With four games on tap, NHL fans knew they were going to have a lot to talk about after opening night. The Blackhawks vs. Rangers game saw the Stanley Cup banner being risen and Mike Babcock started his career in Toronto. The Vancouver vs. Calgary game was a rematch of last years first round match up, which turned hostile quickly. The final game was between two teams hoping that last year was a fluke. 

Babcock’s first coaches challenge successful

The new Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock was going to be in the headlines anyways, but his decision to use the first coaches challenge in NHL history ensured he was the guy everyone would be talking about. Babcock thought goalie Jonathan Bernier was interfered with during what seemed to be the go ahead goal in the second period for the Canadians. When the referees looked at the replay, they found that Canadian forward Tomas Plekanec had “accidental contact” with Bernier and the goal was called off.

Maple Leafs will be physical this year

Mike Babcock is known for his defense, so it was going to be interesting how quickly he could turn around a defense that gave up over three GPG last year. With the first game in the books it is obvious that this is a different team than last year. The defense made few mistakes, and did a great job of forcing the Canadians to the outside of the ice. If Jonathan Bernier had not of given up the soft goal early on, this game could have gone to overtime at 1-1. Also, the Leafs forwards were very aggressive on the fore-check. Nazem Kadri surprised everybody when he had the check of the game in the offensive zone during the first period.

Patrick Kane does not show rust

Patrick Kane had plenty of reason to be distracted this off-season, and there was a question of whether or not he would be ready for opening night. He answered all those questions close to five minutes into the game. After an icing call was mysteriously called off, Kane was able to spring the offense the other way. After taking control of the pass in the offensive zone, Kane’s centering pass to Artemi Panarin resulted in Kane’s first assist of the season. He was aggressive after the assist as well, racking up five shots. While he could not get the game-tying goal late, Kane still had a very solid game.

Calgary and Vancouver start season with a fight

With the loss of Kevin Bieksa, fans were unsure if they would get the same grit from this Canucks team that they have been accustomed to. Derek Dorsett answered that question right at the drop of the puck. His fight at the beginning of play only started what was a concerted strategy to get into the heads of their rivals. There was 15 penalties in the game, and four players got thrown out in the third for misconduct. Sam Bennett and Karri Ramo were crosschecked and interfered with, and it put them off their game. The new guy Brandon Sutter joined the Sedin twins on the top line, picking up a goal and an assist.

Kings defense in trouble

With all of the controversy revolving around Slava Voynov, there were a few that questioned if the Kings defense would be as effective this year. It may only be the first game, but it looks like the critics could be right. Joe Thornton’s goal straight through the slot began a five-goal onslaught that went unanswered. The defenders just let too many Sharks into the slot, which resulted in plenty of traffic and rebounds that Jonathan Quick had to deal with. Drew Doughty was victimized on more than one goal, and it’s unsure if he will continue playing with Jake Muzzin.