NHL's Early Games Show Usual Sloppiness After Shortened Camps

The NHL’s earliest leaguewide start, following shorter training camps and less exhibition play, has produced loose, sloppy hockey, but early results show little evidence that the abbreviated preparation has substantially changed the usual opening-season play. Through 110 games, teams averaged 6.26 goals per game, slightly above last year’s early pace, while power-play success rose and average goaltender save percentage fell to .890. Coaches and players pointed to the league’s scoring skill and familiar early-season mistakes, including giveaways and odd-man rushes, while Utah coach Andre Tourigny said this kind of start is nothing new.