Week 3 brought exhilarating last-minute wins, disappointing losses and two coaches getting fired Sunday.

Notre Dame dropped 16 spots to No. 24 in this week’s AP poll following a 41-40 loss to Texas A&M, which rose six spots to No. 10 on the strength of a 3-0 start. No. 2 Penn State has gone through the first three weeks with ease as it faced non-Power 4 opponents, and No. 4 Miami quarterback Carson Beck showed just how fun it is to play for the Hurricanes.

After starting the season 0-2, do the Fighting Irish stand a chance to make the 12-team College Football Playoff? After years of not getting the results it had hoped for, is Texas A&M reaping the benefits of its transfer portal additions? What does Penn State have to look forward to after its bye week in Week 4?

Our college football experts break down key takeaways from Week 3 performances.

Jump to:
Notre Dame’s CFP hopes | Texas A&M
UCLA | Beck having fun again
Penn State’s road | Stockton delivers
Vols’ QB swap

Could Notre Dame still make the playoff?

Notre Dame has lost control of its playoff path. Following an 0-2 start, the Irish are out of the playoff conversation and need perfection — and help — to get back into it. This is where being an independent hurts Notre Dame in the playoff era. The five highest-ranked conference champions are guaranteed spots in the playoff, which is why three-loss ACC champion Clemson was able to sneak in last season. Without the chance at a conference title, Notre Dame has 12 games to impress the selection committee — and its best opportunities to do that are already gone.

Even if Notre Dame were able to run the table — the way it did last year following the shocking home loss to Northern Illinois in Week 2 — it’s going to have a difficult time winning a debate against other two-loss teams with better résumés. And if Texas A&M and Miami don’t win their respective conferences, they would have the head-to-head edge on the Irish in one of several tiebreakers the committee uses to determine its at-large teams. — Heather Dinich

Texas A&M’s starting to cash in where it counts

Texas A&M often gets knocked for the contrast between its deep pockets and its mostly empty trophy case. No major program has spent more and reaped less over the decades. The Jimbo Fisher hire and subsequent firing and record payout — after no CFP appearances, SEC titles or 10-win seasons — is emblematic of the program’s financial failures.

But Texas A&M’s investments, both in coaches and players, are starting to pay off, and the program could finally start approaching its potential. The Aggies kicked down one important door, as coach Mike Elko put it, by stunning Notre Dame 41-40 on Saturday night. They did so largely with the help of transfers, including wide receivers Mario Craver (Mississippi State) and KC Concepcion (NC State), and tight end Nate Boerkircher, who had one touchdown catch in four seasons at Nebraska but hauled in the winner at Notre Dame on fourth-and-goal from the 11-yard line.

Craver, who had 368 receiving yards at Mississippi State and has a slight build at 165 pounds, wasn’t seen as a major pickup but has 443 receiving yards and four touchdowns through the first three games. He had 207 yards against Notre Dame, while Concepcion, ranked as ESPN’s No. 25 transfer, added 82 yards on four receptions.

“We felt like we would win outside,” Elko said.

The transfers also have brought a different mentality.

“One thing I said on the sideline, second-and goal or third, even, I looked at [tight ends coach Christian Ellsworth] and said, ‘I have no doubt we’re going to win this game,'” Boerkircher said.

Elko shared the belief. Although the end of his first season resembled so many at Texas A&M, there are signs things are shifting in Aggieland.

When UCLA opted to leave the Pac-12 and head to the greener pastures of the Big Ten, it was a decision rooted in money and football. At the time, maybe it was possible to reason that with a full share of the Big Ten media deal, there would be enough money to help the Bruins at least be competitive in their new conference. Keep in mind, they had not won a conference title in the Pac-12 since 1988. What has played out since then has been nothing short of an embarrassment for the school.

The Bruins’ latest setback came Friday night as they were demoralized in a near-empty Rose Bowl by New Mexico — a school that wasn’t even invited to the new-look Pac-12. It was UCLA’s second straight loss to a Mountain West team and delivered a clear verdict that DeShaun Foster was not fit to continue as the head coach. His firing became official Sunday morning.

According to ESPN Analytics, UCLA will be a heavy underdog in all 10 of its Big Ten games this season, with ESPN’s matchup predictor identifying its game against Maryland as the best shot at a win (34%). Under Chip Kelly in 2018, UCLA equaled its record for losses in a season (nine). This team has a chance to sail past that number. — Kyle Bonagura

Beck having fun again

South Florida quarterback Byrum Brown came into the Miami game as the dual-threat quarterback with the ability to make big plays in a variety of ways.

But what if we told you it was Miami quarterback Carson Beck who ended up finishing with more rushing yards? Miami ran Beck on designed runs more often Saturday than the first two games this season. In all, Beck had six runs for 28 yards and a score, becoming the first Miami player in the past 30 seasons to have three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown against an AP-ranked opponent.

The Miami defense, meanwhile, keyed on Brown and made his day far more difficult in a 49-12 win. Brown had 13 carries for 2 yards. If you don’t count the two times he was sacked and lost 16 yards, he had 11 carries for only 18 yards. In his first two games, Brown had 109 yards rushing and two scores.

Beck said during the week, coaches noticed that there would be opportunities for him to run more based on what the USF defense showed on tape.

“We knew that they were going to blitz the edges, try to defeat our run game, so [that] created some opportunities for me to be able to use my legs a little bit,” Beck said. “It’s just what was called for, and whatever coach needs me to do, I’m going to do, so glad I was able to showcase that a little bit tonight.”

Headed into the season, there were questions about Beck coming off an elbow injury that required surgery last December. Though he did not start throwing again until June, he has a comfort level in the offense and a chemistry with his receivers that has made his first three games look seamless.

Against USF, he threw for a season-high 340 yards, and for the season he has completed 78.3% of his passes, with seven touchdowns to two interceptions. Both picks came against USF — though one was the result of a miscommunication with his receivers. Still, for a quarterback who was largely written off after the season he had at Georgia in 2024, watching Beck take command of the Hurricanes and have fun again has been one of the biggest stories of the young season for the Hurricanes.

“I’m a Florida boy at heart, and just being here with these guys, I really fit in,” said Beck, who is from Jacksonville. “We have good people on this team that care and are genuine and it’s real love and brotherhood. A lot of teams across the country say that, but they don’t live it. And I really, truly believe that we live that, and it allows you to just be free and have fun on the field.” — Andrea Adelson

The Penn State Nittany Lions, ESPN’s preseason No. 1 team, have flown under the radar through the first three weeks of the season. But that’s only because they’ve faced three non-Power 4 opponents (Nevada, Florida International, Villanova) and defeated them by a combined score of 132-17.

Now comes a bye — followed by a white-out, prime-time clash at Beaver Stadium against No. 6 Oregon on Sept. 27. A month later, on Nov. 1, the Nittany Lions travel to Columbus to face top-ranked Ohio State. The Ducks have been dominant. The defending national champion Buckeyes already have a win over Texas under their belt. And those two games will reveal whether Penn State looks the part of a true national championship contender.

So far, it has been smooth sailing for the Nittany Lions. The talented defense looks legit under new coordinator Jim Knowles. The running game remains awesome behind veteran backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton. Even transfer receivers Trebor Pena (Syracuse) and Kyron Hudson (USC) have impressed.

But the Nittany Lions are about to be tested — and their chance is coming to make a statement. — Jake Trotter

Stockton proving he was the right choice

Kirby Smart was in a tough spot in late December. His Georgia squad was preparing for the Allstate Sugar Bowl against Notre Dame. Carson Beck was out for the season and hadn’t yet announced whether he’d go pro. Gunner Stockton was preparing for his first career start leading the SEC champs. Cal transfer quarterback Fernando Mendoza was still available in the transfer portal.

Do you stick with the QB2 who has been in your program for three years or go get the proven starter with early-round NFL draft pick potential?

Smart was feeling pretty darn good about his decision Saturday afternoon. Stockton’s first SEC road start was as tough as it gets, but he didn’t flinch in the 44-41 overtime triumph over Tennessee. He put up 304 passing yards and 48 rushing yards (excluding sacks) and answered any doubts by leading a comeback win in a hostile environment. His 75-yard drive in the fourth quarter, rallying the Bulldogs back from an 8-point deficit with a perfectly thrown touchdown to London Humphreys on fourth-and-6, told everybody he was ready for the moment.

“I thought he grew up tonight,” Smart said. “He grew up a lot.”

We’re watching plenty of first-year starters, such as Arch Manning, Ty Simpson, CJ Carr and Austin Simmons, go through the ups, downs and growing pains of attempting to play and lead at a consistently high level. Stockton is going to have those moments too, with five more games on the schedule against teams currently in the AP Top 25. But if this is what he’s capable of after only four career starts, it’s hard not to be optimistic about the trajectory of Stockton and the Bulldogs’ offense moving forward. — Max Olson

QB swap looking good for Vols

Tennessee might owe UCLA a few players to be named later from its offseason quarterback trade. Vols quarterback Joey Aguilar, who left UCLA after former UT starter Nico Iamaleava enrolled there, has emerged as one of the top passers in the SEC.

While the Volunteers were on the short end of a 44-41 loss in overtime to Georgia on Saturday, Aguilar more than proved himself against what was supposed to be one of the SEC’s best defenses. He completed 24 of 36 passes for 371 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions. Aguilar became the first SEC player in the past 20 seasons to have four passing touchdowns and a running score in his conference debut, according to ESPN Research. He threw three long touchdowns to receiver Chris Brazzell II and ran for another score. In three games, Aguilar has completed 66.3% of his attempts for 906 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions.

Meanwhile, Iamaleava continues to struggle with the Bruins, who fired coach DeShaun Foster on Sunday. He threw for 217 yards with one touchdown and one interception on 22-for-34 passing in a 35-10 loss to New Mexico on Friday night. – Mark Schlabach

The MLB playoffs are just around the corner and shaping up to be a wide-open affair. For the second consecutive season, there is not a single team on pace to win 100 or more games. That means there is plenty of parity across the majors, which is bound to carry over to October.

With that in mind, we asked 19 baseball players, executives and scouts: Who is the team to beat in the National League? And who is the team to beat in the American League?

There was little uniformity to their answers, though most agreed on one thing: a sleeper team that people in both leagues agreed could make a run in October. Here’s how those in the game view the upcoming postseason.

The NL’s team to beat is …

(Phillies, 5; Dodgers, 4; Padres, 2; Mets, 1)

Voting was as tight as you might imagine, considering the Brewers are mixed in with the defending champion Dodgers and high-priced Phillies. Those teams dominated our poll, leaving few votes for anyone else.

All three teams can slug their way to the World Series, but the Dodgers have a distinct advantage in the power game, outhomering both Philadelphia and Milwaukee by a wide margin this regular season. However, Philly employs easily the best closer of the three — a crucial element that could help finish off those tight October games.

Still, it was the Brewers who won our poll because they’ve played at such a high level in all areas while also possessing a deep and healthy starting staff.

Why the Brewers

NL player: “They seem like a team that has a really solid plan and cohesive approach. And they seem like they’re on the same page. I just like how they play. And they’ve done it all year; why can’t they keep it going?”

NL scout: “They still have to figure out the back end of their pen, but in a short series, they have the luxury of sending one of their good starters to the bullpen. And they might just run into enough home runs to keep pace in October.”

NL exec: “Getting the bye will be huge for them. They’ve been knocked out in those short series several times; this will let them breathe a bit. Plus, their starting staff is so good. If I’m Milwaukee, I want the longer series.”

Biggest threats to Brewers

Philadelphia Phillies

NL player: “It’s simple for me. They still have good pitching, and they’ve been there before. Playoffs are about home runs, and they can hit them.”

NL player: “Their lineup is a little top-heavy, but they have enough at the bottom that can do the job. If those guys show up, then that lineup is really good. Their pen is incredible with [Jhoan] Duran.”

NL exec: “It’s their last hurrah, right? They have older players, some of whom will be free agents at the end of the season. I just can’t see [Bryce] Harper going his career without a ring, and this is their best chance, even without [Zack] Wheeler.”

Los Angeles Dodgers

NL player: “When we played them, they didn’t have a good series, but they seem to turn it on when they need to. That’s the sign of a champion. I think their offense will have a big October and lead them like it did last year.”

NL exec: “Talent will win out, and they have the potential for healthiest pitching staff all year in October.”

If not Milwaukee, Philadelphia or Los Angeles, then who?

Truth be told, these insiders responded before the latest Mets free fall became so dramatic — New York was on an eight-game losing streak that ended with an extra-innings win over Texas on Sunday. But, hey, anyone can get hot at the right time, right? The Mets proved that last year. But they have to prove they can even get into the October party before they can think about making a deep run.

The Padres are hard to figure out, but that doesn’t make them less dangerous than any other contender. Some days, their offense goes into hibernation, but they can shut anyone down in the late innings. Their bullpen is that good and could take them far despite the loss of Jason Adam.

San Diego Padres

NL player: “I like San Diego. They’re hungry. They made all the right deadline moves. And they have the experience of getting close but not going all the way.”

NL exec: “There’s a lot to like about San Diego, but they can still be pitched to even with their deadline additions. It’s like they disappear sometimes. If they survive a wild-card round and get some home games, Petco [Park]’s energy could wake them up. Still a great bullpen.”

New York Mets

NL player: “The Mets are really good. I know they’ve struggled, but I’m banking on them getting hot like they did last postseason. Sometimes you get your worst baseball behind you, then find your groove. I like the Mets to do that.”

NL scout: “Their lineup 1-9 has to carry them. I’m not sure how they’ll piece it together on the mound, but sometimes you find rookie magic in an arm or two. If two of [Nolan] McLean, [Jonah] Tong and [Brandon] Sproat can come through, why not the Mets?

The AL’s team to beat is …

(Tigers, 5; Yankees, 3; Red Sox, 3; Astros, 2)

The voting was even tighter in the AL than in the NL — four teams received three or more votes — but it was the Blue Jays who edged out the competition with just one more vote than Detroit.

Home-field advantage could make the difference for the AL’s top two teams, both of whom dominate at home but hover around .500 on the road. The Tigers play so well at Comerica Park, where they are able to run rampant on the bases and go first to third on teams. And, of course, they feature Tarik Skubal at the top of their rotation. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays can get the newly renovated Rogers Centre rocking as hard as any stadium in the majors. That top seed in the AL is up for grabs down the stretch — and one of these two teams is highly likely to get it.

Why the Blue Jays

AL player: “They’re one of the most rounded teams in the AL. They have some experience, especially in the rotation, and have a little bit of everything in the lineup. That’s tough to contend with in a series. I just think they have the most complete team.”

AL scout: “As good as [Bo] Bichette, Vlad [Guerrero Jr.] and [George] Springer have been, it’s the contributions from guys from the left side of the plate like [Nathan] Lukes and [Addison] Barger which make Toronto really dangerous. They have some balance, which has eluded them.”

AL exec: “I love their team, but I question their bullpen. It hasn’t been very stout in the second half. Tommy Nance might be a guy to lean on.”

Biggest threat to Blue Jays: Detroit Tigers

AL player: “Detroit is high up on that list [of teams to beat]. They know how to win. That’s the biggest thing. They proved that last offseason. And they’ve turned that park into a nice home-field advantage. I know they go first to third better than anyone. That’s a key, playing in that ballpark.”

AL scout: “Sometimes seeing a team play a lot you can get a more negative opinion than what their record is, and sometimes it can be a more positive opinion than their record. With the Tigers, it’s the latter. And they already have a pretty good record.”

AL exec: “I’ve tried to fill out playoff rotations without a true ace. It’s really tough. So having Tarik Skubal makes all the difference for me. Unless he runs out of gas, Detroit is my pick.”

If not Toronto or Detroit, then who?

A case can be made for any of the wild-card entrants — depending on where Houston finishes, as it remains in a tight division battle with Seattle — to pull off an October upset with big game experience oozing from the Astros and Yankees lineups. New York can also slug, of course, while the return of Yordan Alvarez makes Houston’s offense ever so dangerous again.

The Red Sox, on the other hand, have made the postseason only once (2021) since winning the World Series in 2018. However, they feature a balanced lineup with playoff leadership in the form of Alex Bregman. Plus, Aroldis Chapman is about as good as it gets on the closer front.

New York Yankees

AL exec: “I think their bullpen will get hot, and [they] have enough power bats to get through a weaker field in the AL.”

Boston Red Sox

AL player: “It’s the Red Sox. They are playing good baseball. They have formidable pitching starting with [Garrett] Crochet and their lineup is cohesive and looks like they have a good time together. They know how to win with Bregman there.”

Houston Astros

AL player: “Everyone is forgetting that Yordan Alvarez missed most of the season. He’s a difference-maker. And when we played them, Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown were as good as any two pitchers. Houston is my pick.”

Everyone’s October sleeper pick: Seattle Mariners

Until recently, the Mariners hadn’t shown the league their best hand, ending up in the sleeper category because of it. Those we spoke to said Seattle simply has more upside available to it than any other team.

AL player: “A team that can get really hot that isn’t playing its best baseball is Seattle. That pitching staff is legit. [Cal] Raleigh hit 50 [home runs] but they have other guys that are built for that moment — the spotlight moment. Randy Arozarena and [Eugenio] Suarez are two of them. They’re built to win late.”

NL player: “It’s one of those lineups where everyone is waiting for them to put it all together. Their rotation is very talented, and they have one of the best closers in the league. I think they’re one of those teams that, if they get hot at the right time, no one can beat them.”

AL exec: “Seattle has one of its best teams we’ve seen there in years. If there is a real sleeper in this entire playoff field, it’s the Seattle Mariners.”

AL exec: “Seattle is my ‘surprise’ team. I think a bad year for pitching in Seattle could get flipped on its head in the postseason with their starters picking it up.”

HENDERSON, Nev. — With training camps opening up this week, the NHL is close to being back in action for the 2025-26 season after an eventful summer that included a new Collective Bargaining Agreement between the League and the players.

ESPN’s Kristen Shilton and Greg Wyshynski caught up with dozens of stars at the NHL Player Media Tour near Las Vegas last week and asked all the pertinent questions:

What did they like about the new CBA? Who will take advantage of the new relaxed dress code? Are they happy with the current playoff format? Plus, their favorite “cheat meals,” pregame pump-up tunes and weird equipment quirks.

Here’s what the NHL’s best had to say:

What’s your favorite cheat meal?

“I’ll go with my most recent: I had just a massive plate of chicken wings on Sunday to watch some NFL football. Like every other American. I’m a Giants fan. We scored less than a touchdown in Week 1. I’m not a hot chicken wing guy. I like the flavors. I went honey buffalo and garlic parm. It’s so good.” — Charlie McAvoy, Boston Bruins

A burger from 7th Street in New York — Mathew Barzal, New York Islanders

“Probably a burger and fries.” — Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks

“Pizza. Domino’s. Unbelievable. Everything there.” — Seth Jarvis, Carolina Hurricanes

“Probably like a burger, something like that. There’s some good spots in Denver for burgers. Hard to pinpoint one. But the Cherry Cricket has a solid burger.” — Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche

“I’ll go with Shake Shack. Burger, fries and a chocolate shake. That’s a legit cheat meal. Some people are probably giving you, like, half answer.” — Travis Sanheim, Philadelphia Flyers

“Pizza. Pineapple and ham.” — Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning

“Pizza with prosciutto. Not the American one. Like, the fancy pizza. Nice Italian one. Prosciutto with burrata.” — Lukas Dostal, Anaheim Ducks

“Nachos. Tacos. Something Mexican, for sure.” — Brady Skjei, Nashville Predators

“Chick-fil-a. Or a Culver’s burger, fries and chocolate shake.” — Jake Oettinger, Dallas Stars

“A burger. From anywhere. I’m easy.” — Macklin Celebrini, San Jose Sharks

What are you happiest about in the CBA?

“I appreciate that training camp is a little bit shorter. I’m not the biggest fan of camp, so that’ll be good. And I think [adding] the two more games, I mean, anyone can grind out two more games. It’s not like they’re adding 10 right? It’s going to be fine.” — Jarvis

“The relaxed dress code is cool. I think our [Finnish players] are definitely gonna take advantage. They just have cool stuff, and they look cool. I’m not the type of guy that can, like, pull off anything. I literally have sweatpants or golf clothes or suits, so I need to kind of branch out a little bit more. I’m excited to see what Roope Hintz cracks out because it feels like he could be wearing the craziest thing ever. And he makes it look cool.” — Oettinger

“I guess shorter preseason is probably the biggest thing. You’d rather play more [regular-season] games than have a long preseason, I think.” — Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils

“No more suits. That’s pretty good. A lot of people talk about the 84-game season, but it comes with less training camp and less preseason games, so it kind of evens itself out at the end. But I’d rather play two more meaningful games than two preseason games.” — Pierre-Luc Dubois, Washington Capitals

“I think the cap-compliant thing for the playoffs was neat. I think it was something that everyone loved to complain about, but now that’s sort of taken care of, so the playing field is level again. So I think they did a good job with that. And then 84 games will be a lot, I’ll tell you that. I thought 82 was good. But here comes 84.” — McAvoy

“I think maybe the healthcare that they added. I just think that’s an important thing to have post-career. Obviously, guys that have retired before have stuff about that and said it’s an important part of it, so it’s good to see.” — Clayton Keller, Utah Mammoth

“No dress code. I like guys who express their fashion. You look at football guys, basketball, they get to show off. It’s good that we get that too.” — Hedman

“The dress code. You can express a little bit more yourself. But I still like to keep the suits. I like my suits. You invested in suits, but then you can invest in some nice jackets and stuff, so I feel like you can be more flexible with that.” — Dostal

“No fitness testing was nice. It came a little late. I mean, I’m getting old. I wish they did that 15 years ago. But I’m sure the guys are most happy with that.” — Jordan Eberle, Seattle Kraken

“I like the pension and health care for retirees. There’s so many great things that were able to come from the deal that I think will benefit players now and players and their families after they’re done playing. So there’s a lot of exciting things. The dress code allows guys to show a little bit more personality. But I think there’s going to be lots of guys wearing suits still. It’s a great hockey tradition. You see it right from minor hockey on up, with kids wearing suits to games. And I don’t think that’s going to change too much.” — Robert Thomas, St. Louis Blues

“I like the dress code being a little more lenient. Guys can probably show their flash and show their style a little bit more.” [Are you planning to do that?] “If I had some flash, or some style, I definitely would.” — Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets

Which player on your team will most take advantage of the relaxed gameday dress code?

“That’s a good one. I’ll give you two guys. I think Pasta [David Pastrnak] is going to be the most. He’s got the best style, so I think he’ll be pretty eccentric. He’ll have some good outfits. And then I’ll say Morgan Geekie will take it easy. He loves a good hoodie and some sweatpants, just like me.” — McAvoy

“Myself. Timo Meier, Luke Hughes, Jesper Bratt too. But I still think I’ll wear suits a little bit, but for the most part I’ll wear normal clothes and enjoy that.” — Hughes

“Probably Vince Dunn. I think he’ll be pretty stylish, though. I don’t know if he’s taking advantage of it, but he’ll take it to another level.” — Eberle

What’s your go-to pre-game hype song, either as a team or personally?

“I don’t have one. And they keep me away from the Aux cord in the room, anyway.” — Jarvis

“I feel like I’m not really getting hyped up as much anymore. I mean, I still do [to play], but I’m more of like 90s stuff, like Matchbox 20, Dave Matthews, that my kind of music.” — Skjei

“I like old-school Drake. Like, ‘Headlines’ Drake. That’s my vibe.” — Oettinger

“My most hyped song I would go [with] is probably ‘Best of You,’ Foo Fighters.” — Hughes

“Just something like country music. I like Morgan Wallen, so his new album probably right now.” — Sanheim

“There’s a lot of country on. And then there’s hype music before we go on the ice. But it’s different every time.” — Hedman

“I listen to French rap, so it’s just whatever I’m into in that moment. I am the DJ at times, but I can’t play French rap for the team, just for myself.” — Dubois

“I’m kind of whatever they throw on. I listen to anything. I don’t mind. Some little oldies to get it going a little bit. Like Dire Straits’ ‘Money for Nothing.'” — Makar

How would you change or expand the playoff format? Or do you prefer it as is?

“I think it’s nice the way it is. I think you get those [great] matchups every year. The only tough thing is that two contenders might play each other in the first round, but it’s part of it. You’ve got to beat the best to be the best. I got no problems with it.” — Alex DeBrincat, Detroit Red Wings

“I would do 1-through-8 again. We get to play the same teams pretty much every time in the wild card, so I would like to see it a little bit different.” — Hedman

“I would probably change it, because sometimes I feel like it’s unfair when, in the first round, you get one of the best teams right away.” — Dostal

“I think we could [go back] to one through eight, but I can see how there’s so many rivalries that have been created through the format right now. It’s going to be hard no matter what you do. So it’s not like the one through eight set up would be a cakewalk for the No. 1 seed. Every series is still going to be a tough series.” — Skjei

“I like the way it is. I mean, if we start expanding the league a little more and add more teams, then I think you’ve got to probably start adding more teams to playoffs. But I like the way it is. I would probably go 1-through-8 instead.” — Eberle

“I feel like all the players want back to 1-to-8. I think that’s a thing that we’d like, but I get it. I understand the playoff format now. It makes the road harder sometimes. [Some players said the wild card locks in the same matchups every year?] I mean, if you’re from Edmonton or LA, I’d say so, yeah. Sometimes you get a good matchup and sometimes you are playing a top-six team with another top-six team like we did this past year. That’s the way she goes.” — Makar

“I would go 1-through-8. I wouldn’t expand it. The toughest thing to be a part of is the Stanley Cup playoffs. To have half the teams make it … I don’t know if you’d want necessarily want more than that. I understand it’d be exciting and bring a new element to it. I think just as a player, over 82 games to be a part of the top 16, it’s a challenge. If you open it up, you’re going to have teams that maybe don’t necessarily deserve to be there.” — Sanheim

“I wouldn’t expand it. I’m all for trying new things sometimes and if they wanted to do the play-in like the NBA … some people think that the 10th seed can make the playoffs, but the 10th just becomes the eighth. I like the 16 teams, with half the league in half the league out.” — Dubois

“I like how it is now. I’m used to it. Seeded one through eight might create some different matchups, but I’ve got no problems with it now.” — Jarvis

“I think I’m happy with 16 teams right now. I don’t know how I feel about the play-in games in the NBA, but I think right now I think half the [NHL] makes it and I think that’s pretty good numbers. I used to love 1-through-8, but the divisions were a little different too.” — Hughes

What’s your weirdest equipment quirk? Or the weirdest thing you’ve seen a teammate do?

“The weirdest thing is probably moving my helmet around all the time before a faceoff. It’s just my helmet fits so terribly, it’s like a habit at this point to move it around all the time.” — Sam Reinhart, Florida Panthers

“I wear these massive foam-like donuts in the front of my skates to prevent lace bite. And I think I might be the only guy to wear those. They’re about an inch thick. Rick Nash had the same problem, and I played with him in New York. So when I had lace bite, I went to him, and he’s gave me a couple of pads, and I’ve used them ever since then.” — Skjei

“I’m very particular about my gloves. I’ll change my left glove and keep my right glove. I’m sure I drive the trainers crazy, but sometimes I’m just looking for something.” — Eberle

“I get a new stick before every game. That’s just something that I’ve done. I just don’t trust it. I go crosscheck a guy and it’ll snap in half. I don’t want to be standing in the D-zone with a broken stick.” — Sanheim

“I’m always [hitting] my stick in my glove. I do that, like, 1,000 time a game. I don’t know why. I saw Carey Price do it when I was about 14, and I started doing it and now it’s just like a little tick. I don’t even realize I’m doing it.” — Oettinger

“I cut the laces on my skates. The tip of it is plastic. I cut the plastic part off. I just fold it in half. It’s because when I was in Junior, we didn’t have 96 [inch] laces and the laces were too long. So I just started cutting them. Now I can get 96 laces.. But it just doesn’t feel right.” — Dubois

They said it!

Quinn Hughes on new Canucks coach Adam Foote: “He’s been really good. Brought structure, competitive, good guy. So we’ll see how it goes with him as the coach, but I think he’s really excited and looking forward to the opportunity.”

Zach Werenski on belief in Columbus: “We were right there. We were in the playoff [mix] until Game 82. So we know we’re a good hockey team. It’s doing it consistently now, doing it again year after year, right? We had a good year last year. It still wasn’t good enough. So it’s doing it again and doing it even better. So I think [GM Don Waddell’s] belief in us is going to give us some confidence, too.”

Patrick Kane on Olympic Development Camp invite: “I think there was just talking with my agent about how there’s the potential of maybe making the team and that I was under consideration. So when you hear that, it’s not really that big of a surprise that you’re there. Probably a little bit more surprised that Alex [DeBrincat] was left off, but I think both of us have some motivation to get off to good starts this year.”

Robert Thomas on his goals for this season: “I’d like to get 100 [points]. I think I was pretty close to on pace for that last year, minus an injury. So, staying healthy and continuing to improve, I think that 100 points is my next target.”

Connor Hellebuyck on learning from 4 Nations Face-Off ahead of an Olympic year: “The emotional grind of the Four Nations was definitely a learning experience. Not only that, but I learned about the off-ice [stuff] and what to expect from that, and how to manage bringing your family around, managing how much extra media there is and stress there is on that. I definitely learned some good stuff from that.”

Sam Reinhart on Florida re-signing its own free agents: “I think it’s a testament to what we’ve got going on there. Guys might be able to make more in other places you know? But we’ve got something they want to be a part of and they don’t want to leave. It’s obviously pretty exciting just to see it all get done the way that it has and see everyone back on board.”

Patrick Kane, after Sidney Crosby interrupted an interview to say hello: “That’d be a good centerman to play with.”