The race for the two wild-card playoff spots in the NHL’s Eastern Conference is full of surprises.

Matt Boldy and Joel Eriksson Ek scored on a strong night for the second line, Mats Zuccarello added a power-play goal and the Minnesota Wild opened the season by beating former coach Dean Evason and the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2.

Dominik Kubalik and Lucas Raymond scored power-play goals and the Detroit Red Wings beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-2 on Sunday night to end a three-game losing streak.

The Detroit Red Wings have selected defenseman Simon Edvinsson at 6th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft on Friday night.

The Buffalo Sabres have selected University of Michigan defenseman Owen Power at 1st overall in the 2021 NHL Draft.

University of Michigan dominates start of NHL draft with defenseman Owen Power and forward Matthew Beniers becoming the first teammates selected first and second overall since 1969.

The 6th overall pick may not be the player anyone has high on their draft prospects lists.