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Français (Afrique)Otherworldly McDavid helps Oilers bolster lead in Pacific Division
Total command. Absolute control.
We could be talking about Connor McDavid’s five-point night in a 5-2 win at San Jose. Or perhaps it was an Edmonton Oilers power play that entered the game on a two-for-20 run, but scored on all three opportunities versus the Sharks.
Or we could be referencing Edmonton’s defensive play, surrendering just 14 Sharks shots on goal — including only four in the third period, when Tristan Jarry came on in relief of an injured Connor Ingram.
“Finding a way to get three on the power play should win a lot of nights,” offered McDavid, who notched his 15th career hat trick. “But everyone defended. We checked hard. They’ve got some special players over there, one in particular. So I thought we did a good job defending.”
It was a game that San Jose absolutely needed, using up one of their two games in hand while still trailing Nashville by three points for the final wild-card spot. And Edmonton played the night before in Utah, getting to their hotel rooms at around 1:30 a.m.
But it was the Oilers who were on point and detail-oriented. And it was McDavid not Macklin Celebrini (one goal) who brought the fans out of their seats in this one.
“I’ve grown to like back-to-backs a lot this year,” McDavid said. “There’s just something about them that I’ve been feeling really, really good in them. Feel on right away. And tonight, that was really the case.”
McDavid was otherworldly in this one, pulling six points clear of Nikita Kucherov in the chase for his sixth Art Ross Trophy. Ever since Leon Draisaitl went down he’s taken it upon himself to provide, and on this back-to-back he was in on seven of Edmonton’s 10 goals.
“He knows that our team needed to win, and also we’re playing a little shorthanded,” head coach Kris Knoblauch said. “Who needs to pick us up? You know he’s going to be the guy.
“Every shift, he was really dialled in. Played extremely well. I’ve seen him play a lot of good games, and that was one of his best.”
With five points McDavid passed the great Bobby Clarke to move into 50th place on the NHL’s all-time scoring list, with 1,215 points. Next up is Jeremy Roenick (1,216), Larry Murphy (1,217) and the esteemed Jean Beliveau (1,219).
He’s also got 47 goals, and needs a goal-per-game pace in Edmonton’s final three games to reach 50 for just the second time in his NHL career.
On a night this one, what goes through Evan Bouchard’s mind?
“Just get him the puck,” chuckled Bouchard, who was excellent at both ends of the rink after an off night against Utah.
The Oilers scored 10 goals in this back-to-back — minus injured snipers Draisaitl and Zach Hyman — and collected three of four points.
They are 5-1-2 in their last eight road games and 6-1-1 in their past eight overall, with three games left to play: Saturday in Los Angeles, and at home next week against Colorado and Vancouver.
Edmonton hasn’t won their division in the regular season since the 1986-87 season, the longest current drought in the entire NHL. Now, they’ve won two Stanley Cups in the interim and been a Cup finalist three other times, but Edmonton won their third Stanley Cup in the spring of 1987 — so that’s not nothing.
Uh oh…
Much to everyone’s surprise, Jarry took the Oilers’ net for the third period, after Ingram had stopped eight of the 10 shots he faced through 40 minutes.
Jarry had played the night before in Utah, surrendering all six goals in a 6-5 overtime loss. On Wednesday he gave the Oilers the saves they needed to close this one out, stopping all four shots he faced behind an Oilers defensive front that gave up virtually nothing to the Sharks.
As for Ingram, it sounds like he tweaked something. It was not bad enough, however, for the Oilers to have requested the EBUG in San Jose. Ingram served as the backup for the third period, skating out on the ice to stretch during TV timeouts.
“With about six minutes left, the last TV timeout in the second period, he felt a little discomfort,” Knoblauch said. “He got tested out in the training room (in the intermission), and then we felt it was best for him, and obviously our team, to not push it and make something worse.”
Edmonton has a day off in L.A. Thursday. The Bakersfield Condors are at home this weekend, so if Ingram is anywhere less than 100 per cent, we’d expect Calvin Pickard to drive down from Bako for Friday’s practice and to back up Jarry on Saturday versus the Kings.
OIL SPILLS — With two assists Evan Bouchard crested the 90-point plateau for the first time in his career, with 91. Paul Coffey (four times) is the only other Oilers D-man to reach 90 points in a season. He also joins Coffey as the only defencemen in franchise history to register 70 assists in a season, something Coffey did three times … Bouchard becomes only the 13th D-man in NHL history to score 90 points in a season … With 795 career games, Darnell Nurse ties Kelly Buchberger for the eighth spot in games played in franchise history (credit to X user 50Oilers).
Bayern Munich’s Karl-Heinz Rummenigge continues to gush about new UCL format
The still fairly new UEFA Champions League group stage format, introduced in 2024, has had a very mixed reception. The group stages, initially groups of four teams that play each team twice, has been retooled to create a massive 36 team group that sees the fixture list randomly generated. This is the first major change to the competition since the second group phase was removed and replaced with the Round of 16 knockout round in 2003. Some fans accepted it immediately, others warmed up to it and others still have some real issues with it.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, however, firmly belongs in the former group. The Bayern Munich supervisory board member, who also served on the UEFA Executive Committee between 2021 and 2024, has spoken positively about the format change many times in the past and did so again in an interview with Spanish news site Diario AS:
“I remember applauding it when it was presented in 2021. The idea came from a German chess player, by the way – sadly a Dortmund fan (laughs),” Rummenigge admitted, as captured by @iMiaSanMia. “The knockout rounds were always great, but the group stage had become heavy. Now it’s very entertaining. UEFA deserves credit.”
What do you think? Was the format change a good or bad thing?
BFW Analysis
On a subjective note, Rummenigge was absolutely correct in stating that the Champions League group stages were not nearly interesting enough as a whole. Whether the new format was the right solution is very much up to debate but the old format was not that good.
“Top talent” – Sky Sports reporter names player Chelsea have entered the race for, Real Madrid interested
Chelsea have entered the race for Werder Bremen centre back Karim Coulibaly according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg.
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The Blues are paying the price for not signing a replacement for Levi Colwill, who suffered an ACL injury before the start of the season.
Chelsea tried and failed in their pursuit of Jeremy Jacquet in January, with the France under-21 international opting to join Liverpool.
Chelsea join race for Karim Coulibaly
It’s believed Chelsea are still in the market for a centre back, and they’ve been linked with Nottingham Forest’s Murillo.
The Blues need a starting quality centre back with leadership skills to come in and lead the backline, and they’ve arguably failed to replace Thiago Silva.
The last thing fans want to see is another young defender arriving, however it appears that’s exactly what could happen.
Plettenberg has reported Chelsea have entered the race for 18-year-old Coulibaly, who’s viewed as a player with huge potential.
He took to X.com and said:
“Chelsea have entered the race for the 18 y/o talented centre-back Karim Coulibaly, who is seen as a top talent with huge potential.
“#CFC are very impressed with his development. A summer move is 100% planned. Several top clubs are scouting him, including Real Madrid, Man Utd, Newcastle, PSG and Napoli.
“Werder Bremen are still hoping for a fee of €40-50m.”
Chelsea have previously been linked with Coulibaly, and the teenager has scored once in 22 appearances this season.
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In other news…
If as expected a deal goes through for Valentin Barco, the Blues will owe more money to Brighton after the Seagulls included a sell on clause in the deal with Strasbourg.
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Barco has agreed to join Chelsea, and has reportedly agreed a six year deal, with it now down to the Blues when to make the transfer official.
Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
When was the last Masters without Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson? How 2026 tournament breaks 32-year streak
When was the last Masters without Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson? How 2026 tournament breaks 32-year streak originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The 90th edition of the Masters will look much different than usual, as both Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson will not be on hand to participate.
Winners of eight combined green jackets, Woods and Mickelson are each in the rare group of player's who've won this tournament three times, becoming mainstays on the leaderboard. Now that both have gotten older, age and off-course issues are more in play as they decide whether to participate.
While neither Woods nor Mickelson would be expected to compete this year, it will be noticeable that both players are absent at golf's first major. In fact, this is something that hasn't happened at Augusta National in over three decades.
Here's a look at the streak that Woods and Mickelson are breaking by not starting the Masters this year.
MORE MASTERS 2026:
- Ranking the 30 best golfers in this year's Masters
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- Complete list of golfers playing in the Masters
When was the last Masters without Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson?
The last time that both Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson missed the Masters together was in 1994, when Woods was 19 and Mickelson was 23. At the time, Woods was a year away from making his Masters debut, and Mickelson had made two starts but failed to qualify for the 1994 event.
Including this year, Woods has missed seven Masters since 1994, all coming since 2014, while Mickelson has missed the event just twice, once in 2020 and again in 2022. The Masters invites all of their previous champions to compete, so once Woods and Mickelson won their first green jackets, they both became eligible to return to August every year to participate in the tournament.
For over two decades, Woods and Mickelson were staples in the Masters winning a combined eight green jackets and finishing within the top five another 14 times. Golfers will surely feel their absences on over the first two days.
"Let's be honest, without Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in the events, in golf, when they both step away, honestly I feel it hurts the game of golf," Patrick Reed said, via ESPN. "But at the same time, we want them to come back and be healthy and ready to go."
Who won the 1994 Masters?
Jose Maria Olazabal won his first Masters in 1994, beating out Tom Lehman and Larry Mize for the green jacket. Olazabal had a slow start, as he was +2 after the first round, but shot a 11-under in the final three rounds to win by two strokes on Sunday.
This turned out to be one of Olazabal's two majors, as he also won the 1999 Masters, and he became the second Spaniard to win the Masters and fourth overall, joining Seve Ballasteros and later followed by Sergio Garcia and Jon Rahm.
While Woods and Mickelson will not tee it up in the 2026 Masters, Olazabal will for his 37th career start at the tournament.
Two-time @TheMasters champion José María Olazábal is making his 37th start at Augusta National this week! pic.twitter.com/Tr0mPtlzYs
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) April 6, 2026
Why is Tiger Woods not at the 2026 Masters?
Tiger Woods announced he is taking an indefinite leave from golf last week after he was arrested for his role in a rollover crash. Among Woods' charges was DUI, as this was the fourth known time that he was involved in a car crash.
Woods announced that he would seek treatment that prioritizes his health moving forward, which means not participating in tournaments.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) March 31, 2026
Last year, Woods missed the Masters due to an Achilles injury, and he hasn't played in a golf tournament since the 2024 British Open. That year, Woods played in five tournaments, including all four majors, but missed the cut in the last three while finishing tied for 60th at the Masters.
Woods has now missed seven of the last 13 Masters, and his win in 2019 is his only finish within the top 20 since 2015.
Why is Phil Mickelson not at the 2026 Masters?
On April 2, Phil Mickelson announced he was taking an extended absence to deal with a "personal health matter" in his family. Mickelson didn't give more information beyond that, as he appears to want to keep it private.
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) April 2, 2026
Mickelson, who currently plays on the LIV Tour, last played in the LIV Golf South Africa from Mach 19-22, finishing tied-for-48th among 57 golfers. However, earlier this year, Mickelson missed four LIV Golf tournaments due to a personal matter as well.
🚨👍🏌️ #BACK — Phil Mickelson is back after missing 4 LIV events due to personal reasons. Phil will make his season debut at LIV Golf South Africa this week. pic.twitter.com/0DnnZUCxqn
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) March 16, 2026
After participating in 25 consecutive Masters tournaments from 1995 to 2000, Mickelson how has now missed three of the last seven tournaments at Augusta National. Mickelson hasn't been much of a factor in recent Masters, as he hasn't finished in the top 20 since 2019.
Tiger Woods Masters results
| Year | Place |
| 2026 | DNP |
| 2025 | DNP |
| 2024 | 60 |
| 2023 | WD |
| 2022 | 47 |
| 2021 | DNP |
| 2020 | T-38 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2018 | T-32 |
| 2017 | DNP |
| 2016 | DNP |
| 2015 | T-17 |
| 2014 | DNP |
| 2013 | T-4 |
| 2012 | T-40 |
| 2011 | T-4 |
| 2010 | T-4 |
| 2009 | T-6 |
| 2008 | 2 |
| 2007 | T-2 |
| 2006 | T-3 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2004 | T-22 |
| 2003 | T-14 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2000 | 5 |
| 1999 | T-18 |
| 1998 | T-8 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1996 | CUT |
| 1995 | T-41 |
Phil Mickelson Masters results
| Year | Place |
| 2026 | DNP |
| 2025 | CUT |
| 2024 | T-43 |
| 2023 | T-22 |
| 2022 | DNP |
| 2021 | T-55 |
| 2020 | DNP |
| 2019 | T-18 |
| 2018 | T-36 |
| 2017 | T-22 |
| 2016 | CUT |
| 2015 | T-2 |
| 2014 | CUT |
| 2013 | T-54 |
| 2012 | T-3 |
| 2011 | T-27 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2008 | T-5 |
| 2007 | T-24 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2005 | 10 |
| 2004 | 1 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2002 | 3 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2000 | T-7 |
| 1999 | T-6 |
| 1998 | T-12 |
| 1997 | CUT |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1995 | T-7 |
| 1994 | DNP |
| 1993 | T-34 |
| 1992 | DNP |
| 1991 | T-46 |
Eddie Johnson: No Problem with Redick’s Disagreement with Vanderbilt
After a brief appearance in the Lakers’ loss to the Thunder, Jarred Vanderbilt left the arena, sparking a short‑lived argument with coach JJ Redick that was caught on camera. Eddie Johnson, a respected former analyst, said the disagreement was routine and not a serious problem for the team. He noted that coaches often need to push players to maintain performance and confidence, and that Redick’s experience as a former NBA player helps him understand the players’ perspective.