Rash Observations After One Game

Thoughts from the first night of the NHL:

• Anyone watch #8 for those dirty Blackhawks last night?  Yes the Nick Leddy era of Chicago hockey has begun.  19 minutes, -1, 3 shots.  He got beat on a give and go once but looked like he belonged all night.  His poise with the puck and fluid skating really stood out.  Who had money on him being NHL ready at 19?  Chuck Fletcher didn't.  More on that later.
• The Penguins lost, but as a Gopher fan it's hard not to root for them.  At least 2/3 of the game Alex Goligoski or Paul Martin are on the ice.  Alex has pretty much taken Gochar's roll.  Martin made a sweet back hand pass for a goal early in the 3rd.
• Break up the Oil!!  Edmonton put it ON the old guys last night.  Calgary even tried to goon it up that sure didn't work.  The first NHL goal for Jordan Eberle was sick, but the best of the rookies might be Paajaarrrrvvviii
• It sure is fun to watch Phil Kessel skate...and shoot...good thing cause that's all he does. Unless Phaenuf plays like he did before he was a "star" Toronto is gonna be back in the lottery.   Oops.
• The Wild are slow.  Russo keeps talking about Richards being on the hot seat.  Wonder if Fletch is gonna makes a move in the first month to try and save the coach HE chose.  The Wild brass believe this is a playoff team.  Really?  Watch the other Western Conference teams and tell me which teams are worse.  If you are using your second hand and your names not Terhaar, I bet you have a Wild flag on your car.  Dangle Brent Burns for a young forward and a pick and let's start rebuilding this thing.
• Carolina, Colorado and Philadelphia don't have any Gophers on there squad so who cares about them.  Neither do the Wild...boy that Barker trade smarts more and more all the time.