After a while, Sid forgot that it was strange. Early on in Geno's second season, Sykora took Sid aside and said, “Look, what is going on with Malkin,” and it took Sid a moment to even figure out what he was talking about. Sid shrugged. “That's just how Geno is.” “Like a routine,” Sykora said, expression still skeptical. “A superstition?” “Sure,” Sid said. “Something like that.”

The first time Nicke sees a mature pair of player wings in person—not pre-downs, not rookie wings, but a full wingspan—it's the April before the draft, and he's in a dressing room in Latvia, trying not to be star-struck by his own teammates. Or: The NHL gives you wings.

In Colorado they clip Andre’s wings. It happens at the beginning of each season. It’s not a big deal. That’s what he tells people anyway.

The Panthers have acquired six players with wings in the last year and a half, bringing their total to at least, at least nine, which is a little excessive for a modern day team.

Only three guys on the Panthers have wings, which is low for a modern-day team.

The way to a hockey player's heart is through his wings, and the way to a goalie's heart is through his bower. Or: five times PK saw Carey's bower, and one time they saw someone else's.

Zhenya ran his hand against the grain of Sid’s feathers, ruffling them up so they looked tangled. “You molty, Sid.” His hand was slapped away with a restrained giggle. “So what are you gonna do about it, huh? Wanna pluck them for me? Scratch my itch?”