Seventeen games. Three goals: two on the power play, the other short-handed. Ten assists. Fifty-four shots on goal. Plus-five rating. Over 25 minutes of ice time per game.
Such is the November stat line for Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Justin Faulk, who currently ranks first on the team in points, second in shots on goal and near the top of the early-season team MVP leaderboard.
The 22-year-old rearguard's stellar, consistent play has helped Carolina to an 8-8-1 record so far since a 0-6-2 October.
How has he done it?
Faulk's dominant November began, of course, in the defensive zone, where his active stick, top-class vision and smooth puck-moving ability have proven a major asset to the 'Canes defense. Now in his fourth NHL season, Faulk seems more poised and unflappable than ever before.
The chemistry he and pairing mate Andrej Sekera have developed since last autumn continues to be a major asset for the team's otherwise shaky defense.
Faulk and Sekera rank second and third, respectively, among team defensemen in Corsi (shot-attempt) ratio (per Hockey Analysis)&mdas ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Mark Jones
Justin Faulk Adding Stabilizing Factor to Carolina Hurricanes’ Shaky Defense
December 5th, 2014 by Mark Jones Leave a reply »
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