NHL Standings and Early Season Results: October 2026 Update

The 2026-27 NHL season is underway, and fans are closely monitoring the early NHL standings as teams across Canada complete their first games. The opening week of play has already produced several high-scoring contests and overtime finishes that are shaping the initial league table.

What happened in recent games?

Action on October 3, 2026, saw a variety of results for Canadian franchises. In a high-scoring thriller, the Montreal Canadiens fell 6-5 to the Pittsburgh Penguins in overtime. The Canadiens had successfully erased a four-goal deficit during the second period before ultimately conceding the game-winning goal at 1:33 of the extra frame.

Other notable results from the Canadian contingent include:

• The Vancouver Canucks secured a 4-1 victory over the Calgary Flames.
• The Ottawa Senators defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2.
• The Edmonton Oilers recorded a 3-1 win against the Seattle Kraken.

Why are fans searching for standings?

Search interest in NHL standings is high as supporters track how their teams adapt to new rosters and early-season momentum. Beyond game results, teams like the Montreal Canadiens are currently the subject of widespread discussion regarding potential roster adjustments. Reports indicate the organization has explored options to strengthen its centre ice position, including interest in players like Mark Scheifele, as they look to build upon their existing core.

What happens next?

Teams continue to adjust their lineups during the opening month of the season. The Florida Panthers recently placed Aleksander Barkov on long-term injured reserve, a development that highlights the volatility of early-season roster management. As more games are played throughout October, the standings will begin to stabilize, providing a clearer picture of which teams are positioned for playoff contention.