NHL season opens with five games and expanded schedule

The National Hockey League’s 2026-27 season opened Tuesday, September 29, with five games, beginning an expanded 84-game regular season and a new round of championship predictions. Early results offered an initial look at teams’ form, but the season is only beginning, and forecasts about the 2027 Stanley Cup remain opinions rather than outcomes. The opening-night slate included the Toronto Maple Leafs hosting the Montreal Canadiens, the Boston Bruins facing the New York Rangers, the Edmonton Oilers playing the Vancouver Canucks and the Vegas Golden Knights meeting the Chicago Blackhawks. The Carolina Hurricanes, the reigning champions according to the supplied coverage, began their season with a banner ceremony before playing the Florida Panthers. A season-opening assessment highlighted several performances, including Florida goaltender Jacob Markstrom recording a shutout. The same assessment said he faced 15 shots, a limited workload that leaves little basis for broader conclusions. The Vancouver Canucks also upset Edmonton, while Toronto newcomer Kirill Marchenko made what the assessment described as a strong debut.