We've made it to Wachovia Arena, and I'm settled into press row enough to toss a couple of notes your way for tonight's game.

First for the Pens tonight. David Brown will start in goal for the WB tonight. John Curry is here, but recently arrived from Europe where he was the third goaltender for Pittsburgh. Adam Berkhoel, who Hershey lit up for eight goals on Sunday in the final preseason tune-up, is the back-up tonight.

For Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Joey Mormina, Reid Cashman, J-M Daoust, Jordan Morrison and Nick Johnson are scratches for tonight. The Bears scratch both Patrick and Grant McNeill, Darren Reid, Francois Bouchard, Andrew Joudrey, Maxime Lacroix and Greg Amadio.

As you might expect, the line of Giroux/Aucoin/Mink will skate together tonight both at five-on-five and on the power play. My interview with Bob Woods for tonight mentioned that this is a team that can roll four lines (ya think?) so expect everyone to get a fair shake for most of the game if things are going well. Bourque, Wilson and Gordon will anchor the second line tonight, with Laing, Beagle and Pinizzotto up next. Osala, Perreault and Dubuc will round it out.

Remember this year, the AHL mirrors the NHL in going with 18 skaters instead of 17.

Actual face-off time here is slated for 7:18 with all the pregame hype for opening night. They are debuting a new hi-def video system ON THE ICE that is really sweet. Very nice touch. They're testing it right now before the doors open.

During tonight's pregame, Bob Woods will be my guest as he always is, but I also have an interview during the pregame with Mark French. President/GM Doug Yingst will be my first intermission guest tonight live to talk about the offseason moves and expectations for the season.

There's only one other game in the AHL tonight, so the out-of-town scoreboard won't be too exciting tonight. Lowell is at Providence in the only other game.

Feel free to post comments here, I'll peruse them as the game goes along, and comment where I can. We're just over an hour from face-off, cheers for what we hope will be a fantastic season!