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Is Ty Mueller Ready For An Extended Look With The Vancouver Canucks?

One prospect that has been making some noise in the AHL this year is Ty Mueller. Through four games, the 23-year-old has four goals along with an assist. Mueller not only leads the team in points but also plays a role in all situations for the Abbotsford Canucks. 

The big question when it comes to prospects like Mueller revolves around their full-time arrival in the NHL. He has played eight games for the Vancouver Canucks so far in his career, but has yet to receive an extended look with the team. With Vancouver currently in a rebuild and Mueller's early production, now could be the perfect time to see what Mueller can do at the NHL level. 

 There are a few things working in Mueller's favour. One is his familiarity with both Ryan Johnson and Manny Malhotra. It was clear, based on deployment over the last two years, that Malhotra trusts Mueller, which could help the center ease his way into life at the NHL level. 

Another revolves around the way Mueller plays. In his limited time at the NHL level, he hasn't been a defensive liability and has shown a willingness to get pucks on net. Mueller was also decent in the NHL when it came to faceoffs last year, as he won 11 of his 21 draws. 

As for the call-up itself, a few things need to happen first. Either the Canucks need to trade a few players away and ensure that the piece coming back will not take up an NHL roster spot. There is also a chance the team is hit by the injury bug, but that could lead to only a temporary call-up. 

The other issue Mueller may run into is Johnson's plan regarding younger players. Vancouver's GM has made it very clear he does not want younger players bouncing between the NHL and the AHL. This means that if Johnson and his staff aren't fully ready to bring Mueller up full-time, other players could get the call-up first. 

Finally, this is a contract year for Mueller. While he will still be a restricted free agent, the organization needs to decide if he is part of the future at the NHL level. While Mueller's play in the AHL has been impressive, the only way to truly find out where he is in his development is by giving him a run of games in the NHL. 

Ultimately, Mueller deserves a chance to show what he can do in the NHL. He has developed well in the AHL and, with 14 shots in four games this year, is showing the offensive side of his game. With the Canucks currently in a rebuild, now is the opportunity to see if Mueller can have success at the NHL level. 

Apr 7, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Ty Mueller (39) handles the puck in warm up prior to a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Apr 7, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Ty Mueller (39) handles the puck in warm up prior to a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.

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Preseason Game Thread: Knicks vs. Timberwolves, October 12, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 23: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks pushes Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter at Target Center on December 23, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Knicks 115-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The World Champion Knicks host the Minnesota Timberwolves (2-1) at Madison Square Garden on Monday night. New York is still looking for its first preseason win after two unsuccessful tries (we’re not worried). Minny has swapped out Julius Randle and Naz Reid for LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga, but you might not see them at full strength tonight with their starters possibly sitting for rest. New York’s Mike Brown, meanwhile, continues to sort through his supporting cast, and James Wiseman and Bruce Brown should get extended minutes opportunities tonight.

Tip-off is 7:30 PM ET on MSG. This is your game thread. This is Canis Hoopus. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Mind your manners. And go Knicks!

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NBA PRESEASON DISCUSSION: Brooklyn Nets at Washington Wizards, 7:00 PM ET

BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 8: Julius Randle #30 of the Brooklyn Nets smiles during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 8, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Nets are feeling good in the early days of preseason. They defeated the Charlotte Hornets by 34 to kick things off and followed up with a 114-108 victory against LeBron James and the new-look 76ers. Take it for whatever it’s worth at this stage, but Nets fans will take what they can get.

Julius Randle has looked solid and Egor Dëmin looks stronger. Anticipation continues to build for Mikel Brown Jr.’s debut, which could happen on Wednesday. Vibes are good in Brooklyn for the time being. Check in on us in a few months.

In the meantime, they’re up against the new-look Washington Wizards, who boast No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa on their home floor. The Wizards enter the night 2-0 and the push for momentum entering a new era.

Game Info & Broadcast Details

  • Who: Brooklyn Nets (2-0) at Washington Wizards (2-0)
  • What: Preseason
  • Time: 7:00 PM ET
  • TV/Streaming: DAZN
  • Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY

Injury Report: Who’s Out?

Nets:

  • Joshua Jefferson (back)
  • Mikel Brown Jr. (ankle)

💬 Discussion

Share your thoughts and react, but please be respectful. NetsDaily prides itself on being a safe space for Nets and basketball fans alike to have healthy conversation. Reach out to Anthony Puccio or Net Income with any issues.

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Dodgers take advantage of Brewers' defensive lapses, retake lead in wild inning

The Los Angeles Dodgers took a 2-1 lead over the Milwaukee Brewers in the top of the third inning in Game 2 of the NLCS on a pair of defensive lapses by the home team.

Tommy Edman led off the frame with a single. Mookie Betts followed with a grounder to short that could've been a double play, but the ball deflected off the heel of Cooper Pratt's glove and found grass in shallow left field to put the first two runners on.

Freddie Freeman came dangerously close to bringing them both home when he barreled a low changeup from Brewers starter Logan Henderson 106.1 mph over Sal Frelick's head in right field for what looked to be a surefire extra base hit, but Frelick – a Gold Glove winner in 2024 – made an incredible catch, leaping up and reaching behind him to pluck the line drive out of the air for an out. Edman was able to tag up and reach third, which proved to be crucial for what came next.

With Betts on first and second base open, he suddenly represented a threat to steal with one out in the inning. Henderson attempted to pick off the eight-time All-Star, but spiked the ball in front of first baseman Jake Bauers. The ball rolled deep into foul territory, giving Edman more than enough space to score the go-ahead run from third.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dodgers take advantage of Brewers' defensive lapses, retake lead in wild inning

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Wizards vs. Nets discussion

WASHINGTON, DC -  OCTOBER 10: Anthony Davis #23 and Bub Carrington #7 of the Washington Wizards shake hands during the game against the Detroit Pistons on October 10, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Washington Wizards host the Brooklyn Nets tonight at 7 p.m. ET. Watch on Monumental Sports Network. Renzo has the preview here.

Go Wizards.

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Canadiens Call Up Promising Prospect Center Before Sabres Game

The Montreal Canadiens are giving one of their prospects another chance on their NHL roster.

The Canadiens have announced that they have recalled forward Owen Beck from the AHL's Laval Rocket. 

Beck has appeared in four games this season with the Rocket, where he has one assist, two penalty minutes, and a plus-1 rating. This is after he had 13 goals, 33 points, and a plus-6 rating in 58 games with the Rocket during the 2025-26 campaign.

Beck also played in 15 games last season for Montreal, posting one goal, six penalty minutes, 24 hits a plus-4 rating. 

Beck will now be aiming to impress after landing this latest opportunity on the Canadiens' roster. While the 22-year-old forward has yet to break out, the potential for him to emerge as a solid defensive forward in the NHL is there.

In 28 career NHL games over three seasons, Beck has recorded one goal, one assist, 47 hits, and a plus-1 rating. It will be intriguing to see what he can do after being called up to Montreal's roster again. 

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Former MLB legend shares perspective on potential lockout

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 14: Ryan Howard and Nick Swisher look on prior to the 96th MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brian Garfinkel/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Now that we’re in the offseason, it’s time to shift our focus to a possible event on the horizon that may be even more daunting than the MLB postseason.

The collective bargaining agreement between the league and the MLB Players Association expires on December 1st, and if the two sides don’t reach an agreement by then, a lockout will ensue. What does this mean? Well, it means that no games will occur until both MLB and MLBPA find a way to make it work. I recently had the opportunity to ask a former ballplayer about the subject, and he was happy to share his take on the situation.

There have been a few lockouts over the course of MLB history, but the longest was in 1994, when a player strike halted regular season and postseason games for 232 days. Ryan Howard, Phillies legend and 2008 World Series Champion, spoke with Pinstripe Alley on the matter and shared his perspective on the impact the lockout could have on the game and league as a whole.

“When it comes to that, you want what’s best for the game,” Howard told Pinstripe Alley. “When you look back at the lockout back in ‘94, I think the game was in such an amazing place. Then once that happened, it hurt the game.”

To Howard’s point, the game is in a similar spot as it was in 1994, where viewership is trending in the right direction. Fox Sports reported that it averaged 3.2 million viewers for the first two games of the NL Division Series involving the Braves and Dodgers, as well as the Padres and Brewers, according to Front Office Sports. Fox Sports also reported that the network set a 10-year viewership high during last year’s AL Division Series between the Yankees and Blue Jays as well as the Tigers and Mariners.

Howard also shared that he doesn’t believe there will be a lockout, and that both sides will have to make concessions to move forward with the 2027 regular season as scheduled.

Despite the Yankees exiting earlier than anticipated, we might as well enjoy this MLB postseason while it lasts. Who knows, but we should all prepare for the possibility of a lockout and seeing silence on the diamond come March 24th.

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Penguins trade Caleb Jones, Daniel Laatsch to Buffalo for Ryan Johnson

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 24: Ryan Johnson #33 of the Buffalo Sabres plays against the Detroit Red Wings during a pre season game at Little Caesars Arena on September 24, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

An ol’ 2-for-1 trade. The Penguins have sent a pair of minor league defensemen to Buffalo for a former first round pick.

Johnson, 25, was taken with the 31st pick back in the 2019 draft. He’s got 47 career NHL games under his belt, though the majority of that was in 2023-24 and he’s been mostly in the AHL ever since, playing only three NHL games in both 2024-25 and 2025-26. So far this season, it’s been all AHL time for Johnson. The 6’1”, 195 left shot defender spent four seasons at the University of Minnesota prior to that. Johnson has a contract through the 2027-28 season.

In exchange, Pittsburgh does a little house cleaning to drop two players and get down to 48 contracts of the 50 they are allotted per year. The Pens traded Caleb Jones, who cleared waivers weeks ago. Jones has played four games with AHL Wilkes-Barre, recording all three of his assists on the season in the same game. The 29-year old played seven NHL games with the Pens last season before a pair of long-term injuries and the rare suspension for  violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program ended his season last year.

Laatsch was a seventh round draft pick in 2021, the lanky defender spent four seasons in Wisconsin then spent most of his rookie season in 2025-26 with ECHL Wheeling, with 10 games played in the AHL. He’s yet to play this season and was only going to be a swing ECHL/AHL type of depth option in the organization.

Overall, this deal helps right size the numbers for the Pens at the minor league level. The team had all of Ilya Solovyov, Jones, Owen Pickering, Jake Livanavage, Laatsch and AHL contracted Maleek McGowan as left shots fighting for time in Wilkes-Barre. Paring down the numbers should help ease the block in the future for that spot.

Beyond that, time will tell if this deal has any NHL impact. Johnson might draw some intrigue as a former first round pick and member of the US National Development team but his career track has been spinning its wheels for a while. Even if he’s nothing more than deep depth, that’s the only place what Pittsburgh gave up would be this season anyways. Mostly a minor deal, helps restock the numbers a bit but does give the Pens a chance to take a look at a former first round pick to see what might come of playing in a new organization.

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Penguins Notebook: Andrei Kuzmenko Nears Return To Lineup

The Pittsburgh Penguins returned to practice on Monday after notching a 2-1 shootout win over the Dallas Stars on Saturday.

The win snapped a three-game losing streak that began last Monday against the Winnipeg Jets and lasted for almost a week. The Penguins needed it in the worst way since they weren't defending well and looked lethargic. 

They played excellent defense, got great goaltending from Arturs Silovs, and the shooters (Ben Kindel, Sidney Crosby, Rickard Rakell) finally did well in a shootout. 

Monday's practice saw Muse tinker with the third line some more. Ben Kindel has had a rotating cast of wingers to start the season, and that likely won't change when the Penguins head to the "Windy City" to play the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday.

Kindel was skating on a line with Ville Koivunen and Andrei Kuzmenko during practice. Koivunen was a healthy scratch on Saturday, while Kuzmenko sat out the last two games since he's obviously going through a lot. 

Here were the full practice lines and pairs:

Forwards

Rakell-Crosby-Rust

Chinakhov-Novak-Malkin

Kuzmenko-Kindel-Koivunen

Dewar-Lizotte-Robertson

Defensive pairs

Carlile-Karlsson

Girard-Korczak

Stastney-Letang

Based on these combinations, it appears Hendrix Lapierre and Elmer Soderblom will be the odd ones out at the start of this four-game road trip.

Lapierre's scratch makes sense because, aside from that first game against the Philadelphia Flyers, he's been a bit of a non-factor. It wouldn't hurt to sit him for a game or two so he can work on a few things. 

As for Soderblom, this one's a bit more surprising, especially since he played super well against the Stars on Saturday. He was great along the walls and was one of the Penguins' best forecheckers behind the net. He deserves to get more runway on that line, but the staff doesn't see it that way right now. 

Spencer Stastney will be in the lineup for a little bit since Trevor van Riemsdyk is not going on the trip. Stastney was solid in his Penguins debut on Saturday and showcased some good speed and defensive ability in his own end. 

He was a good fit with Kris Letang, so it'll be interesting to see if that can continue this week. 

Puck drop for Tuesday's Penguins-Blackhawks game will be at 8 p.m. ET. 

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!  

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Lakers still have plenty to clean up with 2 preseason games left

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Walker Kessler of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during an NBA preseason game against the Sacramento Kings, Image 2 shows Quentin Grimes (5) and Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick high-five during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, Image 3 shows Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers look on against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter of a preseason game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Oct. 8, 2026

With about a week until they start their regular season with a matchup against the Warriors on Oct. 21 at Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers’ health and player availability will continue to be the main priority during the final week of the preseason. 

Walker Kessler, the franchise’s marquee free-agency acquisition, could make his preseason debut against the Warriors on Tuesday in Las Vegas after sitting out of the first three games. The 7-foot-2 center made his return to live play in practice on Sunday after dealing with an injury to his left pinky finger. 

Walker Kessler could make his highly-anticipated preseason debut for the Lakers on Tuesday against the Warriors. NBAE via Getty Images

Collin Sexton’s status is uncertain for Tuesday against the Warriors and Friday’s preseason finale vs. the Nuggets in Los Angeles, with coach JJ Redick saying the 6-foot-3 guard is “probably a little bit further behind” Kessler when it comes to his return as he deals with a lower leg injury.

And Ziaire Williams, the 6-foot-10 forward who’s in contention for a spot in the starting lineup, is dealing with a foot contusion after having only played in the Lakers’ preseason-opening win over the Kings on Oct. 5. 

It’s unclear whether Lakers guard Collin Sexton will play during the preseason as he deals with a right lower leg injury. Khobi Price

But regardless of who is available for their final two preseason games, the Lakers have plenty to clean up before the games start to count in the standings. 

Here are non-injury/player availability factors The California Post is keeping an eye on in the last two exhibitions

Ball security 

Preseason statistics come with an obvious caveat: It’s just the preseason. 

Many teams, like the Lakers, haven’t been able to use all of their rotation players in every game. 

And the rotation players who have suited up aren’t playing full games at this point, either playing just the first half or getting minutes in the third quarter before sitting out the entire fourth quarter, which complicates statistical takeaways. 

Most teams have yet to crack double-digit practices, and haven’t come close to installing all of their offensive sets or defensive game plans. 

Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic both need to turn the ball over less. Getty Images

But one thing is clear from the Lakers’ first three preseason games: They need to take better care of the basketball.

The Lakers’ 22.3% turnover rate entering Monday ranked No. 28 among all teams during the preseason. 

Their star ball-handlers in Luka Doncic (5 turnovers per game) and Austin Reaves (3 per game) are the main catalysts of the team’s ball-security woes.

But Jaden Hardy (3 turnovers per game), Quentin Grimes (3), Bronny James (2.7), Dalton Knecht (2) and Sandro Mamukelashvili (2) have also coughed the ball up too much, especially when factoring most players aren’t playing as many minutes. 

The turnovers have piled up when unfamiliar lineups are on the floor together and aren’t as organized as they’d like to be – a reality coach JJ Redick has acknowledged.

Quentin Grimes has also been turnover-prone. NBAE via Getty Images

More practice and court time should be a natural remedy. 

The Lakers have been generating the types of shots they want, especially when Doncic and/or Reaves are on the floor.

But they need to help themselves by being more careful with the ball.

Defensive rebounding 

The Lakers have gotten a good look at what life without Kessler could look like. 

And from a rebounding standpoint, it hasn’t been pretty. 

The Lakers’ 61.6% defensive rebounding percentage during preseason has ranked No. 27 across the league. 

Their struggles on the glass are predictable. 

Kessler patrolling the paint will be a significant boost for the Lakers’ rebounding. 

But he can’t be on the floor for every minute of every game during the regular season. So the last week has provided the Lakers with insight on what they need to do so they can be better on the glass when their starting center isn’t on the floor. 

“It’s important to have two of the bigger wings out there for rebounding purposes,” Redick said. “That was a concern I think coming into the year – trying to be a good defensive rebounding team. What does that look like with Walker not on the court? In film, it’s pretty apparent that we need to do a better job of boxing out. Just like simple stuff and gang rebounding. 

“We’ll figure that out. The biggest thing is trying to make sure we have…two bigger wings out there, Luka, Adou [Thiero], whoever that may be, Mamu as a wing with non-Walker minutes.”

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Jordan 'Last Dance' jersey sells for record £10.6m

Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls drives to the basket during game two of the 1998 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz on 5 June 1998
Michael Jordan came out of retirement after three years to play two seasons with the Washington Wizards, from 2001-2003 [Getty Images]

A Michael Jordan jersey from his 'Last Dance' season has sold for $14m (£10.6m), a record for a piece of basketball memorabilia.

Jordan wore the Chicago Bulls jersey during game two of the 1998 NBA Finals and has autographed it too.

He scored a game-high 37 points that evening before ending his last season with the Bulls with a 4-2 series win for his sixth and final NBA Championship. He was named the Finals' Most Valuable Player in all six.

The only item of sports memorabilia that has cost more is the jersey worn by baseball legend Babe Ruth when he "called the shot" during the 1932 World Series, which was sold for $24.1m (£18.2m) in 2024.

The previous high for a basketball item was a card featuring Jordan and Kobe Bryant from 2007-08 which sold for $12.9m (£9.8m) last year.

The previous record for a piece of game-worn Jordan memorabilia was set just two weeks ago when his jersey from game three of the 1998 Finals, which is not autographed, sold via auction for $12.3m (£9.3m).

The latest purchase was made by Miami real estate investor Ron Firman in a private sale through Hunt Auctions.

David Hunt, president of Hunt Auctions, said in a statement: "While Michael Jordan's importance within the sports memorabilia marketplace has long been established, it has now escalated to an elite asset class more typically reserved for iconic works of art."

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Championship Series Live Discussion for October 12

Brewers reliever Abner Uribe celebrates a strikeout
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 11: Abner Uribe #45 of the Milwaukee Brewers reacts against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the sixth inning in game one of the National League Championship Series at American Family Field on October 11, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images

In the NLCS, tonight we have Game 2 between the Dodgers and Brewers. Last year’s WS MVP, Yoshinobu Yamamoto goes for the Dodgers, and rookie stud Logan Henderson pitches for the Brewers.

In the second game of the slate, we get the first ALCS game between the Guardians and Rays. Former Royal, Foster Griffin, will match up for the Guardians with the Rays’ ace Drew Rasmussen.

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(10-12-26) Wild Vs Golden Knights: Game Preview, Line Combinations

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild (3-1-1) returns to Grand Casino Arena on Monday night for a 7 p.m. matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights (5-1-0), looking to build on Saturday's 4-1 victory over the Florida Panthers.

Minnesota enters the matchup having won three consecutive regular-season games against Vegas, including all three meetings during the 2025-26 season. 

The Wild have also enjoyed considerable success against the Golden Knights since Vegas entered the NHL, holding a 16-11-4 all-time record against them.

However, Monday's matchup presents an early-season test against a Golden Knights team that has won five of its first six games.

Vegas has been led offensively by Jack Eichel, who has recorded three goals and nine assists for 12 points in six games. Mark Stone has added seven points, while Tomas Hertl has contributed five.

For Minnesota, Kirill Kaprizov has been the driving force offensively.

The 29-year-old winger has recorded six goals and two assists for eight points through five games, including a hat trick and four-point performance against Florida on Saturday.

Kaprizov enters Monday tied for the NHL lead in goals and has scored in five consecutive games to begin the season. He has also enjoyed success against Vegas throughout his career, recording 11 goals and six assists for 17 points in 19 games.

Defenseman Quinn Hughes has been equally productive from the blue line, recording two goals and five assists for seven points while collecting at least one point in each of Minnesota's first five games.

One of the biggest reasons for Minnesota's early success has been its special teams.

The Wild enter Monday tied for second in the NHL with a 37.5 percent power play, converting on six of their first 16 opportunities. Minnesota has scored a power-play goal in each of its first five games, marking just the third time in franchise history the team has opened a season with a power-play goal in five consecutive contests.

The penalty kill has been just as impressive, successfully killing 16 of 17 opposing power plays for a 94.1 percent success rate, also tied for second in the league.

Vegas, meanwhile, enters the contest with a 30.4 percent power play and an 81.3 percent penalty kill. 

Minnesota will once again turn to Jesper Wallstedt in goal.

Wallstedt has started all five games this season, posting a 3-1-1 record with a 1.78 goals-against average and a .936 save percentage. He stopped 29 shots in Saturday's victory over Florida and enters Monday ranked fourth in the NHL in save percentage.

The Wild will remain without Brock Faber, who continues to recover from a skull fracture suffered during the preseason. Marcus Foligno is day-to-day with a mid-body injury, while Nick Foligno is expected to miss additional time with an upper-body injury.

Zach Bogosian, who missed Saturday's game with a lower-body injury, is expected to return to Minnesota's lineup.

With both teams off to strong starts, Monday's matchup should provide an interesting test for a Wild team looking to establish consistency early in the season.

Wild Projected Lineup

Kirill Kaprizov - Joel Eriksson Ek - Matt Boldy

Blake Coleman - Ryan Hartman -  Maxim Shabanov

Rieger Lorentz - Danila Yurov - Bobby Brink

Nico Sturm - Michael McCarron - Yakov Trenin

Defense:

Quinn Hughes - Jared Spurgeon

Olli Maatta - Jonas Brodin

Daemon Hunt - Zach Bogosian

Starting Goaltender: Jesper Wallstedt

Scratched: David Spacek, Matt Kiersted

Injured: Marcus Foligno (Mid-Body), Brock Faber (Upper-Body, Indefinitely), Filip Gustavsson (Lower-Body, LTIR), Nick Foligno (Upper-Body, Day-To-Day).

Golden Knights Projected Lineup

Ivan Barbashev - Jack Eichel - Mark Stone

Brett Howden - William Karlsson - Mitch Marner

Trevor Connelly - Tomas Hertl - Raphael Lavoie

Marc Gatcomb - Nic Dowd - Braeden Bowman

Defense:

Shea Theodore - Brayden McNabb

Parker Wotherspoon - Rasmus Andersson

Jeremy Lauzon - Noah Hanifin

Starting Goaltender: Carter Hart (projected)

Scratched: Dylan Coghlan, Ville Heinola

Injured: Victor Olofsson (Lower-Body).

Wild vs. Golden Knights — October 12, 2026

Game Information

  • Puck drop: 7 p.m. CT
  • Location: Grand Casino Arena — St. Paul, Minnesota
  • Minnesota Wild: 3-1-1 (7 points)
  • Vegas Golden Knights: 5-1-0 (10 points)
  • Wild starting goalie: Jesper Wallstedt
  • Golden Knights starting goalie: TBD (Carter Hart projected)

How to Watch

  • TV: Wild+
  • Play-by-play: Anthony LaPanta
  • Color analyst: Ryan Carter
  • Reporter: Kevin Gorg

How to Listen

  • Radio: KFAN FM 100.3
  • Play-by-play: Joe O'Donnell
  • Color analyst: Tom Reid
  • Studio host: Kevin Falness

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LCS Open Chat

Oct 11, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen (57) talks with media in preparation against the Cleveland Guardians for the ALCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Waiting all day for Monday night.

With respect to Monday Night Football, it’s still baseball season. The final four teams will be in action tonight with Game 2 of NLCS and Game 1 of the ALCS on the docket. The Dodgers and Brewers will play Game 2 after kicking off their series last night, while Cleveland and Tampa Bay will begin the ALCS later this evening.

Of the teams remaining, three qualify as “small market” teams. The Dodgers, on the other hand, have spent more than the other three teams combined. Will the Dodgers secure another World Series title on the way to a lockout, or will one of the little guys prove that they can succeed under the current agreement?

NLCS Game 2: Dodgers at Brewers, 5:00 PM. FOX/FS1

RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto vs. RHP Logan Henderson

It’s difficult to compete with Skubal vs. Misiorowski, but the NL teams will give us another quality pitching matchup tonight.

ALCS Game 1: Guardians at Rays, 8:00 PM. TBS

LHP Foster Griffin vs. RHP Drew Rasmussen

The Orioles were an incredibly flawed baseball team, but they were capable of beating both of these teams on any given night. Baltimore finished 8-5 against Tampa Bay and 3-4 against Cleveland. It’s difficult to comprehend that either of these teams will be playing for a World Series title, but that’s how it goes.