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Before defenseman Ryan McDonagh headed out for the All Star Break, he took a minute to answer five quick questions.
How would you describe the season so far?
"Our season has been a lot of growth, a lot of young players," McDonagh said.
It isn't just the young players who are focused on growing their game though.
"Even myself — always feel like I'm learning, trying to get better, grow as a player, as a leader," the 14-year veteran said.
McDonagh's experience in the league is a valuable resource on a team with plenty of young players learning what it takes to have a long and successful NHL career. That's been a big part of the season for McDonagh as well.
"Finding different ways to help the group win games, both obviously on the ice but off the ice, helping guys that way, "McDonagh said. "I think just a lot of growth and confidence and more importantly, attitude."
What does your game day preparation look like?
"I have a nice pregame meal, and try to rest and relax a little bit with a nap," McDonagh said. "Don't always nap as much anymore."
The 34-year-old averages 21:34 minutes of ice time per game, so one might think the physical preparation is the main focus on game day, but not so with McDonagh.
"I just try throughout the whole day to ramp up mentally and physically to be ready for puck drop. It's kind of a long process mentally, more so than physically. Just trying to get your mind ready to compete and work hard."
If you could change or clarify one rule in the NHL, what would it be?
"I think there should be a way to almost challenge penalties maybe," McDonagh said after some thought.
"I feel like the NFL has gotten it right where they can review and challenge a play. Maybe some missed calls at certain points where you could be able to challenge or whatnot."
McDonagh understands that officiating is a tricky job.
"Obviously missed calls are happening both directions, but crucial points to the game, you feel like an opportunity to get yourself on the power play could be the difference in the game. Sometimes the ref just doesn't see it or doesn't make the call. Maybe you can challenge it and get yourself on the power play."
If you have down time are you more likely to read a book, watch a show, or listen to music?
"Mostly read books," McDonagh said.
His genre of choice? Nonfiction.
"I like true stories, nonfiction. I just try to sit and learn from other people's experiences and hear about great stories, inspirational stories and try to take that and apply it to my life."
Do you have a favorite hockey memory?
That was an easy one for the veteran to answer.
"Winning the Stanley Cup."
McDonagh and the Tampa Bay Lightning won back to back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. Winning that first one was a special but unique experience.
"The first one there in the bubble — maybe not exactly how you envisioned it, but just to do it with that group there, everything we went through. Very special."
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Penguins Poised for Potential Blockbuster Trade, But Draw Line in Sand
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Yankees Change Course With Anthony Volpe After Disastrous Game Against the Blue Jays
For the first time in 2025, the Yankees have dropped Anthony Volpe into the ninth spot in the batting order, a clear strategic shift from manager Aaron Boone to ease pressure on the young shortstop. It’s worth noting that this isn’t a foreign spot for Volpe. Over his three-season career, he’s started in the ninth hole 42 times, though most of his plate appearances have come batting sixth or seventh. That balance highlights Boone’s move: keeping Volpe in the lineup while providing a less pressurized environment in which to regroup. Volpe’s offensive struggles have mounted. He enters Tuesday’s game batting around .214 with an OPS hovering under .700. He’s slumping well below the expectations set by his promising rookie and sophomore seasons. His defense hasn’t offered a reprieve either. Leading the American League with 12 errors, Volpe has been the focus of criticism for miscues ranging from misplayed grounders to errant throws. Boone doesn’t generally like to do this, but he has clearly recognized that Volpe needs to have some pressure taken off his shoulders right now. The screams for him to lose his job are growing louder, and clearly, he’s starting to feel them. While it remains to be seen how long this adjustment will last, placing Volpe at the bottom of the order is a balancing act. The Yankees' only backup shortstop is Oswald Peraza, who is an automatic out in the lineup, and so he cannot really bench Volpe. This way, Boone is protecting his confidence while keeping him engaged in the field. Boone continues to show faith in Volpe’s potential, but for now, the ninth hole provides a temporary buffer for a player still finding his footing.
Magic Johnson Mourns the Unexpected Passing of a ‘Dear Friend’ on Monday
Malcom-Jamal Warner, who portrayed the beloved character Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” died at 54 in Costa Rica in a drowning accident, according to the Associated Press. The report claimed that Warner drowned on Sunday afternoon on a beach on the country’s Caribbean coast. He was swimming at Playa Cocles in Limon province when a current pulled him deeper into the water. Following his death, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2002 inductee Magic Johnson mourned his passing. “Cookie and I are sad to hear about the passing of our dear friend Malcom-Jamal Warner,” he wrote on X. “We were both super fans of the hit Cosby Show and continued to follow his career on shows like Malcom and Eddie and The Resident.” Warner was on “The Cosby Show” from 1984-92. He also appeared in television series such as “Jeremiah,” “A Different World” and “Here and Now,” while Johnson led the Los Angeles Lakers from 1979-91 before making a brief comeback in 1995-96. “Every time I ran into Malcom, we would have deep and fun conversations about basketball, life and business,” Johnson added. “He will truly be missed . Cookie and I are praying [for] his family and close friends during this difficult time.” Warner was in films such as “Drop Zone” (1994), “Fool’s Gold” (2008), “The Tuskegee Airmen” (1995) and “Tyson” (1995). He also received a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R B Performance for the song “Jesus Children” alongside Robert Glasper Experiment and Lalah Hathaway. On the other hand, Johnson became a successful businessman after his NBA career ended by becoming a part-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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