EDMONTON — Somehow, the Anaheim Ducks managed to cut off the head of the snake in their playoff debut at Edmonton, yet still, the rest of the Oilers strangled them in a 4-3 win.
For the first time all season, the Oilers won a game in which Connor McDavid didn’t have a point. Talk about a double-edged sword for the Ducks.
“If you’re able to shut down some of those top, high-end guys, you typically have a good result,” mused Anaheim’s Alex Killorn. “I’ll give credit to their secondary scoring.”
Alas, death by Jason Dickinson and Kasperi Kapanen was not on Anaheim’s Bingo card as these playoffs opened Monday. But up north, the entire theme in Oil Country has revolved around getting to games like this one.
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In Edmonton, the local hockey team has played eight playoff rounds in two years with nothing but a pair of Western Conference banners to show for it. There have been no banner-raising ceremonies, or hour-long variety shows preceding the following seasons’ home opener.
Just half of a Canadian province, trying to conjure up a solution on how to find one or two more wins in a season of 105 games? How to fine tune one of the NHL’s better teams into the league best team, to build a better base underneath and around the premium one-two punch of superstars in the league today?
And Edmonton does look a little bit different these days.
As these playoffs begin, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins — a first-line fixture for years in Edmonton — plays on the third line with Dickinson and Jack Roslovic. Leon Draisaitl’s wingers are not Top 6 staples, but instead a pair of utilitarian forwards in Vasily Podkolzin and Kapanen, whose games are being raised by their proximity to the NHLs most consistent 50-goall, 100 point player.
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And at last, the Oilers have a fourth line with an identity, with certified bangers Colton Dach and Trent Frederic flanking one of Josh Samanski or Curtis Lazar, with the injured Adam Henrique out for Game 2.
Their best defenceman in Game 1 was Jake Walman, who comes at you off the third pair.
It’s a supporting cast that played well down the stretch without the injured Draisaitl, and for one game at least, succeeded in the playoffs on a night when McDavid and the power play were silent.
“We have so much experience within our depth,” Nugent-Hopkins said on the off day, “(and) guys understand that sometimes it’s their turn to show up and find ways to score big goals. We saw last night with Kappy and Dick — two apiece got us the win. Because the depth that we have, and the experience within that depth that we have, guys are ready to step up in any moment.”
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Across the way, Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville walks the line between wanting to win a series, and making sure that every important piece of his promising young roster gains as much experience as possible from this first playoff series in the past eight seasons for Anaheim.
As much as they want to win, it’s more about tomorrow than today in Anaheim, home of the best looking rebuild in the Western Conference.
“We wanted to find out about our guys in the playoffs, and we showed that we’re competitive (in Game 1),” Quenneville said. “There are some things we can learn from, and we’ve got to get better as we go along in the series anyways.
“The effort was there, the pace was fine. We expect to get better in order to win and be successful. And that’s our challenge.”
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Somehow, the Ducks walked into Edmonton and shut down the best player in the world, his entire first line, and the NHL’s top power play — all in one fell swoop. It’s crazy to think they accomplished, what so many other teams have failed at without much post-season experience.
But, can they even dream of holding McDavid pointless for a second straight game?
“That’s a full-time job description for everybody that’s on the ice, every guy on our team,” Quenneville said. “We expect him to get his moments … he’s going to get his turn, his chances and opportunities. But whether it’s the guys who scored last night or one forward, we don’t just have to stop one guy. We’ve got a whole group (to stop).”
A quote like that must be music to Kris Knoblauch’s ears.
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A playoff opponent, worried about all the players not wearing Nos. 97, 29, and 2. Dare to dream.
“There’s always going to be times where somebody else is the hero,” the Oilers coach began. “Draisaitl, McDavid, they’re going to be our heroes many times — but they can’t be the heroes every single time. There’s nights where it just doesn’t happen (for the stars) and you need other guys stepping up.
“Last night … we got the win because our other guys really stepped up big when we needed them.”
If that continues, and the big boys heat up, the Oilers may just find that extra punch they’ve been looking for.
Tolu Arokodare’s Wolverhampton Wanderers have been relegated from the Premier League following a disappointing 2025–26 campaign.
Their drop was confirmed on Monday after other results went against them, leaving Wolves unable to close the gap on teams above and ending their eight-year run in the top flight.
It has been a frustrating season from the start. Wolves failed to win a league match until January, putting them under early pressure. Although results improved later, including a draw with Arsenal and wins over Aston Villa and Liverpool, they remained stuck in the relegation zone.
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A change in the dugout saw Rob Edwards replace Vítor Pereira, but the situation did not improve enough. Wolves struggled in attack and defence, conceding 61 goals and scoring only 24 in 33 matches, leaving them with the worst goal difference in the league.
Relegation means the club must now regroup in the Championship, with key decisions expected about the squad. For Arokodare, it brings uncertainty over whether to stay and fight for promotion or seek a move elsewhere.
Arokodare’s difficult debut season
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The Nigerian striker joined from KRC Genk in September 2025 after finishing as the Belgian league’s top scorer. However, his first season in England did not meet expectations.
He featured in 28 league games, mostly as a substitute, scoring three goals and providing one assist. It was a modest return for a player brought in to lead the attack.
There were a few bright moments. His first Premier League goal came as a late header against Arsenal, showing his strength in the air. He also contributed in a surprise win over Liverpool and impressed more in cup competitions, scoring twice in the EFL Cup.
However, he struggled for consistency. Despite his height and physical presence, he found it difficult to convert chances, reflecting a low scoring rate. Like many of his teammates, adapting to the speed and intensity of the league proved challenging.
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Off the pitch, his situation became more complicated after reports of a dressing-room clash with teammate Mateus Mané following a heavy loss to West Ham United. The incident led to disciplinary action, including a fine and his omission from the squad.
Big decision ahead
At 25, Arokodare faces an important choice. He could remain with Wolves and try to rebuild in the Championship, where his physical style may suit the demands of the league.
With more regular playing time and better support, he has the chance to regain confidence and rediscover his scoring form, similar to his time in Belgium. However, staying would also require him to rebuild trust within the squad and prove himself again to the coaching staff as Wolves prepare for a fresh start.
Lucknow Super Giants’ skipper Rishabh Pant and teammates. (ANI Photo)
LUCKNOW: Lucknow Super Giants return to the Ekana Stadium on Wednesday needing more than a win — what they need is a course correction. LSG have lost four of their first six matches, including a 54-run defeat to Punjab Kings in their previous outing, and are still without a home win this season after two losses in Lucknow. Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, arrive better placed, with four wins from six games and third place on the points table.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!For LSG, the concern is straightforward: their top order has not given them enough. The side has too often been forced into recovery mode and on a ground where setting up the innings matters, another shaky start could leave them chasing the game early. That makes the first six overs the clearest tactical window of the contest. Asked what whas wrong with their batting unit, LSG’s Aiden Markram said, “It’s probably just a case of maybe struggling for a bit of rhythm. It’s quite strange. We laugh about it in the sense that one or two guys can struggle, it’s part of the game, but when the full batting lineup does so… the odds of that happening normally are quite slim.”Rajasthan look better equipped in that phase. Jofra Archer has been their early enforcer, with nine wickets in his last eight T20s, and he goes up against an LSG batting group still searching for rhythm. If Archer breaks through up front, Rajasthan can immediately squeeze a middle order that has not consistently played from positions of control. Lucknow’s counter lies with Prince Yadav, whose recent numbers also stand out.
He has been one of LSG’s few bright spots with the new ball and his duel with Rajasthan’s aggressive opening pair of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaswal could shape the match. If Prince can strike in the Powerplay, LSG would have already done half the job.There is also a wider context for LSG. They are yet to feel at home at the Ekana stadium after three winless games. Home cannot become a disadvantage and on a red-soil pitch, Lucknow’s batter have a lot to play for.
82 – Sanju Samson’s unbeaten knock off 52 balls in Jaipur on March 24, 2024 is the highest individual score in matches involving RR and LSG.
4/41 – Yuzvendra Chahal’s bowling performance for RR at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on April 10, 2022 is the only four-wicket haul in games involving these two teams.
DENVER — Los Angeles interim coach D.J. Smith quickly ducked when shattered glass fell on him after a pane broke behind the Kings bench Tuesday night in Game 3 against Colorado.
It happened right after Quinton Byfield was stopped on a penalty shot by Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood with 16:48 remaining in the second period. The glass began to sway as fans pounded on it in excitement and then gave way, with pieces raining on Smith. He covered his head and then brushed the glass off his suit before heading down the tunnel to the locker room. He returned a few minutes later.
The Avalanche cleanup crew brought out shovels and buckets to clean up the fragments from the L.A. bench. The Kings players mingled on the ice as they waited for a new pane to be brought in and installed.
Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog told ESPN hockey analyst Erik Johnson he’s never seen something like that happen before. Landeskog added: “It was loud there when ‘Wedgy’ made that save and fans got a little too excited.”
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The delay took more than 15 minutes. The score was 0-0 when play was halted.
Apr 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) goes up for a basket beside Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the second half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the runaway winner in the Clutch Player of the Year award balloting, revealed Tuesday night.
Gilgeous-Alexander received 96 of 100 first-place votes in balloting for the Jerry West Trophy. He had 484 total points, well ahead of Denver Nuggets standout Jamal Murray (117) and Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards (116).
Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning league MVP and is favored to win the award again this season.
But he liked receiving the Jerry West Trophy too.
“This award means a lot,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of the Clutch Player award on NBC Sports. “To get this award, you have to help your team win games late and what I’m about more than anything is winning games.”
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Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA with 175 points that occurred in clutch time, defined as games that were within five points in the final five minutes of regulation or overtime.
He shot 60.9% from the field (39 of 64) during clutch time and made a league-best 16 go-ahead field goals.
Fourth-place Cade Cunningham (50 points) of the Detroit Pistons received one first-place vote, fifth-place Jalen Brunson (42 points) of the New York Knicks landed two and sixth-place Nikola Jokic (37 points) of Denver received one.
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This was the fourth season in which the award was given out. De’Aaron Fox (then with the Sacramento Kings) won the 2023 award, followed by Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors in 2024 and Brunson last season. Fox now plays for the San Antonio Spurs.
West was known as “Mr. Clutch” during his stellar career (1960-74) with the Los Angeles Lakers due to his many late-game exploits. He died in 2024.
Blessed Stars FC began their 2025/2026 Nationwide League One campaign on a bright note with a hard-fought 1-0 win over FC ONE Rocket on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the Eket Stadium.
Blessed Stars showed strong character to claim all three points despite playing most of the second half with ten men. Defensive midfielder Godwin Akpan was sent off in the 52nd minute after denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
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Earlier in the match, FC ONE Rocket had the first real chance when Godswill Ita Ndaeyo broke through on goal but chose to pass instead of shooting with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Blessed Stars responded well and nearly took the lead before the break, but Isaiah Adeoye’s effort was saved by the goalkeeper.
The turning point came in the second half when Blessed Stars, despite being a man down, pushed forward in search of a goal. Their effort paid off in the 70th minute as right-back Victor Umoh rose highest to head home a well-delivered free kick from Victor Benjamin.
FC ONE Rocket increased the pressure in the closing stages as they searched for an equaliser, but Blessed Stars stood firm. The defence, led by Emmanuel Nwoke and Austin Oboho, remained organised, while goalkeeper Emediong Dickson made key saves to protect the lead.
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The victory was witnessed by the club’s major sponsor, Wikiproject by Medally, along with partners Judex Autos, KASTREAM, Kleva’s Couture, ED Signature, Ibom Sports Hub, and Emeka Gadgets.
The match was a repeat of the opening fixture from last season, which ended 1-1 at the Uyo Township Stadium. This time, however, Blessed Stars secured maximum points to go top of the table after the first round of matches.
In other results, Blackpool FA came from behind to hold Krane FC to a 1-1 draw.
Looking ahead, FC ONE Rocket will face KMK Academy on Saturday, April 25, while Blessed Stars will take on Krane FC on Sunday, April 26, both matches scheduled to take place at the Eket Stadium.
The Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel and the Montreal Canadiens’ Juraj Slafkovsky dropped the gloves in Game 2 on Tuesday.
The incident unfolded during the second period when Hagel landed a solid right hand that dropped Slafkovsky to the ice. Hagel then taunted him on the way to the penalty box with a sleeping gesture and chirped toward the Canadiens’ bench.
Watch the video below:
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The Canadiens and the Lightning, meanwhile, are battling hard in overtime after a 2-2 tie in regulation. Brandon Hael and Nikita Kucherov were the scorers for the Bolts. Meanwhile, Lane Hutson and Josh Anderson scored for the Canadiens.
This is a developing story that will be updated later.
A domestic cricket match in the West Indies was abandoned after the pitch was deemed “dangerous” for play. The match, taking place at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium, saw senior West Indies pacer Jayden Seales taking a total of seven wickets before the game was called off. The decision to end the match prematurely came after one of Seales’ deliveries hit a batter on the helmet after producing a sharp bounce off the pitch. The contest under the spotlight was a West Indies Championship match between the Leeward Islands and Trinidad and Tobago.
Bowling to the Leeward Islands’ Jeremiah Louis, a delivery by Seales produced an unexpected bounce, rising sharply to hit the batter’s helmet. The batter immediately fell to the ground, and his helmet also came off. In frustration, Louis kicked his helmet and walked off the field.
Jayden Seales has claimed the first seven wickets to fall in an innings for Trinidad & Tobago against Leeward Islands, but looks set to be denied the chance to take 10 with the game halted due to a dangerous pitch. The last ball before the suspension is not for the faint-hearted pic.twitter.com/o4G5ULiSAh
The Leeward Islands were 140/7 when the incident took place, with all seven wickets being taken by Seales. Louis was taken to the hospital for a concussion check and is said to be stable.
Cricket West Indies Statement
Cricket West Indies (CWI) also issued a statement after the game, saying the match had to be abandoned due to the dangerous pitch conditions at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium.
“Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced that the second match of the Leeward Islands vs Trinidad and Tobago bilateral series in the 2026 West Indies Championship has been abandoned as a draw due to dangerous pitch conditions at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium.
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“Play was halted in the first session of the third day after the pitch began to exhibit unpredictable and uneven behaviour, raising serious concerns for player safety. During this period, Leeward Islands player Jeremiah Louis was struck while batting. He was immediately attended to by medical personnel and subsequently transported to hospital to be evaluated for a possible concussion and is reported to be in stable condition.
“The decision to abandon the match was made in accordance with the official playing conditions governing the competition. Under these conditions, when on-field umpires determine that it is dangerous or unreasonable for play to continue, play must be stopped, and the CWI Match Referee consulted.
“Following discussions with the curator, it was determined that the pitch could not be safely repaired without creating an unfair advantage and was therefore deemed unfit to resume, resulting in the match being abandoned as a draw. Both teams will be awarded points earned up until the abandonment of the contest in accordance with the championship’s playing conditions.
“CWI further advises that no matches are scheduled at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium until the Championship Final, set for 17-20 May, and confirms that all necessary resources and expertise will be deployed to ensure the preparation of a safe and competitive playing surface for that fixture,” it read.
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The final of the tournament is also due to be held at the same venue. CWI has assured that it will take all necessary measures to ensure a safe and competitive pitch is prepared.
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IPL 2026 News | Shami’s Sensation Leads Lucknow to First Win of Season
Coventry City have clinched the Sky Bet Championship title with a resounding 5-1 victory over Portsmouth, featuring a brace from Ephron Mason-Clark.
Haji Wright opened the scoring before Mason-Clark capitalised on a Nicolas Schmid error just 90 seconds after the break. Regan Poole’s own goal compounded Portsmouth’s woes three minutes later.
Adrian Segecic pulled one back for the visitors, but Mason-Clark swiftly added his second, with Kaine Kesler-Hayden completing the rout in added time.
Frank Lampard’s side had already secured promotion following their 1-1 draw at Blackburn on Friday night, but went a step further to claim the title four days later.
This triumph marks the Sky Blues’ return to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years, following their relegation at the end of the 2000-01 season.
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The defeat ended Portsmouth’s run of three straight victories without conceding, including over promotion-chasing Ipswich and Middlesbrough, but Oxford’s loss to Wrexham means John Mousinho’s side have secured their place in the Championship for next season.
The newly-crowned champions were up and running inside 11 minutes when Jack Rudoni’s corner was nodded in by top scorer Wright.
The Coventry players celebrate after securing the title (Mike Egerton/PA)
Pompey goalkeeper Schmid should have done better as he flapped at the corner and allowed Wright to notch his 17th of the season.
It was the 27th goal the Sky Blues had scored from a set-piece this season, and they almost added another before half-time.
Bobby Thomas’ late goal at Ewood Park on Friday had secured Coventry’s promotion, and the defender headed another Rudoni corner onto the top of the crossbar.
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Portsmouth had registered just one shot in the opening 45 minutes and found themselves two goals behind almost immediately after the break.
It was another moment to forget for Schmid, whose heavy touch from Poole’s backpass allowed Mason-Clark to steal in and tap into an empty net.
Things were starting to unravel for Portsmouth as Poole then diverted Milan van Ewijk’s cross into his own net just five minutes into the second half.
Wright should have made it four when he missed a glorious chance on the hour mark.
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Rudoni took aim from distance and rifled his low effort off the post before American Wright lifted the follow-up over the bar with the goal gaping.
Pompey were next to take advantage of a lack of concentration as Segecic latched onto Rudoni’s loose pass and lashed beyond Carl Rushworth from the edge of the box.
But any hopes of an unlikely comeback were dashed almost immediately as Victor Torp’s defence-splitting pass played in Mason-Clark, who made space to fire in his second.
Substitute Kesler-Hayden put the icing on the cake when he slotted in Rudoni’s cross at the back post to notch Coventry’s 90th league goal of the season.
Liverpool could move for Randal Kolo Muani, Kobbie Mainoo verbally agrees to new Manchester United deal and Bernardo Silva is on Arsenal and Barcelona’s radar.
Liverpool have identified France international Randal Kolo Muani, 27, as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah but face competition from Juventus for the Paris St-Germain forward. (Gazzetta dello Sport – in Italian), external
Barcelona are leading the race for Eduardo Conceicao, with Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastlealso interested in the 16-year-old Palmeiras forward. Any move to Europe could not happen until he turns 18 next year. (TeamTalk), external
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West Ham are willing to let Greece defender Konstantinos Mavropanos, 28, leave this summer amid interest from the Bundesliga, but will demand a big fee. (Football Insider), external
Caitlin Clark showed off her sharp shooting skills in front of the Indiana Fever advisor and former coach Lin Dunn. On Tuesday, the Fever’s Instagram account shared a video of their star guard sinking a 3-point shot from the corner during practice in Dunn’s presence.
Clark turned around and looked at Dunn after making the shot. She put out her tongue and raised her right hand with her index and middle fingers pointing at the former Fever coach. She placed her left hand on the inside of her elbow to complete the celebration before running in the other direction.
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The celebration reminded a fan of Grizzlies star Ja Morant‘s celebration.
“Why CC is doing a lot of Ja Morant gestures lately? Idk or maybe I’m trippin’,” the fan commented.
“Talk yo s**t CC. I wanna see Iowa CC again,” another fan commented.
“She turned around before that ball even hit. Oh, she’s back. She’s back better than ever👏😍😍😍” another fan said.
Here are more reactions:
“Lin and Caitlin are both amazing people! Love them both!” one fan said.
“I think she’s gonna hit a game-winner this season,” another fan commented.
“😂😂 She’s such a goof,” another fan said.
Fans comment on Caitlin Clark’s 3-point shot in Linn Dunn’s presence.
Clark and the Fever begin the season on May 8 in a game against the Dallas Wings.
Caitlin Clark makes her thoughts on Lin Dunn clear
Lin Dunn has always showered praise on Indiana’s superstar guard. In return, Clark has honored the Fever legend on occasions. On Tuesday, Clark dropped in the comments section of the post featuring a video of her sinking a 3-pointer in front of Dunn to make her thoughts clear on the former Fever coach.
“Lin is my everything,” she wrote.
Caitlin Clark shares her thoughts on Linn Dunn.
Caitlin Clark had a great rookie season. She averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 8.4 assists per game to win the Rookie of the Year award. The Fever superstar won the award by 66 of 67 votes, one vote short of being a unanimous win. However, for Dunn it was an unanimous win.
“As far as I’m concerned, she’s the unanimous Rookie of the Year,” Dunn told IndyStar in October 2024. “It’s not even close with the accomplishments that she made, how she affected our team, you know, she just had a phenomenal season. And so kudos to her, flowers to her. She deserved this recognition because she absolutely earned it on the court.”
Lin Dunn and Caitlin Clark share a good relationship, which is a positive sign for the Fever fans and the franchise’s growth.
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