The 2022–23 NHL regular season is finally here. An opening night doubleheader will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and ESPN.
Tuesday’s action will feature a rematch between the 2022 Eastern Conference finals teams. Tampa Bay Lightning New York Rangers (7:30 p.m. ET) and a nightcap in between Vegas Golden Knights Los Angeles Kings.
Before you settle in, make sure to review storylines, players that are worth following, and questions that still need answering.
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7:30 p.m. ET | Watch live on ESPN+
Line: New York -115| Over/under: 5.5
Four months ago, these teams met for the first time in the Eastern Conference finals at Amalie Arena. After losing a series lead of 2-0, the Rangers were trying to keep alive their hopes. New York won both of their first games by a combined score totaling 9-4. In the subsequent three games, New York scored four goals. Although the Rangers managed to avoid elimination in order to bring the Lightning home, Game 7 was never possible. New York lost in Tampa 2-1. The Lightning advanced to the Stanley Cup Final for the third time.
What’s the drama? We’re here to support it. Two of the league’s best netminders, Russian countrymen, will be part of this game Andrei Vasilevskiy Igor Shesterkin.
New York finally welcomes Tampa to their building in order to kick off the NHL regular season. What will the opening night menu look like?
Lightning
ESPN Power Rankings: 7th
2021-22 results: Stanley Cup Final: Loss 51-23-8 (110 point),
Stanley Cup odds: + 1,000
Dawn of a new era In recent years, Tampa has been the NHL’s gold-standard team. They have won back-to-back Stanley Cups as well as nearly completing a 3-peat last spring. However, they lost in six of the remaining games. Colorado Avalanche. But, the Lightning couldn’t keep everyone together. Ondrej Palat Left in free agency Ryan McDonagh Nashville was the trade partner. This leaves Tampa with major gaps on and off the ice. This also opens up key opportunities for other players.
Vladislav Namestnikov In July, he signed a $2.5 million-advantaged one-year contract. He finished Tampa Bay’s preseason by scoring a hat trick in the Lightning’s only exhibition win. Brandon Hagel Nick Paul You can also expect to be given more offensive responsibility. Also Mikhail SergachevThe signing of a $82-million, eight-year extension to his contract with the company, will see him in the spotlight at the back (where?). Zach Bogosian As he recuperates from offseason shoulder surgery, he will be missed. It will be interesting to see how all the pieces fit together.
The sky is the limit Steven Stamkos: This Lightning captain just finished a record-breaking season, in which he surpassed the 100-point mark for only the second time (106). This is quite impressive for a 32-year old. Stamkos can channel that energy into the new season. Jon Cooper, Tampa coach talked about Stamkos having a “free spirit”, and “free mind,” which helped him in his overall production. He did not have to be held back. Tampa Bay should have more of those performances now because the Lightning offense could be in flux for a few months. Anthony Cirelli He continues to recover from the summertime shoulder surgery.
Stamkos’ versatility and consistency make him a valuable asset to the Lightning.
It is Brayden Point back? Point was hurt in the quadriceps during Game 7 of Lightning’s playoff series against Toronto. Point didn’t return to play until the Cup Final. He was then pulled from Game 2 and refused to dress again. Point’s body wasn’t as good as it could have been and the Lightning lost one of their most dynamic players.
It is vital to have Point back in the lineup for the start of the season. Point used the exhibition schedule as a way to get his skating up to speed, and to regain confidence after an injury. He also got involved on the boards and at the net. He’ll be there to watch Tampa Bay against the Rangers.
3:38
Andrei Vasilevskiy, Lightning goalie, talks to John Buccigross regarding being denied a triple-peat by the Avalanche as well as Russia’s incredible NHL goalies.
Rangers
ESPN Power Rankings: 5th
2021-22 results: 52-24-6 (110 point loss), Eastern Conference finals
Stanley Cup odds: + 1,500
Retired in the saddle The Rangers’ conference finals defeat to Tampa Bay should have been obvious from the beginning. New York will naturally feel guilty for the way that this series ended. These feelings can now come back to life. What impact might this have on the tone of this NHL opener’s game?
New York was eventually outplayed by a stronger team months ago. It’s possible the Rangers have achieved too much by getting to that point. However, it’s difficult for New York to be considered an underdog right now. The Rangers have both the experience and the potential to push teams such as Tampa Bay. Can that energy be felt in Game 1
Climbing Kaapo Kakko: New York seems to have a rising star in Kakko. The 21-year old played his last two preseason games with the Rangers’ top team. Chris Kreider Mika ZibanejadHe looked like he belonged, Like, scored three goals and exuded confidence in his two games.
Does the “it’s only exhibition” caveat apply? Sure. Kakko’s overall camp strength should not be overlooked. He also played well on New York’s Kid Line postseason. Alexis Lafreniere Filip Chytil. This versatility gives Gerard Gallant plenty of room to maneuver throughout the season. The Rangers wouldn’t be surprised to see Kakko begin his climb towards a breakout season Tuesday evening.
Tracking Trocheck: Between meetings with the Lightning, the Rangers did not undergo a major overhaul. New York suffered some losses from the springtime run, including Andrew Copp, Ryan Strome Frank Vatrano They also signed veteran forwards. Vincent Trocheck to a $79.375 million, seven-year deal. Trocheck’s move to the Big Apple wasn’t seamless. He is now in Strome’s old place. Artemi PanarinThe timing of the new teammates hasn’t quite worked out.
Trocheck is trying to figure out a new system and keep up with Panarin, New York’s perennial top scorer. Trocheck’s investment in Trocheck means that the Rangers will want to continue this experiment — hopefully with better results when the games are added to the standings.
10 p.m. ET | Watch live on ESPN+
Line: Los Angeles -115 | Over/under: 6
If opposites attract, the Golden Knights would be a great match for the Kings and Golden Knights.
Despite not making the playoffs last season, the Golden Knights are a veteran-laden squad that has a salary cap. After advancing to a postseason berth in May, the Kings are exciting and maturing before their eyes. Edmonton Oilers Up to seven games can be played in the first round.
With the new Pacific Division competition, it will be more difficult than ever. Calgary Flames Going all-in for this offseason and the Vancouver Canucks They must regain their postseason form. What preview will Vegas or L.A. have of this season?
Golden Knights
ESPN Power Rankings: 15th
2021-22 results: 43-31-8 (94 points), missed playoffs
Stanley Cup odds: + 1,800
Eichel is the focus of all attention The Golden Knights haven’t seen the best of Jack Eichel yet. Vegas acquired Eichel through trade from Buffalo Sabres In November, Eichel had neck surgery and made his black-and gold debut in February. While Eichel did have a respectable season with 14 goals, 25 points and 34 games played, it wasn’t enough for Vegas to avoid crashing to its knees.
How can a healthy offseason impact Eichel’s performance in Year 2? Already, Eichel had a great preseason showing with nine points in three games. Vegas must hope that Vegas’s performance is a sign for things to come. Eichel, who had never played in a playoff game, should also be thinking the same.
Newbie in net: Vegas wasn’t expecting incumbent starting goaltender Robin Lehner to have hip surgery which would leave him sidelined for the rest of the season. There are breaks. It was then a question of whether veteran Laurent Brossoit Up-and-Comer Logan Thompson Lehner would be his replacement.
Brossoit, unfortunately, had hip surgery too. Bruce Cassidy, coach, was forced to switch between Thompson, and Cassidy. Adin Hill. Thompson has had nothing to lose. The 25-year old will apply what he learned last season as a backup to Lehner (in which he was 10-5-3 with an average.914 save percentage, 2.68 goals-against-average and 2.68 goals-against-average) to this nightly gig. Thompson will continue to be the star, even though Brossoit may return.
Place a bet on Bruce Cassidy, a newbie, is another. After being fired by Boston in the offseason, Cassidy was hired as the third coach for the Golden Knights since 2017. Cassidy is sure to have some tricks up his sleeve in order to help Vegas get back into the playoffs. The salary cap problems of the Golden Knights have been well documented. They lost to the likes Max Pacioretty Evgenii Dadonov They are the reason. However, there are still plenty of talented people in Vegas. Cassidy has to make the most of what is available.
This will be particularly difficult for Vegas’ defensive side, where there are over-30s Alex Pietrangelo Alec Martinez, plus Shea Theodore The back-end core of the team (27), is highlighted. Vegas doesn’t waste time turning things around and is putting pressure upon Cassidy starting Game 1.
1:52
Greg Wyshynski guides fans through the chaotic NHL offseason. It featured everything from record extensions to blockbuster trades.
Kings
ESPN Power Rankings: 18th
2021-22 results: In the first round, 44-27-11 (99 point loss)
Stanley Cup odds: + 2,500
Fiala fever: Last season, the Kings struggled to score goals. They averaged 2.87 goals per game due to top-heavy contributions by mostly Adrian Kempe (35 goals), Phillip Danault (27), Viktor Arvidsson (20) Anze Kopitar (19). How can a team increase its depth in this department? Trades, baby.
Los Angeles acquired Kevin Fiala The following are the Minnesota Wild In June, the Kings signed Fiala to a $75,000 million seven-year contract. This was after a 33-goal season. Fiala has been a consistent threat over his entire career and should be an explosive addition to the Kings’ front. He was comfortable during the preseason and showed signs of chemistry with Kempe. Fiala’s participation will increase when there are actual points at stake.
Their growth: Los Angeles has been praised for its prospect depth, and the fine collection of young talent. Mikey Anderson Sean Durzi The latter are the former. Both blueliners are expected to play key defensive roles in L.A. this season, after having shown remarkable growth and maturity over the past year.
Anderson is a skilled stay-at home defender who has been an excellent complement to Drew Doughty The Kings’ top pair. Durzi, who had offseason shoulder surgery and returned to the Kings’ top pairing later in the preseason, has been given time between the Kings second and third units. After his performance last season, Durzi should be able to fill a significant slot in L.A.’s Power Play. Anderson and Durzi have been valued by the Kings for their hard-hitting and physical defense. They can also bring a bit of creativity and skill to that. These skaters are only 23 years old and have yet to reach their full potential.
Keep up with Quick Jonathan Quick has been counted out before. The 36-year old goaltender keeps proving that doubters are wrong. Quick was instrumental in bringing Los Angeles to the playoffs last year with a 12-3-3 run to the finish. With a.904 save rate over seven games, Quick gave his team every chance to beat Edmonton in the first round.
Quick has what else in the tank for this season. Los Angeles has only a handful of players left from the Cup-winning 2012 and 2014 teams. Quick was an integral player in those runs. He has maintained a high-level of play even though Los Angeles has experienced significant turnover. They will need to have a good goalie in order to challenge for the top three spot in the Pacific. Quick can quickly demonstrate that he is still up to the task.