The NHL season has started! The superstar delivered monster stats – Gavin McKenna was left in the cold.

The NHL season 2026–27 kicked off in Finland on Wednesday night with a round of five games. The opening night immediately offered drama, scoreless games – and one exceptionally strong individual performance.

Edmonton Oilers’ star defenseman Evan Bouchard started his season with a truly stunning performance. Bouchard recorded 3 goals and 2 assists against the Vancouver Canucks, and at the same time joined a rare club: he became the first NHL defenseman since 1980 to score a hat trick in his team’s season opener. The last player to achieve this was Mark Howe of the Hartford Whalers.

The matchup between Edmonton and Vancouver turned out to be a real goal fest on opening night. Bouchard was the most visible figure for the Oilers, but ultimately the Canucks took home the full points, winning 6–5 in overtime with Paul Cotter‘s second goal of the night.

Defending champion fell at the last moment

In Raleigh, the Carolina Hurricanes got to start their season with championship celebrations. However, the previous season’s champion Florida Panthers spoiled the home team’s festive evening.

The game remained scoreless until overtime, when Gustav Forsling secured a 1–0 victory for Florida just 4.3 seconds before the end of the overtime. Panthers’ goalie Jacob Markström saved all 15 shots he faced, achieving a shutout in his first game with the Panthers in 12 years.

In Boston, the resolution came even later.

The Boston Bruins and New York Rangers went over 56 minutes without a goal until the home team turned the game around with three quick goals. Fraser Minten, JJ Peterka, and Mark Kastelic scored three goals in just 75 seconds, and the Bruins celebrated a 3–0 victory.

Boston’s goalie Jeremy Swayman stopped all 24 shots from the Rangers and opened his season with a shutout. For the Bruins, this victory marked their 11th consecutive home opener win.

Revamped Toronto fell to Montreal’s handling

In Toronto, the Montreal Canadiens secured a 3–2 away victory against the Maple Leafs.

William Nylander perfectly kicked off Toronto’s season by scoring a stunning goal just 48 seconds into the game. The Swedish star, responsible for the NHL season’s opening goal, scored two goals in the match.

Canadiens’ Josh Anderson and Alexandre Carrier both recorded 1 goal and 1 assist. In goal for Montreal, Jakub Dobeš made 26 saves.

The most watched figure of the match was this summer’s first overall pick Gavin McKenna. The young player ended up without points in his NHL debut. The super prospect’s stats remained two shifts in the negative.