Posts

Posted on

Viktor Arvidsson's Hat Trick Powers Red Wings To 4-1 Win Over Patrick Kane, Blackhawks

Follow Michael Whitaker On X

With multiple storylines surrounding Thursday’s matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings forward Viktor Arvidsson gave everyone another one to talk about.

Arvidsson scored his sixth career hat trick to lead the Red Wings to a 4-1 victory at Little Caesars Arena, capping a day dominated by major news surrounding former captain Dylan Larkin’s suspension.

The contest also featured the return of former Red Wings forward Patrick Kane for the first time since he decided to rejoin the Blackhawks over the summer, accepting a two-year, $16 million contract after having played in Detroit since December 2023. 

Earlier in the day, Larkin's agent, Pat Brisson, said through NHL insider Pierre LeBrun that his client had "had enough" of the ongoing trade stalemate. The Red Wings later announced that Larkin had been suspended without pay.

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

Image

Despite the ongoing drama, the Red Wings had a game to play, and it wasn't long before they found themselves trailing by a 1-0 score thanks to Chicago captain Connor Bedard beating goaltender John Gibson with a backhand shot off a rebound at 5:59 of the first period. 

However, the Red Wings tied the game at the 7:31 mark of the second period on the first of Arvidsson’s three goals. He deflected a shot from defenseman William Wallinder past goaltender Spencer Knight for his sixth goal of the season.

"As Long As Is Necessary": Shawn Horcoff Not Rushing To Trade Suspended Dylan Larkin"As Long As Is Necessary": Shawn Horcoff Not Rushing To Trade Suspended Dylan LarkinDetroit Red Wings interim general manager Shawn Horcoff said that he's not rushing to trade Dylan Larkin, who was suspended from the team without pay on Thursday after informing the club he no longer wanted to be part of it.

Detroit took the lead for good early in the third period thanks to a wicked wrist shot from Lucas Raymond on the power play, as Kane was in the box for high sticking. 

Arvidsson added to the lead at the 15:26 mark of the third period, crashing the net and burying a rebound of an Alex DeBrincat shot past Knight. He then completed the hat trick late in the frame, hitting the open net. 

Having played last season with the divisional rival Boston Bruins, Arvidsson signed a two-year, $10 million contract to join the Red Wings during the summer; the move reunited him with head coach Todd McLellan, under whom he played while with the Los Angeles Kings. 

Gibson picked up the victory for Detroit, making 18 saves on the 19 shots he faced. Meanwhile, Knight stopped 25 shots for Chicago. 

The Red Wings will next host the St. Louis Blues for a Saturday afternoon Halloween matchup. 

Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!

Image

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

Posted on

Schaefer scores his 2nd goal of the game in OT to lift Islanders past Wild, 4-3

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Matthew Schaefer scored his second goal of the game on a wrist shot at 33 seconds of overtime to give the New York Islanders a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night.

Schaefer beat goalie Jesper Wallstedt from the right circle on a break.

Schaefer also had an assist, Bo Horvat scored a power-play goal and Adam Pelech also connected for for New York. Ilya Sorokin made 22 saves.

Joel Eriksson Ek, Quinn Hughes and Matt Boldy scored for Central Division-leading Minnesota, with Boldy tying it at 3 with 3:53 left in regulation.

Wallstedt stopped 22 shots.

The Islanders won their second straight to improve to 7-4-2. The Wild dropped to 9-4-2. They had won three in a row.

Up next

Islanders: Host Edmonton on Saturday.

Wild: At Washington on Sunday.

___

See AP’s full NHL coverage here

Posted on

Caufield, Newhook each score twice in Canadiens' 5-2 win over Stars

DALLAS (AP) — Cole Caufield and Alex Newhook scored two goals each as the Montreal Canadiens beat the Dallas Stars 5-2 on Thursday night.

Jakub Dobes made 17 saves in his first win since opening night as the Canadiens won their fourth consecutive game, all in Central Division rinks. Phillip Danault had an empty-net goal and an assist.

Wyatt Johnston had a goal and an assist and Jamie Benn also scored for the Stars, who had won five straight before Tuesday’s 5-1 home loss to New Jersey. Jake Oettinger, who went into play third in the NHL with a 1.43 goals-against average, allowed a season-most four goals on 20 shots.

Caufield opened the scoring with a one-timer 7:24 in. Only 27 seconds after Newhook broke a 1-1 tie late in the first period, Caufield stuffed in a puck that crossed behind Oettinger to give Montreal the lead for good.

Newhook made it 4-1 early in the second period six seconds after Dallas’ top-ranked penalty kill notched the 25th of 27 consecutive kills scoring on a ricochet off the boards behind the net that Oettinger never saw.

The Canadiens are 4-0 without captain Nick Suzuki, who was lost for two-to-four weeks on Oct. 20 with an upper-body injury.

Dobes played instead of standout rookie Jacob Fowler, who has won his last six starts including Montreal’ three previous games. Dobes had allowed 20 goals in his four previous outings, going 0-2-2. In his previous start against Dallas early last season, Dobes was pulled after allowing five goals on 13 shots in a 7-0 loss.

Montreal’s Noah Dobson and Dallas’ Mikko Rantanen (who turned 30 on Thursday) had two assists.

Dallas is 3-2-0 with one game left in a season-long six-game homestand.

Up next

Canadiens: Host Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Stars: Host Columbus on Saturday.

___

See AP’s full NHL coverage here

Posted on

Schaefer Snipes In Overtime, Shorthanded Islanders With Monumental 4-3 Win In Minnesota

The New York Islanders (7-4-2) concluded their three-game road trip (2-0-1) with a monumental 3-2 win against the Minnesota Wild (9-2-4) in St. Paul on Thursday night. 

Matthew Schaefer scored his second of the game in overtime, with a blocker side snipe off a 2-on-1 rush with Simon Holmstrom at the 33-second mark of the extra frame:

Ilya Sorokin, who likely wants the two goals he allowed back, turned aside 22 of 25 shots he faced in the win. 

Here's how the game unfolded:

Just 27 seconds into the game, Joel Eriksson Ek sniped Sorokin glove side from the high slot to give Minnesota an early 1-0 lead:

Matthew Schaefer tied his career high by extending his point streak to six games (three goals, three assists) after adding a goal and an assist in the win.

His goal at 16:36 tied the game at 1-1 after he buried an Emil Heineman rebound, short-hopping the puck:

Schaefer recorded his 13th (three goals, 10 assists) in 13 games this season. 

Horvat scored his seventh goal of the season at 1:41 of the second period to give the Islanders a 2-1 lead, bringing his total to 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in his 13th game:

However, at 17:21 of the second period, Quinn Hughes snuck a backhander through the legs of Sorokin to tie the game at 2-2:

Adam Pelech scored his first of the season at 7:14 of the third period to give the Islanders a 3-2 lead: 

But, for the second time, the Wild ansnwered. After Schaefer got caught, Matt Boldy beat Sorokin through the legs off the rush at 16:07 of the third to tie the game at 3-3:

UP NEXT: The Islanders host the Edmonton Oilers at 2 PM ET on Saturday

Posted on

Hawks end skid with close 114-111 win against the Cavs

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 29: Onyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks handles the ball during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 29, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Atlanta Hawks were back in action on Thursday evening to face the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Hawks are coming off a loss to the Miami Heat last night, where not much went right for them on either side of the ball. The one bright spot was Kingston Flemings, who had his breakout game, finishing with 23 points.

As for the Cavaliers, they’re also coming off a back-to-back, as they defeated the Washington Wizards 121-111.

The Hawks struggled against the Heat due to the likes of their frontcourt, and the Cavaliers pose similar problems with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen down low.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker got things started for the Hawks with a 3-pointer.

It was another slow offensive outing for the team in the first quarter, as they couldn’t get much to go at the rim. The 3-point numbers weren’t bad, but they didn’t take that many to make a big difference.

That led the Cavaliers to grab a double-digit lead toward the middle of the quarter, and the Hawks found themselves fighting back. Going into the second, the Hawks trailed the Cavaliers 28-16.

It was a slow start to the second for the Hawks, but the bench was able to find a little bit of a rhythm to cut down their deficit. It was Aaron Wiggins who brought the Hawks life as the quarter continued, knocking down a few 3-pointers to bring them within striking distance.

The starters fed off that energy, and they were able to get stops on defense that led to their offense. Onyeka Okongwu made a layup to tie the game at 37.

The Hawks were able to take the lead a few possessions later, and even extend it a little further. Okongwu was able to get a few 3-pointers to go in after struggling with his shot to start the season.

The Hawks led 46-44 going into halftime.

It was a strong start to the third for the Hawks, and Okongwu continued his hot shooting from the 3-point line. They were able to maintain their lead throughout the quarter, and Okongwu brought his scoring inside the paint.

Wiggins and Jalen Johnson were able to knock down 3-pointers.

Even when the Cavaliers made their run, the Hawks always had a response. To end the quarter, Flemings found Alexander-Walker on the break for a 3-pointer to give the Hawks an 89-82 lead going into the fourth.

The Hawks continued to stay afloat in the fourth, hitting timely shots and getting stops on defense. Wiggins was there when they needed him, and Johnson was also able to get some shots to go, including this dunk in transition.

The Cavaliers had one final run in them, and they made it close with less than a minute remaining. With 20.6 seconds left, the Hawks led by one point, and that’s when the free-throw game came in. Alexander-Walker was able to knock down both to give the Hawks a 3-point lead. From there, all the Hawks needed was a stop on the other end, and they got multiple stops to seal the game in the end.

Okongwu finished with 29 points and 12 rebounds, Alexander-Walker finished with 25 points, and Wiggins finished with 20 points and seven rebounds.

The Hawks will be back in action on Saturday to face the New Orleans Pelicans.

Posted on

Blackhawks Lose To Red Wings 4-1 As Road Woes Continue

The Chicago Blackhawks paid a visit to Little Caesars Arena for a game against the Detroit Red Wings. Despite Chicago's tough start to the season on the ice, it pales in comparison to the messy times that Detroit is currently going through. 

During the morning, the news broke that Dylan Larkin would not be suiting up for the Red Wings. Then it came out that he has officially played his last game for the Red Wings and won't return to game action until it is for another team. Not long after that, the Wings announced that he has been suspended without pay. 

This is all while they are in a contract stalemate with young defenseman Simon Edvinsson. Two pieces of their core are just missing, yet the players who are there have to suit up and try to win once the whistle blows. This is the type of fragile team that the Blackhawks felt they should take advantage of to try to start a winning streak. 

It looked like the Blackhawks were going to go down that route early. Connor Bedard made it 1-0 for the Blackhawks at 5:59 of the first period. Wyatt Kaiser continued his stretch of good play, and Connor Bedard put home a great play that Kaiser set up. 

On the goal, Roman Kantserov earned his first career assist. He is known for being a great goal scorer, but his ability to contribute as a playmaker is there, and he was finally awarded an assist. 

From there, the Detroit Red Wings scored four unanswered goals and won the game 4-1. Lucas Raymond scored one of Detroit's goals, and Victor Arvidson had a hat trick.

Spencer Knight made his 8th straight start for Chicago, and his 11th out of 13 games. The Blackhawks left him out to dry, as they were outshot 29-18. Knight made 25 saves in the loss. 

With this loss, the Blackhawks fall to 0-5-0 away from the United Center. Most teams are better at home, but they have to start finding ways to win on the road if they want to get back into the standings. 

These are the types of losses that have the ability to force change. After Connor Bedard made it 1-0, this Red Wings team went to work on dominating the Blackhawks. Nobody can say that the Blackhawks don't have the talent to compete with a team like the Red Wings, but you wouldn't know it by the way they played in this game. 

Patrick Kane Welcomed Back

One positive from the game, besides the Bedard goal, was the fact that the Detroit Red Wings honored Patrick Kane on his first return. He played for them for three seasons and was a great player for them. Since returning to Chicago, he has had nothing but nice things to say about his time in Detroit. They enjoyed having him, too. 

Watch Every Chicago Goal

What’s Next For The Blackhawks?

The Chicago Blackhawks will pay a visit to TD Garden on Halloween for a Saturday matinee against the Boston Bruins. This will be their second of two games on the road, before returning home for one against the Colorado Avalanche. 

Image

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive, and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

Posted on

Preview: Wizards host Hornets in NBA Cup play on Friday

A not quite fully healthy Washington Wizards squad are hosting a surprisingly strong Charlotte Hornets as they kick off the NBA Cup Group stage play on this Halloween weekend. Here’s the preview!

Game info

Gametime: 7 p.m. ET, Friday, Oct. 30

Where: Capital One Arena, D.C.

TV: LeaguePass, Monumental

Injuries:

Wizards: Tre Johnson, Justin Champagnie, Tristan Vukcevic, Jamir Watkins

Hornets: Coby White, Kon Knueppel, Grant Williams, Kylan Boswell

What to look for

The Wizards have started the season with some good wins, but also a few more-or-less expected losses against the Cavaliers and Raptors. What was quite surprising is their loss to these same Hornets just a few days ago.

Can the Wizards flip the script for this game that actually means more, as it is part of the NBA Cup?

The biggest question is, of course, how will this new squad of onece All-Stars and young talent mesh. This will be a great game to gauge that.

Anthony Davis has shown some flashes of his former All-Star play. Tre Young, on the other hand, still needs more time it seems to be back in his full capacities. What still is missing is a cohesive defense though. But whatever it is right now, it’s a big improvement from last season.

Let us know in the comments your thoughts!

Here are some highlights from that recent game with the Hornets:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLAQRSIIDkQ&themeRefresh=1

Posted on

Cavaliers fall to the Hawks despite 24 points from James Harden

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 29: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on October 29, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers weren’t able to extend their win streak to four games, falling short to the Atlanta Hawks 111-114.

James Harden and Donovan Mitchell were able to find their spots to score 46 points combined, but it was not enough as the Hawks kept the Cavaliers at arm’s length throughout their many comeback attempts in the fourth quarter.

The Cavaliers came out efficient and were able to grab a 15-point lead in the second quarter. However, it never really felt like the Cavaliers were able to reclaim that same level of energy or shot-making once Atlanta’s shots started falling.

The Hawks outhustled the Cavaliers from the second quarter onward, including efforts from Onyeka Okongwu (27 points and 10 rebounds) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (25 points).

The Hawks, despite struggling to put the ball in the basket in the first quarter, finished shooting 44% from the field and 40% shooting from beyond the arc. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, did not share such fortune (31% from three), it never really felt like they recaptured the groove seen early on.

The Cavaliers saw minimal shooting output from Evan Mobley, Peyton Watson, and Jaylon Tyson, who combined for a 6-for-24 effort from the field. It seemed as if the Cavaliers just ran out of gas and thought that they could simply shoot themselves out of the slump they found themselves in. Unfortunately, unlike their opponent, the Cavaliers never found that rhythm again for the rest of the contest.

Games like this happen, especially on the second end of a back-to-back. However, the Hawks were also coming off a back-to-back and were able to respond to the first punch thrown.

The Cavaliers once again have proved that an area of improvement for this team is holding onto the leads that they build, or at the least being able to react to a counterpunch from an opponent.

Posted on

Brewers bring World Series trophy to Packers game — then hit iconic Lambeau Leap celebration

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick leaps into the stands to celebrate with fans, Image 2 shows The Milwaukee Brewers display the World Series trophy to the crowd at Lambeau Field

The Brewers kept the World Series celebration going on Thursday, taking the Commissioner’s Trophy to Lambeau Field in Green Bay for Thursday night’s Packers-Panthers game. 

Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff led the Brewers onto the field during the first half of the “Thursday Night Football” game to thunderous cheers from the fans at Lambeau as a number of Milwaukee players followed him out of the tunnel, clapping and pumping up the crowd.

One Brewers player even partook in a time-honored Lambeau Field tradition. 

Right fielder Sal Frelick performed a Lambeau Leap to the delight of the crowd, throwing up his hand in the air as the fans mobbed him in jubilant celebration. 

The Milwaukee players were later shown on the video board with the trophy while they appeared to be seated in a suite, wearing cheesehead hats that had the word champion written on the side.

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick leaps into the stands to celebrate with fans on Oct. 29, 2026, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Frelick began pumping up the crowd once again when he noticed the camera was stationed on him. 

The Milwaukee Brewers display the World Series trophy to the crowd during a time out at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Oct. 29, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Brewers’ presence seemed to rub off on the Packers as they went into halftime with a 20-10 lead over the Panthers. 

Milwaukee is celebrating the franchise’s first World Series title, which it captured on Wednesday night in a 5-1 win over the Rays in Game 5 in Tampa. 

The festivities will continue on Friday when the city of Milwaukee hosts a championship parade for the Brewers. 

Posted on

MLB free agency: Which Dodgers, Padres and Giants players have hit the market?

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal celebrates after striking out an Atlanta Braves batter, Image 2 shows San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King delivers a pitch, Image 3 shows San Francisco Giants relief pitcher JT Brubaker after getting pulled in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies

The MLB offseason is officially underway with the Brewers crowned as World Series champions.

The Dodgers, who stood behind Milwaukee and the Fall Classic, lost a number of players to free agency Thursday morning.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal celebrates after striking out Atlanta Braves’ Austin Riley during the fifth inning of Game 1 of a National League Division Series baseball game Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, in Los Angeles. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Dodgers free agents

A total of nine Dodgers players have hit the open market:

  1. Tarik Skubal (starting pitcher)
  2. Alex Vesia (relief pitcher)
  3. Kris Bubic (starting pitcher)
  4. Eric Lauer (starting pitcher)
  5. Kiké Hernandez (utilityman)
  6. Evan Phillips (relief pitcher)
  7. Blake Treinen (relief pitcher)
  8. Brusdar Graterol (relief pitcher)
  9. Miguel Rojas (infielder)

While Rojas is technically listed as a free agent, he announced his retirement after the Dodgers were eliminated from the National League Championship Series.

Padres free agents

The Padres, who also faced the Brewers in the postseason amid their unsuccessful World Series run, lost nine players to free agency.

  1. Adrian Morejon (relief pitcher)
  2. Ty France (first baseman)
  3. Casey Mize (starting pitcher)
  4. Robbie Ray (starting pitcher)
  5. Jason Adam (relief pitcher)
  6. Walker Buehler (starting pitcher)
  7. Ramon Laureano (outfielder)
  8. Luis Rengifo (utlityman)
  9. Austin Hays (outfielder)

San Diego has also multiple players with player options, team options and mutual options this winter. Michael King, who had a $28 million option for 2027, opted out of his deal with the Padres likely in hopes of finding a long-term deal on the market.

San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King delivers against the Chicago Cubs in the sixth inning of Game 1 of the National League Wild Card baseball playoff series Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, in San Diego. AP Photo/Gregory Bull

Relievers Yuki Matsui and Wandy Peralta also have player options for next season. The deadline for player options is Monday, Nov. 2.

Starting pitcher Nick Pivetta and relief pitcher Kyle Hart both have team options for the 2027 season. The Padres are expected to negotiate a new contract with Pivetta, who has a $14 million option for next season.

Team options have to be decided by Monday, Nov. 2.

Three Padres have mutual options this offseason: Miguel Andujar (infielder), Griffin Canning (starting pitcher), and Lucas Giolito (starting pitcher). All mutual options are expected to be declined by Monday, Nov. 2.

San Francisco Giants relief pitcher JT Brubaker after getting pulled in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Giants Free Agents

As for San Francisco, the Giants had only one player become a free agent at the start of the offseason — JT Brubaker (relief pitcher).

Posted on

Tigers acquire infielder Tsung-Che Cheng from the Red Sox, per report

Boston, MA - July 20: Boston Red Sox shortstop Tsung-Che Cheng celebrates scoring a run. The Boston Red Sox played the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on July 20, 2026. (Photo by Christian Kantosky/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images

Well look at that, the Detroit Tigers have already made a trade. Andrew Parker of Sox Prospects reports, and Chris Cotillo confirms, that the Tigers have acquired infielder Tsung-Che Cheng from the Boston Red Sox for cash considerations. Cheng will join fellow Taiwanese infielder Hao-Yu Lee in Detroit. The 25-year-old left-handed hitter is a solid shortstop with a little bit of major league experience.

The Red Sox 40-man roster was getting a bit crowded, so this clears a spot for them. Of course, the Tigers 40-man roster is also a little crowded with eight players due to be added back to the 40-man roster off the 60-day injured list. The point here appears to be developing some other options at the shortstop position beyond Kevin McGonigle. John Peck gives them a right-handed bat, and Cheng a left-handed one. If this spells trouble for anyone on the Tigers it’s probably Trey Sweeney.

Cheng signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates as a 19-year-old international free agent for $380,000 back in 2019. The Pirates finally released him last offseason and he was picked up by the Washington Nationals and then placed on waivers, where the Red Sox acquired him.

Cheng has some tools. He’s fast, he can play an average major league shortstop, and he has experience at second base, and a little at third as well. The problem is that he strikes out quite a bit, and his power is just fringe average. He struck out 23.8 percent of the time in Triple-A last year, though he does walk a good amount, 13.5 percent in 2026 at Triple-A, and posts solid chase rates. Still, he does swing a miss more than you’d like, and needs to trim that down to be a regular platoon player. More likely the Tigers want to work with him and stash him in Toledo with Trei Cruz gone, Sweeney lost and not recovering from a major shoulder surgery, and few other shortstop options beyond McGonigle and Peck.

Obviously the offseason just began, and for all we know, Cheng will end up getting waived by the Tigers before the offseason finally ends. He’s out of options and not a particularly notable player. For now this is a depth pickup. Perhaps they see something to unlock in his bat, and it doesn’t hurt that Hao-Yu Lee and Cheng are familar with one another as former teammates for Chinese Taipei’s 2019 U-18 World Champion team. Sometimes a little more comfort factor for international players can help.

Posted on

Mets' Bo Bichette opting in for second year crucial first step towards pivotal offseason

Bo Bichette’s decision to opt into a second year with the Mets was not a surprise to anyone in the organization. He had one of the worst statistical seasons of his career offensively – not exactly the kind of year players try to ride into free agency. He spoke glowingly of new manager Andy Green. And he seemed to find comfort in the clubhouse and on the New York stage – as if he had arrived with something to prove and finally remembered he was capable of proving it.

But while the Mets have expected for several weeks now that Bichette would be back, his return nevertheless qualifies as crucial to their offseason. With Bichette, the Mets lineup in 2027 will include all the key components of a group that posted the fifth-best OPS in the majors after August 1… even with Juan Soto injured for part of that time.

The top of the order looked versatile and energetic when Francisco Lindor was healthy and leading off and Soto was healthy and hitting second and Bichette was behind them, putting the ball in play with Carson Benge there to drive everyone in. Bichette’s return means the Mets can build on the offense they unearthed late last year, rather than having to reconfigure it.

But because Bichette’s decision was not a surprise, expectations for the Mets season should not pivot because of it. They still need, and plan to pursue, starting pitching. They will still explore options to upgrade offensively at first base, though exactly how high they will aim – and how much money or prospect capital they are willing to spend there – remains unclear.

And they still seem likely to give one of their infield prospects a chance somewhere in the majors next season. With Bichette back, the most obvious place for a prospect to elbow in would be second, though because Bichette has also played second base, the Mets could make room for a prospect at third.

Still, Stearns’s affinity for defensive versatility does not necessarily mean the Mets could not acquire a third baseman not yet imagined. The surest thing for the Mets next year would be to pencil Bichette in at third, then find a proven offensive producer at second base instead of relying on some combination of Marcus Semien, Brett Baty, and/or a prospect. But if the market yielded a proven third baseman, the Mets could theoretically also acquire one of those, move Bichette to second and figure out what to do with Semien and Baty later. Internally, the Mets felt their defense did improve last year, even with Bichette, Baty, and others at new positions.

At this moment, however, the Mets seem perfectly willing to believe in their in-house options at second base: After watching what Benge and A.J. Ewing did after being called up last year, one can forgive the Mets' optimism about what Jefferson Rojas, Emilien Petre, or Mitch Voit could do upon arrival.

Speaking of Benge and Ewing, Bichette’s return will impact the Mets’ lineup through them as well: Bichette, their de facto older brother and alleged batting practice fashion inspiration, will be back to help them navigate the toughest thing they have had to navigate so far: Year two.

Posted on

Purple Row After Dark: What baseball thing did you get (really) wrong in 2026?

DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 31: Michael Lorenzen #24 of the Colorado Rockies looks on from the bench in a game against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field on May 31, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) | Getty Images

A lot happened with the 2026 Colorado Rockies.

They were certainly less bad than they were in 2025. (Let us never speak of that wretched year again.) But they were still pretty bad.

Back on Opening Day when we were so much younger, we all made predictions, which you may read here and here.

But the 2026 MLB season is over with the Milwaukee Brewers winning the World Series, “Ranking the Rockies” continuing apace, and the offseason beginning in earnest.

So as we sum up the year that was and look to the one that will come, here’s tonight’s question for all you Purple Row Night Owls: What did you get wrong about 2026?

Me, I thought Michael Lorenzen would be a positive addition to the rotation, and if you’d told me in March that he would be DFA’d I wouldn’t have believed you.

But here we are.

Let us know yours in the comments.

Join the conversation!

Sign up for a user account and get:

  • Fewer ads
  • Create community posts
  • Comment on articles, community posts
  • Rec comments, community posts
  • New, improved notifications system!

Download the SB Nation app on iOS or Android. 

Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!

Posted on

Jankowski, Kochetkov lead Hurricanes to 3-2 win over Blue Jackets

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Mark Jankowski scored in the third period for a three-goal lead, Pyotr Kochetkov made 24 saves and the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2 on Thursday night.

Kochetkov improved to 9-0-0 and set the franchise record for longest season-opening winning streak. Jordan Martinook and Logan Stankoven also scored and Seth Jarvis added two assists as the defending Stanley Cup champion Hurricanes won for the fourth time in five games.

Jet Greaves stopped 24 shots for Columbus. Denton Mateychuk and Kent Johnson scored in the third period.

Jankowski's goal, 16 seconds into the third period, felt like added insurance, but turned out to be the difference in the game.

Martinook beat Greaves from the left circle to give the Hurricanes a 1-0 lead with 4:09 left in the first period.

Stankoven made it 2-0 with his team-leading ninth goal of the season, 7:47 into the second period. Stankoven has five goals in six home games this season.

Up next

Blue Jackets: At Dallas on Saturday night.

Hurricanes: Host Winnipeg on Sunday.

___

See AP’s full NHL coverage here

.

Posted on

Five numbers that explain the Lakers’ explosive start — and biggest flaw

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers react during a game, Image 2 shows Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against an LA Clippers defender during a game at the Intuit Dome, Image 3 shows Los Angeles Lakers guard Collin Sexton celebrates after scoring as Los Angeles Clippers guard Keaton Wagler reacts on the court

The Lakers, like every other NBA team, are operating under small sample sizes. 

And with the 2026-27 NBA season just 1 ½ weeks old, that’ll be the case for at least a few more weeks until teams get closer to Thanksgiving. 

But a team’s first few games are informative, and the Lakers have already provided enough information to show the type of team they’ll be – their areas of strengths and concerns after a 4-1 start. 

Here are five standout statistics from the Lakers’ first five games entering Friday’s NBA Cup Group Play matchup against the Warriors in San Francisco:

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers react during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Los Angeles on Oct. 27, 2026. Getty Images

60.4 

That’s the combined amount of points the Lakers star backcourt of Luka Doncic (league-leading 36 points per game) and Austin Reaves (24.4 points) are averaging so far this season, making them the highest-scoring pair of teammates in the league. 

Factor in their passing (Doncic with 8.3 assists; Reaves with 5.4) and they’re not only two of the ten players in league who were averaging 24 points and 5 assists entering Thursday, but also the only pair of teammates in the league doing so. 

Doncic and Reaves working so well together, while also producing gaudy stat lines, isn’t surprising. 

They combined to average 62.7 points and 17.1 assists during the Lakers’ 10-4 start to last season while LeBron James was sidelined. 

Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Doncic works the ball against Utah Jazz’s Darryn Peterson in Salt Lake City, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Getty Images

The star guards also averaged 58.1 points and 13.1 assists during the Lakers’ 16-2 stretch in the late winter/early spring. 

It’s unlikely Doncic and Reaves will come even close to being the highest-scoring duo in a season. The record of 72.3 points, which is held by Wilt Chamberlain (50.4 points) and Paul Arizin (21.9 points), seems unbreakable. 

But being the highest-scoring duos in a season since the NBA-ABA merger (1976) isn’t out of the question. 

James Harden and Russell Westbrook, who combined for 61.5 points per game while with the Rockets in 2019-20, currently hold that distinction.

Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the LA Clippers at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images

122.5

Considering the aforementioned combined offensive firepower of Doncic and Reaves, the Lakers entered the season with expectations of being an elite offensive team.

And they’ve been that. 

Their offensive rating entering Thursday ranked third in the league behind the Trail Blazers (126.8) and Rockets (122.5).

They were at the top or near the top in several offensive categories, including true shooting percentage (65.8%; No. 1), effective field goal percentage (61.7%; No. 1), 3-point percentage (39.2%; No. 2) and halfcourt offensive rating (106.6; No. 2). 

Walker Kessler of the Los Angeles Lakers goes up for a rebound during a game against the LA Clippers in Inglewood, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images

64.5

That’s the Lakers’ defensive rebounding percentage, which ranked as the third-worst mark in the league. 

It hasn’t been surprising to see the Lakers struggle on the defensive boards when starting center Walker Kessler hasn’t been on the court. 

What’s been the most surprising is that the Lakers have actually been a worst defensive rebounding team with Kessler on the court compared to the bench. 

They’ve collected 10.4% more defensive rebounds with Kessler off the court – a trend that likely won’t continue. 

“Where he can continue to grow with us, he was, like per 36 numbers, per minute numbers, he’s not rebounding at the rate [we expect],” coach JJ Redick said. “And obviously that’s an area of concern for us right now. So need to be him doing better, particularly on the defensive glass. That’s where I think he can give us the biggest boost right now defensively.”

Los Angeles Lakers guard Collin Sexton, right, celebrates after scoring against the Los Angeles Clippers in Inglewood, Calif., Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

7th 

That’s where the Lakers ranked in terms of offensive transition frequency and points per transitiion possession after being more middle of the pack last season.

This is despite losing LeBron James, one of the best transition players in league history.

“Doing a decent job of throwing the ball ahead,” Redick said. “And I think [we] have had some really good moments of sprinting for layups. The other thing I think we’ve done a decent job of and part of it is the throws aheads: By throwing the ball ahead and by running, you create early cross-matches. Those early cross-matches are a little more comfortable.”

65.2%

That’s the percentage opponents are shooting against the Lakers at the rim.

While it’s an average number compared to the rest of the league, it’s a significant improvement from last season’s mark of 71.5%, which was the second-worst mark among all 30 teams.