# NHL 2026-27 season opening games

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nhl-2026-27-season-opening-games
> Updated: 2026-09-30T15:15:57.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 2.

The 2026-27 NHL season has commenced with several opening matchups. The Vegas Golden Knights, coming off a Stanley Cup Final appearance, are scheduled to face the Chicago Blackhawks at T-Mobile Arena.

In another season opener, the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Buffalo Sabres 6-3. The victory marked the first season-opening win for Columbus in five years, highlighted by a debut performance from Matthew Knies, who tied a franchise record for points in a debut by scoring two goals and providing one assist.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-30: Columbus Blue Jackets defeat Buffalo Sabres 6-3 in season opener

Matthew Knies recorded two goals and an assist in his Columbus Blue Jackets debut, leading the team to a 6-3 season-opening victory over the Buffalo Sabres.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ohio-minimum-wage-to-increase-by-35-percent-in-2027

### 2026-09-29: Chicago Blackhawks face Vegas Golden Knights in NHL season opener

The Chicago Blackhawks face the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on September 29, 2026, to kick off the 2026-27 NHL season.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-blackhawks-face-vegas-golden-knights-in-nhl-season-opener

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Cite as: NHL 2026-27 season opening games. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nhl-2026-27-season-opening-games