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Dodgers star Freddie Freeman's family appreciated kind gesture from slain Baldwin Park officer

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 11: Los Angeles Dodgers first base Freddie Freeman is honored with a bobblehead doll as he waves to the crowd standing with is family before a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium on Friday, April 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. (Kevork Djansezian / For The Times)
Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman waves to the crowd while standing with his family at Dodger Stadium on April 11. (Kevork Djansezian / For The Times)

Tears flowed from Freddie Freeman as he sat in a Dodger Stadium interview room Aug. 5 and described the arduous recovery his 3-year-old son Max was making from a rare neurological condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves.

Max had returned home from a five-night stay at Children's Hospital Orange County, and Freeman was back in the Dodgers lineup after missing eight games to be with his family during the ordeal.

Two months later, the Dodgers were playing host to the New York Mets in the National League Championship Series. A police officer approached Freeman's wife, Chelsea, to ask how Max was doing.

The officer, Samuel Riveros of the Baldwin Park Police Dept., smiled and handed her a police patch to give to Max.

Riveros was killed Saturday in Baldwin Park when a gunman fatally shot him in the head while Riveros was rushing to the aid of a fellow officer who also had been shot, a law enforcement source with knowledge of the investigation told The Times.

Read more:'A night of tragedy': A young officer who loved Dodgers, snowboarding killed in Baldwin Park shootout

Chelsea Freeman related meeting Riveros on her Instagram Stories and offered her family's condolences.

"Our hearts are heavy hearing of his passing this week," she posted. "We met during the Dodgers/Mets playoffs. He came up to me, asked how my son Max was doing and handed me his police patch to give to him.

“A small gesture that meant so much.”

Freddie Freeman was a World Series hero for the Dodgers in 2024, hitting a walk-off grand slam to win Game 1 against the New York Yankees. He is off to a hot start in 2025, currently leading the NL with a .368 batting average.

Riveros had been a Baldwin Park officer since 2016, joined the agency’s SWAT team in 2019, and had recently become a field training officer, which in a statement the agency called a “testament to his leadership and mentorship.”

Riveros was known for his devotion to the Dodgers, even traveling to the stadiums of opposing teams to watch them play, according to Baldwin Park Police Chief Robert A. López.

“Officer Riveros gave his life in service to others, a profound testament to his unwavering dedication to duty and selfless courage,” the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Dept. wrote in a statement. “His loss is profoundly felt — not only by his family and colleagues, but by the entire Baldwin Park community and law enforcement family."

Read more:Back with Dodgers, Freddie Freeman details son’s 'heartbreaking' fight for life

Eduardo Roberto Medina-Berumen, 22, was arrested on suspicion of murder and is being held in lieu of $4 million bail, according to the Sheriff’s Department. He lives with his mother at the Baldwin Park address on Filhurst Avenue, where gunfire erupted Saturday night, a source said.

“This tragic shooting is a sobering reminder of the danger our first responders face when they answer the call,” Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman said in a statement.

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Pinstripes are back! Orlando Magic rebrand is throwback to classic colors, look.

The last time the Orlando Magic were a dominant, feared force in the East, Shaq and Penny were wearing pinstripe uniforms.

The Magic are a team on the rise again and the rebrand unveiled Tuesday leans into that iconic look of stars and pinstripes.

Paolo Banchero and the other Magic players get it.

The pinstripe look has been used by the team frequently over the last decade as a throwback style, but now it is back front and center.

"With the team and Magic brand continuing to grow, the new logo fondly revisits the Magic's history making an iconic and fan-favorite franchise symbol 'the star' once again," Orlando described the new look in its press release. "The logo evolves with a nod towards nostalgia featuring a legendary, star-centric logo displaying a 'reach for the stars' mentality to match the team's championship ideals."

"Based on fan feedback, the new logo was a collaboration and really a labor of love keeping in mind the affinity our fans have for our brand identity," said Magic Executive Vice President of Marketing and Social Responsibility Shelly Wilkes. "This logo and new uniforms signify the beginning of a new era of excellence for the Magic while paying homage to the past. We are excited to build upon our rich history with a modernized version of the uniform and logo that our fan base cherishes."

The Magic can only hope the throwback uniforms bring back the throwback level of success the franchise saw in the Shaq and Penny era.

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Posey details what's next for Giants top prospect Eldridge

Posey details what's next for Giants top prospect Eldridge originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO — Bryce Eldridge is one of the best power hitters in the minor leagues. He also might be the prospect who is best at packing his bags. 

Eldridge has played 150 games over the last two seasons and been promoted four times, including twice to Triple-A. With the latest move, there’s only one more to make, and that will put him with the Giants in the big leagues. 

When Eldridge first joined Triple-A Sacramento for the final games of the 2024 season, there was no chance to take that next step. But he returned Tuesday as someone who is still on the fast track, and who has very little ahead of him on the depth chart. 

The Giants started Casey Schmitt at first base against a right-hander on Tuesday night. In Triple-A, they have tried Marco Luciano, who was a shortstop before moving to left field this season. Veteran Jake Lamb was just released from the Triple-A roster.

The big league Opening Day starter, LaMonte Wade Jr., has had such a rough two months that it wasn’t unthinkable that he would be released Monday when Jerar Encarnacion returned. Instead, Wade started against the Padres and took a pitch off the wrist, which will keep him out at a time when he desperately needs to make an impact. 

All of this leads to one simple question: When will it be Eldridge Time?

“I still think for Bryce it’s best to get reps, but again, things change,” president of baseball operations Buster Posey said Tuesday. “We’ll continue to have conversations and watch his progress.”

During an interview with beat writers, Posey said multiple times that the situation is “fluid.” He didn’t give anything away, but he also sounded like someone who is perhaps ready to be more aggressive than he imagined being with his first basemen at this point. 

“We most definitely want to put him in a position to succeed,” Posey said of Eldridge, “but yeah, ultimately the goal is to win games at the big league level.”

The Giants have the pitching staff to do that, but it’s been more than two weeks since they have scored more than four runs. Posey said the front office is looking at internal and external solutions, but there’s only so much that can be done in early June.

“You keep showing up, you keep showing up,” he said. “From my vantage point now, it’s looking at are there different options out there, what are our different options internally. We’re at a strange point of the season as far as other teams’ willingness to make trades with us being a couple months away [from the MLB trade deadline]. You keep showing up but from our perspective as a front office, we’re not satisfied with the production. We’re trying to exhaust all options.”

At what point will Eldridge be a realistic one?

That’s fluid, and also not totally up to his bat. 

The knock on Eldridge has been his glove at first base, with team officials responding to questions about his ability there by constantly saying “it’s a work in progress.” Posey said he has seen improvement while watching Double-A games, but it’s something else that stands out. Eldridge, he said, has been a very willing learner and already has spent time learning from Will Clark and Joe Panik this season. 

“He wants to be great at it,” Posey said. “He still has a lot of work to do and I think he knows that as well, but it’s nice that he’s moving in the right direction.”

Eldridge is the long-term first baseman at Oracle Park, but Giants officials have grown more open to the idea of bringing him up later this year even if he requires some DH time. The 20-year-old posted a .862 OPS and hit seven homers in 34 Double-A games. That league is tough for hitters, but Posey noted that Eldridge will see more advanced pitching now that he’s in Triple-A. It’s a hitter-friendly league, though, and at some point the numbers might force that next promotion, whether the glove is fully ready or not. 

As he talked about the offense on Tuesday, Posey smiled and pointed out to reporters that he’s not someone who panics. He’s hopeful the offense picks it up soon and that the organization can stick to the plan with Eldridge, but if that changes in the coming months, the organization’s top prospect will be just a short drive away. 

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Everything to know about the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to NHL playoff MVP

Everything to know about the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to NHL playoff MVP originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Lord Stanley isn’t the only piece of hardware that will be awarded in the Stanley Cup Final.

One player from the Edmonton Oilers or the defending champion Florida Panthers will be honored as the most valuable player in the 2025 NHL playoffs with the Conn Smythe Trophy. And the rare Cup Final rematch could see a repeat award winner.

Oilers star Connor McDavid earned the 2024 Conn Smythe in a losing Cup Final effort, and the three-time Hart Trophy winner enters this year’s NHL championship round with a playoff-high 26 points (6 goals, 20 assists). McDavid’s co-star, Leon Draisaitl, is also a Conn Smythe Trophy contender as he sits second in points with 25 (7 goals, 18 assists).

The one-time champion Panthers, meanwhile, could have their first Conn Smythe Trophy winner in franchise history. Captain Aleksander Barkov (17 points), forward Matthew Tkachuk (16) and center Sam Bennett (16) lead 10 Florida skaters with at least 10 points entering the Cup Final. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is putting together a strong Conn Smythe Trophy resume as well, as he sports a 2.11 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage.

So, how is the Conn Smythe Trophy winner determined? And has there ever been a back-to-back winner? Here’s everything to know about the NHL playoff MVP award:

What is the Conn Smythe Trophy and when was it first awarded?

The Conn Smythe Trophy is a postseason award given to the most valuable player in the playoffs. It debuted in the 1965 postseason.

Historically, most Conn Smythe Trophy winners have come from the team that also won the Stanley Cup. Though, there have been a handful of instances where a player who lost in the Cup Final was awarded the trophy.

The award is named after former Toronto Maple Leafs owner, president, general manager and coach Conn Smythe. It was under Smythe’s ownership that the Leafs changed their name from the St. Pats and that the Maple Leaf Gardens arena was constructed. A mini replica of the venue and a Maple Leaf are among the trophy’s features.

How is the Conn Smythe Trophy winner determined?

The Conn Smythe Trophy is voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. Seventeen PHWA members were included in the 2024 vote.

When is the Conn Smythe Trophy winner announced?

The winner is both selected and announced following the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final.

Who won the first Conn Smythe Trophy?

Hall of Fame center Jean Béliveau won the inaugural Conn Smythe Trophy in 1965. Béliveau tallied eight goals, including four game-winners, and eight assists over 13 games as the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup.

Who won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2024?

Connor McDavid was a near-unanimous Conn Smythe Trophy winner in 2024 despite Edmonton falling to Florida in the Cup Final. McDavid earned 16 of 17 first-place votes after racking up the most assists (34) and points (42) in the postseason. He was also the leading scorer in the Cup Final with 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists).

McDavid is one of only a handful of players to ever take home the Conn Smythe Trophy without also winning the Stanley Cup.

Who has won the most Conn Smythe Trophies?

Hall of Fame goalie Patrick Roy owns the most Conn Smythe Trophies with three. Roy won two with the Canadiens (1986, 1993) and one with the Colorado Avalanche (2001).

There are five other multi-time Conn Smythe Trophy winners: defenseman Bobby Orr (1970, 1972), goalie Bernie Parent (1974, 1975), center Wayne Gretzky (1985, 1988), center Mario Lemieux (1991, 1992) and center Sidney Crosby (2016, 2017).

Have there been a back-to-back Conn Smythe Trophy winner?

Parent, Lemieux and Crosby were all back-to-back winners, and McDavid has a chance to do the same this year.

How many Conn Smythe Trophy winners have come from the losing team?

There have been six instances where the Conn Smythe Trophy recipient was on the team that lost in the Cup Final.

Who are the Conn Smythe Trophy winners from losing teams?

Four of the six Conn Smythe winners from non-champions were goalies:

  • 2024: Connor McDavid, center, Edmonton Oilers
  • 2003: Jean-Sebastien Giguere, goalie, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
  • 1987: Ron Hextall, goalie, Philadelphia Flyers
  • 1976: Reggie Leach, winger, Philadelphia Flyers
  • 1968: Glenn Hall, goalie, St. Louis Blues
  • 1966: Roger Crozier, goalie, Detroit Red Wings

How many goalies have won the Conn Smythe Trophy?

The Conn Smythe Trophy has gone to a goalie 17 total times,with Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning being the position’s most recent winner in 2021.

List of Conn Smythe Trophy winners by year

Here’s a full look at every Conn Smythe Trophy winner:

  • 2024: Connor McDavid, center, Edmonton Oilers*
  • 2023: Jonathan Marchessault, center, Vegas Golden Knights
  • 2022: Cale Makar, defenseman, Colorado Avalanche
  • 2021: Andrei Vasilevskiy, goalie, Tampa Bay Lightning
  • 2020: Victor Hedman, defenseman, Tampa Bay Lightning
  • 2019: Ryan O’Reilly, center, St. Louis Blues
  • 2018: Alex Ovechkin, winger, Washington Capitals
  • 2017: Sidney Crosby, center, Pittsburgh Penguins
  • 2016: Sidney Crosby, center, Pittsburgh Penguins
  • 2015: Duncan Keith, defenseman, Chicago Blackhawks
  • 2014: Justin Williams, winger, Los Angeles Kings
  • 2013: Patrick Kane, winger, Chicago Blackhawks
  • 2012: Jonathan Quick, goalie, Los Angeles Kings
  • 2011: Tim Thomas, goalie, Boston Bruins
  • 2010: Jonathan Toews, center, Chicago Blackhawks
  • 2009: Evgeni Malkin, center, Pittsburgh Penguins
  • 2008: Henrik Zetterberg, center, Detroit Red Wings
  • 2007: Scott Niedermayer, defenseman, Anaheim Ducks
  • 2006: Cam Ward, goalie, Carolina Hurricanes
  • 2004: Brad Richards, center, Tampa Bay Lightning
  • 2003: Jean-Sebastien Giguere, goalie, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
  • 2002: Nicklas Lidstrom, defenseman, Detroit Red Wings
  • 2001: Patrick Roy, goalie, Colorado Avalanche
  • 2000: Scott Stevens, defenseman, New Jersey Devils
  • 1999: Joe Nieuwendyk, center, Dallas Stars
  • 1998: Steve Yzerman, center, Detroit Red Wings
  • 1997: Mike Vernon, goalie, Detroit Red Wings
  • 1996: Joe Sakic, center, Colorado Avalanche
  • 1995: Claude Lemieux, winger, New Jersey Devils
  • 1994: Brian Leetch, defenseman, New York Rangers
  • 1993: Patrick Roy, goalie, Montreal Canadiens
  • 1992: Mario Lemieux, center, Pittsburgh Penguins
  • 1991: Mario Lemieux, center, Pittsburgh Penguins
  • 1990: Bill Ranford, goalie, Edmonton Oilers
  • 1989: Al MacInnis, defenseman, Calgary Flames
  • 1988: Wayne Gretzky, center, Edmonton Oilers
  • 1987: Ron Hextall, goalie, Philadelphia Flyers
  • 1986: Patrick Roy, goalie, Montreal Canadiens
  • 1985: Wayne Gretzky, center, Edmonton Oilers
  • 1984: Mark Messier, winger/center, Edmonton Oilers
  • 1983: Billy Smith, goalie, New York Islanders
  • 1982: Mike Bossy, winger, New York Islanders
  • 1981: Butch Goring, center, New York Islanders
  • 1980: Bryan Trottier, center, New York Islanders
  • 1979: Bob Gainey, winger, Montreal Canadiens
  • 1978: Larry Robinson, defenseman, Montreal Canadiens
  • 1977: Guy Lafleur, winger, Montreal Canadiens
  • 1976: Reggie Leach, winger, Philadelphia Flyers
  • 1975: Bernie Parent, goalie, Philadelphia Flyers
  • 1974: Bernie Parent, goalie, Philadelphia Flyers
  • 1973: Yvan Cournoyer, winger, Montreal Canadiens
  • 1972: Bobby Orr, defenseman, Boston Bruins
  • 1971: Ken Dryden, goalie, Montreal Canadiens
  • 1970: Bobby Orr, defenseman, Boston Bruins
  • 1969: Serge Savard, defenseman, Montreal Canadiens
  • 1968: Glenn Hall, goalie, St. Louis Blues
  • 1967: Dave Keon, center, Toronto Maple Leafs
  • 1966: Roger Crozier, goalie, Detroit Red Wings
  • 1965: Jean Beliveau, center, Montreal Canadiens
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Everything to know about the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to NHL playoff MVP

Everything to know about the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to NHL playoff MVP originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Lord Stanley isn’t the only piece of hardware that will be awarded in the Stanley Cup Final.

One player from the Edmonton Oilers or the defending champion Florida Panthers will be honored as the most valuable player in the 2025 NHL playoffs with the Conn Smythe Trophy. And the rare Cup Final rematch could see a repeat award winner.

Oilers star Connor McDavid earned the 2024 Conn Smythe in a losing Cup Final effort, and the three-time Hart Trophy winner enters this year’s NHL championship round with a playoff-high 26 points (6 goals, 20 assists). McDavid’s co-star, Leon Draisaitl, is also a Conn Smythe Trophy contender as he sits second in points with 25 (7 goals, 18 assists).

The one-time champion Panthers, meanwhile, could have their first Conn Smythe Trophy winner in franchise history. Captain Aleksander Barkov (17 points), forward Matthew Tkachuk (16) and center Sam Bennett (16) lead 10 Florida skaters with at least 10 points entering the Cup Final. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is putting together a strong Conn Smythe Trophy resume as well, as he sports a 2.11 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage.

So, how is the Conn Smythe Trophy winner determined? And has there ever been a back-to-back winner? Here’s everything to know about the NHL playoff MVP award:

What is the Conn Smythe Trophy and when was it first awarded?

The Conn Smythe Trophy is a postseason award given to the most valuable player in the playoffs. It debuted in the 1965 postseason.

Historically, most Conn Smythe Trophy winners have come from the team that also won the Stanley Cup. Though, there have been a handful of instances where a player who lost in the Cup Final was awarded the trophy.

The award is named after former Toronto Maple Leafs owner, president, general manager and coach Conn Smythe. It was under Smythe’s ownership that the Leafs changed their name from the St. Pats and that the Maple Leaf Gardens arena was constructed. A mini replica of the venue and a Maple Leaf are among the trophy’s features.

How is the Conn Smythe Trophy winner determined?

The Conn Smythe Trophy is voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. Seventeen PHWA members were included in the 2024 vote.

When is the Conn Smythe Trophy winner announced?

The winner is both selected and announced following the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final.

Who won the first Conn Smythe Trophy?

Hall of Fame center Jean Béliveau won the inaugural Conn Smythe Trophy in 1965. Béliveau tallied eight goals, including four game-winners, and eight assists over 13 games as the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup.

Who won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2024?

Connor McDavid was a near-unanimous Conn Smythe Trophy winner in 2024 despite Edmonton falling to Florida in the Cup Final. McDavid earned 16 of 17 first-place votes after racking up the most assists (34) and points (42) in the postseason. He was also the leading scorer in the Cup Final with 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists).

McDavid is one of only a handful of players to ever take home the Conn Smythe Trophy without also winning the Stanley Cup.

Who has won the most Conn Smythe Trophies?

Hall of Fame goalie Patrick Roy owns the most Conn Smythe Trophies with three. Roy won two with the Canadiens (1986, 1993) and one with the Colorado Avalanche (2001).

There are five other multi-time Conn Smythe Trophy winners: defenseman Bobby Orr (1970, 1972), goalie Bernie Parent (1974, 1975), center Wayne Gretzky (1985, 1988), center Mario Lemieux (1991, 1992) and center Sidney Crosby (2016, 2017).

Have there been a back-to-back Conn Smythe Trophy winner?

Parent, Lemieux and Crosby were all back-to-back winners, and McDavid has a chance to do the same this year.

How many Conn Smythe Trophy winners have come from the losing team?

There have been six instances where the Conn Smythe Trophy recipient was on the team that lost in the Cup Final.

Who are the Conn Smythe Trophy winners from losing teams?

Four of the six Conn Smythe winners from non-champions were goalies:

  • 2024: Connor McDavid, center, Edmonton Oilers
  • 2003: Jean-Sebastien Giguere, goalie, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
  • 1987: Ron Hextall, goalie, Philadelphia Flyers
  • 1976: Reggie Leach, winger, Philadelphia Flyers
  • 1968: Glenn Hall, goalie, St. Louis Blues
  • 1966: Roger Crozier, goalie, Detroit Red Wings

How many goalies have won the Conn Smythe Trophy?

The Conn Smythe Trophy has gone to a goalie 17 total times,with Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning being the position’s most recent winner in 2021.

List of Conn Smythe Trophy winners by year

Here’s a full look at every Conn Smythe Trophy winner:

  • 2024: Connor McDavid, center, Edmonton Oilers*
  • 2023: Jonathan Marchessault, center, Vegas Golden Knights
  • 2022: Cale Makar, defenseman, Colorado Avalanche
  • 2021: Andrei Vasilevskiy, goalie, Tampa Bay Lightning
  • 2020: Victor Hedman, defenseman, Tampa Bay Lightning
  • 2019: Ryan O’Reilly, center, St. Louis Blues
  • 2018: Alex Ovechkin, winger, Washington Capitals
  • 2017: Sidney Crosby, center, Pittsburgh Penguins
  • 2016: Sidney Crosby, center, Pittsburgh Penguins
  • 2015: Duncan Keith, defenseman, Chicago Blackhawks
  • 2014: Justin Williams, winger, Los Angeles Kings
  • 2013: Patrick Kane, winger, Chicago Blackhawks
  • 2012: Jonathan Quick, goalie, Los Angeles Kings
  • 2011: Tim Thomas, goalie, Boston Bruins
  • 2010: Jonathan Toews, center, Chicago Blackhawks
  • 2009: Evgeni Malkin, center, Pittsburgh Penguins
  • 2008: Henrik Zetterberg, center, Detroit Red Wings
  • 2007: Scott Niedermayer, defenseman, Anaheim Ducks
  • 2006: Cam Ward, goalie, Carolina Hurricanes
  • 2004: Brad Richards, center, Tampa Bay Lightning
  • 2003: Jean-Sebastien Giguere, goalie, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
  • 2002: Nicklas Lidstrom, defenseman, Detroit Red Wings
  • 2001: Patrick Roy, goalie, Colorado Avalanche
  • 2000: Scott Stevens, defenseman, New Jersey Devils
  • 1999: Joe Nieuwendyk, center, Dallas Stars
  • 1998: Steve Yzerman, center, Detroit Red Wings
  • 1997: Mike Vernon, goalie, Detroit Red Wings
  • 1996: Joe Sakic, center, Colorado Avalanche
  • 1995: Claude Lemieux, winger, New Jersey Devils
  • 1994: Brian Leetch, defenseman, New York Rangers
  • 1993: Patrick Roy, goalie, Montreal Canadiens
  • 1992: Mario Lemieux, center, Pittsburgh Penguins
  • 1991: Mario Lemieux, center, Pittsburgh Penguins
  • 1990: Bill Ranford, goalie, Edmonton Oilers
  • 1989: Al MacInnis, defenseman, Calgary Flames
  • 1988: Wayne Gretzky, center, Edmonton Oilers
  • 1987: Ron Hextall, goalie, Philadelphia Flyers
  • 1986: Patrick Roy, goalie, Montreal Canadiens
  • 1985: Wayne Gretzky, center, Edmonton Oilers
  • 1984: Mark Messier, winger/center, Edmonton Oilers
  • 1983: Billy Smith, goalie, New York Islanders
  • 1982: Mike Bossy, winger, New York Islanders
  • 1981: Butch Goring, center, New York Islanders
  • 1980: Bryan Trottier, center, New York Islanders
  • 1979: Bob Gainey, winger, Montreal Canadiens
  • 1978: Larry Robinson, defenseman, Montreal Canadiens
  • 1977: Guy Lafleur, winger, Montreal Canadiens
  • 1976: Reggie Leach, winger, Philadelphia Flyers
  • 1975: Bernie Parent, goalie, Philadelphia Flyers
  • 1974: Bernie Parent, goalie, Philadelphia Flyers
  • 1973: Yvan Cournoyer, winger, Montreal Canadiens
  • 1972: Bobby Orr, defenseman, Boston Bruins
  • 1971: Ken Dryden, goalie, Montreal Canadiens
  • 1970: Bobby Orr, defenseman, Boston Bruins
  • 1969: Serge Savard, defenseman, Montreal Canadiens
  • 1968: Glenn Hall, goalie, St. Louis Blues
  • 1967: Dave Keon, center, Toronto Maple Leafs
  • 1966: Roger Crozier, goalie, Detroit Red Wings
  • 1965: Jean Beliveau, center, Montreal Canadiens
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'Stupid idea'? Charles Barkley says 'Inside the NBA' hosts may have another show on TNT

Shaquille O'Neal, Ernie Johnson and Charles Barkley stand at mid-court to be honored during the NBA All-Star basketball game Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Charles Barkley, right, says he and co-hosts Ernie Johnson, center, Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith (not pictured) taped a "pilot" that would run on TNT when they weren't on ESPN. (Godofredo A. Vásquez / Associated Press)

The "Inside the NBA" crew bid an emotional farewell on TNT over the weekend in what was said to be the show's final airing on that network before being licensed to ESPN starting next season.

But was it really the last time viewers will see Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson together on TNT in that format?

Maybe not, based on comments Barkley made Monday on "The Dan Patrick Show."

Before anyone gets too excited about the notion, however, know that Barkley introduced the topic by saying that "TNT is trying to do something stupid behind the scenes."

He used the word "stupid" several more times to describe an idea he says is in the works for a show to air on TNT, separate from the one that is moving to ESPN/ABC, that also would have Barkley, O'Neal, Smith and Johnson discussing the NBA.

Read more:Charles Barkley rips 'idiots' at ESPN, future home of 'Inside the NBA,' for saying 'Lakers saved the NBA'

"We taped a pilot about a month ago and it was the stupidest s— I’ve ever seen in my life," Barkley said.

TNT did not respond to requests for comment for this article. ESPN declined to comment.

When TNT was left out of the NBA media rights pact last summer with NBCUniversal, Walt Disney Co. and Amazon, it seemed inevitable that "Inside the NBA" would end its run after 35 years.

But the popular show was given a lifeline months later.

"ESPN, in partnership with TNT Sports and the National Basketball Association, announced today that it will exclusively present the iconic Inside the NBA studio show on its platforms starting with the 2025-26 regular season," ESPN said in a Nov. 18 news release. "TNT Sports will continue to independently produce Inside the NBA from its Atlanta-based studios over the term of the agreement.

Read more:TNT's 'Inside the NBA' will move to ESPN next year

"The legendary Inside the NBA studio team will appear on ESPN and ABC surrounding high-profile live events, including ESPN’s pregame, halftime and postgame coverage of the NBA Finals on ABC, Conference Finals, NBA Playoffs, all ABC games after January 1, Christmas Day, opening week, the final week of the season and other marquee live events."

Barkley referred to that schedule while talking with Patrick.

"We’re not gonna be on ESPN as much as people think," Barkley said. "We’re only probably gonna be working for ESPN like half the time to one-third of the time."

Barkley said that's where the idea of a separate show on TNT came from.

"I guess they want to feel like they’re doing something to make us earn our money from TNT,” he said.

Read more:No more 'Inside the NBA'? Here are some of Chuck, Shaq, Kenny and Ernie's top moments

Barkley said he thinks it's "a stupid idea for a couple reasons."

“Number one, we won’t have basketball highlights [on TNT]," Barkley said. "But also, we’re probably gonna be going up against an NBA game. And anybody who likes basketball ain't gonna say, ‘Hey, you know what? Let me turn off an NBA game on Amazon, ESPN or NBC to go watch these four dudes sit around and talk about nothing.’ So it's complicated. And like I say, we taped a pilot doing stupid stuff and it was just stupid stuff."

Barkley continued: "We can’t show highlights, so we were sitting there for like an hour and a half taping this pilot, and we were looking at each other, ‘What the hell are we doing?’ But I give TNT credit. The first thing they said after the pilot [was], “Yeah, that was really stupid. We gotta figure something out.’”

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Angels at Red Sox Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for June 3

Its Tuesday, June 3 and the Angels (27-32) are in Boston to take on the Red Sox (29-33).

Yusei Kikuchi is slated to take the mound for Los Angeles against Brayan Bello for Boston.

The Angels opened the series last night with a 7-6 win. The Halos scored six in the first, blasting three home runs including a three-run shot from Mike Trout to take an early and commanding lead before holding on late for the one-run win.

Lets dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Angels at Red Sox

  • Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2025
  • Time: 7:10PM EST
  • Site: Fenway Park
  • City: Boston, MA
  • Network/Streaming: FDSNW, NESN

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Angels at the Red Sox

The latest odds as of Tuesday:

  • Moneyline: Angels (+120), Red Sox (-142)
  • Spread:  Red Sox -1.5
  • Total: 9.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Angels at Red Sox

  • Pitching matchup for June 3, 2025: Yusei Kikuchi vs. Brayan Bello
    • Angels: Yusei Kikuchi (1-5, 3.06 ERA)
      Last outing: 5/28 vs. Yankees - 5IP, 1ER, 4H, 5BB, 4Ks
    • Red Sox: Brayan Bello (2-1, 3.83 ERA)
      Last outing: 5/28 at Milwaukee - 4.2IP, 1ER, 3H, 2BB, 2Ks

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Angels at Red Sox

  • The Red Sox have won 4 of their last 5 series against the Angels
  • 4 of the Angels' last 5 matchups with the Red Sox have stayed under the Total
  • Mike Trout has at least one hit in each of his four games (8-14) since returning from the disabled list
  • Rafael Devers has hit safely in 5 of his last 6 games (6-23)

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Angels and the Red Sox

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Tuesday's game between the Angels and the Red Sox:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Boston Red Sox on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Los Angeles Angels at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 9.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
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Report: Former Blackhawks Assistant Coach Kevin Dean To Join Vancouver Canucks Coaching Staff

It looks like the Vancouver Canucks are beginning to fill out their coaching staff. As reported by Thomas Drance of The Athletic earlier today, it appears that the Canucks will be bringing in former Chicago Blackhawks assistant coach Kevin Dean to help new head coach Adam Foote lead the team. 

Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site:

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Dean was reported to have parted ways with Chicago in mid-May. Shortly after, the idea of him joining the Canucks organization was brought up after CHEK’s Rick Dhaliwal discussed him being a possible fit during a segment of the show “Donnie & Dhali” last week.  

Dean was part of Team USA’s coaching staff at the 2025 IIHF World Championships, where he, along with current Canucks Conor Garland and Drew O’Connor, won the country’s first gold medal since 1933. He has spent the last three NHL seasons with the Blackhawks and the five before that with the Boston Bruins. Dean also has experience with coaching in the AHL, having spent 10 years split between the Lowell Devils and the Providence Bruins. His NHL career lasted nearly a decade, with Dean playing for the New Jersey Devils (1994–99), Atlanta Thrashers (1999-2000), Dallas Stars (1999-2000), and the Blackhawks (1999-2000). 

Mar 5, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Chicago Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson (left) with assistant coach Kevin Dean against the Arizona Coyotes at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With Dean reported to be in as the Canucks’ new defensive coach, all that’s left for the team to take care of is picking out a coach to help with the offence. Notably, Vancouver’s offence struggled a bit last season, so with two more defensively-minded coaches on staff, the team will look to find someone who can bolster the offensive tools they have. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.

The Hockey News
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Mets at Dodgers Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for June 3

Its Tuesday, June 3 and the Mets (38-22) are in Los Angeles to take on the Dodgers (36-24).

Tylor Megill is slated to take the mound for New York against Clayton Kershaw for Los Angeles.

The Mets won the series opener last night prevailing 4-3 in ten innings. Francisco Alvarez drove in his first run in a month with a double to lead off the tenth as New York won for the third time in their last four games against Los Angeles. Francisco Lindor bookended the game with single RBIs in the first and tenth innings.

Lets dive into tonight's matchup and find a sweat or two.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Mets at Dodgers

  • Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2025
  • Time: 10:10PM EST
  • Site: Dodger Stadium
  • City: Los Angeles, CA
  • Network/Streaming: SNY, SNLA, TBS

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Mets at the Dodgers

The latest odds as of Tuesday:

  • Moneyline: Mets (+121), Dodgers (-143)
  • Spread:  Dodgers -1.5
  • Total: 9.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Mets at Dodgers

  • Pitching matchup for June 3, 2025: Tylor Megill vs. Clayton Kershaw
    • Mets: Tylor Megill (4-4, 3.52 ERA)
      Last outing: 5/27 vs. White Sox - 5.2IP, 2ER, 4H, 4BB, 6Ks
    • Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw (0-0, 4.91 ERA)
      Last outing: 5/28 at Cleveland - 5IP, 1ER, 6H, 2BB, 3Ks

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Mets at Dodgers

  • The Mets have won 8 of their last 10 games
  • 5 of the Dodgers' last 7 home games with Clayton Kershaw on the mound have gone over the Total
  • The Mets have covered in 4 of their last 5 games for a profit of 1.58 units
  • ShoheiOhtani is 5-17 with 3 HRs and 4 RBIs over his last 4 games

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Dodgers

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Tuesday's game between the Mets and the Dodgers:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the New York Mets at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 9.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
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Podz uses Steph analogy to address Giannis-Bucks trade rumors

Podz uses Steph analogy to address Giannis-Bucks trade rumors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Wisconsin native Brandin Podziemski is on the Warriors, but he grew up watching Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks.

So as trade rumors swirl around the two-time NBA MVP, Podziemski understands the gravity of Antetokounmpo potentially leaving Milwaukee — especially since he plays alongside another one-team generational talent in Steph Curry.

“I mean, [it’s] the same thing with any player like that, it’s like Steph not playing for the Warriors,” Podziemski told Kay Adams on the “Up & Adams” show Tuesday. “All guys who cemented their legacy and what they’re about in this league with one team, you never expected it to change. The same with Luka Dončić and Dallas [Mavericks], like the whole world is shocked because of the player he is, and you can see how they were building around him. But like I said, it’s like any star in the league that stays with one team, you just expect them to be in one jersey and anywhere else just doesn’t seem right at all.”

The Bay Area likely would riot if Curry left the Warriors, but Dub Nation certainly would welcome Antetokounmpo to Golden State with open arms. However, while Antetokounmpo reportedly met with the Bucks to discuss his and the team’s future, it remains unclear if he will request a trade out of Milwaukee even if the Warriors are an intriguing destination.

Golden State would have to give up plenty for that to happen, and it also views recent addition Jimmy Butler as a subtle superstar who will continue to push the team to new heights next season.

For Podziemski, who has played against Antetokounmpo and the Bucks four times in his young NBA career, it’s always a full-circle moment to go up against someone whose career arc he has observed from Day 1. In Podziemski’s first game back in Milwaukee against the Bucks on Jan. 13, 2024, he shone with 23 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two steals.

“I saw Giannis get drafted,” Podziemski told Adams. “I was at a lot of games his rookie year and throughout his development. And so to be on the same court as him, playing against him, competing, it’s pretty cool, but it’s also kind of a full-circle moment for me, just because I played at Illinois and we played in Marquette, which is in Milwaukee, and I didn’t play any minutes that game, and I had a bunch of people that are watching me.

“So to go back there my rookie year and play well and play a lot in front of those same people, it was kind of refreshing for me.”

Whether or not Antetokounmpo’s arc brings him to the Warriors alongside Podziemski — or elsewhere in the league — remains to be seen.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

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Athletics' Wilson named AL Rookie of the Month after magnificent May

Athletics' Wilson named AL Rookie of the Month after magnificent May originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

A memorable May just got even better for Jacob Wilson.

The Athletics’ sterling young shortstop earned AL Rookie of the Month honors Tuesday after putting up stellar numbers over the last few weeks.

In May, Wilson posted .368/.437/.538 splits at the plate, along with four home runs, six doubles and 16 RBI. He also walked 11 times compared to just eight strikeouts over 27 games.

Before Tuesday’s game against the Minnesota Twins, Athletics manager Mark Kotsay praised Wilson’s continuing development.

“The month was special,” Kotsay told reporters. “He’s been a big, big part of the offense and continues to just use his ‘magic wand,’ as we want to call it. The bat-to-ball skill is exceptional.

“He’s beating all expectations. I think the growth from a shortstop that we saw from last year to this year is noticeable. I think he’s making more plays than he did last season, and I think he’ll continue to get better.”

In addition to his play overall, the No. 6 overall pick from the 2023 MLB Draft created some unforgettable moments over the past month as well.

Wilson recorded the third walk-off hit of his young career on May 6 with an 11th-inning single to beat the Seattle Mariners. Needing only 62 career games, that made him the second-fastest player since at least 1969 to record three walk-off hits, per MLB’s Sarah Langs.

A week later, the Los Angeles native had a dominant homecoming to Dodger Stadium on May 13. In an 11-1 drubbing of the Dodgers, Wilson knocked out a pair of two-run home runs and finished with four hits.

Wilson, who entered 2024 as the top prospect in the Athletics’ organization, has vaulted himself into the frontrunner for the 2025 AL Rookie of the Year race. And though the Green and Gold have struggled lately, Wilson can continue to cement himself as a centerpiece of the team’s young core if his May numbers continue throughout the summer.

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Swimming world body will banish participants in pro-doping Enhanced Games

  • Governing body bars athletes tied to Enhanced Games

  • Vegas event allows PED use, offers $1m record bonuses

  • Critics call it a ‘dangerous clown show’, not real sport

Swimmers, coaches and officials who compete in or support a controversial new sports event allowing performance-enhancing drugs will be barred from elite competition, World Aquatics announced on Tuesday.

The move targets the Enhanced Games, a privately funded, Olympics-style event set to debut in Las Vegas next May, which explicitly permits – and encourages – the use of substances banned under global anti-doping rules. Athletes will not be drug-tested and may follow personalized pharmaceutical regimens, provided they disclose their use to organizers.

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Royals at Cardinals prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for June 3

It's Tuesday, June 3, and the Royals (31-29) are in St. Louis to take on the Cardinals (33-26). Michael Lorenzen is slated to take the mound for Kansas City against Andre Pallante for St. Louis.

Both the Cardinals and the Royals had the night off last night and have well-rested bullpens for tonight's contest.

The Royals are coming off three straight series losses and have lost six of their last 10 games.

Despite dropping the series 2-1 to the Rangers, the Cardinals are second in the NL Central and have won six of their last 10 games.

Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Royals at Cardinals

  • Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2025
  • Time: 7:45PM EST
  • Site: Busch Stadium
  • City: St. Louis, MO
  • Network/Streaming: FanDuel Sports Network Midwest, FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Royals at the Cardinals

The latest odds as of Tuesday:

  • Moneyline: Royals (+121), Cardinals (-143)
  • Spread:  Cardinals -1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Royals at Cardinals

  • Pitching matchup for June 3, 2025: Michael Lorenzen vs. Andre Pallante
    • Royals: Michael Lorenzen, (3-6, 4.33 ERA)
      Last outing (Cincinnati Reds, 5/26): 5.0 Innings Pitched, 6 Earned Runs Allowed, 11 Hits Allowed, 3 Walks, and 2 Strikeouts
    • Cardinals: Andre Pallante, (4-3, 4.23 ERA)
      Last outing (Baltimore Orioles, 5/27): 5.2 Innings Pitched, 3 Earned Runs Allowed, 6 Hits Allowed, 3 Walks, and 7 Strikeouts

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Royals at Cardinals

  • The Cardinals have won 3 straight home games
  • The Under is 18-9-1 in the Royals' road games this season
  • The Royals have covered the Run Line in 9 of their last 11 road games against the Cardinals

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Royals and the Cardinals

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Tuesday's game between the Royals and the Cardinals:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the St. Louis Cardinals on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Kansas City Royals at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
Posted on

‘I will never forget you’: Simone Inzaghi leaves his post as Inter head coach

  • Inzaghi departs after heavy Champions League final loss

  • Led Inter to Serie A title during four-year spell at club

Simone Inzaghi has left his position as manager of Inter, the Serie A club confirmed on Tuesday.

The 49-year-old is departing three days after a humiliating 5-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final and with Inter having missed out on the domestic title, to Napoli, by one point. The Nerazzurri also lost 4-1 to city rivals Milan in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia.

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