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India locks in coaches for Esports Nations Cup 2026; race for national spots begins India has confirmed its coaching line-up for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026, kickstarting the player selection process for the global, nation-based tournament set to be held in Riyadh from November 2 to 29.As National Team Partner, NODWIN Gaming has appointed coaches across major titles, with each tasked with identifying talent, shaping strategy, and building competitive squads ahead of the qualification pathway.India’s coaching line-up (key names and roles)Moin Ejaz (NO_Chanc3) – DOTA 2A Commonwealth Esports Championships 2022 bronze medallist, brings over a decade of competitive experience.Rahul (Ayogi) – BGMIFormer analyst and coach who guided teams like Blind Esports and Team SouL to multiple titles, including BGMI Pro Series 2023 and BGIS 2026.Abhishek Bajaj (GodspeedxD) – VALORANTKnown for title-winning stints with Reckoning, Bleed, Velocity, and Grayfox Esports.Pankaj Upadhyay (KAKA) – League of LegendsOne of India’s most recognised LoL players with multiple international appearances.Steve Vitug (Dale) – MLBB (MOBA Legends: 5v5!)Philippines-based coach with top-six finishes at world championships with Omega Esports and Falcon Esports.Pratik Mehra (Aurum) – PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDSFormer Fnatic coach; led teams to wins at PUBG Mobile All Stars India 2019 and strong international finishes.Ashrit Goyal (notyAshritB) – Rainbow Six SiegeSouth Asia Nationals 2022 runner-up with consistent APAC performances.Nirjhar Mitra (jocse) – Rocket LeagueRepresented India internationally and won the Esportz Premier Series 2022.Gradyano Valendy (Rinnqt) – Honor of KingsIndonesian coach with experience at Rex Regum Qeon and global qualification pathways.What this meansThe appointment of coaches signals a structural shift, moving Indian esports closer to a national-team model with defined pathways and accountability. Player selections are due by May 10, with announcements expected from mid-May.Published on Apr 24, 2026 #India #locks #coaches #Esports #Nations #Cup #race #national #spots #begins

India locks in coaches for Esports Nations Cup 2026; race for national spots begins

India has confirmed its coaching line-up for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026, kickstarting the player selection process for the global, nation-based tournament set to be held in Riyadh from November 2 to 29.

As National Team Partner, NODWIN Gaming has appointed coaches across major titles, with each tasked with identifying talent, shaping strategy, and building competitive squads ahead of the qualification pathway.

India’s coaching line-up (key names and roles)

Moin Ejaz (NO_Chanc3) – DOTA 2

A Commonwealth Esports Championships 2022 bronze medallist, brings over a decade of competitive experience.

Rahul (Ayogi) – BGMI

Former analyst and coach who guided teams like Blind Esports and Team SouL to multiple titles, including BGMI Pro Series 2023 and BGIS 2026.

Abhishek Bajaj (GodspeedxD) – VALORANT

Known for title-winning stints with Reckoning, Bleed, Velocity, and Grayfox Esports.

Pankaj Upadhyay (KAKA) – League of Legends

One of India’s most recognised LoL players with multiple international appearances.

Steve Vitug (Dale) – MLBB (MOBA Legends: 5v5!)

Philippines-based coach with top-six finishes at world championships with Omega Esports and Falcon Esports.

Pratik Mehra (Aurum) – PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS

Former Fnatic coach; led teams to wins at PUBG Mobile All Stars India 2019 and strong international finishes.

Ashrit Goyal (notyAshritB) – Rainbow Six Siege

South Asia Nationals 2022 runner-up with consistent APAC performances.

Nirjhar Mitra (jocse) – Rocket League

Represented India internationally and won the Esportz Premier Series 2022.

Gradyano Valendy (Rinnqt) – Honor of Kings

Indonesian coach with experience at Rex Regum Qeon and global qualification pathways.

What this means

The appointment of coaches signals a structural shift, moving Indian esports closer to a national-team model with defined pathways and accountability. Player selections are due by May 10, with announcements expected from mid-May.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#India #locks #coaches #Esports #Nations #Cup #race #national #spots #begins

Sports news , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

India has confirmed its coaching line-up for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026, kickstarting the player selection process for the global, nation-based tournament set to be held in Riyadh from November 2 to 29.

As National Team Partner, NODWIN Gaming has appointed coaches across major titles, with each tasked with identifying talent, shaping strategy, and building competitive squads ahead of the qualification pathway.

India’s coaching line-up (key names and roles)

Moin Ejaz (NO_Chanc3) – DOTA 2

A Commonwealth Esports Championships 2022 bronze medallist, brings over a decade of competitive experience.

Rahul (Ayogi) – BGMI

Former analyst and coach who guided teams like Blind Esports and Team SouL to multiple titles, including BGMI Pro Series 2023 and BGIS 2026.

Abhishek Bajaj (GodspeedxD) – VALORANT

Known for title-winning stints with Reckoning, Bleed, Velocity, and Grayfox Esports.

Pankaj Upadhyay (KAKA) – League of Legends

One of India’s most recognised LoL players with multiple international appearances.

Steve Vitug (Dale) – MLBB (MOBA Legends: 5v5!)

Philippines-based coach with top-six finishes at world championships with Omega Esports and Falcon Esports.

Pratik Mehra (Aurum) – PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS

Former Fnatic coach; led teams to wins at PUBG Mobile All Stars India 2019 and strong international finishes.

Ashrit Goyal (notyAshritB) – Rainbow Six Siege

South Asia Nationals 2022 runner-up with consistent APAC performances.

Nirjhar Mitra (jocse) – Rocket League

Represented India internationally and won the Esportz Premier Series 2022.

Gradyano Valendy (Rinnqt) – Honor of Kings

Indonesian coach with experience at Rex Regum Qeon and global qualification pathways.

What this means

The appointment of coaches signals a structural shift, moving Indian esports closer to a national-team model with defined pathways and accountability. Player selections are due by May 10, with announcements expected from mid-May.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

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Deadspin | Inaugural Bill Walton Classic set for Nov. 7 with heavy San Diego flavor <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-900/23406620.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/23406620.jpg" alt="Syndication: USA TODAY" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Bill Walton with sons Luke (left) a player with Arizona and Chris, a player with San Diego State, before a game at Cox Arena on Dec. 7, 2002.<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The inaugural Bill Walton Classic will be played on Nov. 7 in San Diego, the Hall of Famer’s longstanding residence until his death due to cancer on May 27, 2024, at age 71.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>San Diego State will play a to-be-determined opponent in the men’s half of a doubleheader. Walton was a fixture at games on the SDSU campus when his son, Chris, played for the Aztecs from 2000-05.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Walton was born in suburban La Mesa, minutes from the San Diego State campus. The doubleheader will be played at Pechanga Arena, which was known as the San Diego Sports Arena when Walton played games there as a member of the NBA’s San Diego Clippers in the early 1980s.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“This is long overdue,” San Diego State coach Brian Dutcher said at a press conference at Helix High in La Mesa. “Bill Walton was a treasure and anything we can do to put his name out there, we’re all for it.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-5"> <p>Walton first came into national prominence when he starred at Helix High before attending UCLA under legendary coach John Wooden. Walton led the Bruins to two national titles, highlighted by his 21-of-22 shooting performance while scoring 44 points in an 87-66 rout of Memphis State in the 1973 title game.</p> </section> <section id="section-6"> <p>The Portland Trail Blazers selected “the Big Red Head” with the No. 1 pick in the 1974 NBA draft. Three years later, Walton led the Blazers to their lone NBA title. After suffering through years of foot injuries, he earned another ring with the Boston Celtics in 1986 to cap his 468-game NBA career. He was league MVP in the 1977-78 season for Portland.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Walton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993. He continued to be a popular figure in his post-basketball life as a television commentator who would say off-the-cuff things and talk about this favorite band, the Grateful Dead.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>“I’d love to wear something tie-dyed for that game,” Dutcher told reporters, referencing Walton’s love for such clothing.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>The other Bill Walton Classic contest will be a women’s game between two local institutions: the University of San Diego and UC San Diego.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-10"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Inaugural #Bill #Walton #Classic #set #Nov #heavy #San #Diego #flavor

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Deadspin | Reds, Tigers riding high heading into weekend series Apr 19, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) hits the final out of the in the ninth inning to Minnesota Twins first baseman Kody Clemens (2) at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images Off to their best 25-game start to a season in two decades, the Cincinnati Reds host the Detroit Tigers in an interleague series opener on Friday night. Coming off a road trip that saw them sweep three games against the Minnesota Twins and take two of three from the Tampa Bay Rays, the Reds have won 16 of their first 25 games for the first time since beginning 17-8 in 2006. Winners in seven of their past nine, the Reds averaged 5.5 runs per game across the road trip — an impressive figure for a club that ranks just 24th in the majors in scoring (97 total runs). Cincinnati has relied on consistent production from Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart, who are among the players tied for second in the National League with eight home runs apiece. Now, the Reds will look to spread the wealth across the lineup. Offseason trade acquisition Dane Myers is one player hoping to stay hot as the team returns home. The former Miami Marlins center fielder homered, walked three times and scored four runs in the Reds’ latest victory, a 12-6 triumph over the Rays on Tuesday. “It feels good,” Myers said of playing for a winning team. “Like I said in the spring, I think this team has what it takes to play meaningful ballgames deep into the season. If we stay the course, I think that will happen.” On the mound for the Reds in the series opener on Friday, Andrew Abbott (0-2, 5.84 ERA) will look to find his way out of an early-season rut. An All-Star last year, Abbott has compiled a 7.71 ERA in four April starts. Last time out, the 26-year-old left-hander gave up four runs (three earned) across 4 2/3 frames in a no-decision against Minnesota on Saturday. The Reds won 5-4. Making his 81st career start, Abbott will face the Tigers for the first time. Detroit’s flight to Cincinnati figured to be an enjoyable one, as the Tigers took two of three at home against the Milwaukee Brewers to begin the week. The Tigers have won 10 of their past 13 games, including a 5-4 victory on Thursday thanks to Spencer Torkelson’s walk-off home run. “That’s what it’s all about,” Torkelson said. “You’ve just got to be ready for the moment.” Following a 31-homer season in 2025, Torkelson launched his first two home runs of the year over the past two days. Detroit entered the game tied for 13th in the American League with just 19 homers before slugging three on Thursday. Framber Valdez (2-1, 3.30 ERA) is slated to make his sixth start in a Detroit uniform on Friday. After inking a three-year, 5 million deal with the Tigers in February, Valdez has allowed one earned run or nine in four of his first five starts. The two-time All-Star surrendered one run on three hits in six innings on Sunday in a 6-2 win over the Boston Red Sox. The 32-year-old left-hander is matching up with the Reds for the first time in his career. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reds #Tigers #riding #high #heading #weekend #seriesApr 19, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) hits the final out of the in the ninth inning to Minnesota Twins first baseman Kody Clemens (2) at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Off to their best 25-game start to a season in two decades, the Cincinnati Reds host the Detroit Tigers in an interleague series opener on Friday night.

Coming off a road trip that saw them sweep three games against the Minnesota Twins and take two of three from the Tampa Bay Rays, the Reds have won 16 of their first 25 games for the first time since beginning 17-8 in 2006.

Winners in seven of their past nine, the Reds averaged 5.5 runs per game across the road trip — an impressive figure for a club that ranks just 24th in the majors in scoring (97 total runs).

Cincinnati has relied on consistent production from Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart, who are among the players tied for second in the National League with eight home runs apiece. Now, the Reds will look to spread the wealth across the lineup. Offseason trade acquisition Dane Myers is one player hoping to stay hot as the team returns home.

The former Miami Marlins center fielder homered, walked three times and scored four runs in the Reds’ latest victory, a 12-6 triumph over the Rays on Tuesday.

“It feels good,” Myers said of playing for a winning team. “Like I said in the spring, I think this team has what it takes to play meaningful ballgames deep into the season. If we stay the course, I think that will happen.”

On the mound for the Reds in the series opener on Friday, Andrew Abbott (0-2, 5.84 ERA) will look to find his way out of an early-season rut. An All-Star last year, Abbott has compiled a 7.71 ERA in four April starts. Last time out, the 26-year-old left-hander gave up four runs (three earned) across 4 2/3 frames in a no-decision against Minnesota on Saturday. The Reds won 5-4.


Making his 81st career start, Abbott will face the Tigers for the first time.

Detroit’s flight to Cincinnati figured to be an enjoyable one, as the Tigers took two of three at home against the Milwaukee Brewers to begin the week. The Tigers have won 10 of their past 13 games, including a 5-4 victory on Thursday thanks to Spencer Torkelson’s walk-off home run.

“That’s what it’s all about,” Torkelson said. “You’ve just got to be ready for the moment.”

Following a 31-homer season in 2025, Torkelson launched his first two home runs of the year over the past two days.

Detroit entered the game tied for 13th in the American League with just 19 homers before slugging three on Thursday.

Framber Valdez (2-1, 3.30 ERA) is slated to make his sixth start in a Detroit uniform on Friday. After inking a three-year, $115 million deal with the Tigers in February, Valdez has allowed one earned run or nine in four of his first five starts.

The two-time All-Star surrendered one run on three hits in six innings on Sunday in a 6-2 win over the Boston Red Sox. The 32-year-old left-hander is matching up with the Reds for the first time in his career.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Reds #Tigers #riding #high #heading #weekend #series">Deadspin | Reds, Tigers riding high heading into weekend series Apr 19, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) hits the final out of the in the ninth inning to Minnesota Twins first baseman Kody Clemens (2) at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images Off to their best 25-game start to a season in two decades, the Cincinnati Reds host the Detroit Tigers in an interleague series opener on Friday night. Coming off a road trip that saw them sweep three games against the Minnesota Twins and take two of three from the Tampa Bay Rays, the Reds have won 16 of their first 25 games for the first time since beginning 17-8 in 2006. Winners in seven of their past nine, the Reds averaged 5.5 runs per game across the road trip — an impressive figure for a club that ranks just 24th in the majors in scoring (97 total runs). Cincinnati has relied on consistent production from Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart, who are among the players tied for second in the National League with eight home runs apiece. Now, the Reds will look to spread the wealth across the lineup. Offseason trade acquisition Dane Myers is one player hoping to stay hot as the team returns home. The former Miami Marlins center fielder homered, walked three times and scored four runs in the Reds’ latest victory, a 12-6 triumph over the Rays on Tuesday. “It feels good,” Myers said of playing for a winning team. “Like I said in the spring, I think this team has what it takes to play meaningful ballgames deep into the season. If we stay the course, I think that will happen.” On the mound for the Reds in the series opener on Friday, Andrew Abbott (0-2, 5.84 ERA) will look to find his way out of an early-season rut. An All-Star last year, Abbott has compiled a 7.71 ERA in four April starts. Last time out, the 26-year-old left-hander gave up four runs (three earned) across 4 2/3 frames in a no-decision against Minnesota on Saturday. The Reds won 5-4. Making his 81st career start, Abbott will face the Tigers for the first time. Detroit’s flight to Cincinnati figured to be an enjoyable one, as the Tigers took two of three at home against the Milwaukee Brewers to begin the week. The Tigers have won 10 of their past 13 games, including a 5-4 victory on Thursday thanks to Spencer Torkelson’s walk-off home run. “That’s what it’s all about,” Torkelson said. “You’ve just got to be ready for the moment.” Following a 31-homer season in 2025, Torkelson launched his first two home runs of the year over the past two days. Detroit entered the game tied for 13th in the American League with just 19 homers before slugging three on Thursday. Framber Valdez (2-1, 3.30 ERA) is slated to make his sixth start in a Detroit uniform on Friday. After inking a three-year, 5 million deal with the Tigers in February, Valdez has allowed one earned run or nine in four of his first five starts. The two-time All-Star surrendered one run on three hits in six innings on Sunday in a 6-2 win over the Boston Red Sox. The 32-year-old left-hander is matching up with the Reds for the first time in his career. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reds #Tigers #riding #high #heading #weekend #series

Deadspin | NHL roundup: Alex Tuch’s goal gives Sabres 2-1 series lead over Bruins Apr 23, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch (89) reacts after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during the third period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images Alex Tuch scored the tiebreaking goal 4:03 into the third period, propelling the visiting Buffalo Sabres to a 3-1 win over the Boston Bruins in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Thursday night. The result was the second straight victory for a road team in the best-of-seven series, which Buffalo now leads 2-1. Noah Ostlund and Bowen Byram finished with a goal and an assist for the Sabres, while Alex Lyon stopped 24 shots in his first start of the playoff run. Tanner Jeannot scored the lone goal and Jeremy Swayman turned aside 25 shots for Boston. Hurricanes 2, Senators 1 Logan Stankoven scored for the third straight game and Carolina put host Ottawa on the brink of elimination with a win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series. Carolina leads the best-of-seven series 3-0, a deficit that only four NHL teams have overcome to win a playoff series. Jackson Blake also scored for the Hurricanes. Taylor Hall had two assists, and Frederik Andersen made 21 saves. Drake Batherson scored for the Senators, who have yet to have the lead at any point through three games. Linus Ullmark turned aside 25 shots. Avalanche 4, Kings 2 Artturi Lehkonen collected one goal and one assist while pacing Colorado to a road victory over Los Angeles, putting the Avalanche on the verge of sweeping their Western Conference first-round playoff series. Gabriel Landeskog, Cale Makar and Brock Nelson also scored for the Avalanche, who will look to close out the best-of-seven series when they play Game 4 on Sunday in Los Angeles. Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves. Trevor Moore and Adrian Kempe tallied for the Kings, who have scored only four goals in the series’ three games. Los Angeles goalie Anton Forsberg stopped 19 shots, and Alex Laferriere collected two assists. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NHL #roundup #Alex #Tuchs #goal #Sabres #series #lead #BruinsApr 23, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch (89) reacts after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during the third period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Alex Tuch scored the tiebreaking goal 4:03 into the third period, propelling the visiting Buffalo Sabres to a 3-1 win over the Boston Bruins in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Thursday night.

The result was the second straight victory for a road team in the best-of-seven series, which Buffalo now leads 2-1.

Noah Ostlund and Bowen Byram finished with a goal and an assist for the Sabres, while Alex Lyon stopped 24 shots in his first start of the playoff run.

Tanner Jeannot scored the lone goal and Jeremy Swayman turned aside 25 shots for Boston.

Hurricanes 2, Senators 1

Logan Stankoven scored for the third straight game and Carolina put host Ottawa on the brink of elimination with a win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series.


Carolina leads the best-of-seven series 3-0, a deficit that only four NHL teams have overcome to win a playoff series. Jackson Blake also scored for the Hurricanes. Taylor Hall had two assists, and Frederik Andersen made 21 saves.

Drake Batherson scored for the Senators, who have yet to have the lead at any point through three games. Linus Ullmark turned aside 25 shots.

Avalanche 4, Kings 2

Artturi Lehkonen collected one goal and one assist while pacing Colorado to a road victory over Los Angeles, putting the Avalanche on the verge of sweeping their Western Conference first-round playoff series.

Gabriel Landeskog, Cale Makar and Brock Nelson also scored for the Avalanche, who will look to close out the best-of-seven series when they play Game 4 on Sunday in Los Angeles. Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves.

Trevor Moore and Adrian Kempe tallied for the Kings, who have scored only four goals in the series’ three games. Los Angeles goalie Anton Forsberg stopped 19 shots, and Alex Laferriere collected two assists.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NHL #roundup #Alex #Tuchs #goal #Sabres #series #lead #Bruins">Deadspin | NHL roundup: Alex Tuch’s goal gives Sabres 2-1 series lead over Bruins Apr 23, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch (89) reacts after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during the third period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images Alex Tuch scored the tiebreaking goal 4:03 into the third period, propelling the visiting Buffalo Sabres to a 3-1 win over the Boston Bruins in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Thursday night. The result was the second straight victory for a road team in the best-of-seven series, which Buffalo now leads 2-1. Noah Ostlund and Bowen Byram finished with a goal and an assist for the Sabres, while Alex Lyon stopped 24 shots in his first start of the playoff run. Tanner Jeannot scored the lone goal and Jeremy Swayman turned aside 25 shots for Boston. Hurricanes 2, Senators 1 Logan Stankoven scored for the third straight game and Carolina put host Ottawa on the brink of elimination with a win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series. Carolina leads the best-of-seven series 3-0, a deficit that only four NHL teams have overcome to win a playoff series. Jackson Blake also scored for the Hurricanes. Taylor Hall had two assists, and Frederik Andersen made 21 saves. Drake Batherson scored for the Senators, who have yet to have the lead at any point through three games. Linus Ullmark turned aside 25 shots. Avalanche 4, Kings 2 Artturi Lehkonen collected one goal and one assist while pacing Colorado to a road victory over Los Angeles, putting the Avalanche on the verge of sweeping their Western Conference first-round playoff series. Gabriel Landeskog, Cale Makar and Brock Nelson also scored for the Avalanche, who will look to close out the best-of-seven series when they play Game 4 on Sunday in Los Angeles. Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves. Trevor Moore and Adrian Kempe tallied for the Kings, who have scored only four goals in the series’ three games. Los Angeles goalie Anton Forsberg stopped 19 shots, and Alex Laferriere collected two assists. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NHL #roundup #Alex #Tuchs #goal #Sabres #series #lead #Bruins

Deadspin | Avalanche down Kings, close in on series sweep Apr 23, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) is chased down by Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (8) as he skates the puck toward Los Angeles Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg (31) in the first period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Artturi Lehkonen collected one goal and one assist while pacing Colorado to a 4-2 road victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday, putting the Avalanche on the verge of sweeping their Western Conference first-round playoff series. Gabriel Landeskog, Cale Makar and Brock Nelson also scored for the Avalanche, who will look to close out the best-of-seven series when they play Game 4 on Sunday in Los Angeles. Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves. Trevor Moore and Adrian Kempe tallied for the Kings, who have scored only four goals in the series’ three games. Los Angeles goalie Anton Forsberg stopped 19 shots, and Alex Laferriere collected two assists. Makar broke a 1-1 tie at 12:12 of the second period by finding the twine with a long wrist shot through the screen in front of the goalie for his first goal of the series. Lehkonen’s third-period short-handed goal doubled the Avalanche’s lead. Taking advantage of Kempe fanning on a one-timer, Lehkonen sped away on a 2-on-1 rush and tallied when his pass attempt deflected off a defender’s skate and through Forsberg’s legs with 12:21 remaining. Kempe made amends by converting a slick redirect for a power-play goal with 4:03 to go. However, Nelson’s empty-net goal two minutes later rounded out the scoring for Colorado, which was the NHL’s top team during the regular season. The loss leaves Los Angeles on the cusp of being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. Kings have lost six straight opening-round series, and they haven’t captured a series since winning the Stanley Cup in 2014. Landeskog opened the scoring with a fortuitous bounce at 5:29 of the first period. His long shot went wide of the goal but banked off the end boards and into the net off Forsberg’s skate. The Kings drew even at 5:55 of the second period. Quinton Byfield sent the puck to the net off the rush and it ricocheted off Moore and into the cage to make it a 1-1 game. The victory came at a cost for the Avalanche, as defenseman Josh Manson left the contest in the second period due to an upper-body injury. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Avalanche #Kings #close #series #sweepApr 23, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) is chased down by Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (8) as he skates the puck toward Los Angeles Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg (31) in the first period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Artturi Lehkonen collected one goal and one assist while pacing Colorado to a 4-2 road victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday, putting the Avalanche on the verge of sweeping their Western Conference first-round playoff series.

Gabriel Landeskog, Cale Makar and Brock Nelson also scored for the Avalanche, who will look to close out the best-of-seven series when they play Game 4 on Sunday in Los Angeles.

Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves.

Trevor Moore and Adrian Kempe tallied for the Kings, who have scored only four goals in the series’ three games.

Los Angeles goalie Anton Forsberg stopped 19 shots, and Alex Laferriere collected two assists.

Makar broke a 1-1 tie at 12:12 of the second period by finding the twine with a long wrist shot through the screen in front of the goalie for his first goal of the series.


Lehkonen’s third-period short-handed goal doubled the Avalanche’s lead. Taking advantage of Kempe fanning on a one-timer, Lehkonen sped away on a 2-on-1 rush and tallied when his pass attempt deflected off a defender’s skate and through Forsberg’s legs with 12:21 remaining.

Kempe made amends by converting a slick redirect for a power-play goal with 4:03 to go.

However, Nelson’s empty-net goal two minutes later rounded out the scoring for Colorado, which was the NHL’s top team during the regular season.

The loss leaves Los Angeles on the cusp of being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. Kings have lost six straight opening-round series, and they haven’t captured a series since winning the Stanley Cup in 2014.

Landeskog opened the scoring with a fortuitous bounce at 5:29 of the first period. His long shot went wide of the goal but banked off the end boards and into the net off Forsberg’s skate.

The Kings drew even at 5:55 of the second period. Quinton Byfield sent the puck to the net off the rush and it ricocheted off Moore and into the cage to make it a 1-1 game.

The victory came at a cost for the Avalanche, as defenseman Josh Manson left the contest in the second period due to an upper-body injury.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Avalanche #Kings #close #series #sweep">Deadspin | Avalanche down Kings, close in on series sweep Apr 23, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) is chased down by Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (8) as he skates the puck toward Los Angeles Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg (31) in the first period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Artturi Lehkonen collected one goal and one assist while pacing Colorado to a 4-2 road victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday, putting the Avalanche on the verge of sweeping their Western Conference first-round playoff series. Gabriel Landeskog, Cale Makar and Brock Nelson also scored for the Avalanche, who will look to close out the best-of-seven series when they play Game 4 on Sunday in Los Angeles. Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves. Trevor Moore and Adrian Kempe tallied for the Kings, who have scored only four goals in the series’ three games. Los Angeles goalie Anton Forsberg stopped 19 shots, and Alex Laferriere collected two assists. Makar broke a 1-1 tie at 12:12 of the second period by finding the twine with a long wrist shot through the screen in front of the goalie for his first goal of the series. Lehkonen’s third-period short-handed goal doubled the Avalanche’s lead. Taking advantage of Kempe fanning on a one-timer, Lehkonen sped away on a 2-on-1 rush and tallied when his pass attempt deflected off a defender’s skate and through Forsberg’s legs with 12:21 remaining. Kempe made amends by converting a slick redirect for a power-play goal with 4:03 to go. However, Nelson’s empty-net goal two minutes later rounded out the scoring for Colorado, which was the NHL’s top team during the regular season. The loss leaves Los Angeles on the cusp of being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. Kings have lost six straight opening-round series, and they haven’t captured a series since winning the Stanley Cup in 2014. Landeskog opened the scoring with a fortuitous bounce at 5:29 of the first period. His long shot went wide of the goal but banked off the end boards and into the net off Forsberg’s skate. The Kings drew even at 5:55 of the second period. Quinton Byfield sent the puck to the net off the rush and it ricocheted off Moore and into the cage to make it a 1-1 game. The victory came at a cost for the Avalanche, as defenseman Josh Manson left the contest in the second period due to an upper-body injury. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Avalanche #Kings #close #series #sweep

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