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

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.