by Abhishek Shukla

Kenya and China win World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger in Dubai

At the end of three days of intense, high quality competition it was Kenya men and China women who took top honours at the opening round of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024 in Dubai.

Kenya have been a mainstay on the HSBC SVNS and are aiming to return at the first opportunity following their relegation to the Challenger last year, and they got off to the perfect start with victory in Dubai.

They were made to work for the gold medal in a hard fought final win over Chile which finished 12-5. Earlier in the day Kenya had beaten Uruguay 21-5 in the semi-final while Chile reached the final thanks to a 15-7 win over previously unbeaten Germany.

Uruguay, who alongside Kenya will showcase their skills at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, recovered from semi-final defeat to claim the bronze medal with a 12-7 defeat of Germany.

China were the dominant force in the women’s competition and secured gold with a 19-5 win over Kenya in the final, gaining revenge for their 17-12 loss to the same opposition in Friday’s pool match.

China has earlier cruised into the final thanks to a 45-5 thrashing of Uganda in the semi-final, while Kenya saw off Argentina by 17-0 in the second semi-final. Argentina were impressive throughout the weekend and claimed the bronze thanks to a 36-10 win over Uganda.

Amid ecstatic celebrations in front of the large contingent of supporters, Kenya co-captain Tony Omondi said: “We are super happy. We knew this Challenger event in Dubai was very crucial for us to start on a high and now we must carry on with the momentum until the last tournament.”

“It was a tough final today. Chile was a tough, physical opponent so we had to match them in all aspects and it came out good for us. We must also congratulate our ladies team as well, every game they played before us gave us the inspiration, so we had to deliver and thanks to them we are going back home with two medals.”

China women’s player Chen Keyi said: “We are happy and so proud of our girls and the way we played to our standards. Kenya is a very physical team so I’m proud of our tackling and how hard we worked for each other. We hope we can keep learning, keep playing to our way and keep winning in the next tournaments.”

There is more to play for than ever before in this year’s Challenger with the competition expanded to three rounds and the top four placed men’s and women’s teams qualifying for the new promotion and relegation play-off competition at the HSBC SVNS 2024 Grand Final in Madrid.

The Challenger tournaments replicate the Olympic Games competition format, with the 12 teams drawn into three pools of four teams each. The top two from each pool as well as the two best third-placed finishers will qualify for the knockout stages with quarter-finals and

The Challenger was introduced in February 2020 to boost the development of rugby sevens across the globe and provide a clear promotion pathway to reach the top level of global rugby sevens for the short format of the game which has experienced huge growth over the past two decades since the introduction of the global sevens series and becoming an Olympic sport at the Rio 2016 Games.

The bigger and better than ever 2024 edition of the Challenger consists of three rounds. Following the opener in Dubai the men’s and women’s teams now move on to Estadio Charrúa in Montevideo, Uruguay on 8-10 March before standalone women’s and men’s events at Henryk Reyman’s Municipal Stadium in Krakow, Poland and Dantestadion in Munich, Germany respectively on 18-19 May.

by Abhishek Shukla

Shrivalli Rashmikaa enters 2nd round of qualifying at KPB Trust ITF Women’s Open

Bengaluru, Jan 14: Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty was amongst the three Indians out of 14 to enter the second round of qualifying in the KPB Trust ITF Women’s Open that began at the KSLTA Stadium here on Sunday. The 13th seed overcame a fighting Ekaterina Yashina 7-5, 7-6 (5) in the first round.

Zeel Desai seeded 14th and 11th seed Vaidehi Chaudhary were the other Indians who advanced to the final round of qualifying. Eight qualifiers will be spotted on Monday who will play the main draw that begins on Tuesday.

Ekaterina began on a strong note earning a break in the second game itself and kept the pressure on her opponent. With the players choosing to adopt the baseline play and waiting for their opponent to commit a mistake, both held their respective serves for the next seven games. Rashmikaa, who had won her maiden ITF title at the Bowring Institute ITF Open late last year, won the next three games including two breaks in the 10th and 12th game to take the first set 7-5.

In the second set, both the rivals traded a break each in the 5th and 6th games respectively before Ekaterina broke the Indian’s serve in the seventh game and held her serve in the next to lead 5-3. The 22-year-old Rashmikaa, capitalised on the mistakes committed by her opponent to win the next three games earning a break in the 10th game to lead 6-5. Ekaterina held her serve to take the set into a tie-breaker which could have gone either way.

Results Qualifying (Round of 32)

(All Indians unless mentioned, prefix denotes seeding)

1-Diana Marcinkevica (LAT) bt Lakshmi Gowda 6-2, 6-1;

12-Mei Yamaguchi (JPN) bt Yukina Saigo (JPN) 6-2, 6-0;

8-Saki Imamura (JPN) bt Yu-Yun Li (TPE) 6-1, 6-2;

16-Punnin Kovapitukted (THA) bt Elena Jamshidi (DEN) 6-0, 6-3;

10-Viktoria Morvayova (SVK) bt Akanksha Dileep Nitture 6-2, 6-4;

14-Zeel Desai bt Saumya Vig 6-3, 6-0;

4-Tina Nadine Smith (AUS) bt WC-Prathiba Narayan Prasad 6-0, 6-1;

15-Mana Kawamura (JPN) bt Vanshita Pathania 6-2, 6-4;

7-Naho Sato (JPN) bt Sravya Shivani Chilakalapudi 6-0, 6-0;

13-Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty bt Ekaterina Yashina 7-5, 7-6 (5);

11-Vaidehi Chaudhari bt WC-Kashvi Sunil 6-1, 6-1;

3-Rina Saigo (JPN) bt Smriti Bhasin 6-4, 6-0;

6-Eri Shimizu (JPN) bt Sharmada Balu 6-4, 6-1;

9-Lena Papadakis (GER) bt Vaishnavi Adkar 6-2, 7-5;

5-Thasaporn Naklo (THA) bt WC-Paavanii Paathak 6-2, 6-0;

2-Anna Siskova (CZE) bt Humera Baharmus 6-2, 6-1.

by Abhishek Shukla

‘Feels great to be a part of the 1st and the 1000th Pro Kabaddi League match,’ says Bengal Warriors’ Captain Maninder Singh

JAIPUR, 14th January 2024: The Bengal Warriors and the Bengaluru Bulls players are not going to play just another Pro Kabaddi League game on Monday as PKL is on the cusp of a historic moment. The match between the Warriors and Bulls in Jaipur will be the 1000th Pro Kabaddi League match. 

Bengal Warriors’ Captain Maninder Singh, who was part of the first-ever PKL match between U Mumba and Jaipur Pink Panthers said, “It feels really great that the 1000th PKL match will be played on Monday. I played for Jaipur in the first match and will play the 1000th match in Jaipur, so what could be better than that. Kabaddi is a very injury-prone sport so I feel really happy to be around the league for 1000 matches.”

The raider further added, “My journey has been really good and it feels great to have a long career. I am trying to maintain my fitness and keep playing for as long as I can. The game has become very fast now as compared to the first game. There were no Do or Die raids in the first season so if a team took a big lead then its opponents found it difficult to make comebacks in the matches. So innovative rules such as Do or Die raids have made the game very interesting.”

Meanwhile, Jaipur Pink Panthers’ Rahul Chaudhari, who was also part of the first-ever PKL season, shared his thoughts ahead of the big game, “The 1000th Pro Kabaddi League match is a proud moment for all kabaddi lovers. I wish that the game becomes even more popular in the upcoming years and nobody should ask ‘What is kabaddi’. Today the kabaddi players are recognized anywhere they go and this has been possible only because of the Pro Kabaddi League.”

Bengaluru Bulls’ Head Coach Randhir Singh has seen the Pro Kabaddi League become bigger and better in front of his eyes by being associated with the Bengaluru franchise from the team’s very first match. When asked about the significance of the 1000th game, the Head Coach said, “I feel very lucky to be a part of the Pro Kabaddi League from the very first match. The Pro Kabaddi League has provided a brilliant platform to all the kabaddi players. The game has changed a lot since the first-ever match and the league has become ten times better.”

Randhir Singh also said, “The Pro Kabaddi League has also given me a platform to earn an identity. I would like to thank Mashal Sports and Star Sports for their support. And I would like to thank the fans as well. The sport is nothing without the fans.”

The Bengal Warriors and Bengaluru Bulls will face off against each other in the 1000th Pro Kabaddi League match in Jaipur on Monday.

Please find below the schedule for PKL Season 10 matches today

Game 1 – Haryana Steelers vs Tamil Thalaivas – 8 pm

Game 2 – Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Patna Pirates – 9 pm

Venue: Jaipur

Season 10 of the Pro Kabaddi League will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and for free on Disney+ hotstar.  

by Abhishek Shukla

Adani’s Gujarat Giants Crowned Champions of Ultimate Kho Kho League 2024

Cuttack, 13 January, 2024: Gujarat Giants was crowned the champion of Season 2 of the Ultimate Kho Kho League after overcoming opponent Chennai Quick Guns in the final of the tournament on Saturday. The Giants won by 31-26 against the Chennai team, dominating the contest from the start.  

This is the first title for Gujarat Giants that is owned by Adani Sportsline, who are firmly committed to the growth and benefit of indigenous sports.  

“We are delighted to top Season 2 of the Ultimate Kho Kho League. The team performed brilliantly throughout the season and the win is a testament to the efforts behind the scenes by the Adani Sportsline team,” said captain Akshay Bhangare.  

Gujarat Giants was in scintillating form throughout the tournament and was one of the most entertaining teams in the mix. It finished third in the league stage with 21 points and a score difference of 55 after winning 6 games, drawing a couple and losing some others.   

In the semi-final, Gujarat Giants played home team Odisha Juggernauts and won the closely contested encounter 29-27 to march into the final.  

“This is a fantastic achievement for Gujarat Giants. Winning the Ultimate Kho Kho League title wasn’t easy. The team functioned like a family, and the result showed in the way they played,” said coach Sanjeev Sharma. 

by Abhishek Shukla

85th Junior and Youth National TT – Day 9 Ankur emerges as the Youth National Champion

Kolkata, January 14: Ankur Bhattacharjee emerged as the Youth Boys Under-19 champion when he defeated state mate Bodhisatwa Chaudhury 4-0 in the final to hoist the winner’s trophy in the 85th edition of the UTT Inter-State Youth and Junior National Table Tennis Championships at the Netaji Indoor Stadium today.

Ankur was close to claiming the title in the previous edition at Chennai. But he lost in the semifinals. However, the 18-year-old had the privilege, and deservingly, too.

In comparison, Bodhisatwa reached the Round of 32 at Chennai. But he has shown solid improvement since and entered what turned out as an all-Bengal final. The comparison ended there.

Ankur proved far superior on the day. If his attack was the best weapon he deployed against his friend, he has also learned to defend, making him a clever player. Bodhisatwa, on the other hand, lacked the nuances of a final and often tripped when he had to be extra cautious. Of course, the match saw excellent rallies.

Ankur’s efforts fetched him Rs. 72,000 in prize money. And runner-up Bodhisatwa received half of that amount.

Ankur needed about 35 minutes to shut Abhinand out in the first semifinal. Abhinand never gives up. But today, he could not find his rhythm despite winning the second game. The Tamil Nadu played a rank-bad third game, which exemplified his state of mind. Ankur, however, was thoroughly focused and went from strength to strength after the 2-1 lead. 

His game plan was simple. Attack ferociously and defend well. The strategy paid dividends, and he wrapped up the match quickly.

He will have a showdown with teammate Bodhisatwa, who struggled in his semifinal against K.J. Akash of Karnataka. The match swung from one extreme to another as the players kept winning alternate games. But Aakash failed to cash in on the chances in the decider and folded short of two points. The Bengal player quickly grabbed the opportunity and claimed the crucial points to earn a final berth.

PRIYANUJ WINS CROWN

Like the U-19 Boys, the two Assam boys ensured it would be an all-Assam final. Priyanuj Bhattacharyya, with a superior game plan and approach, made the title shot look easy against Rajkhowa Roy. But not before the struggle in the first game, which the eventual winner won on his fourth game point. Yet, he lost the second game badly before picking up momentum. His stroke-filled game was too hot for his state mate, and Rajkhowa failed to counter him. It made things easy for Priyanuj, who accomplished the job.

In the semifinals, Priyanuj beat R. Balamurugan from Tamil Nadu 3-2, and Rajkhowa accounted for Kushal Chopda of Maharashtra 3-1.

In the Under-17 doubles, Abhinand and Balamurugan made amends and beat their Maharashtra rivals, Sharveya Samant and Vineet Deepak, to win the title. The Tamil Nadu duo won 3-0, with little resistance from the Maharashtra pair.

In the Under-19 doubles, the Bengal pair of Ankur and Bodhisatwa beat their UP rivals, Sarth Mishra and Divyansh Srivastava 3-1 for yet another title, making the championships a profitable one.

Results:

U-19 Boys Singles: Final: Ankur Bhattacharjee bt Bodhisatwa Choudhury 11-6, 13-11, 11-8, 16-14.

Semifinals: Ankur bt P.B. Abhinand (TN) 11-5, 9-11, 11-1, 11-5, 11-2; Bodhisatwa bt K.J. Aakash (Kaar) 5-11, 11-2, 4-11, 12-10, 11-7, 9-11, 11-9.

Doubles: Final: Ankur Bhattacharjee/Bodhisatwa Choudhury (WB) bt Sarth Mishra/Divyansh Srivastava (UP) 11-2, 11-4, 8-11, 11-8.

U-17 Boys Singles: Final: Priyanuj Bhattacharyya (ASM) bt Divyaj Rajkhowa Roy (ASM) 15-13, 2-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-4.

Semifinals: Priyanuj bt Balamurugan Rajasekaran (TN) 11-3, 3-11, 11-8, 8-11, 11-8; Rajkhowa bt Kushal Chopda (Mah) 11-7, 9-11, 11-4, 11-6.

Doubles: Final: P.B. Abhinand/R. Balamurugan (TN) bt Sharveya Samant/Vineet Deepak (Mah) 11-8, 11-5, 11-5.

by Abhishek Shukla

Football unites in Sydney for first-ever A-Leagues Unite Round

Sunday 14 January, 2024: The inaugural Unite Round has concluded with non-stop action on and off-field as the A-Leagues became the first league in Australia to host a full men’s and women’s round in a single city.

On field was headlined with great football, a record-equalling amount of goals in single round and close encounters across the 12 Isuzu UTE A-League Men and Liberty A-League Women games. A total of 28 goals were scored, including two from Michelle Heyman at Canberra United who became the first woman in Liberty A-League Women history to score 100 goals. Wellington Phoenix moved top after a 4-3 win over Perth Glory, and Adelaide United moved into the top six after a thrilling 4-3 victory over Sydney FC in the Isuzu UTE A-League Men.

The weekend also delivered a football feast for fans off-field, kicking off on Friday night with a multicultural celebration at CommBank Stadium that saw more than 350 fans representing 40 nationalities taking part in a lap of honour to celebrate the multicultural foundation of football in Australia and New Zealand.

More than 200 girls also got the chance to rub shoulders with Liberty A-League Women and Matildas stars Cortnee Vine, Alex Chidiac and Kyah Simon at the Girls Unite grassroots clinics that took place over Friday and Saturday at Leichhardt Oval. Across the weekend, fans were also able to engage in an array of other family-friendly activities at fan zones at each stadium including player signings, live music, giveaways, face painting and more.

Nick Garcia, A-Leagues Commissioner, said:

“The A-Leagues is proud to have hosted its first-ever Unite Round which brought fans from every club to Sydney for 12 exciting games of football over three days in fantastic venues.” 

“The weekend delivered outstanding football, vibrant energy in stadiums and great family entertainment on and off the field. With cumulative match attendance across the weekend surpassing 47,000 the unique atmosphere created by multiple active fans and families in stadiums was a great showcase of what is unique about Unite Round.”

“This is just the start of a unique tradition in our game. We’ve already begun planning for Unite Round next season, and will take on feedback from fans, clubs, players and partners, as we look to build on this success in years to come.”

by Abhishek Shukla

Olympic Champion Laura Nolte wins 2-man bobsleigh World Cup in St. Moritz

St. Moritz (RWH) Olympic Champion Laura Nolte (GER) is the 2-woman bobsleigh winner
at the BMW IBSF World Cup in St. Moritz (SUI). With push athlete Neele Schuten, Nolte
set the season’s best time in the second run at the Olympia Bobrun St. Moritz-Celerina
(1:08.00 minutes).

The duo thus relegated their team-mate Lisa Buckwitz (GER, 0.08
seconds behind), who had previously been in the lead, to second place. Lisa Buckwitz’s
push athlete in St. Moritz was Junior World Champion Lauryn Siebert for the first time.
Third place on her home track went to Switzerland’s Melanie Hasler with push athlete Mara
Morell (0.38 seconds back).


Margot Boch from France, the 2021 U23 World Champion, celebrated her best World Cup
result to date in St. Moritz with brakewoman Talia Solitude in fourth place. The top six was
completed by Australia’s Breeana Walker/Kiara Reddingius in fifth place and Kaysha
Love/Azaria Hill (USA) in sixth place.


World Champions Kim Kalicki/Leonie Fiebig (GER) set a start record (5.51 seconds) in the
first race run. However, pilot Kalicki suffered a muscle injury in her thigh and was only able
to take a few steps in the second run. The Kalicki/Fiebig duo finished in seventh place.
Laura Nolte (GER, 650 points) leads the overall standings for the BMW IBSF World Cup
2023/2024 after three of eight races so far. Lisa Buckwitz (GER, 611 points) is second
overall ahead of Kim Kalicki (GER, 588).

by Abhishek Shukla

Five things that are unique to Khelo India Youth Games 2023, Tamil Nadu

Chennai, January 14, 2024: The Khelo India Youth Games is a flagship competition where the future stars in various sports disciplines showcase their skills and are then nurtured for achieving excellence. The much-awaited Khelo India Youth Games 2023, Tamil Nadu will take off on January 19-31, 2024 with competitions being held across four cities — Chennai, Trichi, Madurai and Coimbatore.

Here we take a look at five unique features of Khelo India Youth Games 2023, Tamil Nadu, that makes the 6th edition of the Youth Games special.

1. First time in South India

A first for South India as well as for Tamil Nadu when it comes to the Khelo India Youth Games. First envisaged as Khelo India School Games back in 2018, the Games have grown in magnitude and have been renamed as the Khelo India Youth Games. 

This edition of the Games will see the participation of over 5500 sportspersons from across all the Indian states and Union Territories.

2. Historical relevance and Woman as a mascot for the first time

Mascots for major multi-discipline Games are normally designed around national animals or birds. But Tamil Nadu is the first state to showcase its rich traditional history and is looking to educate the younger generation about the bravery of legendary freedom fighter Rani Velu Nachiyar, who is also referred to as ‘Veera Mangai’ (the brave women). 

Rani Velu Nachiyar was the first Indian queen to go to war against the East India Company and her contributions has been projected in school books to encourage children to learn the history and contribution of Veera Mangai in the freedom struggle.

3. Squash making its Khelo India debut

There is a special bond between Squash and Chennai ever since the Squash Rackets Federation of India established its flagship India Squash Academy in the city way back in 1990. The state has since produced numerous national and international stars and also hosts big-ticket squash events, including the Squash World Cup last year. And keeping with the city’s deep connect with the game, Khelo India has introduced the fast-paced racquet sport to this edition’s list. 

Squash has also been shortlisted as one of the five new sports to be added to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics program. Hence adding the sport in Khelo India will also be helpful in identifying new talent and broad base the game across the country.

4. Silambam makes debut as demo sport

Tamil Nadu’s pride and one of the oldest weapon-based martial arts form, Silambam has been practiced in Tamil Nadu since 4th century BC and has extensive reference in Tamil Sangam literature. Named after its primary weapon, the bamboo staff, this martial art form has been recognised by the Union Sports Ministry under the ‘Promotion of inclusiveness through sports’ initiative. 

All Khelo India venues will be displaying Silambam and close to 1000 players will be showcasing their mastery over this unique form of martial art as part of demo sport.

5. Tamil Nadu to host all sports disciplines within the State

In the last two editions of the Khelo India Youth Games, few sports disciplines (shooting & cycling) had to be held outside the host state due to lack of infrastructure. While shooting and cycling were held in Delhi during the Youth Games held in Haryana, cycling was again shifted to Delhi when Madhya Pradesh played hosts in 2022.

But Tamil Nadu will be the first state in last three editions to be able to host all the sports disciplines including cycling, which will be conducted at the state-of-art velodrome at the Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University (TNPESU) in Melakottaiyur. Shooting events will be held in Velachery and Alamadi, where the finest budding shooters from the state as well as the country will be aiming for the bull’s-eye.

by Abhishek Shukla

Ngetich smashes world 10km record with 28:46 in Valencia

Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich obliterated the women’s world 10km record by running 28:46* at the 10K Valencia Ibercaja, a World Athletics Label road race, on Sunday (14).

The 22-year-old becomes the first woman to break 29 minutes for the distance, improving by 28 seconds the previous road mixed race world record set by Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw in Castellon two years ago.

World cross country bronze medallist Ngetich was paced in the Spanish coastal city by her compatriot Japheth Kipkemboi Kosgei and the first world record fell at half way as Ngetich went through the 5km checkpoint in 14:13. That is six seconds faster than the women’s world record achieved in a mixed race, set by Ethiopia’s Ejgayehu Taye in Barcelona in 2021, and matches the time Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet set in a woman-only race in Barcelona a fortnight ago.

Ngetich’s 10km time is also faster than the women’s world record for the distance on the track, with Letesenbet Gidey’s world 10,000m record standing at 29:01.03.

Emmaculate Anyango also dipped under 29 minutes in Valencia, clocking 28:57 to finish runner-up to her compatriot Ngetich.

“I am so happy. I didn’t expect this world record,” said Ngetich. “I was coming to improve my time, at least somewhere around 29:14, but I am happy that I ran a world record of 28 minutes. I didn’t expect this.”

She will now focus on the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Belgrade 24 in March and then the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where athletics will be the No.1 sport in August.

The men’s race was won by Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo in 26:48.

by Abhishek Shukla

Results from the PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2024 on January 14, 2024

The results from the PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2024 on January 14, 2024, at the Axiata Arena are as follows:

Court 1

  1. XD: 🇯🇵 Yuta WATANABE [2] / 🇯🇵 Arisa HIGASHINO bt 🇰🇷 KIM Won Ho [7] / 🇰🇷 JEONG Na Eun – 21-18, 21-15
  2. WS: 🇰🇷 AN Se Young [1] bt 🇹🇼 TAI Tzu Ying [4] – 10-21, 21-10, 21-18
  3. WD: 🇨🇳 LIU Sheng Shu / 🇨🇳 TAN Ning bt 🇨🇳 ZHANG Shu Xian / 🇨🇳 ZHENG Yu – 21-18, 21-18
  4. MS: 🇩🇰 Anders ANTONSEN bt 🇨🇳 SHI Yu Qi [7] – 21-14, 21-13
  5. MD: 🇨🇳 LIANG Wei Keng [1] / 🇨🇳 WANG Chang bt 🇮🇳 Satwiksairaj RANKIREDDY / 🇮🇳 Chirag SHETTY – 9-21, 21-18, 21-17

The final standings in each category of the PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2024 are as follows:

Men’s Singles

  1. 🇩🇰 Anders ANTONSEN
  2. 🇨🇳 SHI Yu Qi
    3/4. 🇩🇰 Viktor AXELSEN
    3/4. 🇹🇼 LIN Chun-Yi

Women’s Singles

  1. 🇰🇷 AN Se Young
  2. 🇹🇼 TAI Tzu Ying
    3/4. 🇨🇳 CHEN Yu Fei
    3/4. 🇨🇳 ZHANG Yi Man

Men’s Doubles

  1. 🇨🇳 LIANG Wei Keng / 🇨🇳 WANG Chang
  2. 🇮🇳 Satwiksairaj RANKIREDDY / 🇮🇳 Chirag SHETTY
    3/4. 🇯🇵 Takuro HOKI / 🇯🇵 Yugo KOBAYASHI
    3/4. 🇰🇷 KANG Min Hyuk / 🇰🇷 SEO Seung Jae

Women’s Doubles

  1. 🇨🇳 LIU Sheng Shu / 🇨🇳 TAN Ning
  2. 🇨🇳 ZHANG Shu Xian / 🇨🇳 ZHENG Yu
    3/4. 🇰🇷 BAEK Ha Na / 🇰🇷 LEE So Hee
    3/4. 🇯🇵 Rin IWANAGA / 🇯🇵 Kie NAKANISHI

Mixed Doubles

  1. 🇯🇵 Yuta WATANABE / 🇯🇵 Arisa HIGASHINO
  2. 🇰🇷 KIM Won Ho / 🇰🇷 JEONG Na Eun
    3/4. 🇨🇳 JIANG Zhen Bang / 🇨🇳 WEI Ya Xin
    3/4. 🇸🇬 HEE Yong Kai Terry / 🇸🇬 TAN Wei Han Jessica

These standings highlight the top performers in each category, showcasing the diversity and skill level of the participants in this prestigious badminton tournament.

by Steve Murphy PL

De Bruyne Shines as Manchester City Clinch Thrilling Victory Over Newcastle

MANCHESTER, Jan. 14, 2024 – Kevin De Bruyne delivered a spectacular performance off the bench, propelling Manchester City to a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against Newcastle United in a pulsating Premier League encounter. De Bruyne’s goal and assist marked a triumphant return to Premier League action, guiding City closer to the top of the table.

The game at St James’ Park unfolded with high intensity from the outset. Newcastle thought they had an early lead through Sean Longstaff, but celebrations were cut short by an offside call in the build-up. City’s Ederson, colliding with Kyle Walker in the incident, struggled with an injury and was later substituted for Stefan Ortega.

Manchester City gradually found their rhythm, with Bernardo Silva opening the scoring in the 26th minute, courtesy of a brilliant flick from Walker’s low cross. However, Newcastle United, dangerous on the counter, struck back with two quick goals. Alexander Isak’s sublime strike leveled the score, followed swiftly by Anthony Gordon’s curler, sending Newcastle into halftime with a surprising lead.

De Bruyne’s introduction in the 69th minute shifted the game’s momentum. Making his first Premier League appearance since August, the Belgian maestro equalized in the 74th minute with a clinical finish from outside the box. As the match seemed destined for a draw, De Bruyne delivered a magical assist in stoppage time, finding Oscar Bobb, who expertly navigated past Martin Dubravka to net his first Premier League goal and secure a vital win for City.

This win, Manchester City’s third in a row, narrows the gap with league leaders Liverpool to just two points, intensifying the title race. For Newcastle, the loss – their fourth in succession – is a setback, dropping them to 10th in the standings with 29 points.


Kevin De Bruyne’s return to Premier League action couldn’t have been more impactful. His decisive contributions off the bench underscore his vital role in City’s quest for a historic fourth consecutive top-flight title. For Pep Guardiola’s side, this victory not only showcases their resilience but also their deep bench strength, pivotal in the long Premier League season.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United, despite the defeat, displayed a spirited performance that will offer some positives as they look to halt their losing streak and climb back up the table.

Manchester City’s title pursuit continues to gather steam, with each game becoming crucial in the fiercely competitive Premier League. As for Newcastle, their challenge will be to regroup and find the form that has eluded them in recent matches.

by Abhishek Shukla

2024 NHL All-Star Skills: Fan Vote Shapes a Star-Studded Roster for Toronto Extravaganza

NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2024 – The NHL’s All-Star festivities are primed for an electrifying chapter in Toronto, thanks to an unprecedented level of fan involvement in shaping the 2024 NHL All-Star roster. The league’s announcement today, detailing the results of the MassMutual fan vote, brings into focus the final lineup for the All-Star Skills event, sponsored by DraftKings Sportsbook.

Unprecedented Fan Engagement
The voting period, which ran for eight days, saw a record-breaking 36 million votes cast, marking a substantial 34% increase from the previous year. This surge in participation reflects a growing global enthusiasm for hockey, highlighted by three players each receiving over 1 million votes, a feat previously achieved by only one player last year.

Fan Favorites: Skaters and Goaltenders

  • Skaters: The fans’ voice was loud and clear in selecting eight skaters: William Nylander of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Cale Makar from the Colorado Avalanche, and Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks emerged as top picks. Also joining the ranks are Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers), Mitchell Marner, J.T. Miller, Morgan Rielly, and Brock Boeser.
  • Goaltenders: The goaltender category was fiercely contested, with Thatcher Demko (Vancouver Canucks), Sergei Bobrovsky (Florida Panthers), Alexandar Georgiev (Colorado Avalanche), and Jeremy Swayman (Boston Bruins) making the cut.

A Close Look at the All-Star Skills Competition Format
The All-Star Skills event is designed to test a plethora of abilities among the 12 selected All-Stars. Competing for a grand prize of $1 million, the event includes the Fastenal NHL Fastest Skater, Rogers NHL Hardest Shot, and the Scotiabank NHL Passing Challenge. The format is tailored to showcase speed, accuracy, and hockey acumen, ensuring a spectacle of high-caliber skill demonstration.

Final Roster and Fan Participation
The NHL’s innovative approach allows fans to determine the final two All-Stars via the NHL All-Star Skills Fan Vote. This voting process, accessible at NHL.com/vote and through X (formerly Twitter), offers fans the opportunity to vote up to 10 times per 24-hour period in eight languages, further amplifying fan interaction and global reach.

Event Highlights and Ticket Information
The 2024 NHL All-Star Weekend, hosted by the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena, is more than just a showcase of top talent. It includes NHL All-Star Thursday, the Skills event, and the Honda (U.S.) / Rogers (Canada) NHL All-Star Game. Fans can secure their spots via Ticketmaster Verified Resale and also have the chance to experience the Hyundai NHL Fan Fair, the official fan festival of the All-Star Weekend.

Broadcast and Coverage
Set to take place on Feb. 2 at Scotiabank Arena, the NHL All-Star Skills event will be broadcast exclusively on Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada and on ESPN and ESPN+ in the United States, bringing the excitement to a global audience.

by Abhishek Shukla

Halfway Through the 2023-24 NHL Season: Key Highlights and Standout Performances

NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2024 – As the NHL hits the midpoint of the 2023-24 season, several storylines and performances stand out, illustrating the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the league. Here’s a detailed look at some of the key highlights and standout players so far:

Scoring Leaders and Remarkable Performances

  • Nathan MacKinnon and Nikita Kucherov are at the forefront of the scoring race, with Kucherov leading and MacKinnon close behind. Notably, Kucherov covers the most distance on ice, followed by MacKinnon.
  • Connor McDavid remains a prominent figure in the scoring race, seeking his fourth straight Art Ross Trophy, despite trailing Kucherov and MacKinnon by double digits.

Playoff Hopefuls and Surging Teams

  • Nine teams that missed the 2023 playoffs either occupy or are within three points of a playoff spot. The Winnipeg Jets lead the league, thanks to a strong performance streak.
  • The season has seen over 4000 goals scored, marking consecutive seasons with an average of 6.3 goals-per-game or higher, a first in 30 years.

Incredible Comebacks and Record-Breaking Moments

  • Nearly half of all games have seen a team overcome a deficit to win, with 120 third-period comeback victories tying the most at this stage in NHL history.
  • Rasmus Kupari and Valeri Nichushkin initially led the league’s fastest max speed, but Owen Tippett currently holds the record with 24.21 mph.

Defensive Standouts and Rookie Contributions

  • Defensemen like Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar are on pace to conclude the season with triple-digit totals, potentially marking the first season in NHL history with multiple defensemen reaching 100 points.
  • Rookie Connor Bedard leads among NHL rookies in points, followed by Marco Rossi and Adam Fantilli.

Team Dynamics and Audience Engagement

  • Teams like Vancouver, Philadelphia, and Nashville occupy or chase playoff spots after missing the postseason last year. The Jets and Kraken have recorded franchise-record point streaks.
  • The league is playing to 96.4% capacity, the highest rate in the past 10 seasons, with significant increases in viewership across ESPN, TNT, and Canadian broadcasts.

Looking Ahead

  • The league’s goals leader, Auston Matthews, is on track for his third Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy in four seasons. Alongside players like Artemi Panarin and David Pastrnak, he is one of several on pace for a 50-goal season, which would be the most 50-goal scorers since 1995-96.

As the NHL progresses into the second half of the season, fans can expect continued excitement and exceptional performances from the league’s top athletes.

by Abhishek Shukla

2024 NHL Draft Mid-Season Rankings: A Glimpse at Future Stars

NEW YORK/TORONTO, Jan. 12, 2024 – The NHL Central Scouting Bureau today released its eagerly anticipated mid-season rankings for the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft, spotlighting the brightest young talents in the hockey world.

Macklin Celebrini: The North American Standout
Leading the pack among North American skaters is Macklin Celebrini from Boston University. Ranking No. 1, Celebrini, hailing from North Vancouver, B.C., has shown exceptional prowess in the NCAA. With a points-per-game average of 1.69 (11 goals, 16 assists in 16 games), he has emerged as a dominant force on the ice. Celebrini’s performance at the World Junior Championship, where he led Team Canada in points, solidifies his position as a top prospect.

Celebrini’s Potential Historical Impact
Should he be selected first overall, Celebrini could become the fourth NCAA player and the second U.S. college forward, after Joe Murphy in 1986, to achieve this feat. His leading role in a Boston University team with 13 already NHL-drafted players highlights his caliber.

Top Five North American Skaters

  1. Macklin Celebrini (Center, Boston University)
  2. Artyom Levshunov (Defenseman, Michigan State) – Hailing from Zhlobin, Belarus, Levshunov stands as the No. 2-ranked player.
  3. Cayden Lindstrom (Center, Medicine Hat, WHL) – From Dawson Creek, B.C., Lindstrom ranks third.
  4. Zeev Buium (Defenseman, University of Denver) – A San Diego, Calif., native, Buium ranks fourth.
  5. Trevor Connelly (Left Wing, Tri-City, USHL) – From Tustin, Calif., Connelly completes the top five.

International Prospects: A Diverse and Talented Group
Leading international skaters is Konsta Helenius, a center from Ylojarvi, Finland, playing for Jukurit. Helenius, not turning 18 until May, is already making waves in Finland’s top men’s league. The top five international skaters also include talents from Russia, Czechia, and more.

Goalies to Watch
Carter George from Owen Sound (OHL) and Kim Saarinen from HPK Jr. (Finland-Jr.) lead as the top-ranked North American and international goaltenders, respectively.

Extensive Scouting Efforts
The mid-season rankings feature 224 skaters and 32 goaltenders from North America, along with 135 skaters and 15 goaltenders internationally. This extensive scouting effort, headed by Dan Marr, Vice President of NHL Central Scouting, showcases the NHL’s commitment to identifying and nurturing emerging talents globally.

Looking Ahead
These rankings offer a tantalizing preview of the future stars of the NHL. For more information on NHL Draft history, visit https://records.nhl.com/draft.

by Abhishek Shukla

2024 NHL All-Star Skills: An In-Depth Look at the Competition

NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2024 – The National Hockey League (NHL) is gearing up for an exciting showcase of talent and skill with the 2024 NHL All-Star Skills presented by DraftKings Sportsbook. Set to captivate fans at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Feb. 2, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, this event is a centerpiece of the NHL All-Star Weekend.

Revamped Format Ramps Up the Excitement
The event’s format has been refreshed, creating an intense and competitive atmosphere. Twelve NHL All-Stars will compete across eight events, each participating in four of the first six. The ultimate goal? To be the top point-earner and clinch a grand prize of $1 million (USD).

Detailed Breakdown of the Events:

  1. Fastenal NHL Fastest Skater™: A minimum of four players will skate a full lap around the rink, with the fastest time determining the winner.
  2. Rogers NHL Hardest Shot™: Again, a minimum of four players will demonstrate their shooting prowess. The hardest shot in MPH will crown the winner.
  3. Scotiabank NHL Passing Challenge™: Players must execute precision passing to targets spread across the rink, with varying point values assigned to each target. The highest scorer wins.
  4. Tim Hortons NHL One Timers™: Players, assisted by a passer, will attempt three one-timers from designated positions on the ice. Points are awarded based on the placement of the puck in the net, and the highest scorer wins.
  5. Upper Deck NHL Stick Handling™: Competitors must complete a series of tasks including stickhandling through pucks, a cone course, and a toe drag around a preset obstacle. The fastest time takes the prize.
  6. Cheetos NHL Accuracy Shooting™: Players shoot at four targets positioned in each net corner. The quickest to hit all targets wins.
  7. Honda NHL One-on-One™: The top eight point-earners from the first six events face off against All-Star goalies of their choice in a shootout. Each goal counts as one point, and the player with the most points wins.
  8. Pepsi NHL Obstacle Course™: The final event sees the top six athletes from the previous rounds compete in a series of obstacles that test speed, accuracy, stick handling, and passing. The fastest time wins, with points doubled for this round.

The point system for the first seven events awards 5 points for first place, decreasing incrementally to 1 point for fifth place. The eighth event doubles these points, ensuring a dynamic and unpredictable competition.

The 2024 NHL All-Star Weekend, hosted by the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena, includes NHL All-Star Thursday and the NHL All-Star Game. Tickets for the Skills event and other festivities are available through Ticketmaster Verified Resale.

by Matt Windsor (US)

Flames Extend Winning Streak to Three with 3-1 Victory Over Golden Knights

Las Vegas – The Calgary Flames continued their winning ways with a solid 3-1 victory against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday. Blake Coleman’s goal and assist, coupled with Jacob Markstrom’s impressive 31-save performance, played pivotal roles in securing the win for Calgary, which has now won three consecutive games.

Nazem Kadri and Mikael Backlund also scored for the Flames (20-18-5), showcasing their offensive depth. Calgary’s coach Ryan Huska praised the team’s effort, acknowledging the challenge of winning in Las Vegas, especially given some of the key players missing from the Golden Knights’ lineup.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBR1Ysxhm64

The Golden Knights (24-13-5) faced an uphill battle without center Jack Eichel, who was sidelined due to a lower-body injury. Despite the loss, goalie Logan Thompson made 23 saves. Chandler Stephenson scored Vegas’ lone goal, providing a brief spark in the third period.

Calgary’s early scoring, starting with Coleman’s power-play goal, set the tone for the game. Kadri’s and Backlund’s goals further extended the lead, with Backlund’s skillful backhand shot highlighting the Flames’ offensive prowess.

Vegas’ coach Bruce Cassidy expressed disappointment in the team’s performance, particularly in the battles in front of their net. The Golden Knights’ inability to capitalize on their chances and compete effectively in crucial areas was evident.

Coleman’s recent form, with two or more points in three straight games for the first time in his NHL career, was a significant contributor to the Flames’ success. Markstrom’s goaltending, especially his 14 saves in the third period, ensured Calgary maintained their lead.

The victory for the Flames is a testament to their growing confidence and ability to execute effectively. For the Golden Knights, the focus will be on regaining form and overcoming the challenges posed by key player absences.

Both teams will aim to build on their performances as they continue through the NHL season, with Calgary looking to sustain their winning streak and Vegas seeking to bounce back from this setback.

by Matt Windsor (US)

McAvoy’s Overtime Heroics Seal Bruins’ 4-3 Win Over Blues

St. Louis – Defenseman Charlie McAvoy’s clutch performance, including the game-winning goal in overtime, led the Boston Bruins to a 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues at Enterprise Center on Saturday. McAvoy’s decisive wrist shot in overtime capped a two-goal night, helping the Bruins extend their point streak to five games (2-0-3) despite recent challenges in closing out games.

Brad Marchand also played a pivotal role, scoring twice for Boston, while goalie Jeremy Swayman made 20 saves. The Bruins (25-8-9) showed resilience and determination to bounce back after three consecutive overtime losses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU9gEEZ9eBs

The Blues (21-18-2), powered by goals from Jake Neighbours and Oskar Sundqvist, fought hard to tie the game but ultimately fell short. Goalie Jordan Binnington made 31 saves in a tough loss, despite St. Louis winning three of their last four games.

The game saw a series of lead changes, with Marchand putting Boston ahead early in the first period. The Blues responded with goals from Neighbours and Sundqvist, but Boston’s persistence paid off in the end.

Boston’s coach Jim Montgomery praised the team’s aggression in overtime and overall improvement in the last two periods, both offensively and defensively.

McAvoy’s overtime goal marked a significant achievement, surpassing Bruins legend Ray Bourque for the most overtime goals by a defenseman in team history. Marchand’s first goal of the game was also a milestone, marking his 900th career NHL point.

The Bruins’ ability to secure a win after a challenging road trip, including games against the Colorado Avalanche, Arizona Coyotes, and Vegas Golden Knights, highlights their resilience and potential as a top contender in the NHL.

For the Blues, the game serves as a reminder of the need for consistency and the ability to maintain leads late in games. Both teams will look to build on their performances as they continue through the season, with the Bruins aiming to sustain their winning form and the Blues seeking to bounce back from this setback.

by Abhishek Shukla

Carrier’s Late Goal Lifts Predators to 3-1 Win Over Islanders

Nashville – Alexandre Carrier’s late goal secured a dramatic 3-1 victory for the Nashville Predators over the New York Islanders at Bridgestone Arena on Saturday. Carrier’s slap shot, which deflected off an Islanders defenseman, came with just 7.9 seconds left in the game, breaking the tie and propelling the Predators to victory.

Luke Evangelista and Juuso Parssinen also scored for Nashville, with Parssinen’s goal sealing the win in the final second. Goalie Juuse Saros made 24 saves, contributing to the Predators’ win and improving their recent record to 3-1-0 in their last four games.

The Islanders’ goalie, Ilya Sorokin, made 25 saves in a closely contested match. New York’s Jean-Gabriel Pageau initially gave them the lead in the third period, but Nashville’s late rally turned the tide. Evangelista’s power-play goal tied the game, setting the stage for Carrier’s dramatic winner.

Nashville’s coach Andrew Brunette likened the intensity of the current NHL season to a critical point in a golf tournament, emphasizing the importance of each game at this stage.

The Islanders, while playing a solid road game for most of the match, were ultimately undone by a late turnover that led to Nashville’s go-ahead goal. Coach Lane Lambert and the players expressed disappointment at not being able to secure at least a point from the game.

The victory for the Predators demonstrates their resilience and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, especially in crucial moments. For the Islanders, the game serves as a reminder of the importance of puck management and playing strong until the final whistle.

Both teams will look to build on this performance as they continue their respective campaigns in the NHL season.

by Matt Windsor (US)

Bjugstad’s Hat Trick Powers Coyotes to Dominant 6-0 Win Over Wild

St. Paul, Minn. – Nick Bjugstad’s hat trick was the highlight of the Arizona Coyotes’ commanding 6-0 victory over the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center on Saturday. Goalie Connor Ingram backstopped the win with 38 saves, earning his NHL-leading fifth shutout of the season.

Clayton Keller also played a key role with two goals and an assist, while Jason Zucker and Jack McBain each contributed two assists. The Coyotes (21-18-2) have now won two of their last three games, showcasing their offensive prowess and solid goaltending.

The Wild (17-20-5), facing a tough stretch, have lost four straight games and eight of their last nine. Goalie Filip Gustavsson, returning from injury, allowed five goals on 18 shots before being replaced by Marc-Andre Fleury in the second period.

Arizona’s coach Andre Tourigny praised the team’s mindset and defensive urgency, leading to a solid three-period performance. Minnesota’s players and coach John Hynes expressed disappointment with their play, acknowledging the need for improvement.

Bjugstad opened the scoring in the first period and added two more goals, including one on the power play. Keller’s goals in the second and third periods further solidified the Coyotes’ dominance.

Minnesota’s forward Kirill Kaprizov, returning from an injury, couldn’t spark a comeback despite generating scoring chances.

The victory for Arizona highlights their potential when firing on all cylinders, combining effective offense with strong goaltending. For Minnesota, the focus will be on regaining form and breaking out of their recent slump as they look ahead to future matchups.

by Matt Windsor (US)

Stars Rally to Defeat Blackhawks 3-1, End Chicago’s Eight-Game Winning Streak

Chicago – The Dallas Stars rallied in the third period to secure a 3-1 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center on Saturday, ending Chicago’s eight-game winning streak. The win marks a significant comeback for the Stars, who have now won three of their last four games, improving their record to 25-12-5.

The Stars’ comeback was led by Matt Duchene, Mason Marchment, and Joe Pavelski, who each scored in the final period. Jake Oettinger, who replaced Scott Wedgewood in goal due to injury, made 20 crucial saves. Wedgewood had stopped all 14 shots he faced before exiting with a lower-body injury.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GE5NUd6Tto

Chicago goalie Petr Mrazek made 27 saves in his fourth consecutive start, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Blackhawks’ recent scoring challenges. The Blackhawks (12-29-2) have been struggling offensively, managing only one goal in each of their last three games, particularly since the injury to rookie center Connor Bedard.

The Blackhawks initially took the lead with a goal from Boris Katchouk in the second period. However, Duchene’s power-play goal early in the third period sparked the Stars’ comeback, followed by Marchment’s go-ahead goal and Pavelski’s empty-netter.

Stars coach Peter DeBoer acknowledged the team’s fatigue but praised their resilience and ability to grind out a win. The Stars’ success in the second game of back-to-backs this season was evident, as they improved to 4-0-1 in such situations.

The victory for Dallas highlights their ability to mount late comebacks and the depth of their scoring talent. For the Blackhawks, the focus will be on rediscovering their offensive form and maintaining consistency throughout the game.

Both teams will look to build on their performances as they continue through the season, with the Stars aiming to sustain their winning form and the Blackhawks seeking to bounce back from this setback.

by Abhishek Shukla

Flyers End Jets’ Winning Streak with 2-0 Victory Behind Ersson’s Stellar Goaltending

Winnipeg – Goalie Samuel Ersson’s 35-save shutout performance led the Philadelphia Flyers to a 2-0 victory over the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre on Saturday, halting the Jets’ eight-game winning streak. Ersson’s heroics marked his third shutout of the season and fourth in the NHL.

Cam Atkinson was instrumental in the Flyers’ win, scoring both goals, including one on a power play. The Flyers (23-14-6), coming off a 4-3 overtime win against the Minnesota Wild, executed a strong road game plan to secure their third consecutive victory.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7hR2LHHRl4

Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck made 34 saves, but Winnipeg (28-10-4) suffered its first regulation loss since December 12, ending a 14-game point streak. Despite the loss, the Jets’ defensive efforts were notable, having allowed three goals or fewer in 32 straight games, marking one of the longest streaks in NHL history.

Philadelphia’s strategy was effective against a top-performing Winnipeg team. Coach John Tortorella and the Flyers players recognized the challenge posed by the Jets and executed their game plan with precision.

Atkinson’s contributions were particularly significant, as he ended a 26-game goal drought, providing a much-needed offensive boost for Philadelphia.

The victory for the Flyers is a testament to their resilience and defensive strength, particularly from Ersson in goal. For the Jets, the game serves as a reminder of the challenges of maintaining a winning streak in the competitive NHL landscape. Despite the setback, Winnipeg remains one of the top teams in the league, showcasing strong play throughout their streak.

by Matt Windsor (US)

MacKinnon’s Late Goal Caps Avalanche’s Comeback Win Over Maple Leafs

Toronto – Nathan MacKinnon’s impressive goal late in the third period completed a remarkable comeback for the Colorado Avalanche, who overcame a three-goal deficit to defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-3 at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday. The win extends the Avalanche’s winning streak to three games, improving their record to 28-12-3.

MacKinnon, extending his point streak to seven games, delivered the decisive goal with a wrist shot after eluding a Maple Leafs defender. Mikko Rantanen and Jonathan Drouin each contributed a goal and an assist, while goalie Alexandar Georgiev made 26 saves to secure the victory.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uU-jE4Dq08

The Maple Leafs, led by goals from Max Domi, Morgan Rielly, and Timothy Liljegren, appeared in control early in the game but couldn’t sustain their momentum. Martin Jones made 28 saves in his seventh consecutive start for Toronto.

Colorado’s comeback began with Drouin’s second-period power-play goal, followed by Rantanen’s goal to cut the deficit to one. Andrew Cogliano then tied the game in the third period before MacKinnon’s game-winner. Ross Colton added an empty-net goal in the final seconds for the final tally.

Toronto’s coach Sheldon Keefe expressed disappointment in the team’s defensive lapses, particularly during Colorado’s comeback. The Maple Leafs’ failure to maintain their early lead ended their five-game point streak.

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar praised his team’s resilience and the contributions from players like Cogliano, noting the importance of secondary scoring in tight games.

The victory for Colorado highlights their ability to mount comebacks and the depth of their offensive talent. For Toronto, the game serves as a reminder of the need for consistency and defensive solidity throughout the entire match.

The Avalanche will look to continue their winning form in their upcoming back-to-back games, while the Maple Leafs aim to bounce back against the Detroit Red Wings.

by Matt Windsor (US)

Stamkos, Kucherov Lead Lightning to Dominant 5-1 Win Over Ducks

Tampa – Captain Steven Stamkos led the Tampa Bay Lightning to a commanding 5-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks at Amalie Arena on Saturday, scoring two goals and an assist. Nikita Kucherov also made a significant impact with three assists as the Lightning extended their winning streak to three games and improved their record to 22-17-5.

Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy provided solid goaltending with 19 saves, helping the Lightning maintain their momentum. Coach Jon Cooper expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly after a sluggish start in the first period.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v-cVmwCB98

The Ducks, despite an even start, couldn’t keep pace with the Lightning’s intensity. Lukas Dostal made 36 saves for Anaheim, which has struggled lately, winning only one of their last eight games. Frank Vatrano scored the Ducks’ lone goal, marking his third consecutive game with a goal.

Tampa Bay’s offense clicked into gear in the second period, with Victor Hedman opening the scoring with a power-play goal. Stamkos then extended the lead with another power-play goal, ending the team’s recent drought with the man advantage. His second goal of the night, also on a power play, further solidified the Lightning’s dominance.

Anaheim’s coach Greg Cronin acknowledged the team’s difficulty in sustaining pressure and generating offense, especially on their power plays in the third period.

Calvin de Haan and Brandon Hagel added goals for the Lightning, with de Haan’s goal highlighting the contributions from Tampa Bay’s defensemen, who have scored eight goals in the past seven games.

The game also marked a return for Ducks forward Alex Killorn, who played his first 11 seasons with the Lightning and received a warm tribute from the fans.

The victory for Tampa Bay is a testament to their offensive prowess and ability to capitalize on power plays. For the Ducks, the focus will be on regaining form and improving their special teams play as they continue their road trip.

by Matt Windsor (US)

Bouchard’s Overtime Winner Sets Oilers’ Record with 10th Consecutive Victory

Montreal – Evan Bouchard’s power-play goal in overtime propelled the Edmonton Oilers to a historic 2-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on Saturday, marking the team’s 10th straight win, a new franchise record. Bouchard’s decisive slap shot came off an assist from Connor McDavid, sealing a hard-fought win for the Oilers.

Leon Draisaitl also played a crucial role in the victory, scoring his 20th goal of the season and assisting on Bouchard’s winner. McDavid extended his point streak to 10 games, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Goalie Stuart Skinner made 23 saves, bolstering the Oilers’ defensive efforts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93_ywALPc2w

The Canadiens, despite a strong performance from goalie Sam Montembeault with 39 saves and a power-play goal from Cole Caufield, couldn’t halt the Oilers’ winning streak. Montreal’s defense was particularly effective during regulation, successfully killing four penalties.

Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch praised the team’s collective effort, emphasizing the contribution from various lines and special teams. The win showcased the Oilers’ ability to secure victories in both high and low-scoring games.

Draisaitl and Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm reflected on the significance of setting a franchise record, especially considering the rich history of the team. The Oilers’ previous best was two nine-game winning streaks, achieved in the 2000-01 and 2022-23 seasons.

Montreal’s coach and players acknowledged the tough outcome but remained positive about their performance. The Canadiens played a mature game, but the power-play opportunity in overtime ultimately tipped the scales in Edmonton’s favor.

The Oilers’ 10-game winning streak is a testament to their resilience and high level of play, placing them among the top teams in the league. For the Canadiens, the narrow loss against a formidable opponent indicates their potential to compete at a high level, despite the outcome.

by Matt Windsor (US)

Larkin’s Double Helps Red Wings Overpower Kings in 5-3 Victory

Detroit – Dylan Larkin led the way with two goals as the Detroit Red Wings handed the Los Angeles Kings their eighth consecutive loss in a convincing 5-3 win at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday. The victory extends Detroit’s positive run, making them 4-0-1 in their last five games.

Patrick Kane also played a pivotal role in the Red Wings’ success with a goal and an assist, while Jeff Petry contributed two assists. Goalie Alex Lyon made 33 saves, bolstering Detroit’s defense against a struggling Kings side.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nqqHI-lNls

The Kings, despite efforts from Quinton Byfield who scored twice and Anze Kopitar and Kevin Fiala each with two assists, could not break their losing streak. Goaltender Cam Talbot allowed five goals on 27 shots before being replaced by David Rittich in the third period.

Detroit’s early momentum was set by Larkin’s first-period goal, followed by a power-play goal in the second period. Robby Fabbri and Kane further extended the lead with goals in quick succession, showcasing the Red Wings’ offensive prowess.

Kings coach Todd McLellan acknowledged the team’s frustration but emphasized the need to focus on game outcomes. Despite trailing significantly, the Kings showed some tenacity in the third period, with Byfield adding another power-play goal to cut the deficit to 5-3.

Detroit’s coach Derek Lalonde praised the team’s video analysis team for a crucial overturned goal against the Kings, highlighting the importance of such decisions in the game’s outcome.

The win for Detroit is a testament to their improved form and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Red Wings will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming games, while the Kings will aim to address their issues and end their losing streak.