NHL scores 2017: Capitals run over Rangers in Kevin Shattenkirk’s debut

Tuesday couldn’t have been easy for Rangers fans.

Months of speculation seemed to point to New York as the inevitable trade destination for Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. He’s from there, after all! A good Long Beach boy, yanno.

Instead, he landed with the Capitals. And his first game ... was at Madison Square Garden. Shattenkirk and his new pals ran the Rangers out of their own building with a 4-1 win.

The Hockey Gods’ sense of humor really comes out this time of year, doesn’t it?

Flyers 4, Avalanche 0

Predators 5, Sabres 4 (OT)

Panthers 3, Hurricanes 2 (SO)

Wild 6, Jets 5

Stars 3, Penguins 2

Red Wings 2, Canucks 1

Capitals 4, Rangers 1

Bruins 4, Coyotes 1

Canadiens 1, Blue Jackets 0 (OT)

Oilers 2, Blues 1

Flames 2, Kings 1 (OT)

Maple Leafs, Sharks

1. The Stars just needed to trade everyone to win

Dallas gave up on the season this week. They traded Patrick Eaves on Friday. They traded Jordie Benn on Monday. They traded Johnny Oduya on Tuesday. Patrick Sharp might be gone on Wednesday.

And then they took down the defending champion Penguins like it was 2016 and they were playoff contenders again.

Make up your minds!

2. The offsides challenge must go

3. Filip Forsberg is still on fire, part three

He scored twice, including the overtime winner, on Tuesday. That’s a goal in five straight games, a six-game points streak, and 14 points in his last six games.

Alexander Burmistrov required a stretcher after a massive hit from Colin Miller ...

But he’s okay!