Another week of NHL action and we're still feeling giddy with the return of hockey to our regularly scheduled programming. If you haven't been lucky enough to indulge, we've got you covered. Here are the top five stories from this past week:
1. Habs, Bruins meet again
After a nasty series that ended with some choice words exchanged in the handshake line last spring, pretty much everyone had this game circled on the calendar. The Montreal Canadiens ended up chasing Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask to claim a 6-4 win in their home opener -- with Brendan Gallagher and P.A. Parenteau each scoring twice. And because it is the Boston-Montreal rivalry, the NHL is reviewing whether Milan Lucic made a vulgar gesture to fans late in the third period, according to a source. Recap »
• McDonald: Habs still have Rask's number »
• Source: Lucic gesture being reviewed »
2. Nashville to host 2016 All-Star Game
Very few complaints heard about the host city for the 2016 All-Star Game. The league is making it official Friday afternoon, but the fan-friendly event will be played at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville -- the first time the Predators have hosted the game. Pack your cowboy boots, folks. Story »
3. Dupuis leaves game on stretcher
A frightening scene in Pittsburgh Thursday night as well-respected Penguins veteran Pascal Dupuis was carted off the ice on a stretcher after getting cross checked in the back by Stars defenseman Alex Goligoski and hit in the neck or upper-back area by Kris Letang's shot from the point while he was down. Penguins coach Mike Johnston said after the game that Dupuis had some numbness in his arm that was going away. And he was reportedly on the ice Friday morning. Story »
• Stars' Seguin stuns Penguins at buzzer »
4. Isles remain unbeaten
The New York Islanders are the toast of the town in the Big Apple with a hot 4-0-0 start and the top spot in the Metropolitan Division. Thursday night's victory came in a shootout over the previously-unbeaten San Jose Sharks, when John Tavares beat Alex Stalock in the fifth round of the skills competition. It's just the third time in franchise history the Islanders have won their first four games of the season. Story »
• Burnside: Brock who? Nelson making mark »
• Watch: Isles, Sharks early surprises
5. Panthers' attendance woes
The situation appears dire in South Florida, with empty seats littering the Florida Panthers' home arena. The low point came Monday night when they had a crowd of 7,311 on hand to watch them play the Senators; their previous low mark for attendance was 10,063. Story »
• Panthers president says empty seats not acceptable »
Editor's picks
Hockey Today
Should NHL teams employ an enforcer? The debate continues to rage in 2014-15 as more teams choose to go without players who are there only to fight.
• The argument against enforcers
Watch: NHL expansion options
Seattle? Quebec City? Las Vegas? NHL stars weigh in on where they think the NHL should put a new franchise.
Watch: Barry's Best
Barry Melrose picks out the best players and teams through the first week of the NHL season.
• Watch: Coaches on the hot seat