In this weekly feature, I look at where individuals are trending to in this handy-dandy table format. The analysis of each person is done solely by me and my observations — sometimes I do it by committee with other writers, but I’ve got the ultimate say. So if you disagree on any of these, feel free to tell me in the comments! Who doesn’t like a good ol’ hockey debate?
The Dallas Stars went 2-0-1 in their Pacific division swing, shutting out the high-flying Anaheim Ducks, beating the Phoenix Coyotes in regulation, and eking out a point on the second half of a back-to-back set against the San Jose Sharks. Five out of six possible points, and within a stone’s throw of the final wild card playoff spot on the eve of the last game before the Olympic break. Can you feel the drama and anticipation?
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Jamie BENN |
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| Comments: Jamie Benn cut back on the penalties in the last week, which is what you wanted to see after that forgettable time in the penalty box versus the New Jersey Devils. But his line hasn’t clicked much over the last three games, and his lone goal came on an empty netter. While the depth scoring has helped bolster this team over the past week, that top line really needs to be clicking at the same time to push this team over the edge. Is it fair to put it all on the captain’s shoulders? Probably not. But nobody ever said wearing the “C” would be easy. | |||
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Jordie BENN |
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| Comments: Jordie Benn has been playing really well alongside Brenden Dillon, having a stretch of games that might be his best this season. | |||
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Alex CHIASSON |
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| Comments: Alex Chiasson isn’t generating much in the way of shots on goal, which is contributing to his one point in nine games stretch here. | |||
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Erik COLE |
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| Comments: Erik Cole had very positive outings against Anaheim and Phoenix, but got himself into penalty trouble against San Jose. To top that off, he was on the ice when they scored both goals against Dallas in their overtime win. Rough. | |||
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Kevin CONNAUTON |
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| Comments: Kevin Connauton showed that though he has a lot of upside, he’s going to be the victim of rookie positioning mistakes at times too. | |||
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Trevor DALEY |
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| Comments: Contrary to what some may say to me whenever Trevor Daley scores a goal, it wasn’t me talking bad about him this time. His offensive game has been top notch this week, and he’s done well in his own end to bookend the effort. | |||
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Brenden DILLON |
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| Comments: Brenden Dillon has seen increased ice time this past week, and he’s handled it well. Also, Deputy Dillon needs to be a thing. | |||
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Cody EAKIN |
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| Comments: The thing that has impressed me the most about Cody Eakin in the past week has been his sound defensive positioning, something he wasn’t always lauded for early in the season. | |||
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Dan ELLIS |
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| Comments: Dan Ellis played in one game, against the Anaheim Ducks, and cleansheeted them. Why yes, you were outstanding there Danny Boy. | |||
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Vernon FIDDLER |
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| Comments: Vernon Fiddler is a big part of the reason that opposing power play units went 0-for-8 in the last week. Big thumbs up for penalty killing prowess. | |||
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Ryan GARBUTT |
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| Comments: Ryan Garbutt was a key cog in the win over Phoenix. His whole line has looked good, whether it’s with Fiddler or Eakin in the middle. | |||
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Alex GOLIGOSKI |
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| Comments: Alex Goligoski may not have continued picking up points like I asked for last week, but he’s been stellar in his own end this past week. He’s also had some dangerous looks at time, and the power play has shown better movement. | |||
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Sergei GONCHAR |
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| Comments: Sergei Gonchar was on the unfortunate pairing that allowed both goals against to lose that extra point versus San Jose. He looked good in the other two games, though. | |||
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Shawn HORCOFF |
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| Comments: Shawn Horcoff has speed and tenacity on the puck that I really enjoy watching when he’s dialed in. | |||
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Dustin JEFFREY |
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| Comments: Dustin Jeffrey didn’t get into the lineup during the road trip, and he’s gone back to Austin now so that he can get some playing time in during the Olympic break. | |||
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Kari LEHTONEN |
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| Comments: Kari Lehtonen bounced back nicely after a little break, spelled by Dan Ellis. Both games he allowed two or less goals in, and he made some large saves along the way. The team may have been playing better as a unit in front of him, but he did his part to contribute to the winning record last week — and that can’t be discounted. | |||
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Valeri NICHUSHKIN |
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| Comments: Valeri Nichushkin made a great play to be in the slot area for a juicy rebound to pot his 12th goal of the season. | |||
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Rich PEVERLEY |
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| Comments: Rich Peverley just does his thing, collecting points and owning you on the faceoff circle. | |||
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Stephane ROBIDAS |
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| Comments: Still sending all the good wishes for a speedy recovery to Stephane Robidas. ALERT: Robidas practicing with the team for the first time since being injured. He’s in a red no-contact jersey, but still — on SKATES! THIS IS NOT A DRILL! | |||
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Aaron ROME |
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| Comments: I kind of like using Aaron Rome in the lineup against these bigger teams, with Connauton drawing in against other teams’ styles. It has worked nicely so far. | |||
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Antoine ROUSSEL |
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| Comments: Antoine Roussel scored his first goal in a while, and it was a game winning goal at that. He’s still bringing a lot of skill and determination when he’s not scoring, which makes it hard on opposing lines to shut down completely. | |||
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Tyler SEGUIN |
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| Comments: Tyler Seguin is on a seven game points streak, and it’s not just coincidental that the team has been doing well in that span, is it? | |||
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Ray WHITNEY |
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| Comments: Ray Whitney has just two goals over his last 20 games. | |||