The NHL delivered another thrilling night of action on October 7, 2026. Matthew Tkachuk scored the game-winning goal in the third period as the Florida Panthers came back to beat the Los Angeles Kings 2-1. In Chicago, Spencer Knight made 25 saves to lead the Blackhawks to a 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues, securing Chicago first win of the 2026-27 season.
Panthers 2, Kings 1: Tkachuk Delivers Game-Winner
The Florida Panthers defeated the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 on October 7, with Matthew Tkachuk scoring the game-winning goal in the third period. Seth Jones had tied the game in the second period for the Panthers before Tkachuk delivered the decisive blow.
| --- | --- | --- |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | LA 1, FLA 0 | Kings strike first |
| 2nd | 1-1 | Seth Jones evens the score for Florida |
| 3rd | FLA 2, LA 1 | Matthew Tkachuk scores the game-winner |
### Key Performers
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Tkachuk | FLA | 1 GWG | Clutch finish in the third period |
| Seth Jones | FLA | 1 G | Tied the game in the second |
| Panthers goalie | FLA | Solid in net | Held the fort after falling behind |
The Panthers showed the resilience that has made them a perennial playoff team. Falling behind 1-0 in the first period, Florida responded with two unanswered goals to secure the victory. Tkachuk game-winner was a testament to his ability to deliver in clutch moments.
Matthew Tkachuk is the kind of player who lives for the third period. When the game is on the line, he wants the puck on his stick. That is exactly what the Panthers got tonight — a game-winner from their most clutch player.
Blackhawks 4, Blues 2: Spencer Knight Earns First Win
The Chicago Blackhawks earned their first victory of the 2026-27 season, defeating the St. Louis Blues 4-2 at the United Center. Spencer Knight made 25 saves for Chicago, which had lost its first three games on the road while being outscored 15-5.
| Period | Score | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | CHI 1, STL 0 | Blackhawks strike first at home |
| 2nd | CHI 3, STL 2 | Back-and-forth scoring, Knight key save on Buchnevich breakaway |
| 3rd | CHI 4, STL 2 | Blackhawks hold on for first win |
### Key Performers
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spencer Knight | CHI | 25 saves | Sharp in net, stopped Buchnevich breakaway |
| Rinzel | CHI | 1 G | Tied the game 1-1 on a power play rebound |
| Frondell | CHI | 1 G | One-timer from the right side gave Chicago the lead |
| Colton Parayko | STL | Milestone | Played in 803rd NHL game, matching Barret Jackman for most by a Blues defenseman |
| Mason McTavish | STL | 1 G | Scored for the Blues |
### Spencer Knight: A Season-Saving Performance
| Knight Stats | Value |
|---|---|
| Saves | 25 |
| Save Percentage | .926 |
| Key Save | Buchnevich breakaway (2nd period) |
| Result | First win of the season |
Spencer Knight gave the Blackhawks exactly what they needed tonight. After three rough road games, coming home and getting a win with 25 saves is a confidence-builder for the entire team. The breakaway save on Buchnevich was the play of the game.
### Colton Parayko Reaches Milestone
Updated Central Division Standings
The October 7 results have updated the Central Division standings:
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | Leading the division |
| Minnesota | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | Undefeated in regulation |
| Winnipeg | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | Undefeated in regulation |
| Colorado | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Perfect record |
| Nashville | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | Competitive |
| Dallas | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | Below expectations |
| St. Louis | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | Parayko milestone night |
| Chicago | 1 | 3 | 0 | 2 | First win of the season |
NHL Injury Update
Blackhawks forward Teuvo Teravainen was injured in the second period and did not return. His status will be monitored as the team prepares for their next game. For the latest NHL injury updates, visit ESPN NHL injuries.
The NHL schedule continues on October 8 with several key matchups. For the full schedule, visit NHL.com. For highlights from all of tonight games, check Sportsnet NHL highlights.
The 2026-27 NHL season is just one week old, and it is already delivering the kind of drama that makes hockey the most exciting sport in October.
