Le Journal

The Florida Panthers saw Matthew Tkachuk return to the ice on Monday night against the San Jose Sharks. Tkachuk had not skated this season due to injuries suffered during Florida’s Stanley Cup run last spring. His return could not have come at a better time, either, with the Panthers sitting near the bottom of the Atlantic Division. Tkachuk set the tone early against the Sharks, dropping the gloves early in the contest. However, that was the extent of his impact. The Panthers fell on Monday by a score of 4-1, and they now sit seventh in the Atlantic. After the game, Tkachuk explained how he felt while on the ice. “Personally, I will say it was such a relief and nice to be out there,” said Tkachuk, via NHL.com. “Felt better as it went along. First period was weird, I will say. It was a little strange. Just nothing, nothing mimics a game. It was weird, but the second period felt a little bit better and then the third kind of felt pretty much back to normal.” Florida is certainly hoping Tkachuk can find his stride sooner rather than later. Injuries have ravaged the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions. This has had a massive impact on their chase for a third consecutive Cup. Florida is four points back of the Buffalo Sabres, who own the East’s final Wild Card. Tkachuk joined the Panthers through trade back in 2022. Since joining Florida, he has become one of the league’s most discussed players. In 211 games, he has scored 88 goals and 254 points for the Panthers. He has shown the ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most, and Florida hopes he can do so once again as the season enters the upcoming final stretch. The post Panthers’ Matthew Tkachuk gets real on how he felt in season debut vs. Sharks appeared first on ClutchPoints.

To have come so close and yet finish so far — nothing is more heartbreaking in competitive sports. On Monday night, the Miami football program could scarcely finish with a more devastating outcome than to fall short in the CFP National Championship game, 27-21, after putting up such an excellent fight against college football’s most dominant team in recent history, the Fernando Mendoza-led Indiana Hoosiers. Miami simply could not execute against an Indiana defense that buckled down towards the end of the fourth after Malachi Toney put head coach Mario Cristobal and his men to within three against the Hoosiers. Indiana football then sealed the deal with a field goal with around a minute and a half left in the ballgame. It is tempting to think that Miami, with a few tweaks, could return to this level and perhaps break through next year. But the Hurricanes head coach is dispelling the notion that getting this far in the CFP is easy, saying that nothing is given and they have to earn their way back. “That’s the biggest misconception in sports — ‘well, they almost got there, they’ll be back next year.’ That’s a bunch of bull. You’ve got to improve from a roster standpoint, a regimen standpoint, discipline, everything, and move forward,” Cristobal said, per Nicole Auerbach of NBC Sports. Miami football looks to get over the hump next season Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images It is both a refreshing and frustrating thing that there is always a new season in sports. On the one hand, a program’s hopes are renewed. On the other hand, they have to do it all again — sometimes failing to do so considering how emotionally and physically taxing getting to the mountaintop is. As for Cristobal, they will be looking for a new quarterback to replace Carson Beck, who is pro-bound (at last) this year. The post Miami football’s Mario Cristobal shreds ‘biggest misconception in sports’ appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Jaquan Brisker had a clear message about the Chicago Bears’ long-term security at quarterback with Caleb Williams leading the offense. Brisker completed the fourth season of his NFL career with the Bears. After an injury-riddled campaign in 2024, the defender bounced back with strong performances in the 2025 season. He racked up 93 tackles, eight pass deflections, three quarterback hits, and one interception. Brisker completed the final year of his rookie contract as he will be a free agent in the upcoming offseason. Answering questions from media on Monday, a reporter asked about the team’s quarterback situation moving forward after getting positive results in 2025. Brisker made his response to that question very clear, showing his support for Williams. “They have a quarterback here in Chicago,” Brisker said. “They have a quarterback here in Chicago.” Bears Safety Jaquan Brisker is ready to move on. pic.twitter.com/chdCIIaUYF — Polymarket Football (@PolymarketBlitz) January 19, 2026 What’s next for Caleb Williams, Bears Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Having been teammates with Caleb Williams for two seasons, it’s clear to Jaquan Brisker that the Bears’ offense is in good hands with the quarterback leading the way. Williams showcased incredible improvement from his rookie campaign to his sophomore year, especially with Ben Johnson as his head coach. In 2024, he completed 351 passes for 3,541 yards and 20 touchdowns and six interceptions. This past season saw him complete 330 throws for 3,942 yards and 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The Bears also significantly improved around Williams. The quarterback led the league in sacks after absorbing 68 for a loss of 466 total yards as a rookie. Those numbers went down to 26 sacks for a total loss of 165 yards in 2025, showing Johnson’s impact on the offense. Chicago enjoyed an incredible campaign, going from 5-12 in 2024 to 11-6 this year. They beat the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round before losing to the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round. They will look forward to building on their progress with big expectations for the 2026 season and beyond. The post Bears’ Jaquan Brisker sends strong message on Caleb Williams after playoff exit appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The New Jersey Devils broke through with a playoff season in 2025, but they seem to have fallen down a level this season. They have emerged as a potential selling team ahead of the March 6 trade deadline. Nonetheless, they keep on grinding out every win they can get, including their Monday night clash against the Calgary Flames — a game they won 2-1 in overtime. However, while the Devils won the battle against the Flames, they may have just lost the war. During the game, star defenseman Luke Hughes sustained a shoulder injury, a dislocation in particular, that New Jersey will have to navigate moving forward, as per NHL insider Frank Seravalli. Hughes was fighting for the puck in the neutral zone when it looked like he hyperextended his shoulder out of its proper placement. He immediately winced and recoiled from contesting possession against the Flames. | The suspected play Luke was injured on, could possibly be his shoulder (unconfirmed) (via @bluebelgeorgia) pic.twitter.com/TTZONMlmpq — Hughes Updates (@_hughesupdates) January 20, 2026 To make matters worse, the Devils gave an update on Hughes’ injury after the game that would exacerbate fan concerns over the health of their 22-year-old rising star in defense. “He’s just gonna have to get evaluated. He’s gonna miss time, for sure. You won’t see him on the rest of this road trip. We’re gonna get him evaluated and determine the length of the time [of his absence] from there,” Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe said, via Hughes Updates on X (formerly Twitter). Devils fans react to heartbreak of Luke Hughes injury Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Hughes is a fan favorite among Devils fans, and his injury has put another damper to what has been a very challenging season thus far in New Jersey. “luke hughes i will give you my shoulder right now just say the word and ill do it,” X user @HISCH13R_ wrote. “Yikes.Just Heard about the Luke Hughes Injury Thoughts & Prayers go out to Luke Hughes & #NJDEVILS fans. as a die hard hockey Fan I Feel Sick for Luke.Hopefully he comes back stronger than ever & Prove all his doubters wrong soon.Get Well Soon Luke. Love watching u play myself,” @UKhoops1_BBN added. The post Devils’ Luke Hughes suffers dislocated shoulder in win over Flames appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Indiana Hoosiers improbable rise reached its ultimate peak Monday night, and at the center of it all stood their superstar field-general Fernando Mendoza. The Hoosiers completed a historic 16-0 season by defeating Miami Hurricanes 27-21 at Hard Rock Stadium, capturing the program’s first national championship and cementing Mendoza’s legacy as one of the most accomplished players in college football history. Moments after Indiana was handed the national championship trophy, Mendoza delivered one of the night’s most memorable scenes. ESPN’s Rece Davis presented him with the Offensive Player of the Game award and asked what the moment meant to him — a question loaded with meaning given Mendoza’s Miami roots and Indiana’s unprecedented success. “I first want to give all the glory to God,” said Mendoza, via ESPN. “I mean, there’s no better group of guys I want to deal with. It’s the most special moment of my life. This is such a great group of guys. I love you guys. Great job. Let’s f***ing go!” FERNANDO MENDOZA TAKES HOME OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME (via @espn)pic.twitter.com/fG9Jo6MTWa — ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 20, 2026 The unscripted reaction instantly resonated, reflecting both the emotional weight of the moment and the journey Indiana had just completed. Mendoza wasn’t just celebrating a win, he was standing at the end of a season few believed possible. Already the Heisman Trophy winner and Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Mendoza added CFP National Championship Offensive MVP to his resume. He became the first Indiana player to ever win the Heisman and the first quarterback since DeVonta Smith in 2020 to capture both the Heisman and a national title in the same season. Indiana’s path to the championship was defined by grit rather than star power. The Hoosiers controlled the game with timely execution. Mendoza delivered the defining moment midway through the fourth quarter, powering his way 12 yards into the end zone on fourth down to extend Indiana’s lead. The Hoosiers also relied on critical defensive plays, including a blocked punt returned for a touchdown and a late interception that sealed the victory. Even under constant pressure including a blind-side hit that left Mendoza with a bloody lip Indiana never relinquished control. For head coach Curt Cignetti, the title capped a remarkable turnaround, lifting Indiana from one of the sport’s most historically challenged programs to a national champion in just two seasons. As Indiana looks ahead to defending its crown, Mendoza’s message and performance have already set the standard. The signal-caller from Miami didn’t just lead a championship team — he redefined what Indiana football believes is possible. The post Indiana superstar Fernando Mendoza drops powerful message after winning National Championship Offensive Player of the Game appeared first on ClutchPoints.