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Deadspin | Canes not looking past Blackhawks in quest for No. 1 seed  Apr 7, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA;  Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin (74) watches the play against the Boston Bruins during the third period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images   The Carolina Hurricanes clinched the Metropolitan Division title and remained on track to secure home-ice advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs with Tuesday’s overtime victory against visiting Boston.  On Thursday, Carolina (50-22-6, 106 points) will aim to keep its focus as it meets the slumping Chicago Blackhawks in the opener of a four-game road trip to close the regular season.  Atlantic Division foes Tampa Bay, Buffalo and Montreal each entered Wednesday with 102 points and are the Hurricanes’ closest competitors for the top spot in the East.  If defenseman Jaccob Slavin’s reaction to the division crown is any indication, Carolina need not worry about looking ahead.  “We put in a lot of work this season, and to do that is still a big accomplishment,” Slavin said. “But that’s just one step along the way.”  Slavin scored the game-winning goal — his first goal of the season — at 1:13 of overtime to beat Boston 6-5.  Four Hurricanes earned multiple points, as Taylor Hall and Andrei Svechnikov each had a goal and assist and Jackson Blake and Sean Walker both had two assists.  Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour, whose club has won four of five, feels the team is hitting its stride for the stretch run.  “I thought we played really well,” he said. “We had some breakdowns, and we had a couple where they made us pay. But I liked the way our group responded on everything. Overall, it was real positive.”  Chicago (28-36-14, 70 points) has lost six of seven and is in search of its first home victory since March 9.  Thursday marks the start of the Blackhawks’ four-game homestand to conclude the regular season, with each coming against teams that either have clinched playoff berths or remain in contention for wild-card spots.   The Blackhawks are coming off a loss Monday to one such club. The host San Jose Sharks, part of a congested Western Conference wild-card chase, edged the Blackhawks 3-2.  Ryan Donato and Frank Nazar tallied goals for Chicago, while Connor Bedard earned his fourth assist in the past three games.  That raised Bedard’s career points total to 200. He’s the first Blackhawk to achieve the feat before age 20, joining 12 other players in league history, including current players Sidney Crosby and Steven Stamkos.  Bedard had the secondary assist on Donato’s goal in the first period.  “I thought we were moving the puck well. (Bedard) up top works really well. He sees the ice really well,” said Nazar, who added an assist.  Added coach Jeff Blashill: “(Bedard’s) the guy you want with the puck in his hands.”  Blackhawks forward Andrew Mangiapane (upper-body injury) returned against the Sharks after missing the past nine games.  Visiting Chicago edged Carolina 4-3 in a shootout on Jan. 22. Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight stopped 28 shots in regulation and overtime. Ilya Mikheyev had a goal and assist.  Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield (lower body) left the Boston game in the third period, but Brind’Amour didn’t have an immediate update.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Canes #Blackhawks #quest #seed

Deadspin | Canes not looking past Blackhawks in quest for No. 1 seed
Deadspin | Canes not looking past Blackhawks in quest for No. 1 seed  Apr 7, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA;  Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin (74) watches the play against the Boston Bruins during the third period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images   The Carolina Hurricanes clinched the Metropolitan Division title and remained on track to secure home-ice advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs with Tuesday’s overtime victory against visiting Boston.  On Thursday, Carolina (50-22-6, 106 points) will aim to keep its focus as it meets the slumping Chicago Blackhawks in the opener of a four-game road trip to close the regular season.  Atlantic Division foes Tampa Bay, Buffalo and Montreal each entered Wednesday with 102 points and are the Hurricanes’ closest competitors for the top spot in the East.  If defenseman Jaccob Slavin’s reaction to the division crown is any indication, Carolina need not worry about looking ahead.  “We put in a lot of work this season, and to do that is still a big accomplishment,” Slavin said. “But that’s just one step along the way.”  Slavin scored the game-winning goal — his first goal of the season — at 1:13 of overtime to beat Boston 6-5.  Four Hurricanes earned multiple points, as Taylor Hall and Andrei Svechnikov each had a goal and assist and Jackson Blake and Sean Walker both had two assists.  Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour, whose club has won four of five, feels the team is hitting its stride for the stretch run.  “I thought we played really well,” he said. “We had some breakdowns, and we had a couple where they made us pay. But I liked the way our group responded on everything. Overall, it was real positive.”  Chicago (28-36-14, 70 points) has lost six of seven and is in search of its first home victory since March 9.  Thursday marks the start of the Blackhawks’ four-game homestand to conclude the regular season, with each coming against teams that either have clinched playoff berths or remain in contention for wild-card spots.   The Blackhawks are coming off a loss Monday to one such club. The host San Jose Sharks, part of a congested Western Conference wild-card chase, edged the Blackhawks 3-2.  Ryan Donato and Frank Nazar tallied goals for Chicago, while Connor Bedard earned his fourth assist in the past three games.  That raised Bedard’s career points total to 200. He’s the first Blackhawk to achieve the feat before age 20, joining 12 other players in league history, including current players Sidney Crosby and Steven Stamkos.  Bedard had the secondary assist on Donato’s goal in the first period.  “I thought we were moving the puck well. (Bedard) up top works really well. He sees the ice really well,” said Nazar, who added an assist.  Added coach Jeff Blashill: “(Bedard’s) the guy you want with the puck in his hands.”  Blackhawks forward Andrew Mangiapane (upper-body injury) returned against the Sharks after missing the past nine games.  Visiting Chicago edged Carolina 4-3 in a shootout on Jan. 22. Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight stopped 28 shots in regulation and overtime. Ilya Mikheyev had a goal and assist.  Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield (lower body) left the Boston game in the third period, but Brind’Amour didn’t have an immediate update.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Canes #Blackhawks #quest #seedApr 7, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin (74) watches the play against the Boston Bruins during the third period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

The Carolina Hurricanes clinched the Metropolitan Division title and remained on track to secure home-ice advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs with Tuesday’s overtime victory against visiting Boston.

On Thursday, Carolina (50-22-6, 106 points) will aim to keep its focus as it meets the slumping Chicago Blackhawks in the opener of a four-game road trip to close the regular season.

Atlantic Division foes Tampa Bay, Buffalo and Montreal each entered Wednesday with 102 points and are the Hurricanes’ closest competitors for the top spot in the East.

If defenseman Jaccob Slavin’s reaction to the division crown is any indication, Carolina need not worry about looking ahead.

“We put in a lot of work this season, and to do that is still a big accomplishment,” Slavin said. “But that’s just one step along the way.”

Slavin scored the game-winning goal — his first goal of the season — at 1:13 of overtime to beat Boston 6-5.

Four Hurricanes earned multiple points, as Taylor Hall and Andrei Svechnikov each had a goal and assist and Jackson Blake and Sean Walker both had two assists.

Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour, whose club has won four of five, feels the team is hitting its stride for the stretch run.

“I thought we played really well,” he said. “We had some breakdowns, and we had a couple where they made us pay. But I liked the way our group responded on everything. Overall, it was real positive.”

Chicago (28-36-14, 70 points) has lost six of seven and is in search of its first home victory since March 9.


Thursday marks the start of the Blackhawks’ four-game homestand to conclude the regular season, with each coming against teams that either have clinched playoff berths or remain in contention for wild-card spots.

The Blackhawks are coming off a loss Monday to one such club. The host San Jose Sharks, part of a congested Western Conference wild-card chase, edged the Blackhawks 3-2.

Ryan Donato and Frank Nazar tallied goals for Chicago, while Connor Bedard earned his fourth assist in the past three games.

That raised Bedard’s career points total to 200. He’s the first Blackhawk to achieve the feat before age 20, joining 12 other players in league history, including current players Sidney Crosby and Steven Stamkos.

Bedard had the secondary assist on Donato’s goal in the first period.

“I thought we were moving the puck well. (Bedard) up top works really well. He sees the ice really well,” said Nazar, who added an assist.

Added coach Jeff Blashill: “(Bedard’s) the guy you want with the puck in his hands.”

Blackhawks forward Andrew Mangiapane (upper-body injury) returned against the Sharks after missing the past nine games.

Visiting Chicago edged Carolina 4-3 in a shootout on Jan. 22. Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight stopped 28 shots in regulation and overtime. Ilya Mikheyev had a goal and assist.

Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield (lower body) left the Boston game in the third period, but Brind’Amour didn’t have an immediate update.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Canes #Blackhawks #quest #seed

Apr 7, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin (74) watches the play against the Boston Bruins during the third period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

The Carolina Hurricanes clinched the Metropolitan Division title and remained on track to secure home-ice advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs with Tuesday’s overtime victory against visiting Boston.

On Thursday, Carolina (50-22-6, 106 points) will aim to keep its focus as it meets the slumping Chicago Blackhawks in the opener of a four-game road trip to close the regular season.

Atlantic Division foes Tampa Bay, Buffalo and Montreal each entered Wednesday with 102 points and are the Hurricanes’ closest competitors for the top spot in the East.

If defenseman Jaccob Slavin’s reaction to the division crown is any indication, Carolina need not worry about looking ahead.

“We put in a lot of work this season, and to do that is still a big accomplishment,” Slavin said. “But that’s just one step along the way.”

Slavin scored the game-winning goal — his first goal of the season — at 1:13 of overtime to beat Boston 6-5.

Four Hurricanes earned multiple points, as Taylor Hall and Andrei Svechnikov each had a goal and assist and Jackson Blake and Sean Walker both had two assists.

Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour, whose club has won four of five, feels the team is hitting its stride for the stretch run.

“I thought we played really well,” he said. “We had some breakdowns, and we had a couple where they made us pay. But I liked the way our group responded on everything. Overall, it was real positive.”

Chicago (28-36-14, 70 points) has lost six of seven and is in search of its first home victory since March 9.

Thursday marks the start of the Blackhawks’ four-game homestand to conclude the regular season, with each coming against teams that either have clinched playoff berths or remain in contention for wild-card spots.

The Blackhawks are coming off a loss Monday to one such club. The host San Jose Sharks, part of a congested Western Conference wild-card chase, edged the Blackhawks 3-2.

Ryan Donato and Frank Nazar tallied goals for Chicago, while Connor Bedard earned his fourth assist in the past three games.

That raised Bedard’s career points total to 200. He’s the first Blackhawk to achieve the feat before age 20, joining 12 other players in league history, including current players Sidney Crosby and Steven Stamkos.

Bedard had the secondary assist on Donato’s goal in the first period.

“I thought we were moving the puck well. (Bedard) up top works really well. He sees the ice really well,” said Nazar, who added an assist.

Added coach Jeff Blashill: “(Bedard’s) the guy you want with the puck in his hands.”

Blackhawks forward Andrew Mangiapane (upper-body injury) returned against the Sharks after missing the past nine games.

Visiting Chicago edged Carolina 4-3 in a shootout on Jan. 22. Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight stopped 28 shots in regulation and overtime. Ilya Mikheyev had a goal and assist.

Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield (lower body) left the Boston game in the third period, but Brind’Amour didn’t have an immediate update.

–Field Level Media

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Brazil pacer Laura Cardoso becomes first player to pick nine wickets in T20Is <div id="content-body-70842695" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Brazilian pacer Laura Cardoso scripted history on Thursday as she became the first player, man or woman, to take nine wickets in a T20I innings.</p><p>The 21-year-old all-rounder ripped through Lesotho’s batting line-up at the Botswana Cricket Association Oval 2, Gaborone, ending with a brilliant spell of 9/4 (3) which included two maiden overs.</p><p>This has bettered R. Rohmalia’s (Indonesia) spell of seven wickets for no runs against Mongolia in 2024 in the women’s game, and Sonam Yeshey’s (Bhutan) 8/7 spell against Myanmar in 2025 in the men’s game.</p><p>Earlier in the match, Brazil posted a commanding total of 202, powered by impressive knocks from Roberta Avery (48 off 35) and Monnike Machado (69 not out off 41).</p><p>Cardoso’s incredible spell began in the second over when the pacer picked up a hat-trick. She followed it up with four more wickets in the fourth over to take her tally to seven.</p><p>Two additional wickets in the sixth over saw her reach an unprecedented nine wickets in an innings.</p><p>The final wicket was claimed by Marianne Artur, as Lesotho were bowled out for just 13 in 6.2 overs, handing Brazil a massive 189-run victory.</p><p>Cardoso has played 48 T20Is for Brazil and picked up 55 wickets. She made her debut for the Brazilian national team in 2021 against USA.</p><p><i>(With PTI inputs)</i></p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 09, 2026</p></div> #Brazil #pacer #Laura #Cardoso #player #pick #wickets #T20Is

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Verstappen’s race engineer Lambiase to leave Red Bull for McLaren  <div id="content-body-70842658" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Max Verstappen’s long-time Formula One race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase is to leave Red Bull and join McLaren ‌in a supporting role to team principal Andrea Stella.</p><p>There was no immediate ​comment from either team on Thursday, but senior insiders confirmed the move, ⁠first reported in Dutch media, to <i>Reuters</i>.</p><p>The news was also reported by the <i>BBC</i> and <i>Sky Sports</i>, with 2028 given as the likely start date for a man who has been working with ‌Verstappen since 2016 and has played a key role in helping the Dutch driver to four world championships.</p><p>Lambiase, 45, had also been linked with Silverstone-based Aston ‌Martin, whose team principal is former Red Bull star designer Adrian Newey.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Stella set to stay as Principal</h4><p>While Aston Martin has endured a nightmare start to the season, ⁠struggling to even finish races with an uncompetitive Honda engine, McLaren won both titles last year with champion Lando Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri.</p><p>Lambiase is expected to become head of race engineering at McLaren once a ​potentially long period of ‘gardening leave’ comes ‌to an end, with former Ferrari engineer Stella continuing in his position.</p><p>Stella, who worked with Michael Schumacher in a golden era at Ferrari in the early 2000s, has a multi-year contract with McLaren and no intention of returning to Maranello despite some media ‌speculation about his future.</p><p>The close but forthright relationship between Verstappen and ‘GP’ over the ​team radio has become a familiar part of Formula One, similar to the pairing of Lewis Hamilton and Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington during the seven-time world ⁠champion’s spell at Mercedes.</p><p>Former Red Bull boss Christian Horner, fired last July, once compared the relationship to that of “an old married couple arguing about what to watch on television.</p><p><b>READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/motorsport/f1/f1-technical-heads-to-meet-discuss-new-engine-rules-changes-motorsport-news/article70839707.ece" target="_blank">F1 technical heads to meet, discuss new engine rules</a></b></p><p>“The dynamic between ‌the two is so intense that in between you have to ask yourself who is supposed to be the driver and who is supposed to be the engineer here.”</p><p>Losing the Briton will be a blow to Verstappen after the departure of other important figures in recent seasons and once-dominant Red Bull’s waning performance on track, but the 28-year-old has also increasingly cast doubt on his own longevity in the sport.</p><p>“I’m thinking about everything inside ‌this paddock,” he said in Japan last month.</p><p>Verstappen is no fan of the sport’s new engine era and ​rules that force drivers to manage energy deployment and take corners at less than full speed.</p><p>In 2021, when they won a first title together, the ⁠Dutchman went so far as to say that he would not continue without Lambiase.</p><p>“I have said ⁠to him I only work with him. As soon as he stops, I stop too,” he told Dutch broadcaster <i>Ziggo Sport</i>. “We can be pretty strict with ‌each other sometimes, but I want that. He has to tell me when I’m being a jerk, and I have to tell him.”</p><p>McLaren already has former Red Bull ​employees Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay in senior roles as chief designer and sporting director, respectively.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 09, 2026</p></div> #Verstappens #race #engineer #Lambiase #leave #Red #Bull #McLaren

Deadspin | Giants WR Darius Slayton (core surgery) to miss offseason program  New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (18) breaks a tackle attempt by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Corey Ballentine (36) before getting a Big Blue first down, Sunday, January 4, 2026, in East Rutherford.   Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton underwent core muscle surgery after the 2025 season and won’t participate in the majority of the offseason program.   The Giants expect him to be fully cleared for training camp and could still have interest in signing veteran free agent Odell Beckham Jr., the New York Post reported Thursday.   Slayton and fellow wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) are both recovering from surgeries. Nabers went down with a season-ending right knee injury. He had surgery to repair his torn ACL in a September win over the Los Angeles Chargers.   Free agent Wan’Dale Robinson signed with the Tennessee Titans. He led the Giants with 92 receptions for 1,014 yards, more than double the next closest wide receiver’s production (Slayton) in 2025 with Nabers on injured reserve most of the season.   The Giants drafted jumbo wide receiver Malachi Fields (6-foor-4, 200 pounds) in the third round of the 2026 draft, signed free agents Darnell Mooney (Falcons, Bears) and Calvin Austin III (Steelers) and currently list 13 wide receivers on their 90-man offseason roster.   Slayton, 29, had 37 receptions for 538 yards and one touchdown in 2025. He was a fifth-round pick of the Giants in 2019 and has 296 career receptions for 4,435 yards with 22 touchdowns.   –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Giants #Darius #Slayton #core #surgery #offseason #programNew York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (18) breaks a tackle attempt by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Corey Ballentine (36) before getting a Big Blue first down, Sunday, January 4, 2026, in East Rutherford.

Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton underwent core muscle surgery after the 2025 season and won’t participate in the majority of the offseason program.

The Giants expect him to be fully cleared for training camp and could still have interest in signing veteran free agent Odell Beckham Jr., the New York Post reported Thursday.

Slayton and fellow wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) are both recovering from surgeries. Nabers went down with a season-ending right knee injury. He had surgery to repair his torn ACL in a September win over the Los Angeles Chargers.


Free agent Wan’Dale Robinson signed with the Tennessee Titans. He led the Giants with 92 receptions for 1,014 yards, more than double the next closest wide receiver’s production (Slayton) in 2025 with Nabers on injured reserve most of the season.

The Giants drafted jumbo wide receiver Malachi Fields (6-foor-4, 200 pounds) in the third round of the 2026 draft, signed free agents Darnell Mooney (Falcons, Bears) and Calvin Austin III (Steelers) and currently list 13 wide receivers on their 90-man offseason roster.

Slayton, 29, had 37 receptions for 538 yards and one touchdown in 2025. He was a fifth-round pick of the Giants in 2019 and has 296 career receptions for 4,435 yards with 22 touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Giants #Darius #Slayton #core #surgery #offseason #program">Deadspin | Giants WR Darius Slayton (core surgery) to miss offseason program  New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (18) breaks a tackle attempt by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Corey Ballentine (36) before getting a Big Blue first down, Sunday, January 4, 2026, in East Rutherford.   Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton underwent core muscle surgery after the 2025 season and won’t participate in the majority of the offseason program.   The Giants expect him to be fully cleared for training camp and could still have interest in signing veteran free agent Odell Beckham Jr., the New York Post reported Thursday.   Slayton and fellow wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) are both recovering from surgeries. Nabers went down with a season-ending right knee injury. He had surgery to repair his torn ACL in a September win over the Los Angeles Chargers.   Free agent Wan’Dale Robinson signed with the Tennessee Titans. He led the Giants with 92 receptions for 1,014 yards, more than double the next closest wide receiver’s production (Slayton) in 2025 with Nabers on injured reserve most of the season.   The Giants drafted jumbo wide receiver Malachi Fields (6-foor-4, 200 pounds) in the third round of the 2026 draft, signed free agents Darnell Mooney (Falcons, Bears) and Calvin Austin III (Steelers) and currently list 13 wide receivers on their 90-man offseason roster.   Slayton, 29, had 37 receptions for 538 yards and one touchdown in 2025. He was a fifth-round pick of the Giants in 2019 and has 296 career receptions for 4,435 yards with 22 touchdowns.   –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Giants #Darius #Slayton #core #surgery #offseason #program

Deadspin | Lady Byng finalists: Anze Kopitar, Cole Caufield, Jake Sanderson  Apr 21, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images   Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar, Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield and Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson were named the finalists for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy on Thursday.  Kopitar is no stranger to the award, presented annually to the NHL player who best combines sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct and ability. He won the award in 2015-16, 2022-23, 2024-25.  The award, which will be voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association, will be announced at a later date.  Kopitar, 38, recorded 38 points (12 goals, 26 assists) and committed five minor penalties while competing in his 20th and final NHL season. He is bidding to become the first back-to-back winner of the award since Martin St. Louis accomplished the feat for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2009-10 and 2010-11.   Caufield, 25, scored a career-high 51 goals to go along with 88 points and just 14 penalty minutes this season.  Sanderson, 23, totaled 54 points (14 goals, 40 assists) and just eight penalty minutes in 67 games this season.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Lady #Byng #finalists #Anze #Kopitar #Cole #Caufield #Jake #SandersonApr 21, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar, Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield and Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson were named the finalists for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy on Thursday.

Kopitar is no stranger to the award, presented annually to the NHL player who best combines sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct and ability. He won the award in 2015-16, 2022-23, 2024-25.

The award, which will be voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association, will be announced at a later date.


Kopitar, 38, recorded 38 points (12 goals, 26 assists) and committed five minor penalties while competing in his 20th and final NHL season. He is bidding to become the first back-to-back winner of the award since Martin St. Louis accomplished the feat for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2009-10 and 2010-11.

Caufield, 25, scored a career-high 51 goals to go along with 88 points and just 14 penalty minutes this season.

Sanderson, 23, totaled 54 points (14 goals, 40 assists) and just eight penalty minutes in 67 games this season.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Lady #Byng #finalists #Anze #Kopitar #Cole #Caufield #Jake #Sanderson">Deadspin | Lady Byng finalists: Anze Kopitar, Cole Caufield, Jake Sanderson  Apr 21, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images   Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar, Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield and Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson were named the finalists for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy on Thursday.  Kopitar is no stranger to the award, presented annually to the NHL player who best combines sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct and ability. He won the award in 2015-16, 2022-23, 2024-25.  The award, which will be voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association, will be announced at a later date.  Kopitar, 38, recorded 38 points (12 goals, 26 assists) and committed five minor penalties while competing in his 20th and final NHL season. He is bidding to become the first back-to-back winner of the award since Martin St. Louis accomplished the feat for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2009-10 and 2010-11.   Caufield, 25, scored a career-high 51 goals to go along with 88 points and just 14 penalty minutes this season.  Sanderson, 23, totaled 54 points (14 goals, 40 assists) and just eight penalty minutes in 67 games this season.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Lady #Byng #finalists #Anze #Kopitar #Cole #Caufield #Jake #Sanderson

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