Saturday Night Hockey: Opening Night Review

About Thursday Night

So...that opening game was...uh...ok, I can't sugar coat Montreal's performance. I've played in Beer League games that weren't as sloppy as Montreal's play.

(deep, calming breath)

Optimist side: It's only the first game
Pessimist side: Ya, but it was against the Leafs
Optimist side: Well they did improve from last season
Pessimist side: Yeah, from being ECHL caliber to AHL caliber
Optimist side: But you got to give Reimer credit, it's not like he only faced two shots. He made a few key saves
Pessimist side: And, unlike Price, wasn't going to lie down and let that first goal in
Optimist side: Price, if anything kept the Habs in the game
Pessimist side: Three words that will end this arguement: Dion Phaneuf Scored
Optimist side: Touché

Other Thoughts From Opening Night:

• Went 0-for-3 in my opening night predictions. Now I know what it feels like to be A-Rod.
• Didn't see any of the Philly-Boston game, but the highlight goal from Giroux makes you think that Jagr found his new Mario.
• Speak of Jagr, congrats to him on getting his 1,600th point.
• Hands up, who would have thought that Matt Cooke would have lead the league in scoring? No one.
• Either Penguins shooters are very patience in shootouts, or Luongo wants the damn thing to be over with.

Lineup NOTables

Ottawa Senators vs Toronto Maple Leafs

Ottawa: Peter Regin (shoulder), Jesse Winchester (shoulder), and Matt Carkner (looking at Colton Orr knee) are out. Craig Anderson may get to start tonight.
Toronto: Tim "Fragile" Connolly (shoulder) and Nazem Kadri (knee) are out. James Reimer gets the start.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Calgary Flames

Pittsburgh: Sidney Crosby (concussion), Nick Petersen (Crosby impersonator concussion) Dustin Jeffrey (knee), Robert Bertuzzo (knee), Boris Valabik (knee), and Brooks Orpik (hernia) are out. Marc-Andre Fleury is expected to start.
Calgary: Brendan Morrison (knee), Raitis Ivanans (concussion), Mikael Backlund (finger), and Brett Carson (back) are out, Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond is suspended for having too many L's in his name. Miikka Kiprusoff starts tonight.