Ridiculous Russians, electrifying extra time, plentiful punishments, a well-earned extension and fantastic flow.
Here’s what’s trending up and down across the NHL.
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TRENDING UP: Vladimir Tarasenko nastiness
This kid needs to calm down. Vladimir Tarasenko is pretty much the hottest player in hockey right now—even though Phil The Thrill, with 13 points in his past seven games for the Leafs, is giving him a run for his money—and he’s doing it by burying highlight-reel goals pretty much every night, like on Thursday when he made Damon Severson and Cory Schneider look silly.
Tarasenko finished last season with nine points in the final eight games before scoring four goals in the Blues’ six-game playoff series against the Blackhawks and he hasn’t missed a beat this season. As I argued earlier this week, he’s undoubtedly becoming the breakout star of 2014-15 with eight goals and 11 points in his past six games.
At this point, he’s nipping at the heels of his superstar countrymen. Since the start of the lockout-shortened 2013 season, the 22-year-old has scored 0.32 goals per-game. The only Russians who have a better goals per-game rate are the top-tier trio of Alexander Ovechkin, Pavel Datsyuk and Evgeni Malkin. Oh, and Tarasenko’s CF% during that time is 57.94, which the advanced stats nerds will tell you is very good.
With Paul Stastny and T.J. Oshie injured, Tarasenko has served as the key piece during the Blues’ current six-game winning streak. He also did this:
TRENDING UP: Three-on-three OT
Sure, four-on-four overtime is fine and shootouts can be dandy, but three-on-three overtime is both fine and dandy (although George Carlin wouldn’t like that phrasing).
Thursday in the Leafs-Avalanche game we got a taste of what three-on-three OT could be like in the NHL and it was awesome. The AHL adapted its OT rules this season to incorporate three-on-three play, so the NHL might not be too far behind. Judging by the reaction, people wouldn’t mind one bit.
Sid Seixeiro on Twitter: “3-on-3 hockey. I think I love you. #leafs”
TRENDING UP: Stephane Quintal finger-wagging
The NHL’s new disciplinary chief sure has earned his paycheque in recent days. In the past week, Alex Burrows, Jordan Nolan, Anton Volchenkov, Andrew Ference and Jack Johnson were all suspended for hits they delivered. The NHL is trying to eliminate certain types of plays from the game and Quintal is dolling out punishment accordingly. Also, for the most part, he has been consistent with his rulings, which is good—although based on what constitutes a suspension these days, it’s surprising that Brooks Orpik wasn’t dinged a game or two for this nasty-looking hit on a vulnerable Vladislav Namestnikov (more than 70 percent of sportsnet.ca users thought he should have been suspended).
TRENDING UP: Slow-mo hockey flow
Ladies and gentlemen, introducing Olli Flow-kinen.
TRENDING UP: Small children with big-league moves
You’ve probably seen this already, but seriously, how awesome is this kid?
Trend to watch for: Rangers’ output 
The New York Rangers, who average 2.75 goals per game, are about to get a big boost to their lineup as Derek Stepan will make his season debut this weekend after fracturing his leg in training camp. You can expect their offence to pick up the pace.
TRENDING DOWN: Marc-Andre Fleury naysayers
For a first-overall pick, Stanley Cup champion and Olympic gold medallist, Marc-Andre Fleury sure does get ragged on a lot. So when the 29-year-old signed a four-year, $23-million contract extension, the boo birds were out in full force, arguing that his $5.75-million cap hit was too high for a goalie who has been less than stellar in recent post-seasons.
Fleury’s new deal is more than fair, though, when you consider what you’re getting: a goalie who puts up consistent numbers and helps his team get into the playoffs every year. Most NHL netminders don’t do that. Not to mention, he’s currently on pace to have his best season as a pro. Through his first 10 games, the Sorel, Que., native is 8-2 with a 1.99 goals-against average, .930 save percentage and three shutouts.
TRENDING DOWN: Eric Staal trade rumours 
Hurricanes GM Ron Francis told Hockey Central at Noon Thursday that he’s not looking to trade captain Eric Staal, despite rumours the Leafs could make an offer. Wait, the Leafs are interested in acquiring a top-line centre? That’s a new one.
Even though Staal and the Hurricanes have struggled mightily this season, you don’t just trade away a player like this. It was the right move by Francis to quell the rumours before they become a distraction.
TRENDING DOWN: Columbus Blue Jackets 
The Blue Jackets are a mess right now. Brandon Dubinsky and Nathan Horton haven’t played at all, while Sergei Bobrovsky, James Wisniewski, Ryan Murray, Artem Anisimov, Boone Jenner and Mark Letestu have missed time with various injuries. Heading into Friday’s game against the Hurricanes they had dropped six straight while being outscored 25-10. Ryan Johansen and Nick Foligno have great chemistry on the top line and veteran Scott Hartnell has added some grit, but things aren’t looking too hot for a team that many thought would make the playoffs for a second consecutive year.
Trend to watch for: The Flames could flounder
The Calgary Flames and their success are a feel-good storyline, but that might be coming to an end in the near future. They fell to the Lightning 5-2 Thursday and after an upcoming two-game road-trip against the lowly Panthers and Hurricanes, their November schedule gets quite tough.