Associated Press
RALEIGH ó The Carolina Hurricanes look much like the team that won the Stanley Cup in 2006. Here’s the big question: Will they play like them, too?
The offseason was eventful for the Hurricanes, who brought back yet another player from the team that won the franchise’s only championship. Three years later, defenseman Aaron Ward is back in the fold and livening up a dressing room that includes the nucleus of that Cup team.
That’s one reason why the lasting anecdote from Carolina’s summer was the text message sent by forward Erik Cole to Ward: “We’re getting the band back together.”
With the season starting tonight against Philadelphia, the challenge now is to make sure the songs still have harmony.
“He’s always wanted to come back here, so it’s nice to see,” captain Rod Brind’Amour said. “We know he’s a quality player, and I’m all about getting quality players in this room. He’s going to be a great fit.”
n BOSTON ó Alex Ovechkin had two goals and an assist to lead the Washington Capitals to a 4-1 victory over the Boston Bruins in the season-opener.
n TORONTO ó Montreal defenseman Josh Gorges scored with only 12.8 seconds left on the overtime clock, and Carey Price made 43 saves in the Canadiens’ 4-3 victory over Toronto.