NHL surprises, worst player, Stamkos guesses at 2015-16 midpoint
Earlier, we brought you our NHL Awards projections at the midpoint of the 2015-16 season, in which Braden Holtby and Erik Karlsson got plenty of love and Western Conference fans accused us of not staying up late to watch their games despite two-fifths of our staff being located in California.
Here’s part two of awards at the halfway mark, in which we look at the biggest surprises, worst player and what might happen to Steven Stamkos.
Please join Greg Wyshynski, Sean Leahy, Jen Neale, Josh Cooper and Ryan Lambert for these midpoint picks.
Greg Wyshynski, Editor, Puck Daddy
Most Surprising Team (In A Good Way): Dallas Stars
I know this was supposed to be “the team we all knew would suck but doesn’t actually suck,” and myself and others had Dallas as a playoff team. But who among us thought they’d be this good? Who among us thought the Dallas Stars would be, hands down, the most must-see team in the League during the first half, thanks to exceptional offense and unexceptional goaltending?
Most Surprising Team (In A Bad Way): Columbus Blue Jackets
The Anaheim Ducks? Oh please child. The Jackets are in last place, traded their No. 1 center and were forced to dabble in the dark arts of John Tortorella to turn the franchise around. “And in their desperation, they turned to a man they didn't fully understand …”
Least Valuable Player: David Clarkson, Columbus Blue Jackets
For all the reasons listed here. Honestly, I thought Clarkson was being weighed down by the pressure of playing in Toronto. But maybe it’s been one injury too many. Or maybe he can only really play for Pete DeBoer.
Favorite First-Half Highlight
I think Alex Ovechkin will have more than a few mentions for this category, but John Moore is still rocking back and forth in the fetal position after this goal from October.
By The Trade Deadline, Steven Stamkos is…
“… entrenched in a playoff spot with the Lightning, without a contract.”
Sean Leahy, Editor, Puck Daddy
Most Surprising Team (In A Good Way)
Florida Panthers. It’s nice to finally see some stability in the organization and success on the ice. Yeah, we know they’re defying the numbers, but that market has gone such a long time watching hockey that Panthers fans deserve some winning puck for a change. They’re a solid foundation of youth to build around, and as long as Jaromir Jagr and his groin stays in one piece, it’s going to be a fun second half in Sunrise.
Honorable mention: Carolina Hurricanes
Most Surprising Team (In A Bad Way): Anaheim Ducks
Is this a consensus pick? Many had Bruce Boudreau and his charges repping the West in the 2016 Stanley Cup Final. It hasn’t been the best of starts, and certain offensive leaders on the team have yet to really get in gear, but Boudreau survived the early-season dumpster fire and now Anaheim is nearing the wild card spots. It’s only a matter of time before the ship is completely righted here.
(Honorable mention: Pittsburgh Penguins)
Least Valuable Player: Dan Girardi, New York Rangers
It’s been painful to watch Girardi at time this season. Just look at his assist on Alex Ovechkin’s goal Saturday.
Favorite First-Half Highlight
Evgeni Malkin picking Oscar Klefbom’s pocket, then spinning around Mark Fayne to go bar-down against the Oilers. What a play.
By The Trade Deadline, Steven Stamkos is…
“… still with the Tampa Bay Lightning and leading the Rocket Richard race.”
Jen Neale, Editor, Puck Daddy
Most Surprising Team (In A Good Way): New Jersey Devils
They have a new coach, Cory Schneider and a bag of magic beans. If they were trying to tank to get Auston Matthews, they’re doing a really bad job at it.
Most Surprising Team (In A Bad Way): Anaheim Ducks
Unfortunately, Bruce Boudreau is going to take the hit at the end of the season when it’s Bob Murray’s moves that have failed the team. Chemistry developed over years isn’t something that can be easily replaced with other pieces. The losses of Matt Beleskey, Kyle Palmieri and Francois Beauchemin have not balanced in their replacements.
Least Valuable Player: Ryan Getzlaf
Where has the guy who was in the running, or at least in the discussion, for MVP over the last three seasons gone? The player on the ice right now is the Ryan Getzlaf from the 2011-12 season when he was trying to do too much and accomplishing nothing. Is it motivation? Is it something off the ice? No one really knows.
Favorite First-Half Highlight:
The New Jersey Devils dads celebrating. Pure joy mixed with complete awkwardness.
By The Trade Deadline, Steven Stamkos is ...
“… in the KHL (because that would be hilarious).”
Josh Cooper, Editor, Puck Daddy
Most Surprising Team (In A Good Way): Florida Panthers
The Panthers are the most interesting team in the NHL. They have a fascinating blend youth with Aleksander Barkov, Jonathan Huberdeau and Aaron Ekblad and age with Jaromir Jagr, Roberto Luongo and Willie Mitchell. Watching them is an absolute treat and must-see viewing around the league. Imagine how they’ll look when Jagr’s mullet finally grows all the way in.
Most Surprising Team (In A Bad Way): Anaheim Ducks
Before the season they were my Stanley Cup pick and all year they’ve hovered around .500 and out of the playoffs. A group this talented shouldn’t be this mediocre.
Least Valuable Player: Tyler Johnson, Tampa Bay Lightning
Johnson has been a shell of his former self with 13 points in 30 games for the struggling Lightning.
Favorite First-Half Highlight
Alexander Ovechkin’s 499th NHL goal was a gorgeous blend of speed, strength and offensive skill.
By The Trade Deadline, Steven Stamkos is ...
"… a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning and signed to a new contract."
The team and their star will work out their differences and hammer out a new deal.
Ryan Lambert, Columnist, Puck Daddy
Most Surprising Team (In A Good Way): Florida Panthers
I mean people seem to care about this team and think it's good (they shouldn't, but oh well). A 13-game point streak will do that. They're banking plenty of points off good luck and bad process, which you can't fault them for, but let's just say they're lucky this isn't a full-season award.
Most Surprising Team (In A Bad Way): Anaheim Ducks
Any time you're picked to be one of the best teams in the league, almost universally, and instead have one more point than Calgary at the halfway mark, that's bad.
Least Valuable Player: Dan Girardi
People think this guy is good. When he's on the ice, the Rangers' possession numbers drop 20 percent. He is, in fact, terrible.
Favorite First-Half Highlight
This might be recency bias talking, but Anthony Duclair Forsberg-ing someone in a game situation is out of control.
By The Trade Deadline, Steven Stamkos is …
“… traded as a rental.”
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