Each week, the NHL’s “Short Shifts” power rankings spotlight memorable moments that go beyond game stats. Their criteria? Anything that elicits a strong emotional response—whether it’s something that makes fans smile, laugh, or feel inspired. Here’s a quick look at this week’s top five moments, from golden hair streaks to hockey rookies, updated every Friday to capture the most heartwarming and humorous highlights across the NHL.
Carolina Hurricanes’ forward Martin Necas is enjoying a lucky streak after dyeing his hair blonde as a playful forfeit after losing a golf match to teammate Brendan Lemieux. Since the color change, Necas has racked up 20 points over just 10 games, leading fans to believe that maybe “blondes do have more fun.” His impressive performance is turning heads, adding a fun and light-hearted twist to the idea of a good luck charm in the sport.
Pittsburgh Penguins’ captain Sidney Crosby is embracing his “Movember magic” with a returning mustache that’s quickly become a beloved icon among his teammates. Defenseman Kris Letang commented on the boost Crosby’s mustache seems to give him, with Crosby scoring five goals in the past five games since growing it. This quirky and humorous element has given fans and teammates alike something to rally around as Crosby continues to score.
In a touching moment, young San Jose Sharks fan Ezra, who recently finished nine rounds of chemotherapy, celebrated his victory over cancer during the team’s Hockey Fights Cancer Night. Ezra rang the ceremonial bell and joined the Sharks on the ice to perform the puck drop, even having the honor of reading the team’s starting lineup in the locker room. His courage and joy brought the crowd to its feet, earning him a standing ovation in a moment of pure celebration and resilience.
Carolina Hurricanes’ defenseman Jalen Chatfield had an embarrassing yet funny pregame mishap. Known for his ritual of spraying the bench with snow before each game, Chatfield lost his balance this week, crashing into the boards at full speed. Fortunately, he wasn’t injured, and his lighthearted reaction—waving to the crowd—turned the incident into an entertaining blooper, proving that even professional athletes have slip-ups.
Finally, former NFL superstar Tom Brady took on hockey for the first time, skating with former Maple Leafs player Tie Domi. Initially needing support from a trainer, Brady was quickly able to skate independently, showcasing his adaptability on the ice. He shared a video of his efforts, along with newfound respect for hockey players, which delighted fans who enjoyed seeing him embrace a new challenge with humility and humor.
