NHL scores 2016: Jack Eichel returns to steal the show from Connor McDavid

While the hockey world awaited the confrontation between the most recent first overall picks, the second player taken in the draft last year made sure to remind everyone that he is alive and well.

And as electric as ever.

Jack Eichel, likely the future face of American hockey, returned to the Buffalo Sabres lineup for the first time since tweaking his leg months earlier. Much like his 2015 NHL Entry Draft counter-part Connor McDavid last season (whose meeting with Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs in Edmonton later was highly-anticipated), we were afraid we’d miss out on Eichel’s maturation this season.

Well, put those fears to rest.

We’re not saying Eichel is an omnipotent hockey being or anything, but we will point out that hockey players rarely score goals without helmets these days. And yet ...

We’ll just say it: Eichel’s aura is already at work here. And we’ve missed it.

Rangers 3, Hurricanes 2

Red Wings 3, Stars 1

Blue Jackets 5, Lightning 1

Sabres 5, Senators 4

Flyers 3, Bruins 2 (SO)

Jets 3, Devils 2

Maple Leafs 4, Oilers 2

Blackhawks 2, Panthers 1 (SO)

Predators 5, Avalanche 3

Canucks 5, Wild 4

Sharks 2, Coyotes 1 (OT)

Ducks 2, Canadiens 1

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1. The Panthers responded to a shocking week with responsibility and gusto

As you might expect, the Panthers were stunned by their coach’s firing over the weekend but said all the right things before taking on the Blackhawks in Chicago on Tuesday. Namely, that the results on the ice ultimately come down to them and they feel responsible for Gerard Gallant’s unceremonious departure.

It’s one thing to say that and another to show it, and Florida certainly showed intent in pushing the Blackhawks into a shootout after a late power play goal and a thrilling couple of chances in overtime.

Both new coach Tom Rowe and his team sounded positive after the game, as they should. It was a strong statement that the Panthers still have their eyes forward after a week of transition.

2. Nazem Kadri is the forgotten young gun

Poor Kadri. He’s having the season of his life and rookies Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews constantly hog the headlines. Especially on a night like Tuesday, where all eyes were on Connor McDavid and Matthews in a battle of former first overall picks.

And yet, Kadri upstaged both. He scored and generally made the evening miserable for McDavid and anyone else in an Oilers’ sweater.

With 10 goals and 17 points so far, Kadri is rounding into the offensive potential he promised on draft day with a little Brad Marchand-esque edge to his game. It’s the perfect role for him as the Leafs load up on young, pure skill, and he’s playing it so well right now.

3. Miles Wood is just happy to be here

The Devils lost to Winnipeg, but good luck trying to get one of their rookies to feel bad about it.

This is the kind of positivity I love and that sports needs more of. Sure, we lost, but we played well and I know we can win next time if we do the same things! And gee, isn’t it just great to even be here?

That sounds sarcastic, but watching young athletes just soak in the moment with good spirits will seriously never get tiring. Sports are great.

4. Andrew Shaw is still prone to unnecessary angry outbursts

It’s the battle of ridiculous goals and saves! First up, Connor McDavid.

Yawn. He does that every night. What say you, Tuukka Rask?

Next up, Ryan Johansen!

Please vote responsibly.

Joke’s on you; you must be as tall as me to vote. And you don’t know how tall I am because I exist on the internet. So voting is canceled. Johansen wins.

The Stars aren’t winning games yet, but their exciting defensive prospect is doing some terrific things already:

The Stars noticed a flaw (transition game, possession, power play movement) and brought Honka up to fix it. The move is working. Surely the wins will follow, right?