Under radar
Overlooked NHL story lines include Ryan Suter as a leading candidate for the Norris Trophy,
Talk around the NHL these days centers on the Washington Capitals, hot rookie Artemi Panarin, the Calgary Flames’ recovery and the exceptional play of Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn.
But here are five important story lines falling under the radar:
1. Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings) and Ryan Suter (Minnesota Wild) should be leading Norris Trophy candidates: The award shouldn’t only be about point production. Doughty is a primary reason the Kings are 20-10-2. Suter is one of the best one-on-one defenders in the game.
2. The Boston Bruins are way better than anyone antic
ipated: Remember the heavy criticism general manager Don Sweeney took for his return on the deals for Dougie Hamilton and Milan Lucic? Given the Bruins owned the ninth-best record entering Sunday’s games, it appears Sweeney’s offseason plan had considerable merit.
The Bruins have the secondbest goals-per-game average at 3.26. Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci have had strong seasons. Brad Marchand is on pace for 40 goals. Zdeno Chara is still a force on defense. And Tuukka Rask has found his game.
3. Ryan O’Reilly benefits from his move to the Buffalo
Sabres: The hockey world certainly knew O’Reilly (12 goals, 29 points) was a desirable player, but it’s odd that his reputation has grown significantly since he landed in Buffalo.
There’s a sharp focus on Buffalo these days because of Jack Eichel and curiosity over how this team will develop. What everyone seems to be noticing is O’Reilly’s skilled, edgy game. He’s a hardworking, gritty competitor who is solid defensively. Wouldn’t he be the perfect fourth-line role player for Canada in the World Cup?
4. The Colorado Avalanche have awakened in recent weeks: Over the last 10 games, they have the best record (8-2) in the tough Central Division. They have a better road record than the Wild, Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators. Their +5 goal differential is fifth in the division, with the St. Louis Blues one goal better.
Goalie Semyon Varlamov has given up nine goals in his last eight starts. He hasn’t had a single-game save percentage of under .944 in that span.
5. Ryan Getzlaf ’s goal drought is severe: Though Getzlaf is on a pace to record more than 50 points, his goal slump has reached the alarming stage. In 27 games this season, he has one goal, and that was an empty-netter. He went the last 11 games of the playoffs without a goal, too.
He is not the only reason the last-place Anaheim Ducks have struggled, but Getzlaf ’s reduced production is a major factor. For the Ducks to save their season, they need him to lead the way.