Reading too much into the performances of teams on NHL opening night is akin to drawing conclusions from the first week of the NFL season—it’s often misleading. It’s a familiar cautionary tale: most key players have eased through the preseason, prioritizing their health over intense competition. Consequently, players often appear rusty, team chemistry is still developing, and tactics adjusted during training camp require time to become second nature.
As Ray Ferraro, who had a particularly busy week calling three games in just 48 hours, aptly noted during the overtime of the thrilling 6-5 victory of the Calgary Flames over the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday, “This is October hockey. It’s sloppy. Goalies are battling for their lives out there. The game tightens up month by month.”
What you truly get is merely a glimpse of potential. Yet, these glimpses can be revealing, especially when comparing the opening performances of the two teams that faced off in the Stanley Cup finals last June.
The Florida Panthers’ impressive showing against the struggling Boston Bruins on opening night was noteworthy. Often, during banner-raising ceremonies, a team might become distracted after receiving their Stanley Cup rings, taking time to revel in their past achievements before focusing on the arduous work required to repeat that success.
As is customary for defending champions in the salary cap era, Florida had to make adjustments to the lower end of their roster, since they could not retain all contributing players who departed via free agency—selectivity in financial allocation becomes crucial.
Although there were several new additions to the Panthers’ lineup, the only significant departure was Brandon Montour, now playing for Seattle. Oliver Ekman-Larsson, a valuable asset particularly early in the previous season when both Montour and Aaron Ekblad were injured, is now part of the team, contributing to a revamped fourth line and defense without altering the core group.
Sergei Bobrovsky performed in true form, having a night reminiscent of his best—effectively tilting the game in Florida’s favor. Perhaps the most encouraging news emerged post-game when the Panthers revealed that Carter Verhaeghe, a pending unrestricted free agent, had signed an eight-year contract extension worth $7 million annually, solidifying his place with the Panthers for the foreseeable future.
This development leaves Sam Bennett, who scored twice on opening night, and franchise stalwart Ekblad seeking new contracts. The decisions may ultimately boil down to choosing between Bennett and Ekblad. Stripping away emotion—given that Ekblad has been with the Panthers throughout his career—it seems a straightforward decision, especially considering Bennett’s crucial role in the heart of the lineup and his synergy with Matthew Tkachuk.
Benny said I’M BAAAACKKK 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/sVnlU4hQhH
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) October 9, 2024
Bennett has begun to fulfill the promise of being the fourth overall draft pick after his initial struggles to find his place in the NHL while in Calgary. It’s reasonable to assume that remaining a vital part of the Panthers’ core will be among his priorities.
His performance in“`html
Against Vancouver, they faced a setback. Ultimately, eight months later, they found themselves just one win away from capturing the Stanley Cup.
This achievement demonstrates that recovery is indeed possible, with Edmonton as a prime example. Last season, the Oilers stumbled out of the gate, losing nine of their first 12 games, a rough start that ultimately led to the departure of coach Jay Woodcroft. However, everything shifted once Kris Knoblauch took the helm. This is not a scenario you want to repeat.
I have consistently held the view that the infamous Stanley Cup hangover primarily affects the teams that lose in the finals rather than the winners. The losers bear the burden of lingering pain after falling short, which they grapple with all summer long. How a team handles this situation is crucial and often reveals the strength of its leadership. The Florida Panthers experienced this two years ago, channeling their disappointment constructively.
This is the challenge facing Edmonton. One loss? It’s not a crisis. There’s still time to rectify the situation. Fortunately, the blame can be distributed widely.
The Oilers struggled in every aspect against the Jets. Stuart Skinner allowed five goals in under 40 minutes, leading to his replacement by Calvin Pickard. The star players failed to deliver, and it was clear that the commitment to playing a full 200-foot game was missing. It appeared that the Oilers were still in preseason mode, while the Jets came fully prepared to compete.
Regardless of a team’s on-paper talent, motivation can often decide the outcome of a game.
It’s also important to remember that the Jets finished last season with 110 points, ranking second in the conference and outpacing the Oilers by six points in the regular season. Yet, despite this, Edmonton is commonly viewed as a contender for the Stanley Cup, whereas Winnipeg is seen as a team fighting for a wild-card position behind the top three in the Central Division—Dallas, Colorado, and Nashville. Lowered expectations can actually be beneficial, as teams thrive when playing without pressure. However, it’s curious, given that the Jets have largely retained the same lineup, now coached by Scott Arniel.
While the Atlantic Division may be the strongest in the Eastern Conference, the Central Division clearly outshines the other Western division.
This season might be the one where five teams from the Central make the playoffs, while only three might emerge from the Pacific. Edmonton will be among them, despite their dismal performance in the opener, as there remains ample opportunity to resolve the issues that arose in that game.
Conversely, Winnipeg did much to affirm that last year’s successful regular season wasn’t a fluke, potentially serving as a springboard for a playoff return.
Meanwhile, Florida is vying to become just the second team since the mid-‘80s to reach three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals.
The most recent team to achieve this feat was Tampa Bay, between 2020 and 2022. Before them, you must look back to the era of NHL dynasties. Edmonton reached the Finals three years in a row from 1983 to 1985, while the Islanders won four consecutive championships from 1980 to 1983.
Eventually, the toll of consecutive short summers can catch up with a team, and this may be the reason to temper expectations for the Panthers for now. There’s still a long journey from October 9 to the concluding day of the 2025 season in late June. The concern will be whether they can avoid running out of steam.
Edmonton’s next opportunity to bounce back comes this Saturday against“`html
The youngest forward on the team is 24 years old. On defense, there are two young players: 23-year-old Alex Vlasic and 21-year-old Nolan Allan, a first-round draft pick from 2021 who spent the previous season with AHL Rockford. Early on, Bedard appeared to be developing good chemistry with Teuvo Teräväinen, a consistently smart and somewhat underrated professional who might just be the team’s best acquisition this season.
However, the team’s experience made them appear as a more formidable opponent. While Taylor Hall, who is recovering from a significant knee injury sustained last year, did not show up on the scoresheet, he performed well. He logged 17:28 of ice time and was actively driving play on the second line alongside center Kurashev and winger Tyler Bertuzzi. At just 32, Hall has had a lot happen since his MVP season with the Devils in 2017-18, yet he managed to record 61 points while playing for Boston in the 2021-22 season.
The rewards of patience
In discussing Ferraro, who covered both the first and third games of Tuesday’s ESPN doubleheader, he made a notable observation about Pavel Buchnevich. The Blues are testing him at center, a position in which he has played little during his NHL career, mostly sticking to the wing. Ferraro noted that playing center is considerably more challenging than playing wing, as it requires increased awareness on every shift and entails distinct defensive responsibilities—along with the necessity to win faceoffs. Consequently, few players can successfully transition to center later in their careers.
The Blues stumbled in the first period against Seattle, which resulted in Buchnevich spending a few shifts back on the wing towards the end of the period. Nevertheless, coach Drew Bannister reverted to his preseason lines, placing Buchnevich back in the center with Jordan Kyrou on the wing. Kyrou scored twice, propelling the Blues to rally for a win, mainly due to Jordan Binnington’s strong performance in goal.
In the blink of an eye, Jordan Kyrou has netted two goals. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/x1L8cHdSHK
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) October 8, 2024
However, the Buchnevich situation is reminiscent of a past instance when a successful move to center occurred—specifically with Elias Lindholm. Drafted as a center by Carolina, Lindholm faced challenges in the Hurricanes lineup, ultimately leading to a trade to Calgary, where he flourished on the right wing. Because of his hockey IQ, the Flames eventually decided to transition him to center and allowed him the time necessary to make the switch. Initially, he played rather tentatively, a common issue when players think too much during games. Over time, though, he began to process the game faster, relying on instinct rather than overthinking the situation.
This summer, Lindholm secured a lucrative contract with Boston, primarily due to his successful position change. The Bruins were in dire need of help in the center position following the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and
Gostisbehere has evolved into a more advanced version of his previous self. However, when the Calgary season kicked off on Wednesday, Barrie found himself in the press box while Bean was assigned to the third defense pair, leaving neither in line for power-play responsibilities.
MacKenzie Weegar took charge of PP1, while Rasmus Andersson led PP2. I inquired with Ryan Huska about the reasoning behind this arrangement, and he detailed that the team’s power play, which struggled last season, began to gain momentum toward the end of the year, with both Weegar and Andersson at the helm.
Thus, they merit the first opportunity to retain those spots; Bean and Barrie remain viable options for the future, should the units require adjustments — or, likely, if an injury occurs. For most of last season, Marc Savard was in charge of the power play — a hiring that, despite its appealing outlook, ultimately fell short. Savard has since departed to join Craig Berube’s staff in Toronto — and it will be interesting to see how that plays out. Savard enjoyed success alongside Berube in St. Louis, and Toronto possesses the talent necessary to excel on the power play. How this translates to performance on the ice will be telling. Unfortunately, the Leafs’ opener against Montreal, which ended in a shutout loss — their first in ages — was not the start they had hoped for; however, Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault deserves significant credit for that result.
Goalie signing frenzy
Following Jeremy Swayman’s eight-year, $66 million contract with the Bruins, there’s been a rush among teams to sign their goaltenders. Minnesota quietly secured future starter Jesper Wallstedt for two years, with a $2.2 million AAV on a one-way deal set to commence next season in the post-Fleury era. Wallstedt made the Wild’s opening-day roster but can still be sent to the minors for playing time this year, where he would earn only $80,000 on his current two-way deal. Meanwhile, Seattle awarded Joey Daccord a five-year, $25 million extension that will take effect next season, indicating their confidence in his potential as either their 1A or 1B goaltender moving forward.
However, the most intriguing contract was given to Linus Ullmark, who, like Swayman, signed with the Senators for the same amount of $8.25 million. The deal spans four years, which strikes a reasonable balance considering Ullmark is 31 — relatively young for a goalie, meaning this contract extends through the end of the 2028-29 season.
Presumably, the Senators wanted to avoid the risk of letting Ullmark reach the market next July if he delivers a solid season.
Taking a broader view, consider the current trajectory of the goalie market. The New Jersey Devils managed to persuade Calgary to retain salary on Jacob Markström for the next two years — his AAV is a manageable $4.125 million — when they acquired him this summer. This increasingly appears to be a smart move. When factoring in the $1.925 million they’ll pay Jake Allen, the Devils’ overall goalie expenditure this year will amount to just over $6 million — a modest sum for the level of experience they are securing.
(Photo: Curtis Comeau / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Evaluating NHL Opening Night: A Cautious Glimpse into the Season Ahead
The Excitement of NHL Opening Night
NHL Opening Night marks a thrilling moment for hockey fans as they witness the teams kick off another season of high-stakes action. This year, for instance, the San Jose Sharks faced off against the St. Louis Blues at the SAP Center, igniting excitement and anticipation among their supporters [[1](https://www.nhl.com/sharks/news/game-preview-sharks-opening-night-vs-st-louis)]. As the puck drops and the players hit the ice, fans reflect on what this initial game means for the season ahead.
Key Factors to Consider on Opening Night
As teams prepare for the new season, several crucial elements come into play that can shape their journey. Evaluating these factors provides fans and analysts a better understanding of what to expect.
1. Team Roster Changes
- Trades and Acquisitions: Each offseason, teams engage in trades and signings that can significantly alter their rosters. Evaluating new players’ impact on team dynamics is critical.
- Draft Picks: Rookie performances on Opening Night can indicate the potential depth of a team’s future.
- Injuries: The status of injured players can influence a team’s overall performance and strategy.
2. Preseason Performance
The preseason often serves as a precursor to the regular season. Analyzing how well teams performed in exhibition games can provide insights into their readiness. Key points to consider include:
- Win-Loss Record: A strong preseason record may build momentum heading into the regular season.
- Player Development: Observing how players have improved or adapted can help gauge a team’s potential.
- Coaching Strategies: Changes in coaching philosophy may manifest during preseason games, providing early indicators of a team’s playing style.
3. Fan Engagement and Atmosphere
The atmosphere on Opening Night plays a crucial role in setting the tone for the season. Consider the following:
- Home Ice Advantage: The support of fans can significantly impact team morale and performance.
- Promotional Events: Engaging activities during the game can enhance the fan experience and boost attendance.
Opening Night Highlights: San Jose Sharks vs. St. Louis Blues
Game Overview
The Sharks kicked off their season against the St. Louis Blues, showcasing their new roster and strategies. This matchup serves as a critical test to evaluate the team’s readiness as they embark on their campaign.
Key Players to Watch
Every team has standout players who can change the course of the game. For the Sharks, keeping an eye on rookie contributions and returning stars is essential. Below is a comparative table of key player statistics from the previous season:
| Player | Goals | Assists | Points | Games Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player A | 30 | 45 | 75 | 82 |
| Player B | 25 | 30 | 55 | 80 |
| Rookie C | 10 | 15 | 25 | 70 |
Strategies for Success This Season
Effective strategies are critical for teams looking to improve upon their previous seasons. Here are some methods teams can employ:
- Building Team Cohesion: Fostering strong relationships among players can lead to better on-ice chemistry.
- Adapting to the Competition: Understanding opponents’ strengths and weaknesses is vital for developing game plans.
- Incorporating Analytics: Utilizing data analytics to refine strategies and improve player performance is becoming increasingly important in the NHL.
Benefits of Evaluating Opening Night
Analyzing the outcomes and performances from Opening Night offers several benefits:
- Setting Expectations: It provides a benchmark for what fans and analysts can expect throughout the season.
- Identifying Trends: Early signs of team performance can indicate whether teams are likely to succeed or struggle.
- Fan Engagement: Engaging with fans through discussions about performance can strengthen community bonds and enhance the overall experience.
Insights from Previous Seasons
Looking back at the previous seasons can help set the stage for understanding team trajectories. For instance:
- 2022-2023 Season: Teams that performed well on Opening Night often maintained momentum throughout the season.
- Player Performance: Analyzing standout performances can help predict which players may emerge as leaders.
First-Hand Experiences: Fan Perspectives
Fan experiences on Opening Night can vary widely. Here are some common sentiments shared by attendees:
- Excitement: The thrill of seeing new players and potential rivals creates a buzz in the arena.
- Nostalgia: Returning fans often reminisce about past seasons, enhancing the emotional connection to the team.
- Hope: Every season begins with hope, and fans exhibit optimism about their team’s chances for success.
Conclusion: A Season of Possibilities
As the NHL season unfolds following Opening Night, the evaluations and insights gathered will be critical for fans, analysts, and teams alike. The excitement of the games to come, combined with the lessons from past seasons, ensures that hockey lovers have much to look forward to in the months ahead.
