For most Americans, the extent of their hockey knowledge boils down to two names — Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby.
But it is time for that to change. With a talented young class of relative unknowns making a name for themselves and stealing the limelight from some of the marquee players, some new names are starting to pop up in households across the country.
Some are benefiting from their close proximity to veterans, learning the sport from those who know it best. Others are struggling to lead a team, dealing with the day−to−day pressures of being a franchise player despite lacking experience. The stories are varied, the pressures range, but many teams in the league have found themselves looking to new, young talent to help them contend.
The two biggest names in this year's rookie class are the Edmonton Oilers' Taylor Hall and the Boston Bruins' Tyler Seguin, two Canadian offensive studs who were drafted 1st and 2nd overall, respectively. Both are clearly talented and full of potential and could easily be future leaders of their squads.
But while most high picks end up on weaker teams, Seguin has the unique opportunity of playing for the Bruins, a squad that is chock full of veteran talent and that may be the best team in the Eastern Conference. He currently plays on the 3rd line with Mark Recchi, the oldest player in the NHL, and early reports say that they have a great relationship. Seguin's position in Boston will allow him to mature more gradually under the guidance of Recchi and the other veterans, a scary prospect for the rest of the league.
Hall, on the other hand, was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers, last year's worst team. While Seguin has plenty of time to develop, Hall is expected to be a franchise leader right away. Yet his youth and inexperience at this level are undeniable — he is not even old enough to drink celebratory champagne. Can he be counted on to lead an NHL team?
To top it off, Oilers President of Hockey Operations Kevin Lowe — who was an all−star defenseman for the Oilers and won five Stanley Cups with them — bequeathed his number to Hall, as if there wasn't enough pressure on him already. Hall is under trial by fire, and only time will tell if his natural ability will shine through and aid the Oilers in the coming years.
Luckily, Hall is benefiting from standout play from other rookies around him. Right winger Jordan Eberle, drafted in the 2008 Entry Draft, is having a fantastic rookie season with the Oilers, already totaling four goals and four assists. With Hall stealing much of the limelight, Eberle is flying under the radar, but if he continues to lead the Oilers' suddenly potent offense in scoring — they are 5th in the league in goals per game with 3.1 — expect him to get the credit he deserves.
The Oilers and Bruins are not the only teams with some strong, young talent. Ever since being drafted in 2007, Canadiens rookie P.K. Subban has been known for two things: big expectations and a big smile. He won over crowds and reporters alike with a charm and charisma rarely seen in the NHL, let alone from anyone his age. While his play early in the season was somewhat inconsistent, the defenseman showed flashes of brilliance, and he now seems to be coming into his own as one of the team's most dependable players.
The most interesting thing about Subban is that he is generally regarded as an "offensive−defenseman," leading rookies not only in the goal differential category with five, but also in assists with six. If he can continue to elevate his play both in his own zone and his opponents', look for him to be a major force for years to come.
Offensive stats are well and good, but only if you can protect your own net. In that regard, one rookie goaltender is shining above everyone else: Washington Capitals goalie Michal Neuvirth. To call the Capitals' goaltending situation shaky would be an understatement. Last season, they had the league's most potent offense, which managed to mask a suspect defensive and goaltending situation. This was exploited by the Canadiens in the first round of the 2010 playoffs, during which the Capitals made an early exit in the first round.
The Capitals are hoping Neuvirth is the answer. He is currently showing signs of greatness, leading rookie goalies in wins (7), shutouts (1), goals against average (2.15) and save percentage (.926). Even more spectacular is the fact that Neuvirth's save percentage and goals against average are 9th among all active goalies. The Capitals are clearly ecstatic with this level of play and feel he can help them make a legitimate playoff run.
Obviously there is a lot of promise for the newest generation of NHL talent, but as all rookies are aware, it's a long season, and the NHL is not the AHL — it is a dog−eat−dog atmosphere. Still, look for these young guns to continue to make waves all season.
