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Pittsburgh Penguins-Philadelphia Flyers Series Preview: Series History, X-Factors, Series Prediction

The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to renew their rivalry with the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

This will be the first time that these two teams have met in the playoffs since 2018, when the Penguins won in six games. It's also the last time the Penguins won a playoff series, so it's only fitting that they'll have a chance to snap their eight-year drought against the team they last won a series against.  

For a while, it looked like the Flyers were going to miss the playoffs, but they went on a massive heater down the stretch, winning 12 of their last 16 games. At one point, they were nine points out of a playoff spot in March, but got hot at the perfect time. 

Meanwhile, the Penguins were in a playoff spot for a good chunk of the season and finished the job against the New Jersey Devils on Apr. 9. 

Playoff series history

The two teams have met in seven playoff series, with the Flyers winning four. Here's the full series history:

- 1989 Patrick Division Finals: Flyers defeated the Penguins in seven games

- 1997 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals: Flyers defeated the Penguins in five games

- 2000 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Flyers defeated the Penguins in six games

- 2008 Eastern Conference Final: Penguins defeated the Flyers in five games

- 2009 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals: Penguins defeated the Flyers in six games

- 2012 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals: Flyers defeated the Penguins in six games

- 2018 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals: Penguins defeated the Flyers in six games

2025-26 Season Series

Each team won two of the four games during the 2025-26 regular season. The Flyers won the first matchup 3-2 in a shootout back on Oct. 28 before the Penguins won the next two 5-1 on Dec. 1 and 6-3 on Jan. 15. The Flyers won the final matchup 4-3 in a shootout on Mar. 7. 

Penguins' projected lineup

Forwards

Chinakhov-Crosby-Rust

Novak-Rakell-Malkin

Soderblom-Kindel-Mantha

Dewar-Lizotte-Acciari

Defensive pairs

Wotherspoon-Karlsson

Girard-Letang

Shea-Clifton

Goaltender

Stuart Skinner

Flyers' projected lineup

Forwards

Foerster-Zegras-Tippett

Konecny-Dvorak-Martone

Barkey-Cates-Michkov

Couturier-Glendening-Hathaway

Defensive pairs

Sanheim-Ristolainen

York-Drysdale

Seeler-Andrae

Goaltender

Dan Vladar

Key matchup to watch: Penguins' potent offense vs Flyers' stingy defense

This is going to be a great chess match during the series. The Penguins were one of the best offensive teams during the regular season, finishing third in goals per game with 3.54. Only the Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche were better at putting the puck in the back of the net. 

On the other side, the Flyers finished third in 5v5 expected goals against per 60, allowing only 2.19. Only the Ottawa Senators and Vegas Golden Knights ranked better than them. Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet has done a great job of getting the Flyers to play responsibly in their own end, especially towards the end of the regular season. This will be a fun battle throughout the series.

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) returns to the net against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) returns to the net against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Penguins' X-Factors: Erik Karlsson and Stuart Skinner

Erik Karlsson was named the Penguins' MVP for the 2025-26 regular season and for good reason. He was outstanding for the Penguins, finishing the year with 15 goals and 66 points in 75 games. He put the team on his back during the March gauntlet when the Penguins had to play a lot of those games without Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. 

Karlsson was great in all situations this year, whether it was at 5v5, the power play, or on the penalty kill. This will be the first time he has played in the playoffs since 2019, and he has been great in the postseason throughout his career, racking up eight goals and 53 points in 67 playoff games. 

Skinner has been the better goaltender down the stretch of the season for the Penguins and has a lot of big-game experience. He's been to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals as a member of the Edmonton Oilers and has played really well in back-to-back Western Conference Finals. If the Penguins can get at least average goaltending from Skinner in this series, they should be fine. 

Series schedule

Game 1: Saturday, Apr. 18 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN/SportsNet Pittsburgh

Game 2: Monday, Apr. 20 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN/SportsNet Pittsburgh

Game 3: Wednesday, Apr. 22 at 7 p.m. ET on TNT/truTV/HBO Max/SportsNet Pittsburgh

Game 4: Saturday, Apr. 25 at 8 p.m. ET on TBS/truTV/HBO Max/SportsNet Pittsburgh

Game 5: Monday, Apr. 27, time TBD 

Game 6: Wednesday, Apr. 29, time TBD

Game 7: Saturday, May. 2, time TBD

Series prediction

This will be a tougher series than some fans expect it to be, but in the end, the Penguins' depth will be too much for the Flyers to overcome. I also think the Penguins' special teams will outplay the Flyers' special teams in this series, even if fewer penalties are called than in the regular season. 

Sidney Crosby also loves to play against the Flyers, and I think he'll have at least one big moment in this series. Give me the Penguins in six games. 

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!     

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Mariners forget to check their staging, lose 5-2

Apr 16, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Cole Young (2) throws to first base during the eighth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images | David Frerker-Imagn Images

Ever since Artemis II launched a little over two weeks ago, I’ve felt an itch in my bones. The itch for Kerbal Space Program. I finally gave in tonight, while watching the Seattle Mariners get swept by their legally mandated rivals, the San Diego Padres. Tonight’s 5-2 loss comes on the heel’s of last night’s 9th inning disaster and puts a sour taste in the team’s mouth as they head back north. But whereas last night the Mariners were gallant right up to the bitter end, tonight’s game they were just goofus. It almost looked like the game of baseball was alien to them.

For those not in the know, in the video game Kerbal Space Program, the player takes on the task of guiding little green aliens to outer space using real rocket science and orbital mechanics. It is not an easy game, nor a simple one, but it is, and this is important, incredibly goofy. The rockets wobble and explode, the buildings burn, the satellites crash, and through it all the little green guys just keep smiling. And, in a strange way, I see either the Seattle Mariners in them, or Kerbals in the Mariners. Watch this old announcement trailer and see if you catch my meaning.

When Brendan Donovan led off the game with a walk, it was a nominal liftoff. And then he detached his boosters before they were out of fuel, and got himself picked off at first for the second out of the inning. Whoops. Later on, Luke Raley hit a nice line drive in the second inning, but activated the parachutes too early. So instead of banging a double off the wall, he allowed Fernando Tatís Jr. to make a shoestring catch to end the inning.

In KSP, the player’s main adversaries are two forces of nature: atmospheric drag and gravity. But for the Mariners, the padres have been playing so well and are on such a streak that they may as well be considered forces of nature, as inexorable as the force that guides the arc of a home run ball. Or in the case of the Padres, a bunch of annoying seeing-eye ground balls that get through for singles and score a run. But hey look! One of them hit a hot shot to Naylor at first! Now he can turn a double play!

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Uh-oh, Josh dropped it. There he learned a valuable KSP lesson: you can’t go too fast too low. Just Josh rushing to transfer the ball while still in a crouch caused him to drop the ball, your rocket going too fast too low in the atmosphere is just going to waste fuel and produce unnecessary heating. In rocket science, just as in baseball, it’s often better to slow down, take your time, and take some of the (atmospheric) pressure off yourself. But because Josh wasn’t able to turn that double play and end the inning, one run scored directly, and then two more Padres came across the plate to make it a 4-0 ballgame.

Offensively, the Mariners looked a little lost at the plate, as if Walker Buehler’s sweeper was as incomprehensible to them as the Tsiolkovsky rocket equation. I mean, what part of Δu = Veqln (mf/me) − g0 ⋅ tb is hard to understand? The Mariners made two big threats. The threat in the 4th failed to even go suborbital as a pair of leadoff singles by Donovan and Raleigh were left stranded.

The threat in the 6th succeeded in breaking through the atmosphere, however. This time, after a pair of leadoff singles by Young and Donovan, Cal hit a line drive that made splashdown in right field and scored Cole Young easily. Now finally mortal, the Padres were forced to replace Buehler.

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Julio followed up Cal’s Apollo mission with an Artemis mission, also hitting a line drive into right that scored a runner from third. Now, with runners on first and second with nobody out, then the bases loaded with one out, the Mariners were poised to finally enter orbit a tie or take the lead from the Padres. But then they ran out of fuel. Connor Joe pinch hit for Luke Raley and struck out on a high fastball, and J.P. hit a routine groundball to end the inning. There would be no orbit and, for the Mariners, no more spaceflights. They’d never get so close to the Padres again.

In fact, the Padres managed to rub some salt in the wound in the 7th when, with runners on second and third, Cole Young lost a pop up in the San Diego sky and dropped it, giving the Friars another run.

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Mercifully, that inning, and the remaining two, were soon ended, completing the San Diego sweep putting the Seattle Space Program on hold. Perhaps its time to go back to the drawing board in the Vehicle Assembly Building and start over with a new design. Put Julio at first base. Make Cal pitch. Have George Kirby play shortstop. That’s the kind of thing I do in KSP when my rocket just flat out isn’t working. And you know what? It usually works.

The Mariners return home tomorrow for a 3-game set against the Texas Rangers. After also being swept by Texas a couple weeks ago, some wins against a divisional rival are exactly what this team needs right now. The most demoralized fans among you would say that beating the Rangers this weekend is a dream. But what can I say? I like to shoot for the moon.

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Kings (vs. Avalanche) and Ducks (vs. Oilers) face tough first-round task in NHL playoffs

Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar skates during the second period.
Kings center Anze Kopitar will be competing in the NHL playoffs for the final time. (Ryan Sun / Associated Press)

The Kings looked nothing like a playoff team heading into the NHL’s trade deadline. They had lost six of their last eight games, had just fired their coach and had saw their second-leading scorer go down with a broken leg in the Olympic tournament.

They were backing away from the playoffs, not heading toward them. So general manager Ken Holland did the prudent thing and largely stood pat, trading a couple of veterans for draft picks and making only a pair of minor acquisitions.

Turns out he wasn’t waving a white flag but rather a green one because the Kings hit the gas after that, gathering points in 16 of their final 20 games, finishing the regular season as one of the hottest teams in the NHL. That earned them a fifth straight trip to the playoffs and a first-round meeting with the Colorado Avalanche, the league’s winningest team, beginning Sunday in Denver.

The Ducks, meanwhile, advanced to the postseason for the first time since 2018 but they stumbled in, losing eight of their last 10 and blowing a five-point lead in the Pacific Division and the home-ice advantage that went with it over the final three weeks. The Ducks, the third-place team in the Pacific Division, will start on the road in Edmonton on Monday.

Kings interim coach D.J. Smith during a game in March in Boston.
Kings interim coach D.J. Smith during a game in March in Boston. (Charles Krupa / Associated Press)

“It’s been a climb. Probably didn’t look very good a while ago,” said Kings interim coach D.J. Smith, who could lose the interim part of that title after going 11-6-6 after replacing Jim Hiller behind the bench with 23 games to play. “It’s a credit to the guys, the leadership. They played playoff hockey for a while now. And it’s allowed us this opportunity.”

Actually, crediting the Kings with playing playoff hockey isn’t necessarily a compliment since the team hasn’t won a postseason series since hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2014. But it’s been more than a decade since the Kings have entered the playoffs carrying this kind of momentum and they have a few people to thank for that.

Anton Forsberg has been key for the Kings down the stretch.
Anton Forsberg has been key for the Kings down the stretch. (Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)

Journeyman goaltender Anton Forsberg, who spent most of his first season in Los Angeles backing up Darcy Kuemper, won five straight starts in April to key the Kings’ fast finish. Russian winger Artemi Panarin, acquired from the New York Rangers just before the Olympic break and a month before the trade deadline, contributed nine goals and 18 assists in 26 games, helping make up for the loss of forwards Kevin Fiala and Andrei Kuzmenko to injuries. And Quinton Byfield scored 10 times in his final 13 games to set a career high with 24 goals.

“Since the break I feel like we’ve really come together as a group,” Byfield said.

The team displayed uncommon grit as well, going to overtime an NHL-record 33 times. (They lost 20 of those games; if they have gotten the second point in just a third of those, they would have won the division.)

And finally, the Kings were also fueled by a desire to give captain Anze Kopitar one more chance at a title. Kopitar, who announced in September that this season would be his last, gave an emotional good-bye speech to the fans after the final regular-season home game. His teammates were determined to give him an encore in the playoffs.

“That had a lot to do with it,” Smith said. “Guys were playing for him. He gets one more chance to play at home.

“We found a way.”

Kopitar, however, credited his coach for the team’s fast finish.

“Once Smithy came in, he just changed the energy a little bit and we’re trying to be a little more aggressive versus sitting back,” said Kopitar, the Kings’ all-time leader in games, points and assists.

Anaheim Ducks left wing Cutter Gauthier stands on the ice during.
Cutter Gauthier is the first Duck to score 40 goals in a season since Corey Perry in 2013-14. (Melissa Majchrzak / Associated Press)

For the Ducks, they’re not only returning to the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons — only the Detroit Red Wings have a longer active postseason drought — but they also posted a winning record for the first time since 2018.

Troy Terry, who played two games as a rookie that season, is the only Duck remaining from that team.

“This year has just felt different from the start,” he said. “It was less question marks about the potential of the team. We knew what we could be.”

Which isn’t to say it’s been easy. The team had two seven-game winning streaks but also weathered losing streaks of nine and six games.

“We had a couple of roller coasters there, starting and then slowing down and getting back on it,” said coach Joel Quenneville, who has taken five teams to the NHL playoffs, winning three Stanley Cups in Chicago.

The Ducks’ 273 goals this season are the most in franchise history but the 288 they allowed is third-worst all time, leaving the team with the second-highest goal differential of any playoff team. (Only the Kings are worse at -22.)

Speaking of history, winger Cutter Gauthier, with 18 goals in the final 23 games, is the first Duck to score 40 goals in a season since Corey Perry in 2013-14. At 22, he’s also the second-youngest to get there, trailing only Paul Kariya.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Flames beat the playoff-bound Kings 3-1 to end the season

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — Arsenii Sergeev made 27 saves in his first NHL start, Zayne Parekh broke a third-period tie and the Calgary Flames beat the playoff-bound Los Angeles Kings 3-1 on Thursday night to end the season.

The Kings learned during the game that they’d be the second wild-card in the Western Conference and face NHL regular-season champion Colorado in the first round — with Game 1 on Sunday in Denver.

Los Angeles finished 35-27-20. Earlier Thursday, Edmonton took second place in the Pacific Division with a 6-1 home victory over Vancouver, and Anaheim won 5-4 at Nashville to finish third.

Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee also scored for Calgary. The Flames finished 34-39-9.

Kings star Anze Kopitar appeared in his final regular-season game, finishing with the seventh-most career points by a born and trained European player with 1,316. The leader of the category is Jaromir Jagr with 1,921.

Quinton Byfield scored for Los Angeles, and Anton Forsberg made 18 saves.

Frost opened the scoring at 5:21 of the second period on a power play with his 22nd of the season. Byfield tied it less than two minutes later with his 24th.

Farabee scored into an empty net to reach 20 goals.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

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Kristaps Porziņģis questionable against the Suns

INGLEWOOD, CA - APRIL 15: Kristaps Porzingis #7 of the Golden State Warriors smiles during the game against the LA Clippers during the SoFi Play-In Tournament on April 15, 2026 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Latvian big man Kristaps Porziņģis had arguably his best game with the Golden State Warriors last night against the Los Angeles Clippers, notching 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists on 8-of-12 shooting from the field (3-of-6 on threes). However, his availability is up in the air for tomorrow’s tilt against the Phoenix Suns.

Should Porziņģis be unavailable tomorrow, it is assumed that Al Horford will start in his place. However, that would also meant that the Warriors’ center depth will take a massive hit, which could see Draymond Green at the five for spurts, should Steve Kerr deem it necessary. Green was at his best against the Clippers with either Porziņģis or Horford behind him as a backline rim protector; without either of them in certain configurations, Green might find it difficult to plug holes and erase mistakes despite his history of being a capable roamer and help-side defender.

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Braves News: Ian Hamilton selected, Phillies series ahead, and more

MLB Atlanta Braves pitcher Ian Hamilton | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Braves’ day off began with another bullpen shuffle, and this time, right-hander Ian Hamilton got the call. In addition to his selection, the club optioned lefty Hayden Harris to Triple-A Gwinnett and designated righty Osvaldo Bido for assignment. 

30-year-old Hamilton joined the Braves in December of last year and has yet to make his Atlanta debut. He’s thrown just 6.1 innings in Gwinnett this season, where he owns a 2.84 ERA. He’s given up just one base on balls and whiffed nine. 

Harris was called up earlier this week and did not get a shot at big league action. As for Bido, the move is a direct result of his lackluster outing against Miami.

More Braves News:

The Braves, who have yet to lose a series, are beginning a road trip full of NL East foes, and first, they take on the Philadelphia Phillies in a three-game set. 

Bryce Elder has been effective early this season and is shaping up to be a regular in the starting rotation.

Jim Jarvis is on a nine-game hitting streak down in Triple-A. More in the minor league recap. 

Luke Williams has rejoined the Braves on a minor-league deal, per the transaction log. He was designated for assignment earlier this week and elected free agency.

MLB News:

The Washington Nationals acquired left-hander Richard Lovelady from the New York Mets in exchange for cash. The Mets designated him for assignment over the weekend. 

From the Feed:

Brian Snitker will be inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame on April 25, and there’s a slate of special guests that will be in attendance.

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Rockies 3, Astros 2: Streak No More

Apr 16, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher Chase Dollander (32) delivers a pitch during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Colorado Rockies entered their series finale in Houston against the Astros needing a win in the worst way. Losers of six straight on the road, the Rockies could have ended their road trip with seven consecutive losses with a daunting match-up against the Los Angeles Dodgers quickly approaching.

The Rockies got the memo. Despite a shaky start from opener Juan Mejia, the Rockies pitching was largely excellent. They held the strong Astros offense to just two runs on their way to a victory that no doubt resonated in the clubhouse.

Cold Open

With the Rockies scuttling to get the most out of their pitching staff due to injuries and heavy bullpen use during this road trip, righty Juan Mejia was begged as the opener. Mejia threw just over half of his 30 pitches for strikes and recorded two strikeouts, but three singles and a hit by pitch helped the Astros jump head to an early lead. Mejia was pulled after recording just two outs.

Cut to the Chase

Chase Dollander turned in one of the best performances of his young career operating in bulk relief of Juan Mejia. Dollander consistently dialed up high velocity on his fastball—regularly hitting 100 MPH—and induced a 44% whiff rate on the pitch. He also made strong use of his slider and changeup (with 40% and 43% whiff rates, respectively) as he struck out a career high nine batters in 5.1 scoreless innings.

Dollander held the Astros hitless until his final inning of work. In the sixth inning a leadoff walk to Isaac Paredes and a double deflected off the glove of third baseman Kyle Karros had runners on second and third with no outs. Dollander proceeded to bear down with a gutsy finish. After getting noted Rockies killer Christian Walker to ground out without advancing the runners, Dollander struck out the next two batters to end the inning with no damage done.

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See what happens when you don’t strike out 15 times?

Tonight was one of the Rockies’ most disciplined games at the plate so far this season. The Rockies struck out just five times against the combined Astros bullpen—including the opener Ryan Weiss—while chasing significantly less than previous games over this road trip. They also drew six walks.

Unfortunately, that didn’t necessarily equate to runs. The Rockies scored just three runs on nine hits, going 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position and leaving nine men stranded.

Tyler Freeman, Hunter Goodman, and Brenton Doyle were the Rockies’ heroes at the plate. Freeman went 3-for-5 with an RBI without striking out—though he did ground into a momentum-killing double-play—while Hunter Goodman both went 2-for-3 with a walk. Doyle put his speed to good use with two stolen bases while Goodman hit his fifth home run of the season.

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Bend, but don’t break.

Dollander gave way to Jaden Hill, Jimmy Herget, and Victor Vodnik. All three relievers faced traffic but kept the Astros off the board. Hill walked two and gave up a hit, but managed to navigate the inning unscathed while Herget also gave up a walk. Vodnik also issued a walk, and a towering fly ball off the bat of Isaac Paredes gave Rockies fans flashbacks as it looked like they were about to be walked off yet again. However, the ball fell into Mickey Moniak’s glove at the wall and Vodnik earned his second save of the season.

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Coming Up Next

The Rockies are heading back to what might be a chilly and snow-touched Coors Field tomorrow to start a four-game series against the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers. Tomoyuki Sugano 菅野 智之 will make the start for the Rockies, looking to continue building on his excellent start.Tyler Glasnow will go for the Dodgers. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM MDT.

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McDavid has 4 assists in Oilers' finale to take NHL scoring title with 138 points

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Connor McDavid had four assists to take the NHL scoring title with 138 points and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Vancouver Canucks 6-1 on Thursday night to finish second in the Pacific Division and open the playoffs at home.

Edmonton will host Anaheim on Monday night in Game 1. The Oilers were 7-2-2 in their last 11 to finish 41-30-12, while Vancouver was last in the NHL at 25-49-8.

McDavid won his sixth Art Ross title as the NHL scoring leader to tie Mario Lemieux and Gordie Howe for second — four behind Wayne Gretzky. McDavid reached 1,220 career points, passing Jeremy Roenick, Larry Murphy and Jean Beliveau to advance to 47th on the NHL list. McDavid entered the season 71st.

Rookie Matthew Savoie had his first hat trick, Josh Samanski, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Colton Dach also scored and Evan Bouchard had three assists. Connor Ingram made 11 saves, allowing only Ty Mueller's first career goal.

Edmonton was buoyed by the return of forward Zach Hyman and is expecting star forward Leon Draisaitl back during the opening series.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

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It might be now or never for the Hurricanes’ current core to make a Stanley Cup run

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 22: Rod Brind'Amour of the Carolina Hurricanes looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 22, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images

The Carolina Hurricanes are potentially approaching a crossroads entering the 2026 playoffs. On one end, they have been undoubtedly one of the most dominant teams in the NHL over the better part of the last 10 years. On the other end, though, they don’t have much to show for it. 

Since 2018, Carolina is fourth in regular season wins with 414 and sixth in playoff wins with 47 according to StatMuse.

Four of the top five teams in regular season wins have made a Stanley Cup within that time frame, with three of the four having gone on to win it. The Canes are the only ones who haven’t made an appearance. Of the top eight teams in playoff wins since 2018, the Canes are also the only team to not make a Stanley Cup.

This should be the year that changes, but if not, the Canes might not get a better chance.

One big reason for that is their potential path to the Stanley Cup, as this is may be the easiest route they have had.

The Florida Panthers and New York Rangers, who have knocked Carolina out of the playoffs each of the last four seasons, both aren’t in. While the Buffalo Sabres have shot on to the scene, they have no playoff experience. And the Tampa Bay Lightning should be past their glory days. 

Not only that, the Canes will avoid facing either the Sabres or Lightning until the Eastern Conference Finals at the earliest.

It’s been eight straight years of playoff hockey and multiple years of being a true Stanley Cup contender for the Canes, with no success past the second round.

They have done everything to make this core work. Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov and Jaccob Slavin have all been difference makers over the past eight seasons. They traded for Jake Guentzel at the 2024 deadline. They traded for Mikko Rantanen in 2025. They signed the biggest UFA deal of the offseason to add Nikolaj Ehlers and traded for K’Andre Miller before the season.

This needs to be the year it all comes together, with the Canes possibly having the strongest roster they’ve had over the past eight seasons combined with the easiest path to the Stanley Cup.

If it doesn’t work this year in the playoffs, meaning the Canes don’t at least go six or seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals, something will have to change towards the top.

Whether it’s shaking up the coaching staff or trying to land a true superstar talent or acquiring a franchise goaltender, it’s almost inconceivable to keep running it back with the same core expecting different results. 

All it takes is one run to win a Cup, and this Canes team has proven they have the talent to do so. It’s just about putting it all together when the lights shine brightest — something they haven’t shown the ability to do yet. 

Right now, Carolina should be the favorite to represent the East in the Stanley Cup. But if they don’t, and fall short unconvincingly again, big changes might have to be made. 

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Draymond Green’s lockdown defense on Kawhi Leonard was unreal

Inglewood, CA - April 15: Forward Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors steals the ball from forward Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers in the second half of a NBA play-in tournament basketball game at Intuit Dome in Inglewood on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images

I had to crack up laughing when I saw the Gil’s Arena crew post a video about Draymond Green’s lockdown defense on Kawhi Leonard entitled, “How A Podcaster ENDED Kawhi’s Dream Season”. Green is arguably the greatest defender of his generation, so him playfully being referred to by his side gig dropping hot pods on YouTube is a nod to just how versatile Green is as a human being.

In a season where he’s had to endure swirling trade rumors, a wounded roster, and the looming shadow of Father Time creeping over his shoulder, this was the game he had to have.

He was the primary defender on the legendary Kawhi Leonard, a guy with rings and NBA Finals MVP in his trophy case, and put on a performance that was absolutely phenomenal.

You know how some guys like Steph Curry are trusted in late game situations offensively to deliver the killshot? We call ‘em closers, guys who carry that Jordanesque swagger to deliver with the game in the balance. Green is the epitome of that on the defensive end, the equivalent of a brick wall at the end of a one way street. You don’t wanna go his way to try to score for game. But don’t take my word for it, ask Mr. Leonard!

Green was fighting through pain from a stiff leg, consistently smothering Leonard like a wet blanket. When he stole the inbound pass to Leonard with 49 seconds left and the Warriors up 120-117, it felt like the Dubs might be able to exhale. That brilliant move by Green to force Leonard out of position for the pass along the sideline led to the high IQ reflex to knock the stolen ball to his streaking teammate Brandin Podziemski who scored on his layup attempt and drew the foul.

To salt the game and the Clippers’ season away, Green then ripped Leonard’s dribble move, a fantastic and perhaps even stunning sight. We don’t often see the Klaw get his cookies taken in the clutch. Don’t let that closing sequence distract you from the fact that Green was also practically unscreenable when navigating the floor covering Leonard.

The awareness, the feel, the competitive dog inside of Green just stifled Leonard’s plans when the Clippers needed him most. Leonard’s final statline: 21 points on 17 shots in 40 minutes, with 5 turnovers and only 4 free throws. Per NBA.com, Leonard shot 3-for-7 from the field when Green was guarding him, with two turnovers. It doesn’t get any better than what Green and the Warriors did to keep Leonard from finding scoring momentum that can sometimes feel inevitable.

This is why you don’t trade Green; even though he’s an OG now, he is still absolutely invaluable on the floor to keep the other team from being their best selves. You remember how he shut the door on Alperen Sengun and the Rockets last year? It’s what he does.

We haven’t even mentioned how he led the Dubs in assists last night with nine dimes, continually directing the offense like a QB and then setting the tough screens that got his guys open. Enjoy this guy while he’s here, Dub Nation!

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Ducks beat Predators 5-4 to clinch the Pacific’s third seed

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Troy Terry scored on a power play with 2:54 left, and the Anaheim Ducks beat the Nashville Predators 5-4 on Thursday night helping them clinch the third seed in the Pacific Division for the postseason.

The Ducks came into the regular-season finale third in the Pacific with five different scenarios still possible to lock down the final playoff matchups This win, combined with Edmonton beating visiting Vancouver, means Anaheim starts the first round Monday at Edmonton.

Anaheim also took the season series against Nashville 2-1, though the Ducks go into the postseason 2-6-2 over their final 10.

Cutter Gauthier, Jackson LaCombe, Alex Killorn and Tristan Luneau scored for Anaheim. Mikael Granlund had three assists.

Steven Stamkos scored twice and had an assist for Nashville, giving him 42 goals this season. Filip Forsberg scored two goals, giving him 40, and the Predators a pair of 40-goal scorers. Luke Evangelista and Ryan Ufko added two assists apiece.

BLUES 5, MAMMOTH 3

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Logan Mailloux scored the go-ahead goal with 2:57 left to play and Robert Thomas had a hat trick as St. Louis beat Utah in the regular-season finale for both teams.

Mailloux scored unassisted on a backhand shot from 20 feet out to make it 4-3 in a back-and-forth game. Thomas’ third goal, an empty-netter with 38 seconds left, capped the scoring.

Pavel Buchnevich had the other goal for St. Louis and Joel Hofer made 20 saves.

Michael Carcone, Lawson Crouse, and Kailer Yamamoto scored for the Mammoth. Karel Vejmelka and Vitek Vanecek combined for 24 stops.

Clayton Keller assisted on two Utah goals to become the third NHL player this season with at least one assist in 10 straight games.

SHARKS 6, JETS 1

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — Macklin Celebrini had a goal and two assists to break Joe Thornton’s San Jose record for points in a season with 115, helping the Sharks rout Winnipeg in the finale for both teams.

The 19-year-old Celebrini had 45 goals and 70 assists in 82 games in his second NHL season. Thornton had 114 points in 2006-07, also playing 82 games. Last season, Celebrini had 63 points in 70 games, with 25 goals and 38 assists.

San Jose missed the playoff for the seventh consecutive season, finishing 39-35-8.

The Jets were 35-35-12 to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2021-22. They are the fifth NHL team to win the Presidents’ Trophy for the best regular-season record and not qualify for the playoffs the following season.

William Eklund also had a goal and two assists for San Jose. Will Smith had a goal and an assist, Collin Graf, Igor Chernyshov and Michael Misa also scored, and John Klingberg added three assists. Alex Nedeljkovic stopped 25 shots.

OILERS 6, CANUCKS 1

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Connor McDavid had four assists to take the NHL scoring title with 138 points and Edmonton beat Vancouver to finish second in the Pacific Division and open the playoffs at home.

Edmonton will host Anaheim on Monday night in Game 1. The Oilers were 7-2-2 in their last 11 to finish 41-30-12, while Vancouver was last in the NHL at 25-49-8.

McDavid won his sixth Art Ross title as the NHL scoring leader to tie Mario Lemieux and Gordie Howe for second — four behind Wayne Gretzky. McDavid reached 1,220 career points, passing Jeremy Roenick, Larry Murphy and Jean Beliveau to advance to 47th on the NHL list. McDavid entered the season 71st.

Rookie Matthew Savoie had his first hat trick, Josh Samanski, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Colton Dach also scored and Evan Bouchard had three assists. Connor Ingram made 11 saves, allowing only Ty Mueller’s first career goal.

Edmonton was buoyed by the return of forward Zach Hyman and is expecting star forward Leon Draisaitl back during the opening series.

FLAMES 3, KINGS 1

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — Arsenii Sergeev made 27 saves in his first NHL start, Zayne Parekh broke a third-period tie and Calgary beat playoff-bound Los Angeles to end the season.

The Kings learned during the game that they’d be the second wild-card in the Western Conference and face NHL regular-season champion Colorado in the first round — with Game 1 on Sunday in Denver.

Los Angeles finished 35-27-20. Earlier Thursday, Edmonton took second place in the Pacific Division with a 6-1 home victory over Vancouver, and Anaheim won 5-4 at Nashville to finish third.

Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee also scored for Calgary. The Flames finished 34-39-9.

Kings star Anze Kopitar appeared in his final regular-season game, finishing with the seventh-most career points by a born and trained European player with 1,316. The leader of the category is Jaromir Jagr with 1,921.

Quinton Byfield scored for Los Angeles, and Anton Forsberg made 18 saves.

AVALANCHE 2, KRAKEN 0

DENVER (AP) — Nick Blankenburg scored a second-period goal, Scott Wedgewood made 22 saves for his fourth shutout of the season and Colorado Avalanche beat Seattle to break the franchise’s single-season points record.

The Avalanche won the Presidents’ Trophy with 121 points, eclipsing the total of 119 points set by the 2021-22 squad that went on to win the Stanley Cup.

Colorado hosts the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday to begin the playoffs. The last time the teams played in the postseason was the 2002 conference quarterfinals when the Avalanche won in seven games.

The Kraken missed the playoffs with a final record of 34-37-11.

Blankenburg broke a scoreless game with a late second-period goal. He had a goal in the opening period overturned after Seattle challenged for offside.

Parker Kelly scored in the third period, while Valeri Nichushkin added a pair of assists. Wedgewood won his 31st game of the season. Colorado rested several key players in the season finale, including Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas and captain Gabriel Landeskog.

MacKinnon finished with a career-high 53 goals to win the Rocket Richard Trophy as the league’s goal-scoring leader.

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Tony Bradley believes Hawks need to hit Knicks ‘in the mouth first’

Michael Bradley (left) defends Mitchell Robinson during the Knicks' win over the Hawks on April 6, 2026 at the Garden.
Michael Bradley (left) defends Mitchell Robinson during the Knicks' win over the Hawks on April 6, 2026 at the Garden.

Tony Bradley hadn’t played much for the Pacers in the postseason at that point last year, and he wouldn’t play in the Eastern Conference finals until the second game, but he still watched as Tyrese Haliburton’s last-second heave stunned the Knicks by forcing overtime in Game 1.

And Bradley saw how that draining result — the Knicks’ double-digit lead late in regulation evaporated completely — carried over into the next game that Indiana won, too.

That’s why Bradley, now a backup center for the Hawks facing the possibility of an expanded role this series, knows the importance of stealing that first game to “set the tone,” which Atlanta will have the chance to do at the Garden when the first-round series opens Saturday.

“I think it’s very important to hit them in the mouth first,” Bradley told reporters in Atlanta on Thursday, while adding that the Knicks were “for sure” demoralized by Haliburton’s shot.

Michael Bradley (left) defends Mitchell Robinson during the Knicks’ win over the Hawks on April 6, 2026 in Atlanta. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Bradley, a first-round pick by the Lakers in 2017, was waived by the Pacers in January before his contract became guaranteed, and after a pair of 10-day deals with Indiana that followed, he remained unsigned until the Hawks picked him up earlier this month after an injury to backup center Jock Landale.

With Landale now sidelined for at least the start of the series — the Hawks said Thursday that he’ll be re-evaluated in 1-2 weeks — with a right ankle sprain, it’s unclear just how sizable of a role Bradley could have against the Knicks.

In three regular-season games with Atlanta, Bradley averaged 11.3 minutes, 3.7 points and three rebounds per game.

For the season, he’s averaging 4.0 points and 2.8 rebounds across 10.9 minutes per game.

But Bradley has experienced what it takes to topple the Knicks. And he knows the impact that a devastating blow at the Garden, especially at the start of a series, can have.

“Their crowd is, it can be intimidating,” Bradley said. “But it’s fun at the same time.”

Josh Hart didn’t hesitate. Asked what the Knicks can take from their three regular-season matchups with the Hawks, he said, “None.” They didn’t have Karl-Anthony Towns for one of the games. Hart didn’t play in two of them, either.

“The regular season honestly doesn’t really matter when you look at it in terms of a scope like this,” Hart said, “because you never know — regular season, there’s a lot of things that you have. I don’t know if they were back-to-backs, you know, who’s in, who’s out, whatever it is.

“So, you know, you throw those out the window and you just focus on the team and the personnel that they have right now.”

Knicks head coach Mike Brown, tasked with navigating against the Hawks’ Quin Snyder — who was on Brown’s staff with the Lakers in 2011-12 — over the next two weeks in a coaching chess match, opted to not look too far ahead with how he’ll approach the challenge.

“Just one day at a time,” Brown said. “More than anything else, it’s my job to make sure we as a group, starting with me, stay present, and, you know, you go through the hypotheticals, but you can’t dwell on them because if you do, you’ll lose focus at what your strengths are.”

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Kings' First Round Playoff Opponent, Schedule Revealed After Loss Against Flames

Despite the Anaheim Ducks nearly coming up short against the Nashville Predators on Thursday night, they hung on and won, and the Edmonton Oilers did as well, leaving the Los Angeles Kings as the second wild-card team who will face the Colorado Avalanche. 

The opening game between the teams will be on Sunday afternoon at 12:00 PM PT on TNT. 

Entering the final game of the season, LA was tied with Anaheim for the third seed and one point behind Edmonton for the second spot in the Pacific Division. Edmonton and Anaheim took care of business, defeating their opponents and playing their full squads to avoid dropping in the standings. 

As a result of the Oilers and Ducks winning, the Kings will now face the Presidents' Trophy winners for the first time since 2002. The Avalanche won both meetings in the 2001 and 2002 playoff series, and this season swept the season series 3-0. 

The Kings have struggled with Colorado in all of their matchups this season, losing by more than two goals in each game. In the three meetings, LA struggled to keep up with Colorado's high-powered offense, which amped it up and took the game. 

Los Angeles is going to be viewed as the underdog in this contest, and it’s certainly going to be an uphill battle. But, if the Kings' defense can show up and make it tough like they've done in this final week with its impressive goaltending by Anton Forsberg and the offense gives production, it can be a competitive series, but it will be a lot to ask for the Kings to compete against the best offense in Hockey. 

Game Recap

Now, let's go through how the Kings secured the final wild-card spot and their first-round playoff matchup. 

The Kings closed their final regular-season game with a 3-1 loss to the Calgary Flames on Thursday night. 

Even if LA had won, their playoff seeding would remain the same, since the Oilers and Ducks both defeated their opponents on Thursday. 

The team played the entire game at full strength, recognizing that playoff seedings were at stake. Even then, LA came up short with its full squad out on ice, playing with no threat on offense all game long. 

Both teams struggled to score in the opening period, and the game was very slow, showcasing little to no offense. LA outshot Calgary 10-2 in the first period, but couldn't get a goal up despite getting more opportunities. 

It would all change in the second period. Calgary drew first blood at the 14:39 mark, scoring the power-play goal. Over a minute later, the Kings would respond, followed by a beautiful team-up led by Alex Laferriere and Trevor Moore, setting up Quinton Byfield to score his 24th goal of the season, a new career high.

The scoreboard remained tied after 40 minutes. An even period with both teams getting 10 shots on goal, but Calgary was turning the puck over, and the Kings couldn't capitalize on their mistakes. 

We opened the third period with Calgary at the 13:52 mark, converting on the top glove snipe from the left side to retake the lead. All night long, the Kings were doing their best to get a shot up, but couldn't score. 

At this point in the third period, the Kings' best decision would've been to rest its starters and get ready for Sunday, with the playoff matchups already set, but LA continued to play its full squad. 

The final 40 seconds saw the Flames capitalize on the empty net goal to secure this victory at home, 3-1. 

Key Stats

Quinton Byfield finished with one goal and one point, scoring the only goal for the Kings all night. It wasn't a productive offensive night for the Kings at all, despite playing its entire squad for nearly 60 minutes. 

The Kings will travel to Colorado in the first round of the playoffs, with Game One being Sunday at 12:00 PM PT on TNT. 

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Mamdani jokes Trae Young is reason for expensive Garden playoff tickets — but Knicks nemesis claps back

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani is pictured at City Hall Blue Room on Thursday, April 16, 2026, during a press conference, Image 2 shows Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young reacts while on the court in the second half
Zohran Mamdani Trae Young

Zohran Mamdani tried to dunk over the Knicks’ longtime arch-nemesis.

But Trae Young wasn’t going to sit idly by and not at least contest the jam.

The New York mayor was asked on Thursday about the high ticket prices at Madison Square Garden for the Knicks’ first-round series against the Hawks compared to the get-in price at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena.

Before getting into his more extended answer, the democratic socialist wanted to place the blame on Young, a former member of the Hawks.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani is pictured at City Hall Blue Room on April 16, 2026, during a press conference. Luiz C. Ribeiro for NY Post

“First, I would say that I blame Trae Young,” Mamdani said jokingly, leading to some laughs. “And I think it’s always important to blame Trae Young.”

Hizzoner then gave a more extended answer about how he believes sports are now more of a “luxury commodity” and wished tickets were “far more affordably priced.” As of Thursday night, the cheapest ticket — on Tickmaster — to get into MSG for Saturday’s Game 1 is $353; Game 3 prices for next Thursday in Atlanta are $84.

The Post’s request for comment from the Knicks and Madison Square Garden was not immediately returned.

All the while, Young, the former Hawk who was traded in the middle of the season to the Wizards, clapped back at New York for what went down in 2021 — and how then-Mayor Bill de Blasio joined the fray.

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young reacts while on the court in the second half at MSG during a 2022 game. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST

“Remember what happened the last time the Mayor of that City had my name in his mouth during a time like this…. #DontBlameMeWhenItHappensAgain,” Young wrote in response on X.

During those playoffs, Young became a thorn in the side of Knicks — and their passionate fans — when he dropped 32 points, including the final-second game-winner, in the opening contest.

De Blasio, during a press briefing shortly after Game 1, specifically called out Young.

“This is very serious, want to get this message to Trae Young on behalf of the people for New York City and anybody that cares about playing basketball the right way: Stop hunting for fouls, Trae,” de Blasio said.

The message really didn’t work, as Young finished the series by averaging 29.2 points and 9.8 assists as the Knicks were eliminated in five games. Memorably, though, Knicks fans continually chanted “F–k Trae Young,” something that still continues to this day.

During the 2024-25 season, Young further entrenched himself as a villain when he helped close out the Knicks in the NBA Cup quarterfinals before stepping on New York’s logo at midcourt before mimicking rolling a dice, meaning his team advanced to Las Vegas and the Knicks had not.

The Wizards did not qualify for the playoffs, so Young’s next chance to play the Knicks will come next season, whether he remains with the Wizards (he has a player option for 2026-27) or not.

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Ducks to Face Oilers in Round One of 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs

It came down to Game 82, but the Ducks now know their first playoff opponent since 2018. They’ll be heading north of the border to face the Edmonton Oilers, the first time these teams have faced each other in the playoffs since 2017.

That series went to seven games, with the Ducks vanquishing their Game 7 demons and advancing to the Western Conference Final. The iconic “Comeback on Katella” also occurred during that series, when Corey Perry scored in double overtime of Game 5 to give the Ducks a 3-2 series lead. They had scored thrice in the final 3:16 of the third period to send the game to overtime.

The Ducks no longer have any remnants from that series after goaltender John Gibson was traded to the Detroit Red Wings this past summer. Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Darnell Nurse all remain from that Oilers team.

Edmonton is attempting to reach the Stanley Cup Final for the third consecutive time. Both times resulted in a loss to the Florida Panthers. However, the Panthers were stricken by injuries for most of the season, losing their captain Aleksander Barkov to an ACL and MCL tear in September, and missed the playoffs entirely. Could this be the year that the Oilers reach the summit? They’ll have to get past the Ducks (and two more rounds) first before they can think about that.

“I think for us, it’s just being ready,” Ducks forward Ryan Poehling said to local media before Thursday’s game in Nashville. “We know what’s coming and we’ve got to get prepared for it so I think just giving our best tonight is going to be big for us.

Related: Anaheim Ducks Clinch Playoffs for First Time in Eight Years

“If we end up with Edmonton or we end up with L.A., or we end up with Colorado, they’ve got high-end skill. If you don’t play a full 60 minutes, they can make you pay. Even if you play great for 40-50 minutes, that 10 minutes spare there can bite you. So, for us to kind of work on that is the biggest thing.”

Anaheim entered the final week of the season with a chance to grab the Pacific Division title. But consecutive losses to the Vancouver Canucks and Minnesota Wild squashed any hope of that possibility. A win on Thursday against the Nashville Predators, coupled with an Oilers regulation loss to the Canucks, would have seen Anaheim get home ice. Instead, the Oilers hold on to their home ice advantage and will host Anaheim for Game 1 on Monday, Apr. 20 at 7 p.m. PST.