Updated on 07.41 | Published on 07.41
Newark. The young star had already been named MVP in the first game of the season, and Philadelphia, favored to lose, immediately found minor success.
Those are some of the points in tonight’s NHL sweep.
MVP of the night
It was Jack Hughes who fans wanted to award the Hart Trophy right after the season opener at The Rock in Newark.
The iconic New Jersey Devils, after an unexpectedly lackluster first half, found themselves down 0-1 to Detroit when the young artist only took over and with two masterpieces in goal turned the game on its head.
Then the chant echoed in the crowded hall:
“MVP, MVP, MVP.”
– Yes, I heard. It might be a little early, but I won’t complain, smiles the 22-year-old.
In the end, the Devils won 4-3 – without being truly convincing.
– No, we really didn’t come away with our first game tonight, but a win is a win, Hughes points out.
Little night cry
The Philadelphia Flyers are undergoing an extensive “rebuild” and are on an unbeaten streak this year.
But at least it started out in a fun way. They beat Columbus 4-2 on the road – after a really solid effort.
– There is a difference compared to last year. “Everyone wants to be part of the games now. I feel like I have more players to use in different situations,” coach John Tortorella enjoys.
One thing the Blue Jackets had to be happy about was that third-round pick Adam Fantelli played well and was credited with the assist right away.
Night processing
Rasmus Dahlen isn’t just great with his stick and skates. It can also be treated. New York Rangers Czech center Filip Chytil experienced that in the opener against Buffalo at the Keybank Center.
When he crossed the blue line on a counterattack at the end of the first half, Dahlen put his back on him and offered him an incredible drive.
-What a stopper, shouted the TV commentators as the home team fans screamed with delight.
However, it didn’t get any more fun than that for the Sabers in the first showing, as the Rangers won 5-1 (see the other article next to this one).
The tightest drama of the night
It was played between Central Division rivals Dallas Stars and St. Louis in Texas.
The match ended 1-1 after the end of normal time, having been outplayed by goalkeeper Jake Oettinger (Stars) and, above all, Jordan Binnington (Blues) – and Jason Robertson was only able to give the home team victory during the final penalty shootout.
-It was really hard. Really good blues, fast and sharp. But gradually we improved and we could actually decide in extra time, says Matt Duchene after his first match with the Stars.
The least unexpected of the night
Projected bottom team San Jose held off well for one period in their home opener against Vegas, but then the defending champions stepped on the gas, pulled away and won 4-1.
William Karlsson had two assists.
Swedes of the night
Filip Gustafsson, Minnesota Wild – Very impressive in the first game as the Wild’s starting goaltender. He took 41 shots and kept a clean sheet.
Mika Zibanejad, New York Rangers – Productive as usual in the first game of the season, contributing three assists in the Rangers’ win over Buffalo.
Joel Eriksson Ek, Minnesota Wild – Participated in both goals for Minnesota against Florida; I did one myself and played through the other.
Gustav Nyquist, Nashville Predators – Scored his first goal for his new club, Nashville.
William Karlsson, Vegas Golden Knights, had two assists as the defending champions didn’t quite shock San Jose.