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Penguins Eliminated From Playoff Contention In 3-1 Loss To Blackhawks

Apr 6, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Ilya Mikheyev (95) celebrates after scoring a third period empty net goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins at United Center. (Talia Sprague-Imagn Images)

Unfortunately for the Pittsburgh Penguins, they will be hitting the links early for the third consecutive season.

With a 3-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday, the Penguins were officially eliminated from playoff contention for the third consecutive season, which puts them just one season shy of the four-year non-playoff stretch from 2002-06.

For a franchise that has seen the success that Pittsburgh has, losing is not something the Crosby-era group, in particular, has been accustomed to. That's why it's important for the team to maintain the winning culture within their locker room as they transition to the next phase of young talent.

"Obviously, we're not where we want to be, and we all understand that," head coach Mike Sullivan said. "We know where we're at. We know where we want to go. We've got to keep working towards that, and that's what we're trying to do."

This one was a back-and-forth affair for a lot of the evening, as chances were traded throughout most of the game. Although the Penguins pressured at various points, Chicago capitalized on odd-man rushes and were able to get behind the Penguins' defense in the latter half. 

With just a minute and five seconds to go in the second period, the Blackhawks got a shorthanded two-on-one when Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson pinched to try to keep the play alive in the attacking zone. Frank Nazar capitalized to give Chicago the 1-0 lead. 

It's Only Been Six Games. But Rutger McGroarty Is The Real Deal.It's Only Been Six Games. But Rutger McGroarty Is The Real Deal.Yes, it's only been six NHL games for Pittsburgh Penguins rookie forward Rutger McGroarty.

Then, midway through the final frame - and after a flurry of Penguins' chances - Blackhawks forward Ilya Mikheyev managed to get behind Penguins' defenseman Conor Timmins for a breakaway, and he beat goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic to put his team ahead, 2-0.

Rickard Rakell did add a power play goal a few minutes later for his 34th of the season - tying his career-high set in 2017-18 with the Anaheim Ducks - but it didn't prove enough, as Mikheyev added the empty-netter with 56 seconds left to secure the win.

"I just don't think we matched their energy," Nedeljkovic said. "I mean, the game was right there. I just think they had a little bit more juice than we did."

Apr 6, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Rickard Rakell (67) and Chicago Blackhawks center Teuvo Teravainen (86) battle for control of the puck during the first period at United Center. (Talia Sprague-Imagn Images)

Against one of the league's worst teams - as Nedeljkovic said - the Penguins just couldn't match the energy they had against two of the hottest teams in the league in their two games prior, when they took the St. Louis Blues to overtime Thursday and beat the Dallas Stars, 5-3, on Saturday. 

"We weren't even close to the team we were [Saturday]," Sullivan said. "It was one of those nights where we just didn't seem to have the energy. I didn't think we did as good a job managing it also. There's going to be some nights where, maybe, you don't have your legs or you don't have your A-game, so to speak. But you have to acknowledge it, recognize it, and manage the game appropriately and be yourself. I just didn't think we were diligent enough in that area."

In addition, captain Sidney Crosby's 12-game point streak drew to a close. During his streak, he registered 11 goals and 20 points.

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab  to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!     

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Mets Prospect Notes: Nolan McLean shines in season debut, Matt Allan's strong return

Here's how some of the Mets' top prospects fared on the mound Sunday afternoon...

Former top prospect back on mound

Matt Allan’s pro career hasn’t quite gone as planned thus far. 

The young right-hander was once viewed as the Mets’ top pitching prospect -- but he’s been plagued by numerous different arm issues over the past couple of seasons and hasn’t taken the mound since 2019. 

But after working his way back this offseason, Allan is finally healthy and ready to roll. 

He made his first appearance in nearly six years on Sunday afternoon with the Single-A St. Lucie Mets and fared extremely well -- allowing just two hits while walking one and striking out five across 2.2 innings of work. 

The 23-year-old threw 28 of his 44 pitches for strikes and touched 97 mph. 

The biggest thing will be for Allan to stay healthy -- but if he can continue putting together strong performances like this one, he might be able to work his way through the system relatively quickly given his age. 

Nolan McLean picks up where he left off

McLean is one of the more intriguing Mets prospects to keep an eye on. 

He came into the organization as a two-way player out of Oklahoma State, but opted to transition into a full-time pitcher last season, and pitched to a strong 2.36 ERA over his final seven starts.

After working all offseason many believe that 2025 will be a breakout year for the 23-year-old, and Sunday's outing was certainly a strong start.

McLean was phenomenal across four scoreless innings of work with Double-A Binghamton, allowing just three hits while striking out eight and generating 15 swing-and-misses. 

He threw 54 of his 70 pitches for strikes, and his 70-grade sweeper was on full display.

McLean is the Mets' third-ranked prospect on Joe DeMayo's updated Top 30 list heading into this season, and he could quickly find himself in Triple-A if he's able to build off his stellar season debut.

How Dedniel Núñez fared in Syracuse

Núñez has looked good with Syracuse since being sent down at the end of spring training -- but he finally put together his first rough outing on Sunday afternoon.

The right-hander entered in relief of Luis Moreno in the top of the seventh and immediately allowed the next two batters to reach as Ismael Mungia singled and stole second before scoring on an Everson Pereira two-run homer to right-center.

He bounced back to retire the next batter, bringing his outing to an end.

Núñez has now pitched to a 7.36 ERA across three minor league outings, but manager Carlos Mendoza said earlier in the day that they weren't too concerned about the results.

“We just want him to continue to take the baseball. We’re not looking at results right now,” Mendoza explained. “I think it’s just more building him up. I think it’s twice that he’s gone multiple innings, and that’s what we want to see, his ability to recovery.

“I think it’s just the recovery. Are you going to be able to take the baseball two days after you throw two innings? Are you going to be able to bounce back, you throw one inning, and not necessarily back-to-back, but what about two out of three? That’s what we’re preparing him for.”

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OG Anunoby drops 32 points, Jalen Brunson returns in Knicks’ 112-98 win over Suns

The Knicks picked up their second consecutive win, defeating the Phoenix Suns 112-98 on Sunday night at Madison Square Garden.

Here are some takeaways...

- Jalen Brunson returned for New York after missing the previous 15 games with a right ankle sprain. The superstar point guard had a relatively quiet night but he stepped up when the Knicks needed it the most, knocking down a massive three late to help stave off a Suns comeback attempt. 

He finished 3-of-9 from the field with 15 points and six assists in 34 minutes of action.

- After a back and forth first quarter, it was Karl-Anthony Towns who helped New York create some separation during the second. The big man was having his way with the Phoenix defense, producing 11 of his 19 points during the frame. He was relatively quiet from there but also finished with 13 rebounds. 

- The Suns’ offense was struggling, but Devin Booker was doing everything he could to keep them in it. The star showing guard has loved playing against the Knicks throughout his career and he finished with a game-high 40 points on the night on 16-of-29 shooting from the field. 

- Just when it looked like Booker was going to take things over, OG Anunoby said not tonight. Anunoby continued his offensive outburst, knocking down all seven shots he took (six threes) during a monster third quarter, to help him finish with a team-high 32 points on 13-of-17 shooting. 

- Anunoby’s surge helped the Knicks open their largest lead of the game, but Phoenix refused to go away. Led by Booker and Bradley Beal (16 points) they were able to get back within three, but clutch buckets down the stretch helped New York pull out their 50th win of the season. It’s the first time they’ve reached that mark since 1995. 

- Miles McBride also returned from an eight game absence with a groin injury and he provided a nice spark off the bench. The backup point guard knocked down three of the six shots he took for eight points and also dished out a pair of assists. 

Game MVP: OG Anunoby

Anunoby continues to develop into an offensive weapon for the Knicks down the stretch.

Highlights

Whats next

The Knicks host the Boston Celtics on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

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Yankees re-signing recently DFA'd RHP Adam Ottavino

The Yankees are re-signing Adam Ottavino, according to SNY's Andy Martino.

New York, of course, designated the reliever for assignment earlier this week after closer Devin Williams was reinstated from the paternity list.

Ottavino elected to hit free agency after clearing waivers rather than accepting an outright assignment to the minors, but now he returns to the Bronx just a few days later.

Sources tell Martino that he'll likely be joining the team for their series opener in Detroit.

The 39-year-old made two appearances prior to being cut loose from the Yankees, walking two and striking out two across 1.1 scoreless innings of work.

Following his initial signing, Aaron Boone told reporters he thought there's still "a lot left" in the tank.

“He’s kinda been on our board a little bit," the skipper said. "I know the front office [has] been talking about him the last couple weeks as a potential. Felt like what he was doing back-end of spring training was in-line with who Otto is."

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Guerrero, Blue Jays agree to a $500 million, 14-year deal that starts in 2026, AP source says

Guerrero, Blue Jays agree to a $500 million, 14-year deal that starts in 2026, AP source says originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed to a $500 million, 14-year contract that starts in 2026, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press, a deal that removes what would have been the biggest star from next offseason’s free-agent market.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity early Monday because the agreement had not been announced.

Guerrero’s deal does not include any deferred money, the person said.

Guerrero agreed in January to a $28.5 million, one-year contract that avoided arbitration and the four-time All-Star first baseman had said he wouldn’t negotiate after he reported to spring training in mid-February. Still, talks continued well into the regular season.

Guerrero got the third-largest contract in total dollars behind outfielder Juan Soto’s $765 million, 15-year contract with the New York Mets that started this season and two-way star Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million, 10-year agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers that began last year and is heavily deferred.

Guerrero’s $35.71 million average annual value under the new deal ranks eighth among current contracts behind the agreements of Ohtani ($70 million), Soto ($51 million), Philadelphia pitcher Zack Wheeler ($42 million), Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge ($40 million), Texas pitcher Jacob deGrom ($37 million), Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell ($36.4 million) and Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole ($36 million).

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Okongwu, Young help Hawks beat Jazz 147-134

Onyeka Okongwu had 27 points and 12 rebounds, Trae Young added 23 points and 15 assists and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Jazz 147-134 on Sunday night, extending Utah's losing streak to nine games. Caris LeVert scored 21, Dyson Daniels 19 and Vit Krejci made five 3-pointers and finished with 17 points on 6-of-6 shooting for the Hawks, who never trailed. Young set up Okongwu for a layup and then fed Terance Mann for a three-point play to spark a 9-0 run that made it 131-114 when Mann threw down a put-back dunk with 7:54 to play.

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Sam Rinzel Earns First Career Point In Blackhawks 3-1 Win Over Penguins

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On Friday night, the Chicago Blackhawks were a part of history when they faced the Washington Capitals at home. In that game, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin tied the all-time goals record set by Wayne Gretzky. 

Chicago had to follow that up with travel home to play a Sunday match against another legend in Sidney Crosby. The Pittsburgh Penguins are not an elite team anymore, but any squad with Crosby is dangerous on a given night.  

It looked like the Blackhawks and Penguins were going to make it to the second intermission scoreless but Frank Nazar had other ideas.

With under two minutes left in the middle frame, Nazar scored the first shorthanded goal of his NHL career. It was a great play by Teuvo Teravainen, finished off by Nazar for his 9th of the season. 

Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) on XChicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) on XFrank's first shorthanded goal, nbd🤷

Since coming up from the AHL, Nazar has been great. His speed and hard-working motor are noticeable on just about every shift. He needs to work on his finishing a bit more over the summer and in the future but you wouldn't be able to tell on this goal. 

In the third period, Connor Bedard made a great play to spring Ilya Mikheyev, who scored his 19th goal of the season. On the goal that made it 2-0 Chicago, Sam Rinzel earned his first career NHL point with an assist. 

Blackhawks on CHSN (@CHSN_Blackhawks) on XBlackhawks on CHSN (@CHSN_Blackhawks) on XRINZEL 1ST NHL POINT. BEDSY POINT. MICKEY GOAL. 🙌

Rinzel has been playing well for Chicago in all three zones. He was finally rewarded with a point, which will be the first of many. 

With the assist on Nazar's goal, Bedard became the 11th player in NHL history to have multiple 60+ point seasons as a teenager. Sidney Crosby and Patrik Laine are the only other two active players on the list.

In the final moments of regulation time, Mikheyev deposited his 20th of the season into an empty net. The Blackhawks took the 3-1 final to the bank. 

After some struggles to hang onto leads in recent weeks, it was good for the Hawks to get this one in the win column. They aren't going to the playoffs and they are in the mix for the draft lottery but it doesn't hurt for the young guys to hold a victory. 

Next up for Chicago is two games on the road. It starts with these Pittsburgh Penguins again back in Pittsburgh on Tuesday night. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

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LA Kings' Prospect Carter George Re-Assigned to the Ontario Reign

  © Andy Abeyta/The Dese   

Owen Sound Attack (Ontario Hockey League) goalie Carter George has been re-assigned to the Ontario Reign (American Hockey League).

The 18-year-old netminder compiled a stat line of 47 W 46 L 9 OTL  6 SOL and four shutouts in 113 games played with the Owen Sound Attack. 

George's quest for the J. Ross Robertson Cup was dashed by a four-game sweep at the hands of the London Knights.  George was virtually under siege in the 1st Round series, facing 42, 41, 39, and 53 shots respectively in the four games. 

Although the Los Angeles Kings are riding high with goalie Darcy Kuemper this season, the organization has sought to bolster its pipeline of young goalies over the past few years. George will join 24-year-old goalie Erik Portillo with the Reign, with both prospects hoping to be the future of LA Kings goaltending.

Portillo, who was acquired in a trade from Buffalo, made his NHL debut this season on November 29th. His 28 saves on 29 shots backed the Kings to a 2-1 win at Anaheim and the big Swede looked the part of somebody knocking at the door for a longer stint in the NHL.

Carter George was initially drafted by Owen Sound in 2022 and then in the 2nd round by Los Angeles in 2024. Therefore, George cannot play in the American Hockey League until he turns 20. The Thunder Bay, Ontario native would, however, be eligible to play with the Kings at the NHL-level. 

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Panthers drop fifth straight, ending road trip with 2-1 loss in Detroit

Apr 6, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Florida Panthers goaltender Vitek Vanecek (41) lets in a goal as Detroit Red Wings right wing Alex DeBrincat (not pictured) scores during the second period at Little Caesars Arena. (Tim Fuller-Imagn Images)

A forgettable road trip has finally come to an end for the Florida Panthers.

Playing their second straight set of back-to-back games, the Panthers failed score in either game this weekend, dropping Sunday’s affair to the Detroit Red Wings 3-0.

Despite missing several key players, the Panthers looked like they were on top of their game during the opening 20 minutes.

Florida ended up with a 10-7 shot advantage on the Red Wings after the opening frame, but strong efforts from Vitek Vanecek for the Cats and Cam Talbot for the Wings kept the game scoreless.

An early second period power play would turn the tide in favor of the home team.

Alex DeBrincat converted a one-timer from Lucas Raymond to put Detroit up 1-0 at the 4:37 mark, sending the Little Caesar’s Arena fans into a frenzy.

The Red Wings doubled their lead about seven minutes later.

Crossing Florida’s blue line with sudden time and space. J.T. Compher snapped a wrist shot past Vanecek, giving Detroit a 2-0 lead they would carry into the final frame.

Rookie Mackie Samoskevich scored with under a minute left and Florida’s net empty, cutting the Red Wings’ lead in half, but that would be as close as the Cats would get.

On to Toronto and the final homestand of the season.

QUICK THOUGHTS

Florida’s five-game losing streak is the team’s longest of the season.

Samoskevich has two goals and three points over his past four games.

Anton Lundell assisted on Verhaeghe’s goal and overall has two helpers and 15 shots on goal over his past four games.

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Brice Williams sets Nebraska scoring record in 77-66 win over UCF for College Basketball Crown title

Senior Brice Williams scored 21 points to set the single-season scoring record for Nebraska and the Cornhuskers out-rallied UCF for a 77-66 victory in the championship game of the College Basketball Crown at T-Mobile Arena on Sunday. Williams made 6 of 14 shots with three 3-pointers and 6 of 8 free throws for Nebraska (21-14). Connor Essegian sank 8 of 16 shots with four 3-pointers, also scoring 21 for the Cornhuskers.

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Lakers rout Thunder by 27 in game showing off Los Angeles' shotmaking

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Oklahoma City Thunder

Apr 6, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) yells after scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

For the season, the Lakers are a mediocre 3-point shooting team (36.1% as a team, 17th in the league) while the Thunder have held teams to 34.1% from 3 against them this season, the lowest percentage in the league.

On Sunday, the Lakers shot 55% from beyond the arc in Oklahoma City. Their shot-making was at its best, starting with Luka Doncic's 30 points, and the Lakers cruised to a 127-99 win over the Thunder.

The two teams play again on Tuesday.

This win keeps the Lakers (48-30) as the No. 3 seed in the West, one full game in front of the Nuggets in fourth. Still, the middle of the West is incredibly tight: The Lakers are two games up on the Timberwolves/Clippers/Grizzlies who are all tied for seeds 6-8 heading into the final week of the season.

Everything clicked for the Lakers on Sunday. This was the peak of the Lakers ' shot-making and how J.J. Redick envisions the offense running. The Lakers also did a good job taking the Thunder bigs, Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren, out of the game.

"The movement, the spacing, and the intent was great all night," Redick said postgame.

On the other side, the Thunder — who have locked up the No. 1 seed and had nothing to play for — looked flat. As evidence, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who leads the NBA in made free throws, didn't get to the line once. Only one Thunder starter got to the free throw line all game, Jalen Williams (eight times) a sign of the lack of force the Thunder played with in this one. SGA still led the Thunder with 26 points and nine assists.

Austin Reaves had 20 points and LeBron James 19 for the Lakers.

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Nils Höglander Returns To The Canucks Lineup Against The Vegas Golden Knights

Mar 18, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Nils Hoglander (21) skates out as the game’s second star against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

The Vancouver Canucks will be getting a significant piece of their offence back when they face the Vegas Golden Knights. After missing the past six games with an injury, Nils Höglander will return to the lineup on Sunday night. Höglander will replace Jonathan Lekkerimäki, who had an assist during Vancouver's 6-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday. 

Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site:

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Höglander was injured on March 22 when the Canucks fell 5-3 to the New York Rangers. In his absence, Vancouver went 3-2-1, which included their victory on Saturday night against the Ducks. With Höglander returning, Vancouver will have different lines than on Sunday, but those will be revealed closer to puck drop. 

This season, Höglander has six goals and 21 points in 66 games. After a slow start, the Swedish winger was finding his groove and had points in four of six games prior to his injury. In 287 career games with the Canucks, Höglander has 56 goals and 111 points, which ranks 12th `among skaters from the 2019 NHL Draft class. 

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, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.

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McLaren’s decision to deny Oscar Piastri shot at Japanese GP win was ‘fair’, says driver

  • Australian finishes third behind teammate Lando Norris at Suzuka
  • Piastri’s request to swap places with Norris was turned down

Oscar Piastri has said he has no complaints about McLaren rejecting his request to shoot for glory at the Japanese Grand Prix.

The Australian finished third behind teammate Lando Norris and victor Max Verstappen on Sunday, but he believed he had possessed the pace to get past the Red Bull champion and possibly make it back-to-back F1 wins following his victory in China.

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