Game 64 Stray Observations: Stankoven mania continues with a 7-6 win over San Jose
It was pretty bizarre. But a win's a win.
Stankoven-mania is alive and well. Eight points in six games! We’ve talked about him here, and this morning, we talked about him at D Magazine. If you want read my more in-depth take on Stankoven, I’d recommend going there now instead of here.
The only thing I wanted to add here is the value of ‘analytics.’ As I mentioned on Twitter, many stats, like Wins Above Replacement, Goals Above Replacement, Game Score, and Synthetic Goals include a player’s penalty differential because the chances of a goal being scored exponentially goes up. If you’re someone who still believes in plus/minus, I see little reason why you wouldn’t accept some of these stats for adding more dimensions to plus/minus— giving a player a plus/minus not just for the goals that happen when they’re on the ice, but for their ability to create the conditions of goal scoring. I.E. Crediting them for what they accomplish for shift to shift, not just goal to goal.
Stankoven had his hands in both goals that pulled Dallas out of an 0-2 deficit. Thankfully, there is a number that will give him credit for those two shifts. Unfortunately, no telecast will ever mention them because they’re “complicated” or “fancy” — and yes, this topic gets my well-worn goat. It’s not that more people should understand them. It’s that the people in charge of communicating the game aren’t willing to engage with them. Obviously exceptions like Alisan Lukan and Mike Kelly notwithstanding…
Am I done? Yea. After all, there’s a lot to talk about. Win or lose, it’s not exactly noble work cutting games close against one of the worst teams in the league. San Jose didn’t get many shots off, but they seemed to have all the room in the world to move in the neutral zone. The Sharks needed just a few waves and it was enough to rattle the Stars. We’ll get to who’s to blame, who’s hot, and who’s not, but that’s what the stray observations are for.
For now the biggest story is gonna be whether or not Jim Nill feels like another move can be made. One thing that became abundantly clear is that Tanev alone might not be enough. Dallas is still one of the premiere teams in the league, and currently first in the Central (something of a technicality given the games in hand Winnipeg has on them).
But Vegas just added Anthony Mantha. Vancouver may or may not add Jake Guentzal. While we talk a lot about Dallas potentially playing Colorado or Winnipeg in the first round, winning a Cup requires getting through the top dog in the Pacific, and they seem far more intimidating as playoff opponents right now.
While I saw fans argue over who was to blame for the goals, make no mistake: this was not a good game for Dallas. It was just a good outcome.
Chris Tanev early impressions
Tanev was exactly as advertised. He’s a talented hockey player who happens to excel as a stay-at-home defender. His breakout speed, and defensive zone puck handling factored into effective transitions, which is all you can ask for. Perfect, right? I don’t want to spend an entire section on Tanev criticizing his management into the roster except to say that Esa Lindell’s breakout passing was really bad this game; bad enough to single-handedly kill possession.
Do I think it’s mission critical to get Tanev off that pair? No. But I do think there are better options than upgrading the Hakanpaa position, whether it’s trying Tanev with Heiskanen, or Harley. Wasn’t the whole issue with last season that offense from the backend only came from one player? Now they’re getting blueline offense from two players, and still we have to watch a dedicated shutdown pair…which nobody else does. I’m not suggesting Dallas can’t win with a dedicated shutdown pair, nor do I think one sloppy joe game is a validation of what I assume, but I would like to see an attempt at something more…modern.
Joe Pavelski: a night to forget
DeBoer has already technically ‘reckoned’ with Pavelski’s decline. It created the superline of Robertson with Hintz and Johnston. That line dominated. But they were discarded for whatever reason. However, the real task ahead for DeBoer is recognizing that great stories don’t make great performances. At some point Pavelski simply needs to be lower in the lineup where matchups can’t exploit him.
Nils Lundkvist: odd man out
You know I like the kid. The deeper you dig into how he earned his way into the doghouse, the more it feels like hockey politics. But let’s face it. If Dallas wants to fully upgrade, that RHD spot on the third pair needs to be upgraded, whether we’re talking about Hakanpaa or Lundkvist. If you’re looking to contend, why wouldn’t you want Sean Walker (for example) out there instead? No, I don’t think Hakanpaa is better than Lundkvist, but we know who coaches are gonna trust when it gets down to the marrow. Truth is, there’s a way to split the difference; it just depends on whether or not Nill can make another move.
Wyatt Johnston is still really good
Stankoven is such an overshadowing presence that it’s easy to forget that his draft colleague (man 2021 was a banger) is quite the forward himself. Johnston is gonna flirt with 30 goals in his sophomore year, and nobody’s really talking about it. He’s had some roadblocks, and I never once thought about taking back what I said before the year started. His challenges have been less about him and more about his linemates largely failing him. Strong wording I know, but I’ve never once watched him and thought to question his effort, talent, or chemistry. Hell I thought he looked the part next to Robertson and Hintz. There’s still time!
About Jake Oettinger
I don’t have an eye for goaltender performance, but I don’t blame anyone for feeling like Oettinger was one among several weak links last night. He seemed way too deep in his net in a lot of plays, but yes, San Jose should not have been able to get on his doorstep the way they did. It’s not like we’re talking about world beaters here.
However, part of goaltending’s job is do the dirty work. Defenders will make mistakes, and forwards will miss assignments. Not every shot is gonna be served on a plate with a knife and fork arranged neatly for finer dining. So while there’s plenty of blame to go around, Oettinger’s performance is in keeping with an unfortunately familiar story this season.
Ok some more Stankoven words
I was happy to see Stankoven next to Mason Marchment, and specifically, Matt Duchene. While Stankoven and Johnston had chemistry out the gate, Stankoven’s game made very clear that he doesn’t just pull his own weight — rather, he has his own gravity. Stick him with elite players and you’re gonna get elite results. Do we eventually see him on the top line? Thoughts?
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When something works, and I mean holy shit, Johnston/Stanky REALLY works, don’t mess with it!!!
The Puck Hound aka Logan Stankhoven is better than advertised.