The 2026-27 NHL season opened with an expanded 84-game schedule and defending champion Carolina Hurricanes raising their banner, though Florida spoiled the night in overtime. Preseason projections from multiple outlets place several clubs, including Colorado, Vegas, Dallas, and Tampa Bay, on pace for 100-plus points due to depth, goaltending, and star talent, while salary-cap parity, key injuries such as Connor Bedard’s early absence, and roster turnover for teams like Edmonton and Chicago shape the middle and lower tiers. Historical patterns show roughly two-thirds of clubs typically clear 80 points in full seasons, but the new schedule length and recent form trends could shift that total depending on how quickly rebuilding sides stabilize.