Posted by Better late than never for Gilbert Brule to at last show his untapped potential. Head coach Pat Quinn is bringing out the best of his young corps in Edmonton and the 22-year-old is adapting well to their style of play. Dealt from Columbus in the Raffi Torres trade, Brule is performing like a true former first round draft pick assuring himself a splendid season with his hard-nosed attitude.
The talent of Gilbert Brule has finally come out. (Photo courtesy of Rachel Lewis/ Flikr.)
Numbers: three games played, three goals, two assists, five points, plus-4 rating.
Jumping in at left wing is Dustin Penner who has already scored five goals, a feat that took him until late November of last season to accomplish. Penner has driven to the net fearlessly, something he didn’t do enough of in 2009, putting the Oilers right in the middle of the Western Conference’s herd. What a difference a year makes. Or is it a new head coach?
Numbers: three games played, three goals, three assists, six points, plus-5 rating.
So far so good for the delicate hip/groin combination belonging to Marian Gaborik. In a season already missing Andrei Markov and Johan Franzen for numerous months, the Slovakian has been healthy and dynamic. Few in the world can keep up with his footwork. While New York is receiving impressive team contributions, their star man has yet to go pointless in a match.
Numbers: three games played, two goals, three assists, five points, plus-4 rating.
Chicago’s Brian Campbell again proved himself, offensively, with a handful of assists for the Blackhawks in their four-game week. He’s been alert to the chances that have come his way and mobile on the attack. Campbell’s quick start bodes well for the Blackhawks but he’s still not worth $7 million dollars and change.
Numbers: four games played, five assists, five points, even rating.
Seven straight wins for the New York Rangers with 11 players posting four points or more. The much maligned Wade Redden did his best to stand out which was easier said than done considering the success of teenager Michael Del Zotto. But Redden played with composure particularly against the Toronto Maple Leafs; that was easy. We’ll see if he can do the same against 28 better teams.
Numbers: three games played, one goal, three assists, four points, plus-4 rating.
Can Bryzgalov continue his stellar goaltending? (Photo courtesy of Gosh@/ Flikr.)
Don’t look now but the Phoenix Coyotes are sitting atop the Pacific Division. Ilya Bryzgalov now seems to be coming to terms with the expectations of starting NHL goaltenders. The Russian net minder has had his harsh critics at times but has been in superb form earning two shutouts in five wins against pretty good clubs in Pittsburgh and San Jose.
Numbers: three games played, three wins, .958 save percentage, 1.00 GAA, one shutout.
Team of the Week
Center: Gilbert Brule
Left Wing: Dustin Penner
Right Wing: Marian Gaborik
Defenseman: Brian Campbell
Defenseman: Wade Redden
Goaltender: Ilya Bryzgalov
A big week for Ryan O’Reilly who scored his first career NHL goal and eventual game winner in Montreal. With the Colorado Avalanche playing four road games in six days, it was important to get assistance from just about everyone and the 18-year-old certainly supplied. O’Reilly along with fellow 2009 draft pick Matt Duchene, has made the jump straight into the league becoming one of many pleasant surprises for Colorado.
Many firsts for Maxim Afinogenov two nights ago. His first game back in Buffalo after spending nine seasons with them, first goal as an Atlanta Thrasher and clinching the Sabres’ first regulation loss of the year brought a big smile to the Russian’s face. A vintage Afinogenov goal, he undressed Tyler Myers and avoided a stick-check from Henrik Tallinder before snapping one over the shoulder of Patrick Lalime. We’re more than happy to give Max goal of the week credit with that display.
Prior to making their debut, who do rookies envision having a tough time with? Is it that scorer who can strip them of the puck? The goalie who can take away their first goal instantly? Something tells me that Anton Volchenkov isn’t their biggest priority. But the way things are going, that shouldn’t be the case much longer. Victor Hedman was the latest to attempt a skate-in only to get caught by Volchenkov.
Lionel Messi would have been jealous if he saw the header Mike Komisarek knocked into the net on Tuesday. Unfortunately, this isn’t soccer and the puck was put in his own goal or as the English love to say, the onion bag. That gaffe takes the cake but with his $4.5 million price tag, it doesn’t get our sympathy.
Perhaps the greatest Swedish player to lace up skates, Niklas Lidstrom reached the illustrious 1000-point plateau. His two assists on Thursday came from tip-ins after he got the puck through traffic each time—typical Lidstrom. Joining Gordie Howe, Steve Yzerman and Alex Delvecchio as the only Red Wings to reach the milestone in Detroit, we salute Lidstrom and hope he continues to play for a few more years.
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