Deadspin | Kraken keep faint playoff hopes alive ahead of clash vs. Wild Apr 6, 2026; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets center Brad Lambert (93) celebrates a goal against the Seattle Kraken with Nino Niederreiter (62) and Neal Pionk (4) in the third period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images Time is running out on the Seattle Kraken. With six games left and sitting eight points adrift of a playoff spot, the Kraken (32-33-11, 75 points) are looking for a spark. Seattle hopes a solution presents itself on Tuesday night when it visits the Minnesota Wild in Saint Paul, Minn. “It’s not too late right now,” Seattle coach Lane Lambert said. “The hill is large to climb, but you know, we have to put our best foot forward here. We’ve got a few teams to catch.” The Kraken lost their fifth straight game (0-4-1) with a 6-2 setback to the Winnipeg Jets on Monday. Seattle is 5-13-2 since coming back from the Olympic break. The Kraken are in serious danger of missing the playoffs for the third straight season and the fourth time in the franchise’s five-year history. Captain Jordan Eberle, who leads the team with a mere 25 goals and 53 points, scored in the loss to Winnipeg. Jared McCann added a goal for Seattle, but Philipp Grubauer was pulled after sustaining a lower-body injury just after the midway point of the second period. Grubauer allowed three goals on 18 shots before giving way to Joey Daccord, who yielded two goals on 10 shots. The Kraken were outshot 14-4 in the decisive second period. Trailing 1-0, Winnipeg scored on three straight power-play opportunities spanning the first and second periods. The poor result had to be frustrating for Lambert, who made a litany of changes to his lineup ahead of the game. He pulled McCann off the top line and also split up his top defensive pairing, Vince Dunn and Adam Larsson. “What’s the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again with the same poor result,” Lambert said. “We’ve held on as long as we can here.” Things don’t get any easier for the Kraken, who are 1-4-2 in their last seven road games. They will face a Minnesota team that has clinched a postseason berth for the 12th time in 14 seasons. The Wild (44-21-12, 100 points) sit just two points behind the Dallas Stars for the second seed in the Central Division, behind Colorado. Minnesota has won three straight games, including 5-4 at Detroit on Sunday. Kirill Kaprizov had a hat trick, including the game-winning goal on a power play with 1:51 left. Kaprizov’s 43 goals are tied for third-best in the NHL. He has five goals and two assists during a four-game point streak. Matt Boldy, second on the team with 41 goals and 81 points, had a goal and an assist as Minnesota overcame squandering a three-goal lead against the Red Wings. “We have not had that situation for quite a while, where we lose momentum for an extended period like that,” Wild coach John Hynes said. “I’m glad it happened, because there are things we can learn from that going forward, and we still found a way to win.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Kraken #faint #playoff #hopes #alive #ahead #clash #Wild

Deadspin | Kraken keep faint playoff hopes alive ahead of clash vs. Wild
Apr 6, 2026; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets center Brad Lambert (93) celebrates a goal against the Seattle Kraken with Nino Niederreiter (62) and Neal Pionk (4) in the third period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images

Time is running out on the Seattle Kraken.

With six games left and sitting eight points adrift of a playoff spot, the Kraken (32-33-11, 75 points) are looking for a spark.

Seattle hopes a solution presents itself on Tuesday night when it visits the Minnesota Wild in Saint Paul, Minn.

“It’s not too late right now,” Seattle coach Lane Lambert said. “The hill is large to climb, but you know, we have to put our best foot forward here. We’ve got a few teams to catch.”

The Kraken lost their fifth straight game (0-4-1) with a 6-2 setback to the Winnipeg Jets on Monday.

Seattle is 5-13-2 since coming back from the Olympic break. The Kraken are in serious danger of missing the playoffs for the third straight season and the fourth time in the franchise’s five-year history.

Captain Jordan Eberle, who leads the team with a mere 25 goals and 53 points, scored in the loss to Winnipeg. Jared McCann added a goal for Seattle, but Philipp Grubauer was pulled after sustaining a lower-body injury just after the midway point of the second period.

Grubauer allowed three goals on 18 shots before giving way to Joey Daccord, who yielded two goals on 10 shots.

The Kraken were outshot 14-4 in the decisive second period. Trailing 1-0, Winnipeg scored on three straight power-play opportunities spanning the first and second periods.

The poor result had to be frustrating for Lambert, who made a litany of changes to his lineup ahead of the game. He pulled McCann off the top line and also split up his top defensive pairing, Vince Dunn and Adam Larsson.

“What’s the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again with the same poor result,” Lambert said. “We’ve held on as long as we can here.”

Things don’t get any easier for the Kraken, who are 1-4-2 in their last seven road games. They will face a Minnesota team that has clinched a postseason berth for the 12th time in 14 seasons.

The Wild (44-21-12, 100 points) sit just two points behind the Dallas Stars for the second seed in the Central Division, behind Colorado.

Minnesota has won three straight games, including 5-4 at Detroit on Sunday. Kirill Kaprizov had a hat trick, including the game-winning goal on a power play with 1:51 left.

Kaprizov’s 43 goals are tied for third-best in the NHL. He has five goals and two assists during a four-game point streak.

Matt Boldy, second on the team with 41 goals and 81 points, had a goal and an assist as Minnesota overcame squandering a three-goal lead against the Red Wings.

“We have not had that situation for quite a while, where we lose momentum for an extended period like that,” Wild coach John Hynes said. “I’m glad it happened, because there are things we can learn from that going forward, and we still found a way to win.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Kraken #faint #playoff #hopes #alive #ahead #clash #Wild

Sports news April 8, 2026

Apr 6, 2026; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets center Brad Lambert (93) celebrates a goal against the Seattle Kraken with Nino Niederreiter (62) and Neal Pionk (4) in the third period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images

Time is running out on the Seattle Kraken.

With six games left and sitting eight points adrift of a playoff spot, the Kraken (32-33-11, 75 points) are looking for a spark.

Seattle hopes a solution presents itself on Tuesday night when it visits the Minnesota Wild in Saint Paul, Minn.

“It’s not too late right now,” Seattle coach Lane Lambert said. “The hill is large to climb, but you know, we have to put our best foot forward here. We’ve got a few teams to catch.”

The Kraken lost their fifth straight game (0-4-1) with a 6-2 setback to the Winnipeg Jets on Monday.

Seattle is 5-13-2 since coming back from the Olympic break. The Kraken are in serious danger of missing the playoffs for the third straight season and the fourth time in the franchise’s five-year history.

Captain Jordan Eberle, who leads the team with a mere 25 goals and 53 points, scored in the loss to Winnipeg. Jared McCann added a goal for Seattle, but Philipp Grubauer was pulled after sustaining a lower-body injury just after the midway point of the second period.

Grubauer allowed three goals on 18 shots before giving way to Joey Daccord, who yielded two goals on 10 shots.

The Kraken were outshot 14-4 in the decisive second period. Trailing 1-0, Winnipeg scored on three straight power-play opportunities spanning the first and second periods.

The poor result had to be frustrating for Lambert, who made a litany of changes to his lineup ahead of the game. He pulled McCann off the top line and also split up his top defensive pairing, Vince Dunn and Adam Larsson.

“What’s the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again with the same poor result,” Lambert said. “We’ve held on as long as we can here.”

Things don’t get any easier for the Kraken, who are 1-4-2 in their last seven road games. They will face a Minnesota team that has clinched a postseason berth for the 12th time in 14 seasons.

The Wild (44-21-12, 100 points) sit just two points behind the Dallas Stars for the second seed in the Central Division, behind Colorado.

Minnesota has won three straight games, including 5-4 at Detroit on Sunday. Kirill Kaprizov had a hat trick, including the game-winning goal on a power play with 1:51 left.

Kaprizov’s 43 goals are tied for third-best in the NHL. He has five goals and two assists during a four-game point streak.

Matt Boldy, second on the team with 41 goals and 81 points, had a goal and an assist as Minnesota overcame squandering a three-goal lead against the Red Wings.

“We have not had that situation for quite a while, where we lose momentum for an extended period like that,” Wild coach John Hynes said. “I’m glad it happened, because there are things we can learn from that going forward, and we still found a way to win.”

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Kraken #faint #playoff #hopes #alive #ahead #clash #Wild

DC vs GT, IPL 2026: Gill set to return as Gujarat Titans visits Delhi Capitals <div id="content-body-70834878" itemprop="articleBody">Slight discomfort could swiftly turn into severe distress for Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). To avert that from happening, it is imperative for Titans to get off the mark against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday. Having lost its first two games, GT cannot afford to be pegged back by a third successive defeat.It will comfort GT that skipper and star opener Shubman Gill trained on Tuesday. The 26-year-old missed his side’s previous encounter against Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad due to a muscle spasm. Despite his absence, the 2022 champion came ever so close to overhauling RR’s total of 210 for six, amassing 204 for eight to lose by just six runs.“Gill is superb. He is completely fine. He will be playing,” Titans opener B. Sai Sudharsan said during the pre-match press conference.GT’s bowlers will need to lift their game in the national capital. Amidst the established names in the attack, it was 23-year-old Ashok Sharma who left an impression in the first two games. He has pure speed in his locker, as evident from a 154kmph thunderbolt in the previous fixture.DC, meanwhile, must be brimming with confidence after two wins out of two. The uncapped Sameer Rizvi has made his opportunities count at No. 4, retaining his sangfroid in two potentially tricky chases to get the job done for the franchise. The caveat in Capitals’ case is that they began last season with similar ebullience, only to fizzle out in the second half of the competition.There is light rain forecast on Wednesday. But DC won’t want the weather to play spoilsport given its red-hot form. Neither will GT, for it needs the two points to get going.Published on Apr 07, 2026</div> #IPL #Gill #set #return #Gujarat #Titans #visits #Delhi #Capitals

Deadspin | Preakness pushes date back to 22 days after Kentucky Derby May 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027. The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness. Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.” The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.” While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness. Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.” The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby

#Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby">

mwasimuddin125 0

May 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027.

The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness.

Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.”

The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.”

While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness.

Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.”

The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby">Deadspin | Preakness pushes date back to 22 days after Kentucky Derby

May 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027.

The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness.

Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.”

The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.”

While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness.

Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.”

The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby

Stefon Diggs finally has a home for the 2026 NFL season.

After putting up solid numbers for the New England Patriots last year — more on that in a moment — Diggs has signed with the Washington Commanders for the 2026 campaign. According to multiple sources, the veteran WR inked a one-year deal with the Commanders worth up to $12 million. It is something of a homecoming for Diggs, who played his high school football at Good Counsel in Olney and played his college football at Maryland.

With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?

After playing in just eight games during the 2024 season, as Diggs suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 while playing for the Houston Texans, he signed a three-year deal with the New England Patriots in May of 2025. Diggs appeared in all 17 regular-season games for New England, catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in Foxborough. Diggs led the Patriots in targets with 102 — he was the only New England receiver with more than 90 targets — and also led the team in both receptions and receiving yardage.

How he was used in New England could be a window into his usage in Washington. According to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Kayshon Boutte saw the most downfield targets on the Patriots a year ago (21) followed by Mack Hollins with 16. (Pro Football Focus defines these targets as coming 20 yards or more downfield).

Where Diggs led the way was in the short and intermediate areas of the field, often on crossing routes. Again, turning to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Diggs led the Patriots with 77 targets in the short area of the field, defined as throws between the line of scrimmage and nine yards downfield. Hollins was second on the Patriots, with only 30 such targets.

Turning now to the Commanders, last year Deebo Samuel led the team in those targets with 26. But with Samuel now in San Francisco, Diggs will be tasked with working that area of the field, allowing Terry McLaurin to continue stretching defenses in the vertical passing game. That is where McLaurin is at his best, and if you look at his 2024 numbers (when playing with a healthy Jayden Daniels) McLaurin saw a staggering 32 deep targets that season, the most on the Commanders by far.

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

Another factor to consider is this: Washington’s new offensive coordinator. David Blough steps into the role, replacing Kliff Kingsbury. The expectation is that Blough will lean into the under-center, play-action passing game, a schematic tweak that will create opportunities for Diggs on those crossing routes underneath.

McLaurin will be Washington’s WR1, with Diggs slotting nicely into that WR2 role. He’ll see volume in this system — meaning he offers a nice boost in PPR formats — and while McLaurin could siphon the bulk of touchdowns (remember Diggs had only four a season ago) and Daniels could vulture some as well with his legs, there will be production to be gained by drafting Diggs in the later rounds as a WR3 with WR2 upside.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means">

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Stefon Diggs finally has a home for the 2026 NFL season.

With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means">Stefon Diggs fantasy football outlook: What Commanders signing means for 2026

Stefon Diggs finally has a home for the 2026 NFL season.

With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means

Two former Iranian women footballers said Thursday they were “proud” to have been granted Australian citizenship after being branded traitors at home for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game.

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were members of a group of seven from Iran’s delegation who asked for Australia’s protection following the high-profile protest during the women’s Asian Cup in March.

With their demands for protection an embarrassment for Iran’s leaders but lauded by US President Donald Trump, five later changed their minds and returned home.

Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh stayed, however, and were granted Australian citizenship at a ceremony on Wednesday overseen by interior minister Tony Burke.

“Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen,” Ramezanisadeh said in a statement.

“After everything we’ve been through and all the challenges we faced, this moment means more than words can express,” Pasandideh added.

A week after seeking asylum, the pair was pictured smiling and training with Australian club Brisbane Roar, which on Wednesday congratulated the pair.

“What they have been through since February is more than most people deal with in a lifetime,” a spokesman for the club said.

“To see them arrive at this point is something everyone here at Brisbane Roar is glad to have had a small part in,” they added.

“Queensland is their home now. If they ever want to pull on a training top and come back out with us, the door will always stay open.”

ALSO READ: Iran women football players thank Australian government for protection

The plight of the rest of the team remains unclear since their return to Iran.

AFP reporters saw them cross into their homeland from Turkey on a bus wearing the national team tracksuits and with their hair covered.

Soon after, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on X that the players and their support team were “children of the homeland and the people of Iran embrace them”.

By returning, they had “disappointed the enemies (of Iran) and did not surrender to deception and intimidation by anti-Iran elements”, he added.

Published on Aug 06, 2026

#Iranian #women #footballers #granted #Australian #citizenship">

mwasimuddin125 0

Two former Iranian women footballers said Thursday they were “proud” to have been granted Australian citizenship after being branded traitors at home for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game.
Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were members of a group of seven from Iran’s delegation who asked for Australia’s protection following the high-profile protest during the women’s Asian Cup in March.
With their demands for protection an embarrassment for Iran’s leaders but lauded by US President Donald Trump, five later changed their minds and returned home.
Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh stayed, however, and were granted Australian citizenship at a ceremony on Wednesday overseen by interior minister Tony Burke.
“Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen,” Ramezanisadeh said in a statement.
“After everything we’ve been through and all the challenges we faced, this moment means more than words can express,” Pasandideh added.
A week after seeking asylum, the pair was pictured smiling and training with Australian club Brisbane Roar, which on Wednesday congratulated the pair.
“What they have been through since February is more than most people deal with in a lifetime,” a spokesman for the club said.
“To see them arrive at this point is something everyone here at Brisbane Roar is glad to have had a small part in,” they added.
“Queensland is their home now. If they ever want to pull on a training top and come back out with us, the door will always stay open.”
ALSO READ: Iran women football players thank Australian government for protection
The plight of the rest of the team remains unclear since their return to Iran.
AFP reporters saw them cross into their homeland from Turkey on a bus wearing the national team tracksuits and with their hair covered.
Soon after, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on X that the players and their support team were “children of the homeland and the people of Iran embrace them”.
By returning, they had “disappointed the enemies (of Iran) and did not surrender to deception and intimidation by anti-Iran elements”, he added.
Published on Aug 06, 2026

#Iranian #women #footballers #granted #Australian #citizenship">Former Iranian women footballers granted Australian citizenship