Ranking the Best Goals from the Past Week's NHL Games

NHL goals came fast and furious this week, with many famous names hitting the scoreboard early and often. Ridiculous hand-eye coordination, hard shots, low shots and penalty shots all make this week's list.

NHL goaltenders had the edge early in the year, but this week saw snipers break out coast to coast with splendid accuracy.

Here are the best goals this week in the NHL.

8. Niklas Kronwall Snipes Against the Penguins

Date and Opponent: Thursday, October 23 versus Pittsburgh

Goal: Niklas Kronwall

Assist: Darren Helm

The key to the goal was Niklas Kronwall making a deke to give himself room to close in and get off an accurate shot. Darren Helm's pass was a timely one, giving Kronwell plenty of open ice.

7. Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn Have to Be Lucky to Be Good

Date and Opponent: Tuesday, October 21 versus Vancouver

Goal: Tyler Seguin

Assists: Jamie Benn, Kevin Connauton

Jamie Benn drives wide around the net, loses control of the puck on a wraparound and the errant puck finds Seguin. At the same time, goalie Ryan Miller is being knocked down by his teammate Chris Tanev. There's a lot of luck involved on this goal, but it's still a terrific shot by Tyler Seguin. 

6. Dustin Byfuglien Scores on a Breakaway Beauty

Date and Opponent: Tuesday, October 21 versus Carolina

Goal: Dustin Byfuglien

Assists: None

Dustin Byfuglien is a unique and gifted talent, and his breakaway goal against Carolina this week shows it. The big man gained separation from Justin Faulk and showed soft hands on the goal. He might be the only forward his size in the history of the game who can score this kind of goal.

5. James Neal Goes Shelf

Date and Opponent: Thursday, October 23 versus Chicago

Goal: James Neal

Assist: Filip Forsberg

Filip Forsberg does the legwork on this goal, while James Neal finds some quiet ice in the open slot. The key to the goal is the shot, a perfect rising slapper that catches the top of the net.

4. Ryan Getzlaf Is a Creative Genius

Date and Opponent: Sunday, October 19 versus St. Louis

Goal: Sami Vatanen

Assists: Ryan Getzlaf, Cam Fowler

The key to this goal is center Ryan Getzlaf. The Anaheim Ducks are enjoying a productive power play but don't cash in until Getzlaf gets creative. He takes the puck off the sideboards, threads the needle and finds Vatanen for the easy marker.

3. Taylor Hall Channels Mark Messier

Date and Opponent: Monday, October 20 versus Tampa Bay

Goal: Taylor Hall

Assists: None

Taylor Hall reminds Oiler fans of Mark Messier with his brilliant penalty-shot goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Hall dekes forehand, then slides the puck five-hole as goaltender Ben Bishop moves over to cover the net. It is a move that was patented by Oilers legend Mark Messier 30 years ago, and Hall's version thrilled Edmonton fans.

2. Getzlaf to Perry: Dynamic Duo

Date and Opponent: Wednesday, October 22 versus Buffalo

Goal: Corey Perry

Assists: Ryan Getzlaf, Devante Smith-Pelly

The devastating combination of Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry is on full display with this goal. Devante Smith-Pelly sends an effective pass into the middle, and Getzlaf touches it just enough to send Perry in alone. The chemistry displayed on this goal is terrific.

1. Joe Thornton's Ridiculous Hand-Eye Coordination

Date and Opponent: Tuesday, October 21 at Boston

Goal: Joe Thornton

Assists: Joe Pavelski, Justin Braun

After the San Jose Sharks had scored to even the game with the Boston Bruins at two goals apiece, Joe Thornton scored 37 seconds later to put San Jose ahead. The key to the goal was Thornton's finesse tip of Joe Pavelski's high pass, leaving Boston goalie Tuukka Rask with no chance on the play.