Depth is essential; but if there are players that aren’t making enough impact, then the purpose of depth is defeated. There have been too many passengers and ineffective players on the Edmonton Oilers against San Jose. Last night’s OT win mended that concern somewhat as the entire team stepped up big in the end. However, there is one player in particular not named Zack Kassian who has quietly been making a difference all series long.
That player is Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Basically behind closed doors, he has been a positive factor for the Oilers, and not for obvious reasons.
A player worth 6 million dollars who is also a former first overall pick is expected to rack up the points. Nuge endures a hefty amount of criticism for his lack of offensive production; 43 points this year is certainly underwhelming for a guy who isn’t exactly cheap on the payroll. Zero points in playoffs so far only raises that concern for him.
Although the points he has mustered don’t reflect his value in an overly positive way, there is evidence to show that he is truly a dangerous offensive attacker capable of scoring more.
Nuge is a shot generator. In the regular season, he ranked in the top 60 for shots on goal with 200 in 82 games. In 5 playoff games, he has 17 shots. He is a play-driver. His speed and ability to rush the puck end-to-end often creates quality scoring chances for the Oilers. The offensive ability is there.
I am not much of a fancy stats person; but to those who pay attention to Corsi, Nuge was at 49.8% in the regular season. (which is a spec below the 50 and above percent range regarding teams that control the puck more often with this player on the ice in all situations). In playoffs, he is at 50.8%, which is above average. More often than not, he is in control of the puck, which is great.
The only issue to make light of here is that Nuge struggles to score consistently. He creates chances and shoots the puck at an elite level. A lack of finishing ability is the only concern. He is getting prime opportunities to score, but no points to reward his efforts. The offensive drawbacks in his game standout considerably because he is of high profile. In reality though, we often lose sight of the other great qualities that make Nuge a valuable asset for this team.
What tends to be overlooked is Nuge’s strong defensive game. Against the Sharks, he has been going hard both ways, relentlessly. His forechecking and back checking efforts are valiant and effective. Look back to game 3 in the first period to see a glorious back check by Nuge where he prevents a goal and strips the puck away from the attacker.
I like how calm and smooth he is with the puck and his ability to make smart plays. He carries the puck through the neutral zone with poise and focus.
Although his is face-off win percentage is only at 44.4%, he has taken and won some pretty key draws in the offensive and defensive zones this series. Todd McLellan clearly trusts Nuge as he has taken 72 face-offs so far in playoffs.
The most valuable asset of Nuge is his ability to play against tough competition. In game 5, he accumulated 19:37 minutes of ice-time. 12 of those 19 minutes were played against the Sharks top guns, Joe Pavelski and Joe Thornton. For a majority of the series, he has matched up to these kind of players and plays tough minutes every game.
He is proving to be an important factor for the Oilers not because of offence but because of his two-way style and responsible defensive play. A shutdown second line centerman suits him well. He anchors that second unit and adds quality to the Oilers forward depth.
I know Nuge has yet to reach his highest lever of scoring potential. His experience level provides stability behind Connor McDavid and a reliable, secondary option for McLellan to use as a luxury. Its time for Nuge to put every tool in his arsenal together and start putting the puck past the goal line. Not off the post, not in the goalies glove, not two inches away from top shelf. In the net. The Oilers need the extra fire power, now.
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