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The Carolina Hurricanes overcame their kryptonite, now it’s time to finish the job

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 29: Seth Jarvis #24 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates after defeating the Montréal Canadiens 6-1 in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center on May 29, 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Twenty seasons and 120 playoff games after raising the Stanley Cup for the first time in 2006 — the eighth season after the franchise relocated — the Carolina Hurricanes are back competing for the best trophy in professional sports. 

And it couldn’t have come at a better time, nor with a better core. The Hurricanes have tuned out the critics who said there was no chance they would get to this spot, opting instead to play their way and style en route to complete domination. 

When the final horn sounded on the Carolina Hurricanes’ 6-1 win on Friday over the Montreal Canadiens to clinch a spot in the Stanley Cup against the Vegas Golden Knights, there was almost a sense of relief mixed in with the joy. After seven seasons — that each seemed to have a similar disappointing ending — the wait finally paid off. Carolina’s journey with this core hasn’t always been smooth, but the patience has been worth the wait. 

The way last season played out for the Canes would have been considered a success for most teams. Instead, for Carolina, it left a bitter taste. 

While the Hurricanes were able to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals, they were once again completely outmatched, losing to the Florida Panthers in five games. The one positive takeaway, at least, was they ended one of the worst — and strangest — playoff streaks in North American sports. 

Entering last season’s ECF, the Canes had gone three straight conference finals appearances without winning a single game after being swept in 2009, 2019 and 2023. Then the Florida Panthers, who swept the Canes in 2023, went up 3-0 last season in the ECF to bring the streak to 15 consecutive conference finals games without a win — the longest by five games in NHL history. 

The Hurricanes were able to snap the streak after beating the Panthers in Game 4, but their season came to an end unceremoniously in Game 5, bringing their conference finals record to a miserable 1-16 in the ECF since their Stanley Cup win in 2006. 

Entering the offseason it was clear something had to be done, but to what extent was the question. After whiffing on landing a big star following the departure of both Jake Guentzel and Mikko Rantanen in previous years, many thought Carolina’s core wouldn’t be able to get over the hump. 

Instead of making any premature or drastic changes, general manager Eric Tulsky got right to work in the offseason to make the Canes better. Carolina first added K’Andre Miller in a sign-and-trade with the Rangers and then doubled down by signing Nikolaj Ehlers to the ninth biggest UFA contract in total value since 2015. 

After enjoying another dominant regular season this year, in which the Hurricanes finished with the second most points in the league and the best record in the Eastern Conference, the real test started in April. The doubts of whether this was the year the Canes would overcome their agonizing Eastern Conference Finals woes still hung above the franchise’s head. 

Despite complete domination through the first two rounds, which resulted in an unbeaten record heading into the ECF against the Canadiens, there was a split second where it looked like the pattern would continue when the Canes were destroyed 6-2 in Game 1. 

But overtime winners from Ehlers and Andrei Svechnikov gave Carolina breathing room and it was smooth sailing from there. 

The coffin holding the 19 years filled with conference final misery was officially put in the ground following Carolina’s win over the Canadiens on Friday. 

While it feels as if this season has already been a success, it’s far from complete. Any scenario that doesn’t end with a parade in Raleigh and another banner hung in the Lenovo Center might even be deemed a failure of sorts. It’s a simple equation that almost-championship teams never cement themselves quite like the teams that get the job done, for example the 2001-02 Hurricanes team that lost in the Stanley Cup versus the 2005-06 team that won it all.

To get to that level of immortality, the Canes will have to get through the Vegas Golden Knights, who will be without a doubt the toughest test yet. 

After firing head coach Bruce Cassidy in late March, the Knights have gone 19-4-1 under new head coach John Tortorella. They just swept the Stanley Cup favorite Colorado Avalanche and are playing their best hockey of the season. 

Mitch Marner, who Vegas traded for in the offseason from the Toronto Maple Leafs, has been a revelation so far this postseason. He has 21 points in 16 games to lead the Knights. Not far behind is Jack Eichel —  who was a key part of Vegas’ 2023 Stanley Cup win — with 18 points. 

Unlike the Senators, Flyers, or Canadiens, the Knights are experienced, physical and have the top end talent to be competitive with the Canes. They’ve also been in this position before with their Stanley Cup win in 2023, something Carolina can’t speak to. Vegas has also been the beneficiary of hot goaltending during the playoffs. 

With all that being said, this is the Hurricanes’ series to take. No team has been more consistent and more dominant across the regular season and postseason. 

Carolina is the only team since the NHL moved to the four best-of-7 series format in 1987 to enter the Stanley Cup with a 12-1 record. With a sweep, the Hurricanes can become the first team in NHL history to go 16-1 in the playoffs. 

First the Hurricanes surmounted their Eastern Conference Final troubles.

Now, the Stanley Cup is only four wins away from coming back to Raleigh for the first time in two adversity-filled decades.  

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Mets manage just two hits, waste Sean Manaea's gem in 3-2 walk-off loss to Mariners

The Mets were walked off by the Seattle Mariners 3-2 on Monday night at T-Mobile Park.

Here are some takeaways...

- The Mets weren't able to get anything going against Seattle's Emerson Hancock the first time time through the order, as he retired the first 12 batters he faced and didn't have to work through a three-ball count until two outs in the fourth. 

- New York was finally able to get to Hancock in the middle frames, though, as both Jared Young and Marcus Semien stayed red-hot leading off the fifth and sixth (respectively) with solo shots. Young's evened things up at one apiece, and then Semien's gave the Mets their first lead. 

- Austin Warren and Sean Manaea did a tremendous job of matching Hancock. Warren retired the side in order in the first, then he hit the leadoff man in the second before Manaea took things over, and he used a routine double-play to dance his way out of a two on and one-out jam. 

Colt Emerson got to Manaea for a solo homer with one out in the third, but the lefty quickly settled back into a groove, retiring the next 11 batters in order, with some help from another terrific diving play by A.J. Ewing in center. 

- Manaea was outstanding his first time back in the Mets' rotation, allowing just that hit and a walk while striking out four across five innings of work. That not only match Manaea's longest outing of the season, but it was also the longest by any Mets reliever to this point on the year. 

- Brooks Raley was greeted rudely after the seventh inning stretch, as he immediately served up a homer to Josh Naylor leading the inning. It was the fourth hit of the ballgame to that point -- all of which were solo homers -- and was the second long ball Raley's allowed this season. 

- Luke Weaver extended his scoreless streak, retiring four batters across the seventh and eighth, then Devin Williams struck out two in a perfect ninth to push this one to the Mets' league-high 12th extra-inning game of the season.

- The Mets failed to cash in the free runner with two strikeouts and a popout in the top of the 10th, and the Mariners were sure to make them pay, ending the game on Cole Young's opposite-field walk-off single against A.J. Minter. 

- New York managed just two baserunners (a HBP and the free runner) after Hancock left the ballgame, as Seattle's high-powered bullpen finished the night with four hitless innings. The free runner was the Mets' only time reaching scoring position and they struck out 12 times. 

- Juan Soto went 0-for-4 with a strikeout leading off the 10th, ending his on-base streak at 15 games. 

Game MVP: Cole Young 

The 22-year-old reached three times and played hero in the late innings. 

Highlights

What's next

The Mets and Mariners continue the series on Tuesday night at 9:40 p.m. on SNY.

Jonah Tong is expected to work in bulk relief against Logan Gilbert. 

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Dodgers falter late in low-scoring loss to the D-backs

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 01: Emmet Sheehan #80 of the Los Angeles Dodgers delivers a first-inning pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on June 01, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Experience won out over youth as Eduardo Rodríguez outdueled Emmet Sheehan to lead the Diamondbacks to a 4-1 win over the Dodgers. The reigning back-to-back champs rolled into town with the Diamondbacks having scored only three runs in their last two games—and for a team that managed to hit three home runs, the Diamondbacks offense could’ve done a lot more than just those four runs, even if they turned out to be more than plenty for the home squad. The Dodgers even took the early lead but allowed one home run in each of the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings to surrender control of this one, with those first two coming against Emmet Sheehan before Ketel Marte gave the Diamondbacks a bit of cushion with a two-run shot in the bottom of the eighth against Jack Dreyer.

What was a cruise control outing for Sheehan got quickly undone by solo shots to Tommy Troy and Nolan Arenado. Because Sheehan was removed right after that second home run, he left the game on the hook for the loss, his second of the year, even though he didn’t record a single pitch with the Dodgers trailing. Inducing a lot of soft contact but without a ton of whiffs, Sheehan paid the price on a couple of mistakes against Troy and Arenado on a fastball down the middle and a slider that didn’t break enough, respectively. There is a symmetry to acknowledge with Troy and Arenado being the two players to go yard—while Troy was hitting the first long ball of his career, Arenado was making it an impressive 33 homers against the Dodgers, two shy of the Giants for the team he has hit the most home runs against in the bigs.

Sheehan’s performance covering six-plus innings with just two runs is seen in a worse light because Eduardo Rodríguez was up to his usual tricks this year. The Diamondbacks ace allowed one base runner per inning, and Shohei Ohtani, who was responsible for two of the Dodgers’ five hits against Rodríguez, helped the visiting team open the scoring in their only run against him. Ohtani led off the third with a double, stopped at third after another double from Andy Pages that was nearly caught, and then came around to score on an RBI groundout from Freddie Freeman. It was too early for Arizona to play the infield in, and with the Dodgers’ offense falling silent after that, it proved to be the correct decision. Mookie Betts and Kyle Tucker were easily retired, and the Dodgers stranded a runner in scoring position in that inning.

Before Marte upped the D-backs’ lead to 4-1, the Dodgers had an opportunity to get back in this game. As was the case when they scored their only run of the game, Ohtani once again came up as the leadoff man at the top of the eighth and did his part by getting on thanks to an infield single that Marte couldn’t field cleanly. The rest of the offense was unable to do anything with it, and a double play quickly ended the threat. Shortly thereafter, Marte left the yard for his 10th homer of the season.

Game particulars
  • Home runs— Tommy Troy (1), Nolan Arenado (8), and Ketel Marte (10)
  • WP— Taylor Clarke (2-1): 1 IP, 2 strikeouts
  • LP— Emmet Sheehan (3-2): 6.1 IP, 3 hits, 2 runs, 3 strikeouts
  • SV – Paul Sewald (15): 1 IP
Up next

After a successful Dodger debut, Eric Lauer will look to replicate the success he had against the Blue Jays, facing the Diamondbacks. Enjoying quite the resurgence with Arizona, Mike Soroka hopes to make it three straight quality starts. The first pitch will be at 6:40 p.m. (PT).

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New York Knicks vs. San Antonio Spurs NBA Finals predictions: Spurs or Knicks, expect a long series

The last time the Spurs and Knicks met in the NBA Finals, you could not have watched highlights from the game on your iPhone — the first iPhone was eight years away. There also would have been no highlights on YouTube (2005), Twitter (2006, now X), or Instagram (2010).

Yet there are some similarities between those 1999 Finals and this year's showdown. The Spurs are led by a big man (Tim Duncan then, Victor Wembanyama now), with quality perimeter players around them (Avery Johnson and Sean Elliott then, Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox now). The Knicks were gritty and found ways to win then, just as they do now, even if the roster makeup is a very different style (Patrick Ewing-focused rather than Jalen Brunson-focused).

In 2026, San Antonio enters as the betting favorite even though the Knicks have won 11 in a row and enter the Finals on a historic hot streak. Who do the NBC Sports experts expect to take home the title, the Spurs in a repeat of 1999, or the Knicks getting some revenge and their first title since 1973? Here are our picks.

Predictions

Kurt Helin (lead NBA writer): Spurs in 6

I preface this pick with an acknowledgment: The Knicks can win this series. If they stay red hot from 3, if they dominate the offensive glass (as they did in the NBA Cup Finals matchup of these teams), and if their wings OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges can put up big numbers, they can take the Finals and hoist a banner at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks match up as well as anyone with Wemby, and the best way to attack the Knicks is not the Spurs' preferred style of play.

I just don't believe New York can keep that going at a high enough level to win four of seven. I think the soft East has led to a perception that this good team is a little better than it actually is. In the end, talent wins out in the NBA and I think the Spurs are more talented, more versatile (especially with De'Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper looking healthy again), and will ask questions the Knicks just can't answer. This San Antonio team is different — better, more confident, and now battle-tested — than the one the Knicks beat during the season. New York will win a couple but not enough, and the Spurs take the series.

Raphielle Johnson (fantasy basketball lead writer): Knicks in 7

Entering the playoffs, many assumed that the winner of the Western Conference would waltz to the NBA title. However, since Game 4 of its first round series against Atlanta, New York has been flat-out dominant. Playing more through Karl-Anthony Towns has paid dividends, and Mikal Bridges' resurgence from Game 6 of the Atlanta series onward has been huge. OG Anunoby and Josh Hart have filled their roles, and the bench has stepped up, most notably Landry Shamet and Miles McBride.

Last but not least is the captain, Jalen Brunson. He's capable of taking over a game with his scoring, but the subtle changes made by head coach Mike Brown have lightened the workload some, especially in the first three quarters of games. As good as San Antonio has been, the Knicks have appeared to figure things out after an, at times, uneven regular season. I think this series goes the distance, with the extra rest that New York has picked up after the last two rounds being a factor in the end.

Jay Coucher (NBC lead betting analyst): Spurs in 7

The Knicks pose interesting matchup issues for the Spurs with the sheer size and strength they can throw at Wemby in the frontcourt, but ultimately the Spurs are the more talented team here and have home court advantage. De'Aaron Fox looked much more spry last game as his ankle continues to heal, and the extended rest schedule of the Finals should favor San Antonio - Wemby, with Sean Sweeney's weaponized defensive gameplans, should be an unstoppable force in this series.

New York vs San Antonio NBA Finals Schedule 2026

All times are Eastern (* = if necessary).
Game 1: New York at San Antonio, Wednesday, June 3 (8:30 ET, ABC)
Game 2: New York at San Antonio, Friday, June 5 (8:30 ET, ABC)
Game 3: San Antonio at New York, Monday, June 8 (8:30 ET, ABC)
Game 4: San Antonio at New York, June 10 (8:30 ET, ABC)
*Game 5: New York at San Antonio, June 13 (8:30 ET, ABC)
*Game 6: San Antonio at New York, June 16 (8:30 ET, ABC)
*Game 7: New York at San Antonio, June 19 (8:30 ET, ABC)

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3 Under-The-Radar Penguins' Trade Candidates This Summer

As it's already been said many times over this summer, the trade market should be an interesting venture for the Pittsburgh Penguins this summer. With general manager and president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas expressly wanting to take a big step toward "sustainable contention" next season, it stands to reason that the team will be pretty active.

Of course, there are some obvious trade candidates who have high value and who have been discussed for the past couple of years. Defenseman Erik Karlsson and forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust are at the top of the list, although it would take a whole lot to pry any of them from Dubas and the Penguins. 

However, there are some other names, too, who may be able to fetch a fair bit of value on the trade market. Even if the payout won't come in the form of first-round picks or other high-value assets, they may be able to fetch sneaky good returns for a few of their players — and they can either use those players as leverage in part of a larger trade or use the assets collected to assist in acquiring the young talent they covet. 

Dubas needs to be careful and calculated in the trade market this summer, as the team is progressing forward and needs those impact 20-somethings in order to legitimately contend, but they also can't sacrifice too much because they still need to build out from the draft, too, and keep bolstering an already-improving prospect pool. 

So, the more assets and draft capital, the better. The more they have, the more expendable some of those assets become, and they can leverage some of it for younger players. And there are a few players who should be able to help them collect on that. 

Should Penguins Look To Flip A Veteran Ahead Of NHL Draft?Should Penguins Look To Flip A Veteran Ahead Of NHL Draft?With the short- and long-term in mind, it may serve the Penguins well to consider flipping veterans for a few more valuable assets ahead of this year's NHL Draft.

C Tommy Novak

Novak, 29, has one year remaining on his current contract at a cap hit of only $3.5 million. While the stats may not jump out like most other second-line centers in the league - or, at least, that's the role Novak played for most of the 2025-26 season - that doesn't mean he wasn't effective in that role. 

With 16 goals and 42 points in 82 games on the season, Novak was right in line with his production during his time with the Nashville Predators, so the consistency is encouraging. But he also developed fantastic chemistry with Egor Chinakhov and Evgeni Malkin, and even if he wasn't showing up on the scoresheet as regularly as the other two, he consistently helped drive offense on that line and did the little things away from the puck and on the forecheck to be a positive impact.

Novak can produce anywhere in a middle-six role, and his versatility is a major plus. Of course, the Penguins could very well just keep him around, but he's someone they might be able to sell high on right now, especially since he's approaching 30. If they can use him as leverage in a trade or the assets collected in a trade to acquire a younger talent with higher upside, it's certainly worth considering. 

Now That Malkin Is Signed, It's Time For The Chinakhov Extension To Be FinalizedNow That Malkin Is Signed, It's Time For The Chinakhov Extension To Be FinalizedThe Pittsburgh Penguins took care of business Tuesday when they re-signed Evgeni Malkin, but there is still more work to be done — and the priority has shifted to young Russian winger Egor Chinakhov, a pending-RFA.

RW Justin Brazeau

Unfortunately, the stock on the 6-foot-6, 232-pound Brazeau dipped as the season went on, as he had a scorching start to 2025-26 - registering six goals and 12 points in 12 games during the month of October - before an injury interrupted his season for more than a month. 

After that, the production came in bunches, but there were relatively long stretches between with nothing to show for his efforts on the score sheet. He still managed to post 17 goals and 34 points in 64 games, but he found himself a healthy scratch for all but one playoff game.

That said, the 28-year-old showed flashes of potential, as his soft hands and shot deflection ability - particulalry, around the net-front - showcased his puck skills and ability to utilize his frame in tight spaces. 

Was his season in Pittsburgh - a career-best across parts of three NHL seasons - a fluke or a sign of untapped potential? Just like Dubas wants to take a chance on other players in those situations on other teams, another team might want to take a flier on a guy like Brazeau. 

He has a very team-friendly $1.5 million cap hit for next season - pretty good for a 17-goal scorer - so it shouldn't be all that difficult to sell him. The key will be getting a maximum return, so it may serve the Penguins best to see if he can replicate his hot start from last season in 2026-27 — and sell him then. 

Penguins' Goaltending Future Looks Bright — And The Success Of Their Rebuild Depends On ItPenguins' Goaltending Future Looks Bright — And The Success Of Their Rebuild Depends On ItWith talented but unproven netminders like Sergei Murashov in the system, the Penguins appear to be a franchise with a lot of promise at the goaltending position.

D Parker Wotherspoon

Now, would it be a substantial risk to deal who was very nearly a perfect defense partner for Erik Karlsson, who enjoyed his best season as a Penguin in 2025-26 and who found his vintage generational form?

Absolutely. But, if teams are calling about Wotherspoon - Karlsson is also on the final season of his contract - and if the Penguins have a plan to explore the defensive trade market, it might be worth seeing what they're offering.

Wotherspoon - along with Chinakhov - is the perfect example of a player who had untapped potential in a limited role with the Boston Bruins and maximized that potential with the Penguins. He went from a fringe bottom-pairing blueliner to a top-pairing shutdown defenseman in a year's time, and he's a bargain top-four defenseman at $1 million for next season.

Does Erik Karlsson Extension Make Sense For Penguins?Does Erik Karlsson Extension Make Sense For Penguins?The Pittsburgh Penguins will soon have a big decision to make regarding three-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson.

Given what Marcus Pettersson fetched for the Penguins ahead of the 2025 trade deadline - and the fact that prices are even steeper now because of bargain contracts relative to the rising salary cap - it's not unfathomable that Wotherspoon could, potentially, fetch something close to a first-round pick. And this is especially true because the 28-year-old is coming off of a breakout year and has career-high trade value. 

Again, dealing him would be a risk if there's no immediate plan to replace him. The Penguins are notably thin on the left side, and aside from Owen Pickering and Jake Livanavage, there's not exactly NHL-upside prospects waiting in the wings, either. 

However, depending on his perceived value, it's worth picking up the phone. Even if a first isn't in the cards, another second could do wonders for getting a bigger deal for a young player - perhaps a young defenseman - across the finish line. 

3 Potential Defense Trade Targets Named For Penguins3 Potential Defense Trade Targets Named For PenguinsShould the Penguins look to bring in one of these three defensemen?

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Gregg Popovich message helped New Jersey native Dylan Harper’s NBA Finals dream become reality

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Seven of the NBA Western Conference Finals on May 30, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. , Image 2 shows San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich talking with Victor Wembanyama on the bench

SAN ANTONIO — Dylan Harper is too young to have seen the Knicks in the NBA Finals. 

Gregg Popovich, left, talks with Victor Wembanyama on the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets March 5, 2024,

“I’ve been to so many Knicks playoff games, Knicks games — I live 25, 30 minutes from the arena — … It’s a dream come true,” Harper said after the Spurs defeated the Thunder in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals. “My dream has always been to play in [Madison Square] Garden in the NBA Finals and I get to do that my first year. I’m not gonna take [anything] for granted.”

Harper, the No. 2 overall pick in last year’s NBA draft and an All-Rookie First-Team selection, was in high school just two years ago, leading Don Bosco Prep to a state title. 

Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Seven of the NBA Western Conference Finals on May 30, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NBAE via Getty Images
Gregg Popovich, left, talks with Victor Wembanyama on the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets March 5, 2024. AP Photo/David J. Phillip

Last year, he paired with Ace Bailey to form Rutgers’ greatest recruiting class, but they were unable to lead the Scarlet Knights to a winning record (15-17).

“I think that if you would have told [me] this last year, I would have told you you’re crazy,” Harper said. “I think that you kind of go through what you go through to get to moments like this.”

The 6-foot-5 guard’s arrival to San Antonio enabled the Spurs to elevate from a non-playoff team to their first NBA Finals in 12 years. In his first postseason, Harper has exuded the confidence of his five-time champion father (Ron), ranking first among all guards in the postseason in true shooting percentage (57.9) while averaging 13.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals in less than 26 minutes per game.

After being slowed by an adductor injury during the Western Conference finals, Harper received a message from Gregg Popovich — the five-time champion turned Spurs President of Basketball Operations — with the team one loss from elimination.

“After Game 5, he texted me personally,” Harper said. “(He was) just like, ‘You’ve got to find a way to get the job done.’ ”

In Game 6, Harper scored 18 points (6-of-9 shooting) with six rebounds and four assists in 22 minutes, repeatedly reaching the rim against one of this era’s best defenses.

Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) and guard Dylan Harper (2) celebrate after defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7. Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

“When he’s switched on mentally and aggressive, he’s pretty damn good,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said. “He’s got all the talent in the world, the makeup to do whatever he wants.”

In Game 7, Harper made a series of timely plays — finishing with 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists — including a huge stepback 3-pointer with under four minutes remaining to put his team on the doorstep of the NBA Finals.

Just as he long imagined.

Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs talks to the media after the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Seven of the Western Conference Finals. NBAE via Getty Images

“I think just answering the call, that’s kind of what I’ve always done, is just put myself in that position, and just double down on myself every time,” Harper said. “Everyone does a great job of empowering me to go out there and make plays and be myself. When the time comes, I just kind of go out there, and I just trust my instincts.

“It feels like I’ve been in the league for a little while now. I feel like I belong.”

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Calder Cup Playoffs: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Strikes Back To Win Game 3 Over Toronto

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are back in their Eastern Conference Final series against the Toronto Marlies after Monday's 5-3 win in Game 3. 

WBS needed to win to avoid being in a 0-3 hole and did exactly that, getting goals from five different players.

The Marlies opened the scoring in the first period before Aidan McDonough tied the game for the Penguins with 5:23 remaining in the first frame. Gabe Klassen corralled the loose puck after his original shot was blocked and was able to find McDonough, who tipped the puck into the net. 

WBS took a 2-1 lead early in the second period when McDonough got a shot off from the left wing, and Bill Zonnon was right there to clean up the loose change. It's Zonnon's fourth goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs. 

The Marlies tied the game late in the middle frame after a puck deflected off Penguins defenseman Owen Pickering's skate and into the net. It was another crazy bounce for a Marlies squad that has gotten all of the bounces to start this series. 

WBS rebounded from that bad break in the third period when Ville Koivunen made it a 3-2 game with 12:12 left in the final frame.

Tristan Broz accelerated through the neutral zone and dropped the puck to Koivunen after entering the offensive zone. Koivunen then gave the puck back to Broz, who was below the left circle, before he sent it back to Koivunen, who made no mistake. Koivunen even taunted the Marlies Crowd a little bit during his celebration. 

Atley Calvert made it a 4-2 game off a slick feed from McDonough shortly after Koivunen's goal before the Marlies cut it to 4-3 with 51 seconds left. However, Tanner Howe iced the game with an empty-net goal just 15 seconds later to ice the game for the Penguins. 

Penguins goaltender Sergei Murashov finished the game with 35 saves

It was a well-earned win for the Penguins, and they'll now have a chance to even up the series on Wednesday in Game 4. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET.

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Warriors Steph Curry signs 10-year shoe deal with Li-Ning

Steph Curry smiling next to some artist sneakers.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 20: NBA star Stephen Curry attends Rakuten x CANVVS Reveal "Art of the Game" Sneaker Competition Winner Chosen By Judges Including Stephen Curry at Splash Sports Bar at Thrive City on February 20, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thos Robinson/Getty Images for Rakuten) | Getty Images for Rakuten

Steph Curry’s sneaker free agency is over. In November, the Golden State Warriors superstar announced his shocking departure from Under Armour, the company he had been with for 13 years, and that he had signed a long-term deal with less than three years prior. What followed was one of the largest sneaker free agencies in NBA history.

Over the course of the 2025-26 season, Curry wore countless different sneakers from different brands, often paying homage to the team or players that he was going up against on any given night. And in the end, the winner in the race for Curry’s services, image, and brand, is a Chinese company that many basketball fans have never even heard of: Li-Ning.

Curry announced the partnership on social media on Monday, with ESPN’s Shams Charania reporting additional facts, including the news that it’s a 10-year deal.

The two-time MVP took his standalone Curry Brand with him upon his Under Armour exit, and that will now get an even larger audience while working with such a global company. According to Charania, the partnership will include not just basketball shoes and athleisure but, in true Curry fashion, an entire golf line as well. It also features the ability for Curry to sign athletes to his brand going forward, and you can certainly expect that to happen — Curry not only has great respect among his NBA peers, but has a lot of connections in the WNBA as well, and on the PGA Tour.

Li-Ning shoes are known in the basketball world for having exceptional support and comfort, which no doubt factored into the decision for Curry, who has dealt with ankle issues for his entire career. Critically, the company is also endorsed by Curry’s friend and teammate Jimmy Butler III, which no doubt played a role (and hopefully the company is giving Butler a nice little reward for that). Li-Ning’s other high-profile basketball endorsement is Dwyane Wade, who joined the company after leaving the Converse division of Nike. The brand has a handful of other active NBA players as well, including D’Angelo Russell and Fred VanVleet. Warriors legend Baron Davis and all-time great Shaquille O’Neal are among the brand’s former athletes.

According to Charania, the deal with Curry will include Curry Brand specific stores in both the US and China. Currently the brand, which was formed by Olympic gold medalist gymnast Li Ning, has more than 4,000 stores worldwide, as well as American headquarters in Portland, Oregon.

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Mitchell Robinson’s status remains murky for Knicks as NBA Finals Game 1 creeps nearer

New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) shooting a free throw.
Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) shoots a free throw against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter.

Monday brought status quo for Mitchell Robinson. 

For the second day in a row, Robinson — who is dealing with a broken right pinky — did individual work at Knicks practice Monday. Just two days before the NBA Finals begin, the Knicks remained noncommittal about his Game 1 availability. 

“I’m just waiting on the medical staff,” coach Mike Brown said. “He just did individual work today. I’m waiting on the medical staff to let me know what the next step is.” 

Robinson’s individual work was with assistant Mark Bryant. Robinson has been wearing a protective device on his right hand. 

Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) shoots a free throw against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter. Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Robinson last week had surgery for the broken right pinky. The Post’s Stefan Bondy reported that he fractured the fifth metacarpal, the bone connecting the wrist to the pinky. 

How Robinson suffered the injury is unknown — the Knicks aren’t giving specifics beyond that it did not occur in a game or practice. 

They are hopeful he will be able to play Wednesday, The Post previously reported. 

The Knicks are introducing “Knicks Talk Live” shows on non-game days. The show will air on MSG Networks at 8 p.m. weekdays. 

The network will also have a show during media day Tuesday. 

MSG Networks’ one hour pregame and postgame shows will continue throughout the Finals. 

Knicks center Mitchell Robinson #23, speaking to Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell #45, in the 4th quarter. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Ahead of Karl-Anthony Towns’ Knicks debut last season — an Oct. 6, 2024 preseason game against the Hornets — he wore a shirt from the 1999 Finals featuring the Knicks and Spurs. 

Now, the two teams are set for a Finals rematch. 

“I found that shirt in my first days of actually being on the team,” Towns said. “I found it in Charleston (S.C.), funny enough. While they were practicing, I was out vintage shopping in the city and I found the shirt and funny enough, I wore that shirt for the first game and here we are. Looking back at that shirt as an omen.” 

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NY Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz set friendly wager ahead of states’ showdown in NBA Finals

NY Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz set friendly wager ahead of states' showdown in NBA Finals.
NY Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz set friendly wager ahead of states' showdown in NBA Finals.

New Yorkers and Texans are ready for their states to square off in the NBA Finals — and Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Ted Cruz even agreed on a wager in a rare show of friendly sportsmanship across the political aisle.

The New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs are set to tip off at Frost Bank Center, the Texans’ home court, Wednesday night. Tensions are already flaring between die-hard fans, including MAGA Republican Cruz and Democrat Gillibrand.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz made a bet with New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. Getty Images

Cruz tagged Gillibrand in a post on X and suggested betting on their respective states’ teams.

“If the [Knicks] win (not gonna happen!) the series, then you & your team get Texas BBQ, Shiner Bock beer & Blue Bell ice cream. When the [Spurs] win, the loser wears the winner’s jersey. Deal?” Cruz pitched.

Gillibrand and Cruz agreed to take the winner and their staff out to dinner. Getty Images for Human Rights Campaign

Gillibrand agreed and said she would treat Cruz and his staff to a hearty meal at “the world-famous Joe’s Pizza and Brooklyn Lager” if the Knicks fall to the Spurs.

“Go NY Go!” she added.

The politicians’ uncharacteristically amicable tête-à-tête came after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott trolled New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on X.

Abbott posted an AI-generated image on Sunday depicting himself in a Spurs jersey “dunking” on Hochul, clad in a Knicks jersey, with President Trump laughing from the sidelines.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott posted a less-friendly picture of himself “dunking” on New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. X / @GregAbbott_TX

“Spurs about to dunk on Knicks like Texas has been dunking on New York. Go Spurs Go,” Abbott wrote.

Hochul crafted a short-and-sweet response on Monday, taking a jab at Abbott’s staunch stance on transgender people’s participation in athletics.

“BREAKING: Greg Abbott comes out for men and women competing on the same court,” Hochul wrote.

The New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs are competing in the NBA Finals.

The oft-opposed politicians aren’t the only ones putting their pride on the line for the good of the game.

When the Knicks were still giving the Philadelphia 76ers a slow death in the Eastern Conference Finals, a pair of cheesesteak connoisseurs wagered their livelihoods.

Frank Olivieri, proud owner of Philadelphia’s iconic Pat’s King of Steaks, and Louis Cretella, co-owner of Dario’s Pizza in West Hempstead, agreed to cook in the winner’s restaurant while decked out in the opposite team’s gear.

When the Knicks came out on top in Game 4, Olivieri assured he would make good on his promise and cook for Cretella — while decked out in Knicks merchandise.

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Turang snaps skid as Brewers bats explode in 2nd inning for 16-2 win over Giants

Milwaukee Brewers
Jun 1, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy (49) smiles as Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) scores a run in the sixth inning against the San Francisco Giants at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

It had been a long and difficult 0-for-21 skid for Brice Turang, who had seen his batting average drop from .291 down to .263 heading into Monday night’s game. That all changed as Turang snapped his skid with an opposite field double in the first inning and ended up reaching base four times to help lift the Brewers to a 16-2 victory over the Giants.

The Giants got up early on a two-run homer from Matt Chapman off Shane Drohan. But the Brewers offense had their starter’s back, promptly putting up seven runs in the bottom half of the 2nd, sending ten men to the plate.

It got started with a leadoff walk from Jake Bauers after a successful ABS challenge on a 3-2 pitch. Following a flyout from Andrew Vaughn, the next six Brewers batters reached base. Sal Frelick doubled, Luis Rengifo and David Hamilton singled, Christian Yelich walked, Jackson Chourio doubled, then Turang tripled. William Contreras supplied a sac fly to bring home the seventh run of the inning and secure the 7-2 lead.

“You had a big inning there. That’s a big inning against a good pitcher. That’s a good sign. You think about Bauers challenge there, that started the whole thing.” Murphy said.

That was all Shane Drohan needed to finish cruising through his four innings of work, allowing just four hits and striking out five. He was followed by Chad Patrick, DL Hall, Grant Anderson, and Jake Woodford out of the bullpen.

The Brewers offense kept supplying insurance runs, though. A bases loaded GIDP from Contreras in the 4th brought home another run. Andrew Vaughn had a 2 RBI single with the bases loaded in the 6th inning. Then RBI singles in the 7th by Yelich and Chourio brought home two more.

Then in the 8th, the Giants put a position player, Buddy Kennedy, on the mound. The Brewers put up four runs against him to make it 16-2.

Pat Murphy elected to give some rest to Brice Turang and Andrew Vaughn as the game got out of hand. That meant bringing Blake Perkins into the game in the outfield as Jake Bauers moved to first base.

“I just wanted to get Turang off his feet for an extra half hour and to be honest I wanted to get Perk— Perk’s been maybe the most unlucky hitter we’ve had. The numbers are ridiculously bad. He’s hit some balls tremendously hard, especially right handed, so I wanted to get him some at-bats.” Murphy said.

The Giants also made a line change and removed a number of their starters, including Willy Adames, who was 0-for-3 on the night.

This game was well in hand since the 2nd inning as the Brewers offense just continued to demolish one of the worst teams in the league. Everyone in the starting lineup reached base at least once and eight of the nine had at least two hits. The only one who didn’t was William Contreras, who ended up with a pair of sac flies.

The Brewers had 18 hits on the night and drew 11 walks. It was one of their most impressive offensive performances of the season.

They’ll look to do it all again tomorrow in support of Kyle Harrison, who will be facing his old ballclub.

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Series Preview: Guardians at Yankees

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 11, 2017: The New York Yankees celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Indians 5-2 in game five of the American League Division Series at Progressive Field on October 11, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by: 2017 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

Now, for my second least favorite series of the Guardians’ season.

I despise the Yankees. I endure so much generational trauma when we play them. This is only my second least favorite series because playing them in Cleveland is worse.

The Guardians are 34-27 with a +1 run differential, 16th in MLB with a 97 wRC+, 16th in baserunning runs above average at -0.4, 11th in Defense at -4.8, 7th in starting pitcher ERA at 3.69 (3.98 FIP) and 13th in bullpen ERA at 3.83 (3.68 FIP).

The Yankees are 36-23 with a +98 run differential, 2nd in MLB with a 117 wRC+, 10th in baserunning runs above average at 1.4, 8th in Defense at -1.4, 1st in starting pitcher ERA at 2.97 (3.35 FIP) and 10th in bullpen ERA at 3.59 (3.89 FIP).

Literally the only thing the Guardians do better than the Yankees is relief Fielding Independant Pitching which doesn’t matter because Cleveland’s defense is worse and they have replaced injured Erik Sabrowksi with Will Dion and Tim Herrin.

The Yankees are very good. The Guardians are mediocre. That’s what the numbers say. We will see if that plays out on the field, or not.

MATCHUPS:

Game One, Tuesday, 7:05PM: Cantillo vs Schlittler

Game Two, Wednesday, 7:05PM: Williams vs. Cole

Game Three, Thursday, 7:05PM: Cecconi vs. Rodon

I never make predictions. But I predict the Guardians will endure their first sweep of the season by an opposing team. This series is gonna be painful.

Look forward to seeing these Yankees tattoo Guardians’ pitchers: Ben Rice 188 wRC+, Aaron Judge 150 wRC+, Cody Bellinger 141 wRC+, Paul Goldschmidt 140 wRC+, Amed Rosario 129 wRC+, and Anthony Volpe 128 wRC+.

Look forward to seeing three elite starters on the Yankees wipe the floor with our Travis Bazzana 137 wRC+, Brayan Rocchio 129 wRC+, David Fry 122 wRC+, Chase DeLauter 120 wRC+, Rhys Hoskins 108 wRC+, Jose Ramirez 107 wRC+ and Angel Martinez 102 wRC+.

Enjoy, folks. I am sure I won’t.

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Karl-Anthony Towns honored to earn Knicks fans’ respect for helping bring ‘hope’ back to city

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and the New York Knicks hold up the Eastern Conference Finals trophy at the end the fourth quarter. , Image 2 shows Karl-Anthony Towns drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen during the first quarter of game two of the eastern conference finals during the 2026 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden.

SAN ANTONIO — Growing up, Karl-Anthony Towns rooted for the Knicks. 

So, this run holds a special place in his heart, to see how excited New York City is about the Knicks again, after some dark times. 

“I can remember draft day a while ago. The Knicks were not good, and people didn’t seem to care as much about [them],” he said Monday before the Knicks flew to San Antonio as they continued preparations for Wednesday’s NBA Finals opener against the Spurs. “It’s been an honor to be part of this team, be part of this organization, like bring the word ‘hope’ back to the city. To have the Knicks be where we’re at right now and to be so respected in the city.

“I’ve always said the best currency you could earn in New York City is not money, it’s respect. And to have the respect of the fans in the city, we’re rich beyond belief here in the city.”

Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and the New York Knicks hold up the Eastern Conference Finals trophy at the end the fourth quarter. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

The Knicks have given fans plenty to be proud of. They will enter the NBA Finals riding a franchise-record 11 straight playoff victories. They have won those games by a stunning average of 23.8 points. 

To say coach Mike Brown’s team cruised into the final round would be an understatement. They have made it look easy since trailing the Hawks 2-1 in the opening round of the playoffs. 

It has been a long time coming, 27 years since the Knicks last reached the NBA Finals. Although, it should be noted, this has been a gradual build, the fifth time in the last six seasons the Knicks have reached the playoffs. Team president Leon Rose and superstar guard Jalen Brunson have made them matter like it was the 1990s again.

Knicks fans have taken over the opposing arena in each round — first in Atlanta, then Philadelphia and most recently Cleveland. This is a fanbase starved for a title — the Knicks last won it all in 1973 — and a team that appears hungry to deliver one. 

Karl-Anthony Towns drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen during the first quarter of game two of the eastern conference finals during the 2026 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST

“I don’t think anybody who’s made the finals would say they don’t feel like a winner. And I also think that when you get an opportunity like this, you have to maximize it,” Towns said. “You never know if you get another chance, you never know what life has in store for all of us. And these opportunities are very far and few between, and you gotta make the most of them.”

One of the underlying storylines of this Knicks team is the bond the current group has with the franchise.

Brunson’s father, Rick, was a Knick during the last run to the finals. Towns grew up in Piscataway, N.J, and was a Knicks fan. Jose Alvarado is a Brooklyn native and also rooted for the orange and blue.

They have players from here who understand the fans’ passion. It is another reason the city has fallen in love with this team. 

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Sharpshooter Milan Mimcilovic commits to Kentucky after pulling out of NBA draft

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Former Iowa State sharpshooter Milan Momcilovic has committed to Kentucky, giving coach Mark Pope one of the best players in the transfer portal.

Momcilovic announced his decision on Instagram on Monday, less than a week after pulling his name out of the NBA draft.

A 6-foot-8 forward, Momcilovic led the nation in 3-point shooting at shooting 48.7% on 7.5 attempts per game last season and was fifth nationally in 3-pointers made. He made at least five 3-pointers in a game 10 times in 2025-26, including eight in a last-second loss to Arizona in the Big 12 tournament.

Momcilovic averaged 16.9 points and 3.1 rebounds per game while leading Iowa State to the Sweet 16 for the third time in five years. He shot 43% from 3 in three seasons with the Cyclones.

Momcilovic announced in April he planned to enter the transfer portal and test the NBA waters before pulling out just before the deadline last Wednesday.

___

AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

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Despite early lead, Giants fall 16-2 to Brewers in embarrassing fashion

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Jackson Chourio swinging a baseball bat during a game, Image 2 shows Landen Roupp pitching for the San Francisco Giants, Image 3 shows San Francisco Giants catcher Patrick Bailey in full gear during an MLB game

MILWAUKEE — With their most effective starter on the mound and the wind at their sails from a 19-run, 25-hit outburst at Coors Field, the Giants jumped out to an early lead.

And, poof, like most of San Francisco’s hopes this season, it was gone.

About as soon as Matt Chapman’s two-run homer cleared the wall and the outstretched glove of Jackson Chourio in the top of the second, Landen Roupp began to give the lead right back.

The Brewers pounced on Roupp for seven runs in the bottom half of the inning and only added on from there while running away with the first game of their series, 16-2.

“Guys put up two early, and I kind of just slapped them in the face,” Roupp said.

Matt Chapman’s two-run blast in the first inning was the lone Giants bright spot in an absolute drubbing by the Brewers Monday night Tannen Maury/UPI/Shutterstock

It was such a drubbing that it ended with a position player called up before the game, Buddy Kennedy, lobbing pitches while Daniel Susac, a catcher with no prior experience besides two minor-league games at first base, played third.

“I’m a coach of the players, the manager of the team ,but I’m a fan of the players, too,” Vitello said. “I just want to see them do well. We’ve added meetings before the game. We’re talking in the dugout. We’re trying to anything we can to put our guys in a position to succeed.”

Roupp only revealed after he had come out of the game in an 8-2 hole that he had been pitching with a back that tightened up on him, though he downplayed the issue after the game.

Roupp struck out Jake Bauers to bring a merciful end to the second inning, nine batters after the Brewers left fielder started with a leadoff walk. Sal Frelick and Chourio both jumped on first-pitch fastballs for explosive extra-base hits, Chapman wasn’t able to field a bunt from speedy No. 9 hitter David Hamilton, and Roupp issued another walk to Christian Yelich.

The biggest hit of the inning came off the bat of Bryce Turang and gave newly called up Jonah Cox his first opportunity to show off his defense that has been called the best in the organization. Cox gave chase but instead went crashing into the wall in left-center field as the ball careened away and Turang cruised into third for a bases-clearing triple.

Turang jogged home on a sacrifice fly from the next batter for the Brewers’ seventh run.

The Brewers added another run off Roupp the next inning and eight more against the Giants’ bullpen (plus Kennedy). But for all intents and purposes, they were already buried.

Jackson Chourio and the Brewers offense erupted for 16 runs on 18 hits Monday night. AP Photo/Aaron Gash

What it means

Whatever good feelings the Giants brought with them on the plane after their rout to end their series against the Rockies were gone by end of the second inning.

It has been hard enough for the Giants to pull ahead; staying in front has been just as much of a challenge.

The Giants have held a lead in only 48 of their 60 games, the fewest in the majors, and are one of only five teams to relinquish the advantage more often than not, falling to 23-25.

The culprit of late had been the bullpen, but in this one, there was nobody to blame but Roupp, who struggled to find the strike zone and was hit hard when he did.

Roupp exhausted 96 pitches to complete four innings, only half for strikes, and recorded season-highs in bases on balls (five) and earned runs (eight).

The outing raised his ERA almost a full run, to 4.22 from a rotation-leading 3.30.

Landen Roupp now sports a 4.22 ERA after giving up eight runs in 4.0 innings Monday night. Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Who’s hot

Jung Hoo Lee recorded the most hits by a Giant in a single series since 2017 by going 11-for-15 over their three games in Colorado and picked up right where he left off.

Lee’s second-inning single extended his hitting streak to nine games and set the table for Chapman’s two-run shot that gave the Giants the briefest of 2-0 leads.

Bryce Eldridge, getting a rare start in the field, made a nice play to start a 3-6 double play, going to the ground to snag a hard hopper from Frelick, tagging first and getting back to his feet to make an accurate throw to Willy Adames at second base.

Eldridge also laced a double — his sixth in four games on the road trip — that left the bat at 107.7 mph, the Giants’ hardest-hit ball of the game.

Giants catcher Eric Haase could do nothing but look on after the Giants lost 16-2 Monday night. Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Who’s not

After posting a 5.21 ERA in May that ranked as the fourth-worst in the majors, the Giants’ starting rotation didn’t start the month of June on any better note.

As a staff, San Francisco has surrendered at least six runs in six of its past seven games and all four to begin the road trip, albeit with the caveat that the first three were played at Coors Field.

Up next

Salt in the wound: As the Giants try to get back on track, they will be opposed by their former top prospect, Kyle Harrison, who has blossomed into an NL Cy Young contender since being dealt to the Red Sox for Rafael Devers and again this offseason to Milwaukee.

The Giants will have another homegrown arm, Trevor McDonald, on the mound.