Western CrossCheck
| CrossChecking the Western Conference October 12, 2007 A quick glance at who’s hot in the Western Conference, with a focus on American players. |
Minnesota Wild
Check out this stat line for goalie Niklas Backstrom: 3GP, 3-0-0, 0.67 GAA, .971 save %, 2
shutouts. The Wild has out-shot opponents, on average, 27-23 thus far. Brian Rolston
(Flint, MI) leads the team with 4 points, all assists. The team has been able to play a puck
possession style because of the success of C Eric Belanger, who has won 26 of 45
faceoffs (an impressive 57.77 %). The fact that they’ve won their first three games is even
more impressive when you consider these facts: they have yet to score on the power play
(0-9), and Marian Gaborik hasn’t scored a goal yet. Look out when they start firing on all
cylinders.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets (1/game) and Wild (0.667/game) have allowed the fewest goals after the
first week and a half. While Minnesota, winners of last year’s Jennings Trophy, is no
surprise on this list, seeing Columbus in that sentence certainly qualifies as a surprise.
Columbus entered the season unsure of their goaltending and are very pleased with what
they’ve seen from Pascal Leclaire. He has posted shutouts in both of his starts, while
facing an average of 30 shots per game. The penalty kill has been perfect, stopping all 17
shorthanded situations it has faced. Defenseman Ron Hainsey (Bolton, CT) is tied with
Rick Nash for the team lead in goals, with Hainsey netting both of his on the power play. It
is also surprising to see fourth-liner Jason Chimera tied with Nash for the team lead with
4 points, as he scored once and set up the other two goals in the 3-0 win over Phoenix
Wednesday night.
St. Louis Blues
The Blues are 3-1, one point behind division leading Detroit with a game in hand. After
looking a step slow in a 3-2 season opening loss to the Coyotes, the Blues have
rebounded with 3 straight wins. Paul Kariya is still looking for his first goal, but leads the
team in points with 6 assists. Brad Boyes leads the team with 4 goals, benefiting from
playing with Kariya. Lee Stempniak (West Seneca, NY) and Keith Tkachuk (Medford, MA)
are among four players tied for second with 4 points. Surprising stat comes from Dan
Hinote (Leesburg, FL), who as a fourth-liner has registered 2 goals in 2 games while
averaging only 8:55 of ice time. Rookie Steven Wagner (Grand Rapids, MN) leads all
rookie defensemen with 3 assists.
Paul Stastny, Colorado Avalanche
The young man from St. Louis is tied for the lead in the Western Conference with 5 goals
and 9 points. All 5 goals have come at even strength, a good sign for the Avs.
Jared Boll, Columbus Blue Jackets
No, he’s not among the league leaders in scoring. The big hitter from Crystal Lake, IL
does, however, lead the NHL in penalty minutes. It’s because of Boll that Jason Chimera
has had room to skate and create chances on the Jackets 4th line. Boll has more penalty
minutes than minutes played. His penalties thus far: 5 minute major and a game
misconduct for elbowing Travis Moen of Anaheim (a 10 minute game misconduct also
assessed); 5 minute fighting major for taking on the Wild’s Stephen Veilleux; and a 5
minute fighting major with the Coyotes’ Daniel Carcillo.
Daniel Winnick, Martin Hanzal and Craig Weller, Phoenix Coyotes
While American Peter Mueller (Bloomington, MN) still looks for his first NHL point, these
three rookies have really shone for the Desert Dogs. Winnick in particular has played a
key energy role. Through four games, Winnick has drawn 3 penalties (four if you count the
hit that started the ruckus that led to Weller’s misconduct for close-lining Jordin Tootoo of
Nashville after he leveled Winnick on a hit similar to the Steve Downie hit) while averaging
just over 13 minutes per game. This Coyotes team is playing an up-tempo style that
makes them fun to watch. These 3 rookies are a big part of the excitement.
Nikolai Khabibulin and Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks have been dominated by the Red Wings in recent years, but that appears
to be changing. The Blackhawks came from behind twice to beat Detroit in the teams’ first
two meetings of the year. In the first game, it was Patrick Kane (Buffalo, NY) who
registered his first NHL point assisting on second period goal by Tuomo Ruutu. Detroit
was up 3-1 at the end of the 2nd period, but the Hawks tied it up in the 3rd with goals from
James Wisniewski (Canton, MI) and former Red Wing Robert Lang. In the shootout, the
only goal came off of Kane’s stick as the rookie beat Dominik Hasek for the game winner.
Khabibulin has kept the young Blackhawks competitive with stellar goaltending. His
numbers after 4 starts: 2-2-0, 1.98 GAA, .932 save %.
David Legwand, Nashville Predators
The Detroit native registered a hat trick in a 5-1 win over Dallas October 6. All 3 goals
came at even strength.
Niklas Hagman, Dallas Stars
Five goals in five games. If Dallas can stay healthy, they have players who can score.
Previous installments of the Western Crosscheck:
Western Conference Preview
Central Division Northwest Division Pacific Division
Check out this stat line for goalie Niklas Backstrom: 3GP, 3-0-0, 0.67 GAA, .971 save %, 2
shutouts. The Wild has out-shot opponents, on average, 27-23 thus far. Brian Rolston
(Flint, MI) leads the team with 4 points, all assists. The team has been able to play a puck
possession style because of the success of C Eric Belanger, who has won 26 of 45
faceoffs (an impressive 57.77 %). The fact that they’ve won their first three games is even
more impressive when you consider these facts: they have yet to score on the power play
(0-9), and Marian Gaborik hasn’t scored a goal yet. Look out when they start firing on all
cylinders.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets (1/game) and Wild (0.667/game) have allowed the fewest goals after the
first week and a half. While Minnesota, winners of last year’s Jennings Trophy, is no
surprise on this list, seeing Columbus in that sentence certainly qualifies as a surprise.
Columbus entered the season unsure of their goaltending and are very pleased with what
they’ve seen from Pascal Leclaire. He has posted shutouts in both of his starts, while
facing an average of 30 shots per game. The penalty kill has been perfect, stopping all 17
shorthanded situations it has faced. Defenseman Ron Hainsey (Bolton, CT) is tied with
Rick Nash for the team lead in goals, with Hainsey netting both of his on the power play. It
is also surprising to see fourth-liner Jason Chimera tied with Nash for the team lead with
4 points, as he scored once and set up the other two goals in the 3-0 win over Phoenix
Wednesday night.
St. Louis Blues
The Blues are 3-1, one point behind division leading Detroit with a game in hand. After
looking a step slow in a 3-2 season opening loss to the Coyotes, the Blues have
rebounded with 3 straight wins. Paul Kariya is still looking for his first goal, but leads the
team in points with 6 assists. Brad Boyes leads the team with 4 goals, benefiting from
playing with Kariya. Lee Stempniak (West Seneca, NY) and Keith Tkachuk (Medford, MA)
are among four players tied for second with 4 points. Surprising stat comes from Dan
Hinote (Leesburg, FL), who as a fourth-liner has registered 2 goals in 2 games while
averaging only 8:55 of ice time. Rookie Steven Wagner (Grand Rapids, MN) leads all
rookie defensemen with 3 assists.
Paul Stastny, Colorado Avalanche
The young man from St. Louis is tied for the lead in the Western Conference with 5 goals
and 9 points. All 5 goals have come at even strength, a good sign for the Avs.
Jared Boll, Columbus Blue Jackets
No, he’s not among the league leaders in scoring. The big hitter from Crystal Lake, IL
does, however, lead the NHL in penalty minutes. It’s because of Boll that Jason Chimera
has had room to skate and create chances on the Jackets 4th line. Boll has more penalty
minutes than minutes played. His penalties thus far: 5 minute major and a game
misconduct for elbowing Travis Moen of Anaheim (a 10 minute game misconduct also
assessed); 5 minute fighting major for taking on the Wild’s Stephen Veilleux; and a 5
minute fighting major with the Coyotes’ Daniel Carcillo.
Daniel Winnick, Martin Hanzal and Craig Weller, Phoenix Coyotes
While American Peter Mueller (Bloomington, MN) still looks for his first NHL point, these
three rookies have really shone for the Desert Dogs. Winnick in particular has played a
key energy role. Through four games, Winnick has drawn 3 penalties (four if you count the
hit that started the ruckus that led to Weller’s misconduct for close-lining Jordin Tootoo of
Nashville after he leveled Winnick on a hit similar to the Steve Downie hit) while averaging
just over 13 minutes per game. This Coyotes team is playing an up-tempo style that
makes them fun to watch. These 3 rookies are a big part of the excitement.
Nikolai Khabibulin and Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks have been dominated by the Red Wings in recent years, but that appears
to be changing. The Blackhawks came from behind twice to beat Detroit in the teams’ first
two meetings of the year. In the first game, it was Patrick Kane (Buffalo, NY) who
registered his first NHL point assisting on second period goal by Tuomo Ruutu. Detroit
was up 3-1 at the end of the 2nd period, but the Hawks tied it up in the 3rd with goals from
James Wisniewski (Canton, MI) and former Red Wing Robert Lang. In the shootout, the
only goal came off of Kane’s stick as the rookie beat Dominik Hasek for the game winner.
Khabibulin has kept the young Blackhawks competitive with stellar goaltending. His
numbers after 4 starts: 2-2-0, 1.98 GAA, .932 save %.
David Legwand, Nashville Predators
The Detroit native registered a hat trick in a 5-1 win over Dallas October 6. All 3 goals
came at even strength.
Niklas Hagman, Dallas Stars
Five goals in five games. If Dallas can stay healthy, they have players who can score.
Previous installments of the Western Crosscheck:
Western Conference Preview
Central Division Northwest Division Pacific Division
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| CrossChecking the Western Conference October 29, 2007 Following the theme from the most recent Eastern Crosscheck, this edition looks at the top eight Western Conference teams, based on their play since the last edition on October 12. |
| 1. Detroit Red Wings Record Since October 12: 6-2 (12 out of 16 possible points earned) Standings: First in Central Division (6 pts. Ahead of Cloumbus) First in Western Conference (3pts. Ahead of Minnesota) Impressive Numbers: Red Wings are on a five game winning streak LW Henrik Zetterberg (21 pts in 12 games) leads NHL in scoring. Has 7 goals and 13 points in 8 games since 10/12 G Cris Osgood, 5-0-0, 1.60 GAA, .930 save % C Pavel Datsyuk, 8 GP, 2-7-9 since 10/12. Active 7 game points streak C Kris Draper has 5 goals in 12 games this season. Active 2 game points streak C Valtteri Filppula, after going scoreless in first 8 games, rookie has 3 points in last 2 RW Tomas Holmstrom has 3 goals and 6 points in last 4 games D Nicklas Lidstrom has a four game assist streak RW Mikael Samuelsson has 1 goal and four points for a 4 game active points streak What’s Coming Up: Seven of next 11 games on the road. Starting November 7, Wings play 9 straight against Central Division foes. So far, the Wings have lost the only two divisional games they’ve played (both against Chicago). Is Detroit really the best team, or have they just benefited from the Pacific Division teams who are struggling? The Wings are 5-1 against the Pacific Division. The goaltending depth will be tested, as Hasek is out indefinitely with a hip injury. Osgood has played brilliantly this season, but is Jimmy Howard ready for an NHL back-up role? Injuries: F Dallas Drake (fractured cheek bone), on IR since getting hurt on 10/18. Could return in a week or so. F Johan Franzen (sprained knee), on IR since 10/7. Is skating, could return soon. D Kyle Quincey (broken left hand), on IR since 9/29. Assigned to AHL club on 10/26. G Dominik Hasek (hip), out indefinitely. 2. Calgary Flames Record Since October 12: 5-1-2 (12 of 16 points earned) Standings: 3rd in the Northwest Division (3 behind Wild for 1st place) 6th in Western Conference (1 ahead of Blues and Kings) Impressive Numbers: G Miikka Kiprusoff (5-3-3) has played in all 11 games for the Flames this season RW Jarome Iginla has six even strength goals and 14 total points since 10/12 D Adrian Aucoin has 3 assist in past 2 games while averaging 28:19 of ice time RW Eric Godard had 22 PIM in a 4-1 loss to the Sharks on 10/22. He was only on the ice for 7:04 C Daymond Langkow, 4-7-11 in 8 games since 10/12. Active 5 game points streak D Dion Phaneuf is a +8 since 10/12, going 3-4-7 with 19 PIM, had 7 shots 10/26 vs. Avs LW Alex Tanguay has gone 3-6-9 in 8 games since 10/12 What’s Coming Up: Starting Nov. 3, Flames play 9 of 10 against division foes. Flames are 2-0-3 within their division so far, gaining 7 of a possible 10 points. The Northwest division figures to be tight again this year, and if the Flames can average a point-per-game minimum they will improve their playoff chances. Injuries: C Wayne Primeau (high ankle sprain) day to day since suffering injury 10/22 G Brent Krahn (knee) hasn’t been on skates since 9/7. On IR 3. St. Louis Blues Record Since October 12: 4-2 (8 of 12 possible points earned) Standings: 3rd in Central Division (1 behind Blue Jackets) Tied with Kings for 7th in Western Conference (3 games in hand) Impressive Numbers: G Manny Legace is 4-1 with a 2.02 GAA and a .923 save %. RW Brad Boyes has 5 goals in 6 games since 10/12 LW Paul Kariya was in on all 4 points (1 goal, 3 assusts) in a 4-2 over Ducks on 10/23. has 2 goals and 8 points since 10/12 C Keith Tkachuk 2 goals and 5 assists in 6 games since 10/12 What’s Coming Up: Starting November 3, Blues play 8 straight against divisional foes. In their last 4 games, the Blues powerplay is 2-19 (10.5), a conversion rate that will have to go up if they are to hold their ground in the Western conference standings. Injuries: D Erik Johnson (hairline fracture in right foot), on IR since 10/10 4. Dallas Stars Record Since October 12: 3-1-2 (8 of a possible 12 points earned) Standings: Tied with Kings for 1st in Pacific Division (with 2 games in hand) As division leader, is 3rd in Western Conference (4 points behind Wild) Impressive Numbers: C Mike Modano (Livonia, MI) is one point behind Phil Housley on the All-time US-born scoring list as of 10/29 LW Niklas Hagman, who had 5 goals in his first 5 games, has one in his last 6 RW Jere Lehtinen has 3 goals and 5 pts in his last 4 games D Matt Niskanen (Virginia, MN) scored his first NHL goal 10/29 vs. Sharks C Mike Ribeiro 2-6-8 in last 6 games LW Brendan Morrow (3-5-8) has a 6 game points scoring streak What’s Coming Up: Starting Nov. 2 the Stars play six straight games against Pacific Division opponents. The middle four games of this stretch are on the road. The Stars are 1-3-2 on the road this season. The Ducks and Sharks are better than they’ve been playing, so the Stars have to improve their play outside the Lone Star State. Injuries: LW Francis Wathier (shoulder) placed on IR 10/1 5. Columbus Blue Jackets Record Since October 12: 4-2-1 (9 out of a possible 14 points earned) Standings: 2nd in Central Division (6 pts behind the Red Wings with 2 games in hand) 5th in the Western Conference Impressive Numbers: Blue Jackets have won 3 in a row and 4 of last 5 games Team has scored a power play goal in 6 straight games G Pascal Leclaire is off to a Vezina/Hart start. His numbers thus far: 5-2, 1.29 GAA, .949 save %, 4 shutouts LW Rick Nash had a 5 game points streak Oct. 17-25, putting up 6 goals and 3 assists C Jiri Novotny has 3 goals and 5 points on an active 3 game points streak What’s Coming Up: Nov. 4 through the 18, the Jackets play 8 straight divisional foes. Looking for their first playoff berth and off to what has to be the most surprising start this season, the Blue Jackets can prove to the hockey world that they are for real. They’ve won their first two divisional games. This eight game stretch may be the most pivotal stretch of games in the history of the franchise. Stumble, and they’ve wasted an incredible start. If they can win a minimum of 5 games, the city of Columbus may start to take notice. Drawing only 13,000 to a Saturday night tilt doesn’t look good, but Ohio State is #1 in college football and college football rules this town until December. Injuries: LW Fredrik Modin (groin) is day to day LW Alexandre Picard (torn knee ligaments) on IR since 9/15 & out indefinitely D Duvie Westcott (head injury) is day-to-day. RW Derek Dorsett (stress fracture, leg) has been on IR since 9/25 6. Minnesota Wild Record Since October 12: 4-2-2 (10 of a possible 16 pts. earned) Standings: 1st in Northwest Division (2 pts ahead of Colorado) 2nd in Western Conference (3 behind Detroit) Impressive Numbers: RW Pierre-Marc Bouchard has 8 assists and 9 points in 8 games since 10/12 LW Pavol Demitra has 2 goals and 2 assists on current 3 game points streak RW Marian Gaborik had 5 assists on a 4-game points streak 10/16 through 10/24 G Josh Harding is 2-1-1 with a 1.96 GAA and .939 save % RW Mark Parrish (Bloomington, MN) had a goal in 3 straight games from 10/21-10/25 LW Brian Rolston (Flint, MI) has 5 goals in his last 7 games What’s Coming Up: Starting Novemebr 3, the Wild plays 8 straight divisional games. November 11-16 they go on a 4-game road trip. Minnesota, a favorite to win the Northwest Division, has lost 3 straight road games and are 2-2-1 in their division. Anything less than a split on the road trip could see them drop from 1st to worst. Injuries: G Niklas Backstrom (groin) listed as day-to-day. Wild recalled Nolan Schaefer from AHL LW Pavol Demitra (strained right abductor muscle) left practice on Monday after 20 minutes. Placed on IR RW Marian Gaborik (groin) listed as day-to-day. C Dominic Moore (abdominal strain) placed on IR 10/10 7. Los Angeles Kings Record Since October 12: 5-3 (10 of a possible 16 points earned) Standings: Second in Pacific Division (1 pt behind San Jose) 9th in Western Conference Impressive Numbers: Kings have won 4 straight and 5 of past 6 games G Jason LaBarbera is 4-0 with an astounding .964 save % in last 4 games C Derek Armstrong had an assist in 3 straight games while averaging only 12:09 in ice time from 10/19 to 10/25 LW Mike Cammalleri has 6 goals in 8 games since 10/12 LW Alexander Frolov has put up 3-6-9 since 10/12 D Jack Johnson (Indianapolis, IN) scored 1st NHL goal in a 4-2 win @ Vancouver 10/19 C Anze Kopitar has put up 5-3-8 since 10/12 LW Ladislav Nagy has put up 2-6-8 since 10/12 C Patrick O'Sullivan (Winston-Salem, NC) scored 2 goals in a win against Oilers 10/27 D Lubomir Visnovsky has 7 assists since 10/12 What’s Coming Up: Starting Nov. 2, the Kings play 11 consecutive games within their division, 7 of them on the road. They will play 4 games in this span against a struggling San Jose team and 3 against cross-town rival Anaheim. Injuries: None 8. Colorado Avalanche Record Since October 12: : 5-3 (10 of a possible 16 points earned) Standings: 2nd in Northwest Division (2 behind Minnesota) 4th in Western Conference Impressive Numbers: Avs have won 3 straight games LW Andrew Brunette has 6 assists and 8 points since 10/13 G Peter Budaj is 5-1 in his last 6 games C Joe Sakic has an active 5 game point streak (1-7-8) LW Ryan Smyth has 4 goals since 10/13 RW Marek Svatos has an active 2 game goal scoring streak LW Wojtek Wolski has scored in 7 straight games (3-5-8) What’s Coming Up: Avalanche will play 10 of 11 within the Northwest Division starting 11/3. Colorado is 2-4 on the road so far, a number that has to improve. Injuries: RW Milan Hejduk has been out since injuring his back on 10/20 D Jordan Leopold will miss two months after wrist surgery. On IR since 10/25 RW Brad Richardson has yet to play due to a wrist injury. On IR since 10/3 D Karlis Skrastins will miss a month with a separated shoulder. On IR since 10/19 |