Nathan MacKinnon’s Avalanche erupt for eight goals while Pittsburgh’s depth shatters Philadelphia’s defense. Plus, Toronto’s young phenom asserts himself as a must-add target for fantasy managers everywhere.
The 2026-27 NHL season continued Wednesday with a three-game slate on night two, producing a much more offensive-heavy night than the season opener. The Pittsburgh Penguins led the way, cruising to a dominant 7-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Colorado Avalanche also put on an offensive showcase, scoring eight goals in an 8-4 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Brock Nelson emerged as an unlikely offensive catalyst for Colorado, recording a goal and two assists for a three-point night.
Here are some of the biggest fantasy hockey highs and lows from Wednesday night.
Avalanche Stars Off to a Fiery Start
Colorado is looking to put another disappointing playoff exit behind it after winning the Presidents' Trophy last season before being swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final.
The Avalanche wasted no time making a statement in their season opener, exploding offensively against Los Angeles. Nathan MacKinnon and Artturi Lehkonen each scored twice, while Brock Nelson added a goal and two assists in his Colorado debut. Depth forward Parker Kelly also made an impact with a goal and an assist.
The offensive outburst was an encouraging start for an Avalanche team that enters the season with expectations of remaining among the NHL's elite.
Penguins' Depth Proves It Isn't a One-Year Wonder
With Pittsburgh expected by many to take a step back this season, there was plenty of attention surrounding its opening-night matchup against bitter rival Philadelphia.
After the Penguins were eliminated by the Flyers in six games during last season's playoffs, Pittsburgh came out with a completely different performance Wednesday. Sidney Crosby and company overwhelmed Philadelphia, with all but three of the Penguins' forwards recording at least one point.
Pittsburgh's depth, which emerged as a major strength last season, once again proved capable of producing throughout the lineup. With Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang potentially entering the later stages of their careers together, the Penguins will look to their veteran core and supporting cast as they attempt to make another push toward the playoffs.
Flyers Get Off to a Slow Start
While Philadelphia did not have many players selected particularly early in fantasy drafts, there were several players expected to make an impact this season, including Porter Martone, Trevor Zegras and Travis Konecny.
All three were selected inside the top 120 picks on average, but none could generate much offensively against Pittsburgh. The trio, along with the rest of the Flyers' lineup, was held in check as Philadelphia was shut out in the 7-0 defeat.
It was a night to forget for Flyers players and their fantasy managers, although there is plenty of season left to turn things around.
Easton Cowan Breakout?
Cowan's sophomore season is off to an encouraging start. The 21-year-old former first-round pick has quickly emerged as one of Toronto's early offensive contributors, leading the Maple Leafs in scoring through their first two games.
Cowan has recorded a point in both contests, including a two-point performance Wednesday with a goal and an assist.
That gives Cowan three points through two games, an impressive start for a young forward looking to establish himself as a more consistent offensive threat for the Maple Leafs.
