Frank Seravalli and Mike McKenna discussed which player’s hot start early in the season has caught their attention in Wednesday’s edition of Daily Faceoff Live.
Seravalli: “Let’s talk about some crazy starts from around the NHL this season. I’m talking about on an individual basis. When you consider some players that have rocketed up the points leader list or have been incredibly impressive, who catches your eye as someone you didn’t see coming?”
McKenna: “It’s Alex Stalock. Here’s a guy who hasn’t played in the NHL for the better part of two seasons.
In November 2020, he was diagnosed with myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle he got from having COVID. He missed the whole season, came back last year, played one game for the San Jose Sharks and allowed six goals, played 16 games in the AHL, and had an .872 save percentage.
There’s no way on earth that Alex Stalock should have been given a one-year NHL contract this summer when there were names like Dustin Tokarski out there who played 29 games with the Buffalo Sabers last year.
Yet, here comes Stalock, almost out of hockey, and the guy’s ripping it up for the Blackhawks. He’s got that team up in the standings. Petr Mrazek is out and Stalock is carrying it.
And it’s the second time he’s fought back from a serious injury. In 2011, he had a big skate laceration that happened on the back of his legs. If he finishes this year and plays admirably for the Blackhawks, just print the Masterton Trophy for him.”
Seravalli: “When I look at a player who’s exceeded expectations at this point, it’s Gabe Vilardi of the LA Kings.
I probably would have been super surprised if you had told me that Val Nichushkin was leading the NHL in goals and tied for the league lead in points, but if you consider Gabe Vilardi and where he’s been, the injury-shortened season he had last year. , he’s already exceeded last season’s point total and matched last season’s goal total.
He’s big, he’s got size, and he’s living up to that No. 11 overall pick range that he was selected. Not only that, but he looks like such a confident player, someone who’s had a taste of the NHL over the past few seasons and is starting to put it together now.”
You can watch the full episode here…