NHL Hockey 8-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 4, 2026, 6:05 AM ET
NHL Hockey
Sabres & Panthers
Buffalo's Jiri Kulich marked his return from nearly a year of blood-clot issues with the game-winning goal, capping an emotional comeback after months of uncertainty about whether he would play again. Meanwhile, Florida placed captain Aleksander Barkov on long-term injured reserve after just two games this season, a major blow for a Panthers club that had already been without him for all of 2025-26.
Red Wings & Coyotes
Detroit's season opener turned hostile as Dylan Larkin, the subject of a trade request, was booed by the home crowd before being placed on IR during the loss. In Arizona, the university has enlisted former state Supreme Court chief justice Scott Bales to lead an independent review of the on-ice collapse of hockey player Mayich.
Around the League
The hockey world mourned the passing of Lyle Odelein, the rugged Stanley Cup-winning defenseman with Montreal, who died at age. Odelein, known for his physical play, suited up for over 1,000 career NHL games across parts of three decades.