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Which teams have something to play for in Week 18? Who is resting players?

Which teams have something to play for in Week 18? Who is resting players?

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We’ve made it! Week 18 of the NFL season is here and soon the playoffs will commence. But, we do have a few loose ends to tie up before we get to all that. We have the bulk of the teams destined for the playoffs already known, but there are a few stragglers and of course the dreaded jockeying for playoffs seeding. Guessing what NFL coaches will do is not something you want to make a living off of. But, we should be able to narrow this down enough to have a good idea as to who needs to win, who wants to win, and who doesn’t care if they win.

Bookmark this post, as we will continue to update as news comes in.

Teams who will play all out

Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Saturday, 4:30 PM ET)

The Falcons gave the Buccaneers some late Christmas coal in their stocking by beating the Rams in Week 17. If the Falcons win this week over the Saints, the Buccaneers are eliminated from the playoffs even if they beat the Panthers on Saturday. The good news for us playing fantasy is that the NFL made that scenario moot with the Saturday game. Both teams will play for the win. If the Panthers win, they win the division and the playoff spot. If the Bucs win, they have to wait for the winner of the Falcons-Saints to decide the NFC South champion between the Panthers and Bucs.

Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers (Saturday, 8:00 PM ET)

This game isn’t as desperate as win and in, but whoever wins will get the No. 1 seed in the NFC and whoever loses will fall to the No. 5 seed. This one is pretty cut and dry and both teams will play their starters in hopes for a win.

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday, 8:20 PM ET)

The Steelers blew a chance to wrap up the AFC North as they laid an egg against the Browns in Week 17. The Ravens won their game against the Packers, making this matchup for all the marbles. Whoever wins, wins the North, the No. 4 seed, and the only playoff spot left in the AFC.

Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers (Sunday, 4:25 PM ET)

The Chargers have already announced they are resting Justin Herbert. The Broncos on the other hand need a win to get the No. 1 seed, which comes with a bye and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. They can still get that No. 1 seed if they lose and the Jaguars and Patriots both lose, but they won’t leave that one up for chance. They should play their starters until the game is in hand.

New England Patriots vs Miami Dolphins (Sunday, 4:25 PM ET)

The Dolphins have nothing to play for, but the Patriots could finish with the 1, 2, or 3 seed in the AFC. To get the No. 1 seed they will need to win and for the Broncos to lose to the Chargers who are resting Herbert. If the Broncos win, the Patriots just need to beat the Dolphins to get the No. 2 seed. They could also lose and as long as the Jaguars lose, they’d still get the No. 2 seed. If they lose and both the Jaguars and Broncos win, then they end up with the No. 3 seed.

The Patriots should want that No. 2 seed enough to play all out.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs Tennessee Titans (Sunday, 1 PM ET)

The Titans have been eliminated from playoff contention for a while now and a loss can only help their draft position. The Jaguars on the other hand have come on like gangbusters and even have an outside shot at the No. 1 seed with a win. Unfortunately, the Chargers going with Trey Lance over Justin Herbert and the Patriots getting a relatively easy matchup with the Dolphins likely throws a wrench in those plans, as they’d need both teams to lose to get that coveted 1 seed.

The Jaguars do have to beat the Titans if they want to secure the AFC South title over the Texans, and the No. 3 seed though. And, a win of course gives them a shot at the No. 1 and 2 seeds if the Broncos or Patriots were to falter. They theoretically could fall all the way to the No. 7 seed with a loss. So they’re playing to win.

Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts (Sunday, 1 PM ET)

The Colts have been eliminated and will give rookie quarterback Riley Leonard the start over Phillip Rivers. The Texans have a wide variety of seedings possible between the No. 3 seed and the No. 7 seed. A win and a Jaguars loss to the Titans would give them the AFC South title and the No. 3 seed. A win secures them the No. 5 seed if the Jaguars win, while a loss could knock them down to the No. 6 or 7 seeds. These scenarios should be enough for them to do everything they can to win this week.

Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions (Sunday, 4:25 PM ET)

If the Bears win, they get the No. 2 seed. If they lose and the Eagles win, they get the No. 3 seed. Head coach Ben Johnson appeared adamant that they would play to win after their loss to the 49ers. A win and they face the Packers in the first round of the playoffs. If they lose, they’ll get the No. 3 seed and either face the 49ers or Rams at home. I’d expect them to play to win, but if news changes, we’ll update this post.

Will they or won’t they?

Philadelphia Eagles vs Washington Commanders (Sunday, 4:25 PM ET)

The Eagles and Bears are tied together this week as they both hope to grab the No. 2 seed in the NFC. The Bears have the inside track, as a win gives them the No. 2 seed, while the Eagles need a win and for the Bears to lose. When asked, head coach Nick Sirianni was non-committal as to if anyone would rest. The Eagles are guaranteed the No. 3 seed if they lose and/or the Bears win, but the No. 2 seed is worth playing for if they want.

Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets (Sunday, 4:25 PM ET)

The Jets have been out of contention for a while now and need a loss to keep or better their current No. 3 pick. The Bills currently have the final playoff seed at No. 7, but could move up to No. 5 or 6 with a win. To move up to the No. 5 seed they’ll need to win and for the Texans and Chargers to lose. To get the No. 6 seed they’ll need to win and have one of the Texans or Chargers lose.

At this point we’re waiting on head coach Sean McDermott to give us more intel on if he’ll play starters, but we do know all world QB Josh Allen isn’t 100% right now and beating the Jets isn’t exactly that tough. If I were them, I’d rest Allen. And at this point I wouldn’t want to trust Bills starters in fantasy games.

Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals (Sunday, 4:25 PM ET)

Head coach Sean McVay says his starters will play this week, but there isn’t a whole lot to play for. If they win and the 49ers lose, they’d get the No. 5 seed. All other scenarios end them with the No. 6 seed. I could see McVay giving his starters a half and then shutting things down. I’d rather not rely on Rams players this week if I can help it.

Teams who will rest their starters

Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos

Jim Harbaugh announced that Trey Lance would get the start in Week 18 against the Broncos, which likely means other starters should see rest or limited work as well. But, even if all the other starters were a go, Lance is going to have a hell of a time against the Broncos defense in Denver.

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings

The Packers are locked into the No. 7 seed, so they will rest key starters.

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Deadspin | Goal No. 1 for Renegade: Overcome fabled Kentucky Derby jinx 2026 Kentucky Derby contender Renegade during a morning training session during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. The horse is trained by Todd Pletcher. April 29, 2026 LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The post-position draw for the Kentucky Derby is one of the few times in thoroughbred racing when getting first is not something to celebrate. Last Saturday, during the draw for this Saturday’s 152nd running of the race at Churchill Downs, that distinction went to Renegade. Despite the ominous spot for Renegade, Churchill Downs’ morning-line oddsmaker Nick Tammaro still set the 3-year-old colt as his early 4-1 favorite for the 1-1/4-mile race that serves as the start of racing’s Triple Crown. Drawing the inside post means Renegade will be the horse closest to the rail. While he would have the shortest path to the finish line, he will also have to avoid getting pinched along the rail as up to 19 competitors try to move in at the start. The last horse to win from the No. 1 post position was Ferdinand in 1986, the last Derby win for legendary jockey Bill Shoemaker. As for Renegade, the horse trained by Todd Pletcher has never finished out of the money in five starts. After placing twice and showing once in his 2-year-old campaign, Renegade has won both starts this year, including the Arkansas Derby a month ago. Another horse seeking to buck a trend is Emerging Market. Trainer Chad Brown’s horse, who has morning-line odds of 15-1, won the Louisiana Derby in just his second start. However, the last horse to win the Kentucky Derby in just a third start was Leonatus in 1883. Brown, though, thinks his colt can end that 143-year streak. “He has such a wonderful mind and is so calm and collected,” said Brown, whose entry got the 15th gate. Based on Tammaro’s projected odds, Renegade is considered one of four horses that stand out in the field. The co-second choices are Further Ado and Commandment at 6-1. Both are trained by Brad Cox, a Louisville native. Commandment has won four straight, including the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park on March 28, while Further Ado impressed many with his 11-length win in the Blue Grass Stakes a week later at Keeneland. Commandment drew the sixth post, and Further Ado will break from the 17th. Further Ado moved into that spot after Silent Tactic was scratched on Wednesday. The fourth choice at 8-1 is Chief Wallabee, who will break from the 12th gate. He finished second to Commandment in the Fountain of Youth Stakes in February and third in the Florida Derby. Trained by Bill Mott, who won the Kentucky Derby last year with Sovereignty, is adding blinkers to the colt in hopes it will improve his performance. “He seemed to be maybe just a little more straight and maybe a little more true,” Mott said after the draw. Another horse drawing interest is The Puma, who won the Tampa Bay Derby on March 7 and followed that up by finishing second in the Florida Derby three weeks later. Trained by Gustavo Delgado, the colt will break ninth and has odds of 10-1. Trainer Bob Baffert has a pair of longshots in the field as he seeks a record seventh Derby win. Litmus Test is 30-1 coming off a seventh-place finish in the Arkansas Derby, while Potente, at 20-1, finished second in the Santa Anita Derby to So Happy (15-1). Litmus Test is starting fourth, Potente 14th. There are currently 20 horses entered, with three also-eligibles. Great White joined the field Wednesday after Silent Tactic was scratched. An also-eligible can enter the race, based on the points they acquired in prep races, if another starter is scratched before 9 a.m. ET Friday. –Steve Bittenbender, Field Level Media #Deadspin #Goal #Renegade #Overcome #fabled #Kentucky #Derby #jinx2026 Kentucky Derby contender Renegade during a morning training session during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. The horse is trained by Todd Pletcher. April 29, 2026

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The post-position draw for the Kentucky Derby is one of the few times in thoroughbred racing when getting first is not something to celebrate.

Last Saturday, during the draw for this Saturday’s 152nd running of the race at Churchill Downs, that distinction went to Renegade.

Despite the ominous spot for Renegade, Churchill Downs’ morning-line oddsmaker Nick Tammaro still set the 3-year-old colt as his early 4-1 favorite for the 1-1/4-mile race that serves as the start of racing’s Triple Crown.

Drawing the inside post means Renegade will be the horse closest to the rail. While he would have the shortest path to the finish line, he will also have to avoid getting pinched along the rail as up to 19 competitors try to move in at the start.

The last horse to win from the No. 1 post position was Ferdinand in 1986, the last Derby win for legendary jockey Bill Shoemaker.

As for Renegade, the horse trained by Todd Pletcher has never finished out of the money in five starts. After placing twice and showing once in his 2-year-old campaign, Renegade has won both starts this year, including the Arkansas Derby a month ago.

Another horse seeking to buck a trend is Emerging Market. Trainer Chad Brown’s horse, who has morning-line odds of 15-1, won the Louisiana Derby in just his second start. However, the last horse to win the Kentucky Derby in just a third start was Leonatus in 1883.

Brown, though, thinks his colt can end that 143-year streak.


“He has such a wonderful mind and is so calm and collected,” said Brown, whose entry got the 15th gate.

Based on Tammaro’s projected odds, Renegade is considered one of four horses that stand out in the field. The co-second choices are Further Ado and Commandment at 6-1. Both are trained by Brad Cox, a Louisville native. Commandment has won four straight, including the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park on March 28, while Further Ado impressed many with his 11-length win in the Blue Grass Stakes a week later at Keeneland.

Commandment drew the sixth post, and Further Ado will break from the 17th. Further Ado moved into that spot after Silent Tactic was scratched on Wednesday.

The fourth choice at 8-1 is Chief Wallabee, who will break from the 12th gate. He finished second to Commandment in the Fountain of Youth Stakes in February and third in the Florida Derby. Trained by Bill Mott, who won the Kentucky Derby last year with Sovereignty, is adding blinkers to the colt in hopes it will improve his performance.

“He seemed to be maybe just a little more straight and maybe a little more true,” Mott said after the draw.

Another horse drawing interest is The Puma, who won the Tampa Bay Derby on March 7 and followed that up by finishing second in the Florida Derby three weeks later. Trained by Gustavo Delgado, the colt will break ninth and has odds of 10-1.

Trainer Bob Baffert has a pair of longshots in the field as he seeks a record seventh Derby win. Litmus Test is 30-1 coming off a seventh-place finish in the Arkansas Derby, while Potente, at 20-1, finished second in the Santa Anita Derby to So Happy (15-1). Litmus Test is starting fourth, Potente 14th.

There are currently 20 horses entered, with three also-eligibles. Great White joined the field Wednesday after Silent Tactic was scratched. An also-eligible can enter the race, based on the points they acquired in prep races, if another starter is scratched before 9 a.m. ET Friday.

–Steve Bittenbender, Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Goal #Renegade #Overcome #fabled #Kentucky #Derby #jinx">Deadspin | Goal No. 1 for Renegade: Overcome fabled Kentucky Derby jinx 2026 Kentucky Derby contender Renegade during a morning training session during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. The horse is trained by Todd Pletcher. April 29, 2026 LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The post-position draw for the Kentucky Derby is one of the few times in thoroughbred racing when getting first is not something to celebrate. Last Saturday, during the draw for this Saturday’s 152nd running of the race at Churchill Downs, that distinction went to Renegade. Despite the ominous spot for Renegade, Churchill Downs’ morning-line oddsmaker Nick Tammaro still set the 3-year-old colt as his early 4-1 favorite for the 1-1/4-mile race that serves as the start of racing’s Triple Crown. Drawing the inside post means Renegade will be the horse closest to the rail. While he would have the shortest path to the finish line, he will also have to avoid getting pinched along the rail as up to 19 competitors try to move in at the start. The last horse to win from the No. 1 post position was Ferdinand in 1986, the last Derby win for legendary jockey Bill Shoemaker. As for Renegade, the horse trained by Todd Pletcher has never finished out of the money in five starts. After placing twice and showing once in his 2-year-old campaign, Renegade has won both starts this year, including the Arkansas Derby a month ago. Another horse seeking to buck a trend is Emerging Market. Trainer Chad Brown’s horse, who has morning-line odds of 15-1, won the Louisiana Derby in just his second start. However, the last horse to win the Kentucky Derby in just a third start was Leonatus in 1883. Brown, though, thinks his colt can end that 143-year streak. “He has such a wonderful mind and is so calm and collected,” said Brown, whose entry got the 15th gate. Based on Tammaro’s projected odds, Renegade is considered one of four horses that stand out in the field. The co-second choices are Further Ado and Commandment at 6-1. Both are trained by Brad Cox, a Louisville native. Commandment has won four straight, including the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park on March 28, while Further Ado impressed many with his 11-length win in the Blue Grass Stakes a week later at Keeneland. Commandment drew the sixth post, and Further Ado will break from the 17th. Further Ado moved into that spot after Silent Tactic was scratched on Wednesday. The fourth choice at 8-1 is Chief Wallabee, who will break from the 12th gate. He finished second to Commandment in the Fountain of Youth Stakes in February and third in the Florida Derby. Trained by Bill Mott, who won the Kentucky Derby last year with Sovereignty, is adding blinkers to the colt in hopes it will improve his performance. “He seemed to be maybe just a little more straight and maybe a little more true,” Mott said after the draw. Another horse drawing interest is The Puma, who won the Tampa Bay Derby on March 7 and followed that up by finishing second in the Florida Derby three weeks later. Trained by Gustavo Delgado, the colt will break ninth and has odds of 10-1. Trainer Bob Baffert has a pair of longshots in the field as he seeks a record seventh Derby win. Litmus Test is 30-1 coming off a seventh-place finish in the Arkansas Derby, while Potente, at 20-1, finished second in the Santa Anita Derby to So Happy (15-1). Litmus Test is starting fourth, Potente 14th. There are currently 20 horses entered, with three also-eligibles. Great White joined the field Wednesday after Silent Tactic was scratched. An also-eligible can enter the race, based on the points they acquired in prep races, if another starter is scratched before 9 a.m. ET Friday. –Steve Bittenbender, Field Level Media #Deadspin #Goal #Renegade #Overcome #fabled #Kentucky #Derby #jinx

Mumbai Indians’ bowlers are under scrutiny after failing to defend their highest first-innings ​total in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Wednesday, but captain Hardik Pandya refused to single ​them out for blame and ⁠said the whole team was accountable.

Five-time champion Mumbai is enduring a wretched season and is ninth in the ‌10-team standings with just two wins from eight matches.

Its much-vaunted bowling unit, ‌spearheaded by India paceman Jasprit Bumrah, has ‌struggled ⁠mightily with conditions in the IPL ⁠heavily favouring batters.

Mumbai posted 243 for five against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, only for the visitor to ​chase it down ‌comfortably in a six-wicket win with eight balls to spare.

Bumrah, widely regarded as the world’s premier fast bowler, went wicketless once again ‌while conceding 54 runs in four overs. ​He remains stuck on two wickets in eight matches.

Speaking at the post-match ⁠presentation, Pandya said there was lots of blame to go around for the defeat.

“I won’t put ‌my bowlers under the bus. I think as an overall unit, we have not been able to do what exactly Mumbai Indians stands for,” he said.

Mumbai, which has used 22 players this season, more than any other ‌side, just needed a slice of luck to turn ​things around, Pandya added.

“It’s been that kind of season. When you get a ⁠couple of chances, you grab them, that’s when ⁠luck and momentum changes,” he said.

“If you don’t, it kind of hurts you, ‌but it’s still fine, all the boys tried really well.”

Mumbai next faces Chennai Super ​Kings on Saturday.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#IPL #wont #put #bowlers #bus #Hardik #Pandya #Mumbai #Indians #fails #defend">IPL 2026: ‘I won’t put ‌my bowlers under the bus,’ says Hardik Pandya after Mumbai Indians fails to defend 243 Mumbai Indians’ bowlers are under scrutiny after failing to defend their highest first-innings ​total in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Wednesday, but captain Hardik Pandya refused to single ​them out for blame and ⁠said the whole team was accountable.Five-time champion Mumbai is enduring a wretched season and is ninth in the ‌10-team standings with just two wins from eight matches.Its much-vaunted bowling unit, ‌spearheaded by India paceman Jasprit Bumrah, has ‌struggled ⁠mightily with conditions in the IPL ⁠heavily favouring batters.Mumbai posted 243 for five against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, only for the visitor to ​chase it down ‌comfortably in a six-wicket win with eight balls to spare.Bumrah, widely regarded as the world’s premier fast bowler, went wicketless once again ‌while conceding 54 runs in four overs. ​He remains stuck on two wickets in eight matches.Speaking at the post-match ⁠presentation, Pandya said there was lots of blame to go around for the defeat.“I won’t put ‌my bowlers under the bus. I think as an overall unit, we have not been able to do what exactly Mumbai Indians stands for,” he said.Mumbai, which has used 22 players this season, more than any other ‌side, just needed a slice of luck to turn ​things around, Pandya added.“It’s been that kind of season. When you get a ⁠couple of chances, you grab them, that’s when ⁠luck and momentum changes,” he said.“If you don’t, it kind of hurts you, ‌but it’s still fine, all the boys tried really well.”Mumbai next faces Chennai Super ​Kings on Saturday.Published on Apr 30, 2026 #IPL #wont #put #bowlers #bus #Hardik #Pandya #Mumbai #Indians #fails #defend

Deadspin | Short-handed, double-OT tally give Knights 3-2 edge on Mammoth Apr 29, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl (48) looks for a loose puck while screening Utah Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka (70) during the first 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 Brett Howden scored a short-handed goal at 5:28 in the second overtime as the Vegas Golden Knights took a 3-2 lead in their Western Conference first-round playoff series with a 5-4 victory over the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday in Las Vegas. Howden won a puck battle with Alexander Kerfoot in the right corner, got control of the puck in the right circle and then rifled a wrist shot in the top far corner past Utah goalie Karel Vejmelka for the game-winner. Vegas’ Pavel Dorofeyev scored a hat trick, including a 6-on-5 goal with 52.7 seconds left in regulation to force overtime. Shea Theodore had a goal and an assist and Jack Eichel logged two assists for the Golden Knights, who can wrap up the best-of-seven series with a Game 6 victory on Friday in Salt Lake City. Vegas goaltender Carter Hart finished with 34 saves. John Marino, Lawson Crouse, Dylan Guenther and Michael Carcone scored goals and Clayton Keller had two assists for Utah. Vejmelka made 31 saves. Vegas pulled Hart for an extra attacker with 1:40 remaining in the third period. Dorofeyev tied it in the last minute when scooped in a rebound of a Reilly Smith shot from in front of the net, setting the stage for overtime. Utah took a 1-0 lead at the 17:11 mark of the first period on Marino’s first career playoff goal. Vegas tied it just before the end of the period with a power-play goal by Dorofeyev, who snapped a shot from the right circle under Vejmelka’s left arm. The score ended an 0-for-13 drought on the power play for the Golden Knights. The Mammoth regained the lead midway through the second period when Keller, along the right boards, swung a pass to a wide-open Crouse at the top of the right circle. Crouse ripped a wrist shot past Hart’s blocker side. The Golden Knights answered with goals from Dorofeyev and Theodore in the span of 1:40 near the end of the period to take a 3-2 lead. Guenther tied it 3-3 when he finished an odd-man rush with Kailer Yamamoto by firing a wrist shot under the crossbar from the left circle at 5:54 of the third period. Carcone gave the Mammoth a 4-3 lead at 12:42 of the third. He shot a one-timer from the right circle off a Alexander Kerfoot crossing pass at the end of another odd-man rush following an Eichel giveaway in his own offensive zone. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Shorthanded #doubleOT #tally #give #Knights #edge #MammothApr 29, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl (48) looks for a loose puck while screening Utah Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka (70) during the first 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

Brett Howden scored a short-handed goal at 5:28 in the second overtime as the Vegas Golden Knights took a 3-2 lead in their Western Conference first-round playoff series with a 5-4 victory over the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday in Las Vegas.

Howden won a puck battle with Alexander Kerfoot in the right corner, got control of the puck in the right circle and then rifled a wrist shot in the top far corner past Utah goalie Karel Vejmelka for the game-winner.

Vegas’ Pavel Dorofeyev scored a hat trick, including a 6-on-5 goal with 52.7 seconds left in regulation to force overtime.

Shea Theodore had a goal and an assist and Jack Eichel logged two assists for the Golden Knights, who can wrap up the best-of-seven series with a Game 6 victory on Friday in Salt Lake City. Vegas goaltender Carter Hart finished with 34 saves.

John Marino, Lawson Crouse, Dylan Guenther and Michael Carcone scored goals and Clayton Keller had two assists for Utah. Vejmelka made 31 saves.

Vegas pulled Hart for an extra attacker with 1:40 remaining in the third period. Dorofeyev tied it in the last minute when scooped in a rebound of a Reilly Smith shot from in front of the net, setting the stage for overtime.


Utah took a 1-0 lead at the 17:11 mark of the first period on Marino’s first career playoff goal.

Vegas tied it just before the end of the period with a power-play goal by Dorofeyev, who snapped a shot from the right circle under Vejmelka’s left arm. The score ended an 0-for-13 drought on the power play for the Golden Knights.

The Mammoth regained the lead midway through the second period when Keller, along the right boards, swung a pass to a wide-open Crouse at the top of the right circle. Crouse ripped a wrist shot past Hart’s blocker side.

The Golden Knights answered with goals from Dorofeyev and Theodore in the span of 1:40 near the end of the period to take a 3-2 lead.

Guenther tied it 3-3 when he finished an odd-man rush with Kailer Yamamoto by firing a wrist shot under the crossbar from the left circle at 5:54 of the third period.

Carcone gave the Mammoth a 4-3 lead at 12:42 of the third. He shot a one-timer from the right circle off a Alexander Kerfoot crossing pass at the end of another odd-man rush following an Eichel giveaway in his own offensive zone.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Shorthanded #doubleOT #tally #give #Knights #edge #Mammoth">Deadspin | Short-handed, double-OT tally give Knights 3-2 edge on Mammoth Apr 29, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl (48) looks for a loose puck while screening Utah Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka (70) during the first 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 Brett Howden scored a short-handed goal at 5:28 in the second overtime as the Vegas Golden Knights took a 3-2 lead in their Western Conference first-round playoff series with a 5-4 victory over the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday in Las Vegas. Howden won a puck battle with Alexander Kerfoot in the right corner, got control of the puck in the right circle and then rifled a wrist shot in the top far corner past Utah goalie Karel Vejmelka for the game-winner. Vegas’ Pavel Dorofeyev scored a hat trick, including a 6-on-5 goal with 52.7 seconds left in regulation to force overtime. Shea Theodore had a goal and an assist and Jack Eichel logged two assists for the Golden Knights, who can wrap up the best-of-seven series with a Game 6 victory on Friday in Salt Lake City. Vegas goaltender Carter Hart finished with 34 saves. John Marino, Lawson Crouse, Dylan Guenther and Michael Carcone scored goals and Clayton Keller had two assists for Utah. Vejmelka made 31 saves. Vegas pulled Hart for an extra attacker with 1:40 remaining in the third period. Dorofeyev tied it in the last minute when scooped in a rebound of a Reilly Smith shot from in front of the net, setting the stage for overtime. Utah took a 1-0 lead at the 17:11 mark of the first period on Marino’s first career playoff goal. Vegas tied it just before the end of the period with a power-play goal by Dorofeyev, who snapped a shot from the right circle under Vejmelka’s left arm. The score ended an 0-for-13 drought on the power play for the Golden Knights. The Mammoth regained the lead midway through the second period when Keller, along the right boards, swung a pass to a wide-open Crouse at the top of the right circle. Crouse ripped a wrist shot past Hart’s blocker side. The Golden Knights answered with goals from Dorofeyev and Theodore in the span of 1:40 near the end of the period to take a 3-2 lead. Guenther tied it 3-3 when he finished an odd-man rush with Kailer Yamamoto by firing a wrist shot under the crossbar from the left circle at 5:54 of the third period. Carcone gave the Mammoth a 4-3 lead at 12:42 of the third. He shot a one-timer from the right circle off a Alexander Kerfoot crossing pass at the end of another odd-man rush following an Eichel giveaway in his own offensive zone. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Shorthanded #doubleOT #tally #give #Knights #edge #Mammoth

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