Opening night observations ...

Just some things I've noticed NHL-wise tonight ...

1. Brett Hull, now playing in Phoenix, wearing No. 16. His father, Hall of Famer Bobby, wore No. 9 for the Winnipeg Jets (for you kiddies, that's where the Desert Dogs were from originally) and the 'Yotes offered to unretire the number for Brett to wear. Classy move by the younger Hull, though.

2. Sure, it's only one game, but Washington's Alexander Ovechkin looked real good scoring twice in a win over Columbus -- a team expected to turn the corner this season.

3. Sidney Crosby had just one assist in Pittsburgh's 5-1 loss in New Jersey. I say he scores 55, adds 100 assists. Maybe a reach, but it will be fun to see him try.

4. Why hockey doesn't belong in New Jersey: they can't even sell out for one of the best prospects to come down the pike in a long time.

5. Maybe the Rangers' Jaromir Jagr is happy being 'the man' on a team. Two late goals against the Flyers is an impressive start.

6. Mmmmmm...shootouts.

7. Opening-night collapse anyone? L.A. squanders 4-goal lead, lose to Dallas, 5-4.

8. Classless move by Bruins fans, littering the ice with replica Stanley Cups after losing 2-1 to Montreal on a goal in the final minute. I don't think I have seen a sight as pathetic as goalie Andrew Raycroft crouched in the net waiting for fans to stop throwing the giveaways.

9. Nikolai Khabibulin may have gotten his ring and a big contract, but I think he's going to find success hard to come by in Chicago.

10. Potvin sucks.