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Deadspin | Ron Francis exiting as Kraken’s president of hockey operations  Apr 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken defenseman Adam Larsson (6) shakes hands with general manager Ron Francis for his 1000th game presentation before the match against the Utah Mammoth at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images   Ron Francis, a key part of the Seattle Kraken organization since before the team’s first game, is exiting as the team’s hockey operations president effective the end of the season.  The Kraken announced Wednesday that Francis and the team “mutually agreed” to his exit.  “Ron and I agreed that this is the right moment to make a thoughtful transition for both Ron and the organization, and move in a new direction,” Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke said in a statement. “From a small office in Lower Queen Anne to the 32nd NHL franchise, Ron’s leadership and vision were instrumental in building this franchise from the ground up.  “Under his stewardship, we reached the playoffs in our second season, and he leaves behind a strong foundation of draft picks and promising prospects that will continue to shape the future of the team. We are grateful for his dedication and professionalism, and we wish Ron and his family the very best.”  Francis added in a statement, “It has been an honor to help launch and lead the Seattle Kraken over the past seven years. I am proud of the culture we built, the people we brought together, and the milestones we achieved, including our historic first playoff run.  “I want to thank our entire ownership group, everyone throughout the organization, and our incredible fans for their unwavering support. This organization has a bright future, and I’m grateful to have been part of its beginning.”  Francis, 63, joined the Kraken as general manager in 2019, two years ahead of their first game. He led the club’s expansion draft that resulted in Seattle getting to the second round of the postseason in their second season.   Last year, Francis moved from the general manager role to president of hockey operations, with Jason Botterill rising from assistant GM to general manager.  Botterill, 49, will now head the Kraken’s hockey operations.  With five games remaining, Seattle (32-34-11, 75 points) is on the verge of missing the playoffs for the third year in a row. The team collapsed in the past month, going 3-12-2 since March 4.  Lane Lambert is in his first season as the Kraken’s head coach.  Francis played 23 seasons as a center in the NHL and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007. In 16 seasons for the Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes, eight for the Pittsburgh Penguins and one for the Toronto Maple Leafs, he produced 549 goals, 1,249 assists (second in NHL history) and 1,798 points (fifth).  He served in the Hurricanes’ front office from 2011-18.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Ron #Francis #exiting #Krakens #president #hockey #operations

Deadspin | Ron Francis exiting as Kraken’s president of hockey operations
Deadspin | Ron Francis exiting as Kraken’s president of hockey operations  Apr 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken defenseman Adam Larsson (6) shakes hands with general manager Ron Francis for his 1000th game presentation before the match against the Utah Mammoth at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images   Ron Francis, a key part of the Seattle Kraken organization since before the team’s first game, is exiting as the team’s hockey operations president effective the end of the season.  The Kraken announced Wednesday that Francis and the team “mutually agreed” to his exit.  “Ron and I agreed that this is the right moment to make a thoughtful transition for both Ron and the organization, and move in a new direction,” Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke said in a statement. “From a small office in Lower Queen Anne to the 32nd NHL franchise, Ron’s leadership and vision were instrumental in building this franchise from the ground up.  “Under his stewardship, we reached the playoffs in our second season, and he leaves behind a strong foundation of draft picks and promising prospects that will continue to shape the future of the team. We are grateful for his dedication and professionalism, and we wish Ron and his family the very best.”  Francis added in a statement, “It has been an honor to help launch and lead the Seattle Kraken over the past seven years. I am proud of the culture we built, the people we brought together, and the milestones we achieved, including our historic first playoff run.  “I want to thank our entire ownership group, everyone throughout the organization, and our incredible fans for their unwavering support. This organization has a bright future, and I’m grateful to have been part of its beginning.”  Francis, 63, joined the Kraken as general manager in 2019, two years ahead of their first game. He led the club’s expansion draft that resulted in Seattle getting to the second round of the postseason in their second season.   Last year, Francis moved from the general manager role to president of hockey operations, with Jason Botterill rising from assistant GM to general manager.  Botterill, 49, will now head the Kraken’s hockey operations.  With five games remaining, Seattle (32-34-11, 75 points) is on the verge of missing the playoffs for the third year in a row. The team collapsed in the past month, going 3-12-2 since March 4.  Lane Lambert is in his first season as the Kraken’s head coach.  Francis played 23 seasons as a center in the NHL and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007. In 16 seasons for the Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes, eight for the Pittsburgh Penguins and one for the Toronto Maple Leafs, he produced 549 goals, 1,249 assists (second in NHL history) and 1,798 points (fifth).  He served in the Hurricanes’ front office from 2011-18.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Ron #Francis #exiting #Krakens #president #hockey #operationsApr 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken defenseman Adam Larsson (6) shakes hands with general manager Ron Francis for his 1000th game presentation before the match against the Utah Mammoth at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

Ron Francis, a key part of the Seattle Kraken organization since before the team’s first game, is exiting as the team’s hockey operations president effective the end of the season.

The Kraken announced Wednesday that Francis and the team “mutually agreed” to his exit.

“Ron and I agreed that this is the right moment to make a thoughtful transition for both Ron and the organization, and move in a new direction,” Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke said in a statement. “From a small office in Lower Queen Anne to the 32nd NHL franchise, Ron’s leadership and vision were instrumental in building this franchise from the ground up.

“Under his stewardship, we reached the playoffs in our second season, and he leaves behind a strong foundation of draft picks and promising prospects that will continue to shape the future of the team. We are grateful for his dedication and professionalism, and we wish Ron and his family the very best.”

Francis added in a statement, “It has been an honor to help launch and lead the Seattle Kraken over the past seven years. I am proud of the culture we built, the people we brought together, and the milestones we achieved, including our historic first playoff run.

“I want to thank our entire ownership group, everyone throughout the organization, and our incredible fans for their unwavering support. This organization has a bright future, and I’m grateful to have been part of its beginning.”


Francis, 63, joined the Kraken as general manager in 2019, two years ahead of their first game. He led the club’s expansion draft that resulted in Seattle getting to the second round of the postseason in their second season.

Last year, Francis moved from the general manager role to president of hockey operations, with Jason Botterill rising from assistant GM to general manager.

Botterill, 49, will now head the Kraken’s hockey operations.

With five games remaining, Seattle (32-34-11, 75 points) is on the verge of missing the playoffs for the third year in a row. The team collapsed in the past month, going 3-12-2 since March 4.

Lane Lambert is in his first season as the Kraken’s head coach.

Francis played 23 seasons as a center in the NHL and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007. In 16 seasons for the Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes, eight for the Pittsburgh Penguins and one for the Toronto Maple Leafs, he produced 549 goals, 1,249 assists (second in NHL history) and 1,798 points (fifth).

He served in the Hurricanes’ front office from 2011-18.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Ron #Francis #exiting #Krakens #president #hockey #operations

Apr 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken defenseman Adam Larsson (6) shakes hands with general manager Ron Francis for his 1000th game presentation before the match against the Utah Mammoth at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

Ron Francis, a key part of the Seattle Kraken organization since before the team’s first game, is exiting as the team’s hockey operations president effective the end of the season.

The Kraken announced Wednesday that Francis and the team “mutually agreed” to his exit.

“Ron and I agreed that this is the right moment to make a thoughtful transition for both Ron and the organization, and move in a new direction,” Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke said in a statement. “From a small office in Lower Queen Anne to the 32nd NHL franchise, Ron’s leadership and vision were instrumental in building this franchise from the ground up.

“Under his stewardship, we reached the playoffs in our second season, and he leaves behind a strong foundation of draft picks and promising prospects that will continue to shape the future of the team. We are grateful for his dedication and professionalism, and we wish Ron and his family the very best.”

Francis added in a statement, “It has been an honor to help launch and lead the Seattle Kraken over the past seven years. I am proud of the culture we built, the people we brought together, and the milestones we achieved, including our historic first playoff run.

“I want to thank our entire ownership group, everyone throughout the organization, and our incredible fans for their unwavering support. This organization has a bright future, and I’m grateful to have been part of its beginning.”

Francis, 63, joined the Kraken as general manager in 2019, two years ahead of their first game. He led the club’s expansion draft that resulted in Seattle getting to the second round of the postseason in their second season.

Last year, Francis moved from the general manager role to president of hockey operations, with Jason Botterill rising from assistant GM to general manager.

Botterill, 49, will now head the Kraken’s hockey operations.

With five games remaining, Seattle (32-34-11, 75 points) is on the verge of missing the playoffs for the third year in a row. The team collapsed in the past month, going 3-12-2 since March 4.

Lane Lambert is in his first season as the Kraken’s head coach.

Francis played 23 seasons as a center in the NHL and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007. In 16 seasons for the Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes, eight for the Pittsburgh Penguins and one for the Toronto Maple Leafs, he produced 549 goals, 1,249 assists (second in NHL history) and 1,798 points (fifth).

He served in the Hurricanes’ front office from 2011-18.

–Field Level Media

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Champions League — PSG rues missed chances despite beating Liverpool 2-0 in quarterfinals <div id="content-body-70841274" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Paris ​Saint-Germain was left ruing missed chances that kept Liverpool in contention in its Champions League quarterfinal ‌despite a convincing 2-0 home win in Wednesday’s first leg, with the visiting side ​admitting it had been in survival mode for long spells.</p><p>The defending champion prevailed ⁠thanks to goals by Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but Ousmane Dembele and Nuno Mendes missed golden chances in the second half that would have virtually sent it into the semifinals.</p><p>“We had clear chances to ‌score more goals. We kept Liverpool alive, but we’re happy with the performance. We want to stick to the same approach — it’s what we’ve been doing ‌for a long time,” fullback Achraf Hakimi said.</p><p>Teammate Warren Zaire Emery, who with Joao Neves ‌and ⁠Vitinha bossed the midfield, also regretted the missed opportunities.</p><p>“We could have scored more ⁠goals, which is a shame. 2-0 is already good, but nothing is done. We’ll go there with the same intentions, looking to win the match,” he said.</p><p>“We’ll need to stay focused and do what we did here. We ​always try to prepare games the same ‌way, playing as high up the pitch as possible. We had plenty of chances and should have put them away.”</p><p>Coach Luis Enrique echoed the sentiment.</p><p>“It’s a shame, clearly. We put in a performance worthy of our supporters. We played very well and deserved more ‌goals. But this is the Champions League. We’re happy, and there’s still the second ​leg to come,” he said.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 09, 2026</p></div> #Champions #League #PSG #rues #missed #chances #beating #Liverpool #quarterfinals

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Grappler Attempt Fails And Triggers Fiery End To Police Chase As Armed Suspect Crashes Into Wall And Dies After Hours Long Standoff

Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill has been fined Rs 12 lakh for maintaining a slow over-rate during its Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash against Delhi Capitals, which it won in a thrilling last-ball finish here.

Gujarat Titans secured its first win of the season with a one-run victory over the hosts in a high-scoring cliffhanger on Wednesday.

“Gujarat Titans (GT) Captain Shubman Gill has been fined after his team maintained a slow over-rate during Match No. 14 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Delhi Capitals (DC) at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi,” said an IPL media advisory.

“As this was his team’s first offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, Gill was fined INR 12 lakh,” it added.

In a nail-biting contest, David Miller had a momentary lapse in judgment, refusing a single off the penultimate delivery from Prasidh Krishna before missing the final ball.

Kuldeep Yadav then failed to get past Jos Buttler’s direct hit, as Delhi Capitals finished at 209 for eight in its chase of Titans’ 210.

Gujarat Titans will next take on Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on Sunday, while Delhi Capitals is set to face Chennai Super Kings in Chennai on Saturday.

(with inputs from PTI)

Published on Apr 09, 2026

#IPL #captain #Shubman #Gill #fined #lakh #slow #overrate">IPL 2026: GT captain Shubman Gill fined Rs. 12 lakh for slow over-rate against DC  Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill has been fined Rs 12 lakh for maintaining a slow over-rate during its Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash against Delhi Capitals, which it won in a thrilling last-ball finish here.Gujarat Titans secured its first win of the season with a one-run victory over the hosts in a high-scoring cliffhanger on Wednesday.“Gujarat Titans (GT) Captain Shubman Gill has been fined after his team maintained a slow over-rate during Match No. 14 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Delhi Capitals (DC) at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi,” said an IPL media advisory.“As this was his team’s first offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, Gill was fined INR 12 lakh,” it added.In a nail-biting contest, David Miller had a momentary lapse in judgment, refusing a single off the penultimate delivery from Prasidh Krishna before missing the final ball.Kuldeep Yadav then failed to get past Jos Buttler’s direct hit, as Delhi Capitals finished at 209 for eight in its chase of Titans’ 210.Gujarat Titans will next take on Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on Sunday, while Delhi Capitals is set to face Chennai Super Kings in Chennai on Saturday.(with inputs from PTI)Published on Apr 09, 2026  #IPL #captain #Shubman #Gill #fined #lakh #slow #overrate

Deadspin | Logan Thompson, Capitals blank Leafs, maintain playoff hopes  Apr 8, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) battles with Washington Capitals defenseman Martin Fehervary (42) in front of goaltender Logan Thompson (48) during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images   Logan Thompson made 21 saves and the visiting Washington Capitals kept their slim Stanley Cup playoff hopes alive with a 4-0 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday.  It was Thompson’s third shutout of the season, two of them coming against Toronto.  Dylan Strome and Martin Fehervary each had a goal and an assist for the Capitals (40-30-9, 89 points), who have split their past four games. Ryan Leonard and Cole Hutson logged a goal apiece.  Washington is three points behind Ottawa for the second Eastern Conference wild card and three points behind Philadelphia for third place in the Metropolitan Division. The Senators and Flyers each have four games remaining, while the Capitals have three left.  Capitals forward Ilya Protas, Washington’s third-round pick (75th overall) in the 2024 NHL Draft, played 15:37 and had an assist in his NHL debut.  Joseph Woll allowed three goals on 17 shots for Maple Leafs (32-32-14, 78 points), who have lost three straight (0-2-1) and will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016.  Toronto goalie Anthony Stolarz left the game with a lower-body injury after making a pad save on a shot by Hutson 2:34 into the first period.   Strome gave the Capitals a 1-0 lead at 13:22 of the opening frame. Anthony Beauvillier entered the zone 2-on-1 and passed across to Strome, who scored on a one-timer from the right circle.  Leonard made it 2-0 just 40 seconds into the second period. Tom Wilson intercepted a pass in the defensive zone and passed to Leonard, who was just out of the penalty box and scored glove side on a breakaway.  Leonard’s 18 goals are the most by a Capitals rookie since Alex Ovechkin scored 52 in 2005-06.  Fehervary increased the lead to 3-0 at 2:53 of the second when his centering pass deflected off a Toronto defender and past Woll.  Hutson scored into an empty net at 16:10 of the third period for the 4-0 final.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Logan #Thompson #Capitals #blank #Leafs #maintain #playoff #hopesApr 8, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) battles with Washington Capitals defenseman Martin Fehervary (42) in front of goaltender Logan Thompson (48) during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Logan Thompson made 21 saves and the visiting Washington Capitals kept their slim Stanley Cup playoff hopes alive with a 4-0 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday.

It was Thompson’s third shutout of the season, two of them coming against Toronto.

Dylan Strome and Martin Fehervary each had a goal and an assist for the Capitals (40-30-9, 89 points), who have split their past four games. Ryan Leonard and Cole Hutson logged a goal apiece.

Washington is three points behind Ottawa for the second Eastern Conference wild card and three points behind Philadelphia for third place in the Metropolitan Division. The Senators and Flyers each have four games remaining, while the Capitals have three left.

Capitals forward Ilya Protas, Washington’s third-round pick (75th overall) in the 2024 NHL Draft, played 15:37 and had an assist in his NHL debut.

Joseph Woll allowed three goals on 17 shots for Maple Leafs (32-32-14, 78 points), who have lost three straight (0-2-1) and will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016.


Toronto goalie Anthony Stolarz left the game with a lower-body injury after making a pad save on a shot by Hutson 2:34 into the first period.

Strome gave the Capitals a 1-0 lead at 13:22 of the opening frame. Anthony Beauvillier entered the zone 2-on-1 and passed across to Strome, who scored on a one-timer from the right circle.

Leonard made it 2-0 just 40 seconds into the second period. Tom Wilson intercepted a pass in the defensive zone and passed to Leonard, who was just out of the penalty box and scored glove side on a breakaway.

Leonard’s 18 goals are the most by a Capitals rookie since Alex Ovechkin scored 52 in 2005-06.

Fehervary increased the lead to 3-0 at 2:53 of the second when his centering pass deflected off a Toronto defender and past Woll.

Hutson scored into an empty net at 16:10 of the third period for the 4-0 final.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Logan #Thompson #Capitals #blank #Leafs #maintain #playoff #hopes">Deadspin | Logan Thompson, Capitals blank Leafs, maintain playoff hopes  Apr 8, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) battles with Washington Capitals defenseman Martin Fehervary (42) in front of goaltender Logan Thompson (48) during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images   Logan Thompson made 21 saves and the visiting Washington Capitals kept their slim Stanley Cup playoff hopes alive with a 4-0 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday.  It was Thompson’s third shutout of the season, two of them coming against Toronto.  Dylan Strome and Martin Fehervary each had a goal and an assist for the Capitals (40-30-9, 89 points), who have split their past four games. Ryan Leonard and Cole Hutson logged a goal apiece.  Washington is three points behind Ottawa for the second Eastern Conference wild card and three points behind Philadelphia for third place in the Metropolitan Division. The Senators and Flyers each have four games remaining, while the Capitals have three left.  Capitals forward Ilya Protas, Washington’s third-round pick (75th overall) in the 2024 NHL Draft, played 15:37 and had an assist in his NHL debut.  Joseph Woll allowed three goals on 17 shots for Maple Leafs (32-32-14, 78 points), who have lost three straight (0-2-1) and will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016.  Toronto goalie Anthony Stolarz left the game with a lower-body injury after making a pad save on a shot by Hutson 2:34 into the first period.   Strome gave the Capitals a 1-0 lead at 13:22 of the opening frame. Anthony Beauvillier entered the zone 2-on-1 and passed across to Strome, who scored on a one-timer from the right circle.  Leonard made it 2-0 just 40 seconds into the second period. Tom Wilson intercepted a pass in the defensive zone and passed to Leonard, who was just out of the penalty box and scored glove side on a breakaway.  Leonard’s 18 goals are the most by a Capitals rookie since Alex Ovechkin scored 52 in 2005-06.  Fehervary increased the lead to 3-0 at 2:53 of the second when his centering pass deflected off a Toronto defender and past Woll.  Hutson scored into an empty net at 16:10 of the third period for the 4-0 final.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Logan #Thompson #Capitals #blank #Leafs #maintain #playoff #hopes

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