Which rookies have made an impact so far this season?

As the season draws within weeks of it’s halfway point, many young players are carrying your fantasy teams.

Logan Couture, San Jose Sharks:  Logan Couture was selected 9th overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.   He’s been the most impressive Shark so far this season with 18 goals, 25 points, and a 16.7 shooting percentage.  What is it about this kid that is the most impressive?  Logan’s ability to play on all parts of the ice.  Having such a young player focused on back-checking while staying offensively effective is a rare gift, and Todd MClellan has given Logan every opportunity by granting him more than 17 minutes/game.  If you were one of the luck one to snag him in your fantasy league or hockey pool – keep rolling with him.  He is showing no signs of slowing down and will be in the top three names mentioned for the Calder by the end of the season.  He is meshing well with linemate Ryan Clowe, as seen last night when Logan drove hard to the net and was handed a crisp pass on a silver platter by Ryane Clowe for his 18th of the season.

Jordan Eberle, Edmonton Oilers:  Jordan is known by most for his heroics during the 2010 WJC, and his ability to net clutch goals.  This year, he is known for his highlight reel goals and his recent play with linemates Sam Gagner and Taylor Hall.  They call it the 19-20-21 line – for the ages of the three players.  Jordan has a sick pair of hands and is adding a lot of depth to deeper leagues.  With 22 points in 32 games, Eberle will be right up there with the likes of Logan Couture and Jeff Skinner.

Jeff Skinner, Carolina Hurricanes:  Jeff’s production has dipped slightly over the past few weeks in contrast to his red hot start, but his skills are speaking for themselves.  This guy is electric, and is everywhere on the ice.  Every time this kid takes a shift, fans find themselves shaking their heads at the fact that he’s 18 years of age.  He has been a tremendous surprise to the Hurricanes organization (24 points in 32 games) and has been an important ingredient so far this season.  With names like Jeff Skinner, Brandon Sutter, and Zach Boychuk, Hurricanes fans have a lot to look forward to in their young up and comers.  Jeff will continue to see a large chunk of ice time, don’t let his recent play dictate whether or not he’s worthy of a starting slot; start him with confidence.

The combination of Buffalo’s home record of 6-9-1, and Buffalo’s issues with finishing their scoring chances, are leaving many Buffalonians with a pessimistic outlook on tonight’s game at HSBC Arena.

The way that Buffalo can squeak one or two points out of tonight’s game is by keeping gritty wingers like Milan Lucic out of the front of the net, using the body on softer “pass first” centers like Marc Savard, and limiting Boston’s opportunities in the slot.  In addition to that, Buffalo needs to put the puck on the net and create traffic in Rask.

Which Buffalo will show up tonight?  The Buffalo that shut the Blue Jackets out 5-0, or the Sabres that look like they do indeed deserve to be at the bottom of the standings?