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After scoring the game-winning goal as a gift to himself on his 28th birthday to lead the Edmonton Oilers to a 1-0 win over the Los Angeles Kings, Oilers captain Connor McDavid was interviewed by Gene Principe. The interview partially reflected on his past year and his future ambitions – both personal and professional.
Principe asked McDavid to touch on last season’s highs (including coming so close in the Stanley Cup Final). Not surprisingly, McDavid was optimistic about his team’s chances. He was also determined to take the Oilers to even greater success during his 28th year. That means the Stanley Cup.
McDavid’s past season was filled with both personal and professional achievements. He became the fourth player to put up 100 assists in a single NHL season. With that milestone, he joined Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Bobby Orr. That’s pretty heady company.
As noted, his leadership also helped guide the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final last year. While it was a huge step forward for the team, there’s more to gain. McDavid also married his longtime partner, Lauren Kyle, which added to a year full of joyous moments.
For McDavid, A Defensive Mindset Brings “Bigger and Better Things”
McDavid knows that if the Oilers are to win the Stanley Cup, they must become a defensively responsible team. That means patience and discipline and a change to their playing style. Their recent win over the Kings showed they can shift to a move physical and defensively sound approach.
McDavid’s physical play led to a critical 4-on-4 sequence and his game-winning goal. If McDavid can lead through a shift in his playing style, others will be willing to do whatever it takes to win.
Looking Ahead for McDavid and the Oilers
McDavid was asked about his 2024 year and all of the things that happened in his life. When prodded for comment on 2025, it was clear he wasn’t satisfied.
As McDavid enters his 28th year, he and the Oilers strive for even greater success. With his eyes on “bigger and better things,” McDavid could be on the verge of solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s greatest talents and as a Stanley Cup champion. If his evolution continues, this season could be the one that defines both his career and the future of the Oilers.
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Canadiens face roster issue as NHL insider reveals worrying update
The Montreal Canadiens have not extended Lane Hutson's contract, and the latest update is not positive. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the negotiations have not advanced, and he suggests both parties need a break. "I think this negotiation has gotten very emotional, and I think everybody needs a timeout," Friedman said on his podcast. On Monday, Hutson, 21, said he wants to stay in Montreal but is leaving the negotiations to his agent. He also stated the team's front office has work to do. "I try to stay pretty hands off. Of course I want to be here, who wouldn’t? So it’s all about just working out some kinks. My agents have a job to do, and so does management here," said Hutson. Why the Canadiens must extend Lane Hutson without delay Whatever the problem, the Canadiens need to give in. A long-term deal fixes the cost of a defensive pillar like Hutson and would protect them against inflation if he plays well. Closing the deal now would avoid distractions and mixed messages. A young pillar needs stability to focus on his role. The worst for Montreal would be a short contract next season. That would empower the player after a breakout and complicate the salary cap. Hutson's ceiling as a power-play quarterback is hard to replace. The Canadiens should pay for that upside now, not later. It is too early to assume the Canadiens will lose Hutson, but the mere possibility is a major danger signal. The young player is key for Montreal, as he reduces first-pass errors and breaks high pressure with diagonal supports. His ability to turn under the forecheck turns defensive possessions into attacks with numerical advantage. Hutson often drives and fixes markers on the blueline to create controlled entries, sustaining long cycles and improving shot quality. With him on ice, the team attacks in an organized way instead of with disordered counterattacks. It's rare that Montreal hesitates at this point. His value in five to eight years will far exceed the current cost. An extension would signal a stable project. Doubts do the opposite.
North Carolina reportedly considering nuclear option with Bill Belichick, and that's justified
Former Yankees, Mariners prospect hospitalized following motorcycle crash
Jesús Montero failed to develop into the baseball star that some thought he might, despite repeatedly appearing on preseason top prospect rankings. The former New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners catcher failed to capitalize on that potential and turn it into a long career. Once viewed as New York's "catcher of the future," Montero played in just 226 games during his five-year MLB career. His last professional appearance came during the 2020-21 Venezuelan Winter League, where he went 0-for-17 at the plate with six strikeouts. Montero, according to Spanish-language reports out of Venezuela, has been hospitalized in his home country following a traffic accident. The now 35-year-old was reportedly riding his motorcycle when a suspected drunk driver hit him. Montero is in critical condition after suffering multiple leg fractures, broken ribs and lung damage. Jesus Montero's Yankees stint lasted 18 games New York originally signed Montero as an international amateur free agent in 2006. The power-hitting prospect, one of the best bats available in the free agent class, was given a $2 million signing bonus. By 2009, Montero was appearing on preseason prospect rankings — landing on Baseball America's Top 100 list in four consecutive seasons. The Yankees called Montero up for his MLB debut when rosters expanded in September 2011. He'd appear in 18 games, hitting .328/.406/.590 with four home runs in 69 PA. Jesus Montero traded to Mariners in January 2012 Montero was traded, along with right-hander Héctor Noesí, to the Mariners the following offseason for right-handers Michael Pineda and Jose Campos. Over parts of four seasons, he batted .247/.285/.383 over 796 PA with 24 home runs. Seattle ultimately sent him down to Triple-A due to his defensive limitations with the hope that he'd learn to play first base. His Seattle tenure was marred by constant rumblings about his physical shape and attitude, including a 2014 incident where he threw an ice cream sandwich at a scout while on a rehab assignment.
Browns Announce Myles Garrett News Ahead of Steelers Game
The Cleveland Browns are 1-4 on the season and just underwent a big change after they traded veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals. Now, ahead of their Week 6 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, they are facing some issues with their roster. On Wednesday, the Browns released their injury/participation report for their latest practice. One player (Shelby Harris) did not participate due to rest, while nine had limited participation due to various reasons. Among the players who were limited was Cleveland defensive star Myles Garrett, who is still nursing a nagging ankle injury. It's worth noting that Garrett missed a practice and was limited in two leading up to their Week 5 game against the Minnesota Vikings. With that said, there were concerns about his availability for the contest. The good news is that Garrett was able to play, recording three tackles in the 21-17 Cleveland loss. Sure enough, Garrett's condition will be worth monitoring heading into the showdown with Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers. Garrett's defense remains a big weapon on a Browns team that is still figuring out its offense and quarterback of the future. The one-time Defensive Player of the Year already has 21 combined tackles, eight tackles for loss, eight QB hits and four sacks. Even Rodgers himself admitted that the Steelers are wary of Garrett, whom he described as "one of the few players in the league" that "you game plan for and you watch the film," per 93.7 The Fan. The Browns really need Garrett to be at 100% if they want to beat the Steelers in Week 6. If he continues to be bothered by his ankle injury, it could spell trouble for the team once again. Cleveland plays Pittsburgh on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium.
Bijan Robinson has a simple message for Texas QB Arch Manning
Bijan Robinson was a tremendous running back for the Texas Longhorns during his time in college football. Now with the Atlanta Falcons and known as one of the most exciting young players in the NFL, Robinson was an All-American and a Heisman Trophy candidate for the Longhorns. He's uniquely qualified to talk about Texas football, and there is a lot to talk about right now. The big storyline surrounding the program is Arch Manning and his struggles in 2025. Those struggles were highlighted by Texas' loss to Florida, which saw him complete just 16 of 29 passes for two touchdowns and two interceptions. It was just the second multi-interception game of Manning's college career, and he has now thrown at least one interception in all but one game this season. Bijan Robinson tells Arch Manning and Texas Longhorns to focus Perhaps that's why Robinson is telling him to tune everything out. There's been a ton of noise and hype surrounding Manning ever since he emerged on the recruiting trail out of New Orleans, Louisiana. Noise and hype can be good, but things are tough right now, which is why Manning needs to focus. “Continue to stay consistent,” was Robinson's message to Manning via "The Rich Eisen Show" (h/t On3). “Stay consistent as much as possible. Don’t listen to the media because the media will either steer you in the right direction or it will tarnish you for your career. So, for him, always know that everyone has his back in that building. Coach (Sarkisian) and the team have his back. Everybody around him has his back. It’s not just him, it’s the whole team. The whole offense needs to come together, especially this week playing against Oklahoma." This is a big moment for Manning, head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns. If they bounce back against No. 6 Oklahoma this weekend in the Red River Rivalry, there's a slim chance they can still make a case for the College Football Playoff. At the very least, they'd be able to get the taste of the bad loss to Florida out of their mouths. A win could put the Longhorns back in the CFP conversation, though, especially if they go on to beat ranked teams like Vanderbilt, Georgia and Texas A M later on in the season. However, a loss would all but end Texas' CFP cause. Focus will be key for the Longhorns. As Robinson puts it, they've got to tune out the outside noise, put their heads down and focus only on trying to beat the Sooners. “This is going to be a really big game for, not just Texas and the program, but the individual players," Robinson said. "These are big games for them. They’ve got to hone in, become player-led and become who they’re going to become this week. So, my advice to them is to just put their head down, stay out of the outside noise and just go on that field on Saturday and show everybody what they can do.”
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