2017-18 NHL SEASON OPENS WITH DOUBLEHEADER IN U.S. AND CANADA
The 100th opening night in League history features a national doubleheader in both the U.S. and Canada as eight teams drop the puck on the 2017-18 NHL season:

* In the U.S., the Penguins raise their second straight Stanley Cup banner (fifth overall) to the rafters of PPG Paints Arena prior to their game against the Blues, the first of a season-opening doubleheader on NBCSN. The night closes in San Jose where Nolan Patrick, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, is expected to make his debut for the Flyers. The Sharks, meanwhile, aim to become the sixth team in NHL history to win eight consecutive season openers.

* In Canada, forwards Auston Matthews and PatrikLaine – who finished first and second, respectively, in rookie scoring in 2016-17 – are expected to meet for the third time in their careers when the Maple Leafs visit the Jets in the opening game of the 2017-18 season. The SN and TVAS broadcasts then shift to Edmonton, where reigning Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy winner Connor McDavid leads the Oilers against the Flames in the first of five “Battle of Alberta” showdowns this season.