Hurricanes eliminates Islanders

 

Jack Drury scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period and Stefan Noesen cleaned up a fluky puck bounce off the boards for another 8 seconds later as the Carolina Hurricanes beat the New York Islanders 6-3 on Tuesday night, clinching their first-round NHL playoff series in five games.

The Hurricanes twice blew two-goal leads and entered the final 20 minutes in a 3-3 tie before Drury struck for his first career postseason goal, controlling a dribbling puck to zip it past Semyon Varlamov to his blocker side at 4:36 of the third.

A.J. Brown happy in Philly

 

Three-time Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Brown said Tuesday that he hopes to finish his NFL career as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles after recently signing a new deal with the team.

"I'm not saying (this contract is) the end - I'm not ready for it to be over with - but that's the goal," Brown added, according to Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia. "I think my career took off when I got here. Went to another level. It feels right. My family's right. My girl's starting school again here. Kids here. I got teammates, their kids, I want them to grow up together."

Mike Trout OUT with injury

 

Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout needs surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, general manager Perry Minasian revealed Friday.

While the procedure is not expected to end his season, there's no immediate timetable for his return. It's believed he'll undergo the procedure on Friday, sources told ESPN's Alden González and Jeff Passan.

Trout appeared fine during Monday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies when he stole a base and scored a run while playing all nine innings in center field. However, he finished the game with knee soreness that started in the third inning. An MRI taken Tuesday revealed the tear.

Jason Kelce to join ESPN

 

Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce is joining ESPN to be part of its Monday Night Football pregame show, reports The Athletic's Andrew Marchand.

NBC, CBS, and Amazon also reportedly showed interest in Kelce, who will appear on ESPN's "Monday Night Countdown."

The 36-year-old announced his retirement from football in March after 13 seasons with the Eagles. Considered one of the greatest centers in NFL history, Kelce claimed seven Pro Bowl nods and six first-team All-Pro berths while helping Philly win one Super Bowl title. He appeared in 193 games with the team.

Travis Kelce new contract

 

The Kansas City Chiefs signed tight end Travis Kelce to a new contract, the team announced Monday.

It's a two-year extension that makes Kelce the NFL's highest-paid tight end, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. 

The extension adds two years and $34.25 million to the two years remaining on Kelce's old contract, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Now signed through 2027, Kelce previously ranked fourth among tight ends with a $14.3-million average annual salary, according to Spotrac. Darren Waller of the New York Giants topped the position at $17 million.

Kraken fire head coach Dave Hakstol

 

The Seattle Kraken fired head coach Dave Hakstol from his post, the team announced Monday.

Hakstol was the first head coach in the franchise's history. He collected a 107-112-27 record, and Seattle made the playoffs once during his three-year tenure.

General manager Ron Francis will immediately begin the search for a replacement.

Kings turns to Rittich in Game 4

 

The Los Angeles Kings will turn to David Rittich in net for Game 4 against the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday night, according to team beat reporter Zach Dooley.

Cam Talbot started the first three games, posting a 5.30 goals-against average and an .861 save percentage. He ranks last among all netminders in the postseason in both goals saved above average (minus-3.74) and goals saved above expected (minus-3.08) at all strengths, according to Evolving-Hockey.

Hamlin wins at Dover

 

Denny Hamlin held off a hard-charging Kyle Larson over the final, thrilling laps and wiggled through lapped traffic to win the NASCAR Cup race by about a quarter of a second Sunday at Dover Motor Speedway.

Hamlin’s third win of the season tied William Byron for most this season in the series. Hamlin also picked up his 54th career Cup win, all with Joe Gibbs Racing. He’s tied with Lee Petty for 12th on the career Cup list.

McIlroy and Lowry win Zurich Classic

 

The Irish pair of Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry rallied from behind to win the Zurich Classic of New Orleans - the PGA TOUR's annual team event - in a playoff over Chad Ramey and Martin Traineron Sunday.

McIlroy and Lowry settled for par on the first playoff hole, while Ramey and Trainer made bogey following a lengthy wait after shooting up the leaderboard with a final-round 63.

It's the first time McIlroy, who hails from Northern Ireland, and Lowry, a native of Ireland, have played the tournament together. But the two golfers have chemistry dating back to their successful Ryder Cup partnership.

McGregor purchase of BKFC

 

Conor McGregor purchased a stake in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).

The UFC star announced the news in a video aired on Saturday's BKFC: KnuckleMania 4 broadcast. The deal's terms - completed in association with McGregor Sports & Entertainment - weren't disclosed.

Lakers avoid sweep

 

The Los Angeles Lakers finally cracked the Denver Nuggets’ mastery of this rivalry and extended their playoff lives for at least another game.

To absolutely nobody’s surprise, LeBron James led the way.

James scored 30 points, Anthony Davis added 25 points and 23 rebounds, and the Lakers avoided postseason elimination with a 119-108 victory over Denver in Game 4 of their first-round series Saturday night.

Chargers select Brenden Rice

 

The Los Angeles Chargers selected USC wide receiver Brenden Rice in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft, No. 225 overall.

Brenden is the son of legendary wide receiver Jerry Rice. He's the second wideout drafted by the Chargers in 2024 after Ladd McConkey, whom L.A. selected in the second round.

Brenden caught 45 passes for 791 yards and 12 touchdowns at USC in 2023 to claim a second-team All-Pac-12 berth.

Matthews exits game with illness

 

Toronto Maple Leafs team doctors pulled Auston Matthewsfrom Game 4 during the second intermission because of an illness, head coach Sheldon Keefe said postgame.

Matthews played the first 40 minutes of the contest but didn't return for the start of the final frame. The Maple Leafs trailed the Boston Bruins 3-0 after two periods and ultimately lost the game 3-1, falling behind 3-1 in the series.

Red Sox acquire Cooper

 

The Chicago Cubs traded first baseman Garrett Cooper to the Boston Red Sox, sources told Craig Mish of SportsGrid.

Boston is sending cash to the Cubs in exchange for the 33-year-old, sources told Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam of MassLive. 

Cooper could join the Red Sox in Boston - where they're hosting the Cubs this weekend - as soon as Sunday, according to Cotillo. The Red Sox will have to make an additional roster move to add him to their 40-man roster.

Sergachev returns to the lineup

 

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev returned to the lineup for Saturday's pivotal Game 4 against the Florida Panthers.

Sergachev sustained a fractured tibia and fibula on Feb. 7. Head coach Jon Cooper said earlier in April that Sergachev would miss the first round.

Tampa Bay put Sergachev back in the starting lineup alongside partner Erik Cernak for Game 4.

Nylander Returns for Game 4

 

Head coach Sheldon Keefe saidthe Toronto Maple Leafs are "preparing" for star winger William Nylander to return to the lineup for Game 4 of their first-round series against the Boston Bruins on Saturday.

Nylander sat out the first three games with an undisclosed ailment. It was reported Thursday that he's been dealing with severe migraines, though he opted not to shed any light on his injury when addressing the media Friday.

Jackson Holliday demoted to AAA

 

The Baltimore Orioles optioned second baseman Jackson Holliday, MLB's top prospect, to Triple-A Norfolk on Friday after a difficult start to his big-league career.

Holliday went just 2-for-34 with 18 strikeouts, two walks, and one RBI over 10 games with the Orioles. He endured an 0-for-13 stretch to begin his career before his first big-league hit April 14, then went into an 0-for-17 funk that finally ended with a fifth-inning single Tuesday.

NFL regular season

 

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is open to the idea of adding a game to the regular season.

"I think we're good at 17 now," Goodell said during an appearance on "Pat McAfee Show" on Friday. "But, listen, we're looking at how we continue. I'm not a fan of the preseason."

Goodell added: "The reality is, I'd rather replace a preseason game with a regular-season game any day. That's just picking quality. If we get to 18 and two, that's not an unreasonable thing."

Bears select Williams 1st Overall

 

The Chicago Bears selected USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Williams has been locked into the No. 1 spot for the entire draft process. Chicago cleared the path for his arrival by trading 2021 first-rounder Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers in mid-March.

After transferring from Oklahoma, Williams solidified himself as a potential future No. 1 selection when he won the Heisman Trophy in his first season with the Trojans in 2022. Williams finished with 4,537 yards and 42 touchdowns against five interceptions in 14 appearances.

Islanders go back to Varlamov

 

The New York Islanders are turning to Semyon Varlamov once again, and this time with their backs against the wall.

Varlamov is starting Game 4 on Saturday, Islanders head coach Patrick Roy said Friday, according to Newsday's Andrew Gross.

New York trails the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0 in the series. Varlamov started the first two games and allowed six goals on 63 shots for a .905 save percentage in the losses. Sorokin got the nod in Game 3 but was pulled after giving up three goals on 14 shots.

Giants at the Draft

 

When the New York Giants came on the clock with the No. 6 pick in the NFL draft, plenty of speculation suggested the club could choose a quarterback.

Instead, the Giants selected wide receiver Malik Nabers, adding a legitimate weapon for incumbent quarterback Daniel Jones. General manager Joe Schoen explained the Giants are content with Jones leading the offense next season.

Vikings trade up for J.J. McCarthy

 

The Minnesota Vikings traded up one spot with the New York Jets to select Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy at No. 10 overall.

The Vikings sent their No. 11 overall pick, a fourth-round pick (No. 129), and a fifth-round pick (No. 157) for the 10th overall selection and a sixth-round pick (No. 203).

McCarthy was the fifth quarterback selected in the top 10, following Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and Michael Penix.

Curry wins “Clutch Player of the Year”

 

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry has won the 2023-24 Clutch Player of the Year award, the NBA announced Thursday.

Curry beat out Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the hardware.

Remembering Bob Cole

 

Legendary play-by-play NHL announcer Bob Cole died Wednesday at the age of 90, his daughter told CBC News' John Gushue.

Cole had been a mainstay on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada for five decades. The Newfoundland native was the network's lead NHL commentator from 1980-2008.

He frequently worked Toronto Maple Leafs games, including his final broadcast in February 2019 between the Buds and Montreal Canadiens.

49ers shopping for 1st Rounders

 

The San Francisco 49ers have discussed trading top wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel with multiple teams, sources told The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

San Francisco is looking to move up in the first round of Thursday's NFL draft and had talks with a team owning a top-10 pick, Russini adds. The 49ers currently own the 31st overall pick this year after failing short against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.

Nylander OUT with Migraine?

 

Toronto Maple Leafs star William Nylander's absence from the lineup is due to a migraine so severe that the club's medical staff tested him to see if he had a concussion, sources told Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Team doctors have been unable to diagnose Nylander's exact condition, Friedman adds.

The productive winger missed the first three games of the Maple Leafs' first-round playoff series against the Boston Bruins, in which Toronto trails 2-1 following a 4-2 loss in Game 3 on Wednesday night. He played all 82 regular-season games and matched his career high of 40 goals while setting new personal bests in assists (58) and points.

25 Years in Prison

 

The man who fatally shot retired NFL star Will Smith during a confrontation following a car crash in 2016 received a 25-year prison sentence Thursday in a New Orleans courtroom.

It was the second time Cardell Hayes, 36, had faced sentencing in Smith’s death. He was convicted of manslaughter in December 2016 and later sentenced to 25 years. But the jury vote had been 10-2 and the conviction was later tossed after the U.S. Supreme Court outlawed such non-unanimous verdicts. After a new trial, Hayes was convicted by a unanimous jury in January.

Swayman in Leafs heads?

 

Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery took a shot at Max Domi and the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday.

Montgomery didn't hold back when asked if he believes Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman's success against the Maple Leafs is an indication he's in their heads.

"Sometimes I don't think that, but when Domi goes off the bench and bumps him on purpose, it makes me think that maybe he's in their head a little bit," the Boston bench boss said.

Guerrero Jr error costs Blue Jays

 

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. committed an error that resulted in the Kansas City Royals scoring three unearned runs in the fifth inning of an eventual 3-2 loss Tuesday.

Guerrero was unable to catch the ball on a throw from third baseman Isiah Kiner-Falefa on what looked like a routine play to end the frame:

Lions sign St. Brown to HUGE contract

 

The Detroit Lions are signing wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brownto a four-year extension that includes over $120 million and $77 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid wideout in the league, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

St. Brown was a key member of Detroit's offense in 2023, racking up 1,515 yards and 10 touchdowns on 119 receptions. His production earned him first-team All-Pro honors for the first time and resulted in his second Pro Bowl.

Islanders turn to Sorokin

 

The Islanders will turn to goalie Ilya Sorokin for Thursday's Game 3 against the Carolina Hurricanes with New York down 2-0 in the series, head coach Patrick Roy announced Wednesday, per the New York Post's Ethan Sears. 

Semyon Varlamov has started the first two games of the opening-round clash and has surrendered six goals on 63 shots, good for a .905 save percentage. The Hurricanes beat him twice in a span of nine seconds to seal the comeback victory in Game 2.

Sam Bennett OUT with hand injury

 

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett will miss seven days or more after absorbing teammate Brandon Montour's shot with his hand Tuesday night, head coach Paul Maurice said Wednesday.

Maurice likened Bennett's relatively short recovery timetable to hearing his car was in an accident but discovering it was only a fender bender

Forsberg leads Nashville

 

Filip Forsberg scored a goal and had an assist, and the Nashville Predators beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-1 on Tuesday night to level their best-of-seven playoff series at 1-1.

Anthony Beauvillier — a former Canuck — also had a goal and an assist for the Predators, Colton Sissons and Kiefer Sherwood had goals, and Juuse Saros made 17 saves.

Nikita Zadorov scored for a Vancouver team that struggled to get shots on net and experienced a series of unlucky bounces.

Nashville coach Andrew Brunette liked the way his Predators put their bodies on the line, blocking 31 shots Filip Forsberg scored a goal and had an assist, and the Nashville Predators beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-1 on Tuesday night to level their best-of-seven playoff series at 1-1.

Anthony Beauvillier — a former Canuck — also had a goal and an assist for the Predators, Colton Sissons and Kiefer Sherwood had goals, and Juuse Saros made 17 saves.

Nikita Zadorov scored for a Vancouver team that struggled to get shots on net and experienced a series of unlucky bounces.

Nashville coach Andrew Brunette liked the way his Predators put their bodies on the line, blocking 31 shots..

Patriots open to Trade 3rd Overall

 

The New England Patriots would move the third overall pick for the right price, though they haven't received a suitable offer yet, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo report.

The Patriots and Washington Commanders, the latter of whom own the No. 2 selection, have received phone calls for their selections, Rapoport and Garafolo add. However, the Commanders haven't indicated they're interested in trading out. The Las Vegas Raiders are among teams that have called Washington, according to Garafolo.

Paige Spiranac is Golf Glamorous

Golf glamor girl Paige Spiranac is relishing in the moment for women athletes after a banner week for superstars in their respective sports.

Spiranac took to Twitter after American women's golfer Nelly Korda won the Chevron Championship - her fifth straight victory on the LPGA Tour.

The Hyman and McDavid Show

 

Zach Hyman helped make sure the Edmonton Oilers avoided another early first-round playoff series hole.

Hyman had three goals and an assist in his first postseason hat trick, Connor McDavid had five assists and the Oilers beat the Los Angeles Kings 7-4 Monday night in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.

LeBron James frustrated with refs

 

LeBron James expressed his frustration with the NBA's replay center and officiating after the Los Angeles Lakers' 101-99 loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 on Monday night.

"I don't understand what's going on in the replay center, to be honest," James said.

Flyers sign Fedotov

 

The Philadelphia Flyers have inked backup goaltender Ivan Fedotov to a two-year contract extension at an average annual value of $3.25 million, the club announced Tuesday.

Fedotov joined the Flyers in late March after CSKA Moscow terminated his KHL pact. He got into three games in April, going 0-1-1 while allowing 10 goals on 53 shots. The Russian only started one of those contests, giving up four tallies in a 4-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on April 5.

McDaniel calls out Hill

 

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel didn't give star receiver Tyreek Hill any preferential treatment during the team's wild-card-round game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Pro Bowl receiver says he was called out in front of the team following a play in which he was manhandled by Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed and knocked to the ground.

"He called me out," Hill said on a recent appearance on the "Million Dollaz Worth of Game" podcast. "He like, 'Reek, bro, you're supposed to be the f---ing best player in the f---ing league and you got this guy putting hands all over you like that. Man, we pay you all this money for what?' And for me, I love shit like that, because I'm gonna take that shit to heart and I'm gonna get better from it."

Aaron Boone ejected by mistake

 

Aaron Boone's ejection looks to be a case of mistaken identity.

After a batter was hit during the New York Yankees' game against the Oakland Athletics, umpire Hunter Wendelstedt warned Boone that he would be tossed if he made any more comments. Although the skipper remained silent, he was surprisingly ejected just seconds later.

Mark Stone set to return Game 1

 

Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone confirmed he will return to the lineup for Game 1 against the Dallas Stars on Monday.

"I'm excited," he said. "I'm going to play tonight."

Stone was sidelined for the last 26 games of the regular season after sustaining a lacerated spleen on Feb. 20 against the Nashville Predators. Vegas went 13-11-2 in his absence and ended the campaign in the second wild-card spot of the Western Conference.

Giannis Antetokounmpo OUT Game 1

 

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss Sunday's series opener against the Indiana Pacers due to a calf strain, the team announced prior to tipoff.

Head coach Doc Rivers isn't sure when Antetokounmpo is returning, but he told reporters, including Dustin Dopriak of The Indianapolis Star, that the two-time MVP looks better.

Cleveland off to a great start

 

Josh Naylor delivered a clutch, three-run double in the seventh inning as the Guardians continued their best start in 25 years with a 6-2 win over the Oakland Athletics on Sunday to complete a three-game sweep.

With the Guardians up 3-2, Naylor, who celebrated a two-run homer on Saturday by bashing the top of his helmet with his bat before rounding the bases, fell behind 0-2 in the count before doubling with the bases loaded off left-hander T.J. McFarland.

Nelly Korda wins 5th Straight

 Beautiful and Talented 

Nelly Korda won the Chevron Championship by two strokes Sunday to earn her fifth straight victory, tying an LPGA record held by Nancy Lopez (1978) and Annika Sorenstam (2004-05).

It's Korda's second career major title.

Montas leaves in 1st Inning

 

Cincinnati Reds right-hander Frankie Montas was forced to leave Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Angels after taking a line drive from Taylor Ward to his arm in the first inning.

Montas is dealing with a right forearm bruise, and an X-ray showed no fracture, the team announced.

Kawhi Leonard OUT for Game 1

 

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard won't play in Sunday's series opener against the Dallas Mavericks, head coach Tyronn Lue announced, courtesy of ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk.

Leonard missed the final eight games of the regular season due to an inflamed right knee, though his status for Sunday was up in the air after being upgraded to questionable ahead of the encounter.

When asked if the six-time All-Star would be available for Game 2 on Tuesday or in any game during the series, Lue told reporters that he was unsure. However, he added that the 32-year-old was undergoing daily assessments.

Panthers claim Game 1

 

Carter Verhaeghe tapped in a pinpoint pass from Aleksander Barkov for the lead 58 seconds into the third period, Matthew Tkachuk added a goal and an assist and the Florida Panthers beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 in Game 1 of their NHL playoff series opener Sunday.

Barkov had two assists, Sam Reinhart also scored and Sergei Bobrovsky had 17 saves for the Panthers, who won a Game 1 on home ice for the first time since 1997.

Nuggets down Lakers in Game 1

 

Unlike their crowd that drowned out the Los Angeles Lakers’ pregame introductions, the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets were a little late to the playoff party Saturday night.

They turned up their offense and defense after a sputtering start, however, powering past the Lakers 114-103 behind Nikola Jokic’s 32 points and 12 rebounds in the Western Conference playoff opener, their ninth consecutive triumph over the Lakers.

Alvarez out with thumb surgery

 

New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez has a torn ligament in his thumb and will have surgery, the club announced Saturday, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.

Alvarez teammate, Starling Marte, said players were told the 22-year-old backstop is expected to miss six-to-eight weeks, per Tim Healey of Newsday.

The Mets placed Alvarez on the 10-day injured list after he sustained the injury while running the bases during Friday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Sheldon Keefe calls Game 1 “carelessness”

 

Sheldon Keefe believes his Toronto Maple Leafs simply weren't disciplined enough in their 5-1 loss to the Boston Bruins in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series Saturday.

"Two high sticks, that's just carelessness," he said postgame, according to 98.5 The Sports Hub's Ty Anderson. "This time of year, you can't allow your stick to get up like that."