Category: Sports

  • 2025 4 Nations Face-Off: Canada to face USA in championship game

    2025 4 Nations Face-Off: Canada to face USA in championship game

    Canada was back on the ice on Monday in the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off following the loss to USA, and they took care of business against Finland in a 5-3 victory. 

    While USA’s six points already puts them in the championship game on Feb. 20, making Monday night’s matchup against Sweden a formality, Canada and Finland both came into this game with two points (both 1-1 for the tournament). 

    Sweden, despite being 0-2, lost both of their matchups in overtime, giving them two points as well. 

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    Team Canada forward Mark Stone celebrates after a goal during the 4 Nations Face-Off game against Team Finland at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

    So, Canada knew a revenge championship game against USA would require a win over Finland, and the stars showed up to make sure that was the case. 

    Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid both scored two goals for Canada to lead the way to victory. 

    Brayden Point also scored in Canada’s three-goals-to-none first period performance, while Sidney Crosby buried an empty net goal after Finland’s desperation charge was thwarted. 

    TEAM USA’S 4 NATIONS GM TALKS ‘POLITICAL FLARE’ TO FIGHT IN GAME VS CANADA, SENDS MESSAGE TO TRUMP

    It was McDavid who got Canada on the board first, which is what he did against the U.S. on Saturday night. 

    Team Canada celebrates goal

    Team Canada forward Sidney Crosby celebrates a goal by forward Nathan MacKinnon during the game against Team Finland at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

    The goal was unassisted, as McDavid surveyed the ice before turning toward goal and sniping a low wrist shot past Finland’s Juuse Saros, who was taken out of the game early in the second period in favor of Kevin Lankinen after MacKinnon’s third goal of the tournament, and second of the night, made it 4-0. 

    The third period, though, saw some fight out of Finland, as Esa Lindell’s first goal of the tournament finally got them on the board. It seemed too little, too late for them, however, as the goal came with 6:41 left in the game. 

    But Mikael Granlund scored two goals in 23 seconds with an extra man on the ice for Finland due to an empty net. That made it 4-3, and despite dominating the entire game, Canada found themselves needing to bunker down. 

    Team Canada celebrates goal

    Team Canada forward Connor McDavid celebrates his goal against Finland with his line mates at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

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    Just seconds after Granlund’s second goal, Crosby, the stalwart Canadian winger, buried an empty net wrister to seal victory and allow the team their potential revenge game against USA on Thursday night. 

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  • Rory McIlroy snaps at fan’s caddie critique during Genesis Invitational meltdown: ‘Shut the f— up’

    Rory McIlroy snaps at fan’s caddie critique during Genesis Invitational meltdown: ‘Shut the f— up’

    Rory McIlroy’s finish at Torrey Pines over the weekend wasn’t going well, and when one fan criticized his caddie, it pushed the wrong button.

    McIlroy fell down the leaderboard at the Genesis Invitational after some poor putting, leaving him T-17th for the tournament at 3-under when the final scorecard was signed. 

    Well, one fan was heard yelling, “Blame your caddie,” according to golf reporter Dan Rapoport. 

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    Rory McIlroy stands on the first hole during the final round of the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines. (Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)

    “Shut the f— up,” Rapoport said McIlroy retorted. 

    The fan’s callout to McIlroy came after a missed 12-foot putt that went just past the hole on the right for a missed birdie. 

    McIlroy’s caddie, Harry Diamond, has been with the PGA Tour star since 2017. Their relationship as childhood friends runs deeper. 

    LUDVIG ABERG DRAINS FIRST CAREER HOLE-IN-ONE DURING THIRD ROUND OF GENESIS INVITATIONAL

    The struggles for McIlroy on the green came on Saturday, as he finished last in shots gained for the day. And there were no major adjustments in his final round on Sunday. 

    Putting, though, has been a major sticking point for McIlroy since his disastrous meltdown at the 2024 U.S. Open, which Bryson DeChambeau ultimately won. 

    McIlroy missed two short putts in the final round at Pinehurst No. 2, and those mistakes led to him missing out on his closest chance at his first major since 2014. 

    Rory McIlroy looks at golf shot

    Rory McIlroy hits his tee shot on the second hole during the final round of the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines. (Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)

    Naturally, Diamond was brought into the conversation for the reads on those putts, as well as a club choice on the par-3 15th hole in the final round that led McIlroy to hitting it over the green. He would finish with a bogey there. 

    “You know it’s certainly unfair,” McIlroy said, via Golf Week, in defense of Diamond after the U.S. Open finish. 

    “But just because Harry is not as vocal or loud with his words as other caddies, it doesn’t mean that he doesn’t say anything and that he doesn’t do anything. I just wish that, you know, these guys that criticize when things don’t go my way, they never say anything good when things do go my way. So where were they when I won Dubai earlier this year or Quail Hollow or the two FedEx Cups that I’ve won with Harry or the two Ryder Cups or whatever? They are never there to say Harry did such a great job when I win, but they are always there to criticize when we don’t win.”

    Rory McIlroy bunker shot

    Rory McIlroy hits out of the bunker on the 18th hole during the third round of the Genesis Invitational. (Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)

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    McIlroy won earlier this year as well, taking home the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am with a 21-under finish to beat Shane Lowry by two strokes. McIlroy took home $3.6 million at the PGA Tour signature event. 

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  • NBA All-Star Game: Damian Lillard loses challenge to college student

    NBA All-Star Game: Damian Lillard loses challenge to college student

    A “life-changing” moment will never be forgotten by 18-year-old college student Jaren Barajas, who can add to his young resume that he beat a perennial NBA All-Star in a 3-point contest.

    Jaren Barajas won the “MrBeast Logo Shot Challenge” on Sunday night, as he nailed a shot from deep to not only beat Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard but also win $100,000. 

    “This is going to mean the world to me, it’s going to help my family a lot and definitely my future,” Barajas said, via The Associated Press. “Hopefully it’ll help me pay for my education, which it will.”

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    Jaren Barajas celebrates after participating in a competition against Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks to win $100,000 during the 2025 NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center. (Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)

    Barajas just needed to hit one shot from deep, while Lillard was tasked with hitting three logo three-pointers. With the clock winding down, Barajas threw one up as the buzzer sounded and the multi-colored ball splashed through the hoop. 

    The ball smashed off the backboard before going in, and as the expression goes, the bank was open. And it filled Barajas’ own bank account in the process. 

    WARRIORS’ DRAYMOND GREEN DRAWS BACKLASH FROM NBA GREATS OVER REMARKS ABOUT ALL-STAR GAME, ‘BORING’ GAMES

    “It was coming down to the wire, we had 30 seconds left and my dad always tells me, ‘Use the backboard,’” Barajas explained. “That’s what I had to do to make it go in.”

    What’s funny is Barajas had no clue he was going to the Chase Center to see the 2025 NBA All-Star Game on Sunday night, as he’d been hoping to go but didn’t have it on the calendar. 

    Michael Barajas, his father, found the ticket prices he was looking for and jumped at the opportunity to surprise his son. If that was a surprise to Jaren, imagine how he felt being asked to participate in the contest.

    Damian Lillard shoots

    Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots during the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center. (Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)

    “I got surprised with these tickets yesterday, so I didn’t even know I was coming to the game, so to have this experience is so surreal. I’m so thankful,” he said. 

    Michael added, “He wanted to go to the game, prices were pretty high so I kept watching the prices come down and once I found them where I could afford them, I bought them and surprised him with them yesterday. I can’t believe we’re right here, but I’m glad I did it. He deserves it and I’m proud of him.”

    The bank shot is something Jaren will never forget, especially as he celebrated with Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith on the court immediately after it went in. Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry was smiling ear to ear as the crowd roared. 

    Michael and Jaren Barajas smile

    Jaren Barajas poses with his father Michael after beating Damian Lillard in a three-point contest, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Janie McCauley)

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    And Lillard found Jaren as well after the defeat to congratulate him, while also showering him with dollar bills. 

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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  • Trump’s Daytona 500 visit draws Elon Musk’s reaction

    Trump’s Daytona 500 visit draws Elon Musk’s reaction

    Elon Musk, the billionaire mogul in charge of Tesla, X, SpaceX and the Department of Government Efficiency, had one word to describe President Donald Trump’s time at NASCAR’s Daytona 500.

    Trump was a fixture in the pre-race festivities on Sunday. He rode in “The Beast” as it went around Daytona International Speedway for one lap. He also had a special message for the drivers, which was broadcast on their radios before the green flag flew.

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    President Donald Trump, center, greets drivers at the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Pool via AP)

    “This is your favorite president. I’m a big fan,” he said. “I’m a really big fan of you people. (How) you do this, I don’t know. But I just want you to be safe. You’re talented people and great people and great Americans. Have a good day. Have a lot of fun and I’ll see you later.”

    Musk reacted on X.

    “Awesome,” he wrote.

    Trump and the contingency of people who flew on Air Force One with him for the race were three for a few laps. However, rain delayed the restart for a few hours.

    It was William Byron who drove his car to Victory Lane on Sunday night. It was the second straight year he won the Daytona 500.

    RYAN PREECE THOUGHT OF DAUGHTER AS CAR FLEW THROUGH AIR IN SCARY WRECK AT DAYTONA 500

    "The Beast" on Daytona 500

    President Donald Trump rides in the presidential limousine, known as “The Beast,” as he takes a pace lap ahead of the start of the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Pool via AP)

    Trump applauded the courage drivers have going at speeds of nearly 200 mph to win a race.

    “They have a lot of courage doing this. I see it, and I’ve been here,” the president told FOX Sports’ Jamie Little. “They have a lot of guts, as they would say.”

    Trump, who was joined on the track by his granddaughter, highlighted the progress of the United States since he started his second term as president.

    William Byron celebrates

    William Byron celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

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    “I think it’s fantastic. I think it’s great for the country,” he said. “The country is doing well again. We have spirit all over the world. There’s spirit again, we brought it back and it’s been less than four weeks. You’ll see what we do in a little period of time. It’s gonna only get better. But this is very exciting.”

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  • 4 Nations Face-Off: Team USA’s GM talks fight vs Canada, has message for Trump

    4 Nations Face-Off: Team USA’s GM talks fight vs Canada, has message for Trump

    Bill Guerin, a former hockey star and the general manager for the U.S. men’s team at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, rehashed the fight that jump-started the Americans’ win over Canada in their game over the weekend and had a message for President Donald Trump.

    The game started with Canadian fans in Montreal booing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Then, three American and three Canadian players threw down their gloves and began to fight. There were three fights in the first nine seconds. The U.S. got the last laugh as they topped Canada, 3-1, and secured a spot in the championship game later this week.

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    The United States’ Brady Tkachuk, #7, fights Canada’s Sam Bennett, #9, during first period 4 Nations Face-Off hockey action in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

    Guerin appeared on “America’s Newsroom” on Monday and was asked whether the brawl was ignited because of the booing, previous heat between players or the political strife between the U.S. and Canada. Guerin said he thought it was all of the above.

    “I think a little bit of everything. Canada-U.S. is a huge rivalry in hockey,” he said. “I think there was a little bit of a political flare to it. It’s just the time that we’re in. I think our guys used that as inspiration. If you let it get the better of you, then you’re in trouble. But I really do think the players used it as inspiration.”

    Guerin touted the intensity of play between the two teams, calling it the “highest level of hockey ever played.”

    US HOCKEY STAR CHARLIE MCAVOY RECEIVES PRAISE FOR BIG HIT ON CANADA’S CONNOR MCDAVID IN INTENSE 4 NATIONS GAME

    Matthew Tkachuk and Brandon Hagel

    Canada’s Brandon Hagel, #38, and United States’ Matthew Tkachuk, #19, fight during first period 4 Nations Face-Off hockey game in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

    The U.S. will play Thursday night in the final. Canada will play Finland on Monday, and a regulation win for either team would get them to play the Americans for the title.

    If the Canada-Finland game goes into overtime, Sweden could advance to the final with a regulation win over the U.S.

    The final will be played in Boston, and Guerin said Trump should attend.

    “We would love it if President Trump was in attendance. We have a room full of proud American players and coaches and staff,” he said. “And listen, we’re just trying to represent our country the best way we can.”

    Bill Guerin in 2013

    Former NHL player and Olympic team member Bill Guerin speaks with NHL Network host Kathryn Tappen during a ceremony unveiling the 2014 USA Olympic hockey jersey as part of the 2013 U.S. men’s national team camp at Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia, on Aug. 27, 2013. (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)

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    Trump was at Super Bowl LIX and the Daytona 500 already this month.

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  • Dion Jordan, former highly touted NFL prospect, owns up to failed success at pro level

    Dion Jordan, former highly touted NFL prospect, owns up to failed success at pro level

    Dion Jordan was a highly touted NFL prospect coming out of college in 2013 and was treated as such.

    The Miami Dolphins selected Jordan with the No. 3 pick of the draft that year, but his career did not go exactly the way anyone planned. The former defensive end had three sacks in 26 games for the Dolphins and was then suspended in 2015 for violations of the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

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    Oregon defensive end Dion Jordan is introduced as the third overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 25, 2013. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

    He reappeared in the league in 2017 with the Seattle Seahawks, securing four sacks in five games, but it was not enough to revive his career as a starter. He played for the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers before leaving the league following the 2020 season.

    Jordan, 34, came to grips with the failure of meeting those high expectations.

    “I didn’t have my life in order. My life outside of ball wasn’t in balance,” he said in a recent interview on “The Fish Tank” podcast. “You know, it wasn’t what it needed to be to match all of that stuff and I struggled, dude. I struggled coming in. I struggled understanding the plays and the playbook.

    Dion Jordan with the 49ers

    San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Dion Jordan, #96, against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Jan. 3, 2021. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

    49ERS’ GEORGE KITTLE GETS LAST WORD AS US TOPS CANADA IN 4 NATIONS MATCH AFTER BOOS DURING ANTHEM

    “When I left the facility, it didn’t help because I’m out partying. I’m enjoying the money I have, and I’m just putting myself behind the eight-ball. I’m hurt, you know. Sometimes I’m missing my rehabs, so that’s not helping.”

    Jordan made clear that it was no one else’s fault but his own for the way his NFL career panned out. He is now an assistant at Eureka College in Illinois to help teach the next generation.

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    Dion Jordan vs Lions

    Miami Dolphins defensive end Dion Jordan, #95, against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit on Nov. 9, 2014. (Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports)

    In 63 career games, he had 13.5 sacks and 108 total tackles.

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  • Auburn baseball star Cade Belyeu crushes 1st homer of season hours after mother’s death

    Auburn baseball star Cade Belyeu crushes 1st homer of season hours after mother’s death

    Auburn Tigers outfielder Cade Belyeu opened the 2025 season with a heavy heart and enormous emotional pressure on his shoulders as the team played the Holy Cross Crusaders.

    Belyeu hit a solo home run in the sixth inning against Holy Cross. It was Belyeu and the Tigers’ first home run of the season. It turned out he played for more than just an early-season victory.

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    A general view of Auburn baseball caps during the game between the UAB Blazers and the Auburn Tigers on April 4, 2023 at Regions Field in Birmingham, Alabama. (Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

    The sophomore’s mother, Staci, had died after a battle with breast cancer a few hours earlier. Auburn head coach Butch Thompson said the team was trying to figure out what they were going to do if Belyeu was going to take the night to collect his thoughts.

    “He said Staci wanted him to play,” Thompson told the Montgomery Advertiser. “I think it was the most inspiring thing we’ve ever seen. Our crowd is just amazing. They absolutely sensed and knew what was going on with him. … An inspiration by Cade Belyeu.”

    ILLINOIS BOTCHES TERRENCE SHANNON JR JERSEY RETIREMENT CEREMONY WITH HILARIOUS GAFFE DURING UNVEILING 

    Auburn won the game 4-1. The Tigers eventually wrapped up the series, taking two out of three from Holy Cross.

    Belyeu was 6-of-12 at the plate against the Crusaders during the weekend. He hit his lone home run and had two RBI in the series win. He also had five stolen bases.

    Auburn is back in action on Tuesday against Troy.

    The 6-foot-3 outfielder was named to the SEC All-Freshman team last season.

    SEC logo

    An SEC logo billboard prior to the NCAA Women’s Final Four. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

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    Auburn finished 27-26 last season and were 8-22 against SEC opponents. The team did not make the postseason. 

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  • Warriors’ Draymond Green draws backlash from NBA greats over remarks about All-Star Game, ‘boring’ games

    Warriors’ Draymond Green draws backlash from NBA greats over remarks about All-Star Game, ‘boring’ games

    NBA greats pushed back on Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green’s assessment of the All-Star Game’s newest format and the state of the league.

    Instead of an East vs. West format this year, the NBA changed the format for the game to a mini tournament between four different teams picked by Shaquille O’Neal, Candace Parker, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith. Stephen Curry led Shaq’s team to a win, and he picked up the All-Star Game MVP award.

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    Dallas Mavericks guard Max Christie, #00, and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, #23, in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Feb. 12, 2025. (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

    Green was asked to rate the format on a scale of 1-10. He said it was a “zero.”

    “You work all year to be an All-Star and you get to play up to 40, and then you’re done. This is so unfair to Victor Wembanyama, who just took this game really seriously,” he said, via the New York Post. “Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who just took this game really seriously. When you talk about chasing after the points record, Melo, Kobe and all these guys that had great scoring nights. They don’t get the opportunity to do that with this game.

    “All so we can watch some rising stars. We about to watch the Olympic team, now we get the treat of watching the Olympic team play against a U-19 team. Come on, what are we doing? This is ridiculous.”

    He also said, “this sucks” and “it ain’t basketball.”

    Barkley and fellow Basketball Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson took Green’s remarks to task.

    LEBRON JAMES TAKES HEAT FOR LATE DECISION TO SKIP NBA ALL-STAR GAME

    Barkley put the onus on Green and his generation of basketball stars for the lack of importance of the All-Star Game.

    “I’m going to disagree with Draymond a lot. I use the analogy like when the kids mess up the house, you make them clean it up and they’re complaining. They messed the game up. … His generation messed the game up.

    NBA on TNT crew

    From left to right, Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson and Charles Barkley stand at mid-court to be honored during the NBA All-Star basketball game on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025 in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

    “So don’t act like he’s mad because they’re trying to use rookies … We’re doing every type of trick to make this game exciting.”

    Green also ruffled the feathers of Oscar Robertson during the weekend.

    The NBA champion said games right now are “boring” with “no substance.” The advent of increased 3-point shooting has been to blame. NBA ratings have also suffered because of game play during the regular season.

    “Every possession is some type of chess move. You don’t get that today in the NBA often. … You don’t just get that on a regular basis. It’s just who can run faster, who can hit more threes. It’s no substance. I think it’s very boring,” he said.

    Robertson had no time for Green’s remarks.

    “Who cares what Draymond says? It doesn’t mean anything,” Robertson said on SiriusXM NBA Radio. “This is what I mean, one guy can say this, another guy can say that. The game is what it is. Either people like the game or they don’t, and I think people enjoy the game, especially if their team can win. 

    Oscar Robertson in February 2025

    Oscar Robertson talks with filmmaker Spike Lee before the All Star-HBCU game at Oakland Arena in Oakland, California, on Feb. 15, 2025. (Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images)

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    “And if you look at the basketball, it might be boring to him because if he’s not passing the ball to Curry, what is he doing? I mean, not to single that out because I think he knows how to play basketball, but he’s passing to Curry more than anyone I’ve ever seen in basketball. So it might be boring to him at times cause maybe to him at times because he’s not shooting a lot, he’s not guarding a lot, so it gets boring.”

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  • US hockey star Charlie McAvoy receives praise for big hit on Canada’s Connor McDavid in intense 4 Nations game

    US hockey star Charlie McAvoy receives praise for big hit on Canada’s Connor McDavid in intense 4 Nations game

    The 4 Nations Face-Off matchup between the U.S. and Canada had sports fans everywhere talking about the anthem booing and the three subsequent fights in the first 9 seconds of the game.

    Lost in that is what the U.S. had to overcome to win the matchup and advance to the final.

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    Connor Hellebuyck, #37 of Team United States, celebrates with Charlie McAvoy, #25, as Brock Faber, #14, looks on after their 3-1 win in the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the United States and Canada at Bell Centre on Feb. 15, 2025 in Montreal. (Andre Ringuette/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

    Canada’s Connor McDavid opened the scoring soon after when the electricity was at its highest. Canada hoped to steal one and send their fans home happy, but the U.S. looked to reset the tone immediately after, and the Americans believed Charlie McAvoy did just that.

    McAvoy put a big hit on McDavid in the first period, and 19 seconds later, Jake Guentzel got the equalizer past Jordan Binnington. Matthew Tkachuk said it was McAvoy’s hit that revitalized the team.

    “That also is a message-sending moment — probably one of the plays of the game,” the Florida Panthers star said. “They just scored a goal, the building was rocking and Charlie comes there and pops McDavid, like one of the hardest hits I’ve seen.”

    Conor McDavid and Sidney Crosby

    Canada’s Connor McDavid, #97, and Sidney Crosby, #87, talk during the third period of a 4 Nations Face-Off hockey game against the United States in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Graham Hughes//The Canadian Press via AP)

    JUSTIN TRUDEAU SAYS HE’S ‘DAMN PROUD’ OF CANADA AS FANS BOO US NATIONAL ANTHEM, FACES ONLINE RIDICULE

    Tkachuk added that McAvoy’s teammates “followed” McAvoy’s aggressiveness afterward.

    “That hit Charlie threw on (McDavid) was kind of a game-changer,” U.S. defenseman Zach Werenski said. “He’s been known to do that. He’s great with his size, he’s really good defensively and I thought that was a perfectly timed hit to get our team going in the right direction.”

    Dylan Larkin put the U.S. up 2-1 in the second period, and Guentzel later put one in an empty net and the U.S. won the game.

    McDavid still held out hope Canada can bounce back and get to the final for a rematch.

    “It was fast, tight-checking, competitive, emotional,” he said, via The Athletic. “It had everything you would want in a hockey game. It sucks it didn’t go our way, but this thing’s far from over.”

    Charlie McAvoy hits Sidney Crosby

    Canada’s Sidney Crosby, #87, is checked by United States’ Charlie McAvoy, #25, as Vincent Trocheck, #16, looks on during first period 4 Nations Face-Off hockey action in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

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    The U.S. will play Sweden and Canada will play Finland in the final games before the championship.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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  • LeBron James takes heat for late decision to skip NBA All-Star Game

    LeBron James takes heat for late decision to skip NBA All-Star Game

    LeBron James drew some blowback on Sunday night as he announced 90 minutes before the NBA All-Star Game was set for tip-off that he would forgo playing in it over a foot issue.

    The Los Angeles Lakers star said he would miss the mini tournament with foot and ankle discomfort. It ended his streak of 20 consecutive All-Star Game appearances. TNT hosts appeared to be appalled by the late decision from James.

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    Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, #23, prepares to shoot as Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, #45, watches during the skills challenge at the NBA basketball All-Star Saturday night festivities on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

    “I think ‘Bron coulda helped somebody else out and said this earlier,” Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green said, via Awful Announcing.

    Former NBA star Jalen Rose added that James “took a roster spot from somebody.”

    It was the first time James had missed an All-Star Game since 2004. He was set to play for Team Shaquille O’Neal in the All-Star Game’s new competition format. The team was then down to seven players – Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard and James Harden.

    MAC MCCLUNG, WHO HAS PLAYED IN 1 NBA GAME THIS SEASON, WINS 3RD STRAIGHT DUNK CONTEST

    LeBron James talks to reporters

    Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James speaks during a press conference before the NBA basketball All-Star game on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025 in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

    “I was hoping that it would feel a lot better this morning, but it’s not where I want it to be,” James said. “And with 30 games left and with us trying to make a playoff push in the wild, wild, West, I feel like it’s very important for me to kind of take care of myself and understand what’s coming on.

    “So, I won’t say it’s maintenance, but it is maintenance,” he said. “At the same time, I have to look out for myself when it comes to this to this injury I’ve been dealing with for years.”

    James said he will resume rehabbing the injury on Monday and hoped to play on Wednesday as the Lakers return from the break to compete against the Charlotte Hornets.

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    LeBron James looks on

    Shaq’s OGs player LeBron James, #23, sits courtside in street clothes during Game 2 of the NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group via AP)

    He is averaging 24.3 points, 9 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game this season.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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