標籤: Impact

New Netherlands international Crescencio Somerville has praised it highly leeds unitedBecause he is ready to play for his country in the World Cup.

NU.nl reports the 24-year-old’s comments today From a press conference with the Dutch national team.

world cup dream

Despite never playing for his country, the West Ham United star is set to play for the Netherlands at the World Cup this summer.

He was a surprise inclusion in Ronald Koeman’s squad for the tournament a week earlier and earned a place in the group after beating Liverpool’s Jeremy Frimpong.

it’s a reward He went on to have an impressive season with the Hammers, despite their relegation to the Championship, and was, he believes, a boyhood dream come true.

“I wrote that I want to make it to the World Cup,” he said.

“I thought: 24 is a good age for the World Cup. (It’s) a childhood dream come true.”

“At that time (March) the national coach said I had to stay fit and do my work. Still, it was a surprise that I was included.”

Leeds’ decision paid off

International recognition is the next step for a winger who has never chosen the easy path. This included leaving his family in Rotterdam in 2020 when he decided to move to Leeds United.

He returned to Feyenoord that summer after a loan spell at ADO Den Haag but decided to move on rather than stay where he was. It was a big decision for the 19-year-old player at that time.

“It was tough,” he admitted.

“At Leeds, they did everything they could to make me feel like a family. That always inspired me to keep going. I knew what I was in for.”

Raphinha effect

He eventually developed into a key player at Elland Road, transforming from a dynamic dribbler into a goalscoring winger. This allowed him to score 19 goals as Leeds secured promotion in the 2023/24 campaign.

This improvement came after an effort to focus more on the numbers. Current Barcelona star Raphinha played a key role in that selection. At one point Somerville was behind the Brazilian in the pecking order at Leeds.

He concluded, “I was behind him in the pecking order at Leeds. He showed what you have to do in terms of hard work.”

“When I recently saw him in the top ten of the Ballon d’Or, I thought: I too can achieve something like that.”

of the armory There has been another layer of intrigue in the preparations for the Champions League final after Martin Zubimendi discussed his recent spell on the bench.

The midfielder has been one of Arsenal’s most important players this season. After arriving from Real Sociedad last summer, Zubimendi quickly became a central figure in Arsenal’s Premier League-winning campaign.

However, ahead of Saturday’s final against PSG in Budapest, the Spain international admitted his recent lack of form may not be accidental.

Before Arsenal’s final league game against Crystal Palace, Zubimendi had played four consecutive matches as a substitute.

Zubimendi remains calm on Arsenal role

Talking to Spanish outlet MarkHe admitted that the intensity of the season had hit him harder than anything he had experienced in Spain.

“It’s been a very challenging season, a long one, in which I’ve put in efforts I haven’t put in in my career, and it’s certainly had an impact on me,” He said.

Nevertheless, the midfielder made it clear that he now feels physically ready again.

Asked if there should be concerns ahead of the World Cup, Martin Zubimendi replied: “No, no, I’m fine.”

Despite the recent benching, Zubimendi insisted he is confident of his place in the team. It is worth remembering that he was Recently linked with a move to Real Madrid.

“I always see myself in the team, the second thing is what happens then,” he explained. “Lately, I haven’t been playing as much, but I’m ready to go out and play. The overall balance of the Premier League season has been very good, and I won’t start thinking negatively because of these bench appearances.”

When pressed on whether he expected to start the final himself, the midfielder laughed before giving a diplomatic answer.

“I don’t know! Ask sir,” He joked.

Zubimendi still made 46 appearances in all competitions this season, contributing four goals and seven assists. And when it comes to scoring in finals, his career record is quite good.

Arsenal’s confidence before PSG match

Martin Zubimendi also spoke confidently about Arsenal’s mentality ahead of facing PSG.

“We will enter the final with enthusiasm and confidence,” He said. “Winning the Premier League gives us extra incentive to reach such a beautiful final. I have seen Arsenal endure many years without a win, and now that past has finally been broken.”

The midfielder believes that mentality and composure will be decisive against the French team.

“Confidence, knowing how to handle the occasion, and defuse the situation,” When asked what difference it could make in the final, he said. “We have our weapons and we will try to make the most of them.”

Zubimendi also looked relaxed about Arsenal entering the match as outsiders.

“Maybe we’re not the favourites, but once you’re on the field it doesn’t matter who the favorite is.”

defensive strength appreciated

Martin Zubimendi gave particular praise to Mikel Arteta and Arsenal’s defensive structure.

“Sometimes it feels like you need to win titles to get credit, but I think Mikel was already among the top coaches,” he explained. “Winning takes you even higher and shows the whole process he has created at the club.”

Asked whether Arsenal were stronger defensively or offensively, the Spaniard highlighted the team’s balance, emphasizing their defensive consistency.

“I think it’s a very complete team, but where it really stands out is defensively,” He said. “The number of clean sheets we have is incredible and this is even more remarkable.”

While questions remain as to whether Zubimendi will start against PSG, there is no doubt that he has become one of the foundations of Arteta’s team during a transformative season at the Emirates.

Here are the Montreal Canadiens and NHL news items you may have missed Tuesday.

montreal canadiens news

• The Habs are one of the best teams in the NHL when it comes to handling adversity. On Monday night, Alex Newhook again played the hero and won his second series in a row. The Newfoundlander has been one of the most important players in the playoffs, stepping up when the Canadiens needed him most. [Canadiens Highlights: Newhook Clinches The Series]

• It’s always fun to remember that this is the beginning of the Habs’ potential dominance. They still have a lot of work to do when it comes to roster construction, but they are clearly in the midst of one of the most efficient rebuilds in league history.

The Montreal Canadiens are the youngest NHL team to reach the conference finals since 1993. #hubsPer @NHLPR.

The average age of both the teams is 25.8.

-Chris Johnson (@reporterchris) 19 May 2026

• With all due respect, that’s a dubious amount, seeing your team lose instead of winning is the epitome of denial.

I’d rather lose in the first round every year than cheat our way to the conference finals knowing that we’re the better team.

– Adam (@TOSportsAdam) 19 May 2026

• Prospect Filip Messer scores for Slovakia in a 5–4 win over Slovenia at the World Championships.

Philipp Messer found a way through the blue line! 🇸🇰✓ #mensworlds #IIHF @hockeyslovakia pic.twitter.com/o3XXm2drux

– IIHF (@IIHFhockey) 19 May 2026

• The experience of listening to calls in other languages ​​is absolutely amazing. The French broadcast continues to produce incredibly energetic clips.

Alex Newhook finished Game 7 in overtime and gave the Canadiens the series #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/zTDeWEqLcb

– The Icebreaker (@TheIcebreakerFR) 19 May 2026

• There’s no doubt that rookie netminder Jacob Dobbs is enjoying a strong playoff run. He’s also in good company when it comes to winning a pair of Game 7s. Hall of Famers Ken Dryden and Jaroslav Halak are the only other Canadian netminders to manage this impressive feat.

Habs goaltenders to win two Game 7s in the same playoff year:

• Ken Dryden (1971)

• Jaroslav Halak (2010)

• Jacob Dobbs (2026) pic.twitter.com/czMBrf9l48

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 19 May 2026

• If we filter the results a bit further, only Dryden and Dobbs have accomplished the above feat on the road.

Most rookie goaltenders in NHL history have won 7 games in a postseason

Ken Dryden (1971)
Jacob Dobbs (2026)

end of list#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/dMyfEQr8zx

– Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) 19 May 2026

• Speaking of Dobbs, his confidence continues to grow, and his personality is really starting to shine through in post-game interviews.

Dobie at the end of his ESPN interview:

“I’ve been listening to you guys, it’s like we’re the underdog. So that’s right, we like being the underdog.” pic.twitter.com/IIt76oMO40

– x- Danielle (@thekentryclub) 19 May 2026

• Montreal Victoire has two more chances to win the Walter Cup. Their first game will come on Wednesday, when they travel to Ottawa for Game 4. [PWHL]

Sportsknot Network

• New Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Chayka has begun his very busy offseason. It started with a stroke of luck and winning the draft lottery. His next move was to fire head coach Craig Berube. Could a player like William Nylander be on the docket next? [Toronto Maple Leafs]

• Sheldon Keefe is safe, but Sunny Mehta is cleaning house. He is serious about improving the New Jersey Devils. Earlier on Tuesday, the Devils announced that goaltending coach Dave Rogalski has been relieved of his duties. [New York Devils]

• When the Colorado Avalanche needed to wrap up the final minutes of the 2022 Stanley Cup Finals, head coach Jared Bednar sent out his trusty second line. In its center was Nazem Kadri, on his wings were Valery Nichushkin and Gabe Landeskog. [Colorado Avalanche]

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

A new NBA mock draft from ESPN shows the New York Knicks will use their first-round selection in June on a player who is unlikely to make much of an impact next season.

There is a lot of hope and excitement about the Knicks right now. On Tuesday night, they begin their Eastern Conference Finals series against the Cleveland Cavaliers at home and as favorites. Due to their excellent play over the past few weeks, this could be the franchise’s best chance to win an NBA title in decades.

Still, while the organization is hyper-focused on the East Finals, they should also keep some attention on what’s coming next, and that’s the NBA Draft next month. And when it comes to their choice at No. 24 at the June event, ESPN’s Jeremy Wu believes the team will take Houston big man Chris Cenac Jr.

On paper, getting an impact player from an elite team in 2025-26 sounds like a great accomplishment. But according to the draft expert, don’t expect Cenac Jr. to be more than a role player next season.

Will Chris Senac Jr. be Mitchell Robinson’s replacement for the NY Knicks?

Wu wrote, “Cenac measured well at the combine and excelled physically in on-court drills, with good amplitude and mobility for a center that makes him a worthwhile developmental bet.” “He made progress with his tenacity and rebounding in Houston, but is still a ways away from contributing to a winning NBA team.

“Still, his immense size and fluid movement skills give him a chance to carve out an eventual role in the NBA if he can find more offensive identity. There’s probably more rim-protection upside than his worrisome lack of blocks, as he was asked to play conservatively and focus on rebounding as part of Houston’s approach.

For a team that is hoping to win a championship this spring, and compete for more over the next few seasons, using a first-rounder on the prospect who will be the best role player next season is disappointing. However, Wu noted that with backup center Mitchell Robinson leaving in free agency this summer, the Knicks will have to look for a potential replacement.

Robinson is also basically a role player, but a very good player who specialized in certain skills. If Cenac Jr. can be just as meaningful or more in a few years, Knicks fans will be happy with this selection.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

A new report suggests that if it’s up to Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves, LeBron James will be back in Los Angeles next season.

On Monday, the Lakers saw a disappointing end to their 2025-26 campaign as the Oklahoma City Thunder completed a stunning four-game sweep of the NBA Playoffs semifinals. Following their 115–110 loss at home, speculation immediately began regarding James’ future.

As of now, the basketball icon is unsure whether he will play again next season. However, if he does so, Los Angeles remains the favorite to retain his services. Nevertheless, there have been multiple reports regarding a growing rift between management and the 22-time All-Star as he reportedly feels he has been “taken for granted” by the team’s front office.

However, the big question is his fit in this team. Doncic and Reaves will be the faces of the franchise for a long time, especially if the Lakers sign a new long-term contract this summer. His views on James’ return will certainly be important for the management. And if it matters much, the four-time MVP will be back in purple and gold next season.

Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves both want LeBron James to re-sign with the LA Lakers

“A report that Los Angeles Lakers stars Luka Doncic and LeBron James are not getting along is not true,” sources reportedly told the Dallas Hoops Journal. “Doncic and James have a positive relationship, and Doncic wants James to rejoin the Lakers this summer.”

“Austin Reaves, who will decline his player option for next season, is expected to re-sign with the Lakers this summer,” the outlet said. “The undrafted guard also has a close relationship with James and wants James to continue playing for the Purple and Gold if he does not retire from the NBA.”

At least when it comes to the Lakers’ top two players moving forward, they both want the future Hall of Famer back on the team for at least one more season.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Barcelona looking to follow ‘Raphinha model’ to sign Joao Pedro de chelsea in this summer.

Sport report that the Brazilian striker is in competition with Julian Alvarez Becoming Barcelona’s new number nine in the summer transfer window.

deco likes chelsea star

The newspaper reports that Barcelona’s sporting director Deco is a big fan of Premier League players.

Having played in England himself, he believes that ‘intensity, speed of execution and physical demands’ create players who add positive factors to Barcelona’s team.

This is especially the case as Barcelona’s squad is relatively young, with La Masia also being constantly included.

Barcelona’s directors frequently travel to England to evaluate players. As an agent, he brought Raphinha to Camp Nou. He also attempted to sign Luis Diaz, who has performed phenomenally for Bayern Munich this season.

Chelsea star Joao Pedro is the latest name in England he admires. In fact, he likes him so much that he is in the top two of strikers shortlisted to reinforce Barcelona’s number nine spot this summer.

The Chelsea forward is valued for more than his skills on the field. He is also considered young at the age of 24, with great potential for development as he ‘has not yet reached his peak or footballing maturity.’

Rafinha comparison

In this sense, Barcelona is watching what happened with Raphinha. He arrived as an incomplete package from Leeds and has since blossomed under Hansi Flick. Last season he was a contender for the Ballon d’Or.

The feeling is that João Pedro has a similar profile and, importantly, is ‘a hidden gem in the media’. Therefore, Barcelona can give him a global status and scope to grow even further.

Of course, no deal will be cheap. Chelsea paid €63.7m for Brighton last summer and he is now worth €75m. The game makes no mention of Barcelona’s stance on that front.

But it appears Deco is still fond of the striker. And Raphinha’s success is potentially driving that interest even further.

Montreal – It feels like there’s more Montreal Canadiens news every hour, and we’re all bound to miss a story or two. On Sundays, we always recap relevant NHL news you may have missed, to help you stay in the Canadiens loop.

Given that the Habs played on Sunday, this edition of The Wrap is scheduled for Monday morning.

Make sure you don’t miss any news from Canadians by signing up for our weekly newsletter! You can also sign up for a daily newsletter covering various other NHL teams, or the most exciting developments in the game.[Sportsnaut]

Montreal Canadiens News and Notes

Three of Juraj Slafkowski’s goals came on the power play, but it was really Montreal’s work at 5v5 that should be considered the most encouraging aspect of the Game 1 win. The Habs swept the Tampa Bay Lightning, and by a wide margin. [Canadiens Playoff Analysis: The Key Statistic From Game One Win]

Slafkowski praised head coach Martin St-Louis for his wise use of timeouts against the Lightning. Rather than wait for another opportunity, or lose it on the time clock, St.-Louis decided to call a timeout at the beginning of overtime, which immediately led to Slafkowski’s game-winning goal.

Juraj “The Wolf” Slafkowski…OT Hero and TNT Postgame Interview 🔥🐺 pic.twitter.com/hfn2XCWV0l

– NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) 20 April 2026

He also noted that Canadiens work as a pack, with each player leading the hunt in the same direction.

Juraj Slafkowski on the Wolf cap after the Habs’ win:

“Wolves attack together as a big pack and we try to be like that.” pic.twitter.com/d0bJQnJf0I

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 20 April 2026

Speaking of Slafkovsky, despite excellent work on the powerplay, he was clearly the team’s best player at 5v5. He had more individual high-danger scoring chances at 5v5 (three) than the entire Tampa Bay Lightning lineup (one).

NHL Game Score Impact Card for Montreal Canadiens on 2026-04-19: pic.twitter.com/7Quxe29znP

– hockeystatcards (@hockeystatcards) 20 April 2026

The excitement in practice following the 4-3 overtime win against the Bolts was impeccable.

Above all, don’t change Juraj! 😆 pic.twitter.com/8HAt7kCgjR

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) 20 April 2026

The Canadiens did not produce a terrible effort against the Tampa Bay Lightning in game two, however, as some costly mistakes cost the Bolts a 3–2 overtime victory, including a terrible pass attempt by Juraj Slafkowski. That being said, Slafkowski was far from the only player who made a mistake on Tuesday night. [Canadiens Highlights: Exciting Overtime Loss]

The Habs players were quite composed after the disappointing loss. As Mike Matheson explained, they always knew they were going to face a talented team in the Lightning.

Listen to the media availability after tonight’s Game 2 vs. Tampa Bay

Tune in now for live postgame media ops after tonight’s Game 2 against the Lightning#GoHabsGo https://t.co/lWZWqmkEMP

– X – Canadiens Montreal (@CanadiensMTL) 22 April 2026

It remains to be seen if head coach Martin Saint-Louis will make any lineup changes before Game Three on Friday, but there are some good options if he decides to change things up.

I think we might see Joe Velano or Brendan Gallagher #hubs Lineup for Game 3, replacing Kirby Dach.

– Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) 22 April 2026

While the Canadiens generated more high-danger opportunities than the Lightning at 5v5, the momentum shifted strongly to Tampa Bay’s corner about midway through the game. [NST]

With all due respect to Arbor Zekaj, I was expecting him to write “I want it this way” in the first few notes.

Playoff Arbor Zekaj pic.twitter.com/RKvuVRcCGS

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 21 April 2026

Sniper Cole Caufield was the latest athlete to pour his heart out to the Players’ Tribune, in a brilliant piece that can only be described as heartfelt and honest. “To me, hockey is the best game because you can’t really do it alone. Scoring 50 this year was amazing, but it was a team accomplishment. And really, it’s about the whole environment you’re in. The Bell Center has been incredible all season, and scoring No. 50 in front of all you guys and with my dad in the building… it was a great wave to go into these playoffs.” [Players’ Tribune]

Caufield also discussed the upcoming game at the Bell Center and the impact Canadiens fans have on the team’s motivation.

Cole Caufield at tomorrow’s Habs playoff home game:

“We watched Game 3 at the Bell Center on Friday night, everyone was just smiling from ear to ear, like…

‘Fuck me. That would be madness.’

“We know tomorrow night is going to be an absolute blast.” pic.twitter.com/HUGRjxoKqj

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 23 April 2026

The top four have struggled when it comes to shutting down the Lightning, however, the third pairing of Jaden Struble and Arbor Zekaj has stood out. Take a look at how the Canadiens’ defensemen have performed so far in the playoffs. [Canadiens Need Better Results From Top Four]

With the series tied at 1-1, we also take a look at which forward lines have performed well, and which trios need to up their game against the Bolts. [Which Canadiens Lines Are Performing Best In Playoffs]

Zekaj doesn’t seem particularly concerned about Tampa’s continued slickness. He’s got a point, because the Habs have created a lot more high-danger scoring chances than the Bolts, but getting to the line is always a tough proposition, especially when you’re dealing with habitual line steppers.

Arbor Zekaj referred to himself as a “villain” vs. the Habs on the Tampa Bay Lightning today:

“If they want to think that way, fine. We’re here. We’re ready for whatever they offer us.” pic.twitter.com/1cktWPcG71

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 23 April 2026

Head coach Martin St-Louis joins Zekaj when it comes to not losing any sleep over Tampa’s strategy.

Habs coach Marty St. Louis on the Lightning’s intimidation tactics today:

“We’ve talked about it. Did we look scared? I don’t think so. If they want to play that game, we’re able to play that game. We’re equipped to do it.” pic.twitter.com/wdH47yGu2X

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 23 April 2026

It was another even game, at least on the scoreboard. Thanks to an overtime goal from Len Hutson, the Habs emerged with a 2–1 win and a 2–1 series lead. All things considered, the scoreline was a little favorable towards the Tampa Bay Lightning, a team that generated a fair amount of high-danger scoring chances at 5v5. [Canadiens Highlights: Hutson Plays The Hero In Big Win]

Hutson’s game-winning goal was so good it’s worth watching twice.

lane hutson is yours @Energizer Overtime Hero! 🔵⚪️🔴 #Stanley Cup pic.twitter.com/nJCmLD0jod

– NHL (@NHL) 25 April 2026

It should also be noted that Hutson somehow managed to achieve his goal. This may seem arrogant to some, but we all know that’s not Hutson’s style. He is confident in his game and has the results to back it up.

Lane Hutson joked to his teammates before OT that he felt like he had the game-winner tonight.

According to Jaden Struble, Lane just let out a “I think I got it tonight” and went out and scored GWG.

#48 to 6/5 Competitiveness pic.twitter.com/4o2NV82KlW

– Marco D’Amico (@mndamico) 25 April 2026

Captain Nick Suzuki’s dry humor was at play after the thrilling win.

#hubs Nick Suzuki on Lane Hutson’s bomb from the overtime point: “I didn’t think he could hit it that hard…” the captain said with a smile.

– Priyantha Amrith (@HabsInHighHeels) 25 April 2026

While the first line struggles to generate much offense at even strength, Kirby Dach has done a great job in leading the Canadiens to wins, including a two-point effort on Friday night. It was one of his best games in a Habs uniform since joining the team in 2022.

Cole Caufield at tomorrow’s Habs playoff home game:

“We watched Game 3 at the Bell Center on Friday night, everyone was just smiling from ear to ear, like…

‘Fuck me. That would be madness.’

“We know tomorrow night is going to be an absolute blast.” pic.twitter.com/HUGRjxoKqj

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 23 April 2026

It’s very easy to dismiss the play of Arbor Czekaj and Jaden Struble on the third pairing, but it would be intellectually dishonest to ignore the fact that they lead all NHL defensemen in expected goal share. Yes, it is easy to play on the third pair, but it is never easy to control more than 80% of the expected goals. [Canadiens Need Better Results From Top Four]

Xhekaj and Struble currently rank first and second in xGF%.

Yes, the use is easier on the third pair, but it is also true that they have been excellent.

If those numbers were that easy to produce, they wouldn’t be several times ahead of the entire NHL.

This is a very good pair. pic.twitter.com/tCqzFUlQ0x

– Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 25 April 2026

Ivan Demidov sat down with Elliotte Friedman to discuss his rookie season with the Habs, and how they quickly became part of their family.

Tampa Bay’s strategy of rushing players, harassing goaltenders and punching opponents in every scrimmage is backfiring spectacularly. In fact, in addition to the series lead, the Canadiens have actually had more hits than their opponents through three games. [Tampa Bay’s Strategy Is Backfiring In Series Versus Canadiens]

The discrepancy in high-danger shots in the series is hard to ignore. In fact, after three games, the Canadiens have accounted for 75% of high-danger scoring opportunities at 5v5, the highest mark of all teams in the NHL playoffs.

For fun, here are the HDCF% of the various teams in the playoffs after three games. It reflects the share of high-danger scoring chances a team generates.

#GoHabsGo Leading the league by a huge margin with 75%. https://t.co/vtaVVh8y3G pic.twitter.com/1XZdiqMTul

– Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 25 April 2026

Apart from the physical battle, which the Habs are winning, there are several other reasons why the Canadiens have managed to take the lead in the series, including the excellent play of the third pair of Arbor Czekaj and Jayden Struble. [Top 3 Reasons The Canadiens Have A Series Lead]

Believe it or not, Shekaz leads the entire NHL in expected goal share with an impressive 83.8%. [NST]

Kirby Dach discusses support from head coach Martin Saint-Louis as he overcomes an endless list of injuries in recent seasons.

Kirby Dach on receiving a vote of confidence from Habs coach Marty St. Louis yesterday:

“I think as a competitor, you want a chance to respond. You want to be able to go out there and prove your worth. This game is tough, there are a lot of mistakes, it’s not… pic.twitter.com/uYFCvEuOqz

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 25 April 2026

This is clearly trolling, but comparatively speaking, it is quality trolling. Additionally, given that Brady Tkachuk appears to be one of the worst leaders in the league, perhaps it is time to examine his position in the Senators organization. Or maybe he is a great leader who never seems to have luck when it comes to leadership. Difficult to say.

Arbor Zekaj has more points than Brady Tkachuk in the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/t1j569ZKzS

– Alex (@ivandemigoal) 25 April 2026

The clip embedded below has nothing to do with the Habs, but when a dirtbag like Ridley Gregg starts punching a player who’s being pinned down, it’s hard not to roll your eyes. That is pure cowardice.

Will this despicable act by Ridley Gregg be sanctioned by the NHL?🤔 pic.twitter.com/drSzZb6KrY

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) 25 April 2026

The Canadiens actually managed to establish their first two-goal lead in the series on Sunday night, but it was not enough, as a late-game surge by the Lightning resulted in a 3–2 loss, tying the series at two games apiece in the process. [Canadiens Highlights: Late-Game Collapse Costs Habs]

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

Crystal Palace’s Florence’s trip may have started with riot police and extra security at the monuments, but it ended with their players dancing in the streets with their fans.

Firenze Viola and Fiorentina News report on the Crystal Palace squad in Florence today. The party atmosphere throughout the night allayed any fear of trouble.

florence viola Kick things off, reporting that there was ‘celebration’ in the Crystal Palace camp as they reached the semi-finals.

That success, his first, caused celebration in both London and Florence. The latter includes the Crystal Palace players who were given the night off by Oliver Glassner.

As a result, as shown in various videos on social media, Dean Henderson, Jeremy Pino and other Eagles players ‘took to the streets’ in central Florence to celebrate. The trio also joined in with fans they met on the way.

In the video below, he can be seen singing in Piazza Strozzi.

fiorentina newsMeanwhile, Crystal Palace players are reported to have ‘immediately gathered’ in the center of Florence to join in the celebrations.

According to the outlet, the streets of the Tuscan capital were filled with “dancing, chanting and revelry” late into the night. At present, there is no report of any clash or any kind of incident between the fans.

Crystal Palace fans have not only behaved but made a very positive impression on their Italian hosts.

Italian overreaction unnecessary

Sport Witness reported yesterday Florence essentially went into lockdown ahead of the arrival of the Crystal Palace travel group.

To ensure there was no trouble, police were put in riot gear, monuments were closed and the sale of liquor was limited. By mid-afternoon yesterday, it all seemed like a huge overreaction.

Instead of any trouble, Police was saying ‘no foul play’ While Crystal Palace fans roamed the streets in shirts, scarves and other items. There was no sign of any kind of problem.

It appears that this continued through the night. Their progress to the European semi-finals has led to street parties rather than fights and more mocking of the lengths to which Florence has reached this week.

While the perception was that merging WWE and UFC under one umbrella would lead to even greater growth for both companies, more evidence continued to emerge regarding their negative impact on their parent company’s products.

There is a surprising amount of crossover between WWE and UFC. Many fans of both brands watch both products. Many wrestlers have tried their hand at mixed martial arts, and several former UFC stars have made the move to pro wrestling.

That’s why when the two global giants merged and went public under the umbrella of TKO Group Holdings in 2023, it seemed like a perfect business match. However, while the companies are again posting strong numbers in 2026, there are also clear signs that TKO’s interference and some of the strategies instituted by the parent company are hurting WWE and UFC’s potential.

Over the past few years, WWE fans have become frustrated with TKO decision makers like CEO Ari Emmanuel meddling in the company’s creative process.

Emanuel has been supportive of board member Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s inconsistent and confusing appearances on WWE content in 2024 and 2025. He was reportedly the one behind using Travis Scott in the lead up to WrestleMania 41, then the rapper dropped out and was never seen again. And this year, he is reportedly the driving force as to why Pat McAfee was included in the main event storyline of Night 1 WrestleMania between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton.

WrestleMania 42 ticket sales still lag behind last year’s event

However, the biggest disappointment for WWE since the merger has been the company’s pricing of tickets and merchandise. This is actually an initiative from TKO, and it’s going to have a huge impact on the biggest event of the year.

There have been reports for weeks about slow sales for this month’s WrestleMania 42 card. Well, with the event taking place this weekend, it looks like it will be a significantly weaker performance than last year’s show in the same building. According to the This year there are 45,767 seats in the fray.

However, last year in the same building, there were a sellout of 58,538 for Night 1 and 60,103 for Night 2. This is a big difference despite there being a better card at this year’s event. It seems like holding the event in Las Vegas for the second year in a row was a terrible idea, and the cost makes it much less attractive to people in the area this time.

UFC 327 grosses half of previous events in Miami?

Still, WWE isn’t the only country to be affected by the negative impact of TKO. UFC fans have become angry at how poor the events have become as the promotion features cards almost every weekend. Moreover, the talent pool in the company has also reduced.

A big reason for the lack of star power in the UFC is the company’s move away from pay-per-view to its $7.7 billion streaming deal with Paramount. Their business model for 20 years was built on PPVs and giving points upon purchases to top fighters. Since there is no longer any option, the company is not willing to pay the same rates for specific stars.

This is why Jon Jones is not going to return to the company. Conor McGregor still doesn’t have a fight scheduled for 2026, and Ronda Rousey is making her MMA comeback on Netflix for the most valuable promotion instead of inside the Octagon.

Well, it seems like the changes made by the TKO merger have caused the UFC’s weaker product to cause fans in Florida to lose interest in spending big bucks to go to an event in person. According to X Account MMA Joy, the gate for last weekend’s UFC 327 at Miami’s Kasia Center was $6.5 million.

The promotion reportedly made more than $11 million for UFC 314, $12 million for UFC 287 and $14 million for UFC 299 at the same venue. So the fallout from UFC 327 this year was massive.

This week brought two more big pieces of evidence that TKO remains bad for WWE and the UFC.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

chelsea Keeping a close eye on one of Sweden’s fastest-rising young talents, AIK winger Zadok Yohana has suddenly found himself thrust into the summer transfer conversation.

The 18-year-old player is still at the beginning of his senior career. However, their trajectory has changed sharply in recent weeks. For most of 2025, Yohanna featured mainly for AIK’s youth sides.

He picked up occasional senior minutes off the bench, usually late in matches, without making any major impact at first-team level. But now this has changed.

A strong performance in a domestic cup tie in March provided the first indication. Then he got complete success.

On 5 April, Yohanna made his full senior debut delivered promptly. He scored brilliant goals and consistently troubled defenders with direct running and confidence in one-on-one situations.

With that decisive performance, he helped AIK to a 2–1 win over Halmstad, further increasing the attention around him.

rapid growth attracts attention

Zadok Yohanna’s explosive debut did not go unnoticed. as mentioned score nigeriaChelsea is one of several clubs keeping a close eye on the winger, along with Ajax.

The report claims scouts have already taken note of his explosive full debut.

A source close to Yohanna’s youth academy was quoted by Score Nigeria as saying: “I can tell you that top clubs like Chelsea and Ajax are monitoring the boy. In the coming weeks, the boy’s transfer situation will become quite clear.”

AIK are also said to be preparing for that scenario. The Swedish club reportedly want at least €15m (£12.9m) for the teenager. This figure reflects both his ability and the increased attention around him.

What does this mean for Chelsea

Zadok Yohanna is still raw, but the profile is clear. He is a direct winger who looks to attack defenders aggressively. His recent performances show that confidence is not an issue even at the senior level.

Chelsea have consistently targeted emerging talent across Europe. They often move early, before prices rise or competition heats up.

Meanwhile, Johanna has just entered professional football. This means any move will be framed as a long-term investment rather than an immediate first-team solution.

What happens next will depend on how he handles the coming weeks. If he maintains this level, interest will only increase – and Chelsea may need to decide how quickly they want to act.

The Montreal Canadiens are heading into the playoffs with two rookie netminders, a rare occurrence in the NHL.

And although Jacob Dobbs and Jacob Fowler both lack NHL experience compared to most goaltending combinations, they have shown very encouraging potential throughout the season, and even more so since the Canadiens hired Marco Marciano as their goaltending coach on January 28.

Since then, both players have improved their 5v5 save percentages, and by quite a large margin too.

Jacob Dobbs goaltending statistics

As you can see in the table below, Dobbs’ save percentage has increased significantly, but it is not due to any major defensive changes by the Habs. The Canadiens are forcing Dobbs to make more saves than ever before in both regular (SV/60) and high-quality saves (HD SV/60).

And yet, Dobbs has also significantly improved his high-danger saves (HDSV%) percentage, which is enough evidence to suggest that he is providing the Canadiens with better results than before while dealing with more shots on a nightly basis.

We have to take into account the sample size, as Dobbs appeared in 24 games before Marciano’s arrival, and only 13 games since, but I’d argue that’s more than enough to present that there’s a strong correlation between Marciano’s appointment and Dobbs’ uptick in results.

Jacob Fowler Goaltending Statistics

As for the other first-year goaltender, he has significantly improved his save percentage while facing slightly more shots per game.

Fowler’s high-danger save percentage has dropped slightly, although it should be noted that he is facing a 33% increase in high-quality scoring opportunities.

Montreal Canadiens Brass Tacks

It’s very difficult to discern which improvements are simply due to the general ups and downs of a hockey season, and which are directly related to Marciano’s work, but the numbers suggest that both of Montreal’s first-year goaltenders have benefited from his presence, at least in the short term.

For example, Dobbs has also improved his save percentage on the penalty kill, which started at .812 before Marciano’s arrival, and has since increased to .868.

The real test will be when the Canadiens start making a push in the playoffs, but as things stand, the team can be confident they made the right decision based on all the available data.

All Montreal Canadiens goaltender stats are 5v5, via Natural Stat Trick, unless otherwise noted.

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

Nottingham Forest are seeing Danilo become the talk of the club again, this time thanks to an interview he gave during their strong revival in Brazil.

Since returning from England, the midfielder has found his rhythm in impressive fashion at Botafogo.

He is now one of the key figures at John Textor’s side, both for his level of performance and his representation in the market.

And As we covered earlierBotafogo recently tried to send him back to Forest, but the move was blocked amid a legal dispute over the club’s structure.

In other words, Nottingham Forest have not disappeared from their story at all. Whatever happens, they keep reappearing in it.

Back on top form at Botafogo

Danilo’s value has increased rapidly as he is producing again. He has scored five goals in six Brazilian league matches, while also adding one assist. For a central midfielder, these are astonishing numbers.

They help explain why he has become so Important figure for Botafogo So soon after returning to Brazil from Nottingham Forest. He also explains why his name is doing the rounds in the market again.

His domestic form has pushed him back into the Brazil team. He was called by Carlo Ancelotti As for the friendlies against France and Croatia, and the broader picture in Brazil, he is firmly set for the World Cup if this level continues. This gives even more weight to every transfer rumor related to him.

Against that backdrop, both Palmeiras and Flamengo are being linked with a move to take him away from Botafogo. Yet it appears the player has a different long-term idea in mind.

Europe plan remains

Speaking to UOL, Danilo made it clear that he still sees Europe as his desired destination at some level.

“I think my mentality has changed. Of course, now I’m at Botafogo and I’m thinking about helping the team out of this struggle at the beginning of the year. And, if God wills that I return to Europe, I’ll think about it and then we’ll go again.” He said.

“I always thought about returning to Europe. I loved playing in the Premier League. At that time I scored goals, and I helped the team avoid relegation with my teammates at Nottingham Forest, and I was confident there.”

That’s the main line. While Brazilian clubs are making the rounds, Danilo himself is talking about Europe – and specifically, Forest.

He also reflected on one of the toughest moments of his time at the City Crown, and offered more context about how that spell shaped him.

asked about He suffered an injury soon after reaching EnglandDanilo admitted that this was a big shock at the time.

“It was very difficult, especially because it happened at the beginning of the Premier League. I had a good pre-season, the coach praised me, I was at my best physical moment and then this happened”He said.

“I broke my ankle and left it in God’s hands. Of course it was hard. I spent a long time without playing, but what I went through there helped me mature even more and live this dream now with the national team.”

The Nottingham Forest mantra still matters

The warmth is also evident in the way he talks about Nottingham Forest. He did not describe the move as a failure or a chapter he wanted to forget. Instead, he described it as an important period in his development, and one which he still looks back on with confidence.

This should have caught Forrest’s attention, especially as his time there was not limited to a hard race.

He arrived midway through a season, then endured a relegation battle throughout 2023/24, and then featured again in the early half of the next campaign before returning to Brazil.

Survival Season is the obvious reference point. Forest finished above the bottom three in 2023/24, and Danilo made 29 Premier League appearances, scoring two goals and two assists.

He was part of the team that finished ahead of Luton Town, Burnley and Sheffield United by narrow margins. Forest finished that season on 32 points, six above 18th place.

Now he is thriving again, attracting attention again, and talking about Europe again. This means that Nottingham Forest are also part of the talks again.

Exclusive: Mathias Oliveira

🚨Nottingham Forest are still pursuing a Napoli player
➡️Change #NFFC Interest has not been affected
🔼The Premier League is the key to a successful transferhttps://t.co/f51ZV1MFiv #SSCinapoli

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 27 March 2026

Edoardo Bove joined Watford in January and the deal came as a welcome return to action for the midfielder.

sports witness His move to London was extensively covered, as the Italian made his debut against Preston in mid-February.

It was widely celebrated in Italy, where Bove saw his career take off and then fade due to heart problems. He became a fan favorite at AS Roma, where he initially enjoyed success under José Mourinho.

Bowe scored his first goal for Watford against Wrexham at the weekend. It was also his first goal in over 14 months, with his last goal coming on loan at Fiorentina.

The Italian has now spoken to the press in his home country.

The goal was seen as a starting point

The 23-year-old expressed his delight at TG1 after the goal and he sees it as the starting point for something special at Watford.

He said- relayed by voiceless: : “It was a very smart goal. Last year I had a lot of time to think and dream, now this is a new starting point.”

Bowe also revealed that he always tells his teammates to have fun after seeing the worst in the last few months.

“When we face certain types of obstacles, I think we gain special resources. I can tell the boys to always have fun, to put maximum passion into everything they do.”

romanist pages Also praising the player, he said that his family was present at Vicarage Road to see this goal. Members of Roma’s London fanclub were also in attendance, with the outlet saying that Bove felt like a footballer once again.

Bowe has come as a big boost for Watford

In a way, the midfielder’s rise to the Hornets’ first team has come at the right time.

They are still in the race for promotion and are five points clear of sixth-placed Southampton. Bowe’s playing time has also gradually increased since his debut, which is a very good sign.

His goal is a clear reminder of his abilities and that he is slowly getting back to his best level.

At Roma and Fiorentina, he was a hard-working box-to-box midfielder who was praised for his work-ethic. He can also play as an attacking midfielder when needed and Watford may soon see more of the same.

Washington, DC – Entering Tuesday night’s home date with the Detroit Pistons, the Washington Wizards have the NBA’s second-longest losing streak at 12 games. They also have the second-worst record (16-51), but four-time All-Star Trae Young is showing why next season will be different.

After Monday’s 126-117 loss to the Golden State Warriors, rookie wing Will Riley told ClutchPoints how 27 years old He has transformed the Wizards’ offense since making his debut for the team on March 5.

I asked Will Riley how Trae Young has impacted him as a player and the offense in general:

“Yeah, he’s an amazing player. It’s crazy to see it in person, I used to watch him all the time. Seeing the reads he makes shows how much attention he brings. The attention he brings… pic.twitter.com/43TLFAsX4v

-Joshua Valdez (@joshvaldez100) 17 March 2026

“Yeah, he’s an amazing player. It’s crazy to see it in person, I used to watch him all the time,” said the 20-year-old. “Just seeing the reads he brings shows how much focus he brings. The focus he brings allows him to find us on time and on target, so it opens up a lot of opportunities for everyone. He’s an amazing person and great teammate, too.”

Young is averaging 6.2 assists in just 20.8 minutes for Washington, which equates to one assist every 3.35 minutes. The former All-NBA honoree averaged an assist every 3.1 minutes for the Atlanta Hawks as he led the NBA with 11.6 dimes in 36 minutes in the 2024-25 campaign.

Young’s work so far with the Wizards doesn’t guarantee he’ll lead the league in assists again next year, but it is a preview of things to come. The former Oklahoma Sooner is using his offensive toughness to create open looks for the “Wiz Kids,” which makes their job easier and helps their development.

Will Riley reveals Trae Young opened ‘doors’

Riley also talked about what he has learned from Young so far.

“Reading off ball screens has been a main point of emphasis… making reads, snaking, being aggressive, trying to score first… it’s opened up a lot of new doors for me…” he said.

According to former Hawks G League scout Dylan Murphy, snacking is a pick-and-roll maneuver “in which the ball-handler moves away from his original direction between the screener and the screener’s defender.” Learning that move adds to Riley’s already deep bag of moves, like spins and fadeaways.

An example of how Young “opened new doors” for Riley was executing a hockey assist (pass for assist) on his three-point shot in the second quarter. Young brought the ball up the court before second-year guard Bilal Coulibaly set a screen on the logo and swung to the basket. During the roll, Young threw the ball towards Koulibaly, causing the defense to collapse inside. then the next player passed it A wide-open relay in the corner, who swept all three.

Beautiful sequence right here 🤌 pic.twitter.com/Uc02NxzIlr

– Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) 17 March 2026

Head coach Brian Keefe referenced the game post-game when describing his favorite offensive moments from Young, Koulibaly and Riley, each of whom led the team with 21 points.

“I thought there were some good moments there. We had some good connections where the ball was moving, Trae was getting two, there was a play earlier when he hit Bilal on the short roll and he passed it to Will Riley,” he said. “That’s one of the reasons Trae is here, when he gets two he makes the right play. I thought we played him pretty well… You could see the passing skills of all three of them tonight.”

Young left Monday’s game with a quad contusion and was out on Tuesday, but he at least showed why Washington acquired him in five contests with the team in January. While no one knows how long he’ll last, giving the young core open looks and showing him new tricks provides invaluable experience.

For now, the Wizards are losing as much as possible to maximize their draft lottery odds as they try to get lucky in a class with superstar prospects Darin Peterson, AJ DiBuntsa and Cam Boozer. After hosting Detroit on Tuesday, they will do the same on Thursday before hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday.

MIAMI – After Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo had his 83-point game on Tuesday night, there was no denying how this performance would be immortalized in NBA history. As the sports world debates whether or not the Heat captain’s 83-point night was unethical, no one can take away from Adebayo’s special night for the positives it could have on its lasting impact on the team.

Adebayo will break franchise records and reach major milestones, but what matters most is that his 83 points on Tuesday against the Washington Wizards surpassed Kobe Bryant’s 81 points, giving him the second-highest scoring game ever.

The loss meant the win dropped them to sixth place in the Eastern Conference, eliminating them from the play-in tournament for the time being, although they head into Thursday’s contest against the Milwaukee Bucks with 16 games left in the season. The outcome of even one game could impact the standings, with Miami holding just a half-game lead over the seventh-seeded Toronto Raptors.

If there’s one of many things that Adebayo can do to score 83 points in a game, it’s to inspire the team to greener pastures ahead, as head coach Erik Spoelstra mentioned.

“It was motivation the other night. And maybe motivation needs to be motivating tonight,” Spoelstra said. “So maybe there will be some X factors.”

“The situation we’re in right now, it’s not going to happen unless we create the environment for that game,” Spoelstra added. “Bam set the tone with his energy and will in that first quarter, and that type of energy and effort and motivation, maybe it comes from him, but maybe it comes from a lot of other players who inspire effort in any other game that means just as much in the standings.”

Erik Spoelstra is on the team and Bam Adebayo is now focused on the games and season ahead: #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/NzEKbgH8De

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 12 March 2026

Heat’s Erik Spoelstra on the ethics of Bam Adebayo’s 83-point game

While the big man’s night was special in every imaginable way, some were complaining about the Heat’s Adebayo the way he scored 83 points, whether it was the massive amount of free throws and intentional fouling in the fourth quarter.

Some have cited Spoelstra as one of the main reasons for questions about the “ethics” of the performance. As for Spoelstra, he stood ten feet down on the outing and said, “I’m not apologizing to anyone.”

Asked about the word ‘ethics’ being thrown around in criticism, Spoelstra told ClutchPoints, “I’m not losing any sleep over what other people are saying about it.” “What’s ethical? What’s not? Is it ethical to foul a three-point shooter? Is that ethical or not? Is it ethical to foul a bad free-throw shooter and get an extra possession, you know or not? Like all these things happened in under two minutes, he had already broken a lot of records, and we’re going to go for it. It was an amazing moment to be a part of that.”

“And I would do it again 10 times out of 10 for Bam,” Spoelstra continued. “I feel very good for Bam, because he’s about all the right things.”

Erik Spoelstra was asked about critics questioning the “ethics” of Bam Adebayo’s 83-point game.

“I don’t care…I would do it again 10 times out of 10…I think most people who probably made comments didn’t see that it was irresponsible or unethical…” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/6iBMAi1P0A

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 12 March 2026

At any rate, Adebayo’s historic 83-point night has immortalized him in history as one that will always be remembered, no matter how the discourse looks. In terms of boosting Miami’s playoff run, the team looks to take advantage of this, as after Thursday against the Bucks, the Heat will face the Orlando Magic on Saturday night in an important matchup.

LOS ANGELES – Lakers star LeBron James will miss Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the third consecutive game he will miss after collapsing during last week’s game in Denver.

“He probably still needs a couple more days,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “It’s still day-by-day.”

That leaves it uncertain whether James will return on Thursday against the Chicago Bulls or on Saturday against the Denver Nuggets. James completed pre-game warmups ahead of Sunday’s win over the New York Knicks and Wednesday’s matchup against Minnesota. But the Lakers currently report the 41-year-old James is suffering from a right hip injury and left foot arthritis. Redick said James suffered a hip injury after a fall in Denver last Thursday, the same game in which he also suffered a left elbow injury.

“He’s trying to move forward,” Redick said. “He wants to be there. We want the same. Hopefully he’ll be back soon.”

The Lakers (39-25) are fifth in the Western Conference and a game behind Minnesota (40-24) and the Houston Rockets (40-24). The Lakers are 2-0 against Minnesota and lost to the Rockets on Christmas Day. The Lakers will face the Rockets in a two-game trip on March 16 and March 18.

The Lakers are 9-2 in games with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves without James amid various injuries. But the Lakers have rejected any suggestion that the Lakers are better off without James. He missed all of training camp and the first 14 games while nursing right sciatica. Following the Lakers’ loss to Houston on Christmas, Reaves missed 19 consecutive games with a left calf strain. Nonetheless, the Lakers have gone 11-7 with Doncic, James and Reaves.

“We’re starting to get it,” Reddick said. “There’s a clear pecking order when Luka and AR are on the floor with guys who are low-usage players. That’s the nature of it. That’s the nature of every Big 3 that has ever existed. We’re going to get there. I think we’ve seen some positive signs. I think LeBron recognizes the importance of keeping Luka as an engine. He really wants to have an impact on wins. We’re going to get there.”

Mark Medina is an NBA contributor for SportsNut. follow him x, blue sky, Instagram, Facebook And threads.

NBA Insider for Sportsknot. Former NBA writer for NBA.com and USA TODAY, Warriors writer for The Mercury News, Lakers… More about Mark Medina

Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories and content you may have missed on Thursday.

montreal canadiens news

Noah Dobson played a key role in scoring at least one point against the New York Islanders. Unfortunately for the Canadiens, it was not enough, as the Islanders staged a comeback late in the game, before securing the overtime win. [Canadiens Highlights: Dobson Scores Twice To Secure A Point]

We’ve moved up to the Top 3 in our annual Montreal Canadiens prospect rankings. Starting things off is extremely talented winger Alexander Zarovsky, who is enjoying a great rookie season in the KHL. He is a dynamic presence in the offensive zone, and the fact that he is performing in a professional hockey league at such a young age is worthy of praise. [Canadiens Top 20 Prospects – No. 3 Brilliant Alexander Zharovsky]

Speaking of Zarowski, the 19-year-old forward scored a beautiful shootout goal to help Salavat win on Thursday.

Hey mother! Hands on this kid!!#GoHabsGo Prodigy Alexander Zharovsky led Salavat to victory with 2 goals in the shootout, which included this beauty. #khl pic.twitter.com/tbgfb3SGtH

– Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) 26 February 2026

Michael Hayes took to the ice on Thursday night, but it was LJ Mooney who stole the show. Hayes added one assist in a battle of Habs prospects, while Mooney recorded a goal and an assist in Minnesota’s 4–2 win over the University of Michigan. Another Canadiens prospect, Luke Mittelstaedt, also had a great night and earned two assists for the Gophers. As a reminder, Mooney was voted the No. 8 prospect in the organization by Habs fans. [Canadiens Prospect Rankings – No. 8 Highly-Skilled L.J. Mooney ]

Luke ➡️ LJ PP Goal 🌟

📺: btn pic.twitter.com/YEC79plin6

– Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) 27 February 2026

OK, we missed Throwback Thursday, but it’s never too late to include a clip of current Canadiens head coach Martin Saint-Louis scoring on former Canadiens goaltender Patrick Roy.

13-year-old Marty St. Louis scores on Patrick Roy at the Montreal Forum in 1989. pic.twitter.com/UCie1mQbZc

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 26 February 2026

The Laval Rocket will have to play without several of their top players over the weekend. Adam Engstrom will miss four weeks of action, while several others, including Jacob Fowler, have not been cleared to play.

The following players did not accompany the team on the road for two weekend games:

Jacob Fowler (sick)
Florian Czekaj (sick)
Laurent Dauphin (injury)
Xavier Simoneau (injury)
Adam Engstrom (injury)

The following players did not travel with…

– Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) 26 February 2026

Sportsknot Network

The highlight of the night for the New Jersey Devils at PPG Paints Arena was when the Pittsburgh Penguins faithful gave golden goalscorer Jack Hughes a standing ovation to solidify Team USA’s victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Then again, it was penguins all night. [New Jersey Devils]

The Florida Panthers vowed to put on an aggressive performance against the Toronto Maple Leafs after the three-week Olympic break in an effort to get back into playoff contention. He certainly did that. The Panthers played one of their best times of the season and defeated the Leafs 5–1. [Florida Panthers]

It has been seven years since the last time the San Jose Sharks were not an obvious trade deadline seller. But the Sharks were just five points out of the Western Conference’s last wild card spot in San Jose’s first break game after the Olympics on Thursday against the Calgary Flames. [San Jose Sharks]

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

The Orlando Magic (30-26) once again listed Jalen Suggs as questionable ahead of their matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers (34-22), but the nature of his injury designation changed into a development that could impact his availability.

According to the team’s latest injury report, Suggs’ condition changed from back spasm to a back strain. While the guard remains questionable, the updated diagnosis represents a more defined injury classification as Orlando prepares to kick off its four-game road trip following the All-Star break.

Suggs has missed the Magic’s last two games due to being ruled out shortly before tip-off in each contest. Orlando pushed the Phoenix Suns to double overtime without him before responding with a narrow 111–109 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. The team has managed to hang on during his absence, but his two-way presence remains a key component of the rotation.

The 24-year-old guard has averaged 13.9 points, 5.4 assists, four rebounds and a career-high 1.9 steals per game in 34 appearances this season. Suggs, a former All-Defensive Second Team selection, is shooting 44.2% from the field and 32.8% from 3-point range, while logging 26.5 minutes per contest.

Jalen Suggs injury update adds uncertainty to Magic-Lakers showdown

The designation of a back strain typically indicates a more structured recovery timeline than a strain, although the Magic have not provided additional details regarding severity. The team continues to evaluate Suggs on a game-to-game basis, and his availability against the Lakers will likely depend on pregame warmups.

Orlando enters Tuesday’s contest looking to carry over the momentum gained from its win over the Clippers. The matchup marks the final stop of the Magic’s four-game Western Conference swing before returning home.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers improved to 34-22 and remain firmly in the Western Conference playoff picture. With both teams dealing with injuries late in the season, roster availability could play a significant role in determining the outcome.

As for the Orlando Magic, the update to Jalen Suggs’ injury designation does not change his official status. However, a change in tension from the Cramps adds further uncertainty as the team attempts to finish their road trip on a strong note.

LOS ANGELES – When JJ Redick was first hired as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, he was compared to the great Pat Riley. Redick’s path to coaching followed a similar story, in that he went straight into broadcasting after retirement and had no prior coaching experience before joining the Lakers staff in 1979.

Before the Lakers’ game against the Boston Celtics on Sunday, Pat Riley was honored with a statue outside Crypto.com Arena, the latest in a long list of franchise legends immortalized outside the Lakers’ home arena.

During his pregame press conference, JJ Redick talked about Riley’s influence on coaching, along with comparisons to the legendary Lakers coach.

Redick said, “I didn’t think much about the comparisons at the time. I think Pat kind of set the standard for modern NBA coaches. I’ve always looked at the NBA as two different eras.” “You can make the demarcation point right at the time of the merger or right in 80-81 when Dallas joined as the 23rd team.”

“And that, to me, is the beginning of the modern NBA. And that’s right when the ’80s Lakers run started,” Redick continued. “Pat set the standard for what a modern NBA coach should be.”

Redick is in the second year of his four-year contract, which he signed as head coach of the Lakers through the 2024 offseason. In his first year, he led the Lakers to a 50–32 record and the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoff picture.

In comparison, Riley led the Lakers to a 50–21 record after taking over as head coach during the 1981–82 season. His overall record was 57–25. The Lakers would win the title that year, starting a streak of eight consecutive NBA Finals appearances with a total of four championships.

Pat Riley’s thoughts on JJ Redick

Pat Riley’s final two seasons as head coach coincided with the first two seasons of JJ Redick’s NBA career. But even after returning to an officiating role with the Miami Heat, he had to worry about game-planning for Redick.

Although Riley has been employed by the Heat organization since 1995, he still keeps an eye on his old team, and believes they hit a home run with Redick Hires.

“I love JJ, I really do. I competed against him, my teams competed against him,” Riley said during a media availability session before the game. “Sometimes I look back and I miss that time. And I look at JJ and I think they picked the right person. I think there’s just that quality about him that goes beyond that.”

While not identical to the roster Riley was working with when he first became head coach of the Lakers, Redick had to integrate the talents of LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves together. Riley believes the Lakers have a good team and the organization has put Redick in a position to succeed.

“They have a great team right here for that [Luka] Doncic and [Austin] With Reeves and obviously LeBron,” Riley said. “I think Rob [Pelinka]. . .And the new ownership will build the team to compliment those players, but they have a great opportunity. I think JJ will be a good coach for them.

The Los Angeles Clippers may look like a completely different team than they did before the trade deadline, but Brian Shaw believes that’s a good thing.

Shaw is best known for his long playing career, which included winning three championships with the Los Angeles Lakers led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. The 59-year-old player has enjoyed a successful coaching career since retiring and has served as a Lakers assistant on two separate occasions. He has been an assistant for the Clippers since 2021.

The Clippers have clearly had difficulty enjoying postseason success in recent years despite being loaded with star power. In earlier years, they had the Kawhi Leonard-Paul George duo and more recently they had James Harden and Russell Westbrook. However, they have not been able to progress beyond the first round since Shaw’s arrival.

Los Angeles made a big move at the trade deadline, landing Harden, a 36-year-old star guard, for 26-year-old guard Darius Garland in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Clippers entered the season with the oldest roster in the NBA at 30.7 years. Although they are much younger now, Shaw believes this will benefit the team as they look to advance to the postseason.

Los Angeles currently sits in 10th place in the Western Conference and are playing for a play-in spot. Shaw talked about what Garland brings to the table.

“Darius can guess who you know. I coached Darius at the Nike Hoop Academy when he was in high school and just his agility, his basketball IQ, he’s a great passer, and he can score. There are players on our team that will benefit from him, being able to set the table for them, but also add to the youth and the agility that we have overall.

Shaw continued, “We started this season as the oldest team in NBA history.” “When you look at the fact that we started with Chris Paul and James Harden, we had a pretty old team. We were pretty slow, so now we feel like we can compete with these younger, faster, more athletic teams that are out there.”

Garland is one of the better, more established young guards in the league. The former fifth overall pick is a two-time All-Star selection and is averaging 18.0 points and 6.9 assists per game this season.

The 26-year-old player is still recovering from a right foot sprain injury and has not yet made his debut for the Clippers. That being said, Garland – along with Leonard – has a chance to lead the Clippers back to the playoffs. They have been a much stronger team recently, with Los Angeles going 20-6 since December 20.

Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories, and content you may have missed on Friday.

Montreal Canadiens News

Don’t forget to sign up for our weekly Habs newsletter. [Sportsnaut]

Nick Suzuki discussed Alex Texier’s addition to the lineup, and how quickly he became a crucial player for the team. Texier is fresh off a three-goal effort that secured a big 6-2 win over the Florida Panthers.

Just absolutely love this quote by Habs captain Nick Suzuki from last night:

“Our culture in our room helps guys be themselves. Everyone’s accepted. Some coaches and management stop believing in guys and they get moved. We’re happy to have those guys on our team.”

👇👇👇 pic.twitter.com/ZRTrccn1KF

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) January 9, 2026

Speaking of Texier, his play on the first line has shored up the first line, which is now back to producing high-end underlying numbers. [Canadiens Analysis: Comparing Texier To Other First Line Wingers]

Jake Evans skated on Friday morning, joined by fellow injured players Kirby Dach and Kaiden Guhle.

Jake Evans est présent en équipement complet ce matin à Brossard.

Il est accompagné de Kirby Dach, Kaiden Guhle, Owen Beck et Lane Hutson.@DLCoulisses #GoHabsGo #Evans #Dach #Hutson pic.twitter.com/wn1Ll6s1Kt

— Patrick Guillet (@PatGuillet) January 9, 2026

Anton Lundell was fined $5,000 for his high-stick on Texier, confirming the Department of Player Safety does watch Panthers games from time to time.

Great hustle by Texier, which frustrates the Panthers and ends up drawing a 4-minute powerplay for the Habs.

Strategy at its best.

This is his Austerlitz 🇫🇷. (too far?) pic.twitter.com/DTNt2vAyzO

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) January 9, 2026

The Laval Rocket are playing with a severely depleted lineup, but they still managed to beat the Rochester Americans 3-2. Sean Farrell (8), William Trudeau (5), and Filip Mesar (4) scored for Laval in the win.

MEŠÁR 🚨 2-0!! pic.twitter.com/w2Df0UuA5W

— Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) January 10, 2026

Sportsnaut Network

We’re at the point of the New Jersey Devils‘ disaster where Sheldon Keefe is fielding questions about his job security. Rightfully so, as the Devils’ dysfunction continues day in and day out. However, that’s not entirely on New Jersey’s head coach, as the issues go above him at the managerial position. [New Jersey Devils]

The Florida Panthers may be the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, but Paul Maurice has warned since training camp that distinction is not going to win his team any games in this season. [Florida Panthers]

One milestone night down for the Detroit Red Wings. Another one on the horizon. Thursday, Patrick Kane netted his 500th NHL goal as the Red Wings beat the Vancouver Canucks. [Detroit Red Wings]

Marc has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for Journal Metro, The Athletic, The … More about Marc Dumont