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NHL: Kulemin sharp for Leafs in debut against Detroit

Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Vesa Toskala makes a save during the first period against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, on Thursday. PHOTO: EPA

Goaltender Nikolai Kulemin made the most of his NHL debut, scoring the game winner as Toronto beat the defending Stanley Cup champions Detroit 3-2 in the season opener on Thursday.

Vesa Toskala made 35 stops for Toronto who lifted the spirits of new coach Ron Wilson with the victory.

Defenseman Pavel Kubina and Dominic Moore also tallied for the Maple Leafs.

“We paid attention to detail, we paid attention to the task at hand,” said Wilson, who improved to 5-8-1 in season openers. “They’re having a good time, and they should. They beat the Stanley Cup champions.”

A second-round pick in 2006, the 22-year-old Kulemin gave Toronto a 3-1 lead at 7:25 of the third period, when he intercepted a neutral-zone pass by Daniel Cleary and beat goaltender Chris Osgood to the stick side on a breakaway.

The Russian spent last season in his homeland with Metallurg Magnitogorsk.

“It was real exciting to score in my first NHL game,” Kulemin said through an interpreter. “And then to have it end up the game-winner. I think somebody got the puck for me and they’re going to frame it.”

Detroit’s Tomas Holmstrom scored both goals for the Red Wings, who fell to 43-30-9 in home openers.

Detroit applied pressure on Toskala, who was forced to make 14 saves in the first period.

Toronto improved to 34-41-16 in season openers.

“Maybe we were a bit distracted, but that isn’t an excuse for the way we played,” Detroit coach Mike Babcock told reporters.

“We just weren’t at their level for most of the game. They were willing to compete harder and win more battles than we were. It’s pretty disappointing,” he said.

Former Red Wings including Hall of Famer Gordie Howe passed the Stanley Cup banner to current players such as captain Nicklas Lidstrom in the pre-game festivities to the delight of the sold-out crowd.

Wilson decided before the game he wanted his players to see the celebrations first-hand instead of waiting in the dressing room.

“I have no problem applauding the Red Wings for what they’ve done because we’re trying to get here ourselves,” Wilson said.

“It’s a great start for us,” Kubina said. “The expectations for this team are very low but we feel we are a lot better than many people think.



In Thursday’s other games it was:

• Boston 5, Colorado 4

• San Jose 4, Anaheim 1

• Vancouver 6, Calgary 0
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