from Michael Traikos at the Vancouver Province,

Bruce Boudreau is no longer on the hot seat, backup goalies are stealing jobs from starters and a pair of veterans is now leading the rookie race. Jamie Benn is on pace for more than 100 points, while Andy Andreoff is on pace for more than 30 fights. And Auston Matthews could be joining the Edmonton Oilers.

One month into the National Hockey League season, here is what we are talking about:

HOT SEAT IS COOLING
When the Columbus Blue Jackets fired Todd Richards two weeks into the season, most assumed that Anaheim Ducks head coach Bruce Boudreau was next. But after starting the season 1-7-2, the hot seat appears to be cooling down. The Ducks are 4-0-1 in their last five games and just two points out of a playoff spot. Ryan Getzlaf has four assists in three games after returning to the lineup because of an appendectomy, while Corey Perry has two goals and five points in the last four games. So Boudreau is safe. For now, that is.

CENTURY CLUB
A year after Jamie Benn won the Art Ross Trophy with a measly 87 points — the lowest total for a scoring title since 1968 — there were eight players in the top 10 in league scoring on pace to score more than 90 points.

continued