Latest news with #St.Louis'
Forbes
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
St. Louis Sweeps And Johns Brothers Quit At Major League Pickleball Columbus
St. Louis' ladies (Kate Fahey on the left and Anna Bright on the right) power the Shock to an ... More dominant, undefeated weekend in Columbus. Event two of the compact 2025 Major League Pickleball (MLP presented by DoorDash) season saw most of the Premier teams travelling to the uniquely decorated Pickle & Chill facility in Columbus, Ohio for an interesting weekend of team pickleball. Key Links for tracking the event this weekend, which featured livestreams from the two primary courts at the facility on MLP's YouTube channel and on Premier League Recap Day 1 Observations Wow that's a lot of Orange. The Orlando Squeeze entire team gathers around their coach for a ... More mid-match strategy session. Day 2 Observations A quick editorial about this situation: The reaction to the Johns brothers' withdrawal online in the pickleball-sphere was fast and furious, from players, fans, and MLP team representatives. Ben doubled down on social media with discussions about ambient light wattage and what not, which is fine … if the entire pickleball world didn't already know the truth. The problem is, Ben Johns has been overtly showing a lack of effort in MLP dating back to mid-season last year. Collin Johns famously ranted about the MLP format in a series of leaked texts/emails mid-season last year. We're all well aware of Ben's issues playing indoors with his childhood eye condition and can certainly understand his concerns, but then why did a) Ben agree to play at all, and b) why did Collin withdraw as well? Does Collin also have a childhood eye injury causing him issues with indoor lighting? Furthermore, why did the Johns brothers subsequently leave the facility instead of cheering on their replacements (as Jimmy Miller sarcastically pointed out on twitter)? Lastly, there's nine teams in Columbus competing this weekend; how is it that the Johns brothers are the only ones complaining about the lights and refusing to play? The facility with such poor lighting, by the way, has hosted a slew of professional tennis events and is the home of the Ohio State college tennis team, making one question just how 'bad' their lighting could be? During the MLP media day earlier this year, I asked a pointed question to the league whether the Johns brothers were going to take this competition seriously this year. I was assured specifically (by a member of the Johns family on the call) that they would. It took less than an event and a half of lackluster results for the Johns brothers to prove otherwise, to the surprise of few in the industry. The UPA is stuck between a rock and a hard place right now with one of its signature players, whose actions and comments usually lead to rule changes and policy shifts for the tour. CEO Connor Pardoe tried to spin things a bit by saying that we shouldn't 'let this situation take away' from the great play this weekend. But the elephant has left the room at this point. It has become harder and harder to explain why a billionaire team owner in Tom Dundon refused to spend money last year to put a competitive team around Ben Johns, why he refused to spend anything more than the bare minimum in the 2025 draft to do the same, and it's become harder and harder to reconcile the on-camera actions of these players, knowing as we already do from their own mouths last July, that they don't care about playing MLP. If they don't want to play MLP, Fine. Release them from their contracts, reduce their pay or reassign their salary obligations to clinics or other activities (as the league has done with dozens of other players), replace them on the Carolina team with scrubs off the waiver wire, and move on. It just isn't fair to the rest of the players who are trying, or the fans who care, to watch this farce go on any longer. There's a dozen UPA players opted out of MLP at this point, some of whom flourished in the MLP format (ahem, Julian Arnold), so what's a couple more? Coincidentally, Zane Navratil posted an event recap video that echoes many of the items I said above. Miami's dynamic French duo (Jay Devilliers on the left and Noe Khlif on the right) have helped them ... More move into playoff position. Day 3 Observations Day 4 Observations Team Standings Update post Event In Premier Player Standings/Stats Analysis for the Weekend: Unfortunately, MLP has eliminated the per-event player points link, which was a great way to highlight individual performers for a weekend. That's a shame and I hope they return that feature. In Premier In Matty Pickles' media MLP Pick-em competition, I went 7/8 for the week, missing only on the Atlanta-Chicago tie. Next up on the Pickleball Calendar? According to my Master Pickleball Schedule, the APP returns to action next weekend at the Vlasic Classic in Cincinnati. It's also the first waiver period for MLP (which should be fascinating). The rest of the month gives us some of the biggest events of the season: PPA's Atlanta Grand Slam and the APP's NYC Open follow in successive weekends in mid to late May. It's a great month for pro pickleball! The MLP returns to action at Month's end, with Event No. 3 set for Austin, Texas, hosted by the Texas Ranchers.
Hamilton Spectator
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Capitals and Canadiens fined $25K each as their 1st-round series gets increasingly feisty
ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — From big hits to post-whistle scrums and even shenanigans during pregame warmups, things are getting increasingly testy in the first-round playoff series between the Washington Capitals and the Montreal Canadiens. Each team was fined $25,000 for players' antics during warmups prior to Game 4 on Sunday night . Washington's Dylan McIlrath and Montreal's Arber Xhekaj also got fined the $3,385 maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement for unsportsmanlike conduct. It's the second set of fines in the series after Capitals forward Tom Wilson and Canadiens forward Josh Anderson were docked $5,000 apiece for their fight at the end of the second period in Game 3 on Friday night that spilled onto the visiting bench. The teams have combined for 37 penalties through four games, with the hostilities ramping up. 'That happens in every series, especially the first round,' Montreal's Brendan Gallagher said on a video call with reporters Monday. 'Teams are so excited to be where they are, and you're starting your journey off. I think every playoff that I've been a part of, the first round is usually the most physical, the most emotional and this one's no different. I think both sides have players that are competing. That's just a part of it.' It's also playing out as a bit of a war of words, with Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis expressing frustration about the officiating. He told reporters after his team's Game 4 defeat, 'It's hard to watch some of these calls.' When asked about St. Louis' comments and the refereeing in general, Gallagher said he believed he and his teammates were handling it well for the most part. 'It hasn't gone our way,' Gallagher said. 'That goes without saying. But that's for them to control. There's certain things that's in the league's control and have faith that it'll start to flip and they'll take care of it.' The Canadiens have had 13 power plays to the Capitals' 10 and have outscored them 5-1 in those situations. Washington coach Spencer Carbery brushed off St. Louis' criticism having any kind of impact on how the rest of the series is called. 'We'll go out and do everything we can to earn power plays and make sure we're not taking penalties and however the officials call the game, we'll adapt and move on and make sure that we're focused on what we're doing on the ice,' said Carbery, who is expected to be a finalist for the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year. 'It doesn't affect anything I do or we do. The refs are the refs, and officiating I don't even bother (with). If you get wrapped up in that stuff, for me, it's counterproductive. You're going to get some calls. You're not going to get some calls.' Sparked by a big hit by Wilson on Alexandre Carrier, the Capitals scored twice on Canadiens backup goaltender Jakub Dobes in the third period to win Game 4 and take a 3-1 series lead. Game 5 is Wednesday night in Washington, with the chance the home team and top seed in the Eastern Conference gets valuable forward Aliaksei Protas back after missing the past three weeks with a skate cut to his left foot. 'He's right there,' Carbery said. 'He's full practice. He's ready to roll. We'll see if he gets into Game 5.' ___ AP NHL playoffs: and
Fox Sports
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Capitals and Canadiens fined $25K each as their 1st-round series gets increasingly feisty
Associated Press ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — From big hits to post-whistle scrums and even shenanigans during pregame warmups, things are getting increasingly testy in the first-round playoff series between the Washington Capitals and the Montreal Canadiens. Each team was fined $25,000 for players' antics during warmups prior to Game 4 on Sunday night. Washington's Dylan McIlrath and Montreal's Arber Xhekaj also got fined the $3,385 maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement for unsportsmanlike conduct. It's the second set of fines in the series after Capitals forward Tom Wilson and Canadiens forward Josh Anderson were docked $5,000 apiece for their fight at the end of the second period in Game 3 on Friday night that spilled onto the visiting bench. The teams have combined for 37 penalties through four games, with the hostilities ramping up. 'That happens in every series, especially the first round,' Montreal's Brendan Gallagher said on a video call with reporters Monday. 'Teams are so excited to be where they are, and you're starting your journey off. I think every playoff that I've been a part of, the first round is usually the most physical, the most emotional and this one's no different. I think both sides have players that are competing. That's just a part of it.' It's also playing out as a bit of a war of words, with Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis expressing frustration about the officiating. He told reporters after his team's Game 4 defeat, 'It's hard to watch some of these calls.' When asked about St. Louis' comments and the refereeing in general, Gallagher said he believed he and his teammates were handling it well for the most part. 'It hasn't gone our way,' Gallagher said. "That goes without saying. But that's for them to control. There's certain things that's in the league's control and have faith that it'll start to flip and they'll take care of it." The Canadiens have had 13 power plays to the Capitals' 10 and have outscored them 5-1 in those situations. Washington coach Spencer Carbery brushed off St. Louis' criticism having any kind of impact on how the rest of the series is called. 'We'll go out and do everything we can to earn power plays and make sure we're not taking penalties and however the officials call the game, we'll adapt and move on and make sure that we're focused on what we're doing on the ice,' said Carbery, who is expected to be a finalist for the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year. 'It doesn't affect anything I do or we do. The refs are the refs, and officiating I don't even bother (with). If you get wrapped up in that stuff, for me, it's counterproductive. You're going to get some calls. You're not going to get some calls.' Sparked by a big hit by Wilson on Alexandre Carrier, the Capitals scored twice on Canadiens backup goaltender Jakub Dobes in the third period to win Game 4 and take a 3-1 series lead. Game 5 is Wednesday night in Washington, with the chance the home team and top seed in the Eastern Conference gets valuable forward Aliaksei Protas back after missing the past three weeks with a skate cut to his left foot. 'He's right there,' Carbery said. "He's full practice. He's ready to roll. We'll see if he gets into Game 5.' ___ AP NHL playoffs: and recommended
Winnipeg Free Press
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Capitals and Canadiens fined $25K each as their 1st-round series gets increasingly feisty
ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — From big hits to post-whistle scrums and even shenanigans during pregame warmups, things are getting increasingly testy in the first-round playoff series between the Washington Capitals and the Montreal Canadiens. Each team was fined $25,000 for players' antics during warmups prior to Game 4 on Sunday night. Washington's Dylan McIlrath and Montreal's Arber Xhekaj also got fined the $3,385 maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement for unsportsmanlike conduct. It's the second set of fines in the series after Capitals forward Tom Wilson and Canadiens forward Josh Anderson were docked $5,000 apiece for their fight at the end of the second period in Game 3 on Friday night that spilled onto the visiting bench. The teams have combined for 37 penalties through four games, with the hostilities ramping up. 'That happens in every series, especially the first round,' Montreal's Brendan Gallagher said on a video call with reporters Monday. 'Teams are so excited to be where they are, and you're starting your journey off. I think every playoff that I've been a part of, the first round is usually the most physical, the most emotional and this one's no different. I think both sides have players that are competing. That's just a part of it.' It's also playing out as a bit of a war of words, with Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis expressing frustration about the officiating. He told reporters after his team's Game 4 defeat, 'It's hard to watch some of these calls.' When asked about St. Louis' comments and the refereeing in general, Gallagher said he believed he and his teammates were handling it well for the most part. 'It hasn't gone our way,' Gallagher said. 'That goes without saying. But that's for them to control. There's certain things that's in the league's control and have faith that it'll start to flip and they'll take care of it.' The Canadiens have had 13 power plays to the Capitals' 10 and have outscored them 5-1 in those situations. Washington coach Spencer Carbery brushed off St. Louis' criticism having any kind of impact on how the rest of the series is called. 'We'll go out and do everything we can to earn power plays and make sure we're not taking penalties and however the officials call the game, we'll adapt and move on and make sure that we're focused on what we're doing on the ice,' said Carbery, who is expected to be a finalist for the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year. 'It doesn't affect anything I do or we do. The refs are the refs, and officiating I don't even bother (with). If you get wrapped up in that stuff, for me, it's counterproductive. You're going to get some calls. You're not going to get some calls.' Sparked by a big hit by Wilson on Alexandre Carrier, the Capitals scored twice on Canadiens backup goaltender Jakub Dobes in the third period to win Game 4 and take a 3-1 series lead. Game 5 is Wednesday night in Washington, with the chance the home team and top seed in the Eastern Conference gets valuable forward Aliaksei Protas back after missing the past three weeks with a skate cut to his left foot. 'He's right there,' Carbery said. 'He's full practice. He's ready to roll. We'll see if he gets into Game 5.' ___ AP NHL playoffs: and
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Capitals and Canadiens fined $25K each as their 1st-round series gets increasingly feisty
Washington Capitals' Alexander Alexeyev (27) and Montreal Canadiens' Emil Heineman (51) vie for position during the first period of Game 4 in an NHL hockey first-round playoff series in Montreal, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press via AP) ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — From big hits to post-whistle scrums and even shenanigans during pregame warmups, things are getting increasingly testy in the first-round playoff series between the Washington Capitals and the Montreal Canadiens. Each team was fined $25,000 for players' antics during warmups prior to Game 4 on Sunday night. Washington's Dylan McIlrath and Montreal's Arber Xhekaj also got fined the $3,385 maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement for unsportsmanlike conduct. Advertisement It's the second set of fines in the series after Capitals forward Tom Wilson and Canadiens forward Josh Anderson were docked $5,000 apiece for their fight at the end of the second period in Game 3 on Friday night that spilled onto the visiting bench. The teams have combined for 37 penalties through four games, with the hostilities ramping up. 'That happens in every series, especially the first round,' Montreal's Brendan Gallagher said on a video call with reporters Monday. 'Teams are so excited to be where they are, and you're starting your journey off. I think every playoff that I've been a part of, the first round is usually the most physical, the most emotional and this one's no different. I think both sides have players that are competing. That's just a part of it.' It's also playing out as a bit of a war of words, with Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis expressing frustration about the officiating. He told reporters after his team's Game 4 defeat, 'It's hard to watch some of these calls.' Advertisement When asked about St. Louis' comments and the refereeing in general, Gallagher said he believed he and his teammates were handling it well for the most part. 'It hasn't gone our way,' Gallagher said. "That goes without saying. But that's for them to control. There's certain things that's in the league's control and have faith that it'll start to flip and they'll take care of it." The Canadiens have had 13 power plays to the Capitals' 10 and have outscored them 5-1 in those situations. Washington coach Spencer Carbery brushed off St. Louis' criticism having any kind of impact on how the rest of the series is called. Advertisement 'We'll go out and do everything we can to earn power plays and make sure we're not taking penalties and however the officials call the game, we'll adapt and move on and make sure that we're focused on what we're doing on the ice,' said Carbery, who is expected to be a finalist for the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year. 'It doesn't affect anything I do or we do. The refs are the refs, and officiating I don't even bother (with). If you get wrapped up in that stuff, for me, it's counterproductive. You're going to get some calls. You're not going to get some calls.' Sparked by a big hit by Wilson on Alexandre Carrier, the Capitals scored twice on Canadiens backup goaltender Jakub Dobes in the third period to win Game 4 and take a 3-1 series lead. Game 5 is Wednesday night in Washington, with the chance the home team and top seed in the Eastern Conference gets valuable forward Aliaksei Protas back after missing the past three weeks with a skate cut to his left foot. 'He's right there,' Carbery said. "He's full practice. He's ready to roll. We'll see if he gets into Game 5.' ___ AP NHL playoffs: and
