Latest news with #Postseason
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Max Pacioretty Responds to Matthew Tkachuk Wild Claim About Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs failed to advance to the Eastern Conference Final, dropping Game 7 at home to the Florida Panthers. It was yet another frustrating loss for the Maple Leafs in the postseason, leading many people to believe that big changes are coming to the team. After the game, Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk turned some heads with comments on why Toronto continues to fail. Advertisement "Sometimes you feel bad for them because they have some unbelievable players and a great team," Tkachuk said. "I was actually saying this last night to some of the guys. If their team was not in Toronto, dealing with all the crazy circus stuff outside of it, they'd be an unbelievable team and such a hard team to play. They just have so much to deal with, and I feel bad." Many had strong opinions on the matter, but the reality of the situation is that the Maple Leafs haven't seen real postseason success in a long time. But Maple Leafs star Max Pacioretty pushed back on these comments from Tkachuk after the fact. "It's a privilege. You probably don't realize that when you're in it or you're younger and have this many people care about how we do. It builds winners, turns you into men and helps achieve what you're trying to become.", he said. Some players embrace the pressure placed on teams like Toronto, while others crumble under it. The veteran has seen a lot over his career and made his feelings clear. Advertisement Pacioretty only played one season with the Maple Leafs, but it seems that he learned a lot about the city. The veteran didn't have a great season, only scoring five goals and eight assists. The wing also said that he isn't sure what the future holds for him, hinting at potential retirement. It remains to be seen what he will do, but Pacioretty clearly doesn't want to blame the pressure in Toronto for the shortcomings of the team this year. Related: Canucks Could Land Star From Division Rival in Free Agency Related: Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner Predicted to Leave For East Rival After Playoff Exit
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
José Alvarado Suspension Leaves Phillies With Massive Hole in Already Suspect Bullpen
There have been few bright spots in the Phillies bullpen this season. José Alvarado was one of them. Not only did he have a 2.70 ERA and seven saves - both the best among Philly relievers - but he was also a local favorite, with moments that included meeting a young fan who mimicked his pitching motion and a special Mother's Day message on his cap. Advertisement Which makes his sudden PED suspension all the more hurtful. While the Phillies could still make a run to the Postseason without Alvarado available for the next 80 games, the real challenge will be in October. As part of his suspension, José is ineligible for any playoff games, when he would have been needed the most. José Alvarado during Game Four of the 2023 NDLS against the Atlanta Braves. He had a 1.13 ERA throughout that Streicher-Imagn Images During his career, Alvarado has been a lockdown arm in the playoffs. There have been a few blemishes, such as Game Six of the 2022 World Series and his sole appearance in the NLDS last year, but overall, he was very dependable over the past three runs. The Phils were already in need of some bullpen help, but now that issue has grown to alarming levels. Aside from Alvarado, their only lockdown arm has been Matt Strahm. Orion Kerkering has been good aside from two rough appearances, and Jordan Romano has returned to form this month, but either would be an enormous risk to lean on. The same can be said for any of the Phillies pitching prospects currently at Triple-A. Advertisement Even worse, Dylan Cease, who was supposed to be the top reliever on the trade market this summer, could be staying put as the St. Louis Cardinals make their own case for the playoffs. That leaves Kyle Finnegan, currently with the division rival Washington Nationals, as the most likely trade candidate - one who will attract a lot of leverage. Related: Phillies' Bryce Harper Reacts to Joining Prestigious Group of MLB Players
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Legler 'not sure' Luka is over shock of trade
Lakers vs Timberwolves Game Highlights The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 116-113, in Game 3 of their First Round series. Minnesota Timberwolves Top Performers Anthony Edwards – 43 points (16 in 4Q), 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 3PM Ties Rick Barry (5) becoming the 2nd player in NBA history with 5 or more 40-PT games age 23 and under in the Postseason, only player with more game is Luka Dončić (8) Julius Randle – 25 points, 7 rebounds, 3 3PM Los Angeles Lakers Top Performers Luka Dončić – 38 points, 5 3PM LeBron James – 27 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks, 2 3PM Passed Wilt Chamberlain (143) for 3rd all-time on the Playoffs double-doubles list Passed Kevin McHale (281) for 9th all-time on the Playoffs block list The Minnesota Timberwolves lead the best-of-seven series against the Los Angeles Lakers, 3-1. Game 5 will take place on Wednesday, April 30 at 10:00 p.m. ET on TNT. 1:36 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The Dallas Mavericks have clinched a postseason berth
Photo byThe Dallas Mavericks needed a win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night in order to secure a spot in the Play-In Tournament. Luka Doncic had other ideas, as he dropped 45-points on his old team and led LA to a 112-97 victory. The Lakers secured a Playoff bid outright with the win, leaving Dallas to fight another day… or get help from elsewhere. Advertisement Generally, players and their fans would rather control their own destiny by securing their Playoff fate on their own terms. Sometimes you just have to take the gift in whatever form it comes. For better or worse, depending on your personal perspective, the Mavs will be no worse than the 10 Seed in the Western Conference, good enough for a shot to win two road games for the right to be called the 8 Seed and enter the Playoffs proper. When all was said and done Wednesday night, the Mavs were surely happy to see they lost no ground to the 9 Seed Sacramento Kings, who dropped their game to the Denver Nuggets. Better still for their Playoff aspirations was the outcome of the Phoenix Suns matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Suns continued their free-fall, dropping an eight-straight game an eliminating their already-tenuous Playoff chances. With their loss, the Mavs have guaranteed themselves a place in Postseason play. Dallas still has a chance to climb as high as the 9 Seed, but it will take some work with limited time. The Mavericks are a full game behind Sacramento, and the Kings hold the tie-breaker. If the Kings win one of their final two games, the Mavs will not be able to jump them. The only scenario where Dallas climbs is if they win their last two games in conjunction with the Kings losing their last two. This seems unlikely, but if this season has taught us anything, it is to expect the unexpected. More from
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Phillies Slugger Kyle Schwarber Enters 2025 Season at Crossroads
Kyle Schwarber is still chasing the same goal as everyone else on his current team: a World Series Championship. He's one of three guys on the Philadelphia Phillies to already have a ring, but it came under rather unorthodox circumstances. Schwarber has the rare history of playing more games in the Fall Classic (five) than in the regular season leading up to it (two). Kyle tore multiple ligaments in his left knee in April 2016, taking the entire season and part of the Postseason to recover. He was back just in time to help the Chicago Cubs snap their century-long drought, acting as the designated hitter in their series against Cleveland. Advertisement Over eight years later, Schwarber has come painfully close to recapturing those heights - falling two wins short in 2022 - but remains without the experience of spending a full year on a championship team. A title is well within reach for he and the Phillies in 2025, but whether they are successful or not, this could be his last dance with the red 'P' on his head. Jun 14, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) stands on the field before a first inning at-bat against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Gilligan-Imagn Images Despite smashing 131 home runs - and 12 more in the Postseason - so far for the Phillies, the 32-year-old slugger's future is unclear. He, along with some other members of Philly's core, are on expiring contracts. More of the team, including fellow 2022 addition Nick Castellanos, are set to also hit free agency a year later. Kyle's not getting any younger, and he barely touched outfield grass last season. All this leads to the question of what direction Schwarber wants to take with his career. He's said he would love to stay in Philadelphia beyond this year - a move that would probably make them his longest-tenured team. But with Bryce Harper, Zack Wheeler, Trea Turner, and Aaron Nola all in their early 30s as well, the Phils' contending window could close in a hurry. Advertisement For now, all Kyle can do is whatever the team needs him to. Regardless of if he's hitting leadoff or clean-up, or if he needs to slide a glove back on once in a while, Schwarber is game - for all 162 of them, and more. Related: Phillies' J.T. Realmuto Bracing for Potential Last Ride With Bryce Harper in 2025
