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Blackhawks Winger Named Trade Fit For 2 Teams

Chicago Blackhawks forward Ilya Mikheyev is one of multiple pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) on the Original Six club's roster. With this and the Blackhawks not being a playoff team, he has naturally been creating some chatter as a trade candidate. 

With Mikheyev being a solid top-nine forward who provides secondary offensive production and is a very effective penalty-killer, there is no question that there could be some clubs interested in him near the deadline. However, one specific top club is being viewed as a clear fit for the Blackhawks winger. 

In a recent article for The Athletic, Scott Powers, Mark Lazerus, and Chris Johnston named the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens as two teams that could express interest in Mikheyev if he is made available. 

"The Montreal Canadiens are absolutely in the market for a penalty-killing depth forward, but might have to part with a roster player to make the math work. That would largely defeat the purpose for the Blackhawks. The Carolina Hurricanes could be a nice fit for Mikheyev’s style, as well," The Athletic wrote.

If the Canadiens could find a way to acquire Mikheyev without sending a player the other way to Chicago, he could slot nicely in their bottom six and on their penalty kill. The same can be said about the Hurricanes, as he could be a nice pickup for their third line if acquired. 

Yet, with Mikheyev being a solid all-around forward, it's very likely that multiple other playoff clubs could kick tires on him. However, with Mikheyev being a key part of the Blackhawks' roster, the possibility of them signing him to a contract extension should not be ruled out, either.

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see what ends up happening between the Blackhawks and Mikheyev from here. 

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LeBron’s Team Stripes falls in final of entertaining 2026 NBA All-Star Game

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 15: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Team USA Stripes and De’Aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs and Team USA Stripes celebrate after Fox's game winning 3-pointer against Team USA Stars the 75th NBA All-Star Game at Intuit Dome on February 15, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The NBA found some (unexpected?) success with its new All-Star format on Sunday, even if it ended in a bit of a dud.

Luka Dončić and LeBron James took part in the three-team, USA vs. World format for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game which saw a trio of really exciting games before an underwhelming championship game.

LeBron’s Team Stripes won back-to-back games to earn a spot in the title game, but ran out of steam in the final, losing to the much younger Team Stars. Team World lost to each USA team in close contests. Luka did play in the first game, but only played a short stint before sitting out the remainder of the night.

Luka had a layup early in the first game between Team World and Team Stars after leaking out on a fastbreak. He played just past the five-minute mark of the first game before checking out.

The game had a little more intensity to it than previous versions, largely thanks to Victor Wembanyama setting the tone. Cade Cunningham, Devin Booker and Anthony Edwards matched that for Team Stars and the result a close contest in the final minutes.

Ant knocked down a three with 13 seconds left to tie the game, forcing overtime. In a race to five points, a jumper from Ant and a 3-pointer from Scottie Barnes sandwiched a Wemby 3-pointer to give Team Stars the win.

Jamal Murray, in his first All-Star appearance, finished 0-6 and was a -14 in a game his team lost by two.

Team Stars stayed on the court as a result of the win to play Team Stripes and LeBron in the second game.

Kevin Durant opened the game with a three off a LeBron assist before LeBron added one of his own minutes later. The surest sign of an increased effort level was LeBron being fouled on an attempted offensive rebound putback.

Led by Kawhi Leonard and Jaylen Brown, Team Stripes built up a lead. While Team Stars closed it to two points in the final minutes, a 3-pointer from Donovan Mitchell added some more space between the sides and a LeBron logo three made it a six-point lead.

However, a couple of quick baskets preceded a steal and a pull-up 3-pointer in transition from Ant, giving Team Stars the lead with under 20 seconds left. With the game on the line, Team Stripes moved the ball around with De’Aaron Fox splashing home an open three at the buzzer.

Team Stripes stayed on the floor for the final game of the round robin format to take on Team World. Luka did not start or play in the game.

Kawhi raced out of the gate with eight of the first 10 points in a back-and-forth game. Wemby took matters into his own hands to give Team World a lead. Jalen Brunson scored eight points in a hurry to try to answer Wemby’s surge.

With a Laker on the team across from him, Murray actually played like an All-Star this game, scoring eight points early as Team World opened up a 27-20 lead.

Out of a timeout, Kawhi was unconscious, hitting three straight threes to tie the game before a baseline jumper for 11 straight points to give Team Stripes the lead.

Team World came back into the game to tie it on a free throw. Kawhi threw down a dunk on one end before Wemby hit a three in response. Norman Powell made it a three-point lead before an and-one by Kawhi tied it again.

A LeBron putback dunk with 30 seconds remaining put Team Stripes up, but two Wemby freebies tied it again. Kawhi put his final stamp on the game with a stepback three over Wemby to put Team Stripes up three with 3.5 seconds left.

Wemby had an open look to tie the game at the buzzer but missed, eliminating Team World from the competition and setting up a Team Stripes and Team Stars final.

Playing in their third straight game, Team Stripes fell behind 12-1 in the opening minutes, forcing a timeout. After missing their first 10 shots, LeBron finally converted on a fastbreak dunk for Team Stripes’ first field goal.

LeBron and Brunson then hit 3-pointers, but Jalen Duren was punishing Team Stripes and their lack of centers while Ant took over with eight-straight points, making it 26-9 and forcing another timeout.

Team Stars’ run eventually reached 15-0 as the game was never close, as they won going away, 47-21. Anthony Edwards was named the MVP.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

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Implications of the Zac Gallen Signing

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 13: Zac Gallen #23 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on August 13, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Gallen’s back, just in time for Galentine’s day. Knee jerk reaction?

DBacksEurope: It is probably true that Gallen improves the 2026 rotation. 2025 first half Gallen was probably a worser version of the pitcher that he actually is, but we’ve seen Zac becoming increasingly worse and frustrated over the past few seasons, to an extent where we had to conclude that he wasn’t the ace we thought he once was (going to be). The longer Gallen was unsigned, the more likely it would be that he would end up in Arizona again. The QO was a no-brainer for me, so I think it is a good signing. Boras probably tried to pull a Montgomery here again, but thankfully the Diamondbacks didn’t fall for that one. I think there is still a lack of overall quality on this roster that will prevent us from becoming a serious wild card contender.

James: It’s fine. I don’t love it. I don’t hate it. Frankly, there are no better starting pitchers on the market at this point. Nor were there any better pitchers earlier in free agency that were coming for less money. With the team being up against the financial wall they are, I am actually a little bit surprised they took a gamble on bringing Gallen back. But then, they were desperate for another starter and this also helps the gutted bullpen. In that regard, this is a wise signing. Mike Hazen and his staff are mad if they think Soroka is going to be able to provide 120 IP out of the rotation. He might not even reach 80 IP.

1AZfan1: Knee jerk reaction is this is good for the 2026 Diamondbacks. Given the state of the roster (especially the projected IL) and looking around the rest of the NL, the best chance to make the postseason would come through some exceptional individual performances by players well above their projection. Gallen isn’t likely to be a 3.50 ERA guy next year, but he’s got a better shot at it then anyone else available on the market.

Ben: This pairing always made sense. He’s functionally spent his entire career with the D-Backs and he’s clearly pretty comfortable with the franchise and the environment. That said, this is a floor-raising rather than a ceiling-raising move. Clearly, the rotation and roster are better with Gallen than without him, but it’s up to him and the coaching staff to try and fix the fact that his fastball went from one of the best to well-below average over the course of just a couple of years. 

Wesley: I find it hilarious that he could and probably should have taken the qualifying offer and we’d be in the exact same position as we are right now.. Outside of that, it’s fine. Hopefully, Gallen didn’t spend the whole winter just appearing on podcasts, and actually spent some time sorting out whatever mechanical/mental issue that lead to his disaster of a 2025 season.

Dano: Kneejerk reaction was a booming “Meh,” with full echoes and reverb. Also, like Wesley, I appreciate the inherent hilarity of it. Beyond that, I expect him to pitch over the season much like he pitched in 2025–some good, some bad, truly mediocre performance for a wannabe “staff ace,” but serviceable enough for a third or fourth starter. Hence the “Meh.” In any event, he’ll likely be better than Soroka would have been taking the mound every fifth day, so that should be nice.

Spencer: It’s perfectly fine. There’s upside and floor. The price is adequate in that 2020s Kendrick way. I’ve never understood why fans seem so focused on how he has a negative ego. Personally I’ve never seen that but I also watch from the east coast so I will be first in line to admit I often fall asleep by the third inning (10pm start time when wake up is at 4:15 is just not feasible). I’d rather have a starter with a chip on their shoulder than not if we’re talking mid range with ceiling. 

Is this worse news for Eduardo Rodriguez or Michael Soroka?

DBacksEurope: I don’t think there is a scenario where E-Rod, with $40MM left on his contract, isn’t starting for the Diamondbacks in 2026 as long as his ERA stays below 6.00. So, this is probably worse news for Soroka, who will only be here one year. Although he will probably start in long relief, he will see plenty of action with Pfaadt and E-Rod shitting the bed more often than not, providing a podium for him to perform, just like Nelson did last year. Then injuries will occur and he’ll get his starts.

James: I guess it depends on how one defines bad news. Soroka is the one being bumped from the rotation. Expecting him to have been an effective, 30-game starter was always a bit bonkers to begin with. If the team keeps the entire rotation healthy and does not spend a few weeks running a 6-man rotation until someone gets injured, then Soroka goes to the bullpen, where he can provide some heat in middle, low-leverage relief. When the inevitable E-Rod injury occurs, Soroka might get some starts. Or, if he is effective in relief (where he is better suited), they can leave him in the bullpen and bring up Drake.

1AZfan1: Knee jerk reaction here is Soroka is the odd man out of the Opening Day rotation, but that is only provided that there are no injuries during Spring Training. It’s likely, or at least a coin flip’s chance, that one of the 6 possible starters will suffer some injury in Spring and the decision will be made for Torey on who will start the year in the rotation.

Ben: I tend to agree with the rest of the Roundtable: Soroka likely is the first one out of the rotation and bumped to a swingman/long-relief role where he’s had some success over the course of his career. Of course, it’s near-impossible that these six will be the same starters at the Trade Deadline let alone the end of the season and Soroka will almost certainly get a few chances to start if he stays healthy. 

Wesley: Just to further echo what the others have already said, I’d say Soroka is the odd man out. I am much more comfortable with him as a BP arm or spot starter than I am as part of the starting rotation.

Dano: Soroka definitely, at least if Soroka really wants to reestablish himself as a starter. That said, it seems like he found a good deal of success pitching out of the bullpen, so it might wind up being better for him if he can firmly establish himself as a good long reliever/swingman.

Spencer: Unfortunately I think Soroka will be pushed out of the rotation. Assuming ERod somehow stays healthy. But if the goal is to win games it should be the opposite. He’s 5 years younger and his overall production is closer to ERods than you might think if you only go off vibes rather than results. That’s not to say ERod hasn’t had the better career thus far, but if I’m going for ceiling and floor, I’m riding the potential of Soroka knowing he’s only good for 20 starts at most. That way ERod can try to remain healthier than average by only throwing a few pitches at a time. But I suspect the goal isn’t necessarily to win this season and therefore ERod will get the rotation spot and Soroka will be risked in the bullpen. 

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Giants add outfielder Will Brennan

Feb 20, 2025; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cleveland Guardians outfielder Will Brennan (17) poses for a photo during MLB Media Day at Cleveland Guardians Spring Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Even with the opening of Spring Training camp, the San Francisco Giants continue to add to their roster. A couple of days after signing Rowan Wick to bolster the 2027 bullpen, they add 28-year old outfielder Will Brennan to boost the 2026 outfield situation. The left hander has a career triple slash of .267/.307/.373 in 866 major league plate appearances (all with Cleveland), so, this is as depth move-y as it gets.

He’s done a lot better in the minors, with a career triple slash of .299/.365/.436 across five seasons and 1,477 plate appearances. Still, one of his skills has managed to carry over to the majors: his minor league strikeout rate is 12.6%. In the majors, it’s 12.7%. His MiLB walk rate of 8.6%, on the other hand, has been basically halved in the majors at 4.4%. He has been a strict platoon player in his MLB career, too, with a .720 OPS vs. RHP (739 PA) and .453 vs. LHP (127 PA).

He’s not a tremendous speedster, either, with just 50 stolen bases in 66 minor league attempts and 19 stolen bases in 28 MLB attempts. In 2023 and 2024, his Statcast sprint speed was right around 73rd percentile, but last year it was just 39th.

He’s been below league average as a major league hitter for his entire career and the projection systems have him right around 90 wRC+ on a 377-PA projection. That’s probably a bit too optimistic, but it also includes a defensive value projection that’s just a tick below average. At first blush, I might’ve penciled him in as Grant McCray insurance, but McCray is a far better defender.

In June, he underwent UCL surgery on his throwing arm after injuring it throwing out Gavin Lux at home plate. The Giants expect him to be fully recovered for camp. According to the Associated Press, his deal is a split contract that sets him up to earn $900,000 in the majors and $400,000 in the minors. That’s prorated, so, if he spends half the season in the minors and half in the majors, say, then he’d make $650,000. If he spends the whole year in the majors, then he’d make $120,000 over the major league minimum.

Sometimes, these small moves do wind up paying huge dividends down the line. According to Zack Minasian, the Giants have liked him for some time and Tony Vitello & Jayce Tingler are familiar with his game, too. Could he be the outfield version of Christian Koss? Sure, why not. The more interesting question is whether or not he’s better than Joey Wiemer and/or Justin Dean, two outfielders the Giants had claimed before signing Brennan. Having the flexibility to option him down certainly makes him more “valuable” from a team/spreadsheet perspective and the financial commitment is minimal. The reward might not be all that high, but having a left-handed bat that both has the chance to hit somewhere approaching league average (the jury is still out on McCray) and can handle all three outfield positions is certainly something the Giants needed.

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Barack and Michelle Obama attend 2026 NBA All-Star Game

The NBA All-Star Game is known for bringing together the most talented and notable players from around the league.

The game also attracts celebrities and public figures from across the country to gather and enjoy basketball.

Former United States President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama were among those in attendance for the event, sitting next to basketball legend Julius Erving.

The game features two American teams and a World team at the Intuit Dome on Sunday, Feb. 15.

Obama is a known basketball fan who embraced the game and his fandom while he was in office. He would share his predictions for the NBA Finals or fill out a bracket for the NCAA college basketball tournament.

Team USA Stars guard Devin Booker (1) of the Phoenix Suns embraces former President Barack Obama in Game 1 during the 75th NBA All-Star Game at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on Feb. 15, 2026. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

More: Why is there a new NBA All-Star game format? Rules, rosters explained

“There’s a lot of concern about the All-Star Game and not seeing effort (from the players),” Obama said during an interview with analyst Reggie Miller on the NBC broadcast. “Today we are seeing (that effort). Anytime you get Americans vs. International (teams), they want to bring it.”

The NBA has experimented with different formats for the All-Star Game in recent years. All three teams will play each other in a small tournament before the two teams meet in the championship game.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Barack, Michelle Obama attend NBA All-Star Game 2026

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No. 2 UCLA routs Indiana 92-48 for 19th straight win

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kiki Rice had 17 points and nine rebounds, Lauren Betts added 16 points and 14 rebounds, and No. 2 UCLA beat Indiana 92-48 on Sunday to extend its win streak to 19 games.

UCLA (25-1, 15-0 Big Ten), which is unbeaten since a 76-65 loss to No. 4 Texas on Nov. 26 at the Players Era Championship, has the third-longest active win streak in the nation behind North Dakota State (21 straight) and UConn (43).

Betts had her 10th double-double this season and the 43rd in her career. Charlisse Leger-Walker and Gianna Kneepkens had 12 points apiece for the Bruins and Gabriela Jaquez scored 11. Sienna Betts and Lena Bilic each had 10 points.

Maya Makalusky led Indiana (14-13, 3-12) with 13 points. Lenee Beaumont added 11 points on 4-of-14 shooting and Nevaeh Caffey scored 10. Shay Ciezki, the Big Ten’s leading scorer who went into the game averaging 24.0 points (No. 5 nationally), left the game due to an apparent ankle injury late in the first quarter and did not return.

The Hoosiers shot a season-low 31% (15 of 48) from the field, 4 of 20 (20%) from 3-point range, and tied their season low for points in a game. Indiana went into the game shooting 47.9% this season, which ranked 14th nationally.

NO. 4 TEXAS 65, NO. 22 TENNESSEE 63

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Madison Booker scored 14 points while Jordan Lee and Rori Harmon each added 12 as Texas held off Tennessee.

The Longhorns (24-3, 9-3 in Southeastern Conference) led by as many as 10 points midway through the fourth quarter. The Lady Volunteers (16-7, 8-3) closed the gap to one with a 3-pointer from Janiah Barker and two 3-pointers by Talaysia Cooper.

Two free throws by Booker put Texas up by three with 16 seconds left. Cooper answered with a layup to make the difference 64-63. Lee made one of two free throws for a 65-63 score. Cooper, who led the Lady Vols with 29 points, had the ball stripped as time expired.

Barker added 12 points for Tennessee and Nya Robertson had 11.

The first half, which ended in a 34-34 tie was full of spurts. Texas had an 18-2 run from late in the first quarter to early in the second to lead by 14. Tennessee scored the last 10 of the second quarter to tie it up. Cooper led all scorers with 15.

GEORGIA 76, NO. 5 VANDERBILT

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Dani Carnegie scored 29 points to lead Georgia to an upset win over Vanderbilt.

Trinity Thomas made a mid-range jumper with 50 seconds remaining to give the Bulldogs (20-6, 6-6 SEC) a 75-74 lead. After forcing a turnover on the ensuing Vanderbilt (24-3, 10-3) possession, Carnegie split a pair of free throws to give Georgia a two-point advantage with 22.2 seconds remaining,

Vanderbilt had one final opportunity to force overtime, but Sacha Washington’s floater fell short off the front rim as time expired.

Carnegie scored 18 of her points in the first half to help Georgia build a 14-point advantage over the Commodores, before Vanderbilt closed the first half with a 16-3 run to create a tight game. Vanderbilt led by as many as five points in the fourth quarter, but Mia Woolfolk scored 11 of her 19 points to help the Bulldogs win.

NO. 7 MICHIGAN 86, NO. 13 MICHIGAN STATE 65

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Syla Swords had 24 points and Olivia Olson scored 23, helping Michigan beat Michigan State to sweep the season series.

Mila Holloway, who finished with 15 points, made a 3-pointer to give the Wolverines (22-4, 13-2 Big Ten) their first lead with 5:53 left in the first half and scored eight points in one minute to spark a 10-0 run.

The Spartans (20-6, 9-6) were outscored 26-9 in the second quarter and didn’t recover, losing for the fourth time in five games.

Michigan State’s Kennedy Blair scored 21, Jalyn Brown had all 11 of her points in the first half and Grace VanSlooten scored seven of her 10 points in the first quarter when the visitors led by as much as eight points.

NO. 9 LOUISVILLE 88, FLORIDA STATE 65

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Laura Ziegler scored 14 points for Louisville in a rout of Florida State.

The matchup between the Atlantic Coast Conference’s top scoring offense (Louisville, 81.9 ppg) and its next-to-last defense (Florida State, 76 ppg) played out that way as the Cardinals (24-4, 14-1 ACC) took control early and never trailed en route to their third straight win.

Ziegler scored the game’s first five points and Louisville used a 9-0 run later in the opening quarter to build a 16-5 lead with 2:45 remaining. Meanwhile, the Seminoles (9-17, 4-10) shot just 25.8% (8 of 31) in the first half as Louisville led 34-20 at halftime.

The senior forward opened the third quarter with a 3-pointer, and the Cardinals added to their lead throughout the second half, leading by as much as 80-51 midway through the fourth quarter. She also flirted with a triple-double, finishing with eight rebounds and seven assists before exiting the game with 6:37 remaining and the Cardinals up 71-49.

NO. 10 OKLAHOMA 79, NO. 23 ALABAMA 71

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Raegan Beers scored 21 points and Payton Verhulst added 17 to help Oklahoma beat Alabama.

Oklahoma led by double digits on three separate occasions, but each time Alabama cut the deficit down to four points or less.

The Sooners (19-6, 7-5 SEC) rallied behind freshman Aaliyah Chavez’s nine points in the fourth quarter to win the game, she finished with 15 points, six rebounds and six assists.

Oklahoma had its struggles offensively- — missing five of its first six shots from the field and only shooting 23% from 3-point range and 58% from the free throw line for the game. Turnovers were also an issue with 19 which resulted in 15 Alabama points.

Alabama (20-6, 6-6) was led by Ta’Mia Scott’s 17 points and 11 apiece by Jessica Timmons and Ace Austin.

NO. 11 DUKE 72, NO. 21 NORTH CAROLINA 68

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Ashlon Jackson and Taina Mair scored 14 points each on their senior day and Duke edged North Carolina, the Blue Devils’ 16th consecutive win.

After a back-and-forth first half that saw 16 lead changes, Duke led 41-33 at halftime and never trailed in the second half. The Blue Devils’ lead was only 56-54 with 30 seconds left in the third quarter but the Tar Heels got no closer.

Delaney Thomas’ layup made it a six-point game with 30 seconds remaining. Nyla Brooks hit a 3 for North Carolina with 15 seconds left, but Jackson added a free throw for the final margin.

Riley Nelson scored 13 points and Toby Fournier grabbed 12 rebounds for Duke (19-6, 14-0 ACC). Mair finished with seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals.

NO. 12 BAYLOR 93, UCF 63

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Taliah Scott scored 26 points and Baylor breezed to a bounce-back win, defeating UCF.

The Bears fell a half-game out of first place in the Big 12 on Thursday when they lost at home to No. 17 TCU 83-67. Baylor plays at TCU on March 1.

Led by 12 points from Scott, Baylor rolled to a 27-13 lead through the first quarter against UCF, which lost by 50 points against Big 12-leader West Virginia last time out. Baylor led 52-23 at halftime after shooting 65% in the first half compared to 37% for UCF.

Scott made 7 of 8 shots and had 21 points by halftime. She finished 8 for 10 for the game with 3 of 4 3s and 7 for 7 at the free-throw line.

Jana Van Gytenbeek had 11 assists and 10 points for her first double-double of the season to go with the triple-double she had on Dec. 9 against Alabama State. Kayla Nelms scored 12 points off the bench, Bella Fontleroy scored 11 and Darianna Littlepage-Buggs 10 for the Bears (22-5, 11-3 Big 12).

NO. 17 TCU 59, NO. 19 WEST VIRGINIA 50

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Marta Suarez and Clara Silva both finished with 14 points to help TCU beat West Virginia and take over the top spot in the Big 12 Conference.

TCU (23-4, 11-3), which won the regular-season and conference tournament titles last season, is tied with No. 12 Baylor, but the Horned Frogs have the tiebreaker advantage after beating the Bears 83-67 before taking care of the Mountaineers. Baylor visits TCU to close out the regular season on March 1.

TCU has won 40 straight games at Schollmaier Arena, tying No. 4 Texas for the longest active streak. West Virginia was the last team to win there, beating the Frogs 77-52 two years ago.

Suarez made 6 of 10 shots with two 3-pointers and Silva sank 7 of 12 shots with eight rebounds and two blocks. Olivia Miles pitched in with 12 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Taylor Bigby added 10 points and four assists as the starters did all the scoring.

NO. 18 KENTUCKY 74, NO. 14 MISSISSIPPI 57

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Clara Strack had 28 points and nine rebounds, Tonie Morgan added 14 points and nine assists, and Kentucky beat Mississippi.

Asia Boone scored 10 of her 15 points in the second quarter for Kentucky (20-7, 7-6 SEC).

Latasha Lattimore scored four points and Cotie McMahon the next five in a 9-0 spurt that trimmed the Rebels’ deficit to 57-51 with 6:45 left in the game, but Strack scored eight consecutive points over the next three-plus minutes before Morgan made a layup to give Kentucky a 16-point lead with 2:59 to play.

Ole Miss (20-6, 7-4) had won four of its last five, the lone loss in that span coming at then-No. 21 Alabama, 64-63, on Feb. 5.

McMahon led the Rebels with 18 points but made just 4 of 18 from the field. Lattimore finished with 15 points, on 6-of-17 shooting and added 11 rebounds and three blocks.

NO. 20 MARYLAND 76, NO. 8 OHIO STATE 75

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Oluchi Okananwa had 17 points and 10 rebounds, Yarden Garzon added 17 points and Maryland rallied from a 19-point deficit in the first half to beat Ohio State.

It is the Terrapins largest comeback since Nov. 13, 2019, when they were down 19 in the fourth quarter at James Madison before posting a 70-68 victory.

Addi Mack had 14 points and Saylor Poffenbarger 13 for Maryland (21-6, 9-6 Big Ten), which beat a Top 10 team for the first time since it defeated Ohio State in the Big Ten quarterfinals two years ago.

It is also Maryland’s first win over a Top 10 team on the road since 2022 against Notre Dame.

Jaloni Cambridge had 29 points and Chance Gray a season-high 25 for the Buckeyes (22-4, 11-3), who had a four-game winning streak snapped.

NO. 25 WASHINGTON 51, OREGON 43

SEATTLE (AP) — Sayvia Sellers scored 17 points to help Washington beat Oregon.

Sellers made 6 of 16 shots with three 3-pointers for the Huskies (19-7, 9-6 Big Ten Conference). Avery Howell pitched in with nine points and nine rebounds.

Sarah Rambus scored 12 off the bench on 5-for-7 shooting to pace the Ducks (18-9, 6-8), who have lost two straight following a four-game winning streak.

Sellers hit two 3-pointers and scored eight in the first five minutes as Washington jumped out to a 13-1 lead. Sellers added another 3-pointer and the Huskies led 22-9 after one quarter.

Mia Jacobs’ three-point play capped a 15-0 run for Oregon and the Ducks rallied to take a 28-27 into halftime. Washington did not score after Elle Ladine sank a jumper to give the Huskies a 14-point lead with 8:29 left in the quarter.

Howell and Sellers had back-to-back baskets to begin the second half and Washington moved back in front. The lead changed hands three times before Sellers and Howell had the final two baskets of the quarter for a 37-34 advantage.

Freshman Brynn McGaughy had a three-point play to begin the final period for a six-point lead and the Huskies stayed in front from there. Sarah Rambus scored in the paint to cut the deficit to two before the Ducks went scoreless over the final 3:47.

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Mariners Spring Training Broadcast Schedule

Baseball: Scenic closeup of Seattle Mariners equipment bag during spring training at Peoria Sports Complex. Peoria, AZ 2/17/2010 CREDIT: Rod Mar (Photo by Rod Mar /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X83743 TK1 R1 F9 )

Spring Training games start this week, meaning we are on the clock for an Opening Day countdown. We’ll be wrapping up the 40 in 40 series this week, finishing our prospect rankings, and rolling into Opening Day with our analysis of the other squads in the AL West. In the meantime, we have actual spring training games to watch starting this week. The Mariners will be airing 16 of those games for free on Mariners.TV, the new streaming service the team is offering. The available spring training games will be free to watch, but fans can sign up for regular-season games at the same site ($99.99/year). There is also a monthly option; monthly subscriptions will be available starting on March 23, for $19.99/month. Fans can also stream the games on Mariners.com.

Radio broadcasts will be available live on the Seattle Sports App, which is available to fans living in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, British Columbia, and Alaska. 20 of the 30 Spring Training games will air live on 710 AM Seattle Sports, with 10 airing later that evening on tape delay. Out-of-market fans can also listen via the MLB app. All radio broadcasts begin 10 minutes before game time.

The Mariners kick off their spring training schedule this Friday, February 20th, as they always do: against their Peoria complex-mates the San Diego Padres (the Mariners will be the home team this year). That game will be televised on Mariners TV. Saturday’s game will also be televised.

Here’s the full slate of televised Mariners spring training games:

  • Feb. 20 vs. San Diego (12:10 pm PT / 1:10 pm MT)
  • Feb. 21 vs. San Francisco (12:10 pm PT / 1:10 pm MT)
  • Feb. 24 vs. Chicago White Sox (12:10 pm PT / 1:10 pm MT)
  • Feb. 26 vs. Cleveland (12:10 pm PT / 1:10 pm MT)
  • Feb. 27 vs. Arizona (5:10 pm PT / 6:10 pm MT)
  • Feb. 28 at San Diego (12:10 pm PT / 1:10 pm MT)
  • March 1 vs. Texas (12:10 pm PT / 1:10 pm MT)
  • March 3 vs. Los Angeles Angels (12:10 pm PT / 1:10 pm MT)
  • March 4 at San Francisco (Giants feed) (6:05 pm PT / 7:05 pm MT)
  • March 5 vs. San Diego (12:10 pm PT / 1:10 pm MT)
  • March 7 vs. Chicago White Sox (12:10 pm PT / 1:10 pm MT)
  • March 17 vs. San Diego (1:10 pm PT)
  • March 18 vs. Milwaukee (1:10 pm PT)
  • March 20 vs. Milwaukee Prospects – Spring Breakout Game (MLB Network feed) (1:10 pm PT)
  • March 21 vs. Chicago Cubs (1:10 pm PT)
  • March 22 at Chicago White Sox (White Sox feed) (12:05 pm PT)

And the radio games schedule, with delays noted:

• Friday, Feb. 20: Mariners vs. Padres, 12:10 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 21: Mariners vs. Giants, 12:10 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 22: Mariners at Reds, 12:05 p.m.
• Monday, Feb. 23: Mariners at Dodgers, 12:05 p.m. (Tape delayed to 7:05 p.m. on 710 AM)
• Tuesday, Feb. 24: Mariners vs. White Sox, 12:10 p.m. (Tape delayed to 7:10 p.m. on 710 AM)
• Wednesday, Feb. 25: Mariners at Royals, 12:05 p.m. (Tape delayed to 7:05 p.m. on 710 AM)
• Thursday, Feb. 26: Mariners vs. Guardians, 12:10 p.m. (Tape delayed to 7:10 p.m. on 710 AM)
• Friday, Feb. 27: Mariners vs. Diamondbacks, 5:10 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 28: Mariners at Padres, 12:10 p.m.

• Sunday, March 1: Mariners vs. Rangers, 12:10 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 3: Mariners vs. Angels, 12:10 p.m. (Tape delayed to 7:10 p.m. on 710 AM)
• Wednesday, March 4: Mariners at Giants, 6:05 p.m.
• Thursday, March 5: Mariners vs. Padres, 12:10 p.m. (Tape delayed to 7:10 p.m. on 710 AM)
• Friday, March 6: Mariners at Rangers, 12:05 p.m.
• Saturday, March 7: Mariners vs. White Sox, 12:10 p.m.
• Sunday, March 8: Mariners at Brewers, 1:10 p.m.
• Monday, March 9: Mariners at Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m. (Tape delayed to 7:10 p.m. on 710 AM)
• Tuesday, March 10: Mariners vs. Royals, 1:10 p.m. (Tape delayed to 7:10 p.m. on 710 AM)
• Wednesday, March 11: Mariners vs. Rockies, 1:10 p.m.
• Thursday, March 12: Mariners at Cubs, 1:05 p.m. (Tape delayed to 7:05 p.m. on 710 AM)
• Friday, March 13: Mariners vs. Dodgers, 6:10 p.m.
• Saturday, March 14: Mariners at Angels, 1:10 p.m.
• Sunday, March 15: Mariners vs. Reds, 1:10 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 17: Mariners vs. Padres, 1:10 p.m. (Tape delayed to 7:10 p.m. on 710 AM)
• Wednesday, March 18: Mariners vs. Brewers, 1:10 p.m.
• Thursday, March 19: Mariners at Athletics, 6:10 p.m.
• Friday, March 20: Mariners at Guardians, 2:10 p.m.
• Saturday, March 21: Mariners vs. Cubs, 1:10 p.m.
• Sunday, March 22: Mariners at White Sox, 12:05 p.m.
• Monday, March 23: Mariners at Padres, 12:10 p.m.

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Big East suspends Providence's Powell 2 games, giving him a 3-game penalty from fight-filled game

NEW YORK (AP) — Providence forward Duncan Powell was suspended two additional games by the Big East on Sunday, meaning he will miss three games for his flagrant foul that sparked a fight in a game against St. John's.

Powell already faced an automatic one-game ban for fighting by NCAA rules, but the conference tacked on an additional penalty stemming from the 17th-ranked Red Storm's 79-69 victory Saturday that featured seven ejections.

It started when Powell flagrantly fouled Bryce Hopkins — who played three seasons in Providence — from behind as he went up for a fast-break layup. Powell was automatically ejected for the flagrant 2 foul.

“Providence College holds its student-athletes and coaches to the highest standards,” athletic director Steve Napolillo said. “We fully support the suspension that the Big East has issued to Duncan Powell. His actions were unacceptable and do not reflect the values, discipline, or sportsmanship expected of anyone representing Providence College.”

The Big East said in its ruling that officials determined that Powell “engaged in additional combative actions that constituted a fighting act subsequent to the flagrant foul.”

He will sit out next Saturday at DePaul, followed by a Feb. 24 home game against Xavier and a game at Creighton on Feb. 28.

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‘Third time lucky’ for Alex de Minaur as he lifts one of biggest titles of his career

  • Australian produces some fine tennis to win Rotterdam Open

  • First indoor title comes after 6-3, 6-2 win over Felix Auger-Aliassime

Alex de Minaur sealed a landmark week by delivering a masterful performance to defeat the red-hot Felix Auger-Aliassime and finally land one of the biggest titles of his career at the Rotterdam Open.

The Australian produced some of his finest tennis on Sunday (Monday AEDT) to crush the Canadian world No 6, who had won the Montpellier Open just a week earlier and whose service had been seemingly unbreakable.

Continue reading...
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No. 10 Oklahoma holds off No. 23 Alabama 79-71 after late fourth-quarter surge

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Raegan Beers scored 21 points and Payton Verhulst added 17 to help No. 10 Oklahoma beat 23rd-ranked Alabama 79-71 on Sunday.

Oklahoma led by double digits on three separate occasions, but each time Alabama cut the deficit down to four points or less.

The Sooners (19-6, 7-5 SEC) rallied behind freshman Aaliyah Chavez’s nine points in the fourth quarter to win the game, she finished with 15 points, six rebounds and six assists.

Oklahoma had its struggles offensively- — missing five of its first six shots from the field and only shooting 23% from 3-point range and 58% from the free throw line for the game. Turnovers were also an issue with 19 which resulted in 15 Alabama points.

Alabama (20-6, 6-6) was led by Ta’Mia Scott’s 17 points and 11 apiece by Jessica Timmons and Ace Austin.

The Crimson Tide featured a more balanced scoring attack with six players with at least eight points, but couldn’t hold off the Sooners down the stretch to secure a second win over a top 10 team this season.

Alabama rallied to take a 57-54 lead in the third quarter by using an 18-4 run — its first advantage since early in the opening quarter. However the Crimson Tide only made three of 15 shots the rest of the way and were outscored 21-11 in the final quarter.

Oklahoma had 14 offensive rebounds which led to 19 second chance points and was plus-20 on the boards for the game.

Up next

Oklahoma travels to Georgia on Thursday.

Alabama hosts No. 3 South Carolina on Thursday.

___

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Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes responds to Manny Machado, Bryce Harper comments about spending

Los Angeles Dodgers General Manager Brandon Gomes speaks during an introduction of Edwin Díaz as a new member of the baseball team Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes, in response to complimentary comments about the Dodgers' spending from Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, said "the validation is winning championships." (Ethan Swope / Associated Press)

Coming off an offseason in which the Dodgers spent over $300 million on just two free agents, the two-time defending champions’ luxurious spending has undoubtedly been a topic of conversation and consternation around Major League Baseball.

However, when asked about the Dodgers’ record-setting payroll Sunday, the Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper and the San Diego Padres' Manny Machado were complimentary of the way the Dodgers do business.

“I love it,” Machado told reporters at the team's facility in Peoria, Ariz. “They figured out a way to do it. ... I think every team has the ability to do it. I hope all 30 teams could learn from that.”

Machado spent a half of a season with the Dodgers in 2018 before inking a $300-million contract with the Padres. That same winter, the Dodgers met with Harper, who eventually signed a $330-million contract with the Phillies. Harper shared the same sentiment as Machado when he spoke with reporters in Clearwater, Fla.

Read more:Plaschke: Yoshinobu Yamamoto must remain the calm in the Dodgers' storm

“I love what the Dodgers do, obviously,” Harper said. “They pay the money, they spend the money. I mean, they’re a great team. They run their team like a business, and they run it the right way.”

Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes, while speaking with media at Camelback Ranch Sunday, made it clear that his organization isn’t searching for approval from any outside sources.

“We’re not looking externally for validation,” Gomes said. “The validation is winning championships and putting out as good a team as we can each and every year, and all we’re trying to do is get a little bit better each and every season, with the goal of winning championships. [Our] coaching staff, our players I think view it as that. Good, bad or indifferent, the external stuff is something we can’t worry about.”

Gomes also credited Dodgers ownership for providing the financial resources to help the front office continue to bolster its roster each winter.

“[We’ve had] incredible support from ownership,” Gomes said. “We’ve always [been] in the position to address the needs that will help us go out and win another championship, so I think a lot of it is looking at what’s needed in the roster and what’s available. We’ve been in the fortunate position to be able to acquire guys that fit that really well.”

Roki Sasaki throws live BP

Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki throws during a spring training workout on Sunday at Camelback Ranch.
Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki throws during a spring training workout on Sunday at Camelback Ranch. (Brynn Anderson / Associated Press)

Right-hander Roki Sasaki took the mound in front of hundreds of fans Sunday at Camelback Ranch, throwing live batting practice to teammates Hyeseong Kim and Seby Zavala as he readies himself for his second season with the Dodgers.

The 24-year-old Sasaki threw a smooth 16 pitches, punching out the right-handed hitting Zavala, and inducing a pair of groundballs to shortstop from the lefty Kim.

“I feel healthy,” Sasaki said through interpreter Will Ireton. “And also, my mechanics are in a way better spot from last year, so I felt really good in the bullpen and in today’s live BP.”

Sasaki is hoping to add to his pitch mix. He’s been experimenting with a pitch that he describes as a “cutter-slider-ish pitch.”

“I did throw the cutter-slider-ish pitch [today],” Sasaki said. “[I’m] still not really sure what direction I want to take with the cutter-slider, but the feedback from the pitching coaches is that it was very good, so I’d like to take this time during spring training to really hone in on the direction of my cutter-slider.”

Gomes has confidence that Sasaki will see success with a third pitch in 2026.

“He’s fully capable of it,” Gomes said. “We’ve seen a lot of really good [stuff from him], like the sinker, the cutter that he’s throwing… Last year, I don’t think he was ever in a great spot health-wise, really until the end of the year. All of the stuff we’ve seen so far, he’s looked really, really good. I mean, the bullpens have been exceptional. The pitch movements. He’s throwing the cutter, sinker. He’s having an expanded arsenal.”

Injury updates

Just days before opening camp, the Dodgers re-signed Kiké Hernández and Evan Phillips to one-year contracts as they both recover from elbow injuries.

On Sunday, Gomes provided updates on both of their recoveries.

Read more:Edwin Díaz responds to Steve Cohen comments, settles into Dodgers' 'really good clubhouse'

“Kiké’s progressing well,” Gomes said of Hernández, who had surgery to repair his left elbow in November. “He’s in a place where he should start swinging here pretty soon. We’re going to be really mindful of how we progress to this and making sure that when he comes back, that he’s not only healthy, but he’s healthy and ready to go. So, we’ll kind of check it out week by week.”

On Phillips, who had Tommy John surgery last June, Gomes said: “Same thing. Sometime probably midseason. It all depends on how the build-up goes and if there are any slow-downs or hiccups, depending on once he gets going into the mound progression and the full [Tommy John] stuff, but he’s feeling really good. Throwing looks great. Body looks great, so I think it’s just being mindful and viewing him almost as like a trade-deadline acquisition in some way, shape or form. That's kind of how we have it in our heads."

Staff writer Anthony Solorzano contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Could Astros Listen to Yordan, Keep Paredes?

HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 15: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros bats in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Daikin Park on September 15, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images

There’s only one real way to make the current situation work, and that involves the Astros giving in to Yordan Alvarez’ desires.

We have reached a point that seemed impossible to navigate all offseason. The Houston Astros have fully opened Spring Training and both Isaac Paredes and Christian Walker are still on the team.

It has been a foregone conclusion one of the two would have been traded for other needs on the roster by the time Spring Training expanded to more than just pitchers and catchers. Yet, here we are.

Throughout interviews, all of the Astros players who could potentially be impacted by the infield logjam have towed the company line, saying they are only focused on playing their best and that everything else is up to management. They also all want to play everyday, and based on the plans laid out thus far by manager Joe Espada that doesn’t seem to be feasible.

Unless… Yordan Alvarez gets his way and gets to play LF a lot more?

It’s a point that has been made many times by both myself and my show partner Shaun Bijani on AREA45 on Sportsradio 610. Yordan has never gotten hurt playing the field, and he WANTS to play the field.

Now, Yordan does not grade well as an outfielder because he has very limited range, however he does have a strong and accurate arm. If the team was willing to try to live with Jose Altuve in LF, surely it can live with Yordan Alvarez in LF?

There are some caveats here are well. Notably, current projected CF Jake Meyers can run down anything, and is well versed in helping cover for whomever the Astros may have in LF on any given day when necessary. Having Cam Smith or Zach Cole in RF would also allow Meyers to be more concerned with LF because either of those 2 in RF can cover a lot of ground as well. Therefore, the team can mitigate the fact that Yordan has limited range.

Also, there is an offensive side to the coin. Yordan is a career .297 hitter, with a career .389 OBP and career .961 OPS, but his numbers are even better when he plays LF.

When Yordan plays LF, he is a career .330 hitter with a .415 OBP and a 1.046 OPS. That sample is over 769 AB and 896 PA, so it is a well represented sample size.

Is it possible the Astros listen to their superstar slugger and let him grab his glove a lot more often?

Alvarez playing LF opens up the DH slot for whichever among the infielders is getting the day off from their regular position. This would allow Paredes to DH, play 1B with Christian Walker at DH, play 3B with Carlos Correa at DH, maybe even play 2B with Jose Altuve at DH.

Whether or not Paredes can still play 2B at the MLB level is a legitimate question. He last played the position in 2023, and the metrics were not kind to him. Overall, he has started 53 games at 2B in his career, and the metrics overall show he’s been passable. It is unlikely he will be a better 2B than Jose Altuve, but if he is, Altuve hit his best last season in the DH role (.816 OPS at DH, .759 at 2B, .742 in LF).

Being able to rotate the DH spot would allow Espada to give days off without losing guys bats, and with players all saying how they want to play every day and play 150 games, this would be the most likely path to that happening.

While Yordan playing LF doesn’t necessarily change the fact the Astros are still very right-handed offensively, they do have the option of playing both Zach Cole and Joey Loperfido against righthanded pitchers to help balance the lineup out, and both of those players are capable of playing CF. It is also possible they make a deal for another lefthanded OF bat without surrendering anyone major from the lineup, and can play three lefty bats in the OF and maybe one at DH to have a highly balanced lineup. A trade like the one theorized by David Schoenfield of ESPN of Jake Meyers to the Angels for Josh Lowe would give the Astros three lefthanded OF bats (Cole, Loperfido, and Lowe) and two righthanded OF bats (Smith, Dezenzo) in addition to Yordan, creating lineup opportunities of 5 righties and 4 lefties in the lineup.

It is also possible that the team doesn’t want to listen to Yordan, but a deal for either Paredes or Walker doesn’t materialize, and they find themselves in a situation where they need to find a way to get all their best hitters in the lineup as much as possible. Giving Yordan more time in LF would certainly help them accomplish that goal. They could be forced to listen to Yordan because the other alternatives are just too inferior.

The Astros also start the season with 24 games in 26 days. It would likely be a pretty good idea to have a way to keep everyone fresh early, and not overplay someone into an injury due to fatigue. Correa has a long injury history, Altuve has a recent injury history and is about to enter his age-36 season, Walker has been plagued by oblique injuries in recent years and is about to enter his age-35 season, and Paredes is coming off a torn hamstring so not needing to push those guys hard early would be ideal.

Yordan has never played more than 56 games in LF in a season, and that was in 2022, a season he finished 3rd in MVP and helped lead the Astros to a World Series Championship. He played 53 games in LF in 2024, and it is his only other top-10 MVP finish. Perhaps Yordan is on to something? Perhaps playing him 80-90 games in LF would be a benefit to the team and to Yordan’s production?

If the Astros haven’t been able to find a viable trade for Paredes or Walker yet, maybe they should try listening to Yordan?

Let us know in the comments if you agree with Yordan and would let him play more in LF?

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U.S. men's hockey rolls past Germany, closes Winter Olympics group play unbeaten

American Vincent Trocheck and German Jonas Muller compete for the puck during the first period of the U.S. win.
American Vincent Trocheck and German Jonas Muller compete for the puck during the first period of the U.S. win. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

With NHL stars back in the Winter Olympics for the first time in 12 years, organizers of the Milan-Cortina hockey tournament have seemingly done everything they can to make the players feel at home.

A horn blast marks goals and the end of each period, an NHL tradition since the 1970s; foreboding organ music plays whenever a player is banished to the penalty box; and the songs used during breaks in play lean heavily toward American artists such as Dean Martin, Neil Diamond and The Black Eyed Peas.

They even brought in Kings’ organist Dieter Ruehle to complete the ambience. So it should be no surprise that the U.S. and Canada, whose rosters include only NHL players, have been the most comfortable in that environment, emerging from the three-game group stage Sunday as the tournament’s only unbeaten teams.

Canada blitzed France 10-2 behind two goals from the San Jose Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini to earn the top seed into Wednesday’s quarterfinals while the U.S beat Germany 5-1 to grab the second seed.

The Americans got two goals and an assist from Toronto Maple Leafs’ captain Auston Matthews and goals from Zach Werenski, Brock Faber and Tage Thompson in its win. The U.S. have scored at least five goals in each of its three games.

“It's kind of been familiar to an NHL-style environment, but with the pride of country,” said Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy. “So it's been a blast.

“The environment that they created here, I think they did an awesome job.”

Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson, who was still in college during the 2022 Olympics, played for the U.S. in front of an empty arena in the COVID-marred tournament in Beijing, where there was no environment. These Games are better, he said.

“The crowd's a little bit different than in NHL,” he said. “It's a little more rowdy, maybe that's just the European way. But it's amazing seeing the flags. Obviously, a lot of American flags, but flags from all over the world.”

McAvoy and Sanderson are two of 147 NHL players at the Milan-Cortina Games. All 32 teams sent at least one player and every country in the tournament, save host Italy, has an NHL player on its roster.

Italy, not surprising, lost all three of its first-round games, getting outscored 19-4.

NHL players were held out of the 2018 Olympics after the IOC announced it would no longer cover player-related costs such as insurance, travel and accommodations, and they missed the 2022 Games after a COVID-19 outbreak scrambled the league’s schedule, forcing it to withdraw its players from the Olympics six weeks before they were to leave.

In their absence, countries fielded teams of college players or professionals from lower-tier leagues while many NHL players figured their Olympic dreams would never be realized.

The United States men's hockey team leaves the rink after defeating Germany.
The United States men's hockey team leaves the rink after defeating Germany. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

“We missed out on a couple. So I think it kind of went to the back of everyone's mind,” said Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper, who is playing in his first Olympics for Canada. “But then they announced that we're going to this one. I think everyone got really excited.”

“I dreamed about it growing up, like every other kid,” he continued. “Whenever we were playing mini-sticks or street hockey or on the outdoor rink, you were always playing for the Stanley Cup or playing for Olympic gold.”

Kuemper has already won a Stanley Cup. A title in Milan would complete the set.

“The two greatest honors in hockey,” he said. “Winning the Stanley Cup and winning Olympic gold.”

Canada will probably have to get by the U.S. to get Kuemper his medal and the U.S. looked beatable for most of a sloppy first period Sunday, one that saw two defensemen collide on a power play, knocking one another to the ice. Later in the period forward Jack Hughes tumbled to the ice untouched.

The Americans finally found their stride, going ahead to stay when Werenski, a defenseman with the Columbus Blue Jackets, took a pass from Matthews in the center of the right circle, stepped up and drilled a wrister past German goalie Maximilian Franzreb nine seconds before the first intermission.

Read more:Brock Nelson lives up to his family's Olympic hockey legacy in U.S. rout of Latvia

Matthews doubled the advantage 3:25 into the second period, poking the rebound of a Quinn Hughes’ shot by Franzreb for his second power-play goal of the Olympics. Faber, who plays in the NHL with the Minnesota Wild, made it 3-0 with less than 2:30 left in the second period, playing the puck off the boards near the blue line and flicking it on goal where Eichel got a stick up in front of Franzreb, distracting the goalie as he reached up unsuccessfully to glove the puck.

Thompson, of the Buffalo Sabres, and Matthews closed out the scoring for the U.S. with goals less than five minutes apart into the final period. Tim Stutzle of the Ottawa Senators finally got Germany on the board with his fourth of the Olympics with less than nine minutes to play.

Now for the U.S. it’s on to the quarterfinals, which is the Olympic version of the NHL playoffs.

“We'd be idiots to think anything other than the game in front of us,” McAvoy said when asked about facing Canada in the final. “We've said from the beginning ‘every single game, every single day.’ It’s just about winning one hockey game.

“We were able to accomplish our goal, get two wins, win the group. That was our goal coming into this and now we get some added some added rest, which is huge.”

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.