Bruins score three in second period to beat Islanders

BOSTON — David Pastrnak had a goal and an assist to help the Boston Bruins rally for a 5-2 victory over the New York Islanders on Tuesday night.

Pastrnak, Elias Lindholm, and Mikey Eyssimont scored during Boston’s second-period rally after the Bruins managed just four shots on goal in the opening period. Morgan Geekie added a power-play goal in the third, and Fraser Minten sealed the win with an empty-netter as Boston rebounded from a 7-2 loss at Ottawa on Monday night.

Charlie McAvoy contributed two assists, while Joonas Korpisalo made 33 saves for Boston, which notched just its second win since starting the season 3-0.

For the Islanders, Bo Horvat had a goal and an assist. Kyle Palmieri also scored, and Ilya Sorokin finished with 17 saves. New York lost in regulation for the first time since falling to 0-3 on October 13.

Horvat gave New York an early lead just 1:08 into the first period with his sixth goal in six games. He then set up Palmieri’s one-timer goal at 4:52 to extend the Islanders’ advantage. The Islanders outshot the Bruins 10-4 in the first period, a margin that could have been even greater if Boston hadn’t blocked seven shots.

The second period belonged to the Bruins. The Islanders contributed with a pair of early penalties, the second of which led to Lindholm’s power-play goal at 3:57. Pastrnak tied the game at 6:49, and Boston took its first lead just 59 seconds later when Eyssimont tipped a shot past Sorokin.

### Up Next

The Islanders will visit the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday.
https://www.sunjournal.com/2025/10/28/bruins-score-three-in-second-period-to-beat-islanders/

Kobel makes a vital save as Dortmund beats Frankfurt on penalties in German Cup

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Gregor Kobel sent Borussia Dortmund into the third round of the German Cup with a diving save that secured a penalty shootout victory against Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday.

Midfielder Farès Chaïbi stepped up to take Frankfurt’s fourth penalty, needing to score after Ritsu Doan had fired his shot over the bar earlier. Chaïbi’s low shot to Kobel’s right was brilliantly saved by the Swiss goalkeeper, who got down to hold the ball. This gave Dortmund a 4-2 shootout win, sparking flare-waving celebrations from Dortmund’s away fans.

The loss continues a troubled run for Frankfurt, who have managed just one win in their last six games across all competitions.

The match finished 1-1 after extra time, with Julian Brandt’s goal for Dortmund canceling out an opener from ex-Dortmund player Ansgar Knauff for Frankfurt.

In other German Cup action, Holstein Kiel, a second-tier team, caused an upset by knocking out Wolfsburg with a 1-0 win thanks to Alexander Bernhardsson’s penalty. Wolfsburg played most of the game with 10 men after Jenson Seelt was sent off in the 36th minute for receiving two bookings in quick succession.

Robert Glatzel’s 83rd-minute penalty secured a 1-0 victory for Hamburger SV over 10-man Heidenheim.

Hertha Berlin also advanced with a 3-0 win over Elversberg in a match featuring two second-division teams.

Later Tuesday, Leipzig, Hoffenheim, and St. Pauli will all be in action in the German Cup second round.
https://mymotherlode.com/news/europe/10116061/kobel-makes-a-vital-save-as-dortmund-beats-frankfurt-on-penalties-in-german-cup.html

Bruins’ struggles continue with blowout loss to Senators 7-2

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Drake Batherson and Tim Stutzle each recorded two goals and an assist to lead the Ottawa Senators to a commanding 7-2 victory over the Boston Bruins on Monday night. The win marked Ottawa’s third straight triumph.

Claude Giroux, Nick Cousins, and Fabian Zetterlund also contributed goals for the Senators, while goaltender Leevi Merilainen made 26 saves. The 23-year-old goalie showed significant improvement after allowing seven goals in his only other start this season against the Buffalo Sabres on October 15.

The Bruins got on the board first with Morgan Geekie scoring on Boston’s opening shot, capitalizing on a defensive-zone turnover by Ottawa. However, that early goal was all the Bruins could manage offensively until the final seconds of the game when Viktor Arvidsson scored with less than 10 seconds remaining.

Boston’s Jeremy Swayman made 17 saves but the team remains in last place in the Atlantic Division.

Batherson’s first goal of the night came on the power play and tied the game 1-1 at the midpoint of the opening period. Notably, Monday marked the first time since February 2023 that the Senators have scored more than six goals in back-to-back games, having put up seven goals against the Washington Capitals on Saturday.

In an unusual but spirited moment, the Senators played the World Series game between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers with full broadcast audio during the first and second intermissions. Most fans stayed in their seats, giving hearty roars that are rarely heard from a Toronto team visiting the nation’s capital.

Up next:
– Bruins: Host the New York Islanders on Tuesday.
– Senators: Visit the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday.
https://www.boston.com/uncategorized/boston-bruins/2025/10/27/bruins-struggles-continue-with-blowout-loss-to-senators-7-2/

Penn State is taking an underdog mentality into the Ohio State clash

Ten days after James Franklin’s firing, the reverberations are still being felt in Happy Valley, the home of Penn State’s football team. On ESPN’s College GameDay, Franklin stated that his “goal hasn’t changed,” insisting he plans to chase a national title elsewhere following a 3-3 start and a swift dismissal after losses to Oregon, UCLA, and Northwestern.

In the wake of Franklin’s departure, the Penn State football team has turned to longtime assistant Terry Smith as interim head coach while a broader coaching search continues in the background. The immediate task, however, is stabilizing a locker room ahead of its biggest test yet.

This context frames a week built around belief and response rather than résumés alone. Speaking ahead of the upcoming game, Terry Smith said about Penn State versus No. 1 Ohio State: “No one is giving us a chance, and I’m going to re-emphasize that to our team. I don’t think we’ve ever been a 20-point underdog since I’ve been here, but it’s motivation. No one believes in us. We’re going to come out and fight.”

Smith’s message is simple: lean into edge and execution. After a turbulent October and an interim handover, he is trying to convert doubt into fuel. This week is as much about clarity as it is about tactics — penalties, situational football, and red-zone decisions have all swung close games the wrong way this season.

The underdog framing also resets expectations without lowering standards, a balance Penn State needs to strike facing a top-ranked opponent on deck.

Fan sentiment hasn’t been subtle since the transition. In the first post-Franklin game, a 25-24 loss to Iowa, social media reflected familiar frustration—flashes of promise smothered by late miscues, special teams swings, and a fourth quarter that slipped away. That game felt like the season in miniature and added more weight on Smith’s first marquee week to re-center the team’s focus and confidence.

The Penn State football team doesn’t control the spread or the outside noise. What it does control is effort and precision. Smith’s public refrain—that belief and fight travel—sets a clear baseline for Saturday’s showdown in Columbus.
https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-football/penn-state-football-news-nittany-lions-taking-underdog-mentality-into-ohio-state-clash

2-time RAW Tag Team Champion announces he is taking a break right now and is not coming back to WWE

A two-time WWE RAW Tag Team Champion, Braun Strowman, has no plans to return to the ring anytime soon. The Monster Among Men recently addressed retirement speculation and clarified his current status.

Strowman, who has been inactive since his release from WWE in May, has shifted his focus to exploring opportunities outside of wrestling. One of his new ventures is a food and travel series titled *Everything on the Menu with Braun Strowman*.

Speaking on *Going Ringside*, Strowman was asked if he has officially retired from in-ring competition. The 42-year-old wrestler explained that he is simply taking a break for now, putting to rest rumors about a potential WWE comeback.

“I’m taking a break right now. These (hands) are always ready if anybody wants them, but right now, I’m enjoying taking a little break, getting my body healed back up as to normal as I can, and experiencing some other things that life had to experience. I loved my time with WWE, but it took up every bit of my time. Now I’m having some opportunities to get out and do some other stuff, see some other things,” Strowman said.

He also shared that being away from wrestling has allowed him to focus on new ventures. “I’ve made some ventures, I have a tequila brand now, Quintaliza, we’re working on that, so just living life and having fun.”

### Braun Strowman Shares Disappointing News About Food Show Premiere

Recently, Braun Strowman took to Instagram to inform fans that he was unable to attend the premiere of his new show *Everything On The Menu* in Orlando.

“Hi everyone and I am so sorry and heart broken to say that I will not be at Big Daddy’s tonight for the premiere of *Everything On The Menu*. I have come down with a terrible cold and I need to rest and put my health first. The love and support I have received for the premiere has been out of this world and I cannot wait to see how much you all enjoy it tonight,” he wrote.

In a heartfelt post, Strowman revealed that he was dealing with a high fever and apologized to fans for missing the event.

We at Sportskeeda Wrestling wish Braun Strowman a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing what he does next.

*If you use quotes from this article, please credit Going Ringside and give a H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.*
https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-2-time-raw-tag-team-champion-announces-taking-break-right-now-coming-back-wwe

AP Top 25 Schedule

All Times EDT

**Friday, Oct. 31**
– No. 25 Memphis (7-1) at Rice (4-4), 7 p.m.

**Saturday, Nov. 1**
– No. 9 Vanderbilt (7-1) at No. 20 Texas (6-2), Noon
– No. 10 Miami (6-1) at SMU (5-3), Noon
– No. 22 Houston (7-1) vs. West Virginia (2-6), Noon
– No. 1 Ohio St. (7-0) vs. Penn St. (3-4), Noon
– No. 12 Notre Dame (5-2) at Boston College (1-7), 3:30 p.m.
– No. 2 Indiana (8-0) at Maryland (4-3), 3:30 p.m.
– No. 5 Georgia (6-1) vs. Florida (3-4) at Jacksonville, Fla., 3:30 p.m.
– No. 13 Texas Tech (7-1) at Kansas St. (4-4), 3:30 p.m.
– No. 15 Virginia (7-1) at California (5-3), 3:45 p.m.
– No. 16 Louisville (6-1) at Virginia Tech (3-5), 3 p.m.
– No. 7 Mississippi (7-1) vs. South Carolina (3-5), 7 p.m.
– No. 21 Michigan (6-2) vs. Purdue (2-6), 7 p.m.
– No. 14 Tennessee (6-2) vs. No. 18 Oklahoma (6-2), 7:30 p.m.
– No. 8 Georgia Tech (8-0) at NC State (4-4), 7:30 p.m.
– No. 23 Southern Cal (5-2) at Nebraska (6-2), 7:30 p.m.
– No. 17 Cincinnati (7-1) at No. 24 Utah (6-2), 10:15 p.m.

Stay tuned for all the exciting matchups this weekend!
https://wtop.com/sports/2025/10/ap-top-25-schedule-63/

Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini remains humble amid torrid start to 2025-26

The San Jose Sharks have faced some tough challenges early in the 2025-26 season. However, one massive bright spot has been sophomore standout Macklin Celebrini. The former No. 1 pick has hit the ground running, and his performance on Sunday against the Minnesota Wild has the hockey world talking.

Celebrini recorded two assists during regulation against Minnesota, but his biggest moment came in the overtime period. The Wild dominated puck possession throughout overtime, allowing San Jose just one player change. Once Celebrini touched the puck, though, the young star sealed the game with a clutch goal.

His overtime winner capped off a three-point night, placing him among the NHL’s leading point producers. Celebrini now boasts six goals and 15 points through just nine games this season. His efforts have helped San Jose win two of their last three games after dropping their first six contests of the year.

Despite his breakout success, Celebrini remains humble, giving credit to his teammates for the victory. “I think you have to kind of give credit to your linemates. They support you and they’re the ones making the play. So yeah, I mean, I think we’ve been clicking,” he said.

One of those linemates made a significant impact as well. Veteran winger Tyler Toffoli scored in the third period to give the Sharks a 5-3 lead. However, San Jose couldn’t hold the Wild off, as Minnesota scored twice to force overtime.

Celebrini’s game-winning goal ultimately secured a much-needed victory for the Sharks—a win that could provide a major boost of confidence moving forward. San Jose now has a chance to string together some wins in short order.

That work begins on Tuesday night when the Sharks face off against the Los Angeles Kings. Fans will be eager to see if Celebrini and the team can continue their strong play and build some momentum.
https://clutchpoints.com/nhl/san-jose-sharks/sharks-macklin-celebrini-humble-torrid-start-2025-26

No. 8 Georgia Tech and NC State meet in ACC play

No. 8 Georgia Tech (8-0) at NC State (4-4)

Date & Time: Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. EDT

BetMGM College Football Odds Opening Line: Georgia Tech by 6.5

Against the Spread: Georgia Tech 6-2, NC State 3-5

How to Watch: ESPN2

Key Stats

Georgia Tech Offense

  • Overall: 472.5 yards per game (16th in FBS)
  • Passing: 242.8 yards per game (59th)
  • Rushing: 229.8 yards per game (12th)
  • Scoring: 36.0 points per game (25th)

Georgia Tech Defense

  • Overall: 371.5 yards per game (74th in FBS)
  • Passing: 216.3 yards per game (61st)
  • Rushing: 155.3 yards per game (88th)
  • Scoring: 20.0 points per game (34th)

NC State Offense

  • Overall: 420.5 yards per game (43rd in FBS)
  • Passing: 270.0 yards per game (29th)
  • Rushing: 150.5 yards per game (75th)
  • Scoring: 30.5 points per game (56th)

NC State Defense

  • Overall: 408.0 yards per game (107th in FBS)
  • Passing: 278.0 yards per game (131st)
  • Rushing: 130.0 yards per game (46th)
  • Scoring: 29.9 points per game (105th)

NC State ranks 114th in defensive third down percentage, allowing opponents to convert 43.8% of the time. Conversely, Georgia Tech’s offense is strong on third downs, ranking 16th in the FBS by converting on 50.0% of third downs.

Turnover margin also favors Georgia Tech, as NC State is 114th in the FBS with a -5 turnover margin.

Both teams possess strong red zone offenses. Georgia Tech is 14th in the FBS, scoring on 93.9% of red zone trips, while NC State’s red zone offense ranks 20th at 92.0%.

Team Leaders

Georgia Tech

  • Passing: Haynes King – 1,480 yards, 7 TDs, 1 INT, 72.3% completion rate
  • Rushing: Haynes King – 651 yards on 113 carries, 12 TDs
  • Receiving: Eric Rivers – 313 yards on 29 catches, 1 TD

NC State

  • Passing: CJ Bailey – 2,071 yards, 17 TDs, 7 INTs, 70.2% completion rate
  • Rushing: Daylan Smothers – 825 yards on 120 carries, 6 TDs
  • Receiving: Terrell Anderson – 468 yards on 26 catches, 4 TDs

Last Game Recap

Georgia Tech won 41-16 over Syracuse on Saturday, Oct. 25. Haynes King led the offense with 304 yards on 25-of-31 passing (80.6%) for three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also added 91 rushing yards on 12 carries with two rushing touchdowns. Malachi Hosley contributed 81 yards on eight carries, while Jordan Allen recorded 67 yards on six catches.

NC State fell 53-34 to Pittsburgh on Saturday, Oct. 25. CJ Bailey threw for 225 yards on 24-of-40 attempts (60.0%) with three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also ran six times for 39 yards. Daylan Smothers ran eight times for 86 yards and one touchdown, adding three receptions for 25 yards. Justin Joly had six receptions for 101 yards and two touchdowns.

Next Games

  • Georgia Tech: at Boston College on Nov. 15
  • NC State: at No. 10 Miami (FL) on Nov. 15

https://wtop.com/ncaa-football/2025/10/no-8-georgia-tech-and-nc-state-meet-in-acc-play/

Hornets’ LaMelo Ball has perfect response to favorite part of 11th triple-double

LaMelo Ball made his thoughts on his triple-double performance clear after the Charlotte Hornets’ 139-113 win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday evening.

In 35 minutes of action, Ball filled up the stat sheet. He finished with a triple-double of 38 points, 13 rebounds, 13 assists, and three steals. He shot 13-of-25 from the field, including 5-of-12 from beyond the arc, and was perfect from the free-throw line, hitting all 7 attempts. This marked the 11th triple-double of his career, further showcasing his willingness to be active in multiple areas of the game.

When asked by a reporter about the favorite part of his performance, Ball needed just two words for his response.

“You had your 11th triple-double today: 38 points, 13 rebounds, 13 assists, and three steals. Which one of those stats means the most to you?” the reporter asked.

“The win. The win means the most,” Ball said.

### How LaMelo Ball and the Hornets Played Against the Wizards

LaMelo Ball’s impressive performance led the Hornets to their first road win of the season against the Wizards. Washington started strong, holding a 62-51 lead at halftime. However, the Hornets mounted a powerful comeback in the second half, outscoring the Wizards 88-51 over the final 24 minutes to secure the win in dominant fashion.

The difference in the matchup came down to perimeter shooting, rebounding, and turnovers. The Hornets excelled in all three categories, making 15 three-pointers and grabbing 52 rebounds while limiting their turnovers to just 11. Meanwhile, the Wizards managed only 10 triples, 40 rebounds, and committed 15 turnovers.

Charlotte saw contributions from six players scoring in double digits alongside Ball. Miles Bridges had a solid outing with 22 points, four rebounds, three assists, and a steal. He shot 6-of-16 overall, including 1-of-7 from downtown, and was nearly perfect from the free-throw line at 9-of-10.

Collin Sexton added 20 points and three assists, Kon Knueppel scored 20 points with six rebounds, Sion James contributed 13 points and four assists, and Moussa Diabate provided a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

The Hornets will look forward to their next matchup, which will also be on the road. They face the Miami Heat on October 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/charlotte-hornets/hornets-news-lamelo-ball-has-perfect-response-favorite-part-11th-triple-double

Mavericks Fans erupt after Cooper Flagg sets new career-high with thunderous dunk

Cooper Flagg’s throwdown at the end of the third quarter didn’t just rattle the rim; it set off a roar that echoed through the arena and pushed the rookie to a new career high.

Joey Mistretta posted the slam on X, writing that the dunk and the free throw that followed gave Cooper Flagg a new NBA career-high with 19 points. Flagg, the Dallas Mavericks’ No. 1 overall pick, delivered the kind of burst every franchise dreams of from a freshman-turned-rookie: physical at the rim, poised with the ball, and suddenly the most electric man on the court.

Fans rose, cameras zoomed in, and social feeds filled with the kind of highlight reaction that fuels a young player’s brand. “Taking a one pound dribble past half court to punch onna 7 footer is insane !!! Good lord,” one fan wrote. Another echoed the sentiment, saying, “He dunks like Russell Westbrook if he had another ten inches of height holy f**k.”

The box score picture is slightly different. ESPN’s official gamebook shows Flagg with 22 points, four rebounds, and four assists in 29 minutes, as he spearheaded a fourth-quarter surge that nearly erased a large deficit. That stat line underscores both his scoring punch and playmaking upside as a primary creator.

Dallas’ record still sits in the early-season trenches, but a sequence like that—a rookie with size, touch, and timing—gives the Mavericks something to build on. If Flagg keeps making plays that get crowds to their feet, debates about his ceiling will shift toward inevitability.

For now, the highlights keep coming, and so do the questions: can the rookie turn crowd-pleasing moments into consistent winning production?
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/dallas-mavericks/mavericks-news-fans-erupt-cooper-flagg-new-career-high-dunk