After tonight’s game, a few oddities caught my eye:
- Dustin Penner is 4th in the league in points
- Dustin Penner is 4th in the league in goals
- Dustin Penner is 1st in the league in even-strength points
- JDD is 1st in the league in GAA
- Edmonton is currently tied for the 2nd most points in the conference (but seeded 4th)
- JDD is 1st in the league in SV%
- Ladislav Smid is 2nd in the league in +/-
- Dustin Penner is 4th in the league in +/-
- Ales Hemsky is 10th in the league in assists
Now I’m not going to make the argument that those numbers will stay there or anything. That said, to get there with Souray, Staios, Pisani and Pouliot out, in addition to Stone and Brule missing a couple of games, it’s tough to not feel good about this team’s chances moving forwards. I mean, they’ve won 6 of their last 8 now. I’m not going to start planning the parade or say that they’ll definitely going to win the division, but I think it’s hard to argue now that they’re not at least capable of it.
Small sample sizes and all, but the big thing for me is that they’ve looked much better overall in these games than they did the same time last year.
Also, when Dustin Penner is on his game, that man is (a) instant chemistry, and (b) a freight train carrying the puck. This is the player we’ve been paying for since 2007.
I’d wait at least 20 games before planning the parade route
However the first quarter of the season can be enough to help a team squeeze into the playoffs.
I think something that has been overlooked is the fine job Quinn, and Renney have done with this team.
But you forgot the most important stat, you’re one point behind Colorado.
Matt, who now watches as Colorado tumbles from 3rd in the league as rapidly as their namesake would indicate.
I have to say I’m not sure whether I’m surprised about Colorado or not. They have great O, and now they have a goalie who can stop pucks. I just didn’t think the D were particularly good, to be honest.
And now Demitra’s out for the season. Sorry Clegg.
I figured Colorado would be better with Anderson, but damn.
Bizarro world in the early days, though. Both the NW and the Pacific are pretty much upside-down from where I thought they’d be.
I agree. I thought obtaining a decent back-up who becomes a main would be a good thing, but I never really expected this good of a start from a team thats “rebuilding”.
And then Budaj gets his first start and the win last night too. Mind you, loosing Tucker may hurt.
Matt
Three games for Ruutu. I’d have gone with five, but fuck it, the NHL is almost always too light.
Also, something something Flames suck.