Rangers left wing Will Cuylle (50) reacts after defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (44) scores a goal past New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25).
In a season of lows and rock bottoms, the Rangers are in danger of hitting another one.
With a loss to the Devils on Tuesday in the Battle of the Hudson, it would mark the first time that the Blueshirts were swept by both New Jersey and the Islanders in the same season — a brutal indictment of the hockey hierarchy in New York City. The Rangers and Islanders met in the Battle of New York for the first time in October 1972. The Blueshirts and the Devils started their rivalry a decade later, when New Jersey joined the league.
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They were already swept by the Islanders before February and the trade deadline even arrived, failing to manage a goal during their first pair of matchups before dropping a back-to-back at the end of January. That’s when the Islanders — revived by rookie phenom Matthew Schaefer — secured the sweep for the first time since 2017-18, which doubled as a campaign when the Rangers managed just one win against the Devils.
Tuesday’s match at the Garden will mark their third game against the Devils this month, and both of their previous losses, as has been the case in the Jack Hughes era, were shaped by Team USA’s Winter Olympics hero. He collected a hat trick during New Jersey’s 6-3 win March 7. He added another goal — one that ruined any comeback attempt by the Rangers in the third period — and a pair of assists 11 days later, giving him 20 goals and 35 points in just 25 career games against the Blueshirts.
Rangers left wing Will Cuylle (50) reacts after New York Rangers defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (44) scores a goal pass New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) during the first period when the New York Rangers played the New Jersey Devils Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, NY. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Sometimes, especially this time of year, these rivalry games have stakes attached to them. Ramifications in the divisional standings. But the Devils are well outside the postseason picture. The Rangers, even after their consecutive wins entering Tuesday, are still in the basement of the Eastern Conference. If there’s a representative from the New York City area in the postseason tournament, it’ll be Patrick Roy’s group on Long Island.
But for one night, the Rangers are trying to avoid an ignominious conclusion to their local slate.
After managing just one goal through his first 43 games of the season, Conor Sheary has collected four across his last 11 — including one Sunday while the Rangers were short-handed.
It hasn’t been anything close to the season Sheary was supposed to have after making the roster out of training camp, as he turned a professional tryout contract into a full-time spot. He missed 15 games while on long-term injured reserve with a lower-body injury.
“It helps when the puck goes in I think,” Sheary said. “I thought early in my season it was just bad puck luck here and there, and the chances I was getting, I was either missing or getting a big save against. Obviously, with my line, I’ve been getting a little bit more opportunity and a few more chances, and like I said, the puck started to go in for me.”
The Rangers have scored 55 goals since March 2, which is tied for the most in the NHL across that stretch, according to the team.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 30: Kyle Filipowski #22 of the Utah Jazz drives against Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Delta Center on March 30, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In another matchup where the Utah Jazz had to do everything they could to lose, Donovan Mitchell and the Cavs pulled away late to win 122-113.
It’s another example of the Utah Jazz having to manipulate games to make sure they lose. What’s incredible is that this is against Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and a Cavaliers team that’s 4th in the East. What’s interesting about watching this game is that there wasn’t a lot of emotion watching Donovan Mitchell. There have been players in the past that Jazz fans have hated and felt residual emotion about after they left. A good example is Gordon Hayward, who left in a very cowardly fashion. The difference with Donovan Mitchell, and maybe it’s because Mitchell did give the Jazz an opportunity to get assets back for him, isn’t getting a lot of emotion from fans, almost nothing at all. Utah seems to be completely over their Ex… player, and it’s because they’re in a much better situation than before.
The time with Donovan Mitchell, even though it had some really fun moments, was like a toxic relationship. It’s now nearly four years later, and it feels like the Jazz have spent the last four years working on themselves, finding out who they are. The best part? They’re better for it and will be better than they ever were with Mitchell and Gobert. The core the Jazz have now is deeper, more talented, and more well-rounded than they ever had in the previous iteration. Oh, and they’re better coached as well. Keyonte George and Walker Kessler came in the Gobert trade, and you can bet the Jazz wouldn’t take that trade back. In the Cleveland trade, Utah received Lauri Markkanen and have picks to come down the road that’ll be helping the depth as the Jazz compete for the title. In the absence of Mitchell, they were able to draft players they traded for Jaren Jackson Jr., and one of their own picks became Ace Bailey. It’s a core that should be really good next year and for years to come.
Tonight, just like every game with the Jazz, Donovan Mitchell got his points (34), but it was not a victory that felt dominant, it felt like a soft win. It’s not the type of win I’d be excited about if I’m a Cavs fan.
For Utah, there’s a lot to be excited about. It’s a loss that will help lead the Jazz to keep their pick while also showcasing some of their young talent that will contribute to wins next year. Ace Bailey continues to show more and more consistent flashes of solid play. Tonight, he had 19 points on 8/15 shooting from the field and 3/6 from three. He also showed more ability playmaking with 5 assists. More and more, you see him being comfortable handling the ball. Bailey is never going to be Kyrie Irving handling the ball, but he is learning more and more how to handle the ball in situations, so he’s not turning it over or wasting possessions. Cody Williams had another impressive outing with 26 points on 11/22 shooting, with 6 rebounds and 4 assists. He’s also proving to be yet another nice young piece that is developing nicely with the team. Utah also has some pieces in Brice Sensabaugh and Kyle Filipowski, who are putting up consistently good numbers. Filipowski is showing some great late-season signs, and Sensabaugh has found a real groove lately, scoring at a high level in these games. That consistency from Filipowski and Sensabaugh is a fantastic sign and will make them invaluable next year, even if they may be doing more spot minutes.
All in all, it’s a nice night for the Jazz. Maybe the nicest thing was seeing Donovan Mitchell. Not because he was missed, but because he’s not missed, maybe at all. It’s a great feeling to feel free of all the baggage of the past and enter a new chapter that feels like it’s been done the right way.
The right-hander’s velocity reached new heights, and his secondary pitches were sharp. Optimism now flows that the Mets will unveil an ace at the back end of their new rotation.
On Tuesday he will return to a major league mound in a game that matters for the first time since Aug. 31, after which his second-half struggles prompted the Mets to ask Senga if he would agree to a minor league assignment. Senga accepted the demotion and pitched the final month for Triple-A Syracuse.
This spring he pitched to a 1.86 ERA in his three Grapefruit League appearances with 11 strikeouts in 9 ²/₃ innings. His only runs allowed were on two solo homers in his first start.
“The results are the results and I take them with a grain of salt,” Senga said through his interpreter before departing camp. “But if you look at the metrics of the pitches that I am throwing, I think that does translate into the season. Some are good and some are not as good, but compared to the previous years I feel I am performing at a higher level, so I have just got to keep it up in the season.”
Senga’s fastball touched 99 mph during spring training and Mets officials were encouraged by the manner in which he carried himself. Last season Senga averaged 94.7 mph with his four-seam fastball.
Mets Pitcher Kodai Senga throws live batting practice during Spring Training at Clover Field, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, in Port St. Lucie, FL. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
“The way he came, the treat early on — how built-up he was and how physical he was and how his body felt was really exciting,” pitching coach Justin Willard said. “And then to kind of carry that into spring training and continue to put up big velocities, really good shapes and pound the strike zone was really good to see.”
Senga was rolling in mid-June, pitching to a 1.47 ERA when he hit the injured list with a strained right hamstring on a coverage play at first base. Senga missed a month, and after one strong performance in Kansas City began his nosedive.
Overall he pitched to a 13.73 ERA in the second half before accepting his minor league assignment.
“As long as I am healthy and can pitch my pitches, pitch to my ability, I think the results come along with that,” Senga said. “So, I am striving for that and that is what I’m here to do. I came from Japan to the States to do that. Things aren’t always going to go my way, but if that happens, I will grind out there and hopefully the results come.”
Kodai Senga works on pick off drills without a ball during Spring Training at Clover Field, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, in Port St. Lucie, FL. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
The Mets saw the best of Senga in his rookie 2023 season, when he pitched to a 2.98 ERA and struck out 202 batters in 166 ¹/₃ innings. But injuries limited Senga to one regular-season start the next year, although he started twice during the playoffs.
Senga, before he left camp, was asked what he was still perfecting.
“The forkball, making sure it’s down,” Senga said of his signature ghost fork. “I don’t want to leave it up. It’s still happening a little bit and … hopefully I can bury it in the dirt.”
Manager Carlos Mendoza has been consistent in his praise of Senga since the pitcher’s first start this spring.
“I am excited because of what he’s shown in spring training,” Mendoza said. “The way he threw the ball, how he bounced back, just the smile on his face, the interaction that I’m having with him.”
Chicago Bulls guard Jaden Ivey warms up before an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026.
Jaden Ivey called the Bulls “liars” after the team waived him on Monday for “conduct detrimental to the team” following an Instagram livestream where he criticized the NBA’s support of Pride Month.
Ivey has hosted several livestreams recently where he has gone on lengthy tangents about religion and has made inflammatory remarks, including calling Catholicism a “false religion.”
He took to the familiar platform on Monday night to address the Bulls’ decision, along with a winding diatribe about religion and calling out other NBA players.
Chicago Bulls guard Jaden Ivey warms up before an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. AP
“They’re liars, bro. This is lying,” Ivey said during the Instagram Live, which appeared to be taking place while he was boarding a flight. “They’re lying saying my conduct is detrimental to the team. That’s a lie. Ask any one of them coaches in there, ‘Was I a good teammate?’ All I’m preaching about is Jesus Christ and they waived me. They say I’m crazy, right? I’m psycho.”
He added that he was “doing what was required of my job” by being in the gym and rehabbing when the Bulls decided to waive him.
Ivey had his season shut down last Thursday while he deals with left knee pain.
Ivey also questioned why the Bulls didn’t outright say that the organization did not agree with his stance on LGBTQ issues, while continuing to insist that he had been a good teammate.
The former Bulls guard later appeared to question Steph Curry’s Christianity.
“He don’t know Jesus and I pray he comes to the truth,” Ivey said. “All that stuff isn’t going to matter on Judgement Day. All them rings he got. All them rings LeBron [James] got. All them rings Michael Jordan got.”
Jaden Ivey #31 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during the game against the Toronto Raptors on February 5, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
Word of Ivey’s release broke on Monday afternoon, hours after the latest livestream, his third in roughly a week.
Ivey’s behavior had started to raise some concerns among basketball fans.
Asked about the decision to waive Ivey, Bulls head coach Bill Donovan said that “there’s a certain level of standards and expectations that are here.”
“I mean, we have people from all different walks of life working in the building and players from all different walks of life, right?” he said. “So, the first thing is, everybody comes with their own personal experiences. But one is, we’ve got to all be professional. I think there’s got to be a high level of respect for one another, and we got to help each other and then be accountable to those standards.”
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 30: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 30, 2026 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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 Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks continued their slide Monday night, getting blown out at home in a 124-94 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a game that got out of hand early and never recovered. Dallas showed brief flashes on offense, but Minnesota’s size, ball movement, and physicality quickly took over, controlling the flow throughout. Daniel Gafford stood out with 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting, providing efficient scoring inside, while Cooper Flagg finished with 12 points, showing moments as a creator and defender despite an uneven night overall. Minnesota, meanwhile, attacked from all angles, with multiple players scoring efficiently and racking up 33 assists, consistently creating high-quality looks. By the fourth quarter, the game had already been decided, turning into extended garbage time with both teams going deep into their benches.
Dallas actually had a few early stretches where the offense looked functional, with Gafford finishing lobs and putbacks and Cooper Flagg getting out in transition for dunks, including one off a Brandon Williams assist that briefly cut into the deficit. There were also moments where Khris Middleton hit turnaround jumpers, and Klay Thompson knocked down a three off a Flagg assist, giving the appearance of some rhythm. But even in those moments, Minnesota’s response was immediate. Julius Randle hit a step-back three, Rudy Gobert finished inside, and Naz Reid spaced the floor with a three, keeping Dallas from ever building real momentum. The biggest issue was consistency: possessions would stall into missed pull-ups, turnovers, or blocked shots, while Minnesota kept generating high-quality looks through ball movement and interior pressure. By halftime, Dallas was already chasing the game, with the Timberwolves controlling both efficiency and physicality, and the gap reflected it as things started to tilt heavily in Minnesota’s favor.
The second half never really had any juice. Dallas got a couple of quick buckets early, mostly through Daniel Gafford’s finishes at the rim, but it never felt like the start of a real run as Minnesota answered every time down the floor. Julius Randle continued to score efficiently, Anthony Edwards got downhill when he wanted, and Donte DiVincenzo hit timely threes, keeping the lead comfortably in double digits. The Mavericks’ offense stayed inconsistent, with missed jumpers and empty possessions preventing any momentum from building. By the fourth quarter, it had fully shifted into garbage time, with both teams going deep into the bench and the outcome long decided.
-29: Max Christie plus/minus
Max Christie was almost invisible in this one, and it’s becoming a larger trend rather than a one-game issue. He finished with just three points on 1-of-5 shooting in 28 minutes, offering very little scoring punch or playmaking, and ended up a minus-29, which matched how the game felt when he was on the floor. It wasn’t just missed shots, either; possessions stalled, drives went nowhere, and there was no real pressure applied to the defense.
Looking at the bigger picture, this has been a rough stretch. Over his last 15 games, Christie has consistently hovered in that low-impact range inefficient shooting nights, minimal scoring output, and very little playmaking to offset it. There have been a few decent performances mixed in, but far too many games where he’s struggled to even reach double digits or influence the game in a meaningful way. For a guard playing real minutes, that’s a problem.
At some point, it becomes more than just a slump, it’s a real question. Dallas needs reliable guard production, especially next to a developing player like Cooper Flagg, and right now Christie just isn’t providing that. If this play continues into next season, it’s fair to start questioning how he fits into the long-term plan.
14: Missed Cooper Flagg shots
Cooper Flagg’s night was productive in flashes, but the efficiency continues to be the swing skill in his development. He finished with 12 points on 5-of-19 shooting, and when you look closer, a lot of those misses came from the in-between areas, such as pull-ups, floaters, and contested midrange attempts, where he hasn’t quite found consistency yet. That’s the key right now. He has already proven he can impact the game at a high level when he’s getting downhill or creating for others, but when defenses take away the rim and force him into that middle ground, the offense starts to stall.
This isn’t a negative long-term. It is actually the exact kind of growth step you want to see. He’s getting to those spots, he’s comfortable taking those shots, and he’s clearly being asked to operate as a primary option. The next step is to turn those possessions into efficient ones. Whether it’s tightening the handle to create cleaner separation, adding touch on floaters, or becoming more decisive with his pull-up game, that in-between scoring will unlock everything else. Because once he can consistently punish defenses there, it becomes much harder to scheme against him, and nights like this, where the volume is there, but the efficiency isn’t, start to turn into real offensive production.
45: Timberwolves’ three-point percentage
The defensive numbers from this game were not just bad. They were revealing. Dallas allowed Minnesota to shoot 55% from the field and 45% from three, and those shots rarely felt contested. Too many possessions began with a breakdown at the point of attack, forcing help rotations and leading to open kick-outs or second-chance opportunities. It was not just one player getting hot. It was the entire defensive structure failing to hold up.
That is what makes it a bigger concern moving forward. This is not about one matchup or one night. It is about personnel and identity. Right now, Dallas lacks consistent perimeter defense, especially against teams that move the ball well and have multiple creators. When guards are getting downhill too easily or forcing help early in possessions, it puts the entire defense in scramble mode, and that is when shooters start getting clean looks. Minnesota took full advantage of that by moving the ball, finding the extra pass, and generating efficient offense all night.
This is where the offseason becomes critical. Whether it is through the draft or roster changes, Dallas has to prioritize perimeter defense. They need players who can stay in front, fight over screens, and disrupt rhythm. Until that improves, it will not matter how much size or versatility they have behind the play. Nights like this will keep happening, where the opponent gets comfortable early, finds a rhythm, and never really gets pushed out of it.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 27: Luka Garza #52 of the Boston Celtics attempts a basket against Onyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at the TD Garden on March 27, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
ATLANTA — The Celtics aren’t looking for moral victories after losses. That’s been their mindset all season, and that was their mindset on Monday night, after they fell to the Atlanta Hawks 112-102.
But, from an onlooker’s perspective, Monday’s loss did come with one fairly significant moral victory: Luka Garza is becoming an important (and impactful) member of the Celtics rotation, and he could be just scratching the surface of what he’s ultimately capable of.
The Celtics faced the Hawks on the second night of a back-to-back, and Neemias Queta got the night off. As such, with Nikola Vucevic missing his 12th straight game with a fractured ring finger, Garza slotted into the starting lineup for the fifth time this season.
And, the 27-year-old — who is currently on a minimum contract with the Celtics — more than capitalized on the increased opportunity.
Garza scored 20 points on 8-9 shooting, including 2 of 3 three-point attempts as well as both of his free throws. He grabbed 9 rebounds, but helped secure several more. The Celtics outscored the Hawks by 6 points in Garza’s 28 minutes on the floor.
The game posed the question: What kind of scorer could Garza become, if given the chance?
“I view myself as a scorer — I always have, just since being a kid,” Garza said. “I always felt like I had a knack for it. But I also have the awareness and understanding coming into the NBA — you can find how to do that in spots that make sense, especially when you have a team of guys who score a ball at a super high level, at a superstar level. That’s what the NBA is about — being able to shape and mold your game and fit in different ways. And, I think it goes beyond scoring for me.”
The former Iowa star has scored 15 or more points on 10 occasions this season and is averaging a career-best 7.5 points per game on 57.7% shooting. He’s converted 43.2% of his three-point attempts, the highest mark on the team.
He attributed a lot of his offensive prowess to his tenure in Iowa, where he was named National Player of the Year in 2021.
“I feel like I have an understanding of just good offense,” Garza said. “And I think that’s what helps me with screening or spacing or whatever, just my IQ from, mostly from college, playing for Fran McCaffrey taught me that. So, I just try to use that to my advantage. And when the opportunities come, I feel really confident I can put the ball in the basketball.”
Still, Garza’s season hasn’t come without adversity; twice now, the Celtics big man has fallen out of the rotation. The first stint was a couple-week stretch in December, and the second came after the trade deadline, after the Celtics acquired Vucevic.
But, both times, Garza ultimately got another stab at the rotation, and both times, he was ready.
How’d he do it?
Garza said he’s been able to deal with inconsistent minutes in large part because he knows that Joe Mazzulla has continuously gone back to players who have fallen out of the rotation; Jordan Walsh, who tallied 31 minutes on Monday night, is the latest such example.
“He keeps coming back to you,” Garza said. “And I think that’s a huge thing. Obviously, you go through stretches where you’re not playing or whatever, and that sucks. But to have a coach always gives you back that chance, gives you an opportunity at different points. You don’t know when it’s coming, necessarily, but you know it is coming, so that helps you with the mindset of staying ready, staying locked in.”
Garza said that hasn’t necessarily been the case in all of his previous stops: “But here with Joe, he has the ability and the confidence to go to all of us at any given point, and that breeds confidence for our guys, especially the guys not playing — because you know it’s coming.”
It remains to be seen what kind of role Garza will have in the Celtics’ playoff rotation. But it’s become increasingly clear that if his number is called, he’ll more likely than not be ready.
Nov 4, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) drives with the ball as Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) defends during the second half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
I was tempted to write “This is a nationally televised game so it’s definitely a loss” and leave it at that.
Most teams don’t have terrific records in nationally televised games. At least one of the teams is usually a contender, or at least was considered one when the season started. Other primetime games are ones where there is public interest, like Kevin Durant’s return to Phoenix, which didn’t happen originally but will in one week.
Counting tonight’s contest, the Houston Rockets play four of their final eight games on national telelvision. That’s scary enough, especially when you factor in that they’re all big games.
The New York Knicks are the best team Houston has left on the schedule by record, though obviously the Minnesota game next week is the more important one. Still, tonight is the start of a back-to-back and unless New York just smokes Houston, it’s likely that Ime Udoka will keep his starters in for their full shifts.
It bears mentioning that New York is one of two teams that have a shot to sweep Houston this season. The Knicks and Sixers both beat Houston in their own buildings and each will make the trip to Toyota Center in the season’s final weeks.
Mar 30, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Colorado Rockies Troy Johnston (20) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images | Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
What a wild four games for the Colorado Rockies.
They are swept by the Miami Marlins in the first three games, losing each game by only one run.
Then, they are stranded in Maimi for an additional six hours:
Tough day for #Rockies yesterday. Walk-off loss, then plane for Miami to Toronto delayed by about 6 hours.
Throughout the course of an NHL season, there are a few games that every team, player, coach, and fan circles on their calendar a bit more meaningful than some of the others.
That was the case when the Pittsburgh Penguins barged onto Long Island to take on the New York Islanders in a standings-critical Monday night matchup. The game was consequential for both teams, as the winner would gain a discernible playoff-contending advantage on the other regardless of the outcome, and everyone knew it going in.
And, in what was - arguably - their biggest game in at least two years, the Penguins delivered big-time.
Anthony Mantha and Rickard Rakell scored twice, and Sidney Crosby notched two NHL all-time milestone assists in his return from injury, to lead the Penguins to a decisive, dominant 8-3 victory over the Isles. The win allowed Pittsburgh to leapfrog the Islanders by one point for second place in the Metropolitan Division, and the Penguins still have a game in hand over the Islanders to work with.
There is no dancing around the fact that this win was massive, especially since an Islanders' regulation win would have put them ahead of the Penguins by three points and nullified the game in hand the Penguins had on them.
After a strong start by the Islanders in the opening half of the first period, the Penguins really came to life in the back end of it. Goaltender Arturs Silovs made some nice saves early on for Pittsburgh, and they earned a power play opportunity within the final minute of the period that carried over into the second.
However, the Islanders gained some momentum after a poor power play from the Penguins, and Anders Lee scored on a man advantage of their own after 27 seconds of four-on-four play to give the Isles the 1-0 lead. Mathew Barzal added another tally a minute and a half later - after a nice shift by the Penguins’ third line - and it appeared the Penguins and Silovs were being caught a little bit flat-footed.
But Pittsburgh responded yet again with some good shifts, and Elmer Soderblom finally cashed in less than four minutes after the Barzal goal to cut the Isles’ lead in half. However, Brayden Schenn capitalized on yet another Penguins’ turnover off the rush less than three minutes after that, and Pittsburgh was back down by two.
After Noel Acciari took a tripping penalty following the Schenn goal, the Penguins desperately needed a kill from their PK unit. But they ended up getting more than that. Nearing the end of the Islanders’ power play opportunity, Rakell created a shorthanded chance on the rush, and he initiated a give-and-go with Bryan Rust. Rust fed it back to Rakell - who was breaking toward the net - for a redirection that resulted in the first shorthanded goal of Rakell’s 14-year NHL career and the deficit being cut to one again at 3-2.
After that, the Penguins came in waves. Ryan Shea scored his fifth of the season on a one-time bomb from the top of the left circle less than two and a half minutes later to tie it, and a little more than a minute after that, Anthony Mantha was sprung on a breakaway by Justin Brazeau, and he buried it on a smooth deke to his backhand - as we’ve seen many a time this season - to give the Penguins their first lead of the evening.
And less than three minutes after that, Mantha drove the middle and went to his backhand again for his 29th goal of the season - which is now the team lead in goals over Crosby - to give the Penguins a 5-3 lead heading into second intermission and capping off a string of four goals in six minutes and 17 seconds.
The third period was set to be the biggest period of their season, as they had a precious two-goal lead heading into it. And, somehow, the third was arguably better than the second, as the Penguins kept the Islanders at bay defensively and kept tacking on. Avery Hayes - playing in his first NHL game since Mar. 14 - finished off a strong individual effort by Ben Kindel by picking up the loose change at the net front and putting it in the net a little more than six minutes into the final frame for a 6-3 lead.
Less than two minutes later, Brazeau found his center, Rakell, breaking to the net once again, and he fed Rakell a seam pass that he buried for his 19th of the season to make it 7-3. Bryan Rust added one in the waning minutes of the third on a rocket from the slot for good measure, and the Penguins headed back to Pittsburgh happy and determined to be ready for their tilt at home against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday.
Sidney Crosby is now just the eighth player in NHL history to record 1,100 assists.
Only Wayne Gretzky (706) and Paul Coffey (1,300) reached this milestone in fewer games than Crosby (1,414) 🤩 pic.twitter.com/1Esg6RsHZF
Egor Chinakhov - the only Pens’ forward who did not end up on the scoresheet at the end of the game - flanked Crosby’s left, while Rust stayed on his right. Meanwhile, Rakell - who has been playing a lot of center and has been impressive down the stretch - centered his own second line with Mantha and Brazeau, and Kindel centered Tommy Novak and Hayes on the third line.
As it turns out, every single line found chemistry, and head coach Dan Muse was able to roll all four without issue. The lineup clicked on all cylinders, even if it was a risk to shuffle things around so drastically ahead of the Penguins’ biggest game of the season.
Credit goes to Muse for that bold decision, as it worked wonders and made all the difference in this game.
Every single skater on the ice for the Penguins on Monday aside from Chinakhov, Erik Karlsson, and Connor Clifton earned at least a point. The Penguins also received goals from Soderblom, Hayes, and Shea - which was the “depth scoring” that I was referencing.
Lineup depth is such a key advantage for the Penguins this season, and they showed the value of said depth on Monday.
Mar 30, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Avery Hayes (85) celebrates his goal against the New York Islanders with centers Ben Kindel (81) and Tommy Novak (18) and defensemen Connor Clifton (75) and Ryan Shea (5) during the third period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
- He may have been held off the scoresheet, but Karlsson was still phenomenal in this game. He was making key defensive plays up and down the ice, thwarting chances, and making plays happen in the offensive zone - including the lead-up to the Soderblom goal.
Karlsson continues to be such an integral part of the Penguins’ attack. And, folks, this version of Karlsson is the one that the team needs if it is going to make the playoffs or go on any type of run.
He has truly been on another planet this month, and he still has a chance to make some history with a few points on Tuesday.
- This wasn’t a great game for Silovs, all things considered. He did make a scorpion-eqsue save near the end, and he was lights-out in the beginning.
But he definitely would have wanted both the Barzal and the Schenn goals back. I have no idea what the Penguins will do with their goaltending moving forward, but he and Stuart Skinner need to be much more consistent so the Penguins don’t have to score four goals in almost every game in order to win.
And the thing is, they won't really be able to "ride the hot hand." They play three back-to-backs in their final eight games, which will make that tough. I assume that Skinner will get the start on Tuesday.
- Soderblom was excellent on Monday, and he was only an assist away from the Gordie Howe hat trick. He fought heavyweight Scott Mayfield in the final frame - and beat him pretty decisively, showing a physical and emotional side to his game that was lacking with Detroit.
I mean, there’s only so much you can do when you challenge a 6-foot-8, 240-pound giant. Mayfield definitely found that out quick.
- These Penguins are a resilient, impressive bunch.
I mean, what else can I say about them? They ride into the biggest, most consequential game of their season and go down 2-0 - looking a bit dead in the water for a brief second - before regrouping, completely taking over a must-win game against a division rival, and never looking back.
This team is fun. This team is special. And, hopefully, they can continue this dominance heading into their matchup against the playoff-hungry Red Wings on Tuesday.
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - MARCH 30: Kyle Leahy #62 of the St. Louis Cardinals delivers a pitch against the New York Mets in the first inning at Busch Stadium on March 30, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Ha, see what I did there, St Louis City? There were a bunch of county cops outside the stadium tonight. But it’s the city, dang it! Anways, sorry this recap is a little bit delayed, but I was at the game tonight and had some photography to prepare, just got out of the dark room now.
The game was much more of a Major League Baseball score tonight, the Metropolitans scoring 4 runs to the Cards 2. The Redbirds had a few opportunities to tie it up, but the offense was pretty silent outside of a Burly RBI and a Nolan Gorman home run.
Kyle Leahy experienced his first Cardinals start against a robust Mets lineup, and while he looked tough, he didn’t get the best results: 4 earned runs and walked 2 batters. To my eye at the game, the Mets were able to find the gaps tonight, and the BABIP backs that up at .381 on the night. Better luck next time, Kyle!
Busch on March 30, 2026
Alec Burleson RBI!
Herrera ends up getting a hit!
Jordan Walker massive cut!
Ok I had some more photos but there’s a time limit on recaps now so I’ll make this one more brief.
Howl’s destruction of the all you can eat Coca Cola zone ticket:
3 bratwurst
6 chicken strips
2 orders of fries
3 sodas
3 beers at 4 hands beforehand
Ok, I would write more but i’ll be quicker on the draw next week. Thank you.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 30: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to a play during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on March 30, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.
Donovan Mitchell
34 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
One might take this stuff for granted. You shouldn’t. This was Mitchell’s 32nd game of the season, scoring more than 30+ points. The fact that he did it while shooting 10-18 from the floor and without limiting Evan Mobley (who also scored 34 points) is everything you want from your star.
Everything…. except stellar defense. I can’t give him the full A+ because of that. Sorry, Don.
Grade: A
James Harden
13 points, 14 assists, 6 rebounds
Harden has now dished 28 assists across his last two games. That’s impressive. More impressive is how he kept the offense focused on feeding Mobley. The Cavs didn’t have it going from downtown (just 6-32 shooting), but they scored their most points in the paint all season — in large part due to Harden’s playmaking.
Again, lackluster defense is holding back his grade.
This was Mobley’s best game of the season. Aggressive drives and deep seals in the paint led to his highest scoring game since last year. Mobley made himself available early and often, playing with so much authority that Cleveland couldn’t help but play through him. More of this, Ev.
Grade: A+
Sam Merrill
9 points, 3 assists, 4 rebounds
Merrill turned Utah’s defense into Swiss cheese with his quick attacks off the catch and well-timed cuts. He’s blossomed into an all-around offensive player, dashing to the basket and even tossing a lob to Mobley in the second half.
That’s important to note, because Sam shot 0-8 from deep tonight but finished 4-6 inside the arc.
Grade: B–
Keon Ellis
13 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, block
Ellis makes some great defensive plays. He also makes some bad ones. That’s something that’s become more apparent as he plays more minutes in Cleveland.
For every steal or block, there’s a blown switch or gamble that leads to a breakdown. Some of this should be cleaned up as Ellis becomes more familiar with his team. But some of the dangerous gambles he takes are inherent to his playstyle. He’s a high-risk, high-reward defender.
Ellis turned this into a positive outing by shooting 5-7 inside of two-point range.
Grade: B
Craig Porter Jr.
2 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds
Porter played his first game since March 13. It was a quiet performance, with Porter mostly getting his feet back under him rather than doing anything special.
Grade: C-
Tyrese Proctor
8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist
Proctor was the best guard off the bench tonight. The rookie shot efficiently (3-6 from the floor) and fit in defensively. I’m excited to see him develop and hopefully crack the rotation next season.
Grade: B
Dennis Schroder
3 points, 3 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steal
Schroder shot 1-4 and wasn’t particularly helpful on defense. That said, he didn’t turn it over and dished 3 assists. So it wasn’t all bad.
Grade: C–
Thomas Bryant
2 points, 7 rebounds, 3 turnovers
Bryant gets stretched thin against faster teams. We’ve seen that a few times this season. He finished as a team-worst minus-12 in 18 minutes.
Looking to turn the page Monday on the road against the St. Louis Cardinals, Bichette stepped up when it mattered.
He drove in a first-inning run on a groundout and then came through with a two-out RBI single in the fifth inning to put the Mets ahead for good as they'd go on to win 4-2.
Bichette finished the game 1-for-5 with two RBI, bringing his season total to three. He told reporters that he did a better job competing during his at-bats, but knows there is still plenty of room for improvement.
"I mean, I just wanted to get back on track I guess, compete," Bichette said. "I felt like I did a better job of that today, but still more to go."
He added: "Just kind of getting back to basics. But really, I mean the most important thing is getting out there on the field and getting in the moment and competing. Just did a better job of that."
The former AL batting champ is known to be a strong opposite field hitter throughout his career and put that skill on display Monday with the RBI single to right field, which recorded a 106.8 mph exit velocity, per Statcast.
He was asked if driving the ball the opposite way is something he expects to do, saying it's more about being in a good position to have competitive at-bats.
"Well I mean as a competitor I expect to be in a good place all the time," Bichette said. "I don't know if that's a sign of anything. Honestly, I just want to be in a position to compete every at-bat and I felt like I did a better job of that today."
Overall, Bichette said he's feeling "more like myself" and believes he's in a better place moving forward after a rough first three games.
Manager Carlos Mendoza agreed, saying he isn't surprised to see Bichette have a bounce-back performance and showed "some good signs" at the plate.
"I'm not surprised, I'm not surprised," Mendoza said with a smirk. "I thought he was more under control, not trying to do too much. Even the one that he lined out to right field, that was a pretty good at-bat there too. That's good to see. When he's doing that, those are some good signs.
The third baseman will now try to build on Monday's game and put his first three games in a Mets uniform behind him.
They played their biggest game of the season against the New York Islanders and dismantled them handily, 8-3. They were down 3-1 at one point in the second period and roared back to score seven unanswered goals and take two crucial points in the standings.
The Penguins now have 90 points and are in sole position of second place in the Metropolitan Division heading into Tuesday's game against the Detroit Red Wings.
Sidney Crosby returned from his brief one-game absence, and his impact was felt right away. Early in the first period, he hit the post on a breakaway and nearly scored a couple of shifts later when his line was pressuring in the offensive zone.
He factored in on two goals, giving him 514 multi-point games for his career. His 514 multi-point games rank third in NHL history, behind Jaromir Jagr (540) and Wayne Gretzky (824). Crosby was tied with Mark Messier and Marcel Dionne with 513 multi-point games before breaking it.
Those two assists also give Crosby 1,100 assists for his career, making him the eighth player in NHL history to accomplish that feat. He only needed 1,414 games to do it.
Crosby did all of this against a team that he loves tormenting. Those two assists give him 142 points against the Islanders, and he has more points against them than any other team, including the Philadelphia Flyers. He has 139 career points against the Flyers.
He's nine assists away from tying Joe Thornton for seventh on the all-time assists list. There's a very good chance he'll do that over the next couple of weeks before the regular season ends.
Sidney Crosby is now just the eighth player in NHL history to record 1,100 assists.
Only Wayne Gretzky (706) and Paul Coffey (1,300) reached this milestone in fewer games than Crosby (1,414) 🤩 pic.twitter.com/1Esg6RsHZF
Crosby could potentially hit another milestone on Tuesday against the Red Wings. He's currently eighth all-time in NHL history with 1,753 points and is two points away from tying Steve Yzerman for seventh.
It would be something else to see him tie/pass Yzerman on the all-time points list when his Wings are in town. Crosby also idolized Yzerman growing up, so it would be even sweeter.
Crosby would then set his sights on Marcel Dionne, who is sixth on the NHL's all-time points list with 1,771. If he doesn't pass Dionne by the end of this season, he certainly will during the beginning of the 2026-27 season.
Crosby currently has 66 points in 62 games and needs four more to hit at least 70 points for the fifth-straight season. He's been a model of consistency since coming into the NHL during the 2005-06 season, and that's not changing.
He's trying to help the Penguins return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2021-22 season, when they lost to the New York Rangers in seven games. This has been a season that nobody saw coming from the Penguins, and now, they're likely only a few more wins away from an improbable playoff berth.
After Tuesday's game against the Red Wings, the Penguins will head south to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning for the third and final time this season on Thursday. The two teams have split the first two games of the season series.
After that, they'll play the Florida Panthers at home on Saturday and Sunday. It's rare to play the same team at home two days in a row, but that's how the schedule shook out this season. The Penguins beat the Panthers in Sunrise 5-3 back on Oct. 23.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 30: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dunks over Kyle Filipowski #22 of the Utah Jazz during the second half at Delta Center on March 30, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Utah Jazz behind a monster game from Evan Mobley. Let’s go over today’s winners and losers.
WINNER – Evan Mobley
It’s not every night that Evan Mobley looks like a bully. But tonight, the Utah Jazz had no one who could defend Mobley in the paint.
Mobley commanded multiple bodies to stop him from burrowing his way under the basket for a bucket. That gravity made it easier for the Cavs offense to operate — as Mobley was routinely sucking in the defense and getting the Jazz to scramble.
All of that was made possible by Mobley’s 16 points in the first half. Each basket came in the paint, with Mobley going 8-11 from the field in the opening half. He was a dominant force, attacking in transition and sealing mismatches deep in the restricted area.
Mobley finished with 34 points, 17 rebounds and 3 blocks. It was his first game of 30+ points since March 19, 2025. If this is Mobley peaking, then he picked the right time. They’ll need this version of him in the playoffs.
This is the mentality that’s expected of Mobley. He won’t always be the focal point of an offense that is led by two ball-dominant guards. But when Mobley has a favorable matchup, he has to make it undeniable. Demand the ball and prove why you should have it. That’s what he did in Utah.
LOSER – 3PT Defense
Rinse and repeat.
The Cavs have an obvious weak point. They haven’t successfully contained the perimeter for most of the season. Whether it be due to simple miscommunications or over-helping on the backline, there’s a pattern that can’t be ignored.
Utah is the latest team to light up the Cavaliers from downtown. They connected on more than half of their attempts (15-29) and nearly shot it well enough to win the game.
Too often it seems like the communication on the perimeter is leading to these breakdowns. pic.twitter.com/eOi9hayZaM
I’m more than willing to give credit where it’s due. The Jazz converted some difficult jumpers throughout the night. They did, however, also receive their fair share of quality looks. Again, this Cavs team is detached and far from playing on a string. Breakdowns are internal, with unforced errors resulting in open looks for their opponents.
This is difficult to fix on the fly. It’s one of the limitations they’ve faced since changing the roster in February. This team doesn’t have the continuity or chemistry required to be a flawless defensive team. They have just a few weeks to polish their scheme and get on the same page before the playoffs begin. That’s no small task.
It didn’t help that Cleveland shot just 6-32 from deep in this one. It was their worst three-point shooting game of the season.
But hey, credit to the Cavs for winning a game in which they were outscored by 27 points from deep.
WINNER – A Backcourt Trio
Let’s go down the list and give shout-outs to a trio of guards in the starting lineup. Sam Merrill, Donovan Mitchell, and James Harden showcased their own positives in this one.
Harden wasn’t overly aggressive in searching for his own shot. But he read the room and made a conscious effort to feed Evan Mobley. He repeatedly orchestrated the offense to center on Mobley — ultimately fueling the big man’s big scoring performance. Harden finished with 14 assists for the second game in a row.
Cleveland realized Evan Mobley had the biggest offensive advantage and kept him as a focal point from start to finish
Meanwhile, Mitchell poured in a somewhat quiet 34 points. It’s the type of thing we’ve almost come to take for granted, considering how often it happens. This was Mitchell’s 32nd game of 30+ points this season alone. He did it on 10-18 shooting (11-12 from the free throw line).
Finally, Merrill continues to impress me with his on-ball creation. He’s made a genuine leap in terms of attacking the basket. Merrill has had success putting the ball on the floor and bursting around defenders for layups. And, he’s expertly cut his way to the rim for even more scoring opportunities.
Players like Merrill can easily fall into a box. Specialists who never become anything more. But Merrill has proven he can impact the game in multiple ways. That’s made him a starting-caliber player for the Cavs and someone who can surprise you on any given night.
NEW YORK (AP) — Anthony Mantha had two goals and an assist, Rickard Rakell scored twice and the Pittsburgh Penguins rallied to defeat the New York Islanders 8-3 on Monday night in a crucial game in the competitive Eastern Conference playoff race.
The Penguins trailed 3-1 midway through the second period before scoring four times in less than 6 1/2 minutes to take over. Their seventh goal on their 28th shot eight minutes into the third chased Ilya Sorokin, who was done in by porous defense in front of him and relieved by backup David Rittich.
Pittsburgh with the regulation victory leapfrogged New York into second place in the Metropolitan Division, 90 points to 89. The Penguins have eight games left in the regular season compared to seven for the Islanders, who could find themselves outside a spot as early as Tuesday night depending on results of their next game and others in contention in the East.
Returning from a one-game injury absence, Sidney Crosby was one of 15 skaters on his team to register a point in a significant bounce back from losing at home to Dallas without him on Saturday. Longtime running mate Evgeni Malkin missed a fourth consecutive game and is considered day to day.
AVALANCHE 9, FLAMES 2
DENVER (AP) — Nazem Kadri scored twice on the power play against his former team as part of a 26-shot, five-goal first period and the Colorado cruised to a win over Calgary.
The 26 shots is tied for second-most in a period in franchise history. The Avalanche finished with 49 shots — tied for their season high — as they increased their lead to eight points over Dallas in the race for the NHL’s top mark.
Jack Drury kicked off the scoring spree 2:31 into the game, followed by back-to-back power play goals from Kadri over a 66-second span. Captain Gabriel Landeskog and Parker Kelly also added goals before the first-period horn sounded.
Nathan MacKinnon added his 49th goal in the second period, along with two assists in the third. Martin Necas, Sam Malinski and Artturi Lehkonen each scored in the final period. The nine goals tied a season high.
Cale Makar notched three assists before leaving the game with an upper-body injury.
Scott Wedgewood made 27 saves for Colorado.
GOLDEN KNIGHTS 4, CANUCKS 2
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Adin Hill made 22 stops and Vegas opened the John Tortorella era with a win over Vancouver.
One day after the Golden Knights fired Bruce Cassidy, who led the team to a Stanley Cup title in 2023, they treated Tortorella to a come-from-behind victory.
Rasmus Andersson, Shea Theodore, Reilly Smith and Cole Smith each scored for Vegas.
Evander Kane and Brock Boeser scored for the Canucks, while Kevin Lankinen made 29 saves.
MAPLE LEAFS 5, DUCKS 4, OT
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — John Tavares redirected a shot from Morgan Rielly into the net with five seconds left in overtime to lift Toronto to a come-from-behind victory over Anaheim.
The Leafs overcame a 3-1 deficit with three goals in the third period, including Rielly’s snap shot from the high slot that beat Anaheim goalie Ville Husso stick-side to give Toronto a 4-3 lead with three minutes left in regulation.
But Leo Carlsson, who hobbled to the locker room after taking a hard hit and falling to the ice in the first minute of the third, gathered a loose puck near the left circle and flicked a shot past Toronto goalie Anthony Stolarz to make it 4-4 with 1:39 left.
Tavares added a first-period goal, and Stolarz stopped 28 of 32 shots for Toronto, which took the ice about 1 ½ hours after general manager Brad Treliving was fired near the end of his third season, with the Maple Leafs on the verge of being eliminated from the playoffs for the first time in a decade.
Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier scored in the first 10 minutes, and John Carlson scored his first goal for the Ducks. Gauthier, who leads the Pacific Division-leading Ducks with 38 goals and 65 points, suffered an upper-body injury on a cross-check late in the first and did not return. Husso had 22 saves.
SHARKS 5, BLUES 4
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Adam Gaudette scored with 21 seconds left, Alexander Wennberg and Macklin Celebrini each had two goals and an assist, and San Jose beat St. Louis to snap the Blues’ three-game winning streak.
On the rush, Gaudette flicked a wrist shot from near the left faceoff spot that trickled between the legs of goalie Joel Hofer.
Yaroslav Askarov made 22 saves for the Sharks (34-31-7), who have 75 points — tied with Seattle and two behind Nashville for the final Western Conference wild card. Los Angeles has 76 points, while St. Louis (31-31-11) has 73.
Theo Lindstein, Pavel Buchnevich, Philip Broberg and Cam Fowler scored for the Blues, and Jake Neighbours had two assists. Hofer finished with 24 saves.
