The new NHL season is barely a week old and it already has a storyline that will run all year. A future Hall of Fame captain has confirmed this is his final campaign, and every arena he visits becomes a send-off. Around that, the early standings are taking shape, a pair of Canadian clubs are off to perfect starts, and the league's deepest scorer keeps rewriting the record books. Here is the recap, where the race stands, and what is on the board for Wednesday.
Last night
Monday's results were light on games but heavy on headlines. The Lightning defeated the Flyers 4-1 behind their veteran goaltender's 372nd career win, moving him into a tie for twentieth place on the all-time list — and within two of the next name on it. Their star winger added two assists to reach 1,128 career points, passing several legends along the way. In the West, the Jets beat the Penguins 3-2 as a new goaltender debuted with a third-period comeback and a steady stream of saves, while a young forward scored twice to become the fourth German player to reach 150 career goals. The Stars shut out the Sharks 5-0 for their first win of the year behind a highlight-reel finish and a goalie who stopped everything he faced. And the Senators blanked the Bruins 2-0 on the road, joining the Jets with a perfect early mark away from home.
Where the race stands
It is early, but the first patterns are forming. Winnipeg and Ottawa are both 2-0-0 after road wins, the kind of start that builds cushion before the schedule tightens. Tampa Bay is also unbeaten and leaning on experience in net. Dallas evened its record at 1-2-0 with the shutout and will look to build from a clean sheet. The season's defining narrative, though, is the farewell tour: a franchise icon has confirmed this is his final year, and his visits to every building will be events in themselves. The first of those comes Wednesday in Pittsburgh, where the home crowd will toast a generational talent one last time.
What to watch next
Wednesday is a ten-game slate from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The headline is Pittsburgh at Washington at 7:30 p.m. ET — the Capitals' home opener doubles as a tribute to their captain's final season. Also at 7:30, the Avalanche visit the Jets, a test of Winnipeg's perfect start against a contender. Later, the Oilers visit the Ducks at 10:00 p.m. ET out west. Around them: Carolina at Montreal, Nashville at Toronto, Ottawa at Detroit, Utah at New Jersey, Minnesota at Buffalo, the Rangers and Islanders in their city rivalry, St. Louis at Chicago, Vegas at Seattle, and Florida at Los Angeles. Ten games, every division touched, and the standings about to get crowded.
Pick your side
A season this charged deserves a sweater that shows up with you. Rep the Capitals as they send off a legend, back the Jets in their unbeaten start, or ride with the Stars after their first shutout. Our fan versions are built for long hockey nights — breathable, easy to layer, and made to be worn, not framed. Pick your cut, add a name if you want it personal, and get ready for a winter of rivalries. The season is young; make sure your side is represented.
Shop a few fan favorites
Not sure where to start? These are a few jerseys tied to today's story — tap any to view the full product and pick your size. Swipe sideways to browse the full rack.
How to pick your cut
- Replica — the relaxed fan cut. Built for the stand and easy to layer, it is the everyday choice for long hockey nights.
- Player version — a slimmer, lighter build that sits closer to the body for a sharper look on game day.
- Alternate / retro — bold third looks and older silhouettes for the fan who wants something beyond the home sweater.
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