The regular season kicked off last evening with a pair of Atlantic division teams playing on opening night. The Pennsylvania duo were both looking to start the season 1-0, and each had daunting tasks in front of them. Both opened up with teams that participated in last years Stanley Cup finals.
BOSTON, MA – Philadelphia had the pleasure of traveling to Boston and watching the Bruins skate around the rink with the elusive cup of Lord Stanley before raising the banner into the rafters. Festivities aside, in true Philadelphia fashion, the broad street bullies would not bow to the champs.
Brad Marchand opened up the scoring for Boston at 9:42 in the first, and for the next 50 minutes and 18 seconds the Bruins would register a goose egg. Philadelphia would grind it out and score late to end the first period with goals at the 19:10 and 19:57 mark, by Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek. Four other Flyers recorded points in the contest.
Jaromir Jagr’s was one of the four Flyers to assist on a goal. This point was a special one as last night’s helper gave Jagr his 1,600th career NHL point. Not bad for guy playing his first NHL game in 3 years.
All the goal scoring may have been done for both teams in the first period, but that’s not to say all the action took place then. Ilya Bryzgalov saved 22 of 23 on the evening, 11 of which came in the 3rd. When the Flyers brought him in they knew they were getting a great goaltender, but had no idea they were also receiving a gymnast. By standing on his head, and receiving some help from his defense, Bryzgolof was able to record the .957 SV% and more importantly the win.
PITTSBURGH, PA – The Penguins open the season on the road against defending Western conference champion Vancouver. Pittsburgh was without Sydney Crosby yet that didn’t seem to matter much to a thirsty offense. After all, the Pens seem to be used to their beloved captain being M.I.A. (since last January).
Early in the first period the Penguins would ask their powerplay, which ranked 25th a season before, to score its first goal. Score is exactly what they did. James Neal who only registered one goal in 20 games as a Pen last season would be the man to put the biscuit in the basket. Fast forward to 7:30 left in the first with the Penguins back on another powerplay. Same result. Matt Cooke playing in his first game since late March scores on a beautiful pass from Pascal Dupuis.
Last year the Penguins PK unit was ranked number one in the NHL, and why should this season be any different. On the very first chance the Pens had to kill, they not only did just that, but Matt Cooke scored a shorty for his second goal of the night and season.
Although it may be the first game of the season, with only 5 other teams playing, Penguins fans can delight in the surprising fact that Matt Cooke is the leading goal scorer in the NHL.
Vancouver poseted one goal in each of the first 2 periods and managed to tie it up in the 3rd period with some magic from the brothers Sedin. After a scoreless 5 minute overtime period the Canucks were blanked in a SO by the one they call the Flower, while Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang both tickled the twin with both of Pittsburghs first two attempts.
MISH MASH – In my eyes there were many stars of the game in last nights contests. Marc-Andre Fleury coming up big in the shoot out, Voracek 5-holing Tim Thomas and Evgeni Malkin’s shoot out clinching goal that forced Robert Luongo to spend an hour searching for his jock after the game all come to mind. These highlights are the reason everyone is glad that it is once again hockey season in North America, and excited for more magic to come, but these only managed to make honorable mention for this week.
3 STARS
Number 3, Ilya Bryzgalov, he not only got his first W as a Flyer but also saved 22 of 23 shots against the returning Stanley Cup champions.
Number 2, The Pittsburgh Penguins’ special teams. A PP team that was a basement dweller a year ago accounted for 2 of the 3 Pittsburgh goals, and the third came short handed.
Star Numero Uno was Jaromir Jagr. Playing in his first NHL game since joining the KHL 3 years ago, he was able to come back and score his 1,600th NHL point. It may not be a hat trick, but my hat is off to you Mr. Jagr.