It’s been a rough couple of days in Detroit after the Pittsburgh Steelers took the Lions’ playoff chances from possible to extremely unlikely.
A former Penguins goalie could be considering a return to the ice, and Duquesne men’s basketball gets a marquee moment on “SportsCenter” in Wednesday’s “On Sports,” pinch-hitting for “First Call.”
_______________________________________
Venting their frustration
Detroit Lions fans are taking Sunday’s 29-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers a bit hard. A billboard with just the word “ROBBED” was spotted Tuesday along the Detroit freeway.
Billboard off the Detroit freeway says “ROBBED” after the #Lions’ dramatic loss to the Steelers on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/AZCU0tSx2a
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) December 23, 2025
The Lions had two touchdowns called back because of offensive pass interference in the final 22 seconds Sunday evening, allowing the Steelers to secure a five-point win.
After the loss, the Lions’ playoff chances sunk to 4%, according to the New York Times playoff simulator. The Lions (8-7) now have to win their final two games (at Minnesota, at Chicago) and hope for the Packers to lose their final two games (vs. Ravens, at Minnesota).
_______________________________________
Un-retirement for Flower?
Flowers are a popular gift around the holidays, right?
Well, some teams are shopping for a Flower apparently, and it has nothing to do with a poinsettia.
According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, some teams have checked in on recently retired Marc-Andre Fleury to see if he would consider playing again.
Probably not surprising but hearing that some teams have checked in on Marc-Andre Fleury to see if there’s any chance at all he would consider playing again. Again not surprised teams with goalie needs would want to check on it.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) December 23, 2025
ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski added Fleury is open to a comeback if it’s the right opportunity. He also offered that Edmonton could be a good landing spot, where he could reunite with fellow former Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry, who is sidelined for a couple weeks with a lower-body injury.
Regarding Marc-Andre Fleury talk:
– As @PierreVLeBrun said, teams have kicked the tires.
– I’ve heard he’s open to the right opportunity for a comeback.
– Obviously, @EdmontonOilers are the team to watch here, especially after the Jarry trade, an ex-teammate of MAF’s in PIT. pic.twitter.com/Ks8bB7gC8Y— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) December 23, 2025
Fleury bid farewell to the Pittsburgh faithful in September when he suited up one final time in a Penguins jersey. In front of a sold-out preseason crowd, he retired as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins after 4-1 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets at PPG Paints Arena.
Selected first overall in the 2003 NHL Draft, Fleury helped the Penguins win Stanley Cup championships in 2009, ‘16 and ‘17.
Fleury holds nearly every Penguins record for goaltenders, including games played (691), wins (375) and shutouts (44).
Overall, Fleury has the second-most goaltending wins in NHL history, having posted a career mark of 575-339-97 over 21 seasons.
_______________________________________
Fields to IR
Justin Fields’ season is officially over. The New York Jets quarterback was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury that has kept him on the sideline for the past three games.
After playing for the Steelers last season, Fields signed a two-year, $40 million deal with the Jets in March. He went 2-7 with 1,259 passing yards and seven touchdowns as the starter before being benched for Tyrod Taylor. Rookie Brady Cook has started the past two games.
With the Steelers in 2024, Fields went 4-2 as a starter with 1,106 yards and five touchdowns before giving way to Russell Wilson. He also ran for 289 yards and five scores.
_______________________________________
Duquesne’s ‘SportsCenter’ moment
David Dixon’s poster dunk against Canisius in the second half Monday night earned Duquesne some publicity Tuesday. The highlight-reel slam was the No. 1 play on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” top plays.
Dixon took a pass at the top of the key, spun into the lane and tomahawk slammed on top of Canisius forward King Ijeoma. Dixon finished with four points and four rebounds. Jimmie Williams had 24 points, and Tarence Guinyard had 21 for the Dukes.
YOUR #️⃣1️⃣ PLAY ON SPORTSCENTER!!! pic.twitter.com/KvERNdO0KB
— Duquesne Basketball (@DuqMBB) December 23, 2025
Duquesne improved to 7-5 with the 103-59 win. The Dukes will be back in action at 2 p.m. Saturday when they host Cleary at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse.
…just because you need to watch this again https://t.co/ZyptNAbh3P pic.twitter.com/qPa87ChfNF
— Duquesne Basketball (@DuqMBB) December 23, 2025
