There was no nervy ending for South Africa as they saved their cool underneath stress to beat West Indies by three wickets in a rain-shortened Tremendous Eights recreation in Antigua and booked a spot within the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 semifinals.
The rain-delayed match on the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium swayed between each side on Sunday, however in the long run, the evening belonged to South Africa who chased down the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS technique) adjusted goal with 5 balls to spare.
South Africa requested West Indies to bat first and restricted the hosts to 135-8 in 20 overs, with left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi choosing up three wickets for 27 runs in his 4 overs. Roston Chase top-scored with 52 runs.
Rain stopped play early on in South Africa’s chase and their goal was readjusted to 123 from 17 overs when play resumed.
The Proteas appeared on observe for a snug win when captain Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs had been batting collectively, till Alzarri Joseph eliminated Markram.
With a partisan residence crowd backing them, the lads in maroon rallied to maintain the stress on the guests.
West Indies saved breaking South African partnerships at common intervals, however one poor over from spinner Gudakesh Motie, who gave away 20 runs, swayed the sport again in favour of the Proteas.
The nervous nature of the chase, and South Africa’s historical past of falling brief within the latter phases of world cups, meant the stress was on their lower-order batters as the remainder of the squad watched on from the dugout.
However Shamsi, who was named participant of the match, mentioned there was “no stress” on the staff and loads of smiles when Marco Jansen sealed South Africa’s win with a six off Obed McCoy’s bowling within the final over.
“There was no stress, no loopy ideas within the dugout even when rain interrupted the sport and we bought into tough conditions,” he mentioned after the match.
“We had been all very calm.”
Markram mentioned there was “a variety of aid” within the South African camp to have made it by means of to their first T20 World Cup semifinal in 10 years, however he urged his facet to “placed on [our] greatest recreation within the semifinal”.
South Africa undergo as Group 2 winners and can play the second-placed facet from Group 1.
EUGENE — Noah Lyles sprinted with an autumn-like breeze at his again, shaded from the setting solar by seats rising to type the west facet of Hayward Discipline, from beginning blocks towards the end line of the U.S. Olympic Trials 100m away, after which he saved on going, across the flip and down the backstretch of the rust-colored observe, one other 150m past what was required. He ran from Oregon towards France and the Paris Olympic Video games, from a terrific now towards an ever-more promising subsequent. He ran towards all these issues.
Lyles additionally ran whereas additional and extra utterly fulfilling a prophecy written right here eight years in the past, so way back that it was in a unique stadium (and in some ways, a unique time). He was simply 18 years previous, working in a pink, white and blue package from his highschool in suburban Washington, D.C. The Trials love few issues greater than precocity and Lyles offered it: He gained a semifinal within the 200m and completed fourth within the last, lacking the Olympic crew by simply .09-seconds. The game of observe and discipline, in the meantime, loves nothing greater than translating that precocity to sure future greatness. Noah Lyles, the game determined, could be nice.
However anticipated greatness — and particularly Olympic greatness, the sort that counts most in observe and discipline — nearly all the time takes a bit extra time than scheduled, and is rarely assured. Lyles has gained 4 particular person world titles, however only a bronze medal within the 200m on the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Sunday evening, Lyles, now 26 years previous, tied his private better of 9.83 seconds, established in profitable the world title final summer time in Budapest. He drew away from 2022 world champion Fred Kerley and Tokyo Olympic 200m silver medalist Kenny Bednarek with 30m left within the race, and as he hit the road threw his proper arm into the air, and raised his index finger in celebration.
Subsequent Saturday he’ll run the ultimate of the 200m (offered he will get via the rounds, which is a near-certainty) and attempt to make the U.S. crew in a second occasion and doubtlessly change into the primary U.S. male sprinter to win the Olympic 100/200m double since Carl Lewis in 1984.
And the prophecy now? Trying extra prescient than ever. “That is principally the play,” mentioned Lyles in his post-race press convention. “And the play is nice proper now.”
Do not misunderstand: Lyles’s resume is fabulous. If he retired tomorrow (he will not, however stick with me), he could be among the many finest U.S. sprinters in historical past. Though not the perfect — that might lie forward. He gained the 200m world title in 2019, and in 2022 once more gained the world title, in 19.31 seconds, breaking Michael Johnson’s American file. Final summer time he gained the 100m and 200m at worlds, and ran on Staff USA’s gold medal 4x100m relay. It is what occurred in the midst of all these world titles that muddies Lyles’s file.
He went to the Covid-delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021 as the favourite within the 200m, however completed solely third. Requested after the race what he considered his bronze medal, he mentioned, “Boring.” (He is nonetheless not loopy about it. After Saturday’s first spherical of the 100, requested in regards to the medal, he mentioned, “I do not like that factor”). However there was far more. In an extended post-race interview with a bunch of reporters, Lyles wept brazenly and talked his wrestle with despair (which he had revealed publicly in a social media submit months earlier). He recalled a dialog by which he and his girlfriend talked about “… What a tough 12 months it has been.”
Lyles’s coach, Lance Brauman mentioned, “Lengthy story brief, Covid was onerous on him. He was dinged up most of 2021, so we weren’t capable of do the work he wanted for the hundred,” — [Lyles did not make the U.S. team in the 100m in 2021] ” — then he acquired in fairly fine condition and he simply acquired beat on the Video games. I imply, it is solely the second time he is ever been crushed in an expert 200. It simply got here at a very unhealthy time for him.”
Three years have handed. Lyles’s three world titles are proof that he has recaptured his athletic peak (or is ascending towards it). He mentioned his psychological well being is far improved, as effectively. “It is a utterly completely different 12 months [from 2021],” mentioned Lyles. “I imply one, I am not depressed. That helps. In 2021, there was much more stress simply due to the despair and coming off Covid. The sucky factor about Covid is that all of us needed to cease the development that we had from the earlier 12 months and we have been on quite a lot of lifeless time. We have been coaching in parks, coaching in random locations. However now coming off 2023, I had an important 12 months to construct upon for this 12 months.”
One thing extra. Lyles has all the time tried to make his races into performances, as if following in Usain Bolt’s [very large] sneakers. At occasions it appeared pressured, particularly in 2021. However now, Lyles appears ebullient on the observe, and off it, he has peppered his season with media and social-media gags just like the silver briefcase that he — or, this weekend, Snoop Dogg — brings into the stadium. Earlier than the 100m last, he was launched final of the 9 starters and exploded from the tunnel behind the blocks as if already working the race and bounded 30m down the observe.
“Normally I do not really feel stress as a result of I am simply having enjoyable,” mentioned Lyles. “All I gotta do is be me. I always inform children, ‘Be your self,’ and if folks see that as being corny, shoot, I am corny. However guess what? I am profitable whereas being corny.”
Brauman says he has brazenly inspired it. “He must be himself and that is who he’s and I am all for it. He loves it, and it will get him going. My factor is, if we’re at apply and I ask him a query or I’ve one thing to say, he listens and pays consideration and works onerous and that is all you’ll be able to ask for in my job. As for the remainder of it, I imply if that stuff will get him going, if it will get him excited and he desires to be a showman, I am all for it.”
Lyles was prepared within the last. After working a decent 9.92 seconds and shutting down after 60m in Saturday’s warmth, Lyles simply gained his semifinal early Sunday night in 9.80 seconds, with an excessive amount of wind at his again for file or personal-best functions. Lyles’s sharpness however, the ultimate could be intensely aggressive: Lyles was in Lane 7; outdoors him in Lane 8 was Kerley, inside him in Lane 6 was Bednarek, and down in Lane 4 was Christian Coleman, the 2019 world 100m champion who missed the Tokyo Olympics after lacking a number of drug exams.
It was such a tricky discipline — and all the time is — that Brauman instructed him, “Simply ensure you’re on the crew.” And added for reporters later, “That crew is the toughest crew on the planet to make. Meets like these, you do not even fear about time.” (Simply ask Coleman, who completed a crushing fourth, .05-seconds behind Kerley).
Lyles has been working since 2021 to enhance his begin, and acquired a strong — if not blinding — begin within the last. Each Kerley and Bednarek have been marginally in entrance of him, however Lyles’s high gear is the most effective on the planet. “I did not really feel like I needed to press very onerous,” mentioned Lyles. “I felt like my knees have been going straight into the observe, they have been instantly beneath me, and each step I took felt extra highly effective than the final. So I am like, I acquired this race, and I instructed myself I wasn’t going to ease up on the finish….”
However up went his arm, and on the high, a single index finger.
“Subsequent time I run,” mentioned Lyles. “No celebrations.”
They are saying magnificence is within the eye of the beholder. And the annual World’s Ugliest Canine contest unearthed some true diamonds within the ruff on Friday when it was held on the Sonoma-Marin Honest in Petaluma, California.
Wild Thang, an 8-year-old Pekingese, was topped the winner and picked up the $5,000 prize after 5 earlier makes an attempt.
“He was a fan favourite … he’s form of just like the bridesmaid and by no means the bride,” choose Fiona Ma instructed the Related Press. “He actually tugged at our coronary heart strings and deserved to win.”
As a pet, Wild Thang contracted a virus that nearly killed him and left him with everlasting harm. His enamel by no means developed, so his tongue flops out, and his proper entrance leg paddles on a regular basis.
“He’s by no means had a hair minimize so that’s the manner he’s and (his proprietor) shaves his abdomen and he likes to sleep on ice packs,” Ma added. “He’s only a candy canine – I used to be simply holding him and he likes to be held and cuddled. That’s a part of it, these rescue canines, they simply want perpetually properties, so please undertake, don’t store.”
The competition is just not about making enjoyable of the canines, organizers burdened, “however having enjoyable with some great characters and displaying the world that these canines are actually stunning!”
A 14-year-old, one-eyed pug named Rome snagged second place, making his first look within the competitors. He has retired to the Pug Lodge Senior Sanctuary in California, the place, “regardless of his bowed legs, he likes to tippy faucet dance together with his ft to precise his pleasure for all times,” his biography learn.
Like lots of the canines on this competitors, he makes a giant contributes to the neighborhood – visiting hospice sufferers and participating within the 2023 Wheeling Pug Relay workforce, which raises cash to purchase wheelchairs for canines.
Wild Thang, in the meantime, has helped elevate cash to evacuate seven of his fellow Pekingese from Ukraine, and one other competitor, Ozzie – a 10-year-old terrier combine – visits senior facilities and takes care of foster kittens.
Many of the canines within the contest have been rescued, together with third place Daisy Mae who, over time, has misplaced a lot of her hair, enamel and imaginative and prescient however has “gained in buddies, confidence, and a lot spunk,” her biography learn.
John Drive was concerned in a fiery crash on Sunday on the Virginia Nationals. (Photograph by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures)
John Drive was hospitalized after a fiery crash throughout the NHRA Virginia Nationals on Sunday.
The 75-year-old racing legend was extricated from his automobile after an engine explosion prompted his Humorous Automotive to make a number of impacts with the skin retaining partitions. Per a statement from John Force Racing, Drive was hospitalized for “additional analysis” in an intensive care unit at a close-by medical middle.
The assertion mentioned that Drive was “injured” within the crash, however didn’t specify his accidents apart from saying he was aware and speaking with NHRA security workforce members after the crash.
The explosion occurred after Drive received his first-round race.
Drive is essentially the most profitable racer in NHRA historical past. He has received 16 Humorous Automotive titles and has 157 NHRA race wins all through his illustrious profession. Drive received his first NHRA title in 1990 and 12 extra titles from 1991-2004.
His most up-to-date championship got here in 2013, although he’s presently second within the factors standings behind fellow JFR racer Austin Prock and has received two of the primary eight Humorous Automotive races in 2024.
Drive started his skilled drag racing profession in 1978 and his three daughters have all pushed on the high ranges in NHRA. Ashley Drive Hood and Courtney Drive have since retired from driving whereas Brittany Drive drives a High Gasoline dragster for her father’s workforce.
Sunday’s crash is not the primary brutal wreck Drive has been concerned in throughout his profession. In 2007, Drive suffered a damaged ankle and dislocated wrist, amongst different accidents, throughout the Fall Nationals in Ennis, Texas. Drive needed to be airlifted to a hospital after that crash and was pressured to take a seat out the remainder of the season. Drive’s crash that 12 months got here simply months after JFR driver Eric Medlen was killed in a testing crash in March. Medlen died after struggling a head damage when his automobile began violently tire shaking.
OAHU, Hawaii — A well known surfer and lifeguard was killed in a shark assault close to the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, emergency officers stated.
Tamayo Perry, 49, was attacked within the water off Goat Island noon on Sunday, the Honolulu Emergency Providers Division stated in an announcement.
Perry had been a lifeguard with Honolulu Ocean Security since 2016. He was a neighborhood surf coach and competed for years within the Pipeline Grasp Trials, in line with his official bio on his teaching website.
Perry appeared within the 2002 film “Blue Crush,” together with episodes of “Hawaii 5-O” and “The Bridge,” in line with IMDB.
Perry was a “well-known North Shore waterman,” who “exemplified bravery, dedication and a deep sense of responsibility,” Mayor Rick Blangiardi stated in an announcement.
“His heroic actions and tireless efforts to make sure the security of our residents and guests won’t ever be forgotten,” the mayor stated.
Goat Island sits off Mlaekahana Seaside on the northeastern coast of Oahu.
The primary emergency name got here in at about 1 p.m. on Sunday, officers stated. Perry’s physique was introduced on shore by way of a jet ski.
“A caller informed dispatchers the person’s physique appeared to have suffered multiple shark chunk,” EMS officers stated in an announcement.
ABC Information’ Felicia Alvarez contributed to this report.
Tamayo Perry, a surfer, lifeguard and actor who held roles in “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” and “Blue Crush,” died on Sunday after being attacked by a shark in Hawaii, the BBC reported. He was 49.
Based on the Related Press, Honolulu Ocean Security and town’s emergency companies responded round 1 p.m. to a name relating to a person who appeared to have suffered from a number of shark bites close to Mālaekahana Seashore on Oahu’s North Shore. Perry was then dropped at shore by paramedics through jet ski and pronounced lifeless on the scene.
Perry was “a lifeguard beloved by all,” Honolulu Ocean Security performing chief Kurt Lager stated throughout a press convention, in response to the AP.
“He’s well-known on the North Shore. He’s an expert surfer recognized worldwide,” Lager stated. “Tamayo’s persona was infectious and as a lot as individuals beloved him, he beloved everybody else extra.”
Perry was additionally an actor, having held small roles in 2011’s fourth “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie, “On Stranger Tides,” in addition to “Blue Crush” (2002) and “Hawaii 5-O” (2011).
He had been working as a lifeguard since July 2016, the AP reported, and had been professionally browsing for over a decade.
Honolulu mayor Rick Blangiardi referred to as Perry’s dying “a tragic loss” throughout a press convention, in response to the BBC. “Tamayo was a legendary waterman and extremely revered,” he stated, including that he “grew up proper over right here” and was “only a nice member of our Ocean Security staff.”
Shark warning posters had been put up within the space following the assault, Ocean Security officers stated.
The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers meet Monday for the decisive Recreation 7 of the Stanley Cup Closing. Puck drop from Amerant Financial institution Area is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN+). Beneath, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s traces across the Oilers vs. Panthers odds, and make our knowledgeable NHL picks and predictions.
The Panthers fired out to a 3-0 collection lead, together with a 3-0 win in Recreation 1 and a 4-1 victory in Recreation 2 on house ice. Nevertheless, with an opportunity to place the Oilers away in Recreation 4, Edmonton pounded Florida 8-1.
In Recreation 5, the Panthers had an opportunity to safe the Stanley Cup on house ice, however misplaced 5-3. The Oilers pressured the collection again to Edmonton for Recreation 6, they usually posted a 5-1 win to arrange a winner-take-all Recreation 7 in South Florida.
After being outscored within the first 3 video games by an 11-4 margin, the Oilers have outpaced the Panthers 8-5 up to now 3 outings, and now Edmonton goes for the reverse sweep.
The final time the Stanley Cup Closing was determined in 7 video games was 2019, when the St. Louis Blues went on the street to high the Boston Bruins. Previous to that, the Bruins received in 7 video games in 2011 in opposition to the Vancouver Canucks. The house group is 7-2 up to now 9 Stanley Cup Closing Recreation 7s relationship again to 1971.
The Underneath has cashed at an 8-0-1 tempo up to now 9 Recreation 7s in a Stanley Cup Closing, and there have been 5 or fewer targets in 14 consecutive Recreation 7s within the closing spherical of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The final time we had greater than 5 targets in a Recreation 7 of the Stanley Cup Closing was a 4-3 victory by the Detroit Crimson Wings over the New York Rangers in 2OT April 23, 1950.
Oilers at Panthers odds
Supplied by BetMGM Sportsbook; entry USA TODAY Sports activities Scores and Sports activities Betting Odds hub for a full listing. Traces final up to date at 2:56 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Oilers -110 (wager $110 to win $100) | Panthers -110 (wager $110 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Towards the unfold (ATS): Oilers +1.5 (-275) | Panthers -1.5 (+220)
Over/Underneath (O/U): 5 (O: -160 | U: +120)
Oilers at Panthers projected goalies
Stuart Skinner (14-8-0, 2.47 GAA, .901 SV%, 1 SO — 2024 playoffs) vs. Sergei Bobrovsky (15-8-0, 2.38 GAA, .903 SV%, 2 SO — 2024 playoffs)
Skinner turned apart 20 of the 21 photographs he confronted in Recreation 6 in Edmonton, and he has allowed simply 5 targets on 86 photographs, good for a 1.67 GAA and .942 SV% within the 3 victories.
Bobrovsky has dropped 3 straight begins within the postseason for the primary time, and he has allowed 3 or extra targets in 4 consecutive begins. He’s a dismal 0-3-0 with a 5.06 GAA and .793 SV%.
It’s moderately uncommon, however Bobrovsky was not on the ice for observe Sunday. Coach Paul Maurice mentioned it was an try to get Bobrovsky again into rhythm, as he didn’t observe on the day earlier than video games earlier within the playoffs.
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Oilers at Panthers picks and predictions
Prediction
Oilers 2, Panthers 1
Moneyline
The OILERS (-110) are value a glance in Recreation 7, as they give the impression of being to finish the reverse sweep after falling into an 0-3 collection gap. Edmonton is seeking to grow to be the primary group because the Toronto Maple Leafs erased an 0-3 collection deficit within the 1945 Stanley Cup Closing.
Skinner, the 25-year-old Edmonton native, has allowed simply 5 targets up to now 3 video games. This might doubtlessly be the primary sport of the collection to be determined in time beyond regulation, however all the momentum is on Edmonton’s aspect proper now.
Puck line/Towards the unfold
The Oilers +1.5 (-275) will set you again practically 3 instances your potential return, should you simply don’t consider Edmonton can full the historic comeback and also you want somewhat little bit of insurance coverage as a substitute.
The Panthers -1.5 (+220) can’t be trusted, although, as they haven’t received by 2 or extra targets since Recreation 2.
PASS.
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Over/Underneath
UNDER 5 (+120) is a stable worth at plus-money.
Sure, the Over has cashed in every of the previous 4 video games, together with 3 elimination video games for the Oilers. However, we haven’t seen an Over lead to 14 consecutive Video games 7s within the Stanley Cup Closing relationship again to 1950, when the Crimson Wings and Rangers mixed for 7 targets in a 2OT traditional.
With highly effective offenses and stable power-play models on either side, enjoying an Underneath with such a low quantity is dangerous, however traditionally, scoring is at a premium in a Recreation 7 to determined a champion, and that’s 74 years of historical past you’d be going in opposition to with an Over play.
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It has all come right down to this. After the Florida Panthers opened up a 3-0 lead on the Edmonton Oilers within the 2024 Stanley Cup Closing, many believed the sequence to be all however over.
Then Connor McDavid and his associates outscored the Panthers by a mixed rating of 18-5 en path to tying the sequence up at three video games apiece, changing into simply the third staff in NHL historical past to take action within the Stanley Cup Closing.
Will the Oilers pull off the historic reverse sweep? Can the Panthers keep away from ignominy? This is all the things it’s essential to know earlier than puck drop tonight, together with what’s at stake for every staff, key gamers to look at and superior matchup metrics from ESPN Stats & Info.
Soar forward: What’s at stake? Gamers to look at, picks Key stats for Sport 7
What’s at stake for the Panthers?
Repute. And we’re not speaking (underrated) Taylor Swift albums.
The Panthers had been afterthoughts for many of the franchise’s historical past. Florida misplaced within the 1996 Stanley Cup Closing after which made simply 4 playoff appearances — with out successful a spherical — by means of the subsequent 23 years. It was a staff gamers aspired to hitch on the finish of their careers, when it was extra concerning the temperate local weather and fewer about potential to win. And the Panthers have been used to an enviornment crammed with opposing followers capitalizing on their low cost tickets in a sunny locale not available in most hockey markets. A pleasant perk maybe, however hardly a basis upon which to construct a thriving tradition.
That is what Florida has now, although. GM Invoice Zito has methodically crafted the Panthers into a real top-tier contender. He turned Florida right into a President’s Trophy winner and, when that did not translate to postseason success, had the braveness to commerce his membership’s finest participant (Jonathan Huberdeau) for Matthew Tkachuk in a blockbuster swap that may have ended horribly for Florida. Nevertheless it did not. Zito grabbed low-risk, high-reward gamers comparable to Gustav Forsling (off waivers) and Oliver Ekman-Larsson (post-buyout) who’ve performed key roles for them on this dominant season. If final 12 months’s run to the Closing was a fluke, this 12 months’s berth was something however. Florida was imagined to be this good. The Panthers have been meant to be at this pinnacle and supply it repeatedly with their play all through the playoffs.
In the event that they let this chance to be Cup champions slip away after holding a 3-0 lead on this sequence, that is a dagger in additional methods than one. Florida can write a chapter on its historical past now that even 5 years in the past may need appeared like a pipe dream. The one query for the Panthers now could be: Are you prepared for it?
What’s at stake for the Oilers?
In a phrase, legacy. Edmonton is a kind of locations the place successful simply is not sufficient. There have to be one thing extra about the way in which the staff gained.
The Oilers have not simply gained 5 Stanley Cups. They gained 5 Stanley Cups in seven seasons. They did not merely have nice gamers. They’d a few of the biggest gamers of all time, with one in every of them being the best to ever play hockey. Profitable this explicit Stanley Cup not solely provides to their legacy, however enhances it much more. A franchise that has gone from being the usual to being within the cellar is now a win away from returning to the top; it is an opportunity to drag off what would turn into the best comeback in NHL historical past, and possibly the best comeback in North American skilled sports activities.
The extra sobering reality is that this may very well be the Oilers’ finest and/or presumably solely likelihood to win a Stanley Cup with Leon Draisaitl and McDavid, as a result of there isn’t a assure they’ll get again to this place. Edmonton has gone by means of entrance workplace, teaching, personnel and philosophical modifications to do all the things doable to win with a pair of generational abilities. Profitable Sport 7 and the Stanley Cup would show all these choices appropriate. Not that shedding Sport 7 and the Stanley Cup would condemn each facet of the franchise’s path. However it will result in extra questions at a time wherein Draisaitl is heading into the ultimate 12 months of his contract as he and McDavid enter their late 20s.
Profitable Sport 7 would give the Oilers a possibility to say they gained it regardless what occurs going ahead. Dropping Sport 7 would solely make the trail ahead barely extra painful to navigate understanding they have been this shut. — Ryan S. Clark
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Messier, Subban lament ‘determined’ show from Panthers
Mark Messier and P.Ok. Subban clarify why the Panthers have turn into the determined staff because the sequence heads to Sport 7.
Who’s the one key participant you may be anticipating the Panthers?
Ryan S. Clark, NHL reporter: Sergei Bobrovsky. He went from being a win away from capturing his first Stanley Cup and a Conn Smythe, to now going through questions on what has gone unsuitable with each him and his teammates. Dropping Sport 7 and the Stanley Cup as an entire wouldn’t be totally on Bobrovsky. The Panthers have struggled to defend their zone and have not offered the extent of offensive help wanted to assist any goaltender. That mentioned, Bobrovsky has additionally had his challenges which have compounded the Panthers’ issues. All of it quantities to the truth that Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, could be one of many faces of a staff that went from having an opportunity to brush the Stanley Cup Closing solely to be on the opposite finish of what could be one of many greatest collapses in sports activities historical past.
Victoria Matiash, NHL analyst: Carter Verhaeghe. Minus-11 by means of the previous 4 video games, he has one lonely help because the sequence opener. Not so good. The highest-line winger now has one contest remaining to save lots of his staff from struggling a legendary collapse and his personal repute as a clutch playoff performer. Nobody will bear in mind the inferior numbers main in if Verhaeghe manages to tangibly flip it round when it issues most.
Arda Öcal, NHL broadcaster: Gustav Forsling. Because the Panthers have gone, so has Forsling. He was plus-4 in Video games 1-3, minus-5 in Video games 4-6. Will he have the ability to play that shutdown position in Sport 7? Can he include McDavid like he did within the first three video games? Forsling will definitely get his flowers from hockey followers, even when his contributions may not obtain the massive headlines, however they definitely are essential and important to Florida’s success in Sport 7 and in the end elevating the Stanley Cup.
Kristen Shilton, NHL reporter: Sam Reinhart. Reinhart has been noticeably lacking on this Cup Closing. One objective and two assists by means of six video games — and 0 factors whole up to now three when Florida had an opportunity to place Edmonton away? That is stunning output from a skater who put up 57 targets within the common season and produced 12 factors in 17 postseason video games previous to the Panthers going through the Oilers. No matter has gone unsuitable for Reinhart to date, he’d higher put it behind him in a rush. Florida wants its finest gamers to match what Edmonton has going from its stars on this sequence.
Greg Wyshynski, NHL reporter: Matthew Tkachuk. Welp, right here we’re. The prospect for a famous person to have a famous person second. Tkachuk tied with Aleksander Barkov for the staff lead in scoring (22 factors), however you’ll be able to depend on one hand the variety of video games wherein Tkachuk was a driving pressure for Florida. We caught a glimpse of that participant within the Panthers’ Sport 5 loss: Throwing the physique, defending brilliantly and factoring on two targets. That was sandwiched by two minus-3 efforts, together with Sport 6, when his line with Sam Bennett and Evan Rodrigues was a significant dud. A playoff run that has been extra compilation than clutch might be instantly rewritten by an impactful Stanley Cup Closing Sport 7. A damaged sternum value him this type of likelihood in 2023 in opposition to Vegas. That is his second.
Who’s the one key participant you may be anticipating the Oilers?
Clark: Connor McDavid. The very fact he did not have a single shot on objective in Sport 6 is wild, on condition that he is the sport’s finest and most dominant participant. Nevertheless it additionally speaks to how the Oilers can win even when he does not document a shot or a degree. We have seen the Oilers depend on their complete roster to pressure a Sport 7. If they’ll get one other multipoint efficiency from McDavid along with the secondary and tertiary offense they produced in Sport 6, it might show too overwhelming en path to successful their first Stanley Cup in additional than 30 years.
Matiash: Leon Draisaitl. It will appear a bit weird to look at the Oilers hoist the Cup following a seven-gamer wherein Draisaitl, even badly hobbled, did not rating a single objective. Particularly contemplating his postseason historical past and the handful of current high quality probabilities. One in every of his personal previous Panthers goaltender Bobrovsky, together with a helper much like Friday’s excellent move to Warren Foegele to open the scoring in Sport 6, would go a protracted solution to sealing the deal for Edmonton.
Öcal: The apparent reply right here is McDavid, however I will go along with Draisaitl. He has three assists this sequence, which is stunning by his lofty requirements. The Oilers gained their first sport with out McDavid registering a degree or a shot in Sport 6, however the Oilers additionally pushed this to Sport 7 with out Draisaitl being the second-best participant on the staff, which he often is. He had flashes of his traditional self Friday; what if Monday is “The Draisaitl Sport”?
Shilton: Zach Hyman. We won’t say Hyman is underrated, per se. However he has 16 targets within the playoffs (essentially the most by any energetic participant in a single postseason), and he tends to mild the lamp in a well timed trend in addition. That is going to be key for Edmonton in Sport 7. Florida might be zeroed in on containing McDavid and Draisaitl, which ought to proceed to offer Hyman alternative to do his factor. If the Oilers want a constant efficiency in any aspect of the sport, they’ll depend on Hyman to ship. And he is simply enjoyable to look at.
Wyshynski: Stuart Skinner. Have been it not for McDavid rewriting the document books, Skinner would have a legit declare to the Conn Smythe Trophy for his late-series mastery in each spherical. Skinner has a 10-0 document, a 1.50 goals-against common and a .940 save proportion in Video games 4-7 within the postseason. He is 5-0 when going through elimination this postseason, solely the eighth goalie to win 5 elimination video games in a single postseason. In Edmonton’s previous three wins, he has a 1.67 GAA and a .942 save proportion. Heck of a Mario Kart participant, too.
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Zach Hyman credit Oilers ‘unshakeable perception’ after Sport 6 win
Zach Hyman praises the Oilers’ resilience all through the season that ready them for the excessive stakes playoff moments.
The ultimate rating might be _____.
Clark: 4-3 Oilers. For one, that rating line depicts the quantity of video games gained by every staff within the Cup Closing. Even with that prediction, there are questions. The Oilers have averaged six targets over their previous three video games in opposition to the Panthers. Can they’ve one other offensive outburst, or will the Panthers have lastly discovered a solution? Then there’s one other query going through the Panthers with this state of affairs: Can they create the type of consistency that enables them to maintain tempo with the Oilers, or might they be compelled to climb out of what could be one other sizable deficit in Sport 7?
Matiash: 4-2 Oilers. After choosing the Panthers to win Video games 5 and 6, I am nonetheless marveling that we’re even within the place to prognosticate scores for the final-for-sure sport of the season. However give Kris Knoblauch’s crew full credit score for absolutely determining tips on how to chisel its method again into this factor. The optimistic chatter flowing out of Florida’s camp — “feeling optimistic” and “feeling excited” have been phrases uttered to the media — is not sounding as convincing as earlier. Understandably so, because the Panthers have been outscored 18-5 since taking a 3-0 sequence lead.
Öcal: 3-2 Oilers, in additional time. As a result of that is what this sequence wants. It has been a surreal journey to get right here. The cherry on high could be one objective to award the Cup.
Shilton: 4-3 Panthers, in additional time. Pay attention, it will not shock me within the least if Edmonton kilos its solution to a historic Cup victory right here (and extra energy to them if that is the case; what a journey it has been). In any case, I believed (and predicted) the Panthers would shut this factor out two video games in the past. However right here we’re in Florida’s constructing, the place the Cup will not be leaving this time till it is cradled within the arms of a participant who simply gained it. If you speak about massive moments — of the career- or franchise-defining sort — that is it. The Panthers don’t have any excuse. For one final time I am betting that provides Florida a whisper-thin edge over Edmonton.
Wyshynski: 5-2 Oilers. I believed the Panthers would shut out this sequence in Sport 6 as a result of they thrive when being counted out and attending to play the underdog. So there’s all the time an opportunity they channel that at house in Sport 7. However that will additionally require a reversal of fortune for 90% of their roster that has been outplayed by the Oilers for almost all of the sequence. This seems like Edmonton’s second. This seems like Canada’s second. The Oilers simply despatched this factor to a seventh sport without having McDavid to hold them there — that ought to scare the whiskers off the Panthers. Edmonton wins the Cup, makes sports activities historical past and bestows disgrace upon this Florida staff.
Notes from ESPN Stats & Info
Sport 7 quick information:
Monday would be the 18th Sport 7 in Stanley Cup Closing historical past, and the primary since 2019 (St. Louis Blues defeated the Bruins in Boston)
Highway groups have gained three straight Sport 7s within the Stanley Cup Closing; house groups are 12-5 all time.
The Oilers will play of their third Sport 7 within the Stanley Cup Closing (defeated Philadelphia Flyers in 1987, misplaced to Carolina Hurricanes in 2006).
Edmonton might be enjoying in its thirteenth playoff Sport 7 in franchise historical past, and second this postseason (defeated the Vancouver Canucks 3-2 in Sport 7 within the second spherical). The Oilers are 8-4 general in playoff Sport 7s.
The Panthers might be enjoying within the fourth Sport 7 in franchise historical past (2-0 on highway, 0-1 at house). The house loss was to the New Jersey Devils within the 2012 convention quarterfinals.
Previous groups to come back from down 0-3 to tie a sequence 3-3
Extra on the Oilers
Edmonton scored 18 targets over the previous three video games to even up the sequence, tied for the second-most targets in a three-game span in a Stanley Cup Closing. The Oilers held the Panthers to 5 targets throughout that span, giving them a plus-13 objective differential in Video games 4-6, tied with 1984 Oilers (plus-13 vs Islanders in Video games 3-5 to shut out the sequence) for the most important objective differential in a three-game span in Stanley Cup Closing historical past.
The Oilers improved to 5-0 this postseason when going through elimination, essentially the most such wins in a single postseason in franchise historical past and tied for the fourth most by any staff in a single postseason. Solely the 2014 Kings — who went 7-0 when going through elimination — have extra wins with out a loss in that state of affairs a single postseason.
The Oilers have current historical past throughout sports activities on their facet. The final house win in Sport 7 within the championship sequence for MLB, the NBA or the NHL was by the Miami Warmth in 2013. That’s six straight Sport 7 wins by the highway staff (2019 World Sequence, 2019 Cup Closing, 2017 World Sequence, 2016 World Sequence, 2016 NBA Finals, 2014 World Sequence). The present six-game shedding streak in Sport 7s throughout the World Sequence, NBA Finals and Cup Closing by house groups is the longest ever. The earlier lengthy was 4 straight between Might 1974 (Bucks misplaced to Celtics) and October 1979 (Orioles misplaced to Pirates). That is additionally the longest hole by way of time. Sport 7 on Monday might be 4,022 days because the Warmth gained at house in June 2013. The earlier lengthy hole was 3,286 days between Oct. 21, 1973 (Oakland Athletics beat New York Mets), and Oct. 20, 1982 (St. Louis Cardinals beat Milwaukee Brewers).
Extra on the Panthers
The Panthers are going for his or her first Stanley Cup title of their third try (misplaced in 1996 and 2023) and are one in every of 11 energetic franchises to not have gained the Stanley Cup. They’ll turn into the fourth enlargement staff over the previous 40 seasons to win the Stanley Cup, becoming a member of the Lightning (2004, 2020-21), Geese (2007), and Golden Knights (2023).
With a win, Florida turns into the third staff within the enlargement period (post-1967) to win the Cup the 12 months after shedding within the Closing, together with the 2009 Penguins and 1984 Oilers. Final season, the Panthers misplaced to the Vegas Golden Knights in 5 video games, together with a 9-3 blowout within the Cup clincher.
General, it is the 18th Sport 7 in Stanley Cup Closing historical past, with the house staff proudly owning a document of 12-5. The previous three have been gained by the highway staff, with the Penguins successful at Detroit in 2009, the Bruins topping Vancouver in 2011 and the Blues beating Boston in 2019. Do not count on a high-scoring contest. Probably the most targets any staff has scored in Sport 7 of the Cup Closing is 4, achieved on 5 events, most lately by the Blues in 2019. Probably the most mixed targets in Sport 7 of a Stanley Cup Closing is seven in 1950 (Detroit 4, Rangers 3).
CHICAGO (AP) — Ryne Sandberg hopes Cubs followers keep in mind him as an alert and energetic defensive participant.
That’s precisely how they’ll see him any further after they enter Wrigley Discipline.
The membership unveiled a statue of the Corridor of Fame second baseman outdoors the historic ballpark earlier than Sunday’s collection finale in opposition to the New York Mets. The 64-year-old Sandberg stated the ceremony was particularly touching after his most cancers analysis earlier this 12 months.
“My life modified rather a lot in 1984,” Sandberg stated of his MVP season, “however it was nothing like what occurred six months in the past.
“My ideas immediately are love, life, household and pals.”
There was no scarcity of pals there because the statue, depicting Sandberg crouched and ready for a grounder, was devoted. Some teammates from Chicago’s 1984 and ’89 NL East champions have been there, together with the Cubs’ present gamers, who watched the ceremony from the lower-deck concourse railing.
Bob Costas emceed the ceremony, which additionally drew Corridor of Famers Andre Dawson, Ferguson Jenkins and Billy Williams. Actor Invoice Murray, a visual and vocal Cubs fan for many years, made the journey.
“I can’t actually say it’s what I assumed; it’s greater than what I assumed,” Sandberg stated. “To see all these guys come out, it was very touching.”
Sandberg got here to the Cubs from Philadelphia after the 1981 season as an add-on to a commerce that despatched Larry Bowa to Chicago for Ivan De Jesus. He made certain to thank Bowa, who was on the dais Sunday, for being “disgruntled” sufficient to wish to go away the Phillies and demand the swap.
Two seasons later, Sandberg was the league MVP and helped the Cubs finish a virtually three-decade postseason drought with the NL East title.
Sunday’s ceremony passed off 40 years to the day he hit a pair of late homers in a nationally televised win over St. Louis.
He performed all however 13 video games throughout his 16-year profession with the Cubs and completed with a .285 batting common, 282 residence runs, 1061 RBIs and 9 Gold Gloves. The membership retired the 10-time All-Star’s No. 23 in 2005, the identical summer season he was inducted into the Corridor of Fame.
Sandberg introduced earlier this 12 months that he had been recognized with metastatic prostate most cancers. He’s stored well-wishers up to date on his progress by an Instagram account and stated final month that scans confirmed no indicators of most cancers.
The statue took its place subsequent to bronze tributes to fellow Corridor of Famers Jenkins, Williams, Ron Santo and Ernie Banks. Groundskeepers minimize Sandberg’s quantity into the middle area grass earlier than the beginning of the weekend collection in opposition to the Mets.
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
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