NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 27, 2025

by | Oct 27, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 27, 2025

The Devils and Mammoth keep winning, Sharks center Macklin Celebrini continues his offensive tear, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF SUNDAY’S NHL GAMES

NHL.COM: New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes scored twice, including the winning goal in overtime, to defeat the Colorado Avalanche 4-3. Simon Nemec collected three assists as the Devils have won eight straight games (8-1-0), sitting atop the Eastern Conference with 16 points. Valeri Nichushkin, Nathan MacKinnon, and Brock Nelson replied for the 5-1-4 Avalanche, who are winless in their last four (0-1-3).

New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes is tied for the league lead in goals (eight) with Mark Scheifele of the Winnipeg Jets and Shane Pinto of the Ottawa Senators. Devils defenseman Brett Pesce left the game with an upper-body injury and won’t travel with the club for their upcoming four-game road trip.

The Utah Mammoth nipped the Winnipeg Jets 3-2 to pick up their seventh straight victory. Dylan Guenther snapped a 2-2 tie, and Vitek Vanecek stopped 28 shots for the Mammoth (8-2-0), who are in first place in the Western Conference with 16 points. Dylan DeMelo and Mark Scheifele tallied for the Jets, who are 6-3-0 on the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Mammoth are off to a red-hot start. After several years rebuilding their roster, they appear to be having a breakout performance this season.

An overtime goal by Macklin Celebrini lifted the San Jose Sharks to a 6-5 win over the Minnesota Wild. Celebrini also collected two assists, linemate William Eklund scored twice and set up another, and rookie Michael Misa scored his first NHL goal for the 2-5-2 Sharks. Kirill Kaprizov and Brock Faber each had three assists for the struggling Wild (3-5-2), who have dropped six of their last seven games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Celebrini has 10 points in his last four games. The 19-year-old sophomore center sits third among NHL scorers with 15 points. Meanwhile, Sharks forward Adam Gaudette left this game with an upper-body injury, while Marcus Foligno of the Wild missed this contest with an upper-body injury.

Vancouver Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood tallied twice, including the winner in overtime, to down the Edmonton Oilers 4-3. Brock Boeser had a goal and two assists and Thatcher Demko made 26 saves for the Canucks, who snapped a three-game losing skid and improved to 5-5-0. Leon Draisaitl scored two goals for the 4-4-2 Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks captain Quinn Hughes missed this game with a lower-body injury and is listed as day-to-day. Teammate Victor Mancini left the game in the second period with an undisclosed injury.

The Calgary Flames ended an eight-game losing skid with a 5-1 win over the New York Rangers. Blake Coleman scored twice, Nazem Kadri had a goal and an assist, and Dustin Wolf stopped 30 shots for the 2-7-1 Flames. Rangers rookie Noah Laba scored his first NHL goal as his club slipped to 3-5-2.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers were without Vincent Trocheck and Matt Rempe. Both forwards missed this road trip due to injuries.

Los Angeles Kings winger Kevin Fiala scored the go-ahead goal in a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Alex Laferriere and Joel Armia also scored for the 4-3-3 Kings. Connor Bedard tallied for the Blackhawks, who slipped to 4-3-2.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kings forward Warren Foegele left the game in the first period with an apparent shoulder injury. Blackhawks winger Tyler Bertuzzi missed this game with an undisclosed injury.

The Dallas Stars overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Nashville Predators 3-2. Oskar Back, Wyatt Johnston, and Miro Heiskanen were the goal scorers as the Stars improved their record to 5-3-1. Jonathan Marchessault and Spencer Stastney scored for the 4-4-2 Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars center Roope Hintz missed this contest with an undisclosed injury.

An overtime goal by Nikita Kucherov lifted the Tampa Bay Lightning over the Vegas Golden Knights 2-1. Brandon Hagel also scored for the 3-4-2 Lightning. William Karlsson replied for the Golden Knights, who are 5-1-3 on the season.

IN OTHER NEWS…

DAILY FACEOFF: The Washington Capitals have relieved goaltending coach Mitch Love of his duties. This move comes after the NHL suspended him for the remainder of the season following its investigation into alleged domestic abuse.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins winger Rickard Rakell will miss the next eight weeks following surgery on his left hand on Sunday. Rakell suffered the injury during Saturday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins placed defenseman Hampus Lindholm on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. He’s already missed seven games this season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 18, 2025

by | Oct 18, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 18, 2025

Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin inches closer to 900 goals, Nick Schmaltz leads the Mammoth to victory, Kings captain Anze Kopitar is sidelined, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF FRIDAY’S NHL ACTION

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin tallied his 898th career regular-season goal and added an assist in a 5-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild. Dylan Strome scored twice and collected two assists for the Capitals, who have won four straight after dropping their season opener. Filip Gustavsson kicked out 40 shots for the Wild, who have lost three of their first five games.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

The Utah Mammoth got a hat trick from Nick Schmaltz as they defeated the San Jose Sharks 6-3. Schmaltz also picked up an assist, and linemate Clayton Keller had a goal and three assists as the Mammoth have won two straight, and three of their first five contests. Macklin Celebrini and Jeff Skinner each had a goal and an assist for the Sharks, who are still seeking their first win of the season (0-2-2).

An overtime goal by Dylan Larkin gave the Detroit Red Wings a 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. John Gibson made 31 saves for his first win with the Wings, and rookie teammate Axel Sandin-Pellikka scored his first NHL goal. JJ Moser replied for the Lightning. The Red Wings have won four straight after losing their season-opener, while the Lightning have one win in their first five games (1-2-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tampa Bay winger Nikita Kucherov missed this game with an illness. The Lightning also placed defenseman Maxwell Crozier on injured reserve.

The Vancouver Canucks overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 on a shootout goal by Brock Boeser. Kevin Lankinen made 31 saves, and Jake DeBrusk and Max Sasson also scored for the Canucks (3-2-0). Chicago forwards Ryan Donato and Tyler Bertuzzi scored, and goalie Spencer Knight turned aside 30 shots as the Blackhawks’ record slips to 2-2-2.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bertuzzi appeared to give the Blackhawks the lead with just over five minutes remaining in the third period, but it was overturned on a questionable goaltender interference call.

HEADLINES

LOS ANGELES TIMES: Kings captain Anze Kopitar is listed as week-to-week with an injured foot and is sidelined indefinitely. He was struck in the foot by a deflected shot during Monday’s game against the Minnesota Wild.

Kopitar is in his 20th NHL season and intends to retire at the end of this season.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames have activated winger Jonathan Huberdeau from injured reserve. During his absence, the club has gone 1-4-0 to start the season.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers signed Vladislav Gavrikov as a free agent this summer, but the 29-year-old defenseman has struggled with his new team as the chemistry between him and defense partner Adam Fox remains a work in progress.

DAILY FACEOFF: Buffalo Sabres forward Justin Danforth is expected to miss a significant period of time with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (upper body) is expected to return to action on Saturday against the Florida Panthers.

NHL.COM: The department of player safety fined Carolina Hurricanes forward Jackson Blake $2,358.94 for slashing Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jacob Trouba on Thursday.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Seattle Kraken placed center Frederick Gaudreau (undisclosed) on injured reserve.

TSN: Former NHL superstar Jaromir Jagr has suited up for his 38th professional season as he’s skating with Rytiri Kladno in his native Czechia. This pushes his eventual induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame back another season. Under current rules, a player must be retired from pro hockey for three years before he can be inducted into the Hall.

Jagr began his professional career with Kladno in 1988-89 before going on to 24 seasons in the NHL from 1990-91 to 2017-18. He returned to Kladno midway through the 2017-18 campaign and has been with them since.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 24, 2025

by | Mar 24, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 24, 2025

A look at possible offseason moves for the Blackhawks and Red Wings in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE BLACKHAWKS RE-SIGN DONATO & BUY OUT BERTUZZI AND BRODIE?

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus recently reported there’s a good chance the Chicago Blackhawks will re-sign Ryan Donato. The 28-year-old two-way forward is enjoying a career-best performance with 25 goals and 53 points in 69 games.

Scott Powers subsequently reported that Donato’s had an offer on the table from the Blackhawks since the March 7 trade deadline. It’s believed to be a three-year extension worth an average annual value of $4 million. However, it doesn’t sound like contract discussions are ongoing but that could change between now and the start of free agency on July 1.

The Blackhawks want to keep Donato but don’t want to be tied to any veteran for too long. For his part, Donato is seeking stability.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Donato is finishing a two-year contract with an AAV of $2 million. His performance this season could draw plenty of interest in the free-agent market, though his value will be tempered by the fact that he’s never before had the kind of production he’s enjoying this season.

The Blackhawks’ offer doubles his salary and would allow him to go into free agency in three years when he would still have value on the open market, especially if he continues playing well.

Chicago Blackhawks winger Tyler Bertuzzi (NHL Images).

Lazerus also speculated about buying out winger Tyler Bertuzzi and defenseman T.J. Brodie. Both players have been disappointments this season for the Blackhawks. Bertuzzi has three years left on his contract ($5.5 million AAV) while Brodie carries an annual cap hit of $3.75 million.

Bertuzzi’s buyout would count as $3.7 million against the Blackhawks cap for 2025-26, $2.9 million for 2026-27, and $2.5 million for 2027-28, dropping to $1.22 million annually for each of the remaining three seasons. Brodie’s cap hit would be $3.2 million next season, dropping to $258K in 2026-27.

With the salary cap expected to rise significantly, the Blackhawks could afford to absorb those buyout costs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks have a projected cap space of $31.9 million for 2025-26 with 19 roster players under contract. They don’t have to worry about buying out players if they spend to the cap. They’ll have more than enough to re-sign a key player like Donato and have enough room to add to their roster in the offseason.

Nevertheless, buyouts are a possibility. Brodie seems the most likely candidate. Lazerus noted he’s been a frequent healthy scratch this season. He’s been benched for their last dozen games.

They can afford to hang onto Bertuzzi for at least another season. He’s got 19 goals and 40 points in 71 games with the Blackhawks.

WHAT COULD THE RED WINGS DO IN THE OFFSEASON?

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman looked at what the Detroit Red Wings’ recent losing skid says about their offseason needs.

The Red Wings could use a difference-maker among their top-six scorers. Some could be available in this summer’s free-agent market. They include Toronto’s Mitch Marner, Winnipeg’s Nikolaj Ehlers, Vancouver’s Brock Boeser and Florida’s Brad Marchand. They could also go shopping for one via the trade market.

Bultman also believes the Wings need stability in goal and depth on defense. Possible UFA options include Washington’s Jakob Chychrun and Los Angeles’ Vladislav Gavrikov. He also suggested restricted free agents like Vegas’ Nicolas Hague and the New York Rangers’ K’Andre Miller.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings are poised to extend their postseason drought to nine seasons, with the last six under general manager Steve Yzerman. He could start feeling the pressure to make moves to improve the roster.

This summer could be the most crucial of Yzerman’s tenure as GM. The Wings have a projected cap space of $21 million next season with 18 roster players under contract. He can draw on his prospect pool and draft picks as trade bait.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 1, 2024

by | Jul 1, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 1, 2024

The free-agent market opens at noon ET. Before the signing frenzy begins, check out the latest recent notable signings, contract buyouts and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

REINHART, GUENTZEL, KANE AMONG EARLY CONTRACT SIGNINGS

SPORTSNET: Sam Reinhart and the Florida Panthers have agreed to an eight-year contract before the midnight ET deadline for eight-year extensions. Financial terms weren’t disclosed but will be officially announced on July 1.

Florida Panthers winger Sam Reinhart (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently speculated the average annual value would be $9 million. We’ll find out later today if that’s the case but it wouldn’t be surprising. It would give Reinhart the third-highest AAV among Panthers skaters, behind Aleksander Barkov ($10 million) and Matthew Tkachuk ($9.5 million).

Jake Guentzel and the Tampa Bay Lightning agreed to a new contract on Sunday just hours after his rights were traded to the Lightning by the Carolina Hurricanes. Terms were unknown but will be officially announced later on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Guentzel signing likely means the end of Steven Stamkos’ 16-season career with the Lightning. Stamkos’ agent indicated that his client is heading to free agency.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: The Red Wings and Patrick Kane agreed to a one-year contract. It comes with a $4 million base salary and $2.5 million in bonuses.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 35-year-old Kane enjoyed a bounce-back season with the Red Wings after undergoing a hip resurfacing procedure last June. It’s rumored the New York Rangers were interested in bringing Kane back for another season but wouldn’t go as high as the Wings with the base salary.

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs reached an agreement with Max Domi on a four-year contract with an AAV of $3.75 million. It contains a $3.5 million signing bonus in the first year and a 13-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: An affordable signing for Toronto. After a slow start, Domi fit in well with the Leafs last season, netting 47 points in 80 games.

The Leafs also re-signed Timothy Liljegren to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3 million. The 25-year-old defenseman was slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Leafs are reportedly close to signing Chris Tanev to a multi-year contract worth an annual salary-cap hit of $5 million. They acquired the signing rights to the 34-year-old defenseman from the Dallas Stars on Saturday.

SPORTSNET: The Utah Hockey Club and Sean Durzi agreed to a four-year contract extension with an annual salary cap hit of $6 million. The 25-year-old defenseman averaged over 23 minutes of ice time while leading his club’s blueliners with 41 points.

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: The Predators are close to signing defenseman Alexandre Carrier to a new contract. Terms were not disclosed.

MARCHESSAULT, BERTUZZI, KYLINGTON HEADED TO MARKET

LAS VEGAS SUN: Jonathan Marchessault is heading to free agency. The 33-year-old winger was unable to reach a deal with the Vegas Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchessault was among the few original members of the Golden Knights (aka “The Golden Misfits”) on their roster last season. The 33-year-old winger is their franchise scoring leader and won the Conn Smythe Trophy leading them to the Stanley Cup last year. He’ll draw plenty of attention in the free-agent market with Reinhart, Guentzel and Kane off the board.

TORONTO SUN: Tyler Bertuzzi is moving on and won’t be signing with the Maple Leafs. The 29-year-old forward completed a one-year, $5.5 million contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like Domi, Bertuzzi had a slow start with the Leafs last season but finished strong with 21 goals and 43 points. He shouldn’t have any difficulty finding a new club willing to pay him a multi-year deal for around $5.5 million.

TSN’s Salim Nadim Valji reports defenseman Oliver Kylington, 27, is heading to free agency.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kylington was a Masterton Trophy nominee last season after returning to action following two seasons dealing with mental health issues.

NOTABLE CONTRACT BUYOUTS

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers placed Jack Campbell on unconditional waivers Sunday before buying out the remaining three years of his contract. The 32-year-old goaltender carried an AAV of $5 million. The buyout will count as $1.1 million against the Oilers’ cap payroll this season, $2.3 million in 2025-26, $2.6 million in 2026-27, dropping to $1.5 million for each of the remaining three years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Campbell was signed two years ago to fill the Oilers’ starting goaltender role. Inconsistent play in 2022-23 cost him that job to Stuart Skinner. He spent most of last season with the Oilers AHL affiliate in Bakersfield. It remains to be seen if the 32-year-old netminder lands with another NHL club this summer.

WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets placed defenseman Nate Schmidt on unconditional waivers on Sunday before buying out the remaining year of his contract. The 32-year-old had a cap hit of $5.95 million for 2024-25. This buyout will count as $2.716 million against the Jets’ cap payroll this season and $1.616 million in 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some folks expressed surprise on social media that the Jets didn’t trade Schmidt, retaining salary in the deal. There may have been no market for him.

IN OTHER NEWS…

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The Canadiens traded defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic to the New Jersey Devils for a 2026 fourth-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens appear to be making room for one of their promising young blueliners for this season. This move also clears over $766K from their cap payroll.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson has informed management he has no intention of signing with the club and has requested a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson is completing his entry-level contract. The 22-year-old winger is the younger brother of Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson. He’s struggled to crack the Leafs lineup full-time partly because of injuries.

Robertson lacks arbitration rights so his only leverage is to refuse to sign until traded. We’ll see if the Leafs find a new home for him this summer or engage in a contract standoff.

THE SCORE: Four of the five players involved in the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault scandal were not tendered qualifying offers yesterday. Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote and Michael McLeod will become unrestricted free agents today.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A trial date for their case has not yet been set. Don’t expect those players to receive any contract offers.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 25, 2024

by | May 25, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 25, 2024

Will the Senators offer up Jakob Chychrun to the Bruins for Linus Ullmark? Which forwards could the Bruins pursue this summer? What’s the latest on Martin Necas? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

ULLMARK FOR CHYCHRUN?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators general manager Steve Staios made a failed bid to acquire Linus Ullmark from the Boston Bruins before the March trade deadline. It’s expected Staios will make another pitch for the 30-year-old goaltender before the NHL Draft (June 28-29) in Las Vegas.

The Senators, Los Angeles Kings and New Jersey Devils were among several clubs attempting to acquire Ullmark before the deadline. It’s believed he declined to change his 15-team no-trade list, potentially scuttling a trade to the Devils. (Note: Cap Friendly indicates it’s a 16-team NTC until July 1, when it drops to a 15-team NTC).

It’s believed the Senators offered up Joonas Korpisalo as part of their original pitch for Ullmark but the Bruins declined it. Garrioch cited a league executive suggesting the Senators would have to offer up defenseman Jakob Chychrun and a first-round pick plus another selection to land Ullmark, provided he’s willing to go to Ottawa. The Bruins might be willing to take back Senators goalie Anton Forsberg and his $2.75 million cap hit as a short-term backup option for Swayman.

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images).

Garrioch expects the Devils could revisit their interest in Ullmark

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy offered his take on the Chychrun proposal. Bruins GM Don Sweeney might be reluctant to trade Ullmark to a division rival but it wouldn’t matter if he got that offer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sweeney would do everything he could to convince Ullmark to accept a trade to Ottawa if Staios offered up Chychrun, a first-rounder and another draft pick. The Senators need a reliable starting goaltender but this would be a big overpayment by Staios.

Ullmark is a Vezina Trophy winner but goaltenders in the salary cap era rarely fetch a big return.

Swapping him for Chychrun or a first-rounder is more realistic. Staios will also want assurances that Ullmark will agree to a contract extension before pulling the trigger on that deal.

WHICH FORWARDS WILL THE BRUINS TARGET THIS SUMMER?

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa doesn’t see the Bruins pursuing Sam Reinhart, Jake Guentzel or Steven Stamkos in this summer’s free-agent market. GM Don Sweeney indicated he’s seeking secondary scoring.

Possible candidates include former Bruin Tyler Bertuzzi, Anthony Duclair, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Marchessault and Vladimir Tarasenko.

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss wondered if the Bruins will pursue Elias Lindholm to upgrade their depth at center. He cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman anticipating they’ll be in on the 29-year-old Vancouver Canucks center if he hits the open market on July 1. Friedman also thinks they could pursue Chandler Stephenson of the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Bruins were reportedly interested in Lindholm leading up to the March trade deadline. He’s a more talented and complete player than Stephenson.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy cited NYI Hockey Now’s Russell Macias discussing the pros and cons of the Islanders trading Brock Nelson or Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Murphy believes the Bruins should pursue Nelson if he becomes available. He has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $6 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins have a projected cap space of $23.5 million for 2024-25 with 14 active roster players under contract. They could free up another $5 million if they trade Ullmark this summer. Sweeney is expected to use those dollars to bolster his roster through trades and free-agent signings in the coming weeks.

Given their previous interest in Lindholm, it wouldn’t be surprising if they signed him on July 1. Bertuzzi could be back for the right price based on his solid performance during his short tenure with the Bruins last season.

Nelson would be a good addition but turns 33 this fall and could be an expensive short-term pickup.

CANUCKS INTERESTED IN NECAS

THE JEFF MAREK SHOW: Elliotte Friedman said the Vancouver Canucks could be among the teams interested in acquiring Martin Necas if the Carolina Hurricanes put him on the trade block. The 25-year-old forward is a restricted free agent on July 1 with arbitration rights.

Friedman said the Canucks like Necas. He cited what Vancouver GM Patrik Allvin was talking about in his end-of-season press conference regarding his need to find a top-six winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Province’s Patrick Johnston pointed out the Canucks attempted to acquire Jake Guentzel and Tyler Toffoli before the March trade deadline.

It’s believed Necas wants a top-line role, which ticks a box for the Canucks. However, it’s said that he wants to be a center, not a winger. With Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller as their top two centers, they won’t move one of them to the wing to accommodate Necas. He’d have to be comfortable staying as a winger for this to work for the Canucks.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 20, 2023

by | Oct 20, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 20, 2023

Recaps of Thursday’s games plus the latest on Patrik Laine, Kaiden Guhle, Craig Anderson and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Calgary Flames nipped the Buffalo Sabres 4-3. Adam Ruzicka snapped a 3-3 tie in the third period while Dan Vladar stopped 24 shots for the win as the Flames improved to 2-1-1. Rasmus Dahlin and Dylan Cozens each collected two assists for the Sabres, who drop to 1-3-0 to start the season.

Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky made 29 saves in a 3-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sam Reinhart had a goal and an assist for the 2-2-0 Panthers. Mitch Marner scored for the 2-2-0 Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs winger Tyler Bertuzzi was bumped down to the third line to begin the second period as he’s playing through an injury.

The Nashville Predators defeated the New York Rangers 4-1. Cole Smith tallied twice, Filip Forsberg and Tyson Barrie each had two points and Juuse Saros turned aside 24 shots for the Predators (2-3-0). Adam Fox replied for the Rangers (2-2-0) while goalie Igor Shesterkin got the hook after giving up four goals in 18 shots.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov (NHL Images).

Nikita Kucherov scored two goals as the Tampa Bay Lightning improved to 2-2-1 by holding off the Vancouver Canucks 4-3. Lightning captain Steven Stamkos picked up an assist as he returned to action after missing the last two games with a lower-body injury. J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson each had two points for the 2-2-0 Canucks.

The Philadelphia Flyers got two goals from Cam Atkinson in a 4-1 upset of the Edmonton Oilers, dropping the latter to 1-3-0. Sean Couturier and Owen Tippett each had two assists while Carter Hart made 22 saves for the 3-1-0 Flyers, who sit atop the Metropolitan Division. Zach Hyman scored for the Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers were outworked and outhustled by the Flyers in this game. It’s still very early in the season and the Oilers have plenty of time to recover from this poor start. For now, though, they look nothing like the Stanley Cup contender they were projected to be this season.

Los Angeles Kings center Pierre-Luc Dubois scored two goals in 12 seconds in the second period to lead his club over the Minnesota Wild 7-3. Adrian Kempe and Kevin Fiala each had two points for the Kings as they improved to 2-1-1. Connor Dewar, Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek replied for the Wild as they dropped to 2-2-0.

The Arizona Coyotes got power-play goals by Nick Bjugstad, Jason Zucker and Sean Durzi in a 6-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Durzi, Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz each had a goal and an assist for the 2-2-0 Coyotes. Jakub Vrana and Sammy Blais scored for the 1-1-1 Blues.

A third-period power-play goal by Jack Eichel broke a 3-3 tie as the Vegas Golden Knights downed the Winnipeg Jets 5-3. Logan Thompson made 36 saves while Shea Theodore collected three assists for the 5-0-0 Golden Knights. Alex Iafallo netted two goals for the 1-3-0 Jets, who scratched defenseman Nate Schmidt from this contest.

Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen broke a 2-2 tie to lift his club to a 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks (1-2-0). Heiskanen finished the night with a goal and two assists while teammate Joe Pavelski had a goal and an assist as the Stars improved to 2-0-1. Ducks rookie Leo Carlsson netted his first NHL goal while teammate Troy Terry had a goal and an assist.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ducks defenseman Jamie Drysdale missed this game with a lower-body injury.

The Seattle Kraken got their first win of the season by beating the Carolina Hurricanes 7-4. Vince Dunn and Oliver Bjorkstrand each had a goal and two assists for the 1-3-1 Kraken. Seth Jarvis had a goal and two assists for the 3-2-0 Hurricanes.

Colorado Avalanche goalie Alexandar Georgiev stopped 18 shots to shut out the Chicago Blackhawks 4-0. Logan O’Connor, Ryan Johansen, Devon Toews and Nathan MacKinnon scored for the Avalanche as they improved to 4-0-0. Petr Mrazek made 37 saves for the Blackhawks as they dropped to 2-3-0.

Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak extended his goal streak to three games in a 3-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks. James van Riemsdyk and Brad Marchand also scored for 3-0-0 Bruins while Anthony Duclair replied for the 0-3-1 Sharks.

HEADLINES

DAILY FACEOFF: Columbus Blue Jackets star Patrik Laine isn’t impressed with his poor start to this season. “I feel like it’s overall been pretty awful, pretty awful so far,” he told The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline. “Can’t hit the net if my life depends on it. Can’t make any plays. Can’t win a faceoff.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It could be down to the pressure of playing a new position. As the article noted, Laine is playing center this season for the first time after spending the past seven seasons as a left wing.

Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens followers were expecting the worst after losing center Kirby Dach for the season with a knee injury. They’re undoubtedly breathing a sigh of relief now.

The Winnipeg Jets aren’t the only club suffering at the gate early in this season. The Buffalo Sabres are at 83 percent capacity through their opening home games while the Washington Capitals sellout streak of 588 games ended on Monday. The San Jose Sharks drew just 10,000 for their third game of the season while the Calgary Flames didn’t sell out their home opener.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Several factors are likely behind this. The rising cost of living caused by inflation can make it difficult for fans to afford the cost of attending NHL games. As the piece also noted, the start of the NHL season also coincides with Major League Baseball playoffs and in some markets that’s going to draw away eyeballs from hockey. Meanwhile, teams like the Sharks are in the middle of a rebuild while the Flames, Jets and Capitals are coming off a disappointing 2022-23 campaign.

The Ottawa Senators will sign goaltender Craig Anderson to a one-day contract so that he can officially retire as a member of the club. He’ll join the Sabres as a hockey liaison.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anderson spent half of his 20-year NHL playing career with the Senators. The high-water mark of his tenure in Ottawa was backstopping them to the 2017 Eastern Conference Final.

San Jose Sharks defenseman Radim Simek, Ottawa Senators forward Zack MacEwen and Pittsburgh Penguins center Jansen Harkins were placed on waivers yesterday.