Panthers Repeat as Stanley Cup Champions in Six Games

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June 20, 2025

In a thrilling rematch of last year’s seven-game Stanley Cup Finals, the Florida Panthers left no doubt about who reigns supreme in hockey. The Panthers dispatched the Edmonton Oilers in six games to successfully defend their title, showcasing dominance with multiple blowout wins and a pivotal overtime victory in Game 2. Florida’s championship run was fueled by a balanced attack and standout performances from goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, newly acquired left winger Brad Marchand, and forward Sam Bennett.

Sam Reinhart delivered a historic closeout performance, netting four goals in Game 6 to seal the Panthers’ second straight title. With contributions up and down the roster, the Panthers once again proved why they are the most complete team in the league. Here’s a breakdown of how Florida asserted its dominance to become back-to-back champions.

A Rare Blend of Depth and Star Power

Led by veteran head coach Paul Maurice, the Panthers overwhelmed the Oilers in every facet of the game. Sam Bennett, who earned Conn Smythe honors as playoff MVP, scored five goals in the Finals—bringing his postseason total to 15, including an astonishing 13 on the road. Brad Marchand, acquired in a shocking midseason trade from the Bruins, delivered on the big stage with several highlight-reel goals, including an overtime winner and multiple two-goal efforts. Reinhart led all scorers in the series with seven goals, punctuated by his four-goal outburst in the deciding Game 6.

Photo Cred: The Boston Globe (Brad Marchand)

But Florida’s success wasn’t limited to its stars. The team’s incredible depth meant that any line and any player—forward or defenseman—could step up. Seth Jones, one of the NHL’s premier blue-liners, notched a goal and an assist in Game 2, while Dmitry Kulikov added a score of his own. Marchand scored both shorthanded and in overtime that night, showing his versatility. Game 3 saw a dominant 6-1 Panthers victory, with six different players—Evan Rodrigues, Aaron Ekblad, Carter Verhaeghe, Marchand, Bennett, and Reinhart—finding the back of the net.

Captain Matthew Tkachuk, battling through a significant injury, broke out in Game 4 with two goals and an assist. Anton Lundell added a tally, and Reinhart chipped in with two assists and a goal, though Edmonton managed a dramatic comeback to win in overtime and even the series at two games apiece. However, Florida responded emphatically. In Game 5, Marchand scored another pair of goals, Eetu Luostarinen added a goal and assist, and Bennett struck again to give Florida the series lead. Reinhart then delivered the knockout punch with four goals in Game 6, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

Connor McDavid Struggled, Not Much Around Big Three

On the other side, the Oilers were unable to match Florida’s firepower or depth. Superstar Connor McDavid, renowned for his dazzling speed and scoring ability, had a surprisingly quiet Finals, scoring just one goal. While he notched five assists in the first two games, McDavid was largely neutralized the rest of the way—thanks in large part to Florida’s relentless defense. He finished the playoffs with 7 goals and 26 assists, but in the Cup Final, he never took over as expected of a generational talent.

Photo Cred: Athlon Sports (Connor McDavid)

Leon Draisaitl led Edmonton in goals during the series with four, while veteran Corey Perry chipped in three, including a crucial goal to force overtime in Game 2. Despite matching McDavid’s 33 postseason points, Draisaitl’s production skewed toward assists as well. Perry was Edmonton’s most aggressive goal-scorer with 10 goals overall, but the Oilers needed more from the supporting cast.

The Panthers exposed Edmonton’s lack of secondary scoring. Outside of their top three, the Oilers got minimal offensive output. Occasional contributions from Victor Arvidsson, Kasperi Kapanen, Mattias Ekholm, Evan Bouchard, and Evander Kane weren’t enough to change the tide. No player outside the top line scored more than once in the Finals. Florida capitalized, forcing a combined -14 plus-minus rating on McDavid and Draisaitl, a stark contrast from their +21 rating earlier in the playoffs. The Panthers outscored Edmonton by 14 goals with the star duo on the ice—a stunning stat that underscores the Panthers’ ability to dominate even the league’s elite.

In the end, Florida’s balanced attack, physical defense, and clutch goaltending proved too much for a top-heavy Oilers team. With contributions from all four lines and a masterclass from Coach Paul Maurice behind the bench, the Panthers completed one of the most impressive repeat championship runs in recent NHL history. For Edmonton, the road to the Cup continues to run through Florida. Unless they can build a more complete roster behind McDavid and Draisaitl, the same shortcomings may continue to haunt them.

2025 Training Camp and Joint Practice Dates and Locations

By

Stephen Patrick

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June 20, 2025

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The following is a list of training camp sites and rookie and veteran reporting dates:

TEAM	SITE	LOCATION	ROOKIES	VETERANS
Arizona	State Farm Stadium	Glendale, Ariz.	7/22	7/22
Atlanta	IBM Performance Field	Flowery Branch, Ga.	7/23	7/23
Baltimore	Under Armour Performance Center	Owings Mills, Md.	7/15	7/22
Buffalo	St. John Fisher University	Rochester, N.Y.	7/15	7/22
Carolina	Bank of America Stadium	Charlotte, N.C.	7/21	7/22
Chicago	Halas Hall	Lake Forest, Ill.	7/19	7/22
Cincinnati	Kettering Health Practice Fields	Cincinnati, Ohio	7/19	7/22
Cleveland	CrossCountry Mortgage Campus	Berea, Ohio	7/18	7/22
Dallas	Staybridge Suites	Oxnard, Calif.	7/21	7/21
Denver	Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit	Englewood, Colo.	7/16	7/22
Detroit	Detroit Lions Training Facility	Allen Park, Mich.	7/16	7/19
Green Bay	Lambeau Field	Green Bay, Wis.	7/18	7/22
Houston	Houston Methodist Training Center	Houston, Texas	7/22	7/22
Indianapolis	Grand Park	Westfield, Ind.	7/21	7/22
Jacksonville	Miller Electric Center	Jacksonville, Fla.	7/19	7/22
Kansas City	Missouri Western State University	St. Joseph, Mo.	7/21	7/21
Las Vegas	Intermountain Health Performance Center	Henderson, Nev.	7/17	7/22
L.A. Chargers	The Bolt	El Segundo, Calif.	7/12	7/16
L.A. Rams	Loyola Marymount University	Los Angeles, Calif.	7/22	7/22
Miami	Baptist Health Training Complex	Miami Gardens, Fla.	7/15	7/22
Minnesota	TCO Performance Center	Eagan, Minn.	7/20	7/22
New England	Gillette Stadium	Foxborough, Mass.	7/19	7/22
New Orleans	Ochsner Sports Performance Center	Metairie, La.	7/22	7/22
N.Y. Giants	Quest Diagnostics Training Facility	East Rutherford, N.J.	7/15	7/22
N.Y. Jets	Atlantic Health Jets Training Center	Florham Park, N.J.	7/19	7/22
Philadelphia	NovaCare Complex	Philadelphia, Pa.	7/22	7/22
Pittsburgh	Saint Vincent College	Latrobe, Pa.	7/23	7/23
San Francisco	SAP Performance Facility	Santa Clara, Calif.	7/15	7/22
Seattle	Virginia Mason Athletic Center	Renton, Wash.	7/15	7/22
Tampa Bay	AdventHealth Training Center	Tampa, Fla.	7/21	7/22
Tennessee	Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park	Nashville, Tenn.	7/22	7/22
Washington	OrthoVirginia Training Center at Commanders Park	Ashburn, Va.	7/18	7/22

The following is a list of joint practice sessions scheduled for 2025:

FIRST SESSION	VISITING TEAM	HOST TEAM	LOCATION
8/5	Indianapolis	Baltimore	Owings Mills, Md.
8/5	L.A. Rams	Dallas	Oxnard, Calif.
8/6	Cleveland	Carolina	Charlotte, N.C.
8/6	Washington	New England	Foxborough, Mass.
8/7	Denver	San Francisco	Santa Clara, Calif.
8/7	Tennessee	Tampa Bay	Tampa, Fla.
8/8	Miami	Chicago	Lake Forest, Ill.
8/12	N.Y. Giants	N.Y. Jets	Florham Park, N.J.
8/12	Tennessee	Atlanta	Flowery Branch, Ga.
8/13	Cleveland	Philadelphia	Philadelphia, Pa.
8/13	L.A. Rams	L.A. Chargers	El Segundo, Calif.
8/13	Miami	Detroit	Allen Park, Mich.
8/13	N.Y. Jets	N.Y. Giants	East Rutherford, N.J.
8/13	New England	Minnesota	Eagan, Minn.
8/14	Tampa Bay	Pittsburgh	Pittsburgh, Pa.
8/14	Arizona	Denver	Englewood, Colo.
8/14	Carolina	Houston	Houston, Texas
8/14	Green Bay	Indianapolis	Westfield, Ind.
8/14	San Francisco	Las Vegas	Henderson, Nev.
8/15	Buffalo	Chicago	Lake Forest, Ill.
8/21	Baltimore	Washington	Ashburn, Va.
8/21	Houston	Detroit	Allen Park, Mich.
8/21	Jacksonville	Miami	Miami Gardens, Fla.
8/21	Seattle	Green Bay	Green Bay, Wis.

Media Contact: Sam Drexler, NFL; Sam.Drexler@NFL.com

UCLA falls to LSU, 9-5, at Men’s College World Series

By

Stephen Patrick

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June 17, 2025

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UCLA falls to LSU, 9-5, at Men’s College World Series

Bruins to face Arkansas in elimination game this evening

ROSEMONT, Ill. – UCLA suffered its first loss in the Men’s College World Series with a 9-5 setback to second-ranked LSU Tuesday at Charles Schwab Field Omaha.

Today’s game resumed in the top of the fourth inning after being suspended last night due to a 2-hour, 53-minute weather delay.

Photo Cred: Big Ten

UCLA (48-17) scored three runs in the first inning before LSU (50-15) responded with four runs in the bottom frame, to stake a lead it never relinquished. The loss snapped the Bruins’ six-game win streak in NCAA postseason play.

Seventh-ranked UCLA will meet third-ranked Arkansas in an elimination game tonight at 7 p.m. on ESPN. It will mark the first doubleheader for the Bruins this season.

Contact:

Daniel Jankowski

Associate Director, Communications

djankowski@bigten.org / (224) 297-0251

KD Eyes Spurs, Rockets, and Heat as Trade Destinations

By

Stephen Patrick

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June 17, 2025

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kevin-durant-phoenix-suns-unsigned-shooting-in-black-vs-clippers-in-2023-nba-playoffs-photograph_ss5_p-200125182+u-lcojfikmeaqnwr1odv8b+v-ueqiu9hvqwi1hbmwxjpw — Photo Cred: NBA

As the NBA Finals come to an end the NBA offseason rumor mill is heating up. The Magic just traded for Desmond Bane to bolster their offense. But the biggest trade piece once again is Kevin Durant He finds himself at the center of trade speculation for the third time since leaving the Warriors. It now seems the regular season MVP and the two-time Finals MVP has identified the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, and Miami Heat as his destinations should a deal be pursued.

Photo Cred: Bleacher Report

We must remember that KD has only a few years left of play. A monster deal may not be coming like people think. The Miami Heat could offer Nikola Jovic, Duncan Robinson, and draft picks and pick swaps. The Spurs could trade Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, and the 14th overall pick. The Suns really want the Spurs #2 draft picks this year but that seems like a no starter. For Houston, the Suns are interested in acquiring Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. Additionally, the Rockets will include their own 2025 first-round pick (currently 10th overall) and the 2027 first-round pick they acquired from Phoenix. Suns’ have limited draft picks and are looking to get draft capital.

KD is prioritizing franchises that offer long-term stability, young talent, and can be a contender with him. The San Antonio Spurs have 2024 Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama. The pairing of Wembanyama and Durant could give the Spurs one of the most formidable frontcourts in the league. Houston has also caught Durant’s attention. With a budding young core that includes Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson and one of the best coaches in Ime Udoka.

Photo Cred: CNN

Miami, meanwhile, remains an ever-attractive destination for veteran stars. If they make the rumored trade the Heat would still have Bam Adebayo and a sharp shooter in Tyler Hero. The Heat boasts championship experience, elite coaching under Erik Spoelstra, and a culture. It seems KD cannot build a winning culture since leaving the Warriors as the main star.

Other franchises interested are the Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors. Durant, who remains under contract for one more year and would need to sign an extension. Last season, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on an efficient 52.7% from the field. Despite questions about his future, his production and impact remain undeniable.

As front offices across the league weigh the risks and rewards of a potential blockbuster deal, the Kevin Durant sweepstakes are once again poised to reshape the NBA landscape. Whether a trade ultimately materializes—or a new contender emerges from the shadows—remains one of the most compelling story lines of the summer. With Durant’s legacy, championship ambitions, and the balance of power all in play, the next move could send shock waves through the league.

Sky Searching For Wins, Finding Strength in Unity

By

Sofia Abromowitz

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June 17, 2025

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Chicago-Sky-head-coach-Teresa-Weatherspoon-talks-to-her-team (1) — Photo Cred: Clutch Points

CHICAGO — The Chicago Sky’s 2025 campaign has taken a sharp downturn, opening the season with a 2–7 record and falling to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Under new head coach Tyler Marsh, the Sky have struggled to find consistency on both ends of the court, and a string of injuries has only compounded the team’s early-season woes.

Coaching Transition Off to a Rocky Start

Marsh, who replaced WNBA legend Teresa Weatherspoon in the offseason, stepped into a franchise in transition — one trying to rebuild its identity following the departure of key veterans and leadership figures. Yet, nearly a third into the season, the Sky have yet to establish a cohesive rhythm. They currently rank near the bottom of the league in offensive efficiency, turnover margin, and field goal percentage, often collapsing late in games despite stretches of promising play.

The offensive game plan has shown glimpses of potential, especially in fast-break situations and second-chance opportunities, but lack of execution in half-court sets has repeatedly cost the Sky close contests. On the defensive end, communication breakdowns and inconsistent rotations have left them vulnerable, especially in transition defense. Still, Marsh remains focused on building a culture rooted in incremental progress and long-term development.

“I think it’s about establishing identity,” Marsh told Swish Appeal Nation. “It’s really all of our first year together, so it’s a clean slate. Establishing a culture, a mindset, and an identity of who we want to be — not just for this year but for the future — that’s how we’ll gauge our growth.”

Photo Cred: Athlon Sports

His philosophy is centered not just on winning games but on helping players grow into their roles and trust the process — a mindset that may take time but could pay dividends in future seasons.

Vandersloot’s Injury Rocks the Roster

The Sky suffered a major blow on June 7 when franchise cornerstone Courtney Vandersloot tore her ACL in a game against the Indiana Fever. It was a devastating moment — not just in terms of gameplay, but emotionally. Vandersloot, who returned to Chicago this season after two years with the New York Liberty, holds multiple franchise records and is widely considered one of the most cerebral point guards in WNBA history. Her leadership, playmaking, and veteran presence were expected to anchor the young squad.

In her absence, rookie Hailey Van Lith has been thrust into the spotlight as the new floor general. The No. 11 overall pick has displayed confidence and flashes of brilliance, but the challenge of adjusting to the speed and physicality of the WNBA — while also carrying the responsibility of running an offense — is immense.

“She’s learning on the fly,” Marsh said about Van Lith. “But she’s tough. She’s coachable. And she’s not backing down.”

The Sky will need Van Lith’s development to accelerate quickly if they hope to remain competitive, especially as they navigate a grueling stretch of the schedule.

Angel Reese Stands Tall Amid Struggles

Through the turbulence, second-year forward Angel Reese continues to be the Sky’s emotional and statistical anchor. Known for her relentless motor and commanding presence in the paint, Reese currently leads the WNBA in rebounds per game (11.8) and recently became the fastest player in league history to reach 30 career double-doubles — a remarkable feat for a player still early in her professional journey.

However, Reese’s offensive efficiency has dipped compared to her standout rookie season, with her shooting percentage hovering in the low- to mid-30s over the past several games. Critics have pointed to her shooting mechanics and shot selection as areas for growth, but Reese hasn’t shied away from the spotlight.

“I put my all into this s—,” she said during a viral postgame interview, responding candidly to scrutiny following another double-double performance in a losing effort.

Photo Cred: The Playoffs

Teammate Ariel Atkins, one of the team’s veteran voices, came to her defense, telling People magazine: “She’s a 23-year-old Black woman navigating professional pressure with heart and resilience. That deserves support, not judgment.”

Reese’s fire and transparency have only deepened her connection with fans, many of whom see her as the face of the franchise’s future — both on and off the court.

Next Up: A Crucial Test

The Sky faced the Atlanta Dream on June 13 in a game that offered a pivotal opportunity to stop the bleeding and potentially spark a turnaround. With Vandersloot sidelined and Van Lith learning in real time, much of the burden fell on Reese and the frontcourt to carry the team, while Marsh looked to galvanize a squad still trying to find its footing.

The Dream, meanwhile, came into the matchup with momentum and a well-balanced attack, testing the Sky’s endurance and cohesion.

Whether the Sky can reverse course remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the coming weeks will be critical in defining not just their record, but their character. Marsh’s leadership, Van Lith’s growth, and Reese’s resilience will all be central to determining how far this team can go — or how much further they must fall before the climb begins.

USC Wins NCAA Men’s Outdoor Track and Field Championship

By

Stephen Patrick

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June 14, 2025

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Eugene, ORE. – The USC Trojans were crowned co-champions alongside Texas A&M in the NCAA Men’s Outdoor Track & Field Championship on Friday evening at Hayward Field. USC became the first Big Ten school to win on the men’s side as a member of the conference since Minnesota in 1948.

Photo Cred: LA Times

The championship came down to the last event, the 4x400m relay, where USC secured an eighth-place finish and 41 team points for a co-first place finish. Minnesota (7th place) finished with 25 points and Wisconsin (19th place) finished with 15 points to round out the Big Ten schools in the top 20.

With the win, the Trojans earned their 27th NCAA men’s outdoor title and also completed the season sweep after winning the 2025 NCAA Men’s Indoor Track & Field Championships in March.

The Big Ten also had three individual champions on the men’s side. Minnesota’s Kostas Zaltos set a personal best 78.08m (256-2) to win hammer throw. Wisconsin’s Jason Swarens also was the only athlete to throw for over 21 meters (21.23m/69-8) to win shot put. Nathan Green led the pack in the 1500m with a time of 3:47.26. Green also won the event in 2023.

Contact:

Adam McCaffery

amccaffery@bigten.org

Big Ten Conference

(847) 696-1010

Bengals Announce 2025 Training Camp Schedule

By

Stephen Patrick

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June 14, 2025

0

84165685007-061225-bengals-mini-camp-18 — Photo Cred: SI

Bengals Training Camp presented by Kettering Health will kick off on Wednesday, July 23 with the first of eight practices open to the public, including a special Saturday night practice in Paycor Stadium on Aug. 2. Three additional practices will be open exclusively to Season Ticket Members and Waitlist Members.

SATURDAY NIGHT STADIUM PRACTICE

The Bengals will hold a special Saturday Night Stadium Practice in Paycor Stadium on Aug. 2 at 6 p.m. that is free and open to the public. Gates will open at 5 p.m. for fans to enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities and photo opportunities throughout the stadium. Dan Hoard and Dave Lapham will provide live commentary during practice.

Tickets are required and will be made available at no cost on the week of July 21 in the Bengals app. Season Ticket Members and Waitlist Members will be able to claim free tickets to the Saturday Night Stadium Practice on Tuesday, July 22. Tickets will be made available to the public on Wednesday, July 23.

The NFL Clear Bag Policy will be in effect for the Saturday Night Stadium Practice. Parking is available in adjacent lots at established prices.

OPEN TRAINING CAMP PRACTICES

New this year, the Bengals will practice at 10 a.m. for open training camp practices at the Kettering Health Practice Fields located just west of Paycor Stadium. The entrance is located on the corner of Central Avenue and West Pete Rose Way. Fans are encouraged to park in Lot 1, Lot A or Lot B for practices at established prices.

The Kettering Health Practice Fields have bleacher seating for 1,100 fans next to the fields, plus additional standing room along the sidelines. Admission is free and no ticket is required. Fans are encouraged to arrive early since capacity is limited and admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. Concessions and Bengals merchandise will be available to purchase using credit cards and debit cards.

The NFL Clear Bag Policy will be in effect for all practices at the Kettering Health Practice Fields. Visit bengals.com/bagpolicy for more information about the sizes and types of bags that will be permitted.

Bengals players will sign autographs for fans along the sidelines following practices at the Kettering Health Practice Fields. Different position groups will be available each day after practice.

EXCLUSIVE SEASON TICKET MEMBER PRACTICES

Season Ticket Members and Waitlist Members will have access to three exclusive practices. Members will be able to select an exclusive practice and claim free tickets in the Bengals app on Monday, July 21. Fans can visit bengals.com/tickets to learn more about the Season Ticket Member Waitlist.

FULL TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE

Times are subject to change, so fans are advised to check bengals.com/camp on the days of practices for the latest times and for other important information.

NOTE: On dates not included below, there is no public access.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23

        –Gates open at 9:30 a.m.