Browsing: Identity

CALGARY — Adam Lowry feels like heâ€s been riding a bicycle in a NASCAR race.

Thatâ€s how the Winnipeg Jets captain described his recent return to the lineup during a lengthy sit-down with coach Scott Arniel Saturday morning.

And really, could there be a better metaphor for the way the Jets have looked of late? A team trying to keep pace in the NHLâ€s toughest division while still figuring out who they are, wobbling at times, and struggling to find the rhythm that carried them to a blistering start and Presidents’ Trophy last season.

Itâ€s understandable that after missing five months recovering from hip surgery, Lowry would need time to assimilate. But when your leader and most punishing middleman suggests heâ€s still trying to find his way, it speaks to the state of flux the Jets have been in of late.

Last year, Winnipeg was the talk of the league after winning their first eight games and opening with a 15-3 record. One year later, they sit 11-7-0 after winning just two of their last six on a tough road trip that wrapped up in Calgary Saturday night with a 4-3 shootout win at the Saddledome.

Their undoing of late has revolved largely around atypical defensive lapses — something even Vezina-winning goaltending from Connor Hellebuyck hasnâ€t been able to overcome.

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“There isnâ€t panic, there isnâ€t a sense of urgency, but weâ€re in the toughest division in the league, and if you look over, those other teams are not losing too many games,†said Arniel of a Central Division in which Colorado and Dallas are the pacesetters, ahead of a tightly-grouped bunch that includes the Jets, Chicago, Utah and Minnesota.

“We want to stay in the pack here. We canâ€t wait until December or January and decide itâ€s time to turn it on. Itâ€s too hard of a league. We need to start grabbing our points when we can right now.â€

Theyâ€re pedaling hard, trying to keep pace, but until they rediscover the defensive structure that defined them last year, theyâ€ll continue to feel like theyâ€re chasing cars in the fast lane.

Frustration is starting to creep in.

“I donâ€t think weâ€ve really gotten to our identity yet,†said veteran defenceman Luke Schenn.

“Obviously weâ€ve got great goaltending, thereâ€s no question about that. But I think defending is the way this team has had success in the past. When I got here last year I just noticed how hard the guys defend and play the right way, with structure and donâ€t cheat the game.â€

No one embodies that defence-first approach better than Lowry. And while heâ€s been open about his battle adjusting to the speed and ferocity of the game, thereâ€s a belief the return of the teamâ€s poster boy will soon kick-start the engine that drives the team.

“Thatâ€s five months that heâ€s been out — it isnâ€t easy just to jump right back in,†said Arniel, who sat on the bench with Lowry for a lengthy chat before Saturdayâ€s morning skate.

“Heâ€s the one that said he feels like heâ€s on a bicycle in a NASCAR race. Until heâ€s starting to feel better each and every game his linemates (Nino Niederreiter and Alex Iafallo) can help him do that. And when heâ€s kind of going, as heâ€s starting to go now, itâ€s a big, big moment for us.â€

Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor and Gabe Vilardi continue to be one of the best lines in hockey, but the teamâ€s power play has dropped from first overall last season to 10th.Â

The loss of Nikolaj Ehlers, Brandon Tanev and Mason Appleton in the summer took some of the speed out of a Jets lineup that replaced them with older players like Jonathan Toews, Tanner Pearson and Gustav Nyquist.

There is a confidence amongst the group that with the recent return of Lowry, Dylan Samberg, Gustav Nyquist and Cole Perfetti from injuries the team can get back to using its depth and dominance to steady the ship.

“Weâ€re getting close to what I think we envisioned our lineup looking like coming into the year,†said Lowry.

“I think with the amount of turnover, with the amount of changes and stuff, it certainly takes a little bit of time to integrate everyone into the group, and develop that team identity.

“Obviously, weâ€re not going to look the same, or accomplish things the same as we did last year, but itâ€s still about the attention to detail being a real strong defensive team. Thatâ€s our teamâ€s bread and butter. Once you kind of get the reinforcements, then you look to take the next step.â€

And while injuries and new faces have complicated the teamâ€s quest to try establishing the identity that made them so dominant last year, the fact that the team is riddled with veterans who know how to ride out stretches of turbulence is comforting.

“I think a lot of us in the room are tired of hearing about last year and talking about it,†said Josh Morrissey, a Canadian Olympic team fixture who had two assists Saturday to bring his point total to 19.

“Itâ€s a new year, and every year is different. At the same time, weâ€ve got to figure out what our identity is this season. I think weâ€ve shown it in spurts, but obviously the last stretch here on this road trip weâ€ve gotten away from it a little bit. But we have full confidence in our team. We can be an elite team in this league. Last year, as it did in years past, it starts with our defensive game.

“When we get to where we want it to be, the rest will take care of itself.â€

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Halloween is finally here. Now is a good time to remind everyone to pump the brakes a bit — much like stores should hold off on going all-out with holiday decorations on Nov. 1.

Editor’s Picks

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We as hockey fans must wait patiently until American Thanksgiving in the third week of November to “officially” determine which teams are destined to make the playoffs — and which ones get extra stuffing because they are cooked.

But in honor of the spooky costumed occasion on Friday, this week’s Power Rankings include a Halloween costume or identity for all 32 teams.

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday, which generates our list.

Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published Oct. 24. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games; other stats are through Wednesday’s games, unless otherwise noted.

ESPN Illustration

Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 72.7%

Costume: A Kit Kat bar

Gimme a break! The Avs are rolling yet again. Journeyman goaltender Scott Wedgewood had a tremendous start to the season, Nathan MacKinnon has 17 points through 11 games, Cale Makar leads all NHL defensemen with 15 … are you at all surprised?

Also, a Kit Kat bar is exactly the kind of thing MacKinnon wouldn’t eat, which adds bonus points to this costume pick.

Next seven days: @ VGK (Oct. 31), @SJ (Nov. 1), vs. TB (Nov. 4)

Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 72.7%

Costume: Police officers

Nico Hischier has been locking down star players so far this season; save a couple of games, he has helped hold the likes of Nikita Kucherov, Sam Reinhart, Leon Draisaitl and Auston Matthews off the score sheet when they face the Devils.

Next seven days: @ LA (Nov. 1), @ ANA (Nov. 2), vs. MTL (Nov. 6)

Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 75%

Costume: Double-sided coin

The VGK and their fans have had a charmed existence, with four Pacific Division titles, two Stanley Cup Final appearances and one Cup on the franchise’s career résumé.

With a 6-1-3 start and Jack Eichel already the early Hart Trophy favorite (and leading the league in scoring), everything is coming up pocket aces for the Golden Knights.

Next seven days: vs. COL (Oct. 31), vs. DET (Nov. 4), vs. TB (Nov. 6)

Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 72.7%

Costume: A wagon

Because they officially are one. Also, is it time to raise a banner at the Delta Center for Tusky, after the Mammoth’s hot start during his existence?

Next seven days: vs. TB (Nov. 2), @ BUF (Nov. 4), @ TOR (Nov. 5)

Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 72.7%

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Costume: Kelleran Beq

The Jedi portrayed by actor Ahmed Best — who also played the now rightfully redeemed Jar Jar Binks — saved one of the most recognizable characters in Star Wars. In “The Mandalorian,” our dear Grogu (“Baby Yoda” to some) was in peril during Order 66 (a moment where all clone troopers turned on the Jedi and destroyed all but a few… think of it like the 1970 Dynasty Habs winning 4 straight Cups and crushing every team in the process). Grogu would have also died if not for Kelleran Beq, who saved him like a windmill glove late in overtime, and brought him to safety.

That was a clutch performance … just like Cole “Goal” Caulfield, who has three overtime game-winning tallies through 11 games this season. He also broke the record for most career overtime goals in a Canadiens uniform (11).

Next seven days: vs. OTT (Nov. 1), vs. PHI (Nov. 4), @ NJ (Nov. 6)

Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 72.7%

Costume: Steve Buscemi in “30 Rock”

How do you do, fellow kids? The Jets are the oldest team in the league, with an average age of 30.7 (the only team with an average age in the 30s).

But the “Winnip-unc” Jets are proving that age is just a number, starting off 7-3-0, and a perfect 4-0-0 on the road.

Next seven days: vs. PIT (Nov. 1), @ LA (Nov. 4)

Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 75%

Costume: Benjamin Button

What year is this? I thought the Penguins were supposed to miss the playoffs and be so far down the standings that they ended up with the No. 1 pick to get Gavin McKenna?

The Penguins started the season (checks notes) 7-2-2? How could this be? Well, contract year Evgeni Malkin is 39 years old, but has 16 points, Sidney Crosby has 15, and Justin Brazeau is scoring at a point-per-game pace. Plus, the Pens are getting great goaltending from Arturs Silovs and Tristan Jarry.

While some had envisioned Crosby finishing the season in a Habs or Avs sweater, instead the Pens have seemed to age in reverse. The hockey world might get to see No. 87 hoisting the Stanley Cup in a Pittsburgh uniform again.

Next seven days: @ WPG (Nov. 1), @ TOR (Nov. 3), vs. WSH (Nov. 6)

Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 72.7%

Costume: Dexter Morgan

The first four seasons of the original “Dexter” series were some of the best in modern TV history. The show fell off, but many fans kept watching, thinking it would finally get better. It didn’t. The series ending enraged viewers, after they’d committed so much of their lives to it.

Then came new shows in the Dexter universe … which weren’t half bad, getting old fans excited about Dexter again. They added new actors who were welcomed additions; Peter Dinklage was terrific, and even Neil Patrick Harris was in the mix!

The Red Wings have missed the playoffs for many years (2016 was their last appearance), but they are off to a great start. Is this finally the year the Yzerplan reaches its zenith and Hockeytown hosts another playoff game?

Next seven days: @ ANA (Oct. 31), @ SJ (Nov. 2), @ VGK (Nov. 4)

Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 70%

Costume: LA Knight

YEAH! Here’s the thing with WWE superstar LA Knight: He’s popular, he’s talented, he would even be believable as a world champion. But he just can’t seem to get over the hump. He always feels like he’s one win away from making it to the big dance.

Carolina in general has been a team in a similar scenario the past several seasons. In 2025-26, Nikolaj Ehlers particularly needs to figure it out. After signing a free agent deal this offseason to fill the Canes’ scoring gap, he has zero goals and three assists through nine games.

Next seven days: @ BOS (Nov. 1), @ NYR (Nov. 4), vs. MIN (Nov. 6)

Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 60%

Costume: Rapper Ovi

Honestly, I could have come up with something more clever here, but the Caps did such a great job with arrival outfits for Alex Ovechkin’s 1,500th game, so let’s keep that momentum rolling.

Ovi was a rapper for a hot second about 13 years ago, and the outfit made a comeback courtesy of the Great Eight’s teammates. This idea wins by 899 miles — blame the Stars for robbing us of Ovi’s 900th career goal on Frozen Frenzy night!

Next seven days: vs. NYI (Oct. 31), @ BUF (Nov. 1), vs. STL (Nov. 5), @ PIT (Nov. 6)

Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 63.6%

Costume: A biker gang

Thomas Harley just inked an eight-year, $10.587 million per year contract extension with the Stars, securing the young blueliner for the long term for one of the NHL’s scariest core groups.

This season, the 24-year-old has averaged just over 23 minutes per game, and has eight points through 10 games.

Next seven days: @ FLA (Nov. 1), vs. EDM (Nov. 4), vs. ANA (Nov. 6)

Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 65%

Costume: Nirvana from Sept. 1991

“Nevermind” was Nirvana’s second album. Their first effort, “Bleach,” really didn’t have much fanfare surrounding it, but once “Smells like Teen Spirit” hit the airwaves, music changed forever. Grunge defined the ’90s. Flannel shirts were everywhere — and cool!

The Kraken are storming out of the gate this season like a wild Kurt Cobain riff, starting 5-2-3 and second in the Pacific. They have yet to lose a game in regulation at home in the Emerald City. Is this the start of something big in Seattle?

Next seven days: vs. NYR (Nov. 1), vs. CHI (Nov. 3), vs. SJ (Nov. 5)

Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 54.2%

Costume: Doctor

Zach Hyman is nearing a return to the lineup after suffering a wrist injury in the Western Conference finals this past spring. Unfortunately, the timetable has been pushed back a week, so we still wait for an important offensive contributor for the Oilers.

Connor McDavid has had a slow start (by his standards), getting his first goal in his seventh game and had only one tuck until Oct. 28, when he scored two. Getting his familiar wingman back should bring a boost.

Next seven days: vs. CHI (Nov. 1), @ STL (Nov. 3), @ DAL (Nov. 4)

Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 54.5%

Costume: the Undertaker

Connor Bedard has had an incredible start to the season, with 12 points in 10 games — he and Frank Nazar have been a great one-two punch.

After a somewhat underwhelming sophomore campaign in 2024-25, Bedard has risen up like the Undertaker after taking a boot to the face (or being thrown into a casket).

Next seven days: @ EDM (Nov. 1), @ SEA (Nov. 3), @ VAN (Nov. 5)

Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 50%

Costume: A physical copy of “Grand Theft Auto VI”

We’ve seen Twitter become X before GTA 6 was released. Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift got engaged before GTA 6. We even got “67” to take over the world before GTA 6 (7).

And, unless the NHL decides to accelerate the regular season and playoffs back to the early-1990s levels — when the Stanley Cup was awarded on May 25 — we will get GTA 6 released to the public before the Leafs win another Cup.

Next seven days: @ PHI (Nov. 1), vs. PIT (Nov. 3), vs. UTA (Nov. 5)

Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 65%

Costume: Gandalf

Trevor Zegras continues to be an absolute wizard in the shootout, refusing to allow goalies to yell, “You shall not pass!”

Zegras has the second-highest shootout goal percentage in NHL history (minimum 10 attempts) at 63.6% (14-for-22). If you conjured up the answer of Petteri Nummelin (8-for-10) as having the highest rate, then you have already traded in your grey robe for a white one.

Next seven days: vs. TOR (Nov. 1), vs. CGY (Nov. 2), @ MTL (Nov. 4), @ NSH (Nov. 6)

Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 50%

Costume: Syndrome

When you boil it down, the big baddie of “The Incredibles” just wanted some love. Why was everyone counting him out? Why did he get cast off to the side like he wasn’t good enough to make the playoffs just because he might be missing his 200-foot center and heartbeat of the team? It doesn’t mean he doesn’t have plenty of depth to bring to the table. Stop doubting Syndrome, people. And stop doubting the Florida Panthers making the playoffs.

Next seven days: vs. DAL (Nov. 1), @ ANA (Nov. 4), @ LA (Nov. 6)

Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 58.3%

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Costume: Ketchup bottle

If the playoffs started today — we have a long way left, folks — the Kings would be facing the Kraken. But, the Kings’ old nemesis — Connor McDavid and the Oilers — are one point off.

Could it be that L.A. and Edmonton could meet for a fifth straight year in the first round? So far, the series have gone 4-3, 4-2, 4-1 and 4-2, all in favor of Edmonton. From a symmetry standpoint, another 4-3 series would complete the cycle. Perhaps if the Kings all dressed as ketchup bottles — McDavid is famously afraid of the condiment — it would help their cause.

Next seven days: vs. NJ (Nov. 1), vs. WPG (Nov. 4), vs. FLA (Nov. 6)

Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 60%

Costume: Wolverine

It’s nice for the Blue Jackets to have a squad that’s pretty much at full strength, compared to the injury-riddled 2024-25 campaign.

Boone Jenner, Sean Monahan and Yegor Chinakhov all missed significant time last season due to various injuries. If only hockey players had adamantium for bones too!

Next seven days: vs. STL (Nov. 1), @ NYI (Nov. 2), @ CGY (Nov. 5)

Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 61.1%

Costume: Lightning McQueen

I’m going to need Roger McQueen to take a quick break from Providence College to wear red with a lightning bolt.

One of the most fun things we saw in hockey this year was McQueen being drafted 10th overall by the Ducks, then immediately being whisked away by helicopter to Disneyland, where he took a picture with his nonbiological brother Lightning McQueen. That he chose to wear No. 95 as his uniform number makes it even better.

Next seven days: vs. DET (Oct. 31), vs. NJ (Nov. 2), vs. FLA (Nov. 4), @ DAL (Nov. 6)

Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 54.5%

Costume: Bud Light cans

On Saturday, Nikita Kucherov reached 1,000 points in his career with the Bolts, which includes two Stanley Cups and iconic “Big Superstar Energy” moments after winning said Cups.

Next seven days: @ UTA (Nov. 2), @ COL (Nov. 4), @ VGK (Nov. 6)

Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 54.2%

Costume: Sens Deadpool

This is mostly because I still think of what could have been had the potential ownership group that included Ryan Reynolds purchased this team.

Next seven days: @ MTL (Nov. 1), @ BOS (Nov. 6)

Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 50%

Costume: Sadness

Fans of the Broadway Blueshirts are feeling as blue as the morose character from “Inside Out.”

The Rangers started 4-5-2 — and winless at home — after setting the dubious NHL record of being the first team to ever be shut out in their first three games at home to start a season.

Next seven days: @ SEA (Nov. 1), vs. CAR (Nov. 4)

Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 50%

Costume: Stop sign

Have the Sabres solved their goaltending challenges? In Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s absence to start the season, Alex Lyon has been terrific, posting a .919 save percentage through eight games. Colten Ellis won his first game in his first NHL start. Devon Levi is still marinating in Rochester.

This is one big positive for a fan base that really needs (and deserves) positives after 14 years outside of the postseason.

Next seven days: vs. WSH (Nov. 1), vs. UTA (Nov. 4), vs. STL (Nov. 6)

Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 50%

Costume: Earthquake

Remember Earthquake, the towering WWE wrestler from the ’90s? His name was John Tenta, and he was from Vancouver. The Canucks could stand to get shaken up by Earthquake’s tremors right now. Maybe that would wake them up.

Through 11 games, Evander Kane is goalless, Jake DeBrusk has two, and Elias Pettersson has three. One might’ve thought the Canucks would be extra inspired on Frozen Frenzy night, which was J.T. Miller’s return to Vancouver as a New York Ranger. Instead, they were blanked on home ice.

Next seven days: @ MIN (Nov. 1), @ NSH (Nov. 3), vs. CHI (Nov. 5)

Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 41.7%

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Costume: Sledgehammer and car

What exactly is going on with the Preds’ star free agents from the summer of 2024? Steven Stamkos has a goal and an assist through 11 games. Jonathan Marchessault has three and two, respectively.

What’s worse for Stammer is that if he continues at this pace, it’s quite possible the 35-year-old is left off Canada’s roster for the Olympics. Due to various reasons — including NHL players not participating in 2018 and 2022 — Stamkos has never played for Team Canada at the Olympics (he was a reserve in 2010). That just doesn’t feel right.

Do the pair need to get inspired by one of Smashville’s best traditions?

Next seven days: vs. CGY (Nov. 1), vs. VAN (Nov. 3), @ MIN (Nov. 4), vs. PHI (Nov. 6)

Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 45%

Costume: Happy Gilmore

Did you know that Matthew Schaefer’s favorite movie of all time is “Happy Gilmore” (the first one, as he has pointed out)?

If you didn’t, then the price is wrong for you! It’s a costume befitting a hockey player who just turned 18 but looks like he has been in the show for several years. He is breaking NHL records already and drawing praise from all corners of the hockey world.

Next seven days: @ WSH (Oct. 31), vs. CBJ (Nov. 2), vs. BOS (Nov. 4)

Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 36.4%

Costume: Their current jerseys

They are gorgeous. The colors are superb and really pop on the ice. It’s a 10/10, no notes.

Next seven days: @ CBJ (Nov. 1), vs. EDM (Nov. 3), @ WSH (Nov. 5), @ BUF (Nov. 6)

Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 46.2%

Costume: Box of tissues

Brad Marchand’s return to Boston as a Florida Panther was perfect. It was deeply emotional, and the video tribute affected Marchand, who wept on the bench in appreciation.

Later in the game, Bruins fans proceeded to boo Marchand, as you would expect Boston sports fans to do for such an occasion against a division rival.

Next seven days: vs. CAR (Nov. 1), @ NYI (Nov. 4), vs. OTT (Nov. 6)

Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 37.5%

Costume: Scrooge McDuck

Starting next season, Kirill Kaprizov will be skating on the richest deal in NHL history, after inking that eight-year, $17 million per year deal this fall.

Unlike Scrooge, Kaprizov hasn’t been stingy since putting his autograph on the contract, with 15 points through 11 games.

Next seven days: vs. VAN (Nov. 1), vs. NSH (Nov. 4), @ CAR (Nov. 6)

Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 36.4%

Costume: Step Brothers

The Macklin Celebrini-Will Smith connection continues. Celebrini has 16 points through 10 games, while Smith has nine in the same span. They have been crushing the content too, dressing up as Harry and Lloyd from “Dumb and Dumber” for Halloween. So we’ll pick another famous movie duo as the team costume here.

Next seven days: vs. COL (Nov. 1), vs. DET (Nov. 2), @ SEA (Nov. 5)

Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 25%

Costume: Stormtroopers

The Flames have the fewest goals per game rate in the NHL and have allowed the eighth-most goals per game.

It’s not like they aren’t shooting the puck — they’re 17th in the league, with 27.9 per game. Unfortunately, they’ve been like Stormtroopers from Star Wars, whose unofficial motto is, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you take.”

Next seven days: @ NSH (Nov. 1), @ PHI (Nov. 2), vs. CBJ (Nov. 5)

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The beleaguered Dallas Cowboys defense gave up 410 yards of offense and 30 points to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, the main ingredient in a loss that moved them to 2-3-1 on the season.

While the team’s offense continues to play well, the defense has been arguably the worst in the NFL, and cornerback Trevon Diggs knows it.

“Yeah it’s very frustrating,” he told reporters after Sunday’s 30-27 loss. “It’s all these points (given up), the receivers are running wide open down the field, too many busted coverages. It’s a lot. I feel like we’re all over the place and we really don’t have no identity.”

The lack of identity part of those remarks feels like a veiled indictment of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, though head coach Brian Schottenheimer publicly supported him after the loss.

“Matt’s a great coach,” he told reporters. “Everywhere he’s ever been he’s had good defenses. It’s not just Matt by himself. Matt’s trying. The players are trying. This is not a lack of effort.”

He added that whether or not the players believe in Eberflus’ scheme is the “bigger thing. I would hope so. I would think so.”

Something is certainly lacking, whether that’s the scheme, execution or simply the talent on the defensive side of the ball (trading away an elite pass-rusher in Micah Parsons certainly hasn’t helped). The Cowboys have now allowed 30 or more points in five straight games, and were it not for Dak Prescott and an offense that has scored 30 or more points three times and 40 or more points twice, the team’s record would be far worse.

The Cowboys now face the Washington Commanders, Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals before a Week 10 bye. If they don’t figure out their defensive woes soon, a few heads may roll come the bye.

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On Thursday night against the New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins’ rookie defenseman Harrison Brunicke became the first teenager to score a goal for the Penguins since Daniel Sprong in 2015.

On the surface, this doesnâ€t seem all that crazy. After all, teenagers playing in the NHL, period, is a bit of a rarity, and itâ€s something that certainly doesnâ€t happen on a yearly basis for most teams. But when considering the tendency of the Penguins to have largely favored veterans for a good chunk of the last decade, true youth populating the roster seemed like something that happened a lifetime ago.

This season, things are different.

Of course, there are a few reasons for that. Itâ€s important to distinguish the fact that – prior to the 2025-26 season – the Penguins had simply lacked legitimate youth talent in their system for a long while. Years of winning championships, 16 consecutive postseason appearances, and going all-in at the trade deadline does that to an organization.

But because Pittsburgh has missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, they have already shifted into rebuild mode, and theyâ€re focused on collecting high-value assets and infusing talent into their system. As a result, there are better young players and, therefore, more legitimate opportunities for those young players – such as Brunicke and 18-year-old center Ben Kindel – to populate the NHL roster.

However, the mere existence of young players isnâ€t the only factor. New head coach Dan Muse – hired this summer – along with the rest of his staff that is focused on development, is also giving the kids some runway to show what they can do at the NHL level. That kind of leeway wasnâ€t as easy for former head coach Mike Sullivan and his staff to grant while the organization was still prioritizing making the playoffs.

On A Night Of Firsts, Penguins Defeat Islanders, 4-3
It was a night of firsts for several Pittsburgh Penguins’ players in Thursday’s home opener against the New York Islanders.

The prevailing sentiment heading into this season was that the Penguins would likely be a pretty far cry from playoff contention. Yet – two games into the 2025-26 season – something about this team simply feels different. Feels rejuvenated. Energized.

Now, getting too far ahead of anything would be foolish. To declare the Penguins a playoff hopeful after two regular season games is unrealistic, especially since most people have them finishing in at least the bottom-10 this season. On top of that, GM and POHO Kyle Dubas himself said at the end of the 2024-25 season that the Penguins making the playoffs this season would be “an accomplishment.â€

That said, there is a certain energy – and structure – around this team that has been lacking in recent years. The team is playing faster. Smarter. Tighter. More risk-averse. In the two games so far this season – both wins against each team from New York – they were the better team in the final 20 minutes of play, generally doing a good job of limiting opposing chances, controlling play, and shutting things down, as they havenâ€t allowed a third-period goal.

And itâ€s not as if the youth on their team is sitting back and letting the veterans do all the work. Yes, Evgeni Malkin has five points in two games. Justin Brazeau has three goals in two games. Sidney Crosby has a goal and an assist as well.

But Kindel has been driving play on the third line, both in the offensive zone and in his own zone. The work of his line led to Brunickeâ€s goal on Thursday, and Brunicke himself has been quarterbacking the second power play unit and helping to generate offense in transition and off the rush.

Filip Hallander has six points in six games dating back to the pre-season. Ville Koivunen does not have a point yet, but fans and the organization got a glimpse of what Koivunen and Rutger McGroarty – currently on injured reserve – are capable of at the end of last season.

The kids are providing a spark and an energy that this team has desperately needed. They have, so far, proven capable of playing with NHL competition, even if there are some bumps along the way with their development and learning curve. They have given a dead-in-the-water team some new life – a new identity – and itâ€s translating into team performance.

8 Bold Penguins’ Predictions For The 2025-26 Season
In case you haven’t heard, the Pittsburgh Penguins play hockey Tuesday night against the New York Rangers.

Muse said that the goal of the coaching staff – and the biggest thing that they want to see out of this 23-man unit – is for the team to play “connected.†And, so far, thatâ€s exactly what has happened. They have played well within structure, they have developed chemistry in a short period of time, and they have shown that they have a lot to play for, even if outside noise says otherwise.

That “connectedness” is, in essence, their identity. And the mix of youth and experience on the roster is cultivating a perfect environment for that identity to thrive.

There is no telling how this season will unfold. The Penguins could certainly still use improvement in some areas, and there are going to be some tough roster decisions to make as veterans Bryan Rust and Kevin Hayes work their way back from injury. With a current roster at full capacity, some players will need to go.

But one thing is for certain: The kids are alright. And theyâ€re giving some much-needed life to a team – and a fanbase – that craves a strong dosage of hope for the future.

Penguins’ New Top Defensive Pairing Could Be Hidden Gem
There are a lot of new faces populating the Pittsburgh Penguins’ roster this season, especially on the left side of the Penguins’ blue line.

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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Like many California-raised Mexican Americans, Iâ€ve lost count of the times my family has gathered to watch a match between Mexico and the United States. Whether a friendly or World Cup qualifier, the “Dos A Cero†rivalry attracts the largest crowds to my tiaâ€s watch parties, about an hour south of San Francisco.

Each clash feels like the fractured embodiment of being Mexican American: the cheering and moaning of Mexican immigrant parents and their Americanized children alike, rife with intergenerational discord. The stakes are always high, especially since most of my relatives grew up with the sport – and arenâ€t shy about sharing their tactical opinions midgame. Many of them played pro, semi-pro, collegiately and, of course, at the neighborhood parks.

The biggest name at our gatherings? US menâ€s national team rising star Diego Luna.

Diego was one of the few members of our family who cheered for the US over Mexico. Thatâ€s perhaps understandable: he is an American Gen Z-er who, understandably, grew up further removed from the migratory realities of the elder generations.

Now, the little kid who used to run around my tiaâ€s house has transformed into a key member of the US team – a fan favorite, a fiery sparkplug and a regular amid a sometimes-agonizing rebuild under Mauricio Pochettino. Diego has appeared in a team-high 13 of the 14 US games in 2025, and heâ€s in the squad again for the teamâ€s upcoming friendlies against Ecuador and Australia.

The 22-year-oldâ€s rapid ascendance (with a broken nose incurred in a match against Costa Rica, at that) may have caught soccer pundits off guard, butthere has never been any doubt which side Diego represents – blood-stained jersey and all.

Diego Luna featured prominently for the US U-20 national team. Photograph: ISI Photos/Getty Images

His journey in soccer began long before he could dribble a ball.

Beto Luna – Diegoâ€s dad, who married into our family – first had his own unlikely ascendance into professional soccer when he was scouted to play for the San Diego Sockers indoor team in 1985, despite having no pro experience as a student at Foothill college. Beto had only just arrived in the Bay Area and was unable to stay with the Sockers full time, but he stuck around long enough to finish off an assist from now-Seattle Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer, parlaying that brief stint into a run with the Milwaukee Wave and the San Jose Earthquakes (during their existence in one of the many predecessor leagues to MLS).

An intrepid opportunist, the elder Luna didnâ€t come to this country to become a futbolero. But by the grace of the soccer gods, he became one, and he is now a respected coach in the Bay Area.

“The passion that we all have for the sport comes from my dad,†says Armando Luna, Diegoâ€s eldest brother – a player himself, until a back injury forced him into coaching. “The way he threw himself into the sport, starting from a later age and working hard to develop his drive and love for soccer in a new country, inspired us.â€

Armando grew up especially close to his dad, but later became a role model and mentor for the much younger Diego.

The youngest Lunaâ€s trajectory has been anything but conventional, circumventing the NCAA and MLS systems in favor of the Barcelona residency academy in Arizona, followed by his successful stint in the second-tier USL with El Paso Locomotive FC. It all started within the family, though. With three older siblings and a father who all played and coached, Diego was perpetually bouncing from field to field as both a player and observer since infancy.

“He was coached by us all his whole life,†Armando says. “If he had a training session at 5.30pm, he would get dropped off at three in the afternoon because the rest of us had to set up for other practices and our own games. Since he was always early, he would just practice and hang around the older players and work on his skills. Then, heâ€d have to stay later until our other games finished in the night. So he was on the field 24/7. That was the reality every single day. You would think we were hard on him, but that wasnâ€t really the case. He loved being around the game.â€

This conception that you only develop the kind of skills he has as a Latino is by playing on the streets, thatâ€s bullshit. It was all by design.

Armando Luna, Diegoâ€s brother

Diego joined the Palo Alto Soccer Club at age five, a program where his father and older brother coached and directed for years to develop a regional powerhouse. At the time, Diego was playing with much older kids, nearly twice his age. Being physically overmatched forced Diego to develop a certain field awareness and technical mastery to compete.

“They talk about [Diego] like heâ€s a street baller. But he never played on the streets. This conception that you only develop the kind of skills he has as a Latino is by playing on the streets, thatâ€s bullshit,†says Armando. “It was all by design. From training. From encouraging his creativity on the field, from discipline. He had to learn the mental aspect of the game quickly. We never criticized him for trying new things. That translates to his game now.â€

Eventually, the family decided that Diego had outgrown the parochial circuit, so he joined the San Jose Earthquakes academy in 2015 at age 13. The inconvenience of constant rush hour travel and scheduling that didnâ€t coincide with Lunaâ€s schooling presented challenges for a working family that was already stretched thin with soccer commitments all over the Bay Area. In 2018, they looked elsewhere. Luna himself decided on moving to Arizona to play at the Barcelona academy, where he trained and lived for three years. That propelled him towards his first professional singing with El Paso in 2021.

El Paso couldnâ€t have been a more appropriate home for Diego – a Mexican-American borderland city that is culturally, and sociologically, caught between neighboring worlds in Mexico and the US.

In retelling his brotherâ€s soccer quest, Armando recites a quote to me from the 1997 film Selena: “Being a Mexican American is tough … we gotta prove to the Mexicans how Mexican we are, and we gotta prove to the Americans how American we are. We gotta be more Mexican than the Mexicans and more American than the Americans. Itâ€s exhausting.â€

In the biopic, Jennifer Lopez plays the famous Tejana pop star from a border town who notoriously learned how to sing in Spanish as a Mexican American to validate her dual identity. Itâ€s a familiar story for anyone who has known both sides of the border: a road which inevitably forks in separate directions the older one becomes. Go left for the US or go right for Mexico. And be damned regardless.

Luna has become a mainstay with the US under Mauricio Pochettino. Photograph: Ashley Landis/AP

Like many children of immigrants, Diego never had to confront the challenges of his parents†crossing and hasnâ€t known life on the other side of the border. He grew up with soccer in a relatively comfortable environment in California. Why would someone in his position give that up for something they have no connection to?

“We never heard anything from the Mexican federation. No communication. No interest. No real anything,†Armando says. “Even for US Soccer, it wasnâ€t like there was a ton of interest from their side, either.â€

But when that US offer arrived, accepting it was easy, even if the reaction wasnâ€t. Fans in Mexico grew increasingly vocal against Luna and his choice to represent the US, which invoked betrayal in their eyes. Other Mexican-American prospects like Julián Araujo (Bournemouth) and Daâ€Vian Kimbrough (Sacramento Republic) have gained praise for their decision to represent El Tri on the international stage, yet online trolls have lambasted Diego for his supposed inability to speak Spanish (he can but itâ€s his second language, and he prefers to answer most media questions in English).

Still, Armando tells me how fans from Costa Rica, Guatemala and especially Mexico have enthusiastically approached Diego after his international caps asking for photos and autographs. A US citizen, he remains grateful to represent his nation, and any antagonism that has come as a result of his choice has only helped to forge Diegoâ€s fortitude.

“When he was young, when the Mexican team would win, [Diego] would have a fit,†Armando recalls. “He always wanted the US team to win. He grew up here. He doesnâ€t know anything else.â€

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The wild pull-apart brawl between Adam Page and Samoa Joe on the October 1 episode of AEW Dynamite had fans talking—but one of the security guards trying to break it up has now been identified, and heâ€s no stranger to the ring.

Independent wrestler Leeroy Shogun took to social media to confirm that he was one of the guards who stepped in when Page and Joe started throwing hands after their tag team win over the Death Riders.

Shogun, based in Florida, has built a strong reputation on the indie scene, especially in promotions like Tampa Bay Pro Wrestling and POW, where heâ€s held the POW Florida Championship.

The AEW appearance placed him directly in the middle of Dynamiteâ€s segment, as Page and Joeâ€s partnership imploded post-match. The chaos escalated to the point where Page issued a challenge for the AEW World Championship at WrestleDream, and Joe accepted—making the title match official for the upcoming October 18 pay-per-view in St. Louis.

While Shogunâ€s role was brief, being part of one of AEWâ€s hottest angles is a major spotlight for an indie talent. His presence in a segment involving two of AEWâ€s top stars could open doors for more appearances down the line.

Should AEW give more indie wrestlers like Leeroy Shogun the spotlight? Could we see him in a match next time? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

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Image credit:
Danny Graves (Photo by Aaron Doster/Getty Images)

Danny Graves arrived at the University of Miami in the fall of 1991 as an undersized righthander surrounded by a deep recruiting class of standout arms and wondering what heâ€d gotten himself into.

“Not that I had any lack of confidence, but (what are) the odds for a little freshman—I looked like I was about 12, and I was a little chubby,†Graves said. “I canâ€t believe that I signed to go here, and all these pitchers are here. Turtle Thomas, our recruiting coordinator back then, was infamous for doing that, bringing in a lot of arms and seeing what sticks. And, thankfully, I stuck.â€

Graves did more than stick. He cemented himself as a mainstay in the Miami bullpen from day one, posting a 0.89 ERA with 21 saves as the Hurricanes’ closer on their 1994 College World Series-bound team.

Just three years removed from wondering if he could stick at Miami, Graves was at the top of his game. He had set himself up to vault into pro baseball, as the Indians selected him with their fourth-round pick in the 1994 draft, and he arrived in Omaha looking to end his college career with a bang.

Instead, he tore his ACL during the College World Series, throwing that future in doubt.

“The first thing I thought was, ‘There goes all the money,â€â€ Graves said. “At the time, I was
thinking I might have to go back to school.â€

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His fears wouldnâ€t come to pass, however, as the Indians honored Graves†pre-injury bonus request. They were quickly rewarded. Graves was just as lights out in the minor leagues as he was at Miami, and he debuted with the big league club in 1996 before being flipped to the Reds in a trade deadline deal as a part of the package for Jeff Branson and John Smiley.

Graves took his lumps early in his big league career, learning that he needed more than just good life on his pitches to get MLB hitters out.

“I felt like for so long I would get by with stuff,†Graves said. “When people donâ€t see a lot of you,
especially in the minor leagues, your stuff can dominate for a little while. When you get to the
big leagues, you need more than just stuff.â€

Graves set about not just fine-tuning his arsenal, but learning how to effectively use it. By his age-25 season, heâ€d earned the Reds’ closer job and made his first all-star team in 2000 at age 26. Even with the ACL setback in college, the game had brought Graves nothing but joy, and he relished shutting things down in the ninth.

However, in 2003, Graves’ toughest professional year coincided with his toughest year off the field.

“I was going through a divorce at the time,” Graves said. “Itâ€s really hard to have a family when youâ€re a big league player. People think itâ€s all glory because you make a lot of money, but you have a family because you love your family and you want to be with your family. When theyâ€re not with you all the time, you get lonely.â€

Things at home were difficult, and after being converted to a starter by Reds management,
things on the mound werenâ€t much better. Years of elite performance in the bullpen were replaced
by a season of struggling in the rotation.

“I would have some good starts, but then have one or two bad innings that just blew stuff out of
proportion,†Graves said. “I went back to the bullpen the next year and made the all-star team,
but it still wasnâ€t fun. It was a struggle to pitch.â€

By 2007, Graves was on the wrong side of 30, pitching with diminished stuff for the independent
Long Island Ducks. He was a long way from being a big league all-star, but unwilling to let go of being a
professional baseball player.

“Thatâ€s what my identity was in my eyes,” Graves said. “I was nothing else but a baseball player. What happens if I donâ€t play anymore? If I say no to the Long Island Ducks, then Iâ€m not going to
play, and then what am I? Who am I? Thatâ€s why I kept trying to play, even knowing in the back of my
mind I had no shot of getting back to the big leagues.â€

After stints in the minor leagues and with Navojoa of the Mexican League, Graves walked away
from baseball, leaving behind the game and any joy associated with it.

“I took a couple years away from the game completely,” Graves said. “I was just a dad at home. I got
remarried to a wonderful lady. I wanted nothing to do with baseball.â€

That mightâ€ve been it for Graves and the game he loved—if baseball hadnâ€t come back for him.

Graves was approached about broadcasting, an opportunity he has since parlayed into stints with Reds Radio Network and his current role calling ACC baseball for ESPN. With a new job behind the mic instead of on the mound, it allowed Graves to find an identity in the game that had nothing to do with getting hitters out.

“All of a sudden, I get this opportunity to get back in the game on the media side,†Graves said.
“And thatâ€s when I knew, ‘Now I can be a former player and be ok with it.’â€

In the broadcast booth, Graves has rediscovered the baseball joy from his Miami and early Reds days. In 2023, he capped both journeys on a high note, going back to complete his Miami degree
and being inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame the same year.

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HOOK made his return on the August 27th edition of AEW Dynamite and he came out with a brand new…