E.2 Nov 21

Welcome to another edition of What's Hot and What's Not.  Today we will be talking about an unlikely superstar, a western team whose found their mojo, seattle kraken and the almighty goliath who keeps winning.  

What's Hot:  Dallas Stars

After a subpar start to the season where we saw them lose 6 of their first 9 games, the stars have figured it out with 4 wins a row.   What really sticks out is the performance from Draisaitl and Saros.   With 8 pts in those 4 games, Draisaitl almost double his season total and now sits at 17 pts in 15 games.   Saros was almost perfect allowing only 3 goals in that stretch.   Dallas is at home for 6 of the next 7 games, look for them to keep climbing the tough central division.

What's Hot:  Esa Lindell

Anyone had lindell leading the league in scoring?... at anytime?... ever?   One of the reason this is so impressive is that detroit sits in the bottom 10 in goal scoring so he's not just picking up lucky points off a powerful offence.  His shooting % isnt crazy also suggesting luck.  The points department isnt the only place Esa has been noticeable, he sits 1st on his team in icetime, shot blocks and hits and 2nd in shots and PIM.   If Detroit can find a way to make the playoffs, and of course, if Lindell keeps this up, he should be in the conversation for MVP.

What's Not: Seattle Kraken

17 games... 2 wins... 

As expected, Seattle isnt winning much.  It cant be easy for Gm Shuck to watch these guy play but he can just go look at his 2022 1st rnd picks collection and dream of his team's bright future.  The kraken sit dead last in goals for and goals against and near the bottom in most other categories.  They're also the most penalized team which puts a heavy burden on their goaltenders and it shows. Both goalies are rocking a GAA of 4+.   Moving Duchene might be one of the team's few bright spot this season if he can land a solid return.  It might be the only way Seattle gets a What's Hot segment this year.

What's Hot:  Team All Star 

After Pittsburgh and Edmonton slight struggle, San jose is king again.   The team is performing as it should, leading the league in goals getting production from everywhere.  9 skaters with 10+ pts. Vasilevskiy is looking like the vezina goalie he can be.   This team should reach 50 wins quite easily this year having anaheim, vancouver and seattle in their division.   Having such a great team puts immense expectations on Gm Wile, anything short of a Stanley Cup will be a disappointment.  

Thanks for tuning in,
You stay classy, Dchl