AP Sports Digest

Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.

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UPCOMING

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SOC--HUNGARY-ORBAN SIDELINED

DESCRIPTION: As Viktor Orban is set to leave power in Hungary, it could mean an uncertain future for the country’s ambitions to be a global sports powerbroker ahead of hosting the Champions League final next month.

UPCOMING: By 04/21/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--WCUP-MEXICO-HOMOPHOBIC CHANT

DESCRIPTION: Sanctions from FIFA and campaigns by Mexican soccer officials have not been able to keep a homophobic chant out of the country’s soccer stadiums. Just two months ahead of the World Cup, it emerged anew and should it surface during matches Mexico could be punished during the biggest sporting event in the world. By Carlos Rodriguez. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/21/2026 11:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-LIV

DESCRIPTION: Brooks Koepka never spent more time doing so little at a golf course. Considering where he could have been — Mexico City, still part of LIV Golf — it was a small price to pay.

UPCOMING: By 04/21/2026 1:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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SOC--FRENCH ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Lens hosts Toulouse in the semifinals of the French Cup

UPCOMING: By 04/21/2026 6:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--KRAKEN-BOTTERILL

DESCRIPTION: SEATTLE -- After a third straight season without a Stanley Cup playoff appearance, general manager Jason Botterill will address reporters about myriad topics, including an “internal audit” to evaluate ways that the team can improve. By Andrew Destin. 750 words. Photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/21/2026 6:40 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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HKN--DUCKS-OILERS

Kapanen’s 2nd goal of game with 1:54 remaining lifts Oilers over Ducks 4-3 in playoff opener

SUMMARY: Kasperi Kapanen scored his second goal of the game with 1:54 left in the third period to give the Edmonton Oilers a 4-3 victory over the Anaheim Ducks in the opener of their first-round playoff series. Jason Dickinson also scored twice for the Oilers, who trailed 3-2 entering the third. Oilers star Leon Draisaitl returned to the ice after missing the final 14 regular-season games with an injury. Draisaitl and Jake Walman each had two assists for Edmonton. Troy Terry had two goals and an assist and Leo Carlsson also scored for the Ducks, who are in the playoffs for the first time since 2018. Connor Ingram made 25 saves to earn the win. Game 2 in the best-of-seven series is Wednesday in Edmonton.

WORDS: 465 - MOVED: 04/21/2026 1:39 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2079813102f9f98e5c9e5258a5dbc4c3&mediaType=text

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HKN--SENATORS-HURRICANES

Martinook’s goal lifts Hurricanes past Senators 3-2 in 2OT after he misses rare OT penalty shot

SUMMARY: Jordan Martinook beat Linus Ullmark from the slot at 13:53 of the second overtime to help the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Ottawa Senators 3-2 on Monday night. That gave Carolina a 2-0 lead in their first-round series in the NHL playoffs. Nikolaj Ehlers found Martinook for the shot that beat Ullmark, who was partially shielded by Carolina captain Jordan Staal at the top of the crease. Logan Stankoven and Sebastian Aho also scored for Carolina. Drake Batherson and Dylan Cozens scored for Ottawa. Ullmark finished with 43 saves.

WORDS: 636 - MOVED: 04/21/2026 12:45 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c6575088618422ac5959814630af2f5a&mediaType=text

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BKN--HAWKS-MCCOLLUM

CJ McCollum takes Young’s place in Atlanta and as MSG’s villain in leading Hawks past the Knicks

SUMMARY: CJ McCollum was headed for an early summer until the Washington Wizards sent him to the Hawks in January in the trade for Trae Young. McCollum not only replaced Young in Atlanta, now he’s replaced him in Madison Square Garden. McCollum was the villain who carried the Hawks past the New York Knicks in a playoff game. The veteran guard scored 32 points Monday night to help the Hawks rally for a stunning 107-106 victory that tied the Eastern Conference first-round series at one game apiece. He was profanely taunted by the Garden fans, just as Young was in a 2021 first-round series.

WORDS: 528 - MOVED: 04/21/2026 12:33 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:39e69b5debaf0d61842a9f334dbb7741&mediaType=text

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BKN--HAWKS-KNICKS

CJ McCollum leads a late rally as the Hawks stun the Knicks 107-106 to tie their series at 1-1

SUMMARY: CJ McCollum scored 32 points and the Atlanta Hawks rallied late to stun the New York Knicks 107-106 on Monday night, tying their first-round playoff series at one game apiece. McCollum led a late surge that was almost for naught when he missed two free throws with 5.6 seconds remaining. The Knicks rushed the ball up the court without any timeouts left, but Mikal Bridges missed a jumper as time expired. Jonathan Kuminga added 19 points off the bench and Jalen Johnson had 17, including a basket with 10 seconds left. The sixth-seeded Hawks host Game 3 on Thursday.

WORDS: 464 - MOVED: 04/21/2026 12:05 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ee5c7b3a1feaefe9ce77b76ac760cc7c&mediaType=text

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HKN--FLYERS-PENGUINS

Vladar stops 27 shots as Flyers top Penguins 3-0 to take commanding 2-0 lead in first-round series

SUMMARY: Dan Vladar stopped 27 shots as the Philadelphia Flyers shut out the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-0 to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round series. Teenage forward Porter Martone scored for the second straight game for Philadelphia. Garnet Hathaway added a short-handed goal for the Flyers. Luke Glendening chipped in an empty-netter late to seal it. The series shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3. Stuart Skinner made 20 saves for Pittsburgh but received little help in front of him on a night the Penguins’ power play went 0 for 5.

WORDS: 568 - MOVED: 04/20/2026 10:49 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c078c1a3db4d728e6e6ac9d6bd663de9&mediaType=text

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BBO--BLUE JAYS-PLANE GROUNDED

Blue Jays bus from Phoenix to Southern California after their charter plane is grounded

SUMMARY: A mechanical issue with their charter plane forced the Toronto Blue Jays to bus from Phoenix to Southern California on Sunday night, a six-hour drive on a dark desert highway that got the team to its Orange County hotel at around 12:30 a.m. Toronto manager John Schneider said he was informed by Blue Jays traveling secretary Rodney Hiemstra of the mechanical problem at about 4 p.m. on Sunday, as the Blue Jays were finishing a 10-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Rather than wait for a different plane to arrive from Vancouver, the Blue Jays voted to bus to their next stop ahead of Monday night’s series opener against the Los Angeles Angels.

WORDS: 420 - MOVED: 04/20/2026 10:40 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:187a8903ceaa74895eea77c59f0cfe56&mediaType=text

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BKN--WARRIORS-KERR

Draymond Green predicts Steve Kerr won’t be back. The Warriors can’t imagine life without him

SUMMARY: Draymond Green doesn’t expect Steve Kerr to return as coach of the Golden State Warriors. Green said on his podcast Monday that he hopes Kerr returns but “it felt like that was it” after Golden State lost at Phoenix in a play-in tournament game. Green added that he doesn’t even know if he’ll be playing for the Warriors next season. Kerr just completed a two-year contract worth $35 million. The 60-year-old has won four championships during his 12 seasons leading the Warriors. After the loss to the Suns, Kerr said he wasn’t sure whether he’d be back.

WORDS: 666 - MOVED: 04/20/2026 7:35 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4978ec94a4be479049d32280dd4161f7&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA-DEFENSIVE PLAYER

Victor Wembanyama is a unanimous selection as the NBA’s defensive player of the year

SUMMARY: There had never been a unanimous NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Until now. Victor Wembanyama was announced Monday night as the league’s top defensive player. The San Antonio center was second in the voting for DPOY as a rookie. Wembanyama was the favorite last season until a medical condition ended his season prematurely, then left no doubt this year. At 22, the native of France is the youngest winner of the award. Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren was second and Detroit’s Ausar Thompson was third.

WORDS: 851 - MOVED: 04/20/2026 6:42 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dbd39d98e652802acfc0b02a29334af0&mediaType=text

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FBN--STEELERS-RODGERS

Steelers are still waiting to hear from Aaron Rodgers about returning for a 22nd season

SUMMARY: The Pittsburgh Steelers are still waiting for Aaron Rodgers to decide whether he wants to return for a 22nd season. Steelers general manager Omar Khan says the club remains in frequent communication with the four-time MVP, who led Pittsburgh to an AFC North title last season. Rodgers’ status is unlikely to play a significant role in the club’s strategy when the NFL draft descends on the Steel City this week. The Steelers will head into the draft with 12 picks, including the 21st overall selection in the first round.

WORDS: 669 - MOVED: 04/20/2026 6:30 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6f82c6697429cecc446c2aa07f3586c1&mediaType=text

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GLF--PGA TOUR-HAWAII

Aloha, PGA Tour. Hawaii will be without a tour event in 2027 for the first time in 56 years

SUMMARY: The PGA Tour is bidding aloha to Hawaii on its schedule. The Sentry at Kapalua was canceled last January because of a water dispute that kept the Plantation course from being ready in time. Wisconsin-based Sentry has a sponsorship deal through 2035 and will be going elsewhere. One likely landing spot is Torrey Pines in San Diego. The PGA Tour has also confirmed the Sony Open in Honolulu also won’t be on the 2027 schedule. It’s part of a revamped schedule that’s slowly changing. The tour is talking to the Sony Open about being a PGA Tour Champions event next year.

WORDS: 646 - MOVED: 04/20/2026 6:13 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:10848a171ce2696a9c0539f40b718a68&mediaType=text

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ATH--BOSTON MARATHON-CHELSEA CLINTON

Former first daughter Chelsea Clinton completes Boston Marathon, Bill and Hillary meet her at finish

SUMMARY: Former first daughter Chelsea Clinton finished the Boston Marathon on Monday and her parents were waiting at the finish line to congratulate her. The 46-year-old author and the vice chair of the Clinton Foundation ran the 26.2-mile (42.195-kilometer) race in 3 hours, 40 minutes, 52 seconds. Joining former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to meet her at the finish line was 2014 champion Meb Keflezghi. He’s the last American man to win the race. According to athlinks.com, Chelsea Clinton has run six other marathons, including the New York Marathon four times, and Monday’s run was a personal best.

WORDS: 183 - MOVED: 04/20/2026 4:51 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0200a2e4e38e4a4c6ee54f88a898ecc9&mediaType=text

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ATH--BOSTON MARATHON-AMERICANS

Zouhair Talbi and Jess McClain run the fastest times ever for Americans at the Boston Marathon

SUMMARY: Zouhair Talbi and Jess McClain ran the fastest times ever for Americans at the Boston Marathon, both finishing fifth in their respective divisions. Talbi finished in 2 hours, 3 minutes, 45 seconds in the men’s race. McClain finished in 2:20:49 in the women’s competition. There were seven American men and 12 American women in the top 20, including four women in the top 10. McClain says they are making each other so much better every time they line up with one another. McClain says “and I think it’s just going to get stronger and stronger.”

WORDS: 551 - MOVED: 04/20/2026 4:10 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f9f9d6f8d81130095e8a794892082dc9&mediaType=text

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BBO--YANKEES-SCHLITTLER-THREATS

Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler says he and his family have received threats from Red Sox fans

SUMMARY: New York Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler says he’s looking forward to his Fenway Park debut against Boston even after revealing he and his family have received death threats from Red Sox fans. Schlittler overcame similar threats to thrive against Boston in the postseason last year. That gives him confidence before his first game at Fenway Park. Schlittler grew up a Red Sox fan in Walpole, Massachusetts. He told the New York Post that he and his family have received death threats leading up to Thursday night’s game. He says it’s not necessary to get police involved.

WORDS: 371 - MOVED: 04/20/2026 4:02 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5b81dc4f590d66208f972c6f63f035f2&mediaType=text

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HKN--FACEOFF

Big hits are already piling up in the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs

SUMMARY: The NHL playoffs are off to a physical start through seven games with teams averaging a combined 86.9 hits per game. The Carolina Hurricanes lead the list with 57 hits in their win over Ottawa. A year ago in the Stanley Cup playoffs, there were a combined 79.2 hits per game through the opening 10 matchups and finished at 78. It’s typical for the physicality to be at its highest at the start of a Cup run. In games on Tuesday, the Avalanche, Sabres, Golden Knights and Canadiens all look to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round series.

WORDS: 899 - MOVED: 04/20/2026 3:41 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:eaa845697dda5af1d5b791ccf3141df9&mediaType=text

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ATH--BOSTON MARATHON

Defending champion John Korir breaks Boston Marathon record and Sharon Lokedi also repeats

SUMMARY: Defending champion John Korir broke the Boston Marathon course record, riding a tailwind to outrun the fastest field in event history and win in 2 hours, 1 minute, 52 seconds for his second straight victory. The Kenyan broke away from the pack as it headed into Heartbreak Hill in Newton and opened a 40-second lead, peeking behind him as he went through Kenmore Square with a mile to go. Sharon Lokedi joined her fellow Kenyan as a back-to-back champion, winning the women’s race in 2:18:51. Marcel Hug of Switzerland won his ninth wheelchair title in 1:16:06. Eden Rainbow-Cooper of Britain won her second women’s wheelchair title in Boston.

WORDS: 1053 - MOVED: 04/20/2026 3:08 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5a1c7ad49573bf15475f3544490f79a9&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL DRAFT-TIGHT ENDS

The NFL’s increased use of tight ends could have an impact on how teams approach the draft

SUMMARY: The move by NFL offenses in recent years to counter nickel defenses by using more tight ends at the same time could have a big impact on the way some teams approach the upcoming draft. The multiple tight end formations that teams like Seattle, the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears used with great success in 2025 to exploit smaller defenses will likely be adopted by more teams this year. That could put a premium on drafting the big versatile players who can contribute as both run blockers and pass catchers.

WORDS: 1042 - MOVED: 04/20/2026 2:33 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:82c476dbbd8a7f39b11fa95cf0b37b1a&mediaType=text

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CYC--TOUR DE FRANCE-WOMEN

A first for the 2027 women’s Tour de France: A team time trial through London

SUMMARY: The 2027 women’s Tour de France will feature a team time trial in London. Organizers also unveiled the routes for the first two stages in England. The race will start in Leeds and head towards Manchester. The next day they go from Manchester to Sheffield. The third stage in London has riders in teams of seven for the time trial on an 18-kilometer circuit finishing on The Mall. Race director Marion Rousse says the stages will showcase the energy of the crowds and the growing importance of women’s cycling. The race starts on July 30, 2027.

WORDS: 201 - MOVED: 04/20/2026 2:24 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5228d187b56fe20829bdfca94f5f7f8b&mediaType=text

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FBN--COWBOYS-AUBREY

Cowboys make Brandon Aubrey the NFL’s highest-paid kicker with a $28 million, 4-year contract

SUMMARY: The Dallas Cowboys and Brandon Aubrey have agreed on a $28 million, four-year contract that completes his improbable rise from playing in a spring league to becoming the highest-paid kicker in NFL history. Aubrey is a former professional soccer player whose NFL career started when he was 28. Agent Todd France says Aubrey will get $20 million guaranteed while becoming the first kicker with a $7 million annual average. The 31-year-old’s six field goals of at least 60 yards are the most in league history. Aubrey is also among the most accurate, with a career rate of 88.2%.

WORDS: 319 - MOVED: 04/20/2026 2:01 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b114314abc2001b5852e3808bb41fd13&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL DRAFT-MENDOZA

Fernando Mendoza embraces the marathon draft process as he embarks on his 1st step in NFL career

SUMMARY: Some NFL draft prospects get worn out by the NFL’s marathon draft process. Fernando Mendoza has embraced it. He did the interviews, made the rounds and firmed up his draft night plans with his trademark smile and positive attitude. Now all he can do is wait to see what happens Thursday night. The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback and overwhelming favorite to be taken No. 1 overall says as he embarks on a new partnership with pharmaceutical company Pfizer to push early cancer screenings, that he’s enjoyed each step along the path to the draft.

WORDS: 689 - MOVED: 04/20/2026 1:46 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2a49cf680de7d28802bce79bda662f74&mediaType=text

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