NHL
Hurricanes one win away from Stanley Cup after Game Five victory
The Carolina Hurricanes scored four unanswered goals after going down 1-0 in the first period of Game Five to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2, giving them a 3-2 series lead in the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals. Canes captain Jordan Staal scored a goal in his fifth consecutive game, making him the first player since 1973 to score a goal in five straight Stanley Cup Finals games. On top of that, Andrei Svechnikov tallied two goals while goalie Brandon Bussi denied 23 of 25 Vegas’ shots for a .920 save percentage.
The series returns to Las Vegas on Sunday for Game Six. Either the Hurricanes will win their first Stanley Cup in 20 years, or the Golden Knights will force a Game Seven, which would take place on Wednesday.
My take: The momentum currently favors Carolina, but this does not feel like a series that will be decided in six games. It feels like we’re destined for a Game Seve. One thing’s for certain: the switch to Brandon Bussi changed the series. Frederik Andersen has an .815 save percentage in the Stanley Cup Finals, while Bussi's is .908.
MLB
Dodgers' Ohtani leaves game early due to knee issue
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter and pitcher Shohei Ohtani left yesterday's 8-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates early with inflammation in his left knee. The good news is that manager Dave Roberts said that the decision to take him out of the game was precautionary.
“We tried to be smart about it and get him out of the game,” Roberts said. “He told the trainer that he felt a little something behind his knee, and I just didn’t see any sense in risking it.”
My take: I genuinely believe that this was a precautionary choice. If you saw him attempt to steal second base - which is when the injury happened - he seemed perfectly capable of running unencumbered. He'll probably be out for a few days or at most a week. This is likely a non-issue.
Tarik Skubal expected back in the Tigers' rotation Saturday
Two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal is expected to make his first start with the Detroit Tigers tomorrow against the Cleveland Guardians since he injured his elbow a month and a half ago, manager A.J. Hinch said yesterday.
"We're adding the best pitcher in baseball back to our mix," Hinch told reporters. "It's hard to describe what that boost will be."
Skubal, who has been out since late April after undergoing surgery for loose bodies in his left elbow, is 3-2 this season with a 2.70 ERA.
My take: With the trade deadline less than two months away, the Tigers need to get Skubal back in the rotation to figure out his trade value. With so much uncertainty regarding his future in Detroit, it would make sense for the Tigers to trade him away now for a haul of young players and prospects. The only way they can do that is by having him start now and prove he’s still a dominant pitcher. This season is a lost cause for the Tigers, who are 11 games below .500, so they might as well start preparing for the future by bolstering their roster via trade.
NFL
Panthers, WR Jalen Coker agree three-year extension
The Carolina Panthers have signed wide receiver Jalen Coker to a three-year deal, according to ESPN. Coker's agent, Matt Glose, told the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport that the deal is worth $35 million, but it could increase to $41 million with incentives.
My take: His numbers are unimpressive, but you sign a guy to an extension for what he’s going to do, not what he's done. This makes it seem like Xavier Legette, their third-best wideout, won't get a contract extension with Carolina. That money will go towards Coker and extending Tet McMillan.
WNBA
Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston become first teammates with 30-point double-doubles
The Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston became the first teammates in WNBA history to each record 30-point double-doubles as the Fever defeated the Chicago Sky in overtime last night, 114-106. Clark finished the game with 32 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Aliyah Boston recorded 34 points and 12 rebounds.
My take: Anytime Caitlin Clark sets another record, the WNBA will likely see its viewership increase. It's more important, though, that the Fever are good. If they can make the playoffs, it will give a huge boost to the league's viewing statistics.
Liberty improve to 9-4 with victory over Dream
The New York Liberty defeated the Atlanta Dream, 104-90, thanks to a fantastic performance from beyond the arc in which New York went 16 of 31 from deep. Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones both recorded double-doubles, while five players on the Liberty finished the game with double-digit scoring outputs. On the other side, Atlanta's Angel Reese led all players with 25 points.
My take: This game had all the performances you want to see from WNBA superstars. More importantly, though, the Liberty have won six straight and are only 1.5 games back from the number-one seed in the league. They continue to find their groove and look like one of the teams that can legitimately win the 2026 WNBA Finals.
Las Vegas keeps pace with Minnesota after beating Portland
The Las Vegas Aces trounced the Portland Fire, 105-89, to improve to 9-3 on the season, meaning they’re only a game back from the Minnesota Lynx for the best record in the league. The Aces' A'ja Wilson was phenomenal with 32 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Guard Chelsea Gray was also spectacular with 29 points.
My take: Right now, everybody is playing second fiddle to the Lynx, who have the best record in the WNBA without their best player, Napheesa Collier, on the court. Even if Las Vegas overtakes Minnesota at some point, it feels like the Lynx will quickly right the ship and reclaim the best record in the league once Napheesa Collier is fully integrated into the lineup.
