THW Daily - ESPN's Frozen Frenzy & Early Hart Trophy Favorite Jack Hughes
Also, Oilers who need to step up in McDavid's absence, what's gone right for Canadiens & more
Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily
In today’s edition, we have thoughts on ESPN’s Frozen Frenzy coverage, Jack Hughes as an early Hart trophy favorite, what’s gone right for Habs, and much more.
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Yesterday’s NHL Scores…
Devils’ Jack Hughes, Your Early Hart Trophy Favorite
October 24, 2023 by Neil Villapiano
It is fair to say that Jack Hughes is off to the best start of his still-young NHL career. In just four games, the Orlando, Florida native has tallied four goals and 10 points to put himself in a tie for the second-most points in the entire league. Not only has he done that, but he also set a new New Jersey Devils franchise record for the fastest player to hit 10 points to start a season. In addition to that, he tied Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid’s record in the fewest games to reach their first 10 points. Hughes is proving to us all that his phenomenal 99-point campaign a year ago was no fluke.
His hot start isn’t a flash in the pan, as he has already shown signs of what is to come for the kid, who many believe hasn’t reached his peak. With McDavid out for a bit of time, now is the time to start seriously considering Hughes as your early Hart Trophy favorite. Not only does he have the skill set, but he also has the mindset that he is the best player out there every time he steps on the ice.
ESPN’s Frozen Frenzy is a Work in Progress
October 25, 2023 by Jim Bay
I will be the first to admit that in recent years, my “go-to” method of watching NFL games on Sunday is via the NFL Network’s RedZone coverage. Even when my favorite team is playing on one of my channels, I still spend a great deal of time returning to that channel. In case you are unfamiliar with this channel, it has been operated by NFL Network since 2009. As a “special” game-day exclusive, it broadcasts on Sundays during the NFL regular season from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific) or when the last afternoon game ends. RedZone provides “whip around” simulcast coverage of all Sunday afternoon games airing in progress.
Blackhawks Already Hold Key to Unlocking Lukas Reichel’s Ceiling
October 24, 2023 by Brooke LoFurno
When the Chicago Blackhawks’ season started, the microscope was all on how the rookies would perform: Connor Bedard, Kevin Korchinski, Wyatt Kaiser, and more. However, it has been hard not to notice the performance of Lukas Reichel. After excitement built after a solid end to the year, he’s had his struggles to start the season. Luckily, the answers to helping him are right under the Blackhawks’ noses.
3 Oilers Who Need to Step Up During McDavid’s Absence
October 24, 2023 by Sean Panganiban
When the news of Connor McDavid’s injury reached the Edmonton Oilers dressing room, it likely stirred up mixed emotions. There was likely a genuine sense of sadness as the three-time Hart Trophy winner’s absence will be felt. At the same time, there could’ve been an underlying sense of excitement from some of the forward group, due to the potential increase in ice time and opportunity.
The Oilers have an underwhelming 1-3-1 record through the first five games and Leon Draisaitl will have his work cut out for him in the next stretch without his sidekick in the lineup. But he can’t do it alone and while the whole team will need to rise to the occasion in McDavid’s absence, the list below highlights the three forwards who need to step up the most.
Rangers Need More Consistency on Defense & Special Teams
October 24, 2023 by Brian Abate
The New York Rangers are off to a 3-2-0 start in their first five games. Thus far they have alternated between good games and bad games, looking dominant for stretches but also making some sloppy mistakes. Their two losses came against the Columbus Blue Jackets, who were missing a couple of key players, and the Nashville Predators. They need to consistently defend well, come through on special teams, and avoid extended lulls.
Canadiens Got Plenty Going Right for Them to Start 2023-24
October 24, 2023 by Ryan Szporer
On one hand, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle’s early-season upper-body injury was a sign things continue to go badly on the injury front, especially in light of Kirby Dach’s torn ACL/MCL. If you’re looking at the glass as half-full though, the fact Guhle is just day to day is actually… well, maybe stop short of suggesting it’s a good thing, but it is nevertheless a relief of some sort.
More than that, it’s a sign the Canadiens actually can catch a break. Now, no one should speak too soon until Guhle is back and healthy as possible for fear of jinxing it. Plus, the playoffs remain little more than a pipe dream for the still-rebuilding Habs. So, how much does it matter really? All on its own, not all that much, but, taken with the following five positives fans have seen so far, it should mean a great deal.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Calgary Flames - 4 Flames Who Must Step Up Right Now
Colorado Avalanche - 5 Factors Behind the Avalanche’s Perfect Start to 2023-24
Winnipeg Jets - Jets After 5 Games: 3 Things to Like and 3 Things to Dislike
NHL News & Rumors - Flames, Flyers, Penguins, NHL Pride Tape Ban
From TSN - Insider Trading: NHL rescinds rule banning Pride Tape
From Sportsnet - What we've learned about every NHL team so far this season
From ESPN - NHL elects to uphold Rasmus Andersson's four-game suspension
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