Evan’s NHL Daily: Newhook Starts Strong, Avalanche Stand Up To Kings

A few more NHL teams kicked off their seasons on Wednesday evening, including the Montreal Canadiens. That meant we got our first look at Alex Newhook in a Montreal uniform, and the former Avalanche forward got off to a strong start.

The Colorado Avalanche went into Los Angeles and managed to take the crowd out of the game pretty quickly, beating the Kings in a pretty heated affair.

All that and more in this Thursday edition of Evan’s Daily.

Colorado Hockey Now

Before the puck dropped, I gave some quick predictions for every player on the Avalanche.

Joel Kiviranta and Peter Holland are sticking in the organization, even if they don’t have NHL contracts just yet.

Bowen Byram is focused on the short-term, avoiding any long-term goals this year. (+)

Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon led the way with a combined 7 points in Colorado’s 5-2 victory.

Locker room report with four videos, including a one-on-one with Miles Wood.

On Thursday, Plus/Minus will be posted for the big victory from Wednesday, and The Turning Point will make its return. Just as it was last year, you will need a CHN+ membership to see those articles. I’ll also transcribe our meeting with Chris MacFarland, and have an injury update on Maros Jedlicka.

Around The NHL

The Montreal Canadiens have next to no interest in playing defense, so I expect a lot of their games to be high-scoring affairs. That was the case on Wednesday, when they blew a two-goal lead in the third period, losing in a shootout to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Alex Newhook got off to a strong start, scoring on his only two shots in the game.

The Edmonton Oilers are a popular Stanley Cup pick, but I’m a little iffy on their ability to win with the goaltending they have. That poor goaltending was on display Wednesday night.

Connor Bedard is on the board, as he scored his first NHL goal in a loss to the Boston Bruins.

National Hockey Now

Even Pittsburgh Penguins players were impressed with Connor Bedard.

Point-of-view from the Boston Bruins side, including an impressive NHL debut for Matt Poitros

Some bold predictions for the San Jose Sharks this year.