FRI. NOV. 15
Player to watch for goal: Valeri Nichushkin, F, COL (vs. WSH)
The Colorado Avalanche wing is expected to make his season debut (was suspended in NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program) and rejoin their potent top-six forward group. Nichushkin had the best points-per-game average of his NHL career last season (0.98; 53 in 54 games), and, per NHL EDGE stats, scored 22 of his 28 regular-season goals from high-danger areas (98th percentile). Nichushkin also was tied for the sixth-fastest max skating speed (23.96 miles per hour) in the entire League last regular season. The Washington Capitals are coming off a 4-3 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday at home and have allowed four or more goals in two of their five road games this season.
Player to watch for a point: Lucas Raymond, F, DET (at ANA)
The Detroit Red Wings forward leads them in points (14 in 15 games), assists (13) and power-play points (eight) this season. Per EDGE stats, Raymond ranks in the 96th percentile of offensive zone time percentage on the power play (65.6), and the Anaheim Ducks have the fourth-worst penalty kill percentage (70.7). Raymond is also playing on the top line at even strength with center Dylan Larkin, who leads Detroit in goals (nine in 15 games), and the Ducks are allowing the most shots on goal per game in the League (35.5).
Player to watch for shots on goal: Jonathan Marchessault, F, NSH (at CGY)
The Nashville Predators wing has started slow (nine points in 17 games) after signing a five-year contract with them in the offseason but is averaging more than three SOG per game (3.05; 52 total). The Calgary Flames, meanwhile, are allowing the seventh-most shots on goal per game (30.7). The Predators, who are 5-9-3, could be due for better shooting fortunes considering they are last in the NHL in 5-on-5 shooting percentage (5.1) despite ranking 12th in shots on goal per game (30.5). Per EDGE stats, Marchessault ranks in the 86th percentile in high-danger shots on goal (15).
