[panoo]

Scott Cullen, TSN.ca
10/11/2006 11:02:10 AM

Working at TSN provides ample opportunity to watch, and re-watch games. Here are some of the more notable plays or sequences that were caught on tape this week.

Afinogenov is awesome, a new star is born in Hollywood, the Leafs are shaking up the top line already and the 'Canes aren't covering the points in this edition of TSN.ca's NHL Tape Check.

- Sabres RW Maxim Afinogenov has been electrifying, creating plenty of quality scoring opportunities early in the season. He just needs to finish more of them.

- Kings rookie Anze Kopitar seems too good to be true. The 19 year-old has a long reach, is strong on his skates and blessed with fine offensive instincts. He cruised right past Ducks D Chris Pronger to score his first NHL goal and could very well be a Calder Trophy candidate.

- As hard as Alexei Ponikarovsky works, he doesn't appear to be an ideal fit alongside Mats Sundin because he doesn't have elite offensive instincts. On the other wing, Kyle Wellwood has shortcomings in his game, but his instincts and passing ability make him a better fit. It now appears that Darcy Tucker will be replacing Ponikarovsky on the top line.

COMPLETE ARTICLE