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1. Ducks’ Vatrano among biggest Thanksgiving surprises
Before Frank Vatrano went undrafted on average in fantasy drafts early this season, but was one of the NHL’s top scorers (13 in 19 games; tied for third) — and the Anaheim Ducks have thus been one of the most improved teams in the League.
Led by a breakout forward Mason McTavish (leads Anaheim with 20 points in 19 games), resurgent goaltender John Gibson (.921 save percentage in 12 games) and the rookie trio of forward Leo Carlsson, defenseman Pavel Mintyukov and backup goalkeeper Lucas DostalThe Ducks are just outside of Stanley Cup playoff position after having the fewest points in the standings (58) in the NHL last season.
But Vatrano took the hockey world by surprise and also became a remarkable player in terms of NHL EDGE statistics. Vatrano ranks among the best in the NHL in peak skating speed (22.77 mph; 92nd percentile), speed exceeding 20 mph (42; 92nd percentile), and maximum shot speed ( 96.43 mph; 94th percentile). And from a shooting standpoint, Vatrano is tied for 14th in the NHL in shots on goal (66) and has good marks in mid-range goals (four; 98th percentile) and SOG (24; 98th ) and high danger goals (five; 94th) and SOG (16; 89th) departments.
Although Vatrano is a fantastic candidate for the right trade return, as his high shooting percentage (19.7) may regress over time, his advanced metrics check enough boxes to suggest he could have some staying power and break his previous NHL career highs in goals (24). with the Florida Panthers in 2018-19) and points (41 with the Ducks last season).
2. Quickly enjoy last season with the Rangers
Veteran goalie Jonathan Rapide is quietly enjoying a career renaissance with the New York Rangers, his favorite childhood team, and has been a crucial part of one of the NHL’s best teams.
Starting goalkeeper Igor Shesterkin (limited to 10 of New York’s 17 games) recently returned from injury but elite defender Adam Fox (lower body) has not played since November 2 and remains on injured reserve. The Rangers are tied with the Vancouver Canucks for third (27; 13-3-1) in the NHL behind the Boston Bruins (31) and the defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights (30). ).
Quick quietly owns the best goals-against average (1.68) in the NHL and is tied with Charlie Lindgren of the Washington Capitals for the best save percentage (.940) among goaltenders who have played at least five games and are 5-0-1 with two shutouts (tied for second in the league behind Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry‘s three) through seven matches. According to NHL EDGE stats, Quick excelled specifically in save percentages in the mid-range (.959; 90th percentile) and high-danger zones (.860; 92nd percentile).
A three-time Stanley Cup champion, twice as a starter for the Los Angeles Kings in 2012 and 2014 and another time as a depth guard for the Golden Knights last season, Quick adds to his impressive career accolades and continues to be worth worth being included in the squad. the Rangers, either as fantasy goalie handcuffs for Shesterkin’s managers or as a high-end third or fourth free agent option in standard leagues.
3. Coyle and van Riemsdyk extend Bruins’ regular-season dominance
When veterans centers Patrice Bergeron And David Krejci retired during the offseason, there were serious doubts that the Boston Bruins would still be a Stanley Cup Playoff team – let alone the best team in the NHL.
But the reigning Presidents’ Trophy winners, who set an NHL record for most wins (65) in a single regular season in 2022-23, are back atop the League standings this Thanksgiving despite the absence of Bergeron, Krejci and free agent departures in the off-season. Taylor Room, Tyler Bertuzzi And Dmitry Orlov.
Their elite attackers, David Pastrnak And Brad Marchanddidn’t miss anything, the defense remained solid – even with a four-game suspension for Charlie McAvoyand the tandem of goalkeepers Linus Ullmark And Jeremiah Swayman is still the best duo in the NHL (leads the League with a .933 team save percentage). But two secondary attackers, James van Riemsdyk And Charlie Coylemade a difference in replacing Boston’s key departures during the offseason.
Coyle, elevated to second center behind Pavel Zacha this season ranks second on the Bruins in even-strength points (14) behind Pastrnak (17), and van Riemsdyk is off to a rebound with 13 points (five goals, eight assists) in 18 games at the line. Coyle at the same strength and with Pastrnak, Marchand, Zacha and McAvoy during the first power play. According to NHL EDGE stats, van Riemsdyk ranks sixth in the entire NHL in high-danger shots on goal (29), and Coyle ranks tied for eighth in high-danger goals (seven).
Pastrnak is tied for third in the NHL in points (29 in 18 games), tied for first in the League in mid-range goals (six) and third in shots on goal (85) . The Bruins’ ability to put Pastrnak and Marchand on the same line without sacrificing their secondary scoring is perhaps the biggest reason why their Stanley Cup window remains wide open despite all of their roster turnover.
