Season opener sets the stage for a high-stakes 2025-26 NHL campaign
The 2025–26 National Hockey League season is underway, with defending champions the Florida Panthers kicking off the hunt for a third straight Stanley Cup. The banner-raising ceremony at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise signaled a fresh start, as the Panthers celebrated their latest title before taking the ice against the Chicago Blackhawks.
In a nod to leadership and resilience, captain Aleksander Barkov was absent due to a long-term knee injury. Alternate captain Aaron Ekblad stepped forward to carry the championship banner onto the ice, underscoring the Panthers’ continuity despite their injury challenges. The season’s opening act quickly intensified as Florida toppled Chicago 3–2, with goals from A.J. Greer, Carter Verhaeghe, and Jesper Boqvist sealing the win in the final period.
With the game tied at two late in the third, Boqvist delivered the decisive moment just 9:40 into the frame, giving the Panthers a momentum-boosting victory in front of their home crowd. The result set the tone for a season paced with expectations: Florida is eyeing a triumphant repeat in the shadow of a crowded Eastern Conference field.
Milestones mark the opening night beyond Florida
Not far from Sunrise, other familiar faces added to the early-season drama. Colorado Avalanche captain Nathan MacKinnon and Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby both notched milestones as their teams began the year with victories.
MacKinnon, 30, extended his remarkable franchise record as the Avalanche’s points leader since the team’s 1995 relocation to Colorado. In a 4–1 win over the Los Angeles Kings in Los Angeles, MacKinnon posted two assists, moving to 1016 career points in his 871st game. He set the stage for the season by assisting Martin Nečas for a second-period tally, then adding another assist on Artturi Lehkonen’s goal. The record-breaking moment underscored MacKinnon’s enduring impact as the focal point of Colorado’s attack, with Joe Sakic’s legacy as the franchise points leader still standing at 1641 points across the Nordiques/Colorado era.
Meanwhile, the Penguins drew attention with Crosby captaining his team for a 19th straight season, making him the joint-longest-tenured captain in NHL history. The 21-year veteran, sharing the captaincy spotlight with Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang for a remarkable 20th season together, stretched his leadership mark in a 3–0 win over the New York Rangers. The Penguins’ depth also shone as Justin Brazeau scored twice, Malkin supplied assists on both goals, and Blake Lizotte added another tally to cap a dominant shutout. New goaltender Artūrs Šilovs—who joined in July—earned the season’s first regular-season shutout for Pittsburgh, continuing his growing reputation after a playoff shutout with the Vancouver Canucks in 2024.
What these early results mean for the 2025-26 race
The opening-night results reinforce the NHL’s evolving dynamics: veteran leadership, fresh goaltending, and the relentless pursuit of repeat glory. Florida’s victory confirms they remain a core contender, while the milestones achieved by MacKinnon and Crosby remind fans that individual excellence continues to drive team success. The season is off to a fast start, with four games on the slate the following day and more squads ready to push for early momentum.
As teams settle into the grind of 82 games, fans can expect a season defined by competitive balance and momentous performances. The Panthers already carry the weight of defending champions, the Avalanche showcase a historic points leader stepping into a new chapter, and the Penguins demonstrate a veteran core that remains a threat in the East. The 2025-26 NHL season is set to deliver drama, skill, and unforgettable moments as the race to the Stanley Cup resumes.
Key takeaways for fans
- Defending champs Florida Panthers open with a win, led by late-period heroics.
- Nathan MacKinnon becomes franchise points leader since the Colorado Avalanche moved, highlighting a landmark career milestone.
- Sidney Crosby extends his captaincy legacy, joining an exclusive group for longevity in leadership.
- New goaltending stories emerge as Artūrs Šilovs earns his first regular-season shutout with Pittsburgh.
