NHL Scores, Standings, and Highlights: Ovechkin Ties Gretzky, Kopitar Announces Retirement, and Preseason Drama Unfolds
The NHL preseason continues to deliver excitement as fans witness thrilling games, emotional family moments, and historic milestones. From Alex Ovechkin tying Wayne Gretzky’s legendary record to Anže Kopitar’s retirement announcement, the hockey world is buzzing with news both on and off the ice.
Latest NHL Scores Today
The most recent NHL scores showcase how teams are preparing for the new season. Preseason action included several tightly contested matchups:
| Matchup | Final Score |
|---|---|
| Bruins vs. Rangers | Rangers 4 – Bruins 1 |
| Blackhawks vs. Red Wings | Red Wings 2 – Blackhawks 1 |
| Blue Jackets vs. Sabres | Sabres 0 – Blue Jackets 1 |
| Islanders vs. Devils | Devils 4 – Islanders 1 |
| Flyers vs. Canadiens | Canadiens 3 – Flyers 1 |
| Senators vs. Maple Leafs | Maple Leafs 2 – Senators 0 |
These results reflect early evaluations, with coaches testing line combinations and players competing for roster spots.
Florian and Arber Xhekaj Create a Special Moment
One of the most emotional stories of the preseason came when Florian Xhekaj suited up for the Montreal Canadiens alongside his brother Arber Xhekaj. Florian scored his first goal while playing next to Arber, moving their mother to tears in the stands. It was a reminder that beyond the competition, the NHL is also about family, legacy, and unforgettable moments.
NHL News: Bernie Parent Remembered and Kopitar’s Retirement
Bernie Parent Passes Away at 80
Flyers legend Bernie Parent, the Hall of Fame goaltender who led Philadelphia to back-to-back Stanley Cups in the 1970s, has died at age 80. Known for his dominance in net and his connection to the city, Parent’s passing leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire fans and players alike.
Anže Kopitar Confirms Final Season
Los Angeles Kings captain Anže Kopitar announced he will retire after the 2025–26 season. Spending his entire 20-year career with the Kings, Kopitar played a vital role in bringing two Stanley Cups to Los Angeles and served as team captain since 2016. His decision marks the end of one of the NHL’s most consistent and respected careers.
NHL Highlights: Ovechkin Matches Gretzky’s Goal Record
The biggest headline of the year arrived when Alex Ovechkin scored his 894th career goal, tying Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record. The historic moment came during a Capitals win over the Chicago Blackhawks. With Gretzky himself in attendance, the arena erupted as Ovechkin celebrated with family, teammates, and fans.
Nathan MacKinnon Hits 1,000 Career Points
Another historic achievement saw Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon join the elite 1,000-point club. He became the 100th player in league history to reach the milestone, underlining his consistency and impact on the game.
NHL Standings and Season Outlook
With the preseason nearing its conclusion, attention turns to NHL standings and the battles that will shape the new season. Coaches are focusing on:
-
Roster cuts and waiver moves
-
Developing chemistry between new acquisitions
-
Managing injuries and player health
-
Early positioning for awards and playoff contention
Fans can expect a highly competitive race as teams aim to secure playoff spots from day one.
Off the Ice: NHL Goals for Recovery Campaign
The NHL partnered with the Matthew Perry Foundation to launch the “Goals for Recovery” initiative. For every preseason goal scored, $50 is donated to addiction recovery programs. The campaign reflects the league’s growing efforts to connect the sport with meaningful causes.
In addition, Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin shared a personal story after his fiancée suffered sudden heart failure and required a transplant. Dahlin’s message of gratitude highlighted the importance of organ donation and CPR training.
NHL Schedule: What’s Next for Fans
Looking ahead, the NHL schedule includes critical preseason matchups that will determine final roster spots. Teams like the Maple Leafs, Rangers, and Canadiens are under close watch as fans anticipate whether their early form will carry into the regular season.
As the countdown to the regular season begins, NHL results, storylines, and milestones continue to capture the attention of fans worldwide.
NHL Box Score Insights
Beyond the final tallies, the NHL box score provides insights into player performance, ice time, and power-play effectiveness. Analysts and fans alike will be watching carefully as rising stars compete for roster spots and veterans fine-tune their game ahead of the official puck drop.
