The Philadelphia Flyers have started the new season of the North American NHL Ice Hockey League with a success with the Villach striker Michael Raffl.The Flyers won the San Jose Sharks 5-3 on Wednesday.Defending champions Pittsburgh Penguins lost to St. Stephen’s on the first day of play at home.Louis Blues with 4:5 after extra time.
In San Jose Wayne Simmonds was the flyers’ match winner with a hat-trick, while Shayne Gostisbehere and Jakub Voracek prepared three goals each.Raffl received 7:22 minutes of ice time from coach Dave Hakstol, the least of his team’s players.
The Stanley Cup champion from Pittsburgh was up against St. Stephen.Louis returned 4-2, but superstar Sidney Crosby (54) and Conor Sheary (55) forced the extra time within 54 seconds, in which Alex Pietrangelo decided in favour of the visitors.Connor McDavid, the most valuable player of the past season (MVP), shot the Edmonton Oilers to a 3-0 home win over Calgary Flames with three goals.The Oilers will meet the new Vancouver Canucks Vanek Club on Saturday.
NHL results from Wednesday: San Jose Sharks – Philadelphia Flyers (with Raffl) 3:5, Winnipeg Jets – Toronto Maple Leafs 2:7, Pittsburgh Penguins – St. Peter’s DayLouis Blues 4-5, Edmonton Oilers – Calgary Flames 3-0.