The Vancouver Canucks will skate in Game 1 of their first road trip of the 2026–27 season on Thursday. This upcoming slate of games will be the second-longest stretch Vancouver takes part in throughout this season as they’ll also take part in a seven-game road trip in mid-January. 

Last year, Vancouver’s road numbers got off to a stronger start than their time on home-ice, but as how the rest of the season went, things slid downhill pretty quickly. They finished the season with a road record of 16–22–3, good for 28th in the league ahead of only the Chicago Blackhawks, Seattle Kraken, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Calgary Flames. 

The 2025–26 Canucks finished tied with the Florida Panthers for 29th in points on the road with 35, ahead of only Toronto and Calgary. They also finished 29th in the NHL in save-percentage on the road with .8774%. The Panthers (.8624%), Ottawa Senators (.8632%), and San Jose Sharks (.8755%) were the only three teams to register lower numbers. 

Vancouver’s goal differential on the road (tracked by actual goals scored, not by final game scores) wasn’t the worst in the league (-46), though they did have the highest goals-against with 156 allowed. The Flames had the league’s worst road goal differential with -59. Where Vancouver made up ground in the goal differential department was in goals-for, with their 110 goals-for on the road ranking 27th. 

Part of what helped Vancouver make up the difference in goal differential was their power play, which heated up after the 2026 Olympic Break and finished with an effectiveness rate of 24% on the road. By the end of the 2025–26 season, only seven other teams had a higher road power-play percentage than the Canucks: the Boston Bruins (24.5%), Vegas Golden Knights (26.6%), New York Rangers (27.9%), Dallas Stars (28.1%), Minnesota Wild (28.2%), Montréal Canadiens (28.2%), and Edmonton Oilers (34.7%). 

Individually, two Canucks led their team in goals scored on the road in 2025–26 — Brock Boeser and Jake DeBrusk, each of whom scored 13 away from Rogers Arena. Boeser was also tied for the team lead in points with Elias Pettersson, with both players recording 25. Filip Hronek led Vancouver in two different categories on the road — assists (22) and time on ice (1015:55 minutes). 

Vancouver’s first long road trip of the 2026–27 season starts tomorrow, when the Canucks face the Carolina Hurricanes on October 8 at 4:00 pm PT. They then go on to play the New Jersey Devils on October 10, the New York Rangers on the 11th, New York Islanders on the 13th, Florida Panthers on the 15th, and the Tampa Bay Lightning on the 17th. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.

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The Buffalo Sabres stayed unbeaten in the second game of their five-game homestand against the Minnesota Wild, a 3-2 overtime victory at Key Bank Center on Tuesday. The game played out similarly to the 4-3 win over Chicago last weekend, as the Sabres trailed entering the third period, but tied the game on goals by Noah Ostlund and Tage Thompson, before Owen Power scored the game-winner with 38 second left in overtime.  

Power, who scored a career-low 29 points last season, leads the Sabres with five points in three games, making up for some of the offensive gap created by the departure of Bowen Byram to Chicago. 

"He's  really  got  himself  off  to  a  good  start.  Really  skating  well,  moving  the  puck  well.  He's  finding  people." Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said after the game.  "He's breaking  the  puck  out  really  well.  I  really  like  where  he's  got  his  game.  He's  stronger.  He's  faster.  He's  really  moving  up  there."

Colten Ellis made 18 saves for his first win of the season, but at practice on Wednesday, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was playing at the home end of the ice, providing the first indicator that he will be the starter against the Dallas Stars on Thursday. 

Other Sabres Stories

Mrtka Looking To Take The Next Step Towards The NHL 

One change implemented by Ruff on Tuesday was shaking up his line combos in the third, moving Peyton Krebs and Jiri Kulich up to the top line with Tage Thompson. That combo combined for Thompson’s tying goal midway through the third, a point-blank scoring chance that Wild goalie Jesper Wallstedt robbed Thompson on late in the third, and Power’s game-winner. 

That unit remained intact at practice on Wednesday, with Josh Norris moving back with Ryan McLeod, and Konsta Helenius, and a fourth line unit of Beck Malenstyn, Justin Danforth, and Josh Doan. Ruff indicated after the game that Doan, who had 25 goals last season, has been struggling with a lower-body issue lately. 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram @MikeInBuffalo 

Former Montreal Canadiens defenseman Alexander Romanov is going to be out of action for a long time.

The New York Islanders announced on Wednesday that Romanov needs to undergo surgery for an ACL tear and will be out for the next six to eight months because of it.

With this news, Romanov is set to miss a significant chunk of the season, at a minimum. If his recovery takes six months, he could return in April during the final stretch of the regular-season. Yet, if he ends up needing eight months to recover, that would likely be the end of his year unless the Islanders go on a long playoff run. 

This is terrible news for Romanov. The former Canadiens defenseman was limited to only 15 games last season due to injury. Now, he is missing a significant amount of time again for the Islanders.

Romanov was selected by the Canadiens in the second round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. In 133 games over two seasons with the Habs, he posted four goals, 15 assists, 19 points, and 365 hits. His time with the Canadiens ended when he was traded to the Islanders following the 2021-22 season. 

The latest meeting between Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby has taken on even more of a special meaning.

The Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins stars are playing on Wednesday, Oct. 7 in Washington's home opener, two days after Ovechkin announced that 2026-27 would be his final season in the NHL.

The two have been the best players of their generation. Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky's record for career regular season goals and Crosby broke Gretzky's mark for seasons averaging at least a point per game.

Both No. 1 overall picks (Ovechkin in 2004 and Crosby in 2005) entered the league in 2005-06 and are the top two in the league in points during that time. Barring a playoff meeting or injury, they will meet four times this season.

USA TODAY will provide live coverage of the first of four regular-season meetings between Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby. Follow along:

Where to watch Capitals vs. Penguins: Channel, live stream

The Capitals vs. Penguins game at Capital One Arena is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 7.

• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• TV: TNT
• Streaming:Sling

Alex Ovechkin vs. Sidney Crosby head to head

06:15 PM ET, October 7 2026, Mike Brehm

The two have met 100 previous times between the regular season and the playoffs. Crosby leads in regular season points 97-71 during their meetings and Ovechkin leads 33-30 in the playoffs.

Alex Ovechkin stats vs Arturs Silovs

06:00 PM ET, October 7 2026, Mike Brehm

Ovechkin holds the NHL record of most goalies scored against with 189. But he has never scored against the Penguins' scheduled starter, Arturs Silovs, in two games. He has never faced Penguins backup Sergei Murashov.

Alex Ovechkin can break another Wayne Gretzky record

05:45 PM ET, October 7 2026, Mike Brehm

Ovechkin passed Gretzky's 894 goals during the 2024-25 season. This season, he can pass Gretzky's record of 1,016 combined regular season and playoff goals. Ovechkin is just 10 behind entering Wednesday's game.

Alex Ovechkin records

05:30 PM ET, October 7 2026, Mike Brehm

• Total goals: 929
• Power play: 331
• Empty net: 72
• Game winners: 141
• Overtime goals: 27
• Goalies scored on: 189
• 30-goal seasons: 20
• 40-goal seasons: 14
• 50-goal seasons: 9, tied for first

Protest planned outside Capitals arena

05:15 PM ET, October 7 2026, Mike Brehm

A Washington-area group said it plans to protest outside Capital One Arena from 5:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. ET after Alex Ovechkin appeared in a political video for the United Russia Party, which supports President Vladimir Putin.

Ovechkin had addressed that appearance in a news conference as training camp began.

"They asked me to do this, and I said yes," Ovechkin said, adding, "I'm Russian and I support my country."

Alex Ovechkin farewell tour

05:00 PM ET, October 7 2026, Mike Brehm

Ovechkin realizes that Monday's announcement will set up a farewell tour for him. He says he won't let that be a distraction.

"I'm going to focus on my game," he said. "I'm going to focus on helping my team to win. Obviously, if some different teams want to do something, yeah, why not?"

Why is Alex Ovechkin retiring after this season?

04:45 PM ET, October 7 2026, Mike Brehm

He cited his two sons as a reason.

"I have to heal my body," he told reporters on Monday, Oct. 5. "I'm not 20 years old. I want to play with my kids when they're growing up, play hockey, play soccer, play basketball. I want to be healthy to do that kind of stuff."

Penguins make trade before game

04:40 PM ET, October 7 2026, Mike Brehm

The Penguins and Oilers pulled off a small trade earlier Wednesday. Pittsburgh sent forward Filip Hallander to Edmonton for defenseman Spencer Stastney. Hallander had three points in two games this season. Stastney hasn't suited up this season. He had one goal in 36 games last season with Edmonton.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Capitals vs Penguins LIVE updates, how to watch Alex Ovechkin vs Sidney Crosby

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Nick Foligno played just 3:29 against the Buffalo Sabres in a 3-2 overtime loss and left the game with an upper-body injury. 

“Just something that’s bothering Nick, and he just couldn’t handle it anymore,” Marcus Foligno said. “So, yeah, it’s unfortunate. You go down — now you’re playing a little bit short-handed, right?”

The 38-year-old is considered day-to-day at the moment, but while he nurses his injury, the Wild have made a roster change, recalling forward Tyler Pitlick.

The 34-year-old skated in two pre-season games before being sent down to the Iowa Wild, notching one goal. 

In two AHL games, Pitlick has recorded a goal and three points, tying for the team lead in points. Pitlick stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 199 pounds. 

Throughout his long hockey career, Pitlick has played 452 NHL games, scoring 58 goals and 111 points. In his career, he has played for the Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, Arizona Coyotes, Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers, and most recently, the Minnesota Wild. 

If Foligno is held out of the lineup on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Nico Sturm is expected to step in for Foligno, and Pitlick will serve as the 13th forward. 

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Four games are nowhere near enough to define an NHL season. They are enough, however, to provide the first clues about what the Vegas Golden Knights might become.

One week into their 10th season, the Golden Knights are 3-1-0 after victories over Chicago, Vancouver and Seattle, with their only loss coming against Anaheim. More important than the record is how Vegas has arrived there.

Ryan Craig has begun putting his fingerprints on the team. The power play has produced every night. Jack Eichel is already driving the offense, while some of Vegas' less celebrated forwards are establishing roles. And Mark Stone provided an early reminder that leadership inside this organization still extends well beyond the scoresheet.

Plenty of corrections will come over an 84-game schedule. But after four games and one week, five storylines have already separated themselves.

1. Ryan Craig's Knights Beginning To Take Shape

Craig emphasized during training camp that Vegas was "starting over," and the first week has provided glimpses of what that means. His stated goal was a five-man attack with more offensively involved defensemen, while maintaining the structure that has traditionally made Vegas difficult to play against.

The Anaheim loss provided the first adversity. Vegas fell behind 4-0 before making it a one-goal game, but Craig and his players understood that resilience could not excuse the execution that created the deficit.

The response mattered. Vegas went on the road and won in Vancouver, then overwhelmed Seattle 6-2. The Golden Knights looked connected, received contributions throughout the lineup and managed the game rather than chasing it.

Four games don't establish an identity. They can reveal whether one is beginning to form.

2. Power Play Looks Different - And Dangerous

Perhaps the clearest early statistical development has come with the man advantage.

Vegas has scored a power-play goal in each of its first four games, something the franchise has never done to begin a season. Tomas Hertl punctuated the streak with two power-play goals Tuesday in Seattle.

The significance goes beyond four consecutive games.

Craig's staff entered the season looking for ways to deploy Eichel differently, including creating more opportunities for him to shoot rather than simply orchestrate. Vegas also needed to compensate for the absence of Pavel Dorofeyev's finishing ability.

So far, the puck movement has created options rather than dependence on one scorer. Hertl's presence around the net remains valuable, while Eichel can threaten as both a distributor and a shooter.

The man, the myth, the power-play legend 🐢 pic.twitter.com/qVbRFXI6ls

— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) October 3, 2026

Special teams fluctuate. But this looks less like an early hot streak and more like a unit developing multiple ways to attack.

3. Jack Eichel Driving Everything

Any preseason concern about a quiet start from Vegas' No. 1 center disappeared almost immediately.

Eichel produced five points in the first two games and continued rolling through the opening week. His performance in Seattle pushed his season-opening point streak to four games and gave him nine points through four contests.

More important is how involved he has been in virtually every area of Vegas' offense.

Eichel is creating at even strength, impacting the power play and turning defensive sequences into offense. His assist on Stone's shorthanded goal in Seattle was another example. Vegas began the second period killing a penalty with a 2-0 lead; instead of merely surviving, Eichel helped turn the kill into a three-goal advantage.

There will be quieter stretches over a long season. In one week, however, Vegas' best offensive player has looked exactly like it.

Jack of all Aces 🎰 pic.twitter.com/5yYDMpPT83

— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) October 7, 2026

4. The fourth line is becoming something

Championship-caliber teams eventually need a fourth line that owns an identity rather than simply absorbing minutes.

Vegas may be starting to find one.

The early emphasis has been straightforward: pressure, physicality, responsible shifts and enough offensive-zone time to make opponents work. Marc Gatcomb has become part of that personality, and Tuesday's game in Seattle showed the competitive edge Vegas wants from its depth.

When Ryan Winterton hit Trevor Connelly in the third period, Gatcomb immediately answered by dropping the gloves. It came after Stone had already fought Brandon Montour, and Craig pointed toward the reaction throughout the lineup as evidence of teammates responding for one another.

The fourth line doesn't need to produce highlight-reel offense every night.

It needs to forecheck, create energy, protect momentum and give Craig trustworthy minutes.

Through four games, that identity is becoming recognizable.

Marc Gatcomb buries the rebound to put Vegas back on top ⚔️

📺: SNP
📲: Stream on Sportsnet+ pic.twitter.com/qCtWWlKr9q

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 5, 2026

5. Mark Stone still establishes the standard

Stone's night in Seattle might ultimately become one of those early-season performances remembered less for the statistics than for what it represented.

He scored shorthanded, added an assist and reached 400 points as a Golden Knight. Then, with Vegas comfortably ahead, Stone fought Brandon Montour and completed a Gordie Howe hat trick.

The reaction afterward said everything.

Craig pointed to the "C" on Stone's sweater. Rasmus Andersson praised his willingness to do the dirty work. Eichel reduced it to three words: "He's our leader."

Vegas has changed coaches. The roster continues evolving. Younger players are being integrated, and Eichel has become the offensive centerpiece.

But Stone remains the emotional thermostat.

One week into a new season under a new coach, Vegas already has several developing storylines. Its most familiar one hasn't changed at all.

The Golden Knights still follow their captain.

400 POINTS AS A GOLDEN KNIGHT FOR MARK STONE‼️
FIRST SHORTY OF THE SEASON 🚨 pic.twitter.com/NlrNeAg2ce

— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) October 7, 2026

PHOTO CAPTION

Vegas Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl (48) celebrates his goal in the third period against the Anaheim Ducks at T-Mobile Arena.

And then there were two. After Tuesday's results, the Ducks and the Colorado Avalanche are the only unbeaten teams remaining in the league. It hasn't been the smoothest of journeys thus far for the Ducks through two games, with both wins coming by the narrowest of margins.

Stellar special teams and goaltending have been at the forefront, with all three goals from Sunday's overtime win against the Florida Panthers coming on the power play. They have also killed off six of seven penalties.

“We’re trying to cause a little bit of mayhem out there,” forward Tim Washe said. “Try to apply a lot of pressure, and I like the way we've been getting pucks out.”

“I think our sticks have been really good,” defenseman Tristan Luneau said. “We went over the game plan, I think everyone (is) executing that. Sticks (have) been good in the first two games, I think that makes a huge difference.”

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Tristan Luneau | Ducks Morning Skate | Oct. 7, 2026Anaheim Ducks defenseman Tristan Luneau speaks to the media after their morning skate at Honda Center.

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It's been all gas and no brakes for the Edmonton Oilers early on. They've scored 17 goals through three games, but have also conceded 14 goals. Devon Levi, who will start for the Oilers against the Ducks, was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres in July in an effort to bolster their goaltending. Tristan Jarry has been less than serviceable since his acquisition from the Pittsburgh Penguins last season and offseason signing Frederik Andersen is currently rehabbing from a knee injury and won't be back until late November at the earliest.

The Oilers also have a new face behind the bench in Mike Babcock. The former Ducks, Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs head coach was hired this summer after Kris Knoblauch was fired following a disappointing playoff result, which coincidentally came at the hands of the Ducks. Babcock has not coached in the NHL since a brief stint as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023, a tenure that lasted just two months before he resigned following allegations of improper behavior and subsequent investigations.

“My son worked for Anaheim, so I got a real good idea at what happened in the playoffs,” Babcock said. “I’ve known (Quenneville) a long time, we’ve worked together a bunch of times. He’s a good man. His team’s gonna play fast. He’s got a bunch of young players with size and speed and skill. Maybe, with our lineup, normally, we could race up and down the rink. To have success, we can’t play like that today. We have to play a forechecking, trap game, take care of the puck. Because if we want to race up and down the rink, it’s not gonna go our way.”

18-year-old Nikita Klepov will make his NHL debut for the Ducks after being a healthy scratch for the first two games. He is expected to skate on a line with Nikita Nesterenko and Ryan Poehling.

“It’s awesome,” Klepov said on getting to make his NHL debut against Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. “You’ve been watching them since you were a little kid, but now I don’t really think (about) who I’m playing against, just trying to be myself and do the best as I can.”

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“Yesterday’s practice, I think he felt that he was going to be playing today and you could sense the nervousness in his game,” Quenneville said. “And I said, ‘Hey, relax. Tomorrow’s a different game and a different place, but you've watched a couple of games now and you can handle these guys’. It’s a great accomplishment getting to the NHL at his age and getting to play. Just play. Just have fun out there and we'll keep you going as far as technically, but don't think too much and just be comfortable out there.”

Jason Dickinson will make his season debut for the Oilers after missing the first three games due to an undisclosed injury.

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Ducks Projected Lines

A.J. Greer - Leo Carlsson - Cutter Gauthier
Alex Killorn - Mikael Granlund - Beckett Sennecke
Nikita Nesterenko - Ryan Poehling - Nikita Klepov
Jeff Malott - Tim Washe - Judd Caulfield

Jackson LaCombe - Tristan Luneau
Pavel Mintyukov - Travis Mitchell
Tyson Hinds - Noah Warren

Lukáš Dostál (confirmed)

Oilers Projected Lines

Vasily Podkolzin - Connor McDavid - Leon Draisaitl
Trent Frederic - Jason Dickinson - Kasperi Kapanen
Max Jones - Colton Dach - Isaac Howard
Alex Formenton - Owen Michaels - Mathieu Joseph

Mattias Ekholm - Evan Bouchard
Ryan Shea - Connor Murphy
Jake Walman - Ty Emberson

Devon Levi (confirmed)

The Xhekaj brothers finally saw their dream come true last night as they both suited up for the Montreal Canadiens in a regular-season game. The dream soon turned to a nightmare, however, as the Habs were beaten 6-4 by the Stanley Cup champions, the Carolina Hurricanes. The younger Xhekaj’s baptism of fire wasn’t easy, but he still stood out for the right reasons at times.

Less than two minutes in, the rookie landed a bone-crushing hit on Nicholas Ehlers, who didn’t appreciate it much, holding on to the winger’s stick for ages and then complaining to the referee while the play was still going on. The 22-year-old finished the game with three hits and didn’t look out of place on the attacking side of the puck, especially not on the forecheck.

Long-Time Canadiens Organist is Honoured
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Canadiens’ Power Play Faces Big Change

He played with pace, and when opponents saw him coming at full speed, they rushed their play. It led to two turnovers, and once he pressured the defenseman behind Brandon Bussi’s net; the puck landed on a Canadiens defenseman's stick at the blueline. By the time he shot, Xhekaj had moved to the front of the net to screen the goaltender and attempt to tip the puck. There’s no doubt that the rookie knows what he is and how he should play. Martin St-Louis does like players who play to their identity.

However, Xhekaj’s audition wasn’t as conclusive on the other side of the puck; the winger ended his night with a minus-three record. He was on the ice for the Canes’ second goal, but it came on a lost faceoff by Jake Evans, and at that stage, Xhekaj was tasked with covering the defenseman who didn’t have the puck. The shot came from the other side of the zone and was deflected in front, far away from the youngster.

On the Canes’ fourth goal, Noah Dobson sent the winger a no-look backhand pass he didn’t expect in the defensive zone. It was poked on its way to him, and Xhekaj couldn't control it; it fell straight to Mark Jankowski in the slot, and the centerman wasn’t going to miss such a premium opportunity. Yes, Xhekaj’s man scored, but that one was on the veteran defenseman, who chose to put the puck in a dangerous spot rather than battle hard along the boards.

On the Canes’ fifth goal, however, he should have done a better job of tying up Taylor Hall in front of the net. With Xhekaj and Taylor Hall screening Jakub Dobes, he couldn’t see the puck, and when the players blocked it, he had no idea where it was when Hall knocked it in, right under the youngster’s eyes.

Did the rookie have a tough night in his zone? Yes, he did, but that was on a night when established NHL players struggled to find space against an opponent who plays a suffocating style. Those were hardly winning conditions, and Xhekaj’s readiness to play in the NHL shouldn’t be assessed on that game alone.

GOOD LUCK 🤞 TO OUR BOYS ❤️
Dreams come true and one of theirs will come true tonight.
Incredible moment for XHEKAJ family.
Mom’s heart is overflowing with gratitude and appreciation . Blessed 🥲 beyond words 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/UFqGElm1Bi

— Simona Xhekaj (@SimonaXhekaj) October 6, 2026

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