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NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Shea Theodore had a goal and an assist, Akira Schmidgot a shutout against his former team, and the Vegas Golden Knights beat the New Jersey Devils3-0 on Friday night.

Tomas Hertl and Ivan Barbashev also scored and Jack Eichel had two assists for Vegas, which has won three straight after a four-game skid (0-2-2). Schmid, who spent three seasons with New Jersey before being traded to Vegas on June 29, 2024, finished with 24 saves to get his third career shutout — second this season.

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Jacob Markstrom had 24 saves for the Devils, who were shut out for the second straight game and finished a winless four-game homestand (0-4-0). New Jersey lost 3-0 to Dallas on Wednesday night.

The Devils shuffled all four lines and got off to a slow start as they were outshot 13-5 in the first period.

Theodore got the Golden Knights on the scoreboard with 13 seconds left in the opening period, scoring from the right circle after a pass from Eichel.

New Jersey then outshot Vegas 11-7 in a scoreless second period.

There were no penalties until Vegas†Brandon Saad was sent off for tripping at 2:16 of the third period. The Devils had only one shot on goal during the advantage.

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New Jersey got another power play nearly 10 minutes later when Noah Hanifin was called for delay of game for sending the puck over the glass, but the Devils were held without a shot on goal.

The Golden Knights got their first power play 5 seconds after their penalty expired as New Jerseyâ€s Nico Hischier was whistled for hooking. Hertl took advantage as he tipped Mitch Marnerâ€s one-timer past Markstrom with 4:26 remaining for his team-leading 12th of the season.

With Hischier in the penalty box again, Barbashev scored on the rebound of Eichelâ€s shot from center point that hit the left post with 1:24 left.

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Golden Knights: At New York Rangers on Sunday night.

Devils: At Boston on Saturday night.

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Mauricio Pochettino said that it is “neither an advantage nor a disadvantage†that the United States†World Cup group consists of two – and perhaps three – teams that his team will have played in friendlies within a year or so before kickoff of their opening game.

The US were drawn with Australia, Paraguay and the winner of a European play-off involving Turkey, Romania, Kosovo and Slovakia. The US played Australia in a friendly in October, winning 2-1 in Commerce City, Colorado. They played Paraguay in another friendly in November – a game that marked Gio Reynaâ€s return to form with the national team in a 2-1 win. Turkey, should they make it through the play-off, would have a leg up on preparations, having beaten the US 2-1 in a pre-Gold Cup friendly in June 2025.

A lot can happen in a year. And Pochettino, like his counterpart Tony Popovic for Australia, emphasized that the circumstances surrounding friendly matches are entirely different from the World Cup, where the world will be watching and the stakes could hardly be higher.

“The reality is that the circumstances will change,†he told reporters. “That is why they are going to be completely different games, maybe with different rosters or different players.â€

Pochettino had plenty of praise for the star-studded, at times bizarre event, which unfolded with the pomp, circumstance and sizable runtime typical of just about any draw event for an international soccer competition. Now that the matchups are determined, Pochettino said his primary focus with the players will be to convey the weight of expectation, and the urgency with which he expects his charges to act now that the path before them has, at long last, been laid out.

Reminiscing about his sole World Cup experience as a player with Argentina in 2002, Pochettino said that after he came home from the South Korea-Japan tournament he slipped into a “massive depressionâ€, having achieved a childhood dream and now seemingly having little to look forward to for the remainder of his career (which, at the game of 31, was coming to its tail end).

“Your biggest dream disappears, and then you feel like thereâ€s not going to be another possibility to be involved in this,†Pochettino said. “Thatâ€s the biggest energy i want to transmit to the players. This is the most unbelievable event, and the most unbelievable feeling you can have. We can work on fitness, we can work on tactics, but we need to feel. Put everything in. Itâ€s today. We are going to have a country behind us.â€

To that end, Pochettino said that for as intense as he expects the preparations for the group stage to be, he and his staff are not looking too far ahead – discussing potential second-round matchups (which could include a rematch of the 2014 knockout round with Belgium, among several other intriguing possibilities) in the car between the Kennedy Center and the site of his press conference is about as far as itâ€s gone so far.

“If you are Argentina, the best team in the world, maybe you can look at whatâ€s after,†Pochettino said. “With the USA, the first game is the final of the World Cup. The second game needs to be the final of the World Cup too.â€

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One night after assisting the game-winning basket against the Toronto Raptors, superstar forward LeBron James will miss the Lakers†rivalry game against the Boston Celtics, the team announced Friday.

James was downgraded to out less than three hours before the game as he manages sciatica in his right side and joint arthritis in his left foot. The Lakers (16-5) are also without Luka Doncic for the second consecutive game as he is out because of personal reasons and guard Marcus Smart (left lumbar muscle strain) for the fifth game in a row.

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The 40-year-old James has played only six games after missing the first 14 games because of sciatica. He missed one game because of the foot injury, which is a lingering problem from last season. He has yet to play back-to-back games, and coach JJ Redick said the goal is to build James†fitness to the point where he can do that.

James†streak of 1,297 consecutive games with 10 or more points ended Thursday at Toronto, but the Lakers still won as he dished an assist to Rui Hachimura for the buzzer-beating three-pointer.

James had eight points and 11 assists while Austin Reaves powered the offense with 44 points and 10 assists. The guard is averaging 41 points in four games without Doncic.

The Lakers are on a three-game, four-day Eastern Conference road trip. After Fridayâ€s game in Boston, the Lakers finish the swing Monday in Philadelphia.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Aside from a loss Thursday, the Colorado Avalanche keep rolling, and their spot atop the NHL standings is equaled by their position in the ESPN NHL Power Rankings.

Editor’s Picks

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Beyond the Avalanche, the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers rose up the rankings this week, while the Anaheim Ducks, New Jersey Devils and Utah Mammoth took a tumble.

The month of December includes many games on the schedule, and for this week’s edition of the Power Rankings, we’ve identified the most intriguing matchup on the docket for each club.

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday.

Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published Nov. 28. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.

ESPN Illustration

Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 81.5%

Dec. 27 at the Golden Knights. Months remain before the Stanley Cup playoff picture crystallizes into its final form. It’s a decent bet, however, that the Avs and Knights will both be skating into late April and beyond, and this contest is as good of a Western Conference finals preview as we may get before the actual thing — or at least until their next game on the schedule on April 11.

Next seven days: @ NYR (Dec. 6), @ PHI (Dec. 7), @ NSH (Dec. 9), vs. FLA (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 73.2%

Dec. 13 vs. the Panthers. The Stars have won a great many of their games this season; they are second in the NHL standings behind the juggernaut Avs. But one of the games they didn’t win was against the defending Stanley Cup champs. Can they get a W here, in the last time they’ll see them this season until a possible Cup Final?

Next seven days: vs. SJ (Dec. 5), vs. PIT (Dec. 7), @ WPG (Dec. 9), @ MIN (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 65.4%

Dec. 20 at the Lightning. There’s a lot of season left. But it looks these two former Southeast Division rivals will be near the top of their respective divisions — and could square off in the Eastern Conference finals in May.

Next seven days: vs. NSH (Dec. 6), vs. SJ (Dec. 7), vs. CBJ (Dec. 9), @ WSH (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 63%

Dec. 9 at/Dec. 28 vs. the Canadiens. There were many strange events during the early 2020s. One of them was the 2020-21 NHL season where four new divisions were created, and the playoffs culminated in a Stanley Cup Final pitting one Atlantic Division team against another. Years have passed since then, and now both the Lightning and Canadiens are fighting for playoff position among their traditional division rivals.

Next seven days: vs. NYI (Dec. 6), @ TOR (Dec. 8), @ MTL (Dec. 9), @ NJ (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 62.5%

Dec. 27 at the Jets. Around 450 miles separate these two Central Division rivals, but both will be fighting for similar real estate in the playoff race if the Avs and Stars keep dominating as they have.

Next seven days: @ VAN (Dec. 6), @ SEA (Dec. 8), vs. DAL (Dec. 11)

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Jesper Wallstedt records 4th shutout in 6 games

Arda Öcal breaks down Jesper Wallstedt’s historic accomplishment following Minnesota’s 1-0 victory.

Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 64.3%

Dec. 11 vs. the Hurricanes. Although the team matchup here is notable — both the Caps and Canes are near the top of the Metro — this comes down to a historical stat angle for Alex Ovechkin. The team against which Ovi has scored the most goals in his record-breaking career is the Winnipeg Jets (58); No. 2 on that list is Carolina (53). Does he close the gap with a tally (or two, or three) in this contest?

Next seven days: @ ANA (Dec. 5), vs. CBJ (Dec. 7), vs. CAR (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 61.1%

Dec. 27 at the Kings. With the Ducks back in the contenders’ mix this season, these Battle of SoCal games take on extra meaning. Anaheim won the most recent matchup, 5-4 in a shootout, on Nov. 28.

Next seven days: vs. WSH (Dec. 5), vs. CHI (Dec. 7), @ PIT (Dec. 9), @ NYI (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 61.5%

Dec. 23 vs. the Sharks. For the first few years of the Golden Knights’ existence, the Sharks were a bitter rival, including some epic, violent clashes in the postseason. San Jose dropped off a bit, but appears back on the upswing. Will this showdown match the intensity of seasons past?

Next seven days: @ NJ (Dec. 5), @ NYR (Dec. 7), @ NYI (Dec. 9), @ PHI (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 61.1%

Dec. 14 vs. the Canucks. With the trade rumor machine running on overdrive when it comes to Quinn Hughes joining his brothers in New Jersey at some point, this is another chance for the Devils faithful to see the eldest Hughes brother in action with his current team.

Next seven days: vs. VGK (Dec. 5), @ BOS (Dec. 6), @ OTT (Dec. 9), vs. TB (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 63.5%

Dec. 13 vs. the Sharks. Penguins fans have been blessed to see Sidney Crosby in 1,378 regular-season games (and 180 in the playoffs). On this night, they’ll see Macklin Celebrini on PPG Paints Arena ice, a player whose game has recently drawn Crosby comparisons.

Next seven days: @ DAL (Dec. 7), vs. ANA (Dec. 9), vs. MTL (Dec. 11)

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Sidney Crosby notches goal on the power play

Sidney Crosby notches goal on the power play

Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 57.4%

Dec. 29 at the Avalanche. The true test for the 2025-26 Kings will be in how far they progress in the playoffs. But this late-December matchup against the current top team in the West will be a good litmus test.

Next seven days: vs. CHI (Dec. 6), @ UTA (Dec. 8), @ SEA (Dec. 10)

Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 63.5%

Dec. 13 vs./Dec. 14 at the Hurricanes. The Flyers’ current standings position is a moderate surprise to those who did not peg them as a playoff team. This home-and-home series against the perennial playoff-contending Canes is a chance for Philly to make a statement.

Next seven days: vs. COL (Dec. 7), vs. SJ (Dec. 9), vs. VGK (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 58.9%

Dec. 27 vs. the Rangers. Neither of these teams has what could be called a firm grasp on a playoff spot at this point, but the geographic rivals always bring the heat to these games no matter the standings.

Next seven days: @ TB (Dec. 6), @ FLA (Dec. 7), vs. VGK (Dec. 9), vs. ANA (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 55.6%

Dec. 27 at the Maple Leafs. Have the Senators surpassed the Leafs? Ottawa didn’t have enough to knock Toronto off in the clubs’ first-round playoff series in the spring but sits ahead of its intraprovince rival currently.

Next seven days: vs. STL (Dec. 6), vs. NJ (Dec. 9), @ CBJ (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 59.6%

Dec. 6 at the Maple Leafs. Is there anything better than a Saturday night matchup between the Canadiens and Maple Leafs? The clubs have split their matchups thus far, and their next tilt after this one isn’t until March 10.

Next seven days: @ TOR (Dec. 6), vs. STL (Dec. 7), vs. TB (Dec. 9), @ PIT (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 55.4%

Dec. 13 at the Blackhawks. These two teams are no longer Norris Division rivals (or even in the same conference), but there’s always something special about a Blackhawks-Red Wings game!

Next seven days: @ SEA (Dec. 6), @ VAN (Dec. 8), @ CGY (Dec. 10), @ EDM (Dec. 11)

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0:50

Patrick Kane lights the lamp for Red Wings

Patrick Kane lights the lamp

Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 55.2%

Dec. 23 vs. the Canadiens. These two of the Original Six clubs are both in playoff position in the first week of December, which adds some fuel to this rivalry compared to recent seasons when one team was clearly better than the other.

Next seven days: vs. NJ (Dec. 6), @ STL (Dec. 9), @ WPG (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 51.8%

Dec. 14 at the Penguins. While the Mammoth and Penguins are fighting for postseason positioning, this game is under more of a spotlight for one Utah skater in particular: Logan Cooley, who grew up in the Pittsburgh area and participated in Sidney Crosby’s “Little Penguin” youth hockey program.

Next seven days: @ VAN (Dec. 5), @ CGY (Dec. 6), vs. LA (Dec. 8), vs. FLA (Dec. 10)

Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 56%

Dec. 12 at the Mammoth. Utah isn’t technically an expansion team, but this is still correctly described as the NHL’s two newest teams facing off in what also happens to be a superb uniform matchup — and a pivotal contest in the Western wild-card standings as well.

Next seven days: vs. DET (Dec. 6), vs. MIN (Dec. 8), vs. LA (Dec. 10)

Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 55.2%

Dec. 23/Dec. 31 at the Capitals. If the Rangers are going to get back in the playoff mix, they’ll need to win head-to-head games against teams currently occupying those spots. This double shot of contests against the Caps is an even better opportunity because both games are on the road.

Next seven days: vs. COL (Dec. 6), vs. VGK (Dec. 7), @ CHI (Dec. 10)

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0:39

Artemi Panarin gets his 900th career point

Arda Öcal reports on the big nights from Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad against the Ottawa Senators.

Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 55.6%

Dec. 7 at the Ducks. Since it’s not possible for the Blackhawks to play the Sharks and Ducks at the same time, we’ll pick this matchup that will showcase Connor Bedard against fellow young dynamo Leo Carlsson. Bedard & Co. will next see Macklin Celebrini and San Jose on Feb. 2.

Next seven days: @ LA (Dec. 6), @ ANA (Dec. 7), vs. NYR (Dec. 10)

Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 57.4%

Dec. 7 vs. the Capitals. The Caps and Blue Jackets have played some memorable games in recent seasons — including two Columbus victories down the stretch of 2024-25 when the club was fighting for the final wild-card spot. The Caps have won both contests this season — and both were a 5-1 final score — so the Blue Jackets are out for some vengeance in this one.

Next seven days: @ FLA (Dec. 6), @ WSH (Dec. 7), @ CAR (Dec. 9), vs. OTT (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 51.8%

Dec. 29 at the Ducks. When it comes to rising teams in the Pacific Division, the Ducks appear to be about a year ahead of the Sharks, so this will be a glimpse into the future for San Jose fans. But it’s also a showdown of two of the league’s most exciting young talents in San Jose’s Macklin Celebrini and Anaheim’s Leo Carlsson.

Next seven days: @ DAL (Dec. 5), @ CAR (Dec. 7), @ PHI (Dec. 9), @ TOR (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 51.9%

Dec. 9 vs. the Stars; Dec. 11 vs. the Bruins. At this point, we’d hope that fans in Winnipeg appreciate the fine art of goaltending, given that Connor Hellebuyck — arguably the best American goalie of all time — plays for the Jets. If so, this pair of home games will be a treat, as fellow elite American goalies Jake Oettinger and Jeremy Swayman come to town in the same week.

Next seven days: vs. BUF (Dec. 5), @ EDM (Dec. 6), vs. DAL (Dec. 9), vs. BOS (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 53.7%

Dec. 16 vs. the Blackhawks. Three days after Connor McDavid and the Oilers buzz through the Six, another Canadian-born superstar named Connor will grace Scotiabank Arena. So, in a season that hasn’t gone as well as planned for the Leafs, at least Toronto fans will get an extended look at one definite member of their Olympic team (and one possible addition).

Next seven days: vs. MTL (Dec. 6), vs. TB (Dec. 8), vs. SJ (Dec. 11), vs. EDM (Dec. 13)

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Matthew Knies falls to knees, gets up to score great goal for Leafs

Matthew Knies falls to knees, gets up to score great goal for Leafs

Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 50%

Dec. 15 at/Dec. 27 vs. the Lightning. The NHL schedule makers provided us with a double shot of the Battle of Florida this month! The action will be electric, as usual — although the teams will probably finish with fewer than the 65 penalties for 312 minutes they amassed in their preseason matchup on Oct. 4.

Next seven days: vs. CBJ (Dec. 6), vs. NYI (Dec. 7), @ UTA (Dec. 10), @ COL (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 51.8%

Dec. 13 at the Maple Leafs. Last season, both of these clubs were firmly in playoff position but would see their seasons end at the hands of the Cup champion Panthers. This season hasn’t gone so well. Which of the two could use this mid-December matchup as a turning point?

Next seven days: vs. WPG (Dec. 6), vs. BUF (Dec. 9), vs. DET (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 48.2%

Dec. 31 at the Stars. The closest that Buffalo has come to a Stanley Cup was in the 1999 Final, which it lost in controversial fashion to the Stars, who just came out with a new uniform paying homage to that title. Will Dallas be sporting those unis on New Year’s Eve?

Next seven days: @ WPG (Dec. 5), @ CGY (Dec. 8), @ EDM (Dec. 9), @ VAN (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 44.6%

Dec. 12 vs. the Blackhawks. Not a ton has gone the Blues’ way this season, but maybe this old-school rivalry matchup against Chicago will serve to get them back on track for a big second half.

Next seven days: @ OTT (Dec. 6), @ MTL (Dec. 7), vs. BOS (Dec. 9), @ NSH (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 42.6%

Dec. 29 at the Kraken. When it comes to regional rivalries, the Canucks-Kraken matchup isn’t on the level of many others around the league … yet. Perhaps this game jump-starts a big run for the Nucks.

Next seven days: vs. UTA (Dec. 5), vs. MIN (Dec. 6), vs. DET (Dec. 8), vs. BUF (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 44.4%

Dec. 27 at the Blues. This hasn’t been the greatest season in franchise history. But this game could at least get a bit chippy — it’ll be Nashville’s third against St. Louis in December.

Next seven days: @ CAR (Dec. 6), vs. COL (Dec. 9), vs. STL (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 41.4%

Dec. 23 at/Dec. 27 vs. the Oilers. There isn’t quite as much juice for these Battle of Alberta contests as when these two met in the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs, but there’s every reason to expect fireworks in this bitter feud.

Next seven days: vs. UTA (Dec. 6), vs. BUF (Dec. 8), vs. DET (Dec. 10)

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Joe Root of England (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) England captain Joe Root remains confident about his team’s chances in the day-night second Ashes Test, despite Australia gaining a 44-run advantage on day two in Brisbane.Root’s outstanding knock of 138 not out, his first century in Australia, helped England reach 334 in their first innings.Australia responded strongly, reaching 378-6 by the end of play. The hosts benefited from England’s imprecise bowling and missed catching opportunities on a pitch showing signs of wear.”It’s clear we weren’t at our best… but we took those wickets in a cluster, which shows the nature of this game,” Root told TNT Sports, referring to Brydon Carse removing Cameron Green and Steve Smith within four deliveries.”More work to do, but we’re well and truly in this game. It is different fielding to a pink ball, we practise really hard, just one of those days when things didn’t stick to hand. We’ll keep backing ourselves. We need to take four wickets,” he added.”It’s a simple game. Energy and positivity. We know our best cricket can turn a game very quickly. If we are anywhere near our best this game can turn in our favour.”Root celebrated his 40th Test century, marking a significant milestone in his career.”I tried not to approach anything different to the last couple of years,” he said. “Any time you contribute in an Ashes it means a huge amount. The most enjoyable thing was to get into a position to get us in the game.”

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The Kings are coming off a 3-1 loss against the Washington Capitals. That is the Kings’ 4th loss in the last 6 games. The Kings’ power play also continued to struggle, so they are looking to play better on the man advantage tonight against the Blackhawks, which may prove to be a difficult task, as the Blackhawks have the 5th-best penalty kill in the NHL. The Blackhawks are coming off a 4-3 Shootout loss to the Vegas Golden Knights and are looking to avoid losing two in a row heading into tonight’s matchup.

Projected Kings Lines:

Here are the projected lines for the Kings tonight:

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Trevor Moore – Anze Kopitar – Adrian Kempe

Kevin Fiala – Quinton Byfield – Joel Armia

Alex Laferriere – Phillip Danault – Andrei Kuzmenko

Warren Foegele – Alex Turcotte – Corey Perry

Mikey Anderson – Joel Edmundson

Brandt Clarke – Drew Doughty

Brian Dumoulin – Cody Ceci

Darcy Kuemper

Anton Forsberg

Projected Blackhawks Lines

Here are the projected lines for the Blackhawks tonight:

Ryan Greene – Connor Bedard – Andre Burakovsky

Tyler Bertuzzi – Frank Nazar – Oliver Moore

Teuvo Teravainen – Jason Dickinson – Ilya Mikheyev

Colton Dach – Ryan Donato

Alex Vlasic – Louis Crevier

Wyatt Kaiser – Artyom Levshunov

Matt Grzelcyk – Connor Murphy

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Sam Rinzel

Spencer Knight

Arvid Soderblom

Injuries and Line Changes

The Kings are seemingly fully healthy, with Drew Doughty, Warren Foegele, and Phillip Danault all returning to the lineup. The Blackhawks are without Nick Foligno, who is out tonight with a left-hand injury. The Blackhawks are also running 11 Forwards and 7 Defensemen, a common theme this season.

Key Factors

The Kings will have to try to contain one of the best young forwards in the NHL, Connor Bedard, who has been on an absolute tear this season for the Blackhawks, with 17 goals and 38 points on the year, and in his last 5 games, he has 4 goals and 7 points. The Kings will have to be smart defensively, especially with how electric Bedard has been. For the Kings, they will be looking to their superstar player to be the difference-maker, as he has 2 goals and 3 points in his last 5 games.

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The goaltenders in tonight’s matchup are very interesting, as both Kuemper and Knight have been very solid this season, with Knight taking a massive step forward in his play. Knight this season has played 18 games, with 8 wins, 1 shutout, a 2.52 GAA, and a .917 SV%. For the Kings, Kuemper has been very solid, playing 18 games with 8 wins, 1 shutout, a 2.37 GAA, and a .908 SV%. So the matchup between these two goalies is going to be very interesting.

If the Kings can clean up their power-play chances in this game, it could be the deciding factor for them tonight. In the last 10 matchups between these teams, the Kings are 7-1-2, and while Chicago has played much better this season, I predict the Kings will win 3-1 tonight and get back on track.

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Here are the latest news updates and possible return dates forKnicks players…

Dec. 4, 5:10 p.m.

The Knicks are seemingly close to getting OG Anunoby back. According to SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley, Anunoby (hamstring) has been upgraded to questionable for Friday’s game against the Utah Jazz at MSG.

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Begley noted on Thursday’s episode of The Putbackthat this weekend’s games are a target for the Knicks to get Anunoby back on the court.

Anunoby has missed every game since suffering the injury on Nov. 14 against the Miami Heat.

Head coach Mike Brown said that Anunoby has progressed to taking contact in practice and it seems as though the forward is reacting to it in a positive manner. Of course, this doesn’t mean Anunoby will play on Friday, but it leaves open the possibility.

Dec. 3, 6:40 p.m.

Knicks head coach Mike Brown gave a short update on OG Anunoby (hamstring). The coach said that Anunoby has progressed to taking contact in practice.

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“Itâ€s still the same, heâ€s still progressing in the right direction,” Brown said of Anunoby before Wednesday’s game against the Hornets. “Weâ€re not going to rush him.”

Brown also confirmed that Mitchell Robinson (injury management) will miss Wednesday’s game, as it’s the second of a back-to-back.

Nov. 19, 9:05 p.m.

Jalen Brunson (ankle) will return to the court and start on Wednesday night in Dallas against the Mavericks, the team announced prior to tip-off.

Brunson suffered a Grade 1 right ankle sprain against the Orlando Magic on Nov. 12 and missed the team’s next two games against the Miami Heat. New York split the two contests, winning at home and losing on the road. The team is still searching for its first road win of the season, dropping all four games away from the Garden.

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Over 11 games this year, Brunson is averaging 28.0 points on 46.7 percent shooting and 6.5 assists per game.

Meanwhile, the Mavs will be without rookie Cooper Flagg (illness) on Wednesday night as he’ll miss the first game of his career.

Nov. 18, 6:50 p.m.

The Knicks upgraded Jalen Brunson(ankle) to questionable for their Wednesday tip against the Mavericks in Dallas.

Brunson had missed the team’s last two games since suffering a right ankle sprain back on Nov. 12 against the Orlando Magic at MSG. Already without OG Anunoby (hamstring), the Knicks could use their captain to try and get their first road win of the season.

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Oct. 28, 7:18 p.m.

Before the Knicks’ tip-off against the Bucks, the Knicks announced that Towns (right quad strain) will play, but Yabusele (left knee sprain) will be out, joining McBride (personal) and Robinson (ankle sprain management) as players who are unavailable for Tuesday’s game.

Oct. 28, 3:35 p.m.

Miles McBride has been downgraded from questionable to out for the Knicks’ game on Tuesday at the Milwaukee Bucks, the team announced. This is the second-straight game the guard missed due to personal reasons. He was out for Sunday’s loss against the Miami Heat.

Oct. 27, 6:45 p.m.

Mitchell Robinson still isn’t ready to make his season debut, as the Knicks have officially ruled him out again for Tuesday night’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

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Robinson has been sidelined for the first three games due to left ankle injury management, and it’s still unknown when he’ll make his return to the court.

New York has also listed Karl-Anthony Towns (right quad strain), Miles McBride (personal reasons), and Guerschon Yabusele (left knee sprain) as questionable for the contest.

Yabusele is the only new addition to the injury report. Towns has been included heading into each of the first three games, but played in all three, and McBride missed Sunday’s game against the Heat for personal reasons.

Yabusele left Sunday’s game at one point and had his knee checked, but he was able to return and saw regular time off the bench down the stretch.

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Oct. 23, 6:10 p.m.

The latest NBA injury reporthas been released and the Knicks have designated center Mitchell Robinson (left ankle injury management) as out for Friday’s home game against the Celtics.

Robinson missed Wednesday’s season opener and the Knicks are being cautious with their big man this season as they want to have him at close to full strength for an anticipated long playoff run.

The Knicks have also designated both Josh Hart (lower back) and Karl-Anthony Towns(right quad strain) as questionable.

Hart also missed the season opener but has not seen action since the first preseason game where he tweaked his back. Towns almost missed Wednesday’s game but toughed out his quad strain and to help the Knicks’ win against the Cavaliers.

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OG Anunoby,who played Wednesday despite being questionable with an ankle sprain, is probably for Friday’s game.

Oct. 22, 10:59 p.m.

Karl-Anthony Towns was questionable, then doubtful, then questionable again in the hours leading up to the Knicks’ win over the Cavaliers and now we know exactly why.

The Knicks forward told reporters after Wednesday’s win that he is playing through a Grade 2 quad strain.

“Iâ€ve been banged up and havenâ€t really got a chance to practice or play in the last two preseason games,” Towns said. “I didnâ€t want to disappoint the fans, dealing with a Grade 2 quad strain. Itâ€s not something thatâ€s easy to do. We made it happen tonight. Glad the fans respect the effort I put in to play tonight, and my teammates, too. Shoutout to them for supporting me, knowing the situation that I was in.”

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Towns played through the pain to give the Knicks 19 points and 11 rebounds in 30 minutes.

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On Nov. 23 and 24, the Cleveland Cavaliers faced a back-to-back, at home on Sunday against the struggling Clippers, then on the road Monday against the impressive Raptors, with their high-pressure defense. The Cavaliers chose to start Darius Garland in the game they most expected to win — against the Clippers — and rested him on Monday night in Toronto.

That decision will cost Toronto $250,000 for violating the NBA’s player participation policy, a fine the league announced Thursday.

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That Monday Toronto game was nationally televised as part of Peacock NBA Monday and “the violation occurred when the Cavaliers failed to make Garland available for the team’s nationally-televised game on Nov. 24 and instead made him available on Nov. 23 which was not a nationally-televised game,” the NBA said in its statement announcing the fine.

The league determined that Garland could have played both halves of the back-to-back. Garland has played in just eight of the Cavaliers’ 23 games this season, battling a toe issue that slowed him in last season’s playoffs.

The $250,000 sum was because this was the Cavaliers second violation of the player participation policy. Cleveland had previously been fined $100,000 for sitting Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley against Miami earlier in November. After that fine, Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said, “I gotta look at the Cavs’ best interest.” I think my No. 1 job is to protect the health of our players.”

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There is set to be just one Premier League match played on Boxing Day this year.

We’re now in December, so excitement for Christmas is building, but for football fans, it is the day after which usually provides the main event.

Leftover turkey, scavenging selection boxes and getting set up in front of the TV for a day of uninterrupted football. Bliss, right? Not this year.

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Why there is only one Premier League game on Boxing Day this year

Old Trafford is hosting the only Boxing Day game in 2025 (Image credit: Getty Images)

On 26 December, there will be just one match played in England’s top tier: Manchester United vs Newcastle United, slated for an 8pm start.

An interesting fixture, no doubt, but nothing compared to last season’s eightmatches, with kick-offs at 12:30pm, 3pm, 5:30pm and 8pm.

Thankfully, this year is set to be an exception rather than a new normal, with the Premier League blaming a calendar congested by expanded European tournaments, and Boxing Day falling on a Friday.

“The Premier League would like to acknowledge the circumstances that have led to a reduced number of matches on Boxing Day this season – impacting an important tradition in English football,” the Premier League said in a statement in October.

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“There are now several challenges to Premier League fixture scheduling rooted in the expansion of European club competitions.

“This ultimately left the Premier League as a 33-weekend competition – fewer than previous seasons, despite being a 380-match competition since 1995.

“With fewer weekends to work with, the League is bound by how the calendar falls. The League can give an assurance that next season there will be more Premier League matches on Boxing Day – as the date falls on a Saturday.”

Normal Boxing Day service will resume in 2026, the Premier League have confirmed (Image credit: Getty Images)

It is, in FourFourTwo’s opinion, a relief that the league wants to protect what they term themselves an ‘important tradition in English football.’

There will still be a full slate of Boxing Day action in the Championship, League One and League Two, perhaps a chance to spotlight some of those divisions, but it will not be the same without a full line-up of games from the top tier.

Football fans will only need to wait an extra day this year, however, with seven Premier League games slated for 27 December.

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The Columbus Blue Jacketsare at home take on the Detroit Red Wings at Nationwide Arena.

Detroit comes into Columbus having gone 4-4-2 in their last 10 games and are losers of 4 of their last 5. They did win their last game against the Bruins on Tuesday, however.

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The Red Wings beat the Jackets back on November 22nd when Columbus blew a 3-1 third-period lead. They then lost the game 1:50 into the overtime period.

The Blue Jackets last game was a win on Monday night in New Jersey. It was a spirited game that saw four fights and 74 combined penalty minutes. The Jackets went down 2-0 in the first three minutes of the game but battled back by scoring three times in the third period to upend the Devils. It was a game that everybody wanted to see – A game that saw them battle back and keep a third period lead for the win.

The Jackets currently sit 8th in the Metro, 13th in the East, and 19th in the NHL.

Blue Jackets Stats

• Power Play – 16.4% – 23rd in the NHL

• Penalty Kill – 74.2% – 28th in the NHL

• Goals For – 75 – 24th in the NHL

• Goals Against – 84 – 20th in the NHL

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Red Wings Stats

• Power Play – 21.6% – 11th in the NHL

• Penalty Kill – 79.5% – 23rd in the NHL

• Goals For – 80 – 14th in the NHL

• Goals Against – 92 – 28th in the NHL

Series History vs. The Red Wings

• Columbus is 48-52-1-15 all-time, and 27-24-1-7 at home vs. Detroit.

• The CBJ are 2-1-2 in the last 5 against the Red Wings.

• The Jackets are 29-13-5 in the last 47 games.

Who To Watch For The Red Wings

• Patrick Kane has 88 points in 65 career games against Columbus.

• Dylan Larkin leads the Red Wings with 14 goals and 30 points.

• Lucas Raymond leads the team with 20 assists.

• Goalie Cam Talbot is 9-4-1 with a .888 SV%. His last start was on November 29th.

• John Gibson is 5-7-1 with a SV % of .868. His last start was on December 2nd against the Boston Bruins.

CBJ Player Notes vs. Red Wings

• Zach Werenski has 22 points in 26 career games against Detroit.

• Charlie Coyle has 14 points in 31 games.

• Sean Monahan has 17 points in 22 games vs. the Red Wings.

Injuries

• Erik Gudbranson – Upper Body – Missed 18 Games – IR – No timeline for a return

• Boone Jenner – Upper Body – Missed 10 Games – IR – Could return this week

• Mathieu Olivier – Upper Body – Missed 3 Games – IR- No timeline for a return

• Kirill Marchenko – Lower Body – Missed 4 Games – Day to day

TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 47

How to Watch & Listen: Tonight’s game will be on ESPN+ & HULU. John Buccigross will be on the play-by-play. The radio broadcast will be on 97.1 The Fan, with Bob McElligott behind the mic doing the play-by-play.

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