We may keep saying that it’s still early in the hockey season, but the reality is that about 20% of the season has actually been played. There have been some clear winners so far this year, and then there have been some losers as well.
First the losers:
Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
It may take Seal Team Five to locate the real Alexander Ovechkin. Is it too early to say that Ovechkin’s career is over? When do we expect him to actually show up? His statistics don’t lie, and his team is suffering from a clear lack of leadership. What was once considered unthinkable might be necessary to save the Capitals—trading Ovechkin. If I’m in the Capitals front office, I dump him while he still has a sliver of value. His contract makes him a tough sell.
Cory Schneider, Vancouver Canucks
The 2013season was supposed to be the year that Cory Schneider made former Hart Trophy winner Roberto Luongo expendable. The Canucks had the best trade bait in the league, but were content to stand pat on moving the incumbent Luongo. Unfortunately, when Schneider stuttered, Luongo stepped up big and looks like the better option for the Canucks. If Schneider is ready to be a starter in the NHL, it might not be with the Canucks.
Washington Capitals
As we have already acknowledged, Alexander Ovechkin has been a no-show for the 2013 season. His lethargic play has been infectious for the struggling Caps who sit at the bottom of the eastern conference after yesterday’s home loss to Toronto. Two wins in ten games is not how rookie head coach Adam Oates wanted to start his career behind the bench. If they keep losing Oates could hit the unemployment line.
It’s not all bad; there are some winners too:
Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks
If Cory Schneider is a loser, it must have everything with his mentor, Luongo being a winner. Schneider was unimpressive out of the gate as the Vancouver starter. Enter the three time Vezina finalist, and Luongo has shown why Vancouver was so reluctant to trade him. It’s his job to lose yet again and time will tell if Luongo can be the man in Vancouver.
Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks
Everyone knew that Patrick Marleau was a streaky player capable of filling the net. However, nobody anticipated the 1997 number two pick (ironically teammate Joe Thornton was selected 1st by Boston) would start the year on this kind of tear. Eight goals in four games, including two in each game for the first four put Marleau in elite company. Marleau leads the NHL with nine goals so far this year.
Chicago Blackhawks
After their first nine games, the Chicago Blackhawks are the only NHL team without a loss in regulation. Led by their captain Jonathan Toews and snipers Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa, the Hawks are re-asserting themselves as contenders in the western conference. It’s a sprint to the playoffs and Chicago is out in front. Their biggest question mark was in goal, but Corey Crawford has answered the bell so far.