DETROIT -- If this is a new era for the Detroit Red Wings, it began perfectly.

Left winger Justin Abdelkader got his second career hat trick and goalie Jimmy Howard stopped 22 shots for his 21st career shutout as the Red Wings beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-0 on Friday night at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit's season opener.

"Obviously getting the hat trick was special for me, but overall we played a great game. We didn't give them a whole lot," Abdelkader said. "We came out at the start right away which was good with the energy and we fed off the crowd."

It was the NHL debut of Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill, who beat former coach Mike Babcock, who signed an eight-year deal to coach Toronto on May 20, after 10 seasons as Detroit's coach.

"For me personally, it wasn't as much buildup as getting the first game of the season getting going a little bit. It's one of 82, it's extremely important because there's two points on the line," said Blashill, who was born in the Detroit suburb of Southfield and grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. "I said earlier today when the game started, it's pretty neat to have an opportunity to be the head coach of the team you grew up cheering for so I took a moment to certainly enjoy that but other than that it's been preparation as usual and I'm glad we got two points."

Forward Dylan Larkin -- in his NHL debut at the age of 19 -- had a goal and an assist for Detroit (1-0-0). Larkin is from the Detroit suburb of Waterford and is the first teenager to play for the Red Wings since Jiri Hudler (19) in 2003-04.

"I think just getting more comfortable. I think it was one game, just taking it to the next level, to 60 minutes," Larkin said. "I had a few rough shifts at the beginning of the game. I'm not going to pick at it by all means. It's a special night for me and I'm going to enjoy it for a little bit and then get ready for Carolina."

The Red wings play the Hurricanes on the road on Saturday night.

Captain and center Henrik Zetterberg had three assists.

Abdelkader, Larkin and Zetterberg made up the Red Wings top line.

"It's early. I love playing with Z (Zetterberg). I think we have great chemistry out there. Larks (Larkin) brings an element of speed, energy, hard on pucks, can really shoot, skate," Abdelkader said. "I think he showcased his skill set tonight. He's only going to get better. It's only one game. It's great to see."

Goalie Jonathan Bernier made six saves for Toronto (0-2-0) before being replaced by James Reimer after allowing Larkin's goal early in the second period. Reimer made 12 saves.

"We got down two and we give up a goal on the first shift of the second period. Obviously, that really sank us," Babcock said.

Detroit led 2-0 after the first period on Abdelkader's first two goals.

He opened the scoring with a power-play goal 1:15 into the game, 11 seconds after Toronto left winger Joffrey Lupul went off for hooking. Abdelkader put in the rebound of a shot off the goal post by right winger Johan Franzen.

Abdelkader's second goal came 8:20 into the first period. He beat Bernier with a turnaround forehand shot from the slot after taking a pass from Larkin, who got his first career goal just 20 seconds into the second period -- with the teams playing four-on-four -- to make it 3-0. Bernier was then replaced by Reimer.

Abdelkader completed his hat trick 3:54 into the second period. He beat Reimer with a wrist shot from the bottom of the right circle off a rush to make it 4-0.

"Just a matter of getting the feeling. When the other team scores a goal or two, how are we going to respond?" asked Toronto right winger Brad Boyes. "We can't be sagging our shoulders and hanging our heads."

NOTES: Rookie Dylan Larkin, a natural center, played the wing on the top line with Henrik Zetterberg at center and Justin Abdelkader on the other wing. ... Toronto was without D Stephane Robidas, who is on injured reserve with a knee injury. ... Detroit star C Pavel Datsyuk (recovering from ankle surgery in June) and D Dan DeKeyser (foot) are on injured reserve. Red Wings F Darren Helm didn't play because of a shoulder injury and concussion.