With nearly one quarter of this NHL
season past us, there is a lot to talk about. Let's take a look at
who has gotten off to the best start this year.
Blackhawks 9-0-2
Yet to lose in regulation this season, pretty impressive and they
have mostly their defense to thank. They have always had the
offense to win games, but they only had consistant defense in 2010,
the year they won the cup. While the Bruins might disagree,
statistically the Blackhawks have the best penalty kill in hockey.
They have only given up three goals the 41 times they've been
shorthanded, for a 92.7% kill rate. Last year they were 27th best
with a 78.1% kill rate. Meanwhile they have scored nine power play
goals, tied for 9th best. This team is scary good right now. If
they can stay healthy they might be the class of the field come
playoff time.
Bruins 7-1-1
Man do the Bruins look good. Being from the Boston area, I watch
just about every B's game and their defense is REALLY good. Tuukka
Rask has been stellar in net with a 6-1-1 record with a GAA under
two a game. Chara and crew have been locking down any offenses that
come into town and the rest of the guys have been beating them up.
They're more than physical and as they continue to get older and
gain experience they are figuring out ways to put the puck in the
net. Sure they have the fewest goals scored in their division, but
they're still a point up on Ottawa with two games in hand. They
might struggle to score at times but this team has the heart of a
champion. They have shown up to win another championship this year.
Provided Rask and Chara can stay healthy they should grab the top
seed in the East.
San Jose 7-2-1
Started 1-2-1 after a 6-0 start but still exceeding most
expectations. If it wasn't for the next guy listed Marleau would be
the early favorite for the Hart Trophy. He became just the second
player ever to start the year with 4 straight multi-goal games. In
the fifth one he could only manage to find the back of the net
once. He has nine goals on the year to date and has been helped
them to the top of the division where they sit in a tie with
Anaheim who has been killing it lately.
Thomas Vanek 10g 11a
21 points in just 10 games, that's a crazy pace. He clearly hasn't
missed a beat. It's rather nice having him on your fantasy team.
He's talented enough to keep it up throughout the rest of the
season too, just as long as he can stay on the ice. He's already
missed one game this year, and has had some injury problems in the
past.
Anaheim 7-1-1
They lost two of their first five, one in overtime and haven't lost
since. Four straight and counting has put them in a tie with the
Sharks atop the Pacific division with a game in hand. The biggest
surprise for them this season is the play of 30 year old net-minder
Viktor Fasth. He may be in the process of unseating Jonas Hiller as
the top goaltender for the Ducks. He is 4-0 and allowing under a
goal a game. Not that they've really needed it since they're
boasting the 4th best offense, but their 10th best defense and good
goalie play is what is going to keep them in it. I think we all
need to follow this team a bit more before we say they're legit
though.
mlz
Friday, February 8, 2013
