The playoffs are just a few short weeks away and the NHL continues to have game after game of passionate and thrilling hockey. This week was of particular note as it marked the second return of Sid "The Kid," after a more than three-month hiatus, due to a recurrence of concussion like symptoms. In addition to Crosby's successful (knock on wood) second comeback, brilliant hockey was played around the country. Let's take a look at the hardest hits, the greatest goals, and the most super saves from this week in the NHL.

Hard Hits

 Brad Marchand

During the most recent match-up between the Boston Bruins and the Florida Panthers, Bruins’ Brad Marchand was sent flying in the air after being hip-checked by Panthers’ Brian Campbell. Despite having his world turned upside down Marchand was able to skate back to the bench without stopping play.

 

Zdeno Chara

Boston Bruins’ resident behemoth Zdeno Chara proved just how strong of a force he is on the ice when he checked Marcus Johansson of the Washington Capitals into the boards, causing the glass to shatter.

 

Erik Karlsson

Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators took matters into his own hands when he pinned Montreal Canadiens’ David Desharnais up against the glass parallel to the ice. Unable to move but still attempting to contribute to the play, Desharnais can be seen trying to knock the puck away, to no avail.

 

Great Goals

Jamie McGinn

Newly acquired player Jamie McGinn of the Colorado Avalanche is already making a name for himself in the mile-high city. With less than a second left in regulation against the Buffalo Sabres, McGinn tied the game up, forcing overtime. This play alone caused a collective cry of despair in San Jose over the disappointment of losing him in the recent trade.

 

Alex Ovechkin

The ever-persistent Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals proved that the third time is often the charm, after he would not let up and scored on the second rebound, beating New York Islanders’ veteran goalie Evgeni Nabokov.

 

Stephen Stamkos

Tampa Bay has a superstar on its hands. Stephen Stamkos scored his 50th goal in Tampa Bay’s recent match-up versus the Boston Bruins. Stamkos has now joined an elite group of star players who have scored more than one 50-goal seasons before their 23rd birthday. Before him only six players had accomplished this: Mike Bossy, Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Joe Nieuwendyk and Alexander Ovechkin.

 

Super Saves

Marc-Andre Fleury

In one of the most talked about games of the week, Marc-Andre Fleury made numerous brilliant saves against the New York Rangers. However, this particular save against Mats Zuccarello showed just how agile Fleury is as he made this stellar glove save while laying on his side.

 

Jaroslav Halak

St. Louis Blues’ goalie Jaroslav Halak deflects the puck and denies Victor Stalberg of the Chicago Blackhawks a goal.

 

Ilya Bryzgalov

Although star goalie Ilya Bryzgalov of the Philadelphia Flyers did not break the shut-out record, he did deny the New York Islanders a win. Bryzgalov made his job look easy with this save on Michael Grabner. 

 

Bonus: Sidney Crosby

 

Lauren can be reached via twitter or email.