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Deadspin | Resurgent Sharks, amid turnaround season, challenge Golden Knights

Deadspin | Resurgent Sharks, amid turnaround season, challenge Golden Knights

Jan 10, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) skates to the bench for a line change against the Dallas Stars during the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

Led by dynamic 19-year-old center Macklin Celebrini, the San Jose Sharks have been one of the top turnaround stories of the NHL season.

San Jose, which finished just 20-50-12 and with a league-worst 52 points last season, goes into its game on Sunday against visiting Vegas in third place in the Pacific Division with a 23-18-3 record and 49 points, just three points behind the first-place Golden Knights and two points behind second-place Edmonton.

The Sharks have won six of their last seven games, including back-to-back come-from-behind overtime victories at Los Angeles on Wednesday and over the Dallas Stars on Saturday. They appear to have a legitimate chance of making the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2019.

“We like playing good teams, and we like beating good teams, because we’re a good team,” forward Adam Gaudette said.

Now comes perhaps the biggest test of the season for San Jose.

The Golden Knights scored five first-period goals en route to a 7-2 victory over the Sharks in their last meeting on Dec. 23 in Las Vegas. They Knights’ point streak against the Sharks stands at 12 games.

Still, thanks to the play of Celebrini, who is third in the NHL in scoring behind only superstars Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid with 70 points, and a three-game win streak, the Sharks are a confident group heading the Sunday contest.

“There’s a big belief in that dressing room right now that we can win hockey games, and we can play with the best of them,” San Jose coach Ryan Warsofsky said. “That’s the biggest thing we’re seeing now, is belief.”

The Sharks twice overcame two-goal deficits against Dallas, which is tied with the Minnesota Wild for the second-most points (61) in the league. Tyler Toffoli won it with a one-timer from the high slot 1:58 into overtime. Celebrini picked up his third assist on the play.

“Even going into the third period (trailing 3-2), you felt like we were going to win the hockey game,” Warsofsky said. “That was the expectation … and we went out and did that.”

Asked if the Sharks could carry the momentum into Vegas game, Warsofsky replied simply, “I hope so.”

The Golden Knights also bring in a three-game winning streak and come in off a 4-2 win over visiting St. Louis on Saturday night.

Mark Stone sealed the win for Vegas with a long empty-netter to tie the team record with a goal in his seventh straight game, Mitch Marner had a goal and an assist in his 700th career game, and Shea Theodore scored what proved to be the game-winner in his first game back since suffering an upper-body injury on Dec. 13.

“It’s always nice to score, and to get one your first game back is something that I’m going to try to build on,” Theodore said.

Theodore roofed a wrist shot from the middle of the right circle over the left shoulder of St. Louis goalie Jordan Binnington.

“Liked his game,” Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy said of Theodore. “We’re a way better team when he’s in the lineup. He’s a world-class player. It’s good to have him back.”

-Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Resurgent #Sharks #turnaround #season #challenge #Golden #Knights

Homelessness ‌advocates and hotel workers rallied outside the FIFA ​Congress in Vancouver on Thursday, criticising the city’s ⁠preparations for the upcoming World Cup and warning that vulnerable residents and workers are being ignored.

Protesters from an anti-FIFA coalition said a ‌displacement of homeless people had already begun, citing street sweeps, restrictions on tents and the loss of ‌belongings.

They demanded no police sweeps of encampments or World ‌Cup-related ⁠escalations and criticised Vancouver’s February human-rights action plan ⁠related to the tournament as weak and lacking firm commitments.

“There’s a lot of anxiety and fear in the community about what’s going to happen ​with the FIFA games,” Fiona ‌York, a community advocate, told Reuters.

York said many unhoused residents fear a repeat of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, when people remember intensified displacement and policing. She argued that ‌money being spent on the tournament could instead support ​shelters, tiny homes, or safe places for people living in vehicles.

ALSO READ | Protesters urge FIFA to ban Iran from World Cup

“Right now there’s already a crisis ⁠and there’s a big fear that it’s going to get even worse,” she said.

The marchers were joined by hotel workers ‌from Unite Here Local 40 outside the Pan Pacific Hotel, where FIFA Congress delegates were reportedly staying.

Union spokesperson Michelle Travis said soaring hotel prices are not resulting in better pay for workers, many of whom must commute long distances because they cannot afford to live in Vancouver.

The protesters called ‌for FIFA and event organisers to ensure the World Cup does not ​worsen homelessness, displacement, or worker hardship – and suggested a “FIFA dividend” to return money to affected communities.

“Folks ⁠love FIFA, they love soccer, but they also want to make ⁠sure that these events aren’t pushing people out, whether they work in the hotels, whether they’re on ‌the streets,” she said.

“They want to see FIFA contribute if they’re going to be here.”

Vancouver hosts the first of ​its seven World Cup matches on June 13.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Advocates #homeless #hotel #workers #protest #FIFA #Congress #Vancouver">Advocates for homeless, hotel workers protest outside FIFA Congress in Vancouver  Homelessness ‌advocates and hotel workers rallied outside the FIFA ​Congress in Vancouver on Thursday, criticising the city’s ⁠preparations for the upcoming World Cup and warning that vulnerable residents and workers are being ignored.Protesters from an anti-FIFA coalition said a ‌displacement of homeless people had already begun, citing street sweeps, restrictions on tents and the loss of ‌belongings.They demanded no police sweeps of encampments or World ‌Cup-related ⁠escalations and criticised Vancouver’s February human-rights action plan ⁠related to the tournament as weak and lacking firm commitments.“There’s a lot of anxiety and fear in the community about what’s going to happen ​with the FIFA games,” Fiona ‌York, a community advocate, told        Reuters.York said many unhoused residents fear a repeat of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, when people remember intensified displacement and policing. She argued that ‌money being spent on the tournament could instead support ​shelters, tiny homes, or safe places for people living in vehicles.ALSO READ | Protesters urge FIFA to ban Iran from World Cup“Right now there’s already a crisis ⁠and there’s a big fear that it’s going to get even worse,” she said.The marchers were joined by hotel workers ‌from Unite Here Local 40 outside the Pan Pacific Hotel, where FIFA Congress delegates were reportedly staying.Union spokesperson Michelle Travis said soaring hotel prices are not resulting in better pay for workers, many of whom must commute long distances because they cannot afford to live in Vancouver.The protesters called ‌for FIFA and event organisers to ensure the World Cup does not ​worsen homelessness, displacement, or worker hardship – and suggested a “FIFA dividend” to return money to affected communities.“Folks ⁠love FIFA, they love soccer, but they also want to make ⁠sure that these events aren’t pushing people out, whether they work in the hotels, whether they’re on ‌the streets,” she said.“They want to see FIFA contribute if they’re going to be here.”Vancouver hosts the first of ​its seven World Cup matches on June 13.Published on May 01, 2026  #Advocates #homeless #hotel #workers #protest #FIFA #Congress #Vancouver

Protesters urge FIFA to ban Iran from World Cup

“Right now there’s already a crisis ⁠and there’s a big fear that it’s going to get even worse,” she said.

The marchers were joined by hotel workers ‌from Unite Here Local 40 outside the Pan Pacific Hotel, where FIFA Congress delegates were reportedly staying.

Union spokesperson Michelle Travis said soaring hotel prices are not resulting in better pay for workers, many of whom must commute long distances because they cannot afford to live in Vancouver.

The protesters called ‌for FIFA and event organisers to ensure the World Cup does not ​worsen homelessness, displacement, or worker hardship – and suggested a “FIFA dividend” to return money to affected communities.

“Folks ⁠love FIFA, they love soccer, but they also want to make ⁠sure that these events aren’t pushing people out, whether they work in the hotels, whether they’re on ‌the streets,” she said.

“They want to see FIFA contribute if they’re going to be here.”

Vancouver hosts the first of ​its seven World Cup matches on June 13.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Advocates #homeless #hotel #workers #protest #FIFA #Congress #Vancouver">Advocates for homeless, hotel workers protest outside FIFA Congress in Vancouver

Homelessness ‌advocates and hotel workers rallied outside the FIFA ​Congress in Vancouver on Thursday, criticising the city’s ⁠preparations for the upcoming World Cup and warning that vulnerable residents and workers are being ignored.

Protesters from an anti-FIFA coalition said a ‌displacement of homeless people had already begun, citing street sweeps, restrictions on tents and the loss of ‌belongings.

They demanded no police sweeps of encampments or World ‌Cup-related ⁠escalations and criticised Vancouver’s February human-rights action plan ⁠related to the tournament as weak and lacking firm commitments.

“There’s a lot of anxiety and fear in the community about what’s going to happen ​with the FIFA games,” Fiona ‌York, a community advocate, told Reuters.

York said many unhoused residents fear a repeat of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, when people remember intensified displacement and policing. She argued that ‌money being spent on the tournament could instead support ​shelters, tiny homes, or safe places for people living in vehicles.

ALSO READ | Protesters urge FIFA to ban Iran from World Cup

“Right now there’s already a crisis ⁠and there’s a big fear that it’s going to get even worse,” she said.

The marchers were joined by hotel workers ‌from Unite Here Local 40 outside the Pan Pacific Hotel, where FIFA Congress delegates were reportedly staying.

Union spokesperson Michelle Travis said soaring hotel prices are not resulting in better pay for workers, many of whom must commute long distances because they cannot afford to live in Vancouver.

The protesters called ‌for FIFA and event organisers to ensure the World Cup does not ​worsen homelessness, displacement, or worker hardship – and suggested a “FIFA dividend” to return money to affected communities.

“Folks ⁠love FIFA, they love soccer, but they also want to make ⁠sure that these events aren’t pushing people out, whether they work in the hotels, whether they’re on ‌the streets,” she said.

“They want to see FIFA contribute if they’re going to be here.”

Vancouver hosts the first of ​its seven World Cup matches on June 13.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Advocates #homeless #hotel #workers #protest #FIFA #Congress #Vancouver
Deadspin | D-backs’ Eduardo Rodriguez aspires for more road success in clash vs. Brewers    Apr 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) throws against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images   The Arizona Diamondbacks will look for left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez to continue his road success on Wednesday night when the team continues its three-game series the Milwaukee Brewers.  Rodriguez (2-0, 2.89 ERA) will oppose Milwaukee right-hander Brandon Sproat (0-1, 6.45).  The Brewers pounded out 15 hits and capitalized on six walks for a 13-2 victory in the series opener on Tuesday night.   Sal Frelick jump-started Milwaukee’s offense with a leadoff homer in the second, snapping the team’s seven-game homerless streak. Milwaukee broke the game open with eight runs in the sixth inning, on eight hits — including two bunt singles — a walk and catcher’s interference.  “That’s being relentless,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said afterward. “You give up two and then you come back. That’s kind of the mentality that you want.”  Rodriguez is 1-0 with a 2.81 ERA in three road starts this season, allowing five runs in 16 innings. He won his most recent start, allowing four runs in five innings at home in an 11-7 victory over the Chicago White Sox last Wednesday.  “I thought E-Rod gave us what he could,” Arizona manager Tony Lovullo said afterward. “He gives us five innings. I think there were some mistakes today, but he made some pitches when he had to.”  Rodriguez is 0-2 with a 4.58 ERA in four career starts vs. the Brewers. He lost both starts against them last season, allowing eight runs, seven earned, in 8 2/3 innings.  Arizona’s Ildemaro Vargas singled in his final at-bat in the eighth inning Tuesday, extending his hitting streak to 24 games, including 21 this season. That ties Vargas with Steve Garvey for the fourth-longest streak in the majors to start a season since 1940. Ron LeFlore had a 30-game season-opening streak in 1976.   Vargas also is tied with Ketel Marte (2024) and Danny Bautista (2004) for the third-longest streak in franchise history. Luis Gonzalez had a 30-game streak in 1999 and Tony Womack 24 games in 2000.  With the state of the bullpen, Lovullo said the team likely will make a pitching move Wednesday.  For Milwaukee, Sproat — making his sixth appearance and fourth start this season — is seeking his first win in the majors. He was 0-2 in four September starts last season with the Mets.  Sproat did not get a decision in his last start, allowing three runs in 5 1/3 innings in a 5-4 loss at Detroit on Thursday. Opponents are batting .275 against him, with five homers in 22 1/3 innings.  Prior to Frelick’s homer, the Brewers had just one in 11 games, including seven straight, the longest streak since a franchise-record 13 without a homer in 1999.  “We had a homer tonight. You guys know that I ordered that,” Murphy said. “I asked Sal, ‘Sal, would you do me a favor, go ahead and homer, get these guys off my back.”  Milwaukee is second from the bottom in the majors with 20 homers, one ahead of San Francisco. The Brewers got some good news on the power front, however, with injured Jackson Chourio and Andrew Vaughn slated to begin rehab assignments at Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Dbacks #Eduardo #Rodriguez #aspires #road #success #clash #BrewersApr 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) throws against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

The Arizona Diamondbacks will look for left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez to continue his road success on Wednesday night when the team continues its three-game series the Milwaukee Brewers.

Rodriguez (2-0, 2.89 ERA) will oppose Milwaukee right-hander Brandon Sproat (0-1, 6.45).

The Brewers pounded out 15 hits and capitalized on six walks for a 13-2 victory in the series opener on Tuesday night.

Sal Frelick jump-started Milwaukee’s offense with a leadoff homer in the second, snapping the team’s seven-game homerless streak. Milwaukee broke the game open with eight runs in the sixth inning, on eight hits — including two bunt singles — a walk and catcher’s interference.

“That’s being relentless,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said afterward. “You give up two and then you come back. That’s kind of the mentality that you want.”

Rodriguez is 1-0 with a 2.81 ERA in three road starts this season, allowing five runs in 16 innings. He won his most recent start, allowing four runs in five innings at home in an 11-7 victory over the Chicago White Sox last Wednesday.

“I thought E-Rod gave us what he could,” Arizona manager Tony Lovullo said afterward. “He gives us five innings. I think there were some mistakes today, but he made some pitches when he had to.”

Rodriguez is 0-2 with a 4.58 ERA in four career starts vs. the Brewers. He lost both starts against them last season, allowing eight runs, seven earned, in 8 2/3 innings.


Arizona’s Ildemaro Vargas singled in his final at-bat in the eighth inning Tuesday, extending his hitting streak to 24 games, including 21 this season. That ties Vargas with Steve Garvey for the fourth-longest streak in the majors to start a season since 1940. Ron LeFlore had a 30-game season-opening streak in 1976.

Vargas also is tied with Ketel Marte (2024) and Danny Bautista (2004) for the third-longest streak in franchise history. Luis Gonzalez had a 30-game streak in 1999 and Tony Womack 24 games in 2000.

With the state of the bullpen, Lovullo said the team likely will make a pitching move Wednesday.

For Milwaukee, Sproat — making his sixth appearance and fourth start this season — is seeking his first win in the majors. He was 0-2 in four September starts last season with the Mets.

Sproat did not get a decision in his last start, allowing three runs in 5 1/3 innings in a 5-4 loss at Detroit on Thursday. Opponents are batting .275 against him, with five homers in 22 1/3 innings.

Prior to Frelick’s homer, the Brewers had just one in 11 games, including seven straight, the longest streak since a franchise-record 13 without a homer in 1999.

“We had a homer tonight. You guys know that I ordered that,” Murphy said. “I asked Sal, ‘Sal, would you do me a favor, go ahead and homer, get these guys off my back.”

Milwaukee is second from the bottom in the majors with 20 homers, one ahead of San Francisco. The Brewers got some good news on the power front, however, with injured Jackson Chourio and Andrew Vaughn slated to begin rehab assignments at Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Dbacks #Eduardo #Rodriguez #aspires #road #success #clash #Brewers">Deadspin | D-backs’ Eduardo Rodriguez aspires for more road success in clash vs. Brewers    Apr 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) throws against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images   The Arizona Diamondbacks will look for left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez to continue his road success on Wednesday night when the team continues its three-game series the Milwaukee Brewers.  Rodriguez (2-0, 2.89 ERA) will oppose Milwaukee right-hander Brandon Sproat (0-1, 6.45).  The Brewers pounded out 15 hits and capitalized on six walks for a 13-2 victory in the series opener on Tuesday night.   Sal Frelick jump-started Milwaukee’s offense with a leadoff homer in the second, snapping the team’s seven-game homerless streak. Milwaukee broke the game open with eight runs in the sixth inning, on eight hits — including two bunt singles — a walk and catcher’s interference.  “That’s being relentless,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said afterward. “You give up two and then you come back. That’s kind of the mentality that you want.”  Rodriguez is 1-0 with a 2.81 ERA in three road starts this season, allowing five runs in 16 innings. He won his most recent start, allowing four runs in five innings at home in an 11-7 victory over the Chicago White Sox last Wednesday.  “I thought E-Rod gave us what he could,” Arizona manager Tony Lovullo said afterward. “He gives us five innings. I think there were some mistakes today, but he made some pitches when he had to.”  Rodriguez is 0-2 with a 4.58 ERA in four career starts vs. the Brewers. He lost both starts against them last season, allowing eight runs, seven earned, in 8 2/3 innings.  Arizona’s Ildemaro Vargas singled in his final at-bat in the eighth inning Tuesday, extending his hitting streak to 24 games, including 21 this season. That ties Vargas with Steve Garvey for the fourth-longest streak in the majors to start a season since 1940. Ron LeFlore had a 30-game season-opening streak in 1976.   Vargas also is tied with Ketel Marte (2024) and Danny Bautista (2004) for the third-longest streak in franchise history. Luis Gonzalez had a 30-game streak in 1999 and Tony Womack 24 games in 2000.  With the state of the bullpen, Lovullo said the team likely will make a pitching move Wednesday.  For Milwaukee, Sproat — making his sixth appearance and fourth start this season — is seeking his first win in the majors. He was 0-2 in four September starts last season with the Mets.  Sproat did not get a decision in his last start, allowing three runs in 5 1/3 innings in a 5-4 loss at Detroit on Thursday. Opponents are batting .275 against him, with five homers in 22 1/3 innings.  Prior to Frelick’s homer, the Brewers had just one in 11 games, including seven straight, the longest streak since a franchise-record 13 without a homer in 1999.  “We had a homer tonight. You guys know that I ordered that,” Murphy said. “I asked Sal, ‘Sal, would you do me a favor, go ahead and homer, get these guys off my back.”  Milwaukee is second from the bottom in the majors with 20 homers, one ahead of San Francisco. The Brewers got some good news on the power front, however, with injured Jackson Chourio and Andrew Vaughn slated to begin rehab assignments at Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Dbacks #Eduardo #Rodriguez #aspires #road #success #clash #Brewers

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