Saturday, June 27, 2026
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MLB Game Preview: Texas Rangers (34-35) vs. Boston Red Sox (28-39)

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Venue: Fenway Park — Boston, Massachusetts

First Pitch: 4:10 PM ET

Broadcast: MLB.TV / NESN / Bally Sports Southwest

This matchup brings together two teams trending in opposite directions: Texas trying to climb above .500 behind their ace, and Boston fighting to stop a June slide. Fenway’s unique geometry and warm weather

could play a role.

Weather Forecast — Boston, MA

  • Temperature: 82–85°F at first pitch
  • Wind: 10–13 mph blowing out to left field
  • Humidity: ~55%
  • Rain: <10% — dry, warm, hitter-friendly
  • Impact:
    • Boost to right-handed pull hitters (short LF wall).
    • Extra carry on balls hit high to left.

Injury Report

Texas Rangers

  • SP Max Scherzer — OUT (back)
  • RP Josh Sborz — 15-day IL (shoulder)
  • OF Evan Carter — OUT (ankle sprain)
  • SS Corey Seager — Probable (hand soreness; expected to play)
  • 3B Josh Jung — Day-to-day (hamstring tightness)

Boston Red Sox

  • SP Brayan Bello — OUT (forearm)
  • RP Chris Martin — 15-day IL (elbow)
  • OF Tyler O’Neill — Day-to-day (knee soreness)
  • 2B Vaughn Grissom — OUT (wrist)
  • 1B Triston Casas — OUT (rib fracture)

Team Records & Recent Form

Texas Rangers (34–35)

  • Last 10: 6–4
  • Trend: Pitching improving; offense inconsistent but dangerous.
  • Road Record: 16–18
  • Run Differential: +6
  • Key Note: Rangers have won 4 of last 5 behind strong starting pitching.

Boston Red Sox (28–39)

  • Last 10: 3–7
  • Trend: Offense slumping; bullpen unreliable.
  • Home Record: 13–20
  • Run Differential: -41
  • Key Note: Red Sox averaging just 3.2 runs per game in June.

Starting Pitching Matchup

Texas — RHP Jacob deGrom

  • Record: 4–2
  • ERA: 2.77
  • WHIP: 0.98
  • K/BB: 71/12
  • Profile:
    • Elite velocity, elite command, elite swing-and-miss.
    • Fenway can be tricky for power pitchers, but deGrom’s fastball/slider combo neutralizes most lineups.
    • Vulnerable only when pitch count climbs early.
  • Matchup Notes:
    • Boston ranks bottom 5 in MLB vs high-velocity fastballs.
    • DeGrom has a 1.90 ERA in day games this season.

Boston — RHP Albert Suárez

  • Record: 3–5
  • ERA: 4.63
  • WHIP: 1.34
  • K/BB: 44/18
  • Profile:
    • Mixes cutter, sinker, and changeup.
    • When command is sharp, he induces weak contact; when not, he’s hittable.
    • Fenway has been tough on him: 5.12 ERA at home.
  • Matchup Notes:
    • Rangers’ right-handed power (Semien, García, Langford) is a difficult matchup.
    • Suárez struggles vs teams that hit velocity and spin well — Texas does both.

Key Player Matchups

Texas Rangers

  • Corey Seager vs Suárez: Excellent matchup; Seager crushes cutters.
  • Adolis García: Fenway-friendly power profile; wind blowing out to left helps him.
  • Wyatt Langford: Hot streak (.314 last 12 games); elite vs changeups.

Boston Red Sox

  • Rafael Devers vs deGrom: Devers handles elite velocity better than most; key bat.
  • Masataka Yoshida: Contact hitter who can exploit Fenway’s dimensions.
  • Ceddanne Rafaela: Speed threat; could pressure Texas defense.

Series History

  • 2023–2026 Combined: Rangers lead 10–7
  • At Fenway Park: Rangers lead 6–4
  • Trend: Texas has won 5 of last 7 meetings.

Betting Trends

Texas

  • Rangers 5–2 last 7 overall
  • Under in 6 of last 9
  • Texas 7–3 in deGrom’s last 10 starts

Boston

  • Red Sox 3–8 last 11 home games
  • Over is 5–2 in last 7 at Fenway
  • Boston 1–4 in Suárez’s last 5 starts

Head-to-Head

  • Rangers 4–1 in last 5 meetings
  • Over is 6–3 in last 9 matchups at Fenway

Game Odds

Texas Rangers                    8

Boston Red Sox                 – 113

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, June 12, 2026

MLB Game Preview: Detroit Tigers (29-41) vs. Cleveland Guardians (38-33)

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Venue: Progressive Field — Cleveland, Ohio

First Pitch: 6:10 PM ET

Broadcast: Bally Sports Detroit / Bally Sports Great Lakes / MLB.TV

Weather Forecast — Cleveland, OH

  • Temperature: 77–80°F at first pitch
  • Wind: 9–12 mph blowing out to right field
  • Humidity: ~62%
  • Rain: <15% — slight chance of a passing sprinkle, but game expected to play dry
  • Impact: Boost to left-handed power, especially balls hit to right-center.

Injury Report

Detroit Tigers

  • SP Casey Mize — OUT (elbow fatigue)
  • RP Alex Lange — 15-day IL (shoulder)
  • OF Riley Greene — Day-to-day (ankle soreness; likely to play)
  • 3B Colt Keith — OUT (wrist fracture)

Cleveland Guardians

  • SP Shane Bieber — OUT (Tommy John recovery)
  • RP Trevor Stephan — 60-day IL (elbow)
  • OF Steven Kwan — Probable (hamstring tightness; expected to return)
  • 1B Josh Naylor — Day-to-day (back tightness)

Team Records & Recent Form

Detroit Tigers (29–41)

  • Last 10: 3–7
  • Trend: Offense ice-cold; pitching competitive but unsupported.
  • Road Record: 13–22
  • Run Differential: -48
  • Key Note: Tigers averaging just 3.4 runs per game over last 15.

Cleveland Guardians (38–33)

  • Last 10: 6–4
  • Trend: Pitching carrying the load; offense inconsistent but timely.
  • Home Record: 20–14
  • Run Differential: +21
  • Key Note: Guardians have won 7 of last 9 at Progressive Field.

Starting Pitching Matchup

Detroit — LHP Tarik Skubal

  • Record: 5–6
  • ERA: 3.42
  • WHIP: 1.17
  • K/BB: 92/21
  • Profile:
    • Power lefty with elite fastball/changeup combo.
    • Generates above-average whiffs and weak contact.
    • Vulnerable when behind in counts — occasional HR issues.
  • Matchup Notes:
    • Guardians struggle vs high-velocity lefties.
    • Skubal has a 2.98 ERA in night games this season.

Cleveland — LHP Joey Cantillo

  • Record: 3–3
  • ERA: 4.28
  • WHIP: 1.33
  • K/BB: 48/19
  • Profile:
    • Young lefty with deceptive fastball and sweeping slider.
    • Command can be inconsistent; walks can pile up.
    • Home ERA: 3.61, better than road.
  • Matchup Notes:
    • Tigers rank bottom-5 in MLB vs left-handed pitching.
    • Cantillo’s slider is a strong matchup vs Detroit’s righty-heavy lineup.

Key Player Matchups

Detroit Tigers

  • Riley Greene vs Cantillo: Greene handles lefties better than most Tigers; key bat.
  • Spencer Torkelson: Power threat but struggles vs sliders; volatile matchup.
  • Kerry Carpenter: Hot bat (.302 last 15 games); strong vs fastballs.

Cleveland Guardians

  • José Ramírez vs Skubal: J-Ram has hit Skubal well historically; elite vs lefties.
  • Gunnar Kwan (if active): High-contact bat; neutralizes velocity.
  • Bo Naylor: Power threat vs lefties; could be a sneaky factor.

Series History

  • 2023–2026 Combined: Guardians lead 27–18
  • At Progressive Field: Guardians lead 15–7
  • Trend: Cleveland has won 8 of last 10 at home vs Detroit.

Betting Trends

Detroit

  • Tigers 2–8 last 10 road games
  • Under in 6 of last 9
  • Skubal starts: Tigers 3–7 last 10

Cleveland

  • Guardians 7–2 last 9 home games
  • Under is 5–2 in last 7
  • Guardians 6–3 in Cantillo’s last 9 starts

Head-to-Head

  • Guardians 12–4 in last 16 meetings
  • Under is 9–4 in last 13 matchups

Game Odds

Detroit Tigers                    – 132

Cleveland Guardians      7.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, June 12, 2026

MLB Game Preview: San Diego Padres (35-33) vs. Baltimore Orioles (34-37)

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Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards — Baltimore, Maryland

First Pitch: 4:05 PM ET

Broadcast: MLB.TV / MASN / Bally Sports San Diego

Weather Forecast — Baltimore, MD

  • Temperature: 84–87°F at first pitch
  • Wind: 8–12 mph blowing out to left field
  • Humidity: ~58%
  • Rain: <10% — warm, dry, slightly hitter-friendly
  • Impact: Boost to right-handed pull hitters, especially those who elevate the ball.

Injury Report

San Diego Padres

  • SP Joe Musgrove — OUT (shoulder)
  • RP Robert Suarez — 15-day IL (forearm tightness)
  • OF Fernando Tatis Jr. — Probable (quad tightness; expected to play)
  • C Luis Campusano — Day-to-day (hand bruise)

Baltimore Orioles

  • SP Grayson Rodriguez — OUT (lat strain)
  • RP Danny Coulombe — 15-day IL (elbow)
  • OF Austin Hays — Day-to-day (hamstring)
  • SS Gunnar Henderson — Healthy after minor ankle scare earlier in week

Team Records & Recent Form

San Diego Padres (35–33)

  • Last 10: 6–4
  • Trend: Pitching stabilizing; offense inconsistent but explosive in spurts.
  • Road Record: 18–17
  • Run Differential: +9
  • Key Note: Padres have been strong vs AL opponents (7–3 last 10).

Baltimore Orioles (34–37)

  • Last 10: 4–6
  • Trend: Offense slumping; pitching staff struggling with injuries.
  • Home Record: 17–18
  • Run Differential: -14
  • Key Note: Orioles have allowed 5.1 runs per game over last 12.

Starting Pitching Matchup

San Diego — RHP Ramón Vásquez

  • Record: 3–2
  • ERA: 3.74
  • WHIP: 1.18
  • K/BB: 41/14
  • Profile:
    • Sinker/slider righty with excellent command.
    • Generates 52% ground balls, limiting big innings.
    • Vulnerable to left-handed hitters when slider flattens.
  • Matchup Notes:
    • Orioles’ lefties (Henderson, O’Hearn) are the key threats.
    • Camden Yards’ deep left field helps Vásquez’s fly-ball suppression.

Baltimore — RHP Kyle Gibson

  • Record: 4–6
  • ERA: 4.89
  • WHIP: 1.36
  • K/BB: 56/20
  • Profile:
    • Veteran sinkerballer with a deep pitch mix.
    • When command is sharp, he induces weak contact; when not, he’s hittable.
    • Home ERA: 5.12, struggles with HRs at Camden Yards.
  • Matchup Notes:
    • Padres’ right-handed power (Machado, Tatis, Bogaerts) is a tough matchup.
    • Gibson’s sinker tends to leak arm-side — dangerous vs pull-heavy hitters.

Key Player Matchups

San Diego Padres

  • Manny Machado vs Gibson: Career .333 with strong slugging; sees Gibson well.
  • Fernando Tatis Jr.: Power-speed threat; wind blowing out to left benefits him.
  • Xander Bogaerts: Excellent vs sinkers; high contact rate.

Baltimore Orioles

  • Gunnar Henderson: Orioles’ best matchup vs Vásquez; crushes sliders.
  • Ryan Mountcastle: Hot streak (.318 last 10 games); big pull power.
  • Adley Rutschman: Switch-hitter who handles sinkers well.

Series History

  • 2023–2026 Combined: Padres lead 7–5
  • At Camden Yards: Padres lead 4–2
  • Trend: Padres have outscored Baltimore 31–22 over last 6 meetings.

Betting Trends

San Diego

  • Padres 6–2 last 8 road games
  • Under in 5 of last 7
  • Padres 7–3 last 10 vs AL East

Baltimore

  • Orioles 3–7 last 10 overall
  • Over is 6–3 in last 9 home games
  • Orioles 2–5 in Gibson’s last 7 starts

Head-to-Head

  • Padres have won 4 straight vs Baltimore
  • Over is 4–1 in last 5 meetings

Game Odds

San Diego Padres             10

Baltimore Orioles            – 115

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, June 12, 2026

MLB Game Preview: Seattle Mariners (37-34) vs. Washington Nationals (35-35)

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Venue: Nationals Park — Washington, D.C.

First Pitch: 4:05 PM ET

Broadcast: MLB.TV / MASN / ROOT Sports NW

Weather Forecast — Washington, D.C.

  • Temperature: 83–86°F at first pitch
  • Wind: 7–10 mph out to right-center
  • Humidity: ~60%
  • Rain: <10% — dry, warm, slightly hitter-friendly
  • Impact: Boost to left-handed pull hitters and balls hit to the power alley in right-center.

Injury Report

Seattle Mariners

  • SP Bryan Woo — OUT (elbow inflammation)
  • RP Gregory Santos — 15-day IL (shoulder)
  • OF Dominic Canzone — OUT (wrist fracture)
  • SS J.P. Crawford — Probable (ankle soreness; expected to play)
  • OF Julio Rodríguez — Healthy after minor back tightness earlier in week

Washington Nationals

  • RP Hunter Harvey — OUT (lat strain)
  • SP Josiah Gray — 60-day IL (forearm)
  • OF Lane Thomas — Day-to-day (quad tightness)
  • C Keibert Ruiz — Probable (illness)

Team Records & Recent Form

Seattle Mariners (37–34)

  • Last 10: 5–5
  • Trend: Rotation stabilizing; offense remains streaky.
  • Road Record: 17–19
  • Run Differential: +12
  • Key Note: Mariners have been elite in 1-run games (13–7).

Washington Nationals (35–35)

  • Last 10: 6–4
  • Trend: Offense improving; bullpen inconsistent without Harvey.
  • Home Record: 19–15
  • Run Differential: -9
  • Key Note: Nationals are 10–4 in their last 14 home games.

Starting Pitching Matchup

Seattle — RHP Luis Castillo

  • Record: 6–4
  • ERA: 3.21
  • WHIP: 1.12
  • K/BB: 88/22
  • Profile:
    • Four-seam/changeup combo with elite vertical movement.
    • Generates above-average whiffs (29% K rate).
    • Vulnerable to left-handed power when fastball command wavers.
  • Matchup Notes:
    • Nationals rank bottom 10 in MLB vs. changeups.
    • Castillo has a 2.89 ERA in day games this season.

Washington — RHP Cade Cavalli

  • Record: 3–3
  • ERA: 4.44
  • WHIP: 1.31
  • K/BB: 52/19
  • Profile:
    • Power fastball/curveball mix; inconsistent command.
    • When ahead in counts, he’s dominant; when behind, he’s hittable.
    • Home ERA: 3.71, noticeably better than road.
  • Matchup Notes:
    • Mariners struggle vs. high-velocity fastballs (team OPS .658 vs 95+ mph).
    • Cavalli’s curveball could neutralize Seattle’s lefties.

Key Player Matchups

Seattle Mariners

  • Julio Rodríguez vs Cavalli: J-Rod crushes high fastballs; advantage Seattle.
  • Cal Raleigh: Switch-hitter with strong numbers vs curveball-heavy pitchers.
  • Ty France: Good matchup vs Cavalli’s fastball but limited power.

Washington Nationals

  • CJ Abrams vs Castillo: Abrams handles changeups better than most Nats hitters.
  • Joey Meneses: Hot streak (.333 last 12 games); good fastball hitter.
  • James Wood: Power threat vs Castillo’s occasional elevated heaters.

Series History

  • 2023–2026 Combined: Mariners lead 9–6
  • At Nationals Park: Mariners lead 5–3
  • Trend: Seattle pitching has dominated the matchup — Mariners allow just 3.2 runs per game vs Washington over last 5 meetings.

Betting Trends

Seattle

  • Under in 7 of last 10 games
  • Castillo starts: Mariners 8–4 last 12
  • Seattle 6–2 in last 8 vs NL East

Washington

  • Nationals 10–4 in last 14 home games
  • Under is 5–2 in Cavalli’s last 7 home starts
  • Nationals 4–1 last 5 games vs teams above .500

Head-to-Head

  • Under is 6–2 in last 8 meetings
  • Mariners have won 4 straight vs Washington

GAME ODDS

Seattle Mariners                              9            

Washington Nationals                   – 117

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, June 12, 2026

MLB Game Preview: Miami Marlins (35-35) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (35-35)

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Venue: PNC Park — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

First Pitch: 4:05 PM ET

Broadcast: MLB.TV / Local RSNs

Weather Forecast (Pittsburgh, PA)

  • Temperature: 78–81°F at first pitch
  • Wind: Light breeze 6–9 mph blowing out to left-center
  • Humidity: ~55%
  • Precipitation: <10% chance — clean hitting conditions
  • Impact: Slight boost to RHB pull power, otherwise neutral.

Injury Report

Miami Marlins

  • SP Edward Cabrera — OUT (shoulder)
  • RP A.J. Puk — 15-day IL (lat strain)
  • OF Jazz Chisholm Jr. — Probable (hamstring tightness; expected to play)
  • 1B Josh Bell — Day-to-day (wrist soreness)

Pittsburgh Pirates

  • OF Bryan Reynolds — Probable (ankle; expected in lineup)
  • RP David Bednar — OUT (forearm strain)
  • SP Quinn Priester — 15-day IL (back)
  • 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes — Day-to-day (hand contusion)

Team Records & Recent Form

Miami Marlins (35–35)

  • Last 10: 6–4
  • Trend: Offense inconsistent but pitching stabilizing.
  • Road Record: 17–18
  • Run Differential: -7
  • Key Note: Bullpen has been significantly better over last 2 weeks (3.41 ERA).

Pittsburgh Pirates (35–35)

  • Last 10: 5–5
  • Trend: Offense cooling after hot stretch; pitching carrying load.
  • Home Record: 18–16
  • Run Differential: +4
  • Key Note: Without Bednar, late innings have been shaky.

Starting Pitching Matchup

Miami — RHP Elliot Bachar (2026 Season)

  • Record: 2–2
  • ERA: 3.86
  • WHIP: 1.23
  • K/BB: 34/11
  • Profile:
    • Command-first righty with a heavy sinker/slider mix.
    • Generates above-average ground balls (48%).
    • Vulnerable to left-handed power when he falls behind in counts.
  • Matchup Notes:
    • Pirates have struggled vs. sinkerballers this season (team OPS .652 vs sinkers).
    • Bachar’s style plays well in PNC Park’s deep left-center.

Pittsburgh — RHP Jared Chandler (2026 Season)

  • Record: 4–5
  • ERA: 4.12
  • WHIP: 1.29
  • K/BB: 61/22
  • Profile:
    • Four-seam/slider pitcher with rising fastball that misses bats.
    • Can be homer-prone when slider backs up.
    • Strong at home: 3.41 ERA at PNC Park.
  • Matchup Notes:
    • Marlins rank bottom-5 in MLB vs. high-spin fastballs.
    • Chandler’s slider is a strong weapon vs. Miami’s righty-heavy lineup.

Key Player Matchups

Marlins Hitters

  • Jazz Chisholm Jr. vs Chandler: .286 career (small sample), handles sliders well.
  • Jake Burger: 7 HR in last 20 games; elite fastball hitter — big threat today.
  • Yuli Gurriel: Contact bat that matches well with Chandler’s pitch-to-zone approach.

Pirates Hitters

  • Oneil Cruz vs Bachar: Advantage Cruz — Bachar’s sinker moves into Cruz’s launch path.
  • Bryan Reynolds: Switch-hitter with strong numbers vs sinkerballers.
  • Henry Davis: Heating up; .310 over last 12 games.

Series History

  • 2024–2026 Combined: Pirates lead 11–8
  • At PNC Park: Pirates lead 7–3
  • Trend: Low-scoring games — Under is 12–7 in last 19 meetings.

Betting Trends

Miami

  • Under in 6 of last 8 games
  • 4–1 last 5 road games
  • First 5 Innings (F5) Under hitting at 63% in Bachar starts

Pittsburgh

  • 5–2 last 7 home games
  • Under in 5 of last 7
  • Chandler’s home starts: Under 6–3

Head-to-Head

  • Under is 7–3 in last 10 meetings at PNC
  • Marlins are 2–6 in last 8 in Pittsburgh

GAME ODDS

Miami Marlins                  9

Pittsburgh Pirates            – 113

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, June 12, 2026

NHL Morning Skate: Stanley Cup Final Edition – June 13, 2026

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NHL Morning Skate: Stanley Cup Final Edition – June 13, 2026

* The first potential Stanley Cup-clinching game of 2026 will go tomorrow in Las Vegas, with Pavel Dorofeyev and the host Golden Knights hoping it’s not the last as they face elimination for the first time this year. A Vegas win would set up the 19th Game 7 in Stanley Cup Final history and third in the past eight seasons.

Andrei Svechnikov and the visiting Hurricanes will look to build on a pair of perfect records in potential clinchers – they are 3-0 in 2026 and teams with a chance to secure a Cup in Las Vegas are 2-0.

* Seven players who skated in the Olympic gold medal game four months ago will skate with a championship on the line for the second time this year as players born in seven countries continue their pursuit of being crowned 2026 Stanley Cup champions.

PLAYERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD CONTRIBUTING DURING 2026 FINAL

Most players in this series will be playing in their first potential Cup clinching game – only eight across the two rosters have experience on either side of that scenario (VGK: 6 & CAR: 2; detailed in the next section) – but the “must-win” mentality with a championship on the line is familiar to all, including the seven players who skated in the gold medal game at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 just four months ago. The international ties extend far beyond that contest so to recognize that, and in conjunction with the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026 across eight NHL cities this week – which has a new hockey fan in Norwegian striker Erling Haaland – here is a look at the international make-up of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final.

* Players from seven countries (by birth country or nationality) make up the two rosters, which both are predominately Canadian (14 on Vegas, 9 on Carolina). The clubs also have players from the United States (CAR: 8; VGK: 5), Sweden (VGK: 2), Russia (CAR: 3; VGK: 2), Denmark (CAR: 2), Czechia (VGK: 1) and Finland (CAR: 1). This is based on players who have dressed at least one game this postseason; Records.NHL.com outlines eligibility requirements for players to get their name on the Cup.

* Canadians make up half of the top 10 scorers this postseason, including leader Mitch Marner (10-19—29) who is vying to become the fourth player in the modern era (since 1944) to lead the playoffs in scoring in his first season with a franchise. Marner holds a seven-point advantage over teammate Jack Eichel (2-20—22) – the only American in the past decade to finish as the playoff scoring leader – in that pursuit.

* The Golden Knights roster includes each of the top two playoff scorers (Marner and Eichel) as well the defensive scoring leader, Canadian blueliner Shea Theodore – all of whom played in the Olympic gold medal game. An Olympic defenseman has gone on to finish as the highest-scoring defenseman in each of the previous five years with NHL participation. Joining forces with fellow Olympic medalists Mark Stone (CAN) and Noah Hanifin (USA) they will aim to help Vegas extend a series when facing a 3-2 deficit for the second time and force the 19th Game 7 in Stanley Cup Final history.

* Theodore, the Golden Knights’ franchise leader in goals, assists and points in the regular season and playoffs, continues to be a regular on the score sheet in his career during the Stanley Cup Final – posting 2-14—16 in 15 career contests (1.07 P/GP). Only four blueliners in NHL history have posted a higher points-per-game average in their career during the Final (min. 7 GP): Brian Leetch (1.57 P/GP), Bobby Orr (1.25 P/GP), Al MacInnis (1.18 P/GP) and Denis Potvin (1.17 P/GP). Click here to “Get to Know” the Game 3 overtime hero.
 

Did You Know? Players born in four countries have won the Conn Smythe Trophy since its introduction in 1965. Canadians account for 50 of the 60 all-time wins – including each of the past four and nine of the past 12 – while players from the United States (4), Sweden (3) and Russia (3) account for the other playoff MVP honors.

* When Vegas won its first championship, 18 Canadian players got their name on the Cup – the most over the past 18 champions and second most since the last Canadian team hoisted the Cup in 1993 (19 won with the 2007 Ducks). 

* The European cohort in this Final has contributed across the board, with every Vegas skater and all but one Carolina skater from across the Atlantic contributing on the score sheet so far. The lone Czech player in the series, Tomas Hertl (2-3—5), is the top-scoring European on Vegas and paces a group that has combined for 7-7—14 so far. Only three Czech players have collected more points in a single Final: Patrik Elias (3-4—7 in 7 GP w/ 2003 NJD), David Krejci (2-4—6 in 7 GP w/ 2011 BOS) and Ales Hemsky (2-4—6 in 7 GP w/ 2006 EDM).

* All three of Carolina’s European forwards contributed in the club’s Game 5 victory with Nikolaj EhlersAndrei Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho combining for 3-3—6 in the win and 7-10—17 so far this series. Alexander Nikishin, the only rookie in this series, is seeking his first point in the Final after being named to the NHL All-Rookie Team on Friday. Ehlers is tied with Marner for the series lead in points and needs one to surpass Eric Staal (2-6—8 in 2006) for the most points by a Hurricanes player in a single Final and also to tie the NHL benchmark for most points by a European player in one Final; he is the second straight European with eight points in the Final, following Leon Draisaitl last year (4-4—8 in 6 GP w/ EDM).

THE VISITORS WANT A CUP LIFT, THE HOSTS WANT A GAME 7

There have been two potential Stanley Cup clinching games played in Las Vegas and both ended with a championship (WSH in 2018, VGK in 2023). The hosts will aim to buck that trend and have the edge when it comes to experience in Cup clinchers. A snapshot of some #NHLStats to look for Sunday:

* Excluding Game 7s, the Stanley Cup has been won in the first potential clincher of the series eight times since 2006, including twice when that contest was played in Las Vegas.

* Overall, Carolina is 1-2 in potential Cup clinchers, securing their only Cup on their third try in 2006 by winning Game 7 on home ice after the Oilers rallied from a 3-1 series deficit.


* Carolina is a perfect 3-0 in potential series-clinching games this year and 23-15 in franchise history (.605). Since the first four-round playoffs without byes in 1980, there have been 10 champions to go 4-0 in potential clinchers – including the only visiting club to clinch a Stanley Cup in Las Vegas.

* Two players on the Carolina roster have skated in a potential Cup-clinching game: Jordan Staal and William Carrier are both 1-0 in that scenario, with Staal winning Game 7 with the 2009 Penguins (on the road in Detroit) and Carrier winning Game 5 with the 2023 Golden Knights (at T-Mobile Arena).

* The trio of Taylor Hall (2-6—8 in 3 GP), Logan Stankoven (3-2—5 in 3 GP) and Jackson Blake (3-2—5 in 3 GP) have combined for 18 points and each found the score sheet in all three potential series-clinching games this postseason. Hall’s eight points in potential clinchers are a franchise record for one playoff year and one shy of the most by any NHL player since 2023 (Sam Reinhart: 6-3—9 in 2025 w/ FLA; 5 GP). Blake and Stankoven share the franchise benchmark for goals in potential clinchers in one year (along with Max Domi in 2022 and Eric Staal in 2006).

* Stankoven has been a steady source of offensive production since being acquired by the Hurricanes in March 2025 and has since allotted his name among the franchise’s best in postseason history. Already scribed with the longest playoff goal streak in Hurricanes/Whalers history after a five-game stretch to start the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, he has benefited from 0.48 goals per game in his career with the club and now sits one marker shy of tying the most in one playoff year – a benchmark his head coach, Rod Brind’Amour (12), set in 2006. Click here to “Get to Know” the Hurricanes’ go-to goal scorer.

* There are six players on the Vegas roster who have faced elimination in the Stanley Cup Final, each with one such outing. They share a combined 1-5 record in that scenario, with Ivan Barbashev winning Game 7 with the 2019 Blues, Colton Sissons falling in Game 6 with the 2017 Predators and four who were with the Golden Knights in 2018: Reilly Smith (1-1—2), Shea Theodore (0-1—1), Brayden McNabb and William Karlsson.

* While Carolina is unblemished in potential clinchers this year, Vegas is untested when facing elimination as they have yet to be against the ropes in 2026. The Golden Knights are the eighth team since 2005-06 to face elimination for the first time in the Final; the other teams over that span share a 3-4 record in that initial contest.

QUICK CLICKS


Hurricanes must avoid distractions with chance to win Cup in Game 6

Sebastian Aho quietly continues to be steadying presence for Hurricanes with Cup in sight

Ivan Barbashev of Vegas has ‘huge opportunity’ to win Stanley Cup for 3rd time

NHL Announces 2025-26 First and Second All-Star Teams
NHL Announces 2025-26 All-Rookie Team

ICYMI: PODCAST ROUNDUP
NHL Unscripted with Virk and Demers (June 11): Staal Takes Charge, Bussi Owns the Nets
100% Hockey with Millard & Shannon (June 10): Eichel, Hart, and a Series Turning Point
NHL @TheRink (June 10): Stanley Cup Final Drama, Kings hire Laviolette, Toronto search runs deep
NHL Draft Class (June 10): Nick Smith, NHL Central Scouting: Top OHL prospects
100% Hockey with Millard & Shannon (June 8): The Voice Behind It All: Chris Cuthbert
La Tasse de Café LNH (June 7): Le printemps Mitch Marner
NHL Draft Class (June 5): NHL Scouting Combine Part III: Liam and Markus Ruck join
100% Hockey with Millard & Shannon (June 5): Scotty Bowman and Ken Hitchcock on CAR vs. VGK
La Tasse de Café LNH (June 5): Une dernière audition pour les espoirs de la LHJMQ

NASCAR Cup Series Preview: Great American Getaway 400

Venue: Pocono Raceway — Long Pond, Pennsylvania Race Distance: 400 miles (160 laps) Track Length: 2.5 miles Track Type: Tri‑oval superspeedway (The “Tricky Triangle”) Turns:

  • Turn 1: 14° banking (inspired by Trenton Speedway)
  • Turn 2 (Tunnel Turn): 8° banking (inspired by Indianapolis)
  • Turn 3: 6° banking (inspired by Milwaukee Mile) Backstretch: 3,055 feet Frontstretch: 3,740 feet Short Stretch (between Turns 2–3): 1,780 feet

Scheduled Green Flag: 3:30 PM ET Race Length: 160 laps / 400 miles Stage Breaks: Laps 30 & 85

Expected Weather Conditions

  • Temperature: 78–81°F
  • Sky: Mostly sunny
  • Wind: 5–9 mph from the west
  • Rain: <10%
  • Track Condition: Hot, slick, and FAST
  • Impact:
    • Pocono’s long straightaways reward horsepower and clean air.
    • The flat Turn 3 becomes treacherous in heat — expect rear‑tire wear to be a storyline.
    • Fuel strategy and pit sequencing will be decisive.

RACE HISTORY SNAPSHOT

The Great American Getaway 400 (formerly the Pocono 400) has long been a strategy‑heavy, fuel‑mileage, track‑position chess match. Recent trends:

  • Toyota has dominated Pocono in the Next Gen era.
  • Track position is king — 7 of the last 10 winners started inside the top 10.
  • Pit strategy flips often decide the race more than raw speed.
  • The Tunnel Turn remains the single most important corner for lap time.

RECENT DRIVER FORM & BETTING TRENDS

Hot Drivers Entering Pocono

  • Denny Hamlin — perennial Pocono ace, multiple wins here.
  • Kyle Larson — elite on long straightaways, thrives in clean‑air tracks.
  • Christopher Bell — qualifying monster, strong on flat tracks.
  • Tyler Reddick — excels in high‑commitment corners like the Tunnel Turn.

Cold / Uncertain Form

  • Ryan Blaney — inconsistent 2026 season, but historically strong at Pocono.
  • Chase Elliott — speed is there, execution hasn’t been.
  • Ross Chastain — Pocono has not been his best track.

Betting Market Notes

  • Hamlin & Larson are co‑favorites.
  • Bell is the sharp‑bettor darling due to qualifying upside.
  • Reddick is the trendy sleeper pick.
  • Logano is undervalued historically at Pocono.

FULL DRIVER‑BY‑DRIVER ANALYSIS

(Projected starting positions based on typical 2026 performance trends — adjust once official lineup posts.)

P1 — Denny Hamlin (Toyota, JGR)

Morning Line: 4–1 Recent Finishes: 3rd, 1st, 5th Strengths: Pocono master, elite restarter Analysis: Hamlin owns Pocono. His braking into Turn 1 and throttle control through Turn 3 are unmatched. If he qualifies up front, he becomes the strategic favorite. Win Probability: Very high.

P2 — Kyle Larson (Chevrolet, Hendrick Motorsports)

Morning Line: 9–2 Recent Finishes: 2nd, 4th, 1st Strengths: Raw speed, clean‑air dominance Analysis: Larson is terrifying when the track widens out. If he gets the lead, he can gap the field by seconds. His weakness? Fuel‑mileage races. Win Probability: High.

P3 — Christopher Bell (Toyota, JGR)

Morning Line: 6–1 Recent Finishes: 1st, 7th, 2nd Strengths: Qualifying, precision driving Analysis: Bell is the best single‑lap driver in the series. Pocono rewards precision, and Bell has it. If he nails Turn 3 consistently, he’s a threat. Win Probability: Strong.

P4 — Tyler Reddick (Toyota, 23XI Racing)

Morning Line: 7–1 Recent Finishes: 5th, 3rd, 8th Strengths: High‑commitment corners Analysis: Reddick’s aggression through the Tunnel Turn is unmatched. If the race becomes a tire‑wear battle, he moves up the board. Win Probability: Solid.

P5 — Joey Logano (Ford, Team Penske)

Morning Line: 10–1 Recent Finishes: 6th, 10th, 4th Strengths: Racecraft, restarts Analysis: Logano is sneaky good at Pocono. He’s not flashy here, but he’s always in the mix. If strategy flips his way, he can steal it. Win Probability: Medium.

P6 — Chase Elliott (Chevrolet, Hendrick Motorsports)

Morning Line: 12–1 Recent Finishes: 9th, 12th, 6th Strengths: Long‑run consistency Analysis: Elliott has speed but hasn’t converted it into wins in 2026. Pocono suits his smooth style, but he must qualify well. Win Probability: Medium‑low.

P7 — Ryan Blaney (Ford, Team Penske)

Morning Line: 14–1 Recent Finishes: 15th, 8th, 18th Strengths: Pocono winner, strong in clean air Analysis: Blaney is a former Pocono winner, but his 2026 form is shaky. If he finds track position, he becomes dangerous. Win Probability: Medium.

P8 — Ross Chastain (Chevrolet, Trackhouse)

Morning Line: 18–1 Recent Finishes: 17th, 14th, 11th Strengths: Aggression Analysis: Pocono punishes over‑aggression, and Chastain has struggled here. Needs a perfect strategy race to contend. Win Probability: Low.

P9 — Bubba Wallace (Toyota, 23XI Racing)

Morning Line: 20–1 Recent Finishes: 11th, 9th, 13th Strengths: Long‑run pace Analysis: Wallace has quietly improved at Pocono. If he qualifies top 10, he can run inside the top 8 all day. Win Probability: Low‑medium.

P10 — William Byron (Chevrolet, Hendrick Motorsports)

Morning Line: 8–1 Recent Finishes: 4th, 6th, 2nd Strengths: Smooth, consistent, elite equipment Analysis: Byron is the most consistent driver in the series. Pocono suits his style, and he’s a legitimate threat if he gets clean air. Win Probability: Strong sleeper.

DRIVER                                                 ODDS

Denny Hamlin                                   + 225

Tyler Reddick                                     + 550

Kyle Larson                                         + 750

Christopher Bell                               + 900

Ryan Blaney                                       + 1000

Chase Briscoe                                    + 1100

William Byron                                   + 1200

Chase Elliott                                       + 1200

Ty Gibbs                                              + 1400

Carson Hocevar                                 + 1400

Bubba Wallace                                  + 2200

Joey Logano                                       + 2500

Chris Buescher                                  + 2500

Erik Jones                                            + 3500

Ross Chastain                                    + 4000

Brad Keselowski                              + 4000

Daniel Suarez                                     + 7500

Alex Bowman                                    + 8000

Shane Van Gisbergen                    + 9000

Austin Cindric                                    + 9000

Ryan Preece                                       + 10000

Connor Zilisch                                   + 12000

Josh Berry                                           + 13000

Zane Smith                                         + 15000

Michael McDowell                          + 15000

John Hunter Nemechek                + 17000

Daniel Dye                                          + 17000

Riley Herbst                                       + 20000

Austin Hill                                           + 20000

Austin Dillon                                      + 20000

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.                         + 25000

AJ Allmendinger                              + 25000

Noah Gragson                                   + 40000

Todd Gilliland                                   + 50000

Cole Custer                                         + 50000

Ty Dillon                                              + 80000

Cody Ware                                          + 100000

Casey Mears                                      + 100000

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, June 13, 2026

New York Yankees finalize two roster transactions

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Prior to today’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves:

  • Placed OF Trent Grisham on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain.
  • Returned OF Jasson Domínguez (#24) from his rehab assignment and reinstated him from the 10-day injured list.

New York City FC Defender Mitja Ilenič Returns to the Club After Loan

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NEW YORK – New York City FC announced today that Defender Mitja Ilenič has returned to the Club after a loan with Polish side Raków Częstochowa.

After joining Raków Częstochowa in January of 2026, the 21-year-old made six appearances across three competitions with the Club.

The Defender was also part of the starting lineup in Raków Częstochowa’s 2-1 win over Avia Świdnik in the Quarterfinals of the STS Polish Cup, helping the Club advance to the Semifinals of the competition.

“We are excited to welcome Mitja back,” said Sporting Director Todd Dunivant. “The additional experience gained during his loan will be valuable, in addition to the depth he provides to our backline. We look forward to having Mitja back with the Club.”

Across his previous three seasons with New York City, Ilenič made 75 appearances, including 45 starts, while recording three goals and five assists across all competitions for the ‘Boys in Blue.’

Transaction: New York City FC Defender Mitja Ilenič Returns to the Club After Loan

Dutch Lawmakers Weigh Ban on Online Gambling Ads, Bonuses

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – Dutch lawmakers are considering sweeping new restrictions on the country’s online gambling industry, including a potential ban on iGaming advertising and bonuses, as the government seeks to curb rising gambling‑related harm.

Justice and Security State Secretary Claudia van Bruggen this week outlined a package of proposed measures that would further tighten what is already one of Europe’s strictest regulatory regimes. The proposals include prohibiting online gambling ads and inducements, imposing stricter deposit limits, expanding affordability checks and granting regulators broader authority to block unlicensed operators.

Van Bruggen said the measures are a response to troubling rates of gambling harm, particularly among younger adults, since the Netherlands re‑regulated its online market in 2021. Supporters argue that eliminating bonuses and marketing incentives would reduce risky play and help prevent addiction.

The plan also calls for changes to the national self‑exclusion system. Under the proposal, voluntary exclusions would not automatically expire at the end of the selected period but would remain in place until a player actively removes them. Relatives could also request that a family member be added to the exclusion list.

The proposals will be drafted into a bill for parliamentary consideration at a later date.

Already a Strict Market

The Netherlands has steadily tightened gambling rules in recent years. The government previously banned untargeted advertising and later prohibited sports sponsorships by gambling companies. Operators are also barred from using celebrities or influencers who could appeal to minors.

Critics warn that additional restrictions — particularly a blanket advertising ban — could weaken the regulated market and push consumers toward illegal operators. They argue that licensed companies would struggle to compete without the ability to promote their services, potentially strengthening the black market.

While the government is seeking new powers to block unlicensed sites, industry groups say policymakers should proceed cautiously. The debate comes amid recent tax increases that operators say have already strained the sector. The Dutch Lottery has urged lawmakers to reject further tax hikes, warning they could destabilize the market.