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Lightning Stop Coyotes Behind Vasilevskiy’s First Shutout

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Tampa Bay Lightning's Steven Stamkos and Andrei Vasilevskiy celebrate a goal against the Arizona Coyotes at Amalie Arena Thursday, January 9, 2019. Photo: NHL.

TAMPA BAY, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – Tampa Bay goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy recorded his first shutout of the season and the Lightning strolled to their ninth consecutive win by skating past the Arizona Coyotes, 4-0, at Amalie Arena on Thursday night.

The Lightning goalie has seen less pucks come his way during the streak because a gritty Tampa Bay forecheck has been in the grills of opponents’ offense while disallowing scoring opportunities that were available early in the season.

“It’s been a while,” acknowledged Vasilevskiy of the shutout, which was the19th of his career. “We played pretty well–all 60 minutes. We had some games in the past where we had shutouts, but give up late goals. We played really well and the whole team deserves credit.”

Vasilevskiy has been in a zone in the last month. He hasn’t lost a game in regulation since December 14, 2019 against Washington.

“He’s been playing really well,” noted Lightning coach John Cooper. “We’ve gone halfway through the year without one [a shutout] and it was bound to come at some point. He made some good saves. A big break away save. You need to get those to pitch a shut out and he did.”

Tampa Bay outshot the Coyotes, 34-25, as the 25 shots on goal gave Vasilevskiy only 48 looks in the last two games.

“We’ve talked to him about the things you have to do to keep yourself in the game if you’re not seeing the shots volume,” said Cooper. “Between TV timeouts and doing things to keep your focus–in the end, the goalies like wins.”

Nikita Kucherov scored two goals and Cedric Paquette, Pat Maroon, and Steven Stamkos had two assists as the Lightning continued its offensive assault that has been paramount in the streak.

“It wasn’t going to be easy against an opponent that defends well,” said Stamkos. “We’ve been on this streak for a reason. We are playing well and playing the right way. I thought we may have had our best performance of the year as we were moving our feet and back checking and allowing our defense to get a good gap. We had pucks and put them to the net and scored some goals.”

Alex Killorn tallied the Lightning’s first goal at 15:06 in the first period when he dug the puck past Coyotes goalie Adin Hill. It was his 18th of the season thanks to him pressuring Hill on the doorstep of the right crease.

Mikhail Sergachev scored the second Lightning marker at 18:24 in the first when he tried to feed Paquette, who was flying in the lane. The pass went off Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle’s stick and into the net. Since the puck did not touch Paquette, Sergachev was credited with his third goal of the season.

Stamkos assisted the two Lightning goals in the second period as Nikita Kucherov scored off a wrist shot on the right wing at 6:15 and then subsequently tallied his second goal of the evening at 8:52. Brayden Point also assisted the first Kucherov goal and then Jan Rutta was the second assister on his second score.

“Obviously, there are some skilled guys on the line,” said Stamkos. “We are best at skating and using our skills after that. In the second period, we got some good looks and capitalized.”

For Vasilevskiy, he has won seven straight starts and is four wins away from matching the longest goalie win streak in franchise history, which is 11 consecutive wins by Louis Domingue last season from Nov. 29, 2018 to Feb. 19, 2019.

“Anytime you get a chance to get a shutout for the goalie, you want them,” commented Stamkos. “He has battled all year and is hard on himself and has been excellent during this streak. You don’t win without elite goal tending and he was elite tonight.”

Tampa Bay looks for that record-setting 10th straight win on Saturday evening when they visit the Philadelphia Flyers.

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Ken Cross is a sports contributor for Florida National News. | info@floridanationalnews.com

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Jacksonville

Jaguars Blowout the Browns 34-10

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Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0) beat the Cleveland Browns (0-1) 34-10 at EverBank Stadium today. The Jags scored early and often in this dominant victory over Cleveland, extending their winning streak to nine games, which is now the second-longest regular season winning streak in franchise history.

Browns QB Deshaun Watson entered this game 7-0 against the Jaguars. This was also his first game since October 20, 2024, when he ruptured his Achilles tendon. Watson’s first drive of the game was ended by a Foye Oluokun interception. The Jaguars first drive ended with a 30 yard touchdown pass by QB Trevor Lawrence to WR Parker Washington, with K Cam Little adding the extra point, to put the Jags ahead 7-0. The Jags added another score on their next drive, as Lawrence had his 100th career touchdown pass, a 4 yard completion to WR Josh Cameron, for Cameron’s first career TD reception. Little added the XP, to put the Jags up 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.

The Jaguars next possession in the second quarter ended with a 47 yard field goal by Little, extending the Jaguars lead 17-0. On the Browns’ next possession, the Jags forced a fumble by WR KC Concepcion Jr., which was recovered by DE Josh Hines-Allen. Five plays later, Lawrence later completed a 14 yard touchdown pass to TE Brenton Strange, followed by another Little extra point, as the Jags moved ahead 24-0, which remained the score at halftime.

The Jaguars’ first possession of the third quarter ended with another score, as Lawrence found WR Jakobi Meyers in the end zone, completing a 32 yard pass, followed by another XP by Little. The Jags now led 31-0. The Browns finally put points on the board on their next drive, with a 26 yard field goal by K Andre Szmyt, reducing the deficit to 31-3. Little added a 40 yard field goal, putting the Jags ahead 34-3 at the end of the quarter.

Nick Mullens entered the game at Quarterback for the Jags about midway through the fourth quarter. Trevor Lawrence left the game with a QB rating of 150.6, his highest ever. The Browns did manage a 46 yard touchdown pass by Watston to WR Denzel Boston just after the two-minute warning, followed by Szmyt’s XP, making the final score 34-10.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 245 passing yards and 4 TDs. Bhayshul Tuten led the Jaguars’ rushing with 66 yards. Parker Washington was the leading receiver with 83 yards and 1 TD.

Trevor Lawrence also became only the fourth player in NFL history to record at least 100 passing touchdowns and 20 rushing touchdowns before turning 27 years old. The first three were Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Cam Newton.

Today’s game also marked the return of WR/CB Travis Hunter, who missed 10 games last season with a torn LCL.

The Jaguars’ stadium renovations also continue all season long, with the team playing in Orlando’s Camping World Stadium for the 2027 season. For an update on this construction project, visit https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdPBZU-BqKC/?stkn=a2lrcXViMmx0aWJ5.

The Jaguars head west to Denver to play the Broncos on Sunday, September 20th at 4:05 p.m. EST. They return to EverBank to play the New England Patriots on Sunday, September 27th at 1:00 p.m. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

 

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Central Florida News

2027 Arnold Palmer Invitational Tickets Go on Sale With Exclusive Mastercard Presale

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General public ticket sales begin Sept. 17 for Central Florida’s signature PGA TOUR event at Bay Hill

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Golf fans can begin making plans for the 2027 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, with tickets and upgraded fan experiences now available exclusively to Mastercard cardholders ahead of next week’s general public sale.

The Mastercard presale began Sept. 10, a date that would have marked golf legend Arnold Palmer’s 97th birthday. The tournament returns March 18-21, 2027, to Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando.

Tickets for the general public go on sale Thursday, Sept. 17.

Ticket Prices Start at $40

General admission tickets start at $40 for Tuesday and Wednesday practice rounds. Thursday tickets begin at $85, while admission Friday through Sunday starts at $99.

Prices are before fees and are subject to change.

Mastercard cardholders can save 10% on ticket purchases, excluding taxes, when paying with a Mastercard.

“We strive to create unique experiences at all price points,” Tournament Director Drew Donovan said. “From our special events to our premium experiences, there is something for everyone.”

Donovan said spectators can choose from experiences ranging from Bay Hill Clubhouse access at The Orange Grove to front-row viewing at the Michelob Ultra Fan Deck and the premium Lakehouse experience.

Premium Fan Experiences Return to Bay Hill

The Orange Grove returns in 2027 with enhanced amenities, including access to the Bay Hill Clubhouse. The all-inclusive experience features tournament grounds admission, daily clubhouse access, entry to Arnie’s at the Orange Grove, food and beverages, private greenside seating at No. 9 and parking with the four-day Tournament Experience package.

The Michelob Ultra Fan Deck, located between the 15th green and 16th tee, also returns following a full rebrand. The venue features upgraded concessions, a large live video wall and front-row views of players competing at No. 16. Fan Deck tickets, including grounds admission, start at $150.

The Lakehouse returns after selling out in each of its first two years, including an even faster sellout in 2026.

Tournament organizers also plan to bring back Wine & Dine on 9, Birdies & BBQ and Throwback Thursday presented by Corkcicle. All three events sold out last year. Dates, prices and additional details are expected to be announced later.

Akshay Bhatia Set to Defend Title

Defending champion Akshay Bhatia is expected to return to Bay Hill following a career-best year and will compete for a share of the tournament’s elevated $20 million purse.

The 2027 field is expected to once again feature many of the world’s leading golfers competing for one of the PGA TOUR’s most prestigious titles. Additional player commitments will be announced closer to tournament week.

Continuing Arnold Palmer’s Legacy

The Arnold Palmer Invitational has become one of Central Florida’s signature sporting events while preserving Palmer’s influence on professional golf and the Orlando community.

Proceeds benefit the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation and its work supporting children’s health, character development and nature-focused wellness initiatives.

The tournament will be played March 18-21, 2027, at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando.

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Central Florida News

Buccaneers-Bengals Injury Report: Jalen McMillan, Justin Skule, Sean Tucker Doubtful

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Tampa Bay lists three players as doubtful, while linebacker Christian Rozeboom is questionable ahead of matchup with Cincinnati

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be without three players when they face the Cincinnati Bengals, with wide receiver Jalen McMillan, offensive tackle Justin Skule and running back Sean Tucker listed as doubtful on Friday’s final injury report.

Linebacker Christian Rozeboom is questionable with a foot injury, while outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr., wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and guard Billy Schrauth carry no game-status designation after finishing the practice week as full participants.

Three Buccaneers Listed as Doubtful

McMillan, who is dealing with a knee injury, was limited in practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday before receiving a doubtful designation.

Skule followed the same practice pattern while dealing with an oblique injury. Tucker did not practice Wednesday because of a hamstring injury before returning as a limited participant Thursday and Friday. Both are also listed as doubtful.

Rozeboom was limited throughout the week with a foot injury and is questionable.

Bain progressed from limited participation Wednesday to full participation Thursday and Friday despite a shoulder injury. Egbuka, who is dealing with a toe injury, and Schrauth, who has a knee injury, were full participants throughout the week. None of the three received a game-status designation.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Injury Report

PlayerPos.InjuryWednesdayThursdayFridayStatus
Jalen McMillanWRKneeLimitedLimitedLimitedDoubtful
Justin SkuleTObliqueLimitedLimitedLimitedDoubtful
Sean TuckerRBHamstringDNPLimitedLimitedDoubtful
Christian RozeboomLBFootLimitedLimitedLimitedQuestionable
Rueben Bain Jr.OLBShoulderLimitedFullFull
Emeka EgbukaWRToeFullFullFull
Billy SchrauthGKneeFullFullFull

Bengals List Shemar Stewart as Doubtful

Cincinnati defensive end Shemar Stewart is doubtful with a knee injury after his participation declined during the week. Stewart was a full participant Wednesday, limited Thursday and did not practice Friday.

Star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase did not participate Friday because of a knee/rest designation after practicing fully Wednesday and Thursday. Chase, however, received no game-status designation.

Wide receiver Tee Higgins was a full participant throughout the week despite a foot injury and also carries no game-status designation.

Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen returned to full participation Friday after a scheduled rest day Thursday. B.J. Hill was limited Thursday before returning to full participation Friday.

Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II did not practice Friday because of rest, while cornerback D.J. Turner II was limited Thursday and Friday with a hamstring injury. Neither received a game-status designation.

Cincinnati Bengals Injury Report

PlayerPos.InjuryWednesdayThursdayFridayStatus
Shemar StewartDEKneeFullLimitedDNPDoubtful
Jonathan AllenDTRestDNPFull
Ja’Marr ChaseWRKnee/RestFullFullDNP
Tee HigginsWRFootFullFullFull
B.J. HillDTRestLimitedFull
Dexter Lawrence IIDTRestDNP
D.J. Turner IICBHamstringLimitedLimited

What It Means for Tampa Bay

The biggest concern for the Buccaneers is the potential loss of depth across multiple offensive positions. With McMillan, Skule and Tucker all considered unlikely to play, Tampa Bay could be forced to adjust its receiver rotation, offensive line depth and running back workload against Cincinnati.

The positive development is that Bain, Egbuka and Schrauth finished the week as full participants without game-status designations, putting Tampa Bay in a stronger position at several other key spots.

Cincinnati, meanwhile, enters the matchup with Stewart doubtful but without game-status designations for several other notable players who appeared on the injury report, including Chase and Higgins.

Under NFL injury-report terminology, doubtful means a player is unlikely to play, while questionable means it is uncertain whether the player will play. DNP indicates a player did not participate in practice.

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