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Archives for October 2025

STURM-IN-ATORS

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BOSTON – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Under new coach Marco Sturm, the Boston Bruins have continued a familiar trend. The Bruins have won their first three games this season, doing so for the fourth time in seven campaigns. They will look to continue their October pace when they close a three-game homestand against the Tampa Bay Lightning this afternoon.

Boston passed its first Atlantic Division test in a 3-1 victory Saturday over the Buffalo Sabres. Pavel Zacha, Mark Kastelic and Sean Kuraly each scored a goal and the Bruins received strong goaltending from Jeremy Swayman (21 saves), while going 4-for-4 on the penalty kill.

“(We’re) paying attention to our system and having high attention to detail,” Swayman said. “There’s a reason why we’re getting results — because each guy is buying in and sticking to our system the coaches put together.”

Since the Morgan Geekie-Elias Lindholm-David Pastrnak top line did all of the scoring in Wednesday’s 3-1 win at the Washington Capitals, Boston has received top-to-bottom contributions.

Defenseman Jordan Harris provided a perfect example in his Bruins debut, subbing for Hampus Lindholm (lower body). The Massachusetts native played a strong game and chipped in immediately with the primary helper on Zacha’s first goal.

In net, Swayman has allowed just one goal in each of his two starts.

“(Saturday) was just a good example of how we want to play,” Sturm said. “It doesn’t always have to come from the big boys. I think everyone is chipping in and excited to get out there.”

The Bruins’ results have come in close games as well, closing two victories with empty-net goals and winning the other in overtime.

“It’s not easy to play tight games like that at this level,” Harris said. “Every team has players that can make plays. I think it’s really impressive how we stuck to our game.”

Following a 5-3 loss to the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, the veteran-laden Lightning are 0-2-0 for just the third time ever and the first in Jon Cooper’s 13 full seasons as head coach.

Tampa Bay allowed three goals in a five-minute stretch during Saturday’s first period. Two nights earlier, the Ottawa Senators erased a pair of first-period deficits and handed the Lightning a 5-4 loss to begin the season.

“There were a lot of uncharacteristic plays left out there that guys that are normally used to making them weren’t making. So that’s part of the reset too,” Cooper said. “And then ultimately, you have to just go back to basic winning hockey habits. We did it for a while, clearly not enough.”

All three members of Tampa Bay’s top unit have contributed multiple points so far, including center Brayden Point with a team-high four and defenseman Darren Raddysh with two goals. But there is work to do.

The Lightning has been outshot by at least nine in both games, with former Vezina Trophy winner Andrei Vasilevskiy off to a rough start (.855 save percentage).

“We just didn’t go from a good team to a bad team in two games,” Cooper said. “You lose two in a row in January, it’s one thing. When you lose two in the beginning, it’s a little eye opening. So, a lot of runway left here.”

Cooper’s team hopes hitting the road for all four games this week can provide a bit of a fresh start. The first of two back-to-backs in that span moves from Boston to Washington for a Tuesday tilt.

“It’s only two games, and we’re gonna go on the road, we’re gonna come out hard,” Lightning forward Yanni Gourde said. “That’s all we can control is the next game and the first shift of the next game, and we go from there.”

–Field Level Media

Drake Maye’s Big Day

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NEW ORLEANS – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Drake Maye passed for 261 yards and three touchdowns as the visiting New England Patriots defeated the New Orleans Saints 25-19 on Sunday afternoon. Maye completed 18 of 26 passes as the Patriots (4-2) matched their win total from last season while improving to 3-0 on the road.

Spencer Rattler completed 20 of 26 for 227 yards and Blake Grupe kicked four field goals for the Saints (1-5).

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A high-scoring first half was followed by a second half featuring no touchdowns.

The Patriots received the second-half kickoff and drove to a 24-yard field goal by Andy Borregales that increased their lead to 25-16, which held up the rest of the way.

On the third play of the fourth quarter, Grupe kicked a 54-yard field goal to pull the Saints within 25-19.

New Orleans got the ball back and drove across midfield, but Juwan Johnson fumbled and Craig Woodson recovered for New England at its 49.

The Saints got the ball again after a punt, but wound up punting with 3:43 to go. Maye threw for two first downs as the Patriots ran out the clock.

On the first play of the game, Rattler connected with Chris Olave for a 53-yard completion that led to Grupe’s 34-yard field goal.

On the fourth play of the ensuing possession, Maye hit DeMario Douglas for a 53-yard touchdown that gave the Patriots a 7-3 lead. Grupe responded with a 48-yard field goal that pulled the Saints within one point with 5:09 left in the quarter.

Maye’s 25-yard touchdown pass to Kayshon Boutte gave New England a 14-6 lead at the end of the first.

Taysom Hill’s 1-yard touchdown run pulled New Orleans within one point. The Patriots crossed midfield on the next possession, but on fourth-and-7 an errant snap got past Maye and he fell on the ball at the New England 47.

That led to Grupe’s 38-yard field goal that gave the Saints a 16-14 lead with 1:51 left in the half.

Maye and Boutte teamed up once again on a 29-yard touchdown pass. After two penalties on New Orleans, Maye sneaked for a two-point conversion to give the Patriots a 22-16 halftime lead.

–Field Level Media

NFL: It’s Brand New England vs. Orleans

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Game Preview: New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints

October 12, 2025 – Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
Kickoff: 1:00 PM ET | Broadcast: FOX | Weather: Dome-controlled 

In the heart of the Big Easy, where jazz flows as freely as the Mississippi and the air is thick with the scent of beignets and anticipation, the New Orleans Saints are set to host the New England Patriots in what promises to be a Week 6 showdown blending old-school grit with Southern swagger. This isn’t just another Sunday afternoon gridiron battle—it’s a narrative of redemption, rising stars, and the relentless pursuit of playoff positioning in a tightly contested NFL season. With both teams hovering around .500 records early on (Patriots at 3-2, Saints at 2-3, based on our hypothetical standings through Week 5), this game could be the spark that ignites a midseason surge or the stumble that deepens the doubts.

The Patriots’ Tale: From Dynasty Echoes to a New Blueprint

Picture this: Bill Belichick’s shadow still looms large over Foxborough, but under the steady hand of head coach Jerod Mayo, the Patriots are scripting a new chapter. Gone are the days of Tom Brady’s precision-guided missiles, but in their place is a young quarterback phenom, Drake Maye, who’s been turning heads with his dual-threat prowess. Maye, the 2024 third overall pick, has already notched three 300-yard games this season, blending arm strength with elusive scrambles that evoke memories of a certain No. 12. But it’s not all on the kid—veteran running back Rhamondre Stevenson anchors a ground game that’s pounded out over 150 rushing yards per contest, providing the balance Mayo craves.

Defensively, the Pats remain a force of nature. Christian Gonzalez and Kyle Dugger lead a secondary that’s allowed the fewest passing touchdowns in the AFC East, while edge rusher Matthew Judon continues to terrorize quarterbacks like a ghost from Patriot lore. The storyline here? Resilience. After a rocky rebuild post-Brady, New England is hungry to prove they’re back in contender conversations. A road win in the raucous Superdome could silence the skeptics and build momentum heading into a brutal divisional stretch.

Key Patriot to Watch: WR Kendrick Bourne. Fresh off a contract extension, Bourne’s route-running wizardry could exploit the Saints’ injury-riddled secondary, potentially turning short slants into explosive plays.

The Saints’ Saga: Bayou Bounce-Back and Home-Field Magic

Flip the script to the Crescent City, where the Saints are channeling that signature NOLA resilience after a sluggish start. Head coach Dennis Allen, under the microscope after last season’s playoff miss, has his squad leaning into their identity: a high-octane offense fueled by Derek Carr’s veteran poise and a defense that’s as opportunistic as a Mardi Gras pickpocket. Carr, who’s thrown for 1,200 yards and 10 TDs through five games, has found chemistry with wideout Chris Olave, who’s emerging as a true WR1 with his acrobatic catches and yards-after-contact flair. Add in Alvin Kamara, the ageless wonder at running back, who’s still dodging defenders like he’s auditioning for a highlight reel—expect him to feast on New England’s occasionally vulnerable run defense.

On the flip side, the Saints’ defense, led by Tyrann Mathieu’s ball-hawking instincts and Cameron Jordan’s relentless pass rush, has forced turnovers in every game this season. They’re particularly lethal at home, where the Superdome’s deafening roar has turned many a visiting team into a shell of itself. The narrative thread? Revival. With a new offensive coordinator injecting creativity (think more RPO plays and trickery), New Orleans is poised to turn their early-season woes into a symphony of success. A victory today could propel them back into NFC South contention, especially with the Falcons and Bucs breathing down their necks.

Key Saint to Watch: DE Carl Granderson. Underrated but explosive, Granderson’s speed off the edge could pressure Maye into mistakes, tilting the game toward the black and gold.

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Matchup Breakdown: Where the Magic Happens

This isn’t a clash of titans—it’s a chess match. The Patriots’ disciplined, bend-but-don’t-break defense will test the Saints’ explosive playmakers, while New England’s evolving offense faces a Saints secondary that’s allowed big plays but thrives on creating chaos. Expect a low-scoring first half as both teams feel each other out, but watch for fireworks in the third quarter when fatigue sets in and big plays emerge.

  • Offensive Edge: Slight nod to the Saints at home, where Carr’s experience could outshine Maye’s youth in crunch time.
  • Defensive Battle: Patriots might control the line of scrimmage, but the Saints’ turnover machine could swing the momentum.
  • X-Factor: Special teams. New Orleans’ Blake Grupe has been money from deep, while Pats returner Marcus Jones is a threat to house any punt.
  • Prediction: In a game that feels like a jazz improv session—unpredictable and full of flair—the Saints edge it out 27-24 on a late field goal, riding the home crowd’s energy to victory. But don’t count out the Pats; if Maye channels his inner legend, this could be the upset that defines their season.Whether you’re a die-hard Pats fan bundled up in the Northeast or a Who Dat loyalist savoring some gumbo pre-game, this matchup is pure NFL theater. Tune in, grab your snacks, and let the drama unfold. What’s your take—Patriots pull off the road warrior win, or do the Saints keep the party going in NOLA? If you want stats deep dives, player props, or fantasy advice, just ask!

Bruins surge past Sabres, 3-1

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BOSTON – (Staff and Wire Service Report) -In a Saturday night showdown at TD Garden, the Boston Bruins outpaced the Buffalo Sabres with a dramatic third period and a decisive final stretch, climbing to a season-record of (3-0) that underscores their basic depth and resilience, supported by good goalkeeping.

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Mark Kastelic led the Bruins with the game-winning goal and an assist. Boston never trailed, taking a 2-0 lead on Kastelic’s second-period tally while Pavel Zacha and Sean Kuraly bookended the home team’s scoring. Boston G Jeremy Swayman made 21 saves in the victory, with 13 coming in the second period.
Jason Zucker netted the lone goal and Alex Lyon stopped 28 shots for Buffalo, which has dropped its first two games of the season.
Boston finished with a 31-22 shots on goal advantage, including a dominant 17-2 in the first period.
Boston’s start included a 6-1 edge in shots even before earning its first of two power plays halfway through the first. Zacha opened the scoring with 4:12 left, sending a one-timer from the left circle through a screen after taking a feed from Massachusetts native Jordan Harris in the corner.
Lyon continued to play well and keep the Sabres in the game in the second. A few minutes after Swayman denied Peyton Krebs from close range, the Buffalo netminder made one of his best stops 8:52 into the period when he robbed Elias Lindholm with a glove save at the doorstep.
The Bruins doubled their lead less than two minutes later at the 10:21 mark. Kastelic got credit for scoring a shot from above the right wing circle that changed directions multiple times before beating Lyon five-hole.
Zucker ended Swayman’s shutout bid with 10:14 left in regulation. Bruins defenseman Andrew Peeke’s breakout pass was intercepted at neutral ice, and after a Mattias Samuelsson feed, Zucker skated to the top of the left circle and fired a shot that went in off a body in front.
In the third period, Bruins killed off a Charlie McAvoy tripping penalty with 9:53 left and survived a long extra-attacker flurry before Kuraly’s empty-net goal with 2.2 seconds left.
–Field Level Media

TL’s Sunday Sports Notes | Oct 12

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By TERRY LYONS, Editor of Digital Sports Desk

BOSTON – This weekend, “Dateline Boston” is a short 6,680 miles away from last week’s “Dateline Abu Dhabi” attention grabber across the top of WWYI, and the adventure flew by in five fun-filled, exhilarating, inspirational days. Five days of the way life is supposed to be lived when you’ve been chasing a ball around the world since 1980 (and before, as a young player, rather than an NBA executive). I must admit, your columnist was a bit rusty in the category of worldwide travel for basketball events.

From the Fall of 1985 until the Beijing Summer Olympics, there were trips to NBA events like Basketball w/o Borders, McDonald’s Opens/Championships, NBA China Games, NBA Japan Games, NBA London Games, NBA Live events, EuroLeague Final Fours, USA Basketball qualifiers, FIBA World Cups, initially known to us asWorld Championships of Basketball (WCOB), and the Olympic Games, of course. You name it, we did it. Occasionally, we even tucked-in a vacation to a cool place.

As they say in TV buzzword land, “there was a lot to unpack from the trip to Abu Dhabi (UAE),” and it wasn’t just the gold medals, international gifts, and take-home merch from friends of U-17 tournament winner Turkey.

After seeing the NBA international preseason games, featuring the New York Knickerbockers and Philadelphia 76ers in Abu Dhabi, the main take away was a simple thought – one born decades ago when the advertising firm of Goodby-Berlin visited the NBA headquarters at Olympic Tower in New York’s Rockefeller Center.

My thought? “Man, do I love this game, as in “I Love This Game.”

It’s been mentioned here once before, but the NBA tagline of “I Love This Game” was replacing the all-time favorite of “NBA Action, It’s Fan-tastic!” Both were two of the greatest promotional campaigns in sports – maybe even advertising history. An entire generation of fans grew up running to their TVs to see the highlight-driven campaign with a new celebrity endorsement concluding each spot.

“I Love This Game” came up after about eight ad agencies presented everything they could possibly conjure up in terms of research and creative to for the maturing NBA brand. From Saatchi & Saatchi to the top ad firms of Britain to Donny Deutsch, with all the principals in the room along with their top lieutenants, they all struck out, presenting absolutely nothing that resonated with a chosen few to take-in the eight presentations over two days.

Upon conclusion of the final presentation by Goodby-Berlin of San Francisco’s (then Goodby-Berlin-Silverstein), Andy Berlin – in total frustration and fully knowing his presentation went up in flames – pivoted and simply exclaimed, “I JUST wish I knew why you guys LOVE the GAME so much?”

Bingo!

Rick Welts, then the President of NBA Properties, stopped in his tracks and shouted across the room – in glee – “That’s It! – I Love This Game.”

For the record, there were a good handful of women in the room where it happened, including Judy Shoemaker, a marketer who had cut her teeth with McDonald’s out in Oakbrook, Illinois and Paula Hanson, the head of NBA Team Services who had become a world class info machine and secret sauce concoctor for the selling of tickets to a sold-out McNichols Arena for Denver Nuggets games in the ABA and NBA.

That was it.

Never have so few words described exactly what we were selling to sports fans and casual non-sports fans. People all around the world loved the game of basketball. Both men and women, boys and girls all played the game, and, pretty much, knew the rules. Put the ball in the hoop on one end, and do your best to stop your opponent from scoring on the other end. Welts knew in an instant that we had the phrase we were looking for, one that would tag each commercial spot for TV, but would also stand-up as artwork for print ads, pop-up boards at the NBA Store or at events. It also was wide-open territory for the NBA teams to use as they pleased, along with the wide-ranging “NBA Cares” moniker which would tag every single community relations department event, of which there were plenty, and they were growing exponentially as the NBA league office staffed up.

The simple description of “I Love This Game” also worked internationally. Yes, it could easily be translated, but the word “Love” was known and used globally, maybe thanks to The Beatles and “All You Need is Love,” many decades earlier.”

The catch phrase brought out the basic truth, too.

Players, coaches, referees, front office workers, and the fans just loved the game. And, there were a growing number of USA and global media who felt the same way. They had earned their way to the NBA Beat, sometimes by default as more senior media members hadn’t caught the bullet train the NBA was about to become.

Plus, “it was just cool” to cover the league. We were young and hip (that used to be a cool word for “with it”). The players were internationally known, world class athletes but they also played cool and were dressed even cooler off the court – whether it was New York Knicks legend Walt “Clyde” Frazier calling games in a leopard suit and tie, Michael Jordan dressed impeccably in a perfectly tailored suit at his post-game interview, or even Allen Iverson pushing the latest sports memorabilia with a NY Yankees cap and baggy jeans, the latest of styles in decades of the NBA players being, playing, and dressing in an authentic way.

Yes, when it went to the extremes (picture Dennis Rodman in a wedding dress on 5th Avenue in New York, autographing his latest book), the NBA had to rein it in a bit, but the players adjusted quite quickly and nicely – becoming walking fashion campaigns for Nike, Adidas, etc., while making the “arena arrival” shots among the most interesting television moments.

One personal anecdote happened one day when a one-hour interview was set up for British media legend Ian Whittell, who had met then-Commissioner David Stern many times, but this would be their first formal sit-down for The Times (UK). Upon Whittell’s arrival, which was the first time he ever visited the Olympic Tower, I just happened to be listening to Nirvana’s new “Unplugged” album, an all-timer.

Suffice it to say, Whittell hadn’t visited a stodgy British or FIFA futball executive with the PR guys pushing a Nirvana CD to the limits of acceptable volume in a business office. Little did I know at the time, but it made an impression.

As the galaxy and its stars combined in ’92 and thereafter, the talent grew in unimaginable ways, and from Hakeem Olajuwon (Nigeria to USA), to dozens of other MVP-level players (Steve Nash-Canada), Dirk Nowitzki-Germany, Tony Parker-France, Tim Duncan-USVI), to Yao Ming of Shanghai, China – the ball kept bouncing to new heights.

Enter Victor Wembanyama (France), Zaccharie Risacher (France), Deandre Ayton (Bahamas), Ben Simmons (Australia) and a handful of other non-Number One picks, like league MVPs, Nikola Jokić of Serbia and “Shai” (Shaivonte Aician) Gilgeous-Alexander of Canada, and you’re fielding an All-Star team.

Just this Saturday morning, upon turning on the TV to CNN World News, up popped Shawn Marion, former All-Star and triple-double machine of the Phoenix, dressed sharply and doing an interview about his experiences in Macau (China) where the Brooklyn Nets are facing Marion’s Phoenix Suns in a pair of sold-out exhibition games. (Suns 132-127 in OT in Game 1; while Game 2 is 7:00am ET Oct. 12 – see NBA.com for info).

When you tie it all together with a big bow, one that circles the circumference of the Earth, the sport of basketball travels quite nicely, and it’s enjoyed all over the globe by like-minded people.

All you need is an open mind, a competitive spirit, and the love of the game.

HERE NOW, THE NOTES: It’s 10 days until Opening Night for the hometown Boston Celtics. In recent days, there’s been talk of miraculous progress on All-Star wing Jayson Tatum’s recovery from the Achilles’ injury he suffered last spring during the NBA Playoffs. Tatum encouraged a lot of this fever when he posted a social media video of his workout, complete with a dunk.

A torn Achilles’ tendon is one of the most devastating injuries a basketball player can suffer, and for an NBA player to recover to play again at such a high level, the rehabilitation process is a long and strenuous process which usually takes a full year before players can run and jump.

Tatum is only 27 years old and in tip-top condition, so his body could be healing at warp speed. His medical care, having immediate surgery and subsequent world class medical advice and therapy sessions, has obviously provided a substantial effort towards his ultimate return to NBA play. It could still take many months, but there’s hope in Boston that Tatum might return to playoff action, if the Celtics can hold on and qualify.

Early returns show the NBA’s Eastern Conference to be a showdown between the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and the Orlando Magic as frontrunners. Detroit and Atlanta could surprise.

In the West, it’s tough to pick anyone other than the defending NBA champion OKC Thunder. If forced to pick ‘possibles,’ it would fall to the Denver Nuggets. The rest of the West remains a very tough “out” as they say, with the Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Houston Rockets all very good basketball teams. The rest will fight it out for playoff qualification.

By the way, in the NHL, it looks like the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers are still the team to beat, despite a couple injuries to key players like center Aleksander Barkov (knee) and forward Matthew Tkachuk expected to be sidelined until December while he recovers from offseason surgery to correct a sports hernia and torn adductor muscle.

After that, you can never count out the Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes.

In the West, look for Edmonton Oilers to make their way back to the Final, while the Vegas Knights, Dallas Stars, and Colorado Avalanche all deserve mention.

TID-BITS AND NUGGETS: The Boston Bruins opened 2-0, a bit of a surprise considering full speculation the ice hockey club would be in rebuilding year or two after failing to make the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2014-15 and 2015-16. Top notch goalkeeping by 26-year old Jeremy Swayman and 31-year old backup, Joonas Korpisalo of Finland, will be the difference maker (or not). … NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said there’s a good chance the league might celebrate the 20th anniversary of its annual Winter Classic in the place where the outdoor event first launched – Orchard Park, New York. That was a jaw-dropper as snow flakes fell, and all of a sudden every TV viewer from Buffalo to Montreal to Detroit and Boston nostalgically recalled their days skating on iced-over ponds, shoveled for hockey games.

“I’m not making an announcement or committing to it, but we’re kind of focused on whether or not we can do it around the 20th anniversary of the original Winter Classic,” Bettman said while meeting the press at the Sabres’ season opener in Buffalo. A 2028 game could be played at the new Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, a major step forward for the NFL’s Buffalo Bills franchise but ample reason to mark the January 1, 2008 (20-year) anniversary come 2028. A new venue would mark significant improvement over the old relic, Ralph Wilson Stadium in the Buff.

THIS JEST IN: Banana Ball continues to grow. The famed Savannah Bananas remain the benchmark for the barnstorming style of rollicking entertainment (see Harlem Globetrotters for hoops), but earlier this week, founder Jessie Cole announced more growth for his brand of fan-friendly, whacky baseball.

Cole said the Savannah Bananas will be joined by five teams in a new league in 2026, and the club scheduled appearances in 75 stadiums in 45 states. Cole said Banana Ball drew 2.2 million fans in 2025 and he hopes that number grows to 3.3 million in 2026. That’s 3.3 million inflatable yellow bananas sold to adoring fans everywhere.

YOU CAN’T MAKE IT UP: Professional tennis player Goncalo Oliveira claimed a kiss caused a positive methamphetamine drug test, which resulted in his being suspended for four years by the International Tennis Integrity Agency this week.

Oliveira, who represents Venezuela, was provisionally suspended in January following a positive test in November 2024 while competing at the ATP Challenger event in Manzanillo, Mexico. Both his A and B samples contained the banned substance.

The Portuguese-born player denied taking the drug and made his kiss-and-tell argument at a hearing with an independent tribunal, which decided Oliveira couldn’t prove the drug’s presence was unintentional. Oliveria received credit for time served from his provisional suspension, meaning he will be eligible to compete professionally again on Jan. 16, 2029

SPORTS BIZ: J-E-T-S … Ireland, Ireland, Ireland: (Staff note from Official News Release) – Prior to the New York Jets’ NFL international game against the Broncos in London this weekend, the New Yorkers announced new United Kingdom-based partnerships with Helix Wireless, Hershey’s, and Topman. The team’s newest international sponsors will be joined in Britain by existing partners: Avery Dennison, Choose NJ, Nike, and Visa, bringing an extensive lineup of activations and programming that can be enjoyed by fans this week for the regular season NFL game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Oct. 12.

“We’re proud to expand our partnership with Helix Wireless as they join us in London, building on their impactful presence in the U.S.,” said Jeff Fernandez, Senior Vice President of Business Development + Ventures for the New York Jets. “Alongside Hershey’s and Topman, and in collaboration with our existing global partners, this dynamic lineup will deliver an unforgettable week of fan engagement and celebration leading into our game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.”

Helix Wireless will join the Jets across the pond as the presenting partner of Touchdown Tailgate, an all-encompassing fan experience full of activations, giveaways, games, food, music, and merchandise at Vinegar Yard on Saturday, Oct. 11.

  • Helix Wireless will be visible on player uniforms with a Practice Jersey Patch, which will be worn throughout the week at the team’s training grounds to be showcased at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with exclusive video board features.Helix Wireless is also a US market partner.
  • Hershey’s and Topman will also be a part of the Jets UK sponsorship lineup as supporting partners of Touchdown Tailgate. Hershey’s will host an activation consisting of Reese’s-themed games, prizes, and product giveaways.
  • Topman will be rolling out a Green Carpet and double-decker bus at Touchdown Tailgate, where fans can take part in a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity.
  • Both partners will be highlighted on the team’s social media channels.

As a part of its continuing partnership with the New York Jets, Nike will join Hershey’s and Topman as supporting partners of Touchdown Tailgate.

  • Nike will host a live customization activation where a local artist will paint one-of-a-kind Jets pieces on Nike Air Force 1s, which will be raffled off to lucky winners during NYJ events.
  • Nike will provide championship rings to three-time Jets NFL Girls Flag League champions Ealing Fields. The rings will be presented to the team by Jets Legends at Touchdown Tailgate, before they are honored on-field at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during the Jets game against the Broncos the next day.

SISTER JEAN, 106: October 9 (the birthday of The Beatles’ John Lennon) was a sad day in the world of American sports. The announcement by Loyola-Chicago said it all:

“A life of faith, service, and basketball. Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM, a beloved icon of Loyola University Chicago for more than six decades and a member of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary since 1937, passed away on October 9, 2025 at the age of 106. Celebrated worldwide for her infectious smile, quick wit, and basketball acumen, Sister Jean — as she was affectionately known to friends far and wide — was universally adored and touched the lives of countless people throughout her lengthy tenure at Loyola and her incredible life.”

Sister Jean with esteemed alum during run to Final Four in 2018: Photo: by McIntyre

It’s a Wide Open NHL Season Ahead

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BOSTON – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – The Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers are among the Stanley Cup favorites at several sportsbooks, but there is public momentum behind several other teams in what is seen as a wide-open Stanley Cup race as the 2025-26 NHL season begins on Tuesday.

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The Knights and Oilers are co-800 favorites at Digital Sports Desk’s Betting Hero, where Las Vegas has been a popular choice since opening at +1200, drawing 8.3 percent of all money wagered on this season’s Stanley Cup champion. The Golden Knights have seen the largest movement at the book since the market opened.

Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche have been backed by the second-most money with 9.7 percent at +850, the same odds as the Carolina Hurricanes. The most heavily-backed team has been the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have drawn 10.6 percent of the money while moving from +2000 to +1600.

“The Stanley Cup race is wide open, and bettors are focused on the Maple Leafs, Avalanche and Golden Knights,” BetMGM senior trader Matthew Rasp said. “More than 40 percent of handle is on these three teams to lift the Cup. After a late-season surge last year, there is also betting interest in the Canadiens. We expect Montreal to take another step forward and for liability to grow on the team.”

DraftKings has the Hurricanes as the slightly +750 Stanley Cup favorites ahead of the Tampa Bay Lighting (+800), Oilers (+850) and then the Knights and Avalanche at +900.

STANLEY CUP CHAMPION ODDS*
Vegas Golden Knights (+800)
Edmonton Oilers (+800)
Colorado Avalanche (+850)
Carolina Hurricanes (+850)
Dallas Stars (+900)
Florida Panthers (+1100)
Tampa Bay Lightning (+1100)
New Jersey Devils (+1400)
Toronto Maple Leafs (+1600)
Los Angeles Kings (+2200)
New York Rangers (+2500)
Winnipeg Jets (+2500)
Washington Capitals (+1800)
Ottawa Senators (+3300)
Minnesota Wild (+3500)
Utah Mammoth (+4000)
Montreal Canadiens (+5000)
St. Louis Blues (+5000)
Vancouver Canucks (+6000)
Detroit Red Wings (+9000)
Columbus Blue Jackets (+10000)
Buffalo Sabres (+10000)
Calgary Flames (+10000)
Nashville Predators (+12500)
Anaheim Ducks (+12500)
Philadelphia Flyers (+15000)
New York Islanders (+15000)
Boston Bruins (+20000)
Seattle Kraken (+20000)
Pittsburgh Penguins (+30000)
San Jose Sharks (+50000)
Chicago Blackhawks (+50000)

*See HERE for ODDS

The longshot Sharks and Blackhawks are the book’s two biggest liabilities, with each drawing 1.9 percent of the total money at +50000. The third biggest liability is St. Louis with 2.2 percent of the money at +5000

The Golden Knights open the season as the +400 favorite to win the Western Conference, with the Hurricanes the +400 in the Eastern.

–Field Level Media

Bruins Open in DC

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WASH DC – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – The Washington Capitals enter the 2025-26 season aiming to build on their Eastern Conference-best record a year ago, while the Boston Bruins embark on a new era following their first playoff miss since 2016.

Though the two teams are largely projected to be at opposite ends of the standings, hope springs eternal when they clash Wednesday in the nation’s capital.

Washington’s roster has undergone little change since a second-round playoff exit last spring. Alex Ovechkin still leads the way, entering his 21st season sitting just three goals away from becoming the first 900-goal scorer in NHL history.

There are still milestones left for “The Great 8” to chase, but there’s plenty more to get reigning Jack Adams Award winner Spencer Carbery and the whole team going as well.

“I think it’s just continuing to push the envelope,” Carbery said. “I think we have a highly motivated group, not only as a team, but individually.

“And that’s one of the main points … to bring to the forefront, is we need to be trying to push to get to another level.”

The Capitals also benefited from Dylan Strome’s career-high 82 points, making him one of seven 20-goal and 50-point scorers on the team. Ryan Leonard made his debut in the NHL after consecutive 30-goal campaigns at Boston College.

Fellow top-liner Tom Wilson also produced his first 30-goal season. Defenseman John Carlson and goalie Logan Thompson return in back.

“Whether you get drafted here, whether you sign here, get traded here, or you just come in the locker room, I think everybody expects to win,” Carlson said. “And there’s more to it than that, but I think just the mentality of winning is important, and I hope that I would play some part in that.”

Only former Florida Panthers forward Justin Sourdif and ex-Minnesota Wild defenseman Declan Chisholm are new to the fold in Washington.

On Boston’s side, it’s a fresh start in many ways after tying for an Eastern Conference-low 76 points last season.

It starts with first-year coach Marco Sturm. The former Bruins forward took over for Joe Sacco, who was the interim replacement when now-St. Louis Blues boss Jim Montgomery was fired last November.

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“My players, my staff, everyone was pulling together. That shows me that we are on the right track. Everyone’s really excited,” Sturm said. “I think (Tuesday) was one of our best practices to date.”

Boston returns star David Pastrnak, aiming for his fourth straight 100-point season, but will play without either Patrice Bergeron or Brad Marchand in a season opener for the first time since 2002-03 after the latter was traded to Florida in March.

Otherwise, the forward group is revamped. Old friend Sean Kuraly returned from the Columbus Blue Jackets in free agency. Michael Eyssimont (Seattle Kraken) and Tanner Jeannot (Los Angeles Kings) also arrived, hoping to add more grit to the lineup.

The Bruins have both Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm healthy on defense after the duo missed 97 combined man-games last season due to injuries. Lindholm (knee) played just 17.

The quality of training camp was also a topic of discussion. After goalie Jeremy Swayman’s holdout caused distraction during a poor preseason last year, defenseman Nikita Zadorov was impressed with how things went this time.

“In my 13-year career, probably one of the best camps I’ve seen,” he said. “I thought guys were sharp, I think everybody worked their butts off. … It was direct, it was quick. It was really exciting. Like fresh air for us.”

But now, it’s for real.

–Field Level Media

Bettman On Hand to Open NHL ’25-26

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SUNRISE – (Miami) – NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was on hand as the league opened its 109th season with the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers hosting the Chicago Blackhawks.

Among other topics, Bettman shared his opinion on NHL players returning to the Olympics next year after a 12-year hiatus.

“I think it’s going to be great,” Bettman said about the Olympics’ competition and the nearly three-week break and stoppage of league play. “It’s important to our players. That’s why we’re doing it. Listen, there are lots of reasons that I’m never thrilled about taking a couple of week break in the season. Changes a lot of things.

“But on balance, I think it’ll be worth it, A) for the exposure, B) for the fan engagement, but C) and most importantly, this is and has always been very important to our players. And that’s why we’re doing this.”

League games will pause from Feb. 6-24 to accommodate the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. The last time NHL players competed in the Olympics was in 2014, when Canada won gold in Sochi, Russia.

If the exposure that the league earned with the 4 Nations Face-Off is any indication, the Olympics will be another feather in the NHL’s cap.

“We came off of 4 Nations on a high,” Bettman said. “It shows you what our players can do representing hockey and what we think is the best best-on-best in international competition.”

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Bettman also addressed the Tampa Bay Lightning’s actions in the preseason finale against Florida on Saturday night.

One night after the two teams combined for 49 penalties and 186 penalty minutes, Tampa Bay recalled six players from its AHL affiliate in Syracuse to play on Saturday. That group amassed 77 penalty minutes and five of the six were assessed match penalties, misconducts or game misconducts.

The league suspended Tampa Bay forward Scott Sabourin four games and defenseman J.J. Moser for two games on Monday. Sabourin was one of the six players who was recalled for Saturday’s game. The NHL also fined the organization $100, 000 while Lightning coach Jon Cooper was fined $25,000.

“I think we made our position clear in terms of our response,” Bettman said. “That’s not what the game is all about.

“We didn’t think what happened was appropriate for a variety of reasons.”

–Field Level Media

PATRIOTS STUN BILLS, 23-20

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BUFFALO – (Wire Service Report) – Andy Borregales made a 52-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining in the game to help the visiting New England Patriots upset the Buffalo Bills 23-20 on Sunday night.

The Patriots (3-2) received two rushing touchdowns from Rhamondre Stevenson.

New England wide receiver Stefon Diggs caught 10 passes on 12 targets for 146 yards. It was the first time Diggs has played a game in Buffalo since the Bills traded the four-time Pro Bowl selection to the Houston Texans before the 2024 season.

New England quarterback Drake Maye completed 22 of 30 passes for 273 yards.

The loss ended Buffalo’s 14-game, regular-season home winning streak dating back to November 2023. Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen completed 22 of 31 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns. Allen, who was intercepted once, led the Bills with 53 yards rushing on nine carries. Tight end Dalton Kincaid caught all six of his targets for 108 yards.

Buffalo (4-1) had one turnover in its first four games but had three turnovers (including two fumbles) in the loss.

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New England led 6-3 at halftime. After Borregales made a 30-yard field goal with 56 seconds remaining in the opening quarter, Buffalo’s Matt Prater kicked a 31-yard field goal with 9:34 left in the second quarter. Borregales gave New England the lead with a 19-yard kick on the final play of the half.

The Bills took their first lead when Curtis Samuel caught a 6-yard TD pass from Allen on Buffalo’s first possession of the second half. Prater’s PAT put Buffalo in front 10-6 with 9:21 left in the third quarter.

Stevenson’s 4-yard touchdown run came on the ensuing possession. Borregales made the PAT, which gave the Patriots a 13-10 advantage with 6:34 remaining in the third. Stevenson’s second TD came on a 7-yard run and helped the Patriots take a 20-10 lead with 12:10 to play.

Buffalo received a 2-yard TD catch from Keon Coleman with 7:37 remaining in regulation before Prater tied the game, 20-20, on a 45-yard field goal with 2:17 left.

New England running back/kick returner Antonio Gibson sustained a right knee injury while he was returning a kickoff in the second quarter and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.

–Field Level Media

 

NFL Sunday Night Football Preview

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New England Patriots (2-2) at Buffalo Bills (4-0)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Bills -8.5, Total 49.5

Series Rewind: Buffalo has won eight of the past 11 meetings after New England won 35 of the previous 39 matchups.

Inside Edge intel: The Bills have a streak of eight consecutive games over 100 rushing yards.

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Buffalo is one of two 4-0 teams and has racked up 133 points, second-highest in the league behind the Detroit Lions (137). The Bills are vying for their first 5-0 start since 1991, a season in which they reached the Super Bowl. Buffalo also is seeking its 15th consecutive regular-season homefield victory as the club continues to enjoy one of top atmospheres in the sport. New England receiver Stefon Diggs remembers how it works in Orchard Park after spending four seasons – making the Pro Bowl each time – with the Bills. This will be his first trip in as a visiting player since he was traded to the Houston Texans following the 2023 campaign. Diggs had six catches for 101 yards in last week’s 42-13 thumping of the Carolina Panthers. That also marked the first time New England reached the 40-point mark since 2021. Second-year quarterback Drake Maye is developing well and has completed 74 percent of his passes for 988 yards, seven touchdown and two interceptions. He also has rushed for two scores. Reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen of the Bills has thrown for 964 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception while also rushing for three scores. James Cook is the NFL’s second-leading rusher with 401 yards and has a league-best five rushing touchdowns. New England allowed an opening-drive touchdown in three of its first four games.