5 takeaways from a hectic Saturday in the NHL
Another Saturday, another wildly busy night across the NHL.
With 12 games spread across the schedule, there's plenty to unpack, so let's get started and take a look at five takeaways from Saturday's action.
Leafs ace huge test without Matthews
The Toronto Maple Leafs played their third consecutive game without their best player, taking a 4-1 decision over the Boston Bruins.
The victory was Toronto's fourth in a row overall, concluding a massive bounceback week after a disastrous road trip through California and St. Louis. With six points in the bank without Matthews, and an additional four days off until their next game, it appears the Maple Leafs have averted disaster in grand fashion.
Karlsson in a class of his own
(Photo Courtesy: Getty Images)
Perhaps it was because he was playing in his home country, or maybe it's just because he's superhuman, but Erik Karlsson continues to dazzle early in his 2017-18 season.
Karlsson recorded two assists in Saturday's win over Colorado in Sweden, and now paces all blue-liners with 16 assists - and now sits second in points for a defenseman - despite missing the first five games of the season.
DeBrincat shows he's worthy of a bigger role
The Chicago Blackhawks snapped two-game skid Saturday with an overtime victory in Carolina, thanks in large part to rookie Alex DeBrincat, who scored two goals and set up the game-winner.
DeBrincat now has 10 points in his first 17 NHL games, though is averaging more ice time than only four Blackhawks forwards. For a team that's been struggling to produce goals, maybe it's time to give the kid a chance.
Turris shines in Predators debut
(Photo Courtesy: Action Images)
If his debut was any indicator, it appears Kyle Turris will fit in just fine with the Nashville Predators.
In a Stanley Cup rematch against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Preds' new addition scored his first goal in his new digs and later added a primary assist. It was clear head coach Peter Laviolette trusts him as well, as Turris ranked second among all Nashville forwards with 21:38 time played.
Lindgren has yet another huge night
If it weren't for Charlie Lindgren, the loss of Carey Price would be a lot tougher to handle for Montreal Canadiens fans.
That's not to say there's a goalie controversy brewing once Price returns, but the rookie netminder has filled in more than admirably in his absence. Saturday's 34-save effort brought Lindgren to 3-1 in four starts with a save precentage of .964 and a 1.24 GAA.
Lindgren stole two points on a night where the Canadiens were outplayed by the basement-dwelling Sabres, so if it weren't for him, things could be a lot worse in Montreal.