monday.

A league source not authorized to discuss the issue publicly told The Times last week that Paul had called out teammates, coaches and Frank this season. Paul apologized, but “everyone was fed up,” the source said.

Lue insisted Tuesday that his relationship with Paul wasn't an issue.

"I had no problem with Chris," Lue said. "The guy’s a competitor, he wants to play. You can understand that. So, you know, he was a little frustrated at first, but we got over that. … That’s my guy, my friend before he got here. So you don’t want to see that happen to anybody no matter what the circumstances are."

Read more:Take a swing? Two Buss brothers consider investing in baseball's Athletics

Asked why the team ultimately decided the situation with Paul couldn't be fixed, Lue responded, “You gotta ask Lawrence.”

In his interview with People, Paul didn't offer any insight on what happened between him and the Clippers. Instead, he seems to be focused on the present — "I’m excited to be back here with my family,” Paul said — and the future.

“More than anything, I’m excited about being around," he said, "and getting a chance to play a small role in whatever anything looks like next."

Staff writer Broderick Turner contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Fabbri Will Play For Blues Thursday In Nashville

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- Newly signed St. Louis Blues forward Robby Fabbri will make his debut on Thursday against the Nashville Predators, coach Jim Montgomery said on Wednesday.

Fabbri, 29, who was signed to a one-year, two-way contract for $775,000 NHL, $300,000 AHL, on Wednesday with the Blues currently without five forwards (Jordan Kyrou, lower-body; Nick Bjugstad, upper body; Alexey Toropchenko, leg burns; Jimmy Snuggerud, wrist, and Nathan Walker, upper body) out with various injuries.

Fabbri, who was with the Pittsburgh Penguins on a professional tryout but released during training camp and also signed an amateur PTO with the Florida Panthers, has played in three games recently with Charlotte of the American Hockey League and had a goal and an assist.

"The good thing about Robby Fabbri is he's played all three positions, he's familiar with the city, he's familiar what the Blues mean and the city of St. Louis and the honor and privilege is it to wear the Blues jersey," Blues coach Jim Montgomery said Wednesday. "We're going to use him; we've got to see where he's at with everything. I know he's played three games down in the American (Hockey) League and he's looked good. that's why we added a player that's played a lot of NHL games (and) has over 100 goals in the league. Someone that's going to give us a veteran mentality, understands game management and stuff pretty well."

As for Bjugstad, who departed a 5-2 loss to the Boston Bruins on Tuesday 5:24 into the second period with an upper-body injury, Montgomery said the 33-year-old will miss "at least the next five days."

And Toropchenko, who sustained what the Blues termed "scalding burns to his legs" in a home accident, the progress is positive; he has missed the past five games.

"He's progressing pretty good," Montgomery said. 'If anyone's going to be back the quickest of any of the guys that are out, there's a good chance it's him.

"He's started on those steps of getting back on the ice already."

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Yankees select RHP Cade Winquest from Cardinals in 2025 Rule 5 Draft

The Yankees selected right-handed pitcher Cade Winquest from the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the 2025 Rule 5 Draft.

The selection came as a bit of a surprise, as the Yankees had not made a Rule 5 selection since 2011.

Winquest, 25, was originally drafted by the Cardinals in the eighth round of the 2022 MLB Draft.

Over the course of 58 minor league games (38 starts), Winquest has pitched to a 4.19 ERA with 219 strikeouts in 212.2 innings. 

Winquest finished the 2025 season at the Double-A level, appearing in eight games for Springfield with a 3.19 ERA in 42.1 innings. 

By rule, Winquest must remain on the Yankees’ 26-man active roster (unless he gets placed on the IL) for the entire 2026 season. If the Yankees elect to waive him and he clears waivers, Winquest must be offered back to the Cardinals.

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NHL Power Rankings: Stars Challenge The Avalanche During A Busy Month

The Stars have ascended to the top of the standings to challenge the Avalanche, though by points percentage, they still have some ways to go. 

The closing gap, however, means the Avs will have a serious challenger for the NHL power rankings lead and the Presidents' Trophy, though they're still on pace to match the Bruins' record-setting 135 points in the cap era. 

The rest of the standings is cramped like sardines or like an Italian-made ice rink. Only eight points separate the third-place Capitals and the 22nd-ranked Sharks.

It’ll be a busy month as the holidays approach, both with the Olympic teams being selected and a looming trade deadline that will come soon after the conclusion of the Games.

Here are this week's NHL power rankings.

1. Colorado Avalanche (21-2-7, +48. PR: 1)

After a 6-3 loss to the Isles, which was just their second (!) regulation loss of the season, it does seem like the margins are getting tighter. The Avs pulled off two one-goal wins and then nearly pulled off a comeback win against the Preds. Alas, they can't win any shootouts. 

2. Dallas Stars (21-5-5, +29. PR: 3)

The Stars were 3-3-1 in the first two weeks but since then have basically kept pace with the Avs, though they're still a little behind on points percentage. Regardless, this is shaping up to be the Stars' best season in the cap era with a killer power play that ranks third after finishing 17th last season.

3. Anaheim Ducks (19-10-1, +13. PR: 5)

No idea how they've managed to pull off the wins they have with Ville Husso in net, especially Tuesday against the Pens when they were outshot 47-28 with Beckett Sennecke forcing overtime with 0.1 seconds remaining on a shorthanded goal (!) and winning in a shootout. What a great pick by the Ducks, by the way, when they took Sennecke third overall in 2024 when he wasn't even ranked in the top 10 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. 

4. Washington Capitals (18-9-3, +28. PR: 7)

The Caps' dressing room vibes are second to none, and they've lost just once in regulation since Nov. 17, ripping off a 10-1-1 record and limiting opponents to two goals or less seven times. They're doing this without Pierre-Luc Dubois and John Carlson, which is really impressive.

NHL Hart Trophy Rankings: There's No Doubt About Who's The MVPNHL Hart Trophy Rankings: There's No Doubt About Who's The MVPColorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon has his team posting excellent results, while Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini remain in our top five front-runners for the NHL's Hart Trophy.

5. Minnesota Wild (16-9-5, +4. PR: 2)

Good goaltending can mask a lot of deficiencies, and Jesper Wallstedt and Filip Gustavsson's hot streaks have come to an end, resulting in a 2-2-0 record during their road trip. Note the Wild are one of the league's worst possession teams, per naturalstattrick.com, so we shall see if the Wild can stay at the top.

6. Carolina Hurricanes (18-9-2, +15. PR: 9)

It's been a pretty uneven stretch for the Canes lately, and I do believe part of it is their loyalty to the struggling Frederik Andersen and being stubborn about having a three-goalie rotation. Since Nov. 11, they're just 6-5-2 and ranked 20th in points percentage. 

7. Vegas Golden Knights (14-6-9, +4. PR: 10)

The Knights are leaving points on the table with a league-leading nine losses in overtime or shootout; otherwise, they might be near the top of the league. An important part of the story is goaltending, where it does seem like Carter Hart has the inside track on the starting job until Adin Hill returns.

8. Tampa Bay Lightning (17-11-2, +18. PR: 4)

Some mild panic with a four-game losing streak, but then they righted the ship with a 6-1 win against the Habs on Tuesday in the second game of a back-to-back on the road. The Lightning survived – thrived, even – when Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov were out of the lineup, but can do the same without Andrei Vasilevskiy? Victor Hedman, who's barely missed time throughout his career, has suddenly become injury-prone this season.

9. Los Angeles Kings (14-8-7, +3. PR: 9)

After a string of losses in extra time, I think it's a testament to the Kings' resilience that they avenged a 2-1 loss to the Hawks by beating them 6-0 in the following game, and then making quick work of the Mammoth with a 4-2 win. And, what's this, a defenseman on the Kings' top power-play unit?! Does Jim Hiller know he's allowed to do that?!

10. Detroit Red Wings (16-11-3, -7. PR: 11)

I swear, the Red Wings rollercoaster has more twists and turns than a Knives Out mystery. After going 0-3-1, the Wings are back on the right track, going 3-0-1 over the past week. They needed some help, and John Gibson turned in some (surprisingly) solid performances, but as long as they can peel off winning streaks here and there, they should be playoff-bound.

Who's Hot And Cold In The NHL: Seider Impresses, Heineman FizzlesWho's Hot And Cold In The NHL: Seider Impresses, Heineman FizzlesThe Oilers' Draisaitl and Red Wings' Seider are among the NHL players who had stellar weeks. But other players had weeks to forget.

11. Pittsburgh Penguins (14-7-7, +7. PR: 13)

The loss of Evgeni Malkin will hurt, but the Pens continue to play well and got some bad luck losing two shootouts in a row in games that they could've won. The NHL has a Masterton award for dedication to the game, but I do wish there were also a comeback player of the year award. Tristan Jarry's definitely in the running for that. 

12. Philadelphia Flyers (16-9-3, +7. PR: 14)

At what point do we stop joking about how the Flyers are overachieving and admit that they're actually pretty good? Part of me wonders when their goaltending will fall off, but the other part acknowledges that they have a pretty balanced lineup without a superstar.

13. New York Islanders (17-11-3, +3. PR: 17)

What a resurgent season by Ilya Sorokin, and the Isles' lone loss over the past week was when he didn't start. Impressive wins against the red-hot Lightning, the league-leading Avs and then a (sort of) comeback win against the Knights cap off an impressive run. 

14. Boston Bruins (18-13-0, +5. PR: 22)

It's been a soft part of the schedule, but kudos to the Bruins for taking advantage, winning three of five games without David Pastrnak before his return Tuesday night. They're in the hunt for the Atlantic Division title… which is a wild sentence to type considering their pre-season outlook. 

15. New Jersey Devils (17-12-1, -4. PR: 8)

A five-game losing streak was snapped against the Sens, and that stopped the Devils from plummeting down the rankings. Prior to Tuesday's win, the Devils had scored just one goal in three games. Nico Hischier is a very dependable player, but he's been streaky on offense, so without Jack Hughes, it's been hard for the Devils to score when Hischier's not productive. Acquiring Quinn Hughes might help, though. Make the calls, Fitzy. 

16. New York Rangers (15-12-4, +2. PR: 21)

Discount the back-to-back overtime losses against two of the toughest teams in the West, and the Rangers are 5-1-0 with wins against some top-tier teams. They're still having trouble winning at home, but their turnaround is a really good sign, and now they find themselves right in the midst of the wild-card race.

17. San Jose Sharks (14-14-3, -16. PR: 15)

Still too many blowout losses where the Sharks aren't really in it, and they're winless when Macklin Celebrini doesn't score a point. We're nitpicking here because it's been quite fun watching them, and if the Sharks finish the season at .500, I'd call that a win. 

18. Montreal Canadiens (15-11-3, -12. PR: 20)

Some Bronx cheers for Sam Montembeault in a 6-1 loss to the Lightning Tuesday night, though Jakub Dobes didn't fare much better. Any time the Habs look like they're going on a run, they just seem to crash. After a brilliant 8-3-0 in October, they won just once in regulation over their next nine games. After a strong bounce-back game against the Leafs following an 8-4 loss to the Caps, the Habs won two more games before going 2-4-0 with zero regulation wins. Good news: the Habs called up Jacob Fowler. 

19. Toronto Maple Leafs (14-11-4, +4. PR: 23)

Things looked so dire when the Leafs were 9-10-3 with a 5-2 loss to the rival Habs, but since then, they’re 5-1-1 and getting some excellent goaltending from surprise hero Dennis Hildeby. They're on a scoring binge with 19 goals in five games, though I do want to point out I don't think Auston Matthews gets enough credit for his two-way game.

20. Ottawa Senators (13-12-4, -6. PR: 12)

A horrendous 1-6-1 run has dropped the Sens to the bottom of the East, saved only by the Sabres. They don't score enough goals, and Linus Ullmark is having a tough season once again. Kinda weird that this is happening with Brady Tkachuk back in the lineup, but you can't pin the lack of goals at even strength and back-breaking giveaways in their own zone on him alone. 

21. Chicago Blackhawks (12-11-6, -5. PR: 16)

Connor Bedard is still performing at a high level as the Olympic selection deadline approaches. It's one thing to go through growing pains, but it's slightly concerning the Hawks are getting blown out lately with back-to-back losses where they were outscored 13-1. 

22. Edmonton Oilers (13-11-6, -7. PR: 27)

Just a sad state of affairs in the West when the Oilers can go 4-4-2 and still hold down a wild-card spot. They were a little lucky to get one point out of the Sabres when Connor McDavid tied it with one second remaining, but it's really unsustainable to count on him to win every game by himself. I still can't believe the Oilers brass have the wherewithal to look at this team and say, "Yup, we're good, no need to make any moves yet." 

23. Florida Panthers (14-12-2, -2. PR: 25)

The smart money is still probably on the Panthers to make the playoffs – they're only four points out – but you can see the concern after a four-game winless streak and needing the Verhaeghe-Bennett-Marchand line to go off just to avoid a multi-goal loss to the Jackets. 

24. Columbus Blue Jackets (13-11-6, -12. PR: 24)

Considering how many leads they've blown this season and their general inability to close out games, the Jackets are actually one of six teams that have yet to lose a game after holding a lead after the first or second periods… in regulation. The kicker is the Jackets are the league leaders in overtime losses when leading after the second period, so they're constantly allowing teams to earn a point by forcing overtime and then giving away the extra point by losing. They're just constantly throwing away points, especially to conference opponents, such as the Leafs and Panthers. 

25. Seattle Kraken (11-10-6, -16. PR: 18)

There was hope, but as I noted in previous rankings when readers kept pointing out I ranked the Kraken too low, their lack of regulation wins and elite players are legitimate causes for concern. They're 0-5-1 and cannot seem to score or keep pucks out of their net. 

26. Winnipeg Jets (14-14-1, -1. PR: 19)

It's really not looking good for the Jets sans Connor Hellebuyck, going 3-6-1 since he last started. Only two teams have been worse during that span: the Canucks and Kraken, which are both 2-6-1. Scott Arniel can mix up the lines all he wants, but what they need – desperately – is Hellebuyck to return before it's too late.

Should The Winnipeg Jets Regret Signing Jonathan Toews?Should The Winnipeg Jets Regret Signing Jonathan Toews?There's still time for Jonathan Toews and the Winnipeg Jets to turn their season around, but the team made two mistakes with him, and signing him is not one of them.

27. Nashville Predators (11-14-4, -25. PR: 30)

That's now five wins in seven games, including a thriller against league-leading Avs. Did Preds GM Barry Trotz's biting criticism of his team work? A poor start against the Canes aside, Juuse Saros has won four of his past five with a .938 SP. 

28. Calgary Flames (12-15-4, -13. PR: 31)

The wolfpack is back. After a tough 2-9-2 start to the season, Dustin Wolf and the Flames have now won three straight and seven of their past 10, with the only real inexcusable loss coming in Nashville. However, it's times like these where we ask ourselves if winning right now is in the Flames' best long-term interests…

29. St. Louis Blues (11-13-7, -30. PR: 28)

Winning four of their past seven is certainly an improvement, and it's keeping their bleak playoff hopes alive. But I think what's really going to dominate the discussion with the Blues in the coming weeks is how Jordan Binnington, currently one of the league's worst goalies, will be the starter for the defending 4 Nations champion and gold medal favorites at the Olympics. 

30. Utah Mammoth (14-14-3, +3. PR: 29)

Losing Logan Cooley is a massive blow for a Mammoth team that has long yearned for a true No. 1 center. Their woes started a while ago, however, with a 6-11-3 record since Nov. 1. It will be difficult to make the playoffs without a reliable center, even with all the talent that they have.

31. Buffalo Sabres (12-14-4, -14. PR: 26)

The Sabres won in overtime to snap a three-game losing streak, but it still doesn’t feel great considering they nearly blew a 3-0 lead against the Oilers. Lackluster play, lack of improvement from their young core, general inconsistency and a bungled three-goalie rotation will quickly knock the Sabres out of the playoff race if they don't do something soon. 

32. Vancouver Canucks (11-16-3, -23. PR: 32)

A surprising 4-2 win against the Wild brought some reprieve, but this is a team that's hurtling toward another massive turning point for the franchise, and not in a good way. Trade talk concerning captain Quinn Hughes seems to have hit a fever pitch. The question now is whether the Canucks address this situation now and avoid going through further turmoil like they did last season, or if they keep waiting and hope things work out. (A strategy, by the way, that hasn't worked out for them on numerous occasions). The return of Thatcher Demko buys some time, but the clock is still ticking. 

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Steph Curry returns to Warriors practice, on track to play vs. Timberwolves

Steph Curry returns to Warriors practice, on track to play vs. Timberwolves originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – Steph Curry, after missing the Warriors’ last five games, was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice and scrimmage and is on track to return from a left quad injury Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Chase Center. 

“It’s looking good,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Wednesday at Chase Center after practice. 

The Warriors concluded a 2-1 three-game road trip without Curry on Sunday and took Monday and Tuesday off. Wednesday was a longer practice with a high intensity scrimmage. Kerr said the Warriors went live for six minutes and did a lot of half-court games before that. 

“We got after it,” he said.

Curry exited the Warriors’ 104-100 home loss to the Houston Rockets two weeks ago on Nov. 26 with 35 seconds remaining as he limped down the tunnel and back to the locker room with director of sports medicine and performance Rick Celebrini. He scored 14 points on 4-of-13 shooting and committed a season-high seven turnovers in the loss. 

The final few minutes of the fourth quarter put Curry’s body through the ringer as his limp progressively worsened. Curry was kneed in the quad from center Alperen Sengen, took a charge that later was reversed to an offensive foul upon review when Amen Thompson’s right shoulder connected with his chest, and he was down on the ground for a loose ball a minute later after having his lower legs taken out during the scramble for what became one of his turnovers. 

Curry is coming back to a much different looking team than the one he last played with. 

For one, his younger brother, Seth, officially is on the roster and has played in two games, including a 14-point Warriors debut. De’Anthony Melton also made his season debut Thursday in Philadelphia on the one-year anniversary of his ACL surgery and had a strong first showing. Melton scored 14 points with three assists and two steals in the Warriors’ one-point loss. 

He sat the first night of the Warriors’ weekend back-to-back against the Cleveland Cavaliers and then played the next night in the Warriors’ wire-to-wire win over the Chicago Bulls. Melton scored 13 points and had another two steals against the Bulls. 

Melton played 21 minutes in Philadelphia, and 17 and a half in Chicago. The Warriors will remain cautious when it comes to Melton’s minutes and when he plays. 

“We’re not going to push him beyond the minutes that he’s playing right now,” Kerr said. “For a little bit, he’s got to build up. If we had a back-to-back this weekend, he would not play in both. But in a couple weeks from now, he very well could.” 

Curry isn’t the only future Hall of Famer expected back for the Warriors on Friday. Draymond Green missed the Warriors’ last two games because of a right foot sprain that took him out of their loss against the 76ers after just nine-plus minutes. Sitting him Sunday was considered a precaution. 

He did not practice Wednesday due to an excused absence for a personal reason. Kerr still anticipates Green will be good to go come Friday. But not a fellow big man. 

Veteran center Al Horford, who only has played in two of the Warriors’ last nine games, will not suit up Friday. Horford was part of about half of the Warriors’ practice Wednesday and did not scrimmage much. It’s the same right sciatic nerve irritation that has bothered and hampered Horford recently.

The Warriors went 3-2 in the five games Curry missed to his quad contusion and are 4-5 overall without him this season. They’re 9-7 in games he has played.

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'I Don't Think It's Worth The Suspension': Maple Leafs Disagree With Discipline Given To Bobby McMann By NHL Player Safety

After Tampa Bay Lightning forward Oliver Bjorkstrand dished out a shove to the face of Bobby McMann, the Toronto Maple Leafs forward's stick came down and struck his opponent in the helmet.

The Lightning bench erupted after it happened, leading to McMann being given a match penalty and ultimately, a one-game suspension from the NHL's Department of Player Safety.

Mere seconds before the McMann incident, Gage Goncalves collided knee-on-knee with Maple Leafs defenseman Dakota Mermis, forcing the forward out of the game with an injury. He's now expected to miss a month "at least," head coach Craig Berube said on Wednesday afternoon.

The NHL was silent regarding any potential discipline for Golcalves, whose hit on Mermis started everything else that occurred at center ice. Toronto eventually came out with a 2-0 win, however, days later, Berube wasn't happy that McMann was the only player to face discipline.

"To be honest with you, I don't really know. I mean, I think we lose a guy for probably a month at least," Berube added. "I thought it was more of (McMann) getting kind of bumped and the stick kind of [comes down]. I know you've got to be in control of your stick, but I don't think it's worth the suspension."

According to NHL Player Safety, "After being shoved by Bjorkstrand, McMann brings the raised stick downwards towards Bjorkstrand from a dangerous height, striking him in the head with sufficient force to merit supplemental discipline. This is high sticking," they said in a video, explaining the one-game suspension.

“It is important to note that this is not the typical motion of a player merely bringing a raised stick down to the ice and accidentally making contact with an opponent. This is also not a situation where a player simply loses control of his stick, or where an off-balance player is careless in an attempt to steady himself.

"McMann is in full control of both his stick and his own body at all times during this play, and simply must display more control to ensure his stick does not directly strike his opponent's head in this situation."

This is the first time McMann has ever faced supplemental discipline in the NHL over his 169-game career. McMann had been playing fairly well as of late, scoring six points in his last five games. Through 29 appearances this season, the forward has tallied eight goals and 14 points.

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NHL warns top players will not show up for Winter Olympics if venue is unsafe

The construction site of the Santagiulia Arena in Milan.Photograph: Daniele Mascolo/Reuters

The NHL says it is “disappointing” that the main ice hockey venue for the Winter Olympics will not be ready until the new year – and warned that its top players will not show up unless the ice is shown to be safe.

The men’s and women’s tournaments are expected to be among the highlights of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games with the NHL stars showing up for the first time since 2014.

Related: Organizers admit ‘no plan B’ if hockey arena not ready for 2026 Olympics

However, the buildup continues to be marred by construction delays and questions over why the rink at the Santagiulia Arena in Milan is smaller and wider than in the NHL, as well as concerns over the quality of the ice. And while the International Olympic Committee insisted on Tuesday that everything would be ready on time, the NHL commissioner, Gary Bettman, made it clear he was not entirely happy.

“The fact that the building at this point still isn’t completed is – and I won’t use any other adjectives – disappointing,” Bettman said.

Meanwhile the NHL deputy commissioner, Bill Daly, warned organisers that the 14,700-seat arena had to be able to withstand three games in a day otherwise the players would not show up. “If the ice isn’t ready and it’s not safe, then we’re not going,” Daly said. “I mean, I think that’s pretty self-evident.”

Construction delays have meant that there will be no ice in the arena before the new year – with the test event now being pushed back to 9-11 January. The IOC president, Kirsty Coventry, insisted that despite the hiccups, it would be a case of all right on the night.

“We need to push through and continue until the very last moment,” she said. “But we’re very impressed, very happy with everything that we’re seeing and hearing. As we get close, we just need to keep our finger on the pulse in terms of the ice hockey rink.

The IOC sports director, Pierre Ducrey, also insisted that concerns around the small rink size had now been “successfully resolved” with the NHL and its players. “So we are very happy with where we stand at present,” he said.

Elsewhere the IOC made light of sluggish ticket sales, saying that 70% of the tickets for the Games had now been sold.