5 photos you need to see from Saturday's action
There were 13 games on Saturday's schedule, and no shortage of drama around the NHL.
Here are five of the best photos with a brief setting of the scene for each.
1. McDavid's lament
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
The Edmonton Oilers fell hard to the Dallas Stars in an afternoon tilt, a game in which superstar center Connor McDavid's performance was a mixed bag.
He recorded a goal, two assists, and three shots in 17:42 of ice time, but finished with a minus-2 rating, and his line was on the ice for more shot attempts against than for.
In fairness, one man can only do so much, and he's clearly not the problem in Edmonton.
2. Original 6
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Prior to puck drop in Montreal, the NHL honored its Original Six franchises by having (from left to right) Dave Keon, Ray Bourque, Denis Savard, Yvan Cournoyer, Frank Mahovlich, and Rod Gilbert participate in a ceremonial puck drop.
To please the home crowd, Savard and Mahovlich ditched their respective Chicago and Detroit jerseys in favor of their old Canadiens colors.
3. Ovi down
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
A scary scene unfolded in Washington as Capitals franchise winger Alex Ovechkin crumpled to the ice after taking a puck to the face.
Ovechkin bled quite profusely and was forced to leave the game for medical attention, but was able to return for the third period.
4. Crawford appears to escape injury
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford briefly exited an eventual win over the Pittsburgh Penguins after getting knocked in the head by Evgeni Malkin.
Malkin was penalized for goalie interference. Crawford quickly returned to the crease after being checked by team doctors in the locker room.
5. Auston's all smiles
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Sidelined for four games with an upper-body injury, Auston Matthews made his return to the Toronto Maple Leafs' lineup Saturday, and scored his team's fifth and sixth goals of the night in a romp over the Canadiens.
He now has 12 goals in 17 games, and sits in a tie for the NHL's fourth-highest goal total (12) despite the time missed.