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India Women’s tour of Argentina 2026 — Full squad, schedule, venue, timings  Hockey India has announced a 24-member Indian Women’s Hockey Team squad for the upcoming tour of Argentina, scheduled from 13 to 17 April 2026 in Buenos Aires.The four-match exposure tour against the world-class Argentine side comes at a pivotal moment in India’s international calendar, with the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 and the Asian Games firmly on the horizon.Speaking on the squad announcement, Indian Women’s Hockey Team Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne said, “It’s important for us to build depth within the squad, and experiences like these help young players understand the demands of top-level hockey while also giving us a chance to test out various combinations.”
INDIA SQUAD FOR ARGENTINA TOUR:

Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam

Defenders: Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Manisha Chauhan, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Udita

Midfielders: Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete, Neha, Deepika Soreng, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Ishika

Forwards: Baljeet Kaur, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Annu, Beauty Dungdung, Lalremsiami, Mumtaz Khan
INDIA SCHEDULE FOR ARGENTINA TOUR:  Date  Match  Time  Venue  April 13  India vs Argentina  11:00 AM local time (7:30 PM IST)  CeNARD, Buenos Aires  April 14  Argentina vs India  11:00 AM local time (7:30 PM IST)  CeNARD, Buenos Aires  April 16  India vs Argentina  11:00 AM local time (7:30 PM IST)  CeNARD, Buenos Aires  April 17  Argentina vs India  11:00 AM local time (7:30 PM IST)  CeNARD, Buenos AiresPublished on Apr 08, 2026  #India #Womens #tour #Argentina #Full #squad #schedule #venue #timings

India Women’s tour of Argentina 2026 — Full squad, schedule, venue, timings

Hockey India has announced a 24-member Indian Women’s Hockey Team squad for the upcoming tour of Argentina, scheduled from 13 to 17 April 2026 in Buenos Aires.

The four-match exposure tour against the world-class Argentine side comes at a pivotal moment in India’s international calendar, with the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 and the Asian Games firmly on the horizon.

Speaking on the squad announcement, Indian Women’s Hockey Team Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne said, “It’s important for us to build depth within the squad, and experiences like these help young players understand the demands of top-level hockey while also giving us a chance to test out various combinations.”

INDIA SQUAD FOR ARGENTINA TOUR:

Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam

Defenders: Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Manisha Chauhan, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Udita

Midfielders: Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete, Neha, Deepika Soreng, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Ishika

Forwards: Baljeet Kaur, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Annu, Beauty Dungdung, Lalremsiami, Mumtaz Khan

INDIA SCHEDULE FOR ARGENTINA TOUR:

Date Match Time Venue
April 13 India vs Argentina 11:00 AM local time (7:30 PM IST) CeNARD, Buenos Aires
April 14 Argentina vs India 11:00 AM local time (7:30 PM IST) CeNARD, Buenos Aires
April 16 India vs Argentina 11:00 AM local time (7:30 PM IST) CeNARD, Buenos Aires
April 17 Argentina vs India 11:00 AM local time (7:30 PM IST) CeNARD, Buenos Aires

Published on Apr 08, 2026

#India #Womens #tour #Argentina #Full #squad #schedule #venue #timings

Hockey India has announced a 24-member Indian Women’s Hockey Team squad for the upcoming tour of Argentina, scheduled from 13 to 17 April 2026 in Buenos Aires.

The four-match exposure tour against the world-class Argentine side comes at a pivotal moment in India’s international calendar, with the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 and the Asian Games firmly on the horizon.

Speaking on the squad announcement, Indian Women’s Hockey Team Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne said, “It’s important for us to build depth within the squad, and experiences like these help young players understand the demands of top-level hockey while also giving us a chance to test out various combinations.”

INDIA SQUAD FOR ARGENTINA TOUR:

Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam

Defenders: Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Manisha Chauhan, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Udita

Midfielders: Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete, Neha, Deepika Soreng, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Ishika

Forwards: Baljeet Kaur, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Annu, Beauty Dungdung, Lalremsiami, Mumtaz Khan

INDIA SCHEDULE FOR ARGENTINA TOUR:

Date Match Time Venue
April 13 India vs Argentina 11:00 AM local time (7:30 PM IST) CeNARD, Buenos Aires
April 14 Argentina vs India 11:00 AM local time (7:30 PM IST) CeNARD, Buenos Aires
April 16 India vs Argentina 11:00 AM local time (7:30 PM IST) CeNARD, Buenos Aires
April 17 Argentina vs India 11:00 AM local time (7:30 PM IST) CeNARD, Buenos Aires

Published on Apr 08, 2026

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Deadspin | Rangers ride 3-run inning to shutout win over Mariners <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-900/28685768.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28685768.jpg" alt="MLB: Seattle Mariners at Texas Rangers" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 8, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Cole Winn (60) and catcher Danny Jansen (9) react after defeating the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>A three-run inning was all the Rangers needed to defeat the Mariners 3-0 on Wednesday afternoon in Arlington, Texas, giving Texas a three-game series sweep over slumping Seattle.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>A bases-loaded throwing error by Mariners first baseman Connor Joe allowed two runs to score, and Texas added another in the bottom of the fifth against Seattle starter Bryan Woo (0-1).</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The Rangers got five scoreless innings from starter MacKenzie Gore (2-0), who allowed one hit and struck out nine with two walks. Then, their bullpen finished off the Mariners with four scoreless innings: two for Chris Martin, one for Luis Curvelo and the ninth inning for Cole Winn, who earned his first career save.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>The Mariners managed just three runs total in the series despite good pitching. Seattle lost its fifth straight game and seventh in its last eight.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-5"> <p>Seattle has been shut out three times in that eight-game stretch and has not scored more than three runs in any of those games.</p> </section> <section id="section-6"> <p>The Rangers have had a season of streaks thus far. After winning four straight, they lost four in a row and have now won three consecutive games.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>In the decisive fifth inning, Texas got three straight singles from Danny Jansen, Josh Smith and Ezequiel Duran. Then, Brandon Nimmo hit a slow chopper to first base, which Joe fielded but threw high to home plate and over catcher Mitch Garver in an attempt to get a force out.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>The error resulted in two runs, and Corey Seager added a sacrifice fly before the inning was over.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Seattle was held to just two hits in the game. But right fielder Rob Refsnyder robbed a home run from Smith in the bottom of the third inning, leaping at the wall to make a catch on the run just before reaching the foul pole.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-10"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Rangers #ride #3run #inning #shutout #win #Mariners

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Deadspin | Angels’ Jorge Soler suspended 7 games, Braves’ Reynaldo Lopez 5 for brawl <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-900/28681878.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28681878.jpg" alt="MLB: Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Angels" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 7, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; A fight breaks out between Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo López (40) and Los Angeles Angels right fielder Jorge Soler (12) during the fifth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Los Angeles Angels outfielder/designated hitter Jorge Soler has been suspended seven games and fined an undisclosed amount and Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez agreed to a reduced five-game suspension and fine due to the fight that led to their ejections in the fifth inning of Tuesday night’s 7-2 Atlanta win in Anaheim, Calif.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Major League Baseball initially suspended Lopez for seven games, via its announcement on Wednesday, before the discipline was later reduced to five.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Soler’s suspension was scheduled to begin with Wednesday’s series finale but he appealed, meaning it will be paused until the appeal is resolved.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Soler, who hit a two-run homer in the first inning and was struck by a pitch on his left hand in the third, took exception to a high and inside fifth-inning fastball that glanced off the glove of catcher Jonah Heim and bounced to the backstop, enabling Nolan Schanuel, who had walked, to advance to second.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-5"> <p>Soler stared at Lopez for several seconds before jogging to the mound. Both players then squared up and began throwing punches, none of which appeared to land squarely, as players from both teams rushed in. Lopez fended Soler off with his glove and threw punches with his right hand, which still held the baseball.</p> </section> <section id="section-6"> <p>Braves manager Walt Weiss ended up tackling Soler on the first base line to help break up the fracas.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Lopez was nearing the end of his outing, at 80 pitches and 4 2/3 innings over which the right-hander struck out seven and allowed two unearned runs on three hits and two walks.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Soler was the 2021 World Series MVP for the Braves and is now on his third different team since that brief stint, plus a return to Atlanta in 2024.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Angels #Jorge #Soler #suspended #games #Braves #Reynaldo #Lopez #brawl

Deadspin | Hailey Baptiste saves six match points to stun Aryna Sabalenka in Madrid  Mar 7, 2026; Indian Wells, CA, USA;  Hailey Baptiste (USA) reacts after winning the second set during her second round match against Elena Rybakina (KAZ) in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images   Hailey Baptiste upset World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and did so in dramatic fashion, saving six match points en route to a 2-6, 6-2, 7-6 (6) victory in the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open on Tuesday.  The 30th-seeded Baptiste earned the first top-five victory of her young career by handing Sabalenka only her second loss of the season. The Belarusian saw a 15-match win streak come to a halt.  Baptiste, a 24-year-old from Washington, D.C., advanced to the semifinals of a WTA 1000 event for the first time after reaching the Miami Open quarterfinals last month — where she fell to Sabalenka.  “It just shows me where my game was. I’ve always believed it, and I feel like now I’m starting to put it into action and the world is seeing it as well,” Baptiste told Tennis Channel in a post-match interview.  Five of Baptiste’s six saved match points came during a marathon 10th game in the third set. Up 5-4, Sabalenka raced out to a 40-15 lead and had double match point. But it was Baptiste’s service game, and she fired an ace past Sabalenka before another big serve led to a Sabalenka shot in the net.  Sabalenka soon earned three advantages in a row, only for Baptiste to counter all three.  In the tiebreaker, Sabalenka squeaked ahead 6-5 but Baptiste saved match point No. 6 and won two more points from there to finish off the upset.  “I definitely had a lot of nerves, but I had 28 chances yesterday and I didn’t get it done,” Baptiste said, referring to Monday’s marathon win in which Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic saved six of Baptiste’s match points.   “I was able to get it on the first one, and I told my team, when I get my match point today, I’m going to win the first one that I get.”  Baptiste finished with 12 aces and saved 11 of 17 break points, while Sabalenka saved 8 of 14 break points and won exactly one fewer point than her opponent. Sabalenka had won the Sunshine Double (Indian Wells, Miami) plus her first three matches of the Madrid Open.  Baptiste’s next challenge will be a match against No. 9 seed Mirra Andreeva of Russia. In the only other match on Tuesday’s slate, Andreeva defeated Canadian 24th seed Leylah Fernandez 7-6 (1), 6-3.  On the day before her 19th birthday, Andreeva advanced to the semifinals of a WTA 1000 event for the first time since her victories at Dubai and Indian Wells last year.  “I’m so happy I cannot take the smile away from my face,” Andreeva said. “I’m extremely happy about the way I played and the result. It wouldn’t be a perfect birthday if I would lose today. I really didn’t want that to happen, and I was trying to give everything I had to be in a good mood tomorrow.”  Andreeva saved 12 of 15 break points while benefiting from Fernandez’s five double faults without an ace.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Hailey #Baptiste #saves #match #points #stun #Aryna #Sabalenka #MadridMar 7, 2026; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Hailey Baptiste (USA) reacts after winning the second set during her second round match against Elena Rybakina (KAZ) in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Hailey Baptiste upset World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and did so in dramatic fashion, saving six match points en route to a 2-6, 6-2, 7-6 (6) victory in the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open on Tuesday.

The 30th-seeded Baptiste earned the first top-five victory of her young career by handing Sabalenka only her second loss of the season. The Belarusian saw a 15-match win streak come to a halt.

Baptiste, a 24-year-old from Washington, D.C., advanced to the semifinals of a WTA 1000 event for the first time after reaching the Miami Open quarterfinals last month — where she fell to Sabalenka.

“It just shows me where my game was. I’ve always believed it, and I feel like now I’m starting to put it into action and the world is seeing it as well,” Baptiste told Tennis Channel in a post-match interview.

Five of Baptiste’s six saved match points came during a marathon 10th game in the third set. Up 5-4, Sabalenka raced out to a 40-15 lead and had double match point. But it was Baptiste’s service game, and she fired an ace past Sabalenka before another big serve led to a Sabalenka shot in the net.

Sabalenka soon earned three advantages in a row, only for Baptiste to counter all three.

In the tiebreaker, Sabalenka squeaked ahead 6-5 but Baptiste saved match point No. 6 and won two more points from there to finish off the upset.


“I definitely had a lot of nerves, but I had 28 chances yesterday and I didn’t get it done,” Baptiste said, referring to Monday’s marathon win in which Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic saved six of Baptiste’s match points.

“I was able to get it on the first one, and I told my team, when I get my match point today, I’m going to win the first one that I get.”

Baptiste finished with 12 aces and saved 11 of 17 break points, while Sabalenka saved 8 of 14 break points and won exactly one fewer point than her opponent. Sabalenka had won the Sunshine Double (Indian Wells, Miami) plus her first three matches of the Madrid Open.

Baptiste’s next challenge will be a match against No. 9 seed Mirra Andreeva of Russia. In the only other match on Tuesday’s slate, Andreeva defeated Canadian 24th seed Leylah Fernandez 7-6 (1), 6-3.

On the day before her 19th birthday, Andreeva advanced to the semifinals of a WTA 1000 event for the first time since her victories at Dubai and Indian Wells last year.

“I’m so happy I cannot take the smile away from my face,” Andreeva said. “I’m extremely happy about the way I played and the result. It wouldn’t be a perfect birthday if I would lose today. I really didn’t want that to happen, and I was trying to give everything I had to be in a good mood tomorrow.”

Andreeva saved 12 of 15 break points while benefiting from Fernandez’s five double faults without an ace.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Hailey #Baptiste #saves #match #points #stun #Aryna #Sabalenka #Madrid">Deadspin | Hailey Baptiste saves six match points to stun Aryna Sabalenka in Madrid  Mar 7, 2026; Indian Wells, CA, USA;  Hailey Baptiste (USA) reacts after winning the second set during her second round match against Elena Rybakina (KAZ) in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images   Hailey Baptiste upset World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and did so in dramatic fashion, saving six match points en route to a 2-6, 6-2, 7-6 (6) victory in the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open on Tuesday.  The 30th-seeded Baptiste earned the first top-five victory of her young career by handing Sabalenka only her second loss of the season. The Belarusian saw a 15-match win streak come to a halt.  Baptiste, a 24-year-old from Washington, D.C., advanced to the semifinals of a WTA 1000 event for the first time after reaching the Miami Open quarterfinals last month — where she fell to Sabalenka.  “It just shows me where my game was. I’ve always believed it, and I feel like now I’m starting to put it into action and the world is seeing it as well,” Baptiste told Tennis Channel in a post-match interview.  Five of Baptiste’s six saved match points came during a marathon 10th game in the third set. Up 5-4, Sabalenka raced out to a 40-15 lead and had double match point. But it was Baptiste’s service game, and she fired an ace past Sabalenka before another big serve led to a Sabalenka shot in the net.  Sabalenka soon earned three advantages in a row, only for Baptiste to counter all three.  In the tiebreaker, Sabalenka squeaked ahead 6-5 but Baptiste saved match point No. 6 and won two more points from there to finish off the upset.  “I definitely had a lot of nerves, but I had 28 chances yesterday and I didn’t get it done,” Baptiste said, referring to Monday’s marathon win in which Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic saved six of Baptiste’s match points.   “I was able to get it on the first one, and I told my team, when I get my match point today, I’m going to win the first one that I get.”  Baptiste finished with 12 aces and saved 11 of 17 break points, while Sabalenka saved 8 of 14 break points and won exactly one fewer point than her opponent. Sabalenka had won the Sunshine Double (Indian Wells, Miami) plus her first three matches of the Madrid Open.  Baptiste’s next challenge will be a match against No. 9 seed Mirra Andreeva of Russia. In the only other match on Tuesday’s slate, Andreeva defeated Canadian 24th seed Leylah Fernandez 7-6 (1), 6-3.  On the day before her 19th birthday, Andreeva advanced to the semifinals of a WTA 1000 event for the first time since her victories at Dubai and Indian Wells last year.  “I’m so happy I cannot take the smile away from my face,” Andreeva said. “I’m extremely happy about the way I played and the result. It wouldn’t be a perfect birthday if I would lose today. I really didn’t want that to happen, and I was trying to give everything I had to be in a good mood tomorrow.”  Andreeva saved 12 of 15 break points while benefiting from Fernandez’s five double faults without an ace.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Hailey #Baptiste #saves #match #points #stun #Aryna #Sabalenka #Madrid

Deadspin | Lightning, Canadiens enter pivotal Game 5 of closely contested series  Apr 26, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh (43) defends the puck against Montreal Canadiens right wing Josh Anderson (17) during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images   The Tampa Bay Lightning have returned home tied 2-2 in their Eastern Conference first-round matchup with the Montreal Canadiens, and according to coach Jon Cooper, it may not be that way if not for the play of Max Crozier.   Game 5 takes place in Tampa on Wednesday night after a two-day break following Sunday’s 3-2 Lightning victory in Montreal in front of a boisterous bunch of Habs fans, both inside the NHL’s largest arena and outside watching on a giant screen broadcast.  If one glaring point is gleaned through four contests between the Atlantic Division foes, it is that this best-of-seven series has been the tightest of the first round’s eight matchups, about as evenly played as is mathematically possible.  In addition to splitting the four matches, each side has produced 11 goals and three of the four meetings have required extra time.  On the power play thus far, Montreal, which finished 10th during the regular season, has connected on 5 of 19 chances (26.3%). The Lightning were middling, ranking 17th this season, but have potted four goals in their 20 times on the man advantage (20%).   When the numbers are that close, a play out of the ordinary that generally does not jump off the scoresheet can make a big difference.  Something like Crozier’s Sunday second-period high hit on Montreal’s star winger Juraj Slafkovsky, who netted a hat trick in Game 1 in Tampa on three power-plays tallies, including the game-winner in overtime.   The defenseman, who only played in 35 games due to surgery, waylaid Slafkovsky at center ice at high speed, sending the 2022 No. 1 overall selection straight to the dressing room to regroup.  The Lightning were outhit 50-28 by the Habs, but Crozier’s lone leveling body blow altered the tone.  “The hit obviously got our bench out of their seats,” Cooper said. “But you still have to take advantage of that. We score in the last minute of the second and in the first (two minutes) of the third, and all of a sudden, the game’s completely changed.    “(Crozier’s hit) helped take the crowd out of it.”  Instead of maintaining or building on its 2-0 lead that could have resulted in a 3-1 series advantage, Montreal watched it all slip away by allowing three unanswered goals to the visitors.   Brandon Hagel hit the net for the game-tying and game-winning markers in the third to send the series back to Tampa all square.  Montreal has relied on its top forward line of Cole Caufield (goal, three assists), Nick Suzuki (four helpers) and Slafkovsky (three tallies) for much of the offense, and second-line forward Alex Newhook said the Habs’ secondary scoring must improve.  Newhook plays with center Oliver Kapanen and right winger Ivan Demidov. Only Demidov has produced a point by assisting on Slafkovsky’s first power-play goal in Game 1’s 4-3 shocker.  “It’s something we talk over and try to find solutions (for) here throughout the series as to how,” said Newhook, who posted 13 goals and 25 points in 42 games after fracturing his ankle in mid-November. ” … Fundamentally, getting back to some basics is important this time of the year.  “I think we found some success when we’re keeping it simple and throwing it behind them. Then being able to go and win a battle.”  Game 6, the series’ first elimination game regardless of Wednesday’s result, is Friday in Montreal.   –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Lightning #Canadiens #enter #pivotal #Game #closely #contested #seriesApr 26, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh (43) defends the puck against Montreal Canadiens right wing Josh Anderson (17) during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Lightning have returned home tied 2-2 in their Eastern Conference first-round matchup with the Montreal Canadiens, and according to coach Jon Cooper, it may not be that way if not for the play of Max Crozier.

Game 5 takes place in Tampa on Wednesday night after a two-day break following Sunday’s 3-2 Lightning victory in Montreal in front of a boisterous bunch of Habs fans, both inside the NHL’s largest arena and outside watching on a giant screen broadcast.

If one glaring point is gleaned through four contests between the Atlantic Division foes, it is that this best-of-seven series has been the tightest of the first round’s eight matchups, about as evenly played as is mathematically possible.

In addition to splitting the four matches, each side has produced 11 goals and three of the four meetings have required extra time.

On the power play thus far, Montreal, which finished 10th during the regular season, has connected on 5 of 19 chances (26.3%). The Lightning were middling, ranking 17th this season, but have potted four goals in their 20 times on the man advantage (20%).

When the numbers are that close, a play out of the ordinary that generally does not jump off the scoresheet can make a big difference.

Something like Crozier’s Sunday second-period high hit on Montreal’s star winger Juraj Slafkovsky, who netted a hat trick in Game 1 in Tampa on three power-plays tallies, including the game-winner in overtime.

The defenseman, who only played in 35 games due to surgery, waylaid Slafkovsky at center ice at high speed, sending the 2022 No. 1 overall selection straight to the dressing room to regroup.

The Lightning were outhit 50-28 by the Habs, but Crozier’s lone leveling body blow altered the tone.


“The hit obviously got our bench out of their seats,” Cooper said. “But you still have to take advantage of that. We score in the last minute of the second and in the first (two minutes) of the third, and all of a sudden, the game’s completely changed.

“(Crozier’s hit) helped take the crowd out of it.”

Instead of maintaining or building on its 2-0 lead that could have resulted in a 3-1 series advantage, Montreal watched it all slip away by allowing three unanswered goals to the visitors.

Brandon Hagel hit the net for the game-tying and game-winning markers in the third to send the series back to Tampa all square.

Montreal has relied on its top forward line of Cole Caufield (goal, three assists), Nick Suzuki (four helpers) and Slafkovsky (three tallies) for much of the offense, and second-line forward Alex Newhook said the Habs’ secondary scoring must improve.

Newhook plays with center Oliver Kapanen and right winger Ivan Demidov. Only Demidov has produced a point by assisting on Slafkovsky’s first power-play goal in Game 1’s 4-3 shocker.

“It’s something we talk over and try to find solutions (for) here throughout the series as to how,” said Newhook, who posted 13 goals and 25 points in 42 games after fracturing his ankle in mid-November. ” … Fundamentally, getting back to some basics is important this time of the year.

“I think we found some success when we’re keeping it simple and throwing it behind them. Then being able to go and win a battle.”

Game 6, the series’ first elimination game regardless of Wednesday’s result, is Friday in Montreal.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Lightning #Canadiens #enter #pivotal #Game #closely #contested #series">Deadspin | Lightning, Canadiens enter pivotal Game 5 of closely contested series  Apr 26, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh (43) defends the puck against Montreal Canadiens right wing Josh Anderson (17) during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images   The Tampa Bay Lightning have returned home tied 2-2 in their Eastern Conference first-round matchup with the Montreal Canadiens, and according to coach Jon Cooper, it may not be that way if not for the play of Max Crozier.   Game 5 takes place in Tampa on Wednesday night after a two-day break following Sunday’s 3-2 Lightning victory in Montreal in front of a boisterous bunch of Habs fans, both inside the NHL’s largest arena and outside watching on a giant screen broadcast.  If one glaring point is gleaned through four contests between the Atlantic Division foes, it is that this best-of-seven series has been the tightest of the first round’s eight matchups, about as evenly played as is mathematically possible.  In addition to splitting the four matches, each side has produced 11 goals and three of the four meetings have required extra time.  On the power play thus far, Montreal, which finished 10th during the regular season, has connected on 5 of 19 chances (26.3%). The Lightning were middling, ranking 17th this season, but have potted four goals in their 20 times on the man advantage (20%).   When the numbers are that close, a play out of the ordinary that generally does not jump off the scoresheet can make a big difference.  Something like Crozier’s Sunday second-period high hit on Montreal’s star winger Juraj Slafkovsky, who netted a hat trick in Game 1 in Tampa on three power-plays tallies, including the game-winner in overtime.   The defenseman, who only played in 35 games due to surgery, waylaid Slafkovsky at center ice at high speed, sending the 2022 No. 1 overall selection straight to the dressing room to regroup.  The Lightning were outhit 50-28 by the Habs, but Crozier’s lone leveling body blow altered the tone.  “The hit obviously got our bench out of their seats,” Cooper said. “But you still have to take advantage of that. We score in the last minute of the second and in the first (two minutes) of the third, and all of a sudden, the game’s completely changed.    “(Crozier’s hit) helped take the crowd out of it.”  Instead of maintaining or building on its 2-0 lead that could have resulted in a 3-1 series advantage, Montreal watched it all slip away by allowing three unanswered goals to the visitors.   Brandon Hagel hit the net for the game-tying and game-winning markers in the third to send the series back to Tampa all square.  Montreal has relied on its top forward line of Cole Caufield (goal, three assists), Nick Suzuki (four helpers) and Slafkovsky (three tallies) for much of the offense, and second-line forward Alex Newhook said the Habs’ secondary scoring must improve.  Newhook plays with center Oliver Kapanen and right winger Ivan Demidov. Only Demidov has produced a point by assisting on Slafkovsky’s first power-play goal in Game 1’s 4-3 shocker.  “It’s something we talk over and try to find solutions (for) here throughout the series as to how,” said Newhook, who posted 13 goals and 25 points in 42 games after fracturing his ankle in mid-November. ” … Fundamentally, getting back to some basics is important this time of the year.  “I think we found some success when we’re keeping it simple and throwing it behind them. Then being able to go and win a battle.”  Game 6, the series’ first elimination game regardless of Wednesday’s result, is Friday in Montreal.   –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Lightning #Canadiens #enter #pivotal #Game #closely #contested #series

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