Deadspin | Oilers can wrap up home ice in playoffs with win over Canucks  Apr 13, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN;  The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a goal scored by forward Connor McDavid (97) during the second period against the Colorado Avalanche.Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images   The Edmonton Oilers cannot win the Pacific Division, but home-ice advantage in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs remains in play for the two-time defending Western Conference champions as the Vancouver Canucks arrive on Thursday for the regular-season finale.  Edmonton also will welcome back a key contributor, Zach Hyman, who has not played in two weeks.  The Oilers (40-30-11, 91 points) have a playoff spot sewn up. Which spot remains up in the air, as Edmonton, the Anaheim Ducks (42-33-6, 90 points) and the Los Angeles Kings (35-26-20, 90 points) all play on the final day of the regular season.  Edmonton holds a one-point lead over both division rivals and owns the regulation-wins tiebreaker over both (31 for Edmonton, 25 for Anaheim and 22 for Los Angeles), so getting to overtime would clinch the division’s second-place spot.  However, a regulation loss at home to the Canucks (25-48-8, 58 points), who own the NHL’s worst record, could create chaos depending on what the Ducks do in Nashville and the Kings do in Calgary. The Oilers still could end up in the division’s second or third spot, or they could fall all the way to the conference’s last wild-card spot.  If the latter happens, Edmonton would have a best-of-seven series against the Colorado Avalanche, who own the league’s best record. Colorado claimed a 2-1 shootout victory in Edmonton on Monday.  Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters after practice on Wednesday, hours before the Vegas Golden Knights won the Pacific Division title with a 4-1 home win over the Seattle Kraken, that the plan for Thursday was to play to win and get the best seed possible.  The return of Hyman will boost the Oilers’ chances, the coach said. In just 57 games, the forward ranks third on the team with 31 goals.   Hyman, 33, last played on April 2. Since then, he has been out with an undisclosed injury as the Oilers wanted him ready for the postseason. Knoblauch noted the team’s past four games, a 1-1-2 stretch that includes three one-goal losses, show Hyman’s value.  “He’s cleared and he’s healthy,” Knoblauch said, “so I think that it’s a good idea to put him in and see what he can do. Obviously, it’s not just him finding his game and getting ready for the playoffs. (Thursday) is a very important game for us.”  Despite the Canucks being in last place, they have embraced a spoiler role in the past week. Vancouver has won three straight, all in overtime or a shootout by a 4-3 score. The games were on the road against the Ducks and a San Jose Sharks team that was then still in contention, and Tuesday in the Canucks’ home finale against the Kings.  Jake DeBrusk scored two goals against Los Angeles, including the game-winner at 2:58 of overtime.  Even though the Canucks’ season will end Thursday night, coach Adam Foote is happy with the way the team came together after the trade deadline that saw the club deal several veterans.  For instance, right after Vancouver took a 2-1 lead in the first minute of the second period on Tuesday, the Kings tied it 12 seconds later and took the lead after another 73 seconds. Foote said that if that happened earlier in the season, the Canucks would have spiraled. In this instance, they rallied.  “We’re doing things right,” he said. “We’re playing as a team. They’re sticking to the game plan.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Oilers #wrap #home #ice #playoffs #win #Canucks

Deadspin | Oilers can wrap up home ice in playoffs with win over Canucks
Deadspin | Oilers can wrap up home ice in playoffs with win over Canucks  Apr 13, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN;  The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a goal scored by forward Connor McDavid (97) during the second period against the Colorado Avalanche.Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images   The Edmonton Oilers cannot win the Pacific Division, but home-ice advantage in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs remains in play for the two-time defending Western Conference champions as the Vancouver Canucks arrive on Thursday for the regular-season finale.  Edmonton also will welcome back a key contributor, Zach Hyman, who has not played in two weeks.  The Oilers (40-30-11, 91 points) have a playoff spot sewn up. Which spot remains up in the air, as Edmonton, the Anaheim Ducks (42-33-6, 90 points) and the Los Angeles Kings (35-26-20, 90 points) all play on the final day of the regular season.  Edmonton holds a one-point lead over both division rivals and owns the regulation-wins tiebreaker over both (31 for Edmonton, 25 for Anaheim and 22 for Los Angeles), so getting to overtime would clinch the division’s second-place spot.  However, a regulation loss at home to the Canucks (25-48-8, 58 points), who own the NHL’s worst record, could create chaos depending on what the Ducks do in Nashville and the Kings do in Calgary. The Oilers still could end up in the division’s second or third spot, or they could fall all the way to the conference’s last wild-card spot.  If the latter happens, Edmonton would have a best-of-seven series against the Colorado Avalanche, who own the league’s best record. Colorado claimed a 2-1 shootout victory in Edmonton on Monday.  Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters after practice on Wednesday, hours before the Vegas Golden Knights won the Pacific Division title with a 4-1 home win over the Seattle Kraken, that the plan for Thursday was to play to win and get the best seed possible.  The return of Hyman will boost the Oilers’ chances, the coach said. In just 57 games, the forward ranks third on the team with 31 goals.   Hyman, 33, last played on April 2. Since then, he has been out with an undisclosed injury as the Oilers wanted him ready for the postseason. Knoblauch noted the team’s past four games, a 1-1-2 stretch that includes three one-goal losses, show Hyman’s value.  “He’s cleared and he’s healthy,” Knoblauch said, “so I think that it’s a good idea to put him in and see what he can do. Obviously, it’s not just him finding his game and getting ready for the playoffs. (Thursday) is a very important game for us.”  Despite the Canucks being in last place, they have embraced a spoiler role in the past week. Vancouver has won three straight, all in overtime or a shootout by a 4-3 score. The games were on the road against the Ducks and a San Jose Sharks team that was then still in contention, and Tuesday in the Canucks’ home finale against the Kings.  Jake DeBrusk scored two goals against Los Angeles, including the game-winner at 2:58 of overtime.  Even though the Canucks’ season will end Thursday night, coach Adam Foote is happy with the way the team came together after the trade deadline that saw the club deal several veterans.  For instance, right after Vancouver took a 2-1 lead in the first minute of the second period on Tuesday, the Kings tied it 12 seconds later and took the lead after another 73 seconds. Foote said that if that happened earlier in the season, the Canucks would have spiraled. In this instance, they rallied.  “We’re doing things right,” he said. “We’re playing as a team. They’re sticking to the game plan.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Oilers #wrap #home #ice #playoffs #win #CanucksApr 13, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a goal scored by forward Connor McDavid (97) during the second period against the Colorado Avalanche.Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

The Edmonton Oilers cannot win the Pacific Division, but home-ice advantage in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs remains in play for the two-time defending Western Conference champions as the Vancouver Canucks arrive on Thursday for the regular-season finale.

Edmonton also will welcome back a key contributor, Zach Hyman, who has not played in two weeks.

The Oilers (40-30-11, 91 points) have a playoff spot sewn up. Which spot remains up in the air, as Edmonton, the Anaheim Ducks (42-33-6, 90 points) and the Los Angeles Kings (35-26-20, 90 points) all play on the final day of the regular season.

Edmonton holds a one-point lead over both division rivals and owns the regulation-wins tiebreaker over both (31 for Edmonton, 25 for Anaheim and 22 for Los Angeles), so getting to overtime would clinch the division’s second-place spot.

However, a regulation loss at home to the Canucks (25-48-8, 58 points), who own the NHL’s worst record, could create chaos depending on what the Ducks do in Nashville and the Kings do in Calgary. The Oilers still could end up in the division’s second or third spot, or they could fall all the way to the conference’s last wild-card spot.

If the latter happens, Edmonton would have a best-of-seven series against the Colorado Avalanche, who own the league’s best record. Colorado claimed a 2-1 shootout victory in Edmonton on Monday.

Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters after practice on Wednesday, hours before the Vegas Golden Knights won the Pacific Division title with a 4-1 home win over the Seattle Kraken, that the plan for Thursday was to play to win and get the best seed possible.


The return of Hyman will boost the Oilers’ chances, the coach said. In just 57 games, the forward ranks third on the team with 31 goals.

Hyman, 33, last played on April 2. Since then, he has been out with an undisclosed injury as the Oilers wanted him ready for the postseason. Knoblauch noted the team’s past four games, a 1-1-2 stretch that includes three one-goal losses, show Hyman’s value.

“He’s cleared and he’s healthy,” Knoblauch said, “so I think that it’s a good idea to put him in and see what he can do. Obviously, it’s not just him finding his game and getting ready for the playoffs. (Thursday) is a very important game for us.”

Despite the Canucks being in last place, they have embraced a spoiler role in the past week. Vancouver has won three straight, all in overtime or a shootout by a 4-3 score. The games were on the road against the Ducks and a San Jose Sharks team that was then still in contention, and Tuesday in the Canucks’ home finale against the Kings.

Jake DeBrusk scored two goals against Los Angeles, including the game-winner at 2:58 of overtime.

Even though the Canucks’ season will end Thursday night, coach Adam Foote is happy with the way the team came together after the trade deadline that saw the club deal several veterans.

For instance, right after Vancouver took a 2-1 lead in the first minute of the second period on Tuesday, the Kings tied it 12 seconds later and took the lead after another 73 seconds. Foote said that if that happened earlier in the season, the Canucks would have spiraled. In this instance, they rallied.

“We’re doing things right,” he said. “We’re playing as a team. They’re sticking to the game plan.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Oilers #wrap #home #ice #playoffs #win #Canucks

Apr 13, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a goal scored by forward Connor McDavid (97) during the second period against the Colorado Avalanche.Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

The Edmonton Oilers cannot win the Pacific Division, but home-ice advantage in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs remains in play for the two-time defending Western Conference champions as the Vancouver Canucks arrive on Thursday for the regular-season finale.

Edmonton also will welcome back a key contributor, Zach Hyman, who has not played in two weeks.

The Oilers (40-30-11, 91 points) have a playoff spot sewn up. Which spot remains up in the air, as Edmonton, the Anaheim Ducks (42-33-6, 90 points) and the Los Angeles Kings (35-26-20, 90 points) all play on the final day of the regular season.

Edmonton holds a one-point lead over both division rivals and owns the regulation-wins tiebreaker over both (31 for Edmonton, 25 for Anaheim and 22 for Los Angeles), so getting to overtime would clinch the division’s second-place spot.

However, a regulation loss at home to the Canucks (25-48-8, 58 points), who own the NHL’s worst record, could create chaos depending on what the Ducks do in Nashville and the Kings do in Calgary. The Oilers still could end up in the division’s second or third spot, or they could fall all the way to the conference’s last wild-card spot.

If the latter happens, Edmonton would have a best-of-seven series against the Colorado Avalanche, who own the league’s best record. Colorado claimed a 2-1 shootout victory in Edmonton on Monday.

Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters after practice on Wednesday, hours before the Vegas Golden Knights won the Pacific Division title with a 4-1 home win over the Seattle Kraken, that the plan for Thursday was to play to win and get the best seed possible.

The return of Hyman will boost the Oilers’ chances, the coach said. In just 57 games, the forward ranks third on the team with 31 goals.

Hyman, 33, last played on April 2. Since then, he has been out with an undisclosed injury as the Oilers wanted him ready for the postseason. Knoblauch noted the team’s past four games, a 1-1-2 stretch that includes three one-goal losses, show Hyman’s value.

“He’s cleared and he’s healthy,” Knoblauch said, “so I think that it’s a good idea to put him in and see what he can do. Obviously, it’s not just him finding his game and getting ready for the playoffs. (Thursday) is a very important game for us.”

Despite the Canucks being in last place, they have embraced a spoiler role in the past week. Vancouver has won three straight, all in overtime or a shootout by a 4-3 score. The games were on the road against the Ducks and a San Jose Sharks team that was then still in contention, and Tuesday in the Canucks’ home finale against the Kings.

Jake DeBrusk scored two goals against Los Angeles, including the game-winner at 2:58 of overtime.

Even though the Canucks’ season will end Thursday night, coach Adam Foote is happy with the way the team came together after the trade deadline that saw the club deal several veterans.

For instance, right after Vancouver took a 2-1 lead in the first minute of the second period on Tuesday, the Kings tied it 12 seconds later and took the lead after another 73 seconds. Foote said that if that happened earlier in the season, the Canucks would have spiraled. In this instance, they rallied.

“We’re doing things right,” he said. “We’re playing as a team. They’re sticking to the game plan.”

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Oilers #wrap #home #ice #playoffs #win #Canucks

Ronnie O’Sullivan will face Chinese debutant He Guoqiang when he begins his bid to win an eighth World Snooker Championship title on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old beat world number 18 Jack Lisowski in qualifying for the showpiece event at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, northern England, and has defeated O’Sullivan in two of their three previous career meetings.

O’Sullivan, a 50-year-old Englishman, is looking to take sole possession of a modern-day record of seven world titles he currently shares with the retired Stephen Hendry of Scotland.

Guoqiang is one of a record 11 Chinese players in the tournament, a sign of how the country has become a force in snooker, a sport traditionally dominated by players from Britain and Ireland.

The China contingent includes reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, who will face Liam Highfield in the opening match on Saturday.

Two of the first-round ties are all-Chinese encounters, with Xiao Guodong taking on Zhou Yuelong and Wu Yize playing Lei Peifan.

O’Sullivan begins bid for record-breaking World Snooker Championship title against Chinese debutant Guoqiang  Ronnie O’Sullivan will face Chinese debutant He Guoqiang when he begins his bid to win an eighth World Snooker Championship title on Tuesday.The 25-year-old beat world number 18 Jack Lisowski in qualifying for the showpiece event at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, northern England, and has defeated O’Sullivan in two of their three previous career meetings.O’Sullivan, a 50-year-old Englishman, is looking to take sole possession of a modern-day record of seven world titles he currently shares with the retired Stephen Hendry of Scotland.Guoqiang is one of a record 11 Chinese players in the tournament, a sign of how the country has become a force in snooker, a sport traditionally dominated by players from Britain and Ireland.The China contingent includes reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, who will face Liam Highfield in the opening match on Saturday.Two of the first-round ties are all-Chinese encounters, with Xiao Guodong taking on Zhou Yuelong and Wu Yize playing Lei Peifan. The China contingent includes reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, who will face Liam Highfield in the opening match on Saturday.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                Getty Images
                            

                            The China contingent includes reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, who will face Liam Highfield in the opening match on Saturday.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                Getty Images
                                                    Four-time world champion John Higgins faces two-time runner-up Ali Carter, with the winner potentially taking on O’Sullivan in the second round.Mark Selby, another four-time world champion, starts against shock 2024 finalist Jak Jones.Antoni Kowalski, the first Polish player to qualify for the Crucible, is up against three-time champion Mark Williams.The tournament starts on Saturday, with Zhao’s match against Highfield, while Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen faces China’s Zhang Anda on the other table.England’s Joe Davis won fifteen consecutive world titles between 1927 and 1946, but many of those successes came in challenge matches.The record in the modern era is usually dated from the reintroduction of a knock-out tournament in 1969.Published on Apr 16, 2026  #OSullivan #begins #bid #recordbreaking #World #Snooker #Championship #title #Chinese #debutant #Guoqiang

The China contingent includes reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, who will face Liam Highfield in the opening match on Saturday. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

lightbox-info

The China contingent includes reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, who will face Liam Highfield in the opening match on Saturday. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Four-time world champion John Higgins faces two-time runner-up Ali Carter, with the winner potentially taking on O’Sullivan in the second round.

Mark Selby, another four-time world champion, starts against shock 2024 finalist Jak Jones.

Antoni Kowalski, the first Polish player to qualify for the Crucible, is up against three-time champion Mark Williams.

The tournament starts on Saturday, with Zhao’s match against Highfield, while Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen faces China’s Zhang Anda on the other table.

England’s Joe Davis won fifteen consecutive world titles between 1927 and 1946, but many of those successes came in challenge matches.

The record in the modern era is usually dated from the reintroduction of a knock-out tournament in 1969.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#OSullivan #begins #bid #recordbreaking #World #Snooker #Championship #title #Chinese #debutant #Guoqiang">O’Sullivan begins bid for record-breaking World Snooker Championship title against Chinese debutant Guoqiang  Ronnie O’Sullivan will face Chinese debutant He Guoqiang when he begins his bid to win an eighth World Snooker Championship title on Tuesday.The 25-year-old beat world number 18 Jack Lisowski in qualifying for the showpiece event at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, northern England, and has defeated O’Sullivan in two of their three previous career meetings.O’Sullivan, a 50-year-old Englishman, is looking to take sole possession of a modern-day record of seven world titles he currently shares with the retired Stephen Hendry of Scotland.Guoqiang is one of a record 11 Chinese players in the tournament, a sign of how the country has become a force in snooker, a sport traditionally dominated by players from Britain and Ireland.The China contingent includes reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, who will face Liam Highfield in the opening match on Saturday.Two of the first-round ties are all-Chinese encounters, with Xiao Guodong taking on Zhou Yuelong and Wu Yize playing Lei Peifan. The China contingent includes reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, who will face Liam Highfield in the opening match on Saturday.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                Getty Images
                            

                            The China contingent includes reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, who will face Liam Highfield in the opening match on Saturday.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                Getty Images
                                                    Four-time world champion John Higgins faces two-time runner-up Ali Carter, with the winner potentially taking on O’Sullivan in the second round.Mark Selby, another four-time world champion, starts against shock 2024 finalist Jak Jones.Antoni Kowalski, the first Polish player to qualify for the Crucible, is up against three-time champion Mark Williams.The tournament starts on Saturday, with Zhao’s match against Highfield, while Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen faces China’s Zhang Anda on the other table.England’s Joe Davis won fifteen consecutive world titles between 1927 and 1946, but many of those successes came in challenge matches.The record in the modern era is usually dated from the reintroduction of a knock-out tournament in 1969.Published on Apr 16, 2026  #OSullivan #begins #bid #recordbreaking #World #Snooker #Championship #title #Chinese #debutant #Guoqiang

Deadspin | Padres C Freddy Fermin hit by foul ball but avoids concussion  Apr 15, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres catcher Freddy Fermin, center, leaves the game next to manager Craig Stammen, left, and a trainer during the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park. All MLB players are wearing number 42 today to honor Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images   San Diego catcher Freddy Fermin left the Padres’ Wednesday game against the visiting Seattle Mariners in the top of the third inning after taking a second foul ball off his mask.  “Took him back, tested him, no concussion stuff going on, but just a head contusion,” San Diego manager Craig Stammen said postgame. “It just feels like he got hit in the head. Luckily it’s not a concussion at this point. All the tests came back negative.”  After getting struck with a foul ball in the second inning, Fermin was hit directly between the eyes when Brendan Donovan, leading off the Seattle third, fouled off a 1-1 pitch from Randy Vasquez.  Fermin went to his knees after getting hit. After the team’s training staff and Stammen came out to consult with Fermin, the catcher walked off the field.   Luis Campusano replaced Fermin, who hadn’t batted in the first two innings. Fermin is hitting .161 with no homers and two RBIs in 15 games.  At the time of Fermin’s departure, Seattle led 2-0. The Mariners were up by four before the Padres scored five runs in the bottom of the ninth for a 7-6 victory.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Padres #Freddy #Fermin #hit #foul #ball #avoids #concussionApr 15, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres catcher Freddy Fermin, center, leaves the game next to manager Craig Stammen, left, and a trainer during the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park. All MLB players are wearing number 42 today to honor Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

San Diego catcher Freddy Fermin left the Padres’ Wednesday game against the visiting Seattle Mariners in the top of the third inning after taking a second foul ball off his mask.

“Took him back, tested him, no concussion stuff going on, but just a head contusion,” San Diego manager Craig Stammen said postgame. “It just feels like he got hit in the head. Luckily it’s not a concussion at this point. All the tests came back negative.”

After getting struck with a foul ball in the second inning, Fermin was hit directly between the eyes when Brendan Donovan, leading off the Seattle third, fouled off a 1-1 pitch from Randy Vasquez.


Fermin went to his knees after getting hit. After the team’s training staff and Stammen came out to consult with Fermin, the catcher walked off the field.

Luis Campusano replaced Fermin, who hadn’t batted in the first two innings. Fermin is hitting .161 with no homers and two RBIs in 15 games.

At the time of Fermin’s departure, Seattle led 2-0. The Mariners were up by four before the Padres scored five runs in the bottom of the ninth for a 7-6 victory.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Padres #Freddy #Fermin #hit #foul #ball #avoids #concussion">Deadspin | Padres C Freddy Fermin hit by foul ball but avoids concussion  Apr 15, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres catcher Freddy Fermin, center, leaves the game next to manager Craig Stammen, left, and a trainer during the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park. All MLB players are wearing number 42 today to honor Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images   San Diego catcher Freddy Fermin left the Padres’ Wednesday game against the visiting Seattle Mariners in the top of the third inning after taking a second foul ball off his mask.  “Took him back, tested him, no concussion stuff going on, but just a head contusion,” San Diego manager Craig Stammen said postgame. “It just feels like he got hit in the head. Luckily it’s not a concussion at this point. All the tests came back negative.”  After getting struck with a foul ball in the second inning, Fermin was hit directly between the eyes when Brendan Donovan, leading off the Seattle third, fouled off a 1-1 pitch from Randy Vasquez.  Fermin went to his knees after getting hit. After the team’s training staff and Stammen came out to consult with Fermin, the catcher walked off the field.   Luis Campusano replaced Fermin, who hadn’t batted in the first two innings. Fermin is hitting .161 with no homers and two RBIs in 15 games.  At the time of Fermin’s departure, Seattle led 2-0. The Mariners were up by four before the Padres scored five runs in the bottom of the ninth for a 7-6 victory.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Padres #Freddy #Fermin #hit #foul #ball #avoids #concussion

Post Comment