Overview

• The NHL regular season began on Oct. 7 with games in Sunrise, Florida, and other venues.
• Florida defeated Chicago 3–2 in the opener, with Panthers forward Bokvist scoring the third-period go-ahead goal.
• The league schedule includes a February break for the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics.
• Regular-season play runs through April 16 to determine the 16-team playoff field.
• The defending champions start their title defense with a win as they target a third consecutive Stanley Cup.