Top 3: Nathan MacKinnon Unleashes a Barrage on Brandt Clarke

It was a fairly quiet second night of hockey in the NHL.

Three games were on the schedule.

Here are the results and highlights:

The @Avalanche and @penguins skated to high-scoring wins as Wednesday marked the first time since Oct. 7, 1995 (PIT, PHI, and WIN) that multiple teams scored at least seven goals in their season-opening game. #NHLFaceOff pic.twitter.com/EplxvsVw3p

— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) October 1, 2026

1. Nathan MacKinnon unleashes a barrage on Brandt Clarke

Nathan MacKinnon isn't known as a goon.

This summer, he changed. After a questionable hit on Cale Makar, Mack defended his teammate by throwing punches at Brandt Clarke.

Nate Dogg was so FIRED UP he chucked his helmet after that tilt https://t.co/tgZ3ePXomt pic.twitter.com/qOeGDoqDVC

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 1, 2026

The Avalanche's top forward is obviously capable of scoring.

He scored two goals—his first two of the season.

Nathan MacKinnon scores his first goal of the season

(via @tntsports) pic.twitter.com/8ZNxYPsWCm

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 1, 2026

MACKINNON'S SECOND GOAL OF THE NIGHT WAS A BEAUT

(via @tntsports) pic.twitter.com/POjU1xgA96

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 1, 2026

Colorado ultimately won 8-4.

In addition to MacKinnon, Makar also had a strong game, racking up five points. Another season opener with that many points for him.

You can ALWAYS count on Cale Makar showing up ready for the season. pic.twitter.com/TLAXIaHnXU

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) October 1, 2026

2. A Penguins Rout

The Penguins' and Flyers' seasons were getting underway.

Let's just say Pittsburgh didn't like how its season ended at the hands of Philadelphia in the last playoffs. Sidney Crosby's squad made short work of the Flyers, winning 7-0.

The irony here is that the Flyers posted on their X account before the game: “We're back.”

We're back.

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) September 30, 2026

The only bright spot for Philly in this game was probably that hit on Crosby.

Sidney Crosby took a BIG hit from Rasmus Ristolainen before the Pens scored pic.twitter.com/bo73jyZYDu

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) September 30, 2026

In their first game with the Penguins, Nick Robertson and Hendrix Lapierre found the back of the net.

Two goals for Robertson and a hard hit.

Nic Robertson with his SECOND GOAL in his Penguins debut!

It's the first short-handed goal of his career

(via @tntsports) pic.twitter.com/BGbjCGeiEH

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 1, 2026

Chaos ensues in the Flyers-Penguins game after Nic Robertson delivers a hard hit to his former Leafs teammate Simon Benoit

(via @tntsports) pic.twitter.com/jTLOCCVklH

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 1, 2026

3. The Leafs Win Their First Game of the Season

After losing their season opener the day before, the Leafs were back in action against the Islanders.

This time, they won 2-1.

Easton Cowan scored the game-winning goal.

Easton Cowan on the cleanup crew to put the Leafs up by two!

(via @sportsonprime) pic.twitter.com/gfyCgqTAnG

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 1, 2026

Former Canadiens player Emil Heineman also scored.

He cut the deficit late in the third period.

Emil Heineman makes it a one-goal game!!! #NHLFaceOff

: @SportsOnPrimeCA https://t.co/eRAgLpATbo pic.twitter.com/DDwN9BOxTa

— NHL (@NHL) October 1, 2026