Former Perth Glory winger blasts debut goal for Queens Park Rangers
‘It’s the best feeling in the world,’ 19-year-old says
A stunning first goal in the English Championship by Australian youth international Daniel Bennie has helped Queens Park Rangers to a vital win in their push for a Premier League return.
Bennie, a former Perth Glory winger who helped Australia’s Young Socceroos to U20 Asian Cup glory in February 2025, blasted home a shot from outside the box in the 84th minute to see off fellow promotion hopefuls Hull City 3-1 on Saturday.
Minnesota Twins' Joe Ryan pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Sept. 26, 2025, in Philadelphia.
Twins right-hander Joe Ryan has gone down with a back injury which could jeopardize his participation in this year’s World Baseball Classic.
Ryan, 29, was scratched from his scheduled spring training start on Saturday because of lower back tightness, and was set to undergo an MRI exam to find out more about his condition.
“It happened during his prep work,” Twins manager Derek Shelton told reporters, according to The Athletic. “We sent him for imaging just to be sure. … There is day-to-day soreness with everybody, but this is something that came up.”
Minnesota’s Joe Ryan pitches during the first inning of a the Twins’ loss to the Phillies on Sept. 26, 2025, in Philadelphia. AP
The exact details of Ryan’s injury and a potential timeline to return still remain unclear.
Ryan’s apparent injury also raises concern about if he would be able to pitch for Team USA in the WBC in March. He is expected to join the team in Houston at the end of the month.
Despite Ryan needing to be ready earlier in the offseason to account for the WBC, he has previously said that he did not make many changes to his preparation.
“It didn’t feel like this crazy overhaul in any way,” Ryan told reporters earlier this month. “We just started things a little bit earlier and let the program and the process take care of the rest.”
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan throws pitch during a game last season. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Ryan is coming off of his best season in the MLB in which he pitched to a 13-10 record with a 3.42 ERA and 194 strikeouts through 30 starts, earning him his first career All-Star appearance.
His injury also comes just a day after fellow Twins righty Pablo Lopez announced that he will be undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery.
“I don’t think its hit me yet,” López told reporters on Friday. “It’s sitting definitely heavy. … I think it’s going to hit me harder next week when (surgery) happens and all of that. We knew what we were looking at. I think I’m a pretty realistic person.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Aziel Jackson scored a goal in his debut for Vancouver and the Whitecaps beat Real Salt Lake 1-0 on Saturday in the season opener for both teams.
Yohei Takaoka had two saves for Vancouver.
Jackson opened the scoring in the 57th minute. Tate Johnson played a cross from the left side that deflected off defender DeAndre Yedlin to Jackson for a volley from the center of the area.
Vancouver, coming off its first Western Conference title and 3-1 loss to Inter Miami in the MLS Cup championship, played its 500th match in the MLS regular season.
Rafael Cabral, the only RSL player to start and finish every match (across all competitions), had four saves.
The Whitecaps are 16-15-5 in the MLS regular season against Salt Lake, 13-5-1 at home.
Thomas Müller hit the right post with a shot from outside the area in the 16th minute and, moments later, Brian White's shot from the center of the area sailed over the crossbar.
A trio of injuries has cast a dark cloud over the Suns' dramatic double-overtime win on Saturday.
Dillon Brooks, who has been both a culture setter for the organization and a secondary shot creator, averaging 21.2 points per game, will be out indefinitely with a fractured hand, a story first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN and since confirmed by others.
The report had no details — What part of the hand? Would surgery be needed? — other than to say doctors would meet in the coming days to come up with a timetable for his return.
Phoenix announced earlier that All-Star Devin Booker will miss at least a week due to a right hip strain, which he suffered in the first game back after the break against San Antonio on Thursday. The team said he would be re-evaluated in a week.
Booker is the Suns' best player, averaging 24.7 points and 6.1 assists per game this season. Not long before the All-Star break, he missed seven games with a sprained ankle, and the Suns went 4-3 in those games.
On top of all that, rotation guard Jordan Goodwin suffered a calf injury Saturday against Orlando and will have an MRI on Sunday, coach Jordan Ott said postgame.
All of that cast a dark shadow over the Suns most dramatic win of the season, a double overtime win against the Orlando Magic where Jalen Green had struggled to a 5-of-25 night shooting, but when it was all on the line in the second overtime he hit the shot that mattered most.
JALEN GREEN HITS THE GAME-WINNING @TISSOT BUZZER-BEATER TO WIN IT FOR THE SUNS IN 2OT!
NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 21: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 21, 2026 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Even if Joel Embiid does return for their next game, it’s time to raise some alarm bells.
The Sixers lost their fourth game in a row, embarrassingly falling 126-111 to the New Orleans Pelicans Saturday night.
Tyrese Maxey again ended up with game-high 27 despite a crooked shooting night, going 9-of-23 from the floor along with seven assists.VJ Edgecombe put up 14 points and five rebounds on 5-of-14 shooting off a strong first half.
Kelly Oubre Jr. had a solid scoring night in his home state, finishing with 25 points shooting 7-of-15 from the floor while Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 21.
Embiid (shin soreness) missed his fourth straight game while the Pelicans were down Trey Murphy III and Yves Missi.
Here are some thoughts at the buzzer.
First Quarter
Somehow this was an even clunkier start than the game prior, with it taking nearly three minutes to record the game’s first field goal. The Sixers were only able to parlay ugly shot attempts into free throws, starting the game on an 8-0 run. Not that it was smooth sailing from the liner either, with Dominick Barlow bricking two in a row there after sinking his first two attempts.
Edgecombe had a mini burst of aggression, hoisting up two threes in a row, but it was Oubre who was getting up the most shots for the Sixers early. He knocked down a three and was able to get to his push shot on a drive. Quentin Grimes got things going a bit when he knocked down two of his first three three-point attempts.
Sticking with bench contributions, Adem Bona gave the Sixers good energy upon checking into the game, blocking one shot and altering a couple more. He wasn’t able to complete his shift though after picking up two fouls. Grimes padded out his quarter nicely at the line. Maxey appeared to finally get his first field goal with a three at the buzzer, but he didn’t get it off in time and the Sixers had to settle for a five-point lead after one.
Second Quarter
The Sixers opened the quarter with their cleanest stretch of the game so far offensively, even if they weren’t able to sustain it. Edgecombe was feeling comfortable with his turnaround jumper, hitting another one to start the second. Cam Payne drilled a three for his first points back as a Sixer (again) but missed his next two attempts.
New Orleans found a groove offensively as well, with Williamson going to work in the post at will. Just as the Sixers appeared to weather that storm, the game was halted by referee nonsense. After Andre Drummond got T’d up for a hard foul on Derik Queen, the Sixers got called for a delay of game as it took a long time for play to resume. Even the official scorers were confused, according to the Sixers’ broadcast.
Once that dust settled the Sixers were able to find their footing with an Oubre three halting the Pelicans’ momentum. Edgecombe continued to have success putting the ball on the floor, drawing a foul on one of those turnaround jumpers and finishing a pretty layup with his left hand a few possessions later. Maxey finally got some jumpers to fall and had a nifty and-1 drive himself. This quarter ended with a Sixers three as well, though Oubre got it off in time, giving the Sixers an eight-point lead at the break.
In a rare change of pace, the Sixers were able to keep that momentum to open the second half, at least on the offensive end of the floor. Oubre continued to get to that push shot with ease, Maxey got another basket running that give-and-go, and Barlow made his presence felt in transition. With Williamson and Queen still having success on the interior though the Sixers weren’t able to extend their lead any further.
After that strong start, the third quarter woes reared their ugly head as the Pelicans ripped off a 10-0 run. Maxey was able to halt that with a contested three in transition, and a quick timeout from New Orleans stopped the momentum of both teams.
For all his struggles, the Sixers offense really stalled out as Maxey went to the bench and they fell cold from three. Bona got a putback and Jabari Walker hit a three, but the Sixers went without a field goal for the final 2:45 of the quarter. Edgecombe was able to rush up and get to the line right before the quarter ended, but his pair of free throws only pulled the Sixers within six after the Pelicans’ run.
Fourth Quarter
Despite Maxey’s return to the floor, the Sixers’ offense continued to look woefully inept. Once this team gets cold they just look like they’ve run out of ideas, making everything look really uninspired. Meanwhile, New Orleans’ offense wasn’t lighting the world on fire, but they were competent enough to keep extending their lead.
As the Pelicans continued to drain three after three the Sixers’ offense continued to look like a chicken with its head cut off, falling into a 20-point deficit. Maxey started to play with the required urgency to start a comeback, but he still was ice cold.
A steal leading to an Oubre three showed the briefest signs of a fake comeback, but the Sixers didn’t even have that in them. All it did was ensure that Maxey and Edgecombe would once again eclipse 35 minutes. Shots weren’t falling, but this was an embarrassing no-show effort from the Sixers in the second half.
WASHINTON (AP) — Tai Baribo scored a goal against his former team on Saturday night to help D.C. United beat the Philadelphia Union in the season opener for both teams.
Ezekiel Alladoh, a 20-year-old forward who made his MLS debut, was shown a straight red card in the 59th minute and Philadelphia played a man down the rest of the way.
Baribo, who led the Union with 16 last season was acquired via trade for cash in the offseason, opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. On the counter-attack, Baribo beat goalkeeper Andre Blake with a first-touch shot off a through ball played by João Peglow to make it 1-0.
Baribo had a would-be goal in the opening minutes ruled offside.
Forward Louis Munteanu made his MLS debut for D.C. United when he subbed on for Gabriel Pirani in the 70th minute. Munteanu, a 23-year-old Romanian international, was acquired in January for a club-record transfer fee of $7 million-plus.
Sean Johnson had three saves in his debut for D.C. United. The 36-year-old went into the game with 431 career MLS starts across 16 seasons for Chicago, New York City FC and, most recently, Toronto.
The Union is 28-10-7 against D.C., 8-7-6 on the road.
Philadelphia swept United in the 2025 regular season: 3-0 win at home in April and 6-0 on the road in September.
Observations from Yankees’ spring training on Friday.
Looking Golden
In his spring debut, Paul Goldschmidt went 2-for-3 with a pair of singles and a lineout.
The 38-year-old first baseman had exit velocities of 108.3, 107.5 and 97.9 mph, an encouraging early sign.
What’s that smell?
There was a sewage problem outside of George M. Steinbrenner Field, which seeped into the bathroom inside the Yankees clubhouse and surrounding areas.
A brutal stench emanated from the clubhouse throughout the afternoon. “It’s spring training for the toilets, too,” a Yankees spokesman said.
Added Aaron Boone: “It’s not great. And it’s all over the place. Hopefully they get it cleaned up here overnight and back in business [Sunday].”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone on the sewage problem at Steinbrenner Field on Saturday: “It’s not great. And it’s all over the place.” Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Apparently, two sewer lines broke outside the main GMS Field entrance just before today’s game. Things got progressively worse. “It’s not great…it’s all over the place,” Aaron Boone said of areas of the Yankee clubhouse. Hoping for a quick cleanup before tomorrow’s game v NYM pic.twitter.com/5L23TM6frH
Ryan McMahon, showing off his narrower stance, went the other way in his first two at-bats, one a double into the left field corner and the other a flyout.
Sunday’s schedule
Luis Gil will make his first start of the spring against the Mets at Steinbrenner Field.
BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — Chris Bell poured in 20 points to lead Cal past Stanford 72-66 on Saturday.
Bell was 5-of-11 shooting and 7 of 7 at the free-throw line to go with seven rebounds and two steals for the Golden Bears (19-8, 7-7 Atlantic Coast Conference). John Camden notched 18 points and eight rebounds, while Dai Dai Ames had 17 points and seven rebounds.
The win makes it a regular-season sweep for the first time since 2009-10 for the Golden Bears, who are coached by Stanford alum Mark Madsen. Before this season, the Golden Bears had lost five in a row to Stanford.
Ebuka Okorie continued a stellar freshman season for the Cardinal (16-11, 5-9), scoring 17 points and tallying 13 rebounds for the first double-double, and double-digit rebounding performance of his career. He'd never secured more than seven rebounds in a game prior to Saturday. Okorie entered the game averaging 22.5 points per game, the sixth-best average in the country.
Stanford's Aidan Cammann scored 19 points, along with six rebounds and two blocks, but was 11 of 19 at the free-throw line. Benny Gealer scored 15 points, and AJ Rohosy had 10 to go with six rebounds, three steals and two blocks.
The Cardinal mounted a 7-0 run inside the final 1:14, using a turnover from Justin Pippen and a foul from Ames to set up three free throws for Gealer. A turnover from Ames set up a layup for Cammann to make it 71-66 with 29 seconds to go.
A free throw from Camden with 24 seconds and missed 3-pointers from Gealer and Okorie sealed the result.
Cal built a 39-25 halftime lead after a 12-1 run with five points from Bell.
PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 21: Jalen Green #4 hugs Collin Gillespie #12 of the Phoenix Suns after shooting the game winning basket against the Orlando Magic on February 21, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Wow, what a crazy turn of events on this Saturday afternoon. A game that was supposed to end early ended up being three hours long with two overtime periods and three buzzer beaters for the Phoenix Suns. They ended up beating the Orlando Magic 113-110 after a game-winning three from Jalen Green.
That being said, this game was not all sunshine and rainbows, as the Suns struggled on offense without Devin Booker leading the charge. With Dillon Brooks and Jordan Goodwin also getting hurt and not returning in this contest, it really put the game in the hands of Jalen Green, Collin Gillespie, and Grayson Allen.
For the Magic, they were an all-out threat in the beginning, being led by Desmond Bane, who could not miss for the first quarter. He eventually fouled out, leading to Paolo Banchero and Jevon Carter trying to save the day on the road, but it was just not enough. Even with his shooting struggles today, Jalen Green made two big shots in double OT when it mattered most, and that was enough to secure a much-needed win for the Suns.
Game Flow
First Half
The Suns fans sadly opened up this game on their feet for a couple of minutes, awaiting a basket, until Dillon Brooks drained a three-pointer. This then led them down 9-3 early, as Tristan Da Silva matched Brooks’ points. Orlando’s offense started hot, getting to the basket, with Desmond Bane taking command. Phoenix, on the other hand, could not buy a bucket for the first six minutes of the game.
Threes were not falling, and at one point, they were 4/16 from the field. Added to that, Dillon Brooks unfortunately hurt his hand and then went back to the locker room.
Looks like Dillon Brooks is heading to the locker room. It looked like he was grabbing his hand/wrist on the last handful of possessions, specifically after shooting the ball. pic.twitter.com/nlNwcky0Rw
With him out, though, Jordan Goodwin made some big rebounds and helped raise the defensive tenacity. This led the Suns to climb back into the game, even though they were down by double digits at one point.
Even with this, though, Bane was just on a tear and shot a perfect 5/5 from the field in the quarter and finished with 14 points. This allowed them to take a 25-21 lead into the quarter break.
To start the second quarter, the Suns were rusty, but then they completely silenced that downhill experience. After a Jevon Carter three-pointer to make it an eight-point game, the Suns registered seven straight points and made it a one-point game.
That is where Bane started to get the ball back from Orlando and continue his heater, but Collin Gillespie was ready to match that. Gillespie took the lead back for the Suns after scoring five straight and scoring from all three levels.
That is where the game plan switched for both teams, as Phoenix dominated the paint in the first quarter. Now, Orlando was showing they could match those points, as Paolo Banchero and Jevon Carter started finding ways to attack the Suns’ basket. This blew the lead back to double digits, as the former fan favorite Jevon Carter proved the Bulls wrong for waiving him.
Before the close of the first half, though, Grayson Allen snuck in a buzzer-beater layup to drop the Magic’s lead to eight, 51-43.
The third quarter started with Orlando still playing through their hot hand in Bane, who hit another three. That said, the Suns went on an 11-0 run to tie the game. Mark Williams finally started getting involved in the offense, scoring back-to-back baskets in the paint. Add that with a three from O’Neale and Gillespie, and the Magic are forced to take a timeout.
Out of that timeout, the Suns took the lead back with a nice three from Green. That is where their offense started delivering with Williams once again. The stellar Suns’ defense continued as well to keep them alive, forcing some big turnovers. The Magic did try to match by going inside with their own bigs, Goga Bitadze and Mo Wagner. That was not enough, though, for one Sun who made his presence known.
Jordan Goodwin also made himself a major X-factor in this quarter on both ends. With two steals already and hitting a buzzer-beater three, the Suns now lead the Magic by four, 77-73, heading into the final quarter.
In the fourth, the Suns returned to what had been their strength: scoring inside. With Oso Ighodaro having a great night, he attacked Mo Wagner and got some offense going for the Suns. Not only was he solid on the glass, but he was solid on the glass.
The Suns continued to press on the gas pedal and expand this lead. Even with Carter and Bane trying to score, it is not enough with the team basketball taking place. Gillespie and Goodwin have a combined 36 points, shooting 6/10 from three-point range, and continue to deliver on offense.
That being said, as we know, the Suns will always be in a close one, as the Magic scored six straight points, forcing the Suns to take a timeout. With them struggling from three, the Magic were able to take that eleven-point lead down to three. The Suns also lost Jordan Goodwin. He appeared to be grabbing his calf and ran into the locker room.
Goodwin tweaked something in his left leg and called for a sub in the middle of live play. Struggling to move right now. Fouled to stop play and went back to the locker room.
With a tough offense stretch for Phoenix in the fourth, the Magic tied the game up at 96 from a dunk by Anthony Black. The Suns, who were prioritizing making some threes late, missed the game-winner in regulation. Collin Gillespie, who tried to get the Suns their third buzzer-beater tonight, was unfortunately unsuccessful in that regard.
OT
To kick off OT, the Suns got a blessing with a big steal from Jalen Green that led to Desmond Bane fouling out of the game. Sadly, Green missed both free throws, and on the other end, Wendell Carter Jr. converted a three-point play to take the lead. With no Bane, the Magic ran their offense through Banchero, who was effective for them. The Suns, though, had Grayson Allen, who scored seven straight to take the lead back with a minute left. Of course, though, Banchero tied it back up, and after a nice try from Mark Williams to tie the game, it now heads to double overtime.
Double OT
With both teams hungrier than ever, to secure this win, the physicality on the defensive end continues to intensify. After missing a pair of free throws, Jalen Green splits his next pair, but once again, Banchero makes another shot to take the lead. That said, the Suns had Grayson Allen continue to come up big, making another shot to take the lead. With the Suns attacking the basket, they forced Wendell Carter Jr. to foul out, just as Bane did. Green once again then split his pair of free throws.
Since the Suns forced multiple steals late in the game, they limited the Magic’s shot attempts, helping address their struggle to score late. Multiple times, both teams have gone silent on offense for consecutive minutes, making this dogfight keep dragging on. The physicality on the defensive end is also very prevalent right now.
With the Suns up three, Isaac missed two free throws, but then Jevon Carter tied it up. That was all until the man who needed it most, Jalen Green, hit the third buzzer-beater for the Suns and won the game 113-110.
The Suns gear up for another home game tomorrow, taking on the Portland Trail Blazers in a fun back-to-back homestand. The team will need some much-needed rest after this long duel with the Orlando Magic.
Still undefeated!!! The Sox are a mighty 2-0, with total runs of 19-3. Can we call it a season now?
The A’s decided not to play any major league regulars in their Cactus League opener and the White Sox took advantage, scoring five runs in the first three innings, mainly thanks to Edgar Quero having an excellent sense of direction. He came up with the bases loaded in the first, thanks to a Chase Meidroth double and two walks, and hit a little looper to left:
Hence, four RBIs on two bloops that were barely 83 mph but, as coaches teach kids, you put the ball in play and good things can happen. Quero did have one solid knock, a 98 mph double, but that was with the bases empty. He also threw out a would-be base thief and correctly challenged a ball-strike call. OK, so he maybe misplayed a pitch that led to a A’s run, but let us not quibble when he has a day like this.
The only other Sox run thanks to a player apt to be in the majors this year came via Brooks Baldwin flexing his mighty power in the second:
John Schriffen, brilliant as always, repeatedly referred to it as Baldwin’s first homer of the spring; that was pretty inevitable, because it was Baldwin’s first at-bat of the spring.
Luisangel Acuña struck out looking his first time up as a member of the White Sox, but later slashed a double. There were no plays in center that could determine whether he can play there, the only one being a double to the wall there was no way to get to.
Chicago’s other six runs came late, when Sox hitters who will mostly play Double-A to start the season faced A’s pitchers who will be lucky to make Single-A. The minor-leaguers got half of the club’s 14 hits, with William Bergolla Jr. and Dru Baker knocking two apiece. The A’s also tossed in some lousy fielding and bad base running to keep the score well spread.
On the pitching side, Chris Murphy was the first of seven Sox hurlers who got out of the game with just two runs, only one earned, despite giving up 11 hits and walking four. That was no doubt helped by the total lack of major league opposition, and very little upper minors opposition. Plus the aforementioned bad base running.
The White Sox stay at Camelback Ranch tomorrow to host Milwaukee. That game will also be televised, giving fans the first chance to watch Munetaka Murakami. First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. Central.
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 3: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the game against the Houston Rockets on February 3, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The New York Knicks (35*-21) host the Houston Rockets (34-20) tonight at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks hope to bounce back from a bad showing on Thursday against the Pistons. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant and the Rockets just squeaked by Charlotte, winning by four.
Tip off is 8:30 p.m. EST on ABC. This is your game thread. This is The Dream Shake. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Take it easy, easy like Sunday morning. And go Knicks!
Slovakia's Adam Liska (23) battles with United States' Brock Faber, center, for the puck in front of United States goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck (37) during the third period of a men's ice hockey semifinal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026.
MILAN — Having played between the pipes for the Winnipeg Jets in seven of the past eight NHL postseasons, goalie Connor Hellebuyck has seen his fair share of big moments.
Not the kind with a Stanley Cup on the line, but the ones that are a byproduct of circumstances.
The Jets have failed to make it out of the first round — or qualifier — in four of those aforementioned playoff runs, and Hellebuyck has assumed a significant portion of the blame as the franchise’s longtime No. 1 netminder.
Hellebuyck has a shocking 1-9 record in his past 10 road playoff games dating back to 2021. His .917 save percentage from 2022 through this current NHL regular season leads the NHL, but it dropped to .872 in the postseason over that span.
Connor Hellebuyck saves the puck during the men’s play-off semi-final ice hockey match between USA and Slovakia at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, on February 20, 2026. AFP via Getty Images
One of the more recent lasting images of Hellebuyck is from Game 6 of the Jets’ first-round playoff series against the Blues last year.
He had already been pulled in Game 4, and after giving up five goals on 23 shots across 40 minutes of play — including four goals in 5:23 — Hellebuyck was on the bench at the start of the third.
In the NHL, Hellebuyck hasn’t been able to rise to the occasion.
Since rejoining international play, however, the Michigan native has left little doubt as to who the top American goaltender is. Team USA will need that to continue if it is going to top Canada for a gold medal Sunday.
Asked about his confidence level five games into his first Olympic tournament — during which he stopped 90 of the 95 shots he faced — Hellebuyck’s usual stoic demeanor completely changed.
“Oh, all-time high,” he said, cracking a smile for the first time in the scrum with reporters after his 22-save performance against Slovakia on Friday night. “You know, I’m really enjoying this. This is fun. You don’t get to be part of this so much. I’m going to enjoy every second out here.”
The 32-year-old is leading the Olympic tournament with a .947 save percentage and a 1.23 goals-against average. Up until this point, Hellebuyck has been sharp, steady and stingy.
After allowing a couple third-period goals to Slovakia in a blowout quarterfinal victory, Hellebuyck poked fun at himself, saying he “got a little bored in there, and it cost me a goal.” It was indicative of just how light Hellebuyck looks and presumably feels going into this gold medal clash with Canada.
Slovakia’s Adam Liska (23) battles with United States’ Brock Faber, center, for the puck in front of United States goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck (37) during the third period of a men’s ice hockey semifinal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. AP
His USA teammates have lauded the calmness that exudes from Hellebuyck behind them.
That kind of presence is exactly what the U.S. men’s hockey team will need to win this whole thing.
“He’s incredible,” Matthew Tkachuk said. “He’s been incredible year after year. And it seems like in this short tournament, even going back to last year at 4 Nations, he’s been a brick wall. He’s been awesome. He plays the puck very well. Seems like everything that’s hitting him, sticks. He’s so good. He’s so steady. Probably the greatest asset is just the confidence he gives us. We are very excited to have him behind us for the gold medal game.”
Hellebuyck is one of just 13 goalies in NHL history with three Vezina trophies — tying him with the likes of Patrick Roy, Glenn Hall and Tony Esposito. Just eight goalies have won the Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player, and he is one of just three in this century.
It is Hellebuyck’s playoff failures, however, that have dominated his story through his 11-year NHL career. This game has the magnitude to change the narrative.
It’s been 46 years since the Miracle on Ice, the last time the Americans won gold in men’s hockey.
Canada holds a 4-1 record against the United States in Olympic tournaments featuring NHL players. Team USA has never beaten the Canadians when it mattered.
Hellebuyck, as the last line of defense, has an opportunity to become an American hero.
Suddenly, the NHL playoff stage wouldn’t look so big.
Even in a meaningless spring training contest that included only a few of their big-name stars, the Dodgers kicked off their 2026 campaign with a 15-2 rout of the Angels in their Cactus League opener, hanging nine runs on the Tempe Diablo Stadium scoreboard before nine outs had even been recorded in the game.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
“It was a very good overall day for us,” manager Dave Roberts said. “Scored a lot of runs and got a lot of guys at-bats.”
The last time the Dodgers were in action, they were lifting the Commissioner’s Trophy after their Game 7 win in the World Series against the Blue Jays.
In 112 days since then, expectations have only been raised.
The team once again boasts a $400 million payroll, easily leading the sport and raising the spectre of a lockout next season. It added Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz to its collection of superstar talent over the winter, making anything less than another World Series this year a failure for the two-time defending champions.
For now, however, the Dodgers’ task is simple: try to get their aging, but also rejuvenated, roster through this spring unscathed.
And on a sunny Arizona afternoon Saturday, they made a positive first impression in their return to the diamond.
While Tucker, Díaz and most of the team’s other stars weren’t in the lineup, Shohei Ohtani was still leading off as designated hitter, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto was back on the mound after a quick offseason turnaround.
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Ohtani began the game by chopping an infield single to third base, his lone hit in three at-bats. That sparked a three-run first inning, which was also keyed by a single from Teoscar Hernández (who went 3 for 3), walks from Santiago Espinal and Alex Freeland, and a two-run bases-loaded knock from Hyeseong Kim at the end of an eight-pitch battle.
Yamamoto then retired the side in order with two strikeouts in the bottom of the first, before the Dodgers struck for six more runs while batting around in the top of the second. That rally was highlighted by another RBI single from Kim, whose swing has looked improved in the early days of camp this spring, and a two-run double from outfield prospect Zach Ehrhard.
When Yamamoto returned to the mound for the second inning after a long break in the dugout, he didn’t look as sharp, allowing two runs on three hits and a dropped ball from Hernández at the wall in left field that got lost in the sun.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Yamamoto said the layoff between innings affected him but still came away pleased with how he felt over his 30-pitch performance –– a good sign for a pitcher who led the team in innings last year and was pushed especially hard during their elongated postseason run.
“I thought he looked good,” said Roberts, who pulled Yamamoto with two outs in the second. “Thirty pitches was enough. I didn’t feel like we needed to push him today.”
Afterward, Yamamoto also noted that he’ll have one more spring outing with the Dodgers next Friday before leaving camp to join Team Japan for next month’s World Baseball Classic.
That evidently came as news to Roberts, who told reporters this week that Yamamoto would only make Saturday’s start before departing –– and even wished his pitcher luck in the WBC as he took him out of the game.
“At first, I didn’t know what he was talking about,” Yamamoto said with a laugh in Japanese afterward. “But as I was coming off the mound, I thought, ‘He must think this is my last game.’”
So go things for the Dodgers right now, balancing ever-changing workloads and ramp-up schedules in preparation for the regular season.
It’s still early days, and there remains a long way to go this spring. But they’re officially off and running, looking dominant as ever just one game in.
Dodgers make claim
The Dodgers added to their outfield depth Saturday, claiming 27-year-old Jack Suwinski off waivers from the Pirates. Suwinski is only a .199 career hitter in four MLB seasons, but he hit 26 home runs in 2023. He has also been a surprise Dodgers killer, batting .314 with five home runs in 15 games against the team.
Suwinski joins Ryan Ward and Michael Siani as left-handed-hitting outfield options on the 40-man roster. In a corresponding move, the team placed Kiké Hernández on the 60-day injured list.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JANUARY 16: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks to drive past Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Paycom Center on January 16, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Joshua Gateley/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This was supposed to be a measuring stick game for the Cleveland Cavaliers. They only play the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder twice. Even though this will be a good test, Oklahoma City’s injuries keep this from being a marquee matchup
The Thunder have really struggled offensively this season in lineups without Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Caruso. In those configurations, the Thunder have posted a 106.1 offensive rating (4th percentile). The defense is still formidable with a 107.9 defensive rating (93rd percentile), which has helped keep them afloat.
This will be a good test for Cleveland’s new-look offense with James Harden. The Thunder have still been elite on that end, thanks to their front court of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. However, they aren’t the same team on offense. We’ll see if the Cavs can take advantage.
Cavs injury report: Max Strus – OUT (foot), Tristan Enaruna – OUT (G League), Riley Minix – OUT (G League)
Thunder injury report: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – OUT (ab strain), Jalen Williams – OUT (hamstring), Alex Caruso – OUT (ankle), Jay Mitchell – OUT (ankle), Thomas Sorber – OUT (knee)
Cavs expectedstarting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Thunder expected starting lineup: Cason Wallace, Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 21: A young fan holds a sign during game two of the 2026 Colorado Rockies spring training at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 21, 2026. The Colorado Rockies took on the Arizona Diamondbacks. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images) | Denver Post via Getty Images
After losing their spring training home opener, the Colorado Rockies came back to soundly defeat their Salt River Fields roomies, the Arizona Diamondbacks, 11-6. For more details, go here.
We’re not yet to the point in the season where we’re doing game recaps, but we wanted to share manager Warren Schaeffer’s postgame comments and some other Rockies comments.
First, here’s Schaeffer:
And here’s Tanner Gordon on his outing today as well as his evolving pitch arsenal:
