NHL teams
Katie Strang, ESPN.com 9y

What you missed in NHL this week

After months of anticipation, the 2014-15 NHL regular season is finally underway. Happy hockey season, folks. If you are late to the game, here is what you might have missed in the first week of action:

1. Good news, bad news for Blue Jackets

The lingering contract stalemate between restricted free agent Ryan Johansen and the Columbus Blue Jackets finally came to an end when the young center inked a three-year deal worth $12 million. Now the Jackets face another daunting task with some key players injured. Boone Jenner is sidelined with a hand injury, Nathan Horton is still battling back issues, and Brandon Dubinsky recently underwent surgery to repair an abdominal injury that is expected to cost him six weeks. Tough start for Columbus. Story »

Debate: Can Johansen, Jackets recover? »
Dubinsky out six weeks »


2. Pronger to work for Player Safety Department

All sorts of issues here with the NHL's new hire. For one, he's technically still a Philadelphia Flyers employee. Not to mention the former NHL defenseman's reputation on the ice, as he knows a thing or two about being suspended. Story »

Burnside: Pronger hire is baffling »


3. Sharks put past behind them

Lots of talk this preseason about the soap opera in San Jose. Despite all that, the San Jose Sharks shut out the defending Stanley Cup champs 4-0 on opening night. And Joe Thornton? Still a part of the team's leadership group as one of four -- along with Joe Pavelski, Patrick Marleau and Marc-Edouard Vlasic -- alternate captains. Story »

Thornton wearing the 'A' »


4. Crosby tallies twice in opener

Not even a hat trick from Anaheim Ducks winger Corey Perry could stop the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sidney Crosby scored two goals, while second-year defenseman Olli Maatta chipped in three points in Pittsburgh's season opener. Story »


5. Kings raise championship banner

The defending Stanley Cup champions had their final celebration as they raised the banner to the rafters of the Staples Center. Then they went on to get crushed by the Sharks, who had a little bit of motivation after letting a 3-0 series lead over the Los Angeles Kings slip away last postseason. Story »

Editor's picks

Crosby, Ovechkin feeling the heat »
The NHL owes Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, but pressure still looms for the stars.

Elliott ready to take the reins »
Blues goalie Brian Elliott is finally getting a shot to start the season as more of a "1A" option as opposed to "1B," although there will certainly be instant pressure from young Jake Allen.

Luongo gets new start in old locale »
After years of scrutiny in Vancouver, Roberto Luongo is at peace back in Florida.

Watch: NHL stars go HollywoodVideo NHL stars pick which Hollywood stars they would have play them in a movie of their lives.

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