Sometimes it’s a shooter who’s spending too much time on the perimeter, not getting to the parts of the ice where most goals are scored.
Other times it’s just bad luck.
Regardless of why, here are five forwards with plenty of shots so far, but no goals:
Radim Vrbata (25 shots) -- The Canucks need this guy to start converting. Perhaps a few more shifts with the Sedins would help. Vrbata led Vancouver with 31 goals last year.
Rick Nash (20 shots) -- According to this, the Rangers’ winger has never started the regular season with such a lengthy drought. It’s like the playoffs have been moved to October.
Dustin Brown (18 shots) -- One of many Kings players having trouble converting their opportunities. Jeff Carter has 13 shots and no goals. Is it something about Darryl Sutter’s system there?
Patrick Sharp (17 shots) -- Fortunately his new teammates in Dallas haven’t had trouble scoring. The Stars have the most goals per game (3.8) in the NHL.
Patric Hornqvist (17 shots) -- At five on five, he’s skated mostly with Evgeni Malkin, so you can’t blame Sidney Crosby here.
Honorable mentions: Tyler Johnson (16), Jason Pominville (16), Jakub Voracek (16), Jakob Silfverberg (16), Chris Kreider (15), Jason Zucker (15), Evander Kane (15), Carl Hagelin (14).