FIVE THINGS TO WATCH

1. FIRST THINGS FIRST:

Wednesday featured numerous scrapbook moments. To recap: C Corban Knight’s first game ... G Joni Ortio’s first win (in his second game) ... C Markus Granlund’s first goal (in his fourth game) ... C Sean Monahan’s first two-assist performance (in his 55th game) ... D Kris Russell’s first fight (since tussling with LW Michael Cammalleri a year ago).

2. ORTIO MAKING A STATEMENT:

G Reto Berra’s departure was sudden. But so, too, is G Joni Ortio’s rise. All winter, the 22-year-old Finn has turned in sparkling numbers. Starting with ECHL Alaska (3-1-0, 1.01 GAA, .944). Then with AHL Abbotsford (20-6-0, 2.22 GAA, .926). And now with the big club (1-1-0, 1.53 GAA, .945).

3. ABOUT THE ISLANDERS:

Isles are 11-3-0 in their last 14 road dates ... Team is 5-6-2 in the second game of back-to-backs ... Offensively, 17th. Defensively, 30th ... D Thomas Hickey, a Calgarian, is the only member of the squad to have suited up for every match ... Power play, 22nd. Penalty killing, 29th ... Shipping RW Thomas Vanek to Montreal, Isles received a second-round pick and Swedish RW Sebastian Collberg, drafted 33rd overall in 2012. “We’ve liked him for a few years,” said GM Garth Snow. “We projected him as a potential first-rounder.”

4. CHARGES DROPPED:

Because Flames prospect D Brett Kulak completed an alternative-measures program — community service, counselling, anger management — assault charges have been dropped. Kulak, a member of WHL Vancouver, and teammate RW Jackson Houck had been charged after a house party in Tsawwassen, B.C., last August.

5. COLLISION COURSE:

The NHL’s hit leader arrives in Calgary. LW Matt Martin, the circuit’s hit king the past two seasons, has 280 belts to his credit. Next friskiest — Toronto D Cody Franson — is 57 back.