It is nearly impossible to believe that the NHL season starts tonight considering the NFL season feels like it has just begun. There are a lot of changes around the NHL especially in Minnesota where the Wild begin a new era under a new head coach and management for the first time in franchise history. Before they open their season over the weekend, most of the other NHL teams open play tonight and Friday.
A notable match up between two teams with massive followings kicks off the season with Montreal at Toronto. The Canadiens are replacing Saku Koivu and Alexei Kovalev with Brian Gionta and Scott Gomez. The biggest addition in the offseason for Toronto was Phil Kessel who is still recovering from an injury. The Maple Leafs have looked to add toughness and the ability to play defense.
Washington and Boston is the featured American game on VS tonight. Boston is now without Kessel, but not without other play makers and possibly the best defenseman in the game in Zdeno Chara. Washington still has the most exciting player in hockey in Alexander Ovechkin, who you can bet is hungry after watching rival Sidney Crosby hoist the cup last season.
San Jose meets the Avalanche. Both teams ended last season on disappointing notes with the Avs not making the playoffs and the Sharks getting eliminated early. The Sharks added Dany Heatly and let walk a handful of veterans in place of letting some younger guys fight for NHL roster spots. A move very similar to what Colorado has also done.
Finally, a good matchup between western Canadian teams Calgary and Vancouver finish off opening night. Both teams are looking to get back into the playoffs again this year after strong seasons last. They tied their season series at 2-2-2.
Interesting fact: Brent Sutter's hiring as Flames' coach made it five Sutters on Calgary's payroll. There's also GM Darryl, director of player personnel Duane, scout Ron and forward Brett, who will begin the season in the minors.
If you are looking for Minnesota players tonight, there aren't many...
It will be fun to watch Blake Wheeler after scoring 21 goals and 24 assists in his rookie campaign.
Former Moorhead Spud Jason Blake is coming off a productive season with 63 points after a dissapointing season in 2007-2008 as the Maple Leafs biggest off season addition.
Former Blaine Bengal and St. Cloud State Husky Matt Hendricks looks to be in the mix for the Avalanche. Hendricks has yet to stick with a NHL team in his five-year professional career.
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