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Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb.

Panthers dominate Bruins again to take 2-1 series lead

A tight-checking, disciplined attack gave the Florida Panthers a 6-2 victory over the Boston Bruins and a 2-1 advantage in their best-of-seven second-round series on Friday. 

Watch: Panthers take control of Game 3 vs. Bruins with back-to-back power-play goals

The Florida Panthers are taking a commanding 3-0 lead over the Boston Bruins into the third period of Game 3.

Watch: Panthers strike first in physical opening period vs. Bruins

Similar to the series' first two games, Game 3 has already had its fair share of rough stuff with the teams combining for 38 first-period hits.

ESPN has big plans for Caitlin Clark's WNBA debut

Caitlin Clark is already arguably one of the most recognizable faces in sports. As such, ESPN will treat the former Iowa star's regular-season WNBA debut like the massive deal it is. 

Three stars from Thursday's NBA playoff games

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks both scored crucial road wins in their respective second-round series. Which stars shined the brightest?

Luka Doncic hands OKC first playoff loss with gutsy Game 2 effort

Doncic scored 16 points in the first quarter to jumpstart the Mavericks, ultimately finishing with 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting, including 5 of 8 from deep.

Watch: P.J. Washington records career-best playoff half for Mavericks

Needing someone to step up after dropping Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinals series against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, the Dallas Mavericks got a massive first half from P.J. Washington in Game 2.

Watch: Luka Doncic comes out blazing hot in Game 2 vs. Thunder

Doncic didn't wait long to prove that word of his demise had been greatly exaggerated.

Cavaliers punch back, blow out Celtics in Game 2

The Cleveland Cavaliers aren't backing down against the heavily favored Boston Celtics.

Watch: Cavaliers' Evan Mobley turns defense into offense in Game 2 vs. Celtics

The Cleveland Cavaliers are silencing the home crowd in Game 2 of their second-round series against the Boston Celtics.

Highlighting the toughest quarterbacks the Bears will face this season

This coming season, the Chicago Bears will be facing off with old friend Matthew Stafford, among others.

Three offseason moves the Lions must make

The defending NFC North champions have few holes to fill heading into the 2024 campaign. However, there are always areas to shore up in the offseason.

Bruins HC rips Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk following fight with David Pastrnak in 6-1 blowout

While both combatants clearly agreed upon the fight, Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery took issue with punches from Tkachuk that may have come well after the brouhaha was technically over.

MVP Nikola Jokic reveals how long he plans to play in the NBA

Nuggets star Nikola Jokic solidified a future spot in the Hall of Fame on Wednesday after being named the NBA's MVP for the third time in his career. However, when reflecting on another incredible accolade, the six-time All-Star revealed an interesting tidbit about how long he plans to keep playing. 

Hall of Famer isn't happy about Nikola Jokic winning NBA MVP Award

Shaquille O'Neal wasn't bashful about sharing his displeasure on this one.

With Paul Skenes to make first MLB start, how have No. 1 picks fared in their debuts?

On Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Pirates called up the top pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, starting pitcher Paul Skenes, who will make his first major league start Saturday against the Chicago Cubs. 

Three offseason moves the Bears must make

The Chicago Bears can't rest on their laurels just because they crushed the 2024 NFL Draft.

Three offseason moves the Vikings must make

Here are three moves the Minnesota Vikings must make ahead of the 2024 season. 

NFC North check-in: Most, least improved position groups post-draft

Checking in with the NFC North following the 2024 NFL Draft.

Watch: David Pastrnak's OT winner helps Bruins survive Leafs

The Boston Bruins won't blow another 3-1 series lead. On Saturday, they prevailed 2-1 in an overtime thriller over the Toronto Maple Leafs thanks to an incredible backhand goal by star winger David Pastrnak.  

Luis Arraez makes history in Padres debut

Less than 24 hours after trading away two-time batting champion Luis Arraez to the San Diego Padres, the move isn't looking so hot for the Miami Marlins.

Controversial call brings rain-delayed White Sox-Cardinals game to abrupt end

Umpire C.B. Bucknor is in the spotlight again for all the wrong reasons. 

Photo finish at 150th Kentucky Derby marred by controversy

Mystik Dan won by photo finish at the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, but the historic moment didn't come without controversy. 

Recent hot streak could be a good omen for Twins

The 2024 MLB season is still in its infancy, and dissecting a team's performance in May is usually a futile exercise. However, the red-hot Minnesota Twins are not only the talk of baseball, but their recent play has fans dreaming of October. 

Caitlin Clark's strong WNBA debut dismisses concerns about transition to pros

NCAA's all-time leading scorer and WNBA No. 1 pick Caitlin Clark made her unofficial pro debut Friday in the Indiana Fever's exhibition loss to the Dallas Wings, 79-76.