It was an emotional and eventful night across the NHL on Tuesday, with the Florida Panthers securing a tight victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets in a memorable home opener, while the Dallas Stars and Calgary Flames both extended their winning streaks. Here’s a breakdown of the key results from a busy night of hockey.
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Panthers 4, Blue Jackets 3
Reinhart Powers Florida in Columbus’ Emotional Opener
Sam Reinhart scored a goal and added two assists to lead the Florida Panthers to a 4-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. It was an emotional night in Columbus, as the Blue Jackets honored the memory of Johnny Gaudreau, raising his No. 13 jersey to the rafters in a moving pre-game ceremony.
Florida also received goals from Anton Lundell, Dmitry Kulikov, and Eetu Luostarinen. Spencer Knight made 35 saves for his first NHL win since January 2023. The Blue Jackets saw contributions from Cole Sillinger, Sean Monahan, and James van Riemsdyk but couldn’t overcome Florida’s offensive firepower.
Key Stats:
- Sam Reinhart (FLA): 1 goal, 2 assists.
- Spencer Knight (FLA): 35 saves.
- James van Riemsdyk (CBJ): 1 goal.
Stars 3, Sharks 2 (SO)
Dallas Remains Perfect Behind Duchene and Robertson
Matt Duchene scored in regulation and again in the shootout, helping the Dallas Stars defeat the San Jose Sharks 3-2. Jason Robertson also converted in the shootout for Dallas, which improved to 4-0-0 to start the season.
The Sharks, winless in their last 13 October games (0-10-3), got goals from former Stars player Ty Dellandrea and Tyler Toffoli, but it wasn’t enough to halt their skid.
Key Stats:
- Matt Duchene (DAL): 1 goal, game-winner in shootout.
- Jason Robertson (DAL): Shootout goal.
- Mackenzie Blackwood (SJS): 36 saves.
Flames 3, Blackhawks 1
Flames Continue Hot Start Behind Coronato
The Calgary Flames tied a franchise record by winning their fourth consecutive game to open the season, defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 3-1. Matt Coronato scored twice, and Andrei Kuzmenko added a power-play goal for Calgary. Goaltender Dustin Wolf made 31 saves in a strong performance.
Chicago’s Nick Foligno scored the lone goal for the Blackhawks, who dropped to 1-2-1.
Key Stats:
- Matt Coronato (CGY): 2 goals.
- Dustin Wolf (CGY): 31 saves.
- Nick Foligno (CHI): 1 goal.
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Lightning 4, Canucks 1
Point, Lightning Dominate Canucks
Brayden Point scored the game-winner and added an assist to lead the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 4-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel also scored for Tampa Bay, while Andrei Vasilevskiy made 26 saves.
Conor Garland provided the lone goal for Vancouver, who remain winless in their first three games (0-1-2).
Key Stats:
- Brayden Point (TBL): 1 goal, 1 assist.
- Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL): 26 saves.
- Conor Garland (VAN): 1 goal.
Capitals 4, Golden Knights 2
Ovechkin Hits 700 Assists as Capitals Down Golden Knights
Alex Ovechkin recorded two assists to reach 700 for his career, as the Washington Capitals defeated the previously unbeaten Vegas Golden Knights 4-2. Tom Wilson and Aliaksei Protas scored in the Capitals’ three-goal second period to secure the win.
Victor Olofsson and Jack Eichel scored for Vegas, while goaltender Adin Hill allowed four goals on 18 shots in his first road start of the season.
Key Stats:
- Alex Ovechkin (WSH): 2 assists (700 career).
- Tom Wilson (WSH): 1 goal.
- Jack Eichel (VGK): 1 goal.
Oilers 4, Flyers 3 (OT)
Draisaitl’s OT Winner Lifts Oilers
Leon Draisaitl scored 56 seconds into overtime as the Edmonton Oilers secured their first win of the season, beating the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3. Edmonton rallied from a 2-0 deficit, with goals from Adam Henrique, Connor Brown, and Evan Bouchard helping to force overtime.
Philadelphia’s rookie sensation Matvei Michkov scored his first two NHL goals, but the Flyers couldn’t hang on as Draisaitl’s quick wrist shot sealed the Oilers’ comeback.
Key Stats:
- Leon Draisaitl (EDM): 1 goal, OT winner.
- Matvei Michkov (PHI): 2 goals.
- Stuart Skinner (EDM): 27 saves.
Postgame Reactions and Key Takeaways
Sam Reinhart on Florida’s Win
“Tonight was about the team effort, and it felt great to contribute. We’re starting to click, and getting Spencer [Knight] the win made it even more special.”
Leon Draisaitl on the Oilers’ Comeback
“We showed a lot of heart to come back from two goals down. Philly played a great game, but we just kept pushing, and I’m glad we were able to get the win.”
Matt Duchene on Dallas’ Shootout Win
“Shootouts can be a bit of a lottery, but it’s all about confidence. I knew if I stuck to my move, I’d have a good chance.”
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Looking Ahead
Chicago Blackhawks: Chicago will aim to bounce back as they continue their road trip against the Colorado Avalanche.
Florida Panthers: The Panthers will look to build on their strong start as they face the Montreal Canadiens in their next game.
Edmonton Oilers: Edmonton hopes to carry the momentum from their first win into their next game against the New York Rangers.
Dallas Stars: Dallas will try to keep their perfect season alive when they take on the Seattle Kraken.
