-- Why doesn't the NHL Network show these games live? Is there a good reason to tape delay their coverage for a day or two?

-- Cory Emmerton was the first star of the game (4-0 win over Rangers) with two goals and an assist. He outraced a New York defenseman to a loose puck in the Rangers' zone with enough speed that the defender fell. That led to a centering pass and a Zack Torquato slam for a 3-0 lead late in the second period.

-- Justin Abdelkader and Sergei Kolosov were teh two most physical players on the ice. Both had at least two big hits.

-- Goalie Daniel Larsson looked very good in his North American debut. Very quick and in control.

-- Here's my new favorite player ... Jordan Foreman. When a Rangers player was bent over the boards along the Wings' bench, Foreman delayed the opponent's return to the action by subtly holding the Rangers' sleeve. Love that Slap Shot stuff.

-- Thomas McCollum had a couple of sparkling saves in relief of Larsson.

-- Mattias Ritola looks more confident and sharper than he did at camp last fall.