The Toledo Walleye as an organization has had an unbelievable season thus far. Coming off of a big 9-1 win against the Cincinnati Cyclones, Toledo is now 25-9-3-3 for 56 points, fourth in the league, and has a winning percentage of .700. There have been players who have stood out, and those who need to step up and contribute more. With that said, here are three players who are playing well and three who could provide more on the ice.
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Toledo Walleye Look More Consistent
All-Star Walleye forward Brandon Hawkins has been nothing short of amazing this season. Leading both the team and league in scoring, he has 22 goals and 29 assists for 51 points, while scoring three goals and four assists in his last 10. He also leads the team in power-play goals with nine and points-per-game with a 1.28 average. He has been a model of consistency and showcases veteran leadership to make his teammates better. Hawkins comes with a shot and an underrated passing game in his arsenal of hockey skills. His talent alone should take this team far in the playoffs once again.
Teammate Trenton Bliss has been another consistent forward in scoring, producing 14 goals and 26 assists for 40 points in 36 games. Aside from Hawkins, Bliss has been an offensive machine for Toledo this season. He is third on the team with a 1.11 points-per-game average and is a versatile player, playing either left-wing or center. In his last five games, Bliss has two goals and three assists for five points, and he has three goals and nine assists for 12 points in his last 10. He is tied for first on the team, with Hawkins for power-play assists with 12. Bliss may be the Walleye all-star representative if not for Hawkins.
Forward Sam Craggs is another weapon in the offensive zone that has been productive all season. This season, he has 20 goals and 19 assists for 39 points in 40 games and has already set career highs in every offensive category with the entire second half of the season to come. In his last 10 games, he has one goal and five assists for six points and remains a pivotal player in the middle-six. Craggs is second on the team with a +12 and is reliable in all three zones. Another dependable offensive forward for the Walleye this season.
Forward Darian Pilon has not been noticed that much this season, playing only 26 games. At this time, he has one goal, one assist, two points, and 27 penalty minutes. He is scoreless in his last 10 games and has the third worst +/- on the team at -4. Included in his season totals are just seven shots on goal. He does play a bottom-six role but has only seven shots and two points in the season so far? If Toledo is going to make some noise in the second half, he is one player who has to turn it up a notch in the second half.
Goaltender John Lethemon leads the team in wins with 13, just one ahead of teammate Jan Bednar. How can a goaltender lead his team in wins but be struggling? He has the highest goals-against-average (3.32 to 2.98) and also has the lowest save percentage of the goaltending tandem (.875 to .886). If Lethemon can raise his save percentage and lower his GAA, the Walleye can be a more complete team and one that could be quite dangerous.
Defenseman Jake Willets has played in 37 games, scoring two goals and six assists for eight points, along with 37 penalty minutes. He plays a more defensive game, but he is one of the worst +/- players on the team, with a -7. For a defenseman who has played the third most games this season, he has to show more on the ice and in the stats department, not only to improve his game but to give Toledo a more well-rounded defense.
Overall, the Toledo Walleye have been solid and a team to look out for. Through some minor adjustments and a few players stepping up, Toledo is right back into contention for first place in the league. Solid contributions for most and a solid first half from Bednar. Good things to come for the Walleye in the second half.
