Opening Thoughts on the NHL Season
 Well, the NHL returned to the ice for the 2006-07 season last night and I got my first chance to watch it in high definition. Thank you NHL and Mark Cuban for coming to terms just prior to opening night because this beautiful sport is transformed in HD. Also, I am enjoying a Center Ice free preview for the week which gives me the opportunity to convey my initial thoughts in fantasy terms.
Ottawa vs. Toronto I & II
Always a must see game in this rivalry. First of all, if you read my sleepers article, you must get Patrick Eaves on your roster. Playing with Spezza and Heatly, he netted 2 goals. Toronto is going to be a real up and down team this year. One night they are totally outplayed by Ottawa at home and then give them a drubbing tonight. Toronto has added some kids, so it will be interesting how the mix plays out.
Buffalo vs. Carolina
A lot of people expect lower numbers from Eric Staal because of the “surprise” factor from last year. That may be true of Carolina as a whole after winning the Cup, but Staal is unstoppable. He looked in great form on opening night. Also, Daniel Brier looks poised to put up monster numbers for you this season. But keep in mind, Buffalo’s relentless attack will be balanced.
Dallas vs. Colorado
The big E in big D. In the 3rd period Dallas put Lindros and Modano on a line together and it turned around the game – from 0-2 to a 3-2 OT win. Darryl Sydor interests me being that he never really put up numbers in Tampa like he did on Dallas. He’s back on Dallas, btw, and he had the game winner and a helper on the night. He may be a surprise player on D this year. On the flip side, Svatos, Hejduk, and Liles looked like the new core of Colorado. Sakic of course looked good, that goes without saying.
Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh
It was just the start of the 2nd period and I thought to myself, I haven’t noticed Crosby in the game (Pens had 5 shots to this point). Almost immediately Sid takes a nice long pass and deposits it behind Esche, 3-0. Crosby gave Forsberg a cheap shot after a play. He better watch himself, it’s not his job to do stuff like that. He’s already a target out there. It’s now 4-0 and so I need to decide to move on or wait for the fights…
 
Tampa Bay vs. Atlanta
I was interested to see how Atlanta would look after losing Marc Savard and Peter Bondra in free agency. Kovalchuk needs to mature and step it up this year with some better overall play. So far, it looks as though it may take some time as they were outshot 26-11 tonight. I’m thinking that Martin St. Louis is going to have a rebound year as he had a SHG tonight and is all over the ice. BTW, the shootout just ended with a Tampa win. I have a question for Atlanta coach, Bob Heartly, though. Why is Jon Sim your #2 shooter? There is a guy named HOSSA on your team!
Vancouver vs. Detroit
Didn’t watch much of the game, to be honest, however, Luongo had 27 saves and I think Sami Salo will be picking up his numbers in the absence of Jovo.
Rangers vs. Washington
Blacked out on Center Ice for some reason – I live in Philly for crying out loud. Anyway, my thoughts on the NYR is a trip to the finals. Shanny had 2 goals, BTW.
Chicago vs. Nashville
The cap off the night I am watching this game where there is 12 goals already with 5:30 left in the 3rd. Other than giving up 5 goals, Chicago looks good. I’m still shaking my head. The additions of Havlat, Handzus, and Smolinski have had an impact tonight. However, Nashville is going to be a dynamic team this year. Havlat is the man now out of the shadows of Ottawa. Plus/minus surely to be a concern but I think he should put up career numbers, if healthy. With that said, Havlat just scored an empty net goal and crashed hard into the boards. This guy has no luck.
There are other games, but I am calling it a night. My Flyers look like they are going to have a very long season. Good night, good hockey…
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