Two teams with Stanley Cup hopes will face off tonight as the NHL regular season gets under way with four games in North America after a weekend of action in Europe.
The Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks will open their respective seasons in San Jose, NHL.com reported. What comes after the regular season, however, is where these teams will be judged.
Todd McLellan will make his debut as coach of the Sharks, who won the Pacific Division last season before losing in the Western Conference semifinals to Dallas. McLellan spent three seasons on Detroit's coaching staff before being hired by San Jose.
The Ducks, meanwhile, started slowly last season, a year after winning the Stanley Cup title, but finished strong and took second in the Pacific. Anaheim was knocked out of the playoffs in the first round by the Stars.
Ducks goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere remains one of the league's best after finishing with a career-high 2.12 goals-against average. Captain Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger, both former Norris Trophy winners, anchor a formidable defense.
Around the league
RED WINGS: Detroit will raise its fourth Stanley Cup banner in 11 seasons tonight at Joe Louis Arena before opening the season against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
BLACKHAWKS: Left wing Ben Eager was suspended for three games without pay by the NHL for swinging his stick at Dallas Stars left wing Sean Avery during an exhibition game last week.
