Top 10 NHL Shootout Skaters

The introduction of shootouts in the NHL brought a new excitement to the game. Ties would no longer be a part of the standings, less talented teams would have a good chance of earning the extra point, and fans loved it.

It also gave unknown players the chance to get their name out there in a new part of the game. We all remember Marek Malik's between-the-legs goal against the Washington Capitals. A big defenseman pulling off a move like that just showed that anything could happen.

Without further ado, I give you my list of the 10 best shootout experts:

1) Patrick Kane

Many would put Jussi Jokinen as their No. 1 because of the fact that he scored in each of his first nine shootout attempts in the 2005-2006 season. However, in his rookie year, Kane showed the world what he could do in the shootout.

It's not just the fact that he led the league in shootout scoring; it's how he did it. Whether it was a quick wrist shot upstairs or a deke to the backhand, Kane always had something up his sleeve.

2) Jussi Jokinen

Like Kane, Jokinen's shootout stats aren't the only thing that make him a pick. Many times we have seen Jussi do the "Forsberg Deke" in the shootouts by sliding the puck around the goaltender's pad with one hand. It's an incredibly hard move to pull off, yet he makes it look so easy.

Last year, he wasn't quite himself, with just two goals in four attempts. We'll see if he can bring back some of the magic for the Tampa Bay Lightning this season.

3) Erik Christensen

Last season, Christensen usually took the first shot for the Penguins in shootouts. There's a reason: The kid has a number of unbelievable quick dekes in his bag and more often than not, he put the puck in the net.

Christensen is now with the Atlanta Thrashers, and he should be able to bring fans out of their seats like he did in Pittsburgh.

4) Joe Pavelski

"Little Joe" was big for the San Jose Sharks in shootouts last season. He scored seven times in 11 attempts. Speed is a huge factor in shootouts, and Pavelski normally burst down the ice, giving the goalie little time to make a decision.

"Big Joe" (Joe Thornton) may rack up the most points, but it's Pavelski that'll earn the Sharks extra points in shootouts.

5) Brad Richards

Richards has amazing talent, and he's finally utilizing it in the shootout. Richards only shot on four occasions this year, but he scored on three. Like Pavelski, he came down each time with great speed before firing the shot.

The shot I remember most was when he sped toward Martin Brodeur and beat him with a quick wrister. The whole sequence took about three seconds. It's not easy making the best goalie in the NHL look silly.

6) Petteri Nummelin

He's had a tough time getting a regular spot in the Minnesota Wild lineup, but this guy is "money" in shootouts. A defenseman with a slick set of hands and some creative moves, Nummelin can undress the goalie before you know it.

If he can learn to put those skills to work during the game, he'll have a regular spot in the Wild lineup.

7) Patrik Elias

Normally, it's not a good idea to skate slowly towards the goalie. However, Elias showed that speed isn't everything, skating down the ice and casually firing the puck home.

He went five-for-six this season, and it's just another reason why he is so valuable to the New Jersey Devils.

8) Kris Letang

Only Patrick Kane had more shootout deciding goals among rookies. Letang went five-for-eight, including a goal in the Winter Classic against the Buffalo Sabres. The conditions were tough on the players in that game, but he still got it done.

With Erik Christensen gone, a lot of the Penguins shootout results will depend highly on this kid.

9) Patrick O'Sullivan

O'Sullivan is turning into quite the all-around player for the Los Angeles Kings. He was four-for-five last season, only because it's tough getting a spot ahead of Anze Kopitar, Alexander Frolov, Dustin Brown, or Mike Cammalleri.

More opportunities should come to him this year, and along with them, more goals.

10) Shawn Horcoff

A penalty killer, a power play guy, and now a shootout regular. Is there anything Horcoff can't do for his team? This great leader went five-for-seven last season before getting injured.

We should see Horcoff leading the way again this season for the Edmonton Oilers.