The NHL kicks off it's quest for world domination regular season today with 2 games across the pond. The New York Rangers take on the upstart Tampa Bay Lightning in Prague, while Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins take on native son Daniel Alfredsson and the Ottawa Senators in Stockholm.

DISCLAIMER: Neither Stanley Cup of Chowder nor it's advertisers support illegal gambling. However, if you are in a location where you can legally place a wager, the following is my advice for Saturday, October 4th.

Tampa Bay (-105) vs. New York Rangers
The much improved Bolts give Barry Melrose his first win behind the Lightning bench and provide a great homecoming for Vinnie Prospal. "Seen Stamkos?" bumper stickers start appearing all over the Eastern Bloc.

Ottawa (-110) vs. Pittsburgh
Daniel Alfredsson is fueled by home cooking and leads Ottawa past the Pens depleted D. With Sergei Gonchar and Ryan Whitney both out with injuries, the Pens are left with a big void at the blue line.