The NHL's Top 10 Shootout Shooters of the 2009-10 Season

Since the end of the lockout that saw the NHL cancel the 2004-05 season, shootouts have become a common occurrence in the NHL. They provide important points for those teams in the playoff picture.

Here is a look at the top 10 shooters in NHL shootouts for the 2009-10 season. A minimum of 10 shootout shots is required to make this list. Without further deliberation, let's move on to the shooters.

10. Kris Letang

He has taken 10 shots while scoring 4 goals (40 percent) with 3 of those goals being game-deciding goals.

His play in the shootout has been very valuable to the Penguins, helping them to their current spot of Atlantic Division leaders. He is also the only defenceman to make this list.

9. Lauri Korpikoski

He has taken 14 shots while scoring 6 goals (42.9 percent) with 2 of those goals being game-deciding goals.

For the surprising Coyotes, Korpikoski has been a key member of this team's success in shootouts. Will this cinderella story be completed? Tune into the playoffs to find out.

8. Pavel Datsyuk

He has taken 13 shots while scoring 6 goals (46.2 percent) with 2 of those goals being game-deciding goals.

This player can do amazing things with the puck, and I would be shocked if he were not among the best in the league at the shootout.

Datsyuk's play has improved of late and the Red Wings appear ready and willing to play the role of underdogs in this year's playoffs and avenge last season's Stanley Cup Final loss.

7. Anze Kopitar

He has taken 13 shots while scoring 6 goals (46.2 percent) with 3 of those goals being game-deciding goals.

The Kings are looking like the Chicago Blackhawks of last season. Look for them to make some noise in the playoffs this year, and they will be that much better next season. Dean Lombardi has done an excellent and patient job of drafting and developing the young core that now exists in Los Angeles.

6. Zach Parise

He has taken 10 shots while scoring 5 goals (50 percent) with 1 of those goals being game-deciding goals.

The ever-dangerous Devils love this young stud player they have developed. While he may never be in the same class as Crosby or Ovechkin, he is an extremely talented player. He will lead the Devils for years to come.

5. Mikko Koivu

He has taken 10 shots while scoring 5 goals (50 percent) with 2 of those goals being game-deciding goals.

While the Wild have taken a step back this season under new coach Todd Richards, Saku Koivu's younger brother Mikko has continued to prove that he is an elite two-way player in the NHL.

4. Jonathan Toews

He has taken 13 shots while scoring 7 goals (53.8 percent) with 2 of those goals being game-deciding goals.

No surprise to see this name on the list. Toews has been an elite threat on the shootout since his days in junior hockey. Who will ever forget his heroics in the shootout playing for Team Canada at the World Juniors against the United States? Already a Captain at such a young age, Jonathan will be a thrill to watch for years to come.

3. Frans Nielsen

He has taken 11 shots while scoring 6 goals (54.6 percent) with 2 of those goals being game-deciding goals.

It is surprising to see this name on the ranking. The Islanders hope that Nielsen can grow into a complementary player to John Tavares in the coming seasons.

2. Brad Boyes

He has taken 11 shots while scoring 7 goals (63.6 percent) with 3 of those goals being game-deciding goals.

The Blues were expected to make the playoffs and possibly win a round this year. Unfortunately things are not looking so good at this point for them. A team that was looked at as a young improving team on the brink of contending for a Cup has fallen by the wayside this year.

Look for them to get back on track next season as there is too much talent there to ignore. It may be time for an upgrade in goal however.

1. Sidney Crosby

He has taken 10 shots while scoring 8 goals (80 percent) with 4 of those goals being game-deciding goals.

Who else would you expect to be the best in the game? It is even more impressive that half of his shootout goals have won the game for his team. He is a special player, there is no better way to describe him.