Deadspin | Ducks, Wild meet as both teams tweak playoff roster mix Apr 13, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Theo Lindstein (41) defends against Minnesota Wild center Michael McCarron (47) in the third period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-Imagn Images It would be hard to blame the Anaheim Ducks if they come out a little sluggish Tuesday. They might have been too excited to sleep the previous night. Anaheim (42-32-6, 90 points) clinched its first playoff berth in eight years during an off day Monday, thanks to the San Jose Sharks’ win over the Nashville Predators. But before heading to the postseason, the Ducks have two more games left in the regular season, starting with Tuesday’s tilt against the Minnesota Wild (45-24-12, 102 points) in Saint Paul, Minn. Like Anaheim, Minnesota knows it is playoff bound. The Wild are locked into the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference’s Central Division, and they will face the No. 2 seed Dallas Stars. Tuesday marks the regular-season finale for the Wild, and the outcome will have zero effect on their playoff series starting in Dallas. At least, that is true in terms of the win-loss outcome. Players’ individual performances in Tuesday’s game could mean a lot in the finale and help coach John Hynes determine who will skate and which lines they will be part of during the playoff opener. “There’s a lot at stake for some guys,” Hynes said. Veteran forward Michael McCarron said he and his teammates needed to play with urgency. “We’re trying to build something in our locker room to go win a Stanley Cup, and we’ve got to bring it every single night,” McCarron said. “We’ve got to find the cohesion in our group to go on a long run, and it starts with these games, especially down the stretch.” Anaheim coach Joel Quenneville also may use his team’s last couple games of the regular season as an opportunity for players to make final arguments for why they belong on the ice in the postseason instead of watching the game as healthy scratches. One player Quenneville does not need to analyze further is forward Cutter Gauthier, who turned 22 years old in January and has scored 40 goals this season. Gauthier said it meant a lot to reach 40 goals but he had other objectives in mind. “It’s a huge milestone and something I’m very proud of,” Gauthier said. “I couldn’t have done it without all my linemates and teammates. It was fun to get that, but that’s not why I’m playing hockey. I’m playing hockey to win games and eventually win a Stanley Cup.” The Wild could start either Filip Gustavsson or Jesper Wallstedt in net. Gustavsson is 28-15-6 with a 2.69 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage, and Wallstedt is 17-9-6 with a 2.63 GAA and a .915 save percentage. Gustavsson is 6-1-0 with a 1.87 GAA and a .935 save percentage in eight career games against Anaheim. Wallstedt has a shutout victory in his only career game against the Ducks. Anaheim’s options in net include Lukas Dostal and Ville Husso. Dostal is 30-19-4 with a 3.10 GAA and an .889 save percentage, and Husso is 9-8-2 with a 3.21 GAA and an .887 save percentage. In seven games against Minnesota, Dostal is 1-4-1 with a 3.33 GAA and a .907 save percentage. Husso is 6-0-0 with a 2.43 GAA and a .923 save percentage in six matchups. -Field Level Media #Deadspin #Ducks #Wild #meet #teams #tweak #playoff #roster #mix

Deadspin | Ducks, Wild meet as both teams tweak playoff roster mix
Apr 13, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Theo Lindstein (41) defends against Minnesota Wild center Michael McCarron (47) in the third period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-Imagn Images

It would be hard to blame the Anaheim Ducks if they come out a little sluggish Tuesday.

They might have been too excited to sleep the previous night.

Anaheim (42-32-6, 90 points) clinched its first playoff berth in eight years during an off day Monday, thanks to the San Jose Sharks’ win over the Nashville Predators. But before heading to the postseason, the Ducks have two more games left in the regular season, starting with Tuesday’s tilt against the Minnesota Wild (45-24-12, 102 points) in Saint Paul, Minn.

Like Anaheim, Minnesota knows it is playoff bound. The Wild are locked into the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference’s Central Division, and they will face the No. 2 seed Dallas Stars.

Tuesday marks the regular-season finale for the Wild, and the outcome will have zero effect on their playoff series starting in Dallas.

At least, that is true in terms of the win-loss outcome. Players’ individual performances in Tuesday’s game could mean a lot in the finale and help coach John Hynes determine who will skate and which lines they will be part of during the playoff opener.

“There’s a lot at stake for some guys,” Hynes said.

Veteran forward Michael McCarron said he and his teammates needed to play with urgency.

“We’re trying to build something in our locker room to go win a Stanley Cup, and we’ve got to bring it every single night,” McCarron said. “We’ve got to find the cohesion in our group to go on a long run, and it starts with these games, especially down the stretch.”

Anaheim coach Joel Quenneville also may use his team’s last couple games of the regular season as an opportunity for players to make final arguments for why they belong on the ice in the postseason instead of watching the game as healthy scratches.

One player Quenneville does not need to analyze further is forward Cutter Gauthier, who turned 22 years old in January and has scored 40 goals this season. Gauthier said it meant a lot to reach 40 goals but he had other objectives in mind.

“It’s a huge milestone and something I’m very proud of,” Gauthier said. “I couldn’t have done it without all my linemates and teammates. It was fun to get that, but that’s not why I’m playing hockey. I’m playing hockey to win games and eventually win a Stanley Cup.”

The Wild could start either Filip Gustavsson or Jesper Wallstedt in net. Gustavsson is 28-15-6 with a 2.69 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage, and Wallstedt is 17-9-6 with a 2.63 GAA and a .915 save percentage.

Gustavsson is 6-1-0 with a 1.87 GAA and a .935 save percentage in eight career games against Anaheim. Wallstedt has a shutout victory in his only career game against the Ducks.

Anaheim’s options in net include Lukas Dostal and Ville Husso. Dostal is 30-19-4 with a 3.10 GAA and an .889 save percentage, and Husso is 9-8-2 with a 3.21 GAA and an .887 save percentage.

In seven games against Minnesota, Dostal is 1-4-1 with a 3.33 GAA and a .907 save percentage. Husso is 6-0-0 with a 2.43 GAA and a .923 save percentage in six matchups.

-Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Ducks #Wild #meet #teams #tweak #playoff #roster #mix

Sports news April 14, 2026

Apr 13, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Theo Lindstein (41) defends against Minnesota Wild center Michael McCarron (47) in the third period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-Imagn Images

It would be hard to blame the Anaheim Ducks if they come out a little sluggish Tuesday.

They might have been too excited to sleep the previous night.

Anaheim (42-32-6, 90 points) clinched its first playoff berth in eight years during an off day Monday, thanks to the San Jose Sharks’ win over the Nashville Predators. But before heading to the postseason, the Ducks have two more games left in the regular season, starting with Tuesday’s tilt against the Minnesota Wild (45-24-12, 102 points) in Saint Paul, Minn.

Like Anaheim, Minnesota knows it is playoff bound. The Wild are locked into the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference’s Central Division, and they will face the No. 2 seed Dallas Stars.

Tuesday marks the regular-season finale for the Wild, and the outcome will have zero effect on their playoff series starting in Dallas.

At least, that is true in terms of the win-loss outcome. Players’ individual performances in Tuesday’s game could mean a lot in the finale and help coach John Hynes determine who will skate and which lines they will be part of during the playoff opener.

“There’s a lot at stake for some guys,” Hynes said.

Veteran forward Michael McCarron said he and his teammates needed to play with urgency.

“We’re trying to build something in our locker room to go win a Stanley Cup, and we’ve got to bring it every single night,” McCarron said. “We’ve got to find the cohesion in our group to go on a long run, and it starts with these games, especially down the stretch.”

Anaheim coach Joel Quenneville also may use his team’s last couple games of the regular season as an opportunity for players to make final arguments for why they belong on the ice in the postseason instead of watching the game as healthy scratches.

One player Quenneville does not need to analyze further is forward Cutter Gauthier, who turned 22 years old in January and has scored 40 goals this season. Gauthier said it meant a lot to reach 40 goals but he had other objectives in mind.

“It’s a huge milestone and something I’m very proud of,” Gauthier said. “I couldn’t have done it without all my linemates and teammates. It was fun to get that, but that’s not why I’m playing hockey. I’m playing hockey to win games and eventually win a Stanley Cup.”

The Wild could start either Filip Gustavsson or Jesper Wallstedt in net. Gustavsson is 28-15-6 with a 2.69 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage, and Wallstedt is 17-9-6 with a 2.63 GAA and a .915 save percentage.

Gustavsson is 6-1-0 with a 1.87 GAA and a .935 save percentage in eight career games against Anaheim. Wallstedt has a shutout victory in his only career game against the Ducks.

Anaheim’s options in net include Lukas Dostal and Ville Husso. Dostal is 30-19-4 with a 3.10 GAA and an .889 save percentage, and Husso is 9-8-2 with a 3.21 GAA and an .887 save percentage.

In seven games against Minnesota, Dostal is 1-4-1 with a 3.33 GAA and a .907 save percentage. Husso is 6-0-0 with a 2.43 GAA and a .923 save percentage in six matchups.

-Field Level Media

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Matt Crocker quits as US football federation sporting director just 2 months before World Cup <div id="content-body-70862267" itemprop="articleBody">Matt Crocker quit as sporting director of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) on Tuesday, just two months ahead of the World Cup, to take a new job in Saudi Arabia.The USSF said Crocker was leaving to pursue an unidentified international football opportunity, and a person familiar with the decision, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because Crocker’s new job was not announced, said he will work in Saudi Arabia. His hiring by Saudis was first reported by Fox.Crocker’s departure was a surprise, given the U.S. is co-host of the World Cup starting June 11 and the contract of men’s coach Mauricio Pochettino ends after the tournament. The USSF next month will open its 200-acre, 17-field training centre and office complex in Fayetteville, Georgia, an Atlanta suburb.Dan Helfrich, hired as the U.S. federation’s chief operating officer in November, “will provide executive oversight and support across the federation’s sporting operations,” the USSF said in a statement. Helfrich will work with assistant sporting director Oguchi Onyewu — a former national team defender — and Tracey Kevins, head of development for the women’s youth national team.Crocker, 51, was hired by the USSF in April 2023 after serving as Southampton’s director of football since February 2020.Crocker oversaw the decisions to rehire Gregg Berhalter as men’s coach in June 2023, to fire Berhalter in July 2024 after first-round elimination at the Copa America and to hire Pochettino that September.He also made the recommendation to hire Emma Hayes as women’s national team coach starting in the spring of 2024. Hayes led the women’s team to the Olympic gold medal.Published on Apr 14, 2026</div> #Matt #Crocker #quits #football #federation #sporting #director #months #World #Cup

#Deadspin #Astros #advantage #Rockies #errors #snap #8game #skid">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 14, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker (8) hits a home run during the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Christian Walker recorded three hits and a pair of RBIs, and the Houston Astros parlayed a six-run third inning into a 7-6 victory over the visiting Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night.

The Astros snapped an eight-game losing skid, their longest since 2013, with the win. The Rockies, who swept a three-game set from Houston last week, suffered their fifth straight loss.

Houston took advantage of two fielding errors by Rockies second baseman Willi Castro to chase right-hander Michael Lorenzen (1-2) in the bottom of the third.

Castro dropped an infield pop-up from Jose Altuve after Christian Vazquez opened the third with a double. Lorenzen balked both runners into scoring position and Yordan Alvarez followed with a game-tying, two-run double down the right-field line.

Walker, whose solo homer in the second shaved the deficit to 3-1, added a fielder’s choice grounder that plated Alvarez.

Cam Smith and Vazquez added RBI singles that pushed the Astros to a 7-3 lead after Carlos Correa scored when Castro failed to field a sharp grounder from Joey Loperfido.

Lorenzen allowed seven runs (two earned) on six hits and one walk with three strikeouts over 2 2/3 innings.

Hunter Goodman recorded his sixth career multi-homer game, with his second blast leading off the fifth and drawing the Rockies to within 7-5.

Troy Johnston delivered a pinch-RBI single in the eighth, but Astros reliever Enyel De Los Santos faced one batter and stranded runners on the corners to close the ninth for his first save this season.

The Rockies pounced on Astros left-hander Colton Gordon, who made his season debut for injury-ravaged Houston. Colorado rallied with the bases loaded and two outs in both the first and second innings, with Goodman smacking his third homer of the season for a 1-0 lead in the first.

An inning later, after Gordon retired TJ Rumfield and Ezequiel Tovar to open the second, Jordan Beck and Kyle Karros laced consecutive two-out singles before Jake McCarthy delivered a two-run triple to straightaway center that extended the Colorado lead to 3-0.

Gordon did not survive the fourth. He surrendered a two-out solo homer to Beck before loading the bases and ceding the mound to reliever AJ Blubaugh, who induced pinch hitter Mickey Moniak to hit an inning-ending infield popup.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Astros #advantage #Rockies #errors #snap #8game #skid">Deadspin | Astros take advantage of Rockies’ errors to snap 8-game skid

Apr 14, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker (8) hits a home run during the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Christian Walker recorded three hits and a pair of RBIs, and the Houston Astros parlayed a six-run third inning into a 7-6 victory over the visiting Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night.

The Astros snapped an eight-game losing skid, their longest since 2013, with the win. The Rockies, who swept a three-game set from Houston last week, suffered their fifth straight loss.

Houston took advantage of two fielding errors by Rockies second baseman Willi Castro to chase right-hander Michael Lorenzen (1-2) in the bottom of the third.

Castro dropped an infield pop-up from Jose Altuve after Christian Vazquez opened the third with a double. Lorenzen balked both runners into scoring position and Yordan Alvarez followed with a game-tying, two-run double down the right-field line.

Walker, whose solo homer in the second shaved the deficit to 3-1, added a fielder’s choice grounder that plated Alvarez.

Cam Smith and Vazquez added RBI singles that pushed the Astros to a 7-3 lead after Carlos Correa scored when Castro failed to field a sharp grounder from Joey Loperfido.

Lorenzen allowed seven runs (two earned) on six hits and one walk with three strikeouts over 2 2/3 innings.

Hunter Goodman recorded his sixth career multi-homer game, with his second blast leading off the fifth and drawing the Rockies to within 7-5.

Troy Johnston delivered a pinch-RBI single in the eighth, but Astros reliever Enyel De Los Santos faced one batter and stranded runners on the corners to close the ninth for his first save this season.

The Rockies pounced on Astros left-hander Colton Gordon, who made his season debut for injury-ravaged Houston. Colorado rallied with the bases loaded and two outs in both the first and second innings, with Goodman smacking his third homer of the season for a 1-0 lead in the first.

An inning later, after Gordon retired TJ Rumfield and Ezequiel Tovar to open the second, Jordan Beck and Kyle Karros laced consecutive two-out singles before Jake McCarthy delivered a two-run triple to straightaway center that extended the Colorado lead to 3-0.

Gordon did not survive the fourth. He surrendered a two-out solo homer to Beck before loading the bases and ceding the mound to reliever AJ Blubaugh, who induced pinch hitter Mickey Moniak to hit an inning-ending infield popup.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Astros #advantage #Rockies #errors #snap #8game #skid

Paris Saint-Germain’s grip on the Champions League trophy remains strong.

The defending champion advanced to the semifinals of European club football’s biggest competition by dumping out six-time winner Liverpool on Tuesday.

A 2-0 win at Anfield sealed a 4-0 aggregate victory and moved PSG a step closer to becoming only the second club to retain the trophy in the modern era after Real Madrid.

“It’s difficult to defend the Champions League, we know that,” said coach Luis Enrique. “We are here again and we need to make the most of these opportunities.”

Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Debele scored two second-half goals to kill off Liverpool’s fight and book a semifinal clash against either Bayern Munich or Madrid.

Also on Tuesday, Atletico Madrid advanced to the semifinals after a 3-2 aggregate win over Barcelona.

It takes something special to hold onto the Champions League, and PSG is a special team. Madrid won a hat trick of titles between 2016-18, but no other team has managed back-to-back wins since the European Cup was rebranded in 1992.

PSG is out to make history after ending its long wait to conquer Europe for the first time last year. It is the second time in as many seasons that the French giant has knocked out Liverpool, which was in search of another famous Champions League comeback and has dominated PSG for periods.

“It is a real pleasure for me to know that my team is at that level and can play at that level, no matter who they are playing against,” said Enrique, a two-time Champions League-winning coach, having triumphed with Barcelona as well. “You can see what sort of team we are, what players I’ve got. We’ve got confidence and belief. It’s wonderful to be living this experience with this team.”

Dembele’s first goal ended Liverpool’s hopes — a left-footed shot from the edge of the area in the 72nd minute. His second came at the end of a sweeping move in stoppage time.

Dembele had been guilty of wasting chances in the first leg to effectively put the tie to bed, and he failed to capitalise on two more first-half opportunities to put the French champion further ahead at Anfield.

But his opening goal was dispatched with precision—nestling in the bottom corner. His second was a clinical finish from close range.

Liverpool had been dominated in Paris last week. But the Merseyside club knows all about comebacks in this competition.

It was 3-0 down to AC Milan in the 2005 final and powered back to win on penalties. More recently, it routed Barcelona 4-0 in the 2019 semifinals to overturn a 3-0 first-leg loss and go on to lift the trophy.

Anfield is famed for its white-hot atmosphere, especially on European nights, and the PSG team bus was greeted by red flares as it approached the ground. But inside, the French fans more than held their own—singing loudly in the away section as the home crowd seemed strangely subdued at times.

Liverpool had its chances despite losing Hugo Ekitike to an early injury. Virgil van Dijk was denied a first-half tap-in when Marquinhos pulled off a last-ditch block.

In the second half, belief among the home fans began to grow as Liverpool applied the pressure.

And a comeback looked on when referee Maurizio Mariani pointed to the spot for a foul by Willian Pacho on Alexis Mac Allister shortly after the hour.

With the score at 0-0, the first half was the chance to test PSG’s resolve. But celebrations soon turned to disappointment when the penalty was overturned after review.

“We are very disappointed because I think there were parts in the second half where you could just feel that if we could score now, this was going to become a special night,” said Liverpool coach Arne Slot. “But the future looks very bright for this team, for this club, because we’ve shown that we can compete with the champions of Europe in our stadium.”

Published on Apr 15, 2026

#UEFA #Champions #League #Paris #SaintGermain #beats #Liverpool #reach #semifinals">

UEFA Champions League: Paris Saint-Germain beats Liverpool to reach semifinals Paris Saint-Germain’s grip on the Champions League trophy remains strong.The defending champion advanced to the semifinals of European club football’s biggest competition by dumping out six-time winner Liverpool on Tuesday.A 2-0 win at Anfield sealed a 4-0 aggregate victory and moved PSG a step closer to becoming only the second club to retain the trophy in the modern era after Real Madrid.“It’s difficult to defend the Champions League, we know that,” said coach Luis Enrique. “We are here again and we need to make the most of these opportunities.”Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Debele scored two second-half goals to kill off Liverpool’s fight and book a semifinal clash against either Bayern Munich or Madrid.Also on Tuesday, Atletico Madrid advanced to the semifinals after a 3-2 aggregate win over Barcelona.It takes something special to hold onto the Champions League, and PSG is a special team. Madrid won a hat trick of titles between 2016-18, but no other team has managed back-to-back wins since the European Cup was rebranded in 1992.PSG is out to make history after ending its long wait to conquer Europe for the first time last year. It is the second time in as many seasons that the French giant has knocked out Liverpool, which was in search of another famous Champions League comeback and has dominated PSG for periods.“It is a real pleasure for me to know that my team is at that level and can play at that level, no matter who they are playing against,” said Enrique, a two-time Champions League-winning coach, having triumphed with Barcelona as well. “You can see what sort of team we are, what players I’ve got. We’ve got confidence and belief. It’s wonderful to be living this experience with this team.”Dembele’s first goal ended Liverpool’s hopes — a left-footed shot from the edge of the area in the 72nd minute. His second came at the end of a sweeping move in stoppage time.Dembele had been guilty of wasting chances in the first leg to effectively put the tie to bed, and he failed to capitalise on two more first-half opportunities to put the French champion further ahead at Anfield.But his opening goal was dispatched with precision—nestling in the bottom corner. His second was a clinical finish from close range.Liverpool had been dominated in Paris last week. But the Merseyside club knows all about comebacks in this competition.It was 3-0 down to AC Milan in the 2005 final and powered back to win on penalties. More recently, it routed Barcelona 4-0 in the 2019 semifinals to overturn a 3-0 first-leg loss and go on to lift the trophy.Anfield is famed for its white-hot atmosphere, especially on European nights, and the PSG team bus was greeted by red flares as it approached the ground. But inside, the French fans more than held their own—singing loudly in the away section as the home crowd seemed strangely subdued at times.Liverpool had its chances despite losing Hugo Ekitike to an early injury. Virgil van Dijk was denied a first-half tap-in when Marquinhos pulled off a last-ditch block.In the second half, belief among the home fans began to grow as Liverpool applied the pressure.And a comeback looked on when referee Maurizio Mariani pointed to the spot for a foul by Willian Pacho on Alexis Mac Allister shortly after the hour.With the score at 0-0, the first half was the chance to test PSG’s resolve. But celebrations soon turned to disappointment when the penalty was overturned after review.“We are very disappointed because I think there were parts in the second half where you could just feel that if we could score now, this was going to become a special night,” said Liverpool coach Arne Slot. “But the future looks very bright for this team, for this club, because we’ve shown that we can compete with the champions of Europe in our stadium.”Published on Apr 15, 2026 #UEFA #Champions #League #Paris #SaintGermain #beats #Liverpool #reach #semifinals

mwasimuddin125 0

Paris Saint-Germain’s grip on the Champions League trophy remains strong.
The defending champion advanced to the semifinals of European club football’s biggest competition by dumping out six-time winner Liverpool on Tuesday.
A 2-0 win at Anfield sealed a 4-0 aggregate victory and moved PSG a step closer to becoming only the second club to retain the trophy in the modern era after Real Madrid.
“It’s difficult to defend the Champions League, we know that,” said coach Luis Enrique. “We are here again and we need to make the most of these opportunities.”
Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Debele scored two second-half goals to kill off Liverpool’s fight and book a semifinal clash against either Bayern Munich or Madrid.
Also on Tuesday, Atletico Madrid advanced to the semifinals after a 3-2 aggregate win over Barcelona.
It takes something special to hold onto the Champions League, and PSG is a special team. Madrid won a hat trick of titles between 2016-18, but no other team has managed back-to-back wins since the European Cup was rebranded in 1992.
PSG is out to make history after ending its long wait to conquer Europe for the first time last year. It is the second time in as many seasons that the French giant has knocked out Liverpool, which was in search of another famous Champions League comeback and has dominated PSG for periods.
“It is a real pleasure for me to know that my team is at that level and can play at that level, no matter who they are playing against,” said Enrique, a two-time Champions League-winning coach, having triumphed with Barcelona as well. “You can see what sort of team we are, what players I’ve got. We’ve got confidence and belief. It’s wonderful to be living this experience with this team.”
Dembele’s first goal ended Liverpool’s hopes — a left-footed shot from the edge of the area in the 72nd minute. His second came at the end of a sweeping move in stoppage time.
Dembele had been guilty of wasting chances in the first leg to effectively put the tie to bed, and he failed to capitalise on two more first-half opportunities to put the French champion further ahead at Anfield.
But his opening goal was dispatched with precision—nestling in the bottom corner. His second was a clinical finish from close range.
Liverpool had been dominated in Paris last week. But the Merseyside club knows all about comebacks in this competition.
It was 3-0 down to AC Milan in the 2005 final and powered back to win on penalties. More recently, it routed Barcelona 4-0 in the 2019 semifinals to overturn a 3-0 first-leg loss and go on to lift the trophy.
Anfield is famed for its white-hot atmosphere, especially on European nights, and the PSG team bus was greeted by red flares as it approached the ground. But inside, the French fans more than held their own—singing loudly in the away section as the home crowd seemed strangely subdued at times.
Liverpool had its chances despite losing Hugo Ekitike to an early injury. Virgil van Dijk was denied a first-half tap-in when Marquinhos pulled off a last-ditch block.
In the second half, belief among the home fans began to grow as Liverpool applied the pressure.
And a comeback looked on when referee Maurizio Mariani pointed to the spot for a foul by Willian Pacho on Alexis Mac Allister shortly after the hour.
With the score at 0-0, the first half was the chance to test PSG’s resolve. But celebrations soon turned to disappointment when the penalty was overturned after review.
“We are very disappointed because I think there were parts in the second half where you could just feel that if we could score now, this was going to become a special night,” said Liverpool coach Arne Slot. “But the future looks very bright for this team, for this club, because we’ve shown that we can compete with the champions of Europe in our stadium.”
Published on Apr 15, 2026

#UEFA #Champions #League #Paris #SaintGermain #beats #Liverpool #reach #semifinals">UEFA Champions League: Paris Saint-Germain beats Liverpool to reach semifinals

Paris Saint-Germain’s grip on the Champions League trophy remains strong.

The defending champion advanced to the semifinals of European club football’s biggest competition by dumping out six-time winner Liverpool on Tuesday.

A 2-0 win at Anfield sealed a 4-0 aggregate victory and moved PSG a step closer to becoming only the second club to retain the trophy in the modern era after Real Madrid.

“It’s difficult to defend the Champions League, we know that,” said coach Luis Enrique. “We are here again and we need to make the most of these opportunities.”

Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Debele scored two second-half goals to kill off Liverpool’s fight and book a semifinal clash against either Bayern Munich or Madrid.

Also on Tuesday, Atletico Madrid advanced to the semifinals after a 3-2 aggregate win over Barcelona.

Dembele’s first goal ended Liverpool’s hopes — a left-footed shot from the edge of the area in the 72nd minute. His second came at the end of a sweeping move in stoppage time.

But his opening goal was dispatched with precision—nestling in the bottom corner. His second was a clinical finish from close range.

Liverpool had been dominated in Paris last week. But the Merseyside club knows all about comebacks in this competition.

Liverpool had its chances despite losing Hugo Ekitike to an early injury. Virgil van Dijk was denied a first-half tap-in when Marquinhos pulled off a last-ditch block.

In the second half, belief among the home fans began to grow as Liverpool applied the pressure.

And a comeback looked on when referee Maurizio Mariani pointed to the spot for a foul by Willian Pacho on Alexis Mac Allister shortly after the hour.

With the score at 0-0, the first half was the chance to test PSG’s resolve. But celebrations soon turned to disappointment when the penalty was overturned after review.

Published on Apr 15, 2026

#UEFA #Champions #League #Paris #SaintGermain #beats #Liverpool #reach #semifinals

Deadspin | Leafs visit Senators for season-ending role reversal Dec 27, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares (91) gets ready to take a face-off against the Ottawa Senators during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images The Toronto Maple Leafs will end their season Wednesday night when they visit the Ottawa Senators, in a dramatic reversal from nearly a year ago. When the Maple Leafs (32-35-14, 78 points) visited the Senators (43-27-11, 97 points) last May 1, they won Game 6 to clinch a victory in the first-round playoff series. This time, the Maple Leafs will be packing their gear following the game after they were eliminated from playoff contention several games ago. Ottawa, meanwhile, has clinched an Eastern Conference wild-card spot and will use the regular-season finale to prepare for the playoffs. Toronto has dropped six in a row (0-5-1) after blowing a 3-0 first-period lead Monday and losing their final home game of the season 6-5 to the playoff-bound Dallas Stars. The Maple Leafs also led by two goals in the third period before Dallas scored three straight. The highlight for Toronto came when Jacob Quillan scored his first career NHL goal in the first period. The Senators are coming off a 4-3 overtime road loss Sunday to the New Jersey Devils that snapped their four-game winning streak. Tim Stutzle, Brady Tkachuk, Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot did not play for Ottawa on Sunday. Dawson Mercer tied the game 3-3 in the third period with New Jersey’s second short-handed goal of the contest. “It was a big point,” Senators coach Travis Green said. “We had a lot of good players out of the lineup tonight. Guys battled, but when you give up two short-handed goals, it’s tough to win in the NHL.” The Senators overcame a 2-0 first-period deficit to earn the point. “I didn’t like the first 10 minutes of our game,” Green said. “We did a lot of good things,” said forward Claude Giroux, who had an assist. “We just played more to our identity. We want to play more as a team, and we did that in the second period. “ “We’re playing pretty well going into the playoffs,” said forward Shane Pinto, who scored a power-play goal. Fabian Zetterlund has been surging for the Senators and scored his fourth goal in four games on Sunday. Tkachuk is also expected to sit out Wednesday after taking a hit Saturday that forced him to leave the 3-0 win over the New York Islanders. He said on Tuesday that he will be ready for the playoffs. Ottawa has won two of three from Toronto this season. The Maple Leafs started Monday as if they would finish their home schedule on a positive note. “I was disappointed,” Toronto coach Craig Berube said. “We got a 3-0 lead, and then we gave it back to them that quickly in the second period, just on mistakes. With the coverage, we’re right there, but we’re not close enough. “It is disappointing on my end, for sure. We talked about getting a win here tonight. It would have been nice, but it didn’t happen.” Maple Leafs forward John Tavares opened the scoring with his team-leading 31st goal of the season. The 35-year-old will have played in all 82 games this season when he takes to the ice on Wednesday. “It’s impressive,” Berube said. “I talk about him all the time with you guys, about his preparation and work ethic. It’s the same every day, every practice, every game. When things aren’t going well, he works his way out of it. He’s a great pro. He’s been a great pro his whole career.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Leafs #visit #Senators #seasonending #role #reversal

#Deadspin #Leafs #visit #Senators #seasonending #role #reversal">

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Dec 27, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares (91) gets ready to take a face-off against the Ottawa Senators during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The Toronto Maple Leafs will end their season Wednesday night when they visit the Ottawa Senators, in a dramatic reversal from nearly a year ago.

When the Maple Leafs (32-35-14, 78 points) visited the Senators (43-27-11, 97 points) last May 1, they won Game 6 to clinch a victory in the first-round playoff series.

This time, the Maple Leafs will be packing their gear following the game after they were eliminated from playoff contention several games ago.

Ottawa, meanwhile, has clinched an Eastern Conference wild-card spot and will use the regular-season finale to prepare for the playoffs.

Toronto has dropped six in a row (0-5-1) after blowing a 3-0 first-period lead Monday and losing their final home game of the season 6-5 to the playoff-bound Dallas Stars.

The Maple Leafs also led by two goals in the third period before Dallas scored three straight.

The highlight for Toronto came when Jacob Quillan scored his first career NHL goal in the first period.

The Senators are coming off a 4-3 overtime road loss Sunday to the New Jersey Devils that snapped their four-game winning streak.

Tim Stutzle, Brady Tkachuk, Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot did not play for Ottawa on Sunday.

Dawson Mercer tied the game 3-3 in the third period with New Jersey’s second short-handed goal of the contest.

“It was a big point,” Senators coach Travis Green said. “We had a lot of good players out of the lineup tonight. Guys battled, but when you give up two short-handed goals, it’s tough to win in the NHL.”

The Senators overcame a 2-0 first-period deficit to earn the point.

“I didn’t like the first 10 minutes of our game,” Green said.

“We did a lot of good things,” said forward Claude Giroux, who had an assist. “We just played more to our identity. We want to play more as a team, and we did that in the second period. “

“We’re playing pretty well going into the playoffs,” said forward Shane Pinto, who scored a power-play goal.

Fabian Zetterlund has been surging for the Senators and scored his fourth goal in four games on Sunday.

Tkachuk is also expected to sit out Wednesday after taking a hit Saturday that forced him to leave the 3-0 win over the New York Islanders. He said on Tuesday that he will be ready for the playoffs.

Ottawa has won two of three from Toronto this season.

The Maple Leafs started Monday as if they would finish their home schedule on a positive note.

“I was disappointed,” Toronto coach Craig Berube said. “We got a 3-0 lead, and then we gave it back to them that quickly in the second period, just on mistakes. With the coverage, we’re right there, but we’re not close enough.

“It is disappointing on my end, for sure. We talked about getting a win here tonight. It would have been nice, but it didn’t happen.”

Maple Leafs forward John Tavares opened the scoring with his team-leading 31st goal of the season.

The 35-year-old will have played in all 82 games this season when he takes to the ice on Wednesday.

“It’s impressive,” Berube said. “I talk about him all the time with you guys, about his preparation and work ethic. It’s the same every day, every practice, every game. When things aren’t going well, he works his way out of it. He’s a great pro. He’s been a great pro his whole career.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Leafs #visit #Senators #seasonending #role #reversal">Deadspin | Leafs visit Senators for season-ending role reversal

Dec 27, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares (91) gets ready to take a face-off against the Ottawa Senators during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The Toronto Maple Leafs will end their season Wednesday night when they visit the Ottawa Senators, in a dramatic reversal from nearly a year ago.

When the Maple Leafs (32-35-14, 78 points) visited the Senators (43-27-11, 97 points) last May 1, they won Game 6 to clinch a victory in the first-round playoff series.

This time, the Maple Leafs will be packing their gear following the game after they were eliminated from playoff contention several games ago.

Ottawa, meanwhile, has clinched an Eastern Conference wild-card spot and will use the regular-season finale to prepare for the playoffs.

Toronto has dropped six in a row (0-5-1) after blowing a 3-0 first-period lead Monday and losing their final home game of the season 6-5 to the playoff-bound Dallas Stars.

The Maple Leafs also led by two goals in the third period before Dallas scored three straight.

The highlight for Toronto came when Jacob Quillan scored his first career NHL goal in the first period.

The Senators are coming off a 4-3 overtime road loss Sunday to the New Jersey Devils that snapped their four-game winning streak.

Tim Stutzle, Brady Tkachuk, Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot did not play for Ottawa on Sunday.

Dawson Mercer tied the game 3-3 in the third period with New Jersey’s second short-handed goal of the contest.

“It was a big point,” Senators coach Travis Green said. “We had a lot of good players out of the lineup tonight. Guys battled, but when you give up two short-handed goals, it’s tough to win in the NHL.”

The Senators overcame a 2-0 first-period deficit to earn the point.

“I didn’t like the first 10 minutes of our game,” Green said.

“We did a lot of good things,” said forward Claude Giroux, who had an assist. “We just played more to our identity. We want to play more as a team, and we did that in the second period. “

“We’re playing pretty well going into the playoffs,” said forward Shane Pinto, who scored a power-play goal.

Fabian Zetterlund has been surging for the Senators and scored his fourth goal in four games on Sunday.

Tkachuk is also expected to sit out Wednesday after taking a hit Saturday that forced him to leave the 3-0 win over the New York Islanders. He said on Tuesday that he will be ready for the playoffs.

Ottawa has won two of three from Toronto this season.

The Maple Leafs started Monday as if they would finish their home schedule on a positive note.

“I was disappointed,” Toronto coach Craig Berube said. “We got a 3-0 lead, and then we gave it back to them that quickly in the second period, just on mistakes. With the coverage, we’re right there, but we’re not close enough.

“It is disappointing on my end, for sure. We talked about getting a win here tonight. It would have been nice, but it didn’t happen.”

Maple Leafs forward John Tavares opened the scoring with his team-leading 31st goal of the season.

The 35-year-old will have played in all 82 games this season when he takes to the ice on Wednesday.

“It’s impressive,” Berube said. “I talk about him all the time with you guys, about his preparation and work ethic. It’s the same every day, every practice, every game. When things aren’t going well, he works his way out of it. He’s a great pro. He’s been a great pro his whole career.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Leafs #visit #Senators #seasonending #role #reversal

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