Latest news with #Panther
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Joker and the Thief win the night: How a star duo helped Queensland play their oldest tune
However, the Maroons played smarter in the first half with their glut of possession, while the Blues charged one out at the defensive line with all the grace of a well-hurled bowling ball. The NSW forwards seemed more intent on winning a battle of collisions than securing a victory. Rugby league's two best centres, Latrell Mitchell and Stephen Crichton, were starved of the ball, given the penalties and wet, greasy conditions. The game was, therefore, decided by players with the No.8 and higher on their backs and the Maroons edged NSW in this area. Incoming forward Kurt Capewell, a veteran of Origin, proved to be a welcome gap-plugger, run-stopper and back-up man. The Queensland pack found the go forward that had been missing in Brisbane. It wasn't as if NSW did not expect a Queensland fightback. A text message from the Blues dressing-room minutes before kick off read: 'We need to get through the opening onslaught and we should be OK.' NSW actually scored the first try when the Penrith halves combination that won four consecutive NRL premierships saw Nathan Cleary passing to Jarome Luai who grubbered through for another Panther and NSW's best, Brian To'o, to score. But the Blues frustration with penalties and dropped ball grew, resulting in a first-half completion rate of 56%. Queenslanders see omens everywhere at Origin time, including in the pre-match entertainment at Perth's Optus Stadium. Wolfmother sang 'Joker and the Thief'. Cameron Munster, the man of the match is known as a joker, although he wore his game face in his debut as captain. Harry Grant, his Melbourne teammate, played the role of thief, stealing metres from dummy half, including setting up Munster's try to give the Maroons a 20-6 lead. Queensland coach Billy Slater surprised by starting with his nominated team, despite leaving his best two forwards from the first game – Jeremiah Nanai and Pat Carrigan – on the bench. Carrigan's presence was needed when some of the inexperienced Maroons tired. Slater looked composed throughout, compared to the lead-up when, under sustained criticism, his normal unflappable self looked extremely flapped. Once again, the negative pre-match publicity fed the Queensland underdog psyche, with Munster revealing afterwards that the Maroons were motivated to 'turn up for our coach'. In the long history of Origin, how many times have we seen Queensland, when facing defeat, claw back, in the adrenalised manner of someone fighting off death? Still, the result would have been different if two of the conversion attempts of NSW winger Zac Lomax had not hit the uprights. Loading Similarly, in the Brisbane game, Cleary failed with three goal attempts, although in that match it did not matter. In the final analysis, the Maroons out-hustled, outwitted and outlasted the Blues, and we now move to Homebush for the decider on July 9. Unexpected, maybe. Unbelievable, perhaps. Unfinished, certainly.
The Age
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
Joker and the Thief win the night: How a star duo helped Queensland play their oldest tune
However, the Maroons played smarter in the first half with their glut of possession, while the Blues charged one out at the defensive line with all the grace of a well-hurled bowling ball. The NSW forwards seemed more intent on winning a battle of collisions than securing a victory. Rugby league's two best centres, Latrell Mitchell and Stephen Crichton, were starved of the ball, given the penalties and wet, greasy conditions. The game was, therefore, decided by players with the No.8 and higher on their backs and the Maroons edged NSW in this area. Incoming forward Kurt Capewell, a veteran of Origin, proved to be a welcome gap-plugger, run-stopper and back-up man. The Queensland pack found the go forward that had been missing in Brisbane. It wasn't as if NSW did not expect a Queensland fightback. A text message from the Blues dressing-room minutes before kick off read: 'We need to get through the opening onslaught and we should be OK.' NSW actually scored the first try when the Penrith halves combination that won four consecutive NRL premierships saw Nathan Cleary passing to Jarome Luai who grubbered through for another Panther and NSW's best, Brian To'o, to score. But the Blues frustration with penalties and dropped ball grew, resulting in a first-half completion rate of 56%. Queenslanders see omens everywhere at Origin time, including in the pre-match entertainment at Perth's Optus Stadium. Wolfmother sang 'Joker and the Thief'. Cameron Munster, the man of the match is known as a joker, although he wore his game face in his debut as captain. Harry Grant, his Melbourne teammate, played the role of thief, stealing metres from dummy half, including setting up Munster's try to give the Maroons a 20-6 lead. Queensland coach Billy Slater surprised by starting with his nominated team, despite leaving his best two forwards from the first game – Jeremiah Nanai and Pat Carrigan – on the bench. Carrigan's presence was needed when some of the inexperienced Maroons tired. Slater looked composed throughout, compared to the lead-up when, under sustained criticism, his normal unflappable self looked extremely flapped. Once again, the negative pre-match publicity fed the Queensland underdog psyche, with Munster revealing afterwards that the Maroons were motivated to 'turn up for our coach'. In the long history of Origin, how many times have we seen Queensland, when facing defeat, claw back, in the adrenalised manner of someone fighting off death? Still, the result would have been different if two of the conversion attempts of NSW winger Zac Lomax had not hit the uprights. Loading Similarly, in the Brisbane game, Cleary failed with three goal attempts, although in that match it did not matter. In the final analysis, the Maroons out-hustled, outwitted and outlasted the Blues, and we now move to Homebush for the decider on July 9. Unexpected, maybe. Unbelievable, perhaps. Unfinished, certainly.
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Jaguar vs panther: How these majestic big cats differ on the basis of weight, hunting strategy and more
Jaguars and panthers are two of the most legendary big cats in the animal world, but they're often misunderstood because of shared physical characteristics and confusing terminology. The term "panther" generally applies to melanistic (black) leopards in Africa and Asia, or melanistic jaguars in the Americas. Although they share some similarities, jaguars and panthers vary in terms of size, looks, geographic range, habits, and stalking methods. In this article, the main differences between these formidable predators are examined, pointing out their characteristics, ranging from jaw power and arboreal ability to coat markings and habitat. Understanding the key differences between the two majestic cats. Key differences between jaguar and panther Although a melanistic jaguar is technically a panther, all panthers are not jaguars. The most frequent comparison is between jaguars and melanistic leopards (commonly called panthers in Africa and Asia). Check below difference between the two: Feature Jaguar (Panthera onca) Panther (Melanistic Leopard – Panthera pardus) Scientific Classification Panthera onca Panthera pardus Common Name Jaguar Panther (refers to melanistic leopard) Fur Colour Golden yellow coat with black rosettes containing central spots Appears black due to melanism; rosettes are faintly visible Melanism Less common, but present More common in dense forest populations Weight Range 120–210 pounds (54–95 kg) 60–130 pounds (27–59 kg) Height at Shoulder 25–30 inches (63–76 cm) 23–28 inches (58–71 cm) Build Stocky, heavily muscled, powerful build Lean, agile, more slender body Head and Jaw Structure Broad skull, extremely powerful jaws Narrower skull, less bite force Tail Length 18–30 inches (45–76 cm) Up to 43 inches (110 cm), long for balance while climbing Primary Habitat Tropical rainforests, wetlands, savannas (Central and South America) Woodlands, grasslands, forests (Africa and Asia) Geographic Distribution Americas: Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, etc. Asia and Africa: India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, China, etc. Hunting Strategy Power-based; kills prey with skull-crushing bite Stealth-based; kills prey by throat bite Preferred Prey Caimans, turtles, capybaras, deer, fish Antelope, monkeys, rodents, birds, domestic animals Climbing Ability Not strong climbers; mostly ground hunters Excellent climbers; often drags prey into trees Swimming Ability Strong swimmers; often hunts in or near water Not fond of water; prefers staying on land Activity Pattern More active during the day (diurnal or crepuscular) Mostly nocturnal and elusive Camouflage Natural rosette camouflage in forest and grass Black coat provides excellent night-time concealment Lifespan (Wild) 12–15 years 12–17 years Hybridization Can hybridize with leopards in captivity Can hybridize with jaguars in captivity Species Status Distinct species Not a distinct species – a melanistic variant of the leopard Jaguar vs Panther Physical characteristics Perhaps the biggest difference between a jaguar and a panther is how they look. Jaguars are big, sturdy, and very muscular. They are the world's third-largest big cat species, after lions and tigers. Adult jaguars weigh anywhere from 120 to 210 pounds and are around 25 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder. Their stumpy, compact legs, wide head, and muscular jaws are adaptations for ambushing prey—inflicting crunching bites into the skulls or shells of turtles and caimans. Panthers are melanistic leopards and significantly differ in structure. Leopards tend to be smaller and more elongated, with weights ranging from 60 to 130 pounds. They are a bit shorter at the shoulder, typically 23 to 28 inches, but what they lose in height, they gain in agility. Their flexible, elongated bodies and long tails enable them to climb trees effortlessly and have impeccable balance—abilities essential to a sneaky ambush predator who tends to pull prey into the treetop heights to dissuade scavengers. Coat colour and concealed patterns The most conspicuous cause of confusion comes from their coats. Jaguars are typically golden-yellow featuring characteristic black rosettes, each of which surrounds a central spot. The patterns are conspicuous and easy to spot, even at a distance. Panthers, through melanism, are nearly totally black. Yet, if closely scrutinized or under powerful lighting, their coat still displays faint rosettes—a whispered reminder of leopard heritage. Melmanism is more frequent in leopards than in jaguars and usually appears in dense, tropical forests where dark coloration gives a survival benefit by enhancing camouflage in the dark underbrush. Black jaguars do occur but are not as common, and in the Americas, "panther" most commonly is used to refer to these melanistic jaguars. In Asia and Africa, however, the term nearly always is used to refer to melanistic leopards. Habitat Geographic range is one obvious distinction between these two cats. Jaguars inhabit only the Americas, and their populations are almost entirely found in the Amazon Basin and surrounding tropical and subtropical areas. They live in rainforest, wetlands, riverbanks, and savannas that contain plenty of water sources—jaguars are good swimmers and tend to hunt along rivers. Melanistic leopards, on the other hand, inhabit areas of Asia and Africa, including Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, and China. They are highly mobile and can survive in different kinds of habitats ranging from tropical rainforests to woodlands and grasslands. Their more agile and flexible body type has been developed from the diversity of terrain found within their geographical area. Hunting behaviour Both jaguars and panthers also vary significantly in terms of hunting approach and killing style. Jaguars have one of the strongest bites among all cats—capable of crushing bone and piercing turtle shells. They tend to kill by biting right through the skull of the prey, a method not typical of other cats. Capable of mounting a simple attack by stealth, brute force, and sheer power, their method of operation is not as diversified. Panthers (leopards), while less physically powerful, are experts at stalking and strategy. Their kills typically consist of a silent stalk and sudden ambush, culminating in a throat bite that can asphyxiate the prey. Panthers will drag their kill into the trees after the kill to keep scavengers at bay, such as hyenas or lions. This is also a sign of their adaptation to a more competitive ecosystem, where keeping a kill safe is life. Arboreal behaviour and tail adjustments Panthers are skilled arboreal animals. Their up to 43-inch tails help greatly in maintaining balance when traveling along tree limbs. This arboreal behavior also serves as a means of sleeping or feeding away from predators. Jaguars, on the other hand, possess shorter tails (18 to 30 inches) and are less arboreal. They like to remain on the ground and instead of lifting their prey, tend to drag it a short distance. Their just sheer power implies that they have fewer predators and do not have to conceal their food. Activity patterns and visibility Behaviorally, panthers are secretive and active at night. Their black fur offers great cover at night, and they tend to shun man. Jaguars, while secretive as well, tend to be more daytime active, particularly around riverbanks and open paths. Surprisingly, jaguars are also one of the only large cats that are fond of water and can be found swimming—something their leopard cousins are not known to do. Life span and reproductive isolation Both leopards and cats have comparably identical lifespans, yet leopards (melanistic ones included) tend to survive for a bit longer in the wild—17 years against jaguars' 12 to 15 years. This could be caused by pressures from the environment or by species-specific adjustments. Even though jaguars and leopards do not have the same natural habitats and are apart on continents, they can hybridize in captivity. The hybrids, in some cases referred to as jagleopards, jagupards, or lepjags, have been successfully bred in zoological environments in Europe and North America. The hybrids inherit features from the two parents and, in exceptional instances, the females have been found to be fertile. Nonetheless, such mating would never happen in the wild environment owing to geographical isolation. Also Read | 10 smallest animals you can hold in your hand that you won't believe exist
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Goalies are such weirdos': Fans react as NHL goalie chaos in Stanley Cup warm-ups goes viral
NHL fans are going wild over the viral video of Calvin Pickard and Vitek Vanecek's goalie faceoff before Game 4. Calvin Pickard not only appeared at Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final to serve as a backup for Edmonton Oilers starter Stuart Skinner—he also swiped the internet for attention during warm-ups with his side-splitting, memeable exchange that had NHL fans laughing hard. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now NHL fans welcome the strangest brotherhood in sports In a moment shared far and wide on social media, Calvin Pickard slid over to Florida Panthers backup Vitek Vanecek, who stood motionless like a statue at center ice. Calvin Pickard, noticing the peculiar immobility, nonchalantly asked Vitek Vanecek if he'd like to stretch along with him. The reaction? A chilly, wordless rejection, and Calvin Pickard skates away with equal deadpan enthusiasm. The video went viral immediately. NHL goalies have always been perceived as a unique lot—serious, quirky, and sometimes unintentionally comedic. And then this pregame moment between Calvin Pickard and Vitek Vanecek just made that reputation for oddness grow. Corey Perry Warmup Routine Reddit exploded with comments from amused viewers. One commenter summed up the mood best: 'Goalies are such weirdos. I love it.' 'This made me laugh so hard during Pickard's post-game interview. What an adorable dork,' another said. Speculation regarding the interaction abounded online, with some speculating that Vanecek's statue-like demeanor was not necessarily an awkward energy. 'Do you think they are shit talking or just trying to get in their head, or just talking like buddies,' one Reddit user said to which someone replied, 'Stolarz did this last year to get in Skinners head. They must have felt it worked, and now their new backup is doing the same. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It is intentional.' Fans also couldn't help but catch the dysfunctional Panther growl sound playing in the arena background of the video. "The panther growl in the background kills me," one user typed, adding to the levels of humor that made the moment almost scripted. And yet, amidst all the humor, there was a current of appreciation for hockey's most eccentric position. 'Goalies are a different breed!' one fan said. Also read: Although Stuart Skinner did not survive past the first period of Game 4, maybe the real mental game was already afoot before the puck was dropped—with Vanecek playing chess and Pickard merely attempting to stretch. Either way, the odd pregame ritual reminded everyone of one thing: goalies aren't merely players—they're a show in themselves.
Miami Herald
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
‘My heart!' Inside Travis and Taylor's exciting date night at Stanley Cup final
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce sightings in South Florida are becoming as common as pileups on the Palmetto Expressway these days. On Thursday night, the duo du jour was photographed watching Game 4 of the NHL's Stanley Cup Finals between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise. We think we know which team they were rooting for: Both rocked complementary Panthers colors, with Kelce wearing a red sweatshirt and shorts and Swift in a safari style tan getup and Panthers-coded red lipstick. One Traylor fan's X account shared a video of the two sitting in their seats in a VIP suite. Swift is drinking something out of a straw, and Kelce is captivated by something on his phone, which he then shares with his girlfriend, who mouths 'Wow.' The caption: 'These two.' Someone else caught a quick PDA session between them, writing, 'Stop it.' In the past few weeks, Swift and Kelce, both 35, have been spotted dining out twice in the Palm Beach area, freaking out fellow diners. But Thursday's sighting wasn't that much of a shock. Hours before, a few sports reporters like The Athletic's Chris Johnston tipped off the Internet that the tight end and pop star were attending the game. We hear they arrived via helicopter and were ushered to a private entrance. Forget football. We think Swift may be turning into a diehard hockey fan. At one point during the nail biter, when the Panthers tied the game with 19.5 seconds left in regulation, the hitmaker is seen patting her chest. Looking excited and nervous, she tells Kelce, 'My heart...!' (Note: that tying goal was scored by Panther Sam Reinhart, who wears no. 13, which cannot possibly be a random accident because every Swiftie knows 13 is the star's lucky number.) The game ended with an Edmonton victory of 5-4 in overtime, tying the series at 2-2, and sending the teams back to Canada for game 5. We're thinking Swift and Kelce, who is renting a luxury condo during the off season in Boca Raton to train, may want to watch that one from home. READ MORE: What is it like to dine next to one of the most famous couples in the world?
