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Deadspin | Canes not looking past Blackhawks in quest for No. 1 seed Apr 7, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin (74) watches the play against the Boston Bruins during the third period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images The Carolina Hurricanes clinched the Metropolitan Division title and remained on track to secure home-ice advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs with Tuesday’s overtime victory against visiting Boston. On Thursday, Carolina (50-22-6, 106 points) will aim to keep its focus as it meets the slumping Chicago Blackhawks in the opener of a four-game road trip to close the regular season. Atlantic Division foes Tampa Bay, Buffalo and Montreal each entered Wednesday with 102 points and are the Hurricanes’ closest competitors for the top spot in the East. If defenseman Jaccob Slavin’s reaction to the division crown is any indication, Carolina need not worry about looking ahead. “We put in a lot of work this season, and to do that is still a big accomplishment,” Slavin said. “But that’s just one step along the way.” Slavin scored the game-winning goal — his first goal of the season — at 1:13 of overtime to beat Boston 6-5. Four Hurricanes earned multiple points, as Taylor Hall and Andrei Svechnikov each had a goal and assist and Jackson Blake and Sean Walker both had two assists. Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour, whose club has won four of five, feels the team is hitting its stride for the stretch run. “I thought we played really well,” he said. “We had some breakdowns, and we had a couple where they made us pay. But I liked the way our group responded on everything. Overall, it was real positive.” Chicago (28-36-14, 70 points) has lost six of seven and is in search of its first home victory since March 9. Thursday marks the start of the Blackhawks’ four-game homestand to conclude the regular season, with each coming against teams that either have clinched playoff berths or remain in contention for wild-card spots. The Blackhawks are coming off a loss Monday to one such club. The host San Jose Sharks, part of a congested Western Conference wild-card chase, edged the Blackhawks 3-2. Ryan Donato and Frank Nazar tallied goals for Chicago, while Connor Bedard earned his fourth assist in the past three games. That raised Bedard’s career points total to 200. He’s the first Blackhawk to achieve the feat before age 20, joining 12 other players in league history, including current players Sidney Crosby and Steven Stamkos. Bedard had the secondary assist on Donato’s goal in the first period. “I thought we were moving the puck well. (Bedard) up top works really well. He sees the ice really well,” said Nazar, who added an assist. Added coach Jeff Blashill: “(Bedard’s) the guy you want with the puck in his hands.” Blackhawks forward Andrew Mangiapane (upper-body injury) returned against the Sharks after missing the past nine games. Visiting Chicago edged Carolina 4-3 in a shootout on Jan. 22. Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight stopped 28 shots in regulation and overtime. Ilya Mikheyev had a goal and assist. Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield (lower body) left the Boston game in the third period, but Brind’Amour didn’t have an immediate update. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Canes #Blackhawks #quest #seed

Deadspin | Canes not looking past Blackhawks in quest for No. 1 seed
Deadspin | Canes not looking past Blackhawks in quest for No. 1 seed Apr 7, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin (74) watches the play against the Boston Bruins during the third period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images The Carolina Hurricanes clinched the Metropolitan Division title and remained on track to secure home-ice advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs with Tuesday’s overtime victory against visiting Boston. On Thursday, Carolina (50-22-6, 106 points) will aim to keep its focus as it meets the slumping Chicago Blackhawks in the opener of a four-game road trip to close the regular season. Atlantic Division foes Tampa Bay, Buffalo and Montreal each entered Wednesday with 102 points and are the Hurricanes’ closest competitors for the top spot in the East. If defenseman Jaccob Slavin’s reaction to the division crown is any indication, Carolina need not worry about looking ahead. “We put in a lot of work this season, and to do that is still a big accomplishment,” Slavin said. “But that’s just one step along the way.” Slavin scored the game-winning goal — his first goal of the season — at 1:13 of overtime to beat Boston 6-5. Four Hurricanes earned multiple points, as Taylor Hall and Andrei Svechnikov each had a goal and assist and Jackson Blake and Sean Walker both had two assists. Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour, whose club has won four of five, feels the team is hitting its stride for the stretch run. “I thought we played really well,” he said. “We had some breakdowns, and we had a couple where they made us pay. But I liked the way our group responded on everything. Overall, it was real positive.” Chicago (28-36-14, 70 points) has lost six of seven and is in search of its first home victory since March 9. Thursday marks the start of the Blackhawks’ four-game homestand to conclude the regular season, with each coming against teams that either have clinched playoff berths or remain in contention for wild-card spots. The Blackhawks are coming off a loss Monday to one such club. The host San Jose Sharks, part of a congested Western Conference wild-card chase, edged the Blackhawks 3-2. Ryan Donato and Frank Nazar tallied goals for Chicago, while Connor Bedard earned his fourth assist in the past three games. That raised Bedard’s career points total to 200. He’s the first Blackhawk to achieve the feat before age 20, joining 12 other players in league history, including current players Sidney Crosby and Steven Stamkos. Bedard had the secondary assist on Donato’s goal in the first period. “I thought we were moving the puck well. (Bedard) up top works really well. He sees the ice really well,” said Nazar, who added an assist. Added coach Jeff Blashill: “(Bedard’s) the guy you want with the puck in his hands.” Blackhawks forward Andrew Mangiapane (upper-body injury) returned against the Sharks after missing the past nine games. Visiting Chicago edged Carolina 4-3 in a shootout on Jan. 22. Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight stopped 28 shots in regulation and overtime. Ilya Mikheyev had a goal and assist. Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield (lower body) left the Boston game in the third period, but Brind’Amour didn’t have an immediate update. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Canes #Blackhawks #quest #seedApr 7, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin (74) watches the play against the Boston Bruins during the third period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

The Carolina Hurricanes clinched the Metropolitan Division title and remained on track to secure home-ice advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs with Tuesday’s overtime victory against visiting Boston.

On Thursday, Carolina (50-22-6, 106 points) will aim to keep its focus as it meets the slumping Chicago Blackhawks in the opener of a four-game road trip to close the regular season.

Atlantic Division foes Tampa Bay, Buffalo and Montreal each entered Wednesday with 102 points and are the Hurricanes’ closest competitors for the top spot in the East.

If defenseman Jaccob Slavin’s reaction to the division crown is any indication, Carolina need not worry about looking ahead.

“We put in a lot of work this season, and to do that is still a big accomplishment,” Slavin said. “But that’s just one step along the way.”

Slavin scored the game-winning goal — his first goal of the season — at 1:13 of overtime to beat Boston 6-5.

Four Hurricanes earned multiple points, as Taylor Hall and Andrei Svechnikov each had a goal and assist and Jackson Blake and Sean Walker both had two assists.

Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour, whose club has won four of five, feels the team is hitting its stride for the stretch run.

“I thought we played really well,” he said. “We had some breakdowns, and we had a couple where they made us pay. But I liked the way our group responded on everything. Overall, it was real positive.”

Chicago (28-36-14, 70 points) has lost six of seven and is in search of its first home victory since March 9.


Thursday marks the start of the Blackhawks’ four-game homestand to conclude the regular season, with each coming against teams that either have clinched playoff berths or remain in contention for wild-card spots.

The Blackhawks are coming off a loss Monday to one such club. The host San Jose Sharks, part of a congested Western Conference wild-card chase, edged the Blackhawks 3-2.

Ryan Donato and Frank Nazar tallied goals for Chicago, while Connor Bedard earned his fourth assist in the past three games.

That raised Bedard’s career points total to 200. He’s the first Blackhawk to achieve the feat before age 20, joining 12 other players in league history, including current players Sidney Crosby and Steven Stamkos.

Bedard had the secondary assist on Donato’s goal in the first period.

“I thought we were moving the puck well. (Bedard) up top works really well. He sees the ice really well,” said Nazar, who added an assist.

Added coach Jeff Blashill: “(Bedard’s) the guy you want with the puck in his hands.”

Blackhawks forward Andrew Mangiapane (upper-body injury) returned against the Sharks after missing the past nine games.

Visiting Chicago edged Carolina 4-3 in a shootout on Jan. 22. Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight stopped 28 shots in regulation and overtime. Ilya Mikheyev had a goal and assist.

Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield (lower body) left the Boston game in the third period, but Brind’Amour didn’t have an immediate update.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Canes #Blackhawks #quest #seed

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Apr 7, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin (74) watches the play against the Boston Bruins during the third period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

The Carolina Hurricanes clinched the Metropolitan Division title and remained on track to secure home-ice advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs with Tuesday’s overtime victory against visiting Boston.

On Thursday, Carolina (50-22-6, 106 points) will aim to keep its focus as it meets the slumping Chicago Blackhawks in the opener of a four-game road trip to close the regular season.

Atlantic Division foes Tampa Bay, Buffalo and Montreal each entered Wednesday with 102 points and are the Hurricanes’ closest competitors for the top spot in the East.

If defenseman Jaccob Slavin’s reaction to the division crown is any indication, Carolina need not worry about looking ahead.

“We put in a lot of work this season, and to do that is still a big accomplishment,” Slavin said. “But that’s just one step along the way.”

Slavin scored the game-winning goal — his first goal of the season — at 1:13 of overtime to beat Boston 6-5.

Four Hurricanes earned multiple points, as Taylor Hall and Andrei Svechnikov each had a goal and assist and Jackson Blake and Sean Walker both had two assists.

Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour, whose club has won four of five, feels the team is hitting its stride for the stretch run.

“I thought we played really well,” he said. “We had some breakdowns, and we had a couple where they made us pay. But I liked the way our group responded on everything. Overall, it was real positive.”

Chicago (28-36-14, 70 points) has lost six of seven and is in search of its first home victory since March 9.

Thursday marks the start of the Blackhawks’ four-game homestand to conclude the regular season, with each coming against teams that either have clinched playoff berths or remain in contention for wild-card spots.

The Blackhawks are coming off a loss Monday to one such club. The host San Jose Sharks, part of a congested Western Conference wild-card chase, edged the Blackhawks 3-2.

Ryan Donato and Frank Nazar tallied goals for Chicago, while Connor Bedard earned his fourth assist in the past three games.

That raised Bedard’s career points total to 200. He’s the first Blackhawk to achieve the feat before age 20, joining 12 other players in league history, including current players Sidney Crosby and Steven Stamkos.

Bedard had the secondary assist on Donato’s goal in the first period.

“I thought we were moving the puck well. (Bedard) up top works really well. He sees the ice really well,” said Nazar, who added an assist.

Added coach Jeff Blashill: “(Bedard’s) the guy you want with the puck in his hands.”

Blackhawks forward Andrew Mangiapane (upper-body injury) returned against the Sharks after missing the past nine games.

Visiting Chicago edged Carolina 4-3 in a shootout on Jan. 22. Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight stopped 28 shots in regulation and overtime. Ilya Mikheyev had a goal and assist.

Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield (lower body) left the Boston game in the third period, but Brind’Amour didn’t have an immediate update.

–Field Level Media

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Brazil pacer Laura Cardoso becomes first player to pick nine wickets in T20Is <div id="content-body-70842695" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Brazilian pacer Laura Cardoso scripted history on Thursday as she became the first player, man or woman, to take nine wickets in a T20I innings.</p><p>The 21-year-old all-rounder ripped through Lesotho’s batting line-up at the Botswana Cricket Association Oval 2, Gaborone, ending with a brilliant spell of 9/4 (3) which included two maiden overs.</p><p>This has bettered R. Rohmalia’s (Indonesia) spell of seven wickets for no runs against Mongolia in 2024 in the women’s game, and Sonam Yeshey’s (Bhutan) 8/7 spell against Myanmar in 2025 in the men’s game.</p><p>Earlier in the match, Brazil posted a commanding total of 202, powered by impressive knocks from Roberta Avery (48 off 35) and Monnike Machado (69 not out off 41).</p><p>Cardoso’s incredible spell began in the second over when the pacer picked up a hat-trick. She followed it up with four more wickets in the fourth over to take her tally to seven.</p><p>Two additional wickets in the sixth over saw her reach an unprecedented nine wickets in an innings.</p><p>The final wicket was claimed by Marianne Artur, as Lesotho were bowled out for just 13 in 6.2 overs, handing Brazil a massive 189-run victory.</p><p>Cardoso has played 48 T20Is for Brazil and picked up 55 wickets. She made her debut for the Brazilian national team in 2021 against USA.</p><p><i>(With PTI inputs)</i></p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 09, 2026</p></div> #Brazil #pacer #Laura #Cardoso #player #pick #wickets #T20Is

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Verstappen’s race engineer Lambiase to leave Red Bull for McLaren  <div id="content-body-70842658" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Max Verstappen’s long-time Formula One race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase is to leave Red Bull and join McLaren ‌in a supporting role to team principal Andrea Stella.</p><p>There was no immediate ​comment from either team on Thursday, but senior insiders confirmed the move, ⁠first reported in Dutch media, to <i>Reuters</i>.</p><p>The news was also reported by the <i>BBC</i> and <i>Sky Sports</i>, with 2028 given as the likely start date for a man who has been working with ‌Verstappen since 2016 and has played a key role in helping the Dutch driver to four world championships.</p><p>Lambiase, 45, had also been linked with Silverstone-based Aston ‌Martin, whose team principal is former Red Bull star designer Adrian Newey.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Stella set to stay as Principal</h4><p>While Aston Martin has endured a nightmare start to the season, ⁠struggling to even finish races with an uncompetitive Honda engine, McLaren won both titles last year with champion Lando Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri.</p><p>Lambiase is expected to become head of race engineering at McLaren once a ​potentially long period of ‘gardening leave’ comes ‌to an end, with former Ferrari engineer Stella continuing in his position.</p><p>Stella, who worked with Michael Schumacher in a golden era at Ferrari in the early 2000s, has a multi-year contract with McLaren and no intention of returning to Maranello despite some media ‌speculation about his future.</p><p>The close but forthright relationship between Verstappen and ‘GP’ over the ​team radio has become a familiar part of Formula One, similar to the pairing of Lewis Hamilton and Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington during the seven-time world ⁠champion’s spell at Mercedes.</p><p>Former Red Bull boss Christian Horner, fired last July, once compared the relationship to that of “an old married couple arguing about what to watch on television.</p><p><b>READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/motorsport/f1/f1-technical-heads-to-meet-discuss-new-engine-rules-changes-motorsport-news/article70839707.ece" target="_blank">F1 technical heads to meet, discuss new engine rules</a></b></p><p>“The dynamic between ‌the two is so intense that in between you have to ask yourself who is supposed to be the driver and who is supposed to be the engineer here.”</p><p>Losing the Briton will be a blow to Verstappen after the departure of other important figures in recent seasons and once-dominant Red Bull’s waning performance on track, but the 28-year-old has also increasingly cast doubt on his own longevity in the sport.</p><p>“I’m thinking about everything inside ‌this paddock,” he said in Japan last month.</p><p>Verstappen is no fan of the sport’s new engine era and ​rules that force drivers to manage energy deployment and take corners at less than full speed.</p><p>In 2021, when they won a first title together, the ⁠Dutchman went so far as to say that he would not continue without Lambiase.</p><p>“I have said ⁠to him I only work with him. As soon as he stops, I stop too,” he told Dutch broadcaster <i>Ziggo Sport</i>. “We can be pretty strict with ‌each other sometimes, but I want that. He has to tell me when I’m being a jerk, and I have to tell him.”</p><p>McLaren already has former Red Bull ​employees Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay in senior roles as chief designer and sporting director, respectively.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 09, 2026</p></div> #Verstappens #race #engineer #Lambiase #leave #Red #Bull #McLaren

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Deadspin | Tre Jones helps Bulls beat Wizards for second time in 3 days Apr 9, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill (16) drives to the basket as Chicago Bulls forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) and Bulls guard Collin Sexton (2) defend in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Tre Jones scored 31 points, Collin Sexton had 27 and Leonard Miller recorded a career-high 26, fueling the visiting Chicago Bulls to a 119-108 victory over the Washington Wizards on Thursday. Jones sank 9 of 14 shots from the floor and all 12 of his attempts from the free-throw line for the Bulls (31-49), who rode a strong finish to the third quarter en route to defeating the Wizards for the second time in three days. Chicago snapped a seven-game losing skid with a 129-98 victory over Washington on Tuesday. Miller, who made 11 of 14 shots from the floor, added 11 rebounds to record his second double-double in three games. The Bulls enjoyed a 68-50 edge in points in the paint and 26-18 advantage in fast-break points. Washington rookie Will Riley collected 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, and Julian Reese recorded 16 points and 15 boards. Leaky Black and Anthony Gill each scored 14 points for the undermanned Wizards (17-63), who dressed the league-minimum eight players on Thursday. The end result essentially was the same for Washington, which lost for the 24th time in 25 games. Jamir Watkins drained a 3-pointer to pull Washington within one at 71-70 with 4:03 remaining in the third before Chicago ignited a 16-4 run to end the quarter. The Bulls made three straight layups to start the surge, and Jones capped it after converting at the rim following a behind-the-back pass from Rob Dillingham. The Wizards trimmed their deficit to 10 points at 103-93 with 6:25 to play in the fourth quarter after Justin Champagnie drained a 3-pointer to cap a 7-0 run. Sexton’s layup halted that surge, and the Bulls kept the Wizards at bay before Patrick Williams sank a 3-pointer to increase the lead to 117-98. Prior to the game, Wizards coach Brian Keefe announced forward Alex Sarr is likely done for the season because of a toe injury, Chicago’s Guerschon Yabusele sustained a sprained left shoulder in the third quarter and did not return to the game. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Tre #Jones #helps #Bulls #beat #Wizards #time #daysApr 9, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill (16) drives to the basket as Chicago Bulls forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) and Bulls guard Collin Sexton (2) defend in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Tre Jones scored 31 points, Collin Sexton had 27 and Leonard Miller recorded a career-high 26, fueling the visiting Chicago Bulls to a 119-108 victory over the Washington Wizards on Thursday.

Jones sank 9 of 14 shots from the floor and all 12 of his attempts from the free-throw line for the Bulls (31-49), who rode a strong finish to the third quarter en route to defeating the Wizards for the second time in three days. Chicago snapped a seven-game losing skid with a 129-98 victory over Washington on Tuesday.

Miller, who made 11 of 14 shots from the floor, added 11 rebounds to record his second double-double in three games.

The Bulls enjoyed a 68-50 edge in points in the paint and 26-18 advantage in fast-break points.

Washington rookie Will Riley collected 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, and Julian Reese recorded 16 points and 15 boards.


Leaky Black and Anthony Gill each scored 14 points for the undermanned Wizards (17-63), who dressed the league-minimum eight players on Thursday. The end result essentially was the same for Washington, which lost for the 24th time in 25 games.

Jamir Watkins drained a 3-pointer to pull Washington within one at 71-70 with 4:03 remaining in the third before Chicago ignited a 16-4 run to end the quarter. The Bulls made three straight layups to start the surge, and Jones capped it after converting at the rim following a behind-the-back pass from Rob Dillingham.

The Wizards trimmed their deficit to 10 points at 103-93 with 6:25 to play in the fourth quarter after Justin Champagnie drained a 3-pointer to cap a 7-0 run.

Sexton’s layup halted that surge, and the Bulls kept the Wizards at bay before Patrick Williams sank a 3-pointer to increase the lead to 117-98.

Prior to the game, Wizards coach Brian Keefe announced forward Alex Sarr is likely done for the season because of a toe injury,

Chicago’s Guerschon Yabusele sustained a sprained left shoulder in the third quarter and did not return to the game.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Tre #Jones #helps #Bulls #beat #Wizards #time #days">Deadspin | Tre Jones helps Bulls beat Wizards for second time in 3 days Apr 9, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill (16) drives to the basket as Chicago Bulls forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) and Bulls guard Collin Sexton (2) defend in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Tre Jones scored 31 points, Collin Sexton had 27 and Leonard Miller recorded a career-high 26, fueling the visiting Chicago Bulls to a 119-108 victory over the Washington Wizards on Thursday. Jones sank 9 of 14 shots from the floor and all 12 of his attempts from the free-throw line for the Bulls (31-49), who rode a strong finish to the third quarter en route to defeating the Wizards for the second time in three days. Chicago snapped a seven-game losing skid with a 129-98 victory over Washington on Tuesday. Miller, who made 11 of 14 shots from the floor, added 11 rebounds to record his second double-double in three games. The Bulls enjoyed a 68-50 edge in points in the paint and 26-18 advantage in fast-break points. Washington rookie Will Riley collected 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, and Julian Reese recorded 16 points and 15 boards. Leaky Black and Anthony Gill each scored 14 points for the undermanned Wizards (17-63), who dressed the league-minimum eight players on Thursday. The end result essentially was the same for Washington, which lost for the 24th time in 25 games. Jamir Watkins drained a 3-pointer to pull Washington within one at 71-70 with 4:03 remaining in the third before Chicago ignited a 16-4 run to end the quarter. The Bulls made three straight layups to start the surge, and Jones capped it after converting at the rim following a behind-the-back pass from Rob Dillingham. The Wizards trimmed their deficit to 10 points at 103-93 with 6:25 to play in the fourth quarter after Justin Champagnie drained a 3-pointer to cap a 7-0 run. Sexton’s layup halted that surge, and the Bulls kept the Wizards at bay before Patrick Williams sank a 3-pointer to increase the lead to 117-98. Prior to the game, Wizards coach Brian Keefe announced forward Alex Sarr is likely done for the season because of a toe injury, Chicago’s Guerschon Yabusele sustained a sprained left shoulder in the third quarter and did not return to the game. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Tre #Jones #helps #Bulls #beat #Wizards #time #days

Deadspin | Islanders bombard Maple Leafs to secure crucial win Apr 9, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) stands in the goal crease during the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images The New York Islanders secured a sorely needed two points with a 5-3 win over the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs in their first game with Peter DeBoer as head coach. Matthew Schaefer put the Islanders (43-31-5, 91 points) back in the lead after Toronto came back from 2-0 to tie it in the second period, tying the NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman in the process. Calum Ritchie had a multi-point game, as did Tony DeAngelo, who was back from a six-game injury-induced hiatus. Artur Akhtyamov came under fire in his first NHL start, turning away 39 of 44 shots for the Maple Leafs (32-33-14, 78 points). Ilya Sorokin stopped just 13 of 16 at the other end. DeBoer’s tenure got off to a spirited start. Ritchie capitalized on a Maple Leafs defensive breakdown on a delayed penalty, feeding the puck through the slot to Brayden Schenn, who batted it past a helpless Akhtyamov 2:08 in. Jean-Gabriel Pageau made it 2-0 less than three minutes later, beating a backtracking Max Domi to stuff in his own rebound. Steven Lorentz responded 16 seconds later for the visitors, with Islanders defenseman Carson Soucy inadvertently colliding with Sorokin as Lorentz released a powerful wrist shot to make it 2-1. After managing just 16 shots in their last outing against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Islanders recorded 24 shots in the first period alone. Easton Cowan made no mistake when the Islanders ceded him a little too much space in the high slot on the power play, ripping it past Sorokin to make it 2-2 just 1:57 into the second period. The Leafs’ Luke Haymes, playing in his first NHL game, proceeded to hit the post seconds later. Schaefer tied the NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman with his 23rd of the season, striding into the faceoff circle and firing under Akhtyamov to retake the lead for the home team later in the period. Emil Heineman extended the Islanders’ lead back to two with a one-timer on their third power play of the game. Ritchie made it 5-2 in the third period on a two-man advantage. Morgan Rielly nabbed a consolation goal with six minutes remaining. Haymes tallied his first career point on the play. The win snapped the Islanders’ four-game losing streak. They have now won eight of their last 10 against the Maple Leafs. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Islanders #bombard #Maple #Leafs #secure #crucial #winApr 9, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) stands in the goal crease during the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The New York Islanders secured a sorely needed two points with a 5-3 win over the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs in their first game with Peter DeBoer as head coach.

Matthew Schaefer put the Islanders (43-31-5, 91 points) back in the lead after Toronto came back from 2-0 to tie it in the second period, tying the NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman in the process. Calum Ritchie had a multi-point game, as did Tony DeAngelo, who was back from a six-game injury-induced hiatus.

Artur Akhtyamov came under fire in his first NHL start, turning away 39 of 44 shots for the Maple Leafs (32-33-14, 78 points). Ilya Sorokin stopped just 13 of 16 at the other end.

DeBoer’s tenure got off to a spirited start. Ritchie capitalized on a Maple Leafs defensive breakdown on a delayed penalty, feeding the puck through the slot to Brayden Schenn, who batted it past a helpless Akhtyamov 2:08 in. Jean-Gabriel Pageau made it 2-0 less than three minutes later, beating a backtracking Max Domi to stuff in his own rebound.

Steven Lorentz responded 16 seconds later for the visitors, with Islanders defenseman Carson Soucy inadvertently colliding with Sorokin as Lorentz released a powerful wrist shot to make it 2-1.


After managing just 16 shots in their last outing against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Islanders recorded 24 shots in the first period alone.

Easton Cowan made no mistake when the Islanders ceded him a little too much space in the high slot on the power play, ripping it past Sorokin to make it 2-2 just 1:57 into the second period. The Leafs’ Luke Haymes, playing in his first NHL game, proceeded to hit the post seconds later.

Schaefer tied the NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman with his 23rd of the season, striding into the faceoff circle and firing under Akhtyamov to retake the lead for the home team later in the period.

Emil Heineman extended the Islanders’ lead back to two with a one-timer on their third power play of the game. Ritchie made it 5-2 in the third period on a two-man advantage.

Morgan Rielly nabbed a consolation goal with six minutes remaining. Haymes tallied his first career point on the play.

The win snapped the Islanders’ four-game losing streak. They have now won eight of their last 10 against the Maple Leafs.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Islanders #bombard #Maple #Leafs #secure #crucial #win">Deadspin | Islanders bombard Maple Leafs to secure crucial win Apr 9, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) stands in the goal crease during the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images The New York Islanders secured a sorely needed two points with a 5-3 win over the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs in their first game with Peter DeBoer as head coach. Matthew Schaefer put the Islanders (43-31-5, 91 points) back in the lead after Toronto came back from 2-0 to tie it in the second period, tying the NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman in the process. Calum Ritchie had a multi-point game, as did Tony DeAngelo, who was back from a six-game injury-induced hiatus. Artur Akhtyamov came under fire in his first NHL start, turning away 39 of 44 shots for the Maple Leafs (32-33-14, 78 points). Ilya Sorokin stopped just 13 of 16 at the other end. DeBoer’s tenure got off to a spirited start. Ritchie capitalized on a Maple Leafs defensive breakdown on a delayed penalty, feeding the puck through the slot to Brayden Schenn, who batted it past a helpless Akhtyamov 2:08 in. Jean-Gabriel Pageau made it 2-0 less than three minutes later, beating a backtracking Max Domi to stuff in his own rebound. Steven Lorentz responded 16 seconds later for the visitors, with Islanders defenseman Carson Soucy inadvertently colliding with Sorokin as Lorentz released a powerful wrist shot to make it 2-1. After managing just 16 shots in their last outing against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Islanders recorded 24 shots in the first period alone. Easton Cowan made no mistake when the Islanders ceded him a little too much space in the high slot on the power play, ripping it past Sorokin to make it 2-2 just 1:57 into the second period. The Leafs’ Luke Haymes, playing in his first NHL game, proceeded to hit the post seconds later. Schaefer tied the NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman with his 23rd of the season, striding into the faceoff circle and firing under Akhtyamov to retake the lead for the home team later in the period. Emil Heineman extended the Islanders’ lead back to two with a one-timer on their third power play of the game. Ritchie made it 5-2 in the third period on a two-man advantage. Morgan Rielly nabbed a consolation goal with six minutes remaining. Haymes tallied his first career point on the play. The win snapped the Islanders’ four-game losing streak. They have now won eight of their last 10 against the Maple Leafs. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Islanders #bombard #Maple #Leafs #secure #crucial #win

Deadspin | Twins make clutch plays, add to Tigers’ losing skid Apr 9, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Trevor Larnach (9) slides into third base on a single by Minnesota Twins first baseman Josh Bell (not pictured) against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images Brooks Lee pulled a two-run single through the right side of the infield, and the Minnesota Twins held on for a 3-1 win over the Detroit Tigers on Thursday afternoon in Minneapolis. Josh Bell went 3-for-4 and hit a solo home run for Minnesota, which completed a four-game sweep over the Tigers. Gleyber Torres drove in the lone run for Detroit, which has dropped five straight games. Twins right-hander Garrett Acton (1-0) earned his first career win after allowing one run in two innings of relief. He followed starter Mick Abel, who pitched six scoreless innings. Tigers right-hander Will Vest (0-2) gave up two runs on three hits in two-thirds of an inning. Twins right-hander Eric Orze pitched a scoreless ninth for his first save of the season. Lee delivered the go-ahead hit with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the eighth. He fell behind Vest 0-2 before working the count full and knocking a single to right. The Twins grabbed a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth. Bell led off the inning against Tigers starter Jack Flaherty and ripped the first pitch he saw 401 feet over the wall in right-center field. The blast marked his third home run since signing with the Twins. The Tigers evened the score at 1-all in the top of the seventh. Jake Rogers started the action when he was hit by a pitch with one out. Moments later, Rodgers advanced from first to third on a single by Colt Keith. Torres lifted a sacrifice fly to right field to drive in Rogers and tie the game. Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows had to be carted off the field after a scary collision in the bottom of the eighth. Meadows and Riley Greene converged on Bell’s fly ball that was slicing toward the gap in left-center field, and Greene made the catch but his head clipped the side of Meadows’ face. Meadows stayed down and rolled on his back as trainers attended to him. He eventually sat up and walked a few steps slowly to a cart that took him out of the game. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Twins #clutch #plays #add #Tigers #losing #skidApr 9, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Trevor Larnach (9) slides into third base on a single by Minnesota Twins first baseman Josh Bell (not pictured) against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Brooks Lee pulled a two-run single through the right side of the infield, and the Minnesota Twins held on for a 3-1 win over the Detroit Tigers on Thursday afternoon in Minneapolis.

Josh Bell went 3-for-4 and hit a solo home run for Minnesota, which completed a four-game sweep over the Tigers.

Gleyber Torres drove in the lone run for Detroit, which has dropped five straight games.

Twins right-hander Garrett Acton (1-0) earned his first career win after allowing one run in two innings of relief. He followed starter Mick Abel, who pitched six scoreless innings.

Tigers right-hander Will Vest (0-2) gave up two runs on three hits in two-thirds of an inning.


Twins right-hander Eric Orze pitched a scoreless ninth for his first save of the season.

Lee delivered the go-ahead hit with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the eighth. He fell behind Vest 0-2 before working the count full and knocking a single to right.

The Twins grabbed a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth. Bell led off the inning against Tigers starter Jack Flaherty and ripped the first pitch he saw 401 feet over the wall in right-center field. The blast marked his third home run since signing with the Twins.

The Tigers evened the score at 1-all in the top of the seventh. Jake Rogers started the action when he was hit by a pitch with one out. Moments later, Rodgers advanced from first to third on a single by Colt Keith. Torres lifted a sacrifice fly to right field to drive in Rogers and tie the game.

Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows had to be carted off the field after a scary collision in the bottom of the eighth. Meadows and Riley Greene converged on Bell’s fly ball that was slicing toward the gap in left-center field, and Greene made the catch but his head clipped the side of Meadows’ face.

Meadows stayed down and rolled on his back as trainers attended to him. He eventually sat up and walked a few steps slowly to a cart that took him out of the game.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Twins #clutch #plays #add #Tigers #losing #skid">Deadspin | Twins make clutch plays, add to Tigers’ losing skid Apr 9, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Trevor Larnach (9) slides into third base on a single by Minnesota Twins first baseman Josh Bell (not pictured) against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images Brooks Lee pulled a two-run single through the right side of the infield, and the Minnesota Twins held on for a 3-1 win over the Detroit Tigers on Thursday afternoon in Minneapolis. Josh Bell went 3-for-4 and hit a solo home run for Minnesota, which completed a four-game sweep over the Tigers. Gleyber Torres drove in the lone run for Detroit, which has dropped five straight games. Twins right-hander Garrett Acton (1-0) earned his first career win after allowing one run in two innings of relief. He followed starter Mick Abel, who pitched six scoreless innings. Tigers right-hander Will Vest (0-2) gave up two runs on three hits in two-thirds of an inning. Twins right-hander Eric Orze pitched a scoreless ninth for his first save of the season. Lee delivered the go-ahead hit with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the eighth. He fell behind Vest 0-2 before working the count full and knocking a single to right. The Twins grabbed a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth. Bell led off the inning against Tigers starter Jack Flaherty and ripped the first pitch he saw 401 feet over the wall in right-center field. The blast marked his third home run since signing with the Twins. The Tigers evened the score at 1-all in the top of the seventh. Jake Rogers started the action when he was hit by a pitch with one out. Moments later, Rodgers advanced from first to third on a single by Colt Keith. Torres lifted a sacrifice fly to right field to drive in Rogers and tie the game. Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows had to be carted off the field after a scary collision in the bottom of the eighth. Meadows and Riley Greene converged on Bell’s fly ball that was slicing toward the gap in left-center field, and Greene made the catch but his head clipped the side of Meadows’ face. Meadows stayed down and rolled on his back as trainers attended to him. He eventually sat up and walked a few steps slowly to a cart that took him out of the game. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Twins #clutch #plays #add #Tigers #losing #skid

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