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Deadspin | Wings sign defensive standout Alanna Smith to reported 3-year contract Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) fights for a rebound with Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith (8) during their WNBA semifinal playoff game at PHX Arena on Sept. 28, 2025. The Dallas Wings have signed free agent forward Alanna Smith, the WNBA’s co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2025, the team announced on Saturday night. ESPN reported that Smith, who spent the past two seasons with the Minnesota Lynx, has agreed to a three-year max contract, per her agent Sammy Wloszczowski of the Sports International Group agency. Smith, 29, shared honors with Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson for the individual award and also was selected to the All-Defensive first team in 2025. She was named to the second team in 2024. The 6-foot-4 Smith ranked third in blocked shots (80) and tied for 10th in steals (55) last season while helping Minnesota rack up the league’s best regular-season record (34-10) and rank second in scoring defense (76.7). “As the reigning Co-Defensive Player of the Year, she is one of the top two-way players in the WNBA who consistently impacts both sides of the ball,” Wings general manager Curt Miller said in a statement. “From a defensive standpoint, Alanna gives our coaching staff unbelievable versatility — she can play multiple coverages and drastically affect shots around the paint. Offensively — we are excited to pair her with our outstanding guards, showcasing her ability to play inside or outside.” Smith averaged 9.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 1.9 blocks and 26.5 minutes in 42 regular-season games (all starts) for the Lynx last season. She also averaged 6.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.5 blocks and 23.5 minutes in six playoff games (all starts). For her career, the Australian is averaging 7.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.2 blocks and 20.9 minutes in 183 regular-season games (117 starts) for the Phoenix Mercury (2019-21), Indiana Fever (2022), Chicago Sky (2023) and Lynx (2024-25). “It’s hard to put into words what my time in Minnesota has meant to me,” Smith wrote in an Instagram post. “This team and this city embraced me and I am so grateful for all the love and support and how this Aussie girl was welcomed with open arms. Forever will hold a special place in my heart.” Phoenix selected Smith with the eighth overall pick of the 2019 WNBA Draft out of Stanford. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Wings #sign #defensive #standout #Alanna #Smith #reported #3year #contract

Deadspin | Wings sign defensive standout Alanna Smith to reported 3-year contract
Deadspin | Wings sign defensive standout Alanna Smith to reported 3-year contract Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) fights for a rebound with Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith (8) during their WNBA semifinal playoff game at PHX Arena on Sept. 28, 2025. The Dallas Wings have signed free agent forward Alanna Smith, the WNBA’s co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2025, the team announced on Saturday night. ESPN reported that Smith, who spent the past two seasons with the Minnesota Lynx, has agreed to a three-year max contract, per her agent Sammy Wloszczowski of the Sports International Group agency. Smith, 29, shared honors with Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson for the individual award and also was selected to the All-Defensive first team in 2025. She was named to the second team in 2024. The 6-foot-4 Smith ranked third in blocked shots (80) and tied for 10th in steals (55) last season while helping Minnesota rack up the league’s best regular-season record (34-10) and rank second in scoring defense (76.7). “As the reigning Co-Defensive Player of the Year, she is one of the top two-way players in the WNBA who consistently impacts both sides of the ball,” Wings general manager Curt Miller said in a statement. “From a defensive standpoint, Alanna gives our coaching staff unbelievable versatility — she can play multiple coverages and drastically affect shots around the paint. Offensively — we are excited to pair her with our outstanding guards, showcasing her ability to play inside or outside.” Smith averaged 9.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 1.9 blocks and 26.5 minutes in 42 regular-season games (all starts) for the Lynx last season. She also averaged 6.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.5 blocks and 23.5 minutes in six playoff games (all starts). For her career, the Australian is averaging 7.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.2 blocks and 20.9 minutes in 183 regular-season games (117 starts) for the Phoenix Mercury (2019-21), Indiana Fever (2022), Chicago Sky (2023) and Lynx (2024-25). “It’s hard to put into words what my time in Minnesota has meant to me,” Smith wrote in an Instagram post. “This team and this city embraced me and I am so grateful for all the love and support and how this Aussie girl was welcomed with open arms. Forever will hold a special place in my heart.” Phoenix selected Smith with the eighth overall pick of the 2019 WNBA Draft out of Stanford. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Wings #sign #defensive #standout #Alanna #Smith #reported #3year #contractPhoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) fights for a rebound with Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith (8) during their WNBA semifinal playoff game at PHX Arena on Sept. 28, 2025.

The Dallas Wings have signed free agent forward Alanna Smith, the WNBA’s co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2025, the team announced on Saturday night.

ESPN reported that Smith, who spent the past two seasons with the Minnesota Lynx, has agreed to a three-year max contract, per her agent Sammy Wloszczowski of the Sports International Group agency.

Smith, 29, shared honors with Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson for the individual award and also was selected to the All-Defensive first team in 2025. She was named to the second team in 2024.

The 6-foot-4 Smith ranked third in blocked shots (80) and tied for 10th in steals (55) last season while helping Minnesota rack up the league’s best regular-season record (34-10) and rank second in scoring defense (76.7).


“As the reigning Co-Defensive Player of the Year, she is one of the top two-way players in the WNBA who consistently impacts both sides of the ball,” Wings general manager Curt Miller said in a statement. “From a defensive standpoint, Alanna gives our coaching staff unbelievable versatility — she can play multiple coverages and drastically affect shots around the paint. Offensively — we are excited to pair her with our outstanding guards, showcasing her ability to play inside or outside.”

Smith averaged 9.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 1.9 blocks and 26.5 minutes in 42 regular-season games (all starts) for the Lynx last season. She also averaged 6.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.5 blocks and 23.5 minutes in six playoff games (all starts).

For her career, the Australian is averaging 7.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.2 blocks and 20.9 minutes in 183 regular-season games (117 starts) for the Phoenix Mercury (2019-21), Indiana Fever (2022), Chicago Sky (2023) and Lynx (2024-25).

“It’s hard to put into words what my time in Minnesota has meant to me,” Smith wrote in an Instagram post. “This team and this city embraced me and I am so grateful for all the love and support and how this Aussie girl was welcomed with open arms. Forever will hold a special place in my heart.”

Phoenix selected Smith with the eighth overall pick of the 2019 WNBA Draft out of Stanford.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Wings #sign #defensive #standout #Alanna #Smith #reported #3year #contract

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Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) fights for a rebound with Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith (8) during their WNBA semifinal playoff game at PHX Arena on Sept. 28, 2025.

The Dallas Wings have signed free agent forward Alanna Smith, the WNBA’s co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2025, the team announced on Saturday night.

ESPN reported that Smith, who spent the past two seasons with the Minnesota Lynx, has agreed to a three-year max contract, per her agent Sammy Wloszczowski of the Sports International Group agency.

Smith, 29, shared honors with Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson for the individual award and also was selected to the All-Defensive first team in 2025. She was named to the second team in 2024.

The 6-foot-4 Smith ranked third in blocked shots (80) and tied for 10th in steals (55) last season while helping Minnesota rack up the league’s best regular-season record (34-10) and rank second in scoring defense (76.7).

“As the reigning Co-Defensive Player of the Year, she is one of the top two-way players in the WNBA who consistently impacts both sides of the ball,” Wings general manager Curt Miller said in a statement. “From a defensive standpoint, Alanna gives our coaching staff unbelievable versatility — she can play multiple coverages and drastically affect shots around the paint. Offensively — we are excited to pair her with our outstanding guards, showcasing her ability to play inside or outside.”

Smith averaged 9.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 1.9 blocks and 26.5 minutes in 42 regular-season games (all starts) for the Lynx last season. She also averaged 6.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.5 blocks and 23.5 minutes in six playoff games (all starts).

For her career, the Australian is averaging 7.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.2 blocks and 20.9 minutes in 183 regular-season games (117 starts) for the Phoenix Mercury (2019-21), Indiana Fever (2022), Chicago Sky (2023) and Lynx (2024-25).

“It’s hard to put into words what my time in Minnesota has meant to me,” Smith wrote in an Instagram post. “This team and this city embraced me and I am so grateful for all the love and support and how this Aussie girl was welcomed with open arms. Forever will hold a special place in my heart.”

Phoenix selected Smith with the eighth overall pick of the 2019 WNBA Draft out of Stanford.

–Field Level Media

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IPL 2026: Sanju Samson stakes claim to be CSK’s ‘leading man’ with maiden hundred in yellow jersey <div id="content-body-70853348" itemprop="articleBody"><p><i>Viyarppu thunniyitta kuppayam. Athil nirangal mangukilla kattayam. [Dress spun from sweat; more vivid than any story ever told].</i></p><p>The opening lyrics of the song ‘Kuthanthram’ from the 2024 Malayalam classic ‘Manjummel Boys’ left a lasting imprint on people’s minds due to its quirky metaphorical connotation.</p><p>Indian batter Sanju Samson had referenced the phrase in a social media post after finding a spot back in the playing eleven after being dropped following a disappointing tour of Australia.</p><p>A lot has transpired in Samson’s life since that game in December 2025. He was dropped from the team again. He was reintegrated again. And then he played three career-defining knocks, one after the other, to guide his nation to a third T20 World Cup triumph.</p><p>On Saturday, at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, another vivid story was written when a drenched-in-sweat Samson yielded his willow after Chennai Super Kings’ first innings against Delhi Capitals. An unbeaten 115 in front of 30,000 yellow-clad fans at his new amphitheatre was the first real indication of a metamorphosis foreseen by many since the 31-year-old traded his longstanding pink for yellow ahead of the new IPL season.</p><div class="inline_embed article-block-item"><p>[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yGy2jRz8Jc[/embed]</p></div><p>Like most things in his more-than-a-decade-long career so far, this too did not come easy for him. Three consecutive no-shows with the bat, all while being the torchbearer for the side’s new injection of exuberance, almost extinguished the halo of nobility that appeared after his World Cup exploits.</p><p>The first ball he faced from debutant Auqib Nabi set the tone for the day. You would imagine that a batter who was dismissed thrice in succession by the ball moving away — twice through an outside edge looking to push away from off-stump — would look to ensure there was no movement on offer before playing a similar shot. Not Samson. He prodded his front foot across, in a sign of immense self-confidence, to caress the ball through the covers and pick up three.</p><p>While his opening partner, Ruturaj Gaikwad, struggled to combine both timing and the art of finding the gap together, Samson delivered a clinic in batting against pace in the PowerPlay, combining composure and direction to give his side a rapid start. Two gorgeous fours over extra-cover against Axar Patel followed, after which the Kerala batter slipped his vehicle into autopilot, the likes of which we saw at the victorious multi-nation tournament.</p><p>A bothersome back, a dropped catch in the deep, and an unnerving prolonged stint in the 90s later, a fortuitous outside edge of the blade took him to three figures, one that the crowd welcomed with ear-splitting whistles and a standing ovation. </p><p>The CSK fanbase has long venerated a wicketkeeper-batter to such a degree that he is now considered to be the son of the soil. The unyielding fandom has grown to such an extent that it forces him to return to play in front of the adoring crowd despite his growing years. It can’t go on forever, though. But now, there is a successor in place, and Saturday at the Chepauk was his first step towards staking a claim to be that leading man. </p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 12, 2026</p></div> #IPL #Sanju #Samson #stakes #claim #CSKs #leading #man #maiden #yellow #jersey

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Deadspin | Chicago Fire use early goal to extend Atlanta’s road woes Apr 11, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Fire FC defender Leonardo Barroso (2) defends against Atlanta United FC midfielder Matías Galarza (88) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Maren Haile-Selassie scored his first goal of the season just before the quarter-hour mark for the Chicago Fire, who defeated visiting Atlanta United 1-0 on Saturday night. Philip Zinckernagel and Jonathan Bamba assisted on the goal for Chicago (4-2-1, 13 points), which won its third consecutive match to improve to 3-1-0 at Soldier Field. Atlanta (1-5-1, 4 points), which dropped to 0-3-0 on the road this season, has lost back-to-back outings. Haile-Selassie’s goal came in the 13th minute. Zinckernagel ventured forward on the right side, entered the scoring area, and slid it to Bamba. Bamba’s touch found Haile-Selassie, who struck it past a lunging Lucas Hoyos for a 1-0 lead. Atlanta nearly leveled it right after the ensuing kickoff, but Tomas Jacob’s attempt rang off the woodwork. Later in the half, the Fire came close to breaching Atlanta’s defense and doubling their lead. Andrew Gutman had an opportunity to make it 2-0 Fire in the 39th minute, but the former Atlanta defender shot it off the post. A minute later, Bamba struck the crossbar. Haile-Selassie appeared to complete his brace to make it 2-0 in the 74th minute, but he was offside in the buildup. Ultimately, Chicago’s first-half goal ended up being the only one of the match as it played to a second straight 1-0 result. The Fire have allowed just five goals in 2026. Chris Brady made four saves for his fourth clean sheet of the season. Hoyos was credited with a pair of saves for Atlanta. Atlanta has lost its last six regular-season matches away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium and is 1-14-5 in its last 20 on the road. It also saw its winless streak in Chicago reach eight matches (0-5-3). Atlanta United head coach Tata Martino served a one-match suspension after being shown a red card during a 3-1 loss to the Columbus Crew on April 4. Alexey Miranchuk, Atlanta’s leading scorer (four goals), missed Saturday’s match because of a muscle injury. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Chicago #Fire #early #goal #extend #Atlantas #road #woesApr 11, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Fire FC defender Leonardo Barroso (2) defends against Atlanta United FC midfielder Matías Galarza (88) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Maren Haile-Selassie scored his first goal of the season just before the quarter-hour mark for the Chicago Fire, who defeated visiting Atlanta United 1-0 on Saturday night.

Philip Zinckernagel and Jonathan Bamba assisted on the goal for Chicago (4-2-1, 13 points), which won its third consecutive match to improve to 3-1-0 at Soldier Field.

Atlanta (1-5-1, 4 points), which dropped to 0-3-0 on the road this season, has lost back-to-back outings.

Haile-Selassie’s goal came in the 13th minute. Zinckernagel ventured forward on the right side, entered the scoring area, and slid it to Bamba. Bamba’s touch found Haile-Selassie, who struck it past a lunging Lucas Hoyos for a 1-0 lead.

Atlanta nearly leveled it right after the ensuing kickoff, but Tomas Jacob’s attempt rang off the woodwork.

Later in the half, the Fire came close to breaching Atlanta’s defense and doubling their lead. Andrew Gutman had an opportunity to make it 2-0 Fire in the 39th minute, but the former Atlanta defender shot it off the post. A minute later, Bamba struck the crossbar.


Haile-Selassie appeared to complete his brace to make it 2-0 in the 74th minute, but he was offside in the buildup.

Ultimately, Chicago’s first-half goal ended up being the only one of the match as it played to a second straight 1-0 result. The Fire have allowed just five goals in 2026.

Chris Brady made four saves for his fourth clean sheet of the season. Hoyos was credited with a pair of saves for Atlanta.

Atlanta has lost its last six regular-season matches away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium and is 1-14-5 in its last 20 on the road. It also saw its winless streak in Chicago reach eight matches (0-5-3).

Atlanta United head coach Tata Martino served a one-match suspension after being shown a red card during a 3-1 loss to the Columbus Crew on April 4.

Alexey Miranchuk, Atlanta’s leading scorer (four goals), missed Saturday’s match because of a muscle injury.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Chicago #Fire #early #goal #extend #Atlantas #road #woes">Deadspin | Chicago Fire use early goal to extend Atlanta’s road woes Apr 11, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Fire FC defender Leonardo Barroso (2) defends against Atlanta United FC midfielder Matías Galarza (88) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Maren Haile-Selassie scored his first goal of the season just before the quarter-hour mark for the Chicago Fire, who defeated visiting Atlanta United 1-0 on Saturday night. Philip Zinckernagel and Jonathan Bamba assisted on the goal for Chicago (4-2-1, 13 points), which won its third consecutive match to improve to 3-1-0 at Soldier Field. Atlanta (1-5-1, 4 points), which dropped to 0-3-0 on the road this season, has lost back-to-back outings. Haile-Selassie’s goal came in the 13th minute. Zinckernagel ventured forward on the right side, entered the scoring area, and slid it to Bamba. Bamba’s touch found Haile-Selassie, who struck it past a lunging Lucas Hoyos for a 1-0 lead. Atlanta nearly leveled it right after the ensuing kickoff, but Tomas Jacob’s attempt rang off the woodwork. Later in the half, the Fire came close to breaching Atlanta’s defense and doubling their lead. Andrew Gutman had an opportunity to make it 2-0 Fire in the 39th minute, but the former Atlanta defender shot it off the post. A minute later, Bamba struck the crossbar. Haile-Selassie appeared to complete his brace to make it 2-0 in the 74th minute, but he was offside in the buildup. Ultimately, Chicago’s first-half goal ended up being the only one of the match as it played to a second straight 1-0 result. The Fire have allowed just five goals in 2026. Chris Brady made four saves for his fourth clean sheet of the season. Hoyos was credited with a pair of saves for Atlanta. Atlanta has lost its last six regular-season matches away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium and is 1-14-5 in its last 20 on the road. It also saw its winless streak in Chicago reach eight matches (0-5-3). Atlanta United head coach Tata Martino served a one-match suspension after being shown a red card during a 3-1 loss to the Columbus Crew on April 4. Alexey Miranchuk, Atlanta’s leading scorer (four goals), missed Saturday’s match because of a muscle injury. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Chicago #Fire #early #goal #extend #Atlantas #road #woes

Two-time Asian Games champion shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor produced a 21.03m effort to clinch the men’s title at the one-day Indian Athletics Series at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday.

The 31-year-old national record holder, however, feels he is still some distance away from his personal best and the kind of throws he has been producing in training.

“If I am fit, I can do anything. I still haven’t thrown to my full potential like I did in previous years. If I can reach that level again, I believe it could be the biggest throw for India,” he told reporters after the event.

Toor added that his primary goal this season is to win India’s first-ever shot put medal at the Commonwealth Games, while also completing a hat-trick of medals at the Asian Games later this year.

“The Commonwealth Games is the target, and winning a medal in shot put there would be special because India has never won one. The Asian Games is also a big goal. Hopefully, everything goes well,” he said.

Published on Apr 12, 2026

#Aiming #rediscover #Tajinderpal #Singh #Toor #targets #Indias #CWG #shot #put #medal">Aiming to rediscover his best, Tajinderpal Singh Toor targets India’s first CWG shot put medal Two-time Asian Games champion shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor produced a 21.03m effort to clinch the men’s title at the one-day Indian Athletics Series at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday.The 31-year-old national record holder, however, feels he is still some distance away from his personal best and the kind of throws he has been producing in training.“If I am fit, I can do anything. I still haven’t thrown to my full potential like I did in previous years. If I can reach that level again, I believe it could be the biggest throw for India,” he told reporters after the event.Toor added that his primary goal this season is to win India’s first-ever shot put medal at the Commonwealth Games, while also completing a hat-trick of medals at the Asian Games later this year.“The Commonwealth Games is the target, and winning a medal in shot put there would be special because India has never won one. The Asian Games is also a big goal. Hopefully, everything goes well,” he said.Published on Apr 12, 2026 #Aiming #rediscover #Tajinderpal #Singh #Toor #targets #Indias #CWG #shot #put #medal

Deadspin | Golden Knights secure playoff berth with OT win at Avalanche Apr 11, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski (70) and Vegas Golden Knights center Colton Sissons (10) battle for the puck in the first period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Jack Eichel scored 1:19 into overtime and the Vegas Golden Knights clinched a playoff spot with a 3-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche in Denver on Saturday night. Vegas (37-26-17, 91 points) jumped over Edmonton (90 points) into first place in the Pacific Division. Anaheim is third with 89 points heading into the final week of the regular season. Eichel grabbed the puck in the Colorado end, skated down the left boards and beat goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood with a shot from the circle. Mark Stone and Pavel Dorofeyev also scored and Carter Hart made 30 saves for the Knights. Nick Blankenburg and Devon Toews scored and Blackwood turned away 26 shots for the Central Division-leading Avalanche (52-16-11, 115 points). Colorado coach Jared Bednar left the bench early in the third period when he took a puck to the side of his head. The Golden Knights’ Keegan Kolesar carried the puck up the left boards and attempted to send it down the ice, but instead it went into the Avalanche bench and hit Bednar. Bednar bent over holding his head and was taken into the locker room by a trainer. He did not return. Colorado played the final 20 minutes without defenseman Josh Manson, who sustained an upper-body injury in the second period. The Avalanche took a 1-0 lead on a power play midway through the first period when Toews wristed a shot that trickled through Hart and in at 9:17. Vegas answered 12 seconds into its second power play of the night. Mitch Marner took a shot from the point that Tomas Hertl tipped as it went through the slot. Stone, parked in front of the net, knocked it out of the air and lifted a backhand by Blackwood at 13:47. The Knights went ahead early in the second period. Kaeden Korczak kept the puck in at the blueline and passed down low to Ivan Barbashev, who fed Dorofeyev in the left circle, and he shot it over Blackwood’s left shoulder at 2:09. Colorado evened it again when Blankenburg’s shot from the point hit the post, bounced off Hart and in at 10:56 of the second before a scoreless third period. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Golden #Knights #secure #playoff #berth #win #AvalancheApr 11, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski (70) and Vegas Golden Knights center Colton Sissons (10) battle for the puck in the first period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Jack Eichel scored 1:19 into overtime and the Vegas Golden Knights clinched a playoff spot with a 3-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche in Denver on Saturday night.

Vegas (37-26-17, 91 points) jumped over Edmonton (90 points) into first place in the Pacific Division. Anaheim is third with 89 points heading into the final week of the regular season.

Eichel grabbed the puck in the Colorado end, skated down the left boards and beat goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood with a shot from the circle.

Mark Stone and Pavel Dorofeyev also scored and Carter Hart made 30 saves for the Knights.

Nick Blankenburg and Devon Toews scored and Blackwood turned away 26 shots for the Central Division-leading Avalanche (52-16-11, 115 points).

Colorado coach Jared Bednar left the bench early in the third period when he took a puck to the side of his head. The Golden Knights’ Keegan Kolesar carried the puck up the left boards and attempted to send it down the ice, but instead it went into the Avalanche bench and hit Bednar.


Bednar bent over holding his head and was taken into the locker room by a trainer. He did not return.

Colorado played the final 20 minutes without defenseman Josh Manson, who sustained an upper-body injury in the second period.

The Avalanche took a 1-0 lead on a power play midway through the first period when Toews wristed a shot that trickled through Hart and in at 9:17.

Vegas answered 12 seconds into its second power play of the night. Mitch Marner took a shot from the point that Tomas Hertl tipped as it went through the slot. Stone, parked in front of the net, knocked it out of the air and lifted a backhand by Blackwood at 13:47.

The Knights went ahead early in the second period. Kaeden Korczak kept the puck in at the blueline and passed down low to Ivan Barbashev, who fed Dorofeyev in the left circle, and he shot it over Blackwood’s left shoulder at 2:09.

Colorado evened it again when Blankenburg’s shot from the point hit the post, bounced off Hart and in at 10:56 of the second before a scoreless third period.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Golden #Knights #secure #playoff #berth #win #Avalanche">Deadspin | Golden Knights secure playoff berth with OT win at Avalanche Apr 11, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski (70) and Vegas Golden Knights center Colton Sissons (10) battle for the puck in the first period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Jack Eichel scored 1:19 into overtime and the Vegas Golden Knights clinched a playoff spot with a 3-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche in Denver on Saturday night. Vegas (37-26-17, 91 points) jumped over Edmonton (90 points) into first place in the Pacific Division. Anaheim is third with 89 points heading into the final week of the regular season. Eichel grabbed the puck in the Colorado end, skated down the left boards and beat goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood with a shot from the circle. Mark Stone and Pavel Dorofeyev also scored and Carter Hart made 30 saves for the Knights. Nick Blankenburg and Devon Toews scored and Blackwood turned away 26 shots for the Central Division-leading Avalanche (52-16-11, 115 points). Colorado coach Jared Bednar left the bench early in the third period when he took a puck to the side of his head. The Golden Knights’ Keegan Kolesar carried the puck up the left boards and attempted to send it down the ice, but instead it went into the Avalanche bench and hit Bednar. Bednar bent over holding his head and was taken into the locker room by a trainer. He did not return. Colorado played the final 20 minutes without defenseman Josh Manson, who sustained an upper-body injury in the second period. The Avalanche took a 1-0 lead on a power play midway through the first period when Toews wristed a shot that trickled through Hart and in at 9:17. Vegas answered 12 seconds into its second power play of the night. Mitch Marner took a shot from the point that Tomas Hertl tipped as it went through the slot. Stone, parked in front of the net, knocked it out of the air and lifted a backhand by Blackwood at 13:47. The Knights went ahead early in the second period. Kaeden Korczak kept the puck in at the blueline and passed down low to Ivan Barbashev, who fed Dorofeyev in the left circle, and he shot it over Blackwood’s left shoulder at 2:09. Colorado evened it again when Blankenburg’s shot from the point hit the post, bounced off Hart and in at 10:56 of the second before a scoreless third period. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Golden #Knights #secure #playoff #berth #win #Avalanche

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