DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic received the Michael Jordan award from Commissioner Adam Silver before tipoff, then delivered a memorable playoff performance to celebrate his third MVP trophy Tuesday night.

Jokic scored 40 points and dished out 13 assists and the Denver Nuggets shut down Anthony Edwards in a 112-97 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves that put the reigning NBA champs one win away from the Western Conference finals.

Jokic also had seven rebounds with no turnovers as the home team won for the first time in this semifinal series.

“He did everything for us tonight,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “And it was fun to watch.”

Jokic's domination even had his opponents smiling.

“I just laugh. That's all I can do," Edwards said of watching Jokic go off for 16 points and assist on four other baskets in the third quarter when the Nuggets seized control for yet another rout.

“I can’t be mad,” Edwards said. "He’s good, man. I think I said that after Game 1 when we won, and Game 2, he’s the MVP. He’s the best player in NBA. He showed it the last three games, three games in a row. He was special tonight. I’ve got to give him his flowers. He was that guy tonight.”

Jokic even had another rim-rattling dunk, something he’s not known for. When asked if Minnesota’s collection of rim protectors necessitated such moves, Jokic cracked, “You know, I’m a freak of nature. Why not show off my athleticism?”

Aaron Gordon added 18 points and 10 boards, and Jamal Murray scored 16, saying when Jokic has it going, there's no need for anyone else to try to be the hero.

“If Jokic's scoring like that, there's no need to do anything special," Murray said.

Trapped and doubled all night, Edwards was held to 18 points on 5-of-15 shooting. Karl Anthony-Towns led the Wolves with 23 points and Rudy Gobert scored 18.

“I think we did a great job, not just on (Edwards) but everybody," Murray said.

With their first three-game losing streak of the season, the Wolves will have to snap their skid Thursday night at Target Center to force a Game 7 back in Denver.

Jokic, who was presented with his third MVP trophy by commissioner Adam Silver in a pregame ceremony, scored 19 first-half points in leading Denver to a 50-44 lead at the half. He added 16 points in the third quarter when the Nuggets pushed their lead to 14.

After the Wolves used a mini-run to pull to 103-92, Jokic nailed a 3-pointer at the shot clock buzzer over a helpless Gobert, who recently won his fourth NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, to make it a 14-point cushion with just over 3 minutes left.

Edwards averaged 33.3 points in the first four games of the series and the Wolves were looking for somebody else to step up. Although KAT did just that, Edwards missed eight of his first nine shots, had five points at halftime and didn't find his shooting touch until the game had gotten away from the Timberwolves.

Minnesota's veteran point guard Mike Conley was scratched just before tipoff with a sore right Achilles. He was injured when he missed a 3-pointer on the Wolves' final possession in their loss on Sunday. Nickeil Alexander-Walker started in his spot and had 14 points and five assists.

In his pre-game comments, Wolves coach Chris Finch also expressed dismay at the NBA fining Rudy Gobert $75,000 for making a money gesture following a call by referee Scott Foster in Game 4.

That was $25,000 less than Murray was fined for his actions in Game 2, when he, too, made the money sign and threw both a towel and a heat pack toward an official.

When Towns went to the bench with his third foul late in the first half, Gobert pointed at Kyle Anderson, instructing him to guard Jokic. TNT announcer Reggie Miller was aghast at Gobert, saying, “You’re the Defensive Player of the Year! You guard the MVP!”

It mattered little who was guarding the three-time MVP on this night.

“He's amazing,” Murray said, “just the way he picks apart the game and reads the game and trusts his teammates. I'm guessing that for the big fella getting the trophy tonight probably motivated him a little bit. Just being at home was a lot of fun, the place was rocking, kind of felt the energy and he definitely had it going.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715784473866.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic received the Michael Jordan award from Commissioner Adam Silver before tipoff, then delivered a memorable playoff performance to celebrate his third MVP trophy Tuesday night.Jokic scored 40 points and dished out 13 assists and the Denver Nuggets shut down Anthony Edwards in a 112-97 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves that put the reigning NBA champs one win away from the Western Conference finals.Jokic also had seven rebounds with no turnovers as the home team won for the first time in this semifinal series.“He did everything for us tonight,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “And it was fun to watch.”Jokic's domination even had his opponents smiling.“I just laugh. That's all I can do," Edwards said of watching Jokic go off for 16 points and assist on four other baskets in the third quarter when the Nuggets seized control for yet another rout.“I can’t be mad,” Edwards said. "He’s good, man. I think I said that after Game 1 when we won, and Game 2, he’s the MVP. He’s the best player in NBA. He showed it the last three games, three games in a row. He was special tonight. I’ve got to give him his flowers. He was that guy tonight.”Jokic even had another rim-rattling dunk, something he’s not known for. When asked if Minnesota’s collection of rim protectors necessitated such moves, Jokic cracked, “You know, I’m a freak of nature. Why not show off my athleticism?”Aaron Gordon added 18 points and 10 boards, and Jamal Murray scored 16, saying when Jokic has it going, there's no need for anyone else to try to be the hero.“If Jokic's scoring like that, there's no need to do anything special," Murray said.Trapped and doubled all night, Edwards was held to 18 points on 5-of-15 shooting. Karl Anthony-Towns led the Wolves with 23 points and Rudy Gobert scored 18.“I think we did a great job, not just on (Edwards) but everybody," Murray said.With their first three-game losing streak of the season, the Wolves will have to snap their skid Thursday night at Target Center to force a Game 7 back in Denver.Jokic, who was presented with his third MVP trophy by commissioner Adam Silver in a pregame ceremony, scored 19 first-half points in leading Denver to a 50-44 lead at the half. He added 16 points in the third quarter when the Nuggets pushed their lead to 14.After the Wolves used a mini-run to pull to 103-92, Jokic nailed a 3-pointer at the shot clock buzzer over a helpless Gobert, who recently won his fourth NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, to make it a 14-point cushion with just over 3 minutes left.Edwards averaged 33.3 points in the first four games of the series and the Wolves were looking for somebody else to step up. Although KAT did just that, Edwards missed eight of his first nine shots, had five points at halftime and didn't find his shooting touch until the game had gotten away from the Timberwolves.Minnesota's veteran point guard Mike Conley was scratched just before tipoff with a sore right Achilles. He was injured when he missed a 3-pointer on the Wolves' final possession in their loss on Sunday. Nickeil Alexander-Walker started in his spot and had 14 points and five assists.In his pre-game comments, Wolves coach Chris Finch also expressed dismay at the NBA fining Rudy Gobert $75,000 for making a money gesture following a call by referee Scott Foster in Game 4.That was $25,000 less than Murray was fined for his actions in Game 2, when he, too, made the money sign and threw both a towel and a heat pack toward an official.When Towns went to the bench with his third foul late in the first half, Gobert pointed at Kyle Anderson, instructing him to guard Jokic. TNT announcer Reggie Miller was aghast at Gobert, saying, “You’re the Defensive Player of the Year! You guard the MVP!”It mattered little who was guarding the three-time MVP on this night.“He's amazing,” Murray said, “just the way he picks apart the game and reads the game and trusts his teammates. I'm guessing that for the big fella getting the trophy tonight probably motivated him a little bit. Just being at home was a lot of fun, the place was rocking, kind of felt the energy and he definitely had it going.”

Nuggets win Game Five, take 3-2 lead in 2nd round series

Nebraska High School District Golf Results

<a href="https://secure.nsaahome.org/nsaaforms/go/finaldistresults.php?sport=go_b&amp;distid=98">Class C-5 at Lakeside Country Club</a> Chadron Qualifies for State

<a href="https://secure.nsaahome.org/nsaaforms/go/finaldistresults.php?sport=go_b&amp;distid=93">Class B-4 at Southern Hills</a> Scottsbluff Qualifies for State

<a href="https://secure.nsaahome.org/nsaaforms/go/finaldistresults.php?sport=go_b&amp;distid=103">Class D-5 at Rivers Edge</a> Hemingford and Kimball Qualify For State

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629461621684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Nebraska High School District Golf Results</h2><a href="https://secure.nsaahome.org/nsaaforms/go/finaldistresults.php?sport=go_b&amp;distid=98">Class C-5 at Lakeside Country Club</a> Chadron Qualifies for State<a href="https://secure.nsaahome.org/nsaaforms/go/finaldistresults.php?sport=go_b&amp;distid=93">Class B-4 at Southern Hills</a> Scottsbluff Qualifies for State<a href="https://secure.nsaahome.org/nsaaforms/go/finaldistresults.php?sport=go_b&amp;distid=103">Class D-5 at Rivers Edge</a> Hemingford and Kimball Qualify For State

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Elehuris Montero had two hits and three RBIs to lead Colorado to an 5-4 victory over the San Diego Padres on Monday night and extend the Rockies' winning streak to five games.

Colorado relievers walked the bases loaded in both the eighth and ninth innings, but the Padres failed to score in either frame. San Diego drew 11 walks in the game — eight in the final three innings — and stranded nine runners in the loss.

"Man, the term ‘hang on tight’ came into play. ... You don't draw them up like that for sure," Rockies manager Bud Black said. “The last out was something in the dugout that goes your way, it is a good feeling. The guys erupted.”

The Rockies are 4-16 away from home with eight games over the next 10 days on their current road trip. The win snapped Colorado's five-game losing streak at Petco Park, dating to the opening series of the 2023 season.

Colorado’s Jalen Beeks walked the bases loaded in the ninth, but didn't give up a run and earned his fourth save. He got Manny Machado to hit into a game-ending double play.

“We’ll take Manny up there every day. It just didn’t work out,” Padres manager Mike Shildt said. “Typically, when you earn 11 walks, it puts you in pretty good position. We just couldn’t cash in on the big hit.”

Rockies right-fielder Jake Cave made an outstanding diving catch on the run to take away a possible hit on a fading blooper near the foul line by Luis Arraez in the ninth inning.

“I was just trying to cover as much ground as possible,” Cave said of his catch. “I'm not going to dive unless I think I have a chance to catch it, in that situation especially. I just let the game dictate what I was going to do.”

Rockies reliver Justin Lawrence also had control difficulties in the eighth, walking three batters. But, he was able to get out of the jam without giving up a run as he coaxed Luis Campusano to hit into a flyout to preserve the Rockies' 5-4 lead.

The Padres generated all their offense on home runs. Jurickson Profar hit a two-run shot and Xander Bogaerts and Jackson Merrill added solo homers.

Colorado jumped on Padres starter Randy Vásquez (0-2), scoring one run in the first inning and four in the third. Montero singled in the run in the second and doubled in two runs in the fourth.

“We are just trying to go out there and win some ballgames and luckily the results have been good,” Montero said of the Rockies' winning streak.

Rockies starter Dakota Hudson (1-6), who came into Monday's gave having lost all six of his previous starts this season, earned his first win. He gave up three runs and three hits in 5-2/3 innings.

“I think it was the least I have used my slider on the year, it was just a lot of curveballs and lots of change-ups today and mixing the sinker in,” Hudson about his array of pitches. “Guys are just stepping up ready for their opportunity. ... We are playing tough baseball.”

Vásquez lasted 3 2/3 innings and gave up five runs, four earned, and eight hits in the loss.

“Recently we have been in games and we have had good starting pitching so the games have been close,” Black said. “We are having trouble scoring runs, so any opportunity in the game that calls for aggressiveness, we are going to do it. We have got some team speed.”

Rockies: IB Kris Bryant (low back strain) worked out in Denver on Monday and is headed to Triple-A Albuquerque for an injury rehab assignment starting May 14. He may join the Rockies in San Francisco starting May 17. ... OF Nolan Jones (low back strain) is expected to begin an injury rehab assignment in Albuquerque on May 14 and could also return on May 17. ... LHP Kyle Freeland (left elbow strain) is “a week or 10 days away from getting on the mound,” Black said.

Padres: SS Ha-Seong Kim was back in the lineup on Monday, a day after he left the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers after being hit in the left wrist. The X-rays came back negative. “I thought that didn’t look good at all, so we’re very pleased that he’s negative in the imaging and able to perform today,” Shildt said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715700673123.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SAN DIEGO (AP) — Elehuris Montero had two hits and three RBIs to lead Colorado to an 5-4 victory over the San Diego Padres on Monday night and extend the Rockies' winning streak to five games.Colorado relievers walked the bases loaded in both the eighth and ninth innings, but the Padres failed to score in either frame. San Diego drew 11 walks in the game — eight in the final three innings — and stranded nine runners in the loss."Man, the term ‘hang on tight’ came into play. ... You don't draw them up like that for sure," Rockies manager Bud Black said. “The last out was something in the dugout that goes your way, it is a good feeling. The guys erupted.”The Rockies are 4-16 away from home with eight games over the next 10 days on their current road trip. The win snapped Colorado's five-game losing streak at Petco Park, dating to the opening series of the 2023 season.Colorado’s Jalen Beeks walked the bases loaded in the ninth, but didn't give up a run and earned his fourth save. He got Manny Machado to hit into a game-ending double play.“We’ll take Manny up there every day. It just didn’t work out,” Padres manager Mike Shildt said. “Typically, when you earn 11 walks, it puts you in pretty good position. We just couldn’t cash in on the big hit.”Rockies right-fielder Jake Cave made an outstanding diving catch on the run to take away a possible hit on a fading blooper near the foul line by Luis Arraez in the ninth inning.“I was just trying to cover as much ground as possible,” Cave said of his catch. “I'm not going to dive unless I think I have a chance to catch it, in that situation especially. I just let the game dictate what I was going to do.”Rockies reliver Justin Lawrence also had control difficulties in the eighth, walking three batters. But, he was able to get out of the jam without giving up a run as he coaxed Luis Campusano to hit into a flyout to preserve the Rockies' 5-4 lead.The Padres generated all their offense on home runs. Jurickson Profar hit a two-run shot and Xander Bogaerts and Jackson Merrill added solo homers.Colorado jumped on Padres starter Randy Vásquez (0-2), scoring one run in the first inning and four in the third. Montero singled in the run in the second and doubled in two runs in the fourth.“We are just trying to go out there and win some ballgames and luckily the results have been good,” Montero said of the Rockies' winning streak.Rockies starter Dakota Hudson (1-6), who came into Monday's gave having lost all six of his previous starts this season, earned his first win. He gave up three runs and three hits in 5-2/3 innings.“I think it was the least I have used my slider on the year, it was just a lot of curveballs and lots of change-ups today and mixing the sinker in,” Hudson about his array of pitches. “Guys are just stepping up ready for their opportunity. ... We are playing tough baseball.”Vásquez lasted 3 2/3 innings and gave up five runs, four earned, and eight hits in the loss.The Rockies had three stolen bases.“Recently we have been in games and we have had good starting pitching so the games have been close,” Black said. “We are having trouble scoring runs, so any opportunity in the game that calls for aggressiveness, we are going to do it. We have got some team speed.”TRAINER’S ROOMRockies: IB Kris Bryant (low back strain) worked out in Denver on Monday and is headed to Triple-A Albuquerque for an injury rehab assignment starting May 14. He may join the Rockies in San Francisco starting May 17. ... OF Nolan Jones (low back strain) is expected to begin an injury rehab assignment in Albuquerque on May 14 and could also return on May 17. ... LHP Kyle Freeland (left elbow strain) is “a week or 10 days away from getting on the mound,” Black said.Padres: SS Ha-Seong Kim was back in the lineup on Monday, a day after he left the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers after being hit in the left wrist. The X-rays came back negative. “I thought that didn’t look good at all, so we’re very pleased that he’s negative in the imaging and able to perform today,” Shildt said.

Rockies run winning streak to five games taking series opener in San Diego

DENVER (AP) — Wyatt Johnston scored twice on the eve of his 21st birthday as the Dallas Stars pushed Colorado to the brink of elimination Monday night with a 5-1 win in Game 4 that came hours after Avalanche standout&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/avalanche-valeri-nichushkin-9317327616182770193454f6a0b29ca4">Valeri Nichushkin</a>&nbsp;was suspended for at least six months.

Johnston&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/DallasStars/status/1790214466421797136">had short-handed and power-play goals</a>&nbsp;for the Stars, who grabbed a 3-1 lead in the second-round, best-of-seven series. Dallas can close it out at home in Game 5 on Wednesday.

“He (Johnston) came out possessed tonight,” Stars coach Pete DeBoer said. “He was all over the rink. Just fantastic, fantastic young hockey player that’s going to be a cornerstone.”

Miro&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/DallasStars/status/1790218136056152081">Heiskanen</a>&nbsp;and Evgenii Dadonov also scored, while Sam Steel added a late empty-net goal. Jake Oettinger made 24 saves.

About an hour before the game, the National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players’ Association announced that Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay. He was placed in stage 3 of the league’s player assistance program. It’s the second time this season Nichushkin has been in the program.

“We’re not going to use that as an excuse. We can’t and we won’t,” said Avalanche coach Jared Bednar, who found out after the morning skate and told his players when they returned to the rink before the game. “You have to be mentally tough.”

A Colorado lineup missing Nichushkin, the team’s leading goal scorer (nine) in this playoff run, struggled early to get on track and was outshot by a 16-2 margin in the first period. Casey Mittelstadt scored Colorado’s lone goal in the second.

“We looked frozen in the first period,” Bednar said. “We weren't moving, we're not skating. Looked like we were exhausted, and we should be the rested team.”

The Avalanche also were without standout defenseman Devon Toews, who was a late scratch due to an illness. Colorado's defense couldn't prevent Johnston and the Stars from building a 3-0 lead in the second period. Dallas has yet to trail in regulation during the series.

“We’ve played a lot of good hockey and put ourselves in some good positions,” Stars forward Joe Pavelski said. “It’s just a commitment to doing it the right way. That’s number one for us.”

Johnston, who turns 21 on Tuesday, scored his 10th and 11th career playoff goals. He became the eighth player in NHL history to reach double-digit postseason goals at age 20 or younger, according to league research.

He was presented a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/dallasstars/status/1790248515513274515?s=46&amp;t=y0hstlbC_4UXCQ3S9MahGw">candy-bar cake with a candle</a>&nbsp;after the game.

“It’s been a crazy, crazy couple of years,” Johnston said. “I’m just really thankful and just so happy to have met some amazing people on the way and just have a chance to be with the Stars.”

The Stars saw forward Roope Hintz leave the game after suffering an upper-body injury in the opening period.

Alexandar Georgiev was kept busy all night, stopping 29 shots.

Avalanche&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/avalanche-stars-drouin-toews-b958ec984160588465d1c8727e5df260">forward Jonathan Drouin</a>&nbsp;played in his first postseason game this season, stepping in to fill the void of Nichushkin. Drouin has been sidelined since he suffered a lower-body injury in the regular-season finale.

Caleb Jones was inserted into the lineup with Toews out and was whistled for two penalties.

The Avalanche dropped both home games to Dallas in this series. Colorado posted the NHL’s best home record (31-9-1) in the regular season.

“We’ve got nothing to lose,” Avalanche forward Andrew Cogliano said. “You lay it on the line and see where the chips fall. ... You want no regrets.”

Johnston took advantage of a Cale Makar turnover late in the first period and scored a shorthanded goal to give the Stars a 1-0 lead. It's the second shorthanded goal of the series for Dallas.

The Stars have outscored the Avalanche 6-0 in the opening period.

Colorado's frustration was on display after the first-period buzzer, with Colorado defenseman Josh Manson taking exception to Jamie Benn running into Georgiev. Manson pounced on Benn and both were hit with penalties — Manson for roughing and Benn for goaltender interference. Benn delivered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/avalanche-stars-score-nhl-playoffs-a32572db64ba386325e05cf9d5734ede">a big hit on Toews in Game 2</a>.

Now, it's back home to potentially end Colorado's season.

“They’re not going to go down quietly,” DeBoer said. "We’re going to anticipate that the next game is going to be the toughest to win.’’

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715700561212.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Wyatt Johnston scored twice on the eve of his 21st birthday as the Dallas Stars pushed Colorado to the brink of elimination Monday night with a 5-1 win in Game 4 that came hours after Avalanche standout&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/avalanche-valeri-nichushkin-9317327616182770193454f6a0b29ca4">Valeri Nichushkin</a>&nbsp;was suspended for at least six months.Johnston&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/DallasStars/status/1790214466421797136">had short-handed and power-play goals</a>&nbsp;for the Stars, who grabbed a 3-1 lead in the second-round, best-of-seven series. Dallas can close it out at home in Game 5 on Wednesday.“He (Johnston) came out possessed tonight,” Stars coach Pete DeBoer said. “He was all over the rink. Just fantastic, fantastic young hockey player that’s going to be a cornerstone.”Miro&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/DallasStars/status/1790218136056152081">Heiskanen</a>&nbsp;and Evgenii Dadonov also scored, while Sam Steel added a late empty-net goal. Jake Oettinger made 24 saves.About an hour before the game, the National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players’ Association announced that Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay. He was placed in stage 3 of the league’s player assistance program. It’s the second time this season Nichushkin has been in the program.“We’re not going to use that as an excuse. We can’t and we won’t,” said Avalanche coach Jared Bednar, who found out after the morning skate and told his players when they returned to the rink before the game. “You have to be mentally tough.”A Colorado lineup missing Nichushkin, the team’s leading goal scorer (nine) in this playoff run, struggled early to get on track and was outshot by a 16-2 margin in the first period. Casey Mittelstadt scored Colorado’s lone goal in the second.“We looked frozen in the first period,” Bednar said. “We weren't moving, we're not skating. Looked like we were exhausted, and we should be the rested team.”The Avalanche also were without standout defenseman Devon Toews, who was a late scratch due to an illness. Colorado's defense couldn't prevent Johnston and the Stars from building a 3-0 lead in the second period. Dallas has yet to trail in regulation during the series.“We’ve played a lot of good hockey and put ourselves in some good positions,” Stars forward Joe Pavelski said. “It’s just a commitment to doing it the right way. That’s number one for us.”Johnston, who turns 21 on Tuesday, scored his 10th and 11th career playoff goals. He became the eighth player in NHL history to reach double-digit postseason goals at age 20 or younger, according to league research.He was presented a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/dallasstars/status/1790248515513274515?s=46&amp;t=y0hstlbC_4UXCQ3S9MahGw">candy-bar cake with a candle</a>&nbsp;after the game.“It’s been a crazy, crazy couple of years,” Johnston said. “I’m just really thankful and just so happy to have met some amazing people on the way and just have a chance to be with the Stars.”The Stars saw forward Roope Hintz leave the game after suffering an upper-body injury in the opening period.Alexandar Georgiev was kept busy all night, stopping 29 shots.Avalanche&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/avalanche-stars-drouin-toews-b958ec984160588465d1c8727e5df260">forward Jonathan Drouin</a>&nbsp;played in his first postseason game this season, stepping in to fill the void of Nichushkin. Drouin has been sidelined since he suffered a lower-body injury in the regular-season finale.Caleb Jones was inserted into the lineup with Toews out and was whistled for two penalties.The Avalanche dropped both home games to Dallas in this series. Colorado posted the NHL’s best home record (31-9-1) in the regular season.It's desperation time.“We’ve got nothing to lose,” Avalanche forward Andrew Cogliano said. “You lay it on the line and see where the chips fall. ... You want no regrets.”Johnston took advantage of a Cale Makar turnover late in the first period and scored a shorthanded goal to give the Stars a 1-0 lead. It's the second shorthanded goal of the series for Dallas.The Stars have outscored the Avalanche 6-0 in the opening period.Colorado's frustration was on display after the first-period buzzer, with Colorado defenseman Josh Manson taking exception to Jamie Benn running into Georgiev. Manson pounced on Benn and both were hit with penalties — Manson for roughing and Benn for goaltender interference. Benn delivered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/avalanche-stars-score-nhl-playoffs-a32572db64ba386325e05cf9d5734ede">a big hit on Toews in Game 2</a>.Now, it's back home to potentially end Colorado's season.“They’re not going to go down quietly,” DeBoer said. "We’re going to anticipate that the next game is going to be the toughest to win.’’

Avs seeing Stars as Dallas pushes forward with 3-1 series lead

Nebraska and Colorado will meet under the lights at Memorial Stadium this fall, with the game broadcast to a national audience by NBC.&nbsp; The network announced the matchup on Monday morning, marking the first Huskers’ game time set for the 2024 season.

Kickoff time for the matchup between Nebraska and Colorado will be 6:30 p.m. CDT at Memorial Stadium on September 7. It will mark the first ever evening kickoff between Nebraska and Colorado at Memorial Stadium.

The NBC prime-time appearance will be Nebraska’s second in the past two years on the network. Last fall, the Huskers’ game at Wisconsin was broadcast to an NBC national audience. The NU-Colorado game will mark the first time NBC has broadcast a game from Memorial Stadium since Thanksgiving Day in 1965, when Nebraska defeated Oklahoma in Lincoln.

Additional game times and television information are expected by the end of May, including kickoff times for the games against UTEP (Aug. 31) and Northern Iowa (Sept. 14). Other special dates games may also be announced by the end of May.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715654939564.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy: Husker AthleticsNebraska and Colorado will meet under the lights at Memorial Stadium this fall, with the game broadcast to a national audience by NBC.&nbsp; The network announced the matchup on Monday morning, marking the first Huskers’ game time set for the 2024 season.Kickoff time for the matchup between Nebraska and Colorado will be 6:30 p.m. CDT at Memorial Stadium on September 7. It will mark the first ever evening kickoff between Nebraska and Colorado at Memorial Stadium.The NBC prime-time appearance will be Nebraska’s second in the past two years on the network. Last fall, the Huskers’ game at Wisconsin was broadcast to an NBC national audience. The NU-Colorado game will mark the first time NBC has broadcast a game from Memorial Stadium since Thanksgiving Day in 1965, when Nebraska defeated Oklahoma in Lincoln.Additional game times and television information are expected by the end of May, including kickoff times for the games against UTEP (Aug. 31) and Northern Iowa (Sept. 14). Other special dates games may also be announced by the end of May.

CFB: Huskers vs. Buffs set for first-ever night time showdown in Memorial Stadium

NEW YORK (AP) — The Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs will open the regular season at home against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 5 in a rematch of the AFC title game, the NFL announced Monday.

The NFL will release the entire 2024 season schedule on Wednesday night on the NFL Network.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-ravens-score-afc-championship-2d7d4c43fe8fc614b27bf5fc7f4e94d1">Chiefs beat the Ravens 17-10</a>&nbsp;in the AFC championship game in January and went on to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-score-chiefs-49ers-49b5dca51c05ab0f259cef0d7da76c2d">defeat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime</a>&nbsp;in the Super Bowl.

The Chiefs-Ravens opener at Arrowhead Stadium will be a Thursday night game on NBC. The Chiefs are favored by three points, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.ia.betmgm.com/en/sports/football-11/betting/usa-9/nfl-35">BetMGM Sportsbook.</a>

Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs will be going for an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl title and fourth in six years this season. Mahomes is 4-1 in his career against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.

Kansas City will begin the season at home for the second straight year and is 9-2 in openers under Andy Reid. The Chiefs lost 21-20 to Detroit in their 2023 opener.

In addition to Mahomes, the Chiefs bring back star tight end Travis Kelce, who agreed to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-travis-kelce-f0c1da59a7963dfda1b786fbb26081ee">$34.5 million, two-year contract extension</a>&nbsp;last month, and All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones, who signed a five-year, $158.75 million deal in March.

Led by Jackson, the two-time MVP, Baltimore had the best record in the NFL last season and was the top seed for the AFC playoffs. The Ravens beat the Houston Texans 34-10 in the divisional round before undisciplined play and a couple interceptions by Jackson doomed them against the Chiefs.

The Ravens will have a different look when the teams meet in the opener. Derrick Henry, the second-leading rusher in the league for Tennessee last season, signed with the Ravens in March and gives the team a pounding running back to complement the elusive Jackson. Ravens running backs had just six carries in the AFC title game.

The Ravens have won seven of their last eight Week 1 games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715633812741.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs will open the regular season at home against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 5 in a rematch of the AFC title game, the NFL announced Monday.The NFL will release the entire 2024 season schedule on Wednesday night on the NFL Network.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-ravens-score-afc-championship-2d7d4c43fe8fc614b27bf5fc7f4e94d1">Chiefs beat the Ravens 17-10</a>&nbsp;in the AFC championship game in January and went on to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-score-chiefs-49ers-49b5dca51c05ab0f259cef0d7da76c2d">defeat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime</a>&nbsp;in the Super Bowl.The Chiefs-Ravens opener at Arrowhead Stadium will be a Thursday night game on NBC. The Chiefs are favored by three points, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.ia.betmgm.com/en/sports/football-11/betting/usa-9/nfl-35">BetMGM Sportsbook.</a>Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs will be going for an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl title and fourth in six years this season. Mahomes is 4-1 in his career against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.Kansas City will begin the season at home for the second straight year and is 9-2 in openers under Andy Reid. The Chiefs lost 21-20 to Detroit in their 2023 opener.In addition to Mahomes, the Chiefs bring back star tight end Travis Kelce, who agreed to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-travis-kelce-f0c1da59a7963dfda1b786fbb26081ee">$34.5 million, two-year contract extension</a>&nbsp;last month, and All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones, who signed a five-year, $158.75 million deal in March.Led by Jackson, the two-time MVP, Baltimore had the best record in the NFL last season and was the top seed for the AFC playoffs. The Ravens beat the Houston Texans 34-10 in the divisional round before undisciplined play and a couple interceptions by Jackson doomed them against the Chiefs.The Ravens will have a different look when the teams meet in the opener. Derrick Henry, the second-leading rusher in the league for Tennessee last season, signed with the Ravens in March and gives the team a pounding running back to complement the elusive Jackson. Ravens running backs had just six carries in the AFC title game.The Ravens have won seven of their last eight Week 1 games.

NFL season opener: Ravens at Chiefs; full league schedule release is Wednesday

 It took a while before the good news was officially posted, but the Chadron State College men’s 4x100 relay team has qualified for the NCAA Division II National Track and Field Championships that will take place May 23-25 at Emporia, Kan.

              The Eagles placed third in the race at the Lopers Twilight Meet, also known as a “last chance meet,” on Saturday afternoon in Kearney in 39.88 seconds.  That’s the Chadron State record and is the sixth fastest time of the 2024 season in Division II.  The 12 relay teams from across the nation with the fastest times qualify for the national meet.

              The CSC relay runners were Morgan Fawver, Esosa Iyangunmwena, Ryan Clapper and Quincy Efeturi.

              “It’s amazing that we ran so well,” said Jake Gruver, the Eagles’ first-year head track and field coach. “We had our secret weapon, Morgan Fawver, available, we had good handoffs and the weather was beautiful. Anytime you dip below 40 seconds it’s a big deal.”

              Pittsburg State of Kansas won the 4x100 at Kearney in 39.39 seconds. That’s fastest time in DII in this year. Central Missouri was second in 39.69 and the Eagles were third with their 39.88.  Colorado-Colorado Springs, which won the RMAC championship two weeks ago, was fourth at 40.06.

              There was a similar “last chance meet” hosted by Concordia University at Seward, Neb., on Friday. Its 4x100 relay entries included Northwest Missouri State, which before this weekend had the fastest DII time of 39.79. The Bearcats won that race in 39.60, Emporia State was second in 40.23 and Chadron State was third in 40.37.

              Gruver said the CSC handoffs weren’t quite as smooth in the first race as they were in the second.

              Following the two meets, Pittsburg State is the national leader with its 39.39 and Northwest Missouri is second with its 39.60. They are followed by Central Missouri, 39.69; Albany State of New York, 39.74; Alabama State at Huntsville, 39.80; and Chadron State, 39.88. Tiffin of Ohio is seventh, 39.94.

              It’s ironic that it was Gruver, who as a senior in 2011. anchored the Eagles’ 4x100 relay team which had owned the school record of 40.50 seconds until Saturday.

              The coach was excited when CSC’s 4x100 relay team opened the 2024 outdoor season at Pueblo, Colo., on March 23 with a time of 40.73, the second fastest in school history.

That foursome continued to run well while placing second at two major meets, but suffered a setback when one of its original members, Cole Perkins, suffered a pulled hamstring prior to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Championships in late April.

              Since spring practice was over, Gruver made arrangements to “borrow” CSC’s all-conference wide receiver Tommy Thomas from the football team to fill in for Perkins. However, Thomas also had a hamstring problem while running the opening leg of the relay at the RMAC Meet and the Eagles’ first handoff never happened. 

              Gruver never gave up. He knew about the “last chance” opportunities. He needed to find another mercurial sprinter. 

               He sought out the guy he called the “secret weapon.” That’s Fawver, perhaps the fastest person on campus when he’s healthy. Early this past season Fawver competed only a couple of times during the indoor season before going on the injury list. But he had faithfully rehabilitated, eagerly embraced the opportunity and ran opening 100 meters last weekend.

Gruver said the McCook native got the Eagles off to great starts both times.

              Two of the other relay team members—Iyengunmwena and Efeturi—are from Nigeria.  Clapper is at graduate of Southeast High School at Yoder, Wyo. All three have at least two more years of eligibility.

              Besides Gruver, whose hometown is Cheyenne, Wyo., the other members of Chadron State’s record-setting relay in 2011 were Brandon Segelke of Sidney, Karl McFarlane of Jamaica and Phil Rivera of Apple Valley, Calif.  Their 40.50 mark won the RMAC championship and qualified for the national championships at Turlock, Calif., where they finished sixth in 41.10 seconds after also placed sixth in the preliminaries in 41.00.

              Two more 2024 Eagles also competed at the “last chance” meets last weekend. Both had some impressive marks, but did not improve their chance of qualifying for nationals. Recent graduate Alec Penfield, the high jumper from Lusk, went 6-5 ½ at Concordia and matched his career-best of 6-7 ¼ at Kearney.  Redshirt freshman Chayton Bynes of Chadron triple jumped 47-11 to place third at Concordia and went 45-2 at UNK before fouling on his final four jumps.

              There was lots of competition at both meets.  There were two 7-foot high jumper at each meet, including Nebraska-Kearney’s Brayden Sorensen who topped 7-1 ½, and a few of the triple jumpers approached the 50-foot mark.   

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715633508490.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Con Marshall It took a while before the good news was officially posted, but the Chadron State College men’s 4x100 relay team has qualified for the NCAA Division II National Track and Field Championships that will take place May 23-25 at Emporia, Kan. The Eagles placed third in the race at the Lopers Twilight Meet, also known as a “last chance meet,” on Saturday afternoon in Kearney in 39.88 seconds. That’s the Chadron State record and is the sixth fastest time of the 2024 season in Division II. The 12 relay teams from across the nation with the fastest times qualify for the national meet. The CSC relay runners were Morgan Fawver, Esosa Iyangunmwena, Ryan Clapper and Quincy Efeturi. “It’s amazing that we ran so well,” said Jake Gruver, the Eagles’ first-year head track and field coach. “We had our secret weapon, Morgan Fawver, available, we had good handoffs and the weather was beautiful. Anytime you dip below 40 seconds it’s a big deal.” Pittsburg State of Kansas won the 4x100 at Kearney in 39.39 seconds. That’s fastest time in DII in this year. Central Missouri was second in 39.69 and the Eagles were third with their 39.88. Colorado-Colorado Springs, which won the RMAC championship two weeks ago, was fourth at 40.06. There was a similar “last chance meet” hosted by Concordia University at Seward, Neb., on Friday. Its 4x100 relay entries included Northwest Missouri State, which before this weekend had the fastest DII time of 39.79. The Bearcats won that race in 39.60, Emporia State was second in 40.23 and Chadron State was third in 40.37. Gruver said the CSC handoffs weren’t quite as smooth in the first race as they were in the second. Following the two meets, Pittsburg State is the national leader with its 39.39 and Northwest Missouri is second with its 39.60. They are followed by Central Missouri, 39.69; Albany State of New York, 39.74; Alabama State at Huntsville, 39.80; and Chadron State, 39.88. Tiffin of Ohio is seventh, 39.94. It’s ironic that it was Gruver, who as a senior in 2011. anchored the Eagles’ 4x100 relay team which had owned the school record of 40.50 seconds until Saturday. The coach was excited when CSC’s 4x100 relay team opened the 2024 outdoor season at Pueblo, Colo., on March 23 with a time of 40.73, the second fastest in school history.That foursome continued to run well while placing second at two major meets, but suffered a setback when one of its original members, Cole Perkins, suffered a pulled hamstring prior to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Championships in late April. Since spring practice was over, Gruver made arrangements to “borrow” CSC’s all-conference wide receiver Tommy Thomas from the football team to fill in for Perkins. However, Thomas also had a hamstring problem while running the opening leg of the relay at the RMAC Meet and the Eagles’ first handoff never happened. Gruver never gave up. He knew about the “last chance” opportunities. He needed to find another mercurial sprinter. He sought out the guy he called the “secret weapon.” That’s Fawver, perhaps the fastest person on campus when he’s healthy. Early this past season Fawver competed only a couple of times during the indoor season before going on the injury list. But he had faithfully rehabilitated, eagerly embraced the opportunity and ran opening 100 meters last weekend.Gruver said the McCook native got the Eagles off to great starts both times. Two of the other relay team members—Iyengunmwena and Efeturi—are from Nigeria. Clapper is at graduate of Southeast High School at Yoder, Wyo. All three have at least two more years of eligibility. Besides Gruver, whose hometown is Cheyenne, Wyo., the other members of Chadron State’s record-setting relay in 2011 were Brandon Segelke of Sidney, Karl McFarlane of Jamaica and Phil Rivera of Apple Valley, Calif. Their 40.50 mark won the RMAC championship and qualified for the national championships at Turlock, Calif., where they finished sixth in 41.10 seconds after also placed sixth in the preliminaries in 41.00. Two more 2024 Eagles also competed at the “last chance” meets last weekend. Both had some impressive marks, but did not improve their chance of qualifying for nationals. Recent graduate Alec Penfield, the high jumper from Lusk, went 6-5 ½ at Concordia and matched his career-best of 6-7 ¼ at Kearney. Redshirt freshman Chayton Bynes of Chadron triple jumped 47-11 to place third at Concordia and went 45-2 at UNK before fouling on his final four jumps. There was lots of competition at both meets. There were two 7-foot high jumper at each meet, including Nebraska-Kearney’s Brayden Sorensen who topped 7-1 ½, and a few of the triple jumpers approached the 50-foot mark.

CSC 4x100 relay team qualifies for NCAA National Championships

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Denver Nuggets were far from done after dropping the first two games of the Western Conference semifinals at home in humbling fashion.

Nikola Jokic scored 16 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter, and Aaron Gordon had 27 points on 11-for-12 shooting to propel the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/denver-nuggets">Nuggets</a>&nbsp;to a series-tying 115-107 victory over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/minnesota-timberwolves">Timberwolves</a>&nbsp;on Sunday night in Game 4 .

“It’s just like a laser-sharp focus,” Gordon said, “and a surgical execution.”

Jamal Murray had 12 of his 19 points in the third quarter for the derfending champion Nuggets in a momentum carryover from his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-playoffs-nuggets-murray-706f906f6185a52db71c96ea1f5c493b">buzzer-beating swish from behind half court</a>, and the Wolves only had the deficit below double digits in the second half for a total of 3:19.

Anthony Edwards scored 44 points in another spectacular performance for Minnesota that set the franchise postseason record, shooting 16 for 25. But despite a 42-31 rebounding edge, the Wolves were beaten at their own game for the second straight time at home.

“Game 2 definitely woke us up,” Murray said. “We realized we can’t hold ourselves back.”

The series goes back to Denver for Game 5 on Tuesday night.

“This is a series. We won two games, but we didn’t think it was going to be easy,” Edwards said.

Mike Conley had 15 points, Karl-Anthony Towns went just 5 for 18 from the field for 13 points and 12 rebounds, and Rudy Gobert came alive late to score 11 points and grab 14 rebounds. Still, the Wolves were on their heels at home for a second straight game.

The Nuggets scored eight straight points in 20 seconds to close the first half, highlighted by Murray’s improbable heave.

Gordon didn’t miss until there was 3:39 to go. Most importantly, he took the lead in hounding Towns and even took some turns trying to slow Edwards.

“The shot-making, the play-making, the physicality, the defense on two All-Stars, so much is being asked of him right now,” coach Mike Malone said. “What you love about Aaron Gordon since Day 1, when he put on that Nuggets uniform, It’s always been about the Nuggets first. He is truly selfless.”

The three off days between Games 2 and 3 did the Wolves no good, yielding a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nuggets-timberwolves-score-game-3-8958900aed05993238fac4b1891db0b4">27-point defeat</a>&nbsp;after which coach Chris Finch declared them feeling “fat and lazy” after all the fawning near and far for their performance in Denver. They needed to reintroduce their edge right away to keep the crowd consistently roaring, and Edwards dutifully led that response.

The 2020 first overall draft pick scored nine points in the first four-plus minutes before Murray even touched the ball, with Gordon and Jokic sharing the point guard duties to reduce the burden on Murray and his strained left calf muscle.

After a quiet Game 3, Edwards was on a mission to will the Wolves to win, as the Nuggets fully expected. Their loading up on him in the lane wasn't enough, as he hit from everywhere on the court, but the rest of the Wolves frequently failed to make the Nuggets pay for leaving them open.

They missed tip-ins at the rim, not just corner 3s. Towns missed his first seven shots, and while his effort and defense never suffered, he was a mess trying to get the ball to the basket, rarely drawing the fouls he argued for.

“It’s unfortunate that on Mother’s Day I have a shooting performance like that,” Towns said. “But it’s the way the game goes. It’s not a fun game sometimes.”

The Wolves showed off their league-best defense and their enviable depth in the first two games, but the Nuggets copied and pasted that formula on the road. When their secondary scorers and bench players are hitting their jumpers, they're awfully tough to beat.

Gordon, Justin Holiday (10 points), Christian Braun (11 points) and Reggie Jackson (six points) went a combined 8 for 11 from 3-point range. They fueled a 26-4 run that bridged the first and second quarters, and all but five points on that surge came with the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Gobert resting on the bench.

“They are doing all the dirty, small things that nobody notices,” Jokic said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715622078719.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Denver Nuggets were far from done after dropping the first two games of the Western Conference semifinals at home in humbling fashion.Nikola Jokic scored 16 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter, and Aaron Gordon had 27 points on 11-for-12 shooting to propel the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/denver-nuggets">Nuggets</a>&nbsp;to a series-tying 115-107 victory over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/minnesota-timberwolves">Timberwolves</a>&nbsp;on Sunday night in Game 4 .“It’s just like a laser-sharp focus,” Gordon said, “and a surgical execution.”Jamal Murray had 12 of his 19 points in the third quarter for the derfending champion Nuggets in a momentum carryover from his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-playoffs-nuggets-murray-706f906f6185a52db71c96ea1f5c493b">buzzer-beating swish from behind half court</a>, and the Wolves only had the deficit below double digits in the second half for a total of 3:19.Anthony Edwards scored 44 points in another spectacular performance for Minnesota that set the franchise postseason record, shooting 16 for 25. But despite a 42-31 rebounding edge, the Wolves were beaten at their own game for the second straight time at home.“Game 2 definitely woke us up,” Murray said. “We realized we can’t hold ourselves back.”The series goes back to Denver for Game 5 on Tuesday night.“This is a series. We won two games, but we didn’t think it was going to be easy,” Edwards said.Mike Conley had 15 points, Karl-Anthony Towns went just 5 for 18 from the field for 13 points and 12 rebounds, and Rudy Gobert came alive late to score 11 points and grab 14 rebounds. Still, the Wolves were on their heels at home for a second straight game.The Nuggets scored eight straight points in 20 seconds to close the first half, highlighted by Murray’s improbable heave.Gordon didn’t miss until there was 3:39 to go. Most importantly, he took the lead in hounding Towns and even took some turns trying to slow Edwards.“The shot-making, the play-making, the physicality, the defense on two All-Stars, so much is being asked of him right now,” coach Mike Malone said. “What you love about Aaron Gordon since Day 1, when he put on that Nuggets uniform, It’s always been about the Nuggets first. He is truly selfless.”The three off days between Games 2 and 3 did the Wolves no good, yielding a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nuggets-timberwolves-score-game-3-8958900aed05993238fac4b1891db0b4">27-point defeat</a>&nbsp;after which coach Chris Finch declared them feeling “fat and lazy” after all the fawning near and far for their performance in Denver. They needed to reintroduce their edge right away to keep the crowd consistently roaring, and Edwards dutifully led that response.The 2020 first overall draft pick scored nine points in the first four-plus minutes before Murray even touched the ball, with Gordon and Jokic sharing the point guard duties to reduce the burden on Murray and his strained left calf muscle.After a quiet Game 3, Edwards was on a mission to will the Wolves to win, as the Nuggets fully expected. Their loading up on him in the lane wasn't enough, as he hit from everywhere on the court, but the rest of the Wolves frequently failed to make the Nuggets pay for leaving them open.They missed tip-ins at the rim, not just corner 3s. Towns missed his first seven shots, and while his effort and defense never suffered, he was a mess trying to get the ball to the basket, rarely drawing the fouls he argued for.“It’s unfortunate that on Mother’s Day I have a shooting performance like that,” Towns said. “But it’s the way the game goes. It’s not a fun game sometimes.”The Wolves showed off their league-best defense and their enviable depth in the first two games, but the Nuggets copied and pasted that formula on the road. When their secondary scorers and bench players are hitting their jumpers, they're awfully tough to beat.Gordon, Justin Holiday (10 points), Christian Braun (11 points) and Reggie Jackson (six points) went a combined 8 for 11 from 3-point range. They fueled a 26-4 run that bridged the first and second quarters, and all but five points on that surge came with the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Gobert resting on the bench.“They are doing all the dirty, small things that nobody notices,” Jokic said.

Nuggets bite back at Wolves again to tie series 2-2

Nebraska remains alive in the Big Ten title race, as the Huskers came away with a 4-2 win vs. Indiana on Sunday afternoon at Hawks Field at Haymarket Park.

Nebraska (32-18, 14-7 Big Ten) scored four runs on eight hits and committed an error, while Indiana (28-21-1, 13-8 Big Ten) totaled two runs on six hits and three errors.

Jackson Brockett pitched five strong innings in his second start of the week, allowing just two runs across four hits while striking out three Hoosiers. Drew Christo tossed four shutout innings to move to 2-3 on the season. The junior surrendered just two singles and recorded a pair of strikeouts.

Case Sanderson was 2-for-3 at the plate with a double, an RBI and a run scored. Josh Caron picked up two hits and an RBI, while Cole Evans was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Tyler Stone recorded a double, and Rhett Stokes had a hit and team-high two runs on Sunday.

Stone began the bottom of the second drilling a 2-0 pitch off the top of the fence in center for his eighth double of the season. A nifty behind-the-back play from Indiana’s pitcher on a fielder’s choice in the next at-bat got Stone out in a rundown between second and third to keep the Huskers off the board in the second.

Brockett worked around a leadoff single in the top of the third, while the Husker offense broke through with two runs on a pair of hits and an error to take a 2-0 lead. Stokes reached on a one-out fielding error and moved to second on a balk for the Big Red.

Sanderson broke the scoreless tie with two outs, lifting a 1-2 pitch down the left-field line for an RBI ground-rule double to bring home Stokes from second. An infield single from Caron placed runners on first and third, before a wild pitch allowed Sanderson to jog down the third-base line for NU’s second run in the inning.

Indiana trimmed the deficit in half in the top of the fifth with Jasen Oliver’s solo homer to left. The Hoosiers locked the game at two in the sixth when Tyler Cerny sent a 1-2 pitch into the berm in left field for visitors’ second solo homer of the afternoon.

Christo replaced Brockett on the mound and retired the next three Hoosiers after giving up a single up the middle to the first batter he faced.

Nebraska capitalized on an error from the Hoosiers in the bottom of the sixth to take the lead back at 3-2. Caron reached on a throwing error from the Indiana pitcher, reaching second base on the play to put a runner on second with one out.

The Hoosiers elected to intentionally walk Stone with two outs to put runners on first and second with Saturday night’s hero in Evans at the plate. Evans made the Hoosiers pay for the second game in a row, lacing a 2-1 pitch into left field for an RBI double, scoring Caron and giving the Huskers a 3-2 advantage through six innings.

Christo stranded a pair of Hoosiers in the seventh after a two-out fielding error and single to center field.

Stokes reached on an infield single and later stole second with one out in the bottom of the seventh. Sanderson was plunked on a 1-2 pitch with two outs to put runners on first and second for the Big Red. Caron brought home Stokes from second after lining the first pitch he saw to left field for an RBI single to double the Husker lead to 4-2.

Christo retired the Hoosiers in order in the eighth and ninth innings to clinch the weekend series for the Huskers on Sunday afternoon.

Nebraska wraps up regular-season play next weekend, as the Huskers venture to East Lansing, Mich., for a three-game set at Michigan State on Thursday-Saturday, May 16-18.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715568253082.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy: Husker AthleticsNebraska remains alive in the Big Ten title race, as the Huskers came away with a 4-2 win vs. Indiana on Sunday afternoon at Hawks Field at Haymarket Park.Nebraska (32-18, 14-7 Big Ten) scored four runs on eight hits and committed an error, while Indiana (28-21-1, 13-8 Big Ten) totaled two runs on six hits and three errors.Jackson Brockett pitched five strong innings in his second start of the week, allowing just two runs across four hits while striking out three Hoosiers. Drew Christo tossed four shutout innings to move to 2-3 on the season. The junior surrendered just two singles and recorded a pair of strikeouts.Case Sanderson was 2-for-3 at the plate with a double, an RBI and a run scored. Josh Caron picked up two hits and an RBI, while Cole Evans was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Tyler Stone recorded a double, and Rhett Stokes had a hit and team-high two runs on Sunday.Stone began the bottom of the second drilling a 2-0 pitch off the top of the fence in center for his eighth double of the season. A nifty behind-the-back play from Indiana’s pitcher on a fielder’s choice in the next at-bat got Stone out in a rundown between second and third to keep the Huskers off the board in the second.Brockett worked around a leadoff single in the top of the third, while the Husker offense broke through with two runs on a pair of hits and an error to take a 2-0 lead. Stokes reached on a one-out fielding error and moved to second on a balk for the Big Red.Sanderson broke the scoreless tie with two outs, lifting a 1-2 pitch down the left-field line for an RBI ground-rule double to bring home Stokes from second. An infield single from Caron placed runners on first and third, before a wild pitch allowed Sanderson to jog down the third-base line for NU’s second run in the inning.Indiana trimmed the deficit in half in the top of the fifth with Jasen Oliver’s solo homer to left. The Hoosiers locked the game at two in the sixth when Tyler Cerny sent a 1-2 pitch into the berm in left field for visitors’ second solo homer of the afternoon.Christo replaced Brockett on the mound and retired the next three Hoosiers after giving up a single up the middle to the first batter he faced.Nebraska capitalized on an error from the Hoosiers in the bottom of the sixth to take the lead back at 3-2. Caron reached on a throwing error from the Indiana pitcher, reaching second base on the play to put a runner on second with one out.The Hoosiers elected to intentionally walk Stone with two outs to put runners on first and second with Saturday night’s hero in Evans at the plate. Evans made the Hoosiers pay for the second game in a row, lacing a 2-1 pitch into left field for an RBI double, scoring Caron and giving the Huskers a 3-2 advantage through six innings.Christo stranded a pair of Hoosiers in the seventh after a two-out fielding error and single to center field.Stokes reached on an infield single and later stole second with one out in the bottom of the seventh. Sanderson was plunked on a 1-2 pitch with two outs to put runners on first and second for the Big Red. Caron brought home Stokes from second after lining the first pitch he saw to left field for an RBI single to double the Husker lead to 4-2.Christo retired the Hoosiers in order in the eighth and ninth innings to clinch the weekend series for the Huskers on Sunday afternoon.Nebraska wraps up regular-season play next weekend, as the Huskers venture to East Lansing, Mich., for a three-game set at Michigan State on Thursday-Saturday, May 16-18.

Huskers head into final Big Ten series with chance to clinch top seed

DENVER (AP) — Converted reliever Ty Blach pitched five solid innings in his second start this season, Ezequiel Tovar homered and the Colorado Rockies beat the Texas Rangers 3-1 on Sunday to complete a three-game series sweep of the reigning World Series champions.

It was the first time the Rangers, losers of four of their last five, have been swept this season. Their offense was also stifled by three double plays, two sparkling&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/gameday/746555/video/victor-vodnik-in-play-out-s-to-josh-smith">defensive plays by third baseman Ryan McMahon</a>&nbsp;and a run-saving catch against the center field wall by Brenton Doyle for the final out of the fifth inning.

Doyle also drew a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the eighth inning for the Rockies’ final run.

The Rangers’ single run represented their lowest total in three games at Colorado and they were outscored 15-6 overall during the series.

“It’s fair to say with most of the order, you’ve got some guys that just aren’t swinging like they normally do,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said. “We did have some guys who did some good things. But we just couldn’t mount a good inning in three games here and that’s what surprises me more than anything.”

Bochy also said the Rockies’ defense figured prominently in the outcome.

“They made some great plays in the outfield, infield,” Bochy said. “When we did hit it pretty good, they made the plays.”

The sweep by the Rockies, who have won a season high four in a row, was their first since May 2-4, 2023, against Milwaukee. It was their only series sweep during last year’s 103-loss season.

Jalen Beeks got three outs for his third save in three chances.

Blach (1-1) allowed one run on seven hits. He gave up three singles in the first inning, including an RBI single by Adolis García, but limited the damage by inducing a double-play grounder from Nathaniel Lowe. He gave up three more singles around a double play in the fifth before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/gameday/746555/video/ty-blach-in-play-out-s-to-corey-seager-payuzk">Doyle crashed into the wall</a>&nbsp;to snare Corey Seager’s sharply hit line drive to the fence.

In the third inning, Seager was denied another swing at the plate when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/gameday/rangers-vs-rockies/2024/05/12/746555/final/video">McMahon chased down his foul ball</a>, making an over-the-shoulder catch on a dead run. McMahon also ranged to his left to make a diving stop of pinch-hitter Josh Smith’s sharply hit grounder in the seventh inning before scrambling to his feet and throwing him out by half a step. “I think defense definitely won that game,” said Brendan Rodgers, the Rockies second baseman who was at the center of a pair of double plays.

He teamed with Tovar on a fifth-inning gem when the Rockies shortstop snagged Andrew Kizner's grounder behind second base, flipped the ball to Rodgers, who made a barehanded catch and hustled a one-hop throw to first baseman Hunter Goodman, who made the scoop to complete the double play. “The plays that were made behind me, just unbelievable,” Blach said. “When you have that going for you defensively it makes it that much easier to go out there and pound the zone.”

Charlie Blackmon singled off José Ureña to start the game and Tovar followed by driving a 2-1 offering over the left field fence for his fourth home run of the season.

Ureña (1-3) allowed two runs on six hits. He struck out three and walked one.

Rangers: OF Evan Carter was held out of Sunday’s game because of lingering lower back stiffness. He was scratched from Saturday’s lineup due to the injury. Bochy said Carter was being held out as a precaution. “He tried to play through it and it got worse so this is why we’re trying to catch it before it gets to the point where he would be missing a while,” Bochy said.

Rangers: Return home after their 5-5 road trip to open a three-game series Monday night against Cleveland with RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-2, 4.66 ERA) scheduled to start the first game. The Guardians counter with RHP Tanner Bibee (2-1, 4.91).

Rockies: Head to San Diego, where they open a three-game set Monday night against the Padres. RHP Dakota Hudson (0-6, 6.35) will be seeking his first win of the season against San Diego RHP Randy Vásquez (0-1, 4.50).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715568139865.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Converted reliever Ty Blach pitched five solid innings in his second start this season, Ezequiel Tovar homered and the Colorado Rockies beat the Texas Rangers 3-1 on Sunday to complete a three-game series sweep of the reigning World Series champions.It was the first time the Rangers, losers of four of their last five, have been swept this season. Their offense was also stifled by three double plays, two sparkling&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/gameday/746555/video/victor-vodnik-in-play-out-s-to-josh-smith">defensive plays by third baseman Ryan McMahon</a>&nbsp;and a run-saving catch against the center field wall by Brenton Doyle for the final out of the fifth inning.Doyle also drew a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the eighth inning for the Rockies’ final run.The Rangers’ single run represented their lowest total in three games at Colorado and they were outscored 15-6 overall during the series.“It’s fair to say with most of the order, you’ve got some guys that just aren’t swinging like they normally do,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said. “We did have some guys who did some good things. But we just couldn’t mount a good inning in three games here and that’s what surprises me more than anything.”Bochy also said the Rockies’ defense figured prominently in the outcome.“They made some great plays in the outfield, infield,” Bochy said. “When we did hit it pretty good, they made the plays.”The sweep by the Rockies, who have won a season high four in a row, was their first since May 2-4, 2023, against Milwaukee. It was their only series sweep during last year’s 103-loss season.Jalen Beeks got three outs for his third save in three chances.Blach (1-1) allowed one run on seven hits. He gave up three singles in the first inning, including an RBI single by Adolis García, but limited the damage by inducing a double-play grounder from Nathaniel Lowe. He gave up three more singles around a double play in the fifth before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/gameday/746555/video/ty-blach-in-play-out-s-to-corey-seager-payuzk">Doyle crashed into the wall</a>&nbsp;to snare Corey Seager’s sharply hit line drive to the fence.In the third inning, Seager was denied another swing at the plate when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/gameday/rangers-vs-rockies/2024/05/12/746555/final/video">McMahon chased down his foul ball</a>, making an over-the-shoulder catch on a dead run. McMahon also ranged to his left to make a diving stop of pinch-hitter Josh Smith’s sharply hit grounder in the seventh inning before scrambling to his feet and throwing him out by half a step. “I think defense definitely won that game,” said Brendan Rodgers, the Rockies second baseman who was at the center of a pair of double plays.He teamed with Tovar on a fifth-inning gem when the Rockies shortstop snagged Andrew Kizner's grounder behind second base, flipped the ball to Rodgers, who made a barehanded catch and hustled a one-hop throw to first baseman Hunter Goodman, who made the scoop to complete the double play. “The plays that were made behind me, just unbelievable,” Blach said. “When you have that going for you defensively it makes it that much easier to go out there and pound the zone.”Charlie Blackmon singled off José Ureña to start the game and Tovar followed by driving a 2-1 offering over the left field fence for his fourth home run of the season.Ureña (1-3) allowed two runs on six hits. He struck out three and walked one.TRAINER’S ROOMRangers: OF Evan Carter was held out of Sunday’s game because of lingering lower back stiffness. He was scratched from Saturday’s lineup due to the injury. Bochy said Carter was being held out as a precaution. “He tried to play through it and it got worse so this is why we’re trying to catch it before it gets to the point where he would be missing a while,” Bochy said.UP NEXTRangers: Return home after their 5-5 road trip to open a three-game series Monday night against Cleveland with RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-2, 4.66 ERA) scheduled to start the first game. The Guardians counter with RHP Tanner Bibee (2-1, 4.91).Rockies: Head to San Diego, where they open a three-game set Monday night against the Padres. RHP Dakota Hudson (0-6, 6.35) will be seeking his first win of the season against San Diego RHP Randy Vásquez (0-1, 4.50).

Ummm, what?! Rockies sweep defending World Series champs

Tristan Timbers shot an incredible round of golf Thursday to take the Ogallala Goys Golf Invite.&nbsp; The Alliance Bulldog turned in a 68 on his scorecard that included a 33 on the back-nine to finish at the top of the individual leaderboard.

Timbers' total led the Bulldogs to a runner-up finish behind tournament champion Scottsbluff's 317 stroke.&nbsp; Alliance used 324 strokes with McCook coming in third at 328 shots.

Chadron finished in fifth place and was paced by the duo of Broc Berry and Andrew Sommerville who each carded 82 strokes.

Other local team finishes: Gering 6th, Sidney 10th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713885357806.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Dave Collins Sports DirectorTristan Timbers shot an incredible round of golf Thursday to take the Ogallala Goys Golf Invite.&nbsp; The Alliance Bulldog turned in a 68 on his scorecard that included a 33 on the back-nine to finish at the top of the individual leaderboard.Timbers' total led the Bulldogs to a runner-up finish behind tournament champion Scottsbluff's 317 stroke.&nbsp; Alliance used 324 strokes with McCook coming in third at 328 shots.Chadron finished in fifth place and was paced by the duo of Broc Berry and Andrew Sommerville who each carded 82 strokes.Other local team finishes: Gering 6th, Sidney 10th.

Timbers fires incredible 68 to win Ogallala Boys Golf Invite

DENVER (AP) — Ezequiel Tovar had a triple, double and single and Brenton Doyle hit a three-run homer in a seven-run outburst in the fourth inning as the Colorado Rockies snapped a four-game skid with a 9-1 win over the San Francisco Giants on Thursday.

Colorado, which entered the game with the worst record in the majors, won for just the ninth time and avoided being swept for the fourth time this season.

Charlie Blackmon drove in two runs and finished a homer shy of hitting for the cycle for Colorado. The 37-year-old Blackmon has 762 career RBIs, fourth on Colorado’s franchise list.

Michael Conforto gave San Francisco a 1-0 lead with a solo homer in the top of the fourth before Colorado jumped on starter Keaton Winn (3-5). Tovar tripled to lead off the inning and the Rockies reeled off six straight hits, capped by Doyle’s 430-foot homer to center, his fourth of the season.

Winn got two outs, and then Blackmon tripled and Tovar doubled off of reliever Randy Rodriguez. The Rockies sent 11 batters to the plate in the fourth and tagged Winn for seven runs on eight hits in 3 2/3 innings.

“Winn got some pitches up and we took advantage, finally, of some mistakes and barreled balls,” manager Bud Black said.

Tovar is the second player in franchise history to have a triple and double in the same inning. Garrett Hampson did it against Arizona on Aug. 11, 2020.

Cal Quantrill (2-3) worked six innings for his second consecutive strong outing. The 29-year-old right-hander pitched 7 2/3 shutout innings at Pittsburgh on Friday and has allowed one run in his last two starts.

“It’s a lot more fun pitching with a six-run lead,” Quantrill said. “I want to win when I pitch.”

San Francisco shortstop Nick Ahmed left the game in the fourth inning when he aggravated a sore left wrist in his at-bat in the third.

“It’s the same wrist he got hit on by the line drive,” manager Bob Melvin said. “It’s been bothering him off and on a little bit, but obviously affected him quite a bit on that swing. We’ll get a look at him."

Giants: OF Jung Hoo Lee was out of the lineup after fouling a ball off of his foot Wednesday night. “He’s sore enough to leave him out. We’ll see how he responds to treatment over the course of today and where we go from here,” Melvin said.

Rockies: LHP Kyle Freeland played catch Thursday and will continue to build up, Black said. Freeland (left elbow strain) went on the IL on April 16.

Giants: RHP Logan Webb (3-3, 3.50 ERA) will open a three-game home series against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night.

Rockies: LHP Austin Gomber (0-2, 3.79) faces former teammate Jon Gray (1-1, 2.50) on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series with the Texas Rangers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715356742867.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Ezequiel Tovar had a triple, double and single and Brenton Doyle hit a three-run homer in a seven-run outburst in the fourth inning as the Colorado Rockies snapped a four-game skid with a 9-1 win over the San Francisco Giants on Thursday.Colorado, which entered the game with the worst record in the majors, won for just the ninth time and avoided being swept for the fourth time this season.Charlie Blackmon drove in two runs and finished a homer shy of hitting for the cycle for Colorado. The 37-year-old Blackmon has 762 career RBIs, fourth on Colorado’s franchise list.Michael Conforto gave San Francisco a 1-0 lead with a solo homer in the top of the fourth before Colorado jumped on starter Keaton Winn (3-5). Tovar tripled to lead off the inning and the Rockies reeled off six straight hits, capped by Doyle’s 430-foot homer to center, his fourth of the season.Winn got two outs, and then Blackmon tripled and Tovar doubled off of reliever Randy Rodriguez. The Rockies sent 11 batters to the plate in the fourth and tagged Winn for seven runs on eight hits in 3 2/3 innings.“Winn got some pitches up and we took advantage, finally, of some mistakes and barreled balls,” manager Bud Black said.Tovar is the second player in franchise history to have a triple and double in the same inning. Garrett Hampson did it against Arizona on Aug. 11, 2020.Cal Quantrill (2-3) worked six innings for his second consecutive strong outing. The 29-year-old right-hander pitched 7 2/3 shutout innings at Pittsburgh on Friday and has allowed one run in his last two starts.“It’s a lot more fun pitching with a six-run lead,” Quantrill said. “I want to win when I pitch.”San Francisco shortstop Nick Ahmed left the game in the fourth inning when he aggravated a sore left wrist in his at-bat in the third.“It’s the same wrist he got hit on by the line drive,” manager Bob Melvin said. “It’s been bothering him off and on a little bit, but obviously affected him quite a bit on that swing. We’ll get a look at him."TRAINER’S ROOMGiants: OF Jung Hoo Lee was out of the lineup after fouling a ball off of his foot Wednesday night. “He’s sore enough to leave him out. We’ll see how he responds to treatment over the course of today and where we go from here,” Melvin said.Rockies: LHP Kyle Freeland played catch Thursday and will continue to build up, Black said. Freeland (left elbow strain) went on the IL on April 16.UP NEXTGiants: RHP Logan Webb (3-3, 3.50 ERA) will open a three-game home series against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night.Rockies: LHP Austin Gomber (0-2, 3.79) faces former teammate Jon Gray (1-1, 2.50) on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series with the Texas Rangers.

Rockies rout Giants with huge seven-run 4th inning

DALLAS (AP) — The Dallas Stars built another multi-goal lead against high-scoring Colorado. This time, they held on to win and avoid another 0-2 hole in the NHL playoffs.

“Found a way to win the game, and that's the most important thing,” Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen said.

Heiskanen scored two power-play goals, Roope Hintz had a goal and three assists and the Stars beat the Colorado Avalanche 5-3 in Game 2 on Thursday night to even the second-round Western Conference series.

Tyler Seguin got his first goal this postseason on a short-hander at the end of a 3-on-1 breakaway that put the Stars up 4-0 late in the second period. Esa Lindell added an empty-netter with 20 seconds left, with Hintz getting his final assist.

Jake Oettinger had 28 saves against a Colorado team that led the NHL in scoring during the regular season and is averaging an NHL-high 5.0 goals this postseason.

Joel Kiviranta, Brandon Duhaime and Valeri Nichushkin scored in the third period for the Avalanche, but they failed to score on a power play in the final three minutes that was partly a 6-on-4 after goalie Alexander Georgiev skated to the bench.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715356643880.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DALLAS (AP) — The Dallas Stars built another multi-goal lead against high-scoring Colorado. This time, they held on to win and avoid another 0-2 hole in the NHL playoffs.“Found a way to win the game, and that's the most important thing,” Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen said.Heiskanen scored two power-play goals, Roope Hintz had a goal and three assists and the Stars beat the Colorado Avalanche 5-3 in Game 2 on Thursday night to even the second-round Western Conference series.Tyler Seguin got his first goal this postseason on a short-hander at the end of a 3-on-1 breakaway that put the Stars up 4-0 late in the second period. Esa Lindell added an empty-netter with 20 seconds left, with Hintz getting his final assist.Jake Oettinger had 28 saves against a Colorado team that led the NHL in scoring during the regular season and is averaging an NHL-high 5.0 goals this postseason.Joel Kiviranta, Brandon Duhaime and Valeri Nichushkin scored in the third period for the Avalanche, but they failed to score on a power play in the final three minutes that was partly a 6-on-4 after goalie Alexander Georgiev skated to the bench.“Obviously, I think we can handle those situations better. But I think that the silver lining is that we built 3-0 and 4-0 leads, so we've played some very good hockey for long stretches against them,” Stars coach Pete DeBoer said. “I thought tonight was better than Game 1. We did most of the things that we wanted to do tonight. Building that lead, the right guys scored, got on the board for us.”Game 3 is Saturday night in Denver.Colorado had an extra attacker with 3:44 left when Nichushkin&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nhl.com/video/col-dal-nichushkin-scores-goal-against-jake-oettinger-6352631671112">got a goal on a puck that ricocheted off his right leg</a>. He has scored in all seven games, matching Pat LaFontaine's NHL record set in 1992 with Buffalo for the longest goal streak to start a single postseason. It also equaled the franchise's overall postseason goal streak with Claude Lemieux and Joe Sakic.The Avs had also trailed 3-0 in the first period of Game 1 two nights earlier before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/avalanche-stars-score-nhl-playoffs-3036ad047e3d8b27ecbc4ea09926f88a">coming back to win 4-3 in overtime</a>, and extend their postseason winning streak to five games. That was the third time this season they rebounded from a multigoal deficit to win in Dallas.They came up short this time when hurt by some self-induced penalties and going 0 for 3 on power plays. Of their six penalties, they had two for delay of game after knocking pucks into the stands, and two more for too many men on the ice.“The second period for me is when it fell part. Just not sharp,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said. “Then we turn around in the third and go to work, and that’s what happens.”Hintz, whose only previous point this postseason had been an empty-net goal in Game 4 of the opening series against Vegas, put Dallas up 2-0 less than two minutes into the second period. That came after the Avalanche had failed to score on a power play that carried over from the end of the first period, when Oettinger made a couple of impressive stops, with a glove save after Nichushkin's close backhanded swipe at a rebound.It also was soon after Miles Wood, who scored in overtime for Colorado in Game 1, had a shot blocked by Oettinger and the Stars took the puck the other way. Hintz was to the left of Alexander Georgiev when he got a cross-ice pass from Nils Lundkvist.Georgiev stopped 26 shots.Dallas, which in the first round against Vegas lost the first two games at home before winning the series in Game 7, led 3-0 with four minutes left in the second period Thursday when captain Jamie Benn and Hintz had assists as Heiskanen scored with a shot off an Avs stick.Benn was called for a major penalty a few minutes before that for a big hit that leveled defenseman Devon Toews behind the Colorado net. But officials reviewed the play and didn't call any penalty after replay showed a shoulder-to-shoulder hit. Toews left the game briefly, but returned before the end of the second period.“It’s a physical game, it’s a physical player. ... I don’t want to say. I mean, does he catch a piece of his shoulder? Yeah. I guess you could argue that, but the target is high and it’s at his head, and it makes contact with the head,” Bednar said. “I've seen many times guys get called for the head shot penalty with a lot less than that, but I guess they didn’t think so. And this time of the year you've got to play through some of that stuff.”Hintz was serving a holding penalty when Seguin got his first short-hander in his 123rd playoff game to make it 4-0.League MVP finalist Nathan MacKinnon had the first delay of game penalty against Colorado, knocking the puck out of his own zone. Dallas capitalized, going up 1-0 after a circle-to-circle pass from Hintz to Heiskanen with 5:14 left in the first period.