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Flyers Cruising Towards NHL Playoffs on Strength of Young Talent

NEWARK, N.J. -- Contrary to recent precedent, the Philadelphia Flyers are beginning to prove that teams can compete with a core of elite, talented young wingers. Look at the shell-shocked Prudential Center as proof.

The New Jersey Devils, one of the NHL's hottest teams since the Olympic break and packed with talent in their own right, were made to look downright listless by Rick Tocchet and the Flyers for large swathes of Tuesday night's 5-1 win.

Timely goals from Trevor Zegras and Tyson Foerster, as well as timely assists from Matvei Michkov and Owen Tippett and saves from Dan Vladar, drained the life from the Devils seemingly every time they threatened to build momentum.

Zegras, with his two tallies, established a new career-high of 25, surpassing his previous marks of 23 from 2021-22 and 2022-23. The 25-year-old has now tied his previous single-season best of 65 points with plenty of hockey left to play this season.

According to NHL PR, Zegras, having scored twice in just 3:38, is the fastest Flyer to score two goals to start a game since Flyers legend Brian Propp had two in 1:58 back on Feb. 27, 1982.

Flyers' Rick Tocchet Nailed His Latest Lineup ChangeFlyers' Rick Tocchet Nailed His Latest Lineup ChangeThe <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers">Philadelphia Flyers</a> are, perhaps surprisingly, seriously threatening for a berth in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs, and it comes as a result of everyone pulling together at the perfect time.

Having played left wing alongside Christian Dvorak for much of the 2025-26 season, Zegras has enjoyed newfound success back at center, lining up between Foerster and Tippett.

In 35 minutes of 5-on-5 ice time together, the Foerster, Zegras, and Tippett unit has a 64.95% xGF%, according to Natural Stat Trick, while out-scoring opponents 3-2.

It's early and the returns have been small, but each player has pulled their weight equally.

"It's amazing," Zegras said after the game. "It's been a long time since I've felt this, like, the rush of winning."

Zegras could very well be on his way to playing in his first career playoff games, so long as he and the Flyers can maintain their torrid post-Olympics pace.

The same is true of youngsters like Michkov, Denver Barkey, and Alex Bump, who also led by example in the eyes of Tocchet.

Michkov, with assists on both Foerster goals, has now quietly reached 45 points on what was considered to be a lost sophomore season. The 21-year-old is three goals away from 20 and five points away from 50.

Flyers Top Prospect Already Making A Major DifferenceFlyers Top Prospect Already Making A Major DifferenceFlyers top prospect Porter Martone is already making a big difference for the Metropolitan Division club.

"A guy like Bumper, he had a couple of tough shifts, and all of a sudden, after that, he played great. Barks, he throws one out in the stands, he's mad. But after that, he played great," Tocchet remarked.

"Mich, he served the [delay of game] penalty, comes out of the box, wins a battle on the wall, we get a 2-on-1. They know that these are big things. They're not small things when you can do those things."

The 2-on-1 Tocchet was referring to was Foerster's first of two goals, when the 24-year-old picked up Michkov's touch along the wall, raced down the ice, and beat Devils goalie Jacob Markstrom low.

That goal put the Flyers back ahead two goals at 3-1 after New Jersey dominated the last 15 minutes of the first period and found the scoresheet via Cody Glass. Michkov's subtle play killed the momentum and ultimately spurred the Flyers on to a significant win for playoff purposes.

The Flyers have been as good as any team in the NHL over the last month and a half, even without the fabled No. 1 center.

We'll soon find out if that's sustainable, and they should probably plan on upgrading the position anyway, but the core of the team certainly appears to be in place.

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Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans recap: The Jazz are TankMaxxing

NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 7: John Konchar #55 of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 7, 2026 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

In a game the Utah Jazz had to lose, they got the job done in a big way against the New Orleans Pelicans, losing 156-137.

Defense was absolutely optional in this one, but it was exceptionally bad for the Utah Jazz, who somehow gave up 156 points. But this is not something to be shamed or mocked, this is the best form of tankmogging. With the Brooklyn Nets winning again and the Jazz tied with the Kings, this is exactly what the Jazz needed to do. Utah is on a mission to land another top pick in the draft and, if successful, could become one of the league’s elite teams. To lose big like this is the biggest expression of competitiveness.

For example, which of these two teams would you rather be? Utah owns their pick in the upcoming draft if it stays bottom-8. Utah has over a 99% chance to keep their pick and will add that player to a core that should compete for playoff positioning next season. It’s also decent odds that they jump into the top of an elite draft that has a great group of players to choose from. On the other hand, you have the Pelicans, who traded the rights to their pick in the upcoming draft to pick Derik Queen and are sitting in the 8th spot in the lottery. They get to watch the Hawks pick someone who would have been added to their core. Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen have had some nice moments this season, but they’ve led the Pelicans to the 8th spot in the lottery standings. It’s a pretty easy answer.

It’s also a sign that the Jazz understand the assignment. This is how the Jazz can maximize their chances at a championship. If Utah somehow lucks into a top three to four pick, they become an absolute monster, overloaded with talent at every position.

And that’s just the benefits of losing. Utah is also finding out what they have with their young players. Cody Williams, Ace Bailey, Brice Sensabaugh, and Kyle Filipowski have all shown real signs during this tank, something they couldn’t have done if they were pushing for wins. They’ve also found a nice player in Blake Hinson, who has been almost too good since he joined the team. Oh, and they also might have a guy in John Konchar, who had a triple-double tonight. Which, by the way, is the fourth triple-double of the season for the Jazz.

All in all, it’s a highly successful night for the Jazz, who are now on their way to a potential three-way tie with the Nets and Kings for the third pick. If Utah gets lucky, lottery night could be even more interesting than it looked a month ago.

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Zegras and Foerster each score twice as Flyers down Devils

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Trevor Zegras and Tyson Foerster each scored twice, Dan Vladar made 23 saves and the Philadelphia Flyers routed the New Jersey Devils 5-1 on Tuesday to bolster their playoff position with four games remaining.

The Flyers have won three straight and have six victories in their last eight contests. Their 92 points are four behind second-place Pittsburgh in the Metropolitan Division.

The Flyers have vaulted into playoff position with an 11-3-1 mark since a 6-2 home loss to the Rangers on March 9.

CANADIENS 4, PANTHERS 3, SO

MONTREAL (AP) — Cole Caufield and Alexandre Texier scored in the shootout after Nick Suzuki’s late tying goal as Montreal beat Florida.

Ivan Demidov and Phillip Danault also scored in regulation as playoff-bound Montreal won for the ninth time in 10 games. Juraj Slafkovsky added two assists and Jakub Dobes made 30 saves for his sixth consecutive win.

Caufield remained one goal shy of his 50th for the third consecutive game after scoring twice Thursday against the New York Rangers. He is scoreless in three straight games for the first time since posting four consecutive goalless outings from Jan. 8 to 12.

Eetu Luostarinen, Carter Verhaeghe and Cole Reinhardt scored for fading Florida, which lost its eighth straight game against the Canadiens. Daniil Tarasov stopped 29 shots.

The two-time reigning Stanley Cup champions entered the night 27th in the overall league standings and out of playoff contention.

SENATORS 6, LIGHTNING 2

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Jake Sanderson scored a pair of goals and Ottawa were closer to a playoff appearance with a win over Tampa.

Jordan Spence, Fabian Zetterlund, Tim Stutzle and Shane Pinto also scored for Ottawa. Brady Tkachuk had four assists and goaltender Linus Ullmark made 28 saves for the win.

Nick Paul and Corey Perry scored for the Lightning. Jonas Johansson made 26 saves.

BLUE JACKETS 4, RED WINGS 3, SO

DETROIT (AP) — Zach Werenski scored in the shootout to lead Columbus over Detroit, ending a six-game skid.

Adam Fantilli tied the game with 17 seconds left, Danton Heinen also scored and Werenski also added a goal and an assist in regulation. Jet Greaves stopped 34 shots and assisted on Werenski’s goal for his first career point.

Werenski notched his 26th multipoint game of the year, setting a single-season record for the Blue Jackets.

Justin Faulk scored twice, Dylan Larkin added one goal, and John Gibson had 32 saves for the Red Wings.

HURRICANES 6, BRUINS 5, OT

Raleigh, N.C. (AP) — Jaccob Slavin scored at 1:13 of overtime as Carolina beat Boston and claimed their fourth Metropolitan Division title in six years.

Slavin’s first goal of the season helped offset a hat trick by Boston’s Morgan Geekie. Andrei Svechnikov, K’Andre Miller, Logan Stankoven, William Carrier and Taylor Hall also scored for Carolina. Brandon Bussi overcame a shakey start and finished with 16 saves.

Hampus Lindholm and Pavel Zacha also scored for Boston, with Zacha’s goal at 12:33 in the third period tying the game at 5. Boston’s Jeremy Swayman made 18 saves before being pulled after allowing five goals, including three in the first nine minutes of the second period. Joonas Korpisalo stopped the 16 shots he faced in regulation, but Slavin beat him in OT by tapping in a pass from Sebastian Aho.

The Hurricanes will be home for the Stanley Cup playoffs as the Metropolitan champions for the third time under coach Rod Brind’Amour. They also won the Central Division in the shortened, reconfigured 2020-21 season.

AVALANCHE 3, BLUES 1

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Valeri Nichushkin scored twice and Colorado beat St. Louis to clinch the Central Division and the top seed in the Western Conference.

It is the third time in five seasons, and first since 2023, that the Avalanche finished as the top team in the conference.

Martin Necas also scored and Scott Wedgewood made 18 saves for Colorado, which has earned points in eight of its last 11 games.

Wedgewood was shaken up midway through the third period after Philip Broberg made contact with him after being tripped by Sam Malinski. Wedgewood was driven awkwardly into the post and stayed down for several minutes, but remained in the game.

Robert Thomas scored and Joel Hofer made 34 saves for the Blues, whose slim playoff hope took a hit with the loss.

STARS 4, FLAMES 3, OT

DALLAS (AP) — Wyatt Johnston scored twice, including in overtime, to lead Dallas to the win over Calgary.

Johnston scored 3:39 into overtime on a power-play backhand shot. Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen each got an assist on the goal. Johnston scored two goals in the game.

Justin Hryckowian and Robertson each scored for the Stars. Robertson’s wrist shot 4:51 into the third period sent the game to overtime.

Zayne Parekh, Yegor Sharangovich and Joel Farabee scored for the Flames.

Jake Oettinger stopped 17 shots in the win for the Stars. Devin Cooley made 21 saves for the Flames.

WILD 5, KRAKEN 2

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Vladimir Tarasenko scored the go-ahead goal in the second period, Matt Boldy had a goal and an assist, and Minnesota twice benefited from replay reviews in a victory over Seattle.

Marcus Johansson also had a goal and an assist for the Wild, who won their fourth straight game. Marcus Foligno scored the tying goal early in the second, and Joel Eriksson Ek added an empty-net goal and two assists.

Minnesota trails Dallas by two points for second place in the Central Division and Western Conference heading into their showdown Thursday in Texas. Each team has four regular-season games remaining before they square off in a first-round playoff series, with home-ice advantage still up for grabs.

MAMMOTH 6, OILERS 5, OT

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Clayton Keller scored on a power play 33 seconds into overtime to lift Utah to a victory over Edmonton.

Alexander Kerfoot forced overtime with 7:04 left in regulation after tapping in a long feed from Sean Durzi, setting the stage for Utah to claim its first win over Edmonton.

Nick Schmaltz scored twice in the second period to rally the Mammoth from a two-goal deficit. JJ Peterka and Logan Cooley also scored, and Karel Vejmelka had 21 saves.

Curtis Lazar, Connor McDavid, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Vasily Podkolzin, and Colton Dach scored for the Oilers, who lost their second straight. Tristan Jarry made 25 stops.

GOLDEN KNIGHTS 2, CANUCKS 1

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Cole Smith’s goal midway through the third period proved to be the winner as Vegas held on to beat Vancouver.

Max Sasson opened the scoring for the Canucks (22-47-8) with a wrist shot over the glove of Golden Knights goalie Carter Hart at the 12:50 mark of the second period. It was his 13th goal of the season.

Brayden McNabb replied for Vegas (36-26-16) less than three minutes later, sending a shot through traffic to tie the score at 1. Smith scored the go-ahead goal 12:13 into the third.

Vancouver had a prime chance to force extra time when Vegas defenseman Rasmus Andersson was called for interference with less than two minutes left. The Canucks pulled goalie Nikita Tolopilo in favor of an extra attacker, but failed to score.

Hart stopped 10 of the 11 shots he faced for the Golden Knights. Tolopilo made 26 saves for the Canucks.

PREDATORS 5, DUCKS 0

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Justus Annunen stopped 43 shots — one shy of his career high — for his third career shutout, and Nashville sent Anaheim to their sixth consecutive loss.

Erick Haula, Filip Forsberg and Brady Skjei scored second-period goals, and Zachary L’Heureux and Fedor Svechkov scored in the third for the Predators. Joakim Kemmell and Ryan O’Reilly each had two assists.

The win pushed Nashville (84 points) one point ahead of the Los Angeles Kings for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Predators have four regular-season games left.

The Ducks, who have been outscored 29-14 during their losing streak, remain stuck at 87 points. They also have four games remaining.

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Cubs Minor League Wrap: Pelicans move to 4-0

SURPRISE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 23: Ty Southisene #17 of the Chicago Cubs warms up during the sixth inning of a Spring Training game against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium on February 23, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cubs signed right-hander Tyler Beede and assigned him to Iowa. If you’re confused and thought the Cubs signed Beede over the winter, they did. They also released him two weeks ago and re-signed him today.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs got blown over by the Omaha Storm Chasers (Royals), 8-1.

Iowa starter Connor Noland gave up two-run home runs in the second and fifth innings and ended up with the loss. His final line was five runs on just three hits over 4.1 innings. Noland walked three, hit one batter and struck out just one.

The only Iowa run of the game came on a home run by right fielder Kevin Alcántara. It was the third-straight game that Alcántara homered in and was his fifth over just nine games to start the season.

Alcántara went 1 for 2 with a walk.

Iowa had only three hits tonight and first baseman Jonathon Long had the other two. He was 2 for 4.

Here’s the Alcántara home run.

Knoxville Smokies

The Knoxville Smokies trashed the Rocket City Trash Pandas (Angels), 14-6.

Jake Knapp pitched the first four innings and gave up four runs on five hits. He struck out four and walked one.

Nick Dean threw the next 2.2 innings and got the win because Knapp didn’t go five. Dean surrendered one run on four hits. He struck out four and walked one.

First baseman Edgar Alvarez put the Smokies on top 2-1 in the bottom of the first with a two-run home run. Alvarez finished 1 for 2 with three walks. He scored twice.

After Knapp gave up the lead a two-run home run in the top of the second, Knoxville struck back with an eight-run bottom of the second inning. Karson Simas started the party with a three-run home run. Simas went 3 for 4 with a triple and the home run. He scored twice. It was his second home run this year.

Shortstop Jefferson Rojas singled in another run in the second to make it 6-3 Knoxville. But his big blow was a two-run home run in the bottom of the third inning, also his second on the season. Rojas finished 2 for 5 with four total RBI. He scored twice.

Left fielder Jordan Nwogu hit a two-run double in the second. Nwogu went 1 for 5 with a run scored.

Carter Trice was 2 for 4 with a bases-loaded walk in the second inning. He scored once.

Seiya Suzuki played seven innings in right field and went 3 for 5 with two doubles. He scored three times.

Every batter in the starting lineup had at least one hit.

Here’s the home run by Rojas. [VIDEO]

View Link

Suzuki’s three hits.

South Bend Cubs

The good news is that South Bend finally got to play a game tonight. The bad news is that South Bend was blasted by the Peoria Chiefs (Cardinals), 10-1.

Koen Moreno started, but he didn’t make it out of the first inning. Moreno was hammered for seven runs on five hits and two walks over two-thirds of an inning. One of the hits was a three-run home run by Anyelo Encarnacion.

Center fielder Kane Kepley went 2 for 4 with a double that led off the game. He scored South Bend’s only run on a single in the first by catcher Owen Ayers. Ayers also went 2 for 4.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans captured the Columbia Fireflies (Royals), 5-1. The Pelicans are now 4-0 to start the year.

Victor Zarraga started and allowed a solo home run in the second inning but nothing else crossed the plate. Zarraga allowed one run on five hits over three innings. He walked one and struck out one.

Mason McGwire threw the next two innings and got the win. McGwire gave up no runs and just one hit. He struck out three and walked three. Still too many walks, but that’s probably the best outing of McGwire’s career.

Riely Hunsaker, whom the Cubs took in the 16th round out of Lamar last year, was strong in his professional debut. Hunsaker went three innings and allowed just one hit and no runs. He struck out five and walked only one.

The Pelicans scored five runs on just five hits. But five walks and three hit batsmen helped their cause. So did three sacrifice flies.

Left fielder Eli Lovich went 2 for 3 with an RBI single in the fourth inning. Lovich also walked once and scored twice.

Shortstop Ty Southisene was 2 for 5 with a stolen base. He scored one run and drove in one.

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Cubs Minor League Wrap: Pelicans move to 4-0

SURPRISE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 23: Ty Southisene #17 of the Chicago Cubs warms up during the sixth inning of a Spring Training game against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium on February 23, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cubs signed right-hander Tyler Beede and assigned him to Iowa. If you’re confused and thought the Cubs signed Beede over the winter, they did. They also released him two weeks ago and re-signed him today.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs got blown over by the Omaha Storm Chasers (Royals), 8-1.

Iowa starter Connor Noland gave up two-run home runs in the second and fifth innings and ended up with the loss. His final line was five runs on just three hits over 4.1 innings. Noland walked three, hit one batter and struck out just one.

The only Iowa run of the game came on a home run by right fielder Kevin Alcántara. It was the third-straight game that Alcántara homered in and was his fifth over just nine games to start the season.

Alcántara went 1 for 2 with a walk.

Iowa had only three hits tonight and first baseman Jonathon Long had the other two. He was 2 for 4.

Here’s the Alcántara home run.

Knoxville Smokies

The Knoxville Smokies trashed the Rocket City Trash Pandas (Angels), 14-6.

Jake Knapp pitched the first four innings and gave up four runs on five hits. He struck out four and walked one.

Nick Dean threw the next 2.2 innings and got the win because Knapp didn’t go five. Dean surrendered one run on four hits. He struck out four and walked one.

First baseman Edgar Alvarez put the Smokies on top 2-1 in the bottom of the first with a two-run home run. Alvarez finished 1 for 2 with three walks. He scored twice.

After Knapp gave up the lead a two-run home run in the top of the second, Knoxville struck back with an eight-run bottom of the second inning. Karson Simas started the party with a three-run home run. Simas went 3 for 4 with a triple and the home run. He scored twice. It was his second home run this year.

Shortstop Jefferson Rojas singled in another run in the second to make it 6-3 Knoxville. But his big blow was a two-run home run in the bottom of the third inning, also his second on the season. Rojas finished 2 for 5 with four total RBI. He scored twice.

Left fielder Jordan Nwogu hit a two-run double in the second. Nwogu went 1 for 5 with a run scored.

Carter Trice was 2 for 4 with a bases-loaded walk in the second inning. He scored once.

Seiya Suzuki played seven innings in right field and went 3 for 5 with two doubles. He scored three times.

Every batter in the starting lineup had at least one hit.

Here’s the home run by Rojas. [VIDEO]

View Link

Suzuki’s three hits.

South Bend Cubs

The good news is that South Bend finally got to play a game tonight. The bad news is that South Bend was blasted by the Peoria Chiefs (Cardinals), 10-1.

Koen Moreno started, but he didn’t make it out of the first inning. Moreno was hammered for seven runs on five hits and two walks over two-thirds of an inning. One of the hits was a three-run home run by Anyelo Encarnacion.

Center fielder Kane Kepley went 2 for 4 with a double that led off the game. He scored South Bend’s only run on a single in the first by catcher Owen Ayers. Ayers also went 2 for 4.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans captured the Columbia Fireflies (Royals), 5-1. The Pelicans are now 4-0 to start the year.

Victor Zarraga started and allowed a solo home run in the second inning but nothing else crossed the plate. Zarraga allowed one run on five hits over three innings. He walked one and struck out one.

Mason McGwire threw the next two innings and got the win. McGwire gave up no runs and just one hit. He struck out three and walked three. Still too many walks, but that’s probably the best outing of McGwire’s career.

Riely Hunsaker, whom the Cubs took in the 16th round out of Lamar last year, was strong in his professional debut. Hunsaker went three innings and allowed just one hit and no runs. He struck out five and walked only one.

The Pelicans scored five runs on just five hits. But five walks and three hit batsmen helped their cause. So did three sacrifice flies.

Left fielder Eli Lovich went 2 for 3 with an RBI single in the fourth inning. Lovich also walked once and scored twice.

Shortstop Ty Southisene was 2 for 5 with a stolen base. He scored one run and drove in one.

Posted on

Cubs Minor League Wrap: Pelicans move to 4-0

SURPRISE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 23: Ty Southisene #17 of the Chicago Cubs warms up during the sixth inning of a Spring Training game against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium on February 23, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cubs signed right-hander Tyler Beede and assigned him to Iowa. If you’re confused and thought the Cubs signed Beede over the winter, they did. They also released him two weeks ago and re-signed him today.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs got blown over by the Omaha Storm Chasers (Royals), 8-1.

Iowa starter Connor Noland gave up two-run home runs in the second and fifth innings and ended up with the loss. His final line was five runs on just three hits over 4.1 innings. Noland walked three, hit one batter and struck out just one.

The only Iowa run of the game came on a home run by right fielder Kevin Alcántara. It was the third-straight game that Alcántara homered in and was his fifth over just nine games to start the season.

Alcántara went 1 for 2 with a walk.

Iowa had only three hits tonight and first baseman Jonathon Long had the other two. He was 2 for 4.

Here’s the Alcántara home run.

Knoxville Smokies

The Knoxville Smokies trashed the Rocket City Trash Pandas (Angels), 14-6.

Jake Knapp pitched the first four innings and gave up four runs on five hits. He struck out four and walked one.

Nick Dean threw the next 2.2 innings and got the win because Knapp didn’t go five. Dean surrendered one run on four hits. He struck out four and walked one.

First baseman Edgar Alvarez put the Smokies on top 2-1 in the bottom of the first with a two-run home run. Alvarez finished 1 for 2 with three walks. He scored twice.

After Knapp gave up the lead a two-run home run in the top of the second, Knoxville struck back with an eight-run bottom of the second inning. Karson Simas started the party with a three-run home run. Simas went 3 for 4 with a triple and the home run. He scored twice. It was his second home run this year.

Shortstop Jefferson Rojas singled in another run in the second to make it 6-3 Knoxville. But his big blow was a two-run home run in the bottom of the third inning, also his second on the season. Rojas finished 2 for 5 with four total RBI. He scored twice.

Left fielder Jordan Nwogu hit a two-run double in the second. Nwogu went 1 for 5 with a run scored.

Carter Trice was 2 for 4 with a bases-loaded walk in the second inning. He scored once.

Seiya Suzuki played seven innings in right field and went 3 for 5 with two doubles. He scored three times.

Every batter in the starting lineup had at least one hit.

Here’s the home run by Rojas. [VIDEO]

View Link

Suzuki’s three hits.

South Bend Cubs

The good news is that South Bend finally got to play a game tonight. The bad news is that South Bend was blasted by the Peoria Chiefs (Cardinals), 10-1.

Koen Moreno started, but he didn’t make it out of the first inning. Moreno was hammered for seven runs on five hits and two walks over two-thirds of an inning. One of the hits was a three-run home run by Anyelo Encarnacion.

Center fielder Kane Kepley went 2 for 4 with a double that led off the game. He scored South Bend’s only run on a single in the first by catcher Owen Ayers. Ayers also went 2 for 4.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans captured the Columbia Fireflies (Royals), 5-1. The Pelicans are now 4-0 to start the year.

Victor Zarraga started and allowed a solo home run in the second inning but nothing else crossed the plate. Zarraga allowed one run on five hits over three innings. He walked one and struck out one.

Mason McGwire threw the next two innings and got the win. McGwire gave up no runs and just one hit. He struck out three and walked three. Still too many walks, but that’s probably the best outing of McGwire’s career.

Riely Hunsaker, whom the Cubs took in the 16th round out of Lamar last year, was strong in his professional debut. Hunsaker went three innings and allowed just one hit and no runs. He struck out five and walked only one.

The Pelicans scored five runs on just five hits. But five walks and three hit batsmen helped their cause. So did three sacrifice flies.

Left fielder Eli Lovich went 2 for 3 with an RBI single in the fourth inning. Lovich also walked once and scored twice.

Shortstop Ty Southisene was 2 for 5 with a stolen base. He scored one run and drove in one.

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Johnston scores in OT in Stars comeback win over the Flames 4-3

DALLAS (AP) — Wyatt Johnston scored twice, including in overtime, to lead the Dallas Stars to the 4-3 win over the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night.

Johnston scored 3:39 into overtime on a power-play backhand shot. Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen each got an assist on the goal. Johnston scored two goals in the game.

Justin Hryckowian and Robertson each scored for the Stars. Robertson’s wrist shot 4:51 into the third period sent the game to overtime.

Zayne Parekh, Yegor Sharangovich and Joel Farabee scored for the Flames.

Jake Oettinger stopped 17 shots in the win for the Stars. Devin Cooley made 21 saves for the Flames.

The Stars won 62% of the faceoffs in the game.

Flames defenseman Kevin Bahl left early in the first period with a lower-body injury and did not return.

Up next

Flames: Visit the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday.

Stars: Host the Minnesota Wild on Thursday.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Flames Fall 4-3 to Stars in Overtime

The Calgary Flames dropped a 4-3 overtime decision to the Stars in Dallas on Tuesday night.

Devin Cooley got the start in goal for Calgary, while Aydar Suniev suited up for just his second NHL appearance. The opening period didn’t produce any scoring, but the Flames took a hit to their blueline when Kevin Bahl exited early with an injury and did not return.

© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Dallas broke through first in the second period. Just over four minutes in, a shot that missed the net caromed hard off the end boards and bounced out to Justin Hryckowian who pounced and chipped it past Cooley to make it 1–0.

Calgary responded with a strong push midway through the period. After sustained pressure across multiple shifts, Olli Maatta moved the puck up to Adam Klapka, who drove the net and forced a rebound. Joel Farabee jumped on the loose puck and slipped a backhand past Jake Oettinger to even things at 1-1 with his 19th of the season.

© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Flames grabbed the lead late in the frame. With under two minutes remaining, Klapka held the line to keep the play alive before feeding Yegor Sharangovich in the high slot. Sharangovich wired a shot past Oettinger to give Calgary a 2-1 edge heading into the third.

The Flames wasted no time adding to their lead. Just 26 seconds into the final frame, Zayne Parekh capitalized on the power play, stepping into open ice and firing a wrist shot over Oettinger to make it 3–1. Matt Coronato picked up the primary assist, with Matvei Gridin also drawing in.

But Dallas pushed back quickly. Wyatt Johnston cut the deficit to one after finishing a rebound off a Mikko Rantanen wraparound attempt, and moments later, Jason Robertson tipped home a pass from Matt Duchene to tie the game 3–3.

With neither side able to break the deadlock in regulation, the game moved to overtime. Calgary found itself shorthanded when Ryan Strome was assessed a double minor for high-sticking. The Flames’ penalty kill held firm initially, with Cooley turning aside several quality chances, but the pressure eventually broke through. Johnston struck again, taking a pass from Robertson and finishing on the backhand to seal the 4–3 win for Dallas.

© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Three Takeaways

Parekh continues to impress

 Zayne Parekh stood out throughout the night. He scored on the power play, was active in all three zones, hit the crossbar, and consistently moved the puck efficiently.

Klapka making his presence felt

Adam Klapka recorded two assists and played a key role in Calgary’s offensive zone time. It marks his second multi-point performance of the season.

Penalty kill strong, until it mattered most

 Calgary’s penalty kill was solid in regulation, going a perfect 3-for-3 against a dangerous Stars unit. However, the overtime double minor proved costly, overshadowing an otherwise strong night from the PK.

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Carlos Beltran has mixed emotions about ‘misunderstood’ Mets tenure with number to be retired

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Carlos Beltran speaks at a press conference, Image 2 shows St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina jumps in joy after New York Mets batter Carlos Beltran struck out to end Game 7 of the National League Championship Series

Carlos Beltrán has mixed emotions when he reflects on his time with the Mets. But that seven-year tenure will soon be immortalized in team history. 

Beltrán spoke for the first time since it was revealed he will have his No. 15 retired by the Mets and be inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame on Sept. 19. 

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“It really means a lot, even though at times I feel like I was misunderstood,” Beltrán said before Tuesday’s 4-3 series-opening win in 10 innings against the Diamondbacks at Citi Field. “It’s sweet, it’s … bitter at times because I felt there were moments where I was doing everything possible to try to connect with the fan base and for some reason, at times it was hard, because the message that was delivered sometimes, out there, about me didn’t allow me to connect with the fans. But believe it or not, this was the team where I feel like I grew the most. As a character, as an individual, as a player.” 

Working as a special assistant to president of baseball operations David Stearns, Beltrán says his relationship with the fans — when he interacts with them around the ballpark — is better.

That experience, too, with New York media and all the added attention that comes with playing here has helped in his evaluation of players and as a mentor for them. 

“I feel sometimes that you have to dig deep and to see if that player wants to come to a city like New York,” Beltrán said. “That attention is gonna be different. And at the same time, I always try to [make] myself available to have conversations with those players, just to share my experience. Hopefully, some of those experiences can help.” 

Carlos Beltran speaks at a press conference before the game when the New York Mets played the Arizona Diamondbacks Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at Citi Field. Robert Sabo for NY Post

Manager Carlos Mendoza said he “considers him like a brother. Every time he’s around, he impacts all of us in here.” 

Having his number retired by the Mets is not something Beltrán expected, given the length of his tenure with the team and his mixed relationship with fans. 

So, the honor provides him with a clear indication of what he meant to the organization, even if it wasn’t always a perfect marriage. 

“I believe that it’s validation of the effort of my career as a ballplayer,” Beltrán said. “In the years that I played here, there’s no doubt that I went through a lot of ups and downs as a player. Being able to recognize that I deserve to have my number retired is very, very special for me.” 

The jersey retirement comes after Beltrán found out he will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. This year has been so good to him that he joked he might get a “2026” tattoo. 

Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina, right, jumps for joy after New York Mets batter Carlos Beltran struck out to end Game 7 of baseball’s National League Championship Series, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2006, at Shea Stadium. AP

Beltrán will wear a Mets hat on his Baseball Hall of Fame plaque. Despite a tenure filled with friction, he will forever be a Met.

“My identity as a baseball player,” Beltrán said, “is here.” 

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Pete DeBoer’s first big Islanders move is Mathew Barzal position change

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Mathew Barzal is being moved back to center for the Islanders' stretch run, Image 2 shows Mathew Barzal battles for Trevor Zegras for the puck during the Islanders' loss to the Flyers on April 3, 2026 at UBS Arena

Mathew Barzal says his “heart” on the ice is at center.

Under new Islanders coach Pete DeBoer, his heart is getting what it wants.

During Tuesday’s second practice of DeBoer’s tenure, Barzal skated in the middle with Brayden Schenn shifted to left wing.

With four games left in the regular season and the Islanders (42-31-5) jostling for a playoff spot, they need DeBoer to shake things up after firing Patrick Roy. One of his first tweaks will be moving Barzal back to his favored position.

“My initial reaction watching Mat from the other bench is, everybody’s looking for that type of speed in the middle of the ice,” the former Panthers, Devils, Sharks, Golden Knights and Stars coach told reporters after practice.

“So, I think the fact that he’s played both, that he can play both, is a great thing. And coming back from the Olympics, out of the 14 or 15 forwards [Team Canada] took, most of them were centermen. So you’ve got to be able to move around and play different roles. But that speed through the middle of the ice is really dangerous. And the good teams all have that — [Jack] Eichel in Vegas and [Connor] McDavid and [Nathan] MacKinnon.”

Barzal has toggled between wing and center during his decade with the Islanders but hasn’t lined up in the middle since early February — a 23-game span in which he registered 24 points and five goals.

In the prior 54 games this season, Barzal lined up at center 50 times, totaling 43 points. His four starts at right wing before February resulted in three points.

Mathew Barzal is being moved back to center for the Islanders’ stretch run. NHLI via Getty Images

DeBoer stopped short of confirming where Barzal will line up, but the forward welcomes a move back to the middle.

“I think my heart, as a player, is probably down the middle of the ice, just because it allows me to do a lot of things,” he said. “But I really like my time on the wing, and I think it’s actually helped me as a player.”

Moments earlier, he said: “I like both, to be honest with you. I like being down the middle, maybe a little more speed underneath the puck.

“And I also like being on the wing, with being able to maybe be ahead of the play a little bit sometimes, and create some offense off the breakout and on entries and stuff, coming out of the wall and kind of getting creative.”

Mathew Barzal battles for Trevor Zegras for the puck during the Islanders’ loss to the Flyers on April 3, 2026 at UBS Arena. Alexander Wohl-Imagn Images

DeBoer, who reached the Stanley Cup Final with the Sharks and Devils, stopped practice a handful of times Tuesday to give players instructions from a whiteboard.

“I’m drinking through a fire hose right now, trying to get up to speed,” the coach said of his whirlwind start in New York.

DeBoer, 57, also employed color-coded uniforms for the team’s lines, though he said he’s being mindful of not “paralyzing” his players with too much information.

“I’ve got to get to know the group. … I don’t know them,” DeBoer said. “I’ve been coaching in the West for 10 years. So I don’t know this group as well as I would like to know them.”

Barzal was less stressed about his and his linemates’ potential positional tweaks.

“It’s easier to go from center to wing than wing to center,” he said when asked about himself, Schenn and Cal Ritchie all being natural centers.

“Schenner and Rich are both really smart players. I think it’s an easy adaptation for everybody.”

DeBoer hopes that’s the case when the Isles host the Maple Leafs in a pivotal Thursday night matchup.

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Brooklyn Nets out-tanked by Milwaukee Bucks, win 96-90

Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

E.J. Liddell rises up for a 3-pointer from the left wing, and he misfires wide right, perhaps a little long. Only, the ball bounces off the top of the glass and right back down toward the rim, swirling the net like a mini-golf ball on uneven artificial turf. It drops. Next time down, Liddell tests his luck by pulling up near the top of the key. The ball puts a dent in the backboard, then swishes right in.

Liddell scored 17 points in the first half, ultimately leading the team with 21 total points on 7-of-9 shooting, as the Brooklyn Nets beat the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night in one of the least watchable NBA games in an April already chock-full of snoozers.

This is a callous way to write about professional athletes, though not professional sports. E.J. Liddell was a tremendous NCAA player at Ohio State, then tore his ACL at Las Vegas Summer League before his rookie season and has spent the last four years bouncing around the G League in search of steady, lucrative opportunity. In Sunday’s victory over the Washington Wizards, Liddell scored a career-high 15 points. He outdid himself on Tuesday.

“I talked to my mom after my first NBA start,” said Liddell. “Couldn’t stop smiling, so I mean, the second one felt the same way. Any opportunity I get to put on this Brooklyn jersey, it feels special.”

Of all the anti-tanking arguments put forth by the NBA, or its fans, or people who proudly dislike the NBA but hold cachet anyway, this is the most convincing. Tanking infects the soul of competition, and even if the league trips over itself trying to remedy the virus, it is a worthwhile effort anyway. (Don’t ask about gambling).

In the meantime, Tuesday’s game was a must-lose for both the Bucks and Nets. Both teams admitted it with their injury report…

In addition to the players already ruled out for the season, Brooklyn sat Nic Claxton with a finger sprain, Noah Clowney with ankle soreness, Ziaire Williams with foot soreness, and Terance Mann with not one but two different areas of soreness.

It’s tough to blame Brooklyn for their inability to lose this one. Nolan Traore and Chaney Johnson played under ten minutes, Jalen Wilson played under 20, though they each won their minutes handily.

Milwaukee was simply terrible. Awful. They turned it over 20 times, turning 2-on-1 opportunities into errant alley oops and handoffs into hot pockets. To Brooklyn’s credit, they picked up their defense after the first quarter and guys like Malachi Smith and Trevon Scott flew around on the perimeter like they’ve been playing under Jordi Fernández for years…

Said Fernández of his energetic bunch: “If you have the right intentions and always try to make the right play, one day you’ll maybe miss some shots, but it will even out when the work is there, the work that these guys put in every single day. The positive energy, it just ends up working out. So, you’ll see performances like this.”

It’s a miracle the Bucks even had a chance to make it interesting. The Nets shot 7-of-13 from deep in the first half, thanks to Liddell’s luck and 10-day Trevon Scott, who made the most of his first career start with 8/5/2 on a couple long-balls and four steals.

Traore hardly played, but Ben Saraf and Drake Powell combined to shoot 9-of-29 in a combined 76 minutes of action. Sadly, they did not look out of place in this game of supremely low quality, though Saraf did get shoot 9-of-10 from the line thanks to his insistence on getting downhill…

“I felt like I can get to the paint and create from there, so I tried to be as aggressive as I could,” said Saraf postgame.

Brooklyn’s outside shooting fell off a cliff in the second half while the Bucks saw some drop, and the visitors trimmed a 16-point deficit to just one possession in the closing minutes. AJ Green and old friend Tauren Prince hit some huge triples, and the Nets had a chance to snag a miraculous defeat in a 180º turn from Sunday.

It didn’t happen. Ben Saraf drove left, hit the brakes, and baseline referee Che Flores called a foul on Ousmane Dieng, likely the correct call but one the Bucks bench really hated. Their front office? Not so much. Saraf sank both, pushing the lead to four, and it was all over but the shouting.

So close.

Final Score: Brooklyn Nets96, Milwaukee Bucks 90

Tankathon Update

Here is the race to the bottom, courtesy of Tankathon.com

At time of writing, the Sacramento Kings are currently trailing the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter. Assuming they hold on and lose, they will be 21-59, just a half-game behind Brooklyn, though crucially, it’s in the win column, like the Utah Jazz).

Milestone Watch

  • It was a career-high in points for E.J. Liddell for the second straight game
  • Trevon Scott is joins Kenyon Martin, Chris Childs, Keith Van Horn, and Bernard King to record 4+ steals in their fifth career game or earlier. Quite the list!

Next Up

<p>Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images</p><br>

It does not get any easier. The Brooklyn Nets face the Indiana Pacers in their final home game of the season on Thursday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

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Sanderson scores twice for Senators in 6-2 win over Lightning

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Jake Sanderson scored a pair of goals and the Ottawa Senators were closer to a playoff appearance with a 6-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night.

Jordan Spence, Fabian Zetterlund, Tim Stutzle and Shane Pinto also scored for Ottawa. Brady Tkachuk had four assists and goaltender Linus Ullmark made 28 saves for the win.

Nick Paul and Corey Perry scored for the Lightning. Jonas Johansson made 26 saves.

Tied 1-1 to start the third, the Senators scored twice in less than two minutes to take a two-goal lead.

Perry pulled the Lightning within one midway through the third when he was left all alone and raised a shot over a sprawled Ullmark.

The Senators added a pair of power-play goals to secure the victory.

Pinto scored into an empty net.

With an assist on Ottawa’s opening goal, Stutzle recorded his second-career 80-point season.

Up next

Lightning: Visit the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday.

Senators: Host the Florida Panthers on Thursday.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

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Twins 4, Tigers 2: Taj fans 10, bats knock out Skubal

Apr 7, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers (27) hits a two RBI double during the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images | Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images

Taj Bradley and Tarik Skubal traded scoreless innings tonight, until the Twins broke through in the 5th. After a pair of 1-out walks by Byron Buxton and Austin Martin, Luke Keaschall singled up the middle for the first run. Then, Ryan Jeffers doubled down the right field line, scoring 2 more runs. Two batters later, Josh Bell doubled to left for the 4th run of the inning, knocking the Tigers ace out of the game.

Taj Bradley kept the Tigers off the scoreboard through 6 innings, working his way out of a bases loaded jam in the 2nd, and stranding baserunners in various others, picking up 9 strikeouts. In the 7th, with the pitch count approaching 100, Derek Shelton left him in the game. After Spencer Torkelson and Parker Meadows singled, Taj picked up strikeout number 10 against Jávier Baez. Taylor Rogers entered in relief, getting Jahmai Jones to fly out before Kevin McGonigle singled to score Torkelson. He ended the inning by striking out Gleyber Torres looking.

In the top of the 8th, Rogers got Riley Greene to strike out before giving way to Cole Sands. After a line out, Sands gave up two walks. Eric Orze entered, and got Kerry Carpenter, the tying run, to strikeout to end the threat.

The Twins made some more noise with the bats in the 8th, but left the bases loaded, taking their 3 run lead to the 9th. Orze gave up a double to Baez and a double to McGonigle to make it a 4-2 game, with Justin Topa coming in for the save. He got Torres to ground out, and, after a Greene walk, Dillon Dingler grounded out to end the game.

Studs:

Taj Bradley: 6.1 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 10 K

Josh Bell: 3-4, 2B, RBI

Ryan Jeffers: 1-4, 2B, 2 RBI

Duds:

NO DUDS TWINS WIN!!

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Twins 4, Tigers 2: Taj fans 10, bats knock out Skubal

Apr 7, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers (27) hits a two RBI double during the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images | Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images

Taj Bradley and Tarik Skubal traded scoreless innings tonight, until the Twins broke through in the 5th. After a pair of 1-out walks by Byron Buxton and Austin Martin, Luke Keaschall singled up the middle for the first run. Then, Ryan Jeffers doubled down the right field line, scoring 2 more runs. Two batters later, Josh Bell doubled to left for the 4th run of the inning, knocking the Tigers ace out of the game.

Taj Bradley kept the Tigers off the scoreboard through 6 innings, working his way out of a bases loaded jam in the 2nd, and stranding baserunners in various others, picking up 9 strikeouts. In the 7th, with the pitch count approaching 100, Derek Shelton left him in the game. After Spencer Torkelson and Parker Meadows singled, Taj picked up strikeout number 10 against Jávier Baez. Taylor Rogers entered in relief, getting Jahmai Jones to fly out before Kevin McGonigle singled to score Torkelson. He ended the inning by striking out Gleyber Torres looking.

In the top of the 8th, Rogers got Riley Greene to strike out before giving way to Cole Sands. After a line out, Sands gave up two walks. Eric Orze entered, and got Kerry Carpenter, the tying run, to strikeout to end the threat.

The Twins made some more noise with the bats in the 8th, but left the bases loaded, taking their 3 run lead to the 9th. Orze gave up a double to Baez and a double to McGonigle to make it a 4-2 game, with Justin Topa coming in for the save. He got Torres to ground out, and, after a Greene walk, Dillon Dingler grounded out to end the game.

Studs:

Taj Bradley: 6.1 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 10 K

Josh Bell: 3-4, 2B, RBI

Ryan Jeffers: 1-4, 2B, 2 RBI

Duds:

NO DUDS TWINS WIN!!

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Twins 4, Tigers 2: Taj fans 10, bats knock out Skubal

Apr 7, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers (27) hits a two RBI double during the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images | Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images

Taj Bradley and Tarik Skubal traded scoreless innings tonight, until the Twins broke through in the 5th. After a pair of 1-out walks by Byron Buxton and Austin Martin, Luke Keaschall singled up the middle for the first run. Then, Ryan Jeffers doubled down the right field line, scoring 2 more runs. Two batters later, Josh Bell doubled to left for the 4th run of the inning, knocking the Tigers ace out of the game.

Taj Bradley kept the Tigers off the scoreboard through 6 innings, working his way out of a bases loaded jam in the 2nd, and stranding baserunners in various others, picking up 9 strikeouts. In the 7th, with the pitch count approaching 100, Derek Shelton left him in the game. After Spencer Torkelson and Parker Meadows singled, Taj picked up strikeout number 10 against Jávier Baez. Taylor Rogers entered in relief, getting Jahmai Jones to fly out before Kevin McGonigle singled to score Torkelson. He ended the inning by striking out Gleyber Torres looking.

In the top of the 8th, Rogers got Riley Greene to strike out before giving way to Cole Sands. After a line out, Sands gave up two walks. Eric Orze entered, and got Kerry Carpenter, the tying run, to strikeout to end the threat.

The Twins made some more noise with the bats in the 8th, but left the bases loaded, taking their 3 run lead to the 9th. Orze gave up a double to Baez and a double to McGonigle to make it a 4-2 game, with Justin Topa coming in for the save. He got Torres to ground out, and, after a Greene walk, Dillon Dingler grounded out to end the game.

Studs:

Taj Bradley: 6.1 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 10 K

Josh Bell: 3-4, 2B, RBI

Ryan Jeffers: 1-4, 2B, 2 RBI

Duds:

NO DUDS TWINS WIN!!