Paris Saint-Germain beat Bayern Munich 5-4 in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. With nine goals, it was the highest-scoring Champions League semi-final in history.
Also in this sports roundup:
In basketball, JL Bourg have won the EuroCup. In the EuroLeague, Monaco have got off to a very poor start in the play-offs.
In tennis, Arthur Fils is through to the quarter-finals in Madrid, whilst Aryna Sabalenka has been knocked out.
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In badminton, the French team are through to the quarter-finals of the Thomas Cup.
The New York Knicks delivered their most complete performance of the series, beating the Atlanta Hawks 126-97 in Game 5 to take a 3-2 series lead.
New York took control late in the first quarter and never looked back, keeping a double-digit lead for the rest of the game.
Jalen Brunson led the way with 39 points and eight assists, continuing his strong playoff form.
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After the game, head coach Mike Brown spoke about his team and what makes the team difficult to stop, especially in tough moments:
“Come playoff time, you have to be able to execute different levels of the clock. Obviously, you want to play fast, so you’re not going to get to set defense all the time. But that’s not going to always work in the playoffs.
Our guys seem to not panic when it comes to, you know, eight… seven… six seconds on the shot clock. And I’ve always felt the better teams are able to do that.
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To me, that’s a sign of a mature team, and that’s a sign of a good team. Just like a good player, you know, being able to score all three levels. It’s almost identical to the shot clock, early, middle and late, without panicking. And our group has done a really good job of it, especially Jalen.”
With the win, New York now holds a 3-2 lead and is one victory away from advancing to the next round.
Apr 28, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly (8) in the dugout before start of game against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Jesus Luzardo allowed just two hits over seven innings as the Philadelphia Phillies topped the visiting San Francisco Giants 7-0 on Tuesday, hours after firing manager Rob Thomson.
With a 9-19 record entering Tuesday that was tied for the worst mark in the major leagues, the Phillies opted to part ways with Thomson, who had managed the squad for nearly four years. Bench coach Don Mattingly was promoted to interim skipper and enjoyed a victorious debut thanks to Luzardo’s gem and a four-run sixth from the Philadelphia offense.
Trea Turner went 4-for-5 with two runs for the Phillies, while Adolis Garcia drove in two runs. Luzardo (2-3) took care of the rest, striking out eight without a walk to help Philadelphia win for just the second time in its past 13 games.
San Francisco starter Tyler Mahle (1-4) allowed five runs and six hits in five-plus innings. Matt Chapman accounted for four of the 12 strikeouts by the Giants, who had won seven of their previous 10 games.
Marlins 2, Dodgers 1
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Janson Junk (2-2) pitched six scoreless innings, Otto Lopez had three hits and visiting Miami held on to beat Los Angeles.
Owen Caissie and Kyle Stowers each drove in a run as the Marlins improved to 2-3 on a six-game West Coast road trip. Tyler Phillips pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his second save after closer Pete Fairbanks went on the injured list earlier in the day.
Dodgers starter Shohei Ohtani (2-1) gave up two runs (one earned) on five hits over six innings. Will Smith had three of Los Angeles’ seven hits.
Blue Jays 3, Red Sox 0
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Trey Yesavage pitched 5 1/3 sharp innings in his season debut and Toronto shut out visiting Boston to even a three-game series.
Yesavage (1-0) allowed just four hits. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had two hits and an RBI while Kazuma Okamoto had a two-run single to help the Blue Jays end Boston’s three-game winning streak. Louis Varland struck out the side in the ninth to earn his fourth save.
Boston starter Payton Tolle (0-1) allowed three runs on three hits in 4 2/3 innings.
Rays 1, Guardians 0
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Jonathan Aranda had an RBI single in the fifth inning and Nick Martinez and three relievers combined on a four-hitter as the visiting Tampa Bay edged Cleveland.
Martinez (2-1) worked seven-plus innings, lowering his ERA to 1.70. Cole Sulser tossed the ninth for his first save since 2022 with the Miami Marlins. The Rays are a season-best seven games above .500 at 18-11.
The first overall pick in the 2024 draft, Travis Bazzana, made his major league debut for Cleveland, and he went 0-for-2 with two walks. Tanner Bibee (0-4) allowed one run on four hits over five innings.
Yankees 3, Rangers 2
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Cam Schlittler pitched six shutout innings to best Jacob deGrom, and Aaron Judge homered for the third straight game as New York hung on for a victory in Arlington, Texas.
The Yankees won for the 10th time in 11 games as Schlittler (4-1) allowed just three hits. Austin Wells added a homer for New York.
deGrom (2-1) gave up a run on three hits in six innings. Danny Jansen (triple) and Josh Jung (single) had RBI hits in the ninth inning before David Bednar got Corey Seager to bounce into a game-ending double play, sealing his ninth save.
Reds 7, Rockies 2
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Elly De La Cruz went 3-for-4 and drove in four runs while Spencer Steer belted a two-run homer as Cincinnati beat visiting Colorado.
With his eighth inning two-run shot, De La Cruz now has 10 homers, tied with three others for the most by any switch hitter before May since 1900. Chase Burns (3-1) allowed just two runs in six innings as the Reds won for the eighth time in 10 games.
Edouard Julien went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and drove in both runs for the Rockies, who went 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position and had their three-game win streak snapped. Kyle Freeland (1-2) yielded four runs on five hits over five innings.
Royals 4, Athletics 1 (10 innings)
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Bobby Witt Jr. smacked a tiebreaking three-run homer in the top of the 10th inning and Kansas City stretched its winning streak to a season-best four games by beating the Athletics in West Sacramento, Calif.
Salvador Perez also homered for the Royals. Nick Mears (2-1) worked a perfect ninth, and Lucas Erceg escaped a jam in the bottom of the 10th for his seventh save.
Jacob Wilson had an RBI single and Shea Langeliers contributed three hits for the Athletics, who left 14 runners on base. Justin Sterner (1-3) served up Witt’s homer.
Orioles 5, Astros 3
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Shane Baz earned his first victory with Baltimore and Pete Alonso smacked a two-run homer as the host Orioles handed struggling Houston another loss.
Baz (1-2) held the Astros to one run on six hits in 5 2/3 innings. Alonso connected with two outs in the fifth inning to stretch the lead to 4-1 as the Orioles ended a two-game skid.
Brice Matthews homered among his three hits from the No. 9 spot in the order for the American League-worst Astros. Houston, which is 3-8 across its last 11 games, went 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position.
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Braves 5, Tigers 2
Martin Perez pitched five scoreless innings and Ozzie Albies homered to help Atlanta defeat visiting Detroit in the opener of a three-series between division-leading clubs.
Perez (2-1) logged his first win over the Tigers since Aug. 25, 2019. The Braves’ nine-hit attack was led by Mike Yastrzemski, who went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI.
Detroit starter Casey Mize had to leave the game with right groin tightness, and he was charged with two runs in 2 1/3 innings. Wenceel Perez homered for the Tigers in the ninth inning.
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Cardinals 11, Pirates 7
Nolan Gorman and Victor Scott II homered and Gorman, Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson each knocked in three runs as visiting St. Louis outslugged Pittsburgh.
The Cardinals scored multiple runs in four different innings, finishing with 12 hits and a season-high run total. Kyle Leahy (3-3) scattered nine hits and allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innings.
Oneil Cruz, Ryan O’Hearn and Konnor Griffin went deep for the Pirates, and O’Hearn knocked in three runs. Braxton Ashcraft (1-2) permitted six runs on six hits in 4 1/3 innings.
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Brewers 13, Diamondbacks 2
Sal Frelick went deep to snap Milwaukee’s seven-game homerless streak and propel the Brewers to a rout of visiting Arizona. The seven-game streak without a homer was the Brewers’ longest since a franchise record 13 games in August 1999.
Milwaukee starter Chad Patrick (2-1) allowed two runs on one hit in five innings. Tyler Black produced three hits and three RBIs, and four other Brewers had two RBIs apiece.
Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly (1-2) surrendered five runs on six hits in five innings. James McCann singled in two runs.
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Mets 8, Nationals 0
Clay Holmes threw six scoreless innings as New York rolled to a victory over visiting Washington.
Bo Bichette homered leading off the first and Juan Soto’s two-run blast closed out a seven-run fourth-inning outburst for the Mets, who are just 3-15 since April 8.
Three players had a hit apiece for the Nationals, who have lost seven of 11. Zack Littell (0-4) yielded eight runs (four earned) in 3 2/3 innings.
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White Sox 5, Angels 2
Drew Romo homered from both sides of the plate, Colson Montgomery also went deep and Davis Martin pitched effectively into the sixth inning as the host Chicago defeated Los Angeles.
The White Sox have won the first two games of the three-game series against the Angels, who have lost five in a row and nine of 10. Martin (4-1) allowed one run in 5 2/3 innings. Seranthony Dominguez pitched the ninth inning for his seventh save.
Los Angeles starter Jose Soriano (5-1), who entered with a 0.24 ERA, permitted three runs in five innings. Josh Lowe hit a solo homer.
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Mariners 7, Twins 1
Josh Naylor went 3-for-5 with a homer and four RBIs, leading Seattle past Minnesota in Minneapolis.
Julio Rodriguez went 3-for-5 with three doubles and two RBIs for the Mariners, who evened the three-game series at one win apiece. Cole Young finished 3-for-4 with an RBI. Eduard Bazardo (2-1) threw one scoreless inning of relief.
Twins starter Joe Ryan (2-3) gave up two runs on six hits in six-plus innings. Byron Buxton went 2-for-5 with a home run and a stolen base.
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Cubs 8, Padres 3
Nico Hoerner’s two-run double snapped a sixth-inning tie and Pete Crow-Armstrong broke open the game with a three-run homer in the seventh as visiting Chicago stopped San Diego.
Cubs starter Edward Cabrera (3-0) lasted 5 2/3 innings and allowed three runs on six hits. Dansby Swanson hit a two-run double before exiting the game due to a left glute cramp.
Xander Bogaerts homered for the Padres, who have lost two of three, and Ty France had two hits and an RBI. Kyle Hart (0-1) was charged with two runs in two-thirds of an inning.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 28: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics takes a shot against Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers during Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoff at TD Garden on April 28, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers kept their season alive with a comeback win over the Boston Celtics in Game 5.
Philadelphia overturned a double-digit deficit and dominated the fourth quarter, holding Boston to just 11 points to secure the victory and force a Game 6.
Joel Embiid led the way with 33 points despite a brief injury scare in the third quarter. He returned to the game and made a major impact down the stretch.
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“He put a lot of pressure on us,” said Jayson Tatum after the game.
Tyrese Maxey also played a key role, finishing with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists as he supported Embiid throughout the game.
Boston struggled badly in the final quarter, missing shots and losing control after leading earlier.
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“When you’re not scoring the way you want to, it puts a lot of pressure on your defense,” Tatum added.
The result means the series is now 3-2 in Boston’s favor, and the Sixers will have another chance to keep their season alive in Game 6.
Ka Ying Rising, premier speed merchant, maintained his dominance with victory in Sunday’s Hong Kong Champions Sprint, setting the scene for his old companion to chase a renewed winning streak this Saturday.
Following his first loss in Australia, Ka Ying Cheer is primed to return to form at Bendigo.
The one-time Hong Kong sprinter holds entries in benchmark 84 contests over 1100m and 1300m, the one he picks ending a break since his sixth at Caulfield on April 11, which concluded three consecutive wins.
His Australian initiation was a February 5 1100m Class 1 capture at Pakenham, succeeded by a Seymour benchmark 66 over 1100m February 20, and a March 21 benchmark 78 triumph at 1200m in Caulfield.
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Ka Ying Cheer, under Leung Shek-Kong—who also handles Ka Ying Rising—quarantined alongside the world’s finest sprinter prior to The Everest last year, choosing to remain Down Under at Lindsay Park thereafter.
Ben Hayes, in operation with brothers Will and JD, described him as a superb stable boost, cognizant of heightened class in his initial local campaign, but Saturday’s race selection fits well presently.
“I think he will bounce back,” Hayes said.
“He managed to win three in a row and kind of just got to his grade, but he’s working nicely going into it.
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“He didn’t run badly (last start), but he just needs things to go right.
“He’s deep into his prep now and he has won three in a row and he’s up to good city class races. That’s probably where he’s at from now on.”
Two fellow stable runners join Ka Ying Cheer in both his races: Stoli Bolli across the board, Nervous Witness in 1100m company, Laa De Shaa potentially at 1300m.
Bendigo’s key attractions are the Golden Mile (1600m) with Von Hauke, Osipenko and Hughes entered, and the Bendigo Guineas, both Listed affairs worth $200,000.
FIFA has approved the return of the Afghanistan women’s national football team to international competition. This will be their first opportunity to play in official events in five years.
The team has not competed since 2021, when the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan and imposed restrictions that affected women’s participation in sport. Many players were forced to leave the country or stop playing.
Now, with FIFA’s decision, Afghan women footballers will once again have the chance to compete on the international stage.
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Former captain Khalida Popal described the team as more than just a football side:
“Our team has always been known as an activist team. But this opportunity… will be the time for us to also show some skills and develop the youth talent in the diaspora.”
She also spoke about the wider meaning behind their return:
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“The team will be a symbol of resilience… if we can still be the voice for them… and show them our support that you are not forgotten, then we will continue to use our platform.”
Many of the players are now based outside Afghanistan, with a large number living in Australia. Selection camps are being held internationally as the squad prepares for its return.
The team is expected to play again in June, although opponents and venues have not yet been confirmed.
While they will not be eligible for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, they could still take part in qualification for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
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This return gives Afghan women a chance to be seen, to play again, and to represent others who cannot.
In a shocking story, Texas Tech transfer QB Brendan Sorsby has gone to rehab for a gambling addiction.
Alleged bets on college football put his college career in doubt Today’s episode of Locked On College Football is a crossover with ‘Locked On Big 12’ host Drake Toll.
Where would the Red Raiders stand if the charges prove to be true?
The Pac-12 and Big 12 have both made more than a few realignment moves in the last several years.
Could more be on the way and is there a connection between the 2?
00:00 Discussing Brendan Sorsby’s gambling 03:58 Texas Tech football eligibility issue 07:57 Big 12 football analysis 14:56 Discussing college football player prospects 16:54 Big 12 players’ NFL readiness 20:59 Big 12 expansion speculation 22:55 Discussing potential league realignments 26:15 Conference realignment pressures 29:29 Big 12 football future
Prominent Queensland galloper Antino has been officially retired after a concerning issue emerged when he pulled up following his state comeback last Saturday.
His debut back in Queensland since the four-length track-record thrashing in last year’s Group 1 Doomben Cup saw the seven-year-old gelding grind out a fourth placing – 2-1/2 lengths adrift of $91 longshot Kronenbourg – in the Listed Brisbane Handicap at 1600m.
The tendon in the Tony Gollan stable’s right foreleg showed heat and inflammation come Sunday, with further checks uncovering a more critical problem.
“Further veterinary examinations this morning confirmed sustained that injury during the race,” Gollan said in a statement on social media late on Monday afternoon.
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“After consultation with the ownership group, the decision was made to retire Antino from racing.
“It is with tremendous sadness we have had to make this decision, given the thrills and excitement he has provided the racing industry, from fans to our staff and owners.
“Antino will enjoy a well-earned retirement after his rehabilitation from injury.”
As a son of Redwood, he departs the track with 13 victories in 33 runs, seven runner-up or third placings, and $3,465,065 in winnings.
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Last year’s four-length Doomben Cup masterclass in 2:00.88 was his second Group 1 hit for the NZ$27,000 acquisition, who also dominated the 2024 Toorak Handicap (1600m) by 6-1/2 lengths.
Visit betting sites for racing betting markets on key events like the Doomben Cup.
USC wide receiver Makai Lemon gazed into the camera and delivers a highly awkward speech in front of reporters at the 2026 NFL Combine. Lemon was later selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: YouTube
VikingsTerritory piloted a new exercise in 2026: selecting Minnesota Vikings draft picks in real-time as if we were the general manager. It’s not necessarily a “mock” draft; it’s a “what we would have done in the heat of the moment” alternate draft.
VT’s version of the Vikings’ draft is a completely different animal.
For example, we would not have drafted Caleb Banks in Round 1; instead, we would have embraced, in our estimation, the best player available on the board.
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Our Alternate Vikings Draft Class Is Here. Hold Us Accountable.
Important note: for the purposes of this exercise, we ignore who and what the Vikings drafted. For instance, the Vikings drafted a DT in Round 1; we did not. Our draft or roster still needed a DT. The Vikings did not.
And one more caveat: we would not have traded Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s hard to understand how a team that is paying its starting quarterback $1.3 million has such profound salary cap trouble. Finally, you will notice this draft does not have defensive tackles: we would’ve signed Christian Wilkins, who has ties to Brian Flores, in post-draft free agency.
USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) fields a kickoff and advances upfield during second-half action against the Michigan Wolverines at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, with Oct. 11, 2025 capturing the return moment. Lemon accelerates through coverage lanes as USC looks to flip field position in a tightly contested matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images.
R1: Makai Lemon (WR) Who the Vikings Picked: Caleb Banks (DT)
We — and the rest of the NFL world — were shocked that Lemon slid to the Vikings’ spot, ultimately landing with the Philadelphia Eagles. To us, he was the best player available at No. 18. Done. Pick the best football player.
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Justin Jefferson, in theory, could request a trade next offseason if the Vikings don’t reach the playoffs in 2026, and Jordan Addison is one incident away from a suspension or outright roster release.
This one was not complicated for us: Lemon was the VikingsTerritoryGM selection. By a mile.
R2: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S) Who the Vikings Picked: Jake Golday (LB)
If you followed the pre-draft cycle intently, it was actually astonishing that McNeil-Warren slid to Minnesota’s spot at No. 49.
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And then, of course, they didn’t pick him. He went to the Cleveland Browns. In our after-the-fact draft, this was the biggest no-brainer of them all. Easy peasy — get EMW on the team.
R3: Jaishawn Barham (EDGE) Who the Vikings Picked: Domonique Orange (DT)
The Greenard trade went down — for better or worse — on Friday night, and it’s not reversible. We decided to leave the knowledge of the real-life trade intact and pick Barham from Michigan as a stab at a competent replacement plan.
R3: Connor Lew (C) Who the Vikings Picked: Caleb Tiernan (OT)
Lew is 20 and could have sat for a year behind Blake Brandel if necessary. Instead, Minnesota evidently had a keen eye for little-known Gavin Gerhardt, who would be chosen in Round 7.
The Auburn product Lew landed with the Bengals and will eventually battle Ted Karras for the starting job. He also plays next to former Vikings guard Dalton Risner.
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R3: Jonah Coleman (RB) Who the Vikings Picked: Jakobe Thomas (S)
We pounded the table and then some for Minnesota to draft a serious running back this cycle, and in fact, we’ve been asking for that since the 2023 NFL Draft. They never listen.
Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman (1) carries the ball through traffic against the Maryland defense at SECU Stadium, with Oct. 4, 2025 marking the in-game sequence. Coleman drives forward with power as Washington leans on its rushing attack, absorbing contact while pushing for extra yardage in a competitive road matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images.
Demond Claiborne might turn into the next De’Von Achane, but we preferred Coleman, who wound up with Sean Payton in Denver inside the largest RB committee of them all.
R5: Chandler Rivers (CB) Who the Vikings Picked: Max Bredeson (FB)
Rivers is going to be a baller, but Kevin O’Connell wanted a fullback. Because Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers remained 100% healthy in 2025, we fear the injury bill is coming due. So, Rivers was the pick to prepare that grim prediction.
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Rivers is a Raven — he’ll probably cook there.
R5: Taurean York (LB) Who the Vikings Picked: Charles Demmings (CB)
Perhaps our most significant (only?) gaffe: we would’ve taken York in real time, but he ended up not getting drafted by anybody and was signed by the Denver Broncos in undrafted free agency. If we have a big miss in this exercise, it might be this guy.
R6: Domani Jackson (CB) Who the Vikings Picked: Demond Claiborne (RB)
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Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Domani Jackson (1) intercepts a pass during fourth-quarter action against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Bryant-Denny Stadium, with Oct. 12, 2024 capturing the decisive play. Jackson secures possession while protecting Alabama’s lead late in the game. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images.
Speaking of needing cornerbacks, we doubled up. The Green Bay Packers — yes, them — took Jackson in Round 6, so it will be easy for Vikings fans to determine if our website nailed this hypothetical pick. If Jackson earns playing time, the Vikings will see him twice per year.
R7: Aamil Wagner (OT) Who the Vikings Picked: Gavin Gerhardt (OL)
Finally, for offensive line depth, we did not invest a 3rd-Rounder in Tiernan; we figured the combo platter of Walter Rouse, Ryan Van Demark, Blake Brandel, and Wagner would be enough.
How’d we do overall? That can be answered in 2028 or 2029 when rookies show their true colors and staying power.
EDMONTON — It’s still unknown whether the Edmonton Oilers have two more wins over these Anaheim Ducks in them this spring. But the Oilers couldn’t settle this series on Tuesday night anyhow.
They just had to win one to stay alive, and darned if a veteran team didn’t muster up its best game of the series in a tidy 4-1 win on home ice. The win earns Edmonton one more flight to California and one more chance to skirt extinction, down 3-2 to the Ducks in Round 1 of these National Hockey League playoffs, with Game 6 set for The Pond on Thursday night (10 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. MT on Sportsnet).
“I don’t know what it is with us,” said Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard after a three-assist night. “When our backs are against the wall, we play good hockey, and we did that tonight.
“It shows we’re a good team,” he added. “We know that and we proved it tonight. Good teams find a way to do it multiple times in a row.”
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By the 10:13 mark of the opening period Tuesday, the Oilers had scored three times and sent Anaheim starter Lukas Dostal to the showers. And even though the Ducks outshot them handily the rest of the way, an Anaheim team that averaged five goals a game through the opening four games of the series only put one puck behind goalie Connor Ingram, who got his net back after Tristan Jarry got the nod in Game 4.
“(The coaches) let me know what was going on. I had no problem with it,” Ingram said of losing his gig for a game. “I was frustrated after Game 3, just with myself and what was going on (allowing six goals). So to give myself a little break mentally and physically was huge.”
Ingram made a few game-preserving saves, thwarting Leo Carlsson on a partial breakaway late in Period 1 that held the score at 3-0. A late Ducks goal would have been invaluable heading into the intermission, but instead Ingram gave the Oilers the save that makes a real difference in a game like this one.
“(Ingram) was timely,” said Connor McDavid. “He didn’t face many shots in the first, so that was a huge save at a big moment. Goaltending, as I’ve said before, is not about saving them all. It’s about saving the right ones, and that was the right one.”
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An Edmonton team that gets goaltending it can believe in is an entirely different animal, one we’ve seldom seen. They’ll need two more of these to have any chance of coming all the way back from a 3-1 series deficit.
But this was an impressive first step, one that reminded the Ducks who they’re messing with, after a loosely played opening four games.
“They went to two Cup Finals for a reason: They’re a good hockey team,” said Anaheim winger Troy Terry. “We believe in this room, but we knew they were going to push.
“I didn’t think we weren’t ready. I just felt like we weren’t necessarily as physical and maybe just executing early. And they played hard.”
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There were positives in this for Edmonton. Many of them, actually.
After playing less than 20 minutes and visibly limping through Game 4, McDavid played 24:09 in Game 5 and looked a tad healthier. He’s still not at the top of his form, but had two assists and said there “was never a doubt” that he’d play Tuesday.
For the first time this series, Anaheim scored less than three goals — and none at even strength. That’s a place to start for an Oilers team that’s been on a season-long search for a defensive game it can be proud of.
Vasily Podkolzin was a juggernaut, scoring the game’s first goal and showing up in a big game with an effort that said to his teammates, “Follow me.” And after breaking up the line of Leon Draisaitl, Podkolzin and Kasperi Kapanen — Edmonton’s best unit thus far in the series — to put McDavid and Draisaitl together, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins centred a line with Podkolzin and Zach Hyman that produced the first two goals of the game.
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Depth scoring, a power play that answered right after Anaheim had made the score 3-1, and only two Ducks power plays allowed are all things that Edmonton requires for success.
Now, they have to do it again in Anaheim, where the young feisty Ducks will try to close this series out on Thursday.
“It will take a big effort. A really, really big effort,” McDavid said. “We’re still in a tough, tough spot. A really tough spot. We’ve got to find a way to win in a tough building.
“I thought we were right there in Game 4 and will have another great opportunity in Game 6.”
The Pac-12 and Big 12 have both made more than a few realignment moves in the last several years. 
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