Aston Villa welcome leaders Arsenal in Saturday’s early kick-off before Manchester City host Sunderland
Saturday 12.30pm TNT Sports 1 Venue Villa Park
Continue reading...Mets 'among the favorites' for Framber Valdez: report
As the Mets search for a top of the rotation starter, they are "among the favorites" for free agent left-hander Framber Valdez, reports Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
Per Feinsand, the Orioles are also viewed as a top suitor for Valdez.
In addition to Valdez, Feinsand reports that the Mets are one of the teams most interested in free agent starters Tatsuya Imai and Michael King.
Additionally, Feinsand links the Mets to Ranger Suarez, but lists his most serious suitors as the Astros, Cubs, and Orioles.
As far as the 32-year-old Valdez, he has been a workhorse over the last four seasons while posting a 3.21 ERA and 1.15 WHIP across 767.2 innings.
After leading the American League in innings pitched in 2022 (201.1 IP), Valdez hasn't really slowed down. He fired 198.0 innings in 2023, 176.1 innings in 2024, and 192.0 innings this past season.
His ERA in 2025 was 3.66 -- the highest it's been since 2019, when Valdez was working mostly in relief. But while the ERA was a tick high, there wasn't much cause for concern elsewhere, as Valdez's WHIP, hit rate, walk rate, home run rate, and strikeout rate were all right around his career averages.
It's also worth noting that Valdez has excelled over the course of his career despite never being an advanced stats darling.
Part of the reason why he's able to perform so well while not blowing hitters away is his elite ground ball rate, which was in the 97th percentile in 2025. Valdez's sinker -- which he relied on 44 percent of the time this past season -- also graded out strongly, ranking in the 91st percentile.
When it comes to Valdez's advanced stats, there are some causes for concern. The biggest one is that his curve ball and slider -- his two main secondary pitches -- both graded out poorly in 2025. That was a stark difference from the prior three seasons, so perhaps it was just a one-year blip.
There was also troubling moment with Valdez this past September, when he seemingly intentionally crossed up his catcher in order to hit him with a pitch -- and showed no remorse after. For his part, Valdez claimed it was unintentional.
NHL Rumor Roundup: Where Could Quinn Hughes Get Traded To? Should The Oilers Pursue Tristan Jarry?
The Vancouver Canucks becoming sellers in the trade market has made them the dominant club in the rumor mill.
It's also made UFA-eligible left winger Kiefer Sherwood a popular target in an otherwise thin trade market thus far.
Quinn Hughes was not considered to be among the Canucks' trade candidates. However, the uncertainty over whether he'll sign a contract extension has raised questions about the 26-year-old superstar defenseman's future in Vancouver. That's generating conjecture about potential trade destinations for the 2023-24 Norris Trophy winner.
The Hockey News' Adam Kierszenblat doesn't think the Canucks should be in a win-now mode this season. That means he thinks the Canucks' brass should sit down with Hughes to discuss his future and whether he would want to play through a retool or rebuild.
If the Canucks peddle Hughes, Kierszenblat believes the Canucks should focus on acquiring prospects and picks over established NHL players.
Ben Kuzma of The Province, meanwhile, believes they'll seek a multi-player return that helps them get younger and eventually better.
Kuzma felt that interested clubs would want assurances that Hughes wouldn't be a one-year rental. He suggested ties to certain teams could determine where he lands, proposing the Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers as destinations.
Hughes spent his formative hockey years in Michigan with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and the NCAA Wolverines. His brothers, Jack and Luke, play for the Devils. Meanwhile, former Canucks coach Rick Tocchet is now the Flyers' bench boss.
Kuzma speculated that the Canucks could seek a return of winger Lucas Raymond, rookies Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Nate Danielson, and a 2026 first-round pick from the Red Wings.
Daily Faceoff's Anthony Di Marco thinks the Canucks would want winger Tyson Foerster and prospect Porter Martone as part of the return from the Flyers. However, they might prefer sending a package to Vancouver centered around a defenseman such as Jamie Drysdale or Cam York.
The asking price from the Devils could include promising defenseman Simon Nemec. Center Dawson Mercer or rookie winger Arseny Gritsyuk could also be part of the deal.
The Red Wings, Devils and Flyers could be reluctant to gut their rosters for Hughes, but interested clubs should be prepared to pay a high price for a superstar of his caliber.
‘I Just Think Losing Is Obviously The Hardest Part’: Quinn Hughes Speaks On The Canucks’ Recent StrugglesCanucks captain Quinn Hughes spoke on the team's recent struggles after dropping their past three games. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers' goaltending remains a topic of interest in the rumor mill. Some of the recent talk linked them to Tristan Jarry of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Earlier this week, NHL.com's Dan Rosen was asked what level of interest the Oilers had in Jarry. He pointed out that they know what they have with inconsistent starter Stuart Skinner, who has backstopped them to consecutive Stanley Cup finals.
Rosen didn't rule out the possibility of the Oilers seeking a replacement, but he noted that Jarry has his own inconsistency issues, plus an injury history. He felt that the only way they would make a move for Jarry is if they believe he can carry them to the Stanley Cup.
Given Jarry's career and his post-season record thus far, it's unlikely he'll replace Skinner in Edmonton.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
Ducks Overhaul Penalty Kill Personnel, Early Results Promising
The Anaheim Ducks are at a surprisingly critical time in their season, a season in which they’re on track to end their seven-season playoff drought, as they sit atop the Pacific Division standings in early December and 27 games into the 2025-26 season.
However, their position remains a bit precarious, as they have just a one-point lead on the Vegas Golden Knights (32 points), who’ve played one less game than Anaheim (33 points). Also, just five points separate them from being on the outside of the playoff picture, looking in.
After jumping out to a hot start, under a new coaching staff and surprising opponents, teams seem to have adjusted and are better prepared to counter what the Ducks are trying to accomplish on a night-to-night, shift-by-shift basis. As the Ducks have undergone a systemic facelift and dealt with the pitfalls of that adjustment, the backbone of the team to this point in the season has been Lukas Dostal.
Takeaways from the Ducks 7-0 Loss to the Mammoth
Takeaways from the Ducks 4-1 Win over the Blues
Dostal is one week into a 2-3 week timeframe to return from an upper-body injury and has been sidelined for the Ducks’ last five games, where the Ducks have gone 2-3-0. He carried an 11-5-1 record, a .904 SV%, and had saved 10.1 goals above expected (T-12th in the NHL). He, along with the Ducks' early-season ability to outscore their problems, had papered over much of the Ducks’ defensive deficiencies.
One of the areas that needed a tweak was the penalty kill, which currently sits 27th in the NHL, killing at a 75% rate. It’s not an area they can afford to be poor in, as through 27 games, they have taken 97 minor penalties (10th in the NHL) and average 10.2 PIM per game (eighth in the NHL).
The Ducks coaching staff, specifically head coach Joel Quenneville and assistant coach Ryan McGill, have begun to make said necessary tweaks. They began by overhauling their personnel deployment while down a man.
Heading into their game on Monday against the St. Louis Blues, three staples of the Ducks’ penalty kill had been Jackson LaCombe (averaging 3:04 shorthanded TOI), Leo Carlsson (1:52), and Troy Terry (1:48). All three star players were taken off the penalty kill entirely.
Pavel Mintyukov was placed on the top PK unit with Jacob Trouba. The second unit now consists of Drew Helleson and Radko Gudas. The first forwards over the boards on the kill are now Ryan Poehling and Alex Killorn, with a combination of Chris Kreider, Frank Vatrano, Jansen Harkens, and Cutter Gauthier behind them.
“Our penalty killing, I think, we had a great start to the season. I thought we did some good things,” Joel Quenneville said of his unit when asked about taking his trio of stars off the kill. “Then, I think we were getting probably too many penalties, which they’re (the opposing team) going to start to figure it out.
“So I think we can manage the amount of time we’re putting them on the (penalty kill), and at the same time, our group can be more effective by being together, knowing the pressure points, and taking away shooting lanes. It’s a combination of both. Leo and Terry, getting them resting for more of the 5v5 and the power play. It was a lot of ice time, something we looked at.“
The Ducks are now two games into this experiment, and the results have been there. The Ducks have killed seven of eight penalties over the last two games: a 4-1 win over the Blues and a 7-0 blowout loss against the Utah Mammoth.
Terry and Carlsson are both players who possess quality defensive tools. Terry is disruptive and influences attackers to low-danger areas from the wing, while Carlsson can diagnose breakouts and kill plays in the neutral zone or forecheck. However, when placed on the kill together, they were perhaps too aggressive, quick to jump for secondary pressure, and attempted to manufacture offense while down a player.
LaCombe, while an ace at defending the rush, has had his struggles this season boxing out and eliminating sticks at the net front. Too often was the opposing net front forward able to sustainably screen the Ducks’ netminder, get tips on perimeter shots, and put rebounds in the back of the net.
Though the sample is small, the Ducks have found a better balance of aggressiveness and passiveness while in zone on the kill. Carlsson, Terry, and LaCombe are now theoretically freer to focus on the offensive side of the puck, where they’re truly special, and can conserve needed energy for those 5v5 and power play minutes.
The Ducks will have a tall order on Friday, as they’ll host the white hot Washington Capitals, who have won their last six games and nine of their last ten. Despite now leading the Metropolitan Division, the Caps have only converted 17.3% of their power plays (T-22nd in the NHL) and have only generated 7.66 xGF/60 minutes (24th in the NHL) while on the man-advantage. They’ve gone 4-13 (30.8%) on the power play during their current six-game winning streak. Still, this will be a good chance to see how the PK unit is progressing on the Anaheim side.
Takeaways from the Ducks 5-3 Loss to the Blackhawks
Quack of Dawn: Ducks Morning Report - 11/29/25
Lukas Dostal out 2-3 Weeks with Upper-Body Injury, Importance of Upcoming Ducks Schedule
3 moves Yankees could make if they are lowering payroll for 2026 MLB season
So let’s say – speaking hypothetically, Hal – the Yankees do indeed lower their payroll heading into the 2026 season. Obviously, they still intend to contend and they probably have enough talent to be a playoff threat.
But what would their winter look like if they forgo spending mega free agent dollars and work to improve on the margins only? They of course will reap benefits from an eventual Gerrit Cole return to an already-plus rotation, in addition to the usual Aaron Judge awesomeness and a roster with other strong points.
Even so, they could use a Cody Bellinger return, bullpen fortification, a righty, defense-first first baseman and perhaps a stop-gap starter. Maybe a utility player, too.
How does that all work in an offseason in which the owner, Hal Steinbrenner said, “Would it be ideal if I went down (with the payroll)? Of course. But does that mean it’s going to happen? Of course not. We want to field a team we know could win a championship, or we believe could win a championship.”
With that in mind, here are some suggestions for the Yankees if we remove boldface free agent names such as Bellinger and Kyle Tucker from their options.
Yeah, we know fiscal restraint doesn’t fit some folks’ “Act like the Yankees and spend big” worldview, but this is just one potential spending scenario in a Hot Stove winter where all things are possible. Heck, maybe it means they’re saving it up for next winter and a free-agent run at Tarik Skubal. Oh, now you’re interested.
Outfield options
This is easy. They want Bellinger back, but he’s so versatile and so skilled in multiple baseball departments that he’s in high demand. For instance, Met fans would love it if he were another Yankee relocation to Queens. So if Bellinger goes elsewhere, what do the Yanks do on the grass?
Nothing.
Not sexy, we know. Signing Tucker would bring sizzle. But that might be $100 million more than whatever Bellinger costs. If the Yankees are trying to tamp down the payroll, they have choices here. Judge plays right, Trent Grisham, who accepted the qualifying offer, is back in center and Jasson Domínguez and/or top prospect Spencer Jones figure it out in left field.
Swing-and-miss is a part of Jones’ game, yes. But so is admirable athleticism and dizzying power. He had a .932 OPS and 35 homers across two minor league levels last season. Might be time to find out what he’s got.
“The Martian” might not have had the otherworldly (get it?) rookie season Yankees fans would have wanted. But Domínguez was once the most-hyped prospect in the world and one season doesn’t say it all about his career. Might be time to find out what he’s got, too.
If the Yanks do re-sign Bellinger, they could put Jones, Domínguez, and perhaps even Grisham into the trade carousel to address other needs.
Pitching ponderables
With Cole and Carlos Rodón both starting the season late, the Yanks need rotation depth to add to Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Luis Gil and Will Warren. They re-signed Ryan Yarbrough, who will help, and could examine other lower-level free agents, too.
We’re thinking of names such as Tyler Mahle (2.18 ERA in 16 starts with Texas last season). The righty allowed only five homers in 86.2 innings and home run suppression skills could help in Yankee Stadium. Righty Adrian Houser revived his career with 11 sharp starts with the White Sox, though he had less success after a trade to the Rays.
Across their history, the Yanks have thrived at bringing in older stars who made their name with other teams, dating way back to the days of Johnny Mize or Enos Slaughter. Could they do it with one from this duo of the Cooperstown-bound ageless hurlers Max Scherzer or Justin Verlander? Might be a fun one-year deal for either.
As for the bullpen, the Yankees have vacancies left by Devin Williams and probably Luke Weaver, who is a free agent. The club has been really good at finding and developing useful relievers who might not be household names. They got mileage out of Ian Hamilton, for instance, and Clay Holmes bloomed under their tutelage. Do they have a few more in the pipeline?
Maybe they go that route again. If not, there are plenty of potentially-useful relief arms available and they wouldn’t be top-of-the-market outlays, including Kyle Finnegan and Michael Kopech. Could they revive former Jays closer Jordan Romano, who is coming off two poor seasons?
Also, several of the Yankees’ most highly-regarded prospects are pitchers, including 22-year-old Elmer Rodriguez, who got to Triple-A for one start last season and had a 2.58 ERA in 150 innings over three levels. Could the kids figure as inexpensive options or trade fodder?
Bench marks
A righty-hitting complement to Ben Rice at first base would be a nice pickup -- someone who can help school the slugging Rice on the defensive nuances of the position. Paul Goldschmidt redux?
Signing a utility player would fortify the bench, too. They liked Amed Rosario last season for his righty bat and he can provide coverage in the infield and outfield.
So could free agent Willi Castro, a coveted utility man last trade deadline. The switch hitter fizzled after going from the Twins to the Cubs, but he has experience at every position but catcher and first base.
Five things we know as Phillies travel to the Winter Meetings
Five things we know as Phillies travel to the Winter Meetings originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The temperature outside may be dropping, but the hot stove is heating up.
From December 7-10, the Winter Meetings will take place in Orlando. The early stages of the offseason have moved slowly across baseball, but momentum is expected to build — especially for the Phillies. Here are five things to know as the meetings begin.
The Schwarber Sweepstakes is on
All offseason long, it’s been clear that one of — if not the biggest — priorities for the Phillies is bringing back the 32-year-old slugger. And for good reason. Kyle Schwarber is coming off his best season in Philadelphia, delivering a 56-homer, 132-RBI campaign. Although, just ten days ago, the Phils and Schwarber were “not close to a deal,” per MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki.
A true leader, strong community presence and an all-around professional, it’s no surprise his market includes multiple suitors. Big-market teams like the Mets and Red Sox have shown interest, but it’s Schwarber’s hometown team making a strong push.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Reds are one of the strongest suitors. Rosenthal notes that Cincinnati could have roughly $20 million to spend on next season based on comments from GM Nick Krall. The Phillies aren’t worried about getting outbid by the Reds for the Middletown, Ohio native, but Cincinnati is a much younger club that could benefit from his veteran presence.
Contract length is a key variable. On MLB Network, former GM and analyst Steve Phillips suggested that a fifth year may decide where Schwarber lands — and that could tilt the race toward the Reds.
If the Phillies don’t retain Schwarber, attempting to replace his power becomes the next priority. That could come through free agency (Pete Alonso, Marcell Ozuna), the posted Japanese market (Munetaka Murakami, Kazuma Okamoto), or potentially a trade if Byron Buxton waives his no-trade clause in Minnesota.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently noted on Threads that the Schwarber decision could come by the end of the meetings. Buckle up.
Where things stand with J.T. Realmuto
There are few players who know the Phillies’ pitching staff as well as Realmuto. The 34-year-old has spent the past six seasons in Philadelphia, and a thin catching market makes him one of the most attractive options available.
Passan reported that Realmuto is unlikely to seek more than a two-year deal, which increases the chances of a return. Boston and Texas were initially viewed as potential suitors, but neither team is expected to spend aggressively behind the plate.
The value he brings behind the plate remains a separator. On MLB Network, Jesús Luzardo highlighted Realmuto’s preparation and individualized game-planning, saying he “always has such a good plan,” with a clear understanding of how each pitcher attacks a lineup. He also added that the staff has “a lot of faith, a lot of confidence in him back there.”
If the Phillies leave Orlando with clarity on Schwarber and Realmuto, their offseason path becomes much sharper.
Names floated in trade talks
The contract dump of Nick Castellanos has dominated trade speculation, but other players have been mentioned in recent reporting, including Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott and, more unexpectedly, Brandon Marsh. Nothing appears imminent, but the organization could be moving away from running out a similar core.
A recent name mentioned in industry speculation is Matt Strahm. Adam Jude of The Seattle Times expressed that the Mariners are exploring left-handed bullpen options and identified Strahm as a fit. The left-hander has one year of club control remaining and has been effective in leverage situations while offering multi-inning capability.
Seattle also presents a potential match because of its roster situation. Randy Arozarena, entering his final arbitration year, would fill a need as a right-handed bat and is coming off his fifth straight 20-home run, 20-steal season. The Mariners also have an organizational surplus behind the plate, with top catching prospect Harry Ford blocked by Cal Raleigh, and they have a need at third base, where Bohm is a fit.
Randy Arozarena – Credit: Joe Nicholson (Imagn Images)
Once the top free agents sign, trade activity typically picks up quickly. It would not be surprising if the Phillies are involved on either side of a swap if one takes place soon.
How set is the Phillies’ rotation?
Starting pitching has received the least attention early in the offseason. The rotation just posted the lowest starter ERA in the National League at 3.53. But there are still questions that will shape the next few weeks.
Ranger Suárez is expected to have a strong market even if there has been little public noise to this point. His price likely rose after Dylan Cease signed a seven-year, $210 million deal with Toronto, putting him in a range that may be difficult for the Phillies to match with nearly $100 million already committed to their rotation in 2026 — without Suárez.
On Bleacher Report, Jon Heyman reported that the Phillies have maintained interest in a reunion and that Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai, who is expected to land a nine-figure deal, is a potential fit.
With Zack Wheeler recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, adding depth to the rotation would make sense, though it may depend on whether the Phillies can alleviate some of their payroll by moving Taijuan Walker.
A more affordable route exists through the mid-tier market, including options such as Nestor Cortes or Tyler Mahle, or potentially a reunion with Walker Buehler at an even lower number.
That scenario would require confidence in Andrew Painter taking a rotation spot out of camp. A group of Sánchez, Luzardo, Nola, Walker and Painter is viable on Opening Day, but the risk comes if Wheeler needs additional time to regain his form.
The market lacks top-end depth, but it has options that fit the middle.
Is Marte still an option?
Last month, Arizona signaled a willingness to discuss trades involving Ketel Marte, and on November 26, the Phillies and Blue Jays reportedly checked in. Marte has a full no-trade clause but did not include Philadelphia or Toronto on his list.
Acquiring him would be expensive, but if Schwarber leaves, the 32-year-old second baseman is one of the few alternatives that keeps the Phils among the top teams in the game.
Marte is a switch-hitter who has produced from both sides and would add a level of versatility the Phillies have lacked in their lineup in recent years. His contract also aligns well with the Phillies’ approach. He is owed $28 million over the next two seasons, a number that provides enough financial flexibility to remain active in other parts of the market.
Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen will likely have multiple conversations in Orlando, and the Phillies’ willingness to involve top prospects will determine how serious those talks become.
Three takeaways: Penalties killed Panthers momentum, Florida needs to start building on positives
The Florida Panthers are stuck in a rut.
Florida dropped their fourth straight game on Thursday night when they gave up a late 1-0 lead to the Nashville Predators before losing 2-1 in overtime.
The defeat was also the fifth in a row on home ice for the Panthers, which is a bit alarming on its own.
Now 26 games into the season, Florida is going to have a lot of work to do if they want to climb out of the Eastern Conference basement and back into playoff contention.
Let’s get to Thursday’s takeaways:
OVERALL TIGHT GAME
Credit to Nashville, who looked like a far better team than the one Florida dominated while skating to an 8-3 victory last Monday in their barn.
This game was far different as the Predators were much more disciplined in their systems and got much better goaltending from Juuse Saros.
That’s about where the discipline stopped for either team, though, as there were a total of 11 power plays on Thursday.
No power play goals, though.
“I think there was offense to have by both teams,” said Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice. “I think both teams’ penalty kill was really good, and it was a 1-1 game at the end because the goalies were good.”
PENALTIES SHIFTED MOMENTUM
Florida was riding high through the game’s first 40 minutes.
While they held a slim 1-0 advantage, the Panthers were controlling puck possession and racking up the scoring chances.
That all changed thanks to a pair of penalties called on the Panthers, one in the final seconds of the second period and one almost immediately after the first one expired.
While Nashville didn’t score on either power play, starting the final frame up a man for nearly five minutes was enough to build their confidence and shift the tone of the game.
Florida had also enjoyed three straight power plays during the second period, and when many of your power play guys also go out on the penalty kill, that’s a lot of ice time for a select group of players.
“Well, we come out, we're in the box for four minutes in the first five minutes, and at that point in time, we’ve run that top-end of guys because we've had so many minutes on the power play, there's not much rest for them, so (Nashville) get a little quicker than we did,” said Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice. “Most of their action came in a barrage of shots. It wasn't sustained.”
BUILDING ON SMALL VICTORIES?
It’s not all doom and gloom for the Panthers.
Quite frankly, it can’t be.
There is plenty of hockey left to be played this season, and Florida is a team that still knows its ceiling is much higher than what they’ve shown to this point.
Eventually, things should turn back in a positive direction for the Panthers, but they need to start building toward that immediately.
“You're not going to be confident,” said Maurice. “It's an impossible thing to give. It's got to be earned. You just need to stack up smaller plays, break your game down to incremental things, moving the puck on the tape, finishing checks, just getting pucks on the net instead of picking corners. But, you know, we're cracking posts right now, and at least that part's there. The opportunities are there.”
LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA
Panthers surrender late led to Nashville, fall in overtime 2-1
Sebrango, Verhaeghe Return To Panthers Lineup; Bobrovsky Starts In Goal Against Predators
Panthers set to host Nashville looking to break out of recent funk
Panthers Expecting Two Key Forwards To Return At End Of The Month
Three takeaways: Panthers mettle to be tested as shorthanded roster struggles to stay afloat
Photo caption: Dec 4, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) makes a save against Nashville Predators left wing Erik Haula (56) during the third period at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
"Trying To Find That Consistency": Red Wings Seek Answers For Recent Porous Defensive Performances
The Detroit Red Wings are only three points from the top spot in the Atlantic Division, but if they had tightened up defensively in recent games, they could have easily been sitting in the first overall position.
For the sixth time in their last eight outings, the Red Wings allowed their opposition to find the back of the net at least four times in what was a 6-5 shootout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday evening at Nationwide Arena.
Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features.
So far this season, the Red Wings have allowed 97 goals, just one fewer than the league-worst 98 surrendered by the St. Louis Blues. Their collective .46 goals-against average also ranks 27th in the NHL.
The Red Wings fought back from 3-1 and 4-3 deficits to grab a 5-4 lead midway through the third period, only to watch the Blue Jackets knot the score late in regulation with goaltender Elvis Merzlikins on the bench for an extra attacker and then later win in the shootout.
Head coach Todd McLellan has repeatedly emphasized how critical it is to limit opposing scoring chances, but once again, the Red Wings are struggling to find that consistency.
"We've all been talking about this for a long time," McLellan said. "There are moments when we do a real good job of it and we look solid then we get away from it. Trying to find that consistency."
While the Red Wings delivered a strong showing on the power play, converting three of five chances, their penalty killing wasn't as effective, surrendering two goals on three man-advantage chances by the Blue Jackets.
Patrick Kane, who scored the 496th goal of his NHL career in the third period, loved the power-play performance of his club, but knows the difference came down to not shutting down the opportunities by Columbus.
Special Teams Help, Hurt Red Wings In Wild 6-5 Shootout Loss To Blue Jackets The Detroit Red Wings secured a point in the standings, but once again allowed their opponent to convert on too many chances and fell by a 6-5 final score in the shootout to the Columbus Blue Jackets. "We got our power-play opportunities and capitalized on the power play....that’s kind of what we expect from that group," Kane said. "We had a good night on the power-play but gave up a couple on the penalty kill and 6-on-5, so it’s kind of what the game comes down to sometimes."
Kane and the Red Wings will continue their road swing by traveling to Seattle for a Saturday night tilt against the Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET.
Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
Islanders Injury Updates Ahead Of Back-To-Back In Florida
ELMONT, NY -- The New York Islanders are hitting the road for Dad's Weekend, as they head to the state of Florida for a back-to-back against the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers.
Here's the latest on the injuy front:
After taking warmups, forward Jonathan Drouin was a late scratch on Thursday night. The 30-year-old woke up feeling something in his lower back and ultimately couldn't go. He's day-to-day, but the positive news is that he is coming on the trip, and the injury appears to be minor. With the way Maxim Tsyplakov filled in for him on the Mathew Barzal line, there's no reason to rush Drouin if he can't go on Saturday or even Sunday.
Islanders & Best Buds Jonathan Drouin & Anthony Duclair Training Together <a href="http://thn.com/isles">New York Islanders</a> forwards <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/anthony-duclair-profile-projection">Anthony Duclair </a>and free agent signing <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/jonathan-drouin-on-why-he-signed-with-islanders">Jonathan Drouin</a> are best friends, so it's not a shock that the two are training together ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Drouin, who signed a two-year deal worth $4 million annually on July 1, has three goals and 12 assists for 15 points in 26 games this season.
Forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau will travel with the Islanders, but isn't likely to play. The 33-year-old sustained an upper-body injury in their 2-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Nov. 22. Initially ruled week-to-week, general manager Mathieu Darche shared that the expectation was to have Pageau back before Christmas. He started skating on his own late last week and rejoined team practice on Tuesday, Dec. 2, wearing a non-contact jersey.
Jean-Gabriel Pageau Returns To Islanders Team Skate For First Time Since InjuryPageau skates again! The Islanders forward rejoins team practices, signaling a potential holiday return and boosting their lineup.Pageau, who is a pending unrestricted free agent, has recorded six goals and six assists for 12 points in 22 games.
One injury update from Bridgeport: defenseman Isaiah George (upper body) has returned to practice and is considered day-to-day. The 21-year-old, who played 33 games for the Islanders in 2024-25, has not played since Nov. 14 against Wilkes-Barre Scranton. Defenseman Travis Mitchell has played the last four games for the Islanders, trying to navigate the absence of Alexander Romanov. Romanov is out for the season with a right shoulder injury that requires surgery.
George has one goal and three assists in 14 games with Bridgeport this season, owning a +3.
The Islanders did not hold a practice on Friday. They will hold a morning skate in Tampa on Saturday ahead of their 7 PM puck drop against the Lightning. They will not skate on Sunday morning with puck drop against the Panthers at 5 PM.
Steve Smith on top again after he resumes Ashes rivalry with Jofra Archer | Geoff Lemon
As Australia’s batting linchpin helps hosts pull away, England’s premier paceman is yet to get him out in a Test
Jofra Archer versus Steve Smith in 2019 is already Ashes folklore. The atmosphere at Lord’s that afternoon was charged in all senses, a huge slab of cloud bringing darkness to the day. Fresh off a match-winning World Cup final, Archer marked his Test debut with what was then the fastest spell recorded for England. Smith was in the middle of a Bradman-hued streak of 774 runs in seven innings. All that could pause him was a short-pitched attack of building ferocity, one that finally dropped Smith with a bouncer to the neck. It was a pure duel, the kind that cause spectators genuine fear.
In the immediate aftermath, and again as Archer took six-fers in wins at Headingley and the Oval, one principal idea came up in every discussion: imagine, what might he be able to do in Australia? Imagine him on a fast and bouncy track in Perth or Brisbane. It was: “I can’t wait to get you to the Gabba,” but born of admiration rather than antagonism. The show, we all imagined, might be a spectacle.
Continue reading...Vancouver Canucks Gameday Preview #28: Looking For The First Franchise Win Against The Utah Mammoth
The Vancouver Canucks (10–14–3) will enter their match against the Utah Mammoth (13–12–3) in a unique position; on the hunt for their first win against the Mammoth. Vancouver lost all three games against Utah during the team’s inaugural NHL season and has yet to collect their first win against them. A win against the Mammoth tonight would snap Vancouver’s current three-game losing streak after the team lost 3–1 to the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday. Utah is coming off a commanding 7–0 win against the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday.
In their last game, Vancouver was sorely outmatched and outplayed by a Colorado team who has dominated the NHL this year. All things considered, they managed to hang in there pretty decently, though one thing that was sorely lacking was their ability to generate quality scoring chances. Utah has been one of the better teams in the NHL in limiting overall scoring chances against with 732 total chances allowed throughout 28 games played. They have also allowed 83 goals against average — a whole 15 lower than Vancouver’s 98.
Surprisingly, the Mammoth are currently near the top of the NHL in goals-for with 87 scored in 28 games. They currently have four players who have scored 10 or more goals so far this season — Logan Cooley (14), JJ Peterka (12), Nick Schmaltz (10), and Dylan Guenther (10). They are one of a select group of teams that have four 10+ goal scorers at this point in the season, with the New Jersey Devils being the other. Adding to that, nine of their 87 goals have come from their blueline, with Mikhail Sergachev leading the way with three.
Players To Watch:
Linus Karlsson
Karlsson is coming off a game that saw him score his fifth goal of the 2025–26 season, tying him with Evander Kane and Max Sasson for seventh on the team in goals scored. By the end of the game, Karlsson had ended up on the Canucks’ top line alongside Elias Pettersson and Evander Kane. Vancouver’s lines were mixed up during Thursday’s practice due to players battling the flu and the return of Nils Höglander and Conor Garland in regular practice sweaters, though Karlsson was still playing alongside Pettersson. Now with three goals in his past six games, Karlsson will be a player to keep an eye on tonight — especially if he keeps his new spot in the lineup.
Daniil But
The 12th-overall pick from the 2023 NHL Draft, But made his NHL debut in Utah’s last game after being called-up to the Mammoth. Despite not yet grabbing his first NHL point, But played well against the Ducks on Wednesday and was put on a line with Cooley and Guenther. With two talented young players skating alongside him, But will be a player to watch tonight.
Vancouver Canucks (10–14–3):
Points:
Elias Pettersson: 8–14-22
Quinn Hughes: 2–20–22
Kiefer Sherwood: 12–4–16
Brock Boeser: 9–7–16
Filip Hronek: 2–14–16
Goaltenders:
Thatcher Demko: 5–4–0
Kevin Lankinen: 4–8–3
Nikita Tolopilo: 1–1–0
Jiří Patera: 0–1–0
Utah Mammoth (13–12–3):
Points:
Clayton Keller: 9–16–25
Nick Schmaltz: 10–14–24
Logan Cooley: 14–9–23
JJ Peterka: 12–9–21
Dylan Guenther: 10–11–21
Goaltenders:
Karel Vejmelka: 11–7–2
Vitek Vanecek: 2–5–1
Game Information:
Start time: 6:00 pm PT
Venue: Rogers Arena
Television: Sportsnet
Radio: Sportsnet 650
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.
Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site:
Vancouver’s First Professional Hockey Triple-Header Hits BC This Weekend
Canucks Adam Foote Provides Injury Updates On Garland, Höglander, Demko & Kane
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
Fantilli Scores Twice, Blue Jackets Come From Behind Late To Beat Red Wings In Shootout
Ivan Provorov(4), Kirill Marchenko(9-PPG), Kent Johnson(3), and Adam Fantilli(10-PPG, 11) poured in the goals for Columbus, while Elvis Merzlikins was good at times in a 5-4 shootout win against the Detroit Red Wings.
The Blue Jackets have been in some wild games of late. Not like the New Jersey game wild, but this one had its own wild identity.
The two teams combined for six goals in the second period, five of which were power-play goals. Dmitri Voronkov took a double minor for high-sticking 7:52 into the second and then took a two-minute minor for high-sticking with 25 seconds left in the period. The Wings scored on all three penalties to put the score at 4-3 going into the third period.
The Blue Jackets were up 3-1 in this game, and wouldn't you know it, they lost the lead. Adam Fantilli scored 13:50 in the period to give the Jackets another lead at the end of the second.
When Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat scored two minutes apart with just over eight minutes left in the game, CBJ fans inside NWA could do nothing but sit back and watch them lose another game in which they had a two-goal lead.
Adam Fantilli, however, was bound and determined not to let that happen, though. Fantilli scored his 11th goal of the season, and second of the night with 1:31 left to tie the game at 5. All the Jackets had to do was hold on for another 1:31 to send the game to overtime.
With every point being important, even making it to overtime is a win. On Thursday night, the Rangers, Penguins, and Islanders all won, so getting two points was extremely important.
The Blue Jackets would win in overtime with two stellar shots from Kent Johnson and Kirill Marchenko, who are basically automatic in the shootout nowadays. Elvis Merzlikins stopped both shootout tries to earn his 6th win of the season, and 100th of his career.
Final Stats
Player Stats
- Ivan Provorov scored his 4th goal.
- Kirill Marchenko scored his 9th goal of the season.
- Kent Johnson scored his 3rd goal of the season.
- Adam Fantilli scored his 10th and 11th goals. He now has 100 career points.
- Zach Werenski had 3 assists and was a plus-2.
- Sean Monahan recorded 3 assists.
- Cole Sillinger had 1 assist.
- Denton Mateychuk tallied an assist.
- Brendan Gaunce had an assist.
- Elvis Merzlikins made 28 saves on 33 Red Wings shots.
Team Stats
- The Jackets power play went2/3.
- The Columbus PK gave up three power play goals to Detroit.
- Columbus won 54.8% of the faceoffs - 34/62
- The Blue Jackets had 24 hits.
Up Next: The Jackets travel to Florida to take on the defending Stanley Cup Champion Panthers.
Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more!
Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News and never miss a story.
Let us know what you think below.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
Sweden Reveals World Juniors Squad
Sweden has unveiled its roster for the 2026 World Juniors. Below is the star-studded lineup, filled with intriguing prospects and draft-eligible talent.
Sweden enters the tournament with a roster that includes 16 drafted players, three of whom were selected in the first round. The lineup is also interesting from a draft perspective, as it features four first-time draft-eligible players and five who went undrafted in previous years.
Swedish head coach Magnus Hävelid has high expectations heading into the tournament. A major focus this year has been scheduling two exhibition games against Canada to measure themselves against the favorites early on.
“We dream of winning gold and aim to challenge the United States and Canada, who have to be considered the favorites in the tournament. We need to grow together as a really strong team and group, and that’s the goal for this training camp. If we succeed with that, we know we have several game-breakers on this team, and that can take us a long way,” said Magnus Hävelid, head coach of the Junior Crowns.
“We were invited by Canada to hold our training camp there. We felt it was appealing because we have many players who weren’t at the World Juniors last year, so it will be a good experience for us to play on the smaller rink and get a sense of what’s required against the gold favorites. Switzerland will also be a good benchmark,” says Magnus Hävelid.
Sweden’s World Juniors roster and NHL rights
Goaltenders
Love Härenstam (2025 round 6 #179 overall by St.
Louis Blues)
Herman Liv (Undrafted)
Måns Goos (2025 round 5 #158 overall by Dallas Stars)
Defensemen
Felix Öhrqvist (Undrafted)
Leo Sahlin Wallenius (2024 round 2 #53 overall by San Jose Sharks)
Sascha Boumedienne (2025 round 1 #28 overall by Winnipeg Jets)
Viggo Gustafsson (2024 round 3 #77 overall by Nashville Predators)
Felix Carell (Undrafted)
Victor Johansson (2024 round 4 #120 overall by Toronto Maple Leafs)
William Håkansson (2026 NHL Draft)
Alfons Freij (2024 round 2 #37 overall by Winnipeg Jets)
Forwards
Lucas Pettersson
(2024 round 2 #35 overall by Anaheim Ducks)
Milton Gästrin (2025 round 2 #37 overall by Washington Capitals)
Linus Eriksson (2024 round 2 #58 overall by Florida Panthers)
Ivar Stenberg (2026 NHL Draft)
Anton Frondell (2025 round 1 #3 overall by Chicago Blackhawks)
Valter Lindberg (Undrafted)
Viggo Björck (2026 NHL Draft)
Loke Krantz (2025 round 7 #218 overall by Seattle Kraken)
Liam Danielsson (Undrafted)
Eddie Genborg (2025 round 2 #44 overall by Detroit Red Wings)
Jack Berglund (2024 round 2 #51 overall by Philadelphia Flyers)
Wilson Björck (2025 round 5 #143 overall by Vancouver Canucks)
Eric Nilson (2025 round 2 #45 overall by Anaheim Ducks)
Casper Juustovaara Karlsson (2026 NHL Draft)
Victor Eklund (2025 round 1 #16 overall by (New York Islanders)
Notable omissions:
D Malte Vass (2025 round 3 #76 overall by Columbus Blue Jackets)
D Gabriel Eliasson (2024 round 2 #39 overall by Ottawa Senators)
F Melvin Fernström (2024 round 3 #93 overall by Vancouver Canucks, rights belong to Pittsburgh Penguins)
How to watch Oregon vs. UCLA: TV, live stream info, storylines for Saturday’s game
It's the second Big Ten game of the season for both teams.
Who is Jake Retzlaff? What to know of Tulane football quarterback
As Tulane plays North Texas in the American championship game, here's what to know of Green Wave quarterback Jake Retzlaff: