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Why can’t all nights of fighting be like this? Why do we get swept up in trashy melodramas when we instead could stimulate our minds and endorphins with a night of fighting such as what we just witnessed at UFC 266?

Saturday night had everything.

Alexander Volkanovski stood up to another challenge in the main event, as he quietly has been doing for years, waiting for someone to notice. The Aussie’s 20th straight victory, a bloody battering of featherweight challenger Brian Ortega, was a five-round battle in which the champ twice had to escape tight submission attempts by a fighter best known for his jiu-jitsu game. Even with two recorded victories over Max Holloway, this win ought to finally draw a little more deserved attention to “Alexander The Great.”

Another great put on a show in the co-main event. Valentina Shevchenko showed off why she is perhaps the sport’s most dominant champion, thoroughly outclassing flyweight challenger Lauren Murphy in a fourth-round TKO. No fighter is above being defeated on a given night, but there simply is no 125-pounder who appears capable of hanging with Shevchenko. And even as a -1,500 betting favorite, she was thrilling to watch — right down to when she addressed the fans in four languages. What can’t she do?

The night’s starriest attraction, though, was Nick Diaz. During his six-year absence from fighting, we might have forgotten that he is a wizard at drawing from all of us every emotion we’re capable of experiencing. He reminded us by engaging in a battle with Robbie Lawler that turned back the clock a little. Not to their first meeting 17 years ago, but surely to a time when Lawler wasn’t mired in a four-fight losing streak and Diaz’s desire to fight wasn’t being questioned.

Neither Diaz nor Lawler looked to be in his prime, but neither was this sad spectacle some might have feared. Lawler got the TKO in the third round after a relentless back-and-forth that had T-Mobile Arena reach deafening heights. Here’s hoping both men took in the fan adulation gushing from every corner of the building. They’ve always kept it real, and Saturday night was no different.

Those three bouts were just the culmination of a night that was essential for combat sports. In a time when the YouTuber-as-boxer trend is inching its way from the distant fringe to at least a tributary of the sports mainstream, a night of real fighters doing real fights is no longer a luxury. It is a necessary ingredient for MMA to sustain its place in the landscape — and boxing, too. Earlier in the day, Oleksandr Usyk dethroned heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua in front of 66,000 fans in London.

But UFC 266 was a sustained feast of fighting. Prior to the two title bouts and the Diaz return, there were clashes between ranked fighters at both heavyweight (Curtis Blaydes dominated Jairzinho Rozenstruik) and women’s flyweight (Jessica Andrade knocked out Cynthia Calvillo). We also saw Merab Dvalishvili pull off an astounding comeback, surging from the brink of being knocked out by Marlon Moraes to turn things around for a TKO win of his own — on the strength of a triple-digits barrage of unanswered strikes.

And there was even more. This was one of those nights that would have made late-night TV infomercial huckster Ron Popeil proud. That’s an old-time reference, to be sure, but maybe it’s appropriate on a night that was something of a throwback to the days when fight cards were packed with the right kind of drama. And real fights.

Diaz showed signs of his old self, but it’s time to step away

Raimondi: I was one of the first people in the world to watch Nick Diaz’s raw interview with Brett Okamoto earlier this week. And I’ve maintained for the last several days that I wasn’t overly concerned with what Diaz was saying. We’ve known about Diaz’s mixed feelings about the sport of MMA for a decade now. Diaz has never been shy about telling us he never liked to fight, it was just something he did out of necessity. He was born to do it, even though it was something he ultimately loathed. Even after Diaz bowed out of his UFC 266 fight with Robbie Lawler in the third round, I don’t feel too much differently than I did before the fight.

Let’s be clear here. Diaz didn’t look slower than normal and in worse shape than normal because of anything he said in that interview. Those were because he’s 38 years old and had not fought in almost seven years. Diaz brought the fight to Lawler. He landed more significant strikes — 150 to 131, according to ESPN Stats & Information — and landed the most significant strikes in a loss in a bout that ended as early as this one did in UFC history. Diaz’s punches were slow, but he landed a bunch of combinations and won at least one round against Lawler.

Diaz told Okamoto this week that he would regret not taking this chance to return now before it was too late. He said he wasn’t sure how he’d feel about himself if he didn’t at least take the opportunity. Well, now he has done so. And, despite having some decent moments against Lawler, it’s time for him to hang up the gloves for good. Outside of a few aging legends like himself, I’m not sure how comfortable I’d be with watching Diaz against someone else the UFC might line up for him next. Lawler was an excellent matchup, another aging warrior whose best days are in the rear-view mirror.

In the end, this wasn’t a complete disaster, nor was it a rousing success. It was somewhere in the middle. I’m glad Diaz knew when to say he was done. He had that presence of mind before things started to go downhill quickly. Hopefully, he can now be at peace with retirement with no potential regrets about his MMA career. He’s given us all enough and now it’s time for him to take a step toward the rest of his life.

Diaz has given us nearly two decades of fighting entertainment. He’s not one of the greatest fighters of all time. But he’s one of the most popular fighters of all time, because you always knew what you were going to get — an absolute war. That’s what it was against Lawler on Saturday night and Diaz knew when to wave the white flag. It’s time to do the same with regards to his storied career.

Appreciate Valentina Shevchenko, even if she’s erased the drama in a sport that relies on it

Okamoto: For the record, I think we do appreciate Shevchenko. I do believe this sport is aware of just how uniquely special she is. This sport gives Shevchenko her due.

But it’s not always easy, right? It’s easy to overlook her, because we, as viewers, want the unknown. Of course we admire greatness, but there’s only so much dominance we’re willing to take before our interest wanes. And right now, Shevchenko could be headed into that territory. She’s demolished every flyweight she’s faced, and she’s already taken out the best challengers available to her.

If we squinted real hard, and used our imagination, maybe we thought those challengers had a chance. The Joanna Jedrzejczyks and Jessica Andrades of the world. Shevchenko ate them up. Now, just to get new matchups, we’re going to keep heading down the 125-pound rankings. And the betting odds are going to stay very, very high in Shevchenko’s favor. And as viewers, sometimes that’s going to be hard to get up for.

But the way Shevchenko has honed her craft, and continues to dedicate herself and improve in a sport that demands so much — that is worth paying attention to. So, keep watching Shevchenko. And keep admiring her for what she is. Even if it’s like seeing a movie you’ve already seen 100 times over.

Dan Hooker should get big name next

Legaspi: The fight happened, which was a big enough deal in and of itself. Both fighters’ visas arrived at the last moment, and we got a dominant display from Dan Hooker over Nasrat Haqparast. Neither requested a catchweight — it was important for Hooker to stay at lightweight in order to prove that he belongs close to the top 5 in the division again.

Michael Chandler‘s early knockout over the New Zealander made a lot of people forget that Hooker was part of some of the best fights of 2020. Two 25-minute wars, against Paul Felder and Dustin Poirier, got Hooker into title contention talks, and he should stay there after what we saw on Saturday. He had less than 72 hours to fly from Auckland to Las Vegas, make weight and beat Haqparast. He was great on the feet, and put together a decent performance on the ground with his much-improved wrestling.

It might be a good time for him and some of his City Kickboxing teammates, like middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, to make a short-term decision to spend more time in the U.S., because quarantine protocols and embassy shutdowns will continue to complicate efforts to lock down big fights in a stacked division. Rafael dos Anjos, Tony Ferguson and Beniel Dariush would each be great matchups. Hooker can also be a great test for the up and coming Arman Tsarukyan.

After all the trouble he had getting to Las Vegas this fight, Hooker was one of the biggest winners of UFC 266. And he deserves a reward for his performance in the form of another big fight.

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NHL playoff watch: Are the Rangers and Wild both on the ropes?

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April 2, 2025

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NHL playoff watch: Are the Rangers and Wild both on the ropes?

As the defending Presidents’ Trophy winners, the New York Rangers were envisioned as a playoff team again in 2024-25. As the team on top of the league standings in early December, similar words could be written about the Minnesota Wild.

And yet, heading into Wednesday night’s matchup between the clubs (7 p.m. ET, ESPN+), nothing is certain about either team’s playoff chances after the pair has gone 8-9-3 in the past 10 games apiece.

The Wild enter the game in a playoff position, and have a 91.0% chance to make the playoffs per Stathletes. A key part of that is the team’s remaining strength of schedule; their remaining opponents have a 46.0% winning percentage, which is the second-easiest path. (Only the New Jersey Devils face a weaker slate in the final stretch.)

Compare that to the Rangers, who have a 27.3% chance, and will begin this game on the outside looking in. New York’s remaining slate is considerably more difficult; a 54.1% opponents’ winning percentage ranks as the second toughest, behind only the Detroit Red Wings.

If the Wild qualify as the first wild card, their likely first-round opponent is the Vegas Golden Knights; if they land in the second wild-card position, their likely opponent is the Winnipeg Jets. Unfortunately, Minnesota went 0-3 against both teams this season.

The Rangers’ more likely outcome as a playoff entrant is as the second wild card, which earns them a matchup against the Washington Capitals; the Caps have won all three games against New York this season. The Rangers could wind up as the first wild card, earning a matchup against the Atlantic Division champ. They went 1-2 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, 0-2 against the Florida Panthers (with one more game coming up on April 14), and 0-1 against the Tampa Bay Lightning (with games coming up on April 7 and April 17).

So, the future isn’t blindingly bright in the playoffs for these teams. But all you need is a ticket in, and unexpected things can happen!

There are just over two weeks left until the season’s end on April 17, and we’ll help you track it all with the NHL playoff watch. As we traverse the final stretch, we’ll provide details on all the playoff races, along with the teams jockeying for position in the 2025 NHL draft lottery.

Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.

Jump ahead:
Current playoff matchups
Today’s schedule
Yesterday’s scores
Expanded standings
Race for No. 1 pick

Current playoff matchups

Eastern Conference

A1 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. WC1 Ottawa Senators
A2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. A3 Florida Panthers
M1 Washington Capitals vs. WC2 Montreal Canadiens
M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. M3 New Jersey Devils

Western Conference

C1 Winnipeg Jets vs. WC2 Minnesota Wild
C2 Dallas Stars vs. C3 Colorado Avalanche
P1 Vegas Golden Knights vs. WC1 St. Louis Blues
P2 Los Angeles Kings vs. P3 Edmonton Oilers

Wednesday’s games

Note: All times ET. All games not on TNT or NHL Network are available to stream on ESPN+ (local blackout restrictions apply).

Minnesota Wild at New York Rangers, 7 p.m.
Washington Capitals at Carolina Hurricanes, 7 p.m. (TNT)
Florida Panthers at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7:30 p.m.
Colorado Avalanche at Chicago Blackhawks, 9:30 p.m. (TNT)
Seattle Kraken at Vancouver Canucks, 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday’s scoreboard

Washington Capitals 4, Boston Bruins 3
Montreal Canadiens 3, Florida Panthers 2 (OT)
Buffalo Sabres 5, Ottawa Senators 2
Columbus Blue Jackets 8, Nashville Predators 4
Tampa Bay Lightning 4, New York Islanders 1
St. Louis Blues 2, Detroit Red Wings 1 (OT)
Utah Hockey Club 3, Calgary Flames 1
Edmonton Oilers 3, Vegas Golden Knights 2
Anaheim Ducks 4, San Jose Sharks 3 (SO)
Los Angeles Kings 4, Winnipeg Jets 1

Expanded standings

Atlantic Division

Points: 94
Regulation wins: 37
Playoff position: A1
Games left: 8
Points pace: 104.1
Next game: vs. FLA (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 93
Regulation wins: 38
Playoff position: A2
Games left: 8
Points pace: 103.1
Next game: @ OTT (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 92
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: A3
Games left: 8
Points pace: 102.0
Next game: @ TOR (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 84
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 8
Points pace: 93.1
Next game: vs. TB (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.8%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 8
Points pace: 87.5
Next game: vs. BOS (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 44.7%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 75
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 8
Points pace: 83.1
Next game: vs. CAR (Friday)
Playoff chances: 2.9%
Tragic number: 13

Points: 70
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 8
Points pace: 77.6
Next game: vs. TB (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 8

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 7
Points pace: 75.4
Next game: @ MTL (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 5

Metro Division

Points: 105
Regulation wins: 41
Playoff position: M1
Games left: 8
Points pace: 116.4
Next game: @ CAR (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 94
Regulation wins: 40
Playoff position: M2
Games left: 9
Points pace: 105.6
Next game: vs. WSH (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 87
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: M3
Games left: 6
Points pace: 93.9
Next game: vs. NYR (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 77
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 86.5
Next game: vs. COL (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 16.7%
Tragic number: 17

Points: 77
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 8
Points pace: 85.3
Next game: vs. MIN (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 27.3%
Tragic number: 15

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 8
Points pace: 82
Next game: vs. MIN (Friday)
Playoff chances: 8.7%
Tragic number: 12

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 7
Points pace: 77.6
Next game: @ STL (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 7

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 6
Points pace: 76.6
Next game: @ MTL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 5

Central Division

Points: 106
Regulation wins: 40
Playoff position: C1
Games left: 7
Points pace: 115.9
Next game: @ VGK (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 102
Regulation wins: 40
Playoff position: C2
Games left: 8
Points pace: 113.0
Next game: vs. NSH (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 94
Regulation wins: 38
Playoff position: C3
Games left: 7
Points pace: 102.8
Next game: @ CHI (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 89
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 6
Points pace: 96.0
Next game: vs. PIT (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 92.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 88
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 7
Points pace: 96.2
Next game: @ NYR (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 91%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 80
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 7
Points pace: 87.5
Next game: vs. LA (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 0.4%
Tragic number: 7

Points: 62
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 7
Points pace: 67.8
Next game: @ DAL (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

Points: 51
Regulation wins: 18
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 8
Points pace: 56.5
Next game: vs. COL (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

Pacific Division

Points: 98
Regulation wins: 42
Playoff position: P1
Games left: 8
Points pace: 108.6
Next game: vs. WPG (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 93
Regulation wins: 37
Playoff position: P3
Games left: 8
Points pace: 103.1
Next game: @ UTA (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 91
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: P2
Games left: 8
Points pace: 100.8
Next game: @ SJ (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.1%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 82
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 8
Points pace: 90.9
Next game: vs. ANA (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 13.9%
Tragic number: 11

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 8
Points pace: 89.8
Next game: vs. SEA (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 2.7%
Tragic number: 10

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 8
Points pace: 82.0
Next game: @ CGY (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: 3

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 7
Points pace: 74.3
Next game: @ VAN (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

Points: 50
Regulation wins: 14
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 8
Points pace: 55.4
Next game: vs. EDM (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

Note: An “x” means that the team has clinched a playoff berth. An “e” means that the team has been eliminated from playoff contention.

Race for the No. 1 pick

The NHL uses a draft lottery to determine the order of the first round, so the team that finishes in last place is not guaranteed the No. 1 selection. As of 2021, a team can move up a maximum of 10 spots if it wins the lottery, so only 11 teams are eligible for the No. 1 pick. Full details on the process are here. Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman for the OHL’s Erie Otters, is No. 1 on the draft board.

Points: 50
Regulation wins: 14

Points: 51
Regulation wins: 18

Points: 62
Regulation wins: 23

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 25

Points: 70
Regulation wins: 26

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 23

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 20

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 20

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 23

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 25

Points: 75
Regulation wins: 26

Points: 77
Regulation wins: 32

Points: 77
Regulation wins: 24

Points: 80
Regulation wins: 26

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 26

Points: 82
Regulation wins: 26

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Roy: Duclair ‘god-awful’ during Isles’ 4-1 loss

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April 2, 2025

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Roy: Duclair 'god-awful' during Isles' 4-1 loss

  • Greg WyshynskiApr 2, 2025, 12:16 AM ET

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      Greg Wyshynski is ESPN’s senior NHL writer.

New York Islanders coach Patrick Roy said forward Anthony Duclair was “god-awful” in their loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night, and that the veteran is failing to meet expectations.

Duclair played 12 minutes, 15 seconds in the Islanders’ 4-1 loss to the Lightning with zero points and finished at minus-1. He had only four shifts in the third period. It was the third straight game in which Duclair played 12:15 or less. He has averaged 15:03 in ice time this season, his first with the Islanders.

“He was god-awful. He was god-awful. He had a bad game. That’s why I didn’t play him a lot. And he’s lucky to be in the lineup. Sorry if I lose it on him right now, but that’s how I feel,” Roy said.

When asked what he’s seeing in Duclair’s game, the Islanders coach said “it’s an effort thing” for the veteran forward.

“He’s not skating, he’s not competing, he’s not moving his feet. He’s not playing up to what we expect from him,” Roy said.

Duclair has seven goals and four assists in 44 games with the Islanders, skating to a minus-15. The 29-year-old winger is averaging one point per 60 minutes — which would be a career low for the 11-year veteran. Duclair signed a four-year, $14-million free agent contract with the Islanders last summer and has a full no-trade clause through 2026.

New York is winless in its past six games, struggling down the stretch while chasing the final wild-card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Islanders trail the Montreal Canadiens by five points with eight games to play.

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Canucks center Chytil could miss rest of season

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2 hours ago

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April 2, 2025

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Canucks center Chytil could miss rest of season

  • Associated Press

Apr 1, 2025, 07:54 PM ET

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Vancouver Canucks center Filip Chytil may miss the rest of the season after experiencing a setback in his attempt to return from another concussion.

Coach Rick Tocchet said Tuesday that Chytil has experienced good and bad days trying to work back. The 25-year-old from the Czech Republic has not played since getting concussed when he was hit from behind by Chicago’s Jason Dickinson on March 15.

“He would go out and skate and felt good, the next day not as good,” Tocchet said. “To be honest with you guys, does he play this year? Maybe the odds are against it. Plus you don’t want to put a guy in that type of position. But when a guy has good days and bad days, obviously you’re not going to play the guy.”

Asked if there was concern about Chytil’s hockey-playing career continuing because of his concussion history, Tocchet added he was not sure.

“I talked to him today and he said it was different than his last concussion,” Tocchet said. “The bad days aren’t as bad, so that’s a positive, so I think we’ve got to take the positive approach. Plus he’s got four, five months to rebuild himself, or who knows? We’ve just got to take it day by day with this guy right now.”

Vancouver acquired Chytil in late January as part of the return for trading J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers. Chytil has already had multiple concussions in the NHL and does not turn 26 until September.

The Canucks, who are making a desperate push to make the playoffs, are also not sure about the status of center Elias Pettersson, who has not played since getting injured March 22 against the Rangers. Tocchet said Pettersson was day to day.

Captain Quinn Hughes has missed time for a lower-body injury and winger Brock Boeser was temporarily sidelined by a concussion. All-Star goalie Thatcher Demko missed training camp and the beginning of the season as he worked his way back from a rare knee injury, then went down with another injury in February.

“There’s been a lot of things that’ve hit this team,” Tocchet said. “And you’re looking for culture stuff, right? Who’s all in and who’s not. When you have a lot of guys all buying in, you can withstand some stuff.”

The Canucks (34-27-13) are chasing the Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues and Calgary Flames for the final two playoff spots in the Western Conference as they get set to host the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday.

The odds of making a playoff run aren’t in Vancouver’s favor, but everyone on the team is staying committed, Demko said, even as injuries continue to ravage the lineup.

“I think as a group, we’ve been through a lot this year,” Demko said. “It’s obviously not an easy situation right now with some of the guys out, but I feel like our effort’s been there every game. We haven’t mailed it in, we’re not using it as an excuse. We’re showing up every night and giving it a solid effort. So really proud of the guys coming together and trying to get some wins here.

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