This Carolina Hurricanes squad really looks like Cup team from two years ago.

The Ottawa Senators fell for the first time this season (pre-season included, which you have to admit for a team coming off a Stanley Cup Final dissapointment, is very impressive) to the Carolina Hurricanes 5-3 last night. Now if I remember correctly (and that is a scary bridge to entertain) the Hurricanes delivered the Sens their first loss two seasons ago, and also continually dominated them that season, while the Senators themselves owned the rest of the league..... this season is mirroring their Championship campaign more and more each game.

The Hurricanes Erik and Eric line lit the Sens up for 3 goals, (Cole had two, Staal had one, and a pair of helpers), and Rod Brind'Amour and Matt Cullen (who since his return from New York has 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists) in 5 games played) rounded out the scoring. The Sens rallied from a 4-1 lead late in the game, but ultimately fell short.

Quick Shave:
Aside for the Sens / Canes game it was blow-out city last night. Every game was pretty much over halfway through. The Toronto Maple Leaf pantsed the New York Islanders 8-1, bouncing back from a 7-1 whooping they recieved Tuesday night from the Canes. Captain Mats Sundin scored his 390th goal in a Leafs uniform and passed Darryl Sittler on both the franchise points and goals record. The Buffalo Sabres picked up their first victory of the season hammering the Atlanta Thrashers for the 6-0 shutout win. The Phoenix Coyotes defeated the Nashville Predators 6-3 and the Florida Panthers shutout the New Jersey Devils 3-0.

The Philadelphia Flyers may be looking to get back to their old school days of physically intimidating hockey, but the tough guy players seem to have a knack for getting themselves suspended. Flyers forward Steve Downie who is enjoying a 20 game suspension in the AHL for bodychecking Ottawa Senators forward Dean McAmmond's skull is most likely going to be joined by Flyers tough guy Jesse Boulerice who brushed Vancouver Canucks forwards Ryan Kesler's teeth with the shaft of his stick.

Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne were both on hand the other night for the Anahiem Ducks home opener. Neither seemed closer to returning, and both actually looked closer to retirement. Selanne has not skated since the last game of the Cup Finals, and Niedermayer has laced them up once for a hockey camp. It really looks like the Ducks will be on their own.

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh