The rink calendar is back, and the week’s lighter moments arrived everywhere from a Columbus blue carpet to a Pittsburgh media-day photo setup. Babies, barbers, nervous parents and a few microphone-sniffing dogs all earned a spot in the latest Short Shifts Power Rankings.
Quick facts
- Columbus defenseman Zach Werenski brought five-month-old son Hudson to the Blue Jackets’ home-opener blue carpet.
- Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin received an aura reading that identified orange as his dominant color.
- Toronto rookie Gavin McKenna’s mother, Krystal, was overcome watching his NHL debut.
- Buffalo forward Zach Benson revealed a mohawk ahead of the Sabres’ season opener.
- Washington Capitals players turned interviews over to their dogs, with predictably unruly results.
Werenski’s arrival in Columbus was the top entry. Hudson was dressed for the occasion in a tiny Blue Jackets sweater and knit cap, complete with miniature knitted skates, while riding in his father’s arms.
The father-and-son scene took the No. 1 spot as the rankings’ “Dad’s mini me” moment.
Malkin landed at No. 2 after facing one of media day’s more unusual assignments. The Penguins veteran sat for an aura photograph, then repeatedly looked toward the camera as the reading was explained.
His aura was largely orange, with the reader connecting that color to creativity and sensuality. Malkin did not appear entirely persuaded, but the disbelief on his face made the segment work.
McKenna’s first NHL night with Toronto brought the most emotional entry. Sportsnet had Krystal McKenna mic’d up while she watched her son skate in warmups before his Tuesday debut.
She said it was hard to believe her son was now in the NHL and called the moment wild before wiping away tears. That family reaction checked in third under the “Pinch me moment” label.
In Buffalo, Benson made sure his opener look had some edge. The Sabres posted video from his visit to the barber, where he removed his helmet after being asked whether the haircut rumors were real.
The answer was a fresh mohawk, earning Benson fourth place and the week’s “new season buzzcut” billing.
Washington rounded out the list by putting its dogs behind the microphone. Capitals players asked their pets hockey questions, including which position they would play.
The canine panel offered more sniffing than analysis, repeatedly treating the microphone like a snack. It was enough for fifth place in the rankings’ “hard-sniffing journalism” category.
