All articles tagged with #season opener
Alex Tuch scored twice in his Washington Capitals debut, helping the team defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 5-2 in the 2026-27 season opener. Coach Spencer Carbery called Tuch the best player on the ice, while the Hurricanes struggled with lethargic play and goaltending errors.
The Washington Capitals defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 5-2 in their 2026-27 season opener on October 2, 2026. Alex Tuch scored two goals in his debut, becoming the fifth player in franchise history to score multiple times in his first game. Despite committing six penalties, the Capitals maintained a lead and secured the win behind goaltender Logan Thompson.
The Philadelphia Flyers suffered a 7-0 defeat to the Pittsburgh Penguins in their 2026-27 season opener, a result described by coach Rick Tocchet as the worst defensive performance of his tenure. The Penguins capitalized on a revamped roster, with new acquisitions and depth players contributing significantly to the shutout victory.
The Los Angeles Kings and Colorado Avalanche open the 2026-27 NHL season at Ball Arena on September 30. The matchup is defined by the Kings' 0-7 record against Colorado last season, including a four-game playoff sweep. Darcy Kuemper starts for LA, while MacKenzie Blackwood returns for Denver. The game airs nationally on TNT, with the Kings facing a top-ranked penalty kill and altitude challenges.
The Carolina Hurricanes begin their 2026-27 season by hosting the Florida Panthers at Lenovo Center on September 29. This matchup pits the defending champions against the team that won the previous two Cups, featuring key roster changes for both clubs. Carolina faces a netting decision between Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov, while Florida returns to the ice without Sergei Bobrovsky and Brad Marchand.
Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. says he’s not really optimistic he’ll sign a new contract before Sunday’s season opener against Atlanta, with two days left on the team’s self-imposed deadline and concerns about his back injury and conditioning. The situation adds uncertainty for Porter, who could be a game-time decision, while Asante Samuel Jr. stands ready to step in if needed. The saga mirrors Porter’s family history with Steelers negotiations but Porter remains hopeful a deal can still be reached before kickoff.
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis is ruled out for Sunday's season opener and could miss significant time after a 'pretty serious' hip injury, per EVP Stephen Jones. Davis, who won the Cowboys' backup job to Javonte Williams, may open the door for Israel Abanikanda or Emari Demercado to see increased work, with the team potentially pursuing another veteran running back as they adjust to the injury.
Seattle's 'Dark Side' defense carried the day in a 13-10 season-opening win over the Patriots, forcing three fourth-quarter interceptions and three sacks to erase a 10-point deficit. Backup Drew Lock connected on a 45-yard TD to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and later led the go-ahead drive, while Josh Jobe sealed the victory with a late interception as Sam Darnold left with a hip injury. Seattle committed penalties but did not turn the ball over; Darnold's status is uncertain and the Seahawks head to Arizona for Week 2 to start 2-0 consideration.
Buffalo’s run defense, revamped under new coordinator Jim Leonhard after a poor 2025, faces an early test against Houston’s ground attack led by Woody Marks and David Montgomery. With Ed Oliver back from injury and veterans Bradley Chubb and Greg Gaines, the Bills aim to tighten run gaps and create more opportunities for Josh Allen, while the Texans’ rebuilt line and 1-2 backfield potential provide Buffalo a chance to show the improved front seven in Week 1.
Brock Purdy threw three touchdown passes as the San Francisco 49ers crushed the Los Angeles Rams 27-7 in the NFL’s first Melbourne opener, a humbling start for a star-studded Rams squad. Rams coach Sean McVay took the blame for a travel plan that had them arriving a day before the game, while quarterback Matthew Stafford struggled (15 of 25, 155 yards, INT) and star edge rusher Myles Garrett battled a knee issue with no sacks. WRs Puka Nacua (74 receiving yards) and Davante Adams (three catches) provided some production, but the offense stalled and Stafford was pulled late for Stetson Bennett as San Francisco pulled away on a 99-yard third-quarter drive. The Rams regroup and prepare for the Giants next, with questions surrounding Donald’s status and the team’s ability to rebound from the setback.
The Seattle Seahawks came from behind to beat the New England Patriots 13-10 in the season opener, sparked by Drew Lock after Sam Darnold's hip injury. Seattle tied the game with a 45-yard TD to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and a field goal, while New England QB Drake Maye threw three late interceptions, including an end-zone pick that sealed the win for the Seahawks as the Patriots failed to convert in the final seconds.
Myles Garrett did not practice before the Rams departed for Melbourne for Thursday's season opener due to knee swelling, but coach Sean McVay says he will play; Aaron Donald will not travel and had limited work as he works back into shape, setting up Garrett's Rams debut despite limited summer reps.
49ers defensive end Nick Bosa will suit up for the season opener against the Rams, according to defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, despite having torn his ACL last year and dealing with knee soreness this summer. Bosa returned to practice by Sept. 2 and is set to take the field, marking a return to a key pass-rush role for San Francisco.
Notre Dame escaped a sluggish start and used a second-half surge at Lambeau to defeat Wisconsin 41-13 in the season opener. After a 13-10 halftime lead, the Irish pulled away with a 70-yard drive capped by Aneyas Williams’ 3-yard run, a DJ McKinney 55-yard pick-six, and later added another Williams TD followed by a CJ Carr-to-Nolan James scoring play to seal the win.
Lane Kiffin's debut at LSU was a statement as the Tigers routed Clemson 51-10 in Death Valley, with Sam Leavitt excelling on the ground and LSU's defense forcing Clemson's quarterbacks into a shell. Clemson struggled with quarterback changes and a porous offensive line, while LSU answered off-field drama and signaled a high-powered start to the season.