EA Sports NHL Season Simulation: Week 8
By Sean
Here is the link to the article on the 8th week of EA Sports’ NHL 13 Season Simulation. This week of the simulation included games scheduled from November 26 to December 2nd. The Anaheim Ducks entered this week struggling mightily with a record of 3-12-5, 11 points, however, they were dealing with injuries to Jonas Hiller, Ryan Getzlaf and Andrew Cogliano. Getzlaf returned to action this week, but Hiller and Cogliano will both need at least another week to recover from their respective injuries. Last week they did tally 3 points in 3 games, but were all either Overtime or Shootout losses.
Apr 03, 2012; Vancouver, BC, CANADA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler (4) before the game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-US PRESSWIRE
The Ducks continued a long road trip this week with games in Colorado, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. The Ducks began with a convincing win over the Avalanche, 4-1. Bobby Ryan, Teemu Selanne, Kyle Palmieri and Niklas Hagman all tallied in the win over the Avs. The next night, the Ducks lost in a shootout to the Flames, 3-2. Daniel Winnik and Ryan Getzlaf scored for the Ducks, but the team was unable to score in the shootout. The Ducks next traveled to face the Edmonton Oilers and secured a 2-1 win with goals from two veteran Finns, Selanne and Hagman. In the back end of a back-to-back, the Ducks were held scoreless against the Canucks. However, the Canucks were not able to score either, so the game went to a shootout. Then, both teams lit the light a total of five times in the shootout. Getzlaf, Selanne and finally Rod Pelley all scored in the shootout to give the Ducks their third win of the week. By far the most successful week of the season for the Ducks in this simulation with a record of 3-0-1. That brings their record to 6-12-6, 18 points. They are no longer dead last in the West or in the entire league……they are tied for dead last, in both, with the St. Louis Blues.
The two point leaders for the Ducks, Selanne and Hagman, both had strong weeks with both of them tallying 2 goals and 1 assist. Teemu now has 7 goals and 8 assists for 15 points and Niklas now has 8 goals and 9 assists for 17 points. Some other Ducks with strong weeks were Ryan Getzlaf in his return off of injury (1 G, 2 A), Cam Fowler (3 A) and Luca Sbisa (3 A). The top three team leaders in goals are Hagman (8), Selanne (7) and Andrew Cogliano/Saku Koivu (4). The top three team leaders in assists are Hagman (9), Selanne (8) and Fowler (7). So, the top three team leaders in points are Hagman (17), Selanne (15) and Fowler (9).
There were no significant injuries for the Ducks this week. Ryan Getzlaf made his return from elbow injury with a bang. Cogliano is continuing to fight his broken foot while Hiller nears his return from a broken ankle.
Now here’s a new section of my updates for you guys on this simulation. From now on, I will include the league’s headlines from the week, league wide injury report, and the league’s three stars of the week. (This coming directly from the EA Sports article.)
Week Eight (Nov.26 – Dec.2) Headlines
· San Jose Sharks win 4 straight to lead the NHL; top line of Havlat/Thornton/Marleau combine for 26 points during the streak.
· Boston Bruins struggling without Chara & Lucic (out due to injury); fall to last in the Easter Conference.
· Ottawa Senators win three straight to lead the Northeast division and drop the Montreal Canadiens, who started the season 8-0-0, to 4th place in the Eastern Conference.
Injury Report:
· Ilya Kovalchuk (NJD) out 4-6 weeks with an MCL Sprain.
Three Stars of the Week: Presented by Hockey Ultimate Team
1. J. Thornton SJS (1G, 4A)
2. M. Havlat SJS (3G, 3A)
3. M. Grabner NYI (4G, 2A)
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