NHL Notes

Most of the NHL has begun its 2008-09 schedule. Here's a quick look at early storylines around the league:

• There were questions whether or not relatively inexperienced goaltender Dan Ellis could carry the Nashville Predators. Friday's 5-2 loss to St. Louis was not a good start.

• The Columbus Blue Jackets beat the Dallas Stars for just the second time in the last 19 meetings on Friday, with an OT goal by Rick Nash.

• The Rangers are off to a 3-0 start after besting the Blackhawks Friday.

• The Caps look to rebound from their loss in Atlanta when they open the season against the Blackhawks, pitting young stars Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom against Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Oh yeah, and it marks the return of goalie Cristobal Huet, whose departure to Chicago via free agency forced the Caps to sign Jose Theodore instead. ESPN's Scott Burnside previews the contest here.