New York. in a sweep of the night in the NHL — including a successful Broadway premiere and a bold sit-in in Newark.
NHL bench of the night
The New Jersey Devils are paying approximately 97 million crowns per season for the services of star Timo Meier, but that did not prevent coach Lindy Ruff from keeping him on the bench for the third period in the first leg against Florida.
-He made expulsions that you couldn’t accept, Raf explains afterwards.
Those dismissals were also one of the reasons why the Devils went a bit behind 4-0 in the final term. They then applied real pressure and when Jesper Bratt reduced the score to 4-3 with two and a half minutes remaining, the hope of getting points at The Rock increased.
But the Panthers fought back and got their first win of the season.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson was famous for his first assist for the Cats – and Alexander Holtz for his first assist for the Devils this season.
1/2Photo: Frank Franklin II/AP
Tonight’s Premiere: The New York Rangers go home
After two away games in the opening week of the regular season, the New York Rangers returned home to Manhattan for their home opener at Madison Square Garden — and were as big an opening-night hit as, say, The Lion King on Broadway a few blocks north.
Sure, the Arizona Coyotes faced really tough opposition, just like they did against New Jersey last Friday, but the Blue Jerseys were able to pull out a 2-1 win.
– It was not an easy match, Arizona put it together this year. But we stood up well and did enough good things, says Mika Zibanejad to Sportbladet.
He himself provided a brilliant assist for Radar partner Chris Kreider’s 1-0 goal and came close several times to scoring with his brilliant volley.
– It’s just a matter of continuing, if I stop shooting I’ll never score, smiles the Swedish striker.
Who was also slightly involved in a giant chatter regarding the final whistle, when the referees had to count a total of 26 minutes for the sending off.
Progress of the Night: Calgary gets its first win
After a while, not many thought the Washington Capitals would get any points against the Calgary Flames at Capital One Arena.
They weren’t just 2-0 down. They were completely outplayed and missed shots 17-3.
But in the second match, the old capital champions rose dramatically and were able to equalize and, in the end, achieve their first win of the season after a penalty shootout.
– A weight has been lifted off our shoulders, says young coach Spencer Carberry.
TONIGHT CLOSURE: Detroit Columbus closes
The Detroit Red Wings have had a great start to this year’s regular season. In Columbus last night, they earned their second straight win by shutting out the Blue Jackets.
It is funny, at least for goalkeeper James Reimer, who played his first game in the red and white shirt.
– That’s how you think about texts in advance, right? “Honestly, it was mainly down to our good defensive structure,” he said after the 4-0 win.
Lucas Raymond contributed the assist
Night Swedes in the NHL
Arvid Söderblom, Chicago Blackhawks – Had the most impressive performance of his NHL career to date, leading the Hawks to an away win over Toronto with 36 saves.
Jesper Bratt, New Jersey Devils – New goal (third of the season) and new assist at home at The Rock
Mika Zibanejad – Among other things, excellent forward play contributed to teammate Chris Kreider’s 1-0 goal in the Rangers’ successful home opener.
William Nylander, Toronto Maple Leafs – Assisted on Toronto’s consolation goal against Chicago to move into a tie for first place in league scoring.