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Deadspin | Bruins defeat Blue Jackets in James Hagens’s debut Apr 12, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli (19) takes the puck away from Boston Bruins center Mark Kastelic (47) during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images Sean Kuraly scored and set up two others, leading the Boston Bruins to a 3-2 win over the host Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday night. Boston (44-27-10, 98 points) clinched an Eastern Conference wild-card berth on Saturday. The first wild-card seed is still within reach with the Bruins battling the Senators for seeding. Henri Jokiharju and Mark Kastelic added a goal and a helper each for Boston, which swept the three-game season series against Columbus and snapped a five-game skid overall (0-3-2). Joonas Korpisalo made 35 saves in the win. Mason Marchment and Adam Fantilli responded for the Blue Jackets (40-29-12, 92 points). With the loss, Columbus’ chances at the third seed in the Metropolitan Division took a substantial blow. Jet Greaves stopped 19 shots. Kastelic scored the eventual game-winner at 10:22 of the third, putting his shot from a bad angle far-side past Greaves for his 10th of the season. Fantilli tied it 2-2, on a breakaway, snapping a shot glove side past Korpisalo for his 24th at 1:27 of the third. Boston took a 2-1 lead with just 19 seconds remaining in the middle frame as Jokiharju snapped a Kuraly feed short-side past a screened Greaves for his second of the season. With the secondary assist, James Hagens (19 years, 160 days) scored a point in his NHL debut. Marchment opened the scoring at 3:59, redirecting a Dante Fabbro point shot at the side of the net past Korpisalo for his 19th of the season. Boston responded at 10:31 on their first shot of the game as Mark Kastelic’s tip of Henri Jokiharju’s point shot went off the skate of Kuraly and in for his sixth of the season. Sunday was the third and final meeting of the season between the Blue Jackets and Bruins. Boston doubled up Columbus 4-2 on Feb. 26 before squeezing out a 4-3 shootout victory on March 29. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bruins #defeat #Blue #Jackets #James #Hagenss #debut

Deadspin | Bruins defeat Blue Jackets in James Hagens’s debut
Deadspin | Bruins defeat Blue Jackets in James Hagens’s debut Apr 12, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli (19) takes the puck away from Boston Bruins center Mark Kastelic (47) during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images Sean Kuraly scored and set up two others, leading the Boston Bruins to a 3-2 win over the host Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday night. Boston (44-27-10, 98 points) clinched an Eastern Conference wild-card berth on Saturday. The first wild-card seed is still within reach with the Bruins battling the Senators for seeding. Henri Jokiharju and Mark Kastelic added a goal and a helper each for Boston, which swept the three-game season series against Columbus and snapped a five-game skid overall (0-3-2). Joonas Korpisalo made 35 saves in the win. Mason Marchment and Adam Fantilli responded for the Blue Jackets (40-29-12, 92 points). With the loss, Columbus’ chances at the third seed in the Metropolitan Division took a substantial blow. Jet Greaves stopped 19 shots. Kastelic scored the eventual game-winner at 10:22 of the third, putting his shot from a bad angle far-side past Greaves for his 10th of the season. Fantilli tied it 2-2, on a breakaway, snapping a shot glove side past Korpisalo for his 24th at 1:27 of the third. Boston took a 2-1 lead with just 19 seconds remaining in the middle frame as Jokiharju snapped a Kuraly feed short-side past a screened Greaves for his second of the season. With the secondary assist, James Hagens (19 years, 160 days) scored a point in his NHL debut. Marchment opened the scoring at 3:59, redirecting a Dante Fabbro point shot at the side of the net past Korpisalo for his 19th of the season. Boston responded at 10:31 on their first shot of the game as Mark Kastelic’s tip of Henri Jokiharju’s point shot went off the skate of Kuraly and in for his sixth of the season. Sunday was the third and final meeting of the season between the Blue Jackets and Bruins. Boston doubled up Columbus 4-2 on Feb. 26 before squeezing out a 4-3 shootout victory on March 29. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bruins #defeat #Blue #Jackets #James #Hagenss #debutApr 12, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli (19) takes the puck away from Boston Bruins center Mark Kastelic (47) during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images

Sean Kuraly scored and set up two others, leading the Boston Bruins to a 3-2 win over the host Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday night.

Boston (44-27-10, 98 points) clinched an Eastern Conference wild-card berth on Saturday. The first wild-card seed is still within reach with the Bruins battling the Senators for seeding.

Henri Jokiharju and Mark Kastelic added a goal and a helper each for Boston, which swept the three-game season series against Columbus and snapped a five-game skid overall (0-3-2).

Joonas Korpisalo made 35 saves in the win.

Mason Marchment and Adam Fantilli responded for the Blue Jackets (40-29-12, 92 points). With the loss, Columbus’ chances at the third seed in the Metropolitan Division took a substantial blow.

Jet Greaves stopped 19 shots.

Kastelic scored the eventual game-winner at 10:22 of the third, putting his shot from a bad angle far-side past Greaves for his 10th of the season.


Fantilli tied it 2-2, on a breakaway, snapping a shot glove side past Korpisalo for his 24th at 1:27 of the third.

Boston took a 2-1 lead with just 19 seconds remaining in the middle frame as Jokiharju snapped a Kuraly feed short-side past a screened Greaves for his second of the season.

With the secondary assist, James Hagens (19 years, 160 days) scored a point in his NHL debut.

Marchment opened the scoring at 3:59, redirecting a Dante Fabbro point shot at the side of the net past Korpisalo for his 19th of the season.

Boston responded at 10:31 on their first shot of the game as Mark Kastelic’s tip of Henri Jokiharju’s point shot went off the skate of Kuraly and in for his sixth of the season.

Sunday was the third and final meeting of the season between the Blue Jackets and Bruins.

Boston doubled up Columbus 4-2 on Feb. 26 before squeezing out a 4-3 shootout victory on March 29.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Bruins #defeat #Blue #Jackets #James #Hagenss #debut

Sports news

Apr 12, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli (19) takes the puck away from Boston Bruins center Mark Kastelic (47) during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images

Sean Kuraly scored and set up two others, leading the Boston Bruins to a 3-2 win over the host Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday night.

Boston (44-27-10, 98 points) clinched an Eastern Conference wild-card berth on Saturday. The first wild-card seed is still within reach with the Bruins battling the Senators for seeding.

Henri Jokiharju and Mark Kastelic added a goal and a helper each for Boston, which swept the three-game season series against Columbus and snapped a five-game skid overall (0-3-2).

Joonas Korpisalo made 35 saves in the win.

Mason Marchment and Adam Fantilli responded for the Blue Jackets (40-29-12, 92 points). With the loss, Columbus’ chances at the third seed in the Metropolitan Division took a substantial blow.

Jet Greaves stopped 19 shots.

Kastelic scored the eventual game-winner at 10:22 of the third, putting his shot from a bad angle far-side past Greaves for his 10th of the season.

Fantilli tied it 2-2, on a breakaway, snapping a shot glove side past Korpisalo for his 24th at 1:27 of the third.

Boston took a 2-1 lead with just 19 seconds remaining in the middle frame as Jokiharju snapped a Kuraly feed short-side past a screened Greaves for his second of the season.

With the secondary assist, James Hagens (19 years, 160 days) scored a point in his NHL debut.

Marchment opened the scoring at 3:59, redirecting a Dante Fabbro point shot at the side of the net past Korpisalo for his 19th of the season.

Boston responded at 10:31 on their first shot of the game as Mark Kastelic’s tip of Henri Jokiharju’s point shot went off the skate of Kuraly and in for his sixth of the season.

Sunday was the third and final meeting of the season between the Blue Jackets and Bruins.

Boston doubled up Columbus 4-2 on Feb. 26 before squeezing out a 4-3 shootout victory on March 29.

–Field Level Media

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In times of war in Iran, Amir Hossein Zare inspires optimism with wrestling gold <div id="content-body-70856219" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Iranian wrestler Amir Hossein Abbas Zare has no shortage of laurels.</p><p>The 25-year-old, who competes in the men’s 125kg freestyle division, is the reigning world champion – a title he’s won three times. He’s also a two-time Olympic medallist, with a bronze from Tokyo and a silver at the 2024 Games in Paris.</p><p>Of all these medals, Zare counts the gold he won on Sunday evening — in Bishkek at the Asian Championships — as the one that means the most to him</p><p>“This gold medal is 100 per cent the most emotional one for him. I was able to win this despite the situation my country is in,” Zare said after beating Bahrain’s Shamil Sharipov 4-0 to claim the Asian 125kg freestyle title.</p><p>The past few weeks have indeed been difficult for Zare’s nation.</p><p>Attacks by the USA and Israel in early March have affected thousands of civilians and have led to widespread destruction of infrastructure across the country.</p><p>The Iranian wrestling community has not been unscathed. The national camp before the Asian Championships, which was initially to be held in Tehran, was shifted to Mazandaran, on the Caspian coast in the north of the country, after the Iranian capital was made subject to heavy bombings.</p><p>The national home of Iranian wrestling — Azadi Indoor Stadium — in Tehran was also destroyed in a bombing.</p><div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/gk1t3k/article70856231.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/GettyImages-2266375783.jpg" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/gk1t3k/article70856231.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/GettyImages-2266375783.jpg" alt="Rows of destroyed seating visible among the debris of the Azadi Sports Complex indoor arena in Tehran, following a wave of strikes by the United States and Israel in mid-March 2026." title="Rows of destroyed seating visible among the debris of the Azadi Sports Complex indoor arena in Tehran, following a wave of strikes by the United States and Israel in mid-March 2026." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> Rows of destroyed seating visible among the debris of the Azadi Sports Complex indoor arena in Tehran, following a wave of strikes by the United States and Israel in mid-March 2026. | Photo Credit: Getty Images </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"> Rows of destroyed seating visible among the debris of the Azadi Sports Complex indoor arena in Tehran, following a wave of strikes by the United States and Israel in mid-March 2026. | Photo Credit: Getty Images </p></div><p>“It was a very difficult situation because Tehran, which is the base of our national teams, was under bombardment and the war that was imposed on us caused even our home and the base of our national teams to be damaged,” says Iranian freestyle chief coach Pejman Dorostkar.</p><p>“The security situation was very poor. We spent many days trying to find a safe place to practise. With the help of the head of the federation, we were able to find a place to practice in the north of Iran (Mazandaran). But we were nowhere close to the kind of readiness and calm we needed to be before a major competition,” he added.</p><p>While Mazandaran, some 200 kilometres north of Tehran, was spared attack, Dorostkar says it was still hard to keep their minds on training. “It was a very difficult situation. It was something that we hadn’t ever faced before. We were in a state of war. Our country was under bombardment. Our guys were worried about their families,” he says.</p><p><b>RELATED | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/other-sports/azadi-stadium-bombed-in-iran-us-israel-war-national-sports-complex-tehram-attacked-demolished/article70715186.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran: Azadi Indoor Stadium demolished by air strikes in Tehran</a></b></p><p>As the war raged on, Zare says the team tried to be there for each other.</p><p>“All the guys in the team supported each other. We cheered for each other. We also understood, however hard it was, that what we were doing, it wasn’t harder than what others were facing. We were wrestling. They were having bombs dropped on them.</p><p>“There were children who were martyred. There were young people who were killed and people who were made homeless. There were people in the cities and on the border who slept with stress. They faced things that were much harder than anything we faced. With their love, we faced whatever challenges we had to face,” he says.</p><p>Missiles were still flying (the ceasefire between Iran and the USA was only brokered one day into the start of the Asian Championships) when the team left for Bishkek – a challenge in itself.</p><p>With every international airport in Iran heavily bombed, and the transport hub of Dubai declaring that Iranians were not permitted to use transit facilities, Dorostkar says the team had to travel by road to leave the country. “We were on the bus for 22 hours on the way from the north to the border,” says Dorostkar.</p><p>Despite the nature of their preparation, it says something of the standard of wrestling in that country that Iran still managed to win team titles in both the Greco-Roman and Freestyle categories at the Asian Championships.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Winning for the people</h4><p>Zare, who won Iran’s final gold medal of the tournament, says nothing less would have done.</p><p>“We are not rich people. But we will always perform at the highest level against any competition. We have a tradition of wrestling. Our coaches protected and guided us. If it wasn’t for who we are, we wouldn’t have been able to form a team and even come to this competition. We have pride in our country. This pride gives us a sense of nationalism,” he says.</p><p>After Zare secured his win and then held his country’s flag aloft, he says he was thinking of his countrymen. “I know whenever I fight, the people of my country support me. That is what gives me strength. For me, lifting the flag is the least I can do,” he says.</p><div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/3dt5hx/article70856222.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/GettyImages-2234881457.jpg" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/3dt5hx/article70856222.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/GettyImages-2234881457.jpg" alt="File photo: Amir Hossein Zare celebrated his win by holding Iran’s flag aloft and spared a thought for his countrymen, who were bearing the brunt of the war back home." title="File photo: Amir Hossein Zare celebrated his win by holding Iran’s flag aloft and spared a thought for his countrymen, who were bearing the brunt of the war back home." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p><b>File photo: </b>Amir Hossein Zare celebrated his win by holding Iran’s flag aloft and spared a thought for his countrymen, who were bearing the brunt of the war back home. | Photo Credit: Getty Images </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"><b>File photo: </b>Amir Hossein Zare celebrated his win by holding Iran’s flag aloft and spared a thought for his countrymen, who were bearing the brunt of the war back home. | Photo Credit: Getty Images </p></div><p>While he is uncertain about the future, there is also a sense of defiance.</p><p>“I don’t know what will happen in the future. Only God knows what will happen. I’m not sure whether it will be good for the people of Iran or not. So many children have died. So many innocent people have died. I have nothing to do with any sect or political side, but I condemn every form of oppression in the world. Our country was attacked. We did not attack anyone’s country. Our country is miles away from the United States,” he says.</p><p>“It has nothing to do with whether you want to enter our region or rule it, no matter how rich or powerful you are. And we are Iranian. In my opinion, my country has done the right thing and responded well to the actions against it. I don’t want even a little bit of my country’s soil to be lost. I want the borders of my country to be preserved. Iran will be the winner of this war,” he says.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Uncertain future</h4><p>As his team returns home, Coach Dorostkar rues the damage to his shattered nation but also remains optimistic about the future. The damage dealt to Tehran’s Azadi stadium following a bombing on March 5, at the start of the war, he feels is emblematic of the destruction his country will have to recover from.</p><p>“Azadi Stadium was a piece of history. I don’t know why they attacked it. In war, you aren’t supposed to attack stadiums. You don’t attack historic places. Azadi Stadium was something that held a lot of memories for the people of Iran, and especially the wrestlers who have competed there. There have been five World Cups that were held in this venue,” he says.</p><p>“We became champions of the world twice in that venue. But we are not worried. Our enemies can’t cut out our roots (for the sport). That stadium will be rebuilt. it will be better, and I hope we will be champions again.”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 13, 2026</p></div> #times #war #Iran #Amir #Hossein #Zare #inspires #optimism #wrestling #gold

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Deadspin | Mercury re-sign Kahleah Copper, DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas Oct 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) shoots the ball against the Las Vegas Aces in the second half during game three of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Phoenix Mercury, after a run to the WNBA Finals in 2025, announced on Sunday the re-signing of core players Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and Sami Whitcomb. Copper, 31, averaged 15.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 26.9 minutes in 28 regular-season games (all starts) in her second season with Phoenix. The guard also averaged 17.8 points in starting 11 playoff games. “Kahleah is a true leader, on and off the court, one of the most explosive athletes in our game and competes with a relentless edge and toughness,” general manager Nick U’Ren said in a statement. “Her impact on both ends of the court and ability to deliver in the biggest moments make her truly special.” ESPN reported that Copper’s contract is for two years. For her career, the four-time All-Star averages 12.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 24.1 minutes in 319 games (203 starts) for the Washington Mystics (2016), Chicago Sky (2017-23) and Mercury (2024-present). Washington selected Copper seventh overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft out of Rutgers. She was the WNBA Finals MVP for the 2021 champion Chicago Sky. A six-time All-Star, Bonner, 38, won league titles with the Mercury in 2009 and 2014 and was All-WNBA first team in 2015 and second team in 2020. She was thr Sixth Player of the Year for three straight seasons (2009-11). Bonner was waived by the Indiana Fever on June 25, 2025, and signed with the Mercury on July 8. She posted combined averages of 9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 23.6 minutes in 33 games (four starts) last season, including 24 (one start) for the Mercury. “Having DeWanna back in a Mercury uniform is incredibly meaningful to our organization,” U’Ren said. “She brings a championship mindset, elite skillset and the kind of leadership that defines winning teams.” Bonner ranks third on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list (7,807 points) as well as in games played (535) and free throws (1,938). For her career, Bonner averages 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 30.0 minutes for the Mercury (2009-19, 2025), Connecticut Sun (2020-24) and Fever (2025). Thomas, 34, averaged 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 31.3 minutes in starting all 39 regular-season games she played in her first campaign with the Mercury in 2025. The forward also averaged 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists in starting all 11 playoff games. The six-time All-Star has been selected first-team All-WNBA three times and to the All-Defensive first or second team seven times. Thomas recorded an WNBA single-season record eight triple-doubles in 2025 and set the league mark with 357 assists. “Alyssa is a generational player, natural leader and one of the fiercest competitors our sport has seen, and we’re excited to have her back in Phoenix,” U’Ren said. “Her ability to control the game on both ends and elevate her teammates helped fuel our run to the finals last season.” Whitcomb, 37, averaged 9.1 points while hitting 38.5% of her shots from the floor, including 36.1% from long range as she made a team-high 86 3-pointers in 43 games (20 starts) with Phoenix. For her career, Whitcomb averages 7.2 points and makes 39.2% from the field and 36.1% from distance range in 307 games (89 starts) for the Seattle Storm (2017-20, 2023-24), Liberty (2021-22) and Mercury. The guard won league titles with the Storm in 2018 and 2020. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mercury #resign #Kahleah #Copper #DeWanna #Bonner #Alyssa #ThomasOct 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) shoots the ball against the Las Vegas Aces in the second half during game three of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Phoenix Mercury, after a run to the WNBA Finals in 2025, announced on Sunday the re-signing of core players Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and Sami Whitcomb.

Copper, 31, averaged 15.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 26.9 minutes in 28 regular-season games (all starts) in her second season with Phoenix. The guard also averaged 17.8 points in starting 11 playoff games.

“Kahleah is a true leader, on and off the court, one of the most explosive athletes in our game and competes with a relentless edge and toughness,” general manager Nick U’Ren said in a statement. “Her impact on both ends of the court and ability to deliver in the biggest moments make her truly special.”

ESPN reported that Copper’s contract is for two years.

For her career, the four-time All-Star averages 12.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 24.1 minutes in 319 games (203 starts) for the Washington Mystics (2016), Chicago Sky (2017-23) and Mercury (2024-present).

Washington selected Copper seventh overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft out of Rutgers. She was the WNBA Finals MVP for the 2021 champion Chicago Sky.

A six-time All-Star, Bonner, 38, won league titles with the Mercury in 2009 and 2014 and was All-WNBA first team in 2015 and second team in 2020. She was thr Sixth Player of the Year for three straight seasons (2009-11).

Bonner was waived by the Indiana Fever on June 25, 2025, and signed with the Mercury on July 8.

She posted combined averages of 9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 23.6 minutes in 33 games (four starts) last season, including 24 (one start) for the Mercury.


“Having DeWanna back in a Mercury uniform is incredibly meaningful to our organization,” U’Ren said. “She brings a championship mindset, elite skillset and the kind of leadership that defines winning teams.”

Bonner ranks third on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list (7,807 points) as well as in games played (535) and free throws (1,938).

For her career, Bonner averages 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 30.0 minutes for the Mercury (2009-19, 2025), Connecticut Sun (2020-24) and Fever (2025).

Thomas, 34, averaged 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 31.3 minutes in starting all 39 regular-season games she played in her first campaign with the Mercury in 2025. The forward also averaged 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists in starting all 11 playoff games.

The six-time All-Star has been selected first-team All-WNBA three times and to the All-Defensive first or second team seven times.

Thomas recorded an WNBA single-season record eight triple-doubles in 2025 and set the league mark with 357 assists.

“Alyssa is a generational player, natural leader and one of the fiercest competitors our sport has seen, and we’re excited to have her back in Phoenix,” U’Ren said. “Her ability to control the game on both ends and elevate her teammates helped fuel our run to the finals last season.”

Whitcomb, 37, averaged 9.1 points while hitting 38.5% of her shots from the floor, including 36.1% from long range as she made a team-high 86 3-pointers in 43 games (20 starts) with Phoenix.

For her career, Whitcomb averages 7.2 points and makes 39.2% from the field and 36.1% from distance range in 307 games (89 starts) for the Seattle Storm (2017-20, 2023-24), Liberty (2021-22) and Mercury. The guard won league titles with the Storm in 2018 and 2020.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Mercury #resign #Kahleah #Copper #DeWanna #Bonner #Alyssa #Thomas">Deadspin | Mercury re-sign Kahleah Copper, DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas Oct 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) shoots the ball against the Las Vegas Aces in the second half during game three of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Phoenix Mercury, after a run to the WNBA Finals in 2025, announced on Sunday the re-signing of core players Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and Sami Whitcomb. Copper, 31, averaged 15.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 26.9 minutes in 28 regular-season games (all starts) in her second season with Phoenix. The guard also averaged 17.8 points in starting 11 playoff games. “Kahleah is a true leader, on and off the court, one of the most explosive athletes in our game and competes with a relentless edge and toughness,” general manager Nick U’Ren said in a statement. “Her impact on both ends of the court and ability to deliver in the biggest moments make her truly special.” ESPN reported that Copper’s contract is for two years. For her career, the four-time All-Star averages 12.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 24.1 minutes in 319 games (203 starts) for the Washington Mystics (2016), Chicago Sky (2017-23) and Mercury (2024-present). Washington selected Copper seventh overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft out of Rutgers. She was the WNBA Finals MVP for the 2021 champion Chicago Sky. A six-time All-Star, Bonner, 38, won league titles with the Mercury in 2009 and 2014 and was All-WNBA first team in 2015 and second team in 2020. She was thr Sixth Player of the Year for three straight seasons (2009-11). Bonner was waived by the Indiana Fever on June 25, 2025, and signed with the Mercury on July 8. She posted combined averages of 9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 23.6 minutes in 33 games (four starts) last season, including 24 (one start) for the Mercury. “Having DeWanna back in a Mercury uniform is incredibly meaningful to our organization,” U’Ren said. “She brings a championship mindset, elite skillset and the kind of leadership that defines winning teams.” Bonner ranks third on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list (7,807 points) as well as in games played (535) and free throws (1,938). For her career, Bonner averages 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 30.0 minutes for the Mercury (2009-19, 2025), Connecticut Sun (2020-24) and Fever (2025). Thomas, 34, averaged 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 31.3 minutes in starting all 39 regular-season games she played in her first campaign with the Mercury in 2025. The forward also averaged 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists in starting all 11 playoff games. The six-time All-Star has been selected first-team All-WNBA three times and to the All-Defensive first or second team seven times. Thomas recorded an WNBA single-season record eight triple-doubles in 2025 and set the league mark with 357 assists. “Alyssa is a generational player, natural leader and one of the fiercest competitors our sport has seen, and we’re excited to have her back in Phoenix,” U’Ren said. “Her ability to control the game on both ends and elevate her teammates helped fuel our run to the finals last season.” Whitcomb, 37, averaged 9.1 points while hitting 38.5% of her shots from the floor, including 36.1% from long range as she made a team-high 86 3-pointers in 43 games (20 starts) with Phoenix. For her career, Whitcomb averages 7.2 points and makes 39.2% from the field and 36.1% from distance range in 307 games (89 starts) for the Seattle Storm (2017-20, 2023-24), Liberty (2021-22) and Mercury. The guard won league titles with the Storm in 2018 and 2020. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mercury #resign #Kahleah #Copper #DeWanna #Bonner #Alyssa #Thomas

Soon after checking into the team hotel in Mumbai on Saturday, Krunal Pandya settled into a chair and briefed his hairstylist to “do something different”.

After all, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder was gearing up to face his alma mater — and a side led by his younger brother.

The makeover took 90 minutes, and the result — call it what you will — certainly stood out. It drew curious glances from opponents and fans alike. But while the hairstyle grabbed eyeballs, it was Krunal’s on-field craft that truly made a statement.

Greeting Hardik Pandya with a surprise bouncer, mixing slinging deliveries with his conventional left-arm spin, and varying his pace cleverly, Krunal showcased his uncanny knack for improvisation. His spell of 4-0-26-1 ensured Mumbai Indians was never really in the hunt while chasing the stiff 241-run target set by RCB at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday night.

“I have never shied away from trying different and new things. With the Impact Player rule, previously, without an impact player, you had No. 6 and No. 7 as all-rounders. Batsmanship was quite different, but now, having eight pure batters plus the skill set. You see young boys like Mukul (Choudhary), Vaibhav (Suryavanshi), so many of them are just coming and hitting from ball one consistently.”

Krunal admitted that evolving his skill set has helped him retain relevance in a format increasingly tilted towards the batters.

“As a bowler, I always want to be one step ahead with the skill set as well as with the mental battle. It (variation) has just purely come from that. Whether it is me bending my knee and bowling that ball or a bouncer,” Krunal said.

“I am glad that it is coming out well and hope that in this format, there are finger spinners who will survive and who can take something out of it and do well in this format. Because, for a finger spinner with flat tracks, eight batters, it has become very difficult. I am glad that I have been able to contribute in a nice way.”

The 35-year-old, the only cricketer to win the Player of the Match award in an IPL final twice, also revealed that the bouncer is more instinct than strategy.

“I am someone who follows my gut. I don’t pre-plan that I want to bowl a fourth or fifth, or sixth ball a bouncer. There are days when I will bowl two bouncers back-to-back, and suddenly I will bowl the first ball and the sixth ball. So, there are no such plans, but it is more sort of a gut feeling when to bowl which ball, and I just commit 100 per cent to that,” Krunal said.

“I don’t practise that much, where I go and practise bowling bouncers. It is just that I actually bowl in the game. But yeah, I have been bowling consistently for a long period of time.”

As long as Krunal continues to blend artistry with adaptability, RCB — and perhaps even the fans — won’t mind more “different” hairstyles.

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#Krunal #Pandya #dont #preplan #practise #bouncers #rely #gut #feeling">Krunal Pandya: I don’t pre-plan or practise my bouncers but rely on gut feeling Soon after checking into the team hotel in Mumbai on Saturday, Krunal Pandya settled into a chair and briefed his hairstylist to “do something different”.After all, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder was gearing up to face his alma mater — and a side led by his younger brother.The makeover took 90 minutes, and the result — call it what you will — certainly stood out. It drew curious glances from opponents and fans alike. But while the hairstyle grabbed eyeballs, it was Krunal’s on-field craft that truly made a statement.Greeting Hardik Pandya with a surprise bouncer, mixing slinging deliveries with his conventional left-arm spin, and varying his pace cleverly, Krunal showcased his uncanny knack for improvisation. His spell of 4-0-26-1 ensured Mumbai Indians was never really in the hunt while chasing the stiff 241-run target set by RCB at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday night.“I have never shied away from trying different and new things. With the Impact Player rule, previously, without an impact player, you had No. 6 and No. 7 as all-rounders. Batsmanship was quite different, but now, having eight pure batters plus the skill set. You see young boys like Mukul (Choudhary), Vaibhav (Suryavanshi), so many of them are just coming and hitting from ball one consistently.”Krunal admitted that evolving his skill set has helped him retain relevance in a format increasingly tilted towards the batters.“As a bowler, I always want to be one step ahead with the skill set as well as with the mental battle. It (variation) has just purely come from that. Whether it is me bending my knee and bowling that ball or a bouncer,” Krunal said.“I am glad that it is coming out well and hope that in this format, there are finger spinners who will survive and who can take something out of it and do well in this format. Because, for a finger spinner with flat tracks, eight batters, it has become very difficult. I am glad that I have been able to contribute in a nice way.”The 35-year-old, the only cricketer to win the Player of the Match award in an IPL final twice, also revealed that the bouncer is more instinct than strategy.“I am someone who follows my gut. I don’t pre-plan that I want to bowl a fourth or fifth, or sixth ball a bouncer. There are days when I will bowl two bouncers back-to-back, and suddenly I will bowl the first ball and the sixth ball. So, there are no such plans, but it is more sort of a gut feeling when to bowl which ball, and I just commit 100 per cent to that,” Krunal said.“I don’t practise that much, where I go and practise bowling bouncers. It is just that I actually bowl in the game. But yeah, I have been bowling consistently for a long period of time.”As long as Krunal continues to blend artistry with adaptability, RCB — and perhaps even the fans — won’t mind more “different” hairstyles.Published on Apr 13, 2026 #Krunal #Pandya #dont #preplan #practise #bouncers #rely #gut #feeling

Deadspin | NHL roundup: Ducks still in playoff hunt despite OT loss to Canucks Apr 12, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Filip Hronek (17) during the second period against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images Marco Rossi scored with 10 seconds left in overtime as the last-place Vancouver Canucks played the role of spoiler Sunday with a 4-3 victory over the host Anaheim Ducks, who needed a win to snap a seven-year playoff drought. Rossi rifled a slapshot past Ducks goalie Lukas Dostal after taking a pass from Jake DeBrusk for the Canucks’ second power-play goal of the contest. The Ducks’ (42-32-6, 90 points) next chance to punch their ticket to the postseason with a win will be Tuesday when they visit the Minnesota Wild. Brock Boeser, Curtis Douglas and DeBrusk also scored and Rossi added an assist for the Canucks, who won their second straight game. Goaltender Nikita Tolopilo made 24 saves for Vancouver, which improved to 24-48-8, with 56 points. Cutter Gauthier scored two goals, Leo Carlsson scored one and Chris Kreider added two assists for the Ducks, who were trying to punch their ticket to the postseason for the first time since 2018. Goaltender Dostal made 22 saves for Anaheim. Flames 4, Mammoth 1 Brayden Pachal scored his first goal of the season and added two assists, and host Calgary beat Utah. Matt Coronato, Connor Zary and Mikael Backlund also scored for the Flames, who had lost three straight and are eliminated from playoff contention. Dustin Wolf made 28 saves. In two wins versus Utah this season, Wolf stopped 56 of 57 shots. Lawson Crouse scored his 23rd goal of the season for the Mammoth, who have clinched a playoff berth and lead the Los Angeles Kings by three points for the first wild card in the Western Conference. The Kings have played one fewer game, but Utah holds the regulation wins tiebreaker (32-21). Vitek Vanecek made 19 saves. Capitals 3, Penguins 0 Logan Thompson stopped 24 shots in his fourth shutout of the season and Connor McMichael scored a pair and added an assist in Washington’s victory over visiting Pittsburgh. Trevor van Riemsdyk added his third goal of the season for the Capitals, while Martin Fehervary assisted on a pair and Ryan Leonard, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Alex Ovechkin each added an assist. It may have marked the final home game for the 40-year-old Ovechkin, who has been mum about his plans. Stuart Skinner made 23 saves on 25 shots for the Penguins, who lost their second straight. Bruins 3, Blue Jackets 2 Sean Kuraly scored and set up two others, leading Boston to a win over host Columbus. Boston clinched an Eastern Conference wild-card berth on Saturday. The first wild-card seed is still within reach with the Bruins battling the Senators for seeding. Henri Jokiharju and Mark Kastelic added a goal and a helper each for Boston, which swept the three-game season series against Columbus and snapped a five-game skid overall (0-3-2). Mason Marchment and Adam Fantilli responded for the Blue Jackets. With the loss, Columbus’ chances at the third seed in the Metropolitan Division took a substantial blow. Jet Greaves stopped 19 shots. Canadiens 4, Islanders 1 Nick Suzuki, Ivan Demidov and Alex Newhook scored in a 55-second span late in the second period for Montreal, which eliminated collapsed New York from playoff contention in Elmont, N.Y. Jacob Fowler made 30 saves while Zachary Bolduc scored with 14.7 seconds left in the third for the playoff-bound Canadiens, who maintained their hopes of winning the Atlantic Division or finishing second and earning home ice in the first round. The Canadiens are tied for first with the Buffalo Sabres, two points ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Montreal does not have the regulation wins tiebreaker over either team. Casey Cizikas scored in the third for the Islanders, who occupied a playoff spot for most of the season before losing nine of their past 13 (4-9-0). New York entered the weekend one point behind the third-place Philadelphia Flyers in the Metropolitan Division but had its hopes damaged in a 3-0 loss to the Ottawa Senators Saturday afternoon. Devils 4, Senators 3 (OT) Nico Hischier scored a power-play goal with 1:42 remaining in overtime and New Jersey earned a victory over Ottawa in Newark, N.J. Hischier collected two goals and an assist and finished off his fifth three-point game of the season by getting to the net after winning an offensive zone faceoff from Shane Pinto. Jack Hughes notched two assists to reach 50 assists for the second time in his career as the Devils improved to 14-7-1 in their past 22 games. Ottawa countered New Jersey’s early lead with three goals in a span of 6:32 during the second period. Reimer made 26 saves for the Senators, who saw a four-game winning streak stopped and are one point behind Boston for the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. If the teams finish tied, Ottawa would win the tiebreaker due to their 37 regulation wins. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NHL #roundup #Ducks #playoff #hunt #loss #CanucksApr 12, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Filip Hronek (17) during the second period against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images

Marco Rossi scored with 10 seconds left in overtime as the last-place Vancouver Canucks played the role of spoiler Sunday with a 4-3 victory over the host Anaheim Ducks, who needed a win to snap a seven-year playoff drought.

Rossi rifled a slapshot past Ducks goalie Lukas Dostal after taking a pass from Jake DeBrusk for the Canucks’ second power-play goal of the contest.

The Ducks’ (42-32-6, 90 points) next chance to punch their ticket to the postseason with a win will be Tuesday when they visit the Minnesota Wild.

Brock Boeser, Curtis Douglas and DeBrusk also scored and Rossi added an assist for the Canucks, who won their second straight game. Goaltender Nikita Tolopilo made 24 saves for Vancouver, which improved to 24-48-8, with 56 points.

Cutter Gauthier scored two goals, Leo Carlsson scored one and Chris Kreider added two assists for the Ducks, who were trying to punch their ticket to the postseason for the first time since 2018. Goaltender Dostal made 22 saves for Anaheim.

Flames 4, Mammoth 1

Brayden Pachal scored his first goal of the season and added two assists, and host Calgary beat Utah.

Matt Coronato, Connor Zary and Mikael Backlund also scored for the Flames, who had lost three straight and are eliminated from playoff contention. Dustin Wolf made 28 saves. In two wins versus Utah this season, Wolf stopped 56 of 57 shots.

Lawson Crouse scored his 23rd goal of the season for the Mammoth, who have clinched a playoff berth and lead the Los Angeles Kings by three points for the first wild card in the Western Conference. The Kings have played one fewer game, but Utah holds the regulation wins tiebreaker (32-21). Vitek Vanecek made 19 saves.

Capitals 3, Penguins 0

Logan Thompson stopped 24 shots in his fourth shutout of the season and Connor McMichael scored a pair and added an assist in Washington’s victory over visiting Pittsburgh.

Trevor van Riemsdyk added his third goal of the season for the Capitals, while Martin Fehervary assisted on a pair and Ryan Leonard, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Alex Ovechkin each added an assist. It may have marked the final home game for the 40-year-old Ovechkin, who has been mum about his plans.


Stuart Skinner made 23 saves on 25 shots for the Penguins, who lost their second straight.

Bruins 3, Blue Jackets 2

Sean Kuraly scored and set up two others, leading Boston to a win over host Columbus.

Boston clinched an Eastern Conference wild-card berth on Saturday. The first wild-card seed is still within reach with the Bruins battling the Senators for seeding. Henri Jokiharju and Mark Kastelic added a goal and a helper each for Boston, which swept the three-game season series against Columbus and snapped a five-game skid overall (0-3-2).

Mason Marchment and Adam Fantilli responded for the Blue Jackets. With the loss, Columbus’ chances at the third seed in the Metropolitan Division took a substantial blow. Jet Greaves stopped 19 shots.

Canadiens 4, Islanders 1

Nick Suzuki, Ivan Demidov and Alex Newhook scored in a 55-second span late in the second period for Montreal, which eliminated collapsed New York from playoff contention in Elmont, N.Y.

Jacob Fowler made 30 saves while Zachary Bolduc scored with 14.7 seconds left in the third for the playoff-bound Canadiens, who maintained their hopes of winning the Atlantic Division or finishing second and earning home ice in the first round. The Canadiens are tied for first with the Buffalo Sabres, two points ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Montreal does not have the regulation wins tiebreaker over either team.

Casey Cizikas scored in the third for the Islanders, who occupied a playoff spot for most of the season before losing nine of their past 13 (4-9-0). New York entered the weekend one point behind the third-place Philadelphia Flyers in the Metropolitan Division but had its hopes damaged in a 3-0 loss to the Ottawa Senators Saturday afternoon.

Devils 4, Senators 3 (OT)

Nico Hischier scored a power-play goal with 1:42 remaining in overtime and New Jersey earned a victory over Ottawa in Newark, N.J.

Hischier collected two goals and an assist and finished off his fifth three-point game of the season by getting to the net after winning an offensive zone faceoff from Shane Pinto. Jack Hughes notched two assists to reach 50 assists for the second time in his career as the Devils improved to 14-7-1 in their past 22 games.

Ottawa countered New Jersey’s early lead with three goals in a span of 6:32 during the second period. Reimer made 26 saves for the Senators, who saw a four-game winning streak stopped and are one point behind Boston for the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. If the teams finish tied, Ottawa would win the tiebreaker due to their 37 regulation wins.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NHL #roundup #Ducks #playoff #hunt #loss #Canucks">Deadspin | NHL roundup: Ducks still in playoff hunt despite OT loss to Canucks Apr 12, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Filip Hronek (17) during the second period against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images Marco Rossi scored with 10 seconds left in overtime as the last-place Vancouver Canucks played the role of spoiler Sunday with a 4-3 victory over the host Anaheim Ducks, who needed a win to snap a seven-year playoff drought. Rossi rifled a slapshot past Ducks goalie Lukas Dostal after taking a pass from Jake DeBrusk for the Canucks’ second power-play goal of the contest. The Ducks’ (42-32-6, 90 points) next chance to punch their ticket to the postseason with a win will be Tuesday when they visit the Minnesota Wild. Brock Boeser, Curtis Douglas and DeBrusk also scored and Rossi added an assist for the Canucks, who won their second straight game. Goaltender Nikita Tolopilo made 24 saves for Vancouver, which improved to 24-48-8, with 56 points. Cutter Gauthier scored two goals, Leo Carlsson scored one and Chris Kreider added two assists for the Ducks, who were trying to punch their ticket to the postseason for the first time since 2018. Goaltender Dostal made 22 saves for Anaheim. Flames 4, Mammoth 1 Brayden Pachal scored his first goal of the season and added two assists, and host Calgary beat Utah. Matt Coronato, Connor Zary and Mikael Backlund also scored for the Flames, who had lost three straight and are eliminated from playoff contention. Dustin Wolf made 28 saves. In two wins versus Utah this season, Wolf stopped 56 of 57 shots. Lawson Crouse scored his 23rd goal of the season for the Mammoth, who have clinched a playoff berth and lead the Los Angeles Kings by three points for the first wild card in the Western Conference. The Kings have played one fewer game, but Utah holds the regulation wins tiebreaker (32-21). Vitek Vanecek made 19 saves. Capitals 3, Penguins 0 Logan Thompson stopped 24 shots in his fourth shutout of the season and Connor McMichael scored a pair and added an assist in Washington’s victory over visiting Pittsburgh. Trevor van Riemsdyk added his third goal of the season for the Capitals, while Martin Fehervary assisted on a pair and Ryan Leonard, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Alex Ovechkin each added an assist. It may have marked the final home game for the 40-year-old Ovechkin, who has been mum about his plans. Stuart Skinner made 23 saves on 25 shots for the Penguins, who lost their second straight. Bruins 3, Blue Jackets 2 Sean Kuraly scored and set up two others, leading Boston to a win over host Columbus. Boston clinched an Eastern Conference wild-card berth on Saturday. The first wild-card seed is still within reach with the Bruins battling the Senators for seeding. Henri Jokiharju and Mark Kastelic added a goal and a helper each for Boston, which swept the three-game season series against Columbus and snapped a five-game skid overall (0-3-2). Mason Marchment and Adam Fantilli responded for the Blue Jackets. With the loss, Columbus’ chances at the third seed in the Metropolitan Division took a substantial blow. Jet Greaves stopped 19 shots. Canadiens 4, Islanders 1 Nick Suzuki, Ivan Demidov and Alex Newhook scored in a 55-second span late in the second period for Montreal, which eliminated collapsed New York from playoff contention in Elmont, N.Y. Jacob Fowler made 30 saves while Zachary Bolduc scored with 14.7 seconds left in the third for the playoff-bound Canadiens, who maintained their hopes of winning the Atlantic Division or finishing second and earning home ice in the first round. The Canadiens are tied for first with the Buffalo Sabres, two points ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Montreal does not have the regulation wins tiebreaker over either team. Casey Cizikas scored in the third for the Islanders, who occupied a playoff spot for most of the season before losing nine of their past 13 (4-9-0). New York entered the weekend one point behind the third-place Philadelphia Flyers in the Metropolitan Division but had its hopes damaged in a 3-0 loss to the Ottawa Senators Saturday afternoon. Devils 4, Senators 3 (OT) Nico Hischier scored a power-play goal with 1:42 remaining in overtime and New Jersey earned a victory over Ottawa in Newark, N.J. Hischier collected two goals and an assist and finished off his fifth three-point game of the season by getting to the net after winning an offensive zone faceoff from Shane Pinto. Jack Hughes notched two assists to reach 50 assists for the second time in his career as the Devils improved to 14-7-1 in their past 22 games. Ottawa countered New Jersey’s early lead with three goals in a span of 6:32 during the second period. Reimer made 26 saves for the Senators, who saw a four-game winning streak stopped and are one point behind Boston for the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. If the teams finish tied, Ottawa would win the tiebreaker due to their 37 regulation wins. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NHL #roundup #Ducks #playoff #hunt #loss #Canucks

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