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Around this time last year, the Florida Panthers seemed to be at a crossroads. After posting the best regular season record in the NHL, they were swept in the second round by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Now, a year later, the Panthers are in the Stanley Cup Final, and Matthew Tkachuk is a big reason why. Today, we look at how Tkachuk — a guy who gets under his opponent's skin, and then silences them with huge goals — became both the hero, and the anti-hero, that Florida needed. Plus, why the man affectionately called “The Rat King” seemingly fits right in with the Panthers. Guest: Sean Gentille, The Athletic Read his full stories about Matthew Tkachuk here and here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Brown passed away at his home in Los Angeles last week at the age of 87. The Cleveland Browns legend and three-time NFL MVP made a name for himself as a football player, actor, and social activist, and also spent years working with gang leaders to try and prevent violence. But his reputation was also marred by a long series of domestic violence accusations. Today, how to make sense of Brown's complicated life and legacy. Guests: Steve Rushin, Sports Illustrated Dave Zirin, Author of Jim Brown: Last Man Standing See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After more than four decades of coming up short, the Denver Nuggets are finally playing in the NBA Finals for the first time. But despite a winning record in six consecutive seasons, most of those years for Denver have ended in heartbreak. Today, we look at how the Nuggets' foundation for winning has been built on a very large pile of past failures. Plus, what it will take for Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and head coach Michael Malone to bring Denver their first NBA title. Guest: Nick Kosmider, The Athletic Read his full story here  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: It’s looking like sweep season in the NHL and NBA conference finals. And Breanna Stewart flashes her MVP credentials in her home debut. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last season, the Las Vegas Aces won the WNBA championship in style, especially when it came to their post-championship celebrations. But now, with the 2023 WNBA season about to tip off, the Aces find themselves wrapped up in not one but two controversies. Today, can the Aces move beyond their off-court problems and find a way to repeat? Or will the league's newest super team, the New York Liberty, come for their crown? Guest: Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic Check out The Athletic's special WNBA coverage: "Super Squads" See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you say the name Darvin Ham to a basketball fan of a certain age, chances are they’ll think of the time he shattered a backboard playing for Texas Tech during the 1996 NCAA tournament. But what's less known about the Lakers’ first-year head coach is his life before all of this, in Saginaw, Michigan, a life that almost ended when he was just 14 years old. Today, we look at how Ham was shaped by the Midwest city he grew up in, and the tragic accident that nearly ended his life. Plus, can Ham steer the Lakers past Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets as they try to win an improbable NBA title? Guest: Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times Read his full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Jonathan Marchessault delivers with an elimination-game silencer of his own. And Todd Bowles fulfills his mother’s dream decades in the making. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last weekend, a 15:1 long shot named Mage raced to a dramatic victory at the Kentucky Derby. But that feel-good story was largely overshadowed by a series of tragic -- and in some cases mysterious -- racehorse deaths. Today, we explore what could be behind those deaths, the progress that horse racing has and hasn’t made in terms of animal welfare, and why people inside the sport often fail to see eye to eye with people outside of it. Guest: Natalie Voss, The Paulick Report See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After back-to-back 100-loss seasons, and with one of the lowest payrolls in Major League Baseball, life as a Pittsburgh Pirates fan has been pretty frustrating. However, this year, they started out as one of baseball's biggest surprises, with Bryan Reynolds and Andrew McCutchen helping to fuel a 20-8 start. Then came a recent seven-game losing streak — and fans were scratching their heads once again. Today, we look at the key factors behind the Pirates’ early success, the cause of their recent struggles, and what to make of this roller coaster season so far. Guest: Britt Ghiroli, The Athletic Read Britt's full story about the Pirates here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: The Devils bounce back to make it a series with Carolina. And college basketball’s most famous recruit finally announces where he’ll play next season.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last week, we got the long awaited — and widely expected —answer of who would go first in the NFL Draft, when the Carolina Panthers selected Alabama quarterback Bryce Young. But the questions about Young, and specifically his height (5-10 1/8), are not going away soon. Today, we dive deep into the history of undersized quarterbacks to find out why some have succeeded where many others have failed. And, as we comb through the careers of Sonny Jurgensen, Russell Wilson, and Doug Flutie (among others), we attempt to answer the question of whether Bryce Young can write his name alongside the all-time greats.  Guest: Dan Pompei, The Athletic Read his full story about Bryce Young here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Miami Heat head coach Eric Spoelstra has long been known as a fiery competitor who does not shy away from confrontations -- even with his own players. Today, with the Heat cruising through the playoffs, we explore the method to Erik Spoelstra’s madness and explain why the confrontations, along with a heavy dose of compassion, are all part of the plan. Guest: Jason Quick, The Athletic Read Jason' full story here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: The Bruins’ historic season ends with a whimper and the defending champs go down to a first timer. And a father-son phone call that will warm even the staunchest Cowboy hater’s heart.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Thursday night, the Boston Celtics — one of the favorites to win the NBA title — moved on to the Eastern Conference semifinals. But during their not-always-so-smooth first-round series against Atlanta, we got a reminder that there are still questions when it comes to their 34-year-old head coach, Joe Mazzulla, who took over after Ime Udoka’s sudden suspension in September. Today, we look at how the team’s identity on and off the floor have changed under Mazzulla’s intense leadership, and the one question that won’t go away: Is Mazzulla the right guy to lead this team to a title? Plus, a snapshot of team camaraderie through the eyes of the Celtics players who rarely get in the game — and the bus that bonds them together. Guest: Jared Weiss, The Athletic Hear Jared on the NBA Daily Ding podcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hockey fans are used to Connor McDavid being the undisputed best player in hockey. But this past season, he somehow took things to an even higher level, doing things that haven't been done since the 1980s. Today, how McDavid’s evolution off the ice has helped him reach new heights on it -- and how his growth can be traced, at least in part, to a six-year-old boy. Plus, what stands between McDavid and a highly coveted first Stanley Cup. Guest: Daniel Nugent-Bowman, The Athletic Read Daniel's original story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Steph Curry manages to avoid his own Chris Webber moment. And after more than decade, a career minor leaguer finally gets to The Show. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So far this season, the Seattle Mariners have been getting big production from a former top prospect who roams their outfield. But if you're thinking of reigning AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez — think again. The guy who's been stealing the spotlight in Seattle so far is Jarred Kelenic. The 23-year-old came to Seattle in a blockbuster trade five years ago, but up until now, he has looked like a bust at the big league level. Today, we dig into the reasons behind Kelenic’s rapid rise, and whether this early season surge is for real. Guest: Corey Brock, The Athletic Read his stories on Kelenic here and here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alyssa Thompson's incredible soccer talent has already made her look like a future global star, even though she's just 18 years old. And her path to greatness, which included becoming the first girl to play on an MLS Next boys academy team (along with her sister, Giselle), has changed minds -- and the way that youth soccer clubs operate. Guest: Gwen Oxenham Read Gwen's full story about Alyssa Thompson in Sports Illustrated here Check out Gwen's new book, Pride Of A Nation and her podcast, Hustle Rule See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Two of hockey’s greatest rivals produce another in epic championship final. And A Yankees ace continues his electric start. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When the NBA playoffs get underway on Saturday, basketball fans will be witnessing history, as the Golden State Warriors are playing the Sacramento Kings in the postseason for the first time ever. These two teams famously share the same highway — the I-80 — but they took very different roads to get here. The Kings emerged as an offensive juggernaut under their defensive-minded head coach, Mike Brown, while the reigning NBA champs, the Warriors, had to fight just to avoid the play-in tournament. Today, we break down the key factors that could decide the series, including De’Aaron Fox’s knack for thriving in the clutch, and just how ready Andrew Wiggins will be after a long layoff for Golden State. Guest: Anthony Slater, The Athletic Read his full series preview here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.