5 things you need to know from Saturday's NHL action

Ryan Suter leads Wild to victory with first career hat-trick

It's not often that a defenceman gets fans to toss their hats on the ice, but that's exactly what happened on Saturday night as Ryan Suter helped the Minnesota Wild down the Washington Capitals 5-3. 

The Wild shockingly scored five goals, despite a franchise-low 11 shots on the night. 

Suter, who was recently named to Team USA's Olympic roster, scored on all three of his shots, including two second-period power-play goals. The veteran defencemen finished off his hat-trick on a two-on-one in the third period: 

Hurricanes' Eric Staal leaves with lower-body injury in win over Islanders

Carolina Hurricanes center Eric Staal was forced out of Saturday's 3-2 victory over the New York Islanders with a lower-body injury. 

Staal's status for Sunday's game against the Nashville Predators is now in doubt. Any absence from their captain would be a huge blow to a Hurricanes' team that appeared to be gaining a little momentum with three straight wins. 

It's also a tough time of year to get injured as Team Canada prepares to announce their Olympic roster on Tuesday. The 29-year-old was a member of Canada's gold medal winning squad at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

Staal has 10 goals and 25 assists in 42 games this season for the Hurricanes.

Sabres' Myers delivers thunderous headshot on Devils' Zubrus

The non-stop parade of hits to the head in the NHL continued on Saturday night.

The New Jersey Devils attempted to enter the zone on a power-play in the third period, when Buffalo Sabres defenceman Tyler Myers used his entire 6-foot-8 frame to obliterate Devils forward Dainius Zubrus.

[Courtesy MSG]

Myers was given a minor penalty on the play, but the NHL's Department of Player Safety may be taking a closer look at the incident. 

The Devils did take advantage of the Myers' penalty, scoring a goal and tying the game on the ensuing power-play, but went on to lose 2-1.

After the game, Devils head coach Peter DeBoer said he felt like the play deserved a major penalty. 

Maple Leafs' Lupul apologizes to paying customers after blowout loss

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Joffrey Lupul offered an apology to fans in attendance for the Leafs 7-1 blowout loss at home against the New York Rangers on Saturday night.  

The Leafs entered the contest on a three-game winning streak, but were outshot 50-26 in the defeat. Goaltender Jonathan Bernier was pulled after allowing five goals and the fans didn't hesitate to let the team know how they felt about their collective performance. 

Red Wings' Tatar embarrasses Stars' defense with highlight reel goal

Dallas Stars defencemen Brenden Dillon and Cameron Gaunce will be having nightmares about Detroit Red Wings forward Tomas Tatar after this spectacular goal on Saturday night. 

[Courtesy Fox Sports]

If you're getting a feeling of deja vu after watching that clip, perhaps you are remembering this Mario Lemieux goal against the Stars (they were the Minnesota North Stars at the time) in Game 2 of the 1991 Stanley Cup. 

History does indeed have a way of repeating itself.