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Dominant: Thunder posting numbers never seen before on way to NBA Finals

Dominant: Thunder posting numbers never seen before on way to NBA Finals originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The manner in which the Oklahoma City Thunder clinched their spot in the NBA Finals seemed fitting.

It was a blowout.

Those have been the story of the Thunder season.

There hasn’t been a team in NBA history with at least 12 wins by 30 points or more in a season — or with four such wins in a single postseason — until now. The Thunder are putting together one of the most dominant years in league history in terms of outscoring opponents. The most recent entry on that list: a 124-94 romp over Minnesota to clinch the Western Conference title, a score that probably could have been a lot worse if the Thunder were so inclined.

“This isn’t our goal,” Thunder guard, NBA MVP and West finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We didn’t start the season like we want to win the West. We want to win the NBA championship. Now we are a step closer to our goal and we’re happy about that. But it’s still four more games to go win, four really hard games to go win and we have to be the best version of ourselves for four nights to reach the ultimate goal.”

A look inside the numbers paints a picture of how dominant this season has been for the Thunder:

They’re winning by 12.5 points per game

The biggest point differential per game in NBA history, including playoffs, was posted by the 1970-71 Milwaukee Bucks — who outscored teams by 12.6 points per game.

The Thunder are winning by 12.5 per game when counting the regular season and the playoffs (the NBA Cup championship game, by league rule, doesn’t figure into any official stats that are kept).

That’s the second-biggest rate in league history, for now.

They have beaten 28 of the 29 other NBA teams by double figures at least once this season. The only team to avoid that fate against the Thunder was Golden State, which actually outscored Oklahoma City by an average of 4.7 points per game in their head-to-head matchups.

“They embody everything it means to be a team,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “And so, they deserve this. They deserve the opportunity that we have now. I couldn’t be happier for them because they invest so much in their own games, but they also invest so much in each other and in the team. And I just think it’s a really uncommon thing in professional basketball that they’ve built.”

The 30-point wins

There have been 13 games this season involving the Thunder that were decided by 30 points or more. They won 12 of them.

Minnesota absolutely throttled the Thunder in Game 3 of the West finals, winning by 42 points. It was a rare blip for Oklahoma City.

The Thunder have had a win by at least 30 points in every series — a 51-point win over Memphis in Round 1, wins by 43 and 32 points over Denver in Round 2, and now the 30-pointer that eliminated Minnesota in Round 3.

Oklahoma City’s eight 30-point wins in the regular season came against teams that all missed the playoffs; Toronto, Washington, Sacramento, Phoenix, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Charlotte and Utah. But to do it four times in the playoffs speaks to the ability the Thunder have to simply run away from quality opposition.

“They’re a really good team,” Minnesota star Anthony Edwards said. “Everyone here knows it. It’s no surprise to nobody here that this team is pretty good.”

80 wins

Oklahoma City is now at 80 wins this season, including playoffs. It’s the 15th time in NBA history that a team has won 80 in a season.

If the Thunder win the NBA title, they’ll finish with 84 wins — a total that only the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors (88), 1995-96 Chicago Bulls (87) and 1996-97 Bulls (84) have reached.

“Happy for the moment, but this isn’t our goal,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “This isn’t the end of the road. … One more series to try to go win.”

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Los Angeles Dodgers acquire former All-Star reliever Alexis Díaz in trade with Cincinnati Reds

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired former All-Star reliever Alexis Díaz from the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday in a trade for minor league pitcher Mike Villani.

The Dodgers moved right-hander Evan Phillips to the 60-day injured list to make room on the 40-man roster for Díaz, who had a 12.00 ERA in six games for Cincinnati this season.

Díaz finished fifth in voting for NL Rookie of the Year in 2022, and he was chosen for the NL All-Star team in 2023 when he went 9-6 with a 3.07 ERA and 37 saves. He recorded 28 saves in 32 opportunities last season with a 1.30 WHIP, but he also began a decline that continued into this season.

Díaz lost his job as Cincinnati's closer last month, and he was demoted to Triple-A Louisville nearly a month ago despite making $4.5 million this season.

The 28-year-old Díaz is the brother of Mets closer Edwin Díaz.

Villani, a Long Beach State product, was the Dodgers’ 13th-round pick in last year’s amateur draft.

Phillips went on the injured list May 7 with elbow discomfort, and his recovery does not appear to be going well. Manager Dave Roberts said earlier this week that Phillips' inability to begin a throwing program was “a little concerning.”

Phillips is among of 14 Dodgers pitchers on the injured lis, a group making more than $100 million combined this season. The injured arms include starters Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow and Roki Sasaki, and the relievers include Phillips, Kirby Yates, Blake Treinen and Brusdar Graterol.

Phillips was a key component of the eventual World Series champions' bullpen last year, and he earned 42 saves over the past two seasons.

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Minnesota Wild Youngster Is Going To Be Well-Paid This Summer — But It Shouldn't Be By The Sabres

Marco Rossi (Sergei Belski, USA TODAY Images)

The Buffalo Sabres have their own collection of restricted free agent players to deal with this summer -- most notably, defenseman Bowen Byram and left winger J.J. Peterka -- and although the Sabres have more than enough salary cap space to make a splash ($23.2 million, as per Puck Pedia), one looming RFA who is getting a lot of attention of late is one they should absolutely steer clear of.

We're talking about Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi. The 23-year-old Austrian had a solid season for Minnesota this year, setting new personal bests in goals (24), assists (36) and points (60), but there's a reason why his name has cropped up in media speculation: when the Wild had to put their best lineup together for their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series against the Vegas Golden Knights, Rossi was relegated to the fourth line, averaging only 11:08 of ice time. Rossi did post two goals and three points in six playoff games, but the prevailing sentiment is that he's going to be parting ways with the Wild either via trade, offer-sheet, or both.

Given that Rossi made a relatively-modest $863,334 this season, he's bound to get a considerable raise on his next deal. But why should the Sabres -- not exactly the most physically-imposing team in the NHL -- want to add a 5-foot-9 forward to the mix? Besides, Buffalo has its share of youngsters, and giving up the type of assets the Wild would want (a first-round draft pick and a decent prospect) does not seem to be a wise move for the Sabres.

No one is saying Rossi isn't talented. He's not close to his prime yet, and a 30-goal year certainly isn't out of the question for him in the future. But considering where the Sabres are in their competitve development, adding a youngster who couldn't be a meaningful part of an up-and-coming Wild team isn't a move that many legitimate playoff teams would make, at least in the short-term.

The Sabres need someone with more experience than Rossi can offer right now. They don't need to surrender picks and prospects when they've got youngsters in-house who should get a longer look at the NHL level. Let some other team take a chance on Rossi, as Buffalo doesn't need to take that risk at the moment.

Here's Why Oilers' Clutch Player Needs To Be A Free-Agent Target For SabresHere's Why Oilers' Clutch Player Needs To Be A Free-Agent Target For SabresIn their current playoff push, the Edmonton Oilers have received contributions from throughout the lineup. But one player -- albeit a currently-injured player -- is someone the Buffalo Sabres ought to be targeting when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.

The Sabres did have success with another Austrian native -- former star winger Thomas Vanek -- but in this case, they should be leaving well enough alone and focusing their efforts on acquiring a more proven commodity than Rossi. He's going to be well-compensated by one team or another this summer, but Rossi almost assuredly won't be coming to Buffalo. The risk/reward of adding someone who, for all we know, could take a backward or lateral step this coming season just doesn't make sense for the Sabres.

So put away those Buffalo jerseys with 'Rossi' on the nameplate. He's not going to be a Sabre, and that's not a bad thing for where Buffalo is in its development.

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As Panthers and Oilers meet again, how many Cup Final rematches have there been?

As Panthers and Oilers meet again, how many Cup Final rematches have there been? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers are running it back.

The 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Final features a rematch as the defending champion Panthers battle the Connor McDavid-led Oilers with Lord Stanley on the line once again.

The Panthers defeated the Oilers in a seven-game Cup Final thriller last year to capture their first-ever championship. Florida jumped out to a 3-0 series lead, Edmonton then won three straight elimination games to even the series, and the Panthers took the decisive Game 7 at home by a score of 2-1.

This is the third straight Cup Final appearance for the Panthers, who have a chance to join an exclusive group of repeat champions. Florida made rare history in 2024 by winning the Cup Final the year after finishing as runners-up, and Edmonton now is looking to do the same. The Oilers haven’t hoisted Lord Stanley in over three decades, with their last championship coming in 1990.

With Oilers-Panthers Round 2 set, here’s a look at the history of rematches in Stanley Cup Final:

Has there ever been a Stanley Cup Final rematch?

This isn’t the first time the same two teams have met in consecutive Cup Finals.

How many Stanley Cup Final rematches have there been?

Panthers-Oilers is the fifth Cup Final rematch since the start of the expansion era in the 1967-68 season.

When was the last Stanley Cup Final rematch?

The Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins were the last teams to meet in consecutive Cup Finals, doing so from 2008 to 2009. Detroit won the 2008 Cup Final in six games before Pittsburgh earned the 2009 Stanley Cup title in seven games.

The four previous Cup Final rematches saw two 2-0 sweeps and two 1-1 splits. Here’s a full look at the results of each championship rematch:

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As Panthers and Oilers meet again, how many Cup Final rematches have there been?

As Panthers and Oilers meet again, how many Cup Final rematches have there been? originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers are running it back.

The 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Final features a rematch as the defending champion Panthers battle the Connor McDavid-led Oilers with Lord Stanley on the line once again.

The Panthers defeated the Oilers in a seven-game Cup Final thriller last year to capture their first-ever championship. Florida jumped out to a 3-0 series lead, Edmonton then won three straight elimination games to even the series, and the Panthers took the decisive Game 7 at home by a score of 2-1.

This is the third straight Cup Final appearance for the Panthers, who have a chance to join an exclusive group of repeat champions. Florida made rare history in 2024 by winning the Cup Final the year after finishing as runners-up, and Edmonton now is looking to do the same. The Oilers haven’t hoisted Lord Stanley in over three decades, with their last championship coming in 1990.

With Oilers-Panthers Round 2 set, here’s a look at the history of rematches in Stanley Cup Final:

Has there ever been a Stanley Cup Final rematch?

This isn’t the first time the same two teams have met in consecutive Cup Finals.

How many Stanley Cup Final rematches have there been?

Panthers-Oilers is the fifth Cup Final rematch since the start of the expansion era in the 1967-68 season.

When was the last Stanley Cup Final rematch?

The Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins were the last teams to meet in consecutive Cup Finals, doing so from 2008 to 2009. Detroit won the 2008 Cup Final in six games before Pittsburgh earned the 2009 Stanley Cup title in seven games.

The four previous Cup Final rematches saw two 2-0 sweeps and two 1-1 splits. Here’s a full look at the results of each championship rematch:

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When does the Stanley Cup Final start? Here's the full Panthers-Oilers schedule

When does the Stanley Cup Final start? Here's the full Panthers-Oilers schedule originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The last two NHL teams standing in 2025 are the same as in 2024.

The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers will square off in the Stanley Cup Final for the second straight year. It’s just the fifth time since the start of the expansion era in 1967-68 that the same two teams have met in consecutive Cup Finals.

The Panthers outlasted the Oilers in a roller-coaster 2024 Cup Final that went the distance. Edmonton erased a 3-0 series deficit with three straight victories in elimination games, but Florida avoided a historic collapse by taking Game 7 at home to claim the franchise’s first championship.

This is the Panthers’ third straight appearance in the Cup Final as they look to join an exclusive list of repeat Stanley Cup winners. Florida, which entered the 2025 playoffs as the Atlantic Division’s No. 3 seed, bounced the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games, took down the Toronto Maple Leafs in seven games, and won the Eastern Conference Final over the Carolina Hurricanes in five games.

The Panthers have 10 players with at least 10 points this postseason, led by captain Aleksander Barkov (17 points), forward Matthew Tkachuk (16) and center Sam Bennett (16). And between the pipes, Sergei Bobrovsky boasts a 2.11 goals against average and a .912 save percentage.

Edmonton, meanwhile, is looking to repeat the rare history that Florida pulled off last season by following up a Cup Final loss with a championship. The Oilers, the Pacific Division’s No. 3 seed, first overcame a 2-0 series deficit against the Los Angeles Kings with four straight comeback victories before defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in five games. Edmonton won the Western Conference Final over the Dallas Stars for the second straight year, this time in five games. Since starting the playoffs with two straight defeats, the Oilers have lost just twice.

The star duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl has powered the Oilers back to the Cup Final, as they seek the franchise’s first championship since 1990 and sixth overall. McDavid and Draisitl are this postseason’s points leaders with 26 and 25, respectively. McDavid could be on his way to a second straight Conn Smythe Trophy after winning the award in a losing effort last year.

But will the NHL’s best player be able to bring the Stanley Cup back to Edmonton? Or will the Panthers double up their Stanley Cup title haul by going back-to-back? From the format to the schedule and more, here’s what to know about the 2025 Cup Final:

Who has home-ice advantage in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final?

Unlike last year, the Oilers will have home-ice advantage in the Cup Final thanks to finishing with more points than Florida in the regular season.

What is the Stanley Cup Final format?

The Cup Final is best-of-seven with a 2-2-1-1-1 format where the team with home-ice advantage hosts Games 1 and 2, along with the potential Games 5 and 7.

When is Game 1 of the Panthers vs. Oilers Stanley Cup Final?

The Cup Final begins Wednesday, June 4 at Rogers Place in Edmonton.

Panthers vs. Oilers Stanley Cup Final schedule

  • Game 1: Panthers at Oilers — Wednesday, June 4, 8 p.m. ET
  • Game 2: Panthers at Oilers — Friday, June 6, 8 p.m. ET
  • Game 3: Oilers at Panthers — Monday, June 9, 8 p.m. ET
  • Game 4: Oilers at Panthers — Thursday, June 12, 8 p.m. ET
  • Game 5 (if necessary): Panthers at Oilers — Saturday, June 14, 8 p.m. ET
  • Game 6 (if necessary): Oilers at Panthers — Tuesday, June 17, 8 p.m. ET
  • Game 7 (if necessary): Panthers at Oilers — Friday, June 20, 8 p.m. ET

What TV channel is the Panthers vs. Oilers Stanley Cup Final on?

All Cup Final games will air on TNT and truTV.

Where to stream the Panthers vs. Oilers Stanley Cup Final live online

Oilers-Panthers will also be available to stream on TNTDrama.com, truTV.com, the TNT app, the truTV app and Max.

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When does the Stanley Cup Final start? Here's the full Panthers-Oilers schedule

When does the Stanley Cup Final start? Here's the full Panthers-Oilers schedule originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The last two NHL teams standing in 2025 are the same as in 2024.

The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers will square off in the Stanley Cup Final for the second straight year. It’s just the fifth time since the start of the expansion era in 1967-68 that the same two teams have met in consecutive Cup Finals.

The Panthers outlasted the Oilers in a roller-coaster 2024 Cup Final that went the distance. Edmonton erased a 3-0 series deficit with three straight victories in elimination games, but Florida avoided a historic collapse by taking Game 7 at home to claim the franchise’s first championship.

This is the Panthers’ third straight appearance in the Cup Final as they look to join an exclusive list of repeat Stanley Cup winners. Florida, which entered the 2025 playoffs as the Atlantic Division’s No. 3 seed, bounced the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games, took down the Toronto Maple Leafs in seven games, and won the Eastern Conference Final over the Carolina Hurricanes in five games.

The Panthers have 10 players with at least 10 points this postseason, led by captain Aleksander Barkov (17 points), forward Matthew Tkachuk (16) and center Sam Bennett (16). And between the pipes, Sergei Bobrovsky boasts a 2.11 goals against average and a .912 save percentage.

Edmonton, meanwhile, is looking to repeat the rare history that Florida pulled off last season by following up a Cup Final loss with a championship. The Oilers, the Pacific Division’s No. 3 seed, first overcame a 2-0 series deficit against the Los Angeles Kings with four straight comeback victories before defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in five games. Edmonton won the Western Conference Final over the Dallas Stars for the second straight year, this time in five games. Since starting the playoffs with two straight defeats, the Oilers have lost just twice.

The star duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl has powered the Oilers back to the Cup Final, as they seek the franchise’s first championship since 1990 and sixth overall. McDavid and Draisitl are this postseason’s points leaders with 26 and 25, respectively. McDavid could be on his way to a second straight Conn Smythe Trophy after winning the award in a losing effort last year.

But will the NHL’s best player be able to bring the Stanley Cup back to Edmonton? Or will the Panthers double up their Stanley Cup title haul by going back-to-back? From the format to the schedule and more, here’s what to know about the 2025 Cup Final:

Who has home-ice advantage in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final?

Unlike last year, the Oilers will have home-ice advantage in the Cup Final thanks to finishing with more points than Florida in the regular season.

What is the Stanley Cup Final format?

The Cup Final is best-of-seven with a 2-2-1-1-1 format where the team with home-ice advantage hosts Games 1 and 2, along with the potential Games 5 and 7.

When is Game 1 of the Panthers vs. Oilers Stanley Cup Final?

The Cup Final begins Wednesday, June 4 at Rogers Place in Edmonton.

Panthers vs. Oilers Stanley Cup Final schedule

  • Game 1: Panthers at Oilers — Wednesday, June 4, 8 p.m. ET
  • Game 2: Panthers at Oilers — Friday, June 6, 8 p.m. ET
  • Game 3: Oilers at Panthers — Monday, June 9, 8 p.m. ET
  • Game 4: Oilers at Panthers — Thursday, June 12, 8 p.m. ET
  • Game 5 (if necessary): Panthers at Oilers — Saturday, June 14, 8 p.m. ET
  • Game 6 (if necessary): Oilers at Panthers — Tuesday, June 17, 8 p.m. ET
  • Game 7 (if necessary): Panthers at Oilers — Friday, June 20, 8 p.m. ET

What TV channel is the Panthers vs. Oilers Stanley Cup Final on?

All Cup Final games will air on TNT and truTV.

Where to stream the Panthers vs. Oilers Stanley Cup Final live online

Oilers-Panthers will also be available to stream on TNTDrama.com, truTV.com, the TNT app, the truTV app and Max.

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Champions League Final preview, Premier League team season perspectives & LA Galaxy make history in a BAD way

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros preview the Champions League Final between Inter Milan and PSG this Saturday. Who has the advantage? Who do the boys think will come out on top? Christian and Alexis then give team perspectives for all 20 premier league teams ahead of next season. Are we seeing the fall of Manchester United’s empire? Later, Christian and Alexis recap the midweek MLS games. Also, the Galaxy lose again and make history in a bad way, tying the record for a winless streak in Major League Soccer.

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Pat McAfee identifies himself as the 'somebody' who 'embarrassed' John Mellencamp at Pacers-Knicks game

Left, Former NFL player Pat McAfee in Feb. 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Right, John Mellencamp in May 2025 in Beverly Hills. (Sean Gardner; Timothy Norris/Getty Images)
ESPN personality Pat McAfee, left, appears to have annoyed singer John Mellencamp with his antics at the New York Knicks-Indiana Pacers game Tuesday in Indianapolis. (Sean Gardner; Timothy Norris / Getty Images)

Legendary rocker and Indiana native John Mellencamp apologized Thursday "on behalf of most Hoosiers" for the "poor, poor sportsmanship" displayed during the Pacers' home win over the New York Knicks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals two days earlier.

Although the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer did not call out any specific Indiana sports fan in the statement he posted to X hours before Game 5, Mellencamp seemed to have a particular person in mind — popular ESPN personality Pat McAfee.

"I was embarrassed when somebody, under whose direction I don't know, called out some of the people who had made the trip from New York to support their team — and in turn, support our team," the "Hurts So Good" singer wrote. "The audience booed these people. I'd say that was not Hoosier Hospitality. One could only say it's poor, poor sportsmanship."

Read more:Teddi Mellencamp and dad John get real about burial plans as she battles Stage 4 cancer

Hours after Mellencamp posted his statement, McAfee reposted it on X and identified himself as the one who instigated Pacers fans to behave in such a manner.

"I am 'somebody,'" McAfee wrote.

Mellencamp and McAfee were both on hand Tuesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse as the Pacers defeated the Knicks 130-121 to take a 3-1 series lead. Addressing the crowd during a fourth-quarter timeout, McAfee called out celebrity Knicks fans Spike Lee, Ben Stiller and Timothée Chalamet — all of whom were in attendance that night — and encouraged Pacers fans to "send these sons of b— back to New York with their ears ringing!"

Stiller addressed the matter later that night on X, saying he assumed that McAfee was "playing around" and that all the fans he met at the arena were "awesome and incredibly cool."

Mellencamp, however, was not happy with the shenanigans.

Read more:Pat McAfee says ESPN didn't tell him to stop talking about Caitlin Clark. 'God' did

"I was not proud to be a Hoosier, and I've lived here my entire life," the singer once known as Johnny Cougar wrote. "On behalf of most Hoosiers, I would like to apologize for our poor behavior. I'm sure the Pacers had nothing to do with this smackdown."

Mellencamp's use of the "smackdown" appears to be a thinly veiled reference to McAfee, who is a color commentator and occasional wrestler for WWE. "Friday Night SmackDown" is one of the organization's signature TV shows.

It is unclear why Mellencamp opted to voice his displeasure so long after the incident occurred. Perhaps he plans to be in attendance Thursday night at Madison Square Garden as his Pacers attempt to seal their first trip to the NBA Finals since 2000.

One person who won't be there is McAfee, despite a friendly invite from Stiller.

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

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Crosby, Shanahan, Rantanen And More NHLers Should Give Season 2 Of 'Faceoff' Intriguing Storylines

The NHL talent starring in the second season of Prime Video’s behind-the-scenes series should make for some must-watch moments.

NHL and Prime Video collaborated for a second season of their popular Faceoff: Inside the NHL streaming TV series. 

Pittsburgh Penguins icon Sidney Crosby, Dallas Stars right winger Mikko Rantanen, brothers Matthew and Brady Tkachuk and Toronto Maple Leafs right winger William Nylander are some players featured in Season 2.

Los Angeles Kings stars Anze Kopitar and Quinton Byfield, now-former Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan, retiring Minnesota Wild star goalie Marc-Andre Fleury and Columbus Blue Jackets players Sean Monahan and Zach Werenski are also in the series. That’s a cast that has a wide variety of personalities. Seeing Hockey Hall of Famers like Shanahan and surefire Hall of Famers like Fleury and Crosby really adds to the appeal of this series. 

Marc-Andre Fleury and Sidney Crosby (Matt Blewett-Imagn Images)

To be sure, these types of documentaries always have something for casual and hardcore hockey fans alike. And this season’s dramatic moments – including the all-time goal-scoring race from Washington Capitals right winger Alexander Ovechkin, as well as the high drama of the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament – would be great to see behind the scenes.

But Rantanen getting a major surprise when the Colorado Avalanche traded him to the Carolina Hurricanes, which later sent him to the Stars, is an intriguing storyline. 

Of course, seeing Monahan, Werenski and the Blue Jackets playing out this season while grieving the loss of teammate Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, could hopefully help the rest of the hockey community remember the brothers and continue their legacies.

As we know, the NHL continues to try and market the personalities of the game – not always an easy task, given how guarded many players and management members can be – so this new series is welcome content for the game. The intricacies and subtleties of the sport are magnified in these documentaries, and that can only be a good thing for all involved. We want there to be a heightened sense of the stakes involved for people across the league, and we’re drawn in by exclusive moments that will stay with fans for quite some time to come.

As the hockey documentary genre evolves, it will be intriguing to see what new angles are explored in this season of the show. The main hook for the series is all about access that we might not otherwise have, but if this doc pushes the envelope in one regard or another, that will set it apart from your garden-variety sports series.

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

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Hurricanes Defenseman Recognized As KHL All-Star

What a year it's been for Alexander Nikishin.

The touted prospect finally made his way to North America after years of hype and was even able get a few games under his belt in the NHL playoffs too.

The 23-year-old defenseman made his NHL debut facing one of his hockey idols in Alex Ovechkin, playing in Game 5 of the Carolina Hurricanes' second-round series against the Washington Capitals.

While that game wasn't necessarily one to remember for him, Nikishin was forced back into the lineup due to additional injuries to the Hurricanes blueline and that's when he really started to impress.

Despite facing the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final, Nikishin looked calm and composed and was even tasked with playing significant minutes.

He looked every bit an NHL regular despite that inexperience.

But before he was in North America, he was finishing up his sixth season in the KHL.

Nikishin's final year in Russia was another big one as the 6-foot-3 defender racked up 17 goals and 46 points in 61 games while captaining SKA St. Petersburg.

The talented blueliner was an integral piece for SKA, playing 20+ minutes nightly and in all situations. 

As such, he was recognized at the end of the year as one of six players selected to the 2025 KHL All-Star Team.

Former Hurricane Josh Leivo was also named to the 2025 All-Star Team as he set the KHL single-season scoring record with a 49-goal campaign.

Stay updated with the most interesting Carolina Hurricanes stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.  

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Wheeler's scoreless streak ends, Sale silences Phillies' bats in nightcap

Wheeler's scoreless streak ends, Sale silences Phillies' bats in nightcap  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Zack Wheeler’s May magic didn’t last through his final start of the month.

Chris Sale decisively outdueled Wheeler on Thursday night and the Braves picked up a 9-3 win over the Phillies to finish a doubleheader day at Citizens Bank Park. 

The 36-20 Phillies split the doubleheader and won the three-game series vs. the 26-29 Braves. 

Wheeler conceded a run for the first time since May 6 and dropped to 6-2 on the season. The Phillies’ ace gave up six runs and four hits over 5 and 1/3 innings, struck out six and walked four. 

Sale logged six shutout innings, allowed two hits and three walks, and struck out eight. 

Wheeler tossed hard, sharp four-seamers early. He operated effectively up in the zone, jammed several Braves batters and appeared in complete command of the game. 

Sale and Wheeler struck out five hitters apiece over the first three innings. Atlanta was hitless until a broken-bat Marcell Ozuna knock with one out in the fourth. 

The floodgates suddenly opened. Matt Olson and Austin Riley doubled, Ozzie Albies’ fly ball snuck over the right-field wall, and the Braves grabbed a 4-0 lead. The flurry snapped Wheeler’s scoreless innings streak at 26. 

“The fastball was really good,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “As we got into the game, he just got behind in the count quite a bit. A lot of foul balls threw his pitch count up. Even in the fourth inning, it was a couple of broken-bat base hits, a ground ball down the line. And Albies hits the ball 94, 95 miles an hour and it gets out of the ballpark. Those things happen. Early, I thought he was really good.”

Meanwhile, Sale slung his way through the Phillies’ lineup and looked the part of last year’s National League Cy Young winner.

He didn’t cruise forever. 

The Phillies rallied in the bottom of the fifth inning. Weston Wilson earned an eight-pitch leadoff walk, and the bases loaded with two outs when Sale hit Trea Turner and walked Kyle Schwarber. However, the Phils couldn’t cash in. Alec Bohm bounced a 97.5 mph Sale fastball to shortstop and the Braves maintained their four-run edge. 

Atlanta tacked on in the sixth inning. Wheeler exited with runners on first and second and one out. Both Braves scored when Luke Williams lined a Carlos Hernandez heater that shot past Bohm’s outstretched glove at first base. Bohm replaced Bryce Harper (right elbow contusion) at first for the full doubleheader. 

The Braves piled on a bit more in the seventh with a two-run Austin Riley blast off of Joe Ross.

Wilson thought he’d put the Phillies on the scoreboard in the bottom of the seventh, but he learned after rounding the bases that his long fly to left field was ruled narrowly foul.

The Phillies finally posted two runs in the eighth and one in the ninth — J.T. Realmuto’s ground out, Edmundo Sosa’s single and Turner’s base hit were the RBIs — but never made a serious comeback push.

On deck 

The Phillies will host the 29-28 Brewers in a three-game weekend series. 

Taijuan Walker (2-3, 2.97 ERA) is scheduled to face Quinn Priester (1-2, 4.23 ERA) on Friday night in the series opener. Lefties Jesus Luzardo and Ranger Suarez are slated to start the final two games. 

On the Phillies rotation front, Aaron Nola threw a bullpen session Thursday between games. There’s no firm timeline yet for his return from a right ankle sprain and Nola said Tuesday he thought he’d “probably” need a rehab assignment. 

“Really good,” Thomson said of the session. “Twenty-six pitches. (Pitching coach Caleb Cotham) said he looked good, he felt good. Don’t know what the next step is because we’ll find out tomorrow when he comes in how he’s feeling.”

Phillies add Josh Walker 

The Phillies announced minutes after the final out that they acquired relief pitcher Josh Walker from the Blue Jays in exchange for cash considerations. The team optioned Walker to Triple A Lehigh Valley. 

Walker, 30, has a 6.59 ERA in 27 career MLB appearances. The 6-foot-6 lefty had a 6.30 ERA with the Buffalo Bisons this season in Triple A. He struck out 16 hitters and walked seven over 10 innings.

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Wheeler's scoreless streak ends, Sale silences Phillies' bats in nightcap

Wheeler's scoreless streak ends, Sale silences Phillies' bats in nightcap  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Zack Wheeler’s May magic didn’t last through his final start of the month.

Chris Sale decisively outdueled Wheeler on Thursday night and the Braves picked up a 9-3 win over the Phillies to finish a doubleheader day at Citizens Bank Park. 

The 36-20 Phillies split the doubleheader and won the three-game series vs. the 26-29 Braves. 

Wheeler conceded a run for the first time since May 6 and dropped to 6-2 on the season. The Phillies’ ace gave up six runs and four hits over 5 and 1/3 innings, struck out six and walked four. 

Sale logged six shutout innings, allowed two hits and three walks, and struck out eight. 

Wheeler tossed hard, sharp four-seamers early. He operated effectively up in the zone, jammed several Braves batters and appeared in complete command of the game. 

Sale and Wheeler struck out five hitters apiece over the first three innings. Atlanta was hitless until a broken-bat Marcell Ozuna knock with one out in the fourth. 

The floodgates suddenly opened. Matt Olson and Austin Riley doubled, Ozzie Albies’ fly ball snuck over the right-field ball, and the Braves grabbed a 4-0 lead. The flurry snapped Wheeler’s scoreless innings streak at 26. 

Meanwhile, Sale slung his way through the Phillies’ lineup and looked the part of last year’s National League Cy Young winner.

He didn’t cruise forever. 

The Phillies rallied in the bottom of the fifth inning. Weston Wilson earned an eight-pitch leadoff walk, and the bases loaded with two outs when Sale hit Trea Turner and walked Kyle Schwarber. However, the Phils couldn’t cash in. Alec Bohm bounced a 97.5 mph Sale fastball to shortstop and the Braves maintained their four-run edge. 

Atlanta tacked on in the sixth inning. Wheeler exited with runners on first and second and one out. Both Braves scored when Luke Williams lined a Carlos Hernandez heater that shot past Bohm’s outstretched glove at first base. Bohm replaced Bryce Harper (right elbow contusion) at first for the full doubleheader. 

The Braves piled on a bit more in the seventh with a two-run Austin Riley blast off of Joe Ross.

Wilson thought he’d put the Phillies on the scoreboard in the bottom of the seventh, but he learned after rounding the bases that his long fly to left field was ruled narrowly foul.

The Phillies finally posted two runs in the eighth and one in the ninth — J.T. Realmuto’s ground out, Edmundo Sosa’s single and Turner’s base hit were the RBIs — but never made a serious comeback push.

On deck 

The Phillies will host the 29-28 Brewers in a three-game weekend series. 

Taijuan Walker (2-3, 2.97 ERA) is scheduled to face Quinn Priester (1-2, 4.23 ERA) on Friday night in the series opener. Lefties Jesus Luzardo and Ranger Suarez are slated to start the final two games. 

On the Phillies rotation front, Aaron Nola threw a bullpen session Thursday between games. There’s no firm timeline yet for his return from a right ankle sprain and Nola said Tuesday he thought he’d “probably” need a rehab assignment. 

Posted on

Wheeler's scoreless streak ends, Sale silences Phillies' bats in nightcap

Wheeler's scoreless streak ends, Sale silences Phillies' bats in nightcap  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Zack Wheeler’s May magic didn’t last through his final start of the month.

Chris Sale decisively outdueled Wheeler on Thursday night and the Braves picked up a 9-3 win over the Phillies to finish a doubleheader day at Citizens Bank Park. 

The 36-20 Phillies split the doubleheader and won the three-game series vs. the 26-29 Braves. 

Wheeler conceded a run for the first time since May 6 and dropped to 6-2 on the season. The Phillies’ ace gave up six runs and four hits over 5 and 1/3 innings, struck out six and walked four. 

Sale logged six shutout innings, allowed two hits and three walks, and struck out eight. 

Wheeler tossed hard, sharp four-seamers early. He operated effectively up in the zone, jammed several Braves batters and appeared in complete command of the game. 

Sale and Wheeler struck out five hitters apiece over the first three innings. Atlanta was hitless until a broken-bat Marcell Ozuna knock with one out in the fourth. 

The floodgates suddenly opened. Matt Olson and Austin Riley doubled, Ozzie Albies’ fly ball snuck over the right-field ball, and the Braves grabbed a 4-0 lead. The flurry snapped Wheeler’s scoreless innings streak at 26. 

“The fastball was really good,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “As we got into the game, he just got behind in the count quite a bit. A lot of foul balls threw his pitch count up. Even in the fourth inning, it was a couple of broken-bat base hits, a ground ball down the line. And Albies hits the ball 94, 95 miles an hour and it gets out of the ballpark. Those things happen. Early, I thought he was really good.”

Meanwhile, Sale slung his way through the Phillies’ lineup and looked the part of last year’s National League Cy Young winner.

He didn’t cruise forever. 

The Phillies rallied in the bottom of the fifth inning. Weston Wilson earned an eight-pitch leadoff walk, and the bases loaded with two outs when Sale hit Trea Turner and walked Kyle Schwarber. However, the Phils couldn’t cash in. Alec Bohm bounced a 97.5 mph Sale fastball to shortstop and the Braves maintained their four-run edge. 

Atlanta tacked on in the sixth inning. Wheeler exited with runners on first and second and one out. Both Braves scored when Luke Williams lined a Carlos Hernandez heater that shot past Bohm’s outstretched glove at first base. Bohm replaced Bryce Harper (right elbow contusion) at first for the full doubleheader. 

The Braves piled on a bit more in the seventh with a two-run Austin Riley blast off of Joe Ross.

Wilson thought he’d put the Phillies on the scoreboard in the bottom of the seventh, but he learned after rounding the bases that his long fly to left field was ruled narrowly foul.

The Phillies finally posted two runs in the eighth and one in the ninth — J.T. Realmuto’s ground out, Edmundo Sosa’s single and Turner’s base hit were the RBIs — but never made a serious comeback push.

On deck 

The Phillies will host the 29-28 Brewers in a three-game weekend series. 

Taijuan Walker (2-3, 2.97 ERA) is scheduled to face Quinn Priester (1-2, 4.23 ERA) on Friday night in the series opener. Lefties Jesus Luzardo and Ranger Suarez are slated to start the final two games. 

On the Phillies rotation front, Aaron Nola threw a bullpen session Thursday between games. There’s no firm timeline yet for his return from a right ankle sprain and Nola said Tuesday he thought he’d “probably” need a rehab assignment. 

Phillies add Josh Walker 

The Phillies announced minutes after the final out that they acquired relief pitcher Josh Walker from the Blue Jays in exchange for cash considerations. The team optioned Walker to Triple A Lehigh Valley. 

Walker, 30, has a 6.59 ERA in 27 career MLB appearances. The 6-foot-6 lefty had a 6.30 ERA with the Buffalo Bisons this season. He struck out 16 hitters and walked seven over 10 Triple A innings.