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AL Division Series Game 2: Cam Schlittler vs. Freddy Peralta

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 12: Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees pitches during the game between the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Sunday, April 12, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Alex Zadorozny/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The playoff format in baseball is quite unforgiving, isn’t it? In a season where you play 162 games, the Yankees ended a team’s season in about 28 hours last week, but now they stare down the barrel of theirs being in serious danger if they happen to lose consecutive games at Tropicana Field to the Rays, a usual House of Horrors for them.

While the saying goes, “A series doesn’t start until the home team loses”, simple math will tell you that the team without home-field advantage can’t exactly rely on that (for obvious reasons). So while the Rays winning tonight would simply mean holding serve, that doesn’t quite work in a five-game series. In the 30-plus years of the Division Series, only eight teams have ever come back from 0-2 — including the 2001 and 2017 Yankees. But after an unsuccessful comeback last year, the 2026 Yanks certainly don’t want to have to try and be the ninth.

Fortunately, they have their ace on the bump to try and send the series to the Bronx tied. Cam Schlittler will unanimously win AL Cy Young and finish top five in MVP voting, but his real brilliance is shown in October. Two of his three career postseason starts have been scoreless brilliance against Boston, but he did also pitch into the seventh in Game 4 of the ALDS last year against a Blue Jays team that provided a similarly pesky challenge to this Rays team.

In the regular season against the Rays, it was a mixed bag. Schlittler struck out eight, but allowed three runs in five innings in a loss on April 12th at Tropicana Field, but he came back to throw eight innings of one-run ball in early July in one of his best starts of the season. The third and final meeting was limited to just three frames to manage his pitch count ahead of the postseason, but the Rays made him throw 70 pitches in that abbreviated outing in a meaningless late September start. Expect them to try to grind him out of the game as they did that day.

After getting absolutely dominated by Drew Rasmussen on Saturday, the Yankees hope their bats will fare better against star deadline acquisition Freddy Peralta, the former longtime Brewer who was saved from a disastrous season in Queens at the Trade Deadline. The pending free agent has been much better since the trade, pitching to a 3.22 ERA (131 ERA+) and 3.93 FIP in 55.1 innings, albeit with just 43 strikeouts. He closed the regular season by allowing just three runs in his last 34 innings to win AL Pitcher of the Month honors. For the optimists, a look under the hood shows he’s due for regression. For the pessimists, his stuff plays well at the Trop.

What’s changed with Peralta since the trade? He’s throwing considerably more changeups, especially against right-handed pitching, and will lean on that and his mid-90s four-seamer tonight, while mixing in a sweeper and a curveball. As you might expect, his fastball has gotten much more ride and has added a tick since getting to play in the Trop, so expect a much different pitcher than the one you may have seen wearing blue and orange. He’s only made two career starts against the Yankees: Opening Day 2025 with Milwaukee, and allowing three runs in five innings against them in May 2026.

It’s the exact same lineup for the Yankees, and I can’t really blame them. The options on the bench aren’t great for a tough righty like Peralta, and it was the same unit that crushed the Red Sox in Game 2 last Wednesday. The Rays are doing the same despite only scoring one run on Saturday, batting the exact same nine that usually have success against right-handed pitching.

How to Watch:

Location: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL

First Pitch: 8:00 p.m. EDT

TV broadcast: TBS, TruTV, Univision

Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (NYY), WDAE 95.7 FM, WQBN/1300AM (TB) | ESPN Radio (National)

Online Stream: HBO Max

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Rangers Place Matthew Robertson On Waivers After Šmits' Emergence And Veleno Injury

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The New York Rangers have placed Matthew Robertson on waivers. 

Robertson was held out of practice on Monday due to roster management reasons, as it was quickly revealed that he was waived by the team.

Selected in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft by the Blueshirts, Robertson spent multiple seasons playing in the American Hockey League for the Hartford Wolf Pack before finally getting his NHL chance during the 2025-26 season. 

The 25-year-old played in 72 games for the Rangers last season, as he finally seemed to cave out a consistent role. 

However, 2026 fifth-overall pick Alberts Šmits stood out throughout training camp and took over Robertson’s position as the Rangers’ third-pair left-handed defensemen. 

Robertson made the Rangers’ opening-night roster out of training camp, but he has been scratched for all four of New York’s games to kick off the 2026-27 campaign.

With Robertson waived, it’s safe to say that the Rangers have confidence continuing to use Šmits moving forward and he’ll remain in the NHL barring any major regression in his play.

Joe Veleno also suffered a lower-body injury during the Rangers’ Sunday night game against the Utah Mammoth, which may have led to Robertson’s waiving since Veleno’s availability is in jeopardy and the Blueshirts only have three active centers on the roster.

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Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks face contract extension stalemate. Where do they go from here?

It seems, in the case of Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York Knicks, that someone’s going to have to blink first.

What’s abundantly clear, however, is that there’s a lot of work to do for the franchise to keep its star locked up in the long term, and the prospect that he may be playing his final months as a Knick are suddenly a real possibility.

Towns, the 30-year-old All-Star center who helped propel the Knicks to their first championship in 53 years, is eligible for a four-year extension. He had hoped to ink it before the start of the season. Yet, Towns expressed unfiltered pessimism Monday, Oct. 5 to reporters in Philadelphia, indicating just how far apart the two sides are.

“It don’t look good,” Towns told reporters when asked if he thought both sides could agree to a deal before the regular season opener October 20 against the Philadelphia 76ers.

KNICKS: After summer of adoration, New York gets back to business of title defense

Towns was even more candid later when asked if he thought he deserved a new deal.

“No (expletive), Sherlock,” he said. “I just won a championship. You’d think it would be pretty easy, unless you guys think I have something else to prove.”

Towns was instrumental in New York’s historic postseason run. Aside from NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Jalen Brunson, Towns was easily the second-most important player on the Knicks, and it all started after New York lost two consecutive games in the first round against the Atlanta Hawks, to fall into a 1-2 series hole.

Knicks coach Mike Brown then tweaked the offense to run through Towns, instead of Brunson; Towns took on increased ball-handling and play-making duties, allowing Brunson to play off-ball and tactically choose his spots. The move unlocked a new dimension for New York’s offense, whose +283 point differential smashed an all-time record.

But, to illustrate that point further, the Knicks were particularly dominant when Towns was on the floor. In his 578 postseason minutes, New York outscored opponents by 258 points, giving Towns the best individual plus-minus in a single postseason in the play-by-play era.

But, Knicks owner James Dolan has stressed multiple times that the Knicks will avoid triggering the punitive second apron, which limits financial flexibility. It also gives Knicks president Leon Rose a hard line on how much they can offer their stars. In a parallel situation, this also complicates the negotiations with forward Josh Hart.

KNICKS SEASON PREVIEW: Lineup, roster, prediction and biggest question mark

According to ESPN, the most recent Knicks offer to Towns was worth $200 million, which is well short – more than $75 million short – of what he’s eligible to earn.

Now, none of this precludes the Knicks and Towns from eventually getting a deal done. In the NBA, like in all major sports leagues constrained by a salary cap, things get said in public that can sway perception. This is how high-profile negotiations sometimes work.

Towns and his representatives are trying to extract as much value as they can within New York’s financial landscape. Dolan and the Knicks are trying to get their stars to play on team-friendly deals. At some point, for this partnership to continue, compromise is mandatory.

“Simply put: I want to do something that can keep this team together and work with the Knicks and also values me,” he said. “None of those things have come close to happening.”

This isn’t exactly what a team looking to defend its title wants to be dealing with, but this is simply the system in place with the second apron to contend with.

The immediate concern for the Knicks, at least in the short term, is whether this will affect the team’s play.

Towns has plenty of experience handling adversity; while the Knicks were slogging through their schedule in the first half of last season, his name frequently popped up in trade rumors. Towns eventually responded with that postseason run – the best basketball of his career.

Whispers of trade talks are one thing, but if a player feels undervalued, it’s an entirely different issue to navigate. And the interesting thing is that those trade talks could get even louder.

Towns has a $61 million player option next season. While that is a lot of money, he may feel that he could earn even more on the open market. The Knicks, understandably, would not want to let a player like Towns, the premier stretch five in the NBA, hit the open market without getting anything in return. And a player like Towns – as we saw with the blockbuster that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat – would net a ton of assets.

So where does all of that leave us?

Right now, it’s a game of chicken. And while Knicks fans shouldn’t necessarily be concerned as of right now, these next few weeks and months will be pretty telling. Because the Feb. 11, 2027 trading deadline isn’t all that far away.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks face contract extension stalemate. Where do they go from here?

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Canucks Forward Paul Cotter Named NHL’s Third Star Of The Week

After a strong start to the 2026–27 season that saw him register four goals and two assists in his first four games as part of the Vancouver Canucks, Paul Cotter has been named the NHL’s third star of the week. He currently leads the NHL in goals scored alongside Edmonton Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard and Utah Mammoth forward Nick Schmaltz. 

Cotter joined the Canucks via free-agency signing during the 2026 off-season, coming to Vancouver after two seasons with the New Jersey Devils and three with the Vegas Golden Knights before that. He scored a career-high of 16 goals in his first season with the Devils back in 2024–25. 

Two of the four goals Cotter has scored so far came in Vancouver’s first game of the regular season, a 6–5 overtime win against the Oilers on September 29. He is one of only six players in Canucks history to record a multi-goal game in their debut. 

Also named to the NHL’s Stars of the Week list are New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin, who scored a goal and posted a 1.67 GAA, and Bouchard, who has scored four goals and four assists in Edmonton’s first four games of the year. 

Oct 1, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Paul Cotter (47) celebrates his goal against the Edmonton Oilers in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Oct 1, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Paul Cotter (47) celebrates his goal against the Edmonton Oilers in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.

Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site: 

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Atlanta Braves NLDS Game 3 eve chat and discussion, October 5

Oct 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Atlanta Braves outfielder Mike Yastrzemski (18), outfielder Michael Harris II (23) and outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) celebrate after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in game two of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Happy Monday, all. How are we faring after last night’s split?

The National League Division Series has had its fair share of drama. While we were hand-wringing about Chris Sale and the prospect of a bullpen game (where we need not have worried, because Ray Kerr is a hero?), Brewers/Padres has been unreal. A potential game-tying home run in Game 1 foiled by… the closed roof (but maybe not, as the analytics say it only would’ve been a homer in Houston).

And a two-out, two-strike, two-RBI walkoff single off Mason Miller to bring the series back to San Diego with the Friars down 0-2. Gut punches, for sure. There truly isn’t anything like postseason baseball stress.

The AL is back in action tonight with the White Sox up 1-0 over the Cleveland Guardians. The Rays one-hit the Yankees and only needed a Jonathan Aranda home run to take their lead in the series.

I will leave you with this interview Brent Suter did with former Brave Kevin Pillar and co-host Cody Allen. He chats about the team, the “ace of all aces” in Chris Sale, how underratedness of Matt Olson, and much more.

The comments are yours. Have at it!

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Flyers lose four straight to start season for first time since 2014-15

Flyers lose four straight to start season for first time since 2014-15 originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Flyers were outshot by a healthy margin again as they lost to the Lightning, 4-1, Monday night at Benchmark International Arena.

Tampa Bay made it 3-1 with three minutes left in the game and added an empty-net goal to finish things off.

Tyson Foerster provided the Flyers’ lone goal. The club’s power play went 0 for 3 and is 0 for 11 on the season.

The Flyers fell to 0-2-2. They’ve dropped four straight to start the season for the first time since 2014-15, when they also went 0-2-2.

The Flyers have had all kinds of trouble with the Lightning in their last five meetings. They’ve gone 0-5-0 and have been outscored 21-4. They face Tampa Bay two more times this season.

• A positive for the Flyers was Dan Vladar.

The 29-year-old looked much more like himself, converting 32 saves on 35 shots. His previous outing was the 7-0 drubbing to the Penguins in the season opener.

The Flyers did not help Vladar on the three goals he allowed to the Lightning.

On Ilya Mikheyev’s 3-1 marker, David Jiricek had a bad turnover to Pontus Holmberg, who then deked the Flyers’ defenseman.

The Flyers gave up a 3-on-1 rush to Tampa Bay just 17 seconds into the second period. Cam York got stuck in the neutral zone. Holmberg, who may have interfered with York, buried the goal to put the Flyers down 2-0.

The Lightning opened the scoring with 3:55 minutes left in the first period when Brayden Point converted on an excellent deflection. Vladar had little to no chance to make the save.

Andrei Vasilevskiy, the two-time Vezina Trophy winner, stopped 13 of the Flyers’ 14 shots.

• Has complacency seeped in with the Flyers? Or is it possible they’re rusty and sluggish from last season? Because this offseason was new territory for them.

The Flyers had their summer break cut down by a month because of the playoff run and the addition of two games this season. You have to wonder if the Flyers are feeling that right now. Or if they’re just not used to it.

They have not looked at all like the team that was stingy and connected down the stretch last season. They’ve been outshot a staggering 158-76. That’s a minus-82 shot differential.

“It’s still early in the year, small sample, but it’s still alarming a little bit I would say,” Sean Couturier said Sunday after practice. “I think structure-wise, we’re not as sharp, we don’t seem to be on the same page. At least the effort is better and we’re competing more, but we’ve just got to smarten up, work harder, but smart, as well. And I think we’ll eventually get back to the playing style we want to play.”

• Some of the guys the Flyers were ready to rely on offensively had not been there through games.

But Foerster and Porter Martone found a spark in Game 4. Foerster’s goal came on a shot with traffic around the net. Martone was battling Charle-Edouard D’Astous in front as the puck went off the Tampa Bay defenseman.

Martone was super engaged. He drew two penalties and stirred the pot. Good signs.

“I expect a lot more from myself to contribute to this team and help this team win games,” Martone said Saturday morning after the first two games.

Trevor Zegras and Christian Dvorak, two significant additions last season, have combined for no goals, two assists and seven shots through four games this season.

• Denver Barkey made his season debut after missing the first three games because of a lower-body injury.

At practice Sunday, the 21-year-old forward looked poised for a return this week. He took plenty of contact to test things out.

To make room for Barkey on the roster, the Flyers placed Nikita Grebenkin (upper body) on injured reserve. Barkey entered the lineup for Alex Bump, who was a healthy scratch.

Barkey went scoreless in 13:06 minutes.

Rasmus Ristolainen did not play after taking a shot to his left hand in the Flyers’ 3-2 overtime loss Saturday night to the Hurricanes. The good news is that he joined the Flyers for the three-game road trip, so the injury appears to be more short term than long term.

• The Flyers are back in action Thursday when they visit the Senators (7 p.m. ET/NBCSP).

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Aaron Boone instills faith in Schlittler ahead of ALDS Game 2 start

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 02: Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees pitches during the first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 02, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Aaron Boone is sure Cam Schlittler is built for moments like getting the start against the Rays in the ALDS.

During his conversation with the media ahead of Game 2 on Monday, the Yankees’ skipper responded to comments about Schlittler’s confidence when the lights are brightest. The Division Series was a bit bumpier for him in 2025 than the Wild Card Series showdown with Boston, so he’ll look to put that behind him. The 25-year-old righty will be making his second career ALDS start and will look to continue his current postseason hot streak as New York faces Tampa Bay.

“You never know a result is going to be in a given game, but he’s certainly equipped to handle it,” Boone stated. “He’s got a ton of confidence and is fearless in these spots.”

During his previous postseason outing, Schlittler barred the Red Sox offense from gaining an edge in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series, throwing six and a third scoreless innings and racking up 10 strikeouts. It’s no surprise that he showed up and shelled out, following the discourse behind his rivalry with New England fans and media outlets.

The Yankees will have the opportunity to head back to the Bronx, with hopes of a split series, and have Max Fried take the mound for the Game 3 start against Tampa Bay. Boone also announced that Carlos Rodón would get the nod in a possible Game 4 at Yankee Stadium, which New York would very much like to force tonight rather than waiting until Wednesday.

You won’t want to miss a second of Schlittler’s outing as the Yankees face off against the Rays in Game 2 of the Division Series Monday at 8 p.m. EST.

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Preseason Game Thread: Knicks at 76ers, October 5, 2026

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 10: Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers wrestle for a loose ball during the second quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 10, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Knicks travel to Xfinity Mobile Arena tonight for their inaugural preseason game and their first appearance on the court since beating the Spurs for the NBA Championship (yes, that really happened).

The 76ers are not the same team that New York swept in round two of the playoffs. This offseason, Philly bulked up with additions of Jaylen Brown and LeBron James. Paired with fellow starters Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and V.J. Edgecombe, this squad is built to challenge the throne. Temper your excitement for tonight’s tilt, though: James, Embiid, and Maxey, Anfernee Simons, Dominick Barlow, Adem Bona, and Tacko Fall are all OUT tonight.

We expect limited minutes for New York’s starters—Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, O.G. (The Big Tipper) Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns—as they continue to get back online after a short summer break. Meanwhile, Coach Mike Brown is eager to see what Mohamed Diawara brings to the table in year two, and who stands out among the centers competing for the third-string spot. Jose Alvarado (knee contusion) is the only Knick on the injury report.

Game time is at 7 p.m. EST on MSG. This is your game thread. This is Liberty Ballers. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Be excellent humans. And go Knicks!

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Kansas State ends Jerome Tang dispute with a $12M settlement after firing

MANHATTAN, Kansas (AP) — Kansas State has reached a settlement with former basketball coach Jerome Tang that includes a $12 million payment.

The athletic department and Tang announced the agreement Monday, ending a dispute that arose after the former Wildcats coach was fired for cause in February, threatening to void an $18.7 million buyout.

“This settlement allows both parties to move forward on agreed terms,” Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor said in a statement. “We’re grateful for his contributions to Kansas State basketball, including a memorable first season, and we wish him and his family well.”

Kansas State announced it was firing Tang on Feb. 15, four days after a 29-point loss to Cincinnati.

After the game, a despondent Tang said that his players “do not deserve to wear this uniform” and that “there will be very few of them in it next year.” The sound bite quickly made headlines, and the school ultimately fired Tang for cause, saying that he had embarrassed the school.

Tang told ESPN at the time that he disagreed with the “characterization of my termination." He also disputed the “for cause” nature of his dismissal.

In four seasons at Kansas State, the 59-year-old Tang was 71-57 overall and 29-39 in the Big 12. He led the Wildcats to a 26-10 mark and the Elite Eight, becoming the first head coach in program history to receive the Naismith Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year Award.

In June, Tang rejoined Baylor coach Scott Drew's staff as associate head coach. Tang was on Drew’s staff the first 19 seasons before going to Kansas State.

___

Sign up for Top 25 poll alerts here, visit the Top 25 here and see AP’s full men’s basketball coverage here

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Lakers’ first shootaround sheds light on uncertain status of Collin Sexton

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Los Angeles Lakers players Collin Sexton (10) and Walker Kessler (14) smile during media day, Image 2 shows Lakers star guard Luka Doncic wearing the team's new Nike sweatsuit during shootaround on Monday, October 5, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, Image 3 shows Lakers guard Collin Sexton had his right lower leg/calf wrapped during the team's shootaround at Golden 1 Center on Monday, October 5 in Sacramento, California

SACRAMENTO — Lakers basketball is back – albeit preseason exhibitions. 

And with the Lakers fully in the preseason swing, certain elements of the season are back to, such as morning shootaround. 

The Lakers held their first shootaround of 2026-27 at Golden 1 Center Monday morning ahead of their preseason-opener against the Kings.

Lakers guard Collin Sexton had his right lower leg/calf wrapped during the team’s shootaround. Khobi Price

While shootarounds don’t always provide insight into the ongoings of a team, Monday did.

Veteran guard Collin Sexton, who the Lakers signed to a two-year deal in July, had his right lower log/calf area wrapped during the portion of shootaround that was open to the media. 

Sexton’s status is uncertain. 

He got some extra work in with the team’s strength and conditioning staff after Saturday practice, and hasn’t been in any of the clips of the team’s that the Lakers have posted on their social media pages last week.

The status of Collin Sexton (left) is uncertain for preseason. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Sexton did light jogging/shuffling after Monday’s shootaround, plus resistance running with a harness around his waist. Two-way forward Arthur Kaluma also did the resistance running.

When asked Saturday if he had an idea of who’d be available in Sacramento, coach JJ Redick responded: “Obviously, still working through stuff.”

Lakers star guard Luka Doncic wearing the team’s new Nike sweatsuit. Khobi Price

Another notable takeaway from Monday afternoon was players wearing the new Nike team gear, which looked heavier than year’s past and more suitable for streetwear instead of clothes that would be comfortable to play basketball in.

Luka Doncic was decked out in the entire sweatsuit while taking a variety of jump shots.

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Flyers Game Preview vs. Lightning: Key Road Trip Gets Underway

Heading into their fourth game of the young 2026-27 season, the Philadelphia Flyers are in desperate need of getting back in the win column, and things aren't getting any easier for them with a road matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning at 7 p.m. Monday night at Benchmark International Arena.

The Flyers have put themselves in a tough position to start this campaign, barely looking like a hockey team while earning just two of a possible six points, both through overtime losses, against divisional opponents in Pittsburgh, New Jersey, and Carolina.

With their goals against Carolina, Owen Tippett and Matvei Michkov became the first two Flyers forwards to score a goal this season... in the third game.

Moral victories are hardly helpful, especially against division rivals, but it is something to build off of if nothing else.

Newcomer Joseph Woll has been nothing short of amazing in net for the Flyers, saving 78 of the first 84 shots (.929) he's faced wearing the Orange and Black, though he's 0-0-2 for his efforts after facing 40+ shots on goal in each of his first two starts for the club.

At some point, the Flyers will not be able to rely on goaltending to keep them in games, and what better time to start than the present?

Flyers lines (projected) vs. Lightning

Travis Konecny - Christian Dvorak - Matvei Michkov

Carl Grundstrom - Trevor Zegras - Owen Tippett

Tyson Foerster - Noah Cates - Porter Martone

Denver Barkey - Sean Couturier - Noel Acciari

Cam York - Travis Sanheim

Nick Seeler - Jamie Drysdale

Simon Benoit - David Jiricek

Dan Vladar (S), Joseph Woll

Rasmus Ristolainen is reportedly a game-time decision, and Denver Barkey was activated from injured reserve with Nikita Grebenkin going on injured reserve to make room for his return. Barkey figures to replace Alex Bump, who has played very little to start the year, in the lineup, at least for now.

Veteran Garrett Wilson is expected to serve as the undressed extra forward.

Lightning lines (projected) for Flyers game

Gage Goncalves - Brayden Point - Nikita Kucherov

Jake Guentzel - Anthony Cirelli - Brandon Hagel

Pontus Holmberg - Zemgus Girgensons - Ilya Mikheyev

Jeff Viel - Conor Geekie - Scott Sabourin

J.J. Moser - John Carlson

Victor Hedman - Erik Cernak

Ryan McDonagh - Max Crozier

Andrei Vasilevskiy (S), Dennis Hildeby

How to watch Flyers game vs. Lightning

Monday night's Flyers game against the Lightning will be broadcast on The Spot, NHL Network, and NBC Sports Philadelphia. 

Flyers player to watch

Starting goalie Dan Vladar is my Flyers player to watch tonight. Last year's breakout star is looking to shake off a season-opening 7-0 loss to Pittsburgh, and while that game wasn't his fault, Vladar now has competition from Woll for starts and ice time.

In his career, Vladar is 2-3-0 in five games against the Lightning with a 4.23 GAA and .851 save percentage.

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Crosby, Malkin React To Ovechkin Retirement News

Washington Capitals forward and longtime Pittsburgh Penguins nemesis Alex Ovechkin announced on Monday that the 2026-27 NHL season will be his last. 

Ovechkin has played in a lot of iconic games against the Penguins, both in the regular season and the playoffs, and has compiled 44 goals and 80 points in 83 regular season games against the Penguins. 

Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have played against Ovechkin throughout their careers and reacted to the news to the Pittsburgh media after the morning skate. 

"He's done everything," Malkin said. "He's played, what, 22 years? He understands the league really good. It's not easy; same like myself, maybe it's my last year too. I still love his game, but again, it's not easy to play every game every night. It's hard because he’s legend, fans love him. He’s done everything for team, for league. I hope he play good this year, no injury. He just stay healthy, score goals, and enjoy the game."

Crosby echoed those comments when he was asked about it.

"Definitely have had some great battles over the years, and obviously, when you get to our age, it's something you have to make decisions on, and for him, as long as he's happy and enjoying it, that's the biggest thing," Crosby said. 

The Penguins will play the Capitals four times this season, including this Wednesday in D.C. Ovechkin's final game in Pittsburgh will be on Mar. 13. 

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more! 

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Owner Christopher Ilitch responds to Detroit Red Wings fan outrage

Days after an opening night beset by booing and "Sell the team!" chants, Detroit Red Wings owner Christopher Ilitch responded via social media.

In a message posted on his LinkedIn page, Ilitch addressed the fan disenchantment with the franchise, made vocal on the evening of Friday, Oct. 2 – and then again, two days later – during games at Little Caesars Arena.

"I recognize fan frustrations," Ilitch wrote. "I get it and certainly feel the same. Like our city, the Red Wings have experienced incredible triumphs and faced difficult challenges but have always met them with grit and determination. 

"As the franchise begins its 101st season, I remain focused on building the championship-level organization that our Red Wings family and fans deserve."

PLAYERS REACT: 'No one is digging graves' as Detroit Red Wings start season 0-2

Ilitch began his missive with a nod to the franchise's history – it was in fall of 1926 a hockey club, then named the Cougars, arrived in Detroit. (They were eventually renamed the Red Wings after being purchased by James E. Norris in 1932.)

"Opening night in the NHL is always something special," Ilitch wrote. "And Friday night, as our Detroit Red Wings began a new season at Little Caesars Arena, Hockeytown showed up," Ilitch wrote. "A century of hockey, and more Stanley Cup wins than any other American NHL team, only happens with dedication and resilience. That Red Wings spirit is a constant through the seasons, from the coaches and players to the arena staff —like our incredible Ice Crew and broadcasters — and of course, generations of fans. I enjoyed visiting with many of them before the game to thank them for their part in our story and continuing it forward."

The "Sell the team!" chants come at a time of turmoil seen by the franchise since Ilitch's parents, Mike and Marian Ilitch, bought the club in 1982 from Bruce Norris (James' son), who had run it into the ground. Even during the pandemic years, when the Red Wings were showing the effects of having used first-round picks to stoke their 25-season playoff streak that lasted from 1991-2016, there was never this level of fan outrage.

It comes after a summer during which then-captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade, Steve Yzerman was ousted in mid-July as general manager, and the 2026-27 season began with restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson unsigned. (He has since indicated he would prefer, like Larkin, to be traded.)

The Red Wings next play at home against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday (7 p.m., Detroit SportsNet), as part of a season-opening stretch that features seven of their first eight games at LCA.

Contact Helene St. James at Hstjames@freepress.com.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Owner Christopher Ilitch responds to Detroit Red Wings fan outrage

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Grizzlies at Hawks, preseason: start time, TV, streaming, radio, game thread

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 14: (Editors Note: Tonal effects have been applied to this image) Kingston Flemings #4 of the Atlanta Hawks poses for a portrait during the 2026 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at UNLV on July 14, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Hawks and Grizzlies meet in the preseason debut of Kingston Flemings, Zuby Ejiofor, and others.

Please join in the comments below as you follow along.

Where, When, and How to Watch and Listen

Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA

Start Time: 7:00 PM EDT

TV: Peachtree TV (WPCH)

Radio: Sports Radio 92.9 the Game (WZGC-FM)

Streaming: N/A

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Game Thread: Welcome to the preseason!

PHOENIX, AZ - JANUARY 29: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons and Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns boxes out during the game on January 29, 2026 at PHX Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

If you don’t have the SB Nation app, it comes in real handy for Game Threads. Just sayin’!