Game #1: 'Canes win season opener at home, 6-4

RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 10: Fans greet the Carolina Hurricanes as they take the ice for warmups before a game against the Florida Panthers at the RBC Center on October 10, 2008 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 10: The Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers face off to begin the 2008-2009 NHL season at the RBC Center on October 10, 2008 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes won 6-4. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Florida Panthers' Tomas Vokoun (29) misses the shot of Carolina Hurricanes' Tuomo Ruutu, not shown, with Hurricanes' Rod Brind'Amour (17) nearby during first period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, Oct. 10, 2008.
RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 10: Joni Pitkanen #25 of the Carolina Hurricanes moves the puck against the Florida Panthers at the RBC Center on October 10, 2008 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes won 6-4. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

So the Hurricanes won their first season-opening home game since 2001, a 6-4 victory over the Olli Jokinen-less Florida Panthers. I have to say that the 'Canes looked pretty good, despite getting themselves in a 0-2 hole early in the first period. I had forgotten how fun it is to watch Sergei Samsonov handle the puck down low and turn opposing defensemen into twisted, confused masses. I also welcomed the hard work ethic shown by both newcomers, Dan LaCouture and Joni Pitkanen. And Cam Ward looked solid. For the Panthers, I think it is safe to say that Nathan Horton will have another successful season; he is a constant threat on the ice.