ANAHEIM, Calif. — In his first comments since the Rangers retooling announcement, head coach Mike Sullivan assured that his team would continue to try to win every game.
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That means the veteran bench boss plans to coach and make decisions that he thinks will put the Blueshirts in the best position on a game-to-game basis. There doesn’t appear to be any plan to hold players out of the lineup to protect against injury until a trade is imminent.
Amid the club’s current circumstances, however, the Rangers should be considering development and the long-term vision when making certain decisions going forward.
Asked how much he has to weigh coaching to win and development, given how the last couple of days have gone, Sullivan said he didn’t consider the two to be mutually exclusive.
“My outlook on it is that it tends to go hand-in-hand,” he said Sunday after practice at Honda Center. “I think when you look at the nature of the league and how it’s evolved, there was once a time when, really, development took place in the American League and the NHL was the NHL. I think with the salary cap and things of that nature, younger players are getting forced onto rosters, entry-level contracts, things like that to make the business side of it work. And as a result of that, development has to take place at the NHL level also. That’s probably been the last 20 years and that’s been my experience of being in the NHL.
New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan coaches against the Seattle Kraken during the first period at Madison Square Garden. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“It’s an important element of what we do. I love that aspect of our job, but I also think it goes hand-in-hand with winning. I don’t know that it’s one at the expense of the other at our level. We’ve put a lot of young guys in prominent roles this year out of necessity, with guys being injured and guys get an opportunity to play up the lineup and in special teams situations. A lot of times, that’s how careers begin and develop, is with an opportunity with circumstances like this. Guys carve their way, they force their way onto a roster through their performance and their play. And that healthy competition is a positive thing for organizations. “We have a commitment to all of our players to help them continue to grow and develop, regardless of where they are in their career. Obviously, the young guys we pay particular attention to and we’ll continue to do that.”
The Rangers have already had an influx of youth in the lineup this season, beginning with Noah Laba seizing the third-line center role out of training camp. Matthew Robertson also made the Opening Night roster, but the rookie defenseman has since taken root on the Rangers back end.
Since then, Gabe Perreault, Brennan Othmann and Scott Morrow have essentially joined the fray full time. Brett Berard and Jaroslav Chmelar also got looks at different points this season as well.
It is telling that Dylan Garand is still in Hartford amid goalie Igor Shesterkin’s lower-body injury.
The Rangers evidently have more trust in Spencer Martin than their organizationally grown netminder, whom they drafted 103rd overall in 2020. Garand has yet to make his NHL debut, but he has served as backup before.
Carson Soucy is expected to join the Rangers in California ahead of their matchup with the Ducks on Monday night.
As a result, defenseman Connor Mackey was assigned back to Hartford.
The 31-year-old Soucy did not play in Philadelphia due to personal reasons.
The Rangers recalled forward Anton Blidh from Hartford.
The 14th overall pick in the 2025 draft, Pierce is a preternatural defender at short stop, with a top flight glove that could rival any player in the organization. Early reports say he’s already started building muscle as a professional, which is helpful for his projection on offense. His hit tool carries, with a swing similar to Bobby Witt Jr. — out of the draft he received comps of a “faster Dansby Swanson.” A coach’s son, he has the good face, and should get the starting role in the Holy City and have plenty of time to develop into or above his projection of an above average regular.
Rank
Player
Position
Votes
Total
Percentage
Last Season
1
Carson Williams
SS
14
25
56%
1
2
Brody Hopkins
RHP
19
25
76%
8
3
Jacob Melton
OF
14
28
50%
N/A
4
Theo Gillen
OF
14
26
54%
13
5
Ty Johnson
RHP
12
25
48%
15
6
Daniel Pierce
SS
13
23
57%
N/A
We were back to majority consensus with 2025’s top draft selection slotting it at No. 6 overall. The Rays organization is now stacked with several top draft choices from last season, thanks to various trades, and I’m interested to see if Pierce’s nomination leads to a run on recent draftees. Also, in honor of Danny Pierce’s nomination, please enjoy this mic’d up video from earlier in the off-season:
Acquired in return for Danny Jansen at the 2025 trade deadline, Arienamo was promoted straight to Double-A by the Rays, and his success at that level carried over into the Venezuealan winter league, where his 1.112 OPS and 13 HR were each the second highest marks in the league. He’s considered to have a high baseball IQ, strong motor, excellent bat control, and defensive flexibility, any one of which could earn him an entertaining major league debut.
Caden Bodine, C 22 | S/R| 5’10” | 200 A (BAL) | .326/.408/.349 (133 wRC+) 49 PA, 0 HR, 0 SB, 5 BB, 8 K
Drafted 30th overall in 2025, Bodine was acquired in the Shane Baz trade. He profiles as a relatively safe prospect thanks to near-70 grade bat-to-ball skills, and comfortably-plus blocking and receiving behind the plate. There is some concern that his smaller frame limits him to fringe power, but those concerns are off-set by solid plate discipline from both sides of the plate; his sweeter swing is left handed. All catching prospects will see their value proposition shift with the challenge system, but his defensive actions, leadership, and receiving give him real value, projecting him as a solid major league contributor.
Acquired in the Brandon Lowe trade, Brito has three plus pitches with a fastball that touches 100 with cut-ride, and two breakers in a mid-80s curveball with surprising depth and a mid-80s slider he commands best. He also mixes in a developing low-90s cutter and a scattershot but intriguing mid-80s changeup with strong velocity and movement separation, with some added deception from his smaller frame helping limit hard contact. The concern is control, as he’s posted below-average strike rates in A-ball across 2024–25 and lacks consistent feel outside the slider, leaving him to project as a slightly wild, high-leverage reliever for now. Still, with multiple plus pitches, improved durability, and meaningful command gains, he has mid-rotation starter upside, giving him possibly the widest range of outcomes on this list.
Slater de Brun, OF 18 | L/L | 5’10” | 187
Drafted 37th overall in 2025, through a draft pick traded by the Rays, de Brun was essentially re-acquired in the Shane Baz trade. Like many Rays outfield prospects he’s not expected to develop much power, but compensates with an ability to hit to all fields, and has the benefit of years to develop. His hit tool rates plus thanks to a quick, compact swing, and his double-plus speed elevates both his baserunning and range in center; he has a solid arm and can stick long term. The key to his development will be improving pitch selection to maximize his power potential. Despite not yet playing in a pro game, he’s a good bet to skip the complex league and debut in Charleston this season.
Michael Forret, RHP 22 | 6’3” | 190 A+ (BAL) | 1.51 ERA, 2.45 FIP, 59.2 IP (16 G, 15 GS), 33.5% K, 7.5% BB AA (BAL) | 1.88 ERA, 2.03 FIP, 14.1 IP (3 GS), 15 K, 3 BB
A product of the State College of Florida Manatee – Sarasota (formerly Manatee Junior College), Forret was a well above slot ($450k) 14th round draft choice in 2023 and arrives via the Shane Baz trade. Despite missing some time to a back injury in 2025, his array of fastballs and breaking balls already look major league ready. He seems adept at trying new things, as he picked up a whiff-worthy kick change in 2024, and is already tinkering with a Rays-like sweeper, both through his offseason program at Tread Athletics. He has a low release point (below 6 feet) but a rising fastball, and has — to quote Eric Longenhagen — “sensational feel.” He pitches with efficiency and variety, and could climb the ladder quickly in 2026.
Isaac had his season cut short large-in-part due to the discovery of a brain tumor, disrupting an otherwise great start to the season that duplicated his cup of coffee in Double-A as a 20-year old, despite some minor arm injuries along the way. He has the best power projection in the system, and if he can hold his own for a full season in 2026 — particularly against southpaws, which is somewhat of a concern — the former first round pick (29th overall, 2021) could see his status restored near the top of the Rays prospect rankings.
Morgan continued to hit without power in 2025, a great discouragement for some evaluators, but his present 50-grade hit tool and feel for the zone allow a major league projection. He continued his improved, quieter two-strike approach in 2025 that built on his success retooling his swing in the AFL last year. The Rays gave Morgan 14 starts in Left Field last season, and Baseball America called the defense “playable,” but his value is tied to his plus-plus defense at First.
A sixth rounder from 2023, Nichols entered the Rays organization with low mileage and control issues, a match made in development heaven. Fast forward to 2025, and his 68% strike percentage ranked 10th best among all minor league pitchers with 100 innings, according to Baseball America. His breaking ball is a big fish in a little pond thanks to its two-plane movement. By my eye, he has a mid-90’s dead zone-ish fastball with easy, over the top heat, and a classic but inconsistent change up. Despite all his gains in control it’s his command that might hold him back, but he fills the zone and might be able to eat innings, which is enough for a back end starter floor. If you’re buying stock, he’s Kimberly-Clark.
Santiago Suarez, RHP 21 | 6’2” | ? A+ | 2.88 ERA, 2.07 FIP, 40.2 IP (10 GS), 26.9% K, 3.6% BB AAA | 5 ER (9 H, 2 BB, 3 HR) 11.0 IP (2 GS), 9 K
Suarez climbed the ladder to Triple-A to finish a short season, as some triceps/shoulder issues hampered his 2025, but when called upon this Venezuelan strike-thrower has earned the trust of his managers to go out there and pitch. He has two plus fastballs, with easy heat but average ride on the 4-seam, and a hard cutter with tight bite. His only complimentary pitch thus far is a 12-6 curve, which makes it a fairly vertical arsenal. He gets good extension, although I’d be remiss to not mention the double pump in his plant leg that on first glance looks like noise, but has led to evident repeatability. What Suarez boasts in control he might lack in command. Right now it’s a supinator’s profile with an average arm slot. To progress he either needs to add some east-west depth to his arsenal (à la Chris Bassitt), or find ways to unlock the spin rates a touch more (Shane Baz). I’d expect him to slot into Montgomery’s rotation as one of the younger starters for his level.
Brendan Summerhill, OF 22 | L/R | 6’3” | 200 A | .333/.429/.444 (160 wRC+) 42 PA, 0 HR, 5 SB, 6 BB, 5 K
Following an All-Star performance at the Cape Cod summer league, Summerhill exhibited some of the best bat-to-ball skills in NCAA as a junior at Arizona. His draft stock took a minor hit due to injury (broken hand from from punching a cooler) and was drafted 42nd overall, but Summerhill rebounded well with a dominant stop at Charleston to finish the year. Summerhill has plus barrel control, allowing for a high-contact approach for his long swing. He has plus speed as well, which provides a chance to stick in center. Evaluators would like to see more power to complete a five-tool profile. Even if the power doesn’t materialize, it’s an above average contributor’s projection.
DETROIT (AP) — Alex DeBrincat scored 36 seconds into overtime to give the surging Detroit Red Wings a 4-3 win over the Ottawa Senators on Sunday.
Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Lucas Raymond and James van Riemsdyk also scored for Detroit. Patrick Kane assisted on Sandin-Pellikka’ goal, moving him two points shy of Mike Modano’s record of 1,374 career points by a U.S.-born player.
John Gibson made 19 saves for his 15th victory in his last 17 games. The Red Wings improved to 9-4 in overtime games.
Drake Batherson had a goal and an assist for Ottawa. Dylan Cozens and Shane Pinto also scored, and James Reimer made 30 saves.
DeBrincat’s team-high 26th goal was set up by Andrew Copp as Detroit kept pace with Tampa Bay atop the Atlantic Division standings. The Red Wings have won six of their last seven games.
LIGHTNING 4, STARS 1
DALLAS (AP) — Brandon Hagel’s tiebreaking goal midway through the second period proved to be the winner, and Andrei Vasilevskiy finished with 19 saves on 20 shots as Tampa Bay beat Dallas.
Rookie Dominic James and Jake Guentzel each had a goal and an assist, and Pontus Holmberg added a late empty-net score for the Lightning, who bounced back from a shootout loss at St. Louis on Friday that ended a franchise record-tying 11-game winning streak. Tampa Bay has a 13-game points streak and they are tied with Carolina atop of the Eastern Conference with 64 points, second overall to Colorado (74).
Hagel took a pass at the goal line to the left side of Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger, playing off the line, and muscled the puck through the stick of Stars defenseman Esa Lindell for a 2-1 lead. It was Hagel’s sixth winning goal this season, tied for second in the NHL behind Nashville’s Steven Stamkos, who has seven.
Tampa Bay is a league-best 18-4-4 on the road and 20-1-0 when leading after two periods.
Vasilevskiy has 10 straight 20-win seasons and is 17-4-3 in his career against Dallas.
Oskar Back scored for the struggling Stars, who came off a 2-3-1 road trip and have lost three straight in regulation, scoring one goal in each game. Oettinger, tied for eighth in the NHL with 17 wins, stopped 22 shots and is 1-4-2 in his last seven starts.
OILERS 5, BLUES 0
EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Zach Hyman had two goals and an assist, Connor Ingram made 27 saves for his first shutout of the season, and Edmonton beat St. Louis.
Vasily Podkolzin had a goal and an assist and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Andrew Mangiapane also scored for the Oilers, who have gone 5-1-2 in their last eight games.
Nugent-Hopkins played in his 1,000th regular-season contest, becoming just the 63rd player in history to record a goal in his milestone match. Connor McDavid and Mattias Ekholm each had a pair of assists.
Edmonton is now 21-1-4 when scoring first this season.
Jordan Binnington had 23 saves for St. Louis, who snapped a two-game win streak.
The Knicks are still nursing some injuries with a couple important iffy statuses for MLK Day. But their opponent is in much worse shape.
Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart are both questionable with minor ankle injuries for Monday against the Mavericks. Neither played in Saturday’s loss to the Suns.
Brunson, who sprained his ankle Wednesday, missed two consecutive games. The Knicks (25-17), losers of three straight, are 1-4 without him this season.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson #11 speaks with New York Knicks guard Josh Hart #3 off the bench during the fourth quarter. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
The Mavericks (17-26), meanwhile, are severely depleted and eager for a good draft lottery odds.
Anthony Davis (finger sprain), Kyrie Irving (knee surgery), D’Angelo Russell (illness), P.J. Washington (personal reasons), Dereck Lively II (foot surgery) and Daniel Gafford (ankle sprain) are all out.
Cooper Flagg, the ballyhooed rookie, is listed as questionable for what would be his MSG debut as a professional. Flagg sat the last two games with an ankle sprain.
Flagg didn’t play in the last head-to-head with the Knicks on Nov. 19 in Dallas. The Knicks won 113-111.
EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Zach Hyman had two goals and an assist, Connor Ingram made 27 saves for his first shutout of the season, and the Edmonton Oilers beat the St. Louis Blues 5-0 on Sunday.
Vasily Podkolzin had a goal and an assist and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Andrew Mangiapane also scored for the Oilers, who have gone 5-1-2 in their last eight games.
Nugent-Hopkins played in his 1,000th regular-season contest, becoming just the 63rd player in history to record a goal in his milestone match. Connor McDavid and Mattias Ekholm each had a pair of assists.
Edmonton is now 21-1-4 when scoring first this season.
Jordan Binnington had 23 saves for St. Louis, who snapped a two-game win streak..
Blues forward Dylan Holloway returned after missing the last 15 games with an ankle injury.
Hyman has 17 goals in his last 20 games, the most by any player in the league since Dec. 11.
Nugent-Hopkins, who was honored in a pregame ceremony, is the first player in Oilers history to hit 1,000 games while playing them all with Edmonton. Only Kevin Lowe has played more games in Oilers franchise history, logging 1,037 games played between his two stints with the squad. Nugent-Hopkins has 283 goals and 503 assists .
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Half-accusingly and half-jokingly, Patrick Roy said to go find some wood to knock on. Good health this late into a season is always a risky topic to bring up, after all.
Particularly so for Adam Pelech, who last got through a season without missing serious time in 2021-22. Not coincidentally, that year was also the only time in his career Pelech was voted to the All-Star Game.
Forty-eight games in, though, with Game 49 on Monday against the Canucks, Pelech has avoided injury. Not coincidentally, he’s quietly putting together what’s on pace to be his best season since he was last fully healthy.
“It makes a big difference,” Pelech told The Post after the Islanders practiced at Rogers Arena on Sunday. “It’s tough missing time, right? You’re on the shelf, rehabbing, whatever. Meanwhile, everyone else, all your teammates, are getting better every day. It’s tough missing time to injury.
Adam Pelech (3) celebrates his goal during the second period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at UBS Arena, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Elmont, NY. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
“Unfortunately, I’ve had some bad luck the past few seasons. Knock on wood, I’ve been healthy this season. It makes a big difference.”
Pelech has never put up many points, and this season is no exception. He has just seven. Defensively, though, he’s been as good as ever.
His 52.79 expected goals percentage leads Islanders defensemen, and he’s second only to Ryan Pulock in on-ice goals against per 60 minutes, according to Evolving Hockey.
He’s also been central to the penalty kill’s transformation into a top 10 unit after years of languishing near the bottom of the league.
“We’re coached extremely well, for sure,” Pelech said of the PK. “Good plan every night. The coaches put a lot of work in to make sure we have the best opportunity to succeed and then just getting the reps in, sticking to the system and getting great goaltending.”
It’s a little ironic that Pelech and Pulock are both having renaissance seasons when they’ve barely been partnered with each other. The two formed a stalwart top pair for the Islanders during the club’s deep playoff runs under Barry Trotz, and know each other’s games inside and out.
Pulock, though, has been cemented as Matthew Schaefer’s partner since November, as has Pelech with Tony DeAngelo. That seems to work well for all four of the players, as it creates two pairs with a primary offensive defenseman (Schaefer and DeAngelo) and one who’s comfortable sitting back in the play (Pelech and Pulock).
“Me and Tony have been getting better and better, developing chemistry together,” Pelech said. “What I love about playing with him, really smart player. Makes the game easy for his D-partner. I think we’ve been going well. And then [I’ve been] doing things that have always made me successful. Defensively, being a guy who’s dependable and the penalty kill’s been great too.”
New York Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech (3) moves the puck down ice as Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Oliver Bjorkstrand (22) defends during the first period at UBS Arena, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in Elmont, NY. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Throughout their current road trip, of which Monday marks the sixth game, the Islanders have leaned heavily on their defense, spending significant time in their own zone as they struggle to sustain possession and offensive zone time with star center Bo Horvat injured. For the most part, they’ve survived by doing that, though Saturday’s 4-2 loss to the Flames was their worst game of the trip.
“I’d say that our D corps, the three of them: Pully and Schaef and Pelly’s been playing really well for us,” Roy said. “Tony D’s been a good addition with Pelly. I understand Pelly’s playing the big role and helps Tony D to be more free in the offense a bit.
“… I feel like whoever plays with Pelly will have success because of the way he handles it and the way he comes to play. He’s a real pro. He’s fun to have around us and we’re very blessed to have him on our team.”
The decision was finally made to pull Ketel Marte off the trade market. Was this the right move?
James: If the right price was not met, then there is no reason to trade him. I have no particular desire for the team to trade Ketel Marte. By the same token, if they were able to land good, controllable starting pitching in exchange for Marte, there is a strong case to be made that moving Marte would have been the right call. However, yes, it was time to stop with the insanity. Clearly no teams were willing to meet the price. It was time to pull him off the market and prepare to move forward with Marte as the team’s starting second baseman for 2026.
Spencer: Right move? I don’t know. We don’t know what type of offers were coming in. Nor do we know what type of offer Hazen was willing to accept. Marte is one of my all time favorite players. I’d rather have him than not (even though there were certainly players I’d have been happy to have in his place as well). But trading a star from Arizona is near impossible. No fanbase will ever be pleased with a star’s trade return, but in Arizona especially, there’s a lot of unnecessary animosity because the Goldy situation was so misunderstood. Which in turn makes every deal he makes poorly analyzed and “negative” online.
DBacksEurope: I really never understood the trade-off between trading Marte, his relatively low AAV and All-Star production, getting some stuff in return and then adding an expensive, for this team, Alex Bregman, if at all. After the Nick Piecoro piece this summer and the whole Marte shopping, I wonder if the relationship between him and the team has soured and it’ll affect his production. So, to be fair, I think the Diamondbacks should have traded him because of that although I prefer seeing him play in Sedona red.
Jim: Yeah, I think so. It’s reasonable to listen to offers for any player, especially when the return could allow you to fill multiple holes. But there’s a point beyond which waiting isn’t going to make the price increase any further, and it feels like there was a significant gap between what Hazen wanted, and what he was being offered. You can’t have a player with a ‘For Sale’ hanging over them permanently, and it’s only fair to Marte to have certainty in this matter. I hope it doesn’t impact Marte’s performance, especially since he’ll now have full 10/5 trade protection.
Ben: The fan in me would have been extremely upset with a Marte trade and I found the entire saga to be somewhat tiresome too. He’s an excellent player, he’s signed to an incredibly team-friendly contract, and he’s been an incredible leader off and on the field to a still-young team. But if I switch to my hypothetical GM hat, trading Marte now made a lot of sense and might have been the better call on a longer time horizon. This is probably Marte’s sell-high point. At 32, he’s likely going to start seeing some signs of decline, he’ll soon reach his 10/5 rights which will make it more difficult to trade him, and the team still desperately needs some long-term answers on the pitching side. Clearly Hazen didn’t get the kind of offer he wanted and I don’t envy him for even having to entertain the idea.
Makakilo: In general, the Diamondbacks seem to do better in trades than they do in signing free agents. My take is that for some unknown reasons, GM Mike Hazen has great wisdom when trading players. I trust that the Diamondbacks’ lack of execution of any Marte trade reflects that wisdom.
ISH95: I never understood shopping him in the first place. It always felt like there was a piece of information that was missing as to why they were being so aggressive about it. Glad to see it over.
Nolan Arenado is now a Diamondback, completing furthering the Diamondbacks acquisition of the late 2010 Card’s infield. How much do you think he has left in the tank?
James: If he can stay above 1.0 bWAR for each of the next two seasons, I will be impressed. I do think that the move to Chase Field for his home games might have a small impact on his terrible 2025 batting numbers. Hopefully, Arenado takes a few more seasons before he is well and truly gassed. I think expecting him to be anything more than league average is probably wishful thinking. But, if it solidifies the defense and lights a fire under other potential third basemen in the system, I’ll take it.
Spencer: I was a notorious hater on Longo for too long. My initial reaction (and continuing one) for this move is not good. However, at the price point, it’s perfectly fine. I would rather have invested that money into the bullpen personally but the team disagreed. I’m sure the team is hoping his third base defensive ability can be taught to one of the young names we all know, but I suspect his real value is to Marte; both players have expectations of being clubhouse leaders from small(er) NL West clubs but aren’t that type of personality. We kept Marte; Colorado traded Arenado. Maybe, just maybe, he can instill some words of wisdom into Marte and the team on how best to move past a messy offseason.
DBacksEurope: For the 11MM that Arenado will cost the next two years, it is a perfectly fine addition. He should still showcase some good defence at third base. I believe he is a better option there than a full season of either Blaze or Lawlar at that corner. I don’t think it is odd to expect a 2 WAR season of Arenado, which would be league average. Last season he was a bit unlucky, says BABIP.
Jim: Enough? As I noted before, the price here is very favorable, compared to what free agents with not much better projections have been getting on the open market. I don’t expect him to be All-Star level. But it does seem that the pool at Chase Field has acted like a fountain of youth the past few years, working its magic on the likes of Evan Longoia and Eugenio Suarez. But I do think his talents will be equally as valuable, if not more so, outside games. The team still needs a long-term solution at third, and whether it ends up being Blaze, Jordan or another prospect, you can’t have a much better mentor than Arenado.
Ben: If he can produce somewhere between his 2025 (1.3 bWAR) and 2024 (2.5 bWAR), it will be well worth the extremely reasonable price the team paid for him. Almost all of Eugenio Suarez’s value last year came from his incredible slugging year he had last season. Obviously, Arenado won’t provide the same kind of offensive threat, but he’s still one of the best active defensive third-basemen and he could be an invaluable mentor for the team’s young infielders.
Makakilo: He has a lot in the tank, both offensively and defensively. For more details, see my article which is scheduled to post on 20 January.
ISH95: Someone has to play third base, I guess, and the cost is basically nil if Arenado is the one who does it. He does still provide value with his glove, with curtails with the team’s stated goals for next season. Offensively, I’ll be happy for a tick below league average. Part of me also wants to read too much into this and try to glean information about what the team thinks about the Blazes, Lawlers, et al of the world, but I’ll resist the urge
Which of these moves were the most surprising to you?
James: Acquiring Nolan Arenado. Despite Jack’s article back in November, I honestly didn’t see Arenado agreeing to come to AZ. Also, with all the other needs the team has, I simply wasn’t focused on the team picking up yet another aging veteran star.
Spencer: Bringing back Merrill Kelly at market value. I never really doubted he’d be back (something was different about the way he discussed the desire to return compared to other players who do so with their first/most important teams), but I did expect a discount to help put a winner around him. That was not to be. Good for Merrill and good on the team. But man I do wonder how many games the bullpen and outfield are going to cost Merrill as a result.
If this was meant to just be between Nolan and Ketel, Nolan surprised me more.
DBacksEurope: I was surprised Nolan Arenado had included the Diamondbacks as one of the teams he would approve a move to.
Jim: I think the lack of moves to address the bullpen surprises me most, given how problematic it was last year. At time of writing, the only guaranteed MLB contract to a reliever is the return of Mr. Taylor Clarke. Still time though, and Jack’s semi-cryptic Tweet seems to indicate there will be further moves coming, somewhere. I’ll adopt my parental stance and say nothing more prophetic than “We’ll see.”
Ben: I’m not sure which moves this question is specifically referencing, but Arenado is much more surprising to me. He makes a lot of sense positionally for the team, but I’m with everyone else in my (pleasant) surprise that he agreed to a trade with them. There are plenty of contending teams making moves who would have benefitted from a short- or medium-term solution at third like Arenado including the Reds and the Mets.
Kyle Tucker and the Dodgers broke more records. Does this add fuel to the fire of Labor Strife or was it already maxed out?
James: I think the likes of the A’s, Marlins, and the Pirates will have as much to do with the ongoing labour strife as the Dodgers. Noticeably, the Pirates and A’s have both been spending beyond their norms this winter. But I do think that Kyle Tucker landing in at $60 million per year is going to create yet more waves. Yes, many teams that are complaining about the Dodgers could help themselves by spending more. On the other hand, the Dodgers will be deferring more payroll than the entire net worth of many of the smaller ownerships, like Kendrick and Castellini. That sort of disparity is not sustainable, at least, not if MLB wants to continue to thrive. Something is going to need to be done to narrow the gap. Eliminating deferred payments will do precious little to help unless other changes are also made. Since even the deferred money still needs to be funded each year.
Spencer: For fans I think this pushes them to the brink. I work with a Dodgers fan who thinks this move cost the league the entire 2027 season (he’s not as upset by that as we are). I work with Reds fans who are actively advocating for 2028 to be reduced as well for massive change.
I don’t know what change will work or is the best middle ground. A true salary cap/floor isn’t the answer. But I’m sure some fans would be fine eliminating deferred payments for teams above the luxury tax would be amenable. And I’m not sure anyone is against adding a “poverty” tax line that would see Miami/Pittsburgh/Las Vegas pay into revenue sharing for coming in below [insert amount here] the way the Dodgers and Mets do. Forcing a sale of the Dodgers would be interesting. Options exist. But I’ve watched this league fumble many significant opportunities in my 32 years on the planet, so I expect we get next to no meaningful change and the sport as a whole continues to die the slow painful death they’ve been pushing for this millennium.
DBacksEurope: A salary cap will only hurt players. More concerning are all the deferrals. Ohtani’s deferrals are death for competition in baseball. Besides, in a healthy business model, kicking forward that much money is not sustainable since you are banking on the future to be still as bright as it is now (in the Dodgers case). The league should not allow that. The problem with these huge contracts is that players are trying to make up for all the money they missed because of that communist arbitration process. Alex Bregman won’t be the star he was six years ago nor the productive guy he was 3 years ago. Yet he is earning more money than in those years. Isn’t that the whole problem in baseball? That said, I don’t know why we force baseball players to play into their 40s. Maybe some age well, but the majority don’t. The Pujols I remember is the one from the 2015 season and on (before that I had pretty much forgotten about baseball) and though he wasn’t horrible, I think it is safe to say that he played for that long because he had a contract to fulfill.
Jim: My MLB interest has been a veritable roller-coaster of emotions over the past few years. After crashing during COVID and immediately after, it rebounded to an almost high during the 2023 run to the World Series. But since then, the realization the regular season is going to be a procession for the foreseeable future has all but killed enthusiasm, realizing the D-backs’ only hope of a division title lies in re-alignment. I don’t particularly blame the Dodgers. I blame Manfred for sitting back and letting them do it without any effective action. The fact that, including tax, the Dodgers’ payroll this year will now be $115 million more than anyone else is almost as ludicrous as Dodger fans bleating, “Any owner could do this!” If they could lock-out the 2026 season, I’d not mind.
Ben: It probably adds a little more fuel to the fire, but only marginally. I think it’s fascinating that Tucker turned down a much longer contract with the Blue Jays for a shorter one with a higher AAV. I understand fan frustration with the seemingly endless ability for the Dodgers to sign anyone, but I’m still unconvinced that a salary cap will adequately address those frustrations. I also don’t think it will address any lingering parity concerns either as I’ve detailed before. Makakilo: The best resolutions to the labor strife will be the ones that contribute the most to the growth of baseball fans. While fans cheer for their favorite teams, they also like competitive/(evenly matched) teams playing so that underdog teams have chances. As I wrote my answer, an idea reached my awareness. If, instead of all teams starting at zero wins, maybe the teams at the bottom could start the season with ghost wins. That idea has the potential to add teams to the competition for the playoffs. And in the playoffs, sometimes a surprise team can play surprisingly well.
ISH95: This is just the two parties in the divorce fighting as they walk up the court steps. The decision to divorce/lockout has already been made, they’re just filling time now.
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina, Italy will be a dream realized for several NHL players, as the league has not participated in the Olympics since 2014 in Sochi, Russia.
There are some, such as Pittsburgh Penguins' captain Sidney Crosby and top defenseman Erik Karlsson, who have been there before and are, potentially, set to particpate for the final time in their careers. There are also some young players who are experiencing it for what is, hopefully, only the first time.
But there are others - many others - who never had the benefit of a chance at participating, even if they're a decade or more into their NHL careers.
And one of those players is Penguins' forward Rickard Rakell.
After being named to Team Sweden for the 2026 Games, Rakell will finally have his chance of a lifetime. And it will come within a calendar year that has also included representation at the 4 Nations Tournament last February and a trip to Stockholm - albeit, while injured - for the NHL Global Series.
“It's kind of, like, all of my dreams coming true in hockey in one year," Rakell said. "It's been really special first to get the chance to represent Sweden at the 4 Nations tournament. That was so cool to just be a part of that and play those games, and I'll get the chance to play for Sweden in the Olympics.
"It's a dream come true for me. First time, first chance for me to go there and do that. So, I'm just going to take it all in and leave it all out there. Just have a chance to win a gold medal.”
Of course, Rakell was only 20 years old and toggling between the NHL and AHL back in 2014. He is one of many NHL players - and teammates, including players of similar age like Filip Forsberg, Alex Wennberg, and Mika Zibanejad - who are on the the back nine of their careers but never really had the chance to represent at the Olympic Games.
Now, they finally will get a chance, and they will get to do it as a collective unit that is all looking forward to experiencing it for the first time.
"I'm very familiar with the players that are on that team," Rakell said. "There's just so much excitement to get the chance to play together with them and have all those players on the same team and just see what you can do together.”
And they will get that chance because of the effort the NHL has put in to get itself back on the international scene. The 4 Nations Tournament last season - at which Canada bested Team USA in the gold medal game - acted as a sort of guinea pig for the NHL to gauge interest in international tournaments.
Rakell believes it's important for the NHL to keep up its international presence and continue making efforts to go to the Olympics not only because it keeps more eyes watching hockey, but also because it's such a unique experience for the players - even if it alters the regular season a bit.
“I think it's been great," Rakell said. "Even though it changes our schedule a little bit, especially with the Olympics since that's going on for such a long time, the NHL season has to compress a little bit. But, at the same time, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me.
He smiled. "I like playing hockey games, so I don't mind it."
Tournaments like 4 Nations and the Olympics being mid-season also helps a bit in terms of preparation and approach. Rakell said that having mid-season tournaments can work both ways, whether a player is on a heater going into it or struggling.
And, because they're already in mid-season form, it makes the training and transition aspect of it easier.
Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Sweden defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) celebrates with teammates William Nylander (88) and Rickard Rakell (67) after scoring a goal against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
"It kind of goes both ways," Rakell said. "If you are playing really well, you want to keep that up in those tournaments if you're already feeling really good going into those tournaments. While, I think, if you're maybe struggling a little bit, there's a chance, an opportunity, to get a change of scenery and just reset.
"And I think everybody who is going to play are thinking a lot about the Olympics. After that, it will hopefully end the way you want it to, and you just come back and focus on the rest of the season. So, it's kind of nice.”
And the preparation isn't all about the physical and mental side of things, either. There is also an aspect of communication, as each Olympic team has to convene and strategize as much as possible in the lead-up to the tournament.
"I've talked to a few guys, and I think it will be just more and more going forward here in the next few weeks leading into the tournament," Rakell said. "I mean, we don't have much time from when we leave from New York to the tournament until games start. So, you try to prepare as much as you can, and you get together and just talk about systems and expectations so you don't have to do that when you get there.”
Communication shouldn't be too difficult with one Swedish teammate, though. Rakell may have the chance to go with his Pittsburgh teammate in Karlsson, who was named to the final roster but is currently out with a lower-body injury. His status for the Games remains unclear, but he is practicing non-contact and travelled with the team on their Western road trip.
He and Karlsson have become good friends during their three shared seasons in Pittsburgh, and Rakell mentioned that they both have a sharp appetite to compete in the Games.
"I think we're both hungry to win something, and we'll get the chance to do that together," Rakell said. "We've been playing together for a few years now, and we've become really good friends. So, I think that would be really special for us.”
But it doesn't end there. Rakell will have the full support of his family and friends, as his wife, Emmeli, his kids, his in-laws, his parents, and many others are making the trek over to Milan to witness him live out his childhood dream of playing on the world's biggest stage.
And that means more than anything else to Rakell, who is grateful for the chance to be surrounded by those who helped him get there in the first place.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," he said. "And I want to share it with them.”
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Hannah Stuelke had 22 points, Ava Heiden scored 20 and No. 11 Iowa beat No. 15 Michigan State 75-68 on Sunday night, snapping the Spartans' nine-game winning streak while extending the Hawkeyes' to six in a row.
Stuelke made 10 of 14 shots and 2 of 4 free throws for the Hawkeyes (16-2, 7-0 Big Ten Conference). She added nine rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block. Heiden hit 8 of 13 shots and 4 of 5 free throws, adding six rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Chazadi Wright had 11 points and five assists.
Grace VanSlooten had 17 points and seven rebounds to pace the Spartans (17-2, 6-2). Jalyn Brown scored 16 and Juliann Woodard added 14 points off the bench.
Stuelke made a layup and two free throws in the final 51 seconds and Chazadi Wright hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer as Iowa took a 22-16 lead in a first quarter that saw nine lead changes and two ties.
Addison Deal came off the bench to hit two 3-pointers, scoring all eight of her points in the second quarter to help the Hawkeyes take a 41-29 lead at halftime.
Another Wright 3-pointer gave Iowa its largest lead — 53-36 with 5:53 left in the third quarter. Michigan State chipped away and used Jalyn Brown's layup in the final minute to cut it to 65-56 heading to the fourth.
Brown hit a jumper to get the Spartans within 71-66 with 3:28 left but they would get no closer.
Iowa shot 53.6% overall while holding Michigan State to 44.6%.
Up next
Michigan State: Hosts Southern California on Thursday.
CHICAGO, IL – JANUARY 18: Matas Buzelis #14 of Chicago Bulls drives to the basket during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on January 18, 2026 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
It’s rare to have a regular season game where just about everyone’s attention in the arena is elsewhere. That’s where the fans at United Center found themselves on Sunday evening as the hometown Bears took on the Los Angeles Rams in the last game of the NFL Divisional Round. It was a thriller at Solider Field, but at the United Center, it was an easy, stress-free night of basketball.
The Brooklyn Nets were without Michael Porter Jr and Drake Powell tonight as they sat the first leg of a traveling back-to-back. To begin the game, Brooklyn got off to a good start as they found some early success from three point range.
However, the highlights ended there as the Bulls regained the lead and never looked back.
The Nets defense made a dramatic turnaround in December, and it started with their defense. They held teams to just 32.8% from deep, third lowest in the NBA and just 105.4 points per 100 possessions, tops in the league. The team defense has started to slip in January, as teams shot 37.2% from three against them in January, 21st in the league. Tonight, we saw why.
Chicago’s offense started to figure things out in the fourth quarter of Friday’s game. Although their rally fell short, they went 6-12 from three point range and felt incredibly confident coming into tonight’s game. That confidence shined early and often in the Windy City. In the first half, the Bulls went 12-20 from three point range. The Nets’ switching defense wasn’t as in sync as they normally are and there were numerous breakdowns in their coverage. Coby White was the beneficiary of those lapses as his five first half threes
It was over early and the lead grew to as big as 27 points in the second half. The Nets tried switching things up by going with a starting five of Nolan Traore-Cam Thomas-Tyrese Martin-Jalen Wilson-Nic Claxton combination. As far as I could tell doing a quick scan of the NBA’s lineup data and in Basketball-Reference, it was the first time Jordi Fernandez went to that pairing. It didn’t help as the Bulls built their lead to 26 before the Nets went to the bench. With the game fully in hand, it was a slow crawl to the finish line and everyone could focus on the win the city is desperately hoping for over at Soldier Field.
“[We were] lacking on the defense, especially in the first half,” Fernández said post-game. “[To allow] 70 points in the first half, that’s not good enough. I don’t think it was good either in the second, but I don’t think we played hard consistently. We tried at times [but] our purpose was not there. That’s the battle we need to fight first, is to do everything as hard as you can to the best of your abilities, then put your mind on what you’re trying to do.
“Everything has to be done with purpose. You cannot just run around crazy and that’s it. So, that’s very important. No matter who we have out there … I believe we can go out, compete and win. And [Sunday] we didn’t compete to the best of our ability. So, I’m the first one to blame. Watch film [Monday], try to compete better.”
Final score: Chicago Bulls 124, Brooklyn Nets 102.
Milestone Watch
If you’re looking for a positive, Cam Thomas did tie his career high with ten assists on the night to only one turnover. CT’s playmaking has been a point of conversation throughout his time as a pro and a night like this should help him down the line. He had a season low (excluding the game he left early due to a hamstring injury) three points, but scoring has never been an issue for him.
Nolan Traoré set a career high in points (16) and three pointers made (four) off the bench, and with the team likely to be sitting players in their next game, has an opportunity to carve out even more minutes for himself.
With the loss, the Nets remain in fifth in the Tankathon lottery ratings, one game behind the Utah Jazz and fourth and a half behind the Indiana Pacers who are in first four-and-a-half games ahead (behind?) the Nets.
Next up
MIAMI, FLORIDA – JANUARY 13: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns celebrates during the second quarter against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on January 13, 2026 in Miami, Florida. 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. (Photo by Tomas Diniz Santos/Getty Images)
Speaking of the next game, it’s a quick turnaround for Brooklyn. The Nets are back in action tomorrow night against a surprising Phoenix Suns team. Tip off on MLK Day at 7:30 p.m. ET.
As Ja Morant was leaving London, he told the media he didn’t want to leave Memphis.
The high-flying floor general dropped 20 points and 10 assists with no turnovers in the first half of the Memphis Grizzlies’ 126-109 win over the Orlando Magic during Sunday’s NBA London Games.
Morant — who finished with 24 points, 13 assists and 3-of-4 made 3-pointers — insisted that he does not want to be traded amid rumors that his departure from the Grizzlies could be pending.
Ja Morant (12) returned in a big way, putting up 24 points and 13 assists in a 126-109 win over the Orlando Magic. NBAE via Getty Images
Morant, who made his return to the lineup after a six-game absence, discussed being back on the court following the performance.
“Just being able to play basketball is very therapeutic for me,” he said. “I know what I’m capable of and I was able to show that tonight and see the love from people I’m meeting for the first time. It was big time. Just walking off and representing Memphis is what it’s all about.”
Ja Morant missed six consecutive games before his return. NBAE via Getty Images
Morant has been the subject of trade rumors in recent weeks, with potential ties to the Bucks, Heat, Pelicans and Toronto Raptors, among others.
In the event Morant is traded, a deal is not expected to yield a ton for the controversial star, who has missed 178 games out of a possible 391 since the start of the 2021-22 season — including playoffs.
Before Sunday’s outburst, Morant had been averaging 19 points and 7.6 assists per game, with career lows in field goal percentage (40.1 percent) and three-point percentage (20.8 percent).
But if his latest effort is any indication, Morant seemingly hopes to string together more of these outings in the same place he’s called home throughout his pro career.
Former big league knuckleballer Wilbur Wood died on Saturday at the age of 84.
Wood led the major leagues in games pitched twice and games started four times during the course of his 17-year MLB career, which included time with the Red Sox, Pirates and a 12-year stint with the White Sox.
Pitcher Wilbur Wood of the Chicago White Sox in 1973. Getty Images
In 1972, Wood set the record for most innings thrown by a pitcher since 1917, when he threw 376 ⅔ innings that season for the White Sox and made 49 starts that year – the most since 1908 – two marks that have not been matched since.
Wood, who was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, had been a star player for Belmont High School growing up.
During his professional career, he was a three-time American League All-Star and recorded four 20-win seasons.
His career spanned from 1961 to 1978, and he finished with a 164-156 record.
Wood made his major league debut at the age of 19 in 1961 with the Red Sox.
“He was a real hot-shot pitcher,” Roland Hemond, the former Sox executive who then was a minor-league director for the Milwaukee Braves, told the Chicago Tribune.
“I first met Wilbur in 1960 when our scout Jeff Jones sent him to Milwaukee for a tryout right after he had graduated from high school. He was a fuzzy-faced, chubby little guy who didn’t throw very hard. I watched him throw batting practice but I couldn’t get very excited about him.
Wilbur Wood pitches for the Chicago White Sox circa 1970. Getty Images
“After his workout, I brought him up to the press room in County Stadium with my wife, and we fed him hot dogs. We did discover he had a good appetite. He was such a likable little guy, it was tough to tell him he didn’t throw hard enough and we weren’t interested.”
Wood had become known for his knuckleball, which he had thrown from time to time early in his career, but he started working on it with Hoyt Wilhelm when Wood arrived in Chicago.
“I was lucky because when I came to the Sox, Hoyt Wilhelm was still with them — probably the greatest knuckleball pitcher of all,” Wood said, per the Tribune. “He told me if I was going to throw the knuckleball, I should junk the rest of my pitches. I wasn’t doing any good with them anyway, so I took his advice. I had nothing to lose.”
Following the end of his baseball career, he went on to work at a pharmaceutical company.
The Nets stayed winless without Michael Porter Jr., and this time they didn’t even show any fight in his absence.
With their star being rested, the Nets got embarrassed 124-102 by the Bulls before 19,753 at United Center.
It was a non-effort so galling that Jordi Fernández yanked four of his five starters to open the second half, sparing only Nic Claxton.
“Our energy was off from the jump and they exploited us defensively,” Claxton admitted. “When our energy isn’t right, no coverage will work.”
And none of them worked Sunday.
The Nets (12-28) fell behind by 27 and got routed.
Brooklyn Nets’ Egor Demin (8) goes up for a shot against Chicago Bulls’ Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Chicago. AP
“[We were] lacking on the defense, especially in the first half,” Fernández said. “[To allow] 70 points in the first half, that’s not good enough. I don’t think it was good either in the second, but I don’t think we played hard consistently. We tried at times [but] our purpose was not there. That’s the battle we need to fight first, is to do everything as hard as you can to the best of your abilities, then put your mind on what you’re trying to do.
“Everything has to be done with purpose. You cannot just run around crazy and that’s it. So, that’s very important. No matter who we have out there … I believe we can go out, compete and win. And [Sunday] we didn’t compete to the best of our ability. So, I’m the first one to blame. Watch film [Monday], try to compete better.”
The lack of competitiveness is what was most vexing.
The loss itself was hardly shocking. The Nets are 0-8 without Porter, and have been outscored by 16.1 in those defeats. But Sunday’s result was vexing because of their fight, or lack thereof.
None scored more than rookie Nolan Traore’s career-high 16 points, 10 of those in a garbage-time fourth quarter where Brooklyn trailed by 24 going in. The offense without Porter sputtered. But the other end was far worse.
The Nets defense got carved up, allowing a season-worst 41 assists on 49 Bulls baskets. They conceded 52.1 percent shooting, including 69.6 percent in a first quarter that saw them dig themselves into a 19-point hole.
Danny Wolf of the Brooklyn Nets drives to the basket as Issac Okoro of the Chicago Bulls plays defense during the game on January 18, 2026 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NBAE via Getty Images
The Nets capitulated after giving up an 18-3 run. They trailed just 21-17 after Cam Thomas (career-high tying 10 assists) found Day’Ron Sharpe for a layup. But they let the Bulls hit eight of their next nine shots, a Tre Jones layup leaving the Nets down 39-20 with 25.6 seconds left in the first.
Fernández had seen enough, pulling starters Danny Wolf, Terance Mann, Egor Dëmin and Noah Clowney at halftime. He opened the third quarter with Traore, Thomas, Jalen Wilson and Tyrese Martin playing alongside Claxton.
“Yeah, it can be rough, but it’s a part of the game. You’ve got to be able to adjust. That’s what we’re dealing with this year. You’ve got to be ready for whatever lineups and our energy needs to be consistent,” Claxton said.
“I thought that group with Nic had good energy. They played the right way,” Fernández said. “And I didn’t feel that energy from the other group. Still, everybody played, just shuffling around and trying to find a way for our guys to react, but didn’t really happen.”
Cam Thomas of the Brooklyn Nets drives to the basket during the game against the Chicago Bulls on January 18, 2026 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NBAE via Getty Images
The deficit still reached 103-76 with 8:29 left on a 3 by Ayo Dosunmu (19 points).
Coby White led the Bulls with a game-high 24.
While Traore had 16 points on 4-for-5 shooting from deep, both career-highs, the Nets offense sputtered without Porter.
Thomas’ 10 assists tied a career-high, set last season against these same Bulls in March, but he had just three points on 1-for-6 shooting. Clowney shot 3-for-11 and finished minus-18.
“They just kept playing harder than us,” Martin said.
“We’ve got to just turn the page quick, have short-term memory. We know we’ve got to come out prepared to play,” Claxton said of Monday’s games against visiting Phoenix. “Our process just wasn’t right. We’ve just got to be better all around.”
The Nets are fifth in the lottery odds, a game ahead of Utah and one behind Sacramento pending the Kings’ tilt versus visiting Portland.
CHICAGO (AP) — Coby White scored 24 points, Ayo Dosunmu had 19 and the Chicago Bulls beat the Brooklyn Nets 124-102 on Sunday night to split a home-and-home set.
The Nets won the opener 112-109 on Friday night in Brooklyn.
Nikola Vucevic added 17 points, 11 rebounds and six assists for Chicago. Matas Buzelis also scored 17 points.
Nolan Traore scored 16 points for Brooklyn. Danny Wolf and Jalen Wilson each had 14. The Nets have lost nine of 11.
Dosunmu had 3-pointers at the beginning and end of a 10-0 run late in the first quarter to help the Bulls take a 39-22 lead into the second. Chicago led 70-51 at the half and the advantage stayed above 20 points for most of the second half.
The Bulls average more than 20,000 fans at the United Center, but there were plenty of empty seats at tip-off, which came 30 minutes after the Los Angeles Rams and Bears kicked off their NFC division round game a few miles away at Soldier Field. The Bears’ first touchdown occurred just before an early timeout and got a loud roar from the crowd when a replay was shown on the video board.
Up next
Nets: Host Phoenix on Monday night.
Bulls: Host the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night.
![Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Sweden defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) celebrates with teammates William Nylander (88) and Rickard Rakell (67) after scoring a goal against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images](https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_hockey_news_pittsburgh_penguins_articles_513/a7a3fd57d2c18b9e822043b355638d9b)
