×
Deadspin | Kyle Connor tallies twice as rising Jets handle Kraken  Apr 6, 2026; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets center Jonathan Toews (19) scores on Seattle Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer (31) in the first period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images   Kyle Connor scored two goals and Mark Scheifele had three assists in the Winnipeg Jets’ 6-2 win over the visiting Seattle Kraken on Monday.  The Jets improved to 6-2-0 in their past eight games. This hot streak has put Winnipeg (34-31-12, 80 points) three points back of the final Western Conference wild-card berth.  Gabriel Vilardi and Jonathan Toews each had a goal and an assist for Winnipeg, and Josh Morrissey recorded two assists. Vladislav Namestnikov and Brad Lambert scored the Jets’ other goals.  Winnipeg goalie Connor Hellebuyck stopped 22 of 24 shots.  The Jets went 3-for-3 on the power play, winning the battle of struggling special-teams units. Winnipeg entered Monday with the fifth-worst power-play percentage (17.22%) in the NHL, while Seattle’s 72.77% penalty-kill percentage ranked second worst in the league.  Seattle is 1-7-2 in its past 10 games and winless in the past five games (0-4-1). The late collapse has all but officially ended the Kraken’s playoff hopes, as Seattle (32-33-11, 75 points) is eight points back of the final West wild card spot.   Jordan Eberle and Jared McCann scored for the Kraken.  Philipp Grubauer stopped 15 of 18 shots before leaving the game with a lower-body injury 13:20 into the second period. Joey Daccord turned aside 10 of 12 shots the rest of the way.  Eberle converted his own rebound on a backhander to open the scoring 9:17 into the first period. A fortunate bounce led to Toews’ power-play equalizer at 12:39 of the opening frame, as Vilardi’s tip-in attempt ricocheted off the glass and bounced in front to Toews for the close-range conversion.  The breaks continued to go Winnipeg’s way on two more power-play goals, beginning with Vilardi’s tally 9:55 into the second period. Toews’ pass deflected off two Kraken players before Vilardi deposited the loose puck. Just over two minutes later, Connor’s shot deflected into the net off of Seattle defenseman Ryan Lindgren.  McCann narrowed Seattle’s deficit with a well-placed wrist shot 2:28 into the third period, but Lambert responded with a wrister of his own at the 5:59 mark. The Jets then pulled away on Connor’s one-timer at 15:19 of the final frame, and Namestnikov added an empty-netter at 17:56.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Kyle #Connor #tallies #rising #Jets #handle #Kraken

Deadspin | Kyle Connor tallies twice as rising Jets handle Kraken
Deadspin | Kyle Connor tallies twice as rising Jets handle Kraken  Apr 6, 2026; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets center Jonathan Toews (19) scores on Seattle Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer (31) in the first period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images   Kyle Connor scored two goals and Mark Scheifele had three assists in the Winnipeg Jets’ 6-2 win over the visiting Seattle Kraken on Monday.  The Jets improved to 6-2-0 in their past eight games. This hot streak has put Winnipeg (34-31-12, 80 points) three points back of the final Western Conference wild-card berth.  Gabriel Vilardi and Jonathan Toews each had a goal and an assist for Winnipeg, and Josh Morrissey recorded two assists. Vladislav Namestnikov and Brad Lambert scored the Jets’ other goals.  Winnipeg goalie Connor Hellebuyck stopped 22 of 24 shots.  The Jets went 3-for-3 on the power play, winning the battle of struggling special-teams units. Winnipeg entered Monday with the fifth-worst power-play percentage (17.22%) in the NHL, while Seattle’s 72.77% penalty-kill percentage ranked second worst in the league.  Seattle is 1-7-2 in its past 10 games and winless in the past five games (0-4-1). The late collapse has all but officially ended the Kraken’s playoff hopes, as Seattle (32-33-11, 75 points) is eight points back of the final West wild card spot.   Jordan Eberle and Jared McCann scored for the Kraken.  Philipp Grubauer stopped 15 of 18 shots before leaving the game with a lower-body injury 13:20 into the second period. Joey Daccord turned aside 10 of 12 shots the rest of the way.  Eberle converted his own rebound on a backhander to open the scoring 9:17 into the first period. A fortunate bounce led to Toews’ power-play equalizer at 12:39 of the opening frame, as Vilardi’s tip-in attempt ricocheted off the glass and bounced in front to Toews for the close-range conversion.  The breaks continued to go Winnipeg’s way on two more power-play goals, beginning with Vilardi’s tally 9:55 into the second period. Toews’ pass deflected off two Kraken players before Vilardi deposited the loose puck. Just over two minutes later, Connor’s shot deflected into the net off of Seattle defenseman Ryan Lindgren.  McCann narrowed Seattle’s deficit with a well-placed wrist shot 2:28 into the third period, but Lambert responded with a wrister of his own at the 5:59 mark. The Jets then pulled away on Connor’s one-timer at 15:19 of the final frame, and Namestnikov added an empty-netter at 17:56.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Kyle #Connor #tallies #rising #Jets #handle #KrakenApr 6, 2026; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets center Jonathan Toews (19) scores on Seattle Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer (31) in the first period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images

Kyle Connor scored two goals and Mark Scheifele had three assists in the Winnipeg Jets’ 6-2 win over the visiting Seattle Kraken on Monday.

The Jets improved to 6-2-0 in their past eight games. This hot streak has put Winnipeg (34-31-12, 80 points) three points back of the final Western Conference wild-card berth.

Gabriel Vilardi and Jonathan Toews each had a goal and an assist for Winnipeg, and Josh Morrissey recorded two assists. Vladislav Namestnikov and Brad Lambert scored the Jets’ other goals.

Winnipeg goalie Connor Hellebuyck stopped 22 of 24 shots.

The Jets went 3-for-3 on the power play, winning the battle of struggling special-teams units. Winnipeg entered Monday with the fifth-worst power-play percentage (17.22%) in the NHL, while Seattle’s 72.77% penalty-kill percentage ranked second worst in the league.


Seattle is 1-7-2 in its past 10 games and winless in the past five games (0-4-1). The late collapse has all but officially ended the Kraken’s playoff hopes, as Seattle (32-33-11, 75 points) is eight points back of the final West wild card spot.

Jordan Eberle and Jared McCann scored for the Kraken.

Philipp Grubauer stopped 15 of 18 shots before leaving the game with a lower-body injury 13:20 into the second period. Joey Daccord turned aside 10 of 12 shots the rest of the way.

Eberle converted his own rebound on a backhander to open the scoring 9:17 into the first period. A fortunate bounce led to Toews’ power-play equalizer at 12:39 of the opening frame, as Vilardi’s tip-in attempt ricocheted off the glass and bounced in front to Toews for the close-range conversion.

The breaks continued to go Winnipeg’s way on two more power-play goals, beginning with Vilardi’s tally 9:55 into the second period. Toews’ pass deflected off two Kraken players before Vilardi deposited the loose puck. Just over two minutes later, Connor’s shot deflected into the net off of Seattle defenseman Ryan Lindgren.

McCann narrowed Seattle’s deficit with a well-placed wrist shot 2:28 into the third period, but Lambert responded with a wrister of his own at the 5:59 mark. The Jets then pulled away on Connor’s one-timer at 15:19 of the final frame, and Namestnikov added an empty-netter at 17:56.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Kyle #Connor #tallies #rising #Jets #handle #Kraken

Apr 6, 2026; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets center Jonathan Toews (19) scores on Seattle Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer (31) in the first period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images

Kyle Connor scored two goals and Mark Scheifele had three assists in the Winnipeg Jets’ 6-2 win over the visiting Seattle Kraken on Monday.

The Jets improved to 6-2-0 in their past eight games. This hot streak has put Winnipeg (34-31-12, 80 points) three points back of the final Western Conference wild-card berth.

Gabriel Vilardi and Jonathan Toews each had a goal and an assist for Winnipeg, and Josh Morrissey recorded two assists. Vladislav Namestnikov and Brad Lambert scored the Jets’ other goals.

Winnipeg goalie Connor Hellebuyck stopped 22 of 24 shots.

The Jets went 3-for-3 on the power play, winning the battle of struggling special-teams units. Winnipeg entered Monday with the fifth-worst power-play percentage (17.22%) in the NHL, while Seattle’s 72.77% penalty-kill percentage ranked second worst in the league.

Seattle is 1-7-2 in its past 10 games and winless in the past five games (0-4-1). The late collapse has all but officially ended the Kraken’s playoff hopes, as Seattle (32-33-11, 75 points) is eight points back of the final West wild card spot.

Jordan Eberle and Jared McCann scored for the Kraken.

Philipp Grubauer stopped 15 of 18 shots before leaving the game with a lower-body injury 13:20 into the second period. Joey Daccord turned aside 10 of 12 shots the rest of the way.

Eberle converted his own rebound on a backhander to open the scoring 9:17 into the first period. A fortunate bounce led to Toews’ power-play equalizer at 12:39 of the opening frame, as Vilardi’s tip-in attempt ricocheted off the glass and bounced in front to Toews for the close-range conversion.

The breaks continued to go Winnipeg’s way on two more power-play goals, beginning with Vilardi’s tally 9:55 into the second period. Toews’ pass deflected off two Kraken players before Vilardi deposited the loose puck. Just over two minutes later, Connor’s shot deflected into the net off of Seattle defenseman Ryan Lindgren.

McCann narrowed Seattle’s deficit with a well-placed wrist shot 2:28 into the third period, but Lambert responded with a wrister of his own at the 5:59 mark. The Jets then pulled away on Connor’s one-timer at 15:19 of the final frame, and Namestnikov added an empty-netter at 17:56.

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Kyle #Connor #tallies #rising #Jets #handle #Kraken

Previous post

IPL 2026: Batters picking Varun Chakaravarthy is a concern — Sourav Ganguly <div id="content-body-70834981" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Nothing seems to be going Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) way this season. The team management has come under scrutiny for some puzzling selection calls as the three-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champion has struggled to find rhythm in almost every department.</p><p>The batting has lacked consistency, the bowling has often been erratic and below par, and Varun Chakravarthy’s worrying dip in form has only compounded the problems. Once considered KKR’s trump card, the mystery spinner has looked a shadow of himself in the two games he has played so far, appearing out of rhythm and lacking control.</p><p>He was subsequently left out of the clash against Punjab Kings with an injury, though the team management has not clarified the exact nature of the setback or a possible timeline for his return.</p><p>In a way, the enforced break could offer Chakaravarthy an opportunity to reset after a difficult run. But it also raises a larger question: what has gone wrong for the spinner who, over the past few seasons, established himself as one of KKR’s most reliable match-winners?</p><p>“Varun is going through off-form, and the problem is that the batters are now being able to pick Varun as they know which delivery he would bowl. That’s a matter of concern,” former India captain Sourav Ganguly said.</p><p>Signs of this dip have been evident since the Super Eights stage of the T20 World Cup, with opposition teams increasingly attacking him during key phases of the innings. While the KKR camp maintains that the spinner remains mentally strong and confident of working his way through the lean patch, the numbers paint a stark picture. In two IPL appearances so far, Varun has bowled just six overs, conceding 79 runs without picking up a wicket.</p><p>Against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens, the leg-spinner was unable to complete his quota of four overs after conceding 25 runs in his very first over, immediately putting the pressure on the rest of the attack. Despite putting in extended hours in the nets in a bid to rediscover his rhythm, the desired turnaround has so far proved elusive.</p><p>For KKR, which has already struggled to build momentum this season, Varun rediscovering his bite could be key to turning its campaign around. Until then, the Knight Riders continue to search for answers in a tournament that is quickly beginning to slip away.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 07, 2026</p></div> #IPL #Batters #picking #Varun #Chakaravarthy #concern #Sourav #Ganguly

Next post

Carhartt’s Most Stylish WIP Streetwear Pieces Are Up To 60% Off Right Now: Shop Favorites

The Ravi Shastri Stand and stadium gates named in honour of three Mumbai stalwarts — Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar and Diana Edulji — will be unveiled at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) announced on Tuesday.

The honours, which were formally approved by the MCA Apex Council on February 27, recognise the contribution of four distinguished figures to Mumbai and Indian cricket. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will grace the unveiling ceremony, which will also be attended by MCA president Ajinkya Naik, Apex Council members and members of the cricketing fraternity.

As part of the initiative, the Level 1 stand below the Press Box will be named after former India captain Ravi Shastri, acknowledging his role as a player, leader, coach and commentator. Meanwhile, Gate No. 3, Gate No. 5 and Gate No. 6 at the iconic venue will be named after former India stalwarts Dilip Sardesai, Diana Edulji and Eknath Solkar, respectively.

Published on Apr 07, 2026

#Ravi #Shastri #Stand #unveiled #Wankhede #Stadium">Ravi Shastri Stand to be unveiled at Wankhede Stadium  The Ravi Shastri Stand and stadium gates named in honour of three Mumbai stalwarts — Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar and Diana Edulji — will be unveiled at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) announced on Tuesday.The honours, which were formally approved by the MCA Apex Council on February 27, recognise the contribution of four distinguished figures to Mumbai and Indian cricket. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will grace the unveiling ceremony, which will also be attended by MCA president Ajinkya Naik, Apex Council members and members of the cricketing fraternity.As part of the initiative, the Level 1 stand below the Press Box will be named after former India captain Ravi Shastri, acknowledging his role as a player, leader, coach and commentator. Meanwhile, Gate No. 3, Gate No. 5 and Gate No. 6 at the iconic venue will be named after former India stalwarts Dilip Sardesai, Diana Edulji and Eknath Solkar, respectively.Published on Apr 07, 2026  #Ravi #Shastri #Stand #unveiled #Wankhede #Stadium

Top Five Players To Watch at the Masters Without Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson | Deadspin.com  Mar 5, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Rory McIlroy walks on the 14th green during the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images   When the Masters tees off Thursday, neither Tiger Woods nor Phil Mickelson will be present at Augusta National for the first time since 1994.There’s something symbolic about the two best players of their generation, now in their 50s, being simultaneously absent. It isn’t goodbye forever — Mickelson, for example, is out as he attends to a private family health matter, but he has rarely factored into the majors since the LIV Golf schism.As for Woods, well, that’s another column. His fourth car accident and subsequent vow to seek treatment for recurrent painkiller abuse has engendered pity and exhaustion of patience in equal measure.But the younger generation(s) of golfers have taken over, and the spotlight at the year’s first major will focus on them even more without Woods or Mickelson walking the property.Let’s rank the five biggest names to watch at the Masters — not necessarily in terms of their odds to win, but the five whose play this week could shape both the leaderboard and the storylines that follow.1. Rory McIlroyHow do you follow up a career-defining, stomach-turning, all-time Masters triumph that vanquished a 10-year major drought and earned you the career Grand Slam? How about by winning another? Anything McIlroy does this week will be headline news; he’s the main character in a way Woods and few others have experienced. McIlroy’s stumbling block may be the back tweak he picked up at the Arnold Palmer; he hasn’t competed since going four rounds at The Players Championship, where he never shot better than 71.2. Scottie Scheffler Jan 25, 2026; La Quinta, California, USA; Scottie Scheffler hits his tee shot on the sixth hole during the final round of The American Express golf tournament at Pete Dye Stadium Course. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images   The fact that the 2022 and 2024 Masters champ won 20 PGA Tour events in a four-year span is an immense credit to the man. But let’s see how Scheffler fares at Augusta after experiencing a touch of adversity to begin the year. A string of slow starts eventually ended his lengthy top-10 streak, and now he’s entering major season with just one sub-70 round in his past eight. (Scheffler also missed his Masters tune-up, the Valero Texas Open, as his wife gave birth to their second child.)3. Bryson DeChambeau Feb 5, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Bryson DeChambeau in action during the second round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reuters via Imagn Images    In an alternate universe, we’re discussing DeChambeau as the defending champ this week. He’s grown better at Augusta with wisdom and reps, but in 2025 he wilted late and turned an early lead on Sunday into a disappointing T5. The face of LIV Golf couldn’t ask for better pre-Masters results, winning back-to-back weeks in Singapore and South Africa. Does it translate into a DeChambeau dub? (Imagine the YouTube content he could make …)4. Patrick Reed Apr 13, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrick Reed plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images   You’re forgiven if you’ve lost track of Reed since he went to LIV. He has actually left LIV and in his best form since 2018, when Captain America donned his green jacket. Playing a DP World Tour schedule before his inevitable return to the PGA, Reed went win-T2-win in a three-start stretch this winter. He’s finding greens, making putts and returning to one of his best courses (five Masters top-10s, including third last year). That’s someone who can shake up a weekend leaderboard.5. Tommy FleetwoodThere’s a number of ways we can go with the final spot to meet our self-imposed limit of five. Jon Rahm? Owner of a green jacket and the best form on LIV Golf apart from DeChambeau. Brooks Koepka? A five-time major winner, sure, but he’s in pretty “meh” form in his first year back on the PGA Tour. Jordan Spieth? If he can just go out in 30 on Sunday …I’m going to zag and take Fleetwood, arguably the third-best player on the PGA Tour and certainly the best player without a major title. Fleetwood never had a signature win until his breakthrough at the 2025 Tour Championship. But he has top-fived at every major, including T3 at Augusta in 2024. Watch what the consistent Englishman does this week. It may be his time.   #Top #Players #Watch #Masters #Tiger #Woods #Phil #Mickelson #Deadspin.comMar 5, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Rory McIlroy walks on the 14th green during the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

When the Masters tees off Thursday, neither Tiger Woods nor Phil Mickelson will be present at Augusta National for the first time since 1994.

There’s something symbolic about the two best players of their generation, now in their 50s, being simultaneously absent. It isn’t goodbye forever — Mickelson, for example, is out as he attends to a private family health matter, but he has rarely factored into the majors since the LIV Golf schism.

As for Woods, well, that’s another column. His fourth car accident and subsequent vow to seek treatment for recurrent painkiller abuse has engendered pity and exhaustion of patience in equal measure.

But the younger generation(s) of golfers have taken over, and the spotlight at the year’s first major will focus on them even more without Woods or Mickelson walking the property.

Let’s rank the five biggest names to watch at the Masters — not necessarily in terms of their odds to win, but the five whose play this week could shape both the leaderboard and the storylines that follow.

1. Rory McIlroy

How do you follow up a career-defining, stomach-turning, all-time Masters triumph that vanquished a 10-year major drought and earned you the career Grand Slam? How about by winning another? Anything McIlroy does this week will be headline news; he’s the main character in a way Woods and few others have experienced. McIlroy’s stumbling block may be the back tweak he picked up at the Arnold Palmer; he hasn’t competed since going four rounds at The Players Championship, where he never shot better than 71.

2. Scottie Scheffler

Jan 25, 2026; La Quinta, California, USA; Scottie Scheffler hits his tee shot on the sixth hole during the final round of The American Express golf tournament at Pete Dye Stadium Course. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn ImagesJan 25, 2026; La Quinta, California, USA; Scottie Scheffler hits his tee shot on the sixth hole during the final round of The American Express golf tournament at Pete Dye Stadium Course. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

The fact that the 2022 and 2024 Masters champ won 20 PGA Tour events in a four-year span is an immense credit to the man. But let’s see how Scheffler fares at Augusta after experiencing a touch of adversity to begin the year. A string of slow starts eventually ended his lengthy top-10 streak, and now he’s entering major season with just one sub-70 round in his past eight. (Scheffler also missed his Masters tune-up, the Valero Texas Open, as his wife gave birth to their second child.)

3. Bryson DeChambeau


Feb 5, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Bryson DeChambeau in action during the second round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reuters via Imagn ImagesFeb 5, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Bryson DeChambeau in action during the second round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reuters via Imagn Images

In an alternate universe, we’re discussing DeChambeau as the defending champ this week. He’s grown better at Augusta with wisdom and reps, but in 2025 he wilted late and turned an early lead on Sunday into a disappointing T5. The face of LIV Golf couldn’t ask for better pre-Masters results, winning back-to-back weeks in Singapore and South Africa. 

Does it translate into a DeChambeau dub? (Imagine the YouTube content he could make …)

4. Patrick Reed

Apr 13, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrick Reed plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn ImagesApr 13, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrick Reed plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

You’re forgiven if you’ve lost track of Reed since he went to LIV. 

He has actually left LIV and in his best form since 2018, when Captain America donned his green jacket. Playing a DP World Tour schedule before his inevitable return to the PGA, Reed went win-T2-win in a three-start stretch this winter. He’s finding greens, making putts and returning to one of his best courses (five Masters top-10s, including third last year). That’s someone who can shake up a weekend leaderboard.

5. Tommy Fleetwood

There’s a number of ways we can go with the final spot to meet our self-imposed limit of five. Jon Rahm? Owner of a green jacket and the best form on LIV Golf apart from DeChambeau. Brooks Koepka? A five-time major winner, sure, but he’s in pretty “meh” form in his first year back on the PGA Tour. Jordan Spieth? If he can just go out in 30 on Sunday …

I’m going to zag and take Fleetwood, arguably the third-best player on the PGA Tour and certainly the best player without a major title. Fleetwood never had a signature win until his breakthrough at the 2025 Tour Championship. But he has top-fived at every major, including T3 at Augusta in 2024. Watch what the consistent Englishman does this week. It may be his time.

#Top #Players #Watch #Masters #Tiger #Woods #Phil #Mickelson #Deadspin.com">Top Five Players To Watch at the Masters Without Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson | Deadspin.com  Mar 5, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Rory McIlroy walks on the 14th green during the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images   When the Masters tees off Thursday, neither Tiger Woods nor Phil Mickelson will be present at Augusta National for the first time since 1994.There’s something symbolic about the two best players of their generation, now in their 50s, being simultaneously absent. It isn’t goodbye forever — Mickelson, for example, is out as he attends to a private family health matter, but he has rarely factored into the majors since the LIV Golf schism.As for Woods, well, that’s another column. His fourth car accident and subsequent vow to seek treatment for recurrent painkiller abuse has engendered pity and exhaustion of patience in equal measure.But the younger generation(s) of golfers have taken over, and the spotlight at the year’s first major will focus on them even more without Woods or Mickelson walking the property.Let’s rank the five biggest names to watch at the Masters — not necessarily in terms of their odds to win, but the five whose play this week could shape both the leaderboard and the storylines that follow.1. Rory McIlroyHow do you follow up a career-defining, stomach-turning, all-time Masters triumph that vanquished a 10-year major drought and earned you the career Grand Slam? How about by winning another? Anything McIlroy does this week will be headline news; he’s the main character in a way Woods and few others have experienced. McIlroy’s stumbling block may be the back tweak he picked up at the Arnold Palmer; he hasn’t competed since going four rounds at The Players Championship, where he never shot better than 71.2. Scottie Scheffler Jan 25, 2026; La Quinta, California, USA; Scottie Scheffler hits his tee shot on the sixth hole during the final round of The American Express golf tournament at Pete Dye Stadium Course. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images   The fact that the 2022 and 2024 Masters champ won 20 PGA Tour events in a four-year span is an immense credit to the man. But let’s see how Scheffler fares at Augusta after experiencing a touch of adversity to begin the year. A string of slow starts eventually ended his lengthy top-10 streak, and now he’s entering major season with just one sub-70 round in his past eight. (Scheffler also missed his Masters tune-up, the Valero Texas Open, as his wife gave birth to their second child.)3. Bryson DeChambeau Feb 5, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Bryson DeChambeau in action during the second round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reuters via Imagn Images    In an alternate universe, we’re discussing DeChambeau as the defending champ this week. He’s grown better at Augusta with wisdom and reps, but in 2025 he wilted late and turned an early lead on Sunday into a disappointing T5. The face of LIV Golf couldn’t ask for better pre-Masters results, winning back-to-back weeks in Singapore and South Africa. Does it translate into a DeChambeau dub? (Imagine the YouTube content he could make …)4. Patrick Reed Apr 13, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrick Reed plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images   You’re forgiven if you’ve lost track of Reed since he went to LIV. He has actually left LIV and in his best form since 2018, when Captain America donned his green jacket. Playing a DP World Tour schedule before his inevitable return to the PGA, Reed went win-T2-win in a three-start stretch this winter. He’s finding greens, making putts and returning to one of his best courses (five Masters top-10s, including third last year). That’s someone who can shake up a weekend leaderboard.5. Tommy FleetwoodThere’s a number of ways we can go with the final spot to meet our self-imposed limit of five. Jon Rahm? Owner of a green jacket and the best form on LIV Golf apart from DeChambeau. Brooks Koepka? A five-time major winner, sure, but he’s in pretty “meh” form in his first year back on the PGA Tour. Jordan Spieth? If he can just go out in 30 on Sunday …I’m going to zag and take Fleetwood, arguably the third-best player on the PGA Tour and certainly the best player without a major title. Fleetwood never had a signature win until his breakthrough at the 2025 Tour Championship. But he has top-fived at every major, including T3 at Augusta in 2024. Watch what the consistent Englishman does this week. It may be his time.   #Top #Players #Watch #Masters #Tiger #Woods #Phil #Mickelson #Deadspin.com

His fourth car accident and subsequent vow to seek treatment for recurrent painkiller abuse has engendered pity and exhaustion of patience in equal measure.

But the younger generation(s) of golfers have taken over, and the spotlight at the year’s first major will focus on them even more without Woods or Mickelson walking the property.

Let’s rank the five biggest names to watch at the Masters — not necessarily in terms of their odds to win, but the five whose play this week could shape both the leaderboard and the storylines that follow.

1. Rory McIlroy

How do you follow up a career-defining, stomach-turning, all-time Masters triumph that vanquished a 10-year major drought and earned you the career Grand Slam? How about by winning another? Anything McIlroy does this week will be headline news; he’s the main character in a way Woods and few others have experienced. McIlroy’s stumbling block may be the back tweak he picked up at the Arnold Palmer; he hasn’t competed since going four rounds at The Players Championship, where he never shot better than 71.

2. Scottie Scheffler

Jan 25, 2026; La Quinta, California, USA; Scottie Scheffler hits his tee shot on the sixth hole during the final round of The American Express golf tournament at Pete Dye Stadium Course. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn ImagesJan 25, 2026; La Quinta, California, USA; Scottie Scheffler hits his tee shot on the sixth hole during the final round of The American Express golf tournament at Pete Dye Stadium Course. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

The fact that the 2022 and 2024 Masters champ won 20 PGA Tour events in a four-year span is an immense credit to the man. But let’s see how Scheffler fares at Augusta after experiencing a touch of adversity to begin the year. A string of slow starts eventually ended his lengthy top-10 streak, and now he’s entering major season with just one sub-70 round in his past eight. (Scheffler also missed his Masters tune-up, the Valero Texas Open, as his wife gave birth to their second child.)

3. Bryson DeChambeau


Feb 5, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Bryson DeChambeau in action during the second round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reuters via Imagn ImagesFeb 5, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Bryson DeChambeau in action during the second round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reuters via Imagn Images

In an alternate universe, we’re discussing DeChambeau as the defending champ this week. He’s grown better at Augusta with wisdom and reps, but in 2025 he wilted late and turned an early lead on Sunday into a disappointing T5. The face of LIV Golf couldn’t ask for better pre-Masters results, winning back-to-back weeks in Singapore and South Africa. 

Does it translate into a DeChambeau dub? (Imagine the YouTube content he could make …)

4. Patrick Reed

Apr 13, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrick Reed plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn ImagesApr 13, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrick Reed plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

You’re forgiven if you’ve lost track of Reed since he went to LIV. 

He has actually left LIV and in his best form since 2018, when Captain America donned his green jacket. Playing a DP World Tour schedule before his inevitable return to the PGA, Reed went win-T2-win in a three-start stretch this winter. He’s finding greens, making putts and returning to one of his best courses (five Masters top-10s, including third last year). That’s someone who can shake up a weekend leaderboard.

5. Tommy Fleetwood

There’s a number of ways we can go with the final spot to meet our self-imposed limit of five. Jon Rahm? Owner of a green jacket and the best form on LIV Golf apart from DeChambeau. Brooks Koepka? A five-time major winner, sure, but he’s in pretty “meh” form in his first year back on the PGA Tour. Jordan Spieth? If he can just go out in 30 on Sunday …

I’m going to zag and take Fleetwood, arguably the third-best player on the PGA Tour and certainly the best player without a major title. Fleetwood never had a signature win until his breakthrough at the 2025 Tour Championship. But he has top-fived at every major, including T3 at Augusta in 2024. Watch what the consistent Englishman does this week. It may be his time.

#Top #Players #Watch #Masters #Tiger #Woods #Phil #Mickelson #Deadspin.com">Top Five Players To Watch at the Masters Without Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson | Deadspin.com
Top Five Players To Watch at the Masters Without Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson | Deadspin.com  Mar 5, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Rory McIlroy walks on the 14th green during the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images   When the Masters tees off Thursday, neither Tiger Woods nor Phil Mickelson will be present at Augusta National for the first time since 1994.There’s something symbolic about the two best players of their generation, now in their 50s, being simultaneously absent. It isn’t goodbye forever — Mickelson, for example, is out as he attends to a private family health matter, but he has rarely factored into the majors since the LIV Golf schism.As for Woods, well, that’s another column. His fourth car accident and subsequent vow to seek treatment for recurrent painkiller abuse has engendered pity and exhaustion of patience in equal measure.But the younger generation(s) of golfers have taken over, and the spotlight at the year’s first major will focus on them even more without Woods or Mickelson walking the property.Let’s rank the five biggest names to watch at the Masters — not necessarily in terms of their odds to win, but the five whose play this week could shape both the leaderboard and the storylines that follow.1. Rory McIlroyHow do you follow up a career-defining, stomach-turning, all-time Masters triumph that vanquished a 10-year major drought and earned you the career Grand Slam? How about by winning another? Anything McIlroy does this week will be headline news; he’s the main character in a way Woods and few others have experienced. McIlroy’s stumbling block may be the back tweak he picked up at the Arnold Palmer; he hasn’t competed since going four rounds at The Players Championship, where he never shot better than 71.2. Scottie Scheffler Jan 25, 2026; La Quinta, California, USA; Scottie Scheffler hits his tee shot on the sixth hole during the final round of The American Express golf tournament at Pete Dye Stadium Course. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images   The fact that the 2022 and 2024 Masters champ won 20 PGA Tour events in a four-year span is an immense credit to the man. But let’s see how Scheffler fares at Augusta after experiencing a touch of adversity to begin the year. A string of slow starts eventually ended his lengthy top-10 streak, and now he’s entering major season with just one sub-70 round in his past eight. (Scheffler also missed his Masters tune-up, the Valero Texas Open, as his wife gave birth to their second child.)3. Bryson DeChambeau Feb 5, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Bryson DeChambeau in action during the second round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reuters via Imagn Images    In an alternate universe, we’re discussing DeChambeau as the defending champ this week. He’s grown better at Augusta with wisdom and reps, but in 2025 he wilted late and turned an early lead on Sunday into a disappointing T5. The face of LIV Golf couldn’t ask for better pre-Masters results, winning back-to-back weeks in Singapore and South Africa. Does it translate into a DeChambeau dub? (Imagine the YouTube content he could make …)4. Patrick Reed Apr 13, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrick Reed plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images   You’re forgiven if you’ve lost track of Reed since he went to LIV. He has actually left LIV and in his best form since 2018, when Captain America donned his green jacket. Playing a DP World Tour schedule before his inevitable return to the PGA, Reed went win-T2-win in a three-start stretch this winter. He’s finding greens, making putts and returning to one of his best courses (five Masters top-10s, including third last year). That’s someone who can shake up a weekend leaderboard.5. Tommy FleetwoodThere’s a number of ways we can go with the final spot to meet our self-imposed limit of five. Jon Rahm? Owner of a green jacket and the best form on LIV Golf apart from DeChambeau. Brooks Koepka? A five-time major winner, sure, but he’s in pretty “meh” form in his first year back on the PGA Tour. Jordan Spieth? If he can just go out in 30 on Sunday …I’m going to zag and take Fleetwood, arguably the third-best player on the PGA Tour and certainly the best player without a major title. Fleetwood never had a signature win until his breakthrough at the 2025 Tour Championship. But he has top-fived at every major, including T3 at Augusta in 2024. Watch what the consistent Englishman does this week. It may be his time.   #Top #Players #Watch #Masters #Tiger #Woods #Phil #Mickelson #Deadspin.comMar 5, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Rory McIlroy walks on the 14th green during the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

When the Masters tees off Thursday, neither Tiger Woods nor Phil Mickelson will be present at Augusta National for the first time since 1994.

There’s something symbolic about the two best players of their generation, now in their 50s, being simultaneously absent. It isn’t goodbye forever — Mickelson, for example, is out as he attends to a private family health matter, but he has rarely factored into the majors since the LIV Golf schism.

As for Woods, well, that’s another column. His fourth car accident and subsequent vow to seek treatment for recurrent painkiller abuse has engendered pity and exhaustion of patience in equal measure.

But the younger generation(s) of golfers have taken over, and the spotlight at the year’s first major will focus on them even more without Woods or Mickelson walking the property.

Let’s rank the five biggest names to watch at the Masters — not necessarily in terms of their odds to win, but the five whose play this week could shape both the leaderboard and the storylines that follow.

1. Rory McIlroy

How do you follow up a career-defining, stomach-turning, all-time Masters triumph that vanquished a 10-year major drought and earned you the career Grand Slam? How about by winning another? Anything McIlroy does this week will be headline news; he’s the main character in a way Woods and few others have experienced. McIlroy’s stumbling block may be the back tweak he picked up at the Arnold Palmer; he hasn’t competed since going four rounds at The Players Championship, where he never shot better than 71.

2. Scottie Scheffler

Jan 25, 2026; La Quinta, California, USA; Scottie Scheffler hits his tee shot on the sixth hole during the final round of The American Express golf tournament at Pete Dye Stadium Course. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn ImagesJan 25, 2026; La Quinta, California, USA; Scottie Scheffler hits his tee shot on the sixth hole during the final round of The American Express golf tournament at Pete Dye Stadium Course. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

The fact that the 2022 and 2024 Masters champ won 20 PGA Tour events in a four-year span is an immense credit to the man. But let’s see how Scheffler fares at Augusta after experiencing a touch of adversity to begin the year. A string of slow starts eventually ended his lengthy top-10 streak, and now he’s entering major season with just one sub-70 round in his past eight. (Scheffler also missed his Masters tune-up, the Valero Texas Open, as his wife gave birth to their second child.)

3. Bryson DeChambeau


Feb 5, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Bryson DeChambeau in action during the second round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reuters via Imagn ImagesFeb 5, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Bryson DeChambeau in action during the second round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reuters via Imagn Images

In an alternate universe, we’re discussing DeChambeau as the defending champ this week. He’s grown better at Augusta with wisdom and reps, but in 2025 he wilted late and turned an early lead on Sunday into a disappointing T5. The face of LIV Golf couldn’t ask for better pre-Masters results, winning back-to-back weeks in Singapore and South Africa. 

Does it translate into a DeChambeau dub? (Imagine the YouTube content he could make …)

4. Patrick Reed

Apr 13, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrick Reed plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn ImagesApr 13, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrick Reed plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

You’re forgiven if you’ve lost track of Reed since he went to LIV. 

He has actually left LIV and in his best form since 2018, when Captain America donned his green jacket. Playing a DP World Tour schedule before his inevitable return to the PGA, Reed went win-T2-win in a three-start stretch this winter. He’s finding greens, making putts and returning to one of his best courses (five Masters top-10s, including third last year). That’s someone who can shake up a weekend leaderboard.

5. Tommy Fleetwood

There’s a number of ways we can go with the final spot to meet our self-imposed limit of five. Jon Rahm? Owner of a green jacket and the best form on LIV Golf apart from DeChambeau. Brooks Koepka? A five-time major winner, sure, but he’s in pretty “meh” form in his first year back on the PGA Tour. Jordan Spieth? If he can just go out in 30 on Sunday …

I’m going to zag and take Fleetwood, arguably the third-best player on the PGA Tour and certainly the best player without a major title. Fleetwood never had a signature win until his breakthrough at the 2025 Tour Championship. But he has top-fived at every major, including T3 at Augusta in 2024. Watch what the consistent Englishman does this week. It may be his time.

#Top #Players #Watch #Masters #Tiger #Woods #Phil #Mickelson #Deadspin.com

Post Comment