Beleskey: A
Hot hands, hot hands. Some of it is luck, some of it is a huge step forward. My only problem is that he's not throwing out huge hits like he did last season. Here's hoping he doesn't get too focused on scoring and loses that sandpaper.
Cogliano: B-
Ah, the ironman. Suffering from the lack of dishes from Winnik, but still the hustler and penalty killer we all know.
Getzlaf: B
Ugh, loathe to say anything about Getzy, but his inconsistency is worrying. When he's on, he's the Hart nominee from last year. But when he's off...dear god.
Jackman: B
I'm genuinely surprised how many scoring "chances" he gets with his physicality and hustle. Picking up the hitting where Beleskey left off. If only he could finish...
Kesler: A
Everything I expected of him from the trade. Faceoff wizard, matchup man, plays in every situation.
Maroon: B
Good play at the start, but he's not fully back to speed from the injury yet. Still beast behind and in front of the net.
Palmieri: C+
Still inconsistent as hell. He's the same as last year...but I'm not sure that's a good thing.
Perry: A
Oh, the goals. THE GOALS. Even when he's sick, he's still potting goals. Here's to another 40.
Silfverberg: C+
I feel like someone stuffed a snake in his skates, because he's bitten as hell. Money in the shootout, so fantastic two-way. It's only a matter time before the ketchup bottle explodes, but for now...
Smith-Pelly: B-
Hmmm. A bit hard to rate DSP...I still have no confidence in his ability to stick as a center. He's been good, but he has yet to carry a line.
Thompson: B
Unlike most, I don't mind Thompson not getting too many points. Good defensive center, good speed...stone hands, though. He and Jackman know how to lay some hits.
Rakell: D+
Disappointing start for Ricky Rack. Was genuinely hoping he'd take a bigger step forward, but it looks like he's back to Norfolk for more seasoning.
Karlsson: C
A nice surprise in the early going making it out of training camp, but he's still raw. I'm looking forward to his next return, but he needs to work some more on his defense in the meantime.
Beauchemin: A-
Sorely missed when he was out of the lineup. Not the type to stand out, but his steady presence on the blueline is something we really need back soon.
Clark: C-
A serviceable call-up, but I get nervous when he handles the puck. The old boy's been okay, but I hope he doesn't stick around.
Fowler: B-
He's not 100% healthy - that's the only conclusion I can come to. He looks like he's worse defensively than last year, but his offense is still intact.
Lindholm: A
Oh my. I may be biased, but this kid's been our #1 guy. Out to prove his rookie season isn't a fluke.
Lovejoy: B
The Reverend's been the same old. No noticeable change - at least, before he went down.
Manson: B+
I'm pleasantly surprised! I'd heard he impressed at camp for a while, but I genuinely wasn't expecting him to come up...and certainly not do as well as he's done. I'd love to keep him, but the AHL beckons...
Stoner: B-
This guy falls over more than Hartnell, but pretty steady otherwise. Better than Allen, though.
Vatanen: A-
Ohhh VATMAN. We all expected him to be the PP magic man, and he's been exactly that. Still some polishing to be done on the other end, but when he carries the puck up the ice...buttered toast.
Andersen: A-
Under siege night after night! I hope he gets some rest soon, because he needs it. Fatigue is setting in. For now, he's cemented as the starter.
Gibson: C+
For the few games he played, I've not been impressed. The shutout against Chicago was great, but the team had to play a tighter defensive game to do it. He'll benefit from starting for Norfolk.
LaBarbera: B
Surprisingly solid whenever he's had to come in. I wouldn't trust him with a start, but LaBOMBera has been good for a #3.