While many sports fans were enamoured with a quadruple-header of compelling MLB playoff games on Friday, hockey fans continued to get a glimpse of what the 2015-16 season could have in store.
Here are five things we learned Friday in the NHL.
Larkin could be a Calder candidate…
All the talk surrounding Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel has been great for the NHL, but on the flipside it has overshadowed a handful of talented rookies, one of those being Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings. Larkin, the 15th-overall pick from 2014, had a goal and an assist in his NHL debut Friday as his Red Wings stomped all over the Maple Leafs. Larkin became the youngest Red Wing to score since Keith Primeau in 1991.
Babcock’s returns to Detroit couldn’t have gone worse…
Mike Babcock spent a decade as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings so you know he had this game circled on his calendar. No one was more prepared for this game than Babcock — in fact, the only players on the ice Babcock had never coached at the NHL level were Dylan Larkin, Brad Richards and Mike Green — but nothing went well for Babcock’s Toronto Maple Leafs as they lost 4-0.
One reason the Leafs are 0-2 to start the season is due to the fact Jonathan Bernier needs to get off to better starts. For the second straight game, Bernier allowed a goal on the first shot he faced. A rebuilding team like the Maple Leafs can’t afford to constantly be playing from behind.
Zuccarello no worse for wear…
When Mats Zuccarello was hit in the head by a puck in the opening round of the playoffs last season, he couldn’t speak for four days. The New York Rangers forward suffered a small skull fracture and a brain contusion. It was unclear at the time how the Norwegian’s NHL career would be impacted. Thankfully, Zuccarello made a full recovery during the summer and he made an impact scoring two goals in his team’s 4-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. It’s good to see he’s back to his old self because the 28-year-old is one of the most underrated players in the league.
Zetterberg joins elite company on his birthday…
With his three assists against the Leafs, Henrik Zetterberg (who turned 35 Friday) leapfrogged Borje Salming to move into 10th place on the all-time scoring list among Swedish NHLers. Zetterberg now has 789 points. He is 28 points behind Thomas Steen for ninth on the list. Daniel and Henrik Sedin are the only active Swedes with more points than Zetterberg. Mats Sundin’s 1,349 points are the most for any Swedish player.
Islanders’ debut in Brooklyn spoiled by Blackhawks…
It was a bittersweet night for Islanders fans in the team’s regular-season debut at Brooklyn’s Barclay’s Center. They lost an exciting contest in overtime to the defending champion Chicago Blackhawks, but it didn’t entirely spoil what was a significant night in the franchise’s history.
