In Denver, the Colorado Avalanche made quick of the visiting Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night.
The Avs posted three first period goals en route to a 4-2 win.
“Obviously not the start we wanted to have to the game,” Chicago head coach Jeremy Colliton said. “I thought the first couple of shifts were OK, had a couple of chances. But when they scored the first one, it felt like the game got out of control for most of that first period and then we’re in a big hole.”
Jack Johnson, Gabriel Landeskog and Bowen Byran were the first period strikers for the Avs.
“Really excited,” Byram said. “Obviously it’s something you dream about for a long time, and (it’s) also nice to get it out of the way. I think it was a fun game and we did a pretty good job out there.”
Darcy Kuemper made 32 saves in the win.
“Obviously, he’s a legend and a Hall of Famer,” Kuemper said of Fleury. “It’s always an honor to play against him every time. Someone I look up to for sure, but it’s always special beating him.”
Dominik Kubalik scored for the Blackhawks to make it 3-1.
Chicago’s Connor Murphy added a late third period goal to make the score a bit more respectable.
“You just try to stay patient,” Kuemper said. “Obviously he’s a really skilled young player with a good shot. I just tried to stay patient and read his release.
“It was a lot of fun to finally play a real game with this group. You know, (there’s) a lot of talent in this locker room, so it’s fun to be a part of and it’s always fun to start off with a big win with the season and just got to keep building out.”
Nazem Kadri also scored for the Avs.
“Really good start by us, obviously,” Avalanche assistant coach Ray Bennet said. “I thought the first 10 or 12 minutes of the game were almost a script in terms of our effort and energy and execution, and real good emotional engagement.”
Marc-Andre Fleury made 32 saves in his debut with the Blackhawks.
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