We count down the top 10 left wingers in the PWHL from season one, with Daryl Watts leading the way. Who else made the list? Have a look.
We count down the top 10 left wingers in the PWHL from season one, with Daryl Watts leading the way. Who else made the list? Have a look.
1. Daryl Watts
One of the most electric players on the ice, Watts finished 12th in league scoring but was actually snakebitten for a large chunk of the season. She could have easily sat in the top five in the PWHL in points with a little puck luck, something Ottawa struggled with all season. Her dynamic skill allows Watts to take over a shift and game whenever she chooses.
2. Alina Muller
Boston's best forward this season without question, Muller finished 15th in league scoring, but was Boston's top point getter. It was a sign that her totals were probably low due to Boston's season-long scoring troubles. A big game player who could probably shoot more, but she sees the game multiple steps ahead of everyone else on the ice.
3. Kendall Coyne Schofield
The captain of the Walter Cup champions, Coyne Schofield finished 13th in league scoring, and pushed the pace every game with her speed. The physicality of the league was a new challenge for her frame, but her competitiveness was a shining light for Minnesota, and in the playoffs she kept their team moving forward despite the highs and lows.
4. Emma Maltais
Sitting 8th in league scoring, it's actually her impact away from the puck and on the defensive side that sets Maltais apart. While Spooner took most of the accolades in Toronto, Maltais was the motor that kept the team driving forward regardless of the situation. Her impact was less flashy, but certainly not less important.
5. Emily Clark
Clark's value on the ice may only be trumped by her value to Ottawa and their fanbase off the ice. She's fast and competitive, a player who never quits on either side of the puck. There are moments every game where Clark looks like she's going to explode for multiple goals. She finished 17th in league scoring this season, and should see her totals climb in year two.
6. Hannah Miller
One of the most underrated players in the PWHL, Hannah Miller was a physical presence getting to the net, showing her strong and deceptive shot, and hinting that she is among the upper echelon of players on the planet. If she got more reps with Toronto's top unit, there's no telling what her totals could have been, but she still found herself among the top 20 in league scoring.
7. Denisa Krizova, Minnesota
It certainly wasn't the output Krizova was hoping for. She's got an excellent shot, but just didn't find the puck on her stick as often as she had in previous seasons. Still, she was a top six winger on the PWHL champions all season, and played a solid two-way game.
8. Jamie Lee Rattray, Boston
The veteran line of Hilary Knight, Hannah Brandt and Rattray struggled in mediocrity all season. Rattray often looked like the most dangerous member of the line, but she just didn't have the offensive breakout Boston needed. As a two-way player, Rattray still thrives. Can Boston find the right combination to get their veterans going next season?
9. Chloe Aurard, New York
Aurard had the New York blues this season like most of the roster. She looked good and like she was ready to produce all season, but it didn't click. Watch for a big step forward from Aurard in season two.
10. Maggie Connors, Toronto
Connors had a quietly good season in the PWHL this year as a rookie in Toronto. Her real impact came away from the puck, but she certainly showed the ability to contribute more offensively as her game grows moving foward.