CLEVELAND — It had been more than five months since the Knicks stepped inside Rocket Arena, where they conquered the East in a resounding sweep of the Cavaliers to clinch their first NBA Finals berth in 26 years.
It was in that Eastern Conference finals that Landry Shamet emerged as a folk hero, beginning with his instantly iconic game-tying 3-pointer that miraculously bounced in during the 22-point fourth quarter comeback in Game 1.
After being ousted from the rotation in the first round, Shamet went 11-for-12 on 3-pointers against the Cavaliers, setting a single-series postseason record.
When Shamet returned to the site of the team’s celebration Saturday morning, he was welcomed by some of the best memories of his career.
“It’s human nature, you’re gonna revert back and think back to the last time you were in the building,” Shamet said before scoring nine points in the Knicks’ 109-97 win over the Cavaliers on Saturday night. “I had a quick little firing of that walking in for shootaround, but I think the general sense was that was last year. That was great. You can have those memories and hang on to that as long as we want, but ultimately this year is a new year and a new endeavor.”
Landry Shamet shoots a jumper during the Knicks game against the Cavaliers on Nov. 7, 2026 in Cleveland. NBAE via Getty Images
Shamet’s ninth season in the league is unlike any he’s experienced.
After spending his first six years with five teams, Shamet has started his third straight season with the same team for the first time.
After playing on nonguaranteed deals the past two seasons in New York — and claiming the final roster spot last fall — Shamet, 29, is now in the first year of a four-year, $24 million contract that he signed with the Knicks this summer.
Landry Shamet hits a 3-pointer during the Knicks’ Game 1 win over the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals, a game in which he became a folk hero. Jason Szenes for New York Post
“The biggest thing is just being comfortable with the guys on the floor, second year with [head coach] Mike [Brown],” said Shamet who started for the injured Josh Hart in Saturday night’s win. “I think that just breeds confidence. Familiarity breeds confidence. There’s no denying that. It allows you to get to the point of conversations quicker. It makes for a good formula to find success.”
Entering Saturday, Shamet was averaging 9.4 points — ranking fourth on the Knicks — while shooting 42.5 percent on 3-pointers and playing his most minutes (24.9) in seven seasons.
Shamet made his first start of the season — in place of the injured Josh Hart — in Wednesday’s blowout win over the Bulls. In the Knicks’ previous two wins, Shamet was on the floor for the closing stretch, as the struggling Mikal Bridges remained on the bench.
Shamet does not know when he will be needed. He does not need to, likening his spot on the team to that of his high school friend Aaron Ashby, who just delivered one of the greatest postseason runs by a reliever for the World Series champion Brewers.
“Especially with [my] role, I think I take a lot from my buddy Ashby, bullpen guy, you don’t know when you’re gonna get thrown in, what the situation’s gonna be,” Shamet said. “My job might look a little different from night to night. If I’m changing my approach every night, that’s not setting myself up for a good situation.
“I think in the past in my career when I was younger I would try to overcomplicate things and think I have to reinvent the wheel. I try to just keep it as simple as possible, reduce it down to my job, my impact and just play my game.”
DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche put together a dominant second-half performance to earn a 4-0 victory over the Detroit Red Wings at Ball Arena.
After a sluggish start that saw Detroit control much of the opening period, Colorado found its footing, capitalized on its opportunities, and never looked back.
Martin Necas led the way with a four-point performance, recording two goals and two assists. Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon each finished with three points, contributing a goal and two assists apiece.
At the other end of the ice, Mackenzie Blackwood turned aside all 27 shots he faced to record his first shutout of the season, the 18th of his NHL career, and his seventh as a member of the Avalanche.
Here are our takeaways from Colorado's 4-0 win.
Blackwood Stands Tall
The Avalanche didn't exactly get off to the start they wanted.
Detroit played with a sense of urgency, brought more energy, and appeared to have the fresher legs early on. The Red Wings dictated the pace, putting Colorado on its heels and forcing the Avalanche to spend much of the opening frame defending.
After being outshot 13-1 to start the period, Colorado was fortunate that the game remained scoreless.
A big reason for that was Blackwood.
At one point, a defensive breakdown left 21-year-old Emmitt Finnie with an opportunity in front of the net. Blackwood came up with a gorgeous save on Finnie's backhand attempt, keeping Detroit off the scoreboard.
It was exactly the kind of stop Colorado needed, particularly given how much the Red Wings had controlled the early going.
Blackwood continued to give his teammates a chance to settle into the game, eventually turning in a perfect performance with 27 saves.
The shutout was his first of the season, the 18th of his career, and his seventh with Colorado. That moves him into a three-way tie for sixth place on the Avalanche's all-time shutout list alongside Alexandar Georgiev and Craig Anderson.
Finding Their Game
Despite struggling through much of the opening period, the Avalanche eventually began to find their footing.
Colorado picked up the pace down the stretch, generating more pressure and doing a better job of getting into the dirty areas of the ice. The Avalanche started creating high-danger opportunities and putting Detroit goaltender Daniil Tarasov to work.
It was a much-needed response after a sluggish start, and it gave Colorado some momentum heading into the second period.
More importantly, the Avalanche carried that momentum into the middle frame and began making the most of their opportunities.
The Power Play Delivers
Colorado's special teams played a major role in putting this game away.
The Avalanche earned their first power play early in the second period after Red Wings defenseman Ben Chiarot was sent to the penalty box for elbowing.
The man advantage didn't exactly get off to an encouraging start. Almost immediately, Colorado surrendered a shorthanded opportunity, allowing Red Wings forward Sheldon Dries to fly through the neutral zone and drive toward the net. Fortunately for the Avalanche, his shot hit nothing but iron.
Colorado would make Detroit pay for the penalty, however.
Martin Necas opened the scoring after a rebound found its way onto his stick, leaving him with a wide-open net to shoot at. Later in the period, Nathan MacKinnon unleashed a blistering one-timer off a feed from Cale Makar to extend Colorado's lead to 2-0.
The Avalanche weren't finished there.
After Moritz Seider was assessed an additional two-minute roughing penalty following a fight with Gabe Landeskog, Colorado went back to work on the power play.
Makar made Detroit pay, ripping a shot through traffic to give the Avalanche a commanding 3-0 lead.
Colorado's ability to capitalize on its special-teams opportunities proved to be a major difference in the game. After a relatively quiet start offensively, the Avalanche found another gear and consistently made Detroit pay for its mistakes.
Martin Necas Leads the Offensive Charge
Necas was arguably the most dangerous offensive player on the ice, finishing the night with two goals and two assists for a four-point performance.
His first goal opened the scoring and gave Colorado the breakthrough it desperately needed after Detroit controlled much of the first period.
But Necas' impact went well beyond finding the back of the net. His ability to create offense, make plays, and generate opportunities for his teammates was on full display throughout the night.
A four-point performance is an impressive way to cap off a dominant team effort, and Necas continues to show just how valuable he can be to Colorado's offensive attack.
Nathan MacKinnon's Undersold Leadership
Nathan MacKinnon doesn't always get the credit he deserves for his leadership.
He's quiet, intense, and perhaps misunderstood by those who don't get to see what he brings to the room and the ice every day.
But there was a small moment on Colorado's opening goal that caught my attention.
Before the play developed, MacKinnon appeared to motion with his stick toward Necas, seemingly directing him to get into position and establish himself in a more dangerous area of the ice.
Necas followed through. T.J. Hughes unloaded a turnaround shot, the puck traveled through the crease, and it landed right on Necas' tape for an easy finish.
It's a subtle detail, and perhaps one that could easily go unnoticed while watching the game. But it's also a great example of the kind of awareness and communication that makes MacKinnon such an effective leader.
Being able to recognize an opportunity, make an adjustment on the fly, and communicate that to a teammate in the middle of a play isn't easy. It takes an understanding of the game that goes beyond simply making the next pass or taking the next shot.
MacKinnon finished the night with a goal and two assists, but his ability to read situations, make those around him better, and lead through the little details deserves just as much attention.
Sometimes leadership isn't about giving a speech or wearing a letter. Sometimes it's about recognizing what needs to happen before anyone else does — and making sure your teammates are in the right position to make it happen.
Nazem Kadri Can Still Bang
Nazem Kadri hasn't lost his willingness to get involved when things get physical.
During one sequence, T.J. Hughes was roughed up following a whistle, taking a pair of solid cross-checks from Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider.
Kadri wasted little time stepping in, immediately delivering a two-piece of punches to Seider that left the Detroit defenseman bloodied around the nose.
Both players were assessed roughing penalties, but Kadri certainly made his presence felt.
Later, Seider and Gabe Landeskog got into a spirited altercation of their own after Seider threw the Avalanche captain to the ice. The two exchanged punches before officials stepped in, with both players receiving five-minute majors for fighting and Seider picking up an additional two minutes for roughing.
It was another reminder that Colorado isn't afraid to get involved when things get physical. And regardless of the situation or the opponent, Kadri isn't one to shy away from sticking up for a teammate.
A Complete Team Effort
After a slow start, the Avalanche put together the kind of performance that should leave them feeling good about their game.
Necas led the offensive charge with four points, Makar and MacKinnon each recorded three-point nights, and Colorado's power play came through when it mattered.
Most importantly, Blackwood was outstanding between the pipes, stopping all 27 shots he faced to secure the shutout.
It wasn't the prettiest start, but Colorado found its game, took control, and finished the night with a convincing 4-0 victory.
The Penguins played a full 60 minutes Thursday, getting contributions from up and down their new-look lineup. They were without the services of forwards Bryan Rust and Ben Kindel - who were both placed on injured reserve Thursday - and it appears they will be without another forward Saturday.
Forward Evgeni Malkin, who missed Friday's team practice with an illness and who registered a goal and two points in Thursday's win, was ruled out by Penguins' head coach Dan Muse after the morning skate, which Malkin participated in. Forward Egor Chinakhov, who is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, is expected to miss his second consecutive game.
In addition, defenseman Sam Girard was officially placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury, and the Penguins recalled forward Avery Hayes from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) to fill Malkin's hole in the lineup.
Goaltender Arturs Silovs - who posted a 25-save shutout Thursday - will get his second consecutive nod in goal Saturday.
There were no line rushes during the Penguins' optional morning skate, and it is difficult to tell where Hayes will fit into a lineup that was already shorthanded to a pretty large degree. He has had some legitimate chemistry with Rutger McGroarty in WBS, and both had nine points in six AHL games, so it won't come as a surprise if they begin the game on the same line.
The Predators are coming into this one 3-3-3 to start the season, and the Penguins are 7-0-2 in their last nine games against Nashville. They currently sit seventh in the Central Division standings and have a minus-7 goal differential.
36-year-old center Steven Stamkos has started the season hot with four goals and 10 points in nine games, and projected starting goaltender Juuse Saros is 3-2-2 with a .906 save percentage in seven appearances.
Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh. You can also listen to the game on 105.9 'The X."
Diego Natera (left, celebrating a June 23 homer) had two uneven seasons in the DSL, but the best of each year supports an enticing future. | Sideline HD
Diego Natera Catcher 5´10´´ 190 pounds Age: 19 First appearance in the South Side Sox Top 100 2026 High Level DSL (rookie) Age relative to high level +0.4 years SSS rank among all catchers in the system 8 Overall 2026 stats 31 games ⚾️ 1 HR ⚾️ 4 RBI ⚾️ .314/.400/.600 ⚾️ 4 BB ⚾️ 13 K ⚾️ 1-of-15 (6.7% CS) ⚾️ .957 FLD% ⚾️ 0.3 WAR
Every time we run out this Top 100, the results can surprise, a player ranked higher than anyone else has him (cough Grant Umberger cough) and we’re right … or, sometimes fantastically, we’re wrong. So let me take this moment to direct all slings and arrows my way if two-season DSL catcher Diego Natera dissolves into the ether if he makes it Stateside for the ACL White Sox in 2027; he’s on the list solely because I’m taking a flier on him.
The White Sox inked Natera to an international deal in January 2025, handing over a $225,000 signing bonus that wasn’t exactly spare change but not quite saying more than why not, either. The 17-year-old’s summer didn’t quite validate the decision, either, as he was, uh, BAD. Like, .156/.415/.267 slash bad.
However, there was one thing that was really, really good about Natera in 2025: his defense, particularly an arm that gunned down 36% of base-stealers. He was just a baby, and was flashing a cannon.
In 2026, the script flipped, as Natera in somewhat limited time shook his bat awake (.314/.400/.600) but lost the plot behind the plate. Here’s his sole homer of the 2026 season:
The ranking here reflects a belief he’ll put the two sides of his game together in 2027, as he makes the challenging move into the ACL.
Diego Natera (left, celebrating a June 23 homer) had two uneven seasons in the DSL, but the best of each year supports an enticing future. | Sideline HD
Diego Natera Catcher 5´10´´ 190 pounds Age: 19 First appearance in the South Side Sox Top 100 2026 High Level DSL (rookie) Age relative to high level +0.4 years SSS rank among all catchers in the system 8 Overall 2026 stats 31 games ⚾️ 1 HR ⚾️ 4 RBI ⚾️ .314/.400/.600 ⚾️ 4 BB ⚾️ 13 K ⚾️ 1-of-15 (6.7% CS) ⚾️ .957 FLD% ⚾️ 0.3 WAR
Every time we run out this Top 100, the results can surprise, a player ranked higher than anyone else has him (cough Grant Umberger cough) and we’re right … or, sometimes fantastically, we’re wrong. So let me take this moment to direct all slings and arrows my way if two-season DSL catcher Diego Natera dissolves into the ether if he makes it Stateside for the ACL White Sox in 2027; he’s on the list solely because I’m taking a flier on him.
The White Sox inked Natera to an international deal in January 2025, handing over a $225,000 signing bonus that wasn’t exactly spare change but not quite saying more than why not, either. The 17-year-old’s summer didn’t quite validate the decision, either, as he was, uh, BAD. Like, .156/.415/.267 slash bad.
However, there was one thing that was really, really good about Natera in 2025: his defense, particularly an arm that gunned down 36% of base-stealers. He was just a baby, and was flashing a cannon.
In 2026, the script flipped, as Natera in somewhat limited time shook his bat awake (.314/.400/.600) but lost the plot behind the plate. Here’s his sole homer of the 2026 season:
The ranking here reflects a belief he’ll put the two sides of his game together in 2027, as he makes the challenging move into the ACL.
DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche return to Ball Arena on Saturday night looking to put an end to a two-game losing streak when they host the Detroit Red Wings.
Colorado has dropped its last two games, including a 3-2 overtime loss to the Nashville Predators, and will be looking to get back in the win column against a Detroit team dealing with similar struggles.
The Avalanche have had the upper hand in this matchup for quite some time, winning 14 of their last 16 meetings with the Red Wings while outscoring them 66-29 over that stretch. Detroit did manage to get the better of Colorado in their most recent meeting, however, earning a 2-0 shutout victory at Little Caesars Arena on February 2.
Colorado will have Mackenzie Blackwood between the pipes Saturday. He has been a difficult goaltender for Detroit to solve, winning three of his last four starts against the Red Wings. In eight career appearances against Detroit, Blackwood has a 4-3 record, a 2.54 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage.
Offensively, Nathan MacKinnon continues to lead the way for Colorado. He has nine goals and 18 assists for 27 points through 17 games, while also recording three goals and two assists in his last five games against Detroit. MacKinnon has been unusually quiet in the goal column recently, going without a goal over his last three outings. Artturi Lehkonen has picked up some of that scoring responsibility, leading the Avalanche with 12 goals.
Colorado has plenty of offensive firepower, but its recent defensive struggles have contributed to the team’s current skid. The Avalanche will need a more complete performance at both ends of the ice, particularly against a Detroit team that has shown it can capitalize when given opportunities.
The Red Wings arrive in Denver with a 7-7-3 record after consecutive losses to Tampa Bay and Vegas. Their latest setback was a 2-1 defeat at home against the Golden Knights on Thursday. Detroit has struggled to generate consistent offense, and that will be a concern against an Avalanche team capable of turning defensive mistakes into scoring chances.
Alex DeBrincat leads Detroit with seven goals and nine assists for 16 points in 17 games. With Dylan Larkin currently away from the team amid his ongoing trade situation, DeBrincat has become an important presence for the Red Wings as they try to navigate the uncertainty surrounding their captain.
Detroit’s biggest advantage may come from its younger players. The Red Wings’ rookies have combined for 23 points through 17 games, leading the NHL in rookie scoring. They will need that production to continue if Detroit hopes to keep up with Colorado.
In goal, Daniil Tarasov is expected to get the start for Detroit. He has been one of the team’s most dependable players early in the season, posting a 1.79 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage. Tarasov stopped 32 of 34 shots in Thursday’s loss to Vegas, giving his team a chance despite the lack of offensive support.
Saturday’s matchup presents an opportunity for both clubs to put their recent struggles behind them. Colorado will look to take advantage of home ice and its success against Detroit, while the Red Wings will try to find some offensive momentum as they begin a five-day road trip. The Avalanche have controlled this series in recent years, but Detroit’s shutout win in February serves as a reminder that Colorado cannot take this matchup lightly.
Former Test opener issues explanation on social media
Khawaja says he would ‘not deny’ everyone knew about sandpaper
Usman Khawaja insists he has not thrown anyone under the bus with his bombshell ball-tampering revelations that have rocked Australian cricket.
One day on from claiming sandpaper had been used in the Test prior to Cape Town 2018 and the entire team were responsible, Khawaja defended the timing of his claims.
Forgotten speedster Lance Morris made an impressive return from injury as Western Australia went down to England in the tourists’ warm-up game before their white-ball series with Australia.
TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 13: Kevin McCullar Jr. #9 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during the game against the Toronto Raptors on October 13, 2026 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Kevin McCullar Jr. is the newest addition to this Raptors’ roster, joining Toronto on a two-way deal earlier this week on November 5th. The former New York Knick is a 25 year old small forward, standing at 6’6” with a 6’9” wingspan.
After being waived from New York to make space to sign Dalton Knecht, McCullar Jr. joined the Raptors. The leader of the Big 12 in scoring in his senior year, he was an All-American on the Kansas Jayhawks before turning pro. In the NBA, his biggest role came in his sophomore year with the Knicks, where he played in 21 games, including a stretch of matchups when Josh Hart went down with an injury.
From our sister site Posting and Toasting, an idea begins to emerge about who he is beyond the stats. Writer Michael Zeno said that the forward exhibited “pure hustle” while being a threat from deep off the catch-and-shoot, with a penchant for picking up some unnecessary fouls.
TORONTO, CANADA – OCTOBER 13: Kevin McCullar Jr. #9 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during the game against the Toronto Raptors on October 13, 2026 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
From his highlights, you see a shooter with good form, someone who can knock it down past the arc while remaining competent closer to the basket. Having spent time in the G League, the Westchester Knicks made a video interviewing him about his personality, on and off the court. He called his stepback his “go-to move”, which he said was his main way of independent shot creation.
This offensive toolkit is certainly something that the Raptors require. Being able to play without the ball in your hands, to allow for the Raptors’ arsenal of creators to set the flow of the offence, while not freezing up when executive decisions need to be made, sounds like just what the doctor ordered for this Raptors team. Jamison Battle is the teammate comparison that comes immediately to mind; and while the forward has not yet developed the same reputation as a knock-down shooter, his development further him along in that direction.
In the G League, McCullar Jr. averaged nearly 17 points and six assists, along with three stocks per game, showing some two-way capabilities. He’ll likely spend a lot of time on the Raptors 905 developing further, and bolstering a team which just lost its first matchup to the College Park Skyhawks this week.
McCullar Jr. could be the next Raptors success story, developing well and making it out of the G-League to become a productive pro. In a situation where it feels like a roster shakeup is inevitable, the Raptors are taking this first step to bolster the team’s shooting.
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 23: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons on March 23, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers (8-2) embark on their first true road trip of the season on Sunday, starting with a stop in Detroit to take on the Pistons (6-2). This is the first contest of a four consecutive games away from home.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Lakers at Detroit Pistons
When: 3 p.m. PT, Nov. 8
Where: Little Caesars Arena
Watch: NBA TV, Spectrum Sportsnet
After a home-heavy start to the season, the Lakers will hit the road for their first road trip of the season, starting with the stiffest test of the slate.
The red-hot start from the Lakers and Luka Dončić offensively has them ranked as the top offense in the league. The Pistons, meanwhile, enter the contest with the best defense in the league, pitting strength vs. strength.
Like Portland, Detroit plays a physical defensive style to try to overwhelm opponents. Offensively, that hasn’t deterred the Lakers in either matchup against the Blazers, but Detroit is arguably the best in the league at that style of play, so it’ll be a tough test for the purple and gold.
Like the Lakers, the Pistons excel at steals and blocks on the defensive end. However, they are simply average at rebounding, unlike the Lakers, which allows them to close out possessions and bolster their defensive rating.
Detroit allows the third-fewest wide-open 3-point attempts and teams have hit the fewest wide open threes against them in the league. That stat will be put to the test against Luka and Austin Reaves, depending on how they opt to scheme against them defensively.
One area the Lakers could find success is getting to the line. The Pistons put opponents on the line often, ranking 24th in the league in opponent free throw attempts. The Lakers are fourth in the league in free throw attempts per game.
After battling one of the Western Conference’s top teams on Friday, the Lakers will have another tough test on Sunday afternoon against one of the East’s elites.
It’ll be an interesting test for the purple and gold, and another chance to see how they respond to top competition.
Notes and Updates
Detroit has been off since losing to the Sixers on Wednesday, so this will be a well-rested Pistons team.
After playing in Friday’s G League opener for the Coachella Valley Lakers, both Cameron Carr and Bronny James are joining the parent team on the road trip
Luka is a new addition to the injury report with back tightness as he’s listed as questionable. It’s the same injury that led to him missing a game against the Clippers earlier this season.
Jalen Duran (hamstring strain) remains out for the Pistons while Isiah Joe is also out with a right hip contusion.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 07: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 07, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Will the Suns shock the Rockets?
ORIGINAL PHOENIX SUNS ARTWORK
Face of the Franchise
by John Voita, III
A one-of-a-kind, hand-painted tribute to
the two-time MVP and Phoenix Suns legend.
Created on a 16 × 20 inch canvas board.
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 25: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers grabs the rebound during the game against the New York Knicks during Game Four of the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals on May 25, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
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DENVER, COLORADO - FEBRUARY 02: Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood #39 of the Colorado Avalanche defends against Andrew Copp #18 of the Detroit Red Wings at Ball Arena on February 02, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
New look, old rival: the Colorado Avalanche debut their Hometown Remix jersey collection as their two game home stand wraps up against the visiting Detroit Red Wings.
The new threads may be a fresh coat of paint for the Avs, but perhaps revisiting a decades-old rivalry could bring them some new life to go with them.
Colorado Avalanche (9-6-2)
The Opponent: Detroit Red Wings (7-7-3)
Time: 7:00 P.M. MST/9:00 P.M. EST
Watch: ALT, ALT+ (Avalanche Local Broadcast Area), DSN (Detroit Local Broadcast Area), ESPN+, NHL Center Ice (Outside Regional Broadcast Area – US), SN+, NHL Centre Ice (Canadian Broadcast Areas)
Listen: Altitude Sports Radio KKSE-FM 92.5 FM
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche are coming off of a 3-2 overtime loss to the Nashville Predators as they head into tonight’s contest. Former Avs forward Ross Colton put the Avs down early, but Jaden Schwartz responded to tie things up. After trailing 2-1 to start the second period, Parker Kelly scored to tie things up again. Minutes after overtime began, Devon Toews would be called for a questionable hooking penalty, leading to the eventual game-winner. Mackenzie Blackwood stopped twenty-two of twenty-five shots in the game.
Over the course of the week, the Avs been forced to play catch-up to the opposition. While they were able to overcome an early two-goal deficit to Chicago on Monday, they couldn’t duplicate the same results against Columbus or Nashville. The entire first line of Artturi Lehkonen, Nathan MacKinnon, and Martin Nečas have not scored a goal since Halloween. Even a slight bump in production from any of these players could have meant the difference in a close game like Thursday’s against Nashville.
In speaking to reporters yesterday, head coach Jared Bednar emphasized the importance of better defensive play over offensive output. “I would give up some [offensive] production over the first sixteen games for a better defensive effort,” he said. “That’s where I’m at. I think the offense will take care of itself.
Bednar didn’t have much of an update regarding the injured Zachary L’Heureux, other than that it was a long-term injury and there isn’t a timeline for his return.
Blackwood returns to the crease tonight to wrap up the home stand.
MacKinnon still leads all skaters in points (27) and assists (18). Lehkonen leads the team in goals (12).
The Avs split the season series against Detroit last year, winning by a 5-0 margin on the road on January 31.
Projected Lineup
Forwards: Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Nečas Gabe Landeskog – Brock Nelson – Nicolas Roy Jaden Schwartz – Nazem Kadri – T.J. Hughes Parker Kelly – Fedor Svechkov – Logan O’Connor
Defense: Cale Makar – Brett Kulak Devon Toews – Sam Malinski Noah Juulsen – Brent Burns
Between the Pipes: Mackenzie Blackwood Scott Wedgewood
Detroit Red Wings
Even with the moves made in the offseason, Detroit has struggled to find its footing. They sit in last place in the Atlantic Division with a 7-7-3 record and having lost three of their last four games, their most recent coming this past Thursday at the hands of the Vegas Golden Knights at Little Caesars Arena by a 2-1 decision. Neither team scored until Anton Johansson scored early in the third period, but Vegas countered with two goals of their own to secure the win. Tarasov, playing in the place of the injured John Gibson, stopped thirty-one of thirty three shots on goal.
Gibson, who sustained a lower body injury during Detroit’s 4-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning this past Tuesday, returned to practice yesterday. His status is currently unknown. Barring any updates as the day progresses, Tarasov will likely get the start again tonight against Colorado.
Tonight marks the beginning of a four game road trip for Detroit before hosting Boston at home on November 18.
DeBrincat and Lucas Raymond lead all Detroit skaters in points (16). Arvidsson leads the team in goals (8), while Raymond and defenseman Moritz Seider lead the team in assists (10). Defenseman Ben Chiarot leads all Detroit skaters in penalty minutes (21), with Kolesar a close second (20).
Detroit defeated Colorado by a 2-0 decision during their previous visit to Denver on February 02.
Projected Lineup
Forwards: Alex DeBrincat – Emmitt Finnie – Viktor Arvidsson Michael Brandsegg-Nygård – Andrew Copp – Lucas Raymond Michael Rasmussen – J.T. Compher – Nate Danielson Carter Mazur – Sheldon Dries – Keegan Kolesar
Defense: Ben Chiarot – Moritz Seider William Wallinder – Justin Faulk Andreas Englund – Anton Johansson
Between the Pipes: Daniil Tarasov Michal Postava
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CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 26: Head coach Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Rocket Arena on October 26, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Kenny Atkinson found himself trending for all the wrong reasons during the Cleveland Cavaliers matchup with the New York Knicks in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals.
In case you missed it, here’s what Atkinson told reporters after the Cavs were already trailing the series 0-3.
“I think analytically, I think we’ve won the — I said three out of three [games in the series], we’re two out of three in the expected wins, I don’t know if you guys follow that — the expected score. We’ve won two out of three.”
Yeah… Cavs fans weren’t happy about that.
Jokes have followed Atkinson into the current season. Every loss is followed with a sarcastic rendition of ‘analytically, we actually won.’
Atkinson finally had a chance to clear the air before Cleveland’s rematch with the New York Knicks on Saturday night.
“I answered the question of ‘you’re down 3-o, what hope do you guys have?’ and I wasn’t lying, but in no sense was it like ‘oh, we deserve to be winning’; there was zero thought of that,” said Atkinson.
It’s not easy to give an optimistic spin when your team is trailing 0-3 in a series. Atkinson learned that the hard way.
“I think when you look back on it and take the context of the question, I’m not sure that was taken into account, which was a little bit of a lesson for me,” said Atkinson. “I would just say, there was no coach more complimentary of the Knicks and honest about our performance and how they dominated us.”
The Cavs were winning in some key expected margins during the series. Particularly in the first two games, where it felt like Cleveland was taking quality shots but just weren’t making them. All of that might help you sleep at night — but it doesn’t change the end result. Atkinson understands that.
“As coaches, we have to check our process, like, are we getting the right shots?” said Atkinson. “But it kind of doesn’t matter, right? Because there’s more than that. There is the mental toughness and physical toughness. The flow of the game, how aggressive you are, there’s all these other intangibles that go in with that.”
Sydney Roosters premiership player Sam Walker is reportedly open to a code switch with an eye on representing the Wallabies at next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
