NFL News, NBA Playoffs, Lord Stanley’s Cup, and so much more.

NFL NEWS.

The San Francisco 49ers signed Pro-Bowl tight end George Kittle to a 4-year contract extension worth $76.4 million dollars, of which $40 million is guaranteed. The new extension will keep him with the 49ers through the 2029 NFL season.

The Minnesota Vikings gave outside linebacker Andrew Van Winkle a 1-year contract extension which adds an additional $23 million dollars, $22.4 million of which is guaranteed. This will keep him in Minnesota through the 2026. He’s coming off a career season, where he had 11.5 sacks and 2 interceptions, both of which he returned for touchdowns.

NBA NEWS.

The #2 seeded Boston Celtics clinched their series with a 120-89 win against the Orlando Magic. SF Jayson Tatum led the team last night in points, rebounds, and assists (35-8-10). They will play the winner of the Knicks-Pistons series.

The Detroit Pistons forced a Game 6, beating the New York Knicks 106-103. PG Cade Cunningham led the team with 28 points and 8 assists, while C Jalen Duren had 14 rebounds. The Knicks lead the series 3-2.

Game 6 is on Thursday night in Detroit at 7:30 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

The Indiana Pacers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 119-118 in an overtime thriller. The WILD final 3 minutes are below.

PG Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 26 points and 9 assists. SF Aaron Nesmith led them with 12 rebounds. The Pacers will now face the #1 seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2nd round of the playoffs.

The Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angelos Clippers 131-115 to take a 3-2 lead in their Western Conference series. PG Jamal Murray led the team with 43 points. C Nikola Jokic had 12 assists, and G Christian Braun had 12 rebounds.

Game 6 is Thursday night in Los Angelos at 10:00 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

NHL News.

The Carolina Hurricanes are the 1st team to clinch a spot in the 2nd round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a 5-4 double overtime THRILLER over the New Jersey Devils.

The Canes were down 3-0 at the end of the 1st period, but fought back to make it a 4-4 game at the end of the 2nd. Goalies Jacob Markstrom (NJ) and Pyotr Kochetkov (CAR) buckled down, and allowed nothing in the 3rd period and 1st overtime period.

4 minutes and 17 seconds into the 2nd overtime period, C Sebastian Aho, performed his magic once again on the powerplay.

Carolina will play the winner of the Capitals-Canadians series.

The Ottawa Senators force a Game 6, in the “Battle of Ontario” beating the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-0. OTT goalie Linus Ullmark stopped all 29 shots he faced to get the shutout.

Game 6 is Thursday night, in Ottawa, at 7:30 PM (EST) on TBS and Max.

The Vegas Golden Knights took a 3-2 series lead over the Minnestoa Wild, with a 3-2 overtime victory last night. C Brett Howden scored the game winner 4 minutes and 5 seconds into the overtime period.

Game 6 is Thursday night, in Minnesota, at 7:30 PM (EST) on ESPN.

The Edmonton Oilers took a 3-2 lead in their series against the Los Angelos Kings, with a 3-1 victory. Evander Kane, Mattias Janmark, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins all scored for the Oilers, as they peppered Wild goalie Darcy Kuemper all night long. who had 43 saves on 46 shots.

OTHER NEWS.

The PWHL (Professional Women’s Hockey League) will expand to 8 teams next season, selecting Seattle, Washington as it’s 2nd new franchise. Just last week they announced Vancouver would be added next season. This move puts the PWHL in a good position as they continue to expand westward. It’s only a 3-hour drive between the cities, so it comes with a built-in rivalry.

The Seattle team will go by PWHL Seattle to start, with its team colors being emerald, green, and cream. Home games will be played at Climate Pledge Arena, where their NHL counterpart the Seattle Kraken play.

The expansion draft for Seattle and Vancouver are to be announced at a later date by the league.

The other teams in the PWHL are the Boston Fleet, New York Sirens, Toronto Sceptres, Montreal Victoire, and Minnesota Frost.

I’m a fan of the PWHL and watch it whenever I can. My question for readers is…..are you interested or will watch women’s hockey???

– by Sean McKenzie

Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN, NFL, NBA, NHL, AP, CBSSports.

Pictures and videos courtesy of…..YouTube, CBSSports, and wallpapercave.