Lithgow, the victim of a near-fatal assault more than three years ago, was in a coma for 15 days and had six surgeries on his skull in 2014. But a combination of quick-thinking at the scene and tireless rehab has him back on track. NHL.com Staff Writer Cristina Ledra has the inspirational story of this miracle off ice and the role his favorite team played in his recovery.

The Philadelphia Flyers held a birthday party for longtime fan Jackie Lithgow, mostly to celebrate the fact he can walk again.

Always Be Agitating

Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Kesler is the exact type of guy you want out on the ice. In your office, though? Maybe not so much.

Circus Act

Hey, did you know Alex Ovechkin can juggle? Well he can. At this point, we are convinced there is nothing he can't do.

Hosts with the Most

No team has more All Stars than the Tampa Bay Lightning and Amalie Arena will also be the site of the 2018 Honda NHL All-Star Game (3:30 p.m. ET; NBC, CBC, SN, TVA Sports), a fact that Steven Stamkos addressed Thursday.

Line 'Em Up

The NHL.com staff has a little fun looking ahead to the 2018 Honda All-Star Game, imagining how the lines for the game would be most effectively deployed.

No Staal in this Engine

The Carolina Hurricanes ended the Washington Capitals 10-game home winning streak and it started with a beauty of a shorthanded breakaway goal by captain Jordan Staal that's worth watching a few times.

Ull-timate Season Debut

Buffalo Sabres goaltender Linus Ullmark faced 45 shots and saved 44 in his first start of the season, a 3-1 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets.