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There is no hotter team in the NHL than the Florida Panthers, who have won eight straight games.
It's the third-longest winning streak in franchise history.
Meanwhile, not yet halfway through the season, the Los Angeles Kings -- who are set to visit the Panthers Thursday in Sunrise, Fla. -- have already experienced record highs and deflating lows.
On Dec. 7, the Kings set an NHL record with their 11th consecutive road win to start a season.
Yet, just a little over one month later, the Kings are mired in a six-game losing streak that is their longest skid since they had an identical string of losses in October 2021.
"We'll figure a way out," Kings coach Todd McLellan said of the losing streak that includes Tuesday's 3-2 overtime defeat at the Tampa Bay Lightning. "I don't think our confidence is just lost. You play yourself into confidence."
The Kings, who haven't won a playoff series since 2014, are led by goalie Cam Talbot, who has been named an All-Star for the second time in his career.
Talbot is 14-9-4 despite four straight losses. His goals-against average is 2.20.
Talbot, 36, is one of three key Kings older veterans, a group that includes captain Anze Kopitar, 36, and 34-year-old defenseman Drew Doughty.
Kopitar and Doughty are both first-round picks who have spent their entire careers with the Kings - a combined 34 years in the NHL.
Both have won a pair of Stanley Cup titles. Both are five-time All-Stars.
Kopitar is still relevant with 14 goals and 22 assists in 37 games. He has twice won the Selke award as the NHL's top defensive forward.
Doughty leads Kings skaters in average ice time - by a wide margin - and he is still considered a shut-down defender. He won the Norris Trophy in 2016 as the NHL's top defenseman.
The Panthers, who beat the host St. Louis Blues 5-1 on Tuesday, are expected to start goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (20-9-1, 2.45 GAA) on Thursday.
Two of the Panthers' key forwards are Sam Reinhart and Matthew Tkachuk.
Reinhart on Tuesday scored his 29th goal of the season and has 11 tallies during Florida's current win streak. Reinhart is on a roughly 60-goal pace, and that would blow away his career high of 33 goals, set in 2021-22.
Tkachuk scored a hat trick on Tuesday. It was the first multi-goal game of the season for Tkachuk, who has scored 11 times.
That is in stark contrast to his past two years, when he scored at least 40 goals each time.
The good news for Tkachuk is that he scored six goals and dished six assists in the just-completed, four-game Panthers road trip.
"I guess I was just waiting to get to 2024," Tkachuk said. "I haven't changed anything except maybe trying to get to the net more. But I haven't changed my routine."
Tkachuk spent some of his formative years in St. Louis - from age 3 until the ninth grade. His father, former NHL standout Keith Tkachuk, was traded to the St. Louis Blues in 2001, which is why Tuesday was extra special for Matthew and his family.
"Good for him," Panthers coach Paul Maurice said about Tkachuk's hat trick and four-game goal-scoring streak. "He's on a ripper now."
- Field Level Media
More must-reads:
- Is Kirill Kaprizov worth a record-setting contract?
- Report: Giannis Antetokounmpo still mulling exit from Bucks
- The 'NFL mascot names' quiz
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TODAY'S BEST
Leafs’ Nick Robertson Linked to 2 Teams In New Trade Talks
Despite signing a new deal and avoiding an arbitration hearing, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson continues to be the subject of trade speculation. The latest comes from Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts podcast, where he’s got Robertson linked to the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Columbus Blue Jackets. According to Friedman, Robertson’s situation “probably doesn’t go away for a while.” Could Robertson Go to the Penguins? Friedman first discussed the Robertson to Pittsburgh connection, pointing to the obvious link with Penguins President Kyle Dubas. It would make sense that Dubas might be keeping an eye on what happens with Robertson in Toronto. While he avoided arbitration by signing a one-year, $1.825 million deal, he’s not out of the woods yet when it comes to a trade. Friedman reports that the Leafs need to move someone as they have a surplus of forwards and are still dealing with a tight salary cap situation. “He’s a guy people are watching closely,” Friedman said. “There’s interest. It just depends on fit and what Toronto is looking for in return.” What About Robertson to the Blue Jackets? Meanwhile, Columbus fans are wondering whether a one-for-one deal involving Yegor Chinakhov and Robertson could make sense. Friedman says he’s heard and understands the connection, but suggested the Maple Leafs may need to offer more. He doesn’t believe a one-for-one moves the needle for Columbus. Chinakhov has requested a trade, but the Blue Jackets know what he is: a skilled 23-year-old winger who can score. He posted seven goals in 30 games last season and has shown flashes of top-six upside. While nothing is imminent, Toronto GM Brad Treliving is believed to be exploring more trade options and Friedman said his sources think there is at least one more move coming before the puck drops to open the 2025-26 season. Interestingly, the Leafs have still been linked to unsigned free agent Jack Roslovic—another player Friedman noted as being on multiple teams’ radar. At least five or six teams remain in conversation with the forward and his agent. Ultimately, whether it’s Pittsburgh, Columbus, the trade chatter surrounding Nick Robertson is unlikely to simmer down anytime soon. The Leafs are still tweaking their roster, and a now-signed Robertson could be a key piece in whatever move they have coming.
Brewers issue update on Jackson Chourio rehab timeline
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio was tearing it up in July before he strained his hamstring legging out a triple. He was placed on the injured list, and it only got worse from there. Less than 24 hours later, manager Pat Murphy said Chourio would be out beyond the 10-day minimum and possibly at least a month. On Saturday, beat reporter Curt Hogg shed another tidbit of light on the slugger’s timetable. It’s not necessarily worse news, but Hogg’s update probably does not illuminate much. Fans already knew Chourio was going to be out a while after Friday’s report, so this latest info isn’t surprising. It isn’t all that encouraging, either. It certainly suggests no expedited return schedule. Not to make assumptions, but the emphasis on the location of the damage versus evaluating its severity seems to indicate the Brewers are just hoping Chourio avoided a worse-case scenario. In that case, caution would indeed be first in the order of operations. Only after ascertaining clarity would it make sense to seriously estimate a recovery timetable. That he won’t be ready to immediately resume baseball workouts further points to a slow, methodical recovery process. For however long he remains out, the lineup will miss him badly. Chourio’s 17 home runs rank second on the team behind Christian Yelich, as do his 67 RBI. His .786 OPS leads the offense among qualified hitters. In 90 at-bats in July, he hit .367/.408/.600. The Brewers are resilient everywhere, but without one of their few genuine power threats and hottest bats, plus an everyday outfielder, they are courting a potential offensive slump. The most fans can hope for from Chourio is that he returns fully healthy by the first week of September. Until then, Blake Perkins and trade pickup Brandon Lockridge should see plenty of playing time while Yelich takes more reps in the outfield after getting most of his at-bats this season as the designated hitter.
Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love’s ‘Fiery’ Response to Wife’s Take on Franchise’s Timeless Tradition
25-time Grammy winner's sports agency blasts Jerry Jones for 'comical' comment
The Dallas Cowboys may have 99 problems, and the way owner Jerry Jones handles contract negotiations could be considered a big one. Jones spoke with the media Saturday regarding Micah Parsons' contract situation. The EDGE, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, has requested a trade. The 82-year-old owner clarified the Cowboys have no plans to trade Parsons. While discussing negotiations, Jones took an unprovoked jab at former Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant and his agent, rapper Jay-Z. "When we have a problem within the team and a player, I don't ever find the agent. He's nowhere to be found," Jones said. "...Jay-Z and I negotiated [Bryant's contract in 2015], spent hours. He said, 'Anybody in my organization is on time.' He said, 'My office used to be on the street corner, and I've always been early. So, they will be on time.' And I said, 'Where do I sign? But I'm going to call you.' Finally, he quit taking my call." The 25-time Grammy winner's sports agency, Roc Nation, took issue with Jones' comment. In a statement released on X Sunday, it denied his claim, calling it "comical." This is yet another example of Jones prioritizing attention when he should be focused on extending two-time first-team All-Pro Parsons. The Cowboys often delay deals for their stars. The team signed Bryant to a five-year, $70M deal in July 2015, just before the deadline to extend players with a franchise tag. Last season, Dallas signed quarterback Dak Prescott to a four-year, $240M contract ahead of its season opener against the Cleveland Browns. The team's procrastination often leaves it paying even more for star players and wastes valuable time. Parsons is still with the team at training camp in Oxnard, Calif., but isn't participating. He likely wants a contract that's similar to that of Pittsburgh Steelers EDGE T.J. Watt (three years, $123M). The pass-rusher is the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. Jones' methods are one reason the Cowboys haven't won a Super Bowl since the 1995 season. Jay-Z should mention that if he wants to write a single that includes a lyric about the owner.
Marlins troll Yankees with fitting song amid series sweep
The Miami Marlins turned to good ol’ Neil Diamond to clown on the New York Yankees during their impressive weekend triumph. Miami pulled off an improbable three-game series sweep of the Yankees on Sunday with a 7-3 win at LoanDepot Park in Miami. It marked the sixth consecutive series victory for the Marlins as well as their first-ever three-game sweep of the Yankees in franchise history. As Sunday’s game was nearing the end, the Marlins decided to have some fun. With the Yankees down to their last three outs entering the top of the ninth inning, “Sweet Caroline” began loudly playing inside the ballpark. Here is a video: Of course, “Sweet Caroline” is an anthem of the Boston Red Sox, the hated rivals of the Yankees. The song plays in the eighth inning of every game at Fenway Park. Fittingly enough, the 62-51 Red Sox are officially now ahead of the Yankees in the AL East standings (thanks to the Yankees’ brutal weekend against the Marlins putting them at 60-52). The Yankees only had themselves to blame for their poor weekend showing, piling on several more embarrassing mental mistakes during the series. As for the Marlins though, they are quickly looking like one of the best stories of the second half. After sitting at a dismal 25-41 in mid-June, Miami is suddenly a .500 team again at 55-55 and it has clawed to within 5.5 games back of a wild-card spot in the NL.
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