NHL Hockey Begins
Well, the first games west of England were played last night and, if the scores are any indication, we are in for a great season. All four games were decided by one goal — three went to overtime and one was decided by shootout.
The Canadiens’ power play (tops in the NHL last year) clicked for all three Montreal goals in a 3-2 win in Carolina. Montreal captain Saku Koivu scored twice as the Habs showed they could do without Sheldon Souray and his wicked point shot.
Todd Bertuzzi had a goal and a helper against the Detroit Red Wings – the team he played for last year — as the Anaheim Ducks came out on the short end of the game. Neither team scored in the overtime period and only one player out of six scored in the following shootout. After starting their season in England, the Ducks (defending Stanley Cup Champions) still have two road games before their season opener a week from now.
Ottawa needed overtime to down the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 as all the usual suspects did their thing for the Senators. Dany Heatley had just signed a six year deal worth $45 million earlier in the day and must have been riding high as he scored twice – including the OT winner) and added an assist. Toronto’s new power line – Nik Antropov, Mats Sundin and Jason Blake – had five points in the losing effort.
Colorado showcased their second line – Jaroslav Hlinka, Paul Stastny and Andrew Brunette – as the Avalanche beat the visiting Dallas Stars 4-3. The line accounted for 8 points including a hat trick from Stastny and three assists from Brunette. Colorado finished last season with 15 wins in 19 games and will look to continue their winning ways tonight in Nashville.
