5 things learned from Oct. 1 preseason games

The 16-day, 109-game preseason schedule has ended and it's time to take a closer look at the players, teams and stories that are making headlines in the final days leading up to the start of the regular season on Wednesday.
Here are five things we learned from the preseason games Sunday:

Patrick makes Flyers roster

Forward Nolan Patrick, the No. 2 pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, will start the season with the Philadelphia Flyers, general manager Ron Hextall said Sunday.
Patrick, 19, is the first rookie since center Sean Couturier in 2011 to make the Flyers out of training camp in their draft year. Patrick had three assists and a plus-2 rating in seven preseason games.
"It's really exciting," Patrick told the Flyers website. "Growing up, my goal was to play in the NHL so to hear that news is pretty exciting. My family is pretty excited for me."
The Flyers open the regular season at the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday (10:30 p.m. ET; NBCSN), the first of a four road games to start the season.

Gostisbehere injured, status unknown

Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere sustained an upper-body injury in the third period of a 5-2 loss to the New York Islanders and reportedly could be evaluated further for possible concussion symptoms.
"We'll know more in the next day or two," Hextall said.
Gostisbehere's injury leaves the Flyers' opening-night roster in limbo. The roster is at 24 players, one below the mandated limit, after left wing Oskar Lindblom was assigned to Lehigh Valley of the American Hockey League. The Flyers need to make another move before NHL salary-cap compliant rosters must be submitted to the League office at 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
In addition to Patrick, rookie forward Taylor Leier and defenseman Robert Hagg each earned spots. Two other rookies, forward Sam Morin and defenseman Travis Sanheim, remain on the roster.
"I'm going to keep you guys guessing for another day or so," Hextall said.

Islanders finish preseason unbeaten

The Islanders are rolling into their regular-season opener at the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday (7 p.m. ET; FS-O, MSG+, NHL.TV) after ending the preseason 6-0-2.
"These don't mean anything as far as the standings, but it's a great building block for our team," coach Doug Weight told the Islanders website. "There's experience to be gained from winning close games and going 6-0-2. I think there's good vibes, good confidence and it bodes well for the organization."
Forward Anthony Beauvillier scored two goals in the win against the Flyers at Wells Fargo Center and appears to have earned a roster spot.
"I think he's playing Friday," Weight said. "He's been excellent in every aspect of the game. He's really taken on the PKs and he's an engine, he's working, he's skating better, he's put work in and he's a heck of a player."

Blues also face decisions

Forwards Wade Megan and Sam Blais each made strong cases to make the St. Louis Blues during a 4-3 loss to the Washington Capitals at Scottrade Center.
Megan scored a goal and was a plus-2 in 11:43 of ice time. Blais assisted on Brayden Schenn's second-period goal and played 17:02.
The Blues are thin at forward because of injuries. Robby Fabbri (knee) is out for the season. Patrik Berglund and Zach Sanford will miss extended time with shoulder injuries. Alexander Steen (hand) is projected to miss the first week of the season.
Veteran Scottie Upshall, released from his professional tryout by the Vancouver Canucks, signed a one-year contract Sunday.
"Guys that we're making decisions on, they made a case for themselves tonight," coach Mike Yeo said. "Obviously we can't keep everybody here."
The Blues start their season at the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday (8 p.m. ET; NBCSN).

Dress rehearsal over for Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights are ready to begin their inaugural regular season at the Dallas Stars on Friday (8:30 p.m. ET; NHLN, SN360, TVA Sports, FS-SW, ATTSN-RM, NHL.TV) after ending the preseason 3-3-1.
Erik Haula, David Perron and Colin Miller scored for Vegas, and Marc-Andre Fleury made 28 saves in a 5-3 loss to the Sharks at T-Mobile Arena.