STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Logan Couture broke a tie in the third period Friday, bringing the San Jose Sharks a 3-2 victory over Columbus in their season opener in Stockholm, Sweden.
The Sharks and Blue Jackets, who will meet again Saturday in Stockholm, are two of the six NHL teams that traveled to Europe to start their seasons.
Couture scored on the power play with 9:45 remaining in the final period to get the Sharks off to a good start in their bid to repeat as Pacific Division champions. They lost in the Western Conference finals to Chicago in four games.
The other four goals were all scored in the first period, with Joe Thornton and Torrey Mitchell giving San Jose a 2-0 lead in the first 11 minutes.
Anton Stralman and R.J. Umberger produced the Columbus goals.
Antti Niemi, who was in goal for every Chicago playoff victory in a march to the Stanley Cup last season, made his San Jose debut and stopped 30 shots. Steve Mason made 25 saves for the Blue Jackets, who lost in the first game as Columbus coach for Scott Arniel.
