Montreal Canadiens coach Martin St-Louis surprised many by giving Jakub Dobes the nod ahead of the game against the San Jose Sharks. Most thought that he would run the hot hand Jacob Fowler until he lost a game, but the bench boss didn’t want his goalie to be inactive for too long; the team wants them to have a certain rhythm, and that’s what led to Dobes getting another chance after a 5-4 loss to the Washington Capitals the week before. Unlike in Washington, though, Dobes did well Tuesday night.
It wasn’t perfect; you could tell he was nervous. There were shots glove side that he normally would have caught and froze, but the early jitters prevented him from doing so. Still, when that happened, his defense was there to clean the front of the net. The glove hand improved as the game went on and he gained in confidence. His positioning was much better, too, and he didn’t look like he was breakdancing in his crease, meaning he was much more in control than he has been lately.
His puck tracking was good, too, and he stayed square to the shots, which let him make a few saves through traffic even though he didn’t see the vulcanized piece of rubber. Overall, it was a good outing for Dobes. The first goal he allowed came from a Jake Evans turnover; granted, his stick was tapped as he tried to make a pass, but he had a safer option than throwing the puck toward the middle just inside the blueline. As luck would have it, Macklin Celebrini collected the errant pass and came at Dobes with speed, and there wasn’t much he could do against one of the league's best players coming in alone.
The Sharks scored their second goal on a perfectly executed two-on-one after they picked Lane Hutson’s pocket. Dobes was playing the shooter, expecting Kiefer Sherwood to shoot, but because Noah Dobson didn’t close the passing lane, he found Michael Misa for an easy goal. The defenseman isn't exactly off to a great start this season. Through nine games, he has two assists and is minus-4.
The third marker came on the power play after Xhekaj was baited into taking an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Celebrini fed Tyler Toffoli in the high slot for a one-timer; no one pressured the Sharks winger as he wound up and beat Dobes clean.
However, Dobes can be blamed for the fourth and final goal, as he took an awful penalty in overtime, inexplicably leaving his crease to get in Collin Graff’s way while the Canadiens had the puck in their own zone. Those calls aren't always made, but you can’t risk them being made, as St-Louis keeps repeating: you can’t give the ref the opportunity to call a penalty. Celebrini scored his second of the game off a one-timer from the faceoff circle on Dobes’ left. Four-on-three power plays are hard to defend and often a death sentence in overtime, as they were on Tuesday night.
Jakub Dobes gets called for interference in OT... the Sharks head to the power-play. pic.twitter.com/f9F5TkbUv6
Dobes surrendered four goals on 30 shots for an .867 save percentage, and had he not taken his inexplicable interference penalty in overtime, the result could have been different. Had the Habs won, this could have been a building block toward rebuilding Dobes’ confidence, but that possibility went out the window when he handed the Sharks the win on a golden platter. The press wasn’t told why Dobes was unavailable to meet the media despite being requested, but it could mean he was too rattled to face the music.
At this stage, it seems a given that Jacob Fowler will be back in net on Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks, and if he puts on a great performance, it wouldn’t be surprising if he also gets the net for the Heritage Classic against the Winnipeg Jets.
Aday Mara needed just one game to suddenly make the Thunder seem much better suited to handle Victor Wembanyama this season.
The Thunder’s 7-foot-3 rookie had a strong debut Tuesday and helped Oklahoma City hold the Spurs’ phenom to a career-worst shooting night in a 116-104 road win in a Western Conference finals rematch.
Mara scored seven points while adding two rebounds and one block in 12 minutes, including a pivotal third-quarter sequence where he blocked Wembanyama and then scored on the other end.
“He was awesome,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “Great poise, great impact. He had probably one of the stretches of the game — it’s a critical thing there when he blocked the shot and went down and finished the other end. He didn’t seem overwhelmed by the atmosphere of the game.
“I’m not really surprised by how he’s performed in preseason. I think he’s proven to be a very impactful player. His minutes weren’t high tonight but his impact was. Clearly, somebody we trust, put him in that game and we’re only going to trust him more after seeing how he performed in a high-level game.”
The Thunder and Spurs are both stocked with talent and seem destined to clash in the playoffs for years to come, meaning they both can build rosters with the other team in mind.
In last year’s conference finals, Wembanyama had his way against Oklahoma City to the tune of 27.3 points per game, 10.9 rebounds per contest and 2.7 blocks per game to eliminate the reigning champions.
Oklahoma City’s big-man duo of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein proved helpless in the series, with Holmgren particularly being ineffective.
The Thunder responded by using the No. 12 pick in the draft to select Mara out of Michigan after he helped the Wolverines win the national title.
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Aday Mara (15) blocks the shot of San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama (1) during an NBA basketball game on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. NBAE via Getty Images
Adding the 262-pounder suddenly gave Oklahoma City another weapon to throw at Wembanayama, and he provided encouraging results Tuesday.
His highlight sequence came in the third quarter with Oklahoma City leading 82-70 when Mara blocked Wembanyama while he attempted to score on an alley-oop.
Moments later, Mara scored on an alley-oop.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder center Aday Mara during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, in San Antonio. AP Photo/FR115 AP
Mara told a Spanish outlet that he received a game ball for his efforts.
“I’m happy it’s official now,” he told CARTV, as reported by eurohoops.net. “I felt good playing, and I felt like I helped the team, so I’m happy.”
The trio of Mara, Holmgren and Hartenstein ultimately held Wembanyama to 13 points on 1 of 12 shooting to allow the Thunder to exact revenge for last year’s playoffs exit.
Aday Mara (15) of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket during a game against the San Antonio Spurs at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
“There’s always a variance to it,” Daigneault said of slowing down Wembanyama. “I thought he missed shots that he can normally make from the floor. I thought Chet did a great job on him. I thought Mara did a great job on him the possessions he had tonight.
“I thought we collectively had the right amount of response to him.”
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 13: Walker Kessler #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers listens to the national anthem on October 13, 2026 at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Between a maddening lack of available bodies and a shortened preseason — and a questionable approach to it — the Los Angeles Lakers aren’t exactly entering the new year with the amount of reps and on-court chemistry most expected or wanted.
The new trio of Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler logged just one half together over the course of five unofficial games. Reaves entered training camp with a tweaked right ankle and Kessler suffered a jammed finger before games started. The lack of real reps as a squad is less than ideal for a team looking to hit the ground running, but the Lakers’ early-season schedule may end up working in their favor.
Their first ten games consist of the Warriors, Clippers and Trail Blazers twice each and matchups against the Jazz, Raptors, Heat and Kings. Although the league is much more competitive than it was even last season, the Lakers are projected to be better than every Western Conference team on this slate.
“I believe, as we are right now, we’re good enough to win a lot of games,” Reaves said after practice on Tuesday. “But I don’t think that we’re as good as we can be. I think that with the reps and the in-game competition and going through adversity will only build us to be better in the long haul. Trying to compete and win games early, especially while we’re still building that, everybody’s going to have to have a winning mentality.”
Asked Austin Reaves how the Lakers can remain competitive early in the season despite not getting a ton of reps together in the preseason.
Role players like Ziaire Williams, Adou Thiero, Collin Sexton and Cameron Carr wound up missing some, if not all, of the preseason games. Thiero (left knee effusion) and Carr (right oblique strain) are officially out for the season-opener against the Warriors, while Sexton (right soleus strain) is questionable.
Health will always be a concern over the course of an 82-game season, but with the opportunity to get out ahead in the wins column, how are the Lakers going to balance ramping up their connectivity and remaining competitive enough to win games?
“That’s what it is, it is a balance,” JJ Redick said. “Because, again, you have to keep the perspective of the whole. But these guys know, we had a conversation the other day, every time we step on the floor the expectation is [that] you’re going to compete to win and you’re going to try and win a basketball game and you’re going to do it to our standards.
“The guys understand that. So, I don’t think that’s a difficult balance to find.”
Los Angeles enters the season with the 18th-toughest schedule in the NBA, a ranking that is only going to rise as the season winds on. That generous start, then, could help the Lakers make up for what they missed in the preseason.
Whatever tiny amount of doubt there might have been about Brian Cashman coming back can now be squashed.
The Yankees general manager has agreed to a new contract to remain in his post, he revealed on Wednesday, with next year marking Cashman’s 30th year on the job as the franchise hopes the continuity in leadership will finally lead to its 28th World Series championship.
“We just have to bang out some minor stuff at the back end of it, but yeah, we’re locked and loaded,” Cashman said during a joint Zoom press conference with Hal Steinbrenner from Tampa.
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner (l.) and general manager Brian Cashman (r.) during a press conference on Oct. 21, 2026. X/SNYYankees
Cashman’s job status was not in as much question as Aaron Boone’s, but the manager will also be coming back next year for his 10th season, which is the last on his current contract. Steinbrenner defended the job that both of them did this season despite a similar ending, with the Yankees getting swept by the Rays in the ALDS.
Cashman, 59, has built a winning team every year of his tenure, but the Yankees have not won the ultimate prize since 2009. Another early October exit this season had much of the fanbase up in arms about the club’s leadership, but Steinbrenner has instead opted for stability instead of any kind of housecleaning.
Now, Cashman will once again be tasked with finding the right formula in roster building, which will look a little different this offseason with a lockout looming, during which all player transactions (involving the 40-man roster) will be frozen.
The Yankees have a strong core of players to build around, especially a deep rotation led by soon-to-be AL Cy Young winner Cam Schlittler. But they also have holes in their lineup, one that largely cratered without Aaron Judge, who missed over half of the season with a broken rib and then the playoffs with a calf strain and will play next year at the age of 35.
Cashman will also face some difficult decisions including what to do with veteran DH Giancarlo Stanton (whom the Yankees owe $15 million next season in the final year of his contract) and third baseman Ryan McMahon ($16 million).
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 16: Head Coach Thom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks watches his team play against the Chicago Bulls on December 16, 2022 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. New York defeated Chicago 114-91. 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 Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As Kenny Atkinson and the Cleveland Cavaliers gear up for arguably their most consequential season of this era, they are soliciting any and all advice. Former NBA head coach Thom Thibodeau attended the Cavs’ practice on Tuesday, according to Atkinson, to gather his feedback. There has not been any indication that the Cavs have hired Thibodeau in any capacity.
“We’re a continuous learning organization, seeing who can we learn from,” Atkinson said after practice. “I’ll ask for his feedback, what he thought of practice.”
Kenny on Thibs visit:
"We're a continuous learning organization, who can we learn from. … I'll ask his feedback what he thought of practice. … I pretty much feel comfortable with anybody in our coaching circle just to invite or go visit them. … It's great to get feedback." https://t.co/gphOb1GWeypic.twitter.com/N6tiD7yjJS
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can buy the comfortable Cavs hoodie HERE. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE.
Thibodeau, 68, did not coach in the NBA last year after being fired by the New York Knicks. Prior to that, he spent five seasons with the Chicago Bulls (2010-2015) and another three years with the Minnesota Timberwolves (2016-2019).
Atkinson said he “pretty much feels comfortable” with anybody in the coaching circle visiting or going to visit them. While the exact reason for Thibodeau’s visit was not explained, it is not uncommon for teams to ask for information from former coaches — or even bring them on board. The Cavs also hired former Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings head coach Dave Joerger as a consultant in 2023-24, before being whisked away to join Doc Rivers in Milwaukee.
In his time as both an assistant and head coach, Thibodeau gained a reputation for building elite defenses. In his first four seasons with Chicago, the Bulls posted a top-six defensive rating. The Knicks teams he coached also consistently finished in the upper tiers of most defensive metrics, despite not having a traditional anchor center. The Cavs, after losing their edge on that end last season, are looking to get back to being a top defense.
Like those Bulls teams that had Joakim Noah at center, the Cavs have a traditional big in Jarrett Allen. And, again, like the Chicago teams of that era, the Cavs do not have a strong defensive backcourt. Atkinson, mostly known for his offensive scheming, very well could be looking to Thibodeau for tips on upgrading the defensive game plan. Thibodeau ran a heavy help defense with aggressive pick-and-roll coverage, a real “hair-on-fire” mentality that relies on disciplined rotations and strong closeouts. The Cavs, many times last season, were one or two steps late on rotations and looked slack in getting back on defense after a miss. With an upgraded Eastern Conference, the Cavs must be better on defense if they not only want to advance to the NBA Finals, but just get back to the Conference Championship as well.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates with Tyrese Maxey #0 after scoring a basket to end the third quarter of the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2026 in New York City. 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 Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There was plenty of digital ink spilled breaking down the new-look Sixers this summer.
On Tuesday night, the time for words was over as we got our first look at LeBron James, Jaylen Brown and the 2026-27 Sixers — and the early returns were impressive. They spoiled banner night at MSG, taking down the defending champion New York Knicks 106-100.
There are things to iron out, but we’ll focus more on the positives from a gritty opening night win.
Defense wins …
The biggest question surrounding this iteration of the Sixers is how things would work defensively. It’s just one game, but if it’s any indication, pretty damn good.
There were unsurprising aspects, like VJ Edgecombe and Jaylen Brown doing a terrific job on Jalen Brunson. The reigning Finals MVP scored 21 points but needed 19 shots to get there. Though he might not be the elite defender he was in his prime, the 41-year-old James showed off his elite basketball IQ and physicality, spending a lot of time defending Karl-Anthony Towns.
The biggest surprises on that end might’ve been the two longest-tenured Sixers.
Tyrese Maxey was the best player on the floor and not just because of his game-high 28 points. Maxey posted three steals and three blocks. Opponents routinely picked on Maxey throughout the early stages of his career. We’re at a point now where teams will pay the price for doing so. When he was drafted by the Sixers, Maxey said Jrue Holiday was one of his favorite players because of his two-way ability. As Maxey has gotten bigger, stronger and smarter, he’s been way more impactful on that end.
But there was no bigger pleasant surprise than the way Joel Embiid moved defensively. Brunson relentlessly picked on Embiid last year in the playoffs. Embiid was much more spry, varying the looks like he showed Brunson in the pick-and-roll, even hanging tough on a couple switches. In the second half, the Sixers put James on KAT and Embiid on Josh Hart. That type of strategy wasn’t physically possible for Embiid the last couple seasons.
In his prime, Embiid was a Defensive Player of the Year finalist and one of the best rim protectors in the sport. This was the first time in at least two years where he looked like that guy.
Knicks are 12-31 in the paint with Joel on the floor tonight. Had a couple of big blocks on Drummond.
It’s just one game (and it’s fair to be skeptical of Embiid keeping this up over the long haul), but what a tremendous effort on the defensive end.
Mad Maxey
I’ve been saying all offseason I believed Maxey would be this team’s leading scorer. On opening night, he scored 28 and was the only Sixer to score 20-plus. Now, matchups will dictate things on many nights, but Maxey being able to blend his elite off-ball scoring with the on-ball experience he’s gotten over the past two seasons is going to make him lethal.
Maxey scored the first two baskets of the game on a pair of threes — one off an Embiid screen and the other off the dribble in transition after a steal. This team talked all summer about wanting to get out in transition. Maxey led that charge in a big way. His speed paired with his shooting ability make him nearly impossible to guard, especially with the gravity of guys like Embiid, James and Brown.
As mentioned, what stood out even more was Maxey’s work on the defensive end. I’d argue this was the best two-way performance of Maxey’s career. Hell of a night.
Anfernee and KCP for three
It was an abysmal shooting night for both teams. Along with defense, three-point shooting was looked at as a possible sore spot for this loaded roster. That’s likely why Mike Gansey signed Anfernee Simons early in free agency, a move that showed dividends on opening night.
Simons showed off his microwave scoring ability in the first half with a slick finish off a drive and a midrange pull-up off a screen. In the second half, Simons helped the Sixers flip the game, nailing three threes in the third quarter. He has such a quick release and flawless form. I also love the way Nurse used him coming off screens like a true movement shooter — something Nurse didn’t really do for Jared McCain. Credit to Nurse and credit to Simons for being ready when his number was called, despite missing the entire preseason.
Most of the game was a mixed bag for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, but like Simons, the veteran wing hit big shots. A pair of KCP threes in the fourth quarter helped the Sixers stay on top. It’s nice for the Sixers to have a stabilizing player. Nobody expects KCP to go off for 30, but he’s going to be where he’s supposed to be and will (hopefully) make open shots.
The Sixers’ bench was a glaring weakness last season. This type of production from Simons and KCP (and hopefully Dean Wade when he’s healthy) could make a huge difference in the postseason.
Offensive rebounds an issue (evergreen)
You had to just laugh as Andre Drummond took it to his former team in the first half. With Towns in foul trouble, Drummond gave the Knicks great early minutes with 10 points and 12 rebounds, including six offensive boards. New York had eight as a team in the first half.
The Sixers did a better job in the second half. The Knicks had six offensive boards, but they also missed a ton of shots and one of those rebounds was on the final possession with the game already decided.
Rebounding has been an issue for Embiid the past couple years, but he had 11 in a solid effort on the glass. James and Brown are also great rebounders for their positions. James pulled down nine boards while Brown had eight. It’s going to be a group effort.
And the backup center will need to be better there.
Backup center an issue (super duper evergreen)
Speaking of, it was not a banner night for Adem Bona. I won’t crush him here because he did miss basically all of training camp and didn’t play at all in the preseason. It’s a hell of an ask to have him out there guarding KAT and battling Drum on the boards. With that said, the Sixers are going to need way more from the third-year big man.
Jabari Walker got a quick look, but this probably wasn’t the best matchup for him against two legitimately big centers. Nurse even briefly used LeBron at the five when Embiid picked up his third foul late in the first half.
Embiid was a +13. Bona was a -1 and Walker was a -6. As the great poet once said, same as it ever was.
I know a lot of people think the Sixers should simply try to get to December when they can sign a veteran to a standard deal. A couple more outings like this could test that. This is an all-in team. Gansey can’t mess around for too long.
It won’t get much easier for Bona and Walker — they go up against Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen when the Sixers host the Cleveland Cavaliers in the home opener Thursday.
Bonus fun fact
Jaylen Brown was a game-high +17.
Take that, nerds.
(In all seriousness, Brown was awesome in his Sixers debut. He looked like a two-way stud.)
Seven wins into the season, it's gotten pretty easy to see how light this team is, emotionally that is, compared to recent seasons.
The Edmonton Oilers improved to 7-1-1 with a 4-3 overtime win against the Minnesota Wild, while Evan Bouchard scored the winner on his 27th birthday. Devon Levi was among the first to praise his teammate afterward, having made several important saves himself to get the Oilers into overtime.
“He can sling that thing,” Levi said. “A super special player. I'm so happy for him that he got the overtime winner on his birthday.”
The Oilers have been playing solid defensive hockey under Mike Babcock, their goaltending has improved, and Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are producing at a ridiculous rate. They've also been getting contributions from the rest of the lineup, which has allowed them to win games even when their top players aren't having good nights at even strength.
Tuesday was one of those games. Minnesota's top line of Kirill Kaprizov, Joel Eriksson Ek, and, Matt Boldy scored twice at even strength, while the team. itself was all over McDavid's line.
“Every once in a while, you need to get fed your lunch,” Babcock said. “And when that happens to you, you say, ‘What are we going to do to fix it?’”
Babcock has been clear about what he expects from his team, especially on defence, puck protection, and winning battles. The Oilers have responded well to those expectations, and there's some evidence that the accountability they've been talking about is producing results.
“When you play a good team that's organized, there's no room,” Babcock said. “And if you don't look after the puck, if you don't play right, you get frustrated. The great thing about the real good players that have done a lot of winning is, they don't get frustrated. They just keep coming and keep coming, and they know it's a patient game.”
Edmonton certainly had opportunities to get frustrated against Minnesota, however, the Oilers scored three times on the power play, and Draisaitl recording two goals before Bouchard ended the game in overtime. McDavid finished with three assists, becoming the fastest player in NHL history to reach 20 assists in a season.
He now has 26 points through nine games, which is an absurd amount of production even by McDavid's standards.
“Any type of shot that he gets off is extremely dangerous,” Draisaitl said of Bouchard. “Accurate, hard, whatever it is. You name it, he's got it. He's pretty elite.”
By other standards, Levi's has the best start of his NHL career here in Edmonton.
The 24-year-old was traded from Buffalo after getting buried so deep in the Sabres depth chart that everyone forgot he was there. Originally, he was expected to sit behind Frederik Andersen and Tristan Jarry in Edmonton, but now he's getting most of the starts, and he's clearly earned them.
“I'm super grateful to be here,” Levi said. “This city is unbelievable, a true hockey city. I care a lot about these fans, they have welcomed me with open arms and the team here as well. I feel at home. I'm just super grateful for the way that everything kind of unfolded and I'm having a lot of fun every day.”
It's a refreshing attitude from a young goaltender who's finally getting a real chance to compete for a spot in the NHL.
He seems excited to show up to the rink, appreciates the opportunity he's been given, and has been playing up to the expectations placed on him.
The Oilers have been winning games in different ways, and Babcock's defensive system has been a significant part of that. The Oilers know when their offence needs to carry them, when their goaltenders need to make important saves, and when the team can comfortably protect a lead.
There has to be some additional motivation to make sure the same problems that followed the team last season don't continue.
Babcock has brought a different approach to Edmonton, one that the players seem willing to hold themselves accountable for when their performances aren't good enough.
Everybody knows winning cures all, and with seven victories in nine games, it's understandable why the mood around the dressing room has been so positive.
Still, there's something nice about hearing Levi talk about how grateful he is to be here, or watching him get excited about Bouchard scoring an overtime winner on his birthday.
The Oilers have been playing good hockey, they're getting results from the changes Babcock has introduced, and the players are happy for one another.
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So much so that before Kobe Bryant attended a Lakers game as a fan in 2019 alongside his daughter, Gianna, he learned some Slovenian so he could trash-talk the then-Mavericks’ superstar from his courtside seat.
“We can say that it was meant to be,” Dončić told the California Post in an exclusive interview.
Dončić has consistently mesmerized anyone who has watched him play, even a five-time champion with the Lakers who showed his admiration with attempted subterfuge.
None of this is lost on Dončić. In fact, if there’s one thing that’s nearly as important to him as winning his first NBA championship, it’s inspiring anyone who watches him play, something that has long come naturally to him.
Dončić had a cult following when he became the youngest player in EuroLeague history to win the MVP Award at age 19 en route to leading Real Madrid to a championship.
While playing for the Mavericks, he was so beloved that his fans were likened to “Swifties,” the nickname for Taylor Swift’s passionate fanbase. When Dončić was stunningly traded to the Lakers in February 2025, Mavericks fans were so devastated that they protested outside American Airlines Center, canceled season tickets, chanted for then-Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison to be fired (he was nine months later), and even famously brought a casket to the arena to mourn their superstar’s departure.
Now Dončić is in Los Angeles, a city with 12 professional sports teams and Hollywood.
He’s a different type of superstar than the Lakers have ever had: He’s European, he’s a team-first player and he’s shy. So, he’s the opposite of other fan favorites, such as Magic Johnson or Bryant.
The big question?
Can Dončić win over LA?
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) warms up before a game against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
It’s something LeBron James struggled with despite playing eight seasons for the Lakers and leading the franchise to its first championship in 10 years in 2020 before he left for the 76ers in free agency in July.
Austin Reaves believes things will play out differently for Dončić.
“I think with the Bron situation it was a little different just because Bron and Kobe were battling for the best player in the NBA for multiple years, so Lakers fans at the time probably hated LeBron,” Reaves told the California Post. “Not that they didn’t accept him when he was here, but they still probably had the ‘Kobe is better’ type of mentality. But they don’t have that with Luka. He was kind of after Kobe. They don’t have a reason not to embrace him like a Kobe or someone else who was a Laker legend.”
Dončić is doing his part to endear himself to Laker fans.
Last season, he led the league in scoring (33.5 points), was third in assists (8.3) and finished fourth in MVP voting.
And off the court, he has poured himself into contributing to the LA community. That includes committing $500,000 to fire recovery efforts through the Luka Dončić Foundation in February 2025, partnering with Jordan Brand to pay for Lakers fans’ parking near Crypto.com Arena before his first home game against the Mavericks, paying for the entire cost of restoring a vandalized mural of Kobe and Gianna in downtown in April 2025 and donating $5 million to 77 young athletes around the world after signing a three-year, $165 million extension with the Lakers in August 2025.
Ahead of the Lakers’ season opener against the Warriors on Wednesday, Dončić is funding free Metro Bike Share rides for 30 minutes. He also took out a full-page ad in the LA Times in which he promised fans the Lakers will give everything they have this year.
“I think it’s just very important to me to do a lot of connection with the fans,” Dončić told the California Post. “Before every game at home, I sign things and I take pictures. When we go on the road, I take pictures. I think for me, it’s giving back to the fans the way they supported me. The way they care for me. It’s very important to give back to them.”
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers signs memorabilia for a fan against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles. NBAE via Getty Images
In many ways, the Lakers struck gold with Dončić.
Not only do they have someone who’s an impossible-to-solve puzzle for defenders with his constant changing of pace, but they have a player who’s deeply loyal.
Dončić wanted to spend his entire career in Dallas, an increasingly rare sentiment for superstars who are quick to jump franchises while chasing championships. When Dončić was dealt to the Lakers, he threw his phone across the room. He felt hurt. Shocked. Betrayed.
But over the last season and a half, a dramatic shift has occurred.
“After that, at training camp last year, I felt I was where I belonged,” Dončić told the California Post. “I feel very good in LA. I’m very excited. Very happy. Obviously it’s a beautiful place to live. But just being with the Lakers organization, being a part of it, it’s such an honor. It’s amazing to be here.”
Dončić has embraced the whiplash-inducing change he never envisioned.
When asked if he wants to retire as a Laker, he didn’t hesitate.
“Hopefully, yeah,” Dončić told the California Post. “But as you know in this NBA business, you never know what’s going to happen. But I feel like I’ve found something here that’s very comfortable for me. And hopefully [that happens].”
His buy-in was obvious last spring when he had a stunning stretch in March, averaging 37.5 points, 8 rebounds and 7.4 assists while carrying the Lakers to a 15-2 record. And it was undeniable over the summer when he paid for his teammates to fly to Slovenia where he hosted a four-day mini camp so they could build chemistry and get to know the real him.
Luka Doncic (77) of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
“He didn’t choose this,” Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean told the California Post of Dončić getting traded to Los Angeles. “But he’s embracing it. And I think when he looks back on his career, this opportunity is going to be one of the best things that ever happened to him, becoming a Laker.”
Dončić’s popularity boomed overnight when he was dealt to the Lakers. It became one of the biggest national stories at the time — and not just in sports.
Several companies took advantage of the moment, including Dallas-based Southwest Airlines, which wrote on Instagram, “It’s not like we traded Luka,” in response to the backlash it was receiving for ending its free checked bag policy.
Dončić was front and center. He was a buzzword. And he was also the clear No. 1 priority in a locker room he was sharing with James, who’s arguably the greatest player of all-time.
It was a lot.
Especially for someone like Dončić, who prefers hardwood floors over red carpets and sunlight over spotlights. When asked what he wants fans to most know about him, he flashed a shy smile.
“I’m a very simple guy, probably just stay home mostly,” Dončić told the California Post. “I’m just a chill guy, a simple guy.”
He’s not outspoken. He’s not the type of player who advocates for himself. He’s not statuesque. He’s not LA. But ironically, that’s why LA is falling in love with him.
“He’s not the fastest or can’t jump the highest, so people can see themselves in him,” said Michael Morales, a 42-year-old longtime Lakers fan. “And that makes it exciting to watch him score 50 points on the huge guys out there.”
Dončić lets his play do the talking.
Last March, he became the first player to average 40 points over six road games since Michael Jordan in 1986. Yet he fell in NBA.com’s MVP rankings at the time from No. 2 to No. 4. Still, he declined to advocate for himself, saying, “I never did that, so I’m not going to.”
That doesn’t mean he doesn’t deeply want to win an MVP award, especially as the face of one of the most globally celebrated franchises in sports.
“It would definitely mean a lot,” Dončić told the California Post. “Obviously a championship, that’s what you play for every game. That’s what you train for everyday. But obviously it would be nice to win the MVP also. Not everybody can say they have an MVP, so obviously that would be nice.
“But that comes with the team first. If you don’t play good, you’re never going to win championships or MVP. So, we’ve got to play good. I’m very excited to go to war with these people. I think we had a great training camp and we’re ready to go.”
Doncic’s fans have come to appreciate his understated nature as part of his charm. On the court, he’s a trash-talking, offensive wizard. Off it, he’s a quiet guy who loves his friends, family and golf.
Reaves believes it’s inevitable that Doncic will win over Los Angeles as deeply as he won over Dallas.
“He’s going to be here for another 10 years or so, for however long he wants to play,” Reaves told the California Post. “I think just with more time and seeing his brilliance on the court every single night, I think people have no choice but to love what he does and how he does it.”
But there’s no denying that Doncic isn’t the typical superstar Laker fans have idolized.
So, how is somebody like that supposed to win over a fanbase accustomed to charismatic superstars who love cameras as much as A-list actors?
It’s a hard question to answer.
But then again, Doncic got the stamp of approval from Bryant, one of the all-time Laker favorites who was known to be very stingy with his respect.
It’s something Doncic often thinks about as he dons a purple and gold jersey.
“I was playing and he talked to me, it was actually insane,” Dončić told the California Post. “I was a little bit starstruck to get that respect from the guy that Kobe was which was unbelievable to me.”
It’s something that left a deep impression on Doncic.
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 7: James Worthy takes a photo before the Oklahoma City Thunder game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 7, 2023 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Almost two months ago, we announced the release of our new app, which you can find here or by searching SB Nation in your neighborhood app store. The app is available in North America, and we’re working on Europe and the rest of the world as we speak!
Quite a few of you have downloaded it over the past seven weeks and have been using it, but because we were at the quietest part of the NBA offseason, it’s also entirely possible a few of you missed it!
The goal with this app was to make it easier to join the community, and specifically comment, read the comments, and make your own posts, as well as keeping all the community posts – articles on the front page, Feed posts from you – front and center.
One of the most exciting new features is the game chat, which some of you may have already test-driven during the preseason. It makes it easier to follow along with the barrage of comments that come during games, and gets to the heart of why so many of you spend time in our community. Faster loading comments and notifications when someone replies to your comments and Feed posts are creating a more fun experience that you’re not going to find anywhere else.
We also wanted to elevate the community’s contributions by putting your Feed posts inside one stream alongside all the other articles from the site. To that end, more people have seen your posts and more people have commented on them. In fact, we’ve set single-day commenting records three different times in the last several weeks.
And if you prefer just reading our traditional front page articles, there’s an option at the top to do that.
So, thanks for making us part of your routine. If you haven’t checked it out, you can get the app for iOS or Android. And if you’re not an app user, that’s OK! We’re glad to have you following along in whatever way makes you most comfortable.
NBA fans, game day is better on the SB Nation app!
React to every crossover, alley-oop, and block alongside fellow basketball fans in real time.
NEW YORK, NY - CIRCA 1953: Whitey Ford of the New York Yankees poses with a ball in 1953 In Yankee Stadium in New York City. (Photo Reproduction by Transcendental Graphics/Getty Images) | Getty Images
While the Yankees may be known for its prolific sluggers than for its hurlers, the organization does have a strong tradition of left-handed aces: CC Sabathia and Lefty Gomez have been enshrined in Cooperstown, and Andy Pettitte and Ron Guidry in Monument Park. In each of the past two seasons, a different southpaw took the ball on Opening Day — Max Fried this year, Carlos Rodón last year — a testament to the enduring legacy of the lefty starter in the Bronx.
Even among this great history, though, one pitcher stands alone: the “Chairman of the Board” himself, Whitey Ford, who came in at No. 8 in our Top 100 Yankees list two years ago — the highest among starters, and second among pitchers only to Mariano Rivera.
Edward Charles “Whitey” Ford Born: October 21, 1928 (Manhattan, NY) Died: October 8, 2020 (Lake Success, NY) Yankees Tenure: 1950, 1953-67 (player); 1964, 1968, 1974-75 (coach)
Born in Manhattan and raised in Astoria, Ford came to the attention of the Yankees at an open tryout in 1947. A first baseman for the Manhattan School of Aviation Trades high school team, the Yankees scouts instead saw potential in his left arm, taught him a curveball, and watched him dominate the Queens-Nassau semipro league. After the Red Sox offered him $1,000 to sign, his hometown team offered him an initial $5500, upped their offer to $7000, and got him to sign the dotted line just like that.
After two years in the minors, during which time the man called Eddie’s blonde hair earned him the nickname “Whitey” from manager Lefty Gomez, Ford got the call to the Bronx halfway through the 1950 season. His first appearance, working out of the bullpen, was an absolute disaster, as he surrendered 5 runs on 7 hits and 6 walks in 4.2 innings. As it turned out, though, Ford was tipping his pitches, and after some work with the pitching coach, he settled in as a starter/multi-inning reliever: across his final 19 appearances, he posted a 2.52 ERA in 107.1 innings, earning him some down-ballot MVP votes and making him the runner-up in the Rookie of the Year vote. He made his postseason debut that October, throwing 8.2 innings to help the Yankees clinch a sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies.
The outbreak of the Korean War put Ford’s career on pause, as the young man was drafted into the Army. While he did engage in some real military work — he fell off a telephone pole not once, but twice, while working for the Signal Corps — much of his time was spent playing for the Fort Monmouth Signaleers baseball club. Although I’m sure the Yankees balked at his extensive usage, as he pitched four or five times a week, the arrangement was conducive for Ford: he was close enough to home to throw out the ceremonial first pitch in his Army uniform in 1951, and to marry his high school sweetheart, Joan, while on leave in New York.
Following his return from military service, Ford slotted back into the rotation, as the team’s fourth starter behind Allie Reynolds, Vic Raschi, and Eddie Lopat — already a fairly dominant rotation. Soon, however, it became clear that the real ace of the staff was the young southpaw. Manager Casey Stengel realized it and was often selective in how he used Ford, as he would skip a start here and there so that “Slick” was almost always starting against the American League’s toughest foes. Ford himself chafed at this, as he would’ve preferred to just have a consistent spot, which he wouldn’t get until Ralph Houk took over for Stengel in 1961 — perhaps not coincidentally the same year he won his first and only* Cy Young Award with a career-high 283 innings and 39 starts.
*Ford could have won more Cys, but the honor was first awarded in 1956 and it was an overall MLB honor until 1967, when the AL and NL began issuing separate Cys.
For a span of 13 years from 1953 through 1965, Ford was one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball. The numbers are, themselves, impressive: in this span, he posted a 2.77 ERA (a 131 ERA+), averaged 17.2 wins and 11.3 complete games per season; the accolades, even more so — eight All-Star appearances, the aforementioned 1961 Cy, 10 AL pennants, and five more championship rings. He won the 1961 World Series MVP against Cincinnati as well, as this was the Fall Classic that saw him break Babe Ruth’s then-record with 33.2 consecutive scoreless innings in World Series play.
But these don’t stats don’t do Ford’s performance justice. His left arm, consistent in its performance even as it battled injuries as his career progressed, served as one of the anchors of more than a decade of Yankees dominance — an anchor often overshadowed by other events on the team (e.g., the Maris/Mantle race for 61 in ‘61) and by other pitchers throughout the league (e.g., Sandy Koufax), but an anchor without which the dynasties of the 1950s and 1960s do not occur nonetheless.
By 1965, years of injuries — he had been dealing with circulatory problems in his left arm since his Cy Young season — had finally begun to truly take their toll, and he was scuffing the ball more and more while combining for only 177 innings between 1966 and ‘67. He retired at the end of May 1967, at 38 years of age. Seven years later, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame alongside his longtime pal Mantle.
While he stopped pitching, he never truly stepped away from the game: he had multiple coaching stints, saw his No. 16 retired on August 3, 1974, received a plaque in Monument Park in 1987, and was honored on the 50th anniversary of his original signing in August 2000. A local and familiar face at Yankees Old-Timers’ Day and spring training, Ford was also no stranger to ceremonial first pitches on Opening Day or in the postseason.
The last surviving key member of the mid-century dynasty, Ford passed away on October 8, 2020, watching Yankees southpaw Jordan Montgomery lead the Yanks past the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 4 of the ALDS — a fitting activity for one of the all-time greats. Today would be his 98th birthday, and we wish Whitey’s family well!
Apr 1, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Garrett Mitchell (5) slides in safely ahead of the tag by Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Ben Williamson (15) in the third inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Entering this season, only five teams had never won a World Series: the Milwaukee Brewers, Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays, and Colorado Rockies. The Brewers already had to go through one of those teams to get to this point, defeating the Padres in four games in the NLDS. They then took out the Dodgers, who were going for a third consecutive World Series title. Now, they have to take out one more team to finish the job, and it’s another team that has never won a title before — the Rays.
Earlier today, Harrison looked at the current connections between these two teams. However, these two teams have been connected since the Rays were founded in 1998. They have had similar struggles, but also similar success. Over the past 28 years, these two teams have been building up to this moment, working through those struggles and that success to get here.
The connection between these two teams starts all the way back in 1995, when MLB was in the process of expanding from 28 teams to 30. They awarded expansion franchises to two cities — Phoenix and Tampa Bay. One was placed in each league, bringing each up to 15 teams starting in 1998. However, that caused a problem since interleague play was not part of the schedule yet. If they left it as is, one team in each league would be forced to be idle every day. Their solution was to move one team from the American League to the National League, and the Milwaukee Brewers were chosen to move. Instead of the Brewers and Rays both playing in the AL, they ended up in different leagues.
These two teams then saw their first modern success in the same season. In 2008, the Brewers ended a 26-year postseason drought when they clinched the NL Wild Card spot (only one was awarded at this time) on the final day of the season. In that same season, the Rays made a drastic turnaround. After rebranding and dropping the “Devil” from their name, they won a team-record 97 games and won the AL East, clinching the second seed. Prior to that year, they had not won more than 70 games in a year. Their drought was considerably shorter — this was only their 11th season in MLB — but it was still history for them.
That year’s postseason was drastically different for the two teams. The Brewers’ run was short, falling to the Phillies in four games in the NLDS. They did claim their first postseason win since 1982, but that was about it. On the other side, the Rays made a postseason run. They defeated the third-seed White Sox in four games, then the fourth-seed Red Sox in seven games. Their run would end against the Phillies in the World Series, losing in five games.
From there, the teams had different trajectories over the next few seasons. The Brewers only made it back to the postseason once in the next decade — in 2011, when they won the NL Central for the first time and made it to the NLCS, losing to the Cardinals in six games. The Rays made three more postseason appearances, winning the AL East again in 2010. They then claimed the AL Wild Card spot in 2011 and one of two spots in 2013 (the second Wild Card spot was added in 2012). However, they didn’t advance past the ALDS in any of those three years.
Both teams then entered a period of rebuilding. The Brewers didn’t make it to the playoffs for six straight seasons between 2012 and 2017 before breaking that streak in 2018, when they won the NL Central for the second time. The Rays missed the playoffs for five straight seasons between 2014 and 2018, but broke that streak in 2019 when they claimed one of the two AL Wild Card spots.
Since then, both teams have been regular participants in the postseason. The Rays made it to the postseason in five straight seasons from 2019 to 2023. They had another World Series run in that period, losing to the Dodgers in six games in the shortened 2020 season. The Rays also led the AL in 2021 with 100 wins, their only 100-win season in franchise history.
Meanwhile, following the 2018 postseason run to the NLCS, the Brewers clinched Wild Card spots in 2019 and 2020 (the latter as a 29-31 team in a season that featured five Wild Card teams in each league). They then won the NL Central in five of the next six seasons, only narrowly missing the postseason in 2022.
The Brewers and Rays now enter the 2026 World Series at the top of their leagues. The Brewers won the NL Central for the seventh time. It’s also their four straight title and fifth in the last six seasons. The Rays won the AL East for the first time since 2021, and it was their fifth division title. Both teams led their leagues in wins, with the Brewers also recording their first 100-win season in franchise history with 103 wins.
That sets up what will be a historic World Series. For only the second time in the last 100 years, the World Series will feature two teams that have never won a title. The only other occurrence happened in 1980, when the Phillies defeated the Royals for their first title. You have to go back to 1920 to find the previous occurrence before that one, when the Cleveland Indians faced the Brooklyn Robins. It’s also guaranteed to be a first-time winner for the first time since 2023, when the Rangers won.
It’s going to be a hard-fought series to get to that final goal. History will be made either way. It all starts in just two days in Milwaukee.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 13: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after batting in the final during the 2026 T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
It’s a difficult task to follow a season like the one Kyle Schwarber had in 2025. He finished first in the National League and second across all of baseball with 56 homers, led all of baseball with 132 RBIs, tied his career best with a .928 OPS, played in all 162 games, and finished second in MVP voting. It was a tall order, but Schwarber looked well on his way to not only equaling that season but possibly passing it in the first half of 2026.
However, Schwarber was decidedly not himself in the second half, as his production dropped mightily after suffering a mysterious back ailment in late June that caused him to change his swing. His full season numbers still averaged out for him to finish the year in a tie for the MLB lead in home runs with 45, but Schwarber’s second half slump will lead to concerns slipping into 2027 as he gets another year older.
2026 regular season stats: 156 games played, .232/.354/.503, .853 OPS, 45 HR, 97 RBI, 130 wRC+,2.9 fWAR
What went right
Schwarber picked up right where he left off from 2025 in the early parts of 2026. He slugged 22 home runs through the season’s first 56 games at the end of May, just ahead of his pace from last year when he had 19 homers through 58 games by Memorial Day. By the end of the year, he had been personally responsible for 45 of the Phillies’ 182 total homers, placing the teams with the 17th most after ranking ninth with 212 last season. Outside of Bryce Harper, Schwarber was the Phillies only real source of consistent power, as no other Phillies player besides those two had more than 19 HRs in 2026.
With the All-Star game being held in Philadelphia for the first time at Citizens Bank Park, it was widely expected that Schwarber would take advantage of that prodigious power and take part in the Home Run Derby, especially after his performance in the swing off to end the 2025 All-Star game that earned him MVP honors. And take part he did, and Schwarber put on a show in front of a raucous home crowd before ultimately falling short as the runner up to Jordan Walker of the Cardinals.
Schwarber also finally broke the team’s three-year streak without a walk-off home run, as his mammoth blast on August 23rd that hit the batter’s eye in center field capped off a historic six-run comeback that preserved the Phillies then nine-game winning streak. In a season filled with frustration that ended with a whimper, that two-out rally was easily one of the highlights of the year for the Phillies.
It flew under the radar a bit as the Phillies offense as a whole struggled in the second half, but Schwarber fell off dramatically after the All-Star break. After slashing .254/.367/.560 in the first half, Schwarber slumped to a .199/.336/.416 batting line in the second half. The team routinely downplayed the impact of the mysterious back injury, but its existence coupled with his second half performance casts doubt on just how healthy Schwarber was as the season went on.
Schwarber also struck out at his highest career rate since 2017, as he punched out in 31.4% of his plate appearances in 2026, way up from the 27.2% mark from 2025. He chased at a higher rate than normal, offering at 26.1% of pitches he saw out of the strike zone, a notable increase from his 21.5% chase rate in 2025 and his highest since the shortened 2020 season. That combination led to Schwarber racking up 220 strikeouts, just seven shy of Colson Montgomery of the White Sox who set the new MLB single season record for strikeouts in a season, dethroning Mark Reynolds’ 223 Ks from 2009. Schwarber has always been one to rack up the strikeouts, but this much of a jump as he enters his mid-30s should be cause for some alarm.
Final Grade: B+
Schwarber was one of the only two above average hitters in the Phillies regular starting lineup and was a legitimate All-Star in the first half, but his crash in the second half keeps this grade from being any higher.
Fair or not, Schwarber and his counterpart Harper are judged to a higher standard than the rest of the offense as they are the two biggest threats in a lineup that severely lacks them. If they don’t perform, the offense suffers. Therefore, it’s no coincidence that the Phillies struggled in September as Schwarber bottomed out with a .172 AVG and .710 OPS in the month. The Phillies will need Schwarber to age well, as he is only entering the second year of his new five year, $150M contract. The absolute last thing the team needs is another anchor of a contract weighing them down.
The New York Islanders (5-3-1) won again on Tuesday night inside UBS Arena, knocking off the Anaheim Ducks 3-2.
The win marked the Islanders' fourth in UBS Arena already, giving them a 4-1-0 record on home ice to start the year.
That's the best start at home for the franchise since moving to UBS Arena in the 2021-22 season.
In 2025-26, the Islanders went 22-17-2 on home ice. in 2024-25, they went 19-17-5.
If the Islanders can keep this winning momentum on home ice going, their win totals this year will blow those close-to-.500 records out of the water.
Stacking wins on home ice is extremely important for the Islanders, with an especially road-heavy schedule over the next month.
Between October 21 and November 21, the Islanders play 13 games, 8 of which are on the road, including 8 of the final 12.
Only one of those eight road games takes place in the Eastern Time Zone. That game is on November 21 against the Detroit Red Wings.
Over the course of five days from October 25 to 29, the Islanders take a funky road trip against three Central Division opponents, starting with the Dallas Stars, heading back northeast to see the Nashville Predators before shooting back northwest to take on the Minnesota Wild.
The Islanders get eight days at home, starting with the Islanders hosting the Edmonton Oilers on Halloween. Then, the Islanders get four straight off days from November 1 through 4.
Two divisional foes, the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils, then swing by UBS Arena before the Islanders hit the road again for a three-game swing through California, lasting one week.
New York gets home for one game against the Columbus Blue Jackets before a two-game trip to Winnipeg and Detroit ends the funky month of travel.
All eyes will be on Brady Tkachuk when the Florida Panthers visit Canadian Tire Centre on Wednesday night. But while the return of the former captain will dominate all the headlines, the Panthers are also bringing another interesting storyline to town.
They're travelling with a goaltender who is about to become the tallest in NHL history.
Cooper Black stands an imposing 6-foot-8, and the 25-year-old is on the verge of making his NHL debut after being recalled from the American Hockey League's Charlotte Checkers.
Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy discuss Brady Tkachuk's homecoming (Sens Nation Podcast).
Black got the call after Florida's starting goaltender, Jacob Markstrom, suffered an upper-body injury during Monday's practice. The veteran, who's often been Linus Ullmark's running mate on the Swedish national team, is expected to miss 10 to 14 days.
Akira Schmid is expected to get the start against the Sens on Wednesday, with Black serving as his backup. But Maurice has already indicated that the towering rookie will likely see game action during Florida's four-game road trip.
When Black finally steps onto NHL ice, whether that happens Wednesday night or not, he'll stand alone in the record books.
The current record of 6-foot-7 is shared by five goaltenders, including two with ties to the Senators: Mads Sogaard and Ben Bishop. The others are former Edmonton Oilers netminder Mikko Koskinen, Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Ivan Fedotov and Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Dennis Hildeby.
Bishop, who only played 23 games for the Sens, went on to become one of the NHL's top goaltenders, earning three Vezina nominations. Sogaard, meanwhile, spent several seasons in the Sens organization after they selected him in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft.
Black's road to the NHL has been a little different.
The Alpena, Michigan native was never drafted into the NHL. Instead, he played two seasons at Dartmouth College, where he steadily improved his numbers and attracted the attention of the Panthers.
Florida signed him to an entry-level contract in April 2024, and he began his professional career with Charlotte, where he worked his way up over the past two years. The Panthers feel like he's ready for this.
"That's a big lad, and he moves like an athlete," Maurice told reporters on Tuesday. "He's been good. He's been good in practice. He looks like he fits. He looks comfortable. It's the right time for him to get in."
For Sens fans, Wednesday's game will understandably be all about Tkachuk, the former captain who requested a trade and will be returning to Canadian Tire Centre for the first time in a Panthers uniform.
But at the far end of the Panthers’ bench, there will be a 6-foot-8 rookie goaltender in a ball cap, waiting for his chance to make a little NHL history of his own.
Speaking during the Yankees' end-of-season news conference Wednesday, owner Hal Steinbrenner said in a roundabout way that he's in favor of MLB adopting a salary cap.
With the CBA set to expire and a lockout expected to begin on Dec. 1, MLB has sent numerous proposals to the MLBPA, with each proposal including a salary cap and floor.
"I'm not gonna get into a whole lot of labor," Steinbrenner said. "I've said before, let me put it this way as a member of the labor policy committee -- I helped craft, one of many, the proposals that we have given at the bargaining table. And I support those proposals in their entirety. That's absolutely the case, so that should answer your question."
The MLBPA is vehemently opposed to a hard salary cap, potentially setting up a contentious negotiation and prolonged lockout.
Asked to explain how a salary cap would benefit the Yankees, who are perennially one of the league's biggest spenders, Steinbrenner wouldn't answer. He instead chose to talk about not taking attention away from the upcoming World Series between the Brewers and Rays, while touching a bit on his optimism about MLB and the MLBPA reaching a deal.
"Guys, we're two days away from the World Series, okay? This in my mind is the time to celebrate the game," Steinbrenner said. "We've got two teams that were the best in their respective leagues record-wise. They deserve to be there. We've got two fanbases, two cities, they're ecstatic.
"Now is not the time we're gonna start labor conversations. It just is not. What I will say is as a member of the labor policy committee is that we are working hard on our end. We are completely focused on the task ahead of us, on the negotiating. And I'm optimistic we're gonna get a deal done, and we're gonna get a deal done that's favorable for both sides. That's really all I'll say -- I don't want to take anything away from what's going on right now and the excitement in the game because the World Series is getting ready to start. It's just not appropriate."
"I’m gonna be honest, payrolls at the levels we’re at right now are simply not sustainable for us financially," Steinbrenner explained. "It wouldn’t be sustainable for the vast majority of ownership [groups], given the luxury tax we have to pay."
Steinbrenner added at the time:
"I’ve been a broken record [on this topic]: I don’t believe I should have a $300 million payroll to win a championship. I believe I need a good mix of veterans, who are gonna make a lot more money, but, also, we’ve put a lot of money into our player development system in the last five-to-10 years. And in my opinion, we have one of the better ones in baseball now."
