The first two games of the season didn’t really count. They were in a country that cares almost nothing for hockey (kinda like the U.S.). With two teams where I didn’t want either of them to win. And the games were at 3 in the morning or something, playing on TV directly against top college football games. Way to make a splash, NHL.

But last night was better, scheduled against playoff baseball. Whoops. Since baseball is only slightly less interesting than a paint-drying seminar, it was easy enough to click past that crap, and enjoy my first day of Center Ice, bought and paid for. Toronto and Ottawa. I got home from work so late I only saw the third, but it was tight hockey, a close game, and Dany Heatley, fresh from signing his new 6-year extension that will pay him about $8m per, scored late in the third to tie, and in overtime to win the game. Great way to start the season. And the other 27 people watching all across America were as thrilled as I was.

And by the way? Starting Raycroft? Horrible decision. They showed a “plays of the game” type graphic late in the third with the score tied 3-3 that Raycroft had “made 24 saves”. That’s a .888 save percentage. Last year, that would have been good enough for 41st in the NHL, behind Brent Johnson, but ahead of Alex Auld. Attention Leafs: start Toskala, and let him win you some games.