NHL teams balance strong starts with injuries and special-teams tests

4 sourcesUpdated Oct 19, 20261 min read

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NHL teams balance strong starts with injuries and special-teams tests — Photo: Tony Schnagl / Wikimedia Commons (Pexels)

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Several NHL teams enter the week balancing promising stretches with lineup and execution concerns. Buffalo’s preview centers on Owen Power’s strong start and penalty-kill struggles, while Detroit looks to build on stretches of solid five-on-five play during a demanding Western road trip despite key injuries. Ottawa has opened 6-3-0, including an efficient road run, but must manage the loss of William Eklund and other personnel challenges amid defensive inconsistency. Montreal is 4-3-1, leaning on production from Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki while seeking more depth scoring and steadier defensive coverage; injuries and possible returns could also reshape its forward lines. Overall, health, special-teams performance and reliable play beyond top lines are recurring tests for the clubs this week.

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Rookie Ivar Stenberg scored in regulation and buried the decisive shootout attempt as the San Jose Sharks beat the New York Islanders 3-2, snapping a five-game losing streak. Tyler Toffoli also scored, while San Jose’s win came amid a difficult stretch for both teams.

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