EDMONTON -- Whether it comes via verbal encouragement from a friend or a pass to spring him on a breakaway (sometimes two), even a generational player like Connor McDavid needs help sometimes.

NHL.com staff writer Mike Zeisberger has been covering the NHL regularly since 1999. Each Sunday during the season, he will use his extensive network of hockey contacts to write his weekly notes column, "Zizing 'Em Up."

TORONTO -- Nathan MacKinnon says there have been times this season when the Colorado Avalanche expected outside aid that would never arrive.

TORONTO -- The Buffalo Sabres bench was devoid of enthusiasm, as if their Stanley Cup Playoff aspirations were fading into the night.

NHL.com staff writer Mike Zeisberger has been covering the NHL regularly since 1999. Each Sunday during the season, he will use his extensive network of hockey contacts to write his weekly notes column, "Zizing 'Em Up."

NHL.com staff writer Mike Zeisberger has been covering the NHL regularly since 1999. Each Sunday during the season, he will use his extensive network of hockey contacts to write his weekly notes column, "Zizing 'Em Up."

Ottawa Senators players wanted general manager Pierre Dorion to make a big splash prior to the NHL Trade Deadline at 3 p.m. ET Friday, much like their rabid, albeit long-suffering fan base.

TORONTO -- The Minnesota Wild could be active ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline at 3 p.m. Friday but are reluctant to surrender first-round picks to make that happen unless it makes sense, general manager Bill Guerin said.

TORONTO -- Debate, if you want, whether the Toronto Maple Leafs have given up too much of their future in separate trades with the St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks recently.

BUFFALO -- Ryan O'Reilly watched the hats rain down onto the ice at KeyBank Center in his honor and momentarily wondered if this was all a dream.