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Explaining rules old and new that are part of the NHL’s Stanley Cup playoffs

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Colorado Avalanche at Tampa Bay Lightning

Jun 26, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Ryan Murray (28) celebrates with the Stanley Cup trophy after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning during game six of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

More than a decade into the return of a division-focused playoff format, the arguments persist about whether it is the best thing the NHL can do to determine a Stanley Cup champion.

For three years in a row from 2016-18, Sidney Crosby’s Pittsburgh Penguins faced Alex Ovechkin’s Washington Capitals in the second round and each time the winner of that series hoisted the Cup. Edmonton and Los Angeles met in the first round four years in a row from 2022-25.

This time, it’s the stacked Central Division drawing the attention. Colorado is the top seed in the West while Dallas and Minnesota have for months been on a crash course to start the playoffs against each other. That means that one of the top seven favorites — and one of the seven best regular-season teams — will be gone by Round 2.

“If you could pick, obviously you’d rather not do that,” Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger said. “But it’s kind of the hand you’re dealt and it hopefully makes it all the more fun.”

From the format to a change brought on by a new collective bargaining agreement, there are plenty of rules to know about once the 16-team field opens play:

How the NHL’s playoff format works

Since realignment in 2013-14, the league has returned to the format that was all the rage in the 1980s and early ‘90s days of the Patrick, Adams, Norris and Smythe divisions. Exceptions were made in 2020 to complete the playoffs during the pandemic and in ’21 when U.S.-Canada border restrictions led to an entire season of divisional play.

The top teams in the Eastern and Western conferences face the second wild card team, with the other division winner going up against the first wild card. In all the divisions — the Metropolitan, Atlantic, Central and Pacific — the second seed plays the third seed.

Because of that, only one of the Avalanche, Stars and Wild can reach the West final. The path through the Atlantic is treacherous for Buffalo, Tampa Bay and Montreal.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has defended the format and says it delivers the best first round in sports and helps deliver competitive races down the stretch. Critics say it guarantees that some of the league’s top regular-season teams are eliminated before what would be compelling conference championship showdowns.

“We had matchups decided last year the last day of the season,” Bettman said. “If you’re looking for stories, if you’re looking for intrigue, if you’re looking to be entertained, this format works for you.”

How the playoff salary cap works

There were years of complaints about teams stashing players on long-term injured reserve through the end of the regular season only to bring them back early in the first round.

The new labor deal includes a playoff salary cap for the first time. Until now, the cap went away entirely in the playoffs.

It is a factor this time, though it comes with a twist. Unlike during the season, when the entire roster has to fit under the $95.5 million ceiling, teams only have to make sure the lineup of 18 skaters and two goalies dressed is cap compliant; as many as 5-20 players on the roster but not playing on any given night do not count against the cap.

The league added a playoff cap calculator to its front office app to assist general managers and their staffs with the process. Each will need to submit its game roster to NHL Central Registry prior to puck drop to make sure the combined salaries don’t go over the limit.

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When do NHL playoffs start? Latest standings, 2026 bracket, tiebreaker picture

All 16 NHL playoff berths are filled with three days left in the regular season.

But only three series have been determined and home ice hasn't been decided in one of those. No seed is set in the Pacific Division and the first and second wild-card seeds aren't nailed down yet.

Games Tuesday, April 14 could provide more clarity.

The Boston Bruins can clinch the first wild-card seed in the Eastern Conference and the idle Tampa Bay Lightning can clinch home-ice advantage in the first round. The Utah Mammoth could clinch the top wild-card seed in the West.

The biggest game, though, has no playoff implications. Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is playing in his season finale. The NHL's all-time leading scorer hasn't said whether he'll return for another season. ESPN is broadcasting what could be his last game in the NHL.

Here's what to know about the NHL standings, including the latest playoff bracket, Tuesday's clinching scenarios and the tiebreaker procedures for the 2025-26 season before the postseason begins on April 18:

Who's in the 2026 NHL playoffs?

Eastern Conference: Carolina, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Buffalo, Montreal, Tampa Bay, Boston, Ottawa

Western Conference: Colorado, Dallas, Minnesota, Vegas, Edmonton, Anaheim, Utah, Los Angeles

Who can clinch an NHL playoff seed today?

  • The Bruins will clinch the first wild card in the East if they beat the New Jersey Devils. That would set up a first round meeting with the Sabres. The Ottawa Senators would face the Carolina Hurricanes.
  • The idle Lightning will clinch second in the Atlantic Division and home-ice advantage in the first round if the Montreal Canadiens lose in regulation.
  • The Mammoth will clinch the first wild card in the West if they beat the Winnipeg Jets and the Los Angeles Kings lose. They'd also clinch if they get one point and the Kings lose in regulation. Utah would face the Pacific Division winner in the first round.
  • The Kings would finish as the second wild card if they lose in regulation and the Anaheim Ducks and Mammoth pick up at least one point. The Kings would face the Colorado Avalanche in the first round. The Kings could move into the third seed in the Pacific if they win on Tuesday and the Ducks lose.

NHL games today (Tuesday, April 14)

  • New Jersey at Boston, 7
  • Carolina at N.Y. Islanders, 7
  • Montreal at Philadelphia, 7
  • Washington at Columbus, 7, ESPN
  • Anaheim at Minnesota, 8
  • Winnipeg at Utah, 9
  • Colorado at Calgary, 9
  • Pittsburgh at St. Louis, 9:30, ESPN
  • Los Angeles at Vancouver, 10

NHL playoff standings

NHL Eastern Conference standings 2025-26

After April 13 games. x-clinched playoff spot. y-clinched division. z-eliminated.

Metropolitan Division

  • y-Carolina Hurricanes (111) Eastern Conference winner
  • x-Pittsburgh Penguins (98)
  • x-Philadelphia Flyers (96)

Atlantic Division

  • y-Buffalo Sabres (108)
  • x-Tampa Bay Lightning (106)
  • x-Montreal Canadiens (106)

Wild card

  • x-Boston Bruins (98)
  • x-Ottawa Senators (97)

Out of the playoffs: z-Washington Capitals (93), z-Columbus Blue Jackets (92), z-Detroit Red Wings (92), z-New York Islanders (91), z-New Jersey Devils (87), z-Florida Panthers (82), z-Toronto Maple Leafs (78), z-New York Rangers (75)

NHL Western Conference standings 2025-26

After completed April 13 games. x-clinched playoff spot. y-clinched division. z-eliminated.

Central Division

  • y-Colorado Avalanche (117) - Presidents' Trophy winner
  • x-Dallas Stars (110)
  • x-Minnesota Wild (102)

Pacific Division

  • x-Vegas Golden Knights (93)
  • x-Edmonton Oilers (91)
  • x-Anaheim Ducks (90)

Wild card

  • x-Utah Mammoth (90)
  • x-Los Angeles Kings (89)

Out of the playoffs: z-Nashville Predators (86), z-San Jose Sharks (84), z-Winnipeg Jets (82), z-St. Louis Blues (82), z-Seattle Kraken (79), z-Calgary Flames (75), z-Chicago Blackhawks (70), z-Vancouver Canucks (56)

NHL playoffs if they started today

NHL Eastern Conference playoff bracket

Here is how the Eastern Conference playoff bracket would look if the season ended on April 13:

  • Carolina (M1) vs. Ottawa (WC2)
  • Pittsburgh (M2) vs. Philadelphia (M3) This series is set
  • Buffalo (A1) vs. Boston (WC1)
  • Tampa Bay (A2) vs. Montreal (A3)

The winner of the first series would play the winner of the second in the second round. The winner of the third series would play the winner of the fourth. Key: M - Metropolitan Division. A - Atlantic Division. WC - wild card

NHL Western Conference playoff bracket

Here is how the Western Conference playoff bracket would look if the season ended on April 13.

  • Colorado (C1) vs. Los Angeles (WC2)
  • Dallas (C2) vs. Minnesota (C3). This series is set
  • Vegas (P1) vs. Utah (WC1)
  • Edmonton (P2) vs. Anaheim (P3)

The winner of the first series would play the winner of the second in the second round. The winner of the third series would play the winner of the fourth. Key: C - Central Division P - Pacific Division. WC - wild card

NHL tiebreakers: What is the first tiebreaker in NHL standings?

If two teams are tied in points at the end of the regular season, here are the tiebreakers:

  1. Regulation wins
  2. Regulation and overtime wins (ROW)
  3. Total wins
  4. Most points earned in head-to-head competition: If teams had an uneven number of meetings, the first game played in the city that has the extra game is excluded. When more than two clubs are tied, the percentage of available points earned in games among each other (and not including any odd games) shall be used to determine standings.
  5. Goal differential
  6. Total goals

When does the NHL regular season end?

The NHL regular season is scheduled to end on Thursday, April 16, with six games.

When do the NHL playoffs start?

The NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs are scheduled to begin on Saturday, April 18.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2025 NHL playoff schedule, picture, bracket, tiebreaker scenarios

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Capitals vs Blue Jackets Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game

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The Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets will close out their regular-season schedules in a matchup between two disappointed teams that had their sights set on the playoffs.

My Capitals vs. Blue Jackets predictions expect the home side to come out on top in a high-event game.

Let’s break down my NHL picks for Tuesday, April 14.

Capitals vs Blue Jackets prediction

Capitals vs Blue Jackets best bet: Blue Jackets moneyline (-145)

The Washington Capitals have controlled only 41.57% of high-danger chances at 5-on-5 over the last 10 games, ranking 31st in the league.

They’re consistently getting outplayed, and that should continue against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Their share of high-danger chances over the same span is ~10% higher than Washington’s, and they also have the added motivation of closing out their season on a high note on home ice.

Washington’s tendency to get out-chanced could be even more problematic with Clay Stevenson in net.

Stevenson is a 27-year-old journeyman with a .892 save percentage through four NHL starts, and he is unlikely to measure up to Jet Greaves at the other end of the rink.

Capitals vs Blue Jackets same-game parlay

Seven of the Capitals’ last 10 games have eclipsed the total, and that was with Logan Thompson — who leads the NHL in Goals Saved Above Expected — starting in nine of them.

With no stakes in tonight's matchup and a third-string netminder taking the crease, this sets up as a free-flowing contest where the offenses shine.

The Blue Jackets also tend to play in faster games, ranking sixth in 5-on-5 pace this season, which should create a better environment for scoring.

Capitals vs Blue Jackets SGP

  • Blue Jackets moneyline
  • Over 6.5

Capitals vs Blue Jackets odds

  • Moneyline: Capitals -105 | Blue Jackets -115
  • Puck Line: Capitals +1.5 (-250) | Blue Jackets -1.5 (+205)
  • Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+100) | Under 6.5 (-120)

Capitals vs Blue Jackets trend

Seven of Washington’s past nine games have featured at least eight goals. Find more NHL betting trends for Capitals vs. Blue Jackets.

How to watch Capitals vs Blue Jackets

LocationNationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
DateTuesday, April 14, 2026
Puck drop7:00 p.m. ET
TVESPN

Capitals vs Blue Jackets latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Spurs Regular Season Recap, Part 1: A strong start despite injuries

DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 22: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks and Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game on OCTOBER 22, 2025 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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 Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The regular season has come to a close, and for the first time since 2019 (well, technically 2022 if you want to count the play-in), this is not the end of the line for the Spurs! After a 28-game turnaround from last season’s 34-48 to 62-20, the Spurs are headed to the playoffs as the second seed in the West and NBA overall. They will face the winner of tonight’s 7th vs. 8th seed match-up between the Phoenix Suns or Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the playoffs, with Game 1 already scheduled for 8:00 PM CT on Sunday regardless of opponent.

We’ll have plenty more when we know about that series, but in the meantime, I thought it would fun to look back at what was the most exciting regular season for the Spurs since 2016-17. In my mind, there were four parts of this season. The first is what I would consider the pre-NBA Cup (in Vegas) stretch, where the Spurs played well and showed they were on a new level but were having to patiently wait for a complete roster due to injuries. Then there was the December surge when they finally were healthy, followed by a January “slump”, and lastly, February and onward, when they started looking like a true contender.

We’ll look back at each part of the season and how it shaped what turned out to be one of the greatest regular season’s in Spurs history, beginning with:

Part 1: Oct. 22 – Dec. 10 (17-7)

Despite having doubters, the Spurs entered the season with high optimism. Victor Wembanyama made a triumphant return from deep vein thrombosis that had shortened his previous season to the All-Star break, and he was determined to make the most of it. He also got to open the season against the next great prospect to enter the NBA in Cooper Flagg, and Wemby dominated with a 40-point, 15-rebound performance, determined not only to remind everyone who he is, but also that despite the hype, the doe-eyed rookie was not on his level just yet. (Although he has proven he will be darn good. Everyone is watching the Wemby vs. Chet Holmgren rivalry, but keep an eye on this one, too.)

The Spurs would go on to win their first five games — a franchise record — by riding Wemby’s dominance, all while waiting for De’Aaron Fox to make is season debut following offseason finger surgery and a hamstring injury. He finally did nine games in, only for Wemby to then miss 12 straight games with the most dreaded two words in sports these days: calf strain.

Still, it may have been a blessing in disguise as it allowed Fox to integrate himself with the roster and gain their respect as the main ball handler. He averaged 25 points — 6.5 above his season average —and 6.5 assists during that stretch, with his best game being a memorable 114-112 OT win in Orlando, in which he had 31 points and 5 assists while showing why he was Mr. Clutch in 2023. As the cherry on top, the game was capped off by a hilarious Luke Kornet block-and-pose, who also showed his worth as Wemby’s best backup yet and quickly becoming one of the most underrated offseason acquisitions in the league.

The Spurs surprisingly went 9-3 in that timeframe without Wemby, including making the NBA Cup Tournament. That stretch concluded with a dominant 132-119 quarterfinals win in Los Angeles against a healthy Lakers squad that had already beaten them once this season, led by a dominant performance from Stephon Castle, who went toe-to-toe with Luka Doncic with a 30-point, 10-rebound, 6-assist performance. As good as the reigning Rookie of the Year was coming into the season, he made an even bigger leap than expected in his sophomore campaign, bringing plenty more optimism for the future.

Despite 50% of the first part of the season coming without Wemby, the Spurs were able to show off their depth and establish themselves as a force to be reconned with perhaps a season sooner than expected, and soon, they would have the entire league’s attention.

Check back tomorrow as we continue to walk down memory lane of an incredible regular season, and make sure to add more of your favorite memories from the opening stretch in the comments below!

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Should Brian Keefe return as Wizards head coach?

Wizards head coach Brian Keefe. | Getty Images

The Washington Wizards finished the 2025-26 season with a 17-65 record — the worst in the NBA — in Brian Keefe’s second full season as the team’s head coach. The record looks bad, but it’s what the organization wanted this season, and in season’s past, while under Keefe’s leadership.

Keefe owns a 43-160 record in two-plus seasons in Washington, which marks the worst winning percentage (.212) in NBA history among coaches with at least 200 games coached. He’s been on the sidelines with for countless blowout losses, including Bam Adebayo’s 83-point night, and has lost 16 straight games on four separate occasions during his tenure.

But he also used nearly 50 different starting lineups this season and didn’t appear to have full control over his rotations as the Wizards tanked for the league’s worst record. He’s also well liked by the players and has developed the team’s young talent.

So, does Keefe deserve a shot at coaching the Wizards when they’re actually trying to compete? Or is it time to move on as the team enters a new phase of its rebuild?

Greg Finberg and Domo (@Domo8186 on X) discuss in the latest episode of “The Wizards Podcast.“

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Crawfish Boil: Cam Smith Growing, Injuries/Losses Mounting, Kevin Alvarez’ Rise & More

DENVER, CO - APRIL 6: Cam Smith #11 of the Houston Astros prepares to bat in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on April 6, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The latest news on the Houston Astros and from around MLB:

Carlos Correa is not making excuses for a 1-9 road trip:

Colton Gordon, recently recalled from Triple-A, will get the start tonight against Colorado:

Astros top prospect Kevin Alvarez has already moved into the Top 100:

Ten games, nine losses, five injuries (Pena, Imai, Brown, Javier, Meyers) – it’s been rough

Today is April 14th.

Latest on Jeremy Pena and Tatsuya Imai injuries:

Despite the losing streak, Cam Smith has shown tremendous growth thus far:

Angels-Yankees gave us something not seen in 70 years:

This is an ugly situation, and the worst part of it is that he has to sue his own parents:

The way baseball conversations with free agents gets started is often quite interesting:

It seemed like a great idea until it was revealed to be a big con job:

First time I’ve seen this happen:

A White Sox prospect is making his BIG debut:

I don’t know who bet on this to happen, but I bet they cashed in HARD:

Your current MLB HR Leader:

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Flyers Recall 5 Players Ahead Of Season Finale vs. Canadiens

With the Philadelphia Flyers officially clinching a spot in the playoffs, they have called up five players from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms ahead of their season finale against the Montreal Canadiens.

The Flyers have announced that they have recalled Anthony Richard, Jacob Gaucher, Hunter McDonald, Oliver Bonk, and Aleksei Kolosov from the Phantoms. 

The Flyers also shared that Bonk and McDonald will make their NHL debuts against the Habs. 

Richard has appeared in 63 games this season with Lehigh Valley, where he has 18 goals and 44 points in 63 games. He played in 15 games for the Flyers last season, posting two goals and six points.

Gaucher has played in three games this season with Philadelphia, where he has zero points and a minus-1 rating. He has 20 goals and 36 points in 66 games with Lehigh Valley this campaign.

McDonald has six assists and 88 penalty minutes in 62 games this season with the Phantoms. The 6-foot-4 defenseman was selected by the Flyers with the 165th overall pick of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. 

Bonk is certainly a notable call-up, as he was selected by Philadelphia with the 22nd overall pick of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. In 44 games this season with the Phantoms, he has six goals and 19 points. 

As for Kolosov, he has a 0-2-0 record and an .830 save percentage in four games for the Flyers this season. He also has a 15-20-2 record and an .898 save percentage in 37 games with the Phantoms this season. 

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Flyers Make Several Roster Moves Ahead of Regular Season Finale vs. Canadiens

With a berth in the Stanley Cup playoffs in hand, the Philadelphia Flyers have made a handful of roster moves to rest some key players.

On Tuesday morning, the Flyers brought up five players from the AHL Lehigh Valley Phantoms, with two set to make their NHL debuts.

Headlining the group is 2023 first-round pick Oliver Bonk, who is currently in the midst of his first professional season after some very productive years with the OHL London Knights.

Defenseman Hunter McDonald, who was with the Flyers earlier this season but never played, will also make his NHL debut.

After Dan Vladar's heroics on Monday night, prospect Aleksei Kolosov will be inserted into the lineup, presumably to back up Sam Ersson against the Montreal Canadiens Tuesday night and keep Vladar off the ice at all costs.

Flyers Playoff Matchup vs. Penguins Officially SetFlyers Playoff Matchup vs. Penguins Officially SetThe <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers">Philadelphia Flyers</a> are heading back to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2020 and are set for a testy matchup with the bitter rival Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Flyers will also be welcoming back center Jacob Gaucher, who played three games for the NHL squad in November, and veteran Anthony Richard, who scored six points in 15 games for the Flyers last season.

As for further lineup changes, the expectation is that David Jiricek will make his Flyers debut, with Alex Bump, Carl Grundstrom, Noah Juulsen, and Garrett Wilson also drawing in for Flyers players in need of a rest ahead of the playoffs.

Jiricek, 22, played 25 NHL games for the Minnesota Wild this season, with his last appearance coming back on Jan. 31.

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Giants-Reds Series Preview: Two struggling lineups?

CINCINNATI, OHIO - APRIL 11: Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds steals second base during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Great American Ball Park on April 11, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The San Francisco Giants have finally run into a team they’re hitting better than here through the season’s first couple of weeks. If you ignore the Yankees series, the Giants are actually around a league average offense (96 wRC+) in their last 13 games. Meanwhile, the Reds are the worst in the National League (76 wRC+). According to FanGraphs’ measure of WAR, they’ve been exactly replacement level (0.0) over their last 14 games. Does this mean the Giants have a great shot in this 3-game series at the Great American Ball Park?

Sure. Anything’s possible.

They’ve also been a medicore pitching team, with a 4.10 ERA and 5.09 xERA. That’s because they have been walking hitters like crazy, to the tune of 5.04 per 9 innings over their last 125 innings. That’s the worst in the NL and fourth-worst in MLB. And yet, they’re 9-7 overall, with 5 of those wins coming on the road in Texas and Miami. They have a -16 run differential compared to the Giants -21. The Giants staff has walked hitters at too-high a rate as well, with a 4.18 BB/9 over their last 114 innings. That’s 21st in MLB and 10th in the NL.

On the full season — so, if we go back and include the Yankees series — the Reds have only outscored the Giants by 3 runs (54 to 51). They’re hitting as a team just .205/.298/.325 compared to the Giants’ .243/.288/.357. Their offensive leaders have been Elly De La Cruz (152 wRC+) and rookie Sal Stewart (178 wRC+). The only other player who comes close to league average (100 wRC+) is platoon bat Nathaniel Lowe (92 wRC+ in 23 PA).It’s a rough lineup here in the early going. The Giants counter that with Casey Schmitt (186 wRC+), Willy Adames (127), Matt Chapman (118), and Luis Arraez (106).

Rather than silo him in the players to watch section, I’ll talk about the Reds’ dynamic Elly De La Cruz right here, because he’s just 24 years old and is once again playing like an MVP-caliber player. He has 5 stolen based in his first 16 games of the season, an 11.1% walk rate and 27.8 strikeout rate. It’s doubtful he’ll sustain those rates through the season, but they’d both be career bests (his career averages: 9.5 BB% and 29.7 K%). He was projected to be a 4-to-5-WAR player and has already been worth 1.0 fWAR through the first 16 games of the season. That’s a 10-WAR pace. Also probably not sustainable, but worth mentioning here because he’s white hot right now.

The Great American Ball Park has been less a house of horrors here in the 2020s than it was in the 2010s when the Giants went 12-21. They’re 11-6 here in the 2020s and, as you’ll recall, the Giants got off to such a scintillating start last season because of the opening series in Cincinnati. A year later and the team feels considerably less surprising and brimming with possibilities, but who knows? Maybe another series win here will kick off a nice run of success. This series is a battle of old (the Giants) versus young (the Reds), with the Giants’ older lineup (28.9 on average) battling the Reds’ younger pitching staff (28.4) while the Reds’ young hitters (27.8) take on the Giants’ more veteran (30.2) staff.

Series overview

Who: San Francisco Giants (6-10) at Cincinnati Reds (9-7)
Where: Great American Ball Park| Cincinnati, Ohio
When: Monday & Tuesday at 3:40pm PT, Wednesday at 9:40am PT
National broadcasts: None.

Projected starters
Tuesday: Robbie Ray (LHP 2-1, 2.08 ERA) vs. Brady Singer (RHP 0-1, 7.71 ERA)
Wednesday: Tyler Mahle (RHP 0-2, 4.30 ERA) vs. Rhett Lowder (RHP 1-1, 3.31 ERA)
Thursday: Landen Roupp (RHP 2-1, 3.24 ERA) vs. Chase Burns (RHP 1-1, 3.31 ERA)

Players to watch

Reds

Sal Stewart: The 22-year old first baseman ended last season as the #3 prospect in the Reds’ system, according to MLB Pipeline. Indeed, the top three prospects from their system at the end of 2025 will be featured in this series, with Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder both scheduled to pitch.

He was a high school bat drafted in 2022 and, per Pipeline’s writeup:

Stewart’s advanced approach has been apparent from day one of his pro career. He carried a miniscule 15.7 percent career strikeout rate into the 2025 season and he’s walked as often as he’s struck out (138 BB vs. 139 Ks). He makes a lot of hard contact and can send line drives to all fields consistently against all kinds of pitching. Just 21 for all of this season [2025], he’s still learning to tap into his considerable raw power, with confidence it will come without him losing any of his hitability.

He hit 5 home runs in an 18-game cup of coffee last season (58) and slashed .255/.293/.545. He’s hitting .309/.435/.600 in the first 16 games and 69 plate appearances of this season. That includes 4 home runs, 4 doubles, and 13 walks against 10 strikeouts. No wonder Eno Sarris giddily selected his future over Bryce Eldridge’s when asked about it during the offseason.

Rhett Lowder: A sinker-slider-changeup guy whose fastball velocity (he does have a four-seamer, too) that sits in the 92-94 range. I’m thinking the right-handed Cade Povich, if you want a recent comparison to a Giants’ opponent. I’m interested to see how his 6.1 K/9 (though 3.74 FIP) plays against this Giants lineup. He missed all of 2025 with some elbow issues, but in 2024, he had a 1.17 ERA (3.10 FIP) in 6 starts (30.2 IP).

Eugenio Suarez: The veteran has yet to get it going in the early season with a .642 OPS through his first 16 games. He was a Red from 2015-2021 and since 2021 he’s his 163 home runs for 3 teams in 774 games. He has a career line of .244/.331/.516 with 15 home runs in 59 games and 245 PA against the Giants.

Giants

Jung Hoo Lee: Lee, like a lot of the Giants, got off to a fast start in Cincinnati last season, with a 3-for-10, a double, a stolen base, and a pair of walks in that season-opening series. He’s had a dismal start to 2026 (.185/.246/.315) and could really use a good series. Three right-handed starters in a park that favors hitters is a nice pairing of ingredients for a hitter.

Tyler Mahle: He was drafted by the Reds in the 7th round of the 2013 draft and spent his first 5 1/2 seasons with them, posting a 4.34 ERA in 117 starts. This will be the first time he’s ever faced his former team?! That seems impossible, so maybe I’m reading his Baseball Reference page wrong. Anyway, he has a career 5.02 ERA in 285.1 IP at the Great American Ball Park.

Patrick Bailey: Speaking of performance at GABP, the Giants catcher is just 1-for-27 in his career. That’s just 9 games, but it’s another strike against a backstop who certainly racks up strikes whenever he steps to the plate. There’s probably not a starting catcher controversy just yet, but we almost certainly figure to see Daniel Susac more often should Bailey’s bat maintain its sub zero temperature.

Tony Vitello watch

He’ll be going up against the legend Terry Francona, which might be interesting if the Giants are able to keep games close late. It’s not that the Great American Ball Park is Coors Field, but bullpen decisions will be important. Also, I wonder how much time Vitello has spent in Ohio. The Volunteers played Cincinnati, so maybe he’ll have a couple of old college stories to share during the media scrum.

Prediction time

The Giants might win a game in this series.

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Nike unveils LeBron Witness IX PE for Bronny James and new Kobe ‘Dodger’ Protros

Nike Basketball unveiled the new Nike LeBron Witness IX PE Monday, a player-exclusive colorway in honor of Bronny James. The shoe not only symbolizes the LA Lakers rising guard and his famous father, but also Bronny’s backstory as a survivor, who has overcome several obstacles in order to reach his NBA dream. 

The new shoe, which is the second such shoe in the series, leans into restraint. It features a tonal upper layered with subtle textures. It has red accents and features the name “Bronny” on the toe and his logo on the heel. 

We wrote about Nike quietly moving to trademark the Bronny logo in early March. Now, that logo finds its way onto the Witness IX platform.

The new Nike shoe symbolizes the LA Lakers’ rising guard Bronny James and his backstory as a survivor. AP
It has red accents and features the name “Bronny” on the toe and James’ logo on the heel.  Nike

Bronny James’ journey from son of arguably the greatest player in NBA history to rising star with the Lakers is not linear. After committing to University of Southern California for college, Bronny collapsed during an early-morning practice on July 24, 2023 inside USC’s Galen Center. He suffered a cardiac arrest that was later attributed to a congenital heart defect. James’ future in basketball was suddenly in doubt. 

LeBron and Bronny James made history as the first father-son teammates ever to share the court in the NBA. Getty Images

Less than five months later, he returned to the court and made his collegiate debut with the Trojans. After his freshman season, he declared for the 2024 NBA Draft and was selected in the second-round at No. 55 overall by the Lakers. That October, LeBron and Bronny James made history as the first father-son teammates ever to share the court in the NBA.

This new sneaker lives in that space between what almost was and what now is. 

The Witness IX PE becomes less about LeBron’s signature line and more about the upcoming evolution. A passing of narrative from one generation to the next and an example of Nike’s investment in the entire James family. 

Nike also rereleased the Kobe 11 Protro “Fade to Black” the shoe worn by Kobe Bryant during his final regular season NBA game. Monday marks the 10-year anniversary of that game. 

Nike also announced the Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Dodgers,” slated for a fall release, blending Los Angeles baseball blue with Kobe’s mythology.

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What Colin Ralph Will Bring To The Blues And Thunderbirds

On April 3, the St. Louis Blues signed Colin Ralph to a three-year, entry-level contract, bringing the highly anticipated defenseman into the organization. He is finishing the 2025-26 season on an ATO with the Springfield Thunderbirds, as his ELC will kick in at the start of the 2026-27 season. 

Ralph spent his two seasons following the NHL draft in the NCAA, first with St. Cloud State University as a freshman before entering the transfer portal and joining Michigan State University as a sophomore.

Michigan State was one of the favorites to win the National Championship, and although they did fall short, Ralph had a strong year.

Ralph won’t blow you away with his offense, as he finished this season with just one goal and 11 points in 37 games, but the 20-year-old is a stout defender and has quickly earned the trust of his coaches at every level.

With Michigan State, Ralph averaged nearly 21 minutes of ice time on a blueline that featured four other drafted prospects. Standing 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, Ralph has the frame of a physical defenseman, and he utilizes it to his advantage. Like Colton Parayko, his physicality might be his best trait in the NHL, but he has shown that his skating and puck-moving abilities are strong enough for the higher level.

Blues Assign Stenberg, Lindstein To AHL To Help Fuel Springfield Playoff PushBlues Assign Stenberg, Lindstein To AHL To Help Fuel Springfield Playoff Push2023 first-round picks had successful stints in first season in NHL, now get opportunity to help Thunderbirds reach Calder Cup Playoffs

His calling card in the NHL, and even in the AHL for the next couple of seasons, will be his defensive game. His size, reach, and defensive understanding are already at a high level, and he’ll be able to polish them in the AHL. 

His short-term outlook is in the AHL, but if Ralph can continue to develop and work his way into the NHL, he’ll be exactly what the Blues will need. The 2024 second-round pick (48th overall) played his first three AHL games this weekend, failing to record a point.

St. Louis Blues Weekly Prospect Report (April 12)St. Louis Blues Weekly Prospect Report (April 12)It's early, but could last two Blues first-round picks face one another at the Memorial Cup? Dorion, Remparts move on after facing elimination; Fischer, Greyhounds in a bind; Jecho, Oil Kings done; Springfield clinching has to wait for final stretch; KHL update

While it is still no guarantee that Adam Jiricek, Theo Lindstein, and Logan Mailloux reach the levels some anticipate they will, if they meet expectations, the Blues will have three smooth-skating, puck-moving defensemen with plenty of offensive skill in their top four alongside Philip Broberg. As Parayko ages, they’ll need a replacement for him, and Ralph has the skill set to do so, rounding out the backend. 

Ralph can be that defensive first defender who allows Jiricek, Lindstein, and Mailloux to thrive and play their own game. 

The Blues have plenty of depth within their prospect pool, which means Ralph will have several competitors to deal with. 

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Tuesday BP: When will the Giants make a move?

Drew Gilbert and Tony Vitello walking side by side.
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 10: Manager Tony Vitello #23 and Drew Gilbert #0 of the San Francisco Giants watches practice during Spring Training at Scottsdale Stadium on February 10, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Suzanna Mitchell/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The San Francisco Giants have, somewhat unconventionally, only used 27 players this year, which means they’ve only made one move involving the Major League roster. That move was forced on them, after reliever José Buttó was placed on the Injured List, and replaced by Blade Tidwell.

It’s the time of the year where teams start to tinker with their rosters. Like the Giants, the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers have also used just one additional player; but the Colorado Rockies have used three, and the Arizona Diamondbacks four.

The Giants will likely make another pitching move before long, as relievers Sam Hentges (a lefty) and Joel Peguero (a righty) have both started rehab assignments after beginning the year on the IL. But where they really could use a move is on the offensive front. The Giants are, somewhat surprisingly, ninth in the Majors in batting average, but that’s where the good times end. San Francisco is 28th in on-base percentage, 24th in slugging percentage, dead last in walk rate, dead last in home runs, dead last in stolen bases, 29th in runs, 27th in OPS, and 27th in wRC+.

But the issue, of course, is that the Giants don’t have any quick fixes. The obvious solution to boost the offense would be to promote their top prospect, Bryce Eldridge, but even if the Giants thought he were ready (which I doubt they do), it still doesn’t really help things. Their best hitter this year has been Casey Schmitt, who has primarily been used as the DH, which is where Eldridge would need to slot in. Schmitt’s not going to displace Matt Chapman or Rafael Devers for obvious reasons, and Luis Arráez has been one of the team’s only good hitters this year, so he’s not getting displaced, either. Which means there’s no place for Eldridge.

Jesús Rodríguez is the other bat who could help the team, but similar concerns arise. The contact-heavy utility player is not going to take starts from Patrick Bailey or Arráez, and replacing Daniel “greatest hitter of all time” Susac isn’t something that needs doing.

The outfield is where the Giants really need some help, but it probably needs to come from Heliot Ramos, Jung Hoo Lee, and Harrison Bader remembering how to hit. The reinforcements there don’t seem likely to do much better: AAA Sacramento’s outfield is Grant McCray (who is in an awful slump), Will Brennan (a veteran with a large track record of being a below-average hitter in the Majors), Drew Gilbert (who isn’t lighting up the box scores and has been a very bad hitter in the Majors) and Victor Bericoto (who is still adjusting to the level).

So while most people are likely hoping for a move to come soon, it’s probably still a ways away for the Giants. But that won’t stop me from asking for your prediction of when it will occur, and who it will be.

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Notable quotes from Nets goodbye … and look ahead

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 04: A view of the center court logo is seen prior to the game between the Denver Nuggets and the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 04, 2026 in New York City. 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 Evan Bernstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images

As Lucas Kaplan had put it to you yesterday, the Brooklyn Nets hosted an official end of the season private press conference on Monday to share the takeaways everyone gathered from this season.

Despite the traditional setting of the atmosphere with members of the organization on the dias and various journalists sitting in seats waiting to ask questions, there was a sense of camaraderie Monday among the group. They may have had different jobs, questioned each other, set an debated strategy, etc, but overall one thing united them … It was a LONG season. Losing games is not fun, and it can take a toll on everyone.

Nevertheless, Sean Mark, Jordi Fernandez, MPJ, Noah Clowney, and Sean Marks still doled out some smiles, and answered key questions, some in more detail, others in less. There were Q. and A.’s on their approach during the season and what we can look forward to for this summer and the 2026-2027 — starting with a crucial draft, NBA Season. Here are some of the quotes that stood out. Lucas already handled MPJ’s answers in Monday’s report.

Jordi Fernandez: In the Moment

The life of an NBA coach is hard, especially when you’re in Jordi’s shoes. Not only is he responsible for developing young NBA talent, but he is in the middle of a rebuild where losing has become the norm in such a great city.

Fernandez started out with some humor, detailing that he should’ve been more considerate toward his family when they told him that being a head coach would be hard.

“You don’t know how to deal with your emotions until you have to do it. It’s really hard. Because you want to go out there and win games like the Boston game or Orlando when you’re right there.”

As he often does, Fernandez thanked a long list of people who had helped in development of the youngest team in the last 20 years.

“Between Long Island, the coaching staff, and the front office, the exposure that these guys had to the real games I thought was great. I think we led the league in minutes played by rookies [they did], and I thought that tells you that the best player development coaches are real live minutes. Those are the wins that don’t; show up in the standings, but the wins that we believe in.”

“I feel I’m supported, I also feel like whenever I make a mistake, I’m going to be challenged. When all of those things happen, it is all positive.”

Sean Marks: Fresh New Start/ Development

“Our rookie class specifically played more minutes than anyone else in the league from a rookie class standpoint. That’s something we’re certainly proud of. There’s excitement about the next 3-4 months of this summer. Talking to the coaching staff, I know they need to get away but they are all excited about what lies ahead of them.”

“One of the biggest lessons from an on-the-court perspective is that they got to feel what a real NBA athlete and game feels like and the preparation that is involved. Sometimes that takes a year or two, or maybe even three to get 40 games under their belt. A lot of our guys were exposed to it early to what that feels like.”

“We always look at the best available. As opposed to taking a guy and making him into your roster and what you already have. I think number one we’re looking for a competitive guy. You gotta fit, have that “Brooklyn Fit.” We always look at the upside, and that can be a tricky game to play, but we’re excited to see wherever this pick falls and there the opportunity will be for us.”

As for free agency and trades, Marks was cagey, as one might expect:

“It depends a little on what becomes available. You just never know,” said Marks. “We’ve put this Nets team and franchise in a place to be able to be opportunistic. Does that fit our timeline? Does this particular trade work for us right now?

“You can always add talent, but does that talent fit our approach and for the development of these young guys, fit in with the group we have? So, those are discussions I look forward to having with Jordi [Fernández] and the rest of the coaching staff, front office, mostly Joe [Tsai] — when we want to add and how we want to add.”

Marks also pointed out that Josh Minott’s performance might have even been better if he had been healthy.

“The shooting is something that probably surprised me slightly, but I look forward to seeing him healthy,” Marks said. “He was playing on one leg with us for most of the time here, so it is nice to get that ankle taken care of and then again have another big summer. … But he’s excited and incredibly motivated. And as we said before, I love the competitive nature and competitive fire that he has.”

Marks wouldn’t commit, at least not yet, to picking up Minott’s $2.5 million team option.

Noah Clowney: Correction

When it was Noah Clowney’s turn to sit to talk to the media on Monday morning, his body language said exhausted. That mixture of an 82-game season along with all that losing, Clowney had good reason. He spoke of his development which in his mind was mediocre.

“I think I progressed this year, maybe not as much as I wanted to, but I got better at a few different things and I got more experience, so I’m going to take that for what it is. I also got to gel more with the group that will be around for a while.

Clowney gave more in detail as the questions started to roll in.

“I think I had a really strong summer. I think you can ask anybody around here they can tell you the same. And when the season first started, it wasn’t translating how I wanted it too, and that led to frustration.”

During the season Clowney had upped his scoring average to 12.3 while playing in the most games of his young career.

“I think I got a lot better at getting to the rim. I think my handles have to get a lot better, that’ll prevent turnovers and things of that nature. Defensively it’s always been consistency. I can do it at times, and other times I just don’t.”

Other than being disappointed with himself, Clowney also mentioned about his unawareness of what next year can potentially look like. After all, he will be a restricted free agent this summer.

“I don’t know what the roster will be next year. I’m not looking forward to nobody specifically. I hope everybody still here, but we all know that’s not realistic. I’m looking for another opportunity to play, though.”

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Penguins vs Blues Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game

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Jimmy Snuggerud is ending his rookie campaign on a huge high. He's picked up a point in 20 of his past 29 games, averaging more than a point per contest along the way.

My Penguins vs. Blues predictions expect Snuggerud to put together another productive outing against a Pittsburgh team looking toward the playoffs.

Let’s take a closer look at my NHL picks for Tuesday, April 14.

Penguins vs Blues prediction

Penguins vs Blues best bet: Jimmy Snuggerud Over 0.5 points (-145)

Jimmy Snuggerud has played exceptional hockey alongside Robert Thomas and Dylan Holloway on what has been one of the league’s best lines.

That trio has absolutely run over everybody in its path, outscoring opponents 20-5 at 5-on-5 while posting excellent underlying metrics since being assembled.

They also fully correlate on the top power play, allowing their chemistry to flourish in easy offensive situations.

That’s an important factor heading into a matchup with the Pittsburgh Penguins, who’ve conceded a power play goal in five of the last six games in which they took at least two penalties.

Penguins vs Blues same-game parlay

The St. Louis Blues’ top line dominates territorially almost nightly, meaning plenty of offensive zone time for Holloway to put his shot to use.

He's cleared 2.5 shots in 10 of his past 14 games and has averaged a healthy 6.4 attempts along the way. He should get his share of looks against a Penguins team with nothing to play for.

We’ll round out the parlay with a bet on the Blues to take care of business in their home finale. They rank eighth in points percentage over their final 25 games and should handle a Penguins team whose biggest priority is getting through this game healthy.

Penguins vs Blues SGP

  • Jimmy Snuggerud Over 0.5 points
  • Dylan Holloway Over 2.5 shots on goal
  • Blues moneyline

Penguins vs Blues odds

  • Moneyline: Pittsburgh +110 | St. Louis -130
  • Puck line: Pittsburgh +1.5 (-240) | St. Louis -1.5 (+195)
  • Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-105) | Under 6.5 (-115)

Penguins vs Blues trend

The Blues have hit the moneyline in 13 of their last 20 games (+8.60 Units / 37% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Penguins vs. Blues.

How to watch Penguins vs Blues

LocationEnterprise Center, St. Louis, MO
DateTuesday, April 14, 2026
Puck drop9:30 p.m. ET
TVESPN

Penguins vs Blues latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Mets were this close to ‘disaster’ with Craig Kimbrel-Francisco Alvarez miscommunication

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Francisco Alvarez tries to hold Craig Kimbrel up from throwing a pitch in the Mets-Dodgers game on April 13, 2026, Image 2 shows Craig Kimbrel held onto the ball to avoid a potential disaster
Mets miscommunication

Craig Kimbrel is still working out the kinks with his new team.

In his second appearance with the Mets, Kimbrel and catcher Francisco Alvarez got their wires crossed during the sixth inning with two outs on a 2-2 pitch to Shohei Ohtani with the Dodgers leading 4-0.

Alvarez called for time while Kimbrel was mid-windup and the veteran reliever nearly threw the ball at the Mets catcher, who was about five steps across home plate toward the pitcher’s mound.

Ohtani and home plate umpire Nic Lentz immediately ducked to avoid what looked like a potentially dangerous situation if the ball was released.

Alvarez did not get out of the way and instead stood his ground and tried to quickly get into a stance to catch the pitch, despite the distance between him and the pitcher closing.

Kimbrel was able to hold himself back from throwing the pitch and looked away as Alvarez came to the mound — and Ohtani took a sigh of relief.

Francisco Alvarez tries to hold Craig Kimbrel up from throwing a pitch in the Mets-Dodgers game on April 13, 2026. SNY/X

“Whoa,” the Mets broadcast of Ron Darling and Gary Cohen said in unison.

“Alvarez was running out to try and beat the pitch clock, and Kimbrel was ready to throw the pitch,” Cohen said. “That could have been a disaster.”

“That was almost going to be a little league distance pitch,” Darling added. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen this before. Alvarez gets time from the umpire, but Kimbrel doesn’t know that. Wow.”

Kimbrel wound up getting Ohtani to fly out to right field to end the inning, though four runs was more than enough for LA as right-hander Justin Wrobleski shut the Mets offense down.

Craig Kimbrel held onto the ball to avoid a potential disaster. SNY/X

It’s been a brutal stretch for the Mets, who have now lost six straight with Juan Soto sidelined with a calif strain.

They will try to break free when they send ace Nolan McLean to the mound opposite Dodgers star Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Tuesday night.