Upsets headline opening week action for Canadian NHL teams

The GIST: Grab your toque and a cozy bevvy because it’s only a matter of time before the Leafs leaves start falling as the hockey season begins in earnest. Here are the biggest opening week storylines for the NHL’s Canadian contingent:

Ottawa Senators extend goalie Linus Ullmark: The Sens’ new netminder will remain in the nation’s capital through 2028 after inking a four-year, $33M extension even before taking the ice in last night’s home opener. When you know you know.

• And the long-term signing is already paying off as the Sens logged a 3–1 win over the defending champ Florida Panthers, a promising sign heading into tomorrow’s 7 p.m. ET game against the Montreal Canadiens.

Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks suffer upsets on opening night: This season’s Stanley Cup fave Oilers were blanked 6–0 by the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday, a rinse-and-repeat of their abysmal start to last season. Meanwhile, the Canucks blew a three-goal lead, surrendering three third-period goals in their 6–5 overtime loss to the Calgary Flames. Oof.

Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs split opening games: Forget the rebuild, the Canadiens opened the season with a 1–0 win over their archrival Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, courtesy of an NHL–record 48 saves from goalie Sam Montembeault (and a little help from the iron).

• But the script was flipped last night: The Leafs rebounded to secure a 4–2 dub over the New Jersey Devils while the Habs’ high-scoring affair with the Boston Bruins ended in a 6–4 loss.

• Both squads are back in action tomorrow — Montreal hosts the Sens and the Leafs welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins, both at 7 p.m. ET. All hockey, all the time.