Stanley Cup playoffs daily: Three critical Game 3s on tap for Friday
Here's a preview for all of the games, plus a best bet and a recap of Thursday's contests.
Flyers winning the East? Sabres cooked? Judging early Stanley Cup playoff overreactions
The hot takes are flying after the opening games. We hand down a verdict on all of them.
👕 Utah offers jersey exchange for Vegas fans
On a first-come basis, fans can exchange their Golden Knights jerseys for a 2025-26 Mammoth home jersey.
Kraken CEO: Botterill 'not threatened' by audit
Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke said general manager Jason Botterill is encouraging an internal audit as the team looks for ways to improve after failing to make the postseason for a third straight year.
Lightning end home playoff skid at 4, knot series
Trailing late in the third period on home ice and staring at a potential 2-0 series deficit, the Lightning rallied for a 3-2 overtime victory over the Canadiens in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference…
Bruins 'played to our identity' in Game 2 victory
The Bruins, who let a two-goal lead slip away late in Game 1, stormed ahead in Game 2 with four goals in the first 41 minutes and goaltender Jeremy Swayman made 34 saves en route to a 4-2 victory over…
Ducks tie series; Oilers' McDavid escapes injury
The Ducks beat the Oilers to even the first-round series, as Edmonton star Connor McDavid escaping a leg injury.
Pens on brink, sound off on game-changing melee
A scrum that saw all 10 skaters in their respective penalty boxes helped the Flyers to a 5-2 win and drew the ire of the Penguins, who now find themselves in a 3-0 series hole.
Johnston's deflection gives Stars 2OT win vs. Wild
Wyatt Johnston scored on a power-play deflection at 12:10 of the second overtime to give the Stars a 4-3 victory over the Wild and a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference first-round series.
Kings, nearing sweep by Avs, vow to 'be ready'
The Kings are on the verge of a first-round exit for the fifth straight postseason following their 4-2 Game 3 loss to the Avalanche.
Sens furious at Hall, refs after 'blatant' headshot
Senators coach Travis Green called out Taylor Hall for what he thought was a "blatant" hit to Jake Sanderson's head and said it was "ridiculous" that officials didn't review the play.
Keys to the offseason: Free agency and draft plans for every eliminated NHL team
We explore the next moves each team should make this summer and forecast expectations for 2026-27.
How the 'Lumber Yard' was built: Inside the Avalanche's goaltending tandem
The professional lives of Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood intersected twice before suiting up together for Colorado.
Ranking the top 50 players in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs
As 16 teams face off for the ultimate prize in pro sports, these players will have the biggest impact.
Stanley Cup first-round betting guide: A bet and Conn Smythe prediction for every team
Odds, Conn Smythe Trophy picks and future bets for every first-round matchup in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Pick-by-pick takes on Round 1 of the NFL draft: How prospects fit with their new teams
Here's our NFL Nation reporters' look at the biggest questions for each Round 1 pick and how every player fits.
Big winners, losers and value picks of Round 1: Kiper on a wild start to the NFL draft
Mel Kiper Jr. makes sense of the first round of the NFL draft, sizing up moves like the Makai Lemon, Caleb Downs and Ty Simpson picks.
2026 NFL draft superlatives: Standouts from the first round
The 2026 NFL draft picks can be compared by any number of statistical categories. Here are some of the more subjective superlatives from the event.
The best team fits for Day 2: Solak finds 10 matches that need to happen
Anthony Hill Jr. to the Cowboys? Avieon Terrell to the Bengals? Here are some fits that make too much sense.
NFL draft faces a new insider betting risk
Former NFL execs say it's only a matter of time until someone parlays inside information on the draft.
NFL futures: Every team's win total, SB odds
NFC West teams hold on to shortest, longest title odds after first round
Host Steelers draft Iheanachor to boost O-line
With the 21st pick, the Steelers drafted offensive tackle Max Iheanachor from Arizona State.
Bucs draft Bain, confident in former Miami star
The Buccaneers selected Rueben Bain Jr. with the 15th pick in the NFL draft, less than two weeks after news surfaced that the ex-Miami star was involved in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in…
Pearce OK's intervention program to avoid trial
The Falcons' James Pearce Jr. has agreed to enter an intervention program, allowing him to avoid trial on felony charges stemming from an alleged incident with WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
49ers keep Jones, surprised no Day 1 pick offered
Kyle Shanahan indicated that not only would Mac Jones be on the Niners next season but if any team was going to deal for him, it likely would have needed to involve a first-round pick.
Giants thrilled with picks: 'Couldn't do any better'
The Giants addressed both sides of the ball in the first round of the NFL draft, selecting Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with the fifth pick and Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa at No. 10.
Source: Cowboys' Pickens to sign franchise tag
Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens is signing his franchise tender Thursday, a day after the team said it would not be negotiating a long-term contract with him this year, a source told ESPN's Adam…
Love to Cards, highest-drafted RB since Saquon
The Cardinals selected former Notre Dame star Jeremiyah Love with the third pick in the NFL draft, making him the highest-drafted RB since Saquon Barkley went No. 2 in 2018.
Vikings pick DT Banks at 18 despite foot injury
The Vikings made one of the boldest and riskiest selections Thursday in the first round of the NFL draft, choosing Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks at No. 18.
Amid Brown buzz, Eagles trade up for WR Lemon
The Eagles made a trade with the division rival Cowboys and selected USC wide receiver Makai Lemon with the No. 20 pick.
Love favored for ROY, followed by Tate, Mendoza
New Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love is the favorite to win offensive rookie of the year ahead of Carnell Tate and Fernando Mendoza. Jets defensive end David Bailey leads the odds for defensive…
Cowboys 'changed face' of D via Downs, Lawrence
After taking Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 11, thanks to a trade with the Dolphins, the Cowboys selected UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence with the 23rd pick after moving down from No. 20 in a…
Jets pick 3 players from CFP teams in 1st round
The Jets selected three players in the first round Thursday night -- DE David Bailey at No. 2, TE Kenyon Sadiq at 16 and WR Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 30.
📸 Drafted in drip: Best outfits from the NFL draft
The stars stepped out in their best suits ahead of hearing their names called in the 2026 NFL draft.
Vrabel: Confident in Pats during draft absence
Mike Vrabel said he is confident that the Patriots will have a successful draft during his absence Saturday, when he will start seeking counseling after multiple media outlets posted photos of the…
Chiefs: 'Top-5 guy' in CB Delane worth trade up
The Chiefs moved up in the NFL draft Thursday night, acquiring the No. 6 pick from the Browns and using it to select LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. Cleveland took Spencer Fano at No. 9.
'Ecstatic' Mendoza goes to Raiders with top pick
The Raiders made it official at the NFL draft, taking former Indiana star quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick.
Rams take Simpson, note 'this is Matthew's team'
The Rams selected quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th pick in the NFL draft, though coach Sean McVay made it clear: "This is Matthew's team."
Answering big questions off Round 1 of the NFL draft: What were the best (and worst) picks of the night?
What were the best and worst picks of Round 1? Which trades really stood out? And what can we expect going into Day 2?
Grading NFL draft trades: Every big Round 1 swap
We're grading the most impactful trades of the 2026 NFL draft, including three deals by the Bills.
Round 1 is over ... so let's predict Rounds 2-3: Miller's quick-turn NFL mock draft for Day 2
Where will the best players still on the board land on Day 2? We projected the next 68 picks of the NFL draft.
2026 NFL draft: Fantasy football outlook for Love, Tate, other first-rounders
Liz Loza, Matt Bowen and Mike Clay break down the fantasy potential of early-round rookies from the NFL draft and provide initial 2026 projections.
What can the Raiders do to set No. 1 pick QB Fernando Mendoza up for success in Year 1?
From the coaching staff to the roster, here's how the Raiders can develop Fernando Mendoza.
Ice melts: Drake seemingly trolls Caleb Williams during 'Iceman' rollout
The Canadian rapper posed in front of blocks of ice while wearing a Packers jacket during his album rollout.
Fortune teller: Egbuka predicted Baker and Emily Mayfield new child's name in November
The Mayfields welcomed their son, Maverick, to the world April 16.
Tracking fifth-year options for 2023 first-rounders: Who will return in 2027?
The deadline for teams to pick up the fifth-year option on rookie contracts is May 1.
The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter
We have seen a fair share of massive contracts in the NFL. So who tops the highest-paid list at every position as of today?
Super Bowl 2027 on ESPN: Date, location, venue, more details
The 2027 Super Bowl will air on ESPN for the first time in network history. Learn more information about Super Bowl LXI festivities now.
How a trade 19 years ago is *still* helping the Oklahoma City Thunder and their title hopes
Little did anyone know on July 11, 2007, that a minor trade between the Seattle SuperSonics and the Orlando Magic would change NBA history.
Sources: Bucks finalizing deal to hire Jenkins
The Milwaukee Bucks are finalizing a deal to hire Taylor Jenkins as the franchise's new head coach, sources told ESPN on Thursday.
NBA fines Booker for blasting refs, rescinds tech
The NBA has fined Devin Booker $35,000 for publicly criticizing officials following the Suns' Game 2 loss to the Thunder.
Peterson enters NBA draft after one season at KU
Kansas star freshman Darryn Peterson is entering the 2026 NBA draft, where he is expected to be one of the top picks.
Scoreless Bridges sits most of 2nd half in loss
Knicks coach Mike Brown isn't yet ready to bench Mikal Bridges, but he took a step toward it in a disappointing Game 3 finish in Atlanta.
Barrett, Barnes combine for 66 to revive Raptors
The Raptors proved they could "make some noise" in their first-round series against the Cavs, as RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes each scored 33 points in a 126-104 rout in Thursday night's Game 3.
McCollum's clutch shot squashes Knicks' late rally
CJ McCollum hit a fadeaway jumper with 12.5 seconds left, lifting the Hawks to a 2-1 lead over the Knicks in their first-round playoff series Thursday night.
Rare playoff dud by Jokic puts Nuggets in 2-1 hole
It was a night to forget for Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, who missed 19 of 26 shots in a blowout Game 3 loss that gave the Timberwolves a 2-1 series lead.
Lakers' Reaves upgraded to questionable for G3
Lakers guard Austin Reaves, who hasn't been sidelined since straining his left oblique April 2, was upgraded to questionable for Game 3, while Rockets star Kevin Durant was listed as questionable…
👀 NBA draft lottery: Full details on the event
The 2026 NBA draft lottery will happen May 10, with 14 teams having a chance at the No. 1 overall pick. Here are the full details.
How the Thunder helped heal Oklahoma City 30 years after unimaginable terror
For 30 years, the Oklahoma City bombing -- the most devastating act of homegrown terrorism in history -- has been seared into the identity of the city. Since 2008, the Thunder have been trying to…
West playoff takeaways: Wolves take 2-1 lead on Nuggets
Here's what has stood out from the latest playoff games of the Western Conference's first round.
East playoff takeaways: Hawks take a 2-1 lead, Raptors fight back
Here's what has stood out from the latest playoff games of the Eastern Conference's first round.
NBA coaching carousel: As Bucks hire Jenkins, what's next for open jobs in Chicago and New Orleans?
Milwaukee has found its next coach, while Chicago and New Orleans are looking for long-term fits. Here's what lies ahead for each franchise.
NBA buzz: Everything we're hearing on the latest news
Here's the latest news and reactions from our NBA insiders, including how the Bulls are thinking about their front office vacancies.
NBA Futures: Lakers 35-1 to win title; Wemby's Finals MVP odds lengthen
The Lakers' title odds are rocketing after taking a 2-0 lead on Houston, while Victor Wembanyama's Finals MVP odds are lengthening.
How Pistons center Jalen Duren turned muscles into metrics
Jalen Duren's rise from young player to All-Star hasn't quite been meteoric, but for Detroit he's right on time.
Blockbuster trade? New coach? Hard reset? The Warriors begin an offseason with massive uncertainty
Golden State enters another offseason in search of a co-star for Stephen Curry, and the Warriors might be searching for a new coach too.
Big winners, losers and value picks of Round 1: Kiper on a wild start to the NFL draft
Mel Kiper Jr. makes sense of the first round of the NFL draft, sizing up moves like the Makai Lemon, Caleb Downs and Ty Simpson picks.
Pick-by-pick takes on Round 1 of the NFL draft: How prospects fit with their new teams
Here's our NFL Nation reporters' look at the biggest questions for each Round 1 pick and how every player fits.
What questions do Alabama, Georgia, BYU, Oregon and others face after spring ball?
Eleven notable teams and CFP contenders head into summer with some unresolved things that need answers.
Spring football games: Previewing Indiana, Notre Dame, Penn State and others
With 11 spring games this week, here's a top storyline, a position of intrigue and a player to watch for each team.
Tracking every single trade in the 2026 NFL draft
We're following every trade made during the NFL draft, from Round 1 all the way through the end of Round 7.
Grading NFL draft trades: Every big Round 1 swap
We're grading the most impactful trades of the 2026 NFL draft, including three deals by the Bills.
🏈 Strengths, weaknesses for top 25 teams
We look at where we expect the best teams to excel and where they have potential trouble spots.
Transfer Daniels wins QB battle, to start for FSU
Ashton Daniels, a transfer from Auburn, won his battle with Kevin Sperry over the spring and has been named the Florida State starting quarterback.
Sankey reiterates SEC prefers 16-team CFP field
As more stakeholders in charge of the CFP express a willingness to consider the Big Ten's proposed 24-team playoff, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey reiterated his league's preference for a 16-team field.
Bama, DeBoer reach new 7-year, $87.5M contract
The University of Alabama has reached a new seven-year contract with football coach Kalen DeBoer that will pay him $12.5 million per season through Jan. 31, 2033.
Virginia Tech AD Babcock retiring after 12 years
Whit Babcock is retiring as Virginia Tech athletic director and will transition to an advisory role.
Louisville, Brohm reach 8-year, $64.8M extension
Louisville coach Jeff Brohm has agreed to an eight-year, $64.8 million contract extension that will keep him at the school through 2033.
UK AD to forgo retirement gig after pushback
Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart will forgo a $1 million retirement gig that had been widely criticized.
Fickell says back's 'against the wall' at Wisconsin
Following consecutive losing seasons, Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell knows his back is "against the wall" as he looks to turn the Badgers' fortunes around in 2026.
Shiver: U-M didn't protect me enough from Moore
Former Michigan football staffer Paige Shiver characterized her relationship with Sherrone Moore as an "open secret" within the athletic department and said those in leadership didn't do enough to…
The best team fits for Day 2: Solak finds 10 matches that need to happen
Anthony Hill Jr. to the Cowboys? Avieon Terrell to the Bengals? Here are some fits that make too much sense.
Round 1 is over ... so let's predict Rounds 2-3: Miller's quick-turn NFL mock draft for Day 2
Where will the best players still on the board land on Day 2 of the NFL draft (7 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC)? We projected the next 68 picks.
Poll: Oregon's Dante Moore the early QB favorite for 2027 draft
ESPN polled 10 NFL scouts for their way-too-early top three quarterback projections for the 2027 class.
The blue blood and the new blood: What we learned at Notre Dame and Indiana this spring
The traditionally basketball-crazed Hoosier state has turned its focus to football.
'I win. Google me': Indiana HC Curt Cignetti earns nod in National Bobblehead Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame created a bobblehead featuring audio from the Indiana coach's famous "Google me" news conference.
How every 2027 five-star college football prospect will fit
There are 21 five-star players in the class and we scout each one's game for the next level.
From Mozart at UNC to dancing in the weight room, Gio Lopez is rediscovering himself
From North Carolina to Wake Forest, the dynamic has changed for quarterback Gio Lopez.
2027 recruiting class rankings: Oklahoma among top 10 schools off to strong start
These schools are setting the early pace in the class of 2027 recruiting race.
College comps for the top 2027 prospects
As we introduce next year's class, here's what the college careers could look like for the SC Next ESPN 300.
Prospect watch: Is Cleveland ready for a new catcher?
All the prospects fantasy managers should be keeping an eye on as the season moves through its first month.
Fantasy baseball news: Cubs keep winning, even with bruised bullpen
All of the important fantasy spin and actionable takeaways resulting from the latest baseball news.
Are the Yankees this good? Are the Red Sox this bad? What we learned from New York's rivalry sweep
It's early, but we saw two very different teams at Fenway Park this week.
📈 Power Rankings: New No. 2, NL-heavy top 10
A new No. 2 and an NL-heavy top 10 dominate our rankings four weeks into the 2026 season.
Ritchie allows HR on first MLB pitch, then wins
JR Ritchie became the second pitcher over the past 50 years to allow a home run on his first MLB pitch and then earn a win.
Rangers' Gray, 30, makes MLB debut, gets 1st K
The Rangers' Peyton Gray has made his big league debut at age 30 on Thursday night after an eight-year journey through the minors, independent and winter leagues.
Schwarber: Phillies 'fighting' despite 9-game skid
The flailing Phillies fought Thursday but after a ninth straight loss, Philadelphia was reduced to searching for the positives in another negative result.
Yankees' Cole sharp in 2nd rehab start in minors
Yankees ace Gerrit Cole threw 4 1/3 innings for his second straight minor league injury rehabilitation start, allowing two runs and five hits for the Class A Hudson Valley Renegades.
Williams gets win after Mets relief 'mistranslation'
Already struggling to win games, the New York Mets also had difficulty figuring out which pitcher was supposed to be on the mound.
Schlittler: Heckling 'not too bad' in win at Fenway
Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler said he didn't face the type of abuse he was subjected to online in his first appearance against the Red Sox at Fenway Park.
The eight most astounding stats of MLB's season start
It's hard to know which numbers to trust this time of year. Here are the ones that we do -- and don't.
Will the real Pete Crow-Armstrong please stand up?
We've seen PCA play like an MVP. And we've seen PCA struggle. When will the Cubs' young star put it all together again?
Why baseball's 100 mph club is expanding by the day
Here's why the number of pitchers who have reached it has exploded.
Murakami hits 50 homers? Rebound ahead for Luzardo? Don't be surprised!
Eric Karabell looks into the crystal ball to tell fantasy baseball managers what might come to pass in the not-too-distant future.
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