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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 for season-ending 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 #reversalDec 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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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

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UEFA Champions League: Atletico Madrid withstands Barcelona’s early blitz to reach semifinals <div id="content-body-70863688" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Long after the game against Barcelona ended, the Atletico Madrid players came back on the field at the Metropolitano Stadium to celebrate.</p><p>They chanted along with the fans and jumped and danced.</p><p>It was a big night for them.</p><p>Diego Simeone’s team held on after an early charge by Barcelona to make it back to the semifinals of the Champions League for the first time in nearly a decade.</p><p>Atletico lost 2-1 but advanced 3-2 on aggregate after having won the first leg 2-0 in Barcelona last week. It will be the team’s first last-four appearance in the European competition since 2017.</p><p>“To play in a Champions League semifinal, how nice, how nice…” said Simeone, who was visibly moved after the thrilling back-and-forth game.</p><p>“It’s been 14 years and honestly, seeing the team still competing really moves me,” Simeone said. “The players have changed, we’ve had to start over many times, and yet here we are again among the top four in Europe.”</p><p>Simeone has been in charge of the club since late 2011. Atletico, seeking its first Champions League title, lost in the 2017 semifinals to Real Madrid. It also lost to its city rival in both finals it played in 2014 and 2016.</p><p>Barcelona, trying to return to the last four for the second season in a row, scored twice in the first 24 minutes to even the series, with Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres finding the net.</p><p>Atletico struck back still in the first half with a goal by Ademola Lookman.</p><p>The Catalan club played a man down from the 79th after defender Eric García was shown a red card for fouling Alexander Sorloth to stop a breakaway.</p><p>“We played a very good match, we gave our lives out there, we tried everything,” Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong said. “Luck wasn’t on our side this time. When you go a man down, it’s always harder.”</p><p>Atletico will face either Arsenal or Sporting Lisbon in the semifinals. Arsenal won the first leg 1-0 in Lisbon last week. Its second leg in London is on Wednesday.</p><p>“Extremely happy to eliminate a Barcelona team that has a lot of quality,” Atletico midfielder Koke said. “We struggled in the beginning, but we found a way to recover. It was a great effort by the entire team.”</p><p><b>In the other quarterfinal on Tuesday, defending champion Paris Saint-Germain advanced past Liverpool, winning 2-0 for an aggregate score of 4-0.</b></p><p>The game in Madrid was stopped for several moments near the 70th minute because Atletico defender Matteo Ruggieri sustained a cut on his forehead after being elbowed by Barcelona midfielder Gavi during a dispute for the ball.</p><p>Yamal opened the scoring four minutes into the match at Metropolitano Stadium, entering the area free from defenders after Atletico lost possession on a passing mistake by defender Clément Lenglet.</p><p>With his goal, Yamal became the top Champions League scorer under the age of 19 with 11, one more than Kylian Mbappé.</p><p>The visitor added to the lead on the night—levelling the tie at 2-2—in the 24th, with Torres picking up a through ball by Dani Olmo and finding the top corner by the far post.</p><p>Fermín López nearly added the third a minute later, but his close-range header was saved by Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso.</p><p>The host struck back in the 31st, with Lookman scoring from inside the area in a breakaway after a low cross by Marcos Llorente.</p><p>Barcelona thought it had equalised the series again, but Torres’ 57th-minute goal was disallowed for offside.</p><p>Defender Ronald Araujo had Barcelona’s last chance, but his close-range header in stoppage time went over the crossbar.</p><p>“We’re disappointed. We had plenty of chances, especially in the first half. We had the chance to score a third goal; instead, we conceded,” Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said. “That’s just how football is. We need to do better, but in the end, in terms of mentality and attitude, the team gave it their all. They did a fantastic job, but we just didn’t come through.”</p><p>Simeone kept Musso in goal instead of promoting the return of regular starter Jan Oblak, who has recovered from a muscle injury but hasn’t played since March 10.</p><p>Atletico can cap its week with the Copa del Rey title on Saturday. It will face Real Sociedad to try to win the competition for the first time since 2013.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 15, 2026</p></div> #UEFA #Champions #League #Atletico #Madrid #withstands #Barcelonas #early #blitz #reach #semifinals

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UEFA Champions League: Paris Saint-Germain beats Liverpool to reach semifinals <div id="content-body-70863714" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Paris Saint-Germain’s grip on the Champions League trophy remains strong.</p><p>The defending champion advanced to the semifinals of European club football’s biggest competition by dumping out six-time winner Liverpool on Tuesday.</p><p>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.</p><p>“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.”</p><p>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.</p><p><b><a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/champions-league/atletico-madrid-vs-barcelona-champions-league-result-full-time-score-goals-aggregate/article70863688.ece" target="_blank">Also on Tuesday, Atletico Madrid advanced to the semifinals after a 3-2 aggregate win over Barcelona.</a></b></p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>“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.”</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>But his opening goal was dispatched with precision—nestling in the bottom corner. His second was a clinical finish from close range.</p><p>Liverpool had been dominated in Paris last week. But the Merseyside club knows all about comebacks in this competition.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>In the second half, belief among the home fans began to grow as Liverpool applied the pressure.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>“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.”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 15, 2026</p></div> #UEFA #Champions #League #Paris #SaintGermain #beats #Liverpool #reach #semifinals

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With ticket prices already a concern, transport costs are emerging as a fresh flashpoint ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A reported surge in train fares to key venues has triggered political pushback, with US lawmakers asking: should FIFA, not local commuters, bear the cost?

What is the controversy about?

A report suggested that matchday train fares from Manhattan to MetLife Stadium could exceed $100 during the World Cup, compared to the usual $12.90. Similar hikes have been flagged in Boston, where special services could cost $80 instead of $20.

Who has raised concerns?

Chuck Schumer has publicly called on FIFA to cover transportation costs, arguing that local residents should not pay inflated prices for a global event.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul also questioned the steep pricing, calling for affordability and accessibility.

Why is FIFA being asked to pay?

The argument rests on scale and revenue. FIFA is projected to generate around $11 billion from the tournament. Critics argue that:

  • Host cities already invest heavily in infrastructure and logistics
  • Fans and daily commuters should not face inflated public transport costs
  • FIFA, as the primary beneficiary, should absorb operational expenses tied to the event

What are transport agencies saying?

Officials from NJ Transit have said pricing is not final and reports of $100 tickets are speculative.

However, internal estimates suggest that running services for matches at MetLife Stadium could cost around $48 million.

What about local governments?

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has stated that taxpayers will not shoulder these costs, setting up a potential funding gap if prices are capped.

Is this issue limited to New York/New Jersey?

No. In Boston, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has indicated that matchday travel to Gillette Stadium could see fares quadruple.

This suggests a broader pattern across host cities rather than an isolated case.

(With inputs from AFP)

Published on Apr 15, 2026

#Explained #FIFA #public #transport #row #ahead #World #Cup">Explained: The FIFA vs public transport row ahead of the 2026 World Cup With ticket prices already a concern, transport costs are emerging as a fresh flashpoint ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A reported surge in train fares to key venues has triggered political pushback, with US lawmakers asking: should FIFA, not local commuters, bear the cost?What is the controversy about?A report suggested that matchday train fares from Manhattan to MetLife Stadium could exceed 0 during the World Cup, compared to the usual .90. Similar hikes have been flagged in Boston, where special services could cost instead of .Who has raised concerns?Chuck Schumer has publicly called on FIFA to cover transportation costs, arguing that local residents should not pay inflated prices for a global event.New York Governor Kathy Hochul also questioned the steep pricing, calling for affordability and accessibility.Why is FIFA being asked to pay?The argument rests on scale and revenue. FIFA is projected to generate around billion from the tournament. Critics argue that: Host cities already invest heavily in infrastructure and logistics Fans and daily commuters should not face inflated public transport costs FIFA, as the primary beneficiary, should absorb operational expenses tied to the event What are transport agencies saying?Officials from NJ Transit have said pricing is not final and reports of 0 tickets are speculative.However, internal estimates suggest that running services for matches at MetLife Stadium could cost around million.What about local governments?New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has stated that taxpayers will not shoulder these costs, setting up a potential funding gap if prices are capped.Is this issue limited to New York/New Jersey?No. In Boston, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has indicated that matchday travel to Gillette Stadium could see fares quadruple.This suggests a broader pattern across host cities rather than an isolated case.(With inputs from AFP)Published on Apr 15, 2026 #Explained #FIFA #public #transport #row #ahead #World #Cup

Deadspin | Hunter Haight’s first NHL goal sparks Wild in win over Ducks Apr 14, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Beckett Sennecke (45) is pushed out of the crease by Minnesota Wild defenseman Jeff Petry (2) in the first period at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images Hunter Haight scored his first NHL goal and the Minnesota Wild held on for a 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night in Saint Paul, Minn. Danila Yurov and Robby Fabbri also scored one goal apiece for Minnesota (46-24-12, 104 points), which wrapped up its regular season. The Wild will face the Dallas Stars in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt made 34 saves on 36 shots. Mason McTavish scored two goals to lead Anaheim (42-33-6, 90 points), which also is headed to the postseason. The Ducks learned Monday night that they clinched a Western Conference playoff berth for the first time in eight years, but the Tuesday loss cost them any chance of winning the Pacific Division. Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal allowed three goals on 20 shots. Anaheim closes the regular season Thursday against the Nashville Predators before opening the postseason against either the Vegas Golden Knights or the Edmonton Oilers. The Ducks opened the scoring with a power-play goal 10:27 into the first period. McTavish handled the puck in the middle of the left circle and unleashed a wrist shot through traffic that beat Wallstedt. Minnesota evened the score at 1-all with 3:18 remaining in the first period. After the Ducks committed a turnover in their defensive zone, Yurov got the puck in the right circle and took advantage by scoring on a wrist shot. Haight put the Wild on top 2-1 midway through the second period. Nick Foligno handled the puck behind the net and passed it toward the slot for Haight, who fired a shot just inside the right post and into the net. Haight, 22, grinned wide as teammates celebrated with him along the boards after his first goal, which came in the ninth game of his rookie campaign. The Wild selected Haight in the second round (No. 47 overall) of the 2022 draft. Minnesota made it 3-1 with 6:57 remaining in the third period. Fabbri spotted a loose puck near the front of the crease and tapped it across the goal line. Anaheim cut the deficit to 3-2 with 46 seconds to go. McTavish deflected a shot by Mikael Granlund for his second goal of the game and his 17th of the season. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Hunter #Haights #NHL #goal #sparks #Wild #win #DucksApr 14, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Beckett Sennecke (45) is pushed out of the crease by Minnesota Wild defenseman Jeff Petry (2) in the first period at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Hunter Haight scored his first NHL goal and the Minnesota Wild held on for a 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night in Saint Paul, Minn.

Danila Yurov and Robby Fabbri also scored one goal apiece for Minnesota (46-24-12, 104 points), which wrapped up its regular season. The Wild will face the Dallas Stars in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt made 34 saves on 36 shots.

Mason McTavish scored two goals to lead Anaheim (42-33-6, 90 points), which also is headed to the postseason. The Ducks learned Monday night that they clinched a Western Conference playoff berth for the first time in eight years, but the Tuesday loss cost them any chance of winning the Pacific Division.

Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal allowed three goals on 20 shots. Anaheim closes the regular season Thursday against the Nashville Predators before opening the postseason against either the Vegas Golden Knights or the Edmonton Oilers.


The Ducks opened the scoring with a power-play goal 10:27 into the first period. McTavish handled the puck in the middle of the left circle and unleashed a wrist shot through traffic that beat Wallstedt.

Minnesota evened the score at 1-all with 3:18 remaining in the first period. After the Ducks committed a turnover in their defensive zone, Yurov got the puck in the right circle and took advantage by scoring on a wrist shot.

Haight put the Wild on top 2-1 midway through the second period. Nick Foligno handled the puck behind the net and passed it toward the slot for Haight, who fired a shot just inside the right post and into the net.

Haight, 22, grinned wide as teammates celebrated with him along the boards after his first goal, which came in the ninth game of his rookie campaign. The Wild selected Haight in the second round (No. 47 overall) of the 2022 draft.

Minnesota made it 3-1 with 6:57 remaining in the third period. Fabbri spotted a loose puck near the front of the crease and tapped it across the goal line.

Anaheim cut the deficit to 3-2 with 46 seconds to go. McTavish deflected a shot by Mikael Granlund for his second goal of the game and his 17th of the season.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Hunter #Haights #NHL #goal #sparks #Wild #win #Ducks">Deadspin | Hunter Haight’s first NHL goal sparks Wild in win over Ducks Apr 14, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Beckett Sennecke (45) is pushed out of the crease by Minnesota Wild defenseman Jeff Petry (2) in the first period at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images Hunter Haight scored his first NHL goal and the Minnesota Wild held on for a 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night in Saint Paul, Minn. Danila Yurov and Robby Fabbri also scored one goal apiece for Minnesota (46-24-12, 104 points), which wrapped up its regular season. The Wild will face the Dallas Stars in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt made 34 saves on 36 shots. Mason McTavish scored two goals to lead Anaheim (42-33-6, 90 points), which also is headed to the postseason. The Ducks learned Monday night that they clinched a Western Conference playoff berth for the first time in eight years, but the Tuesday loss cost them any chance of winning the Pacific Division. Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal allowed three goals on 20 shots. Anaheim closes the regular season Thursday against the Nashville Predators before opening the postseason against either the Vegas Golden Knights or the Edmonton Oilers. The Ducks opened the scoring with a power-play goal 10:27 into the first period. McTavish handled the puck in the middle of the left circle and unleashed a wrist shot through traffic that beat Wallstedt. Minnesota evened the score at 1-all with 3:18 remaining in the first period. After the Ducks committed a turnover in their defensive zone, Yurov got the puck in the right circle and took advantage by scoring on a wrist shot. Haight put the Wild on top 2-1 midway through the second period. Nick Foligno handled the puck behind the net and passed it toward the slot for Haight, who fired a shot just inside the right post and into the net. Haight, 22, grinned wide as teammates celebrated with him along the boards after his first goal, which came in the ninth game of his rookie campaign. The Wild selected Haight in the second round (No. 47 overall) of the 2022 draft. Minnesota made it 3-1 with 6:57 remaining in the third period. Fabbri spotted a loose puck near the front of the crease and tapped it across the goal line. Anaheim cut the deficit to 3-2 with 46 seconds to go. McTavish deflected a shot by Mikael Granlund for his second goal of the game and his 17th of the season. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Hunter #Haights #NHL #goal #sparks #Wild #win #Ducks

As the WNBA races through a landmark free agency period, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is already looking beyond North America.

Speaking before Monday’s draft, Engelbert said the league is targeting its first game overseas in 2027, either as an exhibition or regular-season fixture. The WNBA expanded to Toronto this season, its first franchise outside the United States.

“We’re heavily looking at that,” Engelbert said. “Obviously this year we have the FIBA World Cup. Next year we expect that we’ll do something outside of North America as a true global game.”

The league welcomed its 2026 draft class days after a historic free agency window opened, featuring its first million-dollar contracts.

“I’m pretty emotional seeing 23 million-dollar contracts signed only two days into free agency,” Engelbert said. “Now these players can build real generational wealth.”

Engelbert brushed aside questions about her future.

“I do crack up, everyone’s focused on me and you should be focused on the hundreds and thousands of women who run this league outside of myself,” she said.

“I wonder if you would ask that of a man?”

She added she was “thrilled with the trajectory, growth and was really looking forward to the next few years.”

The Board of Governors is yet to approve the proposed sale of the Connecticut Sun to Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta. Engelbert said details around a potential move to Houston would be addressed later.

The league is also finalising its new collective bargaining agreement, estimated at 400-500 pages, featuring record salary increases, housing benefits, 401(k) contributions and support for former players.

A state-of-the-game task force has also been set up, including a focus on officiating.

“You’ll see some changes around physicality this year,” she said.

Training camps open Sunday, with the season tipping off May 8.

Published on Apr 15, 2026

#WNBA #eyes #overseas #game #free #agency #boom">WNBA eyes first overseas game in 2027 amid free agency boom As the WNBA races through a landmark free agency period, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is already looking beyond North America.Speaking before Monday’s draft, Engelbert said the league is targeting its first game overseas in 2027, either as an exhibition or regular-season fixture. The WNBA expanded to Toronto this season, its first franchise outside the United States.“We’re heavily looking at that,” Engelbert said. “Obviously this year we have the FIBA World Cup. Next year we expect that we’ll do something outside of North America as a true global game.”The league welcomed its 2026 draft class days after a historic free agency window opened, featuring its first million-dollar contracts.“I’m pretty emotional seeing 23 million-dollar contracts signed only two days into free agency,” Engelbert said. “Now these players can build real generational wealth.”Engelbert brushed aside questions about her future.“I do crack up, everyone’s focused on me and you should be focused on the hundreds and thousands of women who run this league outside of myself,” she said.“I wonder if you would ask that of a man?”She added she was “thrilled with the trajectory, growth and was really looking forward to the next few years.”The Board of Governors is yet to approve the proposed sale of the Connecticut Sun to Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta. Engelbert said details around a potential move to Houston would be addressed later.The league is also finalising its new collective bargaining agreement, estimated at 400-500 pages, featuring record salary increases, housing benefits, 401(k) contributions and support for former players.A state-of-the-game task force has also been set up, including a focus on officiating.“You’ll see some changes around physicality this year,” she said.Training camps open Sunday, with the season tipping off May 8.Published on Apr 15, 2026 #WNBA #eyes #overseas #game #free #agency #boom

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