There was the steal on Jayson Tatum in the final seconds to seal Game 2 of that series.
New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) reacts after scoring during the fourth quarter when the New York Knicks played the Indiana Pacers Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Madison Square Garden. Robert Sabo for NY Post
There was his game-tying tip-in with 35.1 seconds left in Game 6 of the first round against the Pistons, a game in which he scored 25 points.
“Playoffs are fun and real amped up and a lot of aggression, a lot of thinking,” Bridges told The Post earlier this month. “It’s just fun being in those games. The crowd and everything just goes up another level. So it’s always fun playing playoff games. Just trying to do whatever it takes to win.”
Does he feel like he raises his game in the postseason?
“I would want to,” Bridges said. “I feel like every player would want to. I just try to be the best I can be and try to do whatever it takes to help the team win.”
Bridges is on the receiving end of more criticism than anyone on the Knicks. Karl-Anthony Towns is probably a close second, but Bridges tops the list, given the five first-round picks the Knicks traded to get him.
His regular-season output — offensively, at least — has not matched that trade haul. But he’s been vocal about sacrificing offensively for the betterment of the team.
New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) when the New York Knicks practiced Friday, April 17, 2026 at Madison Square Garden Training Center in Greenburgh, NY. Robert Sabo for NY Post
It’s something that Josh Hart voiced support for to The Post, claiming that Bridges could score more if he got more shots, but that’s not what he’s been asked to do.
Coach Mike Brown has been clear in the offensive hierarchy — Jalen Brunson first, Karl-Anthony Towns second, everybody else after that. And usually it’s OG Anunoby coming in third, so that makes Bridges the fourth option.
If that’s what you compare him to — the different fourth options around the league — rather than his trade compensation, his output looks much stronger.
“Sacrifice for your brothers,” Bridges said after practice Friday. “… Putting your body on the line, doing whatever it takes to make the play to help your teammates out.”
Fourth option or not, Bridges has shown the ability to make game-changing plays regardless of how he performs beforehand. On a veteran Knicks team, he has as much playoff experience as anyone.
“That’s kind of what I’ve known,” Bridges said. “It’s kind of my DNA.”
That’s because Green, along with Suns star Devin Booker, was ejected after the two exchanged heated words in the game’s closing moments.
The Warriors forward already had fouled out of Friday’s game at the 1:06 mark in the fourth quarter. During the ensuing dead ball, Green and Booker earned a double technical, but that didn’t appear to put an end to their jawing. Just after the ball was inbounded — only two seconds of game time later — referee Scott Foster tossed them both.
Once Foster directed him to the showers, Green immediately responded by imitating his ejection, before egging on the antagonistic Phoenix crowd as he walked to the locker room:
It was a frustrating night for Green, who finished with as many points as turnovers (five), in addition to his six personal fouls and a minus-13 rating.
Shortly before his exit, Green shared an intimate moment on the court with coach Steve Kerr and teammate Steph Curry, the three longtime tenets of the Golden State dynasty over the last 12 seasons.
In some ways, it’s a fitting end to the Warriors’ 2025-26 season, one that had some hope, but also was filled with injuries and plenty of other maddening moments.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 16: Ramón Laureano #5, Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 and Jackson Merrill #3 of the San Diego Padres react after defeating the Seattle Mariners 5-2 at Petco Park on April 16, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After going 2-4 in the Opening Week homestand, the San Diego Padres have now improved their record at Petco Park to 9-4 with a perfect 7-0 homestand. The Friars cannot seem to lose.
Last night’s win was particularly fantastic with Walker Buehler proving his last start (0 R, 6.0 IP) wasn’t a fluke. He went five-plus innings, giving up two runs but earning his first win as a Padre.
Tonight the Friars will have their work cut out for them against the Los Angeles Angels. But if the knuckleballer can pull off some magic in Anaheim, San Diego might just eke out a victory.
Taking the mound
José Soriano (LAA) v. Matt Waldron (SD)
Soriano has been absolutely incredible for the Halos so far this year. He’s pitched to a 0.33 ERA across 27 innings. He’s had a crazy breakout this season, limiting batters to a .103 average.
The right-hander has only allowed one run this season. That lone run came in his longest start of the year (8.0 innings) against an Atlanta Braves offense that has been potent. The Padres will have to hope they can do what no other team has yet: get to Soriano. If they don’t, they’ll hope to at least get a shot at the Angels’ lackluster bullpen.
Waldron pitched three scoreless outings in Triple-A after rehabbing his way back from preseason surgery. He’s the last remaining true knuckleball pitcher in MLB. This will be Waldron’s first start with the big-league club since his lone 2025 start against the Philadelphia Phillies.
He’s struggled with consistency in the majors. But if Waldron can get off to a good start against Los Angeles, it’ll go a long way to soothing concerns about Nick Pivetta’s temporary absence from the rotation.
Batter up!
With a right-hander on the mound in Soriano, the Friars will likely go with a similar lineup as yesterday’s. That being said, Ty France has good numbers against Soriano (4-for-8 with 5 RBI) so he could see time at first base.
Ramón Laureano, LF
Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
Jackson Merrill, CF
Manny Machado, 3B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Gavin Sheets, DH
Ty France, 1B
Luis Campusano, C
Jake Cronenworth, 2B
Campusano will keep getting starts at catcher until Freddy Fermin returns from his recent concussion scare. That’s a-ok for the Friars since Campy has been destroying baseballs lately (and owns a .500 career average against Soriano).
Tatis has also put up some slug against the righty. Perhaps he could finally end his season-long homer drought tonight?
Relief corps
With Buehler going five-plus innings, the winning formula for San Diego was on full display: the starter leaves with a lead, and the ‘pen does exactly what it does best. Never was that more true than last night.
Bradgley Rodriguez, Adrian Morejon, Jason Adam and Mason Miller covered four scoreless innings. Morejon continues to look more and more like his dominant self, and Adam continues to wow in his return from injury.
Miller took Randy Jones’ place on the Padres’ leaderboard after last night with 30 2/3 scoreless innings pitched. The only one standing in his way from the top spot is Cla Meredith’s 33 2/3 mark.
For tonight’s game, that leaves Kyle Hart, Ron Marinaccio, David Morgan and Wandy Peralta. The first out of the bullpen if San Diego has a lead would be Hart, given his lack of use in the last few games. But it wouldn’t be surprising to see Morgan come out in a high-leverage spot.
Brandon Williamson gets the start on Friday evening in the Twin Cities as the Cincinnati Reds hit the road after their 3-3 homestand. The Minnesota Twins will counter with Joe Ryan.
First pitch is set for 8:10 PM ET. Lineups for both clubs are listed below!
The epilogue of this agonizing Warriors’ season came Friday night and, appropriately, was a microcosm of their regular season, with a hail of turnovers and several players displaying visible signs of discomfort.
Stephen Curry gritted his teeth long enough to play 36 minutes, scoring 17 points, with Brandin Podziemski producing a team-high 23. Kristaps Porzingis, questionable with right ankle soreness until an hour before tipoff, limped through 15 minutes to score 11 points before retiring for the night.
The Warriors head into the offseason while the Suns advance to play a first-round playoff series against the defending champion and top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
Here are three takeaways from a night that spins the Warriors into an offseason rife with questions in search of solutions:
Warriors lose the battle of No. 2s
With Curry and Suns star Devin Booker, the featured performers for their teams, basically offsetting each other, the outcome rested on which team would get the most production from its No. 2 scorer.
The Suns won that contest in a runaway. Jalen Green blistered the Warriors for a game-high 36 points on 14-of-20 shooting from the field, including 8 of 14 from beyond the arc. Playing 39 minutes, he posted a plus-21.
Green’s eight triples nearly equaled Golden State’s total of 11 and made him the central figure in the Suns posting a decisive advantage in 3-point makes (18-11).
No one on the Warriors came close. The three players, aside from Curry, to score in double figures were Podziemski, Porzingis and De’Anthony Melton (16 points).
Curry’s 17 points came on 4-of-16 shooting from the field, including 3 of 10 from distance, and Booker finished with 19 points on 5-of-12 shooting from the field, including 0 of 4 from deep.
The Warriors this season put forth countless sour first quarters, but they might have bottomed themselves in this game.
The first five minutes alone featured six Golden State turnovers, including three by Podziemski; Gui Santos losing his dribble without pressure, Porzingis missing a dunk and Curry dribble-driving out of bounds.
By the time the buzzer sounded to end the quarter, the Warriors had committed nine turnovers, giving Phoenix 13 free points; shot 30 percent from the field, including 11.1 percent from distance; been outscored 8-0 in transition, and were trailing by 18 (33-15).
With a symphony of poor shooting, botched possessions, curious decision-making and charitable donations, Golden State dug itself a massive hole and spent the next 36 minutes playing from behind and never catching up.
When it was all said and done, the Warriors committed 20 turnovers and the Suns scored a staggering 30 points off those giveaways.
The two Podziemskis
No player on the Warriors gets more public love and hate from the fan base than Podziemski, who, in this game, exhibited a masterclass demonstration of things to love and hate.
It’s easy for Dub Nation to be pleased by the Podziemski, who delivered a terrific second quarter that was crucial in keeping the Warriors within distance of the Suns. He contributed 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting from the field, including a 3-pointer, and three rebounds. He was plus-14 over 11 minutes.
It’s not so easy for the fan base to enjoy the Podziemski, who committed two turnovers in a 13-second span immediately after and impetuously tried a solo fast break against three defenders and failing in what the Golden State coaches consider a “shot turnover.” He did not record an assist.
In addition to his 23 points on 9-of-17 shooting from the field, including 3 of 5 from deep, Podziemski grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 14: Gus Varland #47 of the Washington Nationals reacts after his team's 5-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on April 14, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a great 5-2 road trip, the Washington Nationals come back home looking to keep the good times rolling. It has been a small sample, but this team has been much better on the road so far. At home, they are just 1-5. The Nats will look to add a second home win tonight.
Blake Butera has shuffled up his lineup a bit. Daylen Lile will be in the 6 spot, the lowest he has been this season. Butera told me this was strictly a matchup based move. After getting hit in the hand yesterday, Jacob Young is not in the lineup, but Butera said he was available off the bench. Joey Wiemer will be in center instead. Jose Tena will be at DH today and Keibert Ruiz will be behind the dish. The dependable Zack Littell will be on the mound.
The Giants offense has not been great so far this year, which has Tony Vitello searching for answers. His top 3 hitters have been reasonably effective, but Rafael Devers has been off to a slow start. The Giants picked up Daniel Susac in the Rule 5 draft, and he has earned more reps behind the plate with his red hot start. Logan Webb has been one of the steadiest and most underrated arms in the league. He will be on the mound tonight.
The Nationals have been playing solid baseball so far, but that has mainly been the case on the road. It would be nice to give the home fans a taste of Butera ball. The Giants are struggling right now, but they have solid talent and cannot be taken lightly. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!
PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 14: Brandon Lowe #5 of the Pittsburgh Pirates rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the first inning during the game between the Washington Nationals and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Christopher Denver/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 11: Logan Webb #62 of the San Francisco Giants throws a pitch in the fifth inning during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 11, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/IOS/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Francisco Giants begin a three-game road series against the Washington Nationals this afternoon.
Taking the mound for the Giants will be right-hander Logan Webb, who enters today’s game with a 5.25 ERA, 3.20 FIP, with 21 strikeouts to nine walks in 24 innings pitched. His last start was in the Giants’ 6-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, in which he allowed four runs on five hits with six strikeouts and three walks in six innings.
He’ll be facing off against Nationals right-hander Zack Littell, who enters today’s game with a 4.20 ERA, 7.16 FIP, with 10 strikeouts to five walks in 15 innings pitched. His last start was in the Nationals’ 8-6 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday, in which he allowed three runs on six hits with three strikeouts in five innings.
The Mets came to Wrigley Field riding an eight-game losing streak in which they had been outscored 44-12.
Those sorts of things are usually ripe for the losing streak team to break it, especially with the wind blowing out at the ol’ ballyard.
Not in this one. The Mets looked like a team in disarray and now have a nine-game losing streak in which they have been outscored 56-16 after the Cubs demolished them 12-4 on a warm, windy April afternoon.
The Cubs wasted no time getting the bats going after Edward Cabrera threw a scoreless first. With one out, Michael Busch walked and Alex Bregman singled him to third. Ian Happ struck out, but this bloop single by Seiya Suzuki made it 1-0 Cubs [VIDEO].
The Cubs’ four runs in the first inning equal their total in the first in their previous 18 games. That had been their fewest in any inning. They began today having scored six each in the second and fourth.
The Cubs then extended the lead to 7-3 in the bottom of the fourth. Swanson singled with one out and Hoerner and Busch also singled, loading the bases. Bregman hit a sharp line drive right to Francisco Lindor at short for the second out, and then this happened [VIDEO].
The Mets have some definite holes in their defense and it showed there. Meanwhile, the Cubs were getting some slick defense from Hoerner. This one ended the fifth [VIDEO].
Hoerner was 3-for-5, his third three-hit game in his last eight. Between that and the great defense, if he keeps this up he might be NL Player of the Week, or even Player of the Month for April. He’s just been outstanding.
Cabrera finished up with six innings, allowing eight hits and three runs. Not a great outing, but good enough with the offense the Cubs provided. Riley Martin, who I am liking better and better with each outing, threw a scoreless seventh which included Kelly getting this ball call overturned for a strikeout [VIDEO].
Then the Cubs blew the game open in the bottom of the seventh. With one out, Suzuki doubled and scored on this double by Matt Shaw [VIDEO].
Jacob Webb allowed the Mets a run on four hits in the top of the eighth, and the Cubs did that one better in the bottom of the inning. Busch led off with a single and one out later, Happ launched this towering home run to Waveland [VIDEO].
A note from John on the Cubs’ three straight 10+ run games:
The Cubs had last scored at least 10 runs in three consecutive games Sept. 13-15, 2019, when they crushed the Pirates at home, 17-8, 14-1 and 16-6, setting a franchise record for total runs in a three-game series. This is the Cubs’ ninth three-game double-digit streak since 1901. Their record is five in a row, June 1-6, 1930.
And about the Cubs’ three wins in a row:
The Cubs’ previous three-game winning streak was the final three games of last season, when they swept the Cardinals at Wrigley Field, 12-1, 7-3 and 2-0.
Their last four-game streak was Sept. 14-17, when they beat the Rays at home, 4-3, then swept at Pittsburgh, 4-0, 4-1 and 8-4.
This is the sort of offense I think we will see more of from this team — some long-sequence innings, some home runs, taking advantage of the other team’s errors.
Unfortunately, there was bad news that broke just before the first pitch today, the Cubs announcing that Daniel Palencia was going on the 15-day IL with an oblique strain. Here’s how that happened (Bluesky link):
At this writing the Cubs have not announced who’s being called up to replace Palencia on the active roster. There aren’t a whole lot of choices, to be honest. As always, we await developments.
The Cubs will go for four straight wins Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field. The weather will be much colder with the wind likely blowing in, which could be good news for Jameson Taillon, who will start for the Cubs. Old NL Central friend Freddy Peralta goes for the Mets. Game time is again 1:20 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via Marquee Sports Network (and MLB Network outside the Cubs and Mets market territories).
The final game of the 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament is here with a “win to get in” matchup between the No. 10 Golden State Warriors and the No. 7 Phoenix Suns for the Western Conference’s No. 8 seed.
Despite creating an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter against Portland, the Suns let their lead, the win and the No. 7 seed slip away. A Suns loss today could lead to a first for the Play-In tournament — since this format was introduced in 2021, a No. 7 seed has never dropped two consecutive games to fall out of the bracket entirely.
The Warriors advanced into today’s game with a 126-121 win over the Los Angeles Clippers in which they erased a 13-point fourth quarter deficit and didn’t lead at all in the second half until an Al Horford 3-pointer with 2:12 left in the game.
Warriors vs. Suns: what to know
What: NBA Play-In Tournament
When: April 17, 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center (Phoenix, Arizona)
Streaming: Prime Video (try it free)
The winner of tonight’s matchup officially becomes the Western Conference’s No. 8 seed and will face the No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs, tipping off Sunday, April 19.
Warriors vs. Suns start time:
Tonight’s (April 17) Warriors vs. Suns play-in game tips off at 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET on Prime Video.
How to watch Warriors vs. Suns for free:
The NBA Play-In Tournament, including tonight’s Warriors vs. Suns matchup, is streaming exclusively on Prime Video, so you’ll need an Amazon Prime subscription to watch the game.
If you aren’t a Prime Video subscriber yet, you can get started with a 30-day Amazon Prime free trial, including Prime perks like the Prime Video streaming service, free two-day shipping, exclusive deals, and more. After the free trial, Amazon Prime costs $14.99/month or $139/year.
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All 18- to 24-year-olds, regardless of student status, are eligible for a discounted Prime for Young Adults membership as well, with age verification. After a six-month free trial, you’ll pay 50% off the standard Prime monthly price of $14.99/month — just $7.49/month — for up to six yearsand get all the perks.
This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping, Page Six, and Decider.com. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on every streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. When she’s not writing about (or watching) TV, movies, and sports, she’s also keeping up on the underrated perfume dupes at Bath & Body Works and testing headphones. Prior to joining Decider and The New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 18: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a three-point shot against Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on December 18, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors will determine the fate of their season Friday night as they face the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the Play-In Tournament. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM PT in Phoenix and can be watched on Prime Video.
The Warriors kept their season alive on Wednesday night with a 126-121 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Los Angeles led for most of the game, but Golden State never let it get out of reach as they responded to every run to stay within striking distance.
Trailing by six entering the fourth quarter, the Warriors flipped the game behind a huge stretch from Al Horford, who knocked down four straight threes to swing the momentum in Golden State’s favor.
When it mattered most, the Warriors turned to their stars to close it out. Steph Curry delivered with a clutch three-pointer as part of his 35-point night to give Golden State the lead. Draymond Green, meanwhile, came up with several key defensive stops, including two big steals in the game’s final moments to seal the victory.
The Warriors’ season hangs in the balance Friday night, and the biggest question for them will be health. Kristaps Porzingis is the primary concern after scoring 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting against the Clippers, as he’s now listed as questionable with ankle soreness.
Expectation as of this hour from the Warriors is that Kristaps Porzingis should be able to play tonight despite the ankle soreness that has him questionable pic.twitter.com/6YGvuxHyAM
Another storyline to monitor is the matchup with Suns forward Dillon Brooks. Golden State has plenty of history with Brooks, and he’s already made it clear he’s looking forward to the matchup against the Warriors’ stars.
"I think it matters to some people like myself. I would like to see the Warriors."
Dillon Brooks on prepping for Warriors and Clippers as they played last night.
With both teams fighting to keep their seasons alive, tonight’s game is expected to be physical. For the Warriors, the key will be maintaining their composure and avoiding any emotional letdown after Wednesday’s win. Golden State went 3-1 against Phoenix during the regular season, so if they can match the urgency and focus they showed against the Clippers, they should be able to punch their ticket to the postseason.
The Atlanta Braves have not lost any of their first six series of the season, the last team in the majors who can make that claim.
They’re atop the NL East at 12-7 and are now taking aim at the two-time defending division champions in the Philadelphia Phillies for a three-game series which begins Friday evening at Citizens Bank Park.
Atlanta turns to Martín Pérez (0-1, 3.14 ERA) on the mound against Philadelphia right-hander Taijuan Walker (1-2, 7.36 ERA) for the series opener.
Let’s see if the timing to take on the Phillies (who have lost three straight series) is as good as it looks for the Braves.
The 2025-26 season was an incredibly up-and-down ride of the Los Angeles Kings, but somehow, for the fifth straight year they are headed to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
There have been several major storylines that came out of Los Angele this season. from Anze Kopitar's farewell tour and Adrian Kempe's contract negotiations to the arrival of Artemi Panarin and a record breaking 20 overtime losses. It has certainly been a season Kings fans will remember for a long time.
To wrap up the regular season, we figured that it would be a good idea to hand out some awards for the Kings top performers this year.
After entering the season in the midst of contract extension drama, Adrian Kempe eventually signed a monster eight-year extension worth $85M ($10.625M) putting the drama in the rear view mirror.
Kempe appeared in all but one of the Kings 82 games, scoring 36 goals along with 37 assists for 73 points. This is the 29-year-old's 4th career 30+ goal season, as well as his 3rd straight season with 70+ points.
Like always, the Swedish sniper came up clutch when it mattered most with his team-leading eight game winning goals. Four of which came in 3-on-3 overtime which was good for second in the NHL behind just Cole Caufield's five total OT game winners.
With Kopitar retiring, Kempe has done a great job preparing to be the face of the franchise when the future Hall-of-Famer hangs up the skates.
Best Defenseman and Most Improved: Brandt Clarke
Best Defenseman Honorable Mentions: Joel Edmundson, Drew Doughty
Most Improved Honorable Mentions: Taylor Ward, Anton Forsberg
Brandt Clarke deserves a tremendous amount of credit for his play this season. The 23-year-old entered the season under a large amount of pressure as he was expected to take his play to another level.
For the first time in his young career, Clarke appeared in all 82 games while scoring eight goals and 32 assists for 40 points, reaching career highs in all three statistics. His +11 rating was also a positive note as he is on a team that doesn't score a lot of goals.
Of his 40 points, 13 of them came on the power play which is positive in two ways. One, that he has shown he can succeed as a quarterback on the power play, and the other is that he doesn't solely rely on it as a source of production.
Kings fans should be very excited for Brandt Clarke's continued progress as the former 8th overall pick will continue to get better.
Honorable Mentions: Scott Laughton, Anton Forsberg
Entering the season, if you were to tell a Kings fan that Artemi Panarin would be leading them to a playoff berth, they likely would have called you crazy. But here we are.
After he was acquired in February, Panarin came in and produced exactly how he was expected. As an over point-per-game player, the 'Breadman' found chemistry with Kempe and Kopitar.
In 26 games as a member of the Kings, the 34-year-old scored nine goals and 18 assists for 27 points. His goal scoring could improve but for a team that hasn't had a point-per-game player since Kevin Fiala in 2023, there are no complaints here.
Not only will Panarin be exciting to watch in the postseason, but it will be intriguing to see the numbers he can put up in his first full season in L.A. in 2026-27.
Most Underrated Player: Anton Forsberg
When the Kings signed Forsberg last summer they brought him in to be a solid backup to Darcy Kuemper, but he has proved to be much more than that.
As the season went on and Kuemper dealt with multiple injuries, Forsberg stepped in and kept the Kings afloat. He even played some of the best hockey of his career down the stretch as he was one of, if not the biggest reason that Kings clawed their way into the postseason.
In 31 starts and 36 appearances this season, the 33-year-old netminder went 16-12-5 while posting a 2.57 GAA and .910 SV%. He also tied a career high with three shutouts. Forsberg ranked 18th among all goaltenders with a 9.4 GSAx (Goals Saved Above Expected) on the year.
The Swedish veteran may be an option to start in net for game one against the Colorado Avalanche due to his recent play.
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After another bad outing by Kodai Senga on Friday, manager Carlos Mendoza was hesitant to commit that the right-hander would make his next start for the Mets.
Senga went just 3.1 innings against the Chicago Cubs, allowing six earned runs on six hits, including two home runs, and three walks in an eventual 12-4 loss. In his last start against the Athletics at Citi Field, Senga lasted 2.1 innings, giving up seven earned runs on eight hits and two home runs in a game New York lost 11-6.
"He didn’t execute and they made him pay," Mendoza said.
Prior to his struggles which come on the heels of a rough end to his 2025 season, Senga got off to a good start, allowing four earned runs and striking out 16 over 11.2 innings in his first two outings. He also had an impressive spring training and looked like he was back to being the ace-caliber pitcher he was for the Mets in 2023 and the first half of 2025.
"Started off pretty good the first couple of outings," Mendoza said. "Coming out of spring training we saw a different guy, but then the last two I think the intent hasn’t been there. We saw the velo at the beginning and now it’s more like feeling for the strike zone, more like pitchability -- trying to mix cutters, sweepers as opposed to going right after people which is what we saw in spring training and the first two outings."
Now New York will need to make a decision on Senga whose next turn in the rotation would likely be April 23 against the Minnesota Twins. However, the Mets have an off day before then that they can use to their benefit.
Whatever New York decides to do, though, it's in a tough spot either way with its right-hander who is known to be fastidious with his craft and can harp on his mechanics, often to a fault, while sometimes also being overcritical of himself.
"It’s hard to figure it out, especially with him," Mendoza said. "But the number one thing is his health and he's healthy... I think he's gotta go back to trusting his pitches in the strike zone. He's gotta be able to compete in the strike zone, that's what it comes down to. If you get behind hitters at this level, they're gonna make you pay."
When asked about what's been the biggest difference for him during his last two starts, Senga agreed with his skipper.
"Not getting ahead, not getting first pitch strikes, getting into hitter's counts," he said.
Yet, despite the results, Senga believes he's "not all that far off" from where he needs to be.
"A lot of this stuff is the pitches just not being as strong near the hitter or near the catcher at home plate and I'm not being able to deceive them as much," he said. "... I just need to go out there and perform."
