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Deadspin | Trending Revs look to snap road losing streak vs. lowly Atlanta  Apr 18, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner (30) reacts with  defender Mamadou Fofana (2) after defeating the Columbus Crew at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images   One of the main themes the New England Revolution have adopted under first-year head coach Marko Mitrovic is “belief.” As they visit Atlanta United on Wednesday night, they’ll continue rallying around that mentality.  The Revolution (4-3-0, 12 points) come into Mercedes-Benz Stadium on a three-match winning streak after a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Crew on Saturday. New England trailed 1-0 before Dor Turgeman’s equalizer in the 54th minute and Carles Gil’s match-winning penalty in the 85th.  That never-give-up mindset didn’t exist a year ago, Revs defender Ilay Feingold noted.  “The mentality that we showed, especially in the second half, was amazing,” Feingold said. “… We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we showed a great mentality and everyone made a great effort.”  As they search for a fourth straight win, the Revs will look to add to Atlanta United’s misery.  Atlanta (1-6-1, 4 points) fell to Eastern Conference-leading Nashville SC 2-0 on Saturday. The Five Stripes are winless in their last four MLS contests (0-3-1), have scored only one goal in that span and have been shut out five times in eight matches this season.   “The energy’s not lacking … The fight, the desire to win is not lacking. Now, it just comes down to little details throughout the game that we need to fix. That’s what’s going to turn the results around,” Atlanta midfielder Cooper Sanchez said.  Atlanta has just one win in its previous 12 home matches against MLS opponents (1-5-6).  New England enters Wednesday on a six-match road losing streak dating back to last season. Its last road win was a 2-1 triumph over the Crew on Aug. 23, 2025.  Turgeman’s goal was his second of the season, matching the team-high totals of Brayan Ceballos, Peyton Miller and Alhassan Yusuf. Luca Langoni has six assists, ranking second in MLS.  Alexey Miranchuk leads Atlanta United in scoring with four of its six goals.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Trending #Revs #snap #road #losing #streak #lowly #Atlanta

Deadspin | Trending Revs look to snap road losing streak vs. lowly Atlanta
Deadspin | Trending Revs look to snap road losing streak vs. lowly Atlanta  Apr 18, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner (30) reacts with  defender Mamadou Fofana (2) after defeating the Columbus Crew at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images   One of the main themes the New England Revolution have adopted under first-year head coach Marko Mitrovic is “belief.” As they visit Atlanta United on Wednesday night, they’ll continue rallying around that mentality.  The Revolution (4-3-0, 12 points) come into Mercedes-Benz Stadium on a three-match winning streak after a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Crew on Saturday. New England trailed 1-0 before Dor Turgeman’s equalizer in the 54th minute and Carles Gil’s match-winning penalty in the 85th.  That never-give-up mindset didn’t exist a year ago, Revs defender Ilay Feingold noted.  “The mentality that we showed, especially in the second half, was amazing,” Feingold said. “… We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we showed a great mentality and everyone made a great effort.”  As they search for a fourth straight win, the Revs will look to add to Atlanta United’s misery.  Atlanta (1-6-1, 4 points) fell to Eastern Conference-leading Nashville SC 2-0 on Saturday. The Five Stripes are winless in their last four MLS contests (0-3-1), have scored only one goal in that span and have been shut out five times in eight matches this season.   “The energy’s not lacking … The fight, the desire to win is not lacking. Now, it just comes down to little details throughout the game that we need to fix. That’s what’s going to turn the results around,” Atlanta midfielder Cooper Sanchez said.  Atlanta has just one win in its previous 12 home matches against MLS opponents (1-5-6).  New England enters Wednesday on a six-match road losing streak dating back to last season. Its last road win was a 2-1 triumph over the Crew on Aug. 23, 2025.  Turgeman’s goal was his second of the season, matching the team-high totals of Brayan Ceballos, Peyton Miller and Alhassan Yusuf. Luca Langoni has six assists, ranking second in MLS.  Alexey Miranchuk leads Atlanta United in scoring with four of its six goals.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Trending #Revs #snap #road #losing #streak #lowly #AtlantaApr 18, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner (30) reacts with defender Mamadou Fofana (2) after defeating the Columbus Crew at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

One of the main themes the New England Revolution have adopted under first-year head coach Marko Mitrovic is “belief.” As they visit Atlanta United on Wednesday night, they’ll continue rallying around that mentality.

The Revolution (4-3-0, 12 points) come into Mercedes-Benz Stadium on a three-match winning streak after a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Crew on Saturday. New England trailed 1-0 before Dor Turgeman’s equalizer in the 54th minute and Carles Gil’s match-winning penalty in the 85th.

That never-give-up mindset didn’t exist a year ago, Revs defender Ilay Feingold noted.

“The mentality that we showed, especially in the second half, was amazing,” Feingold said. “… We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we showed a great mentality and everyone made a great effort.”

As they search for a fourth straight win, the Revs will look to add to Atlanta United’s misery.


Atlanta (1-6-1, 4 points) fell to Eastern Conference-leading Nashville SC 2-0 on Saturday. The Five Stripes are winless in their last four MLS contests (0-3-1), have scored only one goal in that span and have been shut out five times in eight matches this season.

“The energy’s not lacking … The fight, the desire to win is not lacking. Now, it just comes down to little details throughout the game that we need to fix. That’s what’s going to turn the results around,” Atlanta midfielder Cooper Sanchez said.

Atlanta has just one win in its previous 12 home matches against MLS opponents (1-5-6).

New England enters Wednesday on a six-match road losing streak dating back to last season. Its last road win was a 2-1 triumph over the Crew on Aug. 23, 2025.

Turgeman’s goal was his second of the season, matching the team-high totals of Brayan Ceballos, Peyton Miller and Alhassan Yusuf. Luca Langoni has six assists, ranking second in MLS.

Alexey Miranchuk leads Atlanta United in scoring with four of its six goals.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Trending #Revs #snap #road #losing #streak #lowly #Atlanta

Apr 18, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner (30) reacts with defender Mamadou Fofana (2) after defeating the Columbus Crew at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

One of the main themes the New England Revolution have adopted under first-year head coach Marko Mitrovic is “belief.” As they visit Atlanta United on Wednesday night, they’ll continue rallying around that mentality.

The Revolution (4-3-0, 12 points) come into Mercedes-Benz Stadium on a three-match winning streak after a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Crew on Saturday. New England trailed 1-0 before Dor Turgeman’s equalizer in the 54th minute and Carles Gil’s match-winning penalty in the 85th.

That never-give-up mindset didn’t exist a year ago, Revs defender Ilay Feingold noted.

“The mentality that we showed, especially in the second half, was amazing,” Feingold said. “… We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we showed a great mentality and everyone made a great effort.”

As they search for a fourth straight win, the Revs will look to add to Atlanta United’s misery.

Atlanta (1-6-1, 4 points) fell to Eastern Conference-leading Nashville SC 2-0 on Saturday. The Five Stripes are winless in their last four MLS contests (0-3-1), have scored only one goal in that span and have been shut out five times in eight matches this season.

“The energy’s not lacking … The fight, the desire to win is not lacking. Now, it just comes down to little details throughout the game that we need to fix. That’s what’s going to turn the results around,” Atlanta midfielder Cooper Sanchez said.

Atlanta has just one win in its previous 12 home matches against MLS opponents (1-5-6).

New England enters Wednesday on a six-match road losing streak dating back to last season. Its last road win was a 2-1 triumph over the Crew on Aug. 23, 2025.

Turgeman’s goal was his second of the season, matching the team-high totals of Brayan Ceballos, Peyton Miller and Alhassan Yusuf. Luca Langoni has six assists, ranking second in MLS.

Alexey Miranchuk leads Atlanta United in scoring with four of its six goals.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Trending #Revs #snap #road #losing #streak #lowly #Atlanta

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Deadspin | Cincinnati hopes to turn better form into better result at NYCFC <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28764113.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28764113.jpg" alt="MLS: Chicago Fire FC at FC Cincinnati" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 18, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; FC Cincinnati midfielder Pavel Bucha (20) (center) collects a pass as Chicago Fire FC midfielder Dje D’avilla (42) defends during the second half of an MLS match at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>New York City FC will attempt to snap a four-match winless skid in league play on Wednesday night when they welcome FC Cincinnati to Yankee Stadium.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>While NYCFC (3-3-2, 11 points) continued their downward spiral in terms of results with a 2-1 setback to Charlotte FC last Saturday, head coach Pascal Jansen remained positive two days later while speaking to reporters.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>“We played a good game. It was a tough result, but game-wise, strategy-wise, play style-wise, it was a good game from our side, but unfortunately not good enough,” Jansen said on Monday. “But it’s something that helps you go forward into the next sequence of games.”</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Nicolas Fernandez continued his goal-scoring surge in the third minute of second-half stoppage time on Saturday. He has a team-best six goals in eight matches this season after totaling just three in 11 appearances (10 starts) in 2025.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>“We were just talking about that today, that I’ve matched my (number of) league goals from last year,” Fernandez said on Monday. “Every year, I set myself a target of what I want to achieve. Luckily, it’s been happening this season. Just have to continue on that streak.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>While NYCFC are 0-3-1 over their last four MLS matches overall, FC Cincinnati sport that same record on the road this season.</p> </section> <section id="section-7"> <p>Cincinnati (2-4-2, 8 points) experienced a bit of a positive after recording its second straight draw with a 3-3 home decision versus the Chicago Fire on Saturday.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Evander converted a penalty kick in the 79th minute and played a role in Dje D’Avilla’s own goal seven minutes later to help Cincinnati draw even from a 3-1 halftime deficit.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>“Play-wise, there’s been a lot of positives, but now that needs to translate into the wins,” FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan said on Tuesday. “… I’ve been more pleased in the last two games with some of the overall play despite those results not being what we’d like.”</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>NYCFC posted a pair of 1-0 victories over FC Cincinnati last season.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Cincinnati #hopes #turn #form #result #NYCFC

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Deadspin | Flyers return home in search of 3-0 lead over Penguins <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28774645.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28774645.jpg" alt="NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (55) knocks the helmet of Pittsburgh Penguins center Blake Lizotte (46) off during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>In a first-round playoff series between Pennsylvania rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers threw the first punch — and the second.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Holding a 2-0 edge in the best-of-seven series, the Flyers look to take a commanding lead on the Pittsburgh Penguins when the teams reconvene for Game 3 Wednesday in Philadelphia.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>After recording a 3-2 victory in Game 1 over the weekend, Philadelphia blanked Pittsburgh 3-0 on Monday behind 27 saves from Dan Vladar. Vladar’s first shutout since joining the Flyers last summer was also his first career postseason blanking.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“He has been like that all year for us,” Flyers coach Rick Tocchet said. “Guys enjoy playing for him. He comes by the bench, he’s talking to the players. A lot of guys aren’t used to goalies talking that much, but that’s the way Vladdy is. I love his personality. He’s a fun guy to coach.”</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Porter Martone is certainly having fun these days, as well. The Philadelphia winger is the sixth-youngest player in NHL history to score a goal in each of his first two career playoff games. In fact, both of the 19-year-old’s tallies in this series have turned out to be game-winners.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“I think I’ve got to give a lot of credit to the guys in this room,” Martone said. “They’ve taught me a lot, not just on the hockey side, but the life side. I’ve said this before, but I think I made the jump (from college) because I thought I was ready and I thought I could help this team.”</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Meanwhile, Pittsburgh finds itself searching for answers after a pair of lethargic performances.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>“There should be frustration. (We) should be frustrated,” Penguins coach Dan Muse said. “We just lost two games at home. And so, with frustration comes how are you going to respond? How are we going to respond? And so, I would hope every single guy in that room, the entire staff, nobody’s happy right now. Nobody should be.”</p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>Evgeni Malkin had a goal and an assist in the series opener, but Sidney Crosby has yet to register a point in the series. The Penguins have lost five straight games, including the final three in the regular season.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>“I think we’ve been in some tough spots all year,” Crosby said. “We’ve always responded really well to adversity. It seems like it’s brought out the best in all of us. I think that getting on the road and having a situation like this hopefully brings out the best in us again here.”</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Stuart Skinner has been strong in net for the Penguins. He turned aside 21 shots in Monday’s defeat, including several terrific saves that helped keep his team within striking distance.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>The Flyers’ goals in Game 2 came on Martone’s tally following a blocked shot that caromed right to him, Garnet Hathaway’s finish off a terrific individual effort by Owen Tippett while short-handed, and a late empty-net goal by Luke Glendening.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>“Obviously coming in here, to a building like this, and taking the first two games — it’s huge,” said Tippett, who added “we’re staying even-keel. We’re excited to get home to our fans, back home in our rink, but we can’t get too high, can’t get too low.”</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>The Penguins acknowledge that they need to improve a power play that is 0-for-7 in the series, including an 0-for-5 effort in Game 2.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>“They’re doing a good job, and we’re not,” said Pittsburgh defenseman Erik Karlsson. “That’s the bottom line.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-16"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Flyers #return #home #search #lead #Penguins

Inter Miami has passed its first test since the surprise departure of coach Javier Mascherano. As interim coach Guillermo Hoyos would ​attest, having Lionel Messi at his peak helps.

The Herons complete a two-game ‌trip through the Rocky Mountains when they play Real ​Salt Lake on Wednesday in Sandy, Utah.

Messi scored ⁠on a penalty kick in the 18th minute and set up his own game- winner with a nifty run in the 79th minute ‌of Miami’s 3-2 win over the Colorado Rapids Saturday. The match was played at the Denver Broncos’ ‌stadium before an audience of 75,824 fans.

That was the first ‌outing ⁠for Miami (4-1-3, 15 points) since Mascherano announced his resignation, ⁠citing “personal reasons,” mere months after he guided the club to the MLS Cup title.

“The best coach in the world is on the pitch,” Hoyos said ​afterward. “We have the best player in ‌history who changes the course of matches and a team that gave everything football-wise.”

Hoyos was Miami’s sporting director before stepping in for Mascherano. With the Herons now second in the ‌Eastern Conference, it’s his task now to keep the club ​on a stable path.

“This result means a continuity of what was being done,” Hoyos said.

His side will have ⁠a quick turnaround to face Real Salt Lake (RSL) [5-1-1, 16 points], which has begun a three-game homestand with two-goal wins over Sporting Kansas City ‌and San Diego FC.

Diego Luna scored within the first five minutes of each match and Sergi Solans struck three goals in that span. The high-powered offense was just what RSL coach Pablo Mastroeni wanted to see.

“We have to bring the fans into the game and be electric and front-footed,” Mastroeni said ‌before the San Diego game. “Both (San Diego and Miami) offer opportunities in transition and ​we’ve improved drastically in that area.”

Neither RSL nor Miami has lost since dropping their respective season openers Feb. ⁠21. They’ve each scored 16 goals on the year, Messi ⁠accounting for seven of Miami’s and Solans scoring five for RSL.

Messi’s co-star Luis Suarez could draw back in ‌after not being utilised against Colorado.

Meanwhile, Miami forward Mateo Silvetti (hamstring) participated in practice Monday, per the Miami Herald, and his status ​for the match is up in the air. The 20-year-old has scored two goals.

Published on Apr 22, 2026

#Real #Salt #Lake #Inter #Miami #Herons #win #Messi #redhot #form">Real Salt Lake vs Inter Miami — Herons look for another win with Messi in red-hot form  Inter Miami has passed its first test since the surprise departure of coach Javier Mascherano. As interim coach Guillermo Hoyos would ​attest, having Lionel Messi at his peak helps.The Herons complete a two-game ‌trip through the Rocky Mountains when they play Real ​Salt Lake on Wednesday in Sandy, Utah.Messi scored ⁠on a penalty kick in the 18th minute and set up his own game- winner with a nifty run in the 79th minute ‌of Miami’s 3-2 win over the Colorado Rapids Saturday. The match was played at the Denver Broncos’ ‌stadium before an audience of 75,824 fans.That was the first ‌outing ⁠for Miami (4-1-3, 15 points) since Mascherano announced his resignation, ⁠citing “personal reasons,” mere months after he guided the club to the MLS Cup title.“The best coach in the world is on the pitch,” Hoyos said ​afterward. “We have the best player in ‌history who changes the course of matches and a team that gave everything football-wise.”Hoyos was Miami’s sporting director before stepping in for Mascherano. With the Herons now second in the ‌Eastern Conference, it’s his task now to keep the club ​on a stable path.“This result means a continuity of what was being done,” Hoyos said.His side will have ⁠a quick turnaround to face Real Salt Lake (RSL) [5-1-1, 16 points], which has begun a three-game homestand with two-goal wins over Sporting Kansas City ‌and San Diego FC.Diego Luna scored within the first five minutes of each match and Sergi Solans struck three goals in that span. The high-powered offense was just what RSL coach Pablo Mastroeni wanted to see.“We have to bring the fans into the game and be electric and front-footed,” Mastroeni said ‌before the San Diego game. “Both (San Diego and Miami) offer opportunities in transition and ​we’ve improved drastically in that area.”Neither RSL nor Miami has lost since dropping their respective season openers Feb. ⁠21. They’ve each scored 16 goals on the year, Messi ⁠accounting for seven of Miami’s and Solans scoring five for RSL.Messi’s co-star Luis Suarez could draw back in ‌after not being utilised against Colorado.Meanwhile, Miami forward Mateo Silvetti (hamstring) participated in practice Monday, per the Miami Herald, and his status ​for the match is up in the air. The 20-year-old has scored two goals.Published on Apr 22, 2026  #Real #Salt #Lake #Inter #Miami #Herons #win #Messi #redhot #form

Deadspin | Lightning coach: Victor Hedman ‘doubtful’ to play in first round  Mar 7, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN;   Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) warms up before playing the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images   Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman is unlikely to suit up for his team in its first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens, head coach Jon Cooper announced Tuesday.  Hedman hasn’t played in a game since exiting in the first period of Tampa Bay’s 6-2 victory versus the Vancouver Canucks on March 19 due to illness. Six days later, the Lightning announced Hedman was taking a leave of absence for personal reasons.   Hedman was spotted on the ice after Tampa Bay’s optional morning skate ahead of Tuesday’s Game 2 against the visiting Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens recorded a 4-3 victory in overtime on Sunday in the opener of the best-of-seven series.  When asked to put a percentage on Hedman’s health, Cooper said the defenseman could return “at some point, I think, but not right now.  “I wouldn’t rule anything out, but I’d say I’d put that on the doubtful side for this series.”   Hedman, 35, has recorded 17 points (one goal, 16 assists) in 33 games this season. He has endured extended absences due to an undisclosed injury in November and elbow surgery in December.  Hedman is a 2017-18 Norris Trophy winner as the best defenseman in the league, a two-time Stanley Cup champion (2020, 2021) and the 2020 Conn Smythe Trophy recipient as the playoff MVP.   He has totaled 811 career points (172 goals, 639 assists), a plus-192 rating and 782 penalty minutes in 1,164 games since being selected by the Lightning with the second overall pick of the 2009 NHL Draft.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Lightning #coach #Victor #Hedman #doubtful #playMar 7, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) warms up before playing the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman is unlikely to suit up for his team in its first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens, head coach Jon Cooper announced Tuesday.

Hedman hasn’t played in a game since exiting in the first period of Tampa Bay’s 6-2 victory versus the Vancouver Canucks on March 19 due to illness. Six days later, the Lightning announced Hedman was taking a leave of absence for personal reasons.

Hedman was spotted on the ice after Tampa Bay’s optional morning skate ahead of Tuesday’s Game 2 against the visiting Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens recorded a 4-3 victory in overtime on Sunday in the opener of the best-of-seven series.

When asked to put a percentage on Hedman’s health, Cooper said the defenseman could return “at some point, I think, but not right now.


“I wouldn’t rule anything out, but I’d say I’d put that on the doubtful side for this series.”

Hedman, 35, has recorded 17 points (one goal, 16 assists) in 33 games this season. He has endured extended absences due to an undisclosed injury in November and elbow surgery in December.

Hedman is a 2017-18 Norris Trophy winner as the best defenseman in the league, a two-time Stanley Cup champion (2020, 2021) and the 2020 Conn Smythe Trophy recipient as the playoff MVP.

He has totaled 811 career points (172 goals, 639 assists), a plus-192 rating and 782 penalty minutes in 1,164 games since being selected by the Lightning with the second overall pick of the 2009 NHL Draft.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Lightning #coach #Victor #Hedman #doubtful #play">Deadspin | Lightning coach: Victor Hedman ‘doubtful’ to play in first round  Mar 7, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN;   Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) warms up before playing the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images   Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman is unlikely to suit up for his team in its first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens, head coach Jon Cooper announced Tuesday.  Hedman hasn’t played in a game since exiting in the first period of Tampa Bay’s 6-2 victory versus the Vancouver Canucks on March 19 due to illness. Six days later, the Lightning announced Hedman was taking a leave of absence for personal reasons.   Hedman was spotted on the ice after Tampa Bay’s optional morning skate ahead of Tuesday’s Game 2 against the visiting Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens recorded a 4-3 victory in overtime on Sunday in the opener of the best-of-seven series.  When asked to put a percentage on Hedman’s health, Cooper said the defenseman could return “at some point, I think, but not right now.  “I wouldn’t rule anything out, but I’d say I’d put that on the doubtful side for this series.”   Hedman, 35, has recorded 17 points (one goal, 16 assists) in 33 games this season. He has endured extended absences due to an undisclosed injury in November and elbow surgery in December.  Hedman is a 2017-18 Norris Trophy winner as the best defenseman in the league, a two-time Stanley Cup champion (2020, 2021) and the 2020 Conn Smythe Trophy recipient as the playoff MVP.   He has totaled 811 career points (172 goals, 639 assists), a plus-192 rating and 782 penalty minutes in 1,164 games since being selected by the Lightning with the second overall pick of the 2009 NHL Draft.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Lightning #coach #Victor #Hedman #doubtful #play

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