The Heatmap: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not – Week 1
Hello Hockey Fans and welcome to the 2010-11 edition of the Daily Faceoff Heatmap. Here is a look at some players who are off to great starts in the new season, and some others who are not yet quite up to speed.
HOT
Derek Roy – Roy hit the ground running, putting up 2 points in his first game. He has put together a total of 4 goals while adding an assist in the Sabres first 3 games. Playing on a line with Tyler Ennis and Drew Stafford, the trio has shown some good chemistry.
Marian Hossa – After missing the start of last season, Hossa is looking solid to start the new season. In his first 3 games, he has scored 3 goals and 2 assists. With the Hawks losing some of their depth over the summer, Hossa could see more ice time this season and will be counted on for regular contribution.
Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin – While they may count as two players, they form a dynamic duo. They have combined for 6 points in their first 2 games, with Daniel scoring 2 goals and Henrik setting up each one. With an improved defence, the Sedins might be given more freedom to work up front, and after Henrik’s break out last season, it will be interesting to see what the twins can produce this season.
John Carlson – The rookie was given a spot on the starting roster in Washington and has not disappointed. He recorded 4 points in his first 2 NHL games and has looked solid with the Caps. Washington has great firepower up front, and he will see plenty of ice time on the powerplay, so look for more points from Carlson.
Some other rookies that are hot out of the gate include Derek Stepan, who scored a hat trick in his first NHL game, Jordan Eberle whose first NHL goal may be among the goals of the year, and Tyler Ennis who has four assists in 3 games.
COLD
Ryan Getzlaf – Anaheim is winless in their first 3 games, scoring only 2 goals. Not a great start for the Ducks and they will need their best players to contribute if they hope to get things going.
Martin Brodeur – This is a name not normally seen among the cold list as he is a steady workhorse. But New Jersey has lost their first 3 games, and Brodeur was pulled after letting in 5 goals against Washington on Saturday night. A rough start for the veteran, but he should be able to bounce back.
Alexei Kovalev – The Senators are also winless in their first three games, while Kovalev and Michalek have both been held off the scoresheets. The Sens will need help from their wingers in order to start winning games.
Stephen Weiss – The Panthers dropped their first two games and scored only 3 goals. Their top line of Booth Wiess and Frolik has struggled, while Booth was the only one to record an assist.
With 6 games on tap for tonight, some players will be looking to get going, while others will look to continue their great starts.