Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

Underperforming Stars

01/21/2017 at 11:10am EST

from Kevin Allen of USA TODAY,

Jamie Benn, a scoring champion in 2014-15 and 41-goal scorer last season, has 11 goals in 43 games this season. Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews, averaging 28 goals per season in his career, has seven this season.

Future Hall of Famer Joe Thornton has scored only three goals and each one has been an empty-netter.

“There are quirky things going on,” Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill told USA TODAY Sports. “Why are some of the best players in the game struggling right now? It’s hard to believe.”

Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar only has four goals in 39 games. Corey Perry, who netted 50 in 2010-11, only has eight goals, putting him on the lowest scoring pace of his career.

Is this is a coincidence, a World Cup hangover or just another natural changing of the guard? Young players such as Edmonton’s Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Toronto’s Auston Matthews, Winnipeg’s Patrik Laine and Nikolaj Ehlers are all thriving this season.

Calgary Flames president Brian Burke doesn’t believe anyone should read too much into it.

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Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

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