Leicester would be much deeper in the relegation mire were it not for the "phenomenal" George Ford, says Tigers and England team-mate Ben Youngs.

Fly-half Ford was instrumental on Friday as Leicester beat Newcastle 27-22 to go eight points clear of Falcons, who are bottom of the Premiership.

"I dare say without him, I don't know where we would be," Youngs told the Rugby Union Weekly podcast.

"He's a world-class player and he's showing that to everyone."

Defeat at Kingston Park would have left the Tigers on the verge of relegation to the Championship, but two tries from Guy Thompson and 12 points from Ford coupled with a valiant late defensive effort secured a priceless win.

Youngs, who is out for the rest of the season after shoulder surgery, says Ford's game management was crucial in delivering a result that may have preserved Leicester's Premiership status.

"I just think he's been unbelievable the last few weeks. His game control at the weekend was just phenomenal," he continued.

"He has continued to grab the bull by the horns and steer the ship. Given the adversity, to play like he has, is credit to him.

"But we still have three games to go and the Premiership has been just crazy. Until we are guaranteed safety, I will still be watching very nervously."

'No choice' over shoulder surgery

Youngs is expected to miss about three months following his surgery, and should return in time for England's World Cup training camps later in the summer.

He says he had no choice over the timing of the operation after picking up the injury against Scotland during the Six Nations.

"At the time I felt it but thought it was OK and it would settle. I then had it scanned [following the Six Nations], went and saw the specialist, and he said 'you just can't play'," Youngs added.

"I saw him at 12.30 and was being operated on at two o'clock so it all happened pretty quickly.

"You never want to miss games but it happened and I didn't really have a choice in it. But it should be 12 weeks and a pretty simple recovery time provided there are no hiccups."

Billy Vunipola has been given a "formal warning" by the Rugby Football Union after the England player defended Israel Folau's social media post claiming "hell awaits" gay people.

The 26-year-old number eight liked the post by Folau and called for people to "live their lives how God intended".

Vunipola, who has also been warned by his club Saracens, has been "reminded of his responsibilities" by the RFU.

During a meeting, the RFU said Vunipola had "expressed genuine regret".

"The warning will be retained on his disciplinary record for a period of five years and may be taken into account in future disciplinary proceedings," the RFU said in a statement.

"During the meeting the player expressed genuine regret at his public comments and understood that he had caused hurt and offence as a result of his actions.

"He has been reminded of his responsibilities as an England player and as an ambassador for the game, which values inclusivity and respect."

Vunipola released his own statement on Monday saying he had not intended to "cause suffering".

"I can see that my recent post has hurt people," said the Sarries forward. "My intention was to express my belief in the word of God.

"These beliefs are a source of great strength, comfort and guidance in my life. Anyone who knows me, knows I live with kindness and love towards ALL people."

Folau's contract was terminated by Rugby Australia because of a "high-level breach" of his code of conduct.

Vunipola is set to feature for Saracens in their European Champions Cup semi-final against Munster on Saturday as the English champions aim to reach a fourth final in six years.

Sarries director of rugby Mark McCall said the controversy has been "a distraction", and is "thankful the club and RFU have acted quickly".

"He's obviously had a challenging few days," McCall told BBC Sport.

"As a team we see the matter as having been dealt with and we want to talk about the rugby and concentrate on the rugby."

BROWNSBURG, Ind. – One year after a crash prevented him from competing in the Freedom 100, USAC star Chris Windom is heading back to Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Windom is returning to Belardi Auto Racing and partnering with Jonathan Byrd’s Racing to compete in the 17th annual Indy Lights Freedom 100 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 24.

The 27-year-old USAC champion will be piloting the No. 17 Belardi Auto Racing/Byrd Racing NOS Energy Drink-sponsored Dallara.

Last year Windom planned to compete in the Freedom 100 with Belardi, but damage from a practice crash prevented him from competing in the race.

“After a disappointing ending to last year’s run for the Freedom 100, I’m very thankful to be given another opportunity to go back to Indy with the Belardi/Byrd team,” said Windom. “I really enjoy working with everyone on the team and I feel like we can be strong contenders for this year’s race. The Freedom 100 is obviously Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires’ most prestigious race and something that will be special to be a part of. I have to thank Belardi Auto Racing and Jonathan Byrd’s Racing along with NOS Energy Drink for giving me the opportunity, and I hope that I can give them a great showing on one of the biggest stages in racing.”

“We are happy to welcome back Chris Windom and Jonathan Byrd’s Racing, a partnership we see being very successful,” said Belardi Auto Racing’s owner Brian Belardi. “Chris has proven himself time and time again in dirt cars, and I am positive he will be able to do it in an Indy Lights car. All I am thinking about now is May and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.”

No stranger to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or the Indianapolis 500, this will be Jonathan Byrd’s Racing’s first time participating in the Freedom 100.

“Things did not go as we had planned last May, but Chris was quick out of the box and learned a lot about what to do and what not to do at the Speedway,” said David Byrd of Jonathan Byrd’s Racing. “I’m grateful to be able to work with Brian and the Belardi Auto Racing team again to give Chris another much deserved shot at the Freedom 100, as we work to keep a multi-time USAC national series champion on the Road To Indy.  In addition, we’re excited to have the support of NOS Energy Drink in this endeavor, as they have quickly become a massive supporter of Chris and of short track racing.”

Windom and Belardi Auto Racing will take part in a refresher oval test at Kentucky Speedway prior to the Freedom 100. Practice for the 17th running of the Freedom 100 begins on May 20.

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. – WeatherTech Racing, together with Scuderia Corsa, will field the No. 62 WeatherTech Ferrari 488 GTE in the LMGTE Am Class for drivers Cooper MacNeil, Toni Vilander and Rob Smith at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

MacNeil will be running his sixth Le Mans with a third place run to his credit in 2017. Vilander will be running his eleventh 24 hours with two wins to his credit. Smith won the event in 2017 in the JMW Ferrari, bringing the combined race count to 16 for the WeatherTech Racing trio at the Circuit de la Sarthe. Combine the driving experience with the WeatherTech Racing Ferrari being prepared by Scuderia Corsa and that gives the team a lot of confidence for the June race.

“I think we have the pieces to do well this year,” MacNeil said. “We have our own entry, Toni Vilander, and we were able to get Rob Smith who won the race two years ago to run with us. Combining these three attributes with Scuderia Corsa running the car could be a winning combination. We had a perfect run in 2017 when we finished third the year Rob won. We have a solid amount of speed in the car with the three drivers so we just need to have another perfect race. Much easier said than done at Le Mans.”

“This will be my eleventh Le Mans start, I have two wins, come second twice and finished third once,” Vilander said. “The Ferrari is a well-balanced race car and works very well at Le Mans. Sometimes we struggle a bit on the long straights but overall its good. The last sector with fast corners is very nice and we can make-up ground. I am looking forward to going back to Le Mans and having a good run. The GTE AM class has a lot of cars and good driver line-ups. We need to perform really well to be in a position to fight for the win. I have a feeling that with Cooper and Rob, with their experience, we will do well.”

“Wow, what a driver line-up,” Smith exclaimed. “I am delighted to be joining such an amazing team for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The race is the highlight of my 2019 season, and I think we should be very competitive indeed. As well as the great run I had the 2017 race, I have participated in three seasons of the European Le Mans series, being runner up in 2016, and winning the championship in 2017. Le Mans has always been the pinnacle of racing for me and I am delighted to be going back in 2019 with WeatherTech Racing.”

The team will travel to Le Mans, France, for the pre-test weekend June 2 and return for the race to run June 15-16.

WELCOME, N.C. – Richard Petty Motorsports has announced the extension of its sponsorship agreement with WIX Filters, a global manufacturer of filtration products.

WIX Filters will remain as the team’s official filter and will continue as a key technical partner. WIX Filters will supply Richard Petty Motorsports with filtration products and will also provide development support to the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 driven by Bubba Wallace in the elite Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.

As part of the partnership, WIX Filters will continue its technical support of Richard Petty Motorsports and their ECR Engines by supplying air and oil filters. The team will use WIX Filters to guard their ECR Engines from contaminants like dirt, grime and dust at the track.

“WIX Filters’ motorsports history started over six decades ago when we supplied racing legend Richard Petty with filters for his stock car engines,” Jennifer Gibson, brand manager for WIX Filters, said. “We are excited about a partnership of two iconic brands in the racing industry and look forward to equipping the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 with the filters it needs to land “Bubba” Wallace in the winner’s circle.”

WIX Filters will have brand identification beneath the hood of the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. In addition, the logo will be featured on the b-post of the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, as well as on team equipment, the transporter, and the driver and pit crew suits for the entire Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season.

“We began racing with WIX Filters in the 1960s, and generations of our drivers have driven to victory lane with WIX,” Richard Petty, owner of Richard Petty Motorsports, said. “We are proud to continue our association with the No. 1 filter in motorsports and we look forward to accomplishing even more in 2019.”

There was a big shuffle this week in the SPEED SPORT Power Rankings, but has anyone done enough to knock Kyle Busch off the top of the mountain? Click below to find out!

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick is making his return to American Flat Track as part of the Black Hills Harley-Davidson/ProBEAM Racing Team.

Eslick will compete at the Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Texas Half-Mile presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys this Saturday aboard the No. 64 Black Hills Harley-Davidson/ProBEAM Harley-Davidson XG750R in the AFT Production Twins class.

Eslick, whose road racing achievements have him ranked third on the all-time Daytona 200 wins list, has consistently made appearances within professional flat track throughout the years. Eslick has a history of success on Harley-Davidson machinery, producing results on both an XR750 and XR1200 in years past.

“I was already signed up to ride for Terry Rymer in the AFT Singles class at Texas,” said Eslick. “When I got the call about riding the XG750 in the Production Twins class, I knew I couldn’t say no to that deal, so I jumped all over the opportunity. I am thankful to Terry Rymer and Terry Vance for putting it all together. Texas is the closest race to where I’m from; I am very excited to go down there and represent on the XG for a hometown crowd.”

“I am very excited to announce our intent to race AFT Production Twins with Danny on board,” said Terry Rymer, owner of Black Hills Harley-Davidson. “Through some good luck and timing, I was able to get ahold of Terry Vance at Vance & Hines and we got the bike together. With a quality Harley-Davidson machine and a proven rider like Danny Eslick, I hope that this inspires other dealers across the country to get back into professional flat track.”

Cale Makar became only the fifth rookie in the NHL's expansion era (1967-68) to score a goal in his NHL debut during the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The 20-year-old defenseman gave the Colorado Avalanche a 3-0 edge in Game 3 of their series with the Calgary Flames when he slipped a shot through goalie Mike Smith.

Quickly skating over to congratulate Makar was Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog. Celebrating in the crowd were Makar's parents.

"It's pretty weird. Pretty special, though," Makar said of his first game. "Obviously, it's a cool moment."

Makar's father, Gary, was in disbelief at his son's goal.

"It's a total surreal, pinch-me moment all wrapped into one. It's insane,'' he told The Associated Press. "Couldn't be more excited.''

Cale Makar was only 48 hours removed from playing for UMass as a sophomore in the men's hockey national championship game in Buffalo, where his Minutemen lost to Minnesota Duluth. He signed his entry-level contract Sunday before joining the Avalanche for his first practice in Denver on Monday morning.

Wearing No. 8, Makar jumped on the ice early in the first period Monday night and was given a loud cheer. Each time he did anything, the crowd cheered.

"You just shake your head,'' his father said. "The crowd, every time he gets the puck, guys, he's just a kid. No expectations."

Makar's whirlwind weekend also included winning the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as college hockey's top player Friday night. He is only the second player to make his debut in the Stanley Cup playoffs the same year he won college hockey's highest individual honor.

Tony Hrkac appeared in three playoff games with the St. Louis Blues in 1987 after winning both a national championship and the Hobey Baker a week prior. He, however, did not hit the score sheet in any of those three games.

Lauri Korpikoski is the last player to score a goal in his NHL debut during the playoffs, doing so with the New York Rangers in 2008.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

A nasty fight between Alex Ovechkin and Andrei Svechnikov, multiple offensive outbursts and a dazzling rookie debut highlighted Monday night's action in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Here's a recap of last night's action (check out replays of every playoff game on ESPN+), and what to watch for tonight, in today's edition of ESPN Stanley Cup Playoffs Daily:

Jump ahead: Last night's games | Three Stars
Play of the night | Today's games | Social post of the day

About last night...

Game 3: Toronto Maple Leafs 3, Boston Bruins 2 (Maple Leafs lead series 2-1). Being without suspended Nazem Kadri for the rest of this series will challenge the Maple Leafs' depth, but Toronto passed the test in Game 3. Auston Matthews scored after going pointless in the first two games, while Andreas Johnsson netted the winner. The Bruins lacked energy early, fumbled some costly turnovers, and now trail in the series for the second time. This one is poised to be a slugfest.

Game 3: Carolina Hurricanes 5, Washington Capitals 0 (Capitals lead the series 2-1). Carolina -- down two forwards for most of the night -- rallied with a statement game. Dougie Hamilton, who began his career in Boston, called the sellout crowd at PNC Arena one of the loudest buildings he's ever been in. The Canes felt they played their game, and when they're on, they're a tough team to beat. The Caps, meanwhile, have to look inward after their worst playoff game in two years. Washington mustered just eight shots over the last two periods.

Game 3: Nashville Predators 3, Dallas Stars 2 (Predators lead the series 2-1). The Predators survived a late push by the Stars thanks to a goal by new addition Mikael Granlund. Unfortunately, GM David Poile's two other big trade deadline acquisitions -- Brian Boyle and Wayne Simmonds -- haven't contributed much, and are out with injuries. Stars goalie Ben Bishop showed he was human, but just barely. It was the first time since Feb. 4 that the Dallas Stars goalie allowed more than two goals.

Game 3: Colorado Avalanche 6, Calgary Flames 2 (Avalanche lead the series 2-1). One player can't change the complexion of a series, but he certainly can add a boost. That's what recently signed rookie defenseman Cale Makar did when he was plugged into Colorado's lineup after skating in the NCAA national championship game Saturday -- and he scored. The Avalanche pestered Calgary goalie Mike Smith all night; could his Cinderella playoffs be over already? The Flames needed more from their usually high-powered offense. The defensive deficiencies barely gave them a chance, though.

Three Stars

1. Cale Makar, D, Colorado Avalanche

Here was Makar's weekend: The 20-year-old wins the Hobey Baker Award on Friday, plays in the national championship game on Saturday, hustles to get to Colorado on Sunday, and plays in a playoff game on Monday. And then he scored. What a moment.

Hey NHL, meet Cale Makar.

You're going to love him! #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/XgOMJljcpj

- x- Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) April 16, 2019

2. Pekka Rinne, G, Nashville Predators

The Stars turned it up and totally dominated in the second and third periods. The Predators held on to the win largely because of Rinne, who made 42 stops and earned his 45th career playoff victory, tying Tony Esposito for 24th on the NHL's all-time list.

3. Warren Foegele, LW, Carolina Hurricanes

With a shoutout to Dougie Hamilton, who scored his first playoff goal since 2014, the star of Carolina's offensive explosion on Monday night was Foegele, the playoff rookie who had two goals and an assist.

Play of the night

Mitch Marner is going to earn that next contract that Brad Marchand believes he richly deserves. Check out these blocked shots to seal the win for Toronto; and better yet, check out his teammates' reaction after.

KIDS: I'm not sure what's more impressive:

One of the top players in the league in Marner laying out to block this shot...or the reaction of his teammates afterwards. Gives me chills and makes me miss playing hockey. pic.twitter.com/w9MGZRMNh6

- Topher Scott (@TopherScott_) April 16, 2019

Dud of the night

Alex Ovechkin knocked out 19-year-old countryman Andrei Svechnikov with three nasty rights in the first period, and nobody liked the way it ended, with Svechnikov hitting his head on the ice and having to be helped off by the trainers. Svechnikov did not return, and the team did not have an update postgame.

Ovechkin's take on the fight: "First of all, I hope he's OK. Yeah. I'm not a big fighter and he's the same. He asked me to fight and said, 'Let's go.' I hope he's OK. You don't want to see a guy get hurt or something. And you just go a different way. We got maybe a little bit frustrated and too confident. We just have to forget about it and move forward."

Canes coach Rod Brind'Amour's take: "Svech means a lot to us, a young kid, he just turned 19. So he has a special bond, I think, with our group and me too. So, when you see that, it makes you sick. I'm still sick to my stomach about it. It's tough because I just heard Ovi talk about it. He said our guy challenged him. So, if that's the case it's a little different. But if you watch the video because I've got to watch it, he slashes him twice, Ovi, whack, whack and then Svech gives him back and then I don't know if there's words exchanged, but one guy's gloves come off way first and that's Ovi's. That not our guy's. So, it's a little bit frustrating because he got hurt. It's his first fight. He's played 90 games. He's never fought in his life, and I'm pretty sure Ovi knew that. So, that stuff bothers me."

What's on the schedule

Tampa Bay Lightning at Columbus Blue Jackets, Game 4, 7 p.m. ET. Jackets lead the series 3-0.

On the precipice of one of the greatest collapses in hockey history, the Lightning are in desperation mode. Good news: Leading scorer Nikita Kucherov returns from his one game suspension. Not-so-good news: Top defenseman Victor Hedman is "doubtful," according to coach Jon Cooper. The Blue Jackets can pull off a surreal upset if Sergei Bobrovsky continues to outplay Andrei Vasilevskiy (Bobrovsky has allowed just two goals in his past eight periods), special teams continue to shine, and the rentals keep playing like they all deserve multiyear, multimillion-dollar new contracts (which, at this point, they do).

New York Islanders at Pittsburgh Penguins, Game 4, 7:30 p.m. ET. Islanders lead the series 3-0.

If it wasn't for the Tampa Bay meltdown, the hockey world would be fixated on the incredible rise of the New York Islanders. Frankly, the Isles are one of the least talented teams in this year's playoffs on paper, but they are grinding it out and have frustrated Pittsburgh's high-powered (and star-studded) offense. This isn't all Matt Murray's fault. The Penguins' compete level just hasn't been there. Sidney Crosby and wingman Jake Guentzel have both been held pointless through the first three games.

Winnipeg Jets at St. Louis Blues, Game 4, 9:30 p.m. ET. Blues lead the series 2-1.

When Patrik Laine gets hot, he's one of the most dangerous goal scorers in the league. The Finn is hot, alright. After scoring only one goal in his final 19 regular-season games, the 20-year-old has scored in all three playoff games versus the Blues. Have the Jets finally cracked Jordan Binnington, who allowed more than four goals for the first time in his young playoff career? St. Louis captain Alex Pietrangelo insists there's no panic after dropping Game 3. Just play like they did for the second half of the season -- and the first two games of this series -- and they'll be fine.

San Jose Sharks at Vegas Golden Knights, Game 4, 10:30 p.m. ET. Knights lead the series 2-1.

This one is -- predictably -- getting feisty. Can the Sharks get back into it? Of course, but they'll need to stop letting goals in during the opening minutes of a period. They'll also need to amp up the offense, since the Sharks can no longer count on Martin Jones (a troubling season, and now a .849 save percentage through three playoff games). Vegas' second line -- aka the "new guys" line, featuring Mark Stone, Paul Stastny and Max Pacioretty -- was spectacular in Game 3. Stone and Stastny became just the third set of teammates over the past 30 NHL playoffs to each record five points in the same game.

Social post of the day

Hockey players, they're just like us!

Chris Wagner, @pastrnak96, @CMcAvoy44 and the @NHLBruins were having a tough time getting set up for #GameofThrones last night. �� #StanleyCup Confidential pic.twitter.com/FiESGrhMRq

- NHL (@NHL) April 15, 2019

Quotable

Joe Thornton might be a future Hall of Fame player, but this is a Hall of Fame quote from Ryan Reaves:

Oh boy. Ryan Reaves on Thornton's reply to the Nosek hit: "I've got a buddy with a grandpa who's going through the same thing. He can't see very well because he's getting old. Needs glasses. If he gets suspended he's going to have a hard time seeing from the press box" #VegasBorn

- Justin Emerson (@J15Emerson) April 15, 2019