Frozen Pool Forensics: Tanner Pearson

Anthony Lancione

2014-10-20

TannerPearson

Going deep – an in-depth look at Kings’ rookie Tanner Pearson….

(editor’s note – this column was submitted Thursday night, but was delayed getting published due to a mix-up)

The Los Angeles Kings' youngster, 22-year-old Tanner Pearson is of extremely rare company; being amongst those who've earned a Stanley Cup Ring before their Calder Trophy eligibility expired.Now this certainly throws a wrinkle into my Rookie-of-the-Year considerations, as Pearson has an edge on some of the more sexy choices for the 2014-15 trophy. Although names like Jonathan Drouin, John Gibson or even Johnny Gaudreau have stolen much of the thunder in Calder discussions all over the hockey world heading into this season, neither of them have done a lick just yet.

6.01%

70 PEARSON,TANNER – 28 STOLL,JARRET – 73 TOFFOLI,TYLER

4.55%

23 BROWN,DUSTIN – 70 PEARSON,TANNER – 28 STOLL,JARRET

2.49%

11 KOPITAR,ANZE – 70 PEARSON,TANNER – 73 TOFFOLI,TYLER

As you can see, Pearson received elevated ice time alongside Jeff Carter and fellow rookie Tyler Toffoli to the tune of 55.35% of the time, up from only 18.86% on the regular season. However, even that second figure was already skewed toward the trends from the end of the regular season, as the trio had already begun to play regularly before round one began. As a result, Pearson nearly doubled his regular season output through the first three rounds of the playoffs, before being sheltered during the cup finals due to his lack of experience.

2014-2015 Playoffs – Tanner Pearson Most Common Linemates

Frequency	Strength	Line Combination
77.27%	EV	77 CARTER,JEFF – 70 PEARSON,TANNER – 73 TOFFOLI,TYLER
4.13%	EV	77 CARTER,JEFF – 70 PEARSON,TANNER – 14 WILLIAMS,JUSTIN
2.48%	PP	70 PEARSON,TANNER – 10 RICHARDS,MIKE – 28 STOLL,JARRET – 14 WILLIAMS,JUSTIN
2.48%	PP	77 CARTER,JEFF – 70 PEARSON,TANNER – 73 TOFFOLI,TYLER
2.07%	SH	77 CARTER,JEFF – 70 PEARSON,TANNER

The trio, now affectionately known as "That 70's Line", due to their similar sweater number range, has been inseparable in the Kings' top six. This situation really bodes well for Pearson, who one week into the season has already put up six points in four games to lead the team (in an incredibly early sample size, of course).

However, the line has been excellent so far, and all signs point toward them being given a permanent stay together. As far as Calder talk goes, with Drouin set to begin a (minimum) two week rehabilitation stint in the American Hockey League, Pearson has a real chance to spot himself a legitimate head start in the rookie scoring race. Playing with a premium goal scorer every night in Jeff Carter, expect Pearson to pile up the assists. While he surely won't remain amongst the top six NHL scorers come season end, (or even probably Halloween for that matter), he should be in good position to be a true darkhorse with a chance to take home the award from a bevy of other favourites.

He's not used much on the powerplay, although Pearson did make his debut on the second unit recently potting his first Powerplay marker of the season and second of his career the other night. However, which Marian Gaborik, Anze Kopitar and Jeff Carter taking up residence on the main unit, don't expect Pearson to leverage any man advantage minutes with elite teammates this season.

However, with five points in his last two games, Pearson may well be riding a premature hot streak, but don't count on him not being a reliable option this year. I like his chances at meriting serious votes for the Calder in Vegas next Summer.

(Give Anthony Lancione a follow on Twitter @Anthisdaman)


Forensics: Duncan Keith
Forensics: Tomas Hertl
Forensics: Gustav Nyquist
Forensics: Marian Gaborik
Forensics: PK Subban
Forensics: Jeff Carter

UPCOMING GAMES

Mar 23 - 15:03	CHI	vs	PHI
Mar 23 - 15:03	WPG	vs	BUF
Mar 23 - 18:03	FLA	vs	PIT
Mar 23 - 18:03	STL	vs	NSH
Mar 23 - 20:03	ANA	vs	CAR
Mar 23 - 20:03	VGK	vs	T.B
Mar 23 - 21:03	L.A	vs	BOS