The Los Angeles Lakers knocked off the Sacramento Kings, 125-101, on Sunday, Dec. 28 behind a 34-point performance from Luka Dončić, including 24 in the first half.

The Lakers (20-10) were led by Dončić and LeBron James, who added 24 points on 84% shooting from the field. The Kings were playing on consecutive nights, following their win against the Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 27.

On Sunday, Sacramento was led by DeMar DeRozan, with 22 points, and rookie Maxime Raynaud who recorded a double-double, 16 points and 10 rebounds. Six players scored in double-figures, including Malik Monk, Nique Clifford and Dennis Schröder, who each had 11.

The Kings shot just 28% from 3-point distance and had 19 turnovers on the evening, which turned into 23 points for the Lakers. Sacramento dropped to 8-24, going into their next game on Tuesday, Dec. 30 in an away game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Kings vs. Lakers highlights

1st quarter highlights

Lebron James hit a pull-up jumper at the top of the key to end the first quarter. It capped a 10-point first quarter for James, as the Lakers led 30-24 after 12 minutes. Luka had nine points.

The Kings were led by DeMar DeRozan, who scored eight points in the first period.

2nd quarter highlights

Malik Monk got going early in the second, hitting on back-to-back three point field goals.

The Kings allowed the Lakers to get transition baskets including a LeBron James reverse dunk. The Kings got to their spots on offense for timely buckets.

The deficit grew as the Kings got sloppy with the basketball and threw consecutive turnovers. Luka Doncic scored 15 points in the second quarter. He had 24 total in the first half.

The Kings trailed 68-53 at the end of the first half.

3rd quarter highlights

The Kings came out lethargic to start the third quarter. A step slow to loose balls, offensively, they looked stagnant.

The lead grew to 20 before Sacramento head coach Doug Christie called a timeout. Kings trailed 73-53.

The Lakers had everything going in the third. They knocked down open threes, step back mid-range shots and points in the paint. The biggest lead was 26 for the Lakers.

At the end of the third quarter, Sacramento trailed 99-80.

4th quarter highlights

The Lakers’ 3-point barrage continued into the fourth quarter. The deficit proved to be too large for the Kings to mount a comeback, the largest lead for the Lakers grew to 30.

Sacramento lost by a final score of 125-101.

Recap: Kings keys

• Frustrate their stars: Sacramento has played scrappy, stifling defense. It’s what helped them in their win against Dallas and a big win against Houston on Dec. 21. Keep that same pressure on Lakers stars Luka Dončić and LeBron James and make them uncomfortable. Dončić and James combined for 58 points. James shot 84% from the field.
• Lean on youth for energy: In the second night of a back-to-back, the Kings should rely on their rookies and young guys to provide energy early and often throughout the game. Look for guys like Keon Ellis, Maxime Raynaud, Dylan Cardwell and Nique Clifford to spark fire. Raynaud tallied a double-double (16 points, 10 rebounds) and Cardwell scored seven points and seven rebounds, while being a +1 on the floor. Clifford scored 11, while Ellis only scored two.
• Defend without fouling:As energetic and up-tempo as the Kings are, it’s important to defend without fouling as the Lakers are third in the league in free throws made and second in free throws attempted. The Kings had 19 free throw attempts, compared to the Lakers’ 18 shots.
• Homecoming, revenge tour: It’s a homecoming for Los Angeles natives Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan. There’s nothing like home cooking. Plus, whenever Westbrook plays his former team or teammates, it feels personal. DeRozan led the team with 22 points but it wasn’t enough. Westbrook added 13 points and had six turnovers.

Kings next five games

• Dec. 30 at Los Angeles Clippers
• Jan. 1 vs. Boston Celtics
• Jan. 2 at Phoenix Suns
• Jan. 4 vs. Milwaukee Bucks
• Jan. 6 vs. Dallas Mavericks

The Arizona Cardinals tight end set the NFL’s single-season record for most catches by a tight end in Week 17. McBride totaled the record-breaking 117th catch with 4:34 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Cardinals’ loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 28.

Take a look:

The record was previously held by Zach Ertz, who totaled 116 catches as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018.

It hasn’t been a memorable season for the Cardinals, who dropped their eighth straight game to fall to 3-13 after 17 weeks of action.

That doesn’t mean it hasn’t been a memorable season for McBride, however. The tight end’s 2025 campaign has been his best in the NFL to date.

McBride totaled another 10 catches in Week 17, adding 76 yards and a touchdown to go with it.

It brings his season total to 119 catches, 1,174 yards and 11 touchdowns with just one week to go.

CHARLOTTE – Have defense. Will travel.

That sums up a lot of what went down at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday. The Seattle Seahawks were not the ones to slip up with a clear path afoot for winning the NFC West crown and seizing a No. 1 seed for the playoffs.

Not with that defense.

Seattle smashed the Carolina Panthers, 27-10, to inch closer to its best-case scenario for the playoffs by providing Bryce Young and Co. a warning of the type of tests that loom in the postseason – if they get there.

Sure, Young scored a touchdown on a nifty 10-yard run to make it a one-possession game early in the fourth quarter. But that was the aberration.

The Seahawks (13-3) took control of the game by converting two Carolina turnovers into touchdowns in the third quarter. First, it was a Chuba Hubbard fumble – as Ernest Jones IV violently ripped at the football, DeMarcus Lawrence punched it out – that set up Zach Charbonnet’s 2-yard TD run. Then Julian Love intercepted Young to set up Sam Darnold’s 17-yard TD flip to tight end AJ Barner to make it a 17-3 margin.

Despite Young’s penchant for engineering late-game rallies, that was a bit much to expect against a unit that seemed hellbent on inflicting its will.

“If you give us an opportunity and we can turn the ball over and turn it into points, you’ve got trouble,” Jones told USA TODAY Sports while the beats thumped on the boom box in the visitor’s locker room. “We’re not giving up much. We’re just out there playing for each other. So, we know that once we get our hands on the ball, it’s time to go.”

When last seen in action, the Seahawks survived an overtime shootout thriller against the Los Angeles Rams in what many hailed as the NFL’s Game of the Year. It had a huge comeback. Offensive fireworks. A controversial two-point conversion. And a championship-level defense torched by Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua.

Well, it was quite a different formula – smash mouth – on Sunday.

The Seahawks allowed just 139 net yards, with a 1-for-11 third-down conversion rate. Young passed for just 54 yards and finished with a 45.8 passer rating.

The numbers certainly didn’t lie. But neither did the optics.

When they review the film, the Seahawks will notice a scant few – if any – missed tackles. For a unit that has been one of the league’s best all season, the group had what was likely its best tackling game of the season, a clinic with many contributors. In one case after another, yards after the catch were squashed with open-field stops.

And yes, the numbers support it. Carolina’s longest reception went for 8 yards.

“Those are critical yards,” Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said.

“They say when you get towards the end of the season, teams will have a hard time tackling. Guys aren’t as fresh,” rookie safety Nick Emmanwori said. “We just make that an emphasis to work on it. It’s never easy. But that’s what wins games. Those yards, takeaways. That’s what wins games.”

It definitely sets a tone.

Darnold can surely vouch for that. The veteran quarterback is quite fortunate to have the Seahawks defense on his side. Although he won again, Darnold wasn’t particularly sharp. And he committed two more giveaways to fuel more questions about his turnover tendencies.

If there’s a reason to wonder about the Seahawks championship aspirations, it undoubtedly revolves around the turnovers. Seattle entered Week 17 with 26 giveaways on the season – second-most in the NFL (Minnesota, 29) – and had two more on Sunday.

Darnold fumbled in the second quarter, boxed in the pocket as he attempted to pass. But after giving the Panthers possession at the Seattle 26, the Seahawks defense limited the damage to a field goal after Hubbard hit a brick wall (for no gain) on a third-and-one plunge.

Early in the third quarter, Darnold was picked off in the end zone by Mike Jackson on a throw that was apparently deflected as itcame nowhere close to intended receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. But the defense saved Darnold again, and on just one snap with Jones forcing the Hubbard fumble.

Still, the Seahawks will be hard-pressed to flirt with such disaster when the competition rises in the playoffs. Macdonald tried to downplay concern, but that’s a tough sell.

“It’s really just the ball being in jeopardy,” Macdonald said during his postgame news conference. “Deflections. Those things happen. Really, if we take care of the front end better, it won’t be as big of an issue.”

There’s so much to like about the Seahawks’ viability for the upcoming playoff run, particularly given the foundation of Macdonald’s defense. Charbonnet had his most productive game of the season, rushing for 110 yards and 6.1 per carry in teaming with Kenneth Walker III for a formidable one-two punch. Rashid Shaheed was knocked out of the game in the first half with a concussion yet has proven vital as the wideout opposite Smith-Njigba and as an explosive kick returner.

And if Darnold gets hot…

“I don’t think as a team we’ve really played a complete game for four straight quarters,” Jones said. “So…we need to have those games. But ultimately, we’ve been making the plays when needed. We’ll have that game when we put it all together for four quarters. And watch out.”

The Panthers (8-8) can envision some growth, too. Yet in another sense, they were unable to take advantage of a great opportunity. With the Miami Dolphins hanging an upset on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina could have clinched the NFC South title with a victory.

Instead, the Panthers will meet the Bucs in a showdown at Tampa next weekend shaping up to decide the division crown.

The Seahawks, meanwhile, might have a similar arrangement when they visit the San Francisco 49ers in the regular-season finale. Whether the NFC West crown will be at stake depends on how the 49ers fare on Sunday night against the Chicago Bears.

Regardless, the Seahawks will have a chance to claim the top seed in the NFC playoffs.

Jones, for one, knows what to expect.

“A dogfight, man,” he said. “I’m mentally ready for it. I’m sure they are. So, let’s do it.”

Contact Jarrett Bell at jbell@usatoday.com or follow on X: @JarrettBell

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard produced a career night in the 112-99 victory over the Detroit Pistons at the Intuit Dome on Sunday, Dec. 28.

The performance helped lead the way for the Clippers to win their fourth consecutive game.

‘We need it,’ Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said after the game during the postgame press conference. ‘He willed this win for us.’

Leonard produced 51 of his 55 points through the first three quarters of play, including 26 in the third quarter alone.

Not only did Leonard’s career-high 55 points tie the Clippers’ franchise record, but he also became the first player in NBA history to produce 55 points, 11 rebounds, five steals and three blocks in a single game.

Kawhi Leonard stats vs. Pistons

• Points: 55
• FG: 17-for-26 (5-for-10 from 3-point line)
• Free Throws: 16-for-17
• Rebounds: 11
• Assists: 2
• Steals: 5
• Blocks: 3
• Turnovers: 3
• Fouls: 2
• Minutes: 39

Kawhi Leonard, Clippers vs. Pistons highlights

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AI-assisted summary
• Michigan hired former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham two weeks after firing Sherrone Moore.
• At 66, Whittingham dismissed concerns about his age, stating he still has a lot of energy for the job.
• Whittingham said he was not deterred by Michigan’s recent scandals and that retaining players is a top priority.

In January 2024, days after Jim Harbaugh left for the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers, Michigan hired a relative upstart to lead its program, promoting then-37-year-old offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore and giving him his first-ever head coaching job.

Two years later, the Wolverines are turning to one of the most known commodities in college football coaching.

When Michigan capped off a tumultuous two-week stretch by hiring Kyle Whittingham on Dec. 26, the move was met with widespread praise. A scandal-ridden program that had fired Moore earlier this month for an inappropriate relationship with a female staff member is now going to be led by Whittingham, who was one of the most consistent winners in the sport at Utah, where he built physical, tough-minded teams and did so without unsavory headlines hovering over his program.

If there was any question about Whittingham, it wasn’t about the identity of his teams or how he conducts himself. It was about his age.

At 66 years old, Whittingham is widely viewed as a short-term option for the Wolverines, but at his introductory news conference on Sunday, Dec. 28, he dismissed any concerns about whether he’s up for the job, noting that he still has “a lot of energy.”

“When I stepped down, one thing I didn’t want to be was the coach that just stayed too long at one place,” Whittingham said. “With 21 years, you’d say ‘Well, you did stay too long,’ but we ended up 10-2 this year. I thought this program is in a great place right now, excellent players, excellent coaching staff. I was able to hand the torch to my defensive coordinator, Morgan Scalley, who’s an outstanding young football coach, and I just felt like the time was right to exit Utah. But I’ve still got a lot of energy and felt like, hey, if the right opportunity came, then I would be all-in on that. That’s what Michigan afforded me.”

On Dec. 12, it was announced that Whittingham was stepping down from Utah at the end of the 2025 season after 21 years as the school’s head coach. He went 177-88 during that time, including a 10-2 mark this season.

Whittingham made it clear that the move wasn’t a retirement, with the coach joking that he was simply entering “the transfer portal.” Whittingham’s announced departure from Utah came only two days after Moore was fired at Michigan, opening up the kind of opportunity he wouldn’t have previously envisioned.

He said he had actually contemplated stepping down from Utah after the 2024 season, noting that he had seen too many coaches hang on for too long at a particular job. Those plans changed, though, when an injury-ravaged team finished 5-7, the Utes’ first sub-.500 season in 11 years.

“I just couldn’t end on that note,” Whittingham said.

He added that it was his decision to step down, not the school’s. As he put it, he “just felt the time was right.”

At Michigan, he will take over a program 23 months removed from a national championship. The Wolverines produced uneven results under Moore, though, going 8-5 in 2024 before a 9-3 finish this season ahead of their Citrus Bowl matchup against Texas.

Whittingham is in Orlando for the game, though he’ll just be there to meet with players and coaches and to watch the game, not to coach.

Keeping Bryce Underwood is a top priority

Whittingham noted that one of his biggest priorities taking over at Michigan will be roster retention, with one player in particular — five-star freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood — standing out. Whittingham said he met with Underwood for about 45 minutes on Sunday morning.

Should Utah offensive coordinator Jason Beck make the move with Whittingham to Michigan, there’s a blueprint for success for a dual-threat quarterback like Underwood. During the 2025 season, Utes quarterback Devon Dampier racked up 2,867 total yards and 29 touchdowns.

“His ceiling is very high,” Whittingham said of Underwood. “The offense we’re going to bring in here I think is going to suit him to a T. I think he’s going to really, really excel and have a great experience here.”

Whittingham wasn’t scared off by Michigan’s recent scandals

Whittingham described Michigan during his news conference as one of the top five jobs in the sport, but he arrives at the university during a period of uncertainty.

The school is being led by an interim president, Domenico Grasso, and the football program and broader athletic department are under investigation after a series of scandals have swallowed the Wolverines in recent years. The probe is being conducted by Chicago-based law firm Jenner & Block.

Whittingham said none of that factored into his decision on whether to take the job.

“No, I didn’t have any hesitation,” Whittingham said. “There’s some issues and missteps that are being taken care of, but the key is the players. The players are solid. The players here are rock solid. None of those issues and none of those things we’re dealing with involve the players. To their credit, they just kept grinding and kept after it. I’m so impressed with that because there were a lot of distractions and a lot of adversity. I’ve got no doubt that everything’s going to be handled properly.”

Whittingham is learning to hate Ohio State

While discussing his efforts to put together his first Michigan coaching staff, Whittingham mentioned that he has sought counsel from Urban Meyer, the former Ohio State coach under whom he worked at Utah from 2003-04.

After making that comment, Whittingham took a pause.

“I don’t know if that’s a four-letter word in this room or not,” he joked.

Meyer most recently was a college coach at Ohio State from 2012-18, when he guided the Buckeyes to a national championship and a 7-0 record against archrival Michigan in “The Game.”

Whittingham’s tenure with the Wolverines will be judged at least in part on how his teams fare against Ohio State in their annual rivalry clash. Michigan had won four consecutive games against the Buckeyes before a 27-9 loss last month in Ann Arbor.

Asked whether he dislikes Ohio State, Whittingham said “I do now” with a smile.

INGLEWOOD, CA — After an 0-3 regular-season start, the Houston Texans have lifted off.

The Texans held on to beat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-16 on Saturday to clinch a playoff berth.

C.J. Stroud and the Texans got off to an early 14-0 first-quarter lead and held off the Chargers as they attempted to fight back into the game.  

Houston’s top-ranked defense led the way as the unit contained Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense for most of the contest.  

The Texans have won a league-best eight consecutive games and have punched their ticket into the postseason.

Here are the winners and losers from Saturday’s AFC battle:

Winners

Texans defense

The stingy defense flexed its muscle against Los Angeles. Houston had the NFL’s No. 1 total defense and ranked No. 1 in points allowed entering Week 17. In the first half, the Texans defense held the Chargers to three points and six first downs.

Houston sacked Herbert five times and registered eight hits.

The Chargers gained 275 yards of total offense. Omarion Hampton was held to 29 rushing yards.

Danielle Hunter, Will Anderson Jr. entered the game with a combined 24 ½ sacks. Hunter had a sack in the win. Anderson was credited for a half-sack.

C.J. Stroud to Iowa State products in first quarter

Stroud and rookie Jayden Higgins hooked up for a 75-yard touchdown on the third play of the game to lift the Texans to an early 7-0 lead. It was the longest touchdown pass of Stroud’s career. On Houston’s next possession, Stroud tossed a 43-yard touchdown to rookie Jaylin Noel to give the team a 14-0 lead in the first quarter.

Higgins and Noel are the second rookie duo in NFL history and the first since 1938 to each record touchdown receptions of 40-plus yards in the same game, per NFL Research. Higgins and Noel were also teammates at Iowa State.

Stroud started the game 4-of-4 passing for 142 yards and two touchdowns.

It was 14-0 before fans got comfortable in their seats. The Texans outgained the Chargers 171 to 15 in total yards in the first period.

Texans playoff bound

Houston clinched a playoff berth with a win Saturday. The Texans have defeated the Chargers their past two meeting, including in the 2024 playoffs.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos officially clinched the AFC West title as a result of the Chargers’ loss. It’s Denver’s first division title since 2015.

Losers

Chargers’ offensive line

The Chargers offensive line has been ravaged by injuries this season.

The patchwork O-line faltered against Hunter, Anderson and the Texans defense. Herbert was sacked a handful of times. He was under duress all game.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have officially been eliminated from playoff contention as a result of Houston’s win.

Chargers’ first-quarter defense

The Chargers secondary performed as though the group was on Christmas vacation. The secondary started the contest with huge busted coverages on back-to-back series. One resulted in a 75-yard touchdown catch by Higgins and the other was a 43-yard touchdown reception by Noel.

The Chargers defense gave up 151 passing yards and two touchdowns in the first quarter.

Rookie mistakes for Oronde Gadsden

Gadsden had two crucial drops. One drop ricocheted off his hands near the end zone and into the hands of Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. Gadsden had another drop early in the second half that erased what would’ve been a first down.

The Chargers rookie tight end did have a 1-yard touchdown catch late in the third quarter.

Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker, punter JK Scott

Dicker, the most accurate kicker in NFL history, missed an easy 32-yard field goal at the end of the first half. A successful field goal attempt would’ve cut the Chargers’ halftime deficit to 14-6. He also missed an extra point attempt in the fourth quarter with under four minutes remaining that would’ve trimmed Houston’s advantage to three points.

Dicker had made 94.1% of his career field goals entering Week 17.

Scott had punts of just 22 and 34 yards in the second half.

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

The Lane Train has made a stop in H-Town.

LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry confirmed to WAFB’s Jacques Doucet prior to kickoff that new LSU football coach Lane Kiffin will be in attendance inside NRG Stadium for the Tigers’ contest against Houston in the Texas Bowl, and will be doing some ‘media coverage.’

Kiffin’s presence was teased by former LSU defensive tackle Booger McFarland on ABC during halftime of the Pop-Tarts Bowl between BYU and Georgia Tech. Kiffin also posted a photo of himself inside a private jet with an LSU pennant flag on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account earlier in the day.

While it is not unusual for an incoming coach to attend a bowl game of his new program, it is the first public appearance for Kiffin since he took over the Tigers program as the successor to Brian Kelly, outside of his introductory news conference.

Kiffin, who congratulated his former program on their first-ever CFP win on Saturday, Dec. 20 against Tulane, led Mississippi to a 55-19 overall record in six seasons.

Here’s what to know about why Kiffin is at NRG Stadium for LSU’s bowl game against Houston:

Why is Lane Kiffin at Texas Bowl between LSU-Houston?

Kiffin is getting an early look at his new team in action, as the former Ole Miss coach was named the successor to Kelly at LSU on Sunday, Nov. 30.

The veteran head coach was one of the most sought-after coaches in this coaching carousel, as he mentioned during his introductory news conference at LSU on Monday, Dec. 1 that there were four options on the table for him, including staying at Ole Miss and continuing to build the Rebels into a powerhouse.

He ultimately chose LSU.

‘This place is different. Having watched this place for a long time and from the other sideline. This place is different, and that’s why we’re here,’ Kiffin said at his introductory news conference.

He added: ‘As we’re going to the office, and you go by Tiger Stadium, and it’s lit up, and you are like, ‘I absolutely made the right decision,’ and (any bad feelings) all went away.’

Kiffin will be tasked with rebuilding the LSU program into a national championship contender, as the Tigers have missed out on the College Football Playoff each year since their national championship in 2020.

Who is coaching LSU in Texas Bowl?

LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson is coaching the Tigers in the Texas Bowl against Houston on Dec. 27. Wilson, a longtime assistant coach at LSU across two different stints, has led the Tigers to a 2-2 record since being elevated to interim head coach by Woodward.

The Texas Bowl will be the final game Wilson coaches at LSU, as he is returning to Ole Miss to be on Pete Golding’s first staff in Oxford. Wilson spent three seasons with the Rebels from 2005 through 2007 as a running back and special teams coach. During availability in Houston on Friday, Dec. 26, Wilson mentioned he and Kiffin couldn’t come to a resolution on keeping him in Baton Rouge, despite Kiffin ‘wanting to find a way to work it out.’

The United States had to overcome adversity to beat Switzerland 2-1 and improve to 2-0 at the world junior hockey championship.

The biggest was the loss of star defenseman Cole Hutson, who left the game on a stretcher after being hit in the head by a shot in the second period. He was evaluated at a local hospital and was discharged to rejoin his teammates, USA Hockey said.

The USA, which led 1-0 at the time on a Brodie Ziemer goal, gave up a tying goal to Switzerland soon after the injury. But Notre Dame goalie Nick Kempf came up with a big save on a breakaway then Will Zellers restored the USA’s lead.

Zellers did the same in the USA’s opening game, scoring each time Germany had pulled within a goal. He has three goals and the game-winning goal in both games.

There wasn’t much room to maneuver as Switzerland played a tight-checking game. After getting 47 shots in the opener, the USA was held to 20 on Saturday.

“It was a battle and I give our guys a lot of credit, they played a heckuva game,” said Team USA Bob Motzko. “They’re (Switzerland) a well-coached team and keep coming at you.’

Next up for the USA is Slovakia on Dec. 29 and Sweden on Dec. 31 to finish group play. The top four advance to the quarterfinals, which will be Jan. 2. The semifinals are on Jan. 4 and the medal games on Jan. 5.

USA vs. Switzerland highlights

Cole Hutson injury update

USA Hockey reports that Cole Hutson was released from the hospital and is back with the team. He’s listed as day-to-day.

Next opponent for USA

The USA will play Slovakia on Monday, Dec. 29. Slovakia is 1-1 after falling to Sweden in the opener and beating Germany on Saturday.

Players of the game

Giam Meier for Switzerland and Brodie Ziemer for the USA.

Final score: USA 2, Switzerland 1

The Americans survive a tight-checking game and the loss of Cole Hutson, who left the game on a stretcher. Brodie Ziemer and Will Zellers scored the goals. Zellers has two game-winning goals in two games. Nick Kempf was steady in net, stopping a breakaway not long after Switzerland had tied the game.

Switzerland hits crossbar

USA still up 2-1 with 43.2 seconds left.

Switzerland pulls goalie

Christian Kirsch is on the bench for an extra attacker with less than two minutes left.

USA flurry

LJ Mooney hits the post and goalie Christian Kirsch stops him on another attempt.

Switzerland power play

Asher Barnett is called for holding the stick. The USA kills it off.

Midway through third period

Still 2-1. Tight-checking period.

USA power play

Robin Antenen is called for roughing. USA is 0-for-5 in the tournament and is now 0-for-6.

Third period underway

2-1 USA. Switzerland kills off the rest of the U.S. power play.

Cole Hutson injury update

NHL Network reported that Cole Hutson is under observation at a local hospital and was conscious and alert.

End of second: USA 2, Switzerland 1

Switzerland tied the game not long after star defenseman Cole Hutson was taken off the ice on a stretcher, but Will Zellers restored the USA lead with his third goal of the tournament.

USA power play

Ludvig Johnson is called for delay of game. The power play will carry into the third period.

USA retakes lead

Will Zellers throws a puck at the net and it beats Christian Kirsch up high for a 2-1 lead. It’s the third goal of the tournament for Zellers. USA 2, Switzerland 1

Switzerland ties it up

Basile Sansonnens takes a shot from the point and it beats a screened USA goalie Nick Kempf over his glove to tie the game. USA 1, Switzerland 1.

Cole Hutson injury update

USA defenseman Cole Hutson is down on the ice after appearing to get hit in the neck or back of the head by a shot. Stretcher is coming out and they’ve immobilized him and wheeled him off. He was moving his feet around while on the ice.

Midway through second period

USA-Switzerland continues to be a tight-checking game. Americans lead 1-0. Just five shots so far in the period.

Canada beats Latvia

No upset this time. Canada’s Michael Hage scores 44 seconds in overtime for a 2-1 win. Gavin McKenna picked up his second assist of the game.

Canada-Latvia score

Latvia ties the game with less than two minutes left and it’s going to overtime with the score 1-1. Latvia upset Canada at last season’s tournament in the round robin.

USA takes the lead

Brodie Ziemer takes a drop pass and rips a shot past Christian Kirsch at 1:12. James Hagens and Will Horcoff get the assists. USA 1, Switzerland 0

Second period underway

Still scoreless.

End of first: USA 0, Switzerland 0

Already a big change from the 2025 quarterfinals, when the USA dominated and Christian Kirsch was pulled. Kirsch has been solid, Switzerland has forechecked well and had the early lead in shots. But the USA plays better down the stretch and now has outshot Switzerland 8-4. Teddy Stiga had two scoring chances and set up Brodie Ziemer on another.

Switzerland power play

Logan Hensler is called for holding. USA kills it off. The Americans get good short-handed chances by Cole Hutson and Brodie Ziemer, but the game remains scoreless.

Teddy Stiga chance

Stiga has been the USA’s most dangerous player this game. Christian Kirsch makes a glove save on him.

USA power play

Jamiro Reber is called for hooking. The USA went 0-for-3 on the power play against Germany in the opener. They’re now 0-for-4 in the tournament. The Americans get one shot with the man advantage.

Eight minutes in

Scoreless. Shots are 3-2 Switzerland. Nick Kempf is called upon to make a few big saves.

Game underway

USA is 1-0. Switzerland is making its 2026 tournament debut.

What channel is USA vs. Switzerland world juniors hockey game today?

TV channel: NHL Network

Livestream: Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers, or Sling TV.

What time is USA vs. Switzerland world juniors hockey game today?

Date: Saturday, Dec. 27

Time: 6 p.m. ET (5 p.m. local time)

The game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. ET (5 p.m. local time) at the Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the home of the Minnesota Wild.

World juniors USA vs Switzerland: How to watch, stream

Time: 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 27

Location: Grand Casino Arena (Saint Paul, Minnesota)

TV: NHL Network

Streaming: Fubo and certain levels of Sling TV carry NHL Network.

Today’s world juniors hockey schedule

All times p.m. ET

Saturday, Dec. 27

• Slovakia 4. Germany 1: Tomas Chrenko had a natural hat trick as Slovakia picked up its first win of the tournament. Germany, which lost for a second time, got a goal from Dustin Willhoft.
• Canada 2, Latvia 1: Canada continues its redemption tour. It beat Czechia in the opener after losing a year ago in the quarterfinals. Now it beat Latvia after losing in the round robin last year. Latvia had tied the game with less than two minutes left, but Canada’s Michael Hage ended it quickly in overtime. Gavin McKenna had two assists.
• USA 2, Switzerland 1: Will Zellers had the game-winning goal for the second game in a row as the USA improved to 2-0. Cole Hutson was taken to the hospital for observation after being hit in the head by a puck and was later discharged, per TSN.
• Czechia 7. Denmark 2: Tomas Galvas had a goal and two assists in the rout. The Czechs scored three power-play goals, including on a five-minute penalty to Denmark defenseman Jesper Olesen, who was ejected for checking to the head. 

Goaltending matchup

USA’s Nick Kempf vs. Switzerland’s Christian Kirsch. Kempf plays for Notre Dame. Kirsch was pulled in the 2025 quarterfinals when the USA scored three goals in less than five minutes.

USA-Switzerland world juniors history

The USA and Switzerland are meeting for the 28th time at the world junior championships. The USA has never lost, recording 25 victories and two ties.

USA lineup

Switzerland lineup

Cole Hutson chasing U.S. record

Capitals prospect Cole Hutson needs one point to tie Erik Johnson (14) for most points by a U.S. defenseman at the world junior championships. Hutson led all scorers last season with 11 points and had two assists in the opener against Germany.

8 U.S. players back from gold-medal team

The United States has brought back eight players from last year’s gold medal team: forwards Cole Eiserman, James Hagens, Max Plante, Teddy Stiga and Brodie Ziemer, plus defensemen Logan Hensler, Cole Hutson and Adam Kleber. 

All except Hensler recorded a point against Germany. Hutson had two points.

Hagens scored twice against Switzerland during last season’s tournament quarterfinal.

How USA beat Germany

Will Zellers scored twice, restoring the USA’s two-goal lead after Germany pulled within 3-2 and 4-3. Cole Eiserman also scored after Zellers’ second goal for the final 6-3 margin. The Americans outshot Germany 15-4 in a scoreless third period and 47-21 for the game.

World juniors 2026 predictions

Who will win gold, silver and bronze at this year’s tournament? Who will take home the individual awards? Here are predictions from The Hockey News staff.

Hockey Canada apologizes for lack of handshakes

Hockey Canada issued a statement apologizing for skating off the ice after its 7-5 win against Czechia on Friday without shaking hands.

‘I didn’t know, but I know now,’ Canada coach Dale Hunter told reporters. ‘There will be a handshake (after the Latvia game), and I’ll say sorry to the Czechs.’

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Penn State football’s 2025 season ended on a high note with a win over Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl.

It’s a win for the Nittany Lions that closes a season that got away from them after being a preseason top-three-ranked team. After the game, interim coach Terry Smith got emotional during a postgame interview with ESPN’s Taylor McGregor inside Yankee Stadium.

‘I love this group. They’re just a special group of guys. This is the greatest moment in my life,’ Smith told McGregor. ‘It’s just a great moment for me, my family. God, I said I wasn’t going to do that (cry) again, but I’m just so happy for our guys.’

He added: ‘I love Penn State. I love football. And the game and Penn State have done amazing things for me and my family. I’m just thankful and grateful.’

Saturday’s win over Clemson closes out Smith’s run as interim coach tenure with a 4-3 record since he took over for James Franklin, who was fired on Oct. 12 following an 0-3 start to Big Ten play. Since beginning his stint with an 0-3 record, he led the Nittany Lions to four straight wins, including three wins to end the regular season and become bowl eligible.

In the winding seconds of the Pinstripe Bowl, Penn State fans began chanting Smith’s name, a gesture that highlights the job Smith did in his interim stint to salvage a season that once had national championship aspirations. The chants resurfaced during the trophy presentation at Yankee Stadium.

‘We dictated the terms of the last four games. I can’t be more proud of these guys, these kids. They played their hearts out,’ Smith said. ‘What a resilient group. They could have laid down and quit. They didn’t have to play. They didn’t have to come show up here at the Pinstripe Bowl, but they did.

‘They played really, really hard. It’s just a testament of Penn State and the character it builds coming to a great university like that.’

Smith, a former Penn State wide receiver and a member of Franklin’s staff since 2013, interviewed for the full-time coaching position but ultimately was not chosen, as Penn State hired Matt Campbell away from Iowa State. Despite not getting the full-time job, Smith is being retained by Campbell and was rewarded with a new, four-year deal to stay in Happy Valley.

The Nittany Lions’ win over Clemson marked their 34th bowl win in program history, which ranks for the fourth most in Division I FBS history.

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