Players to Watch in the Pacific
The Pacific Division is one of the National Hockey Leagues most promising young divisions, and the 2010-11 season could be its coming out party. The San Jose Sharks, Phoenix Coyotes, Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, and Dallas Stars will all be vying for a top spot. Below is one player from each team to watch next season.
Joe Pavelski – Forward – San Jose Sharks
Pavelski had the best season of his young career last year, and will look to build on it in October. The youngster is a key piece to the Sharks second line, and will be counted on to produce at a high rate.
Pavelski missed a great deal of the year due to injury, but when in the line-up did not miss a beat. He notched 51 points in just 67 games last season, and had his second 25 goal campaign in a row. In addition, Pavelski was selected as a member of the American Olympic team, playing a key role in their silver medal win. Next year, ‘little Joe,’ as he is known, will be entrusted with improving the output of the second line.
Keith Yandle – Defenceman – Phoenix Coyotes
Last year, Yandle had a break-out season, in which he was one of the best defenceman for the resurgent Coyotes. In October, the Coyotes brass will be looking for more of the same from the 23 year-old.
Yandle managed 41 points in 82 games last season, which was good enough for fourth on the team and the most among defenceman, all of which is outstanding considering he averaged less ice time then four other Coyote blue liners. Next season will be very different for the Boston native, as the departure of Zbynek Michalek and Mathieu Schneider will open up a great deal of ice time. Expect Yandle to play on the number one power play unit, and log minutes on either the first or second line.
Wayne Simmonds – Forward – Los Angeles Kings
With such a thin forward crop, Wayne Simmonds will be counted on more than ever to produce for the Kings next season. Last year’s third line right winger, can expect a promotion come October.
At only 21 years-old, Simmonds is part of the Kings collection of young talent. Last season he scored 44 points in 78 games, but what was most impressive was his rating of plus-22, good enough for 18th in league. Simmonds is a reliable defensive forward, who the Kings believe possesses a real offensive upside. Next season, Simmonds will likely see time on the top power play unit, along with the teams penalty kill.
Jonas Hiller – Goalie – Anaheim Ducks
Hiller is the key to the Ducks success in the 2010-11 campaign. For the Ducks to be competitive next season, Hiller is going to have to stand on his head, and steal several games.
The Ducks are a team on the decline. They lack depth up front, and after Scott Niedermayer’s retirement, do not seem to possess any kind of blue line. The only way this team is able to win, is if their first line shoots the lights out and Hiller puts up a wall. With out the incredible skill of Hiller, the Ducks may have one of the worst line-ups in the league.
James Neal – Forward – Dallas Stars
James Neal is one of the few young forwards the Stars are carrying on into the future of the franchise, meaning they will have to rely on him a great deal starting next season.
Although Neal is currently a restricted free agent, it is unlikely that with the cap space they have, the Stars will allow such an important part of their future walk away. Neil was third on the team last season with 55 points, and second on the team with 27 goals. He should see first line minutes next year, including time on the power play, as he takes more of a leadership role in the franchise.
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