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Southee: New Zealand were 'one ball away from series victory'
"You play to win Test matches and we got ourselves in, probably, positions to win both of them," Southee said at the post-match press conference. "It was pretty tough going but the guys toiled away and we were one ball away from a series victory. So yeah, disappointing to walk away [0-0] and I'm sure Pakistan are the same. You walk away, you toil away for 10 days and a drawn series. So yeah. A lot of good cricket was played in and amongst those 10 days."
Southee: 'Surfaces were tough to score runs on'
When the umpires had to take the players off the field for bad light, New Zealand were one wicket away from victory, and Pakistan needed just 15 runs. Southee, captaining for the first time in Test cricket in this series, was asked whether he had any regrets about the timing of his declaration. He gave his team 93 overs to take 10 wickets. They got in 90, and took nine, before the game was called off."We felt the surfaces was still a pretty good surface if you wanted to just bat," Southee said. "Tough if you wanted to score runs. So it was a bit of a balancing act to try and get the right amount of overs left and the right amount of runs. And I guess to get a little dip at them [2.5 overs] last night and get them two down, that was a great start.
"I guess you always look back and there's ways you could improve and you could get better with hindsight. But that was a decision we made at the time. The guys that were batting felt that it wasn't easy to just go out and hit the ball. So it was one of those ones that you had to weigh up. Last night we declared and made the most of the three overs we had. But it was one of those decisions you make with discussions around how the batters are feeling, what the surface is doing and what you think is right at the time."
Sarfaraz made us delay the second new ball, says Southee
The biggest stumbling block in New Zealand's road to victory was Sarfaraz. Making a comeback to the Pakistan team for the first time in nearly four years, he found a way to score fluently in conditions that weren't really conducive for that. Sarfaraz finished with 118 runs at a strike rate of 67 and slowing him down was of such importance that New Zealand denied themselves the second new ball, worried that it might come onto his bat better. Pakistan were 267 for 6 after 80 overs, 52 shy of their target."With the two batters still in, Sarfaraz and [Agha] Salman, we felt that runs could have come quickly," Southee said, "And I think that's a build-up of the way Sarfaraz played through the day, which delayed us taking the new ball. If he hadn't played as positively as he did through the day, then we would've been able to take the new ball when it became available and had a lot more runs to play with. So again it was a bit of a balancing act. If you take the new ball, it may come on a bit easier and we were just trying to manage how to get through that partnership, which we did. We were able to take that new ball and get another couple of wickets. So yeah, its a fine line and you go on a bit of a gut feel what you feel is right at the time along with the other leaders in the group."
Southee happy for the Karachi fans
This was New Zealand's first tour of Pakistan in 19 years and although the result didn't go their way, Southee was happy he was part of the entertainment."Dunno if I rate draws," he said. "But yeah it was an exciting finish. I hope that the people watching enjoyed the end there. It was nice to see a few people through the gates at the end there, a bit of an atmosphere around. It would've been better to win but I guess for the people that were watching, I hope it was exciting."
"We've really enjoyed our time here so far. It's a place a lot of the guys haven't been. We've been welcomed very nicely and the guys have enjoyed it and we're now looking forward to the one-day series."
Lord Kamlesh Patel to stand down as Yorkshire chair
Lord Kamlesh Patel has announced he will step down as Yorkshire chair at the club's next Annual General Meeting in March.
Lord Patel, who took over from Roger Hutton in November 2021 at the height of the club's racism crisis, endured a turbulent tenure that began amid the suspension of Headingley's international hosting rights and the withdrawal of a raft of sponsors that left the club facing bankruptcy.
His response to that crisis included sanctioning the sacking of Yorkshire's entire backroom staff in the wake of Azeem Rafiq's allegations of institutional racism - a move that continues to be contested by the affected parties.
However, despite enduring significant opposition from within the club membership - notably from a group led by the former chair, Robin Smith - Patel instigated a series of reforms during his tenure that focused on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, including improved processes for whistleblowers to report discrimination.
By reducing cost barriers within Yorkshire's Pathway programme - including free kit and coaching for boy's and girl's regional cricket - the club has also seen an upturn in participation and diversity on his watch.
"It has been an honour and a privilege to work for such a prestigious organization," Patel said in a statement issued by Yorkshire. "I have made the difficult decision to step aside at the next AGM and enable the club to continue on its important journey of change under a new Chair.
"I would like to thank those Members who have been hugely supportive of the changes that the Board have introduced at Headingley. I would also like to thank the staff and Board Members who have all worked tirelessly during what has been a transformational period in Yorkshire's history.
"There is still much for the club to do, but I have the strongest faith that Yorkshire will be back at the pinnacle of English cricket for the long-term."
Further measures undertaken during Patel's tenure include the provision of a more inclusive atmosphere for matchdays at Headingley, Scarborough and York, with more family-friendly alcohol-free areas and sensory rooms.
However, speaking at the latest DCMS parliamentary hearing in Westminster last month, Patel hit out at the lack of support that he had received from the previous ECB regime during his tenure, and indicated that the criticism and abuse he had received in the course of his time at the club was a contributory factor in his decision to stand down.
"If I was an individual who wasn't a member of the House of Lords and hadn't had any sort of leadership experience, you would walk away," he told MPs.
"I don't know how Azeem gets the strength to carry on. You would just run. In the public eye, we get flak [but] this is relentless. And this is from an area where you don't expect it - this is sport, for God's sake.
"Individuals who have just been [making] a concerted attack, I do not think people understand, I don't think the ECB has got it."
Stephen Vaughan, Yorkshire's chief executive said: "Kamlesh should be extremely proud of what he has achieved at Headingley during his tenure as Chair.
"The structures that have been put in place are vital in ensuring that Yorkshire is a club that people are proud to be associated with.
"Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity are at the heart of our club and I am excited to work with the Board, executive team and new Chair to continue on this journey of meaningful change."
More to follow.
Jets turn back to Flacco; Wilson to focus on 2023
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- In one last twist to their ever-changing quarterback situation, the New York Jets have decided to start Joe Flacco -- not Mike White -- in their final game Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
White was ruled out Friday after aggravating a previous rib injury on a sack at the end of the first half in the Sunday loss to the Seattle Seahawks, according to coach Robert Saleh.
"He's just in a lot of pain," said Saleh, adding that the injury "clearly affected his ability to throw the ball" in the second half.
Former starter Zach Wilson, inactive last week, will be the No. 2 quarterback.
Explaining why he chose Flacco over Wilson, Saleh said he wants Wilson, benched twice, to focus on 2023. A messy offensive-line situation probably factored into the decision as well. Left tackle Duane Brown (shoulder), right tackle George Fant (knee) and right guard Nate Herbig (calf) -- all starters -- were ruled out.
"I want to get him to the offseason so we can attack the plan that we've been building," Saleh said of Wilson. "Putting him out there right now is not going to do him any good; it's not going to do anyone any good. For Zach, it's all about '23."
The Jets could have three quarterbacks for the game if they elevate Chris Streveler from the practice squad, as they've done the past two weeks.
The game has no playoff implications for the Jets (7-9), who were eliminated last week after their fifth straight loss. It does have some symmetry, though. They began the season with Flacco because of an injury, and now they will end with him for the same reason.
Flacco, 37, hasn't decided his future, so this could be the final game of his distinguished career, which includes a Super Bowl MVP award with the Baltimore Ravens.
New York will end the season with three quarterbacks having started at least four games apiece -- Flacco (four), White (four) and Wilson (nine).
This marked the second time in the past four weeks that White was ruled out on a Friday because of his fractured ribs. After getting injured Dec. 11, he was preparing to start the next week but couldn't get clearance from doctors. He wound up missing two games, as Wilson stepped in after having been benched.
Wilson got benched again, as Saleh turned back to White in last week's must-win game against the Seahawks. White threw two interceptions and completed only 23 of 46 passes for 240 yards, as he seemed to be affected by the rib injury.
Saleh said he doesn't second-guess his decision to play White in such an important game.
"He felt really good and he looked really good in the first half, and then it got re-aggravated," Saleh said. "You can play the hypothetical: Was it a mistake? He still played good football in the first half. But we knew the risk that if it got re-aggravated it wasn't going to be good -- and it got re-aggravated."
On Monday, Saleh said White "should be ready to go for Sunday," but red flags went up when the Jets canceled White's regular media availability Thursday. Later, the injury report said he was downgraded to "limited" in practice. Saleh wasn't available Thursday.
So the Jets turn back to Flacco, who started the first three games after Wilson underwent preseason knee surgery. He won one of the three starts, throwing five touchdowns and three interceptions. He played seven snaps in the Dec. 11 loss to the Buffalo Bills, looking rusty and fumbling on a strip sack.
Overall, Flacco has a 28.8 QBR, which ranks 37th out of 38 passers with a minimum of 150 attempts.
White's time with the Jets could be over, as he will be an unrestricted free agent. He finished the season with a 1-3 record, along with 3 touchdown passes, 4 interceptions, a 59% completion rate, 1,192 yards and a 37.5 QBR.
Hamlin off breathing tube, FaceTimes with Bills
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin had his breathing tube removed and has begun talking with his care team, family and his teammates.
Hamlin's breathing tube was removed overnight, per the physicians at University of Cincinnati Medical Center in a statement via the Bills, and he continues to "progress remarkably in his recovery." His neurological function remains intact, per the physicians, and he has been able to talk.
Hamlin, 24, is talking to loved ones and has also FaceTimed with his teammates, telling the players and coaches, "Love you, boys," during Friday's team meeting.
On Thursday, doctors shared with reporters that removing the breathing tube would be an important step forward for Hamlin, who they hope can return home with his family as soon as possible.
CPR was administered to Hamlin on the field Monday night for multiple minutes after he collapsed following his tackle of Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. Hamlin received oxygen, according to the ESPN broadcast, as he was placed in the ambulance and taken off the field. He was driven to the hospital, where he has remained.
Dr. William Knight IV credited the quick medical response with saving Hamlin's life. He said a physician was by Hamlin's side within a minute of him collapsing and recognized that the defensive back did not have a pulse. Knight said Hamlin required CPR and resuscitation on the field.
There is no definitive answer to what caused Hamlin's cardiac arrest.
The Bills will play a home game against the New England Patriots on Sunday. The NFL and Bills asked merchandise partner Fanatics to produce 150 T-shirts for each home team that say, "Love for Damar." The shirts will be shared with the visiting teams to wear during pregame warm-ups on Sunday.
Information from ESPN's Tom VanHaaren was used in this report.
DALLAS -- The Mavericks are waiving guard Kemba Walker a day before the four-time All-Star's salary would have become guaranteed for the rest of the season, the team announced Friday morning.
Walker, 32, averaged 8.0 points and 2.1 assists in nine games with the Mavericks. He signed for the veteran's minimum in late November.
The highlight of Walker's stint in Dallas was a 32-point performance in a 100-99 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Dec. 17, when Mavs starting guards Luka Doncic and Spencer Dinwiddie did not play.
The Mavs opted not to keep Walker in large part because McKinley Wright IV, a defensive-minded guard on a two-way contract, has recently earned minutes in the rotation over him. Dallas also wants to keep a path to playing time open for rookie Jaden Hardy, a second-round pick who has averaged 28.8 points in the G League this season and scored 15 points in 15 minutes in Thursday's loss to the Boston Celtics.
Dallas will have an open roster spot and will consider candidates for 10-day contracts.
Walker spent the first six weeks of the season training on his own after receiving a buyout from the Detroit Pistons, who acquired him in a salary-dump offseason trade with the New York Knicks. It is the second buyout that Walker, who has dealt with significant knee problems, has received since signing a maximum contract with the Celtics in the 2019 offseason.
MILWAUKEE -- A man passed out in the bushes outside the Milwaukee Brewers' stadium after a game and, upon awakening, entered the team's clubhouse and stole electronics, a credit card, team memorabilia and other items, according to a criminal complaint.
The 25-year-old man was charged Dec. 14 with felony burglary, online court records show.
The complaint says the man attended a Sept. 8 doubleheader against the San Francisco Giants at Milwaukee's American Family Field, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. He said he drank at least 10 beers, passed out, woke up and got back inside the stadium by pulling on a door until it opened.
He found his way to the clubhouse and started taking stuff from the locker room, the complaint said. A team strength coach said items taken from his office included a laptop, iPods, headphones, a passport and a credit card.
A jersey and a shaving kit were taken from manager Craig Counsell's office, and an equipment manager said a game-used hat, an autographed bat, a 45-year anniversary 1982 signed bat, a replica World Series ring, and keys to the team's Arizona spring training facility were stolen from his office. Two game jerseys and a bag with baseballs and pitching devices were taken from the coaches' locker room, according to the complaint.
The man then ordered an Uber to take him home. His roommate told detectives that the man showed up early on Sept. 9 with a duffel bag stuffed with Brewers memorabilia, the complaint said. Investigators recovered most of the items from the man's apartment.
The man's attorney declined to comment when reached by The Associated Press on Friday. The Brewers also declined to comment.
Adelaide International: Novak Djokovic beats Denis Shapovalov to set up Daniil Medvedev semi-final
Novak Djokovic defeated Denis Shapovalov 6-3 6-4 to reach the Adelaide International semi-finals where he will face Daniil Medvedev.
Djokovic, 35, will meet Medvedev after the Russian came through his last eight match with Karen Khachanov 6-3 6-3.
The pair last met in November with Djokovic victorious in the final of the Nitto ATP Finals event.
Adelaide is Djokovic's first tournament in Australia since he was deported in 2022 because of his vaccine status.
So far, his progress in the tournament has been serene and he has yet to drop a set across three matches, 23-year-old Canadian Shapovalov the latest to be overcome as Djokovic prepares for the Australian Open which starts on 16 January.
The Serb will target a 10th title - and record-equalling 22nd overall Grand Slam success - at the opening Grand Slam of the year after the Australian government overturned the his visa ban.
Emma Raducanu heads to Melbourne but Australian Open prospects unclear
British number one Emma Raducanu is heading to Melbourne, but her prospects of playing in the Australian Open remain unclear.
The full extent of the problem is yet to be diagnosed, but the hope is that it is only a minor strain.
The first Grand Slam of the year starts on 16 January.
Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, had not entered any tournaments next week.
She began 2023 with victory over teenager Linda Fruhvirtova in her opening match in New Zealand in preparation for the season's first major.
But the world number 78 left the court in tears after rolling her ankle during the second set against Slovakia's Viktoria Kuzmova, with the score 6-0 5-7. She later criticised the "slippery" courts.
Raducanu's 2022 season was plagued by injury as she retired from five matches, but in December she had said she was feeling "good".
She reached the second round at the 2022 Australian Open on her debut at the tournament, losing in three sets to Danka Kovinic.
Leicester Tigers: Richard Wigglesworth transition to boss 'smooth', says Harry Potter
Having Richard Wigglesworth as a "mate" at Leicester has made his move from player to interim head coach "incredibly smooth", says Tigers back Harry Potter.
The 39-year-old retired from a trophy-laden playing career to replace Steve Borthwick after his England departure.
Wigglesworth was already a player-coach at Tigers, and started in their Premiership title win last season.
"The boys really respect him," Potter told BBC Radio Leicester.
"It was a tough start, I suppose, losing the two coaches, but incredibly quickly the whole team has adapted to working with Wiggy.
"It's because Wiggy is a player and we all know him as a mate.
"Also he is a bit of a character who likes to work hard, so I think that is a characteristic that players generally want to get behind."
Wigglesworth's reign as Tigers boss started with a 28-13 win against Gloucester on 24 December, and came just five days after his retirement and week after his final game of a 20-year playing career.
His second match in charge, however, ended with a heavy 40-5 defeat by Sale Sharks last week.
Leicester and England lock Ollie Chessum admits the defeat was a "bump in the road" for the team after the mid-season change at the helm, but said the transition has been "seamless".
"Wiggy has been unbelievable," Chessum said. "I don't think he has has got enough credit for the change he has had to make.
"For a player like him, and the career he has had, to just to hang up the boots and take on such a big responsibility at such a big club has been seamless.
"The boys have flown right into it. He has vowed to give us everything and we will do the same for him."
Tigers, who are sixth in the table after 11 games, face second-from-bottom Newcastle at Kingston Park on Saturday.
NHL Power Rankings: Every team's point projections
The mathematical midpoint of the 2022-23 NHL regular season is close at hand, and some teams have already played in their 41st game. Sounds like the perfect time to take the temperature of each club against their preseason over/under point projections from Caesars Sportsbook.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors rates teams against one another -- taking into account game results, injuries and upcoming schedule -- and those results are tabulated to produce the list featured here.
Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the most recent edition, published Dec. 30. Points percentages are through Thursday's games.
1. Boston Bruins
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 84.21%
Next seven days: @ SJ (Jan. 7), @ ANA (Jan. 8), vs. SEA (Jan. 12)
Preseason O/U: 97
Points pace: 138.1
Boston heard its offseason critics (Too old! Too hurt! Too far gone!) and issued a resounding rebuttal as the biggest overachievers from their preseason pace and this season's current Stanley Cup favorites. The Bruins show no signs of slowing either on the back of excellent goaltending, depth scoring (which could be tested with Jake DeBrusk out) and lock-down defense.
2. Carolina Hurricanes
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 71.79%
Next seven days: @ CBJ (Jan. 7), vs. NJ (Jan. 10), @ CBJ (Jan. 12)
Preseason O/U: 103.5
Points pace: 117.7
Carolina riding an 11-game win streak into the New Year is just one reason they're second -- behind Boston -- in outpacing preseason projections. The Hurricanes have it all, from a rookie phenom goaltender in Pyotr Kochetkov to balanced offense, solid special teams and dominant defense. No wonder Carolina has recorded just one regulation loss since late November.
3. Toronto Maple Leafs
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 67.95%
Next seven days: vs. DET (Jan. 7), @ PHI (Jan. 8), vs. NSH (Jan. 11), @ DET (Jan. 12)
Preseason O/U: 107.5
Points pace: 111.4
Toronto is surpassing preseason estimates that didn't even account for a logjam of defensive injuries. The Leafs weathered that storm with a surprisingly strong goalie tandem, top performances from their best players and an enviable depth that has held up over time.
4. Vegas Golden Knights
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 68.29%
Next seven days: vs. LA (Jan. 7), vs. FLA (Jan. 12)
Preseason O/U: 97
Points pace: 112.0
Vegas' own couldn't predict the impact new coach Bruce Cassidy, a healthy Jack Eichel and a steady Logan Thompson would have on their hometown team. The Golden Knights are opportunistic, with a depth of talent to complement the resiliency that's propelled their climb up the standings.
5. Winnipeg Jets
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 64.47%
Next seven days: vs. TB (Jan. 6), vs. VAN (Jan. 8), @ DET (Jan. 10), @ BUF (Jan. 12)
Preseason O/U: 88.5
Points pace: 105.7
Winnipeg is thriving well beyond preseason expectations under new defensive-minded coach Rick Bowness, who has molded his team into one of the league's stingiest clubs. That kept the Jets soaring through injuries, and several players are eyeing a return in early 2023. That could put Winnipeg even further ahead.
6. New Jersey Devils
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 65.38%
Next seven days: vs. NYR (Jan. 7), @ CAR (Jan. 10)
Preseason O/U: 89.5
Points pace: 107.2
New Jersey steamrolled its way through the league -- and past their projected points pace -- with 21 wins in 26 games to start the season. The Devils have cooled since, and they're one of the most impressive overachievers from preseason estimates. New Jersey getting healthy in the coming weeks could help them surge back up league standings.
7. Dallas Stars
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 65.00%
Next seven days: vs. FLA (Jan. 8), @ NYI (Jan. 10), @ NYR (Jan. 12)
Preseason O/U: 93.5
Points pace: 106.6
Dallas couldn't help hustling past preseason projections with Jason Robertson leading the charge. Robertson's line with Roope Hintz and Joe Pavelski has been among the league's best, and the Stars' veterans have shined in unexpectedly strong complementary roles. Dallas has rightly earned its reputation as a potential team to beat this season.
8. Tampa Bay Lightning
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 66.22%
Next seven days: @ WPG (Jan. 6), vs. CBJ (Jan. 10), vs. VAN (Jan. 12)
Preseason O/U: 103.5
Points pace: 108.6
Tampa Bay might have slipped off track during an early-season slump. Instead, the Lightning bounced back to begin outkicking their own projected preseason coverage. Brayden Point becoming one of the NHL's hottest scorers helps, and Victor Hedman has been terrific. Tampa Bay looks increasingly more like the team that repeated as Stanley Cup champions.
9. New York Rangers
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 62.50%
Next seven days: @ NJ (Jan. 7), vs. MIN (Jan. 10), vs. DAL (Jan. 12)
Preseason O/U: 101
Points pace: 102.5
New York is sticking closest to its preseason pace. But will that hold true in the second half? December was the Rangers' best month to date which could foreshadow an improved New York team moving into that overachiever category.
10. Minnesota Wild
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 62.16%
Next seven days: @ BUF (Jan. 7), vs. STL (Jan. 8), @ NYR (Jan. 10), @ NYI (Jan. 12)
Preseason O/U: 102.5
Points pace: 101.9
Minnesota's lackluster October and early November put them off their predicted pace. But the Wild have evolved into a better team since then, one that could easily meet -- or jump ahead of -- those preseason projections, especially if Kirill Kaprizov (tremendous) and Marc-Andre Fleury (resurgent) continuing leading the way.
11. Washington Capitals
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 60.98%
Next seven days: vs. NSH (Jan. 6), vs. CBJ (Jan. 8), @ PHI (Jan. 11)
Preseason O/U: 96.5
Points pace: 100.00
Washington's streak through December has evened them out with the preseason odds after they were well behind earlier this season. Continued strong play could have the Capitals pushing their pace even higher. Washington boasts just one regulation loss in its last 13 games, a budding young goaltender in Charlie Lindgren and a bonafide superstar for the ages in Alex Ovechkin. Everything suddenly feels more possible for Washington this season.
12. Seattle Kraken
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 61.11%
Next seven days: @ OTT (Jan. 7), @ MTL (Jan. 9), @ BUF (Jan. 10), @ BOS (Jan. 12)
Preseason O/U: 79.5
Points pace: 100.2
Seattle is in the opposite of a sophomore slump. Rather, the Kraken are one of this season's great surprises, on the ice and in challenging their projected odds after a rough freshman showing. Seattle's dominant offense has hidden some deficiencies in goal, but the Kraken are on pace towards an inaugural playoff berth come spring.
13. Pittsburgh Penguins
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 57.89%
Next seven days: @ ARI (Jan. 8), vs. VAN (Jan. 10)
Preseason O/U: 100.5
Points pace: 94.9
Pittsburgh's penchant towards feast-or-famine has put them slightly off the mark. Case in point: a seven-game win streak through December bleeding into losing six of seven. The Penguins can recalibrate by getting more out of their bottom six and wrangling consistent goaltending from Casey DeSmith while Tristan Jarry deals with a lower-body injury.
14. Los Angeles Kings
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 59.52%
Next seven days: @ VGK (Jan. 7), vs. EDM (Jan. 9), vs. SJ (Jan. 11)
Preseason O/U: 94
Points pace: 97.6
Los Angeles is lucky Pheonix Copley stepped up last month. If he hadn't, the Kings might have glided off their above-average pace. L.A. got there without even one point-per-game forward, either. The Kings have a by-committee approach starting with solid defensive details, a depth of contributions and now, consistent work from Copley between the pipes.
15. Colorado Avalanche
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 55.41%
Next seven days: @ EDM (Jan. 7), vs. FLA (Jan. 10), @ CHI (Jan. 12)
Preseason O/U: 112.5
Points pace: 90.9
Colorado has tumbled away from their projected points pace. That can happen when a lineup is decimated by injury. The Avalanche will slowly get healthier -- Nathan MacKinnon's recent return was a welcome boost -- but Colorado can't wait for everyone to be healthy to start stringing some wins together. The Central Division is too good.
16. Buffalo Sabres
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 55.56%
Next seven days: vs. MIN (Jan. 7), vs. PHI (Jan. 9), vs. SEA (Jan. 10), vs. WPG (Jan. 12)
Preseason O/U: 79
Points pace: 91.1
Buffalo lost its way during an eight-game slide in November, but the Sabres' have rebounded to trend above preseason estimates. And that's no fluke, either. Buffalo leads the league in goals per game (3.94), has the second-ranked power play (28.2%) and a blossoming superstar in Tage Thompson. Reaching the postseason this season is no pipe dream for the Sabres.
17. New York Islanders
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 57.50%
Next seven days: @ CGY (Jan. 6), vs. DAL (Jan. 10), vs. MIN (Jan. 12)
Preseason O/U: 90.5
Points pace: 94.3
New York has predictably hummed right along with its preseason expectations. After all, the Islanders were mostly banking on in-house improvements driving their playoff hopes. The stacked Metropolitan won't make it an easy run, but New York is benefitting from excellent goaltending and averaging 3.16 goals per game in support that could keep them above that projected curve.
18. Calgary Flames
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 55.13%
Next seven days: vs. NYI (Jan. 6), @ CHI (Jan. 8), @ STL (Jan. 10), @ STL (Jan. 12)
Preseason O/U: 103
Points pace: 90.4
Calgary was anticipated to be a Pacific powerhouse. The Flames' offseason makeover caused some unexpected turbulence though -- as did Jacob Markstrom's early struggles -- and Calgary has operated below its projected pace. However, the Flames' more recent bursts of consistency could have them back on track before spring.
19. Detroit Red Wings
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 54.17%
Next seven days: vs. FLA (Jan. 6), @ TOR (Jan. 7), vs. WPG (Jan. 10), vs. TOR (Jan. 12)
Preseason O/U: 83.5
Points pace: 88.8
Detroit has bested the bookmakers' predictions so far after an aggressive offseason that has paid early dividends. Ville Husso is top 20 among league starters in save percentage (.908) and goals-against average (2.86), Dominik Kubalik and David Perron have added needed offensive depth, and overall, the Red Wings are committed to better team defense. That's how Detroit will keep exceeding expectations, too.
20. Edmonton Oilers
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 55.00%
Next seven days: vs. COL (Jan. 7), @ LA (Jan. 9), @ ANA (Jan. 11)
Preseason O/U: 103.5
Points pace: 90.2
Edmonton's preseason outlook didn't account for Jack Campbell's bafflingly poor play or the quick loss of Evander Kane to a scary wrist injury. So now the inconsistent Oilers have not only fallen off pace, but are barely holding a playoff spot. Something's got to change for the Oilers to get on track.
21. Nashville Predators
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 54.05%
Next seven days: @ WSH (Jan. 6), @ OTT (Jan. 9), @ TOR (Jan. 11), @ MTL (Jan. 12)
Preseason O/U: 98.5
Points pace: 88.6
Nashville caught oddsmakers' attention despite that first-round playoff sweep last spring. But the Predators haven't reached predicted heights, even with Filip Forsberg and his eight-year extension locked in. Nashville is bottom-five in scoring (2.63 goals per game) and top-tier skaters like Matt Duchene and Ryan Johansen aren't producing as expected. Getting back to the postseason means punching up their totals -- fast.
22. St. Louis Blues
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 52.56%
Next seven days: @ MTL (Jan. 7), @ MIN (Jan. 8), vs. CGY (Jan. 10), vs. CGY (Jan. 12)
Preseason O/U: 94.5
Points pace: 86.2
St. Louis is markedly below their expected pace -- but hey, it could be worse. The Blues went from bad early on to showing flashes of excellence. But now they're operating with Ryan O'Reilly and Vladimir Tarasenko on IR. How St. Louis responds to another bout of adversity (can more role players step up?) could tell the true tale of their season.
23. Florida Panthers
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 48.72%
Next seven days: @ DET (Jan. 6), @ DAL (Jan. 8), @ COL (Jan. 10), @ VGK (Jan. 12)
Preseason O/U: 106.5
Points pace: 79.9
Florida is neck-and-neck with Columbus for the dubious honor of lagging furthest behind their preseason points pace. The Panthers insist there's still time to right the ship, and doing so would take a combination of effort, health, increased offense and consistent goaltending.
24. Ottawa Senators
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 51.32%
Next seven days: vs. SEA (Jan. 7), vs. NSH (Jan. 9), @ ARI (Jan. 12)
Preseason O/U: 84.5
Points pace: 84.2
Ottawa's active offseason didn't move the needle much for the sportsbooks -- and the Senators have fallen right in line with their projected pace. Ottawa's injury issues -- particularly on the blue line -- haven't helped matters, but lately the Senators look more cohesive. That's led to more consistent victories and a pattern that might have Ottawa ending the campaign as an overachiever if it keeps up.
25. Vancouver Canucks
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 48.68%
Next seven days: @ WPG (Jan. 8), @ PIT (Jan. 10), @ TB (Jan. 12)
Preseason O/U: 92.5
Points pace: 79.8
Vancouver's underperformance isn't necessarily so glaring when taken as a result of all the off-ice drama. There was preseason drama around Bruce Boudreau's long-term status, questionable contract negotiations and what could be expected of Brock Boeser, Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes. Turns out, that was the tip on the iceberg on Vancouver's quandaries. We'll see how team president Jim Rutherford & Co. approach trade season to set the Canucks up for more future success.
26. Montreal Canadiens
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 42.31%
Next seven days: vs. STL (Jan. 7), vs. SEA (Jan. 9), vs. NSH (Jan. 12)
Preseason O/U: 71.5
Points pace: 69.4
Montreal has regressed from a surprisingly hot start to be just a bit behind its preseason pace. But the Canadiens continue to slip. Montreal was outscored 26-8 on a recent five-game skid, has one regulation win since Dec. 1 and too many passengers all around. That formula won't keep Montreal ahead of its curve.
27. Philadelphia Flyers
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 47.44%
Next seven days: vs. TOR (Jan. 8), @ BUF (Jan. 9), vs. WSH (Jan. 11)
Preseason O/U: 73.5
Points pace: 77.8
Philadelphia is, essentially, what the oddsmakers thought they'd be. Nothing wrong with that. The Flyers will glide their way into trade season as a team looking to deal players, and see where that takes them. Is it a rebuild? A retool? A lottery win for the No. 1 overall pick? Time will tell.
28. Columbus Blue Jackets
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 32.43%
Next seven days: vs. CAR (Jan. 7), @ WSH (Jan. 8), @ TB (Jan. 10), vs. CAR (Jan. 12)
Preseason O/U: 81.5
Points pace: 53.2
Columbus' season has defied even the oddsmakers' relatively humble projections. The Johnny Gaudreau bump was washed out by a tidal wave of injuries holding the Blue Jackets under water. Spotty netminding and averaging the second-highest shots against per game (35.3) is a bad combination, too. Columbus' goal should be staying competitive in the second half.
29. Arizona Coyotes
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 41.89%
Next seven days: @ CHI (Jan. 6), vs. PIT (Jan. 8), vs. SJ (Jan. 10), vs. OTT (Jan. 12)
Preseason O/U: 63.5
Points pace: 68.7
Arizona is on pace now to exceed preseason projections -- for which Karel Vejmelka and his excellent play in net deserve credit -- but how long will that last? And could that margin actually grow even further? The Coyotes have been surprisingly competitive until now, and if Jakob Chychrun remains on the team -- and remains healthy -- Arizona should have a solid outlook on the rest of this season.
30. San Jose Sharks
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 39.74%
Next seven days: @ ANA (Jan. 6), vs. BOS (Jan. 7), @ ARI (Jan. 10), @ LA (Jan. 11)
Preseason O/U: 73
Points pace: 65.2
San Jose has stumbled off its preseason pace, but perhaps by a lesser margin than they might have if not for Erik Karlsson's career year. Now, with the Sharks projected to be dealing players away come trade season -- and Karlsson in the mix as potentially on the move -- San Jose's fall off track could become more acute.
31. Anaheim Ducks
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 33.33%
Next seven days: vs. SJ (Jan. 6), vs. BOS (Jan. 8), vs. EDM (Jan. 11)
Preseason O/U: 80
Points pace: 54.7
Anaheim wasn't expected to be a playoff contender. And now the Ducks -- by virtue of earning only three regulation victories through their first 38 games -- are right there with Florida and Columbus as slinking furthest off their preseason points pace. A silver lining? The Ducks' odds in the Connor Bedard Sweepstakes have greatly improved from a few months ago.
32. Chicago Blackhawks
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 27.03%
Next seven days: vs. ARI (Jan. 6), vs. CGY (Jan. 8), vs. COL (Jan. 12)
Preseason O/U: 65.5
Points pace: 44.3
Chicago is more all-in with its rebuild/fall for Connor Bedard than the sportsbooks thought. There were low expectations for the Blackhawks going into this season, and still they're top five among teams tracking away from that preseason pace. But given what Chicago is trying to accomplish, maybe that's a good thing?
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