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Deadspin | Oddsmakers favor Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avs to win Stanley Cup Apr 16, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) and defenseman Brett Kulak (27) celebrate defeating the Seattle Kraken at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images The Colorado Avalanche, out to end the miserable postseason history for Presidents’ Trophy winners, are the unanimous favorite to lift the Stanley Cup with the playoffs about to start. The regular season concluded Thursday night, and the final two first-round playoff matchups were confirmed. The Edmonton Oilers routed the Vancouver Canucks 6-1 and claimed second place in the Pacific Division, setting up a best-of-seven series against the Pacific’s third-place team, the Anaheim Ducks. The Kings fell 3-1 to the Calgary Flames and slipped into the Western Conference’s second wild-card slot. Los Angeles will open against the NHL-leading Avalanche on Sunday in Denver. The other six series were already confirmed before Thursday. In the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars will have home-ice advantage on the Minnesota Wild, and the Pacific Division champion Vegas Golden Knights will oppose the wild-card Utah Mammoth. The Eastern Conference matchups are headed by the Metropolitan Division champion Carolina Hurricanes facing the wild-card Ottawa Senators and the Atlanta Division champion Buffalo Sabres meeting the wild-card Boston Bruins. In an Atlantic Division matchup, the second-place Tampa Bay Lightning will oppose the Montreal Canadiens, while the second-place Pittsburgh Penguins will skate against the third-place Philadelphia Flyers in a Metropolitan Division clash. Oddsmakers like the Avalanche’s chances of going all the way, with Colorado listed at +300 by both DraftKings and BetMGM and at +320 by FanDuel. The winner of the Presidents’ Trophy, given to the NHL team with the most regular-season points, hasn’t won the Stanley Cup since the Chicago Blackhawks accomplished the feat in 2012-13. Since then, 10 of the 12 Presidents’ Trophy recipients bombed out of the postseason in the first or second round, with just the New York Rangers (in 2014-15 and 2023-24) advancing to the conference finals. The Hurricanes and Lightning are next among the Cup favorites. Carolina has +475 odds at DraftKings and +500 at both BetMGM and FanDuel. Tampa Bay is +390 at FanDuel and +500 at both DraftKings and BetMGM. All other teams have odds of at least +1000, generally headed by the Stars, Golden Knights and Oilers. The biggest longshots are the Kings, Flyers and Ducks, all at least +5000 at each book. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Oddsmakers #favor #Presidents #Trophywinning #Avs #win #Stanley #Cup

Deadspin | Oddsmakers favor Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avs to win Stanley Cup
Deadspin | Oddsmakers favor Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avs to win Stanley Cup Apr 16, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) and defenseman Brett Kulak (27) celebrate defeating the Seattle Kraken at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images The Colorado Avalanche, out to end the miserable postseason history for Presidents’ Trophy winners, are the unanimous favorite to lift the Stanley Cup with the playoffs about to start. The regular season concluded Thursday night, and the final two first-round playoff matchups were confirmed. The Edmonton Oilers routed the Vancouver Canucks 6-1 and claimed second place in the Pacific Division, setting up a best-of-seven series against the Pacific’s third-place team, the Anaheim Ducks. The Kings fell 3-1 to the Calgary Flames and slipped into the Western Conference’s second wild-card slot. Los Angeles will open against the NHL-leading Avalanche on Sunday in Denver. The other six series were already confirmed before Thursday. In the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars will have home-ice advantage on the Minnesota Wild, and the Pacific Division champion Vegas Golden Knights will oppose the wild-card Utah Mammoth. The Eastern Conference matchups are headed by the Metropolitan Division champion Carolina Hurricanes facing the wild-card Ottawa Senators and the Atlanta Division champion Buffalo Sabres meeting the wild-card Boston Bruins. In an Atlantic Division matchup, the second-place Tampa Bay Lightning will oppose the Montreal Canadiens, while the second-place Pittsburgh Penguins will skate against the third-place Philadelphia Flyers in a Metropolitan Division clash. Oddsmakers like the Avalanche’s chances of going all the way, with Colorado listed at +300 by both DraftKings and BetMGM and at +320 by FanDuel. The winner of the Presidents’ Trophy, given to the NHL team with the most regular-season points, hasn’t won the Stanley Cup since the Chicago Blackhawks accomplished the feat in 2012-13. Since then, 10 of the 12 Presidents’ Trophy recipients bombed out of the postseason in the first or second round, with just the New York Rangers (in 2014-15 and 2023-24) advancing to the conference finals. The Hurricanes and Lightning are next among the Cup favorites. Carolina has +475 odds at DraftKings and +500 at both BetMGM and FanDuel. Tampa Bay is +390 at FanDuel and +500 at both DraftKings and BetMGM. All other teams have odds of at least +1000, generally headed by the Stars, Golden Knights and Oilers. The biggest longshots are the Kings, Flyers and Ducks, all at least +5000 at each book. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Oddsmakers #favor #Presidents #Trophywinning #Avs #win #Stanley #CupApr 16, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) and defenseman Brett Kulak (27) celebrate defeating the Seattle Kraken at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Colorado Avalanche, out to end the miserable postseason history for Presidents’ Trophy winners, are the unanimous favorite to lift the Stanley Cup with the playoffs about to start.

The regular season concluded Thursday night, and the final two first-round playoff matchups were confirmed.

The Edmonton Oilers routed the Vancouver Canucks 6-1 and claimed second place in the Pacific Division, setting up a best-of-seven series against the Pacific’s third-place team, the Anaheim Ducks. The Kings fell 3-1 to the Calgary Flames and slipped into the Western Conference’s second wild-card slot. Los Angeles will open against the NHL-leading Avalanche on Sunday in Denver.

The other six series were already confirmed before Thursday.

In the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars will have home-ice advantage on the Minnesota Wild, and the Pacific Division champion Vegas Golden Knights will oppose the wild-card Utah Mammoth.

The Eastern Conference matchups are headed by the Metropolitan Division champion Carolina Hurricanes facing the wild-card Ottawa Senators and the Atlanta Division champion Buffalo Sabres meeting the wild-card Boston Bruins.


In an Atlantic Division matchup, the second-place Tampa Bay Lightning will oppose the Montreal Canadiens, while the second-place Pittsburgh Penguins will skate against the third-place Philadelphia Flyers in a Metropolitan Division clash.

Oddsmakers like the Avalanche’s chances of going all the way, with Colorado listed at +300 by both DraftKings and BetMGM and at +320 by FanDuel.

The winner of the Presidents’ Trophy, given to the NHL team with the most regular-season points, hasn’t won the Stanley Cup since the Chicago Blackhawks accomplished the feat in 2012-13. Since then, 10 of the 12 Presidents’ Trophy recipients bombed out of the postseason in the first or second round, with just the New York Rangers (in 2014-15 and 2023-24) advancing to the conference finals.

The Hurricanes and Lightning are next among the Cup favorites. Carolina has +475 odds at DraftKings and +500 at both BetMGM and FanDuel. Tampa Bay is +390 at FanDuel and +500 at both DraftKings and BetMGM.

All other teams have odds of at least +1000, generally headed by the Stars, Golden Knights and Oilers.

The biggest longshots are the Kings, Flyers and Ducks, all at least +5000 at each book.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Oddsmakers #favor #Presidents #Trophywinning #Avs #win #Stanley #Cup

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Apr 16, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) and defenseman Brett Kulak (27) celebrate defeating the Seattle Kraken at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Colorado Avalanche, out to end the miserable postseason history for Presidents’ Trophy winners, are the unanimous favorite to lift the Stanley Cup with the playoffs about to start.

The regular season concluded Thursday night, and the final two first-round playoff matchups were confirmed.

The Edmonton Oilers routed the Vancouver Canucks 6-1 and claimed second place in the Pacific Division, setting up a best-of-seven series against the Pacific’s third-place team, the Anaheim Ducks. The Kings fell 3-1 to the Calgary Flames and slipped into the Western Conference’s second wild-card slot. Los Angeles will open against the NHL-leading Avalanche on Sunday in Denver.

The other six series were already confirmed before Thursday.

In the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars will have home-ice advantage on the Minnesota Wild, and the Pacific Division champion Vegas Golden Knights will oppose the wild-card Utah Mammoth.

The Eastern Conference matchups are headed by the Metropolitan Division champion Carolina Hurricanes facing the wild-card Ottawa Senators and the Atlanta Division champion Buffalo Sabres meeting the wild-card Boston Bruins.

In an Atlantic Division matchup, the second-place Tampa Bay Lightning will oppose the Montreal Canadiens, while the second-place Pittsburgh Penguins will skate against the third-place Philadelphia Flyers in a Metropolitan Division clash.

Oddsmakers like the Avalanche’s chances of going all the way, with Colorado listed at +300 by both DraftKings and BetMGM and at +320 by FanDuel.

The winner of the Presidents’ Trophy, given to the NHL team with the most regular-season points, hasn’t won the Stanley Cup since the Chicago Blackhawks accomplished the feat in 2012-13. Since then, 10 of the 12 Presidents’ Trophy recipients bombed out of the postseason in the first or second round, with just the New York Rangers (in 2014-15 and 2023-24) advancing to the conference finals.

The Hurricanes and Lightning are next among the Cup favorites. Carolina has +475 odds at DraftKings and +500 at both BetMGM and FanDuel. Tampa Bay is +390 at FanDuel and +500 at both DraftKings and BetMGM.

All other teams have odds of at least +1000, generally headed by the Stars, Golden Knights and Oilers.

The biggest longshots are the Kings, Flyers and Ducks, all at least +5000 at each book.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Oddsmakers #favor #Presidents #Trophywinning #Avs #win #Stanley #Cup

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IPL 2026: ‘We need to make some difficult calls,’ says Hardik Pandya after Mumbai Indians suffers fourth consecutive loss <div id="content-body-70872195" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya was left searching for answers after yet another Indian Premier League (IPL) defeat — a seven-wicket drubbing at the hands of Punjab Kings — and admitted that his team needed to go back to the drawing board to identify its shortcomings, while hinting that some tough calls could be taken in the upcoming matches.</p><p>Mumbai Indians has lost four of its five matches and is languishing in ninth place with just two points, while Punjab Kings sits atop the table with an unbeaten run, having collected nine points so far.</p><p>Despite a much-improved showing from Mumbai Indians, powered by Quinton de Kock’s unbeaten 112 off 60 balls to post 195 for six, it proved insufficient against a rampant Punjab Kings side.</p><p>Punjab chased down the target in just 16.3 overs for the loss of three wickets, with breakout opener Prabhsimran Singh continuing his fine form with an unbeaten 80 off 39 balls, while captain Shreyas Iyer hammered a 35-ball 66.</p><p>“To be very honest, I don’t have much to say right now. I think we really need to go back to the drawing board and see where we are lacking. Is it individuals? Is it as a group? Is it planning? We’ll just figure it out and see what we can do next,” said Pandya after another morale-shattering loss.</p><p>“No, I think we need to see, do we need to make some difficult calls, or do we need to keep continuing and hope that we’ll turn things around. These are some harsh questions which eventually we need to answer, and yeah, ownership has to be taken.”</p><p>Pandya also credited the opposition team for out-thinking the home side in all departments of the game.</p><p>“I think we need to give credit to them as well. The ball started reversing. In the second innings, the dew came, and it slightly got better, but having said that, they just outbeat us. They bowled better, they batted better, they fielded better definitely.</p><p>Iyer said staying grounded has helped the side execute its plans with precision.</p><p>“Certainly confident and optimistic the way we have been playing. Also we have our heads on our shoulder. I am glad that today we came out and got that victory,” said Iyer.</p><p>He also praised the coming-of-age of Prabhsimran, noting that the opener has consistently provided fluent starts and on Thursday carried the team through with an unbeaten knock.</p><p>“He (Prabhsimran) has certainly raised up his bar, even though he was getting runs, he was giving us excellent starts, this year he has been more mature, match by match he is getting more mature,” added Iyer.</p><p>Prabhsimran said self-belief helped him overcome a lean phase in the PowerPlay and take on the bowling more aggressively later in the innings.</p><p>“I was just believing in myself because in the PowerPlay, I didn’t get many balls to play. I think I played 6-7 balls in the PowerPlay. But then, in my mind, I thought that if I take a little longer, I will be able to play (better). So, I kept believing in myself that I would do it, and I did it. I just had this in mind that I will play the anchor,” added Prabhsmiran.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 17, 2026</p></div> #IPL #difficult #calls #Hardik #Pandya #Mumbai #Indians #suffers #fourth #consecutive #loss

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Deadspin | Mariners CF Julio Rodriguez ‘good’ after exiting vs. Reds Jul 19, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) runs the bases after a home run hit by Seattle Mariners second baseman Cole Young (2) (not pictured) during the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images Although he abruptly exited his third game back from the injured list on Monday, Seattle Mariners star outfielder Julio Rodriguez didn’t sustain an injury in their 8-0 home defeat of the Cincinnati Reds. Instead, it was simply what Mariners manager Dan Wilson deemed a precautionary move after Rodriguez was hit in the left leg by an errant throw while legging out a run-scoring infield single in the fifth inning. “He’s good,” Wilson said. “Julio busting down the line, got the ball off the leg. We kinda had to make a quick decision and just thought that it was the best moment there (to take him out) just coming off what he’s coming off of to get him out and see how he is tomorrow. … Kinda hit the bag hard and the ball hit him, and it was just a good moment there to make a decision to give him a minute.” Rodriguez hit a chopper between third and short that shortstop Elly De La Cruz backhanded. He double-clutched before making a throw that eluded first baseman Sal Stewart and struck Rodriguez. Rodriguez returned to the lineup Saturday after being on the 7-day concussion list since July 2 when he was hit in the back of the helmet by a throw while sliding into second base. He’s 2-for-11 with two RBIs in his first three games back. Wilson also shared postgame that Seattle infielder J.P. Crawford, who was scratched from the lineup shortly before Monday’s game, is day-to-day with wrist soreness –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mariners #Julio #Rodriguez #good #exiting #RedsJul 19, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) runs the bases after a home run hit by Seattle Mariners second baseman Cole Young (2) (not pictured) during the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Although he abruptly exited his third game back from the injured list on Monday, Seattle Mariners star outfielder Julio Rodriguez didn’t sustain an injury in their 8-0 home defeat of the Cincinnati Reds.

Instead, it was simply what Mariners manager Dan Wilson deemed a precautionary move after Rodriguez was hit in the left leg by an errant throw while legging out a run-scoring infield single in the fifth inning.

“He’s good,” Wilson said. “Julio busting down the line, got the ball off the leg. We kinda had to make a quick decision and just thought that it was the best moment there (to take him out) just coming off what he’s coming off of to get him out and see how he is tomorrow. … Kinda hit the bag hard and the ball hit him, and it was just a good moment there to make a decision to give him a minute.”


Rodriguez hit a chopper between third and short that shortstop Elly De La Cruz backhanded. He double-clutched before making a throw that eluded first baseman Sal Stewart and struck Rodriguez.

Rodriguez returned to the lineup Saturday after being on the 7-day concussion list since July 2 when he was hit in the back of the helmet by a throw while sliding into second base. He’s 2-for-11 with two RBIs in his first three games back.

Wilson also shared postgame that Seattle infielder J.P. Crawford, who was scratched from the lineup shortly before Monday’s game, is day-to-day with wrist soreness

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Mariners #Julio #Rodriguez #good #exiting #Reds">Deadspin | Mariners CF Julio Rodriguez ‘good’ after exiting vs. Reds Jul 19, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) runs the bases after a home run hit by Seattle Mariners second baseman Cole Young (2) (not pictured) during the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images Although he abruptly exited his third game back from the injured list on Monday, Seattle Mariners star outfielder Julio Rodriguez didn’t sustain an injury in their 8-0 home defeat of the Cincinnati Reds. Instead, it was simply what Mariners manager Dan Wilson deemed a precautionary move after Rodriguez was hit in the left leg by an errant throw while legging out a run-scoring infield single in the fifth inning. “He’s good,” Wilson said. “Julio busting down the line, got the ball off the leg. We kinda had to make a quick decision and just thought that it was the best moment there (to take him out) just coming off what he’s coming off of to get him out and see how he is tomorrow. … Kinda hit the bag hard and the ball hit him, and it was just a good moment there to make a decision to give him a minute.” Rodriguez hit a chopper between third and short that shortstop Elly De La Cruz backhanded. He double-clutched before making a throw that eluded first baseman Sal Stewart and struck Rodriguez. Rodriguez returned to the lineup Saturday after being on the 7-day concussion list since July 2 when he was hit in the back of the helmet by a throw while sliding into second base. He’s 2-for-11 with two RBIs in his first three games back. Wilson also shared postgame that Seattle infielder J.P. Crawford, who was scratched from the lineup shortly before Monday’s game, is day-to-day with wrist soreness –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mariners #Julio #Rodriguez #good #exiting #Reds

#Justin #Verlander #FirstBallot #Hall #Famer">Is Justin Verlander a First-Ballot Hall of Famer? Earlier this month Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander announced he will be retiring at the end of the year. He’s the active leader in career wins, but sitting at 266 wins he is going to fall short of the 300 win mark. So will any other pitcher EVER get to 300 wins? #Justin #Verlander #FirstBallot #Hall #Famer

India’s Honor of Kings squad for the Esports Nations Cup 2026 was announced on Tuesday, with Ainul ‘Senpai’ Haidery leading the team in the tournament scheduled in Riyadh later this year.

NODWIN Gaming, India’s National Team Partner for the Nations Cup, announced the full team, which will compete between November 2 and 29 in Saudi Arabia.

Led by Revenant Xspark’s Ainul ‘Senpai’ Haidery, one of India’s leading Junglers, the team also features one of the country’s finest Clash Lane players in Deadshot. The duo recently won the Bengaluru leg of the Kings Arise India City Tour. Gradyano Valendy (Rinnqt), who was previously appointed as the team’s head coach by NODWIN, will oversee India’s preparations for ENC 2026.

“The Honor of Kings esports scene in India has grown tremendously in a short span of time, and this roster reflects the depth of talent that has emerged across different organisations. Representing India at the Esports Nations Cup is both an honour and a responsibility, and every player understands what this opportunity means,” Senpai said.

“We want to deliver performances the community can be proud of, establish India as a strong competitor on the global Honor of Kings stage, and inspire more players to pursue the game competitively.”

India’s full squad Honor of Kings at ENC 2026

Rahul Lavhate (Kyurem)

Aashish Chouhan (Deadshot)

Ainul Haidery (Senpai)

Saurabh Jagadale (Kael)

Bezalel Hmar (Eto).

Substitutes

Aryan Gulati (TT), Saad Sardar (Darkness)

The finals of Honor of Kings at ENC 2026 will take place from November 24 to 29, featuring 24 national teams competing for a prize pool of USD 1.32 million (~INR 12.5 crore).

A total of 64 countries and territories have officially submitted and confirmed their participation in the tournament.

Alongside India’s Special Invite, the Esports Foundation allocated 12 direct invitations through the ENC Ranking system, which aggregates points earned by players based on their performances in official Honor of Kings competitions until July 5, 2026.

The remaining nine qualification spots will be decided through regional online qualifiers, scheduled for July 18 to 19, while the final two places at the ENC Finals will be filled through wildcard invitations, comprising one Host Region slot and one Solidarity slot.

India has now secured representation in five titles at ENC 2026: Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), Chess, Honor of Kings, Trackmania and VALORANT. Similar to Honor of Kings, the nation has also earned a special invite in BGMI.

The country’s MOBA Legends: 5v5! squad also remains in contention for a direct invitation to the main event and, if required, will compete in the regional qualifiers scheduled for August 15 to 16.

Published on Jul 21, 2026

#Esports #Nations #Cup #India #squad #named #Honor #Kings #special #invite #ENC">Esports Nations Cup 2026 — India squad named for Honor of Kings after special invite at ENC India’s Honor of Kings squad for the Esports Nations Cup 2026 was announced on Tuesday, with Ainul ‘Senpai’ Haidery leading the team in the tournament scheduled in Riyadh later this year.NODWIN Gaming, India’s National Team Partner for the Nations Cup, announced the full team, which will compete between November 2 and 29 in Saudi Arabia.Led by Revenant Xspark’s Ainul ‘Senpai’ Haidery, one of India’s leading Junglers, the team also features one of the country’s finest Clash Lane players in Deadshot. The duo recently won the Bengaluru leg of the Kings Arise India City Tour. Gradyano Valendy (Rinnqt), who was previously appointed as the team’s head coach by NODWIN, will oversee India’s preparations for ENC 2026.“The Honor of Kings esports scene in India has grown tremendously in a short span of time, and this roster reflects the depth of talent that has emerged across different organisations. Representing India at the Esports Nations Cup is both an honour and a responsibility, and every player understands what this opportunity means,” Senpai said.“We want to deliver performances the community can be proud of, establish India as a strong competitor on the global Honor of Kings stage, and inspire more players to pursue the game competitively.” India’s full squad Honor of Kings at ENC 2026 Rahul Lavhate (Kyurem) Aashish Chouhan (Deadshot) Ainul Haidery (Senpai) Saurabh Jagadale (Kael) Bezalel Hmar (Eto). Substitutes Aryan Gulati (TT), Saad Sardar (Darkness) The finals of Honor of Kings at ENC 2026 will take place from November 24 to 29, featuring 24 national teams competing for a prize pool of USD 1.32 million (~INR 12.5 crore).A total of 64 countries and territories have officially submitted and confirmed their participation in the tournament.Alongside India’s Special Invite, the Esports Foundation allocated 12 direct invitations through the ENC Ranking system, which aggregates points earned by players based on their performances in official Honor of Kings competitions until July 5, 2026.The remaining nine qualification spots will be decided through regional online qualifiers, scheduled for July 18 to 19, while the final two places at the ENC Finals will be filled through wildcard invitations, comprising one Host Region slot and one Solidarity slot.India has now secured representation in five titles at ENC 2026: Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), Chess, Honor of Kings, Trackmania and VALORANT. Similar to Honor of Kings, the nation has also earned a special invite in BGMI.The country’s MOBA Legends: 5v5! squad also remains in contention for a direct invitation to the main event and, if required, will compete in the regional qualifiers scheduled for August 15 to 16.Published on Jul 21, 2026 #Esports #Nations #Cup #India #squad #named #Honor #Kings #special #invite #ENC

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