GEAR MAG

Malkin was ejected from the game with the major penalty, and both players were called for cross-checking at 38 seconds of the period.

Penguins coach Dan Muse didn't comment on Malkin's penalty after the game.

"He's obviously a catalyst for our team," said Bryan Rust, who scored Pittsburgh's only goal. "He drives a lot of play and creates a lot of offense. He's an unbelievable player, so it's unfortunate."

Josh Norris scored on the power play at 4:10 to give the Sabres a 2-1 lead. Alex Tuch added a short-handed goal at 6:18, and Owen Power made it 4-1 with 9:30 to go in the period.

The 39-year-old Malkin has been suspended twice in his NHL career, one game for high-sticking Philadelphia's Michael Raffl in February 2019, and four games in April 2022 for cross-checking Nashville's Mark Borowiecki.

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"Hopefully, he served his time (Thursday) and that's it," defenseman Erik Karlsson said. "He's a big part of this team. He's been playing great hockey and gives us a different dimension to our offensive game."

Malkin's 10-game home points streak ended Thursday. He has 13 goals and 47 points in 46 games.

Pittsburgh is already without captain Sidney Crosby for a minimum of four weeks because of a lower-body injury.

"I think we've shown throughout the year that we're a pretty deep team," Karlsson said. "We miss both of those guys, but it's nothing that we haven't done before."

AP NHL:https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Iran US Israel

The strikes in Lebanon were the heaviest since a 2024 ceasefire ended the last war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, who fired rockets at Israel in the opening days of the latest conflict. Tens of thousands have fled Beirut's suburbs and southern Lebanon aftersweeping Israeli evacuation warnings.

The war has escalated to affect more than a dozen countries across the Middle East and beyond. The United States said it had struck an Iranian drone carrier at sea as it wagedan unrelenting campaignagainst the country's navy that earlier includedtorpedoing of a warshipin the Indian Ocean.

The U.S. and Israel have battered Iran with strikes,targeting their military capabilities, leadership and nuclear program. The stated goals and timelines for the war have repeatedly shifted, as the U.S. has at times suggested it seeks to topple Iran's governmentor elevate new leadership from within.

The war has already causeda spike in oil prices, and Qatar's energy minister warned that it could "bring down the economies of the world," predicting a widespread shutdown of Gulf energy exports that could send oil to $150 a barrel. Saad al-Kaabi told the Financial Times newspaper that even if the war ended immediately it could take "weeks to months" to resume normal exports after an Iranian drone strike on Qatar's largest liquefied natural gas plant.

Heavy strikes on Iran

Israel's military said Friday morning it had begun "a broad-scale wave of strikes" on Tehran, Iran's capital. Witnesses described Israeli airstrikes as particularly intense, shaking homes in the area. Others reported explosions around the Iranian city of Kermanshah in an area that is home to multiple missile bases.

Iran meanwhile launched missile and drone attacks at Israel, as well as Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, all countries that host U.S. forces. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

The war has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, more than 120 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries.Six U.S. troopshave been killed.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said Friday that "some countries" had begun mediation efforts in the conflict, without elaborating.

The United Nations high commissioner for human rights, Volker Türk, urged all countries involved to de-escalate, saying "the world urgently needs to see steps to contain and extinguish this blaze."

US says it struck an Iranian drone carrier

The U.S. military said early Friday that it struck an Iranian drone carrier, setting it ablaze.

The U.S. military's Central Command released black-and-white footage of the burning carrier. The Iranian military did not immediately acknowledge the attack.

The drone carrier, the IRIS Shahid Bagheri, is a converted container ship with a 180-meter-long (yard) runway for drones. The vessel can travel up to 22,000 nautical miles without needing to refuel in ports, reports said at the time of its 2025 inauguration.

Adm. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, described the carrier as "roughly the size of a World War II aircraft carrier."

"As we speak, it's on fire," Cooper told reporters.

Earlier in the week, an American submarine sank anIranian frigate off the coast of Sri Lankaas itwas returning from an exercisehosted by the Indian navy that the U.S. also joined. Sri Lanka's navy rescued 32 crew members and recovered 87 bodies.

Under cover of darkness Friday morning, B-2 stealth bombers dropped dozens of 2,000-pound "penetrator" bombs on deeply buried ballistic missile launchers inside Iran, Cooper said.

Iran targets countries hosting US forces

Qatar said early Friday it intercepted a drone attack targeting Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts the forward headquarters of the U.S. Central Command.

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Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles fired early Friday toward Prince Sultan Air Base south of Riyadh, which also hosts U.S. forces, said a spokesperson for Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry.

Air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, where the Interior Ministry said Iranian strikes targeted two hotels and a residential building. It said there were no casualties. In Kuwait, where the six U.S. soldiers were killed Sunday, the army said air defenses were activated when missile and drone attacks breached its airspace.

The United Arab Emirates said three drones had struck its territory, without elaborating.

The British ambassador to Bahrain said Friday that the United Kingdom would help defend the country with its fighter jets. Ambassador Alastair Long's announcement came the day after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was sending four more Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters to Qatar following requests from allies for further help.

In Israel, the sound of explosions could be heard in Tel Aviv early Friday morning after a warning about missiles incoming from Iran, as air defense systems worked to intercept the barrage.

Trump again urges Iranians to 'take back' their country

In brief remarks at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump again urged the Iranian people to "help take back your country." This time he promised the U.S. would grant them "immunity" amid the war and ongoing dangers under the current Iranian regime.

"So you'll be perfectly safe with total immunity," Trump said, without giving any details about what that meant. "Or you'll face absolutely guaranteed death."

Cooper and Hegseth cautioned Iranians not to take to the streets while the conflict is still raging, however.

In an interview with the news website Axios, Trump said he should be involved in choosing Iran's new supreme leader to replaceAyatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the opening strikes of the war. Trump spoke dismissively of Khamenei's son,Mojtaba Khamenei, being a front-runner to replace his father, calling him "a lightweight."

"We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran," Trump said.

Iranian state television reported Friday that a leadership council had started discussing how to convene the country's Assembly of Experts, which willselect the new supreme leader.

Buildings associated with the Assembly of Experts, a 88-member clerical panel, have been attacked during the Israeli-U.S. airstrike campaign, and Israel has said it would target the next supreme leader if he poses a threat.

Israel hits Lebanon with multiple airstrikes around Beirut

Israel carried out at least 11 airstrikes late Thursday and early Friday, targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut. Fires broke out near a gas station.

Two hospitals evacuated patients and staff. No casualties were immediately reported.

Türk, the U.N. human rights chief, said he was "extremely concerned" about the situation, particularly what he described as "blanket, massive displacement orders" by Israel to civilians in Lebanon.

The Lebanese health ministry said the death toll has risen to 123 since the resurgence of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which struck Israel in the opening days of the war.

Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam slammed both Israel and Hezbollah, saying the Lebanese state and people "did not choose this war."

Metz reported from Ramallah, West Bank, Rising from Bangkok and Abou AlJoud from Beirut. Geir Moulson in Berlin and Bassem Mroue in Beirut contributed to this report.

"Representatives of Georgian authorities have ⁠to use their diplomatic or service passport when travelling to the ​EU for ​official and ​diplomatic purposes. Not doing ‌so may result in the issuance of an entry ban," the Commission said in a statement.

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Once among the most democratic ‌and pro-Western of the ​successor states to ​emerge ​from the Soviet Union, ‌Georgia has turned increasingly ​authoritarian since ​the outbreak of the war in Ukraine and has ​deepened economic ‌ties with neighbouring Russia.

(Reporting by ​Gianluca Lo Nostro; Editing ​by Makini Brice)

Pokémon is at odds with the White House for the second time in months.

On Thursday, the White Housepostedan image with the words "make america great again" designed to imitate Pokémon's game Pokémon Pokopia, which was released this week. Fans havemade postsusing the game's font to write comical phrases. In the background of the image, which appears to have been taken directly from the game, iconic characters like Pikachu and Magikarp can be seen.

The post prompted a response from Pokémon Company International, which is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Pokémon.

"We are aware of recent social content that includes imagery associated with our brand," Sravanthi Dev, a company spokeswoman, said in a statement to media outlets. "We were not involved in its creation or distribution, and no permission was granted for the use of our intellectual property. Our mission is to bring the world together, and that mission is not affiliated with any political viewpoint or agenda."

TIME has reached out to Pokémon Company International and the White House for comment.

It's the second time that Pokémon has had to put out a statement distancing itself from the Trump Administration's use of its intellectual property. Last September, the Department of Homeland Securityposteda video seeking to recruit Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents that used Pokémon's slogan "Gotta catch 'em all" and scenes from Pokémon's anime series alongside clips of Border Patrol and ICE agents arresting people.

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In anotherpostthe same day, Customs and Border Protection said "Border Patrol's newest recruit" alongside a GIF of Detective Pikachu.

"We are aware of a recent video posted by the Department of Homeland Security that includes imagery and language associated with our brand," Pokémon Company International said in astatementat the time. "Our company was not involved in the creation or distribution of this content, and permission was not granted for the use of our intellectual property."

Frustration has mounted towards DHS and other government agencies over the Trump Administration'saggressive immigration crackdown. Kristi Noem, who has been scrutinized for her oversight of the department'shandling of immigration enforcement, wasremoved as Homeland Security Secretaryon Thursday.

The Trump Administration has also used the intellectual property of other video games includingMinecraft,Halo,Stardew Valley, and most recentlyCall of Dutyto boost their policies, particularly related to immigration and foreign policy. None of the companies that own those video games have publicly commented on the White House's posts.

Trump hassought favor among the gamer communityfor years in his efforts to court young male voters. But, as with manyartists whose music has been appropriatedby the Administration, the White House has faced pushback, including from video game fans as well assome developers, over its use of gaming memes and references to promote its policies.

Some havecalled forPokémon to sue the Trump Administration over its use of its intellectual property, although there has so far been no indication of a legal challenge.

"Nowhere in the Constitution does it say we can't post banger memes," the White House's X accountpostedin July in response to broad criticisms of its social media strategy.

Contact usatletters@time.com.

Islanders Kings Hockey

Panarin, Mikey Anderson and Adrian Kempe had a goal and an assist apiece forthe Kings, and Darcy Kuemper made 31 saves. Samuel Helenius and Alex Laferriere also scored in just Los Angeles' second victory since January.

Kings captain Anze Kopitar had an assist while playing his 1,500th game, becoming the 25th player in NHL history to hit the mark. The Slovenian center,who is retiring this springafter 20 seasons in Los Angeles, is just five points away from passing Marcel Dionne to become the Kings' career scoring leader.

Bo Horvatscored an improbable goaloff a faceoff taken with a second left in the second period for the Islanders, but it didn't prevent a second straight blowout loss for New York in Southern California.

Adam Pelech scored the second short-handed goal of his 11-year career and Ilya Sorokin stopped 30 shots for the Isles, who had won five straight before losingto Anaheimand Los Angeles by a combined 10-4 over the past two nights.

Emil Heineman scored with 1:59 to play while Sorokin was pulled for the final 8 1/2 minutes of the third period.

Smithreplaced Jim Hilleron Sunday after the Kings' slump took them out of playoff position. Los Angeles played decently in his debut whilelosing to NHL-leading Coloradoon Monday.

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Panarin had three assists in his first four games with the Kings, whoacquired the Russian star from the Rangersand signed him to a $22 million contract extension a month ago.

Panarin finally got his first Kings goal 3:17 after the opening faceoff when Kopitar found him utterly unmarked 10 feet from Sorokin. He also secured his 10th career 20-goal season.

Down 3-0, the Islanders finally scored on an unbelievable play: With one second showing on the clock, Jean-Gabriel Pageau won a faceoff straight to Horvat, who whipped a perfect one-timer past Kuemper's pad for his 26th goal.

Up next

Islanders: At San Jose on Saturday.

Kings: Host Montreal on Saturday.

AP NHL:https://apnews.com/NHL

With 4:05 to play in the Lakers' 120-113 loss to the Nuggets, James drove for a layup but went down hard beyond the baseline.

Play went up to the other end, where the Lakers committed a foul. When the television cameras cut back to James on the floor, the broadcast microphones clearly picked up James saying, "My elbow. F---. F---."

James came out of the game for good at that point, with Los Angeles trailing 110-106.

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After the game, Lakers coach JJ Redick didn't have any details about James' prognosis.

"He fell on it," Redick said of James' elbow. "It was bothering him enough that he didn't feel comfortable (remaining in the game)."

Late in the first quarter of the game, James sank a jumper for his 15,838th career field goal, passing Lakers great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the all-time NBA record.

Three years ago, James topped Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time leading scorers.

--Field Level Media

Carlson, 36, has been a career Capital, appearing in 1,143 games for the franchise over 17 seasons after he was selected with the 27th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Draft. He owns basically every major franchise record for a defenseman — games played, goals (166), assists (605) and points (771) — and was a key component of the franchise's breakthrough Stanley Cup win in 2018. He finished in the top five in Norris Trophy voting three times, including a runner-up finish in 2019-20.

"Since joining our organization 17 years ago, John Carlson has exemplified what it means to be a Washington Capital every day," Capitals GM Chris Patricksaid in a statement. "John's determination, leadership, persistence and skill helped our franchise reach new heights and cemented him as a cornerstone and one of the greatest players in Capitals history. His contributions to our organization and the Washington, D.C., community both on and off the ice have been immeasurable.

"We are incredibly grateful for everything John has given to our team and wish him and his family nothing but the best moving forward with Anaheim."

So ... who won the deal?

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Capitals trade grade: A-

Sentimentality aside, getting a first-round pick — either this summer if the Ducks make the playoffs or next year — and third-round pick for a 36-year-old defenseman who will be a free agent this summer is a tidy bit of business. The Capitals are just four points out of the playoffs, but they are tied for the most games played in the conference. They made a shrewd decision to throw in the towel in what seems to be a seller's market, earlier on Thursday trading another veteran in Nic Dowd.

The Capitals now have 22 picks in the next three NHL drafts and clearly have their eyes on the future ... which could also see franchise icon Alex Ovechkin depart this summer with the 40-year-old's contract set to expire. A trade of a franchise icon is never fun, but this move helps set the Capitals up for more winning down the road.

Feb. 4: The Los Angeles Kings acquired left wing Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers in exchange for forward Liam Greentree and conditional third-round (2026) and fourth-round (2028) picks.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Jan. 27: The New York Islanders acquired left wing Ondrej Palat, a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for forward Maxim Tsyplakov.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Jan. 20: The San Jose Sharks acquire forward Kiefer Sherwood from the Vancouver Canucks for second-round picks in 2026 and 2027, plus defenseman Cole Clayton.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Jan. 16: The Anaheim Ducks acquire winger Jeffrey Viel from the Boston Bruins for a 2026 fourth-round pick. Anaheim will give up the better of the fourth-rounder previously acquired from Philadelphia and Detroit.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Jan. 8: The San Jose Sharks acquire goaltender Laurent Brossoit, defenseman Nolan Allan and a 2028 seventh-round pick from the Chicago Blackhawks for defensemen Ryan Ellis, Jake Furlong and a 2028 fourth-rounder.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Dec. 29: The Pittsburgh Penguins acquire forward Yegor Chinakhov from the Columbus Blue Jackets for forward Danton Heinen, a 2026 second-round draft pick and a 2027 third-rounder.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Dec. 12: The Minnesota Wild acquired Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks for Marco Rossi, Zeev Buium, Liam Ohgren and a 2026 first-round pick.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Dec. 12: The Edmonton Oilers acquired Tristan Jarry and Samuel Poulin from the Pittsburgh Penguins for Stuart Skinner, Brett Kulak and a 2029 second-round pick.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

NHL trade tracker: Who changed teams in 2025-26

Ducks trade grade: B+

This trade feels very much like a win-win as the Ducks are adding a defenseman who can still get it done, particularly on the offensive end. Carlson has been quite productive again this season, scoring 10 goals and dishing 36 assists for 46 points in 55 games. He carries a plus-11 rating.

He also brings loads of playoff experience for a team that hasn't played spring hockey in a while, having appeared in 137 postseason contests, winning the Stanley Cup in 2018. That's the last year the Ducks made the playoffs. Maybe you'd like to keep your first-round pick, but getting a player like Carlson comes at a price; plus, Anaheim is already oozing with young talent thanks to its years in the wilderness.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:John Carlson trade grades for Capitals-Ducks deal