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NLDS Game 4 Discussion: Milwaukee Brewers (2-1) @ San Diego Padres (1-2)

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: William Contreras #24 and Cooper Pratt #12 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrate after Contreras scored a run in the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres in game three of the National League Division Series at Petco Park on October 06, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Despite playing a close game last night, the Brewers couldn’t finish the sweep and dropped their first game of the NLDS. They still have two chances to close it out, one on the road and one at home. Tonight, the Brewers will send Robert Gasser to the mound as they go for the win to advance to the NLCS, while the Padres will send Walker Buehler to stave off elimination.

It’s been rough on the road for the Brewers in the postseason. Going back to the 2018 NLCS, the Brewers have lost 12 consecutive road games. Here is the full streak:

  • 2018 NL Championship Series @ Dodgers, Games 4 & 5
  • 2019 NL Wild Card Game @ Nationals
  • 2020 NL Wild Card Series @ Dodgers, Games 1 & 2
  • 2021 NL Division Series @ Braves, Games 3 & 4
  • 2025 NL Division Series @ Cubs, Games 3 & 4
  • 2025 NL Championship Series @ Dodgers, Games 3 & 4
  • 2026 NL Division Series @ Padres, Game 3

That’s more a statistical anomaly than a full concern, as most of the current team has only been around for five of those losses. During the regular season, the Brewers were 48-33 in road games. However, in the history of the franchise, they are 6-24 in postseason road games. It can be difficult to win on the road in the postseason, and as long as the Brewers can take care of business at home, they can keep advancing. It still would be good to take some games on the road to ease that burden.

Holding a 2-1 lead, the Brewers will send Gasser to the mound. He began the season in the minor leagues, but pitched his way into a full-time starting role with the Brewers as the season went on. In his last six starts, he has a 1.67 ERA and 3.29 FIP over 32 1/3 innings, with 31 strikeouts and 12 walks. This will be his first career appearance against the Padres. He was originally drafted by them in 2021, but was traded to the Brewers as part of the Josh Hader trade.

For the Padres, Buehler gets the start. He signed a one-year contract with the Padres this season, and his results have been mixed. Overall this season, he has a 4.63 ERA and 4.51 FIP with 131 strikeouts and 57 walks. Since the All-Star Break, his ERA has dropped a bit to 3.62, but his FIP is also up at 4.72. One of his post-All-Star break starts came against the Brewers, where he allowed one run in six innings. He has a career 2.53 ERA against the Brewers during the regular season, covering four starts over 21 1/3 innings.

Buehler has also faced the Brewers three times in the postseason. The first was in Game 3 of the 2018 NLCS with the Dodgers, and he allowed four runs in seven innings with eight strikeouts as the Brewers won that game (their last road win in the postseason). He started again in Game 7 that year, and allowed just one run in 4 2/3 innings with seven strikeouts as the Dodgers won that one. His other start came in Game 1 of the 2020 NL Wild Card Series, when he allowed two runs in four innings while striking out eight.

In the bullpen, the Brewers should have plenty of rested relievers for this game. Trevor Megill and Aaron Ashby did not pitch in last night’s game, and Abner Uribe only threw seven pitches in his inning of work. Additionally, Chad Patrick, Shane Drohan, and Kyle Harrison have all not pitched in the series yet. All should be available if needed tonight.

For the Padres, the two relievers they did not use yesterday were David Morgan and Joe Musgrove. Bradgley Rodriguez and Yuki Matsui have pitched in all three games so far this series. Adrian Morejon was unavailable in Game 3, and his status for tonight is up in the air. Mason Miller has returned from the paternity list, and he will take the place of Wandy Peralta. Michael King is reportedly also available tonight after throwing 40 pitches in two innings last night and starting in Game 2.

The Brewers are using the same starters as last night, but are switching up the order. Christian Yelich moves up to second in the lineup, and Jake Bauers drops down to fifth. Cooper Pratt and Sal Frelick each move up a spot while Garrett Mitchell drops to eighth. Meanwhile, the top four in the Padres lineup remain the same, but they are switching the middle and bottom of the lineup.

First pitch is at 9:08 p.m.

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AL Division Series Game 3: Max Fried vs. Nick Martinez

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 23: Spencer Jones #78 of the New York Yankees runs the bases during the second inning of the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on September 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It all comes down to Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium as the Yankees look to avoid a sweep and elimination in Game 3 of the AL Division Series against the Rays.

Despite coming off an electric offensive explosion in the Wild Card Series, the Yankees offense has been unable to produce against Tampa Bay’s pitching staff, putting the Pinstripes in a two-game deficit in the ALDS. However, there is a lot to expect from Ben Rice, who has stepped up as a leader for this team in Aaron Judge’s absence. He’s gone 7-for-15 this postseason and is the first player in franchise history to have more than one multiple-home-run game under his belt in a single playoff year.

The offense is partly to blame for the Yankees’ failure to even the series, but one of the most glaring flaws from Game 2 is the infield errors that eroded the Yankees’ defensive efficiency. Boone shuffled around the lineup for Game 3, subbing José Caballero in for Ryan McMahon at third and Anthony Volpe in for Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second.

Max Fried will look to secure his second win this postseason as he prepares to face a gritty Rays lineup that’s carved through the Yankees’ rotation over the last few days. Rumors were circulating earlier this week that he may not start in Game 3 because his girlfriend is due to give birth any day now, but he met with the media on Tuesday to confirm that he’ll take the ball.

Fried got through six innings against the Red Sox, striking out six with three hits and one run allowed in the Wild Card Series. He’ll look to deny the Rays’ offense any opportunity to gain an edge, with the support of the Bronx crowd, and allow the Yankees offense the chance to explode.

Nick Martinez will make his first career postseason start against the Yankees. His last playoff appearance was with the Reds in Game 2 of the 2025 NL Wild Card Series, where he gave up four runs in the sixth inning to put the Dodgers ahead 7-2. Although his numbers have improved since joining Tampa Bay and he finished the regular season with a 3.10 ERA and 1.09 WHIP, the Yankees will have no trouble giving him a tough battle if he pitches like he did last October.

The Rays’ lineup remains consistent with Yandy Díaz in the leadoff spot, followed by Jonathan Aranda and Junior Caminero. Tampa Bay has struggled as a whole against lefties in 2026, so the optimists can turn to that with Fried on the bump.

It’ll surely be a long night of bracing for the worst and hoping for the best as the Yankees strive to keep the chase for 28 ongoing.

ALDS Game 3 Info

Teams: No. 4 seed Yankees vs. No. 1 seed Rays

Series: Rays ahead 2-0

Ballpark: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY

Start time: 8:00 p.m.

TV: TBS/truTV

Streaming: HBO Max

National radio: ESPN Radio (Mike Couzens, Eduardo Pérez, Tim Kurkjian)

Local English radio: WFAN 660 AM / 101.9 FM

Local Spanish radio: WADO 1280 AM

For updates, follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

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Flyers Not Making Progress in Dylan Larkin Trade Push

Much to the chagrin of an increasingly impatient fanbase amid an 0-2-2 start, the Philadelphia Flyers have not gotten very far in their attempts to acquire a No. 1 center, or otherwise any kind of game-changer to help right the ship.

Throughout the offseason, and even into training camp, the Flyers have been reported to be seriously interested in Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin, a center who submitted a trade request and was stripped of his captaincy heading into the season.

Larkin, 30, made his season debut for the Red Wings on Tuesday night, turning boos from loyal fans every time he touched the puck into cheers with a one-goal, two-point performance in Detroit's first win of the season.

That win by the Red Wings left the Flyers as the only team in the Eastern Conference, and one of three teams in the NHL, without a win, and Larkin is reportedly still giving the Flyers the cold shoulder with his trade request still pending.

"Philly's checked in. They've repeatedly checked in, but my understanding is, the answer is still no to Philly," NHL insider David Pagnotta reported on Daily Faceoff's most recent episode of "DFO Insider". "For now. Buddies with [Trevor Zegras], the longer this goes, maybe he changes his mind in another month and adds to [the trade list]. Going into this week, Philly was still a no."

Will the Flyers ever find a No. 1 center?

With Dylan Larkin (middle) still off the table, the Flyers have limited trade options at center. (Photo: Kyle Ross, Imagn Images)
With Dylan Larkin (middle) still off the table, the Flyers have limited trade options at center. (Photo: Kyle Ross, Imagn Images)

That's discouraging for the Flyers, to say the least, having already struck out on Leo Carlsson on an aggressive offer sheet at the top of the offseason, and with someone like Noah Cates seemingly taking a step back with the team struggling early this season.

The Flyers' center depth was already average at best, but with pretty much the whole team struggling to do anything at either end of the ice, the issue is exacerbated even further.

Pagnotta was adamant that Flyers general manager Danny Briere was not going to "sit on his hands" and stand idle, but despite the organization's insistence on improving the defense, taking a big swing, and finding a No. 1 center, none of those things have materialized.

As Pagnotta mentioned, the longer the saga between Larkin and the Red Wings drags out, the better a chance the Flyers will have at getting themselves involved.

Larkin still has five years remaining on his contract, including this one, at an $8.7 million cap hit, so finding a destination he's happy with will be important for the player, and he'll utilize the penultimate year of his full no-trade clause to make that happen.

Until something changes, the Flyers are fully at the mercy of Larkin, the Red Wings, and likely any other player or team they want to trade for or with, especially given how dire their current situation is.

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Dodgers catch huge break after Mauricio Dubón’s routine-play blunder

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Atlanta Braves outfielders react as a baseball falls past them during a National League Division Series game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Image 2 shows Los Angeles Dodgers batter watches the ball after hitting it during a game against the Atlanta Braves
The Dodgers take advantage of a botched routine fly ball attempt by Mauricio Dubón.

Sometimes, the simplest of plays don’t work out the way players would like to have hoped.

After a routine pop fly surfaced off the bat of Max Muncy in the second inning of Game 4 of the NLDS, Atlanta Braves shortstop Mauricio Dubón completely blundered it.

Mauricio Dubón completely botches a routine fly ball in the second inning of Game 4 of the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Getty Images
Dodgers score after Mauricio Dubón botches a routine fly ball off the bat of Max Muncy in the second inning. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Dubón ran deep towards left field and had the ball ready to easily land into his glove until he completely dropped it, resulting in the Dodgers tying the game at 1-1.

The play happened in the second inning just after Shohei Ohtani stole second, then was able to advance to third following an ill-advised throw by Braves catcher Drake Baldwin.

After Dubón’s mistimed catch, Ohtani was able to advance his way to home and tie the game.

At first, everything was looking to go right for the Braves, after they had their share of luck happen in the first inning, when Michael Harris scored on a wild pitch in the first inning.

The shocking miss on a routine play by Dubón came a night after he got the start in left field for Game 3 of the series, when he made a sensational play near the left corner of Truist Park, sticking his glove over the fence to rob Freddie Freeman of an opposite, two-run home run.

Of course, Freeman got one back against the Braves in the following inning, but avoided Dubón by hitting one over the fence in right field.

After Dubón got settled back at shortstop, the Braves got Kiké Hernández to ground out at first to end the inning.

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Yankees vs Rays: LIVE MLB playoffs Wild Card Game

Major League Baseball's postseason is heating up with the best teams chasing a World Series title in October, a month synonymous with greatness in baseball history.

Where to watch Yankees vs. Rays: Channel, live stream

First pitch between the Yankees and Rays is scheduled for 8 p.m. (ET) on Wednesday, Oct. 7.

TV: TBS

Streaming: Peacock

Watch the MLB Postseason on Peacock

What time is Rays at Yankees

The Yankees host the Rays on Wednesday, Oct. 7. First pitch is scheduled for 8 p.m. (ET).

MLB games today

See scores, results for all of today's games.

Past World Series winners

Rays lineup change explained

06:47 PM ET, October 7 2026, Scooby Axson

Like the Yankees, the Rays are changing up their lineup in an attempt to close out the series and advance to the ALCS, with outfielder Chandler Simpson out of the lineup but saying he could make an appearance in Game 3.

"Look, Fried's numbers against us -- he's pitched very well against us," Rays manager Kevin Cash said. "Figured a little bit more versatility, a little more balance to the lineup rather than loading up all the lefties. I would imagine it's very safe to say or assume that Chandler will play a very big role in this game."

Boone explains decision to bench Jazz Chisholm

05:26 PM ET, October 7 2026, Scooby Axson

NEW YORK - With their season on the line, Yankees manager Aaron Boone shook up the lineup for Game 3, inserting Anthony Volpe at second base and Jose Caballero at third, benching struggling Jazz Chisholm and adding Trent Grisham.

Grisham will lead off, and Caballero will bat ninth, as Boone said he wanted to try to create some traffic on the bases.

"Two guys that have been an important part of our team this year, that have played important roles, that played a lot for us, and a lot of confidence in what they bring to the table," Boone said.

"So just kind of felt like thinking about it on the plane ride home, kind of made my decision there, and then just stewed through the lineup yesterday. And yeah, hopefully excited to get those guys in and hopefully it will be a little spark for us.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Yankees vs Rays: LIVE MLB playoffs Wild Card Game

Information in this article was imported automatically into a template written and reviewed by a USA TODAY Sports editor. You can send feedback using this form.

Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.

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Brandon Williams takes advantage of opportunity in Warriors' short-handed loss

Brandon Williams takes advantage of opportunity in Warriors' short-handed loss originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

There will be plenty of opportunities for Warriors role players to go around in the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season. 

Steph Curry will miss a handful of games, as will fellow veterans Draymond Green and Al Horford. The Warriors hope the reason is for rest, not injury. They’ll have the same hope that De’Anthony Melton can play most back-to-backs, too. 

Anybody can play the guessing game of Kristaps Porziņģis and his availability. The Warriors already are in their own game of it right now before the real games begin. 

This isn’t even including the injuries to Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody. Golden State is down to a 12-man team two weeks ahead of the regular-season opener in Los Angeles. On Wednesday night in Portland, the Warriors were a nine-man team against the Trail Blazers’ regulars. 

After playing the night before at Chase Center in San Francisco, which followed a week of NBA training camp in Hawaii, the Warriors opened the floor to players on the bench, on two-way contracts and in the G League to have the stage and give a show. Brandon Williams grabbed the lead role and never let go of it in the Warriors’ super short-handed 123-118 loss to Damian Lillard, Ja Morant and the Blazers at Moda Center.

Williams scored 17 points in 17 minutes on 7-of-11 shooting with four rebounds and three assists. His plus-1 was the only positive plus/minus among Warriors starters.

With Curry, Melton and Brandin Podziemski not even traveling, the ball instantly was in Williams’ hands. Keeping Yaxel Lendeborg back home gave Williams even more chances to be a lead playmaker and a top scoring option. He did both from the opening tip. 

A full picture of a Williams-led offense was painted. He scored 10 points in the first quarter and was up to 15 at halftime. Williams was a perfect 4 of 4 on 2-pointers in the first quarter and missed his two 3-point attempts. The first missed the rim completely and hit the bottom right side of the backboard, and then the second barely pecked the front of the rim. 

He was wide-open each time, especially the second. But he also hit a pull-up jumper from the free throw line, a fadeaway from the left baseline, a floater on the right side of the paint and a three in the first half. 

Speed is the name of Williams’ game, and he used that to his advantage too, getting downhill and to the rim. The new wrinkle to the Warriors is being talked about by everyone. Fans also have taken quick notice of it. 

His quickness isn’t solely a scoring weapon. Williams repeatedly got two feet into the teeth of the defense and made a play for a teammate. He set up multiple threes that way, and the Warriors already are benefitting from Williams having something that has been lacking lately on their roster. 

While Williams did have three turnovers, two in the second quarter and one in the third after none in the first, he should have had far more than four assists if his teammates converted pinpoint passes. 

Williams wasn’t the only Warrior to capitalize on a big chance. Miles Kelly scored a game-high 24 points and was 6 of 11 from 3-point range. The 23-year-old 6-foot-4 guard also had seven rebounds and six assists as the most impressive stat line of the night. Dalen Terry was right behind him. 

Terry, 24, scored 23 points on 9-of-18 shooting and was 4 of 5 from deep. The 6-foot-6 wing nearly had a triple-double, adding eight rebounds and nine assists. He and Kelly will be names to watch in Santa Cruz as part of the Warriors’ G League affiliate. 

These kinds of games are great to see players like Kelly and Terry catch some eyes. They’re just much more about players like Williams. Through training camp and three preseason games, Williams has shown how he can be the microwave scorer off the bench when the Warriors need to get hot in an instant. 

That’s still going to be a must on nights when the Warriors are healthy, and Williams already is earning his way up the pecking order in games where the main names aren’t on the court. 

A competitive loss where the Warriors didn’t have Williams in the fourth quarter, and more of their players were in the Bay Area than the Pacific Northwest, was another example of his importance.

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How Lakers’ Luka Doncic will win NBA MVP this season

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick and player Luka Doncic converse during an NBA game, Image 2 shows Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after getting fouled by Dylan Cardwell #32 of the Sacramento Kings

Mark my words: This is going to be the best NBA season yet for Luka Doncic.

He should win the MVP award. Or be the runner-up if the Lakers can’t make enough noise in the very- crowded Western Conference. 

The pathway is primed. Let’s break it down. 

Doncic is mad. 

He’s still reeling from the shock of being traded by the Mavericks to the Lakers in February 2025. He was stunned. Humiliated. What other top-four player has been dealt in their prime? He has a vendetta. Something to prove to the league. 

He has a sense of ownership. 

The Lakers are now his team. LeBron James left in free agency for the 76ers. The success or failure of a 17-time championship franchise now rests squarely on his shoulders. That means something. 

He has his fingerprints on everything. 

During the offseason, he put his stamp on the squad. He had a big say in who he wanted to play alongside, including the Lakers re-signing Austin Reaves and acquiring center Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade from Utah. 

He’s ready. 

He’s arguably in the best shape of his career. Lakers coach JJ Redick recently said he “worked his butt off all summer,” adding that he “actually did sprints and stuff.” He’s noticeably slimmer. 

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick and Luka Doncic (77) talk during an NBA preseason game against the Sacramento Kings, Monday, October 5, 2026, at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NBAE via Getty Images

He’s acting like a leader. 

Doncic recently hosted a four-day minicamp in Slovenia to help build chemistry. He has never done anything like that before in his career. He paid for everyone on the roster to fly to his home country. He really wants this to work. 

And in many ways, he was spurned last season. 

Let’s not forget that Doncic actually fell in NBA.com’s MVP Ladder in late March from No. 2 to No. 4 following a six-game stretch in which he averaged 40.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.6 steals, becoming the first player to average 40 points over six road games since Michael Jordan in 1986. 

“The better I play, the more I go down in ratings,” Doncic said at the time. “So I don’t know what more I can do.”

Over the month of March? 

Doncic averaged 37.5 points, 8 rebounds and 7.4 assists, leading the Lakers to a 15-2 record before suffering a strained hamstring on April 2. 

And yet, Doncic finished fourth in MVP voting behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic. 

The case could’ve been made for him to finish higher. Voters knew that. It was an impossible task trying to rank those guys for the league’s most prestigious individual award, especially considering there are no distinct specifications for it. The bar keeps endlessly moving for how voting is justified. 

So, all of this to say, Doncic is next. 

Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after getting fouled by Dylan Cardwell #32 of the Sacramento Kings in the first half of a preseason game at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. Getty Images

The kindling is on the floor. The logs have been stacked. Gasoline has been poured over it all. A lit match is about to be dropped. 

Right now, basketball is everything for Doncic. His daughters are in Slovenia. He’s engaged in an ongoing custody battle with his ex-fiancée over them. Pouring himself into his sport is the only thing that’s going to keep him sane. 

That’s powerful. 

Last season, Doncic declined to advocate for himself to win the MVP award, something Wembanyama successfully did to his advantage. 

Doncic led the league in scoring (33.5 points) and finished third in assists (8.3). The only things that could be held against him in such a tight race? The Lakers finished fourth in the West behind the Thunder, Spurs and Nuggets. And Doncic’s defense lags behind Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar two-way play and Wembanyama’s wizardry on the less glamorous end of the court. 

But standings aren’t always taken into consideration for the MVP award. For example, Russell Westbrook won MVP in 2017 even though the Thunder finished sixth in the West. Jokic won the award in 2021 even though the Nuggets finished third in the conference. 

Defense isn’t always taken into consideration, either. See guys such as Jokic, Steph Curry and James Harden winning MVP. 

In other words, it’s all subjective. 

Voters do the best they can, including this one, who voted for Doncic to finish fourth for MVP last season. But we all know when our decision was decided by millimeter margins. 

Doncic is primed to have an explosive season. 

All of the ingredients are in the pot. We’re all waiting to see how the dish turns out. 

But really, we know what to expect. 

And it’s going to be nothing short of incredible.

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Brewers vs Padres LIVE updates, lineups and where to watch NLDS game today

The Milwaukee Brewers get another chance to close out the San Diego Padres with Game 4 of the National League Division Series on Wednesday, holding a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five set.

Milwaukee won the first two games of the series at home but San Diego bounced back in Game 3 on Tuesday at Petco Park to extend their season and force at least one more game. If the Padres emerge victorious tonight, the NLDS will head back to Mllwaukee for a winner-take-all Game 5.

The Brewers have lost 12 consecutive road postseason games, tying an MLB record in the process. Milwaukee and San Diego are two of baseball's five franchises that have not won a World Series title.

The winner of this NLDS will face the Atlanta Braves or Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series, which begins Sunday, Oct. 11.

Where to watch Brewers vs Padres: TV channel, NLDS streaming

  • Time: 10 p.m. ET
  • TV channel: FS1
  • Live stream: Fubo and Fox One

Watch NLDS on Fubo

Padres lineup for Game 4

  1. Fernando Tatis Jr. (R) RF
  2. Jackson Merrill (L) CF
  3. Manny Machado (R) 3B
  4. Ty France (R) 1B
  5. Austin Hays (R) DH
  6. Xander Bogaerts (R) SS
  7. Luis Campusano (R) C
  8. Jake Cronenworth (L) 2B
  9. Samad Taylor (R) LF

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brewers vs Padres LIVE updates, lineups and where to watch NLDS game today

Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.

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How The Canucks Fared On The Road During The 2025–26 Season

The Vancouver Canucks will skate in Game 1 of their first road trip of the 2026–27 season on Thursday. This upcoming slate of games will be the second-longest stretch Vancouver takes part in throughout this season as they’ll also take part in a seven-game road trip in mid-January. 

Last year, Vancouver’s road numbers got off to a stronger start than their time on home-ice, but as how the rest of the season went, things slid downhill pretty quickly. They finished the season with a road record of 16–22–3, good for 28th in the league ahead of only the Chicago Blackhawks, Seattle Kraken, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Calgary Flames. 

The 2025–26 Canucks finished tied with the Florida Panthers for 29th in points on the road with 35, ahead of only Toronto and Calgary. They also finished 29th in the NHL in save-percentage on the road with .8774%. The Panthers (.8624%), Ottawa Senators (.8632%), and San Jose Sharks (.8755%) were the only three teams to register lower numbers. 

Vancouver’s goal differential on the road (tracked by actual goals scored, not by final game scores) wasn’t the worst in the league (-46), though they did have the highest goals-against with 156 allowed. The Flames had the league’s worst road goal differential with -59. Where Vancouver made up ground in the goal differential department was in goals-for, with their 110 goals-for on the road ranking 27th. 

Part of what helped Vancouver make up the difference in goal differential was their power play, which heated up after the 2026 Olympic Break and finished with an effectiveness rate of 24% on the road. By the end of the 2025–26 season, only seven other teams had a higher road power-play percentage than the Canucks: the Boston Bruins (24.5%), Vegas Golden Knights (26.6%), New York Rangers (27.9%), Dallas Stars (28.1%), Minnesota Wild (28.2%), Montréal Canadiens (28.2%), and Edmonton Oilers (34.7%). 

Individually, two Canucks led their team in goals scored on the road in 2025–26 — Brock Boeser and Jake DeBrusk, each of whom scored 13 away from Rogers Arena. Boeser was also tied for the team lead in points with Elias Pettersson, with both players recording 25. Filip Hronek led Vancouver in two different categories on the road — assists (22) and time on ice (1015:55 minutes). 

Vancouver’s first long road trip of the 2026–27 season starts tomorrow, when the Canucks face the Carolina Hurricanes on October 8 at 4:00 pm PT. They then go on to play the New Jersey Devils on October 10, the New York Rangers on the 11th, New York Islanders on the 13th, Florida Panthers on the 15th, and the Tampa Bay Lightning on the 17th. 

Dec 14, 2025; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Vancouver Canucks right wing Brock Boeser (6) skates with the puck while defended by New Jersey Devils right wing Stefan Noesen (11) during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2025; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Vancouver Canucks right wing Brock Boeser (6) skates with the puck while defended by New Jersey Devils right wing Stefan Noesen (11) during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-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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How to watch Warriors vs. Trail Blazers

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 13: Jrue Holiday #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on January 13, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

No rest for the weary, even in the preseason, as the Golden State Warriors travel up north to play against the Portland Trail Blazers for Wednesday’s second night of a back-to-back. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM PT in Portland and can be watched on NBA TV.

Previously with the Warriors:

The Warriors showcased another starting lineup in Tuesday night’s 124-98 blowout victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. With center Al Horford a late scratch, Golden State opted for size and versatility around guards Steph Curry and Brandin Podziemski, with Draymond Green starting at center alongside rookie Yaxel Lendeborg and Gui Santos to round out the rest of the front court.

Lendeborg impressed once again, leading the team with 17 points in 21 minutes on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting from the field. His nine rebounds also led the Warriors for the second game in a row. After the game, Lendeborg discussed why he believes he’s having so much success crashing the boards in the NBA.

What to watch for tonight:

In perhaps one of the strangest scheduling quirks in recent preseason memory, tonight’s game wraps up a busy stretch of three games in four days for the Warriors, one that began Sunday in Hawaii before taking them back to San Francisco on Tuesday and now up to Portland for the second night of a back-to-back.

If this were the regular season, the Warriors would almost certainly rest several of their veteran players. Given that this is only the preseason, that’s expected to be the case tonight, with a long list of players not even making the trip to Portland. That’s good news for the bottom half of the roster, which should get plenty of opportunities to showcase themselves, but bad news for anyone hoping to see the Warriors’ stars on the court.

Regardless of who’s playing, enjoy the game Dub Nation. GO WARRIORS!!! 

Projected Starters

Warriors: Brandon Williams, LJ Cryer, Will Richard, Malevy Leons, Charles Bassey

Blazers: Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija, Donovan Clingan

How to watch Preseason Game 3

Who: Golden State Warriors (1 – 1) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (0 – 0)

When: Wednesday, October 7th, at 7:00 p.m. PT

Where: Moda Center — Portland, Oregon

TV and Streaming: NBA TV

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Padres force Game 4 with late-inning heroics

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: Jake Cronenworth #9 of the San Diego Padres rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game three of the National League Division Series at Petco Park on October 06, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The San Diego Padres needed something like this to turn the tide. The Friars dropped the first two games in their five-game set against the Milwaukee Brewers. It could have just as easily been 2-0. The Padres were on the wrong end of some misfortunate plays in Games 1 and 2. They made sure that wasn’t the case in Game 3 at home.

San Diego got out to an early lead before the Brewers tied the game at two apiece Jake Cronenworth immediately hit a go-ahead solo shot to left field. The Padres added an insurance run on a Milwaukee error that ended up being the difference maker. The Brewers tried to mount a comeback, and got another run, but couldn’t follow through. The Friars will attempt to turn the series back to Milwaukee and force Game 5 tonight.

Taking the mound

Robert Gasser (MIL) v. Walker Buehler (SD)

Gasser’s lack of playoff experience is made up by some incredible recent success. The lefty pitched to a 2.87 ERA down the stretch (36.0 IP). But the Brewers’ pitcher has only played in two postseason games. Both of those contests came in 2025, where Gasser struggled. He surrendered two runs across 2 2/3 innings.

The one major question is how he’ll fare against San Diego. Throughout his short career, Gasser has never faced the Padres. That could give him an advantage over the club, but that remains to be seen. Manager Pat Murphy has also suggested that swingman Chad Patrick could be used in bulk relief during Game 4, but that’s up in the air as well.

Buehler gets a well-deserved nod for the Padres. He likely would have pitched Game 1 over Robbie Ray, but was on the paternity list to start the series. That gives Buehler a chance to redeem San Diego by forcing Game 5 in Milwaukee. He’s got the postseason tenure to do so, with a 3.04 career ERA in the playoffs (94.2 IP).

The veteran right-hander made just one start against the Brewers this season, but pitched quite well against them. Buehler twirled six innings of one-run ball, surrendering just three hits and two walks. If he can replicate that performance (and the offense can back him up), San Diego could force this series back to Milwaukee for Game 5.

Batter up!

The Padres’ lineup hasn’t fared that well this series. The Brewers actually outhit San Diego 11 to six last night. The Friars just made more of their opportunities. If they can eke out another win (or better yet, blow Milwaukee out), they’ll get a shot at taking the series in Milwaukee on Friday.

  1. Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
  2. Jackson Merrill, CF
  3. Manny Machado, 3B
  4. Ty France, 1B
  5. Gavin Sheets, DH
  6. Xander Bogaerts, SS
  7. Luis Campusano, C
  8. Dustin Harris, LF
  9. Jake Cronenworth, 2B

Tatis has been mired in an absolute slump this series. He’s gone an abysmal 1-for-14 (.071) with four strikeouts. The star right fielder did record a crucial RBI on a ground out in Game 3, but San Diego needs more from Tatis if they’re to keep their season alive. He’s been a monster in the playoffs before (.952 career postseason OPS), he just needs to unlock it at the right time.

Relief corps

It’s all hands on deck yet again as San Diego tries to avert disaster. Starter Nick Pivetta went a solid 4 1/3 innings of two-run ball before Jason Adam struggled to finish the fifth inning. Yuki Matsui ended the trouble before Bradgley Rodriguez covered the seventh. Then, in a surprise twist, ace Michael King pitched the final two innings. Despite some fireworks in the end, King closed out the win for San Diego.

It was odd to not see southpaw Adrian Morejon in the ninth inning with two lefties up to bat. However, it’s been revealed that Morejon is dealing with some stickiness in his throwing shoulder. With elite closer Mason Miller on the paternity list, the Friars could be without their two highest-leverage options. The Padres’ primary options out of the ‘pen are David Morgan and Wandy Peralta, neither of whom pitched in last night’s contest.

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Sabres “Power” Past Wild, Shifting Line Combos In Third Period Comeback

The Buffalo Sabres stayed unbeaten in the second game of their five-game homestand against the Minnesota Wild, a 3-2 overtime victory at Key Bank Center on Tuesday. The game played out similarly to the 4-3 win over Chicago last weekend, as the Sabres trailed entering the third period, but tied the game on goals by Noah Ostlund and Tage Thompson, before Owen Power scored the game-winner with 38 second left in overtime.  

Power, who scored a career-low 29 points last season, leads the Sabres with five points in three games, making up for some of the offensive gap created by the departure of Bowen Byram to Chicago. 

"He's  really  got  himself  off  to  a  good  start.  Really  skating  well,  moving  the  puck  well.  He's  finding  people." Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said after the game.  "He's breaking  the  puck  out  really  well.  I  really  like  where  he's  got  his  game.  He's  stronger.  He's  faster.  He's  really  moving  up  there."

Colten Ellis made 18 saves for his first win of the season, but at practice on Wednesday, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was playing at the home end of the ice, providing the first indicator that he will be the starter against the Dallas Stars on Thursday. 

Other Sabres Stories

Mrtka Looking To Take The Next Step Towards The NHL 

Ostlund signs extension with the Sabres

One change implemented by Ruff on Tuesday was shaking up his line combos in the third, moving Peyton Krebs and Jiri Kulich up to the top line with Tage Thompson. That combo combined for Thompson’s tying goal midway through the third, a point-blank scoring chance that Wild goalie Jesper Wallstedt robbed Thompson on late in the third, and Power’s game-winner. 

That unit remained intact at practice on Wednesday, with Josh Norris moving back with Ryan McLeod, and Konsta Helenius, and a fourth line unit of Beck Malenstyn, Justin Danforth, and Josh Doan. Ruff indicated after the game that Doan, who had 25 goals last season, has been struggling with a lower-body issue lately. 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram @MikeInBuffalo 

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LDS Wednesday open thread

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: A general overall view of Yankee Stadium during the game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on September 24, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The ALDS continues with the White Sox looking to finish off a sweep of the Guardians in Chicago.

The Guardians will start rookie Daniel Espino.

The White Sox are going with journeyman lefty reliever Sean Newcomb. The game airs on TBS and HBO Max.

The Dodgers take on the Braves with a chance to finish the series, up 2-1. It’s a batter of Tylers with Glasnow against Mahle.

Tonight, the Rays can finish off a sweep in Yankee Stadium, to air on TBS and HBO Max. Max Fried will start with a defense that will look to avoid the errors and miscues that cost them in Game 2.

Nick Martinez starts for the Rays. Game time is 7 CT.

And it will be Brewers vs. Padres tonight, with Milwaukee up 2-1. Robert Gasser faces Walker Buehler.

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NL Division Series Game Discussion: Braves vs Dodgers Wednesday Night

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 06: Enrique Hernández #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates after hitting a two run home run during the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves in game three of the National League Division Series at Truist Park on October 06, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Dodgers will try to finish off the Braves to move onto the NLCS Wednesday night in Atlanta. The Dodgers will start RHP Tyler Glasnow while the Braves will hope that RHP Tyler Mahle can save their season. First pitch is scheduled for 5pm central time and the game broadcast will be available via Fox/FS1.

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Yankees shuffle lineup for AL Division Series Game 3

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 22: Anthony Volpe #11 of the New York Yankees looks on from the on-deck circle during game one of a doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on September 22, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After a demoralizing first two games of the AL Division Series in Tampa Bay, it all comes down to Wednesday night as the Yankees fight to keep their postseason run alive in Game 3.

Aaron Boone finally made some changes to the lineup and will give some of the Yankees’ bench their chance in the spotlight, most notably including Anthony Volpe, who is replacing Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second, and José Caballero, who is taking Ryan McMahon’s spot at third. This doesn’t come as a huge surprise given their egregious errors that put the Yankees in an early deficit in Game 2.

The order has been shifted to adjust to these changes, with Trent Grisham taking the leadoff spot, followed by Ben Rice and Luis García Jr. in the hole. Cody Bellinger will take the cleanup spot, followed by George Lombard Jr., and Austin Wells will notably start in the middle of the order for the first time this postseason. Rounding out the bottom of the order, Volpe will make his second postseason start this season, followed by Spencer Jones and Caballero.

At first glance, this lineup has some grit and can bring some life to the Yankees’ offense, which has struggled in this series, scoring three runs combined in the first two games. It’s an interesting choice to have Grisham batting leadoff, especially since he’s struggled in the postseason, going 0-for-6 in the Division Series, and missed the final weeks of the regular season due to a hamstring injury.

However, the new additions in Wednesday night’s lineup may give fans some pause. Volpe, who went 1-for-3 during Game 1 of the Wild Card Series with a sacrifice bunt, has the potential to contribute offensively. However, with only having 11 games at second base on his resume in the regular season, will he make an impact on the other side of the ball?

Max Fried will take the bump for the Pinstripes in his second postseason appearance this season. He will go up against righty Nick Martinez, who is 2-2 with a 2.93 ERA in nine appearances in the Bronx. Martinez is entering a hostile situation, not only because he’s a starting pitcher for the Rays, but also because he’s returning to a familiar environment, as he attended some Yankees games during his time as a student at Fordham University. He was reportedly even kicked out once after indulging in one too many adult beverages.

Adjusting the mindset from the last two games will be essential as the Yankees prepare to play in one of the most brutal, intense playoff atmospheres in the league. The key to staying alive tonight is driving some runs in early and allowing the bullpen to enter the stage in a low-risk scenario.

Here’s a look at the Rays’ lineup, unchanged from the previous two games in this series, which has Yandy Díaz in the leadoff spot followed by Jonathan Aranda and Junior Caminero.