Life in the old NHLer dogs yet? You decide!
Last time we had a look at the rookies who were performing well early on in this NHL season, but how about some slightly older guys who have gone beyond what was expected of them in 2013. Here’s a selection of players doing just that:
Thomas Vanek – Buffalo Sabres
Vanek’s a great player, twice a 40 goal scorer in fact, but I’m not sure anybody expected this. After 15 games the Austrian boasts 12 goals and 25 points to lead the league in both categories. That also amounts to him being involved in 54% of Buffalo’s goals, not including the ones he was just on the ice for. He will do extremely well to hold off the likes of Crosby and Stamkos in the Art Ross Trophy race, however it’s going to take a big decline for the best season of Vanek’s career up to now.
David Clarkson – New Jersey Devils
Clarkson had somewhat of a breakout last season with 30 goals but has managed to go up another level, showing the art of a power forward isn’t dead in the process. He comfortably leads the Devils in goals with ten including the game winner last Saturday against Philadelphia. A good number of his tallies are coming from using his size in and around the net to swat home rebounds or deflect shots from the point. Clarkson’s efforts have gone a long way to banishing the memory of Zach Parise in Jersey too.
Raphael Diaz – Montreal Canadiens
Montreal’s top defensive pairing of Diaz alongside Andrei Markov has been a big difference maker, most notably on the powerplay. This is only his second season in the NHL after joining the Canadiens from his native Swiss league aged 26. He’s now tied for second in assists amongst blueliners and closing in fast on the 16 points he registered last season.
Alex Steen – St Louis Blues
Seven seasons in to his major league career, Steen has only once made the 50 point mark and never quite fulfilled the promise that made him a first round pick in 02. Injuries have played a part, his sophomore season the only one where he played 82 games. Alongside rookie Vladimir Tarasenko that could change with them quickly forming a potent partnership, Steen primarily filling the role of playmaker.
Viktor Fasth – Anaheim Ducks
I’m not sure he entirely fits this category, but I had to give him a mention somewhere. Puns have been flowing as Fasth continues to make the headlines for remarkable performances, after nine starts the Swede still doesn’t know what it feels like to lose an NHL game. He’s stolen the starting job Jonas Hiller and by the looks of it won’t be relinquishing any time soon. Aged 30 you have to wonder how he hasn’t made it to the major league sooner, at this point the Ducks aren’t complaining.
Who else has surprised you this year? Hit up the comments section below – and also vote online HERE on UKAmericanSportsFans.com
