Scoring surges in early NHL season after shorter preseason
ESPN NHL • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 8, 2026, 5:43 PM
Last updated Oct 8, 2026
The NHL has seen a scoring increase during the opening days of the season, coinciding with the league's earliest start in history. In just the first three days, games have featured scores reminiscent of the high-scoring 1980s. This trend may be attributed to the shortened preseason, allowing players less time to adjust before the regular season. Observers are looking to see if this scoring uptick continues throughout the season.
- •NHL season starts earlier than ever on October 6, 2026.
- •Scoring levels seen are similar to those from the 1980s.
- •Potential link between scoring increase and shorter preseason.
- •Early trends could affect team strategies as the season develops.
- 6:27 PMESPN NHL — Scoring way up to start season after shorter preseason
"The first three days of the earliest leaguewide start in NHL history delivered scores straight out of the 1980s.
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