The Stanley Cup is back in play as the season begins in Boston, Toronto and Vancouver. All 30 teams entertain hopes of playoff berths and that rule changes and equipment improvements can lead to a safer sport. Enjoy another winter of the fastest game in any town — even Winnipeg. Don’t miss these coming attractions:
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You might notice something unusual about your favorite player’s head: Uniform numbers will be painted on the front crown of every helmet, not just the back. It’s supposed to help officials and fans with identification. Unlike visors, it isn’t optional.
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Brendan Shanahan has been busy in his first year as the NHL’s head disciplinarian.
He’s become the stern-faced spokesman for the NHL rulebook, suspending nine players during preseason for a total of 31 regular-season games.
On the eve of the NHL season, Shanahan has swiftly made his mark as a discipline czar who wants to protect the best interests of the sport he loves and respects — even if he loses a popularity contest to make his mark.
Shanahan is not out to make a kinder, gentler NHL. Just a safer one.
Shanahan, who took over for Colin Campbell, has already revolutionized the job and created a more transparent process with videotaped explanations that should allow the rest of the league, fans and media to form a logical understanding of his decisions.
Calendar alert
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Kings at Flyers, Oct. 15: Flyers captain Mike Richards is still smarting from his unceremonious dumping just two years after leading Philly to the Cup finals, even though he landed with a contender in L.A.
Flyers at Rangers, Nov. 26 and Flyers at Penguins, Dec. 29: Jaromir Jagr stunned the league when he came signed with the Flyers, of all teams. The NHL’s leading active scorer visits his two old haunts.
Ducks at Jets, Dec. 17: No active player is more beloved in Winnipeg than Teemu Selanne, who scored 76 goals as a rookie with the 1992-93 Jets. His return with Anaheim will be a celebration of the Finnish Flash.
Canucks at Bruins, Jan. 7: Don’t forget, before Tim Thomas’ heroics during Boston’s stirring comeback against Vancouver last June, the Stanley Cup finals were an uncommonly ugly affair featuring fights, poor sportsmanship and off-ice shenanigans. Cup or no Cup, these infrequent opponents dislike each other, and fireworks could fly in the conference champions’ only regular-season meeting.
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The league is loaded with youngsters set to move into major roles:
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Oilers: The center and No. 1 overall pick has a chance to stay with the Oilers for a full season, joining 2010 top pick Taylor Hall. Nugent-Hopkins has met every expectation to date.
Brayden Schenn, Flyers: To get Mike Richards, the Kings gave up the goal-scoring speedster considered hockey’s top prospect in many corners last year. Only a nagging left shoulder injury seems able to derail his first full NHL season.
Mark Scheifele, Jets: His immediate future is a topic of heated debate, but the Jets might have a poster boy for their NHL return in this big-bodied forward with remarkable hands. After less than a year of major junior experience, the 18-year-old is expected to win a full-time roster spot.
Gabriel Landeskog, Avalanche: The Swedish left wing is a near-lock to make the rebuilding Avalanche’s roster after a strong training camp. The teenager is looking forward to playing against Detroit’s Nicklas Lidstrom because the defenseman is a role model — for Landeskog’s father, Tony, a former Swedish Elite Leaguer.
Adam Larsson, Devils: The fourth overall pick in this year’s draft had a dynamite training camp after spending the two previous years playing against men in the Swedish Elite League. Even GM Lou Lamoriello had to admit the offense-minded defenseman has earned the chance to join the Devils’ average defensive corps.
