I Dig Sports

Indians' Mercado to undergo MRI on left wrist

Published in Baseball

Friday, 06 March 2020 10:02

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Cleveland Indians outfielder Oscar Mercado will undergo an MRI on his left wrist, which he injured while making a diving catch in an exhibition game.

Manager Terry Francona said Mercado, who had a solid rookie season in 2019, will have the imaging tests on Friday. The team will provide an update on his status once the tests are completed and evaluated.

Mercado got hurt when he caught a ball hit by San Francisco's Alex Dickerson in the fourth inning of Thursday's game in Scottsdale. The 25-year-old did not return, and the Indians said the initial diagnosis was that Mercado sustained a sprain.

Before getting hurt, Mercado hit a two-run homer in the top of the inning.

Cleveland's outfield situation remains fluid, and Mercado's injury is the latest to hit the team at spring training.

Mercado batted .269 with 15 homers and 59 RBIs in 118 games last season and was penciled in for a starting spot this year.

His versatility will allow Francona to play him in any of the three outfield positions, but mostly in center. Delino DeShields, who was acquired from Texas in the offseason trade of ace Corey Kluber, gives the Indians a dependable option if Mercado is out for a significant period.

The Indians have already had their fair share of injuries in camp.

Starting pitcher Mike Cevinger had knee surgery and won't be back until mid-April at the earliest. Hard-throwing reliever Emmanuel Clase could be out three months with a strained shoulder and right-handers Carlos Carrasco (hip) and Aaron Civale (groin) have been slowed by injuries.

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UK Inter-Counties welcomes runners for cross country finale

Published in Athletics

Friday, 06 March 2020 09:26

One of the last major cross country events of the winter takes place at Prestwold Hall, with Cross Challenge prizes up for grabs

The annual UK Inter-Counties Cross Country Championships does not act as a trial for the World Cross this year, as the global event does not take place again until 2021, but there will still be British titles at stake plus plenty of prize money as Saturday’s meeting incorporates the British Athletics Cross Challenge final.

Given the particularly wet weather and succession of storms lately, athletes and organisers will be hoping the conditions do not end up resembling the sea of mud that met competitors at the 2018 event at the same venue – Prestwold Hall – near Loughborough.

Adam Hickey, the 2019 Inter-Counties champion, will hope his shoes stay on this time after one of them came off at last weekend’s English National at Wollaton Park when a fellow runner stood on his heel at the start.

There he finished fourth, but this weekend he will hope for no such problems as he tries to win the Cross Challenge title for the first time since 2014-15 as part of his build up to next month’s Virgin Money London Marathon.

Hickey will not have things his own way, though. Mahamad Mahamad leads the senior men’s Cross Challenge standings by four points and won the BUCS title last month in Edinburgh.

Calum Johnson, the English National winner last weekend, is also entered.

Kate Avery leads the women’s standings but entries include Charlotte Arter, Amy Griffiths and Dani Chattenton.

The cancellation of the World University Cross Country Championships in Morocco due to the coronavirus, meanwhile, might tempt some of the GB team who were due to compete there.

In the under-20 races Joshua Dickinson and Matthew Stonier are tied on points for the men’s Cross Challenge title, while Cera Gemmell, Olivia Mason, Saskia Millard and Eloise Walker are also on the same score going into this final round.

The under-17 men’s Cross Challenge standings are also very close with three Devon runners – Flynn Jennings, Johnny Livingstone and Oliver Smart – tied on the same number of points. Maya Todd McIntyre of Nottinghamshire leads the under-17 women’s standings.

The under-15 boys standings see Benjamin Peck, Christopher Perkins and English National champion Lewis Sullivan as the joint leaders, while Kiya Dee of Gloucestershire is the under-15 girls leader.

Alden Collier heads the under-13 boys standings and Zoe Gilbody leads the under-13 girls standings.

Timetable

11.00am U20 men 8km
11.30am U13 girls 3km
11.45am Senior women 10km
12.35pm U15 boys 4km
12.55pm U17 women 5km
1.15pm U17 men 6km
1.40pm U13 boys 3km
2.00pm U20 women 6km
2.20pm U15 girls 4km
2.45pm Senior men 10km

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Super Sunday promises day of drama to kick off “best-ever” Canary Wharf Classic

Published in Squash

Friday, 06 March 2020 07:48

James Willstrop and Richie Fallows are first on court at Canary Wharf on Sunday

Willstrop and Fallows launch Canary Wharf with Makin v Selby to follow
By ALAN THATCHER – Squash Mad Editor

The opening day of the St. James’s Place Canary Wharf Classic boasts eight blockbuster battles in Sunday’s first round at the East Wintergarden.

Former world number one James Willstrop, who recently won a fourth British National title, to add to his four Canary Wharf titles, opens proceedings against wild card Richie Fallows, the local hero from Stratford, East London.

Joel Makin, the Welshman who lost to Willstrop in the Nottingham final, then takes to the court against England captain Daryl Selby in a feisty Battle of Britain clash.

Makin, who has climbed into the world top 10 in the latest rankings, always seems to play well at Canary Wharf.

Selby, at 37 the oldest player in the competition, will be wearing protective glasses after being hit in the eye in the Nationals. He said: “Fortunately I only suffered bruising but it could have been so much worse. It really made me think about my safety and so from now on I will wear eye protection every time I go on court.”

Selby wore his eyewear during the two recent tournaments, the Canada Gold Cup and Windy City Open, where he recorded a 97-minute victory over France’s national champion Lucas Serme before losing to Mohamed ElShorbagy.

Daryl Selby sporting eyewear in action against Mohamed ElShorbagy in Chicago a few days ago

Next up is an all-French contest between the athletic world No.14 Gregoire Marche, famed for diving across the court, and former champion Mathieu Castagnet, who won the Canary Wharf title in 2016.

There is a strong English presence in the competition and Londoner Tom Richards, who is based at the renowned St. George’s Hill club in Weybridge, tackles Indian national champion Saurav Ghosal, the world No.13.

Egypt, currently dominating the men’s and women’s world rankings and providing the top four seeds at Canary Wharf, will have three phenomenal players competing in the first round.

The 6ft 4in Omar Mosaad, known as The Hammer of Thor and runner-up to Castagnet four years ago, meets Malaysia’s former world junior champion Eain Yow Ng in a mouthwatering meeting of youth versus experience.

The flamboyant Mazen Hesham then takes to the court to tackle Scottish number one Greg Lobban, who recently beat 2019 Canary Wharf champion Paul Coll and veteran Selby to reach the final of the Edinburgh Open.

Fares Dessouky, like Hesham, is working his way back up the rankings after injury and meets Germany’s national champion Raphael Kandra, who impressed on his first appearance at Canary Wharf last year while on his way to reaching a career high ranking of 13 in the world.

Declan James meets England team-mate Adrian Waller on day one

The day one programme concludes with a phenomenal finale between England team-mates Adrian Waller and Declan James.

Waller will be aiming to improve on a shock first round defeat to Kandra last year. The 30-year-old left-hander from Enfield put that defeat behind him to climb to a career-best position of 17 in the world in November.

James, meanwhile, will be seeking to return to the form that took him to an all-time high of 15 in the world last May. Last year at Canary Wharf, James beat Scotland’s Greg Lobban on the opening day, followed that up with a spectacular win over Marwan ElShorbagy that really brought the house down, but then lost in the quarter-finals top seed Mohamed ElShorbagy.

Their current rankings are 20 (Waller) and 24, which shows what a close and intriguing battle is in store for spectators, finishing off the day’s action in compelling style.

Now in it’s 17th year, the PSA World Tour Gold status tournament attracts the world’s leading players and continues to sell out every season. Tickets for this year’s event went on sale in October and were snapped up within six days. Once again the early rounds will feature a best-of-three games format, reverting to best of five for the semi-finals and finals.

PSA World Tour Gold $109,500 Men’s St. James’s Place Canary Wharf Classic 2020, East Wintergarden, London, England.

First Round:
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) bye
[9/16] Gregoire Marche (FRA) v Mathieu Castagnet (FRA)
[9/16] Saurav Ghosal (IND) v Tom Richards (ENG)
[5] Simon Rösner (GER) bye
[6] Diego Elias (PER) bye
[9/16] James Willstrop (ENG) v [WC] Richie Fallows (ENG)
[9/16] Joel Makin (WAL) v Daryl Selby (ENG)
[3] Tarek Momen (EGY) bye
[4] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bye
[9/16] Mazen Hesham (EGY) v Greg Lobban (SCO)
[9/16] Omar Mosaad (EGY) v Eain Yow Ng (MAS)
[7] Marwan Elshorbagy (EGY) bye
[8] Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) bye
[9/16] Fares Dessouky (EGY) v Raphael Kandra (GER)
[9/16] Adrian Waller (ENG) v Declan James (ENG)
[2] Ali Farag (EGY) bye

Pictures courtesy of England Squash and PSA

Posted on March 6, 2020

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'The break put the brakes on' - Dawson & Horgan recall 2001's delayed Six Nations finale

Published in Rugby

Friday, 06 March 2020 08:32

The coronavirus outbreak that has caused the postponement of Italy's matches against Ireland and England has presented an extraordinary challenge to Six Nations organisers.

But not a unique one.

Back in 2001, an outbreak of foot and mouth disease - a highly infectious illness affecting livestock - was only contained after more than six million farm animals had been culled in the United Kingdom.

To restrict its spread across the Irish Sea, Ireland's final three Six Nations matches, away to Scotland and Wales and at home to England in the final round, were postponed and played six months later than originally planned.

When England arrived in Dublin in the autumn, they were attempting to finally complete a Grand Slam after winning each of their previous four games by a margin of at least 29 points.

Matt Dawson started at scrum-half for England. Shane Horgan was on the wing for Ireland. Both were part of Thursday's Matt Dawson show on BBC Radio 5 live.

'Away on your jollies, lads!'

Shane Horgan: "There was a bit of messing around at the start when the officials didn't know how bad the foot and mouth outbreak was going to be, but then a blanket diktat came down: 'There is nothing going to be going on for at least three months, so away on your jollies, lads!'

"The first match to go was our away match against Wales. It was originally scheduled for 4 March. At that point, I wasn't in the team! Denis Hickie had taken my place in the win over France a fortnight before and I was in Ireland's A team to face Wales.

"When we got the call to say the match was off we had a brilliant night out and didn't do anything for six months in the end.

"It was a different time. You weren't allowed to train on any pitch because of the nature of foot and mouth and, at the start of professionalism, weights weren't really a big thing. It really was down time.

"And by the time the match came back around I was back in the team - sweet as a nut!"

'We were creaming everyone'

Matt Dawson: "That 2001 season, England were on fire. We were like France have been in the 2020 tournament and - without bigging it up too much - a little bit more.

"We were creaming everyone, just having such a great season. There were a host of young lads like Iain Balshaw and Ben Cohen, absolutely ripping it apart and the break put the brakes on.

"We went on the Lions tour to Australia in the summer. We lost that series 2-1 against the Wallabies and the Lions tour did not go well for a lot of the English players.

"There were some injuries as well, we were missing Martin Johnson and Lawrence Dallaglio by the time we went to play Ireland. A lot can happen in six months."

Grand Slam slips away once more

For the third successive year, England saw their bid for a Grand Slam scuppered at the final hurdle.

Dawson was forced off early with an injury as a gleeful Lansdowne Road watched Ireland captain Keith Wood's try pave the way to a famous 20-14 victory.

England were presented with the Six Nations trophy on the final whistle, but the team could barely raise a smile after seeing their ambitions of a clean sweep thwarted once more.

"It was very hard for us to swallow, especially as it was so similar to last year when we also lost out on the Grand Slam with the defeat at Murrayfield," said Dawson at the time.

After being seeing France win a Grand Slam in 2002, England finally landed it in 2003, eight months before winning the Rugby World Cup.

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Biggar is fit to face England, insists captain Jones

Published in Rugby

Friday, 06 March 2020 05:38

Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones says Dan Biggar is fit to play after the fly-half was named in Wayne Pivac's side for the Six Nations match against England at Twickenham.

Biggar has overcome a knee injury suffered playing for Northampton against Saracens last Saturday.

The 30-year-old was named in the side on Thursday but there were still doubts raised over his participation.

"I can tell you he's going to play tomorrow," said Jones.

He added: "I can't guarantee you anything as I'm not a doctor or a medical professional. All I know is the team sheet and he's going to play.

"I've seen Dan move and shake and do all those things today. I have seen him kicking and passing. Thankfully Dan has come through and he's available this week. He trained fine today and we're looking forward to tomorrow."

Cardiff Blues fly-half Jarrod Evans is a replacement at Twickenham while Sam Davies has been called into the squad and travelled to west London to act as cover.

Wales have had a spate of injuries at fly-half with Gareth Anscombe, Rhys Patchell and Owen Williams sidelined.

"That number 10 position in Wales is always perennially in vogue," said Jones.

"Dan has got the jersey and the pressure is there and you can see that from his performances.

"When the pressure is there he performs and I am sure he will do it tomorrow."

Biggar has been criticised for his attitude towards English referee Matt Carley during the 27-23 defeat against France after arguing against decisions that did not go his way.

Biggar and Jones are former Ospreys team-mates and the latter insisted it was his responsibility as skipper to manage the situation.

"It's my job to harness that," said Jones, 34, who will play his 147th international on Saturday.

"If I haven't done that I've probably failed him, but there are people across the park who are doing that in different ways.

"It's how we channel that as players and Dan has shown in the past he's channelled that in performances where he's been man-of-the-match, had great phases of play, and I'm sure that will be no different tomorrow.

"There are a few things you need to say when you get to a certain level in the game and sometimes you don't have to talk about things you know can be fixed by performance.

"For us both and the squad, temperament should be challenged through actions and not talk."

For the latest Welsh rugby union news follow @BBCScrumV on Twitter.

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Vunipola exclusion criticised by Public Health England

Published in Rugby

Friday, 06 March 2020 06:57

England's decision to exclude prop Mako Vunipola as a precautionary measure against coronavirus was "unnecessary", says Public Health England (PHE).

Vunipola was stood down for England's Six Nations match with Wales after recently travelling through Hong Kong.

The prop has trained with Saracens this week and will start against Leicester in the Premiership on Saturday.

"PHE current guidance on coronavirus is clear on when self-isolation is necessary," a PHE tweet said.

"Earlier this week the RFU asked a player, having returned from travel overseas, to not attend the camp to avoid the risk of spread, which was not necessary as he was not displaying any symptoms.

"The RFU accept this and this clarification."

On Wednesday, England assistant coach Steve Borthwick told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Our medical team looks at our team environment, not other people's.

"And that's the advice we followed. We are a camp-based environment and we stay in together 24 hours a day effectively.

"Mako didn't come into camp on the advice of our medical team, who looked into the situation closely and as a precaution they advised us that the best thing for our environment was for him not to come in.

"Mako is not ill, he is not in self-isolation, but the advice we got for our environment from our medical team and the relevant parties they consulted was that he should not come into camp, and that's the advice we followed."

'Heightened awareness around hygiene'

Vunipola's Saracens teammate Jamie George says the England squad have had a "heightened awareness around hygiene" because of the virus,

England host Wales at Twickenham in their final Six Nations game on Saturday, after their trip to Rome was postponed because of the outbreak in Italy.

"In a rugby environment a cold would go around the team a lot quicker than in the general public," said the hooker.

"It's an unfortunate situation with Italy but I presume the health experts are doing exactly what's required."

No England players have been symptomatic or tested, and George says the squad are taking "simple" measures to guard against the outbreak.

"We have to have a heightened awareness around hygiene and it's the simple things that need to be done, like washing your hands," he added.

"It definitely hasn't been a distraction, rather it's been a reinforcement that we need to prepare for this week properly.

"We have to pay our respects to Wales and prepare in the way we need to win the game."

Victory for England will secure the Triple Crown and keep alive their hopes of a third title in five years, and George says the hosts are "preparing for a proper battle".

"We'll be back at Twickenham and you can't take away the edge that this fixture brings," he added.

"I'd say it's our strongest rivalry historically. If you look back at the big games throughout my career they're the ones we get most excited about.

"There's a different edge to it. The Welsh fans when you play in Cardiff make it petty hostile, so we're looking forward to welcoming them to Twickenham and want to make it as tough for them as we possibly can.

"We're aware Wales are coming in off the back of two losses and will be hungry as ever to get that victory. They'll be as physical as anything so we're preparing for a proper battle."

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Arizona Fundraiser Featuring ASCS & World Of Outlaws

Published in Racing

Friday, 06 March 2020 07:58

SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. – Dirt track drivers from Arizona representing several classes of circle track racing will proudly display their fast machines at the Encanterra Car Club Sweet Rides Car Show and Fundraiser for the San Tan Animal Rescue Foster program on Saturday.

Drivers will be available to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures from
8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lori Cutter, founder of Champion Race Promotions and Champion Brand Strategist and Coach, is a resident of Encanterra and member of the Encanterra Car Club and has created a racing section amidst the overall car show.

“Race drivers have huge hearts for supporting charity events and enjoy every opportunity to get out in front of their race fans and into the community to bring added value to their sponsors and also create awareness about their exciting sport, making new race fans,” Cutter said.

Representing Arizona’s dirt track drivers will be reigning San Tan Ford 360 Sprint Car champion Joshua Shipley, Sprint Car drivers Alex Pettas, Mark Clark and 2019 ASCS Rookie of Year Ronald Webster. Twelve-year-old Axton Romero will represent the Power 600 Micro Sprints, with 2019 runner-up National Rookie of the Year IMCA SportMod driver Taylor Kuehl and Kylie Salo displaying their full-body machines.

Muscle cars, classic cars, high performance and collector vehicles will compete for prizes in various categories and display their cars on the grounds of Encanterra, a Trilogy Resort Community in San Tan Valley located at 36460 N Encanterra Drive.

Guests will have the opportunity to talk to car owners, get their photos taken and vote on their favorite cars. A silent auction will be held as part of the show with some incredible gifts.

Cutter has secured some unique silent auction items donated by the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series which will be racing at USA Speedway in Tucson, Ariz., March 21 and Arizona Speedway in Queen Creek, Ariz., on March 22, as well as race tickets that will be raffled off throughout the day. Additionally, The Tony Stewart Foundation Accelerating Change, founded by NASCAR Hall of Famer and driver Tony Stewart, whose mission is to find grant money for organizations serving at-risk or endangered animals has provided some fun items going into the silent auction.

“If you’re a race fan, you will want to be at the show to bid on these fantastic items provided by these two organizations sent in just for the car show fundraiser,” Cutter said.

This is the second year the Encanterra Car Club has hosted the show in their community. Club President Phil Johnson, Greg Carras and members of the car club have worked tirelessly for months to organize this fun day and fundraiser for their neighboring nonprofit San Tan Animal Rescue.

Besides the car show, music, food, raffle and 50/50 drawings as well as an open house at the model homes will fill your day. All of the fundraising will go to the San Tan Animal Rescue.

If you have a vehicle that you would like to display in the Encanterra Car Club show, go to cruisinarizona.com or contact Phil Johnson at 541-977-6709 and register now.

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NHL playoff bracket update: Wild coming on strong

Published in Hockey

Friday, 06 March 2020 06:14

When the Minnesota Wild fired coach Bruce Boudreau and traded Jason Zucker shortly thereafter, some surmised that this was more of a rebuilding season for the club as opposed to a contending one. But a 3-2 win on Thursday night over the San Jose Sharks gives the team seven wins in its last nine games, and vaulted the Wild into the first wild-card slot in the Western Conference. A big part of the resurgence is the breakout campaign of Kevin Fiala, who has seen increasing ice time as he continues to put it all together in his age-23 season. Whether the Wild end up making the playoffs this season or not, they appear to have found a dynamic talent in the Swiss sniper.

Here's where things stand throughout the league heading into Friday's six-game slate, including Vegas Golden Knights-Winnipeg Jets and Colorado Avalanche-Vancouver Canucks streaming live on ESPN+.

Note: Playoff chances are courtesy of Money Puck, while tragic numbers are per the NHL's Damian Echevarrieta.

Jump to:
Eastern standings | Western standings
Race for No. 1 pick | Current playoff matchups

Eastern Conference

Boston Bruins

Points: 98
Regulation wins: 37
Playoff position: Atlantic 1
Games left: 14 (7 home, 7 away)
Next game: March 7: vs. TB
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Tampa Bay Lightning

Points: 89
Regulation wins: 34
Playoff position: Atlantic 2
Games left: 15 (7 home, 8 away)
Next game: March 7: @ BOS
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Toronto Maple Leafs

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: Atlantic 3
Games left: 14 (8 home, 6 away)
Next game: March 6: @ ANA
Playoff chances: 85.4%
Tragic number: N/A

Washington Capitals

Points: 87
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff position: Metro 1
Games left: 15 (8 home, 7 away)
Next game: March 7: @ PIT
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Philadelphia Flyers

Points: 87
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff position: Metro 2
Games left: 15 (8 home, 7 away)
Next game: March 7: vs. BUF
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Pittsburgh Penguins

Points: 84
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: Metro 3
Games left: 16 (8 home, 8 away)
Next game: March 7: vs. WSH
Playoff chances: 94.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Columbus Blue Jackets

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: Wild card 1
Games left: 14 (5 home, 9 away)
Next game: March 7: @ EDM
Playoff chances: 46.9%
Tragic number: N/A

New York Islanders

Points: 78
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: Wild card 2
Games left: 16 (7 home, 9 away)
Next game: March 7: vs. CAR
Playoff chances: 48.9%
Tragic number: N/A

New York Rangers

Points: 76
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15 (6 home, 9 away)
Next game: March 7: vs. NJ
Playoff chances: 32.0%
Tragic number: 29

Carolina Hurricanes

Points: 75
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 17 (8 home, 9 away)
Next game: March 7: @NYI
Playoff chances: 66.6%
Tragic number: 32

Florida Panthers

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15 (7 home, 8 away)
Next game: March 7: vs. MTL
Playoff chances: 21.3%
Tragic number: 27

Montreal Canadiens

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 19
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 13 (5 home, 8 away)
Next game: March 7: @ FLA
Playoff chances: 4.2%
Tragic number: 20

Buffalo Sabres

Points: 66
Regulation wins: 22
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15 (7 home, 8 away)
Next game: March 7: @ PHI
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 19

New Jersey Devils

Points: 64
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 16 (9 home, 7 away)
Next game: March 6: vs. STL
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 19

Ottawa Senators

Points: 60
Regulation wins: 18
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 14 (4 home, 10 away)
Next game: March 7: @ SJ
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: 11

Detroit Red Wings

Points: 35
Regulation wins: 12
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 14 (7 home, 7 away)
Next game: March 6: vs. CHI
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: Eliminated

Western Conference

St. Louis Blues

Points: 90
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: Central 1
Games left: 15 (7 home, 8 away)
Next game: March 6: @ NJ
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Colorado Avalanche

Points: 88
Regulation wins: 36
Playoff position: Central 2
Games left: 16 (9 home, 7 away)
Next game: March 6: @ VAN
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Dallas Stars

Points: 82
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: Central 3
Games left: 15 (9 home, 6 away)
Next game: March 7: vs. NSH
Playoff chances: 97.8%
Tragic number: N/A

Vegas Golden Knights

Points: 82
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: Pacific 1
Games left: 14 (4 home, 10 away)
Next game: March 6: @ WPG
Playoff chances: 98.3%
Tragic number: N/A

Edmonton Oilers

Points: 80
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff position: Pacific 2
Games left: 14 (10 home, 4 away)
Next game: March 7: vs. CBJ
Playoff chances: 93.0%
Tragic number: N/A

Calgary Flames

Points: 77
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: Pacific 3
Games left: 14 (10 home, 4 away)
Next game: March 6: vs. ARI
Playoff chances: 81.7%
Tragic number: N/A

Minnesota Wild

Points: 75
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff position: Wild card 1
Games left: 15 (6 home, 9 away)
Next game: March 7: @ LA
Playoff chances: 74.6%
Tragic number: N/A

Vancouver Canucks

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: Wild card 2
Games left: 16 (9 home, 7 away)
Next game: March 6: vs. COL
Playoff chances: 49.5%
Tragic number: N/A

Nashville Predators

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15 (6 home, 9 away)
Next game: March 7: @ DAL
Playoff chances: 30.6%
Tragic number: 31

Winnipeg Jets

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 14 (6 home, 8 away)
Next game: March 6: vs. VGS
Playoff chances: 22.1%
Tragic number: 29

Arizona Coyotes

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 14 (8 home, 6 away)
Next game: March 6: @ CGY
Playoff chances: 38.9%
Tragic number: 29

Chicago Blackhawks

Points: 70
Regulation wins: 22
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15 (9 home, 6 away)
Next game: March 6: @ DET
Playoff chances: 13.6%
Tragic number: 27

San Jose Sharks

Points: 62
Regulation wins: 22
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15 (7 home, 8 away)
Next game: March 7: vs. OTT
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 19

Anaheim Ducks

Points: 62
Regulation wins: 18
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15 (9 home, 6 away)
Next game: March 6: vs. TOR
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: 19

Los Angeles Kings

Points: 58
Regulation wins: 18
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15 (10 home, 5 away)
Next game: March 7: vs. MIN
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: 15

Race for the No. 1 pick

The NHL uses a draft lottery to determine the order at the top of the first round, so the team that finishes in last place is not guaranteed the No. 1 selection. However, whoever does win the draft lottery has a chance to select Alexis Lafreniere.

Find out more about Lafreniere here, read up on the rest of the top draft prospects here, and check out all of our 2020 NHL draft coverage.

Detroit Red Wings

Points: 35
Regulation wins: 12
Chance of No. 1 pick: 18.5%

Los Angeles Kings

Points: 58
Regulation wins: 18
Chance of No. 1 pick: 13.5%

Ottawa Senators

Points: 60
Regulation wins: 18
Chance of No. 1 pick: 11.5%

Anaheim Ducks

Points: 62
Regulation wins: 18
Chance of No. 1 pick: 9.5%

San Jose Sharks

Note: Pick belongs to Ottawa

Points: 62
Regulation wins: 22
Chance of No. 1 pick: 8.5%

New Jersey Devils

Points: 64
Regulation wins: 20
Chance of No. 1 pick: 7.5%

Buffalo Sabres

Points: 66
Regulation wins: 22
Chance of No. 1 pick: 6.5%

Chicago Blackhawks

Points: 70
Regulation wins: 22
Chance of No. 1 pick: 6%

Montreal Canadiens

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 19
Chance of No. 1 pick: 5%

Arizona Coyotes

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 26
Chance of No. 1 pick: 3.5%

Winnipeg Jets

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 27
Chance of No. 1 pick: 3%

Nashville Predators

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 26
Chance of No. 1 pick: 2.5%

Florida Panthers

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 28
Chance of No. 1 pick: 2%

Carolina Hurricanes

Points: 75
Regulation wins: 25
Chance of No. 1 pick: 1.5%

New York Rangers

Points: 76
Regulation wins: 30
Chance of No. 1 pick: 1%

Current playoff matchups

(A1) Bruins vs. (WC2) Islanders
(A2) Lightning vs. (A3) Maple Leafs
(M1) Capitals vs. (WC1) Blue Jackets
(M2) Flyers vs. (M3) Penguins
(P1) Golden Knights vs. (WC1) Wild
(P2) Oilers vs. (P3) Flames
(C1) Blues vs. (WC2) Canucks
(C2) Avalanche vs. (C3) Stars

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United launch Lingard abuse video investigation

Published in Soccer

Friday, 06 March 2020 05:09

Manchester United have launched an investigation after a video emerged appearing to show Jesse Lingard being abused as he boarded the team bus following the victory over Derby County.

United have asked for help from the Championship club as they seek to gather more information about the incident which occurred outside Pride Park on Thursday night.

- Dawson: FA Cup run reflects well on Solskjaer

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team booked their place in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup with a 3-0 win over Derby.

After the game, a video on social media showed fans subjecting Lingard to a torrent of foul-mouthed abuse as he got on the bus alongside his teammates.

United have condemned the incident and are offering support to Lingard.

Lingard, 27, played the full 90 minutes against Derby but has not been part of Solskjaer's starting lineup in the league since New Year's Day against Arsenal, and has scored twice across all competitions this season.

United are unbeaten in their nine matches, heading into Sunday's derby against Manchester City, where visiting boss Pep Guardiola said he hopes to welcome back midfielder Kevin De Bruyne to his starting lineup.

"He's getting better," Guardiola told a news conference on Friday, when asked about the Belgium international, who missed the midweek FA Cup fifth-round win over Sheffield Wednesday.

"He will improve, he feels better. He's not perfect, so we'll see."

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Liverpool's Alisson injured before Atletico clash

Published in Soccer

Friday, 06 March 2020 05:59

Jurgen Klopp has said that Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson suffered a hip injury in training ahead of their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid next week.

Liverpool face Atletico at Anfield on Wednesday in the second leg of the round of 16 clash where they trail 1-0.

Klopp said that Alisson has been ruled out for the Premier League match against Bournemouth on Saturday and and is a doubt for Atleti next week.

"Alisson is out," he told a news conference. "He had a little incident before Chelsea then we thought we won't take any risks.

"He is out and we will see, next week for sure. I don't want to say no [for Merseyside derby] but I am not sure.

"We have to judge the situation next week. After the international break he will be 100% but we will see."

The Brazil international picked up a calf injury in the opening league game of the campaign and was out for a month.

Adrian will deputise for Alisson in between the sticks but he made a crucial error as Liverpool were dumped out of the FA Cup against Chelsea on Tuesday.

Klopp also said that club captain Jordan Henderson could return from injury for the Champions League game but will miss out on the Bournemouth match.

Liverpool have suffered three defeats in their last four matches in all competitions but Klopp said playing the next two games at Anfield can be a positive for the players.

"The Anfield influence is much bigger than I thought but I realised that a while ago," he added. "

"It doesn't feel like we've won the last 22 [at home]. We don't ignore whatever happens to us we just have to create the atmosphere and use it. Everyone needs the right mindset for that.

"As a team we have to be ready to try things that might not work out. That is how it is, we have take risks.

"If you don't you decrease your own chances. Hopefully the crowd will be ready as well. As good as possible, I am sure."

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