Erik Černák secures first NHL point in Tampa Bay Lightning win
Slovak defenseman Erik Černák recorded his first point of the new NHL regular season, assisting on the opening goal as the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Minnesota Wild 3:2 to capture their third victory. Playing 19 minutes and 32 seconds, the 29-year-old blueliner finished the night with a plus-one rating and registered the 95th assist of his career.
The sequence began six minutes into the opening period when Černák fired a heavy slapshot from the blue line that forward Anthony Cirelli deflected past the goaltender. Just 36 seconds later, defenseman John Carlson doubled Tampa Bay’s advantage. Carlson, who signed a two-year, $17 million contract with the Lightning over the summer, added a power-play marker in the 25th minute for his first two goals with the club. Swedish goaltender Dennis Hildeby stopped 34 of 36 shots in his debut for Tampa Bay, telling NHL.com that the team battled hard to clear the crease.
Juraj Slafkovský and Montreal Canadiens struggle against Nashville Predators
Juraj Slafkovský and the Montreal Canadiens suffered their third straight defeat, dropping a 2:5 decision to the Nashville Predators on home ice, Denník N reported. Head coach Martin St. Louis reunited Slafkovský on the top line alongside captain Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. While Slafkovský was held without a point, he finished as Montreal’s second-most active shooter with five attempts on goal, repeatedly testing Predators netminder Saros.
Šimon Nemec and Calgary Flames endure heavy defeat to Colorado Avalanche
Calgary’s difficult start to the season continued as the Flames fell 3:7 to the Colorado Avalanche, leaving Slovak defenseman Šimon Nemec at the bottom of the league’s plus-minus ledger, according to Denník N. Nemec logged 20 minutes and 10 seconds of ice time—ranking third among Calgary skaters—while absorbing three minus marks to bring his season total to nine negative ratings.
Logan Stankoven records hat trick for Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes forward Logan Stankoven netted a hat trick in a 7:2 rout of the Vancouver Canucks, Sportnet reported. Stankoven joined elite franchise company by scoring at even strength, on the power play, and while shorthanded—a feat previously accomplished by Sebastian Aho, Erik Cole, and Sandis Ozolinš. Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour praised the young forward’s relentless work ethic following the victory.
