Welcome back to another edition of the NHL Index. Below you'll find some of the biggest stories, hottest teams and best goals from the past week.
Biggest story of the week
Semyon Varlamov was the talk of the NHL this week and not for his solid play so far this season. The Colorado Avalanche goaltender was arrested on domestic violence charges early in the week. He was released on $5,000 bail and did play this week in a game against the Dallas Stars, which the Avalanche won. These are serious charges against Varlamov and the Avalanche organization is fully backing him. Should they have let him play? It obviously didn’t alter his game but I think it was a poor decision by the Avalanche to put him in a game given the situation.
Goal of the week
Victor Hedman bank shot
Save of the week
Kari Lehtonen save against Colorado
Top 5 Teams
2. San Jose – Formally the top team, the Sharks dropped two games in extra time.
5. Phoenix – The Coyotes beat two division foes(Kings and Sharks) but are still in third place. The Pacific division is loaded.
Biggest Meltdown
This is the second time the Flyers have had the biggest meltdown of the week. They got destroyed by the Capitals 7-0 on Friday and decided to goon it up in the third period. No one should be surprised, the organization is coming unglued.
MVP
Mike Smith. He beat the Kings and Sharks this week, turning away 89 of 92 shots. Looks like someone wants to be goalie for Team Canada.
Honorable Mentions
John Scott was suspended 7 games for his hit on Loui Eriksson. Patrick Kaleta was placed on waivers and will now be playing in the AHL. The Sedin twins inked identical contract extensions with the Canucks(4 years, 28 million). Max Talbot was traded from the Flyers to the Avalanche for Steve Downie(Downie broke his face against the Capitals on Friday).