NHL Hockey 8-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 6, 2026, 2:08 PM ET
NHL Hockey
Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin has announced espn.com that this season will be his last, confirming his retirement at age. Opponents and teammates alike explain espn.com the unique mechanics of his shot, calling it "nearly impossible" to stop. In other notable returns, Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand scored espn.com his first goal since Feb. 26 in his season debut after recovering from surgery. Meanwhile, Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin is set to debut espn.com Tuesday despite his recent trade request, and San Jose Sharks star Macklin Celebrini was scratched espn.com with a lower-body injury before the Sharks' 5-0 loss.
Game Previews and Injury Updates
The NHL's nine-game slate features a marquee matchup as the Rangers and Islanders face off espn.com in Round 1 of the Battle of New York. In injury news, Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark exited espn.com his team's game against the Bruins after a collision, leaving after two periods.
Fantasy Hockey and Player Rankings
For fantasy managers, our weekly picks highlight espn.com Nathan Mac Kinnon's linemate as a top add. our NHL Rank projects espn.com the top 100 players for 2026-27, with Connor McDavid holding the No. 1 spot.
Other League Action
In other results, the Yankees are staring at cbssports.com a sweep after their ALDS Game 2 loss to the Rays, while the Falcons ran roughshod over the Saints on "MNF."