Nichushkin scored his first NHL goal last night and was rewarded with a move to the top line with Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin today. This has happened before but he did not end up playing with them in-game. Dallas takes on the Bruins tomorrow, if he sticks on the first line, you should expect and increase in production from the talented Russian.
Nichushkin was practicing with Seguin and Benn yesterday, but that didn't last long. After a strong preseason, Nichushkin has struggled on the third line without a great supporting cast.
Nichushkin was on everyone's sleeper list after a stellar preseason, but limited minutes and subpar line-mates have held him back to start the season. The move to the top line should definitely help the 18-year-old, especially the way Seguin and Benn have been playing (combined 19 points in eight games). Nichushkin is only owned in 5% of Yahoo! leagues, if he gets a chance to stay on this line, chances are he will produce.
After giving Valeri Nichushkin the night off against Colorado Tuesday, Stars head coach Lindy Ruff has the 18-year-old rookie back on the ice Thursday against the Sharks at American Airlines Center. Ruff will move Nichushkin from the right wing to the left wing and play him with two veterans in Shawn Horcoff and Erik Cole. The line makes sense, in that Nichushkin will probably have to simplify his game on the left side and he’ll be supported by two veterans. In the first four games, he has wandered in his assignments and has just one shot on goal from the right side.
Nichushkin dazzled in the preseason but has been dropped to the fourth line and has yet to record a point in four games.
