Hockey's Back

And so am I.

The KHL kicked off their season today with a game between Dynamo Moskova and Traktor.  If it seems like professional hockey ended recently it's probably because it did.  The NHL last played on June 24th.  Two months off is plenty.

Traktor kicked off the scoring for the 2013-14 season.  That's where it ended for them.  Dynamo Moskova scored the next five to take an easy win.  Leo Komarov, the Estonian born winger of a Russian father who grew up in a Finnish town that primarily spoke Swedish tallied a goal and an assist.  Komarov was drafted by Toronto in 2006 finally making his debut last season after starting in the AHL, moving back to the KHL once the lockout seemed destined to continue, then eventually returning to play with the big boys in Toronto.  He also played in all seven playoff games with Toronto where he also got into a fight. 

You can't talk about most leagues without seeing familiar AHL faces and while he hasn't seen a North American rink in awhile, a former Hershey player got on the board as well.  Yuri Babenko scored in the second for Dynamo, his first of what will end up being 12 goals this season.  Well I did it now.  Guess I will have to include constant Babenko chatter in this blog.  Speaking of which, I think it needs a new name more related to hockey.  I'll think about it tonight.

The real story in this game was the solid goaltending of Dynamo goalie Ilya Bryzgalov.  He might not be a household name, but give him time.  He only allowed one goal on 36 shots and was named the number one star of the game.  If he can continue his hot start there is no denying Moskova could be a force in the KHL this season. 

The KHL continues with a busy schedule throughout the week and weekend.  The Austrian league is the next to start on Saturday.  Where will the first scrap take place and who gets the first Gordie? 

Delayed Call:

It's early on in the season for all of us including me.  I incorrectly stated the Ilya Bryzgalov was the number one star of the game today in the KHL.  He was not.  He didn't even play.  In fact, he isn't even on a KHL team or any team for that matter.  My mistake.  I will do better next time.