New York Islanders phenom Matthew Schaefer broke the NHL single-season record for points by an 18...

<p>New York Islanders phenom <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/16210" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/16210">Matthew Schaefer</a> broke the NHL single-season record for points by an 18-year-old defenseman on Saturday, notching his 58th of the campaign with an assist on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2905" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2905">Anders Lee</a>'s third-period tally. </p><p>The record was previously held by Hall of Famer Phil Housley, who set the mark with the Buffalo Sabres in 1982-83. Housley finished his rookie season with 66 points, but turned 19 in March of that year. </p><p>The record for most points by a rookie defenseman belongs to Larry Murphy, who notched 76 in 1980-81. Schaefer currently sits 11th on that list, and is one goal shy of matching Brian Leetch's benchmark for goals by a freshman blue-liner (23).</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Islanders drafted Schaefer first overall last summer and he's played a key role in transforming New York into a playoff contender. Schaefer is second on the team in points and leads all skaters in average ice time. </p><p>New York lost Saturday's contest and has now dropped four in a row. They hold a one-point cushion on the third seed in the Metropolitan Division over the Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets.</p>

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 04: Defenseman Matthew Schaefer #48 of the New York Islanders looks on during the first period of the game against the New York Islanders at Lenovo Center on April 4, 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Schaefer breaks NHL record for points by 18-year-old defenseman

The Toronto Maple Leafs were mathematically eliminated from qualifying for the 2026 Stanley Cup P...

<p>The Toronto Maple Leafs were mathematically eliminated from qualifying for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs with Thursday's 4-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks.</p><p>Toronto entered the season with the league's longest active playoff streak at nine years. This spring will mark the first time the Maple Leafs have failed to reach the postseason since drafting <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> first overall in 2016.</p><p>The club won only two series in that span and went 0-8 in winner-take-all games.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Toronto entered the Olympic break six points back of a wild-card spot but is 5-10-4 since the league reconvened in late February.</p><p>The Maple Leafs won the Atlantic Division last season with 108 points in Craig Berube's first campaign as the club's head coach. This year, Toronto ranks in the bottom five in expected goals against, shots against, and goals against at five-on-five, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/teamtable.php">Natural Stat Trick</a>.</p><p>Injuries have been a key factor in Toronto's decline in 2025-26, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1685" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1685">Chris Tanev</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9766">Anthony Stolarz</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a>, and Matthews missing significant time.</p><p>Though the Maple Leafs sold a collection of players before the trade deadline, the team might still not draft in the first round this summer. Toronto dealt its 2026 first-round selection to the Boston Bruins last year for defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4643" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4643">Brandon Carlo</a>, but it'll retain the pick and defer it to 2027 if it falls within the top five.</p><p>Berube is expected to be on the hot seat once the regular season ends. The Maple Leafs already fired general manager Brad Treliving on Monday.</p>

MONTREAL, CANADA - MARCH 10: (L-R) Assistant coach Mike Van Ryn, head coach Craig Berube and assistant coach Derek Lalonde of the Toronto Maple Leafs handle bench duties during the third period against the Montréal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on March 10, 2026 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montréal Canadiens defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-1.

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Maple Leafs eliminated from playoff contention with loss to Sharks

After reflecting on his departure from the Vancouver Canucks earlier this season, Quinn Hughes cl...

<p>After reflecting on his departure from the Vancouver Canucks earlier this season, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a> cleared the air about a narrative that suggested he'd stopped caring about about the club.</p><p>"I'd see stuff like, 'He doesn't care anymore,'" the Minnesota Wild defenseman told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7167018/2026/04/02/quinn-hughes-canucks-wild-exclusive/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Thomas Drance</a>. "But go watch my last game against Buffalo and you tell me that I didn't care. If you want to blame me for over-trying, for overdoing it, then honestly, I'm good with it.</p><p>"A couple of years ago, that sort of stuff would've bothered me, but it doesn't now. I'm the one that looks at myself in the mirror, and I'm good with everything I've done. I'm at peace with everything."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hughes, who was dealt to Minnesota in December, will play against the Canucks for the first time Thursday. His final season-plus in Vancouver was embroiled with drama, but he insists that it never impacted his commitment to the team.</p><p>"I know I gave everything I had in Vancouver," Hughes said. "Go look at the years prior, too, when there was all sorts of nonsense going on, and I know I was always doing everything I could to make sure my game was in a good place and elevating it for the team. I tried to do that again this year. I had a great summer, and it just didn't happen."</p><p>The Canucks' 2024-25 season was derailed by a feud between <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a> that resulted in the former being traded to the New York Rangers. Vancouver missed the playoffs one year after winning the Pacific Division and now sits in last place in the NHL.</p><p>Hughes' contract status was a significant story in Vancouver as the current season began, as he's eligible for an extension this summer. The Canucks moved him to the Wild after an 11-17-3 start.</p><p>Hughes, who's notched 49 points in 42 games since the trade, believes playing on a contender again has helped his game.</p><p>"It's easier for me here," he said. "The way I'd explain it is that 30 minutes in Vancouver earlier this year is a lot harder than 30 minutes here right now in Minnesota. Like, (in Vancouver) I felt (that) to create something, I had to break it out, I had to do the zone entry. Reflecting on it, I was probably just overtaxed and overworking."</p>

ST PAUL, MINNESOTA - MARCH 10: Quinn Hughes #43 of the Minnesota Wild looks on against the Utah Mammoth in the second period at Grand Casino Arena on March 10, 2026 in St Paul, Minnesota.

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Hughes 'at peace' with how Canucks tenure ended

Ottawa Senators head coach Travis Green assured that Keith Tkachuk's eyebrow-raising comments mad...

<p>Ottawa Senators head coach Travis Green assured that Keith Tkachuk's eyebrow-raising comments made on his sons' podcast won't be a distraction for his club as it chases a playoff spot.</p><p>During an appearance on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a>'s "Wingmen" show, Keith said it's "disgusting" that modern NHLers aren't willing to play through minor injuries. The Senators have dealt with several injuries down the stretch, and goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3922" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3922">Linus Ullmark</a> was in the spotlight recently for needing a rest as a pivotal contest against the Tampa Bay Lightning awaited.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here is the full exchange for greater context. Keith Tkachuk comments on players becoming "soft" in dealing with injuries, then brings up Grant Fuhr (goaltender) playing 70 games a season. Brady laughs awkwardly and Matthew quickly tries to change topics. <a href="https://t.co/vTTiJ2MsNE">pic.twitter.com/vTTiJ2MsNE</a></p>— kaz (@kazGoSensGo) <a href="https://twitter.com/kazGoSensGo/status/2039479101610717358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"Do we have some injuries? Yeah, we do. But we've never talked about it, we've never worried about it, and we're not gonna do it now," Green said Thursday. "We're gonna worry about tonight, worry about Buffalo, worry about our teammates - not worry about - no offense - to the white noise and the talk that's outside of our locker room."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Green was then asked if he talked to Brady about the podcast. </p><p>"No, I haven't," Green said. "I haven't seen it. I heard about it. I know Walt (Keith) really well. He's a friend. I played with him, known him a long time. I know he's outspoken. I'm not sure exactly what he said. But again, that's white noise. It doesn't have any concern of mine or concern of our team."</p><p>The Tkachuk brothers became the first active NHL players to launch a podcast earlier this season. </p><p>The Senators are two points back of a playoff spot with eight games remaining. Ottawa snapped a seven-year postseason drought last year but lost in the first round. </p>

SUNRISE, FL - MARCH 31 : Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (7) looks on during a NHL game between the Ottawa Senators and the Florida Panthers on March 31, 2026 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL.

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Green dismisses Tkachuk podcast drama: Not a 'concern of our team'

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas will play Monday against the Toronto Maple Leafs despite rec...

<p>Anaheim Ducks defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1727" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1727">Radko Gudas</a> will play Monday against the Toronto Maple Leafs despite recent uncertainty about his status due to a lower-body injury.</p><p>Gudas explained that his motivation to play against the Maple Leafs stems from a desire to "stand behind my own mistakes" and "address it myself," according to <a href="https://x.com/jonassiegel/status/2038671003090637082?s=20">The Athletic's Jonas Siegel</a>.</p><p>During the last meeting between the two clubs on March 12, Gudas delivered a knee-on-knee hit to star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a>, ending the Leafs captain's season and resulting in a five-game suspension for the blue-liner.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Matthews sustained a Grade 3 MCL tear on the play, and Gudas later <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3507275" href="https://thescore.com/news/3507275">said</a> he felt terrible about hurting Matthews. However, Matthews' agent, along with several Maple Leafs, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3499479" href="https://thescore.com/news/3499479">argued</a> that five games wasn't a long enough suspension for the 35-year-old.</p><p>Gudas was reportedly seen in a walking boot after sustaining an injury Thursday and sat out Anaheim's contest against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday because of the issue.</p><p>Motivated by heavy criticism for not responding to Gudas' hit in the moment, the Maple Leafs made sure to circle Monday's rematch with the Ducks on the calendar.</p><p>"I hope very fired up," said Leafs defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3876" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3876">Jake McCabe</a> on what he expects from his team, per <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/well-be-fired-up-maple-leafs-eye-gudas-revenge-look-past-blues/">Sportsnet's Luke Fox</a>. "A large chunk of us are going to be back here next year, and you need to continue to build bonds with your teammates and not leaving your buddy out to dry."</p><p>George Parros, the head of the NHL's Department of Player Safety, will be in attendance for Monday's game with plenty of physicality expected, according to <a href="https://x.com/davidalter/status/2038557093523861811">David Alter of The Hockey News</a>. </p>

ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 6: Radko Gudas #7 of the Anaheim Ducks knocks pucks off the boards for use during warm-up as he takes the ice for the game against the Montreal Canadiens at Honda Center on March 6, 2026 in Anaheim, California.

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Ducks' Gudas will play vs. Leafs: Want to 'address it myself'

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas wants to play in Monday's highly anticipated contest against...

<p>Anaheim Ducks defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1727" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1727">Radko Gudas</a> wants to play in Monday's highly anticipated contest against the Toronto Maple Leafs despite being sidelined with an injury, reports <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/2038062560310665387">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>.</p><p>Gudas has said that suiting up is the right thing to do, according to Friedman, as the Maple Leafs are likely to seek retribution for a knee-on-knee hit that ended <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a>' season on March 12. The blue-liner was suspended five games for the incident.</p><p>However, doctors will need to clear Gudas for him to dress. The 35-year-old didn't play Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers and was reportedly seen in a walking boot after sustaining an injury Thursday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Gudas' hit on Matthews created a league-wide stir, and the other Maple Leafs players drew heavy criticism for not immediately responding in support of their captain. Multiple members of the organization later said that Gudas' five-game ban was too light of a punishment.</p><p>After returning from his suspension, Gudas <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3507275" href="https://thescore.com/news/3507275">said</a> he feels terrible about injuring Matthews. </p><p>Monday's game is crucial for the Ducks in the standings, as they currently hold a three-point lead atop the Pacific Division. The Maple Leafs are out of the playoff race and are 3-2-2 since losing Matthews.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 12: Morgan Rielly #44 of the Toronto Maple Leafs confronts Radko Gudas #7 of the Anaheim Ducks after kneeing Auston Matthews #34 (not shown) in the second period at Scotiabank Arena on March 12, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Report: Gudas wants to play rematch vs. Maple Leafs despite injury

Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Muse said captain Sidney Crosby exited Thursday's contest agai...

<p>Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Muse said captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> exited Thursday's contest against the Ottawa Senators in the second period due to a lower-body, according to <a href="https://x.com/JoshYohe_PGH/status/2037353175758307745?s=20">The Athletic's Josh Yohe</a>.</p><p>There was no further update on Crosby postgame.</p><p>Crosby retreated to the Penguins' dressing room after a harmless-looking shift and didn't return.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sidney Crosby has gone to the dressing room. <a href="https://t.co/DmIKfIXcZN">pic.twitter.com/DmIKfIXcZN</a></p>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/2037320481792020645?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The outing marked Crosby's fifth appearance since returning from a knee injury he sustained while representing Canada at the Olympics. The ailment caused him to miss the final two games of the tournament and 11 NHL contests afterward.</p><p>Crosby has notched five points in four-plus appearances since returning. He's totaled 64 points in 60 games this season.</p><p>The Penguins ultimately won the contest 4-3 in a shootout, earning a crucial two points in their pursuit of a playoff spot. With the victory, they jumped to second in the Metropolitan Division, but Pittsburgh is only one point clear of both the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders.</p>

OTTAWA, CANADA - MARCH 26: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the Ottawa Senators in the first period at Canadian Tire Centre on March 26, 2026 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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Crosby sustains lower-body injury in win over Senators

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman is taking a temporary leave of absence from the team...

<p>Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1125" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1125">Victor Hedman</a> is taking a temporary leave of absence from the team for personal reasons, the club announced Wednesday.</p><p>The Lightning said no further details would be shared about the status of the seven-time All-Star, who hasn't played since March 19.</p><p>Hedman missed 22 games earlier this season due to an elbow issue and was limited by a lower-body injury while representing Sweden at the Olympics in February.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Various issues have restricted Hedman to 33 appearances this season. He's logged 17 points and is averaging a career-low 18:52 per contest. The 35-year-old is under contract with a full no-movement clause through 2029 at an $8 million annual cap hit.</p><p>The Lightning are two points back of the Atlantic Division lead with one game in hand on the first-place Buffalo Sabres.</p><p> </p>

TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 20: Victor Hedman #77 of the Tampa Bay Lightning waits for a faceoff against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on January 20, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Hedman taking temporary leave of absence from Lightning

Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens removed himself from consideration...

<p>Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens removed himself from consideration for North Carolina's head coaching job, sources told <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/north-carolina-coaching-search-brad-stevens-updates/">CBS Sports' Matt Norlander</a>.</p><p>The Tar Heels fired Hubert Davis on Tuesday in the wake of their Round of 32 elimination at March Madness. Stevens reportedly topped North Carolina's list of candidates, which also includes Arizona's Tommy Lloyd, Michigan's Dusty May, Iowa State's T.J. Otzelberger, and Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan.</p><p>Stevens has turned down multiple opportunities to return to the NCAA ranks since leaving Butler to coach the Celtics in 2013. Boston promoted Stevens to its front office in 2021, and he won NBA Executive of the Year along with a championship in 2024.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Davis coached North Carolina for five seasons, accumulating a 125-54 record. The Tar Heels reached the title game in his first season but never advanced past the Sweet 16 afterward. The program hasn't won a national championship since 2017.</p>

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 29: Brad Stevens, president of basketball operations for the Boston Celtics, smiles during a press conference at Boston Celtics media day at the Auerbach Center on September 29, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Report: Brad Stevens won't consider coaching North Carolina

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid insisted his glowing comments about the Tampa Bay Lightnin...

<p>Edmonton Oilers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> insisted his glowing comments about the Tampa Bay Lightning's structure following Saturday's contest weren't intended as a jab at head coach Kris Knoblauch.</p><p>"We're not taking shots," McDavid said Monday, per <a href="https://x.com/TSNRyanRishaug/status/2036141533704102008">TSN's Ryan Rishaug</a>. "It's just, everybody can be better, myself included. Everybody can be better. It was more just complimentary of a great team in this league that came in and played a good game, nothing more than that."</p><p>McDavid added, "Not sure how it was taken that way, it wasn't supposed to be that way. ... Obviously, I understand how people could look at it that way, but it's not what I was intending to do at all."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>After the Lightning defeated the Oilers 5-2 on Saturday night, McDavid gushed about Tampa Bay's coaching. Bolts bench boss Jon Cooper coached McDavid and Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off and the 2026 Olympics.</p><p>"They have a great system. They're perfectly coached," McDavid said of the Lightning on Saturday, according to <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/what-mcdavids-praise-of-cooper-means-for-knoblauch-oilers/">Sportsnet's Mark Spector</a>. "They all know what they're doing all over the ice. It's impressive. They're a great team.</p><p>"They're extremely well-coached, they're extremely well-organized. They're very rehearsed in everything they do. It's very impressive."</p><p>The Lightning have won two Stanley Cups under Cooper's tutelage and are sixth in the NHL standings with 91 points. The Oilers are in a playoff spot in the Pacific Division with 77 points through 71 games but have regressed from the standard that helped them reach back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals.</p><p>Oilers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> raised eyebrows prior to the Olympic break by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3472271" href="https://thescore.com/news/3472271">suggesting</a> Edmonton's season-long quest to find consistency "starts with coaches." He's out for the rest of the regular season with a lower-body injury.</p><p>Knoblauch is in his third season with the Oilers. He's guided the club to a 94-47-10 regular-season record and a 29-18 mark in the playoffs. </p>

EDMONTON, ALBERTA - MARCH 21: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers looks on during the first period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Rogers Place on March 21, 2026 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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McDavid: Praise for Lightning wasn't 'taking shots' at Knoblauch

Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl visited a doctor in Germany after recently being ruled o...

<p>Edmonton Oilers superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> visited a doctor in Germany after recently being ruled out for the remainder of the regular season with a lower-body injury, reports Sky Sports' Ben Heckner.</p><p>Draisaitl attended Saturday's Bayern Munich game and raised alarm bells when he told Sky Sports his return to action may hinge on how far the Oilers advance in the playoffs.</p><p>"It will definitely take a few weeks," Draisaitl <a href="https://x.com/SkySport_Ben/status/2035414226194297121?s=20">said</a>. "I hope we go far enough so I can help the team again."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>However, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported Draisaitl's original recovery timeline hasn't changed. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I recognize this interview caused about 1,000 heart attacks...but as I understand it, Draisaitl's current timeline has not changed. <br><br>The expectation right now is he's out until the end of the regular season.<br><br>This, by the way, is the same doctor Auston Matthews visited a year… <a href="https://t.co/okApqDcUEo">https://t.co/okApqDcUEo</a></p>— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) <a href="https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/2035439257536299281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Draisaitl has missed Edmonton's past two games and was recently placed on long-term injured reserve. The Oilers enter Saturday's contest against the Tampa Bay Lightning with a one-point lead over the Vegas Golden Knights for second in the Pacific Division. The Anaheim Ducks hold a three-point lead in the top spot.</p><p>Edmonton has reached back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals, losing both times to the Florida Panthers. Draisaitl notched 64 points in 47 playoff games the past two springs and had 97 points in 65 games in 2025-26 before he was injured.</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - NOVEMBER 8: Leon Draisaitl #29 of the Edmonton Oilers stands for the singing of the national anthem prior to the game against the Colorado Avalanche at Rogers Place on November 8, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Report: Draisaitl visits doctor in Germany for lower-body injury

The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery is scheduled for May 5, sources told Hockey 24/7's Frank Seravalli.  T...

<p>The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery is scheduled for May 5, sources told <a href="https://www.hockey247.com/2026/03/19/frank-seravalli-nhl-draft-lottery-to-be-conducted-on-may-5-gavin-mckenna">Hockey 24/7's Frank Seravalli</a>.</p><p>The league will broadcast the lottery live on-air for the second year in a row, Seravalli adds. Prior to 2025, the lotteries took place in a private room, with the results revealed afterward.</p><p>Teams can only move up a maximum of 10 spots in the lottery, as per a rule implemented in 2021. As a result, only 11 franchises have a chance at selecting first overall.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Last year, the New York Islanders moved from 10th place to win the lottery and selected phenom <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/16210" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/16210">Matthew Schaefer</a>.</p><p>Forwards Gavin McKenna (Penn State) and Ivar Stenberg (Frolunda), along with defenseman Keaton Verhoeff (North Dakota), are projected to be among the top prospects in the 2026 draft.</p><p>Here's a look at the teams with a chance at drafting first overall entering Thursday's games:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Pts %</th>
<th>No. 1 pick odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Vancouver Canucks</td>
<td>.373</td>
<td>25.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Calgary Flames</td>
<td>.449</td>
<td>13.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chicago Blackhawks</td>
<td>.463</td>
<td>11.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>New York Rangers</td>
<td>.471</td>
<td>9.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>St. Louis Blues</td>
<td>.478</td>
<td>8.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Winnipeg Jets</td>
<td>.500</td>
<td>7.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Toronto Maple Leafs*</td>
<td>.507</td>
<td>6.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nashville Predators</td>
<td>.515</td>
<td>6.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Florida Panthers*</td>
<td>.515</td>
<td>5.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>New Jersey Devils</td>
<td>.529</td>
<td>3.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Los Angeles Kings</td>
<td>.530</td>
<td>3%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Maple Leafs' pick belongs to the Boston Bruins but is top-five protected. The Panthers' selection, owned by the Chicago Blackhawks, is top-10 protected.</p><p>The draft will be held June 26 and 27 in Buffalo.</p>

TEMPE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 04: Gavin McKenna #72 of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks on during the first period of the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mullett Arena on October 04, 2025 in Tempe, Arizona.

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The Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, New Jersey Devils, and Utah Mammoth we...

<p>The Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, New Jersey Devils, and Utah Mammoth were among the teams that showed serious interest in Toronto Maple Leafs forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a> before the March 6 trade deadline, <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/32-thoughts-player-safety-a-hot-topic-at-gms-meetings/">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a> reports.</p><p>Knies signed a six-year extension with the Maple Leafs last June. It carries a $7.75-million cap hit and doesn't include trade protection. The 23-year-old winger has been considered a core piece of Toronto's future since entering the NHL in 2022-23. He's one point from matching a career high (58) this season.</p><p>A second-round pick in 2021, he's registered 151 points in 227 career games along with 100-plus hits in each of the past three seasons.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Maple Leafs are on track to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16 and sold forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4714" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4714">Nicolas Roy</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2855" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2855">Scott Laughton</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13037" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13037">Bobby McMann </a>before the deadline to recoup draft picks. Toronto still doesn't own its first-round picks for 2026 and 2027 due to trades made before last year's playoff push.</p><p>The Canadiens, who stood pat at the deadline, are in a strong position to reach the playoffs for the second season in a row. Montreal general manager Kent Hughes told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7126079/2026/03/18/kent-hughes-canadiens-trade-deadline/">The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun</a> that his club's lack of moves "wasn't for a lack of trying."</p><p>The Mammoth and Ducks are up-and-coming clubs currently in playoff position, while the Devils and Blackhawks sit 13th and 14th, respectively, in their conferences.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 6: Matthew Knies #23 of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Mike Matheson #8 of the Montreal Canadiens battle during the first period at the Scotiabank Arena on December 6, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said Russia is unlikely to be eligible to compete in the 2028 W...

<p>NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said Russia is unlikely to be eligible to compete in the 2028 World Cup of Hockey if the country's war with Ukraine continues, according to <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/nhl-says-russia-likely-not-to-be-in-2028-world-cup-if-war-continues/">Sportsnet's Eric Engels</a>.</p><p>The hockey federations of Sweden, Finland, and Czechia reportedly recently informed the NHL they wouldn't participate in the tournament if Russia was involved. While Daly didn't confirm those reports, he said the league is aware of other countries' sentiments on the issue.</p><p>"We know how they feel, and they have strong feelings about it, and quite frankly, it's the same strong feelings we've expressed and the international hockey community has expressed," Daly said Wednesday. "So, I don't think there’s anything new there. ...</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I don't think we're out of sync with where the Finns and Swedes and Czechs are with respect to Russian participation. It'll be available if certain things happen. And if certain things don't happen, they're likely not to participate."</p><p>A reporter followed up with "Certain things, meaning the war ending?" and Daly nodded.</p><p>The next World Cup will take place in three cities in February 2028: Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta, and Czechia capital Prague. The event will include eight teams. Decisions on which nations participate will probably be made ahead of the 2027-28 NHL season, Daly noted.</p><p>Russia has been ineligible to compete in international hockey events since invading Ukraine in February 2022. </p>

TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 19: Alex Ovechkin #8 of Team Russia warms up prior to a game against Team North America during the World Cup of Hockey 2016 at Air Canada Centre on September 19, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube was encouraged that Morgan Rielly came to the defense...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube was encouraged that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2856" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2856">Morgan Rielly</a> came to the defense of goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8266" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8266">Joseph Woll</a> in Tuesday's loss to the New York Islanders.</p><p>Rielly took exception after Islanders forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11074" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11074">Kyle MacLean</a> collided with Woll.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Morgan Rielly and Kyle MacLean drop the gloves 👊<br><br>Rielly didn’t like the contact MacLean made with Joseph Woll 👀 <a href="https://t.co/mM8daesoz3">pic.twitter.com/mM8daesoz3</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/2034072913779855832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"It's a great job by him getting in there and sticking up for Joseph," Berube told reporters postgame. "Obviously, that message has gotten across."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Maple Leafs have been under the microscope since none of their players responded to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1727" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1727">Radko Gudas</a>' knee-on-knee hit on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> last week. The collision ended Matthews' season, while the Anaheim Ducks defenseman was suspended for five games.</p><p>Rielly, who was on the ice when Matthews was injured, took responsibility for failing to react to the incident. Berube said he's noticed a change in the defenseman in the three games since.</p><p>"It's been a tough year for him, we all know that," Berube said of Rielly. "He took that personally against Matthews. Like I said, it's not just on Mo or this guy, it's everybody. They all should have been in there right away. I think that they've obviously learned from it, and it's been a difference now."</p><p>Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1319" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1319">Steven Lorentz</a> said the aftermath of the Matthews hit was a wake-up call for the Maple Leafs.</p><p>"It's definitely got guys' attention. I mean, it got the hockey world's attention, right? And we were disappointed in ourselves and how we handled that situation," he said, according to <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/had-to-look-in-the-mirror-why-matthews-guilt-is-still-affecting-maple-leafs/">Sportsnet's Luke Fox</a>.</p><p>"You hear the outside noise. You know, we'd be lying if we said we don't hear it. It's not that we don't pay attention to it. But we have to do a job, and we know what that is. And at times, we're human. We get away from it."</p><p>The Maple Leafs are 1-1-1 since Matthews was injured. </p>

TORONTO, ON- MARCH 17 - Defenseman Morgan Rielly #44 of the Toronto Maple Leafs and center Kyle MacLean #32 of the New York Islanders fight in the second period as the Toronto Maple Leafs play the New York Islanders at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. March 17, 2026. Steve Russell/Toronto Star (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

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Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague are the host cities for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, the NHL and N...

<p>Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague are the host cities for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, the NHL and NHLPA announced Monday.</p><p>The tournament is scheduled to take place in February 2028. Each venue will host six round-robin contests and one elimination game. Edmonton will host the semifinals and final.</p><p>The Calgary Flames' new arena, Scotia Place, is scheduled to open in time for the 2027-28 season. Games in Prague will take place at the O2 Arena. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The tournament will include eight teams. The fourth-place team in each group will be eliminated at the end of round-robin play while the top seeds get a bye to the semifinals. </p><p>The semifinals and final will use Stanley Cup Playoff overtime rules, meaning five-on-five for 20-minute periods, notes <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/2033594010548175240?s=20">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>. The three-on-three overtime format at the Olympics in February was a controversial talking point after the gold-medal game was decided in extra time.</p><p>There is no word on whether Russia will be permitted to participate. The country has been barred from international play since invading Ukraine.</p><p>The World Cup of Hockey hasn't been staged since 2016, but the NHL previously announced its international calendar would include the event every two years between the Olympics. Canada won the event in 2016 and 2004, while the United States won the inaugural tournament in 1996.</p>

Sidney Crosby,Tomas Hertl during the Men's Playoffs Quarterfinal match between Canada and Chechia on day twelve of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

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Ludvig Aberg expanded his lead at The Players Championship on Saturday and now holds a three-stro...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5384" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5384">Ludvig Aberg</a> expanded his lead at The Players Championship on Saturday and now holds a three-stroke advantage heading into the final round. </p><p>Aberg entered the day with a two-shot edge, then carded a 1-under 71 to take further control of the prestigious event at TPC Sawgrass. The Swede looked poised to take a four-shot lead into Sunday, but three-putt bogeyed the 18th hole. </p><p>Here's who's in the mix heading into the final round:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Score</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Ludvig Aberg</td>
<td>-13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Michael Thorbjornsen</td>
<td>-10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Cameron Young</td>
<td>-9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-4</td>
<td>Matt Ftizpatrick</td>
<td>-8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-4</td>
<td>Brian Harman</td>
<td>-8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-4</td>
<td>Viktor Hovland</td>
<td>-8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-4</td>
<td>Corey Conners</td>
<td>-8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-4</td>
<td>Justin Thomas</td>
<td>-8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-4</td>
<td>Xander Schauffele</td>
<td>-8</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><blockquote><p>👉 <strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Fthe-players-championship&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3499126">Click here to bet on The Players Championship on theScore Bet</a></strong></p></blockquote><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/4894" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/4894">Robert MacIntyre</a> posted the lowest round of the day at 7-under, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1540" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1540">Scottie Scheffler</a> got back on track with a 5-under 67. The 2023 and 2024 champion entered the weekend at 1-over. </p><p>Aberg has two PGA TOUR victories in his career, with his most recent triumph coming at last year's Genesis Invitational.</p><p>He's been in control of all facets of his game this week, leading the field in eagles, scrambling, par-5 scoring, driving distance, and strokes gained tee-to-green, according to the <a href="https://x.com/PGATOUR/status/2032959344384348244">TOUR</a>. </p><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 14: Ludvig Aberg of Sweden hits his second shot on the 10th hole during the third round of THE PLAYERS Championship 2026 at THE PLAYERS Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass on March 14, 2026 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

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Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube thinks Anaheim Ducks captain Radko Gudas got off easy...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube thinks Anaheim Ducks captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1727" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1727">Radko Gudas</a> got off easy with a five-game suspension after ending <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a>' season with a knee-on-knee hit Thursday night.</p><p>"Looking at it, we lose our guy, our captain for the year," Berube said, per <a href="https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/48207266/leafs-call-harsher-punishment-gudas-hit-matthews">ESPN's Greg Wyshynski</a>. "It doesn't seem like enough for me. You lose your star player for the year. The guy doing it is a repeat offender. It just doesn't seem like enough."</p><p>Gudas' suspension was the fifth of his career. He was assessed a major penalty and ejected for the hit that resulted in a Grade 3 MCL tear for Matthews.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Berube isn't the only Maple Leaf who thinks Gudas' punishment was light. </p><p>"I believe Auston's been ruled out for quite a while, right? So it's going to (miss) more than five games, so it easily could've been longer," said <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/794">John Tavares</a>. "Can't say five games is nothing, but it could have been longer."</p><p>Added <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a>, "I think the league could've done a little bit more, seeing as our best player (and) our captain (is) not going to be with us for the rest of the year. That's a big loss."</p><p>Matthews' agent, Judd Moldaver, was irate about the verdict Friday, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3448878" href="https://thescore.com/news/3448878">saying</a> The NHL Department of Player Safety should be suspended for their own decision.</p><p>Gudas is eligible to return from his suspension March 24. The Maple Leafs visit the Ducks in Anaheim on March 30. </p>

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Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas will have a hearing Friday for kneeing Toronto Maple Leafs c...

<p>Anaheim Ducks defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1727" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1727">Radko Gudas</a> will have a hearing Friday for kneeing Toronto Maple Leafs captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> during Thursday's contest, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced.</p><p>Gudas was assessed a five-minute major and ejected for the play, which was upheld after review.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Radko Gudas goes knee-on-knee with Auston Matthews. Gudas received a minute major pending review. Auston Matthews was down for a while but has gotten back to his feet. <a href="https://t.co/Rxf6xIe1GH">pic.twitter.com/Rxf6xIe1GH</a></p>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/2032252955663962378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Matthews stayed down on the ice after the hit and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest with a lower-body injury. The 28-year-old had snapped a 12-game goal drought minutes earlier.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube called the hit a "dirty play," per <a href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/2032279591293702451?s=20">TSN's Mark Masters</a>, and noted that Matthews will undergo further evaluation Friday. Berube was also irked by his club's lack of response to the play.</p><p>"We should have had four guys in there doing something about it," Berube said, according to <a href="https://x.com/JesseBlake/status/2032278714625450345">SDPN's Jesse Blake</a>. "I thought they responded in the third. ... But we all would have liked everyone to get in there right away."</p><p>Veteran defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2856" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2856">Morgan Rielly</a> took ownership for the Leafs not sticking up for their captain. </p><p>"It's on me for not responding earlier to Gudas. ... It's a dirty hit." Rielly said, according to <a href="https://x.com/jonassiegel/status/2032276073740718298?s=20">The Athletic's Jonas Siegel</a>. "I didn't understand how bad he got him in the moment. But I take full responsibility for not being the first one in there."</p><p>Gudas has built a reputation for his physical play throughout a 14-year NHL career. He's registered 100-plus hits in all but one season and has been suspended four times. His most recent ban came in 2019.</p><p>The Maple Leafs scored twice on the power play from Gudas' hit and ultimately won 6-4, snapping an eight-game losing streak. </p>

TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 12: Radko Gudas #7 of the Anaheim Ducks takes a kneeing penalty against Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second period at Scotiabank Arena on March 12, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Sepp Straka and Sahith Theegala headline a group of five tied for the lead at 5-under par followi...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/534" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/534">Sepp Straka</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/4240" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/4240">Sahith Theegala</a> headline a group of five tied for the lead at 5-under par following the first round of The Players Championship.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1961" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1961">Maverick McNealy</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5390" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5390">Lee Hodges</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/4363" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/4363">Austin Smotherman</a> are the others atop a crowded leaderboard at TPC Sawgrass. Play was suspended due to darkness with Smotherman on the 18th green.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Score</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>T1</td>
<td>Maverick McNealy</td>
<td>67 (-5)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T1</td>
<td> Lee Hodges</td>
<td>67 (-5)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T1</td>
<td>Sepp Straka</td>
<td>67 (-5)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T1</td>
<td> Sahith Theegala</td>
<td>67 (-5)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T1</td>
<td>Austin Smotherman</td>
<td>67 (-5)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T2</td>
<td>Justin Thomas</td>
<td>68 (-4)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T2</td>
<td>Russell Henley</td>
<td>68 (-4)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T2</td>
<td>Taylor Moore</td>
<td>68 (-4)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T2</td>
<td>Cameron Young</td>
<td>68 (-4)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><blockquote><p>👉 <strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Fthe-players-championship&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3498241">See who's favored to win The Players on theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>Star players <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/2172" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/2172">Tony Finau</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5384" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5384">Ludvig Aberg</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/678" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/678">Tommy Fleetwood</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5297" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5297">Viktor Hovland</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1213" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1213">Xander Schauffele</a> are also in the mix at 3-under.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Defending champion <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a> participated in the first round after a back injury made him a game-time decision. He struggled with a 2-over 74. </p><p>World No. 4 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/3135" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/3135">Collin Morikawa</a> withdrew from the event after tweaking his back on a practice swing. He played only one hole before exiting the tournament. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1540" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1540">Scottie Scheffler</a> continued his 2026 trend of lackluster opening rounds, carding an even-par 72. He won the signature event in 2023 and 2024. </p><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 12: Sepp Straka of Austria walks off the 18th hole green during the first round of THE PLAYERS Championship at Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on March 12, 2026 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

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