5 things we learned in the NHL this week

The puck only dropped on the new NHL season this past Wednesday, but there's already been a ridiculous amount of moments that had fans buzzing.

Here's a look back at some of the most exciting, strange and even heartfelt moments that caught the attention of hockey fans last week.

1. Auston Matthews is pretty, pretty...pretty good

The Maple Leafs' No. 1 pick scored four times (four!) in his regular season debut, including this play where he simply dominated every Ottawa Senator on the ice.

Patrik Laine and Jesse Puljujärvi — the second and fourth-overall picks from the 2016 draft — also scored in their debuts, but each managed *just* a single goal. Sorry fellas, looks like Matthews is sitting up front this week.

2. Jack Eichel's new nickname should be 'Scooter'

Despite suffering a high-ankle sprain that will keep him out of the Sabres lineup for at least a month, Jack Eichel wasn't going to miss player introductions for Buffalo's opening game of the season.

The Sabres lineup is looking even more depleted after that game against Montreal. Evander Kane won't need a scooter referral after this scary-looking crash, but he's still out indefinitely with three busted ribs.

3. Not saying, just saying: Jeff Zatkoff may be a curse

Last season, Jeff Zatkoff was called upon by Pittsburgh to start in the place of the injured Marc-Andre Fleury. This season, Zatkoff's been called upon by Los Angeles to start in the place of the injured Jonathan Quick.

Coincidence? Maybe.

You might say my tinfoil goalie mask is on a little tight, but I'd be wary if Zatkoff suddenly started showing up at my team's ball hockey games.

4. Ben Bishop and Loui Eriksson would like a do-over

Bad luck? Rust? Might've been a little of both for the Tampa Bay netminder here in his team's game against the Detroit Red Wings.

At least Bishop was in net, unlike Eriksson's less-than-endearing first goal as a member of the Canucks.

Those goals may have a lot of character, but they sure ain't pretty.

5. The loss of José Fernández is felt far beyond baseball

The Florida Panthers used their warm-up skate on Thursday night to pay tribute to Miami Marlins pitcher José Fernández, who died in a boating accident on Sept. 25.

The team and players donated $35,000 US to the JDF16 foundation, established following Fernandez's death.