I Dig Sports
Beckman, Langdon & Hartford Snag #2Fast2Tasty Challenge Wins In Winternationals
POMONA, Calif. Defending world champion Austin Prock and his John Force Racing teammate Jack Beckman dominated the Funny Car ranks on Saturday at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, as Prock powered to the No. 1 qualifier position at the 65th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals and Jack Beckman won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge specialty race.
Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel) and Matt Hartford (Pro Stock) also won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, while Brittany Force (Top Fuel) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) qualified No. 1 at the third of 20 races during the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.
Beckman went 3.831-seconds at 330.72 seconds in his 11,000-horsepower PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS, defeating Paul Lee in the final round of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge and claiming his first win in the specialty race.
Paul Lees car is an A-level competitive car and when we went 3.83 in round one, we were feeling pretty spicy and then they go 3.82 and got lane choice, but we knew it didnt matter, Beckman said.
These conditions are A-plus-plus, as good as it gets out there. The issue when the track gets as good as the crew chiefs dont have much data on this. We know what to do when the track gets good, but when the track gets great, you can count on one hand, typically, the number of runs a year you get when the track is phenomenal. In all likelihood, all the runs tomorrow are going to be in those type of conditions.
Prock, who clinched the world title in Pomona last season and set a Funny Car record with 15 No. 1 qualifiers in 2024, went a blistering 3.816-seconds at 338.26 mph in his 11,000-horsepower Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS to take the No. 1 position into raceday for the 20th time in his career. Prock will open eliminations against Blake Alexander as he looks for his first victory of 2025.
Our race car hasnt run bad all year long, its just things havent been really going our way like they did last year, Prock said. Weve been trying to do that all weekend long and just been tickling the thing. Im really proud of how diligent everybodys been working and making progress each run and just getting it A to B.
The boys were high-fiving before we even got in the water box, like they knew, it was either going to be hero or zero, and we ended up on the good end of it. Im really proud of John Force Racing and John Force is so proud right now of the whole team.
Lee is qualified second with a 3.829 at 331.45 and Ron Capps is third after going 3.830 at 328.94.
Top Fuel
In Top Fuel, Shawn Langdon kept Kalitta Motorsports rolling and continued his recent dominance as well, beating teammate Doug Kalitta in the final round with a run of 3.662 at a near-record 338.68 in his 11,000-horsepower Kalitta Air Careers dragster. It denied Kalitta a chance at a perfect weekend, but Langdon kept rolling along, capturing his second straight Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge victory.
Langdon also won the event in Phoenix last weekend as the car continues to perform at an extremely high level. The run in the Challenge final was his best of the weekend and puts him third heading into eliminations, while the speed marked the second-fastest run in Top Fuel history. The points leader will now have a chance to double-up for the second straight race in his red-hot early-season start.
Honestly, its a great feeling to come back from the run and see the smile on Connies [Kalitta] face and see the smiles on the teams faces. All their hard work, everythings paying off, Kalitta said. The cars are running good, which is great. Theyre responding well to what the crew chiefs have been doing.
Its obviously a great feeling when everythings clicking, and the biggest thing now is we got a good, fast, consistent race car. Now its just a matter of maintaining it and trying to see if we can kick off a couple wins along the way and get ready for the Countdown at the end of the year.
Brittany Force earned her first top qualifier of the year on the strength of Fridays 3.646 at 334.82 in her 11,000-horsepower Monster Energy dragster. Shell open eliminations against Steve Chrisman as she looks for her first career Winternationals win. She added a 53rd career No. 1 qualifier to her accomplishments on Saturday, but a victory at her home track and a chance for JFR double-up would make the weekend even better.
Weve had some really strong performance on track, Force said. We earned a No. 1 qualifier. We went 3.64 twice, and then a 3.69 today. We want to turn on four win lights tomorrow. Looking at our ladder, we could have a bye second round, which is awesome for us. I love this place. Its just home for me. I grew up out of here at this racetrack and in the stands. You just have that good feeling coming out here and we want to do well. My whole familys out here, Ive had all my friends this weekend, popping in and out, and its just our home race track, so we want to finish strong.
Kalitta qualified second with a 3.657 at 335.15.
Pro Stock
In Pro Stock, Matt Hartford defeated Greg Anderson in the final round of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, going 6.496 at 210.67 in his GETTRX/Total Seal Camaro to get his second win in the specialty race. The first came two years in Pomona as the veteran continued his strong performance at the historic facility. Next up on Hartfords list is an event win, which would be his first since the 2023 campaign.
This is as good a car as Ive ever had. Its hateful, Hartford said. Over the winter, we made a very easy decision to make sure that we continued in our older chassis and to try to reinvent the wheel every run or make changes that we dont know. Lets use facts and work off data.
A win is the next thing for us, but youve got to get through first round and take it one round at a time. When you look at the qualifying sheet, I can promise you of the 16 cars, none of them you want to race first round because theyre all good. The conditions tomorrow are going to be hateful. If you think the runs that youve seen over the last four runs were good, wait until tomorrow. The cars are all going to pick up tomorrow.
Anderson held on to his second No. 1 spot this season, improving to a 6.490 at 210.77 on Saturday in his HendrickCars.com Camaro, handing the defending world champion his 134th career top qualifier. Anderson made two more runs in the 6.40s on Saturday, which could bode well as he seeks his second straight win and his 16th overall at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.
Running 6.40s seems to be the price of poker out here this weekend, Anderson said. You better run 6.40 or youre probably going to go home. Unfortunately, theres a lot of cars that can do it. I think only two of them didnt today, but theres a lot of them that can do it and youre going to see more of it tomorrow. Im looking forward to it. It should be a hell of a race.
You kind of need to have a lot of luck because theres too many good cars, too many good drivers and too many good race teams. You better not only have a fast race car, but you also better have some luck.
Hartford qualified second with a 6.490 at 210.67 and Deric Kramer is third after going 6.511 at 210.80.
Hill Survives Chaotic Overtime Finish At Martinsville
MARTINSVILLE, Va. The speedway that robbed Austin Hill of a spot in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship 4 two years ago gave him a gift on Saturday.
Diving underneath a trio of wrecking cars in the final corner of overtime at Martinsville Speedway, Hill beat perennial bridesmaid Sheldon Creed to the finish line by 0.190 seconds to win Saturdays US Marine Corps 250, giving Richard Childress his 100th win in the series and earning a $100,000 Dash 4 Cash bonus for the unlikely winner.
The ending of the race couldnt have been more appropriate, given the rash of cautions that peppered green-flag action in the final stage. The ending also left 29th-place finisher Taylor Gray with thoughts of vengeance and 10th-place finisher Sammy Smith with an ostensible target on his back.
After the 14th caution for Matt DiBenedettos spin in Turn 2 sent the race to overtime, Gray lined up behind Smith, the leader, and used his bumper to wrest the top spot from Smithreturning the favor from the previous restart on Lap 249 of 256.
Gray, seeking his first Xfinity Series win, held the lead until Turn 3 of the final lap, when Smith charged into the corner, spun Grays No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota and knocked it into the outside wall.
Hill hit the No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet of Justin Allgaier from behind, sent him crashing into Smith. Hill sneaked through on the bottom, bringing Creed with him, as Allgaier held on for third. In the surprising victory, Hill led less than a quarter mile before taking the checkered flag.
I chose the bottom because of how rough everybody was on restarts, Hill said of the overtime. I had to do what I had to do on the last lap. On that restart, it just got wild. We were definitely leaning on each other, and getting into (Turn) 3, I knew we were all going to get beating and banging, and I just drove it in as deep as I could.
The all hit each other, and I hit the 7 (Allgaier) a little bit and dumped him off and got on the apron there and came home with the win Man, Im in disbelief that were in Victory Lane right not. Its unbelievable. I actually said at the end of the race that I hated this place because of all the beating and banging that was going onand to top it off, we won a hundred grand!
After 14 cautions for 104 laps, pole winner Connor Zilischs sweep of the first two stages seemed a distant memory. Zilisch, however, didnt figure in the outcome after a series of spins and contact with the outside wall eliminated him from contention.
Gray took the lead for the second time on Lap 183 and held it for 66 circuits and a series of six restarts. But Smith lined up behind the No. 54 Toyota for the restart on Lap 249 and moved Gray for the lead.
Smiths charge into Grays Toyota on the final lap was more egregious.
I feel like we had the best car all day, said Gray, who suffered a similar fate in a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series loss to Christian Eckes last year. I cant thank everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing enough. We brought a really fast Operation 300 Toyota GR Supra.
Just unfortunateits the same story Ive lived here for the past two Martinsville race in a row. It sucks, but it is what it is. Long year.
Smith acknowledged that the last lap maneuver was over the top. He and Gray had a testy exchange after the race.
Im not proud of that, but if the roles were reversed, he would have done the same thing, Smith said. Hes got no respect for me He was flipping me off on the red flag (for a multi-car wreck that caused the 12th caution), swore at me. It was definitely uncalled for.
Im not proud of it, but he would have done the exact same thing. Thats what I told him.
Brennan Poole finished fourth after the melee, joining Hill, Creed and Allgaier as eligible contenders for the next Dash 4 Cash bonus, to be contested April 12 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Sam Mayer was fifth, followed by Dean Thompson, Daniel Dye, Ryan Sieg, Kris Wright and Smith.
Zilisch, who finished 28th, led a race-high 100 laps to 87 for Gray. Creed, still seeking his first Xfinity victory, finished second for the 14th time, extending his record number of runner-up results for a non-winner.
Coincidentally, it was contact from Creed that denied Hill a spot in the Championship 4 in the fall race of 2023when both drivers raced for RCR.
In a cosmic sense, the ledger was balanced with Hills win on Saturday.
CHICAGO -- The Blackhawks added two of their top prospects on Saturday, agreeing to entry-level contracts with forward Oliver Moore and defenseman Sam Rinzel.
Moore and Rinzel played for the University of Minnesota this season. The Gophers lost to UMass in overtime in the NCAA tournament Thursday night.
The contracts for Moore and Rinzel run through the 2026-27 season with a $950,000 salary cap hit for each deal. They are expected to play in their first NHL game Sunday at home against Utah.
"I think we were in the same boat. It's just an emotional time, leaving those guys in college, some of your best friends," Moore said. "But I think both of us wanted to take the next step and be here and we're going to look back at it with no regrets."
Moore and Rinzel are part of a rich development system for Chicago that it hopes can help lead the team out of a painful rebuilding process. The last-place Blackhawks also could add forward Ryan Greene, a second-round pick in 2022, to their roster when Boston University's season is over.
Moore, 20, was selected by Chicago with the No. 19 pick in the 2023 NHL draft. Rinzel, 20, was a first-round pick in 2022.
The speedy Moore had 12 goals and 21 assists in 38 games during his sophomore season with Minnesota. The Mounds View, Minnesota, native finished with 21 goals and 45 assists in 76 games at the school.
Moore also helped the U.S. win consecutive gold medals at the world junior championship.
Rinzel, another Minnesota native, had 10 goals and 21 assists in 39 games for the Gophers this season. He was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Rinzel played on the 2024 U.S. team that won the junior tournament.
"I felt like it would be good to kind of take that next step and kind of live out my dream," Rinzel said. "To be able to make that jump and fortunate enough to be here, kind of just test myself a little bit. It was my dream. It's every kid's dream. So I think when the opportunity comes in front of you it's hard to say no."
EDMONTON, Alberta -- Leon Draisaitl reached 50 goals in a single season for the fourth time in his career, then netted his 51st in overtime, leading the Edmonton Oilers past the rival Calgary Flames 3-2 on Saturday night.
Draisaitl, the first player to reach 50 goals in the NHL this season, scored No. 51 2:25 into overtime in front of a raucous crowd as Edmonton snapped a two-game skid.
"I have been feeling good all year," Draisaitl said during his postgame interview on SportsNet. "I've got some great players, great people around me that let me do my job, and let me take care of that."
Viktor Arvidsson also scored for Edmonton, and Darnell Nurse added two assists for the Oilers, who were again without star forward Connor McDavid, veteran defenseman Mattias Ekholm and goaltender Stuart Skinner.
LEON'S THE FIRST TO 50
Leon Draisaitl becomes the first member of this season's 50-goal club! pic.twitter.com/SnKgcqDe27
NHL (@NHL) March 30, 2025
Calvin Pickard received the start in net and made 26 saves en route to the win as Edmonton moved into a tie with the Los Angeles Kings for second place in the Pacific Division. The two clubs are likely to meet in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs next month.
On Saturday, though, the story was Draisaitl, who hit the 50 mark at the 16:48 mark of the third period, off assists from Evan Bouchard and Nurse.
"Obviously, I was fortunate it went in," Draisaitl said of his 50th tally. "I'll take it."
Draisaitl, with four 50-goal seasons, is tied with Edmonton legend Jari Kurri for second most in Oilers franchise history behind Wayne Gretzky's eight.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
NHL playoff watch: Guide to a pivotal 11-game Saturday
Saturdays during the NHL regular season are typically a heavy day on the schedule, and this week is no exception.
While the playoff races (for both spots and positioning) play out, an 11-game slate is on hand. Here's a guide to each game, including the stakes for both teams.
Buffalo Sabres at Philadelphia Flyers
1 p.m., NHL Network
A push for the playoffs is a bit of a stretch when describing these two clubs. While technically not eliminated, both are more likely to win the draft lottery than make a miraculous run to the postseason. But draft position is important, too, and the loser of this game will have pushed its opponent down that inverse leaderboard.
New York Islanders at Tampa Bay Lightning
2 p.m., ESPN+
Both of these teams need this game. For the Islanders, it's a chance to make moves on the final Eastern wild card. For the Lightning, an Atlantic Division title remains in reach.
St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche
4:30 p.m., ESPN+
Two of the hottest teams in the league square off, as Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar get to wave hello to 4 Nations Face-Off teammate Jordan Binnington before attempting to put several pucks past him. The Avs are all but locked in to the No. 3 seed in the Central, while the Blues are ably fending off the masses behind them -- and could overtake the Wild as the West's first wild-card team if their winning ways continue.
New Jersey Devils at Minnesota Wild
6 p.m., ESPN+
Whereas the Avs and Blues are on heaters, the Devils and Wild are treading water, hoping they can maintain their postseason tickets. The Devils enter the day as the Metro's No. 3 seed, nine points ahead of the Islanders. The Wild are two points ahead of the Blues as the first Western wild card, with the Canucks and Flames both within 10 points behind them.
Vegas Golden Knights at Nashville Predators
6:30 p.m., ESPN+
Jonathan Marchessault's old teammates are in town for this matchup, and the two clubs' paths couldn't be more divergent; the Golden Knights are charging toward another Pacific Division crown (and hoping to put more distance between themselves and the Kings) while the Predators are in the bottom three, though likely at No. 3 exactly given that they are 11 points ahead of the Blackhawks.
Columbus Blue Jackets at Ottawa Senators
7 p.m., ESPN+
If the Blue Jackets are going to solidify their playoff position, a "four-point game" like this one cannot be wasted -- earning them those points in the standings and denying the points to the Sens. Columbus enters this game in the second wild-card spot, and eight points back of Ottawa for the first.
Toronto Maple Leafs at Los Angeles Kings
7 p.m., ESPN+
The West Coast swing continues for Toronto in what could be a Stanley Cup Final matchup if the Kings can manage to get past the Oilers in the first round (on their fourth try) and the Leafs can get to the Final for the first time since 1967. Toronto remains in a battle with the Panthers and Lightning for the Atlantic title, while L.A. begins the day seven points back of Vegas for first in the Pacific.
Boston Bruins at Detroit Red Wings
8 p.m., ABC/ESPN+
The playoffs look less and less likely by the day for these Original 6 teams -- but the chances aren't entirely gone. But one of them will need to move quickly; Detroit (3-7-0 in its last 10) and Boston (2-7-1) are losing any buffer to make a miraculous run into the postseason. Will this game be a pivot point?
Calgary Flames at Edmonton Oilers
10 p.m., ESPN+
This is the final Battle of Alberta matchup this regular season, after the teams split a pair of contests in the fall. Will they meet again in the playoffs? The Oilers are doing their part, sitting third in the Pacific. Calgary has work to do, as it is six points behind St. Louis and eight points behind Minnesota, who are each in wild-card position.
New York Rangers at San Jose Sharks
10:30 p.m., ESPN+
Actual roller coasters are jealous of the peaks and valleys that the 2024-25 Rangers have navigated. Nevertheless, the Rangers are right in the mix for the second wild-card spot in the East. To say that anything less than two points from this game would be devastating would be accurate. As for the Sharks, they hold a two-point edge at the bottom of the standings ahead of the Blackhawks.
Dallas Stars at Seattle Kraken
10:30 p.m., ESPN+
Can the Stars catch the Jets to be the top seed in the Central Division? They are six points back with 10 games remaining, so it's not entirely unreasonable to think so -- particularly with another matchup against Winnipeg on April 10. Obviously, a win is expected here over the Kraken, who are jockeying for draft lottery position with the Sabres, Flyers, Bruins and Penguins.
There are less than three weeks left until April 17 and we'll help you track it all with the NHL playoff watch. As we traverse the final stretch, we'll provide details on all the playoff races, along with the teams jockeying for position in the 2025 NHL draft lottery.
Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.
Jump ahead:
Current playoff matchups
Today's schedule
Yesterday's scores
Expanded standings
Race for No. 1 pick
Current playoff matchups
Eastern Conference
A1 Florida Panthers vs. WC1 Ottawa Senators
A2 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. A3 Tampa Bay Lightning
M1 Washington Capitals vs. WC2 Columbus Blue Jackets
M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. M3 New Jersey Devils
Western Conference
C1 Winnipeg Jets vs. WC2 St. Louis Blues
C2 Dallas Stars vs. C3 Colorado Avalanche
P1 Vegas Golden Knights vs. WC1 Minnesota Wild
P2 Los Angeles Kings vs. P3 Edmonton Oilers
Saturday's games
Note: All times ET. All games not on TNT or NHL Network are available to stream on ESPN+ (local blackout restrictions apply).
Buffalo Sabres at Philadelphia Flyers, 1 p.m. (NHLN)
New York Islanders at Tampa Bay Lightning, 2 p.m.
St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche, 4:30 p.m.
New Jersey Devils at Minnesota Wild, 6 p.m.
Vegas Golden Knights at Nashville Predators, 6:30 p.m.
Columbus Blue Jackets at Ottawa Senators, 7 p.m.
Toronto Maple Leafs at Los Angeles Kings, 7 p.m.
Boston Bruins at Detroit Red Wings, 8 p.m. (ABC/ESPN+)
Calgary Flames at Edmonton Oilers, 10 p.m.
New York Rangers at San Jose Sharks, 10:30 p.m.
Dallas Stars at Seattle Kraken, 10:30 p.m.
Friday's scoreboard
Florida Panthers 2, Utah Hockey Club 1 (OT)
Carolina Hurricanes 4, Montreal Canadiens 1
Columbus Blue Jackets 7, Vancouver Canucks 6 (SO)
Winnipeg Jets 4, New Jersey Devils 0
Vegas Golden Knights 5, Chicago Blackhawks 3
Anaheim Ducks 5, New York Rangers 4 (OT)
Expanded standings
Atlantic Division
Florida Panthers
Points: 91
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: A1
Games left: 10
Points pace: 103.6
Next game: vs. MTL (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Toronto Maple Leafs
Points: 90
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: A2
Games left: 10
Points pace: 102.5
Next game: @ LA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Tampa Bay Lightning
Points: 89
Regulation wins: 36
Playoff position: A3
Games left: 10
Points pace: 101.4
Next game: vs. NYI (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Ottawa Senators
Points: 81
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 11
Points pace: 99.6
Next game: vs. CBJ (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 98.1%
Tragic number: N/A
Montreal Canadiens
Points: 75
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 85.4
Next game: @ FLA (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 28.0%
Tragic number: 21
Detroit Red Wings
Points: 72
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 82.0
Next game: vs. BOS (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 2.3%
Tragic number: 18
Boston Bruins
Points: 69
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 77.5
Next game: @ DET (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 13
Buffalo Sabres
Points: 66
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 76.2
Next game: @ PHI (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 14
Metro Division
x - Washington Capitals
Points: 103
Regulation wins: 40
Playoff position: M1
Games left: 10
Points pace: 117.3
Next game: vs. BUF (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
Carolina Hurricanes
Points: 92
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff position: M2
Games left: 10
Points pace: 104.8
Next game: vs. NYI (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
New Jersey Devils
Points: 83
Regulation wins: 34
Playoff position: M3
Games left: 8
Points pace: 92.0
Next game: @ MIN (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 97.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Columbus Blue Jackets
Points: 75
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 11
Points pace: 86.6
Next game: OTT (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 28.7%
Tragic number: N/A
New York Rangers
Points: 75
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 84.3
Next game: @ SJ (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 18.7%
Tragic number: 19
New York Islanders
Points: 74
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 85.5
Next game: @ TB (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 24.7%
Tragic number: 22
Pittsburgh Penguins
Points: 69
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 8
Points pace: 76.5
Next game: vs. OTT (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 11
Philadelphia Flyers
Points: 67
Regulation wins: 18
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 8
Points pace: 74.2
Next game: vs. BUF (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 9
Central Division
x - Winnipeg Jets
Points: 104
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff position: C1
Games left: 9
Points pace: 116.8
Next game: vs. VAN (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
Dallas Stars
Points: 98
Regulation wins: 38
Playoff position: C2
Games left: 10
Points pace: 111.6
Next game: @ SEA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Colorado Avalanche
Points: 93
Regulation wins: 38
Playoff position: C3
Games left: 9
Points pace: 104.5
Next game: vs. STL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Minnesota Wild
Points: 87
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 9
Points pace: 97.7
Next game: vs. NJ (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 96.5%
Tragic number: N/A
St. Louis Blues
Points: 85
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 8
Points pace: 94.2
Next game: @ COL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 89.8%
Tragic number: N/A
Utah Hockey Club
Points: 76
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 85.4
Next game: @ CHI (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0.6%
Tragic number: 10
e - Nashville Predators
Points: 62
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 70.6
Next game: vs. VGK (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e - Chicago Blackhawks
Points: 51
Regulation wins: 18
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 57.3
Next game: vs. UTA (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
Pacific Division
Vegas Golden Knights
Points: 96
Regulation wins: 41
Playoff position: P1
Games left: 10
Points pace: 109.3
Next game: @ NSH (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Los Angeles Kings
Points: 89
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: P3
Games left: 11
Points pace: 102.8
Next game: vs. TOR (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Edmonton Oilers
Points: 87
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff position: P2
Games left: 10
Points pace: 99.1
Next game: vs. CGY (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 95.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Vancouver Canucks
Points: 81
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 91.0
Next game: @ WPG (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 6.4%
Tragic number: 16
Calgary Flames
Points: 79
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 91.2
Next game: @ EDM (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 10.8%
Tragic number: 17
Anaheim Ducks
Points: 72
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 82.0
Next game: vs. TOR (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 8
Seattle Kraken
Points: 68
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 76.4
Next game: vs. DAL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 2
e - San Jose Sharks
Points: 49
Regulation wins: 14
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 56.6
Next game: vs. NYR (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
Note: An "x" means that the team has clinched a playoff berth. An "e" means that the team has been eliminated from playoff contention.
Race for the No. 1 pick
The NHL uses a draft lottery to determine the order of the first round, so the team that finishes in last place is not guaranteed the No. 1 selection. As of 2021, a team can move up a maximum of 10 spots if it wins the lottery, so only 11 teams are eligible for the No. 1 pick. Full details on the process are here. Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman for the OHL's Erie Otters, is No. 1 on the draft board.
1. San Jose Sharks
Points: 49
Regulation wins: 14
2. Chicago Blackhawks
Points: 51
Regulation wins: 18
3. Nashville Predators
Points: 62
Regulation wins: 23
4. Buffalo Sabres
Points: 66
Regulation wins: 24
5. Philadelphia Flyers
Points: 67
Regulation wins: 18
6. Seattle Kraken
Points: 68
Regulation wins: 25
7. Pittsburgh Penguins
Points: 69
Regulation wins: 20
8. Boston Bruins
Points: 69
Regulation wins: 23
9. Anaheim Ducks
Points: 72
Regulation wins: 23
10. Detroit Red Wings
Points: 72
Regulation wins: 25
11. New York Islanders
Points: 74
Regulation wins: 25
12. New York Rangers
Points: 75
Regulation wins: 31
13. Montreal Canadiens
Points: 75
Regulation wins: 24
14. Utah Hockey Club
Points: 76
Regulation wins: 24
15. Calgary Flames
Points: 79
Regulation wins: 26
16. Vancouver Canucks
Points: 81
Regulation wins: 26
Kylian Mbappé said matching Cristiano Ronaldo's goal tally in his debut Real Madrid season is "very special" after scoring twice in a 3-2 comeback win over Leganés on Saturday.
The forward's first-half penalty put Madrid 1-0 up at the Santiago Bernabéu, but Leganes levelled a minute later through Diego Garcia, and Dani Raba made it 2-1to the visitors before half-time.
Jude Bellingham pulled a goal back after the break before Mbappé grabbed a second, to secure the three points and make it 33 goals in all competitions so far this campaign. Only Chilean striker Iván Zamorano (37) has now scored more in his first season for the Spanish giants.
"It's very special," Mbappé told Real Madrid TV. "The most important things are the ones you do with the team, but to score the same number of goals as Cristiano is always good. We know what Cristiano represents for Real Madrid and for me.
"We always talk, he gives me advice. It's good to score goals, but as I always say, we have to win trophies here."
The win meant Madrid keep pace with Barcelona at the top of the LaLiga table, with both teams on 63 points, ahead of Barça's game with Girona on Sunday.
Mbappé's 33 goals -- 22 of which have come in the league -- have been scored in just 45 games, with Madrid still chasing three major trophies in LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.
"We've been working all year for this moment," Mbappé said. "We'll give everything to win games and all the trophies we can.
"It's always difficult after the international break, you have one rhythm with your club, you go away with your national team and it's something else. But we know what we always have to do: win."
Asked about Mbappé's form in recent months, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said: "He's playing well. He's more active, more present in our play. He's making the difference, and that's what we want from him."
Ancelotti revealed that Mbappé had scored a similar goal to his winner -- an indirect free kick, which he touched to Fran García before curling past the wall and into the net -- in training a day earlier.
"We worked on it with the coaching staff," Mbappé explained. "I knew that I could shoot like that, I saw the space, and it worked well ... It's a team effort, with the staff."
Madrid host Real Sociedad in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal on Tuesday, before playing Valencia in LaLiga, and then Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals.
U.S. women's national team star Trinity Rodman has given a sober assessment of her ongoing back issues, saying she doesn't think her back will ever be fully healthy again.
Rodman, 22, has dealt with back spasms and related issues since her rookie season with the Washington Spirit in 2021 and aggravated the injury in September, when she was taken off the field in a wheelchair in a game against the Kansas City Current.
"Honestly, I don't think my back will ever be 100 percent," Rodman told reporters following Washington's 2-0 win over Bay FC on Friday. "It's kind of an issue of it's not one specific thing, it's just the way that my back's structured. And it's more so management than like a curable fix.
"So I think we've managed it really well and I'm happy with the progression that we've had. But for me, I don't think my back will ever be the way it was my rookie year, which is unfortunate."
Rodman enjoyed a hugely successful 2024 Olympics, scoring three goals as part of the self-proclaimed "Triple Espresso" forward line alongside Sophia (Smith) Wilson and Mallory Swanson to lead the USWNT to the gold medal.
But she has not played for the USWNT due to injury and acknowledged she was battling the back injury in the Spirit's NWSL Championship loss to the Orlando Pride in November.
Rodman was left off the U.S. team's January camp and the recent SheBelieves Cup tournament and returned to her club team earlier this month in its NWSL opener against the Houston Dash.
U.S. coach Emma Hayes added Rodman to the 24-player roster announced Tuesday in advance of a pair of friendly matches against Brazil next month. Hayes has said she'll be cautious with Rodman's return. That's how Rodman is working too.
"It's tough for me coming off such a good season and the Olympics and then going into an injury and now trying to find my place again and find my role and find my rhythm," said Rodman, who played 64 minutes Friday before being substituted.
"I'm trying to play the role as best I can and still be effective in a different way as I build back up into it," she added.
Friday's win was the Spirit's second of the season, the first this year at Audi Field, and moved the team up to third in the NWSL standings.
Information from ESPN's Jeff Kassouf and The Associated Press was used in this report.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Lionel Messi made an immediate impact for Inter Miami against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory that lifted the South Florida side into first place in Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference.
Messi returned to the lineup and scored less than two minutes after subbing into the match early in the second half. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner took a pass from Luis Suárez on the right side of the penalty box, made a quick move and sent a right-footed shot past two Philadelphia defenders into the net for a 2-0 Inter Miami lead.
It was Messi's second goal in three MLS matches this season.
Miami head coach Javier Mascherano said he wanted to ease Messi back to action, while avoiding the risk of further injury, after he missed two World Cup qualifiers for Argentina with an adductor injury.
"We wanted Leo to have minutes," Masherano said at a news conference. "The idea was to have him play for 30-35 minutes, with the added time he played more but he feels good.
"We didn't want to risk him by starting him because we thought we'd run a risk in doing that. Luckily he finished well, and that makes us very happy."
Messi also was dealing with an issue with his left thigh along with the adductor injury, which happened two weeks ago in an Inter Miami game against Atlanta. However, Miami did not play during the FIFA window so the only matches Messi missed were the World Cup qualifiers -- when Argentina, which Messi captained to the 2022 title, qualified for the 2026 tournament.
Messi came in Saturday in the 55th minute, and the goal came in the 57th. He's had at least one goal contribution in all three MLS matches in which he has appeared this season for Inter Miami, which is 4-0-1 in MLS play and 8-0-1 overall this season when adding in four victories in Concacaf Champions Cup matches.
Inter Miami jumped in front in the 23rd minute and took a 1-0 lead into half-time on a goal by Robert Taylor. Benjamin Cremaschi and Jordi Alba assisted on that goal.
Messi came on for Taylor and quickly stretched the lead to 2-0 with Suarez and Fafà Picault getting the assists.
Dániel Gazdag got the goal for Philadelphia (4-2-0) in the 80th minute, but Inter Miami held on from there.
Inter Miami will now prepare to face LAFC in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup series Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. Mascherano said he anticipates Messi will make the trip to Los Angeles if all goes well during upcoming training sessions.
"The plan is for him to recuperate and travel to Los Angeles. Today, the time that he played, he played because he was good," Mascherano said. "We didn't risk him.
"He wasn't for the full 90, but it did him well to play the 45 minutes including added time and if nothing weird happens, the plan is for him to travel."
The team previously defeated Cavalier FC in the round of 16 to reach the quarterfinals.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
What will Berta bring to Arsenal? What transfer moves does he need to make?
This article was first published on March 9 and has been updated.
Arsenal have announced that former Atlético Madrid sporting director Andrea Berta has joined the club, but who is he and what does he need to do right away?
The Gunners announced in November that Edu had resigned from his role as sporting director at the Emirates, with sources telling ESPN's James Olley that the Brazilian had been approached by Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis to lead their multiclub group with an offer that would include a considerably increased salary.
Berta, 53, was in talks to join AC Milan after leaving Atlético in December, but those discussions broke down, and has now replaced Edu. Sources said Arsenal had also shown interest in former Manchester United recruitment chief Dan Ashworth and Roberto Olabe, who will leave Real Sociedad at the end of the season.
Who is Andrea Berta?
Berta, who has been linked with a number of executive roles in the Premier League and his native Italy over the years, spent 12 years at Atlético, making him one of the longest-serving sporting directors at the elite level in European football.
During his time in Madrid, he struck up an extremely close relationship with CEO (and part owner) Miguel Angel Gil Marin and head coach Diego Simeone. While he has been shielded from the tumultuous process of replacing a head coach, by virtue of Simeone's 13-year tenure, he has to come to Simeone's defense whenever Atlético have suffered poor spells.
Berta conducts most of his work in private and doesn't appear excessively in the media, while any new signings are often brought in without much of a preceding public buildup (the signing of Chelsea's Conor Gallagher aside).
Though Atlético make the occasional move for an up-and-coming youngster -- such as Arthur Vermeeren for 18m in January 2024 (he made a permanent move to RB Leipzig a year later, after an initial loan) -- they tend to go for tried-and-tested players with a good work ethic, physicality and intensity, as that is the Simeone blueprint. -- Tor-Kristian Karlsen
Key skills
Berta has a lot of experience of completing complex deals at the top end of European football, with Gallagher's 42m move from Chelsea and Julián Álvarez's 75m transfer from Manchester City the two most recent examples.
A banker by trade, Berta has a lot of financial nous and that should come in handy when trying to navigate the Premier League's rules. -- Karlsen
Transfer focus
Best signings: Goalkeeper Jan Oblak moved to Atlético from Benfica for just 4m in 2014 and has gone on to become one of the best in the world.
Antoine Griezmann was allowed to join Barcelona for 120m, but Atlético re-signed him for around 20m and he has been the club's top scorer over the past two seasons.
Midfielder Rodri was snapped up from Villarreal for 25m in 2019 and played a single season before moving to Manchester City for around 70m, which is quite a decent profit. He went on to win the Ballon d'Or last year.
Worst signings: The 126m signing of Benfica forward João Félix (now at Chelsea, on loan at Milan) in 2019 shows that Berta doesn't always get it right.
Atlético spent over 60m to bring in France forward Thomas Lemar from Monaco but he has not lived up to that pricetag and has struggled with injury.
A 58m outlay to bring striker Álvaro Morata to the club permanently in 2020 saw him leave within the year for a two-year loan to Juventus, while Diego Costa's return in 2017 for over 55m was a mistake as the combative striker managed just 19 goals in five years. -- ESPN
Steve Nicol reflects on Arsenal's 1-0 win over Chelsea in the Premier League.
Priority tasks at Arsenal
Backup goalkeeper: Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will want a backup to David Raya, as Neto's loan from Bournemouth will expire at the end of the season. Reports have linked them with a 25m move for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García.
Central midfielder: The futures of Jorginho and Thomas Partey are up in the air as both players are out of contract at the end of the season. Sources have told ESPN that Arsenal have made a move to sign Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for around 60m, while they will battle Manchester City to sign teenage Norway midfielder Sverre Nypan from Rosenborg.
Striker: Long-term injuries to Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus showed how much Arsenal need another attacking player this season and, having kept their powder dry in January after a bid to sign Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins was rejected, they should sign one in the summer.
Berta brought Brazil forward Matheus Cunha to Atlético, and the Gunners are reported to be interested in him now he is at Wolves. However, sources said that the club's preferred target is RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, 21, and he could be allowed to leave for a fee of around 70m.
The Gunners have also long held an interest in Athletic Club forward Nico Williams, who has a release clause in the region of 60m, and have previously explored a move for Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic. But if Newcastle gave any indication they would let Alexander Isak go, Arsenal would be keen. -- James Olley
Arsenal have appointed Andrea Berta as their new sporting director, the club announced on Sunday.
Berta will take on the permanent role, replacing Edu Gasper who resigned in November and has been on a six-month period of gardening leave since.
"I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club," Berta said in a statement.
"I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that has gone in to reestablishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world.
"The club has great values and a rich history, and I am looking forward to playing my part in shaping a successful future with a great team.
"I cannot wait to get started in my new role and I am really looking forward to experiencing my first game at Emirates Stadium together with our supporters."
Edu's deputy Jason Ayto was the club's interim sporting director following his departure and was in contention for the permanent position.
Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth, ex-Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky and Roberto Olabe, who will leave Real Sociedad at the end of the season, were also considered for the role.
"Anyone who knows football knows Andrea is an impressive figure. He has vast knowledge of the game, a great track record, a strong network and an insatiable desire to build winning teams," Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke said.
"Andrea will be a great addition to our club. He understands our values and what we stand for and we have no doubt he will help us push on and take the next steps in our bid to win major trophies.
"We undertook a thorough recruitment process and we were hugely impressed with the level of all the other candidates, but it was Andrea's experience and the success he has enjoyed that stood out.
"We are really looking forward to working together and welcoming him into the Arsenal family."
Berta spent 12 years at Atlético Madrid and is credited with helping the club compete with Real Madrid and Barcelona at the top of LaLiga.
Under his watch, Atlético won two LaLiga titles, a Copa del Rey, a Europa League title and a UEFA Super Cup.
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