Oct. 21 has been circled on the calendar by Senators fans -- and many other hockey fans as well -- since the 2026-27 NHL schedule was released.
Wednesday night, Brady Tkachuk makes his return to Canada's capital, to skate with his new club following an offseason trade to the Panthers.
What kind of reception will he receive? And who will win this game that seems to matter more than just the two points in the standings?
Here's a look at what you need to know for each of tonight's contests, including betting info and broadcast details:
Odds are provided by DraftKings and subject to change.
Philadelphia Flyers at Buffalo Sabres
7:30 p.m. ET (TNT) | BUF -192, O/U: 5.5
Simultaneous to the Tkachuk Game in Ottawa, the resurgent Flyers take on the Sabres. After nine losses to begin the campaign, the Flyers have now won two straight, both against teams that made the 2026 playoffs (Ottawa and Colorado). Can they make it three in a row?
Meanwhile, the Sabres are off to a pedestrian start, with a 4-3-2 record through nine games. What's the biggest issue? It's both goal scoring -- which is down to 3.00 goals per game from 3.45 last season -- and goal suppression -- which is at 3.67 goals allowed per game compared to 2.93 last season.
Florida Panthers at Ottawa Senators
7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+) | OTT -115, O/U: 5.5
The circumstances of Tkachuk's departure this offseason meant that there are some real hard feelings, despite his successes with the club to start his NHL career. But beyond the emotions, this should be an excellent hockey game between two teams tied in the Atlantic Division standings with 12 points apiece.
The Panthers enter this game on a heater, having won the past three games with an aggregate score of 18-8, while it's been up and down for the Sens as of late: after winning five of their first six, they've lost two of their past three.
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:
'This will be a real fun game': How Brady Tkachuk (and the Senators) are preparing for his Ottawa return
"It's obviously been crazy... but it's been a lot of fun." That's Dylan Garand to Greg Wyshynski in Monday's feature.
The latest edition of the Wysh List, including Greg's conversation with Devils GM Sunny Mehta.
Kristen Shilton explores why the Red Wings have an "us against the world" mentality this season.
The most recent ESPN NHL Power Rankings, including the "shock of the season" for all 32 teams.
At least three teams are in the mix to trade for Connor Hellebuyck
Patrick Kane set the record for assists by a U.S.-born player with a helper on a Connor Bedard goal.
Tuesday's scoreboard
San Jose Sharks 4, Montreal Canadiens 3 (OT)
New Jersey Devils 4, Colorado Avalanche 3
New York Islanders 3, Anaheim Ducks 2
Los Angeles Kings 5, Washington Capitals 2
Toronto Maple Leafs 6, Columbus Blue Jackets 2
St. Louis Blues 2, Winnipeg Jets 1
Dallas Stars 3, Boston Bruins 2 (OT)
Edmonton Oilers 4, Minnesota Wild 3 (OT)
Seattle Kraken 4, Detroit Red Wings 3 (SO)
Carolina Hurricanes 6, Vancouver Canucks 3
Tampa Bay Lightning 6, Vegas Golden Knights 2
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
One of the NHL's best rivalries first started back on this day in 1972.
On that date, the New York Rangers visited the New York Islanders at Nassau Coliseum, which had opened earlier that year (Feb. 11). It was the first meeting between the franchises, won 2-1 by the Rangers.
To date, the Rangers hold the all-time series lead (162-150-19-10), although the Isles have the postseason series edge (five series wins to three). The Blueshirts took the first game of this season's series (5-2 on Oct. 6), and the two teams will meet again on Dec. 20, Feb. 12 and Feb. 18.