Every team wants to get off to a fast start.
Sandis Ozolinsh sent the opening faceoff back to Ron Francis, who hit a streaking Willis, and he beat Jani Hurme between the pads. We made some mistakes and they capitalized, and sometimes it's tough to come back in this league. Willis' three-point game helped the Hurricanes rebound from a miserable monthlong slump. After allowing three goals on eight shots in a 5-0 loss to Toronto Wednesday, Irbe had 29 saves against Ottawa. Francis had one pass blocked by Jason York, but got the second one through.