NHL Tonight: Get ready for Round 1 of the Battle of New York

Following a light four-game slate on Monday, the NHL is quite busy on Tuesday night with nine games on the calendar. The biggest matchup is the first meeting of the season between the rival New York Islanders and New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers hold the all-time series lead 161-150-19-10, though the Islanders have won five of their eight playoff series. The game could feature a matchup between two of the league's elite netminders -- the Rangers' Igor Shesterkin and the Islanders' Ilya Sorokin -- who have been friends since they were 16.

Later, the Vegas Golden Knights take on the surprisingly high-scoring Seattle Kraken, who are sixth in the NHL in goals per game (4.33) after finishing 28th last season. The Florida Panthers close out their West Coast trip with a visit to the Los Angeles Kings. Other notable games include the Carolina Hurricanes at Montreal Canadiens, a rematch of the 2026 Eastern Conference finals, and the Nashville Predators at Toronto Maple Leafs, where Steven Stamkos will face his former team.

Odds are provided by DraftKings and subject to change. The Utah Mammoth visit the New Jersey Devils, while the Minnesota Wild face the Buffalo Sabres. The St. Louis Blues take on the Chicago Blackhawks, who are still searching for their first win of the campaign.

ESPN staff Oct 6, 2026, 07:00 AM ET Following a light four-game slate on Monday, the NHL is quite busy on Tuesday night. There are nine games on the calendar, including the first matchup of the season between the rival New York Islanders and New York Rangers. Later, the Vegas Golden Knights take on the surprisingly high-scoring Seattle Kraken, and the Florida Panthers close out their West Coast trip with a visit to the Los Angeles Kings.

Carolina Hurricanes at Montreal Canadiens 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | CAR -125, O/U: 6.5 It's a rematch of the 2026 Eastern Conference finals, won 4-1 by the Hurricanes. Neither team has gotten off to a perfect start, but both are expected to again be near the top of the conference throughout the season and come playoff time, when it matters most. Nashville Predators at Toronto Maple Leafs 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | TOR -155, O/U: 5.5 In another version of reality, Markham, Ontario, native Steven Stamkos would have played for the Maple Leafs at some point in his career.

As it stands, all 625 of his career goals have been scored for the Lightning or Predators -- including seven against the Maple Leafs in Toronto. Ottawa Senators at Detroit Red Wings 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | OTT -105, O/U: 5.5 After a chaotic summer, the Red Wings haven't won a game yet this season, but maybe the third time will be the charm. The visiting Senators will do their part to continue Detroit's losing ways.

Newly minted captain Thomas Chabot has been a particular bright spot, tied for the team lead in scoring and playing his usual ridiculous amount of minutes (27:06 average ice time per game). Utah Mammoth at New Jersey Devils 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | NJ -135, O/U: 5.5 Following a 4-2 loss to the Rangers on Sunday, the Mammoth cross the Hudson River into the Garden State to try their luck against another Metro Division foe. Minnesota Wild at Buffalo Sabres 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | MIN -108, O/U: 6.5 The Wild's superstar duo of Quinn Hughes and Kirill Kaprizov has delivered this season; both have three points through two games heading into this showdown in western New York.

New York Islanders at New York Rangers 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN) | NYR -142, O/U: 5.5 One of the NHL's most storied rivalries takes center stage as the Isles pay a visit to Madison Square Garden. The two clubs have met 340 times in their histories, and the Rangers hold the all-time series lead 161-150-19-10. The Islanders have won five of the eight playoff series between the clubs, though the teams have not squared off since 1994.

The game could also feature a matchup between two of the league's elite netminders -- the Rangers' Igor Shesterkin and the Islanders' Ilya Sorokin -- who have been friends since they were 16 (and Sorokin is godfather to Shesterkin's son, Timofey). St. Louis Blues at Chicago Blackhawks 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | STL -135, O/U: 5.5 Vegas Golden Knights at Seattle Kraken 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | VGK -166, O/U: 5.5 One of the more surprising stats of the 2026-27 season is that the Kraken are sixth in the NHL in goals per game (4.33) after finishing 28th last season (2.73).

ESPN staff Oct 6, 2026, 07:00 AM ET Following a light four-game slate on Monday, the NHL is quite busy on Tuesday night. There are nine games on the calendar, including the first matchup of the season between the rival New York Islanders and New York Rangers. Later, the Vegas Golden Knights take on the surprisingly high-scoring Seattle Kraken, and the Florida Panthers close out their West Coast trip with a visit to the Los Angeles Kings.

Carolina Hurricanes at Montreal Canadiens 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | CAR -125, O/U: 6.5 It's a rematch of the 2026 Eastern Conference finals, won 4-1 by the Hurricanes. Neither team has gotten off to a perfect start, but both are expected to again be near the top of the conference throughout the season and come playoff time, when it matters most. Nashville Predators at Toronto Maple Leafs 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | TOR -155, O/U: 5.5 In another version of reality, Markham, Ontario, native Steven Stamkos would have played for the Maple Leafs at some point in his career.

As it stands, all 625 of his career goals have been scored for the Lightning or Predators -- including seven against the Maple Leafs in Toronto. Ottawa Senators at Detroit Red Wings 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | OTT -105, O/U: 5.5 After a chaotic summer, the Red Wings haven't won a game yet this season, but maybe the third time will be the charm. The visiting Senators will do their part to continue Detroit's losing ways.

Newly minted captain Thomas Chabot has been a particular bright spot, tied for the team lead in scoring and playing his usual ridiculous amount of minutes (27:06 average ice time per game). Utah Mammoth at New Jersey Devils 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | NJ -135, O/U: 5.5 Following a 4-2 loss to the Rangers on Sunday, the Mammoth cross the Hudson River into the Garden State to try their luck against another Metro Division foe. Minnesota Wild at Buffalo Sabres 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | MIN -108, O/U: 6.5 The Wild's superstar duo of Quinn Hughes and Kirill Kaprizov has delivered this season; both have three points through two games heading into this showdown in western New York.

New York Islanders at New York Rangers 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN) | NYR -142, O/U: 5.5 One of the NHL's most storied rivalries takes center stage as the Isles pay a visit to Madison Square Garden. The two clubs have met 340 times in their histories, and the Rangers hold the all-time series lead 161-150-19-10. The Islanders have won five of the eight playoff series between the clubs, though the teams have not squared off since 1994.

The game could also feature a matchup between two of the league's elite netminders -- the Rangers' Igor Shesterkin and the Islanders' Ilya Sorokin -- who have been friends since they were 16 (and Sorokin is godfather to Shesterkin's son, Timofey). St. Louis Blues at Chicago Blackhawks 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | STL -135, O/U: 5.5 Vegas Golden Knights at Seattle Kraken 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | VGK -166, O/U: 5.5 One of the more surprising stats of the 2026-27 season is that the Kraken are sixth in the NHL in goals per game (4.33) after finishing 28th last season (2.73).

ESPN staff Oct 6, 2026, 07:00 AM ET Following a light four-game slate on Monday, the NHL is quite busy on Tuesday night. There are nine games on the calendar, including the first matchup of the season between the rival New York Islanders and New York Rangers. Later, the Vegas Golden Knights take on the surprisingly high-scoring Seattle Kraken, and the Florida Panthers close out their West Coast trip with a visit to the Los Angeles Kings.

Carolina Hurricanes at Montreal Canadiens 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | CAR -125, O/U: 6.5 It's a rematch of the 2026 Eastern Conference finals, won 4-1 by the Hurricanes. Neither team has gotten off to a perfect start, but both are expected to again be near the top of the conference throughout the season and come playoff time, when it matters most. Nashville Predators at Toronto Maple Leafs 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | TOR -155, O/U: 5.5 In another version of reality, Markham, Ontario, native Steven Stamkos would have played for the Maple Leafs at some point in his career.

As it stands, all 625 of his career goals have been scored for the Lightning or Predators -- including seven against the Maple Leafs in Toronto. Ottawa Senators at Detroit Red Wings 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | OTT -105, O/U: 5.5 After a chaotic summer, the Red Wings haven't won a game yet this season, but maybe the third time will be the charm. The visiting Senators will do their part to continue Detroit's losing ways.

Newly minted captain Thomas Chabot has been a particular bright spot, tied for the team lead in scoring and playing his usual ridiculous amount of minutes (27:06 average ice time per game). Utah Mammoth at New Jersey Devils 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | NJ -135, O/U: 5.5 Following a 4-2 loss to the Rangers on Sunday, the Mammoth cross the Hudson River into the Garden State to try their luck against another Metro Division foe. Minnesota Wild at Buffalo Sabres 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | MIN -108, O/U: 6.5 The Wild's superstar duo of Quinn Hughes and Kirill Kaprizov has delivered this season; both have three points through two games heading into this showdown in western New York.

New York Islanders at New York Rangers 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN) | NYR -142, O/U: 5.5 One of the NHL's most storied rivalries takes center stage as the Isles pay a visit to Madison Square Garden. The two clubs have met 340 times in their histories, and the Rangers hold the all-time series lead 161-150-19-10. The Islanders have won five of the eight playoff series between the clubs, though the teams have not squared off since 1994.

The game could also feature a matchup between two of the league's elite netminders -- the Rangers' Igor Shesterkin and the Islanders' Ilya Sorokin -- who have been friends since they were 16 (and Sorokin is godfather to Shesterkin's son, Timofey). St. Louis Blues at Chicago Blackhawks 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | STL -135, O/U: 5.5 Vegas Golden Knights at Seattle Kraken 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | VGK -166, O/U: 5.5 One of the more surprising stats of the 2026-27 season is that the Kraken are sixth in the NHL in goals per game (4.33) after finishing 28th last season (2.73).

ESPN staff Oct 6, 2026, 07:00 AM ET Following a light four-game slate on Monday, the NHL is quite busy on Tuesday night. There are nine games on the calendar, including the first matchup of the season between the rival New York Islanders and New York Rangers. Later, the Vegas Golden Knights take on the surprisingly high-scoring Seattle Kraken, and the Florida Panthers close out their West Coast trip with a visit to the Los Angeles Kings.

Carolina Hurricanes at Montreal Canadiens 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | CAR -125, O/U: 6.5 It's a rematch of the 2026 Eastern Conference finals, won 4-1 by the Hurricanes. Neither team has gotten off to a perfect start, but both are expected to again be near the top of the conference throughout the season and come playoff time, when it matters most. Nashville Predators at Toronto Maple Leafs 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | TOR -155, O/U: 5.5 In another version of reality, Markham, Ontario, native Steven Stamkos would have played for the Maple Leafs at some point in his career.

As it stands, all 625 of his career goals have been scored for the Lightning or Predators -- including seven against the Maple Leafs in Toronto. Ottawa Senators at Detroit Red Wings 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | OTT -105, O/U: 5.5 After a chaotic summer, the Red Wings haven't won a game yet this season, but maybe the third time will be the charm. The visiting Senators will do their part to continue Detroit's losing ways.

Newly minted captain Thomas Chabot has been a particular bright spot, tied for the team lead in scoring and playing his usual ridiculous amount of minutes (27:06 average ice time per game). Utah Mammoth at New Jersey Devils 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | NJ -135, O/U: 5.5 Following a 4-2 loss to the Rangers on Sunday, the Mammoth cross the Hudson River into the Garden State to try their luck against another Metro Division foe. Minnesota Wild at Buffalo Sabres 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | MIN -108, O/U: 6.5 The Wild's superstar duo of Quinn Hughes and Kirill Kaprizov has delivered this season; both have three points through two games heading into this showdown in western New York.

New York Islanders at New York Rangers 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN) | NYR -142, O/U: 5.5 One of the NHL's most storied rivalries takes center stage as the Isles pay a visit to Madison Square Garden. The two clubs have met 340 times in their histories, and the Rangers hold the all-time series lead 161-150-19-10. The Islanders have won five of the eight playoff series between the clubs, though the teams have not squared off since 1994.

The game could also feature a matchup between two of the league's elite netminders -- the Rangers' Igor Shesterkin and the Islanders' Ilya Sorokin -- who have been friends since they were 16 (and Sorokin is godfather to Shesterkin's son, Timofey). St. Louis Blues at Chicago Blackhawks 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | STL -135, O/U: 5.5 Vegas Golden Knights at Seattle Kraken 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | VGK -166, O/U: 5.5 One of the more surprising stats of the 2026-27 season is that the Kraken are sixth in the NHL in goals per game (4.33) after finishing 28th last season (2.73).

ESPN staff Oct 6, 2026, 07:00 AM ET Following a light four-game slate on Monday, the NHL is quite busy on Tuesday night. There are nine games on the calendar, including the first matchup of the season between the rival New York Islanders and New York Rangers. Later, the Vegas Golden Knights take on the surprisingly high-scoring Seattle Kraken, and the Florida Panthers close out their West Coast trip with a visit to the Los Angeles Kings.

Carolina Hurricanes at Montreal Canadiens 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | CAR -125, O/U: 6.5 It's a rematch of the 2026 Eastern Conference finals, won 4-1 by the Hurricanes. Neither team has gotten off to a perfect start, but both are expected to again be near the top of the conference throughout the season and come playoff time, when it matters most. Nashville Predators at Toronto Maple Leafs 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | TOR -155, O/U: 5.5 In another version of reality, Markham, Ontario, native Steven Stamkos would have played for the Maple Leafs at some point in his career.

As it stands, all 625 of his career goals have been scored for the Lightning or Predators -- including seven against the Maple Leafs in Toronto. Ottawa Senators at Detroit Red Wings 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | OTT -105, O/U: 5.5 After a chaotic summer, the Red Wings haven't won a game yet this season, but maybe the third time will be the charm. The visiting Senators will do their part to continue Detroit's losing ways.

Newly minted captain Thomas Chabot has been a particular bright spot, tied for the team lead in scoring and playing his usual ridiculous amount of minutes (27:06 average ice time per game). Utah Mammoth at New Jersey Devils 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | NJ -135, O/U: 5.5 Following a 4-2 loss to the Rangers on Sunday, the Mammoth cross the Hudson River into the Garden State to try their luck against another Metro Division foe. Minnesota Wild at Buffalo Sabres 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | MIN -108, O/U: 6.5 The Wild's superstar duo of Quinn Hughes and Kirill Kaprizov has delivered this season; both have three points through two games heading into this showdown in western New York.

New York Islanders at New York Rangers 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN) | NYR -142, O/U: 5.5 One of the NHL's most storied rivalries takes center stage as the Isles pay a visit to Madison Square Garden. The two clubs have met 340 times in their histories, and the Rangers hold the all-time series lead 161-150-19-10. The Islanders have won five of the eight playoff series between the clubs, though the teams have not squared off since 1994.

The game could also feature a matchup between two of the league's elite netminders -- the Rangers' Igor Shesterkin and the Islanders' Ilya Sorokin -- who have been friends since they were 16 (and Sorokin is godfather to Shesterkin's son, Timofey). St. Louis Blues at Chicago Blackhawks 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | STL -135, O/U: 5.5 Vegas Golden Knights at Seattle Kraken 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | VGK -166, O/U: 5.5 One of the more surprising stats of the 2026-27 season is that the Kraken are sixth in the NHL in goals per game (4.33) after finishing 28th last season (2.73).

ESPN staff Oct 6, 2026, 07:00 AM ET Following a light four-game slate on Monday, the NHL is quite busy on Tuesday night. There are nine games on the calendar, including the first matchup of the season between the rival New York Islanders and New York Rangers. Later, the Vegas Golden Knights take on the surprisingly high-scoring Seattle Kraken, and the Florida Panthers close out their West Coast trip with a visit to the Los Angeles Kings.

Carolina Hurricanes at Montreal Canadiens 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | CAR -125, O/U: 6.5 It's a rematch of the 2026 Eastern Conference finals, won 4-1 by the Hurricanes. Neither team has gotten off to a perfect start, but both are expected to again be near the top of the conference throughout the season and come playoff time, when it matters most. Nashville Predators at Toronto Maple Leafs 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | TOR -155, O/U: 5.5 In another version of reality, Markham, Ontario, native Steven Stamkos would have played for the Maple Leafs at some point in his career.

As it stands, all 625 of his career goals have been scored for the Lightning or Predators -- including seven against the Maple Leafs in Toronto. Ottawa Senators at Detroit Red Wings 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | OTT -105, O/U: 5.5 After a chaotic summer, the Red Wings haven't won a game yet this season, but maybe the third time will be the charm. The visiting Senators will do their part to continue Detroit's losing ways.

Newly minted captain Thomas Chabot has been a particular bright spot, tied for the team lead in scoring and playing his usual ridiculous amount of minutes (27:06 average ice time per game). Utah Mammoth at New Jersey Devils 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | NJ -135, O/U: 5.5 Following a 4-2 loss to the Rangers on Sunday, the Mammoth cross the Hudson River into the Garden State to try their luck against another Metro Division foe. Minnesota Wild at Buffalo Sabres 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | MIN -108, O/U: 6.5 The Wild's superstar duo of Quinn Hughes and Kirill Kaprizov has delivered this season; both have three points through two games heading into this showdown in western New York.

New York Islanders at New York Rangers 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN) | NYR -142, O/U: 5.5 One of the NHL's most storied rivalries takes center stage as the Isles pay a visit to Madison Square Garden. The two clubs have met 340 times in their histories, and the Rangers hold the all-time series lead 161-150-19-10. The Islanders have won five of the eight playoff series between the clubs, though the teams have not squared off since 1994.

The game could also feature a matchup between two of the league's elite netminders -- the Rangers' Igor Shesterkin and the Islanders' Ilya Sorokin -- who have been friends since they were 16 (and Sorokin is godfather to Shesterkin's son, Timofey). St. Louis Blues at Chicago Blackhawks 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | STL -135, O/U: 5.5 Vegas Golden Knights at Seattle Kraken 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | VGK -166, O/U: 5.5 One of the more surprising stats of the 2026-27 season is that the Kraken are sixth in the NHL in goals per game (4.33) after finishing 28th last season (2.73).

ESPN staff Oct 6, 2026, 07:00 AM ET Following a light four-game slate on Monday, the NHL is quite busy on Tuesday night. There are nine games on the calendar, including the first matchup of the season between the rival New York Islanders and New York Rangers. Later, the Vegas Golden Knights take on the surprisingly high-scoring Seattle Kraken, and the Florida Panthers close out their West Coast trip with a visit to the Los Angeles Kings.

Carolina Hurricanes at Montreal Canadiens 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | CAR -125, O/U: 6.5 It's a rematch of the 2026 Eastern Conference finals, won 4-1 by the Hurricanes. Neither team has gotten off to a perfect start, but both are expected to again be near the top of the conference throughout the season and come playoff time, when it matters most. Nashville Predators at Toronto Maple Leafs 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | TOR -155, O/U: 5.5 In another version of reality, Markham, Ontario, native Steven Stamkos would have played for the Maple Leafs at some point in his career.

As it stands, all 625 of his career goals have been scored for the Lightning or Predators -- including seven against the Maple Leafs in Toronto. Ottawa Senators at Detroit Red Wings 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | OTT -105, O/U: 5.5 After a chaotic summer, the Red Wings haven't won a game yet this season, but maybe the third time will be the charm. The visiting Senators will do their part to continue Detroit's losing ways.

Newly minted captain Thomas Chabot has been a particular bright spot, tied for the team lead in scoring and playing his usual ridiculous amount of minutes (27:06 average ice time per game). Utah Mammoth at New Jersey Devils 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | NJ -135, O/U: 5.5 Following a 4-2 loss to the Rangers on Sunday, the Mammoth cross the Hudson River into the Garden State to try their luck against another Metro Division foe. Minnesota Wild at Buffalo Sabres 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | MIN -108, O/U: 6.5 The Wild's superstar duo of Quinn Hughes and Kirill Kaprizov has delivered this season; both have three points through two games heading into this showdown in western New York.

New York Islanders at New York Rangers 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN) | NYR -142, O/U: 5.5 One of the NHL's most storied rivalries takes center stage as the Isles pay a visit to Madison Square Garden. The two clubs have met 340 times in their histories, and the Rangers hold the all-time series lead 161-150-19-10. The Islanders have won five of the eight playoff series between the clubs, though the teams have not squared off since 1994.

The game could also feature a matchup between two of the league's elite netminders -- the Rangers' Igor Shesterkin and the Islanders' Ilya Sorokin -- who have been friends since they were 16 (and Sorokin is godfather to Shesterkin's son, Timofey). St. Louis Blues at Chicago Blackhawks 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | STL -135, O/U: 5.5 Vegas Golden Knights at Seattle Kraken 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | VGK -166, O/U: 5.5 One of the more surprising stats of the 2026-27 season is that the Kraken are sixth in the NHL in goals per game (4.33) after finishing 28th last season (2.73).

ESPN staff Oct 6, 2026, 07:00 AM ET Following a light four-game slate on Monday, the NHL is quite busy on Tuesday night. There are nine games on the calendar, including the first matchup of the season between the rival New York Islanders and New York Rangers. Later, the Vegas Golden Knights take on the surprisingly high-scoring Seattle Kraken, and the Florida Panthers close out their West Coast trip with a visit to the Los Angeles Kings.

Carolina Hurricanes at Montreal Canadiens 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | CAR -125, O/U: 6.5 It's a rematch of the 2026 Eastern Conference finals, won 4-1 by the Hurricanes. Neither team has gotten off to a perfect start, but both are expected to again be near the top of the conference throughout the season and come playoff time, when it matters most. Nashville Predators at Toronto Maple Leafs 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | TOR -155, O/U: 5.5 In another version of reality, Markham, Ontario, native Steven Stamkos would have played for the Maple Leafs at some point in his career.

As it stands, all 625 of his career goals have been scored for the Lightning or Predators -- including seven against the Maple Leafs in Toronto. Ottawa Senators at Detroit Red Wings 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | OTT -105, O/U: 5.5 After a chaotic summer, the Red Wings haven't won a game yet this season, but maybe the third time will be the charm. The visiting Senators will do their part to continue Detroit's losing ways.

Newly minted captain Thomas Chabot has been a particular bright spot, tied for the team lead in scoring and playing his usual ridiculous amount of minutes (27:06 average ice time per game). Utah Mammoth at New Jersey Devils 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | NJ -135, O/U: 5.5 Following a 4-2 loss to the Rangers on Sunday, the Mammoth cross the Hudson River into the Garden State to try their luck against another Metro Division foe. Minnesota Wild at Buffalo Sabres 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | MIN -108, O/U: 6.5 The Wild's superstar duo of Quinn Hughes and Kirill Kaprizov has delivered this season; both have three points through two games heading into this showdown in western New York.

New York Islanders at New York Rangers 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN) | NYR -142, O/U: 5.5 One of the NHL's most storied rivalries takes center stage as the Isles pay a visit to Madison Square Garden. The two clubs have met 340 times in their histories, and the Rangers hold the all-time series lead 161-150-19-10. The Islanders have won five of the eight playoff series between the clubs, though the teams have not squared off since 1994.

The game could also feature a matchup between two of the league's elite netminders -- the Rangers' Igor Shesterkin and the Islanders' Ilya Sorokin -- who have been friends since they were 16 (and Sorokin is godfather to Shesterkin's son, Timofey). St. Louis Blues at Chicago Blackhawks 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | STL -135, O/U: 5.5 Vegas Golden Knights at Seattle Kraken 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | VGK -166, O/U: 5.5 One of the more surprising stats of the 2026-27 season is that the Kraken are sixth in the NHL in goals per game (4.33) after finishing 28th last season (2.73).

ESPN staff Oct 6, 2026, 07:00 AM ET Following a light four-game slate on Monday, the NHL is quite busy on Tuesday night. There are nine games on the calendar, including the first matchup of the season between the rival New York Islanders and New York Rangers. Later, the Vegas Golden Knights take on the surprisingly high-scoring Seattle Kraken, and the Florida Panthers close out their West Coast trip with a visit to the Los Angeles Kings.

Carolina Hurricanes at Montreal Canadiens 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | CAR -125, O/U: 6.5 It's a rematch of the 2026 Eastern Conference finals, won 4-1 by the Hurricanes. Neither team has gotten off to a perfect start, but both are expected to again be near the top of the conference throughout the season and come playoff time, when it matters most. Nashville Predators at Toronto Maple Leafs 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | TOR -155, O/U: 5.5 In another version of reality, Markham, Ontario, native Steven Stamkos would have played for the Maple Leafs at some point in his career.

As it stands, all 625 of his career goals have been scored for the Lightning or Predators -- including seven against the Maple Leafs in Toronto. Ottawa Senators at Detroit Red Wings 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | OTT -105, O/U: 5.5 After a chaotic summer, the Red Wings haven't won a game yet this season, but maybe the third time will be the charm. The visiting Senators will do their part to continue Detroit's losing ways.

Newly minted captain Thomas Chabot has been a particular bright spot, tied for the team lead in scoring and playing his usual ridiculous amount of minutes (27:06 average ice time per game). Utah Mammoth at New Jersey Devils 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | NJ -135, O/U: 5.5 Following a 4-2 loss to the Rangers on Sunday, the Mammoth cross the Hudson River into the Garden State to try their luck against another Metro Division foe. Minnesota Wild at Buffalo Sabres 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | MIN -108, O/U: 6.5 The Wild's superstar duo of Quinn Hughes and Kirill Kaprizov has delivered this season; both have three points through two games heading into this showdown in western New York.

New York Islanders at New York Rangers 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN) | NYR -142, O/U: 5.5 One of the NHL's most storied rivalries takes center stage as the Isles pay a visit to Madison Square Garden. The two clubs have met 340 times in their histories, and the Rangers hold the all-time series lead 161-150-19-10. The Islanders have won five of the eight playoff series between the clubs, though the teams have not squared off since 1994.

The game could also feature a matchup between two of the league's elite netminders -- the Rangers' Igor Shesterkin and the Islanders' Ilya Sorokin -- who have been friends since they were 16 (and Sorokin is godfather to Shesterkin's son, Timofey). St. Louis Blues at Chicago Blackhawks 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | STL -135, O/U: 5.5 Vegas Golden Knights at Seattle Kraken 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | VGK -166, O/U: 5.5 One of the more surprising stats of the 2026-27 season is that the Kraken are sixth in the NHL in goals per game (4.33) after finishing 28th last season (2.73).

ESPN staff Oct 6, 2026, 07:00 AM ET Following a light four-game slate on Monday, the NHL is quite busy on Tuesday night. There are nine games on the calendar, including the first matchup of the season between the rival New York Islanders and New York Rangers. Later, the Vegas Golden Knights take on the surprisingly high-scoring Seattle Kraken, and the Florida Panthers close out their West Coast trip with a visit to the Los Angeles Kings.

Carolina Hurricanes at Montreal Canadiens 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | CAR -125, O/U: 6.5 It's a rematch of the 2026 Eastern Conference finals, won 4-1 by the Hurricanes. Neither team has gotten off to a perfect start, but both are expected to again be near the top of the conference throughout the season and come playoff time, when it matters most. Nashville Predators at Toronto Maple Leafs 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | TOR -155, O/U: 5.5 In another version of reality, Markham, Ontario, native Steven Stamkos would have played for the Maple Leafs at some point in his career.

As it stands, all 625 of his career goals have been scored for the Lightning or Predators -- including seven against the Maple Leafs in Toronto. Ottawa Senators at Detroit Red Wings 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | OTT -105, O/U: 5.5 After a chaotic summer, the Red Wings haven't won a game yet this season, but maybe the third time will be the charm. The visiting Senators will do their part to continue Detroit's losing ways.

Newly minted captain Thomas Chabot has been a particular bright spot, tied for the team lead in scoring and playing his usual ridiculous amount of minutes (27:06 average ice time per game). Utah Mammoth at New Jersey Devils 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | NJ -135, O/U: 5.5 Following a 4-2 loss to the Rangers on Sunday, the Mammoth cross the Hudson River into the Garden State to try their luck against another Metro Division foe. Minnesota Wild at Buffalo Sabres 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | MIN -108, O/U: 6.5 The Wild's superstar duo of Quinn Hughes and Kirill Kaprizov has delivered this season; both have three points through two games heading into this showdown in western New York.

New York Islanders at New York Rangers 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN) | NYR -142, O/U: 5.5 One of the NHL's most storied rivalries takes center stage as the Isles pay a visit to Madison Square Garden. The two clubs have met 340 times in their histories, and the Rangers hold the all-time series lead 161-150-19-10. The Islanders have won five of the eight playoff series between the clubs, though the teams have not squared off since 1994.

The game could also feature a matchup between two of the league's elite netminders -- the Rangers' Igor Shesterkin and the Islanders' Ilya Sorokin -- who have been friends since they were 16 (and Sorokin is godfather to Shesterkin's son, Timofey). St. Louis Blues at Chicago Blackhawks 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | STL -135, O/U: 5.5 Vegas Golden Knights at Seattle Kraken 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | VGK -166, O/U: 5.5 One of the more surprising stats of the 2026-27 season is that the Kraken are sixth in the NHL in goals per game (4.33) after finishing 28th last season (2.73).

ESPN staff Oct 6, 2026, 07:00 AM ET Following a light four-game slate on Monday, the NHL is quite busy on Tuesday night. There are nine games on the calendar, including the first matchup of the season between the rival New York Islanders and New York Rangers. Later, the Vegas Golden Knights take on the surprisingly high-scoring Seattle Kraken, and the Florida Panthers close out their West Coast trip with a visit to the Los Angeles Kings.

Carolina Hurricanes at Montreal Canadiens 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | CAR -125, O/U: 6.5 It's a rematch of the 2026 Eastern Conference finals, won 4-1 by the Hurricanes. Neither team has gotten off to a perfect start, but both are expected to again be near the top of the conference throughout the season and come playoff time, when it matters most. Nashville Predators at Toronto Maple Leafs 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | TOR -155, O/U: 5.5 In another version of reality, Markham, Ontario, native Steven Stamkos would have played for the Maple Leafs at some point in his career.

As it stands, all 625 of his career goals have been scored for the Lightning or Predators -- including seven against the Maple Leafs in Toronto. Ottawa Senators at Detroit Red Wings 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | OTT -105, O/U: 5.5 After a chaotic summer, the Red Wings haven't won a game yet this season, but maybe the third time will be the charm. The visiting Senators will do their part to continue Detroit's losing ways.

Newly minted captain Thomas Chabot has been a particular bright spot, tied for the team lead in scoring and playing his usual ridiculous amount of minutes (27:06 average ice time per game). Utah Mammoth at New Jersey Devils 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | NJ -135, O/U: 5.5 Following a 4-2 loss to the Rangers on Sunday, the Mammoth cross the Hudson River into the Garden State to try their luck against another Metro Division foe. Minnesota Wild at Buffalo Sabres 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | MIN -108, O/U: 6.5 The Wild's superstar duo of Quinn Hughes and Kirill Kaprizov has delivered this season; both have three points through two games heading into this showdown in western New York.

New York Islanders at New York Rangers 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN) | NYR -142, O/U: 5.5 One of the NHL's most storied rivalries takes center stage as the Isles pay a visit to Madison Square Garden. The two clubs have met 340 times in their histories, and the Rangers hold the all-time series lead 161-150-19-10. The Islanders have won five of the eight playoff series between the clubs, though the teams have not squared off since 1994.

The game could also feature a matchup between two of the league's elite netminders -- the Rangers' Igor Shesterkin and the Islanders' Ilya Sorokin -- who have been friends since they were 16 (and Sorokin is godfather to Shesterkin's son, Timofey). St. Louis Blues at Chicago Blackhawks 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | STL -135, O/U: 5.5 Vegas Golden Knights at Seattle Kraken 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | VGK -166, O/U: 5.5 One of the more surprising stats of the 2026-27 season is that the Kraken are sixth in the NHL in goals per game (4.33) after finishing 28th last season (2.73).