TORONTO (AP) — Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting scored an equalizer in the 98th minute to recover a point for the New York Red Bulls in a 1-1 draw with Toronto FC on Saturday in Toronto’s home opener.
Toronto (2-1-1) broke through in the 43rd minute when Dániel Sallói finished from the center of the box after a pass from Djordje Mihailovic. Goalkeeper Luka Gavran helped preserve the lead before halftime, turning aside several early chances from the Red Bulls.
New York (2-1-1) controlled much of the match, holding 63.3% possession and finishing with an 18-12 advantage in shots and an 11-5 edge in corner kicks. Gavran kept Toronto in front throughout the second half with multiple saves as the Red Bulls pressed for an equalizer.
Toronto nearly doubled the lead in stoppage time, but Ethan Horvath denied Sallói to keep New York within reach.
Moments later, the Red Bulls found their breakthrough. Choupo-Moting scored in the eighth minute of added time to salvage the draw and extend New York’s unbeaten streak against Toronto to 14 matches (9 wins, 5 draws) dating back to 2019.
The match was the 45th all-time regular-season meeting between the clubs, with New York holding a 24-10-11 advantage.
Clayton Kershaw’s professional baseball career has officially reached its end.
The longtime Dodgers ace was replaced on Team USA’s World Baseball Classic roster by Blue Jays reliever Jeff Hoffman ahead of Sunday’s semifinal game against the Dominican Republic.
Kershaw, who officially retired after the Dodgers’ World Series run in 2025, did not pitch in any of the Americans’ five WBC games, though he did pitch against the Rockies in a pre-tournament exhibition.
Relief pitcher Clayton Kershaw of Team United States pitches against the Colorado Rockies during the fourth inning of the MLB exhibition game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on March 4, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Getty Images
He did, however, warm up late in the shocking 8-6 loss to Italy earlier this week, but manager Mark DeRosa did not bring him into the game.
“I’m definitely glad I did it,” Kershaw told reporters Friday about joining the WBC squad, per MLB.com. “Being around this group is a fun way to end it, honestly. I got to know some of these guys that are kind of the faces of the game moving forward, and I got to meet them and watch them up close. It’s been a blessing.”
The three-time Cy Young Award winner said the atmosphere of being part of something on an international stage was special.
United States pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) looks on during batting practice before the game against Great Britain at Daikin Park. Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Slips at key moments proved costly with Andy Farrell’s team able to easily maintain a stranglehold on this fixture
There were some Ireland fans who even said they would not begrudge Scotland victory, the triple crown, and, potentially, a first Six Nations title. There was a sense Gregor Townsend’s side had earned their day in the sun, somehow, especially after the glorious fourth-round triumph against France. And this Ireland team have certainly had their share of vitamin D against Scotland.
Ireland’s players, it soon became clear, did not see it that way. They were visibly keen to remind Scotland that no one is owed anything in elite sport. This was meant to be a transitional season for them, but the quality of this performance penned a depressingly familiar script from a Scottish perspective.
The Philadelphia Flyers return home with a renewed sense of urgency and a measure of momentum as they prepare to face the Columbus Blue Jackets.
After collecting all four points from a demanding midweek back-to-back against the Washington Capitals and Minnesota Wild, the Flyers have kept themselves within reach of the playoff race.
Yet inside the room, there is little appetite for celebration. The standings offer a clear reality: every remaining game carries weight, and any slip could erase the progress they’ve fought to regain.
That urgency will define Saturday’s matchup. With Dan Vladar set to start in goal and AHL veteran call-up Garrett Wilson joining the roster, the Flyers will look to extend their recent success against a Columbus team capable of disrupting rhythm if given the opportunity.
1. Momentum Is Real, But the Flyers Know It’s Fragile
Momentum in the NHL can—and does—quickly, and the Flyers are well aware of that fact.
Their back-to-back victories earlier in the week offered a valuable boost, not only in the standings but also in confidence. Tight games that extend into overtime or shootouts test a team’s composure, and the Flyers have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to handle those situations.
Still, internally, the focus remains squarely on the present moment. The Flyers understand that a short winning stretch means little without sustained execution. Their path toward postseason relevance depends on treating each remaining game with playoff-level urgency—a mindset that has been echoed repeatedly by players and coaches.
2. Dan Vladar Looks to Anchor Another Important Start
Goaltending consistency becomes even more valuable late in the season, and the Flyers will once again turn to Vladar to provide stability in net.
Vladar has shouldered a heavy workload at times during the stretch run, yet he continues to give the Flyers an opportunity to win when games tighten defensively. His calm approach in high-pressure moments—particularly in overtime and shootout situations—has helped the team secure critical points during their playoff push.
Against Columbus, his role may be equally important. The Blue Jackets often rely on quick transitions and opportunistic offense rather than extended zone time, meaning defensive lapses can quickly turn into dangerous chances.
For Philadelphia, that makes Vladar’s ability to track pucks through traffic and manage rebounds a key component of the game plan. When the Flyers are structured defensively and their goaltender is seeing the puck clearly, they become a far more difficult team to break down.
Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar (80). (Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)
3. Garrett Wilson’s Call-Up Adds Experience and Energy
The Flyers’ lineup will also feature a familiar face from the organization’s developmental system.
Garrett Wilson, who has served as captain of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms for the past six seasons, was recently signed to a two-way NHL contract and has now earned a call-up to Philadelphia. For Wilson, the opportunity is both a reward for leadership in Lehigh Valley and a chance to contribute meaningful minutes during a crucial stretch of the season.
If he does end up playing tonight, Wilson’s impact is unlikely to come in the form of highlight-reel scoring. Instead, his value lies in the details: responsible shifts, physical engagement along the boards, and a willingness to play the type of grinding hockey that the Flyers need to fill out their bottom six.
Veteran depth players frequently become important during playoff-style stretches because they understand the demands of tight, low-scoring contests. Wilson’s experience and leadership qualities make him a logical addition to a roster that is balancing youthful energy with situational maturity.
4. Another “Playoff Game” in Everything but Name
Perhaps the most defining characteristic of the Flyers’ current mindset is how clearly they view the remainder of the schedule.
Inside the room, there is little discussion of long-term scenarios or standings projections. Instead, the approach has become simple: treat each game as though it carries the stakes of postseason hockey.
“For me, it’s a playoff game. We need to act like it.”
- Rick Tocchet on Flyers’ game tonight against Blue Jackets, a team they’re chasing pic.twitter.com/3twxixFGmz
For the Flyers, success will depend on maintaining their structure and continuing to capitalize on the balanced scoring that has carried them recently.
If they can replicate the discipline and urgency shown earlier in the week, the opportunity to extend their momentum will be there.
But at this stage of the season, the Flyers understand a simple truth: nothing will be given. Every point must be earned.
Projected Lines
Philadelphia Flyers
Forwards:
Alex Bump - Christian Dvorak - Travis Konecny
Nikita Grebenkin - Trevor Zegras - Owen Tippett
Denver Barkey - Noah Cates - Matvei Michkov
Carl Grundstrom - Sean Couturier - Garnet Hathaway
Mar 10, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Jose Miranda (64) throws to first against the Los Angeles Angels in the first inning at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Cleveland Guardians at San Diego Padres, March 14, 2026, 1:10 p.m. PST
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SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 04: Starting pitcher Kyle Freeland #21 of the Colorado Rockies throws a warm-up pitch during the first inning of the MLB exhibition game against Team United States at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on March 04, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Colorado Rockies spring training game no. 22 thread: Ben Brown vs. Kyle Freeland
Yesterday the Rockies fell to the Texas Rangers, 9–4. Colorado couldn’t overcome a disastrous third inning in which starter José Quintana was pulled after allowing five runs before Ryan Miller entered and surrendered two more. Quintana later returned to start the fourth inning — a maneuver allowed under the relaxed rules of spring training.
The Rockies’ offense was pedestrian, mustering just four hits, though they did draw six walks.
Turning the page to today’s game, the Colorado Rockies take on the Chicago Cubs in one half of a split-squad matchup.
On the mound for the Rockies is Kyle Freeland. This will be Freeland’s third start of the spring after opening camp against Team USA and then pitching on March 9 against the Chicago White Sox. The left-hander allowed one run in one inning against Team USA and one run over two innings against the Sox. Expect Freeland to begin stretching his pitch count with Opening Day just under two weeks away.
Opposing Freeland is Cubs right-hander Ben Brown. The 26-year-old is an imposing presence on the mound, standing 6’6″. Brown primarily works with a fastball-curveball combination, averaging around 96 mph with his fastball and throwing the pitch more than half the time. He also features a changeup that he uses sparingly.
Brown has worked both as a starter and in long relief, and is coming off a rough 2025 season in which he posted a 5.92 ERA over 106.1 innings across 25 games (15 starts). So far this spring, Brown is 1-1 with a 4.05 ERA and nine strikeouts in 6.2 innings pitched.
Also noteworthy is Ethan Holliday (No. 2 PuRP) getting the start at shortstop today. The last time we saw Holliday was 10 days ago with Team USA versus the Rockies. Today’s start gives the young infielder a chance to face big-league pitching alongside players like Brenton Doyle and Hunter Goodman. Holliday isn’t the only young player worth watching today as Kyle Karros looks to stay hot at the plate – the third baseman is hitting a sizzling .417/.481/1.231 across 24 spring at-bats.
Colorado Rockies spring training game no. 23 thread: Zach Agnos vs. Jacob Misiorowski
Meanwhile, over at American Family Fields of Phoenix, the other half of the Rockies will face off against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Opening for the Rockies will be Zach Agnos. This is his second “start” of the spring, having pitched a scoreless first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 7th. Agnos will look to repeat that performance today against the Brewers. So far this spring, Agnos has not allowed a run in five and a third innings of work.
The Rockies split squad lineup with face off against young phenom Jacob Misiorowski. His only other official game action this spring came against the Seattle Mariners on March 8th wherein he pitched 3.1 innings of one run ball while striking out six and walked only one. Earlier this spring he did also pitch two innings, and struck out another five, in an exhibition game against Great Britain’s WBC team.
On the offensive side, the Rockies are lining up an interesting mix of younger major leaguers (Tyler Freeman, Jordan Beck, Ryan Ritter) with some of their top prospects (Charlie Condon, Cole Carrigg, TJ Rumfield). Misiorowki’s biggest issue in his otherwise stellar rookie campaign had been a walk rate of 4.23 per nine innings pitched, so a thing to watch would be whether this youthful Rockies lineup can remain patient at the plate.
PEORIA, ARIZONA - MARCH 12: Gavin Sheets #30 of the San Diego Padres grounds out in the second inning against the Kansas City Royals during a spring training game at Peoria Stadium on March 12, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images
San Diego Padres at Texas Rangers, March 14, 2026, 1:05 p.m. PST
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MESA, ARIZONA - MARCH 8: Zyhir Hope #94 of the Los Angeles Dodgers makes a catch in left field during a Spring Training game against the Athletics at HoHoKam Stadium on March 8, 2026 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Both Camelback Ranch co-tenants face off on Saturday afternoon, with the Dodgers as the road team against the White Sox. Non-roster invitee Zyhir Hope, a consensus top-100 prospect, leads the Dodgers with 19 games played this spring, missing only one day thus far. On Saturday, he makes his first start this spring, in left field.
Lineup
Andy Pages CF Kyle Tucker DH Mookie Betts SS Freddie Freeman 1B Max Muncy 3B Alex Freeland 2B Dalton Rushing C Zach Ehrhard RF Zyhir Hope LF
Justin Wrobleski is on the mound.
Mookie Betts after the birth of his third child. Kyle Tucker is starting back-to-back days for the first time this spring.
Other pitchers
Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, and Jack Dreyer are slated to pitch on Saturday, along with non-roster invitee Chris Campos.
From the minor league side of camp are Davis Chastain (wearing number 87), Joseilyn Gonzalez (89), Nicolas Cruz (90), and Dilan Figueredo (91).
Other position players
Michael Siani is active, as is the non-roster mainstays Ryan Fitzgerald, James Tibbs III, Nick Senzel, Noah Miller, Eliézer Alfonzo, and Seby Zavala.
Up from minor league camp are Chris Newell (00) amd Kole Myers (01). Also active for the first time this spring are Taylor Young (03), Jaron Elkins (02), and Chase Harlan (96), second-day draft picks from 2022, 2023, and 2024 respectively. Elkins last season was second in the Dodgers minors (to Kendall George) with 63 steals with a 91.3-percent success rate, and Young was fifth with 44 steals.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 10: Myles Turner #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket on Royce O'Neale #00 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Fiserv Forum on March 10, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In this week’s Tuesday Tracker and SB Nation Reacts poll, we asked about the Bucks’ two centers, plus their closeness to the Pelicans in the lottery standings and Taurean Prince. Here are the highlights:
There’s close to an even split among our respondents on who should be seeing the lion’s share of minutes at the five. 52% think Myles Turner should be playing more (he’s averaging 27.5 MPG this year and just 22.7 MPG since the All-Star break) than Jericho Sims (17.7 and 24.5, respectively).
However, the numbers slightly skew the other way when considering end-of-game scenarios: 51% think Sims should be Milwaukee’s closing center.
The majority of fans polled (75%) don’t care about the Pelicans’ place in the lottery standings relative to the Bucks. Right now, New Orleans is a half-game away from rising out of sixth to seventh, while Milwaukee is a game ahead of ninth.
If the season ended today, the Bucks would receive the 10th overall pick 60.7% of the time in the draft lottery. 78% of voters would want Milwaukee to make that pick come June instead of trading it, either for star talent or future firsts.
Thanks again for voting! Check back on Tuesday for another slate of questions.
Check out FanDuel, the official sportsbook of SB Nation.
TEMPE, AZ - MARCH 10: Jo Adell #7 of the Los Angeles Angels warms up prior to the game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Julia Jacome/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Seattle’s WBC-sapped lineups have led to a degree of drudgery in their play. As the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals conclude this evening, the Mariners will likely see more of their most prominent players return to the fold. Still here, however, is Logan Gilbert, who will give the familiar Angels a few turns through the order in his likely penultimate tune-up start before the season begins.
Anaheim brings to bear most of the main lineup, a good refinement test for Gilbert.
Today’s game information:
Game time: 1:10 PM PT
TV: None. Plenty of teams have chosen not to bother going against the WBC, but Anaheim is just like this.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 31: Kon Knueppel #7 of the Charlotte Hornets guards Harrison Barnes #40 of the San Antonio Spurs during their game at Spectrum Center on January 31, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to the Game Thread. Veterans of the Game Thread know how we do things around here, but for all you newbies we have a few rules. Our community guidelines apply and basically say be cool, no personal attacks, don’t troll and don’t swear too much.
Today is an auspicious day, as it’s π day, and also Albert Einstein’s birthday, who entered this world on March 14, 1879. It’s also the final game of the current six game home stand, as the Spurs face the Charlotte Hornets, who previously defeated the Spurs 111-106 on January 31, just before the Silver and Black’s undefeated February run of 11 straight wins. San Antonio is coming off of a tough loss to the Nuggets, who used an unstoppable offensive surge from Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic to take over the game in the fourth quarter. The Spurs had incredible offensive efforts from Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox, but without Victor Wemanyama to anchor the defense, they just couldn’t get enough stops to hold on late. Some might say that the Spurs ran out of gas, but the fact is that the Nuggets kept their foot on the gas pedal, and they outran the home team late to take the win.
Victor is listed as questionable for today’s game, and Dylan Harper is a little banged up with a calf contusion. The Hornets have been one of the league’s hottest teams in 2026, and shoot and make a lot of three points shots. Kon Knueppel is having a terrific rookie season, and is shooting 44% on three-point shots, so the Spurs will have to keep an eye on him. This is just the kind of team that gives the Spurs defense fits, so the Spurs can’t afford to let down after the emotional letdown from Thursday night’s contest. Stephon Castle’s defense will be key for this game, and Castle must dominate Ball. The Spurs always seem a little out of sorts for these early afternoon games, so it’s probably a good idea to have coffee in the locker room before the game. Let’s GOOO Spurs!!
Game Prediction:
Victor Wembanyama will surprise the team with a selection of pies in the locker room for PI day. The game will be slightly delayed due to blueberry stains of some of the players’ jerseys.
San Antonio Spurs vs Charlotte Hornets March 14, 2026 | 2:30 PM CT Streaming: FanDuel Sports Southwest, Prime TV: FanDuel Sports Southwest, Prime Reminder: It is against site policy to post links to illegal streams in the comments.
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 4: Will Riley #27 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on December 4, 2025 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Washington Wizards (16-49) at Boston Celtics (43-23) Saturday, March 14, 2026 6:00 PM ET Regular Season Game #67 Home Game #32 TV: NBCSB, MNMT2, NBA-TV Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, 106.7 The Fan, Sirius XM TD Garden
The Celtics host the Washington Wizards for the 3rd, and final, meeting between these two teams this season. The Celtics beat the Wizards 136-107 in Boston on November 5 and hey beat them 146-101 in Washington on December 4. The Celtics won the series 4-0 last season winning 1 game at home and 3 games on the road. The Celtics are 208-120 overall against the Wizards all time. They are 109-44 all time in games played in Boston. The Celtics have won their last 10 games against the Wizards.
The Wizards made significant changes at the trade deadline. They traded Corey Kispert and CJ McCollum to the Atlanta Hawks for Trae Young. They also traded Khris Middleton, Malachai Branham, Marvin Bagley III, and AJ Johnson to the Mavericks for Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy and Dante Exum. They then waived Dante Exum.
The Celtics are 2nd in the East, 4.5 games behind 1st place Detroit. They are 1.5 games ahead of 3rd place New York , 3 games ahead of 4th place Cleveland, 5.5 games ahead of 5th place Orlando and 6th place Miami and 6.5 games ahead of 7th place Toronto. The Celtics are 28-14 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 21-10 at home and 6-4 in their last 10 games. They have lost their last 2 games. (The Pistons, Knicks, Cavs, and Raptors are playing as I write this so that may change.)
The Wizards are 14th in the East, 31 games behind 1st place Detroit, 17 games behind 10th place Charlotte, 11 games behind 11th place Milwaukee, 10.5 games behind 12th place Chicago, and half a game behind 13th place Brooklyn. They are 1.5 games ahead of 15th place Indiana. They are 11-30 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 5-27 on the road and 0-10 in their last 10 games. They are on a 10 game losing streak.
After this game at home against Washington, the Celtics will host Phoenix and Golden State. Then they will play one game at Memphis before a 3 game home stand against Minnesota, Oklahoma City and Atlanta. Then it’s back on the road for a 4 game trip through Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami and Milwaukee. They will then play two games at home against Toronto and Charlotte before one game on the road at New York. They will finish the season with 2 games at home against New Orleans and Orlando.
The Wizards are playing in the 4th game of a 4 game road trip. After this, they will have a 4 game home stand where they will host Golden State, Detroit twice, and Oklahoma City. Then, they have a 5 game road trip through New York, Utah, Golden State, Portland and the LA Lakers. After one game at home against Philadelphia, they play at Miami and at Brooklyn.
Jayson Tatum missed Thursday’s game due to injury management for his Achilles. He is expected to play in this game. Derrick White also missed Thursday’s game with knee soreness and is probable for this game. Baylor Scheierman has been playing with a fractured thumb but is listed as probable for this game with ankle soreness. Nikola Vucevic remains out due to surgery on his injured finger.
For the Wizards, Anthony Davis is recovering from ligament damage in his left hand and, although he has been cleared for some individual on court activity, he is out for this game. Kyshawn George is out with a partial tear of the UCL in his left elbow. Cam Whitmore is out for the season with a diagnosed venous condition. D’Angelo Russell has not played for the Wizards since he was traded but it is not injury related and he is not with the team. Sharife Cooper is questionable with an ankle injury.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs Trae Young
Derrick White | NBAE via Getty ImagesTrae Young | Getty Images
SG: Baylor Scheierman vs Tre Johnson
Baylor Scheierman | NBAE via Getty ImagesTre Johnson | Getty Images
SF: Jaylen Brown vs Bilal Coulibaly
Jaylen Brown | NBAE via Getty ImagesBilal Coulibaly | NBAE via Getty Images
Neemias Queta | Boston Globe via Getty ImagesAlex Sarr | NBAE via Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Payton Pritchard Hugo Gonzalez Luka Garza Amare Williams Jordan Walsh Sam Hauser 2-Way Players Ron Harper, Jr Max Shulga John Tonje Injuries/Out Nikola Vucevic (finger) out Derrick White (knee) probable Jayson Tatum (injury available Baylor Scheierman (ankle) probable Head Coach Joe Mazzulla Wizards Reserves Bub Carrington Anthony Gill Jaden Hardy Tristan Vukcevic Jamir Watkins Justin Champagnie 2-Way Players Leaky Black Sharife Cooper Juju Reese
Injuries/Out Sharife Cooper (ankle) questionable Anthony Davis (finger) out Kyshawn George (elbow) out D’Angelo Russell (not injury related) out Cam Whitmore (shoulder) out
Head Coach Brian Keefe
Key Matchups Derrick White vs Trae Young Young is averaging 18.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 8.4 assists per game. He is shooting 43.9% from the field and 32.9% from beyond the arc. He has not played against the Celtics this season with the Hawks or with the Wizards. He has averaged 25.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in 15 games against the Celtics in his career.
Neemias Queta vs Alex Sarr Sarr was the 2nd overall pick in last year’s draft and is playing well for the Wizards. He is averaging 17.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.0 blocks per game. He is shooting 49.9% from the field and 34.6% from beyond the arc. In one game against the Celtics this season, he finished with 31 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks. The Celtics need to stay with him on defense and also keep hm off the boards as well as be aware of his ability to block shots. Honorable Mention Baylor Scheierman vs Tre Johnson Johnson is averaging 12.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. He is shooting 42.9% from the field and 37.7% from beyond the arc. In one game against the Celtics this season, he finished with 7 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist while shooting 40% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc,.
Keys to the Game Defense – Defense is always the key to winning games. The Celtics are now 5th with a defensive rating of 111.9. The Wizards are 29th with a defensive rating of 120.5. Although the Wizards have an offensive rating of 109.6 (27th), they can get hot at any time if they are not being defended. They beat the Pistons on the road and so the Celtics need to take them seriously and play lock down defense from start to finish and not allow them to get their offense going.
Rebound – Rebounding is also one of the biggest keys to winning. The Wizards are 23rd with 42.9 rebounds per game while the Celtics are 5th with 46.3 rebounds per game. They simply have to fight harder to grab rebounds than the Wizards. Much of rebounding is effort as evidenced by Payton Pritchard being the shortest guy on the court most nights and averaging over 4 rebounds per game. Every Celtic has got to crash the boards and fight for every rebound.
Don’t Underestimate – The Wizards are next to last in the East and actively tanking. The Celtics can’t take the Wizards for granted, even though they beat them handily twice already this season. Even tanking teams want to beat the Celtics. The Wizards wins have come mostly against middle of the pack teams, but they did beat Detroit as well. The Celtics have to take the Wizards seriously and play hard.
Maximum Effort for 48 Minutes – Many of the Celtics losses this season can be traced back to a lack of effort. Also, at times it seems that they either start off slowly and end up in a hole that they need to dig themselves out of or they jump out to a lead only to let up in the second half and allow their opponent to get back into the game and make it close. The Celtics have to play hard on both ends of the court for the full 48 minutes with no let up.
X-Factors Home Game – The Celtics are once again at home. They should get a boost from the home crowd and from being in familiar surroundings. The Celtics need to have a sense of urgency at home to protect home court and not expect to win because the Wizards have been tanking. The Wizards will have to deal with travel, staying in a hotel, and a hostile crowd and hopefully that will give the Celtics the advantage.
Officiating – Officiating is always an x-factor in every game. Every crew officiates differently. Some call it tight, others let them play. Some favor the home team. Some favor the road team. Some just make bad, head scratching calls as we have seen many times. The ejection of Jaylen Brown and the foulcalled with .8 left against the Thunder are examples of how officiating can be an x-factor. The Celtics need to adjust to the way the refs call the game and not let bad calls and no calls take them out of the game or affect their focus.
Dec 19, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Winnipeg Jets center Adam Lowry (17) and Colorado Avalanche center Brock Nelson (11) take a face off from referee Chris Lee (28) in the first period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Colorado Avalanche have been soaring to incredible heights all season.
Today, the highest-flying team in the NHL will fly into Canadian airspace at Canada Life Center against Connor Hellebuyck and the Winnipeg Jets to finish off their two game road swing.
Colorado Avalanche (44-11-9)
The Opponent: Winnipeg Jets (26-28-10)
Time: 2:00 P.M. MDT/4:00 P.M. EDT
Watch: ALT, ALT+ (Avalanche Local Broadcast Area), TSN3 (Winnipeg Local Broadcast Area), ESPN+, NHL Center Ice (Outside Regional Broadcast Areas – US), SN+, NHL Centre Ice (Canadian Broadcast Areas)
Listen: Altitude Sports Radio KKSE-FM 92.5 FM
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche come into today’s game fresh off a 5-1 victory over the reeling Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on Tuesday night. The Avs would regain the services of Nathan MacKinnon, who returned to the lineup after being served a major penalty (courtesy of on-ice officials Kelly Sutherland and Brandon Schrader) and a corresponding game misconduct (which was rescinded by the NHL on Thursday) upon colliding with Edmonton Oilers goaltender Connor Ingram (courtesy of Edmonton defenseman Darnell Nurse) in the 4-3 loss on Tuesday night. If MacKinnon was harboring any resentment after the events of Tuesday night, he channeled all of it towards Seattle’s Joey Daccord and Philipp Grubauer, resulting in a four point effort (1G/3A/4PTS), which included the game-winning tally, in the win. Martin Nečas scored his 30th goal of the season for the first time in his career, and Nazem Kadri scored his first regular season goal in a Colorado sweater since April 29, 2022, en route to the victory. Scott Wedgewood stopped 28 of 29 shots for his 25th win of the season, extending his career high.
With this victory, the Avalanche maintained a five point lead over the Dallas Stars—who defeated Edmonton by a score of 7-2 Thursday evening—and still hold a critical game in hand over their second place rivals. They remain the undisputed leader across the Central Division, Western Conference, and League standings. Coach Jared Bednar said after Thursday’s game, “Every win matters this time of the year. We’re trying to hang on to first place. Teams around us are winning, and to get a start like that [tonight], and have those guys feel good about their game is real important this time of year.”
Today’s game marks the first of two visits to Winnipeg in a two week span for the Avs. Both teams previously met on December 19 back at Ball Arena, a 3-2 Avalanche victory. Parker Kelly scored what proved to be the game winner in that contest. Look for Mackenzie Blackwood to get the start in Winnipeg today, as he looks to rebound from a performance on Tuesday night where he gave his teammates plenty of time to take control of the contest, but ultimately was unable to provide key saves when his defenders weren’t at their best.
Coach Bednar deployed eleven skaters at the forward positions on Thursday, along with seven defensemen. This saw the debut of Nick Blankenburg, acquired from Nashville just before the trade deadline, in an Avalanche sweater. Blankenburg, fared decently in his first outing with his new team, but as the seventh defenseman, had a team low 9:31 among the blue line corps. At the time of this writing, the Avalanche haven’t called anyone up from Loveland (which would be a curious decision given that there can be only five call-ups to use between now and the end of the regular season), and Ross Colton’s status is still unknown, so it’s possible that Bednar considers using this same lineup against Winnipeg and allow Blankenburg another opportunity to showcase his abilities.
Even with his four point performance on Thursday, Nathan MacKinnon trails Edmonton’s Connor McDavid in the overall points lead (MacKinnon has 108 points; McDavid leads the League with 111). His 44 goals on the season still lead all NHL skaters. Nečas is now tied for second in team goal scoring with Brock Nelson (30). Cale Makar remains one goal away from a fourth consecutive 20 goal season.
Projected Lineup
Forwards: Nazem Kadri – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Nečas Joel Kiviranta – Brock Nelson – Valeri Nichushkin Parker Kelly – Nicolas Roy – Gavin Brindley Zakhar Bardakov – Jack Drury
Defense: Devon Toews – Cale Makar Josh Manson – Brent Burns Brett Kulak – Sam Malinski Nick Blankenburg
Between the Pipes: Mackenzie Blackwood Scott Wedgewood
Winnipeg Jets
After capturing the Presidents Trophy as the League’s best team in the regular season with 56 wins last year, an encore performance seemed all but certain. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was awarded his second straight Vezina Trophy as the League’s best goaltender, and secured the Hart Trophy for the first time. However, their dominant run saw an early exit in the second round of the postseason at the hands of the Dallas Stars. GM Kevin Cheveldayoff got to work through the next several months, locking up several key figures to long-term, lucrative contracts: defenseman Neal Pionk (six years, $42 million dollars), center Gabe Vilardi (six years, $45 million dollars), left wing Kyle Connor (eight years, $96 million dollars) and captain Adam Lowry (five years, $25 million dollars). Cheveldayoff also signed former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews, who hadn’t seen NHL action since the end of the 2022-2023 season, to a one-year contract. Management made their commitment to the roster, and the future was looking bright.
Winnipeg didn’t have as dominant of a start to the 2025 – 2026 season began, as they went 12-8 in the first twenty games. However, Hellebuyck underwent knee surgery on November 22nd, causing him to miss three weeks of action. The Jets lost eight of their next ten games without Hellebuyck, and eleven of twelve games after his return on December 13. With Colorado, Dallas, and Minnesota all but untouchable at the top of the Central Division standings, and Utah making a strong case for wild card consideration, Winnipeg was fighting an uphill battle, as they fought to prevent sinking to the Central Division basement. Currently, a stretch of .500 hockey coming out of the Olympic break sees Winnipeg seven points out of the second wild card spot in the Western Conference. However, just one point separates them from cellar-dwelling Chicago.
With their hopes for playoff contention fading, Winnipeg traded defensemen Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for right wing Isak Rosén, defenseman Jacob Bryson, a conditional 2026 4th round pick, and a 2027 2nd-round pick prior to the trade deadline. They would later trade left wing Tanner Pearson to Buffalo for a 2026 7th round pick on trade deadline day. It would take a lot to close the gap on the teams ahead of them in the wild card race, but a successful weekend at home could help turn the tide in their favor.
Winnipeg is currently in the midst of an eight game homestand, and today’s game against Colorado serves as the first half of a back to back set of weekend games, with the St. Louis Blues paying a visit to Canada Life Center on Sunday afternoon. Winnipeg has lost its previous two games, a 4-1 defeat at the hands (wings?) of the Anaheim Ducks, and a 6-3 loss courtesy of the New York Rangers. Hellebuyck started the previous seven of Winnipeg’s eight games since the return from winning Olympic gold with the United States (and teammate Kyle Connor) in Italy, and is likely to start again today. While Hellebuyck has been a formidable opponent against Colorado, he will face them with a depleted blue line, as both Pionk and Colin Miller remain out of the lineup due to injury. Other notable absences include former Avalanche center Vladislav Namestnikov and right wing Nino Niedereitter.
Center Mark Scheifele currently leads all Winnipeg skaters in goals (30), assists (49), and points (79). Connor is second in all three categories (29G/43A/72PTS). Defenseman Josh Morrissey, who earned a silver medal with Team Canada in Italy, leads all Winnipeg defensemen in all three categories (11G/33A/44PTS).
Projected Lineup
Forwards: Kyle Connor – Mark Scheifele – Alex Iafallo Cole Perfetti – Adam Lowry – Gabe Vilardi Gustav Nyquist – Jonathan Toews – Isak Rosén Cole Koepke – Morgan Barron – Brad Lambert
Defense: Josh Morrissey – Dylan DeMelo Dylan Samberg – Elias Salomonsson Haydn Fleury – Jacob Bryson
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: Francisco Cervelli #29 of Italy celebrates with his team after defeating Mexico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic - Pool B at Daikin Park on March 11, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The favorites prevailed during last night’s World Baseball Classic quarterfinals, as Team USA defeated Canada, 5-3, and the Dominican Republic handed down a whooping on South Korea that became mercy-rule clinch on an Austin Wells three-run homer. A can’t-miss showdown between the mighty Dominican lineup and defending NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes is on deck for tomorrow night, but before we get there, the other semifinal must be determined.
Today’s victors will square off on Monday night with a WBC Championship Game berth on the line. The first game will begin as the Yankees’ spring training matinee comes to a close, and though there will be a gap of a few hours between when Game 1 ends and Game 2 starts, we’ll leave this thread up until the nightcap comes to a close. As he did earlier today, Kento will run through the quarterfinal results.
First up is a rumble between two teams that might not have been popular picks to advance this far in the first place. Who had Italy winning Pool B, let alone standing with Japan and the Dominican Republic as the only undefeated teams? Credit to Francisco Cervelli’s club though, as they took care of business against Brazil and Great Britain, pulled off an upset for the ages over Team USA, and then let captain Vinnie Pasquantino take over in the clincher against Mexico. The first baseman became the first player in WBC history with a three-homer game and espresso-chuggin’ Italy is now eyeing a WBC semifinal appearance for the first time (they lost to Japan, 9-3, in their only other quarterfinals appearance in 2023). On the whole, it’s been a well-rounded attack, as nine different players have homered. They have quite a few good major leaguers of Italian heritage and could very well be a problem for Pasquantino’s Kansas City teammate, Seth Lugo of Puerto Rico.
Normally, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Puerto Ricans in the knockout round, but considering they were unable to roster Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, Javier Báez, and José Berríos due to various injuries, eligibility, and insurance issues? It’s an achievement, and one that probably wouldn’t have been possible without an electric extra-innings walk-off homer in San Juan by Lindor’s replacement at shortstop, A’s infielder Darell Hernáiz. Italy might actually have them on overall big-league talent and Puerto Rico really hasn’t hit that much, but Lugo’s demonstrated some moxie before, and Puerto Rico could cook up a little more magic to advance — especially because Italy’s starter Sam Aldegheri (an actual Italian!) only has five career MLB starts. And if it comes down to a battle of the bullpens, well, Edwin Díaz is a nice ace to have in the hole.
How to watch
Italy vs. Puerto Rico Pitching Matchup: LHP Sam Aldegheri vs. RHP Seth Lugo Time: 3:00 pm ET TV: FS1 Location: Daikin Park — Houston, TX
I am legitimately looking forward to Italy vs. Puerto Rico. They’re close teams and this should be fun!
But in comparison to Japan vs. Venezuela… boy howdy. This one should be a real barnburner. Do I even really need to write a couple paragraphs to hype this up? The roll call of notable names here speaks for itself. Shohei Ohtani! Ronald Acuña Jr.! Seiya Suzuki! Eugenio Suárez! Munetaka Murakami! Luis Arraez!
The Venezuelan lineup actually runs even deeper, including Salvador Perez, Jackson Chourio, the Super Contreras Bros, and old friend Gleyber Torres. They have one of MLB’s best southpaws going for them too in Ranger Suarez, late of the Phillies and now of the Red Sox. But you know who’s coming off a postseason that proved he can take on anyone at anytime and probably be the favorite? World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto. There’s a pitch count limit of 80 so barring the most Maddux of Maddux gems, Japan will have to use another pitcher at some point. But Yamamoto can take this deep.
A sincere “best of luck” to the winner of Italy/Puerto Rico at having to face either of these foes.
How to watch
Japan vs. Venezuela Pitching Matchup: RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto vs. LHP Ranger Suarez Time: 9:0 pm ET TV: Fox Location: loanDepot Park — Miami, FL
