The New Orleans Pelicans (13-38, 14th in the Western Conference) face the Charlotte Hornets (22-28, 11th in the Eastern Conference) in an interconference matchup on Monday afternoon. The Pelicans are looking to snap a recent skid amid ongoing injury woes, while the Hornets aim to extend their impressive winning streak at home. This game marks the second meeting between the teams this season, with New Orleans seeking to complete a season sweep after a narrow victory in November.
Venue Location
Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina.
The game time was adjusted earlier than originally scheduled (from 7:00 p.m. ET) due to a winter storm in the area.
Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. CT, 12:00 p.m. PT).
The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network, Gulf Coast Sports, Pelicans+, NBA League Pass, and radio stations WFNZ 92.7 FM and WWL 870 AM.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with absences, but Charlotte’s depth has helped them weather the storm better.
Team
Player
Position
Status
Reason
Pelicans
Dejounte Murray
PG
Out
Right Achilles rupture
Pelicans
Trey Alexander
G
Out
G League – Two-Way
Pelicans
Hunter Dickinson
C
Out
G League – Two-Way
Hornets
Mason Plumlee
C
Out
Right groin surgery (re-evaluated in six weeks)
Hornets
Josh Green
G
Probable
Right thumb sprain
Hornets
KJ Simpson
G
GTD
Right hip
Hornets
PJ Hall
F
Out
G League – Two-Way
Hornets
Liam McNeeley
F
Out
G League – On Assignment
Hornets
Antonio Reeves
G
Out
G League – Two-Way
Hornets
Tidjane Salaun
F
Out
G League – On Assignment
The Pelicans are notably without Murray, a key playmaker, which has hampered their offense all season.
For the Hornets, Plumlee’s absence shifts more responsibility to Moussa Diabate in the frontcourt, but Green’s potential return adds perimeter versatility.
Key
Player Matchups
This game features intriguing battles between young stars and versatile forwards. Projected starting lineups (based on recent rotations and injuries):
Position
Pelicans
Hornets
PG
Trey Murphy III
LaMelo Ball
SG
Herbert Jones
Josh Green (or Kon Knueppel if Green is out)
SF
Saddiq Bey
Brandon Miller
PF
Zion Williamson
Miles Bridges
C
Derik Queen
Moussa Diabate
Key matchups to watch:
Zion Williamson vs. Miles Bridges: Williamson (21.7 PPG, team leader) is a dominant force inside, but Bridges’ athleticism and spacing could neutralize some drives. Williamson missed the first matchup, so this is a fresh test.
Trey Murphy III vs. LaMelo Ball: Murphy (21.5 PPG) will handle point duties with Murray out, facing Ball’s explosive scoring (21 PPG projection) and playmaking (9 APG projection). Ball’s speed could exploit New Orleans’ 28th-ranked defense.
Saddiq Bey vs. Brandon Miller: Bey has led the Pelicans in scoring in four of their last six games (recent high of 34 points), but Miller (20.8 PPG, Hornets’ leader) is on a tear during Charlotte’s streak. This wing duel could decide perimeter shooting efficiency.
Overall: Hornets’ ball movement vs. Pelicans’ perimeter defense: Charlotte’s drive-and-kick offense thrives on quick decisions, potentially exposing New Orleans’ vulnerabilities (allowing 114.6 PPG).
Expect 11 players to score in double figures across both teams, highlighting depth.
Recent Team Forms
The Hornets are surging, while the Pelicans have shown flashes but remain inconsistent due to injuries.
Pelicans’ Last 10 Games (4-6 record):
1/31 at PHI: L 124-114
1/30 vs MEM: W 114-106
1/27 at OKC: L 104-95
1/25 at SA: L 104-95 (conflicting data; some sources list as W, but recent trends show losses)
Overall: 6-4 ATS in last 10, with a focus on high-scoring games (Over in 4 of last 10).
New Orleans has lost five of their last seven road games but beat Memphis recently behind Bey’s scoring.
Hornets’ Last 10 Games (8-2 record):
Winners of six straight (longest streak in nearly 10 years), including victories over Jazz, Lakers, Nuggets, Grizzlies, Mavericks, and Spurs.
6-4 ATS in last 10, with Unders in 6 of last 10 home games.
Charlotte has won seven of their past eight overall, building momentum with balanced scoring from Ball, Miller, and Bridges.
Series History
The Pelicans hold a strong all-time edge: 29 wins to 13 losses against the Hornets in 42 regular-season meetings. New Orleans has won seven of the last 10 head-to-heads, including a 116-112 home victory on November 4, 2025 (eight Pelicans in double figures, led by Murphy’s 21 points).
Five of the last six meetings have gone Under the total. Charlotte aims to avoid a season sweep, last winning at home against New Orleans in January 2025 (123-92).
Betting Trends
Spread (ATS): Charlotte is 29-21 ATS this season (6-4 in last 10), while New Orleans is 28-23 ATS (but 12-12 on the road). The Hornets are 16-11 ATS at home.
Over/Under: The Under has hit in 65% of Hornets’ home games (8-14 O/U) and five of the last six head-to-heads. Recent trends: Over in 4 of Pelicans’ last 10, Under in 6 of Hornets’ last 10.
Game Odds
New Orleans Pelicans 230.5
Charlotte Hornets – 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, February 1, 2026
Preseason begins May 18; Campaign gets underway June 4
TORONTO – The Canadian Football League (CFL) offseason shifts into high gear on February 1 at noon with the beginning of the Free Agency Communication Window before the frenzy of Free Agency opens on February 10.
Prospects will showcase their skills at CFL Combine in Edmonton presented by Anytime Fitness from March 27-29 in anticipation of the CFL Draft on April 28. Training camps conclude on May 30, before the upcoming campaign commences on June 4 with the Montreal Alouettes visiting the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The 2026 season will be broadcast in Canada by Bell Media across TSN, CTV and RDS. Select games in the U.S. will air exclusively on CBS Sports Network, while the remaining slate will be available live and on-demand for a 48-hour window through the league’s free online streaming platform, CFL+. Viewers outside of North America will be able to tune into the whole season on CFL+.
2026 OFFSEASON KEY DATES (Times in ET unless specified otherwise)
February 1 at noon to February 8 at noon – Free Agency Communication Window
February 10 at noon – Free Agency opens
February 22 – CFL Kicking Showcase in San Diego, Calif.
March 6 – CFL Invitational Combine, followed by the CFL Free Agent Camp, in Waterloo, Ont.
March 25 – GM/Head Coach Media Day at CFL Combine
March 27-29 – CFL Combine presented by Anytime Fitness in Edmonton
April 28 – CFL Draft at 7 p.m.
April 29 – CFL Global Draft at 1 p.m.
May 6 – Rookie Camps open
May 9 at 11:59 p.m. (local) – Rosters reduced to 85 players, excluding non-counters.
May 10 – Training camps open
May 12 at 11:59 p.m. (local) – Rosters reduced to 75 players, excluding non-counters
Game Will be Played at the Stade de France in Partnership With GL events
New Orleans Saints Named as One of the Participating Teams for Historic First Game in France
PARIS, FRANCE – The National Football League will play its first-ever regular season game in Paris, France in 2026, as the league continues to focus on global growth efforts and expanding the international games slate to more countries around the world.
The history-making game in France will take place at the Stade de France – the country’s national stadium – with the New Orleans Saints named as one of the participating teams.
“Bringing a regular season game to Paris in 2026 marks an exciting next step in the continued expansion of the league’s global footprint,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “Paris is one of the world’s greatest sporting and cultural cities with tremendous success in hosting global events that unite fans on the biggest stages. Playing our first‑ever regular season game at the impressive Stade de France, together with the New Orleans Saints, underlines our continued global growth ambitions and we look forward to bringing the NFL to our passionate fans in France.”
“Hosting the first NFL Paris game at the Stade de France reflects a shared ambition and showcases our ability to bring together different sporting cultures, deliver operational excellence, and position Paris and France as a welcoming destination for the world’s greatest sporting events,” said Chairman of the GL events Group Olivier Ginon. “Together with the support of the State, local authorities, as well as tourism and hospitality stakeholders, GL events Group is honored and proud to work with the NFL to write this new chapter in the history of the Stade de France, fully in line with the legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
“We are excited to be selected to play in the first regular season game to be held in France,” said Saints Owner Gayle Benson. “This moment is special not only because of the strong cultural connection between Louisiana and France, but also because we will compete before a growing Saints fan base in Paris. I am grateful to the NFL, Commissioner Roger Goodell and the French Government, especially Laurent Bili, Ambassador of France to the United States, Samuel Ducroquet, Ambassador of France to Sport, for helping make this historic event possible.”
“Hosting the first-ever NFL regular season game in Paris is a powerful symbol of France’s growing place on the global sporting stage,” said Minister of Sports, Youth and Community Life Marina Ferrari. “Since 2017 The President of the Republic has made sport a national priority – as a driver of social cohesion, international influence and economic attractiveness – and this historic event fully reflects that long-term commitment. Following the success and legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, welcoming the NFL to the Stade de France demonstrates our ambition to open France to the world’s greatest sporting competitions, to embrace diverse sporting cultures and to strengthen France’s role as a leading host nation for major global events. This partnership also illustrates how sport serves as a tool of diplomacy, innovation and opportunity for our youth and our regions. I would also like to thank the French Federation of American Football (FFFA) for its’ strong mobilization and active engagement on this project, contributing significantly to the development and grassroots anchoring of American football in France.”
The game will be played in partnership with GL events with support from the French Department of Sports, Youth and Community Life, the Fédération Française de Football Américain (FFFA), Plaine Commune, Ville de Saint Denis, Ville de Paris, Métropole du Grand Paris and Région Ile de France.
The Stade de France, built in 1998, is the country’s largest stadium. A multi-purpose venue, it hosts major international sport and entertainment events and is home to the French national soccer and rugby teams. It is the only stadium to have hosted a FIFA World Cup, Rugby World Cup, UEFA Champions Leage Finals, UEFA European Championship Finals and played a starring role in the 2024 Olympic & Paralympic Games in Paris.
The Saints have international marketing rights in France as part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program, an initiative that grants global marketing rights to clubs in markets outside of the U.S. to build brand awareness and fandom. All 32 NFL teams participate in the program with rights across 21 markets.
The NFL has a growing presence in France with over 14 million fans. Flag football, the non-contact format of the game, will make its debut as an Olympic sport in Los Angeles 2028 (LA28). NFL Flag – the league’s official youth flag football program – launched in France in 2023 in partnership with the FFFA and already reaches over 8,000 boys and girls, with plans to grow participation in the years ahead.
The full matchup including opponent, date and kickoff time will be announced when the 2026 NFL schedule is revealed this spring.
For news about the NFL 2026 Paris game and to sign up for ticket information, visit here.
Super Bowl LX is headed to the San Francisco Bay Area on Feb. 8, 2026 and will be broadcast live in France on M6 and beIN Sport:
Sixty-two regular season NFL games have been played around the world with London, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Madrid, Dublin, São Paulo, Mexico City and Toronto having hosted games.
The NFL has confirmed the following 2026 regular season international games to date.
· One game in Melbourne, Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, featuring the Los Angeles Rams as one of the participating teams
· One game in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil at the Maracanã Stadium
· One game in Munich, Germany at FC Bayern Munich Arena
· Three games in London, U.K.
· One game in Madrid, Spain at the Bernabéu Stadium – home to Real Madrid C.F.
· One game in Paris, France, at the Stade de France Stadium, featuring the New Orleans Saints as one of the participating teams
Boston Acquires RHP Gage Ziehl in Multi‑Player Deal**
BOSTON, MA – The Boston Red Sox today announced they have traded right‑handed pitchers Jordan Hicks and David Sandlin to the Chicago White Sox, along with cash considerations and two players to be named later. In return, Boston receives minor league right‑hander Gage Ziehl and a player to be named later.
With the transaction, the Red Sox’ 40‑man roster now stands at 38 players.
Jordan Hicks
Hicks, 29, posted a 6.95 ERA (52 ER/67.1 IP) with 58 strikeouts across 34 games (nine starts) in 2025 split between the San Francisco Giants (13 games, nine starts) and Boston (21 games). Acquired by the Red Sox on June 15, 2025, as part of the Rafael Devers trade, the Texas native was originally selected by St. Louis in the third round of the 2015 First‑Year Player Draft. He owns a career 4.41 ERA (206 ER/420.1 IP) in 275 Major League appearances (37 starts) with the Cardinals (2018–23), Blue Jays (2023), Giants (2024–25), and Red Sox (2025).
David Sandlin
Sandlin, 24, recorded a 4.50 ERA (53 ER/106.0 IP) with 107 strikeouts and 40 walks over 32 games (14 starts) between Double‑A Portland and Triple‑A Worcester in 2025. Ranked among Boston’s top prospects by both MLB.com (No. 8) and Baseball America (No. 11), he earned Eastern League Pitcher of the Week honors twice last season (May 26–June 1 and June 16–22). The Oklahoma native, selected by Kansas City in the 11th round of the 2022 Draft, was acquired by Boston on February 17, 2024. He owns a career 4.38 ERA (113 ER/232.0 IP) with 279 strikeouts in 65 minor league games (47 starts).
Gage Ziehl
Ziehl, 22, completed his first professional season in 2025 with a 4.12 ERA (49 ER/107.0 IP), 90 strikeouts, and 19 walks across 22 games (21 starts) at three levels. He opened the year in the Yankees system, making 14 starts for Single‑A Tampa, one appearance for High‑A Hudson Valley, and one start for Double‑A Somerset. After being traded to Chicago on July 30, he posted a 4.01 ERA (11 ER/24.2 IP) in six starts for High‑A Winston‑Salem. The South Carolina native was selected by New York in the fourth round of the 2024 Draft out of the University of Miami and is ranked among the White Sox’ top prospects by MLB.com (No. 14) and Baseball America (No. 21).
NEW YORK – Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov, Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak and Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the month of January presented by GEICO.
FIRST STAR – NIKITA KUCHEROV, RW, TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
Kucherov, who will play host to Pastrnak and the Bruins in tonight’s 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series (6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, SN, TVAS), paced the League with 22 assists and 31 points in 13 games (9-22—31) to lift the Lightning (34-14-4, 72 points) into first place in the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference on the strength of an 11-1-1 January (23 points) – Tampa Bay’s fourth-highest point total in any calendar month behind December 2018 (13-0-1, 27 points), February 2019 (12‑1-2, 26 points) and January 2004 (11-3-2, 24 points). January marked Kucherov’s third career 30-point month, after April 2022 (14-17—31 in 16 GP) and December 2018 (9-21—30 in 14 GP), making him the eighth player in NHL history to achieve the feat at least three times. He found the scoresheet in 12 of his 13 appearances, highlighted by a League-best 10 multi-point performances including: his eighth career five-point effort (Jan. 3 at SJS: 1‑4—5), two four-point outings (Jan. 10 at PHI: 2-2—4 and Jan. 24 at CBJ: 1-3—4) and a pair of three-point games (Jan. 1 at LAK: 1-2—3 and Jan. 20 vs. SJS: 0-3—3). The 32-year-old Kucherov additionally ranked among the top January performers in even-strength points (1st; 20), power-play assists (1st; 9), power-play points (1st; 11), even-strength assists (2nd; 13), plus/minus (t‑5th; +14), even-strength goals (t-9th; 7) and goals (t-13th; 9). The two-time reigning Art Ross Trophy winner sits third in the League with 27-55—82 overall this season (48 GP), also placing among the leading NHLers in points per game (2nd; 1.71), assists (2nd; 55), even-strength assists (2nd; 36), even-strength points (2nd; 57) and multi-point performances (t-2nd; 29).
SECOND STAR – DAVID PASTRNAK, RW, BOSTON BRUINS
Pastrnak, who will represent Czechia at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, tied for second in the NHL with 20 assists and 25 points in 14 contests (5-20—25) as Boston (32-20-3, 67 points) posted an 11-2-1 January to climb into the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Pastrnak’s 25 points were the most by a Bruins player in a single calendar month since March 2018, when Brad Marchand totaled 10-16—26 (15 GP), while only three other players in franchise history have collected as many assists in one month: Bobby Orr (4x, including a team-record 23 in March 1971), Phil Esposito (22 in January 1969) and Ray Bourque (20 in March 1991). Pastrnak registered points in 12 of his 14 January outings, highlighted by a six-assist performance Jan. 10 vs. NYR – the first six-point game by a Boston player since Bourque on Feb. 18, 1990 (1-5—6 at VAN) and the third all-time six-assist effort in franchise history, joining Ken Hodge (Feb. 9, 1971 vs. NYR) and Orr (Jan. 1, 1973 at VAN). Pastrnak notched multiple points seven total times to also place among the January leaders in even-strength assists (1st; 14), even-strength points (2nd; 18), plus/minus (t-8th; +13), power-play points (t-13th; 7) and shots on goal (t-13th; 52). The 29-year-old Pastrnak, who on Jan. 26 at NYR became the third Czech player in NHL history and sixth player in Bruins history to reach the 900-point milestone, ranks sixth in the League with 22-47—69 through 50 total games this season.
THIRD STAR – EVAN BOUCHARD, D, EDMONTON OILERS
Bouchard topped defenseman and ranked fourth among all skaters with 8-15—23 in 15 games to guide the Oilers (28-20-8, 64 points) to an 8-5-2 January. Only two blueliners in the past 33 years (since 1992-93) have compiled more points in a single calendar month (Roman Josi: 4-24—28 in March 2022 w/ NSH and Cale Makar: 4-21—25 in November 2023 w/ COL), while just two defenseman in that span have scored more goals in one month (Sergei Gonchar: 10 in January 2000 and Mike Green: 9 in February 2009, both w/ WSH). Bouchard picked up points in 12 of his 15 January contests, including 3‑3—6 Jan. 24 vs. WSH to record his first career hat trick and become the fourth blueliner in League history with at least three goals and three assists in a single game, joining Bobby Orr (3x), Tom Bladon and Doug Crossman. He finished the month with five total multi-point efforts to also place among the leading defensemen in even-strength goals (1st; 6), even-strength points (1st; 16), shots on goal (1st; 54), assists (t-2nd; 15), game-winning goals (t-3rd; 2), power-play goals (t-4th; 2), power-play points (t‑4th; 7), even-strength assists (5th; 10) and power-play assists (t-5th; 5). The 26-year-old Bouchard, who is two points shy of 300 for his NHL career (70-228—298 in 403 GP), sits second among blueliners – and 16th in the entire NHL – with 15-45—60 through 56 overall appearances this season.
NEW YORK – Boston Bruins center Fraser Minten, who topped all rookies with 8‑6—14 and a +12 rating in 14 games, has been named the NHL’s “Rookie of the Month” for January.
Minten edged Washington Capitals right wing Justin Sourdif (7-7—14 in 13 GP), Anaheim Ducks right wing Beckett Sennecke (6-7—13 in 14 GP), New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (6-6—12 in 15 GP), and Montreal Canadiens teammates Ivan Demidov (1-11—12 in 16 GP) and Jakub Dobes (6-0-0, 2.97 GAA, .893 SV%) for the honor.
Minten, who is set to play in his first outdoor NHL game during tonight’s 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series in Tampa (6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, SN, TVAS), also placed among the top January rookies in goals (1st; 8), even-strength goals (1st; 7), even-strength points (t-2nd; 11), power-play points (t-2nd; 3) and assists (t-4th; 6).
He began the month by notching his second career multi-goal game, capped by his second career overtime winner, while visiting his hometown Vancouver Canucks Jan. 3 (2-0—2). Minten produced three other multi-point performances during the month, including his first two career three-point efforts: Jan. 10 vs. NYR (2-1—3) and Jan. 29 vs. PHI (1-2—3).
A second-round pick (38th overall by TOR) in the 2022 NHL Draft, Minten’s eight goals marked the most by a Bruins rookie in a single calendar month since January 2011, when Brad Marchand also scored eight (8-4—12 in 14 GP). Only five rookies in Boston’s 101-year history have registered more in a single month: Ken Hodge Jr. (11 in February 1991), Jimmy Herberts (10 in January 1925), Barry Pederson (10 in December 1981), Roy Conacher (9 in February 1939) and Bob Miller (9 in December 1977).
Minten additionally became the first Bruins rookie with at least 14 points in a calendar month since December 2017, when Danton Heinen totaled 5-9—14 (14 GP). The last Boston rookie with more in one month: Brad Boyes in March 2006 (8-11—19 in 16 GP).
The 21-year-old Minten, who entered January with 6-9—15 through his first 41 appearances of the season, now sits among the top rookies in plus/minus (1st; +20), shooting percentage (1st; 19.4% – minimum: 1 SOG/GP), even-strength goals (3rd; 13), goals (4th; 14), even-strength points (4th; 25), game-winning goals (t-4th; 2), points (6th; 29), assists (t-6th; 15) and even-strength assists (t-6th; 12) through 55 total games in 2025-26.
Minten – who joins Schaefer (October), Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (November) and Demidov (December) as a recipient this season – is the first Bruins player selected as a “Rookie of the Month” since goaltender Jeremy Swayman in February 2022. Minten also is the first Boston skater in 28 years to receive the honor, following left wing Sergei Samsonov in January 1998.
* With a capacity crowd of 64,617 fans packed inside a football stadium on the coldest Feb. 1 in Tampa in 126 years, the Lightning and Bruins combined for countless memorable moments in an outdoor game oozing with intensity and record-setting moments before the home team staged the largest comeback win in its 2,799-game history and the largest outdoor rally across the 45 NHL outdoor contests.
* After being named “First Star of the Month” for January, NikitaKucherov tallied 1-3—4 to rally his club to their historic win while teammate AndreiVasilevskiy (29 saves, 7 PIM) extended his point streak to 15 games and claimed his 25th win of the season (tied for the League lead).
* Sunday also saw Brandon Bussi best the Kings to record the most wins by a goaltender through their first 25 career games in NHL history and Beckett Sennecke continue his ascent up the Ducks rookie scoring list.
* The final four days of NHL action before players participate in the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 features a showdown between defensemen Quinn Hughes and Lane Hutson during Prime Monday Night Hockey.
BOLTS STAGE BIGGEST COMEBACK WIN IN OUTDOOR, FRANCHISE HISTORY In one of the highest-event contests in NHL outdoor game history, a sellout crowd of 64,617 witnessed the fastest goal to start a game outdoors (0:11), the Bruins jump out to a 5-1 lead 8:18 into the second period and the Lightning rally all the way back from four goals down to win in a shootout – the first outdoors in more than a dozen years – and pull off the biggest comeback victory in franchise and NHL outdoor history. It was the third four-goal comeback win by any club this season.
* Olympic-bound Lightning forward JakeGuentzel scored the third shootout-deciding goal in NHL outdoor game history – against his soon-to-be Team USA teammate – to secure the historic win and join Tyler Bozak (2014 WC) and SidneyCrosby (2008 WC) as the only players to net an outdoor shootout winner.
Stadium Series #NHLStats By the Numbers (in chronological order from puck drop):
11 – Seconds it took Brandon Hagel to open the scoring, the fastest goal from the start of an NHL outdoor game.
THROUGH THE SPYGLASS: PIRATES, THE ‘BIG RIG’ AND COUNTRY SUPERSTARS
The 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series closed out Gasparilla weekend in Tampa, with the pirate theme prevalent across Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A cast of pirates read from a scroll as they introduced the Bruins and Lightning, who “walked the plank” to the rink surrounded by Gasparilla parade floats, cannons, barrels and treasure chests on a rink backdrop that resembled a treasure map.
* After serving as the grand marshal for the annual Gasparilla pirate parade on Saturday, Lightning alumnus and three-time Stanley Cup champion Pat Maroon dropped the ceremonial first puck. Two of Maroon’s three Cup wins came with Tampa Bay (2020 & 2021).
* Prior to entering Raymond James Stadium, 25,000-plus fans attended the 2026 NHL PreGame, the League’s official fan festival for the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series. Among the many attractions, fans were able to take photos with the Stanley Cup, practice their shooting accuracy and take in a performance by country music duo LOCASH.
* Country music was also represented throughout the game inside the stadium. Hunter Hayes sang the U.S. national anthem prior to puck drop and three-time GRAMMY winner Tim McGrawentertained the packed stadium with a medley of hits during the first intermission.
* Buccaneers Hall of Famer Rondé Barber, ESPN’s P.K. Subban and current Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield were on hand to present cancer survivor Rob Higgins with $200,000 on behalf of the Lightning Foundation and the NHL. The funds will be donated to University of South Florida (USF) Health, Coop’s Catch for Kids, presented by Heritage Insurance, USF Foundation Stampede for Women, Moffitt Cancer Center, Coaching Love and Hockey Fights Cancer via the V Foundation for Cancer Research.
TEMPERATURE WAS LOW, EXCITEMENT FOR PLAYER ARRIVALS HIGH The temperature at puck drop was 42°F/5°C, which was cooler than puck drop of the last outdoor game held in Boston (51°F/11°C at 2023 Winter Classic). According to Earth Networks, Sunday matched the coldest Feb. 1 on record in Tampa since 1900 (46°F/8°C based on daily high temperature).
* Continuing an outdoor game tradition, the Bruins walked into the stadium wearing historic patriot costumes to show support for the NFL’s New England Patriots, who will play in Super Bowl LX this upcoming weekend. The hometown Lightning wore full vintage Buccaneers orange “creamsicle” uniforms and were led into Raymond James Stadium by quarterback Baker Mayfield and offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs.
MORE STATS AND STORYLINES FROM SUNDAY More from around the League on the first day of February:
* Three players who played in the Stadium Series were part of the NHL’s monthly awards rollout before the game: Nikita Kucherov (TBL), David Pastrnak (BOS) and Evan Bouchard (EDM) were named the Three Stars of the Month, while Fraser Minten (BOS) was named Rookie of the Month.#NHLStats shared a look back at some of the top stats from a record-setting January.
* Brandon Bussi extended his winning streak to five games – his second run of at least that length this season (also 9 GP from Oct. 30 – Dec. 14) – as the Hurricanes bested the Kings in overtime to bolster their lead atop the Metropolitan standings. Bussi improved to 23-3-1 in his first career campaign, including a 14-1-0 record at Lenovo Center – tied with tied Karel Vejmelka (14-7-1) and Andrei Vasilevskiy (14-5-0) for themost home wins by a goaltender this season.
* Beckett Sennecke factored on one of four Anaheim goals and Lukas Dostal made 28 saves as the Ducks (29-23-3, 61 points) fended off a Golden Knights rally and moved into the first Wild Card position in the Western Conference standings. Sennecke recorded his 44th career point (18-26—44) and tied Cutter Gauthier (44 in 2024-25) for the fourth most by a Ducks rookie in a season behind Trevor Zegras (61 in 2021-22), Bobby Ryan (57 in 2008-09) and Dustin Penner (45 in 2006-07).
* ICYMI: Radko Gudas was highlighted for his community efforts prior to the Ducks’ ESPN matchup. Gudas has been instrumental in the building of a school in his hometown of Beroun, Czechia – a school which offers kids the ability to develop high-quality education with athletic training. Gudas will be representing his country at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
HUGHES AND THE WILD FACE HUTSON AND THE CANADIENS ON PRIME The final four days of NHL action before players participate in the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 begins with a 10-game slate, highlighted by a showdown between Quinn Hughes (5-47—52 in 50 GP)and Lane Hutson (9-47—56 in 55 GP)during Prime Monday Night Hockey.
* Hughes and Hutson enter Monday tied for the League lead in assists among defensemen with 47. Hughes can become the fastest defenseman (based on fewest GP) to reach the 50-assist mark for the third straight season (55 GP in 2024-25 & 49 GP in 2023-24) – a feat last achieved by Paul Coffey (4 straight from 1987-88 to 1990-91). Meanwhile, Hutson can become the second defenseman in Canadiens history to record 60 points in fewer than 60 games, following Larry Robinson (50 GP in 1985-86 & 56 GP in 1976-77).
* Hughes carries an eight-game assist streak into Monday and can tie the longest run in Wild history. He can also become the third blueliner in NHL history to post a nine-game assist streak in their first season with a franchise, alongside Tom Kurvers (9 GP w/ NYI in 1991-92) and Tom Edur (9 GP w/ PIT in 1977-78).
#NHLSTATS MEMOS TO MILAN: SNAPSHOT OF NHL LEADERS WITH 34 GAMES LEFT Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon (both Team Canada) have the most points and goals this season, respectively, while Zach Werenski (Team USA) shares the lead in both categories among defensemen heading into the final four days of NHL play before the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka (Team Czechia) shares the League lead in wins, with only 10 days to go until his country opens its preliminary round schedule against McDavid and MacKinnon.
* McDavid has two games to add to his League-leading 95 points before heading to Milan and can become the first player with 100 points before an Olympic break. The last player with 100-plus points before any in-season break (Olympics, 4 Nations Face-Off, All-Star Game) was MarioLemieux in 1995-96 (40-60—100 in 40 GP before ASG).
* MacKinnon and the Avalanche close out a home-and-home with the Red Wings and then face Macklin Celebrini and the Sharks on Feb. 4 before both head to Milan to represent Team Canada. MacKinnon is the fifth player to hit the 40-goal mark before an Olympic break, following Alex Ovechkin (42 in 2009-10 & 40 in 2013-14), Sidney Crosby (42 in 2009-10), Teemu Selanne (41 in 1997-98) and Jaromir Jagr (40 in 2005-06).
* Vejmelka and the Mammoth are matched up against the Canucks tonight followed by the Red Wings on Feb. 4 as he looks to become the second Czech goaltender to lead the NHL in wins before an Olympic break (Dominik Hasek: 32 in 2001-02). Vejmelka can backstop Team Czechia to its first Olympic gold medal since 1998, when the country had an upset shootout victory versus Team Canada during the semifinals before Hasek posted a tournament-clinching shutout in the finale.
* Werenski (19-41—60 in 50 GP) is tied for the most goals and points by a defenseman before an Olympic break. On the goals list, he shares the mark with Washington’s JakobChychrun (also 19 in 2025-26) and Mathieu Schneider (19 in 2005-06 w/ DET). On the points list, Werenski is tied with Edmonton’s EvanBouchard (also 60 in 2025-26) and MikeGreen (60 in 2009-10 w/ WSH). Among that group, Schneider and Werenski were named to Olympic rosters (both Team USA) with Werenski entering this year’s tournament with the opportunity to become the second player to win a gold medal while representing the Blue Jackets, following Rick Nashin 2010.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Omaha Supernovas (5-3), the world’s leading professional volleyball franchise, stamped an unbeaten weekend with their third straight win Sunday, riding opposite Emily Londot’s career outing to a 25-18, 20-25, 25-19, 25-22 victory over the Grand Rapids Rise (2-4) at Van Andel Arena.
Londot hammered her way to a career-high 20 kills and a match-leading 24 points, adding one ace and three blocks. It marked the best performance by an Omaha opposite since Kelsie Payne’s 27-point outing against Vegas on April 10, 2025, which clinched a playoff spot last season.
Both Supernovas left pins reached double-figure kills and provided strong defense. Brooke Nuneviller finished with 12 kills and 15 digs, while Reagan Cooper totaled 15 points on 10 kills, one ace and a match-high four blocks. Merritt Beason recorded two kills on two swings and one block as part of a double substitution late in the second set. Sarah Parsons also added a kill in that same set.
Toyosi Onabanjo had her best match of the season, securing eight kills on a career-high .538 efficiency with two blocks and five digs. Rookie middle blocker Kiara Reinhardt added a pair of kills with a trio of blocks and two more aces to her team-leading seven on the season.
Libero Morgan Hentz delivered one of her best matches of the season, flying around the court to finish with 23 digs and an overpass kill. Setter Sydney Hilley dished out 44 assists with four digs and two kills as the reigning Setter of the Year guided the Supernovas to a .280 hitting percentage.
Omaha’s block played a major role in the win, stuffing 13 Rise attacks for points while also totaling 61 digs, 57 kills, 50 assists and five aces.
Missing starting outside hitter Carli Snyder due to an undisclosed injury, the Grand Rapids offense was inconsistent and finished with a .179 hitting percentage. The Rise used a balanced attack orchestrated by setter Saige Ka’aha’aina Torres, as opposite Elizabet Inneh and middle blocker Rhamat Alhassan tied for the team lead with 11 kills apiece. Grand Rapids posted 10 blocks and four aces while recording 60 digs, 50 kills and 46 assists in four sets.
The Supernovas continue their extended road trip next weekend, visiting Dallas for their first-ever match against the Pulse on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 7 p.m. CST on the Roku Sports Channel and Supernovas Radio Network. Omaha follows with a rematch against the Orlando Valkyries on Sunday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m. CST on MLV YouTube and the Supernovas Radio Network.
Key Notes
Sunday’s victory marks the 10th time in franchise history the Supernovas have won at least three consecutive matches.
Omaha’s win moves the Supernovas to 9-1 all time against Grand Rapids, their best mark against any opponent in MLV. It also extends Omaha’s winning streak over the Rise to six straight, with the last loss coming in the 2024 MLV regular-season finale on May 12, 2024.
Morgan Hentz’s 23 digs were one shy of matching the four-set franchise record of 24, set by Camila Gómez in 2025, who now plays for the Rise.
Toyosi Onabanjo hit a career-high .533 on a career-best 15 attacks, recording a season-high eight kills and two blocks. In her five appearances this season, it marked the first time she has finished a match hitting above .000.
The Supernovas’ 34 percent positive passing mark is the lowest in franchise history and just the third time that figure has been 35 percent or lower. Omaha is now 3-0 in those matches.
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Set 1: Cooper got things started with a kill, and a strong serve from Reinhardt gave Onabanjo an opportunity to put away an overpass for a 2-0 Omaha lead. Reinhardt followed with a block, and Londot terminated from the right side for an early 4-0 Supernovas advantage. Inneh and Paige Briggs-Romine answered with back-to-back points. Cooper stuffed an attack, and Londot found an open seam for another kill. A Grand Rapids service error put Omaha ahead 8-6 going into the first media timeout. Allison Mayfield put away a challenging set through the block, and a Rise ace tied the set at eight. Londot rejected an attack, and Cooper terminated from the left. Nuneviller and Londot secured back-to-back kills for a 4-0 run and a 12-8 Supernovas lead. A Nuneviller service error ended the run, but Cooper answered with a kill on the next point. A simultaneous net violation resulted in a replay, which Onabanjo took advantage of with a kill. Alhassan terminated from a high set in the middle, but Londot found a fingertip on her next swing, and a Rise hitting error pushed Omaha ahead 16-10 at the second media timeout. A pair of Grand Rapids hitting errors extended the lead to seven, but Inneh snapped the 3-0 run. Onabanjo found a kill off the slide, and Nuneviller recorded a pair of points for a 20-13 lead. Londot tallied back-to-back kills before Cooper gave the Supernovas set point with a kill. After two Rise points, Cooper ended the set with her fifth kill for a 25-18 win.
The Supernovas offense was on fire, hitting .462 with 18 kills on 39 swings and no errors. Londot ignited the attack with seven kills on a .538 clip. Omaha also recorded three blocks. Grand Rapids struggled to a .154 efficiency with one ace. Former Supernovas Briggs-Romine and Mayfield split the team high with four kills apiece.
Set 2: Cooper and Inneh traded blocks to open the set before a Londot ace gave Omaha an early one-point edge. Nuneviller sparked a 3-0 Supernovas run as Onabanjo followed with a block and kill for a 6-3 lead. Briggs-Romine answered for Grand Rapids, but a Nuneviller error and Rise block tied the set at six. Onabanjo’s left hand secured another block, and a Nuneviller kill put Omaha ahead 8-6 into the first media timeout. The Rise used the stoppage to their advantage as Alhassan and Mayfield put down points as part of a 4-0 run to take a 10-8 lead. Alyssa Jensen terminated from the middle, and an Inneh kill forced an Omaha timeout at 13-10. Back-to-back kills from Briggs-Romine pushed the lead to 15-10 before a Londot point ended the momentum. Jensen fired back with another middle kill to give Grand Rapids a 16-11 advantage at the second media timeout. Alhassan blocked a Cooper swing, but Londot tooled the block on the next point. Omaha rookie setter Brooke Mosher entered the match on a double substitution with Beason, and she delivered her second ace of the season. Beason rejected a Rise attack, and Cooper put away a kill to make it 17-15, forcing a Grand Rapids timeout. Alhassan put away an overpass and followed with a block. Inneh capped the 3-0 run with an ace, but Onabanjo killed a set from Mosher, and Cooper aced Briggs-Romine to make it 20-17. Inneh sided out with a kill, but Beason slammed down back-to-back kills to cut the deficit to two. Alhassan and Parsons exchanged kills before the Rise closed the set on a 3-0 run, highlighted by a pair of points from Torres and a set-ending kill from Mayfield for a 25-20 Grand Rapids win.
Omaha cooled to a .103 hitting percentage but posted four blocks and three aces. The Supernovas struggled to score consistently as Nuneviller, Beason, Onabanjo and Londot all tied the team high with two kills. Grand Rapids responded with a .312 clip, four blocks and three aces. Alhassan, Mayfield and Jensen each tallied three kills.
Set 3: Londot pounded a pair of kills to open the third, and Onabanjo found the floor for an early 3-1 Omaha lead. Both teams traded service errors before Briggs-Romine spearheaded a 3-0 run behind two kills. Nuneviller and Londot collected a point apiece for a 7-5 Supernovas edge, but the Rise answered with their own 3-0 run, capped by an Inneh kill and Alhassan block, to go ahead 8-7 at the first media timeout. Inneh secured another kill off a poor set, and Nuneviller’s errant swing forced an Omaha timeout at 10-7. Another Supernovas hitting error pushed the deficit to 11-7, but Londot snapped the 6-0 run with back-to-back kills. Reinhardt blocked a Grand Rapids middle attack, and the rookie recorded her first kill a few points later to keep Omaha within two. Cooper found the floor on a cross-court shot. Londot and Onabanjo tallied consecutive blocks, followed by an Onabanjo overpass kill and a Reinhardt ace to complete a 5-0 run and give Omaha a 16-13 lead at the media timeout. The teams exchanged points before a Hilley joust win and Rise hitting error extended the margin to 20-16. After two Grand Rapids points, Omaha responded with a 4-0 run that included a Hentz overpass kill. Nuneviller pushed down an overpass for set point before a Rise service error sealed a 25-19 Supernovas win and a 2-1 match lead.
Omaha hit .257 in the set with three blocks and an ace. Londot dominated with seven kills. The Rise hit .129 despite two blocks and one ace, with Inneh leading the way with four kills.
Set 4: Jensen terminated a middle set for the opening point, but Cooper answered with a kill. Reinhardt continued the service pressure with another ace, but Briggs-Romine stuffed a Londot swing on the next rally. Londot responded with a right-side kill. Nuneviller attacked from the back row for a kill, and Cooper secured a one-on-one block. A Rise hitting error capped a 4-0 Supernovas run before a Mayfield kill stopped the streak. Following a challenge reversal on Mayfield’s kill, Cooper answered with a point to put Omaha ahead 8-3 at the first media timeout. Hilley snuck in a setter dump to make it 10-4, but Grand Rapids regrouped with a 3-0 run behind a Mayfield kill and Inneh block. Reinhardt sided out with a kill. Londot continued her career night with two more kills and a block to keep the lead at 14-10. The Rise scored consecutive points, but Onabanjo secured two slide kills for a 16-13 Supernovas advantage at the second media timeout. Reinhardt rejected a Rise attack out of the break before Torres and Nuneviller traded kills. After an Inneh termination, Londot and Cooper delivered kills on long rallies for a 20-15 lead, forcing a Rise timeout. Cooper reached double-figure kills with two more to make it 23-17, but a Londot service error and Torres setter dump prompted an Omaha timeout at 23-19. Alhassan put away a kill off a great pass, followed by a Torres block on Cooper to pull Grand Rapids within two. A net violation by Mayfield gave Omaha match point, but Alhassan answered with another kill. Nuneviller ended the night by tooling the block, giving Omaha a 25-22 win and its third straight victory.
The Supernovas hit .250 in the set with three blocks and an ace. Omaha produced a balanced attack in the final frame as Nuneviller, Cooper and Londot each finished with four kills. Grand Rapids hit .140 with four blocks, led by Alhassan’s four kills.
REGINA – The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed American defensive lineman Mike Rose to a one-year contract extension, the team announced on Saturday. Rose was scheduled to become a free agent in February.
Rose (six-foot-two, 268 pounds) returns to the Green and White after winning his second career Grey Cup with the Riders in 2025. After signing with the team in February of last year, the disruptive lineman suited up 17 regular season games, earning 17 defensive tackles, six sacks, one forced fumble, one pass knockdown and one tackle for loss. He played in both the Western Final and the 112th Grey Cup, posting one defensive tackle in each.
Prior to the Roughriders, he played eight seasons with the Calgary Stampeders that included three All-CFL nods (2021-23), four West All-CFL nods (2021-24) and a Grey Cup Championship in 2018. Rose has been a dominant force in the middle of the defensive line all throughout his career and led all CFL interior linemen in sacks in 2023 (11, a career high), and 2021 (seven). In 2019, he also led all interior linemen in tackles with 46.
The South Carolina native initially signed with the Stampeders in May of 2017 and went on to play 86 regular season games for the club. Over that time, he registered 143 defensive tackles, five special teams tackles, 36 sacks, two interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown, and three forced fumbles.
Collegiately, Rose played 51 games over four seasons at North Carolina State (2012-15) and registered 121 defensive tackles, 34 tackles for loss, 17 sacks and four forced fumbles. Following the 2016 NFL Draft, he signed with the NFL’s New York Giants as an undrafted free agent and attended training camp with the team.
NEW YORK – The New England Patriots (17-3) and Seattle Seahawks (16-3) will meet in Super Bowl LX on Sunday, February 8 (6:30 p.m. ET, NBC) at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. It will mark the first Super Bowl since the 1970 merger between teams that each ranked in the top four in scoring offense and scoring defense during the regular season.
The Patriots will make their 12th Super Bowl appearance, the most among all teams. On Sunday, New England can become the first team to win seven Super Bowls and surpass San Francisco (40 wins) for the most postseason wins by a franchise in NFL history.
The Seahawks, who will appear in the Super Bowl for the fourth time, can secure the second Super Bowl victory in franchise history, previously winning Super Bowl XLVIII following the 2013 season (Seattle 43, Denver 8).
New England and Seattle are the 10th pair of teams to meet in multiple Super Bowls, previously facing off in Super Bowl XLIX in Arizona following the 2014 season (Patriots 28, Seahawks 24). Super Bowl LX marks the 32nd consecutive season to feature a different Super Bowl matchup than the season before.
New England can become the third team since realignment in 2002 to win the Super Bowl the season after finishing in last place in their division, joining the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles and 2009 New Orleans Saints. After finishing with a 4-13 record in 2024, the Patriots are the fifth team to appear in the Super Bowl the season after winning fewer than five games, joining the 2021 Cincinnati Bengals, 2019 San Francisco 49ers, 1999 St. Louis Rams and 1988 Cincinnati Bengals.
With New England and Seattle both advancing to Super Bowl LX, at least one team has advanced to the Super Bowl the season after missing the playoffs in six of the past 10 seasons (2016-25). New England joins the 2021 Cincinnati Bengals as the second team in the past five seasons (2021-25) to advance to the Super Bowl the season after a last place finish.
With Mike Vrabel, in his first season as the Patriots head coach, and Mike Macdonald, hired by the Seahawks in 2024, Super Bowl LX will mark the fourth Super Bowl ever between head coaches each within their first two seasons with a team. The others: Super Bowl XLIII (Mike Tomlin and Ken Whisenhunt), Super Bowl XXXVII (Jon Gruden and Bill Callahan) and Super Bowl XXXVI (Bill Belichick and Mike Martz).
Vrabel can become the first head coach to win 18 games, including the playoffs, in his first season with a team in NFL history. He can also become the fifth person in NFL history to win the Super Bowl as both a player and a head coach, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Mike Ditka, Tony Dungy and Tom Flores as well as Doug Pederson. As a player, Vrabel won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII and XXXIX) with New England.
Macdonald, who will be 38 years and 227 days old on Super Bowl Sunday, can become the third-youngest head coach to win the Super Bowl, trailing only Sean McVay (36 years, 20 days in Super Bowl LVI) and Mike Tomlin (36 years, 323 days in Super Bowl XLIII). He can also become the first head coach under the age of 40 to win 17 games in a season, including the playoffs, in NFL history.
New England quarterback Drake Maye, at 23 years and 162 days old, can become the youngest starting quarterback ever to win a Super Bowl, surpassing Ben Roethlisberger (23 years and 340 days old in Super Bowl XL). Maye can become the fifth quarterback ever to win the Super Bowl in his first or second season, joining Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Pro Football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner and Russell Wilson.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold can become the fourth quarterback ever to win the Super Bowl in his first season with a team, joining Tom Brady (Super Bowl LV with Tampa Bay), Trent Dilfer (Super Bowl XXXV with Baltimore) and Matthew Stafford (Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams).
Seattle wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba can become the fourth player (fifth occurrence) to lead the NFL in receiving yards during the regular season and win the Super Bowl in the same year, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Drew Pearson (1977) and Jerry Rice (1989 and 1994) as well as Cooper Kupp (2021).
Including the postseason, Smith-Njigba has 1,965 receiving yards – the most receiving yards by a player under the age of 24 in NFL history – and can become the third player ever with at least 2,000 receiving yards in a season, including the playoffs, joining Cooper Kupp (2,425 receiving yards in 2021 with the Los Angeles Rams) and Puka Nacua (2,047 in 2025 with the Los Angeles Rams). He can also become the second player ever with 90-or-more receiving yards in 15 games in a season, including the playoffs, joining Kupp (19 games in 2021).
Seattle wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who was named Super Bowl LVI Most Valuable Player with the Los Angeles Rams, can become the eighth wide receiver to be on the active roster and win the Super Bowl with two different teams, joining Billy Davis (Baltimore and Dallas), Ed McCaffrey (San Francisco and Denver), Marcus Nash (Denver and Baltimore), Ricky Proehl (St. Louis Rams and Indianapolis), Gloster Richardson (Kansas City and Dallas), Torrey Smith (Baltimore and Philadelphia) and Justin Watson (Tampa Bay and Kansas City).
Seattle linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence, who has a sack and forced fumble in both Seahawks wins this postseason, can become the first player since 2000 with a sack and forced fumble in three consecutive playoff games within the same postseason.
New England defensive tackle Milton Williams, who won Super Bowl LIX last season with Philadelphia, can become the sixth player to be on the active roster and win the Super Bowl in consecutive seasons with different teams, joining LeGarrette Blount (2016 with New England, 2017 with Philadelphia), Chris Long (2016 with New England, 2017 with Philadelphia), LeSean McCoy (2019 with Kansas City, 2020 with Tampa Bay), Ken Norton (1993 with Dallas, 1994 with San Francisco) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders (1994 with San Francisco, 1995 with Dallas).
