Studs & Duds - 10/9

[BenTrovato]

Studs

Sean Monahan
The sixth pick in the 2013 draft is coming alive early and often this season. His first goal came off a rebound that started when he made a pretty spin-o-rama backhand pass on a 2-on-1 with Lee Stempniak. He then picked up his second assist and fifth point of the season late in the first as he came around the net firing a pass right into the slot. The future looks bright for Monahan as he continues to impress everyone around the league.

Jaroslav Halak
Halak improved to 3-0 this season and looked sharp throughout the entire game. He kept making big saves, including a Patrick Sharp breakaway and sizzling slapper from Duncan Keith with time winding down. The NBC commentators remarked how Halak came into camp this season more fit and determined than previous seasons. It looks like that hard working is paying off.

Jeff Carter
Carter was in fine form last night, firing off three points (2G 1A) in the Kings 4-3 overtime victory over the Sens. All his points came on the power play which looked like a well oiled machine. His OT winner, coming off a deflection from Mike Richards was the icing on the cake.

Duds

Craig Anderson… as a result of Ottawa’s defensive play
While Craig Anderson didn’t look particularly sharp early on (he gave up two goals on the first six shots) it wasn’t entirely the net minders fault. In the first period Ottawa gave the Kings four consecutive power plays and ended up being down 3-0 by the end of the period. Anderson did rebound for the rest of the game, only allowing the OT winner in off a deflection, but he is now 1-7-4 lifetime against LA.

Mr. Price
Carey Price can almost single handedly determine the success of the Montreal Canadiens but so far this season he has looked mediocre. He allowed three goals off 25 shots but he’s one or two big saves away from turning the loss into a victory. He did make a highlight reel save in the second coming across the crease and stoning Curtis Glencross. It is still early in the year but he’ll have to step up his game quickly if the Canadiens are to repeat last years regular season success.

Danny Briere
I don’t think it’s fair to peg any of the losses on #48 but it’s been a tough go in Montreal for the 8 million dollar man thus far. He was able to fire off three shots in 17 minutes last night but he remains pointless through the first three games this season. Watching him last night he seemed a bit hesitant to dig deep and make some big plays. I expect him to come on strong at some point, I hope, but for now he’ll have to pick up his game especially on a line with Pacioretty.

Honorable mentions:
*Joey MacDonald was outstanding in the 3-2 Victory over the Habs. Check the highlights for his stack the pads save.
**Vladimir Tarasenko’s far side rocket of a wrist shot on a 2-on-1 was gorgeous and enough to earn him second star of the game.
***Dustin Brown fired home his first two goals of the season. He was a work horse and earned the first star of the game last night.

[LordoftheRinks]

Looks like another Cy Young year for Carter.

[BenTrovato]

Looks like another Cy Young year for Carter.

It starting to look that way... maybe he has renewed passion.

[Shoeless]

I think he meant just about all goals and very few assists in his record Ben. I drafted him in a one year hoping for a better year this year - he does seem motivated.