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Deadspin | Amid tough stretch, Flames face Avalanche   Apr 12, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Abram Wiebe (52) skates during the warmup period against the Utah Mammoth at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images   The Calgary Flames have been eliminated from playoff contention, but that reality hasn’t stopped them from making a difference in the postseason race.  The Flames (33-38-9, 75 points) beat Utah 4-1 on Sunday and will try to defeat another playoff-bound team when they host the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night.  In between, Calgary will host the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday night in a game that will have no impact on the playoff race.  Colorado (53-16-11, 117 points) clinched the top overall seed with a win over Calgary on Thursday and will play its last two games of the regular season with nothing at stake but health. The Avalanche are coming off a 2-1 victory in a shootout at Edmonton on Monday night.  The Flames are trying to gain momentum heading into the offseason and gain experience for young players. The latest to make his NHL debut was defenseman Abram Wiebe at Seattle on Saturday.  Wiebe signed with Calgary right after his North Dakota State team was eliminated by Wisconsin in the Frozen Four on Thursday.   The 22-year-old Wiebe played 11:19 in a loss to the Kraken and another 7:44 a night later against the Mammoth.  “It’s been pretty crazy, going down to Vegas for the Frozen Four, getting upset by Wisconsin (Thursday), and then having to flip the page to sign my first contract and play my first NHL game,” Wiebe told Sportsnet 960 The Fan following a 4-1 loss to Seattle.  Even with the disappointing season, three Flames have a chance to play in all 82 games — Mikael Backlund, Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee. The trio has a long way to go to match the steadiness of Colorado defenseman Brent Burns.   Burns played in his 1,005th straight game Monday night, an ironman streak second only to Phil Kessel, who played in 1,064 consecutive games from 2009-23. Burns is unlikely to sit the last two games of the season, but the Avalanche have rested players with the top overall seed clinched.  Artturi Lehkonen, who missed three weeks in March to an injury, didn’t play Monday night. Cale Makar (upper body), Josh Manson (upper body) and Nazem Kadri (finger) were out of the lineup.  Avalanche coach Jared Bednar did not accompany the team on the road trip after suffering facial fractures and a corneal abrasion when he was hit by a puck during Saturday’s loss to Vegas.  While Colorado’s postseason seeding is set, milestones are still available. Martin Necas is one point from reaching 100 for the first time in his career, and Nathan MacKinnon has a chance to win the Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHL’s top goal scorer.  MacKinnon has a career-high 52, one more than Montreal’s Cole Caufield, and can become the first Avalanche player to finish with the most goals since Milan Hejduk in 2002-03.  Colorado is two points behind the franchise record of 119 set in 2021-22.  “Preparation for the playoffs,” said goaltender Scott Wedgewood, who had 30 saves against Edmonton on Monday. “Proud of our guys to be able to step up. Not that there’s not anything to play for, there are details and tendencies, but you can get a little lazy with how the standings are.”  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #tough #stretch #Flames #face #Avalanche

Deadspin | Amid tough stretch, Flames face Avalanche
Deadspin | Amid tough stretch, Flames face Avalanche   Apr 12, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Abram Wiebe (52) skates during the warmup period against the Utah Mammoth at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images   The Calgary Flames have been eliminated from playoff contention, but that reality hasn’t stopped them from making a difference in the postseason race.  The Flames (33-38-9, 75 points) beat Utah 4-1 on Sunday and will try to defeat another playoff-bound team when they host the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night.  In between, Calgary will host the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday night in a game that will have no impact on the playoff race.  Colorado (53-16-11, 117 points) clinched the top overall seed with a win over Calgary on Thursday and will play its last two games of the regular season with nothing at stake but health. The Avalanche are coming off a 2-1 victory in a shootout at Edmonton on Monday night.  The Flames are trying to gain momentum heading into the offseason and gain experience for young players. The latest to make his NHL debut was defenseman Abram Wiebe at Seattle on Saturday.  Wiebe signed with Calgary right after his North Dakota State team was eliminated by Wisconsin in the Frozen Four on Thursday.   The 22-year-old Wiebe played 11:19 in a loss to the Kraken and another 7:44 a night later against the Mammoth.  “It’s been pretty crazy, going down to Vegas for the Frozen Four, getting upset by Wisconsin (Thursday), and then having to flip the page to sign my first contract and play my first NHL game,” Wiebe told Sportsnet 960 The Fan following a 4-1 loss to Seattle.  Even with the disappointing season, three Flames have a chance to play in all 82 games — Mikael Backlund, Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee. The trio has a long way to go to match the steadiness of Colorado defenseman Brent Burns.   Burns played in his 1,005th straight game Monday night, an ironman streak second only to Phil Kessel, who played in 1,064 consecutive games from 2009-23. Burns is unlikely to sit the last two games of the season, but the Avalanche have rested players with the top overall seed clinched.  Artturi Lehkonen, who missed three weeks in March to an injury, didn’t play Monday night. Cale Makar (upper body), Josh Manson (upper body) and Nazem Kadri (finger) were out of the lineup.  Avalanche coach Jared Bednar did not accompany the team on the road trip after suffering facial fractures and a corneal abrasion when he was hit by a puck during Saturday’s loss to Vegas.  While Colorado’s postseason seeding is set, milestones are still available. Martin Necas is one point from reaching 100 for the first time in his career, and Nathan MacKinnon has a chance to win the Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHL’s top goal scorer.  MacKinnon has a career-high 52, one more than Montreal’s Cole Caufield, and can become the first Avalanche player to finish with the most goals since Milan Hejduk in 2002-03.  Colorado is two points behind the franchise record of 119 set in 2021-22.  “Preparation for the playoffs,” said goaltender Scott Wedgewood, who had 30 saves against Edmonton on Monday. “Proud of our guys to be able to step up. Not that there’s not anything to play for, there are details and tendencies, but you can get a little lazy with how the standings are.”  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #tough #stretch #Flames #face #AvalancheApr 12, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Abram Wiebe (52) skates during the warmup period against the Utah Mammoth at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

The Calgary Flames have been eliminated from playoff contention, but that reality hasn’t stopped them from making a difference in the postseason race.

The Flames (33-38-9, 75 points) beat Utah 4-1 on Sunday and will try to defeat another playoff-bound team when they host the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night.

In between, Calgary will host the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday night in a game that will have no impact on the playoff race.

Colorado (53-16-11, 117 points) clinched the top overall seed with a win over Calgary on Thursday and will play its last two games of the regular season with nothing at stake but health. The Avalanche are coming off a 2-1 victory in a shootout at Edmonton on Monday night.

The Flames are trying to gain momentum heading into the offseason and gain experience for young players. The latest to make his NHL debut was defenseman Abram Wiebe at Seattle on Saturday.

Wiebe signed with Calgary right after his North Dakota State team was eliminated by Wisconsin in the Frozen Four on Thursday.

The 22-year-old Wiebe played 11:19 in a loss to the Kraken and another 7:44 a night later against the Mammoth.

“It’s been pretty crazy, going down to Vegas for the Frozen Four, getting upset by Wisconsin (Thursday), and then having to flip the page to sign my first contract and play my first NHL game,” Wiebe told Sportsnet 960 The Fan following a 4-1 loss to Seattle.


Even with the disappointing season, three Flames have a chance to play in all 82 games — Mikael Backlund, Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee. The trio has a long way to go to match the steadiness of Colorado defenseman Brent Burns.

Burns played in his 1,005th straight game Monday night, an ironman streak second only to Phil Kessel, who played in 1,064 consecutive games from 2009-23. Burns is unlikely to sit the last two games of the season, but the Avalanche have rested players with the top overall seed clinched.

Artturi Lehkonen, who missed three weeks in March to an injury, didn’t play Monday night. Cale Makar (upper body), Josh Manson (upper body) and Nazem Kadri (finger) were out of the lineup.

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar did not accompany the team on the road trip after suffering facial fractures and a corneal abrasion when he was hit by a puck during Saturday’s loss to Vegas.

While Colorado’s postseason seeding is set, milestones are still available. Martin Necas is one point from reaching 100 for the first time in his career, and Nathan MacKinnon has a chance to win the Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHL’s top goal scorer.

MacKinnon has a career-high 52, one more than Montreal’s Cole Caufield, and can become the first Avalanche player to finish with the most goals since Milan Hejduk in 2002-03.

Colorado is two points behind the franchise record of 119 set in 2021-22.

“Preparation for the playoffs,” said goaltender Scott Wedgewood, who had 30 saves against Edmonton on Monday. “Proud of our guys to be able to step up. Not that there’s not anything to play for, there are details and tendencies, but you can get a little lazy with how the standings are.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #tough #stretch #Flames #face #Avalanche

Apr 12, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Abram Wiebe (52) skates during the warmup period against the Utah Mammoth at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

The Calgary Flames have been eliminated from playoff contention, but that reality hasn’t stopped them from making a difference in the postseason race.

The Flames (33-38-9, 75 points) beat Utah 4-1 on Sunday and will try to defeat another playoff-bound team when they host the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night.

In between, Calgary will host the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday night in a game that will have no impact on the playoff race.

Colorado (53-16-11, 117 points) clinched the top overall seed with a win over Calgary on Thursday and will play its last two games of the regular season with nothing at stake but health. The Avalanche are coming off a 2-1 victory in a shootout at Edmonton on Monday night.

The Flames are trying to gain momentum heading into the offseason and gain experience for young players. The latest to make his NHL debut was defenseman Abram Wiebe at Seattle on Saturday.

Wiebe signed with Calgary right after his North Dakota State team was eliminated by Wisconsin in the Frozen Four on Thursday.

The 22-year-old Wiebe played 11:19 in a loss to the Kraken and another 7:44 a night later against the Mammoth.

“It’s been pretty crazy, going down to Vegas for the Frozen Four, getting upset by Wisconsin (Thursday), and then having to flip the page to sign my first contract and play my first NHL game,” Wiebe told Sportsnet 960 The Fan following a 4-1 loss to Seattle.

Even with the disappointing season, three Flames have a chance to play in all 82 games — Mikael Backlund, Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee. The trio has a long way to go to match the steadiness of Colorado defenseman Brent Burns.

Burns played in his 1,005th straight game Monday night, an ironman streak second only to Phil Kessel, who played in 1,064 consecutive games from 2009-23. Burns is unlikely to sit the last two games of the season, but the Avalanche have rested players with the top overall seed clinched.

Artturi Lehkonen, who missed three weeks in March to an injury, didn’t play Monday night. Cale Makar (upper body), Josh Manson (upper body) and Nazem Kadri (finger) were out of the lineup.

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar did not accompany the team on the road trip after suffering facial fractures and a corneal abrasion when he was hit by a puck during Saturday’s loss to Vegas.

While Colorado’s postseason seeding is set, milestones are still available. Martin Necas is one point from reaching 100 for the first time in his career, and Nathan MacKinnon has a chance to win the Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHL’s top goal scorer.

MacKinnon has a career-high 52, one more than Montreal’s Cole Caufield, and can become the first Avalanche player to finish with the most goals since Milan Hejduk in 2002-03.

Colorado is two points behind the franchise record of 119 set in 2021-22.

“Preparation for the playoffs,” said goaltender Scott Wedgewood, who had 30 saves against Edmonton on Monday. “Proud of our guys to be able to step up. Not that there’s not anything to play for, there are details and tendencies, but you can get a little lazy with how the standings are.”

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #tough #stretch #Flames #face #Avalanche

Deadspin | Tall order as White Sox add LHP Noah Schultz to roster  Feb 26, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Noah Schultz (76) throws the first pitches of his major league career during the fifth inning of a spring training game against the San Diego Padres at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images    The Chicago White Sox made it official Tuesday, selecting the contract of top pitching prospect Noah Schultz from Triple-A Charlotte in advance of his major league debut against the Tampa Bay Rays.  The White Sox also reinstated outfielder Everson Pereira from the injured list and placed right-hander Jonathan Cannon on the IL with right hip inflammation.  Rated by Baseball America as their No. 1 overall prospect, and No. 21 in MLB, Schultz was Chicago’s first-round pick (26th overall) in the 2022 draft. In 14 innings this season at Triple-A, the left-hander has a 3-0 record and a 1.29 ERA with 19 strikeouts and two walks.  At 6-foot-10, Schultz will become one of the tallest left-handed pitchers in major league history, joining Randy Johnson and Eric Hillman. Former White Sox right-hander Jon Rauch was 6-foot-11.  Schultz threw just 73 total innings across Double-A and Triple-A last season due to a patella injury. He has yet to throw more than 88 1/3 innings in a season since being drafted, after dealing with shoulder and hand injuries.   Over five seasons across five levels of minor league competition, Schultz has a career 2.76 ERA in 59 appearances (58 starts) spanning 221 2/3 innings. He has 285 strikeouts against 84 walks.  Pereira, 25, has been out since April 3 with a left ankle sprain. He was 4-for-16 with a home run in five games this season after he was acquired from the Rays in a November trade.  Cannon, 25, was making his season debut when he was injured in the third inning of Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Royals. He is 9-20 with a 5.13 ERA in 46 appearances (38 starts) for Chicago over the past three seasons.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Tall #order #White #Sox #add #LHP #Noah #Schultz #rosterFeb 26, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Noah Schultz (76) throws the first pitches of his major league career during the fifth inning of a spring training game against the San Diego Padres at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images

The Chicago White Sox made it official Tuesday, selecting the contract of top pitching prospect Noah Schultz from Triple-A Charlotte in advance of his major league debut against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The White Sox also reinstated outfielder Everson Pereira from the injured list and placed right-hander Jonathan Cannon on the IL with right hip inflammation.

Rated by Baseball America as their No. 1 overall prospect, and No. 21 in MLB, Schultz was Chicago’s first-round pick (26th overall) in the 2022 draft. In 14 innings this season at Triple-A, the left-hander has a 3-0 record and a 1.29 ERA with 19 strikeouts and two walks.

At 6-foot-10, Schultz will become one of the tallest left-handed pitchers in major league history, joining Randy Johnson and Eric Hillman. Former White Sox right-hander Jon Rauch was 6-foot-11.


Schultz threw just 73 total innings across Double-A and Triple-A last season due to a patella injury. He has yet to throw more than 88 1/3 innings in a season since being drafted, after dealing with shoulder and hand injuries.

Over five seasons across five levels of minor league competition, Schultz has a career 2.76 ERA in 59 appearances (58 starts) spanning 221 2/3 innings. He has 285 strikeouts against 84 walks.

Pereira, 25, has been out since April 3 with a left ankle sprain. He was 4-for-16 with a home run in five games this season after he was acquired from the Rays in a November trade.

Cannon, 25, was making his season debut when he was injured in the third inning of Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Royals. He is 9-20 with a 5.13 ERA in 46 appearances (38 starts) for Chicago over the past three seasons.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Tall #order #White #Sox #add #LHP #Noah #Schultz #roster">Deadspin | Tall order as White Sox add LHP Noah Schultz to roster  Feb 26, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Noah Schultz (76) throws the first pitches of his major league career during the fifth inning of a spring training game against the San Diego Padres at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images    The Chicago White Sox made it official Tuesday, selecting the contract of top pitching prospect Noah Schultz from Triple-A Charlotte in advance of his major league debut against the Tampa Bay Rays.  The White Sox also reinstated outfielder Everson Pereira from the injured list and placed right-hander Jonathan Cannon on the IL with right hip inflammation.  Rated by Baseball America as their No. 1 overall prospect, and No. 21 in MLB, Schultz was Chicago’s first-round pick (26th overall) in the 2022 draft. In 14 innings this season at Triple-A, the left-hander has a 3-0 record and a 1.29 ERA with 19 strikeouts and two walks.  At 6-foot-10, Schultz will become one of the tallest left-handed pitchers in major league history, joining Randy Johnson and Eric Hillman. Former White Sox right-hander Jon Rauch was 6-foot-11.  Schultz threw just 73 total innings across Double-A and Triple-A last season due to a patella injury. He has yet to throw more than 88 1/3 innings in a season since being drafted, after dealing with shoulder and hand injuries.   Over five seasons across five levels of minor league competition, Schultz has a career 2.76 ERA in 59 appearances (58 starts) spanning 221 2/3 innings. He has 285 strikeouts against 84 walks.  Pereira, 25, has been out since April 3 with a left ankle sprain. He was 4-for-16 with a home run in five games this season after he was acquired from the Rays in a November trade.  Cannon, 25, was making his season debut when he was injured in the third inning of Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Royals. He is 9-20 with a 5.13 ERA in 46 appearances (38 starts) for Chicago over the past three seasons.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Tall #order #White #Sox #add #LHP #Noah #Schultz #roster

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday imposed a two-year ban on Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani from participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Muzarabani, who had signed a deal with Islamabad United for the 2026 season, later pulled out of the PSL to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The lanky pacer was roped in by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the ongoing season.

“Following a thorough disciplinary review, the PCB has announced that Zimbabwean cricketer Blessing Muzarabani is declared ineligible to participate in the next two (2) editions of the HBL PSL, effective immediately. This decision stems from a fundamental failure to honor agreed-upon commitments, an action that undermines the professional framework of the league,” the PCB said in a statement.

“The PCB maintains that professional cricket operates on the bedrock of trust and the certainty of agreements. In this instance, despite a clear offer and an unequivocal acceptance of essential terms, the player chose to disregard these obligations in favor of a conflicting arrangement,” it added.

The 29-year-old picked four for 41 in his second IPL match, against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Published on Apr 14, 2026

#Blessing #Muzarabani #banned #PSL #years #signing #IPL #contract">Blessing Muzarabani banned from PSL for two years after signing IPL contract  The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday imposed a two-year ban on Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani from participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).Muzarabani, who had signed a deal with Islamabad United for the 2026 season, later pulled out of the PSL to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL).The lanky pacer was roped in by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the ongoing season.“Following a thorough disciplinary review, the PCB has announced that Zimbabwean cricketer Blessing Muzarabani is declared ineligible to participate in the next two (2) editions of the HBL PSL, effective immediately. This decision stems from a fundamental failure to honor agreed-upon commitments, an action that undermines the professional framework of the league,” the PCB said in a statement.“The PCB maintains that professional cricket operates on the bedrock of trust and the certainty of agreements. In this instance, despite a clear offer and an unequivocal acceptance of essential terms, the player chose to disregard these obligations in favor of a conflicting arrangement,” it added.The 29-year-old picked four for 41 in his second IPL match, against Sunrisers Hyderabad.Published on Apr 14, 2026  #Blessing #Muzarabani #banned #PSL #years #signing #IPL #contract

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