Team USA men’s hockey honored the late Johnny Gaudreau on Sunday as players carried his jersey and his children onto the ice as they celebrated a gold medal win at the Olympics.
Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were killed by an alleged drunk driver in New Jersey in August 2024. They were in town for their sister’s wedding. The former Columbus Blue Jackets player likely would have been on the team if it wasn’t for the tragedy.
United States’ Dylan Larkin (21) holds Johnny, the son of the late player Johnny Gaudreau while posing with teammates after a men’s ice hockey gold medal game between Canada and the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
United States’ Matthew Tkachuk (19) carries Noa Gaudreau, following a men’s ice hockey gold medal game between Canada and the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Katie Gaudreau appeared on Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends” and thanked the team for what they did.
“Team USA really went above and beyond. It meant the world,” she said Monday. “Even just having his jersey out when Matthew (Tkachuk) went out with his jersey round-to-round with the jersey. It really meant a lot. And we thought it was just going to end there.
“And then I remember watching the jersey when they were giving out the gold medals and thinking, ‘Wow, it’s still there,’ and as the celebration went on, when they went to do the picture, they stopped for a little bit. We were like, ‘What are they doing? What are they doing?’ And I thought I heard them say earlier, ‘There’s Meredith in the crowd,’ and when they went and got Johnny (Junior) on his second birthday and Noa, it truly meant the world to us because, honestly, this is what John wanted for his children. He wanted them to experience these experiences, these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that he worked so hard for.”
Team USA pose for group photo Johnny Gaudreau’s children during the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and United States on day sixteen of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy.(RvS.Media/Monika Majer/Getty Images)
Team USA won the game, 2-1, thanks to Jack Hughes’ score in overtime. Canada missed out on a handful of chances to bust the game open.
Katie Gaudreau said she thought there may have been some kind of divine intervention for Canada to have missed some of the opportunities they had.
“They would be very proud. They like a nail-biter, so they probably would’ve been chirping everyone. But they would’ve been proud,” she said. “I think there were a couple goals that … they might have had a little help in saving. They didn’t go in. There was a couple times I was watching, ‘How did that not go in?’ I think they might have had some help behind the net. They were never quite defensive so I don’t know if they woulda made their way back in the defensive zone to stop that puck.”
She added that the grief of losing her brothers was still there, but thanks to the hockey community, she and her family have been able to take it day by day.
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“There’s no processing. We’re still taking it day by day,” she said. “But because of the help of the hockey community and really North America as a whole, we’ve been able to go one step everyday further and I’m so thankful for the community’s help. No parent, wife, sister, children should ever have to experience this tragedy.
Auston Matthews (34) of the United States, Zach Werenski (8) of the United States and Matthew Tkachuk (19) of the United States hold up the jersey of John Gaudreau after defeating Canada in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 22, 2026.(Amber Searls/Imagn Images)
“The fact that we’re still here and taking it step by step to honor the boys and their legacy is really in thanks to the community and things like Team USA and what they did yesterday. Just the outpour of love and support for John’s kids, Matthew’s trip, it’s truly incredible what this community can really do.”
Brentford boss Keith Andrews hailed Igor Thiago as a “very special player” after he backed up his Brazil debut with a record-breaking brace in a 2-2 draw with fellow European hopefuls Everton.
Striker Thiago became the Bees’ all-time leading scorer in a single Premier League season by taking his tally to 21 with an early penalty and a fortuitous 77th-minute finish.
Brentford were ultimately frustrated as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall levelled in added time at the Gtech Community Stadium after Beto headed Everton’s initial equaliser.
Thiago joined the Bees in a club-record £30million deal from Belgian side Club Brugge in 2024 but missed most of last term due to injury.
“The biggest thing for Thiago this season was staying fit and playing as many minutes as he has,” said Andrews. “We always knew he had brilliant attributes.
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“The goals get all the attention but his overall performance levels continue to get better and better and he’s constantly evolving his game.
“He’s proving to be a very, very special player.”
Thiago converted from the spot in the third minute following Jordan Pickford’s foul on Kevin Schade to move alongside Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo as Brentford players to have scored 20 goals in a Premier League campaign.
The 24-year-old, who registered a hat-trick in his side’s 4-2 win at Everton in January, then claimed a small piece of history by deflecting home Michael Kayode’s shot.
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Thiago won his first Brazil cap in a 2-1 friendly defeat to France on March 26 before scoring a penalty in a 3-1 win over Croatia on April 1.
“He was in a pretty good place before he left (for international duty),” said Andrews. “He’s grown as the season has gone on, naturally with the journey he’s been on.
“The dream of playing for your country, quite an iconic jersey to wear, was special for all of us and I think he is on cloud nine, there’s no doubt about that.
“Hopefully that can continue for the rest of the season and beyond.”
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The two sides remain firmly in the mix for continental qualification but each missed the chance to pile pressure on Liverpool and Chelsea in the battle to secure Champions League football through a top-five finish.
Brentford stay seventh after edging on to 47 points following a fourth consecutive league draw, with eighth-placed Everton below on goal difference ahead of next weekend’s Merseyside derby.
Speaking about the late leveller, Andrews said: “Unfortunately we couldn’t quite manage those last few moments to see out what I feel would have been a well-deserved win.”
Dewsbury-Hall’s crucial strike was his seventh Everton goal since joining from Chelsea.
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Toffees boss David Moyes said: “Kiernan has been so good for us. From last season there are not many changes but Kiernan has come in and helped us greatly.
“His goals have been hugely important. When I was signing him, when I was speaking with him, he did say, ‘I’ll score goals if I’m played in the right way’.
“He’s scored goals, he’s contributed to the performances, so we’ve been really impressed with Kiernan.
“I’m pleased to get a draw out of the game because it looked as if it wasn’t going to be the case. It’s a tough place to come, taking a point from here is not the worst result.”
Alexander Zverev went down at the Monte-Carlo Masters, losing to Jannik Sinner in a tepid display. He could only muster four games in the 6-1, 6-4 loss. Emotions understandably ran high in the match for the German, who even had an outburst mid-match.
Turning to his box, he lameted that he did not know what to do to win points against Sinner on the given day.
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“I don’t know how to play him today”, Alexander Zverev could be heard telling his box.
Zverev found himself on the back foot of the encounter right from the start. He never got a look at the breakpoint, while also struggling to win easy points behind his own serve as well. The usually big-serving German lost his serve on four occasions in the match and was unable to hit any ace in the match.
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With this defeat, Zverev has now gone down 4-9 in his win-loss record against Sinner. The Italian has dominated the rivalry in recent times, winning their last eight matches. In those wins, Sinner has dropped on one set against his opponent.
“I felt really solid from the beginning” – Jannik Sinner after beating Alexander Zverev at Monte-Carlo Masters
Jannik Sinner at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. (Source: Getty)
Jannik Sinner reflected positively on his win over Alexander Zverev in the Monte-Carlo Masters, saying he was feeling solid from the get-go. He also expressed satisfaction with the way his game as come together on clay given that he has worked on particular aspects right before the red dirt swing.
“I’m very happy. We came here trying to give myself some feedback [on clay] and now finding myself in the final means a lot to me,” Jannik Sinner said. “Obviously every match, every day is different, so I’m very happy about today’s performance. I felt really solid from the beginning. When you are a break up straightaway, it changes the dynamic of the match, so very happy and let’s see what’s coming in the final.”
The Italian looked ahead at the final with optimism, saying he was going in with nothing to lose. He added he was expecting a tough fight from World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz.
“I have nothing to lose. Coming here and making the final means a lot to me, so of course I will try to push as much as I can tomorrow on the last day,” Jannik Sinner said. “Now the most important thing is to rest. It was a good performance from my side, and tomorrow is going to be a tough one.
Alcaraz and Sinner will clash in the Monte-Carlo Masters final on Sunday. The Spaniard had beaten home hope Valentin Vacherot in his semifinal encounter 6-4, 6-4.
It took Rory McIlroy 17 attempts to win his first Green Jacket, finally breaking through last year. He is wasting no time in trying to win his second Masters title.
McIlroy, 36, shot a Friday-low 65 to move to 12-under and take a six-shot lead into Saturday. His six-shot lead is the largest second-round lead in Masters history.
McIlroy is just the fourth defending champion to hold the 36-hole lead the year after his victory. Arnold Palmer did it three times (1959, 1961, 1965), while Ian Woosnam (1992) and Jordan Spieth (2016) did it once.
Rory McIlroy waves after his putt on the 13th hole during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, on April 10, 2026.(Matt Slocum/AP Photo)
McIlroy is vying to become the fourth player to win the Masters in two straight years. Jack Nicklaus did it in 1965-66, Nick Faldo in 1989-90, and Tiger Woods in 2001-02.
The world No. 2 ended his second round by birdieing six of his last seven holes. Throughout the tournament, McIlroy has parred 18 holes, birdied 15 and recorded just three bogeys.
McIlroy said he is going to try to keep his foot on the gas.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland celebrates after a putt on the 16th hole during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, on April 10, 2026.(Ashley Landis/AP Photo)
“Look, I’ve built up a nice cushion at this point,” McIlroy said. “I guess my mindset is just trying to keep playing well and keeping my foot on the gas.”
Sam Burns and Patrick Reed are tied for second, both at 6 under. Justin Rose, who McIlroy defeated in a thrilling playoff last year to win the Masters, is in a tie for fourth place at 5 under.
Rory McIlroy watches his tee shot on the 12th hole during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, on April 10, 2026.(Eric Gay/AP Photo)
McIlroy is in the final pairing, alongside Burns, and will tee off at 2:50 p.m. ET on Saturday. To keep his mind off golf, he will watch some tennis ahead of his tee time.
“There’s actually two really good semifinals at Monte Carlo in the tennis. So I’ll watch that,” McIlroy said. “We’ve been watching the tennis early in the mornings.”
Jan 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter looks on from the sideline during the third quarter against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings embark on the NFL draft in 12 days, and if they are in the market for it — maybe, maybe not — the club can use existing draft picks or veteran players in trade arrangements. Minnesota could even net some big fish, with this article examining the possibilities.
Minnesota has a few splashy trade paths if it wants to think bigger.
The unofficial trade block has quite a few names right now; here’s who could realistically land with the Vikings.
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Three Bold Trade Scenarios Could Rattle the Vikings’ Draft
A look at the big splash opportunities.
Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) celebrates after a touchdown on Dec 3, 2023, at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, during a game against the Washington Commanders. Achane’s burst and playmaking ability were on display as he helped fuel Miami’s offense in the second half of a high-scoring performance. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports.
1. De’Von Achane | RB, MIA
What a Deal Might Look Like for Achane: Vikings Get: De’Von Achane | Pick 151 (R6) Dolphins Get: Pick 49 (Round 2)
This man recently skipped the Dolphins’ voluntary spring workouts, setting the stage for a possible contractual holdout in the summer. How do holdouts often end? Via trade.
Achane has consistently increased his production each year. As a rookie, he recorded 997 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns, which improved to 1,499 yards and 12 scores in 2024. Last season, he continued this trend with 1,838 yards and another 12 touchdowns.
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This upward trajectory suggests that a 2,000-yard season from scrimmage is attainable, especially within a fully optimized 2026 offense. Achane will be 25 in October, putting him squarely in his prime, with several high-level seasons likely ahead.
Furthermore, there’s a direct connection to Minnesota. Vikings assistant head coach Frank Smith spent four seasons in Miami under Mike McDaniel and contributed to Achane’s development. This familiarity is significant when assessing fit. potential usage, and most importantly, trade realism.
If Achane were to become available, Minnesota’s existing connection would likely place them at the forefront of potential suitors.
2. Jalen Carter | DT, PHI
What a Deal Might Look Like for Carter: Vikings Get: Jalen Carter Eagles Get: Jonathan Greenard | Pick No. 49 (R2)
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The Eagles need outside linebackers. The Vikings have three. The Vikings need defensive tackles. The Eagles have three.
The Eagles may not be able to afford Carter’s extension. The Vikings may not be able to afford Jonathan Greenard’s extension. Here, Howie Roseman and Rob Brzezinski solve each other’s problems.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) walks off the field after an ejection on Sep 4, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during a game against the Dallas Cowboys. The moment unfolded in the first quarter, drawing attention as Carter exited early in a divisional matchup. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images.
Carter has logged this Pro Football Focus resume since 2022:
2025: 55.1 2024: 73.3 2023: 87.4
Before the slight 2025 downturn, Carter was steady as they come at defensive tackle, and in theory, the Vikings could use their 18th overall pick on an EDGE replacement — like Auburn’s Keldric Faulk.
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Proposed defensive front in 2026:
OLB: Andrew Van Ginkel DT: Jalen Redmond DT: Jalen Carter OLB: Dallas Turner OLB: Keldric Faulk
It’d work.
Pro Football Talk‘s Mike Florio noted on Carter’s trade availability last month, “Whenever word emerges that a team is receiving possible trade calls about any player, there’s an important question to ask: Is the team subtly getting the word out that the player is available, in the hopes of getting more calls and, in turn, driving up the market?”
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“Carter is currently eligible for a new contract. He’s owed $3.723 million for the coming season. With defensive tackle Jordan Davis getting a three-year extension at a new-money average of $26 million per year on Saturday, it’s possible the Eagles have made a choice as to which one of the two will be paid — and which one could be moved.”
3. Dexter Lawrence | DT, NYG
What a Deal Might Look Like for Lawrence: Vikings Get: Dexter Lawrence Giants Get: Pick No. 49 (R2) | Pick No. 163 (R5)
Dexter Lawrence is a sure thing option; Dexter Lawrence requested a trade this week.
At 28 years old, he’s already established himself as a dominant force on the defensive line, banking 30.5 sacks, 103 quarterback hits, 40 tackles for loss, and 15 forced fumbles in 109 career games. A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro selection, he is the type of defensive tackle that opposing offenses must account for on every play.
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New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) celebrates during the second quarter on Aug 29, 2021, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in a game against the New England Patriots. Lawrence’s energy and presence in the middle stood out as he reacted to a defensive sequence during the preseason contest. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports.
Therefore, his trade request on Monday sent shockwaves across the league. Widely regarded as the NFL’s premier nose tackle and arguably a top defensive tackle overall, a player of his caliber entering the market could immediately reset the competitive landscape.
For the Vikings, acquiring him seems an obvious move: instead of gambling on unproven talent, they could secure a proven difference-maker in the trenches.
He’ll turn 29 this season, and Minnesota already possesses one of the league’s oldest rosters heading into 2026. While acquiring him would undoubtedly elevate their immediate performance, it would also further age the team.
It’s Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave out, and Lawrence in.
MULLANPUR: In a game dominated by big hits and rapid shifts in momentum, it was a quieter moment of trust that stood out. Shreyas Iyer, reading the situation rather than the script, turned to part-timer Shashank Singh for an over at a time when Sunrisers openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head were taking apart the frontline Punjab bowlers with ease. It wasn’t the most obvious move in a high-scoring contest, but it reflected a captain willing to back instinct and a player ready to take responsibility. That brief exchange in the middle overs, as Iyer would later explain, ended up shaping the course of the game. “All of us came together, and Shashank approached me and said, ‘give me an over’. Ricky Ponting came and asked me, ‘what’s your thoughts? I said, ‘I’ll go with Shashank.’ I needed someone to take the pace off,” Iyer said, recalling the moment that shifted momentum. That faith was rewarded instantly as Shashank sent back both the Sunrisers openers. “He lived up to my expectations; he lived up to what he said, kudos to him. At the end of the day, we all know we’ve got the skills. All we need is a strong mindset,” Iyer added. We’re missing Cummins: Aaron Sunrisers Hyderabad bowling coach Varun Aaron struck a measured tone as he addressed the twin realities that shaped his side’s outing against Punjab Kings. One, the absence of regular captain and premier fast bowler Pat Cummins; the other, an innings that promised more than it ultimately delivered. “There’s no two ways that we’re missing Pat (Cummins),” Aaron said, underlining the void left by the Australian quick. “We’re obviously missing him because he is one of the best fast bowlers in the world. He’s been on top of his game for a while now. And he’s somebody who can get us wickets with the new ball, in the middle, and even at the death.” “I’m sure he is going to be back soon and join the team,” Aaron added. If that was one part of the story, the other lay in how Sunrisers’ innings tapered after a flying start. “The way we started, we thought we would get a few more runs. There’s no two ways about it that we were some runs short,” Aaron admitted. “But you have to understand that even the opponents have come to play. They bowled really well through that middle phase, hit their lengths well and didn’t make it easy for our batsmen.”
Despite winning two MVP awards, Lamar Jackson still has his fair share of critics.
Fresh off yet another playoff disappointment, the Baltimore Ravens quarterback had arguably the worst season of his career last year.
It was the first time he finished under .500 as a starter and the first time since 2021 he was not in the playoffs after the season came down to a field goal attempt.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on Sept. 7, 2025.(Mark Konezny/Imagn Images)
Perhaps the doubters were on Jackson’s mind earlier this week because he issued a faith-filled message toward them on X.
“Instead of trying to bring me down, ask GOD to bring you up,” Jackson wrote with emojis of praying hands, a purple heart, and an army helmet. “#JESUSCHRISTKINGOFKINGS.”
Jackson missed four games with a hamstring injury that appeared to affect him for most of the year. His 2,549 passing yards were the third-lowest mark of his career, while he only rushed for 349 yards, the lowest he’s ever had.
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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) leaves the field after a win over the Cincinnati Bengals in an NFL football game. The game took place in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Dec. 14, 2025.(Carolyn Kaster/AP)
The quarterback has shared several faithful messages this week, including wearing an “I LOVE JESUS” hoodie. Many of Jackson’s reposts on X show his faith.
Jackson will have a new head coach this season after his Ravens fired John Harbaugh following 18 seasons. Jesse Minter was hired after being the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, who are coached by Harbaugh’s brother, Jim.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Florida.(Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Welcome to Play Smart, a regular GOLF.com game-improvement column that will help you become a smarter, better golfer.
One of the coolest things about the Masters (for golf-swing nerds, at least) is the Range Tracker feature on Masters.com. With it, you can track every ball hit by every player in the field all week long.
The information is a useful insight into how pro golfers spend their practice time on the range. And also, how many balls they hit to warm up before competition rounds.
When recreational golfers get to the course before their rounds, they seldom have a plan. Some might wander around the pro shop checking out merch, while others head for the grill to grab a hot dog or beverage. Few will go to the range for a proper warmup — and even fewer will have a plan once they get there.
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The story is quite the opposite for pro golfers. Seemingly every minute of their day prior to their tee time is scheduled out. And it’s not just for show. Pro golfers know that putting together a solid round of golf starts well before they strike their opening tee shots. With the Masters Range Tracker feature, we can see this play out in real time.
Dug into the Range Tracker data to see how many balls players hit to warmup.
Least: Vijay Singh (8 balls Rd1, 16 Rd2) Most: Gary Woodland (63 Rd1, 94 Rd2) Most consistent: Kurt Kitayama (40 Rd1&2); Ryan Gerard (28 Rd 1&2) Least consistent: Jose Maria Olazabal (30 Rd1, 76 Rd2)
After tracking the number of range balls hit by every player in the field before their Thursday and Friday rounds at the 2026 Masters, the average comes out to 43 balls per warmup. While this figure doesn’t account for time spent in the short-game area or on the putting green, it offers a useful snapshot of how many full swings pros typically make before a competitive round.
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Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all warmup routine in golf. Still, this average provides helpful context. Hitting just over 40 balls allows players to loosen up and get a feel for their swing on a given day — without overdoing it and risking fatigue before they even reach the 1st tee.
The data also reveals some notable outliers. For instance, 2000 Masters champion Vijay Singh hit just eight balls before his Thursday round and 16 before Friday. At the other end of the spectrum, Gary Woodland hit 63 balls ahead of his opening round and 94 before his second.
Ultimately, there’s more than one way to get ready for a round of golf. The key is finding a routine that works for you and committing to it every time you step onto the course.
Rangers visit Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership on the final day of the 2025-26 season, hoping to keep their title dream alive. Currently trailing leaders Heart of Midlothian by a point, the Light Blues are in second place in the league standings.
They need to win the game here and also hope that Hearts drop points at home to Motherwell in the other game to be crowned Scottish champions.
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Since winning the title in the 2020-21 season, the Glasgow outfit have finished second in each of the next five campaigns, and this could be the sixth in a row.
Despite a strong run, Rangers never occupied the first position of the Scottish Premiership at any point in the season and will require a last-day miracle for that to happen on Sunday.
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They come into the fixture on the back of a three-game winning streak in the league, with their recent two being big wins over Aberdeen (4-1) and Dundee United (4-2).
As for Falkirk, the Bairns are in sixth place in the standings, having accrued 46 points from 32 games and making a good impression upon returning to the top division after a gap of five years. They’ve won only 13 times in the season, with the last one coming in their latest clash against Motherwell, as Falkirk won 3-2.
Falkirk vs Rangers Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
There have been 56 clashes between the sides in the past, with a mammoth 44 wins going to Rangers, who have lost to Falkirk only four times in history.
Their most recent two clashes, though, have ended in a stalemate: 1-1 in October 2025 and 0-0 in November 2025.
Falkirk’s last win over Rangers came in 2016, winning 3-2 at home in a Championship fixture.
Falkirk have failed to score in three of their last six encounters with Rangers.
Rangers have won their last three Scottish Premiership games in a row and remain unbeaten in their last 14.
Falkirk vs Rangers Prediction
Rangers boast a dominant record in the fixture, having won over 90% of their games against Falkirk.
Based on the blistering form they are in right now, the Bairns should be able to cruise through this fixture without any hassle.
Berube also added that no surgery is required for the players. All three players were injured during Wednesday’s loss to Washington.
However, Berube noted that Stolarz’s injury is serious enough that it may impact his off-season.
Stolarz exited the Capitals game in pain due to a lower-body injury suffered after making a save.
The 32-year-old goalie has been plagued by injuries throughout his entire career, and was limited to just 26 contests this season after appearing in a career-high 34 last season.
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Stolarz posted an .893 save percentage and 3.28 goals-against average this season, and signed a four-year, $15-million extension that kicks in July 1.
Joshua also suffered an upper-body injury after crashing into the boards following a collision with Rasmus Sandin in the second period.
The 29-year-old, who was acquired in the off-season from Vancouver, totalled 10 goals and eight assists this year. He played in only 55 games, though, as he also dealt with injuries early in the season.
Carlo, meanwhile, suffered a lower-body injury. The 29-year-old’s play has been under a microscope all season due to the exorbitant price the Maple Leafs paid for his services at the trade deadline last season.
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He has seven assists in 55 games this season, and registered 10 total points – all assists – in 88 combined regular season and playoff contests with Toronto over the last year-and-a-half.
The Maple Leafs host the Florida Panthers on Saturday (7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. CT, Sportsnet+) in a battle for last place in the Atlantic Division.
Valentin Vacherot created history on Friday as he became the first Monegasque player at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters to reach the semi-finals after defeating Alex de Minaur in the fifth seed after a gruelling 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. Following the victory, Vacherot’s girlfriend Emily Snyyder shared a romantic moment with the Monégasque star that she shared on her socials. The 27-year-old will be facing Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals in the Principality.
“It is such an honour to be part of the semi-finals with the three best players of the past few years…I can’t wait to play Carlos tomorrow in my hometown, it is amazing.” – Vacherot commented on his upcoming SF matchup against regning World No. 1 at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.
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When Valentin Vacherot marked a career milestone on Friday, his partner Emily was by his side. Soon after his victory, the couple shared a celebratory kiss, which she later posted on her social media, accompanied by an emotional reaction.
Valentin Vacherot shares romantic moment with his girlfriend Emily Snyder after historic win in the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters QF game
Subsequently, Emily shared two other moments from Vacherot’s historic run with heartwarming captions. One of the posts captures the tennis star’s family’s reaction to his magnificent quarter-final win, whereas the other captures Vacherot’s post-game moment.
Valentin Vacherot’s girlfriend Emily shares celebratory moments after quarter final victory at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters
“ABSOLUTE CINEMA” – Valentin Vacherot’s girlfriend Emily captioned her post on IG.
After Valentin Vacherot bagged the Rolex Shanghai Masters title last September, Emily has been his biggest cheerleader. Friday’s victory is marked as extremely special for the couple, as the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters venue happens to be within walking distance of where their love story began four years ago.
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Valentin Vacherot climbs up to No. 17 in PIF ATP live rankings as he is set to face World No. 1 in SF at the Monte-Carlo Masters
Valentin has been on a roll since he bagged three-set victories against Hubert Hurkacz Juan, and Manuel Cerundolo earlier this week, while he crushed a big win against fourth seed Lorenzo Musetti in three straight sets. The Monégasque star played red-hot tennis and secured runs just eight months after his dominating triumph in Shanghai.
“All the guys in the crowd chanting, they are my best friends from when I was nine, 10 years old. It is rare for a player to have this chance to have this many people around. The members sat in the boxes. I am so lucky to have a tournament in my club.” – Vacherot spoke in an emotional moment.
Vacherot now turns his focus to the upcoming semi-final, where he will be facing the reigning World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz at the Monte-Carlo Masters
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