Ryan Dixon

But what happens when you go two, three or maybe even four games without finding the back of the net when that's supposed to be your calling card?

The Ottawa Senators started late, took hits to — you could argue — their two most important players and saw their biggest off-season acquisition already lost long-term to injury.

When an NHL team is swirling, all you can hope for is some promise to temper the panic.

When Connor Bedard made his season debut earlier this week he not only restored some hope to the Chicago Blackhawks season, he also became the eighth player to serve as a new full-time captain for his club.

At this point, we must carve out a minute simply to appreciate Connor McDavid 's magic.

OTTAWA — Brady Tkachuk 's finest moment as an Ottawa Senator may have doubled as his final great one with the club.

KANATA, Ont. — For years, Ottawa Senators fans watched Brady Tkachuk bring the fight to opponents. When he returned to Ottawa as a despised member of the Florida Panthers, they unleashed their own combative spirit, bringing a level of sustained savagery that would make even the most vindictive fanbases proud.

Winning is becoming a way of life for the Carolina Hurricanes The Canes, of course, captured the Stanley Cup about four months ago, validating

Winning is becoming a way of life for the Carolina Hurricanes. The Canes, of course, captured the Stanley Cup about four months ago, validating several seasons of high-end hockey with that elusive title. If you thought Carolina might be slowed by a championship hangover — a guilty hand is going up right here — think again. The Storm Boys walloped the St. Louis Blues 4-0 in Missouri on Saturday and sit comfortably atop a Metropolitan Division that got a bit tougher over the weekend (more on that later). Even without a game on Sunday, the Hurricanes still scored a ‘W'…

Pumpkins are to October what pucks are to hockey. OK, that's a slight exaggeration, but the month begins with pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving