Despite cries from his head coach, Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid still doesn't seem to be getting much protection from the officials.
McDavid avoided serious injury when he crashed hard into the boards during the second period of Sunday's game in Anaheim after being hit from behind by Ducks defenseman Hampus Lindholm.
Based on recent (non) actions, I wouldn’t expect any supplemental discipline from this.
Which is unfortunate. A premiere star of the league barely averted a career-type injury. pic.twitter.com/4DcSvDNGsC
McDavid skated off under his own power and didn't miss any time. No penalty was called on the play.
Oilers head coach Ken Hitchcock has been critical of the league for not protecting McDavid in the past, calling out officials in December.
"I'm not going to comment on the penalties, but the stuff that really bothers me is what's happening to Connor," Hitchcock said. "We're a league that's supposed to showcase our top players - and you don't want to give them all the freedom - but the tug-of-war on him was absolutely ridiculous and that's a little bit discouraging, to be honest with you.
"I can see the whack-and-hacking going on when he's got the puck, but to me, it's all the stuff behind (the play) that doesn't allow him to showcase his speed, and if that's what we want, well, that's fine, but I think it's a real disservice to a player like him."
With 2018 winding down, theScore looked back at the previous 12 months and voted on the top 25 sportspeople of the year. Here's the final installment, highlighting Nos. 5-1.
Woods put golf back on the map in 2018 with a historic comeback season. He was ranked 668th, coming off his fourth back surgery, and many questioned whether a return to the sport was the right move for his legacy. And then came the Open Championship in July, when he captivated the sports world by taking the solo lead on Sunday. Woods ultimately fell short at Carnoustie but pressed on. He recaptured that magic at the PGA Championship, firing the lowest final round of his major career to finish alone in second and set the stage for a storybook ending. At the season finale Tour Championship, Woods never relinquished his first-round lead to win for the 80th time on the PGA Tour and climb to No. 13 in the world. Chaos ensued as Woods walked up the 18th fairway en route to his first title since 2013, surrounded by fans storming the grounds in hopes of catching a glimpse of history. After so many years defined by turmoil, 2018 was, by all accounts - including his own - one of the best seasons of Woods' legendary career. - Eric Patterson
Ovechkin finally got it done in 2018. His seventh Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy was an afterthought in the shadow of his heroic playoff performance, during which Ovi posted 27 points in 24 games en route to a Conn Smythe and Stanley Cup win. The 33-year-old finally added the most glaring omission to his resume - which was already among the most polished in the history of the sport - and the raw emotion he displayed upon hoisting the Cup after 13 years of shortcomings will forever serve as one of the NHL's most iconic images. And if you think he'll rest on his laurels, take a peek at this season's goal leaders. You'll see a familiar face. - Sean O'Leary
3. Luka Modric, MF, Real Madrid
Michael Regan - FIFA / FIFA / Getty
It took over a decade, but the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly finally ended when do-it-all Croatian midfielder Modric captured the 2018 Ballon d'Or. In doing so, the 33-year-old proved that, contrary to popular belief, players for whom goal-scoring isn't the primary attribute can indeed be celebrated. Voter fatigue was a factor, sure - more than ever before, 2018 saw the football world grow numb to the continued excellence of Messi and Ronaldo - but Modric was the deserved winner of the sport's grandest individual honor. He was central to Real Madrid's third consecutive Champions League triumph, and his combination of subtle brilliance, crafty playmaking, and tireless, almost superhuman effort carried Croatia all the way to the World Cup final. - Gianluca Nesci
2. Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, Rachel Denhollander, and members of USA Women's Gymnastics
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic / Getty
The past three years have been both the best and worst for gymnastics in the United States: transcendent flashes of triumph on the bars, beams, and mats underscored by the exorcism of the monsters who plagued the sport for decades.
This year saw Biles elevate her craft to new heights, as she dominated the field of world-class competitors to take gold in the vault, floor, all-around, and team events at the 2018 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Doha, Qatar. Even if she chose to walk away from the sport tomorrow at just 21 years old, she already has a legitimate claim to the title of greatest gymnast ever.
But, by no fault of Biles or the dozens of other American gymnasts who excelled in competition this year, those accomplishments will only ever be part of their story. This was also the year that former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State team doctor Larry Nassar was sentenced for the decades of crimes he committed against the athletes entrusted to his care.
For years, these young women were forced to relive their trauma as those responsible avoided accountability. But the persistence and bravery of Denhollander, Raisman, and so many others ultimately culminated in the trial and sentencing hearing, and brought Nassar and the institutions that enabled him to their reckoning.
The courage, strength, and perseverance of the American gymnasts, regardless of whether they competed in 2018, is why theScore chose to honor the individuals (Biles) and the whole as one entity. - Andrew Joe Potter
1. LeBron James, F, Los Angeles Lakers
Andrew D. Bernstein / National Basketball Association / Getty
Ruminate on the 2003 NBA Draft class for a moment. Dwyane Wade, coming off the bench for a mediocre Heat team, is in the midst of a farewell season. Carmelo Anthony has made more highlights in an empty gym than he has on an NBA court in 2018. Chris Bosh hasn't played in nearly three years. Luke Walton, the 32nd pick in that famed draft, is coaching the Lakers. And then there's James; now 34 years old, in season No. 16, with more than 55,000 NBA minutes (regular season and playoffs) logged, and still at the height of his powers, both in terms of on-court production and off-court impact.
If you want to know why James remains one of the most scrutinized athletes on the planet despite all of his accomplishments, it's because the man, himself, continues to raise the bar for what we thought possible of him - or any other athlete, for that matter.
James nearly went the entire calendar year without missing a game, shifted the NBA's balance of power with another monumental move in free agency, and cemented his perennial status as the best player alive for the umpteenth time by dragging an obviously flawed Cleveland Cavaliers team to the NBA Finals, marking his eighth straight trip to the league's championship round.
Most importantly, the foundation James laid from a humanitarian standpoint in 2018, with the I Promise School, ensured that even long after Father Time finally catches up to him, LeBron's legacy will endure.
For continuing to defy the odds and perfect his craft on the court, and refusing to "shut up and dribble" off of it, LeBron James is theScore's 2018 Sportsperson of the Year. - Joseph Casciaro
With 2018 winding down, theScore looked back at the previous 12 months and voted on the top 25 sportspeople of the year. Here's the fourth instalment, highlighting Nos. 10-6.
Few athletes had as dominant a 2018 as Kenyan distance runner Eliud Kipchoge. The 33-year-old has won 10 of the 11 marathons he's entered since switching to the distance in 2012. His last was a record-smashing 2:01.39 at the Berlin Marathon that shattered the previous best by 78 seconds. So dominant was Kipchoge's performance in Berlin that he ran the final 17 kilometers alone after dropping the third of three pacemakers, running the second half in an obscene 60:34 - or 4:37 per mile. The greatest marathoner of all time, full stop. - Michael Chandler
9. Shohei Ohtani, P/DH, Los Angeles Angels
Masterpress / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Shohei Ohtani arrived stateside with absurd expectations after seemingly every MLB team was in on the bidding for his services. As the first true two-way player to hit the league, he was basically a unicorn. Ohtani showed that he could measure up to his peers on both sides of the ball (.925 OPS, 22 HR, 3.31 ERA, 10.97 K/9) en route to winning AL Rookie of the Year. And though Tommy John surgery risked derailing his year, he answered by going 4-for-4 with two homers on the very day surgery was suggested. The phenom may have to wait until 2020 before he can pitch again, but he should be able to swing a bat and remain an impactful piece. - Jason Wilson
8. Chloe Kim, snowboarder
Ryan Pierse / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Chloe Kim is the future.
At just 17 years of age, Kim entered PyeongChang 2018 as one of the faces of the games and somehow exceeded the enormous hype. The California native, who has family ties to South Korea, faced stiffer competition from her hunger than those in the field, as evidenced by her tweet between runs.
Wish I finished my breakfast sandwich but my stubborn self decided not to and now I'm getting hangry
Kim already had the gold medal sewn up before she took to the course for her final run, and her triumph represents much more than just being crowned as the world's best. Despite being just a teenager, Kim is a role model to so many - Americans, Asian Americans, women, girls - and has comported herself with aplomb at every turn, even in the face of casual and cruel misogyny. Thanks to the trail she's helped blaze, there will be more Chloe Kims coming down the pipe. - Andrew Joe Potter
7. Kylian Mbappe, F, Paris Saint-Germain
Stefan Matzke - sampics / Corbis Sport / Getty
What were most 19-year-olds doing this year? Probably watching Kylian Mbappe, mouth agape in awe. The forward, who only turned 20 on Dec. 20, set the world alight with his scintillating pace and prolific scoring on the way to winning a domestic treble with Paris Saint-Germain and starring in France's World Cup triumph in Russia this summer. His four goals and breathtaking performances saw him named that tournament's Best Young Player after he became just the second teenager - after Pele in 1958 - to score in a World Cup final. An unbelievable talent. - Tom Nightingale
6. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Having gotten a taste of the jaw-dropping plays he was capable of making in college, football fans were excited to see Patrick Mahomes step in as the Chiefs starter in 2018. Nobody could have predicted he'd translate that ability to the professional level so quickly. At an early career stage where quarterbacks are typically going through growing pains, the 23-year-old is on track to join Peyton Manning and Tom Brady with the third-ever 50-touchdown season. He's running away with the MVP race as a result, but such accolades can't even begin to adequately explain his impact. Mahomes is football's human highlight reel.
Patrick Mahomes makes throws like this look easy 💪
Chiefs games have become must-see TV on a weekly basis because of the frequency with which he hits throws that other quarterbacks wouldn't even dream of attempting. Just as a phenomenal generation of quarterbacks closes in on the end of their reign, the NFL's next megastar has emerged. And he's only just begun. - Dan Wilkins
With 2018 winding down, theScore looked back at the previous 12 months and voted on the top 25 sportspeople of the year. Here's the third instalment, highlighting Nos. 15-11.
The vast majority of the world's top athletes train countless years and make endless sacrifices to reach the pinnacle of their sport. And then there's Kyler Murray. Not only was the Texas-born Murray a top-10 pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, but he also won the Heisman Trophy as the quarterback of Oklahoma in his "offseason." The latest two-sport star to grace the American landscape also has the potential to be one of the best, as the Oakland A's prospect is now being mentioned as a Day 1 pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Before he's forced to make that decision, he will lead the Sooners into the CFP semifinal against Alabama, hoping to end the Crimson Tide's three-year streak of reaching the final. - Dane Belbeck
14. Ada Hegerberg, F, Olympique Lyonnais
FRANCK FIFE / AFP / Getty
One of the most important figures in the history of world football hails from a modest Norwegian town of just 7,000 people, but she's more than capable of living up to her illustrious title. "Every female player deserves the same opportunity (as men) to develop," the first female winner of the Ballon d'Or wrote for The Players' Tribune. "There's so much talent out there all over the world that deserves a chance to shine." What a relief Hegerberg was given that chance, with the phenomenal striker racking up almost 300 goals at just 23 years of age. As influential off the pitch as she is on it, Hegerberg shooting down a now infamous sexist remark about twerking - while on stage accepting her Ballon d'Or, no less - was the perfect response from someone who has been such an outspoken advocate for equality in football. - Daniel Rouse
13. Steph Curry, G, Golden State
Stacy Revere / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Steph Curry's growing impact on the game of basketball continued in 2018. Teams are taking (and making) the most 3-pointers per game in history, turning the NBA into a perimeter-driven league no matter the position. The average pace is fractions from 100 possessions per game for the first time in nearly three decades, and players are fearlessly chucking shots from well beyond the 3-point line early in the shot clock. Much of this can be directly related to the Warriors' dominance. Individually, Curry added a third NBA championship to his resume and has begun the new season on a torrid pace, averaging 28.6 points per game on a sparkling 46-percent shooting from deep. - Wael Saghir
12. Nick Foles, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Was there a better 2018 sports story than Nick Foles? A backup to begin the 2017 season, the quarterback was thrust into the starting lineup after Carson Wentz tore his ACL in December. Despite being the NFC's No. 1 seed, no one thought the Eagles would win one playoff game, let alone the franchise's first Super Bowl. The ultimate underdog, Foles put together a spectacular playoff run, and now has Philadelphia charging toward the postseason after another injury to Wentz. And let's not forget, the Super Bowl MVP not only threw for over 350 yards and threw three scores last February, but he also suggested the legendary "Philly Special" play call. - Mike Alessandrini
Somehow, Breanna Stewart has evaded the debate over whether she will go down as the greatest women's basketball player of all time. That won't last long.
At 24 years old, the superstar power forward just capped one of the most remarkable years in hoops history, capturing the WNBA's regular season and Finals MVP honor en route to her first domestic title with the Seattle Storm. Stewart followed up her clean sweep of the circuit with a gold medal and tournament MVP award at September's Women's Basketball World Cup, leading Team USA in scoring with 16.3 points per game.
Off the court, Stewart has continued her advocacy for sexual abuse survivors, which was put into motion after revealing she was abused as a child. Stewart is perseverance personified. - Andrew Joe Potter
With 2018 winding down, theScore looked back at the previous 12 months and voted on the top 25 sportspeople of the year. Here's the second instalment, highlighting Nos. 20-16.
Already the winningest cross-country skier in history entering PyeongChang, Marit Bjoergen's GOAT status in her sport wasn't in doubt. But she sought a greater level of achievement, and, after claiming two golds, a silver, and two bronzes in South Korea to bring her career Olympic medal total to 15, she wrestled the crown of most decorated Winter Olympian away from fellow Norwegian legend Ole Einar Bjoerndalen. Bjoergen's dominance boosted Norway, a nation with about as many citizens as Greater Boston, to the top of the medal table. Michael Phelps of the snow? Maybe he's the Bjoergen of the water. - David P. Woods
19. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints
Chris Graythen / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Although Drew Brees will likely be denied an MVP award once again, this time by Patrick Mahomes, that oversight does nothing to diminish what the future Hall of Famer has accomplished, and still can accomplish, in his age-39 season. The longtime Saints superstar earned his most prestigious personal record yet back in Week 5 when he surpassed Peyton Manning to become the NFL's all-time leader in passing yards, and it's been Brees' elite play over the course of the season, arguably the most efficient of his 18-year career, that's led the Saints to the NFC's No. 1 seed. A second Super Bowl ring is well within reach, and, if his continued dominance is any indication, perhaps Brees has his eyes on several more Lombardi Trophies before he calls it a career. - Dan Wilkins
18. Daniel Cormier, UFC
Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC / UFC / Getty
2018 was the year Daniel Cormier finally emerged from the shadow of his longtime rival Jon Jones. Once cast as a villain, DC flipped that narrative and became the UFC's second-ever double champion with an astounding first-round knockout of heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic in July. He also added two dominant title defenses against Volkan Oezdemir, at light heavyweight, and Derrick Lewis, at heavyweight, in January and November, respectively, to seal his place as an all-time MMA great. His retirement in March is fast approaching, but with a farewell fight against Brock Lesnar or perhaps even Jones in the cards, DC could leave the Octagon on a legacy-altering streak like few before him. - Jack Browne
17. Arike Ogunbowale, G, Notre Dame
Andy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / Getty
It often takes something special to topple the giant that UConn is in women's college basketball, and Arike Ogunbowale delivered just that during March Madness. The Notre Dame star was a force all night in the national semifinal between the two programs but saved her best moment for overtime. With the score tied as the seconds ticked away, Ogunbowale drilled a deep jumper with one tick left, sealing the upset win for the Fighting Irish.
That bucket would be the pinnacle of most athlete's careers, but Ogunbowale wasn't done there, ending the ensuing national championship in the most dramatic way possible, forever etching her name into basketball lore. - Dane Belbeck
Novak Djokovic began the year in the deepest funk of his career, losing six of his first 12 matches and failing to even reach a quarterfinal until May, tumbling out of the top 20 in the process.
And then, in what felt like a blink, everything clicked back into place. A stirring five-set win over Rafael Nadal in the Wimbledon semis propelled Djokovic to his first major title in over two years. Then, he became the first player to win all nine Masters events by capturing his first-ever title in Cincinnati. Then, he captured his third US Open, and another Masters crown in Shanghai, and, by year's end, he'd reclaimed his long-lost status as the best in the world: No. 1, with a bullet. - Joe Wolfond
With 2018 winding down, theScore looked back at the previous 12 months and voted on the top 25 sportspeople of the year. Here's the first installment, highlighting Nos. 25-21.
After being without a mascot since the 1970s, the Philadelphia Flyers went all-in with a monstrous mess of terrifying tangerine fibers and bulbous eyes when they unveiled Gritty in September. As the antithesis of the cute and cuddly mascots running rampant across North American sports, Gritty came in like a wrecking ball and immediately built a singular online presence that's heavy on memes while distracting Flyers fans from the sorry state of their team. - Michael Chandler
24. Tessa Virtue/Scott Moir, Figure Skating
ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP / Getty
Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir entered the 2018 Olympic Games in PyeongChang as two of the biggest names in figure skating. They exited as the most decorated pair in the sport's Olympic history following a series of transcendent performances - including a world record in the short ice dance - that elevated figure skating into the mainstream for a few weeks. Virtue and Moir's chemistry may or may not extend beyond the ice, but that's irrelevant. Name a better duo - we'll wait. - Arun Srinivasan
23. Mookie Betts, OF, Boston Red Sox
Alex Trautwig / Major League Baseball / Getty
It's unlikely that Mookie Betts will ever have a better year than he did in 2018. The superstar outfielder filled his trophy case with both individual and team accolades while establishing himself as one of baseball's most dynamic players. Betts won his third Gold Glove, was named to his third All-Star team, claimed his second Silver Slugger, and became the second player in Boston Red Sox history to record a 30-30 season. If that wasn’t enough, Betts capped off his incredible year with a World Series title, an American League MVP Award, and the birth of his first child. - Brandon Wile
22. Lewis Hamilton, F1
Dan Istitene / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Lewis Hamilton roared to a fifth world championship in 2018 due to steely driving in treacherous rain, spectacular maneuvering in dire circumstances, and an error-free finish to the season. The 33-year-old also wowed fans with an audacious triple pass at the Bahrain Grand Prix and later showed the determination and poise of a champion at the German Grand Prix, winning from 14th place on the grid. Hamilton - who's already cemented himself as an all-time great Formula 1 driver - is now in position to break Michael Schumacher's record for the most wins (91) and titles (seven) in history. - Anthony Lopopolo
21. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images Sport / Getty
The powerhouse that Nick Saban's built at Alabama is often thought to win regardless of its quarterback, but Tua Tagovailoa's done his best to prove that notion false this year. The Hawaiian-born standout arrived as a highly touted freshman and then announced himself to the nation with a monster second-half performance in relief of Jalen Hurts during the 2018 national championship game.
Three touchdown passes from Tagovailoa - including the overtime winner - helped Saban claim his fifth title with the Crimson Tide while continuing to build his legacy. Tagovailoa then took over as the starter this season and wowed the country on a weekly basis, throwing for a school-record 37 touchdowns despite playing almost no fourth-quarter snaps. Next, he'll have a chance to end 2018 the same way he started it, as Alabama's back in the College Football Playoff with a semifinal date versus Oklahoma on Dec. 29. - Dane Belbeck
With 2018 winding down, theScore looked back at the previous 12 months and voted on the top 25 sportspeople of the year. Here's the first installment, highlighting Nos. 25-21.
After being without a mascot since the 1970s, the Philadelphia Flyers went all-in with a monstrous mess of terrifying tangerine fibers and bulbous eyes when they unveiled Gritty in September. As the antithesis of the cute and cuddly mascots running rampant across North American sports, Gritty came in like a wrecking ball and immediately built a singular online presence that's heavy on memes while distracting Flyers fans from the sorry state of their team. - Michael Chandler
24. Tessa Virtue/Scott Moir, Figure Skating
ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP / Getty
Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir entered the 2018 Olympic Games in PyeongChang as two of the biggest names in figure skating. They exited as the most decorated pair in the sport's Olympic history following a series of transcendent performances - including a world record in the short ice dance - that elevated figure skating into the mainstream for a few weeks. Virtue and Moir's chemistry may or may not extend beyond the ice, but that's irrelevant. Name a better duo - we'll wait. - Arun Srinivasan
23. Mookie Betts, OF, Boston Red Sox
Alex Trautwig / Major League Baseball / Getty
It's unlikely that Mookie Betts will ever have a better year than he did in 2018. The superstar outfielder filled his trophy case with both individual and team accolades while establishing himself as one of baseball's most dynamic players. Betts won his third Gold Glove, was named to his third All-Star team, claimed his second Silver Slugger, and became the second player in Boston Red Sox history to record a 30-30 season. If that wasn’t enough, Betts capped off his incredible year with a World Series title, an American League MVP Award, and the birth of his first child. - Brandon Wile
22. Lewis Hamilton, F1
Dan Istitene / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Lewis Hamilton roared to a fifth world championship in 2018 due to steely driving in treacherous rain, spectacular maneuvering in dire circumstances, and an error-free finish to the season. The 33-year-old also wowed fans with an audacious triple pass at the Bahrain Grand Prix and later showed the determination and poise of a champion at the German Grand Prix, winning from 14th place on the grid. Hamilton - who's already cemented himself as an all-time great Formula 1 driver - is now in position to break Michael Schumacher's record for the most wins (91) and titles (seven) in history. - Anthony Lopopolo
21. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images Sport / Getty
The powerhouse that Nick Saban's built at Alabama is often thought to win regardless of its quarterback, but Tua Tagovailoa's done his best to prove that notion false this year. The Hawaiian-born standout arrived as a highly touted freshman and then announced himself to the nation with a monster second-half performance in relief of Jalen Hurts during the 2018 national championship game.
Three touchdown passes from Tagovailoa - including the overtime winner - helped Saban claim his fifth title with the Crimson Tide while continuing to build his legacy. Tagovailoa then took over as the starter this season and wowed the country on a weekly basis, throwing for a school-record 37 touchdowns despite playing almost no fourth-quarter snaps. Next, he'll have a chance to end 2018 the same way he started it, as Alabama's back in the College Football Playoff with a semifinal date versus Oklahoma on Dec. 29. - Dane Belbeck
The Boston Bruins will reportedly be without captain Zdeno Chara for the next four-to-six weeks after the veteran defenseman suffered a left knee injury during Wednesday's game, a source told Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic.
Chara hobbled off the ice after appearing to injury himself while making an awkward hit on Colorado Avalanche forward Carl Soderberg. The Bruins, who are currently on a west coast trip, sent Chara back to Boston for further evaluation.
The 41-year-old has three goals and one assist in 18 games, while averaging 21:30 in ice time. Chara has been one of the league's most durable players despite his age, having appeared in at least 73 games in each of the last three seasons.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews was placed on the injured reserve Monday and is expected to miss a minimum of four weeks with a shoulder injury, the team announced.
After a torrid start to the season in which he posted 16 points in just seven games, Matthews has been held off the scoresheet in his past four appearances.
The defenseman suffered a facial fracture during a fight with Erik Gudbranson in Calgary's season opener on Wednesday and now has a week-to-week status, the club announced Friday.
Defenseman Rasmus Andersson has been called up from the AHL in a corresponding move.
The fight against Gudbranson occurred only 4:22 into the first period. Hamonic later returned to action, receiving 14:35 of ice time.
The 28-year-old is a big part of the Flames' defense. He played 74 games last year in his first season with Calgary, averaging 20-plus minutes of ice time per game.
Andersson was the Flames' second-round pick in 2015. He played 10 games for Calgary in 2017-18.
