A historic surge of high-scoring hockey has defined the NHL’s earliest-ever leaguewide start, with offensive fireworks reminiscent of the sport’s most explosive eras. Teams are racking up goals at a pace that would thrill fans of the 1980s, where breakout talent and fast-paced play dominated the game. The opening stretch has already set a frenetic tone, leaving analysts and spectators debating whether this trend will sustain—or if the league’s shift in scheduling has unleashed a new wave of offensive brilliance. For hockey purists and casual fans alike, the early returns are a must-watch.

The first three days of the earliest leaguewide start in NHL history delivered scores straight out of the 1980s.