Game On!

Welcome to Crash The Crease, the hockey blog that says go hard or go home.

Tonight of course begins the 2009-10 NHL season. What's on tap for when the puck finally drops for opening night:

A.O. leads the Washington Capitals (and my Yahoo! fantasy hockey team) into Boston where the Bruins will try to rebound after a heart breaking game seven loss at the new Garden against the Carolina Hurricanes last year. This game can be seen on Versus.

A big double-header up Nord for Hockey Night In Canada. Two original six rivals square off when the Montreal Canadiens pay a visit to the Maple Leafs in Toronto. Following that a couple of Western Conference playoff teams from a year ago will lace it up as the Vancouver Canucks meet the Calgary Flames. These games will be telecast on CBC.

Rounding out tonight's action the San Jose Sharks swim into Colorado where the Avalanche will retire Joe Sakic's number 19. This will be the first year since the 1987-88 season that the franchise formerly known as the Quebec Nordiques will take to the ice without the presence of Sakic. The game can also be seen on Versus.

In other notes, speaking of former Nordiques, Mats Sundin has called it quits. And speaking of other hall of fame players, Brendan Shanahan and the Devils have decided to part ways.

Enjoy opening night folks!