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Speed and control spring footwear 2024

Published in Athletics
Thursday, 28 March 2024 01:53
As marathon season approaches so do the latest road racing shoes aiming to propel us to faster times. Here we take a look at some of the latest carbon racing shoes as well as some supportive training options

Built for speed

Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 230.00

Saucony.com

The update to the Endorphin Pro takes some inspiration from the brands Elite model of last season. Now featuring a midsole which combines the PWRRUN HG foam of the Elite with the PWRRUN PB foam we have a lightweight, yet highly propulsive midsole that when combined with the full-length carbon plate and Speedroll technology provides a super-quick ride.

The overall stack sits just under the World Athletics 40mm limit at 39.5mm and an 8mm drop into the forefoot naturally aids forward motion. The cushioning feels a little softer, especially in the heel but its a welcoming sensation, especially after a few miles and gives a smooth transition from heel to forefoot. Its a pretty snappy feel as you push off, the carbon plate making the most of the Speedroll geometry.

Its light and fast and a great option for racing over the half and marathon distance.

Saucony Endorphin Pro 4

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 260.00

NewBalance.co.uk

With an aggressive rocker design and geometrically sculptured high-stack midsole, the Elite v4 makes a striking entrance to the start line.

A refreshed FuelCell midsole uses a PEBA-based foam sandwiching the brands Energy Arc full-length carbon plate. The Energy Arc maximises potential energy return with the use of void in the midsole to allow it to compress on impact before the push-off, propulsive phase of the stride. It works well and also makes for a very stable ride given the soft overall feel of the foam cushioning.

A rocker design from heel to forefoot makes the whole shoe roll along very smoothly for a soft, efficient and propulsive ride.

The Elite v4 is a great update to the previous model providing a gently revised model that feels familiar enough to go straight to the start line.

Its another race-day option that offers exceptional cushioning and versatility making it a good choice for any distance from 10km and beyond.

New Balance SC Elite v4

Mizuno Rebellion Pro 2 210.00

Emea.mizuno.com

Arguably the most aggressive-looking racing shoe of this line-up, the Rebellion Pro 2 revises the previous version with improvements to stability, cushioning and energy return.

Its still a shoe very much focussed on faster runners and its when travelling at speed that the best of the shoe becomes apparent.

Despite the illegal appearance of the shoe, its stack height (at the point of measurement for WA rules) is 38mm, but we do see additional cushioning in the forefoot of the new model, increasing to 36.5mm.

A new carbon-infused plate uses a ribbed texture to increase the snappy feel of the ride and energy return is said to have been improved by 32%!

Its the unusual-looking geometry of the midsole that does the magic here, encouraging a more midfoot strike and a larger contact area. On impact, the cushioning is soft and more stable than the previous model thanks to a broader midfoot section. The foot quickly rolls forward thanks to the rocker shape and plate creating one of the most obviously propulsive feeling shoes on the market.

Theres no denying the propulsive nature of this shoe, its simply screaming to go faster and its at speed that you get the best of it.

Whilst more efficient runners can tackle the marathon in this model, I personally felt I was getting the most benefit from the shoe at between 5km and half-marathon distance. Nonetheless, its a fast and highly propulsive model and given the technology on offer a relatively competitively priced option alongside the competition.

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2

Adidas Boston 12 140.00

Adidas.co.uk

Offering a little more versatility as well as good value, the Boston 12 is a shoe thats capable of tackling races as well as faster-paced daily training.

The shoe uses the brands glass-fibre-infused ENERGYROD 2.0 system as opposed to a carbon plate. These rods follow the foots metatarsals and provide the more propulsive forefoot push-off. A combination of Lightstrike Pro cushioning found in the out-and-out racing models is combined with Lightstrike 2.0 EVA foam to sandwich the rods giving a good combination of cushioning, propulsion and durability.

The Boston 12 sits neatly between the brands line-up of training shoes and competition models and provides a good option for faster-paced training, tempo runs and interval sessions on the roads. Its perfectly capable on race day and offers increased durability over specific race models.

Its a fast feeling, versatile option making it a great allrounder.

adidas adizero Boston 12

Training options

Saucony Guide 17 135.00

Saucony.com

This very popular support-type shoe from Saucony sees a major change in this, the 17th edition. Gone is the traditional medial support in favour of a midsole that, thanks to its shape and structure helps control pronation.

A broader base, flared heel cushioning and straighter last through the medial aspect of the shoe all contribute to helping to keep pronation under control. The deep stack of cushioning also features higher side walls that cup the heel for a stable yet natural ride.

Theres plenty of cushioning from the PWRRUN midsole and a soft PWRRUN+ innersole makes the step-in sensation very plush and welcoming.

An engineered mesh upper wraps around the foot neatly and is nicely padded in the tongue, ankle collar and Achilles. The design allows plenty of breathability and its typical of the brands good-quality uppers.

The new Guide 17 offers great all-around support and cushioning and does it in a package that disappears around the foot leaving you to concentrate on the running.

Saucony Guide 17

Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 165.00

Brooksrunning.co.uk

A DNA Loft v3 Nitrogen-infused midsole sees an increased stack height over the previous generation of this range-topping support shoe from Brooks. This additional 2mm of cushioning gives the shoe a slightly softer and slightly springier feel to improve what was already a very popular model that above all else excelled in terms of durability.

Brooks nitro-foam midsoles have proven to be among the best when it comes to retaining their cushioning properties mile after mile and with the improved stack on offer here that should only be even better.

Support comes by means of the GuideRails system and provides a natural feeling amount of control that performs well for a wide range of runners.

The upper is very plush, with high levels of all-around padding in keeping with the highly cushioned nature of the shoe.

Its the brands premium support model but given its durability, it offers good value. We found previous models continued to offer great cushioning when competitor shoes had lost the spring from their step many miles earlier.

Brooks Glycerin GTS 21

HOKA Arahi 7 130.00

Hoka.com

Remaining largely unchanged from the Arahi 6, the Arahi 7 retains the J-Frame support and

CM-EVA cushioning. The J-Frame is a firmer section of the midsole sitting around the edge of the rear of the shoe in a J-shaped structure. The combination of a softer cushioning core within the frame provides the support.

Its a unique method of providing control and works effectively for those requiring milder levels of control. The lightweight EVA also helps to keep the overall weight of the shoe low.

Of course, the brands meta-rocker is present and this gives the whole shoe a relatively smooth riding sensation.

A new zonal engineered, flat-knit upper with plusher tongue and ankle collar are the revisions this season and only serve to improve the overall fit, so fans of this shoe will be grateful the model hasnt strayed too much from its formula.

Its a lightweight, supportive shoe with a lower heel drop perfect for those wanting a shoe that offers control but is light enough to pick up the pace in.

HOKA Arahi 7

Hylo Impact 150.00

Hyloathletics.com

The second shoe from the brand, the Impact, aims to do just that with a new midsole comprised of supercritical nitrogen-injected foam with a bio-based EVA to create a responsive yet stable ride.

A flared medial aspect of the midsole helps keep the ride stable and works relatively well for those requiring milder levels of control.

The overall ride of the shoe is a soft and welcoming feel that sits between that of a well-cushioned training shoe and a more tempo run focussed option. The midsole feels soft on initial impact and a little firmer and more responsive on toe-off.

The brand aims to create shoes with less of an environmental impact, so all areas of the shoe feature varying levels of bio-based and recycled content from the laces and upper to the cushioning and sole.

The outsole is inspired by a racing car tyre, with long strips of rubber for durability and cut-outs to dispel water in the wet.

The shoe feels like it sits between a training model and a racing shoe and as such is a relatively versatile option. It could be a one-shoe does-it-all-all model for some runners. The use of bio-based EVA is certainly a great consideration and here, combined with the supercritical foam makes for a nice feeling midsole. Its great to see this type of execution in a technical running shoe and only bolds well for the future of such materials and products.

HYLO Impact

Isle of Man Easter Festival celebrates 60th anniversary

Published in Athletics
Thursday, 28 March 2024 02:09
There are record entries for this weekends series of races as popular event reaches notable milestone

The 60th IQEQ Isle of Man Easter Festival of Running is all set to celebrate its big landmark in style. When advance entries closed last Saturday, a remarkable entry of 634 had been received (354 men, 280 women), exceeding last years record advance entry by nearly 60. With entries also available on the days of the races, the three races will produce spectacular and colourful sights in Port Erin, Peel and Douglas.

The biggest race in terms of numbers is the opening IQEQ 10km road race on Good Friday evening, with men and women starting together. Due to Easter falling early this year, the start time is earlier than usual at 5.30pm on Port Erin Promenade in the south of the Island. It is a fast and very scenic course, which last year saw the first two sub 30-minute times ever run for 10km on Manx tarmac.

A slight change to the route last year has undoubtedly made the course slightly faster than before. A total of 50% of the top 100 finishers last year ran personal best times, and course records were set for both men and women. Scott Stirling with 29:38 and Alice Goodall with 33:05 are the course record-holders, but they will miss the event this year as they are both representing Great Britain in the World Cross-Country Championships in Belgrade on Saturday (March 30).

The Full Factory Winnerswear Peel Hill Races take place in the west of the Island on Easter Saturday afternoon, with the mens race off at 2.15pm and the womens race following one hour later at 3.15pm. The separate races allow those not in the race in progress to go onto the lower slopes of the hill to support, and the visiting university teams always produce an incredible atmosphere as they cheer all the competitors up the steep part of the ascent, and then provide a colourful guard of honour for the leading athletes on the return.

Peel Hill (IOM Festival)

The final racing action is the Outback 5km road race which takes place on a pan-flat course on Douglas Promenade walkway on Easter Sunday morning. The women go first at 10.30am followed by the men at 11.15am. Competitors should note that the clocks change overnight, giving them one hour less sleep on Saturday night!

The fourth event is the prize presentation and party which takes place at the Outback Sports Bar in Douglas on Easter Sunday evening, and is strictly ticket-only.

The Festival has always attracted top athletes from around the British Isles and sometimes beyond, and 2024 is no different. The clear favourite for the womens title looks to be local athlete Rachael Franklin (Manx Harriers) who is approaching legendary status in the history of the event and of Isle of Man athletics in general.

Having previously won the womens title in 2014, 2018 and 2019, the 2022 Commonwealth Games 5000 metres representative is already the only local runner, male or female, to win three Festival titles. Franklin thrives on all surfaces, being a fine cross-country runner in addition to her displays on road and track. She lost her Peel Hill course record to Goodall last year, but only by five seconds, and she looks to be the outstanding female competitor this year.

10km start (IOM Festival)

There is plenty more quality in the womens lineup, with event regular Katie Lowery (Leeds Uni) returning after an excellent performance in 2023. Her team-mate Sammy Mason should also go well. Louise Mitchell (Durham Uni) also impressed last year and should be among the challengers. Beth Ansell (Manchester Uni) is a specialist middle-distance runner who has also shown in previous Festivals that she is strong over longer distances too. Isla Calvert (Edinburgh Uni) is also a speedy middle-distance exponent, and others to look out for are Naomi Kingston (Oxford Uni) and Elizabeth Barlow (Sheffield Uni).

The mens title is a harder one to predict, with an excellent depth of quality and little to choose between them. 2016 champion Oliver Fox returns once again, and the former Great Britain cross-country international is the only man in the field with a sub-30 10km to his credit although he last achieved that in 2022.

The Easter Festival has regularly catapulted promising young runners to stardom over the years, and Matt Knowles (Edinburgh Uni) could be the latest to achieve that. With an impressive Festival performance in 2023 behind him, his 5km PB of 14:03 is well clear of anyone else in the field. He was impressive in the Peel Hill race last year, and with an improvement in his 10km time he could well taste success in 2024.

Hill race start (Paul Freary)

Cambridge Uni look to have a strong team with the likes of Patrick Roddy, Tom Spencer and Max Walk supporting Fox. Leeds Uni, who have entered an incredible 96 runners in the Festival, have quality in the mens races too, with Alex Dunn, Ritchie Gardiner, James Tucker and Ewan Wheelwright likely to be at the sharp end. Junior athlete Freddie Roden (Manchester Uni) is a promising runner as is fellow junior Luca Messenger-Jones (Edinburgh Uni), while others to look out for in the mens races are Thomas Renshaw (Oxford Uni) and George Gathercole (Thames Hare & Hounds).

A number of former champions have returned for the 60th Festival, among them the special guest for the 2024 Festival Mara Yamauchi who was the womens champion in 1998 when she won all three races representing Oxford University. Mara, who finished sixth for Great Britain in the 2008 womens Olympic Marathon in Beijing, intends to run all three races her focus this time being on enjoyment rather than winning.

Throughout its history the Easter Festival has showcased the very best that running has to offer with its mix of serious competition, fun and friendship. Its popularity grows year on year, and 2024 is sure to another memorable occasion as the Festival celebrates its 60th edition!

Warsaw Half-Marathon goes from strength to strength

Published in Athletics
Thursday, 28 March 2024 02:22
Last weekends event in Poland enjoyed busy fields and swift winning times

Nearly 15,000 runners took to the streets of Warsaw for the 18th Edition of the Warsaw Half Marathon last weekend, Paul Bramley reports.

The Nationale-Nederlanden Warsaw Half Marathon has gone from strength to strength in recent years and now offers itself as a genuine half marathon of choice, for those looking to take in some running tourism.

Warsaw is a modern city with a wonderful historic past that is celebrated on every corner. From historic squares and wonderful architecture, to traditional Polish cuisine, Warsaw offers something for everyone once the running is complete.

The half marathon gets underway on the Poniatowski Bridge with the PGt Narodowy National Stadium providing a stunning backdrop for the starting area, with ample space for pre-race preparation. A good level of organisation is key to an event of this size and the facilities on offer around the starting area are testament to the work undertaken by the organisers.

Fabienne Königstein

Assembling for an 11am start, this years event was blessed with near-perfect running weather, typical of the time of year in Poland, with a temperature of around 8C and a light breeze. The sun made an appearance just as the starting gun went off to help warm up the early few miles.

With a course that heads over the Vistula River you very quickly reach the heart of the capital taking in the streets of the Old and New Town towards Zoliborz.

With plenty to see in this historic city, the route captures some of the key sites of Warsaw as the miles tick by, as the route takes you along the Gdynia Coast towards the Gdanski Bridge with a finish in Praga at the Warszawa Stadion station.

Dorian Boulvin

A very flat course, with only slight undulations, the event is very well supported by the local residents along the entirety of the course. With only a slight section of dual carriageway a la Great North run where you need to dig deep and only have the pounding feet of other runners for company.

An easy budget-friendly airline hop from the UK, with affordable accommodation, makes it a great destination for an early spring marathon and the intimate nature of the event means you avoid the crush of the bigger European city events.

Warsaw Half Marathon

With an ever expanding list of elite entries, this event will only grow in the coming years and is sure to feature in the calendar of a number of professional runners. This years male winner was Belgiums Dorian Boulvin in an impressive 61:58, with the womens race taken in 69:32 by Germanys Fabienne Königstein.

This is an important year for the team behind the Warsaw event as they look ahead to the September edition of the Warsaw Marathon. Celebrating 100 years since the first marathon was ran in Warsaw, there are a number of events on ofter in the Polish capital this year as they celebrate this key landmark.

To see the full range of events on offer please visit nnpolmaratonwarszavski.com

Phil Sesemann sets his sights on the Olympic marathon

Published in Athletics
Thursday, 28 March 2024 03:26
After securing selection for this summers Paris Games, the British distance runner explains why he is unlikely to return to work as a junior doctor

When Phil Sesemann ran 2:08:04 at the Seville Marathon in February, it earned him a place in the British team for the Paris Olympics. The performance signalled the achievement of a lifelong goal but it also confirmed his future lies firmly with running as a full-time athlete.

Previously the 31-year-old had combined athletics with shifts as a junior doctor in Leeds, but his latest marathon PB and Olympic call-up means he is ditching the medical scrubs for good as he focuses on improving his results on the roads even further.

Its something Im not 100 per cent sure Ill go back to, he says of his days in the medical profession. Im really enjoying my marathon running and I see guys Ive raced against such as Tadesse Abraham, who ran 2:05:10 last year aged 41, and I think: Why cant I give this another 10 years of competing? Im doing a bit of coaching and really enjoying that, too.

Phil Sesemann in Seville

Ironically, Sesemann was a reluctant marathon runner to begin with. After starting life at Blackheath & Bromley in the South of England and then Leeds City in recent years, he raced shorter distances on the track, road and country. In January 2023 he even out-kicked world 1500m champion Jake Wightman to win an indoor 3000m in Sheffield in 7:54.34.

I wanted to sneak on to a team at some stage, he says in the latest issue of AW magazine. My coach Andy [Henderson] told me that he saw me as a marathon runner in the long term and I was a bit taken aback. Really? I thought.

But he saw that I enjoyed running mileage and clocking up those numbers and it was motivating me more than the shorter stuff. Despite this, though, maybe it wasnt until the end of 2020 that I felt I was ready to find a marathon to do.

Phil Sesemann (Coros)

On his marathon debut in London in 2021 Sesemann finished as the first Brit home in 2:12:58. It emerged he had done lots of his training with a Spaniel and Vizsla cross called Kipchoge and a German Shorthaired Pointer called Haile. The self-styled mileage mutts even had their own Strava accounts and Sesemann said they joined him for around two thirds of his own training.

At the European Championships in Munich in 2022 he ran slightly slower, albeit in warmer, tougher conditions, with 2:15:17. But he improved his best to 2:12:10 at London again in October of that year and then 2:10:23 in London in April of 2023.

With the Olympic qualifying standard of 2:08:10 in his sights, but realising he needed to improve his best by more than two minutes, he gave it a crack in Valencia last December and fell agonisingly short with 2:08:48.

Still, it was a big PB so he eased straight back into training with an easy week of 50 miles followed by three 130-mile weeks over Christmas but without any truly tough workouts before heading out to Kenya in January for a training camp with Emile Cairess, among others, ahead of Seville.

Phil Sesemann (Coros)

It was really hard after Valencia to go again and travel out to Kenya for altitude training, he says. There were only 10 weeks between the two races. Its good that I enjoy this so much, though!

Sesemanns feelings were bittersweet after his PB in Valencia due to missing the Olympic qualifier. Was it a tough decision, then, to race in Seville so soon after Valencia when the London Marathon in April was an option? Going into Valencia, he reveals, Seville was always my Plan B.

I was really keen to get back on it straight away. I wanted to get ahead of the other British guys and get my time during the first round of selections rather than waiting until London.

Sesemann was on a roll and he was keep to reap the rewards of an ultra-consistent period of injury-free training. During the whole of 2023, for example, he ran an average of 109 miles per week at an average pace of 6:49 per mile. According to stats from his Coros watch, during December and January alone he averaged 16 miles per day. In addition, his peak weekly mileage is 130-plus miles.

Data comparison (Coros)

To illustrate how fit he was during his marathon build-up, above is a snapshot of his Base Fitness from Coros with the Base Fitness metric being your 42-day rolling average of Training Load, which is a measurement of how stressful a workout is on your body.

READ MORE: Phil Sesemanns Coros stats

If Sesemann has a small Achilles heel, however, he believes he struggles a little in the thin air of altitude. At sea level, for instance, he can match strides with Cairess most of the time but when the pair go higher up as they did in January in Kenya Sesemann admits his friend operates on a different level.

Also, he says: Its high, hilly, rocky and I get homesick. I love being in Leeds with my dogs, my partner, my coach and group. I have everything I want at home apart from the altitude.

READ MORE: Sesemann nails Olympic qualifier in Seville

The camp went well, though, and on February 18 his dreams came true when he nailed that qualifying mark by just six seconds. I was overcome with emotion crossing the line, he says. It was really special.

Jones handed first start as Wales make six changes

Published in Rugby
Thursday, 28 March 2024 04:10

Wales have made six changes for their Women's Six Nations game against England in Bristol on Saturday with Sian Jones handed a full debut.

Jones, 20, replaces Keira Bevan at scrum-half while Carys Cox is picked ahead of Nel Metcalfe on the wing.

Carys Phillips and Donna Rose come into the front row as Kelsey Jones and Sisilia Tuipulotu drop to the bench.

Georgia Evans and Kate Williams also start in the pack as Wales look to bounce back from defeat by Scotland.

Wales were beaten narrowly by the Scots in their opening game of this year's tournament at Cardiff Arms Park last weekend.

But this weekend's game, which takes place at Ashton Gate, will be another step up for Ioan Cunningham's team as they take on an England side who have won the last five Women's Six Nations Championships.

"England are the benchmark side for every nation in the women's game and we have nothing to lose against a team that won the Grand Slam last season," said Wales head coach Cunningham.

Jones is handed a first Wales start having made her debut as a substitute against Scotland, while lock Evans and flanker Williams come in for Natalia John and Alisha Butchers respectively.

Full-back Jenny Hesketh wins her second Wales cap having previously captained England at under-20 level.

England have lost just 12 Women's Six Nations game since 2002, and have been beaten only once in the competition since 2017.

Wales' last win over England came in the 2015 Six Nations, as they won 13-0 at St Helen's in Swansea.

That success is one of only two that Wales have enjoyed over their neighbours in 37 games, with the other coming back in 2009.

Wales go into Saturday's game off the back of a 20-18 defeat against Scotland, after Lleucu George missed a 79th-minute conversion which would have secured a draw.

England, meanwhile, thrashed Italy 48-0 to start their title defence in fine fashion.

"We have made six changes to face England in Bristol and are under no illusions of the challenge facing us," Cunningham said.

"We have strength in depth in the squad and this is an opportunity for the players selected to show what they can do.

"We need to focus on what we do. We had a robust review of the Scotland game and the players identified the areas that we have to improve on for this weekend's Test match."

Wales: Jenny Hesketh; Jasmine Joyce, Hannah Jones, Kerin Lake, Carys Cox; Lleucu George, Sian Jones; Gwenllian Pyrs, Carys Phillips, Donna Rose, Abbie Fleming, Georgia Evans, Kate Williams, Alex Callender, Bethan Lewis.

Replacements: Kelsey Jones, Abbey Constable, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Natalia John, Alisha Butchers, Keira Bevan, Kayleigh Powell, Nel Metcalfe.

Care to play for the Barbarians at Twickenham

Published in Rugby
Thursday, 28 March 2024 02:39

Former England scrum-half Danny Care will make his Barbarians debut against Fiji at Twickenham in June.

But he will return to the home of English rugby when the Barbarians play Fiji as part of a double-header with South Africa against Wales.

"I'm absolutely over the moon to be chosen to represent the Barbarians this summer," Care said.

Care was set to play for the Barbarians in the summer of 2022, but he won a surprise recall to the England squad, ending a four-year international exile.

He then became just the sixth Englishman to win 100 caps when he reached the milestone during the 2024 Six Nations.

"It's nearly happened a few times over the last few years, but now the stars have aligned and I cannot wait to finally wear that famous black and white shirt," he said.

"To do it at Twickenham as well is going to be so, so special for me."

Care will line up for the Baa-Baas alongside former England team-mates Ben Youngs, Jonathan Joseph and Zach Mercer.

"The chance to meet, bond, train with and then play alongside a group of players who I have admired and played against before in my career is going to be a unique experience," Care, who had a 16-year England career, added.

"I'll also get the opportunity to run out alongside some old friends as well, which will be really cool.

"I've always watched the Baa-Baas with such affection because of their style and how the team approaches the game.

"I feel like the Barbarians and myself could be a match made in heaven, so I really can't wait to throw my own bit of flair into an already incredible team."

Care will continue to play on next season, taking his professional career past the 20-year mark.

Torn ACL ends Blues forward Sundqvist's season

Published in Hockey
Thursday, 28 March 2024 04:19

St. Louis Blues forward Oskar Sundqvist will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee, the team announced Wednesday.

Sundqvist was injured after being checked into the boards by Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb during the second period of Monday's 2-1 overtime loss to the Golden Knights. Sundqvist needed help from his teammates to get off the ice and did not return to the game.

Sundqvist will undergo surgery and be reevaluated in six months, the team said Wednesday.

"It was unfortunate, obviously," Blues interim coach Drew Bannister said Wednesday before the team's announcement was made. "A lot of those injuries are just bad breaks. Unfortunate he got his foot caught there and went into the boards. It's an unfortunate injury for him and certainly we're going to miss him while he's out, but we've got lots of guys capable of filling that role. Guys are going to get more opportunity."

Sundqvist, 30, has recorded 21 points (6 goals, 15 assists) in 71 games this season.

A two-time Stanley Cup winner, Sundqvist has totaled 144 points (56 goals, 88 assists) in 426 career games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild and Blues.

It's a typically busy Thursday night in the NHL, with 14 games on the schedule. And there are some absolute gems among those 14 contests, including several that could be run back during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The early window includes three games that could take place in either the first round of the Eastern Conference bracket or further down the road:

A little later, we'll see a rematch of a first-round matchup from last season (that could potentially be one this season as well), as the Vegas Golden Knights take on the Winnipeg Jets (8 p.m. ET, NHL Power Play on ESPN+). Meanwhile, it's looking increasingly likely that the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings will square off in the first round for a third straight postseason, and those two will take the ice against one another Thursday (9 p.m. ET, NHL Power Play on ESPN+).

Two of the best teams in the Western Conference, the division-leading Dallas Stars and Vancouver Canucks, will square off on Thursday (10 p.m. ET, NHL Power Play on ESPN+), and potentially again in the Western Conference finals.

The eyes of the hockey-loving world will be monitoring Thursday's main event: A potential Stanley Cup Final matchup between two juggernauts, as the New York Rangers visit the Colorado Avalanche (9 p.m. ET, NHL Power Play on ESPN+).

It'll be a busy night, with mathematical implications in the standings and psychological implications for possible matchups later this spring.

As we traverse the final stretch of the regular season, it's time to check in on all the playoff races -- along with the teams jockeying for position in the 2024 NHL draft lottery.

Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.

Jump ahead:
Current playoff matchups
Thursday's schedule
Wednesday's scores
Expanded standings
Race for No. 1 pick

Current playoff matchups

Eastern Conference

A1 Boston Bruins vs. WC1 Tampa Bay Lightning
A2 Florida Panthers vs. A3 Toronto Maple Leafs
M1 New York Rangers vs. WC2 Washington Capitals
M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. M3 Philadelphia Flyers

Western Conference

C1 Dallas Stars vs. WC2 Vegas Golden Knights
C2 Colorado Avalanche vs. C3 Winnipeg Jets
P1 Vancouver Canucks vs. WC1 Nashville Predators
P2 Edmonton Oilers vs. P3 Los Angeles Kings


Thursday's games

Note: All times ET. All games not on TNT or NHL Network are available via NHL Power Play, which is included in an ESPN+ subscription (local blackout restrictions apply).

Washington Capitals at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7 p.m.
Philadelphia Flyers at Montreal Canadiens, 7 p.m.
Chicago Blackhawks at Ottawa Senators, 7 p.m.
New York Islanders at Florida Panthers, 7 p.m.
Columbus Blue Jackets at Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m.
Detroit Red Wings at Carolina Hurricanes, 7:30 p.m.
Calgary Flames at St. Louis Blues, 8 p.m.
San Jose Sharks at Minnesota Wild, 8 p.m.
Vegas Golden Knights at Winnipeg Jets, 8 p.m.
New York Rangers at Colorado Avalanche, 9 p.m.
Los Angeles Kings at Edmonton Oilers, 9 p.m.
Dallas Stars at Vancouver Canucks, 10 p.m.
Nashville Predators at Arizona Coyotes, 10 p.m.
Anaheim Ducks at Seattle Kraken, 10 p.m.


Wednesday's scoreboard

Ottawa Senators 6, Buffalo Sabres 2
Tampa Bay Lightning 3, Boston Bruins 1


Expanded standings

Atlantic Division

Boston Bruins

Points: 99
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: A1
Games left: 8
Points pace: 110
Next game: @ WSH (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Florida Panthers

Points: 97
Regulation wins: 38
Playoff position: A2
Games left: 10
Points pace: 111
Next game: vs. NYI (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Toronto Maple Leafs

Points: 89
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: A3
Games left: 11
Points pace: 103
Next game: vs. WSH (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Tampa Bay Lightning

Points: 87
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 10
Points pace: 99
Next game: vs. NYI (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 98.7%
Tragic number: N/A

Detroit Red Wings

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 90
Next game: @ CAR (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 24.5%
Tragic number: 18

Buffalo Sabres

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 82
Next game: vs. NJ (Friday)
Playoff chances: 1.4%
Tragic number: 10

Ottawa Senators

Points: 66
Regulation wins: 22
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 76
Next game: vs. CHI (Thursday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 7

Montreal Canadiens

Points: 66
Regulation wins: 17
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 76
Next game: vs. PHI (Thursday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 7


Metropolitan Division

x - New York Rangers

Points: 100
Regulation wins: 38
Playoff position: M1
Games left: 10
Points pace: 114
Next game: @ COL (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Carolina Hurricanes

Points: 97
Regulation wins: 37
Playoff position: M2
Games left: 9
Points pace: 109
Next game: vs. DET (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Philadelphia Flyers

Points: 82
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: M3
Games left: 9
Points pace: 92
Next game: @ MTL (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 86.6%
Tragic number: N/A

Washington Capitals

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 11
Points pace: 94
Next game: @ TOR (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 65.1%
Tragic number: N/A

New Jersey Devils

Points: 76
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 85
Next game: @ BUF (Friday)
Playoff chances: 11.7%
Tragic number: 13

New York Islanders

Points: 75
Regulation wins: 22
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 87
Next game: @ FLA (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 10.8%
Tragic number: 16

Pittsburgh Penguins

Points: 72
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 83
Next game: vs. CBJ (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 1.2%
Tragic number: 13

e - Columbus Blue Jackets

Points: 58
Regulation wins: 18
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 66
Next game: @ PIT (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E


Central Division

Dallas Stars

Points: 99
Regulation wins: 34
Playoff position: C1
Games left: 9
Points pace: 111
Next game: @ VAN (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Colorado Avalanche

Points: 97
Regulation wins: 38
Playoff position: C2
Games left: 10
Points pace: 111
Next game: vs. NYR (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Winnipeg Jets

Points: 94
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff position: C3
Games left: 10
Points pace: 107
Next game: vs. VGK (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Nashville Predators

Points: 90
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 10
Points pace: 103
Next game: @ ARI (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.8%
Tragic number: N/A

St. Louis Blues

Points: 80
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 91
Next game: vs. CGY (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 4.3%
Tragic number: 14

Minnesota Wild

Points: 77
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 89
Next game: vs. SJ (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 2%
Tragic number: 13

e - Arizona Coyotes

Points: 65
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 74
Next game: vs. NSH (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

e - Chicago Blackhawks

Points: 47
Regulation wins: 15
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 54
Next game: @ OTT (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E


Pacific Division

Vancouver Canucks

Points: 98
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff position: P1
Games left: 10
Points pace: 112
Next game: vs. DAL (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Edmonton Oilers

Points: 90
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: P2
Games left: 12
Points pace: 105
Next game: vs. LA (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Los Angeles Kings

Points: 87
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff position: P3
Games left: 11
Points pace: 101
Next game: @ EDM (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.3%
Tragic number: N/A

Vegas Golden Knights

Points: 86
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 10
Points pace: 98
Next game: @ WPG (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 94.5%
Tragic number: N/A

Calgary Flames

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 82
Next game: @ STL (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 7

Seattle Kraken

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 82
Next game: vs. ANA (Thursday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 7

e - Anaheim Ducks

Points: 52
Regulation wins: 18
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 59
Next game: @ SEA (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

e - San Jose Sharks

Points: 40
Regulation wins: 12
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 46
Next game: @ MIN (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

p -- clinched Presidents' Trophy
y -- clinched division
x -- clinched playoff berth
e -- 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 draw for the No. 1 pick. Full details on the process can be found here. Sitting No. 1 on the draft board for this summer is Macklin Celebrini, a freshman at Boston University.

1. San Jose Sharks

Points: 40
Regulation wins: 12

2. Chicago Blackhawks

Points: 47
Regulation wins: 15

3. Anaheim Ducks

Points: 52
Regulation wins: 18

4. Columbus Blue Jackets

Points: 58
Regulation wins: 18

5. Ottawa Senators

Points: 64
Regulation wins: 21

6. Arizona Coyotes

Points: 65
Regulation wins: 24

7. Montreal Canadiens

Points: 66
Regulation wins: 17

8. Seattle Kraken

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 23

9. Calgary Flames

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 28

10. Pittsburgh Penguins*

Points: 72
Regulation wins: 26

11. Buffalo Sabres

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 28

12. New York Islanders

Points: 75
Regulation wins: 22

13. New Jersey Devils

Points: 76
Regulation wins: 31

14. Minnesota Wild

Points: 77
Regulation wins: 27

15. Detroit Red Wings

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 25

16. St. Louis Blues

Points: 80
Regulation wins: 28

* The Penguins' first-round pick was traded to the Sharks as part of the Erik Karlsson trade. However, it is top-10 protected.

The NHL regular season is nearly done, meaning many teams and their fan bases have started to follow the top prospects in the 2024 draft class more carefully. The San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks and Columbus Blue Jackets are at the bottom of the league standings, and their fans have been getting excited about Macklin Celebrini for months.

But there is more than Macklin Celebrini in this draft class, and while it might not have the depth of previous years, there is plenty of talent available -- and quite a few players expected to have impactful NHL careers.

One area where this draft stands out behind Celebrini is on defense. According to my model, which is explained below, this is the deepest draft on defense since 2012. That draft produced Morgan Rielly, Hampus Lindholm, Matt Dumba and Jacob Trouba in the top 10, and middle-round gems like Jaccob Slavin, Adam Pelech, Colton Parayko and Shayne Gostisbehere.

A draft does not need to have a collection of superstars to be a deep draft. While the 2024 class may lack potential firepower like the 2015 group featuring Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, there are plenty of potential impact players on the back end to be excited about.

Liverpool, Utd campaign to combat tragedy abuse

Published in Soccer
Thursday, 28 March 2024 03:02

Liverpool and Manchester United have jointly launched an education programme through their foundations to tackle tragedy-related abuse, the clubs said in the run-up to their Premier League game at Old Trafford on April 7.

The clubs have repeatedly condemned fans chanting in reference to the Hillsborough tragedy, the Heysel Stadium disaster and the Munich air disaster to mock opposition supporters, a practice liable to criminal prosecution.

"We fully support this event hosted by Liverpool and Manchester United and are working closely with both clubs to develop and deliver this education initiative," Premier League Director of Community Nick Perchard said in a statement.

The two foundations will develop the programme further in partnership with the league and are committed to making it an annual part of their engagement across the Merseyside and Greater Manchester regions.

A Manchester United supporter was charged by Greater Manchester Police last week in relation to tragedy-related abuse towards Liverpool fans during the FA Cup quarterfinal clash on March 17.

Arsenal also welcomed banning orders handed out to three fans after they pleaded guilty to tragedy-related abuse during an FA Cup match against Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on Jan. 7.

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