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Elite 8 teams ranked by national championship chances in 2026 men’s March Madness

Elite 8 teams ranked by national championship chances in 2026 men’s March Madness

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The eight teams left in the 2026 NCAA tournament will battle for a trip to the Final Four on Saturday and Sunday. The complete TV schedule is below:

Saturday, March 28

No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 9 Iowa | 6:09 p.m. ET | TBS

No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 2 Purdue | 8:49 p.m. ET | TBS

Sunday, March 29

No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 6 Tennessee | 2:15 p.m. ET | CBS

No. 1 Duke vs. No. 2 UConn | 5:05 p.m. ET | CBS

If you missed any of the Sweet 16 games, our college basketball writer Mike Rutherford has you covered with the best and worst from Thursday and Friday’s action. Plus check out our Elite Eight teams ranked by their chances to win a national championship.

Do any teams look like an automatic lock to make it to the Final Four? Which teams should be the most concerned? Let us know in the comments below and follow along with us as we will be talking all things March Madness.

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Pep Guardiola patrolled the touchline in Sunday’s pivotal 2-1 Premier League win over Arsenal virtually heading, shooting and throwing his body at ​seemingly every ball, but when it was over, the City manager reduced the night to a single ‌word: hope.

Guardiola’s prized poacher Erling Haaland struck the second-half winner in a ​victory that slashed the gap at the top of the table to ⁠three points, with City having a game in hand.

Guardiola, who was wildly animated all night, scoffed when asked if he enjoyed the game.

“Enjoying I don’t think is the right word,” the Spaniard said. “It’s ‌fine. Hope, that game gave us hope. That’s all.

“I said to the guys after the game, enjoy the moment, but don’t lose the focus right ‌now. We are there, but the reality is who is the top of the ‌league? ⁠We are not,” Guardiola added.

“Goal difference (if the two teams finish even on ⁠points), who is better? They are. But of course, we’ve got hope, to still extend the chance to fight and to live.”

Guardiola has made a habit of breaking Arsenal’s hearts, his Manchester City sides stalking them ​through spring before unleashing relentless late-season surges ‌that turn belief into dread and title races into familiar blue victories.

ALSO READ | Premier League title race starts now, says defiant Arteta

He described Sunday’s bruising contest as worthy of the title race, praising Arsenal’s resilience and physical edge.

“People say they don’t have momentum,” he said. “When you see them play and compete in ‌duels, long balls, second balls and set pieces, they are an extraordinary team. ​Otherwise you cannot be top of the league all season.”

The City manager called the clash “the best advert worldwide and for England.”

In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel.

A tussle with ‌Gabriel left Haaland’s shirt badly torn and he tossed it into the crowd.

“I would not like to be Erling Haaland and battle with William Saliba and Gabriel,” Guardiola said with a smile. “To be honest, I prefer to read a book.”

Haaland embraced the chaos

“I think it’s always like this, a lot of fighting,” the 25-year-old Norwegian said. “It’s up to others to decide if I won that battle or not. I scored the goal, so I ‌won the battle in that moment. It was decisive, and we win.”

Guardiola says Arsenal still in control, but victory gives Manchester City hope Pep Guardiola patrolled the touchline in Sunday’s pivotal 2-1 Premier League win over Arsenal virtually heading, shooting and throwing his body at ​seemingly every ball, but when it was over, the City manager reduced the night to a single ‌word: hope.Guardiola’s prized poacher Erling Haaland struck the second-half winner in a ​victory that slashed the gap at the top of the table to ⁠three points, with City having a game in hand.Guardiola, who was wildly animated all night, scoffed when asked if he enjoyed the game.“Enjoying I don’t think is the right word,” the Spaniard said. “It’s ‌fine. Hope, that game gave us hope. That’s all.“I said to the guys after the game, enjoy the moment, but don’t lose the focus right ‌now. We are there, but the reality is who is the top of the ‌league? ⁠We are not,” Guardiola added.“Goal difference (if the two teams finish even on ⁠points), who is better? They are. But of course, we’ve got hope, to still extend the chance to fight and to live.”Guardiola has made a habit of breaking Arsenal’s hearts, his Manchester City sides stalking them ​through spring before unleashing relentless late-season surges ‌that turn belief into dread and title races into familiar blue victories.ALSO READ | Premier League title race starts now, says defiant ArtetaHe described Sunday’s bruising contest as worthy of the title race, praising Arsenal’s resilience and physical edge.“People say they don’t have momentum,” he said. “When you see them play and compete in ‌duels, long balls, second balls and set pieces, they are an extraordinary team. ​Otherwise you cannot be top of the league all season.”The City manager called the clash “the best advert worldwide and for England.”In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel.A tussle with ‌Gabriel left Haaland’s shirt badly torn and he tossed it into the crowd.“I would not like to be Erling Haaland and battle with William Saliba and Gabriel,” Guardiola said with a smile. “To be honest, I prefer to read a book.”Haaland embraced the chaos“I think it’s always like this, a lot of fighting,” the 25-year-old Norwegian said. “It’s up to others to decide if I won that battle or not. I scored the goal, so I ‌won the battle in that moment. It was decisive, and we win.” In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel. | Photo Credit: AP In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel. | Photo Credit: AP Guardiola said the striker’s mid-season scoring ​drought reflected the toll of a relentless campaign.“A guy so big, playing every three days during November, December, January, February, to sustain that with his ⁠body, it’s not easy,” he said.Guardiola ended the night by saluting captain Bernardo Silva, who will ⁠leave at season’s end after nine years at City.“If I talk a lot one day I cry,” Guardiola said. “So I just say thank you from the ‌deep of my heart. When we write ‘the legend,’ it has to be in capital letters. He’s a special, special player.”City will draw level on points with Arsenal, and ​dislodge them from the top of the table, with a victory at 19th-placed Burnley on Wednesday.Published on Apr 20, 2026 #Guardiola #Arsenal #control #victory #Manchester #City #hope

In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel. | Photo Credit: AP

lightbox-info

In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel. | Photo Credit: AP

Guardiola said the striker’s mid-season scoring ​drought reflected the toll of a relentless campaign.

“A guy so big, playing every three days during November, December, January, February, to sustain that with his ⁠body, it’s not easy,” he said.

Guardiola ended the night by saluting captain Bernardo Silva, who will ⁠leave at season’s end after nine years at City.

“If I talk a lot one day I cry,” Guardiola said. “So I just say thank you from the ‌deep of my heart. When we write ‘the legend,’ it has to be in capital letters. He’s a special, special player.”

City will draw level on points with Arsenal, and ​dislodge them from the top of the table, with a victory at 19th-placed Burnley on Wednesday.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

#Guardiola #Arsenal #control #victory #Manchester #City #hope">Guardiola says Arsenal still in control, but victory gives Manchester City hope Pep Guardiola patrolled the touchline in Sunday’s pivotal 2-1 Premier League win over Arsenal virtually heading, shooting and throwing his body at ​seemingly every ball, but when it was over, the City manager reduced the night to a single ‌word: hope.Guardiola’s prized poacher Erling Haaland struck the second-half winner in a ​victory that slashed the gap at the top of the table to ⁠three points, with City having a game in hand.Guardiola, who was wildly animated all night, scoffed when asked if he enjoyed the game.“Enjoying I don’t think is the right word,” the Spaniard said. “It’s ‌fine. Hope, that game gave us hope. That’s all.“I said to the guys after the game, enjoy the moment, but don’t lose the focus right ‌now. We are there, but the reality is who is the top of the ‌league? ⁠We are not,” Guardiola added.“Goal difference (if the two teams finish even on ⁠points), who is better? They are. But of course, we’ve got hope, to still extend the chance to fight and to live.”Guardiola has made a habit of breaking Arsenal’s hearts, his Manchester City sides stalking them ​through spring before unleashing relentless late-season surges ‌that turn belief into dread and title races into familiar blue victories.ALSO READ | Premier League title race starts now, says defiant ArtetaHe described Sunday’s bruising contest as worthy of the title race, praising Arsenal’s resilience and physical edge.“People say they don’t have momentum,” he said. “When you see them play and compete in ‌duels, long balls, second balls and set pieces, they are an extraordinary team. ​Otherwise you cannot be top of the league all season.”The City manager called the clash “the best advert worldwide and for England.”In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel.A tussle with ‌Gabriel left Haaland’s shirt badly torn and he tossed it into the crowd.“I would not like to be Erling Haaland and battle with William Saliba and Gabriel,” Guardiola said with a smile. “To be honest, I prefer to read a book.”Haaland embraced the chaos“I think it’s always like this, a lot of fighting,” the 25-year-old Norwegian said. “It’s up to others to decide if I won that battle or not. I scored the goal, so I ‌won the battle in that moment. It was decisive, and we win.” In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel. | Photo Credit: AP In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel. | Photo Credit: AP Guardiola said the striker’s mid-season scoring ​drought reflected the toll of a relentless campaign.“A guy so big, playing every three days during November, December, January, February, to sustain that with his ⁠body, it’s not easy,” he said.Guardiola ended the night by saluting captain Bernardo Silva, who will ⁠leave at season’s end after nine years at City.“If I talk a lot one day I cry,” Guardiola said. “So I just say thank you from the ‌deep of my heart. When we write ‘the legend,’ it has to be in capital letters. He’s a special, special player.”City will draw level on points with Arsenal, and ​dislodge them from the top of the table, with a victory at 19th-placed Burnley on Wednesday.Published on Apr 20, 2026 #Guardiola #Arsenal #control #victory #Manchester #City #hope

Premier League title race starts now, says defiant Arteta

He described Sunday’s bruising contest as worthy of the title race, praising Arsenal’s resilience and physical edge.

“People say they don’t have momentum,” he said. “When you see them play and compete in ‌duels, long balls, second balls and set pieces, they are an extraordinary team. ​Otherwise you cannot be top of the league all season.”

The City manager called the clash “the best advert worldwide and for England.”

In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel.

A tussle with ‌Gabriel left Haaland’s shirt badly torn and he tossed it into the crowd.

“I would not like to be Erling Haaland and battle with William Saliba and Gabriel,” Guardiola said with a smile. “To be honest, I prefer to read a book.”

Haaland embraced the chaos

“I think it’s always like this, a lot of fighting,” the 25-year-old Norwegian said. “It’s up to others to decide if I won that battle or not. I scored the goal, so I ‌won the battle in that moment. It was decisive, and we win.”

Guardiola says Arsenal still in control, but victory gives Manchester City hope Pep Guardiola patrolled the touchline in Sunday’s pivotal 2-1 Premier League win over Arsenal virtually heading, shooting and throwing his body at ​seemingly every ball, but when it was over, the City manager reduced the night to a single ‌word: hope.Guardiola’s prized poacher Erling Haaland struck the second-half winner in a ​victory that slashed the gap at the top of the table to ⁠three points, with City having a game in hand.Guardiola, who was wildly animated all night, scoffed when asked if he enjoyed the game.“Enjoying I don’t think is the right word,” the Spaniard said. “It’s ‌fine. Hope, that game gave us hope. That’s all.“I said to the guys after the game, enjoy the moment, but don’t lose the focus right ‌now. We are there, but the reality is who is the top of the ‌league? ⁠We are not,” Guardiola added.“Goal difference (if the two teams finish even on ⁠points), who is better? They are. But of course, we’ve got hope, to still extend the chance to fight and to live.”Guardiola has made a habit of breaking Arsenal’s hearts, his Manchester City sides stalking them ​through spring before unleashing relentless late-season surges ‌that turn belief into dread and title races into familiar blue victories.ALSO READ | Premier League title race starts now, says defiant ArtetaHe described Sunday’s bruising contest as worthy of the title race, praising Arsenal’s resilience and physical edge.“People say they don’t have momentum,” he said. “When you see them play and compete in ‌duels, long balls, second balls and set pieces, they are an extraordinary team. ​Otherwise you cannot be top of the league all season.”The City manager called the clash “the best advert worldwide and for England.”In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel.A tussle with ‌Gabriel left Haaland’s shirt badly torn and he tossed it into the crowd.“I would not like to be Erling Haaland and battle with William Saliba and Gabriel,” Guardiola said with a smile. “To be honest, I prefer to read a book.”Haaland embraced the chaos“I think it’s always like this, a lot of fighting,” the 25-year-old Norwegian said. “It’s up to others to decide if I won that battle or not. I scored the goal, so I ‌won the battle in that moment. It was decisive, and we win.” In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel. | Photo Credit: AP In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel. | Photo Credit: AP Guardiola said the striker’s mid-season scoring ​drought reflected the toll of a relentless campaign.“A guy so big, playing every three days during November, December, January, February, to sustain that with his ⁠body, it’s not easy,” he said.Guardiola ended the night by saluting captain Bernardo Silva, who will ⁠leave at season’s end after nine years at City.“If I talk a lot one day I cry,” Guardiola said. “So I just say thank you from the ‌deep of my heart. When we write ‘the legend,’ it has to be in capital letters. He’s a special, special player.”City will draw level on points with Arsenal, and ​dislodge them from the top of the table, with a victory at 19th-placed Burnley on Wednesday.Published on Apr 20, 2026 #Guardiola #Arsenal #control #victory #Manchester #City #hope

In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel. | Photo Credit: AP

lightbox-info

In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel. | Photo Credit: AP

Guardiola said the striker’s mid-season scoring ​drought reflected the toll of a relentless campaign.

“A guy so big, playing every three days during November, December, January, February, to sustain that with his ⁠body, it’s not easy,” he said.

Guardiola ended the night by saluting captain Bernardo Silva, who will ⁠leave at season’s end after nine years at City.

“If I talk a lot one day I cry,” Guardiola said. “So I just say thank you from the ‌deep of my heart. When we write ‘the legend,’ it has to be in capital letters. He’s a special, special player.”

City will draw level on points with Arsenal, and ​dislodge them from the top of the table, with a victory at 19th-placed Burnley on Wednesday.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

#Guardiola #Arsenal #control #victory #Manchester #City #hope">Guardiola says Arsenal still in control, but victory gives Manchester City hope

Pep Guardiola patrolled the touchline in Sunday’s pivotal 2-1 Premier League win over Arsenal virtually heading, shooting and throwing his body at ​seemingly every ball, but when it was over, the City manager reduced the night to a single ‌word: hope.

Guardiola’s prized poacher Erling Haaland struck the second-half winner in a ​victory that slashed the gap at the top of the table to ⁠three points, with City having a game in hand.

Guardiola, who was wildly animated all night, scoffed when asked if he enjoyed the game.

“Enjoying I don’t think is the right word,” the Spaniard said. “It’s ‌fine. Hope, that game gave us hope. That’s all.

“I said to the guys after the game, enjoy the moment, but don’t lose the focus right ‌now. We are there, but the reality is who is the top of the ‌league? ⁠We are not,” Guardiola added.

“Goal difference (if the two teams finish even on ⁠points), who is better? They are. But of course, we’ve got hope, to still extend the chance to fight and to live.”

Guardiola has made a habit of breaking Arsenal’s hearts, his Manchester City sides stalking them ​through spring before unleashing relentless late-season surges ‌that turn belief into dread and title races into familiar blue victories.

ALSO READ | Premier League title race starts now, says defiant Arteta

He described Sunday’s bruising contest as worthy of the title race, praising Arsenal’s resilience and physical edge.

“People say they don’t have momentum,” he said. “When you see them play and compete in ‌duels, long balls, second balls and set pieces, they are an extraordinary team. ​Otherwise you cannot be top of the league all season.”

The City manager called the clash “the best advert worldwide and for England.”

In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel.

A tussle with ‌Gabriel left Haaland’s shirt badly torn and he tossed it into the crowd.

“I would not like to be Erling Haaland and battle with William Saliba and Gabriel,” Guardiola said with a smile. “To be honest, I prefer to read a book.”

Haaland embraced the chaos

“I think it’s always like this, a lot of fighting,” the 25-year-old Norwegian said. “It’s up to others to decide if I won that battle or not. I scored the goal, so I ‌won the battle in that moment. It was decisive, and we win.”

Guardiola says Arsenal still in control, but victory gives Manchester City hope Pep Guardiola patrolled the touchline in Sunday’s pivotal 2-1 Premier League win over Arsenal virtually heading, shooting and throwing his body at ​seemingly every ball, but when it was over, the City manager reduced the night to a single ‌word: hope.Guardiola’s prized poacher Erling Haaland struck the second-half winner in a ​victory that slashed the gap at the top of the table to ⁠three points, with City having a game in hand.Guardiola, who was wildly animated all night, scoffed when asked if he enjoyed the game.“Enjoying I don’t think is the right word,” the Spaniard said. “It’s ‌fine. Hope, that game gave us hope. That’s all.“I said to the guys after the game, enjoy the moment, but don’t lose the focus right ‌now. We are there, but the reality is who is the top of the ‌league? ⁠We are not,” Guardiola added.“Goal difference (if the two teams finish even on ⁠points), who is better? They are. But of course, we’ve got hope, to still extend the chance to fight and to live.”Guardiola has made a habit of breaking Arsenal’s hearts, his Manchester City sides stalking them ​through spring before unleashing relentless late-season surges ‌that turn belief into dread and title races into familiar blue victories.ALSO READ | Premier League title race starts now, says defiant ArtetaHe described Sunday’s bruising contest as worthy of the title race, praising Arsenal’s resilience and physical edge.“People say they don’t have momentum,” he said. “When you see them play and compete in ‌duels, long balls, second balls and set pieces, they are an extraordinary team. ​Otherwise you cannot be top of the league all season.”The City manager called the clash “the best advert worldwide and for England.”In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel.A tussle with ‌Gabriel left Haaland’s shirt badly torn and he tossed it into the crowd.“I would not like to be Erling Haaland and battle with William Saliba and Gabriel,” Guardiola said with a smile. “To be honest, I prefer to read a book.”Haaland embraced the chaos“I think it’s always like this, a lot of fighting,” the 25-year-old Norwegian said. “It’s up to others to decide if I won that battle or not. I scored the goal, so I ‌won the battle in that moment. It was decisive, and we win.” In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel. | Photo Credit: AP In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel. | Photo Credit: AP Guardiola said the striker’s mid-season scoring ​drought reflected the toll of a relentless campaign.“A guy so big, playing every three days during November, December, January, February, to sustain that with his ⁠body, it’s not easy,” he said.Guardiola ended the night by saluting captain Bernardo Silva, who will ⁠leave at season’s end after nine years at City.“If I talk a lot one day I cry,” Guardiola said. “So I just say thank you from the ‌deep of my heart. When we write ‘the legend,’ it has to be in capital letters. He’s a special, special player.”City will draw level on points with Arsenal, and ​dislodge them from the top of the table, with a victory at 19th-placed Burnley on Wednesday.Published on Apr 20, 2026 #Guardiola #Arsenal #control #victory #Manchester #City #hope

In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel. | Photo Credit: AP

lightbox-info

In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel. | Photo Credit: AP

Guardiola said the striker’s mid-season scoring ​drought reflected the toll of a relentless campaign.

“A guy so big, playing every three days during November, December, January, February, to sustain that with his ⁠body, it’s not easy,” he said.

Guardiola ended the night by saluting captain Bernardo Silva, who will ⁠leave at season’s end after nine years at City.

“If I talk a lot one day I cry,” Guardiola said. “So I just say thank you from the ‌deep of my heart. When we write ‘the legend,’ it has to be in capital letters. He’s a special, special player.”

City will draw level on points with Arsenal, and ​dislodge them from the top of the table, with a victory at 19th-placed Burnley on Wednesday.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

#Guardiola #Arsenal #control #victory #Manchester #City #hope
Deadspin | Knights rally in Game 1, spoiling Mammoth’s playoff debut Apr 19, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights left wing Ivan Barbashev (49) checks Utah Mammoth defenseman Ian Cole (28) during the first period of game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Nic Dowd scored the go-ahead goal 7:20 into the third period and Carter Hart made 31 saves as the Vegas Golden Knights rallied for a 4-2 victory over the Utah Mammoth in Game 1 of their best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series on Sunday night in Las Vegas. Colton Sissons had a goal and an assist, Noah Hanifin had two assists and Mark Stone and Ivan Barbashev also scored goals for Vegas, which improved to 8-0-1 since John Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy as head coach. Game 2 is Tuesday night in Las Vegas. Logan Cooley and Kevin Stenlund each scored goals for Utah, which was playing its first playoff game in franchise history. Karel Vejmelka finished with 27 saves. Pacific Division champion Vegas had the first good scoring chance during a physical first period that featured more than 30 hits, several scrums and 10 penalty minutes when Stone blasted a slap shot from inside the blue line that caromed off the right post. Utah took a 1-0 lead just before the end of the period when former Golden Knight Nate Schmidt rifled a cross-ice pass to Cooley, who one-timed a shot from the middle of the right circle inside the right post for his first career playoff goal. Vegas tied it 3:44 into the second period when Sissons tapped in Cole Smith’s no-look backhand pass into the blue paint. The Mammoth regained the lead just 1:23 later. Stenlund fired a shot from along the right boards that Hart knocked away with his stick into defenseman Kaedan Korczak skating by the left side of the crease. The puck then ricocheted off Korczak and into the net to give the Mammoth a 2-1 lead. The Golden Knights tied it at 2-all at the 5:33 mark of the third period on a power-play goal by Stone, who roofed a rebound of a Tomas Hertl shot into an open net on the backdoor. It was Stone’s 37th career playoff goal with Vegas, breaking a tie with Jonathan Marchessault for most in team history. Dowd gave the Golden Knights their first lead when he deflected Noah Hanifin’s shot from the left point past Vejmelka’s glove side. Utah pulled Vejmelka for an extra attacker with 1:45 to go, and Barbashev sealed the win with an empty-netter before Vejmelka fully left the ice. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Knights #rally #Game #spoiling #Mammoths #playoff #debutApr 19, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights left wing Ivan Barbashev (49) checks Utah Mammoth defenseman Ian Cole (28) during the first period of game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Nic Dowd scored the go-ahead goal 7:20 into the third period and Carter Hart made 31 saves as the Vegas Golden Knights rallied for a 4-2 victory over the Utah Mammoth in Game 1 of their best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series on Sunday night in Las Vegas.

Colton Sissons had a goal and an assist, Noah Hanifin had two assists and Mark Stone and Ivan Barbashev also scored goals for Vegas, which improved to 8-0-1 since John Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy as head coach. Game 2 is Tuesday night in Las Vegas.

Logan Cooley and Kevin Stenlund each scored goals for Utah, which was playing its first playoff game in franchise history. Karel Vejmelka finished with 27 saves.

Pacific Division champion Vegas had the first good scoring chance during a physical first period that featured more than 30 hits, several scrums and 10 penalty minutes when Stone blasted a slap shot from inside the blue line that caromed off the right post.

Utah took a 1-0 lead just before the end of the period when former Golden Knight Nate Schmidt rifled a cross-ice pass to Cooley, who one-timed a shot from the middle of the right circle inside the right post for his first career playoff goal.


Vegas tied it 3:44 into the second period when Sissons tapped in Cole Smith’s no-look backhand pass into the blue paint.

The Mammoth regained the lead just 1:23 later. Stenlund fired a shot from along the right boards that Hart knocked away with his stick into defenseman Kaedan Korczak skating by the left side of the crease. The puck then ricocheted off Korczak and into the net to give the Mammoth a 2-1 lead.

The Golden Knights tied it at 2-all at the 5:33 mark of the third period on a power-play goal by Stone, who roofed a rebound of a Tomas Hertl shot into an open net on the backdoor. It was Stone’s 37th career playoff goal with Vegas, breaking a tie with Jonathan Marchessault for most in team history.

Dowd gave the Golden Knights their first lead when he deflected Noah Hanifin’s shot from the left point past Vejmelka’s glove side.

Utah pulled Vejmelka for an extra attacker with 1:45 to go, and Barbashev sealed the win with an empty-netter before Vejmelka fully left the ice.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Knights #rally #Game #spoiling #Mammoths #playoff #debut">Deadspin | Knights rally in Game 1, spoiling Mammoth’s playoff debut Apr 19, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights left wing Ivan Barbashev (49) checks Utah Mammoth defenseman Ian Cole (28) during the first period of game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Nic Dowd scored the go-ahead goal 7:20 into the third period and Carter Hart made 31 saves as the Vegas Golden Knights rallied for a 4-2 victory over the Utah Mammoth in Game 1 of their best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series on Sunday night in Las Vegas. Colton Sissons had a goal and an assist, Noah Hanifin had two assists and Mark Stone and Ivan Barbashev also scored goals for Vegas, which improved to 8-0-1 since John Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy as head coach. Game 2 is Tuesday night in Las Vegas. Logan Cooley and Kevin Stenlund each scored goals for Utah, which was playing its first playoff game in franchise history. Karel Vejmelka finished with 27 saves. Pacific Division champion Vegas had the first good scoring chance during a physical first period that featured more than 30 hits, several scrums and 10 penalty minutes when Stone blasted a slap shot from inside the blue line that caromed off the right post. Utah took a 1-0 lead just before the end of the period when former Golden Knight Nate Schmidt rifled a cross-ice pass to Cooley, who one-timed a shot from the middle of the right circle inside the right post for his first career playoff goal. Vegas tied it 3:44 into the second period when Sissons tapped in Cole Smith’s no-look backhand pass into the blue paint. The Mammoth regained the lead just 1:23 later. Stenlund fired a shot from along the right boards that Hart knocked away with his stick into defenseman Kaedan Korczak skating by the left side of the crease. The puck then ricocheted off Korczak and into the net to give the Mammoth a 2-1 lead. The Golden Knights tied it at 2-all at the 5:33 mark of the third period on a power-play goal by Stone, who roofed a rebound of a Tomas Hertl shot into an open net on the backdoor. It was Stone’s 37th career playoff goal with Vegas, breaking a tie with Jonathan Marchessault for most in team history. Dowd gave the Golden Knights their first lead when he deflected Noah Hanifin’s shot from the left point past Vejmelka’s glove side. Utah pulled Vejmelka for an extra attacker with 1:45 to go, and Barbashev sealed the win with an empty-netter before Vejmelka fully left the ice. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Knights #rally #Game #spoiling #Mammoths #playoff #debut

Brazil’s record goalscorer Neymar was subjected to severe fan criticism after his club Santos lost 2-3 to Fluminense in the Brazilian Serie A on Sunday.

“The day has arrived when I have to explain an ear scratch! Folks, honestly, you’re going way too hard and crossing the line… It’s just too sad to have to put up with this,” Neymar wrote on social media.

“No human being can take it.”

The 34-year-old returned to his boyhood club last year and helped it stay in the top flight with 11 goals and four assists. However, the club has struggled for consistency this season, and has just one win in its last five matches across competitions.

The result could also impact Neymar’s selection for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has maintained that the forward remains in his plans, provided he remains fit, and it remains to be seen if he can actually make it to the final squad.

Neymar last played for Brazil nearly three years ago, when he had to leave the field early with an injury during a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

#Neymar #leaves #field #hands #ears #Brazil #star #booed #Santos #Fluminense">Neymar leaves field with hands on ears after Brazil star is booed during Santos vs Fluminense Brazil’s record goalscorer Neymar was subjected to severe fan criticism after his club Santos lost 2-3 to Fluminense in the Brazilian Serie A on Sunday.“The day has arrived when I have to explain an ear scratch! Folks, honestly, you’re going way too hard and crossing the line… It’s just too sad to have to put up with this,” Neymar wrote on social media.“No human being can take it.”The 34-year-old returned to his boyhood club last year and helped it stay in the top flight with 11 goals and four assists. However, the club has struggled for consistency this season, and has just one win in its last five matches across competitions.The result could also impact Neymar’s selection for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has maintained that the forward remains in his plans, provided he remains fit, and it remains to be seen if he can actually make it to the final squad.Neymar last played for Brazil nearly three years ago, when he had to leave the field early with an injury during a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023.Published on Apr 20, 2026 #Neymar #leaves #field #hands #ears #Brazil #star #booed #Santos #Fluminense

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