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Islanders 4, Wild 3 (OT): The Schaefer Show goes to Minnesota

They made us sweat about it more than necessary, but the New York Islanders came through with a big two points against one of the league’s heavyweights in the Minnesota Wild.

Matthew Schaefer tied and then surpassed Bobby Orr’s teenage scoring record on the leaderboard, with two goals and an assist tonight. Bo Horvat scored on the power play, and Adam Pelech picked up his first of the season to round out the scoring.

It wasn’t the cleanest win for the Islanders, who at times struggled to keep up with Minnesota’s pace, but they definitely grew into the game, and closed out a tough road trip with a win.

[NHL Gamecenter | Game Summary | Event Summary | Natural Stat Trick]

Joel Eriksson-Ek opened the scoring less than 30 seconds in on a shot that Ilya Sorokin probably wanted back, coming down the center of the ice with no traffic in the way. It was a little more back and forth after that, with the Islanders getting a few good chances.

Kyle Palmieri was called for hooking Danila Yurov, but the Islanders killed the penalty.

Ryan Pulock left the game sometime around then, and wouldn’t return, due to an upper body injury.

Then, Emil Heineman took a shot that Wallstedt saved, but Matthew Schaefer found the rebound with perfect timing and put it away to tie the game.

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The Islanders went to the power play early in the second, with Olli Maatta tripping Palmieri, and Simon Holmstrom set up a Bo Horvat tip to give the Islanders a 2-1 lead.

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JG Pageau went to the box for tripping, and the Islanders killed that. That kill turned into a mega shift for the Islanders in the Minnesota zone, which unfortunately didn’t end in a goal despite significant offensive zone time.

And even more unfortunately, just after that, Quinn Hughes tied the game at 2-2 on a backhand pass that went through Sorokin’s legs and in, another goal he would really want back, especially in a tight game like this.

Adam Pelech was called for a weak trip in the third period, and the Islanders killed the penalty, with Scott Mayfield and Logan Stanley on for the full two minutes.

A few minutes later, Pelech got on the scoresheet in a positive way, picking up his first goal of the season to make it 3-2. It’s listed as unassisted, but hard work along the boards by Heineman and Victor Eklund helped set it up.

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Ondrej Palat drew a tripping call, sending Eriksson-Ek to the box, but the Islanders couldn’t convert.

And later, Matt Boldy took advantage of a turnover and rare all-around bad play by Schaefer to make it 3-3.

Sorokin made a huge save on Olli Maatta alone in front late, and Pelech rang a shot off the crossbar, and so we went to overtime.

The Wild had a great chance in OT, but Kirill Kaprizov shot the puck high, and the Islanders were able to turn it around, setting up Schaefer and Holmstrom on a 2 on 1. Schaefer elected not to pass, and shot the puck past Wallstedt for his second of the night and the game winner.

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Up Next

Next, the Islanders head home to UBS Arena to take on the Edmonton Oilers at 2pm on Halloween. Here’s hoping the spookiness stays off the ice, especially with Connor McDavid on a tear.

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Matthew Schaefer gifts Islanders morale-boosting win with overtime winner

New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer celebrates his goal against the Minnesota Wild.
New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer celebrates his goal against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, in Saint Paul, Minn.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The first thing Matthew Schaefer said in his postgame scrum Thursday night was not about his overtime winner. It wasn’t about his three-point night, nor his second straight game logging 30 minutes, nor that he outplayed Quinn Hughes on a night when both superstar defensemen had it going. 

Instead, Schaefer wanted to talk about his turnover that led to the Wild tying the game with under four minutes to go in regulation. 

“That’s obviously my fault there,” Schaefer said. “But honestly, we learned from it.” 

New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer celebrates his goal against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, in Saint Paul, Minn. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It’s questionable how much of the fault was his, but it was one last way Schaefer managed to impress everyone in a night full of them. 

Down to five defensemen for most of the night after Ryan Pulock exited with an upper-body injury having played just 51 seconds, the Islanders bested the Wild 4-3 on the 19-year-old’s overtime winner, earning what was easily their best victory in the season’s first month. 

“I know everyone talks about Schaef, and he deserves every accolade he gets, but this was a team win tonight,” head coach Pete DeBoer said. “We had four lines and five ‘D’ that were committed to giving us a chance to win and playing the right way.” 

He was right on both counts. 

This was the Islanders’ best team game of the season. It was also Schaefer at his jaw-dropping best — playing half the game, scoring twice, assisting a third goal and winning most of his shifts in the toughest of matchups. 

“I mean, when I was 19, I was a sophomore at Michigan,” Hughes said, having scored two points to fall short of Schaefer’s three. “And when Cale [Makar] was 19, he was a freshman and did one more year or two more, I forget. But same with [Adam] Fox, he did three years. [Zach] Werenski too. All those guys I just mentioned were in college at this kid’s age. 

New York Islanders players celebrate a goal against the Minnesota Wild in Saint Paul, Minn., Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. NHLI via Getty Images

“So he’s obviously really good.” 

The praise from inside the Islanders’ own room was just as effusive. 

“At least once a period, I curse to myself on the bench, or on the ice even, just ’cause he’s very special,” Logan Stanley said. 

Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Kiersted (26) skates with the puck as New York Islanders center Kyle MacLean defends, Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, in St. Paul, Minn. AP Photo/Abbie Parr

The team effort, though, was nearly as good as Schaefer’s individual effort. 

The Islanders never were overwhelmed by the Wild’s speed. They protected the middle of the ice in their own zone and played smart, physical hockey for 60 minutes. It didn’t quite keep Minnesota’s cadre of superstars quiet, but it certainly kept the home team from taking over the game — while making sure it was played on the Islanders’ terms. 

“We’ve talked about it since training camp,” DeBoer said. “When we have detail in our game, play hard like that in hard areas of the rink, we give ourselves a chance to win.” 

The Isles entered the third period tied at two but with a huge 8-3 edge on high-danger chances at five-on-five. 

Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt defends his goal while Olli Maatta trips New York Islanders’ Kyle Palmieri on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, in Saint Paul. NHLI via Getty Images

The chance to retake the lead came after the Islanders killed off their third penalty of the night. After Victor Eklund won a puck battle along the boards, it floated to Adam Pelech in space. The defenseman’s shot hit Michael McCarron in the leg before getting past Jesper Wallstedt. 

There was still plenty of game left from there, and an Islanders defense that had been stout all night started to show some wear late in the game. Matt Boldy tied it on the rush with 3:53 to go after a couple of poor shifts in a row put the Islanders on their heels. 

It salvaged the Wild a point, but for a second straight game, Schaefer played all of overtime. 

Joel Eriksson Ek celebrates his goal with teammates Quinn Hughes and Jonas Brodin during a game in Saint Paul, Minn., Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. NHLI via Getty Images

Instead of all five minutes, though, he netted the winner on a two-on-one rush after 33 seconds. 

The only development about which the Islanders might be quietly worried is that of Ilya Sorokin. In his first start after letting in six goals against the Stars — a performance that could easily be called both an outlier and a product of poor defense — the goaltender let in three softies. 

First, just 27 seconds into the game, Joel Eriksson Ek beat him clean from 41 feet out. Then, late in the second period, Hughes lifted a sharp-angle backhand past Sorokin’s pads to tie the game at two. Even Boldy’s tying goal was one Sorokin probably should have had, despite Schaefer’s rush to blame himself. 

“No one liked the second goal and [the] first, the start of the game,” Sorokin said. “But after, I tried to stay focused and play the full game. I don’t like, again, the goal with two minutes left. As a [team], I liked our overtime goal. It’s a big ‘W’ against a really good team.”

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The Suns traded away more than they realized

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 06: Grayson Allen #8 talks with Royce O'Neale #00 of the Charlotte Hornets during their preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets at Spectrum Center on October 06, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consen23ting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The start of the NBA season is infamously known as “October basketball” by many.

With an 82-game regular season, the stakes feel low, players are getting legs under them, and new additions are still getting acclimated to their new teams. Although they have stakes, the first handful of games almost feel like dress rehearsals with exclusive members in the audience, rather than the packed Friday shows on Broadway that are about to begin, with 75+ games still on the schedule.

But the games aren’t just about stakes: they’re also a reminder of what teams don’t have anymore.

With the Phoenix Suns on a four-day break between games, I put my NBA League Pass on a team I seldom watch compared to the other 29 teams: the Charlotte Hornets. As Detroit was closing out the surprise darlings from a season ago in a 97-89 win, I could not stop thinking about the Phoenix Suns, not because Charlotte recently acquired the team’s unprotected 2033 first-round pick, but because of who was on the floor for them late in a close game.

Royce O’Neale and Grayson Allen.

Both traded from the Suns this past offseason in return for Miles Bridges. The two played pivotal roles for the team last year, helping the Suns make the playoffs. No matter who was in the lineup alongside them, they provided toughness, experience, and continuity, most memorably in a late February game against Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and the Los Angeles Lakers that helped the team get out of a rut with Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks out. Allen led the scoring attack, and O’Neale hit the game-winner.

And while Bridges, with his size and offensive versatility, is an upgrade over Allen and O’Neale on the court, with the Suns reportedly dealing with “growing frustration” in the locker room over the lack of a point guard, while neither plays point guard and both struggled in Charlotte’s loss last night, they were both key members helping resurrect Phoenix from disappointment to a surprise.

Yes, the team is three games into the season. Yes, the Suns resigned and extended many of their key players from a season ago, all in an attempt to build around Devin Booker, who’s tied for the second-most seasons in a Suns uniform, but when there are reports of discombobulation, it’s natural to remember the people who help combobulate, even if there’s continuity within the discombobulation.

Just something to think about as we wait for Suns basketball to return from this early-season 96-hour hiatus between games. The stakes for “October basketball” may remain low with teams so close to each other in the standings, but the reminders that arise shine brightly.

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

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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See AP’s full NHL coverage here

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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.

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See AP’s full NHL coverage here

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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

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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.

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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. 

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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

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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.

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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. 

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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).

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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.

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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.