With the vicious hit by Ruutu on Darcy Tucker last night in the Avalanche/Hurricane's game, it finally feels like the season is really underway.  Now, don't get me wrong, I know they have been playing for a few weeks now, and we've seen some really great games and some vicious hits, but there hasn't been too much in the way of controversy, until this week.  The hit last night by Ruutu on Darcy Tucker has sparked further controversy over how much should be allowed.  No word has come down yet on how long Tucker will be out, and he certainly isn't the first player this year to be injured and out of multiple games as a result of a hit, so is it time for the NHL to have another look at what is and isn't allowed? That's a topic for another day.

Tonight is what us Canucks call "Hockey Night in Canada" and there are some really great matchups coming our way with all thirty teams in play.  The last time this happened was October 3rd and I did the game thread that day too.  Of course, we had teams playing in Europe, so somehow it didn't seem a true full play day. It's only the fourth time in NHL history though, so enjoy.

The earliest matchups feature the Toronto Maple Leafs against the Vancouver Canucks in Vancouver.  It's an early game on the west coast, and the home team is definitely the favorite, with Toronto winless so far this season, the worst start in the Leaf's history. 

San Jose has started off their season strong, much like last year, and they also play early, against the Thrashers, who have also been strong this year.  San Jose is on game 6 of their road trip, and the fatigue might be showing as they lost to Tampa Bay on Thursday.

Another key matchup will the the 7:30 game of the New Jersey Devils playing against the Penguins in Pittsburgh.  This game will be the game to watch, on the early schedule, quite honestly, as the Devils are undefeated in this most reacent road trip, winning four straight, while the Pens are going for 8 in a row.

Another game to watch will be the rematch of the Avalanche and the Red Wings.  The Av's won the last match up in a shoot out in Detroit, after being down 2-0, and this game will have them with the home ice advantage.  The Av's have surprised everyone this year, they way they came out of the box and fans everywhere who chant "Any team but Detroit" will be cheering them on tonight.

Then, of course, on the late schedule when, no doubt, the only posters left in the thread will be us west coasters, the Anaheim Ducks host the Columbus Blue Jackets, so far winless against both the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers on this road trip, who also meet at 10pm.  

This, if you didn't already know it, will be the game I'll be watching.  It's Part 3 of the "Battle of Alberta" and the Flames have so far been the winners in the battle this year.   However, the teams have identical season stats, 6-2-1, meaning the matchup will be a closer one than any of us thinks.  NHL.com provides this graphic demonstrating how closely matched the two teams are.



If one team wants the win more, it would likely be Edmonton, because of the two losses to Calgary so far.  Of course, knowing that, Calgary is likely getting the pep talk from Coach Sutter, telling them that is exactly why they need to excel tonight, of all nights.

The Oilers seem a different team, however, than they were even a couple of weeks ago.  Each of their lines appear to be coming into stride and playing organized hockey, no matter the competition.  Sheldon Souray and Steve Staios will both be out as they recuperate from concussions, and the flu that has made it's way through the roster may also bench players, but no updates about that are available at this time.

The Flames have the home ice advantage, playing at Pengrowth Saddledome, and the "C of Red" will be out in full force to support their team. 

The fourth liners of the Flames have been the story so far this season, but the first liners and star players are starting to show exactly why they are first liners, Iginla got a goal and two assists the other night, and Phaneuf is playing more like the Dion of old, scoring 5 goals in 9 games, after only 11 total last year.

So there you have it,   Games get underway shortly, so get your picks made and chat it up here, or on the game pages.

Full Schedule:

7:00 pm ET

Toronto Maple Leafs at Vancouver Canucks  CBC
San Jose Sharks at Atlanta Thrashers
Florida Panthers at Philadelphia Flyers
Washington Capitals at New York Islanders
Boston Bruins at Ottawa Senators  CBC
New York Rangers at Montreal Canadiens CBC

7:30 pm ET

Buffalo Sabres at Tampa Bay Lightning
New Jersey Devils at Pittsburgh Panguins

8:00 pm ET

Dallas Stars at St. Louis Blues
Carolina Hurricanes at Minnesota Wild

8:30 pm ET

Nashville Predators at Chicago Blackhawks  WGN

9:00 pm ET

Los Angeles Kings at Phoenix Coyotes
Detroit Red Wings at Colorado Avalanche

10:00 pm ET

Columbus Blue Jackets at Anaheim Ducks
Edmonton Oilers at Calgary Flames  CBC