After the megameal on Thursday -- with 10 contests -- it's lighter fare on Friday around the NHL, as just four games dot the landscape.
Here's a look at the key stats and storylines in each contest, along with betting info on broadcast details:
Odds are provided by DraftKings and subject to change.
Seattle Kraken at Detroit Red Wings
7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | DET -142, O/U: 5.5
With low expectations heading into this season, the Kraken have shown some life, and have two wins to show for it. The Red Wings have been a bit more uneven, but did earn a W in Dylan Larkin's first game back following a trade request and a stint on injured reserve. If there's any bad blood or unsettled scores following the final horn, there's good news: the two teams meet again in Seattle on Oct. 20.
New York Rangers at Washington Capitals
7 p.m. ET (NHL Network) | WSH -142, O/U: 5.5
Based on the preseason futures markets, there was a fair amount of Capitals believers out there -- but not so many felt the same way about the Rangers. Nevertheless, the Blueshirts persisted, rocketing to the top of the Metro Division after the first 10 days, with just one loss and a plus-8 goal differential. The Caps will be looking to land an early-season body blow to their division rivals, and feature the kind of roster that can do so: they have the NHL's heaviest roster (average weight: 93.96 kilograms or 205 pounds) and the fourth tallest (average height: 188.17 cm or 6-foot-2).
Pittsburgh Penguins at Columbus Blue Jackets
7 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | CBJ -125, O/U: 6.5
One of the NHL's underrated rivalries, with just 185 miles between the cities. The franchises have met twice in the playoffs, with the Penguins winning each time (4-2 in 2014 and 4-1 in 2017). Given the strength of the rest of the Eastern Conference, these teams could very well be battling well into April for one last spot. The winner of this game will get two points that count just as much in the standings as those "pivotal" games down the stretch.
Anaheim Ducks at Winnipeg Jets
8 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | WPG -125, O/U: 6.5
After a thrilling return to the postseason in 2026, the Ducks were expected by many to be a strong contender to return. The Jets -- having missed the playoffs by a mile, and without star goalie Connor Hellebuyck -- had fewer backers. But, that's why they play the games! The Jets have roared to a 3-0-1 record, good for a tie with Edmonton atop the Western Conference. Which team soars higher in this one?
Reminder: Fans can catch all the action in the NHL streaming hub and on the ESPN App.
Jump ahead:
Top NHL stories
Last night's scores
NHL stats leaders
Today in hockey history
Top stories around the NHL
Here's what you need to know:
The latest updated NHL Power Rankings
Why NHL expansion to Houston makes too much sense.
Who are this season's top breakout candidates?
NHL Rank: Who are the top 100 players for 2026-27? And what do NHL execs think of our list?
The top NCAA hockey teams to watch for high-end NHL prospects.
Scoring is up in 2026-27, perhaps due to the shortened preseason.
No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna netted his first NHL goal in the Maple Leafs' 5-4 win Tuesday.
Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov will not need surgery, and is expected to miss six to eight weeks.
Thursday's scoreboard
Ottawa Senators 2, Philadelphia Flyers 1
Boston Bruins 6, Utah Mammoth 1
Dallas Stars 4, Buffalo Sabres 0
Nashville Predators 5, Montreal Canadiens 2
Tampa Bay Lightning 3, Minnesota Wild 2
Carolina Hurricanes 7, Vancouver Canucks 2
New York Islanders 4, Chicago Blackhawks 1
San Jose Sharks 3, St. Louis Blues 2 (OT)
Colorado Avalanche 7, Calgary Flames 3
Vegas Golden Knights 4, Toronto Maple Leafs 3 (SO)
NHL scoring leaders
Click here for full list of stats leaders.
NHL goaltending leaders
Click here for the full list of goaltender stats.
Today in hockey history
Hockey Hall of Famer Guy LaFleur had a pair of big moments on this date in history.
On Oct. 9, 1971, LaFleur made his debut for the Montreal Canadiens, contributing an assist in the Habs' tie against the Rangers. (Yes, they had ties back then.)
Then on the same date in 1982, LaFleur had the 15th hat trick of his career in an 8-7 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks.
And as with many players of his era, LaFleur had incredible flow: