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Motown Showdown: Injury-Ravaged Senators Bring Up Top Prospect For Crucial Battle With Red Wings

We've reached a stage where the Ottawa Senators have played so well, their fans don't need to pay as much attention anymore to the out-of-town scoreboard.

It's never very cooperative anyway.

With just a dozen games left in the season, Tuesday night’s showdown in Motown (7 pm: TSN5, RDS2) is the only focus.

The Senators (83 pts) and Red Wings (84 pts) are both within striking distance of the New York Islanders (85 pts) for the second wild card spot in the East. The Sens have also sneakily closed to within three points of Boston (WC2) and Montreal (A3),

For those who do like to monitor the league's scoreboard, the Islanders host Chicago on Tuesday, Boston faces Toronto, Montreal entertains Carolina, and Columbus (M3, 85 pts) is at Philadelphia. All games are 7 pm.

As for Detroit and Ottawa, a victory would be huge, setting up all kinds of interesting possibilities. But as exciting as they are, the Senators have far more than their share of challenges leading into this one.

Blue Line Crisis

The Senators have a defence corps that has been completely gutted by injuries.

Already without Jake Sanderson, Nick Jensen, and Dennis Gilbert, the Senators took two more hits in Monday’s 2–1 loss to the New York Rangers. Thomas Chabot and Lassi Thomson both left that game and will not play in Detroit. Head coach Travis Green says both will be out for a while. 

In Chabot's case, it looks like it'll be a long while.

The 29-year-old had been carrying a heavy workload in Sanderson’s absence, was seen postgame wearing a sling and a brace on his right wrist after taking a cross-check from J.T. Miller.

Chabot's absence strips Ottawa of its two most relied-upon defenceman in a game where they need all hands on deck.

Thomson’s situation is also unfortunate, but more from the individual standpoint. Playing his first NHL game in over two years, the 2019 first-round pick left with a lower-body injury. With unrestricted free agency looming this summer, it was a significant career opportunity to show off his wares that was cut way too short.

Baptism By Fire

With the next man up motto now pushed way beyond what's reasonable, the Senators will have to hope the kids are alright. 

Carter Yakemchuk and Jorian Donovan are expected to make their NHL debuts on Tuesday night.

After the Sens brought up Gilbert and Thomson earlier this month, it became clear that the Sens' preference was to let Yakemchuk keep developing in the AHL and then re-evaluate things in the fall. The 2024 seventh-overall pick has been developing steadily, but as a matter of policy, the organization has been deliberate in not rushing him.

With Plan A out the window (along with plans B through D), the Sens now had zero choice but to bring him up.

Yakemchuk, the seventh overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, arrives in Detroit on a high note, having just been named AHL Player of the Week. He has 10 goals and 36 points in 50 games as a rookie. But now he’ll be thrown directly into one of the most intense, hostile environments of the NHL season.

On top of their battle for a playoff spot, the Senators and Red Wings don't much like each other.

As for Donovan, the Ottawa native has not played a hockey game since March 7 due to injury and will jump straight into NHL action after a lengthy layoff. Rust is a concern, but so, too, is his readiness level, not to mention the emotional weight of the moment.

Donovan will make his debut for his hometown team, with his father, former Senator Shean Donovan expected to be in attendance.

No Easy Matchups

If there were ever a night to hope for controlled, sheltered minutes, this would be it. But that won’t be an option for Travis Green. 

Detroit will, obviously, have the last change, allowing them to dictate matchups. So with both Yakemchuk and Donovan making their debuts, the Senators will be forced to rely on them in meaningful situations. Todd McLellan will be hoping to take advantage of the two rookies every time he sees them come over the boards.

Green also has no choice but to get the kids in there, just to give others a rest. He'll lean hard again on his top four D again (such as they are), but after they played every other shift for most of the last two periods just 24 hours ago, he can't overdo it either.

Playoffs Come Early

Late March hockey always brings extra urgency, and for these two teams and their fan bases, the playoffs have already begun.

For Ottawa, a win tightens the race and further reinforces the stick-to-their-game plan belief they've had all season. They're on an outstanding run of 13-3-2 that dates back to Jan. 25, which is the fourth-best record in the league during that time frame. Also in that window, the Senators have averaged 3.72 goals per game (5th in NHL), and allowed a league-best 2.22 goals and 21.2 shots per game.

Despite that, since we now see the end of the NHL racetrack off in the distance, there are two big questions. Have they left this playoff charge too late with not enough room for error? And will they be knocked off stride but this insane run of injuries on D?

As Green has preached all season, you can't worry about that stuff. They just need to stay focused on the process and the things they can control.

The Senators will have to find a way to deliver in their most important game of their season so far, and do so while everything is apparently stacked against them.

Steve Warne
The Hockey News

This article was originally published at The Hockey News. For more Senators news, analysis, and features, visit the Ottawa Senators site at The Hockey News.

More at The Hockey News:
Tim Stützle Still Puzzled By Senators' Decision To Let Michael Amadio Get Away
Former Senators Prospect Makes Edmonton Oilers Debut Saturday Night
The Buying and Selling Of Jakob Chychrun Never Quite Worked Out In Ottawa
One Year Later, The Fabian Zetterlund Trade Is Still Taking Shape
With Injuries To Sanderson And Jensen, the Sens Top Up Depth At AHL Trade Deadline

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Chelsea Janes stops by the show, and a full 2026 Mets season preview | The Mets Pod

Connor Rogers and Joe DeMayo drop their official 2026 season preview episode of The Mets Pod, with help from new SNY MLB Insider Chelsea Janes.

Connor and Joe chat with Chelsea about her first spring training covering the Mets for SNY, what she saw in Port St. Lucie from Carson Benge, Bo Bichette, Luis Robert Jr., the starting staff, bullpen, and more, plus ask for a player to keep an eye on this summer who may surprise.

Later, the guys take the big picture temperature of the starting rotation, bullpen, lineup, and defense of the Mets heading into the regular season, drop their 2026 season predictions that will of course be hilarious to recap later on, go Down on the Farm to review the Spring Breakout Game, and answer Mailbag questions about Nolan McLean and his old college teammate, Mr. Benge.

Be sure to subscribe to The Mets Pod at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Game Preview #73 – Timberwolves vs. Rockets

HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 16: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets looks to pass the ball during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 16, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Houston Rockets
Date: March 25th, 2026
Time: 8:30 PM CDT
Location: Target Center
Television Coverage: ESPN, FanDuel Sports Network – North
Radio Coverage: KFAN FM, Wolves App, iHeart Radio

When the Minnesota Timberwolves walked out of TD Garden with a victory, their first in that building since 2005, it wasn’t just another road win. It was the kind of bizarre, rollercoaster performance that perfectly encapsulates this entire Timberwolves season.

Maybe even more impressively, it was the second time in about a month they slayed a two-decade dragon. First Toronto. Now Boston. What’s next? A 37-year NBA Finals drought???

But here’s the thing. If you tuned in early, you probably weren’t thinking “professional win.” You were thinking, “Oh no, here we go again...“

The Wolves Flip the Script

The opening minutes looked exactly like a team missing its superstar playing on the road against a contender. The Wolves came out disjointed, sloppy, and unable to buy a basket. They were turning the ball over and struggling to generate any sort of offensive rhythm. Boston held a 15-point lead in the 2nd quarter, and it felt like one of those nights where the postgame write-up basically writes itself: “They fought hard, but without Edwards…”

And then, because this team refuses to follow any predictable script, they flipped it. Minnesota steadied itself. The defense tightened. The ball movement improved. Shots started to fall. And slowly but surely, that 15-point deficit disappeared… until somehow, almost unbelievably, the Wolves took the lead into halftime on a Bones Hyland buzzer beater.

Right on cue, the third quarter began with Boston ripping off an 11–0 run, part of a brutal trend where Minnesota was outscored 22–2 to start the first and third quarters combined. That’s the kind of stat that usually ends games. That’s the moment where most teams, especially shorthanded ones, fold.

But not this group. Not on this night. Instead of spiraling, they regrouped again. The defense locked back in. The offense found its footing. And from that point forward, Minnesota outplayed Boston on its home floor, grinding out a win that had no business existing based on how the game started.

That’s the paradox of this team in a nutshell. They can look completely lost… and then turn around and beat a contender in its own building.

The Bones and Ayo Show

Without Anthony Edwards, this game needed someone, or multiple someones, to step into the vacuum. And once again, it was the backcourt duo of Ayo Dosunmu and Bones Highland who answered the call.

Ayo continues to look like one of the most important midseason additions this team has made in years. He plays with control, makes smart reads, and most importantly, shoots with confidence and efficiency. When he’s knocking down threes and keeping the offense moving, the Wolves feel organized, which is something that hasn’t always been the case this season.

Bones, meanwhile, brought exactly what Bones always brings: instant offense. The kind of microwave scoring that can swing a quarter in a matter of minutes. His ability to heat up quickly has become invaluable in this stretch without Edwards.

Together, they provided the offensive spark Minnesota needed, continuing a trend that’s quietly become one of the most important storylines of the Edwards absence.

The Bigger Picture

Here’s what makes this win both encouraging and frustrating at the same time. The Wolves have now shown they can beat elite teams, even on the road, without Anthony Edwards. And yet, against the teams they’re directly battling in the standings? They’re 2–9 against the Lakers, Nuggets, Suns, and Rockets.

That’s not bad luck. That’s a pattern.

Which is why what comes next matters more than what just happened.

Houston and a Season-Altering Opportunity

Wednesday’s matchup against Houston isn’t just another game.

It’s the game.

The Wolves are tied in the standings with the Rockets, and unlike with the Lakers or Nuggets, this is one of the few scenarios where Minnesota can still flip the tiebreaker in its favor.

Win this game, and suddenly you’re talking about climbing into the top four. Lose it, and you’re once again chasing ground you’ve already given away too many times this season.

And the Wolves will likely have to do it, again, without Anthony Edwards.

Which means everything we saw in Boston needs to carry over.

Keys to the Game

#1. Lean into connected, disciplined team defense.
What worked in Boston wasn’t just effort. It was structure. The Wolves stayed connected, rotated properly, and forced the Celtics into difficult looks while limiting the damage from secondary options. Against Houston, that same formula has to apply. You’re not stopping Kevin Durant. You’re trying to contain him, and that requires five-man defensive cohesion, not just individual matchups.

#2. Win the rebounding battle and control the paint.
Houston is a physical team that thrives on second-chance opportunities. If Gobert and Randle don’t show up on the glass, this game will tilt quickly. Minnesota has to treat every missed shot like a 50/50 ball and put forth pure effort on the boards. This is a game where Gobert needs to feel like a vacuum.

#3. Continue the backcourt production without Edwards.
Ayo and Bones don’t need to replicate Edwards individually. but collectively, they need to continue filling that scoring and playmaking gap. If they can combine for another strong offensive performance, it gives Minnesota a legitimate pathway to generating enough offense against a tough Houston defense.

#4. Demand more from Randle and McDaniels as offensive initiators.
Without Edwards, the burden shifts. Randle needs to be both a scorer and facilitator, while McDaniels has to remain aggressive and attack mismatches. Passive play from either one will stall the offense and allow Houston to dictate the game.

#5. Stay composed when the game tightens.
This is where the Wolves have failed repeatedly this season. In big moments of big games with big stakes, things have unraveled. Against Houston, that cannot happen. The Wolves need to stay within themselves, avoid the careless turnovers, play settled and focused basketball, and trust the system that worked in Boston.

A Chance to Change the Narrative

Beating Boston was impressive. Beating Houston would be meaningful.

Because this season, more than anything, has been defined by missed opportunities in games that matter most.

This is one of those games.

The Wolves have shown they can rise to the occasion. Now they have to prove they can do it when it actually changes something.

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Locking up the rotation is a good idea, right?

Oct 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sanchez (61) reacts after striking out Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (not pictured) in the fifth inning during game one of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Cristopher Sanchez will be a member of the Phillies rotation until 2032.

Jesus Luzardo is at least under team control until 2032.

Aaron Nola will be in Philadelphia until 2030.

Zack Wheeler is only under contract for two more seasons including this one.

Andrew Painter is under control for six years.

The Phillies believe in paying for their starting rotation, especially when they believe the members of that starting rotation are worthy of higher compensation. How good they will continue to be at the end of those contracts remains to be seen, but you don’t pay players for the end of the contract. You pay them for the now and right now, the Phillies should feel secure in who they have together for the next few years.

There is a question though.

Unless there is some other nook and cranny in the ballpark that has yet to be commercialized, there is an end to the resources the team has to put into the team’s payroll. At some point, someone will say “Enough.” and not swim in the deeper waters of free agency. Yet they’ll continue to have a lot of those resources tied up in the rotation. Is that the wisest use of those resources?

On the one hand, the players that they have identified and extended are good! They’re worthy of being paid that much money because they are good pitchers. It’s not as though they are extending five Taijuan Walker-esque pitchers. Rather, they’re getting pitchers that are at, or near, the top of their vocation.

On the other hand, it’s a volatile position where perceived depth can evaporate as quickly as one thinks it can appear. Were something to happen to any of them, that’s a significant chunk of their payroll doing not a whole lot to bring back a return.

It’s definitely a good question, a good way to think about roster construction.

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Phillies fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

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The Viva El Birdos Podcast: Episode 57 – 2026 Season Preview with Matt Pauley

This week is exciting in Cardinals Nation for multiple reasons, with Opening Day being the most important element of it all. The Cardinals return to St. Louis on Thursday and will take on the Tampa Bay Rays to open the 2026 season. Gabe and I had the privilege of sitting down with Pre/Post Host for the Cardinals Radio Network, Matt Pauley. St. Louis listeners can hear him on 1120 KMOX AM/104.1 FM. Matt is also on from 5-6 PM Monday-Friday for “Rush Hour Sports.” On applicable nights, you can hear Matt on “Sports open line,” where listener calls drive the show, and Matt or whoever is hosting answers and expands on the sports topics asked.

Matt Pauley is one of the hardest-working people around the Cardinals sphere, and there aren’t many who are more in the know than he is. We covered SO MANY topics with Matt, who was very gracious with his time. Matthew Liberatore, Ivan Herrera, Nolan Gorman, Jordan Walker, Riley O’Brien, George Soriano, JJ Wetherholt, and more!

We have more exciting news to announce later this week regarding podcast-related content for this site, so stay tuned for that! As for the Viva El Birdos podcast, it was a welcome return to normalcy on this week’s episode, as we have been able to run past our tech issues and get back to a level of expectation that we had established previously, and hopefully will continue to grow and get better, much like the young pitchers in the minor leagues.

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Contrite Paul George looking ahead as he returns from suspension

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 29: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on January 29, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Since signing his max contract during the early stages of free agency in 2024, Paul George has been in uniform for just 68 games with the Sixers.

Even if George plays the remaining 10 games of the 2025-26 campaign, he won’t hit the 82-game mark over the course of two seasons combined. The nine-time All-Star’s tenure has been disappointing to say the least.

It’s been a trying two seasons for George as his body hasn’t allowed him to take the court as much as he’d like. Even when he’s been available, the 35-year-old has struggled to regain his form. Those frustrations culminated in George seeking help in the form of a banned substance to deal with the mental struggles of the last year-plus.

Now set to return from his 25-game suspension Wednesday night against the Chicago Bulls, George came across contrite when speaking to reporters at the team’s practice facility Tuesday (h/t Ky Carlin of Sixers Wire for all quotes).

“I think first and foremost, just give my apology to, obviously, the city of Philadelphia,” George said in an opening statement. “My family, my teammates, the organization, everybody that was affected through this suspension.”

George was brought to the Sixers as the missing piece — a third star whose skills perfectly complemented those of former MVP Joel Embiid and rising star Tyrese Maxey. Expectations were sky high for a team that won 47 games the season prior, despite the James Harden saga lingering over the start of the year and another Embiid meniscus injury threatening to derail everything.

We all know it hasn’t worked out that way.

Between injuries to Embiid, George and seemingly everyone else on the roster over the past two seasons, the Sixers have been unable to coalesce in any meaningful way. Instead, we’ve seen spurts from certain players (or groups of players) which seem to inevitably end with an injury — or in the most recent case with George, a suspension.

The team seemed to be hitting its stride previously. Just two games prior to the news dropping, George hit a career-high and tied a franchise record with nine made threes in a win over the Milwaukee Bucks. He had another solid outing in a victory over the Sacramento Kings before the league handed down the suspension.

George’s body failing him led to issues mentally, which had him searching for ways to get better. In this instance, that search led to a poor choice.

So, after missing the last 25 games, where is George mentally and physically?

“I’m in a better place,” he told reporters. “Again, being a pro athlete, and the most difficult thing is when your body isn’t where you know it needs to be, or where it once was. That leads and bleeds into the mental side of things, knowing that you’re limited, but for me, if I feel good, my body is feeling great. Mentally, I know I’m capable of doing what I can do, and what I’ve been able to do on the court for years. So the mental thing only comes from the physical side not being in a great place.”

The Sixers, somewhat impressively considering it wasn’t only George who missed time, went 13-12 during the veteran forward’s absence. Though they fell into Play-In territory at 39-33, they’re just 1.5 games back of the Toronto Raptors for the fifth seed. Meaning with 10 games left, there’s time to get back into a guaranteed playoff spot.

When news of George’s suspension broke, the rose-colored glasses view was the time could be used for him to get his body right. Well, to hear George tell it, that time off did help his balky knee.

“I think I’m in a much better place physically,” he told reporters. “So, I’m, from a personal standpoint, really excited about that. These 25 games was just what I needed, I think, for my body to kind of heal, and be in a better place, and I’ve been feeling great. I’ve been feeling awesome on the court, and so I’m looking forward to putting it to the test now.”

One positive is that George was able to continue working out and practicing with the team during his suspension. Though he wasn’t allowed to participate in games, his teammates and coaches made sure he was still a part of things. George himself was able to stay in shape and get plenty of on-court work in.

Though he acknowledged there could be some rust initially, he should be all systems go.

“Obviously, I’ve done a ton of cardio, but you can never simulate a game,” he said. “So, I think more so than anything, it’s just gonna be the cardio that should come back fairly quick. But then just timing. Obviously, we try to simulate as much as possible game-like situations, but nothing’s like a game until you’re in it.”

George will be fully in it Wednesday night against the tanking Bulls.

And not a moment too soon for the Sixers.

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Brewers acquire Jake Woodford in trade with Rays to fortify pitching staff

Milwaukee Brewers
CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 06: Jake Woodford #46 of the Chicago White Sox delivers a pitch during a game against the Boston Red Sox on June 6, 2024 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago,Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Just when it all seemed too easy, the Milwaukee Brewers shake things up. Entering the final exhibition game of the year before Opening Day on Thursday, the Brewers had 26 healthy players in camp. It seemed like the roster was set and there would be no more drama with the roster construction.

Then the Brewers made a trade.

Right before Pat Murphy’s media availability on Tuesday, the Brewers announced they had acquired RHP Jake Woodford from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for minor league pitcher K.C. Hunt and cash considerations. Outfielder Akil Baddoo was transferred to the 60-day IL to make 40-man roster space.

What Jake Woodford brings

Woodford throws five pitches, including three fastball variations: a sinker, cutter, and a traditional four-seam. He also has a sweeper and a changeup in his arsenal. Woodford has a career 5.10 ERA and his ERA was over 6.00 last year with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was in Rays camp on a minor league deal with a non-roster invite.

The 29-year-old righty is primarily sinker/sweeper against righties and four-seam/changeup against lefties.

“Happy to have him. He’s pitched in a number of different roles. He’s been a veteran in the league for a while. A guy we faced, obviously, with St. Louis. We have some history with him, and he’s an interesting arm that can play a valuable role in a number of different spots in our bullpen or potentially even at the front of games. So again, just at the point where we wanted to add some depth and he’s right-handed, and I think we’re obviously a little more skewed to the left-hand side, so we feel like he’s a really good fit for us.” Brewers PBO Matt Arnold told reporters.

The Brewers had just five right-handed relievers on their 40-man roster prior to this trade: Abner Uribe, Trevor Megill, Grant Anderson, Craig Yoho, and Easton McGee. Yoho is on the IL to start the season.

“Followed his career obviously in St. Louis. [Woodford] did a really nice job against us. He was a good player out of Tampa as an amateur. Got a big signing bonus and has been on our radar for a while,” Arnold added.

Woodford is out of minor league options, so now that he’s added to the 40-man, he must remain up with the big-league club. It remains to be seen if he’ll arrive in time for Opening Day. The Brewers have 72 hours to activate him after a trade, so they could wait until Friday to put him on the roster.

On the other side, the Brewers shipped out Hunt, who was ranked No. 48 on my Top 50 Brewers prospects list this spring. Hunt had a 4.45 ERA last year in Double-A Biloxi across 26 starts covering 121 1/3 IP. An undrafted free agent out of Mississippi State in 2023, Hunt exploded onto prospect radars in 2024 with a 2.03 ERA across three levels. He wasn’t quite able to maintain that success last year and with the sheer depth of starting pitching in the upper minors, Hunt became expendable depth.

“He’s certainly done a really good job. Obviously have to give up something to get something and you feel like just accelerating what K.C. Hunt was into what we believe is a guy who can contribute to our major league team right now was something we felt like made sense” Arnold said.

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Blackhawks Star Connor Bedard Praises Islanders Rookie Matthew Schaefer: 'He's One Of The Faces Of Our Game Now'

ELMONT, NY -- Tuesday night marks the first time Chicago Blackhawks star and fellow No. 1 overall pick Connor Bedard battles New York Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer.

Back on Dec. 30, an Islanders' 3-2 shootout win in which Schaefer recorded an assist, Bedard was out with an injury. 

"It's insane," Bedard said of what Schaefer has accomplished so far in his first NHL season. "I think he's leading defensemen in goals, which is incredible. I think, especially for him -- last year, he played 17 [OHL] games -- he comes in and just lights the league on fire. It's fun to watch."

Is Bedard looking forward to going up against Schaefer for the first time?

"I'm excited to see him out there today," Bedard said. "I don't know how excited I am to be chasing him around. He can fly. But no...whenever you play a great player -- it's the NHL, you're playing a great player every night -- but for the first time to against something like that [it's fun]. As a competitor -- I'm sure he'd say the same -- it's always fun when you get to compete against some of the best in the league. And so I'm excited to go against him, and then all their other guys."

It was clear the effect that Bedard had at 18, breaking into the NHL. Like Bedard, it's clear Schaefer understands his impact.  

"He's an ambassador for the game. I think you see how he approaches things, and he just knows the impact he has on people," Bedard said.  "So that's cool. And it's really, really fun to watch what he does. And, for just someone to step in like that and do what he's doing, it's incredible.

"You're in a spot, and obviously, he's living out the dream that we're all lucky enough to get to do. And he's embraced it well. He just understands the impact he has on kids and hockey in general. I mean, he's one of the faces of our game now. It just looks like he's having fun with it and enjoying every day. So that's all you can really hope for."

Bedard, a forward, recorded 22 goals and 39 assists for 61 points in 68 games.

Schaefer, a defenseman, has recorded 22 goals with 29 assists for 51 points in 71 games. 

Here's what Blackhawks Jeff Blashill had to say about Schaefer:

"[His season] has been unbelievable," Blashill told reporters. "Just watching him play, he's been an outstanding player for this team. It's one thing to be a really good player as a young player. But it's another thing to be a really good player and help your team be in the playoff battle, which he's done. They got other good players for sure, but he's been a significant factor. I forsee him continuing to be...this doesn't look like a flash in the pan. He looks like an everyday NHL player with a really high ceiling."  

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Dodgers opening day & ring ceremony national anthem & pregame details

Oct 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Gospel singer Keith Williams Jr. performs the national anthem before game five of the 2025 MLB World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The first series of the season for the Dodgers carries a celebratory nature, as a team coming off a championship, let alone two. Here are the details of all the pregame festivities for the first two days of the season, before games against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium.

Opening day

Keith Williams Jr. sings the national anthem on Thursday, his first opening day at Dodger Stadium since 2023. Magic Johnson will through out the ceremonial first pitch. Opening day always has pomp and circumstance with every player and coach introduced and lining up along the foul lines, and this year has the additional tasks of raising the championship flag at Dodger Stadium and the 2025 World Series emblem along the base of the club level down the right field line.

Pregame festivities on Thursday begin at 4:45 p.m., with a 5:30 p.m. first pitch. NBC will exclusively televise the game with Jason Benetti alongside Orel Hershiser and Luis González on the call, and Clayton Kershaw joining Bob Costas on-site for the NBC Sports pregame show.

Dodger Stadium gates for both the parking lot and stadium open at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, three hours before the first pitch.

Friday ring ceremony

Brad Paisley sings the national anthem before Friday’s game, so watch out for potential extra innings, though let’s see if this particular quirk extends beyond the World Series.

The ring ceremony begins at 6:20 p.m. before the 7:10 p.m. game, and will all be televised by SportsNet LA. Actor Anthony Anderson will narrate the ring ceremony, and the USC marching band will also be a part of the festivities.

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Tigers star prospect Kevin McGonigle makes Opening Day roster after incredible spring training

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Tigers top prospect Kevin McGonigle, Image 2 shows Tigers prospect kevin mcgonigle
Tigers star prospect makes Opening Day roster

One of baseball’s most promising youngsters has punched his ticket to the big leagues.

Top prospect Kevin McGonigle cracked Detroit’s Opening Day roster following an impressive spring showing, the team announced Tuesday.

The 21-year-old shortstop, touted in his scouting report as “arguably the best hitting prospect of the 2020s,” entered spring training as baseball’s No. 2 prospect on MLB pipeline.

He left with a locker at Comerica Park. 

McGonigle cemented his spot on the major league roster by hitting .250 with a .923 OPS, two home runs, 10 hits and eight runs across 20 exhibition games in Florida — and for good measure, he flashed the leather with several highlight-reel plays in the field. 

McGonigle would breathe rarefied air if he starts for Detroit on Opening Day against the Padres in San Diego, joining Hall of Famers Ty Cobb, Al Kaline and Alan Trammell — among a handful of other revered stars — to start the franchise’s season opener before their 22nd birthday, according to MLB.com.

Tigers top prospect Kevin McGonigle has made the Opening Day roster. Getty Images

He’d also be the youngest member of Detroit’s Opening Day lineup since a 21-year-old Omar Infante started the 2003 season opener at shortstop.

Detroit selected McGonigle with the 37th pick in the 2023 draft out of high school, as part of a draft haul headlined by third overall pick Max Clark, who currently sits as MLB Pipeline’s No. 10 prospect.

The lefty-swinging infielder has rocketed up the minor league ladder, starting the 2025 campaign in Low-A Lakeland before surging to Double-A Erie, where he boasted a .919 OPS and 12 homers across 46 games with the SeaWolves.

Tigers top prospect Kevin McGonigle throwing the ball to first in a spring exhibition game against the Dominican Republic national team. Getty Images

He was awarded MVP of the 2025 Arizona Fall League after recording a 1.210 OPS with five bombs in 19 games.

The Tigers will bank on McGonigle’s potential as they attempt to shore up a glaring void at shortstop; the club ranked 22nd in wRC+ (89) and 24th in fWAR (1.4) at the position in 2025.

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Spring Training GAME THREAD: The last one

MESA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 27: Pitcher Parker Messick #77 of the Cleveland Guardians throws during the fifth inning of a spring training game against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park on February 27, 2026 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Cleveland vs. Arizona, one last time

Martinez CF

Rocchio 2B

Manzardo 1B

Hoskins DH

Schneemann 3B

Fry C

Kayfus LF

Arias SS

Chourio RF

Messick P

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Will UNC basketball fire Hubert Davis? Follow the latest news, updates

It's been over two years since North Carolina basketball won an NCAA Tournament game. Is a coaching change coming for one of the sport's most-recognizable brands?

Fifth-year Tar Heels coach Hubert Davis could be in trouble following North Carolina's loss to No. 11 seed VCU in the first round. UNC blew a 19-point lead in the loss, which is the sixth-largest deficit overcome in the history of March Madness.

REQUIRED READING: If North Carolina fires Hubert Davis, here are six candidates to consider

Multiple reports have said North Carolina is weighing its options regarding Davis' future, with a decision to be made in the coming days. His weekly radio show scheduled for Monday, March 23, was postponed, swirling rumors even further.

“Every year at the end of the season, it’s important to evaluate all facets of the program and look for ways to improve,” North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham said March 21 in a statement. “The chancellor (Lee Roberts), Steve (Newmark) and I are doing that together now and will continue to have discussions over the coming days.” 

Here's the latest on Davis as North Carolina, one of the top jobs in men's college basketball, decides its future. Follow for live updates:

Hubert Davis live updates: Will UNC basketball make coaching change?

This story will be updated live.

Seth Davis says no decision yet is 'not fair for anyone'

CBS Sports analyst Seth Davis posted Tuesday, March 24, on X that North Carolina has asked Davis if he wants to continue coaching, and that Davis said, "emphatically yes."

Not sure I've seen many situations like the one that is happening at North Carolina regarding Hubert Davis," Davis wrote. "... To let it go on for this long with no decision is not fair to anyone. At this point it would be very very difficult to bring him back. He would enter next season under a huge cloud.

"Usually the best strategy in this situation is to rip the Band-Aid off and make a decision one way or the other. To let it linger for this long is unnecessary and healthy. Here's hoping we get a decision on this one way or another very very soon."

Would Todd Golden or Nate Oats consider UNC job?

Would Florida's Todd Golden or Alabama's Nate Oats consider the North Carolina job, should it open? USA TODAY Network's Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams weigh if the leading SEC coaches would leave for the Tar Heels.

REQUIRED READING: Why Todd Golden, Nate Oats should (and shouldn't) consider UNC basketball

Possible Hubert Davis replacements if UNC basketball fires him

If UNC opts for a change, it should strongly consider looking outside of the family to replace Davis, after the succession plan of Roy Williams to Davis fizzled, writes USA TODAY Sports columnist Blake Toppmeyer. He suggest six names for the post, including three who have won national titles.

Hubert Davis radio show 'postponed'

Davis' weekly radio show set for Monday, March 23, was postponed, according to the Fayetteville Observer, part of the USA TODAY Network.

“We will communicate any future scheduling updates,” host Jones Angell wrote. 

ESPN reports North Carolina 'in discussions' about future

ESPN's Pete Thamel reported March 21 that North Carolina was in discussion about Davis' future following its loss to VCU. ESPN said a decision was expected to be made in the coming days.

ESPN also reported Davis' departure wouldn't be termed as an "outright firing," due to his strong ties to the university, dating back to his time as both a player and assistant coach.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will UNC basketball fire Hubert Davis? Live updates as decision looms

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Arizona Diamondbacks Spring Training Gameday Thread, #32 vs. Guardians

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 29: General view of the exterior of Chase Field before the game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies on March 29, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Next time, it will count. Today, however? Expect a fairly laid-back game, with most of the regulars checking out after a couple of at-bats. Whether you will be able to tell the difference between that and last night’s two-hit shutout, is a valid question. But after today, we can hopefully breathe a sigh of relief at having got through spring without anything too bad in the way of injuries. There were some concerns, most notably Corbin Carroll’s broken hamate bone, but compared to some previous season, this hasn’t been too bad. The team looks basically likely to go into Opening Day with no further casualties, beyond the ones held over from last season.

Here’s your final pre-season line-up:

Ketel Marte was a late scratch from the originally posted line-up. I did momentarily worry I somehow jinxed the team with the paragraph above… But according to Alex Weiner, “Torey Lovullo said Ketel Marte was scratched due to soreness. No concern for Opening Day.” Phew. Today’s game is a Spanish language broadcast only, on La Campesina 101.9 FM and 860 AM hosted by Oscar Soria and Rodrigo Lopez, so I’ll be seeing if those Duolingo lessons paid off. After Michael Soroka, the only names listed are RHP Andrew Hoffmann and Juan Morillo, so I suspect we’ll be seeing some off-roster players working the later innings.

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Rob Manfred believes Giants' Tony Vitello hire shows MLB's ‘evolution'

Rob Manfred believes Giants' Tony Vitello hire shows MLB's ‘evolution' originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey made history this offseason, hiring an incredible college baseball personality with zero big league experience as San Francisco’s new manager.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred joined KNBR’s “Murph & Markus” on Tuesday morning to give his opinion on the Tony Vitello hire.

“I think the hiring of a college coach to be a big league manager is part of a larger evolution in the relationship between college baseball and MLB,” Manfred claimed.

Vitello, on Wednesday, will become the league’s first manager without any prior professional experience, but his preparation isn’t in question.

The Giants went 19-9 in spring training, even without some key pieces due to the World Baseball Classic. It’s challenging to gauge talent from spring training for several reasons, but the culture shift since Vitello’s arrival is hard to miss.

“The college programs … many of them are high quality,” Manfred continued. “They produce players that we draft in increasing numbers every year.”

There are many ties between Vitello and players within the Giants organization, including Drew Gilbert, who played under Vitello for three seasons at the University of Tennessee.

“I don’t think that there’s anything unusual about the development of someone who’s been tremendously successful at the college level getting a major league job,” Manfred concluded.

San Francisco is set to take on the New York Yankees on Wednesday night at Oracle Park to begin the 2026 MLB season. This entire year will be full of firsts for Vitello, but those around him are confident he has what it takes to get this team out of mediocrity and back into the playoffs.

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