#playoff-contention

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Washington Wizards
fromWiz of Awes
1 hour ago

The Wizards' inevitable rise will force a tough conversation nobody wants to have

The Wizards acquired All-Stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis to contend, but questions arise about whether head coach Brian Keefe can lead them to playoff success.
National Basketball Association
fromRaptors Republic
7 hours ago

Top 10 Raptors Plays of the Week: More defence and an impressive finish to the week

Toronto won two consecutive home games against Phoenix and Detroit after two road losses, with standout performances from Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, and Brandon Ingram.
Los Angeles Rams
fromESPN.com
1 day ago

College football spring football: Notes around the country

College football coaches at elite programs face intense playoff and championship pressure during spring training, with Alabama's DeBoer and USC's Riley emphasizing incremental improvement while managing high expectations.
Dallas Cowboys
fromBlogging The Boys
2 days ago

Dallas Cowboys draft: 30 visits and Dallas Day tracker ahead of NFL draft

The Dallas Cowboys have multiple first-round selections and a third-round pick to address roster needs for their return to playoff contention.
National Hockey League
fromwww.espn.com
2 days ago

NHL playoff watch: The Anaheim Ducks' Pacific title chances - ESPN

The Anaheim Ducks have a 98.2% playoff probability on March 15, 2026, sitting second in the Pacific Division with 75 points through 66 games, dramatically improved from their 0.1% chance and missed playoffs the previous year.
FC Barcelona
fromSoccer News
2 days ago

Bitesize Prediction: Malaga vs Huesca - 15/03/26 - Soccer News

Malaga, in playoff contention with strong home form and recent momentum, face struggling Huesca who sit in the relegation zone with minimal recent wins.
New York Islanders
fromNewsday
3 days ago

It's time for UBS Arena to sound like the Coliseum for the Islanders' playoff push

The Islanders must leverage their upcoming home-heavy schedule at UBS Arena to secure a playoff spot, with 12 of 17 remaining games at home providing crucial home-ice advantage.
LA Lakers
fromLos Angeles Times
4 days ago

LeBron James' adaptability a key in victory over the Bulls

The Lakers defeated Chicago using a movement-based offensive system featuring Doncic, James, Ayton, and Reaves working in unison, establishing a blueprint for playoff contention in the competitive Western Conference.
National Hockey League
fromDefector
4 days ago

That Puck Must Have Said Something About Tage Thompson's Mother | Defector

Tage Thompson's five consecutive one-timers in 30 seconds exemplified dominant offensive play and energized Buffalo Sabres fans despite no goals scored.
New York Knicks
fromwww.amny.com
5 days ago

There's a Mikal Bridges problem the Knicks must figure out | amNewYork

Mikal Bridges, despite his $150 million contract, has become inconsistent for the Knicks, alternating between impactful performances and extended scoring droughts that undermine the team's playoff contention.
Major League Baseball
fromMLB Trade Rumors
6 days ago

Offseason In Review: Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates addressed their offensive deficiencies during the offseason to improve their roster around star pitcher Paul Skenes and prospect Konnor Griffin, but it remains uncertain whether these changes are sufficient to end their playoff drought since 2015.
#toronto-maple-leafs
fromTheLeafsNation
6 days ago
Toronto Maple Leafs

Former Maple Leaf Frankie Corrado weighs in on team's season long struggles, doesn't believe there will be monumental change

National Hockey League
fromTheLeafsNation
1 week ago

Craig Berube hoping to see a burst of intensity from Maple Leafs against rival Canadiens

The Toronto Maple Leafs face Montreal after a disappointing season marked by deadline trades, aiming to maintain playoff contention despite being six points from bottom-five standings.
Toronto Maple Leafs
fromMaple Leafs Hotstove
1 week ago

Confidence level in Leafs brain trust low as the trade deadline nears - MLHS Podcast EP114

The Toronto Maple Leafs face a critical juncture after a 0-3-1 stretch following the Olympic break, with Craig Berube's poor coaching performance and defensive struggles prompting consideration of major roster changes and potential deadline trades.
Toronto Maple Leafs
fromMaple Leafs Hotstove
2 weeks ago

With trade deadline week upon us, the Maple Leafs' question marks start at the very top

The Toronto Maple Leafs are 0-3 after the Olympic break and effectively out of playoff contention, requiring a sell-off at the trade deadline.
National Hockey League
fromEditor In Leaf
3 weeks ago

Should the Maple Leafs be trade deadline buyers or sellers?

The Toronto Maple Leafs are more realistic deadline sellers than buyers due to inconsistent play, negative goal differential, tough remaining schedule, and tradable assets.
Toronto
fromEditor In Leaf
1 month ago

Maple Leafs risk becoming the 'zombie' team of the NHL

The Maple Leafs risk becoming a perennial middling team—too good to rebuild but lacking the depth to genuinely contend for the Stanley Cup.
fromTheLeafsNation
6 days ago
Toronto Maple Leafs

Former Maple Leaf Frankie Corrado weighs in on team's season long struggles, doesn't believe there will be monumental change

National Hockey League
fromTheLeafsNation
1 week ago

Craig Berube hoping to see a burst of intensity from Maple Leafs against rival Canadiens

The Toronto Maple Leafs face Montreal after a disappointing season marked by deadline trades, aiming to maintain playoff contention despite being six points from bottom-five standings.
Toronto Maple Leafs
fromMaple Leafs Hotstove
1 week ago

Confidence level in Leafs brain trust low as the trade deadline nears - MLHS Podcast EP114

The Toronto Maple Leafs face a critical juncture after a 0-3-1 stretch following the Olympic break, with Craig Berube's poor coaching performance and defensive struggles prompting consideration of major roster changes and potential deadline trades.
Toronto Maple Leafs
fromMaple Leafs Hotstove
2 weeks ago

With trade deadline week upon us, the Maple Leafs' question marks start at the very top

The Toronto Maple Leafs are 0-3 after the Olympic break and effectively out of playoff contention, requiring a sell-off at the trade deadline.
fromRaptors Rapture
1 week ago

RJ Barrett gave Raptors fans the perfect reason not to give up on Jakob Poeltl yet

Jak was responsible for like 10 of my points. He just sets great screens, bigs got to worry about him...His screening and rolling set a lot of things up, especially for me when I'm coming off screens like that. He's getting rebounds, blocking shots, doing everything. So, it's a great thing to have Jak back.
Toronto Raptors
#nhl-trade-deadline
Toronto Maple Leafs
fromTheLeafsNation
1 week ago

Brad Treliving defends Craig Berube, acknowledges Maple Leafs' collective need to be better

The Toronto Maple Leafs traded three players for five draft picks, shifting to a seller strategy for the first time in a decade after falling eight points out of playoff contention.
San Jose Sharks
fromThe Mercury News
1 week ago

Sharks trade deadline: Why Mike Grier (mostly) stood pat; insight on Sherwood's contract, Panarin

San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier retained most of his roster at the trade deadline to reward the team's recent winning streak and maintain playoff contention.
San Jose Sharks
fromwww.mercurynews.com
1 week ago

Sharks trade deadline: Why Mike Grier (mostly) stood pat; insight on Panarin, Sherwood's contract

San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier retained most of his roster at the trade deadline to reward the team's recent winning streak and maintain playoff contention rather than conduct a significant selloff.
New York Islanders
fromwww.cbc.ca
1 week ago

NHL trade deadline: New York Islanders acquire St. Louis captain Brayden Schenn | CBC Sports

The New York Islanders acquired forward Brayden Schenn from St. Louis, while Minnesota Wild added Nick Foligno and made multiple trades to strengthen their roster ahead of the NHL deadline.
Chicago Blackhawks
fromLitter Box Cats
1 week ago

LBC's 18th Annual NHL Trade Deadline of Doom! Open Thread

The NHL trade deadline occurs today at 3:00 p.m. ET, with the Florida Panthers likely to trade pending free agents including defenseman Jeff Petry, who was already dealt to Minnesota for draft considerations.
Boston Bruins
fromNBC Sports Boston
1 week ago

Live updates: Will Bruins upgrade roster on NHL trade deadline day?

The Boston Bruins face a critical trade deadline decision between buying to strengthen their playoff push or selling veterans in a favorable market while holding a precarious playoff position.
Toronto Maple Leafs
fromTheLeafsNation
1 week ago

Brad Treliving defends Craig Berube, acknowledges Maple Leafs' collective need to be better

The Toronto Maple Leafs traded three players for five draft picks, shifting to a seller strategy for the first time in a decade after falling eight points out of playoff contention.
San Jose Sharks
fromThe Mercury News
1 week ago

Sharks trade deadline: Why Mike Grier (mostly) stood pat; insight on Sherwood's contract, Panarin

San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier retained most of his roster at the trade deadline to reward the team's recent winning streak and maintain playoff contention.
San Jose Sharks
fromwww.mercurynews.com
1 week ago

Sharks trade deadline: Why Mike Grier (mostly) stood pat; insight on Panarin, Sherwood's contract

San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier retained most of his roster at the trade deadline to reward the team's recent winning streak and maintain playoff contention rather than conduct a significant selloff.
New York Islanders
fromwww.cbc.ca
1 week ago

NHL trade deadline: New York Islanders acquire St. Louis captain Brayden Schenn | CBC Sports

The New York Islanders acquired forward Brayden Schenn from St. Louis, while Minnesota Wild added Nick Foligno and made multiple trades to strengthen their roster ahead of the NHL deadline.
Chicago Blackhawks
fromLitter Box Cats
1 week ago

LBC's 18th Annual NHL Trade Deadline of Doom! Open Thread

The NHL trade deadline occurs today at 3:00 p.m. ET, with the Florida Panthers likely to trade pending free agents including defenseman Jeff Petry, who was already dealt to Minnesota for draft considerations.
Boston Bruins
fromNBC Sports Boston
1 week ago

Live updates: Will Bruins upgrade roster on NHL trade deadline day?

The Boston Bruins face a critical trade deadline decision between buying to strengthen their playoff push or selling veterans in a favorable market while holding a precarious playoff position.
fromAll U Can Heat
1 week ago

It's finally time for the Heat to send a strong message to the East

I think we've earned the right these last three games to have a big game on the road tomorrow night. - Erik Spoelstra
Miami Heat
Toronto Raptors
fromRaptors Rapture
1 week ago

Dismal Raptors prediction isn't what fans wanted to hear right now

The Raptors are a good defensive team but lack offensive consistency, particularly in fourth quarters, limiting their ability to compete with top teams and reach championship contention.
Toronto Raptors
fromRaptors Rapture
1 week ago

Raptors star is making one end-of-season honor decision unbelievably easy

Scottie Barnes leads the Raptors' resurgence with elite two-way play, positioning himself as a strong All-Defensive First Team candidate while anchoring Toronto's best defense in years.
fromNewsday
1 week ago

Barbara Barker: Knicks fall short to Thunder but send message around NBA

I'm proud of our guys. We fought. Obviously, you want to win, but I'm extremely proud of everyone in this locker room getting good looks at the end like that against the championship team.
New York Knicks
#san-jose-sharks
San Jose Sharks
fromwww.mercurynews.com
1 week ago

Kurtenbach: Tomorrow starts today locking up Sherwood marks the official end of the Sharks' rebuild

The San Jose Sharks have ended their rebuild and are now in full playoff-push mode, with GM Mike Grier's extension of Kiefer Sherwood signaling definitive commitment to competing immediately.
fromThe Mercury News
2 months ago
National Hockey League

Kurtenbach: The Sharks are biting again; that puts GM Mike Grier in a tricky spot

San Jose's unexpected playoff push forces GM Mike Grier to choose between trading assets now or preserving the roster for immediate contention and future cups.
fromwww.mercurynews.com
2 months ago
National Hockey League

Sharks unable to overcome goalie's costly miscue in loss to Dallas Stars

A puck-handling error by Sharks goalie Alex Nedeljkovic turned the tide, contributing to a 5-3 loss that ended San Jose's three-game winning streak.
San Jose Sharks
fromwww.mercurynews.com
1 week ago

Kurtenbach: Tomorrow starts today locking up Sherwood marks the official end of the Sharks' rebuild

The San Jose Sharks have ended their rebuild and are now in full playoff-push mode, with GM Mike Grier's extension of Kiefer Sherwood signaling definitive commitment to competing immediately.
LA Kings
fromLos Angeles Times
2 weeks ago

Kings fire coach Jim Hiller amid team's ongoing struggles

The Kings fired coach Jim Hiller due to ongoing struggles threatening playoff hopes, promoting associate coach D.J. Smith as interim head coach.
English Premier League
fromFootballLeagueWorld
2 weeks ago

The best EFL Championship XI of 2026 ft Coventry City and Southampton stars

Championship clubs compete for automatic promotion, playoff positions, and relegation avoidance during the crucial run-in period, with standout individual performances shaping outcomes across the second tier.
fromThe Hockey Writers
4 weeks ago

What It Will Take for the Kings to Win the Cup Again - The Hockey Writers Los Angeles Kings Latest News, Analysis & More

To start with the big picture: this organization still has something a lot of teams can dream of-a loyal fanbase and stability. They know who they are. The Kings play structured, responsible hockey. The team doesn't usually get blown out, they don't chase offense recklessly, and when they're on, they drag games right into their comfort zone: tight, controlled, and sometimes downright suffocating.
Los Angeles
Toronto
fromEditor In Leaf
1 month ago

Maple Leafs need Team Sweden to shut down William Nylander

The Maple Leafs should withdraw William Nylander from the Olympics to protect his groin, prioritize playoff chances, and secure a strong season finish.
#boston-bruins
National Basketball Association
fromESPN.com
1 month ago

How the Celtics, without Tatum, kept their spot among East elite

Boston maintains elite offense and net rating and remains a top Eastern Conference threat despite major roster turnover and Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury.
#new-york-islanders
New York Yankees
fromESPN.com
1 month ago

Cashman pushes back on notion Yankees running back same roster

Yankees re-signed Cody Bellinger to a five-year, $162 million deal and believe their reinforced roster, plus returning injured players, makes them title contenders.
National Hockey League
fromPuck Prose
1 month ago

Do the Habs buy or stand pat at the deadline? Look no further than their forward group

Montreal Canadiens combine strong offense and rising young talent, but defensive and special-teams weaknesses leave room for deadline upgrades to improve playoff chances.
#washington-capitals
fromRMNB
1 month ago
National Hockey League

Capitals yet to win two games in a row since first week of December: 'It's concerning'

fromRMNB
4 months ago
Washington Capitals

The Capitals won't make the playoffs unless they fix special teams

fromRMNB
1 month ago
National Hockey League

Capitals yet to win two games in a row since first week of December: 'It's concerning'

fromRMNB
4 months ago
Washington Capitals

The Capitals won't make the playoffs unless they fix special teams

fromLos Angeles Times
2 months ago

Damien basketball team opens 24-0 lead, then holds off Etiwanda

Junior guard Zaire Rasshan of Damien knows football. His father, Osaar, was a backup quarterback at UCLA from 2005-09. Rasshan played quarterback his freshman season at Damien until deciding basketball was his No. 1 sport. So when Rasshan looked up at the scoreboard Thursday night at Etiwanda in the first quarter and saw the Spartans up 24-0, he had to think football.
National Basketball Association
fromPuck Prose
2 months ago

Surging Sabres climb back into playoff spot with win streak

The Buffalo Sabres are the hottest team in the NHL. Coming into the 2025-26 season nobody expected those words but it is in fact true. The Sabres have climbed back into the playoff conversation, riding a league-high nine-game winning streak. This comes at a great time as the Atlantic Division is up for grabs this season. Buffalo is no longer at the bottom of the Atlantic Division and now sits fifth place.
National Hockey League
National Football League
fromESPN.com
2 months ago

'Thank you Browns': Ravens give shoutout to rival for saving season

The Baltimore Ravens will play for the AFC North title next weekend after the Cleveland Browns upset the Pittsburgh Steelers, keeping Baltimore's division-title hopes alive.
#atlanta-falcons
National Football League
fromESPN.com
2 months ago

Lamar misses practice again; doubtful vs. Packers

Lamar Jackson is doubtful for Saturday’s must-win at Green Bay with a back contusion, likely sending Tyler Huntley in as Baltimore’s starter.
fromESPN.com
2 months ago

Panthers outlast Bucs to take lead in NFC South

Corbett thought he might have taken away that hope late in the first quarter when he stepped on Bryce Young's bothersome right ankle late, leaving the quarterback temporarily on the ground in pain. "Shoot, gosh dang-it, I owe you dinner, sorry a whole lot," Corbett said with a smile, trying not to give away exactly what he said with one of his young sons standing within earshot.
National Football League
#indianapolis-colts
#dallas-cowboys
#miami-dolphins
fromESPN.com
3 months ago

St. Brown toughs out injury, fuels Lions in key win

"No matter what our record was, whether we were undefeated right now or didn't have a win, I was gonna do everything to be out there," St. Brown said. "Just to be out there for my guys. "I feel like availability is your best ability at the end of the day, so my job is to go out there and make plays and be on that field. It's what they pay me to do, so I was gonna do whatever it takes to be out there."
National Football League
#nfl
fromESPN.com
3 months ago
National Football League

Solak's Week 13 panic meter: Time to be worried about the Steelers? Lions? Eagles?!

fromESPN.com
3 months ago
National Football League

Solak's Week 13 panic meter: Time to be worried about the Steelers? Lions? Eagles?!

fromRaptors Rapture
3 months ago

Raptors face the test to prove winning success is more than just good fortune

Things looked pretty bleak after a modest 2-4 start in October, raising doubts about their winning prospects. However, they flipped the script dramatically, starting November with three straight wins before a tough loss to the 76ers on November 8. That setback was followed by nine consecutive victories, which definitely put the Raptors on the NBA map as a team to watch -though for some, it only deepened questions about whether Toronto is a true contender.
National Basketball Association
Dallas Cowboys
fromInside The Star
3 months ago

Can Burrow's return springboard the Bengals? Inside The Star

Joe Burrow's return revitalized the Bengals, enabling a 32-14 upset of the Ravens and placing Cincinnati back into AFC North contention.
Dallas Cowboys
fromBlogging The Boys
3 months ago

Hot Schotts: Cowboys could be on the verge of something special

Brian Schottenheimer's Cowboys show cultural progress and on-field resurgence, reaching .500 with consecutive wins while offense excels and defense must improve for playoff contention.
Soccer (FIFA)
fromESPN.com
3 months ago

Where the most chaos could be lurking on Rivalry Week

Top college football teams mostly won in Week 13, leaving the College Football Playoff picture unsettled heading into Rivalry Week.
#new-england-patriots
fromMusket Fire
4 months ago
National Football League

Updated AFC playoff picture highlights importance of Patriots' primetime win vs. Jets

fromMusket Fire
4 months ago
National Football League

Updated AFC playoff picture highlights importance of Patriots' primetime win vs. Jets

National Football League
fromRiggo's Rag
4 months ago

Bobby Wagner fires up Commanders locker room amid worrying slide

Bobby Wagner urges belief and leadership to rally a struggling Washington Commanders team amid injuries and poor performance, aiming to restore effort and morale.
fromwww.mercurynews.com
4 months ago

Amador Valley defeats Monte Vista behind barrage of big plays

We never lost faith, said head coach Danny Jones. If we look at the scores of games, we're battling our (butts) off. We knew the football team that we were and what we were capable of, and it's wonderful to be able to put it together and to see it for four quarters on both sides of the ball. We have one game left in the season. If we win, we're in the playoffs.
California
fromThe Mercury News
4 months ago

Amador Valley defeats Monte Vista behind barrage of big plays

"We never lost faith," said head coach Danny Jones. "If we look at the scores of games, we're battling our (butts) off. We knew the football team that we were and what we were capable of, and it's wonderful to be able to put it together and to see it for four quarters on both sides of the ball. "We have one game left in the season. If we win, we're in the playoffs. I feel so good about whatever bracket they want to put us in, whether that's the D2 or the D3 bracket. I feel like the schedule we've played all year long, we're hardened and we're battle-tested and we're a physical football team."
California
Dallas Cowboys
fromBlogging The Boys
4 months ago

Cowboys vs Commanders: Dak Prescott is playing like the best quarterback in the NFL

Dak Prescott delivered a dominant performance that powered the Cowboys to a 44-22 win and materially improved their late-season playoff prospects.
fromPuck Prose
5 months ago

Will The Utah Mammoth Take A Step Forward This Season

The NHL technically considers the Utah Mammoth an "expansion team" even though for all intents and purposes they are the relocated Arizona Coyotes. So technically this "expansion team" is entering its second season. The last NHL expansion team the Seattle Kraken also made the playoffs in their second season. In 2022-2023 the Kraken finished with a record of 46-28-8 for 100 points. As their broadcasters said during the playoff clinching win they rose from the depths of the Pacific Division to the playoffs.
National Hockey League
fromPuck Prose
5 months ago

Senators under pressure to prove that last year was a breakthrough, not a fluke

Offensively led by Stützle, who is "knocking on the door of superstardom" according to The Athletic, the 23-year-old already has a 90-point season under his belt and is certainly primed to outpace the 78 points he scored in 82 games from 2024-25. Trailing not far behind on the scoresheet is linemate Drake Batherson, who is coming off of a career-best season with 68 points in 82 games. That dynamic duo has proven to hold up against some of the NHL's most elite competi
National Hockey League
fromOver the Monster
5 months ago

Game 153: Red Sox vs A's - Bello vs Ginn

The Red Sox HAVE to take two out of three from a team like the A's to keep themselves in contention. At this point, I'd just be happy clinching any sort of playoff spot and whatever happens, happens. This takes the team to 10 games left on the season and their magic number is now eight.
Boston Red Sox
New York Islanders
fromEyes On Isles
5 months ago

NY Islanders must turn this crucial number around in 2025-26

The Islanders' 18 blown leads, including 11 third-period collapses, undermined consistency and cost them a realistic chance to return to the playoffs.
Toronto
fromJays Journal
5 months ago

Blue Jays could have four of the AL's top ten batting average leaders in their playoff lineup

Toronto Blue Jays surge in September with strong offense, four top-ten AL batting averages, and franchise-record 47 come-from-behind wins, boosting playoff chances.
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