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IPL 2026: Tim David fined for breaching code of conduct; Hardik Pandya penalised for slow over-rate  Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Tim David was on Monday fined 25 per cent of his match fee and docked one demerit point for “disobeying an umpire’s instruction” during the IPL game against Mumbai Indians.David was guilty of breaching Level 1 of IPL’s code of conduct for players and team officials, while Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya was also fined for maintaining slow over-rate.The IPL said in a statement that David was found to have breached the Article 2.4 of the IPL’s code of conduct.Pandya was fined after RCB’s innings took a little over two hours to finish.Also read | Prolonged interruptions, slow over-rate in MI vs RCB pose threats to the very purpose of T20s“Hardik Pandya, Captain, MI, has been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate. As this was his team’s first offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, he has been fined Rs 12 lakhs,” the IPL said.In fact, the contest had players from both teams taking several pauses amid hot and humid conditions. While the first innings ended in two hours and one minute, the second innings finished in two hours and four minutes.David is said to have not handed over the ball to the umpires twice during RCB’s innings in which the burly Australian scored a quick 16-ball 34 not out with three sixes and two fours.“The first incident occurred when the umpires changed the ball during the 18th over (17.2) of RCB’s batting innings. He wanted to have a look at the ball and did not hand it over despite being repeatedly asked to do so,” the IPL said.“The second incident occurred during the 20th over (19.2), when he again did not hand over the ball to the umpires, amounting to repeated failure to comply with the instructions or directives of the umpires,” the IPL said, adding that David has admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction.Published on Apr 13, 2026  #IPL #Tim #David #fined #breaching #code #conduct #Hardik #Pandya #penalised #slow #overrate

IPL 2026: Tim David fined for breaching code of conduct; Hardik Pandya penalised for slow over-rate

Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Tim David was on Monday fined 25 per cent of his match fee and docked one demerit point for “disobeying an umpire’s instruction” during the IPL game against Mumbai Indians.

David was guilty of breaching Level 1 of IPL’s code of conduct for players and team officials, while Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya was also fined for maintaining slow over-rate.

The IPL said in a statement that David was found to have breached the Article 2.4 of the IPL’s code of conduct.

Pandya was fined after RCB’s innings took a little over two hours to finish.

Also read | Prolonged interruptions, slow over-rate in MI vs RCB pose threats to the very purpose of T20s

“Hardik Pandya, Captain, MI, has been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate. As this was his team’s first offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, he has been fined Rs 12 lakhs,” the IPL said.

In fact, the contest had players from both teams taking several pauses amid hot and humid conditions. While the first innings ended in two hours and one minute, the second innings finished in two hours and four minutes.

David is said to have not handed over the ball to the umpires twice during RCB’s innings in which the burly Australian scored a quick 16-ball 34 not out with three sixes and two fours.

“The first incident occurred when the umpires changed the ball during the 18th over (17.2) of RCB’s batting innings. He wanted to have a look at the ball and did not hand it over despite being repeatedly asked to do so,” the IPL said.

“The second incident occurred during the 20th over (19.2), when he again did not hand over the ball to the umpires, amounting to repeated failure to comply with the instructions or directives of the umpires,” the IPL said, adding that David has admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction.

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#IPL #Tim #David #fined #breaching #code #conduct #Hardik #Pandya #penalised #slow #overrate

Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Tim David was on Monday fined 25 per cent of his match fee and docked one demerit point for “disobeying an umpire’s instruction” during the IPL game against Mumbai Indians.

David was guilty of breaching Level 1 of IPL’s code of conduct for players and team officials, while Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya was also fined for maintaining slow over-rate.

The IPL said in a statement that David was found to have breached the Article 2.4 of the IPL’s code of conduct.

Pandya was fined after RCB’s innings took a little over two hours to finish.

Also read | Prolonged interruptions, slow over-rate in MI vs RCB pose threats to the very purpose of T20s

“Hardik Pandya, Captain, MI, has been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate. As this was his team’s first offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, he has been fined Rs 12 lakhs,” the IPL said.

In fact, the contest had players from both teams taking several pauses amid hot and humid conditions. While the first innings ended in two hours and one minute, the second innings finished in two hours and four minutes.

David is said to have not handed over the ball to the umpires twice during RCB’s innings in which the burly Australian scored a quick 16-ball 34 not out with three sixes and two fours.

“The first incident occurred when the umpires changed the ball during the 18th over (17.2) of RCB’s batting innings. He wanted to have a look at the ball and did not hand it over despite being repeatedly asked to do so,” the IPL said.

“The second incident occurred during the 20th over (19.2), when he again did not hand over the ball to the umpires, amounting to repeated failure to comply with the instructions or directives of the umpires,” the IPL said, adding that David has admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction.

Published on Apr 13, 2026

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#IPL #Tim #David #fined #breaching #code #conduct #Hardik #Pandya #penalised #slow #overrate

Indian volleyball has been hit by turmoil as two senior players have quit the national camp in Ahmedabad over “incompetent coaches”, removal of foreign coach Dragan Mihailovic, “poor and unscientific facilities” at the camp venue and “politics” in selection.

Anand K, a libero (a defensive position), and middle-blocker John Joseph left the camp on Sunday after their confidential communication to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) seeking better facilities at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Ahmedabad was leaked to the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI).

The VFI, on its part, has denied the charges, calling them “politics at play.” Anand, in a conversation with PTI, said that they were asked to apologise and disown the “seven to eight e-mails”, complaining of various concerns, which they refused, despite the “imminent risk of a ban by the VFI”.

“It’s going to be terrible for our careers but the fact is we shouldn’t have to play like this. There is no analysis, no recovery, the coaches don’t know anything, they are living in the 1950s. The one who was making a difference (Dragan Mihailovic of Serbia) has been removed for no clear reason.

“We were an unranked team but last year at the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) tournament in Uzbekistan, we finished runners-up. We need to improve, every country is developing but we are going down by doing things like this.

“Everyone in the camp feels the same but they are unwilling to speak like John and I,” he added.

The VFI, on its part, said it was unaware of the two players leaving the camp but denied that they had been coerced.

“There is lot of politics going on right now, that’s all I would say,” said a top VFI official when PTI reached out for a comment, preferring to remain anonymous.

VFI’s operations are currently being overseen by a steering committee that comprises officials from the IOA and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), which has only given an eight-month interim recognition to the Indian body, subject to compliance with administrative norms.

The Steering Committee comprises IOA Executive Council member Rohit Rajpal, CEO Raghuram lyer, FIVB General Sports Director Steve Tutton, FIVB Head of Legal Affairs and General Counsel Stephen Bock and Hitesh Malhotra.

John concurred Anand’s statements in a separate conversation and said they had been let down.

“I stand by the complaints,” he asserted.

Anand said besides the basic issues of facilities and coaching, the camp is also teeming with “undeserving players.” “Two coaches just stand there, trainer knows nothing about fitness. Physio does not care about players. The foreign coach, on the other hand, had a team that looked after us, analysed individual performances. He tried to improve us,” Anand said.

Also read | TOPS set for overhaul as Sports Minister seeks more focus on high-yielding disciplines

“VFI will not allow us play. They will ban us,” he added “There was a meeting with coaches and we were asked to apologise and continue in the camp but we refused. They needed us to stay because otherwise it would have and has become an issue.”

Ahmedabad will host the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Men’s Cup from June 20 to 28 at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Naranpura where 12 nations are expected to feature.

In the e-mails sent to IOA, the two players have compared facilities at their previous base of SAI Bengaluru with the centre in Ahmedabad. The players said that SAI Bengaluru had structured and scientifically designed training programs, advanced equipment, clear planning, performance tracking, and strong emphasis on strength and conditioning.

“In comparison, the current Ahmedabad camp is lacking significantly in multiple aspects, making it difficult to meet international standards,” stated the e-mail which is in PTI’s possession.

Key concerns from players include lack of “clearly defined or scientifically designed training, unstructured and random program, lack of monitoring of workload, increasing injury risks and the absence of a strength and conditioning coach.

“Despite players understanding its importance through professional leagues, this critical component is missing,” the e-mail stated.

“If we do not stand up for this today, we are not just failing ourselves — we are failing the players who will come after us,” it added.

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#Volleyball #revolt #Indian #players #leave #camp #Ahmedabad #citing #multiple #issues">Volleyball revolt: Two Indian players leave camp in Ahmedabad citing multiple issues  Indian volleyball has been hit by turmoil as two senior players have quit the national camp in Ahmedabad over “incompetent coaches”, removal of foreign coach Dragan Mihailovic, “poor and unscientific facilities” at the camp venue and “politics” in selection.Anand K, a libero (a defensive position), and middle-blocker John Joseph left the camp on Sunday after their confidential communication to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) seeking better facilities at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Ahmedabad was leaked to the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI).The VFI, on its part, has denied the charges, calling them “politics at play.” Anand, in a conversation with PTI, said that they were asked to apologise and disown the “seven to eight e-mails”, complaining of various concerns, which they refused, despite the “imminent risk of a ban by the VFI”.“It’s going to be terrible for our careers but the fact is we shouldn’t have to play like this. There is no analysis, no recovery, the coaches don’t know anything, they are living in the 1950s. The one who was making a difference (Dragan Mihailovic of Serbia) has been removed for no clear reason.“We were an unranked team but last year at the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) tournament in Uzbekistan, we finished runners-up. We need to improve, every country is developing but we are going down by doing things like this.“Everyone in the camp feels the same but they are unwilling to speak like John and I,” he added.The VFI, on its part, said it was unaware of the two players leaving the camp but denied that they had been coerced.“There is lot of politics going on right now, that’s all I would say,” said a top VFI official when PTI reached out for a comment, preferring to remain anonymous.VFI’s operations are currently being overseen by a steering committee that comprises officials from the IOA and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), which has only given an eight-month interim recognition to the Indian body, subject to compliance with administrative norms.The Steering Committee comprises IOA Executive Council member Rohit Rajpal, CEO Raghuram lyer, FIVB General Sports Director Steve Tutton, FIVB Head of Legal Affairs and General Counsel Stephen Bock and Hitesh Malhotra.John concurred Anand’s statements in a separate conversation and said they had been let down.“I stand by the complaints,” he asserted.Anand said besides the basic issues of facilities and coaching, the camp is also teeming with “undeserving players.” “Two coaches just stand there, trainer knows nothing about fitness. Physio does not care about players. The foreign coach, on the other hand, had a team that looked after us, analysed individual performances. He tried to improve us,” Anand said.Also read | TOPS set for overhaul as Sports Minister seeks more focus on high-yielding disciplines“VFI will not allow us play. They will ban us,” he added “There was a meeting with coaches and we were asked to apologise and continue in the camp but we refused. They needed us to stay because otherwise it would have and has become an issue.”Ahmedabad will host the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Men’s Cup from June 20 to 28 at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Naranpura where 12 nations are expected to feature.In the e-mails sent to IOA, the two players have compared facilities at their previous base of SAI Bengaluru with the centre in Ahmedabad. The players said that SAI Bengaluru had structured and scientifically designed training programs, advanced equipment, clear planning, performance tracking, and strong emphasis on strength and conditioning.“In comparison, the current Ahmedabad camp is lacking significantly in multiple aspects, making it difficult to meet international standards,” stated the e-mail which is in PTI’s possession.Key concerns from players include lack of “clearly defined or scientifically designed training, unstructured and random program, lack of monitoring of workload, increasing injury risks and the absence of a strength and conditioning coach.“Despite players understanding its importance through professional leagues, this critical component is missing,” the e-mail stated.“If we do not stand up for this today, we are not just failing ourselves — we are failing the players who will come after us,” it added.Published on Apr 13, 2026  #Volleyball #revolt #Indian #players #leave #camp #Ahmedabad #citing #multiple #issues

TOPS set for overhaul as Sports Minister seeks more focus on high-yielding disciplines

“VFI will not allow us play. They will ban us,” he added “There was a meeting with coaches and we were asked to apologise and continue in the camp but we refused. They needed us to stay because otherwise it would have and has become an issue.”

Ahmedabad will host the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Men’s Cup from June 20 to 28 at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Naranpura where 12 nations are expected to feature.

In the e-mails sent to IOA, the two players have compared facilities at their previous base of SAI Bengaluru with the centre in Ahmedabad. The players said that SAI Bengaluru had structured and scientifically designed training programs, advanced equipment, clear planning, performance tracking, and strong emphasis on strength and conditioning.

“In comparison, the current Ahmedabad camp is lacking significantly in multiple aspects, making it difficult to meet international standards,” stated the e-mail which is in PTI’s possession.

Key concerns from players include lack of “clearly defined or scientifically designed training, unstructured and random program, lack of monitoring of workload, increasing injury risks and the absence of a strength and conditioning coach.

“Despite players understanding its importance through professional leagues, this critical component is missing,” the e-mail stated.

“If we do not stand up for this today, we are not just failing ourselves — we are failing the players who will come after us,” it added.

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#Volleyball #revolt #Indian #players #leave #camp #Ahmedabad #citing #multiple #issues">Volleyball revolt: Two Indian players leave camp in Ahmedabad citing multiple issues

Indian volleyball has been hit by turmoil as two senior players have quit the national camp in Ahmedabad over “incompetent coaches”, removal of foreign coach Dragan Mihailovic, “poor and unscientific facilities” at the camp venue and “politics” in selection.

Anand K, a libero (a defensive position), and middle-blocker John Joseph left the camp on Sunday after their confidential communication to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) seeking better facilities at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Ahmedabad was leaked to the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI).

The VFI, on its part, has denied the charges, calling them “politics at play.” Anand, in a conversation with PTI, said that they were asked to apologise and disown the “seven to eight e-mails”, complaining of various concerns, which they refused, despite the “imminent risk of a ban by the VFI”.

“It’s going to be terrible for our careers but the fact is we shouldn’t have to play like this. There is no analysis, no recovery, the coaches don’t know anything, they are living in the 1950s. The one who was making a difference (Dragan Mihailovic of Serbia) has been removed for no clear reason.

“We were an unranked team but last year at the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) tournament in Uzbekistan, we finished runners-up. We need to improve, every country is developing but we are going down by doing things like this.

“Everyone in the camp feels the same but they are unwilling to speak like John and I,” he added.

The VFI, on its part, said it was unaware of the two players leaving the camp but denied that they had been coerced.

“There is lot of politics going on right now, that’s all I would say,” said a top VFI official when PTI reached out for a comment, preferring to remain anonymous.

VFI’s operations are currently being overseen by a steering committee that comprises officials from the IOA and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), which has only given an eight-month interim recognition to the Indian body, subject to compliance with administrative norms.

The Steering Committee comprises IOA Executive Council member Rohit Rajpal, CEO Raghuram lyer, FIVB General Sports Director Steve Tutton, FIVB Head of Legal Affairs and General Counsel Stephen Bock and Hitesh Malhotra.

John concurred Anand’s statements in a separate conversation and said they had been let down.

“I stand by the complaints,” he asserted.

Anand said besides the basic issues of facilities and coaching, the camp is also teeming with “undeserving players.” “Two coaches just stand there, trainer knows nothing about fitness. Physio does not care about players. The foreign coach, on the other hand, had a team that looked after us, analysed individual performances. He tried to improve us,” Anand said.

Also read | TOPS set for overhaul as Sports Minister seeks more focus on high-yielding disciplines

“VFI will not allow us play. They will ban us,” he added “There was a meeting with coaches and we were asked to apologise and continue in the camp but we refused. They needed us to stay because otherwise it would have and has become an issue.”

Ahmedabad will host the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Men’s Cup from June 20 to 28 at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Naranpura where 12 nations are expected to feature.

In the e-mails sent to IOA, the two players have compared facilities at their previous base of SAI Bengaluru with the centre in Ahmedabad. The players said that SAI Bengaluru had structured and scientifically designed training programs, advanced equipment, clear planning, performance tracking, and strong emphasis on strength and conditioning.

“In comparison, the current Ahmedabad camp is lacking significantly in multiple aspects, making it difficult to meet international standards,” stated the e-mail which is in PTI’s possession.

Key concerns from players include lack of “clearly defined or scientifically designed training, unstructured and random program, lack of monitoring of workload, increasing injury risks and the absence of a strength and conditioning coach.

“Despite players understanding its importance through professional leagues, this critical component is missing,” the e-mail stated.

“If we do not stand up for this today, we are not just failing ourselves — we are failing the players who will come after us,” it added.

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#Volleyball #revolt #Indian #players #leave #camp #Ahmedabad #citing #multiple #issues
Deadspin | Jake Oettinger has Stars trending in right direction ahead of Leafs matchup  Apr 11, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) and goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) celebrate after the Stars defeat the New York Rangers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images   The Dallas Stars will visit the Toronto Maple Leafs Monday night knowing where they stand entering the playoffs.  The Stars (48-20-12, 108 points) clinched the No. 2 seed in the Central Division Saturday with a 2-0 home victory over the New York Rangers.  Their third consecutive win has assured them home-ice advantage in their first-round Western Conference playoff series against the Minnesota Wild.  “We’ve played in a couple of Game 7s in the last couple of years, and you just feel that much more confident when you’re playing it at home,” Stars goalie Jake Oettinger said. “If it were to get to that point, then it’s important for us. You start at home, and you feel like you get off to a good start and let your crowd get into it early. We know this place is going to be rocking, so we can’t wait for next weekend.”  The Maple Leafs (32-34-14, 78 points) accepted a 6-2 home loss Saturday to the Florida Panthers in a game between teams already eliminated from playoff contention.  The Panthers eliminated the Maple Leafs in a seven-game playoff series last season on their way to winning their second straight Stanley Cup championship. This season, the teams are jockeying for draft position.  “It’s tough for both teams,” Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube said. “I wouldn’t have thought that (both would miss the playoffs). But circumstances — injuries, and a lot of things — play into it. I don’t need to sit here and explain them all. But that is the way it goes sometimes in this league. It just shows the parity in this league. You can’t take a breath. There are no easy teams.”  The Maple Leafs fell behind 3-0 against the Panthers before William Nylander scored his 27th and 28th goals to cut the lead to 3-2 after two periods. Two of Florida’s three-third period goals were into an empty net. Toronto has lost five straight (0-4-1).  “All these games are weird when you’re out of the playoffs,” Nylander said. “As of late, I think we’ve been competing good, but tonight, I think they were competing better than us.”   Goaltending is a key in the playoffs, and Oettinger was strong against the Rangers, stopping 22 shots to earn his fourth shutout of the season.  “It’s tough to get shutouts. It takes the whole team, and a lot of guys did a lot of great stuff for me there,” Oettinger said.  After allowing three power play goals in a 5-4 win over the Wild on Thursday, the Stars blanked the Rangers on all five of their power play attempts on Saturday.  “I thought our penalty kill was excellent,” Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said. “I thought we got better as the game went on. I thought (Oettinger) was really solid. There’s lots of things I liked. We come in the third and keep pushing, and the power play gets one. It’s not easy this time of year, all the games are tough.”  The Stars won their final home game of the regular season when Jason Robertson scored his 43rd and 44th goals in the third period, one into an empty net.  “We don’t score easy,” Gulutzan said. “We grind to score. We’re playing a little bit of a stingier brand of hockey that we’re willing to stay with, and usually that is the way it goes in the playoffs. Hopefully that benefits us.”  The Stars previously defeated the Maple Leafs 5-1 on Dec. 21.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Jake #Oettinger #Stars #trending #direction #ahead #Leafs #matchupApr 11, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) and goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) celebrate after the Stars defeat the New York Rangers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Stars will visit the Toronto Maple Leafs Monday night knowing where they stand entering the playoffs.

The Stars (48-20-12, 108 points) clinched the No. 2 seed in the Central Division Saturday with a 2-0 home victory over the New York Rangers.

Their third consecutive win has assured them home-ice advantage in their first-round Western Conference playoff series against the Minnesota Wild.

“We’ve played in a couple of Game 7s in the last couple of years, and you just feel that much more confident when you’re playing it at home,” Stars goalie Jake Oettinger said. “If it were to get to that point, then it’s important for us. You start at home, and you feel like you get off to a good start and let your crowd get into it early. We know this place is going to be rocking, so we can’t wait for next weekend.”

The Maple Leafs (32-34-14, 78 points) accepted a 6-2 home loss Saturday to the Florida Panthers in a game between teams already eliminated from playoff contention.

The Panthers eliminated the Maple Leafs in a seven-game playoff series last season on their way to winning their second straight Stanley Cup championship. This season, the teams are jockeying for draft position.

“It’s tough for both teams,” Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube said. “I wouldn’t have thought that (both would miss the playoffs). But circumstances — injuries, and a lot of things — play into it. I don’t need to sit here and explain them all. But that is the way it goes sometimes in this league. It just shows the parity in this league. You can’t take a breath. There are no easy teams.”

The Maple Leafs fell behind 3-0 against the Panthers before William Nylander scored his 27th and 28th goals to cut the lead to 3-2 after two periods. Two of Florida’s three-third period goals were into an empty net. Toronto has lost five straight (0-4-1).


“All these games are weird when you’re out of the playoffs,” Nylander said. “As of late, I think we’ve been competing good, but tonight, I think they were competing better than us.”

Goaltending is a key in the playoffs, and Oettinger was strong against the Rangers, stopping 22 shots to earn his fourth shutout of the season.

“It’s tough to get shutouts. It takes the whole team, and a lot of guys did a lot of great stuff for me there,” Oettinger said.

After allowing three power play goals in a 5-4 win over the Wild on Thursday, the Stars blanked the Rangers on all five of their power play attempts on Saturday.

“I thought our penalty kill was excellent,” Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said. “I thought we got better as the game went on. I thought (Oettinger) was really solid. There’s lots of things I liked. We come in the third and keep pushing, and the power play gets one. It’s not easy this time of year, all the games are tough.”

The Stars won their final home game of the regular season when Jason Robertson scored his 43rd and 44th goals in the third period, one into an empty net.

“We don’t score easy,” Gulutzan said. “We grind to score. We’re playing a little bit of a stingier brand of hockey that we’re willing to stay with, and usually that is the way it goes in the playoffs. Hopefully that benefits us.”

The Stars previously defeated the Maple Leafs 5-1 on Dec. 21.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Jake #Oettinger #Stars #trending #direction #ahead #Leafs #matchup">Deadspin | Jake Oettinger has Stars trending in right direction ahead of Leafs matchup  Apr 11, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) and goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) celebrate after the Stars defeat the New York Rangers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images   The Dallas Stars will visit the Toronto Maple Leafs Monday night knowing where they stand entering the playoffs.  The Stars (48-20-12, 108 points) clinched the No. 2 seed in the Central Division Saturday with a 2-0 home victory over the New York Rangers.  Their third consecutive win has assured them home-ice advantage in their first-round Western Conference playoff series against the Minnesota Wild.  “We’ve played in a couple of Game 7s in the last couple of years, and you just feel that much more confident when you’re playing it at home,” Stars goalie Jake Oettinger said. “If it were to get to that point, then it’s important for us. You start at home, and you feel like you get off to a good start and let your crowd get into it early. We know this place is going to be rocking, so we can’t wait for next weekend.”  The Maple Leafs (32-34-14, 78 points) accepted a 6-2 home loss Saturday to the Florida Panthers in a game between teams already eliminated from playoff contention.  The Panthers eliminated the Maple Leafs in a seven-game playoff series last season on their way to winning their second straight Stanley Cup championship. This season, the teams are jockeying for draft position.  “It’s tough for both teams,” Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube said. “I wouldn’t have thought that (both would miss the playoffs). But circumstances — injuries, and a lot of things — play into it. I don’t need to sit here and explain them all. But that is the way it goes sometimes in this league. It just shows the parity in this league. You can’t take a breath. There are no easy teams.”  The Maple Leafs fell behind 3-0 against the Panthers before William Nylander scored his 27th and 28th goals to cut the lead to 3-2 after two periods. Two of Florida’s three-third period goals were into an empty net. Toronto has lost five straight (0-4-1).  “All these games are weird when you’re out of the playoffs,” Nylander said. “As of late, I think we’ve been competing good, but tonight, I think they were competing better than us.”   Goaltending is a key in the playoffs, and Oettinger was strong against the Rangers, stopping 22 shots to earn his fourth shutout of the season.  “It’s tough to get shutouts. It takes the whole team, and a lot of guys did a lot of great stuff for me there,” Oettinger said.  After allowing three power play goals in a 5-4 win over the Wild on Thursday, the Stars blanked the Rangers on all five of their power play attempts on Saturday.  “I thought our penalty kill was excellent,” Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said. “I thought we got better as the game went on. I thought (Oettinger) was really solid. There’s lots of things I liked. We come in the third and keep pushing, and the power play gets one. It’s not easy this time of year, all the games are tough.”  The Stars won their final home game of the regular season when Jason Robertson scored his 43rd and 44th goals in the third period, one into an empty net.  “We don’t score easy,” Gulutzan said. “We grind to score. We’re playing a little bit of a stingier brand of hockey that we’re willing to stay with, and usually that is the way it goes in the playoffs. Hopefully that benefits us.”  The Stars previously defeated the Maple Leafs 5-1 on Dec. 21.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Jake #Oettinger #Stars #trending #direction #ahead #Leafs #matchup

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