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Blues Send First-Round Pick Back To AHL

Dalibor Dvorsky (© Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)

The St. Louis Blues have announced that they have reassigned forward Dalibor Dvorsky to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. 

Dvorsky played in his first two NHL games this season with the Blues, where he recorded zero points and two shots on goal. His last appearance with the Blues was on April 9 against the Edmonton Oilers, where he had 8:09 of ice time. 

The Thunderbirds will certainly be happy to have Dvorsky back on their roster, as he has had a strong first season with the AHL squad. In 59 games, the 19-year-old forward posted 20 goals and 44 points. Due to his impressive play, he was also named to the 2025 AHL All-Star Classic.

Dvorsky was selected by the Blues with the 10th overall pick of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. With this, he is one of the team's most promising prospects and is viewed as a big piece of their future. 

It will be fascinating to see how much of an impact Dvorsky can make back with the Thunderbirds from here. 

Recent Blues News 

Blues Top Prospect Jimmy Snuggerud Scores First NHL GoalBlues Top Prospect Jimmy Snuggerud Scores First NHL GoalDuring the St. Louis Blues' April 15 contest against the Utah Hockey Club, top prospect Jimmy Snuggerud scored his first career NHL goal. It was a significant one, too, as it gave the Blues a 3-0 lead in the first period.  Exciting Blues Goalie Prospect Continuing To ThriveExciting Blues Goalie Prospect Continuing To ThriveSt. Louis Blues goalie prospect Colten Ellis is enjoying an excellent season down in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Springfield Thunderbirds. In 41 appearances, the 24-year-old netminder has a 22-13-3 record, a 2.62 goals-against average, and a .922 save percentage.  However, what's more encouraging about Ellis' strong play is that he is only continuing to thrive as the campaign carries on. In his last appearance against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on April 12, he stopped 40 out of 43 shots, which equates to a .930 save percentage. Furthermore, he has had a .900 save percentage or better in six out of his last seven appearances. This includes a 36-save shutout against the Iowa Wild on March 28. Blues Star Is Heating Up In A Big WayBlues Star Is Heating Up In A Big WaySt. Louis Blues forward Pavel Buchnevich is one of the team's most important players. When playing at his best, the 29-year-old is a big difference-maker because of his high offensive skill. 
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Aaron Judge breaks power drought with game-winning home run in Yankees' 4-3 win over Royals

Aaron Judge snapped his homer-less streak and the Yankees beat the Kansas City Royals, 4-3, on Wednesday night to sweep the three-game series in The Bronx.

Here are the takeaways...

-With the game tied in the seventh inning, Judge chose a perfect time to end his drought of 10 straight games without a home run, sending a 1-0 sinker from reliever John Schreiber to deep center field and parking it 383 feet away from home plate to put New York up by one.

Despite the dry spell, it was still Judge's seventh homer of the season, tied for second most in MLB and just one off the leaderboard.

-After pitching a clean top of the eighth inning with the lead, Fernando Cruz, vying for his first career save, went back out for the ninth with closer Devin Williams unavailable and managed to escape a hairy situation thanks to Cody Bellinger's diving catch in right field for the last out with the tying run at second base.

-Wednesday marked the return of Clarke Schmidt, who made his season debut after dealing with right rotator cuff tendonitis in spring training that forced him to start the 2025 campaign on the 15-day IL.

The right-hander got into early trouble and allowed a run in the first inning on Salvador Perez's RBI single that scored Bobby Witt Jr., who singled and advanced to second after a walk. Schmidt got out of the inning without any further damage and after shaking off some rust, he settled into a nice groove, retiring 11 consecutive hitters at one point.

That streak ended in the fifth inning after the 29-year-old allowed a leadoff single to Drew Waters, followed by an RBI triple to Kyle Isbel. Another run came around to score on a groundout, which tied the game, 3-3.

Schmidt's final line in his first start: 5.2 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K on 73 pitches (46 strikes) -- definitely one he can build upon for the season.

-After falling behind 1-0, the Yankees took the lead in the third against LHP Kris Bubic with a two-out rally started byJudge, who doubled to left field. Judge had already singled in the first inning to extend his hitting streak to five games. He finished 3-for-3 with a walk, RBI, two runs scored and was a triple shy of the cycle. He leads the league with his .409 batting average and 1.322 OPS.

With runners on first and second following a walk, Anthony Volpe went up to bat with a chance to redeem himself after he struck out with the bases loaded in the first inning, and redeem himself he did as the 23-year-old stroked a double to left field that drove in two and gave New York a 2-1 lead.

-There was more two-out magic for the Yanks in the fourth when Oswald Peraza singled with two gone in front of leadoff man Paul Goldschmidt, who also singled.Bellinger, off to a rough offensive start in New York, came through with a double down the first-base line just over the bag and past the glove of Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino that scored the team's third run and gave the Yanks a two-point cushion that Schmidt could not hold.

Game MVP: Aaron Judge

Court was once again in session as Judge snapped a homer-less streak of 11 games with his game-winning home run in the seventh.

Highlights

What's next

The Yankees head out for a seven-game road trip with the first of a four-game set against the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

RHP Will Warren (1-0, 5.14 ERA) goes up against RHP Taj Bradley (2-0, 3.71 ERA).

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Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw throws three scoreless innings in rehab start

Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw warms up at Camelback Ranch on Tuesday.
Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, above working out at Camelback Ranch during spring training, made his first rehab start in Oklahoma City on Wednesday. (Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press)

Clayton Kershaw took the next step to a return from the 60-day injured list, making his first rehabilitation appearance in triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday.

The longest-tenured Dodger tossed three scoreless innings in a start against the Tacoma Rainiers in a rare Wednesday morning contest, giving up two hits, striking out two and walking none on 30 pitches (22 for strikes). Kershaw underwent left-knee and left-foot surgery — to repair his left big toe — during the offseason. He missed the 2024 postseason because of his toe injury.

“I think anytime with rehab you want to feel healthy, which I do feel good today,” Kershaw, 37, told reporters after the game at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. “Then you want to see your stuff — obviously — play. There's some things that I need to work on still, but for the first [rehab appearance] overall, it was a good step forward.”

The future Hall of Fame southpaw’s fastball velocity averaged 87.5 mph and topped out at 88.8 mph — more than a full mile per hour down from the 89.9 he averaged in 2024. He threw 12 sliders, 10 fastballs, four curveballs and four change-ups, generating five swings and misses.

Kershaw, entering his 18th season with the Dodgers, has struggled to reach the velocity of his younger days when he’d turn up his fastball to the mid-to-low 90s, turning toward increased slider usage and continuing to toy with a fourth pitch: a change-up.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that with Kershaw, it’s not about his arm health, but rather how he’s progressing from his toe surgery. The operation to repair a ruptured plantar plate is not a common operation for baseball players, leading to speculation as to how Kershaw’s recovery would advance.

Read more:Dodgers legend Manny Mota suffers stroke: 'We hope he can recover all his functions'

"I think with a guy like Clayton is more of how he feels,” said Roberts, later adding that training staff reports pointed to Kershaw’s toe being in good shape. "I know he's probably happy with the uptick in velocity, the toe is the last part of it. The body feels good. The arm feels good.”

Pitching coach Mark Prior said Wednesday that Kershaw “turned a page” in the last 10 days, complimenting his performance in Oklahoma City, noting the awkward swings the lefty forced on his offspeed offerings. For Prior, he’s looking forward to seeing a fully healthy Kershaw on the mound.

“[Kershaw’s] like, 'My arm feels good. My arm feels good,’” Prior said. “We just want to see him be able to go out there and compete on a very consistent basis, every week, every six days, seven days, whatever that is, being able to repeat that and continue to build up.”

With Kershaw trending towards a mid-to-late May activation off the injured list, his return will only further complicate the Dodgers starting rotation.

Before being optioned to triple-A to make way for Bobby Miller’s start Wednesday, right-hander Landon Knack made two starts, while left-hander Justin Wrobleski tossed a spot start while the team was in Washington.

Blake Snell, the Dodgers’ prized free-agent acquisition, has already made a trip to the 15-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation on April 7. The former two-time Cy Young award winner began a throwing program Monday and has played catch every day since then. Roberts said Wednesday there is no current timeline for Snell’s return.

Right-handers Tony Gonsolin and reliever Evan Phillips are likely the next to return from the injured list. Phillips earned the save for Oklahoma City on Wednesday, tossing a scoreless inning and appearing in a game for the second consecutive day for the first time in his rehab stint.

Gonsolin made his longest rehab start yet Tuesday, giving up three earned runs while fanning five batters across four innings. Roberts said Gonsolin will throw another rehab start — aiming for the five-inning marker — in Oklahoma City next week, and is on track with his tune-up.

If Miller is optioned back to Oklahoma City after his start Wednesday, the Dodgers will need to fill a spot start next week once again.

Teoscar back in the lineup

Outfielder Teoscar Hernández will return to the lineup against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday after missing the last two games with a stomach bug.

“[I feel] great,” Hernández said pregame Wednesday. “The last two days it's been a little tough, but I feel better. Just to be able to go on the field, feel good, be with the guys and play the game.”

Hernández will start in right field and hit cleanup. The second-year Dodger has slashed .281/.309/.563 to begin the season, tallying five home runs and 16 RBI so far.

Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Kevin Durant to Houston Rockets? Both sides reportedly have 'level of mutual interest'

Houston general manager Rafael Stone has been clear: He wants to play this season out with the Rockets' young core and then assess whether any moves need to be made. "We like where we're at. We want to continue to develop our guys, full stop... We definitely want this group to be as good as it can be this year, and then we'll evaluate things at the end of the year."

The question most observers have with Houston is, who is its go-to scorer in the clutch? If the Rockets come out of their first-round series with the Warriors asking the same question, the answer might be Kevin Durant. There have been rumors of Houston's interest in the future Hall of Famer, and that interest is mutual, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported.

"If you lose early ... could [the Rockets] look at a guy like Kevin Durant? ... Monitor them."

If Durant is looking for a place where his presence lifts the team to contention, Houston may be the answer. From Phoenix's perspective, the Rockets have the combination of picks and young players to help the Suns restock their roster as they rebuild around Devin Booker.

Other teams will be interested. The Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, and San Antonio Spurs have been rumored. Yet, looking at that group, the Rockets make the most sense for the Suns because of the package they could return. Does it make the most sense for Houston?

Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 blocks a night across 62 games this season — he remains one of the most efficient shooters in the league, a guy who can just go get a bucket. That comes at a price. Durant, who will turn 37 before next season, will make $54.7 million next season, and he is eligible for a two-year, $122 million extension.

It would be shocking if Durant is back with the Suns next season. Houston might be the destination that makes the most sense to Phoenix, but the Rockets are going to let the postseason play out, then make a call. If the Rockets beat the Warriors in the first round, do they feel the same way about adding Durant?

It's going to be an interesting summer in Phoenix.

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Nashville Predators Rout Dallas Stars, 5-1, in 2024-25 Season Finale

The Nashville Predators (30-44-8, 68 points) ended the 2024-25 season on a high note with a 5-1 defeat of the Dallas Stars (50-26-7, 107 points) at Bridgestone Arena.

The Predators will finish seventh in the Central Division this season, ahead of only the Chicago Blackhawks. Dallas is locked into second place in the Central Division and will have home ice advantage over the third-place Colorado Avalanche when the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs begins Saturday.

Nick Blankenburg, Nashville Predators & Thomas Harley, Dallas Stars

How the Predators Lined Up vs. Dallas

Bunting-O'Reilly-Evangelista
Forsberg-Stamkos-Marchessault
L'Heureux-Svechkov-Wood
Smith-McCarron-Vrana

Skjei-Blankenburg
Oesterle-Barron
Englund-Del Gaizo

Saros
Annunen

Extra: Sissons (week-to-week, lower-body)
IR: Lauzon, Wilsby, Josi

Predators vs. Stars: Live Updates

First Period (NSH 3, DAL 1)

It took just 16 seconds for Dallas to jump out to a 1-0 lead thanks to a goal from Mason Marchment. He was assisted by his line mates, former Predators forward Matt Duchene and Tyler Seguin – the latter of whom was making his return to the lineup for the first time since Dec. 1 after undergoing hip surgery.

Nashville was able to get out of some early penalty trouble and tie the game on a one-timer from Jordan Oesterle at the 13:02 mark of the first period.

Jakub Vrana gave the Predators their first lead of the game less than a minute later on a deflection at the top of the crease to make it 2-1. 

With 15 seconds remaining in the first period, Justin Barron shoveled a loose puck under a sprawling Jake Oettinger to give the Predators a 3-1 lead heading into the first intermission.

Second Period (NSH 5, DAL 1)

Jonathan Marchessault extended the Predators' lead to 4-1 when he tapped in a backdoor pass from Steven Stamkos at the 6:31 mark of the second period.

A Brendan Smith cross-checking penalty put the Predators on the man advantage near the halfway point of the second period, and it took Ryan O'Reilly just 20 seconds to capitalize with a power-play goal to give Nashville a 5-1 lead.

Third Period (NSH 5, DAL 1)

Casey DeSmith came in to mind the Dallas net for Jake Oettinger in the third period. He stopped all 12 shots he faced for the 5-1 final.

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Kings' season-ending loss exposes roster flaws heading into crucial offseason

Kings' season-ending loss exposes roster flaws heading into crucial offseason originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SACRAMENTO – The Dallas Mavericks outscoring the Kings 44-19 on Wednesday night led to the end of Sacramento’s turbulent 2024-25 NBA season.

But digging deeper, the Mavericks also exposed some of the Kings’ biggest concerns entering the offseason.

The Kings’ roster is flawed. Terribly.

Sacramento led Dallas 29-27 after the first quarter in Wednesday’s Western Conference play-in game, but a lack of offensive rhythm mixed with careless turnovers was the perfect recipe for disaster to strike in Sacramento. Add that to the failure of getting consistent defensive stops on the other end of the floor.

The Kings shot 7 of 19 (36.8 percent) in the second quarter and turned the ball over 10 times in those 12 minutes, something interim coach Doug Christie called “unacceptable” after the 120-106 loss. 

Most of those giveaways came from miscommunication and bad passes while running – or attempting to run – the offense. Five of them came from star center Domantas Sabonis, while Zach LaVine added two, and then three more the rest of the game.

“No one tries to turn the ball over, obviously,” LaVine said postgame. “It’s just guys trying to make the right play or trying to get to the ball and get fouled. I think there were a couple times where passes didn’t go the right way. I know I had a couple where I was trying to in there and get fouled or create something that got tipped or whatever. 

“So, you know, you wish you could have them all back. You wish you could play a perfect game, but we just didn’t have enough to win tonight.”

Didn’t have enough. Bingo.

That is when having a true point guard, someone the team can trust handling the ball, would have come in handy for the Kings. Since trading De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs in early February, the Kings have experimented with different options such as Malik Monk, who missed the season’s final four games due to a left calf strain, and Keon Ellis.

But neither Monk nor Ellis is listed as a point guard.

While LaVine agreed that a point guard-less offense threw off some of their offensive flow Wednesday, he didn’t want to make excuses for the ugly loss. 

“Yeah, but everybody has stuff they’re dealing with at this time of the year,” LaVine said postgame. “It’s just figuring out how to overcome it. No team is really fully healthy at the end of the year. There’s been trades and people hurt, people fired. Everybody’s dealing with something. 

“Obviously, those guys are big, key parts of our system. So it hurts, but we just need to find a way to win just like they did.”

Sacramento signed former No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz in mid-February to add needed depth at the point guard position, but he averaged just over eight minutes in 21 games and recorded seven DNPs (Did Not Play). He was benched all but two minutes of garbage time in Wednesday’s game.

Kings rookie Devin Carter ran the point at times Wednesday, stringing together a promising performance in nearly 22 minutes off the bench. He finished with 10 points on 3-of-5 shooting from the field and 1 of 2 from downtown, with four rebounds, two assists, one steal and zero turnovers. Outside of the players substituted in during garbage time, he was the only Sacramento player to finish with a positive plus/minus rating.

Those lineups might have worked at times for Sacramento this season, but Wednesday’s loss was the perfect indication that it is not sustainable.

Of course, however, the players make do with what they have.

“I think you go into each game and you think you can win what you have,” LaVine said postgame of what the team might be missing. “That’s for people above our pay grade. The five guys starting and the other guys coming off the bench is the team we always think we have enough to go out there and compete with. That’s our mentality.”

This offseason has plenty in store for the people whose pay grade it is.

That change appeared to have begun roughly 30 minutes after the loss, with reports circulating late Wednesday night that the Kings and general manager Monte McNair mutually agreed to part ways.

And after former assistant general manager Wes Wilcox announced his departure from the organization late last month, the Kings’ full offseason makeover officially has begun.

The Kings made one of their biggest offseason moves in franchise history by acquiring DeMar DeRozan last summer. They then traded Fox for LaVine, while opening a new opportunity for Monk. Then there’s the guy who is – or was – the engine of the offense in the previous two seasons, Sabonis.

On paper, that’s 11 NBA All-Star appearances between the four of them and plenty of individual success along their respective NBA resumes. Together, though, it just didn’t gel as the team had hoped.

It’s like having salmon, a juicy homemade cheeseburger, pasta and French toast on the same plate. All great individually, but raise a lot of questions combined.

Those questions need answers, and fast.

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Nashville Predators Send Prospect Back To AHL

Ryan Ufko (© Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK)

The Nashville Predators have announced that they have reassigned defenseman Ryan Ufko to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals. 

Ufko, 21, made his NHL debut with the Predators on April 14 against the Utah Hockey Club. During the matchup, the 6-foot defenseman threw one hit in 15:37 of ice time. Now, after making his debut, he is heading back to the AHL. 

Ufko has been solid for the Admirals this season, so they will certainly be happy to have him back. In 71 games this campaign with the AHL squad, he has posted eight goals, 21 assists, 29 points, and a plus-3 rating. 

Ufko was selected by the Predators with the 115th overall pick of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. 

Nashville Predators Place Defenseman On WaiversNashville Predators Place Defenseman On WaiversThe Nashville Predators have placed defenseman Marc Del Gaizo on waivers,  PuckPedia reports. New Predators Forward Michael Bunting Is Heating UpNew Predators Forward Michael Bunting Is Heating UpAt the 2025 NHL trade deadline, the Nashville Predators acquired forward Michael Bunting and a 2026 fourth-round pick from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Tommy Novak. Schenn was then quickly flipped by the Penguins to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick. Predators Top Prospect Is Heating Up In AHLPredators Top Prospect Is Heating Up In AHLNashville Predators prospect Joakim Kemell is considered one of the team's most promising youngsters. The 20-year-old forward is continuing to develop his game at the American Hockey League (AHL) level with the Milwaukee Admirals and is in the middle of a solid season that saw him play in the 2025 AHL All-Star Classic.
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Knicks' full postseason schedule for 2025 Eastern Conference Finals

After a hellacious first round against the Detroit Pistons, and an impressive performance against the defending champion Boston Celtics, the Knicks are on to the Eastern Conference Finals to take on the Indiana Pacers.

New York, the higher seed, will start the best-of-seven series with home-court advantage. Here are the full dates and times for the upcoming series...

Eastern Conference Finals

Wednesday, May 21

Game 1: Pacers at Knicks, 8 p.m. (TNT)

Friday, May 23

Game 2: Pacers at Knicks, 8 p.m. (TNT)

Sunday, May 25

Game 3: Knicks at Pacers, 8 p.m. (TNT)

Tuesday, May 27

Game 4: Knicks at Pacers, 8 p.m. (TNT)

Thursday, May 29 *if necessary

Game 5: Pacers at Knicks, 8 p.m. (TNT)

Saturday, May 31 *if necessary

Game 6: Knicks at Pacers, 8 p.m. (TNT)

Tuesday, June 2 *if necessary

Game 7: Pacers at Knicks, 8 p.m. (TNT)

Eastern Conference Semifinals

Monday, May 5

Game 1: Knicks defeated Celtics, 108-105 (OT)

Wednesday, May 7

Game 2: Knicks defeated Celtics, 91-90

Saturday, May 10

Game 3: Celtics defeated Knicks, 115-93

Monday, May 12

Game 4: Knicks defeated Celtics, 121-113

Wednesday, May 14

Game 5: Celtics defeated Knicks, 127-102

Friday, May 16

Game 6: Knicks defeated Celtics, 119-81

FIRST ROUND

Saturday, April 19

Game 1: Knicks defeated Pistons, 123-112

Monday, April 21

Game 2: Pistons defeated Knicks, 100-94

Thursday, April 24

Game 3: Knicks defeated Pistons, 118-116

Sunday, April 27

Game 4: Knicks defeated Pistons, 94-93

Tuesday, April 29

Game 5: Pistons defeated Knicks, 106-103

Thursday, May 1

Game 6: Knicks defeated Pistons, 116-113

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Christie wants to remain Kings coach, continue building team culture

Christie wants to remain Kings coach, continue building team culture originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SACRAMENTO – In the hours after the Kings’ season ended with a thud in their 120-106 NBA play-in loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday while he was still wrestling with his emotions, Doug Christie made it clear he wants to keep the head coaching job in Sacramento.

“This is where I want to be,” said Christie, who said there have not been any discussions with management yet about his future with the team. “I need to finish what I started, and that’s the only reason I ever stepped onto the sideline from where I was at initially. I had to exorcise some demons for myself.”

Christie guided the Kings to a 27-24 record after taking over the reigns when the Kings fired 2022-23 NBA Coach of the Year Mike Brown after 31 games.

Under Christie’s guidance the Kings took off, winning 10 of 12 games while nudging themselves back into the NBA playoff picture.

The good times didn’t last much longer than that. Sacramento fell into a funk down the stretch of the regular season, losing nine of the final 13 games heading into Wednesday’s play-in game at Golden 1 Center.

That the Kings lost the way that they did didn’t help Christie’s cause much, although he still has overwhelming support from the players.

Zach LaVine, who was obtained in a midseason trade, praised Christie for keeping the team together despite a ton of distractions.

“Doug did an incredible job of stepping in with the circumstances that he had and trying to rally the guys,” LaVine said. “And with me coming here a little bit later, with us going through some ups and downs … he definitely helped keep this group together on and off the court. You have to take your hat off to him in those situations. Anything above that as a player is above my pay grade.

“I’ve been a player that’s had eight head coaches in my career. I go out there, I try to play my heart out for whoever’s there. Obviously we love Doug, but players like us don’t make those decisions.”

The Christie situation took on a new twist late Wednesday when reports surfaced that the Kings and general manager Monte McNair have mutually agreed to part ways, although no official statement was released.

Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé might want to keep Christie around because of the player support he received, and because it would mean less change in the offseason.

Conversely, it’s common practice in all professional sports for a new GM to come in and make sweeping changes to the roster and, more specifically, the coaching staff.

Christie has multiple reasons for wanting to keep the job. Primary atop the list is to quiet the critics.

“More than anything is when you hear the narratives that are written by people who are not here and just have random stuff to say,” Christie said. “It irks me because they don’t know this incredible fan base. It’s an incredible organization. When it’s right and you’re going around beating the hell out of people, not a lot of people got a lot to say. But when you’re getting your butt beat, they got a lot to say. I feel you, but when that tide turns and the rabbit’s got the gun, then we’ll see.

“We have to create a culture that is highly competitive but highly positive at the same time because that’s who I am. It’s a tough thing, but you just keep going until we get to where we’re going.”

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The Battle of Ontario Betting Guide: Best Bets, Strategies and Futures for Maple Leafs versus Senators

Breaking down the best value bets, futures to take and strategies to look out for ahead of the first round matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators

Image

The Battle of Ontario is officially happening with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators facing off in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, starting with Game One this Sunday. It'll be a highly-anticipated matchup that should re-ignite an age old rivalry.

Toronto has faced off against Ottawa 171 times with their first meeting dating back to 1891, when the Senators beat the then-Toronto St. George's to win the Ontario ice hockey title.

Flash forward 134 years and both teams still hate each other as they head into their fifth postseason head-to-head with the Maple Leafs winning all four series and holding a 16-8 record. It should make for must-see tv and a series of games that every hockey fan won't want to miss.

We want to add to your viewing enjoyment by providing a couple betting options that you could take to enhance the experience and win money along the way.

All betting lines are from FanDuel Sportsbook and are subject to change. Hockey is a difficult sport to predict so please gamble responsibly.

More NHL: Safe Bets to Close Out the NHL Season: Top Picks for Parlays and Futures

Maple Leafs Series Spread -1.5 (+122)

Ottawa has won five straight over Toronto heading into the playoffs but they have a young, unexperienced roster that could have a hard time adjusting to a playoff environment. The Maple Leafs have the fourth-oldest roster in the NHL with a average age at 29.8 tied with the Golden Knights and Hurricanes.

Toronto's stars like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner have lived through the playoffs with some wins but more regularly heart-breaking losses. The Maple Leafs have been able to bounce back from it and put themselves in a position to redeem themselves with this year being their biggest triumph yet thanks to their third division title in team history.

The confidence with this team is rolling high and with their recent additions of playoff-type players like Brandon Carlo and Scott Laughton, they should be able to take advantage of a Senators team that is the tenth-youngest with an average age at 27.8 years old.

I expect the Sens to be able to edge out at least one game in the series after beating Toronto four consecutive times this season but the second win will be the challenge. Either way, this bet covers both ends with the only loss being if the Sens push the series to Game 7 but the Leafs playoff experience shouldn't let that happen.

More NHL: NHL Betting Roundup: Demidov and Nikishin To Make Debut, Landeskog Return

John Tavares - Series Leading Goal Scorer (+800)

The favourite to score the most goals in the Battle of Ontario is Auston Matthews, which makes sense as the near-70 goal scorer is tied with William Nylander for the team-lead in goals with 18 over the last seven postseasons. Both forwards are great choices at +340 and +500 respectively but we look at a much better value with the player behind the two in John Tavares.

Toronto's former captain has 12 goals over his last 38 playoff games but has been scorching hot, entering the postseason. With 11 goals over his last 13 games, no player in the NHL is hotter than Johnny Toronto.

The 34-year-old veteran centre rides a four-game point drought versus the Senators but I expect him to turn this around in the postseason. He's been playing for a new contract and should get a big one after recording 38 goals this season, his highest goal total since his first year in Toronto in 2019.

Betting Strategies: Offence to Stay Hot

There has been six or more goals in 15 of the last 25 meetings between the Maple Leafs and Senators, which promises more explosive games in the postseason. If we do catch most of the game lines coming out at over/under 6.5 goals, that would be tight but still doable as that number hit in six of their last 12 matchups.

More NHL: Blues Enter Stanley Cup Playoffs As Dark Horse Contender

The most ideal situation for us would be to wait till the games start and hope for no early goals and then getting the over 5.5 with a live bet at a better price tag.

Matchup Trends: Potential Player Prop Targets

Toronto Maple Leafs:

  • Auston Matthews has 16 goals, 17 assists for 33 points in his last 25 games against the Senators, including goals in two of the last three matchups. Nine goals and 12 assists for 21 points in his last 16 games and has second-best playoff point-per-game average on the team at 0.87 through 55 games.
  • Mitch Marner has just four goals and six assists for ten points in his last 16 games versus the Senators. Six goals and 14 assists for 20 points in last 15 games and has the best playoff point-per-game average on the team at 0.88 through 57 games. 
  • Matthew Knies has a pair of goals and an assist for three points in his last four games versus Senators. Plays on a line with Matthews and Marner, Potential Value Bet Option. 
  • William Nylander has nine goals and six assists for 15 points in his last 16 games against the Senators. 12 goals and 17 assists for 29 points in last 26 games.
  • John Tavares has three goals and 12 assists for 15 points in his last 19 games against the Senators (four-game point drought). Bounce back should come with red hot play as of late - Potential Value Bet Option.

Ottawa Senators:

  • Tim Stutzle has four goals and nine assists for 13 points in his last ten games against the Maple Leafs. Has been shown to lack toughness and could struggle in playoff-type atmosphere - Potential Fade Option.
  • Brady Tkachuk has a goal and an assist for just two points in his last eight games versus the Maple Leafs. Has shown to have playoff-type build but untested, will need wait-and-see approach.
  • Drake Batherson has two goals and four assists for a point-per-game average in his last six games versus the Maple Leafs. No playoff experience but could fly under the radar - Potential Value Bet Option.
  • Shane Pinto has three goals and four assists for seven points in his last eight games versus the Maple Leafs. Four goals and two assists for six points over last seven games. 

More Hockey: Top NHL Prospect Expected to Join Michigan Wolverines Next Season

Projected Series Schedule for Toronto Maple Leafs vs Ottawa Senators

  • Game 1: Sunday, April 20, Ottawa at Toronto
  • Game 2: Tuesday, April 22, Ottawa at Toronto
  • Game 3: Thursday, April 24, Toronto at Ottawa
  • Game 4: Saturday, April 26, Toronto at Ottawa
  • Game 5: Monday, April 28, Ottawa at Toronto
  • Game 6: Wednesday, April 30, Toronto at Ottawa
  • Game 7: Friday, May 2, Ottawa at Toronto
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Ranadivé, Kings face critical offseason after NBA play-in loss

Ranadivé, Kings face critical offseason after NBA play-in loss originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SACRAMENTO – Beyond sitting in his courtside seats for every home game at Golden 1 Center, Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé has preferred to mostly stay out of the spotlight since he purchased the team from the Maloof brothers in 2013.

That is almost certain to change in the coming months.

With his organization facing a litany of critical decisions, Ranadivé holds all the cards and will have to step up front and lead the way in whichever direction he sees fit for the Kings.

First and foremost, Ranadivé had to figure out whether to keep general manager Monte McNair around — and the decision came immediately after Sacramento’s 120-106 NBA play-in loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, when the Kings and McNair mutually agreed to part ways, The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported, citing league sources.

The 2022-23 NBA Executive of the Year, McNair publicly accepted responsibility for firing coach Mike Brown early in the 2024-25 season and watched as the Kings responded with spirited play, only to see them wilt during the homestretch of the regular season before they melted under the pressure of the Mavericks in the No. 9 vs. No. 10 seed play-in game at G1C.

The Kings have yet to release an official statement on McNair’s reported departure.

Ranadivé also has to decide whether he plans to keep Doug Christie around and remove the interim from his title. The Kings responded very positively to the coaching change, and Christie has had a great relationship with Sacramento’s players.

Yet as good as things felt shortly after Christie inherited the reins from Brown, they turned equally sour toward the end of the season when it counted most.

There’s also the situation with Domantas Sabonis, the Kings’ three-time NBA All-Star center who is set to earn $95 million in base salary over the next two seasons.

Will Ranadivé stick with Sabonis and try to build up the pieces around him, or will the Kings owner try to swing a trade to send Sabonis and possibly another player to a team in exchange for a number of draft picks that will be vital to Sacramento moving forward?

Two years ago, the thought of a rebuild in the state capital seemed absurd.

The Kings had ended the longest playoff drought in NBA history at 16 years, had the unanimous Coach of the Year with Brown and a nucleus of players that seemed on the verge of taking Sacramento to the next level.

Firing Brown after only 31 games provided a little jolt of energy and enthusiasm that have long since dissipated.

Now it’s on Ranadivé to get the ship back on track.

He avoided speaking with the media following Brown’s firing, but the situation with his team is a lot more dire now than it was then.

And now that McNair reportedly has been let go, Ranadivé won’t have a buffer between himself and the media anymore — and he’ll have to answer the questions that undoubtedly will surface this offseason.

Hearing the boos rain down on the crowd at G1C on Tuesday, there almost certainly will be a lot of questions, too.

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Mets vs. Cardinals: 5 things to watch and series predictions | April 17-20

Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Mets and Cardinals play a four-game series at Citi Field beginning on Thursday at 7:10 p.m. on SNY.

Preview

Is the elite version of Kodai Senga back?

Senga lost most of last season due to injury, but he was the best version of himself during his one regular season start in 2024 -- firing 5.1 innings of two-run ball against the Braves while throwing 52 of 73 pitches for strikes and fanning nine batters.

Of course, Senga left that start after hurting his calf -- an injury that cost him the remainder of the regular season and left him behind the eight ball during the minor postseason contributions he made upon his return.

During Senga's first two starts of 2025, he more than held his own, allowing just two earned runs in 10.0 innings while striking out 12. But during his recent outing against the Athletics, he was utterly dominant, needing just 79 pitches to get through 7.0 shutout innings while walking two and striking out four.

In that start in Sacramento, Senga's ghost fork was extra filthy and his fastball consistently reached 97 mph, topping out at 97.6 -- the fastest he has thrown so far this season.

If Senga consistently resembles the version of himself who was one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2023, the Mets -- who now have Clay Holmes pitching very well and Sean Manaea on the horizon -- should be in very strong shape rotation-wise.

The pitching situation

Griffin Canning was scratched from Wednesday's start due to illness, with Huascar Brazoban getting the start as an opener.

With Canning unavailable, the Mets optioned Max Kranick to Triple-A Syracuse in order to call up Justin Hagenman, who was sharp in his major league debut on Wednesday against the Twins.

The Mets will have the option of bringing Kranick back on Thursday as a replacement on the roster for the injured Jose Siri -- if Siri is placed on the IL as expected.

Meanwhile, Canning is set to pitch Thursday's series-opener against St. Louis.

Is Mark Vientos' turnaround in progress?

Vientos hasn't hit much this season, with a .145/.254/.210 triple slash and OPS+ of 37.

Most glaring has been Vientos' lack of power. He has four doubles, but has yet to homer after cracking 27 long balls in just 111 games in 2024.

New York Mets third baseman Mark Vientos (27) looks back from second base during the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field.
New York Mets third baseman Mark Vientos (27) looks back from second base during the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

But Vientos has a six-game on-base streak, has hit safely in his last four games, and has looked more comfortable at the plate recently.

Vientos' strikeout rate is just 19.7 percent (it was 29.7 percent last season), and his outrageously low BABIP of .188 (his career BABIP is .287) suggests he's been incredibly unlucky and is due for a rebound.

The Cardinals have been better than expected

St. Louis attempted to trade cornerstone third baseman Nolan Arenado during the offseason ahead of a season that is expected to be transitional.

But Arenado remains, and the Cards have been solid -- with a 9-9 record and +10 run differential.

Their 94 runs scored were the third-most in baseball entering play Wednesday night, and their pitching has been holding its own.

It seems unlikely the Cards will be a serious playoff threat this year with their eye still very much on the future, but for now, they're a formidable opponent.

Can the Mets get to Sonny Gray?

St. Louis has Andre Pallante, Miles Mikolas, Matthew Liberatore, and Gray lined up to start against the Mets.

Gray, who finished second in NL Cy Young voting in 2023 and posted a 3.84 ERA and 1.08 WHIP last season, has been great so far.

In 23.0 innings over four starts, Gray has a 3.13 ERA and 0.78 WHIP, and has allowed just 15 hits.

He has been a bit susceptible to the home run ball -- allowing four dingers so far -- but his other numbers are excellent, including a minuscule walk rate of 1.2 per nine.

Predictions

Who will the MVP of the series be?

Mark Vientos

The signs of a breakout are there.

Which Mets pitcher will have the best start?

Kodai Senga

Senga will look to build off his strong early-season performance, and should be fresh after throwing just 79 pitches in his last start.

Which Cardinals player will be a thorn in the Mets' side?

Brendan Donovan

Donovan has been on fire to start the year.

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What gives with the No. 7 Warriors being favored over the No. 2 Rockets?

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

As the NBA playoffs approach, one of the more surprising storylines has been the betting odds favoring the seventh-seeded Golden State Warriors over the second-seeded Houston Rockets.

On the most recent episode of "The Kevin O’Connor Show," guest Esfandiar Baraheni and host Kevin O'Connor examined the playoff matchup and why oddsmakers are favoring Golden State — and whether the Warriors deserve that status.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 15: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a basket against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half of the NBA play-in tournament game at Chase Center on April 15, 2025 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Are Stephen Curry and the seventh-seeded Warriors deserving favorites over the second-seeded Rockets? (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Ezra Shaw via Getty Images

While playoff intensity and game-planning do tend to favor experienced teams, and that might explain why Golden State is a -190 favorite to win the series at BetMGM, Barahini suggests that Houston’s defensive versatility and depth might give it more than a puncher’s chance — especially when it comes to slowing Steph Curry.

“I'm a little surprised that Golden State's so heavily favored as a 7 over 2," Baraheni says. "I feel like Houston has played Golden State very well this season.” 

But a number of reasons for the Warriors’ favored status are laid out: their reputation for playoff poise, the clutch brilliance of Curry and, now, Jimmy Butler, and their much-improved defense since acquiring Butler midseason.

“You have a guy [Curry] who you can rely on every single time," O'Connor says. "I think this will be one of those series where every game is going to go down to the wire. Every game is going to be very close.”

There’s a certain comfort in betting on established champions, especially in late-game situations.

The discussion didn't shy from the reasons to be bullish on the Rockets, either. Houston finished the year as one of the NBA’s best defenses, with plenty of size in Alperen Şengün and Steven Adams and disruptive perimeter players in Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet. In fact, Baraheni specifically mentions Thompson as someone who has "shut the water off" on Steph in previous matchups and Houston’s team defense as capable of supporting its big men on the perimeter — unlike some of Golden State’s previous opponents.

O’Connor also highlights Houston's rebounding advantage.

“If you look at the way those Şengün/Adams [lineups] perform, the reason that thing works offensively is because they generate so many offensive rebounds," O’Connor says. "They crash the glass.”

With Golden State’s relative lack of size on the interior, this presents a crucial potential swing factor.

What tips the scale for those picking the Warriors? According to O’Connor and Baraheni, it’s the question of late-game offense and experience. 

Golden State has thrived in the clutch this season, while Houston, for all its defensive prowess, has struggled to create clean looks and score consistently in fourth quarters.

“I just trust Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler more than I do Jalen Green or Şengün or Fred VanVleet,” O’Connor says.

While O’Connor picks the Warriors in seven and Baraheni slightly favors Houston in six, it's going to be a closer matchup than many believe. “I think people are discrediting the Rockets a little bit too much,” O’Connor says.

Both agree that Houston might be underrated, not just for its defense and rebounding but also for its potential to disrupt Golden State’s offensive flow with its physical style.

To hear the full discussion, tune into "The Kevin O'Connor Show" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.