TIM REYNOLDS Sports Writer.

FILE - Former Miami and NFL football player Michael Irvin enters the field before an NCAA college football game between Miami and Florida, Sept. 20, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Why is Michael Irvin the most famous cheerleader in college football? Miami can’t get enough of him

Michael Irvin is bringing his legendary energy to the Miami Hurricanes’ sidelines. The 59-year-old Hall of Famer, known for his time with the Hurricanes and the Dallas Cowboys, has become a passionate cheerleader for his alma mater. Irvin says he’s committed to showing current players what dedication looks like. He believes alumni should demonstrate the commitment they expect from the team. Irvin’s enthusiasm is contagious, and he’s not alone. Plenty of other former Miami stars are also supporting the team. Irvin’s connection with Miami coach Mario Cristobal goes back decades, and he believes Cristobal can lead the Hurricanes to greatness.

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Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad holds up the Stanley Cup as he arrives on the ice for the home opener NHL hockey game of the 2025 Stanley Cup champions, against the Chicago Blackhawks, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Panthers celebrate Stanley Cup win with banner ceremony, eye historic three-peat as NHL kings

The Florida Panthers have kicked off a new season as back-to-back Stanley Cup champions. On Tuesday, they celebrated by raising another championship banner at Amerant Bank Arena. Fans gathered early for photos with the Cup, and the game was part of a nationally televised triple-header. Despite injuries to key players like Captain Aleksander Barkov and forward Matthew Tkachuk, the team remains optimistic. They aim to become the first NHL team to win three consecutive Cups since the early 1980s. Panthers defenseman Seth Jones calls it both a celebration and a new chapter.

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Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel speaks during a news conference after an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

McDaniel says there’s ‘no time to waste’ in effort to save reeling Dolphins’ season

The Miami Dolphins have dropped to 1-4 after a 27-24 loss to Carolina on Sunday. Coach Mike McDaniel says the team needs a collective mission to correct things urgently. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa echoes this, emphasizing the need for urgency. The Dolphins have scored at least 21 points in their last four games, but their rushing defense is struggling. They’ve allowed 871 yards on the ground through five games. Injuries are also a concern, with LB Tyrel Dodson and CB Cornell Armstrong Jr. sidelined. The Dolphins face the Chargers next, hoping to turn their season around.

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Miami mascot Sebastian the Ibis celebrates defeating Florida State in a NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Colin Hackley)

Miami, even after beating Florida State, insists there’s still plenty of room to improve

The Miami Hurricanes have beaten Florida State, marking their second rivalry win this season. Despite the victory, the team feels there’s much room for improvement. Coach Mario Cristobal and quarterback Carson Beck emphasize the need to eliminate mistakes. Miami is now ranked No. 2 in the AP Top 25, matching their highest ranking since 2002. Defensive back Jakobe Thomas notes the team’s dedication, saying they have bigger goals. While there were moments of celebration, Cristobal stresses the importance of building on past successes to push Miami football forward.

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President of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Gianni Infantino speaks at the Global Citizen Awards ceremony, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets have gone on sale. Here’s how to try to get them

Tickets for next year’s FIFA World Cup officially go on sale Wednesday. Buyers were selected from 4.5 million applicants in a lottery last month. FIFA says winners will be informed by email. The U.S., Canada and Mexico automatically qualify as hosts, but the full schedule and locations won’t be finalized until December. Despite uncertainties, fans are eager to secure tickets. FIFA President Gianni Infantino calls it a strong statement of global passion for soccer. The U.S. State Department advises travelers needing visas to apply now. Additional ticket phases and promotions are planned in the coming months.

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Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) talks with a staff member as he is carted off the field after suffering an unknown lower leg injury in the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill carted off field and taken to hospital with dislocated left knee

Miami wide receiver Tyreek Hill has been taken to a hospital after suffering a dislocated left knee. Hill was hurt when he made a catch and got tackled near the New York Jets’ sideline with 13:21 left in the third quarter Monday night. He was running toward the sideline and planted his left foot, and his knee appeared to twist severely as he was getting pulled down. Players from both teams took a knee while Hill was tended to. The Dolphins said Hill was going to the hospital “for imaging, evaluation and observation.”

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FILE - Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (16) skates during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

Florida’s Aleksander Barkov has surgery, could miss entire season with knee injury

Florida captain Aleksander Barkov could miss the entire regular season due to a knee injury, impacting the Panthers’ quest for a third consecutive Stanley Cup. Barkov got hurt Thursday during his first official practice of training camp and underwent surgery Friday. He is expected to miss several months, jeopardizing his season and his chance to represent Finland in the Milan-Cortina Olympics in February. Barkov led the Panthers in assists last season and was second in points. This is the first time he faces an injury that could keep him out for an entire season.

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Miami defensive back Jakobe Thomas reacts after sacking Florida quarterback DJ Lagway during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

No. 4 Miami’s defense holds Florida to 141 yards, Hurricanes ease past Gators 26-7 to move to 4-0

Mark Fletcher Jr. rushes for 116 yards and a touchdown as No. 4 Miami defeats Florida 26-7 on Saturday night. Marty Brown adds two rushing scores for Miami, which improves to 4-0. Brown’s 1-yard plunge with 4:08 left seals the win. Florida’s Jadan Baugh scores a 7-yard touchdown run, but the Gators fall to 1-3, their worst start since 1986. Miami’s defense limits Florida to 141 total yards. Miami quarterback Carson Beck completes 17 of 30 passes for 160 yards and an interception. Miami remains undefeated at home since the start of last season.

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Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, left, walks onto the field before an MLS soccer match against the Seattle Sounders, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami near deal to extend contract through at least 2026, AP source says

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are reviewing the final details of a contract extension to keep him with the club until at least 2026, a person with knowledge of the matter tells The Associated Press. Talks have been ongoing for months, but neither Messi nor the team has revealed details. Reports say the deal is close to being finalized. Inter Miami wants Messi to stay, especially with their new stadium opening next year. The 38-year-old Messi has scored 20 goals and provided 11 assists this season. He joined Inter Miami in July 2023 on a 2½-year contract. Messi has helped the team win its first two trophies.

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Miami quarterback Carson Beck looks to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against South Florida, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Miami’s Carson Beck has faced Florida multiple times. He’s now going to play them as a Hurricane

Miami quarterback Carson Beck is set to face two of the Hurricanes’ biggest rivals, Florida and Florida State, in consecutive games this season. The fourth-ranked Hurricanes will host the Gators on Saturday. Beck, who transferred from Georgia, has already beaten Florida twice as a starter. Miami coach Mario Cristobal values Beck’s experience and insight into the Gators. Beck leads the country with a 79.3% completion percentage this season. He acknowledges Florida’s strong defense, which has allowed only two touchdowns this season. Beck is excited about the challenge and the heightened competition of rivalry games.

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FILE - Rostislav Gaitiukevich and Mikhail Mordasov, from Russia, push at the start of the men's two-man bobsleigh World Cup race in Igls, near Innsbruck, Austria, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Lisa Leutner, File)

Bobsled-skeleton federation not allowing Russian athletes to compete at 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics

Russian bobsled and skeleton athletes will not compete at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. The International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation voted Friday against allowing Russian athletes to compete as neutral individuals at the games in February. This decision follows a similar move by the International Luge Federation in June. Russian athletes have been barred from major international events since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Even if the vote had been different, qualifying would have been challenging because of their absence from top competitions. Russia might appeal, but time is running out with the World Cup season starting November 21.

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South Florida place kicker Nico Gramatica celebrates his game winning 19-yard field goal against Florida as time expired on the clock in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

There’s hope in Florida, with the state’s 7 FBS teams off to a combined 11-3 start

Florida’s college football teams are off to a strong start this season. Miami, Florida State and South Florida are all in the AP Top 25, with each team starting 2-0. UCF is also 2-0, and the state’s seven FBS teams have a combined record of 11-3. This ties the best start in the 21-year era of Florida having this many FBS schools. Florida State already has matched its win total from last season. The state schools have four wins against AP-ranked opponents, a significant improvement from last year. Coaches and players are optimistic what it all might mean.

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Inter Miami forward Luis Suárez, back center facing, is separated from Seattle Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas, second from right, by defender Yeimar Gómez and defender Cody Baker (33) after the Leagues Cup final soccer match Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

MLS suspends Luis Suarez for 3 matches, including Inter Miami-Seattle rematch

Major League Soccer has suspended Inter Miami forward Luis Suárez for three league matches. This means he will miss his team’s rematch against the Seattle Sounders next week. The suspension follows Suárez’s actions after Inter Miami lost the Leagues Cup final to the Sounders on August 31. He was seen spitting at someone and grabbing a player by the neck. The Leagues Cup has also suspended him for six future matches. Additionally, Sounders staff member Steven Lenhart had his credentials pulled for his role in the altercation. Suárez apologized last week for his behavior.

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Inter Miami forward Luis Suárez, third from left, is separated from Seattle Sounders players and staff as Sounders midfielder Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, center right facing, holds a staff member back during a fight after the Sounders won the Leagues Cup final soccer match Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Inter Miami’s Luis Suárez suspended for 6 Leagues Cup matches after spitting incident

Inter Miami forward Luis Suárez has been suspended yet again for on-field antics, this time getting a six-match ban from future Leagues Cup matches in response to his conduct — including spitting at someone — after his team lost Sunday’s final to the Seattle Sounders. Suárez will not be able to play in the tournament next season, and the ban could stretch into future seasons. Inter Miami played six Leagues Cup matches this year on its way to the final. The ban would not apply to Major League Soccer matches, though it is possible that Suárez could still face sanctioning from that league as well. The Leagues Cup is a separate competition.

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Seattle Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas, bottom left, lies on the ground after being pushed during an altercation against Inter Miami, including forward Luis Suárez and midfielder Sergio Busquets (5) after the Sounders won a Leagues Cup final soccer match Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Inter Miami’s Luis Suárez apologizes for on-field antics after Leagues Cup final loss to Seattle

Inter Miami forward Luis Suárez apologized Thursday for his behavior following his team’s defeat by the Seattle Sounders in the Leagues Cup final earlier this week, antics that became the latest entry on a long list of on-field transgressions over his lengthy career. Suárez appeared to spit toward a member of the Sounders’ staff, plus grabbed at least one Seattle player by the neck during a postgame melee. Major League Soccer and Leagues Cup officials are investigating, and Suárez could face sanctions.

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Argentina's Lionel Messi smiles during a training session ahead of a World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match against Venezuela, at the Argentina Soccer Association in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

World Cup tickets initially to cost $60-$6,730 but could fluctuate with dynamic pricing

Ticket prices for next year’s World Cup will range initially from $60 for group-stage matches to $6,730 for the final, but could change as soccer’s top event adopts dynamic pricing for the first time. The prices are up from a range of $25 to $475 for the 1994 tournament in the United States and for the U.S. dollar equivalent $69 to $1,607 when ticket details were announced for the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The initial draw period will be limited to Visa card holders and will run from 11 a.m. EDT on Sept. 10 through 11 a.m. EDT on Sept. 19.

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Miami fans cheer during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Notre Dame, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Daniels’ leaping catch still the buzz for No. 5 Miami, even as he tries to turn the page

CJ Daniels doesn’t know how many texts he got after his one-handed touchdown catch that helped Miami beat Notre Dame this past weekend went viral. Suffice to say, it was a lot. With good reason. The catch — one where Daniels leaped at around the 4-yard line, snared the ball with his right hand and controlled it with his body while falling backward into the end zone — came in the final seconds of the first half, and proved to be a big part of the Hurricanes’ 27-24 win. The victory helped Miami climb five spots to No. 5 in this week’s AP Top 25, going into a home game Saturday against Bethune-Cookman.

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Miami kicker Carter Davis (39) kicks the game winning field goal during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Notre Dame, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Led by Beck, Miami’s new faces made some fast first impressions for the Hurricanes

Miami’s new faces made quick first impressions. At this time last year, Miami quarterback Carson Beck was at Georgia. Wide receiver CJ Daniels was at LSU. Running back Marty Brown was at North Dakota State, game-winning-kicker Carter Davis was at Florida Atlantic and wide receiver Malachi Toney was in high school. They didn’t waste any time making an impact for the Hurricanes. They combined to account for all of No. 10 Miami’s scoring in its 27-24 victory over No. 6 Notre Dame on Sunday night in the opener for both teams.

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FILE - Texas Tech offensive coordinator Zach Kittley on the field before an NCAA college football game between Texas Tech and Baylor Oct. 29, 2022, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Justin Rex, File)

At 34, Zach Kittley is taking over as FAU’s new coach. It’s a tall order

Florida Atlantic’s Zach Kittley is the youngest head coach in major college football this season. He’s 34. And his 6-foot-7 frame makes him stand out as well. Makes sense, since turning FAU back into a winner might be a tall order. Kittley is an anomaly in a whole bunch of ways. He hasn’t played football since high school. He freely acknowledges that he’s not the best coach in his own family; his father, a track coach with more championship rings than fingers and toes, has that distinction. And not only is he taking on the task of being a first-time head coach, he’s doing so while also calling FAU’s plays.

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Florida Panthers center Brad Marchand and captain Aleksander Barkov celebrate after defeating the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Panthers found a way to keep the core together, and Zito says it was player-driven

Bill Zito looked exhausted Tuesday. The Florida Panthers’ hockey operations president and general manager was trying to schedule a fishing trip. He was trying to figure out how the next few weeks will work. He needed a nap, desperately. The good news: He can finally get a bit of a break. The Panthers are running it back next season, with all 12 of the forwards that they used in the clinching game of the Stanley Cup Final under contract for 2025-26 and in many cases long beyond. The final moves came Tuesday, when the signings of Brad Marchand and Tomas Nosek became officially official as Florida prepares to try and win a third consecutive title next season.

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Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior celebrates with teammate Gonzalo Garcia, left, after scoring his team's first goal during the Club World Cup Group H soccer match between Salzburg and Real Madrid in Philadelphia, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

US soccer great Tobin Heath hoping Club World Cup spurs more growth for game at home

Tobin Heath might know something about what makes soccer resonate within the U.S. Her resume, in part: She won NCAA titles in college at North Carolina, then went on to win two Olympic gold medals with the U.S. women’s national team and two World Cup titles as well, all coming after she was inspired by the 1999 Women’s World Cup. And so far, she thinks the Club World Cup could have a similar effect. Heath says “I know the power of these home competitions. … I know the power of these games in our country, to change the landscape of this game in our country.”

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Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) celebrates after scoring a goal during the second period of Game 3 of the NHL Stanley Cup final against the Edmonton Oilers Monday, June 9, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Sam Bennett says he’s staying in Florida with hopes Panthers turn into a dynasty

Sam Bennett could have gone to free agency and picked his landing spot, plus probably could have signed for much more money than the Florida Panthers were able to offer. Instead, he chose winning. Bennett, the reigning Conn Smythe Award winner as playoff MVP of Florida’s most recent run to the Stanley Cup, spoke out Saturday about his decision to sign an eight-year, $64 million deal with the Panthers. His reasoning was actually quite simple.

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Florida Panthers' Sam Bennett holds up the Conn Smythe Trophy during the NHL hockey team's Stanley Cup championship celebration, Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)

Playoff MVP Sam Bennett agrees on 8-year, $64 million contract to stay with Florida Panthers

Sam Bennett walked to the front of the stage at the Florida Panthers’ latest Stanley Cup championship parade, and before he could even speak the crowd began serenading him with their request. “Eight more years! Eight more years!” they chanted, over and over. They got their wish. Bennett — who led the NHL with 15 goals in this year’s playoffs and became the first Panthers player ever to score that many in a single postseason — is staying with the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions. He and Florida agreed Friday to a new eight-year contract worth $64 million, or $8 million per season.

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Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) watches the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period of Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker)

The Stanley Cup final goalie matchup: Bobrovsky and Skinner, matching wits once again

The only times that Sergei Bobrovsky spent any time really reflecting on winning the Stanley Cup were the obvious moments. The on-ice celebration that night. The day of the parade. Things like that. Otherwise, he did what he always does. He looked at what was next. It is a simple approach and it works best for the Florida goaltender, who is about to play in the Stanley Cup Final for a third consecutive season. And in this title series, he’ll likely be matching goalie wits with Stuart Skinner again — the Edmonton netminder who was in goal for last year’s Stanley Cup Final.

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Florida Panthers' Aleksander Barkov (16) skates over to accept the Prince of Wales Trophy following Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker)

Surprise! NHL, with the help of kids, gives Barkov the Selke and King Clancy awards

Florida’s Aleksander Barkov thought the team meeting was over. He found it odd that the Panthers hadn’t been told they could leave. Turns out, there was a good reason. Two of them, actually. The Panthers hadn’t had an opportunity to spend any time at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital during their playoff run, so the team decided to bring some of the patients into the team facility for a visit instead. And the kids came bearing gifts for Barkov: the Selke Trophy as the league’s top defensive forward, and the King Clancy trophy for leadership and humanitarian work.

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Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice reacts during the third period in Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals against the Carolina Hurricanes, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Florida coach Paul Maurice has Panthers back in Cup final, fueled by his mix of laughs and hard work

Florida coach Paul Maurice keeps the day-to-day routine simple. Show up for work early and have copious amounts of coffee. Trust assistant coaches to do their jobs. Sit in on meetings when needed. Hammer home a consistent message with players. Swear a little bit sometimes, swear profusely at other times. Hey, it works. In the Stanley Cup Final for a third consecutive season with the Panthers, Maurice’s style continues to deliver results for Florida. He was 41-51 in his playoff career before coming to Florida. He is 41-21 in his playoff career with Florida.

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Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) stops the puck in the third period of Game 5 of a second-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Washington Capitals Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Hurricanes go back to Frederik Andersen in net for Game 4 of East finals against Panthers

The Carolina Hurricanes switched starting goalies again for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals, going back to Frederik Andersen for Monday night’s win-or-else game against the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. Andersen started Games 1 and 2, getting pulled after the second period of Game 2. He stopped only 27 of 36 shots in those five periods, and the Hurricanes went to Pyotr Kochetkov to finish Game 2 and then play Game 3. Andersen made 20 saves and Carolina won 3-0 on Monday night.

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Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) and defenseman Brent Burns (8) celebrate at the end of the third period in Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals against the Florida Panthers, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Hurricanes avoid another sweep, stave off elimination by beating Panthers 3-0 in Game 4

Frederik Andersen returned to the net and stopped 20 shots for his fifth career playoff shutout, Logan Stankoven got the only goal Carolina needed and the Hurricanes won their first Eastern Conference finals game in nearly 20 years by beating the Florida Panthers 3-0 on Monday night to stave off elimination. Sebastian Aho and Jordan Staal got empty-netters to seal it for the Hurricanes. They had dropped 15 consecutive East finals games, getting swept in 2009, 2019 and 2023, then dropping the first three games of this matchup. No sweep this time, however. Carolina still trails the series 3-1. Game 5 is Wednesday.

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Florida Panthers' Brad Marchand (63) reacts after scoring a goal against Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov (52) during the third period in Game 3 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals Saturday, May 24, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Did Brad Marchand really have a Blizzard between periods of Game 3? It’s a delicious rumor

A controversy — a creamy, delicious one — is brewing in the Florida Panthers locker room, surrounding some potentially decadent behavior on the part of Brad Marchand during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals. The issue: Did he REALLY have ice cream after the second period Saturday night? He said he did, though it is possible that he was telling a frozen fib. Specifically, Marchand said he enjoyed a Blizzard from Dairy Queen. Coach Paul Maurice says just because Marchand said it doesn’t make it true.

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Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) is introduced before Game 3 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals against the Carolina Hurricanes Saturday, May 24, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Panthers can sweep their way back to Stanley Cup Final with a win over Hurricanes on Monday night

Brad Marchand wanted no part of the conversation. He and the Florida Panthers lead the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0 in the Eastern Conference finals. Florida is on the brink of reaching the Stanley Cup Final; it would be the Panthers’ third straight appearance in that round and Marchand’s first time in the title round since 2019. Talk of getting there, however, can wait. There’s another win to get first.

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Florida Panthers' Brad Marchand (63) reacts after scoring a goal against Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov (52) during the third period in Game 3 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals Saturday, May 24, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Hurricanes switch goalies for Game 3, starting Kochetkov over Andersen against Panthers

The Carolina Hurricanes switched goalies for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals, starting Pyotr Kochetkov in net against the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. Kochetkov played the third period of Game 2, stopping four of the five shots he faced in Carolina’s 5-0 loss. The Hurricanes were outscored 10-2 in the first two games of the series, with Frederik Andersen giving up nine goals on just 36 shots.

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The puck gets past Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov, center, on a goal scored by Florida Panthers' Aleksander Barkov during the third period in Game 3 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals Saturday, May 24, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Panthers score 5 in the 3rd period, roll past Hurricanes 6-2 and move a win away from Cup final

Niko Mikkola and Aleksander Barkov each scored twice, and the Florida Panthers scored five goals in a nine-minute span of the third period to beat the Carolina Hurricanes 6-2 on Saturday night and move one win from a third consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Final. Jesper Boqvist — playing for the injured Sam Reinhart — scored the go-ahead goal early in the third for Florida, which now leads the Eastern Conference finals 3-0. Brad Marchand also scored for the Panthers and Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 23 shots. Logan Stankoven and Seth Jarvis scored for Carolina, which has now dropped 15 consecutive East finals games

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