We count down the top 10 right wingers in the PWHL from season one, with none other than Natalie Spooner leading the way. Who else made the list? Have a look.
We count down the top 10 right wingers in the PWHL from season one, with none other than Natalie Spooner leading the way. Who else made the list? Have a look.
Natalie Spooner took the PWHL by storm this season winning the PWHL's goal scoring race, and finishing as the league's points leader. Busting down the right wing, she dominated from start to finish, and was easily the best Right Wing in the league. Here's a look at the top 10 players lining up at right wing in the PWHL during the inaugural season.
1. Natalie Spooner, PWHL Toronto
Scoring 20 goals and 27 points in 24 games this season was an accomplishment in itself, but how Spooner scored those, driving through traffic, flashing her hands at full speed, and breaking away from defenders, she showed the definition of "game breaking." Her injury in the postseason certainly hurt PWHL Toronto's hopes, but she was the best of the best in a best on best league this season.
2. Laura Stacey, PWHL Montreal
When Stacey is driving the zone, she's often a freight train with no brakes, or a bull in a china shop. Use whatever analogy you want, she's big, she's fast, and she's effective. Stacey was a consistent threat for Montreal not only using her net drive to her advantage, but flashing her heavy shot as well. She finished 9th in league scoring with 18 points in 23 games and was one of only six players in the league to hit double digits in goals.
3. Grace Zumwinkle, PWHL Minnesota
The hard driving winger is yet another power forward on the right wing, and for a while to start the season, looked like she could challenge for the league scoring title. One of the top rookies in the PWHL, Zumwinkle led the PWHL champion Minnesota in scoring with 19 points in 24 games including 11 goals.
4. Brianne Jenner, PWHL Ottawa
After a slow start, Jenner enjoyed a torrid finish after finding chemistry with linemates Daryl Watts and Katerina Mrazova. The trio turned into one of the league's top lines and Jenner finished the season as Ottawa's leading scorer and 6th overall in the league with 20 points in 24 games.
5. Michela Cava, PWHL Minnesota
She didn't produce in the regular season to a point where she'd land this high on this list, but Cava's calling card is as a prime time postseason performer. Cava scored four goals and eight points in the five game PWHL finals, earning herself serious consideration for MVP. It was her fourth straight championship in four different leagues. Cava spent the season on one of Minnesota's top two lines, and elevated in big moments showing her soft hands, finish, and vision.
6. Maureen Murphy, PWHL Montreal
Murphy was a good pick up by Montreal in the draft. Often overlooked coming out of the NCAA in favour of her Northeastern teammates Alina Muller and Chloe Aurard, Murphy stepped up in the PWHL finding herself in a key playmaking role for Montreal's superstars. She's not just a complimentary player however, as Murphy was able to generate chances solo as well.
7. Hayley Scamurra, PWHL Ottawa
In terms of point production, Scamurra could fall lower on this list, but she was at the heart of Ottawa's attack night in and night out, and more importantly, was one of the better two-way players up front this season. She played a complete role appearing in all situations and proving her worth spans beyond the stat line.
8. Hilary Knight, PWHL Boston
It was a tough season for Hilary Knight, and a tougher postseason. It's been a trend for her over the past 24 months to struggle in the pro game and thrive internationally. Boston will need to find players who can stylistically open up Knight. She played a lot of minutes this season for Boston, being asked to do things that took away from her offensive game. She can still control the play, and make a difference, but Boston will want that to show up on the scoresheet next year.
9. Jessie Eldridge, PWHL New York
Did anyone in PWHL New York have a great year? There were a few, and Eldridge was good for New York. She showed she can score off the rush, and has one of the better shots in the game when she gets time with the puck in the offensive zone. New York will need another step forward from Eldridge, as much off the puck as on.
10. Tereza Vanisova, PWHL Ottawa
Vanisova started off strong and then found herself out of favour in Montreal resulting in a trade deadline move to Ottawa. She didn't find her offensive spark in Ottawa, but did provide energy, grit, and her trademark dogged pursuit of the puck. With a more appropriate center on her line next season, Vanisova could find her way even higher on this list.