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Canadiens Outworked And Outperformed By The Sabres

The Montreal Canadiens were facing a tall task on Thursday night, taking on a Buffalo Sabres team that had won 14 of its last 16 games and that was hungry to prove it wasn’t a fluke. Despite Samuel Montembeault having played a fantastic game against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night, Martin St-Louis elected to give the net to Jacob Fowler. The fact that it was a divisional clash against a red-hot team says a lot about how the Canadiens feel about the young netminder.

While the Habs had a night off on Wednesday night, the Sabres were busy hosting the Philadelphia Flyers, and if the Canadiens were hoping the hosts would be tired to start the game, they had another thing coming. Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch, who were both riding five-game point streaks, were in top form and giving headaches to the Habs’ blueliners. All through the game, Buffalo was the most energetic side.

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Finally, A Goal At Five On Three

Earlier this week, we mentioned that the Canadiens had spent the most time league-wide on a double man-advantage for over 10 minutes, yet they had only two goals to show for it. While it was obvious that St-Louis wanted to use Noah Dobson’s slap shot to create goal-scoring opportunities at five-on-three, it just wasn’t happening.

On Thursday night, St-Louis decided to go another way. He kept his first power-play unit intact for the double-man-advantage, with Ivan Demidov and Lane Hutson joining Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovsky. It took 44 seconds for the blueliner to feed a perfect pass to the Russian rookie, who buried a lethal one-timer.

Speaking to RDS’ Marc Denis after the first frame, Hutson explained that it was the way the Canadiens were able to make the Sabres’ triangle move so much that allowed them to get a goal at five-on-three finally. It’s hard to argue with him. With the passing talent this team has, it should be betting on that weapon to create space and opportunities.

The Second Fastest Defenseman To 100 Assists

With an assist on the double-man-advantage goal, Hutson became the second-fastest defenseman to reach 100 career assists. He only needed 132 games to reach the milestone, which Sergei Zubov did in 127 games. Who did Hutson beat to the mark? Mark Howe (he needed 135 games), Stefan Persson (he needed 135 games), and Cale Makar (who needed 140 games).

Unfortunately for Hutson, though, he had a bit of an off night, fanning on the puck twice in key moments offensively and being guilty of three giveaways.

Fantastic Performance

The best team won the game on Thursday night. The Sabres were quicker both on and off the puck. Even though the Canadiens led twice, that advantage lasted for less than seven minutes, and it felt like the result was never in doubt for the host.

Lindy Ruff’s men beat the Canadiens at their own game; great forecheck and sustained pressure had the Habs panicking more than once. Buffalo’s top line, featuring Tage Thompson, Zach Benson, and Alex Tuch, was a constant threat. Thompson recorded five points with three goals and two assists and just seemed to be everywhere on the ice.

Amazingly, even though four of the Sabres’ six defensemen spent over 20 minutes on the ice in a second game in as many nights, they never looked tired. Bowen Byram, Rasmus Dahlin, Mattias Samuelsson, and Owen Power were all over the Canadiens.

In net, Colten Ellis didn’t look very solid, but the Canadiens were unable to take advantage of his mistakes. At one stage in the third, he turned the puck over and was some way away from his net, but Oliver Kapanen was unable to put the puck in the net, just like Suzuki. Perhaps there was a bit of killer instinct lacking there, but those are the kind of opportunities that you cannot miss.

As for Fowler, his .846 save percentage is not what we are used to, but the loss cannot be placed on his shoulders, even if he would probably want back the goal he allowed. It was announced on Thursday that Fowler was voted to the AHL All-Star Game, and with the Olympic break looming, sending him back to Laval might not be a bad idea. As good as he’s been in the 10 games, he has played with the Habs, he would be best served by seeing more action. Montembeault has found his game again. Jakub Dobes isn't losing, even though his stats aren’t brilliant; perhaps the timing is right to send Fowler back to Laval to play a truckload of matches.

The Canadiens will now head back to Canada as they’ll take on the Ottawa Senators on Saturday at 7:00 PM.

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Maple Leafs Give Up Three Goals In Third Period, Fall To Mitch Marner And Golden Knights In Overtime

If Thursday night was any indication of what Mitch Marner's return to Toronto might be like next week, then it's going to be a spicy homecoming.

The Toronto Maple Leafs were facing Marner (for the first time) and the Vegas Golden Knights. And even in his own building, the 28-year-old was getting booed by travelling Maple Leafs fans every time he touched the puck.

Not sure if I've ever seen that.

Marner, no doubt, was the story entering the evening. Unfortunately for Maple Leafs fans, he was also a part of the story in the end, as Vegas defeated Toronto 6-5 in overtime. Marner finished the game with two assists.

The Maple Leafs had a two-goal lead four times on Thursday, but the Golden Knights continued to push, scoring three goals in the third period, including one with seven seconds left, to force overtime.

Jack Eichel deked out Joseph Woll (who finished the game, stopping 27 of 33 shots), allowing Toronto only one point from the game. Below are a few takeaways from the game.

Nice offensive/defensive game for Rielly

Morgan Rielly was the first to get the Maple Leafs on the board against the Golden Knights.

William Nylander did what he does best on the goal: protecting the puck before making a great pass, eventually leading to a goal. Nylander fought off Keegan Kolesar before patiently locating Rielly walking in from the blue line.

The defenseman rifled a shot by Adin Hill for his sixth goal of the year.

Rielly was, however, on the ice for Kolesar's goal early in the second period. Despite boxing the Vegas forward out, Rielly didn't track the puck, and Kolesar was able to get a stick on it to put it by Joseph Woll.

Rielly did make up for it, though.

Later in the period, Rielly made a great defensive play on a 2-on-1 while Toronto was on the man advantage. Moments later, John Tavares tipped in a shot from Matias Maccelli for his 17th of the season, and first power play goal since Nov. 8.

(Tavares got the bump to Toronto's top unit after Nylander — who also scored in the first period — left the game due to a lower-body injury.)

One thing you could question was Rielly's decision-making in overtime. With two forwards deep, the defenseman elected to shoot rather than hold onto the puck. Vegas came the other way, and despite Rielly making a strong defensive play on the 2-on-1, Eichel was still able to score and win it for the Golden Knights.

Matias Maccelli is finding his stride

All Maccelli could do was laugh after Tavares tipped his shot — already on its way to the net — into the goal.

Part of the reason why Maccelli could smile was because of the recent stretch he's had with the Maple Leafs. It was a difficult start for the 25-year-old at the beginning of the season, only tallying nine points in his first 22 games.

After multiple healthy scratches, Maccelli returned to the lineup and hasn't looked back.

Entering Thursday, the forward had three goals and eight points in his last 13 games. While Maccelli has seen an uptick in production, what has stood out most is his confidence with the puck.

One example of that came on Nylander's goal: Maccelli decided to hold on to the puck and pull it to his backhand as he entered the Golden Knights' zone before saucing it to Nylander with ease.

It's an elite pass.

As Maccelli continues to get an opportunity in Toronto's top six and the team's number-one power play unit, there should only be positives. He was brought in to help make up for the loss in points after losing Marner.

It was a bump ride in the early going, but it appears Maccelli is finding his game.

You can also tell head coach Craig Berube has trust in the forward, as he was among the second group of players on the ice for Toronto in overtime.

Auston Matthews continues to be back

I officially declared Matthews back two games ago after he whipped his Matthews-esque shot past Colorado Avalanche goaltender Trent Miner.

Another telling sign Matthews has returned: he aura-farmed in his goal celebration, staring down the Avalanche crowd as he skated by.

That's a confident hockey player.

He's also scoring his goals in different ways, whether it be his patented wrister, a one-timer, or the odd tip, which he pulls off with brilliance. Matthews executed another perfect tip against the Golden Knights.

Matthews deflected Jake McCabe's shot-pass through his own legs and past Adin Hill for his 23rd goal of the year, and eighth goal in as many games.

Don't get me wrong, it was a great deflection. But what was even more impressive was how he shrugged off Shea Theodore before getting to the net for the tip. It's something that often goes unnoticed, and I thought it did again on Thursday night.

When speaking to several Maple Leafs ahead of Matthews breaking Toronto's goal-scoring record, many discussed the forward's strength on and off the puck.

"Since we've been young, playing against him, he's been one of the stronger guys. Whether it be on the puck, just maintaining it, getting it away from him has been very hard," said Brandon Carlo.

"Just his strength with that puck. It's very hard to knock him off of it. If he wants to control it, he's going to control it. If he wants to move it, he's going to move it. So those are players that are very special. He's definitely up there amongst the top on the hardest to play against."

Other takeaways

- Scott Laughton continues to score big goals for the Maple Leafs. The 31-year-old scored Toronto's fifth goal of the game to put them up 5-3 almost midway through the third period. Had Vegas not tied it, Laughton's sixth goal of the year would've been the game-winner.

- Matthew Knies had a quiet but productive night against the Golden Knights. He assisted on Tavares' power play goal as well as Laughton's third-period marker. Knies also had the third-highest ice time among Toronto forwards (20:07) despite missing the morning skate due to maintenance.

- Nylander left during the first period with a lower-body injury. Berube said the forward re-aggravated his previous ailment, which forced him to miss six consecutive games, from Dec. 27 to Jan. 10. Berube is unsure of how long Nylander will be out and how the re-aggravation happened.

- Marner spoke with TSN's Mark Masters following the overtime win and didn't seem at all phased by the boo's from Toronto's travelling fans. "They've got a passionate fan base," he told Masters. It'll be fascinating to see how he's welcomed into Scotiabank Arena one week from now.

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Star outfielder Kyle Tucker reportedly agrees to four-year deal with Dodgers

Chicago Cubs' Kyle Tucker (30) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run.
Kyle Tucker celebrates after hitting a solo home run for the Chicago Cubs against the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS on Oct. 9. (Nam Y. Huh / Associated Press)

For the second time in as many months, the Dodgers swooped in to secure a major free-agent signing.

After weighing multiple offers this week, outfielder Kyle Tucker reportedly agreed to a four-year, $240-million contract with the Dodgers on Thursday.

Tucker, who reportedly had been offered $50-million per year by the New York Mets and received overtures from the Toronto Blue Jays, is a four-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger whose left-handed bat will fit into the middle of the Dodgers’ lineup.

Read more:One last roundup for Clayton Kershaw: He'll pitch in World Baseball Classic

The signing addresses an area where the Dodgers were in need of an upgrade, after the outfield corps posted minus-1.6 wins above replacement in 2025.

But the question heading into the offseason was how the Dodgers would go about improving their outfield. Although they had plenty of financial flexibility at the start of the offseason, with more than $60 million in salary from last season coming off the books, the front office also touted potential internal options. Some of those included Alex Call, Hyeseong Kim and Ryan Ward, who was named the Pacific Coast League’s MVP in 2025 and was added to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster this offseason.

The team used that flexibility to make a splash last month when they signed reliever Edwin Díaz to a three-year, $69-million deal, emerging as a surprise winner after Díaz appeared on track to sign elsewhere.

They seemingly followed a similar pattern with Tucker, who spent last year with the Chicago Cubs after he was traded by the Houston Astros following the 2024 season. When reports emerged about the Mets offering a short-term deal worth $50 million per year, the Dodgers appeared to be out of the running.

Read more:Why $100 million in endorsements says Shohei Ohtani is the global face of sport

But instead they landed another marquee free-agent signing in Tucker, who turns 29 on Saturday. They are banking on the productivity he's shown when healthy — he's a career .273 hitter with an .865 OPS — but he's dealt with injuries the last two seasons. With the Cubs in 2025, Tucker hit .280 with 17 home runs before the all-star break, but a fractured right hand and a left calf strain slowed him down as he finished with 22 home runs. He served as the Cubs' designated hitter during their postseason run, which ended in a five-game loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in the division series.

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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Sarah Strong leads top-ranked UConn to 34th straight win, 99-50 over Villanova

STORRS, Conn. (AP) — Sarah Strong had 24 points, nine rebounds and five blocks, and top-ranked UConn extended its winning streak to 34 games with a 99-50 blowout of Villanova on Thursday night.

Azzi Fudd had 14 points, KK Arnold tied her season high with 13 points to go seven assists and four steals, and Blanca Quinonez added 13 points as UConn (18-0, 9-0 Big East) won its 47th consecutive regular-season league game.

Freshman Kennedy Henry had 12 points and three of the eight 3-pointers by Villanova (14-4, 7-2). Brynn McCurry scored 11 points for the Wildcats, who shot a season-low 27.7% from the field.

Jasmine Bascoe, Villanova’s top scorer, was held to eight points, all in the first half.

NO. 2 SOUTH CAROLINA 68, NO. 4 TEXAS 65

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Joyce Edwards had 14 points and eight rebounds, Tessa Johnson added 13 points and South Carolina avenged its only loss this season by beating Texas for its 11th straight victory.

Ta’Niya Latson scored 12 points and Raven Johnson came up with some big shots down the stretch, scoring six of her 10 points in the pivotal fourth quarter for the Gamecocks (18-1, 5-0 Southeastern Conference).

Madison Booker had 24 points and Rori Harmon added 16 to lead Texas (18-2, 3-2), which finished 1 of 9 from 3-point range.

NO. 5 VANDERBILT 89, MISSISSIPPI STATE 84

STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — Mikayla Blakes scored a season-high 38 points and No. 5 Vanderbilt won its school-record 18th straight game to open the season, beating Mississippi State 89-84 on Thursday night.

The Commodores are 5-0 in Southeastern Conference play for the first time since 1992-93, the season they opened 17-0. The 18-game winning streak is the longest in school history at any point in a season.

Blakes hit five 3-pointers, made 11 free throws without a miss and had seven assists. Justine Pissott added 12 points, and Aiyana Mitchell had 10 points and eight rebounds.

Vanderbilt broke it open with 21-6 run in the third quarter.

Madison Francis led Mississippi State (14-5, 1-4) with 15 points.

NO. 7 KENTUCKY 94, FLORIDA 89

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Tonie Morgan scored a season-high 26 points and had 13 assists to lead Kentucky to a win over Florida.

The Wildcats (17-2, 4-1 Southeastern Conference) improved to 10-0 at home and fended off a late rally by the Gators (12-8, 0-5).

Clara Strack had 21 points for Kentucky, and Jordan Obi, Amelia Hassett and Asia Boone scored 12 each. Strack sat out most of the third quarter and fouled out with 13 seconds remaining.

Me’Arah O’Neal led the Gators with 23 points, the most in an SEC game and one shy of a career high for Shaquille O’Neal’s 19-year-old, 6-foot-4 daughter. Liv McGill added 20 points and 11 assists for Florida, and Jade Weathersby scored 18.

NO. 8 MICHIGAN 85, NO. 25 ILLINOIS 69

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Olivia Olson scored 21 points, including 15 in the first half, and Te’Yala Delfosse added 15 to lead Michigan to a victory over Illinois on Thursday night.

Mila Holloway added 13 points and Syla Swords had 11 for the Wolverines (15-2, 6-1 Big Ten). Michigan, which has won all 10 of its home games, is off to its best start since is started 20-2 during the 2021-22 season.

Berry Wallace scored 26 points and Jasmine Brown-Hagger added 16 for the Illini (14-4, 4-3 Big Ten), who have dropped three of their last four.

NO. 9 LOUISVILLE 79, NO. 23 NOTRE DAME 66

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Reyna Scott scored 20 points off the bench and Louisville pulled away from Notre Dame for its 10th straight victory.

Tajianna Roberts added 19 points for Louisville (17-3 overall, 7-0 Atlantic Coast Conference), which last lost on Dec. 4 when the Cardinals fell 79-77 to then-No. 3 South Carolina. Elif Istanbulluoglu had 11 points and Mackenly Randolph scored 10.

Led by Scott, Louisville’s reserves outscored Notre Dame 31-2. The Cardinals rank second nationally in bench production by averaging 36.3 bench points entering the game.

Hannah Hidalgo scored 24 points and had five rebounds and eight assists to lead Notre Dame (12-5, 2-3). Iyana Moore scored 16 points, Malaya Cowles had 12 and Cassandre Prosper scored nine points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

NO. 11 IOWA 74, OREGON 66

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Hannah Stuelke and Addison Deal combined to score 36 points and Iowa beat Oregon in a wire-to-wire win.

Stuelke had 18 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and a pair of steals. Deal had 18 points — a career high — on 7-of-9 shooting and made all four of her 3-point attempts. Ava Heiden posted 13 points and nine rebounds. Kylie Feuerbach had 11 points, five assists and two steals.

Stuelke opened the game with a pair of layups, and the Hawkeyes (15-2, 6-0 Big Ten) never trailed in their fifth straight win.

Ehis Etute was the only Oregon (14-5, 2-4) player to score in double figures. She scored 13 of her 15 points in the second half, including nine in the fourth quarter, and posted eight rebounds. Three players had nine points for the Ducks, including Sofia Bell, who added three steals.

NO. 12 MARYLAND 62, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 55

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Yarden Garzon hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 2:38 remaining and Maryland defeated Southern California.

Addi Mack led the Terrapins with 12 points. Garzon finished with 10 points.

Isimenme Ozzy-Momodu added 10 points, nine rebounds and had a key block of Maria Samuels with 33 seconds remaining. After Garzon’s 3-pointer, the Terrapins got two offensive rebounds before Ozzy-Momodu scored for a 59-55 lead. Those were the only two field goals in the fourth for Maryland.

The Terrapins (17-2, 5-2 Big Ten) bounced back from an 89-76 loss to No. 19 Ohio State to earn their fourth win in five games.

Kara Dunn led USC with 21 points. Star freshman Jazzy Davidson shot 5 of 23, including 0 for 14 over the final three quarters, while picking up her third and fourth fouls in the fourth quarter. She scored 12 of the Trojans’ first 20 points, helping them to a 20-16 lead.

NO. 15 MICHIGAN STATE 73, NO. 24 NEBRASKA 71

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Grace VanSlooten scored 22 points and Juliann Woodward sank two free throws with 5.1 remaining in the game for Michigan State to seal a win over Nebraska.

Rashunda Jones added 15 points and Kennedy Blair had 14 for the Spartans (17-1, 6-1 Big 10), who are off to their best start in program history.

Nebraska (14-4, 3-4) was led by Amiah Hargrove, who scored 21 points off the bench on 9-of-11 shooting from the field. Britt Prince added 14. The Cornhuskers finished 7 of 20 from 3-point range after making five in the first quarter.

AUBURN 58, NO. 21 ALABAMA 54

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — Khady Leye scored 16 points and Kaitlyn Duhon scored 10 points and Auburn beat Alabama.

Jessica Timmons scored 16 points, Ta’Mia Scott scored 12 points and Karly Weathers 10 while grabbing 11 rebounds for Alabama

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Mets target Kyle Tucker signing with Dodgers

The Mets have swung and missed on star free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker, who is signing with the Dodgers.

With Tucker now in tow, Los Angeles will likely have four MVP candidates hitting consecutively in their lineup -- Tucker, Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. 

In addition to the Mets and Dodgers, the Blue Jays had been heavily connected to Tucker.

According to multiple reports, Tucker accepted the Dodgers' four-year, $240 million offer. Tucker also has an opt-out after the second year. His $60 million AAV is the second-highest in baseball history, only behind Ohtani's $70 million -- $68 million is deferred.

The Mets had reportedly extended a four-year offer to Tucker worth roughly $50 million annually. 

Tucker, who turns 29 years old later this week, was the biggest name available in this year’s free agent class.

While Tucker always made sense as a free agent target for the Mets, he became an even better fit once president of baseball operations David Stearnstraded Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers for Marcus Semien, creating a vacancy in left field. 

Now that the Mets have missed out, it's not clear where they turn. 

They have been linked to free agent Cody Bellinger, but he has reportedly been deep in negotiations with the Yankees. The Yanks have offered Bellinger five years, while Bellinger's camp has been holding out for seven.

It's conceivable that after failing to land Tucker, the Mets direct their assets to the starting pitching market.

In free agency, Framber Valdez -- who has been connected to the Mets and Orioles -- is still available. 

As far as a trade for pitching, one available starter who could make plenty of sense for New York is Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta. 

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Canucks Winless Streak Hits Nine As Vancouver Falls 4-1 To The Columbus Blue Jackets

The Vancouver Canucks wrapped up their six-game road trip on Thursday with a 4-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Brock Boeser scored on the power play, which broke a 21-game goalless drought. As for Kevin Lankinen, he stopped 32 of the 36 shots he faced in the loss. 

With the loss, the Canucks pushed their winless streak to nine games. Vancouver has only had two other nine-game winless streaks since the turn of the century, with the other two coming during the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons. The last time Vancouver went winless in 10 straight was during the 1997-98 season, which led to the Canucks finishing 24th out of 26 teams. 

Thursday was a high-paced game from the start. Vancouver and Columbus each hit double digits for shots in the first and second, and both finished above 30 shots for the game. In the end, the difference was the Blue Jackets' ability to convert on their chance, while the Canucks could only produce one goal.

While this game featured another loss, there was a positive as Boeser broke his 21-game goalless streak. The 28-year-old's last goal came on November 28, which was 48 days ago. Boeser looked relieved on the play as he finally potted his 10th of the season and 214th goal of his career. 

Speaking of Boeser, he showed some chemistry late in the game when put on a line with Elias Pettersson and Liam Öhgren. The trio played 6:10 together as per Natural Stat Trick and finished with a 4-3 shots advantage. Watch for these three to stay together next game, as they were one of the more successful lines over the final 20 minutes. 

The penalty kill was a focus in this game as Columbus scored on both of their opportunities. After gaining some momentum, Vancouver's penalty kill has struggled over the past few weeks, and has now given up at least one goal in four of it's last five games. At this point, it is hard to determine what the solution to fixing the penalty kill as pucks are going in regardless of which players are on the ice. 

Jan 15, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jake Christiansen (2) scrums with Vancouver center Aatu Raty (54) and left wing Evander Kane (91) during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
Jan 15, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jake Christiansen (2) scrums with Vancouver center Aatu Raty (54) and left wing Evander Kane (91) during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images

Let's just call it as it is; this was the perfect road trip for the Canucks. Vancouver didn't pick up a point over the six games and put some distance between themselves and other teams at the bottom of the standings. While some may view this opinion as negative, it is a positive from a rebuilding perspective as the Canucks main focus the rest of the year should be to finish 32nd in the league. 

Stats and Facts:

- Elias Pettersson records his 100th career power play assist

- Brock Boeser's 75th power play goal breaks his tie with Stan Smyl and moves him into sole possession of sixth all-time in franchise history

- Elias Pettersson extends his point streak to three games

- Vancouver has scored one goal or fewer in four of its last five games

Scoring Summary: 

1st Period:

17:25- CBJ: Charlie Coyle (10) from Kirill Marchenko and Adam Fantilli (PPG)

2nd Period:

5:59- CBJ: Kirill Marchenko (17)
10:14- CBJ: Zach Werenski (18) from Kent Johnson (PPG)
14:09- VAN: Brock Boeser (10) from Elias Pettersson and Zeev Buium (PPG)

3rd Period:

10:13- CBJ: Kent Johnson (5) from Boone Jenner and Damon Severson

Up Next:

The Canucks return home from their road trip to start an eight-game homestand. Their first matchup will not be an easy one as the Edmonton Oilers come to town on Saturday. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 pm PT. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.

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Drake Powell cracks starting lineup as Nets try to break five-game skid

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Drake Powell (4) looks to shoot against New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in New Orleans.

Nets coach Jordi Fernàndez hinted that he is considering making rotation changes after his rebuilding team suffered its fifth straight defeat Wednesday night in New Orleans.

One significant alteration Fernàndez already had executed on Brooklyn’s road trip this week, however, was the insertion of rookie Drake Powell into the starting lineup in each of the past two games.

Powell — the third of the Nets’ league-record five first-round picks in 2025 (22nd overall) — has totaled 26 points over 49 minutes in the two starts, including 16 with five rebounds and two made 3-pointers in their 116-113 loss to the Pelicans.

Drake Powell looks to shoot against Yves Missi in the second half of the Nets’ loss to the Pelicans on Jan. 14, 2026, in New Orleans. AP

“We have high expectations for him,” Fernàndez said after the game about Powell, whose rights were obtained from the Hawks on draft night. “We can see a player that not just can develop and play on both ends of the floor, but can be pretty good, so it’s time to see how he does in that situation.

“I’m very happy with the way he’s played. Does that mean he’s gonna be there the whole time? There’s no guarantees here. If he keeps playing hard, we want to see that growth, same as everybody else. That goes for the rookies, that goes for everybody. Keep working, keep getting better. The opportunity is there, and you gotta take advantage of it.”

Wednesday’s game marked the first time the North Carolina product started in the Brooklyn backcourt with No. 8 overall pick Egor Dëmin, who missed Monday’s loss in Dallas due to injury management.

The 20-year-old Powell got off to a slow start due to an ankle injury suffered on opening night in October, missing the following four games. The 6-foot-5 wing has averaged 5.8 points in 17.8 minutes per game over 25 appearances off the bench as a rookie, and 11.3 points in 25.0 minutes in three games as a starter, also including his first NBA start Jan. 1 against the Rockets.

“Just want to stay aggressive on both ends of the floor,” Powell told YES Network after Monday’s game in Dallas. “That’s what Jordi told me to do leading up to the game, and I ultimately trust myself and trust my teammates.

“I think I have a great circle back home that keeps my head on straight, and, like I said, just trust my teammates, trust my coaches, and then just from there, at the end of the day, it’s just basketball.”

Drake Powell shoots a jumper during the Nets’ road loss to the Pelicans. NBAE via Getty Images

Powell is shooting just 31.3 percent from 3-point range, but he believes his defensive game has steadily improved, with just two personal fouls committed in the past two games.

“It’s a lot different from college, you gotta show your hands a lot, and that’s something I’ll continue to grow at, to be a good defender in this league,” Powell said. “With the more film that I watch and the more games that I play, it’ll just build over time.”

Dëmin has made the most starts among the Nets’ rookie crop with 27, followed by guard Ben Saraf (26th overall) with five and Powell and forward Danny Wolf (27th) with three apiece.

French guard Nolan Traore (19th) has made all of his 18 appearances off the bench entering Friday’s home game against the Bulls, including five points in 19 minutes in New Orleans.

Veteran guard Terance Mann moved into a reserve role Wednesday night, and Fernàndez indicated more rotation changes could be coming after the Nets (11-27) allowed 33 second-chance points and lost for the eighth time in nine games following an encouraging 7-3 stretch in December.

“I know our guys care about doing the right things,” Fernàndez said. “The problem is, right now our focus and our intentions are not there. And that’s something that I’ve got to help them better. And there’s different ways you can do it, obviously. So I’m going to try to do my best to find 10 guys in the rotation that care about rebounding, that care about ball pressure, that care about doing the right things.

“And then if you make mistakes, we can live with it. But the intentions and the effort, it’s a priority for us. I trust the group. They’ve always shown a reaction, and work. I trust the coaches, they always come back with answers and positive energy. And that’s how we’re gonna do it here.”

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Two Penguins' Prospects Named To AHL All-Star Classic

On Thursday, two Pittsburgh Penguins' prospects were recognized for the strong seasons they are having. 

Forward Tristan Broz and goaltender Sergei Murashov were named to the Atlantic Division's team for the AHL All-Star Classic, which will take place Feb. 10-11 in Rockford, Ill. The rosters were chosen by a committee of AHL coaches. 

It will be the first AHL All-Star appearance for both players.

Broz, 23, has appeared in just one NHL game for the Penguins this season, but he has continued to build off a strong 2024-25 rookie campaign in the AHL for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) Penguins. He has recorded 13 goals and 26 points in 33 games this season to go along with a plus-8, and he leads all WBS skaters in points and goals. 

Murashov, 21, saw a pair of brief stints at the NHL leve this season, posting a 1-1-2 record with a 2.56 goals-against average and .897 save percentage in five appearances. For most of the AHL season, Murashov led the league in both goals-against average and save percentage, but a recent two-game slide dropped him down to third. 

He is 13-4-0 with a 2.03 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage in 18 AHL appearances this season. 

A Sitdown With 'Stu': Skinner Talks Hockey, Transition To PittsburghA Sitdown With 'Stu': Skinner Talks Hockey, Transition To PittsburghNew Pittsburgh Penguins' goaltender Stuart Skinner is adjusting to life in Pittsburgh after spending his first five-plus NHL seasons with the Edmonton Oilers

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Game Preview #42 – Timberwolves at Rockets

Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets
Date: January 16th, 2026
Time: 8:30 PM CST
Location: Toyota Center
Television Coverage: ESPN
Radio Coverage: KFAN FM, Wolves App, iHeart Radio

Texas Two-Step: Wolves Hit Houston With the Season’s Biggest Weekend in Front of Them

The Minnesota Timberwolves are about to take a Texas two-step that could define the mid-point of their season.

Friday night in Houston.
Saturday night, a rematch with San Antonio.

Two games. Two Western Conference heavyweights. Two chances to either cement what the Wolves have been building since January 1, or remind everyone how thin the margin still is in a brutal West.

Minnesota storms into this weekend playing some of the best basketball this franchise has ever seen. The identity is clear now. Defense first. Physicality second. Relentless effort third. The Wolves are shutting down the paint, swarming ball handlers, closing out on shooters, and playing with an edge that simply did not exist during the December slog. Offensively, it hasn’t always been pretty, but when it clicks, it goes nuclear — the kind of avalanche offense that breaks teams before the fourth quarter even arrives.

The latest proof came in Milwaukee, where Minnesota walked into Giannis Antetokounmpo’s house without Rudy Gobert or Anthony Edwards and somehow delivered one of the most dominant road wins of the season. No Defensive Player of the Year candidate. No franchise superstar. No excuses. Just collective toughness. Julius Randle played dominant bully ball. Naz Reid produced highly efficient offense. Donte DiVincenzo was true from deep. Bones Hyland had a coming out party. Everyone stepped up.

That win mattered. It pushed Minnesota within a half-game of San Antonio and one game of Denver in the race for the two and three seeds. And now the Wolves get the opportunity every contender waits for: grab momentum and turn it into separation.

First obstacle? Houston.

Last season, Wolves-Rockets games were borderline cage matches. Physical. Emotional. Often decided in the final minutes. This year’s Rockets are different. Kevin Durant in a Houston uniform changes the equation entirely. For all the off-season smoke and mirrors, it appears that Minnesota never seriously pursued KD, and Durant never seriously considered Minnesota. Fine. Friday night offers a chance to make that decision sting just a little.

With a nationally televised game on ESPN and an even bigger showdown looming Saturday, the Wolves have to treat Houston like what they are: the gatekeeper to something real.

Keys to the Game

#1 – Come out on fire and test Houston’s legs early.
The Wolves smelled blood in Milwaukee and pounced. The Bucks looked like a team that wanted no part of the night, while Minnesota looked energized, aggressive, and prepared to dictate terms. Houston enters Friday coming off what should be a high-intensity game against Oklahoma City in the first leg of a back-to-back. That matters. NBA games are as much mental as physical, and tired legs usually mean slow rotations, late closeouts, and lazy decisions. Minnesota has to seize that advantage immediately. Push the pace. Crash the glass. Force Houston to work on every possession. If the Wolves bring that January intensity from the opening tip, they can put the Rockets in survival mode before halftime.

#2 – Win the battle of the bigs.
Houston has size, skill, and one of the league’s most quietly effective centers in Alperen Sengun. Last season, Sengun had moments where he got the better of Gobert, but this version of Rudy Gobert is different. He’s rested, reinvigorated, and playing like a Defensive Player of the Year again. Rudy has to own the paint, deny Sengun easy looks, control the glass, and set the tone defensively. Julius Randle must continue his physical play, and Naz Reid’s recent defensive uptick has to carry over. Minnesota cannot afford to lose the rebounding battle or allow Houston to feast inside. This game starts at the rim.

#3 – Don’t give up easy ones.
The Wolves’ defensive leap since January hasn’t been about highlights. It’s been about discipline. No straight-line drives. No lazy closeouts. No wide-open threes off broken rotations. Houston has scorers everywhere, but they become far more manageable when forced into contested looks. That responsibility falls heavily on Minnesota’s wings. If the Wolves stay connected, rotate with purpose, and take away Houston’s first and second options, the Rockets’ offense becomes far less dangerous.

#4 – Put Kevin Durant in a straightjacket — again.
Minnesota has a recent history of bothering Durant. The 2024 playoff sweep. The regular-season matchups with Phoenix last season. Jaden McDaniels has the length and discipline to match Durant physically, and Anthony Edwards has shown he relishes the challenge of guarding his former idol. With Fred VanVleet sidelined, Houston lacks the secondary offensive engine to consistently punish Minnesota if Durant is contained. KD will get his points — that’s inevitable — but the Wolves must make every bucket hard-earned. No rhythm. No comfort. No takeover stretch.

#5: Anthony Edwards has to elevate — again.
If Edwards plays, and all signs point toward him being ready, this is his stage. He loves these games. He loves playing Durant. He loves moments where the stakes are obvious. With fresh legs after resting his left foot, Ant has to set the tone offensively by attacking the rim, collapsing Houston’s defense, creating clean looks for teammates, and picking his spots from deep. His gravity is what unlocks Minnesota’s offense. As the season flips to its second half, this is the kind of performance that defines leadership and separates stars from superstars.

(UPDATE: Anthony Edwards will be out again with continued “Right foot injury management.”)

The Finish

The Wolves haven’t consitently shown up against the West’s elite this season. That’s been the knock. This weekend is a chance to flip that narrative in real time.

Friday in Houston is about setting the tone by grabbing the early series lead, creating real space in the standings, and sending a message that Minnesota is done hovering. Saturday against San Antonio is about something bigger, where the Wolves can find themselves potentially flipping positions with the Spurs and grabbing hold of the three seed.

These are not “nice wins.”
These are not “confidence builders.”

These are statement games.

If Minnesota handles its business over the next 48 hours, the conversation changes. Not about whether the Wolves belong, but about how high they can climb.

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Seamus Casey Selected For AHL All-Star Game

Seamus Casey, New Jersey Devils defenseman, was named to his second straight AHL All-Star Game.

This season, the former second-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft has suited up for the Utica Comets and the New Jersey Devils. He has tallied 17 points (one goal and 16 assists) for the Comets in 26 AHL games.

In addition to his AHL contributions, he has also appeared in two NHL games this season, earning zero points.

During the 2024-25 season, Casey made 14 appearances with the Devils and collected eight points.

Casey is among 30 AHL All-Stars who played in the NHL this season.

Set to represent the North Division in Illinois on February 10th and 11th, the 22-year-old defenseman will take the ice on behalf of the Comets.

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Sabres Place Forward On Injured Reserve

The Buffalo Sabres have announced that they have placed forward Josh Dunne on injured reserve.

Seeing the Sabres place Dunne on injured reserve is entirely understandable. Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff recently announced that the 27-year-old forward would be out for the next four to six weeks due to a mid-body injury. Because of this, it makes sense that Dunne has now been placed on injured reserve as he focuses on his recovery. 

Dunne has played in 28 games so far this season with the Sabres, where he has recorded one goal, three assists, four points, 34 penalty minutes, 34 hits, and a minus-4 rating. 

Dunne has gotten into the most NHL action of his career already this season, as he entered the campaign with just 16 NHL games played over three seasons. Yet, he will now be forced to miss a good amount of time due to his injury. 

In 44 career NHL games over four seasons split between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Sabres, Dunne has recorded one goal, four points, 49 penalty minutes, 70 hits, and a minus-14 rating. 

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Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend

Chelsea need to avoid long-throw blues, plus: a vacant spot for Liverpool and West Ham’s best hope for survival

Can the 198th derby be any spicier for Manchester United and their latest interim manager, Michael Carrick? This is his second caretaker tenure though the three games of November-December 2021 (beating Villarreal and Arsenal, drawing with Chelsea) hardly compares to sending out an XI to try to beat Manchester City in Saturday’s early kick-off. Pep Guardiola’s high-performing unit remain in contention on all fronts. Carrick takes charge of a United suffering the aftershocks of a latest manager sacking, hoping to salvage the season via European qualification. The lad from Wallsend has 17 games to do so – his new team are in seventh place on 32 points, so victory over City would be a fine start. But you wonder if the match might end with Carrick and United humbled or, even worse, humiliated. Jamie Jackson

Manchester United v Manchester City, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)

Chelsea v Brentford, Saturday 3pm

Leeds v Fulham, Saturday 3pm

Liverpool v Burnley, Saturday 3pm

Continue reading...
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Kraken Assign Jacob Melanson To The AHL; Activate Brandon Montour Off The Injured Reserve

Seattle Kraken defenseman Brandon Montour is poised to return after missing 14 games with a hand injury, as he’s been activated from the injured reserve.

To free up a roster spot for Montour, winger Jacob Melanson was sent down to the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds.

The 22-year-old Melanson played 15 games in this NHL stint, scoring his first career NHL goal and adding three assists. Melanson routinely impressed the coaching staff with his physicality and aggressiveness on the forecheck.  

Despite averaging just 9:25 of ice time, Melanson threw 65 hits, blocked six shots, and fired 12 shots on goal. Melanson turned a lot of heads in this call-up stint and could be a contender to make the NHL roster out of training camp and pre-season next year. 

He’ll return to the Firebirds, where he’s notched seven goals and 14 points in 23 games. 

Kraken's Brandon Montour Deemed A 'Possibility' For Tonight's Matchup Against The BruinsKraken's Brandon Montour Deemed A 'Possibility' For Tonight's Matchup Against The BruinsThe fourth stop of the Seattle Kraken's five-game road trip is in Boston, where veteran defenseman Brandon Montour could be making his return to the lineup.

At the moment, who Montour will enter the lineup for is undetermined. The three possible players to step out of the lineup are Cale Fleury, Jamie Oleksiak and Ryker Evans. Fleury has impressed his teammates and the coaching staff since he entered the lineup in place of Montour. 

The answer will be revealed when the Kraken take the ice for warmup prior to their matchup against the Boston Bruins. 

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"An Incredible Player": Red Wings Know Their Hands Will Be Full Playing Macklin Celebrini

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Despite being one of the lowest-ranked teams in the Western Conference in recent years, the San Jose Sharks have given the Detroit Red Wings a tough time in their most recent visits to Little Caesars Arena. 

The Sharks have beaten the Red Wings by a combined score of 12-8 in each of their two most recent matchups in Detroit, which included a wild 6-5 overtime setback in December 2023. 

The last time the Red Wings defeated the Sharks on home ice was Jan. 24, 2023, a 3-2 overtime victory with Andrew Copp playing the role of hero. 

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This season, the Sharks are showing that they're no longer pushovers, thanks in large part to forward Macklin Celebrini, a 19-year-old phenom whom San Jose selected first overall in 2024. 

With an astounding 24 goals and 46 assists for 70 points, Celebrini is proving that he's every bit worth the hype he came with coming into the 2024 NHL Draft.

The Red Wings, who host the Sharks on Friday evening, know that they must always be aware of when he's on the ice. 

"He's obviously the main focus," Patrick Kane said of Celebrini following Thursday's practice. "He's the main guy offensively for that team; he's been carrying them all year."

Not yet of legal drinking age in the United States, Celebrini is not only ranked third overall in total NHL scoring, but also was announced as being included on Team Canada's Olympic roster. 

Not bad for a 19-year-old. 

"His points compared to the next guy on their team show how valuable he's been, and he's got them in a playoff spot now, too," Kane continued. "He'll definitely be the main focus of our attention defensively, and making sure whoever is on the ice is aware of him." 

As Kane noted, Celebrini’s 70 points are 38 more than San Jose’s next-leading scorer, Tyler Toffoli, who has 13 goals and 32 total points.

As of Thursday afternoon, Celebrini and the Sharks occupy the second and final Wild Card playoff berth in the Western Conference. 

The Red Wings, who defeated the Sharks by a 3-2 final score in a shootout in San Jose on Nov. 2, will be focusing their game plan on how best to neutralize the former first overall pick. 

Todd McLellan Hits the Reset Button as Red Wings Shuffle Lines AgainTodd McLellan Hits the Reset Button as Red Wings Shuffle Lines AgainFollowing their 3-0 loss against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday, the Detroit Red Wings displayed some new line combinations at Thursday morning's practice.

"It's not an easy task because the book on him isn't real big in the NHL; he's taken it by storm and is an incredible player," head coach Todd McLellan said of Celebrini. "But he is starting to show some tendencies that other teams are looking at." 

"He's definitely driving that team and creating lots of confidence, and as he elevates his play, others around him elevate their play, and they're a tough team to play against," McLellan continued. "We'll obviously have to be aware of him when he's on the ice and help the players with any type of pre-scout analysis we can give them." 

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Dodgers sign top free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker to 4-year, $240 million deal

Dodgers sign top free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker to 4-year, $240 million deal originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The wait ended the way so many modern baseball stories seem to in Los Angeles.

Kyle Tucker, the crown jewel of the 2026 MLB free agency class, is officially a Los Angeles Dodger.

Late Thursday night, the Los Angeles Dodgers finalized a deal with the four-time MLB All-Star and 2022 World Series Champion, agreeing to a four-year, $240 million contract that includes an opt-out after the second season. The pact carries one of the highest average annual values in baseball history and once again underscores the Dodgers’ willingness to operate at the very top of the sport’s financial ecosystem.

For months, Tucker’s free agency felt like a slow-burning standoff. Executives around the league believed his market would soar past $400 million on a long-term deal, especially given his age, durability, elite defense, and left-handed power bat. Tucker, coming off a season with the Chicago Cubs after being traded from the Houston Astros last offseason, was widely viewed as the rare free agent who checks every box: postseason pedigree, consistent production, and star presence without volatility.

But the market never quite erupted.

Instead, it pivoted.

As winter dragged on, the industry began buzzing about a different approach—shorter deals, massive annual value, and the chance for Tucker to re-enter free agency while still firmly in his prime. That’s where the Dodgers and New York Mets entered the picture in earnest. The Mets reportedly offered four years and $200 million, a strong bid that reflected their continued pursuit of top-tier talent. The Toronto Blue Jays, fresh off a 2025 World Series runner-up finish, went longest with their offer, hoping stability and years would sway the slugger north of the border.

In the end, Los Angeles wouldn’t be outdone.

The Dodgers pushed their offer to a level no one else could touch, combining financial dominance with flexibility.

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the deal is fully guaranteed. Includes opt-outs after years two and three. Comes with a $64 million dollar signing bonus, includes $30 million in deferred money, and is a record by AAV by over $6 million (previous record, Juan Soto by the New York Mets last season).

Tucker batted .266 with 22 home runs, 73 RBI, and 25 stolen bases in 136 games with the Cubs last season. He was voted to his fourth All-Star Game in July. 

Tucker is expected to start in right field for the Dodgers, moving Teoscar Hernandez to left field, where he played predominantly during the 2024 World Series season. The Dodgers needed another outfielder after left fielder Michael Conforto didn’t quite pan out as the team had thought in 2025.

Tucker slides into an already formidable Dodgers lineup as a middle-of-the-order force, capable of changing games with one swing while providing Gold Glove-caliber defense in the outfield. His postseason résumé only strengthens a team that measures success in October, not summer standings.

For the Dodgers, this signing isn’t just about winning the offseason. It’s about control—of the market, of the narrative, and of the championship window. While other teams blinked or hedged, Los Angeles leaned in.

Kyle Tucker bet on himself.

The Dodgers bet on now.

And once again, the rest of baseball is left reacting to a move that reshapes the balance of power—one expensive, deliberate swing at a time.