Washington Capitals winger Alex Tuch lit the lamp twice in Friday's impressive 5-2 road win over the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Carolina Hurricanes. In his official Capitals debut, Tuch became the fifth player in franchise history to open his tenure with a multi-goal outing, providing two of Washington's three first-period goals. He started the season on a line with Pierre-Luc Dubois and Tom Wilson. Across the previous four campaigns, Tuch has scored at least 30 goals three times. As a member of Washington's talented forward group, Tuch is in a prime spot for another prolific year in 2026-27.

Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson contributed a goal and an assist in Friday's season-opening 4-3 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. This was Carlsson's first outing since becoming the NHL's highest-paid player with a five-year, $90 million contract. He certainly proved his worth, helping the Ducks to a 4-0 lead before Vegas made the score respectable with three third-period goals. Carlsson logged 17:43 of ice time, including 2:58 on the power play. The Ducks went with Cutter Gauthier and A.J. Greer as Carlsson's running mates on the first line. By racking up four points together, the trio showed off good chemistry.

Boston Bruins winger JJ Peterka potted the game-winning goal on Friday night as the team beat the Winnipeg Jets 4-3 in overtime. The Bruins narrowly escaped defeat in regulation on a goal from Elias Lindholm, and Peterka popped up with the winner in the extra frame. David Pastrnak assisted both goals. Peterka has become the first player in eight years to score in each of his first two outings for Boston. He plays with Lindholm and Pastrnak on the top line, and the trio has found good chemistry early in the season. They'll head back to work on Saturday night against Minnesota.

St. Louis Blues goaltender Joel Hofer was in top form during Friday's season opener against the Dallas Stars, registering a 25-save shutout in a 4-0 win. The Stars had won six straight season-opening games, but they couldn't find a way past Hofer on Friday night. Hofer became the second goaltender in franchise history to record a shutout in a season opener, joining Jaroslav Halak. Although Hofer tends to be solid on most nights he plays, he must compete for playing time with Jordan Binnington, limiting his fantasy appeal. Binnington is expected to make his season debut on Saturday against Colorado.