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Impact Player rule has made it harder to bowl in IPL: Chahal Yuzvendra Chahal on Saturday said the Impact Player rule has made life tougher for bowlers in the IPL, but the Punjab Kings spinner is glad that the team’s batters have consistently compensated by chasing down big totals this season.Punjab’s bowlers have conceded 200-plus totals in four of their seven matches this season, along with 195 in another outing.However, its batting unit has repeatedly risen to the occasion, successfully overhauling daunting targets.“It’s not easy to bowl in IPL, especially when you have an impact player. But the best thing is that if we are conceding 210 runs, then our batsmen are able to overhaul the target. We are trying our level best (to be better),” Chahal told reporters after PBKS’s win over Delhi Capitals.Introduced in 2023, the Impact Player rule allows teams to substitute anyone in the playing XI with one of the five listed substitutes at any point of the match.“Dealing with the impact sub rule can be a bit challenging, but you simply have to adapt because that is what the tournament requires. This is the direction that the format is headed in and we have to find solutions because we cannot change it.”ALSO READ | Rahul century goes in vain as Prabhsimran, Shreyas help Punjab Kings complete highest-ever chaseChahal was effusive in his praise for Punjab opener Prabhsimran Singh, who blazed his way to a scintillating 26-ball 76 and stitched a blistering 126-run opening stand with Priyansh Arya, laying the foundation for Punjab Kings’ six-wicket win over Delhi Capitals as they completed the highest successful run chase in T20 history with seven balls to spare.“It is very hard to bowl to him. Everyone takes (Heinrich) Klaasen or (Nicholas) Pooran’s name. But I have bowled to him in practice matches and it is very hard to bowl to Prabh, especially in the 6 overs.“He has worked very hard in the last 2-3 years. The way he has batted today, it is because of the hard work of the last 2-3 years. As a bowler, I am happy that he is in my team because I have bowled to him. Ricky has had a massive influence on him.”Reflecting on the mindset in the dressing room ahead of the daunting chase, Chahal said the team remained confident of pulling off it. “We accepted the total and we were all feeling very positive before the innings. We know the quality we possess with the bat.“It was a batting friendly wicket. We needed an excellent start if we wanted to chase this total, and we got just that and more from Prabhsimran and Priyansh. After the first 6 overs, we knew we were in the driving seat,” he added.Published on Apr 25, 2026 #Impact #Player #rule #harder #bowl #IPL #Chahal

Impact Player rule has made it harder to bowl in IPL: Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal on Saturday said the Impact Player rule has made life tougher for bowlers in the IPL, but the Punjab Kings spinner is glad that the team’s batters have consistently compensated by chasing down big totals this season.

Punjab’s bowlers have conceded 200-plus totals in four of their seven matches this season, along with 195 in another outing.

However, its batting unit has repeatedly risen to the occasion, successfully overhauling daunting targets.

“It’s not easy to bowl in IPL, especially when you have an impact player. But the best thing is that if we are conceding 210 runs, then our batsmen are able to overhaul the target. We are trying our level best (to be better),” Chahal told reporters after PBKS’s win over Delhi Capitals.

Introduced in 2023, the Impact Player rule allows teams to substitute anyone in the playing XI with one of the five listed substitutes at any point of the match.

“Dealing with the impact sub rule can be a bit challenging, but you simply have to adapt because that is what the tournament requires. This is the direction that the format is headed in and we have to find solutions because we cannot change it.”

ALSO READ | Rahul century goes in vain as Prabhsimran, Shreyas help Punjab Kings complete highest-ever chase

Chahal was effusive in his praise for Punjab opener Prabhsimran Singh, who blazed his way to a scintillating 26-ball 76 and stitched a blistering 126-run opening stand with Priyansh Arya, laying the foundation for Punjab Kings’ six-wicket win over Delhi Capitals as they completed the highest successful run chase in T20 history with seven balls to spare.

“It is very hard to bowl to him. Everyone takes (Heinrich) Klaasen or (Nicholas) Pooran’s name. But I have bowled to him in practice matches and it is very hard to bowl to Prabh, especially in the 6 overs.

“He has worked very hard in the last 2-3 years. The way he has batted today, it is because of the hard work of the last 2-3 years. As a bowler, I am happy that he is in my team because I have bowled to him. Ricky has had a massive influence on him.”

Reflecting on the mindset in the dressing room ahead of the daunting chase, Chahal said the team remained confident of pulling off it. “We accepted the total and we were all feeling very positive before the innings. We know the quality we possess with the bat.

“It was a batting friendly wicket. We needed an excellent start if we wanted to chase this total, and we got just that and more from Prabhsimran and Priyansh. After the first 6 overs, we knew we were in the driving seat,” he added.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Impact #Player #rule #harder #bowl #IPL #Chahal

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Yuzvendra Chahal on Saturday said the Impact Player rule has made life tougher for bowlers in the IPL, but the Punjab Kings spinner is glad that the team’s batters have consistently compensated by chasing down big totals this season.

Punjab’s bowlers have conceded 200-plus totals in four of their seven matches this season, along with 195 in another outing.

However, its batting unit has repeatedly risen to the occasion, successfully overhauling daunting targets.

“It’s not easy to bowl in IPL, especially when you have an impact player. But the best thing is that if we are conceding 210 runs, then our batsmen are able to overhaul the target. We are trying our level best (to be better),” Chahal told reporters after PBKS’s win over Delhi Capitals.

Introduced in 2023, the Impact Player rule allows teams to substitute anyone in the playing XI with one of the five listed substitutes at any point of the match.

“Dealing with the impact sub rule can be a bit challenging, but you simply have to adapt because that is what the tournament requires. This is the direction that the format is headed in and we have to find solutions because we cannot change it.”

ALSO READ | Rahul century goes in vain as Prabhsimran, Shreyas help Punjab Kings complete highest-ever chase

Chahal was effusive in his praise for Punjab opener Prabhsimran Singh, who blazed his way to a scintillating 26-ball 76 and stitched a blistering 126-run opening stand with Priyansh Arya, laying the foundation for Punjab Kings’ six-wicket win over Delhi Capitals as they completed the highest successful run chase in T20 history with seven balls to spare.

“It is very hard to bowl to him. Everyone takes (Heinrich) Klaasen or (Nicholas) Pooran’s name. But I have bowled to him in practice matches and it is very hard to bowl to Prabh, especially in the 6 overs.

“He has worked very hard in the last 2-3 years. The way he has batted today, it is because of the hard work of the last 2-3 years. As a bowler, I am happy that he is in my team because I have bowled to him. Ricky has had a massive influence on him.”

Reflecting on the mindset in the dressing room ahead of the daunting chase, Chahal said the team remained confident of pulling off it. “We accepted the total and we were all feeling very positive before the innings. We know the quality we possess with the bat.

“It was a batting friendly wicket. We needed an excellent start if we wanted to chase this total, and we got just that and more from Prabhsimran and Priyansh. After the first 6 overs, we knew we were in the driving seat,” he added.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

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Deadspin | Rays’ Shane McClanahan takes next step on comeback trail as Twins await <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-900/28670491.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28670491.jpg" alt="MLB: Chicago Cubs at Tampa Bay Rays" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 6, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) throws a pitch against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Tampa Bay left-hander Shane McClanahan will continue his comeback from two major arm surgeries on Saturday afternoon when the Rays face the Minnesota Twins in the second game of a three-game series in St. Petersburg, Fla. </p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>McClanahan (1-2, 5.00 ERA), a two-time All-Star, missed over two seasons with injuries. He was 11-2 with a 3.29 ERA in 21 starts in 2023 before he underwent Tommy John surgery that August. </p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>After missing the entire 2024 season while rehabbing, McClanahan suffered a left triceps injury in a 2025 spring training game. He eventually underwent surgery to repair nerves in his triceps area, causing him to miss a second straight season. </p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Saturday will mark McClanahan’s fifth start of 2026. He comes in off a 6-3 loss at Pittsburgh last Sunday in a game in which he allowed four runs on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings, with no walks and five strikeouts. </p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Perhaps the more important stats, however, came on the radar gun. McClanahan’s velocity improved to an average of 95.5 mph on his fastball, and he had seven pitches that touched 97 mph or more. He had accomplished that feat just twice in his first three outings. </p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“I felt today was probably the best I’ve thrown all year — in a really long time, for that matter,” McClanahan, 28, told MLB.com. “Unfortunately, it doesn’t go your way sometimes. Obviously, it was a great step (and) felt good, but I want to win.” </p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>“I was very encouraged by Shane’s outing,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “The velocity alone was encouraging to see. Very happy. I think he took a big step.” </p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Minnesota has lost seven of the past eight games. Tampa Bay enters action on Saturday in second place in the American League East, just 2 1/2 games behind the New York Yankees. Should McClanahan return to his old form, the Rays figure to have a big say in the division title race.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> </section><br/><section id="section-10"> <p>Tampa Bay opened the series vs. Minnesota with a 6-2 victory on Friday as Junior Caminero hit a pair of tape-measure homers and drove in three runs, and Jonathan Aranda also homered twice. Drew Rasmussen picked up his second win, allowing one run on five hits and a walk over six innings while striking out six. </p> </section> <section id="section-11"> <p>All four of the home runs came off Twins starter and ex-Rays pitcher Taj Bradley, who hadn’t allowed a homer in his five previous starts while compiling a glossy 1.63 ERA. </p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>“I didn’t know he hadn’t given up a homer, but it makes sense because his stuff is really good right now,” Cash said. “We were fortunate that we could get some pitches that we could handle and put some really good swings on them. Two powerful guys (Caminero and Aranda) who were behind the ball and knocked them a long ways.” </p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Caminero’s first home run traveled 450-feet over the batter’s eye in center field. His second caromed near the top of the batter’s eye and traveled “only” 435 feet. </p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>“Those weren’t cheap ones that Caminero hit,” Minnesota manager Derek Shelton said. “This kid (age 22) is going to be one of the best young hitters in the game for a long time. Tonight, he showed why.”</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Right-hander Bailey Ober (2-0, 4.15 ERA) will be tasked with turning off the Rays’ power on Saturday. He allowed just an unearned run and three hits while striking out 10 over 6 1/3 innings in his most recent start Sunday against Cincinnati. He wasn’t part of the decision in a 7-4, 10-inning loss after departing with a 2-1 lead.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>Ober is 0-1 with a 5.79 ERA in two career starts against Tampa Bay. He pitched against them on April 3 and allowed three runs on four hits and two walks in a no-decision in his team’s 10-4 win.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>McClanahan is 1-1 with a 4.35 ERA against the Twins, though he has not pitched against them since 2022.</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>The Rays took two of three games in the teams’ early April series in Minneapolis.</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Rays #Shane #McClanahan #takes #step #comeback #trail #Twins #await

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Deadspin | Flyers G Dan Vladar to start Game 4 vs. Penguins Apr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar (80) defends the net against Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Anthony Mantha (39) 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 Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar will start Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series versus the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, head coach Rick Tocchet announced. Vladar appeared to sustain an injury to his right arm during a chaotic sequence in front of the net in the third period of Philadelphia’s 5-2 victory over Pittsburgh in Game 3 on Wednesday. The Flyers hold a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Vladar, 28, did not practice on Thursday and the team had the day off on Friday before he participated in the morning skate on Saturday. He has been in net for all three games, stopping 70 of 74 shots — including all 27 he faced in Philadelphia’s 3-0 win in Game 2 on Monday. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Flyers #Dan #Vladar #start #Game #PenguinsApr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar (80) defends the net against Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Anthony Mantha (39) 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

Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar will start Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series versus the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, head coach Rick Tocchet announced.

Vladar appeared to sustain an injury to his right arm during a chaotic sequence in front of the net in the third period of Philadelphia’s 5-2 victory over Pittsburgh in Game 3 on Wednesday. The Flyers hold a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.


Vladar, 28, did not practice on Thursday and the team had the day off on Friday before he participated in the morning skate on Saturday.

He has been in net for all three games, stopping 70 of 74 shots — including all 27 he faced in Philadelphia’s 3-0 win in Game 2 on Monday.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Flyers #Dan #Vladar #start #Game #Penguins">Deadspin | Flyers G Dan Vladar to start Game 4 vs. Penguins Apr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar (80) defends the net against Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Anthony Mantha (39) 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 Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar will start Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series versus the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, head coach Rick Tocchet announced. Vladar appeared to sustain an injury to his right arm during a chaotic sequence in front of the net in the third period of Philadelphia’s 5-2 victory over Pittsburgh in Game 3 on Wednesday. The Flyers hold a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Vladar, 28, did not practice on Thursday and the team had the day off on Friday before he participated in the morning skate on Saturday. He has been in net for all three games, stopping 70 of 74 shots — including all 27 he faced in Philadelphia’s 3-0 win in Game 2 on Monday. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Flyers #Dan #Vladar #start #Game #Penguins

SRINAGAR

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday said that the country’s 10-year roadmap of becoming a global sporting powerhouse must be realised through execution on the ground.

Mandaviya chaired Chintan Shivir of the Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports of states and Union Territories of the country.

Over 15 state sports ministers, along with eminent sports personalities such as Adille Sumariwalla, Abhinav Bindra, Pullela Gopichand and Gagan Narang attended the Chintan Shivir and shared their ideas with the stakeholders.

ALSO READ | Tight schedule, big stakes: Indian women’s hockey balances World Cup, Asian Games push

“Our 10-year roadmap to becoming a global sporting powerhouse must not remain on paper, it must come alive in every playground, every district, and every young dream,” Mandaviya said while addressing the inaugural session.

Mandaviya called upon the states to move from policy adoption to active implementation, stressing that real progress will be measured by outcomes visible across districts, training systems, and grassroots sporting ecosystems.

“Khelo Bharat Mission is not just a statistic, it is a reflection of the energy of our youth and the commitment of the nation,” he added.

Mandaviya called for bridging the long-standing disconnect between state governments and sports federations, urging closer alignment to build a strong and unified talent pipeline.

Underscoring the importance of convergence, he highlighted that coordination with the education system is essential for early talent identification and that physical education teachers form the backbone of the grassroots sports ecosystem.

ALSO READ | Harbert Kibet leads impressive men’s field at TCS World 10K Bengaluru

“If even one talented child is left behind due to lack of opportunity, it is not just a personal loss, it is a loss for the entire nation,” he said.

He noted that sports serve as a transformative tool, particularly in regions such as Jammu & Kashmir and other challenging areas, contributing to social harmony and national integration.

Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao highlighted the significance of the Shivir as a platform for collective reflection and action.

“This gathering is not merely a conference, it is a collective moment of reflection, resolve, and renewed commitment.”

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Indias #sporting #ambitions #realised #execution #ground #paper #Mandaviya">India’s sporting ambitions must be realised through execution on ground, not on paper: Mandaviya SRINAGARSports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday said that the country’s 10-year roadmap of becoming a global sporting powerhouse must be realised through execution on the ground.Mandaviya chaired Chintan Shivir of the Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports of states and Union Territories of the country.Over 15 state sports ministers, along with eminent sports personalities such as Adille Sumariwalla, Abhinav Bindra, Pullela Gopichand and Gagan Narang attended the Chintan Shivir and shared their ideas with the stakeholders.ALSO READ | Tight schedule, big stakes: Indian women’s hockey balances World Cup, Asian Games push“Our 10-year roadmap to becoming a global sporting powerhouse must not remain on paper, it must come alive in every playground, every district, and every young dream,” Mandaviya said while addressing the inaugural session.Mandaviya called upon the states to move from policy adoption to active implementation, stressing that real progress will be measured by outcomes visible across districts, training systems, and grassroots sporting ecosystems.“Khelo Bharat Mission is not just a statistic, it is a reflection of the energy of our youth and the commitment of the nation,” he added.Mandaviya called for bridging the long-standing disconnect between state governments and sports federations, urging closer alignment to build a strong and unified talent pipeline.Underscoring the importance of convergence, he highlighted that coordination with the education system is essential for early talent identification and that physical education teachers form the backbone of the grassroots sports ecosystem.ALSO READ | Harbert Kibet leads impressive men’s field at TCS World 10K Bengaluru“If even one talented child is left behind due to lack of opportunity, it is not just a personal loss, it is a loss for the entire nation,” he said.He noted that sports serve as a transformative tool, particularly in regions such as Jammu & Kashmir and other challenging areas, contributing to social harmony and national integration.Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao highlighted the significance of the Shivir as a platform for collective reflection and action.“This gathering is not merely a conference, it is a collective moment of reflection, resolve, and renewed commitment.”Published on Apr 25, 2026 #Indias #sporting #ambitions #realised #execution #ground #paper #Mandaviya

Tight schedule, big stakes: Indian women’s hockey balances World Cup, Asian Games push

“Our 10-year roadmap to becoming a global sporting powerhouse must not remain on paper, it must come alive in every playground, every district, and every young dream,” Mandaviya said while addressing the inaugural session.

Mandaviya called upon the states to move from policy adoption to active implementation, stressing that real progress will be measured by outcomes visible across districts, training systems, and grassroots sporting ecosystems.

“Khelo Bharat Mission is not just a statistic, it is a reflection of the energy of our youth and the commitment of the nation,” he added.

Mandaviya called for bridging the long-standing disconnect between state governments and sports federations, urging closer alignment to build a strong and unified talent pipeline.

Underscoring the importance of convergence, he highlighted that coordination with the education system is essential for early talent identification and that physical education teachers form the backbone of the grassroots sports ecosystem.

ALSO READ | Harbert Kibet leads impressive men’s field at TCS World 10K Bengaluru

“If even one talented child is left behind due to lack of opportunity, it is not just a personal loss, it is a loss for the entire nation,” he said.

He noted that sports serve as a transformative tool, particularly in regions such as Jammu & Kashmir and other challenging areas, contributing to social harmony and national integration.

Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao highlighted the significance of the Shivir as a platform for collective reflection and action.

“This gathering is not merely a conference, it is a collective moment of reflection, resolve, and renewed commitment.”

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Indias #sporting #ambitions #realised #execution #ground #paper #Mandaviya">India’s sporting ambitions must be realised through execution on ground, not on paper: Mandaviya

SRINAGAR

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday said that the country’s 10-year roadmap of becoming a global sporting powerhouse must be realised through execution on the ground.

Mandaviya chaired Chintan Shivir of the Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports of states and Union Territories of the country.

Over 15 state sports ministers, along with eminent sports personalities such as Adille Sumariwalla, Abhinav Bindra, Pullela Gopichand and Gagan Narang attended the Chintan Shivir and shared their ideas with the stakeholders.

ALSO READ | Tight schedule, big stakes: Indian women’s hockey balances World Cup, Asian Games push

“Our 10-year roadmap to becoming a global sporting powerhouse must not remain on paper, it must come alive in every playground, every district, and every young dream,” Mandaviya said while addressing the inaugural session.

Mandaviya called upon the states to move from policy adoption to active implementation, stressing that real progress will be measured by outcomes visible across districts, training systems, and grassroots sporting ecosystems.

“Khelo Bharat Mission is not just a statistic, it is a reflection of the energy of our youth and the commitment of the nation,” he added.

Mandaviya called for bridging the long-standing disconnect between state governments and sports federations, urging closer alignment to build a strong and unified talent pipeline.

Underscoring the importance of convergence, he highlighted that coordination with the education system is essential for early talent identification and that physical education teachers form the backbone of the grassroots sports ecosystem.

ALSO READ | Harbert Kibet leads impressive men’s field at TCS World 10K Bengaluru

“If even one talented child is left behind due to lack of opportunity, it is not just a personal loss, it is a loss for the entire nation,” he said.

He noted that sports serve as a transformative tool, particularly in regions such as Jammu & Kashmir and other challenging areas, contributing to social harmony and national integration.

Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao highlighted the significance of the Shivir as a platform for collective reflection and action.

“This gathering is not merely a conference, it is a collective moment of reflection, resolve, and renewed commitment.”

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Indias #sporting #ambitions #realised #execution #ground #paper #Mandaviya
Deadspin | Flyers turn to G Dan Vladar in bid to finish off Penguins Apr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar (80) makes a save as Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Anthony Mantha (39) looks for a rebound 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 The Philadelphia Flyers are soaring through their first-round playoff series thanks to Dan Vladar, who has been confirmed to start Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday. Philadelphia leads the best-of-seven series 3-0 after notching a pair of wins in Pittsburgh followed by a 5-2 home victory Wednesday. Vladar made 27 saves in Game 3 but injured his right arm during a chaotic sequence in front of the net in the third period. Vladar, 28, did not practice on Thursday and the team had the day off on Friday before he participated in the morning skate on Saturday. Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet confirmed on Saturday morning that Vladar will start Game 4. After a strong regular season, Vladar has a .946 save percentage in this series, including a shutout in Game 2. If Vladar was unable to play on Saturday, Samuel Ersson was set to make his postseason debut. “I feel like I’m in a good spot with my game,” said Ersson, who has not played since April 14. Of course, it will help if the Flyers continue to receive scoring production from up and down their lineup. The team had five different goal scorers in Game 3, including four players who registered their first career playoff tally. Trevor Zegras and Noah Cates each had a goal and an assist for Philadelphia, which has won six straight games dating back to the regular season. The Flyers will try to ride the momentum of their home crowd to their first series victory since 2020. “That was the craziest building I’ve ever played in,” defenseman Nick Seeler said of the Game 3 atmosphere. “The fans were fantastic.” Part of the chaotic atmosphere was a product of a penalty-filled second period in which the teams combined for 17 penalties. Penguins coach Dan Muse was not happy about how the officials handled the physicality in that period, but his squad doesn’t have time to dwell on their recent losses. “We have to win a hockey game,” Muse said. “So, we’ll have a practice (Friday) and get ready for that game and then go into that game and we need to win a game. That’s entirely where the focus is right now.” Evgeni Malkin and Erik Karlsson scored in Game 3 for Pittsburgh, which has dropped six straight contests, going back to the regular season. Malkin has two goals in this series, although that’s as many as his teammates have combined. “Now we’re going to see what we’re really made of,” Karlsson said. “Now it’s do-or-die. The toughest game to win is that fourth one, so hopefully we can start by winning one.” Only four teams in NHL history have come back from a 3-0 series deficit to win the final four games. It hasn’t happened in more than a decade — the Los Angeles Kings turned the trick against the San Jose Sharks in 2014 — and the Penguins have never accomplished it. “There’s not much room for error when you’re in this position. That’s reality,” Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby said. “But the fact is, we’ve got to win a game. That’s got to be our focus. You can’t grab three on Saturday. You’ve got to win one.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Flyers #turn #Dan #Vladar #bid #finish #PenguinsApr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar (80) makes a save as Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Anthony Mantha (39) looks for a rebound 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

The Philadelphia Flyers are soaring through their first-round playoff series thanks to Dan Vladar, who has been confirmed to start Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.

Philadelphia leads the best-of-seven series 3-0 after notching a pair of wins in Pittsburgh followed by a 5-2 home victory Wednesday. Vladar made 27 saves in Game 3 but injured his right arm during a chaotic sequence in front of the net in the third period.

Vladar, 28, did not practice on Thursday and the team had the day off on Friday before he participated in the morning skate on Saturday. Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet confirmed on Saturday morning that Vladar will start Game 4.

After a strong regular season, Vladar has a .946 save percentage in this series, including a shutout in Game 2. If Vladar was unable to play on Saturday, Samuel Ersson was set to make his postseason debut.

“I feel like I’m in a good spot with my game,” said Ersson, who has not played since April 14.

Of course, it will help if the Flyers continue to receive scoring production from up and down their lineup. The team had five different goal scorers in Game 3, including four players who registered their first career playoff tally.

Trevor Zegras and Noah Cates each had a goal and an assist for Philadelphia, which has won six straight games dating back to the regular season. The Flyers will try to ride the momentum of their home crowd to their first series victory since 2020.


“That was the craziest building I’ve ever played in,” defenseman Nick Seeler said of the Game 3 atmosphere. “The fans were fantastic.”

Part of the chaotic atmosphere was a product of a penalty-filled second period in which the teams combined for 17 penalties. Penguins coach Dan Muse was not happy about how the officials handled the physicality in that period, but his squad doesn’t have time to dwell on their recent losses.

“We have to win a hockey game,” Muse said. “So, we’ll have a practice (Friday) and get ready for that game and then go into that game and we need to win a game. That’s entirely where the focus is right now.”

Evgeni Malkin and Erik Karlsson scored in Game 3 for Pittsburgh, which has dropped six straight contests, going back to the regular season. Malkin has two goals in this series, although that’s as many as his teammates have combined.

“Now we’re going to see what we’re really made of,” Karlsson said. “Now it’s do-or-die. The toughest game to win is that fourth one, so hopefully we can start by winning one.”

Only four teams in NHL history have come back from a 3-0 series deficit to win the final four games. It hasn’t happened in more than a decade — the Los Angeles Kings turned the trick against the San Jose Sharks in 2014 — and the Penguins have never accomplished it.

“There’s not much room for error when you’re in this position. That’s reality,” Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby said. “But the fact is, we’ve got to win a game. That’s got to be our focus. You can’t grab three on Saturday. You’ve got to win one.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Flyers #turn #Dan #Vladar #bid #finish #Penguins">Deadspin | Flyers turn to G Dan Vladar in bid to finish off Penguins Apr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar (80) makes a save as Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Anthony Mantha (39) looks for a rebound 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 The Philadelphia Flyers are soaring through their first-round playoff series thanks to Dan Vladar, who has been confirmed to start Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday. Philadelphia leads the best-of-seven series 3-0 after notching a pair of wins in Pittsburgh followed by a 5-2 home victory Wednesday. Vladar made 27 saves in Game 3 but injured his right arm during a chaotic sequence in front of the net in the third period. Vladar, 28, did not practice on Thursday and the team had the day off on Friday before he participated in the morning skate on Saturday. Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet confirmed on Saturday morning that Vladar will start Game 4. After a strong regular season, Vladar has a .946 save percentage in this series, including a shutout in Game 2. If Vladar was unable to play on Saturday, Samuel Ersson was set to make his postseason debut. “I feel like I’m in a good spot with my game,” said Ersson, who has not played since April 14. Of course, it will help if the Flyers continue to receive scoring production from up and down their lineup. The team had five different goal scorers in Game 3, including four players who registered their first career playoff tally. Trevor Zegras and Noah Cates each had a goal and an assist for Philadelphia, which has won six straight games dating back to the regular season. The Flyers will try to ride the momentum of their home crowd to their first series victory since 2020. “That was the craziest building I’ve ever played in,” defenseman Nick Seeler said of the Game 3 atmosphere. “The fans were fantastic.” Part of the chaotic atmosphere was a product of a penalty-filled second period in which the teams combined for 17 penalties. Penguins coach Dan Muse was not happy about how the officials handled the physicality in that period, but his squad doesn’t have time to dwell on their recent losses. “We have to win a hockey game,” Muse said. “So, we’ll have a practice (Friday) and get ready for that game and then go into that game and we need to win a game. That’s entirely where the focus is right now.” Evgeni Malkin and Erik Karlsson scored in Game 3 for Pittsburgh, which has dropped six straight contests, going back to the regular season. Malkin has two goals in this series, although that’s as many as his teammates have combined. “Now we’re going to see what we’re really made of,” Karlsson said. “Now it’s do-or-die. The toughest game to win is that fourth one, so hopefully we can start by winning one.” Only four teams in NHL history have come back from a 3-0 series deficit to win the final four games. It hasn’t happened in more than a decade — the Los Angeles Kings turned the trick against the San Jose Sharks in 2014 — and the Penguins have never accomplished it. “There’s not much room for error when you’re in this position. That’s reality,” Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby said. “But the fact is, we’ve got to win a game. That’s got to be our focus. You can’t grab three on Saturday. You’ve got to win one.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Flyers #turn #Dan #Vladar #bid #finish #Penguins

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