NHL Teams Set Lineups for 2025 Season Openers Across Multiple Cities

The NHL 2025-26 season is kicking off with several teams finalizing their opening night lineups and matchups. The Nashville Predators are set to host the Columbus Blue Jackets in their season opener, with Nashville coming off a 30-44-8 record last season and Columbus having an even goal differential. The Vancouver Canucks revealed their roster and lines for opening night, highlighting the inclusion of 18-year-old Braeden Cootes and a second-line spot for Arshdeep Bains, marking a notable development in their lineup. The New York Rangers will face the Pittsburgh Penguins with Igor Shesterkin in goal, and key players like J.T. Miller and Artemi Panarin expected to play despite recent injuries. Meanwhile, the Washington Capitals will open their season against the Boston Bruins, with captain Alex Ovechkin shifting to right wing and Hendrix Lapierre earning a spot on the third line after a strong preseason. These preparations reflect a mix of strategic lineup tweaks and the integration of emerging talent as teams gear up for the new NHL season.