An annual celebration of everything hockey will have extra implications for many Canadian NHL teams this year. Here's a look at all four of Saturday's Hockey Day in Canada contests:
In Toronto, a surplus of amateur hockey teams has led to a thriving marketplace for that most sought-after of necessities: someone willing to play goalie.
After almost 10 years of not having a suitable rink, the Irish Ice Hockey Association has managed to secure funding for a lone year-round ice rink in the Republic of Ireland, and it's partially thanks to the Canadian prime minister and Montreal's Irish community.
Brayden Shenn scored with 58.2 seconds left in overtime and rookie Jordan Binnington made 32 saves as the St. Louis Blues won their fourth straight game, 1-0 over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night.
Darnell Nurse gave reeling Edmonton an early boost by scoring 2:15 into the first period, and the Oilers stopped a six-game losing streak with a 4-1 victory Thursday night over Minnesota that sent the Wild to their fourth straight loss.
Evander Kane scored twice and added an assist on Thursday leading the San Jose Sharks to a 5-2 win over the Calgary Flames in a Pacific Division showdown.
Evgeny Kuznetsov scored the winning goal, backup Pheonix Copley made 34 saves and the Washington Capitals beat the Avalanche 4-3 in overtime Thursday night to hand struggling Colorado its fifth consecutive loss.
Minnesota Wild captain Mikko Koivu will miss the rest of the 2018-19 campaign after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his right knee during Tuesday's game against the Buffalo Sabres, the club announced Wednesday.