Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM EDT Venue: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC Broadcast: FanDuel Sports Network South / Ohio (FDSNSO / FDSNOH), ESPN+; Radio: 97.1 The Fan (CBJ), relevant Hurricanes affiliates
This Metropolitan Division showdown pits a desperate Blue Jackets squad (4th in the Metro, clinging to wild-card positioning) against a dominant Hurricanes team (1st in the Metro, already at 100 points and locked into a top Eastern seed). Carolina hosts at the Lenovo Center (strong 24-10-3 home mark) and is coming off a 5-2 home win over Columbus just two nights ago on March 31. Columbus enters on a four-game losing skid and must find a way to snap it on the road against the league’s top defensive club.
Injury Report
Columbus Blue Jackets (forward and blueline depth thinned):
Mathieu Olivier (RW) – Out (upper body; week-to-week)
Dmitri Voronkov (LW) – Out (hand)
Isac Lundestrom (C) – Day-to-Day (undisclosed)
Mason Marchment (LW) – Day-to-Day
Carolina Hurricanes (goaltending depth impacted):
Pyotr Kochetkov (G) – Out / IR (hip; expected return ~April 11)
Carolina’s core remains intact, with Frederik Andersen or a backup expected in net. Columbus is missing key depth pieces on the back end and bottom-six, forcing heavier minutes for stars like Zach Werenski and the top lines.
Recent Team Forms (Last 5 Games)
Columbus Blue Jackets (1-4-0):
3/31 vs CAR: L 5-2
3/29 vs BOS: L 4-3 (SO)
3/28 vs SJS: L (specific score not detailed; part of slide)
Earlier results contributing to current four-game skid
Columbus has been outscored and struggling defensively/special teams during the slide.
Carolina Hurricanes (4-1-0):
3/31 @ CBJ: W 5-2
3/29 vs MTL: L 3-1
3/28 vs NJD: W 5-2
Recent strong stretch with elite defensive play and timely scoring.
Carolina reached the 100-point mark Tuesday and continues to roll at home. metrics.
Key Player Matchups
Kirill Marchenko / Adam Fantilli (CBJ) vs. Carolina’s shutdown pairs: Columbus needs secondary scoring to keep pace; Carolina’s structure limits space.
Sebastian Aho / Nikolaj Ehlers (CAR) vs. Blue Jackets checking lines: Ehlers (3 points in last meeting) and Aho’s speed should exploit any defensive lapses.
Zach Werenski (CBJ) vs. Carolina forecheck: Werenski’s minutes are critical but taxing against Carolina’s pressure.
Goaltending: Jet Greaves or Elvis Merzlikins (CBJ) vs. Frederik Andersen (CAR). Andersen has been stellar; Columbus goaltending has been inconsistent during the skid.
Carolina’s speed, forecheck, and special teams project a significant edge.
Series History
Carolina leads the 2025-26 season series 2-1 (including a 5-2 win on March 31 and earlier 5-1 victory). Columbus took one earlier contest (5-1 on March 17). Recent head-to-head favors the Hurricanes, especially at home, with Carolina winning the last two meetings convincingly.
Betting Trends
Hurricanes have covered in recent divisional matchups; totals trend tighter in Carolina home games.
Carolina is strong at home and 4-1 in recent form; Columbus is 1-4 SU and poor ATS lately.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM EDT Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA Broadcast: ESPN+, FDSNDETX, NBCSP; Radio: 97.1 The Ticket (DET), relevant Flyers affiliates
This Eastern Conference wild-card battle pits two teams fighting for playoff positioning in the final stretch. The Red Wings sit in the mix for an Atlantic Division wild-card spot, while the Flyers are battling in the Metropolitan Division wild-card race. Philadelphia hosts with home-ice advantage (17-12-8 at Xfinity Mobile Arena) and enters after a strong recent stretch, including a 5-3 win over Detroit on March 28. Both clubs are tightly packed in the standings, making every point critical.
Injury Report
Detroit Red Wings (forward depth impacted):
Michael Rasmussen (C) – Day-to-Day / Out (undisclosed) – Has not resumed skating; expected return window of 7-10 days from late March reports, likely unavailable or highly questionable here.
No other major absences reported for the core roster.
Philadelphia Flyers (perimeter and depth thinned):
Tyson Foerster (RW) – Out (long-term, post-surgery; not expected back until mid-May window).
Philadelphia’s absences are manageable with call-up depth, though they limit some secondary scoring options.
Recent Team Forms (Last 5 Games)
Detroit Red Wings (1-4 SU):
3/31 @ PIT: L 5-1
3/28 vs PHI: L 5-3
3/27 @ BUF: W 5-2
3/24 vs OTT: L 3-2
Prior regulation/OT loss contributing to slide
Detroit has shown offensive flashes but has been inconsistent defensively and in closing games.
Philadelphia Flyers (3-2 SU):
3/31 @ WSH: L 6-4
3/29 vs DAL: W 2-1 (OT)
3/28 @ DET: W 5-3
3/26 vs CHI: W 5-1
Prior competitive result
Key Player Matchups
Dylan Larkin / Alex DeBrincat (DET) vs. Flyers top-six and checking lines: Larkin’s speed and playmaking will test Philadelphia’s structure; expect heavy forecheck pressure.
Travis Konecny / Owen Tippett (PHI, Tippett hot with recent hat trick) vs. Red Wings blueline: Tippett’s scoring burst and Konecny’s speed could exploit any defensive lapses.
Moritz Seider (DET) vs. Flyers forwards: Seider’s two-way game is key to containing transition.
Goaltending Battle: Detroit’s netminder (likely Cam Talbot or backup) vs. Philadelphia’s Samuel Ersson or Ivan Fedotov – Flyers’ recent goaltending has been steadier at home.
Philadelphia’s depth and home energy project favorably in most matchups, especially with Detroit missing Rasmussen.
Series History
Philadelphia leads the 2025-26 season series 1-0 (5-3 win on March 28 at Little Caesars Arena). The Flyers are 7-2-1 in their last 10 meetings overall against Detroit and have owned recent head-to-head play with strong special-teams execution. All-time, the rivalry is competitive, but current form favors the home side.
Betting Trends
Totals have gone Under in 8 of Detroit’s last 10; recent head-to-head has been higher-scoring but current injuries/form lean tighter.
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 and 3-7 SU in its last 10 vs. Philadelphia.
Philadelphia is 3-2 SU and 4-1 ATS in its last 5; strong 26-10-? ATS in certain road/home splits.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM EDT Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY Broadcast: ESPN+, MSG, TSN2, RDS; Radio affiliates
This interconference Atlantic-Metropolitan matchup features a red-hot Canadiens squad (3rd in the Atlantic, surging with playoff positioning on the line) visiting a struggling Rangers team (8th in the Metropolitan, all but eliminated from postseason contention). Montreal arrives on a six-game win streak and owns one of the league’s better road records lately, while New York is playing out the string at a depleted Madison Square Garden (12-18-7 home). The Rangers have taken both prior meetings this season, but Montreal’s current momentum and New York’s injury woes tilt the scales.
Injury Report
Montréal Canadiens (blueline and depth tested):
Alexandre Carrier (D) – Out 2-4 weeks (upper body; sidelined since Mar. 31)
Kirby Dach (C) – Out 2-4 weeks (upper body)
Alexandre Texier (LW) – Out / Day-to-Day (lower body)
Patrik Laine (RW) – Injured Reserve (abdomen; long-term)
Possible day-to-day monitoring on Josh Anderson (illness)
New York Rangers (significant gaps in net, center, and defense):
Jonathan Quick (G) – Day-to-Day (upper body)
Matt Rempe (C) – Out for season (thumb)
Urho Vaakanainen (D) – Out (upper body; week-to-week)
J.T. Miller (C, captain) – Limited progress from upper-body injury (status uncertain; was on IR earlier in March)
Montreal’s absences hurt depth but spare their top-six core; New York’s depleted blueline and goaltending uncertainty create exploitable mismatches.
Recent Team Forms (Last 5-10 Games)
Montréal Canadiens (6-0-0 SU streak; 7-3-0 last 10): Recent results include W 4-1 @ TBL (4/1), W 3-1 @ CAR (3/29), W 4-1 @ NSH (3/29), W 2-1 vs CBJ (3/27), and continued dominance with strong special teams and goaltending. Montreal is averaging 3.4 GF/G while allowing just 2.0 GA/G in this stretch. apnews.com +1New York
Rangers (4-5-1 last 10; 1-4 SU in recent stretch): Mixed results with wins over NJD and FLA but losses elsewhere; averaging ~3.0 GF/G but leaky defense. The Rangers have dropped three of their last five and struggle to close games at home.
Key Player Matchups
Nick Suzuki / Cole Caufield (MTL, Caufield hot with 10G-7A in last 10) vs. Rangers’ depleted defense and checking lines: Montreal’s speed and transition game should create odd-man rushes.
Mika Zibanejad / remaining Rangers forwards vs. Canadiens shutdown pairs: Zibanejad remains New York’s best threat, but Montreal’s structure limits space.
Goaltending Battle: Likely Sam Montembeault or backup (MTL, .889+ SV% range lately) vs. Igor Shesterkin or Quick (NYR; Quick DTD). Montreal’s hot netminding gives them the edge.
Secondary Scoring/Depth: Canadiens call-ups and depth forwards vs. Rangers’ makeshift lines – home energy may help New York early, but Montreal’s cohesion wins out.
Canadiens’ speed, forecheck, and special teams project favorably across the ice.
Series History
The Rangers lead the 2025-26 season series 2-0 (5-4 OT win on Dec. 13 at MSG; earlier victory). Montreal is 1-6 SU in its last 7 meetings overall but has been competitive. All-time, the Canadiens hold the historical edge, yet recent games have been high-scoring and often gone to OT.
Betting Trends
Montreal is 6-0 SU in its last 6 overall and 5-0 SU vs. Eastern/Metropolitan opponents lately.
Rangers are 1-4 SU in last 5 and poor ATS at home.
Totals trend Under in recent Montreal road games; head-to-head has favored higher scoring but current form/injuries point tighter.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM EDT Venue: Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL Broadcast: The Spot, SN-PIT, ESPN+; Radio: 105.9 The X (Penguins), Lightning Radio affiliates
This late-season Eastern Conference matchup pits a Penguins squad clinging to Metropolitan Division positioning (and a wild-card spot) against a Lightning team locked into a high Atlantic Division seed with home-ice playoff implications still in play. Tampa Bay enters with the stronger overall record and home dominance (23-13-1), while Pittsburgh has shown offensive explosiveness of late but carries injury concerns into this road test. The teams split their season series 1-1, with Tampa winning the most recent meeting in a shootout.
Injury Report
Pittsburgh Penguins (depth tested in forward group and blueline):
Bryan Rust (RW) – Out / Day-to-Day (lower body)
Blake Lizotte (C) – Out (upper body; reevaluation ~April 14)
Filip Hallander (C) – Injured Reserve (leg)
Caleb Jones (D) – Injured Reserve / Non-Roster (lower body)
Tampa Bay Lightning (notable absences on the wings and blueline):
Brandon Hagel (LW) – Out (until at least April 4)
Victor Hedman (D) – Out (until at least April 4)
Scott Sabourin (RW) – Out (until at least April 4)
Maxwell Crozier (D) – Injured Reserve – Long Term (until ~April 29)
Declan Carlile (D) – Injured Reserve
Both teams are shorthanded, but Tampa’s absences (especially Hedman and Hagel) thin their top-end defense and scoring depth, potentially opening opportunities for Pittsburgh’s veteran core.
Recent Team Forms (Last 5 Games)
Pittsburgh Penguins (3-2-0):
3/30 @ NYI: W 8-3
3/28 vs DAL: L 6-3
3/26 @ OTT: W 4-3 (SO)
3/24 vs COL: L 6-2
Earlier road win contributing to momentum
Pittsburgh has shown scoring bursts (including an 8-goal outburst) but inconsistency defensively.
Tampa Bay Lightning (4-1-0):
3/29 vs NSH: W 3-2
3/28 vs OTT: W 4-2
3/26 vs SEA: L 4-3 (OT)
3/24 vs MIN: W 6-3
Strong home stretch prior
Tampa has been efficient at home with solid goaltending but dropped a recent OT decision.
Key Player Matchups
Sidney Crosby / Evgeni Malkin (PIT) vs. Lightning top-six and defense: Crosby’s playmaking and Malkin’s return add veteran savvy; they’ll test Tampa’s depleted blueline (no Hedman).
Nikita Kucherov (TBL, 40G-81A-121P) vs. Penguins checking lines: Kucherov remains the league’s scoring leader and will look to exploit any defensive lapses.
Jake Guentzel (TBL) vs. former Penguins teammates: Guentzel’s familiarity adds extra motivation in a revenge/spotlight game.
Goaltending: Likely Arturs Silovs or Tristan Jarry (PIT) vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL, strong .898+ SV% season). Vasilevskiy has historically owned the Penguins.
Tampa’s speed and transition game project favorably, but Pittsburgh’s star power could generate odd-man rushes against a thinner Lightning D.
Series History
The teams are 1-1-0 against each other this season (Tampa won the January shootout; Pittsburgh took the December contest). All-time, Pittsburgh holds a narrow edge, but Tampa has been competitive at home (30-23-3 in recent history). Recent meetings have been low-scoring and decided by special teams or goaltending.
Betting Trends
Lightning are 4-1 SU in their last 5 and strong at home; Penguins 3-2 SU lately but just 2-3 ATS in recent April-style games.
Totals trend Over in Penguins contests but Tampa’s home games often stay tighter.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM EDT Venue: Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, FL Broadcast: NESN, SCRIPPS, Sportsnet (SN/SN1); League Pass / Radio affiliates (98.5 The Sports Hub – BOS, WQAM/WHFT – FLA)
This Atlantic Division matchup features a Bruins squad riding momentum and fighting for playoff positioning (currently 4th in the division with strong wild-card implications) against a Panthers team that has been decimated by injuries and is essentially playing out the string with slim-to-no postseason hopes. Florida hosts at Amerant Bank Arena (20-15-3 home record), but the Panthers enter on shaky form and with a severely depleted roster. Boston is 15-14-7 on the road and looking to extend a four-game win streak.
Injury Report
Boston Bruins (minor impact on depth):
Mason Lohrei (D) – Out (upper body; expected return April 2 but listed unavailable for this contest in latest reports)
Dans Locmelis (C) – Out (shoulder; season-ending)
Florida Panthers (catastrophic absences across key positions):
Aleksander Barkov (C) – Out for season (knee)
Brad Marchand (LW) – Out / IR (lower body; week-to-week)
Sam Reinhart (C) – Out (foot; season)
Aaron Ekblad (D) – Out (hand; until at least April 4)
Uvis Balinskis (D) – Out (foot fracture; 4-6 weeks)
The Panthers are missing their captain, top center, leading scorer, and multiple top-pair defensemen. Boston’s absences are far less disruptive to their core structure.
Recent Team Forms (Last 5 Games)
Boston Bruins (4-1-0):
3/31 vs DAL: W 6-3
3/29 @ CBJ: W 4-3 (SO)
3/28 vs MIN: W 6-3
3/25 @ BUF: W 4-3 (OT)
Earlier regulation win contributing to current surge
Boston has been dominant lately, especially in the third period, with strong special teams and goaltending.
Florida Panthers (2-3-0):
3/31 vs OTT: W 6-3
3/29 @ NYR: L 1-3
3/28 @ NYI: L 2-5
3/26 vs MIN: L 2-3
Earlier loss
Florida has shown occasional offensive flashes at home but has been inconsistent and defensively vulnerable amid the injury wave.
Key Player Matchups
David Pastrnak (BOS, 29G-66A) / Viktor Arvidsson (hot streak, recent hat trick) vs. Panthers’ depleted blueline (no Ekblad/Balinskis): Expect heavy zone pressure and odd-man rushes.
Jeremy Swayman (BOS, 30-15-4, 2.73 GAA, .908 SV%) vs. Sergei Bobrovsky (FLA): Swayman has been stellar; Bobrovsky faces a heavy workload behind a makeshift defense.
Matthew Tkachuk / remaining Panthers forwards vs. Bruins checking lines and shutdown D: Tkachuk remains dangerous, but Boston’s structure limits space.
Secondary Scoring: Bruins depth (Arvidsson, Lindholm if active) vs. Panthers call-ups – home energy may help Florida early, but depth favors Boston.
Bruins’ speed, forecheck, and special teams project a clear edge across the ice.
Series History
The Panthers lead the 2025-26 season series 2-0 (5-4 SO win on Feb. 4; 4-3 win on Oct. 21). Florida is eyeing a season-series sweep. All-time the Bruins hold the edge, but recent regular-season meetings have been competitive and often gone to overtime/shootout. Boston has struggled to close out games in Sunrise lately.
Betting Trends
Bruins are 7-1-2 in their last 10 and 4-0 SU in their current streak; Panthers 4-6-0 in last 10.
Boston is 3-8 SU in its last 11 vs. Florida but metrics favor them heavily here.
Totals trend Over in many Bruins road contests; Panthers home games have been higher-scoring amid injuries.
Reign FC goalkeeper has earned eight caps since her January 2025 call-up and June 2025 debut; USWNT returns to Seattle for the first time since 2017 to face Japan on April 14 at Lumen Field, with Reign FC offering a Club & Country ticket pack to celebrate the moment
RENTON, WASH.– Seattle Reign FC goalkeeper Claudia Dickey has been named to the U.S. Women’s National Team roster for the April FIFA window, with the United States set to face Japan in a three-match series. The USWNT will play matches in San Jose, Seattle and Denver, including a highly anticipated return to Lumen Field on April 14, marking the program’s first match in Seattle since 2017.
Dickey, 26, has earned eight caps for the USWNT, recording seven shutouts since making her senior team debut in June 2025. She most recently represented the U.S. at the 2026 SheBelieves Cup, helping the team capture the title after falling to Japan in the 2025 edition. Since earning her first call-up in January 2025, Dickey has established herself as a consistent presence in the USWNT goalkeeper pool.
The Charlotte, North Carolina native has continued her strong form to begin the 2026 NWSL season. Through four matches, she has recorded one shutout and 17 saves, ranking second in the league, while facing the fourth-most shots (56). Earlier this season, Dickey became Reign FC’s all-time leader in regular season clean sheets (14) and is currently tied with Hope Solo for the most regular season saves in club history (187).
The April 14 match at Lumen Field provides a rare opportunity for fans in Seattle to see the USWNT on home soil, while giving Dickey the chance to represent both club and country at Reign FC’s home stadium. It marks the USWNT’s first match in the city in nearly a decade and continues Seattle’s longstanding connection to the national team program.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM MT / 9:00 PM ET Venue: America First Field, Sandy, UT TV/Streaming: NWSL+ (national/international); local radio options via team streams
Weather Updates: Cool early-April evening in Sandy, with game-time temperatures expected in the mid-40s to low-50s°F (7-11°C). Partly cloudy skies, light northwest winds 5-10 mph, and low precipitation chance (<20%). Humidity around 40-50%. Typical high-desert chill possible after sunset—fans should layer up, but conditions are fully playable with no weather delays anticipated.
This Week 5 NWSL matchup features two early-season strugglers, with Utah Royals hosting as slight favorites at their high-altitude home. Chicago arrives winless in three straight and on the road, while Utah looks to capitalize on home advantage after earning their first win of 2026.
Recent Team Forms (Last 4 Games)
Chicago Stars FC: 1-3-0 (scoring struggles, averaging ~0.5-1 goal per game while conceding multiple). Recent results include a 0-2 road loss and narrow home win earlier; defensively leaky on the road.
Utah Royals: 1-2-1 (solid road point-earning streak, first win March 28 vs. Boston). They’ve shown fight in draws and a recent 2-1 victory, with improved pressing but offensive inconsistency at times.
Utah is also shorthanded, particularly in goal and midfield depth, but remains relatively deeper in attack options.
Key Player Matchups
Mina Tanaka / Paige Monaghan (Utah forwards) vs. Chicago backline (depleted without Kuikka/Wood): Utah’s Japanese duo and wing threats can exploit Chicago’s injury-ravaged defense at altitude. Tanaka has been clinical in limited 2026 minutes.
Lara Prasnikar / Tatumn Milazzo (Utah attack/midfield) vs. Chicago’s makeshift center (Alozie questionable): Utah’s pressing style creates turnovers; Chicago will lean on veterans like Sam Staab or Kathrin Hendrich for stability.
Chicago Stars attack (e.g., Julia Grosso / potential returns) vs. Utah defense (missing Ream/Loera): Any Chicago threat relies on set pieces or counters, but Utah’s home organization has limited opponents.
Goalkeepers (Utah backup vs. Chicago’s Naeher/Wood rotation): With McGlynn out, Utah’s depth will be tested—Chicago’s shot-stopping could keep them in it.
Utah’s home pressing and depth edge most duels despite mutual absences.
Series History (Recent / All-Time)
Limited 2026 meetings so far, but historical H2H (as Chicago Red Stars vs. Utah) favors Chicago slightly overall (roughly 6-3-2 in past encounters). Recent games have been competitive with draws common:
Utah holds a narrow recent edge in some 2025-26 previews, but Chicago has won 50% historically. No 2026 head-to-head yet—this is the first meeting of the season. Utah unbeaten in last home clash vs. Chicago.
Betting Trends
Utah is undefeated at home early and has covered as favorites in similar spots.
Chicago is 0-3 ATS as road underdogs and winless in last three.
Total has gone Under in several low-scoring early NWSL games; H2H often tight.
Public money leans Utah; sharp action respects home altitude and Chicago injuries.
MATCH ODDS
Chicago Stars FC + 310
Utah Royals – 140
Draw + 265
Over 2.5 -140 Under 2.5 – 130
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 2, 2026
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM CT / 8:30 PM ET Venue: Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, TX TV/Streaming: NWSL+ (national/international), local radio on Sports Talk 790 (Houston) and Sports Talk 790AM (Louisville)
Weather Updates: Expect warm, humid evening conditions typical for early April in Houston. Daytime highs near 82°F (28°C) with evening game-time temperatures around 75-79°F (24-26°C), light south winds 10-15 mph, and humidity 60-75%. Scattered showers or thunderstorms possible (30-55% chance), especially early evening, but the dome-adjacent open-air stadium should see mostly playable conditions with no major disruptions forecast. Fans should prepare for muggy air and potential brief rain.
This early-season NWSL clash pits a Houston Dash side off to a strong start and playing at home against a winless Racing Louisville FC squad still searching for rhythm. Houston enters as favorites looking to build on their early momentum, while Racing aims to snap a three-game winless streak on the road.
Recent Team Forms (Last 3-4 Games)
Houston Dash: 2-1-0 overall (solid offensive output and clean sheets in wins). They opened with a 1-0 road shutout win over San Diego and followed with home success, showing balance and defensive solidity under new tactical emphasis.
Racing Louisville FC: 0-2-1 (averaging roughly 1.33 goals scored per game but conceding more). Recent results include a 2-1 loss at Seattle (Mar 28), a 2-2 draw vs. Washington Spirit (Mar 20), and a 2-1 loss to North Carolina Courage (Mar 14). They have shown fight but lack finishing and consistency.
Injury Report
Houston Dash
Out: Kate Faasse (ankle), Sophie Schmidt (knee – SEI), Christen Westphal (excused absence)
Questionable: None reported
Houston remains relatively deep despite key absences in defense and midfield.
Racing is significantly shorthanded, especially in attack and midfield depth, with multiple key contributors unavailable or limited.
Key Player Matchups
Makenzey Robbe / Kiki van Zanten (Houston forwards) vs. Racing backline (depleted without Sears/Wright): Houston’s attacking duo has been clinical early; they’ll look to exploit Racing’s injury-ravaged defense and questionable fitness. Robbe scored the season-opening winner.
Jane Campbell (Houston GK) vs. Racing attack (limited options): Campbell’s shot-stopping has been elite in shutouts; Racing’s depleted forward line (missing DeMelo) will struggle to test her.
Houston midfield (Malia Berkely / others) vs. Racing’s makeshift center (Gacioch/Lardner questionable): Houston controls the engine room and can dictate tempo against Racing’s thin rotation.
Racing veterans (e.g., potential Sears if available) vs. Houston’s organized defense: Any Racing threat relies on individual brilliance, but Houston’s home structure has limited opponents effectively.
Houston’s depth and health give them the advantage in most matchups.
Series History (All-Time / Recent)
Houston leads the all-time series 6-4-5 (15 meetings), with 15-13 goal edge. Recent encounters have been competitive with several draws:
Aug 29, 2025: Racing 1-1 Houston
May 2, 2025: Houston 1-2 Racing
Jun 7, 2024: Racing 2-0 Houston
Mar 23, 2024: Houston 0-0 Racing
Houston is 3-3-2 in last eight but performs well at Shell Energy Stadium. Racing has not won in Houston recently.
Betting Trends
Houston is undefeated at home early and has covered in recent favorable matchups.
Racing is 0-2-1 and has failed to win as road underdogs.
Total has gone Under in several early NWSL games involving these sides; draws common in H2H.
MATCH ODDS
Racing Louisville FC + 135
Houston Dash + 170
Draw + 225
Over 2.5 – 115 Under 2.5 – 130
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 2, 2026
OMAHA, Neb. — The Omaha Supernovas, the world’s leading professional volleyball franchise, open April with their first trip to Atlanta to face the Vibe in a matchup between playoff contenders before returning home to face the league-leading Indy Ignite for the team’s Blue Out match and first-ever mascot reveal.
As one of two matches Atlanta will play downtown this season, the Vibe and Supernovas will meet Thursday at 6 p.m. CDT at the Georgia State Convocation Center. The match will be streamed live on the Roku Sports Channel.
Marking the start of a three-match homestand, the Supernovas return to Kiewit Court at the CHI Health Center to face the Ignite for the franchise’s Blue Out and first-ever mascot reveal at 3 p.m. CDT. The match will be broadcast statewide on News Channel Nebraska. Viewers outside Nebraska can watch live on the MLV YouTube Channel and the Scripps Sports Network.
Both matches can be heard worldwide on the Supernovas Radio Network, led by flagship station KCRO 660 AM.
…
Match Details at Atlanta
Matchup: Omaha Supernovas (10-10) at Atlanta Vibe (8-10)
Season Series: Omaha leads 2-1; Fourth of four meetings, two of two at CHI Health Center
All-Time Series: Omaha leads 5-3 (March 14, 2026, last matchup, 3-2 Omaha); Omaha leads 2-1 at CHI Health Center
…
Supernovas Latest
The Novas have been on an upswing since mid-March, winning three of their last four matches, including a thrilling five-set victory over the league-leading Indy Ignite in front of a U.S. professional volleyball record crowd of 16,838 on March 14 at the CHI Health Center.
The Supernovas, however, saw their three-match winning streak snapped last time out in a four-set road loss to the San Diego Mojo on March 25 at Viejas Arena. Novas outside hitter Sarah Parsons turned in another standout performance, tallying a match-high 18 points with 16 kills on a .333 hitting percentage and two blocks. She also collected 11 digs for her fifth double-double of the season. All-Star Emily Londot finished just behind her teammate with 17 points on 14 kills while tying the match high with three blocks and adding eight digs.
Middle blocker Kiara Reinhardt hit better than .400 for the seventh time in her rookie campaign, recording six kills with one error on 12 swings for a .417 hitting percentage. Setter Sydney Hilley dished out 44 assists and added 13 digs for her sixth double-double of 2026, while libero Elena Oglivie posted a match-high 17 digs and three assists.
Playoff Chase
With Indy and expansion franchise Dallas Pulse in comfortable postseason position, the Supernovas enter April as one of five teams vying for the final two playoff spots. Thursday’s match will be crucial, as the Novas, who sit in third place, face a direct contender in Atlanta, which is one match behind Orlando for fourth place.
Scouting Atlanta
Amid a heated playoff push, the Vibe enter Thursday having lost three of their last four matches, including a five-set defeat to the Pulse in a match in which Atlanta led 2-1.
As one of the faces of MLV, the Vibe are led by 2024 MVP Leah Edmond, who once again ranks near the top of the league in offensive categories. The former Kentucky Wildcat ranks third in points per set and is one of four players averaging more than four per set (4.45). Her 278 kills and 3.92 per set also rank third in the league, while she has added 11 aces and 27 blocks, both second on the team.
One of the biggest themes of the 2026 MLV season has been injuries to middle blockers around the league, and Atlanta is no exception. Reigning Rookie of the Year Khori Louis was placed on season-ending injured reserve after suffering an injury in March at San Diego. Additionally, free agent signee Ravin Colvin has not appeared in a match since Feb. 14, when she ranked among the league leaders in blocks. Former Supernovas middle blocker Phoebe Awoleye has stepped up in their place, averaging 2.36 points per set in 11 matches. She is hitting .365 on 156 attacks and has recorded 31 blocks, tied for seventh in MLV.
Scouting Indy
The Ignite have been the class of the league so far in the 2026 MLV season, but they have hit a slight skid after opening with the best start in league history at 14-2. Like the Vibe, Indy has lost two of its last three matches, including a five-set defeat at Omaha on March 14 and a four-set road loss to Grand Rapids on March 25.
Similarly, the Ignite have suffered major injuries to their two starting middle blockers in All-Stars Blake Mohler and Lydia Martyn. Both ranked among the league’s top 10 in hitting percentage and blocks. Mohler was placed on season-ending injured reserve on March 21, while Martyn has not played since the March 14 loss to the Supernovas.
The Ignite are well-balanced offensively with outside hitter Leketor Member-Meneh (214 points), opposite Azhani Tealer (202) and outside hitter Anna DeBeer (195). Elena Scott is also one of the top liberos in the league, averaging 3.57 digs per set while serving as one of MLV’s best passers. Dynamic second-year setter Mia Tuaniga runs one of the fastest offenses in the league and is one of two setters averaging more than 11 assists per set, with her 11.46 mark ranking second overall. She is also tied for third in MLV with 17 aces, matching teammate DeBeer.
While Indy leads the league, the Supernovas have been a thorn in its side, as two of the Ignite’s four losses have come against Omaha — a four-set loss in Indy on Jan. 24 and a five-set defeat at CHI Health Center Omaha on March 14.
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THE PARSONS POWER SURGE
Veteran outside hitter Sarah Parsons has started in 10 of her 17 match appearances this season and has played like one of the top attackers in MLV when penciled into the starting lineup. The former AVCA Player of the Year averages 4.42 points, 3.79 kills and 2.79 digs per set in her 10 starts. If you only counted those, she would rank inside the top five in points and kills per set.
Her firepower has been on display over her last four matches, putting down a match-high 15 kills and team-leading 19 digs versus Grand Rapids on March 7.
She followed up by tallying her fifth double-double of the season with an 18-kill, 12-dig outing that also included a block and season-high .441 hitting percentage. Her 18 kills set a Supernovas three-set record for most terminations in a match, surpassing Parsons’ previous record of 17 kills against San Diego in the season opener on Jan. 8.
Parsons registered a match-high 21 points to help the Supernovas outlast the league-leading Indy Ignite in a five-set battle on March 14. She logged 19 kills and two blocks with four digs across the five sets. She then added nine kills, two blocks and 12 digs in the Novas’ third straight win with a sweep of Grand Rapids on March 20.
In her last match at San Diego on March 25, Parsons racked up a team-high 18 points, including 16 kills on a .333 hitting percentage and two blocks. In adding 11 digs, she finished with her fifth double-double of the season.
*Stats are from Parsons’ 42 sets in her 11 starts this season
Category
Total
Per Set
League Rank
Points
186
4.43
4th
Kills
160
3.81
4th
Hitting %
459 Attacks
259
–
Service Aces
5
0.12
–
Blocks
21
0.50
–
Digs
117
2.79
–
NUNEVILLER, LONDOT DELIVER AT 2026 MLV ALL-STAR MATCH
The Omaha Supernovas’ star pair of Brooke Nuneviller and Emily Londot shined in the 2026 MLV All-Star Match on March 28 at Addition Financial Arena as Team Meskie defeated Team Launiere 2-1 in front of a national audience on CBS.
As part of the winning Team Meskie, Londot recorded six points on five kills and one block, adding four digs. The bulk of her production came in the second set, as the second-year opposite, selected by the Supernovas with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 MLV Draft, delivered four kills on a .300 hitting percentage along with all four of her digs.
Nuneviller, who started the final two sets for Team Launiere, finished with five kills and six digs.
A total of 5,380 fans, a lower-bowl sellout that marked the arena’s largest pro volleyball crowd, witnessed the second annual showcase of MLV’s top players.
LEAO IGNITES NOVAS BLOCK
Third-year pro middle blocker Janice Leao has spearheaded the resurgence of the Supernovas’ block since re-entering the starting lineup on March 10 at Columbus.
Leao has helped Omaha to three straight wins, including snapping a franchise-long six-match losing streak with a sweep of Columbus. She recorded six kills on eight swings (.620) with one block in that match.
That performance set the stage for the best outing of her MLV career, as she set a franchise record with eight blocks while adding five kills on a .357 hitting percentage, tying a career high with 14 points.
The Miami (Fla.) product put up one of 13 matches in MLV history with eight or more blocks, and just the third such performance this season. Leao now accounts for two of those 13 outings.
She previously recorded eight blocks and tied a career-high 14 points as a member of the Fury against the Novas on April 25 last season.
Leao has also proven to be a late-season standout in her MLV career. Seven of her top nine point-producing matches have come in March or later, including five in April alone.
