What happened: Nikolaj Ehlers scored the opening goal of the 2026 NHL Global Series, putting his club on the board early in the international matchup. Ehlers, praised by P.K. Subban during Carolina's 2026 playoff run, converted to record the first tally of the two-game set in Finland.

Why it matters: The early strike establishes momentum in the NHL's international showcase as teams adjust to foreign ice and travel demands. With regular-season points on the line overseas, getting on the board early provides critical early-season separation in the standings.

What to watch: The teams conclude their two-game Global Series set in Finland before returning to North American regular-season action.