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Time of India
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Matthew Tkachuk's dream shootout goal doesn't involve Wayne Gretzky, praises ex-Stanley Cup champ instead
Matthew Tkachuk chooses unexpected NHL legend over Wayne Gretzky in clutch moment (Imagn Images) In a recent conversation that sparked debates across the hockey world, Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk made an eyebrow-raising revelation. If his life were on the line and one player had to take a shootout shot, he wouldn't go with 'The Great One. ' Instead, he'd trust TJ Oshie—a decision rooted in one unforgettable Olympic moment that still gives hockey fans chills. Why Matthew Tkachuk would trust TJ Oshie over Wayne Gretzky in a do-or-die shootout During an appearance on Jon 'Stugotz' Weiner's podcast at the American Century Championship celebrity golf event, Tkachuk didn't hesitate much before making the bold call. 'That's so tough… I feel like I saw somewhere once Gretzky said he didn't like breakaways, which I find that's not true, but one of my favorite moments in sports history was watching Oshie in the four-shootout-goal game, so I'm going to take Oshie. ' Tkachuk's choice stems from the now-iconic 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics performance where Oshie, then 27, practically became a national hero. With nerves of steel, he netted four shootout goals in Team USA's dramatic group-stage win over Russia. The display wasn't just impressive—it was unforgettable. It became a masterclass in poise, execution, and resilience under pressure. It's not just nostalgia talking, either. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Statistically, Oshie has been one of the NHL's most lethal shootout performers. With 49 shootout goals over 16 seasons, he's tied for third all-time in league history—a testament to his consistency and skill in high-stakes moments. Shootouts weren't part of Wayne Gretzky's era While Wayne Gretzky's legacy as hockey's most prolific scorer is unquestionable, it's important to note that the shootout format didn't even exist during his NHL career. Introduced in 2005, nearly six years after his retirement, the shootout became a whole new dimension of pressure and technique—one Oshie mastered while Gretzky never faced. Sure, Gretzky thrived in breakaways and even converted a penalty shot, but the dynamics of a modern shootout require a unique kind of mentality. For Tkachuk, Oshie represents that rare mix of calm and cold-blooded execution. In a life-or-death scenario, that's exactly who you'd want. And with that pick, Tkachuk not only gave Oshie a massive nod—but also reminded fans that greatness can look different, depending on the moment. Also Read: NHL Trade: Toronto's acquisition of Dakota Joshua hints at bigger plans for the upcoming season Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
New York Post
2 days ago
- New York Post
5-time convicted killer put to death in Florida uses his last words to thank executioner
A five-time convicted murderer executed in Florida on Tuesday used his last words to thank those responsible for his impending death as he became the 26th person executed in the US this year — surpassing last year's grim total. Michael Bernard Bell, 54, was pronounced dead at 6:25 p.m. after receiving a lethal injection at the Florida State Prison, said Bryan Griffin, a spokesperson for Gov. Ron DeSantis. 4 Michael Bernard Bell, 54, was executed by lethal injection Tuesday evening. AP Advertisement Surprisingly, Bell — who was sentenced to death for the fatal shooting of two people outside of a bar in 1993 — used his final breaths to show gratitude. 'Thank you for not letting me spend the rest of my life in prison,' he said. 4 Bell was sentenced to death for the murder of two people outside a bar in 1993. Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Advertisement The killer woke up bright and early for his final day at 6:30 a.m. and ate his last meal consisting of classic breakfast foods: an omelet, bacon, home fries and orange juice. Bell, who killed five people — including a toddler — in his lifetime, only met with a spiritual advisor during his final hours. Despite his apparent appreciation for his death sentence, Bell's lawyer had requested that the execution be stayed — which the US Supreme Court had rejected. The court doubled down on its assertion that Bell should face the music with a 54-page opinion pointing to his guilt even as his legal team insisted they had newly discovered evidence about witness testimony. Advertisement 4 Bell was also convicted of killing a woman and her toddler son and his mother's boyfriend in separate incidents. Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Bell was convicted in 1995 and sentenced to death for the murders of Jimmy West and Tamecka Smith. In December 1993, Bell spotted a car driven by West that was previously owned by a man who had killed his brother. So, he called on two other friends and armed himself with an AK-47 for what he thought would be the vengeful assassination of his brother's killer. Instead, he gunned down West and Smith, who had no affiliation with his brother's death, in the car outside a bar, officials said. Advertisement Bell also opened fire on a nearby crowd before fleeing the scene. West died at the scene and Smith succumbed to her injuries en route to the hospital while a third passenger escaped unharmed. He was arrested later that year with three extra murders tacked onto his record. In 1989, he shot and killed a woman and her toddler son. Then, just four months before the bar slaughter, he also killed his mother's boyfriend, officials said. 4 Bell's last meal included typical breakfast foods. Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Bell's execution marks the 26th in the US this year, breaking 2024's morbid total with five more months left to go. He is also the eighth person to be put to death in Florida, a sharp uptick compared to just one last year. The Sunshine State has executed more people this year than any other state. On July 31, Edward J. Zakrzewski, II is set to be the ninth executed death row prisoner in Florida this year. He was found guilty in 1996 for the slaughter of his family after he tried to seek a divorce from his wife, whom he beat with a crowbar and machete before strangling her to death. He also killed their two young children, just 7 and 5 years old, with the same machete. With Post wires.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Home Run Derby drama: Brent Rooker loses tiebreaker by under an inch, Cal Raleigh sneaks into next round
Brent Rooker was eliminated from the Home Run Derby (Imagn Images) In a razor-thin decision, Oakland Athletics slugger Brent Rooker was eliminated from the 2025 Home Run Derby on Monday night by less than an inch. Despite a powerful performance that saw him crush 17 home runs in the opening round, Rooker missed out on the semifinals due to an obscure tiebreaker rule that left even broadcasters baffled in the moment. Brent Rooker falls in Home Run Derby by less than an inch in wild first-round tiebreaker twist The confusion began when Rooker tied Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who also belted 17 homers in his first-round appearance. With the two tied for the fourth and final slot to advance, many expected a swing-off—a fan-favorite showdown that usually delivers heightened drama. But that didn't happen. Instead, the tiebreaker came down to the distance of each player's longest home run. Both Rooker and Raleigh were initially credited with a max distance of 471 feet. ESPN's broadcast scrambled to make sense of the process, floating possibilities from a swing-off to a coin toss. Viewers were left in the dark until Statcast stepped in with precise measurements that ultimately determined the outcome. As it turned out, Raleigh's longest homer traveled exactly 470.61 feet, while Rooker's came in at 470.53 feet—a difference of just 0.08 feet, or roughly 0.96 inches. That minuscule margin was enough to end Rooker's run in the Derby. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Get ₹2Cr life cover@ ₹700 p.m. ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo The decision underscored just how fine the margins can be in baseball—even in an exhibition like the Home Run Derby. As many longtime fans say, baseball is a game of inches. On Monday night, it lived up to that reputation in the most literal way. Despite the heartbreak, Rooker's performance earned him plenty of praise. Not only did he put on a strong showing under pressure, but he'll also return to the spotlight during the MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta, marking his second career appearance at the midsummer classic. He joins an elite group of Mississippi State alumni—only seven have earned multiple All-Star selections. Meanwhile, Raleigh's advancement set him up for a second-round showdown with Oneil Cruz, who put on a show of his own with a jaw-dropping 513-foot blast—tying the Derby record. From that point on, the bracket moved forward without controversy, but Rooker's elimination lingered as one of the night's most talked-about moments. There's no doubt that Rooker made his mark, even if his journey was cut short. Being edged out by less than an inch may sting for now, but it also adds another unforgettable chapter to the Home Run Derby's growing lore. Also Read: Shohei Ohtani finally opens up on married life with Mamiko Tanaka and fatherhood after viral Dodgers moment For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin gear up to challenge another untouchable Wayne Gretzky record in 2025-26 NHL season
Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin are on track to reach 1,700 career points (Imagn Images) As the 2025-26 NHL season nears, two of hockey's most iconic names—Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin—are once again chasing history. This time, they have their eyes on new milestones that would draw them even closer to the legendary Wayne Gretzky's towering legacy. The NHL reveals major point milestone in reach for Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin According to NHL Public Relations, both Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin are expected to hit 1,700 career points this upcoming season. The announcement came in a July 12 post on X, stating: 'Looking Ahead to 2025-26: It could be another milestone year for Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. Both players are on the path to 1,700 points while tracking down legends on the all-time list.' With 1,687 career points to his name, Crosby currently sits 9th all-time and is the only active player in the top 10. Meanwhile, Ovechkin isn't far behind at 1,623 points, ranked 11th. While neither will catch Gretzky's all-time total of 2,857 points anytime soon, their continued production this late in their careers is nothing short of remarkable. Alex Ovechkin already passed Wayne Gretzky once—and Sidney Crosby just did too In April 2025, Ovechkin passed Gretzky's long-standing record of 894 regular-season goals, becoming the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer. He now sits at 897 and counting. With a few more solid seasons, he could become the first player ever to hit the 1,000-goal mark. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esta nueva alarma con cámara es casi regalada en Yerba Buena (ver precio) Verisure Más información Undo Crosby also made history this past March when he overtook Gretzky for most NHL seasons averaging over a point per game. Gretzky had 19 such seasons; Crosby now holds 20. Despite their individual accolades, both stars remain committed to team success. Ovechkin's top priority remains bringing another Cup to Washington, and Crosby continues to lead a competitive Penguins squad. Also Read: Wayne Gretzky's wife Janet Jones dragged into $1.7M mob-linked gambling scandal While Gretzky's numbers may never be fully touched, Crosby and Ovechkin are proving that longevity, consistency, and greatness can redefine what it means to be a legend in today's NHL. The 2025-26 season could be one of the last chapters in this incredible generational rivalry. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
New York Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Jannik Sinner wins first Wimbledon title as he gets revenge on Carlos Alcaraz
Just over a month after his stunning French Open collapse, Jannik Sinner didn't let Carlos Alcaraz mount another comeback at Wimbledon. And after he closed out the four-set victory Sunday, Sinner secured his first championship at the All England Club and his fourth Grand Slam title as the duo of young stars added another chapter to their rivalry. 3 Jannik Sinner celebrates a point during his match against Carlos Alcaraz on July 13. AP Sinner, 23, dropped the first set, but he won the next three in the 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 match. 3 Jannik Sinner returns a shot during his match against Carlos Alcaraz on July 13. Imagn Images 3 Carlos Alcaraz returns a shot during his Wimbledon match against Jannik Sinner on July 13. REUTERS He entered with only four wins in 12 career matches against Alcaraz, 22, and had lost five consecutive matches against him — with his last victory prior to Sunday occurring at the 2023 China Open.
