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(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) Kevin Shattenkirk will never forget having his contract bought out in the summer of 2019 and joining the Tampa Bay Lightning because he felt their core players had a similar chip on their shoulders after a shocking first-round exit.

More than a year later, he created a moment to remember to put the Lightning on the verge of making good on years of unfulfilled potential.

Shattenkirk scored a power-play goal in overtime after a questionable penalty, and the Lightning beat the Dallas Stars 5-4 Friday night to take a 3-1 lead in the final and move a victory away from lifting the Stanley Cup. With Game 5 on Saturday night, Tampa Bay was potentially 24 hours away from its second championship in franchise history after winning it in 2004.

Celtics dominate 2nd half, force Game 6
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) Their season saved for at least two more days, Boston coach Brad Stevens offered the most succinct assessment of his Celtics. "We're prideful," Stevens said. (MORE)

Marlins get 1st playoff berth since 2003
NEW YORK (AP) Forced from the field by COVID-19, the Miami Marlins returned with enough force to reach the playoffs for the first time since their 2003 championship. An NL-worst 57-105 a year ago, they sealed the improbable berth on the field of the team that Miami CEO Derek Jeter and manager Don Mattingly once captained. (MORE)

Reds beat Twins to clinch playoff spot
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) From three soaring home runs to an exuberant race out of the dugout in celebration of their postseason berth, the Cincinnati Reds made plenty of noise in Minnesota's empty ballpark. They're playing like they won't leave quietly, either. (MORE)

Astros secure final playoff spot in AL

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) Ryan Pressly had no interest in waiting to see if the Astros would get the help they needed to clinch the last spot in the expanded American League playoffs after the Houston reliever couldn't finish it himself when he was a strike away.

The Los Angeles Dodgers pitched in anyway by beating the Angels to give Houston a franchise-record fourth straight trip to the postseason, and a shot at redemption after the offseason sign-stealing scandal that tarnished a 2017 World Series championship. (MORE)

MAC to start 6-game season November 4

Freeman's HR gives Braves No. 2 seed
ATLANTA (AP) Freddie Freeman hit a two-run homer to lead off the 11th inning and the Atlanta Braves beat the Boston Red Sox 8-7 on Friday night to clinch the No. 2 seed in the National League playoffs. Freeman's homer off Jeffrey Springs (0-2) drove in Ender Inciarte, who started the inning on second base, and bolstered the Braves slugger's case for the NL MVP Award. (MORE)

Darvish, Cubs roll, White Sox skid at 6

Indians walk-off again as run reaches 6
CLEVELAND (AP) Once again, the Indians grabbed water bottles, poured from the dugout and danced around the infield grass like little kids at recess. Walk-off week rolls on. (MORE)

Packers WR Adams doubtful vs. Saints
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) Both the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints will likely be missing their star receivers for their Sunday night matchup. The Saints have ruled out 2019 Offensive Player of the Year Michael Thomas, which means he will miss a second straight game with an ankle injury. (MORE)