First Night In the Books!!!
Night one of the new NHL kicked off with a bang. At times it was unpredictable, while some other things stayed exactly the same! Such as the Pittsburgh Penguins losing to division rival New Jersey. Though the Pens lost, this was a great example of how the NHL has changed. There were a total of 72 shots on goal, and most of them were good scoring chances. I am not sure if there were 72 shots on goal in the Continental Arena during the '03-'04 season, let alone in one game.
Marty Brodeur stole the show, looking every bit as good as we all knew he was. I don't know if one game is enough to convince the hockey world that his success wasn't just the result of a great defensive system, but I am a believer! He was a shining example of what smaller goal equipment can do for a great backstop. Marty looked even quicker than he usually does, making spectacular save after save. He was very mobile in the net and seemed to be more flexible. He took the Penguins power play out of the game from the start of the first period, one in which they had 4 chances during the first 9 minutes of play.
Sidney Crosby made his much hyped debut, and didn't look out of place. He managed a scoring chance during his first shift, sliding to the front of the net with a nice move and taking a backhand shot but was unable to beat Martin Brodeur. Sidney seemed to find a groove as the game went on, and began to create chances for his linemates, John LeClair and Mark Recchi. Crosby picked up the first point of his young career by picking up a lose puck in the right wing corner and feeding Recchi in front of the net for a power play goal midway through the third period, ruining Brodeur's bid for a shut out.
All in all the game was very entertaining, there were plenty of scoring chances for both sides. The referees seem to making all the calls that they should, and most importantly, they are calling it both ways. There are no favorites, and they are letting the skill players move freely, create chances and generate numerous opportunities. If this is any indication of what we are in store for this year, put your seat belts on, because it is going to be a fun ride. Welcome back NHL, we have definitely missed you and are thrilled with the changes you have made!
Marty Brodeur stole the show, looking every bit as good as we all knew he was. I don't know if one game is enough to convince the hockey world that his success wasn't just the result of a great defensive system, but I am a believer! He was a shining example of what smaller goal equipment can do for a great backstop. Marty looked even quicker than he usually does, making spectacular save after save. He was very mobile in the net and seemed to be more flexible. He took the Penguins power play out of the game from the start of the first period, one in which they had 4 chances during the first 9 minutes of play.
Sidney Crosby made his much hyped debut, and didn't look out of place. He managed a scoring chance during his first shift, sliding to the front of the net with a nice move and taking a backhand shot but was unable to beat Martin Brodeur. Sidney seemed to find a groove as the game went on, and began to create chances for his linemates, John LeClair and Mark Recchi. Crosby picked up the first point of his young career by picking up a lose puck in the right wing corner and feeding Recchi in front of the net for a power play goal midway through the third period, ruining Brodeur's bid for a shut out.
All in all the game was very entertaining, there were plenty of scoring chances for both sides. The referees seem to making all the calls that they should, and most importantly, they are calling it both ways. There are no favorites, and they are letting the skill players move freely, create chances and generate numerous opportunities. If this is any indication of what we are in store for this year, put your seat belts on, because it is going to be a fun ride. Welcome back NHL, we have definitely missed you and are thrilled with the changes you have made!
posted by Bmetzer66 at 1:35 AM
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