Cactus League Game 7 – Reds at Brewers

Hunter Greene will make his 2026 Cactus League debut on Saturday afternoon in the ballpark formerly known as Maryvale, as the Cincinnati Reds hit the road to take on their NL Central rivals from Milwaukee.

Manager Terry Francona has rolled out a lineup chock full of regulars for the outing, too, as the lineup and travel roster for the day reveal.

With lefty Rob Zastryzny on the mound, Tito has once again opted to align his outfield with TJ Friedl in LF and Dane Myers in CF, doing his best to both maximize his defensive prowess out there while also getting more guys in the lineup who can, in theory, hit southpaws. Blake Dunn, who’s fresh off his first homer of the spring, will get the start in RF.

On the infield, Sal Stewart will get a game in at 3B. He’s already gotten starts at both 1B and 2B so far this spring as the club is choosing to see just how much defensive versatility he can provide for their daily shuffling – shuffling that includes Spencer Steer sliding over to start at 1B on the day.

We’re also getting a look at Christian Encarnacion-Strand in the lineup, finally. He’s reportedly been dealing with a minor hamstring issue while in camp, and he’ll be limited to DH duties this afternoon.

Most importantly, though, is that this game will finally be one you can watch. Both Reds.tv and Brewers.tv will have coverage, and you’ll be able to choose which of those feeds to watch via MLB.tv. It’s one of the free games of the day, too, so you won’t even need to buy your season subscription yet first.

First pitch is set for 3:05 PM ET. Go Reds!

Lakers vs Warriors Computer Picks: Our Best Player Prop Projections for February 28

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Get set for a Western Conference showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors with our free NBA player prop projections!

Our computer has crunched the numbers and delivers six NBA picks — three for each team — that offer the best betting value.

For more on this game, check out Tom Oldfield's Lakers vs. Warriors predictions for Saturday, February 28.

Lakers vs Warriors computer picks for February 28

Lakers LakersWarriors Warriors
Smart o7.5 points
-105
Moody u2.5 threes 
+135
Ayton o0.5 assists 
+115
Green o7.5 points 
-130
Reeves o3.5 assists
+100
Santos u14.5 points 
-105

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Lakers computer picks

Marcus Smart Over 7.5 points (-105)

Projection: 9.0 

This is a five-star play per our Covers prop projections, and Marcus Smart has hit this Over in seven of his last 10 overall.

"The matchup vs. the Golden State Warriors is a positive one for threes; opposing starting SFs have put up the highest three rate in the league this year (47.0%). Over the last 5 games, the opposition's starting SFs have attempted 3.8 foul shots per game (8th-most in the NBA) against the Warriors, making it fairly effortless to get to the charity stripe."

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Smart Now at bet365!/span

Deandre Ayton Over 0.5 assists (+115)

Projection: 1.0 

Deandre Ayton has 11 assists over his last 10 games, hitting this modest Over six times in that span. 

The Warriors have surrendered the second-most assists per game to opposing centers.

Our computer pegs this prop as a +22.4% EV play.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Ayton Now at bet365!/span

Austin Reeves Over 3.5 assists (+100)

Projection: 4.5

With our computer calling for a full additional assist for Austin Reeves compared to his posted line, there's a +20.17% EV associated with this play.

Golden State is not a tough matchup for opposing shooting guards when it comes to assists, surrendering 5.17 per game to the position.

The even-money price just makes this bet all the more appealing.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Reeves Now at bet365!/span


Warriors computer picks

Moses Moody Under 2.5 threes (+135)

Projection: 2.5

Moses Moody is projected to be a victim of a potentially crawling pace in tonight's game.

"The 8th-least up-tempo pace home offense in the league over the last 5 games has been the Golden State Warriors.. The Warriors are expected to suffer a drop-off in possessions in this game from sharing the court with the 6th-most lethargic tempo visiting team in the NBA this year (the Los Angeles Lakers)."

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Draymond Green Over 7.5 points (-130)

Projection: 9.6

This line is trending toward 8.5, but is still listed at 7.5 at bet365. Nevertheless, our computer is calling for a robust 9.6 points from Draymond Green.

"Offensive rebounds save possession and produce extra opportunities for scoring and assists, and the Warriors grade out 8th-best in in the league with 13.0 offensive rebounds per game over the last 5 games."

Green has hit this Over in five of his last eight overall.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Green Now at bet365!/span

Gui Santos Under 14.5 points (-105)

Projection: 12.7

Gui Santos' point prop keeps growing with increasing production, but our projections believe it's time to fade the young power forward. 

"The matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers may be a tough one for getting to the foul line; the opposing team's starting PFs have attempted a mere 2.2 free throws per game over the last 15 games (least in the NBA)."

This projection checks in over a full point lower than the posted line, good for a +14.08% EV.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Santos Now at bet365!/span

How to watch Lakers vs Warriors tonight

LocationChase Center, San Francisco, CA
DateSaturday, February 28, 2026
Tip-off8:30 p.m. ET
TVABC

Not intended for use in MA.
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Nordin's first goal for Rennes beats Toulouse in Ligue 1

PARIS (AP) — Back in Ligue 1, Arnaud Nordin scored his first goal for Rennes in a 1-0 win over Toulouse on Saturday.

Nordin struggled for playing time in the Bundesliga with Mainz and joined Rennes on loan in January until the end of the season.

The winger's goal in the 27th minute helped Rennes to a third consecutive win. The Brittany club moved level on points with fourth-placed Marseille, which hosts Lyon on Sunday.

On a five-match winless run, Toulouse remained in 10th place.

Nordin jumped higher than defender Charlie Cresswell and broke the deadlock with a header. Nordin previously played for Saint-Etienne and Montpellier. He has more than 200 French league games under his belt.

Rennes hired coach Franck Haise this month following Habib Beye’s exit and was tasked with guiding the team to fourth spot and a place in the Champions League qualifying rounds.

Paris Saint-Germain was at Le Havre later Saturday, looking to extend its lead over second-placed Lens to four points. Monaco hosted Angers.

Lens missed a chance to top Ligue 1 when it drew at Strasbourg 1-1 on Friday.

Celebrating grandmas

On the occasion of Grandmothers' Day in France on Sunday, Rennes got players from both teams to walk onto the pitch accompanied by 22 grandmothers.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Lakers vs Warriors Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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The Los Angeles Lakers don’t look like a team convinced that a deep playoff run is imminent, but a primetime matchup against the Golden State Warriors gives their stars the perfect stage.

Golden State is still without Steph Curry and lacks answers for the Luka Doncic assignment, so my Lakers vs. Warriors predictions point to a big night from the visitors.

Check out my free NBA picks and betting angles for Saturday, February 28.

Lakers vs Warriors prediction

Lakers vs Warriors best bet: Lakers -4.5 (-105)

The Los Angeles Lakers are 4-2 ATS in their past six meetings with the Golden State Warriors, and JJ Redick’s squad comes in with a solid 18-12 SU road record.

Austin Reaves’ return gives the Lakers three elite ball-handlers, and I’m counting on that creating enough quality looks to cover this small spread against a shorthanded Warriors team.

Golden State is still hanging around the play-in race, but they're 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games, and the offense struggles without Steph Curry's movement.

Lakers vs Warriors same-game parlay

We’ve seen plenty of Doncic hero ball this season, but I’m focusing on the other aspects of his game here.

The superstar point guard is coming off consecutive games with 8+ rebounds and has totaled 37 assists over his last four outings. If the Lakers want to prevail, Luka needs to contribute more than just points.

Lakers vs Warriors SGP

  • Lakers moneyline
  • Luka Doncic Over 8.5 assists
  • Luka Doncic Over 7.5 rebounds

Our "from downtown" SGP: Press the Klutch

Klutch teammates LeBron James and Draymond Green go head-to-head tonight, and this SGP taps into that matchup. James posted a 20-10-7 stat line against the Warriors earlier this month.

Green hauled in seven rebounds and added six assists in his last outing, and his playmaking will be a key ingredient in a Steph-less offense.

Lakers vs Warriors SGP

  • LeBron James Over 19.5 points
  • LeBron James Over 1.5 threes
  • Draymond Green Over 4.5 assists
  • Draymond Green Over 5.5 rebounds

Lakers vs Warriors odds

  • Spread: Lakers -4.5 (-105) | Warriors +4.5  (-115)
  • Moneyline: Lakers -170 | Warriors +145
  • Over/Under: Over 230 (-110) | Under 230 (-110)

Lakers vs Warriors betting trend to know

The Lakers are 23-15 SU against Western Conference opponents this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Warriors.

How to watch Lakers vs Warriors

LocationChase Center, San Francisco, CA
DateSaturday, February 28, 2026
Tip-off8:30 p.m. ET
TVABC

Lakers vs Warriors latest injuries

Not intended for use in MA.
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Royals sign veteran Starling Marte to one-year deal

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 17: Starling Marte #6 of the New York Mets waits for a pitch in the second inning during a game against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field on September 17, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Royals had little offensive production from their outfield last year, and while they brought in Isaac Collins and Lane Thomas and are counting on improvement from Jac Caglianone, they are still looking for reinforcements. That could include veteran Starling Marte, as reporter Yancen Pujols indicates. He reports that the Royals are discussing a deal with the former Mets outfielder, with New York Post reporter Jon Heyman confirming.

Update 1:37 p.m.: It’s a one-year deal.

The Royals have been reportedly interested in Marte before, reportedly inquiring about a trade with the Mets last year. The 37-year-old is a free agent now, coming off a season where he hit .270/.335/.410 with nine home runs and seven steals in 98 games with the Mets, worth 1.0 rWAR. Marte has generally been a high-average, high-contact hitter, although he has had trouble staying on the field later in his career, and rates poorly defensively in the outfield.

Marte began his career in 2012 with the Pirates, and was a Gold Glover early on in left, earning an All-Star appearance in 2015. He signed a four-year, $78 million contract with the Mets before the 2022 season and was an All-Star that season, batting .292/.347/.468 wth 16 home runs. He followed that up with an awful 2023, but has been an above-average hitter in each of the last two seasons, although he has not appeared in as many as 100 games in either season.

Marte is a right-handed hitter, but does not have much of a platoon split. He played in just 12 games in the outfield last year and was -8 in Outs Above Average in 2024. He would likely need to spend most of his time at designated hitter, with occasional spells in the outfield. Collins and Thomas are trying to earn playing time in left field, but Collins is coming off a knee injury and Thomas is coming off foot surgery in the offseason.

Phillies notes: Harper takes hot bat to WBC, injury updates, more

Phillies notes: Harper takes hot bat to WBC, injury updates, more originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

DUNEDIN, Fla. – Bryce Harper’s final at-bat before heading to the World Baseball Classic resulted in a solo home run Saturday.

Harper, who was set to fly to Phoenix with other area Team USA members on Saturday night, was happy with the way he swung the bat in his first four Grapefruit League games. He left camp 3 for 8 with two doubles, a homer, three walks and four RBIs.

Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Brad Keller and the rest of Team USA will open WBC play Friday night in Houston against Team Brazil.

“It happens quick,” Harper said. “Better hurry up and flip (the switch).”

Team USA will play a couple of exhibition games against big-league clubs in Arizona before heading to Houston, so Harper will get a few more at-bats before the tournament. He likes where his swing is at this early stage of the spring and he wants to keep it there in the WBC — and beyond.

“Just try to quiet down as much as possible, meaning you don’t get so amped up and so excited that your swing goes to crap,” he said. “Just try to stay as calm as I can. The game is going to speed up no matter what. I’ve tried to do that all camp, just trying to get pitches in the zone, swing at strikes and take my walks when I can. I’ve done a pretty good job at that in the first four games I’ve played. Just trying to slow down.”

Harper’s home run came in the fifth inning of a 7-5 loss to Toronto. He hit a 1-1 changeup from former Phillies farmhand Connor Seabold.

“He’s controlling the strike zone and taking his walks,” manager Rob Thomson said of Harper’s early at-bats. “He got the head out on a pitch today and hit the ball out of the ballpark, which is good to see.”

With Team USA, Harper could end up facing some Phillies teammates in the WBC. Taijuan Walker (Mexico), Aaron Nola (Italy) and Cristopher Sanchez (Dominican Republic) will all pitch in the tournament and there’s a chance Jesus Luzardo could opt-in if Venezuela goes deep in the event. At least that’s what he told a Venezuelan news outlet Friday.

“I hope I don’t face Sanchy,” Harper said with a laugh. Sanchez was dominant in two innings of work against Toronto on Saturday.

• Luzardo pitched in a simulated game on Saturday. He will make his first Grapefruit League start Thursday in Clearwater against Boston.

• Reliever Orion Kerkering, slowed by a sore hamstring early in camp, threw a bullpen session Saturday, and all went well. Kerkering is working on a splitter this spring.

“It’s just to add another look,” Thomson said. “He’s got the two-seamer, he’s got the riding fastball, he’s got a slider. Now, you’ve got a ball going straight down if he can master it.”

• Infield prospect Aidan Miller remains out of action with lower back soreness. He has yet to play in Grapefruit League action and there is no timetable for his return. All he is doing baseball-wise is playing light catch.

Sunday is March 1. Time is getting tight for Miller to be ready to open the minor-league season on time.

Thomson acknowledged that Miller was “behind,” but added, “We’ve still got some time.”

Thomson was asked about his level of concern about Miller’s back issue.

“He’s a young kid and I trust our training staff,” Thomson said. “We’re just being precautious.”

Still Need To Put The “Fun” In Fundamentals

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 2: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is tagged out in a rundown by Cam Devanney #34 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the seventh inning during a game at PNC Park on September 2, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Poor fundamentals are a pet peeve of mine simply because they are among the few skills all players can master whether they are the single most or least talented athlete on the roster. Nonetheless so many players and so many teams struggle to execute correctly basics they have been taught and have been working on since high school if not Little League.

Here I’m not talking about basics such as “throw strikes” or “plant your feet properly before you throw”. These may be key skills but not every body easily repeats the necessary motions and coordination. As much as I think Max Muncy needs to figure out how throw more accurately more often, and as much as I believe hard work and repetition can improve the odds, his body just may or may not have that skill.

The fundamentals I am referring to are the skills everyone possesses but not everyone has the discipline to execute time and time again. An outfielder throwing to the cut off man, an infielder running a trapped runner back to the previous base, taking the time to make sure you get one out before trying to get two — these are more fundamental aspects of the game that are within every big league player’s bandwidth.

The A’s don’t have the market cornered on sloppy fundamentals, but at the same time they have hardly run a clinic. So far in spring training some glitches have already reared their ugly heads — though arguably spring training is precisely the time to make, and correct, these mistakes.

Muncy took such a conservative lead off of 2B, perhaps even thinking about tagging up with one out if the ball was caught, and found himself with egg on his face when he couldn’t score from 2B on a ball that banged off the RF wall. That shouldn’t happen — your position waiting to see if a ball at the wall is caught or not needs to be far enough along to the next base that you can negotiate two bases should it crash off the barrier 330 feet from home plate.

Once again A’s pitchers have proven to be shaky at holding base runners close enough to 1B for Shea Langeliers to have a fighting chance. This was a huge problem in last year’s Cactus League and bled into the regular season. It’s not about pick offs, it’s about keeping runners from getting walking leads or huge leads without being held in check.

There is reason to hope the A’s defense will be much improved this season. It starts with Denzel Clarke anchoring the outfield from CF, where he is not only a human highlight reel but also is very fundamentally sound. Adding Jeff McNeil on the infield strengthens that group, Tyler Soderstrom was a revelation when he moved to the outfield, and Nick Kurtz has the benefit of experience to improve upon his poor 2025 numbers. One can also hope Jacob Wilson is healthier and more mobile.

Where the A’s are vulnerable is that as a hitting group, while imposing they are not a team that is likely to take many extra bases as they have few base stealing threats and average overall speed. They can’t then afford to be a team that gives away a lot of bases by throwing to the wrong base, botching rundowns, letting runners get walking leads, and so on.

That the A’s are 1-5 so far is utterly meaningless. The Colorado Rockies are 6-2 but will be lucky to win 12 games in April. What is worth watching, however, is how fundamentally sound the team looks as it gears up for Opening Day in now less than a month. (Less than a month!!!)

Keep a keen eye on this essential aspect of the game as it could go a ways to predicting the A’s fortunes in 2026.

Dodgers don’t expect two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell to be ready on Opening Day

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Los Angeles Dodgers do not expect two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell to be ready for opening day as he works on coming back from a shoulder injury that has lingered since last season.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Friday that the lefty has been throwing on flat ground, not the mound, and is making progress.

Snell was limited to 11 games last year in the regular season, going 5-4 with a 2.35 ERA. He was 3-2 in six postseason starts and helped the Dodgers repeat as World Series champions.

In a spring training game against San Francisco, right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto gave up two runs and five hits while striking out five over three innings. Yamamoto will head to Japan for the World Baseball Classic with Dodgers teammate Shohei Ohtani.

Saturday spring training Orioles game thread: vs. Braves, 1:05

SARASOTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 16: Kyle Bradish #38 of the Baltimore Orioles smiles during practice at Ed Smith Stadium on February 16, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Baltimore Orioles/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s beginning to feel more like spring, kind of. Temperatures in Baltimore will reach nearly 60 degrees today. It’s positively balmy around here.

The Orioles, of course, have been enjoying pleasant weather for a couple of weeks now, and they’re back in action in Sarasota today. Kyle Bradish will make his second start after a somewhat rocky debut earlier this week. Most of the Orioles’ regulars will be behind him, though not Samuel Basallo, who left Thursday’s game with right abdominal discomfort. There’s no indication that Basallo’s injury will be long lasting, and he told the media yesterday that he felt fine, but there’s no reason to push him back into the lineup yet.

Gunnar Henderson and Tyler O’Neill will take the top two spots in the lineup, collecting as many at-bats as they can before they leave for the World Baseball Classic. Coby Mayo gets another start at third base. The O’s will face former NL Rookie of the Year runner-up Spencer Strider, making his spring debut for the Braves.

Orioles lineup:

SS Gunnar Henderson
RF Tyler O’Neill
1B Pete Alonso
LF Taylor Ward
C Adley Rutschman
DH Ryan Mountcastle
3B Coby Mayo
CF Leody Taveras
2B Jeremiah Jackson

RHP Kyle Bradish

Game Discussion for Cardinals vs Marlins Spring Training Game for February 28

Feb 14, 2026; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Michael McGreevy (36) speaks to catcher Ivan Herrera (48) inside a dugout during spring training at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Not that we’re too worried about the wins and losses too much at this point, but the St. Louis Cardinals will take their 4-win, 3-loss record against the Florida Marlins on Saturday, February 28. According to MLB.com, Michael McGreevy will start for St. Louis while it will once again be Eury Pérez for the Marlins.

Cubs vs. Dodgers at Glendale preview, Saturday 2/28, 2:05 CT

Saturday notes…

  • FORMER CUBS IN DODGERS CAMP: Kyle Tucker. That’s it. (Plus former Cubs prospects Jackson Ferris and Zyhir Hope, who went to L.A. for Michael Busch.)
  • CUBS vs. DODGERS: After dropping two games to the Dodgers in Tokyo last year, the Cubs took four of five from L.A. the rest of the year. These teams will meet again Sunday, March 15 at Sloan Park.

Here are today’s particulars.

Cubs lineup:

Dodgers lineup:

Colin Rea will start for the Cubs. Other Cubs pitchers scheduled today: Javier Assad, Jeff Brigham and Ben Brown.

Justin Wrobleski will start for the Dodgers. Other Dodgers pitchers scheduled today: Edwin Díaz, Ronan Kopp, Tanner Scott, Patrick Copen, Wyatt Mills and Jerming Rosario. The Dodgers are a split squad today.

Today’s game is on TV via the Dodgers channel SportsNet LA. No radio broadcast.

MLB.com Gameday

Here is the complete MLB.com live streaming page for today.

Please visit our SB Nation Dodgers site True Blue LA. If you do go there to interact with Dodgers fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.

As we have done in the past, we’ll have a first pitch thread at five minutes to game time and one overflow thread, 90 minutes after game time. For today, that will be 2 p.m. CT and 3:30 p.m. CT.

These threads will not post individually onto the front page; instead, you can find links to them in the box marked ”Chicago Cubs Game Threads” at the bottom of the front page. There will also be a StoryStream on the front page with all the game thread links, as well as the recap after the game is over. The pitcher photos and regular-season stats will return on Opening Day.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

GameThread: Tigers vs. Rays, 1:05 p.m.

CLEARWATER, FL - FEBRUARY 25: Zach McKinstry #39 of the Detroit Tigers celebrates with teammates in the dugout during the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Philadelphia Phillies at BayCare Ballpark on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Michael Urakami/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Detroit Tigers vs. Tampa Bay Rays

Time/Place: 1:05 p.m., Charlotte Sports Park – Port Charlotte, FL
SB Nation Site: DRaysBay
Media: MLB Audio

Lineups

TIGERSRAYS
Parker Meadows – CFChandler Simpson – LF
Kevin McGonigle – DHJonny DeLuca – RF
Matt Vierling – RFJonathan Aranda – 1B
Colt Keith – 1BCedric Mullins – CF
Zach McKinstry – SSRyan Vilade – 2B
Corey Julks – LFJake Fraley – DH
Max Anderson – 3BTaylor Walls – SS
Jace Jung – 2BRichie Palacios – 3B
Tomas Nido – CTatem Levins – C

Mavericks waive point guard Tyus Jones, who was just acquired in the Anthony Davis trade

Tyus Jones signing with Orlando seemed like one of the smarter pickups of the offseason, a team that needed stability at the point signs up a veteran guard who knows how to run a team and doesn't turn the ball over. It didn't work on the court as smoothly as expected, and Jones was traded to Charlotte, then a day later was re-routed to Dallas as part of the three-team Anthony Davis trade.

Jones did not find a home in Dallas either, and the team has waived him, a move that had been expected for days.

Dallas needed to open a roster spot to convert Ryan Nembhard's two-way contract to a standard contract, reports Marc Stein. Nembhard has more than earned that contract.

Jones is a free agent who will be eligible for playoff rosters. Expect some team to snap him up.

Dallas may also buy out and waive Khris Middleton, but they have left that decision up to the veteran forward.

Vladar steals the show as Flyers knock off Bruins for consecutive wins

Vladar steals the show as Flyers knock off Bruins for consecutive wins originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Dan Vladar delivered a magnificent performance in net, spearheading the Flyers to a 3-1 win Saturday afternoon over the Bruins at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

The 28-year-old didn’t crack until there were just 6:57 minutes left in the game.

“He has just had a great year for us,” Rick Tocchet said. “Another outstanding effort from him.”

Travis Konecny broke a scoreless tie 3:41 minutes into the third period. Jamie Drysdale provided critical insurance over eight minutes later.

Sean Couturier iced things with an empty-netter, snapping his 31-game goal-scoring drought.

“I’ll take them any way I can,” the Flyers’ captain said. “It feels good, but the wins are more important right now. That’s all my focus.”

Tocchet’s club was able to build off its 3-2 win Thursday night over the Rangers in overtime.

The Flyers (27-21-11) won consecutive games for the first time since Jan. 3-6. That was the season’s halfway mark, when the Flyers were in playoff position after beating the Ducks, 5-2, to take over third place.

“We’ve been pretty resilient, but we’ve got to string consistency together,” Tocchet said before the game. “We’ve been chasing that all year.”

The Bruins (33-21-5) hold one of the Eastern Conference’s two wild-card spots. This was just their third regulation loss in the last 20 games (13-3-4).

“I think [general manager] Don Sweeney has done a great job in they have an identity, they’re big, they’re tough, they play to who they are,” Tocchet said before the game. “I know we played them in Boston, they’re a big team. That’s a team that has an identity when you play them, so it’s a good challenge for us.”

• Two goalies that played in the Olympics put on a pretty good show.

Vladar, who represented Team Czechia, was terrific for the Flyers. He converted 26 saves on 27 shots.

After making a series of big stops with the Flyers on the penalty kill late in the second period, he received a standing ovation from the fans behind his net.

“The fans have been awesome the whole year,” Vladar said. “We really feel that they have our back. … We just don’t want to waste this opportunity, we want to play well, especially for them, especially for ourselves, as well. We need them. Great job by them and we wouldn’t be here without them.”

Vladar bailed out the Flyers twice in the first period. He denied Michael Eyssimont on a semi breakaway and later stopped Mark Kastelic when the Flyers’ power play gave up a look.

The Flyers repaid Vladar in the third period.

“He does so much for us off the ice, as well,” Drysdale said. “In the locker room in between periods, he’s always talking, just saying whatever’s on his mind and usually it’s awesome stuff coming out of his mouth. Real positive guy.”

Bruins netminder Jeremy Swayman, who played for Team USA, made 14 saves on the Flyers’ 16 shots.

The 27-year-old robbed Christian Dvorak in close during the second period to keep the game scoreless. That came 53 seconds after Vladar turned away Morgan Geekie right around the doorstep.

More: How an ‘honest talk’ shaped Vladar’s breakout with Flyers

• The Flyers have 23 games left and two to go before next Friday’s 3 p.m. ET trade deadline.

They entered Saturday eight points behind the third-place Islanders in the Metropolitan Division race. They’re six points back of the Bruins in the wild-card hunt.

“We’re a confident group, we knew we have it in us,” Vladar said. “We had it at the beginning of the year, then it kind of slipped away. We’ve just got to find the swagger back because we have it here.”

General manager Danny Briere is not expected to be a major seller. After all, the Flyers didn’t want this season to be about subtraction. But we’ll see if Briere looks to make a future-centric move for the rebuild.

• Dvorak was quietly effective all game. He had a good stick defensively a couple of times and picked up helpers on both of the Flyers’ goals.

The Flyers needed that from him. Over the previous nine games, Dvorak had recorded only two points (both assists).

“Just stay within yourself, we’re not looking for anything more; just who he is,” Tocchet said. “He had a solid game.”

The 30-year-old has been playing as the Flyers’ first-line center. He earned a five-year contract extension with a strong a first half, but the Flyers just hadn’t gotten the same guy recently.

But on Saturday, he looked like the first-half Dvorak.

“Try to not get frustrated, it’s not an easy game,” Dvorak said. “You’ve just got to stick with it, stay positive and turn it around. I thought it was a step in the right direction.”

• Denver Barkey was a healthy scratch as Nicolas Deslauriers drew into the lineup.

The Flyers were playing a physical, tight-checking Boston team. Meanwhile, Barkey has hit a little bit of a wall recently, so this wasn’t a terrible time to let the 20-year-old rookie watch a game.

Deslauriers and Tanner Jeannot had a chat in warmups, setting up a first-period fight. It was a heavyweight bout.

• The Flyers are back in action Monday when they visit the Maple Leafs (7:30 p.m. ET/NBCSP).

Spring Training Game Thread: Twins vs Red Sox

PORT CHARLOTTE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 24: Walker Jenkins #75 of the Minnesota Twins lines out during the first inning of a spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park on February 24, 2026 in Port Charlotte, Florida. (Photo by Mark Taylor/Getty Images) | Getty Images

First Pitch (CT):12:05
TV: Twins.TV (via NESN)
Radio: NA
Know Yo’ Foe:Over the Monster

Lineups

TwinsRed Sox
SP: Taj Bradley, SPSP: Sonny Gray
1. Byron Buxton, DH1. Roman Anthony, LF
2. Alan Roden, LF2. Trevor Story, SS
3. Josh Bell, 1B3. Jarren Duran, DH
4. Matt Wallner, RF4. Willson Contreras, 1B
5. Ryan Jeffers, C5. Caleb Durbin, 3B
6. James Outman, CF6. Cedanne Rafaela, CF
7. Kody Clemens, 2B7. Carlos Narvaez, C
8. Orlando Arcia, SS8. Nate Eaton, RF
9. Gio Urshela, 3B9. Nick Sogard, 2B