Reimer’s first win of season trumps first goals from Crosby, Malkin

On a night of firsts, Toronto Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer‘s first start and victory of the 2013 season stole the show.

Wednesday marked the Pittsburgh Penguins’ home opener at Consol Energy Center and Sidney Crosby‘s and Evgeni Malkin‘s first goal of the season, yet the Leafs won comfortably 5-2.

The 24-year-old netminder gave up his other goal when Crosby set up Malkin, 26, for his initial goal of 2013:

Reimer was then put in an unenviable position during Sid the Kid’s tally, as the famous 25-year-old burned the Buds on this semi-breakaway:

Still, from that point on early in the second period, Reimer didn’t allow another goal. Overall, he stopped 28 out of 30 shots for the victory.

It’ll be interesting to see how much of an impact this night makes on his goalie battle with Ben Scrivens. Reimer’s 26-year-old rival has a good chance of playing Toronto’s next game for the simple reason that it’s a quick turnaround as they host the New York Islanders on Thursday.

The real star of the game was James Van Riemsdyk, by the way, as his three-point night propelled the Leafs to a surprise victory. That two-goal, one-assist night fittingly represented his first points of 2013.

So, to be fair to everyone involved, the full highlights are available below: