Yes, there is hockey being played. Russia’s KHL was on ESPN this week, the puck has dropped on the college season, and the Providence Bruins play their home opener Friday.

But none of it is the National Hockey League, which would have begun Thursday night with a marquee matchup if not for the lockout. The Bruins were scheduled to open at the Flyers.

Enter video game maker Electronic Arts, which has filled a fraction of the void by simulating the season using its NHL ’13 game. The first week’s simulation report was released Thursday, including the Bruins opener.


Tyler Seguin had a goal and two assists, and Dennis Seidenberg scored the game-winner as the Bruins defeated the Flyers, 4-3, in the simulation. Goalie Tuukka Rask had an assist as well, on the Bruins’ first goal, scored by Mike Mottau.

Watch the Week 1 recap video EA provided above. More details on the first week simulation are on EA’s NHL 13 blog, including the Bruins’ second game, which would have been Saturday at New Jersey.