Ranking the top 5 goals in October

There were some stunning goals scored across the league in the first month of the 2019-20 season. With five months left in the campaign, it might be hard to top some of these highlight-reel markers.

5. Connor McDavid's otherworldly speed

Everybody knows Connor McDavid is fast, but sometimes his speed catches everyone off guard, including NHL defensemen. The Edmonton Oilers superstar blew by Philadelphia Flyers blue-liner Justin Braun, outmuscling him before scoring in style.

4. Blake Coleman's one-handed wizardry

The New Jersey Devils' Blake Coleman kicked the season off in fashion, roofing the puck top corner with one hand as he was falling to the ice. Coleman set the bar high for goal of the year candidates, with this marker coming in his team's first game of the season.

3. Sonny Milano's through-the-legs magic

With two defenders on his back and no room to skate, Sonny Milano took a shot the only way he could: through his legs. The Columbus Blue Jackets' first-round pick in 2014 flashed his potential with this sublime goal.

2. Andrei Svechnikov's lacrosse-style goal

Lacrosse-style goals are usually seen in practices and other professional leagues, but players rarely try to pull it off in regular-season NHL games. Nineteen-year-old Andrei Svechnikov surprised everyone by tucking one away top shelf from behind the net, becoming the first player to pull off the feat in the NHL.

1. Matthew Tkachuk's between-the-legs OT buzzer-beater

It was fitting that on Halloween night, Matthew Tkachuk scored one of the scariest goals of the season. With time dwindling down in overtime, the Calgary Flames were looking to end things before a shootout. Elias Lindholm's shot was blocked with three seconds left, but the puck fortuitously bounced right to Tkachuk, who somehow rifled it between his legs top shelf to ice the game.

There is a ton of hockey left to be played this season, but it'll be tough for players to top these goal of the year submissions.