What's wrong with Crosby? And other burning NHL questions
By the end of the week, all of the NHL teams will have played at least a quarter of their schedule. Here are six questions asked and answered about what we've learned thus far:
What’s wrong with Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby?
He entered the season averaging 1.36 points per game for his career, but Crosby is on pace for 12 goals and 45 points this season.
Early on it seemed Crosby was having difficulty adjusting to the team’s new personnel. The Crosby-Phil Kessel pairing didn’t work. But this slump has gone on too long. Crosby seems to be pressing, perhaps suffering from the crisis of confidence that even superstars sometimes face.
The Penguins are playing more defensive than they have in the past, ranking fifth in goals against but 25th in goals scored. When in Penguins’ history has that ever happened?
The other issue is that it’s simply more challenging to score goals in today’s game. Crosby is not the only top player experiencing decline in numbers. Philadelphia’s Jakub Voracek was fourth in the NHL in points last season, and coach Dave Hakstol has moved him out of the Flyers’ top six because of his struggles. Tampa Bay’s Tyler Johnson registered 72 points last season, and he only had 10 in 19 games this season.
Which team has been the most impressive in the Eastern Conference, the Montreal Canadiens or New York Rangers?
The Canadiens get the nod because they were not expected to be so explosive on offense. They lead the NHL with 3.55 goals per game. You also have to be impressed that the Canadiens kept surging with goalkeeper Carey Price on the injured list. They have decisively demonstrated that they have a roster capable of winning their first Stanley Cup since 1993.
But as impressive as the Canadiens have been, they haven’t been superior to the Rangers. They lead the NHL with a 1.85 goals-against average per game, and have not yet played their best hockey.
Who has been the most disappointing team?
The Anaheim Ducks were expected to be among the top teams in the Western Conference, and right now they have only three points more than the last-place Edmonton Oilers.
It feels as if they are playing better, but they still have won just five of their last 10 games. The team’s offense is struggling. Ryan Getzlaf is on a 42-point pace. Center Ryan Kesler has one goal. Defensemen Cam Fowler is a minus-8 Hampus Lindholm a minus-7.
The only good news for the Ducks is that they are only four points out of a playoff spot in the forgiving Pacific Division.
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Why are so many rookies making an impact?
This season’s rookie class is exceptional. Plus, the NHL is becoming younger and faster, and general managers are more open to giving youngsters, especially high-tempo players, a chance to play regularly.
Edmonton’s Connor McDavid was having the anticipated impact before he sustained a broken collarbone. And Buffalo’s Jack Eichel has shown he's going to be an impact player as well. But other rookies have been equally impressive.
Detroit’s Dylan Larkin has already blossomed into a key contributor. Given the state of their offense, the Red Wings might be struggling now without Larkin’s ability to create scoring chances with his speed. Chicago’s Artemi Panarin, a Kontinental Hockey League veteran,has been dynamic and more polished than most rookies.
Rookie Max Domi has instantly become Arizona's most important offensive player.
he real surprise has been St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko, who is third on the Blues with 12 points in 19 games. He made the team with a strong training camp and has continued to soar. He is 6-5, 225 pounds and leads the Blues with a plus-10.
With the Blackhawks fifth in the Central, should we count them out?
Of course not. The Blackhawks’ start has not been smooth after they made several significant roster moves to help relieve salary cap issues. It didn't help that defenseman Duncan Keith missed 10 games with an injury. The good news is that Patrick Kane is playing the best hockey of his career, and Panarin’s arrival has given them another difference-maker up front.
They are still difficult to beat at home. Their problems have been in the road where they are 3-6-1.
Should we believe in the Dallas Stars’ early success?
Absolutely. The Stars’ offense is scary, and their defense and goaltending have been better than expected. With Patrick Sharp joining Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn, the Stars are a threat to score four or more goals every night.
Meanwhile, Swedish defenseman John Klingberg has quickly become the Stars’ version of Nicklas Lidstrom. Klingberg has 23 points in 21 games, and has improved significantly as a defensive player. He's a legitimate Norris Trophy candidate.
The Stars’ goaltending rotation of Antti Niemi and Kari Lehtonen has also worked quite well, aided by the fact that the two goalies are friends.
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