Could The 2025 Stanley Cup Final Tie A 74-Year-Old Overtime Record?

This Stanley Cup final rematch between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers has been so tight after four games that three of the four games required overtime.

Games 1, 2 and 4 have required at least one extra frame. The Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl scored the overtime-winner in Game 1, while Brad Marchand was the hero for the Panthers in Game 2. 

It didn’t seem like Game 4 would need an extra frame after Florida took an early 3-0 lead and then blew it to trail 4-3 to the Oilers late in regulation.

Another clutch moment transpired as Panthers right winger Sam Reinhart equalized with 19.5 seconds remaining in the third period to force overtime yet again.

But for Florida, Reinhart’s goal was put to waste when Draisaitl won Game 4 for Edmonton to tie the series 2-2. This was his second overtime-winner in this series and fourth in the playoffs, an NHL single-playoff record.

Leon Draisaitl and the Edmonton Oilers celebrate their Game 4 overtime-winner. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

The 100th Stanley Cup final game to go to overtime in NHL history also puts this series in a likelier scenario to tie a 74-year-old record of most overtime games in Cup final history. 

The Oilers and Panthers have already matched six other Stanley Cup finals in second place with three games that required overtime.

The last time a final had three games go to overtime was in 2014 between the Los Angeles Kings and the New York Rangers. The Kings won that series in five games, thanks to a famous Alec Martinez series-clincher in overtime of Game 5.

Only one final had more overtime matchups.

In 1951, the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Montreal Canadiens in a five-game series. All those games went to overtime, and four of them ended 3-2. (Check out the article from the April 28, 1951, issue of The Hockey News for more.)

With at least two more games to play in this final between the Panthers and the Oilers, there is a possibility that there could be another game that requires the extra frame.

That would give this series sole possession of the final with the second-most games that went to overtime and a chance to tie the 1951 Leafs and Canadiens record. And with that, we will quote Fifty Mission Cap by The Tragically Hip for some more information about that ’51 final and the player who scored the Cup-clincher.

“Bill Barilko disappeared that summer. He was on a fishing trip. The last goal he ever scored won the Leafs the Cup. They didn’t win another until 1962, the year he was discovered.”

Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

Detroit’s Tarik Skubal Ignores Skenes Comparison and Racks up Ks

BALTIMORE—Detroit left-hander Tarik Skubal is everything you can ask for in a starting pitcher, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Thursday night at Camden Yards.

What’s so special about the 28-year-old Skubal?

“Everything,” Hinch said. “He’s an ace. Everything he brings to the table on any given night is either near or at the top of the league. His hunger to be better than the last start is arguably second to none.”

Plus, Skubal is one of the best bargains in the league at $10.2 million this season. He has one season of arbitration remaining in 2026, and one way or another, he will earn a hefty raise. Then free agency beckons in 2027. 

For much of the last two seasons, Skubal has been compared to Pirates’ Paul Skenes, as the two are among the best young pitchers in Major League Baseball. Skubal won the American League Cy Young Award last year, and he’s the odds-on favorite to win it again. Skenes in his debut season was named NL Rookie of the Year and earned the start for the NL in the All-Star Game. 

But Skenes, just 23 and earning $875,000, receives more attention than Skubal, who doesn’t seem to care.

“No offense to the media,” Skubal said. “I could probably do without all of it. I like to play the game. I don’t like seeing stories posted with narratives that just seem to be created. What other people have to say, I don’t put much weight into it. I’d just rather play baseball.”

Skubal, who is 7-2 with a 1.99 ERA this season, is not as electric as Skenes, but he certainly is as efficient, proving it on a warm 88-degree night with 12 groundball outs, two walks and only six strikeouts in a 4-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles. He threw 98 pitches, only 24 of them balls, giving up three hits during seven shutout innings.

“I compare him to Clayton Kershaw when he was young,” Tigers veteran right-hander Jack Flaherty said. “He was right at you: strike one, strike two. Like Kersh, he rarely walks anybody. He has hitters right on their heels. Add his preparation and competitiveness, and he’s everything in a pitcher you can ask for.”

To Flaherty’s point, Skubal leads the league with a 74.2% first pitch strike rate, meaning his first pitch to almost three-fourths of the batters he faces is a strike. Consequently, batters are hitting only .197 against him, 47 points below the league average.

Still, Skubal’s most explosive pitch of Thursday evening came on a full count to Colton Cowser with two outs and runners on the corners in the second inning. It was a 98-mph four-seam fastball that Cowser swung through as it rose in the zone. Strike three, inning over. That’s a good heater, but Skenes has been known to throw a dozen 100-mph fastballs in a game.

No matter, Skubal said.

“I thought I was fighting myself early,” Skubal said. “As the game went on I thought I got better.”

In the last four games, Skubal has allowed only one run on 15 hits with the two walks and 32 strikeouts. He hadn’t walked a batter since May 20, and his two-walk game Thursday was his first with multiple walks since he strolled three at Seattle on April 2. Hinch quipped afterwards, “Maybe we’ll have him work on some things.”

But really—he’s walked nine batters this season in 14 starts, an average of just two ticks below one walk per nine innings. He’s whiffed 105, as opposed to 92 for Skenes.

“If you draw up the characteristics of a starting pitcher you want to headline your rotation, he’s going to have all of it,” Hinch said. “He wasn’t quite perfect [Thursday night], but if that’s your off day and you throw seven scoreless, I’ll take it.” 

Skubal starting the All-Star Game in Atlanta for the AL on July 15 would add another nice feather in his cap. But he will have to contend with fellow left-hander Max Fried, who is 9-1 with a 1.84 ERA in his first season pitching for the New York Yankees.

The two pitchers have their respective clubs vying for the best record right now in the AL, let alone MLB. Detroit is 45-25.

Skenes is 4-6 with a 1.88 ERA pitching for a 28-41 last-place Pirates team that just doesn’t score any runs for him. He won’t start the All-Star Game again.

For his part, Hinch doesn’t want to hear much about Skenes.

“I don’t rate them,” Hinch said when asked to compare Skubal to Skenes. “I’ll take my guy over anybody. It’s not a knock on [Skenes]. I know he’s really good. I got a chance to meet him, and he’s a terrific guy and a huge competitor. It’s a great thing for the league to have both guys on the mound. The only time you don’t like it is when you’re in the other dugout.”

Sign up for Sportico's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Russell Westbrook reportedly to decline $3.5 million player option, become free agent

Russell Westbrook is going to test the free agent market. Just don't be shocked if he ends up back in Denver next season.

Westbrook is going to decline his $3.5 million player option and test the free agent market, reports NBA insider Marc Stein. That's not really a surprise. Even if Westbrook were to re-sign with Denver on a minimum contract, under the new salary cap, that would be a slight raise to $3.6 million. He can then test the market and see if another team might offer him more.

Westbrook averaged 13.3 points and 6.1 assists last season for the Nuggets, playing in 75 games and starting 36 during a mid-season stretch, and was one of the players who saw a boost playing off the passing of Nikola Jokic. Considering expectations coming into the season, Westbrook exceeded them — he showed a good two-man game with Jokic, shot 43.9% on corner 3s, handled some playmaking responsibilities, and he played well in the first round of the playoffs against the Clippers. It was also the Westbrook roller coaster — he can be brilliant one minute and make head-scratching decisions the next, and he is, at this point in his career, an inefficient scorer. That said, he was popular with his teammates and brought an energy to Denver that was a positive influence.

Westbrook was a great value for the Nuggets on a minimum contract, but could he get more elsewhere? Probably not, but nobody can blame him for at least seeing what is out there. If no better offer arises, expect him to re-sign in Denver, or with another team that has championship aspirations.

Blackhawks Should Take A Look At Jason Robertson, Alexis Lafreniere

The Chicago Blackhawks want to add more talent to their forward group this summer. They will draft a forward with the third overall pick, but that player won’t make an impact for a few years. 

Chicago also doesn’t want guys who will be given albatross contracts in free agency. Kyle Davidson is better off making trades for younger, better available players. 

There are a lot of rumors out there this time of year. Right now, Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars and Alexis Lafreniere of the New York Rangers are a part of those whispers. 

Robertson is a more accomplished player, but they have both had a ton of production at the NHL level. Robertson brings skill to the table where Lafreniere is more of a power forward. 

In 2024-25, Robertson had 80 points in 82 games for the second year in a row. In 2022-23, his best year in the NHL, he had 46 goals and 63 assists for 109 points. Going into his age-26 season, if he has the right team around him and even more minutes, he can get back to that level. 

The Stars are a great team, but no one player is the main star on the team. If he came to Chicago, he’d be the top offensive guy on the roster until Connor Bedard takes that big step. A player like Robertson may even be just what Bedard needs to have that first point per game season in the NHL. 

As for Lafreniere, a former number one overall pick, he had a big-time drop-off in 2024-25. After having 28 goals and 57 points a year ago, he had 17 goals and 28 assists on a disappointing Rangers team. 

To get Lafreniere, it would cost less in a trade than Robertson, but it would still not be cheap. The Rangers may still believe that they can get good value for their former top overall selection. 

Although he may not be what the Rangers had hoped, he’d be a middle-six gem with top-line potential on the Chicago Blackhawks. Lafreniere can get to the front of the net and make plays while being a sound winger in the 200-foot game. 

If either of these guys is actually on the block, as the rumors suggest, Kyle Davidson needs to be working the phones. They are not the only young players available right now via a trade, but they are each incredibly intriguing. 

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

Cleveland Monsters Free Agent Situation

The Columbus Blue Jackets AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters, has several free agents this summer. So, not only does Don Waddell have to build a championship roster for Columbus, but he also has to help build a roster in Cleveland that not only makes them competitive but also can feed the big club should the need arise. 

Let's take a look at the UFA's and RFA's that the Monsters need to address int he coming weeks. 

Restricted Free Agents

  • Mikael Pyyhtiä - F - 23 Years Old - 66 NHL Games - 16 Points for Monsters in 24/25
  • Hunter McKown - F - 22 Years Old - 22 NHL Games - 31 Points for Monsters in 24/25
  • Daemon Hunt - D - 23 Years Old - 13 NHL Games - 18 Points for Monsters/Iowa Wild in 24/25
  • Samuel Kňažko - D - 22 Years Old - 2 NHL Games - 16 Points for Monsters in 24/25
  • Ole Julian Bjørgvik-Holm - D - 23 Years Old - 0 NHL Games - 7 Points for Monsters in 24/25
  • Cole Clayton - D - 25 Years Old - 0 NHL Games - 15 Points for Monsters in 24/25
  • Tim Berni - D - 25 Years Old - 59 NHL Games - Played in Switzerland last season

Unrestricted Free Agents

  • Joe LaBate - F - 32 Years Old - 19 NHL Games - 21 Points for Monsters in 24/25
  • Dylan Gambrell - F - 28 Years Old - 233 NHL Games - 25 Points for Monsters in 24/25
  • Owen Sillinger - F - 27 Years Old - 1 NHL Game - 29 Points for Monsters in 24/25
  • Zach Sawchenko - G - 27 Years old - 7 NHL Games - 10-11-7 Record for Monsters in 24/25

Group 6 Unrestricted Free Agents -  To be Group 6 UFA eligible, a player must have played less than 80 career NHL games and be 25 or older when the contract ends. 

  • Trey Fix-Wolansky - F - 26 Years Old - 26 NHL Games - 60 Points for Monsters in 24/25

As you can see, the Monsters have a lot of work to do to fill out a roster for the 2025-26 season. 

Will they bring any of these guys back, or let them walk and bring in a new crop? The loss of Trey Fix-Wolansky would be huge for the Monsters franchise. The Greatest player to ever wear the Cleveland uniform will most likely be signing elsewhere this summer. Unfortunately for him, he was never able to get his chance with Columbus. I have a strong suspicion we could see TFW playing overseas soon. 

Let us know what you think below.

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.

Columbus Blue Jackets 2025 Draft Target: Radim Mrtka Columbus Blue Jackets 2025 Draft Target: Radim Mrtka The 2025 NHL Draft is just 16 days away, and with the combine now in the rearview mirror, NHL teams are meeting with their scouting staffs to go over potential picks and finalize their draft boards. Columbus Blue Jackets 2025 Draft Target: Joshua RavensbergenColumbus Blue Jackets 2025 Draft Target: Joshua RavensbergenThe 2025 NHL Draft is a little over two weeks away, and the CBJ are scheduled to have two picks. Will they make them, or will Don Waddell use them as ammo to make trades? That's the million-dollar question.  Zach Werenski Finishes Second In Norris Voting, But He Should've WonZach Werenski Finishes Second In Norris Voting, But He Should've WonCale Makar has won the Norris Trophy in a landslide. Yeah you read that correctly. 

How to watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers Game 4: TV/stream info, date, time for 2025 NBA Finals

The 2025 NBA Finals continue tonight, Friday, June 13, at 8:30 PM ET as Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers host Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4.

RELATED:Pacers’ high-pressure defense has them up 2-1 in NBA Finals

The Pacers now lead the series 2-1 after defeating the Thunder 116-107 on Wednesday night. Indiana's first home Finals win in 25 years ignited the energy at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

“Every little run, the crowd gets hyped. You get hyped with the crowd,” the Pacers’ Aaron Nesmith said. “You feed off the energy. Makes it tough for them. They got to fight against 20,000 people in here.”

BennedictMathurin led the way for Indiana with 27 points off the bench, and Haliburton added 22 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds. Pascal Siakam finished with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.

"That's the great thing about the Finals — the great thing about basketball, " said Haliburton. "When you have a team with this much depth, it could be anybody's night."

“This is the kind of team that we are,” said Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle. “We need everybody to be ready. It’s not always going to be exactly the same guys that are stepping up with scoring and stuff like that. But this is how we got to do it, and we got to do it as a team. And we’ve got to make it as hard as possible on them.”

RELATED:Pressure defense, bench sparking runs, Pacers turn tables on Thunder, take Game 3 and 2-1 series lead

Oklahoma was up by five going into the fourth quarter, but was outscored 32-18 in the final 12 minutes. The Thunder committed 19 turnovers in the loss.

Jalen Williams finished with 26 points, while Gilgeous-Alexander had 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. Chet Holmgren added 20 points.

“In the fourth quarter, I just thought they really outplayed us on both ends,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “I thought they were in character in terms of their physicality, their pressure on defense. Then they were in character in terms of their pace on offense. They just stacked way more quality possessions in the fourth quarter than we did.”

"It starts with me, but we've got to apply that pressure back — especially if we want to beat a team like that on the road. You have to be the more forceful team," said Gilgeous-Alexander.

RELATED:Do Thunder have another 2-1 comeback in store?

NBA: Finals-Oklahoma City Thunder at Indiana Pacers
Indiana fed off the crowd during its Game 3 win, but players will say the advantage is more about the comfort of routines at home.

How to watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers Game 4:

  • Date: Tonight, Friday, June 13
  • Time: 8:30 PM ET
  • Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana
  • TV Channel: ABC

RELATED:Elite, up-tempo offense? Sure. But it’s Pacers’ high-pressure defense that has them up 2-1 in NBA Finals

mathuringilgeousalexander.jpg
The Thunder come in as heavy favorites, but we also have some best bets to consider this series.

When is Game 4 of the NBA Finals?

Friday, June 13, at 8:30 PM ET on ABC.

What channel is the Thunder vs Pacers game on?

The Thunder vs Pacers series will take place on ABC.

Thunder vs Pacers Series Scores and Schedule:

*All times listed are ET  (* = if necessary)

  • Game 1: Pacers 111, Thunder 110
  • Game 2:Thunder 123, Pacers 107
  • Game 3:Pacers 116, Thunder 107
  • Game 4: Thunder at Pacers - Fri. June 13, 8:30 PM on ABC
  • Game 5: Pacers at Thunder - Mon. June 16, 8:30 PM on ABC
  • Game 6: Thunder at Pacers - Thu. June 19, 8:30 PM on ABC*
  • Game 7: Pacers at Thunder - Sun, June 22, 8 PM on ABC*

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for each game of the Thunder vs Pacers series!

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Path to the NBA Finals:

The Thunder are seeking their first NBA title since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008. The last time the franchise reached the Finals was in 2012, dropping their series against LeBron James' Miami Heat in 5. Here is how they advanced to the NBA Finals:

Oklahoma City swept the No. 8 Memphis Grizzlies in the First Round, eliminated the No. 4 Denver Nuggets in 7 in the Conference Semifinals, and defeated the No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves in 5 in the Western Conference Finals.

RELATED:Times, they are a changin’ - Thunder vs. Pacers Finals highlights generational change sweeping NBA

Indiana Pacers’ Path to the NBA Finals:

The Indiana Pacers are seeking their first NBA title. The team's last Finals appearance was in 2000, when they lost to the Lakers in 6. Here is the team's path to the Finals:

Indiana eliminated the No. 5 Milwaukee Bucks and the No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers in 5 games, before knocking out the No. 6 New York Knicks in 6 to advance to the Finals.

Head to nbcsports.com/nba for the latest news, updates, and storylines!

Remembering the Red Wings’ 2002 Stanley Cup Triumph, 23 Years Later

A look back at the Red Wings’ 2002 Stanley Cup victory on its 23rd anniversary highlighting key moments a star-studded roster and a historic farewell to Scotty Bowman

Image


June 13, 2025 — Today marks the 23rd anniversary of one of the most iconic nights in Detroit Red Wings history: their 2002 Stanley Cup Championship. That night, the Red Wings defeated the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 5 at Joe Louis Arena, hoisting the franchise’s 10th Stanley Cup, and solidifying their place as the team of the era.

Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) on XDetroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) on XJune 13, 2002. 🏆 Sign up to receive priority access to the 2025-26 season as we celebrate all our special Centennial moments » https://t.co/RxCuFpmI8y

A Dynasty Solidified in Hockey History

The 2001–02 Red Wings were a powerhouse built for greatness with a loaded roster of Hall of Famers and future legends like captain Steve Yzerman, Brendan Shanahan, Nicklas Lidström, Sergei Fedorov, Chris Chelios, Luc Robitaille, Brett Hull, Dominik Hasek, and the legendary Igor Larionov, just to name a few.

Coached by arguably the greatest head coach in the sport's history, Scotty Bowman, in what would be his final season behind the bench.  

Game 5

The Cup-clinching game took place on June 13, 2002, with the Red Wings entering up 3-1 in the series. The Stanley Cup was in attendance and Detroit wasted no time imposing their will.

Goals from Shanahan and winger Tomas Holmstrom powered the Wings to a 3–1 victory over the Hurricanes. The final moments were deafening as the sold-out Joe Louis Arena erupted in celebration, knowing the Cup was staying in Hockeytown.

Yzerman was handed the cup for the third time in his career and was his proudest win yet as he was battling a severe knee injury throughout the playoffs.

He went on to hand of the cup to coach Scotty Bowman, who took a legendary victory lap on skates, giving him the send-off he deserve. It was Bowman’s ninth Stanley Cup as a head coach, breaking his tie with Toe Blake and cementing his legacy.

Conn Smythe Winner

The 2002 Conn Smythe Trophy was awarded to Nicklas Lidström, making history as the first European-trained player to win the award. Lidström was outstanding throughout the playoffs, logging heavy minutes and putting up 16 points (five goals, 11 assists) in 23 games.

His surgical style of play anchored Detroit’s blueline and shut down the Hurricanes' every opportunity in the brief five-game series.

Moments from the 2002 Playoff Run

  • Game 3, Round 1 vs. Vancouver Canucks – Down 0–2 in the series, Nicklas Lidström scored from center ice on Dan Cloutier to swing the momentum. Detroit would rattle off four straight wins to take the series.
  • Game 7, Round 2 vs. St. Louis Blues – Dominik Hasek showed why he was nicknamed “The Dominator” after shutting out the Blues in a must-win game.
  • Game 3, Stanley Cup Final vs. Carolina – Igor Larionov scored the triple-overtime winner, making him the oldest player to score a Stanley Cup Final overtime goal at age 41.

NHL Teams Scored With Record $1.5B in Sponsorship Revenue, Up 9%

With the 2025 Stanley Cup Final underway between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers, the league has something else to celebrate. NHL teams generated a record $1.53 billion in sponsorship revenue, up 9% from $1.4 billion last season and up nearly 20% from the 2022-23 season, according to sports marketing research firm SponsorUnited.

The company’s data does not include league-wide deals in its reports, but the NHL holds its own compared to other pro sports leagues, including the NFL ($2.49 billion), Formula 1 ($2.04 billion), MLB ($1.90 billion) and the NBA ($1.62 billion). It has a sizable lead over MLS’s $670 million. The average NHL team’s sponsorship contract goes for $529,000, a total slightly larger than MLB’s average of $520,000.

Each NHL team on average holds about 91 sponsorships, with deal volume up 7% since the 2022-23 season. Such deals include board signage along the ice, naming rights for premium hospitality areas and Zamboni branding.

By SponsorUnited’s count, the Nashville Predators lead the league with 141 deals, with ten teams in total having over 100 agreements. The Oilers—who leveled out the Stanley Cup Final at 2-2 after a historic comeback capped by Leon Draisaitl’s overtime goal in Thursday’s Game 4—rank fourth among all teams with 119.

A major area of revenue generation comes from jersey/sweater and helmet patches. Jersey patch deals, according to the report, range from $3.4 million-$4.2 million per season, generally lower price points versus those from the NBA, MLB or MLS.

Deals for helmet decals run between $900,000 and $1.2 million. Among the most notable helmet agreements in 2024-25 were the Toronto Maple Leafs pairing up with Mondelez’s Oreos brand, the New York Islanders linking with AI-focused tech company Viam and the Philadelphia Flyers connecting with Chevy dealerships in their market. Those three brands are among the 500 new sponsors the NHL picked up in 2024-25,

The Flyers’ deal helped the auto sector pull in an additional $8.5 million in sponsorship spend (an 8% increase year-over-year) as the category remained the third-biggest sector for the league. By far, financial firms led the way with an additional $19 million spend (+8%), led by three deals for the Utah Mammoth and the Colorado Avalanche’s jersey patch deal with IMA Financial Group. Business services had the most growth of all categories at 18%, accounting for $17 million in new money.

Sign up for Sportico's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

A White Sox cap at the Vatican? Pope Leo XIV is 'like any other guy in Chicago on the South Side'

Pope Leo XIV wears a White Sox hat with his papal cassock in St. Peter's Square, standing next to a woman in a wedding gown
Pope Leo XIV wears a Chicago White Sox hat as he meets newly married couples during the weekly general audience this week in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. (Filippo Monteforte / AFP via Getty Images)

Pope Leo XIV is a huge Chicago White Sox fan.

It's a good thing too — otherwise the event being thrown in his honor at the team's home stadium this weekend might be a little awkward.

While the White Sox play the Rangers in Texas on Saturday afternoon, the Archdiocese of Chicago will be at Rate Field celebrating the new leader of the Catholic Church — who was born and raised on the city's South Side — with a Mass by Chicago Archbishop Blase J. Cupich and other festivities.

Read more:Mookie Betts' toddler son runs away with first-pitch baseball. It's as adorable as it sounds

While the man once known as Robert Prevost won't be there in person, he will appear in what event organizers describe as "a video message from Pope Leo XIV to the young people of the world."

Leo will also be represented in mural form. The White Sox unveiled a graphic installation featuring his likeness on a concourse wall before a May 19 game against the Seattle Mariners, less than two weeks after Leo was selected as the first U.S.-born pope. He replaced Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at age 88.

A colorful portrait of Pope Leo XIV waving appears on a wall next to a framed White Sox jersey featuring his name on its back
The Chicago White Sox have commemorated the fandom of Pope Leo XIV with a graphic installation at Rate Field. (Nam Y. Huh / Associated Press)

The graphic was installed next to Section 140, where Leo sat in Row 19, Seat 2 for Game 1 of the 2005 World Series between the White Sox and Houston Astros. As remarkable as it might sound, there is footage from Fox's national broadcast of that Oct. 22, that shows the man then-known as Father Bob in the stands at the stadium then-known as U.S. Cellular Field.

Hosting a World Series game for the first time since 1959, the White Sox led by two runs with one out in the top of the ninth inning. Chicago closer Bobby Jenks had just thrown a 95-mph fastball past Houston's Adam Everett for an 0-1 count and was preparing for his next pitch.

That's when the camera panned to a nervous-looking Father Bob, who appears to be wearing a team jacket over a team jersey.

Viewers never got to see the future pope's reaction to what happens next, but he must have been ecstatic as Jenks strikes out Everett in two more pitches for a 5-3 Chicago win. The White Sox would go on to sweep the Astros for their first World Series win since 1917.

"That was his thing. He liked to get out and go to a game once in a while," Louis Prevost told the Chicago Tribune of his brother, the future pope. "Eat a hot dog. Have some pizza. Like any other guy in Chicago on the South Side.”

His favorite team may have fallen on harder times since then — the White Sox are an American League-worst 23-45 and 20.5 games behind the first-place Detroit Tigers in the Central Division — but Leo is still willing to put his fandom on display for the world to see.

Read more:Shohei Ohtani thought he was 'in trouble' before Dave Roberts gifted him a toy Porsche

On Wednesday, he wore a White Sox hat along with his traditional papal cassock while blessing newly married couples in St. Peter's Square outside the Vatican.

Kelly and Gary DeStefano, who live in Haverhill, Mass., and are Boston Red Sox fans, gave him the hat. Kelly DeStefano told Boston.com they were just trying to get the new pope's attention.

“I just wanted to make sure everyone at home knew that we did not turn on our team," she told Boston.com. "It was all in joke and good fun.”

Six fans wearing red and gold robes and white mitres with White Sox logos in the stands among other baseball fans
Chicago White Sox fans dress up like fellow White Sox fan Pope Leo XIV to watch a game against the Cubs on May 17 at Wrigley Field. (Paul Beaty / Associated Press)

It worked, with Boston.com reporting that Leo gave the couple a good-natured ribbing once he found out where they are from.

“You’re going to get in trouble for this,” he told them, in a video of the meeting.

“Don’t tell anyone in Massachusetts,” Kelly DeStefano replied.

While Leo might be a little too busy to attend a game anytime soon, White Sox executive vice president, chief revenue and marketing officer Brooks Boyer said last month that the pope is welcome to return to Rate Field whenever he wants.

“He has an open invite to throw out a first pitch,” Boyer said. “Heck, maybe we’ll let him get an at-bat.”

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Super Ted or Superman? Hill’s ‘different game’ key for Bath in Premiership final

Flanker Ted Hill has been called ‘a freak’ by his captain as the 26-year-old waits for another chance with England

Is it a bird or a plane? No, it’s probably “SuperTed”. If Bath win this year’s Premiership final the chances are their rangy, athletic flanker Ted Hill will have played a prominent role. This week his captain, Ben Spencer, called him a “freak” and various seasoned judges have compared him with illustrious former back-rowers ranging from Kieran Read and Jerome Kaino to Pierre Spies and Tom Croft.

During this year’s Six Nations Maro Itoje suggested similarities between the 26-year-old and “Captain America or Superman” and suggested he was “a man carved out of Greek stone”. Bath’s head coach, Johann van Graan, believes likewise. “I think he’s one of the best players in the league and his athletic ability is special. There’s not a lot he can’t do, really.”

Continue reading...

Mets vs. Rays: How to watch on SNY on June 13, 2025

The Mets open a three-game series with the Rays at Citi Field on Friday at 7:10 p.m. on SNY.

Here's what to know about the game and how to watch...


Mets Notes

  • Juan Soto is hitting .386/.542/.818 with five homers, four doubles, 10 RBI, and 16 runs scored over his last 13 games
  • Pete Alonso is hitting .318/.408/.758 with eight homers, five doubles, 12 runs scored, and 25 RBI over his last 17 games
  • BrandonNimmo is hitting .323/.391/.613 with five homers, three doubles, 14 runs scored, and 10 RBI over his last 16 games

RAYS
METS
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--

What channel is SNY?

Check your TV or streaming provider's website or channel finder to find your local listings.

How can I stream the game?

The new way to stream SNY games is via the MLB App or MLB.tv. Streaming on the SNY App has been discontinued.

In order to stream games in SNY’s regional territory, you will need to have SNY as part of your TV package (cable or streaming), or you can now purchase an in-market SNY subscription package. Both ways will allow fans to watch the Mets on their computer, tablet or mobile phone. 

How can I watch the game on my computer via MLB? 

To get started on your computer, click here and then follow these steps: 

  • Log in using your provider credentials. If you are unsure of your provider credentials, please contact your provider. 
  • Link your provider credentials with a new or existing MLB.com account. 
  • Log in using your MLB.com credentials to watch Mets games on SNY. 

How can I watch the game on the MLB App? 

MLB App access is included for FREE with SNY. To access SNY on your favorite supported Apple or Android mobile device, please follow the steps below.  

  • Open “MLB” and tap on “Subscriber Login” for Apple Devices or “Sign in with MLB.com” for Android Devices. 
  • Type in your MLB.com credentials and tap “Log In.”  
  • To access live or on-demand content, tap on the "Watch" tab from the bottom navigation bar. Select the "Games" sub-tab to see a listing of available games. You can scroll to previous dates using the left and right arrows. Tap on a game to select from the game feeds available.  

For more information on how to stream Mets games on SNY, please click here

ICYMI in Mets Land: Kodai Senga injury fallout; roster machinations coming

Here's what happened in Mets Land on Thursday, in case you missed it...


Canadiens: Hutson Named To All-Rookie Team

While it was a given after he had won the Calder Trophy as the top rookie for the 2024-25 season, Montreal Canadiens’ blueliner Lane Hutson was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team on Thursday night.

One hundred eighty-seven members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association were asked to vote for the All-Rookie team, and three of the selections were unanimous: Hutson and his fellow Calder finalists, the Calgary Flames’ goaltender Dustin Wolf, and the San Jose Sharks’ forward Macklin Celebrini.

Philadelphia Flyers Russian wonder Matvei Michkov was a near-unanimous selection, receiving 186 votes, while the final forward, Anaheim Ducks’ Cutter Gauthier, received just 79 votes. As for the second defenseman, the honour was given to the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Denton Mateychuk, who received 95 votes.

The last time a Canadiens player was named to the All-Rookie Team was in the 2019-20 season, when Nick Suzuki was honoured alongside Cale Makar, Quinn Hughes, Elvis Merzlikins, Victor Olofsson, and Dominik Kubalik. Before then, it was alternate captain Brendan Gallagher, back in 2012-13, on a team that also featured Jonathan Huberdeau, Brandon Saad, Jonas Brodin, Justin Schultz, and former Hab goaltender Jake Allen.

The last Canadiens blueliner to be named to the All-Rookie Team was P.K. Subban in 2010-11, who was joined by Logan Couture, Corey Crawford, John Carlson, Jeff Skinner, and Michael Grabner.

The NHL began naming an All-Rookie Team in 1982-83, and since then, 14 Canadiens players have received the honour. In three seasons, two players from the Habs made the team. In 1982-83, Mats Naslund and Dan Daoust; in 1984-85, Chris Chelios and Steve Penney; and in 1985-86, Patrik Roy and Kjell Dahlin.

Of the 14 Canadiens players named, only three were blueliners, including Hutson. There were also only three goaltenders (Carey Price being the third), and the remaining eight players were forwards (Gallagher, Suzuki, Dhalin, Daoust, Naslund, Oleg Petrov, Michael Ryder and Gilbert Dionne).

Photo Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images


Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, never to miss a story.  

Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.

Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens.

Report: Maple Leafs Among Possibilities For Panthers’ Brad Marchand In Free Agency

The Toronto Maple Leafs will reportedly be one of the teams vying for Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand's services if he hits the open market on July 1st.

According to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, the door isn't closed on the 37-year-old returning to Florida after a successful playoff campaign this year, where he's scored eight goals and 10 assists in 21 games.

However, with the Panthers having two other pending unrestricted free agents, Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad, Marchand is more likely to hit the open market.

"I think he’s going to get three or four years and easily north of $8 million a year," LeBrun wrote.

"And yes, as others have wondered, I do believe the Toronto Maple Leafs will be among the possibilities for Marchand. I mean, he mentioned during the second-round series with Toronto that he grew up a Leafs fan. But to be clear, there are multiple teams in play for Marchand if and when he hits the market."

After Toronto's disastrous Game 7 loss to the Panthers on home ice, if you somehow missed it, Marchand admitted his fandom of the Maple Leafs growing up in Halifax, Nova Scotia. That comment tilted fans' heads a bit, especially with being a lifelong Bruin up to this year.

Though it's not the first time he's acknowledged it.

Data Suggests Veterans Outperform in NHL Playoffs—Should the Maple Leafs Follow the Trend?Data Suggests Veterans Outperform in NHL Playoffs—Should the Maple Leafs Follow the Trend?The 2025 Stanley Cup Final has served as a stark reminder: experience, that intangible quality often dismissed for youthful exuberance, can be a decisive weapon in the grind of playoff hockey. From Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand's tenacious performance to 40-year-old Edmonton Oilers forward Corey Perry, veteran players are not just participating—they're driving their teams. This raises a critical question for NHL general managers, particularly those like the Toronto Maple Leafs—perpetually searching for the missing piece: Should teams pay a premium for veteran players, banking on their experience to translate into playoff success?

Before Toronto and Boston's first-round series last year, Marchand confessed he grew up a fan of the blue and white.

"No, they were my favorite team growing up," Marchand said when asked after practice if he'd ever gotten tired of hearing about the Maple Leafs growing up on the East Coast of Canada, via Boston Hockey Now.

"So I didn’t get tired of it; it was fun to watch them. Even today, they have a lot of their alumni walking around the building, guys that I admired growing up. So seeing them in the arena is special as well. I’m still a huge fan of the game and to see those guys makes it so much fun."

Now, if he was to join Toronto during free agency, how would that work?

With several of the Maple Leafs' forwards coming off the books, including Mitch Marner and John Tavares, plus pending restricted free agent Matthew Knies, who needs a new deal, Toronto has just over $25.7 million in cap space to play with, according to PuckPedia.

Let's say Marner leaves Toronto, which is reportedly likely to happen, and Tavares signs at a $5 million annual average value, with Knies signing at $7.5 million per year. That leaves the Maple Leafs with $13.2 million in money left in the bank.

Should The Maple Leafs Pursue Brad Marchand In Free Agency? How Much Is Too Much To Pay?Should The Maple Leafs Pursue Brad Marchand In Free Agency? How Much Is Too Much To Pay?Brad Marchand is once again proving why he's one of the NHL's ultimate premier playoff performers. As an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, the question must be asked: Should the Maple Leafs aggressively pursue the veteran player who consistently performs well against them?

It'll be possible for Toronto to take a swing at Marchand, who again, could command north of an $8 million AAV on a three or four-year deal, per LeBrun. If the Maple Leafs went that route, they'd be left with $5.2 million to sign the rest of their depth, including Max Pacioretty, who's reportedly interested in a return.

However, that doesn't include the Maple Leafs' need for a second-line center in the offseason, if Tavares shifts to a bottom-six center role or begins playing on the wing.  All this to say, it's possible Toronto signs Marchand in free agency, but would it make sense?

The veteran winger has two overtime-winning goals in these playoffs. Combine that with the fact that he's just outside the top 10 in playoff scoring and sixth among Panthers players, and there's a good argument for Toronto to sign him.

What's The Ideal Contract For Matthew Knies And The Maple Leafs?What's The Ideal Contract For Matthew Knies And The Maple Leafs?When the Toronto Maple Leafs plucked Matthew Knies out of the second round (57th overall) in the 2021 NHL Draft, his potential was unknown.

But there's always risk with signing a player entering the late stages of their career, especially with a Marchand contract potentially expiring after his 40th birthday. Still, you can't deny that he's a playoff performer, and Toronto needs more of that throughout their lineup.

Either way, it's trending to be a fascinating free agency period for the Maple Leafs. What will Knies and Tavares' AAV come in at? Will Marner see what's out there in free agency and circle around? Should Toronto really add Marchand?

Those will all be questions Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving and his staff are likely mulling over as I write this, with under three weeks remaining until free agency opens up.

 

Three takeaways: Both teams enjoyed similar dominant segments in Game 4, goaltending has been sneaky good

Are we witnessing one of the best Stanley Cup Final of all time?

Through four games, it sure feels like it.

The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers have played four games that have each felt like their own mini-novellas.

Considering how talented and tightly matched both the teams are proving to be, it comes as no surprise that we’re heading back to Edmonton with the series locked at two games apiece.

Let’s get to the Game 4 takeaways:

DIFFERENT, BUT THE SAME

The first period and the second period of Game 4 were quite similar in a lot of ways.

Both saw one of the teams control play for much of the frame, and each period saw one club outscore the other by three goals.

Penalties also played a large role.

Florida was given three consecutive power plays during the first period, two of which they scored on, before the Oilers had their own opportunity with back-to-back power plays when the second period arrived.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ goal 3:33 into the middle frame while on the man advantage started a massive momentum shift in Edmonton’s favor.

Things finally evened out during the final 20 minutes, but by then there was so little time left, the margin for error had all but vanished and both teams were fighting like the next goal would be the last.

“(The second period) was just a mirror of the first period,” said Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice. “They got into a little penalty trouble there, and we took advantage of it, and the second period was just the opposite. I think we were plus-three on the power play side early and minus-three on the power play side in the second half, and then we came out and even tight games, right? Both teams had some chances there, cracked some bars and had some chances that didn't go, and it's a bad break on the overtime winner. So three of the four games have gone to overtime, and I think that's probably the expectation of what we have going forward.”

SOME GREAT GOALTENDING

This year’s Stanley Cup Final has seen plenty of goals scored.

The Panthers and Oilers have combined to put 32 pucks in the net during the first four games of the series.

Both teams have struggled at times defensively, which is to be expected when two high-powered teams like Florida and Edmonton are going at it.

From the outside looking in, it would be easy to point to all the offense and assume the goaltending has not been anything to write home about.

Those who have been paying attention know that if not for some outstanding saves on both sides, we could have seen some pretty ridiculous scores so far in this series.

“From my point of view, there's been phenomenal goaltending in this series,” said Maurice. “The numbers tell me I’m lying, the final score says I'm lying, but the goaltending has been incredible, because the game can break on a slot pass to Sam Bennett (and he) cracks a (crossbar). Everything is dangerous all the time, so there's a mental intensity, a mental toughness I think both teams show. The game's not going to be over till it is. You get three of four games in a final into overtime, you’ve get two really good, evenly matched teams.”

EXPECTED A LONG SERIES

Before the Final began, you would’ve been hard pressed to find anyone who felt this series would be a quick one.

A matchup between powerhouse teams like Edmonton and Florida was going to provide some fireworks, but the history between them has added some incredible drama and intrigue.

Considering three of the four games we’ve seen so far have gone to overtime, it’s pretty clear we’re seeing two very evenly matched teams.

The entertainment value of the Stanley Cup Final has been as high as any in recent memory, and there’s no reason to think that’s going to stop as we get into the latter stages of the series.

“If you plan for seven games, it means you’re losing three of them,” Maurice said after Game 4. “You have to take that pain, eat it and use it to come back.”

LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA

Panthers blow three-goal lead, lose Game 4 to Oilers in overtime

Paul Maurice Makes This Prediction For Game 4 vs. Oilers

Panthers host Oilers in Game 4 looking to take control of Stanley Cup Final

Sound meter hit ridiculously high level when Sam Bennett scored during Game 3 of Stanley Cup Final

Rod Brind’Amour doesn’t agree with Paul Maurice, will go back to participating in playoff handshake lines

Photo caption: Jun 12, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) defends against Edmonton Oilers right wing Corey Perry (90)during the third period in game four of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)