Two weeks have passed in the NHL season and there have been surprises. Analysts have a stomach full of hats. Teams are nowhere near where they should be in the standings. The best players in the league are not the best players in the world. So far, here’s what’s happened in the NHL week one and two of the 2016-2017 season.
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are around where you’d think they should be in the standings. After starting the season 0-2 on opening weekend, the Wings are 4-0 and tied for 2nd in the Atlantic division entering play Tuesday of week 3. It’s early. The Wings have looked just like a team that’ll be fighting for a playoff spot April 9th when they play the final regular season game at Joe Louis Arena. What’s been a surprise this year is who’s leading the Wings. Entering Tuesday, Darren Helm leads the team with 4 goals. Thomas Vanek, Gustav Nyquist and Mike Green are tied for the team lead with 7 points. The biggest surprise of the year is the Red Wings fighting majors. They have nearly matched their 10-year average for fights per season in the first 5 games.
Week 1-2 Surprises
Oil Flowing – Edmonton is off to the races. The Oilers are 5-1 and are 2nd in the NHL in points with 10 points after 6 games. It’s the first step forward the team has taken in a decade. Sophomore Conner McDavid is tied for the league lead with 9 points (4G-5A) through 6 games.
Sun Shining in Vancouver – Someone forgot to tell the Canucks they’re supposed to be the worst team in the NHL. At least, they forgot to listen. Vancouver started the season 4-0 before going 0-1-1 in their last two games. So much for the number one pick in 2017.
Blackhawks Down – Nothing is going right in Chi-town outside Wrigley Field. The Blackhawks are being led by newcomer Richard Panik. He’s nearly matched his career high in goals in just 7 games. Chicago isn’t getting the goaltending they need and their bottom six forwards, most of which still have umbilical cords attached, are not pulling their weight in the lineup.
Montreal is Back – The Canadians lead the NHL. They’re top in goal differential and points. Entering Tuesday they are the only team left without a regulation loss. Montreal came out blazing last season too before suffering a Detroit Tigers-esque collapse after the season ending injury to goaltender Carey Price. Price missed the first week of this year because of illness, but he’s been good since coming back.
In Play! Stars of the Week
Detroit Red Wings – Mike Green – Green’s 7 points (3G-7A) is tied for the Wing’s lead. He scored his first career hat-trick already this season. He’s also significantly improved his defensive play this year.
NHL – Conner McDavid – McDavid is leading the NHL with a 1.5 point per game average and he has shown no sign he can’t maintain that pace for 82 games. Short of an injury, he’s likely to take home the Art Ross trophy at the end of the year.
Facebook Comments