Top 5 NHL photos of the year

The National Hockey League provided no shortage of memorable moments over the past 12 months.

Here's a look at five photos from 2014 that will be the subject of many a tale for years to come.

Winter Classic at the Big House

2014 kicked off in a big way, with a Winter Classic game played between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings at the University of Michigan's Big House in front of a record crowd of 105,491.

Crosby seals it in Sochi

Sidney Crosby chose the best time to score his first goal of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, beating Henrik Lundqvist on a breakaway opportunity to give Canada a 2-0 lead over Sweden late in the second period of the gold medal contest.

Beauty in a body check

In one of the best action shots captured this season, Travis Hamonic of the New York Islanders displays what it's like to get hammered into the glass, courtesy of Florida Panthers forward Nick Bjugstad.

Martinez scores Cup-winning goal

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Alec Martinez gobbled up a Lundqvist rebound in double overtime of Game 5 of the Final against the New York Rangers, giving his team its second Stanley Cup victory in the past three years.

Solidarity in Ottawa

In their first game following the tragic deaths of two Canadian army officers - Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent - the Ottawa Senators gathered at center ice with the New Jersey Devils for a moment of silent tribute, alternating players from each team.

(All photos courtesy Action Images)