Shorter NHL training camps don’t change much about early-season hockey, it’s still sloppy

The NHL's shortest training camps have not significantly altered the early-season hockey, which remains sloppy, according to coaches and players. The first few games in league history following the shorter camps featured more goals and sloppy play compared to the 1980s. Edmonton and Vancouver played to a 6-5 and 9-7 tie, while Pittsburgh defeated Philadelphia 7-0 and Colorado beat Los Angeles 8-4.

New York Islanders coach Peter DeBoer noted that there is a lot of loose hockey being played. Edmonton's Evan Bouchard led the goals with six, and Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin scored an empty net goal. The power play rate is up at 20.9%, led by the Mammoth's Mammoth at 61.5%. The average save percentage is .890, the lowest since 1994. Despite the sloppy play, coaches believe the players will improve as the season progresses.