NHL 5 questions: Cory Schneider snaps Martin Brodeur’s streak; Bruins debut new pieces

A daily feature which asks the five biggest questions about today’s NHL action. Will they be answered? (That doesn’t count as one of the five questions.)

by Matt Brigidi

Oct 3, 2013, 7:25 PM UTC

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

1. How will the Boston Bruins' revamped lineup look?

The Bruins have managed to maintain consistency in their roster for some time, with the result being two Stanley Cup Final appearances in three seasons. Management decided to shake things up this summer by trading Tyler Seguin to the Dallas Stars and losing Nathan Horton to unrestricted free agency.

Having reloaded the lineup with the acquisition of hockey's "best kept secret," Loui Eriksson, and finally getting Jarome Iginla into the team's dressing, the Bruins appear primed to maintain their success.

2. How will the debut of Cory Schneider go?

For the first time in 18 years, someone other than Martin Brodeur will be occupying the New Jersey Devils' goal crease on opening night. That man is the franchise's projected goaltender of the future, Cory Schneider. Acquired this summer from the Vancouver Canucks, Schneider comes with high expectations and skill set capable of leading the Devils into the post-Brodeur era (whenever that is). How will his first game go?

3. How’s Roberto Luongo going to play?

Schneider is used to being the “goaltender of the future,” as he occupied that role in Vancouver behind Roberto Luongo. With the Shyamalan twist in this tale being Schneider’s depature, the great Vancouver melodrama has seemingly come to an end ... unless Luongo struggles. Will he struggle in his first game back as the Canucks’ No. 1?

4. Will there be any residual dustups involving Dustin Brown, Jason Pominville or Dustin Brown and Jason Pominville?

Brown was suspended two games last year for a reverse hit that concussed Pominville. Speculation persists that retribution might be in order. Will there be any?

5. Will Washington’s power play keep up its success?

Having finished last season with the league's best power play success rate, the Capitals appear to be at it again having converted on 3-of-6 attempts in their first game of the season. Will they add to that total against the Calgary Flames?