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Deadspin | 7 runs lead to 7th straight win for Cubs as Phillies’ losing streak hits 7  Apr 21, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA;  Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) high fives left fielder Ian Happ (8), right, after scoring during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images   Shota Imanaga tossed seven stellar innings, Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch each drove in two runs and the streaking Chicago Cubs posted a 7-4 victory over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday.  Imanaga (2-1) allowed just one run on three hits, striking out one and walking one for the Cubs, who won their Major League-leading seventh straight game. Suzuki and Nico Hoerner each homered in the win.  Jesus Luzardo threw 4 2/3 innings for the Phillies, surrendering one run on five hits, walking four and striking out three. Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber both homered for the Phillies, who saw their losing streak extend to seven.  In the fifth, Ian Happ walked and Suzuki singled to begin the frame. After Luzardo retired Carson Kelly and Busch, Orion Kerkering relieved the Philadelphia starter. Kerkering then walked Dansby Swanson to load the bases and followed with a run-scoring walk of Moises Ballesteros, giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead.  Kerkering escaped further trouble, retiring Pete Crow-Armstrong to end the inning.  Philadelphia evened the score in the sixth, as Schwarber connected on his eighth home run of the season — a 386-foot shot to right center.  Tanner Banks (0-1) replaced Kerkering in the bottom of the sixth. Hoerner led off the frame with a single and advanced to third on Happ’s one-out base hit. After Carson Kelly’s two-out walk loaded the bases, Busch drove in a pair with a single to center.   Against Philadelphia reliever Tim Mayza, Hoerner launched a one-out solo homer to push the lead to 4-1. After Alex Bregman’s walk, Suzuki hit his first homer of the season — a 441-footer that extended the margin to five.  Riley Martin replaced Imanaga in the eighth, allowing Schwarber’s two-out walk and Harper’s two-run homer, pulling the Phillies within three.  The Cubs scored their seventh run in the bottom of the eighth, as Philadelphia’s Jose Alvarado’s wild pitch prolonged the visitors’ pitching woes.  Chicago pitcher Jacob Webb allowed Adolis Garcia’s leadoff single in the ninth, before J.T. Realmuto reached on third baseman Scott Kingery’s throwing error. Alec Bohm’s sacrifice fly drove in Garcia, cutting the deficit to 7-4.  After Brandon Marsh’s single, Caleb Thielbar entered for the Cubs. Thielbar retired Edmundo Sosa and Trea Turner to seal the win, securing his second save of the year.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #runs #lead #7th #straight #win #Cubs #Phillies #losing #streak #hits

Deadspin | 7 runs lead to 7th straight win for Cubs as Phillies’ losing streak hits 7
Deadspin | 7 runs lead to 7th straight win for Cubs as Phillies’ losing streak hits 7  Apr 21, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA;  Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) high fives left fielder Ian Happ (8), right, after scoring during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images   Shota Imanaga tossed seven stellar innings, Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch each drove in two runs and the streaking Chicago Cubs posted a 7-4 victory over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday.  Imanaga (2-1) allowed just one run on three hits, striking out one and walking one for the Cubs, who won their Major League-leading seventh straight game. Suzuki and Nico Hoerner each homered in the win.  Jesus Luzardo threw 4 2/3 innings for the Phillies, surrendering one run on five hits, walking four and striking out three. Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber both homered for the Phillies, who saw their losing streak extend to seven.  In the fifth, Ian Happ walked and Suzuki singled to begin the frame. After Luzardo retired Carson Kelly and Busch, Orion Kerkering relieved the Philadelphia starter. Kerkering then walked Dansby Swanson to load the bases and followed with a run-scoring walk of Moises Ballesteros, giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead.  Kerkering escaped further trouble, retiring Pete Crow-Armstrong to end the inning.  Philadelphia evened the score in the sixth, as Schwarber connected on his eighth home run of the season — a 386-foot shot to right center.  Tanner Banks (0-1) replaced Kerkering in the bottom of the sixth. Hoerner led off the frame with a single and advanced to third on Happ’s one-out base hit. After Carson Kelly’s two-out walk loaded the bases, Busch drove in a pair with a single to center.   Against Philadelphia reliever Tim Mayza, Hoerner launched a one-out solo homer to push the lead to 4-1. After Alex Bregman’s walk, Suzuki hit his first homer of the season — a 441-footer that extended the margin to five.  Riley Martin replaced Imanaga in the eighth, allowing Schwarber’s two-out walk and Harper’s two-run homer, pulling the Phillies within three.  The Cubs scored their seventh run in the bottom of the eighth, as Philadelphia’s Jose Alvarado’s wild pitch prolonged the visitors’ pitching woes.  Chicago pitcher Jacob Webb allowed Adolis Garcia’s leadoff single in the ninth, before J.T. Realmuto reached on third baseman Scott Kingery’s throwing error. Alec Bohm’s sacrifice fly drove in Garcia, cutting the deficit to 7-4.  After Brandon Marsh’s single, Caleb Thielbar entered for the Cubs. Thielbar retired Edmundo Sosa and Trea Turner to seal the win, securing his second save of the year.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #runs #lead #7th #straight #win #Cubs #Phillies #losing #streak #hitsApr 21, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) high fives left fielder Ian Happ (8), right, after scoring during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Shota Imanaga tossed seven stellar innings, Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch each drove in two runs and the streaking Chicago Cubs posted a 7-4 victory over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday.

Imanaga (2-1) allowed just one run on three hits, striking out one and walking one for the Cubs, who won their Major League-leading seventh straight game. Suzuki and Nico Hoerner each homered in the win.

Jesus Luzardo threw 4 2/3 innings for the Phillies, surrendering one run on five hits, walking four and striking out three. Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber both homered for the Phillies, who saw their losing streak extend to seven.

In the fifth, Ian Happ walked and Suzuki singled to begin the frame. After Luzardo retired Carson Kelly and Busch, Orion Kerkering relieved the Philadelphia starter. Kerkering then walked Dansby Swanson to load the bases and followed with a run-scoring walk of Moises Ballesteros, giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead.

Kerkering escaped further trouble, retiring Pete Crow-Armstrong to end the inning.

Philadelphia evened the score in the sixth, as Schwarber connected on his eighth home run of the season — a 386-foot shot to right center.


Tanner Banks (0-1) replaced Kerkering in the bottom of the sixth. Hoerner led off the frame with a single and advanced to third on Happ’s one-out base hit. After Carson Kelly’s two-out walk loaded the bases, Busch drove in a pair with a single to center.

Against Philadelphia reliever Tim Mayza, Hoerner launched a one-out solo homer to push the lead to 4-1. After Alex Bregman’s walk, Suzuki hit his first homer of the season — a 441-footer that extended the margin to five.

Riley Martin replaced Imanaga in the eighth, allowing Schwarber’s two-out walk and Harper’s two-run homer, pulling the Phillies within three.

The Cubs scored their seventh run in the bottom of the eighth, as Philadelphia’s Jose Alvarado’s wild pitch prolonged the visitors’ pitching woes.

Chicago pitcher Jacob Webb allowed Adolis Garcia’s leadoff single in the ninth, before J.T. Realmuto reached on third baseman Scott Kingery’s throwing error. Alec Bohm’s sacrifice fly drove in Garcia, cutting the deficit to 7-4.

After Brandon Marsh’s single, Caleb Thielbar entered for the Cubs. Thielbar retired Edmundo Sosa and Trea Turner to seal the win, securing his second save of the year.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #runs #lead #7th #straight #win #Cubs #Phillies #losing #streak #hits

Apr 21, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) high fives left fielder Ian Happ (8), right, after scoring during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Shota Imanaga tossed seven stellar innings, Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch each drove in two runs and the streaking Chicago Cubs posted a 7-4 victory over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday.

Imanaga (2-1) allowed just one run on three hits, striking out one and walking one for the Cubs, who won their Major League-leading seventh straight game. Suzuki and Nico Hoerner each homered in the win.

Jesus Luzardo threw 4 2/3 innings for the Phillies, surrendering one run on five hits, walking four and striking out three. Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber both homered for the Phillies, who saw their losing streak extend to seven.

In the fifth, Ian Happ walked and Suzuki singled to begin the frame. After Luzardo retired Carson Kelly and Busch, Orion Kerkering relieved the Philadelphia starter. Kerkering then walked Dansby Swanson to load the bases and followed with a run-scoring walk of Moises Ballesteros, giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead.

Kerkering escaped further trouble, retiring Pete Crow-Armstrong to end the inning.

Philadelphia evened the score in the sixth, as Schwarber connected on his eighth home run of the season — a 386-foot shot to right center.

Tanner Banks (0-1) replaced Kerkering in the bottom of the sixth. Hoerner led off the frame with a single and advanced to third on Happ’s one-out base hit. After Carson Kelly’s two-out walk loaded the bases, Busch drove in a pair with a single to center.

Against Philadelphia reliever Tim Mayza, Hoerner launched a one-out solo homer to push the lead to 4-1. After Alex Bregman’s walk, Suzuki hit his first homer of the season — a 441-footer that extended the margin to five.

Riley Martin replaced Imanaga in the eighth, allowing Schwarber’s two-out walk and Harper’s two-run homer, pulling the Phillies within three.

The Cubs scored their seventh run in the bottom of the eighth, as Philadelphia’s Jose Alvarado’s wild pitch prolonged the visitors’ pitching woes.

Chicago pitcher Jacob Webb allowed Adolis Garcia’s leadoff single in the ninth, before J.T. Realmuto reached on third baseman Scott Kingery’s throwing error. Alec Bohm’s sacrifice fly drove in Garcia, cutting the deficit to 7-4.

After Brandon Marsh’s single, Caleb Thielbar entered for the Cubs. Thielbar retired Edmundo Sosa and Trea Turner to seal the win, securing his second save of the year.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | J.J. Moser, Lightning bounce back for OT win over Habs <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28780483.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28780483.jpg" alt="NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Montreal Canadiens at Tampa Bay Lightning" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 21, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle (21) collides with Tampa Bay Lightning center Yanni Gourde (37) in the second period during game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>J.J. Moser scored 12:48 into overtime, giving the host Tampa Bay Lightning a 3-2 comeback victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday and evening their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series at one win each.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Tampa Bay fully controlled the game in the extra period and was rewarded when Moser found the net. He gained the puck off a faceoff win in the offensive zone, worked his way to a shooting position at the top of the right circle and wired a top-corner shot for his first career playoff tally.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Montreal, which won Game 1 in overtime, was outshot 9-0 in overtime of Game 2.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>The series shifts to Montreal for Game 3 on Friday.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Tampa Bay’s Brandon Hagel collected a goal and an assist. Nikita Kucherov tallied once, Anthony Cirelli collected two assists and goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy made 25 saves for Tampa Bay, which snapped a collection of playoff swoons.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>The Lightning had lost four consecutive and 10 of 11 postseason home games, plus seven straight overtime affairs during Stanley Cup playoff action.</p> </section> <section id="section-7"> <p>Lane Hutson and Josh Anderson tallied for the Canadiens, while goalie Jakub Dobes stopped 31 shots, including eight in overtime.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>The clubs traded goals in a chippy first period. Hagel put the Lightning on the board at 8:40 with his team’s first shot on target. The puck came to Hagel at the top of the left circle, and he unloaded a top-corner slap shot that for his third goal of the series.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Hutson tied the clash less then six minutes later with Montreal’s fourth power-play goal in the series. Hutson sent a one-timer from the point position that ricocheted off a defender and into the net for his first career playoff tally.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Anderson gave Montreal the lead with 84 seconds remaining in the second period. Jake Evans won a battle for the puck deep in the Tampa Bay zone and Phillip Danault chipped it to the front of the net, where Anderson was waiting to chip it into the cage for his second goal of the series.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Kucherov evened the score at 12:33 of the third period. Hagel intercepted a poor clearing attempt and fired a long shot wide. Kucherov grabbed the loose puck behind the net and converted a wraparound for his first playoff goal in 17 outings. His last playoff goal came on April 18, 2023, the opener of a first-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-12"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #J.J #Moser #Lightning #bounce #win #Habs

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Deadspin | Strong second period allows Bruins to level series with Sabres <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28780177.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28780177.jpg" alt="NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Boston Bruins at Buffalo Sabres" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 21, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Boston Bruins center Fraser Minten (93) controls the puck during the first period against the Buffalo Sabres in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The visiting Boston Bruins scored three second-period goals and held off a late Buffalo Sabres rally to post a 4-2 win on Tuesday and even their Eastern Conference quarterfinal playoff series at one victory apiece.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Viktor Arvidsson scored in the last two periods, giving the Bruins 1-0 and 4-0 leads. Morgan Geekie and Pavel Zacha also lit the lamp for Boston, which heads home for Game 3 of the best-of-seven series on Thursday.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Jonathan Aspirot, Casey Mittelstadt and David Pastrnak each dished out two assists for the Bruins, and Jeremy Swayman made 34 saves.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Bowen Byram and Peyton Krebs scored as Buffalo climbed within 4-2 in the closing minutes.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen allowed four goals on 19 shots before Alex Lyon entered in relief following Arvidsson’s second marker, which came just 16 seconds into the third period.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Buffalo had a 36-26 shot advantage, including 20-8 in the third period, but its power play went 0-for-5. Boston finished 1-for-6 on the man advantage.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>The physical contest featured 47 penalty minutes for each team.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>Following a scoreless opening period, the Bruins took over in the second, scoring on three of their 11 shots against Luukkonen.</p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>Arvidsson broke the deadlock 4:54 into the middle frame, taking Aspirot’s lob pass in ahead of the defense and beating Luukkonen five-hole with a backhander from the left circle.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>A gaffe by Luukkonen helped Boston double its lead with 3:31 left in the period, as Geekie’s high backhanded dump from the far side of center ice eluded him over the glove.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>The Bruins’ power play got in on the action 1:41 later. After Geekie’s one-handed keep-in at the blue line extended the play, Zacha tipped in Pastrnak’s shot from the top of the right circle while stationed in the bumper position.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Arvidsson made it 4-0 early in the third, prompting Sabres coach Lindy Ruff to change goaltenders. Aspirot banked a long feed off the boards to set up the play, leading Arvidsson down the left wing to score on a 2-on-1 rush with Zacha.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>The Sabres struck twice in a 1:14 span to make things interesting. Byram accepted Beck Malenstyn’s back pass for a wrister from the top of the right circle to break Swayman’s shutout bid with 6:06 left.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>Krebs soon made it 4-2, batting down and scoring the rebound of a Rasmus Dahlin point shot that caromed off the post and back into the crease.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Strong #period #Bruins #level #series #Sabres

Deadspin | GM pledges that star Cale Makar will finish his career with Avalanche  May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) looks on during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images   The Colorado Avalanche want to sign star defenseman Cale Makar to a contract extension so he completes his career with the team, president of hockey operations and general manager Joe Sakic said on Thursday.  Makar, 27, is eligible to sign an extension on July 1 to his six-year,  million contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. He has played his entire career with the Avalanche, who selected him fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft.  “Cale is going to finish his career here,” Sakic said. “We’re already talking to his agent, so we’re confident that something’s going to get worked out at some point. I mean, he’s got another year, but this summer we expect to have him signed.”  A two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, Makar totaled 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) and a plus-32 rating in 75 games this season. He was a finalist for the sixth consecutive year and fell just short on Tuesday to first-time winner Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Makar added five points (four goals, one assist) and a plus-5 rating in 11 playoff games while dealing with an upper-body injury.  He has 507 career points (136 goals, 371 assists), a plus-168 rating, 134 penalty minutes, 664 blocks and 377 hits in 470 regular-season games. He has 26 goals and 90 points with a plus-28 rating, 24 penalty minutes, 147 blocks and 100 hits in 90 playoff games.  Makar was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs in the 2021-22 season.   A three-time All-Star, Makar was Calder Memorial Trophy winner as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2019-20 and top defenseman in 2021-22 and 2024-25.  The Avalanche won the Presidents’ Trophy this season with the league’s best record (55-16-11, 121 points), then eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in four games and the Minnesota Wild in five before getting swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals.  Sakic, who previously had served as Avalanche general manager before becoming president of hockey operations, took over as GM earlier this month when Chris MacFarland became president and GM of the Nashville Predators.  Sakic on Thursday said the coaching staff is staying intact, including head coach Jared Bednar, who is going into the final season of his contract. Bednar, 54, has coached the team for 10 regular seasons (445-262-75) and nine playoff runs (60-41), including capturing the Stanley Cup in 2022.  “He’s got the confidence from the players,” Sakic said. “It’s clear from everybody, from players, the staff, that he’s the right guy. They respect him, they love playing for him, and that’s a big thing. And when we look at it for this group, he’s the best coach. He’s the best coach for the group, and we’re confident in that decision.  “He’s not just the coach, I mean, he’s the voice of the of the organization, and, like I said, the players really believe in him, and I’m going with the players.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #pledges #star #Cale #Makar #finish #career #AvalancheMay 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) looks on during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Colorado Avalanche want to sign star defenseman Cale Makar to a contract extension so he completes his career with the team, president of hockey operations and general manager Joe Sakic said on Thursday.

Makar, 27, is eligible to sign an extension on July 1 to his six-year, $54 million contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. He has played his entire career with the Avalanche, who selected him fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft.

“Cale is going to finish his career here,” Sakic said. “We’re already talking to his agent, so we’re confident that something’s going to get worked out at some point. I mean, he’s got another year, but this summer we expect to have him signed.”

A two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, Makar totaled 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) and a plus-32 rating in 75 games this season. He was a finalist for the sixth consecutive year and fell just short on Tuesday to first-time winner Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Makar added five points (four goals, one assist) and a plus-5 rating in 11 playoff games while dealing with an upper-body injury.

He has 507 career points (136 goals, 371 assists), a plus-168 rating, 134 penalty minutes, 664 blocks and 377 hits in 470 regular-season games. He has 26 goals and 90 points with a plus-28 rating, 24 penalty minutes, 147 blocks and 100 hits in 90 playoff games.


Makar was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs in the 2021-22 season.

A three-time All-Star, Makar was Calder Memorial Trophy winner as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2019-20 and top defenseman in 2021-22 and 2024-25.

The Avalanche won the Presidents’ Trophy this season with the league’s best record (55-16-11, 121 points), then eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in four games and the Minnesota Wild in five before getting swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals.

Sakic, who previously had served as Avalanche general manager before becoming president of hockey operations, took over as GM earlier this month when Chris MacFarland became president and GM of the Nashville Predators.

Sakic on Thursday said the coaching staff is staying intact, including head coach Jared Bednar, who is going into the final season of his contract. Bednar, 54, has coached the team for 10 regular seasons (445-262-75) and nine playoff runs (60-41), including capturing the Stanley Cup in 2022.

“He’s got the confidence from the players,” Sakic said. “It’s clear from everybody, from players, the staff, that he’s the right guy. They respect him, they love playing for him, and that’s a big thing. And when we look at it for this group, he’s the best coach. He’s the best coach for the group, and we’re confident in that decision.

“He’s not just the coach, I mean, he’s the voice of the of the organization, and, like I said, the players really believe in him, and I’m going with the players.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #pledges #star #Cale #Makar #finish #career #Avalanche">Deadspin | GM pledges that star Cale Makar will finish his career with Avalanche  May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) looks on during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images   The Colorado Avalanche want to sign star defenseman Cale Makar to a contract extension so he completes his career with the team, president of hockey operations and general manager Joe Sakic said on Thursday.  Makar, 27, is eligible to sign an extension on July 1 to his six-year,  million contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. He has played his entire career with the Avalanche, who selected him fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft.  “Cale is going to finish his career here,” Sakic said. “We’re already talking to his agent, so we’re confident that something’s going to get worked out at some point. I mean, he’s got another year, but this summer we expect to have him signed.”  A two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, Makar totaled 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) and a plus-32 rating in 75 games this season. He was a finalist for the sixth consecutive year and fell just short on Tuesday to first-time winner Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Makar added five points (four goals, one assist) and a plus-5 rating in 11 playoff games while dealing with an upper-body injury.  He has 507 career points (136 goals, 371 assists), a plus-168 rating, 134 penalty minutes, 664 blocks and 377 hits in 470 regular-season games. He has 26 goals and 90 points with a plus-28 rating, 24 penalty minutes, 147 blocks and 100 hits in 90 playoff games.  Makar was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs in the 2021-22 season.   A three-time All-Star, Makar was Calder Memorial Trophy winner as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2019-20 and top defenseman in 2021-22 and 2024-25.  The Avalanche won the Presidents’ Trophy this season with the league’s best record (55-16-11, 121 points), then eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in four games and the Minnesota Wild in five before getting swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals.  Sakic, who previously had served as Avalanche general manager before becoming president of hockey operations, took over as GM earlier this month when Chris MacFarland became president and GM of the Nashville Predators.  Sakic on Thursday said the coaching staff is staying intact, including head coach Jared Bednar, who is going into the final season of his contract. Bednar, 54, has coached the team for 10 regular seasons (445-262-75) and nine playoff runs (60-41), including capturing the Stanley Cup in 2022.  “He’s got the confidence from the players,” Sakic said. “It’s clear from everybody, from players, the staff, that he’s the right guy. They respect him, they love playing for him, and that’s a big thing. And when we look at it for this group, he’s the best coach. He’s the best coach for the group, and we’re confident in that decision.  “He’s not just the coach, I mean, he’s the voice of the of the organization, and, like I said, the players really believe in him, and I’m going with the players.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #pledges #star #Cale #Makar #finish #career #Avalanche

The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway later today, when host nation Mexico takes on South Africa in the opening match.

Here is a full list of the referees, assistant referees, and video referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Who are the head referees at the 2026 World Cup?

52 referees were selected for the 2026 World Cup. The majority of them, 15 in all, are from UEFA countries. That includes Szymon Marciniak from Poland, who was the referee for the 2022 World Cup Final.

This list includes 12 referees from CONMEBOL and nine from CONCACAF. New Zealand’s Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh is the lone OAF referee.

This list also includes Omar Abdulkadir Artan from Somalia, who was denied entry into the United States. While Canadian politicians have offered that he could referee matches in Canada, at the time of publication it is unclear if that will be arranged.

Who are the assistant referees at the 2026 World Cup?

All told, 88 referees were selected as assistant referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All six confederations are represented.

12 of the assistant referees come from the AFC, while 11 come from the CAF. CONCACAF has 15 assistant referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including four from the United States (Corey Parker, Kyle Atkins, Kathryn Nesbitt, and Brooke Mayo), two from Canada, and three from Mexico.

Once again UEFA has the most assistant referees, with 29, while Isaac Trevis is the lone representative from the OFC.

Who are the VAR officials for the 2026 World Cup?

As such, FIFA has assigned 30 video match officials for this year’s World Cup. Five confederations are represented here, as OAF does not have a video match official for the 2026 World Cup.

#referee #selected #FIFA #World #Cup">Every referee selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup  The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway later today, when host nation Mexico takes on South Africa in the opening match.Here is a full list of the referees, assistant referees, and video referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Who are the head referees at the 2026 World Cup?52 referees were selected for the 2026 World Cup. The majority of them, 15 in all, are from UEFA countries. That includes Szymon Marciniak from Poland, who was the referee for the 2022 World Cup Final.This list includes 12 referees from CONMEBOL and nine from CONCACAF. New Zealand’s Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh is the lone OAF referee.This list also includes Omar Abdulkadir Artan from Somalia, who was denied entry into the United States. While Canadian politicians have offered that he could referee matches in Canada, at the time of publication it is unclear if that will be arranged.Who are the assistant referees at the 2026 World Cup?All told, 88 referees were selected as assistant referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All six confederations are represented.12 of the assistant referees come from the AFC, while 11 come from the CAF. CONCACAF has 15 assistant referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including four from the United States (Corey Parker, Kyle Atkins, Kathryn Nesbitt, and Brooke Mayo), two from Canada, and three from Mexico.Once again UEFA has the most assistant referees, with 29, while Isaac Trevis is the lone representative from the OFC.Who are the VAR officials for the 2026 World Cup?As such, FIFA has assigned 30 video match officials for this year’s World Cup. Five confederations are represented here, as OAF does not have a video match official for the 2026 World Cup.  #referee #selected #FIFA #World #Cup

2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway later today, when host nation Mexico takes on South Africa in the opening match.

Here is a full list of the referees, assistant referees, and video referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Who are the head referees at the 2026 World Cup?

52 referees were selected for the 2026 World Cup. The majority of them, 15 in all, are from UEFA countries. That includes Szymon Marciniak from Poland, who was the referee for the 2022 World Cup Final.

This list includes 12 referees from CONMEBOL and nine from CONCACAF. New Zealand’s Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh is the lone OAF referee.

This list also includes Omar Abdulkadir Artan from Somalia, who was denied entry into the United States. While Canadian politicians have offered that he could referee matches in Canada, at the time of publication it is unclear if that will be arranged.

Who are the assistant referees at the 2026 World Cup?

All told, 88 referees were selected as assistant referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All six confederations are represented.

12 of the assistant referees come from the AFC, while 11 come from the CAF. CONCACAF has 15 assistant referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including four from the United States (Corey Parker, Kyle Atkins, Kathryn Nesbitt, and Brooke Mayo), two from Canada, and three from Mexico.

Once again UEFA has the most assistant referees, with 29, while Isaac Trevis is the lone representative from the OFC.

Who are the VAR officials for the 2026 World Cup?

As such, FIFA has assigned 30 video match officials for this year’s World Cup. Five confederations are represented here, as OAF does not have a video match official for the 2026 World Cup.

#referee #selected #FIFA #World #Cup">Every referee selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway later today, when host nation Mexico takes on South Africa in the opening match.

Here is a full list of the referees, assistant referees, and video referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Who are the head referees at the 2026 World Cup?

52 referees were selected for the 2026 World Cup. The majority of them, 15 in all, are from UEFA countries. That includes Szymon Marciniak from Poland, who was the referee for the 2022 World Cup Final.

This list includes 12 referees from CONMEBOL and nine from CONCACAF. New Zealand’s Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh is the lone OAF referee.

This list also includes Omar Abdulkadir Artan from Somalia, who was denied entry into the United States. While Canadian politicians have offered that he could referee matches in Canada, at the time of publication it is unclear if that will be arranged.

Who are the assistant referees at the 2026 World Cup?

All told, 88 referees were selected as assistant referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All six confederations are represented.

12 of the assistant referees come from the AFC, while 11 come from the CAF. CONCACAF has 15 assistant referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including four from the United States (Corey Parker, Kyle Atkins, Kathryn Nesbitt, and Brooke Mayo), two from Canada, and three from Mexico.

Once again UEFA has the most assistant referees, with 29, while Isaac Trevis is the lone representative from the OFC.

Who are the VAR officials for the 2026 World Cup?

As such, FIFA has assigned 30 video match officials for this year’s World Cup. Five confederations are represented here, as OAF does not have a video match official for the 2026 World Cup.

#referee #selected #FIFA #World #Cup

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