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We’re down to the final two weeks of the season, as playoff spots continue to be clinched and mathematical eliminations occur on a near-nightly basis.

Which players will have an outsized impact on the home stretch? Which players are we most intrigued to see before the postseason (or the offseason) begins for their club? Here’s one X-factor player for all 32 teams.

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors rates teams against one another — taking into account game results, injuries and upcoming schedule — and those results are tabulated to produce the list featured here.

Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the most recent edition, published March 24. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.

Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 80.67%
Next seven days: @ PIT (Apr. 1), @ STL (Apr. 2), vs. TOR (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Taylor Hall. The Bruins have so much going for them; there’s no one player that will really improve their stretch run. The Bruins do need to determine Hall’s status though. Ideally Boston would like to have one of their top wingers back in the mix before the playoffs to ensure he’s fully tuned up. The sooner Hall — absent with a lower-body injury since March 2 — can get back in, the better.

Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 69.59%
Next seven days: @ MTL (Apr. 1), vs. NYI (Apr. 2), vs. OTT (Apr. 4), @ NSH (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Frederik Andersen. Carolina wants to be confident in its goaltending ahead of playoffs. That means having Andersen at his best. Antti Raanta and Pyotr Kochetkov have handled netminding duties throughout the season, but Andersen should still be Carolina’s No. 1. These final weeks are a critical preparatory period for Andersen.

Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 68.00%
Next seven days: @ CHI (Apr. 1), @ WPG (Apr. 2), vs. PIT (Apr. 4), vs. CBJ (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Vitek Vanecek. New Jersey knows there’s (most likely) a first-round playoff meeting forthcoming with the Rangers. And New York has a Vezina Trophy winner in Igor Shesterkin between the pipes. This stretch drive is a valuable opportunity for Vanecek to get on top of his game. Coach Lindy Ruff will have to manage Vanecek’s workload well too, ensuring he’s primed to go save-for-save with Shesterkin.

Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 66.22%
Next seven days: @ OTT (Apr. 1), vs. DET (Apr. 2), vs. CBJ (Apr. 4), @ BOS (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Morgan Rielly. Toronto has been rolling out an 11-7 alignment that rotates defenseman in and out of the lineup. The Leafs need back-end stability leading up to playoffs, and that leadership should come from Rielly. He’s the team’s longest-tenured player, their top defender and a valued voice in the room. Rielly’s contributions from here to postseason can’t be overlooked.

Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 65.33%
Next seven days: @ BUF (March 31), @ WSH (Apr. 2), vs. TB (Apr. 5), @ STL (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Vladimir Tarasenko. New York acquired Tarasenko for exactly this time of year. It hasn’t been an entirely seamless transition for Tarasenko to play with old pal Artemi Panarin though, and these last games before playoffs can be a difference-maker for Tarasenko to showcase why the Rangers wanted him — and what he’ll wield when the calendar turns over to postseason play.

Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 66.00%
Next seven days: vs. MIN (Apr. 1), @ MIN (Apr. 3), @ NSH (Apr. 4), vs. LA (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Jack Eichel. Vegas expected Eichel to boost their postseason prospects when they traded for him last season — and then the Golden Knights promptly did not reach the playoffs. Bummer. Now it’s on Eichel to make sure Vegas isn’t just in the field, but primed when it gets to the league’s second season. He has all the tools to be a game-changer and shouldn’t miss out on these final chances to improve.

Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 64.00%
Next seven days: @ SEA (Apr. 1), @ VAN (Apr. 2), vs. EDM (Apr. 4), @ VGK (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Joonas Korpisalo. Los Angeles made waves trading long-time goaltender Jonathan Quick and acquiring Korpisalo. But you can see why. Korpisalo opened his career in L.A. at 4-0-1 with a .929 save percentage. He’s potentially pushing Pheonix Copley for the coveted No. 1 starter’s job for playoffs. There’s a lot on the line for both netminders as the Kings finish out this regular season.

Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 64.67%
Next seven days: @ VGK (Apr. 1), vs. VGK (Apr. 3), @ PIT (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Matt Boldy. Minnesota should have Kirill Kaprizov back for the playoffs. Until then, it’s on forwards like Boldy to keep the offense warm. Boldy is delivering too, recently recording a hat trick in Seattle and showing some consistency. That sort of play would continue to fire up the Wild’s attack and make it easy for Kaprizov to step back in — without undue pressure — when he’s ready.

Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 63.51%
Next seven days: vs. DAL (Apr. 1), @ SJ (Apr. 4), @ SJ (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Gabriel Landeskog. Colorado is finally, consistently showing its Stanley Cup-winning prowess. How much more dangerous would the Avalanche be if Landeskog — who has yet to play this season — could make a return before the postseason? It’s a big deal for Colorado to have him available and would be a real determining factor in their success throughout games — and playoff rounds — to come.

Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 63.51%
Next seven days: @ ARI (March 31), @ COL (Apr. 1), vs. NSH (Apr. 3), vs. PHI (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Nils Lundkvist. Dallas is deep up front but hasn’t had the defensive depth to match. Enter Lundkvist. He has a few weeks remaining to show the Stars how he can help — in the present and postseason. Dallas’ limited blue-line resources means everyone must be at their best, and Lundkvist should have more to give at 5-on-5 and in a power-play spot.

Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 63.82%
Next seven days: vs. ANA (Apr. 1)., @ LA (Apr. 4), @ ANA (Apr. 5)

X-factor: Jack Campbell. Edmonton knows what it has in No. 1 goalie Stuart Skinner. What the Oilers must have certainty in also is Campbell. Skinner deserves some rest down the stretch, which would lead to more action for Campbell. He must show Edmonton he’ll be a reliable piece of the puzzle if called upon in the playoffs.

Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 61.84%
Next seven days: vs. NYI (Apr. 1), @ NYR (Apr. 5), @ NYI (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Steven Stamkos. Tampa Bay has been skidding through the end of this regular season. Cause for concern? It’s on Stamkos to make sure that’s not the case. It’s less about Stamkos addressing the Lightning’s on-ice difficulties than it is setting the example of persevering through a rough patch and coming out the other side a stronger team for it.

Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 57.24%
Next seven days: @ TB (Apr. 1), @ CAR (Apr. 2), vs. TB (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Bo Horvat. New York stunningly pursued — and then extended — Horvat because of his potential to be an offensive game-changer on a team that required more scoring. The Islanders need a lot more out of Horvat though — in the regular season and playoffs. The 27-year-old hasn’t hit his stride yet, with only six goals and 11 points in 24 games for New York (after 31 and 23 in 54 for Vancouver). All eyes will be on Horvat to elevate his game in the coming weeks.

Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 60.81%
Next seven days: vs. LA (Apr. 1), vs. ARI (Apr. 3), @ VAN (Apr. 4), vs. ARI (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Philipp Grubauer. Seattle’s glaring weakness all season has been goaltending. Grubauer is the Kraken’s starter once again, but can he hold on to the mantle and help Seattle secure its first playoff berth? What more can Grubauer show that would give the Kraken confidence he’ll be a postseason rock?

Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 56.67%
Next seven days: vs. DET (March 31), vs. NJ (Apr. 2), vs. CGY (Apr. 5)

X-factor: Mark Scheifele. Winnipeg’s playoff hopes hinge on production from core players. Scheifele has to lead the charge there. He’s had an up-and-down season, but retains all the ability to lift this Jets’ offense. If Scheifele can really turn up the heat on his scoring game, it’ll go a long way for Winnipeg’s postseason push.

Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 56.00%
Next seven days: vs. BOS (Apr. 1), vs. PHI (Apr. 2), @ NJ (Apr. 4), vs. MIN (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Tristan Jarry. Pittsburgh has had its problems in net all season. Chief among them has been Jarry’s availability. The Penguins’ projected No. 1 goalie has weathered injury issues and struggled when he is in the lineup. Casey DeSmith isn’t the answer if Pittsburgh wants to be a playoff contender. Jarry has to stay healthy from here and get as many reps as possible to help carry the Penguins’ postseason hopes.

Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 55.33%
Next seven days: @ VAN (March 31), vs. ANA (Apr. 2), vs. CHI (Apr. 4), @ WPG (Apr. 5)

X-factor: Jacob Markstrom. Calgary has lacked consistency throughout starter Markstrom’s up-and-down season. That roller-coaster ride has to end now. Calgary can still grab a wild-card spot, but only if Markstrom continues to play like he did this week shutting the door on L.A. in a 33-save performance. The Flames’ postseason hopes depend on Markstrom standing tall.

Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 55.41%
Next seven days: vs. STL (Apr. 1), @ DAL (Apr. 3), vs. VGK (Apr. 4), vs. CAR (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Cody Glass. Nashville’s infirmary is filled with the team’s top players, from Matt Duchene to Roman Josi. But the Predators’ push for a playoff spot is ongoing, and forwards like Glass have to be the difference that ultimately gets Nashville over the hump. Glass has a top-line role and scored a big goal against Boston earlier this week. The Predators need everything Glass has to give from here.

Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 54.61%
Next seven days: @ CBJ (Apr. 1), vs. BUF (Apr. 4), vs. OTT (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Sergei Bobrovsky. Florida has pushed its way into the playoff conversation by averaging four goals per game the last few weeks. At issue? The more than four goals per game they’re giving up. Bobrovsky has to lock down the Panthers’ crease from here in a significant way. If he can’t, there’s little chance of Florida clawing its way into the postseason.

Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 50.66%
Next seven days: vs. NYR (Apr. 2), @ MTL (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Evgeny Kuznetsov. Washington has likely played itself out of postseason contention. That would frustrate any skater, including — apparently — Kuznetsov. The Capitals’ forward shot down Russian media reports this week claiming he wants to be traded. Where Kuznetsov should do his talking though is on the ice. Washington has a handful of games left and deserves to see Kuznetsov giving them a $7.8 million-worthy effort. It hasn’t happened nearly enough this season.

Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 52.74%
Next seven days: vs. NYR (March 31), @ PHI (Apr. 1), @ FLA (Apr. 4), @ DET (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Jordan Greenway. Buffalo is keeping its gaze on the future, and Greenway will be a part of that. The question — to be determined in these coming games — is where Greenway will fit. How big can his impact on the Sabres’ offense be? Greenway’s workload has increased slowly since he was traded. Buffalo has time now to see what the big winger’s best role in their lineup could be.

Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 52.67%
Next seven days: vs. TOR (Apr. 1), @ CBJ (Apr. 2), @ CAR (Apr. 4), @ FLA (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Cam Talbot. Ottawa needs a miracle to make the playoffs. Blue-line injuries have piled up again — both Thomas Chabot and Jakob Chychrun are currently out — and the Senators’ best hope of replacing those lost contributions is through excellent goaltending. Hello, Cam Talbot. The veteran returned from injury this week and has to shake off any rust quickly. Ottawa will rely on him to give the team a final, fighting chance to the finish line.

Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 50.00%
Next seven days: vs. CGY (March 31), vs. LA (Apr. 2), vs. SEA (Apr. 4), vs. CHI (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Brock Boeser. Vancouver won’t make any major personnel decisions based off a couple weeks. But Boeser’s future with the Canucks continues to be a major storyline. What will these final games show the organization, and potential offseason trade partners, about what Boeser can offer? Will Boeser convince Vancouver to hold on to him? Or make himself even more valuable as a potential trade asset?

Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 50.67%
Next seven days: @ NSH (Apr. 1), vs. BOS (Apr. 2), vs. PHI (Apr. 4), vs. NYR (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Colton Parayko. St. Louis will have offseason blue-line decisions to make and now is the time for highly paid players like Parayko to prove why the Blues should keep them around. Parayko’s improved lately amid what’s been a challenging season. This last gasp of the season is an opportunity for Parayko to showcase his best effort.

Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 50.68%
Next seven days: @ WPG (March 31), @ TOR (Apr. 2), @ MTL (Apr. 4), vs. BUF (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Dylan Larkin. Detroit can still wrap up its regular season on a high note. That’s where Larkin comes in. He’s continued to play at a high level in spite of the Red Wings diminishing postseason hopes. Seeing Larkin continue to push himself sets a tone for everyone in Detroit to do the same, and foster belief in brighter — not to mention longer — springs to come.

Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 47.97%
Next seven days: vs. BUF (Apr. 1), @ PIT (Apr. 2), @ STL (Apr. 4), @ DAL (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Cam York. Philadelphia has a couple pending RFAs, and York is one of them. These last few games are York’s opportunity to show off why he’s the Flyers’ top-pairing defenseman of the future — and should be extended accordingly. Plus, York’s efforts should help keep Philadelphia competitive until the end.

Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 44.67%
Next seven days: vs. DAL (March 31), vs. SJ (Apr. 1), @ SEA (Apr. 3), @ SEA (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Matias Maccelli. Arizona’s on-ice play doesn’t generate the most headlines. That’s a shame for Maccelli. He’s second in rookie scoring this season and can further cement his Calder Trophy candidacy with an impressive last stretch. It would give the Coyotes a nice boost for the future to see Maccelli continuing to dominate.

Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 43.42%
Next seven days: vs. CAR (Apr. 1), vs. DET (Apr. 4), vs. WSH (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Denis Gurianov. Montreal’s overall mission now is securing the highest possible pick in this June’s draft. Simultaneously, the Canadiens will try to sort out what they’ve got in Gurianov. Montreal has seen multiple sides of Gurianov since trading for him, and will likely use what’s left of the regular season to decide how much to invest in the pending RFA forward.

Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 38.00%
Next seven days: @ ARI (Apr. 1), vs. COL (Apr. 4), vs. COL (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Kaapo Kahkonen. San Jose could have its goaltender of the future in Kahkonen. But that’s a pretty big “could.” Kahkonen has struggled — like many Sharks — throughout the season, and that’s called into question his candidacy for the No. 1 spot going forward. Ahead are a few potential final chances for Kahkonen to make his case.

Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 37.33%
Next seven days: @ EDM (Apr. 1), @ CGY (Apr. 2), vs. EDM (Apr. 5)

X-factor: Trevor Zegras. Anaheim has a key negotiation incoming with pending RFA Zegras. The investment both sides make to one another will reflect well — or not — on the organization. Zegras can use this time to keep hockey fun in Anaheim and show off why he deserves a large incoming payday that ensures better days ahead for the Ducks.

Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 36.49%
Next seven days: vs. FLA (Apr. 1), vs. OTT (Apr. 2), @ TOR (Apr. 4), @ NJ (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Boone Jenner. Columbus is so decimated by injuries at this point that stalwarts like Jenner become more critical than ever. Maintaining positivity is always part of a captain’s job, and it’s imperative Jenner do that — through on- and off-ice leadership — to cap off Columbus’ season on a less-than-sour note.

Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 36.00%
Next seven days: vs. NJ (Apr. 1), @ CGY (Apr. 4), @ VAN (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Jonathan Toews. Chicago isn’t looking for points. But the Blackhawks did get a big win this week when Toews returned to the fold. His presence should be a nice boost to wrap up Chicago’s regular season and will give Toews time to assess his own next chapter — whether that’s with the Blackhawks or not.

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Landeskog scores 1st NHL goal in nearly 3 years

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Landeskog scores 1st NHL goal in nearly 3 years

Perhaps the only detail more emphatic than the goals in the Colorado Avalanche‘s 4-0 win over the Dallas Stars Saturday night, was the impact provided by their captain, Gabriel Landeskog.

Landeskog, who returned in Game 3 of this Western Conference first-round series after missing nearly three seasons while recovering from a knee injury, scored his first goal since June 20, 2022, in a multi-point performance that saw the Avalanche tie the series at 2-2 in Game 4 at Ball Arena. Game 5 is Monday in Dallas.

“It means a lot,” Landeskog told reporters after the win. “Obviously, I’ve envisioned scoring again for a long time. There obviously days when I didn’t know if I was ever going to score again. It obviously feels good. It’s a tight playoff series in a big game here at home. To get to do it here at home in front of our fans obviously means a means a lot. Super exciting. Hopefully more to come.”

A short-handed goal from Logan O’Connor midway through the first period followed by a late power-play goal from Nathan MacKinnon staked the Avalanche to a 2-0 lead entering the second period.

That set the stage for Landeskog, who was in the slot when Brock Nelson fed a pass that the 32-year-old winger launched for a one-timer that beat Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger for a 3-0 lead.

Landeskog, who was playing on the second line, was instantly mobbed by his teammates on the nice such as Samuel Girard, Valeri Nichushkin, Devon Toews and Nelson, who joined the Avalanche at the NHL trade deadline.

As Landeskog returned to the bench, he was congratulated by the entire team which also included a hug from a smiling MacKinnon, who along with Landeskog, have been with the franchise for more than a decade.

“I was just proud of him again,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar told reporters after the game. “I was proud of him regardless of if he scores or not because I know what he’s gone through, and I know how difficult that was. I think that takes it to another level. You know he wants to come back and contribute like he did in the past and he’s off to a great start.”

Landeskog’s goal was the latest milestone in what’s been a lengthy recovery from a chronically injured right knee. He missed what amounted to 1,032 days since his last NHL game.

In that time, the Avalanche have remained in a championship window but have dramatically altered their roster. The Avs have nine players from that championship team who have remained with the franchise and have since reshuffled a roster that led to them re-acquiring defenseman Erik Johnson, one of Landeskog’s closest friends, in their bid for the fourth title in franchise history.

Even with all the changes, there were still questions about when they could see Landeskog return to the lineup. And if Landeskog did return, what he could look like?

His first professional game in three years came April 11 with the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate where he logged 15 minutes. Landeskog would then score a goal and get an assist in his second and final game.

And much like his AHL stint, all it took was two games for Landeskog to score and have another two-point performance.

While Landeskog’s goal became the most celebrated moment of the evening, what he did to help create the Avalanche’s fourth goal was an example of why he’s so crucial to their title aspirations.

Landeskog played a pass to Nelson who then found a Girard for a shot from the point that gave the Avs a 4-0 lead in the fourth. In the time Landeskog passed the puck, he anchored himself at the net front to gain position on 6-foot-7 Stars defensemen Lian Bichsel to screen goaltender Casey DeSmith, who replaced Oettinger for the third period.

Jockeying with Bichsel, who is six inches taller and 16 pounds heavier, allowed Landeskog to test both his strength and that right knee to gain leverage.

The result? Girard’s shot found space in traffic with Landeskog making it hard for DeSmith to see the puck.

“He’s a big boy,” Landeskog said with a smile. “He’s a big strong guy, a physical player and hard to play against. I was trying to get in front of their goal, and he was trying to get me out of there. It was a good battle.”

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Former Cardinals, Reds GM Jocketty dies at 74

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Former Cardinals, Reds GM Jocketty dies at 74

ST. LOUIS — Walt Jocketty, a three-time baseball executive of the year and former general manager for both the Cardinals and Reds, has died. He was 74.

Jocketty died Friday in the Phoenix area, former Cardinals manager Tony La Russa told the team after speaking with Jocketty’s wife, Sue.

The Cardinals announced the death Saturday. Jocketty had been battling health issues for the several years.

St. Louis won the National League Central seven times under Jocketty’s leadership. The Cardinals also won National League championships in 2004 and 2006 and their 10th World Series title in 2006.

“On behalf of the entire St. Louis Cardinals organization, I would like to offer condolences to Walt’s family and his many friends,” Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. said in a statement. “Walt was our first GM when we purchased the ballclub and he helped to lead our baseball operations through some of the franchises most successful and memorable years.

“He will be sorely missed but long remembered for his distinguished career in baseball.”

Jocketty became the general manager in St. Louis on Oct. 14, 1994. After the team was sold in 1995, the new ownership kept Jocketty in his job. His biggest move was hiring La Russa in 1996. The two men had worked together in Oakland.

La Russa would go on to be the winningest manager in the Cardinals history and a Hall of Famer.

Jocketty revamped the roster, and in 1996, the Cardinals returned to postseason play for the first time in nine seasons.

In his tenure with St. Louis, Jocketty either drafted or acquired such stars as Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, Mark McGwire, Adam Wainright, Chris Carpenter, David Eckstein, Jason Isringhausen, Jim Edmonds and Scott Rolen.

With Jocketty at the helm, St. Louis put together seven consecutive winning seasons. In 2004 and 2005, the Cardinals won more than 100 games.

He was named the MLB Executive of the Year in 2000, 2004 and 2010.

Leading up to the 2000 season, Jocketty became the first general manager in baseball history to trade for a 20-game winner (Darryl Kile from Colorado) and a 40-home run hitter (Edmonds from Anaheim) in the same offseason.

After he was fired by the Cardinals in 2007 because of differences with ownership, Jocketty was hired by the Reds as a special adviser on Jan. 11, 2008. He was named general manager after Wayne Krivsky was fired on April 23, 2008. He served in that role until Dick Williams replaced him on Dec. 27, 2016.

Jocketty was replaced by John Mozeliak in St. Louis.

“He was a great man,” Mozeliak said after Saturday’s game. “In terms of baseball, he loved it. His influence on myself and this organization was huge. Trying to sum it up in a sentence or two is difficult but his impact is something that I think will always be remembered. His legacy will age well.”

Despite replacing him when he was fired, Mozeliak said the two remained close.

“That was a different time, of course,” Mozeliak said. “In the end, we ended up being friends again. We both understood this is part of the business. I think he was proud of the success I ended up having.”

The Reds made the playoffs three times when Jocketty served as general manager, in 2010, 2012 and 2013. They have made the playoffs only once since.

Jocketty is survived by his wife and two children, Ashley and Joey.

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Duran steals home, leaves Red Sox in amazement

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Duran steals home, leaves Red Sox in amazement

CLEVELAND — Jarren Duran barely had time to catch his breath after tripling in the third inning. It didn’t matter, he had already made up his mind to run again.

Duran pulled off Boston’s first straight steal of home plate in exactly 16 years, scoring on the next pitch from Doug Nikhazy as the Red Sox beat the Cleveland Guardians 7-3 in the second game of a doubleheader Saturday.

“(Third base coach Kyle Hudson) heard him tell the umpire that he was working from the stretch, so I decided I was going to go on the first pitch,” Duran said. “It was just to keep the offense going and cause a little chaos. I knew I had it.”

As Nikhazy went from the windup, Duran broke for home. He slid headfirst and slapped his right hand on the plate ahead of Bo Naylor‘s tag. Umpire Brock Ballou’s safe call was upheld in a video review.

“Under the new rules, he’s kind of the perfect player,” Boston manager Alex Cora said of Duran. “We saw a window there and he took advantage of the situation.”

It marked the first straight steal of home plate by the Red Sox since Jacoby Ellsbury against the Yankees on April 26, 2009. Duran’s two previous thefts of home were part of double steals last season at Tampa Bay on May 21 and at the White Sox on June 7.

“It was really a cool play and a cool sequence of events there,” Red Sox pitcher Walker Buehler said. “He’s one of the most exciting players in baseball. After watching him from afar, it’s been fun to see him up close this season.”

Nikhazy, a 25-year-old left-hander, was making his major league debut and had already allowed five runs in 2 2/3 innings. With Rafael Devers in the batter’s box, he said he took “a peek” at Duran before delivering the ball.

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt praised Duran for making “a head’s up baseball play” because third baseman José Ramírez was off the line, but his starting pitcher blamed himself.

“He had taken a big jump and he took off immediately,” Nikhazy said. “In the moment, I chose to make the pitch as opposed to stepping off. Ultimately, when I saw him, I should have stepped off.”

Duran went 3 for 5 with three runs and two RBI in the nightcap. He was hitless in four at-bats in the first game, which Cleveland won 5-4.

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