The Chicago Blackhawks had themselves a night.
With an impressive 10-1 victory over the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins, the Blackhawks stormed into the new season looking like a team that can still compete for a title.
While the double-digit win may have been the most impressive number of the night, here are five other stats that stood out:
1. Hartman's 5-point night
It was a record-setting night for forward Ryan Hartman, whose goal and four assists marked the most points ever recorded by a Blackhawk in a season opener. Hartman found quick chemistry with linemates Patrick Kane and Nick Schmaltz, as the trio combined for 12 points.
2. Niemi: 9 minutes, 13 shots, 4 goals
Many pundits questioned Pittsburgh's signing of Antti Niemi - fresh off his disastrous campaign with the Dallas Stars - and his first game as a Penguin did little to quell those concerns. The veteran netminder was torched for four goals on just 13 shots, including a stretch where he allowed three in 1:13. In all, Niemi lasted just over nine minutes into Thursday's contest before coach Mike Sullivan had seen enough.
3. Saad's record-tying hat trick
The NHL season is just two days old, and yet the record books have already gotten a workout - there have been four hat tricks in season debuts across the league, the first such occurrence in a century. Blackhawks winger Brandon Saad contributed to that feat on Thursday, notching three tallies against the Penguins.
4. 16 Blackhawks get on the board
It was a balanced attacked for the Blackhawks on Thursday, with the team receiving scoring from all avenues. In all, 17 of 20 skaters finished the night with at least one point. Forwards Lance Bouma and Tanner Kero, and defenseman Connor Murphy were the lone three who failed to find the scoresheet.
5. 10 goals at even strength
Even more impressive? While the Blackhawks' power play failed to capitalize on any of its six opportunities, the team was firing on all cylinders at even strength. All 10 of Chicago's tallies came at five-on-five.
Here's a quick video recap of all 10 goals:
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)