The Philadelphia Flyers kick off the 2024-25 NHL season with a four-game west coast street journey, beginning with the Vancouver Canucks.
There was loads of pleasure generated over the summer time, from the arrival of Matvei Michkov, to the breakout preseason efficiency of Jett Luchanko, and Jamie Drysdale returning to full well being.
Followers have been impatient for the Flyers to start this new season, with a renewed sense of hope in what the 12 months might convey. Whereas the entrance workplace and training employees have been adamant about tempering expectations and never getting too far forward of themselves, it is simple that the followers and the group are raring to go.
The Youngsters Are Alright
The Flyers have constantly acknowledged that the younger gamers are the focus of the New Period of Orange, and with a season of expertise collectively below their belts, the 2024-25 marketing campaign can be their probability to actually present what the way forward for the Flyers might seem like.
Flyers’ 12 gamers 25 or youthful in season-opening lineup:
Ryan Poehling — 25 Owen Tippett — 25 Morgan Frost — 25 Samuel Ersson — 24 Joel Farabee — 24 Egor Zamula — 24 Cam York — 23 Bobby Brink — 23 Tyson Foerster — 22 Jamie Drysdale — 22 Matvei Michkov — 19 Jett Luchanko — 18
With Michkov and Luchanko becoming a member of the ranks, the Flyers’ younger weapons are wanting significantly harmful. They know what’s being anticipated of them, they usually’ve devoted their whole preseason to creating positive they’re up for problem.
It is actually the primary sport of the season, so who is aware of the place all of it will go, however this would be the huge storyline to observe because the schedule progresses.
No Nick Seeler
Defenseman Nick Seeler has been coping with persistent numbness in his leg after taking a puck to the knee space throughout a preseason sport towards the Boston Bruins, and won’t play towards the Canucks, though he did journey with the group.
Torts confirms Nick Seeler is out of the lineup tonight.
Not having Seeler obtainable is a blow to the protection, particularly contemplating how eager the Flyers have been on his pairing with Jamie Drysdale coming into this season.
Goalies On Movie
This season can even give followers the primary actual have a look at how the Sam Ersson-Ivan Fedotov tandem will look—one thing that head coach John Tortorella admitted he was “nervous” about.
Ersson has had the summer time to correctly practice and put together for being the beginning goalie, whereas Fedotov will even have a complete season to regulate to the NHL and have extra alternatives to indicate his abilities (he solely performed three video games final season).
The Flyers’ goaltending scenario has resembled nothing in need of a ten-car pileup in recent times, however Ersson swooping in to try to salvage the group’s playoff run and offering a glimmer of hope till the very finish might imply that issues are turning round in internet.
Associated: John Tortorella Credit Sam Ersson With Retaining Flyers’ Playoff Hopes Alive
Projected Strains
Philadelphia Flyers
Forwards:
Matvei Michkov – Sean Couturier – Travis Konecny
Owen Tippett – Morgan Frost – Tyson Foerster
Joel Farabee – Jett Luchanko – Bobby Brink
Scott Laughton – Ryan Poehling – Garnet Hathaway
Protection:
Cam York – Travis Sanheim
Egor Zamula – Jamie Drysdale
Erik Johnson – Rasmus Ristolainen
Beginning Goalie:
Sam Ersson
Vancouver Canucks:
Forwards:
Danton Heinen – J.T. Miller – Brock Boeser
Jake DeBrusk – Elias Pettersson – Daniel Sprong
Pius Suter – Aatu Raty – Conor Garland
Nils Hoglander – Teddy Blueger – Kiefer Sherwood
Protection:
Quinn Hughes – Filip Hronek
Carson Soucy – Tyler Myers
Derek Forbort – Noah Juulsen
Beginning Goalie:
Kevin Lankinen
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“I believe the largest factor with the ability play is you are simply making an attempt to create momentum, whether or not you rating or not,” Farabee stated. “Clearly good to get the one aim early … for the primary sport of the yr, I believe it seemed fairly good.”
Blueger put Vancouver forward 2-1 at 11:25 of the second interval, passing off the correct boards again to defenseman Derek Forbort on the left level, then going to the online to redirect a backdoor return cross from Forbort previous a stranded Ersson.
“One thing we’ve been engaged on in observe, going high-low and beating the man to the nook,” Forbort stated. “So simply sort of had a sense he’d be there.”
York tied it 2-2 at 2:48 of the third interval with a fast wrist shot that went over the glove of Lankinen and in off the publish from the left face-off dot after a cross-ice cross up from Ryan Poehling under the aim line.
Tocchet praised his remaining 5 defensemen for a way they dealt with further minutes and unsettled pairings, however the Flyers tried to make it laborious on them.
“We simply wished to grind them out,” Farabee stated. “Clearly, they went down to five D fairly early and we sort of knew that, so we actually simply wished to grind them out down low, tire them out and clearly, [York] comes up with an enormous aim there, to tie it up and [Ersson] simply locked it down from there.”
NOTES: Two Flyers forwards made their NHL debut. Matvei Michkov, a 19-year-old picked No. 7 within the 2023 NHL Draft, had 5 pictures, one blocked shot and one penalty in 18:32 of ice time. Jett Luchanko, an 18-year-old chosen No. 13 within the 2024 NHL Draft, performed 14:36, ending minus-1 after dropping Blueger on his aim and with one rebound shot that pressured Lankinen to make a sprawling save. … Vancouver defenseman Quinn Hughes performed a sport excessive 31:29, greater than 5 and a half minutes greater than another participant within the sport, for both staff. … Lankinen was a late addition to the Canucks, signing a one-year, $875,000 contract as a free agent on Sept. 21.
On Saturday, the sunshine heavyweight division will crown an undisputed champion for the primary time in 25 years.
The division’s two greatest fighters, Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol will struggle for all of the belts in a scintillating conflict of kinds that pits one in all boxing’s greatest defensive fighters in Bivol in opposition to one of many sport’s hardest punchers in Beterbiev.
The struggle has lengthy been marinating and followers had been made to attend an extra 4 months after Beterbiev ruptured his meniscus, which delayed the bout from its authentic June date. Bivol fought in June, scoring his first knockout win since 2018, whereas Beterbiev final fought in January, knocking out prime contender Callum Smith.
Keep tuned beneath for reside updates all through the Beterbiev vs. Bivol struggle card.
Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev struggle card outcomes
In progress: Skye Nicolson (11-0, 1 KO) vs. Raven Chapman (9-0, 2 KOs); WBC featherweight title
Ben Whittaker vs. Liam Camerom – break up determination draw
Mohammed Alakel def. Jesus Gonzalez by unanimous determination
Marco Maric def. Christian Flores by unanimous determination
Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev struggle card reside updates
Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman: Spherical 9
The penultimate spherical of the struggle and Chapman will want a knockout to win, which does not look doubtless given how defensively accountable Nicolson has been immediately. Nicolson catches Chapman with two good left palms on the counter halfway by means of the spherical as Chapman makes an attempt to get inside. Chapman extra aggressive in her strain this spherical, however that is opening up alternatives on the counter for Nicolson.
Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman: Spherical 8
Chapman catches Nicolson with an overhand left, adopted by a proper hand, however then she’s proper again to chasing after Nicolson. Nicolson landed just a few robust pictures on the counter late on and as soon as once more managed the spherical, nevertheless it was higher from Chapman.
Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman: Spherical 7
Nicolson catches Chapman with a clear left hand early within the spherical, arrange by her southpaw jab. Chapman can not seem to keep away from the jab of Nicolson as she tries to push inside. Nicolson cruising at this level; Chapman must enhance the urgency to have any likelihood of successful.
Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman: Spherical 6
Nicolson preserving the jab lively, serving to to open up pictures to Chapman’s physique. Nicolson smiling within the ring, as she has all through the struggle, whereas Chapman can not seem to get inside these previous couple rounds. Nicolson doing very effectively to quell the strain with motion and her jab on this struggle.
Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman: Spherical 5
Nicolson counterpunching effectively on the backfoot, selecting her spots and touchdown just a few fast pictures within the first half of the spherical. A number of posturing and motion with out a lot offensive output on this one. Chapman struggled to get inside that spherical, however did land a pair stable punches.
Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman: Spherical 4
Nicolson’s footwork has been nice this struggle, serving to her evade the strain of Chapman. On the again foot Nicolson is ready for a gap and throwing fast, single pictures, touchdown typically. Chapman landed a pair punches on the within late, however Nicolson managed the spherical.
Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman: Spherical 3
Nicolson has landed eight punches to Chapman’s 4, by means of two rounds. Nicolson catches Chapman with a powerful shot as she rushes inside, first massive punch she’s had tonight. Nicolson rising in confidence, bouncing across the ring and selecting her spots to launch a fast shot. Nicolson landed usually that spherical and appears to be discovering a rhythm.
Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman: Spherical 2
A number of head motion from Chapman, making an attempt to mitigate the jab of Nicolson. Nicolson being compelled again by the strain of Chapman, who’s not touchdown a lot however is preserving Nicolson on the again foot. Not a lot output from both fighter once more that spherical. Nicolson seemed in management, however higher pictures got here from Chapman.
It is a historical past making struggle, being the primary ladies’s boxing match to happen in Saudi Arabia. Nicolson is defending her WBC title for the second time. Chapman aggressive to start out whereas Nicolson is cautious in her protection. Nicolson’s protection was stable to keep away from the strain of Chapman, however not a lot offense coming again.
Ben Whittaker and Liam Cameron draw after damage ends struggle early
Ben Whittaker was wheeled out of the sector after a leg damage compelled an early stoppage to his bout with Liam Cameron, that finally went to the scorecards and was scored a draw. The judges’ scorecards after 5 rounds had been 58-57 for Cameron, 58-57 for Whittaker and a 58-58 draw.
On the finish of spherical 5, Cameron and Whittaker had been in a clinch when Cameron pushed ahead, backing Whittaker into the ropes. Whittaker then fell backwards over the ropes and out of the ring, with Cameron falling over the ropes on prime of him. Whittaker suffered a proper leg damage within the fall that left him sprawled out within the ring, though announcers on the printed questioned the damage with Whittaker starting to wrestle within the bout.
As a result of unintended damage the struggle was stopped and went to the scorecards. Whittaker had began robust, however was fading as Cameron started to more and more land robust pictures into the center rounds. Whittaker obtained away from the motion that led to his success within the early rounds and traded inside, which Cameron took benefit of. A rematch appears doubtless given the shut nature of the struggle and the weird circumstances that ended it.
Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron: Spherical 6
Each fighters flipped over the ropes on the finish of Spherical 5 and Whittaker seemingly suffered a proper leg damage within the course of. His shoe is off within the ring as medical doctors have a look at him and now his gloves are being taken off. The struggle will probably be known as and goes to the scorecards by means of 5 rounds. Cameron will definitely have a powerful shot handy Whittaker his first loss after 5 arduous fought rounds. Whittaker is now being taken out of the ring in a wheelchair, earlier than the scorecards have been learn. End result will probably be posted above as introduced and additional updates to return.
Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron: Spherical 5
Cameron’s attain helps him to get round Whittaker’s guard at shut vary and land to the physique. Whittaker going to work on the within, however Cameron countering with some arduous pictures. Whittaker is warned by the referee for low blows inside the ultimate minute. Cameron finishes the spherical with a pair arduous proper palms. They clinch up because the bell rings and each fighters fall backwards over the ropes and out of the ring. Cameron was pushing ahead whereas clinched and Whittaker fell again in opposition to the ropes and out of the ring, taking Cameron with him.
Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron: Spherical 4
Whittaker planting his ft and buying and selling for probably the most half, a technique which appears to favor Cameron. He is touchdown on the within however taking injury again from Cameron, who appears snug utilizing his attain benefit at shut vary. Extra output coming from Whittaker however about equal injury being dealt between the 2.
Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron: Spherical 3
Whittaker catches Cameron with a powerful counter proper hand inside 30 seconds that appeared to buzz him. Cameron touchdown some good punches on the within, discovering success focusing on the physique of Whittaker. Whittaker has moved across the ring much less this spherical, opting to face and commerce. He is touchdown loads of pictures however Cameron has caught him greater than as soon as.
Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron: Spherical 2
Whittaker having success with the jab early within the spherical. Cameron has a second inside two minutes, touchdown a handful of pictures as Whittaker stands within the heart of the ring and permits strain. Whittaker utilizing his legs to spin out of hazard and unload punches, however Cameron has responded with just a few arduous pictures this spherical.
Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron: Spherical 1
Whittaker transferring out and in, avoiding the strain of Cameron as he picks his spots to unload fast combos. Cameron not throwing a ton of pictures, however appears to have some energy on those he does throw, which Whittaker is cautious of. Good begin for Whittaker, he totally outlanded Cameron.
Methods to watch Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev struggle?
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Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev fight time, date, ring walks
This weekend’s Riyadh Season fight card, headlined by Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol, will begin at 11 a.m. (CT) on DAZN. The main event ring walks on ESPN+ are expected at approximately 5 p.m. (CT).
Fight card start: 11 a.m. CT
Beterbiev vs. Bivol ring walks: approx. 5 p.m. CT
Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev full fight card
The Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol fight undercard will be streamed separately on DAZN and features a pair of world title fights along with some of the biggest names in British boxing.
Artur Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) vs. Dmitry Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs); WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF light heavyweight titles
Jai Opetaia (25-0, 19 KOs) vs. Jack Massey (22-2, 12 KOs); IBF cruiserweight title
Chris Eubank Jr. (33-3, 24 KOs) vs. Kamil Szeremeta (25-2-2, 8 KOs)
Skye Nicolson (11-0, 1 KO) vs. Raven Chapman (9-0, 2 KOs); WBC featherweight title
Ben Whittaker (8-0, 5 KOs) vs. Liam Cameron (23-6, 10 KOs)
Mohammed Alakel (debut) vs. Jesus Gonzalez (3-2)
More:How Nashville boxer Caleb Plant uses dad, trainer Stephen Edwards in corner
Where is the Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev fight location?
Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol’s undisputed light heavyweight title fight will take place at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Bivol’s last two fights both took place at Kingdom Arena, while Beterbiev has never fought in Saudi Arabia.
Location: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev fight odds
Being two of the best fighters on the planet, the oddsmakers don’t see much separating Beterbiev and Bivol. Bivol is just favored to win at -125 on BetMGM, while Beterbiev is +110 to win the bout.
Beterbiev by KO/TKO: +160
Beterbiev by decision: +650
Bivol by KO/TKO: +550
Bivol by decision: +125
Odds via BetMGM, as of Oct. 10
Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev fight predictions
This fight is about as 50-50 as they come. It’s, in my opinion, the best fight that can currently be made in boxing due to the pedigree of each fighter along with their intriguing stylistic differences.
Bivol’s best shot at winning is to do what he does best, which is box. He’ll want to avoid letting Beterbiev inside at all costs and his best punch, the jab, will surely be working overtime. Beterbiev isn’t a one-dimensional fighter though and can certainly find success from the midrange, but ultimately Bivol will have the advantage when fighting from range.
Beterbiev will likely spend a fair share of the fight boxing from the midrange, but he’ll pose a major threat stepping inside and unloading his vicious power punches. Beterbiev will have his chances to inflict damage. How few and far between those chances come could determine the fight.
Predictions: Beterbiev def. Bivol by TKO-11; Chris Eubank def. Kamil Szeremeta by KO-6; Fabio Wardley def. Frazier Clarke by SD; Jai Opetaia def. Jack Massey by UD;
Dmitry Bivol fight record
Dmitry Bivol is 23-0 with 12 wins by knockout.
Bivol was elevated to full WBA champion in 2017 after having previously held the interim title since 2016. Bivol has defended his title 12 times, most notably against Canelo Alvarez in 2022, handing Alavrez his second career loss.
Bivol is ranked No. 2 at light heavyweight and No. 7 pound-for-pound by The Ring, while he’s ranked No. 1 at light heavyweight and No. 4 pound-for-pound by ESPN.
Dmitry Bivol age, height, weight class
Dmitry Bivol is 33 years old and stands at 6-foot with a 72-inch reach.
Bivol has fought at light heavyweight his entire career, which has a maximum weight limit of 175 pounds. Bivol weighed in at exactly 175 pounds in his last fight and typically weighs in just below the divisional limit.
Artur Beterbiev fight record
Artur Beterbiev is 20-0 with 20 wins by knockout.
Beterbiev first won the IBF light heavyweight in 2017 over Enrico Koelling and went on to unify it with the WBC title with a win over Oleksandr Gvozdyk in 2019. Beterbiev then collected the WBO belt in 2022 with a win over Joe Smith Jr. and has defended his unified titles three times.
Beterbiev is ranked No. 1 at light heavyweight and No. 6 pound-for-pound by The Ring. He’s ranked No. 2 at light heavyweight and No. 6 pound-for-pound by ESPN.
Artur Beterbiev age, height, weight class
Artur Beterbiev is 39 years old and stands at 5-foot-11 with a 73-inch reach.
Like Bivol, Beterbiev has spent his entire career at light heavyweight and has weighed in right at the division’s 175-pound limit in three of his last four fights.
Dmitry Bivol stats
Dmitry Bivol is a technical boxer with elite defense, both traits that show in his statistics.
Bivol has the third best plus/minus in boxing with +17.8, meaning he lands 17.8 more shots on his opponents, than he gets hit with. Bivol works his offense behind his jab, which he lands 8.8 times per round, more than any other fighter. He’s seventh among active boxers in jab connect percentage, landing 24.9% of his jabs.
In terms of defense, Bivol’s opponents land just six punches per round, third fewest in the sport, while his opponents land those shots at a 13% rate, the lowest opponent connect percentage in all of boxing.
Stats via Compubox
Artur Beterbiev stats
Beterbiev has a plus/minus of +10.4 and lands 19.4 punches per round at a 31.8% rate. Despite being one of the sport’s most destructive punchers, Beterbiev only lands 13 power punches per round, connecting at a 38.1% rate.
While at times Beterbiev has taken damage in fights, his opponents land just 8.7 punches per round, connecting on 21.4% of their total punches and 30.6% of power punches.
Stats via Compubox
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Harrison Campbell covers boxing for The Tennessean and high school sports for The Daily Herald. Email him at hcampbell@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @hccamp.
On Friday night, our Jewish neighbors start their Excessive Holy Day, Yom Kippur.
My rabbi pals inform me it’s the Day of Atonement, an opportunity to acknowledge their sins and search mercy by prayer, fasting and renewal.
What instance they offer us!
Would possibly I suggest that not solely our Jewish neighbors however all of us want such repentance?
The world certain does; America wants it; you do; and I definitely do.
As a priest for nearly 49 years, it bothers me that we Catholics have misplaced some gusto on this biblically primarily based custom of admitting our sins and asking for God’s forgiveness.
We used to abstain from meat each Friday, and quick throughout the 40 days of Lent.
Typically would we method the sacrament of penance for inside cleaning.
These laudable practices have been sadly left by the wayside. It appears all so nostalgic.
This understanding that we would have liked to repent and reform was not confined to any explicit faith: We Individuals of all faiths, or no religion, used to proclaim days of repentance as a nation, particularly in occasions of trauma.
Throughout the observance of Yom Kippur, our Jewish brothers and sisters remind us of the excessive obligation of admitting, “I’m a sinner.”
They recall how the prophet Nathan confronted even the good King David, after his hideous sin in opposition to the courageous, loyal and noble Uriah, with a narrative about an injustice towards a poor man.
When David expressed fury on the wrongdoer within the prophet’s allegory, asking who the louse was, Nathan thundered, “That man is you!”
Earlier than acknowledging the sin in one other, or in our nation, or on the planet, or in “unjust programs,” we should admit, “I’m that man — I’m that lady — I’m a sinner.”
To level out the sin in one other, or in “the system” — international warming, arms gross sales, the worldwide imbalance of wealth, warfare, poverty, FOX, CNN, racism — is a snap.
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The guilt, the accountability to reform, is approach out there, in a system — not inside me.
However to look inside and admit, “I’m a lot accountable,” is heroic.
Mom Theresa of Calcutta was requested one Dec. 31 to call what one single factor she hoped might change for the higher within the New Yr. “Myself!” she replied.
Let me advocate a worthwhile observe generally known as the “examination of conscience” — one other ritual I concern has fallen out of favor.
It was as soon as an everyday a part of Catholic routine, however it may and may in all probability be a each day behavior for all.
Earlier than going to sleep at night time, take a number of moments to overview your day.
Ask your self some powerful questions:
How did I do in the present day?
Have been there ways in which I fell brief in residing the form of life I ought to?
Did I do a full day’s work or did I goof off browsing the online as an alternative?
Did I gossip about others?
Was I sincere and truthful with the folks I met?
Did I take one thing that wasn’t mine?
Did I deal with others with respect and dignity, or did I decide and condemn those that assume, look, or act in a different way than me?
You get the concept.
How highly effective it could be to listen to even one of our political leaders admit that she or he has made a mistake.
I recall that our colourful Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia as soon as answered a critic of a choice he had made, “, once I make a mistake, it’s a beaut!”
If there’s one factor we may be certain of, it’s that Jews and Christians maintain to a God who may be very a lot into change — darkness to gentle; chaos into order; evil into good; hate into love; demise into life.
He’ll certain change us . . . if we admit we want it.
Deliver on Yom Kippur!
Timothy Cardinal Dolan is the archbishop of New York.
LONDON (AP) — Alex Salmond, the previous first minister of Scotland who for many years championed Scotland’s independence from the U.Ok., has died. He was 69.
Salmond, who was a divisive determine in British politics and who because the then chief of the Scottish Nationwide Get together took Scotland to the brink of independence in a 2014 referendum, died in North Macedonia after delivering a speech, in line with British media.
Tributes poured in from throughout the political spectrum, with U.Ok. Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the Labour Get together calling him a “monumental determine” of each Scottish and British politics.
“He leaves behind an enduring legacy,” Starmer mentioned. “As first minister of Scotland, he cared deeply about Scotland’s heritage, historical past and tradition, in addition to the communities he represented.”
Salmond served as first minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014, and was chief of the Scottish Nationwide Get together on two events, from 1990 to 2000, and from 2004 to 2014. Salmond, as then chief of the Scottish Nationwide Get together, led the independence marketing campaign within the referendum in 2014, however misplaced, gaining 45% of the vote. Salmond resigned from the SNP in 2018 within the wake of sexual harassment allegations.
He subsequently shaped a brand new social gathering referred to as Alba — the Scottish Gaelic phrase for Scotland — and was acquitted of the costs.
The present SNP first minister, John Swinney, mentioned that he was “deeply shocked and saddened on the premature demise” of Salmond.
“Over a few years, Alex made an infinite contribution to political life, not simply inside Scotland, however throughout the U.Ok. and past,” he mentioned. “He took the Scottish Nationwide Get together from the fringes of Scottish politics into authorities and led Scotland so near changing into an impartial nation.”
Former U.Ok. Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak mentioned that Salmond was a “enormous determine in our politics.”
“Whereas I disagreed with him on the constitutional query, there was no denying his ability in debate or his ardour for politics,” Sunak mentioned on X. “Could he relaxation in peace.”
Everyone knows that the Mets-Dodgers Nationwide League Championship Collection goes to be portrayed as one thing of a David vs. Goliath, given the very totally different expectations of those golf equipment getting into the 2024 season. However that may not be fairly correct. For one factor, for all of the discuss in regards to the Dodgers spending a billion {dollars} final winter, it’s truly the Mets who’re the upper payroll workforce right here. For an additional, do not forget that because the center of Could — or, , 5 full months — the groups have had virtually precisely equivalent profitable percentages.
And, additionally, it’s New York vs. Los Angeles. Is it even potential for there to be a “David” right here? (No, not Roberts.)
What we’ve, as an alternative, is Ohtani vs. Lindor. We’ve the battle over Mike Piazza’s legacy. We’ve what’s a much more compelling baseball collection than you may need thought had you realized about this a number of months in the past. Let’s go place by place to interrupt it down.
Will Smith and Francisco Alvarez each produced glorious first halves, then had actually tough second halves — and neither has executed a lot of something in any respect within the postseason, save for Smith’s lengthy Recreation 4 residence run. Smith earns a small edge right here, simply because he’s been higher over the course of the final two seasons — i.e., the size of Alvarez’s profession — however it’s not by a lot. Although each have been ice chilly, every have confirmed they are often a lot, significantly better than this.
Freddie Freeman is a dwelling Corridor of Famer, and whereas Pete Alonso is, in fact, superb, he’s doubtless not fairly that. (When you price all of their seasons by WAR, Freeman has the highest 5 and 10 of the highest 11.) That’s clearly partially about Freeman being a star earlier than Alonso even reached the bigs. Nevertheless it’s not nearly previous historical past; even simply in 2024, Freeman was nonetheless the higher participant. Normally, that may be sufficient for an edge right here, but this isn’t a traditional state of affairs. Freeman’s badly injured ankle pressured him out of Recreation 2 early, prevented him from enjoying in Recreation 4 in any respect, and precipitated him to be lifted for protection in Recreation 5.
He’s clearly not at full power. And whereas he’s earned a substantial amount of respect for making an attempt to play by way of it, we’ll must take a totally practical and sizzling Alonso over a diminished Freeman.
This won’t go the way you assume it should — as a result of whereas Jose Iglesias (137 OPS+) was certainly significantly better than Gavin Lux (101 OPS+), there have at all times been a whole lot of questions on how lengthy Iglesias might make that final, given A) a whole profession of not doing that, and B) his presence as what Statcast considers the second-largest overperformer in baseball. That’s already occurred, to some extent, as Iglesias is hitting merely .207/.233/.207 within the postseason. It’s gone the opposite manner for Lux, who was simply unbelievable within the second half (.304/.391/.508, an .899 OPS) after purposefully including some aggression to his swing, earlier than pitching in with a homer in NLDS Recreation 4.
It’s sufficient to not fear that a lot in regards to the full-season stat line, and give attention to who these guys are proper now. That mentioned, the Mets even have a wild card: the potential of Jeff McNeil coming back from a fractured wrist to be obtainable in some capability, as a result of after his personal midseason change to be extra aggressive, he slugged .533 in his final 50 video games. It’s exhausting to know, nevertheless, what he could also be prepared to supply.
It’s has-a-strong-case-to-be-MVP-and-has-had-some-legendary-moments Francisco Lindor in opposition to … effectively, it’s exhausting to say. It’s not Mookie Betts; he’s in proper area. It is perhaps Miguel Rojas, if he’s wholesome, or Tommy Edman, if he’s not, and possibly it finally ends up being each of them, and it actually doesn’t matter, does it? The Mets have Lindor. The Dodgers don’t.
Now, we begin actually moving into all of the transferring components the Dodgers have, as a result of that is going to be Max Muncy — until he has to shift to first if Freeman wants reduction, through which case it will be Chris Taylor or Enrique Hernández. Muncy and New York’s Mark Vientos hit roughly evenly through the common season, although in fact Muncy has a for much longer monitor report of doing so. However Vientos has been significantly better this postseason. And whereas that alone isn’t sufficient for an edge right here, the truth that Taylor and Hernández are every sizable steps down — and the probability that considered one of them is required right here — tilts this to the Mets.
Over the course of their respective careers, which every started in 2016, Brandon Nimmo has been a good bit extra helpful than Teoscar Hernández — even when Nimmo stays a criminally underrated star. However Nimmo’s stable first half (.815 OPS) collapsed right into a summer-long battle (.595 OPS) within the second half, although he’s rebounded within the postseason. In the meantime, Hernandez had one thing like a profession 12 months, mashing 33 homers, and ended up out-slugging Nimmo by 102 factors. He’s been simply pretty much as good in October, too. This one goes to Los Angeles.
Mickey, Willie, and/or the Duke, this isn’t. Removed from the times the place middle area can be the house of a workforce’s largest stars, this collection contains a assortment of helpful — if imperfect — position gamers, with a considerably unclear imaginative and prescient of who precisely will get essentially the most enjoying time right here. The Dodgers have primarily used Edman, besides he is perhaps wanted at shortstop, or they might use Enrique Hernández, besides he is perhaps wanted at third base, and so they would possibly simply find yourself with the talented-yet-inconsistent Andy Pages. (Neither James Outman nor Kevin Kiermaier was on the NLDS roster.)
It’s quite a bit. The Mets counter with Harrison Bader and/or Tyrone Taylor, who haven’t hit even a little bit within the postseason. However at the least we all know that whichever one it’s, they’ll present robust protection. We’re contemplating bending the principles to provide all sides an obstacle, however all it takes is one nice fielding play to show the tide in a brief collection.
Do not forget that temporary second in the beginning of the Padres collection, when the one query about Betts was why his postseason struggles had lingered? Just a few huge homers later, and rapidly he was among the finest hitters the Dodgers had within the NLDS. He’s additionally nonetheless “actually Mookie Betts.” At 35 years previous, Starling Marte has missed a substantial amount of time the final two years with accidents, and hasn’t stood out when obtainable (89 OPS+); his once-excellent protection is now a legal responsibility. That is a simple one.
The Dodgers make use of Shohei Ohtani.
No disrespect in any respect meant to J.D. Martinez, in fact, who was an All-Star for the Dodgers final season earlier than transferring on to the Mets. However he isn’t Ohtani. Nobody is.
We might consider these two merely on the deserves of the pitchers who’re prone to make begins, however it’s extra sophisticated than that. Because the Mets dispatched the Phillies in 4 video games, they’ll have had three days off to reset their rotation, permitting supervisor Carlos Mendoza to decide on between any of Kodai Senga, Luis Severino, and Sean Manaea (the Mets are going with Senga in Recreation 1, with Manaea in Recreation 2). These are the highest three, with Jose Quintana prone to begin Recreation 4, and Senga, Manaea and Severino obtainable once more to start out potential Video games 5, 6, and seven.
It’s an excellent rotation, not a fantastic one. However it’s, at the least, a rotation. It’s 4 average-to-solid starters who can deal with all seven video games, if wanted. In the meantime, the Dodgers solely had three starters to start with — and every of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Jack Flaherty, and Walker Buehler include appreciable questions — and now, with Yamamoto having been utilized in NLDS Recreation 5, he’s unavailable till at the least NLCS Recreation 3 — and extra doubtless Recreation 4 — presumably giving him only a single NLCS begin.
Which means, if the collection goes seven, they’re going to want 4 begins from Flaherty and Buehler — together with doubtlessly two bullpen video games. The Dodger bullpen is fairly good, so possibly that’s not a horrible possibility. It’s not, nevertheless, a rotation.
It’s been a little bit of a whiplash-like season for the Dodger relievers — be aware the two.57 ERA in Could/June disintegrating right into a 5.65 mark in July — however it stabilized close to the tip of the season, and has been an absolute power in October. It’s even higher than it seems, actually; of the six earned runs the bullpen has allowed, half got here off of low-leverage rookie Edgardo Henriquez mopping up in San Diego’s Recreation 2 blowout win. Absolutely you noticed the Padres fail to attain for twenty-four consecutive innings to finish the NLDS?
Blake Treinen, Anthony Banda, Michael Kopech, Alex Vesia, Evan Phillips, and Daniel Hudson have every pitched a number of scoreless innings within the playoffs up to now, and that group of six had already posted 302 1/3 innings of two.53 ERA ball for Los Angeles within the common season. (Although Vesia leaving Recreation 5 with an damage provides some concern.)
It’s a powerful group, maybe stronger than the Dodgers have had in a while, and so they’re going to be relied upon closely within the NLCS. It’s not that the Mets ‘pen is a weak spot, in fact; when Edwin Díaz is at his greatest, there’s hardly anybody higher, and Tylor Megill and David Peterson have develop into helpful multi-inning items. However a key challenge right here is that the Mets relievers had the very best stroll price within the NL this 12 months (10.8%), and so they’ve truly walked extra within the postseason (12.4%). Look no additional than the tip of the Phillies collection to see simply what sort of tightrope a postseason bullpen should stroll once they’re handing out free passes.
We’re not essentially out right here on the vibes practice, as a result of as spectacular because the OMG and Grimace runs have been, finally these are baseball groups who must win baseball video games. However the Mets haven’t been a Johnny-come-lately flash, both. As we mentioned, return all the best way to Could 15 — practically 5 months in the past — and so they gained extra regular-season video games than the Dodgers. It is not as a lot a mismatch because the narratives are going to make it appear.
Throw of their skill to set their rotation whereas the Dodgers must scramble but once more, and put together to see an entire lot extra of a sure purple fast-food mascot.
PROVO, Utah – BYU soccer head coach Kalani Sitake was on set for FOX’s Huge Midday Kickoff pregame present hours earlier than his undefeated squad takes on the Arizona Wildcats.
On the set, he was joined by host Rob Stone, former Heisman winner Matt Leinart, and former Utah head coach City Meyer.
“I wouldn’t be right here if it weren’t for fantastic individuals and mentors alongside the best way… City Meyer took care of me.” 🙏
When Sitake joined the present, Meyer, who was being relentlessly booed by the BYU followers in attendance at Huge Midday Kickoff, requested Sitake to debate the BYU fan base.
“You might have an incredible fan base, however they modify once they stroll in that stadium. They lose their minds. Inform us about your fan base,” Meyer mentioned to Sitake.
Sitake replied, “We’ve obtained an incredible fan base. They’re not excellent. However they’re excellent for me, so I really like them. Love you guys.”
Kalani Sitake thanked City Meyer for serving to him in his teaching profession
The ninth-year head coach, who labored underneath Kyle Whittingham at Utah, thanked Meyer for his assist in his teaching profession.
“I wouldn’t be right here if it weren’t for fantastic individuals and mentors alongside the best way. So I hope BYU followers perceive City Meyer took care of me,” Sitake mentioned on Huge Midday Kickoff. “He allowed me to do some skilled improvement, whether or not he was at Utah, he was at Florida or Ohio State. So I recognize you.”
Meyer was laughing off the boo’s from BYU followers that came about all through the present, “In the event that they cheer me, that’s an issue.”
Sitake smiled, “They respect you, similar to all of us do. However you recognize, the gamesmanship? We don’t celebration right here at BYU, besides after we’re on the soccer subject.”
No. 14 BYU soccer takes on the Arizona Wildcats right now at 2 p.m. on FOX and KSL NewsRadio.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports activities Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Comply with Mitch’s protection of BYU within the Huge 12 Convention on X: @Mitch_Harper.
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MVHS soccer picture from their 7 on 7 drills in Inexperienced River. SweetwaterNOW picture by Jayson Klepper
MOUNTAIN VIEW — The highest-ranked Mountain View Buffalos prolonged their undefeated season on Friday evening, defeating the fifth-ranked Worland Warriors 35-5 in a dominating efficiency. The Buffalos set the tone early and by no means seemed again, enhancing to 7-0 and reinforcing their place because the workforce to beat in Wyoming 2A soccer.
Mountain View struck first on a 13-yard landing cross from quarterback Justus Platts to receiver Isac Linford with 10:03 left within the first quarter. Lower than 5 minutes later, Platts discovered the top zone once more, this time along with his legs, working in a 2-yard landing to increase the result in 14-0.
The Buffalos’ protection made a press release shortly after, as Landon Solaas delivered a strip sack, giving Mountain View prime discipline place on the Warriors’ 30-yard line. Nevertheless, regardless of the good alternative, Mountain View’s drive stalled, and a wind-affected discipline purpose try sailed extensive, returning the ball to Worland.
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Worland struggled offensively, and a penalty backed them deep into their very own territory. The Buffalos capitalized after they pressured a fumble ultimately zone and recovered it for a defensive landing, stretching the result in 21-0 with simply over two minutes remaining within the first quarter.
Worland lastly obtained on the board on the ultimate play of the quarter after Mountain View was flagged for intentional grounding in their very own finish zone, leading to a security and making the rating 21-2 heading into the second quarter.
Mountain View continued its dominance within the second quarter, as Platts broke free for a 26-yard speeding landing giving the Buffalos a 28-2 lead at halftime.
Each defenses tightened up within the second half, however Platts and Linford linked once more for his or her second landing of the sport, a 10-yard strike with underneath a minute left within the third quarter. The rating made it 35-2 heading into the ultimate quarter.
Worland managed so as to add a discipline purpose within the fourth, nevertheless it was removed from sufficient as Mountain View’s protection remained stout, closing out the sport with a 35-5 victory.
Platts led the Buffalos’ offense with 16 carries for 53 yards and two speeding touchdowns. By means of the air, he accomplished 15 of twenty-two passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns. Brendon Walker contributed 32 yards on 10 carries, whereas Levi Jones added 19 yards on 5 carries.
Within the passing sport, Kolby Roitz made 5 catches for 99 yards, whereas Linford had 4 catches for 55 yards and two touchdowns. Brockton Walker chipped in with 4 receptions for 62 yards.
TRN Media’s Participant of the Recreation was Isac Linford, who not solely had two landing receptions but in addition contributed key performs to assist the Buffalos’ protection stifle the Warriors all through the competition, serving to maintain Worland to simply 31 yards passing.
Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth in Lonely Planet.Anne Marie Fox/Netflix
Did anybody have a Morocco-set rom-com starring Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth on their 2024 bingo card? In that case, congratulations, even when the ensuing movie is a limp, chemistry-free excuse for the 2 actors to go to a sequence of aspirational locations and get a pleasant Netflix paycheck. Dern, a nationwide treasure, could be counseled for her efforts in Lonely Planet, a made-for-streaming film about an writer, Katherine Loewe, who travels to a writers’ retreat to complete her novel after a breakup. It’s there she meets Owen Brophy, an investor (or one thing) who’s the boyfriend of younger novelist Lily Kemp (Diana Silvers). What ensues is a sequence of scenes forcing the 2 characters collectively regardless that they don’t have anything in frequent and might’t conjure a single spark.
LONELY PLANET ★1/2(1.5/4 stars) Directed by:Susannah Grant Written by: Susannah Grant Starring: Laura Dern, Liam Hemsworth, Diana Silvers, Younès Boucif, Adriano Giannini, Rachida Brakni Operating time: 94 minutes.
Katherine arrives to the luxurious, distant retreat with out her baggage and with an isolationist angle. She’s there solely to write down, to not work together with the opposite writers, who she appears to treat with derision. Lily has introduced Owen alongside—a weird determination if you understand how writing retreats work—even if he doesn’t get pleasure from journey and is all the time on the cellphone making offers. By happenstance, Katherine and Owen find yourself caught on a dusty street in a broken-down automobile after a day gallivanting round Chefchaouen. They join, though it’s unclear over what, a disconnect that’s unrelated to their disparate ages. Owen and Lily change into increasingly more distant as the times cross, together with her humiliating him throughout a literary sport (he doesn’t know who Pip from Nice Expectations is, which ought to be humiliating if he ever graduated from highschool). Katherine and Owen change into increasingly more drawn to one another, and the viewer turns into increasingly more disinterested.
Lonely Planet, from award-winning author and director Susannah Grant, ought to add as much as one thing compelling. It’s bought lovely settings and principally features as a journey commercial for Morocco. The premise is first rate and Katherine is a relatable character who appears at residence in a rom-com. However Hemsworth, who has all the time struggled to conjure fascinating emotion onscreen, can’t convey Owen to life. He’s only a handsome man who desires to guard the individuals who make investments with him (or one thing). What Katherine sees in him is totally unclear, though Dern does her finest with the script she’s given. When the pair lastly do get collectively, in one in all movie historical past’s most uncomfortable intercourse scenes, you don’t wish to root for them. A greater model of this film is Katherine falling in love with the recent retreat employee who is continually discovering her someplace quiet to work.
After all, regardless of these hiccups, Lonely Planet appears destined for Netflix’s High Ten. The algorithm is aware of what persons are going to look at and the coupling up of Dern and Hemsworth is not possible to disclaim. It’s a must to see what occurs, even when you already know the tip outcome isn’t going to win anybody an Oscar. The film isn’t essentially unhealthy—it’s simply picket and unconvincing, each attributes that apply to many romance motion pictures of the previous that we nonetheless watch and reasonably get pleasure from. Dern deserves a greater rom-com with a greater co-star. She’s all the time compelling and it’s clear she could possibly be a profitable main woman in a film like this (proving, after all, that age is irrelevant with regards to love and to Hollywood). Katherine is trying to find inspiration throughout her time in Morocco and, in the meantime, Dern ought to seek for a greater undertaking.
It’s a fact universally acknowledged that any true rom-com fan should be in need of a Laura Dern-gets-her-groove-back automobile, and that’s precisely what Netflix hath delivered unto us with Lonely Planet, a brand new movie from Erin Brockovich screenwriter Susannah Grant that options Dern as a novelist who heads to Morocco for a author’s retreat and meets a good-looking younger man by the identify of Liam Hemsworth (or no matter his identify is within the film; I’m going to name him Liam Hemsworth). Could-December romance followers, ahoy! Let’s dive in, lets?
When a film begins with that little “ding” sound you hear on a airplane, you know the protagonist is going locations.
Actually.
We’re approaching Marrakech, Morocco!
A refreshing lack of the International South yellow filter (thus far).
Laura Dern! Each time I see her, I hear her scream “ISAIDTHANKYOOOOOOOU” on Massive Little Lies in my head.
Sheep! Within the highway! Not as thrilling as a Laura Dern sighting, however nonetheless fairly cool.
Oh, no, Laura Dern’s baggage acquired misplaced.
Not going to the first-night dinner on a press journey since you’re drained is very relatable, I need to say.
Simply kidding! Please nonetheless invite me on press journeys, media powers that be!
Hey, it’s Liam Hemsworth! With a girlfriend! Who isn’t Laura Dern!
The shirt he’s sporting seems to be dangerously near a henley, though upon second examination, I believe it’s only a polo.
Ooh, it feels like Laura Dern goes by way of a nasty divorce. Or possibly has already concluded one? Both method, some man is pissed at her.
Let’s get our Eat Pray Love on, girlfriend!
Truly, possibly we are able to skip “pray.”
Diana Silvers as a love curiosity for anybody however Kaitlyn Dever makes me upset.
I do like her chunky highlights, although, I need to say.
Wait, is Liam Hemsworth additionally a author? Or simply weirdly supportive of his GF?
A person who turns down an Ambien as a result of he has a name scheduled? No enjoyable! Dump him!
No clue what this name is about, however I collect it’s necessary.
Ooh, Liam and Laura are assembly!
Wow, even their names sound good collectively.
An annoying reporter on a press journey? That’s me!
“I see your face in mattress quite a bit,” adopted by the girlfriend reveal? Come on, Liam!
This makes me consider SATC’s Sam Jones lamenting guys who’re obsessive about letting you recognize they’ve a girlfriend straight away. We get it, dude!
My God, this village is picturesque.
Laura Dern was born to casually quote Flaubert in a film.
Liam has 4 sisters, so we all know he’s a Good Man.
Sorry, my brand-new pet was freaking out for the final 4 minutes, so I missed the context behind Laura and Liam’s meet-cute, however issues appear to be progressing apace.
Ah, Liam’s GF Diana Silvers is an enormous fan of Laura’s novels. Attention-grabbing.
Laura, don’t journey anyplace (particularly to not a international nation) in the event you can’t deal with a tiny little bit of yelling within the background!
Perhaps I’m simply smug as a result of I’ve skilled myself to jot down to the din of Actual Housewives of Salt Lake Metropolis, to be truthful.
Ah, cool, Liam’s job is…coal mining, in some way.
“Clear coal,” LOL.
Author girlinas, I encourage of you: Don’t convey your extraction-bro boyfriend on a retreat, as a result of he will get appropriately roasted by all of the socialists.
Oh man, Laura misplaced a farmhouse in her divorce?
Laura revealed her first guide in faculty? Zadie Smith vibes!
Laura eviscerating Liam for clearly being a former highschool sports activities bro is so cathartic and sizzling to me.
I do know Liam was saying “How come you’ll be able to’t end your guide at house?” to Laura, however as somebody who spends $40 each different weekday to “work” at my native lesbian all-day cafe, I’m taking it as a private assault.
Ooh, dramatic confession time simply almost averted!
In essentially the most acceptable, respectful method attainable, might I say: Diana Silvers seems to be actually good in a tank high.
So does Liam Hemsworth, for that matter.
“Come discover me if you’re in a greater temper” is definitely a really mature and devastating personal to ship.
Liam is angrily using a motorbike by way of the streets of Marrakech, as one does.
That’s the way in which, man! Watch native sports activities! Drink a neighborhood beer! Hug native guys! Neglect about women!
If you’re in Morocco and (as Laura is correct now) turning down something in any respect that comes served out of a tagine, you might be merely an fool.
I don’t care in the event you’re full! Eat a chunk of that harira!
I wish to lie on a floaty in a Moroccan pool proper now.
I’ve by no means truly been on a author’s retreat; is that this what they’re like?
Liam Hemsworth’s facial hair is completely calibrated on this film, I need to say.
Wow, actually, Liam? Your bosses within the natural-resource-extraction enterprise aren’t good?
Oh, he’s an eco-antagonist with a coronary heart of gold who’s truly on the aspect of the West Virginia coal miner. Cool :/
Laura’s divorced from a sculptor? So Meryl-coded.
This man actually is type of a dick to his girlfriend Diana Silvers, who’s simply making an attempt to have enjoyable on her journey.
“You at all times discover a option to break the issues I’m enthusiastic about” is a tough option to really feel about your companion! Do higher, cishet males.
Good for Diana for breaking apart with him!
Laura’s actually simply listening to their complete breakup by way of her wall, huh?
Bro, you’re going to “keep out of her method” however not simply go house so she will truly benefit from the retreat? I hate this man! Go frack one thing!
Ooh la la, scandalous Laura/Liam shoulder-kiss scene.
“I might fall for a child such as you”?????? Rattling.
Okay, Liam didn’t like that.
Hannah Horvath’s boyfriend known as her “child,” and also you didn’t hear her complaining about it, man! Though possibly she ought to have?
Liam’s leaving to “do some exploring.” Ugh.
He invitations Laura!
Parasailing montage!
Oh, that was different folks parasailing. Our lovers are simply holding fingers on the seashore.
Intercourse scene!
A fairly good one, too, if I could also be so daring.
Feeding one another olives? Inctedible.
“ I really like an olive.” He already is aware of this about her?
I actually don’t care what occurs with this man’s coal deal.
Laura’s going house 🙁
Alone 🙁 🙁
Solo Liam surfside shot 🙁 🙁 🙁
God assist me, I really like a last-minute rekindling.
I do want Laura Dern’s precise character Katherine Loewe’s final identify had been pronounced lo-WAY-vey.
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