There are three games on the schedule for Friday, one televised nationally in the United States and each nationally televised in Canada. Here are three things to watch today, along with the complete game schedule.
Ovechkin watch ramps up again
Alex Ovechkin needs one goal to become the first to reach 900 in NHL history. The 40-year-old forward has two goals in 10 games this season after breaking Wayne Gretzky’s League record of 894 last season. The Washington Capitals (6-4-0) enter their game against the New Islanders (7 p. m. ET; MNMT, MSGSN, NHLN, SN1, TVAS) having scored one goal in their past two games, including a 1-0 loss at the Dallas Stars on Tuesday. Ovechkin has 45 goals in 75 games against the Islanders (4-5-1) in his career.
No. 1 attraction
Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, the No. 1 pick of the 2025 NHL Draft, has eight points (three goals, five assists) through his first 10 NHL games. He’s tied with Detroit Red Wings forward Emmitt Finnie (four goals, four assists) and Minnesota Wild defenseman Zeev Buium (two goals, six assists) for second in rookie scoring, one point behind Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov (two goals, seven assists).
Gibson returns to Anaheim
John Gibson is expected to start against the Anaheim Ducks for the first time when the Red Wings (8-3-0) visit Honda Center (10 p.m. ET; FDSNDET, Victory+, KCOP-13, SN1). Gibson spent his first 12 NHL seasons in Anaheim before he was traded to Detroit on June 28. He played 506 games for the Ducks (5-3-1), more than any other goalie. He won 204 games, second in Anaheim history, two behind Jean-Sebastien Giguere.
The schedule
Colorado Avalanche at Vegas Golden Knights (4 p.m. ET; SCRIPPS, ALT, SN1)
New York Islanders at Washington Capitals (7 p. m. ET; MNMT, MSGSN, NHLN, SN1, TVAS)
Detroit Red Wings at Anaheim Ducks (10 p.m. ET; FDSNDET, Victory+, KCOP-13, SN1)
