A particularly quiet night in the NHL, with four games in play. Let's get to the Studs and Duds:

Studs

3)Top Sharks

The first few games of the NHL season can result in interesting statistics for teams. One of the common stats that teams see early in the year is a lack of performance from the top 6. Teams such as Carolina and the Rangers are seeing this on their team now, and as a result are not winning as many games as they'd like. However, the San Jose Sharks proved tonight that they do not face this problem. Ryane Clowe, Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski, and Martin Havlat combined for 9 points on 4 goals, the only forwards to appear on the scoresheet. While depth scoring is imporant, having the entire top 6 produce is a key to success, and San Jose followed that model very well in their 4-2 victory.

2)Nifty Number 94

In a bizarre sequence of events, the Oilers managed to acquire fan favourite Ryan Smyth. While everyone enjoyed the fact that Captain Canada was returning to Alberta, most believed that Smyth wouldn't be a regular contributor. On Friday, Smyth proved any doubters wrong by recording 3 points in his performance vs. the Oilers. While Smyth hasn't always been involved in the scoring, there is no doubt that he is an vital part of the Oilers, and a reason why they are playing great as off late.

1) Goaltending A"Ward"

In the 4 games played last night, many goalies had solid outings, including Dubnyk and Niemi. However, one goalie stood above the rest, and that was the only goalie to record a shutout. Cam Ward stood on his head tonight, stopping 30 shots to the offensive powerhouse of Chicago en route to a 3-0 win. Ward was a part of stifling the Blackhawks' power play, and saved 15 shots in the second to earn this first "stud" position. A great game by Ward, and one that would help Carolina win in the future when their top contributors aren't performing to their best ability.

Duds

3)"Halak" of a Mess

Ever since his unforgettable playoff run as a Montreal Canadien, Jaroslav Halak has not been able to live up to the hype that he created. Completely mediocre in St. Louis, Halak has been under performing, something that the Blues do not need if they plan on staying competitive. Last night, Halak yet again played left bench, when Brian Elliott started his 5th game of the young season, and his 3rd consecutive. While he did lose last night, Elliott still played fine and only recorded his first loss of the season. Starting a 3rd consecutive game means that the coaching staff is not afraid to let Halak sit in lieu of the backup. Of course this is temporary, but Halak owners and Blues fans must be concerned with his lack of ice time, and his less-than-superior play.

2)Falling Stars

As mentioned in the 3rd "stud" of the night, top 6 scoring is key to a team's success. While it is still possible to win without them getting involved in the offence, it provides a huge boost to a team. Of that top 6, the star player should be seeing their name on the scoresheet the most. However, Eric Staal, David Backes, and Jarome Iginla saw their team score, but their own stats remain the same. These three stars combined for over 50 minutes of ice time, 5 shots, and a staggering -1 rating. With only 13 points in the 30 games played, these three all-stars need to return to form to help their team win in future games.

1)Broken Wings

On the morning of Saturday, October 22nd, there could be nothing that any Red Wings' fan could be upset about. With Detroit sporting a perfect record involving 2 shutouts, it seemed that they were already considered Stanley Cup favourites. However, the Red Wings continued their slump Friday, losing 4-2 to the Sharks. In a span of 6 days and 3 games, the Wings have been outscored 15-4, including an ugly 4-1 loss to the formerly-winless Blue Jackets. While this is just a slump, this losing streak (which is the worst in the NHL) must not sit well with most Red Wings' fans, and a win against the Wild on Saturday is a necessity.

Points of Interest

- Former Maple Leafs made news today, with Tim Brent and Jiri Tlusty scoring goals for the Hurricanes. On the other hand, Flames forwards Matt Stajan and Niklas Hagman were scratched for their tilt against the Blues.

- Alberta's two teams combined for only 36 shots, but 6 goals.

- Ryan O' Reilly and Ryan Smyth scored goals 27 seconds apart. Meanwhile, Roman Horak and Alex Steen scored 12 seconds apart.

- If you want your kid to make it into the NHL, name them Ryan. On Friday, the name Ryan Smyth, Jones, Clowe combined for 6 points.

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Twitter: @TK12555

Correction, his name is "Ryane" Clowe



Haha good job Tyler. I've been trying to decide for awhile whether or not Smyth is worth a look in my one-year.
Its also hard to believe how fast the Wings are falling. I don't doubt that they'll be a playoff team one bit, and they're likely a top four team in the conference but man this not bueno for Detroit.

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@B0ndon

Goalies: If I'm pickin em you best be sittin em!

I like your point of interests Tyler.

Good job!

__________________
Gates Imbeau
Assistant Manager - DobberSports.com
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Email: gates@dobbersports.com
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