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NBA Playoffs: Hawks fend off Knicks, Raptors pull away from Cavaliers to cut deficit CJ McCollum hit the game-winner with 12.5 seconds remaining as the Atlanta Hawks pulled off another nail-biting victory over New York to take a 2-1 lead in their NBA first-round playoff series on Thursday.The Hawks beat the Knicks 109-108 in Atlanta, their second straight one-point triumph giving them the advantage in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference Series.The Toronto Raptors also thrived at home, pulling away late in a 126-104 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers to cut the deficit in their series to 2-1.The Hawks produced a fine collective effort, especially on the defensive end, to thwart the third-seeded Knicks’ comeback bid.With plenty of time after McCollum’s go-ahead basket, the Knicks were unable to get a shot off as the Hawks pressured Jalen Brunson into a poor pass intended for Josh Hart and Jonathan Kuminga lunged in for a game-clinching steal.“Picture perfect,” McCollum said. “When it was time to get a stop our guys dug deep and they did what it takes to win in these types of environments.”Jalen Johnson scored 24 points, pulled down 10 rebounds and handed out eight assists for the Hawks. McCollum added 23 points and Kuminga scored 21 off the bench.The Hawks led by as many as 18 in the first half, but the Knicks took a 108-105 lead on a three-point play by Brunson, who was fouled by McCollum on a drive to the basket and converted the free throw with 1:03 to play.Johnson pulled the Hawks back within one with a putback layup and, after misses by Hart and Brunson, McCollum came through.“I got to a spot and did what I had to do to get this win,” McCollum said.OG Anunoby scored 29 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Knicks.Brunson scored 26 points and Karl-Anthony Towns scored 21 points with 17 rebounds for New York, who will try to turn the tables in game four in Atlanta on Saturday.In Toronto, Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett scored 33 points apiece, and rookie Collin Murray-Boyles added 22 off the bench for the Raptors.Barnes handed out 11 assists and the Raptors, who took a two-point lead into the fourth quarter, stormed home.They connected on eight of nine three-point attempts in the final frame, out-scoring the Cavaliers 43-23.“We knew we needed one,” said Barnes after the Raptors avoided falling behind 0-3, a deficit no NBA team has come back from to win a playoff series.Toronto will try to level the Eastern Conference series when they host game four on Sunday.James Harden scored 18 points and the Cavs also got 15 apiece from Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Max Strus.– Timberwolves dominate Nuggets –In Minneapolis, Rudy Gobert keyed a formidable Minnesota defensive effort in the Timberwolves’ 113-96 victory over Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.The Timberwolves, who had erased an early 19-point deficit to snatch game two in Denver, seized a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference series and host game four on Saturday.Minnesota led all the way in this one, holding the Nuggets to 11 points in the first quarter and pushing their lead to as many as 27 in the third.Ayo Dosunmu scored 25 points off the bench for the Timberwolves.Jaden McDaniels scored 20 points and added 10 rebounds as Anthony Edwards, limited by foul trouble, scored 17.Gobert kept three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Jokic largely in check.The Serbian star finished with 27 points and 15 rebounds but connected on just seven of 26 shots from the field.Published on Apr 24, 2026 #NBA #Playoffs #Hawks #fend #Knicks #Raptors #pull #Cavaliers #cut #deficit

NBA Playoffs: Hawks fend off Knicks, Raptors pull away from Cavaliers to cut deficit

CJ McCollum hit the game-winner with 12.5 seconds remaining as the Atlanta Hawks pulled off another nail-biting victory over New York to take a 2-1 lead in their NBA first-round playoff series on Thursday.

The Hawks beat the Knicks 109-108 in Atlanta, their second straight one-point triumph giving them the advantage in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference Series.

The Toronto Raptors also thrived at home, pulling away late in a 126-104 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers to cut the deficit in their series to 2-1.

The Hawks produced a fine collective effort, especially on the defensive end, to thwart the third-seeded Knicks’ comeback bid.

With plenty of time after McCollum’s go-ahead basket, the Knicks were unable to get a shot off as the Hawks pressured Jalen Brunson into a poor pass intended for Josh Hart and Jonathan Kuminga lunged in for a game-clinching steal.

“Picture perfect,” McCollum said. “When it was time to get a stop our guys dug deep and they did what it takes to win in these types of environments.”

Jalen Johnson scored 24 points, pulled down 10 rebounds and handed out eight assists for the Hawks. McCollum added 23 points and Kuminga scored 21 off the bench.

The Hawks led by as many as 18 in the first half, but the Knicks took a 108-105 lead on a three-point play by Brunson, who was fouled by McCollum on a drive to the basket and converted the free throw with 1:03 to play.

Johnson pulled the Hawks back within one with a putback layup and, after misses by Hart and Brunson, McCollum came through.

“I got to a spot and did what I had to do to get this win,” McCollum said.

OG Anunoby scored 29 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Knicks.

Brunson scored 26 points and Karl-Anthony Towns scored 21 points with 17 rebounds for New York, who will try to turn the tables in game four in Atlanta on Saturday.

In Toronto, Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett scored 33 points apiece, and rookie Collin Murray-Boyles added 22 off the bench for the Raptors.

Barnes handed out 11 assists and the Raptors, who took a two-point lead into the fourth quarter, stormed home.

They connected on eight of nine three-point attempts in the final frame, out-scoring the Cavaliers 43-23.

“We knew we needed one,” said Barnes after the Raptors avoided falling behind 0-3, a deficit no NBA team has come back from to win a playoff series.

Toronto will try to level the Eastern Conference series when they host game four on Sunday.

James Harden scored 18 points and the Cavs also got 15 apiece from Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Max Strus.

– Timberwolves dominate Nuggets –

In Minneapolis, Rudy Gobert keyed a formidable Minnesota defensive effort in the Timberwolves’ 113-96 victory over Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.

The Timberwolves, who had erased an early 19-point deficit to snatch game two in Denver, seized a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference series and host game four on Saturday.

Minnesota led all the way in this one, holding the Nuggets to 11 points in the first quarter and pushing their lead to as many as 27 in the third.

Ayo Dosunmu scored 25 points off the bench for the Timberwolves.

Jaden McDaniels scored 20 points and added 10 rebounds as Anthony Edwards, limited by foul trouble, scored 17.

Gobert kept three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Jokic largely in check.

The Serbian star finished with 27 points and 15 rebounds but connected on just seven of 26 shots from the field.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#NBA #Playoffs #Hawks #fend #Knicks #Raptors #pull #Cavaliers #cut #deficit

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CJ McCollum hit the game-winner with 12.5 seconds remaining as the Atlanta Hawks pulled off another nail-biting victory over New York to take a 2-1 lead in their NBA first-round playoff series on Thursday.

The Hawks beat the Knicks 109-108 in Atlanta, their second straight one-point triumph giving them the advantage in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference Series.

The Toronto Raptors also thrived at home, pulling away late in a 126-104 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers to cut the deficit in their series to 2-1.

The Hawks produced a fine collective effort, especially on the defensive end, to thwart the third-seeded Knicks’ comeback bid.

With plenty of time after McCollum’s go-ahead basket, the Knicks were unable to get a shot off as the Hawks pressured Jalen Brunson into a poor pass intended for Josh Hart and Jonathan Kuminga lunged in for a game-clinching steal.

“Picture perfect,” McCollum said. “When it was time to get a stop our guys dug deep and they did what it takes to win in these types of environments.”

Jalen Johnson scored 24 points, pulled down 10 rebounds and handed out eight assists for the Hawks. McCollum added 23 points and Kuminga scored 21 off the bench.

The Hawks led by as many as 18 in the first half, but the Knicks took a 108-105 lead on a three-point play by Brunson, who was fouled by McCollum on a drive to the basket and converted the free throw with 1:03 to play.

Johnson pulled the Hawks back within one with a putback layup and, after misses by Hart and Brunson, McCollum came through.

“I got to a spot and did what I had to do to get this win,” McCollum said.

OG Anunoby scored 29 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Knicks.

Brunson scored 26 points and Karl-Anthony Towns scored 21 points with 17 rebounds for New York, who will try to turn the tables in game four in Atlanta on Saturday.

In Toronto, Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett scored 33 points apiece, and rookie Collin Murray-Boyles added 22 off the bench for the Raptors.

Barnes handed out 11 assists and the Raptors, who took a two-point lead into the fourth quarter, stormed home.

They connected on eight of nine three-point attempts in the final frame, out-scoring the Cavaliers 43-23.

“We knew we needed one,” said Barnes after the Raptors avoided falling behind 0-3, a deficit no NBA team has come back from to win a playoff series.

Toronto will try to level the Eastern Conference series when they host game four on Sunday.

James Harden scored 18 points and the Cavs also got 15 apiece from Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Max Strus.

– Timberwolves dominate Nuggets –

In Minneapolis, Rudy Gobert keyed a formidable Minnesota defensive effort in the Timberwolves’ 113-96 victory over Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.

The Timberwolves, who had erased an early 19-point deficit to snatch game two in Denver, seized a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference series and host game four on Saturday.

Minnesota led all the way in this one, holding the Nuggets to 11 points in the first quarter and pushing their lead to as many as 27 in the third.

Ayo Dosunmu scored 25 points off the bench for the Timberwolves.

Jaden McDaniels scored 20 points and added 10 rebounds as Anthony Edwards, limited by foul trouble, scored 17.

Gobert kept three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Jokic largely in check.

The Serbian star finished with 27 points and 15 rebounds but connected on just seven of 26 shots from the field.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

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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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