Deadspin | Devils, GM Tom Fitzgerald to part ways Nov 30, 2021; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils executive vice president/general managerTom Fitzgerald, addresses the media about the contract extension of New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) before the start of the game against the San Jose Sharks at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn Images The New Jersey Devils announced they will part ways with president of hockey operations and general manager Tom Fitzgerald in a mutual decision Monday. Fitzgerald, 57, was elevated from assistant general manager to interim GM in January 2020, then named New Jersey’s full-time GM that July. He was given the president of hockey operations title in January 2024. The Devils (40-34-3, 83 points) are on the outside of the Eastern Conference playoff picture with seven games to go. They’re likely to miss the postseason for the second time in three years since a franchise-best 112-point season in 2022-23. “Tom and I had a thoughtful conversation today and agreed it was time to move in a new direction,” Devils managing partner David Blitzer said in a statement. “Tom changed the trajectory of our team here, including setting a franchise record for points in a season and helping make New Jersey a hockey destination. He is a well-respected leader across the Devils’ organization and NHL, and I am grateful for our friendship. I wish Tom and his family all the best.” “After talking with David Blitzer, it was apparent to everyone that the best course of action is to move on for the benefit of the team,” Fitzgerald said in a statement. “… The Devils are fortunate to have a core of great players, vocal and passionate fans, but most importantly, tremendous people who worked with me toward a common goal. I’ve always said that New Jersey is a hidden gem and I’m proud of the effort that we put in to raise the standard and make it a destination. I look forward to the next step in my hockey career and will always look back fondly on my time with the Devils.” It was not clear whether the Devils would name an interim general manager, or whether Fitzgerald would depart immediately or at season’s end. “As we prepare to move forward, it is important I acknowledge our fans,” Blitzer’s statement concluded. “I recognize we have not delivered in the way you expect and deserve and I understand and share in your frustration. This is a critical offseason for our franchise, and we will explore all avenues that best position the Devils to compete for a Stanley Cup once again.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Devils #Tom #Fitzgerald #part #ways

Deadspin | Devils, GM Tom Fitzgerald to part ways
Deadspin | Devils, GM Tom Fitzgerald to part ways Nov 30, 2021; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils executive vice president/general managerTom Fitzgerald, addresses the media about the contract extension of New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) before the start of the game against the San Jose Sharks at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn Images The New Jersey Devils announced they will part ways with president of hockey operations and general manager Tom Fitzgerald in a mutual decision Monday. Fitzgerald, 57, was elevated from assistant general manager to interim GM in January 2020, then named New Jersey’s full-time GM that July. He was given the president of hockey operations title in January 2024. The Devils (40-34-3, 83 points) are on the outside of the Eastern Conference playoff picture with seven games to go. They’re likely to miss the postseason for the second time in three years since a franchise-best 112-point season in 2022-23. “Tom and I had a thoughtful conversation today and agreed it was time to move in a new direction,” Devils managing partner David Blitzer said in a statement. “Tom changed the trajectory of our team here, including setting a franchise record for points in a season and helping make New Jersey a hockey destination. He is a well-respected leader across the Devils’ organization and NHL, and I am grateful for our friendship. I wish Tom and his family all the best.” “After talking with David Blitzer, it was apparent to everyone that the best course of action is to move on for the benefit of the team,” Fitzgerald said in a statement. “… The Devils are fortunate to have a core of great players, vocal and passionate fans, but most importantly, tremendous people who worked with me toward a common goal. I’ve always said that New Jersey is a hidden gem and I’m proud of the effort that we put in to raise the standard and make it a destination. I look forward to the next step in my hockey career and will always look back fondly on my time with the Devils.” It was not clear whether the Devils would name an interim general manager, or whether Fitzgerald would depart immediately or at season’s end. “As we prepare to move forward, it is important I acknowledge our fans,” Blitzer’s statement concluded. “I recognize we have not delivered in the way you expect and deserve and I understand and share in your frustration. This is a critical offseason for our franchise, and we will explore all avenues that best position the Devils to compete for a Stanley Cup once again.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Devils #Tom #Fitzgerald #part #waysNov 30, 2021; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils executive vice president/general managerTom Fitzgerald, addresses the media about the contract extension of New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) before the start of the game against the San Jose Sharks at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn Images

The New Jersey Devils announced they will part ways with president of hockey operations and general manager Tom Fitzgerald in a mutual decision Monday.

Fitzgerald, 57, was elevated from assistant general manager to interim GM in January 2020, then named New Jersey’s full-time GM that July. He was given the president of hockey operations title in January 2024.

The Devils (40-34-3, 83 points) are on the outside of the Eastern Conference playoff picture with seven games to go. They’re likely to miss the postseason for the second time in three years since a franchise-best 112-point season in 2022-23.


“Tom and I had a thoughtful conversation today and agreed it was time to move in a new direction,” Devils managing partner David Blitzer said in a statement. “Tom changed the trajectory of our team here, including setting a franchise record for points in a season and helping make New Jersey a hockey destination. He is a well-respected leader across the Devils’ organization and NHL, and I am grateful for our friendship. I wish Tom and his family all the best.”

“After talking with David Blitzer, it was apparent to everyone that the best course of action is to move on for the benefit of the team,” Fitzgerald said in a statement. “… The Devils are fortunate to have a core of great players, vocal and passionate fans, but most importantly, tremendous people who worked with me toward a common goal. I’ve always said that New Jersey is a hidden gem and I’m proud of the effort that we put in to raise the standard and make it a destination. I look forward to the next step in my hockey career and will always look back fondly on my time with the Devils.”

It was not clear whether the Devils would name an interim general manager, or whether Fitzgerald would depart immediately or at season’s end.

“As we prepare to move forward, it is important I acknowledge our fans,” Blitzer’s statement concluded. “I recognize we have not delivered in the way you expect and deserve and I understand and share in your frustration. This is a critical offseason for our franchise, and we will explore all avenues that best position the Devils to compete for a Stanley Cup once again.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Devils #Tom #Fitzgerald #part #ways

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Nov 30, 2021; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils executive vice president/general managerTom Fitzgerald, addresses the media about the contract extension of New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) before the start of the game against the San Jose Sharks at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn Images

The New Jersey Devils announced they will part ways with president of hockey operations and general manager Tom Fitzgerald in a mutual decision Monday.

Fitzgerald, 57, was elevated from assistant general manager to interim GM in January 2020, then named New Jersey’s full-time GM that July. He was given the president of hockey operations title in January 2024.

The Devils (40-34-3, 83 points) are on the outside of the Eastern Conference playoff picture with seven games to go. They’re likely to miss the postseason for the second time in three years since a franchise-best 112-point season in 2022-23.

“Tom and I had a thoughtful conversation today and agreed it was time to move in a new direction,” Devils managing partner David Blitzer said in a statement. “Tom changed the trajectory of our team here, including setting a franchise record for points in a season and helping make New Jersey a hockey destination. He is a well-respected leader across the Devils’ organization and NHL, and I am grateful for our friendship. I wish Tom and his family all the best.”

“After talking with David Blitzer, it was apparent to everyone that the best course of action is to move on for the benefit of the team,” Fitzgerald said in a statement. “… The Devils are fortunate to have a core of great players, vocal and passionate fans, but most importantly, tremendous people who worked with me toward a common goal. I’ve always said that New Jersey is a hidden gem and I’m proud of the effort that we put in to raise the standard and make it a destination. I look forward to the next step in my hockey career and will always look back fondly on my time with the Devils.”

It was not clear whether the Devils would name an interim general manager, or whether Fitzgerald would depart immediately or at season’s end.

“As we prepare to move forward, it is important I acknowledge our fans,” Blitzer’s statement concluded. “I recognize we have not delivered in the way you expect and deserve and I understand and share in your frustration. This is a critical offseason for our franchise, and we will explore all avenues that best position the Devils to compete for a Stanley Cup once again.”

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Tiger Woods on players’ minds as Masters week begins <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28577850.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28577850.jpg" alt="Syndication: Palm Beach Post" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links GC tees off during match against Los Angeles Golf Club during the TGL finals at SoFi Center on March 24, 2026, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>AUGUSTA, Ga. — Tiger Woods is not at Augusta National this week, but the five-time Masters champion is still very much on the minds of many of those in the 91-player field.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Woods, 50, has reportedly checked into a treatment program outside of the United States following a car accident that led to his DUI arrest in Florida on March 27. He later announced that he would not be on hand for the 90th edition of the Masters this week and removed himself for consideration to be the United States Ryder Cup team captain for 2027 as he steps away from golf for an undetermined amount of time. </p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Woods’ plane reportedly landed in Switzerland last week, days after his attorney told a Martin County Judge that his superstar client needed an “intensive, highly individualized and medically integrated program” away from media and public scrutiny. </p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“It just shows the human element and the human side of someone that is struggling with some sort of an addiction,” Jason Day said after finishing his practice round at the Masters on Monday. “He’s not immune to it just because he can hit a golf ball really well. He’s had 25 to 30 something surgeries, and when you’re going through that many procedures, it’s painful coming out of those procedures. I’ve had procedures done and I typically try and stay away from all that stuff because I just know that — painkillers, there can potentially be a downfall to it.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>“Granted, when I look at that, I look at it and go, he’s just a human being like everyone else and we have struggles. It’s unfortunate.”</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Woods pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of DUI after his SUV struck the back of a trailer being hauled by a truck near his home in Jupiter, Fla. Woods’ car flipped on its side, and he was charged with a moving violation of distracted driving. Officers found two while pills in the pocket of his pants, which authorities later confirmed to be hydrocodone.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>“The only thing that I don’t understand is that it’s a little bit selfish of him to drive and put other people in harm’s way, as well,” Day said.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>“But when you’re the player that he was and how strong-willed he is, he thinks he can do almost anything, and that’s probably why he’s probably driving and a little bit under the influence.”</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Woods had said during the TGL final three days before the accident that he was working toward trying to play in the Masters this week. And now his absence from Augusta National this week is at the forefront of the minds of those who have competed with Woods or grew up trying to emulate the 15-time major champion.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>“He was my hero — he is my hero,” Day said. “He was my hero growing up. The reason why I play golf is because of this tournament and Tiger. It’s hard to see him go through what he’s going through, and especially under the microscope that — it must be hard to be who he is and have everything, everyone look on, kind of down on him.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>“Some people want him to fail. Some people obviously want him to succeed. It’s really difficult for me to go through that and watch him, and I know that he’s getting the help now, which is good. I’m just hoping he comes out on the other side and is better.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-12"> <p>Patrick Reed won the Masters in 2018, which means he will be at Tuesday night’s champions dinner that will not include Woods. Also missing will be Phil Mickelson, who is not at this year’s Masters while dealing with a personal medical situation.</p> </section> <section id="section-13"> <p>“Let’s be honest, without Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in the events, in golf, when they both step away, honestly I feel it hurts the game of golf,” Reed said. “But at the same time, we want them to come back and be healthy and ready to go.”</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>It has been 32 years since both Mickelson and Woods missed a Masters. The last time Woods missed the first major of the year was in 2021, when he was recovering from serious injuries suffered in another car accident in California. Woods told officers on March 27 that he has undergone more than 20 surgeries on his right leg, in addition to seven back surgeries and a torn Achilles tendon.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Veteran PGA Tour player Harris English said it was “very strange” not to have Woods at Augusta National this week.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>“He’s such a legend in this game, somebody I looked up to,” English said. “Watching him win around this place in (19)97 is kind of the reason I started getting into golf. I know he’s going to get through this. He has a big fight ahead of him. He’s a fighter. That’s what he does.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>“He’s going to get through it and come out a better man and a better person. We hope to see him soon.”</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>Jacob Bridgeman turned professional in 2022, so he doesn’t have nearly the personal experience playing alongside Woods that Day, Reed and English do. But he was another whose love for the game spawned in large part from watching Woods growing up.</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>“I think everybody has a very soft heart for Tiger. He’s been the guy for our game that’s changed everything the most,” Bridgeman said. “He’s made these tournaments what they are, and he’s made the purses what they are just by his popularity. Everybody loved watching him. I grew up watching Tiger. He was my golf idol.</p> </section><section id="section-20"> <p>“I think everybody is thinking about him and hoping he can do what’s best.”</p> </section><section id="section-21"> <p>Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson was on hand for Woods’ most recent Masters victory in 2019. He said he pushed other previous champions to get to the 18th green to congratulate Woods, but that he “could care less about Tiger’s golf.”</p> </section><section id="section-22"> <p>“Anybody that’s struggling with anything, I feel for him because I’ve went through a lot of mental stuff. So yeah, I always pull for him.</p> </section><section id="section-23"> <p>“Nothing but love for him, and hopefully he can come back stronger.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-24"> <p>–Derek Harper, Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Tiger #Woods #players #minds #Masters #week #begins

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Deadspin | Goal is to get Stephen Curry in peak form as Warriors face Kings Apr 5, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) makes a shot over Houston Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate (8) and guard Aaron Holiday (0) in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images The Golden State Warriors embark upon the Stephen Curry management portion of their schedule when they take on the Sacramento Kings in San Francisco on Tuesday night to tip off a stretch of four games in six days to close out the regular season. Curry returned from a two-month absence caused by a sore right knee with a crowd-pleasing performance Sunday against the Houston Rockets, going for 29 points in 26 minutes off the bench in a 117-116 home loss. The defeat entrenched Golden State (36-42) in 10th place in the West, from where it would have to beat consecutive opponents on the road in the upcoming play-in contests in order to make the eight-team Western Conference playoffs. While noting that Curry would return to the starting lineup by the time the Warriors enter the must-win games next week, Golden State coach Steve Kerr indicated after the Sunday loss that the next four contests would serve as opportunities to find the most compatible combinations, especially with Kristaps Porzingis a relative newcomer to the team as well. “We wanted to get Draymond (Green) and Steph together for obvious reasons, so we changed some of the other rotations to fit Steph,” Kerr said of adjustments he had to make by not starting his star point guard against the Rockets. “Obviously this won’t last for long. He’ll be in the starting lineup soon. I’m not sure when just based on minutes.” Playing four games in six days will factor into how much guys such as Curry, Green and Porzingis play this week, as well as the best possible time for Al Horford to return from a soleus injury. The Warriors have a back-to-back Thursday at home against the Los Angeles Lakers and Friday at Sacramento. Despite missing a potential game-winning 30-footer at the final horn, Curry felt great about the overall outcome of his first night back. “That group that we had down the stretch, it felt like old times,” Curry said after the game. “Just reading the defense, the overreact to me on the perimeter, (Gary Payton II) going to the bucket, Draymond’s finding guys. … It was awesome.” The Kings (21-58) enter the final week of the season tied with Utah Jazz for the fourth-worst record in the NBA. The three teams with the fewest wins will arrive at the draft lottery with the best odds of landing the first pick. Sacramento has four more wins than the Washington Wizards, three more than the Indiana Pacers and two more than the Brooklyn Nets. Other than the two meetings with Golden State, the Kings will play at Portland on Sunday to complete the regular season. Sacramento hurt its odds by winning twice last week — 123-115 at Toronto on Wednesday and 117-113 at home against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. The Kings were thumped 138-109 by the visiting Los Angeles Clippers in their most recent game on Sunday. One thing left for the Kings to achieve would be helping center Maxime Raynaud earn NBA All-Rookie first-team honors. The former Stanford star was voted the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for March and has since had a 28-point game against the Pelicans last week. “He smashed through the ceiling,” Kings coach Doug Christie said. “The kid is ready, and he wants the opportunity to continue to improve. Sometimes you get an opportunity and you’re not ready to seize it, but he has seized the opportunity.” Raynaud is averaging 12.1 points and 7.5 rebounds and shooting 56.7% from the field in 71 games (53 starts). He has 18 double-doubles. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Goal #Stephen #Curry #peak #form #Warriors #face #KingsApr 5, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) makes a shot over Houston Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate (8) and guard Aaron Holiday (0) in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

The Golden State Warriors embark upon the Stephen Curry management portion of their schedule when they take on the Sacramento Kings in San Francisco on Tuesday night to tip off a stretch of four games in six days to close out the regular season.

Curry returned from a two-month absence caused by a sore right knee with a crowd-pleasing performance Sunday against the Houston Rockets, going for 29 points in 26 minutes off the bench in a 117-116 home loss.

The defeat entrenched Golden State (36-42) in 10th place in the West, from where it would have to beat consecutive opponents on the road in the upcoming play-in contests in order to make the eight-team Western Conference playoffs.

While noting that Curry would return to the starting lineup by the time the Warriors enter the must-win games next week, Golden State coach Steve Kerr indicated after the Sunday loss that the next four contests would serve as opportunities to find the most compatible combinations, especially with Kristaps Porzingis a relative newcomer to the team as well.

“We wanted to get Draymond (Green) and Steph together for obvious reasons, so we changed some of the other rotations to fit Steph,” Kerr said of adjustments he had to make by not starting his star point guard against the Rockets. “Obviously this won’t last for long. He’ll be in the starting lineup soon. I’m not sure when just based on minutes.”

Playing four games in six days will factor into how much guys such as Curry, Green and Porzingis play this week, as well as the best possible time for Al Horford to return from a soleus injury. The Warriors have a back-to-back Thursday at home against the Los Angeles Lakers and Friday at Sacramento.

Despite missing a potential game-winning 30-footer at the final horn, Curry felt great about the overall outcome of his first night back.

“That group that we had down the stretch, it felt like old times,” Curry said after the game. “Just reading the defense, the overreact to me on the perimeter, (Gary Payton II) going to the bucket, Draymond’s finding guys. … It was awesome.”


The Kings (21-58) enter the final week of the season tied with Utah Jazz for the fourth-worst record in the NBA. The three teams with the fewest wins will arrive at the draft lottery with the best odds of landing the first pick.

Sacramento has four more wins than the Washington Wizards, three more than the Indiana Pacers and two more than the Brooklyn Nets.

Other than the two meetings with Golden State, the Kings will play at Portland on Sunday to complete the regular season.

Sacramento hurt its odds by winning twice last week — 123-115 at Toronto on Wednesday and 117-113 at home against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. The Kings were thumped 138-109 by the visiting Los Angeles Clippers in their most recent game on Sunday.

One thing left for the Kings to achieve would be helping center Maxime Raynaud earn NBA All-Rookie first-team honors.

The former Stanford star was voted the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for March and has since had a 28-point game against the Pelicans last week.

“He smashed through the ceiling,” Kings coach Doug Christie said. “The kid is ready, and he wants the opportunity to continue to improve. Sometimes you get an opportunity and you’re not ready to seize it, but he has seized the opportunity.”

Raynaud is averaging 12.1 points and 7.5 rebounds and shooting 56.7% from the field in 71 games (53 starts). He has 18 double-doubles.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Goal #Stephen #Curry #peak #form #Warriors #face #Kings">Deadspin | Goal is to get Stephen Curry in peak form as Warriors face Kings Apr 5, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) makes a shot over Houston Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate (8) and guard Aaron Holiday (0) in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images The Golden State Warriors embark upon the Stephen Curry management portion of their schedule when they take on the Sacramento Kings in San Francisco on Tuesday night to tip off a stretch of four games in six days to close out the regular season. Curry returned from a two-month absence caused by a sore right knee with a crowd-pleasing performance Sunday against the Houston Rockets, going for 29 points in 26 minutes off the bench in a 117-116 home loss. The defeat entrenched Golden State (36-42) in 10th place in the West, from where it would have to beat consecutive opponents on the road in the upcoming play-in contests in order to make the eight-team Western Conference playoffs. While noting that Curry would return to the starting lineup by the time the Warriors enter the must-win games next week, Golden State coach Steve Kerr indicated after the Sunday loss that the next four contests would serve as opportunities to find the most compatible combinations, especially with Kristaps Porzingis a relative newcomer to the team as well. “We wanted to get Draymond (Green) and Steph together for obvious reasons, so we changed some of the other rotations to fit Steph,” Kerr said of adjustments he had to make by not starting his star point guard against the Rockets. “Obviously this won’t last for long. He’ll be in the starting lineup soon. I’m not sure when just based on minutes.” Playing four games in six days will factor into how much guys such as Curry, Green and Porzingis play this week, as well as the best possible time for Al Horford to return from a soleus injury. The Warriors have a back-to-back Thursday at home against the Los Angeles Lakers and Friday at Sacramento. Despite missing a potential game-winning 30-footer at the final horn, Curry felt great about the overall outcome of his first night back. “That group that we had down the stretch, it felt like old times,” Curry said after the game. “Just reading the defense, the overreact to me on the perimeter, (Gary Payton II) going to the bucket, Draymond’s finding guys. … It was awesome.” The Kings (21-58) enter the final week of the season tied with Utah Jazz for the fourth-worst record in the NBA. The three teams with the fewest wins will arrive at the draft lottery with the best odds of landing the first pick. Sacramento has four more wins than the Washington Wizards, three more than the Indiana Pacers and two more than the Brooklyn Nets. Other than the two meetings with Golden State, the Kings will play at Portland on Sunday to complete the regular season. Sacramento hurt its odds by winning twice last week — 123-115 at Toronto on Wednesday and 117-113 at home against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. The Kings were thumped 138-109 by the visiting Los Angeles Clippers in their most recent game on Sunday. One thing left for the Kings to achieve would be helping center Maxime Raynaud earn NBA All-Rookie first-team honors. The former Stanford star was voted the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for March and has since had a 28-point game against the Pelicans last week. “He smashed through the ceiling,” Kings coach Doug Christie said. “The kid is ready, and he wants the opportunity to continue to improve. Sometimes you get an opportunity and you’re not ready to seize it, but he has seized the opportunity.” Raynaud is averaging 12.1 points and 7.5 rebounds and shooting 56.7% from the field in 71 games (53 starts). He has 18 double-doubles. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Goal #Stephen #Curry #peak #form #Warriors #face #Kings

Deadspin | Mammoth host Oilers in high-stakes contest for playoff positioning Apr 4, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Utah Mammoth center Liam O’Brien (38) celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images The Utah Mammoth continue their push for a playoff berth as they host the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night in Salt Lake City. This will be the third and final game between these teams this season. The Oilers won the first two meetings of the season and have won five straight in the overall series. The Mammoth (40-30-6, 86 points) sit fourth in the Central Division and currently occupy the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference playoff race. They have won three straight and six of their last nine as they shoot for their first playoff berth since the franchise relocated to Salt Lake City in 2024. The franchise made the playoffs once in its final 12 years as the Arizona/Phoenix Coyotes, getting booted from the first round in the truncated 2019-20 season. Utah should be full of confidence after its last time out, a 7-4 win against the Vancouver Canucks. In that game, captain Clayton Keller had his third career hat trick and added an assist. Dylan Guenther and Lawson Crouse each had a goal and an assist, Logan Cooley had two assists and Karel Vejmelka made 19 saves. Liam O’Brien also found the back of the net after not being in the lineup since Feb. 4. “We have a deep lineup, and anyone that steps in is a great player, and someone that knows our systems well and can contribute,” Keller said. “We reacted good to a little adversity. Great effort by everyone and heck of a goal by ‘OB’ there, too. That was unreal. He’s such a great teammate, great guy, and he grinds every single day, so that’s awesome to see too.” “Everybody’s winning, so we need to win,” Mammoth head coach Andre Tourigny said. “At the end of the day, we want to play game 83. In order to do that, you need to win games. You’re not going in because anybody let you in. You need to keep winning games, and it’s not over.” It certainly isn’t over for the Oilers (39-29-9, 87 points), who are hunting for the franchise’s first Stanley Cup since 1990. Edmonton has gone to the Stanley Cup Final each of the last two years, losing both times to the Florida Panthers. Now, the Oilers are tied with the Anaheim Ducks for first place in the Pacific Division and have won seven of their last 10 games. They are also fighting to get back into the win column following a disappointing 5-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, who are just one point behind the Oilers in the division standings. Evan Bouchard scored the lone goal, and Connor Ingram made 28 saves for the Oilers, who were previously riding a five-game winning streak. “When things are going well, you forget about those details, those first couple of strides coming back, get a little extra aggressive on the pinch,” Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said. “You’re thinking maybe you’re overconfident, getting a little bit lazy, or whatever it is, I think we’re just not paying attention to those details.” “We got away from the way that we know how to play,” Oilers defenseman Jake Walman added. “We were slow (Saturday), and that’s the result against a team like that.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mammoth #host #Oilers #highstakes #contest #playoff #positioningApr 4, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Utah Mammoth center Liam O’Brien (38) celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

The Utah Mammoth continue their push for a playoff berth as they host the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night in Salt Lake City.

This will be the third and final game between these teams this season. The Oilers won the first two meetings of the season and have won five straight in the overall series.

The Mammoth (40-30-6, 86 points) sit fourth in the Central Division and currently occupy the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference playoff race. They have won three straight and six of their last nine as they shoot for their first playoff berth since the franchise relocated to Salt Lake City in 2024. The franchise made the playoffs once in its final 12 years as the Arizona/Phoenix Coyotes, getting booted from the first round in the truncated 2019-20 season.

Utah should be full of confidence after its last time out, a 7-4 win against the Vancouver Canucks. In that game, captain Clayton Keller had his third career hat trick and added an assist. Dylan Guenther and Lawson Crouse each had a goal and an assist, Logan Cooley had two assists and Karel Vejmelka made 19 saves.

Liam O’Brien also found the back of the net after not being in the lineup since Feb. 4.


“We have a deep lineup, and anyone that steps in is a great player, and someone that knows our systems well and can contribute,” Keller said. “We reacted good to a little adversity. Great effort by everyone and heck of a goal by ‘OB’ there, too. That was unreal. He’s such a great teammate, great guy, and he grinds every single day, so that’s awesome to see too.”

“Everybody’s winning, so we need to win,” Mammoth head coach Andre Tourigny said. “At the end of the day, we want to play game 83. In order to do that, you need to win games. You’re not going in because anybody let you in. You need to keep winning games, and it’s not over.”

It certainly isn’t over for the Oilers (39-29-9, 87 points), who are hunting for the franchise’s first Stanley Cup since 1990. Edmonton has gone to the Stanley Cup Final each of the last two years, losing both times to the Florida Panthers. Now, the Oilers are tied with the Anaheim Ducks for first place in the Pacific Division and have won seven of their last 10 games.

They are also fighting to get back into the win column following a disappointing 5-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, who are just one point behind the Oilers in the division standings. Evan Bouchard scored the lone goal, and Connor Ingram made 28 saves for the Oilers, who were previously riding a five-game winning streak.

“When things are going well, you forget about those details, those first couple of strides coming back, get a little extra aggressive on the pinch,” Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said. “You’re thinking maybe you’re overconfident, getting a little bit lazy, or whatever it is, I think we’re just not paying attention to those details.”

“We got away from the way that we know how to play,” Oilers defenseman Jake Walman added. “We were slow (Saturday), and that’s the result against a team like that.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Mammoth #host #Oilers #highstakes #contest #playoff #positioning">Deadspin | Mammoth host Oilers in high-stakes contest for playoff positioning Apr 4, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Utah Mammoth center Liam O’Brien (38) celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images The Utah Mammoth continue their push for a playoff berth as they host the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night in Salt Lake City. This will be the third and final game between these teams this season. The Oilers won the first two meetings of the season and have won five straight in the overall series. The Mammoth (40-30-6, 86 points) sit fourth in the Central Division and currently occupy the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference playoff race. They have won three straight and six of their last nine as they shoot for their first playoff berth since the franchise relocated to Salt Lake City in 2024. The franchise made the playoffs once in its final 12 years as the Arizona/Phoenix Coyotes, getting booted from the first round in the truncated 2019-20 season. Utah should be full of confidence after its last time out, a 7-4 win against the Vancouver Canucks. In that game, captain Clayton Keller had his third career hat trick and added an assist. Dylan Guenther and Lawson Crouse each had a goal and an assist, Logan Cooley had two assists and Karel Vejmelka made 19 saves. Liam O’Brien also found the back of the net after not being in the lineup since Feb. 4. “We have a deep lineup, and anyone that steps in is a great player, and someone that knows our systems well and can contribute,” Keller said. “We reacted good to a little adversity. Great effort by everyone and heck of a goal by ‘OB’ there, too. That was unreal. He’s such a great teammate, great guy, and he grinds every single day, so that’s awesome to see too.” “Everybody’s winning, so we need to win,” Mammoth head coach Andre Tourigny said. “At the end of the day, we want to play game 83. In order to do that, you need to win games. You’re not going in because anybody let you in. You need to keep winning games, and it’s not over.” It certainly isn’t over for the Oilers (39-29-9, 87 points), who are hunting for the franchise’s first Stanley Cup since 1990. Edmonton has gone to the Stanley Cup Final each of the last two years, losing both times to the Florida Panthers. Now, the Oilers are tied with the Anaheim Ducks for first place in the Pacific Division and have won seven of their last 10 games. They are also fighting to get back into the win column following a disappointing 5-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, who are just one point behind the Oilers in the division standings. Evan Bouchard scored the lone goal, and Connor Ingram made 28 saves for the Oilers, who were previously riding a five-game winning streak. “When things are going well, you forget about those details, those first couple of strides coming back, get a little extra aggressive on the pinch,” Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said. “You’re thinking maybe you’re overconfident, getting a little bit lazy, or whatever it is, I think we’re just not paying attention to those details.” “We got away from the way that we know how to play,” Oilers defenseman Jake Walman added. “We were slow (Saturday), and that’s the result against a team like that.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mammoth #host #Oilers #highstakes #contest #playoff #positioning

Deadspin | Blue Jays C Alejandro Kirk (left thumb) headed for surgery Tuesday Apr 3, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (30) hits an RBI-double against the Chicago White Sox during the second inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk will undergo surgery on Tuesday to repair his broken left thumb, Toronto manager John Schneider said Monday. The two-time All-Star was injured during Friday’s 5-4 loss to the Chicago White Sox when he caught a foul tip near the bottom of the glove. The club hasn’t yet determined how long Kirk will be sidelined. “We’ll know the timeline after the surgery,” Schneider said. Kirk, 27, is 3-for-20 (.150) with a homer and two RBIs in five games this season. In seven big-league campaigns, Kirk is batting .267 with 52 homers and 265 RBIs in 569 games since reaching the majors with the Blue Jays in 2020. Tyler Heineman, 34, who is 4-for-10 in five games this season, is slated to be the main catcher while Kirk is out. Prospect Brandon Valenzuela, 25, was recalled Saturday from Triple-A Buffalo to be the backup and was 1-for-3 with two strikeouts on Sunday in his major league debut. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Blue #Jays #Alejandro #Kirk #left #thumb #headed #surgery #TuesdayApr 3, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (30) hits an RBI-double against the Chicago White Sox during the second inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk will undergo surgery on Tuesday to repair his broken left thumb, Toronto manager John Schneider said Monday.

The two-time All-Star was injured during Friday’s 5-4 loss to the Chicago White Sox when he caught a foul tip near the bottom of the glove. The club hasn’t yet determined how long Kirk will be sidelined.

“We’ll know the timeline after the surgery,” Schneider said.


Kirk, 27, is 3-for-20 (.150) with a homer and two RBIs in five games this season.

In seven big-league campaigns, Kirk is batting .267 with 52 homers and 265 RBIs in 569 games since reaching the majors with the Blue Jays in 2020.

Tyler Heineman, 34, who is 4-for-10 in five games this season, is slated to be the main catcher while Kirk is out. Prospect Brandon Valenzuela, 25, was recalled Saturday from Triple-A Buffalo to be the backup and was 1-for-3 with two strikeouts on Sunday in his major league debut.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Blue #Jays #Alejandro #Kirk #left #thumb #headed #surgery #Tuesday">Deadspin | Blue Jays C Alejandro Kirk (left thumb) headed for surgery Tuesday Apr 3, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (30) hits an RBI-double against the Chicago White Sox during the second inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk will undergo surgery on Tuesday to repair his broken left thumb, Toronto manager John Schneider said Monday. The two-time All-Star was injured during Friday’s 5-4 loss to the Chicago White Sox when he caught a foul tip near the bottom of the glove. The club hasn’t yet determined how long Kirk will be sidelined. “We’ll know the timeline after the surgery,” Schneider said. Kirk, 27, is 3-for-20 (.150) with a homer and two RBIs in five games this season. In seven big-league campaigns, Kirk is batting .267 with 52 homers and 265 RBIs in 569 games since reaching the majors with the Blue Jays in 2020. Tyler Heineman, 34, who is 4-for-10 in five games this season, is slated to be the main catcher while Kirk is out. Prospect Brandon Valenzuela, 25, was recalled Saturday from Triple-A Buffalo to be the backup and was 1-for-3 with two strikeouts on Sunday in his major league debut. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Blue #Jays #Alejandro #Kirk #left #thumb #headed #surgery #Tuesday

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