With his return, he is slotted back into his usual spot, centering the second line between Easton Cowan and William Nylander. Nick Paul filled that void against the Avalanche, recording a couple of assists on the night.
At morning skate in Salt Lake City, Tavares also got his spot on the top power-play unit back as the net-front presence. When he was unavailable against Colorado, rookie Gavin McKenna took that spot and made an immediate impact, recording a primary assist on Toronto's first power-play goal from Nylander and making an impressive backcheck that sparked Auston Matthews' goal.
Despite not giving the 18-year-old a longer look with the top unit on the man advantage, Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller recognizes the effect that McKenna had with the team's superstars.
"Gavin did a good job, and you know, just like other situations in the game, Gavin will get put in and then pulled back a little bit," Hiller said after Tuesday's morning skate.
Given the early influence he had on the top unit on Saturday, questions have arisen about whether McKenna should remain on the top unit and Tavares should stick to the second unit upon his return.
"We're talking with John Tavares, it's a pretty easy decision to get John back in there," Hiller revealed. "He's had a great career. Still a great goal scorer. So that wasn't a hard one at all."
In five games played, Tavares has one goal and three points, including a point on the power play. McKenna has one goal and four points in six games this season, also with one power-play point to his name.
As a team, the Maple Leafs are tied for sixth in the NHL in power-play percentage, along with the New York Rangers. Toronto has executed at 26.3 percent, scoring five goals on 19 opportunities with the man advantage.
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Former Senators first-rounder Stefan Noesen is back in the NHL after being recalled by the New Jersey Devils on Monday. The news comes three days after clearing waivers and his surprising demotion to the minors.
The Devils recalled the 33-year-old winger from the AHL's Utica Comets after placing Connor Brown, another former Senator, on injured reserve. Noesen did not suit up against the Senators, who defeated the Devils 4-1 on Monday evening.
Steve Warne describes the Senators amped up commitment to defensive structure this season.
Noesen's demotion last week came as a surprise, considering he had spent the previous four seasons as a full-time NHL player. After appearing in New Jersey's first two games this season, Noesen was placed on waivers, went unclaimed, and was assigned to Utica on Friday.
His fortunes have changed considerably over the past two years.
In 2024-25, Noesen enjoyed the finest season of his NHL career, scoring 22 goals and collecting 41 points in 78 games with the Devils.
But injuries then derailed his 2025-26 season. After missing the start of the season with a groin injury, Noesen later underwent knee surgery and finished the year with just three goals and seven points in 38 games.
Despite never wearing the centurion crest, Noesen has an interesting connection to Sens’ history.
He was one of three players selected by the Senators in the first round of the 2011 NHL Draft, joining Mika Zibanejad (sixth overall) and Matt Puempel (24th overall). Noesen was selected 21st overall with the pick Ottawa acquired from Nashville in the Mike Fisher trade.
Noesen never played a regular-season game for the Senators because, in July 2013, they traded him to the Anaheim Ducks as part of the Bobby Ryan deal. That deal came shortly after longtime Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson departed for Detroit.
More than 13 years after that trade, Noesen is still trying to extend his NHL career, and Monday's recall gives him another chance to do just that.
On Tuesday, the Chicago Blackhawks made it official that Connor Bedard is returning. He will be in the lineup when they take the ice against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the United Center on Tuesday night.
Bedard missed all of training camp, the preseason, and the first 6 regular-season games as he worked his way back from shoulder surgery. A lot of work was put in for him to return this quickly, as the July diagnosis had him coming back in mid-November.
To make room for Bedard on the roster, they had to send someone down to the AHL's Rockford IceHogs. Instead of putting someone on waivers and taking that type of chance, they sent Nick Lardis down.
Lardis was outstanding in camp and in the preseason, but it has been a tough six games for him. Playing a handful of games for the IceHogs could be good for him, if that's the route that they go. He already has experience scoring lots of goals down there, and it helped him have a strong showing when he was called up to the NHL last year.
When Frank Nazar returns from suspension, there will be even less room in the forward room, but they likely won't keep Dominic Toninato up long beyond that. They chose him over Lardis because Toninato can play center with Nazar out.
There is the possibility of more injuries to follow for others, and Lardis is at the top of the call-up list once again. If Lardis shows he is ready for a call-up before it becomes a necessity, the Blackhawks have proven that they won't hesitate, either.
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Colorado Avalanche superstar Cale Makar has a pretty good reason to miss a hockey game.
As first reported by Evan Rawal of The Denver Gazette, Makar will miss Tuesday night's game against the Dallas Stars as his wife, Tracy, has gone into labor and is expected to give birth at any moment to their twins.
According to The Denver Post's Corey Masisak, the Avs will move forward with 11 forwards and seven defenseman for the game.
Makar’s absence comes as the Avalanche defenseman continues another impressive start to the season, recording three goals and four assists for seven points through five games.
The 27-year-old is one of Colorado’s most important players, serving as the centerpiece of the team’s blue line and a major contributor offensively.
Cale Makar is going to be a father!
Makar married Tracy in 2024, and the couple is now preparing for a major milestone off the ice as they await the arrival of their child.
The news comes amid a major period for Makar, who recently agreed to an eight-year, $163.2 million contract extension with the Avalanche. The deal carries an average annual value of $20.4 million and is set to begin in the 2027-28 season, making Makar the NHL’s highest-paid player.
Makar has established himself as one of the league’s premier defensemen since making his NHL debut in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He has won two Norris Trophies as the NHL’s best defenseman and captured the Conn Smythe Trophy during Colorado’s 2022 Stanley Cup championship run.
For now, the Avalanche will have to manage without their top defenseman while Makar focuses on his growing family. The team has not announced how long he could be unavailable or whether he will miss additional games.
With seven points already this season, Makar’s on-ice production will be difficult to replace, but Tuesday’s absence puts family first.
Given the Avalanche play the Stars again Wednesday evening at Ball Arena, there is a possibility he may not be available for that game, either.
Head Coach Jared Bednar informed reporters that they would take monitor Makar's status day-by-day.
Congratulations to the Makar family. Puck drop from American Airlines Center is at 6:30 pm. local time.
During this past off-season, Stuart Skinner's time with the Pittsburgh Penguins ended when he signed a two-year, $7.5 million contract with the Winnipeg Jets in free agency.
With the Penguins having multiple young goalies, it was not too surprising to see Skinner sign elsewhere this summer. Now, as the Connor Hellebuyck trade request drama continues, Skinner is impressing early on for the Jets.
In three games so far this season with the Jets, Skinner has a 2-0-1 record, a 2.62 goals-against average, and a .920 save percentage. With numbers like these, the former Penguins goalie has been a nice surprise for the Jets early on as Hellebuyck continues to sit out.
Skinner was also very good for the Jets in his most recent appearance on Oct. 7 against the Colorado. During the matchup, the former Penguins goalie stopped 32 out of his 34 shots. This was after he made 34 saves on 36 shots against the Detroit Red Wings in his previous appearance.
It will now be interesting to see if Skinner can keep this kind of play up for the Jets this season. If the former Penguins netminder does, Winnipeg could surprise a lot of people this campaign.
Skinner was acquired by the Penguins from the Edmonton Oilers last season. In 27 games for Pittsburgh in 2025-26, he posted a 12-9-5 record, an .885 save percentage, and a 2.99 goals-against average.
The morning after Nico Sturm's scary head injury, the Minnesota Wild announced a roster move. Sturm has been placed on the injured reserve.
In addition to the move, the Wild recalled forward Justin Kirkland from the Iowa Wild to replace Sturm on the roster. Minnesota already has Tyler Pitlick up so now John Hynes can decide between the two for who plays.
Kirikland, 29, has recorded two assists in four AHL games with Iowa this season. He recorded one goal and one assist in 20 NHL games with the Calgary Flames last year.
Sturm, 31, was hit in the head in Monday's game against the Vegas Golden Knights by a puck. It hit around the same spot that left Brock Faber with a skull fracture and a timeline that is indefinite.
“Very, very scary,” goalie Jesper Wallstedt said after Monday's game. “Obviously, we’ve seen what it could do. We don’t know what the situation is like, if it’s the same or worse or not as bad. Obviously, I wish Nico is doing good and doing well, and it’s not that bad. But very, very scary, and obviously you get flashbacks to the preseason game when that happened to Brock. Hopefully, it’s not like that, but obviously very hard to see.”
Sturm was taken to a local hospital by ambulance and per a source, he was stable sitting in the back drinking water. Michael McCarron also stated he was able to see Sturm during intermission and said he was looking okay.
Hynes didn't have an update after the game but said Sturm obviously wouldn’t be on the team’s plane to Winnipeg for tonight's Tuesday night game.
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The Ottawa Senators have an impressive 5-1-0 record right now and are at the top of the Atlantic Division.
A big reason for the Senators' strong start to the season is because of former Buffalo Sabres goaltender Linus Ullmark.
Ullmark has been excellent for the Senators early on this season. In five games so far, he has a 5-0-0 record, a 1.27 goals-against average, and a .948 save percentage. The former Sabres goalie is also showing no signs of slowing down, either. He stopped 29 out of 30 shots he faced against the New Jersey Devils in his most recent appearance on Sunday.
With the way Ullmark is playing right now, he is showing signs of his previous Vezina Trophy form. If the former Sabres goalie continues to play this well, the Senators should be in very good shape during this season.
Ullmark was selected by the Sabres in the sixth round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, 163rd overall. In six seasons with the Sabres from 2015-16 to 2020-21, he posted a 50-47-13 record, a .912 save percentage, and a 2.78 goals-against average.
With key forwards Aleksander Barkov and Brad Marchand injured, the Florida Panthers can ill afford to lose anyone else.
On Monday, goaltender Jacob Markstrom exited a 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres in the first period. Akira Schmid replaced him, and after the game, coach Paul Maurice stated that Markstrom was not injured and that he had just "tightened up."
“It just tightened up so we pulled him,” said Maurice. “We’ll see. There’s no injury there we don’t think that we can’t deal with, just standard stuff.”
While that is positive news, it means Schmid will play nearly both halves of a back-to-back.
Additionally, the Panthers have recalled goaltender Cooper Black from the AHL's Charlotte Checkers, who will likely back up Schmid.
Black has started the season solidly for the Checkers, posting a .906 save percentage in two games, winning one and losing another. Last season, Black played 42 games, posted a .903 SP, and won 25.
Black hasn't played in an NHL game yet, but the 25-year-old is trending in the right direction, and the team rates him highly. The Panthers signed Black to a two-year, two-way deal this off-season. When the deal expires, the 6-foot-8 goaltender will become an unrestricted free agent, but for now, the Panthers hope to keep developing him in the AHL.
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The
start of a three-game road trip will being a new set of challenges
for the St. Louis Blues, who open against the Ottawa Senators from
Canadian Tire Center in Kanata, Ontario at 6:30 p.m. (Blue Note+,
ESPN 101.1-FM) on NHL’s Frozen Frenzy where all 32 years are in
action.
The
teams have a lot of numbers they’d like to improve in, but for the
Blues, it’s been a strong start, especially on the penalty kill
under new assistant coach Greg Cronin with a 14-for-15 start (93.3
percent), which is good for fourth in the NHL while overall, allowing
3.20 goals-per game which is overinflated by the 6-1 debacle loss to
the Colorado Avalanche.
“Incredibly
happy with our D-zone coverage and our tracking, very happy with our
D-corps and their aggressiveness, 200-foot hockey,” Blues coach Jim
Montgomery said Monday. ‘Too inconsistent with our offensive habits
of having someone at the net and having two on the inside. Our
reloads have been inconsistent, which has led to less O-zone time as
well and PK, very good; PP, not good enough. Goaltending has been
good.
“I
think our defensive sticks are vastly improved. We cause way more
turnovers on forecheck, D-zone coverage, neutral zone. It’s been an
emphasis of the staff, but again, a lot of that PK credit goes to
Greg Cronin. He was brought here to improve our defensive habits and
so far, he’s done an excellent job in it, and I know it’s a small
sample size, but our players like the way we’re penalty-killing.
They like the aggressiveness of it.”
The
power play is 29th at 9.3 percent, which is just 1-for-11, also under
a new assistant coach in Vinny Prospal.
On
Monday, the Blues ran Adam Jiricek at the point on one unit, with
Robert Thomas and Dylan Holloway on the flanks, Jake Neighbours on
the bumper and Jimmy Snuggerud at the net front, while Cam Fowler ran
the other point along with Connor McMichael and Mason McTavish on the
flanks, Pavel Buchnevich in the bumper and Dalibor Dvorsky at the net
front.
“It’s
good to give penalty kills different looks and obviously we weren’t
generating much previously,” Montgomery said. “Our last game on
the power play, we only had one opportunity, but the chances were
significantly better and the puck movement was better.”
The
idea now is to draw more power play chances, with the team only
averaging just over two per game.
-
- -
More
to Saturday’s win included the fight Ross Johnston had with Blue
Jackets enforcer Mathieu Olivier, one of the tougher customers in the
league:
It
came in the first minute of the second period with the Blues down 2-0
and now showing much jump.
Johnston
gave his teammates no indication it was coming and feels it’s
probably better that way.
“The
game happens so fast,” Johnston said. “So many things can lead to
certain things. I’m not necessarily a premeditated person. I’d be
lying to you if I said I wasn’t thinking about it. I think you’re
pretty aware of who every team has, so on, so forth. I don’t talk
it up, I don’t brush it up. You brush it off when it goes wrong and
doesn’t look good if you talk about it and it goes well, it still
doesn’t look good. I don’t talk about it, things can happen in a
game and it can come out of nowhere. Let things fall is what I’m
trying to say.
“(Olivier’s)
tough. He’s as tough as they come. He plays the game the right way,
plays the game honest and plays a lot. I’ve got a lot of respect
for a guy like that.”
Montgomery
said he had no idea it was coming.
“I
don’t know him well enough to know that yet, and it’s great to
see,” he
said.
“I know I don’t want that job.”
Part
of the job Montgomery did say he likes is Johnston’s ability to
talk on the bench and on the ice that seems to spark his teammates.
“I
don’t know, you get comfortable the older you get maybe,”
Johnston said. “The teams I’ve been on, you see how they had
success and you see certain plays that have success. I think I’ve
seen both sides of that. I think being able to watch the game and
seeing little plays, maybe give little IQ’s to help the team out,
especially when it’s not going well is maybe where it stems from.
Just trying to be a little bit vocal and if it gets too quiet, talk
to the boys, keep everything light. We’ve been in every game we’ve
played so far (except Colorado). Just got to keep rolling the way we
have been.”
Peterson
is expected to move into the lineup for Zach Dean.
Also,
Joel Hofer is expected to start in goal.
-
- -
Blues
Projected Lineup:
Dylan
Holloway-Robert Thomas-Jimmy Snuggerud
Connor
McMichael-Mason McTavish-Jonatan Berggren
Jake
Neighbours-Dalibor Dvorsky-Pavel Buchnevich
Ross
Johnston-Pius Suter-Dylan Peterson
Philip
Broberg-Adam Jiricek
Justin
Barron-Colton Parayko
Cam
Fowler-Brandon Carlo
Joel
Hofer is projected to start in goal; Jordan
Binnington would be the backup.
Healthy
scratches could include Zach Dean and Theo Lindstein. Alexey Toropchenko
(upper body), Tyler Tucker (knee), Logan Mailloux (hand) and Dillon
Dube (neck) are out.
-
- -
Senators
Projected Lineup:
Warren
Foegele-Tim Stutzle-Drake Batherson
Andre
Burakovsky-Dylan Cozens-Ridly Greig
Michael
Amadio-Shane Pinto-Claude Giroux
Fabian
Zetterlund-Stephen Halliday-Nick Cousins
Thomas
Chabot-Jordan Spence
Tyler
Kleven-Carter Yakemchuk
Hoyt
Stanley-Jorian
Donovan
Samuel
Ersson is projected to start in goal; Linus Ullmark would be the
backup.
Healthy
scratches could include Hayden Hodgson. Jake Sanderson (undisclosed),
Artem Zub (knee), William Eklund (ankle), Kurtis MacDermid (upper
body) and Cameron Crotty (illness) are out. Nikolas Mantipalo (upper
body) departed
Monday night’s game and is questionable.
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The Chicago Blackhawks (1-5-0) will take on the Pittsburgh Penguins (3-2-1) for Tuesday night action at the United Center. Three of the game’s greatest of all time, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Patrick Kane, are going to share the ice once again.
The Blackhawks are coming off a terrible loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, while the Penguins earned a big shootout win over the Dallas Stars last time out. In most years, a Tuesday night in October between two teams from the opposite conference won’t build too much excitement. However, this is a special scenario.
For one, this game is going to be a part of the NHL’s Frozen Frenzy. Starting at 5 PM CT, every team in the NHL will play with staggered start times. The Blackhawks are right in the middle of it with their game against the Penguins.
🚨NHL #FrozenFrenzy is tomorrow with all 32 teams in action!
🏒5p | The Point | ESPN2, ESPN+ 🏒6p | ESPN tripleheader begins 🏒6:15p | Start of 13 games on Power Play | ESPN+ 🏒7p | Frozen Frenzy whip-around show | ESPN2, Disney+, ESPN+
The Pittsburgh Penguins overachieved in 2025-26, and they are trying to do so again in 2026-27. With their core aging, the rest of the group is young and trying to establish themselves in the NHL.
Rakell-Crosby-Rust
Chinakhov-Novak-Malkin
Kuzmenko-Kindel-Koivunen
Dewar-Lizotte-Robertson
Carlile-Karlsson
Girard-Korczak
Stastney-Letang
Andrei Kuzmenko was not in the lineup last game due to injury, but you can expect him back against the Hawks. If he does, in fact, play, the second line with Novak and Malkin is where he’ll slot in.
Former Blackhawks defenseman Trevor Van Riemsdyk will not be on the early part of Pittsburgh’s trip due to injury, so he won’t have a chance to skate in the building where he won a Stanley Cup.
Even in the year 2026, most of what Pittsburgh does goes through Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang. They also have Erik Karlsson now, who is an older player in the league but still borderline elite.
Although Malkin doesn’t play center as much anymore, he is still incredibly effective when it comes to helping drive a line offensively. Between him and Crosby, Blackhawks defenders will have their hands full.
Whether it’s Arturs Silovs or Sergei Murashov in net, the Penguins could use an upgrade. However, these guys are capable of making saves as long as the team in front back-checks hard, breaks the puck out, and doesn’t make bad turnovers.
Projected Lines, Defense Pairs, & Goalie For Chicago
The Blackhawks are going to, at long last, have Connor Bedard back in the lineup. He has spent the off-season, training camp, and the first couple of weeks of the season recovering from shoulder surgery that he had early in the summer.
Now, after intense dedication to working his way back, he is going to get in the lineup to try to help his team win. With him centering the top line, this is what the Hawks will look like:
Kantserov-Bedard-Kane
Bertuzzi-Frondell-Teravainen
Smith-Greene-Greenway
Moore-Toninato-Donato
Byram-Levshunov
Vlasic-Cole
Kaiser-Rinzel
Knight
Nick Lardis is going to be the healthy scratch, with Connor Bedard coming back. With Frank Nazar out due to a suspension, they are keeping Dominic Toninato up to play center. When Nazar returns, Toninato will return to the Rockford IceHogs. Whether Lardis stays as the healthy scratch with both Bedard and Nazar in the lineup remains to be seen.
Spencer Knight is projected to start for Chicago. He comes in with a 1-3-0 record, a 3.80 goals-against average, and an .885 save percentage. Those brutal numbers are more on his team’s defense in front of him, but even he would admit that there is another level he can get to. If he reaches that level soon, his numbers will start to be more on par with his career totals.
Bedard's First Game As Captain, Playing Alongside Patrick Kane
The game can be heard locally on AM 720 WGN in the Chicagoland area. It can be seen locally on CHSN. Nationally, you can stream it on ESPN+. The puck will drop shortly after 7:00 PM CT.
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Carter Hart has been a thorn in the Colorado Avalanche’s side before, helping the Vegas Golden Knights sweep Colorado in the Western Conference Final. But his latest outing was one he would probably like to forget, and it could open the door for Adin Hill to get another start.
Hart gave up three goals in just over five minutes during Monday’s 4-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild. Matt Boldy, Maxim Shabanov and Danila Yurov all scored in the first period, putting Vegas in an early hole.
Hart settled down after that, stopping the rest of the shots he faced. Vegas also made a push late in the game, with goals from Rasmus Andersson and William Karlsson cutting Minnesota’s lead to 3-2. However, Joel Eriksson Ek’s empty-net goal ended any hopes of a comeback.
Nazem Kadri speaks to the media following practice on Monday.
Hart finished with 24 saves on 27 shots, dropping to 3-2-0 in five starts this season. It was his second loss of the campaign and the second time in five appearances he has allowed more than two goals.
Adin Hill could get the chance to take over Tuesday against the Nashville Predators. According to reports, Hill is the likely starter as Vegas plays the second game of a back-to-back. Hart could return Thursday against the Calgary Flames.
For the Golden Knights, the priority is getting more consistent play in net. Both goaltenders have shown they can bounce back from rough starts, but Vegas cannot afford to keep digging itself into early holes.
And for Avalanche fans, Hart’s recent struggles are probably exciting to some degree, albeit it would be nice if that were to occur while both teams were facing off against one another.
The Golden Knights have eliminated the Avalanche in each of their last two playoff meetings, including a six-game series in 2021, when Colorado entered the postseason as the Presidents’ Trophy winners. If these rivals meet again in the playoffs, hopefully the Avalanche can turn the tables this time around.
The Florida Panthers suffered a second consecutive loss on Monday afternoon, dropping a matinee in Buffalo 5-3 to the host Sabres.
Panthers starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom played a strong first period, stopping nine of 11 shots, including all four high danger shots sent his way by Buffalo.
Markstrom did not return for the second period, though, with backup netminder Akira Schmid finishing off the game for Florida.
Afterward, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice provided an update on Markstrom, indicating that the injury was nothing sinister.
“It just tightened up so we pulled him,” said Maurice. “We’ll see. There’s no injury there we don’t think that we can’t deal with, just standard stuff.”
Through five starts, Markstrom has been solid for the Panthers between the pipes.
He’s stopped 85 of the 94 shots he’s faced, good for a .904 save percentage to go with a tidy 2.03 goals against average.
When facing high danger chances, that’s where Markstrom has really shined for Florida.
According to Natural Stat Trick, Markstrom has saved 23 of the 25 high danger shots he’s faced, which would rank him third among goaltenders who have seen at least 20 high danger shots this season.
Hopefully for the Panthers, whatever kept Markstrom from finishing Monday’s game wont be anything that lingers.
There was also something else that happened Monday in Buffalo that is worth a mention.
New Panthers forward Brady Tkachuk picked up his first point with the team, picking up an assist on Sam Reinhart’s first power play goal of the game.
It was no ordinary assist, either, as Tkachuk sent a perfect pass that was also between-the-legs and backwards-facing to Reinhart, who then had a yawning cage to deposit the puck into.
BRADY TKACHUK BETWEEN-THE-LEGS FEED TO REINHART TO TIE IT 😮💨
We’ll see if this leads to the younger Tkachuk starting to pile up some points, as his brother Matthew now has a five-game point streak going in which he’s scored three goals.
So far through six games, Brady Tkachuk has the one point, 15 shots on 31 attempts, 26 hits, nine penalty minutes and a minus-5 on-ice rating while winning 61.3% of the 31 faceoffs he’s taken.
“I’ve been fine with his game,” said Maurice. “He’s netfront and battling all night, one went for him. I thought he was close to that happening five or six times since he’s been here, so I haven’t spent any time worrying about his points. He’s fine.”
Photo caption: Sep 29, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Florida Panthers goaltenderJacobMarkstrom(25) leaves the ice after warm ups before a game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center. (James Guillory-Imagn Images)
Three games. Two goaltenders. Two victories and one defeat. And a developing storyline for the Vegas Golden Knights that could become a key factor in their success this season.
The Golden Knights have demonstrated they can win with either Carter Hart or Adin Hill between the pipes. They've also learned that neither is immune to difficult stretches, especially in the opening period, when mistakes can quickly change a game's complexion.
Monday's 4-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild provided the latest example.
Hart surrendered three goals during a five-minute stretch of the first period before settling down, finishing with 24 saves as Vegas saw its four-game winning streak snapped.
The performance was reminiscent of Hill's start against Toronto four nights earlier, when he allowed three goals on the Maple Leafs' first six shots before recovering to backstop a 4-3 shootout victory.
In between, Hart delivered perhaps the most complete goaltending performance of the Golden Knights' young season, stopping 26 shots in Saturday's 2-1 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Kings.
Three performances, each with its own challenges, have given first-year coach Ryan Craig an early glimpse of what his goaltending tandem can offer—and where improvements are still needed.
Another Early Deficit Raises Questions
Monday's setback in Minnesota unfolded in a familiar fashion.
Vegas played a competitive opening stretch before the Wild erupted for three goals in 5:07, beginning with Matt Boldy's rebound goal at 11:50 of the first period.
Maxim Shabanov scored a power-play goal at 14:32, and Danila Yurov extended Minnesota's lead to 3-0 at 16:57.
For the second time in three games, the Golden Knights found themselves facing a three-goal deficit before the first intermission.
Hart wasn't solely responsible for the breakdown. Defensive lapses, positioning and the inability to quickly regain composure contributed to Minnesota's surge.
But the goaltender was once again left confronting the challenge of keeping his team within striking distance.
To Hart's credit, he did not allow another goal on 15 shots over the final two periods.
Rasmus Andersson scored early in the second period, and William Karlsson brought Vegas within 3-2 midway through the third.
The Golden Knights pressed for the equalizer before Joel Eriksson Ek sealed Minnesota's victory with an empty-net goal.
Hart finished with a .889 save percentage, allowing three goals on 27 shots.
The loss dropped Hart to 3-2-0 in five starts.
And while Monday was a setback, it did little to diminish the confidence his teammates had expressed after his previous appearance.
Hill's Comeback Against Toronto Provides a Blueprint
If there was a positive lesson to be drawn from Monday's loss, it was that Vegas had already experienced a similar situation and demonstrated an ability to recover.
Thursday's matchup against Toronto began disastrously for Hill.
Jack Roslovic scored 34 seconds into the contest, Easton Cowan converted a breakaway, and Nick Paul made it 3-0 just 8:37 into the game.
Hill had allowed three goals on six shots.
But instead of allowing the situation to deteriorate, the veteran goaltender settled down and gave his teammates an opportunity to rally.
Vegas dominated the remainder of the contest, eventually tying the game before Trevor Connelly scored the deciding goal in the fifth round of the shootout.
Hill stopped 21 of 24 shots in regulation and overtime and made the decisive shootout save against John Tavares.
Craig praised his goaltender's ability to recover.
"I think the guys picked Hilly up and he responded," Craig said. "As our team got better, Hilly got better."
Mitch Marner was equally impressed with Hill's composure.
"I feel like Hilly's so calm and confident himself, regardless of what happens before, so you see that tonight," Marner said. "Just stayed with it. We have a lot of trust in either of those boys in net. So, when we needed him massively, he made some big saves."
That trust has become an important component of Vegas' early-season identity.
Hill, who helped lead the Golden Knights to their first Stanley Cup championship in 2023, understands the demands of playing in high-pressure situations.
Through his first two appearances this season, Hill is 2-0-0 with a 2.41 goals-against average and .886 save percentage.
Those numbers aren't spectacular, but his ability to overcome Thursday's difficult start illustrated the mental resilience necessary to succeed at the position.
Hart Demonstrates His Value Against Los Angeles
Saturday's victory over the Kings offered perhaps the clearest example of why Craig has confidence in Hart.
The 28-year-old goaltender stopped 26 of 27 shots, finishing with a .963 save percentage in a tightly contested game that required patience and precision.
His biggest contribution came during a Los Angeles five-on-three power play, when a timely save helped preserve the tie and energized the crowd at T-Mobile Arena.
Craig recognized the significance of the moment.
"Well, it energized us. That's what it did for us," Craig said. "I thought the building got alive after that."
The coach credited his penalty killers for their work during the sequence but emphasized Hart's contribution.
"But Carter came up big when we needed him to make a save," Craig said.
Hart also denied Quinton Byfield early in overtime, setting the stage for Marner's winning power-play goal at 2:40.
Afterward, Hart downplayed his individual performance.
"I mean, just I think just compete and just trying to make saves," Hart said. "Really, that's about it."
His understated approach reflected the mentality Craig has been trying to establish throughout the lineup.
For Hart, the performance also represented another encouraging step after serving as Vegas' primary postseason goaltender during its run to the Stanley Cup Final last spring.
Hart started all 22 of the Golden Knights' playoff games, providing valuable experience in pressure situations that could prove important as the season progresses.
A Goaltending Competition Worth Watching
Through seven games, the Golden Knights have relied on both goaltenders, with Hart receiving five starts and Hill two.
Hart's totals include his 24-save performance on Monday. Combined, the tandem has made 154 saves on 171 shots for a .901 save percentage.
Hart's workload suggests Craig has been comfortable giving him the majority of the starts, although Hill's championship experience and undefeated record provide another viable option.
The challenge isn't necessarily deciding which goaltender deserves the No. 1 designation.
It's determining how to maximize both players over the course of an 82-game season.
Craig has already demonstrated a willingness to trust his goaltenders through difficult stretches rather than making immediate changes.
That approach was rewarded Thursday when Hill recovered against Toronto and again Saturday when Hart delivered against Los Angeles.
Monday's loss offered another reminder that consistency remains a work in progress.
The Golden Knights have allowed three first-period goals twice in their past three games, a concerning trend that extends beyond goaltending.
Defensive coverage, puck management and composure all contribute to a team's ability to protect its netminders.
And while both Hart and Hill have demonstrated the capacity to recover from difficult starts, repeatedly asking them to overcome early three-goal deficits isn't a sustainable formula.
Finding Consistency Between the Pipes
Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of Vegas' goaltending situation is the confidence that continues to exist throughout the dressing room.
Marner's comments following Thursday's victory were particularly revealing.
The Golden Knights aren't approaching their goaltending tandem with uncertainty. They believe either player can provide the saves necessary to win.
And while Monday's result exposed areas requiring improvement, it also reinforced the importance of maintaining perspective during the opening weeks of a long season.
Hart has already delivered several strong performances, including victories against Chicago, Seattle and Los Angeles.
Hill has won both his starts, including Thursday's comeback against Toronto.
Neither has recorded a shutout, and both have experienced periods when the opposition has dictated play.
But their combined five victories have helped Vegas establish itself among the early contenders in the Western Conference.
The Golden Knights return to action Tuesday at Nashville, where the second game of a back-to-back presents Craig with another opportunity to evaluate his goaltending options.
Whether Hill gets the assignment or Hart returns to the crease, the expectation remains the same.
Give the Golden Knights an opportunity to win.
And if the first seven games have demonstrated anything, it's that Vegas has two goaltenders capable of doing exactly that — even if the path toward establishing consistency remains unfinished.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are back at home for a brief two game homestand and will face the Florida Panthers tonight at 6:15 PM.
Florida Panthers - 2-2-2 - 6 Points - Loss 2 - 6th in the Atlantic
Columbus Blue Jackets - 2-2-0 - 4 Points - Loss 1 - 6th in the Metro
Teams Notes Per CBJ PR
After being out for pre-season and the Jackets’ first two regular-season games, Damon Severson made his season debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Oct. 9, scoring a goal and an assist (1-1-2).
The Blue Jacket lead the league in faceoff % with a 58.6% win %.
Columbus is currently 5th in the Metro, 13th in the East, and 25th in the league.
Player Notes Per CBJ PR
Charlie Coyle has 10-7-17 in 33 career GP vs. Florida with 6-4-10 in 17 career home games against the Panthers.
Danton Heinen has 4-9-13 in 24 career GP vs. Florida, with points in four of his last six matchups (1-3-4).
Matthew Knies has 3-3-6 in 12 career GP, including three multi-point games that have all occurred on home ice (6 GP).
Sean Monahan has 8-7-15 with five multi-point efforts in 22 career matchups and has notched 5-5-10 in 11 career home contests vs. Florida.
Valeri Nichushkin has collected 2-4-6 in 13 career games vs. Florida, with all points in his last four meetings against the club.
Cole Sillinger has 3-2-5 in 11 career GP, and has goals in two of his past four against Florida (2-1-3).
Carson Soucy has picked up 1-1-2 in back-to-back games against Florida and has notched 4-2-6 in 13 career matchups.
Blue Jackets Stats
Power Play - 20.0% - 19th in the NHL
Penalty Kill - 75.9% - 23rd in the NHL
Goals For - 12 - 24th in the NHL
Goals Against - 14 - 14th in the NHL
PanthersStats
Power Play - 9.4% - 28th in the NHL
Penalty Kill - 74.1% - 24th in the NHL
Goals For - 12 - 24th in the NHL
Goals Against - 17 - 21st in the NHL
Series History vs. ThePanthers
The Blue Jackets are 27-21-8 Overall, and 17-7-4 at Nationwide Arena vs. Florida.
Columbus has picked up points in four straight games against Florida (1-0-3), with three of the past four games having gone past regulation.
Who To Watch For ThePanthers
Matthew Tkachuk leads Florida with 3 goals and 5 points.
Lars Eller leads the Panthers with 3 assists.
Jacob Markstrom is 2-1-1 with a SV% of .904%.
Akira Schmid is 0-1-1 with a SV% of .868%.
Injured Reserve & Other Injuries
Dante Fabbro - Broken Hand - IR - 4 Games Missed
Isac Lundestrom - Achilles Surgery - LTIR - 4 Games Missed
Ivan Provorov - Lower Body - IR - 4 Games Missed
TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 16
How to Watch & Listen: Tonight's game will be simulcast on The Blue Jackets Hockey Network and 97.1 The Fan, with Steve Mears behind the mic doing the play-by-play.
TV: CBJHN (Spectrum HD Ch. 320/1320; IP Ch. 349; Prime Video, Fubo)
Next Up For Columbus: The CBJ take on the Florida Panthers tonight at 6:15 PM
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ST. PAUL, Minn. — Rieger Lorenz isn’t wasting any time making his presence felt with the Minnesota Wild.
Just two games into his NHL career, the 22-year-old forward has already displayed the qualities that helped earn him his first opportunity at the highest level.
Speed, physicality, relentless forechecking and a willingness to stand up for himself have all been evident in Lorenz’s first two appearances.
During Monday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights at Grand Casino Arena, Lorenz continued to make an impression, contributing to Minnesota’s third goal and dropping the gloves for his first NHL fight.
For Wild head coach John Hynes, those contributions are exactly what the organization hoped to see from the young forward.
“A lot of speed and a high competitiveness factor on the forecheck,” Hynes said. “I think, I don’t know if you saw it or not, but even I think his first shift in Florida was a forecheck, and he got a point-blank slot shot right there.”
“He’s hard on the puck and very competitive. Seems like he’s responsible and understands how to play without the puck.”
Lorenz’s impact was particularly noticeable on Minnesota’s third goal against Vegas.
After the Golden Knights failed to secure a loose puck, Lorenz used his speed and aggressive forechecking instincts to pressure the play, helping create an opportunity that Bobby Brink capitalized on.
It was the type of sequence that illustrated why Lorenz has been able to make an immediate impression despite having limited NHL experience.
“I felt a little bit jittery in the first two shifts there,” Lorenz said. “So I think, you know, when that loose puck’s there, that’s my job as a forechecker, to go get it. And I was lucky that Bobby made an unbelievable play.”
That ability to create opportunities through pressure is something Hynes has already identified as one of Lorenz’s biggest strengths.
“When you see him, what he brings is, he’s a hard guy, very competitive and hard on the puck,” Hynes said. “But his speed has certainly been a factor as well.”
However, Lorenz’s offensive contributions weren’t the only thing that caught attention Monday.
The young forward also found himself involved in his first NHL fight, showing that he isn’t intimidated by the physical demands of the league.
Lorenz explained that the altercation began after he finished a check and was confronted by his opponent.
“I was trying to do my job. I kind of finished my check up there, and he kind of grabbed me,” Lorenz said. “And I’m always willing to go.”
When asked whether his opponent had initiated the fight, Lorenz made it clear that he wasn’t going to back down.
“I think also, watch the video. I think he kind of dropped his gloves, and then, like I said, I’m not going to shy away from it.”
That willingness to compete physically is something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by his teammates.
Michael McCarron, who knows a thing or two about the physical side of hockey, praised Lorenz for how he handled his first NHL fight.
“Yeah, it was good,” McCarron said. “Lauzon is no weak opponent for your first fight. That’s a big boy. He knows what he’s doing.”
“I thought Rieger did a great job. He stood in there and he’s willing to stand up for himself. He did a great job.”
Beyond the physicality, Lorenz is also making an impression with his maturity.
Following the victory, Lorenz had the opportunity to recognize one of his teammates by presenting McCarron with the team’s postgame helmet.
Rather than focusing on Hughes' two points or Wallstedt's night, Lorenz highlighted the work McCarron had done throughout the game.
“He had some huge blocks. He was a dog in the faceoff dot and also on the forecheck,” Lorenz said. “He had some awesome forechecks for our team.”
“And when we had the momentum against us, I think he went out there and did a solid job to turn it back in our favor.”
For Hynes, that decision offered another glimpse into Lorenz’s character.
“New guy in the organization, but just really good head on his shoulders, sharp kid,” Hynes said. “I think a little bit wise beyond his years. He seems like the kind of guy that just gets it. Whether it’s hockey or a little bit of life or a situation, he seems like he’s on top of things.”
Monday’s game also carried additional significance for Lorenz.
The former University of Denver forward is no stranger to Grand Casino Arena, having previously played in the building during his collegiate career.
Now, he’s experiencing those moments on an entirely different stage.
“It’s pretty cool,” Lorenz said. “It seems like all the biggest moments of my hockey career have happened in this arena. So it’s pretty nice to kind of keep on that train.”
“Obviously, we’re so well supported here in Minnesota, and it’s just a pleasure playing in front of these fans.”
For a player just beginning his NHL career, Lorenz has already provided plenty of reasons for the Wild coaching staff to take notice.
His speed has created pressure, his physicality has added another dimension to Minnesota’s bottom six, and his maturity has impressed both teammates and coaches.
Two games certainly aren’t enough to determine what Lorenz’s long-term role with the Wild will look like. But if his first two NHL appearances are any indication, the young forward understands exactly what he needs to do to stick around.
And he isn’t going to shy away from doing it.
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