[Cali Panthers Fan]

Alex Tanguay-A: 11 points in 11 games and only a -1 despite playing a much bigger defensive role at center. The guy has been asked to do a lot and responded well

Jarome Iginla-C+: Good effort in the last game, but he's been lacking fire in most of the games so far this year. I'm not too worried about him but I can only rate him on the games so far.

Curtis Glencross-B+: as always Curtis gives me headaches with his blind passes and unintelligent plays, BUT he always hustles and produces offensively.

Jiri Hudler-A+: 9 points in 8 games, showing great creativity, good board battler, and excellent craftiness with his stick to play defense. He's been better than advertised, and all that right after his father passed away far too young. Keep it up Jiri!

Mikael Backlund-B+: had been producing offensively and was responsible defensively. Regularly provided great energy and skating every night and was a real sparkplug in the lineup. His injury hurt this lineup more than we know.

Roman Cervenka-B-: Roman has had some very nice flashes of offensive creativity. His skating is a little subpar still for the NHL and his physicality is lacking at times. Defensively he's done fine but not spectacular. Still adapting to the N.A. game obviously.

Mike Cammalleri-C+: What a difference 2 games makes! When he's on he's very dangerous every shift. Problem is when he's not scoring he's a liability defensively and gets pushed around physically, not to mention his skating takes a dive. Hopefully he gets some more consistency in his game.

Lee Stempniak-A: Lee has been our most consistent forward so far this year. He might be on one of his "hot streaks" right now, but he looks like the forward who regularly scored 20 goals a year. Not to mention he's been defensively very good and is second on the team at +5.

Matt Stajan-A-: Matt looks like a different player this year. Has shown great offensive prowess when he plays with talented wingers and has played tireless defense in his own end. Leads the team in plus minus at +6 despite only having 5 assists. Would have been rated higher except he hasn't scored despite many opportunities and his physical play still needs work.

Blake Comeau-D: Blake seems to only be able to skate and hit anymore, and he doesn't do either enough for my liking. He is a terrible passer and playmaker, and his penalty killing has taken a step back from last year. He's been better in the last couple games, but still needs to improve. Is a team worst -5.

Blair Jones-C+: is a great energy center. Has skated well and been physical more often than not. Has had a few games where the offensive chances have been there, but yet to bury any. I would like to see just a little more tenacity when those opportunities arise...be a gritty/grimy player.

Steve Begin-C+: surprisingly good skater for his history of injury and age. Works tirelessly in every game and adds good physicality and penalty killing. He's doing what's asked of him but doesn't add a ton to the team.

Tim Jackman-B-: Could be better but Tim skates hard every game, hits everything he can, and has had some nice offensive opportunities. Hasn't dropped the gloves enough when the team needs a lift.

No other forward has played enough to garner a rating IMO.

Just for the record, I think the forward group has done a pretty good job overall but there's still room to improve as they learn Hartley's system. The defensemen have all been quite good except for Giordano's mystifying recent lack of decision making and Butler's terrible overall play. The only weak point on this team so far this season has been goaltending.