from Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe,

- Steven Stamkos is back. Tampa Bay’s electrifying center, who’s battled poor health the last two seasons, was atop the league’s scoring list with 21 points through 11 games. The curious thing about Stamkos is how he’s piling up the points through helpers instead of goals. Seventeen of his 21 points were via assists instead of his trademark one-timer. Part of that is because he’s been riding with Nikita Kucherov (12 goals through 11 games), the hottest hand in the league. It’s easy to put up points when everything Kucherov touches ends up in the back of the net.

- The speed of the game ensures that a good amount of star power will always be unavailable. Consider the following lineup of ouches, which would do quite well for top-line minutes: Cory Schneider (lower body) in goal, Cam Fowler (lower body) and Ryan Ellis (knee) on defense, and Nino Niederreiter (ankle), Jeff Carter (leg), and Jaromir Jagr (lower body) up front.

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