Hurricanes edged in shootout thriller, Metropolitan Division roundup

It was a busy night for the Metropolitan Division, with the leader pushed to a shootout, a shutout in Pittsburgh and both New York teams on the wrong end of one-goal games.

Hurricanes lose wild one in Edmonton

Still atop the division with 18 points in 12 games (8-2-2), the Carolina Hurricanes came out of Edmonton with just a single point after a chaotic 6-5 shootout loss. Sportsnet reports that Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl each scored twice and added two assists, combining for 10 points, before Ryan Nugent-Hopkins buried the shootout winner.

The finish was hectic. According to Sportsnet, a potential tying goal by the Oilers was waved off for a high stick late in regulation, only for McDavid to level the score seconds later. There was one bright spot for Carolina: Sportsnet highlights Seth Jarvis, who scored with a spin move in his first game of the 2026-27 season.

Penguins cruise, Devils keep building

Further down the standings, the Pittsburgh Penguins (6th with 9 points in 11 games, 4-6-1) enjoyed a straightforward 4-0 home win over the Florida Panthers. Per Sportsnet, Nick Robertson scored twice and goalie Artur Silovs turned aside every shot he faced for the shutout. Evgeni Malkin added a highlight-reel marker, weaving through the Panthers’ defence, while Florida’s Cooper Black made his NHL debut and, as Sportsnet notes, became the tallest goalie in league history at six-foot-nine.

The New Jersey Devils are stringing wins together as well. Sitting at 12 points in 10 games (6-4-0), tied with the Islanders, they beat the Anaheim Ducks 4-1 for their second consecutive victory. La Presse notes that Arseny Gritsyuk and Nico Hischier scored in the first period to put New Jersey in control, while Sportsnet points out that Jack Hughes chipped in a goal and an assist.

Gut-punch finishes for Rangers and Islanders

It was a tough night in New York. The Rangers, second in the division with 15 points in 12 games (7-4-1), fell 5-4 in Toronto. According to Sportsnet, the Maple Leafs’ fourth line of Zack MacEwen, Teddy Blueger and Brandon Duhaime “dragged” Toronto into the fight, with Duhaime recording a goal and two assists. Easton Cowan opened the scoring 96 seconds in, and Troy Stecher delivered the game-winner with 28 seconds remaining.

On Long Island, the New York Islanders (5-3-2) picked up a single point in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Kings. Sportsnet reports Artemi Panarin scored twice for L.A., with Brandt Clarke netting the overtime winner.

The Capitals, Flyers and Blue Jackets were idle, but with Carolina dropping a point and teams like New Jersey and Pittsburgh stirring, the middle of the Metropolitan table is already tightening.