Rangers claw back into a playoff spot with wins over Wild, Blue Jackets
In a season that was all but lost in the fall, and led to general manager Chris Drury selling his unrestricted free agents at the deadline, the New York Rangers have somehow climbed back up the standings and into the second Wild Card spot.
The Rangers beat the Columbus Blue Jackets, a team they’ve been battling for the last playoff spot, 4-0 on Saturday, following a 3-2 overtime win against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday.
Keep in mind that the Rangers are only one point ahead of the Montreal Canadiens and two points ahead of the Blue Jackets — who each have a game in hand. Nevertheless, the Rangers’ persistence is impressive and a testament to their talent and skill. The Rangers still need to fix some things, but they deserve credit for hovering around the playoff threshold.
St. John’s wins first Big East title since 2000 in 82-66 win over Creighton
The St. John’s Red Storm snapped the 25-year drought on Saturday after beating Creighton in the Big East title game at Madison Square Garden, 82-66.
RJ Luis took over the game, putting together a 29-point performance — 27 in the second half — while adding 10 rebounds. The Robin to Luis’ Batman, Kadary Richmond, supported him with a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Yankees ace Gerrit Cole undergoes Tommy John Surgery
New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole underwent Tommy John surgery on Tuesday, an operation that will sideline him for the entire 2025 season.
The 2023 Cy Young winner began experiencing discomfort in his throwing elbow after a rocky start the previous Thursday. He then underwent an MRI that yielded “concerning” results. After receiving a second opinion over the weekend, the decision was made to get the procedure.
In some positive news, Cole’s UCL surgery included internal bracing, which can reduce inflammation and recovery time. The extra step provides a greater chance that the right-hander is ready to go for Opening Day in 2026.
Russell Wilson visits Giants as QB search continues
The New York Giants are all-in on the veteran quarterback market and continued checking all their boxes after hosting Russell Wilson for a visit on Friday.
Both the Giants and Wilson appear to be prisoners of Aaron Rodgers, who was officially released by the Jets on Wednesday and should make a decision on his new team in the coming days.
The Giants and Wilson’s former team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, are two of the favorites to land the 41-year-old future Hall-of-Famer. The loser of this so-called sweepstakes is likely to pivot to Wilson.
Mets’ Francisco Alvarez undergoes hand surgery
New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez will miss six to eight weeks after fracturing the hamate bone on his left hand.
The 23-year-old backstop suffered the injury while taking live at-bats on Saturday and underwent the procedure on Monday.
“They said maybe after the third week I can start hitting,” Alvarez said. “It’s on me. If my body takes more time than normal, maybe eight weeks. It’s really on me. If I feel comfortable, if I feel good, I can move quicker.”
Nets’ Cam Thomas likely to miss remainder of season
Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas is expected to miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season after being diagnosed with a left hamstring strain, the team announced on Saturday.
The 23-year-old suffered the injury during the Nets’ 116-110 loss on Thursday night to the Chicago Bulls.
It likely brings an end to a frustrating injury-riddled campaign for the shooting guard, who averaged a career-high 24 points with 3.3 assists. He only appeared in 25 games, however, as he missed nearly two months earlier this season with the very same strained hamstring.
NYCFC beats New England 2-1, picks up second win of the year
NYCFC gets its second win of the season, netting twice against the New England Revolution.
Goals by Julian Fernandez and Alonso Martinez earn all three points for the Boys in Blue. After a tough start to the season that saw them draw Inter Miami and lose to LAFC, manager Pascal Jansen has gotten the team back on the right track, with a second straight win in league play.
Though the match started on the wrong foot with an own goal, scored by City captain Thiago Martins, the Pigeons fought back, scoring once in the 38th minute and again in the 68th.
The Boys in Blue now sit in sixth in the Eastern Conference, just two points outside second place.
