Devils rout Rangers 7–1, Metropolitan Division roundup

Devils dominate first Hudson River showdown

The first Hudson River Rivalry of the season turned into a one-sided statement. In Newark, the New Jersey Devils hammered the New York Rangers 7–1. Sportsnet reports that Luke Hughes scored twice and Evan Rodrigues finished with two points, including a goal created off a misplayed puck by J.T. Miller that Rodrigues turned into a late first-period snipe past Dylan Garand. The blowout lifts New Jersey to 8 points (4-3-0), tied with Washington and right in the thick of the early Metropolitan race.

Despite the lopsided loss, the Rangers still sit second in the division at 12 points (6-3-0) after what The Hockey Writers describe as an impressive and surprising start, coming off a last-place finish in the Eastern Conference last year. Their biggest question is in goal. The Hockey News notes that Igor Shesterkin is out for the season and Joonas Korpisalo is sidelined for the next few weeks, prompting New York to sign veteran James Reimer to a professional tryout with their AHL affiliate. Daily Faceoff points out that Dylan Garand has gone from waivers to the starter’s role in just two weeks, giving him a major opportunity. Against that backdrop, The Hockey News is already asking whether Alexis Lafrenière’s breakout can carry the Rangers to the playoffs without Shesterkin.

Flyers sink deeper, Islanders fall in shootout

In Detroit, the Philadelphia Flyers’ nightmare start continued. Sportsnet’s highlight package shows Anton Johansson tying the game in the second period before Andrew Copp buried the third-period winner in a 2–1 Red Wings victory. Another Sportsnet headline notes that the loss extended the Flyers’ franchise record with a ninth straight defeat to open the season. At 0-6-3 and just 3 points in nine games, they remain eighth in the Metropolitan and were singled out among the early floundering teams below .500 in Daily Faceoff’s NHL Sour Rankings.

On Long Island, the New York Islanders dropped a tight one to Ottawa, 2–1 in a shootout. According to Sportsnet, Ridly Greig scored his first goal of the season and Linus Ullmark stopped 20 shots, while Shane Pinto provided the deciding shootout marker. The loss leaves the Islanders fifth in the division at 3-3-1 and 7 points. Daily Faceoff also reported that Senators forward William Eklund will miss 10 to 12 weeks with a torn ankle tendon, a significant absence that still didn’t tilt this matchup in New York’s favour.

Hurricanes cruising, Capitals balanced, others idle

At the top of the standings, the Carolina Hurricanes are rolling. The Hockey Writers notes that they have won six straight, are 6-1-1 on the season and are about to embark on a six-game road trip, all while their depth is being tested without Jordan Staal, Seth Jarvis and Taylor Hall. Their 13 points lead the Metropolitan.

Washington holds third place at 4-3-0 and 8 points. Daily Faceoff highlights that the Capitals are scoring by committee, with four different forwards already at four or more points through seven games. Earlier this week, La Presse also described a rough outing in Washington for goaltender Jakub Dobeš and a heavy hit delivered by Kaiden Guhle on Capitals forward Jordan Kyrou.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (3-3-1) and Columbus Blue Jackets (2-3-0) were idle. Pittsburgh still made the news peripherally as Daily Faceoff reported that Chicago defenceman Bowen Byram is day-to-day with an upper-body injury after being hit by a shot in Tuesday’s game against the Penguins.