×
Deadspin | Cubs win in extras to post 9th straight, send Phils to 9th consecutive loss   Apr 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch (29) gestures after hitting a three run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images   Dansby Swanson laced a walk-off single in the 10th inning to give the Chicago Cubs an 8-7 victory over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies and extend their winning streak to nine on Thursday.  Philadelphia lost its ninth straight game and now owns the worst record (8-17) in the National League.  Javier Assad (2-1) threw a perfect top of the 10th, before Tanner Banks (0-2) pitched the bottom of the frame for the Phillies. Banks intentionally walked Seiya Suzuki and allowed Carson Kelly’s single to load the bases.  After Michael Busch struck out, Swanson’s single to right ended it.  Busch homered and drove in four, while Suzuki went deep and Kelly produced three hits in the win.  With the score tied at six apiece in the bottom of the eighth, Suzuki launched his third homer in as many games, turning on a fastball from Philadelphia reliever Brad Keller.  The Phillies answered in the top of the ninth, as pinch-hitter Adolis Garcia hit his third homer of the season, knotting the score at 7-7 against Chicago’s Caleb Thielbar.  Edward Cabrera allowed five runs (three earned) on six hits, striking out five and walking none for Chicago, which stamped a four-game sweep of Philadelphia and extended its longest winning streak since an 11-gamer in 2016.  Cristopher Sanchez started for the Phillies, allowing six runs on 12 hits across 5 1/3 innings, striking out four and walking two. Brandon Marsh went 3-for-4 with two homers in the loss.   The Phillies grabbed a 1-0 lead in the second inning on Marsh’s third home run of the season.  Kelly and Busch reached to begin the bottom of the second for Chicago, before Swanson’s sac fly knotted the score.  In the third, Suzuki and Kelly singled, leading to Busch’s three-run homer, giving the Cubs a 4-1 edge.  Bryce Harper’s one-out single in the fourth was followed with Marsh’s RBI base hit, pulling the Phillies within two.  Chicago got the run back in the home half of the fourth, as Ian Happ hit his seventh of the year to push the lead to 5-2.  After allowing Happ’s one-out single in the sixth, Sanchez was replaced by Chase Shugart. Suzuki singled and Kelly was hit by a pitch, before Busch’s RBI groundout made it 6-2.  Marsh continued his stellar day with a one-out homer in the seventh to slice the deficit to three. Bryson Stott singled and Alec Bohm doubled, before Alex Bregman’s throwing error allowed Stott to score from third. The visitors continued to inch closer, as Garrett Stubbs’ sac fly pulled the Phillies within a run.  In relief of Cabrera, Hoby Milner walked a pair in 2/3 of an inning in the eighth. Jacob Webb entered with runners on first and second, allowing Edmundo Sosa’s game-tying single.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Cubs #win #extras #post #9th #straight #send #Phils #9th #consecutive #loss

Deadspin | Cubs win in extras to post 9th straight, send Phils to 9th consecutive loss
Deadspin | Cubs win in extras to post 9th straight, send Phils to 9th consecutive loss   Apr 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch (29) gestures after hitting a three run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images   Dansby Swanson laced a walk-off single in the 10th inning to give the Chicago Cubs an 8-7 victory over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies and extend their winning streak to nine on Thursday.  Philadelphia lost its ninth straight game and now owns the worst record (8-17) in the National League.  Javier Assad (2-1) threw a perfect top of the 10th, before Tanner Banks (0-2) pitched the bottom of the frame for the Phillies. Banks intentionally walked Seiya Suzuki and allowed Carson Kelly’s single to load the bases.  After Michael Busch struck out, Swanson’s single to right ended it.  Busch homered and drove in four, while Suzuki went deep and Kelly produced three hits in the win.  With the score tied at six apiece in the bottom of the eighth, Suzuki launched his third homer in as many games, turning on a fastball from Philadelphia reliever Brad Keller.  The Phillies answered in the top of the ninth, as pinch-hitter Adolis Garcia hit his third homer of the season, knotting the score at 7-7 against Chicago’s Caleb Thielbar.  Edward Cabrera allowed five runs (three earned) on six hits, striking out five and walking none for Chicago, which stamped a four-game sweep of Philadelphia and extended its longest winning streak since an 11-gamer in 2016.  Cristopher Sanchez started for the Phillies, allowing six runs on 12 hits across 5 1/3 innings, striking out four and walking two. Brandon Marsh went 3-for-4 with two homers in the loss.   The Phillies grabbed a 1-0 lead in the second inning on Marsh’s third home run of the season.  Kelly and Busch reached to begin the bottom of the second for Chicago, before Swanson’s sac fly knotted the score.  In the third, Suzuki and Kelly singled, leading to Busch’s three-run homer, giving the Cubs a 4-1 edge.  Bryce Harper’s one-out single in the fourth was followed with Marsh’s RBI base hit, pulling the Phillies within two.  Chicago got the run back in the home half of the fourth, as Ian Happ hit his seventh of the year to push the lead to 5-2.  After allowing Happ’s one-out single in the sixth, Sanchez was replaced by Chase Shugart. Suzuki singled and Kelly was hit by a pitch, before Busch’s RBI groundout made it 6-2.  Marsh continued his stellar day with a one-out homer in the seventh to slice the deficit to three. Bryson Stott singled and Alec Bohm doubled, before Alex Bregman’s throwing error allowed Stott to score from third. The visitors continued to inch closer, as Garrett Stubbs’ sac fly pulled the Phillies within a run.  In relief of Cabrera, Hoby Milner walked a pair in 2/3 of an inning in the eighth. Jacob Webb entered with runners on first and second, allowing Edmundo Sosa’s game-tying single.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Cubs #win #extras #post #9th #straight #send #Phils #9th #consecutive #lossApr 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch (29) gestures after hitting a three run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Dansby Swanson laced a walk-off single in the 10th inning to give the Chicago Cubs an 8-7 victory over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies and extend their winning streak to nine on Thursday.

Philadelphia lost its ninth straight game and now owns the worst record (8-17) in the National League.

Javier Assad (2-1) threw a perfect top of the 10th, before Tanner Banks (0-2) pitched the bottom of the frame for the Phillies. Banks intentionally walked Seiya Suzuki and allowed Carson Kelly’s single to load the bases.

After Michael Busch struck out, Swanson’s single to right ended it.

Busch homered and drove in four, while Suzuki went deep and Kelly produced three hits in the win.

With the score tied at six apiece in the bottom of the eighth, Suzuki launched his third homer in as many games, turning on a fastball from Philadelphia reliever Brad Keller.

The Phillies answered in the top of the ninth, as pinch-hitter Adolis Garcia hit his third homer of the season, knotting the score at 7-7 against Chicago’s Caleb Thielbar.

Edward Cabrera allowed five runs (three earned) on six hits, striking out five and walking none for Chicago, which stamped a four-game sweep of Philadelphia and extended its longest winning streak since an 11-gamer in 2016.


Cristopher Sanchez started for the Phillies, allowing six runs on 12 hits across 5 1/3 innings, striking out four and walking two. Brandon Marsh went 3-for-4 with two homers in the loss.

The Phillies grabbed a 1-0 lead in the second inning on Marsh’s third home run of the season.

Kelly and Busch reached to begin the bottom of the second for Chicago, before Swanson’s sac fly knotted the score.

In the third, Suzuki and Kelly singled, leading to Busch’s three-run homer, giving the Cubs a 4-1 edge.

Bryce Harper’s one-out single in the fourth was followed with Marsh’s RBI base hit, pulling the Phillies within two.

Chicago got the run back in the home half of the fourth, as Ian Happ hit his seventh of the year to push the lead to 5-2.

After allowing Happ’s one-out single in the sixth, Sanchez was replaced by Chase Shugart. Suzuki singled and Kelly was hit by a pitch, before Busch’s RBI groundout made it 6-2.

Marsh continued his stellar day with a one-out homer in the seventh to slice the deficit to three. Bryson Stott singled and Alec Bohm doubled, before Alex Bregman’s throwing error allowed Stott to score from third. The visitors continued to inch closer, as Garrett Stubbs’ sac fly pulled the Phillies within a run.

In relief of Cabrera, Hoby Milner walked a pair in 2/3 of an inning in the eighth. Jacob Webb entered with runners on first and second, allowing Edmundo Sosa’s game-tying single.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cubs #win #extras #post #9th #straight #send #Phils #9th #consecutive #loss

Apr 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch (29) gestures after hitting a three run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Dansby Swanson laced a walk-off single in the 10th inning to give the Chicago Cubs an 8-7 victory over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies and extend their winning streak to nine on Thursday.

Philadelphia lost its ninth straight game and now owns the worst record (8-17) in the National League.

Javier Assad (2-1) threw a perfect top of the 10th, before Tanner Banks (0-2) pitched the bottom of the frame for the Phillies. Banks intentionally walked Seiya Suzuki and allowed Carson Kelly’s single to load the bases.

After Michael Busch struck out, Swanson’s single to right ended it.

Busch homered and drove in four, while Suzuki went deep and Kelly produced three hits in the win.

With the score tied at six apiece in the bottom of the eighth, Suzuki launched his third homer in as many games, turning on a fastball from Philadelphia reliever Brad Keller.

The Phillies answered in the top of the ninth, as pinch-hitter Adolis Garcia hit his third homer of the season, knotting the score at 7-7 against Chicago’s Caleb Thielbar.

Edward Cabrera allowed five runs (three earned) on six hits, striking out five and walking none for Chicago, which stamped a four-game sweep of Philadelphia and extended its longest winning streak since an 11-gamer in 2016.

Cristopher Sanchez started for the Phillies, allowing six runs on 12 hits across 5 1/3 innings, striking out four and walking two. Brandon Marsh went 3-for-4 with two homers in the loss.

The Phillies grabbed a 1-0 lead in the second inning on Marsh’s third home run of the season.

Kelly and Busch reached to begin the bottom of the second for Chicago, before Swanson’s sac fly knotted the score.

In the third, Suzuki and Kelly singled, leading to Busch’s three-run homer, giving the Cubs a 4-1 edge.

Bryce Harper’s one-out single in the fourth was followed with Marsh’s RBI base hit, pulling the Phillies within two.

Chicago got the run back in the home half of the fourth, as Ian Happ hit his seventh of the year to push the lead to 5-2.

After allowing Happ’s one-out single in the sixth, Sanchez was replaced by Chase Shugart. Suzuki singled and Kelly was hit by a pitch, before Busch’s RBI groundout made it 6-2.

Marsh continued his stellar day with a one-out homer in the seventh to slice the deficit to three. Bryson Stott singled and Alec Bohm doubled, before Alex Bregman’s throwing error allowed Stott to score from third. The visitors continued to inch closer, as Garrett Stubbs’ sac fly pulled the Phillies within a run.

In relief of Cabrera, Hoby Milner walked a pair in 2/3 of an inning in the eighth. Jacob Webb entered with runners on first and second, allowing Edmundo Sosa’s game-tying single.

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Cubs #win #extras #post #9th #straight #send #Phils #9th #consecutive #loss

Previous post

OpenAI apologizes for not reporting Canada mass shooter<div data-tracking-skip="true" data-tracking-name="rich-text"><p>OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has apologized to the Canadian town of Tumbler Ridge following a <a class="internal-link" href="https://www.dw.com/en/10-dead-in-mass-shooting-in-canadian-province/a-75903681">February mass shooting</a> that left eight dead. </p> <p>Altman said he was “deeply sorry” the company didn’t alert the police about the shooter’s troubling <a class="internal-link" href="https://www.dw.com/en/chatgpt/t-67348272">ChatGPT</a> accounts.</p> <p>Britich Colombia Primier David Eby called the apology “necessary, and yet grossly insufficient.”</p> <h2>How did OpenAI fail to act?</h2> <p>An 18-year-old transgender woman killed her mother and stepbrother at home on February 10, before going to a local secondary school and opening fire. She killed five children and a teacher, then took her own life.</p> <p>After the attack, OpenAI said it had identified the suspect’s account through its abuse detection systems and banned it in June, eight months before the shooting.</p> <p>The ChatGPT developer said it did not report the account to Canadian police at the time, as the activity did not meet its threshold for referral to law enforcement.</p> <p>“I am deeply sorry that we did not alert law enforcement to the account that was banned in June,” Altman said. “While I know words can never be enough, I believe an apology is necessary to recognize the harm and irreversible loss your community has suffered.” </p><blockquote class="tweet embed" data-id="2047751590803886291"/> <h2>How does ChatGPT report suspected violance?</h2> <p>OpenAI says it uses automated moderation systems that scan content in real time. Accounts can be restricted or banned for violating the rules. Violations include sexual exploitation, support of self-harm and suicide, and promotion of violence and harm.</p> <p>In serious cases, systems are designed to flag high-risk behavior for human review. If a credible threat is identified, the company may share relevant account data with law enforcement.</p> <p>Following the attack, Canadian officials summoned OpenAI’s safety team and warned of regulation actions if changes were not made. The company said it would tighten its safety measures and had created a direct contact channel with police.</p> <p>In the letter, Altman said the company is committed to find ways to prevent similar tragedies. “Going forward, our focus will continue to be on working with all levels of government to help ensure something like this never happens again,” he said. </p> <p>The family of a girl who was seriously injured in the shooting has filed a negligence lawsuit against the US tech giant.</p> <div class="vjs-wrapper embed big"><h2 aria-label="Embedded video — Is your AI private? OpenAI and the Canadian school shooting" class="headline"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 20 20"><g fill-rule="evenodd"><path d="M14.114 7.599H13.5l.002 4.706h.601l4.582 3.25-.005-11.11zM11.084 4.444l-9.007.002-1.336.797.002 9.514 1.334.793 9.007.006 1.509-.799-.004-9.516z"/></g></svg>Is your AI private? OpenAI and the Canadian school shooting</h2><video id="video-76143607" controls="" playsinline="" preload="none" poster="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=" data-id="76143607" data-posterurl="https://static.dw.com/image/73871497_605.webp" data-duration="03:34"><source src="https://hlsvod.dw.com/i/dwtv_video/flv/she/she260226_TTN_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil/master.m3u8" type="application/x-mpegURL"><source src="https://tvdownloaddw-a.akamaihd.net/dwtv_video/flv/she/she260226_TTN_AVC_1920x1080.mp4" type="video/mp4"><p class="vjs-no-js">To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that <a href="https://videojs.com/html5-video-support/" target="_blank">supports HTML5 video</a></p></source></source></video></div> <p><em>Edited by: Wesley Dockery </em></p> </div>#OpenAI #apologizes #reporting #Canada #mass #shooter

Next post

Weekly Drop Watch: Vuori x Kaia Gerber, Warby Parker's Category Expansion and More

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe suffered a “muscle overload” in his left hamstring during the team’s 1-1 draw at Real Betis in La Liga, a club source told AFP on Friday.

Mbappe asked to be substituted in the final 10 minutes of the game which left his side eight points behind league leader Barcelona.

The France captain’s problem does not appear to be serious, pending further tests, easing any potential concerns ahead of the World Cup this summer.

READ | Real Madrid held to 1-1 draw by Betis, Barcelona moves closer to title

“I have no idea (how Mbappe is), he had some discomfort and we will see how it develops in the coming days,” said coach Alvaro Arbeloa when asked by reporters about the forward, Madrid’s top goalscorer, after the game.

On Wednesday Barcelona’s teenage winger Lamine Yamal suffered a hamstring injury which ruled him out until the end of the season, although he is expected to be fit to play at the World Cup for Spain.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Kylian #Mbappe #suffers #hamstring #issue #Real #Madrids #draw #Betis">Kylian Mbappe suffers hamstring issue during Real Madrid’s draw at Betis  Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe suffered a “muscle overload” in his left hamstring during the team’s 1-1 draw at Real Betis in La Liga, a club source told        AFP on Friday.Mbappe asked to be substituted in the final 10 minutes of the game which left his side eight points behind league leader Barcelona.The France captain’s problem does not appear to be serious, pending further tests, easing any potential concerns ahead of the World Cup this summer.READ | Real Madrid held to 1-1 draw by Betis, Barcelona moves closer to title“I have no idea (how Mbappe is), he had some discomfort and we will see how it develops in the coming days,” said coach Alvaro Arbeloa when asked by reporters about the forward, Madrid’s top goalscorer, after the game.On Wednesday Barcelona’s teenage winger Lamine Yamal suffered a hamstring injury which ruled him out until the end of the season, although he is expected to be fit to play at the World Cup for Spain.Published on Apr 25, 2026  #Kylian #Mbappe #suffers #hamstring #issue #Real #Madrids #draw #Betis

Real Madrid held to 1-1 draw by Betis, Barcelona moves closer to title

“I have no idea (how Mbappe is), he had some discomfort and we will see how it develops in the coming days,” said coach Alvaro Arbeloa when asked by reporters about the forward, Madrid’s top goalscorer, after the game.

On Wednesday Barcelona’s teenage winger Lamine Yamal suffered a hamstring injury which ruled him out until the end of the season, although he is expected to be fit to play at the World Cup for Spain.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Kylian #Mbappe #suffers #hamstring #issue #Real #Madrids #draw #Betis">Kylian Mbappe suffers hamstring issue during Real Madrid’s draw at Betis

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe suffered a “muscle overload” in his left hamstring during the team’s 1-1 draw at Real Betis in La Liga, a club source told AFP on Friday.

Mbappe asked to be substituted in the final 10 minutes of the game which left his side eight points behind league leader Barcelona.

The France captain’s problem does not appear to be serious, pending further tests, easing any potential concerns ahead of the World Cup this summer.

READ | Real Madrid held to 1-1 draw by Betis, Barcelona moves closer to title

“I have no idea (how Mbappe is), he had some discomfort and we will see how it develops in the coming days,” said coach Alvaro Arbeloa when asked by reporters about the forward, Madrid’s top goalscorer, after the game.

On Wednesday Barcelona’s teenage winger Lamine Yamal suffered a hamstring injury which ruled him out until the end of the season, although he is expected to be fit to play at the World Cup for Spain.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Kylian #Mbappe #suffers #hamstring #issue #Real #Madrids #draw #Betis
Deadspin | Kings head home in need of turnaround against Avalanche   Apr 21, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson (44) controls the puck ahead of goaltender Anton Forsberg (31) in overtime against the Colorado Avalanche in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images   The Los Angeles Kings are hanging tough with the Presidents’ Trophy-wielding Colorado Avalanche, yet they trail 2-0 in their Western Conference first-round playoff series as it shifts to the West Coast.  As the Kings prepare to host the Avalanche for Game 3 Thursday, they need to find a way to get over the hump against the regular-season champions to draw back into the best-of-seven series.  Both games were 2-1 finals, with the latest requiring Colorado to work overtime to win Tuesday.  “It’s tough, the way it ended, both games,” Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg said. “We’re right in there, playing well. We’re fighting, we’re fighting hard. Just got to stick with it and turn this around.”  The second loss stung on another level. Artemi Panarin’s power-play goal — his second in as many outings — opened the scoring with less than seven minutes remaining in regulation, but Colorado captain Gabe Landeskog tied the game with 3:35 left to set up Nicolas Roy’s winner 7:44 into extra time.  Los Angeles boasts a stout defensive game, but needs more offense from players not named Panarin. The Kings certainly had their chances in Game 2. Not only was Quinton Byfield denied on a second-period penalty shot, the Kings had opportunities in sudden-death.  “We had the momentum in overtime,” interim coach D.J. Smith said. “We were out-chancing them at that point and then maybe a bad bounce or a turnover, whatever, it ends up in your net. To a man, this team’s playing hard and we have to find a way to win, though.”  As for the Avalanche, they know having the upper hand at this point only means so much, especially if the Kings regroup and find a way to win their first two home games.   The Kings have been knocked out in the first round of the playoffs in four consecutive years, so they’re giving everything they have to end that trend.  “Playoffs are going to be hard. It’s a really good team over there,” Colorado forward Nathan MacKinnon said. “They’re playing hard. We’re playing hard. It’s low scoring, but it’s fun hockey. … Need to find a way to steal Game 3.”  Saying his team must “steal” a game sounds over the top considering how the Avalanche have been all season. They led the NHL during the regular season with 3.68 goals per game, so clearly they have yet to show their top offensive form — though the Kings (and Forsberg) deserve credit. Then again, Colorado was the league’s stingiest defensive team in the regular season, too, and coach Jared Bednar’s team has been showing why.  “We’ve been talking all year (about) the importance of the defending, and I’m happy with the commitment that we’re getting from our guys,” Bednar said. “I still think we got another step in our game that we can ramp up to. So we just got to go out and try to better our performances at home now on the road.”  Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood has shown his top-tier game. His save of Byfield’s penalty shot was highlight-reel worthy and he has stopped 48 of the 50 shots he has faced in this series.  Not bad for a 33-year-old who had zero Stanley Cup playoff victories — and zero postseason starts — on his resume until this series began.  “I think mentally, over my career, I’ve kind of been building my own scar tissue just trying to stay alive and stay in this league,” Wedgewood said. “So mentally, I feel like the playoffs are almost kind of what I’ve been putting the pressure on myself for to get here. It’s honestly felt like really fun hockey. Obviously, you know what’s at stake.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Kings #home #turnaround #AvalancheApr 21, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson (44) controls the puck ahead of goaltender Anton Forsberg (31) in overtime against the Colorado Avalanche in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Kings are hanging tough with the Presidents’ Trophy-wielding Colorado Avalanche, yet they trail 2-0 in their Western Conference first-round playoff series as it shifts to the West Coast.

As the Kings prepare to host the Avalanche for Game 3 Thursday, they need to find a way to get over the hump against the regular-season champions to draw back into the best-of-seven series.

Both games were 2-1 finals, with the latest requiring Colorado to work overtime to win Tuesday.

“It’s tough, the way it ended, both games,” Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg said. “We’re right in there, playing well. We’re fighting, we’re fighting hard. Just got to stick with it and turn this around.”

The second loss stung on another level. Artemi Panarin’s power-play goal — his second in as many outings — opened the scoring with less than seven minutes remaining in regulation, but Colorado captain Gabe Landeskog tied the game with 3:35 left to set up Nicolas Roy’s winner 7:44 into extra time.

Los Angeles boasts a stout defensive game, but needs more offense from players not named Panarin. The Kings certainly had their chances in Game 2. Not only was Quinton Byfield denied on a second-period penalty shot, the Kings had opportunities in sudden-death.

“We had the momentum in overtime,” interim coach D.J. Smith said. “We were out-chancing them at that point and then maybe a bad bounce or a turnover, whatever, it ends up in your net. To a man, this team’s playing hard and we have to find a way to win, though.”


As for the Avalanche, they know having the upper hand at this point only means so much, especially if the Kings regroup and find a way to win their first two home games.

The Kings have been knocked out in the first round of the playoffs in four consecutive years, so they’re giving everything they have to end that trend.

“Playoffs are going to be hard. It’s a really good team over there,” Colorado forward Nathan MacKinnon said. “They’re playing hard. We’re playing hard. It’s low scoring, but it’s fun hockey. … Need to find a way to steal Game 3.”

Saying his team must “steal” a game sounds over the top considering how the Avalanche have been all season. They led the NHL during the regular season with 3.68 goals per game, so clearly they have yet to show their top offensive form — though the Kings (and Forsberg) deserve credit. Then again, Colorado was the league’s stingiest defensive team in the regular season, too, and coach Jared Bednar’s team has been showing why.

“We’ve been talking all year (about) the importance of the defending, and I’m happy with the commitment that we’re getting from our guys,” Bednar said. “I still think we got another step in our game that we can ramp up to. So we just got to go out and try to better our performances at home now on the road.”

Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood has shown his top-tier game. His save of Byfield’s penalty shot was highlight-reel worthy and he has stopped 48 of the 50 shots he has faced in this series.

Not bad for a 33-year-old who had zero Stanley Cup playoff victories — and zero postseason starts — on his resume until this series began.

“I think mentally, over my career, I’ve kind of been building my own scar tissue just trying to stay alive and stay in this league,” Wedgewood said. “So mentally, I feel like the playoffs are almost kind of what I’ve been putting the pressure on myself for to get here. It’s honestly felt like really fun hockey. Obviously, you know what’s at stake.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Kings #home #turnaround #Avalanche">Deadspin | Kings head home in need of turnaround against Avalanche   Apr 21, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson (44) controls the puck ahead of goaltender Anton Forsberg (31) in overtime against the Colorado Avalanche in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images   The Los Angeles Kings are hanging tough with the Presidents’ Trophy-wielding Colorado Avalanche, yet they trail 2-0 in their Western Conference first-round playoff series as it shifts to the West Coast.  As the Kings prepare to host the Avalanche for Game 3 Thursday, they need to find a way to get over the hump against the regular-season champions to draw back into the best-of-seven series.  Both games were 2-1 finals, with the latest requiring Colorado to work overtime to win Tuesday.  “It’s tough, the way it ended, both games,” Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg said. “We’re right in there, playing well. We’re fighting, we’re fighting hard. Just got to stick with it and turn this around.”  The second loss stung on another level. Artemi Panarin’s power-play goal — his second in as many outings — opened the scoring with less than seven minutes remaining in regulation, but Colorado captain Gabe Landeskog tied the game with 3:35 left to set up Nicolas Roy’s winner 7:44 into extra time.  Los Angeles boasts a stout defensive game, but needs more offense from players not named Panarin. The Kings certainly had their chances in Game 2. Not only was Quinton Byfield denied on a second-period penalty shot, the Kings had opportunities in sudden-death.  “We had the momentum in overtime,” interim coach D.J. Smith said. “We were out-chancing them at that point and then maybe a bad bounce or a turnover, whatever, it ends up in your net. To a man, this team’s playing hard and we have to find a way to win, though.”  As for the Avalanche, they know having the upper hand at this point only means so much, especially if the Kings regroup and find a way to win their first two home games.   The Kings have been knocked out in the first round of the playoffs in four consecutive years, so they’re giving everything they have to end that trend.  “Playoffs are going to be hard. It’s a really good team over there,” Colorado forward Nathan MacKinnon said. “They’re playing hard. We’re playing hard. It’s low scoring, but it’s fun hockey. … Need to find a way to steal Game 3.”  Saying his team must “steal” a game sounds over the top considering how the Avalanche have been all season. They led the NHL during the regular season with 3.68 goals per game, so clearly they have yet to show their top offensive form — though the Kings (and Forsberg) deserve credit. Then again, Colorado was the league’s stingiest defensive team in the regular season, too, and coach Jared Bednar’s team has been showing why.  “We’ve been talking all year (about) the importance of the defending, and I’m happy with the commitment that we’re getting from our guys,” Bednar said. “I still think we got another step in our game that we can ramp up to. So we just got to go out and try to better our performances at home now on the road.”  Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood has shown his top-tier game. His save of Byfield’s penalty shot was highlight-reel worthy and he has stopped 48 of the 50 shots he has faced in this series.  Not bad for a 33-year-old who had zero Stanley Cup playoff victories — and zero postseason starts — on his resume until this series began.  “I think mentally, over my career, I’ve kind of been building my own scar tissue just trying to stay alive and stay in this league,” Wedgewood said. “So mentally, I feel like the playoffs are almost kind of what I’ve been putting the pressure on myself for to get here. It’s honestly felt like really fun hockey. Obviously, you know what’s at stake.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Kings #home #turnaround #Avalanche

Post Comment