Under the Radar: NHL Week 10 – Aging Legends, Defensive Contributions, and Offensive Zones

Every week of the NHL season, you can find a column here that dives into the stories that may not be making headlines yet but probably should be. Father Time catches up with every NHL player, but predicting when and how that inevitability will occur is no easy task. Take the case of Alex Ovechkin, the legendary goal scorer who has experienced down seasons that hinted at his decline, only to bounce back on multiple occasions. When he scored just 32 goals in the 2010-11 season, skeptics suggested that even at 25, he could be in for a downturn because of his rambunctious style of play. But Ovechkin proved them wrong, scoring 264 goals in 426 games over the next six seasons, leading the NHL during that span. Now, at the age of 38, Ovechkin may not be having a great season with just two goals in 10 games, but it’s not impossible for him to find another second wind.

This week’s “Under the Radar” begins with Ovechkin’s longtime rival Sidney Crosby, whose age is starting to show in a different way. While Crosby’s game has aged gracefully in recent years, allowing him to remain a two-way force well into his mid-30s, there are signs that his workload is being managed more carefully this season. Although his raw numbers haven’t been overwhelming in the current season, it would be unfair to call them disappointing. However, it’s worth noting that Crosby’s ice time has seen a significant decrease from last season, indicating that his age is becoming a factor for the coaching staff. While this change in workload may not have a profound impact on Crosby or the Pittsburgh Penguins, it is a nod to his stage in his career.

Another player in the spotlight this week is Hampus Lindholm, known for being one of the NHL’s best defensive defensemen. Lindholm’s skills were recognized last season when he ranked fourth in Norris Trophy voting and was named to the NHL Second All-Star team. However, this season, Lindholm’s offensive production has seen a decline, with just one point so far. While his reputation as a strong defensive player remains intact, it will be interesting to see how his lack of traditional numbers affects his overall reputation in the league.

Shifting our focus to the New York Islanders, their scoring numbers show a relatively balanced attack, with five players having at least seven points. However, a closer look reveals that the team’s offense heavily relies on two players who are not experiencing sizzling starts. Anders Lee and Brock Nelson may have combined for just nine points this season, but they have generated more chances than their teammates. Nelson leads the NHL in individual 5v5 scoring chances, accounting for nearly 18% of the team’s looks, while Lee excels in high-danger opportunities. While the lack of production from other players is a concern, there is optimism that Lee and Nelson will continue to contribute.

When looking at the NHL point leaderboard, it’s important to consider the impact of power-play points. While many familiar names occupy the top spots, removing power-play points reveals a different picture. The top 12 players in even-strength point production may not all be superstars, but they are contributing significantly to their teams’ success. Reliable production at 5v5 play is crucial for team performance, so it’s important to acknowledge these players for their efforts beyond power-play production.

Lastly, tracking data from the NHL’s new system reveals interesting insights about players’ time spent in different zones. One outlier is the Carolina Hurricanes’ fourth line, comprising Jesper Fast, Jordan Staal, and Jordan Martinook, who have dominated the offensive zone all season. They rank among the top players in offensive-zone percentage, spending significantly more time in their opponents’ end compared to the average forward. Despite this dominance, they are not heavily sheltered and continue to make valuable contributions to the team.

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Sarah Anderson

Sarah Anderson dives into the fast-paced world of NHL hockey. Her coverage includes game analysis, player spotlights, and the latest news from the ice. Sarah’s dedication to the sport ensures that hockey enthusiasts stay informed about the NHL’s thrilling action.