Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin celebrates his goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first period of an NHL hockey game in Detroit, Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
Dylan Larkin was given an icy welcome from Red Wings fans on Friday.
Ahead of Detroit’s season opener against the Rangers, Larkin, who is out with an upper-body injury, was met with a barrage of boos from Red Wings fans as he showed up on the video board while being introduced at Little Caesars Arena.
Red Wings fans booed former captain Dylan Larkin as he was introduced with the scratches for Friday’s season opener against the New York Rangers.
The boos stem from Larkin's trade request earlier this summer, the first domino in what has been a tumultuous offseason for the… pic.twitter.com/WcczTh0DWO
Larkin, who has a full no-trade clause, revealed that he wanted to be dealt to the Golden Knights, the Panthers, or the Wild, the Detroit Free Press reported in June.
His trade request kicked off a drama-filled summer for the Red Wings, who saw franchise icon Steve Yzerman step down as general manager in July.
Larkin’s decision also comes after the Red Wings have failed to reach the postseason in ten straight seasons, something the star center has previously criticized management for.
Also, as of Friday, top defenseman Simon Edvinsson remains unsigned with the season already underway.
Larkin, a Michigan native, has been a staple for the Red Wings since being drafted by them in 2014.
Across 808 career games with Detroit, Larkin, 30, has racked up 276 goals and 367 assists, totaling to 643 points, 10th all-time for the Red Wings.
Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin celebrates his goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first period of an NHL hockey game in Detroit on April 8, 2026. AP Photo/Paul Sancya
Detroit named him team captain during the 2020-21 season for his leadership, but that title was stripped from the club in September following his trade request.
“The Red Wings will begin the 2026-27 season without a captain being named,” the team said in a statement last month. “Any further discussions or decisions will be made once new hockey operations leadership is in place.”
Larkin has acknowledged the loss of his captaincy, telling reporters last month that he understands “why that decision was made.”
The three-time All-Star still has five seasons remaining on the eight-year, $69.6 million deal he signed back in 2023.
When it comes to Shohei Ohtani’s health, the Dodgers have plenty of hope — but few precise expectations.
That, at least, was the way manager Dave Roberts framed his superstar’s status on the eve of the National League Division Series on Friday, saying he was hopeful Ohtani would play well after battling right arm and left knee injuries during the second half of the season, but also acknowledging that he was “not so sure” about exactly what the slugger would be able to provide.
“I know that once the lights turn on, the postseason starts, [his] focus will be heightened,” Roberts said. “I expect good things. I really do. We just haven’t seen it enough really for me to forecast it.”
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) looks towards the home plate umpire against the San Francisco Giants in the seventh inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, California, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
While addressing reporters on Friday for the first time since before going on the injured list in mid-September — when his injuries had become so bad he was showing visible signs of pain at the plate — Ohtani insisted his ailments had “gotten much better” and that the past few days had been “productive” for his previously slumping swing.
“I think my swing has gotten better,” he said in Japanese. “If I can make solid adjustments today, I think I can go into tomorrow in sufficient condition.”
However, Roberts also reiterated that the four-time MVP is “not 100%” following an 11-for-70 slump in his final 18 games of the regular season (the last five of which came after he returned from the IL last week).
Ohtani, meanwhile, described his injuries as something he will have to continue to manage during the playoffs, unsure if further treatment will be needed in the offseason.
During the Japanese portion of his news conference, he even revealed that, during his stint on the injured list, he avoided holding his young daughter with his aching right arm.
“I was able to hold my daughter using my left arm,” he said.
Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers warms up in the on-deck circle in the top of the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Getty Images
“The physical part, I think, he’s kind of moving past that,” hitting coach Aaron Bates said. “Now it’s just gaining the timing of different speeds and when he wants to get his move off, that sort of thing. Kind of the usual stuff that hitters go through, as opposed to trying to cheat [to pitches] because the physical components are limiting them.”
During the club’s bye week workouts, Ohtani took batting practice on the field multiple times — typically a rarity for him — and even sent a couple balls nearly to the outfield scoreboards, according to Bates.
“It was as good as I’ve seen it this year,” Bates said, “as far as just the way the ball was coming off [the bat].”
He also got live at-bats in the team’s intrasquad scrimmages, including a couple matchups against Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Wednesday.
“Yoshi won the matchup,” Roberts joked, but Ohtani at the very least didn’t strike out.
Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers bats in the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Getty Images
Whether that will be enough for Ohtani to truly turn the corner, however, remains to be seen.
For the one intrasquad scrimmage reporters were allowed to observe on Thursday, Ohtani was nowhere to be seen (staying back in the clubhouse and indoor batting cages to get his work in instead).
Ohtani himself also failed to offer much of an expectation for how he might perform this October, saying only: “I think I can get closer to the results I want if I can adjust to the atmosphere of the postseason.”
For now, such hopes will have to suffice.
Only when Game 1 of the NLDS begins on Saturday afternoon will Ohtani and the Dodgers know exactly where he is at.
As if the start of the 2026-27 season couldn't be more glum for the Philadelphia Flyers, one of their top prospects is already set to miss time through an injury.
On Friday night, Sokolovskii's club, the OHL London Knights, announced that the 18-year-old defenseman will be out week-to-week with a lower-body injury.
Sokolovskii is now the latest in a growing line of Flyers injuries, joining players like Denver Barkey, Nikita Grebenkin, and Helge Grans on the shelf.
So far, the Flyers' 2026 first-round pick has played in just one game for the Knights this season: a 7-4 win against the Owen Sound Attack on Sept. 25.
In that game against Owen Sound, Sokolovskii quickly got himself on the highlight reels, laying a devastating hit on Attack forward Lucian Bernat and sending his opponent's stick flying in the air in cartoonish fashion.
Of course, Sokolovskii would have to answer for that and fight Julian Brown, a 6-foot-4 fellow defenseman who he was teammates with last year on London before Brown joined Owen Sound.
Good to have you back, Maks!💥 Maksim Sokolovskii with the Finch Collision of the week! pic.twitter.com/wgzVguuJ9Y
Unfortunately for the Flyers and their new top prospect, Sokolovskii's season will get off to a bit of a slow start after he played in only 44 regular season games for the Knights last year, plus five playoff games.
The silver lining, on the other hand, is that the 6-foot-8 Russian blue liner looked pretty good in his lone OHL appearance this season, building on the growth that the Flyers saw from him over the course of the last season that vaulted him into the first-round conversation heading into the 2026 NHL Draft.
Sokolovskii was one of the more impressive, noticeable players throughout rookie camp and the early stages of development camp, so as long as the injury isn't a long-term deal, this bump in the road shouldn't end up hampering his development this season all that much, if at all.
The Ottawa Senators got some encouraging injury news on the eve of their 2026-27 NHL season opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Defenceman Jake Sanderson is expected to play Saturday night, although his status won’t be completely certain until the Senators see how he feels on game day.
Sanderson has missed a number of practices throughout training camp with an undisclosed injury. He returned to make his preseason debut against the Montreal Canadiens last Saturday, helped set up one goal, but left the game and did not return.
Though he was sent down on Friday, Hoyt Stanley was pleased earlier this week to make it through to the final 23 man roster (Senators YouTube).
Sanderson skated at practice on Friday and admitted it may take a little longer to get up to speed.
"Obviously, I've only played one period of preseason," Sanderson said. "I think, for me, I (need to) control what I can control, and that's my effort and my mindset, making sure I'm locked in."
Sanderson's expected return means rookie Hoyt Stanley has been returned to the Belleville Senators. Stanley was a surprise addition to Ottawa’s 23-man roster, largely because of injuries to Sanderson and Artem Zub.
Zub isn’t ready to return yet, but there was some encouraging news on that front as well. He is participating in practice again, although he remains in a yellow non-contact jersey.
There was also good news up front.
Warren Foegele will be in the lineup Saturday night after missing training camp following offseason surgery. After spending most of last season on the fourth line, he's expected to suit up tomorrow in a much better position to succeed alongside Tim Stützle and Drake Batherson.
Foegele says his mission is just to keep it simple. He's in the top six because newcomer Andre Burakovsky remains out. Like Sanderson, he also left last Saturday’s game against Montreal with an injury, but was back at practice Friday. Like Zub, Burakovsky was wearing a yellow non-contact jersey.
So while the Senators aren't completely healthy heading into opening night, their injury situation is beginning to look a lot better than it did just a few days ago.
Detroit Red Wings star Dylan Larkin received a big reaction from fans as he appeared at Little Caesars Arena amid his trade request.
And it included a heavy layer of boos.
Larkin wasn't playing on Friday, Oct. 2 because of an upper body injury but he was introduced along with the other players who weren't dressed. He gave a wave to fans after the reaction.
Larkin has five years left on his contract at an $8.7 million cap hit. The longtime captain lost his "C" and the Red Wings will start the season without a captain.
Red Wings fans chant, 'Sell the team'
Larkin wasn't the only person to hear it from fans.
Early in the first period, fans began chanting, "Sell the team."
The Buffalo Sabres practiced at Key Bank Center on Friday after losing 6-3 in Columbus in the season opener on Thursday, and had defenseman Olen Zellweger on the ice for workouts for the first time since leaving the preseason game against the Blue Jackets late last month following a hit from blueliner Carson Soucy.
The 22-year-old was acquired from the Anaheim Ducks over the summer for a second round pick, and skated alongside Owen Power, replacing righty Louis Crevier in the top four. Head coach Lindy Ruff indicated that Zellweger cleared concussion protocol and should be available to play in the home opener on Saturday against the defenseman he replaced as Power’s tandem partner, Bowen Byram, and the Chicago Blackhawks.
Crevier was shifted down to the bottom pairing, splitting time with Zach Metsa on the right side with lefty Matt Grzelcyk. Veteran Dennis Gilbert was sent back to Rochester, who open the 2026-27 AHL season against the Calder Cup champion Toronto Marlies at Blue Cross Arena.
In ex-Sabres news, Byram through two games with the Hawks is getting #1 defenseman ice time, averaging near 25 minutes, but has no points and is -4. This is less reflective of Byram as an individual, and more reflective of how dreadful Chicago is without Connor Bedard.
Another former Sabre had an auspicious debut for his new club, the Edmonton Oilers. Goaltender Devon Levi, allowed seven goals on 22 shots in a wild 9-7 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. On Friday, Alex Tuch will make his Washington Capitals debut against the Carolina Hurricanes.
1. Lakers’ perimeter defense is better than expected
If you asked any scout what the Lakers’ biggest hole was heading into the season, the response would’ve been unanimous: perimeter defense.
Only, the players say that’s wildly incorrect.
In fact, Lakers coach JJ Redick cut practice short Wednesday because the competition became so intense. There are nine new players. There are two starting positions open alongside Doncic, Reaves and Kessler.
And it’s obvious that those spots will be won by defensive effort.
Kessler, who is the Lakers’ defensive anchor down low, has been impressed by what he has seen so far.
Los Angeles Lakers players Collin Sexton (10) and Walker Kessler (14) pose during media day at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California, Monday, September 28, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“I think we’re going to be a nasty defensive team, I’m just being honest,” Kessler said. “Just seeing these guys hound the ball on the perimeter.”
Kessler said people “aren’t taking into account” how good the Lakers’ perimeter defense will be, adding that this roster has the intelligence and skill to surpass expectations.
But one question in particular stumped Kessler.
Who stood out?
“I mean, Thi [Adou Thiero], Ziaire [Williams], Quentin [Grimes], Bull [Matisse Thybulle], Van [Jarred Vanderbilt], Jake [LaRavia] — I could go through the whole team,” he said.
“Everyone’s got their own strengths, weaknesses. But I think that these guys are really good at not allowing their weaknesses to show and really focusing on their strengths, and [making] sure that’s what’s pushing them forward, especially on the defensive side.”
2. Lakers believe they’ll be championship contenders this season
It was obvious last season that the Lakers were heads and shoulders behind the top teams in the West, including the Thunder and Spurs.
They lost their four regular-season matchups against the Thunder by an average of 29.3 points and then were swept out of the playoffs by Oklahoma City in the second round. Oh, then the Thunder lost to the Spurs in the Western Conference finals.
The Lakers responded by completely overhauling their roster last summer, adding youth and speed.
But let’s be real: It still seemed as though they were a few tweaks away from being able to contend. And they definitely needed time to jell, especially considering the Thunder and Spurs have been deep into the playoffs with their rosters.
But the Lakers don’t think it will take time.
They believe they’ve arrived.
Austin Reaves, Head Coach JJ Redick, and Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers pose for a portrait during NBA Media Day at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
Said Redick: “I’m confident we’re gonna develop as a team into a championship-level team this year.”
When Reaves was asked if he agreed, he didn’t hesitate.
“I do,” he said. “Let me tell you, trying to score on Matisse and Ziaire, especially with Adou out there, too, and then Walker on the back line is not easy. I had to deal with that all day yesterday and today, and it’s not fun. So, defensively, we’re going to be much better.”
That’s great news for a team that finished 19th in defensive rating last season. As for their new defensive star? Kessler also believes the Larry O’Brien Trophy is within the team’s grasp.
“I believe so,” he said. “No question. Yeah, undoubtedly.”
3. Get ready for Luka
A fire was lit under Doncic as soon as he was shockingly dealt by the Mavericks to the Lakers in February 2025.
Those flames were fanned when LeBron James left Los Angeles in free agency.
The Lakers are his team.
And he’s ready.
Los Angeles Lakers player Luka Doncic (77) is pictured during media day at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California, Monday, September 28, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
He says he’s fully healthy after missing last postseason because of a strained hamstring. He recently made five consecutive half-court shots, stunning Reaves into pausing his own news conference to marvel at the feat.
He helped handpick the roster, telling Lakers brass that he wanted Reaves and Kessler as his teammates. And he paid for the entire Lakers team to fly to Slovenia so he could host a minicamp, something he had never previously done in his career.
Doncic led the league in scoring last season (33.5 points per game), was third in assists (8.3) and finished fourth in MVP voting.
Here’s to betting he puts up an MVP-caliber campaign this time around.
The Miami Heat announced Friday, Oct. 2 that they are hosting "A Night in Vice City" to promote the highly-anticipated release of "Grand Theft Auto 6."
The event will serve as the backdrop for the Nov. 18 game against the Milwaukee Bucks, which is the night before the Nov. 19 release date for the latest edition of the popular and controversial video game. It also will be the first time Giannis Antetokounmpo faces off against the team that drafted him and facilitated his journey to superstardom.
In a news release, the Heat said that the partnership with Rockstar Games will transform the Kaseya Center into an immersive experience based on Vice City. The fictional location is where the latest edition of the game is based, "the darkest side of the sunniest place in America." In previews for "Grand Theft Auto 6," there's palm trees, alligators, exotic cars, gold chains, dark alleys and art deco buildings on the beach with neon lights. Basically, Miami.
For the game, the court will have a special design, the players will wear a new uniform and there will be other activations throughout the night. There is also a merchandise collection of T-shirts, hoodies and hats.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 29: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the New York Yankees takes batting practice prior to Game One of the American League Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on September 29, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There are still several questions to be answered about who will star for the Yankees in the American League Division Series against the Rays.
Aaron Boone met with the media during Friday’s workout day and shared crumbs of information on questionable players, including Aaron Judge and Ryan Weathers. After taking some reps during batting practice and taking some swings in the cage, Judge is still being considered to make the roster according to the Yankees manager.
The Pinstripe Alley Feed appeared divided on the subject, with some believing that he’ll make the roster and appear as a pinch-hitter. The majority, as of Friday, voted that the Yankees captain won’t make it this time.
As for the lefty who’s been on the IL since late August with a left forearm flexor strain, Boone mentioned that he “expects Weathers to be available,” but admittedly hasn’t made any official decisions as of yet.
Let’s begin with dissecting the prospective starting rotation. Boone confirmed that Gerrit Cole will get the start for Game 1, which was expected since the Yankees took care of business against Boston in a two-game sweep. He’ll be making his first postseason start for the Yankees since 2024, as he missed the majority of last season due to Tommy John surgery.
Gerrit Cole meets the media ahead of his start tomorrow at Tropicana Field in Game One of the ALDS. pic.twitter.com/IAIObDQkx8
Cam Schlittler, who dominated the Red Sox in the Wild Card Series, is reportedly expected to start in Game 2. The Yankees’ ace was his dominant self as he struck out 10 in 6.1 innings. Ultimately, if it comes down to the wire, it wouldn’t be surprising if he also got the start for Game 5.
Then there’s Max Fried, who earned the win that secured the Yankees’ slot in the Division Series. He’ll likely be an option to start Game 3 in time for the Yankees’ return to the Bronx. Boone also mentioned that Carlos Rodón could get the start for either Game 3 or Game 4, if needed. We’ll almost definitely see him in a relief role if he doesn’t end up in a starting role.
The Yankees made Wild Card Series history, having just 10 pitchers and 16 position players make the roster, and it worked out well in the end. However, will history repeat itself in the ALDS? Brent Headrick, Paul Blackburn, and Will Warren will certainly be on the staff, but it’d be interesting to see Weathers in the mix if he becomes available. Ryan Yarbrough also made the Wild Card Series roster but didn’t make an appearance against Boston. The question is: Can the Yankees pull off the same feat in the Division Series with just 10 pitchers?
Moving on to the position players, there are quite a few impressive younger guys who made an impact in the Wild Card Series. George Lombard Jr., who went a combined 4-for-8 in the series with three runs, shined in the demolition of Boston’s playoff hopes. Even before the Yankees clinched their 61st postseason berth, some went as far to say that his swing reminds them of Yankees legend Derek Jeter. He also proved himself reliable on defense, which is a promising sign for his future at the position.
After getting the start in both games of the Wild Card Series, it’s also clear that Spencer Jones has earned his spot in the lineup. He recorded two hits and three runs combined in his first career postseason appearances and was flexible defensively, as he played right field in Game 2 while Trent Grisham retook his spot in center.
Grisham, on the other hand, made his return to the order on Wednesday after being sidelined for most of September with a hamstring injury. It would be surprising if he didn’t make the roster, given how compromised he looked in his brief time in the outfield, but that doesn’t seem likely since Boone seems to be relying on more position player options than not.
One of the larger unanswered questions is whether Giancarlo Stanton will be an option to face Tampa Bay. He’ll likely make it on as a pinch-hitter, especially since he made the roster for the Wild Card Series. With Ben Rice as DH and either Paul Goldschmidt or Luis García Jr. at first and Austin Wells behind the plate, there’s not much room for Stanton to squeeze into the starting lineup.
What else is there to say about Rice other than the fact that he’s the Yankees’ most productive hitter without Aaron Judge? There’s no doubt that if he keeps up his hot streak, he’ll have the Rays’ starting rotation quivering at the bump.
The Yankees will most likely have Jazz Chisholm Jr. play second and have the option to start either Anthony Volpe, Amed Rosario, or José Caballero at third. Volpe got the start at second in Game 1, and went 1-for-3 against Boston. In the locker room celebrations that followed the annihilation of the Red Sox on Wednesday night, Rice called Volpe a “menace” with a champagne bottle.
Rosario didn’t produce offensively during his Game 1 start of the Wild Card Series, but he did draw a walk after a successful ABS challenge that put Lombard Jr. in scoring position in the fourth. It’s unclear whether he’s poised to make the postseason roster over options such as Volpe and Caballero, who the latter of whom remained on the bench against the Boston.
It’s difficult to imagine that Ali Sánchez will start over Austin Wells, who went 3-for-6 in the series with three runs. Sánchez will be included on the roster as a backup.
One thing’s for sure: Cody Bellinger will be easy to count on in the field and is poised to make an impact at the plate against the Rays. He proved himself after he instantly made the Red Sox regret walking Rice in the sixth inning on Wednesday night, crushing a 3-run homer that put the Yankees ahead 8-1.
The Yankees’ official ALDS roster is expected to be released on Saturday ahead of Game 1 of the series in Tampa. Until then, Yankees fans can only hope for the best and brace for Boone’s decisions to come.
Here are five things to know about the regular-season series between the Yankees and Rays, which saw Tampa Bay win seven of 13 games, as they meet in the ALDS:
1. Rice’s dominance
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If Ben Rice becomes the centerpiece of the lineup again in the ALDS, depending on the status of Aaron Judge, the Yankees might find some extra comfort in that. Rice absolutely crushed the Rays during the regular season. Among teams Rice played at least five times, he recorded his third-highest OPS (1.320) against Tampa Bay.
He finished with seven homers and 12 RBIs, too, and was perhaps the Yankees’ most consistent hitter against the Rays outside of José Caballero (eight RBIs in 13 games) and Ryan McMahon (seven RBIs, eight hits in 10 games).
Ben Rice of the New York Yankees in action at bat against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning in Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 30, 2026. Getty Images
2. Containing Caminero
Junior Caminero became the youngest player since at least 1900 to homer in six straight games this year, and he finished his second full MLB season with 42 home runs. But against the Yankees, he managed just one homer and 10 hits, striking out 10 times and cobbling together a .565 OPS.
3. Turf monster
The Yankees went 2-5 at Tropicana Field this season, including a sweep back in April, and will need to win at least one game at the climate-controlled stadium to advance. They were outscored by a combined nine runs in those games, but it underscored an inability to win at the venue — a 79-95 record since the start of the 2006 season — that must change at least once.
Junior Caminero and the AL East champion Rays will host Game 1 of the ALDS on Saturday. AP Photo/Chris O'Meara
4. Starting point
The Yankees received strong starting pitching against Tampa Bay this year, at least with rotation names — so excluding Luis Gil, Ryan Weathers and Paul Blackburn — who will get the ball to start an ALDS game. Cam Schlittler, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón and Max Fried pitched to a 2.75 ERA across nine starts, allowing just 17 earned runs across 55 ²/₃ innings. Fried, Schlittler and Rodón all tossed at least eight innings in one outing, too.
5. Bellinger’s struggles
Unlike Rice, Cody Bellinger never found a rhythm at the plate against the Rays, striking out 13 times in his 47 at-bats (27.7 percent) — compared to just 76 in his other 449 at-bats in the regular season (16.9 percent) — and recording a .522 OPS.
Oct 1, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves outfielders Michael Harris II (23) and Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) celebrate after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in game three of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The thing that tickles me about the photo above is the bespoke “Let It Fly / Wild Card Won” sticker on that champagne bottle.
It’s been a beautiful, mostly stress-free day of enjoying the satisfaction of last night’s cathartic win and all the content that came with it. For example, did you see the BravesVision crew’s reaction to Mike’s homer?
BravesVision and Braves social media channels also have snippets of interviews in the champagne celebration, the pressers, and more. My favorite moment changes every hour, but right now it’s either Dubie being double-goggled up or Wiley’s absolute disregard for his own body and safety by not donning any protecting gear.
Anyways, more to come from us on the Divisonal Series that kicks off tomorrow. Who do you got for Padres/Brewers, White Sox/Guardians, and Yankees/Rays?
But the floor is yours tonight to speculate on the Braves’ NLDS roster, pitching plans, keys to beating LA, and more. I’ll leave you with this incredible field view and crowd reaction to Money Mike’s ridiculous(ly beautiful) homer.
Question: "So what was it like to be in the ballpark last night?"
The Chicago Blackhawks are 0-2-0 to start the season. They didn't just lose to the Vegas Golden Knights and Utah Mammoth. They were blown out in both games by a combined score of 11-2. They didn't show any improvement from the first game to the second either. In fact, they got worse.
Now, the Blackhawks can't lie down and let the season slip away before it even starts. They have a match on the East Coast against the Buffalo Sabres to close out the three-game road trip to start the season. After that, they are headed to Chicago for the home opener.
"I have tons of belief in these guys," head coach Jeff Blashill said following the Utah game. "This is two games, neither more nor less. Does that mean there is urgency? Yes. We have urgency to go play a good hockey game on Saturday. My focus is us getting better as a group. That doesn't change. We are super young; it can't be an excuse. These guys have to step up."
Ahead of that game in Buffalo, Blashill may be looking for something to spark the team. There are a handful of routes he can go, and one of these three would make the most sense and be the most realistic:
1. Insert Kevin Korchinski and/or Ethan Del Mastro
The Chicago Blackhawks have been lousy defensively, especially when they are skating around their own zone. Protecting the house is paramount to winning hockey games, and they have done a poor job of it over two games.
The Blackhawks are never going to bench Bowen Byram or Alex Vlasic, who had the two worst nights of any defenders on the team against Utah. They are their two highest-paid blue-liners, so they will be relied on to figure out their game.
However, Sam Rinzel is a second-year player with plenty of development left. He could be someone who takes a seat in favor of Kevin Korchinski or Ethan Del Mastro. Although Artyom Levshunov has had flashes in the first two games, he is a candidate to watch a game from the press box as well.
Jeff Blashill was asked about the possibility of getting either Korchinski/Del Mastro into a game, and he left every door open.
"I’m not there. Probably," Jeff Blashill said when asked if he'd make a switch like that. "We’ll see. We consider everything, so we’ll look at it and see if we think the two other options are better than the options that played."
If those first two games aren't a reason to insert either Korchinski or Del Mastro, then why are they on the team? They were each solid in the preseason and earned their spots. Between that and the team's performance, why not now?
2. Change pairings in general
Jeff Blashill can also change up the pairs, regardless of who else gets inserted in. Bowen Byram and Alex Vlasic played poorly enough on Thursday to warrant splitting them up to see if that creates a spark. He changes the forward lines with ease, but why not the defensive pairs more?
If they get another game together to see if they can work through it, the logic is sound. However, they should be on short leashes based on their play. What was on display against both the Golden Knights and the Mammoth, but especially the Mammoth, is unacceptable in the NHL for any sustained period of time.
3. Create forward lines and leave them be
In the same vein, the forward lines have been in the blender a lot since training camp started. That hasn't been a recipe for success in the NHL, especially for the Blackhawks so far this season.
Everything will settle down when Connor Bedard, their best forward, returns. Until then, they have to find the right mix. It could come down to creating four balanced lines and leaving them be for a while. Injuries, like the one that Andrew Mangiapane is going through, can and will change things, but letting players develop chemistry is important.
So far, Chicago's best line has been their fourth line. Cole Smith, Jordan Greenway, and Ryan Greene make up that line, and they have yet to be separated. They play well together and are clearly getting used to each other. It may be time to allow the top three lines to do so as well.
Chicago has only scored two goals in two games. Greenway scored one of them, while Patrick Kane scored the other. For Greenway, it's a result of feeling good about his role on the team with that line. For Kane, his pure skill took over on one play.
"I don’t think there’s any lack of belief in our group," Blashill said. "We’re 0-2; that’s the fact of it. We haven’t played our best. But it’s neither more nor less than that."
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New York Rangers goaltender Dylan Garand (33) defends the net during the second period of a game against the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, N.Y.
DETROIT — So, Dylan Garand will be the Rangers backup goalie in October after all.
Among the last round of cuts from training camp less than a week ago, the rookie netminder was in Hartford for just two practices before he was summoned back to New York for the Blueshirts’ home opener at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night and his fourth NHL start Friday night in Detroit.
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“Dylan and I have had a lot of conversations along the way,” head coach Mike Sullivan said. “I had a number of conversations with him when the decision was made to send him to Hartford. He knows that we believe in him. I don’t know that I have to say anything else. He’s a good, solid goalie. And we believe in him, and we know he’s going to make saves for us.”
It’s crystal clear now that Korpisalo was slated for the No. 2 job since the Rangers acquired him from Boston on July 1.
Devils center Nico Hischier (13) scores a goal past Rangers goaltender Dylan Garand (33) in the second period of a Rangers-Devils pre-season hockey game in Newark, N.J., Monday, Sept. 21, 2026. Bill Kostroun for NY Post
With a 24-year-old homegrown goalie in Garand pushing his way out of the pipeline, however, the Rangers called it a competition heading into training camp. Garand maximized his first NHL opportunity last season in the form of a 2-0-1 record and a .948 save percentage, but management believes he needs to be getting starter’s reps in Hartford to continue developing.
That led to the Rangers putting Garand on waivers just a few days after the Canucks claimed 24-year-old goalie Leevi Meriläinen from the Senators.
“I’m sure he was disappointed,” Sullivan said. “He’s a fierce competitor, and he wants to play in the NHL. That’s part of his personality that we love.”
Concerns over the possibility of Garand getting claimed may have been overblown, but they weren’t unwarranted. On the same waiver wire last weekend, the Jets claimed Clay Stevenson and the Devils picked up Remi Poirier.
It’s true, Garand’s sample size in the NHL isn’t quite big enough to take a flyer on, but young and untapped goalies were hot commodities this preseason. It sure worked out for Brandon Bussi and the 2026 Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes.
New York Rangers goaltender Dylan Garand (33) defends the net during the second period of a game against the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, N.Y. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Waiving Garand ultimately worked out for the Rangers too, but only because he cleared.
Had Garand been claimed, this Korpisalo injury could’ve been a devastating blow to the Rangers. After Garand, the Rangers have a shallow pool of netminders in Spencer Martin (primarily an AHL journeyman) and Callum Tung (split last season between the ECHL and AHL).
Whether you believe Garand should’ve been tabbed as the backup in the first place, Korpisalo came to New York on the heels of a volatile couple of seasons. He has finished with a save percentage above .900 just once in the past six seasons, when he split the 2022-23 campaign between the Blue Jackets and the Kings.
Still, the Rangers naturally went with the bigger body of work than the unproven rookie.
The NHL opportunity for Garand was always going to come at some point this season, especially given Igor Shesterkin’s injury history.
It may be earlier than expected, but it’s here now.
Garand said he never wanted to go back to the AHL, and Friday night was his first chance this season to make his case.
It would be foolish to condemn the Philadelphia Flyers two games into a young 2026-27 season, but in those two games, against divisional opponents looking to take charge, the Flyers looked completely unprepared, outmatched, and disinterested in it all.
Through two games, the Flyers have, according to Natural Stat Trick, allowed the most shot attempts in the NHL at 5-on-5 (125) and rank 18th in the league in expected goals generated (1.92), which is the fewest amongst all teams that have played two games thus far, and still ranks below 11 teams that have played only one game, including their two opponents: Pittsburgh and New Jersey.
Starting their season winless at 0-1-1, the Flyers have already dropped points to two divisional opponents, with the 7-0 loss in their home opener against Pittsburgh especially egregious.
The actual on-ice play aside, the most concerning part of it all is that nobody has an actual answer as to what is going on with the Flyers. Not head coach Rick Tocchet, not the leadership group, not Christian Dvorak, and not Joseph Woll.
"I'm not sure. If it keeps happening, I guess we got bigger issues, and so we need to clean it up. Need to get back to playing the way that we know we can, and we know that works," Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim said after the 3-2 overtime loss to the Devils on Thursday night.
"I'm not sure why we're kind of straying away from that when it's worked in the past."
Added Tocchet a short time later: "We got to really buckle down here, and the problem is we don't have much practice time, so we're going to have to do it on the fly here. ... I have no idea. We just talked as coaches, like, we'd have to maybe change some practices. We need more skill work. Unfortunately, we've only had five or six practices, but I don't know. I don't know, over the summer... but we are choppy with the puck."
Astute Flyers fans will recall that the reference to a lack of practice time was a common refrain repeated by Tocchet's predecessor, John Tortorella, throughout his rollercoaster tenure with the Flyers.
From Tortorella's time in Philadelphia, many things remain the same. The Flyers look most competitive when they have superb goaltending behind them, and they rely on a large volume of blocked shots and spontaneously manufactured offense to stay competitive.
Most of all, the power play is still the team's Achilles heel.
"Offensively, I think that some guys are squeezing it, too. And it's only our second game. I don't know why we're squeezing it," Tocchet added. "We got to relax if there's a play to be made."
On social media, it's become a bit of a source of consternation amongst fans how often Tocchet refers to players as "nervous" before or after games, and leading up to the season, Tocchet felt that his group was both anxious and excited to follow up their performance last season.
It's unflattering to the second-year coach, but also unflattering to a group of players - the veterans in particular - that's already been through this song and dance with Tortorella in 2023-24.
What happened to player development?
Porter Martone has been stuck on the end of the Flyers' bench in each of the team's first two games this season. (Photo: James Guillory, Imagn Images)
The one thing the Flyers have been able to hang their hats on in recent seasons is their player development, though that has stalled out in a major way at the beginning of the season.
Top prospect Porter Martone has been effectively benched in each of his first two regular season games of the year, and Alex Bump played just one shift in the third period against New Jersey and finished that game with a team-low 8:18 of ice time... in a game that went to overtime.
Meanwhile, Christian Dvorak, Tyson Foerster, and Trevor Zegras led the forwards in ice time; Dvorak made the turnover that sprung the Devils on Luke Hughes's game-tying goal halfway through the third period, and Zegras finished the game playing left wing next to Sean Couturier and Noel Acciari. He and Sanheim also combined for the turnover that led to Jack Hughes's game-winning goal in overtime.
But Martone, Bump, Matvei Michkov, and Carl Grundstrom finished the night as the bottom-four in ice time for the Flyers. The irony was that Martone was on the ice for the Flyers' first goal, and Grundstrom for the second.
I asked Tocchet his perspective behind those personnel changes, to which he responded, "I needed some lines here to somewhat control Jack. He was caving some of our lines, and so I just tried to get the best nine, I thought, for tonight."
Player development can be a self-fulfilling prophecy, though, and players like Bump, Michkov, and Martone will never be able to handle playing against elite players if they don't learn at some point.
The Flyers drafted Michkov and Martone to be those players themselves one day, but it's not going to happen with the process going the way it is.
Twenty-two-year-old David Jiricek has yet to play a game for the Flyers this season, and Tocchet had said on the record he told the player he has to get Jiricek in the lineup in one of these games.
Is Game 3 against the reigning Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes an appropriate time to turn to a young defenseman carrying high expectations with your team winless to start the season? Probably not, and that's another lose-lose situation right there, whether Jiricek plays or not.
Again, it is far too early to pull the plug on the 2026-27 Flyers, but how they show up and perform against the Hurricanes on Saturday night will give us a better idea of where they're headed, playing a third division rival in four nights.
Here are five things to know about the Rays as the Yankees get ready to open the 2026 ALDS in St. Petersburg:
1. Delicate balance
Drew Rasmussen, who will start Game 1, has posted an impressive 1.81 ERA in 10 career starts — and 11 games — against the Yankees. He also has overcome a number of major elbow injuries to get to this point. Rasmussen became an unlikely success story after two Tommy John surgeries (2016 and ’17), and he underwent an internal brace procedure in 2023.
2. Getting the boot
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Nick Martinez throws a pitch during the fourth inning of game one of a split doubleheader against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y., Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Rays All-Star Nick Martinez (3.10 ERA in 31 starts) spent three years at Fordham as a relief pitcher and infielder, and he was actually kicked out of Yankee Stadium the last time Martinez went as a fan. The Rams’ practice had been canceled that day. “Might’ve had a few too many adult beverages,” Martinez told reporters earlier this year. Next time he went to Yankee Stadium, it was as a major league pitcher.
3. Other local ties
Kevin Cash might’ve had his first World Series ring as a manager if he left Blake Snell in six years ago, but he actually earned one as a player for the Yankees’ 2009 title despite appearing in just 10 games. Cash, who also got a ring in 2007 with Boston, had been released by the Yankees in September.
Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash speaks to the media ahead of the ALDS game against the New York Yankees Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Florida. ZUMAPRESS.com
4. Closing time
Tampa Bay’s Bryan Baker tied for the MLB lead with 41 regular-season saves, and the Rays also might have been the league’s best closing team this season. They won 64 percent of their one-run games (25-14) — the best in MLB.
5. Second chance
Lefty Cam Booser (1.98 ERA in 42 appearances) might get some high-leverage matchups in the ALDS, but he actually initially retired back in 2017. In high school, he broke his femur and fractured a vertebra, according to The Athletic. He underwent Tommy John surgery in college, tore his labrum with the Twins and broke a bone in his back while biking when a car hit him.
He was also suspended for 50 games in 2015 after testing positive for marijuana. He reportedly joined a carpenters union and worked in construction following retirement before beginning to claw his way back with an independent team in 2021.
