This article is part of our Left, Right & Center series.
Before we dive into this week's material, let's take a look back seven days. You may remember the last column talked about forward recommendations to start the season. One of them, Paul Stastny, elicited significant discussion. (In fact, all of the comments involved him.)
The youngest child of the famous Slovak hockey sibling from the 1980s hasn't done a lot the last couple seasons but was due for an upturn thanks to favorable line placement. It's only been three games but Stastny has already notched six points, three of them on the power play.
While it's tough to evaluate players based solely on early performance, the data may still be useful. So while Stastny is projected to score over 160 points, that just won't happen. As long as he can hold his position in the lineup and not succumb to injury, however, then he has the potential for continued success.
[INSERT INTERMISSION/MUSICAL INTERLUDE/NAP HERE]
The standard feature of this column will look at the three forward spots and for each, highlight someone who is currently impressing (Two Steps Forward), stumbling (Broken Wing), and yearning to break out (Between the Lines). Also, no superstars will be mentioned unless they've done something special...or if I've run out of ideas. And remember, players may qualify at multiple positions, so check your league for further details.
LEFT WING
Two Steps Forward: Richard Panik, Chicago
Finding a third for Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa has proven a difficult task. Many have auditioned for
Before we dive into this week's material, let's take a look back seven days. You may remember the last column talked about forward recommendations to start the season. One of them, Paul Stastny, elicited significant discussion. (In fact, all of the comments involved him.)
The youngest child of the famous Slovak hockey sibling from the 1980s hasn't done a lot the last couple seasons but was due for an upturn thanks to favorable line placement. It's only been three games but Stastny has already notched six points, three of them on the power play.
While it's tough to evaluate players based solely on early performance, the data may still be useful. So while Stastny is projected to score over 160 points, that just won't happen. As long as he can hold his position in the lineup and not succumb to injury, however, then he has the potential for continued success.
[INSERT INTERMISSION/MUSICAL INTERLUDE/NAP HERE]
The standard feature of this column will look at the three forward spots and for each, highlight someone who is currently impressing (Two Steps Forward), stumbling (Broken Wing), and yearning to break out (Between the Lines). Also, no superstars will be mentioned unless they've done something special...or if I've run out of ideas. And remember, players may qualify at multiple positions, so check your league for further details.
LEFT WING
Two Steps Forward: Richard Panik, Chicago
Finding a third for Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa has proven a difficult task. Many have auditioned for the role but none have really succeeded long-term. Panik was offered another chance because he was deemed to be the best fit after the departures of Andrew Shaw and Teuvo Teravainen. This appears brilliant, since the 2009 second-round selection has assumed an early share of the league lead in goals (four), including a hat trick Saturday. But, dude, you really gotta work on your celebration.
Broken Wing: Andrew Ladd, NY Islanders
Seven years, $38.5 million, zero points; that's Ladd's current legacy in Brooklyn. There's no need to panic about the Isles' major summer expenditure, as they are currently being topped in scoring by Brock Nelson and, um, Cal Clutterbuck (with a whopping three points apiece). But there's always hotshot Anders Lee and rookie dynamo Anthony Beauvillier waiting to caddy John Tavares should Ladd falter.
Between the Lines: Kyle Connor, Winnipeg
Connor earned a roster spot based on a solid preseason (four points in five games) and some sound-breaking speed. Oh, and maybe also due to the fact he led the NCAA in scoring (71 points in 38 games) last year at the University of Michigan. It may be tough to move up on the left side in Winnipeg behind young talents Patrik Laine and Nikolaj Ehlers, but the American has worked his way onto the second power-play unit, where he has contributed an assist.
RIGHT WING
Two Steps Forward: David Pastrnak, Boston
What *hasn't* Pastrnak done so far? He's tied for first in the league in goals (four) and plus/minus (plus-7) and ranks fourth in shots (15). It's tough to imagine Pastrnak outside of the top six, although he'll still have to work hard and – more importantly – stay healthy. Combine this with regular linemates Brad Marchand and (when he returns) Patrice Bergeron, and there's a lot to like about the young Czech sniper.
Broken Wing: Justin Williams, Washington
The 2014 Conn Smythe winner looked right at home in his inaugural Caps campaign with 52 points in 82 games and was at least expected to maintain similar numbers this season. Williams, now 35, has moved down a bit on the depth chart to start but still sees enough power-play action (over three minutes per game so far) to remain relevant. He looked good with Nicklas Backstrom in exhibition and could easily rejoin the star center if his struggles (no points, one shot) persist.
Between the Lines: Sebastian Aho, Carolina
Aho has two power-play assists in his first two NHL outings, yet the ice time (at just under 14 minutes) seems meager for someone so highly skilled. If he can continue to impress, then Aho will inevitably pick up more minutes. Think he can handle the added responsibility? Is it anything close to having a double OT breakaway in Game 7 of the Finnish Elite League Finals?
CENTER
Two Steps Forward: Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton
While Paul Stastny (see recent resume above) or Leafs messiah Auston Matthews – who performed miracles on Opening Night – could've easily been picked for this slot, the 20-year old German earns the nod. After all, Draisaitl is sitting in the third-line shadow of You-Know-Who in Edmonton but that doesn't stop him from joining the top power-play unit and reaping some of the rewards, although only two of his five points have come with the man advantage thus far.
Broken Wing: Jason Spezza, Dallas
The Stars have potted nine goals in two contests, yet Spezza has managed to avoid the scoresheet (unless you count the minus-4). It's not as if the veteran pivot has been hiding on the bench (18:40 minute average, 4:17 on the power play), so you have to figure the points will eventually come. Perhaps Spezza can conjure up some old-time magic to knock himself out of this funk.
Between the Lines: Boone Jenner, Columbus
Jenner has been fairly silent in the standard categories (no points, minus-5, two shots) but looks to be providing enough effort (seven hits, four blocked shots) to satisfy peripheral fantasy needs. He should be able to recover some of the momentum from last season, when he finished in the top-45 in both penalty minutes (77) and shots (225).
