THU. OCT. 10
Player to watch for goal: Tyler Toffoli, F, SJS (vs. STL) -- The forward, who signed a four-year contract with the San Jose Sharks in the offseason, is expected to play on the top line with center Macklin Celebrini (No. 1 pick in 2024 NHL Draft) in the rookie’s debut Thursday. Celebrini had two points (one goal, one assist) in two preseason games, and Toffoli has had consecutive 30-goal seasons (33 last season; 34 in 2022-23). The St. Louis Blues allowed the eighth-most shots on goal per game (32.1) last season.
Player to watch for point: Brandt Clarke, D, LAK (at BUF) -- The Los Angeles Kings defenseman is expected to play on the first power play with Drew Doughty (ankle surgery) out for their season opener against the Buffalo Sabres (0-2-0). Clarke brings exposure to the Kings’ high-scoring forwards Adrian Kempe, Anze Kopitar and Kevin Fiala and had one assist and four shots on goal in one game against the Sabres last season. Clarke was nearly a point-per-game player (46 in 50 games; 17 power-play points) for Ontario of the American Hockey League last season.
Player to watch for shots on goal: Logan Stankoven, F, DAL (at NSH) -- The Dallas Stars forward, who’s expected to contend for the Calder Trophy, led the entire NHL in shots on goal (26 in five games) this preseason. He was also one of the League’s best in goals (four; tied for third) and points (seven; tied for sixth) during the preseason and is expected to start the season with strong linemates in veteran Jamie Benn and fellow rookie Mavrik Bourque. Predators goalie Juuse Saros (lower body) is day to day and uncertain for the season opener.
Player to watch for power-play point: Bo Horvat, F, NYI (vs. UTA) -- The New York Islanders center is expected to start the season with usual linemate Mathew Barzal and offseason addition Anthony Duclair while also playing on a new-look first power play; Duclair and Maxim Tsyplakov will join Horvat, Barzal and defenseman Noah Dobson. Horvat is coming off NHL career highs in assists (35), shots on goal (248) and was tied with Kyle Palmieri for the most power-play goals (10 each) on the Islanders; the Utah Hockey Club was tied for the seventh-worst penalty kill (76.3 percent as Arizona Coyotes) last season.
