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Deadspin | UCLA’s championship win drew 3rd-highest rating for women’s final The UCLA Bruins celebrate their 79-51 win over the South Carolina Gamecocks to claim the NCAA women’s basketball national championship at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 5, 2026. UCLA’s romp to the Women’s NCAA Tournament championship against South Carolina on Sunday, despite the one-sided score, drew the third-highest rating for a women’s title game, ESPN announced on Tuesday. The Bruins’ 79-51 victory over the Gamecocks drew an average of 9.9 million viewers with a peak of 10.7 million viewers. That was a 15% gain on the 2025 final in which UConn downed South Carolina 82-59. The record for a women’s championship game was set in 2024 when 18.9 million viewers on average and 24.1 million at its peak saw South Carolina defeat Iowa. The 2023 final, in which LSU topped Iowa, attracted 9.92 million on average, with a peak of 12.6 million. Both the 2023 and 2024 games featured popular Iowa star Caitlyn Clark. As a whole, this year’s Final Four was the second-most watched since ESPN became the broadcaster in 1996. The three games this year drew an average of 6.7 million viewers. South Carolina took down top overall seed UConn 62-48 in the semifinals, with 5.4 million tuning in on average, peaking at 7.7 million. The rating was up 47% from the corresponding game last year. In the other semifinal, UCLA beat Texas 51-44 in another matchup of No. 1 seeds, drawing 5 million viewers on average with a high of 5.2 million. The game saw a 19% viewership increase from the corresponding 2025 contest. This year’s two semifinals were the fourth- and fifth-most viewed semis in the ESPN era. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #UCLAs #championship #win #drew #3rdhighest #rating #womens #final

Deadspin | UCLA’s championship win drew 3rd-highest rating for women’s final
Deadspin | UCLA’s championship win drew 3rd-highest rating for women’s final The UCLA Bruins celebrate their 79-51 win over the South Carolina Gamecocks to claim the NCAA women’s basketball national championship at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 5, 2026. UCLA’s romp to the Women’s NCAA Tournament championship against South Carolina on Sunday, despite the one-sided score, drew the third-highest rating for a women’s title game, ESPN announced on Tuesday. The Bruins’ 79-51 victory over the Gamecocks drew an average of 9.9 million viewers with a peak of 10.7 million viewers. That was a 15% gain on the 2025 final in which UConn downed South Carolina 82-59. The record for a women’s championship game was set in 2024 when 18.9 million viewers on average and 24.1 million at its peak saw South Carolina defeat Iowa. The 2023 final, in which LSU topped Iowa, attracted 9.92 million on average, with a peak of 12.6 million. Both the 2023 and 2024 games featured popular Iowa star Caitlyn Clark. As a whole, this year’s Final Four was the second-most watched since ESPN became the broadcaster in 1996. The three games this year drew an average of 6.7 million viewers. South Carolina took down top overall seed UConn 62-48 in the semifinals, with 5.4 million tuning in on average, peaking at 7.7 million. The rating was up 47% from the corresponding game last year. In the other semifinal, UCLA beat Texas 51-44 in another matchup of No. 1 seeds, drawing 5 million viewers on average with a high of 5.2 million. The game saw a 19% viewership increase from the corresponding 2025 contest. This year’s two semifinals were the fourth- and fifth-most viewed semis in the ESPN era. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #UCLAs #championship #win #drew #3rdhighest #rating #womens #finalThe UCLA Bruins celebrate their 79-51 win over the South Carolina Gamecocks to claim the NCAA women’s basketball national championship at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 5, 2026.

UCLA’s romp to the Women’s NCAA Tournament championship against South Carolina on Sunday, despite the one-sided score, drew the third-highest rating for a women’s title game, ESPN announced on Tuesday.

The Bruins’ 79-51 victory over the Gamecocks drew an average of 9.9 million viewers with a peak of 10.7 million viewers. That was a 15% gain on the 2025 final in which UConn downed South Carolina 82-59.

The record for a women’s championship game was set in 2024 when 18.9 million viewers on average and 24.1 million at its peak saw South Carolina defeat Iowa. The 2023 final, in which LSU topped Iowa, attracted 9.92 million on average, with a peak of 12.6 million.

Both the 2023 and 2024 games featured popular Iowa star Caitlyn Clark.


As a whole, this year’s Final Four was the second-most watched since ESPN became the broadcaster in 1996. The three games this year drew an average of 6.7 million viewers.

South Carolina took down top overall seed UConn 62-48 in the semifinals, with 5.4 million tuning in on average, peaking at 7.7 million. The rating was up 47% from the corresponding game last year.

In the other semifinal, UCLA beat Texas 51-44 in another matchup of No. 1 seeds, drawing 5 million viewers on average with a high of 5.2 million. The game saw a 19% viewership increase from the corresponding 2025 contest.

This year’s two semifinals were the fourth- and fifth-most viewed semis in the ESPN era.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #UCLAs #championship #win #drew #3rdhighest #rating #womens #final

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The UCLA Bruins celebrate their 79-51 win over the South Carolina Gamecocks to claim the NCAA women’s basketball national championship at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 5, 2026.

UCLA’s romp to the Women’s NCAA Tournament championship against South Carolina on Sunday, despite the one-sided score, drew the third-highest rating for a women’s title game, ESPN announced on Tuesday.

The Bruins’ 79-51 victory over the Gamecocks drew an average of 9.9 million viewers with a peak of 10.7 million viewers. That was a 15% gain on the 2025 final in which UConn downed South Carolina 82-59.

The record for a women’s championship game was set in 2024 when 18.9 million viewers on average and 24.1 million at its peak saw South Carolina defeat Iowa. The 2023 final, in which LSU topped Iowa, attracted 9.92 million on average, with a peak of 12.6 million.

Both the 2023 and 2024 games featured popular Iowa star Caitlyn Clark.

As a whole, this year’s Final Four was the second-most watched since ESPN became the broadcaster in 1996. The three games this year drew an average of 6.7 million viewers.

South Carolina took down top overall seed UConn 62-48 in the semifinals, with 5.4 million tuning in on average, peaking at 7.7 million. The rating was up 47% from the corresponding game last year.

In the other semifinal, UCLA beat Texas 51-44 in another matchup of No. 1 seeds, drawing 5 million viewers on average with a high of 5.2 million. The game saw a 19% viewership increase from the corresponding 2025 contest.

This year’s two semifinals were the fourth- and fifth-most viewed semis in the ESPN era.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #UCLAs #championship #win #drew #3rdhighest #rating #womens #final

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Divya vs Vaishali LIVE: FIDE Chess Candidates 2026 Round 9 updates <div id="content-body-70838272" itemprop="articleBody"><p>In the tournament’s second all-Indian clash, Divya Deshmukh will face R. Vaishali in the ninth round of the FIDE Candidates in Cyprus on Wednesday.</p><p>In the first meeting between the two, which was in the second round, a draw was played out.</p><p><b>ALSO READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/chess/fide-candidates-round-9-results-vaishali-beat-divya-deshmukh-praggnanandhaa-sindarov-chess/article70839680.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Vaishali beats Divya to go joint-lead, Sindarov held to second straight draw – Match Report</a></b></p><h4 class="sub_head">Divya Deshmukh vs R. Vaishali board updates</h4><h4 class="sub_head">Where to watch Candidates 2026 live?</h4><p>Candidates 2026 will be streamed LIVE on FIDE’s YouTube channel.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 08, 2026</p></div> #Divya #Vaishali #LIVE #FIDE #Chess #Candidates #updates

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Asian Wrestling Championships: Nitesh bags silver in 97kg Greco Roman; Sachin, Prince add two bronze to tally <div id="content-body-70839827" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Indian Greco Roman wrestlers added a silver and two bronze medals to the country’s tally at the 2026 Senior Asian Wrestling Championships in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday.</p><p>While Nitesh bagged the silver medal in the 97kg category, Sachin Sahrawat (67kg GR) and Prince (82kg) clinched bronze medals.</p><p>The three medals on Wednesday took India’s overall medal tally to two silver and three bronze medals on the third day of competition with two women wrestlers securing a spot in the bronze medal play-offs.</p><p>All eyes were on of the Indian contingent on Wednesday as Nitesh had had already improved on his last edition’s showing by reaching the final of the 97kg category. The 23-year-old was up against defending champion Mohammadhadi Saravi and could not weave the same magic that saw him reach the finals as he went down 1-7 in the final bout.</p><p>Earlier, Sachin opened India’s medal count when he fought back from a 3-5 deficit in the second round to beat Abdumalik Aminov of Uzbekistan 6-5 in the 67kg Greco Roman bronze medal match.</p><p><b>Also read | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/badminton/sindhu-wins-1st-round-badminton-asia-championships-2026-indian-results-lakshya-prannoy-srikanth-scores/article70837380.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Badminton Asia Championships 2026: Sindhu, Prannoy and Ayush reach round of 16; Lakshya knocked out</a></b></p><p>Sachin, who had defeated China’s Ji Leng in the Repechage round to make it to the bronze medal play-off scored two points in the last minute with a take down and got one for the Uzbek wrestler losing his challenge to claim victory.</p><p>Prince then added the second bronze medal of the day to India’s kitty when he registered a dominant 10-1 win over Didar Amannazarov of Turkmenistan in the 82kg Greco Roman.</p><p>In the women’s wrestling competition, Hansika Lamba (55kg) and Neha (59kg) will be challenging for the bronze medal after losing their respective semi-finals..</p><p>Hansika went down against last edition silver medallist Yuxuan Li of China 11-1 in the semifinals and will now face Aruuke Kadyrbek Kyzy in the bronze medal play-off.</p><p>Later, Neha came up against former Asian Champion Mengyu Xie of China and despite her spirited effort, she ended on the wrong side of the 12-5 score-line..</p><p>She will now face Bolortuya Khurelkhuu of Mongolia for the bronze medal..</p><p>Neelam could also have a shot at the bronze medal after she made it to the Repechage round in the 50kg category after Japan’s Yui Sasaki, who defeated the Indian in the quarterfinals, reached the summit clash.</p><p>Neelam will now face China’s Ziqi Feng in the Repechage round on Thursday.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 08, 2026</p></div> #Asian #Wrestling #Championships #Nitesh #bags #silver #97kg #Greco #Roman #Sachin #Prince #add #bronze #tally

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Deadspin | Janson Junk outduels Shohei Ohtani as Marlins edge Dodgers Apr 28, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Miami Marlins pitcher Janson Junk (26) throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Janson Junk pitched six scoreless innings, Otto Lopez had three hits and the visiting Miami Marlins held on for a 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday to even a three-game series. Owen Caissie and Kyle Stowers each drove in a run as the Marlins improved to 2-3 on a six-game West Coast road trip. Junk (2-2) gave up three hits with one walk and four strikeouts and has delivered consecutive scoreless outings after allowing nine runs (seven earned) over his previous two starts. Right-hander Tyler Phillips pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his second save after closer Pete Fairbanks went on the injured list earlier in the day with nerve irritation. Shohei Ohtani (2-1) gave up two runs (one earned) on five hits over six innings with three walks and nine strikeouts. Ohtani was pitching on five days of rest for the first time this season and now has a 0.60 ERA. Without Ohtani not in the batting order for the second time in five starts on the mound, the Dodgers struggled on offense. Will Smith had three of Los Angeles’ seven hits as they were held to one run or less for the fourth time this season. The Marlins opened the scoring in the second inning when Agustin Ramirez was hit on the left wrist by a pitch, stole second, advanced to third on an Ohtani throwing error and scored on a sacrifice fly from Caissie. With Los Angeles unable to break through against Junk, Miami made it 2-0 in the fifth inning when Christopher Morel led off with a walk, went to second on a one-out bunt from Jakob Marsee and scored on a single to right from Stowers. Morel was making his Marlins debut after signing as a free agent in the offseason then going on the injured list with an oblique strain during batting practice of the season-opening game. The Dodgers pulled within 2-1 in the eighth inning when Freddie Freeman singled with one out to put runners on the corners and Smith delivered an RBI single to right field off of right-hander Michael Petersen. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Janson #Junk #outduels #Shohei #Ohtani #Marlins #edge #DodgersApr 28, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Miami Marlins pitcher Janson Junk (26) throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Janson Junk pitched six scoreless innings, Otto Lopez had three hits and the visiting Miami Marlins held on for a 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday to even a three-game series.

Owen Caissie and Kyle Stowers each drove in a run as the Marlins improved to 2-3 on a six-game West Coast road trip.

Junk (2-2) gave up three hits with one walk and four strikeouts and has delivered consecutive scoreless outings after allowing nine runs (seven earned) over his previous two starts.

Right-hander Tyler Phillips pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his second save after closer Pete Fairbanks went on the injured list earlier in the day with nerve irritation.

Shohei Ohtani (2-1) gave up two runs (one earned) on five hits over six innings with three walks and nine strikeouts. Ohtani was pitching on five days of rest for the first time this season and now has a 0.60 ERA.


Without Ohtani not in the batting order for the second time in five starts on the mound, the Dodgers struggled on offense. Will Smith had three of Los Angeles’ seven hits as they were held to one run or less for the fourth time this season.

The Marlins opened the scoring in the second inning when Agustin Ramirez was hit on the left wrist by a pitch, stole second, advanced to third on an Ohtani throwing error and scored on a sacrifice fly from Caissie.

With Los Angeles unable to break through against Junk, Miami made it 2-0 in the fifth inning when Christopher Morel led off with a walk, went to second on a one-out bunt from Jakob Marsee and scored on a single to right from Stowers.

Morel was making his Marlins debut after signing as a free agent in the offseason then going on the injured list with an oblique strain during batting practice of the season-opening game.

The Dodgers pulled within 2-1 in the eighth inning when Freddie Freeman singled with one out to put runners on the corners and Smith delivered an RBI single to right field off of right-hander Michael Petersen.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Janson #Junk #outduels #Shohei #Ohtani #Marlins #edge #Dodgers">Deadspin | Janson Junk outduels Shohei Ohtani as Marlins edge Dodgers Apr 28, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Miami Marlins pitcher Janson Junk (26) throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Janson Junk pitched six scoreless innings, Otto Lopez had three hits and the visiting Miami Marlins held on for a 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday to even a three-game series. Owen Caissie and Kyle Stowers each drove in a run as the Marlins improved to 2-3 on a six-game West Coast road trip. Junk (2-2) gave up three hits with one walk and four strikeouts and has delivered consecutive scoreless outings after allowing nine runs (seven earned) over his previous two starts. Right-hander Tyler Phillips pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his second save after closer Pete Fairbanks went on the injured list earlier in the day with nerve irritation. Shohei Ohtani (2-1) gave up two runs (one earned) on five hits over six innings with three walks and nine strikeouts. Ohtani was pitching on five days of rest for the first time this season and now has a 0.60 ERA. Without Ohtani not in the batting order for the second time in five starts on the mound, the Dodgers struggled on offense. Will Smith had three of Los Angeles’ seven hits as they were held to one run or less for the fourth time this season. The Marlins opened the scoring in the second inning when Agustin Ramirez was hit on the left wrist by a pitch, stole second, advanced to third on an Ohtani throwing error and scored on a sacrifice fly from Caissie. With Los Angeles unable to break through against Junk, Miami made it 2-0 in the fifth inning when Christopher Morel led off with a walk, went to second on a one-out bunt from Jakob Marsee and scored on a single to right from Stowers. Morel was making his Marlins debut after signing as a free agent in the offseason then going on the injured list with an oblique strain during batting practice of the season-opening game. The Dodgers pulled within 2-1 in the eighth inning when Freddie Freeman singled with one out to put runners on the corners and Smith delivered an RBI single to right field off of right-hander Michael Petersen. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Janson #Junk #outduels #Shohei #Ohtani #Marlins #edge #Dodgers

Off-spinning all-rounder Nensi Patel and batter Izzy Sharp are set to make ​their Women’s T20 World Cup debuts after being ‌named in the New Zealand squad ​for the tournament in England in ⁠June, the country’s cricket board announced on Wednesday.

Sophie Devine, Lea Tahuhu and Suzie Bates were also ‌named in the defending champion’s squad, with the trio set to call ‌time on their international careers after ‌the ⁠tournament.

The 15-woman squad, led by Amelia ⁠Kerr, will defend the title they won in 2024.

Before the tournament begins in England in June, the team ​will play a ‌three-match T20I series against the host in late May as part of its World Cup build-up.

“It’s going to be an extra ‌special time for Izzy and Nensi with ​it being their first World Cup,” head coach Ben Sawyer said.

“To have ⁠our three most senior players all finishing their careers at the same tournament is ‌a rare and special occasion. There’ll be a time at the end of the tournament to further acknowledge and celebrate the trio.”

New Zealand has been drawn in Group B alongside England, Ireland, Scotland, Sri Lanka ‌and the West Indies, and will open its campaign ​against the West Indies in the 12-team tournament on June 13.

The tournament ⁠runs from June 12 to July 5.

New Zealand Squad:

Amelie Kerr (C), ⁠Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, ‌Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, ​Lea Tahuhu.

Published on Apr 29, 2026

#Zealand #squad #Womens #T20 #World #Cup #Full #list #players #Amelia #Kerr #named #captain">New Zealand squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Full list of players; Amelia Kerr named captain Off-spinning all-rounder Nensi Patel and batter Izzy Sharp are set to make ​their Women’s T20 World Cup debuts after being ‌named in the New Zealand squad ​for the tournament in England in ⁠June, the country’s cricket board announced on Wednesday.Sophie Devine, Lea Tahuhu and Suzie Bates were also ‌named in the defending champion’s squad, with the trio set to call ‌time on their international careers after ‌the ⁠tournament.The 15-woman squad, led by Amelia ⁠Kerr, will defend the title they won in 2024.Before the tournament begins in England in June, the team ​will play a ‌three-match T20I series against the host in late May as part of its World Cup build-up.“It’s going to be an extra ‌special time for Izzy and Nensi with ​it being their first World Cup,” head coach Ben Sawyer said.“To have ⁠our three most senior players all finishing their careers at the same tournament is ‌a rare and special occasion. There’ll be a time at the end of the tournament to further acknowledge and celebrate the trio.”New Zealand has been drawn in Group B alongside England, Ireland, Scotland, Sri Lanka ‌and the West Indies, and will open its campaign ​against the West Indies in the 12-team tournament on June 13.The tournament ⁠runs from June 12 to July 5. New Zealand Squad: Amelie Kerr (C), ⁠Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, ‌Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, ​Lea Tahuhu. Published on Apr 29, 2026 #Zealand #squad #Womens #T20 #World #Cup #Full #list #players #Amelia #Kerr #named #captain

Deadspin | Leon Draisaitl, Oilers send series back to Anaheim for Game 6 Apr 28, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (29) scores a goal during the first period against Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lucas Dostal (1) in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images Leon Draisaitl scored two goals for the Edmonton Oilers, who stayed alive in their Western Conference first-round playoff series with a 4-1 win against the visiting Anaheim Ducks in Game 5 on Tuesday night. The Ducks hold a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series heading into Game 6 on Thursday in Anaheim. Vasily Podkolzin and Zach Hyman also scored for the Oilers, who chased Anaheim goalie Lukas Dostal after tallying three goals in the first 10:13. Evan Bouchard had three assists, and Connor McDavid and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins each had two assists. Connor Ingram made 29 saves for the two-time defending Western Conference champions after backing up Tristan Jarry in the Oilers’ 4-3 overtime loss at Anaheim in Game 4 on Sunday. Alex Killorn scored for the Ducks, who remain one victory away from earning their first playoff series victory in nine years. Dostal stopped just six of nine shots before he was replaced by Ville Husso, who finished with 10 saves. The Oilers scored on the first shot of the game for the second straight game, and they also scored first for the fifth straight time in the series. Bouchard pulled up at the right point before fitting a pass between two Anaheim defenders to Podkolzin in the left faceoff circle. Podkolzin beat Dostal up high on the short side with a wrist shot for a 1-0 lead at 2:22 of the first period. Dostal’s clearing attempt from behind his net banked off the sideboards and was intercepted by Nugent-Hopkins, who fired the puck to the front of the crease, where Hyman was waiting to redirect it between Dostal’s pads for a 2-0 lead at 8:33. Bouchard took another blast from just inside the blue line and Draisaitl deflected it into the net to make it 3-0 at 10:13 and end the night for Dostal. The Ducks scored their seventh power-play goal of the series when Killorn finished off a feed from Mason McTavish in the slot to cap a 3-on-2 rush and cut the margin to 3-1 at 8:26 of the second period. That momentum didn’t last long as Anaheim defenseman Jacob Trouba committed a tripping penalty 16 seconds later. Draisaitl scored on the ensuing power play with a one-timer from the right circle, extending the lead to 4-1 at 10:24. The Oilers were outshooting the Ducks 12-3 through the first 18 1/2 minutes of the game before Anaheim finished with a 30-20 edge. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Leon #Draisaitl #Oilers #send #series #Anaheim #GameApr 28, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (29) scores a goal during the first period against Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lucas Dostal (1) in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Leon Draisaitl scored two goals for the Edmonton Oilers, who stayed alive in their Western Conference first-round playoff series with a 4-1 win against the visiting Anaheim Ducks in Game 5 on Tuesday night.

The Ducks hold a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series heading into Game 6 on Thursday in Anaheim.

Vasily Podkolzin and Zach Hyman also scored for the Oilers, who chased Anaheim goalie Lukas Dostal after tallying three goals in the first 10:13. Evan Bouchard had three assists, and Connor McDavid and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins each had two assists.

Connor Ingram made 29 saves for the two-time defending Western Conference champions after backing up Tristan Jarry in the Oilers’ 4-3 overtime loss at Anaheim in Game 4 on Sunday.

Alex Killorn scored for the Ducks, who remain one victory away from earning their first playoff series victory in nine years.

Dostal stopped just six of nine shots before he was replaced by Ville Husso, who finished with 10 saves.


The Oilers scored on the first shot of the game for the second straight game, and they also scored first for the fifth straight time in the series.

Bouchard pulled up at the right point before fitting a pass between two Anaheim defenders to Podkolzin in the left faceoff circle. Podkolzin beat Dostal up high on the short side with a wrist shot for a 1-0 lead at 2:22 of the first period.

Dostal’s clearing attempt from behind his net banked off the sideboards and was intercepted by Nugent-Hopkins, who fired the puck to the front of the crease, where Hyman was waiting to redirect it between Dostal’s pads for a 2-0 lead at 8:33.

Bouchard took another blast from just inside the blue line and Draisaitl deflected it into the net to make it 3-0 at 10:13 and end the night for Dostal.

The Ducks scored their seventh power-play goal of the series when Killorn finished off a feed from Mason McTavish in the slot to cap a 3-on-2 rush and cut the margin to 3-1 at 8:26 of the second period.

That momentum didn’t last long as Anaheim defenseman Jacob Trouba committed a tripping penalty 16 seconds later. Draisaitl scored on the ensuing power play with a one-timer from the right circle, extending the lead to 4-1 at 10:24.

The Oilers were outshooting the Ducks 12-3 through the first 18 1/2 minutes of the game before Anaheim finished with a 30-20 edge.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Leon #Draisaitl #Oilers #send #series #Anaheim #Game">Deadspin | Leon Draisaitl, Oilers send series back to Anaheim for Game 6 Apr 28, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (29) scores a goal during the first period against Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lucas Dostal (1) in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images Leon Draisaitl scored two goals for the Edmonton Oilers, who stayed alive in their Western Conference first-round playoff series with a 4-1 win against the visiting Anaheim Ducks in Game 5 on Tuesday night. The Ducks hold a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series heading into Game 6 on Thursday in Anaheim. Vasily Podkolzin and Zach Hyman also scored for the Oilers, who chased Anaheim goalie Lukas Dostal after tallying three goals in the first 10:13. Evan Bouchard had three assists, and Connor McDavid and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins each had two assists. Connor Ingram made 29 saves for the two-time defending Western Conference champions after backing up Tristan Jarry in the Oilers’ 4-3 overtime loss at Anaheim in Game 4 on Sunday. Alex Killorn scored for the Ducks, who remain one victory away from earning their first playoff series victory in nine years. Dostal stopped just six of nine shots before he was replaced by Ville Husso, who finished with 10 saves. The Oilers scored on the first shot of the game for the second straight game, and they also scored first for the fifth straight time in the series. Bouchard pulled up at the right point before fitting a pass between two Anaheim defenders to Podkolzin in the left faceoff circle. Podkolzin beat Dostal up high on the short side with a wrist shot for a 1-0 lead at 2:22 of the first period. Dostal’s clearing attempt from behind his net banked off the sideboards and was intercepted by Nugent-Hopkins, who fired the puck to the front of the crease, where Hyman was waiting to redirect it between Dostal’s pads for a 2-0 lead at 8:33. Bouchard took another blast from just inside the blue line and Draisaitl deflected it into the net to make it 3-0 at 10:13 and end the night for Dostal. The Ducks scored their seventh power-play goal of the series when Killorn finished off a feed from Mason McTavish in the slot to cap a 3-on-2 rush and cut the margin to 3-1 at 8:26 of the second period. That momentum didn’t last long as Anaheim defenseman Jacob Trouba committed a tripping penalty 16 seconds later. Draisaitl scored on the ensuing power play with a one-timer from the right circle, extending the lead to 4-1 at 10:24. The Oilers were outshooting the Ducks 12-3 through the first 18 1/2 minutes of the game before Anaheim finished with a 30-20 edge. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Leon #Draisaitl #Oilers #send #series #Anaheim #Game

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