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Gretzky makes losing debut as Coyotes coach

Trevor Linden, No. 16, and Lee Goren, No. 23, of the Vancouver Canucks celebrate Mattias Ohlund's goal as Paul Mara, No. 23, of the Phoenix Coyotes looks on during their NHL game on Wednesday in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Todd Bertuzzi played his first NHL game since his suspension for seriously injuring Steve Moore nearly two years ago. PHOTO: AFP

Wayne Gretzky lost his coaching debut, Sidney Crosby recorded his first point and Mats Sundin is nursing a sore head as the National Hockey League's repair season got underway.

Over 600 players suited up and fans cheered the shootout and Todd Bertuzzi's return as the NHL opened the 2005-'06 regular season with 15 games on Wednesday.

Markus Naslund scored a pair of goals and Brendan Morrison added two assists as the Vancouver Canucks spoiled Gretzky's coaching debut with a 3-2 triumph over the Coyotes.

Electing to move from the front office to behind the bench on Aug. 8, Gretzky watched the Coyotes struggle offensively for two periods.

"It was exciting," Gretzky said. "It was a big night for all of hockey. I can tell you it is more tiring as a coach if that makes any sense. There are more sleepless nights and the losses stay with you longer."

Vancouver fans gave Bertuzzi a thunderous cheer as the power forward made his return to the league.

It was Bertuzzi's first game since he was suspended for sucker-punching Steve Moore in a contest against the Colorado Avalanche on March 8 last year.

Czech goalie Dominik Hasek dominated the first shootout in NHL history, backstopping the Ottawa Senators to a 3-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs, who lost captain Mats Sundin to a frightening-looking injury.

Ottawa's Daniel Alfredsson had two goals and a shootout tally for the Senators, who overcame a pair of deficits and gained a small measure of revenge for a game seven loss in the first round of last year's Stanley Cup playoffs.

Sundin suffered a cut around his eye in the first period after being hit by puck on an shot by Ottawa's Bryan Smolinski with Toronto up 1-0. He was taken to the dressing room for treatment and did not return.

Hasek and fellow veteran goaltender Ed Belfour of Toronto settled into a defensive duel in overtime, setting the stage for the shootout which is part of a host of new rules being implemented this season.

Coaches from both teams filled out "shootout sheets" listing their snipers and the center of the ice was cleaned by a Zamboni as fans cheered in anticipation. Ottawa's offseason acquisition Dany Heatley clinched it by beating Toronto goalie Eddie Belfour to the glove side.

New Jersey goaltender Martin Brodeur spoiled the debut of Canadian rookie phenom Sidney Crosby as the Devils posted a 5-1 triumph over the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins. New Jersey struggled to stay within the league's new rules designed to eliminate obstruction and increase offence, giving Pittsburgh 11 power plays. But Brodeur helped the Devils kill all but one.

Crosby registered his first NHL point by assisting on Mark Recchi's power-play goal at 5:36 of the third period. But by then New Jersey had built a 4-0 cushion.

Joining Crosby, the top overall pick in the 2005 draft who is projected by many to be the league's new star, are offensive stars Recchi, John LeClair and high-scoring defenceman Sergei Gonchar.

Still around is Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh's part-owner and captain who celebrated his 40th birthday.

Crosby took his first NHL shift 32 seconds into the first period, centring a line with LeClair and Recchi.

But the Canadian teenager was unable to duplicate the feat of Lemieux, who scored a goal on the first shot of his first NHL shift in 1984.

Crosby said he was nervous at the start of Wednesday's game.

"As the game went on I got more confidence," Crosby said.

Crosby had a solid scoring chance just over a minute into the game, darting out from behind the net and flicking a backhander that Brodeur turned aside.

The Dallas Stars and New York Rangers both staged late rallies to win their season openers.

Jason Arnott scored a goal and set up three others, including Philippe Boucher's go-ahead tally with 4:46 left in the third period as the Stars rallied from a four-goal deficit to post a 5-4 triumph over the Los Angeles Kings.

Jaromir Jagr scored the tying goal 6.5 minutes into the third period and netted the game-winner five minutes later as the New York Rangers overcame a two-goal deficit and posted a 5-3 victory over host Philadelphia Flyers.
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