The Pittsburgh Penguins' social media team evidently had this one circled on the calendar.
Ahead of their second clash of the season with the division rival Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh's Twitter team totally burned the reigning Metropolitan Division champions Wednesday.
P.K. Subban endured the most tumultuous summer in his professional career - and cameras were there to capture it.
Subban shared a trailer Wednesday for his new documentary, which will guide viewers through the most talked about trade in league history - and its fallout - while providing a glimpse into one of the most polarizing and insightful players in the NHL.
"Skate Past the Noise" debuts Friday on HBO Canada.
In the subconscious of even the most measured hockey observer, the comparison is still drawn.
As No. 2 overall draft selection Patrik Laine rockets out to a 54-goal pace (that, if maintained, would see him mentioned in the same breath as "Rocket" Richard), Auston Matthews, the other super rookie chosen one rung ahead, is mired in a 10-game goalless drought.
It's fodder for Winnipeg Jets fans, who are feeling more than satisfied with the club's selection, and the formidable top line Laine's formed with emerging star Mark Scheifele and darting winger Nikolaj Ehlers. Conversely, it's forced fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs to appreciate the details in Matthews' game that completely validate his start.
And, of course, it has trolls trolling for Twitter impressions; because accepting the fact two teams filled their precise needs with players proving they can be dominant in distinct, unmistakably different roles within their team's structure is simply too much to ask.
Laine's start can't be spun; he's been magnificent. The Finn's scoring two goals for every three starts 18 games into his career in the top flight, trailing just Sidney Crosby and David Pastrnak. Overall, his production comes in at just below a point per game, and he's been well over that since hooking up with Scheifele. He has five power-play goals and seven points, helping restore last season's last-place unit back to respectability.
Laine's inflated shooting percentage (a go-to detail for Matthews' backers) can't last, but there's actually more reason to suggest there's room to evolve into a more dangerous, well-rounded attacking player. He's targeted just 25 shots at even strength, and produced a half scoring chance per game under that condition. His 1.86 even-strength points rate is sandwiched between Derek Dorsett and Matthews, who sits fractionally ahead.
The antithesis in terms of role and rate, Matthews' production has nose-dived since his record four-goal debut. His shot and chance creation rates, however, have remained. He leads the NHL in even-strength shots and scoring chances, and is tied for third in both categories when factoring in all situations. His 53 shots at 5-on-5 is more than double Laine's, and he's out-chanced the Jets sniper 26-6 at evens in two fewer games.
All this with the responsibilities of center ice, and rookies on his wings.
When the trends we've seen through the season's first six weeks level out, Matthews and Laine will continue to lift their franchises. Matthews will start to fill the net, while Laine will be more and more dangerous without the benefit of specialty teams. Laine will continue to score with a greater percentage of his shots in relation to the league average, while Matthews' impact on underlying team data will keep the Maple Leafs above the NHL standard.
More importantly, both teams can make legitimate runs at the postseason with their rookies driving positive results.
But because no league does contrived rivalries quite like the NHL, regardless of province, division, or conference, the peaks and valleys in their rookie seasons will be perceived as combinations thrown in their Calder Trophy fight.
The hardest shot landed so far was Laine's overtime winner and first career hat trick secured immediately after a Matthews breakaway miss in their only head-to-head meeting so far this season.
But there's no doubt his back will be off the ropes soon.
10) Russell Wilson - Thank you, Russell, for seeing that conference asymmetry is a problem in the NHL. The Seattle Seahawks quarterback announced he's partnered with Sonics Arena Group to help bring the NBA and NHL to the Pacific Northwest.
9) James van Riemsdyk - Scored his first hat trick with the Maple Leafs in his fifth season Tuesday versus Nashville.
8) Jacob Trouba - After a long holdout and rescinded trade request, Trouba is all in with Winnipeg. Or at least as close as possible, giving his willingness to block a Duncan Keith slap shot with his head.
7) NBC - McDavid vs. Matthews II has been added to the national broadcast schedule. Smart.
6) Morgan Rielly - With a four-point career night versus the Flyers, Rielly hit the century mark for points.
5) Vladimir Tarasenko - With a goal and seven points this week, Tarasenko has rejoined the top tier of NHL scorers after a postponed launch.
4) New Jersey Devils - Two wins over the Sabres and another over the Stars pushed New Jersey's win streak to five games, breaking into the top three in the Metro.
3) Nikita Kucherov - A league-leading four goals this week and a humiliating dig at the Islanders after the Lightning's win on Long Island. Or Brooklyn.
2) Connor Hellebuyck - The competition appears to have been won. Hellebuyck made 77 saves on 81 shots across three wins this week, including a shutout over Chicago.
1) The 2016 Hall of Fame Class - The wait was far too long, for all of them.
More Takes
1) Would Ben Bishop make the Jets a legitimate contender in the Western Conference? He hasn't been his typically brilliant self, and as we mentioned Hellebuyck is starting to find a rhythm in Winnipeg, but when considering the Jets' surplus of assets, there are worse gambles.
2) When's the last time more than one goaltender was nominated for the Hart Trophy? It's hard to pinpoint a skater that's been more valuable than Carey Price, Tuukka Rask, Corey Crawford, or even Sergei Bobrovsky this season.
3) Surely the NHLPA will pass on the softball Bettman apparently underhanded in. What would compel the large majority of players affected most by escrow to agree to the same structure so the players who make the most money can hit the Olympics?
The Tampa Bay Lightning will be without Steven Stamkos for an indefinite period of time after he suffered a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee, general manager Steve Yzerman announced Wednesday.
The injury was suffered during Tuesday's game in Detroit, after which Stamkos flew home for tests.
"Our understanding is that this issue can be repaired and he can get back to full speed. It just takes some time," Yzerman said, per Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times. "Obviously he's disappointed. He's going to work his rear end off and he'll be back as good as ever."
#tblightning should have better idea in coming days the best route to take w Stamkos (repair/rehab). Then they'll have clearer timeline
Stamkos signed an eight-year, $68-million contract extension with the club this past summer. He started the season in fine form, recording nine goals and 11 assists in 17 games, sitting one point back of the NHL lead.
The knee injury comes after Stamkos suffered a broken tibia that kept him out for most of the 2013-14 season, and a blood clot that forced him to miss all but one playoff game in 2016.
The NHL will welcome Las Vegas next June, and see an expansion draft that will help the 31st franchise form its initial roster.
As part of the expansion protocol, the team will select one player from each of the league's 30 current squads.
Teams can protect a group of players from the expansion pool - either seven forwards, three defensemen, and a goalie, or any combination of eight skaters plus a goalie - and those with no-movement clauses are exempt.
With that in mind, here are five players who could be available next June, and would make great picks for the inaugural season in Sin City:
Marc-Andre Fleury
The Pittsburgh Penguins goalie has a no-movement clause, but it may be in his best interest to waive it and join the expansion pool, given that the Penguins see netminder Matt Murray as their goaltender of the future. Accepting a move to Las Vegas guarantees Fleury a starting job, and it's not like the market doesn't have much else to offer.
Fleury has been a key cog in the Penguins' recent success, with two Stanley Cup rings to show for it. Though he wasn't a factor in last year's win - seeing just two games in the playoffs - he still won 35 games in the regular season. He's signed for the next two seasons, carrying a $5.75-million AAV.
Brown could provide the Las Vegas (something) Knights with veteran leadership and a winning pedigree, having led the Kings to Lord Stanley in 2012 and 2014. Still, there's no hiding that the 32-year-old is in decline, having averaged 28 points the past four seasons after regularly chipping in 50-plus. The Kings may have to sweeten the pot for Las Vegas to claim Brown and his hefty contract - he's signed for the next five seasons at a $5.875-million AAV.
Nail Yakupov
The St. Louis Blues will face a numbers game when it comes to protecting their key forwards from expansion, and that could make the enigmatic Nail Yakupov the odd man out.
The former first overall pick of the Edmonton Oilers had a strong debut with the Blues, scoring four points in six games, but has more recently been a frequent scratch by St. Louis coach Ken Hitchcock. Could Las Vegas take a shot at unlocking the potential of the former top pick? (Las Vegas is also guaranteed a top-six pick at the 2017 draft, so the possibility exists the team could make a first overall pick of its own.)
Jack Johnson
The Columbus Blue Jackets need two things: roster space and cap room. That's bad news for Jack Johnson, but good news for Las Vegas, which may roll the dice on the former third overall pick.
The 29-year-old Johnson has had a whirlwind career. Drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes, he made his NHL debut with the Kings in 2006. He's still looking to break out, and could be afforded that opportunity with Las Vegas. A smooth skating defender who plays a physical game and boasts offensive acumen, the tools are there for him to realize his potential. Johnson is signed for one more year, carrying a $4.357-million AAV.
Jimmy Howard
Two big-ticket goalies? It's possible, particularly considering the NHL's propensity for back-to-back games, in which goaltending becomes even more crucial. When selecting its group of players, Las Vegas must reach at least 60 percent of the 2015-16 salary cap ($73 million), as well. Howard's $5.292-million AAV is a big help in that regard.
After a rough 2015-16, Howard, who's signed for the next two seasons, appears to have bounced back, showcasing a .943 save percentage through eight games. He's performed well, but there's no doubting that the Detroit Red Wings want to move forward with young netminder Petr Mrazek.
The NHL's most outspoken agent isn't fond of the league's latest offer to the players.
Allan Walsh lashed out against the league for offering to extend the CBA in exchange for the players' participation in the 2018 Olympic Games.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported Wednesday that the NHL tabled the offer on the same day officials from the league, the union, the IIHF, and several international hockey federations met in New York to discuss Olympic participation.
The NHLPA reportedly has an offer on the table from the league that, if accepted, could confirm their participation in the 2018 Olympics.
In exchange for the league's blessing, the players' union would agree to extend the NHL's collective bargaining agreement, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports.
NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr did not deny the report, according to TSN's Frank Seravalli, adding that he's already started talking to players about the offer, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.
Both parties met with the IIHF and several hockey federations Wednesday in New York to discuss Olympic participation.
Despite the offer, IIHF president Rene Fasel said he's not leaving the meeting optimistic.
The current CBA expires Sept. 15, 2022, with a potential opt-out in 2020 that would have to be submitted by Sept. 1, 2019.
A similar scenario played out before the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, Japan, the first time NHL players took part in the Games. The two sides agreed to extend that CBA to ensure participation and labor peace through the tournament.
Another CBA extension took place when expansion teams in Atlanta, Columbus, Minnesota, and Nashville were entering the league, because the NHL didn't want to disrupt their arrival.
The Florida Panthers backup goaltender will start versus his former club Thursday night at the Air Canada Centre, Panthers head coach Gerard Gallant told reporters, including ESPN's Pierre LeBrun.
Roberto Luongo got the start last month when the Panthers made their first visit to Toronto this season, and the Leafs chose not to honor Reimer in his return to the city.
Reimer played parts of six seasons with the Leafs starting in 2010-11. He was dealt to the San Jose Sharks before the 2016 trade deadline and signed with the Panthers as a free agent July 1.
The 28-year-old has the second-highest save percentage in Leafs' franchise history and ranks 10th all time in career wins among Toronto netminders.
Since joining the NHL in 2000, the one-time expansion franchise has qualified for the postseason just twice in 15 seasons, leaving it with the appearance of that of a laughingstock.
The team's current regime, led by GM Jarmo Kekalainen, with the team since 2013, and coach John Tortorella, joining in 2015, is set on changing that viewpoint.
"I think there is a different attitude in the room. Our whole thought process going into camp was just trying to take it each day at a time and not talk about anything except just trying to gain some respect in this league, and you do that by doing it one day at a time," Tortorella told reporters following the team's 2-1 overtime win over the Washington Capitals.
"It's an identity win. It's a step in the right direction for your culture. We're always analytic about our team, but tonight's a good win for (our players). They should feel really good about themselves."
Already with five wins in November, including a 10-0 stomping of the Montreal Canadiens, the Blue Jackets have an 8-4-2 record through 14 games, and sit just two points shy of a playoff position. The team will look to continue its winning ways Friday against the New York Rangers.
