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Deadspin | Penguins G Arturs Silovs to start pivotal Game 4 vs. Flyers  Apr 11, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Arturs Silovs (37) redirects the puck against the Washington Capitals during the second period  at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images   The Pittsburgh Penguins are making a goaltending change heading into Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first-round series versus the host Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday.  Penguins coach Dan Muse announced hours before his team’s do-or-die contest that Arturs Silovs will get the nod over Stuart Skinner in net.  The Flyers hold a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.  “Both guys have played very well for us all year,” Muse said of Silovs and Skinner. “You go through the entire regular season, both guys have won big games. We have a lot of confidence in both guys. Decision isn’t based on Stu’s play; I thought Stu’s played really well this series.  “We lost three games and so (we) decided that we made some changes there in the lineup.”  Skinner, who has started all three games, has a 3.08 goals-against average and .873 save percentage in the series.  Silovs, 25, posted a 19-12-8 record with two shutouts and a 3.07 GAA and .888 save percentage in 39 games (38 starts) this season.   “I think you’ve seen in his day to day, just his preparation, he’s a competitor, whether it’s in practice or in games,” Muse said. “You can say that obviously with both guys, but I think it’s a good thing and it’s a benefit to us, is you’ve got both guys that have been in a lot of big games, with Arty just going back to playoffs, Olympics, World Championships. He’s a young guy, but he has had a lot of big moments that he’s been in, and he’s attacked those big moments.”  As for the Flyers, head coach Rick Tocchet announced on Saturday morning that Dan Vladar will start in net for Game 4.  Vladar appeared to sustain an injury to his right arm during a chaotic sequence in front of the net in the third period of Philadelphia’s 5-2 victory over Pittsburgh in Game 3 on Wednesday.  Vladar, 28, did not practice on Thursday and the team had the day off on Friday before he participated in the morning skate on Saturday.  He has been in net for all three games, stopping 70 of 74 shots — including all 27 he faced in Philadelphia’s 3-0 win in Game 2 on Monday.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Penguins #Arturs #Silovs #start #pivotal #Game #Flyers

Deadspin | Penguins G Arturs Silovs to start pivotal Game 4 vs. Flyers
Deadspin | Penguins G Arturs Silovs to start pivotal Game 4 vs. Flyers  Apr 11, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Arturs Silovs (37) redirects the puck against the Washington Capitals during the second period  at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images   The Pittsburgh Penguins are making a goaltending change heading into Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first-round series versus the host Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday.  Penguins coach Dan Muse announced hours before his team’s do-or-die contest that Arturs Silovs will get the nod over Stuart Skinner in net.  The Flyers hold a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.  “Both guys have played very well for us all year,” Muse said of Silovs and Skinner. “You go through the entire regular season, both guys have won big games. We have a lot of confidence in both guys. Decision isn’t based on Stu’s play; I thought Stu’s played really well this series.  “We lost three games and so (we) decided that we made some changes there in the lineup.”  Skinner, who has started all three games, has a 3.08 goals-against average and .873 save percentage in the series.  Silovs, 25, posted a 19-12-8 record with two shutouts and a 3.07 GAA and .888 save percentage in 39 games (38 starts) this season.   “I think you’ve seen in his day to day, just his preparation, he’s a competitor, whether it’s in practice or in games,” Muse said. “You can say that obviously with both guys, but I think it’s a good thing and it’s a benefit to us, is you’ve got both guys that have been in a lot of big games, with Arty just going back to playoffs, Olympics, World Championships. He’s a young guy, but he has had a lot of big moments that he’s been in, and he’s attacked those big moments.”  As for the Flyers, head coach Rick Tocchet announced on Saturday morning that Dan Vladar will start in net for Game 4.  Vladar appeared to sustain an injury to his right arm during a chaotic sequence in front of the net in the third period of Philadelphia’s 5-2 victory over Pittsburgh in Game 3 on Wednesday.  Vladar, 28, did not practice on Thursday and the team had the day off on Friday before he participated in the morning skate on Saturday.  He has been in net for all three games, stopping 70 of 74 shots — including all 27 he faced in Philadelphia’s 3-0 win in Game 2 on Monday.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Penguins #Arturs #Silovs #start #pivotal #Game #FlyersApr 11, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Arturs Silovs (37) redirects the puck against the Washington Capitals during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Penguins are making a goaltending change heading into Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first-round series versus the host Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday.

Penguins coach Dan Muse announced hours before his team’s do-or-die contest that Arturs Silovs will get the nod over Stuart Skinner in net.

The Flyers hold a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

“Both guys have played very well for us all year,” Muse said of Silovs and Skinner. “You go through the entire regular season, both guys have won big games. We have a lot of confidence in both guys. Decision isn’t based on Stu’s play; I thought Stu’s played really well this series.

“We lost three games and so (we) decided that we made some changes there in the lineup.”

Skinner, who has started all three games, has a 3.08 goals-against average and .873 save percentage in the series.


Silovs, 25, posted a 19-12-8 record with two shutouts and a 3.07 GAA and .888 save percentage in 39 games (38 starts) this season.

“I think you’ve seen in his day to day, just his preparation, he’s a competitor, whether it’s in practice or in games,” Muse said. “You can say that obviously with both guys, but I think it’s a good thing and it’s a benefit to us, is you’ve got both guys that have been in a lot of big games, with Arty just going back to playoffs, Olympics, World Championships. He’s a young guy, but he has had a lot of big moments that he’s been in, and he’s attacked those big moments.”

As for the Flyers, head coach Rick Tocchet announced on Saturday morning that Dan Vladar will start in net for Game 4.

Vladar appeared to sustain an injury to his right arm during a chaotic sequence in front of the net in the third period of Philadelphia’s 5-2 victory over Pittsburgh in Game 3 on Wednesday.

Vladar, 28, did not practice on Thursday and the team had the day off on Friday before he participated in the morning skate on Saturday.

He has been in net for all three games, stopping 70 of 74 shots — including all 27 he faced in Philadelphia’s 3-0 win in Game 2 on Monday.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Penguins #Arturs #Silovs #start #pivotal #Game #Flyers

Apr 11, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Arturs Silovs (37) redirects the puck against the Washington Capitals during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Penguins are making a goaltending change heading into Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first-round series versus the host Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday.

Penguins coach Dan Muse announced hours before his team’s do-or-die contest that Arturs Silovs will get the nod over Stuart Skinner in net.

The Flyers hold a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

“Both guys have played very well for us all year,” Muse said of Silovs and Skinner. “You go through the entire regular season, both guys have won big games. We have a lot of confidence in both guys. Decision isn’t based on Stu’s play; I thought Stu’s played really well this series.

“We lost three games and so (we) decided that we made some changes there in the lineup.”

Skinner, who has started all three games, has a 3.08 goals-against average and .873 save percentage in the series.

Silovs, 25, posted a 19-12-8 record with two shutouts and a 3.07 GAA and .888 save percentage in 39 games (38 starts) this season.

“I think you’ve seen in his day to day, just his preparation, he’s a competitor, whether it’s in practice or in games,” Muse said. “You can say that obviously with both guys, but I think it’s a good thing and it’s a benefit to us, is you’ve got both guys that have been in a lot of big games, with Arty just going back to playoffs, Olympics, World Championships. He’s a young guy, but he has had a lot of big moments that he’s been in, and he’s attacked those big moments.”

As for the Flyers, head coach Rick Tocchet announced on Saturday morning that Dan Vladar will start in net for Game 4.

Vladar appeared to sustain an injury to his right arm during a chaotic sequence in front of the net in the third period of Philadelphia’s 5-2 victory over Pittsburgh in Game 3 on Wednesday.

Vladar, 28, did not practice on Thursday and the team had the day off on Friday before he participated in the morning skate on Saturday.

He has been in net for all three games, stopping 70 of 74 shots — including all 27 he faced in Philadelphia’s 3-0 win in Game 2 on Monday.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Penguins #Arturs #Silovs #start #pivotal #Game #Flyers

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Arsenal vs Newcastle United LIVE score: Real-time updates from ARS v NEW Premier League clash <div id="content-body-70905270" itemprop="articleBody"><p><i>Welcome to Sportstar’s live coverage of the Arsenal vs Newcastle United Premier League 2025-26 match being played at the Emirates.</i></p><h4 class="sub_head">LINEUPS</h4><p><b>Arsenal</b>: Raya (gk), White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice, Madueke, Havertz, Eze</p><p><b>Newcastle United</b>: Pope (gk), Miley, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Guimaraes, Tonali, Ramsey, Murphy, Osula, Willock</p><h4 class="sub_head">LIVE UPDATES</h4><h4 class="sub_head">LIVESTREAM AND TELECAST INFO</h4><p><b>When will the Arsenal vs Newcastle United Premier League 2025-26 match kick off?</b></p><p>The Arsenal vs Newcastle United Premier League 2025-26 match will kick off at 10:00 p.m. IST, on Saturday, April 25, at the Emirates.</p><p><b>Where to watch the Arsenal vs Newcastle United Premier League 2025-26 match?</b></p><p>The Arsenal vs Newcastle United Premier League 2025-26 match will be telecast on the <i>Star Sports Network</i>. The match will also be livestreamed on the <i>JioHotstar</i> app and website.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 25, 2026</p></div> #Arsenal #Newcastle #United #LIVE #score #Realtime #updates #ARS #Premier #League #clash

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Apple TV’s Colossal 2-Part Sci-Fi Series Is Taking Over Global Streaming

SRINAGAR

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday said that the country’s 10-year roadmap of becoming a global sporting powerhouse must be realised through execution on the ground.

Mandaviya chaired Chintan Shivir of the Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports of states and Union Territories of the country.

Over 15 state sports ministers, along with eminent sports personalities such as Adille Sumariwalla, Abhinav Bindra, Pullela Gopichand and Gagan Narang attended the Chintan Shivir and shared their ideas with the stakeholders.

ALSO READ | Tight schedule, big stakes: Indian women’s hockey balances World Cup, Asian Games push

“Our 10-year roadmap to becoming a global sporting powerhouse must not remain on paper, it must come alive in every playground, every district, and every young dream,” Mandaviya said while addressing the inaugural session.

Mandaviya called upon the states to move from policy adoption to active implementation, stressing that real progress will be measured by outcomes visible across districts, training systems, and grassroots sporting ecosystems.

“Khelo Bharat Mission is not just a statistic, it is a reflection of the energy of our youth and the commitment of the nation,” he added.

Mandaviya called for bridging the long-standing disconnect between state governments and sports federations, urging closer alignment to build a strong and unified talent pipeline.

Underscoring the importance of convergence, he highlighted that coordination with the education system is essential for early talent identification and that physical education teachers form the backbone of the grassroots sports ecosystem.

ALSO READ | Harbert Kibet leads impressive men’s field at TCS World 10K Bengaluru

“If even one talented child is left behind due to lack of opportunity, it is not just a personal loss, it is a loss for the entire nation,” he said.

He noted that sports serve as a transformative tool, particularly in regions such as Jammu & Kashmir and other challenging areas, contributing to social harmony and national integration.

Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao highlighted the significance of the Shivir as a platform for collective reflection and action.

“This gathering is not merely a conference, it is a collective moment of reflection, resolve, and renewed commitment.”

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Indias #sporting #ambitions #realised #execution #ground #paper #Mandaviya">India’s sporting ambitions must be realised through execution on ground, not on paper: Mandaviya  SRINAGARSports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday said that the country’s 10-year roadmap of becoming a global sporting powerhouse must be realised through execution on the ground.Mandaviya chaired Chintan Shivir of the Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports of states and Union Territories of the country.Over 15 state sports ministers, along with eminent sports personalities such as Adille Sumariwalla, Abhinav Bindra, Pullela Gopichand and Gagan Narang attended the Chintan Shivir and shared their ideas with the stakeholders.ALSO READ | Tight schedule, big stakes: Indian women’s hockey balances World Cup, Asian Games push“Our 10-year roadmap to becoming a global sporting powerhouse must not remain on paper, it must come alive in every playground, every district, and every young dream,” Mandaviya said while addressing the inaugural session.Mandaviya called upon the states to move from policy adoption to active implementation, stressing that real progress will be measured by outcomes visible across districts, training systems, and grassroots sporting ecosystems.“Khelo Bharat Mission is not just a statistic, it is a reflection of the energy of our youth and the commitment of the nation,” he added.Mandaviya called for bridging the long-standing disconnect between state governments and sports federations, urging closer alignment to build a strong and unified talent pipeline.Underscoring the importance of convergence, he highlighted that coordination with the education system is essential for early talent identification and that physical education teachers form the backbone of the grassroots sports ecosystem.ALSO READ | Harbert Kibet leads impressive men’s field at TCS World 10K Bengaluru“If even one talented child is left behind due to lack of opportunity, it is not just a personal loss, it is a loss for the entire nation,” he said.He noted that sports serve as a transformative tool, particularly in regions such as Jammu & Kashmir and other challenging areas, contributing to social harmony and national integration.Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao highlighted the significance of the Shivir as a platform for collective reflection and action.“This gathering is not merely a conference, it is a collective moment of reflection, resolve, and renewed commitment.”Published on Apr 25, 2026  #Indias #sporting #ambitions #realised #execution #ground #paper #Mandaviya

Tight schedule, big stakes: Indian women’s hockey balances World Cup, Asian Games push

“Our 10-year roadmap to becoming a global sporting powerhouse must not remain on paper, it must come alive in every playground, every district, and every young dream,” Mandaviya said while addressing the inaugural session.

Mandaviya called upon the states to move from policy adoption to active implementation, stressing that real progress will be measured by outcomes visible across districts, training systems, and grassroots sporting ecosystems.

“Khelo Bharat Mission is not just a statistic, it is a reflection of the energy of our youth and the commitment of the nation,” he added.

Mandaviya called for bridging the long-standing disconnect between state governments and sports federations, urging closer alignment to build a strong and unified talent pipeline.

Underscoring the importance of convergence, he highlighted that coordination with the education system is essential for early talent identification and that physical education teachers form the backbone of the grassroots sports ecosystem.

ALSO READ | Harbert Kibet leads impressive men’s field at TCS World 10K Bengaluru

“If even one talented child is left behind due to lack of opportunity, it is not just a personal loss, it is a loss for the entire nation,” he said.

He noted that sports serve as a transformative tool, particularly in regions such as Jammu & Kashmir and other challenging areas, contributing to social harmony and national integration.

Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao highlighted the significance of the Shivir as a platform for collective reflection and action.

“This gathering is not merely a conference, it is a collective moment of reflection, resolve, and renewed commitment.”

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Indias #sporting #ambitions #realised #execution #ground #paper #Mandaviya">India’s sporting ambitions must be realised through execution on ground, not on paper: Mandaviya

SRINAGAR

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday said that the country’s 10-year roadmap of becoming a global sporting powerhouse must be realised through execution on the ground.

Mandaviya chaired Chintan Shivir of the Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports of states and Union Territories of the country.

Over 15 state sports ministers, along with eminent sports personalities such as Adille Sumariwalla, Abhinav Bindra, Pullela Gopichand and Gagan Narang attended the Chintan Shivir and shared their ideas with the stakeholders.

ALSO READ | Tight schedule, big stakes: Indian women’s hockey balances World Cup, Asian Games push

“Our 10-year roadmap to becoming a global sporting powerhouse must not remain on paper, it must come alive in every playground, every district, and every young dream,” Mandaviya said while addressing the inaugural session.

Mandaviya called upon the states to move from policy adoption to active implementation, stressing that real progress will be measured by outcomes visible across districts, training systems, and grassroots sporting ecosystems.

“Khelo Bharat Mission is not just a statistic, it is a reflection of the energy of our youth and the commitment of the nation,” he added.

Mandaviya called for bridging the long-standing disconnect between state governments and sports federations, urging closer alignment to build a strong and unified talent pipeline.

Underscoring the importance of convergence, he highlighted that coordination with the education system is essential for early talent identification and that physical education teachers form the backbone of the grassroots sports ecosystem.

ALSO READ | Harbert Kibet leads impressive men’s field at TCS World 10K Bengaluru

“If even one talented child is left behind due to lack of opportunity, it is not just a personal loss, it is a loss for the entire nation,” he said.

He noted that sports serve as a transformative tool, particularly in regions such as Jammu & Kashmir and other challenging areas, contributing to social harmony and national integration.

Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao highlighted the significance of the Shivir as a platform for collective reflection and action.

“This gathering is not merely a conference, it is a collective moment of reflection, resolve, and renewed commitment.”

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Indias #sporting #ambitions #realised #execution #ground #paper #Mandaviya
Deadspin | Flyers turn to G Dan Vladar in bid to finish off Penguins  Apr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar (80) makes a save as Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Anthony Mantha (39) looks for a rebound during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images   The Philadelphia Flyers are soaring through their first-round playoff series thanks to Dan Vladar, who has been confirmed to start Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.  Philadelphia leads the best-of-seven series 3-0 after notching a pair of wins in Pittsburgh followed by a 5-2 home victory Wednesday. Vladar made 27 saves in Game 3 but injured his right arm during a chaotic sequence in front of the net in the third period.  Vladar, 28, did not practice on Thursday and the team had the day off on Friday before he participated in the morning skate on Saturday. Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet confirmed on Saturday morning that Vladar will start Game 4.  After a strong regular season, Vladar has a .946 save percentage in this series, including a shutout in Game 2. If Vladar was unable to play on Saturday, Samuel Ersson was set to make his postseason debut.  “I feel like I’m in a good spot with my game,” said Ersson, who has not played since April 14.  Of course, it will help if the Flyers continue to receive scoring production from up and down their lineup. The team had five different goal scorers in Game 3, including four players who registered their first career playoff tally.  Trevor Zegras and Noah Cates each had a goal and an assist for Philadelphia, which has won six straight games dating back to the regular season. The Flyers will try to ride the momentum of their home crowd to their first series victory since 2020.  “That was the craziest building I’ve ever played in,” defenseman Nick Seeler said of the Game 3 atmosphere. “The fans were fantastic.”   Part of the chaotic atmosphere was a product of a penalty-filled second period in which the teams combined for 17 penalties. Penguins coach Dan Muse was not happy about how the officials handled the physicality in that period, but his squad doesn’t have time to dwell on their recent losses.  “We have to win a hockey game,” Muse said. “So, we’ll have a practice (Friday) and get ready for that game and then go into that game and we need to win a game. That’s entirely where the focus is right now.”  Evgeni Malkin and Erik Karlsson scored in Game 3 for Pittsburgh, which has dropped six straight contests, going back to the regular season. Malkin has two goals in this series, although that’s as many as his teammates have combined.  “Now we’re going to see what we’re really made of,” Karlsson said. “Now it’s do-or-die. The toughest game to win is that fourth one, so hopefully we can start by winning one.”  Only four teams in NHL history have come back from a 3-0 series deficit to win the final four games. It hasn’t happened in more than a decade — the Los Angeles Kings turned the trick against the San Jose Sharks in 2014 — and the Penguins have never accomplished it.  “There’s not much room for error when you’re in this position. That’s reality,” Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby said. “But the fact is, we’ve got to win a game. That’s got to be our focus. You can’t grab three on Saturday. You’ve got to win one.”  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Flyers #turn #Dan #Vladar #bid #finish #PenguinsApr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar (80) makes a save as Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Anthony Mantha (39) looks for a rebound during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Flyers are soaring through their first-round playoff series thanks to Dan Vladar, who has been confirmed to start Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.

Philadelphia leads the best-of-seven series 3-0 after notching a pair of wins in Pittsburgh followed by a 5-2 home victory Wednesday. Vladar made 27 saves in Game 3 but injured his right arm during a chaotic sequence in front of the net in the third period.

Vladar, 28, did not practice on Thursday and the team had the day off on Friday before he participated in the morning skate on Saturday. Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet confirmed on Saturday morning that Vladar will start Game 4.

After a strong regular season, Vladar has a .946 save percentage in this series, including a shutout in Game 2. If Vladar was unable to play on Saturday, Samuel Ersson was set to make his postseason debut.

“I feel like I’m in a good spot with my game,” said Ersson, who has not played since April 14.

Of course, it will help if the Flyers continue to receive scoring production from up and down their lineup. The team had five different goal scorers in Game 3, including four players who registered their first career playoff tally.

Trevor Zegras and Noah Cates each had a goal and an assist for Philadelphia, which has won six straight games dating back to the regular season. The Flyers will try to ride the momentum of their home crowd to their first series victory since 2020.


“That was the craziest building I’ve ever played in,” defenseman Nick Seeler said of the Game 3 atmosphere. “The fans were fantastic.”

Part of the chaotic atmosphere was a product of a penalty-filled second period in which the teams combined for 17 penalties. Penguins coach Dan Muse was not happy about how the officials handled the physicality in that period, but his squad doesn’t have time to dwell on their recent losses.

“We have to win a hockey game,” Muse said. “So, we’ll have a practice (Friday) and get ready for that game and then go into that game and we need to win a game. That’s entirely where the focus is right now.”

Evgeni Malkin and Erik Karlsson scored in Game 3 for Pittsburgh, which has dropped six straight contests, going back to the regular season. Malkin has two goals in this series, although that’s as many as his teammates have combined.

“Now we’re going to see what we’re really made of,” Karlsson said. “Now it’s do-or-die. The toughest game to win is that fourth one, so hopefully we can start by winning one.”

Only four teams in NHL history have come back from a 3-0 series deficit to win the final four games. It hasn’t happened in more than a decade — the Los Angeles Kings turned the trick against the San Jose Sharks in 2014 — and the Penguins have never accomplished it.

“There’s not much room for error when you’re in this position. That’s reality,” Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby said. “But the fact is, we’ve got to win a game. That’s got to be our focus. You can’t grab three on Saturday. You’ve got to win one.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Flyers #turn #Dan #Vladar #bid #finish #Penguins">Deadspin | Flyers turn to G Dan Vladar in bid to finish off Penguins  Apr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar (80) makes a save as Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Anthony Mantha (39) looks for a rebound during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images   The Philadelphia Flyers are soaring through their first-round playoff series thanks to Dan Vladar, who has been confirmed to start Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.  Philadelphia leads the best-of-seven series 3-0 after notching a pair of wins in Pittsburgh followed by a 5-2 home victory Wednesday. Vladar made 27 saves in Game 3 but injured his right arm during a chaotic sequence in front of the net in the third period.  Vladar, 28, did not practice on Thursday and the team had the day off on Friday before he participated in the morning skate on Saturday. Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet confirmed on Saturday morning that Vladar will start Game 4.  After a strong regular season, Vladar has a .946 save percentage in this series, including a shutout in Game 2. If Vladar was unable to play on Saturday, Samuel Ersson was set to make his postseason debut.  “I feel like I’m in a good spot with my game,” said Ersson, who has not played since April 14.  Of course, it will help if the Flyers continue to receive scoring production from up and down their lineup. The team had five different goal scorers in Game 3, including four players who registered their first career playoff tally.  Trevor Zegras and Noah Cates each had a goal and an assist for Philadelphia, which has won six straight games dating back to the regular season. The Flyers will try to ride the momentum of their home crowd to their first series victory since 2020.  “That was the craziest building I’ve ever played in,” defenseman Nick Seeler said of the Game 3 atmosphere. “The fans were fantastic.”   Part of the chaotic atmosphere was a product of a penalty-filled second period in which the teams combined for 17 penalties. Penguins coach Dan Muse was not happy about how the officials handled the physicality in that period, but his squad doesn’t have time to dwell on their recent losses.  “We have to win a hockey game,” Muse said. “So, we’ll have a practice (Friday) and get ready for that game and then go into that game and we need to win a game. That’s entirely where the focus is right now.”  Evgeni Malkin and Erik Karlsson scored in Game 3 for Pittsburgh, which has dropped six straight contests, going back to the regular season. Malkin has two goals in this series, although that’s as many as his teammates have combined.  “Now we’re going to see what we’re really made of,” Karlsson said. “Now it’s do-or-die. The toughest game to win is that fourth one, so hopefully we can start by winning one.”  Only four teams in NHL history have come back from a 3-0 series deficit to win the final four games. It hasn’t happened in more than a decade — the Los Angeles Kings turned the trick against the San Jose Sharks in 2014 — and the Penguins have never accomplished it.  “There’s not much room for error when you’re in this position. That’s reality,” Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby said. “But the fact is, we’ve got to win a game. That’s got to be our focus. You can’t grab three on Saturday. You’ve got to win one.”  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Flyers #turn #Dan #Vladar #bid #finish #Penguins

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