NHL Player Performances Overview
The NHL landscape over the past week showcases players whose performances are significantly impacting their teams’ fortunes, both positively and negatively. The latest updates reflect ongoing trends in individual seasons rather than just recent fleeting successes or failures.
Standout Performers
Last week’s highlighted players included Cutter Gauthier, Dawson Mercer, and Michael Bunting, who were riding a wave of success, while Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky struggled to make an impact. Let’s dive into this week’s standout performers.
On Fire: Nathan MacKinnon
Nathan MacKinnon – Center, Colorado Avalanche
Nathan MacKinnon has been a pivotal force in propelling the Colorado Avalanche to the forefront of the hotly contested Central Division. His impressive tally has put him at the top of the NHL points leaderboard with a remarkable 29 points accrued over 16 games. Over the last week alone, MacKinnon has amassed 10 points in just three matchups, showcasing his offensive prowess with five points on November 9 and an impressive four points the day prior.
His current streak of nine consecutive games with points demonstrates that the 30-year-old forward is truly in his prime, making a compelling case for player of the month just days into November.
Struggling: Jonathan Marchessault
Jonathan Marchessault – Right Wing, Nashville Predators
Jonathan Marchessault’s tenure with the Nashville Predators has not gone as expected. After a successful period with the talent-laden Vegas Golden Knights, his performance has drastically dipped since last season. This week has been particularly tough, as he hasn’t tallied any points in his last five games.
Last season, his production hit a low of 21 goals, which is exactly half of the previous year’s output. Currently, Marchessault’s stats for the ongoing season reflect a grim reality, with only four goals and six points over 15 games, translating to a disappointing projection of 21 goals and 32 points for the year.
Emerging Star: Connor Bedard
Connor Bedard – Center, Chicago Blackhawks
In a surprising twist this season, the Chicago Blackhawks have proven to be stronger competitors than anticipated, largely due to the brilliance of 20-year-old Connor Bedard. With 25 points in 16 games, he currently ranks second in league scoring.
Bedard had a stellar week, finishing with seven assists and ten points, positioning him impressively as the NHL’s second star of the week. If he maintains his current pace, he could potentially shatter his previous career highs, signaling his emergence as a true cornerstone talent for the franchise.
Cold Streak: John Gibson and Cam Talbot
John Gibson and Cam Talbot – Goalies, Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings anticipated a solid season with their goaltending duo, John Gibson and Cam Talbot, but reality has diverged sharply from expectation. Both goaltenders faced tough outings, contributing to the team’s three consecutive losses.
Talbot allowed four goals on just 26 shots, while Gibson conceded five goals from 53 shots over two games. Although Gibson delivered a strong effort in a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Vegas Golden Knights, his overall statistics are concerning, featuring an .882 save percentage and a 3.15 goals-against average this season.
Consistent Performer: Miro Heiskanen
Miro Heiskanen – Defenseman, Dallas Stars
Miro Heiskanen has solidified his role as a key contributor for the Dallas Stars. Over the last week, he led all defensemen with an impressive eight assists in just four games, extending his point streak to four.
Averaging over 25 minutes of ice time, he is integral on both offense and defense, establishing himself as one of the top defensemen in the league this season. At an affordable $8.45 million with three years remaining on his contract, Heiskanen continues to be a tremendous asset for the Stars as he consistently enhances his game.
