WYExpect's NHL 3 Stars of the Week
Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar, New Jersey Devils rookie defenseman Ty Smith, and Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid are WYExpects first ever 3 stars of the week for the week ending January 24th.
1st Star: Anze Kopitar, Center, Los Angeles Kings
Kopitar has posted a very impressive 1 goal and 9 assists for 10 points in the Kings’ first 6 games. In Sunday night’s matchup against the St. Louis Blues, Kopitar scored 1 goal and assisted on 2 others for 3 points in the Kings 6-3 win. 5 of his points have come on the powerplay and his only goal so far was the game-winner against the Blues. Kopitar has both a point and a powerplay point in 5 out of the 6 games so far this season.
2nd Star: Ty Smith, Defense, New Jersey Devils
Rookie sensation Ty Smith has burst onto the scene for the New Jersey Devils in a big way this season. After 2 years of being the final cut for the roster, Smith finally got his chance to make the big club this season and has not disappointed. He currently has a 5 game point streak to start his career. This is second all-time for rookie defensemen to start their career, trailing only Marek Zidlicky who started his career with a 6 game point streak. Smith has 1 goal and 5 assists for 6 points in 5 games, scoring his first career goal on opening night against the Boston Bruins. He has emerged as the quarterback on the first powerplay unit, handling the puck with confidence and making smart plays. Smith had 2 points in the Devils’ most recent win against the New York Islanders on Sunday.
3rd Star: Connor McDavid, Center, Edmonton Oilers
I mean what more can you say about this guy? Night in and night out he is the best player on the ice, hands down. He has continued to impress to start the season, putting up 4 goals and 6 assists for 10 points in the Oilers’ first 7 games. McDavid put up 3 goals and an assist in the 2nd game of the season against the Canucks, and has also had a 3 point performance this week against the Jets. He’s averaged 23+ minutes per night to start the season.