×
Deadspin | Braves pound 19 hits, crush Guardians Apr 12, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (13) reacts after hitting a single against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Dominic Smith homered and Jorge Mateo collected four hits as the Atlanta Braves rolled to a 13-1 win over the visiting Cleveland Guardians on Sunday night. Atlanta starter Chris Sale (3-1) pitched six solid innings. The left-hander scattered eight hits, gave up one run, walked one and struck out six as the Braves won two of three games from the Guardians. Atlanta is the only team in Major League Baseball that hasn’t lost a series this year. The Braves pounded out 19 hits as second baseman Ozzie Albies was 3-for-4 with two runs and an RBI. Center fielder Mauricio Dubon was 3-or-4 with two runs and two RBI. Right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr had two hits and an RBI and third baseman Austin Riley also cranked out two hits, with a run and two RBIs. Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee (0-2) was saddled with the loss. He lasted 4 2/3 innings and gave up eight runs, 11 hits and one walk while fanning four. Atlanta took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning on three straight hits with two outs. Mike Yastrzemski walked and Albies singled. Dubon’s RBI double into left center field put Atlanta up 1-0. Mateo’s RBI single scored Dubon, and Mateo later scored all the way from first on Acuna’s RBI double down the left field line for a 3-0 advantage. The Braves started to pour it on in the bottom of the fourth inning. Albies singled and scored on Smith’s home run which pushed the lead to 5-0. Atlanta tacked on four runs in the bottom of the fifth. Albies chased Bibee from the game with an RBI single up the middle and a 6-0 lead. Kolby Allard offered little relief as pinch hitter Kyle Farmer doubled down the left field line and plated Albies and Riley, who singled earlier. Dubon’s single scored Farmer for a 9-0 lead. Cleveland got on the board with Rhys Hoskins’ solo home run in the top of the sixth. Daniel Schneemann was 3-or-4 with two doubles for the Guardians. The route was on as the Braves went up 11-1 on Matt Olson’s RBI double in the eighth. Riley’s double knocked in two runs and capped the scoring. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Braves #pound #hits #crush #Guardians

Deadspin | Braves pound 19 hits, crush Guardians
Deadspin | Braves pound 19 hits, crush Guardians Apr 12, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (13) reacts after hitting a single against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Dominic Smith homered and Jorge Mateo collected four hits as the Atlanta Braves rolled to a 13-1 win over the visiting Cleveland Guardians on Sunday night. Atlanta starter Chris Sale (3-1) pitched six solid innings. The left-hander scattered eight hits, gave up one run, walked one and struck out six as the Braves won two of three games from the Guardians. Atlanta is the only team in Major League Baseball that hasn’t lost a series this year. The Braves pounded out 19 hits as second baseman Ozzie Albies was 3-for-4 with two runs and an RBI. Center fielder Mauricio Dubon was 3-or-4 with two runs and two RBI. Right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr had two hits and an RBI and third baseman Austin Riley also cranked out two hits, with a run and two RBIs. Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee (0-2) was saddled with the loss. He lasted 4 2/3 innings and gave up eight runs, 11 hits and one walk while fanning four. Atlanta took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning on three straight hits with two outs. Mike Yastrzemski walked and Albies singled. Dubon’s RBI double into left center field put Atlanta up 1-0. Mateo’s RBI single scored Dubon, and Mateo later scored all the way from first on Acuna’s RBI double down the left field line for a 3-0 advantage. The Braves started to pour it on in the bottom of the fourth inning. Albies singled and scored on Smith’s home run which pushed the lead to 5-0. Atlanta tacked on four runs in the bottom of the fifth. Albies chased Bibee from the game with an RBI single up the middle and a 6-0 lead. Kolby Allard offered little relief as pinch hitter Kyle Farmer doubled down the left field line and plated Albies and Riley, who singled earlier. Dubon’s single scored Farmer for a 9-0 lead. Cleveland got on the board with Rhys Hoskins’ solo home run in the top of the sixth. Daniel Schneemann was 3-or-4 with two doubles for the Guardians. The route was on as the Braves went up 11-1 on Matt Olson’s RBI double in the eighth. Riley’s double knocked in two runs and capped the scoring. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Braves #pound #hits #crush #GuardiansApr 12, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (13) reacts after hitting a single against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Dominic Smith homered and Jorge Mateo collected four hits as the Atlanta Braves rolled to a 13-1 win over the visiting Cleveland Guardians on Sunday night.

Atlanta starter Chris Sale (3-1) pitched six solid innings. The left-hander scattered eight hits, gave up one run, walked one and struck out six as the Braves won two of three games from the Guardians. Atlanta is the only team in Major League Baseball that hasn’t lost a series this year.

The Braves pounded out 19 hits as second baseman Ozzie Albies was 3-for-4 with two runs and an RBI. Center fielder Mauricio Dubon was 3-or-4 with two runs and two RBI.

Right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr had two hits and an RBI and third baseman Austin Riley also cranked out two hits, with a run and two RBIs.

Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee (0-2) was saddled with the loss. He lasted 4 2/3 innings and gave up eight runs, 11 hits and one walk while fanning four.

Atlanta took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning on three straight hits with two outs. Mike Yastrzemski walked and Albies singled. Dubon’s RBI double into left center field put Atlanta up 1-0.


Mateo’s RBI single scored Dubon, and Mateo later scored all the way from first on Acuna’s RBI double down the left field line for a 3-0 advantage.

The Braves started to pour it on in the bottom of the fourth inning. Albies singled and scored on Smith’s home run which pushed the lead to 5-0.

Atlanta tacked on four runs in the bottom of the fifth. Albies chased Bibee from the game with an RBI single up the middle and a 6-0 lead.

Kolby Allard offered little relief as pinch hitter Kyle Farmer doubled down the left field line and plated Albies and Riley, who singled earlier. Dubon’s single scored Farmer for a 9-0 lead.

Cleveland got on the board with Rhys Hoskins’ solo home run in the top of the sixth. Daniel Schneemann was 3-or-4 with two doubles for the Guardians.

The route was on as the Braves went up 11-1 on Matt Olson’s RBI double in the eighth. Riley’s double knocked in two runs and capped the scoring.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Braves #pound #hits #crush #Guardians

Sports news

Apr 12, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (13) reacts after hitting a single against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Dominic Smith homered and Jorge Mateo collected four hits as the Atlanta Braves rolled to a 13-1 win over the visiting Cleveland Guardians on Sunday night.

Atlanta starter Chris Sale (3-1) pitched six solid innings. The left-hander scattered eight hits, gave up one run, walked one and struck out six as the Braves won two of three games from the Guardians. Atlanta is the only team in Major League Baseball that hasn’t lost a series this year.

The Braves pounded out 19 hits as second baseman Ozzie Albies was 3-for-4 with two runs and an RBI. Center fielder Mauricio Dubon was 3-or-4 with two runs and two RBI.

Right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr had two hits and an RBI and third baseman Austin Riley also cranked out two hits, with a run and two RBIs.

Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee (0-2) was saddled with the loss. He lasted 4 2/3 innings and gave up eight runs, 11 hits and one walk while fanning four.

Atlanta took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning on three straight hits with two outs. Mike Yastrzemski walked and Albies singled. Dubon’s RBI double into left center field put Atlanta up 1-0.

Mateo’s RBI single scored Dubon, and Mateo later scored all the way from first on Acuna’s RBI double down the left field line for a 3-0 advantage.

The Braves started to pour it on in the bottom of the fourth inning. Albies singled and scored on Smith’s home run which pushed the lead to 5-0.

Atlanta tacked on four runs in the bottom of the fifth. Albies chased Bibee from the game with an RBI single up the middle and a 6-0 lead.

Kolby Allard offered little relief as pinch hitter Kyle Farmer doubled down the left field line and plated Albies and Riley, who singled earlier. Dubon’s single scored Farmer for a 9-0 lead.

Cleveland got on the board with Rhys Hoskins’ solo home run in the top of the sixth. Daniel Schneemann was 3-or-4 with two doubles for the Guardians.

The route was on as the Braves went up 11-1 on Matt Olson’s RBI double in the eighth. Riley’s double knocked in two runs and capped the scoring.

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Braves #pound #hits #crush #Guardians

Previous post

BCCI’s ACSU issues show-cause notice to RR manager Romi Bhinder over dugout phone use <div id="content-body-70857141" itemprop="articleBody"><p>On expected lines, the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Anti-Corruption Unit (ACSU) has issued a show-cause notice to Romi Bhinder, team manager of Rajasthan Royals, for using a mobile handset during the side’s Indian Premier League fixture against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati last week.</p><p>According to the notice, Bhinder and the franchise have been asked to respond within 48 hours.</p><p>The charge pertains to the use of a mobile phone in the dugout. As per tournament guidelines, players and team officials are barred from using mobile phones in Players and Match Officials Areas (PMOA) to prevent any potentially corrupt transfer of information. Teams are, however, permitted to use walkie-talkies for communication between the dressing room and the dugout in specific situations.</p><p>While PMOA protocols allow a team manager to use a mobile phone inside the dressing room, its use in the dugout is prohibited.</p><p>Sources indicated that Bhinder had sought prior permission from the ACU before the tournament to use a mobile phone due to a medical condition that had led to his hospitalisation for three weeks ahead of the IPL. However, BCCI officials clarified that mobile phones cannot be used to make or receive calls in the dugout, which is accessible to the squad and coaching staff during matches.</p><p>On Sunday, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the “veracity of the incident” would be established before any conclusions are drawn.</p><p>“Managers using a mobile phone is permissible, but we need to find out whether there was any violation of rules. That fact-finding exercise is now on. Once it is complete, we will take necessary steps depending on the outcome,” Saikia told Sportstar.</p><p>Footage of the incident, showing Bhinder on his phone with Vaibhav Suryavanshi seated beside him, quickly went viral on social media, prompting the ACU to take cognisance.</p><p>Rajasthan Royals will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad on Monday.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 13, 2026</p></div> #BCCIsACSU #issues #showcause #notice #manager #Romi #Bhinder #dugout #phone

Next post

10 Immortal Facts About Anne Rice’s ‘Interview With the Vampire’

Related Posts

Deadspin | Wild hope to banish recent funk as they take on Blues Apr 4, 2026; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) gets in position for a faceoff in the second period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images Central Division foes square off one final time this season when the playoff-bound Minnesota Wild visit the St. Louis Blues on Monday night. This is the third and final regular-season matchup between these teams. They have split the season series so far, with the Wild winning 5-0 in St. Louis back in October and the Blues getting revenge in Minnesota 3-1 last month. The Wild (45-23-12, 102 points) are third in the Central Division and secured a playoff spot on April 2 after defeating the Vancouver Canucks 5-2. Minnesota has made the Stanley Cup playoffs in six of the last seven seasons, but hasn’t won a playoff round since 2015. John Hynes’ men are also looking to get back into the win column after losing two straight games. The Wild kicked off a three-game road trip by giving up a two-goal lead and falling 5-4 to the Dallas Stars, who will be their first-round playoff opponent. “This is the game. Score more goals and win,” Kirill Kaprizov said after that loss. “It’s OK. We just keep going. We still have a couple of games left and just keep playing. It was a good game. “I feel pretty good, and it’s always an exciting time. It’s the best time of the year. We still have a couple of games left and want to focus on those games.” Then, the Wild were held off the scoreboard for two straight periods in a 2-1 loss to the Nashville Predators. In that game, Hynes scratched forwards Joel Eriksson Ek and Mats Zuccarello, and defenseman Jared Spurgeon for rest. “I want to see guys play to their personal identities, and I want to see the team be able to play the way we want to play, regardless of if guys are in and out of the lineup,” Hynes said after the loss in Nashville. “There’s a lot at stake for some guys in the lineup as well. Like, what is the final decision going into Game 1? And then also as a team, there are some habits and details and style of game that we want to play moving in (to the playoffs), regardless of if guys come in and out of the lineup.” Meanwhile, the Blues (34-33-12, 80 points) have played well recently. They have won six of their last 10 games and stopped a two-game skid with a 5-3 win against the Chicago Blackhawks their last time out. In that matchup, Alexey Toropchenko, Jordan Kyrou and Cam Fowler scored in the second period to escape a 2-1 hole and propel St. Louis to victory. However, the Blues were also mathematically eliminated from playoff contention that night due to the Los Angeles Kings defeating the Edmonton Oilers 1-0. “I’m not going to really reflect on the team right now, but I can reflect on my own experience,” Blues head coach Jim Montgomery said. “It is the first time I missed the playoffs. I know I’m going to learn and grow from it because I realize some of the errors I’ve made and maybe some of the ways I didn’t stick to the way I believe to build a team throughout the year. “This group, when we play the right way, we tend to play really well and tend to keep pucks out of our net and tend to win games by 4-2.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Wild #hope #banish #funk #BluesApr 4, 2026; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) gets in position for a faceoff in the second period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images

Central Division foes square off one final time this season when the playoff-bound Minnesota Wild visit the St. Louis Blues on Monday night.

This is the third and final regular-season matchup between these teams. They have split the season series so far, with the Wild winning 5-0 in St. Louis back in October and the Blues getting revenge in Minnesota 3-1 last month.

The Wild (45-23-12, 102 points) are third in the Central Division and secured a playoff spot on April 2 after defeating the Vancouver Canucks 5-2. Minnesota has made the Stanley Cup playoffs in six of the last seven seasons, but hasn’t won a playoff round since 2015.

John Hynes’ men are also looking to get back into the win column after losing two straight games. The Wild kicked off a three-game road trip by giving up a two-goal lead and falling 5-4 to the Dallas Stars, who will be their first-round playoff opponent.

“This is the game. Score more goals and win,” Kirill Kaprizov said after that loss. “It’s OK. We just keep going. We still have a couple of games left and just keep playing. It was a good game.

“I feel pretty good, and it’s always an exciting time. It’s the best time of the year. We still have a couple of games left and want to focus on those games.”


Then, the Wild were held off the scoreboard for two straight periods in a 2-1 loss to the Nashville Predators. In that game, Hynes scratched forwards Joel Eriksson Ek and Mats Zuccarello, and defenseman Jared Spurgeon for rest.

“I want to see guys play to their personal identities, and I want to see the team be able to play the way we want to play, regardless of if guys are in and out of the lineup,” Hynes said after the loss in Nashville. “There’s a lot at stake for some guys in the lineup as well. Like, what is the final decision going into Game 1? And then also as a team, there are some habits and details and style of game that we want to play moving in (to the playoffs), regardless of if guys come in and out of the lineup.”

Meanwhile, the Blues (34-33-12, 80 points) have played well recently. They have won six of their last 10 games and stopped a two-game skid with a 5-3 win against the Chicago Blackhawks their last time out.

In that matchup, Alexey Toropchenko, Jordan Kyrou and Cam Fowler scored in the second period to escape a 2-1 hole and propel St. Louis to victory. However, the Blues were also mathematically eliminated from playoff contention that night due to the Los Angeles Kings defeating the Edmonton Oilers 1-0.

“I’m not going to really reflect on the team right now, but I can reflect on my own experience,” Blues head coach Jim Montgomery said. “It is the first time I missed the playoffs. I know I’m going to learn and grow from it because I realize some of the errors I’ve made and maybe some of the ways I didn’t stick to the way I believe to build a team throughout the year.

“This group, when we play the right way, we tend to play really well and tend to keep pucks out of our net and tend to win games by 4-2.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Wild #hope #banish #funk #Blues">Deadspin | Wild hope to banish recent funk as they take on Blues Apr 4, 2026; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) gets in position for a faceoff in the second period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images Central Division foes square off one final time this season when the playoff-bound Minnesota Wild visit the St. Louis Blues on Monday night. This is the third and final regular-season matchup between these teams. They have split the season series so far, with the Wild winning 5-0 in St. Louis back in October and the Blues getting revenge in Minnesota 3-1 last month. The Wild (45-23-12, 102 points) are third in the Central Division and secured a playoff spot on April 2 after defeating the Vancouver Canucks 5-2. Minnesota has made the Stanley Cup playoffs in six of the last seven seasons, but hasn’t won a playoff round since 2015. John Hynes’ men are also looking to get back into the win column after losing two straight games. The Wild kicked off a three-game road trip by giving up a two-goal lead and falling 5-4 to the Dallas Stars, who will be their first-round playoff opponent. “This is the game. Score more goals and win,” Kirill Kaprizov said after that loss. “It’s OK. We just keep going. We still have a couple of games left and just keep playing. It was a good game. “I feel pretty good, and it’s always an exciting time. It’s the best time of the year. We still have a couple of games left and want to focus on those games.” Then, the Wild were held off the scoreboard for two straight periods in a 2-1 loss to the Nashville Predators. In that game, Hynes scratched forwards Joel Eriksson Ek and Mats Zuccarello, and defenseman Jared Spurgeon for rest. “I want to see guys play to their personal identities, and I want to see the team be able to play the way we want to play, regardless of if guys are in and out of the lineup,” Hynes said after the loss in Nashville. “There’s a lot at stake for some guys in the lineup as well. Like, what is the final decision going into Game 1? And then also as a team, there are some habits and details and style of game that we want to play moving in (to the playoffs), regardless of if guys come in and out of the lineup.” Meanwhile, the Blues (34-33-12, 80 points) have played well recently. They have won six of their last 10 games and stopped a two-game skid with a 5-3 win against the Chicago Blackhawks their last time out. In that matchup, Alexey Toropchenko, Jordan Kyrou and Cam Fowler scored in the second period to escape a 2-1 hole and propel St. Louis to victory. However, the Blues were also mathematically eliminated from playoff contention that night due to the Los Angeles Kings defeating the Edmonton Oilers 1-0. “I’m not going to really reflect on the team right now, but I can reflect on my own experience,” Blues head coach Jim Montgomery said. “It is the first time I missed the playoffs. I know I’m going to learn and grow from it because I realize some of the errors I’ve made and maybe some of the ways I didn’t stick to the way I believe to build a team throughout the year. “This group, when we play the right way, we tend to play really well and tend to keep pucks out of our net and tend to win games by 4-2.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Wild #hope #banish #funk #Blues

Bihar pacer Sakib Hussain is set to make his debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Monday.

Sakib was bought by SRH for Rs. 30 lakh at the IPL auction. He was first signed by Kolkata Knight Riders in the auction ahead of the IPL 2024 season, but did not get the opportunity to play that season.

The 21-year-old right arm pacer made his T20 debut for Bihar in the 2022-23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. At the age of just 17, Sakib registered figures of four for 20 runs in just his second game.

FOLLOW THE IPL 2026 LIVE: SRH vs RR IPL 2026, Live Score: Jaiswal-Suryavanshi and Head-Abhishek in focus as Rajasthan Royals visits Sunrisers Hyderabad; team news, toss at 7:00PM IST

Sakib picked his maiden five-for in the 2025-26 edition of the Ranji Trophy- 6/41 against Arunachal Pradesh.

After spending a year on the sidelines with KKR in the 2024 season, Sakib gets his chance tonight for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals.

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#Sakib #Hussain #Bihar #pacer #set #debut #Rajasthan #Royals">Who is Sakib Hussain, Bihar pacer who is set to make his debut against Rajasthan Royals? Bihar pacer Sakib Hussain is set to make his debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Monday.Sakib was bought by SRH for Rs. 30 lakh at the IPL auction. He was first signed by Kolkata Knight Riders in the auction ahead of the IPL 2024 season, but did not get the opportunity to play that season.The 21-year-old right arm pacer made his T20 debut for Bihar in the 2022-23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. At the age of just 17, Sakib registered figures of four for 20 runs in just his second game.FOLLOW THE IPL 2026 LIVE: SRH vs RR IPL 2026, Live Score: Jaiswal-Suryavanshi and Head-Abhishek in focus as Rajasthan Royals visits Sunrisers Hyderabad; team news, toss at 7:00PM ISTSakib picked his maiden five-for in the 2025-26 edition of the Ranji Trophy- 6/41 against Arunachal Pradesh.After spending a year on the sidelines with KKR in the 2024 season, Sakib gets his chance tonight for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals.Published on Apr 13, 2026 #Sakib #Hussain #Bihar #pacer #set #debut #Rajasthan #Royals

SRH vs RR IPL 2026, Live Score: Jaiswal-Suryavanshi and Head-Abhishek in focus as Rajasthan Royals visits Sunrisers Hyderabad; team news, toss at 7:00PM IST

Sakib picked his maiden five-for in the 2025-26 edition of the Ranji Trophy- 6/41 against Arunachal Pradesh.

After spending a year on the sidelines with KKR in the 2024 season, Sakib gets his chance tonight for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals.

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#Sakib #Hussain #Bihar #pacer #set #debut #Rajasthan #Royals">Who is Sakib Hussain, Bihar pacer who is set to make his debut against Rajasthan Royals?

Bihar pacer Sakib Hussain is set to make his debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Monday.

Sakib was bought by SRH for Rs. 30 lakh at the IPL auction. He was first signed by Kolkata Knight Riders in the auction ahead of the IPL 2024 season, but did not get the opportunity to play that season.

The 21-year-old right arm pacer made his T20 debut for Bihar in the 2022-23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. At the age of just 17, Sakib registered figures of four for 20 runs in just his second game.

FOLLOW THE IPL 2026 LIVE: SRH vs RR IPL 2026, Live Score: Jaiswal-Suryavanshi and Head-Abhishek in focus as Rajasthan Royals visits Sunrisers Hyderabad; team news, toss at 7:00PM IST

Sakib picked his maiden five-for in the 2025-26 edition of the Ranji Trophy- 6/41 against Arunachal Pradesh.

After spending a year on the sidelines with KKR in the 2024 season, Sakib gets his chance tonight for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals.

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#Sakib #Hussain #Bihar #pacer #set #debut #Rajasthan #Royals
Deadspin | Sabres seeking two more wins, starting with Blackhawks Monday Apr 9, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Josh Doan (91) celebrates his second goal of the game with teammates during the third period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images With two games remaining in the regular season, the playoff-bound Buffalo Sabres can finish anywhere from first to third in a stacked Atlantic Division. Fortunately for the Sabres, they control the equation entering Monday’s visit to the slumping Chicago Blackhawks. With three points this week, Buffalo (49-23-8, 106 points) wins the division. With two, it’s home-ice advantage in the first round. “We’ve talked about where we wanted to be, and this is where we wanna be,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. “We know how hard it’s been, and we know how hard it’s gonna continue to be. So, it’s not taking anything for granted. We’d love to win these last two games. We focus in on Chicago and go from there.” Buffalo will be well-rested when it meets a Blackhawks team that has lost three straight and eight of nine. The Sabres have been idle since Thursday’s 5-0 home rout of Columbus. Josh Doan scored twice in the third period, giving him a team-leading five multi-goal games this season. Channeling a resilience that has helped the franchise stop an NHL-record 14-season playoff drought, the Sabres also relied on a 37-save shutout from rookie goaltender Colten Ellis. Ellis was back with Buffalo after netminder Alex Lyon sustained a lower-body injury. Lyon has shared starting duties with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who earned the victory when Buffalo blitzed visiting Chicago 9-3 on Nov. 21. Luukkonen is 7-2-1 in his past 10 appearances. “He’s still in a situation, you know, where his game is growing,” Ruff said. “And I think since he’s been healthy, he’s put together a really good run, and he’s what we expected he could be, and he’s having fun playing the game.” Chicago (28-38-14, 70 points) is seeking a spark of its own. While the Blackhawks were eliminated from postseason contention for the sixth straight season weeks ago, the stretch run has proven especially difficult. The Blackhawks have lost the first two games of a four-game homestand to close the regular season, the latest coming Saturday in a 5-3 setback to St. Louis. Ilya Mikheyev scored twice for the Blackhawks. “I would say there’s probably a fragility to our team right now, more than even fatigue,” Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill said. “I think some guys are starting to really probably struggle a little bit. The issue with where we’re at is we don’t have guys to lean on to pick you up a little bit when you’re struggling. We’re kind of all struggling together. So, we’re grinding through it. These are hard, hard, hard lessons, man, but it’s also life isn’t easy. You never have the opportunity to learn from it if you don’t go through it.” Forwards Frank Nazar and Andrew Mangiapane left Saturday’s game with injuries. With blueliner Ethan Del Mastro a late scratch due to injury, Chicago shifted forward Sam Lafferty to defense. Blashill said Del Mastro and Mangiapane are day-to-day. He added that Nazar, who took a deflected puck to the face, “will be all right.” Mikheyev notched his 200th career point with his second goal. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Sabres #seeking #wins #starting #Blackhawks #MondayApr 9, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Josh Doan (91) celebrates his second goal of the game with teammates during the third period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

With two games remaining in the regular season, the playoff-bound Buffalo Sabres can finish anywhere from first to third in a stacked Atlantic Division.

Fortunately for the Sabres, they control the equation entering Monday’s visit to the slumping Chicago Blackhawks.

With three points this week, Buffalo (49-23-8, 106 points) wins the division. With two, it’s home-ice advantage in the first round.

“We’ve talked about where we wanted to be, and this is where we wanna be,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. “We know how hard it’s been, and we know how hard it’s gonna continue to be. So, it’s not taking anything for granted. We’d love to win these last two games. We focus in on Chicago and go from there.”

Buffalo will be well-rested when it meets a Blackhawks team that has lost three straight and eight of nine.

The Sabres have been idle since Thursday’s 5-0 home rout of Columbus. Josh Doan scored twice in the third period, giving him a team-leading five multi-goal games this season.

Channeling a resilience that has helped the franchise stop an NHL-record 14-season playoff drought, the Sabres also relied on a 37-save shutout from rookie goaltender Colten Ellis.

Ellis was back with Buffalo after netminder Alex Lyon sustained a lower-body injury. Lyon has shared starting duties with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who earned the victory when Buffalo blitzed visiting Chicago 9-3 on Nov. 21.


Luukkonen is 7-2-1 in his past 10 appearances.

“He’s still in a situation, you know, where his game is growing,” Ruff said. “And I think since he’s been healthy, he’s put together a really good run, and he’s what we expected he could be, and he’s having fun playing the game.”

Chicago (28-38-14, 70 points) is seeking a spark of its own. While the Blackhawks were eliminated from postseason contention for the sixth straight season weeks ago, the stretch run has proven especially difficult.

The Blackhawks have lost the first two games of a four-game homestand to close the regular season, the latest coming Saturday in a 5-3 setback to St. Louis. Ilya Mikheyev scored twice for the Blackhawks.

“I would say there’s probably a fragility to our team right now, more than even fatigue,” Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill said. “I think some guys are starting to really probably struggle a little bit. The issue with where we’re at is we don’t have guys to lean on to pick you up a little bit when you’re struggling. We’re kind of all struggling together. So, we’re grinding through it. These are hard, hard, hard lessons, man, but it’s also life isn’t easy. You never have the opportunity to learn from it if you don’t go through it.”

Forwards Frank Nazar and Andrew Mangiapane left Saturday’s game with injuries. With blueliner Ethan Del Mastro a late scratch due to injury, Chicago shifted forward Sam Lafferty to defense.

Blashill said Del Mastro and Mangiapane are day-to-day. He added that Nazar, who took a deflected puck to the face, “will be all right.”

Mikheyev notched his 200th career point with his second goal.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Sabres #seeking #wins #starting #Blackhawks #Monday">Deadspin | Sabres seeking two more wins, starting with Blackhawks Monday Apr 9, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Josh Doan (91) celebrates his second goal of the game with teammates during the third period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images With two games remaining in the regular season, the playoff-bound Buffalo Sabres can finish anywhere from first to third in a stacked Atlantic Division. Fortunately for the Sabres, they control the equation entering Monday’s visit to the slumping Chicago Blackhawks. With three points this week, Buffalo (49-23-8, 106 points) wins the division. With two, it’s home-ice advantage in the first round. “We’ve talked about where we wanted to be, and this is where we wanna be,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. “We know how hard it’s been, and we know how hard it’s gonna continue to be. So, it’s not taking anything for granted. We’d love to win these last two games. We focus in on Chicago and go from there.” Buffalo will be well-rested when it meets a Blackhawks team that has lost three straight and eight of nine. The Sabres have been idle since Thursday’s 5-0 home rout of Columbus. Josh Doan scored twice in the third period, giving him a team-leading five multi-goal games this season. Channeling a resilience that has helped the franchise stop an NHL-record 14-season playoff drought, the Sabres also relied on a 37-save shutout from rookie goaltender Colten Ellis. Ellis was back with Buffalo after netminder Alex Lyon sustained a lower-body injury. Lyon has shared starting duties with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who earned the victory when Buffalo blitzed visiting Chicago 9-3 on Nov. 21. Luukkonen is 7-2-1 in his past 10 appearances. “He’s still in a situation, you know, where his game is growing,” Ruff said. “And I think since he’s been healthy, he’s put together a really good run, and he’s what we expected he could be, and he’s having fun playing the game.” Chicago (28-38-14, 70 points) is seeking a spark of its own. While the Blackhawks were eliminated from postseason contention for the sixth straight season weeks ago, the stretch run has proven especially difficult. The Blackhawks have lost the first two games of a four-game homestand to close the regular season, the latest coming Saturday in a 5-3 setback to St. Louis. Ilya Mikheyev scored twice for the Blackhawks. “I would say there’s probably a fragility to our team right now, more than even fatigue,” Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill said. “I think some guys are starting to really probably struggle a little bit. The issue with where we’re at is we don’t have guys to lean on to pick you up a little bit when you’re struggling. We’re kind of all struggling together. So, we’re grinding through it. These are hard, hard, hard lessons, man, but it’s also life isn’t easy. You never have the opportunity to learn from it if you don’t go through it.” Forwards Frank Nazar and Andrew Mangiapane left Saturday’s game with injuries. With blueliner Ethan Del Mastro a late scratch due to injury, Chicago shifted forward Sam Lafferty to defense. Blashill said Del Mastro and Mangiapane are day-to-day. He added that Nazar, who took a deflected puck to the face, “will be all right.” Mikheyev notched his 200th career point with his second goal. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Sabres #seeking #wins #starting #Blackhawks #Monday

Post Comment