Our full episode, btw, is a full-length doc about how two Democratic politicians from Harvard are behind a $2.3B scheme centered around climate change. They had a key donor: the richest owner in sports. They hired Drake, Leo DiCaprio, Robert Downey Jr... And, secretly... youtu.be/1OwzYk6OCFM?...

If you find Connections: Sports Edition too easy, give our NFL-themed puzzles (one for each of the 32 teams) a shot. Early reviews are in: They're way tougher than usual. @markcooperjr.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/659...

Win some, lose some, chin up Dallas

Jakub Dobeš has an unbelievable origin story. His playoff performance with the Canadiens is just the latest chapter. www.nytimes.com/athletic/611...

The NHL's best villain (likely) enters the playoff fray tonight www.nytimes.com/athletic/629...

Alex Ovechkin is a 39-year-old man who broke his leg on Nov. 18. He was 27 goals away. Today should not have happened. “Yeah,” Spencer Carbery said, “you can’t rationalize that part of it.” From Long Island: www.nytimes.com/athletic/626...

Alexander the Great and the Fates, by Bernardino Mei, 1667, 📸 by Sarah Stier

THE GREAT EIGHT PASSES THE GREAT ONE 💥 Move over, Wayne Gretzky. Alex Ovechkin stands alone atop the NHL's all-time goal scoring list.

Andrew L., @theathletic.bsky.social commenter: "Wanted to watch Ovie break the record live, but the fam wants to get corned beef sandwich lunch today. And, I mean… have you ever had a real good overstuffed corned beef sandwich? Thank goodness for my DVR." 🥪 www.nytimes.com/athletic/liv...

Tax season www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IQl...

Tough news for Penguins fans — Mike Lange has died at 76. www.nytimes.com/athletic/614...

The real big game is here. Connections: Sports Edition, a spin-off of @nytimes.com Connections, is now in the @theathletic.bsky.social app. Can you find the common thread? Test your knowledge www.nytimes.com/athletic/con...

My favorite holiday tradition is playing the fucked-up Catchphrase at my mom's house. #CHEESEBURG

@pittsburghgraffiti.bsky.social Graham Street footbridge over the busway, Shadyside, 2013

At The Athletic, we tell the sports stories that matter. And these are the pieces you connected with most in 2024. Presenting, The Athletic Wrapped 🧵

They're not even trying anymore

Pie

Like Connections? Like sports? Did you know there's a Connections: Sports Edition? Hard to believe we're already at puzzle No. 61 — would love for you to give our game a try @theathletic.bsky.social. www.nytimes.com/athletic/con...

Do you play Connections: Sports Edition? Do you even know it exists? If you do, I'd love your feedback. Just be kind to @markcooperjr.bsky.social, the brilliant puzzle maker behind the game. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, I encourage you to play: www.nytimes.com/athletic/con...

Leave it to @mbultman.bsky.social to make me care this much about an equipment manager #redwings www.nytimes.com/athletic/592...

“We are ready.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/583...

Sucka s—t chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2...

Blue Skies

A cake for me and only me

🫡

This one goes out to my follower