NHL REGULAR-SEASON OPENERS…
TAMPA BAY 5 – Nashville 3… Nicholas Paul found the net twice during a four-goal third period that carried the Lightning past the Predators in the NHL’s 2003-04 season opener. Nikita Kucherov opened the scoring with a first-period goal and added an empty-netter.
Chicago 4 – PITTSBURGH 2… The Blackhawks closed with four unanswered goals to erase a 2-0 deficit and open the season with a come-from-behind victory. Ryan Donato put Chicago on the board with 4:23 remaining in the second period and Jason Dickinson netted a go-ahead goal with 4:31 left in the third off an assist from Nick Foligno, who also capped the scoring with an empty-netter. Petr Mrazek shook off a rough start to stop 38 shots.
VEGAS 4 – Seattle 1… The defending Stanley Cup-champion Golden Knights skated past the Kracken in the first defense of their crown. Chandler Stephenson netted a first-period goal and had an assist. Mark Stone set up two goals. Goalie Adin Hill made 36 saves.