Calgary’s third-period collapse dominates early-season chatter as the Flames drop to 1-3-0 after allowing two quick Vegas goals early in the third, erasing a pair of early leads. The team’s defensive gaps and a struggling finish raise questions about the rotation and goaltending, with Calgary’s stars pushing for answers as they prepare to face a back-to-back slate to start the year.

The Golden Knights capitalized on Calgary’s missteps, while Jack Eichel supplied scoring punch and the Vegas crease benefitted from relief netminder Akira Schmid. Calgary’s top line showed flashes, but the finish and transition game need tightening, or more games like this will pile up early in the season.

With injuries and roster shuffles shaping the early narrative, the Flames must regain footing quickly to avoid repeating last season’s late-period struggles. Vegas’ pace and finish stand out as the blueprint teams will study as Calgary searches for consistency and a solid defensive game in front of its evolving goaltending plan.

Jack Eichel delivered a two-goal night as Vegas topped Calgary 4-2, with Kaedan Korczak slipping a tying shot in the third and Tomas Hertl sealing it with an empty-netter in the final seconds. Adin Hill exited after the first period with a lower-body injury, while Akira Schmid turned aside 19 shots in relief to lock up the win.

Calgary answered with Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman scoring, but Dustin Wolf gave up four on 26 saves. Eichel’s second came off a nifty move past Wolf, and Korczak evened the score two minutes later as Vegas seized control late. Calgary’s Backlund-Weegar connection produced the first goal, but the Knights’ depth carried the day.

Vegas meanwhile owns a start that features four goals and five helpers for Eichel and six assists for Mark Stone through four games. The Knights struck quickly in the third, netting twice in 2:27 as Calgary faltered defensively, while Miromanov logged his season debut beside Weegar. Huberdeau was absent from the lineup despite skating earlier.

Up next, Vegas hosts Boston while Calgary heads to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Mammoth in their home opener. Hill’s injury could reshape the Knights’ goaltending cadence, and Schmid’s relief outing adds a compelling layer to VGK’s season-long depth chart.

Ovechkin hits 40 while eclipsing Gretzky for the all-time NHL goal mark, 897 and counting. He stacked 44 goals last season and remains weathered yet lethal, fueling Washington’s continued playoff push as the Capitals pursue a lightweight rebuild around him. The team’s front office has kept faith with the core, surrounding him with a refreshed supporting cast, hinting this could be a rare, productive twilight chapter rather than a sad fade.

Beyond the milestone, the storyline centers on balance: can Ovechkin chase 900 and beyond while the Capitals stay competitive and avoid a full rebuild? Management signals patience, the coach emphasizes love for the game, and fans wonder if the season ends with a retirement tour or one more run at glory in a contending roster.

Tampa Bay Lightning surge into the Capitals with Point, Kucherov, and Hagel leading the charge, Hedman stabilizing the back end for strong power-play upside. The Caps present a soft target on defense, boosting the trio’s ceiling and Hedman’s PP value.

Vegas Golden Knights bring a balanced, mid-priced stack with Dorofeyev, Hertl and Saad, supported by Theodore. Calgary’s shaky defense and goaltending push this grouping into tournament-friendly territory, especially when paired with Hill’s road form.

Anaheim Ducks roll Kreider-Killorn-Carlsson with LaCombe adding uzt on D, offering high shot volume and sleeper upside in GPPs against Pittsburgh’s road woes.

Montreal Canadiens offer a cheap but productive stack with Bolduc, Dach and Gallagher, aided by Matheson’s offensive bursts from the blueline. Seattle Kraken’s defense weak links open opportunities for Montreal’s group, while top-tier options from DAL, NYR, and CAL rotate as pivot plays.

Adin Hill stands out as a cash-constructor with solid road numbers, with Oettinger and Shesterkin lurking as elite alternatives. Build balanced exposures across TB, VGK, and MTL for win potential tonight.