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Early season takeaways from the North Division

February 11, 2021, 11:25 AM ET [19 Comments]
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In this edition of the hotstove, we share our early season takeaways from the North Division.

Todd Cordell

Nik Ehlers is an absolute monster. I’ve long felt he was one of the more underrated stars in the league. He’s had more on his plate in the early going of this season, though, and has responded the best way imaginable.

Ehlers has eight goals and 14 points through just 12 games. He has been ultra efficient at 5v5, averaging nearly 3.5 points per 60, and his on-ice impact is off the charts.

The Jets’ share of the Expected Goals is 13% higher with Ehlers on the ice. 13%! That’s translated into remarkably strong results, as Winnipeg has out-scored opponents 12-2 with Ehlers out there at 5v5.

He is a wizard through the neutral zone, he generates chances in bulk, and he is a lot better defensively than generally given credit for. I think he is one of the better two-way wingers in the game and he’s showing that on a nightly basis.

Sean Maloughney

For me it absolutely has to be how awful defensively the Canucks have been. Prior to the start of the season, I did pick the Nucks to miss the playoffs due to my belief that the aging Holtby would continue to post less than average numbers and that Demko would return to his below .900 SV% that he posted prior to the post-season.

Both of those things did happen but the way it has happened with a complete collapse of the defense in front has been surprising to me. Losing Tanev is only part of it. The loss of Leivo and Toffoli has hurt this team's ability to produce anything at 5 on 5 and the Canucks are spending far too much time in their own end as a result. Clearly last season was an overachievement and now Vancouver must find a way to reset their rebuild once more.

Bonus statement for the Senators. I knew they would finish last but the way they are limping along to the finish line is truly something to behold.

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