×
Deadspin | ‘We’re right there’: Ducks hungry to even series with Oilers Apr 20, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Matt Savoie (22) with center Connor McDavid (97) attempt to stop Anaheim Ducks right winger Troy Terry (19) in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images After feeling like they let a win slip from their grasp in the series opener, the Anaheim Ducks will try to regroup for Game 2 of their Western Conference first-round matchup against the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night. The Oilers took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series on Monday when they scored twice in the final nine minutes to rally back for a 4-3 win in Edmonton. Edmonton had blown a 2-0 lead when it surrendered three goals in the second period. “It’s unfortunate the result of that game, and it’s going to be tough to swallow, but we’ve got to put it behind us,” Ducks forward Troy Terry said. “We kind of got our feet under us, and we’re into this thing now.” Terry had two goals and an assist in his first playoff game in his ninth year in the NHL. Leo Carlsson contributed a goal and an assist. Terry, Carlsson and rookie Beckett Sennecke combined to take 21 of Anaheim’s 28 shots on goal in Game 1. The Ducks could use better performances from their most veteran players, however. Chris Kreider had a turnover in the neutral zone that led to the second goal by Edmonton; Radko Gudas fell while skating backwards defending a rush, leading to the third goal; and Jacob Trouba lost track of Kasperi Kapanen on the go-ahead goal with 1:54 left. Alex Killorn also committed the only two penalties by Anaheim. “I thought, as a group, we proved to ourselves, we’re right there,” Terry said. “These little mental mistakes can sway a series one way or the other.” The Oilers benefited from secondary scoring in the Game 1 win. Kapanen, who scored twice, is a second-line wing, and Jason Dickinson, who scored the other two goals, centered the third line. “Just very important for this team,” Kapanen said of the secondary scoring. “And other guys stepping up and making big defensive plays that you don’t really see on the highlight reel, but that are just as important.” The Oilers welcomed back forward Leon Draisaitl for Game 1 after he missed the final 14 games of the regular season with a lower-body injury, and he contributed two assists in the win. Draisaitl had 97 points in 65 games during the regular season. “I felt OK,” Draisaitl said. “Certainly going to take a couple games to really be myself and really trust myself again, but for a start, I thought it was OK.” Just as Draisaitl was returning, however, Edmonton forward Adam Henrique left in the first period with a lower-body injury after colliding shin-on-shin with a teammate. “We will find out (Tuesday) how long he will be out,” Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch said. “We will miss him.” The Oilers still have Connor McDavid, however, and he’ll be extra hungry after going without a point for just the 15th time in 83 games this season and the first time in a victory. McDavid, who led the NHL with 138 points during the regular season, has only been held off the scoresheet in back-to-back games once this season. “Connor is going to get his chances and get his looks, and we’re not worried about that,” Kapanen said. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Ducks #hungry #series #Oilers

Deadspin | ‘We’re right there’: Ducks hungry to even series with Oilers
Deadspin | ‘We’re right there’: Ducks hungry to even series with Oilers Apr 20, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Matt Savoie (22) with center Connor McDavid (97) attempt to stop Anaheim Ducks right winger Troy Terry (19) in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images After feeling like they let a win slip from their grasp in the series opener, the Anaheim Ducks will try to regroup for Game 2 of their Western Conference first-round matchup against the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night. The Oilers took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series on Monday when they scored twice in the final nine minutes to rally back for a 4-3 win in Edmonton. Edmonton had blown a 2-0 lead when it surrendered three goals in the second period. “It’s unfortunate the result of that game, and it’s going to be tough to swallow, but we’ve got to put it behind us,” Ducks forward Troy Terry said. “We kind of got our feet under us, and we’re into this thing now.” Terry had two goals and an assist in his first playoff game in his ninth year in the NHL. Leo Carlsson contributed a goal and an assist. Terry, Carlsson and rookie Beckett Sennecke combined to take 21 of Anaheim’s 28 shots on goal in Game 1. The Ducks could use better performances from their most veteran players, however. Chris Kreider had a turnover in the neutral zone that led to the second goal by Edmonton; Radko Gudas fell while skating backwards defending a rush, leading to the third goal; and Jacob Trouba lost track of Kasperi Kapanen on the go-ahead goal with 1:54 left. Alex Killorn also committed the only two penalties by Anaheim. “I thought, as a group, we proved to ourselves, we’re right there,” Terry said. “These little mental mistakes can sway a series one way or the other.” The Oilers benefited from secondary scoring in the Game 1 win. Kapanen, who scored twice, is a second-line wing, and Jason Dickinson, who scored the other two goals, centered the third line. “Just very important for this team,” Kapanen said of the secondary scoring. “And other guys stepping up and making big defensive plays that you don’t really see on the highlight reel, but that are just as important.” The Oilers welcomed back forward Leon Draisaitl for Game 1 after he missed the final 14 games of the regular season with a lower-body injury, and he contributed two assists in the win. Draisaitl had 97 points in 65 games during the regular season. “I felt OK,” Draisaitl said. “Certainly going to take a couple games to really be myself and really trust myself again, but for a start, I thought it was OK.” Just as Draisaitl was returning, however, Edmonton forward Adam Henrique left in the first period with a lower-body injury after colliding shin-on-shin with a teammate. “We will find out (Tuesday) how long he will be out,” Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch said. “We will miss him.” The Oilers still have Connor McDavid, however, and he’ll be extra hungry after going without a point for just the 15th time in 83 games this season and the first time in a victory. McDavid, who led the NHL with 138 points during the regular season, has only been held off the scoresheet in back-to-back games once this season. “Connor is going to get his chances and get his looks, and we’re not worried about that,” Kapanen said. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Ducks #hungry #series #OilersApr 20, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Matt Savoie (22) with center Connor McDavid (97) attempt to stop Anaheim Ducks right winger Troy Terry (19) in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images

After feeling like they let a win slip from their grasp in the series opener, the Anaheim Ducks will try to regroup for Game 2 of their Western Conference first-round matchup against the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night.

The Oilers took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series on Monday when they scored twice in the final nine minutes to rally back for a 4-3 win in Edmonton.

Edmonton had blown a 2-0 lead when it surrendered three goals in the second period.

“It’s unfortunate the result of that game, and it’s going to be tough to swallow, but we’ve got to put it behind us,” Ducks forward Troy Terry said. “We kind of got our feet under us, and we’re into this thing now.”

Terry had two goals and an assist in his first playoff game in his ninth year in the NHL. Leo Carlsson contributed a goal and an assist.

Terry, Carlsson and rookie Beckett Sennecke combined to take 21 of Anaheim’s 28 shots on goal in Game 1.

The Ducks could use better performances from their most veteran players, however.

Chris Kreider had a turnover in the neutral zone that led to the second goal by Edmonton; Radko Gudas fell while skating backwards defending a rush, leading to the third goal; and Jacob Trouba lost track of Kasperi Kapanen on the go-ahead goal with 1:54 left.

Alex Killorn also committed the only two penalties by Anaheim.

“I thought, as a group, we proved to ourselves, we’re right there,” Terry said. “These little mental mistakes can sway a series one way or the other.”


The Oilers benefited from secondary scoring in the Game 1 win.

Kapanen, who scored twice, is a second-line wing, and Jason Dickinson, who scored the other two goals, centered the third line.

“Just very important for this team,” Kapanen said of the secondary scoring. “And other guys stepping up and making big defensive plays that you don’t really see on the highlight reel, but that are just as important.”

The Oilers welcomed back forward Leon Draisaitl for Game 1 after he missed the final 14 games of the regular season with a lower-body injury, and he contributed two assists in the win.

Draisaitl had 97 points in 65 games during the regular season.

“I felt OK,” Draisaitl said. “Certainly going to take a couple games to really be myself and really trust myself again, but for a start, I thought it was OK.”

Just as Draisaitl was returning, however, Edmonton forward Adam Henrique left in the first period with a lower-body injury after colliding shin-on-shin with a teammate.

“We will find out (Tuesday) how long he will be out,” Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch said. “We will miss him.”

The Oilers still have Connor McDavid, however, and he’ll be extra hungry after going without a point for just the 15th time in 83 games this season and the first time in a victory.

McDavid, who led the NHL with 138 points during the regular season, has only been held off the scoresheet in back-to-back games once this season.

“Connor is going to get his chances and get his looks, and we’re not worried about that,” Kapanen said.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Ducks #hungry #series #Oilers

Sports news

Apr 20, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Matt Savoie (22) with center Connor McDavid (97) attempt to stop Anaheim Ducks right winger Troy Terry (19) in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images

After feeling like they let a win slip from their grasp in the series opener, the Anaheim Ducks will try to regroup for Game 2 of their Western Conference first-round matchup against the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night.

The Oilers took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series on Monday when they scored twice in the final nine minutes to rally back for a 4-3 win in Edmonton.

Edmonton had blown a 2-0 lead when it surrendered three goals in the second period.

“It’s unfortunate the result of that game, and it’s going to be tough to swallow, but we’ve got to put it behind us,” Ducks forward Troy Terry said. “We kind of got our feet under us, and we’re into this thing now.”

Terry had two goals and an assist in his first playoff game in his ninth year in the NHL. Leo Carlsson contributed a goal and an assist.

Terry, Carlsson and rookie Beckett Sennecke combined to take 21 of Anaheim’s 28 shots on goal in Game 1.

The Ducks could use better performances from their most veteran players, however.

Chris Kreider had a turnover in the neutral zone that led to the second goal by Edmonton; Radko Gudas fell while skating backwards defending a rush, leading to the third goal; and Jacob Trouba lost track of Kasperi Kapanen on the go-ahead goal with 1:54 left.

Alex Killorn also committed the only two penalties by Anaheim.

“I thought, as a group, we proved to ourselves, we’re right there,” Terry said. “These little mental mistakes can sway a series one way or the other.”

The Oilers benefited from secondary scoring in the Game 1 win.

Kapanen, who scored twice, is a second-line wing, and Jason Dickinson, who scored the other two goals, centered the third line.

“Just very important for this team,” Kapanen said of the secondary scoring. “And other guys stepping up and making big defensive plays that you don’t really see on the highlight reel, but that are just as important.”

The Oilers welcomed back forward Leon Draisaitl for Game 1 after he missed the final 14 games of the regular season with a lower-body injury, and he contributed two assists in the win.

Draisaitl had 97 points in 65 games during the regular season.

“I felt OK,” Draisaitl said. “Certainly going to take a couple games to really be myself and really trust myself again, but for a start, I thought it was OK.”

Just as Draisaitl was returning, however, Edmonton forward Adam Henrique left in the first period with a lower-body injury after colliding shin-on-shin with a teammate.

“We will find out (Tuesday) how long he will be out,” Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch said. “We will miss him.”

The Oilers still have Connor McDavid, however, and he’ll be extra hungry after going without a point for just the 15th time in 83 games this season and the first time in a victory.

McDavid, who led the NHL with 138 points during the regular season, has only been held off the scoresheet in back-to-back games once this season.

“Connor is going to get his chances and get his looks, and we’re not worried about that,” Kapanen said.

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Ducks #hungry #series #Oilers

Previous post

Deadspin | LAFC, Rapids have quick turnaround to brush off losses <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28769971.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28769971.jpg" alt="MLS: San Jose Earthquakes at LAFC" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 19, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Football Club forward Denis Bouanga (99) takes a shot at goal during the match against San Jose Earthquakes at BMO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>After a week of highs and lows, Los Angeles FC are set for another midweek match when they play host to the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>LAFC (5-2-1, 16 points) advanced to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals last Tuesday but will enter off a 4-1 home loss to the upstart San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday. LAFC were steamrolled by a barrage of second-half goals in the defeat.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>“I have been here many times praising us but (Sunday) was not good,” LAFC head coach Marc Dos Santos said. “We have to take the game as a lesson and move forward. If I only talk about tiredness (from Champions Cup), that’s an excuse. It was not good. We have to see why and try to improve on Wednesday.”</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris not only gave up his first goals of the season to end a 593-minute scoreless streak, Heung-Min Son remains without a goal through his first seven league games. Son does have two goals in Champions Cup play.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Denis Bouanga leads the club with four goals and has four assists in MLS play, while Son has seven assists.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>The Rapids (4-4-0, 12 points) had their inconsistencies on full display in a 3-2 home loss to Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami on Saturday. Colorado forced the action but Messi scored twice, including the game-winner in the 79th minute.</p> </section> <section id="section-7"> <p>“I saw a team that performed like a big team with a proper mentality with a huge personality,” Rapids head coach Matt Wells said, while looking at the positives after his team had 15 shots to five for Miami. “… That gives me massive hope that if we keep building and stick on this path, it won’t be long before you’re asking me a question about us being the top team around Vancouver and LAFC.”</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Dynamic on offense this season, Colorado’s 21 goals are second most in league play, one behind the Western Conference-leading Vancouver Whitecaps.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Rafael Navarro leads the Rapids with six goals and four assists, including a goal on Saturday.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Colorado’s loss to Inter Miami came in front of a crowd of 75,824 at the home of the NFL’s Denver Broncos, the second-largest to watch a match in MLS history. It came one week after a resounding 6-2 home victory over the Houston Dynamo when Navarro scored twice.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>But while the offense has been solid, the Rapids have allowed 15 goals, with only three Western Conference teams allowing more.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-12"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #LAFC #Rapids #quick #turnaround #brush #losses

Next post

A Stress-Free, Worry-Free Carriage Ride

Related Posts

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

Post Comment