Dion Phaneuf and Chris Neil engage in a stare-down at the end of the third period. AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Frank Gunn

Jared Cowen Fights, Scores Twice in Preseason Opener

It's hockey season! The NHL preseason started Monday with four games on the schedule. The Toronto Maple Leafs downed the Ottawa Senators 4-2, but Jared Cowen stood out from the pack, dropping the gloves against Dion Phaneuf and netting a pair of goals.

Cowen picked up an instigator penalty, although he was surprised by it:

"Well, he took a run at (defenceman Tim) Conboy and I just sort of moved toward him," said Cowen.

"I didn't think he was going to drop them that fast, but he dropped them, so I guess I got the instigator but I didn't have my gloves off yet.

"It was fine, though. It was OK. Just rushed me a bit."

The Nashville Predators and Florida Panthers evened out a pair of split-squad games and the Carolina Hurricanes lost to the Sabres.

Rookie games complete

We logged and recorded a good amount of video from all the rookie tournaments and games.

We've put them into four logs:
Traverse 2011
Young Stars 2011
Oshawa 2011
Rookie Games 2011

The last on the list is a catch-all for any games not included in the first three tourneys.

If you're looking for a highlight, check out Conor Stokes vs Benn Olson.

Video added

Jared Cowen vs Dion Phaneuf Sep 19, 2011