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Deadspin | Canadiens ride 3-goal flurry to win, eliminating Isles from playoff race Apr 12, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; Montréal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov (93) tips a shot towards New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) in the first period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alexander Wohl-Imagn Images Nick Suzuki, Ivan Demidov and Alex Newhook scored in a 55-second span late in the second period for the Montreal Canadiens, who eliminated the collapsed New York Islanders from playoff contention with a 4-1 win Sunday night in Elmont, N.Y. Jacob Fowler made 29 saves while Zachary Bolduc scored with 14.7 seconds left in the third for the playoff-bound Canadiens (48-23-10, 106 points), 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 (43-33-5, 91 points), 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. The skid cost head coach Patrick Roy his job April 5. Peter DeBoer fell to 1-2-0 at the helm Sunday. Goalie Ilya Sorokin recorded 18 saves. The Canadiens outshot the Islanders 15-11 before breaking through when Juraj Slafkosky passed into the crease, and Suzuki extended his stick and flicked the puck past Sorokin with 4:04 left in the middle frame. Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer was whistled for high-sticking Cole Caufield moments before the goal to set up the power play that resulted in Demidov’s score 28 seconds later. Suzuki, in the left faceoff circle, dished the puck across the ice and Demidov went to one knee at the goal line before beating Sorokin, who couldn’t sprawl back into position. Newhook completed the flurry with 3:09 remaining. Bolduc chipped the puck to a streaking Newhook, who was well ahead of Cizikas before he bore in on Sorokin and sent a shot beyond his stick shoulder. Cizikas redirected Scott Mayfield’s shot from above the left faceoff circle with 11:15 left. Sorokin exited for the extra skater with 3:30 remaining but the Islanders could get no closer before Bolduc scored an even-strength goal. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Canadiens #ride #3goal #flurry #win #eliminating #Isles #playoff #race

Deadspin | Canadiens ride 3-goal flurry to win, eliminating Isles from playoff race
Deadspin | Canadiens ride 3-goal flurry to win, eliminating Isles from playoff race Apr 12, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; Montréal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov (93) tips a shot towards New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) in the first period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alexander Wohl-Imagn Images Nick Suzuki, Ivan Demidov and Alex Newhook scored in a 55-second span late in the second period for the Montreal Canadiens, who eliminated the collapsed New York Islanders from playoff contention with a 4-1 win Sunday night in Elmont, N.Y. Jacob Fowler made 29 saves while Zachary Bolduc scored with 14.7 seconds left in the third for the playoff-bound Canadiens (48-23-10, 106 points), 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 (43-33-5, 91 points), 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. The skid cost head coach Patrick Roy his job April 5. Peter DeBoer fell to 1-2-0 at the helm Sunday. Goalie Ilya Sorokin recorded 18 saves. The Canadiens outshot the Islanders 15-11 before breaking through when Juraj Slafkosky passed into the crease, and Suzuki extended his stick and flicked the puck past Sorokin with 4:04 left in the middle frame. Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer was whistled for high-sticking Cole Caufield moments before the goal to set up the power play that resulted in Demidov’s score 28 seconds later. Suzuki, in the left faceoff circle, dished the puck across the ice and Demidov went to one knee at the goal line before beating Sorokin, who couldn’t sprawl back into position. Newhook completed the flurry with 3:09 remaining. Bolduc chipped the puck to a streaking Newhook, who was well ahead of Cizikas before he bore in on Sorokin and sent a shot beyond his stick shoulder. Cizikas redirected Scott Mayfield’s shot from above the left faceoff circle with 11:15 left. Sorokin exited for the extra skater with 3:30 remaining but the Islanders could get no closer before Bolduc scored an even-strength goal. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Canadiens #ride #3goal #flurry #win #eliminating #Isles #playoff #raceApr 12, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; Montréal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov (93) tips a shot towards New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) in the first period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alexander Wohl-Imagn Images

Nick Suzuki, Ivan Demidov and Alex Newhook scored in a 55-second span late in the second period for the Montreal Canadiens, who eliminated the collapsed New York Islanders from playoff contention with a 4-1 win Sunday night in Elmont, N.Y.

Jacob Fowler made 29 saves while Zachary Bolduc scored with 14.7 seconds left in the third for the playoff-bound Canadiens (48-23-10, 106 points), 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 (43-33-5, 91 points), 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.

The skid cost head coach Patrick Roy his job April 5. Peter DeBoer fell to 1-2-0 at the helm Sunday.


Goalie Ilya Sorokin recorded 18 saves.

The Canadiens outshot the Islanders 15-11 before breaking through when Juraj Slafkosky passed into the crease, and Suzuki extended his stick and flicked the puck past Sorokin with 4:04 left in the middle frame.

Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer was whistled for high-sticking Cole Caufield moments before the goal to set up the power play that resulted in Demidov’s score 28 seconds later. Suzuki, in the left faceoff circle, dished the puck across the ice and Demidov went to one knee at the goal line before beating Sorokin, who couldn’t sprawl back into position.

Newhook completed the flurry with 3:09 remaining. Bolduc chipped the puck to a streaking Newhook, who was well ahead of Cizikas before he bore in on Sorokin and sent a shot beyond his stick shoulder.

Cizikas redirected Scott Mayfield’s shot from above the left faceoff circle with 11:15 left. Sorokin exited for the extra skater with 3:30 remaining but the Islanders could get no closer before Bolduc scored an even-strength goal.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Canadiens #ride #3goal #flurry #win #eliminating #Isles #playoff #race

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Apr 12, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; Montréal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov (93) tips a shot towards New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) in the first period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alexander Wohl-Imagn Images

Nick Suzuki, Ivan Demidov and Alex Newhook scored in a 55-second span late in the second period for the Montreal Canadiens, who eliminated the collapsed New York Islanders from playoff contention with a 4-1 win Sunday night in Elmont, N.Y.

Jacob Fowler made 29 saves while Zachary Bolduc scored with 14.7 seconds left in the third for the playoff-bound Canadiens (48-23-10, 106 points), 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 (43-33-5, 91 points), 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.

The skid cost head coach Patrick Roy his job April 5. Peter DeBoer fell to 1-2-0 at the helm Sunday.

Goalie Ilya Sorokin recorded 18 saves.

The Canadiens outshot the Islanders 15-11 before breaking through when Juraj Slafkosky passed into the crease, and Suzuki extended his stick and flicked the puck past Sorokin with 4:04 left in the middle frame.

Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer was whistled for high-sticking Cole Caufield moments before the goal to set up the power play that resulted in Demidov’s score 28 seconds later. Suzuki, in the left faceoff circle, dished the puck across the ice and Demidov went to one knee at the goal line before beating Sorokin, who couldn’t sprawl back into position.

Newhook completed the flurry with 3:09 remaining. Bolduc chipped the puck to a streaking Newhook, who was well ahead of Cizikas before he bore in on Sorokin and sent a shot beyond his stick shoulder.

Cizikas redirected Scott Mayfield’s shot from above the left faceoff circle with 11:15 left. Sorokin exited for the extra skater with 3:30 remaining but the Islanders could get no closer before Bolduc scored an even-strength goal.

–Field Level Media

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FIDE Candidates 2026: What is the tie-breaker format in women’s category? <div id="content-body-70850620" itemprop="articleBody"><p>The FIDE Candidates 2026 is advancing to its final stages, and the women’s category in particular has been tightly contested.</p><p>Ahead of Round 11 which will happen on Saturday, April 11, India’s R Vaishali holds a slender lead of 0.5 up top with six points followed by China’s Zhu Jiner and Ukraine’s Anna Muzychuk who are both tied for second place with 5.5 points.</p><div class="fact-box"><h5 class="main-title"> Points table: Women’s Category (Updated until Round 10) </h5><p> 1. R. Vaishali – 6 </p><p> 2. Zhu Jiner – 5.5 </p><p> 2. Anna Muzychuk – 5.5 </p><p> 4. Aleksandra Goryachkina – 5 </p><p> 4. Bibisara Assaubayeva – 5 </p><p> 4. Kateryna Lagno – 5 </p><p> 7. Divya Deshmukh – 4.5 </p><p> 8. Tan Zhongyi – 3.5 </p></div><p>Here are the Tie-Breaker regulations for the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026</p><div class="fact-box"><h5 class="main-title"> Tie-Breaker Regulations </h5><p> If there is a tie for first place after 14 rounds, a playoff to determine the winner shall be played. The play-off may consist of up to three stages. </p><p><b>Stage 1:</b></p><p> a) If there are 2 players tied, after a drawing for colors made on the day of Round 14, a match of two games shall be played with a time control of 15 minutes for each player + 10 seconds increment per move, starting from move 1. </p><p> b) If there are between 3 and 6 players (inclusive) tied, after pairings made on the day of Round 14, a single round robin tournament shall be played with a time control of 15 minutes for each player + 10 seconds increment per move, starting from move 1. </p><p> c) If there are either 7 or 8 players tied, after pairings made on the day of Round 14, a single round robin tournament shall be played with a time control of 10 minutes for each player + 5 seconds increment per move, starting from move 1. </p><p><b>Stage 2: </b>Played among players who remain tied for first place after Stage 1 </p><p> a) If there are 2 players tied, after a drawing for colors, a match of two games shall be played with a time control of 3 minutes for each player + 2 seconds increment per move, starting from move 1. </p><p> b) If there are more than 2 players tied, after new pairings, a single round robin tournament shall be played with a time control of 3 minutes for each player + 2 seconds increment per move, starting from move 1. </p><p><b>Stage 3: </b>Played among players who remain tied for first place after Stage 2 </p><p> a) A knockout tournament shall be played. If there are more than two players, the knockout bracket shall be determined by drawing of lots. Each match shall consist of one game played with a time control of 3 minutes for each player + 2 seconds increment per move, starting from move 1. The colours for the game shall be determined by a drawing of lots. </p><p> b) If the game in clause a) is drawn, another game shall be played with the colors reversed with a time control of 3 minutes for each player + 2 seconds increment per move, starting from move 1. </p><p> c) If the game in clause b) is drawn, then one sudden death game shall be played. </p><p><b>Sudden Death Regulations</b></p><p> • White will have 4 minutes + 2 seconds increment per move, starting from move 1. </p><p> • Both players will submit a time bid – specifying how much starting time they are willing to play with as Black, also with a 2-second increment per move, starting from move 1. A bid cannot be more than 4 minutes. The player who submits the lowest time wins the bid and plays with Black. If the players make exactly the same bid, Black starts with that amount of time; colors will be determined by drawing of lots. </p><p> • If the sudden death game is drawn, Black will win the match. </p></div><div class="fact-box"><h5 class="main-title"> Tie-Breaker Regulations for other positions </h5><p> If a playoff for first place is played, ties for all positions except for first place shall be broken according to the following criteria, in order of priority: </p><p> a) The later round reached in Stage III of the playoff . </p><p> b) The higher number of points scored in Stage II of the playoff. </p><p> c) The higher number of points scored in Stage I of the playoff. </p><p> If there is no tie for first place after 14 rounds, ties for all positions shall be broken according to the following criteria, in order of priority: </p><p> a) Sonneborn-Berger System. </p><p> b) Total number of wins in the tournament. </p><p> c) The results of the games between the players involved in the tie. </p><p> d) Drawing of lots. </p></div><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 13, 2026</p></div> #FIDE #Candidates #tiebreaker #format #womens #category

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Deadspin | Canucks score in OT, leave Ducks still looking for win, playoff berth Apr 12, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Vancouver Canucks left wing Drew O’Connor (18) skates with the puck against Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe (2) 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. Gauthier, the Ducks’ leading scorer, opened the scoring with a power-play goal 3:41 into the first period. Alex Killorn took the initial shot and Kreider got the rebound and backhanded it over to Gauthier, who had an open net for his 39th goal of the season. Canucks enforcer Douglas scored his first NHL goal in his 41st career game at 10:49 to tie it 1-1. Douglas used his long reach to outbattle defenseman Tyson Hinds in the crease and poke a loose puck over the goal line. With the Canucks on the power play, DeBrusk got the tip of the blade of his stick on a Rossi shot and it deflected past the blocker of Dostal at 14:37 of the first to make it 2-1 Vancouver. Boeser scored a short-handed goal at 4:28 of the third period to make it 3-1 for Vancouver. Boeser stole the puck from forward Carlsson at the Canucks’ blue line then raced in alone and beat Dostal with a forehand deke. Just 37 seconds after Boeser’s goal, Gauthier scored his second of the game and 40th of the season, beating Tolopilo with a slap shot to the short side on a power play to cut the Canucks’ lead to 3-2. Carlson redeemed himself, after the miscue on the Canucks’ third goal, by scoring on a backhand at 6:56 of the third to tie it 3-3 and set the stage for overtime. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Canucks #score #leave #Ducks #win #playoff #berthApr 12, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Vancouver Canucks left wing Drew O’Connor (18) skates with the puck against Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe (2) 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.


Gauthier, the Ducks’ leading scorer, opened the scoring with a power-play goal 3:41 into the first period. Alex Killorn took the initial shot and Kreider got the rebound and backhanded it over to Gauthier, who had an open net for his 39th goal of the season.

Canucks enforcer Douglas scored his first NHL goal in his 41st career game at 10:49 to tie it 1-1. Douglas used his long reach to outbattle defenseman Tyson Hinds in the crease and poke a loose puck over the goal line.

With the Canucks on the power play, DeBrusk got the tip of the blade of his stick on a Rossi shot and it deflected past the blocker of Dostal at 14:37 of the first to make it 2-1 Vancouver.

Boeser scored a short-handed goal at 4:28 of the third period to make it 3-1 for Vancouver. Boeser stole the puck from forward Carlsson at the Canucks’ blue line then raced in alone and beat Dostal with a forehand deke.

Just 37 seconds after Boeser’s goal, Gauthier scored his second of the game and 40th of the season, beating Tolopilo with a slap shot to the short side on a power play to cut the Canucks’ lead to 3-2.

Carlson redeemed himself, after the miscue on the Canucks’ third goal, by scoring on a backhand at 6:56 of the third to tie it 3-3 and set the stage for overtime.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Canucks #score #leave #Ducks #win #playoff #berth">Deadspin | Canucks score in OT, leave Ducks still looking for win, playoff berth Apr 12, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Vancouver Canucks left wing Drew O’Connor (18) skates with the puck against Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe (2) 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. Gauthier, the Ducks’ leading scorer, opened the scoring with a power-play goal 3:41 into the first period. Alex Killorn took the initial shot and Kreider got the rebound and backhanded it over to Gauthier, who had an open net for his 39th goal of the season. Canucks enforcer Douglas scored his first NHL goal in his 41st career game at 10:49 to tie it 1-1. Douglas used his long reach to outbattle defenseman Tyson Hinds in the crease and poke a loose puck over the goal line. With the Canucks on the power play, DeBrusk got the tip of the blade of his stick on a Rossi shot and it deflected past the blocker of Dostal at 14:37 of the first to make it 2-1 Vancouver. Boeser scored a short-handed goal at 4:28 of the third period to make it 3-1 for Vancouver. Boeser stole the puck from forward Carlsson at the Canucks’ blue line then raced in alone and beat Dostal with a forehand deke. Just 37 seconds after Boeser’s goal, Gauthier scored his second of the game and 40th of the season, beating Tolopilo with a slap shot to the short side on a power play to cut the Canucks’ lead to 3-2. Carlson redeemed himself, after the miscue on the Canucks’ third goal, by scoring on a backhand at 6:56 of the third to tie it 3-3 and set the stage for overtime. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Canucks #score #leave #Ducks #win #playoff #berth

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

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