Let's take a look at Frozen Pool Forensics noteworthy players of the week. From people in the know, one name has been bandied about among the top young blueliners in the game today. He's six feet tall, 210 lbs and measures 42-34-42. He likes long walks on the beach, bubble baths, the colour green and stargazing. Of course, I've given you too much information… I could almost hear your screaming Ryan McDonagh at your monitor/iphone/ipad/IIe/Lisa.

Ryan McDonagh

A first round draft pick for Montreal in the 2007 draft, McDonagh never had a chance to play for the Canadiens. He was unceremoniously shipped off to the Rangers in the Scott Gomez fiasco deal in 2009. He had a quiet year last year but the injury to Marc Staal has really opened the top six up for him. Evidently, this is the break he needed.  His Team TOI% is over 40% which translates to around 24 mins per game. That's a lot of ice time for a young whipper snapper in the Big Apple.

What's most impressive of the above chart is the consistency of his points. Even though he had zero points last night, he still stands at a shade over a point per game.

The past two weeks, he's leading the Rangers defense in scoring. Only in the last seven days, has McDonaugh been outperformed by Michael Del Zotto. What is most impressive is the fact that he's done most of his scoring without significant power play duty (or points for that matter).

As we dig deeper, we see his defensive pairing and things look a little clearer. Girardi is playing out of his mind this year and McDonagh is definitely drinking the Kool Aid. I'm not saying McDonagh is milking Girardi's sweet teet, but it certainly gives a player confidence to pinch or make risk plays when you have a safety valve like Girardi.

Even Strength Line Combinations

Even Strength Line Production

Power Play Line Combinations

Power Play Line Production

Nikita Nikitin

I'm going to ask you to please be seated and open your prayer guide to the book of Relevations Psalm:69. Can I get a witness for the rebirth of Nikita Nikitin?! Prrraiiise The Great One!

A former (*ahem*) fifth round draft pick by the Blues in 2004, Nikitin took his sweet ass time reaching the decadent warm shores of North America.  A "veteran" of Omsk Avangard, for which he played seven years, Nikita finally joined the Blues in 2010.  This particular season, and the team, was not an ideal situation for Nikitin. You have blue-chipper Pietrangelo, Carlo "Injuro Reservo" Colaiacovo, Eric "Team Canada?" Brewer,  Roman "Shower" Polak, Erik "Chris Phillips" Johnson ("Hooray he got traded! Maybe I have a shot now!") and Kevin "William James Tiberius" Shattenkirk ("Ah crap!!"). Fortunately, he did get some ice time in the AHL. He started to show some unexpected promise with a 0.64 PPG clip in 22GP.

His role has definitely changed in Columbus.  He's now been given top 4 ice time. As the table below suggests, on even strength he's been paired with Fedor "Darn Tootin" Tyutin. On the power play, Arniel has hooked him up with the more offensive minded Grant "Wizard's Sleeve" Clitsome.

Even Strength Line Combinations

Even Strength Line Production

Power Play Line Combinations

Power Play Line Production

With a monster three-point game against Calgary, he did his best job of flying above the radar. Act quickly or suffer the consequences!

As always, if you're not already a Frozen Pool subscriber, there is a free 7 day trial offer for all 19 Frozen Pool tools and reports. There's a lot to discover and play around with so have fun!

That is all.