NHL Player Performances Assessment
In a recent assessment of player performances in the NHL, two defensemen have emerged as standout stars while others have struggled notably. The Columbus Blue Jackets find themselves tied in points with three teams in the Eastern Conference, including the Philadelphia Flyers, currently holding the second wild-card spot. Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames are grappling to escape the last place in their division despite showing glimmers of offensive improvement.
Notable Players This Week
On Fire: Rasmus Andersson, Defenseman for the Calgary Flames
Andersson has been making waves amid trade rumors, contributing significantly to Calgary’s offense. Over the past week, he showcased his skills by delivering seven assists and accumulating nine points across just four games, while maintaining a plus-5 rating. His work rate was impressive, averaging more than 25 minutes of ice time per game, pushing his season average to just over 24 minutes. The 29-year-old Swede has been on a scoring spree, registering points in five consecutive matches, including standout performances against the Buffalo Sabres and Vancouver Canucks. As the Flames struggle at the bottom of the standings, Andersson’s rising performance could elevate his trade value as teams eye him before the deadline.
Ice Cold: Jonathan Toews, Center for the Winnipeg Jets
After signing with the Winnipeg Jets this summer, Toews’s comeback had many hopeful, but he has faced challenges on the ice. This past week, Toews struggled to leave his mark, ending with no points and only four shots on goal over three games. He is currently in a scoring drought, going five games without a single point and only managing one point in his last nine outings, bringing his total to just three goals and eight points in 21 games. The Jets have recently dropped a couple of games, including a shutout by the Minnesota Wild, which has prompted questions about Toews’s offensive contributions moving forward.
Heating Up: Zach Werenski, Defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets
Zach Werenski is enjoying an excellent start to his season, bouncing back from a remarkable performance last year. In just three games this week, the 28-year-old amassed five assists and eight points, bringing his season total to 21 points in 22 games. Averaging nearly 28 minutes per game over this stretch, his current ice time rate reflects a career high, showcasing his elite status among NHL defensemen.
Struggling: Frank Vatrano, Left Wing for the Anaheim Ducks
While the Ducks have had a successful season, Vatrano finds himself on a downturn. The 31-year-old failed to register points over four games this week, recording only seven shots and averaging about 13 minutes of ice time, a significant drop from his previous performance. Despite signing a three-year contract worth approximately $4.5 million annually, Vatrano has only netted two goals and three points this season, a far cry from his two prior seasons of 60 and 45 points, respectively. The Ducks have excelled this season, thanks to players like Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, while Vatrano’s recent decline has pushed him lower on Anaheim’s depth chart.
Star in Net: Yaroslav Askarov, Goalie for the San Jose Sharks
Askarov continues to solidify his role as the Sharks’ current and future starting goalie. This past week, the 23-year-old recorded a perfect 3-0-0 record, with an impressive save percentage of .937 and a goals-against average of 1.92. His consistency was crucial for the team, which secured one victory in overtime and another through a shootout, in addition to one regulation win by a two-goal margin. Askarov’s season stats now stand at 8-5-1 with a .913 save percentage and a 2.83 goals-against average, highlighting his potential as a key player if the Sharks aim for playoff contention.
