The Mid-Week Take: There's no escaping the Matthews-Laine debate
In the subconscious of even the most measured hockey observer, the comparison is still drawn.
As No. 2 overall draft selection Patrik Laine rockets out to a 54-goal pace (that, if maintained, would see him mentioned in the same breath as "Rocket" Richard), Auston Matthews, the other super rookie chosen one rung ahead, is mired in a 10-game goalless drought.
It's fodder for Winnipeg Jets fans, who are feeling more than satisfied with the club's selection, and the formidable top line Laine's formed with emerging star Mark Scheifele and darting winger Nikolaj Ehlers. Conversely, it's forced fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs to appreciate the details in Matthews' game that completely validate his start.
And, of course, it has trolls trolling for Twitter impressions; because accepting the fact two teams filled their precise needs with players proving they can be dominant in distinct, unmistakably different roles within their team's structure is simply too much to ask.
Laine's start can't be spun; he's been magnificent. The Finn's scoring two goals for every three starts 18 games into his career in the top flight, trailing just Sidney Crosby and David Pastrnak. Overall, his production comes in at just below a point per game, and he's been well over that since hooking up with Scheifele. He has five power-play goals and seven points, helping restore last season's last-place unit back to respectability.
Laine's inflated shooting percentage (a go-to detail for Matthews' backers) can't last, but there's actually more reason to suggest there's room to evolve into a more dangerous, well-rounded attacking player. He's targeted just 25 shots at even strength, and produced a half scoring chance per game under that condition. His 1.86 even-strength points rate is sandwiched between Derek Dorsett and Matthews, who sits fractionally ahead.
The antithesis in terms of role and rate, Matthews' production has nose-dived since his record four-goal debut. His shot and chance creation rates, however, have remained. He leads the NHL in even-strength shots and scoring chances, and is tied for third in both categories when factoring in all situations. His 53 shots at 5-on-5 is more than double Laine's, and he's out-chanced the Jets sniper 26-6 at evens in two fewer games.
All this with the responsibilities of center ice, and rookies on his wings.
When the trends we've seen through the season's first six weeks level out, Matthews and Laine will continue to lift their franchises. Matthews will start to fill the net, while Laine will be more and more dangerous without the benefit of specialty teams. Laine will continue to score with a greater percentage of his shots in relation to the league average, while Matthews' impact on underlying team data will keep the Maple Leafs above the NHL standard.
More importantly, both teams can make legitimate runs at the postseason with their rookies driving positive results.
But because no league does contrived rivalries quite like the NHL, regardless of province, division, or conference, the peaks and valleys in their rookie seasons will be perceived as combinations thrown in their Calder Trophy fight.
The hardest shot landed so far was Laine's overtime winner and first career hat trick secured immediately after a Matthews breakaway miss in their only head-to-head meeting so far this season.
But there's no doubt his back will be off the ropes soon.
(Advanced statistics courtesy Corsica.hockey)
The Ten
10) Russell Wilson - Thank you, Russell, for seeing that conference asymmetry is a problem in the NHL. The Seattle Seahawks quarterback announced he's partnered with Sonics Arena Group to help bring the NBA and NHL to the Pacific Northwest.
9) James van Riemsdyk - Scored his first hat trick with the Maple Leafs in his fifth season Tuesday versus Nashville.
8) Jacob Trouba - After a long holdout and rescinded trade request, Trouba is all in with Winnipeg. Or at least as close as possible, giving his willingness to block a Duncan Keith slap shot with his head.
7) NBC - McDavid vs. Matthews II has been added to the national broadcast schedule. Smart.
6) Morgan Rielly - With a four-point career night versus the Flyers, Rielly hit the century mark for points.
5) Vladimir Tarasenko - With a goal and seven points this week, Tarasenko has rejoined the top tier of NHL scorers after a postponed launch.
4) New Jersey Devils - Two wins over the Sabres and another over the Stars pushed New Jersey's win streak to five games, breaking into the top three in the Metro.
3) Nikita Kucherov - A league-leading four goals this week and a humiliating dig at the Islanders after the Lightning's win on Long Island. Or Brooklyn.
2) Connor Hellebuyck - The competition appears to have been won. Hellebuyck made 77 saves on 81 shots across three wins this week, including a shutout over Chicago.
1) The 2016 Hall of Fame Class - The wait was far too long, for all of them.
More Takes
1) Would Ben Bishop make the Jets a legitimate contender in the Western Conference? He hasn't been his typically brilliant self, and as we mentioned Hellebuyck is starting to find a rhythm in Winnipeg, but when considering the Jets' surplus of assets, there are worse gambles.
2) When's the last time more than one goaltender was nominated for the Hart Trophy? It's hard to pinpoint a skater that's been more valuable than Carey Price, Tuukka Rask, Corey Crawford, or even Sergei Bobrovsky this season.
3) Surely the NHLPA will pass on the softball Bettman apparently underhanded in. What would compel the large majority of players affected most by escrow to agree to the same structure so the players who make the most money can hit the Olympics?