Sports
Emotional reunions sideline rivalry between Flames, Golden Knights: ‘It’s family’
LAS VEGAS — Shortly after the Vegas Golden Knights put the wraps on their first practice under John Tortorella, the rink at City National Arena turned into something far more meaningful than a workspace.
It became a reunion hall. A reminder. A quiet, emotional tribute to the bonds this sport builds and never breaks.
Instead of heading to his dressing room, Rasmus Andersson headed to the opposite corner of the rink, toward a familiar handful of Calgary Flames staffers and players standing along the glass. He left the ice, sat down on an equipment box in full gear, still sweating, still catching his breath, and couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.
Former teammates, equipment staff, trainers, friends who’d watched him grow from an 18‑year‑old kid into a 29‑year‑old leader.
They emerged from the Flames dressing room, spotted him, and broke into smiles that said everything. Andersson stood to hug each of them, laughed with them, held onto them a little longer than usual.
“It’s friends for life, it’s family,” he said afterward.
“I grew up there. I spent 10 years growing up with them. You spend more time with them than your own family sometimes.”
Fifteen feet away, another reunion unfolded.
Jack Eichel, Keegan Kolesar and a handful of Golden Knights players stepped off the ice when they spotted Zach Whitecloud — their former teammate who was traded to Calgary in the Andersson deal — waiting for them with the same grin, the same warmth, the same open‑armed welcome.
Two reunions. Two players who were clearly beloved.
And for a few minutes, their Pacific Division rivalry paused. The standings didn’t matter. The playoff race didn’t matter. The new jerseys didn’t matter.
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Whitecloud admitted the moment hit him harder than he expected.
“It’s a lot of emotions, but I think the main emotion is just sadness,” said Whitecloud, who won a Stanley Cup with Vegas.
“Those are guys I went to war with. A lot of ups, a lot of big downs, a lot of tough times, a lot of good times. It’s sad seeing those guys because it reminds you of the times you had. But you’re also grateful that you had them.”
He didn’t expect the outpouring of love. But he understood it.
“You don’t expect anything, but guys who treat people how they want to be treated — those guys go a long way in this game,” said Whitecloud.
“People don’t forget. When you’re done playing, the No. 1 thing you want to be remembered for is not the hockey player, it’s the person.”
He learned that from Alex Pietrangelo, from Mark Stone, from Nic Hague and Nic Holden, “All guys who lead by example.”
For Andersson, the reunion was overwhelming in its own way.
He admitted he spent the first few minutes of practice distracted, sneaking glances at his old teammates watching along the glass.
“I saw Depo (equipment manager Mark DePasquale) in the corner and I kind of focused on them a little too much at the start of practice, so I missed a couple easy passes,” he laughed, following his first practice under Tortorella.
“As soon as practice was over, I wanted to skate over and say hi to all of them.”
Wednesday night, he took the entire Flames team and staff out for dinner. And he paid.
Because that’s what family does.
Thursday’s game also included all the feels, as a video tribute to Whitecloud prompted a stirring standing ovation that touched his soul, as he circled to acknowledge the crowd by tapping his heart.
“It goes to show you how much both those players meant to their teams while they were with them,” said Ryan Huska.
“They have a lot of good friends on both sides, and they spent a lot of time with each other’s organizations. It goes to the character that both the players have.”
Noah Hanifin, who knows both players well, summed it up perfectly.
“The bond we have with the guys over there is special,” said Hanifin, now reunited with Andersson as his defensive partner.
“Equipment guys, trainers, players, that’ll never go away, even when I’m done with hockey.
“Whitey is the man. Unbelievable competitor, great human being, a leader. Soft‑spoken but a winner. Those relationships never go away.”
The love-in all served as a reminder that the game ends, but the relationships don’t. That the jersey changes, but the person doesn’t. That the wins fade, but the memories don’t.
Andersson admitted he was nervous about his first game against a team and a franchise that did so much for him and his family.
“It’ll go forever,” said Andersson, who had a nifty assist in a 6-3 Vegas win that included a 25-minute delay to repair ice damaged when the Zamboni lifted up a logo from under the ice in the second intermission.
“It will always be that special bond.”
Whitecloud said it just as well:
“Everyone’s going to see Zach the human being, how you treated the rink staff, the security guys, the gate guy,” he said of legacy.
“That’s what lasts.”
Whitecloud’s reputation in Vegas is so stellar, the marquee outside the rinkside Beerhaus read simply, “Welcome back Whitecloud.”
On a random Wednesday in Vegas, two reunions broke out at once.
And for everyone watching, it was impossible not to feel something.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shreyas Iyer continued his incredible chasing record during his side’s Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Saturday. In a high-pressure match-up, with KL Rahul having already made a record-breaking 152*, Iyer exhibited calm in one of the scariest situations, making full use of the platform laid down earlier by openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya. He made 71* off 36 balls, with three fours and seven sixes, at a strike rate of over 197.
Since 2024-a season where his stocks as a captain went several notches higher after a title win with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)-Iyer has been sensational in successful run chases, having scored 692 runs in 15 matches and innings at an average of 138.40 and a strike rate of 175.68, including eight fifties.
Only RCB icon Virat Kohli’s 699 runs in 12 innings at an average of 99.85 and a strike rate of 151.95, with nine fifties, are better than Iyer’s record during this period.
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan hailed Iyer’s chasing after the match, posting on X that after Kohli, it is Iyer who deserves the chasemaster tag.
“After Virat Kohli, if anyone deserves the “chase master” tag, it’s Shreyas Iyer. Calm, composed, and clutch under pressure every single time,” he posted.
After Virat Kohli, if anyone deserves the “chase master” tag, it’s Shreyas Iyer. Calm, composed, and clutch under pressure every single time.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 25, 2026
An awed Mohammed Kaid also posted, “Shreyas Iyer, the Sarpanch Leads from the front, keeps compiling match-winning knocks – match after match, year after year.”
Shreyas Iyer, the Sarpanch Leads from the front, keeps compiling match-winning knocks – match after match, year after year.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 25, 2026
With this win, PBKS remain unbeaten with six wins and a no result, giving them 13 points. DC are placed sixth, with three wins and four losses, giving them six points. PBKS broke their own record of chasing down 262 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2024 season.
Coming to the match, after DC opted to bat first, an entertaining 220-run second-wicket stand between KL Rahul (152* off 67 balls, with 16 fours and nine sixes) and Nitish Rana (91 off 44 balls, with 11 fours and four sixes) took DC to 264/2.
PBKS responded in style as Priyansh Arya (43 off 17 balls, with two fours and five sixes) and Prabhsimran Singh (76 off 26 balls, with nine fours and five sixes) shaved off 116 runs in the powerplay. Later, Shreyas Iyer (71* off 36 balls, with three fours and seven sixes) stitched partnerships with Nehal Wadhera (25) and Shashank Singh (19*), completing the chase in 18.5 overs with six wickets in hand.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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Suncorp Stadium will play host to Friday’s
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When: Friday April 24, 2026 at 8:00 pm
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Brisbane Broncos vs Canterbury Bulldogs Preview
Brisbane return to Suncorp Stadium facing a Bulldogs side desperate to respond after an upset loss. The Broncos have been competitive despite injuries, but depth remains a concern, particularly through the middle. Canterbury’s roster is better placed to take advantage, though their inconsistency lingers. With both sides searching for rhythm, this looms as a crucial test of resilience, with the Bulldogs slightly better positioned to steady their season.
Brisbane Broncos vs Canterbury Bulldogs Teams
Broncos team: 1. Jesse Arthars 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Ben Talty 9. Cory Paix 10. Jack Gosiewski 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Xavier Willison 14. Josh Rogers 15. Jaiyden Hunt 16. Preston Riki 17. Va’a Semu 18. Hayze Perham 19. Antonio Verhoeven 20. Thomas Duffy 21. Cameron Bukowski
Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jonathan Sua 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Samuel Hughes 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Leo Thompson 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Harry Hayes 17. Jake Turpin 19. Josh Curran 20. Lipoi Hopoi 21. Jethro Rinakama 22. Alekolasimi Jones 23. Alex Conti
Apr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar (80) makes a save as Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Anthony Mantha (39) looks for a rebound during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images The Philadelphia Flyers are soaring through their first-round playoff series thanks to Dan Vladar, who has been confirmed to start Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.
Philadelphia leads the best-of-seven series 3-0 after notching a pair of wins in Pittsburgh followed by a 5-2 home victory Wednesday. Vladar made 27 saves in Game 3, but injured his right arm during a chaotic sequence in front of the net in the third period.
While Vladar, 28, finished Game 3 without further incident, he did not practice on Thursday and the team had Friday off before he participated in Saturday’s morning skate. Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet confirmed on Saturday morning that Vladar will start Game 4.
After a strong regular season, Vladar has a .946 save percentage in this series that includes a 27-save shutout in Game 2. If Vladar had been unable to play on Saturday, then fourth-year veteran Samuel Ersson was set to make his postseason debut.
“I feel like I’m in a good spot with my game,” said Ersson, who has not played since April 14.
Of course, it will help if the Flyers continue to receive scoring production from up and down their lineup. The team had five goal-scorers in Game 3, including four who registered their first career playoff tally.
Trevor Zegras and Noah Cates each had a goal and an assist for Philadelphia, which has won six straight games dating back to the regular season. The Flyers will try to ride the momentum of their home crowd to their first series victory since 2020.
“That was the craziest building I’ve ever played in,” defenseman Nick Seeler said of the Game 3 atmosphere. “The fans were fantastic.”
Part of the chaotic atmosphere was a product of a penalty-filled second period in which the teams combined for 17 penalties. Penguins coach Dan Muse was not happy about how the officials handled the physicality in that period, but his squad doesn’t have time to dwell on their recent losses.
“We have to win a hockey game,” Muse said. “So, we’ll have a practice (Friday) and get ready for that game and then go into that game and we need to win a game. That’s entirely where the focus is right now.”
Evgeni Malkin and defenseman Erik Karlsson scored in Game 3 for Pittsburgh, which has dropped six straight contests going back to the regular season. Malkin has two goals in this series, which equals the rest of his teammates combined.
“Now we’re going to see what we’re really made of,” Karlsson said. “Now it’s do-or-die. The toughest game to win is that fourth one, so hopefully we can start by winning one.” Only four teams in NHL history have come back from a 3-0 series deficit to win the final four games. It hasn’t happened in more than a decade — the Los Angeles Kings turned the trick against the San Jose Sharks in 2014 — and the Penguins have never accomplished it.
“There’s not much room for error when you’re in this position. That’s reality,” Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby said. “But the fact is, we’ve got to win a game. That’s got to be our focus. You can’t grab three on Saturday. You’ve got to win one.”
The Penguins are making a goaltending change, with Arturs Silovs getting the nod over Stuart Skinner.
“Both guys have played very well for us all year,” Muse said of Silovs and Skinner. “You go through the entire regular season, both guys have won big games. We have a lot of confidence in both guys. Decision isn’t based on Stu’s play; I thought Stu’s played really well this series. “We lost three games and so (we) decided that we made some changes there in the lineup.”
Skinner, who started the first three games, has a 3.08 goals-against average and .873 save percentage in the series.
Silovs, 25, posted a 19-12-8 record with two shutouts and a 3.07 GAA and .888 save percentage in 39 games (38 starts) this season. Two seasons ago with the Vancouver Canucks, Silovs went 5-5 in 10 playoff starts with a 2.91 GAA and .898 save percentage.
“I think you’ve seen in his day to day, just his preparation, he’s a competitor, whether it’s in practice or in games,” Muse said. “You can say that obviously with both guys, but I think it’s a good thing and it’s a benefit to us, is you’ve got both guys that have been in a lot of big games, with Arty just going back to playoffs, Olympics, World Championships. He’s a young guy, but he has had a lot of big moments that he’s been in, and he’s attacked those big moments.” –Field Level Media
Delhi Capitals (DC) Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao said pacer Lungi Ngidi’s head injury sustained during the IPL clash against Punjab Kings was “not serious”, even as the South African was taken to Max Hospital in Karol Bagh for tests after being taken off the field in an ambulance. In the third over of Punjab Kings’ chase, Ngidi fell backwards while trying to catch Priyansh Arya at mid-off, banging his head hard on the turf. He clutched his head immediately and lay on the ground as the medical staff rushed in. Play was halted for 15 minutes before Ngidi was stretchered into an ambulance, with players, coaches and medical staff wearing tense expressions.
“Still, I think it is not serious. He is still in the hospital. We will update, but nothing serious,” Rao said after the game ended. On the confusion around concussion substitution, where Dushmantha Chameera was named first and later replaced by Vipraj Nigam, Rao clarified, “Only four overseas players are allowed. There is a rule. We cannot take a fifth overseas player. Simple.”
Wishing Lungi Ngidi a speedy recovery.
🙏🏻@NgidiLungi @DelhiCapitals #Ipl pic.twitter.com/QKVLoHbVKE
— DR. PUTIN (FROM USSR) (@Putinspeakes45) April 25, 2026
He stressed that player safety remained paramount, even as Ngidi’s absence meant DC couldn’t defend 264/2. “First of all, player safety is always important. Whatever happens, we play this game, but safety comes first. When we see this kind of scoreboard, we missed his 24 balls, four overs, it makes a difference. We hope Lungi Ngidi recovers fast and comes back. I cannot comment on more right now.
Punjab Kings’ leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal also expressed concern and hoped for a speedy recovery for Ngidi. “That time I was sitting upstairs. Definitely, it feels bad if someone has an injury, especially, head injuries are always very dangerous.
“Hopefully, he will get well soon because even yesterday, I think, a net bowler got hit by a ball and was taken to hospital. So, whenever these things happen, obviously, everyone feels bad. We just want him to get well soon and come back to the ground,” Chahal said.
Rao also confirmed Mitchell Starc’s availability to play for DC from May 1. “Cricket Australia has given a report. From 1st May onwards, he is available. We will wait and see the combination.”
Delhi Capitals had posted 264/2 on the back of KL Rahul’s unbeaten 152, but Punjab Kings chased it down with seven balls to spare, registering the highest successful chase in IPL history.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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Saints pick WR Bryce Lance, brother of Chargers QB Trey Lance, in 4th round of 2026 NFL Draft
Bryce Lance is on track to join his brother Trey in the NFL. The New Orleans Saints selected the North Dakota State receiver in Saturday’s fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 136 overall pick.
Lance, 23, snared 51 receptions for 1,079 yards and eight touchdowns last season, averaging 21.2 yards per catch. It was his second consecutive 1,000-yard campaign. During the 2024 season, Lance tallied 75 catches for 1,053 yards and 17 TDs.
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The 6-foot-3, 209-pound Lance is the second receiver that the Saints have selected in their 2026 draft class, joining first-round pick Jordyn Tyson as head coach Kellen Moore and general manager Mickey Loomis try to provide more weapons for quarterback Tyler Shough.
The Saints have also drafted defensive tackle Christen Miller, tight end Oscar Delp and offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright with their other three 2026 picks thus far. Additionally on defense, New Orleans reportedly made a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders for edge rusher Tyree Wilson.
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Before workouts and training camp begin for New Orleans, Lance projects as a fourth or fifth receiver on the team’s depth chart behind Chris Olave, Tyson and Devaughn Vele.
As mentioned, Bryce Lance is the younger brother of Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance. Trey was the 2021 first-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers, selected No. 3 overall, but was traded to the Dallas Cowboys two years later.
After not taking a snap for Dallas during the 2023 season, Trey appeared in four games the following year and threw for 266 yards, completing 61% of his passes. He signed with the Chargers before the 2025 season and again played in four games as Justin Herbert’s backup, completing 47.4% of his throws for 226 yards and an interception. In March, he re-signed with the Chargers on a one-year deal worth up to $6.75 million.
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The Lance brothers are not scheduled to face each other during the 2026 season with the Saints not slated to be one of the Chargers’ opponents. Perhaps the two teams will lineup during the preseason.
Manchester City’s Nico Gonzalez produces a “magnificent strike” to put his side 2-1 ahead against Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final.
Punjab Kings rewrote the T20 record books with a breathtaking batting blitz, pulling off the highest-ever successful chase in the format’s history by overhauling a daunting 265-run target to outgun Delhi Capitals by six wickets in an IPL run-fest in Delhi on Saturday. KL Rahul blended grace with power to script a stroke-filled 152, the third-highest individual IPL score, while Nitish Rana (91) batted with authority as the duo powered hosts Delhi Capitals to a mammoth 264 for 2 after opting to bat first.
Hope Lungi is fine!
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 25, 2026
Chasing the target, Punjab’s dynamic opening pair of Prabhsimran Singh (76) and Priyansh Arya (73) came out all guns blazing, adding 126 runs in just 42 balls to lay a formidable foundation for the chase and set the tone for their sixth win of the season.
The LSG family wishes you a very speedy recovery, Lungi.
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 25, 2026
Skipper Shreyas Iyer, who was dropped by Karun Nair twice in the span of three balls, then scored an unbeaten 71 off 36 deliveries to take PBKS over the line with as many as seven balls to spare. .
That fall looked nasty. Lungi, we hope you’re ok mate. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) April 25, 2026
Incidentally, the previous highest successful run chase in T20 as well as IPL history also belongs to PBKS when they chased down 262 against the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024.
Praying for Lungi Ngidi’s recovery and sending him all the strength and patience through this period. Come back stronger
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 25, 2026
They remain unbeaten this season and on top of the points table with 11 points from six games In a match where 49 boundaries and 33 sixes were hit, with only six wickets falling, the bowlers were arguably the biggest losers.
Wishing you a speedy recovery, Lungi
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) April 25, 2026
The visitors showed remarkable composure and intent, building on their previous outing where they had scored the previous highest total of the season.
Our thoughts are with you, Lungi. Hope you recover quickly
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 25, 2026
Local lad Priyansh and Prabhsimran consistently sent the ball to and over the fence. The latter hit six fours against Mukesh Kumar in the sixth over.
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 25, 2026
There were anxious moments during the chase when Delhi Capitals pacer Lungi Ngidi was hit the back of the head on the ground while attempting a catch off Arya’s bat.
The South African had to be stretchered off the field after a delay of over 15 minutes, momentarily halting proceedings.
Sending all our strength to Lungi Ngidi and wishing him a smooth recovery
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 25, 2026
Both sides were also guilty of sloppy fielding, with dropped catches and misfields adding to their woes.
Earlier, setting a target for the first time this season, the Capitals came out with clear intent, attacking anything in their arc from the outset.
The home team hit a total of 29 fours and 13 sixes to put on board the highest total of the 2026 IPL season.
Striking at over 200 throughout the 20 overs, Rahul (152 off 67 balls) unfurled a range of classical strokes all around the ground, seamlessly combining timing with aggression to put up the highest-score ever by an Indian in the IPL.
With the knock, he also became only the third player to go beyond 150-run mark after Chris Gayle (175) and Brendon McCullum (158).
Dropped twice, Rahul made full use of the reprieve, forging a 220-run stand with local boy Rana for the second wicket. It was second biggest stand in IPL history behind 229 set by Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.
Rana looked completely at ease on his home ground. His 44-ball knock, laced with 11 fours and 4 sixes, provided the perfect foil as the duo kept the scoreboard ticking at a brisk pace.
Rahul set the tone early, striking back-to-back boundaries in the second over before Pathum Nissanka chipped in with a crisp four.
Although Punjab struck an early blow with Nissanka top-edging to the keeper, their bowlers found little respite thereafter. They were also guilty of a few misfields, which only added to their woes.
Rahul and Rana seized control, punishing anything loose and propelling Delhi to 68 for one, DC’s best powerplay score of the season before plundering 145 runs in the middle overs.
Rana then shifted gears in spectacular fashion, taking apart Australian pacer Xavier Bartlett in the 12th over for 28 runs.
The left-hander dealt exclusively in boundaries, smashing two sixes and four fours in a sequence of 6,4,4,4,4,6.
At the other end, Rahul was equally ruthless, taking a liking to Vijaykumar Vyshak in the 16th over, from which he plundered three sixes and a four, as Delhi tightened their grip on the contest.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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Ipl Orange Cap: IPL 2026: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi overtakes Virat Kohli, KL Rahul in Orange Cap race after sensational ton | Cricket News
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to pile up records at a staggering pace in IPL 2026, with the teenage sensation rewriting milestones almost every game and now climbing to the very top of the Orange Cap race.Sooryavanshi’s stunning rise reached another landmark as he surged to the top of the Orange Cap standings, overtaking Virat Kohli after yet another explosive hundred for Rajasthan Royals.
Sooryavanshi now has 357 runs from eight matches at an average of 44.63 and a staggering strike rate of 234.87. Interestingly, KL Rahul also moved to 357 runs following his unbeaten 152 against Punjab Kings. However, it is Sooryavanshi who sits at the top due to his superior strike rate. Kohli, who had led the charts earlier, has 328 runs at an average of 54.67 and a strike rate of 163.18.The latest surge came through a breathtaking innings against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where Sooryavanshi hammered a 37-ball 103, his second IPL hundred. The 15-year-old dominated from the outset and set the tone early, even taking on Praful Hinge with four consecutive sixes in the opening over as a statement of intent.He found strong support in Dhruv Jurel, who compiled a fluent half-century, and together they stitched a 112-run stand for the second wicket that laid the foundation for a massive total. Jurel’s composed 51 off 35 balls ensured the pressure never dipped, while Sooryavanshi continued to dismantle the bowling attack with fearless strokeplay.The youngster brought up his half-century in just 15 balls during the powerplay, continuing a remarkable trend this season. He later converted it into a century in just 36 balls, peppering the boundary with five fours and 12 sixes before being dismissed for 103 off 37 deliveries.Late fireworks from Donovan Ferreira added further momentum as Rajasthan Royals finished with a commanding 228 for 6 in their 20 overs.
Orange Cap 2026 standings:
| Position | Player | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | 357 | 44.63 | 234.87 |
| 2 | KL Rahul | 357 | 59.50 | 187.89 |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | 328 | 54.67 | 163.18 |
| 4 | Abhishek Sharma | 323 | 53.83 | 215.33 |
| 5 | Heinrich Klassen | 320 | 53.33 | 153.11 |
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Caitlin Clark is used to celebrating milestones on the court, but her most recent one came off the floor.
Clark, 24, posted a heartfelt message to Instagram to celebrate her three-year anniversary with her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery.
“Three years with my fav,” Clark captioned her post alongside two white heart emojis. “You’re the best.”
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WNBA star Caitlin Clark and boyfriend Connor McCaffery attend a Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament second-round game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Michigan State Spartans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on March 6, 2025. (Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
In the post, Clark was wearing a blue dress and looking at McCaffery, who was in a suit. The 27-year-old McCaffery took to his own Instagram account to celebrate the milestone.
“3 years with the most beautiful best friend,” McCaffery posted, with a red heart and infinity emoji.
McCaffery’s post showed the couple together in a golf cart.
Clark and McCaffery began dating in April 2023 when the couple met at the University of Iowa. Both played college basketball, as Clark rewrote the history books during her legendary career, while McCaffery played six seasons.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and her boyfriend Connor McCaffery attend a game between the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Aug. 10, 2024. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
McCaffery’s six seasons playing basketball all came with his dad as the team’s head coach.
As Clark has ascended into superstardom with the Indiana Fever in the WNBA, McCaffery is following in his father’s footsteps. Following his playing days at Iowa, McCaffery spent one season with the Indiana Pacers as a team assistant in an entry-level position before joining Butler as an assistant coach.
Clark is entering her third season with the Fever and is looking to get back on track after an injury-plagued second season. As a rookie, she burst onto the scene, winning Rookie of the Year and coming fourth in MVP voting.
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Caitlin Clark and Connor McCaffery watch the Salt Lake City Stars face the Indiana Mad Ants at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on Nov. 15, 2024. (Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
However, last season, she played just 13 games while battling a litany of injuries.
The Fever’s first preseason game is against the New York Liberty at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday.
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FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys‘ 2026 offseason brought change at key spots.
After a 7-9-1 campaign in 2025, the Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after Dallas allowed an NFL-worst 30.1 points per game. They replaced him with Eagles defensive passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach Christian Parker. Dallas also traded for Packers Pro Bowl edge rusher Rashan Gary and re-signed running back Javonte Williams and kicker Brandon Aubrey in free agency. The Cowboys’ splash move came when they signed Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson to a three-year, $33 million deal with $22 million guaranteed.
Other moves included one-year deals for cornerback Cobie Durant and safety P.J. Locke, and a trade that sent defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to the 49ers for a third-round pick. It felt more like depth-chart backfilling than upgrades, but that may have been necessary before giving young players more legitimate snaps again after another draft-heavy roster build in 2025.
Cowboys COO/EVP Stephen Jones said Wednesday Dallas ended long-term contract negotiations with Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens and will have him play out 2026 on the franchise tag. That comes despite Pickens totaling 1,429 receiving yards — third-most in the NFL in 2025 — in his first season alongside quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
“We’ve made a decision that we’re going to have George play under the franchise tag, which won’t be a first for us. So there won’t be negotiations on a long-term deal,” Jones said Wednesday. “But that’s certainly not a first for this organization and certainly won’t be a first in the league in terms of this decision as we move forward. Whether it’s Dak Prescott, who played under one and got tagged a second time, whether it’s D-Law, whether it’s Tony Pollard — we’ve certainly had those situations.”
So how will the Cowboys continue to bolster their roster in the 2026 NFL Draft with hopes of returning to the playoffs? Let’s take a look at the picks Dallas has to work with. After each selection, we’ll provide updated grades and analysis. With the Cowboys selecting Ohio State safety Caleb Downs 11th overall and UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence 23rd overall, they have picked two defensive players in the first round for the first time since 2005. That’s when they selected Pro Football Hall of Famer DeMarcus Ware and edge rusher Marcus Spears.
Cowboys offseason recap
- Notable additions: DE Rashan Gary, S Jalen Thompson, CB Cobie Durant, S P.J. Locke, DT Otito Ogbonnia, QB Sam Howell
- Notable re-signings: RB Javonte Williams, K Brandon Aubrey, WR George Pickens (franchise tag), DE Sam Williams
- Notable losses: DT Osa Odighizuwa, DT Solomon Thomas, WR Jalen Tolbert, LB Logan Wilson (retirement),
Cowboys 2026 draft picks
| Round | Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | No. 11 (from Dolphins) | Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State | A |
| 1 | No. 23 (from Eagles) | Malachi Lawrence, DE, UCF | C |
| 3 | No. 92 (from 49ers) | Jaishawn Barham, DE, Michigan | A |
| 4 | No. 112 | Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State | A- |
| 4 | No. 114 (from Eagles) | Devin Moore, CB, Florida | B+ |
| 4 | No. 137 (from Eagles) | ||
| 7 | No. 218 (from Titans) |
Round 1, pick 11: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The NFL’s worst defense now has the 2026 NFL Draft’s No. 1 safety prospect and eighth overall prospect, according to CBS Sports prospect rankings. Dallas had to trade up one spot with Miami to land him, sending their 12th overall pick and two fifth-round compensatory picks, No. 177 and No. 180 to the Dolphins. Now, the Cowboys have the defensive difference maker they were desperate to select. At his top-30 visit with Dallas, Downs beat coach Brian Schottenheimer in both a putting contest and a basketball shooting contest.
“Yeah, I had a great sense about that. We kind of knew there was a good opportunity there, and a good relationship that was formed through the 30 visit and everything like that,” Downs said. “They had real interest, so I was excited about it.
The Ohio State All-America safety can line up anywhere: strong safety, nickel or even in sub-packages as a linebacker. Cowboys defenders often cited miscommunication in coverage as the primary reason for their porous pass coverage, and now it should not be nearly as big of an issue. On tape, Downs is routinely seen lining up his Buckeyes teammates in the right spots just before the snap. When asked about his football IQ on a draft-day conference call, Downs claimed he’s had that ability since birth, and he described his game as “very instinctual” with a “quick trigger whenever he sees the ball.”
The new defensive regime in Dallas will love Downs’ versatility as he toggles between the nickel and safety spots. Downs was the only defensive back in college football with 250-plus tackles (257), 15-plus tackles for loss (16) and five-plus interceptions (six) in the last three seasons, the span of his collegiate career.
“I think it’s just being able to make plays in all facets of the game,” Downs said. “So whether that’s near the line of scrimmage or in the deep part of the field, I feel like I can do it all. It’ll be a great relationship to be able to do that with the Cowboys.”
|
Tackles |
257* |
|
Tackles For Loss |
16* |
|
Interceptions |
6* |
* Only FBS defensive back with 250-plus tackles, 15-plusTFL, 5-plus INT in past three seasons
Round 1, pick 23: Malachi Lawrence, DE, UCF
Dallas traded down from 20th overall to 23rd overall with the Philadelphia Eagles to select UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence. The Cowboys acquired the 23rd overall pick, the 114th overall pick and the 137th overall pick in exchange for the 20th overall pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick. Dallas’ front office had plenty of information on Lawrence since new Cowboys assistant defensive line coach Demeitre Brim worked as a defensive analyst at UCF in 2025 before being hired to join new defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s defensive staff in 2026.
“I had a few good contracts [with Dallas in the pre draft process]. I had a formal visit with them at the combine, and I talked to them also at the East-West Shrine Bowl game,” Lawrence said on a conference call with local media. “Also, my former coach at UCF Demeitre Brim, he’s the assistant defensive line coach on the Cowboys, so we talked some too as well.”
Lawrence was a 2025 first team All-Big 12 selection with 7.0 sacks (tied for the fifth most in the Big 12) and 11.0 tackles for loss (tied for the eighth most in the Big 12) for the Golden Knights. He shined at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, the third fastest among edge rushers, and a 40-inch vertical jump, the second-highest among edge rushers. Lawrence also produced on the field throughout his last three collegiate seasons with 19.5 sacks, tied for the 13th most in college football in that span. He said he tries to model his game off of the way Pro Bowl edge rusher Chandler Jones used his length, Pro Bowl edge rusher Danielle Hunter for his unorthodox moves and All-Pro edge rusher Will Anderson Jr.’s relentlessness.
The Cowboys definitely bet on Lawrence’s explosiveness and pass rush ability, but he’ll need to evolve as a run defender at the NFL level. He’s an older prospect as well as he is set to turn 23-years-old on July 21. However, there’s upside here with Lawrence having the chance to expand his pass-rush move toolbox and improve upon his ability to set the edge in the run game.
Round 3, pick 91: Jaishawn Barham, DE, Michigan
Jaishawn Barham is a developmental pick for Dallas as 2025 was his first year as an edge rusher after spending his first three seasons of college football as an inside linebacker. Barham is what some in the scouting community would refer to as a tweener. At 6-3, 240 pounds, he’s a little light to play edge rusher, and his processing speed wasn’t quick enough at inside linebacker. However, he did raise his level at edge rusher in 2025, producing a career-high 10.0 tackles for loss and a career-high 4.0 sacks. Both figures ranked as the second-most for the Wolverines last season. Barham is currently at his best setting the edge in the run game, something Dallas will appreciate.
Despite the developmental aspect to Barham’s game, he was Dallas’ No. 1 player on the board in the third round with the Cowboys comparing him to Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese, who was selected fifth overall in this draft by the New York Giants.
“He’s been on our radar kind of all season, especially when we started talking about what we were trying to do defensively at the combine, and Christian [Parker] came in and talked about the linebackers, outside and inside and potentially doing some different things,” Vice president of player personnel Will McClay said Friday night. “Then, you start looking at Arvell Reese, there’s a lot of similarities in what they do and how they did it. Just excited to get him on the roster because number one, he’s extremely physical. You want to increase the speed of your defense and the toughness. I think he does that.”
He’ll slot into Dallas’ edge rusher room behind Pro Bowler Rashan Gary, 2025 second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku, 2022 second-round pick Sam Williams and 2026 first-round pick Malachi Lawrence. However, the Cowboys will actually start Barham out at inside linebacker with opportunities to pass rush on third downs and other clear passing situations. Essentially, their early expectations for his usage is how Micah Parsons was deployed as a rookie: at inside linebacker primarily with edge rusher pass rush snaps.
“We’re going to try him at inside linebacker first,” Schottenheimer said Friday night. “We love the physicality that he plays with, but again one of the things that if you watch a Christian Parker-led defense, Vic Fangio, it’s those guys that can play off the ball, but then they stem on the ball. Think of Zack Baun, guys that have the ability to do that. … We want to start him inside, but we also know that we can move him as a rusher on third down, passing situations. That’s what we love about the guy.”
Round 4, pick 112: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State
Penn State offensive tackle Drew Shelton, a two-time All-Big Ten Honorable Mention selection, has manned the Nittany Lions‘ left tackle spot for each of the last two seasons. Shelton improved each season, and he allowed just one sack in 2025, which came against Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese — the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. He shines when he’s able to get out in space in the run game. Shelton could stand to improve with his power at the point of attack. He profiles as a nice depth piece/swing tackle in Dallas behind Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele. Dallas is an ideal spot for Shelton to further develop his game given their history of development in the trenches.
Round 4, pick 114: Devin Moore, CB, Florida
Dallas adds more depth and wingspan at the cornerback spot with Devin Moore, a player who measured out at 6-3, 198 pounds with 31 7/8-inch arms and a wingspan of 76 7/8-inches. He profiles as a boundary or outside corner who has both the speed, 4.5 40-yard dash, and length to be a fit in any scheme. If Moore can remain healthy, this could be a strong value pick for Dallas. He played a combined 19 games across his first three years with the Gators before playing in 11 of the team’s 12 games in 2025.
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