The NHL season kicks off with a packed opening night featuring five matchups, including three broadcast nationally in the U.S. The defending Stanley Cup champions will host a high-profile matchup, while classic rivalries clash in New York and Chicago. Oddsmakers currently favor the Hurricanes to secure their season opener. Fans can expect an early taste of competitive hockey as the league returns.

The 2026–27 NHL season opens Tuesday, September 29, with five games. Three make up the U.S. national television schedule: the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes host the Florida Panthers, the New York Rangers visit the Boston Bruins, and the Chicago Blackhawks face the Vegas Golden Knights. Carolina is around -125 to win its opener, […]