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Last night, there were four series in action, with two of them getting underway.
Of course, there was the CH, who lost to the Caps in game one.
Here are the results and highlights of the other games:
Monday’s slate featured four one-goal games, a pair of contests decided in overtime and a thrilling series opener between the Oilers and Kings. #StanleyCup#NHLStats: https://t.co/RZXYwaVqWv pic.twitter.com/KATLpkDRMb
– NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) April 22, 2025
Phillip Danault gives Kings last-minute win
In Los Angeles, the series between the Kings and Oilers got underway.
For the fourth year running, the two teams faced off in the first round. The first three series belonged to Edmonton. Los Angeles wants to change things up a bit.
The California club got off to a good start, winning the first game 6-5. It wasn’t easy, however. The Kings led 5-2 in the third period, but the visitors rallied.
First, Corey Perry made it 5-3.
Corey Perry keeping the Oilers in it
pic.twitter.com/VKc8yk5CqX
– B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 22, 2025
Zach Hyman cut the deficit to one goal with just over two minutes to go.
Zachary Martin Hyman
#LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/fMWFcLnIuo
– Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 22, 2025
And seconds later, Connor McDavid seemed to have sent everyone into overtime.
MCDAVID TIES IT UP!
pic.twitter.com/otoZBwYEai
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 22, 2025
However, Phillip Danault had other plans.
With 42 seconds left in the game, the Quebecer gave his team the win.
PHIL DANAULT WINS IT FOR LA WITH 42 SECONDS LEFT IN THE THIRD
– NHL (@NHL) April 22, 2025
What a crazy game!
This series continues tomorrow, again in LA.
Kings lead 1-0.
Jets lead series 2-0
Winnipeg won Game 1 against the Blues and wanted to go to St. Louis with a 2-0 lead.
The club did just that with a 2-1 victory.
Mark Scheifele got the ball rolling with a bizarre goal.
Mark Scheifele crashes the net and breaks the ice!
pic.twitter.com/opGTIcVBfQ
– Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) April 22, 2025
After the Blues struck back, Team Canada’s best player went skate first into Jordan Binnington.
It was reminiscent of Chris Kreider in 2014… Fortunately, Binnington stayed in the game.
A contact between Scheifele and Binnington not unlike the Kreider-Price incident!
*The Blues goalie stayed in the game! pic.twitter.com/7zhUUoBML6
– RDS (@RDSca) April 22, 2025
In the third period, Kyle Connor broke the tie with a goal at the mouth of the net.
Kyle Connor is just TOO CLUTCH
Jets take the lead in the third period
pic.twitter.com/wbJUK30CTH
– ESPN (@espn) April 22, 2025
Winnipeg held on for the rest of the match.
The Manitoba club now leads the series 2-0. The series moves to St. Louis on Thursday.
Stars level series
The Dallas Stars had no choice yesterday.
They certainly didn’t want to go to Colorado trailing 0-2.
Dallas came from behind to win 4-3 in overtime. After two periods, the visitors were leading 3-2 thanks to Logan O’Connor’s superb goal.
Logan O’Connor scores a beauty WHILE FALLING!
#StanleyCup
: @espn
https://t.co/m0LyTCHYnH
: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+
– NHL (@NHL) April 22, 2025
In the third period, despite Mackenzie Blackwood’s brilliance, Dallas first tied the game.
Evgenii Dadonov scored his first of the series.
Evgenii Dadonov scores a BIG goal for the @DallasStars!
– NHL (@NHL) April 22, 2025
And, in overtime, Colin Blackwell leveled the series at one.
BLACKWELL BURIES IT
Colin Blackwell scores the Subway Canada OT winner for the Stars to tie the series in Game 2! pic.twitter.com/tlvl1eX00m
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 22, 2025
Note that Gabriel Landeskog skated before the game, but did not play.
The series is therefore tied 1-1.
The next game will be played tomorrow in Denver.
Extension
– Ah well.
Schenn rocking his brother in the playoffs #HockeyFamily pic.twitter.com/XlKhUdmmMy
– Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) April 22, 2025
– Ouch!
Geeeeeeeeez https://t.co/JmDjwRDQ3Y
– Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 22, 2025
– Will he play the next game? Do we want to bring him home?
Landeskog is scratched for Game 2 but getting closer to a return
https://t.co/wwJsYMG1 my
– BarDown (@BarDown) April 22, 2025
– A short four-point game for Connor McDavid.
– Three series will continue tonight. One will begin.
More must-reads:
- Yankees quickly pull plug on key trade-deadline acquisition
- Kyren Williams contract extension with Rams a win for both sides
- The 'MLB playoff home run leaders' quiz
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TODAY'S BEST
What’s Wrong With Oilers Goalie Stuart Skinner? A Closer Look
Stuart Skinner is the Edmonton Oilers’ goalie right now, and sure, there’s been talk about other names possibly taking over, but for the moment, he’s the guy between the pipes. Lately, though, there’s been a lot of chatter around what’s gone wrong with him and whether he’s really the goalie the Oilers can count on long term. One thing that caught people’s attention: Skinner didn’t get invited to Canada’s Olympic summer camp this year. That might seem like a minor detail, but it tells us a lot about where he stands—and maybe that things haven’t quite clicked. The Olympic Camp Snub: A Blow or a Blessing? Now, missing out on an invite to a camp like that can sting. It’s a huge accolade for any goalie, especially a younger one. To be invited shows you are among the best. You get to work with top coaches, face off against elite competition, and soak up that high-level environment. So when Skinner wasn’t picked, some fans started wondering if maybe he’s not quite ready to be a true NHL starter. And honestly, that’s a fair question. Confidence is huge for goalies—if you start doubting yourself, it shows in your game. You hesitate, second-guess, and suddenly everything feels harder. But here’s the flip side. Sometimes, not receiving an invitation can be beneficial to a player. The Olympic camp entails extra travel, a demanding schedule, and numerous distractions. For a goalie who needs to focus on his game, staying put in Edmonton might be exactly what Skinner needs. He can work closely with the Oilers’ goalie coaches, stick to his training plan, and maybe get in some extra gym time without the jet lag. Plus, getting passed over like this can light a fire. There’s something about proving people wrong that can push a player to new heights. Bigger Picture: Talent vs. Consistency That said, the issues with Skinner aren’t just about confidence or missing a camp invite. There’s a bigger picture here. Skinner shows flashes of brilliance—there’s no denying his talent. However, he’s struggled with consistency, especially when the pressure’s on. When big moments come, can he hold the fort? That’s the question many fans and analysts are asking. And then there’s the team around him. The Oilers’ defense has had its moments of weakness, which puts Skinner under the microscope game after game. But even with all that, some feel Skinner hasn’t quite adjusted to facing the high-danger chances that come his way night after night. Another thing to consider: at 26, Skinner should be hitting his stride, but it feels like his development has plateaued a bit. Instead of steadily improving, he’s had ups and downs. That makes you wonder if he’s reached his ceiling or if there’s still more to come. What the 2025-26 Season Could Tell Us The Oilers’ goalie situation was a bit of a roller coaster during the playoffs, and this season could be make-or-break for Skinner. If he can turn this missed Olympic camp and the doubts that come with it into a quiet seething anger, he might emerge a stronger, more consistent, and confident goalie. Could this be his chance to cement himself as the team’s goalie moving forward? However, if he struggles, the Oilers might start looking more closely at backups like Calvin Pickard or even other goalie options. When the 2025-26 season comes around, is there something fans should be watching for? Here are a few thoughts. First, does Skinner start strong or look shaky? Body language is huge for goalies—confident ones play with a calm, sure-footed style, while those who are struggling often look tense and hesitant. Second, what do the coaches say during post-game interviews? Fans can’t know what’s going on behind the scenes, but it’s often not hard to read between the lines during interviews. Positive chatter can be a sign of trust. But damning with faint praise can be a telling sign. However, perhaps the most obvious indication is how much he plays and in which games he’s inserted. How much confidence does the team’s coaching staff have in him? The Bottom Line: Opportunity or Warning Sign? Not making the Olympic camp isn’t the end of the world for Skinner. It’s a setback, sure, but it can also be a huge motivator. The next season will tell us a lot about whether he can turn things around or if the Oilers need to look elsewhere for their goalie of the future. One thing’s for sure—Skinner knows he was passed over, and now it’s his move. [Note: I’d like to thank Brent Bradford (PhD) for his help co-authoring this post. His profile can be found at www.linkedin.com/in/brent-bradford-phd-3a10022a9]
Celtics’ Georges Niang Trade Wasn’t Just About Salary Dump
The Boston Celtics have made yet another curious offseason move, trading 32-year-old 3-point specialist Georges Niang and two second-round picks to the Utah Jazz in exchange for RJ Luis Jr., an undrafted rookie on a two-way contract. On the surface, this trade was more or less a salary dump. While a rebuilding team, the Jazz are expected to absorb Niang’s 2024-25 salary ($8.2 million) in the trade exception they generated from shipping John Collins to the Los Angeles Clippers. This reduced Boston’s luxury tax by $50 million, according Third Apron salary cap expert Yossi Gozlan. For their efforts, the Jazz not only got a pair of second-rounders but a veteran that can teach their young players the nuances of professionalism. Celtics’ Georges Niang Trade Wasn’t Just About Salary Dump Though the Celtics obviously wanted to reduce their bill, the deal wasn’t just about that. Boston genuinely wanted Luis, per ZAGSBLOG draft expert Adam Zagoria. With that in mind, he entered the 2025 NBA Draft out of St. John’s, he played his freshman season at local UMass. That season, he averaged 11.5 points per game on 45.5 percent from the field. He also earned 10 starts, averaging 15.5 points per game in those contests. As a junior in 2024-25, Luis exploded for 18.2 points per game. His season ended on a low note. In a nine-point loss to Arkansas in the NCAA Tournament’s Round of 32, he went just 3-17 from the field, scoring nine points. Nonetheless, his body of work shouldn’t be overshadowed by the last sentence. Nor should the pedigree he enters the NBA with. In 2024-25, he was a Consensus All-American. His father, Reggie Charles, was a professional basketball player who spent 15 seasons overseas. For the last two seasons of his college career, he was coached by Rick Pitino. The Celtics undoubtedly have a complex history with their former head coach but there’s no denying his greatness at the collegiate level. What Can RJ Luis Jr. Bring To The Celtics? Flawed though he may be, Luis is a good get for Boston, especially on a two-way contract. With Jayson Tatum likely to miss at least the first half of 2025-26 after tearing his Achilles in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Celtics have a lot of minutes to fill in at forward. As a result, players like 2023 No. 38 pick Jordan Walsh and 2025 No. 28 pick Hugo Gonzalez have a real chance of barging into the rotation. In a vacuum, they’re both rotation-caliber forwards but they’re raw, particularly offensively. That being said, if they’re trying to step into Tatum’s shoes, their limitations at that end are problematic. Tatum’s one of the most dangerous scorers in the league, averaging 27.5 points per game over the past five seasons. Luis probably won’t explode onto the season looking like a perennial All-Star. Still, he’s a more masterful scorer than either Walsh or Gonzalez right now. In the open court, he’s exciting, like many athletic wings with his length (6-foot-7). Yet, he’s not refined to impacting the game on the break. In the halfcourt, he’s able to use his handle and footwork to create space whether in the drive or in the post. Indeed, utilizing his instincts and body control, he’s actually pretty nifty with the ball in his hands. He even follows up his own shot, leading to frequent putbacks. Though he doesn’t have elite efficiency in any area, he’s a multifaceted offensive player who also has a knack for playmaking, particularly with regard to pocket passes. To improve his efficiency, he should cut down on his off-the-dribble attempts due to his tendency to take tough jumpers. All the same, while Boston waits for Tatum to return, the 22-year-old could play an important role.
Yankees quickly pull plug on key trade-deadline acquisition
After a disastrous start to his time in the Bronx, the New York Yankees have seen enough of reliever Jake Bird. Acquired in a trade-deadline deal with the Colorado Rockies, Bird was sent to Triple-A after giving up a game-winning three-run home run against the Texas Rangers on Monday night. The long ball continued what has been a head-shaking start for the 29-year-old right-hander with the Yankees, as he has given up seven runs (six earned) and four hits in just 2.0 innings worked over three games. His recent outings extend what has been a downward spiral for Bird. While with the Rockies, Bird allowed runs in 10 of his last 17 games before being traded, equaling a 13.20 ERA during that stretch. Before that, Bird was one of the most dominant relievers in baseball, posting a 1.41 ERA through his first 28 outings of the season. Bird's collapse in the Bronx goes along with the overall struggles of the Yankees bullpen. Devin Williams, another trade that was supposed to be an answer in the late innings for New York, served up the game-tying homer on Monday night in Texas. Over his last seven appearances, he has a 7.71 ERA, and a potential change at closer could be in the air after manager Aaron Boone's comments after Monday's loss. The Yankees made deals at the deadline to boost the bullpen, bringing in Bird from Colorado, David Bednar from Pittsburgh and Camilo Doval from San Francisco. However, those moves have mostly hurt the Yankees, who also saw leads evaporate in a three-game road sweep at the hands of the Miami Marlins. While it's still too early to say the Rockies won the trade by acquiring two prospects for Bird, the early results for the Yankees certainly point in that direction. If Bird isn't able to regain the confidence that was such a big part of his demeanor while in Colorado, the trade will be a decision that New York could regret for the rest of the season and beyond.
Pep Guardiola-Admired Sunderland Talent Turned Down Transfer Approaches From Spain
Sunderland are having a very busy summer, and they have already announced eight signings during the current transfer window. However, manager Regis Le Bris has already acknowledged the need to loan out and sell some players to maintain a reasonable balance in the squad. One of Sunderland fans' favorite players is attracting interest from clubs in Spain, but for now, there is no indication he will leave the club. Sunderland's Patrick Roberts turned down transfer approaches from LaLiga Sunderland fan-favorite Patrick Roberts has turned down transfer approaches from Spanish clubs, though his future at the club remains uncertain. The Sunderland Echo has revealed that Roberts is of interest to several LaLiga clubs, but the 28-year-old winger is not currently considering leaving the Stadium of Light. However, the same outlet notes that both Chemsdine Talbi (20) and Simon Adingra (23), recent signings for the club, can play as right-wingers - the same position as Roberts - meaning competition for that spot is fierce. According to the Sunderland Echo, representatives from at least two Spanish clubs met with Patrick's camp, but for now, the Englishman has rejected the possibility of playing in LaLiga, as the player is "prepared to fight for his place under Regis Le Bris." When Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola praised Patrick Roberts A few years ago, Pep Guardiola expressed his admiration for Patrick Roberts when the Englishman was one of Manchester City's youth players. It was specifically during Roberts' first spell at Premiership side Celtic in 2016 that the Spanish manager highlighted the quality of what is now Sunderland's winger. "He has potential. I am so happy with his performance," said Guardiola after being asked if he counted on the then-youngster for his City squad. "We know his quality, but the decision is not about one game. It is for one season," added the still-Citizens boss in comments reported by the BBC. We'll see what happens with Roberts as August progresses. Read More:
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