Mark Scheifele delivered a two-goal night, including a third-period deflection that put Winnipeg ahead 3-2, as Connor Hellebuyck stopped 29 and the Jets survived a late push from Los Angeles. The Kings answered with Adrian Kempe and Mikey Anderson scoring, Darc y Kuemper turning away 25 shots. Winnipeg steadied after a rocky second, powered by Scheifele’s timely finishes and a crucial Morrissey saucer pass that ruptured L.A.’s plan.

Colorado dominated the season opener, powering past Los Angeles 4-1 behind second-period strikes from Necas, Malinski and Lehkonen, with Necas adding again in the third. Kopitar’s farewell tour got a ceremonial kickoff but produced little on the ice, registering one shot in 18 minutes as the Kings face a rough start under a retooled front office. LA’s late push produced a lone Fiala power-play goal to spoil the shutout attempt.

The night underscored the Avalanche’s edge and the Kings’ need to rebound under Ken Holland’s first-year rebuild. It also highlighted Kopitar’s enduring legacy and the tension between timing of a legendary career and a franchise seeking fresh momentum.

Florida’s champions anchor the slate with Reinhart, Bennett, and Verhaeghe at the core, while Seth Jones joins the Panthers’ depth in a high-upside opening-night setup. The New York duo of Panarin and Fox thrives against Crosby’s Penguins, who bring Crosby and Karlsson as a potent veteran pairing. Bedard headlines Chicago’s lineup with Rinzel and Teravainen in the wings. Kuemper and Shesterkin are the go-to goalies, with Koivunen and Barkov injecting value due to early-season injuries and role changes.

Injuries shuffle lines and create opportunistic stacks, notably on the Blackhawks and Penguins, while the Kings’ Kuemper appears the safest cash option. A strong emphasis on mid-price centers and defensemen who power-play for both teams expands upside across the night. This slate rewards disciplined spending on top-lines, paired with a few contrarian secondary stacks to maximize upside in tournaments.