# NHL season opening games

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nhl-season-opening-games
> Updated: 2026-09-29T18:45:00.000Z. Sources: 40. Developments: 2.

The National Hockey League (NHL) season has commenced with several high-scoring opening games. Early results include a 3-0 victory for the Boston Bruins over the New York Rangers, a 3-2 win for the Montreal Canadiens against the Toronto Maple Leafs, and a 5-2 win for the Vegas Golden Knights over the Chicago Blackhawks. The Florida Panthers also defeated the Carolina Hurricanes in overtime.

In a notable matchup, the Vancouver Canucks defeated the Edmonton Oilers 6-5 in overtime at Rogers Place. Following a 2-5 deficit, the Oilers forced extra time, but Paul Cotter scored the winning goal for Vancouver 1:58 into the overtime period. Cotter, making his debut, also became the first player in Canucks history to score a shorthanded goal in a debut game. While the Canucks saw contributions from Marco Rossi, Jonathan Lekkerimaki, Elias Pettersson, and Max Sasson, Edmonton’s Evan Bouchard recorded five points, including three goals.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-29: Vancouver Canucks defeat Edmonton Oilers 6-5 in overtime thriller

Paul Cotter scored twice, including an overtime winner, to lead the Vancouver Canucks to a 6-5 season-opening victory over the Edmonton Oilers.

38 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vancouver-fc-secures-1-1-draw-against-forge-fc

### 2026-09-29: NHL season begins with Bruins victory and Canucks overtime win

The NHL season has officially begun, featuring a 3-0 win for the Boston Bruins and a 6-5 overtime victory for the Vancouver Canucks against the Edmonton Oilers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nhl-season-begins-with-bruins-victory-and-canucks-overtime-win

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