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Deadspin | Lightning aim to lock up 1st-round home ice vs. Rangers Apr 9, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN;Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov (86) plays the puck during the second period of the game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images When the Tampa Bay Lightning host the New York Rangers in their regular-season finale Wednesday, they know a matchup against the Montreal Canadiens is ahead in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Whether or not the series begins in the United States or Canada remains in question. Occupying second place in the Atlantic Division, Tampa Bay (50-25-6, 106 points) will be home for Game 1 this weekend if it defeats New York or if Montreal loses in regulation on Tuesday at Philadelphia. The Lightning is tied in the standings with the Canadiens, with the teams awaiting their fifth all-time matchup in the playoffs. They last met in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, in a matchup that was derived out of realigned divisions because of the pandemic. The Lightning hold the home-ice tiebreaker over the Canadiens because of a 40-34 advantage in regulation victories. The Rangers (33-39-9, 75 points) will finish a dreadful campaign last in the Eastern Conference and are 1-1-0 against the Lightning. The previous matchups have been blowouts. New York won 7-3 at Tampa on Nov. 12, while the Lightning returned the favor in a 4-1 win on the road against the Rangers on Thanksgiving weekend. Darker times were ahead for the Rangers after Black Friday. Coach Mike Sullivan’s crew fell out of the wild-card race after going 10-17-5 during a three-month stretch in December, January and a truncated February due to the Winter Olympics. On Monday, the Rangers celebrated the career of retiring goaltender Jonathan Quick, who was starting his final game. However, they lost 3-2 as the Florida Panthers played a defensive-minded game and cashed in three times in their 16 shots and beat the 2011-12 Conn Smythe Trophy winner. “I thought Quicky played well for us,” said Sullivan, whose group all wore the goalie’s No. 32 sweater in warmups. “Obviously, tonight was about a celebration for him. … He’s an inspiration to all of us, just in his example and how he carries himself. In a lot of ways, he personifies what we hope to become as a group. “His work ethic, his attention to detail, just incredible attitude. His professionalism is second to no one’s. … We’re all better that we’ve had the opportunity to work with him.” The Lightning’s 4-3 overtime victory Monday over Detroit helped them keep pace with Montreal after they squandered a two-goal lead entering the third period. Nikita Kucherov scored 27 seconds into overtime on his team’s first possession by finishing a give-and-go created by Brayden Point, leading to a two-on-one rush that produced the victory. Lightning coach Jon Cooper thinks Kucherov should be awarded a second Hart Trophy after winning his first for the 2018-19 season. He leads Tampa Bay in goals (44), assists (86) and points (130). “There are some fabulous players in this league. … He’s pretty darn important to us,” said Cooper after his team put itself in position to control its playoff destination this weekend. “Could you make a case for a bunch of guys? Yes. But I think it’s pretty evident that Kuch has made a name for himself this year, that he should be the guy.” Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy got a toe on Alex DeBrincat’s breakaway try on the first shot in overtime, keeping the match alive and leading to Kucherov’s winner nine seconds later. A strong Vezina Trophy candidate, Vasilevskiy leads the NHL in wins and owns a 39-15-4 record. The 2018-19 Vezina winner boasts a 2.31 goals-against average (second-best in the league) and a .912 save percentage (tied for third). –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Lightning #aim #lock #1stround #home #ice #Rangers

Deadspin | Lightning aim to lock up 1st-round home ice vs. Rangers
Deadspin | Lightning aim to lock up 1st-round home ice vs. Rangers Apr 9, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN;Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov (86) plays the puck during the second period of the game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images When the Tampa Bay Lightning host the New York Rangers in their regular-season finale Wednesday, they know a matchup against the Montreal Canadiens is ahead in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Whether or not the series begins in the United States or Canada remains in question. Occupying second place in the Atlantic Division, Tampa Bay (50-25-6, 106 points) will be home for Game 1 this weekend if it defeats New York or if Montreal loses in regulation on Tuesday at Philadelphia. The Lightning is tied in the standings with the Canadiens, with the teams awaiting their fifth all-time matchup in the playoffs. They last met in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, in a matchup that was derived out of realigned divisions because of the pandemic. The Lightning hold the home-ice tiebreaker over the Canadiens because of a 40-34 advantage in regulation victories. The Rangers (33-39-9, 75 points) will finish a dreadful campaign last in the Eastern Conference and are 1-1-0 against the Lightning. The previous matchups have been blowouts. New York won 7-3 at Tampa on Nov. 12, while the Lightning returned the favor in a 4-1 win on the road against the Rangers on Thanksgiving weekend. Darker times were ahead for the Rangers after Black Friday. Coach Mike Sullivan’s crew fell out of the wild-card race after going 10-17-5 during a three-month stretch in December, January and a truncated February due to the Winter Olympics. On Monday, the Rangers celebrated the career of retiring goaltender Jonathan Quick, who was starting his final game. However, they lost 3-2 as the Florida Panthers played a defensive-minded game and cashed in three times in their 16 shots and beat the 2011-12 Conn Smythe Trophy winner. “I thought Quicky played well for us,” said Sullivan, whose group all wore the goalie’s No. 32 sweater in warmups. “Obviously, tonight was about a celebration for him. … He’s an inspiration to all of us, just in his example and how he carries himself. In a lot of ways, he personifies what we hope to become as a group. “His work ethic, his attention to detail, just incredible attitude. His professionalism is second to no one’s. … We’re all better that we’ve had the opportunity to work with him.” The Lightning’s 4-3 overtime victory Monday over Detroit helped them keep pace with Montreal after they squandered a two-goal lead entering the third period. Nikita Kucherov scored 27 seconds into overtime on his team’s first possession by finishing a give-and-go created by Brayden Point, leading to a two-on-one rush that produced the victory. Lightning coach Jon Cooper thinks Kucherov should be awarded a second Hart Trophy after winning his first for the 2018-19 season. He leads Tampa Bay in goals (44), assists (86) and points (130). “There are some fabulous players in this league. … He’s pretty darn important to us,” said Cooper after his team put itself in position to control its playoff destination this weekend. “Could you make a case for a bunch of guys? Yes. But I think it’s pretty evident that Kuch has made a name for himself this year, that he should be the guy.” Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy got a toe on Alex DeBrincat’s breakaway try on the first shot in overtime, keeping the match alive and leading to Kucherov’s winner nine seconds later. A strong Vezina Trophy candidate, Vasilevskiy leads the NHL in wins and owns a 39-15-4 record. The 2018-19 Vezina winner boasts a 2.31 goals-against average (second-best in the league) and a .912 save percentage (tied for third). –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Lightning #aim #lock #1stround #home #ice #RangersApr 9, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN;Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov (86) plays the puck during the second period of the game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

When the Tampa Bay Lightning host the New York Rangers in their regular-season finale Wednesday, they know a matchup against the Montreal Canadiens is ahead in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Whether or not the series begins in the United States or Canada remains in question.

Occupying second place in the Atlantic Division, Tampa Bay (50-25-6, 106 points) will be home for Game 1 this weekend if it defeats New York or if Montreal loses in regulation on Tuesday at Philadelphia.

The Lightning is tied in the standings with the Canadiens, with the teams awaiting their fifth all-time matchup in the playoffs. They last met in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, in a matchup that was derived out of realigned divisions because of the pandemic.

The Lightning hold the home-ice tiebreaker over the Canadiens because of a 40-34 advantage in regulation victories.

The Rangers (33-39-9, 75 points) will finish a dreadful campaign last in the Eastern Conference and are 1-1-0 against the Lightning.

The previous matchups have been blowouts. New York won 7-3 at Tampa on Nov. 12, while the Lightning returned the favor in a 4-1 win on the road against the Rangers on Thanksgiving weekend.

Darker times were ahead for the Rangers after Black Friday.

Coach Mike Sullivan’s crew fell out of the wild-card race after going 10-17-5 during a three-month stretch in December, January and a truncated February due to the Winter Olympics.


On Monday, the Rangers celebrated the career of retiring goaltender Jonathan Quick, who was starting his final game. However, they lost 3-2 as the Florida Panthers played a defensive-minded game and cashed in three times in their 16 shots and beat the 2011-12 Conn Smythe Trophy winner.

“I thought Quicky played well for us,” said Sullivan, whose group all wore the goalie’s No. 32 sweater in warmups. “Obviously, tonight was about a celebration for him. … He’s an inspiration to all of us, just in his example and how he carries himself. In a lot of ways, he personifies what we hope to become as a group.

“His work ethic, his attention to detail, just incredible attitude. His professionalism is second to no one’s. … We’re all better that we’ve had the opportunity to work with him.”

The Lightning’s 4-3 overtime victory Monday over Detroit helped them keep pace with Montreal after they squandered a two-goal lead entering the third period.

Nikita Kucherov scored 27 seconds into overtime on his team’s first possession by finishing a give-and-go created by Brayden Point, leading to a two-on-one rush that produced the victory.

Lightning coach Jon Cooper thinks Kucherov should be awarded a second Hart Trophy after winning his first for the 2018-19 season. He leads Tampa Bay in goals (44), assists (86) and points (130).

“There are some fabulous players in this league. … He’s pretty darn important to us,” said Cooper after his team put itself in position to control its playoff destination this weekend. “Could you make a case for a bunch of guys? Yes. But I think it’s pretty evident that Kuch has made a name for himself this year, that he should be the guy.”

Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy got a toe on Alex DeBrincat’s breakaway try on the first shot in overtime, keeping the match alive and leading to Kucherov’s winner nine seconds later.

A strong Vezina Trophy candidate, Vasilevskiy leads the NHL in wins and owns a 39-15-4 record. The 2018-19 Vezina winner boasts a 2.31 goals-against average (second-best in the league) and a .912 save percentage (tied for third).

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Lightning #aim #lock #1stround #home #ice #Rangers

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Apr 9, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN;Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov (86) plays the puck during the second period of the game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

When the Tampa Bay Lightning host the New York Rangers in their regular-season finale Wednesday, they know a matchup against the Montreal Canadiens is ahead in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Whether or not the series begins in the United States or Canada remains in question.

Occupying second place in the Atlantic Division, Tampa Bay (50-25-6, 106 points) will be home for Game 1 this weekend if it defeats New York or if Montreal loses in regulation on Tuesday at Philadelphia.

The Lightning is tied in the standings with the Canadiens, with the teams awaiting their fifth all-time matchup in the playoffs. They last met in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, in a matchup that was derived out of realigned divisions because of the pandemic.

The Lightning hold the home-ice tiebreaker over the Canadiens because of a 40-34 advantage in regulation victories.

The Rangers (33-39-9, 75 points) will finish a dreadful campaign last in the Eastern Conference and are 1-1-0 against the Lightning.

The previous matchups have been blowouts. New York won 7-3 at Tampa on Nov. 12, while the Lightning returned the favor in a 4-1 win on the road against the Rangers on Thanksgiving weekend.

Darker times were ahead for the Rangers after Black Friday.

Coach Mike Sullivan’s crew fell out of the wild-card race after going 10-17-5 during a three-month stretch in December, January and a truncated February due to the Winter Olympics.

On Monday, the Rangers celebrated the career of retiring goaltender Jonathan Quick, who was starting his final game. However, they lost 3-2 as the Florida Panthers played a defensive-minded game and cashed in three times in their 16 shots and beat the 2011-12 Conn Smythe Trophy winner.

“I thought Quicky played well for us,” said Sullivan, whose group all wore the goalie’s No. 32 sweater in warmups. “Obviously, tonight was about a celebration for him. … He’s an inspiration to all of us, just in his example and how he carries himself. In a lot of ways, he personifies what we hope to become as a group.

“His work ethic, his attention to detail, just incredible attitude. His professionalism is second to no one’s. … We’re all better that we’ve had the opportunity to work with him.”

The Lightning’s 4-3 overtime victory Monday over Detroit helped them keep pace with Montreal after they squandered a two-goal lead entering the third period.

Nikita Kucherov scored 27 seconds into overtime on his team’s first possession by finishing a give-and-go created by Brayden Point, leading to a two-on-one rush that produced the victory.

Lightning coach Jon Cooper thinks Kucherov should be awarded a second Hart Trophy after winning his first for the 2018-19 season. He leads Tampa Bay in goals (44), assists (86) and points (130).

“There are some fabulous players in this league. … He’s pretty darn important to us,” said Cooper after his team put itself in position to control its playoff destination this weekend. “Could you make a case for a bunch of guys? Yes. But I think it’s pretty evident that Kuch has made a name for himself this year, that he should be the guy.”

Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy got a toe on Alex DeBrincat’s breakaway try on the first shot in overtime, keeping the match alive and leading to Kucherov’s winner nine seconds later.

A strong Vezina Trophy candidate, Vasilevskiy leads the NHL in wins and owns a 39-15-4 record. The 2018-19 Vezina winner boasts a 2.31 goals-against average (second-best in the league) and a .912 save percentage (tied for third).

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Pirates’ Paul Skenes, facing Cubs, pursues fourth straight win Jul 13, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates Paul Skenes (30) speaks before the home run derby at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images Paul Skenes has won each of his past three trips to the mound following a nine-start winless skid. The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner will look to continue his hot streak on Saturday when the Pittsburgh Pirates aim to even their three-game series against the visiting Chicago Cubs. Dansby Swanson had an RBI single in the 10th inning and Seiya Suzuki drew a four-pitch walk with the bases loaded two batters later to fuel the Cubs to a 3-2 victory over the Pirates on Friday. Chicago has won four of its past six games while Pittsburgh has lost four of its past six. Skenes (9-8, 3.43 ERA) won his third straight start on Sunday after allowing one run and striking out eight batters over seven innings in a 7-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. That marked the right-hander’s longest outing since he pitched eight scoreless innings in a 3-1 win over the Colorado Rockies on May 12. “Got some early outs, that helps,” Skenes said following the outing at Cleveland. “Not a ton of long at-bats. It’s just that’s pretty much what it adds up to. If you can get early outs and avoid the nine- or 10-pitch at-bats, it’s a pretty good equation (to) get outs when you need to. It’s a pretty good equation for going deep into games.” Skenes has permitted just five runs while striking out 19 batters in 18 1/3 innings during his winning streak. That run of good fortune for Skenes came on the heels of a stunning 0-6 stretch over nine starts during which the Pirates lost all nine games. Skenes, 24, yielded three runs (one earned) on four hits in 5 1/3 innings in a 7-2 home setback to Chicago on May 28. He fell to 2-3 with a 2.77 ERA in eight career appearances (all starts) versus the Cubs. He would be wise to pitch carefully to Pete Crow-Armstrong, who belted his team-leading 22nd homer in the series opener. Chicago left-hander Shota Imanaga (6-8, 3.91 ERA) will provide the opposition on Saturday. Imanaga scattered six hits over seven scoreless innings in a 10-1 victory over the visiting Minnesota Twins on Sunday. He kept the ball in the park after being taken deep five times in his previous four games and 22 times in his first 19 starts this season. “Shota is going to give up home runs,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “That’s the nature of his arsenal. But when they come and how they come has to be a part of it. He is limiting the home run right now. The walk limitation I’m also a big fan of. He’s done a really good job of that.” Imanaga saw his no-hit bid against Pittsburgh come to an unceremonious end on April 10 after he was removed from the game following six innings. The Japanese hurler threw 68 of 100 pitches for strikes in that contest. Imanaga, 32, is 2-0 with a 0.28 ERA over 32 innings in five career appearances (all starts) versus the Pirates. Pittsburgh’s Bryan Reynolds went 0-for-5 with two strikeouts in the series opener, leaving him 1-for-22 with 12 strikeouts in his past five games. He hit safely in his previous seven games against Chicago this season. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pirates #Paul #Skenes #facing #Cubs #pursues #fourth #straight #winJul 13, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates Paul Skenes (30) speaks before the home run derby at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Paul Skenes has won each of his past three trips to the mound following a nine-start winless skid.

The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner will look to continue his hot streak on Saturday when the Pittsburgh Pirates aim to even their three-game series against the visiting Chicago Cubs.

Dansby Swanson had an RBI single in the 10th inning and Seiya Suzuki drew a four-pitch walk with the bases loaded two batters later to fuel the Cubs to a 3-2 victory over the Pirates on Friday. Chicago has won four of its past six games while Pittsburgh has lost four of its past six.

Skenes (9-8, 3.43 ERA) won his third straight start on Sunday after allowing one run and striking out eight batters over seven innings in a 7-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. That marked the right-hander’s longest outing since he pitched eight scoreless innings in a 3-1 win over the Colorado Rockies on May 12.

“Got some early outs, that helps,” Skenes said following the outing at Cleveland. “Not a ton of long at-bats. It’s just that’s pretty much what it adds up to. If you can get early outs and avoid the nine- or 10-pitch at-bats, it’s a pretty good equation (to) get outs when you need to. It’s a pretty good equation for going deep into games.”

Skenes has permitted just five runs while striking out 19 batters in 18 1/3 innings during his winning streak.

That run of good fortune for Skenes came on the heels of a stunning 0-6 stretch over nine starts during which the Pirates lost all nine games.


Skenes, 24, yielded three runs (one earned) on four hits in 5 1/3 innings in a 7-2 home setback to Chicago on May 28. He fell to 2-3 with a 2.77 ERA in eight career appearances (all starts) versus the Cubs.

He would be wise to pitch carefully to Pete Crow-Armstrong, who belted his team-leading 22nd homer in the series opener.

Chicago left-hander Shota Imanaga (6-8, 3.91 ERA) will provide the opposition on Saturday.

Imanaga scattered six hits over seven scoreless innings in a 10-1 victory over the visiting Minnesota Twins on Sunday. He kept the ball in the park after being taken deep five times in his previous four games and 22 times in his first 19 starts this season.

“Shota is going to give up home runs,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “That’s the nature of his arsenal. But when they come and how they come has to be a part of it. He is limiting the home run right now. The walk limitation I’m also a big fan of. He’s done a really good job of that.”

Imanaga saw his no-hit bid against Pittsburgh come to an unceremonious end on April 10 after he was removed from the game following six innings. The Japanese hurler threw 68 of 100 pitches for strikes in that contest.

Imanaga, 32, is 2-0 with a 0.28 ERA over 32 innings in five career appearances (all starts) versus the Pirates.

Pittsburgh’s Bryan Reynolds went 0-for-5 with two strikeouts in the series opener, leaving him 1-for-22 with 12 strikeouts in his past five games. He hit safely in his previous seven games against Chicago this season.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Pirates #Paul #Skenes #facing #Cubs #pursues #fourth #straight #win">Deadspin | Pirates’ Paul Skenes, facing Cubs, pursues fourth straight win Jul 13, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates Paul Skenes (30) speaks before the home run derby at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images Paul Skenes has won each of his past three trips to the mound following a nine-start winless skid. The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner will look to continue his hot streak on Saturday when the Pittsburgh Pirates aim to even their three-game series against the visiting Chicago Cubs. Dansby Swanson had an RBI single in the 10th inning and Seiya Suzuki drew a four-pitch walk with the bases loaded two batters later to fuel the Cubs to a 3-2 victory over the Pirates on Friday. Chicago has won four of its past six games while Pittsburgh has lost four of its past six. Skenes (9-8, 3.43 ERA) won his third straight start on Sunday after allowing one run and striking out eight batters over seven innings in a 7-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. That marked the right-hander’s longest outing since he pitched eight scoreless innings in a 3-1 win over the Colorado Rockies on May 12. “Got some early outs, that helps,” Skenes said following the outing at Cleveland. “Not a ton of long at-bats. It’s just that’s pretty much what it adds up to. If you can get early outs and avoid the nine- or 10-pitch at-bats, it’s a pretty good equation (to) get outs when you need to. It’s a pretty good equation for going deep into games.” Skenes has permitted just five runs while striking out 19 batters in 18 1/3 innings during his winning streak. That run of good fortune for Skenes came on the heels of a stunning 0-6 stretch over nine starts during which the Pirates lost all nine games. Skenes, 24, yielded three runs (one earned) on four hits in 5 1/3 innings in a 7-2 home setback to Chicago on May 28. He fell to 2-3 with a 2.77 ERA in eight career appearances (all starts) versus the Cubs. He would be wise to pitch carefully to Pete Crow-Armstrong, who belted his team-leading 22nd homer in the series opener. Chicago left-hander Shota Imanaga (6-8, 3.91 ERA) will provide the opposition on Saturday. Imanaga scattered six hits over seven scoreless innings in a 10-1 victory over the visiting Minnesota Twins on Sunday. He kept the ball in the park after being taken deep five times in his previous four games and 22 times in his first 19 starts this season. “Shota is going to give up home runs,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “That’s the nature of his arsenal. But when they come and how they come has to be a part of it. He is limiting the home run right now. The walk limitation I’m also a big fan of. He’s done a really good job of that.” Imanaga saw his no-hit bid against Pittsburgh come to an unceremonious end on April 10 after he was removed from the game following six innings. The Japanese hurler threw 68 of 100 pitches for strikes in that contest. Imanaga, 32, is 2-0 with a 0.28 ERA over 32 innings in five career appearances (all starts) versus the Pirates. Pittsburgh’s Bryan Reynolds went 0-for-5 with two strikeouts in the series opener, leaving him 1-for-22 with 12 strikeouts in his past five games. He hit safely in his previous seven games against Chicago this season. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pirates #Paul #Skenes #facing #Cubs #pursues #fourth #straight #win

WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 16: Sarah Ashlee Barker #3 of the Portland Fire looks on against the Washington Mystics during the second half of the game at CareFirst Arena on July 16, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Sarah Ashlee Barker was amid a career season when she injured her left leg in Wednesday’s game against the Dallas Wings. Two days later, the Fire announced the worst: Barker suffered a torn ACL and will miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season.

Barker was one of the Fire’s standout players, averaging 10.7 points per game, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, while shooting 50.2% from the field and 40% from three. All of those numbers were career bests and substantial jumps from her rookie season with the Los Angeles Sparks.

The 24-year-old was drafted 9th overall after a standout year at Alabama, but was left unprotected in the expansion draft when the Fire and Toronto Tempo joined the WNBA. The Fire ultimately selected Barker, who became a critical part of their early success.

She joins a long list of WNBA players who have torn their ACLs in the past year, a list that includes Chicago Sky guard Rickea Jackson and Fire teammate Sania Feagin, who tore her ACL this month.


#Breakout #WNBA #guard #terrible #injury #news #news">Breakout WNBA guard just got terrible injury news news WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 16: Sarah Ashlee Barker #3 of the Portland Fire looks on against the Washington Mystics during the second half of the game at CareFirst Arena on July 16, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images Sarah Ashlee Barker was amid a career season when she injured her left leg in Wednesday’s game against the Dallas Wings. Two days later, the Fire announced the worst: Barker suffered a torn ACL and will miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season. Barker was one of the Fire’s standout players, averaging 10.7 points per game, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, while shooting 50.2% from the field and 40% from three. All of those numbers were career bests and substantial jumps from her rookie season with the Los Angeles Sparks. OFFICIAL: The Portland Fire announced today that guard Sarah Ashlee Barker underwent an MRI that revealed a torn ACL. Barker will miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season and will undergo surgery to repair the injury. pic.twitter.com/ZNsto6JwR7— Portland Fire (@theportlandfire) July 24, 2026 The 24-year-old was drafted 9th overall after a standout year at Alabama, but was left unprotected in the expansion draft when the Fire and Toronto Tempo joined the WNBA. The Fire ultimately selected Barker, who became a critical part of their early success. She joins a long list of WNBA players who have torn their ACLs in the past year, a list that includes Chicago Sky guard Rickea Jackson and Fire teammate Sania Feagin, who tore her ACL this month. #Breakout #WNBA #guard #terrible #injury #news #news

The 24-year-old was drafted 9th overall after a standout year at Alabama, but was left unprotected in the expansion draft when the Fire and Toronto Tempo joined the WNBA. The Fire ultimately selected Barker, who became a critical part of their early success.

She joins a long list of WNBA players who have torn their ACLs in the past year, a list that includes Chicago Sky guard Rickea Jackson and Fire teammate Sania Feagin, who tore her ACL this month.


#Breakout #WNBA #guard #terrible #injury #news #news">Breakout WNBA guard just got terrible injury news news
Breakout WNBA guard just got terrible injury news news WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 16: Sarah Ashlee Barker #3 of the Portland Fire looks on against the Washington Mystics during the second half of the game at CareFirst Arena on July 16, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images Sarah Ashlee Barker was amid a career season when she injured her left leg in Wednesday’s game against the Dallas Wings. Two days later, the Fire announced the worst: Barker suffered a torn ACL and will miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season. Barker was one of the Fire’s standout players, averaging 10.7 points per game, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, while shooting 50.2% from the field and 40% from three. All of those numbers were career bests and substantial jumps from her rookie season with the Los Angeles Sparks. OFFICIAL: The Portland Fire announced today that guard Sarah Ashlee Barker underwent an MRI that revealed a torn ACL. Barker will miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season and will undergo surgery to repair the injury. pic.twitter.com/ZNsto6JwR7— Portland Fire (@theportlandfire) July 24, 2026 The 24-year-old was drafted 9th overall after a standout year at Alabama, but was left unprotected in the expansion draft when the Fire and Toronto Tempo joined the WNBA. The Fire ultimately selected Barker, who became a critical part of their early success. She joins a long list of WNBA players who have torn their ACLs in the past year, a list that includes Chicago Sky guard Rickea Jackson and Fire teammate Sania Feagin, who tore her ACL this month. #Breakout #WNBA #guard #terrible #injury #news #news
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 16: Sarah Ashlee Barker #3 of the Portland Fire looks on against the Washington Mystics during the second half of the game at CareFirst Arena on July 16, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Sarah Ashlee Barker was amid a career season when she injured her left leg in Wednesday’s game against the Dallas Wings. Two days later, the Fire announced the worst: Barker suffered a torn ACL and will miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season.

Barker was one of the Fire’s standout players, averaging 10.7 points per game, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, while shooting 50.2% from the field and 40% from three. All of those numbers were career bests and substantial jumps from her rookie season with the Los Angeles Sparks.

The 24-year-old was drafted 9th overall after a standout year at Alabama, but was left unprotected in the expansion draft when the Fire and Toronto Tempo joined the WNBA. The Fire ultimately selected Barker, who became a critical part of their early success.

She joins a long list of WNBA players who have torn their ACLs in the past year, a list that includes Chicago Sky guard Rickea Jackson and Fire teammate Sania Feagin, who tore her ACL this month.


#Breakout #WNBA #guard #terrible #injury #news #news

If you step aside and look beyond India’s Mirabai Chanu, the five-day weightlifting competition of the 2026 Commonwealth Games beginning at the Scottish Event Campus here on Sunday is packed with world-class talent.

The biggest international star is Canada’s Maude Charron in the women’s 63kg category. A two-time Olympic medallist and World Championships medallist, Charron is one of the most accomplished athletes in the field.

Like Mirabai, the 33-year-old is chasing a third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal. Only three men—Precious McKenzie, Louis Martin and David Morgan—have won three successive Commonwealth weightlifting titles. No woman has achieved the feat (hat-trick) since women’s weightlifting was introduced at the Games in 2002. Before then, the sport was contested only by men. Interestingly, at the 2002 CWG, four Indian women—Kunjarani Devi (48kg), Sanamacha Chanu (53kg), Pratima Kumari (63kg) and Shailaja Pujari (75kg)—had won gold.

Another marquee name is England’s Emily Campbell in the women’s +87kg division. Campbell is a two-time Olympic medallist, having won silver at Tokyo 2020 and bronze at Paris 2024, and is among the finest heavyweight lifters in the world. And there is Australia’s Eileen Cikamatana, the defending Commonwealth champion in the 86kg division, who remains a formidable rival.

RELATED | From selling vegetables on a pavement to the Commonwealth Games podium – Jhandu Kumar’s story

There are a handful of Indian men and women who can push themselves for gold, if not silver or bronze. Bindyarani Devi (58kg), Nirupama Devi Seram (63kg), Gyaneswari Yadav (53kg), Ajaya Babu (79kg) and Raja Muthupandi (65kg) represent the next generation of Indian lifters eager to climb the podium and challenge for gold.

Vijay Sharma, chief coach of the Indian weightlifting team, picked Gyaneswari, Ajaya and Muthupandi as young lifters capable of winning medals. “They (youngsters) should do well. Let’s see,” he had earlier told Sportstar. Vijay also warned the Indian weightlifters not to indulge in doping as it “harms our national pride.”

For India, the Glasgow Games should be more than a medal hunt. It is an ideal opportunity for the next generation of lifters to move out of Mirabai’s shadow, prove themselves on an international stage like the CWG and ensure Indian weightlifting’s rich Commonwealth legacy continues.

Published on Jul 25, 2026

#Commonwealth #Games #Indias #nextgen #athletes #search #glory #starstudded #weightlifting #roster">Commonwealth Games 2026: India’s next-gen athletes search for glory in star-studded weightlifting roster If you step aside and look beyond India’s Mirabai Chanu, the five-day weightlifting competition of the 2026 Commonwealth Games beginning at the Scottish Event Campus here on Sunday is packed with world-class talent.The biggest international star is Canada’s Maude Charron in the women’s 63kg category. A two-time Olympic medallist and World Championships medallist, Charron is one of the most accomplished athletes in the field.Like Mirabai, the 33-year-old is chasing a third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal. Only three men—Precious McKenzie, Louis Martin and David Morgan—have won three successive Commonwealth weightlifting titles. No woman has achieved the feat (hat-trick) since women’s weightlifting was introduced at the Games in 2002. Before then, the sport was contested only by men. Interestingly, at the 2002 CWG, four Indian women—Kunjarani Devi (48kg), Sanamacha Chanu (53kg), Pratima Kumari (63kg) and Shailaja Pujari (75kg)—had won gold.Another marquee name is England’s Emily Campbell in the women’s +87kg division. Campbell is a two-time Olympic medallist, having won silver at Tokyo 2020 and bronze at Paris 2024, and is among the finest heavyweight lifters in the world. And there is Australia’s Eileen Cikamatana, the defending Commonwealth champion in the 86kg division, who remains a formidable rival.RELATED | From selling vegetables on a pavement to the Commonwealth Games podium – Jhandu Kumar’s storyThere are a handful of Indian men and women who can push themselves for gold, if not silver or bronze. Bindyarani Devi (58kg), Nirupama Devi Seram (63kg), Gyaneswari Yadav (53kg), Ajaya Babu (79kg) and Raja Muthupandi (65kg) represent the next generation of Indian lifters eager to climb the podium and challenge for gold.Vijay Sharma, chief coach of the Indian weightlifting team, picked Gyaneswari, Ajaya and Muthupandi as young lifters capable of winning medals. “They (youngsters) should do well. Let’s see,” he had earlier told Sportstar. Vijay also warned the Indian weightlifters not to indulge in doping as it “harms our national pride.”For India, the Glasgow Games should be more than a medal hunt. It is an ideal opportunity for the next generation of lifters to move out of Mirabai’s shadow, prove themselves on an international stage like the CWG and ensure Indian weightlifting’s rich Commonwealth legacy continues.Published on Jul 25, 2026 #Commonwealth #Games #Indias #nextgen #athletes #search #glory #starstudded #weightlifting #roster

From selling vegetables on a pavement to the Commonwealth Games podium – Jhandu Kumar’s story

There are a handful of Indian men and women who can push themselves for gold, if not silver or bronze. Bindyarani Devi (58kg), Nirupama Devi Seram (63kg), Gyaneswari Yadav (53kg), Ajaya Babu (79kg) and Raja Muthupandi (65kg) represent the next generation of Indian lifters eager to climb the podium and challenge for gold.

Vijay Sharma, chief coach of the Indian weightlifting team, picked Gyaneswari, Ajaya and Muthupandi as young lifters capable of winning medals. “They (youngsters) should do well. Let’s see,” he had earlier told Sportstar. Vijay also warned the Indian weightlifters not to indulge in doping as it “harms our national pride.”

For India, the Glasgow Games should be more than a medal hunt. It is an ideal opportunity for the next generation of lifters to move out of Mirabai’s shadow, prove themselves on an international stage like the CWG and ensure Indian weightlifting’s rich Commonwealth legacy continues.

Published on Jul 25, 2026

#Commonwealth #Games #Indias #nextgen #athletes #search #glory #starstudded #weightlifting #roster">Commonwealth Games 2026: India’s next-gen athletes search for glory in star-studded weightlifting roster

If you step aside and look beyond India’s Mirabai Chanu, the five-day weightlifting competition of the 2026 Commonwealth Games beginning at the Scottish Event Campus here on Sunday is packed with world-class talent.

The biggest international star is Canada’s Maude Charron in the women’s 63kg category. A two-time Olympic medallist and World Championships medallist, Charron is one of the most accomplished athletes in the field.

Like Mirabai, the 33-year-old is chasing a third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal. Only three men—Precious McKenzie, Louis Martin and David Morgan—have won three successive Commonwealth weightlifting titles. No woman has achieved the feat (hat-trick) since women’s weightlifting was introduced at the Games in 2002. Before then, the sport was contested only by men. Interestingly, at the 2002 CWG, four Indian women—Kunjarani Devi (48kg), Sanamacha Chanu (53kg), Pratima Kumari (63kg) and Shailaja Pujari (75kg)—had won gold.

Another marquee name is England’s Emily Campbell in the women’s +87kg division. Campbell is a two-time Olympic medallist, having won silver at Tokyo 2020 and bronze at Paris 2024, and is among the finest heavyweight lifters in the world. And there is Australia’s Eileen Cikamatana, the defending Commonwealth champion in the 86kg division, who remains a formidable rival.

RELATED | From selling vegetables on a pavement to the Commonwealth Games podium – Jhandu Kumar’s story

There are a handful of Indian men and women who can push themselves for gold, if not silver or bronze. Bindyarani Devi (58kg), Nirupama Devi Seram (63kg), Gyaneswari Yadav (53kg), Ajaya Babu (79kg) and Raja Muthupandi (65kg) represent the next generation of Indian lifters eager to climb the podium and challenge for gold.

Vijay Sharma, chief coach of the Indian weightlifting team, picked Gyaneswari, Ajaya and Muthupandi as young lifters capable of winning medals. “They (youngsters) should do well. Let’s see,” he had earlier told Sportstar. Vijay also warned the Indian weightlifters not to indulge in doping as it “harms our national pride.”

For India, the Glasgow Games should be more than a medal hunt. It is an ideal opportunity for the next generation of lifters to move out of Mirabai’s shadow, prove themselves on an international stage like the CWG and ensure Indian weightlifting’s rich Commonwealth legacy continues.

Published on Jul 25, 2026

#Commonwealth #Games #Indias #nextgen #athletes #search #glory #starstudded #weightlifting #roster

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