Defending national champion Florida shot its way out of the AP Top 25. It was Florida’s fifth loss — one more than it had last season — and was the team’s latest display of lackluster shooting and less-than-ideal playmaking. The Gators (9-5, 0-1 SEC) failed to hit double-digit 3-pointers for the 12th time in 14 games and shot a paltry 26% from behind the arc in a 76-74 loss to the Tigers.
Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn gets stitches after hitting face on ice, likely out for next games
Jan 4, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) is helped to his feet after being injured during the third period against the Montreal Canadiens at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Jerome Miron/Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn got stitches in his nose and isn’t expected to be with the team for its next couple of games after hitting his face on the ice in the last game.
Coach Glen Gulutzan said Benn was still being evaluated after he fell following contact with a Montreal player early in the third period of the Stars’ 4-3 overtime loss. Benn was bleeding while being helped off the ice and to the locker room, and he didn’t return to the game.
The Stars, who have a five-game losing streak, play their next six on the road.
Gulutzan said he didn’t expect Benn for the first part of that trip, at Carolina and the following night at Washington. But Gulutzan said the captain could join them for the West Coast portion of the stretch, which starts at San Jose.
Benn is one of only four NHL veteran players who don’t wear visors. They are grandfathered in from an NHL rule that went into place before the 2013-14 season requiring the facial protection.
The 36-year-old Benn, in his 17th NHL season and all with the Stars, has seven goals and seven assists in 23 games this season. He missed the first 19 games while recovering from a punctured lung he sustained in preseason.
Phillies hire Don Mattingly as bench coach, reuniting him with GM son Preston
PHILADELPHIA — Don Mattingly made up his mind that 2025 would be his last season in baseball. The 1985 AL MVP and former manager would retire after one final season as a bench coach in Toronto, without or without the World Series ring he’s fruitlessly chased since his rookie season with the New York Yankees in 1983.
Mattingly reversed course during a year in which the Blue Jays won the AL pennant because of meaningful talks with his son.
No, not Preston Mattingly, the Phillies general manager who is now his dad’s boss after Donnie Baseball signed a multi-year deal to serve under Rob Thomson as bench coach. Well, at least not entirely — father and son had plenty of conversations about role and responsibilities for the reigning NL East champion Phillies.
Give 11-year-old son Louis Mattingly the bulk of the credit for flipping dad’s decision.
“(He) was kind of like, ‘Dad, you can’t stop. You’ve got to keep going,’” Mattingly said with a laugh. “I was like, oh, I don’t know about this. But that kind of helped change it a little bit, because I do worry about him missing school and all that stuff that he does.”
The 64-year-old Mattingly decided he had more to give the game after the Blue Jays lost the World Series in seven games to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Mattingly gets to chase that ring working for his son, his friend from their old Yankees days in Thomson and maybe even help Bryce Harper — an MVP and a first baseman like Mattingly — regain his elite form.
Mattingly, who will be spending his 23rd straight season as a major league manager and coach, left his role as Toronto’s bench coach under manager John Schneider after the World Series.
“I felt like my mission going to Toronto was, in a sense, accomplished from the standpoint of just helping a young manager get started, who’s really talented, a really good manager,” Mattingly said. “I knew that part of my job was going to be finished.”
Mattingly replaced Mike Calitri, who became the Phillies’ major league field coordinator.
“I just think we’re adding a great voice, a guy that’s had a lot of experience doing this, great pedigree and we’re adding really solid, solid guy to a great coaching staff,” Thomson said.
Mattingly managed the Dodgers from 2011-15 and the Marlins from 2016-22. He was the 2020 NL Manager of the Year after he led the Marlins to their first playoff appearance since 2003.
He said he no longer had interest in managing again.
“I don’t think I have the energy for that anymore,” Mattingly said.
Mattingly played 14 seasons as a first baseman in the major leagues, all for the Yankees, from 1982-95. He was a six-time American League All-Star and the 1985 AL Most Valuable Player before retiring. Mattingly captained the Yankees in his final five seasons. He never reached the playoffs until 1995, when he hit .417 with a homer and six RBIs in the five-game Division Series loss to Seattle.
Mattingly’s production had been diminished by back injuries since at least 1990, and he finished with a .307 career average, 222 homers and 1,099 RBIs. He received only six votes from the contemporary era committee and fell short again in December of making the Hall of Fame.
“I try not to let myself get optimistic,” Mattingly said. “This year, I was a little optimistic. It seemed there was some sort of momentum. I told myself I won’t do that again.”
Philadelphia won the NL East for the second straight season and were eliminated by the Dodgers in the NL Division Series. They’ve reached the playoffs four straight seasons under Thomson — reaching the World Series in 2022 — but have yet to win the franchise’s first title since 2008.
The Mattinglys would like to end that streak together.
“To be able to do it with him,” Mattingly said, “would be incredible.”
How to watch Golden State Warriors vs LA Clippers: TV/live stream info for tonight's game
Don't miss tonight's Peacock NBA Monday tripleheader. The action begins at 7:00 PM ET when the New York Knicks take on the Detroit Pistons. Then, at 8:30 PM, the Denver Nuggets go head-to-head with the Philadelphia 76ers. At 10:00 PM, the action heats up on the West Coast with a Golden State Warriors vs LA Clippers showdown.
RELATED:NBA power rankings: Pistons take over top spot
See below for additional information on how to watch each game and follow all of the NBA action on NBC and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the course of the 2025-2026 season.
Click here to sign up for Peacock!
Golden State Warriors:
The Warriors defeated the Utah Jazz 123-114 on Saturday. Stephen Curry scored 31 points, including six three-pointers. The two-time MVP is averaging 30.2 points per game over his last 10 games played.
Pullin' up from deeeeeep @Chase || Play of the Game pic.twitter.com/jNzm6SiF83
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 4, 2026
Jimmy Butler and Quinten Post each finished with 15 points in Saturday's victory.
RELATED:Watch Warriors Draymond Green get ejected (again) for arguing call
LA Clippers:
The Clippers fell 146-115 to the Boston Celtics on Saturday, ending their six-game win streak. The loss marked the most points allowed by the Clippers (146) and the worst margin of defeat (31) this season.
Kawhi Leonard finished with 22 points. The two-time NBA Champion and Finals MVP is averaging 36.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.7 steals, and 1.4 blocks over the last seven games.
RELATED:Clippers wing Derrick Jones Jr. suffers Grade 2 MCL sprain, to be re-evaluated in six weeks
How to watch Golden State Warriors vs LA Clippers:
- When: Tonight, Monday, January 5
- Where: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA
- Time: 10:00 PM ET
- Live Stream:Peacock
Fantasy managers expected big things from Maxey, and he has delivered thus far.
Raphielle JohnsonWhat other NBA games are on tonight?
- New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons - 7:00 PM ET on Peacock and NBCSN
- Denver Nuggets vs Philadelphia 76ers - 8:30 PM ET on Peacock and NBCSN
With the holidays in the rearview mirror, the Week 12 NBA schedule is more evenly spread out.
How to watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock:
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
How to sign up for Peacock:
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you’re in the mood for.
NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule
Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.
What devices does Peacock support?
You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.
Miami’s Carson Beck, Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss take different paths to College Football Playoff
Their paths will converge in the desert at the Fiesta Bowl, with a spot in the national championship game on the line.
Penguins Captain Sidney Crosby Named NHL's Second Star Of The Week
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is less than 24 hours removed from giving the Penguins their fifth-straight win.
He came off the bench in overtime to win the game on a breakaway, showcasing his vintage backhand. Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves had no chance on the shot.
That goal capped off a brilliant week for Crosby, who recorded four goals and eight points in four games. His production earned him the NHL's Second Star of the Week.
87 just being 87 ⭐️
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 5, 2026
Sidney Crosby recorded four goals, four assists, and eight points in four games, earning @NHL Second Star of the Week honors.
Details: https://t.co/AI3jIoeNTlpic.twitter.com/DlAAI4akx5
All four games resulted in wins, and the Penguins are on a five-game winning streak heading into Thursday's game against the New Jersey Devils.
Crosby is also on a seven-game point streak, compiling five goals and 12 points during that time. He's also on pace for 48 goals and 94 points this season, which is simply outrageous for someone who is in his 21st season. He's simply on another level once again.
The Penguins are 20-12-9 through 41 games, good for 49 points. They are currently in the first wild card spot.
Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!
No. 23 Georgia’s high-scoring offense enjoys strong start in SEC opener despite rebounding concerns
An overtime win over Auburn in its Southeastern Conference opening game showed No. 23 Georgia’s high-scoring offense is no fluke.
Mavericks, Rockets to head to Macao, China, for two preseason games next fall
The NBA is sending the next generation of stars — Cooper Flagg and Amen Thompson among them — to help win over fans in China next fall.
The NBA China Games 2026 will feature the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets in two preseason games (Oct. 9 and 11) at The Venetian Arena in Macao, the league announced Monday. In addition to the games, the league will host interactive fan events, including NBA House and NBA Fan Day, as well as youth basketball clinics.
The NBA returned to China before the start of this season after a five-year absence in the wake of Daryl Morey tweeting support of anti-government protesters in Hong Kong (and the feeling in China was that the league did not come down on him hard enough for that).
"The games in Macao earlier this season showed how much passion and enthusiasm there is for the NBA among fans in China and across Asia," NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum said in a released statement. "We look forward to welcoming the Mavericks and Rockets to Macao and to once again engaging fans, aspiring players and the local community through the games and surrounding events."
These teams were chosen for a few reasons. One is that both teams are up-and-coming in the league and feature the next generation of stars, a trend the league is increasingly promoting (even if it feels like it was late to that game). Additionally, the Rockets have long had strong ties to China, dating back to Yao Ming's time with the team. In the case of the Mavericks, their owners — the Adelson family — also own Sands China, which owns and operates the Venetian hotel/casino where the game is being played.
"The success of The NBA China Games 2025 demonstrated the strength of the NBA in creating fan engagement and exciting experiences around the globe," said Patrick Dumont, the governor of the Dallas Mavericks as well as CEO of the Las Vegas Sands. "The NBA China Games 2026 will be another great opportunity to showcase the league, its world-class athletes and the excitement it brings."
This matchup brings significant star power to China, including Kevin Durant of the Rockets and international star Alperen Sengun. Dallas currently has Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis on the roster, but league sources expect some changes before next season as the team pivots to building around Flagg.
Miami’s defense has been airtight to fuel run to CFP semifinals. And now Ole Miss awaits
The biggest signing for Miami going into this season might not have been quarterback Carson Beck out of Georgia, wide receiver CJ Daniels out of LSU or defensive back Keionte Scott out of Auburn. It might have been the guy they got from Minnesota.
Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan basketball star questionable for Tuesday
“Yaxel is day to day,” Michigan basketball coach Dusty May said of star with Yaxel Lendeborg, who has a calf strain. “He’s feeling much better.”
Arizona holds No. 1 spot over Michigan by single point in one of the closest AP Top 25 races ever
The one-point difference kept the first poll of 2026 from becoming the second ever with a tie for No. 1; Oregon State and Virginia shared the top spot on Jan. 26, 1981.
Ex-Flyers Defender's Contract To Be Terminated By New Team
Former Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Egor Zamula has been placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Zamula being placed on unconditional waivers comes after he was suspended by Pittsburgh's AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins over the weekend. Now, with this news, Zamula's time with the Penguins organization is coming to an end before it started.
The Flyers traded Zamula to the Penguins last week in exchange for forward Philip Tomasino. This was after Zamula had one assist and a plus-4 rating in 13 games for Philadelphia this season. He also played in three games for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms before being traded to Pittsburgh, where he recorded two assists.
Now, if Zamula clears unconditional waivers, his contract will be terminated and he will become an unrestricted free agent (UFA). He certainly could generate interest as a UFA, as teams would be able to sign him at a lower price than his current $1.7 million cap hit.
In 168 games over six seasons with the Flyers, Zamula recorded eight goals, 33 assists, and 41 points.
How to watch Denver Nuggets vs Philadelphia 76ers: TV/live stream info for tonight's game
Don't miss tonight's Peacock NBA Monday tripleheader. The action begins at 7:00 PM ET when the New York Knicks take on the Detroit Pistons. Then, at 8:30 PM, the Denver Nuggets go head-to-head with the Philadelphia 76ers. At 10:00 PM, the action heats up on the West Coast with a Golden State Warriors vs LA Clippers showdown.
See below for additional information on how to watch each game and follow all of the NBA action on NBC and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the course of the 2025-2026 season.
Click here to sign up for Peacock!
Denver Nuggets:
The Nuggets have lost four of their last five games, most recently dropping back-to-back contests against the Cleveland Cavaliers (Jan. 2) and the Brooklyn Nets (Jan. 4). Both games were played without three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who is out for at least four weeks after hyperextending his left knee in the team's loss against the Heat on December 29.
Jokic is the only player in the league averaging a triple-double. He is currently sixth in the NBA in scoring with 29.6 points per game.
Philadelphia 76ers:
The 76ers defeated the New York Knicks 130-119 on Saturday, earning their third straight win. Tyrese Maxey scored 36 points, Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe both scored 26 points, and Paul George finished with 15.
“The biggest difference is we just feel better as a unit. We trust in the process of this team," said George after the win. "It’s safe to say everybody in this locker room is starting to enjoy the game. We’re starting to enjoy being out on that floor, playing on both ends. And I think we’re just jelling.”
RELATED:NBA power rankings: Pistons take over top spot
How to watch Denver Nuggets vs Philadelphia 76ers:
- When: Tonight, Monday, January 5
- Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
- Time: 8:30 PM ET
- Live Stream:Peacock
Fantasy managers expected big things from Maxey, and he has delivered thus far.
What other NBA games are on tonight?
- New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons - 7:00 PM ET on Peacock
- Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Clippers - 10:00 PM ET on Peacock
With the holidays in the rearview mirror, the Week 12 NBA schedule is more evenly spread out.
How to watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock:
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
How to sign up for Peacock:
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you’re in the mood for.
NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule
Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.
What devices does Peacock support?
You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.
How The Vancouver Canucks Stack Up To The Rest Of The NHL: The Halfway Point Of 2025-26
The Vancouver Canucks have officially hit the halfway point of the 2025–26 NHL season. At the beginning of the year, many fans couldn’t have said they saw their current coming. However, things such as injuries, trade rumours, and lots of roster movement have resulted in a very different team taking to the ice. With half of their season officially past them, here’s how this Canucks team now stacks up to the rest of the NHL.
Team Stats
In theory, the Canucks aren’t currently dead-last in the NHL. That honour belongs to the Winnipeg Jets, who have only won one game in their past 10 to put them at a season record of 15–21–4 (34 points). Other than the Jets, there is no other NHL team in a lower position in the standings than Vancouver. Having said that, many of the Canucks’ team stats are still towards the bottom of the NHL, as their penalty kill (73.9%), goals-against (142), and goals-for (113) all rank below 25th in the league. Their only team stat that ranks within the top-half of the NHL is their power play (20.3%), which currently sits at 14th.
Individual Skater Stats
In terms of individual skater stats, there hasn’t been too much of a change-up for Vancouver since the 35-game mark. Virtually all category leaders from the last check-in have remained in their spots, with the only change being in penalty-killing TOI. While Tyler Myers led the Canucks by the 35-game point, Marcus Pettersson has since surpassed him with a total of 127:33 minutes played shorthanded. Filip Hronek also joins Elias Pettersson as one of the team’s leading scorers with each scoring 25 points on the season (tied for 129th-highest in the NHL).
Goaltender Stats
Much like their individual skater stat leaders, Vancouver’s goaltending stats have also retained the same leaders as those at the 35-game mark. Thatcher Demko holds the team record for SV% (.904%), goals-against average (2.72), wins (8), and high-danger SV% (0.83%). Three of these four stats rank below 20th in the league, with his total of wins being tied for 38th-highest. On the other hand, his high-danger SV% is currently tied for 19th. Kevin Lankinen ranks first on the Canucks in minutes played (1173:36), shots faced (568), and high-danger shots faced (174), with all three categories ranking below the 20th-highest.
The Canucks are on the road for the next six games, with the first game of this trip being a matchup against the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday. Vancouver will then take on the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday before heading north to face the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. From January 12 to 13, they’ll take part in their second back-to-back of 2026, playing the Montréal Canadiens and later the Ottawa Senators.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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Flames Recall Forward William Strömgren from AHL Wranglers
The Calgary Flames announced Monday that the club has recalled forward William Strömgren from the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers.
Strömgren, 22, is in his fourth professional season and has been a key contributor for the Wranglers during the 2025–26 campaign. The 6-foot-3, 175-pound winger has recorded six goals and 23 assists for 29 points in 33 games, posting a plus-13 rating while adding three power-play tallies.
Selected by the Flames in the second round (45th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft, the Örnsköldsvik, Sweden native has continued to show steady development at the professional level.
While Strömgren is not expected to be in the lineup when Calgary faces the Seattle Kraken on Monday night, the recall marks an important milestone in his career. When he does make his debut, it will be his first NHL regular-season game.