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CAROLINA

Facing another division rival

The Hurricanes led the Southeast Division nearly the entire season a year ago. The Canes' schedule set up two divisional opponents in the first two games. ... Defensemen Anton Babchuk and Josef Melichar were healthy scratches in the opener. ... No. 1 draft pick Zach Boychuk is the first Canes player since Eric Staal in 2003 to make the opening night roster in his draft year.

TAMPA BAY

Bolts happy to be home

After what new coach Barry Melrose calls the "European season" and an 0-2 start in Prague, the Lightning will be playing its home opener. The Bolts put in a lot of power-play work Friday after going 0-for-9 in the two games. ... Talk about big guys. Bolts forward Evgeny Artyukhin is 6 feet 5, 259 pounds. Melrose calls him "Superfreak."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

ROD BRIND'AMOUR, CENTER

Despite a left knee that's still on the mend from surgery, he intends to play three games in four days. "My game is not where I want it to be, and I have to get it there fast," he said.

STEVEN STAMKOS, CENTER

It's the Canes' first look at the 18-year-old Stamkos, the No. 1 pick of the 2008 draft. Stamkos had three shots but did not have a goal or assist in the first two games.

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