from Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe,

Slow adjustment for Eriksson

Three years ago, following his arrival from Dallas in the Tyler Seguin trade, Loui Eriksson had a tough time adjusting in Boston. It’s looking like Eriksson is experiencing a similar break-in period in Vancouver. The cerebral wing had scored just once in his first 15 games. Eriksson had two goals in his first eight games in Boston before John Scott knocked him out with a concussion. That year, Eriksson posted an 8.7 percent shooting percentage, second lowest of his career following his rookie season (7.7 percent). This season, Eriksson is burying pucks at just a 4.2 percent clip, well off his career rate of 13.7 percent. Eriksson’s other numbers, however, are doing just fine. He has been his regular puck-possession self, recording a team-high 56.0 Corsi For percentage. He is leading Vancouver forwards by averaging 19:03 of ice time, indicating the trust he’s earned from his coaches. Bad luck doesn’t last forever. Eriksson’s production is due for a spike.

Howard may be a good gamble

Jimmy Howard has come to accept that long term, Petr Mrazek is Detroit’s ace. But Howard also has accepted that if he continues his current pace of play, Las Vegas will be sure to spend one of its expansion picks on the ex-University of Maine netminder. Through seven appearances, Howard was 4-2-0 with a 1.22 goals-against average and .961 save percentage. Howard’s deeper numbers are also excellent: a .969 even-strength save percentage (just shy of Carey Price’s .971 standard) and a .938 mark during opposing power plays (Price was .880). Howard’s done all this behind a team that has chased the puck more than it’s controlled it. Howard was formerly an aggressive goalie. He’s playing a quieter game this season, settling back in his crease and waiting for plays to approach. Howard is signed through 2019 at $5,291,667 annually.

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