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NHL Western Conference Game 2 Preview: Anaheim Ducks (0-1) vs. Edmonton Oilers (1-0)

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Venue: Rogers Place, 10214 104 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB Series: Oilers lead 1–0

Venue & Start Time

Arena: Rogers Place, Edmonton

Start Time:

10:00 PM EDT / 7:00 PM PDT (Apr 22)

02:00 UTC (Apr 23)

Injury Report

Anaheim Ducks

Ross Johnston – Day‑to‑Day

Adam Henrique – OUT

Max Jones – OUT

Edmonton Oilers

No new injuries listed in available sources.

Team Records & Statistical Profile

Regular‑Season Records

Anaheim: 43‑33‑6 (19‑20‑2 away)

Edmonton: 41‑30‑11 (22‑14‑5 home)

Team Stats Comparison

CategoryDucksOilers
Goals For / Game3.233.44
Goals Against / Game3.513.23
Shots For / Game30.829.7
Shots Against / Game28.426.7
Power Play18.6%30.6%
Penalty Kill76.4%77.8%

Recent Form

Ducks – Last 5

Loss, Win, Loss, Loss, Win (in order)

Oilers – Last 5

Win, Win, Loss, Loss, Win

Goaltending Matchup

Anaheim

Lukas Dostal: 30–20–4, 3.10 GAA, .888 SV%

Ville Husso: 3.25 GAA, .884 SV% (backup option)

Edmonton

Tristan Jarry: 18–9–3, 3.32 GAA, .882 SV%

Connor Ingram: 2.60 GAA, .899 SV% (stronger statistical profile)

Key Player Matchups

Cutter Gauthier (ANA) vs. Connor McDavid (EDM)

Gauthier: 69 points, 41 goals

McDavid: 138 points, 48 goals, 90 assists — the league’s most dominant offensive force.

Jackson LaCombe (ANA) vs. Edmonton Forecheck

LaCombe leads Ducks in assists (48) and plays heavy minutes (26:34 in Game 1).

Edmonton’s forecheck forced multiple turnovers in Game 1 (4–3 Oilers win).

Troy Terry (ANA) vs. Oilers’ Top Pair

Terry posted 2 goals, 1 assist in Game 1 — Anaheim’s most dangerous skater so far.

Series History & Game 1 Recap

Game 1 (Apr 20): Oilers 4, Ducks 3 (Final)

Ducks’ top line produced all scoring; depth lines were held scoreless.

Oilers’ speed in transition created mismatches Anaheim struggled to contain.

Betting Trends

Anaheim

19–20–2 on the road.

Defense allows 3.51 GA/G, bottom‑tier among playoff teams.

Edmonton

Elite power play (30.6%) gives them a major edge.

Strong home record (22–14–5).

Totals Trend

Both teams average 3.2+ goals per game, and Game 1 hit 7 total goals.

Over 6.5 is a common market line for this matchup.

Game Odds

Anaheim Ducks                 6.5

Edmonton Oilers              – 198

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, April 21, 2026

NHL Western Conference Game 3 Preview: Dallas Stars (1-1) vs. Minnesota Wild (1-1)

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Venue: Grand Casino Arena, 199 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN

Puck Drop: 9:30 PM ET (per series schedule)

Injury Report

Dallas Stars

Miro Heiskanen (D) – Day‑to‑Day (Apr 18)

Roope Hintz (C) – OUT, expected Apr 22 return (uncertain for Game 3)

Nathan Bastian (RW) – OUT until May 4

Minnesota Wild

Quinn Hughes (D) – Day‑to‑Day (Apr 18)

Zach Bogosian (D) – Day‑to‑Day (Apr 18)

Charlie Stramel (C) – OUT until Sept 15

Team Records & Statistical Profile

Regular‑Season Records

Dallas: 50‑20‑12 (24‑9‑8 away)

Minnesota: 46‑24‑12 (23‑10‑8 home)

Team Stats

CategoryStarsWild
Goals For / Game3.333.27
Goals Against / Game2.712.87
Shots For / Game25.329.2
Shots Against / Game26.229.4
Power Play28.6%25.2%
Penalty Kill80.3%79.8%

Recent Form

Stars – Last 5

W 4–3 (SO) @ BUF W 6–5 @ TOR W 2–0 vs NYR W 5–4 vs MIN W 4–3 (OT) vs CGY

Wild – Last 5

W 3–2 vs ANA L 6–3 @ STL L 2–1 @ NSH L 5–4 @ DAL W 5–2 vs SEA

Goaltending Matchup

Dallas – Jake Oettinger

35–12–6, 4 SO, 2.59 GAA, .899 SV%

Rebounded in Game 2 after a rough Game 1 (allowed 5 goals in opener per NHL recap).

Minnesota – Filip Gustavsson

28–15–6, 4 SO, 2.69 GAA, .904 SV%

Wallstedt dominated Game 1 (.964 SV%), but Gustavsson remains the primary starter.

Key Player Matchups

Jason Robertson (DAL) vs. Kirill Kaprizov (MIN)

Robertson: 96 points, 45 goals

Kaprizov: 89 points, 45 goals

Both are elite finishers; whoever controls this matchup likely controls the game.

Mats Zuccarello (MIN) vs. Mikko Rantanen (DAL)

Zuccarello: 27 points in 31 career games vs DAL (regular season)

Rantanen: 44 points in 42 career games vs MIN (regular season)

Matt Boldy & Joel Eriksson Ek (MIN)

Both had 3‑point performances in Game 1’s 6–1 win.

Series History & Context

Series tied 1–1 after Minnesota’s 6–1 Game 1 win and Dallas’ 4–2 Game 2 response.

Game 3 shifts to Minnesota, where the Wild are 23–10–8 at home.

Historically, the Wild have struggled in first‑round series (seven straight losses since 2016).

Betting Trends

Dallas

5‑0 in last five overall entering series (per recent form).

Power play strong at 28.6%.

Oettinger stabilizing after Game 1.

Minnesota

Strong home team; higher shot volume.

Game 1 offensive explosion shows high ceiling.

Power play at 25.2% and aggressive forecheck.

Game Odds

Dallas Stars                         5.5

Minnesota Wild               – 130

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, April 21, 2026

NHL Eastern Conference Game 3 Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins (0-2) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (2-0)

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Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena — 3601 S Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA

Puck Drop: 4:00 PM ET (1:00 PM PT)

Top‑Line Summary

The Flyers return home with a commanding 2–0 series lead, having shut out Pittsburgh 3–0 in Game 2 behind a dominant defensive performance and Dan Vladar’s first career playoff shutout. Pittsburgh enters Game 3 desperate, scoreless in six straight periods, and facing a must‑win scenario to avoid a near‑insurmountable 3–0 deficit.

Venue & Context

Arena: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia

Series: Flyers lead 2–0 (best‑of‑7)

Game 3 Status: First game of the series in Philadelphia; Flyers have won 5 of their last 6 overall. Penguins have lost 5 straight.

Injury Report

Pittsburgh Penguins

PlayerStatusNotes
Peyton Kettles (D)OUTExpected return Sept. 15

Philadelphia Flyers

PlayerStatusNotes
Nikita Grebenkin (RW)OUTExpected return Apr. 22 (unlikely for Game 3)
Owen Tippett (RW)Day‑to‑DayInjured Apr. 18; attempted penalty shot in Game 2
Christian Dvorak (C)Day‑to‑DayApr. 18 designation
Rodrigo Abols (C)IRApr. 18 designation

Recent Form

Penguins – Last 5

L 7–5 @ STL

L 3–0 @ WSH

L 6–3 vs WSH

W 5–2 @ NJ

W 5–2 vs FLA

Flyers – Last 5

W 4–2 vs MTL

W 3–2 SO vs CAR

W 7–1 @ WPG

L 6–3 @ DET

W 5–1 @ NJ

Team Statistical Profile

CategoryPenguinsFlyers
Goals For / Game3.542.93
Goals Against / Game3.152.92
Power Play24.1%15.7%
Penalty Kill81.4%77.6%
Shots For / Game28.625.5
Shots Against / Game27.425.5

Goaltending Matchup

Pittsburgh

Stuart Skinner: 23–17–9, 2 SO, 2.92 GAA, .888 SV%

Has allowed 5 goals in Games 1–2 but has received zero goal support.

Penguins’ defensive lapses have increased his workload.

Philadelphia

Dan Vladar: 29–14–7, 2.42 GAA, .906 SV%

27‑save shutout in Game 2, the first playoff shutout of his career.

Flyers’ structure has limited PIT’s high‑danger looks.

Key Player Matchups

Sidney Crosby (PIT) vs. Travis Konecny (PHI)

Crosby leads PIT with 74 points; Konecny leads PHI with 68 points.

Flyers have physically targeted Crosby, limiting his space.

Anthony Mantha (PIT) vs. Owen Tippett (PHI)

Mantha: 33 goals, PIT’s top finisher.

Tippett: 28 goals, but Day‑to‑Day; his availability impacts PHI’s transition game.

Erik Karlsson (PIT) vs. Flyers Forecheck

Karlsson’s puck‑moving has been neutralized; he took a costly penalty in Game 2.

Flyers’ aggressive forecheck has forced turnovers and stalled PIT breakouts.

Series History & Trends

Flyers lead series 2–0.

Flyers have outscored PIT 6–1 through two games.

Penguins’ offense, top‑3 in NHL regular season, has been shut out in Game 2 and held to one goal in Game 1.

Flyers have won five straight head‑to‑head meetings dating back to regular season (inference based on both teams’ recent forms and series results).

Penguins have lost five straight overall entering Game 3.

Betting Trends

Penguins

0–2 ATS in series

Power play 0‑for‑multiple attempts in Game 2

Trending Under due to lack of scoring

Flyers

2–0 ATS

Vladar’s .906 SV% regular season → .963+ in series (inference from 27‑save shutout)

Flyers’ defensive structure producing Under results

Game Odds

Pittsburgh Penguins       5.5

Philadelphia Flyers         – 115

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, April 21, 2026

NBA Western Conference Game 2 Preview: Phoenix Suns (0-1) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (1-0)

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Venue: Paycom Center — Oklahoma City, OK

Tip‑off: 1:40 AM UTC

Injury Report

Phoenix Suns:

Grayson Allen — questionable (left hamstring strain)

Jordan Goodwin — questionable (calf soreness) Both injuries were noted as concerns entering this matchup.

Oklahoma City Thunder:

No major injuries reported entering April 23.

Team Records & Recent Form

Oklahoma City Thunder:

Last 5 games: 3–2, slight downward trend but strong at home.

Defending NBA champions with elite metrics and a 64‑18 regular season.

Phoenix Suns:

Last 5 games: 2–3, inconsistent but competitive.

Road performance has been shaky, and injuries add volatility.

Series History & Game 1 Recap

This is the first Suns–Thunder playoff meeting since 1997.

Game 1: Thunder won 119–84, dominating all four quarters.

OKC: 35–30–32–22

PHX: 20–24–22–18

Oklahoma City leads the series 1–0.

Key Player Matchups

Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander (OKC) vs. Devin Booker (PHX)

SGA is the favorite for a second straight MVP, anchoring OKC’s offense and defense.

Booker must carry Phoenix’s scoring load, especially if Allen is limited.

Chet Holmgren (OKC) vs. Phoenix Frontcourt

Holmgren’s rim protection and spacing are central to OKC’s scheme.

Phoenix struggled to generate efficient interior scoring in Game 1.

Jalen Williams (OKC) vs. Suns Wings

Williams returned from wrist surgery earlier in the season and is a major two‑way factor.

Betting Trends

OKC has a 20% home‑court value edge per SportBot AI modeling.

Suns’ offense has been inconsistent and may be further limited by injuries.

Thunder’s elite net rating (+11.1) and depth strongly favor them.

Game Odds

Phoenix Suns                                     215.5

Oklahoma City Thunder                – 17.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, April 21, 2026

NBA Eastern Conference Game 2 Preview: Orlando Magic (1-0) vs. Detroit Pistons (0-1)

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Venue: Little Caesars Arena — Detroit, Michigan

Scheduled Tip‑off: 7:00 p.m. ET

Team Records & Series Context

Orlando leads the series 1–0 after a 112–101 upset win in Game 1.

Detroit: 60–22 (No. 1 seed in the East)

Orlando: 45–37 (No. 8 seed)

Detroit entered the postseason as a heavy favorite, but Orlando’s Game 1 win has shifted early momentum.

Injury Report

Pistons: Jalen Duren — day‑to‑day (knee)

Magic: Jonathan Isaac — day‑to‑day (knee)

Duren’s health is a major storyline, as Detroit’s interior scoring depends heavily on him.

Recent Team Form (Last 10 Games)

Detroit Pistons:

7–3, averaging 117.1 PPG, shooting 50.4%

Allowing 108.5 PPG

Strong paint scoring and defensive activity

Orlando Magic:

7–3, averaging 115.5 PPG, shooting 46.6%

Allowing 115.9 PPG

Balanced scoring but more defensive volatility

Key Player Matchups

Paolo Banchero (ORL) vs. Cade Cunningham (DET)

Banchero scored 23 points in Game 1, leading Orlando’s offense.

Cunningham posted 39 points and nearly carried Detroit alone.

This matchup dictates the pace: Banchero’s physicality vs. Cunningham’s elite playmaking.

Jalen Duren (DET) vs. Wendell Carter Jr. (ORL)

Detroit leads the NBA in points in the paint, largely due to Duren’s rim pressure.

Duren attempted only four shots in Game 1 due to Orlando’s packed paint and Detroit’s spacing issues.

Carter Jr. provides steady interior defense and efficient scoring.

Orlando Backcourt vs. Detroit Perimeter Defense

Jalen Suggs is averaging 2.9 made threes over his last 10 games.

Detroit’s perimeter defenders (Jenkins, Robinson) were targeted heavily in Game 1.

Series History & Trends

Detroit dominated the regular season and conference play (39–13 vs. East).

Orlando split the season series but showed matchup advantages in Game 1 by exploiting Detroit’s spacing and defensive mismatches.

Betting Trends

Detroit is elite at home and typically bounces back after losses.

Orlando has covered spreads well as an underdog late in the season.

Detroit’s paint scoring vs. Orlando’s interior defense is the statistical hinge point.

Game Odds

Orlando Magic                  218.5

Detroit Pistons                 – 8.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, April 21, 2026

NFL team transactions report for Tuesday, April 21, 2026

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WAIVER SYSTEM TRANSACTION
WAIVER REQUEST (NO RECALL)
MINNESOTA
Hutchings, Jaylon DT Texas Tech (0)* PS: STND – Non-Football Injury
CLAIMING DEADLINE: 4:00 p.m., N.Y. Time, Wednesday, 4/22/26
*Indicates player’s accrued seasons at end of 2025 season.

FREE AGENCY SYSTEM TRANSACTION
SIGNING: PLAYER WHOSE CLUB RETAINED EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS
NEW ENGLAND
Westover, Jack RB Washington

OTHER TRANSACTIONS/COMMENTS
ROSTER EXEMPTION
NEW ENGLAND
Metz, Lorenz T Cincinnati – Exempt/International Player

VISIT
NEW YORK GIANTS

Jones, Benito DT Mississippi

Minnesota Lynx provide Napheesa Collier Injury Update

Minneapolis/St. Paul – The Minnesota Lynx today announced the following injury update on forward Napheesa Collier.

Collier underwent successful surgery on her left ankle on March 24. Her rehabilitation is progressing as expected, and the current timeline for a return to on-court activities is early June. Further updates on Collier’s progress will be provided when available.

Seattle Reign FC Captain Jess Fishlock to Retire at End of 2026 NWSL Season

Last remaining club original from the inaugural 2013 season and one of the longest-tenured players in NWSL history to close 14-year career in Seattle at the end of the season; Fishlock’s historic Reign FC career will be celebrated at the club’s second annual Queen’s Match on Friday, October 2 (7:00 p.m. PT / Victory+), with her final regular season game in Seattle set for Sunday, November 1 on Decision Day

RENTON, WASH.  Seattle Reign FC today announced that captain Jess Fishlock will retire at the end of the 2026 NWSL season, concluding one of the most iconic careers in club and league history. Fishlock, the last remaining club original from the inaugural 2013 squad, has helped define Reign FC’s identity for more than a decade. Her legendary career will be celebrated during the club’s second annual Queen’s Match on Friday, October 2 (7:00 p.m. PT / Victory+), with her final regular season home match set for Sunday, November 1 on Decision Day. Reign FC returns to Lumen Field this Sunday, April 26 against Utah Royals FC (5:00 p.m. PT / Victory+, 950 KJR AM), marking its first match at the venue this season.

“It’s hard to put into words what Seattle and this club mean to me,” said Fishlock. “This is where I’ve grown, where I’ve fought, where I’ve experienced some of the best moments of my career. We’ve built something that goes far beyond football, and I’m so proud to have been a part of it from day one. I’ll never take for granted the people, the fans and the city that have supported me through it all, and I’m going to give everything I have in this final season.”

A transformational figure in women’s soccer, Fishlock’s impact spans generations and continents, but her legacy is most deeply rooted in Seattle. Now 13 years to the day of her first goal for the club on April 21, 2013, she is in her final season as one of the most decorated and consistent players in NWSL history, with the second-most appearances in club and league history (219). Fishlock also ranks second in club history and third in league history in starts (205) and minutes played (17,785).

MEDIA NOTE: Fishlock and Head Coach Laura Harvey will be available to media at the Providence Swedish Performance Center & Clubhouse today at approximately 1:45 p.m. PT. Members of the media interested in attending the press conference should contact Ryan Perez of Reign FC Communications [RyanP@ReignFC.com].

Fishlock’s influence in the attack has been equally historic. She has recorded 49 goals (second-most in club history, tied for ninth-most in league history) and 30 assists (most in club history, fifth-most in league history), totaling 79 goal contributions – the most in Reign FC history. Last season, the 39-year-old finished tied for the team lead in goals, earning Reign FC’s Golden Boot honors. She also joins former teammate Lauren Barnes as one of just two players in NWSL history to reach 100 regular season wins.

Across her career, Fishlock has helped lead Seattle to three NWSL Shields (2014, 2015, 2022) and three appearances in the NWSL Championship (2014, 2015, 2023), while earning 2021 NWSL MVP honors. Her excellence has been recognized with seven NWSL Best XI selections, the most in club history and second-most in league history.

“Jess represents everything this club stands for,” said Seattle Reign FC General Manager Lesle Gallimore. “Her loyalty, her passion and her relentless drive have helped shape Reign FC into what it is today. She’s not only one of the best players in NWSL history, but one of the most influential figures our game has seen. We are incredibly grateful for everything she has given to this club and this community.”

Beyond her club success, Fishlock leaves an unmatched legacy on the international stage with Wales. She retired from international football in 2025 as the most decorated player in the nation’s history, finishing her career as Wales’ all-time leader in caps (166) and goals (48) across both the women’s and men’s programs, while becoming the first Welsh player to reach 100 caps in 2017. A captain since 2012, she led Cymru to its first-ever major tournament appearance at UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 and scored the nation’s first goal at the competition.

More than the records and accolades, Fishlock’s legacy is defined by her relentless competitiveness, passion for the game and deep connection to the city of Seattle. A driving force behind the club’s culture since day one, she has inspired generations of players and fans while helping elevate the standard of the NWSL both on and off the pitch.

“Jess is one of the greatest players to ever play in this league, but what makes her truly special is who she is every single day,” said Seattle Reign FC Head Coach Laura Harvey. “She sets the standard with her work ethic, her competitiveness and her love for the game, but it’s also her football brain that sets her apart. She sees things others don’t, and that understanding of the game has been invaluable to this team for so many years. She has carried this club on her shoulders at times and has always done it with pride. Her impact on this team, this city and the sport as a whole is immeasurable.”

Los Angeles Dodgers Reinstate Freddie Freeman

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LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated first baseman Freddie Freeman from the paternity list and optioned infielder/outfielder Ryan Ward to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Freeman, 36, missed two games and he is slashing .296/.360/.519 with three homers and 14 RBI this year. The nine-time All-Star is in his 17th season, amassing 370 homers and 1,336 RBI while sporting a .300 batting average in 2,199 games. He leads all active players with 2,455 hits and is tied with Jimmy Rollins for 115th all-time. The 2020 National League MVP was drafted by the Braves in the second round of the 2007 First Year Player Draft out of El Modena High School (CA).

Ward, 28, made his Major League debut on Sunday against the Rockies, recording his first hit and RBI against Michael Lorenzen in the fourth inning. He finished his first Big League stint going 2-for-6 in two games. With Triple-A Oklahoma City, he is batting .324 with four homers and 14 RBI in 18 games. He was the Pacific Coast League Most Valuable Player in 2025 after slashing .290/.380/.557 with 36 homers and 122 RBI while leading Minor League Baseball in home runs, RBI, extra-base hits (73) and total bases (315). He was drafted by the Dodgers in the eighth round out of Bryant University (Rhode Island) in 2019 and has slashed .266/.344/.505 in seven minor league seasons, with 154 home runs, 139 doubles, and 520 RBI in 696 games.

MGCB approves launch of bet365 in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Gaming Control Board has approved the launch of bet365 as the new online casino and sports betting platform provider for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, replacing PokerStars, which recently exited the state.

The approval allows Hillside Michigan LLC, operating as bet365, to offer internet gaming and online sports wagering on behalf of the tribe, which runs Odawa Casino in Petoskey. Regulators said the company has completed all licensing and compliance requirements.

“This approval reflects our continued focus on maintaining integrity, transparency, and consumer protection in Michigan’s online gaming and sports betting marketplace,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said in a statement. “We are pleased to welcome bet365 as the Tribe’s new platform provider.”

Bet365, one of the world’s largest online gambling operators, already has a presence in neighboring Ohio and Ontario.

Under Michigan law, the tribe and its platform partner must offer only board‑approved games and wager types, use approved suppliers and vendors, follow all internal‑control procedures, and submit required taxes and fees on time. Regulators said both parties must also comply with all provisions of the state’s internet gaming and sports betting statutes.

The MGCB said it remains focused on ensuring that all licensed operators meet the state’s standards for regulatory compliance, responsible gambling, and consumer protection.