The NHL Season Has Begun

We have one game in the books, with Carolina defeating Minnesota, 4-3, in the opening game of the 2010-11 NHL season.

Too bad I had to be at work while the game was in play. Fortunately, Minnesota's Internet feed was easy to find, giving me some enjoyment while I plowed through an afternoon of work.

First impressions: Remember when the old Minnesota North Stars were really bad? Well I do and this edition of the Wild sound like the expansion team they were/it was 10 years ago. I hope I am wrong and this team finds its way, because the fans of Minnesota deserve more for the money they are paying.

Tonight, the picks to click are as follows: The Lounge will have the Canadiens/Maple Leafs game on the big HD screen (CBC feed from the Center Ice package) at 7 pm, with the Flyers/Penguins on the modestly sized HD monitor (Versus) at 7.

At 10 pm, the Blackhawks/Avalanche game (Versus) goes on the big screen while the Flames/Oilers nightcap (CBC feed from Center Ice Package) lands on the HD monitor.

And what do we do when the late games are done? We watch a replay of the Wild/Hurricanes game (Versus feed) courtesy the DVR. The cookies were baked last night. All the house chores are done. We're ready to drop the puck.