Deadspin | NBA roundup: Magic lead from start, down top-seeded Pistons in opener Apr 19, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons guard Caris LeVert (8) in the second half during the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Paolo Banchero collected 23 points and nine rebounds as the visiting Orlando Magic never trailed in upsetting the top-seeded Detroit Pistons 112-101 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series on Sunday. Every Magic starter scored at least 16 points. Franz Wagner supplied 19 points, five rebounds and four assists while Wendell Carter Jr. and Desmond Bane each contributed 17 points and five assists. Jalen Suggs had 16 points, four assists and three steals. The Pistons have lost 11 straight playoff home games dating back to the 2008 Eastern Conference finals. Cade Cunningham carried Detroit with 39 points. Tobias Harris was the only other Piston in double figures with 17 points. All-Star center Jalen Duren attempted only four shots in 33 minutes while being held to eight points and seven rebounds. Orlando shot 48.9% from the field while limiting Detroit to 40.3% shooting. Thunder 119, Suns 84 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points to pace Oklahoma City to a blowout of visiting Phoenix in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series. Gilgeous-Alexander was just 5 of 18 from the field but went 15 of 17 from the free-throw line and had a game-high seven assists. Jalen Williams added 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists in just 29 minutes while Chet Holmgren contributed 16 points. The Suns, who shot just 34.9% from the field, were led by Devin Booker’s 23 points. Dillon Brooks added 18 and Jalen Green 17. The Thunder scored 34 points off 19 Phoenix turnovers. Celtics 123, 76ers 91 Jaylen Brown scored a game-high 26 points and Jayson Tatum added 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists to lead Boston over visiting Philadelphia in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series. Sam Hauser made 4 of 6 attempts from 3-point range to add 12 points for the second-seeded Celtics, who never trailed. Neemias Queta was in foul trouble for much of the game but scored 13 points in 15 minutes of playing time. Seventh-seeded Philadelphia received 21 points with eight assists from Tyrese Maxey and 17 from Paul George. The 76ers shot 38.9% from the floor, including 4 of 23 (17.4%) from 3-point territory. Philadelphia also committed 15 turnovers, which helped Boston hold a 22-3 edge in points off turnovers. Spurs 111, Trail Blazers 98 Victor Wembanyama hit for 35 points in his postseason debut as host San Antonio Spurs outlasted Portland in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series. Wembanyama broke Tim Duncan’s franchise record (32 in 1998) for points in a playoff debut. He led all first-half scorers with 21 points — a league record for most in the first half of an NBA playoff debut going back to 1997, the start of the play-by-play era. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox added 17 points apiece for the Spurs, with Devin Vassell scoring 15 and Luke Kornet hitting for 10. Deni Avdija racked up 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Trail Blazers. Scoot Henderson scored 18, Robert Williams III had 11, Shaedon Sharpe hit for 10 and Jrue Holiday distributed 11 assists along with nine points. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Magic #lead #start #topseeded #Pistons #opener

Deadspin | NBA roundup: Magic lead from start, down top-seeded Pistons in opener
Apr 19, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons guard Caris LeVert (8) in the second half during the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Paolo Banchero collected 23 points and nine rebounds as the visiting Orlando Magic never trailed in upsetting the top-seeded Detroit Pistons 112-101 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series on Sunday.

Every Magic starter scored at least 16 points. Franz Wagner supplied 19 points, five rebounds and four assists while Wendell Carter Jr. and Desmond Bane each contributed 17 points and five assists. Jalen Suggs had 16 points, four assists and three steals.

The Pistons have lost 11 straight playoff home games dating back to the 2008 Eastern Conference finals.

Cade Cunningham carried Detroit with 39 points. Tobias Harris was the only other Piston in double figures with 17 points. All-Star center Jalen Duren attempted only four shots in 33 minutes while being held to eight points and seven rebounds. Orlando shot 48.9% from the field while limiting Detroit to 40.3% shooting.

Thunder 119, Suns 84

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points to pace Oklahoma City to a blowout of visiting Phoenix in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series.

Gilgeous-Alexander was just 5 of 18 from the field but went 15 of 17 from the free-throw line and had a game-high seven assists. Jalen Williams added 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists in just 29 minutes while Chet Holmgren contributed 16 points.

The Suns, who shot just 34.9% from the field, were led by Devin Booker’s 23 points. Dillon Brooks added 18 and Jalen Green 17. The Thunder scored 34 points off 19 Phoenix turnovers.

Celtics 123, 76ers 91

Jaylen Brown scored a game-high 26 points and Jayson Tatum added 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists to lead Boston over visiting Philadelphia in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.

Sam Hauser made 4 of 6 attempts from 3-point range to add 12 points for the second-seeded Celtics, who never trailed. Neemias Queta was in foul trouble for much of the game but scored 13 points in 15 minutes of playing time.

Seventh-seeded Philadelphia received 21 points with eight assists from Tyrese Maxey and 17 from Paul George. The 76ers shot 38.9% from the floor, including 4 of 23 (17.4%) from 3-point territory. Philadelphia also committed 15 turnovers, which helped Boston hold a 22-3 edge in points off turnovers.

Spurs 111, Trail Blazers 98

Victor Wembanyama hit for 35 points in his postseason debut as host San Antonio Spurs outlasted Portland in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series.

Wembanyama broke Tim Duncan’s franchise record (32 in 1998) for points in a playoff debut. He led all first-half scorers with 21 points — a league record for most in the first half of an NBA playoff debut going back to 1997, the start of the play-by-play era. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox added 17 points apiece for the Spurs, with Devin Vassell scoring 15 and Luke Kornet hitting for 10.

Deni Avdija racked up 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Trail Blazers. Scoot Henderson scored 18, Robert Williams III had 11, Shaedon Sharpe hit for 10 and Jrue Holiday distributed 11 assists along with nine points.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Magic #lead #start #topseeded #Pistons #opener

Sports news April 20, 2026

Apr 19, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons guard Caris LeVert (8) in the second half during the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Paolo Banchero collected 23 points and nine rebounds as the visiting Orlando Magic never trailed in upsetting the top-seeded Detroit Pistons 112-101 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series on Sunday.

Every Magic starter scored at least 16 points. Franz Wagner supplied 19 points, five rebounds and four assists while Wendell Carter Jr. and Desmond Bane each contributed 17 points and five assists. Jalen Suggs had 16 points, four assists and three steals.

The Pistons have lost 11 straight playoff home games dating back to the 2008 Eastern Conference finals.

Cade Cunningham carried Detroit with 39 points. Tobias Harris was the only other Piston in double figures with 17 points. All-Star center Jalen Duren attempted only four shots in 33 minutes while being held to eight points and seven rebounds. Orlando shot 48.9% from the field while limiting Detroit to 40.3% shooting.

Thunder 119, Suns 84

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points to pace Oklahoma City to a blowout of visiting Phoenix in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series.

Gilgeous-Alexander was just 5 of 18 from the field but went 15 of 17 from the free-throw line and had a game-high seven assists. Jalen Williams added 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists in just 29 minutes while Chet Holmgren contributed 16 points.

The Suns, who shot just 34.9% from the field, were led by Devin Booker’s 23 points. Dillon Brooks added 18 and Jalen Green 17. The Thunder scored 34 points off 19 Phoenix turnovers.

Celtics 123, 76ers 91

Jaylen Brown scored a game-high 26 points and Jayson Tatum added 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists to lead Boston over visiting Philadelphia in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.

Sam Hauser made 4 of 6 attempts from 3-point range to add 12 points for the second-seeded Celtics, who never trailed. Neemias Queta was in foul trouble for much of the game but scored 13 points in 15 minutes of playing time.

Seventh-seeded Philadelphia received 21 points with eight assists from Tyrese Maxey and 17 from Paul George. The 76ers shot 38.9% from the floor, including 4 of 23 (17.4%) from 3-point territory. Philadelphia also committed 15 turnovers, which helped Boston hold a 22-3 edge in points off turnovers.

Spurs 111, Trail Blazers 98

Victor Wembanyama hit for 35 points in his postseason debut as host San Antonio Spurs outlasted Portland in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series.

Wembanyama broke Tim Duncan’s franchise record (32 in 1998) for points in a playoff debut. He led all first-half scorers with 21 points — a league record for most in the first half of an NBA playoff debut going back to 1997, the start of the play-by-play era. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox added 17 points apiece for the Spurs, with Devin Vassell scoring 15 and Luke Kornet hitting for 10.

Deni Avdija racked up 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Trail Blazers. Scoot Henderson scored 18, Robert Williams III had 11, Shaedon Sharpe hit for 10 and Jrue Holiday distributed 11 assists along with nine points.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Magic #lead #start #topseeded #Pistons #opener

Body of 32-year-old man found floating off Hong Kong park<img src="https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/styles/1280x720/public/d8/images/canvas/2026/04/20/0f7f6aa7-bf82-4b5d-95fa-f6c3d267a46f_356c6289.jpg?itok=zpc36bR-&v=1776661417" /> <div id="">A 32-year-old man was found dead after being spotted floating in waters off a Hong Kong park, with police saying he had a record of mental illness.The force received a report at 6.37am on Monday that the body was floating two to three metres offshore near Tsing Yi Northeast Park on Tam Kon Shan Road.Firefighters recovered the man who was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death will be determined after an autopsy.No suicide note was found at the scene.If you have suicidal thoughts or know someone who is experiencing them, help is available. In Hong Kong, you can dial 18111 for the government-run Mental Health Support Hotline.<div datatype="p" data-qa="Component-Component" class="e8zc9q40 css-1xdhyk6 ec74h0k0">You can also call +852 2896 0000 for The Samaritans or +852 2382 0000 for Suicide Prevention Services. In the US, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For a list of other nations’ helplines, <a rel="nofollow" target="_self" class="e1yy41x40 ef9u0v01 css-1ankfgb ecgc78b0" href="https://ibpf.org/resource/list-of-international-suicide-hotlines/" title="" data-qa="BaseLink-renderAnchor-StyledAnchor">see this page</a>.</div></div>#Body #32yearold #man #floating #Hong #Kong #parkUS, Tsing Yi Northeast Park, Tam Kon Shan Road, Suicide Prevention Services, suicidal thoughts, Mental Health Support Hotline, police, The Samaritans, Hong Kong

What’s Going Wrong for Mumbai Indians In IPL 2026? A poor start to an IPL season is nothing out of the ordinary for Mumbai Indians. Even at its title-winning best, MI often took its own time to find rhythm.That trend appeared to have changed when MI beat Kolkata Knight Riders in its first game of IPL 2026, breaking a 13-year streak of losing its season opener.However, that proved to be a false dawn, as the five-time champion went on to lose its next four games. Old habits die hard.Even five games into the season, the Hardik Pandya-led side is yet to settle on its ideal playing XII. The batting order has been in constant flux, while the bowling set-up has looked unsettled, resulting in the team using 17 players this season. Only Chennai Super Kings has used more (18). The injury to Rohit Sharma has been a big blow to Mumbai Indians.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

The injury to Rohit Sharma has been a big blow to Mumbai Indians.
| Photo Credit:
PTI
Injuries have also played their part. The side was without Hardik against Delhi Capitals and missed Rohit Sharma against Punjab Kings.The imbalance in combination has only been compounded by a lack of contributions.Not a single MI batter features in the top 30 of the run-getters list this season. Openers Ryan Rickelton and Rohit are joint-33rd and are the only ones with more than 120 runs (both 137).The returns from Suryakumar Yadav (106), Hardik (81) and Naman Dhir (109) appear decent only when contrasted with the woeful output from Tilak Varma, who has managed just 43 runs from five innings so far.Despite the absence of a holding figure in the batting unit, MI has scored at a run rate of 10.26, the fourth-best for a team this season.But that scoring rate is completely offset by the team’s generosity with the ball. MI has conceded 11.34 runs per over in IPL 2026. No team in the league’s history has gone at more than 10.28 in a season.Shardul Thakur is the leading wicket-taker for MI in IPL 2026, but his six scalps have come at a very high cost. He has conceded an eye-watering 13.57 runs per over. Jasprit Bumrah, while economical, has been unable to prise out wickets in this IPL so far.
| Photo Credit:
EMMANUAL YOGINI

Jasprit Bumrah, while economical, has been unable to prise out wickets in this IPL so far.
| Photo Credit:
EMMANUAL YOGINI
What has truly dragged down MI’s bowling has been Jasprit Bumrah’s surprising lack of penetration. The Indian pacer has gone wicketless in the first five games. He has been the most economical of MI’s bowlers, going at 8.63 runs per over, but this is also his worst economy rate since IPL 2016.Bumrah’s struggles have come to symbolise the crisis MI finds itself in during the early part of IPL 2026.Skipper Hardik acknowledged the gravity of the situation after his side conceded a seven-wicket defeat to Punjab Kings at home.“To be honest, I don’t have much to say. We need to go back and see where we’re lacking – if it’s individuals, groups or planning and work it out. We need to see if we need to make difficult calls or see if we continue and turn things around. Ownership has to be taken,” said Hardik.Once again, MI has painted itself into a tricky corner, with a playoff spot looking increasingly distant. But if there is any team well-versed in rebounding from such situations, it is MI. If Hardik’s words are to provoke a reaction, the defeat to PBKS could yet prove to be a turning point in IPL 2026.Published on Apr 20, 2026 #Whats #Wrong #Mumbai #Indians #IPL — The injury to Rohit Sharma has been a big blow to Mumbai Indians. | Photo Credit: PTI

#Whats #Wrong #Mumbai #Indians #IPL">

mwasimuddin125 0

A poor start to an IPL season is nothing out of the ordinary for Mumbai Indians. Even at its title-winning best, MI often took its own time to find rhythm.
That trend appeared to have changed when MI beat Kolkata Knight Riders in its first game of IPL 2026, breaking a 13-year streak of losing its season opener.
However, that proved to be a false dawn, as the five-time champion went on to lose its next four games. Old habits die hard.
Even five games into the season, the Hardik Pandya-led side is yet to settle on its ideal playing XII. The batting order has been in constant flux, while the bowling set-up has looked unsettled, resulting in the team using 17 players this season. Only Chennai Super Kings has used more (18).
The injury to Rohit Sharma has been a big blow to Mumbai Indians. | Photo Credit: PTI
The injury to Rohit Sharma has been a big blow to Mumbai Indians. | Photo Credit: PTI
Injuries have also played their part. The side was without Hardik against Delhi Capitals and missed Rohit Sharma against Punjab Kings.
The imbalance in combination has only been compounded by a lack of contributions.
Not a single MI batter features in the top 30 of the run-getters list this season. Openers Ryan Rickelton and Rohit are joint-33rd and are the only ones with more than 120 runs (both 137).
The returns from Suryakumar Yadav (106), Hardik (81) and Naman Dhir (109) appear decent only when contrasted with the woeful output from Tilak Varma, who has managed just 43 runs from five innings so far.
Despite the absence of a holding figure in the batting unit, MI has scored at a run rate of 10.26, the fourth-best for a team this season.
But that scoring rate is completely offset by the team’s generosity with the ball. MI has conceded 11.34 runs per over in IPL 2026. No team in the league’s history has gone at more than 10.28 in a season.
Shardul Thakur is the leading wicket-taker for MI in IPL 2026, but his six scalps have come at a very high cost. He has conceded an eye-watering 13.57 runs per over.
Jasprit Bumrah, while economical, has been unable to prise out wickets in this IPL so far. | Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI
Jasprit Bumrah, while economical, has been unable to prise out wickets in this IPL so far. | Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI
What has truly dragged down MI’s bowling has been Jasprit Bumrah’s surprising lack of penetration. The Indian pacer has gone wicketless in the first five games. He has been the most economical of MI’s bowlers, going at 8.63 runs per over, but this is also his worst economy rate since IPL 2016.
Bumrah’s struggles have come to symbolise the crisis MI finds itself in during the early part of IPL 2026.
Skipper Hardik acknowledged the gravity of the situation after his side conceded a seven-wicket defeat to Punjab Kings at home.
“To be honest, I don’t have much to say. We need to go back and see where we’re lacking – if it’s individuals, groups or planning and work it out. We need to see if we need to make difficult calls or see if we continue and turn things around. Ownership has to be taken,” said Hardik.
Once again, MI has painted itself into a tricky corner, with a playoff spot looking increasingly distant. But if there is any team well-versed in rebounding from such situations, it is MI. If Hardik’s words are to provoke a reaction, the defeat to PBKS could yet prove to be a turning point in IPL 2026.
Published on Apr 20, 2026

#Whats #Wrong #Mumbai #Indians #IPL">What’s Going Wrong for Mumbai Indians In IPL 2026?

A poor start to an IPL season is nothing out of the ordinary for Mumbai Indians. Even at its title-winning best, MI often took its own time to find rhythm.

That trend appeared to have changed when MI beat Kolkata Knight Riders in its first game of IPL 2026, breaking a 13-year streak of losing its season opener.

However, that proved to be a false dawn, as the five-time champion went on to lose its next four games. Old habits die hard.

Even five games into the season, the Hardik Pandya-led side is yet to settle on its ideal playing XII. The batting order has been in constant flux, while the bowling set-up has looked unsettled, resulting in the team using 17 players this season. Only Chennai Super Kings has used more (18).

The injury to Rohit Sharma has been a big blow to Mumbai Indians. | Photo Credit: PTI

The injury to Rohit Sharma has been a big blow to Mumbai Indians. | Photo Credit: PTI

Injuries have also played their part. The side was without Hardik against Delhi Capitals and missed Rohit Sharma against Punjab Kings.

The imbalance in combination has only been compounded by a lack of contributions.

Not a single MI batter features in the top 30 of the run-getters list this season. Openers Ryan Rickelton and Rohit are joint-33rd and are the only ones with more than 120 runs (both 137).

The returns from Suryakumar Yadav (106), Hardik (81) and Naman Dhir (109) appear decent only when contrasted with the woeful output from Tilak Varma, who has managed just 43 runs from five innings so far.

Despite the absence of a holding figure in the batting unit, MI has scored at a run rate of 10.26, the fourth-best for a team this season.

But that scoring rate is completely offset by the team’s generosity with the ball. MI has conceded 11.34 runs per over in IPL 2026. No team in the league’s history has gone at more than 10.28 in a season.

Shardul Thakur is the leading wicket-taker for MI in IPL 2026, but his six scalps have come at a very high cost. He has conceded an eye-watering 13.57 runs per over.

Jasprit Bumrah, while economical, has been unable to prise out wickets in this IPL so far. | Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI

What has truly dragged down MI’s bowling has been Jasprit Bumrah’s surprising lack of penetration. The Indian pacer has gone wicketless in the first five games. He has been the most economical of MI’s bowlers, going at 8.63 runs per over, but this is also his worst economy rate since IPL 2016.

Bumrah’s struggles have come to symbolise the crisis MI finds itself in during the early part of IPL 2026.

Skipper Hardik acknowledged the gravity of the situation after his side conceded a seven-wicket defeat to Punjab Kings at home.

“To be honest, I don’t have much to say. We need to go back and see where we’re lacking – if it’s individuals, groups or planning and work it out. We need to see if we need to make difficult calls or see if we continue and turn things around. Ownership has to be taken,” said Hardik.

Once again, MI has painted itself into a tricky corner, with a playoff spot looking increasingly distant. But if there is any team well-versed in rebounding from such situations, it is MI. If Hardik’s words are to provoke a reaction, the defeat to PBKS could yet prove to be a turning point in IPL 2026.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

#Whats #Wrong #Mumbai #Indians #IPL

Deadspin | Sabres rally past Bruins in 3rd for 1st playoff win since ’11 Apr 19, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Viktor Arvidsson (71) and Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (23) go after a loose puck during the first period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images Tage Thompson scored two of the four goals by the Buffalo Sabres in the final eight minutes of the third period in a 4-3 comeback win against the visiting Boston Bruins in Game 1 of their best-of-seven Eastern Conference first-round series on Sunday night. Mattias Samuelsson and Alex Tuch scored the final two goals and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 17 saves for Buffalo, the Atlantic Division champion that was appearing in its first playoff game in 15 years. Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is Tuesday in Buffalo. David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie each had a goal and two assists, Elias Lindholm also scored and Jeremy Swayman made 34 saves for Boston, the first wild card from the Eastern Conference. Thompson cut it to 2-1 at 12:02 of the third when he pulled the puck out from behind the Boston net and pushed it across the goal line before Swayman could slide over. Thompson recovered the puck below the goal line and went to the side of the crease before sliding the puck under Swayman’s pads to tie it 2-2 at 15:44. Samuelsson then scored with a wrist shot from just above the left hash marks to give the Sabres a 3-2 lead at 16:36. Tuch scored into an empty net with 1:12 left to make it 4-2, which came in handy after Pastrnak scored a power-play goal with eight seconds left to cut it to 4-3. The Bruins took a 1-0 lead at 10:52 of the first period. Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin blocked a shot by Pastrnak from just above the right circle off a rush, but the puck caromed to Geekie in the slot and he scored with a one-timer. Geekie led the Bruins with 39 goals during the regular season. The Sabres went on their second power play after Pavel Zacha was called for holding Alex Tuch, but the best scoring chance belonged to Boston forward Sean Kuraly, who stole a drop pass in the Buffalo zone before he was stopped on a breakaway at 1:41 of the second period. Luukkonen also stopped Pastrnak on two breakaways during the second period to keep it a one-goal deficit. Boston was outshot 13-4 in the second period, however, giving Buffalo a 27-13 edge entering the third, but the Bruins made it 2-0 at 1:08 of the third when Geekie’s shot from the slot hit the right post and the rebound came to Lindholm, who fired it into the net from the right hash marks. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Sabres #rally #Bruins #3rd #1st #playoff #win

#Deadspin #Sabres #rally #Bruins #3rd #1st #playoff #win">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 19, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Viktor Arvidsson (71) and Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (23) go after a loose puck during the first period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Tage Thompson scored two of the four goals by the Buffalo Sabres in the final eight minutes of the third period in a 4-3 comeback win against the visiting Boston Bruins in Game 1 of their best-of-seven Eastern Conference first-round series on Sunday night.

Mattias Samuelsson and Alex Tuch scored the final two goals and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 17 saves for Buffalo, the Atlantic Division champion that was appearing in its first playoff game in 15 years. Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is Tuesday in Buffalo.

David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie each had a goal and two assists, Elias Lindholm also scored and Jeremy Swayman made 34 saves for Boston, the first wild card from the Eastern Conference.

Thompson cut it to 2-1 at 12:02 of the third when he pulled the puck out from behind the Boston net and pushed it across the goal line before Swayman could slide over.

Thompson recovered the puck below the goal line and went to the side of the crease before sliding the puck under Swayman’s pads to tie it 2-2 at 15:44.

Samuelsson then scored with a wrist shot from just above the left hash marks to give the Sabres a 3-2 lead at 16:36.

Tuch scored into an empty net with 1:12 left to make it 4-2, which came in handy after Pastrnak scored a power-play goal with eight seconds left to cut it to 4-3.

The Bruins took a 1-0 lead at 10:52 of the first period.

Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin blocked a shot by Pastrnak from just above the right circle off a rush, but the puck caromed to Geekie in the slot and he scored with a one-timer.

Geekie led the Bruins with 39 goals during the regular season.

The Sabres went on their second power play after Pavel Zacha was called for holding Alex Tuch, but the best scoring chance belonged to Boston forward Sean Kuraly, who stole a drop pass in the Buffalo zone before he was stopped on a breakaway at 1:41 of the second period.

Luukkonen also stopped Pastrnak on two breakaways during the second period to keep it a one-goal deficit.

Boston was outshot 13-4 in the second period, however, giving Buffalo a 27-13 edge entering the third, but the Bruins made it 2-0 at 1:08 of the third when Geekie’s shot from the slot hit the right post and the rebound came to Lindholm, who fired it into the net from the right hash marks.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Sabres #rally #Bruins #3rd #1st #playoff #win">Deadspin | Sabres rally past Bruins in 3rd for 1st playoff win since ’11

Apr 19, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Viktor Arvidsson (71) and Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (23) go after a loose puck during the first period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Tage Thompson scored two of the four goals by the Buffalo Sabres in the final eight minutes of the third period in a 4-3 comeback win against the visiting Boston Bruins in Game 1 of their best-of-seven Eastern Conference first-round series on Sunday night.

Mattias Samuelsson and Alex Tuch scored the final two goals and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 17 saves for Buffalo, the Atlantic Division champion that was appearing in its first playoff game in 15 years. Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is Tuesday in Buffalo.

David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie each had a goal and two assists, Elias Lindholm also scored and Jeremy Swayman made 34 saves for Boston, the first wild card from the Eastern Conference.

Thompson cut it to 2-1 at 12:02 of the third when he pulled the puck out from behind the Boston net and pushed it across the goal line before Swayman could slide over.

Thompson recovered the puck below the goal line and went to the side of the crease before sliding the puck under Swayman’s pads to tie it 2-2 at 15:44.

Samuelsson then scored with a wrist shot from just above the left hash marks to give the Sabres a 3-2 lead at 16:36.

Tuch scored into an empty net with 1:12 left to make it 4-2, which came in handy after Pastrnak scored a power-play goal with eight seconds left to cut it to 4-3.

The Bruins took a 1-0 lead at 10:52 of the first period.

Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin blocked a shot by Pastrnak from just above the right circle off a rush, but the puck caromed to Geekie in the slot and he scored with a one-timer.

Geekie led the Bruins with 39 goals during the regular season.

The Sabres went on their second power play after Pavel Zacha was called for holding Alex Tuch, but the best scoring chance belonged to Boston forward Sean Kuraly, who stole a drop pass in the Buffalo zone before he was stopped on a breakaway at 1:41 of the second period.

Luukkonen also stopped Pastrnak on two breakaways during the second period to keep it a one-goal deficit.

Boston was outshot 13-4 in the second period, however, giving Buffalo a 27-13 edge entering the third, but the Bruins made it 2-0 at 1:08 of the third when Geekie’s shot from the slot hit the right post and the rebound came to Lindholm, who fired it into the net from the right hash marks.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Sabres #rally #Bruins #3rd #1st #playoff #win

Defending champion John Korir returns to the Boston Marathon on Monday aiming for a fourth straight marathon crown after adding victories in Chicago and Valencia last year.

The Kenyan, who overcame an early fall to clock the third-fastest time ever in Boston — with a timing of 2:04.45 — can expect a strong challenge from 2021 winner Benson Kipruto as well as Alphonce Felix Simbu and Cybrian Kotut, who finished second and third last year.

Kenya’s Kipruto, who won the New York City Marathon last year to complete his collection of all the US World Marathon Majors, is the fastest man in the field with a personal best of 2:02.16.

Simbu followed his runner-up finish in Boston, 19 seconds behind Korir, with a victory in the World Championships marathon in Tokyo.

Korir thinks the quality of the field augurs a fast race on Monday.

“I think if I had someone to push me last year, we would have been very close to the course record,” Korir, who clocked a blistering 2:02:24 in Valencia in December, told the Boston Globe.

“If everything goes good this year, it is in my mind to go for it,” added the Kenyan, who is vying to become the first man to repeat as champion since Evans Chebet won in 2022 and 2023.

Women’s champion Sharon Lokedi is also going for a repeat a year after she clocked 2:17:22 to slice more than two minutes off the course record.

She ended the two-year reign of fellow Kenyan Hellen Obiri and said her strategy this year will be much the same.

“I believe in consistency, and what works is what I’ve always been doing,” said Lokedi, who also won the New York City Marathon in November.

Lokedi’s top challengers include fellow Kenyan Irine Cheptai, who was fourth in Boston last year, and Ethiopian Workenesh Edesa, who won the Osaka and Hamburg marathons last year.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

#Boston #Marathon #Korir #Lokedi #defend #titles #USA">

Boston Marathon 2026 — Korir, Lokedi look to defend titles in USA Defending champion John Korir returns to the Boston Marathon on Monday aiming for a fourth straight marathon crown after adding victories in Chicago and Valencia last year.The Kenyan, who overcame an early fall to clock the third-fastest time ever in Boston — with a timing of 2:04.45 — can expect a strong challenge from 2021 winner Benson Kipruto as well as Alphonce Felix Simbu and Cybrian Kotut, who finished second and third last year.Kenya’s Kipruto, who won the New York City Marathon last year to complete his collection of all the US World Marathon Majors, is the fastest man in the field with a personal best of 2:02.16.Simbu followed his runner-up finish in Boston, 19 seconds behind Korir, with a victory in the World Championships marathon in Tokyo.Korir thinks the quality of the field augurs a fast race on Monday.“I think if I had someone to push me last year, we would have been very close to the course record,” Korir, who clocked a blistering 2:02:24 in Valencia in December, told the Boston Globe.“If everything goes good this year, it is in my mind to go for it,” added the Kenyan, who is vying to become the first man to repeat as champion since Evans Chebet won in 2022 and 2023.Women’s champion Sharon Lokedi is also going for a repeat a year after she clocked 2:17:22 to slice more than two minutes off the course record.She ended the two-year reign of fellow Kenyan Hellen Obiri and said her strategy this year will be much the same.“I believe in consistency, and what works is what I’ve always been doing,” said Lokedi, who also won the New York City Marathon in November.Lokedi’s top challengers include fellow Kenyan Irine Cheptai, who was fourth in Boston last year, and Ethiopian Workenesh Edesa, who won the Osaka and Hamburg marathons last year.Published on Apr 20, 2026 #Boston #Marathon #Korir #Lokedi #defend #titles #USA

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Defending champion John Korir returns to the Boston Marathon on Monday aiming for a fourth straight marathon crown after adding victories in Chicago and Valencia last year.
The Kenyan, who overcame an early fall to clock the third-fastest time ever in Boston — with a timing of 2:04.45 — can expect a strong challenge from 2021 winner Benson Kipruto as well as Alphonce Felix Simbu and Cybrian Kotut, who finished second and third last year.
Kenya’s Kipruto, who won the New York City Marathon last year to complete his collection of all the US World Marathon Majors, is the fastest man in the field with a personal best of 2:02.16.
Simbu followed his runner-up finish in Boston, 19 seconds behind Korir, with a victory in the World Championships marathon in Tokyo.
Korir thinks the quality of the field augurs a fast race on Monday.
“I think if I had someone to push me last year, we would have been very close to the course record,” Korir, who clocked a blistering 2:02:24 in Valencia in December, told the Boston Globe.
“If everything goes good this year, it is in my mind to go for it,” added the Kenyan, who is vying to become the first man to repeat as champion since Evans Chebet won in 2022 and 2023.
Women’s champion Sharon Lokedi is also going for a repeat a year after she clocked 2:17:22 to slice more than two minutes off the course record.
She ended the two-year reign of fellow Kenyan Hellen Obiri and said her strategy this year will be much the same.
“I believe in consistency, and what works is what I’ve always been doing,” said Lokedi, who also won the New York City Marathon in November.
Lokedi’s top challengers include fellow Kenyan Irine Cheptai, who was fourth in Boston last year, and Ethiopian Workenesh Edesa, who won the Osaka and Hamburg marathons last year.
Published on Apr 20, 2026

#Boston #Marathon #Korir #Lokedi #defend #titles #USA">Boston Marathon 2026 — Korir, Lokedi look to defend titles in USA