Week one is in the books and while it was a short week, it was not short on surprises. I don’t think anyone saw Philadelphia going 1-5 to start off the season. The -32 goal differential, ouch. Anaheim 0-4-2 and poor Stonerboy in St. Louis who went 0-5-1. While to some Vegas was predicted to be a middle of the road team, 6-0, +20 goal differential, and the only team that remains unbeaten. Looks as though Vegas has picked right back up where they left off last season. Minnesota looking strong at 5-1, Tommy proving his previous statements true, picking up some wingers to improve the scoring depth. Putting up 31 goals in week one. And Tampa Bay, what a performance week 1, 5-1 almost getting to that perfect start, with a balanced offense and two goaltenders boasting above an 80% save percentage.
Can Vegas keep up the offensive fire power all year? Hype and Prod averaging over four points per game each. These two found chemistry early and often. Goaltending was a bit of a question mark going into the season. Having lost Cuilla their top goaltender from the playoff run, Plisk came in, just as he did during the playoffs and was a rock in net. A guy to rely on who could make the big saves when called upon. Defensively, redconcept anchoring the defense alongside eXecuti0n and turdburgler. Still a giveaway machine but he makes it up in points per game and plus minus.
Minnesota has the same question being asked, Can they keep up this scoring pace? The top line of Hartysauce, Sudzy92 and Gripp all averaging over three points per game. This line is clicking early and is very balanced, all three are deadly goal scorers. Defensively, Shaynestaa headlines the backline both in games played and point production. A plus 15 with 1.4 points per game, a very reliable defenseman, Appearing to be paired with both Tommy and Tim_Gray, the defense for Minnesota was solid.
Is Tampa Bay the Pittsburgh from last season? Grinding out 1 goal games and close games pulling out the wins? Only a plus five in goal differential this team found ways to win. Grinding out a 1-0 shutout in game one seemed to set the tone for this team’s season. Usually, when you see teams who play this tight the first thing you look at is defense and goaltending. It’s a defense by committee, five guys seeing playing time on the back line. All seem reliable and balanced, with LouieDeuce leading with a plus four and one point per game. Goaltending might be their strongest asset, boasting two goalies, Vince and Pemm, with above 81% save percentage.
Some fun facts from week one:
Vegas, Minnesota and Dallas all lite up the lamp putting in 31 goals.
Florida had the lowest goals for at 14 for a team that went above .500.
Philadelphia and Anaheim each gave up 45 and 32 goals respectively
Chicago gave up the most goals for a team above .500 with 26.
Toronto and Nashville had power plays clicking at 50%
Nashville and Florida had stingy penalty kills not letting up one goal.
Dallas has the top two forwards with Sfic16 and Mjvoell44 with 27 and 25 points. With Sfic16 leading the league in goals with 16.
Prodigytolegend is handing out hits like its Halloween candy, with 18 on the young season.
Plisk and Goalieman92 lead all goaltenders with 5 wins.
Rancher in Colorado is leading the league in Save Percentage at 87.50%
U_1_2_b_me leads all defenseman with 10 points.
Entry and Ajax take the puck away the most on defense with 27 takeaways.
Week two will be another shortened week. Can Philly solve their goals against problem? Can Vegas continue the streak? Will Plisk get a tan?