Monday matchups could have major say in NHL races
Washington Capitals players run the gamut from being plugged into all the NHL playoff scenarios to having no clue what else is going on.
Seven of the eight games around the league Monday have some impact on the playoff picture, whether it's who gets in or where teams are seeded.
The heat is really on in the East, where the New York Islanders can clinch a spot by winning at rival New Jersey. Meanwhile, the Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins (against Nashville) and Detroit Red Wings (facing Montreal) are all trying to stay in the mix.
If the Capitals, Penguins and Red Wings all lose in regulation, Pittsburgh and Detroit would be eliminated, setting up a win-and-in matchup Tuesday between Washington and Philadelphia. Things could also come down to Penguins-islanders on Wednesday.
Boston would wrap up the Atlantic and set up a first-round matchup with Tampa with a win at Washington, ensuring Florida versus Toronto, too.
The New York Rangers, at home against Ottawa, can clinch the Presidents' Trophy and home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs with a win of any kind.
Meanwhile, all eight spots in the West are locked up, but the only certain firstround matchup is Winnipeg versus Colorado. Dallas has clinched the division, but is waiting to see which team they'll open with.
That could come down to what Los Angeles does at home against Minnesota. The Kings and defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas could each finish third in the Pacific or in either of the wild-card spots.
Edmonton, which is home to NHL cellar dweller San Jose, could still win that division even after losing to Vancouver on Saturday. The Oilers might want that if it can set up a third consecutive year facing L.A. and not so much if it means starting against the Golden Knights or Predators.
The 2025 women's world hockey championship will be held April 9-20 in Ceske Budejovice, Czechia.
It marks the first time Czechia will play host to the top-tier women's world championship.
Liverpool's season is starting to unravel.
A 1-0 loss at home to Crystal Palace damaged Liverpool's Premier League title challenge on Sunday, three days after a 3-0 blanking by Atalanta at Anfield in the first leg of the Europa League quarterfinals.
Liverpool started the weekend in second place, behind Arsenal on goal difference, but is now two points adrift of Manchester City after the champions' 5-1 thrashing of Luton on Saturday.
Arsenal faltered at home as well, losing to Aston Villa 2-0. That leaves defending champion Man City in full control of the title race as it leads both its rivals by two points with six games left to play.