NHL scores 2017: Penguins prove that outdoor games are still kind of fun

We’ve learned three things from the NHL’s outdoor games this year:

Even the Blackhawks can’t wear off the novelty of the event, it seems. At least in our opinion. And instead of the over-saturation many feared when the Stadium Series games became a thing last year, it’s actually the opposite. Little “event” breaks here and there to add some flavor to the grinding NHL stretch run.

Look, every once and awhile fans need a weeknight to collectively make fun of the bands the NHL hires. Or see teams enter the field with flamethrowers firing off behind them.

Or LIVE ANIMALS.

These things are still good. Not as new, or whatever, but still fun.

Kings 4, Ducks 1

Blue Jackets 7, Islanders 0

Rangers 4, Devils 3 (OT)

Predators 5, Capitals 2

Penguins 4, Flyers 2

Canadiens 3, Maple Leafs 2 (OT)

Sharks 4, Canucks 1

Avalanche 5, Sabres 3

1. Toronto still cures all Montreal ills

Adding Claude Julien hasn’t stopped the Canadiens’ slide into mediocrity and out of the playoff race yet. So it’s a good thing they played the Leafs this weekend! Andrew Shaw’s overtime winner (thanks to a bizarre play by Frederik Andersen) gave the Habs 14 straight wins over their Canadian rivals.

2. L.A. is happy Jonathan Quick is back

Seriously. Look at how playful Darryl Sutter was during his presser.

Quick returned from a four-month injury absence on Saturday with a 32-save win over Anaheim, a rival ready to run after a trade for Patrick Eaves on Friday.

L.A. is coming for the Flames and the wild card.

3. Filip Forsberg is still on fire

He didn’t get his third straight hat trick, but the Predators winger did get three points and another goal. Forsberg is the first player with seven goals in three games since Michael Grabner in 2011.

And you had to know he was extra-motivated on Saturday: a chance to take down the Capitals even years after they traded him away for pennies? Of course he kept his hot streak up.

Uh, how about REAL PENGUINS?