NHL Season Kicks Off with Exciting Matchups and Coaching Changes

NEW YORK, N.Y. — The 2025-26 NHL season officially began on October 7, with a thrilling tripleheader featuring six teams, including defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers. The opening games are broadcasted live on ESPN and available for streaming on Fubo.

Among the notable matchups is the New York Rangers against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden at 8 p.m. EDT. New Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan, who won two Stanley Cups with the Penguins, is focused on putting a strong version of the Rangers on the ice. “When I went home Monday night, I was thinking about today and how we can put the best version of the New York Rangers on the ice,” Sullivan said.

The Rangers confirmed their roster earlier today, highlighting new additions, including forward Conor Sheary and rookie Noah Laba, who will debut as the new third-line center. The team trimmed its lineup to 23 players, leaving them with just under $825,000 in salary cap space.

Meanwhile, Penguins coach Dan Muse, who previously served as an assistant under Sullivan, will make his head coaching debut against the Rangers, opting for Arturs Silovs as the starting goaltender instead of expected starter Tristan Jarry. “If you’ve earned a job, you’ll get it,” Muse explained.

As the season progresses, teams are making adjustments to their strategies. Sullivan noted the league’s shift toward a puck-pursuit game, with teams like the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers highlighting this trend. “Some of the best teams in the league have the highest dump-in rates,” he mentioned.

As anticipation builds, fans are left wondering which teams will emerge as favorites for the Stanley Cup, with the Edmonton Oilers among the top contenders at +800 odds. Their roster, featuring stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, remains largely unchanged from last season.

The stakes are high as teams delve into the season, ensuring that this year’s competition will be thrilling for players and fans alike. The Rangers are preparing to leave behind a season of disappointment as they embrace a new chapter with Sullivan as their guide. “It’s critical for Rangers brass to recognize the moment,” one analyst noted regarding their recent roster decisions. The journey to the Stanley Cup begins now.