Panthers lose Barkov and Marchand even as wins keep coming — Atlantic Division roundup

The Florida Panthers sit alone atop the Atlantic Division with 6 points in 4 games (2-0-2) after a 2–1 win over the Los Angeles Kings, but their road swing through California turned costly. Captain Aleksander Barkov has been ruled out for 6–8 weeks with a left leg injury, and Brad Marchand left the same game in Los Angeles with an apparent knee injury, further thinning Florida’s forward depth despite the strong start.

Maple Leafs: McKenna breaks through in 5–4 win

In Toronto, Gavin McKenna finally found the scoresheet. The top prospect, who came into the day still chasing his first NHL point while Anthony Stolarz drew the start, delivered his first points in the league, including his first goal, as the Maple Leafs edged the Nashville Predators 5–4 in overtime or a shootout. The result moves Toronto to 2-2-0 and 5th in the Atlantic, easing some early tension around the club’s start.

Canadiens: Demidov out, Slafkovský pushed into bigger role

Montreal’s home opener against the Carolina Hurricanes doubled as an early stress test of the Canadiens’ depth. With Ivan Demidov sidelined two to four weeks with a lower-body injury, the Canadiens dropped a 6–4 decision at the Bell Centre. Zachary Bolduc scored twice, while Juraj Slafkovský added a late marker on a night described as a rough outing for him in a heightened offensive role. Carolina largely controlled play and peppered Jakub Dobeš, leaving Montreal 7th in the Atlantic with 3 points from 3 games (1-1-1).

Sabres’ comeback, Senators’ questions, Red Wings’ turmoil

In Buffalo, the Sabres staged a two-goal comeback to beat the Minnesota Wild 3–2 in overtime, with Owen Power burying the winner in sudden death. The victory keeps Buffalo firmly in the early-season mix with 4 points in 3 games (2-1-0).

Ottawa’s momentum, by contrast, stalled with a 5–3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. The Senators were without defenceman Jake Sanderson, who returned to Ottawa and will miss at least two games, and went into the matchup resting Linus Ullmark as a precaution. Samuel Ersson made his first start for the club, while the recall of Jonas Johansson from Belleville underlined the lingering concern around Ullmark’s health, even as head coach Travis Green insists the netminder is fine.

For Detroit, the win comes against a backdrop of turmoil. The Red Wings have already been singled out among the NHL’s early-season disappointments amid fan anger at Chris Ilitch, an empty GM chair and restless stars. On the roster front, Detroit is now without Marco Kasper and Mason Appleton week-to-week, and J.T. Compher is considered day-to-day. Dylan Larkin, back from an upper-body injury and playing his first game of the season against Ottawa after requesting a trade in the off-season, was booed on home ice.

Bruins and Lightning lurking in tight standings

The Boston Bruins were idle but remain under the microscope after a 4–1 loss in Ottawa left them 2-2-0 and searching for identity, leadership and energy early in the schedule. The Tampa Bay Lightning, sitting quietly at 4 points from 3 games (2-1-0), are part of a tight pack chasing the Panthers in what already looks like a crowded Atlantic Division race.