Is Mike Green playing even better than you realize? I mean, sure, he's got a goal and three assists in five games (which is just two goals and nine assists fewer than in his 92 career games prior to this season) and is sporting an even plus/minus rating while playing 19 minutes a night. But I bet you didn't know that Greenie has drawn the most penalties of any defenseman in hockey while committing only two minors of his own. Now that's good hockey.Elsewhere 'Round the Rinks:
The Caps were back at work yesterday, and, from all accounts, it was a "back to basics" type practice.... Who's the best rookie in the East? Some would say Nicklas Backstrom. Others would be wrong.... A few power rankings for your perusal, with the Caps ranked 9th, 13th and 16th.... Anyone catch the Sabres/Leafs on Versus last night? Awfully loud when the Leafs scored, wasn't it?
Daily Awards
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Hart: Joe Thornton (Game-winning goal, 2A, 4 SOG, 2 hits, 18 of 20 (!) faceoffs won)
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Ross: Chad Kilger, Joe Thornton, Chris Pronger, Ryan Getzlaf, John Pohl (3 points each)
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Norris: Chris Pronger (3A, +1, 6 SOG, 3 takeaways, 3 blocked shots)
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Vezina: Evgeni Nabokov (W, 24 saves on 26 shots against)
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Richard: Chad Kilger (2G)
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Calder: Torey Mitchell (+2)
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Aiken: Mats Sundin (-4, 0 points, on ice for all five goals against and none of the four goals for)