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Deadspin | Blue Jackets breeze despite 500th goal from Leafs’ John Tavares

Deadspin | Blue Jackets breeze despite 500th goal from Leafs’ John Tavares

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Oct 29, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) carries the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images

The Columbus Blue Jackets’ third line celebrated a big game on Wednesday in a 6-3 win over the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs, who saw John Tavares notch his 500th career goal in the lopsided loss.

Cole Sillinger scored his first two goals of the season and tied his career high with his fifth three-point game as the Blue Jackets earned their third straight victory.

Mathieu Olivier notched the first four-point and three-assist game of his career. Charlie Coyle finished with a career-high four assists, the first of which was the 300th helper in his 14-year career.

Three defensemen also scored for the Blue Jackets. Zach Werenski had a goal and an assist for the second time in as many days, and Ivan Provorov and Dante Fabbro also got in on the barrage. The six goals were the second most Columbus scored in a game this season, and the Blue Jackets did it on only 24 shots, their second fewest this season.

Elvis Merzlikins stopped 33 shots to register his fourth win in five starts this season.

Tavares became the 49th NHL player to reach the 500-goal mark, scoring with 4:15 left in the game.

Sammy Blais, inserted into the Maple Leafs’ lineup as top scorer William Nylander sat out the second of back-to-back games to deal with a lower-body injury, produced a goal and an assist in his first game with Toronto. Nicholas Roberston also had a goal and an assist.

Cayden Primeau made 18 saves for the Maple Leafs, who fell to 0-3-0 on the road.

Columbus capitalized on two turnovers to take a 2-0 lead in the first period. Sillinger started the scoring less than seven minutes into the game, and Werenski followed suit at 11:16 with his third of the season. Coyle and Olivier assisted on both.

Blais, who last played in the NHL with the St. Louis Blues in 2023-24, got a goal for his new team less than three minutes into the second period. However, the Blue Jackets put the game away by scoring the next three in the period, tallies from Provorov, Sillinger and Fabbro.

Olivier scored with 12:10 left in the third to make it 6-1 before the Maple Leafs added a pair late.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Clippers turn back Warriors in play-in game preview Apr 12, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Pat Spencer (61) controls the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum (33) and guard Kobe Sanders (4) during the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Clippers sent a message to their play-in opponent Sunday night, riding Bennedict Mathurin’s 20 points and a stingy defense to a 115-110 home win over the Golden State Warriors in what turned out to be an otherwise meaningless regular-season finale. The victory allowed the Clippers (42-40) to tie the Portland Trail Blazers (42-40) for eighth place in the Western Conference, but Portland earned a tie-breaker by virtue of a better conference record after thumping the Sacramento Kings 122-110 in their finale. That relegated the Clippers to ninth place for play-in purposes, where they’ll get a home game Wednesday against 10th-place Golden State (37-45). The loser will be eliminated from playoff contention. While the Warriors played all their healthy guys except Draymond Green in a play-in tune-up, the Clippers managed to outfinish the visitors despite resting Kawhi Leonard. The clubs were tied at 81-all before Jordan Miller gave Los Angeles the lead for good on a buzzer-beating layup at the end of the third quarter. Nicolas Batum and Bogdan Bogdanovic then combined for three 3-pointers in the first three minutes of the final period, extending the Clippers’ lead to 96-85. The Warriors got no closer than the final margin after that. John Collins backed Mathurin with 18 points for the Clippers, who captured the season series 3-1 over Golden State, winning both home games. Mathurin and Collins each collected a game-high nine rebounds, while Mathurin also found time for a game-high eight assists. Bogdanovic, who sunk five of eight 3-pointers, finished with 17 points. Darius Garland tallied 15, Miller added 14 and Kobe Sanders produced 11 for Los Angeles. In just his third game after missing 27 straight with a sore right knee, Stephen Curry paced Golden State with a game-high 24 points in 29 minutes. He connected on four of his nine 3-point attempts. The Warriors shot just 11 of 39 (28.2%) from beyond the arc. Charles Bassey added 16 points, Kristaps Porzingis registered 12 and Brandin Podziemski scored 10 for the Warriors, who finished the regular season with seven losses in their last eight games. Porzingis was Golden State’s leading rebounder with eight. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Clippers #turn #Warriors #playin #game #previewApr 12, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Pat Spencer (61) controls the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum (33) and guard Kobe Sanders (4) during the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Clippers sent a message to their play-in opponent Sunday night, riding Bennedict Mathurin’s 20 points and a stingy defense to a 115-110 home win over the Golden State Warriors in what turned out to be an otherwise meaningless regular-season finale.

The victory allowed the Clippers (42-40) to tie the Portland Trail Blazers (42-40) for eighth place in the Western Conference, but Portland earned a tie-breaker by virtue of a better conference record after thumping the Sacramento Kings 122-110 in their finale.

That relegated the Clippers to ninth place for play-in purposes, where they’ll get a home game Wednesday against 10th-place Golden State (37-45). The loser will be eliminated from playoff contention.

While the Warriors played all their healthy guys except Draymond Green in a play-in tune-up, the Clippers managed to outfinish the visitors despite resting Kawhi Leonard.

The clubs were tied at 81-all before Jordan Miller gave Los Angeles the lead for good on a buzzer-beating layup at the end of the third quarter.


Nicolas Batum and Bogdan Bogdanovic then combined for three 3-pointers in the first three minutes of the final period, extending the Clippers’ lead to 96-85. The Warriors got no closer than the final margin after that.

John Collins backed Mathurin with 18 points for the Clippers, who captured the season series 3-1 over Golden State, winning both home games. Mathurin and Collins each collected a game-high nine rebounds, while Mathurin also found time for a game-high eight assists.

Bogdanovic, who sunk five of eight 3-pointers, finished with 17 points. Darius Garland tallied 15, Miller added 14 and Kobe Sanders produced 11 for Los Angeles.

In just his third game after missing 27 straight with a sore right knee, Stephen Curry paced Golden State with a game-high 24 points in 29 minutes. He connected on four of his nine 3-point attempts.

The Warriors shot just 11 of 39 (28.2%) from beyond the arc.

Charles Bassey added 16 points, Kristaps Porzingis registered 12 and Brandin Podziemski scored 10 for the Warriors, who finished the regular season with seven losses in their last eight games. Porzingis was Golden State’s leading rebounder with eight.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Clippers #turn #Warriors #playin #game #preview">Deadspin | Clippers turn back Warriors in play-in game preview Apr 12, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Pat Spencer (61) controls the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum (33) and guard Kobe Sanders (4) during the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Clippers sent a message to their play-in opponent Sunday night, riding Bennedict Mathurin’s 20 points and a stingy defense to a 115-110 home win over the Golden State Warriors in what turned out to be an otherwise meaningless regular-season finale. The victory allowed the Clippers (42-40) to tie the Portland Trail Blazers (42-40) for eighth place in the Western Conference, but Portland earned a tie-breaker by virtue of a better conference record after thumping the Sacramento Kings 122-110 in their finale. That relegated the Clippers to ninth place for play-in purposes, where they’ll get a home game Wednesday against 10th-place Golden State (37-45). The loser will be eliminated from playoff contention. While the Warriors played all their healthy guys except Draymond Green in a play-in tune-up, the Clippers managed to outfinish the visitors despite resting Kawhi Leonard. The clubs were tied at 81-all before Jordan Miller gave Los Angeles the lead for good on a buzzer-beating layup at the end of the third quarter. Nicolas Batum and Bogdan Bogdanovic then combined for three 3-pointers in the first three minutes of the final period, extending the Clippers’ lead to 96-85. The Warriors got no closer than the final margin after that. John Collins backed Mathurin with 18 points for the Clippers, who captured the season series 3-1 over Golden State, winning both home games. Mathurin and Collins each collected a game-high nine rebounds, while Mathurin also found time for a game-high eight assists. Bogdanovic, who sunk five of eight 3-pointers, finished with 17 points. Darius Garland tallied 15, Miller added 14 and Kobe Sanders produced 11 for Los Angeles. In just his third game after missing 27 straight with a sore right knee, Stephen Curry paced Golden State with a game-high 24 points in 29 minutes. He connected on four of his nine 3-point attempts. The Warriors shot just 11 of 39 (28.2%) from beyond the arc. Charles Bassey added 16 points, Kristaps Porzingis registered 12 and Brandin Podziemski scored 10 for the Warriors, who finished the regular season with seven losses in their last eight games. Porzingis was Golden State’s leading rebounder with eight. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Clippers #turn #Warriors #playin #game #preview

Deadspin | Ryan Nembhard totals 23 assists as Mavericks roll past Bulls Apr 12, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Ryan Nembhard (9) dribbles as Chicago Bulls guard Mac McClung (5) defends during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Ryan Nembhard notched the second-most assists in a game in Dallas history as the Mavericks defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls 149-128 on Sunday. Nembhard fell narrowly short of a triple-double in the season-ending clash, chalking up 15 points, nine rebounds and 23 assists. Only current Dallas coach Jason Kidd, with 25 assists in February 1996, has registered more for the Mavericks. John Poulakidas scored a career-best 28 points off the bench for Dallas (26-56), including 8 of 16 from 3-point range. Tyler Smith and AJ Johnson added 20 each for the Mavs, and Moussa Cisse paired 17 points with a career-high 20 boards. Cooper Flagg scored 10 points, his stellar rookie campaign ending with 10:11 left in the second quarter after spraining his left ankle on a bad landing while leaping for an offensive rebound. Rob Dillingham scored 25 for Chicago (31-51). Collin Sexton contributed 19, Leonard Miller had 17, and Lachlan Olbrich added a triple-double, finishing with 10 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. Dallas used a 16-0 burst to turn a brief 2-4 deficit into an 18-4 lead and never looked back. Flagg, Khris Middleton and Max Christie were all prolific as the Mavericks hit 15 of 23 from the floor in a first-quarter offensive blitz. Cisse threw down a powerful dunk to end the period with Dallas up 45-34. Smith scored 12 off the Mavericks’ bench in the second frame as the one-way traffic continued. Dallas dominated the quarter at both ends, 35-22, and held sway 80-56 at halftime. Dillingham was the only Bull to really offer resistance, contributing 10 in the second period for a 17-point half. Poulakidas caught fire after the long break, pouring in 22 points for the third quarter, including 6 of 9 from deep. Behind the rookie’s perimeter shooting, Dallas stormed ahead 115-81 and led 119-88 with one to play, despite Flagg, Middleton and Christie all sitting out the entire second half. The Bulls saved some face in the fourth quarter, in which they outscored the Mavericks 40-30. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Ryan #Nembhard #totals #assists #Mavericks #roll #BullsApr 12, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Ryan Nembhard (9) dribbles as Chicago Bulls guard Mac McClung (5) defends during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Ryan Nembhard notched the second-most assists in a game in Dallas history as the Mavericks defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls 149-128 on Sunday.

Nembhard fell narrowly short of a triple-double in the season-ending clash, chalking up 15 points, nine rebounds and 23 assists.

Only current Dallas coach Jason Kidd, with 25 assists in February 1996, has registered more for the Mavericks.

John Poulakidas scored a career-best 28 points off the bench for Dallas (26-56), including 8 of 16 from 3-point range.

Tyler Smith and AJ Johnson added 20 each for the Mavs, and Moussa Cisse paired 17 points with a career-high 20 boards.

Cooper Flagg scored 10 points, his stellar rookie campaign ending with 10:11 left in the second quarter after spraining his left ankle on a bad landing while leaping for an offensive rebound.

Rob Dillingham scored 25 for Chicago (31-51). Collin Sexton contributed 19, Leonard Miller had 17, and Lachlan Olbrich added a triple-double, finishing with 10 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists.

Dallas used a 16-0 burst to turn a brief 2-4 deficit into an 18-4 lead and never looked back.


Flagg, Khris Middleton and Max Christie were all prolific as the Mavericks hit 15 of 23 from the floor in a first-quarter offensive blitz.

Cisse threw down a powerful dunk to end the period with Dallas up 45-34.

Smith scored 12 off the Mavericks’ bench in the second frame as the one-way traffic continued.

Dallas dominated the quarter at both ends, 35-22, and held sway 80-56 at halftime.

Dillingham was the only Bull to really offer resistance, contributing 10 in the second period for a 17-point half.

Poulakidas caught fire after the long break, pouring in 22 points for the third quarter, including 6 of 9 from deep.

Behind the rookie’s perimeter shooting, Dallas stormed ahead 115-81 and led 119-88 with one to play, despite Flagg, Middleton and Christie all sitting out the entire second half.

The Bulls saved some face in the fourth quarter, in which they outscored the Mavericks 40-30.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Ryan #Nembhard #totals #assists #Mavericks #roll #Bulls">Deadspin | Ryan Nembhard totals 23 assists as Mavericks roll past Bulls Apr 12, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Ryan Nembhard (9) dribbles as Chicago Bulls guard Mac McClung (5) defends during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Ryan Nembhard notched the second-most assists in a game in Dallas history as the Mavericks defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls 149-128 on Sunday. Nembhard fell narrowly short of a triple-double in the season-ending clash, chalking up 15 points, nine rebounds and 23 assists. Only current Dallas coach Jason Kidd, with 25 assists in February 1996, has registered more for the Mavericks. John Poulakidas scored a career-best 28 points off the bench for Dallas (26-56), including 8 of 16 from 3-point range. Tyler Smith and AJ Johnson added 20 each for the Mavs, and Moussa Cisse paired 17 points with a career-high 20 boards. Cooper Flagg scored 10 points, his stellar rookie campaign ending with 10:11 left in the second quarter after spraining his left ankle on a bad landing while leaping for an offensive rebound. Rob Dillingham scored 25 for Chicago (31-51). Collin Sexton contributed 19, Leonard Miller had 17, and Lachlan Olbrich added a triple-double, finishing with 10 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. Dallas used a 16-0 burst to turn a brief 2-4 deficit into an 18-4 lead and never looked back. Flagg, Khris Middleton and Max Christie were all prolific as the Mavericks hit 15 of 23 from the floor in a first-quarter offensive blitz. Cisse threw down a powerful dunk to end the period with Dallas up 45-34. Smith scored 12 off the Mavericks’ bench in the second frame as the one-way traffic continued. Dallas dominated the quarter at both ends, 35-22, and held sway 80-56 at halftime. Dillingham was the only Bull to really offer resistance, contributing 10 in the second period for a 17-point half. Poulakidas caught fire after the long break, pouring in 22 points for the third quarter, including 6 of 9 from deep. Behind the rookie’s perimeter shooting, Dallas stormed ahead 115-81 and led 119-88 with one to play, despite Flagg, Middleton and Christie all sitting out the entire second half. The Bulls saved some face in the fourth quarter, in which they outscored the Mavericks 40-30. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Ryan #Nembhard #totals #assists #Mavericks #roll #Bulls

Mumbai Indians needs a major rethink after suffering a third consecutive defeat in ​the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday, said captain ‌Hardik Pandya.

Mumbai lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru ​by 18 runs at the Wankhede ⁠Stadium, leaving the five-time champion eighth in the 10-team table with just two points from four matches.

Despite ‌boasting several Twenty20 World Cup-winning players—including Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah ‌and Tilak Varma—Mumbai has struggled to ‌generate ⁠any momentum.

ALSO READ | Bumrah’s wicket-less run an unpleasant confrontation for MI

“A lot of things need ⁠a rethink. But we have to see other options we can have, with the bat and the ball,” Pandya ​said at the ‌post-match presentation.

“We need to still bat and bowl well. If you do that, irrespective of the toss (we should be fine).”

Mumbai’s struggles have been ‌most evident in the PowerPlay.

The lack ​of early wickets and limited support for Bumrah has raised concerns about the ⁠bowling attack, with opponents able to see off the India pacer before targeting the rest.

“Last couple ‌of games, as a bowling and batting unit, we have been catching up. Really need to reflect on what best we can do… and how to get some momentum in the PowerPlay,” Pandya said.

Suryakumar, batting at number ‌three, is not firing on all cylinders while Varma’s ​failures have put more pressure on the batting unit.

Pandya could look at moving ⁠Naman Dhir up the batting order to inject intent ⁠early, while England all-rounder Will Jacks may offer better balance in place of ‌Mitchell Santner.

Mumbai next faces Punjab Kings on Thursday, while third-placed RCB meets Lucknow Super ​Giants on Wednesday. 

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#IPL #lot #rethink #Hardik #Pandya #suffers #consecutive #defeat">IPL 2026: ‘A lot of things need a rethink,’ says Hardik Pandya after MI suffers third consecutive defeat Mumbai Indians needs a major rethink after suffering a third consecutive defeat in ​the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday, said captain ‌Hardik Pandya.Mumbai lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru ​by 18 runs at the Wankhede ⁠Stadium, leaving the five-time champion eighth in the 10-team table with just two points from four matches.Despite ‌boasting several Twenty20 World Cup-winning players—including Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah ‌and Tilak Varma—Mumbai has struggled to ‌generate ⁠any momentum.ALSO READ | Bumrah’s wicket-less run an unpleasant confrontation for MI“A lot of things need ⁠a rethink. But we have to see other options we can have, with the bat and the ball,” Pandya ​said at the ‌post-match presentation.“We need to still bat and bowl well. If you do that, irrespective of the toss (we should be fine).”Mumbai’s struggles have been ‌most evident in the PowerPlay.The lack ​of early wickets and limited support for Bumrah has raised concerns about the ⁠bowling attack, with opponents able to see off the India pacer before targeting the rest.“Last couple ‌of games, as a bowling and batting unit, we have been catching up. Really need to reflect on what best we can do… and how to get some momentum in the PowerPlay,” Pandya said.Suryakumar, batting at number ‌three, is not firing on all cylinders while Varma’s ​failures have put more pressure on the batting unit.Pandya could look at moving ⁠Naman Dhir up the batting order to inject intent ⁠early, while England all-rounder Will Jacks may offer better balance in place of ‌Mitchell Santner.Mumbai next faces Punjab Kings on Thursday, while third-placed RCB meets Lucknow Super ​Giants on Wednesday. Published on Apr 13, 2026 #IPL #lot #rethink #Hardik #Pandya #suffers #consecutive #defeat

Bumrah’s wicket-less run an unpleasant confrontation for MI

“A lot of things need ⁠a rethink. But we have to see other options we can have, with the bat and the ball,” Pandya ​said at the ‌post-match presentation.

“We need to still bat and bowl well. If you do that, irrespective of the toss (we should be fine).”

Mumbai’s struggles have been ‌most evident in the PowerPlay.

The lack ​of early wickets and limited support for Bumrah has raised concerns about the ⁠bowling attack, with opponents able to see off the India pacer before targeting the rest.

“Last couple ‌of games, as a bowling and batting unit, we have been catching up. Really need to reflect on what best we can do… and how to get some momentum in the PowerPlay,” Pandya said.

Suryakumar, batting at number ‌three, is not firing on all cylinders while Varma’s ​failures have put more pressure on the batting unit.

Pandya could look at moving ⁠Naman Dhir up the batting order to inject intent ⁠early, while England all-rounder Will Jacks may offer better balance in place of ‌Mitchell Santner.

Mumbai next faces Punjab Kings on Thursday, while third-placed RCB meets Lucknow Super ​Giants on Wednesday. 

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#IPL #lot #rethink #Hardik #Pandya #suffers #consecutive #defeat">IPL 2026: ‘A lot of things need a rethink,’ says Hardik Pandya after MI suffers third consecutive defeat

Mumbai Indians needs a major rethink after suffering a third consecutive defeat in ​the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday, said captain ‌Hardik Pandya.

Mumbai lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru ​by 18 runs at the Wankhede ⁠Stadium, leaving the five-time champion eighth in the 10-team table with just two points from four matches.

Despite ‌boasting several Twenty20 World Cup-winning players—including Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah ‌and Tilak Varma—Mumbai has struggled to ‌generate ⁠any momentum.

ALSO READ | Bumrah’s wicket-less run an unpleasant confrontation for MI

“A lot of things need ⁠a rethink. But we have to see other options we can have, with the bat and the ball,” Pandya ​said at the ‌post-match presentation.

“We need to still bat and bowl well. If you do that, irrespective of the toss (we should be fine).”

Mumbai’s struggles have been ‌most evident in the PowerPlay.

The lack ​of early wickets and limited support for Bumrah has raised concerns about the ⁠bowling attack, with opponents able to see off the India pacer before targeting the rest.

“Last couple ‌of games, as a bowling and batting unit, we have been catching up. Really need to reflect on what best we can do… and how to get some momentum in the PowerPlay,” Pandya said.

Suryakumar, batting at number ‌three, is not firing on all cylinders while Varma’s ​failures have put more pressure on the batting unit.

Pandya could look at moving ⁠Naman Dhir up the batting order to inject intent ⁠early, while England all-rounder Will Jacks may offer better balance in place of ‌Mitchell Santner.

Mumbai next faces Punjab Kings on Thursday, while third-placed RCB meets Lucknow Super ​Giants on Wednesday. 

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#IPL #lot #rethink #Hardik #Pandya #suffers #consecutive #defeat

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