Good morning, especially to the Florida Panthers!
THE FLORIDA PANTHERS
In a high-intensity Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, only one team delivered a scoring barrage. The Florida Panthers decisively defeated the Edmonton Oilers 6-1, claiming a 2-1 advantage in the series.
- Florida quickly established control, with Brad Marchand scoring just 56 seconds into the game, followed by Carter Verhaeghe`s power play goal, putting the Panthers up 2-0 in the first period.
- Corey Perry scored on the power play for Edmonton, which proved to be their sole goal of the game. Florida swiftly responded with goals from Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett within minutes, extending their lead to 4-1. Aaron Ekblad and Evan Rodrigues each added power play goals in the third period.
- This marks Florida`s fourth postseason win by a margin of 5 or more goals this year, placing them tied for second-most in a single NHL playoff run.
- The Oilers accumulated 85 penalty minutes, tying the record for third-most ever in a Stanley Cup Final game. Notably, it was also the first game this postseason where neither Connor McDavid nor Leon Draisaitl registered a point.
Austin Nivison notes that this performance showcased Florida at its peak, playing with speed, capitalizing on opponent errors, and overwhelming Edmonton across all aspects of the game.
Austin Nivison writes: `In Games 1 and 2, that depth edge was largely negated because Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were superhuman. On Monday, however, those two were much quieter, which allowed the Panthers` depth to shine. Six different Panthers found the back of the net, and 12 different players recorded at least one point. That`s just what happens when players like Anton Lundell and Brad Marchand are on the third line.`
😁 Honorable Mentions
- Denzel Clarke`s incredible home run robbery is being called a potential catch of the year.
- Aaron Wiggins` strong performance in Game 2 highlighted the Thunder`s deep roster.
- There is reportedly “mutual intrigue” between Jason Kidd and the Knicks organization.
- Stefon Diggs has impressed Mike Vrabel, while young Patriots pass catchers shined during team drills in his absence.
- With Nick Chubb joining the Texans, there`s discussion about whether he can successfully return from ACL surgery with a new team.
- Rome Odunze has reportedly gained significant weight ahead of his second NFL season.
- Gary Parrish has released his latest NBA mock draft predictions.
- The bracket for the College World Series is now finalized.
- Brad Crawford shares five key thoughts regarding the recent House v. NCAA settlement.
- Adam Silver indicated the NBA is considering bringing back the large Larry O`Brien trophy logo to Finals courts next year.
- The Liberty and Lynx maintain their undefeated records and hold the top two spots in Jack Maloney`s WNBA Power Rankings.
😕 Not So Honorable Mentions
- Caitlin Clark continues to be sidelined with a quad strain, missing her fifth consecutive game.
- Satou Sabally openly criticized WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert regarding the league`s current schedule.
- Darius Garland underwent toe surgery and is expected to miss several months, likely including the start of the 2025-26 season.
- The Packers released talented cornerback Jaire Alexander, who is now considered the top cornerback available with significant interest from other teams. Potential landing spots are being discussed, along with how Green Bay`s secondary might fare without him.
- The Bengals are releasing team captain and leading tackler Germaine Pratt, prompting analysis of the team`s next steps.
- There are questions surrounding whether Novak Djokovic`s retirement might happen sooner than anticipated.
⛳ U.S. Open Preview: Storylines, Sleepers, Rooting Guide
We are less than 48 hours away from the start of golf`s most challenging test, held at potentially the world`s toughest golf course. Oakmont Country Club, famous for its “church pew” bunkers, a nearly 300-yard par 3, and dense rough, is prepared to host the 125th U.S. Open.
Few golfers seem better prepared for this challenge than Scottie Scheffler, who has won three of his last four tournaments, including the PGA Championship. He is highlighted as a major storyline by Patrick McDonald.
Patrick McDonald writes: `Scheffler is the best he has ever been. … The Texan entered last year`s U.S. Open as the prohibitive favorite but struggled fresh off a grueling week at Muirfield Village. Now with one week`s of rest in his corner, Scheffler can prepare how he wants at a golf course that has far more similarities to Jack`s Place than Pinehurst No. 2 did.`
While Scheffler is the clear favorite, Robby Kalland suggests looking at “the hottest player on the planet not named Scottie Scheffler” when considering potential sleepers.
Robby Kalland writes: `Ben Griffin (55-1): Griffin has finished T8, 1st and 2nd in his last three events (PGA Championship, Charles Schwab Challenge, the Memorial), and it`s his performance at the Memorial that impressed most. That was an incredibly difficult golf course, and he showed an ability to score low (65 on Thursday) and not make catastrophic mistakes to stay in contention throughout the weekend. It didn`t result in a win as ultimately Scheffler passed him, but in terms of value, hard to beat 55-1 on a guy in this kind of form who has been doing it in big time events.`
The reigning champion, Bryson DeChambeau, also merits attention. He won in dramatic style at Pinehurst No. 2 last year (his second U.S. Open title) and has secured a top-six finish in the last five major championships held in the United States. Robby Kalland includes him among players to support.
Additional notes on the U.S. Open:
- Key trends to consider when selecting a potential winner.
- This tournament is likely to be Phil Mickelson`s final U.S. Open appearance; it is the only major he has not won.
- Joaquín Niemann arrives at another major playing exceptionally well on the LIV Golf circuit. Can he translate that form to a major championship this time?
- Xander Schauffele commented that fans often enjoy watching players “suffer” on such a demanding course.
⚾ Roman Anthony Makes Long-Awaited Debut: What Can He Bring Red Sox?
While perhaps not the debut he had envisioned, the Roman Anthony era has officially begun in Boston. The highly-rated prospect was called up to the major leagues on Monday and made his debut hours later. In his first game, he went 0 for 4 with a walk and an RBI, also committing an error in the Red Sox`s 10-8 loss to the Rays.
The 21-year-old had an impressive season in Triple A, hitting .288/.423/.491 with 10 home runs and nearly as many walks (51) as strikeouts (56). He recently hit a massive 497-foot grand slam over the weekend. R.J. Anderson explains why Anthony is so highly regarded in baseball circles.
R.J. Anderson writes: `When Anthony hits the ball hard — and mind you, he cleared 95 mph on 58% of his batted balls — he has an average launch angle of 9.4 degrees. In other words, that means his best contact comes on a line-drive trajectory, which bodes well for his chances of hitting for average in addition to threatening 30-plus home runs every season. Some players with similar marks in the majors include Fernando Tatis Jr., Jonathan Aranda and Junior Caminero. … In addition to Anthony`s impressive feel for loud contact, he employs a very patient approach that should enable him to work counts and draw walks.`
Anthony`s promotion also has implications for fantasy baseball managers.
🏈 Biggest Storylines for Mandatory NFL Minicamps
Three-quarters of NFL teams are commencing mandatory minicamps today. Although players can be fined for non-attendance, some notable absences are expected. However, the Cowboys received positive news regarding two key players, and Kirk Cousins is anticipated to participate for Atlanta.
These minicamps represent the final practice sessions before training camps begin in roughly a month and a half. It`s a crucial period for teams to build a solid foundation for the upcoming season.
Garrett Podell outlines the biggest storylines and players to monitor for every NFC team during minicamps. For the 49ers, a team-wide bounce-back is a key focus, likely starting with their most prominent star.
Garrett Podell writes: `Biggest camp storyline: How star running back Christian McCaffrey looks — In 2024, McCaffrey played four games while dealing with bilateral Achilles tendonitis and a PCL injury in his knee, and the 49ers went 6-11. Those 11 losses were tied for second by a team in the season after a Super Bowl loss ever. How much the soon-to-be 29-year-old running back participates in mandatory minicamp and how he looks will be something to watch.`
On the AFC side, Aaron Rodgers has been a dominant topic of offseason discussion despite only joining his current team last week. Tyler Sullivan explores how Rodgers will appear in his initial practices with the Steelers.
📺 What We`re Watching Tuesday
- ⚾ Yankees at Royals, 7:40 p.m. on TBS
- ⚽ USMNT vs. Switzerland, 8 p.m. on TNT/truTV
- 🏀 Sky at Liberty, 8 p.m. on ESPN
