5 takeaways from Saturday's 14-game slate
Saturday offered a jam-packed 14-game schedule across the NHL, and there was surely no shortage of action.
Streaks were snapped, and milestones were reached, but without wasting too much time, let's dissect what we can take away from the busy slate of games.
The Flyers can light the lamp
The Flyers couldn't wait to get back to Philly, as they thumped the Washington Capitals 8-2 in their home opener coming off a Western swing to start the season.
The Flyers have scored at least five goals in three of five games and have received positive contributions from star players Jakub Voracek (nine assists) and Claude Giroux (three goals, four assists), both of whom are looking to rebound from poor outputs a season ago.
Crosby owns the Panthers again
Sidney Crosby tipped home two goals Saturday against Florida, continuing a rather ridiculous trend for his career.
Sidney Crosby of the @penguins has collected 23-24—47 in 36 career games vs. FLA (1.31 PPG). #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/5xRW8lIJjw
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) October 15, 2017
Unfortunately for the Panthers, Crosby's in town for another matchup on Friday.
The Senators are still pesky
The Senators must absolutely love being doubted. After many believed Ottawa couldn't repeat last season's success, the Sens promptly went to western Canada and won three games in five nights, resulting in an overall record of 3-0-2.
Ottawa capped the road trip with a 6-1 drubbing of the listless Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night, and have managed to capture eight of a possible 10 points without captain Erik Karlsson - who could be back as soon as Tuesday.
Hellebuyck is No. 1?
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
The Winnipeg Jets have won three games in a row thanks in large part to Connor Hellebuyck taking over the crease. He backstopped the club to a 2-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday.
In his trio of starts since earning the nod over Steve Mason, Hellebuyck has posted a save percentage of .951 and has yet to allow more than two goals in a game. It's safe to assume he'll be Paul Maurice's go-to guy for the immediate future at the very least.
Butcher shining for 1st-place Devils
Early returns indicate the New Jersey Devils won big by luring defenseman Will Butcher out of Denver University.
The reigning Hobey Baker winner registered two assists in Saturday's win over the New York Rangers, bringing him to eight on the season and five in his last three games for the Metropolitan-leading Devils.