Around the Eastern Atlantic & What to Watch For

First time that I've done this. I really only have time to focus on a single division, but perhaps if you all enjoy this I'll consider expanding.

Please provide your feedback.



Bridgeport Sound Tigers:

Bridgeport boasts a 3-way tie (Rochester, Syracuse) for the most points in the AHL though week one. What really stands out is Bridgeport has managed to take significant advantage of the man advantage with the lead leading scoring of 8 power play goal in week one, their power play accounts for 25% of their total scoring, a power play efficacy rate of 44%! Conversely, Bridgeport held opponents to an average of 1.6 goals per game and managed to limit penalties to just over a 1 per game, killing off 85% of them and limiting the damage to only 2 goals, not to mention they have a goal differential of +16.

Week 2 Player(s) to Watch:

@monchez18 – A perfect 6-0 week in net, boasting an 87.3% save percentage and 1.16 goals against average. While only challenged with just over 10 shots a game on average, he provided stability on the back end and managed to shut out the Marlies and the Rockets, who are a combined 3-15. Strong goaltending will be necessary for a repeat of the success enjoyed in week 1.

@MARTINEZ2619 – Averaged over 3 points per game through his three games (5 Goals, 5 Assists) and was a +7. Of note, 6/10 points came via the 8-0 defeat of the Marlies, historically a 2 PPG player, @MARTINEZ2619 is on a career high in points pace.

Hartford Wolf Pack

The Wolf Pack enjoyed a 6-2-1 week with notable division wins over Charlotte, Hershey, and Wilkes Barre Scranton. Tough loses against the Americans, Bruins, and Sound Tigers, all which had success and over .500 records in Week 1. Hartford has no issues scoring 5v5, they are tied for 3rd in the division and conference for goals for, however through the first week, Hartford has only 1 power play goal in 17 power play opportunities, an abysmal 5.6% conversation rate. To break this down further, as additional context is needed, Hartford should be concerned about their offensive production, almost half of their goals score (13/28) came from convincing victories over Charlotte and Utica. Of the teams faced with winning records (5/9) they generate right at 2 goals per game, of those with losing records (4/9) they more than double their average to 4.5 goals per game.

Week 2 Player(s) to Watch:

@ l Stastny26 l – The team’s GM, 2-1-0 last week with 13 points, only 2 of which were from goals. Dishing the puck and finding the open man was his bread and butter last week. Additionally, he had a strong week in the dot, winning 68% of his draws, and was +8 on the week. He’s an average 20 goal per season scorer, with great vision, and plays a defensive game, he will be a big part of the team’s success if the momentum is kept going forward.

Wilkes Barre Scranton Penguins

The only team to take down the league leading Rochester Americans in week 1, and in convincing fashion across almost every statically category in that game. Also, a goaltender showdown against Syracuse in which @Glachs outlasted @keatsauce for the 1-0 shutout. Wilkes Barre Scranton is an interesting team, and I say that in a positive light, they appear to be playing a very balanced game that might be left of center on the defensive side, this will bode well for them in the division, where I expect the top half to be very competitive and well versed from an offensive perspective. If anything, the Penguins are going to continue to make the most of their offensive opportunities, their defensive and goaltending should keep them in each game.

Week 2 Player(s) to Watch:

@MetalGhost0 – 9 points in the first 3 games (6G, 3A) and solid +4 performance for the week. MetalGhost0 had a fantastic season last year for the Crunch going 20-2-3 with 47 points.

@Neil x 25 – While Neil x 25 has failed to collect points in his first three games of the season, his defensive has been solid with a +4 rating, limited giveaways, and no time in the box.

@Glachs – Went 5-0, strong performance in net, 84% save percentage and 1.8 GAA. Didn’t face a tremendous amount of shots during that period, just 10 per game on average against a career average of 15.

Providence Bruins:

Full disclosure, I play on this team, so we’ll keep the information purely data driven. The Bruins went 5-2-2 in week 1. The Bruins are playing some very tight, low scoring games with 6 games being within 1 goal. Tough 1 goal OT losses to Bridgeport, and a 3OT 2-1 loss to Syracuse on Wednesday. Currently the Bruins are averaging two goals per game and give up an average of 1.8 goals per game. The Bruins specialty teams are in the bottom third of the league in power play conversation at 16%, however their penalty kill boasts an 89% and is in the top 15% of the league. Ultimately, if the Bruins can find success in the offensive zone and maintain their defensive prowess, the Bruins could be an interesting team to watch.

Week 2 Player(s) to Watch:

@CubsCrusher14 – At 3-0-0 in week one, Cubs had +50% success in the faceoff circle, with 5 points (2G,3A) and a +4 differential.

@BANDIT ZX – Defensemen who collected 4 points, all assists and helped the Bruins defeat the Wolfpack and Rockets, a +1 in the differential, likes to get involved in the offensive game.

@xProzer – Excellent week between the pipes, going 3-1 with a 89% save percentage and a 1.08 GAA.

Hershey Bears:

Finished the week going 5-4-0, with divisional loses to Hartford, Syracuse, and Bridgeport. Big wins against Providence, Charlotte, and Belleville. Of note, Hershey is dominating the faceoff dot, only 2nd to Syracuse across the entire league, they are winning draws at a clip of 61%. The Bears also are limiting power plays to their opponents to less than 1 per game, and in the event, they find themselves having to kill one, no problem, they are doing so 93% of the time. Hershey has some tough games coming up in week 2 against Rochester, San Antonio, and Manitoba, the biggest concern isn’t letting too many in, its about scoring enough to win.

Week 2 Player(s) to Watch:

@Frank Longworth – 3 games in, no points, and a -3, and too many penalties in his first game, however, was able to get the nerves out and go into the next two games penalty free. One bright spot is his ability to win draws (61.5%.)

Lehigh Valley Phantoms:

Like Hersey, the Phatoms went 5-4-0 and find themselves with 10 points going into week number two. They also find themselves with the same goals per game average and goals against average as Hershey, 2.3 vs 1.7 respectively. Two of their losses came from sub .500 teams, being outscored 7-2. Had a convincing win over Providence, and Utica. Should be favored to win several games in week two, with Laval, Chicago, and Rockford all on the calendar. The Phantoms need to work on their penalty kill, while they aren’t going to the box all the often, they are giving up goals 40% of the time they go on the penalty kill.

Week 2 Player(s) to Watch:

@jtfalcons14 – Getting it done, 2-1 with 10 points, 3 goals and 7 apples. Winning draws at a 54% clip and keeping that +/- nice a + 6 for the week.

Charlotte Checkers:

3-5-1 on the week,rank near the top of the division in goals scored at 28, however, in contrast they also rank near the top for goals allowed at 24. They are winning against teams like Utica, Toronto, and Springfield, but with Laval’s only win coming against Charlotte, I’m scratching my head. Of concern, they are near the top of the league in penalties committed, as a result, they have been short handed 29 times, giving up 8 goals on the kill, and spending the highest amount of time in the box.

What to Watch For:

Focus needs to be on the entire team, reducing penalties and playing at even strength.

Springfield Thunderbirds:

Finished the week the same as Charlotte, 3-5-1. Honestly, I feel like I’m looking at a similar team as Charlotte. In the top 50% of the division in scoring, however, at the bottom of the division in goals against at 33, which is 3.6 goals per game. Springfield also spends too much time shorthanded, giving up, you guessed it, 8 goals to the opposing power playing, tied for 2nd to last in the league. The Thunderbirds are in the top 10 in hits in the league, I’m unsure if that is driving their penalties or not, just a callout. Lastly, Springfield must possess the puck in the offensive zone, they are only averaging 5:25 minutes of attack time per game, which is near the bottom of the league.

What to Watch For:

Reduction in penalties, increase in zone time, and find balance.

 

Now do Western Central. Great job!

 

nicely done. appreciate the research done on stats !!

 

@mochez18 good job "Monchez"
weeeoooooooooooooo

 

Great write up! Too bad @jtfalcons14 is a plug and a half.

 

Really good read man, looking forward to the next one. @CSilveri you don’t mean that

 

Terrible

 

Great write up on the Checkers. Keep it up.