McDavid, Simmonds, Pietrangelo named our 'Three Stars of the Night'

The Neutral Zone hockey blog has named Connor McDavid, Wayne Simmonds, and Alex Pietrangelo as their 'Three Stars of the Night' for all NHL games that took place on October 4, 2017.

FIRST STAR - CONNOR McDAVID, F, EDMONTON OILERS

McDavid recorded the first opening-night hat trick in Oilers franchise history. He is second in NHL’s modern era (since 1943-44) with a natural hat trick in a season opener (Radim Vrbata on Oct. 3, 2013).

SECOND STAR, WAYNE SIMMONDS, F, PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

Simmonds recorded the first opening-night hat trick in Flyers franchise history.

THIRD STAR - ALEX PIETRANGELO, F, ST. LOUIS BLUES

Pietrangelo scored his 3rd career regular-season OT goal to tie the Blues record by a defenseman.

Oilers sign McDavid to 8-year, $100M extension

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid signed an eight-year, $100 million contract extension on Wednesday, the team announced.

The deal, which will begin in 2018-19, will carry an annual cap hit of $12.5 million. That total bests the top annual salary of $10.5 million held by Chicago Blackhawks stars Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, as well as Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price.

McDavid's deal is the fourth richest in league history in terms of dollars, trailing only Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin ($124 million), Canadiens defenseman Shea Weber ($110 million) and Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby ($104.4 million). Eight years is the maximum term allowed under the current collective bargaining agreement.

"I'm so excited to wear the Oilers jersey for the next nine years," McDavid said Wednesday. "I'm in it for the long haul. I want to win here."

McDavid concluded a career year in 2016-17 by capturing the Art Ross Trophy as the league's leading scorer, the Hart Trophy as the NHL's MVP and the Ted Lindsay Award as the league's most outstanding player in the regular season as judged by the members of the NHL Players Association.

The 20-year-old center led the league in assists (70) and points (100) during the regular season. His 27 power-play points, six game-winning goals and 21:07 average ice time were tops on his team.

McDavid added five goals and four assists in 13 playoff games as upstart Edmonton advanced to the second round before getting ousted in seven games by the Pacific Division champion Anaheim Ducks.

McDavid has collected 46 goals, 102 assists and 44 penalty minutes in 127 career contests since being selected by Edmonton with the first overall pick of the 2015 NHL draft.

The Ontario native has represented his native Canada in four international competitions, with a nine-point performance (one goal, eight assists) in 10 games coming during his team's gold medal-winning effort at the 2016 World Hockey Championship. He also represented Canada at the 2015 World Junior Hockey Championship, the 2014 World Junior Hockey Championship and the 2013 U18 World Hockey Championship.

2017 NHL Awards roundup

Ten awards were given out Wednesday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Check out all the winners and highlights from the ceremony.

Connor McDavid wins Hart Trophy

Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers won the Hart Trophy as NHL most valuable player at the 2017 NHL Awards and NHL Expansion Draft presented by T-Mobile in Las Vegas on Wednesday. 

The 20-year-old center is the third-youngest player in League history to win the Hart. Wayne Gretzky (1980) and Sidney Crosby (2007) each won the award at age 19. The other finalists were Crosby and Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.

100-point man @cmcdavid97 of the @EdmontonOilers has a Hart Trophy to go along with the Art Ross. #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/KZKYaGxax7

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 22, 2017

Sergei Bobrovsky wins Vezina Trophy

Sergei Bobrovsky of the Columbus Blue Jackets won the Vezina Trophy as best goaltender in the NHL at the 2017 NHL Awards and NHL Expansion Draft presented by T-Mobile in Las Vegas on Wednesday. 

Bobrovsky, 28, is the only Russia-born goalie to win the Vezina more than once; he also won with the Blue Jackets in 2013. The other finalists were Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby, who won it last year.

For the second time in his career, Sergei Bobrovsky of @BlueJacketsNHL is the Vezina Trophy winner. #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/Xf4UYPQRMx

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 22, 2017

Johnny Gaudreau wins Lady Byng

Johnny Gaudreau of the Calgary Flames won the Lady Byng Trophy at the 2017 NHL Awards and NHL Expansion Draft presented by T-Mobile in Las Vegas on Wednesday.

The Lady Byng is awarded annually to the player who best combines sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct and ability. The other finalists were Minnesota Wild forward Mikael Granlund and St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko.

Johnny Gaudreau (@johngaudreau03) of the @NHLFlames has been awarded the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy. #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/XJ6SIDVOEu

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 22, 2017

Craig Anderson wins Masterton Trophy

Goalie Craig Anderson of the Ottawa Senators received the Masterton Trophy at the 2017 NHL Awards and NHL Expansion Draft presented by T-Mobile in Las Vegas on Wednesday. 

The award is given to the player who exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. The other finalists were Anaheim Ducks forward Andrew Cogliano and Carolina Hurricanes forward Derek Ryan.

John Tortorella wins Jack Adams

John Tortorella of the Columbus Blue Jackets won the Jack Adams Award as best coach in the NHL at the 2017 NHL Awards and NHL Expansion Draft presented by T-Mobile in Las Vegas on Wednesday. 

Tortorella, who turns 59 on Saturday, also won the Jack Adams with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004. The other finalists were Mike Babcock of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Todd McLellan of the Edmonton Oilers.

John Tortorella of @BlueJacketsNHL is first multiple winner of the Jack Adams Award since Pat Burns won his third in 1997-98. #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/C4gwyLQRTx

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 22, 2017

David Poile wins General Manager of the Year

David Poile of the Nashville Predators won General Manager of the Year at the 2017 NHL Awards and NHL Expansion Draft presented by T-Mobile in Las Vegas on Wednesday. 

Voting was conducted among general managers, a panel of League executives and print and broadcast media following the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The other finalists were Pierre Dorion of the Ottawa Senators and Peter Chiarelli of the Edmonton Oilers.

Auston Matthews wins Calder Trophy

Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs won the Calder Trophy as the top rookie in the NHL at the 2017 NHL Awards and NHL Expansion Draft presented by T-Mobile in Las Vegas on Wednesday. 

Matthews, the No. 1 pick by the Maple Leafs in the 2016 NHL Draft, is the 10th player in Toronto history to win the Calder Trophy, first since Brit Selby in 1966. The 19-year-old center is the first United States-born player to win the Calder since defenseman Tyler Myers in 2010 with the Buffalo Sabres.

The Calder Trophy goes to @AM34 of the @MapleLeafs, who led all first-year players with 40 goals and 69 points. #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/LzRa9SCUXy

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 22, 2017

Brent Burns wins Norris Trophy 

Brent Burns of the San Jose Sharks won the Norris Trophy as the top defenseman in the NHL at the 2017 NHL Awards and NHL Expansion Draft presented by T-Mobile in Las Vegas on Wednesday. 

It is the first Norris for Burns, 32, who finished third in voting for the trophy last season. He is the first Sharks player to receive the honor. The other finalists were Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators and Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Norris Trophy goes to @Burnzie88 of the @SanJoseSharks. #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/JHdbcjd33N

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 22, 2017

Patrice Bergeron wins Selke Trophy

Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins won the Selke Trophy as best defensive forward in the NHL at the 2017 NHL Awards and NHL Expansion Draft presented by T-Mobile in Las Vegas on Wednesday.

Bergeron, 31, who also received the honor in 2012, 2014 and 2015, joins Hockey Hall of Famer Bob Gainey as the only players to win the Selke four times. The other finalists were Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Kesler and Minnesota Wild forward Mikko Koivu.

Patrice Bergeron (@NHLBruins) has won the Frank J. Selke Trophy -- the fourth time he has been awarded the trophy. #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/6BhUQdP84z

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 22, 2017

Connor McDavid wins Ted Lindsay Award

Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers won the Ted Lindsay Award, given annually to the most outstanding player in the NHL as voted by members of the NHL Players' Association, at the 2017 NHL Awards and NHL Expansion Draft presented by T-Mobile in Las Vegas on Wednesday.

McDavid, 20, led the NHL with 100 points (30 goals, 70 assists) this season and helped the Oilers reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2006. They were defeated by the Anaheim Ducks in seven games in the Western Conference Second Round.

Nick Foligno, Travis Hamonic honored

On Tuesday, three awards were presented, with New York Islanders defenseman Travis Hamonic receiving the NHL Foundation Player Award, and Columbus Blue Jackets forward Nick Foligno winning the King Clancy Trophy and the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award.

Radulov, McDavid/Kassian, Crosby named our 'Three Stars of the Night'

NEW YORK -- UNB! Network NHL/hockey blog "The Neutral Zone" has named Alexander Radulov, the duo of Connor McDavid and Zack Kassian, and Sidney Crosby as their "Three Stars of the Night" for all NHL playoff games that took place on April 14, 2017.

FIRST STAR - ALEXANDER RADULOV, F, MONTREAL CANADIENS

Radulov (1-2—3) scored at 18:34 of overtime as the Canadiens evened their series at 1-1. Radulov scored his first career overtime goal in the postseason and notched his first career three-point playoff game.

SECOND STAR(S) - CONNOR McDAVID AND ZACK KASSIAN, Fs, EDMONTON OILERS

McDavid and Kassian each scored shorthanded goals as the Oilers evened their series. McDavid (20y, 91d) is youngest Oilers player to score in the postseason since M. Gelinas (19y, 319d) in Game 2 of 1990 DF.

THIRD STAR - SIDNEY CROSBY, F, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Crosby (1-2—3) posted his 11th career three-point playoff game to lead the Penguins to a 2-0 series lead.

McDavid, Crosby, Holtby earn regular-season trophies

NEW YORK -- The 2016-17 National Hockey League regular season concluded on Sunday with Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid capturing his first career Art Ross Trophy as the League's scoring champion, Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby claiming his second career Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy as the NHL's goal-scoring leader and Braden Holtby of the Washington Capitals winning his first career William M. Jennings Trophy as the goaltender who plays at least 25 games for the club allowing the fewest goals.

McDavid finished the season with a League-leading 100 points (and 70 assists) in 82 games, besting Crosby (44-45-89 in 75 GP) and Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (34-55-89 in 82 GP) for his first career Art Ross Trophy. McDavid registered at least one point in 59 of his 82 appearances (72.0%), highlighted by a career-high, 14-game point streak to close the season (7-18-25) - the longest by any NHL player in 2016-17 and longest by any Oilers player since 1987-88. He also posted a League-best 30 multi-point performances, including his first career hat trick Nov. 19 at DAL. At 20 years, 86 days, McDavid became the third-youngest player to win the Art Ross Trophy, behind only Crosby (19 years, 244 days in 2006-07) and Wayne Gretzky (20 years, 69 days in 1980-81). He also became the second Oilers player to claim the award and first since Gretzky won seven straight from 1980-81 through 1986-87.

Crosby scored a League-high 44 goals in 75 games to capture his second career Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy, adding to the one he shared with Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos in 2009-10. Crosby - who finished ahead of Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (40 G in 74 GP) and Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (40 G in 82 GP) for the award - recorded eight multi-goal performances, highlighted by his 10th career hat trick March 19 vs. FLA. He became the fifth multiple winner of the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy since it was first handed out in 1998-99, joining Alex Ovechkin (6), Pavel Bure (2), Jarome Iginla (2) and Stamkos (2).

Holtby saw the most action on a Capitals team that allowed a League-low 182 goals, 13 fewer than the Columbus Blue Jackets. The reigning Vezina Trophy winner claimed his first career William M. Jennings Trophy as well as the second in franchise history, following the tandem of Al Jensen and Pat Riggin in 1983-84. Holtby - who yielded two or fewer goals in 42 of his 63 appearances (66.7%) - finished the campaign tied for the League lead in wins (42), while also ranking in the top five in shutouts (1st; 9), goals-against average (2nd; 2.07) and save percentage (4th; .925). He became the third goaltender in NHL history to post three consecutive 40-win seasons, joining Martin Brodeur (2005 08) and Evgeni Nabokov (2007-10).

McDavid's point streak keeps him atop NHL scoring race

With three points (1G, 2A) against Anaheim on Apr. 1, Connor McDavid is now on a career-high 10-game scoring streak (6G, 12A, 18PTS). He has posted six multi-point efforts in that 10-game span, three of which were three-point games.

He now has a seven point lead in the NHL scoring race, with 94 points (29G, 65A) in 78 games, ahead of Patrick Kane (CHI). McDavid has led the league in scoring at some point in all four months of the 2016-17 season. He has led or co-led the NHL in scoring since Nov. 22, 2016.

The native of Newmarket, ON, leads all Oilers forwards in average time on ice (21:12) and ranks 4 among forwards in the NHL. He set a season high for ice-time vs. Pittsburgh (26:53) on Mar. 10, 2017.

McDavid also now has 28 multi-point games this season, the most in the NHL, three more than Sidney Crosby (PIT) and Patrick Kane (CHI). McDavid has had three points in a game on 11 occasions.

Through 123 career NHL games, McDavid has never gone three games without a point.

Stalock, McDavid, Byfuglien named our 'Three Stars of the Night'

NEW YORK – UNB! Network NHL/hockey blog 'The Neutral Zone' has named Alex Stalock, Connor McDavid, and Dustin Byfuglien their 'Theee Stars of the Night' for the National Hockey League games taking place on March 30, 2017.

FIRST STAR - ALEX STALOCK, G, MINNESOTA WILD

Stalock made 18 saves to earn a win in his team debut and help the Wild (45-24-8, 98 points) snap a four-game slide (0-2-2).

SECOND STAR - CONNOR McDAVID, F, EDMONTON OILERS

McDavid extended his point streak to nine games (5-11—16) and leads the League with 28-63—91 this season. McDavid is the first Oilers player to record 91 or more points in a season since Doug Weight in 1995-96 (25-79—104).

THIRD STAR - DUSTIN BYFUGLIEN, F/D, WINNIPEG JETS

Byfuglien tied the game with 0:12 left in regulation and assisted on the OT winner to lead the Jets to their third consecutive win.

Burns, Bobrovsky, McDavid named our 'Three Stars of the Night'

NEW YORK – UNB! Network NHL/hockey blog 'The Neutral Zone' has named Brent Burns, Sergey Bobrovsky, and Connor McDavid as their 'Theee Stars of the Night' for the National Hockey League games taking place on March 28, 2017.

FIRST STAR - BRENT BURNS, D, SAN JOSE SHARKS

Burns (GWG) scored his 28th goal of the
season, establishing a new Sharks single-season franchise record by a defenseman, helping the Sharks clinch a playoff berth.

SECOND STAR - SERGEY BOBROVSKY, G, COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

Bobrovsky made 39 saves to earn his NHL-leading 41st victory and extend his point streak to 12 games (10-0-2).

THIRD STAR - CONNOR McDAVID, F, EDMONTON OILERS

McDavid opened the scoring for the Oilers to extend his point streak to 8 games. (4-10—14).

Kucherov, Crawford, McDavid named our 'Three Stars of the Night'

NEW YORK – UNB! Network NHL/hockey blog 'The Neutral Zone' has named Nikita Kucherov, Corey Crawford, and Connor McDavid as their 'Theee Stars of the Night' for the National Hockey League games taking place on March 23, 2017.

FIRST STAR - NIKITA KUCHEROV, D, TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

Kucherov scored a hat trick last night. He has posted 16-11—27 since Feb. 21 to move from a share of 23rd to 6th in NHL scoring.

SECOND STAR - COREY CRAWFORD, G, CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS

Crawford (42 saves) reached the 30-win mark for the 6th time in his career as the Blackhawks opened an 8-point lead atop the West.

THIRD STAR - CONNOR McDAVID, F, EDMONTON OILERS

McDavid (0-2—2) extended his point streak to six games (3-9—12) to increase his NHL leads in both assists (61) and points (87).

Talbot, McDavid, Lehtonen named our 'Three Stars of the Night'

NEW YORK – UNB! Network NHL/hockey blog 'The Neutral Zone' has named Cam Talbot, Connor McDavid, and Kari Lehtonen as their 'Theee Stars of the Night' for the National Hockey League games taking place on March 20, 2017.

FIRST STAR - CAM TALBOT, G, EDMONTON OILERS

Talbot posted his second straight shutout and seventh of the season to backstop the Oilers to their fourth consecutive win. Talbot is now the first,Oilers goaltender to register seven shutouts in a season since Tommy Salo (8) in 2000-01.

SECOND STAR - CONNOR McDAVID, F, EDMONTON OILERS

McDavid collected two assists and leads the NHL with 25-57—82 this season (72 GP).

THIRD STAR - KARI LEHTONEN, G, DALLAS STARS

Lehtonen made 30 saves to register the 36th shutout of his NHL career and backstop the Stars to a 1-0 victory.

Kane, Price, McDavid named our 'Three Stars of the Night'

NEW YORK – UNB! Network NHL/hockey blog 'The Neutral Zone' has named Patrick Kane, Carey Price, and Connor McDavid as their 'Theee Stars of the Night' for the National Hockey League games taking place on March 4, 2017.

FIRST STAR - PATRICK KANE, F, CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS

Kane scored twice to propel the Blackhawks past the Wild for first place in the Western Conference. Kane has scored multiple points in 8 of 13 GP since Feb. for the West-leading Blackhawks, to pace all players with 14-7—21 in that span.

SECOND STAR - CAREY PRICE, G, MONTREAL CANADIENS

Price backstopped the Canadiens and improved to 15-5-1 in 22 career regular-season games against the Rangers, including eight straight wins.

THIRD STAR - CONNOR McDAVID, F, EDMONTON OILERS

McDavid (1-1—2) extended his point streak to 5 games (2-5—7) as the Oilers opened an eight-game homestand with a victory.

McDavid, Atkinson, Chara named our 'Three Stars of the Night'

NEW YORK -- UNB! Network NHL/hockey blog 'The Neutral Zone' has named Connor McDavid, Cam Atkinson, and Zdeno Chara as their 'Theee Stars of the Night' for the National Hockey League games taking place on February 26, 2017.

FIRST STAR - CONNOR McDAVID, F, EDMONTON OILERS

McDavid scored to become the first player to reach the 70-point mark this season (21-49—70).

SECOND STAR - CAM ATKINSON, F, COLUMBU BLUE JACKETS

Atkinson of the scored his 28th goal of 2016-17 (60 GP) to eclipse his career high of 27 from 2015-16 (81 GP). Cam Atkinson and Alexander Wennberg each scored twice to help the Blue Jackets improve to 4-1-0 in their last five games.

THIRD STAR - ZDENO CHARA, D, BOSTON BRUINS

Chara (127-291—418) collected an assist to pass Brad Park (100-317—417) for third on the Bruins all-time points list among defensemen.

Patrik Laine leads 'Three Stars of the Week'

NEW YORK -- Winnipeg Jets right wing Patrik Laine, Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri and Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid have been named the NHL's "Three Stars" for the week ending Feb. 19.

FIRST STAR - PATRIK LAINE, RW, WINNIPEG JETS

Laine led the NHL with five goals and eight points in four games to propel the Jets (28-29-5, 61 points) to seven out of a possible eight standings points. He recorded his third career hat trick, including the winning goal, in a 5-2 triumph over the Dallas Stars Feb. 14. In doing so, Laine became the first player in NHL history to register three hat tricks before his 19th birthday as well as the first rookie to collect three hat tricks in one season since 1992-93. He scored again in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins Feb. 16. Laine then finished the week with consecutive multi-point efforts, notching 1-1-2 in a 3-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens Feb. 18 and two assists in a 3-2 win against the Ottawa Senators Feb. 19. The 18-year-old Tampere, Finland, native paces rookies with 52 points in 54 games this season and also shares third place in the entire NHL - as well as the rookie lead - with 28 goals.

SECOND STAR - NAZEM KADRI, C, TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

Kadri picked up points in each of his four games, totaling 4-2-6 to lift the Maple Leafs (27-20-11, 65 points) to a split of their four contests. He recorded 1-1-2, including the decisive goal, in a 7-1 victory over the New York Islanders Feb. 14. Kadri then scored twice, his fifth multi-goal outing of the season, in a 5-2 defeat to the Columbus Blue Jackets Feb. 15. He closed the week with one goal in a 6-3 loss to the Ottawa Senators Feb. 18 and one assist in a 4-0 triumph over the Carolina Hurricanes Feb. 19. The 26-year-old London, Ont., native already has established a career high with 24 goals in 58 appearances this season, while his 46 points are four shy of his personal best set in 2013-14 (20-30-50 in 78 GP).

THIRD STAR - CONNOR McDAVID, C, EDMONTON OILERS

McDavid continued his quest for the Art Ross Trophy, racking up 2-4-6 in three games to guide the Oilers (32-19-8, 72 points) to three straight wins. He began the week with two assists in a 5-2 victory over the Arizona Coyotes Feb. 14. McDavid then posted 1-2-3, his eighth three-point performance of the campaign, in a 6-3 triumph against the Philadelphia Flyers Feb. 16. He capped the week by scoring his 20th goal of 2016-17 in a 3-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks Feb. 18. The 20-year-old Richmond Hill, Ont., native paces the NHL with 47 assists and 67 points in 59 games this season.

- NHL Publuc Relations

Crosby, McDavid, Condon named our 'Three Stars of the Night'

NEW YORK -- UNB! Network NHL/hockey blog 'The Neutral Zone' has named Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and Mike Condon as their 'Theee Stars of the Night' for the National Hockey League games taking place on February 16, 2017.

FIRST STAR - SIDNEY CROSBY, F, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Crosby tallied his 1,000th NHL point (757 GP), becoming the fastest active player to reach the milestone – 6 GP fewer than Jagr (763). Crosby became the 86th player to record 1,000 NHL points and the 3rd to hit the mark this season, following Alex Ovechkin and Henrik Sedin. Crosby (29 years, 193 days) became the second-youngest active player at the time of his 1,000th NHL point, behind Jagr (28 years, 319 days). Crosby (1-2—3) also scored in overtime to record his 118th career game with 3+ points as he eclipsed the 1,000-point milestone.

SECOND STAR - CONNOR McDAVID, F, EDMONTON OILERS

McDavid notched his League-leading 8th three-point game to move the Oilers within 4 points of Pacific Division lead.

THIRD STAR - MIKE CONDON, G, OTTAWA SENATORS

Condon made 21 saves to register his fifth shutout of the season, tying him with Devan Dubnyk for fourth-most in the NHL.

McDavid, Matthews, Luongo named 'Three Stars'

NEW YORK - Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid, Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews and Florida Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo have been named the NHL's "Three Stars" for the week ending Oct. 16.

FIRST STAR - CONNOR McDAVID, C, EDMONTON OILERS

McDavid tied for the League lead in points with 3-3-6 in three games as the Oilers (2-1-0, 4 points) opened the season with a pair of victories. In his first regular-season game as Oilers captain, McDavid helped open Rogers Place by notching two goals, including the game-winner, and adding one assist in a 7-4 victory over the Calgary Flames. He tallied 1-2-3 two nights later in a 5-3 win over the Flames in Calgary on Oct. 14. McDavid was held pointless in a 6-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Oct. 16. In his second season with the Oilers, the 19-year-old Newmarket, Ont., native has appeared in 48 career games posting 54 points (19-35-54).

SECOND STAR - AUSTON MATTHEWS, C, TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

Matthews tied for the League lead with four goals as the Maple Leafs gained three of a possible four points for the week. Matthews became the first player in the modern era to record four goals in his NHL debut, a 5-4 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators on Oct. 12. In his home debut, Matthews was held off the scoresheet as Toronto defeated the Boston Bruins 4-1 on Oct. 15. The 19-year-old San Ramon, Calif., native was the first overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft after playing the 2015-16 season for Zurich in Switzerland's top professional league where he recorded 46 points
(24-22-46) in 36 games played.

THIRD STAR - ROBERTO LUONGO, G, FLORIDA PANTHERS

Luongo went 2-0-0 with a 0.98 goals-against average and .957 save percentage to lead the Panthers to a pair of season opening wins. Luongo opened the week on Oct. 13 by making 23 saves in a 2-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils. On Oct. 15, he made 21 saves against the Detroit Red Wings to record his 438th career win, good for sixth on the all-time wins list, one ahead of Jacques Plante (437). In his 17th NHL season, the 36-year-old Montreal, Que., native, who began his career with the Islanders (7 wins), is the franchise wins leader for both the Canucks (252) and Panthers (179).

Oilers' McDavid will return to lineup tonight against Blue Jackets

Connor McDavid

"The Neutral Zone" Staff Report

Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid will return to the lineup against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday after missing 37 games with a fractured clavicle. 

McDavid, 19, sustained the injury on November 3 against the Philadelphia Flyers, crashing into the end boards on a shorthanded rush.

"It's exciting, I'm excited to play again," McDavid said following practice Monday. "Anxious is probably a better word [than nervous], it feels like my first game all over again. I'm just looking forward to it." 

League-Wide Notebook: McDavid practices; Palat may return; Boychuk on IR

"The Neutral Zone" League-Wide Report

McDavid practices with Oilers: Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid participated in practice Friday for the first time since fracturing his left clavicle on Nov. 3.

McDavid, the No. 1 selection in the 2015 NHL Draft, took part in a number of light drills with the Oilers. Edmonton hosts the Arizona Coyotes at Rexall Place on Saturday (4 p.m., ET; SNW).

"It feels good, it's good to feel normal again and be out there with them," McDavid said. "Obviously, it was a little lighter practice getting ready for tomorrow's game, but it was still a lot of fun being out there with them."

McDavid, 18, sustained the injury in a 4-2 win against the Philadelphia Flyers. He lost an edge on a shorthanded rush and crashed into the end boards along with two Flyers defensemen.

Palat could return for Lightning against Wild: Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Ondrej Palat on Friday told The Tampa Tribune he feels ready to return from an ankle injury but will wait to see how he feels before playing Saturday against the Minnesota Wild.

Palat, who has two goals and five assists in 18 games this season, has been sidelined since re-aggravating his injury Dec. 12 against the Washington Capitals. He was injured Nov. 7 against the Wild and was out until Dec. 10 against the Ottawa Senators.

Islanders defenseman Boychuk on injured reserve: New York Islanders defenseman Johnny Boychuk has been placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury.

Boychuk left a 2-1 win against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday after hitting the boards shoulder-first with 4:27 remaining and did not return. A time frame will not be released until he sees doctors next week, according to tweets from the Islanders.

"It could’ve been a lot worse, his neck or his head ...," coach Jack Capuano said after the game.

Boychuk has three goals and 11 assists in 38 games this season.

Adam Pelech has been recalled from Bridgeport of the American Hockey League.