Rivalries renewed as new NHL season begins
NHL season opener brings banner night, rivalries, and marquee return matches See who starts hot as defending champs, Canadian teams, and stars hit the ice
The NHL season opens tonight with several notable matchups and the defending Stanley Cup champions back in action. Carolina will raise its championship banner before facing Florida, which gets captain Aleksander Barkov back after his return.
Canadian teams are also featured prominently on opening night. The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Montreal Canadiens in the first game for top draft pick Gavin McKenna, while the Edmonton Oilers start a new season under head coach Mike Babcock against the Vancouver Canucks.
Other early games include Boston vs. New York in an Original Six meeting and Chicago against Vegas. The Calgary Flames, Winnipeg Jets and Ottawa Senators are also set to begin their seasons later in the week.