Will the REAL Yakupov please stand-up

Nail Yakupov's NHL career could be best described as, (and I am going to pull out my company perverbiage here) a "Downword Spiral". He has been considered a "bust" by many people, and you can't help but to agree with that.

However, I always felt that Yakupov had something special. Maybe there was too much pressure on him in Edmonton. Maybe the coaches didn't like him. I don't know, but I always thought he would succeed in the right situation. So when he signed with St.Louis before the start of last season, I was stoked. I felt he would have a breakout season with a new team, a new outlook, so I took him in my NHL draft. Unfortunately, that "break out" turned into a break down, as he only 9 points in 40 games with the Blues. Thanks for ruining my draft Yaks!

This year, Yakupov has a new home in Colorado. He had two points last night in a 6-3 win over the Boston Bruins. That brings his total to 5 points (3 goals, 2 assists) in for 4 games. (Already over half as many points as he had last year) Is this just a short lived success? Maybe, but if you look deeper, this is the perfect oppurtunity for Yakupov. No pressure, playing for a team that will play him on the 1st line. All the oppurtunities are there, and I will be keeping an eye on him all year long. So pull his cards out of the bargain bin, because he might just become a hot commonity soon!

Here are the results of the other games from last night

New Jersey 6

Toronto 3

Summary: Paul Zacha and Miles Wood each had two goals to hand the Leafs their first lost of the season.

Pittsburgh 3

Washington 2

Summary: Connor Sheary had the GWG on the PP to give the Pens the win.

Anaheim 3

NY Islanders 2

Summary: Brock Nelson had 2 goals in a losing effort against the Ducks.

Calgary 4

Los Angeles (OT)

Summary: Matthew Tkachuk had 2 goals, including the OT winner for the Flames.