Draisaitl's OT Winner Gives Oilers Fifth Straight Victory

Draisaitl’s OT Winner Gives Oilers Fifth Straight Victory

Leon Draisaitl’s overtime heroics propelled the Edmonton Oilers to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night, extending their winning streak to five games.

Draisaitl, who has been on a tear lately, scored his second goal of the game just 2:18 into the extra period, assisted by Connor McDavid. The Oilers’ captain also had two assists, extending his point streak to 12 straight games.

The Bruins, who have struggled at home this season, took the lead 4:26 into the third period when Pavel Zacha converted a one-time slap shot from Danton Heinen. However, Draisaitl tied the game with just 1:20 remaining in regulation, setting the stage for his overtime winner.

Edmonton’s defense was stout throughout the game, limiting Boston to just five shots in the third period and none in overtime. Stuart Skinner made 25 saves for the Oilers, while Evan Bouchard had two assists.

The Bruins, who have now lost three of their last four games, were booed off the ice by their home crowd. They have a disappointing 19-7-6 record at home this season.

The Oilers, on the other hand, continue to impress. They have won five straight games and are now 32-19-8 on the season. They will visit the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday.

The Bruins will host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday in a battle of two Original Six teams.

Penguins Beat Blue Jackets for 10th Time in 11 Meetings

Penguins Beat Blue Jackets for 10th Time in 11 Meetings

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been struggling this season, but they have maintained their dominance over the Columbus Blue Jackets, defeating them for the 10th time in 11 meetings on Tuesday night.

The Penguins took an early lead with goals from Jesse Puljujarvi and Evgeni Malkin in the first period. Columbus tied the game in the second period with goals from Johnny Gaudreau and Andrew Peeke, but Pittsburgh regained the lead with a fluky goal from Rickard Rakell on a power play.

Columbus tied the game again in the third period with a short-handed goal from Jack Roslovic, but Jeff Carter and Reilly Smith scored just over a minute apart to give the Penguins some breathing room. Tristan Jarry made 33 saves for the Penguins, while Jet Greaves made 26 saves for the Blue Jackets.

The Penguins’ victory snapped a three-game losing streak, but they remain in danger of missing the playoffs for a second straight season. First-year general manager Kyle Dubas is likely to be a seller before Friday’s trade deadline, and star forward Jake Guentzel could be gone by the weekend.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the team’s future, the Penguins played with determination and resilience against the Blue Jackets. They converted turnovers into goals in the first period and responded quickly after Columbus tied the game in the third period.

“We were the better team for a lot of the night,” said Smith, who had a goal and two assists. “We deservedly so.”

The Penguins will host the Washington Capitals on Thursday night, while the Blue Jackets will host the Edmonton Oilers.

LIV Golf Withdraws World Ranking Application

LIV Golf Withdraws World Ranking Application

The Great White Shark, LIV Golf, has withdrawn its application for recognition by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). CEO Greg Norman informed players of the decision, citing the OWGR’s unwillingness to work with LIV.

LIV’s initial application in July 2022 was rejected due to its unique format and lack of a path for players to qualify. The OWGR board maintained that it could not fairly compare LIV to other tours with more open tournaments.

The withdrawal has significant implications for LIV players, as the world ranking is used to determine eligibility for the majors and the Olympics. Top players like Cameron Smith and Tyrrell Hatton may struggle to qualify for these prestigious events.

Despite LIV’s efforts to create a more open qualifying system, the players are currently far removed from the top of the rankings. Only four LIV players are in the top 50, and even if adjustments were made, it would be challenging for them to make up ground.

The withdrawal also highlights the ongoing tension between LIV and the established golf ecosystem. The OWGR board, which includes representatives from the majors, has maintained that its decision was technical, not political. However, LIV has accused the board of bias and a lack of transparency.

Meanwhile, Gary Woodland has been honored with the Ben Hogan Award for his return to golf following brain surgery. The former U.S. Open champion underwent a serious operation to remove a lesion pressing on his brain.

In other news, Angela Stanford has received an exemption to the Chevron Championship, extending her consecutive LPGA major streak to 98. The USGA has also acquired memorabilia related to Charlie Sifford, the first Black player to win on the PGA Tour.

Red Sox Starter Giolito Faces Opening Day Uncertainty Due to Elbow Discomfort

Red Sox Starter Giolito Faces Opening Day Uncertainty Due to Elbow Discomfort

Red Sox Starter Lucas Giolito Faces Opening Day Uncertainty Due to Elbow Discomfort

FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Boston Red Sox have been dealt a significant setback with the news that right-handed starter Lucas Giolito is likely to miss opening day and potentially longer due to discomfort in his elbow.

Manager Alex Cora confirmed the injury on Tuesday, stating that Giolito will undergo further examinations to determine the severity of the issue. “We’re obviously concerned. Not a good day for us,” Cora told reporters.

Giolito, who signed a $38.5 million, two-year deal with the Red Sox this offseason, has made two starts in spring training. While he pitched two scoreless innings in his first outing, he struggled in his second start against Minnesota last Friday, allowing four runs and three walks in 2 1/3 innings. It was after that outing that Giolito reported the discomfort in his elbow.

The injury is a major blow to the Red Sox, who were counting on Giolito to be a key part of their rotation. The 29-year-old was the first overall pick by the Washington Nationals in the 2012 draft and has established himself as a solid starter in the majors.

In 2023, Giolito pitched for the White Sox, Angels, and Guardians, posting a 4.88 ERA and allowing a league-high 41 home runs. However, he has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, earning an All-Star selection in 2019 and averaging 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings from 2019-21.

The Red Sox were hoping to see that version of Giolito when they signed him this winter. However, the elbow discomfort has cast a shadow over his availability for the start of the season. The team will await the results of further examinations before determining the extent of the injury and Giolito’s timeline for return.

Giancarlo Stanton's Tireless Work Ethic Fuels Yankees' Hopes

Giancarlo Stanton’s Tireless Work Ethic Fuels Yankees’ Hopes

Giancarlo Stanton, the New York Yankees’ slugger, is renowned for his dedication to extra work. Despite missing a significant number of games over the past five seasons due to injuries, Stanton remains committed to his rigorous training regimen.

On Tuesday, Stanton spent 90 minutes at Steinbrenner Field engaged in an intense batting practice session against a pitching machine. The session began with teammate DJ LeMahieu for the first 20 minutes, after which Stanton continued solo, taking short breaks to pace around the batting cage or consult with hitting coach James Rowson.

“If I don’t get my work in, then I’m just thinking about it all day,” Stanton explained. “So, there’s no point in being at home just thinking about doing this anyway.”

Stanton’s dedication is evident in his slimmed-down physique. The 34-year-old continues to display his power, hitting opposite-field homers to right field during the final minutes of his batting practice.

“Whatever I need to get it to what I need to feel,” Stanton said.

Since joining the Yankees in 2018, Stanton has not played a full season. Injuries have plagued him, including a strained right biceps and posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee (2019), strained left hamstring (2020), strained left quadriceps (2021), right ankle inflammation and left Achilles tendinitis (2022), and strained left hamstring (2023).

Despite these setbacks, Stanton remains optimistic. Over the past five years, he has hit .233 with 97 homers and 259 RBIs, a slight decline from his first nine seasons, when he averaged .265 with 302 homers and 772 RBIs.

Stanton’s determination and unwavering work ethic are a testament to his commitment to the game. As the Yankees prepare for the upcoming season, Stanton’s presence and leadership will be invaluable.

MLB Injury Bug Bites Verlander, Gray, Giolito

MLB Injury Bug Bites Verlander, Gray, Giolito

MLB Injury Woes: Verlander, Gray, Giolito Sidelined

The MLB season is approaching, but three prominent right-handed starting pitchers are facing injuries that could delay their starts.

Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander will begin the season on the injured list due to inflammation in his pitching shoulder. St. Louis Cardinals’ Sonny Gray has a hamstring strain, while Boston Red Sox’s Lucas Giolito is experiencing discomfort in his pitching elbow.

Verlander’s injury is considered a setback rather than a long-term concern. The 41-year-old is expected to throw in the bullpen again on Friday but has yet to face hitters. However, a delay to the start of the season could jeopardize his $35 million option for 2025.

Giolito’s injury is more concerning. The 29-year-old will undergo additional exams to determine the severity of the issue. He had a disappointing 2023 season, allowing a league-high 41 home runs and posting a 4.88 ERA.

Gray may have the best chance of returning for opening day, which he was scheduled to start against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 28. The Cardinals are hopeful that the mild strain will allow him to recover in time.

Meanwhile, Atlanta Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr. is expected to be ready for opening day after a thorough examination of his sore right knee revealed no serious issues.

New York Yankees catcher Jose Trevino is also nearing a return from a calf injury. The 31-year-old is recovering from a wrist injury that limited him to 55 games last season.

Tentoglou Blasts WA's Proposed Take-Off Board Experiment

Tentoglou Blasts WA’s Proposed Take-Off Board Experiment

Greek long jump sensation Miltiadis Tentoglou has vehemently opposed World Athletics’ (WA) proposed experiment with the take-off board, expressing his concerns shortly after claiming the world indoor title in Glasgow.

Tentoglou, who now holds the Olympic, outdoor world, and indoor world titles, erupted when questioned about the proposed change. The experiment involves moving the take-off board 5 centimeters closer to the pit, a move that has drawn criticism from many athletes.

“It’s a stupid idea,” Tentoglou declared. “It’s going to ruin the sport. It’s going to make it easier for people to jump far, but it’s not going to make it fairer.”

Tentoglou believes that the proposed change will favor athletes with greater speed and power, while disadvantaging those with better technique. He argues that the current take-off board distance has been established for decades and should not be altered.

“The take-off board is a sacred thing in long jump,” Tentoglou said. “It’s been the same for years, and it’s been fair for everyone. Why change it now?”

WA has defended the experiment, claiming that it will increase the excitement and unpredictability of the event. However, Tentoglou and other athletes remain skeptical.

“It’s not going to make the sport more exciting,” Tentoglou said. “It’s just going to make it more random. It’s going to be a lottery.”

The proposed experiment is set to begin in May at the Diamond League meeting in Doha. It will be closely monitored by WA, and a decision on whether to implement the change permanently will be made after the 2023 World Championships in Budapest.

PCI Suspension Revoked Ahead of Para Shooting World Cup

PCI Suspension Revoked Ahead of Para Shooting World Cup

The Ministry of Sports has lifted the suspension imposed on the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) after the body initiated the process for its long-pending elections. The elections, which were initially scheduled for January 31, 2024, were postponed to March 28 due to the impending Para Shooting World Cup.

The PCI has now proposed March 9 as the new date for the elections and has begun the process of nominations. Most of the top posts are set to be filled without any contest, including the position of President, which will be held by multiple-time Paralympic medallist Devendra Jhajharia.

The Ministry of Sports stated that the “main ground for suspension of government recognition” has been addressed. The ministry also noted that the PCI is hosting the 2024 World Shooting Para Sport World Cup from March 6-15 in New Delhi, which was a factor in the decision to revoke the suspension.

The Para Shooting World Cup offers 24 Paris Paralympic quota places, and over 500 shooters from 52 countries are expected to participate in the event. Jhajharia, who has won gold medals in the 2004 Athens and 2016 Rio Paralympics, is the only candidate who filed nomination papers for the PCI chief’s post.

Other key positions that will be filled unopposed include Secretary General (Jayawant Hammanawar), Vice-Presidents (R Chandrashekhar and Satya Prakash Sangwan), Treasurer (Sunil Pradhan), and Joint Secretaries (Lalit Thakur and T Diwakara).

The PCI had received support from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) after the suspension. The IPC had stated that it would continue to recognize the PCI as the only body for para sports in India.

Praggnanandhaa Stuns Abdusattarov, Stakes Claim for Prague Masters Title

Praggnanandhaa Stuns Abdusattarov, Stakes Claim for Prague Masters Title

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has emerged as a strong contender for the top honors at the Prague Masters chess tournament in Prague. In a crucial sixth-round encounter, Praggnanandhaa defeated overnight sole leader Nodirbek Abdusattarov of Uzbekistan, bringing him within striking distance of the top spot.

Praggnanandhaa, playing with the black pieces, displayed exceptional skill and strategy. He countered Abdusattarov’s Ruy Lopez opening with deft maneuvers, gradually gaining an advantage on all sides of the board. As the game progressed, Abdusattarov found himself under increasing pressure and eventually succumbed to Praggnanandhaa’s relentless attack.

This victory propelled Praggnanandhaa to second place in the standings, with 3.5 points, just half a point behind Abdusattarov. The tournament, a ten-player round-robin event, still has three rounds remaining, and Praggnanandhaa is well-positioned to challenge for the title.

Meanwhile, other Indian players faced mixed fortunes. D Gukesh suffered a setback, losing to Mateusz Bartel of Poland. Vidit Gujrathi also experienced a disappointing result, going down to Vincent Keymer of Germany.

In the other matches of the sixth round, Nguyen Thai Dai Van of the Czech Republic defeated Parham Maghsoodloo of Iran, while David Navara of the Czech Republic drew with Richard Rapport of Romania.

With three rounds remaining, the Prague Masters tournament remains highly competitive. Praggnanandhaa’s victory over Abdusattarov has injected excitement into the race for the top spot, and the Indian prodigy will be determined to maintain his momentum and secure a podium finish.

Indian Boxers Struggle in World Olympic Qualifier, Chahar Knocked Out

Indian Boxers Struggle in World Olympic Qualifier, Chahar Knocked Out

Reigning national champion Lakshya Chahar’s Olympic dream suffered a setback as he became the fourth Indian boxer to bow out in the opening round of the first World Olympic Boxing Qualifier in Busto Arsizio, Italy.

Chahar, competing in the men’s 80kg event, faced a formidable opponent in 2021 Asian Championships silver medallist Gheshlaghi Meysam of Iran. Despite a valiant effort, Chahar was knocked out in the third round, ending his hopes of securing an Olympic quota.

The Indian contingent has faced a disappointing start to the qualifier, with all four boxers who have taken the ring failing to advance to the second round. World Championships bronze medallist Deepak Bhoria (51kg), Asian Games bronze medallist Narender Berwal (92kg), and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Jaismine Lamboria (60kg) all suffered first-round defeats.

However, five Indian boxers remain in contention for Paris Olympic quotas: world championships bronze medallist Mohammed Hussamudin and six-time Asian Championships medal winner Shiva Thapa. A semifinal finish will guarantee them a quota.

India has already secured four 2024 Olympic quotas through Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Preeti Pawar (54kg), Parveen Hooda (57kg), and Lovlina Borgohain (75kg), who clinched their entry at the Asian Games last year.

Boxers who fail to earn quotas in Italy will have a final chance to qualify for the Paris Games at the second World Olympic Boxing Qualifier, scheduled for May 23 to June 3 in Bangkok.

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