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Deadspin | NBA roundup: De’Aaron Fox, Spurs knock out Blazers in Game 5 Apr 26, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard De’aaron Fox (4) celebrates with teammates after a game against the Portland Trail Blazers during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images De’Aaron Fox scored 13 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter as the host San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 114-95 on Tuesday to close out a 4-1 victory in the teams’ first-round Western Conference playoff series. Victor Wembanyama racked up 17 points, 14 rebounds and six blocked shots as the second-seeded Spurs secured a berth in the conference semifinals vs. either the third-seeded Denver Nuggets or sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves. Julian Champagnie added 19 points for the Spurs, who are headed to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2016-17 season. Fox dished out a game-high nine assists. Deni Avdija put up 22 points for Portland, which was outshot from the floor 54.7% to 35.1%. 76ers 113, Celtics 97 Joel Embiid tossed in 33 points and added eight assists as visiting Philadelphia avoided elimination by beating Boston in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series. Tyrese Maxey added 25 points and 10 rebounds for the 76ers, who trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven series. Philadelphia entered the fourth quarter down by one but outscored the Celtics 28-11 over the final 12 minutes. Boston received 24 points and 16 rebounds from Jayson Tatum, and 22 points from Jaylen Brown. The Celtics shot 3-for-22 from the floor in the final period. Knicks 126, Hawks 97 Jalen Brunson scored 39 points to lift host New York to a victory over Atlanta in Game 5 of an Eastern Conference first-round series. The Knicks, who hold a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series, got 17 points and 10 rebounds from OG Anunoby. New York held a decisive 48-27 edge on the boards. Jalen Johnson recorded 18 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for the Hawks, while Dyson Daniels had 17 points. Atlanta was limited to four fastbreak points. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #DeAaron #Fox #Spurs #knock #Blazers #Game

Deadspin | NBA roundup: De’Aaron Fox, Spurs knock out Blazers in Game 5
Deadspin | NBA roundup: De’Aaron Fox, Spurs knock out Blazers in Game 5 Apr 26, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard De’aaron Fox (4) celebrates with teammates after a game against the Portland Trail Blazers during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images De’Aaron Fox scored 13 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter as the host San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 114-95 on Tuesday to close out a 4-1 victory in the teams’ first-round Western Conference playoff series. Victor Wembanyama racked up 17 points, 14 rebounds and six blocked shots as the second-seeded Spurs secured a berth in the conference semifinals vs. either the third-seeded Denver Nuggets or sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves. Julian Champagnie added 19 points for the Spurs, who are headed to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2016-17 season. Fox dished out a game-high nine assists. Deni Avdija put up 22 points for Portland, which was outshot from the floor 54.7% to 35.1%. 76ers 113, Celtics 97 Joel Embiid tossed in 33 points and added eight assists as visiting Philadelphia avoided elimination by beating Boston in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series. Tyrese Maxey added 25 points and 10 rebounds for the 76ers, who trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven series. Philadelphia entered the fourth quarter down by one but outscored the Celtics 28-11 over the final 12 minutes. Boston received 24 points and 16 rebounds from Jayson Tatum, and 22 points from Jaylen Brown. The Celtics shot 3-for-22 from the floor in the final period. Knicks 126, Hawks 97 Jalen Brunson scored 39 points to lift host New York to a victory over Atlanta in Game 5 of an Eastern Conference first-round series. The Knicks, who hold a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series, got 17 points and 10 rebounds from OG Anunoby. New York held a decisive 48-27 edge on the boards. Jalen Johnson recorded 18 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for the Hawks, while Dyson Daniels had 17 points. Atlanta was limited to four fastbreak points. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #DeAaron #Fox #Spurs #knock #Blazers #GameApr 26, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard De’aaron Fox (4) celebrates with teammates after a game against the Portland Trail Blazers during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

De’Aaron Fox scored 13 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter as the host San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 114-95 on Tuesday to close out a 4-1 victory in the teams’ first-round Western Conference playoff series.

Victor Wembanyama racked up 17 points, 14 rebounds and six blocked shots as the second-seeded Spurs secured a berth in the conference semifinals vs. either the third-seeded Denver Nuggets or sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves.

Julian Champagnie added 19 points for the Spurs, who are headed to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2016-17 season. Fox dished out a game-high nine assists.

Deni Avdija put up 22 points for Portland, which was outshot from the floor 54.7% to 35.1%.

76ers 113, Celtics 97

Joel Embiid tossed in 33 points and added eight assists as visiting Philadelphia avoided elimination by beating Boston in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.


Tyrese Maxey added 25 points and 10 rebounds for the 76ers, who trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven series. Philadelphia entered the fourth quarter down by one but outscored the Celtics 28-11 over the final 12 minutes.

Boston received 24 points and 16 rebounds from Jayson Tatum, and 22 points from Jaylen Brown. The Celtics shot 3-for-22 from the floor in the final period.

Knicks 126, Hawks 97

Jalen Brunson scored 39 points to lift host New York to a victory over Atlanta in Game 5 of an Eastern Conference first-round series.

The Knicks, who hold a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series, got 17 points and 10 rebounds from OG Anunoby. New York held a decisive 48-27 edge on the boards.

Jalen Johnson recorded 18 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for the Hawks, while Dyson Daniels had 17 points. Atlanta was limited to four fastbreak points.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NBA #roundup #DeAaron #Fox #Spurs #knock #Blazers #Game

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Apr 26, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard De’aaron Fox (4) celebrates with teammates after a game against the Portland Trail Blazers during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

De’Aaron Fox scored 13 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter as the host San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 114-95 on Tuesday to close out a 4-1 victory in the teams’ first-round Western Conference playoff series.

Victor Wembanyama racked up 17 points, 14 rebounds and six blocked shots as the second-seeded Spurs secured a berth in the conference semifinals vs. either the third-seeded Denver Nuggets or sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves.

Julian Champagnie added 19 points for the Spurs, who are headed to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2016-17 season. Fox dished out a game-high nine assists.

Deni Avdija put up 22 points for Portland, which was outshot from the floor 54.7% to 35.1%.

76ers 113, Celtics 97

Joel Embiid tossed in 33 points and added eight assists as visiting Philadelphia avoided elimination by beating Boston in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.

Tyrese Maxey added 25 points and 10 rebounds for the 76ers, who trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven series. Philadelphia entered the fourth quarter down by one but outscored the Celtics 28-11 over the final 12 minutes.

Boston received 24 points and 16 rebounds from Jayson Tatum, and 22 points from Jaylen Brown. The Celtics shot 3-for-22 from the floor in the final period.

Knicks 126, Hawks 97

Jalen Brunson scored 39 points to lift host New York to a victory over Atlanta in Game 5 of an Eastern Conference first-round series.

The Knicks, who hold a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series, got 17 points and 10 rebounds from OG Anunoby. New York held a decisive 48-27 edge on the boards.

Jalen Johnson recorded 18 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for the Hawks, while Dyson Daniels had 17 points. Atlanta was limited to four fastbreak points.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Brianna Do, Melanie Green tied for first-round lead at Riviera Jun 19, 2025; Frisco, Texas, USA; Brianna Do plays her shot from the 16th tee during the first round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images Brianna Do birdied the 18th hole to forge a tie atop the leaderboard at 6-under-par 66 with fellow American Melanie Green after the opening round of the Riviera Maya Open on Thursday in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Green, an LPGA rookie, sank a hole-in-one amid a busy first nine and went birdie-bogey on her last two holes to settle at 6 under. The co-leaders are one shot ahead of Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, alone in third at 5-under 67 after mixing seven birdies with a pair of bogeys. Do started strong with four birdies in the first five holes of her round at El Camaleon Golf Course. After closing the front nine with her lone bogey, she responded with consecutive birdies on Nos. 11 and 12 as part of a 3-under back nine. On a windy day, Do credited a critical round she recently played in heavy wind for helping keep her calm Thursday. “I actually had my U.S. Open qualifier, I don’t know, like two weeks ago or a week ago, and it was very windy, so it kind of helped me prepare myself for this week mentally,” Do said. “(My strong start) kind of gave me a good start and a good cushion to kind of play aggressive the rest of the round.” Green, who began on the back nine, was 6 under through nine holes (one ace, five birdies, one bogey). After birdies at Nos. 17 and 18, Green briefly moved to 7 under with a birdie at the par-3 8th but bogeyed the finishing par-4. The highlight of Green’s round came at the par-3 15th hole. However, she didn’t see the ball go in and didn’t believe her caddie when he informed her. “I’m like, ‘Shane, that’s not nice. It’s not in the hole. That’s not nice,'” Green recalled. “I walk up there and all I could see was the cross. I was so excited. Yeah, thought I just went way left. But whatever. Good bounce. “I can’t say that (a hole-in-one) was a goal of mine this year, but always fun to have. It’s more fun when you can see it go in, but that’s OK.” Do, 36, debuted on the tour in 2013 while Green, 24, debuted this season. But both are searching for their first LPGA victories. In fact, Do’s only career top-10 came last year in the inaugural Riviera Maya Open, tying for ninth at 3 under. “Having a good week here last year brought good vibes coming back, so I was excited to be back here and try and better how I played last year,” Do said. Nelly Korda, who reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the Rolex Women’s World Golf rankings with last week’s victory at the Chevron Championship, is one of six players tied for fourth at 4 under. Also in that group are Japan’s Erika Hara, Mexico’s Gaby Lopez, Japan’s Cocona Sakurai, South Korea’s Soo Bin Joo and Thailand’s Suvichaya Vinijchaitham. Chizzy Iwai of Japan, who won the inaugural event last season, is tied for 85th at 3-over 75, weighed down by a double bogey at the par-3 8th. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Brianna #Melanie #Green #tied #firstround #lead #RivieraJun 19, 2025; Frisco, Texas, USA; Brianna Do plays her shot from the 16th tee during the first round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Brianna Do birdied the 18th hole to forge a tie atop the leaderboard at 6-under-par 66 with fellow American Melanie Green after the opening round of the Riviera Maya Open on Thursday in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Green, an LPGA rookie, sank a hole-in-one amid a busy first nine and went birdie-bogey on her last two holes to settle at 6 under.

The co-leaders are one shot ahead of Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, alone in third at 5-under 67 after mixing seven birdies with a pair of bogeys.

Do started strong with four birdies in the first five holes of her round at El Camaleon Golf Course. After closing the front nine with her lone bogey, she responded with consecutive birdies on Nos. 11 and 12 as part of a 3-under back nine.

On a windy day, Do credited a critical round she recently played in heavy wind for helping keep her calm Thursday.

“I actually had my U.S. Open qualifier, I don’t know, like two weeks ago or a week ago, and it was very windy, so it kind of helped me prepare myself for this week mentally,” Do said.

“(My strong start) kind of gave me a good start and a good cushion to kind of play aggressive the rest of the round.”

Green, who began on the back nine, was 6 under through nine holes (one ace, five birdies, one bogey). After birdies at Nos. 17 and 18, Green briefly moved to 7 under with a birdie at the par-3 8th but bogeyed the finishing par-4.


The highlight of Green’s round came at the par-3 15th hole. However, she didn’t see the ball go in and didn’t believe her caddie when he informed her.

“I’m like, ‘Shane, that’s not nice. It’s not in the hole. That’s not nice,'” Green recalled. “I walk up there and all I could see was the cross. I was so excited. Yeah, thought I just went way left. But whatever. Good bounce.

“I can’t say that (a hole-in-one) was a goal of mine this year, but always fun to have. It’s more fun when you can see it go in, but that’s OK.”

Do, 36, debuted on the tour in 2013 while Green, 24, debuted this season. But both are searching for their first LPGA victories.

In fact, Do’s only career top-10 came last year in the inaugural Riviera Maya Open, tying for ninth at 3 under.

“Having a good week here last year brought good vibes coming back, so I was excited to be back here and try and better how I played last year,” Do said.

Nelly Korda, who reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the Rolex Women’s World Golf rankings with last week’s victory at the Chevron Championship, is one of six players tied for fourth at 4 under. Also in that group are Japan’s Erika Hara, Mexico’s Gaby Lopez, Japan’s Cocona Sakurai, South Korea’s Soo Bin Joo and Thailand’s Suvichaya Vinijchaitham.

Chizzy Iwai of Japan, who won the inaugural event last season, is tied for 85th at 3-over 75, weighed down by a double bogey at the par-3 8th.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Brianna #Melanie #Green #tied #firstround #lead #Riviera">Deadspin | Brianna Do, Melanie Green tied for first-round lead at Riviera Jun 19, 2025; Frisco, Texas, USA; Brianna Do plays her shot from the 16th tee during the first round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images Brianna Do birdied the 18th hole to forge a tie atop the leaderboard at 6-under-par 66 with fellow American Melanie Green after the opening round of the Riviera Maya Open on Thursday in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Green, an LPGA rookie, sank a hole-in-one amid a busy first nine and went birdie-bogey on her last two holes to settle at 6 under. The co-leaders are one shot ahead of Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, alone in third at 5-under 67 after mixing seven birdies with a pair of bogeys. Do started strong with four birdies in the first five holes of her round at El Camaleon Golf Course. After closing the front nine with her lone bogey, she responded with consecutive birdies on Nos. 11 and 12 as part of a 3-under back nine. On a windy day, Do credited a critical round she recently played in heavy wind for helping keep her calm Thursday. “I actually had my U.S. Open qualifier, I don’t know, like two weeks ago or a week ago, and it was very windy, so it kind of helped me prepare myself for this week mentally,” Do said. “(My strong start) kind of gave me a good start and a good cushion to kind of play aggressive the rest of the round.” Green, who began on the back nine, was 6 under through nine holes (one ace, five birdies, one bogey). After birdies at Nos. 17 and 18, Green briefly moved to 7 under with a birdie at the par-3 8th but bogeyed the finishing par-4. The highlight of Green’s round came at the par-3 15th hole. However, she didn’t see the ball go in and didn’t believe her caddie when he informed her. “I’m like, ‘Shane, that’s not nice. It’s not in the hole. That’s not nice,'” Green recalled. “I walk up there and all I could see was the cross. I was so excited. Yeah, thought I just went way left. But whatever. Good bounce. “I can’t say that (a hole-in-one) was a goal of mine this year, but always fun to have. It’s more fun when you can see it go in, but that’s OK.” Do, 36, debuted on the tour in 2013 while Green, 24, debuted this season. But both are searching for their first LPGA victories. In fact, Do’s only career top-10 came last year in the inaugural Riviera Maya Open, tying for ninth at 3 under. “Having a good week here last year brought good vibes coming back, so I was excited to be back here and try and better how I played last year,” Do said. Nelly Korda, who reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the Rolex Women’s World Golf rankings with last week’s victory at the Chevron Championship, is one of six players tied for fourth at 4 under. Also in that group are Japan’s Erika Hara, Mexico’s Gaby Lopez, Japan’s Cocona Sakurai, South Korea’s Soo Bin Joo and Thailand’s Suvichaya Vinijchaitham. Chizzy Iwai of Japan, who won the inaugural event last season, is tied for 85th at 3-over 75, weighed down by a double bogey at the par-3 8th. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Brianna #Melanie #Green #tied #firstround #lead #Riviera

Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa said Thursday he will retire from the national team after the World Cup and that the tournament could also mark the end of his playing career.

Ochoa, who will turn 41 during the World Cup, has appeared in the previous five editions and is expected to be called for a sixth, although his place on the roster has not been officially confirmed.

The goalkeeper, who plays for AEL Limassol in Cyprus, said in an interview with TUDN that his departure from the national team is a certainty and that his full retirement “could also be on the cards.”

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre announced a partial roster with two goalkeepers from Liga MX and left a spot open for a third who plays abroad. Although he didn’t name him, Ochoa is the only one who has been called up for recent matches.

“Retiring is undoubtedly difficult, but in my case it won’t be so hard because I’ve enjoyed it for so many years, for so long,” Ochoa told the network. “There comes a point when your mind and body say, ‘You’ve given it your all,’ and you leave peacefully, and that’s going to be my case.”

Ochoa is currently one of four Mexicans to have appeared in five World Cups, along with Antonio Carbajal, Rafael Márquez, and Andrés Guardado.

Ochoa could join Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in appearing in a sixth World Cup.

Ochoa was the starter at the past three World Cups. For now, he seems to be considered as Raúl “Tala” Rangel’s backup.

Mexico is co-hosting the tournament with the United States and Canada.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Mexican #goalkeeping #legend #Guillermo #Ochoa #retire #FIFA #World #Cup">Mexican goalkeeping legend Guillermo Ochoa to retire after FIFA World Cup 2026 Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa said Thursday he will retire from the national team after the World Cup and that the tournament could also mark the end of his playing career.Ochoa, who will turn 41 during the World Cup, has appeared in the previous five editions and is expected to be called for a sixth, although his place on the roster has not been officially confirmed.The goalkeeper, who plays for AEL Limassol in Cyprus, said in an interview with TUDN that his departure from the national team is a certainty and that his full retirement “could also be on the cards.”Mexico coach Javier Aguirre announced a partial roster with two goalkeepers from Liga MX and left a spot open for a third who plays abroad. Although he didn’t name him, Ochoa is the only one who has been called up for recent matches.“Retiring is undoubtedly difficult, but in my case it won’t be so hard because I’ve enjoyed it for so many years, for so long,” Ochoa told the network. “There comes a point when your mind and body say, ‘You’ve given it your all,’ and you leave peacefully, and that’s going to be my case.”Ochoa is currently one of four Mexicans to have appeared in five World Cups, along with Antonio Carbajal, Rafael Márquez, and Andrés Guardado.Ochoa could join Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in appearing in a sixth World Cup.Ochoa was the starter at the past three World Cups. For now, he seems to be considered as Raúl “Tala” Rangel’s backup.Mexico is co-hosting the tournament with the United States and Canada.Published on May 01, 2026 #Mexican #goalkeeping #legend #Guillermo #Ochoa #retire #FIFA #World #Cup

Deadspin | Mammoth return home with season on line vs. resilient Golden Knights Apr 29, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Utah Mammoth right wing Kailer Yamamoto (56) skates around Vegas Golden Knights right wing Pavel Dorofeyev (16) during the first overtime period of game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images After their second consecutive 5-4 overtime loss on Wednesday, you might expect the Utah Mammoth to be a little demoralized heading into Game 6 of their best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series with the Vegas Golden Knights. But the mood around the Mammoth was surprisingly upbeat heading back to Salt Lake City for their must-win matchup with the Pacific Division champions. “We’re a confident group,” Utah captain Clayton Keller said. “We believe in one another and in our team, and I think these are the most fun games to be a part of. Down 3-2, we get to go home, play in front of our fans. If you’re not fired up for that, then you’ve got something wrong with you.” The Mammoth lost on a Shea Theodore overtime goal in their last game on home ice on Monday, blowing a 4-3 third-period lead in the process. As painful as that was, Wednesday’s 5-4 double-overtime loss had to be even more of a gut punch. The Golden Knights tied it with a 6-on-5 goal from Pavel Dorofeyev with 52.7 seconds left, then won it on Brett Howden’s short-handed goal 5:28 into the second overtime. “We’re right there,” Utah coach Andre Tourigny said. “We knew it would be a fight. It is what it is. We want to go back to Salt Lake for Game 6 in front of our fans, and we’ll give it our all and we’ll work from there. But I think we’re really confident in what we can achieve out there. “I like the fight in our guys. I like our execution. Now it comes down to one game.” “Go win one at home. I think that’s our focus,” Mammoth forward Lawson Crouse added. “… We have to win. We’ve got to step up and do it on our home ice. We’ve got incredible fans back home, and we’re excited to get going again.” It won’t be easy. Vegas has a strong veteran group that won the 2023 Stanley Cup and has excelled at finding ways to win games when trailing late in contests. The Golden Knights led the NHL in the regular season with 108 goals in the third period, and they’ve rallied in the third period in each of their three wins in the series. “It’s something that we’ve prided ourselves on all season,” center Jack Eichel said. “So much credit to guys in the locker room. There’s a calmness and a confidence within our group.” There have been 29 teams in NHL history that have trailed in the third period of each of the first five games of a playoff series. This year’s Golden Knights are the first such team to lead the series through five games, per Opta. “You need to have that come from within the room,” Vegas coach John Tortorella added. “We’ve seen it through five games. You can tell they never feel like they’re out of it.” History would appear to be on the Golden Knights’ side after Wednesday’s dramatic come-from-behind win. In its nine-year history, Vegas has won all eight of its series where it won Game 5. Game 7, if needed, is scheduled for Sunday in Las Vegas. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mammoth #return #home #season #line #resilient #Golden #KnightsApr 29, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Utah Mammoth right wing Kailer Yamamoto (56) skates around Vegas Golden Knights right wing Pavel Dorofeyev (16) during the first overtime period of game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

After their second consecutive 5-4 overtime loss on Wednesday, you might expect the Utah Mammoth to be a little demoralized heading into Game 6 of their best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series with the Vegas Golden Knights.

But the mood around the Mammoth was surprisingly upbeat heading back to Salt Lake City for their must-win matchup with the Pacific Division champions.

“We’re a confident group,” Utah captain Clayton Keller said. “We believe in one another and in our team, and I think these are the most fun games to be a part of. Down 3-2, we get to go home, play in front of our fans. If you’re not fired up for that, then you’ve got something wrong with you.”

The Mammoth lost on a Shea Theodore overtime goal in their last game on home ice on Monday, blowing a 4-3 third-period lead in the process.

As painful as that was, Wednesday’s 5-4 double-overtime loss had to be even more of a gut punch. The Golden Knights tied it with a 6-on-5 goal from Pavel Dorofeyev with 52.7 seconds left, then won it on Brett Howden’s short-handed goal 5:28 into the second overtime.

“We’re right there,” Utah coach Andre Tourigny said. “We knew it would be a fight. It is what it is. We want to go back to Salt Lake for Game 6 in front of our fans, and we’ll give it our all and we’ll work from there. But I think we’re really confident in what we can achieve out there.

“I like the fight in our guys. I like our execution. Now it comes down to one game.”


“Go win one at home. I think that’s our focus,” Mammoth forward Lawson Crouse added. “… We have to win. We’ve got to step up and do it on our home ice. We’ve got incredible fans back home, and we’re excited to get going again.”

It won’t be easy. Vegas has a strong veteran group that won the 2023 Stanley Cup and has excelled at finding ways to win games when trailing late in contests.

The Golden Knights led the NHL in the regular season with 108 goals in the third period, and they’ve rallied in the third period in each of their three wins in the series.

“It’s something that we’ve prided ourselves on all season,” center Jack Eichel said. “So much credit to guys in the locker room. There’s a calmness and a confidence within our group.”

There have been 29 teams in NHL history that have trailed in the third period of each of the first five games of a playoff series. This year’s Golden Knights are the first such team to lead the series through five games, per Opta.

“You need to have that come from within the room,” Vegas coach John Tortorella added. “We’ve seen it through five games. You can tell they never feel like they’re out of it.”

History would appear to be on the Golden Knights’ side after Wednesday’s dramatic come-from-behind win. In its nine-year history, Vegas has won all eight of its series where it won Game 5.

Game 7, if needed, is scheduled for Sunday in Las Vegas.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Mammoth #return #home #season #line #resilient #Golden #Knights">Deadspin | Mammoth return home with season on line vs. resilient Golden Knights Apr 29, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Utah Mammoth right wing Kailer Yamamoto (56) skates around Vegas Golden Knights right wing Pavel Dorofeyev (16) during the first overtime period of game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images After their second consecutive 5-4 overtime loss on Wednesday, you might expect the Utah Mammoth to be a little demoralized heading into Game 6 of their best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series with the Vegas Golden Knights. But the mood around the Mammoth was surprisingly upbeat heading back to Salt Lake City for their must-win matchup with the Pacific Division champions. “We’re a confident group,” Utah captain Clayton Keller said. “We believe in one another and in our team, and I think these are the most fun games to be a part of. Down 3-2, we get to go home, play in front of our fans. If you’re not fired up for that, then you’ve got something wrong with you.” The Mammoth lost on a Shea Theodore overtime goal in their last game on home ice on Monday, blowing a 4-3 third-period lead in the process. As painful as that was, Wednesday’s 5-4 double-overtime loss had to be even more of a gut punch. The Golden Knights tied it with a 6-on-5 goal from Pavel Dorofeyev with 52.7 seconds left, then won it on Brett Howden’s short-handed goal 5:28 into the second overtime. “We’re right there,” Utah coach Andre Tourigny said. “We knew it would be a fight. It is what it is. We want to go back to Salt Lake for Game 6 in front of our fans, and we’ll give it our all and we’ll work from there. But I think we’re really confident in what we can achieve out there. “I like the fight in our guys. I like our execution. Now it comes down to one game.” “Go win one at home. I think that’s our focus,” Mammoth forward Lawson Crouse added. “… We have to win. We’ve got to step up and do it on our home ice. We’ve got incredible fans back home, and we’re excited to get going again.” It won’t be easy. Vegas has a strong veteran group that won the 2023 Stanley Cup and has excelled at finding ways to win games when trailing late in contests. The Golden Knights led the NHL in the regular season with 108 goals in the third period, and they’ve rallied in the third period in each of their three wins in the series. “It’s something that we’ve prided ourselves on all season,” center Jack Eichel said. “So much credit to guys in the locker room. There’s a calmness and a confidence within our group.” There have been 29 teams in NHL history that have trailed in the third period of each of the first five games of a playoff series. This year’s Golden Knights are the first such team to lead the series through five games, per Opta. “You need to have that come from within the room,” Vegas coach John Tortorella added. “We’ve seen it through five games. You can tell they never feel like they’re out of it.” History would appear to be on the Golden Knights’ side after Wednesday’s dramatic come-from-behind win. In its nine-year history, Vegas has won all eight of its series where it won Game 5. Game 7, if needed, is scheduled for Sunday in Las Vegas. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mammoth #return #home #season #line #resilient #Golden #Knights

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