The 2026-27 NHL season opened in late September with an expanded 84-game schedule, shifting the 100-point benchmark slightly higher than in prior 82-game campaigns. Early projections from models and power rankings highlight Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, and Tampa Bay Lightning as the strongest candidates to clear the mark, supported by elite depth, goaltending, and special-teams play. Recent developments include Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov landing on long-term injured reserve and Brad Marchand returning from surgery, while Ottawa Senators and Vegas Golden Knights have posted strong starts that bolster their projected totals near or above 100. Roster stability, injury management, and divisional matchups will shape which clubs sustain the pace through the longer schedule.