Pittsburgh at Philadelphia

The last time these two met, Cam York scored in overtime for a 1-0 win that finished off Philadelphia's first-round series against Pittsburgh in six games. That was April. Both teams open their season in Philadelphia tonight. The Penguins scored 3.54 goals a game last season, third-most in the league, and that offense is why they aren't a bigger underdog. They start this season without Bryan Rust, one of several Penguins on injured reserve, and without a named starter in goal. Dan Muse has yet to choose between Arturs Silovs and Russian rookie Sergei Murashov. Silovs finished last season with an .888 save percentage. Murashov has only played in five NHL games, posting a .897 save percentage. Philadelphia has no such question in its crease. Dan Vladar went 29-14-7 with a .906 last season, and the Flyers added Joseph Woll behind him. Philadelphia's power play ranked last in the league, so special teams won't carry this one. Even strength will, and that's where a Pittsburgh lineup with holes in it meets the team that beat it four times in six tries last spring. I'm on Philadelphia in the opener.