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Deadspin | Quinn Hughes, Wild finish off Stars in Game 6 Apr 30, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild defensemen Quinn Hughes (43) celebrates his second goal of the night against the Dallas Stars during the third period in game six of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images Quinn Hughes scored twice and added an assist, leading the Minnesota Wild to a series-clinching 5-2 victory over the Dallas Stars on Thursday night in Saint Paul, Minn. The Wild won the best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinal series 4-2 and will play the Colorado Avalanche in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Minnesota won a playoff series for the first time since the 2015 Western Conference quarterfinals against the St. Louis Blues. The series win was also Minnesota’s first against Dallas. Matt Boldy added a pair of empty-net goals and Vladimir Tarasenko also scored for the Wild, while Jesper Wallstedt made 22 saves. Wyatt Johnston and Mavrik Bourque responded for the Stars, who dropped the final three games of the series. Jake Oettinger stopped 16 shots. Hughes scored the go-ahead goal, and eventual winner, at 10:38 of the third period as his shot deflected off the skate of Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin and past Oettinger. Hughes became the second defenseman in Wild history to score a go-ahead goal in a series-clinching game. Trailing 1-0, Johnston got Dallas on the board on a power play at 7:01, one-timing a Mikko Rantanen feed past Wallstedt for his fourth of the series. Bourque gave the Stars their first lead of the night, corralling the rebound off Michael Bunting’s shot and putting it home for his first career playoff goal. Minnesota responded 54 seconds later when Tarasenko backhanded a shot past Oettinger for his 50th career playoff goal. The Wild led 1-0 after 20 minutes. Hughes opened the scoring 6:23 into the game, snapping a shot from the top of the faceoff circle past Oettinger glove-side for his first of the series. Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin missed Game 6 with a lower-body injury and was replaced in the lineup by Jeff Petry. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Quinn #Hughes #Wild #finish #Stars #Game

Deadspin | Quinn Hughes, Wild finish off Stars in Game 6
Deadspin | Quinn Hughes, Wild finish off Stars in Game 6 Apr 30, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild defensemen Quinn Hughes (43) celebrates his second goal of the night against the Dallas Stars during the third period in game six of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images Quinn Hughes scored twice and added an assist, leading the Minnesota Wild to a series-clinching 5-2 victory over the Dallas Stars on Thursday night in Saint Paul, Minn. The Wild won the best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinal series 4-2 and will play the Colorado Avalanche in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Minnesota won a playoff series for the first time since the 2015 Western Conference quarterfinals against the St. Louis Blues. The series win was also Minnesota’s first against Dallas. Matt Boldy added a pair of empty-net goals and Vladimir Tarasenko also scored for the Wild, while Jesper Wallstedt made 22 saves. Wyatt Johnston and Mavrik Bourque responded for the Stars, who dropped the final three games of the series. Jake Oettinger stopped 16 shots. Hughes scored the go-ahead goal, and eventual winner, at 10:38 of the third period as his shot deflected off the skate of Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin and past Oettinger. Hughes became the second defenseman in Wild history to score a go-ahead goal in a series-clinching game. Trailing 1-0, Johnston got Dallas on the board on a power play at 7:01, one-timing a Mikko Rantanen feed past Wallstedt for his fourth of the series. Bourque gave the Stars their first lead of the night, corralling the rebound off Michael Bunting’s shot and putting it home for his first career playoff goal. Minnesota responded 54 seconds later when Tarasenko backhanded a shot past Oettinger for his 50th career playoff goal. The Wild led 1-0 after 20 minutes. Hughes opened the scoring 6:23 into the game, snapping a shot from the top of the faceoff circle past Oettinger glove-side for his first of the series. Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin missed Game 6 with a lower-body injury and was replaced in the lineup by Jeff Petry. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Quinn #Hughes #Wild #finish #Stars #GameApr 30, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild defensemen Quinn Hughes (43) celebrates his second goal of the night against the Dallas Stars during the third period in game six of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images

Quinn Hughes scored twice and added an assist, leading the Minnesota Wild to a series-clinching 5-2 victory over the Dallas Stars on Thursday night in Saint Paul, Minn.

The Wild won the best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinal series 4-2 and will play the Colorado Avalanche in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Minnesota won a playoff series for the first time since the 2015 Western Conference quarterfinals against the St. Louis Blues. The series win was also Minnesota’s first against Dallas.

Matt Boldy added a pair of empty-net goals and Vladimir Tarasenko also scored for the Wild, while Jesper Wallstedt made 22 saves.

Wyatt Johnston and Mavrik Bourque responded for the Stars, who dropped the final three games of the series.

Jake Oettinger stopped 16 shots.


Hughes scored the go-ahead goal, and eventual winner, at 10:38 of the third period as his shot deflected off the skate of Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin and past Oettinger.

Hughes became the second defenseman in Wild history to score a go-ahead goal in a series-clinching game.

Trailing 1-0, Johnston got Dallas on the board on a power play at 7:01, one-timing a Mikko Rantanen feed past Wallstedt for his fourth of the series.

Bourque gave the Stars their first lead of the night, corralling the rebound off Michael Bunting’s shot and putting it home for his first career playoff goal.

Minnesota responded 54 seconds later when Tarasenko backhanded a shot past Oettinger for his 50th career playoff goal.

The Wild led 1-0 after 20 minutes. Hughes opened the scoring 6:23 into the game, snapping a shot from the top of the faceoff circle past Oettinger glove-side for his first of the series.

Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin missed Game 6 with a lower-body injury and was replaced in the lineup by Jeff Petry.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Quinn #Hughes #Wild #finish #Stars #Game

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Apr 30, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild defensemen Quinn Hughes (43) celebrates his second goal of the night against the Dallas Stars during the third period in game six of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images

Quinn Hughes scored twice and added an assist, leading the Minnesota Wild to a series-clinching 5-2 victory over the Dallas Stars on Thursday night in Saint Paul, Minn.

The Wild won the best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinal series 4-2 and will play the Colorado Avalanche in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Minnesota won a playoff series for the first time since the 2015 Western Conference quarterfinals against the St. Louis Blues. The series win was also Minnesota’s first against Dallas.

Matt Boldy added a pair of empty-net goals and Vladimir Tarasenko also scored for the Wild, while Jesper Wallstedt made 22 saves.

Wyatt Johnston and Mavrik Bourque responded for the Stars, who dropped the final three games of the series.

Jake Oettinger stopped 16 shots.

Hughes scored the go-ahead goal, and eventual winner, at 10:38 of the third period as his shot deflected off the skate of Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin and past Oettinger.

Hughes became the second defenseman in Wild history to score a go-ahead goal in a series-clinching game.

Trailing 1-0, Johnston got Dallas on the board on a power play at 7:01, one-timing a Mikko Rantanen feed past Wallstedt for his fourth of the series.

Bourque gave the Stars their first lead of the night, corralling the rebound off Michael Bunting’s shot and putting it home for his first career playoff goal.

Minnesota responded 54 seconds later when Tarasenko backhanded a shot past Oettinger for his 50th career playoff goal.

The Wild led 1-0 after 20 minutes. Hughes opened the scoring 6:23 into the game, snapping a shot from the top of the faceoff circle past Oettinger glove-side for his first of the series.

Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin missed Game 6 with a lower-body injury and was replaced in the lineup by Jeff Petry.

–Field Level Media

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New Zealand skipper Santner sidelined for at least a month due to shoulder injury <div id="content-body-70927834" itemprop="articleBody"><p>New Zealand white ball skipper Mitchell Santner will be out of action for at least a month due to a grade three ACL shoulder injury he sustained during the Indian Premier League.</p><p>The 34-year-old injured his left shoulder while fielding during Mumbai Indians’ match against the Chennai Super Kings on April 23.</p><p>“Santner returned home to New Zealand this week and saw a specialist this morning who confirmed a rest and rehabilitation period of at least one month,” New Zealand Cricket said on Friday.</p><p>The spin-bowling all-rounder, who took a fine diving catch to dismiss CSK’s Kartik Sharma off Jasprit Bumrah but hit his shoulder and head on the ground, will thus be unavailable for the one-off Test against Ireland and the first Test against England.</p><p>“His availability for the second and third Tests to be evaluated at a later date,” NZC said.</p><p>The one-off four-day Test against Ireland begins at Stormont in Belfast on May 27, with the three Tests against England to be played at Lord’s (June 4-8), The Oval (June 17-21) and Trent Bridge (June 25-29), respectively.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on May 01, 2026</p></div> #Zealand #skipper #Santner #sidelined #month #due #shoulder #injury

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


–Field Level Media

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published on Jul 25, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

Published on Jul 25, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published on Jul 25, 2026

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

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