What happened last night that you need to know about? Joe McDonald gives us his take on the biggest and best performances. This is where we say, "Morning, Joe."
Marchand for Art Ross: In our preseason picks, I picked the Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin to win the scoring race for the 2016-17 season. He's a pretty good choice considering he scored 50 or more goals the last three seasons. But after watching the Boston Bruins' Brad Marchand slice up the opposition for Team Canada during the World Cup of Hockey, and then to see what he did in the season opener Thursday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets, is it possible to think he could win the scoring race in the NHL? Many would think there's no way Marchand had that ability, but his two goals and three assists for five points against the Blue Jackets was a true indication that he's destined to have an incredible season.
If you haven't seen it yet, watch his second goal of that game and you will be mesmerized by his ability to score. I guess playing at the World Cup with Sidney Crosby helped Marchand realize how good he can be. He scored 37 goals last season and there's no reason to think he can't match, or better, that stat this season. Oh, by the way, the Toronto Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews -- he of the record-setting four-goal NHL debut -- held the league's scoring lead for just one night thanks to Marchand's five-point game.
Z fits right in: When New York Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton traded forward Derick Brassard to the Ottawa Senators for Mika Zibanejad during the offseason, it was interesting to think how 23-year-old forward would fit with his new team. Well, he proved on Thursday just how good he could be with the Rangers. He showed instant chemistry with linemates Chris Kreider and Pavel Buchnevich. Not only that, but Zibanejad was solid on the power play.
Kreider said it best after the Rangers' 5-3 win over the New York Islanders: "I can speak all day about the guys I am playing with because they're incredible," he said. "They make some ridiculous plays." Zibanejad made it look like he has been playing for the Rangers his entire six-year career in the NHL. When the season ends, this could turn out to be a major acquisition for Gorton and the Rangers.
Laine is no slouch, either: You just know that Winnipeg Jets forward Patrik Laine was motivated by Matthews' four-goal NHL debut. It's nearly impossible for anyone to achieve the rookie success that Matthews had on Wednesday, but Laine produced a decent effort on Thursday. He registered one goal and one assist for two points in the Jets' 5-4 overtime win over the Carolina Hurricanes.
I picked Laine to win the 2016-17 Calder Trophy as the league's rookie of the year. I'm impressed by his confidence and ability. The No. 2 overall pick in last June's draft is not shy when it comes to comparing his ability to that of Matthews, who was the top pick. Not only did Laine register a two-point night in his debut, he was physical and demonstrated how dominant he can be. He proved that during the World Cup of Hockey for Team Finland and it was on display again Thursday night for the Jets.
Safe to say, with Laine and Matthews leading the way, this rookie class is an impressive one.