Sep 25, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Emerson Hancock (26) throws against the Colorado Rockies during the second inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
After a very bad and nasty 1-5 road trip, the Mariners return home for a little 4-game set against their division arch-rivals, the Houston Astros. With the Mariners currently sitting in dead last in the AL West, a win tonight is greatly needed.
Tonight also has the distinction of being both Ichiro Statue day and Ichiro Replica Statue Night! Lots of Ichiro today! Unfortunately, there’s a little less Ichiro than expected, as the bat on his new statue broke during the unveiling. I asked my local augur if that was a bad omen and he simply stared at me and screamed. The first 40,000 fans to arrive to the game tonight will receive a replica of the statue in its undamaged state.
Lineups
There is a suspiciously Brendan Donovan shaped hole in the lineup today, with Leo Rivas taking over duty at third base. Donovan is out with illness, but it thankfully seems to have not spread throughout the clubhouse. Otherwise, the standout is a return to the leadoff slot for J.P. Crawford. J.P. spent much of last summer in the number one spot, but Dan Wilson seems to prefer him in the number 9 hole where he can turn the lineup over. With Donovan out though, Wilson’s hand was forced. We’ll see if some of J.P.‘s old leadoff magic can be recovered.
Meanwhile, Emerson Hancock will make his third start of the season. Hancock has gotten off to a hot start this year, only allowing one run and racking up 14 strikeouts in 12.2 IP. His sweeper has been excellent, with no opposing hitters able to get a hit off it, despite a 24.6% usage rate. Paired with his 4-seamer and sinker, Emerson has been a standout pitcher in 2026.
Tatsuya Imai will be making the start for the Astros. The MLB newcomer has had a mixed first two stateside starts. In his debut against the Angels he was blown up to the tune of 4 runs, 3 hits, and 4 walks in 2.2 innings, but then held the Athletics scoreless over 5.2 innings of 3-hit ball. His slider is weird (it doesn’t slide), and he throws a fastball from a low arm slot that can confuse hitters. Look for the M’s to either score seven thousand runs or be no-hit.
Game Info
Game Time: 6:40 pm PT
TV: Mariners TV and FOR FREE over the air on KING 5 and affiliated PNW stations. Aaron Goldsmith and Dave Valle are on the call, with Ryan Rowland-Smith serving as the field reporter.
Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports with good ol’ Rick Rizzs and Gary Hill Jr. on the call.
Fans jeer as draw follows losses to Mallorca and Bayern
Marseille go third in Ligue 1 as Paris FC stun Monaco
Real Madrid had to settle for a 1-1 draw against mid-table Girona in La Liga on Friday, extending the hosts’ winless run to three games in all competitions and giving Barcelona the chance to stretch their advantage at the top.
Federico Valverde put Madrid ahead six minutes after half-time but Girona levelled in the 62nd minute through Thomas Lemar. Álvaro Arbeloa’s side are six points behind Barça, who have a game in hand against Espanyol on Saturday and could move nine clear with seven games to play.
Apr 9, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Gleyber Torres (25) hits a sacrifice fly against the Minnesota Twins in the seventh inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images | Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Detroit Tigers (4-9) vs. Miami Marlins (8-5)
Time/Place: 6:40 p.m., Comerica Park Opponent Site: Fish On First Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network Pitching Matchup: RHP Keider Montero (0-1, 4.15 ERA) vs. RHP Chris Paddack (0-1, 8.31 ERA)
Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi tore the Royal Challengers Bengaluru bowling to shreds as he equalled his own record for the fastest fifty of this season’s IPL, powering unbeaten Rajasthan Royals to a fourth successive victory on Friday.
The Braves host the Guardians in a battle of the two MLB teams who have yet to lose a series. For game 1, Bryce Elder starts for Atlanta and Slade Cecconi starts for the Guardians. Today’s game starts at 7:15 PM ET in Atlanta and broadcast on BravesVision.
Join us and discuss today’s game in the comments below!
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 01: Andrew McCutchen #4 of the Texas Rangers bats against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 01, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Texas Rangers lineup for April 10, 2026 against the Los Angeles Dodgers: starting pitchers are Kumar Rocker for the Rangers and Tyler Glasnow for the Dodgers.
Texas begins a ten game road trip tonight at Chavez Ravine. Interestingly, Joc sits and McCutchen starts against a righty.
The lineup:
Nimmo — RF
Langford — LF
Seager — SS
Burger — 1B
McCutchen — DH
Carter — CF
Jansen — C
Smith — 2B
Jung — 3B
9:10 p.m. Central start time. Rangers are +190 underdogs.
Not just now. And not just during Kennard’s nine years as an NBA player. But likely his entire basketball career going back to when he was a kid.
“It’s easy because he’s a white guy that shoots well, to just think he’s just a shooter,” Redick said after the Lakers’ win over the Warriors on Thursday. “That’s just the reality of the situation. I’m sure every time he checked into an AAU tournament in eighth grade, everybody’s screaming ‘shooter, shooter. shooter.’ That’s the life we have.”
The Lakers’ Luke Kennard has shown he is much more than a 3-point shooter. AP
But when the Lakers have needed it most, Kennard has shown he can bring a lot more to the floor than 3-point shooting.
With the regular-season-ending injuries to Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (left oblique strain), the Lakers needed others to step up as ball handlers.
Which led to a conversation between Redick and Kennard in Dallas between the April 2 loss to the Thunder in Oklahoma City in which Doncic and Reaves suffered their injuries and the April 5 loss to the Mavericks, with the focus being on the Lakers needing Kennard to step into a different role.
“He came right to me and was like, ‘Hey, you’re going to have the ball in your hands a lot, and we need you to do that,’” Kennard recalled. “He kind of came right to me to have that responsibility and take pride in it, and gives me a little bit of confidence knowing that he’s confident in me to put me in that position.”
Lakers guard Luke Kennard averaged 9.3 assists over his previous three games entering Friday. NBAE via Getty Images
The mutual confidence has paid off.
Kennard averaged 9.3 assists over the previous three games entering Friday, including a career-high-tying 11 in the loss to the Mavericks, showcasing a level of playmaking and passing that he simply didn’t get an opportunity to do when the Lakers were healthier.
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In his first 27 games with the Lakers after being traded, Kennard averaged 29.3 touches per game (16.9 in the frontcourt), had the ball for about 1.2 minutes per game and averaged 2.44 seconds per touch.
His usage has increased multiple levels over the last week.
Kennard averaged 9.3 assists over the previous three games entering Friday. NBAE via Getty Images
Kennard averaged 71 touches (36 in the frontcourt), had the ball for 4.2 minutes per game and averaged 3.52 seconds per touch in the last three games as the team’s fill-in point guard.
After being the main Laker bringing the ball up the court against the Mavericks, the Lakers have mixed in more actions for Kennard that get him from off the ball to on-ball, making the transition a little smoother.
After being the main Laker bringing the ball up the court against the Mavericks, the Lakers have mixed in more actions for Kennard that get him from off the ball to on-ball, making the transition a little smoother. NBAE via Getty Images
“I’ve known for a long time that there’s a lot to his game, a lot he can do as a basketball player, primarily as a playmaker,” Redick said. “He really does such a good job of using his shooting as a threat, using his change of speed and pace as a threat. And then just consistently make the right play.”
Redick sees a steadiness in Kennard — as a player and a person.
Which has helped Kennard take on a significant role.
“When I was in high school, I played point guard a lot,” Kennard said. “So maybe from there a little bit. I’ve been in different situations throughout my career in the NBA. So I’ve seen it all, experienced a lot.”
“I’ve had a lot of responsibility and less responsibility, and I just kind of find my way and find my role whenever that opportunity comes. So it’s something I’m comfortable with, I’m confident in and just trying to find a rhythm with it right now.”
Francisco Lindor – SS Bo Bichette – DH Jared Young – 1B Luis Robert – CF Brett Baty – RF Marcus Semien – 2B Ronny Mauricio – 3B Francisco Alvarez – C Carson Benge – LF
SP: Clay Holmes – RHP
Athletics lineup
Lawrence Butler – RF Nick Kurtz – 1B Shea Langeliers – C Tyler Soderstrom – LF Jacob Wilson – SS Jeff McNeil – 2B Max Muncy – 3B Carlos Cortes – DH Denzel Clarke – CF
SP: J.T. Ginn – RHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 7:10 PM EDT TV: PIX11 Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2
The Sixers have a single game left in their regular season and still might avoid the NBA’s play-in tournament.
Help is needed, but the Sixers kept that possibility alive Friday night by earning a 105-94 win over the Pacers. They also got the necessary result of a Raptors loss to the Knicks.
Below are the Eastern Conference standings from fifth through 10th (presuming the Magic hold on to a large fourth-quarter lead against the Bulls). The No. 7 through No. 10 teams will comprise the play-in.
5. Hawks 46-35
6. Raptors 45-36
7. Magic 45-36
8. Sixers 44-37
9. Hornets 43-38
10. Heat 42-39
The Sixers’ regular-season finale is Sunday night vs. the Bucks. To end up in the top six, they’d need to both win that game and get assistance elsewhere. Toronto would have to lose to the lowly Nets and Orlando would need to fall to the Celtics. The Sixers now cannot finish below the eighth seed.
“Joel Embiid was discharged from the hospital today following a successful appendectomy and is returning to Philadelphia. Embiid’s surgical recovery will be managed by team physicians in consultation with his surgeon. A timeline for return to basketball activities has not yet been determined.”
Tyrese Maxey’s 32 points led the Sixers in Indiana.
Paul George added 21. VJ Edgecombe posted 16 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
Here are observations on the Sixers’ win over the Pacers:
George gets back on track
It took Maxey almost no time to record his first points in the first quarter of the last three games. He blew by Jarace Walker and made an and-one scoop shot to open the scoring.
The young, future-focused Pacers fired away from three-point range and had early success. With a Walker triple and Kobe Brown layup, Indiana took an 11-3 lead.
George continued to play in both legs of back-to-backs since returning from his suspension. He only logged 24 minutes Thursday in the Sixers’ loss to the Rockets and had a rough night, posting just seven points on 2-for-8 shooting and four rebounds.
Though he was whistled for his second foul at the 5:38 mark of the first quarter, George didn’t sub out. Sixers head coach Nick Nurse was immediately rewarded for keeping George in. He swished a three on the next possession to give him eight points and cut the Sixers’ deficit to 18-17.
Edgecombe shows off defensive tools
The Sixers went on a run late in the first quarter with their second unit on the court. A Quentin Grimes lay-in put them up eight points.
Andre Drummond had a very productive first half, tallying eight points and nine rebounds. The Sixers outscored Indiana by 24 points in the game during Drummond’s 29 minutes on the floor.
The Sixers cleaned up their turnover issues from the night prior and also forced plenty of Indiana giveaways. Kelly Oubre Jr. swiped four steals and totaled seven thefts over the back-to-back. Edgecombe picked up three steals and had a highlight block, too.
As he piles up reps and learns more nuances of NBA defense, it’s not difficult to imagine Edgecombe reaching an elite level in terms of defensive disruptiveness.
Maxey finished 1 for 10 from three-point territory on the night.
He appeared to be bothered throughout the game by his taped-up right pinky finger. Of course, Maxey missed much of March after hurting that finger. Late in the third quarter, he absorbed a hit to his right pinky as he and Pacers center Jay Huff both pursued a loose ball. Maxey went back to the locker room with Sixers head athletic trainer Kevin Johnson. He subbed back in with 10:05 left in the fourth quarter.
Maxey takes a ton of pride in suiting up whenever he can and logging enormous minutes as the Sixers’ lead guard. He’s clearly below 100 percent with the postseason nearing.
As a team, the Sixers went 5 for 29 beyond the arc (17.2 percent). Their shooting troubles helped the Pacers erase a seven-point halftime deficit. Micah Potter’s put-back slam knotted the game at 62-all.
The Sixers eventually restored a decent lead. An Edgecombe mid-range bucket on the Sixers’ final possession of the third quarter lifted the team to an 89-77 advantage.
The Sixers handled business in the fourth and wrapped up their road campaign with a 22-19 record.
The Sixers have a single game left in their regular season and still might avoid the NBA’s play-in tournament.
Significant help is needed, but the Sixers kept that possibility alive Friday night by earning a 105-94 win over the Pacers. They also got the necessary result of a Raptors loss to the Knicks.
Below are the Eastern Conference standings from fifth through 10th. The No. 7 through No. 10 teams will comprise the play-in.
5. Hawks 46-35
6. Raptors 45-36
7. Magic 45-36
8. Sixers 44-37
9. Hornets 43-38
10. Heat 42-39
The Sixers’ regular-season finale is Sunday night vs. the Bucks. To end up in the top six, they’d need to both win that game and get assistance elsewhere. Toronto would have to lose to the lowly Nets and Orlando would need to fall to the Celtics. The Sixers now cannot finish below the eighth seed.
“Joel Embiid was discharged from the hospital today following a successful appendectomy and is returning to Philadelphia. Embiid’s surgical recovery will be managed by team physicians in consultation with his surgeon. A timeline for return to basketball activities has not yet been determined.”
Tyrese Maxey’s 32 points led the Sixers in Indiana.
Paul George added 21. VJ Edgecombe posted 16 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
Here are observations on the Sixers’ win over the Pacers:
George gets back on track
It took Maxey almost no time to record his first points in the first quarter of the last three games. He blew by Jarace Walker and made an and-one scoop shot to open the scoring.
The young, future-focused Pacers fired away from three-point range and had early success. With a Walker triple and Kobe Brown layup, Indiana took an 11-3 lead.
George continued to play in both legs of back-to-backs since returning from his suspension. He only logged 24 minutes Thursday in the Sixers’ loss to the Rockets and had a rough night, posting just seven points on 2-for-8 shooting and four rebounds.
Though he was whistled for his second foul at the 5:38 mark of the first quarter, George didn’t sub out. Sixers head coach Nick Nurse was immediately rewarded for keeping George in. He swished a three on the next possession to give him eight points and cut the Sixers’ deficit to 18-17.
Edgecombe shows off defensive tools
The Sixers went on a run late in the first quarter with their second unit on the court. A Quentin Grimes lay-in put them up eight points.
Andre Drummond had a very productive first half, tallying eight points and nine rebounds. The Sixers outscored Indiana by 24 points in the game during Drummond’s 29 minutes on the floor.
The Sixers cleaned up their turnover issues from the night prior and also forced plenty of Indiana giveaways. Kelly Oubre Jr. swiped four steals and totaled seven thefts over the back-to-back. Edgecombe picked up three steals and had a highlight block, too.
As he piles up reps and learns more nuances of NBA defense, it’s not difficult to imagine Edgecombe reaching an elite level in terms of defensive disruptiveness.
Maxey grinds through pinky issues
Maxey finished 1 for 10 from three-point territory on the night.
He appeared to be bothered throughout the game by his taped-up right pinky finger. Of course, Maxey missed much of March after hurting that finger. Late in the third quarter, he absorbed a hit to his right pinky as he and Pacers center Jay Huff both pursued a loose ball. Maxey went back to the locker room with Sixers head athletic trainer Kevin Johnson. He subbed back in with 10:05 left in the fourth quarter.
Maxey takes a ton of pride in suiting up whenever he can and logging enormous minutes as the Sixers’ lead guard. He’s clearly below 100 percent with the postseason nearing.
As a team, the Sixers went 5 for 29 beyond the arc (17.2 percent). Their shooting troubles helped the Pacers erase a seven-point halftime deficit. Micah Potter’s put-back slam knotted the game at 62-all.
The Sixers eventually restored a decent lead. An Edgecombe mid-range bucket on the Sixers’ final possession of the third quarter lifted the team to an 89-77 advantage.
The Sixers handled business in the fourth and wrapped up their road campaign with a 22-19 record.
Talk about a bummer ending for Blue Jays fans in last year’s World Series; losing a late lead in Game 7, then losing the game in extra innings (the same happened in Game 3). In the offseason, the Jays picked up Dylan Cease, Taylor Rogers’s brother, and today’s starter, Patrick Corbin. Corbin’s a low-90s junkballer who’s a fan of politicians that cheat at golf, plus he’s lefthanded and breathing, which means he’ll probably give Twins hitters fits. (Or, maybe not, if Zach’s got this squad measured correctly.)
The 36-year-old Corbin (old by baseball years, but in life years, I’d trade with him) was called up after the Jays got pummeled by L.A. on Tuesday, and they’re currently below .500. I’d expect them to do better soon; still, a depressing start after last year’s depressing finish. Jays fans have always been some of the nicest, politest visitors to Target Field, so I wish them the best after this weekend.
If you’re not aware, a few years back the Jays did a major renovation project to the Skydome (corporate name, Rogers Centre, but always Skydome to me). The refit was planned to cost C$ 300, and came in 33% more costly, as refits always do. A huge undertaking was re-angling the lower-level seats with better sightlines. You can see photos of the old layout and new layout and the refit construction at this site, which loves fawning over the beneficence of baseball owners. While some of the other renovations created more family-friendly seating (yay!) and a lot of new exclusive special luxury sections (barf!).
But, one thing that doesn’t make me barf: this was all paid for by private investment. Not a single taxpayer dollar was spent.
If Rogers Communications wants to spend their own money (and that of investment partners) putting in more luxury boxes and such, that’s their business. If you want to buy a car dealership and paint every car on the lot in swirling 1960s psychedelic colors, that’s your business. Customers will like it or not. Caveat emptor, or whatever the reverse is.
Alas, naturally team president Mark Shapiro has said that in 10 years or so, the team *might* need a brand-new stadium, which generally means “I’m gonna threaten to move to Punxsutawney if they offer me three billion taxpayer dollars,” but we’ll see what happens then. Or you will, or neither of us if we’re both dead.
In the meantime, let’s celebrate what the Skydome is really best known for; hotel-in-the outfield exhibitionism. From the Toronto Sun in 2014:
I love how the two mustached dudes are like, “we are so luxury with our expensive hotel, look at us,” and absolutely nobody is looking at THEM.
I tend to think of intentionally leaving the shades open on personal moments as a Manhattan thing (many Manhattan residents have binoculars near their window for this reason), but hey, Toronto can be open for wackiness, too.
Since Jays fans are generally so nice when visiting Target Field, how about some Twins fans going to the Skydome Marriott and giving the locals a show?
On Thursday, as I type this, there’s a room with a baseball view available Saturday for only C$ 1776 (or $1285 US), with comfy chairs you can move right over to the window:
C’mon, people. Take a trip and let your freaky side out! You know you WANT to. I would, but my TwinkieTown company credit card’s been frozen (lawsuits are pending). So it’s up to you!
And if you’re not into that sort of thing, at least enjoy one of my favorite team songs:
Mets rookie Carson Benge made headlines on Opening Day, homering to pick up his first career hit, which may have raised the immediate expectations around the 23-year-old a bit too high, too fast.
Since going 1-for-3 against the Pittsburgh Pirates with that home run, Benge is just 3-for-34 at the plate without another extra-base hit. Overall, Benge is hitting .108 over 11 games this season, causing some to question if he's actually ready to play in the majors.
Even with president of baseball operations David Stearns and the team backing Benge, it was asked by a reporter on Friday if there comes a point where the Mets should send Benge down to Triple-A to help improve his confidence at the plate. Stearns didn't bat an eye and said that's not something up for discussion, believing he will continue to adjust and improve as the season continues.
"We're not discussing that at all," Stearns said. "I think our view is Carson's going to figure this out. He's a good player and we're happy to have him on the team."
When asked what he's thought of Benge so far and what he needs to show to remain in the big leagues, Stearns expressed full confidence in the young outfielder.
"I think we've seen a really good athlete," Stearns said Friday ahead of the team's game vs. the Athletics. "I think we've seen, at times, some really good at-bats, and at times, maybe getting a little bit jumpy. Probably trying to do too much, maybe subconsciously trying to do too much. This is a really good athlete, it's a good baseball player. You can go through stretches at the big leagues and tie yourself in knots a little bit, and part of being in the big leagues is figuring how to get yourself out of it.
"I've been encouraged over the last couple games he's played. I think we've seen some better at-bats. We've seen a couple really nice plays made against him, which also seems to happen when you're going through stretches like this, balls seem to find gloves. Our feeling toward the player, our evaluation of the player hasn't changed at all based on the last few weeks."
Stearns went on to say that Benge has shown his athleticism in the outfield and on the basepaths, going 4-for-4 on stolen base attempts. The team is OK being "patient" with his development early in the season and believes his versatility will help them win games.
"Yeah, we're going to be patient," Stearns said. "Carson's a part of this team, we believe he's going to help us win games this year.
"The nice thing about Carson and what he brings to the team is that he can contribute in a variety of different ways, so it's not all on his bat. He's a good defender, he's a good baserunner and I think that allows someone to be able to work through things at the plate a little bit when they're contributing to wins in other ways."
In addition to the Mets' confidence in Benge, sending him down to the minors at this time would make it hard for them to construct a starting outfield with Juan Soto sidelined. Benge showed his hitting capabilities in spring training with a .366 batting average and will look to build more momentum after singling in Wednesday's loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks to snap his 0-for-24 streak.
Feel free to use this thread to chat about (almost) anything you want: video games, food, movies, non-football sports, you name it. As long as it’s allowed by the site’s ToS, it’s fair game here.
Two rival, proud franchises will meet for the final time in the 2025-26 season when the St. Louis Blues (33-33-12) and Chicago Blackhawks (28-37-14) meet for the fourth and final time on Saturday at 4 p.m. at United Center in Chicago.
The Blackhawks have already been eliminated from playoff contention for the sixth straight season, but for the Blues, who made a valiant push when they were at one point 14 points back but got to within as close as three points on April 3 and 5, can be officially eliminated on Saturday.
With four games remaining, the Blues are seven points behind the Los Angeles Kings, who currently hold down the final wild card in the Western Conference ahead of the Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets and San Jose Sharks, so a regulation loss or any Kings win on Saturday would officially close the book on the Blues, who must win out to have any hope and prayer. But those all but went out the window coming off home losses to the Colorado Avalanche (3-1) on Tuesday and Jets (3-2) on Thursday.
"It's pride (at this point)," Blues defenseman Colton Parayko said. "It's a privilege to play in this league every single day you show up to the rink and play in the NHL. It's even more special to wear the Bluenote. I've been fortunate to do it for 11 years and I don't take that lightly.
"For me, it's going to be easy to show up and play for this Bluenote."
Chicago has won two of the three matchups in the season series this year, including 7-3 on home ice on Jan. 7. The teams split two games in St. Louis earlier in the season.
Blues coach Jim Montgomery echoed Parayko's thoughts after the team had its picture day and practiced before heading to Chicago.
"One, it's a privilege just to be part of the NHL and be part of the St. Louis Blues hockey club. And then to be able to be with the other people that are in the background doing so many other great things for us, so that the game is entertaining for our fans, that we have seats and all that. We're a real team."
- - -
Two Blues that continue to tear it up in points are Robert Thomas, who extended his point streak to seven games (six goals, six assists) and has 28 points (12 goals, 16 assists) in his last 20 games played, and Dylan Holloway, who had a goal and an assist Thursday to give him 13 points (five goals, eight assists) the past eight games and 28 points (12 goals, 16 assists) the past 21 games.
"This is two years in a row where in the month of March he's probably if not the best, one of the top three players in the NHL, right," Montgomery said of Thomas. It's not easy to be that dominant and that good. He has the tools to do it and I think it's just every year that he gains more experience, then he's going to be able to put it all together."
Thomas is healthy finally, and so is Holloway, who looks like the player that was setting a blazing trail for this team before tearing the abductor muscle off his hip April 5, 2025 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
"He's the same guy that's just continually getting pucks, getting it back, taking hits, giving hits," Montgomery said. "He's inspiring to his teammates.
"Compared to last year, he's just someone that energizes the team."
- - -
The Blues will make a couple changes to their forward lines heading into Saturday. Out will be Jack Finley and Nathan Walker and in their spots on the fourth line will be Pius Suter, who was given a game off Thursday, and Oskar Sundqvist, who has played in just one of 10 games since March 15.
"I think anyone that's been in and out of the lineup, it's really hard," Montgomery said, "because you don't know when you're playing, preparation's a lot tougher. It's what you love to do. When you're out of the lineup, it's really hard emotionally and mentally."
One has to wonder what the future holds for Sundqvist, who will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1. His body has taken a beating in his 11-year career, including parts of eight seasons with the Blues.
The 32-year-old has 19 points (four goals, 15 assists) in 50 games this season. The 50 games this season will be his fewest since playing in just 28 for the Blues in 2020-21 when he tore his ACL.
"Just a safety net," Montgomery describing Sundqvist, "because he understands the game so well and he understands how to help and he always thinks about the team first. He will make sure he is in the right spot so that the team has success and he doesn't care about any of the recognition."
- - -
Blues Projected Lineup:
Dylan Holloway-Robert Thomas-Jimmy Snuggerud
Otto Stenberg-Pavel Buchnevich-Jordan Kyrou
Jake Neighbours-Dalibor Dvorsky-Jonatan Berggren
Alexey Toropchenko-Pius Suter-Oskar Sundqvist
Philip Broberg-Logan Mailloux
Theo Lindstein-Colton Parayko
Cam Fowler-Tyler Tucker
Joel Hofer is projected to start in goal; Jordan Binnington would be the backup.
Healthy scratches include Jonathan Drouin, Jack Finley, Nathan Walker, Justin Holl and Matthew Kessel. The Blues report no injuries.
- - -
Blackhawks Projected Lineup:
Ryan Greene-Connor Bedard-Nick Lardis
Tyler Bertuzzi-Anton Frondell-Ilya Mikheyev
Ryan Donato-Frank Nazar-Andre Burakovsky
Andrew Mangiapane-Sacha Boisvert-Teuvo Teravainen
Wyatt Kaiser-Sam Rinzel
Alex Vlasic-Louis Crevier
Kevin Korchinski-Ethan Del Mastro
Spencer Knight is projected to start in goal; Arvid Soderblom would be the backup.
Healthy scratches include Sam Lafferty, Dominic Toninato and Landon Slaggert. Matt Grzelcyk (upper body), Artyom Levshunov (hand) and Oliver Moore (lower body) are out.
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Apr 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) dribbles around Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images | David Richard-Imagn Images
Tthe Atlanta Hawks (45-35) try once against to clinch the Southeast Division title and a playoff appearance against the Cleveland Cavaliers (51-29) tonight in the home finale.
Jock Landale (ankle sprain) has been ruled out.
Starting lineup:
G CJ McCollum
G Nickeil Alexander-Walker
F Dyson Daniels
F Jalen Johnson
C Onyeka Okongwu
Please join in the comments below as you follow along.
Where, When, and How to Watch and Listen
Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Start Time: 7:00 PM EDT
TV: Atlanta News First (WANF), Peachtree Sports Network (PSN)
Radio: Sports Radio 92.9 the Game (WZGC-FM)
Streaming: Amazon Prime, Fubo (out of market), NBA League Pass (out of market), Youtube TV (NBA League Pass out of market)
