NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 28, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
Breakouts and Rebounds
Roughly a month into the season, every team has played at least 10 games, giving a clearer read on which players are sustaining their breakout starts espn.com and which are due for regression. NHL power rankings cbssports.com have New Jersey climbing fast after acquiring Connor Hellebuyck, with CBS Sports calling the Devils a clear Stanley Cup contender.
Rookies and Goaltending
Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer became the first player on record to skate all five minutes of an overtime period, a historic shift espn.com on Tuesday night. In Detroit, Michal Postava made his first career NHL start memorable, backstopping the Red Wings espn.com to a shootout win over Connor McDavid and the Oilers. The night was far harder for James Reimer, whose Rangers debut espn.com ended after one period when he allowed three goals.
Personalities and Team News
Devin Cooley's postgame quotes espn.com have become something of a legend, drawing praise from teammates and coaches alike. Off the ice, the St. Louis Blues condemned hateful fan signs espn.com displayed at a recent home game, calling them antisemitic and vile. On a more hopeful note, Penguins forward Ben Kindel returned to practice espn.com on Tuesday, a week after a medical emergency on a flight.
Coming Up
Devils and Avalanche meet Wednesday espn.com in one of four scheduled games, with broadcast and betting details previewed ahead of puck drop. Separately, CBS Sports has previewed Wednesday's best bets and odds cbssports.com across the day's marquee games.