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Deadspin | President Trump plans to award Medal of Freedom to Connor Hellebuyck

Deadspin | President Trump plans to award Medal of Freedom to Connor Hellebuyck

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Feb 22, 2026; Milan, Italy; Connor Hellebuyck #37 of Team United States celebrates after winning the goal medal game against Team Canada during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Connor Hellebuyck transformed himself from an NHL star into a mainstream American hero while leading the U.S. men’s hockey team to the gold medal at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

The performance by the Winnipeg Jets goalie caught the eye of President Donald Trump, who announced Tuesday in his State of the Union address that Hellebuyck would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Twenty players from the men’s Olympic team visited the White House on Tuesday, according to multiple media reports, ahead of being honored guests at the Capitol for the State of the Union.

Trump polled the players if Hellebuyck should get the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

“I said, ‘I’m not giving it if anyone goes no,'” the president said. “And every single one of them rapidly put up their hand. So I want to thank you all. What a special job you did. What special champions you are.”

Trump added, “I’ve never seen a goaltender play as well as goalie Connor Hellebuyck.”

Hellebuyck, among the Olympic contingent in attendance, tapped his heart and waved.

Trump said during his speech, “Our country is winning again. In fact, we’re winning so much that we really don’t know what to do about it. People are asking me — please, please, please Mr. President, we’re winning too much. We can’t take it anymore. We’re not used to winning in our country. Until you came along, we’re just always losing, but now, we’re winning too much.

“And I say, no no no. You’re going to win again. You’re going to win big. You’re gonna win bigger than ever, and to prove that point — to prove that point — here with us tonight is a group of winners who just made the entire nation proud: the men’s gold medal Olympic hockey team.”

Two upper doors in the House of Representatives then opened, and the U.S. players entered and were greeted with bipartisan cheering.

Hellebuyck made 41 saves in the United States’ 2-1 overtime win against Canada in the gold-medal match at Milan. A three-time winner of the NHL’s Vezina Trophy (best goaltender), the 32-year-old Michigan native is also the reigning winner of the Hart Trophy (league MVP).

Trump invited the gold-medal-winning U.S. women’s Olympic team to the White House and the State of the Union, but that squad declined the offer, citing “timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments.”

During his speech, Trump said the U.S. women’s team “will soon be coming to the White House.”

Recent athletes to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom include Simone Biles (2022), Megan Rapinoe (2022), Katie Ledecky (2024), Jim Thorpe (posthumously in 2024), Magic Johnson (2025) and Lionel Messi (2025).

Past winners include Tiger Woods, Babe Ruth, Michael Jordan, Billie Jean King, Muhammad Ali, Arnold Palmer, Arthur Ashe and Jackie Robinson.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Canadiens’ Juraj Slafkovsky scores 3, including OT, to top Lightning Apr 19, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky (20) scores a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images Juraj Slafkovsky netted his hat-trick game-winner 1:22 into the postseason’s first overtime, and the visiting Montreal Canadiens stunned the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 on Sunday in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series. After the Lightning’s Jake Guentzel committed a high-sticking penalty with 21 second left in regulation, Montreal cashed in as Slafkovsky took a pass from Lane Hutson and zipped the winner from the left circle in the carry-over into overtime in Tampa, Fla. It gave the 30-goal scorer his third power-play marker of the night and wrested home-ice advantage away from Tampa Bay in the best-of-seven series. Josh Anderson scored, and Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki notched two assists apiece. Rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes made 20 saves. Montreal went 3-for-5 on the power play. The Lightning’s Brandon Hagel scored on the man advantage and at even strength, and Darren Raddysh potted one on the power play. Guentzel posted three assists, and Nikita Kucherov had two. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 15 shots. Montreal defenseman Alexandre Carrier won a puck battle from his knees behind the home side’s net in the first period, and Anderson then took Carrier’s feed and roofed the series’ first marker at 13:24 on the club’s third shot. Just 12 seconds after Anderson’s potential second tally was waved off for a high stick, Lightning defenseman Charle-Edouard D’Astous was sandwiched between hard checks by Jake Evans and Anderson. D’Astous eventually got to his feet, was helped off but did not return, while Anderson was assessed a minor penalty. Tampa Bay’s offense took off from there. Raddysh, a 22-goal scorer, rocketed a power-play tally at 12:15, and Hagel found a puck to left of the cage and lifted one in 29 seconds for the Lightning’s first lead in the series. During a late power play after Tampa Bay’s Conor Geekie went off for high sticking, the Habs moved the puck quickly. Slafkovsky eventually blistered a tying one-timer from the right circle with 24 seconds left in the second period. On another power play in the third, Montreal took its second lead on more nifty passing when Slafkovsky buried his second goal from the low slot at 5:56 off a feed from Caufield to make it 3-2. But Hagel matched it with a man-advantage tap-in two minutes later on Guentzel’s third assist. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Canadiens #Juraj #Slafkovsky #scores #including #top #LightningApr 19, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky (20) scores a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Juraj Slafkovsky netted his hat-trick game-winner 1:22 into the postseason’s first overtime, and the visiting Montreal Canadiens stunned the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 on Sunday in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.

After the Lightning’s Jake Guentzel committed a high-sticking penalty with 21 second left in regulation, Montreal cashed in as Slafkovsky took a pass from Lane Hutson and zipped the winner from the left circle in the carry-over into overtime in Tampa, Fla.

It gave the 30-goal scorer his third power-play marker of the night and wrested home-ice advantage away from Tampa Bay in the best-of-seven series.

Josh Anderson scored, and Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki notched two assists apiece. Rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes made 20 saves.

Montreal went 3-for-5 on the power play.

The Lightning’s Brandon Hagel scored on the man advantage and at even strength, and Darren Raddysh potted one on the power play. Guentzel posted three assists, and Nikita Kucherov had two. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 15 shots.


Montreal defenseman Alexandre Carrier won a puck battle from his knees behind the home side’s net in the first period, and Anderson then took Carrier’s feed and roofed the series’ first marker at 13:24 on the club’s third shot.

Just 12 seconds after Anderson’s potential second tally was waved off for a high stick, Lightning defenseman Charle-Edouard D’Astous was sandwiched between hard checks by Jake Evans and Anderson. D’Astous eventually got to his feet, was helped off but did not return, while Anderson was assessed a minor penalty.

Tampa Bay’s offense took off from there.

Raddysh, a 22-goal scorer, rocketed a power-play tally at 12:15, and Hagel found a puck to left of the cage and lifted one in 29 seconds for the Lightning’s first lead in the series.

During a late power play after Tampa Bay’s Conor Geekie went off for high sticking, the Habs moved the puck quickly. Slafkovsky eventually blistered a tying one-timer from the right circle with 24 seconds left in the second period.

On another power play in the third, Montreal took its second lead on more nifty passing when Slafkovsky buried his second goal from the low slot at 5:56 off a feed from Caufield to make it 3-2.

But Hagel matched it with a man-advantage tap-in two minutes later on Guentzel’s third assist.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Canadiens #Juraj #Slafkovsky #scores #including #top #Lightning">Deadspin | Canadiens’ Juraj Slafkovsky scores 3, including OT, to top Lightning Apr 19, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky (20) scores a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images Juraj Slafkovsky netted his hat-trick game-winner 1:22 into the postseason’s first overtime, and the visiting Montreal Canadiens stunned the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 on Sunday in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series. After the Lightning’s Jake Guentzel committed a high-sticking penalty with 21 second left in regulation, Montreal cashed in as Slafkovsky took a pass from Lane Hutson and zipped the winner from the left circle in the carry-over into overtime in Tampa, Fla. It gave the 30-goal scorer his third power-play marker of the night and wrested home-ice advantage away from Tampa Bay in the best-of-seven series. Josh Anderson scored, and Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki notched two assists apiece. Rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes made 20 saves. Montreal went 3-for-5 on the power play. The Lightning’s Brandon Hagel scored on the man advantage and at even strength, and Darren Raddysh potted one on the power play. Guentzel posted three assists, and Nikita Kucherov had two. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 15 shots. Montreal defenseman Alexandre Carrier won a puck battle from his knees behind the home side’s net in the first period, and Anderson then took Carrier’s feed and roofed the series’ first marker at 13:24 on the club’s third shot. Just 12 seconds after Anderson’s potential second tally was waved off for a high stick, Lightning defenseman Charle-Edouard D’Astous was sandwiched between hard checks by Jake Evans and Anderson. D’Astous eventually got to his feet, was helped off but did not return, while Anderson was assessed a minor penalty. Tampa Bay’s offense took off from there. Raddysh, a 22-goal scorer, rocketed a power-play tally at 12:15, and Hagel found a puck to left of the cage and lifted one in 29 seconds for the Lightning’s first lead in the series. During a late power play after Tampa Bay’s Conor Geekie went off for high sticking, the Habs moved the puck quickly. Slafkovsky eventually blistered a tying one-timer from the right circle with 24 seconds left in the second period. On another power play in the third, Montreal took its second lead on more nifty passing when Slafkovsky buried his second goal from the low slot at 5:56 off a feed from Caufield to make it 3-2. But Hagel matched it with a man-advantage tap-in two minutes later on Guentzel’s third assist. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Canadiens #Juraj #Slafkovsky #scores #including #top #Lightning

GT vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans keen to continue winning streak; Mumbai Indians sweats over Rohit Sharma fitness Bowling Woes: A record-high economy rate of 11.34, with Jasprit Bumrah surprisingly wicketless.Batting Inconsistency: No batter ranks in the top 30 run-getters; Rohit Sharma’s injury and Tilak Varma’s poor form have further weakened the lineup.Captain Hardik Pandya emphasised the need for “difficult calls” as the five-time champions face a daunting climb toward the playoffs. #Live #Score #IPL #Gujarat #Titans #keen #continue #winning #streak #Mumbai #Indians #sweats #Rohit #Sharma #fitness

Deadspin | Top-seeded Pistons shocked in Game 1 as Magic never trail Apr 19, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) dunks in the first half against the Detroit Pistons during the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Paolo Banchero had 23 points and nine rebounds as the visiting Orlando Magic upset the top-seeded Detroit Pistons, 112-101, in Game 1 of their first-round Eastern Conference series on Sunday. The visiting Magic never trailed as every starter scored at least 16 points. Franz Wagner supplied 19 points, five rebounds and four assists while Wendell Carter Jr. and Desmond Bane each contributed 17 points and five assists. Jalen Suggs had 16 points, four assists and three steals. The Pistons have lost 11 straight playoff home games dating back to the 2008 Eastern Conference finals. Cade Cunningham carried Detroit with 39 points. Tobias Harris was the only other Piston in double figures with 17 points. All-Star Jalen Duren only attempted four shots in 33 minutes while being held to eight points and seven rebounds. The Magic shot 48.9% from the field while limiting the Pistons to 40.3% shooting. Orlando reached the first round by defeating Charlotte in the play-in tournament on Friday and came out on fire. The Magic built an 18-5 lead less than five minutes into the game. Detroit closed the gap to two late in the quarter, but Orlando responded with a 6-0 spurt. The Magic held the lead throughout the second quarter and clung to a 55-51 advantage at halftime. Orlando opened the second half with an 8-1 run. Detroit responded with a 13-2 run, capped by a Cunningham 3-pointer, to make it 65-65 at the 7:04 mark. The Magic never allowed the Pistons to pull even again. Orlando answered with a 14-3 run sparked by reserve guard Anthony Black, who had five points and two assists during that stretch. Detroit was down by seven, 81-74, entering the fourth. The Magic made their first seven field goal attempts in the quarter but still couldn’t quite pull away. The lead was still seven with 3:45 remaining. Wagner then made a layup and a free throw to make it 106-96. Suggs scored on an alley-oop with 2:13 remaining and the Pistons never got closer than seven the rest of the way. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Topseeded #Pistons #shocked #Game #Magic #trailApr 19, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) dunks in the first half against the Detroit Pistons during the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Paolo Banchero had 23 points and nine rebounds as the visiting Orlando Magic upset the top-seeded Detroit Pistons, 112-101, in Game 1 of their first-round Eastern Conference series on Sunday.

The visiting Magic never trailed as every starter scored at least 16 points. Franz Wagner supplied 19 points, five rebounds and four assists while Wendell Carter Jr. and Desmond Bane each contributed 17 points and five assists. Jalen Suggs had 16 points, four assists and three steals.

The Pistons have lost 11 straight playoff home games dating back to the 2008 Eastern Conference finals.

Cade Cunningham carried Detroit with 39 points. Tobias Harris was the only other Piston in double figures with 17 points. All-Star Jalen Duren only attempted four shots in 33 minutes while being held to eight points and seven rebounds. The Magic shot 48.9% from the field while limiting the Pistons to 40.3% shooting.

Orlando reached the first round by defeating Charlotte in the play-in tournament on Friday and came out on fire.


The Magic built an 18-5 lead less than five minutes into the game. Detroit closed the gap to two late in the quarter, but Orlando responded with a 6-0 spurt. The Magic held the lead throughout the second quarter and clung to a 55-51 advantage at halftime.

Orlando opened the second half with an 8-1 run. Detroit responded with a 13-2 run, capped by a Cunningham 3-pointer, to make it 65-65 at the 7:04 mark.

The Magic never allowed the Pistons to pull even again. Orlando answered with a 14-3 run sparked by reserve guard Anthony Black, who had five points and two assists during that stretch. Detroit was down by seven, 81-74, entering the fourth.

The Magic made their first seven field goal attempts in the quarter but still couldn’t quite pull away. The lead was still seven with 3:45 remaining.

Wagner then made a layup and a free throw to make it 106-96. Suggs scored on an alley-oop with 2:13 remaining and the Pistons never got closer than seven the rest of the way.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Topseeded #Pistons #shocked #Game #Magic #trail">Deadspin | Top-seeded Pistons shocked in Game 1 as Magic never trail Apr 19, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) dunks in the first half against the Detroit Pistons during the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Paolo Banchero had 23 points and nine rebounds as the visiting Orlando Magic upset the top-seeded Detroit Pistons, 112-101, in Game 1 of their first-round Eastern Conference series on Sunday. The visiting Magic never trailed as every starter scored at least 16 points. Franz Wagner supplied 19 points, five rebounds and four assists while Wendell Carter Jr. and Desmond Bane each contributed 17 points and five assists. Jalen Suggs had 16 points, four assists and three steals. The Pistons have lost 11 straight playoff home games dating back to the 2008 Eastern Conference finals. Cade Cunningham carried Detroit with 39 points. Tobias Harris was the only other Piston in double figures with 17 points. All-Star Jalen Duren only attempted four shots in 33 minutes while being held to eight points and seven rebounds. The Magic shot 48.9% from the field while limiting the Pistons to 40.3% shooting. Orlando reached the first round by defeating Charlotte in the play-in tournament on Friday and came out on fire. The Magic built an 18-5 lead less than five minutes into the game. Detroit closed the gap to two late in the quarter, but Orlando responded with a 6-0 spurt. The Magic held the lead throughout the second quarter and clung to a 55-51 advantage at halftime. Orlando opened the second half with an 8-1 run. Detroit responded with a 13-2 run, capped by a Cunningham 3-pointer, to make it 65-65 at the 7:04 mark. The Magic never allowed the Pistons to pull even again. Orlando answered with a 14-3 run sparked by reserve guard Anthony Black, who had five points and two assists during that stretch. Detroit was down by seven, 81-74, entering the fourth. The Magic made their first seven field goal attempts in the quarter but still couldn’t quite pull away. The lead was still seven with 3:45 remaining. Wagner then made a layup and a free throw to make it 106-96. Suggs scored on an alley-oop with 2:13 remaining and the Pistons never got closer than seven the rest of the way. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Topseeded #Pistons #shocked #Game #Magic #trail

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