Its all-star break and time to analyze our teams and each player input.
Miikka Kiprusoff A+. He joined a team fighting for a playoff spot and full of controversy. All he has done since then is lead them to a consistent top 3 team overall and made the all-star team, a great addition who turned around the teams season.
Joe Thornton A. The captain, 1st team all-star, 1st line center, 1st line power play and 1st line penalty killer. What more can you ask? Tied for league lead in scoring, top 5 in hits, top 4 plus player, 4th most assists and 8th in goals scored. What more can you ask for? Maybe some production on the power play? An MVP type season.
Sergei Gonchar A. Voted to the all-star game, leading all defensemen in scoring and a huge plus. Sergei is doing everything asked of him. A Norris type season.
Jason Blake A-. Has been given the opportunity to play and has produced. Has played on every line, as well as power play and penalty killing and has excelled. Excellent role player.
Michael Handzus A-. Has excelled at his role as 2nd line center. He got Keith Tkachuk out of his early season slump and has played an excellent 2 way game.
Hal Gill B+. Has done everything asked of him, plays very well with Gonchar. Top 5 in the league with a plus 24 at the break. Has quietly been the best defensive dman on the team.
Glen Murray B. Has played very well of late, but is hot and cold this season. He finally secured his role on the top line with Thornton with good play the last month.
Mark Recchi B. He has turned around his season the 20 games, before that he was not much over a C player. His recent move to the top line seems to have energized him.
Bryan Berard B. Brought in for his offence and has not disappointed. Makes a good compliment to Gonchar on the power play and has been solid in his own end.
Todd Marchant C+. Started slow when he came to beantown. Has been on a team the last month, an 8 game point streak right now. Gets no power play time to speak of, but has played great as the checking line center.
Keith Tkachuk C. Has played better as of late, but is still below what might be expected of a player of his skill level. Inconsistent, plays like a player who enjoys having a no trade clause.
Scotty Walker C. Just doesn’t get the ice time to show his wares. Has played on the 2nd line the past few games, seems to fit in well.
Phillip Boucher C. Has fit in well, but has done nothing to stand out.
Rhett Warrener C. As with Boucher, has been a solid role player.
Brendan Witt C. Has not been with the team long, but does his role well.
Willie Mitchell C. Injured soon after coming to the team, then lost his job to Witt.
Igor Ulanov C. Used as a 7th dman, nothing spectacular, just solid.
PJ Axelsson C. A role player and has done his role, nothing more, nothing less.
Robert Esche C. Great backup, unfortunately he plays behind a guy who shows no signs of giving up his job.
Letowski, Corson, VanAllen. Role players who don’t play enough to get a rating.
Overall I have not given any player a failing grade, but at the same time this group has been a consistent top 3 team in the league, and since the early season slump have played very well. Probably the biggest concern is they don’t peak too soon and slump in the playoffs.