Overview
- Washington split its back-to-back, beating Vegas 3-2 on Pierre‑Luc Dubois’ two goals and an assist with Logan Thompson’s 24 saves, then losing 6-2 in Montreal where Cole Caufield scored twice, Jakub Dobes shined, and Alex Ovechkin netted both Capitals goals.
- Anaheim topped Winnipeg 5-4 on Chris Kreider’s overtime winner to extend its streak to four games, while Connor Hellebuyck stopped 35 of 40 shots in his post‑Olympic return for the Jets.
- Calgary returned with a 4-1 win in San Jose as Dustin Wolf turned aside 35 of 36 shots and Nazem Kadri scored twice to continue a scoring run that began before the break.
- TSN’s Darren Dreger reported the Flames are testing the market on Kadri and that the veteran center wants a trade, adding a transactional layer to teams’ compressed evaluation window.
- Early outings underscored sharp contrasts in form, from Washington’s ongoing special‑teams issues (0-for-4 on the power play and a late PK goal allowed vs. Vegas) to clubs reintegrating Olympians such as the Golden Knights’ five returning players.