NHL Tuesday: Sharks stay perfect after win in St. Louis

Chimera was issued a two-minute minor for boarding late in the first period of the Capitals’ win.

The dollar figure is the maximum fine that is allowed under the current collective bargaining agreement.

If you were expecting a tight, close game, you did not get it.

The Sharks continued their early-season dominance with 6-2 win to improve their record to a league-best 6-0-0 on the young season. It is the second straight year the Sharks have started the season with a winning streak of six games or more.

But it wasn’t the only controversial hit in the first period.

• Chris Pronger “is never going to play again,” Flyers confirm

It seemed that he would either spend another year with the Senators, or retire. Obviously, it didn’t work out that way.

• Chris Pronger “is never going to play again,” Flyers confirm

Lapierre was given a five-minute major for checking from behind, a game misconduct, and a five-minute major for fighting in the line brawl that followed the hit.

Update: The Sharks say that Boyle was alert after being taken to the hospital.

When it rains, it pours.

• Chris Pronger “is never going to play again,” Flyers confirm

That’s good.

That’s bad.

This is a common occurrence with a developing player, and as Defending Big D notes, is not a huge deal:

• Chris Pronger “is never going to play again,” Flyers confirm

Yakupov was a healthy scratch in consecutive games, which inspired a healthy news cycle of speculation about the young forward’s future. Having spent his time in the press box, coach Dallas Eakins is ready to reinsert the No. 1 overall selection in the 2012 draft back into the lineup. How’s he going to do?

The two clubs enter the night having collected the maximum amount of points possible through their schedules, as the Sharks are 5-0-0 and the Blues are 4-0-0. That will not be the case after Tuesday, as they meet for the first time this season. While one team will walkaway with two points, will the loser manage one via overtime or shootout?

Eakins’ decision to scratch Yakupov appeared to be an attempt to help develop a young player. The Oilers coach earned acclaim with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League, where he was credited with developing prospects in the Toronto Maple Leafs system. By most accounts, sitting a young player early in his career can have beneficial results. Of course, that’s dependent upon how receptive the player is to the lessons.

• Chris Pronger “is never going to play again,” Flyers confirm

Gustavsson allowed two goals on 30 registered shots on goal, which helped propel the Red Wings to a 3-2 victory. Gustavsson is expected to make the start in place of Howard on Tuesday night. In two career appearances against the Blue Jackets, Gustavsson has registered a 3.04 goals-against average with a .893 save percentage.

• Chris Pronger “is never going to play again,” Flyers confirm

Neal is considered week-to-week and has no timetable for a return.

• Chris Pronger “is never going to play again,” Flyers confirm