Can the New York Rangers be saved? Maybe not this current version

It’s possible that the 2024-25 Rangers haven’t quite bottomed out, but it feels like they’re close. Barring an unprecedented turnaround, a painful rebuild loomsOn 25 November, the New York Rangers had a 12-6-1 record. With 25 points, the Rangers sat in fourth place in the Metropolitan Division, holding a playoff wildcard place. The team had just completed a swing through the Pacific Division, where they won against San Jose and Seattle before dropping two in a row to Calgary and Edmonton. As the Rangers headed back to New York City from their western road trip, there were rumblings of trouble, for at some point during that week, Rangers general manager Chris Drury had sent a memo to all NHL teams in which he said he was open to a trade to shake up his roster

Ollie Lawrence should be applauded for streetwise play – rugby must ditch holier-than-thou image | Gerard Meagher

A round of applause for Ollie Lawrence. Not for his apology after Bath’s last-gasp defeat by Northampton, which was entirely unnecessary, but for having the wherewithal to put his side into a winning position by demonstrating a streetwise streak all too seldom shown in elite rugby union.To recap, Lawrence was pilloried by Northampton supporters for going down in instalments after a fairly innocuous clash of heads with Alex Mitchell in the last few minutes of Saints’ thrilling 35-34 win over Bath on Sunday. He took himself down to his knees, clutched his face and in doing so, made sure that the match was stopped, the incident reviewed.Upon review, the referee Anthony Woodthorpe – who enjoyed an excellent match in the middle – determined that Mitchell was too high in his attempted tackle and the England scrum-half was shown a yellow card

Nick Kyrgios in doubt for Australian Open after fresh injury scare

The injury comeback for tennis player Nick Kyrgios has stalled, after a new ailment scuppered his Australian Open preparations and put the former world No 13 in doubt for his home grand slam.The 29-year-old has been rehabbing a surgically repaired wrist and returned to the court at the Brisbane International last week, where he showed promise despite a loss in his first round singles match.The outspoken Australian travelled to Melbourne on Wednesday, but triggered anxiety for organisers with a post on Instagram just four days before the tournament’s start.“I’ve had an ultrasound on my abdominal and have a grade one strain,” Kyrgios said. “Will be resting and doing everything I can to be okay for the Australian Open

Feyi-Waboso injury leaves Borthwick’s England short of options for Six Nations

Steve Borthwick has mounting headaches over his back-three contingent before the Six Nations with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, George Furbank and Ollie Sleightholme all sidelined with injuries.Feyi-Waboso has a dislocated shoulder and with surgery beckoning, he is facing a spell on the sidelines that would rule him out of the Six Nations, dealing Borthwick what would be a major setback before a crucial campaign that begins away to Ireland on 1 February.As one of the 17 players handed an enhanced England contract in October – giving Borthwick the final say over sports science matters – Feyi-Waboso has been in consultation with the national setup over how to deal with the injury. It is believed Feyi-Waboso had decided to go ahead with the operation but on Tuesday night Exeter insisted he was still discussing his options with the club and England.A lengthy layoff would also be a blow for Andy Farrell, who is undertaking a reconnaissance mission in Australia before this summer’s British and Irish Lions tour

Behind the scenes: a first look at Djokovic and Murray together on court

As one of the first to witness the two legendary rivals as player and coach, our correspondent gives his take from their grand slam practice sessionDuring his short time as one of the leading tennis players of his generation, Carlos Alcaraz has methodically built a reputation for his fearlessness and nerve. Even in the face of some of the most accomplished opponents and lofty occasions, the pressure has so often elevated his game to greater heights.On Tuesday afternoon in a near-empty Margaret Court Arena, however, the 21-year-old could have been forgiven for feeling slightly intimidated. Across the net stood not one but two of the greatest tennis players in the history of the sport, two legendary rivals who have joined forces with the obvious goal of holding him and his contemporaries off for as long as they can. For the first time ever, Andy Murray joined Novak Djokovic in a grand slam practice session as the 24-time grand slam champion’s coach

Mirra Andreeva: ‘I would say that I’m still a kid sometimes. I can be a pain’

The 17-year-old grand slam semi-finalist on shedding tears, learning on the job and annoying Conchita MartínezIn the final weeks of her first season competing at the highest level of professional tennis, the best teenage player in the world found herself on the brink of a perfect ending. Facing off against her good friend and compatriot Daria Kasatkina in the Chinese city of Ningbo, Mirra Andreeva battled hard with hopes of winning the biggest title of her career. For a while, she had positioned herself well for victory, but she instead fell in three excruciating sets.By the time the trophy ceremony had begun, tears of frustration were rolling down Andreeva’s face. Despite Kasatkina’s admirable attempts to console her younger friend and the sweet sportsmanship they shared, the 17-year-old struggled to accept the defeat