The second month of the season has passed. The IceCaps played 14 times, winning eight games and losing six, for a points-earned percentage of 0.571; their second-most successful month of November since Sylvain Lefebvre took over behind the bench. It was a much better result than the previous month. which ended up being their worst October ever.

Whereas in October it was their special teams that led the way for team success, the team has seen their monthly combined efficiency fall from 113.0% in October (a power play operating at 27.3%, and an 85.7% penalty kill) to 100.9% in November (22.8% PP, 78.1% PK). The downward-trending penalty kill is especially worrying given the team’s lack of discipline to this point.

Three Stars

Charlie Lindgren

In a month where the IceCaps were outshot in all but three games, Charlie Lindgren was frequently the difference between a blowout loss and a win. Stopping on average 30 shots per game, Lindgren won six of his 11 starts, with three instances of back-to-back starts in that time, while maintaining a save percentage of .913.

That number is lower than the universal praise he’s received seems to indicate, simply because he had one terrible game against Syracuse where he got shelled for six goals. More often than not, Lindgren has been spectacular in nets for the IceCaps and gives them a chance to win every game.

At least Lindgren is still good! pic.twitter.com/6BRfkSTZbj — Mitch Brown (@MitchLBrown) November 30, 2016

Another great save by Charlie Lindgren. Marlies lead 1-0 now, but Lindgren has been the IceCaps best. pic.twitter.com/LUOKxF2KTQ — Mitch Brown (@MitchLBrown) November 20, 2016

Nikita Scherbak

With Charles Hudon, Chris Terry, Daniel Carr, and Sven Andrighetto spending the majority of the month with the Montreal Canadiens, it was Scherbak who emerged as the team’s offensive leader. He played arguably the best month of his professional career, scoring six goals and adding another six assists for 12 points in 14 games. Scherbak displayed offensive creativity, a deadly wrist shot, and crisp passing that is starting to solidify him as one of the top offensive prospects.

Nikita Scherbak running the powerplay is a beautiful sight: pic.twitter.com/wrDWRgUZ29 — Mitch Brown (@MitchLBrown) November 16, 2016

Mark Barberio

Barberio is currently in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens, but during the 10 games that he did play for the IceCaps in November, he remained a defensive stalwart while generating the fourth-most shots of all skaters, and scoring more goals than the rest of the defensive corps combined. The only reason he was in the AHL was due to congestion at the NHL level, so unless there is any player movement when Nathan Beaulieu is ready to return, we should expect Barberio to return to the IceCaps in December to lead the charge once again.

Mike Barberio makes it 3-1 with a great shot. Nikita Scherbak (he has been excellent tonight) grabs the primary assist. pic.twitter.com/7QvYwzyRGt — Mitch Brown (@MitchLBrown) November 12, 2016

Goal of the Month

Scherbak at it again, sets up Hudon for his team leading seventh goal of the year. IceCaps up 3-1 pic.twitter.com/w41vHh72E7 — Scott Matla (@scottmatla) November 2, 2016

Notable Cheers

Despite only playing in half or less of the IceCaps games in November due to their time with Montreal, Hudon, Terry, and Andrighetto were point-per-game players for the IceCaps. Andrighetto has already been returned for a second stint with the IceCaps, while Terry was freshly returned to the AHL as Brian Flynn returns from injury for the Canadiens.

Michael McCarron and Jacob de la Rose are slowly gaining momentum in their season. McCarron was second on the team for shots on goal in November, and his seven points were a vast improvement over his lack of production in October. As for de la Rose, he distinguishes himself with his disciplined defensive game, taking few penalties despite tough assignments.

Notable Jeers