Venue:Citizens Bank Park — Philadelphia, PABroadcast: FOX / MLB.TV
Weather Update
Temperature: 67°F at gametime (Philadelphia) Conditions: Mild spring weather; no adverse conditions expected. (No precipitation data provided.)
Injury Report
Atlanta Braves
Blake Burkhalter — 7‑Day IL (RP)
Sean Murphy — 10‑Day IL (C)
Spencer Strider — 15‑Day IL (SP)
Ha‑Seong Kim — 10‑Day IL (SS)
Hurston Waldrep — 15‑Day IL (SP)
Multiple long‑term IL arms (Young, Smith‑Shawver, Schwellenbach, Jimenez)
Philadelphia Phillies
Andrew Bechtold — 7‑Day IL (3B)
Michael Mercado — 7‑Day IL (RP)
Max Lazar — 15‑Day IL (RP)
Zack Wheeler — 15‑Day IL (SP)
Zach Pop — 15‑Day IL (RP)
Team Records & Recent Form
Atlanta Braves (13–7)
Road Record: 5–3
Last 5: W, W, W, L, W
Last 10: 7–3, .299 AVG, 3.74 ERA, +26 run differential
Strengths:
#1 ERA in MLB (2.93) entering the matchup (per Doc’s Sports)
Deep lineup with power from Matt Olson & Drake Baldwin
Weaknesses:
Several key injuries to rotation & bullpen
Philadelphia Phillies (8–11)
Home Record: 5–8
Last 5: L, L, L, W, L
Last 10: 3–7, .227 AVG, 5.83 ERA, –28 run differential
Strengths:
Power from Kyle Schwarber
Bryce Harper heating up (15‑for‑34 last 10 games)
Weaknesses:
Pitching staff struggling (5.14 ERA)
Inconsistent offense
Pitching Matchup
ATL — Chris Sale (LHP)
Record: 3–1
ERA: 3.27
WHIP: 1.05
K/BB: 22 K / 6 BB
HR Allowed: 4
Sale has been sharp early, limiting hits and generating strikeouts. His ability to neutralize left‑handed power (Schwarber, Harper) is a key factor.
PHI — Cristopher Sánchez (LHP)
Record: 2–1
ERA: 2.01
WHIP: 1.39
K/BB: 31 K / 7 BB
HR Allowed: 1
Sánchez has been excellent, allowing only one home run in 22.1 innings. His ground‑ball tendencies will be tested by Atlanta’s elite contact and power.
Key Player Matchups
Atlanta Braves
Matt Olson: 5 HR, .299 AVG, 15 RBI — elite power threat
Venue:Progressive Field — Cleveland, OhioTV: MLB.TV
Weather Outlook (Inference)
No weather data was provided in sourced material. Inference: Cleveland in mid‑April typically ranges 50–60°F, with potential for cool, breezy conditions. Weather may influence ball carry, but no official forecast was available.
Injury Report
Cleveland Guardians
Gabriel Arias — 10‑Day IL (hamstring)
Andrew Walters — 15‑Day IL (lat)
Baltimore Orioles
A long injury list, including:
Adley Rutschman — 10‑Day IL (ankle)
Jackson Holliday — 10‑Day IL (finger)
Ryan Mountcastle — 60‑Day IL (foot)
Heston Kjerstad — 10‑Day IL (hamstring)
Keegan Akin — 15‑Day IL (groin)
Andrew Kittredge — 15‑Day IL (shoulder)
Tyler O’Neill — 7‑Day IL (illness)
Zach Eflin — 60‑Day IL (elbow)
Jordan Westburg — 60‑Day IL (UCL)
Felix Bautista — 60‑Day IL (shoulder) …and others.
Team Records & Recent Form
Baltimore Orioles (10–10)
Road Record: 4–4
Last 10 Games: 6–4, 3.30 ERA, outscored opponents by 7 runs
Strengths:
Strong pitching (5th‑best ERA in AL at 3.81)
Power from Gunnar Henderson and Jeremiah Jackson
Weaknesses:
Injuries to key offensive players
Batting average over last 10 games: .232
Cleveland Guardians (11–10)
Home Record: 5–3
Last 10 Games: 5–5, .266 batting average, even run differential
Strengths:
Balanced offense with Angel Martinez and Steven Kwan
Strong starting pitching led by Gavin Williams
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent bullpen performance in recent games
Pitching Matchup
Baltimore — Dean Kremer (0–0, 3.60 ERA)
9 strikeouts, 1.20 WHIP in his first 2026 start
Solid command and swing‑and‑miss ability
Key: Must limit Cleveland’s left‑handed bats
Cleveland — Gavin Williams (2–1, 2.38 ERA)
29 strikeouts, 1.15 WHIP, allowed only 10 hits in 22.2 IP
Has not allowed more than 2 runs in any April start
Key: Dominant fastball/slider combo; tough matchup for a depleted Orioles lineup
Key Player Matchups
Orioles Hitters
Jeremiah Jackson: 5 HR, 17 RBI — Baltimore’s most dangerous bat right now
Gunnar Henderson: 3 HR in last 10 games; elite power potential
* The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin today, igniting a two-month journey filled with upsets, sudden-death overtime, unsung heroes and star performances before one team is ultimately crowned as champion in June.
* A trio of Game 1s on the opening day of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin with the first-ever playoff series between Carolina-Ottawa, Central Division rivals facing off with multiple 40-goal scorers on either side in the Dallas-Minnesota series and the first “Battle of Pennsylvania” in eight years between Pittsburgh-Philadelphia.
* Teams that take a 1-0 lead in a best-of-seven own an all-time series record of 535-252 (.680), including a 10-5 (.667) mark in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs (6-2, .750 in 2025 R1).
2026 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS START TONIGHT
Storylines are aplenty as a handful of stars are set to compete in the postseason for the first time, but the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs bracket features 11 of 16 teams looking to either hoist the Stanley Cup for the first time in their history or end a lengthy championship drought. Only one thing is guaranteed when the puck drops on Saturday: a new champion will be crowned in June.
PENGUINS AND FLYERS READY TO RENEW “BATTLE OF PENNSYLVANIA”
The iconic trio of SidneyCrosby, EvgeniMalkin and KrisLetang begin their quest for a fourth Stanley Cup championship and will do so against a familiar foe when SeanCouturier, TravisKonecny and TrevorZegras visit PPG Paints Arena for Game 1 of their First Round series – the eighth rendition of the “Battle of Pennsylvania” and first since the 2018 First Round. The winner of the previous seven all-time series between the rivals has gone on to reach the Stanley Cup Final on three occasions.
* PorterMartone, the sixth-overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, has co-led the Flyers in goals since making his League debut on March 31 (4-6—10) and is one of 13 players on Philadelphia’s active roster that could appear in their first-ever outing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He can become the fifth teenager in franchise history to score a playoff goal alongside DainiusZubrus (5 in 24 GP), Couturier (3 in 11 GP), NolanPatrick (1 in 6 GP) and PeterZezel (1 in 5 GP).
40-GOAL SCORERS ON FULL DISPLAY IN STARS-WILD SHOWDOWN
The NHL’s first 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs matchup to be confirmed will finally come to fruition when a pair of 40-goal teammates go head-to-head as JasonRobertson (45), WyattJohnston (45) and the Stars host KirillKaprizov (45), MattBoldy (42) and the Wild for Game 1 of their First Round series at American Airlines Center.
* Johnston (18-14—32 in 56 GP), with a double-digit point total in each of the past two postseasons, sits two goals shy of becoming the 13th player in NHL history with 20 career playoff goals before age 23 – a list that includes SidneyCrosby (30), EvgeniMalkin (24), NikitaKucherov (22) and PatrickKane (20). Overall, Johnston can also join MikeModano (3) and DennisMaruk (3 w/ MNS) as the third player in franchise history to register 10 or more points in three consecutive postseasons.
* Kaprizov (15-6—21 in 25 GP) and the Wild begin their pursuit of the franchise’s first playoff series win since the 2015 First Round, as the forward sits two goals shy of overtaking ZachParise (16 in 44 GP) for the most playoff goals in franchise history. In a regular-season campaign that featured Kaprizov also become Minnesota’s all-time leader in regular season goals, he can become the fourth active player to sit atop a franchise’s all-time goals list in both the regular season and playoffs (NSH: FilipForsberg, VGK: JonathanMarchessault, WSH: AlexOvechkin & WPG/ATL: MarkScheifele).
HURRICANES AND SENATORS READY FOR FIRST-EVER PLAYOFF CLASH
SebastianAho and the top-seeded Hurricanes open the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center when BradyTkachuk and the Senators visit Raleigh for Game 1 of the first-ever postseason meeting between the clubs – the 288th unique playoff series between NHL franchises (1 of 2 in 2026 R1). Carolina owns an all-time record of 8-7 in its first series against a franchise, while Ottawa is 7-5.
* Aho, among three others set to tie RonFrancis (8) for the most career years in the playoffs in franchise history, has been a staple of postseason point production for a Hurricanes team that leads all clubs in home wins since first debuting in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2019. Aho is already the first player in NHL history to register 10-plus points in each of his first seven postseasons and can become the fifth to record eight consecutive at any point in their career: Wayne Gretzky (11 from 1981-91), Mark Messier (10 from 1983-92), Brad Marchand (8 from 2018-25) and Bernie Geoffrion (8 from 1953-60).
* Tkachuk (4-3—7 in 6 GP) approaches his 10th career playoff game in a postseason where the Senators eye their first series win since the 2017 Second Round. The Ottawa captain, with an opportunity to register the franchise’s most goals through their first 10 career playoff games (6), has already tied his father, Keith (4-0—4 in 10 GP) in goals through the benchmark outing and outproduced his brother, Matthew (2-1—3 in 10 GP).
LOOKING BACK AT THE FIRST ROUND SINCE 2014
Here are some of the NHL’s top performers in the First Round under the Wild Card format (since 2014):
Goals 8 – JakeGuentzel (2022 R1 vs. NYR)
7 – NathanMacKinnon (2025 R1 vs. DAL)
– ZachHyman (2024 R1 vs. LAK)
– ValeriNichushkin (2024 R1 vs. WPG)
– MikkoRantanen (2023 R1 vs. SEA)
– LeonDraisaitl (2023 R1 vs. LAK)
– EvanderKane (2022 R1 vs. LAK)
– KirilKaprizov (2022 R1 vs. STL)
Assists
11 – ConnorMcDavid (2024 R1 vs. LAK)
10 – ConnorMcDavid (2022 R1 vs. LAK) 9 – ConnorMcDavid (2025 R1 vs. LAK)
– MitchMarner (2023 R1 vs. TBL)
– JaccobSlavin (2019 R1 vs. WSH)
– ErikKarlsson (2019 R1 vs. VGK)
– EvgeniMalkin (2017 R1 vs. CBJ)
Points
14 – ConnorMcDavid (2022 R1 vs. LAK)
13 – DavidPastrnak (2018 R1 vs. TOR)
– SidneyCrosby (2018 R1 vs. PHI)
– JakeGuentzel (2018 R1 vs. PHI)
Points by Rookies
10 – NathanMacKinnon (2014 R1 vs. MIN)
7 – DenisGurianov (2020 R1 vs. CGY)
– JakeDeBrusk (2018 R1 vs. TOR)
– ArtemiPanarin (2016 R1 vs. STL)
Shutouts
Ten different goaltenders have posted multiple shutouts in the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2014 (last: AkiraSchmid, 2 SO in 2023 R1 vs. NYR).
Faceoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET Venue: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA Broadcast: ESPN, NBC Sports Philadelphia, SportsNet Pittsburgh, TVA Sports
The Battle of Pennsylvania returns to the playoffs for the first time since 2018 in this heated Eastern Conference first-round series. Pittsburgh earns home-ice advantage via the regulation-wins tiebreaker after both teams finished with identical 98-point campaigns. The Penguins bring veteran star power and offensive depth into a building that will be electric, while the Flyers counter with youth, defensive structure, and momentum from a late-season surge. Expect physical, emotional hockey with playoff intensity from puck drop.
Team Records and Recent Form
Pittsburgh Penguins (41-25-16): Finished with one of the league’s top offenses (3.54 goals per game, 3rd overall) and strong special teams. They bounced back from a three-year playoff drought with depth scoring and veteran leadership. Recent form included a solid close but dropped their final three regular-season games; however, they went 7-3-0 in key late stretches and showed resilience at home (20-13-8).
Philadelphia Flyers (43-27-12): Posted their best point total and win count since 2017-18, clinching with a shootout victory on April 13. They rode an 18-7-0 surge in their final 25 games, fueled by young talent and improved 5-on-5 play (outscored opponents 161-149 overall). Road record was competitive (23-14-4 in some splits), and they ranked top-10 in blocks/hits while allowing just 2.19 xGA/60 at 5-on-5.
Injury Report
Philadelphia Flyers:
Nikita Grebenkin (RW): Out (upper body) – expected return April 22.
Rodrigo Abols (C): IR (lower body).
Owen Tippett (RW): Day-to-Day.
Christian Dvorak (C): Day-to-Day. Key contributors Tyson Foerster (returned April 2 from arm surgery) and Rasmus Ristolainen (returned mid-season from triceps surgery) are available and expected to play. Core young pieces (Michkov, Zegras, Martone) are healthy.
Pittsburgh Penguins:
Filip Hallander: Out (blood clot).
Blake Lizotte (F): Out (upper body).
Connor Dewar (F): Out (lower body).
Peyton Kettles (D): Out (long-term). Veterans Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Erik Karlsson are fully healthy and playoff-ready. Goaltending tandem (Stuart Skinner / Arturs Silovs) has no reported concerns.
Depth forwards will be tested on both sides, but Pittsburgh’s blue-line mobility remains intact.
Key Player Matchups
Sidney Crosby / Evgeni Malkin (PIT) vs. Flyers young defense / shutdown lines: Crosby (74 points in 68 games) owns this rivalry historically and thrives in playoffs. Flyers will deploy physical checking and length to disrupt the veterans.
Matvei Michkov / Trevor Zegras / Porter Martone (PHI) vs. Penguins shutdown D / goaltending: Flyers’ young core (Michkov leading the charge in his first playoffs) brings speed and skill. Pittsburgh’s depth (including Anthony Mantha’s career year with 33 goals) must contain them at 5-on-5.
Goaltending: Dan Vladar (PHI) vs. Stuart Skinner / Arturs Silovs (PIT): Vladar was arguably Philly’s MVP with stellar numbers. Pittsburgh’s tandem (Skinner acquired mid-season) provides stability but faces a tough test against Flyers’ stingy defense.
Secondary / Special Teams: Tyson Foerster (returned strong) and Owen Tippett (if healthy) vs. Pittsburgh’s potent power play; Flyers’ penalty kill (22nd) will be a focal point.
The series pits Pittsburgh’s experience and scoring depth against Philadelphia’s structure, youth, and physical forecheck.
Series History
Playoffs: 8th meeting overall. Flyers lead all-time series 4-3, but Penguins have won 3 of the last 4 (including 2018 in six games) during the Crosby era.
2025-26 regular season: Split 2-2-0 (Penguins 2-0-2 in points; games featured high emotion and varied outcomes).
All-time rivalry: Deep history with chippy, high-stakes games—familiarity will amplify intensity.
Betting Trends
Penguins are series favorites (-170 range) due to home-ice and offense. Flyers have covered as underdogs recently and showed value in the season series. Overs have hit consistently in recent Battle of Pennsylvania games; both teams play physical, high-event hockey in playoffs. Pittsburgh excels at home but dropped late regular-season games.
Game Odds
Philadelphia Flyers 6.5
Pittsburgh Penguins – 148
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 17, 2026
Faceoff is scheduled for 5:30 PM ET (4:30 PM CT) Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX Broadcast: ESPN, FanDuel Sports Network North (FDSNNO), Victory+, Sportsnet, TVA Sports
This is the third postseason series between these Central Division rivals (and the third first-round clash). Dallas enters with home-ice advantage and superior depth, but significant injury concerns cloud their lineup. Minnesota brings elite top-end talent, physicality, and a healthier roster into a building where the Stars have been dominant. Expect a gritty, low-event series opener with playoff intensity from the drop of the puck.
Team Records and Recent Form
Dallas Stars (50-20-12): Posted one of the NHL’s strongest seasons (third-best in franchise history) despite a rash of injuries throughout the year. They closed on a 5-game win streak (including a 4-3 SO win over Buffalo on Apr 15 and a 2-0 shutout of the Rangers on Apr 11) and went 26-11-4 at home. Elite in one-goal games and special teams.
Minnesota Wild (46-24-12): Finished strong to lock in their second straight playoff berth, going 23-13-4 on the road. They showed offensive punch post-Quinn Hughes trade (3.58 goals/game in final 48 games) and ranked top-10 in blocks and hits. No shutouts all season; recent form included a 3-2 win over Anaheim in their finale.
Injury Report
Dallas Stars:
Miro Heiskanen (D): Lower-body injury (sustained Apr 9 vs. MIN); day-to-day. Skated individually and expected to practice Friday—status for Game 1 still TBD (coach Glen Gulutzan: “We’ll know tomorrow night… very hopeful”).
Roope Hintz (C): Lower-body injury; ruled out for at least Games 1 and 2 (hasn’t played since Mar 6).
Tyler Seguin (C): Out for season (ACL surgery in December). Depth forwards and blue-line mobility could be tested if Heiskanen sits.
Minnesota Wild:
Quinn Hughes (D): Illness (missed practice Apr 16); day-to-day but traveling with the team and expected to play Game 1.
Zach Bogosian (D): Day-to-day (undisclosed). Core stars (Kaprizov, Boldy, Zuccarello, goaltending tandem) are fully healthy. Minnesota enters far healthier than Dallas.
Key Player Matchups
Kirill Kaprizov (MIN, 89 points) vs. Dallas shutdown D / Jason Robertson line: Kaprizov is an MVP-caliber game-breaker (15 career playoff goals). Dallas will lean on Heiskanen (if healthy) and depth to contain him.
Jason Robertson / Wyatt Johnston (DAL) vs. Minnesota’s physical forecheck: Robertson (near 100 points) and Johnston anchor Dallas’ attack; Minnesota’s blocks/hits will test their creativity.
Goaltending: Jake Oettinger (DAL, strong vs. MIN historically) vs. Filip Gustavsson / Jesper Wallstedt (MIN tandem): Oettinger is 9-1-3 lifetime vs. Wild. Wallstedt (Masterton nominee, .916 SV%) likely starts for Minnesota.
Secondary / Depth: Minnesota’s center depth (Eriksson Ek, Hartman) vs. Dallas’ forecheckers (Faksa, Bunting, Hryckowian). Special teams will be massive—Dallas PP ranks top-2 league-wide.
Series History
Playoffs: Stars lead 2-0 (won 2016 and 2023 first-round series, both in 6 games).
Regular season 2025-26: Split 2-2-0 (or 2-1-1 per some reports); games were competitive and featured physical play/fights.
All-time: Long history (Stars originated as Minnesota North Stars); familiarity breeds chippy, high-stakes hockey.
Betting Trends
Stars are strong home favorites (26-11-4 record) and excel in one-goal games. Overs have been consistent in recent H2H and Wild road games. Minnesota has covered as underdogs recently; Dallas is 7-3 in last 10 playoff-style home games. Series odds favor Dallas (-118 to -140) but Wild sit close (+100 to +120) due to Dallas injuries.
Game Odds
Minnesota Wild 5.5
Dallas Stars – 120
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 17, 2026
Faceoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET Venue: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC Broadcast: ESPN, FanDuel Sports Network (FDSN), Sportsnet (SN), TVA Sports (TVAS)
This marks the first-ever postseason meeting between the Senators and Hurricanes. Carolina enters as the top seed in the East with home-ice advantage and one of the league’s most complete rosters, while Ottawa rides a late-season surge that turned a long-shot wild-card berth into playoff momentum. Expect a high-pace, structured battle featuring elite defensive play, goaltending questions, and star power up front.
Team Records and Recent Form
Carolina Hurricanes (53-22-7): Dominated the Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference. They posted one of the NHL’s top 5-on-5 expected goals percentages (second league-wide) and boasted a rock-solid home record (29-10-2). Recent form was strong despite a couple of late hiccups: wins over Columbus, NY Islanders (2-1 on Apr 14), Utah, Chicago, and Boston (OT), with a loss to Philadelphia and the Apr 5 road loss to Ottawa. Carolina went 7-3 in their final 10 regular-season games and looked playoff-ready with elite puck possession.
Ottawa Senators (44-27-11): Climbed from the basement with a heroic late push (roughly 23-8-5 since mid-January). They clinched the second Eastern wild card and finished hot, including wins over Tampa Bay, Florida, NY Islanders, and a 6-3 victory over Carolina on Apr 5. Ottawa was 7-2-1 or better in their final stretch and showed resilience on the road (21-15-5). Their point percentage since March 1 matched Carolina’s at around .733.
Injury Report
Ottawa Senators:
Tyler Kleven (D): Day-to-Day (upper body) – skated in non-contact jersey Friday; coach Travis Green indicated he is “closer” but no firm Game 1 confirmation.
Nick Jensen (D): Out for season (knee/lower body).
Brady Tkachuk (F, captain): Cleared after recent health scare (brief vision loss, no head contact); full participant and expected to play. Core pieces like Tim Stützle, Jake Sanderson (returned Apr 4 from upper-body issue), and Linus Ullmark are healthy.
Carolina Hurricanes:
No significant injuries reported. Pyotr Kochetkov (G) has returned from lower-body surgeries and is available as the third goalie option.
Goaltending rotation: Frederik Andersen and Brandon Bussi both fully healthy; coach Rod Brind’Amour has not named a Game 1 starter (Andersen practiced in the starter’s crease recently, but rotation remains fluid). No scratches or day-to-day concerns for skaters.
Depth on the blue line for Ottawa could be tested if Kleven is unavailable.
Key Player Matchups
Linus Ullmark (OTT) vs. Frederik Andersen / Brandon Bussi (CAR): Ullmark (5-1-0 in last six starts, .927 SV%) is locked in for Ottawa. Carolina’s veteran Andersen (playoff-proven .914 career SV% in 85 games) or rookie Bussi (strong regular season) gives the Canes flexibility and a potential edge.
Jake Sanderson (OTT D) vs. Jaccob Slavin (CAR D): Highlight matchup of the series. Slavin remains one of the NHL’s premier shutdown defenders; Sanderson’s two-way excellence could be Ottawa’s X-factor if he neutralizes Carolina’s top threats.
Tim Stützle / Brady Tkachuk (OTT) vs. Sebastian Aho / Carolina shutdown lines: Stützle (team-leading ~83 points) and physical captain Tkachuk will test Carolina’s structure. Aho (80 points) anchors Carolina’s attack; expect heavy checking-line matchups and special-teams battles.
Secondary pieces: Ridly Greig / Shane Pinto (OTT) vs. Carolina’s depth forwards; Ottawa’s offensive finishers must convert against a stingy Canes defense.
Carolina’s 5-on-5 dominance and transition game will clash with Ottawa’s speed and playoff-tested grit.
Series History
Playoffs: 0-0 (first-ever meeting).
Regular season all-time: Hurricanes lead 67-47-13 (approx.).
2025-26 season series: Carolina took it 2-1 (11-11 total goals across three games). Recent head-to-heads have been competitive and high-scoring, with Ottawa winning the most recent regular-season clash 6-3 on Apr 5.
Betting Trends
Hurricanes are 96-39 as home favorites this season and strong in revenge spots.
Over has hit in 3 of the last 4 head-to-head meetings and in 42 of Ottawa’s last 82 games.
Senators covered the spread in 6 straight and 7 of 8 in April; they are 8-3 Over as road underdogs.
Carolina is 2-3 in last 5 but dominant at home; totals have pushed Over in recent playoff-style games.
Game Odds
Ottawa Senators 6.5
Carolina Hurricanes – 148
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 17, 2026
Venue: M&S Bank Arena (Liverpool Arena), King’s Dock, Port of Liverpool, Liverpool, England, United Kingdom.
Time: Undercard bouts begin approximately 7:00 PM BST (2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT). This super bantamweight contest is scheduled early-to-mid undercard (ring walks estimated around 7:15–8:00 PM BST / 2:15–3:00 PM ET, depending on pacing). Main-event ring walks are around 9:20–10:00 PM BST.
Weight Class and Rounds: 10-round super bantamweight contest (122 lbs / 55.3 kg limit) for the BBBofC Central Area Super Bantamweight Title.
Injury Report: No reported injuries for either fighter. Joe McGrail has been active with no setbacks noted in his recent domestic bouts. Aaron Hayden has fought consistently into 2025 with no public complications or withdrawals. Both are confirmed fit and cleared.
Fighter Profiles and Matchup
Joe McGrail – United Kingdom (Liverpool, Merseyside), age 23, 5’7″ (170 cm), orthodox stance, reach 63″ (160 cm). Pro record: 12-0-0 (5 KOs, 42% KO rate). Aggressive, high-volume pressure fighter with a strong body-attack emphasis and improving finishing power; fights with high energy and home-crowd support.
Aaron Hayden – United Kingdom (Rawtenstall/Oldham area, Lancashire), age 31–32, 5’7″ (170 cm), orthodox stance. Pro record: 10-0-0 (2 KOs, 20% KO rate). Experienced technician with solid ring craft, durability, and maturity; has taken a slower developmental path with regional title experience.
Recent Form and Fight History McGrail’s last 5 fights (all wins):
Dec 7, 2025: Win vs. Mario Victorino Vera (8-11-0) – Points/decision in Liverpool.
Oct 26, 2024: UD 8 vs. Lewis Morris (8-2-0) – Morris downed late; strong showing on Catterall-Prograis undercard.
Apr 27, 2024: UD 8 vs. Ryan Walker (12-6-0) – Competitive but controlled.
Feb 24, 2024: TKO 1 vs. Jules Phillips.
Earlier 2023/2024: Multiple stoppages including body-shot TKO vs. Edgar Ortiz Jr. (4 knockdowns).
McGrail is on a 12-fight win streak with increasing confidence and output against domestic-level foes.
Hayden’s last 5 fights (all wins):
Jul 26, 2025: Win vs. Adam Carberry (9-0-1) – Won vacant BBBofC Central Area Super Bantamweight Title.
Mar 25, 2025: Win vs. Yahir Alexander Solorio Morales (6-9-5).
Nov 24, 2024: Win vs. Nestor Maradiaga (9-27-2).
Oct 24, 2024?: Win vs. Sean Jackson.
Earlier regional wins building his unbeaten record against journeymen and solid domestic opposition.
Hayden is unbeaten in 10 pro bouts and has shown resilience and craft, though with lower finishing rate.
Style matchup: McGrail’s youth, volume, body work, and home-crowd energy versus Hayden’s experience, ring generalship, and durability. McGrail is expected to push the pace early and look to break Hayden down; Hayden’s path is to weather the storm, use his maturity in the later rounds, and capitalize on any over-aggression.
FIGHT ODDS
Aaron Hayden + 255
Joe McGrail – 350
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 17, 2026
Venue: M&S Bank Arena (Liverpool Arena), King’s Dock, Port of Liverpool, Liverpool, England, United Kingdom.
Time: Undercard bouts begin approximately 7:00 PM BST (2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT). This super bantamweight contest is scheduled early-to-mid undercard (ring walks expected around 7:00–8:00 PM BST / 2:00–3:00 PM ET, depending on pacing; some outlets list approx. 19:00 BST). Main-event ring walks are around 9:20–10:00 PM BST.
Weight Class and Rounds: 8-round super bantamweight / junior featherweight contest (122 lbs / 55.34 kg limit).
Injury Report: No reported injuries for either fighter. Molly McCann has completed a full training camp with no setbacks and has fought three times in the last seven months without issue. Ashleigh Johnson has been active through mid-2025 with no public complications or withdrawals noted. Both are confirmed fit and cleared.
Fighter Profiles and Matchup
Molly McCann (“Meatball”) – United Kingdom (Liverpool, Merseyside), age 35, 5’4″ (163 cm), orthodox stance. Pro boxing record: 3-0-0 (1 KO, 33% KO rate). Former UFC strawweight contender (14-8 MMA record) now focused on boxing under Matchroom. Aggressive, high-pressure fighter with strong work rate, fan appeal, and improving boxing IQ; brings championship-level experience from MMA.
Ashleigh Johnson (“Sweet Poison”) – United Kingdom (Swansea, Wales), age 29, orthodox stance. Pro record: 3-3-0 (0 KOs, 0% KO rate). Welsh veteran with six pro bouts since 2023 debut. Durable, experienced pressure fighter who relies on volume and toughness but lacks finishing power.
Recent Form and Fight History McCann’s last 3 fights (all boxing wins):
Feb 21, 2026: PTS 6 vs. Beata Dudek (7-8-0) → Comfortable 60-55 decision showing ring control.
Nov 29, 2025: PTS 6 vs. Ebonie Cotton.
Sep 13, 2025: TKO 6 (1:21) vs. Kate Radomska → First pro boxing stoppage.
McCann is unbeaten in boxing and has looked progressively sharper with each short outing, blending aggression with composure.
Johnson’s last 4 fights (3-3 overall career):
Jun 20/25, 2025: Loss PTS vs. Cassidy Todd (4-0-0).
Apr 19/25, 2025: Win vs. Kira Carter (0-14-1).
Nov 24, 2024: Loss vs. Katie Healy (8-1-0).
Earlier 2024: Mixed results including a win over lower-level opposition.
Johnson has shown durability (never stopped) but has been outpointed by rising or more experienced foes recently.
Style matchup: McCann’s forward pressure, volume, and MMA-derived athleticism versus Johnson’s experience and toughness. McCann is expected to control the fight with work rate and look to break Johnson down; Johnson’s path is to survive early and hope to make it competitive late, but she lacks the power to threaten a stoppage.
FIGHT ODDS
Ashleigh Johnson + 1000
Molly McCann – 2500
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 17, 2026
Venue: M&S Bank Arena (Liverpool Arena), King’s Dock, Port of Liverpool, Liverpool, England, United Kingdom.
Undercard bouts begin approximately 7:00 PM BST (2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT). This 6-round middleweight contest is scheduled mid-undercard (ring walks expected around 8:00–9:00 PM BST / 3:00–4:00 PM ET, depending on pacing). Main-event ring walks are around 9:20–10:00 PM BST.
Weight Class and Rounds: 6-round middleweight bout (160 lbs / 72.6 kg limit).
Injury Report: No reported injuries for either fighter. Tom Rafferty has fought regularly into late 2025 with no setbacks or cuts noted in recent stoppages. Pablo Sosa has been active through 2025 (including bouts in Poland and the UK) with no public complications or withdrawals. Both are confirmed fit and cleared.
Fighter Profiles and Matchup
Tom Rafferty – United Kingdom (Oldham/Shaw, Lancashire), age 28, orthodox stance. Pro record: 16-0-0 (6 KOs, 37.5% KO rate). Rising Matchroom prospect trained at Finest Boxing Gym. Improving boxer-puncher with solid work rate, body attack, and home-crowd support; has shown finishing ability in recent stoppages.
Pablo Sosa (“Vargas”) – Argentina (Cordoba) / Spain (Palma de Mallorca, Islas Baleares), age 38, orthodox stance. Pro record: 12-10-3 (3 KOs, 25% KO rate). Veteran journeyman with over 25 pro bouts since 2011. Tough, experienced pressure fighter who relies on durability and volume but has struggled against rising prospects recently.
Recent Form and Fight History Rafferty’s last 6 fights (all wins):
Dec 20/25, 2025: TKO 4 vs. Lewis Howells (3-4-0) — corner stopped it after Howells was downed.
May 25, 2025: PTS 6 vs. Marcos Nicolas Karalitzky (8-10-2).
Mar 25, 2025: TKO vs. Dylan Courtney (2-18-2).
Dec 6, 2024: PTS vs. Mateusz Pawlowski (2-3-0).
Apr 27, 2024: KO vs. Vaidas Balciauskas (3-28-0) — body shot finish.
Feb 17, 2024: PTS vs. Serhii Ksendzov (4-20-0).
Rafferty is unbeaten in 16 pro bouts and has looked progressively sharper with stoppages mixed in.
Sosa’s last 6 fights (mixed, current 3-loss streak):
May 10/25, 2025: Loss UD vs. Kamil Kuzdzien (12-0-0).
Nov 24, 2024: Loss UD vs. Niall Brown (12-0-0).
May 24/17, 2024: Loss UD vs. Lukasz Maciec (28-7-1).
Earlier 2024/2023: Scattered wins/draws against lower-level opposition, but no victories in 2024–2025.
Sosa is tough and experienced but has been outclassed by unbeaten or higher-level fighters lately.
Style matchup: Rafferty’s youth, work rate, and improving power versus Sosa’s veteran durability and forward pressure. Rafferty should control range and look to break Sosa down over the middle rounds; Sosa’s path is to make it rugged and hope to survive for a decision or catch Rafferty late.
FIGHT ODDS
Pablo Sosa + 1100
Tom Rafferty – 4000
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 17, 2026
