There were only three games on the schedule Wednesday, but three individual players came up big and stole the show.
Here's a look at those standout performances and what they mean in the bigger picture:
Corey Crawford
The Chicago Blackhawks goaltender stopped 27-of-28 shots fired by the St. Louis Blues in a 2-1 overtime victory, extending a run of hot play dating back to Oct. 24.
| Opponent | Result | Saves | Sv% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flames | L 2-3 (SO) | 29 | .935 |
| Devils | W 3-2 (OT) | 30 | .938 |
| Kings | W 3-0 | 32 | 1.000 |
| Flames | W 5-1 | 33 | .971 |
| Avalanche | W 4-0 | 38 | 1.000 |
| Stars | W 3-2 | 31 | .939 |
| Blues | W 2-1 (OT) | 27 | .964 |
While his overall save percentage has been dragged down by Chicago's atrocious penalty killing early this season, his numbers at full strength are off the charts.
Among goalies with at least 300 minutes played this season (or the equivalent of five full games), Corey Crawford ranks first with a five-on-five save percentage of .974.
He's already a two-time Stanley Cup champion, but it's time to acknowledge Crawford is one of the best in the game.
Zach Werenski
A defenseman has planted himself among a talented group of forwards in the the Calder Trophy race.
Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets scored the overtime winner in Wednesday's game against the Anaheim Ducks, pulling himself into a tie for second in rookie scoring.
ROOKIE LEADERS, POINTS@PatrikLaine29: 11-4—15 (14 GP)@wmnylander: 4-8—12 (13 GP)@ZachWerenski: 3-8—11 (11 GP)@AM34: 6-5—11 (13 GP)
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) November 10, 2016
On top of that, he sits in a tie for total points among all defensemen - one behind Brent Burns, and level with Shea Weber and Duncan Keith.
Drafted eighth overall in 2015, Werenski is looking like a steal for the Blue Jackets at this point.
Mike Condon
It's only been two games, but Mike Condon is giving the Ottawa Senators full value as insurance in net while Craig Anderson is spotted some time off, and with Andrew Hammond on the shelf.
Condon stopped 31-of-32 shots against in a 2-1 shootout win over the Buffalo Sabres, dropping his save percentage to .983 with the Senators.
If we drop the minimum time on ice to 100 minutes, he jumps ahead of Crawford in terms of five-on-five save percentage (.978). Yes, the sample size is minuscule, but impressive considering the tumultuous start to his season.
Condon, of course, began the season in Montreal, only to be claimed on waivers by Pittsburgh and traded to Ottawa shortly thereafter. Whether he sticks with the Senators long term remains to be seen, but he's stepped up in a big way.
- Advanced stats courtesy: Corsica Hockey
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