As play began on the day after the NHL trade deadline, the New York Islanders were four points behind the Ottawa Senators, who were in possession of the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. There were also four teams between the Isles and Sens.

Fast-forward to Wednesday, and the gap between the Islanders and another playoff berth is just one point. Can they pull this off?

The first team standing in their way is the Vancouver Canucks, who visit UBS Arena on Wednesday night (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+). The Canucks are fighting for their own playoff berth, trying to catch a resurgent St. Louis Blues team that has caught fire since the deadline. So this game will be no gimme for the hosts.

From then on, things get more difficult: The next five games are against playoff-bound teams -- the Tampa Bay Lightning (twice!), Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota Wild and Washington Capitals. They get a one-game respite against the Nashville Predators, then close out with Metro Division foes -- the New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, New Jersey Devils, Capitals again and Columbus Blue Jackets -- who will be in no mood to do the Isles any favors.

The road will be tough, but many have counted this team out before at their own peril. The Stathletes projections give the Isles a 24.3% chance of proving the doubters wrong again.

There is less than a month left until April 17, the final day of the regular season, 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 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. WC1 Ottawa Senators
A2 Florida Panthers vs. A3 Tampa Bay Lightning
M1 Washington Capitals vs. WC2 Montreal Canadiens
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

Wednesday's games

Note: All times ET. All games not on TNT or NHL Network are available to stream on ESPN+ (local blackout restrictions apply).

Vancouver Canucks at New York Islanders, 7:30 p.m.
New Jersey Devils at Chicago Blackhawks, 7:30 p.m. (TNT)
Dallas Stars at Edmonton Oilers, 10 p.m. (TNT)
Boston Bruins at Anaheim Ducks, 10 p.m.

Tuesday's scoreboard

Buffalo Sabres 3, Ottawa Senators 2
Toronto Maple Leafs 7, Philadelphia Flyers 2
Tampa Bay Lightning 6, Pittsburgh Penguins 1
Nashville Predators 3, Carolina Hurricanes 1
St. Louis Blues 6, Montreal Canadiens 1
Vegas Golden Knights 5, Minnesota Wild 1
Winnipeg Jets 3, Washington Capitals 2 (OT)
Colorado Avalanche 5, Detroit Red Wings 2
Calgary Flames 4, Seattle Kraken 3 (OT)
Los Angeles Kings 3, New York Rangers 1

Expanded standings

Atlantic Division

Toronto Maple Leafs

Points: 89
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: A1
Games left: 11
Points pace: 102.8
Next game: @ SJ (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Florida Panthers

Points: 89
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: A2
Games left: 11
Points pace: 102.8
Next game: vs. UTA (Friday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Tampa Bay Lightning

Points: 87
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: A3
Games left: 11
Points pace: 100.5
Next game: vs. UTA (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Ottawa Senators

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 12
Points pace: 92.5
Next game: @ DET (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 97.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Montreal Canadiens

Points: 75
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 12
Points pace: 87.9
Next game: @ PHI (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 38.6%
Tragic number: N/A

Detroit Red Wings

Points: 72
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 83.2
Next game: vs. OTT (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 3.4%
Tragic number: 20

Boston Bruins

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 78.6
Next game: @ ANA (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 0.2%
Tragic number: 15

Buffalo Sabres

Points: 64
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 12
Points pace: 75.0
Next game: vs. MTL (Thursday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 14

Metro Division

x - Washington Capitals

Points: 103
Regulation wins: 40
Playoff position: M1
Games left: 11
Points pace: 119.0
Next game: @ MIN (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Carolina Hurricanes

Points: 90
Regulation wins: 38
Playoff position: M2
Games left: 11
Points pace: 103.9
Next game: vs. MTL (Friday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

New Jersey Devils

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: M3
Games left: 10
Points pace: 92.3
Next game: @ CHI (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 96.4%
Tragic number: N/A

New York Islanders

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 12
Points pace: 86.7
Next game: vs. VAN (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 30.9%
Tragic number: 24

New York Rangers

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 84.3
Next game: @ ANA (Friday)
Playoff chances: 16.4%
Tragic number: 20

Columbus Blue Jackets

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 12
Points pace: 85.5
Next game: vs. VAN (Friday)
Playoff chances: 16.2%
Tragic number: 23

Pittsburgh Penguins

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 77.5
Next game: @ BUF (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 13

Philadelphia Flyers

Points: 65
Regulation wins: 17
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 73.0
Next game: vs. MTL (Thursday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 9

Central Division

x - Winnipeg Jets

Points: 102
Regulation wins: 38
Playoff position: C1
Games left: 10
Points pace: 116.2
Next game: vs. NJ (Friday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Dallas Stars

Points: 94
Regulation wins: 36
Playoff position: C2
Games left: 12
Points pace: 110.1
Next game: @ EDM (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Colorado Avalanche

Points: 91
Regulation wins: 37
Playoff position: C3
Games left: 10
Points pace: 103.6
Next game: vs. LA (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Minnesota Wild

Points: 85
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 10
Points pace: 96.8
Next game: vs. WSH (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 91.4%
Tragic number: N/A

St. Louis Blues

Points: 83
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 9
Points pace: 93.2
Next game: @ NSH (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 81.5%
Tragic number: N/A

Utah Hockey Club

Points: 75
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 86.6
Next game: @ TB (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 4.1%
Tragic number: 15

Nashville Predators

Points: 62
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 71.6
Next game: vs. STL (Thursday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 2

e - Chicago Blackhawks

Points: 51
Regulation wins: 18
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 58.9
Next game: vs. NJ (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

Pacific Division

Vegas Golden Knights

Points: 94
Regulation wins: 40
Playoff position: P1
Games left: 11
Points pace: 108.6
Next game: @ CHI (Friday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Los Angeles Kings

Points: 89
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: P3
Games left: 12
Points pace: 104.3
Next game: @ COL (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Edmonton Oilers

Points: 87
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff position: P2
Games left: 12
Points pace: 101.9
Next game: vs. DAL (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 99.0%
Tragic number: N/A

Calgary Flames

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 12
Points pace: 92.5
Next game: vs. DAL (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 18.1%
Tragic number: 21

Vancouver Canucks

Points: 78
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 90.1
Next game: @ NYI (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 5.9%
Tragic number: 18

Anaheim Ducks

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 22
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 12
Points pace: 79.7
Next game: vs. BOS (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 10

Seattle Kraken

Points: 66
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 75.2
Next game: vs. EDM (Thursday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 4

e - San Jose Sharks

Points: 47
Regulation wins: 14
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 12
Points pace: 55.1
Next game: vs. TOR (Thursday)
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: 47
Regulation wins: 14

2. Chicago Blackhawks

Points: 51
Regulation wins: 18

3. Nashville Predators

Points: 62
Regulation wins: 23

4. Buffalo Sabres

Points: 64
Regulation wins: 23

5. Philadelphia Flyers

Points: 65
Regulation wins: 17

6. Seattle Kraken

Points: 66
Regulation wins: 24

7. Anaheim Ducks

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 22

8. Pittsburgh Penguins

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 20

9. Boston Bruins

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 23

10. Detroit Red Wings

Points: 72
Regulation wins: 25

11. Columbus Blue Jackets

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 23

12. New York Rangers

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 31

13. New York Islanders

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 25

14. Utah Hockey Club

Points: 75
Regulation wins: 24

15. Vancouver Canucks

Points: 78
Regulation wins: 25

16. Calgary Flames

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 26

Five months after a disastrous rollout of their initial branding, officials from Boston's 2026 National Women's Soccer League expansion team unveiled "Boston Legacy Football Club" as the new name of the franchise.

A crest and wordmark will be announced in the coming months, the team said.

The team, which was granted an expansion franchise by the NWSL two years ago, had unveiled the name "BOS Nation FC" and announced itself using a tongue-in-cheek marketing campaign called "Too Many Balls" -- a pun about there not being enough women's professional sports in Boston -- last October.

A widespread pushback quickly followed, and the team removed most of the marketing campaign assets within about 24 hours.

"BOS Nation" was an anagram for the word "Bostonian," the club said in its explanations of the previous name.

Earlier this month, the franchise's majority owner, Jennifer Epstein, confirmed that the team's name would be officially changed following "honest and critical feedback" from supporters, ending months of speculation around the branding.

The new Boston Legacy FC name is meant to acknowledge both the city's long history and "its importance as a hub of future innovation," the club said in a news release.

The team also said that it went through a "quantitative analysis process" of fan feedback to come up with the name. A survey of 1,500 fans and brand professionals led to over 500 name suggestions before a shortlist of 14 names was created.

"Many names -- some popular -- were unavailable for legal or trademark reasons, while others missed the majority of our guiding criteria," the team said on its website this week.

Among the team's criteria were that the new name "require no explanation" -- as BOS Nation being an anagram did -- and could withstand the test of time. The team also said it sought to "steer clear of colonial, Revolutionary War, and nautical themes," which are popular among New England sports teams.

The Boston Breakers name and branding were used in all three iterations of women's professional soccer leagues in the United States.

The Breakers were won of the founding teams of the NWSL, which kicked off in 2013, before folding after the 2017 season amid financial troubles.

"Our name is just the beginning," Epstein said in a statement. "It's what we build together, through dedication, commitment, and grit, that will give it life.

"We aim for our values to reflect a city that breathes competition, passion, and pride, and to pay tribute to those who paved the way before us, including the gamechangers who helped build previous women's professional teams in Boston.

"We are also focused on the future, for the next generation of players and fans who will carry forward what we build today." Boston's forthcoming NWSL franchise has faced setbacks beyond branding.

The team's plan to renovate the dilapidated White Stadium and share it as a home venue with Boston Public Schools sports teams has drawn intense scrutiny from locals and become a polarizing issue in Boston's upcoming mayoral race.

Last week, the team began its defense in a trial seeking to halt plans for the stadium on the grounds that the plan privatizes public land. A decision in the case could be made in the coming days after a brief trial last week, and after the team won significant pre-trial motions.

Construction costs for the stadium project have roughly doubled from the initial estimates proposed in 2023. Demolition began at the site about a month ago.

Boston Legacy FC will begin play next year alongside a Denver expansion team that is yet to be named, which will bring the NWSL to 16 teams.

Denver recently launched a public team-naming process, allowing fans to help choose from a shortlist of six names.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) will discuss the future of Brazil coach Dorival Junior at a meeting on Friday, sources told ESPN Brasil.

Brazil's 4-1 defeat to Argentina in the 2026 World Cup qualifying on Thursday has triggered a swift reaction from CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues.

While review meetings between Dorival and the CBF after FIFA international windows are routine, the dismal performance in Buenos Aires has prompted Rodrigues to expedite a face-to-face encounter with the coaching staff, sources said

According to sources close to Dorival, the coach has not yet been informed of any urgency regarding his future or the possibility of his departure.

Within the CBF, several names are being discussed as potential replacements. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, who was previously pursued by Brazil for the coaching position, along with Flamengo's Filipe Luis and Jorge Jesus, currently in charge of Al Hilal, are considered the leading candidates, sources added.

Dorival only took over in January 2024, replacing Fernando Diniz after Brazil's poor start to World Cup qualifying. However, Dorival, who left Sao Paulo to take the role, has struggled to revive the fortunes of the record five-time World Cup winners.

Brazil crashed out of last summer's Copa America at the quarterfinal stage to Uruguay. Following Tuesday's heavy defeat to archrival Argentina, Brazil sit fourth in the South American World Cup qualifying standings.

The top six teams will qualify automatically for the 2026 competition in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

"There's always a lot of pressure, but I never run away from my responsibilities," Dorival told reporters after the loss to Argentina. "I'm aware of what this loss means and everything that's been going on.

"I really believe in my work, in the development of this process. It's a complicated and difficult process, but I have no doubt that we'll find a way out.

"In all my years in football, this is perhaps the most delicate moment for me. But I've never given up."

Last summer's Copa America is not a tournament that will be fondly remembered by either the United States or Mexico.

Neither team made it out of the group stage, and both federations fired the men tasked with leading those squads -- managers Gregg Berhalter and Jaime Lozano -- within six days of one another.

In their places arrived Mauricio Pochettino and Javier Aguirre, respectively, to rejuvenate the regional powers ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup that they will co-host along with Canada.

Pochettino, with a glittering managerial résumé that includes spells in charge of Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, was billed as the man-management savant who would unlock the potential of this golden generation of American players. Mexico's appointment of Aguirre, for his third tour in charge of El Tri, sorely lacked the imagination and the boldness of the recruitment of the new coach to the north.

And yet, in the months since, that's not how things have played out. The U.S. has five wins and three losses under Pochettino, including this month's Concacaf Nations League semifinal and third-place defeats to Panama and Canada, while Aguirre's Mexico is 5-1-1, culminating in a Nations League title Sunday.

So what has worked, and hasn't, for each of these managers? ESPN's Jeff Carlisle and Omar Flores Aldana detail the divergent fortunes of Pochettino and Aguirre.

Pochettino's culture problem

When Pochettino was hired as manager of the USMNT in September, the Argentine was faced with numerous issues that needed addressing. There were questions of personnel, playing style and tactics, as well as restoring confidence in a side that had been humiliated at the 2024 Copa America, when it exited the tournament without getting out of the group stage.

But since that sunny day in New York -- and especially in the wake of the U.S.'s dismal showing in the just-concluded Nations League -- one issue has emerged above all others: the team has a culture problem.

Granted, "culture" is a word that gets tossed around a bit, especially when things aren't going well. It also means different things to different people. But loosely translated, it means having the discipline, focus and desire to do the little things that are often the difference between winning and losing.

Following Sunday's 2-1 loss to Canada -- the second consecutive defeat to the Reds on home soil, something that had never happened before -- midfielder Tyler Adams provided some additional insight.

"I think we need to have every single person buy into exactly what we're doing and what we're trying to do, but it's just the little things for me: duels, tackles, leaving your mark on the field, not being naive in certain moments, being a little bit more clever," he said. "All the details of the games that I feel like when I watch people play with their clubs, we do. And then when we come here, sometimes I think we forget a little bit what the games are going to give us."

Pochettino seemed to sense this from the moment he took the job. Even back in September, he spoke often of competing, as if it were something that the U.S. needed to improve upon. That assessment was reinforced in the CNL finals, although the U.S. did a better job of competing against Canada. According to TruMedia, the U.S. won 78% of its tackles.

The last two sentences of Adams' quote are especially damning, though. This isn't about players being unable to do what Pochettino wants; it's about carrying over the same level of urgency that is displayed at club level. And if players aren't buying in, as Adams suggests, then Pochettino needs to look for alternatives.

At minimum, it points to some resistance to what Pochettino is demanding. It's worth remembering that Pochettino has been in charge for only six months, amounting to four windows, one of which was purely for up-and-coming prospects. But the proximity of the World Cup has added an increased sense of tension to every training camp, every match, every misplaced touch and shanked pass. That will increase when the team reconvenes in late May ahead of the Concacaf Gold Cup.

At the moment, more players are shrinking from the moment rather than meeting it. That tournament now represents a critical opportunity for Pochettino to further imprint his philosophy on the players, while also determining which performers are willing to buy in. He'll be with the team for more than a month, giving him the kind of extended, day-to-day interaction that he was used to having when he was a manager at club level.

So what does Pochettino do? He can look at different players, as well as demand more from the ones he already has.

"Pochettino needs to be harder," as former U.S. midfielder Tab Ramos put it.

Pochettino will likely do so without Borussia Dortmund midfielder Giovanni Reyna and the Juventus duo of Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah, who will all be participating with their respective clubs at the FIFA Club World Cup. There may be some benefit in their absences, though.

The core players of the U.S. team that established itself during the 2022 cycle has been given immense deference this cycle -- under two different managers -- regardless of whether their performances for club or country warranted it. Put simply, the team needs more from its best players.

Now Pochettino will have some freedom to look elsewhere and continue a process that began Sunday, in which he gave up-and-comers like Patrick Agyemang and Diego Luna an opportunity to shine. Some fringe players excelling for their clubs, like Club America's Alejandro Zendejas, should get a look as well.

Given that Pochettino and Aguirre took charge of their respective teams at around the same time, there's an impulse to compare where the two rivals are, especially in light of Mexico's triumph in the CNL. Aguirre had the advantage of taking over a Mexico side that had hit rock bottom, though, while the U.S. wasn't quite there yet.

It's certainly getting closer to that point. -- Carlisle

Javier Aguirre is on a mission: save Mexico

Mexico's MVP right now has to be Aguirre. He avoided the hype before the Concacaf Nations League, saying that inside the Mexican Soccer Federation they "haven't talked about winning." Yet a few days later, he returned home from the U.S. with a trophy Mexico had never won before.

A culture of effort and discipline is Aguirre's guiding mantra as a manager. The man they call "Vasco" announced before the tournament that the Nations League was a drill to design his team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

He did note the incentive for El Tri to end the U.S. dominance in the continental competition, though that motivation was more for marketing purposes and to pack SoFi Stadium with fans rather than additional fuel for his players. Inside the locker room, Aguirre was crystal clear: Everyone must fight for a place in the starting team, no exceptions.

He told that to everyone from Guillermo Ochoa (not called up for these games) to Alexis Vega, who had a couple of games to show he can be the clutch player Mexico needs.

Raul Jimenez was the first player to earn his place on the field. The Fulham striker scored a couple of goals against Canada and then repeated the feat against Panama to lead Mexico to glory. However, goals were not the only highlights for the former Wolves striker, who emerged as the leader of a team that still has many flaws to fix.

"It's unfair saying that we only won because of guts," Aguirre said after the celebrations ended in Inglewood on Sunday night. At the same time, he recognizes there is space to improve, like figuring out a better connection between his midfielders and forwards, and finding an additional attacking threat from the wings.

There's no question Jimenez is, right now, the best player on the team. Aguirre says he has "four or five players" who would form El Tri's base for the 2026 World Cup. They might be Jimenez alongside central defenders Johan Vasquez and Cesar Montes, plus goalkeeper Luis Angel Malagon.

Having missed the chance to battle the U.S. in the final, Mexico won a tournament it had lost three times previously. Aguirre came back with gold, and in doing so established himself as a key piece in building a team that was eliminated in the 2024 Copa America group stage and is now a threat this summer.

The next testing ground for this team: the Gold Cup. Don't bet against Aguirre there, either. -- Flores Aldana

The 2026 men's World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada kicks off in 442 days on June 11, 2026. It may seem a lot of days remaining but trust me, time goes fast and before you know it, the largest and most ambitious World Cup in history will kick off in Mexico City.

As a result, here's a special Onside/Offside where I give my top 11 contenders and assess who's right on track for a deep run in the tournament and who's currently in need of more work. As a bonus, I also break down the current state of the host nations.

Welcome to Onside/Offside: a World Cup contenders special edition!

THE TOP CONTENDERS

ONSIDE: Spain

It's simple, really: Spain truly are the real deal, and in my humble opinion, they're the current favorites to win next summer's World Cup. Since their Euro 2024 victory against England last summer, La Roja haven't lost a game, and scarily for everyone else, they continue to evolve.

The wins haven't always been perfect, but that's the thing about Luis de la Fuente's Spain, and what makes them different from other Spanish sides in the past: it's not perfection or tiki-taka aesthetics that matter. All they care about is getting the job done, and that's what you saw in this window against the Netherlands, where two fantastic matches saw them win on penalties to book their a place in June's UEFA Nations League semifinals. They are also versatile in their system, meaning that they are quite happy and comfortable changing ideas mid-game.

And here's the other component that is so unique: Due to the drop in average age (from 27 at the Euros to 25 in 2025) they have this air of unapologetic swagger. For example, when former Dutch international Rafael van der Vaart criticized Lamine Yamal for his attitude and for wearing his shorts too low during the first leg of their game with the Dutch, the 17-year-old star posted a gallery on his Instagram account celebrating the victory with the caption: "Shorts down, a goal, a missed penalty and INTO THE SEMIFINAL, COME ON SPAIN!"

My point is less about Yamal's response on social media and more about the fact that this Spanish side is young, hungry and confident, and they could care less what you think of them.

Oh, and just wait until Rodri returns.

ONSIDE: England

The Thomas Tuchel era has just begun, so it's difficult to place the Three Lions in either category because there are still many questions left unanswered. Their first two matches under the German manager were wins against Albania and Latvia -- with all due respect to these European nations, it wasn't exactly a challenging window, but I'll place England in the Onside category for two reasons.

First, this is an insanely talented squad -- perhaps the most talented in recent years when you also consider the overwhelming depth and the fact that some of the younger members still have one more season to get even better. From Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly (who became the youngest player in history to score on his senior England debut with his goal against Albania) to Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, there is no shortage of legitimate quality.

Second, I like the Tuchel appointment because he is a pragmatist. He doesn't romanticize a particular style of play, but rather focuses on building an environment that appeals to his squad. He wants to instill a club-focused mentality where the fast-paced aggression of the English game is implemented. It's not about pretty patterns or possession, but rather entering the box, recovering the ball and finding different ways to threaten the opponent.

"The Premier League is a very physical league, a very direct league. We should be proud enough of the culture and the style of English football and the English league to implement this," Tuchel said in his first news conference as manager. "We have to increase the intensity in our games. I want to have more touches in the opponent's box. I want to have more ball recoveries in the opponent's half."

You saw some of those things in this window, but again, it's too early to tell. However, I do believe this philosophy is what's necessary for England to actually win major competitions.

ONSIDE: France

When it comes to going deep in a competition, I never worry about France. Ever. Even if they looked terrible right before the tournament, it wouldn't mean anything to me because their talent and mental foundation is made of alloy steel. As my colleague Julien Laurens puts it: the habit of winning is strong throughout the squad. An opponent's momentum to France doesn't exist, because it's all about what they do.

So, as Didier Deschamps prepares for the World Cup and his final hurrah as manager -- we reported back in January that he was stepping down following that competition -- I am sure this team will be more than motivated to give him a good send-off next summer.

What intrigues me about France is that when it comes to goals, there is currently little reliance on Kylian Mbappé, who hasn't scored in his past seven appearances for the national team. He remains very much involved in all that's good for France, but it's not just about him anymore. From Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise, their offensive firepower is scary.

Elsewhere in the squad, there is no shortage of energy, and Mike Maignan is one of the best goalkeepers in the game. So, yeah. France? Not worried at all.

I think if anything, this is more about Deschamps and his managerial expertise because sometimes, he overplays his hand with team selection and strategy. There's no need to get cute here, Didi: Just play the hits, and everything else will follow.

ONSIDE: Morocco

Let me tell you something. Morocco's historic run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semifinals, was no fluke, and it's also something that should be noted for 2026.

After losing in disappointing fashion to South Africa in the round of 16 of AFCON in 2023, Walid Regragui's team pressed the reset button and have been on a mission ever since to elevate their game. They are perfect in World Cup qualifiers -- the latest victory being a 2-0 win over Tanzania -- has the Atlas Lions looking good for another spot at next year's tournament.

In four of their past six games in all competitions, they have scored at least four goals and conceded only twice. We already know about their depth, which includes Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Azzedine Ounahi and Youssef En-Nesyri, but last year, another member entered the frame when Real Madrid's Brahim Díaz switched allegiance from Spain to Morocco (his father is Moroccan), and the rewards have been great as the winger/attacker has eight goals since joining.

To me, however, this is about Regragui, who is a tremendous manager. Under him, who's to say the Atlas Lions can't roar at the World Cup once again?

ONSIDE: Netherlands

I'll make this one brief, but not without value. The Netherlands, who have never won the World Cup (but have gone to three finals), are so close to being a legitimate contender.

The first few years under Ronald Koeman were not great, and despite earning a semifinal place at last summer's Euros, he remains somewhat of an unpopular figure with the fanbase, mainly because he is extremely stubborn. But this recent loss to Spain in the Nations League was some of the best football I have seen them play, and it's because Koeman was forced to experiment due to injuries.

There is so much talent in this squad, and it is capable of causing damage in 2026, but they need a reliable striker. If they can find that next season, they will make some noise. That's why I have you in the Onside column, Oranje. I believe you can find that No. 9.

ONSIDE: Argentina

Alongside Spain, the defending champions are favorites to win the World Cup as Lionel Scaloni's side -- the first CONMEBOL nation to qualify for 2026 in this international window -- is more complete than ever before. They have a tremendous chance to defend their title and at this point, it's actually scary to say that they keep getting better.

Argentina are a machine, completely in sync where every single member of the squad knows their role. They're the football version of a fraternity where everyone one fights for each other. They have confidence, style and one single objective: to win.

Have you noticed something else here? I went a whole paragraph without even mentioning Lionel Messi and that's the truly terrifying part for anyone who comes their way. Argentina are great with and without Messi as that's something they have had to adjust to in the last few months due to their captain's absence as a result of injury and muscle fatigue.

Their latest victims were Brazil, who were destroyed 4-1 on Tuesday night at Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires. The swagger was so evident, I mean -- Emiliano Martínez started juggling in the middle of the game, for crying out loud!

So there's not much to say about Argentina aside from the fact that with qualification sorted, Scaloni can now continue to build and strengthen this already impressive roster. Messi or not, whoever is in their group better watch out.

OFFSIDE: Brazil

To be perfectly honest, I know what you're all thinking, and yes, I was very close to omitting them from this list because there are other South American contenders -- Colombia, Uruguay, Ecuador and even Paraguay -- more worthy than the Seleção right now. We have also seen this demise for the last two years, and I even warned you about it.

After Tuesday's embarrassing loss to Argentina, Vinicius Jr. said they have to "rethink everything." Matheus Cunha talked about a "collective problem," while fans and critics continue to pressure the need for Dorival Junior's resignation. He himself called it the most "delicate moment of his career," but he has no doubt that they will find a way.

Here's what I think. Brazil, the five-time World Cup champions, have been here before. In 1966, when England won, the Brazilians were terrible, unable to compete with the physicality of the tournament and eliminated in the first round for the first time since 1934. But there was talent. So in the following four years, they transformed into what is known as the greatest World Cup squad in history. Between 1974 and 1990, Brazil also went through a dry spell as big as the grand canyon, with zero World Cups/Olympic gold medals and only one Copa America (1989) title.

Now, my point here is that this Brazilian side remains insanely talented, and despite the issues, they will qualify for the World Cup and still think that they have the DNA components to turn it around because -- well, their résumé speaks for itself. But they have to do three things: bring back their resilience and joy (both on and off the pitch), find a way to reenergize Neymar Jr. as a leader, and finally, replace Dorival Junior. He's a very nice man and a good manager, but to make these Brazilians into champions, you need someone who can reinvigorate their confidence and ignite the fire.

They need charisma and leadership. I think you all know who I am talking about.

ONSIDE: Japan

I don't know about you, but I have a furtive feeling that we're going to see some very surprising contenders in 2026. Conservative wisdom often pressures us to pick European teams in this category, but I think this expanded 48-team field, the new format and the fact that it's being played across three nations in North America is going to throw a major curveball to many nations. I also think that the way international teams play these days rely so much more on being more direct and smarter without the ball. Commitment, therefore, is more important than philosophy.

May I present to you: Japan.

Back in Qatar, the Samurai Blue earned historic wins against Germany and Spain in Group E and were so close to reaching the quarterfinals before losing to Croatia on penalties in the round of 16. Since then, their project has continued under the same strategy: fast, fluid, physical, relentless football under Hajime Moriyasu. Now, thanks to their undefeated run in qualifying, they became the first team to earn a place for next summer. But they have way bigger aspirations as the federation officially announced its intent to win the World Cup by 2050, hopefully sooner.

"Now that we know we're going to the World Cup, from today, we have to use this time to do whatever we need so that we can become champions of the World Cup," said captain and Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endǒ earlier this week.

It may seem like a far-fetched dream as they've never gone beyond the round of 16 and winning it is obviously a big ask, but as I said at the start, next summer could offer more than one shocking story in the knockout stages, and there's no reason why a determined, very talented Japan couldn't cause some noise.

OFFSIDE: Germany

Okay, Deutschland. Just know that despite the obvious talent, attractive style and your safe passage to this summer's Nations League semifinals, you are in the Offside column for one main reason, which remains by biggest question mark under Julian Nagelsmann: Germany are a sprinter, not a marathon runner. What do I mean by that? Well, at the beginning they're almost unstoppable, but the deeper they go into a competition, the more vulnerable they become. Back in the day, it used to be the other way around.

I use the same metaphor in the scope of 90 minutes, as we saw in this window when Die Mannschaft overcame Italy (which included a bizarre goal from a corner where Italy fell asleep) in the aforementioned Nations League, but not without some major defensive mishaps of their own. Nagelsmann loves to play in a fluid, passing style with a high press and when things are clicking, it's great to watch. But because there is no real attention given to protecting the midfield, his team almost always finds itself in precarious situations upon losing the ball in the final third. It's literally what happened against the Italians in the second leg at Dortmund.

If that can be solved, then I think they're on course for an intriguing World Cup, but this is Germany we're talking about, the four-time World Cup champion. They're not looking for an intriguing World Cup: they want to win it. At this point, I don't see it happening unless some of the mentioned issues are resolved.

OFFSIDE: Portugal

This is a tricky one to decipher because Portugal's qualification and path to glory partly depends on what Roberto Martínez decides to do with Cristiano Ronaldo -- or rather, what Cristiano Ronaldo decides to do with Portugal, because let's face it, the only one who will determine a place in Portugal's lineup is the 40-year-old star.

There's no denying that the impact of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner and the all-time scorer in international football is colossal within Portugal's line-up because for better or worse, he demands so much attention. However I think this can be a problem because when you look at the rest of the squad -- and combine it with Martínez's pragmatic approach -- Portugal is at its best when there is no specific target man. With Ronaldo on the field, the fluidity often disappears.

They ended up winning against Denmark to make it into the Nations League semifinals, but the first leg when they lost 1-0? That was one of the worst performances I have ever seen from them. This inconsistency is partly down to the fact that they still have Ronaldo in the starting line-up, but next summer -- if they indeed make it -- his role needs to be seriously revised.

I'll finish this in the same manner as I started: this decision is only down to Ronaldo so Portugal's fate, therefore, is largely dependent on what he wants.

OFFSIDE: Belgium

Since the departure of Martínez after failing to escape the group stage in 2022, the Red Devils have been going through a major identity crisis. They just simply don't know who they are right now.

Domenico Tedesco's side lost to France in the Round of 16 in last summer's Euros and after an underwhelming start in the Nations League last year, Tedesco was gone in January. Shortly after, Rudy Garcia came in and much like Tuchel and England, these are early days still when it comes to figuring out what he can do with this team.

Unlike the Three Lions, there isn't a sea of young, dynamic talent in every position at Garcia's disposal. Romelu Lukaku remains one of the most lethal strikers in international football, but he will be 33 when the World Cup starts. Kevin De Bruyne will be 35 and perhaps not even playing in Europe by then. They have other key players, of course, such as Jérémy Doku, Youri Tielemans and Leandro Trossard, and they have younger stars such as RB Leipzig's Loïs Openda and Club Brugge's Maxim De Cuyper, who is the summer target of many major teams in Europe.

They have to be in the conversation whenever we talk about World Cup contenders. But can they resuscitate the hopes that were never achieved by the golden generation?

Doubtful.

HEAT CHECK FOR THE WORLD CUP HOSTS

OFFSIDE: United States

As my colleague Jeff Carlisle put it after this disastrous Nations League campaign, USMNT fans have every right to worry. They should thank Gianni Infantino for being named co-hosts so they didn't have to qualify: If I'm being honest, even in a 48-team competition and with an expanded qualifying pool, I feel that right now, the U.S. might have struggled to seal a place.

Mauricio Pochettino has a lot of work to do because at this point, out of the three hosts, the United States are the least likely to progress out of their group. I don't even need to know who else is in at this point; all I know is that this team needs drastic improvements. The "home" advantage also proved to be a mirage in this window as the USMNT opened the Nations League to an almost-empty SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

It's not that soccer isn't popular in the country. Of course it is. It's massive and continues to grow. But the support for the USMNT? That's different, and it's up to the federation to be more strategic about the situation.

The reason why I bring up the lack of support -- as shown by the mostly empty SoFi Stadium for Sunday's third-place game, a space that quickly filled up for Mexico vs. Panama in the Concacaf Nations League final -- is because the USMNT needs the fans' energy. They are a team who shine from that support.

From a tactical perspective, Pochettino has to make them more relentless and have them fighting for everything, so goals can occur through their counterattacking resiliency. You don't need superstars -- just a collective will to score in a more direct approach. They need to be the international version of this season's Nottingham Forest.

With just over 14 months left until the World Cup, the USMNT has a lot to do.

ONSIDE: Mexico

As a complete contrast, Mexico are finally feeling good. Thanks to Javier Aguirre (his third stint as manager), El Tri won their first ever Nations League title with two strong victories over Canada and Panama. Amid a noise of Mexican criticism and exaggeration that often causes the national team to underperform, Aguirre has simplified everything.

For Sunday's final, he had an old-school 4-4-2 system where Santiago Gimenez and Raúl Jiménez complemented each other upfront -- the former scoring all of Mexico's goals in the tournament, including both in the final -- backed by an experienced midfield that included West Ham's Edson Álvarez and Luis Romo, who recently moved to Chivas. Together they make up for more than 160 appearances for the national team.

This type of experience represents Aguirre's ultimate message: "In an official match, the great obligation we have is to make the Mexican player see that they have that obligation to run, to fight for their jersey, for their country, and to make their people proud," said the manager prior to the final.

Time will tell if they can continue to succeed this summer at the Gold Cup, or against tougher opponents at the World Cup. The overall objective is to reach and indeed go beyond the quinto partido (fifth match), something they've never done. The last time they made it to the quarterfinal stages was in 1986, where they lost to West Germany on penalties.

Just like next summer, that was a World Cup they hosted so maybe, just maybe, with the crowd overwhelmingly behind them -- whether it's Mexico City, Guadalajara or anywhere in the U.S., Mexico could finally go beyond el quinto partido.

ONSIDE: Canada

In this international window, Canada earned third place in the Nations League with a win over the USMNT -- that's two straight wins over the U.S. for the first time since 1985 -- but overall, I am a fan of their progress under Jesse Marsch. At last summer's Copa América, they reached a historic semifinal in their first-ever appearance before losing to eventual champions Argentina.

This is a vibrant, young, talented and willing Canadian team, and as long as they continue to evolve and develop -- and remain healthy -- I think Canada can surprise a few people in 2026.

Georgia wide receiver Nitro Tuggle was driving 107 mph before he was stopped and arrested by police on March 19, according to an Athens-Clarke County Police Department incident report.

Tuggle, a sophomore from Goshen, Indiana, was clocked driving 42 mph over the speed limit on the Georgia State Route 10 Loop outside Athens. He was driving a 2021 Dodge Charger and his girlfriend was in the car, according to the report.

The arrest report indicated there were other motorists on the highway and that Tuggle stopped his vehicle in the right lane, rather than the shoulder, when police pulled him over.

"I instructed Tuggle to exit the vehicle, at which point he nearly exited without placing the vehicle in park," the report said. "Due to his reckless disregard for the safety of others -- including himself, his passenger, other motorists, and myself -- by operating the vehicle at a speed 42 mph over the limit and exceeding triple-digit speeds, I placed him under arrest."

Tuggle was charged with misdemeanor reckless driving and speeding.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart suspended Tuggle and freshman offensive lineman Marques Easley from the team indefinitely on March 20.

Easley, from Peoria, Illinois, was arrested in Oconee County (Georgia) on March 17 after wrecking his Dodge Charger into a power distribution box in an apartment complex and causing damage to other cars.

On Tuesday, Smart called the team's latest traffic arrests "disappointing."

"You know, both of them are younger players and have made crucial mistakes," Smart told reporters. "As far as the process we followed, it's not been several months. You know, it's been several years in terms of defensive driving courses, having players ride and learn how to drive, just like my two kids did, with a driver's service."

A wreck killed a Georgia football player and a recruiting staffer in January 2023, hours after the Bulldogs celebrated their second straight national championship in a ceremony at Sanford Stadium. Offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy were killed in the wreck that occurred while LeCroy and defensive tackle Jalen Carter were racing.

"[Athletic director] Josh Brooks has done a tremendous job meeting with every player, and we've had several speakers come in, and we continue to educate," Smart said. "We're not going to stop at that. You know, it's very unfortunate that, you know, one of those young men got his driver's license within one month of that happening at 18 or 19 years old, and it's amazing how many kids come to school now without a driver's license.

"So, it's no excuse, but one of those things we will continue to educate and discipline our guys to try to correct it."

NEWARK, N.J. -- Duke's Maliq Brown, out since the ACC tournament with a shoulder injury, is a "maybe" for the Blue Devils' Sweet 16 game against Arizona on Thursday.

Coach Jon Scheyer said Wednesday "there's a chance he could be available tomorrow night," calling Brown a game-time decision for the East Regional semifinal.

Brown hasn't played in two weeks since he left the first half of Duke's ACC tournament quarterfinal game against Georgia Tech. He also missed games this season with toe and knee injuries.

Brown averaged 2.7 points and 4.1 rebounds this season for top-seeded Duke. The 6-foot-9 junior forward has defensive value going far beyond his modest stats because of his ability to move his feet, switch screens, defend multiple positions and use his length to create deflections.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Russell Wilson is coming to the New York Giants with the expectation that he will be the starting quarterback. It's no different than the approach he has taken every year of his illustrious career, which includes a Super Bowl victory and multiple Pro Bowls.

Wilson officially signed with the Giants on Wednesday, less than a week after the team added veteran quarterback Jameis Winston as a free agent. New York also re-signed Tommy DeVito earlier this offseason.

None of that has altered Wilson's mentality.

"Yeah, I expect to be the starter and come in here and be ready to rock and roll every day," Wilson said during an introductory news conference via video when asked how the situation was laid out by the Giants. "I think this team's really looking for somebody to lead them in every way."

Wilson, 36, started 11 games last season for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has been a starter every year of his career, even as a rookie third-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 2012.

But at this point of his career, he had to wait until the second tier of free agency to find the right spot. Wilson had interest in returning to the Steelers and also visited with the Cleveland Browns.

He agreed to terms with the Giants on Tuesday night after being stuck in a quarterback waiting game that seemed to revolve around Aaron Rodgers. The Giants and Steelers were among the teams interested in Rodgers. Pittsburgh is still waiting for an answer from Rodgers, who visited last week.

"Aaron Rodgers is a tremendous football player," Wilson said. "He's done some amazing things in this league. I've been fortunate to be able to do some great things, too. And really what I'm focused on is right now and what we can do here. That's been my focus since I've signed and everything else. And also, too, along the way is finding a place that continues to believe in you."

One caveat for Wilson is that the Giants are still believed to be in the market for a quarterback in this year's draft. They have the No. 3 pick and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders could be in serious consideration.

Even if the Giants don't pick Sanders, they could grab a quarterback with a later pick, either by moving into the back end of the first round or on Day 2 of the draft. Owner John Mara said earlier this year that finding a quarterback of the future was the organization's "No. 1 issue" this offseason. That hasn't been addressed, considering Wilson and Winston are not signed long term and both are well into their respective careers.

At the start of Wilson's professional journey, he won the starting job over a newly signed Matt Flynn in Seattle. Wilson was asked Wednesday how he would handle a similar situation in which a rookie could be added to the quarterback room.

"If we draft a quarterback, we will make sure that he does everything he can to be ready to go and be prepared with his mentality," Wilson said. "But for me, it's about the process of winning. I'm focused on winning, what I can do as a quarterback of the New York Giants to help us win and to do everything that we can to lead."

As the Giants searched for a veteran quarterback this offseason, part of the allure seemed to be that they could help a young quarterback obtained through the draft as a mentor of sorts. This could be a role that Wilson and Winston are asked to play if the Giants elect to add to the quarterback room in the draft. Wilson's approach won't change regardless.

"Yeah, I think the first thing is you always handle yourself first. You always get yourself prepared at the highest level and control what you can control," he said. "And part of that is doing everything I can to be my best every day. And then from there, from leading in that sense, everybody else grows with you from that. They learn from you, they see how you work, they see your practice habits, they see your mental habits and how you go about it. Your approach every day. And so I'm excited about the opportunity to continue to lead, not just the quarterback room, but really the locker room in every way."

Wilson noted the players in the Giants locker room as a key factor in his decision to sign. He downplayed any notion that he and his wife, pop star Ciara, chose New York because of all that comes with being under the bright lights in the big city.

The Super Bowl-winning quarterback said his decision was "about football." The Giants' situation offered an opportunity to start and an intriguing roster.

Among the many players that Wilson mentioned was wide receiver Malik Nabers. The prospect of playing with the second-year receiver seemed to energize him.

"He's an explosive athlete," Wilson said of Nabers, who had 109 catches and 1,204 yards as a rookie. "Just his ability to make plays. I love Malik, man."

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss Wednesday night's game against the Denver Nuggets because of a sprained left foot.

Antetokounmpo has played in all 18 games since the All-Star break but missed 12 before the break because of right knee and left calf injuries.

The 30-year-old played 37 minutes Monday night in Milwaukee's 108-106 loss to the Suns in Phoenix. He scored 31 points on 12-of-19 shooting and pulled down 10 rebounds.

On the season, the two-time league Most Valuable Player is averaging 30.2 points (second in NBA) and 12.0 rebounds (sixth).

His absence is a double blow for the Bucks (40-31), who learned Tuesday that guard Damian Lillard will be sidelined indefinitely because of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) in his right calf.

A nine-time All-Star, Lillard is averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in 58 games (all starts) in his second season with Milwaukee.

The game Wednesday is important to both the Bucks and Nuggets (45-28), who are jostling for playoff position as the regular season draws to a close. The Bucks are trying to stave off the Detroit Pistons for the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, while the Nuggets are just a half-game ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies for the third seed in the West.