Sat Oct 12 23:40:00 UTC 2024: ## NHL On Tap: Malkin Nears 500 Goals, Flames Honor Gaudreau, McDavid vs. Bedard

**Thirteen NHL games are on the schedule for Saturday, featuring exciting matchups and milestones in the making.**

**Evgeni Malkin** of the Pittsburgh Penguins is just two goals shy of reaching the 500-goal mark in his career. His teammate, **Sidney Crosby**, is on the verge of 1,600 career points, needing just two more. The Penguins face the Toronto Maple Leafs in their home opener, where **Max Pacioretty** will look to build on his first goal with the team.

**The Calgary Flames host the Philadelphia Flyers in their home opener, with a special tribute planned for the late Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew**. The Flyers will be looking to build on their shootout win over the Vancouver Canucks.

**The Chicago Blackhawks and Edmonton Oilers will showcase a clash of generations as Connor McDavid, the 2015 No. 1 pick, faces off against Connor Bedard, the 2023 No. 1 pick.** Both players will be looking to improve on their performances in their first games.

**Other notable matchups include:**

* The Los Angeles Kings, featuring **Anze Kopitar**, who scored a natural hat trick in their last game, take on the Boston Bruins, who are struggling defensively after a strong season.
* The Florida Panthers, without captain Aleksander Barkov, will attempt to secure their first win against the struggling Buffalo Sabres.
* The Ottawa Senators, fresh off their season-opening victory, face the Montreal Canadiens, who will be looking for a rebound after losing their last game.
* The Utah Hockey Club, undefeated in their first two games, will challenge the New York Rangers in their home opener.
* The New Jersey Devils, led by **Paul Cotter**, will face the Washington Capitals, who will be celebrating their 50th season.
* The Dallas Stars, coming off a win against the Nashville Predators, host the New York Islanders, who will be hoping to get their first win of the season.
* The Seattle Kraken will travel to Minnesota to face the Wild, who are hoping to build on their home-opening win.
* The Columbus Blue Jackets will face the Colorado Avalanche in their home opener.
* The Anaheim Ducks will begin their season against the San Jose Sharks, with rookie **Cutter Gauthier** expected to make his debut.

**The NHL season is just getting started, with many exciting storylines to follow.** The games on Saturday are sure to be thrilling for hockey fans across the globe.

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