DALLAS -- Rick Nash scored from the slot with 20 seconds left in overtime to give the Columbus Blue Jackets a 5-4 season-opening victory over the Dallas Stars on Friday night.

Nash scored after taking a pass from Jason Chimera.

Devils 2, Islanders 1

NEWARK, N.J. -- Martin Brodeur stopped a penalty shot and finished with 25 saves and the New Jersey Devils spoiled Scott Gordon's NHL coaching debut with a victory over the New York Islanders.

Patrik Elias and Zach Parise scored for the Devils to help Brodeur record his 539th career victory.

Hurricanes 6, Panthers 4

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Joni Pitkanen and Dan LaCouture scored in their Carolina debut Friday night and the Hurricanes beat the Florida Panthers in the season opener for both teams.

Rangers 4, Blackhawks 2

NEW YORK -- Brandon Dubinsky scored once and added two assists, and newcomers Wade Redden, Aaron Voros and Nikolai Zherdev chipped in with goals, too, leading the New York Rangers to a victory over the vastly improved Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night.

Sabres 2, Canadiens 1

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Ales Kotalik scored the only shootout goal the Sabres needed on Friday night, lifting Buffalo to a win and spoiling the Montreal Canadiens' start to their 100th season.

Thrashers 7, Capitals 4

ATLANTA -- Bryan Little had two goals, including the go-ahead score in the third period, and the Atlanta Thrashers beat the Washington Capitals.

Blues 5, Predators 2

ST. LOUIS -- Keith Tkachuk scored two of St. Louis' four power-play goals, leading the Blues to a victory over the Nashville Predators.