Top Plays of the Week by Locked-out NHL Superstars

The 2012 NHL lockout has gone from depressing to agonizing, and there looks to be a strong likelihood that hockey fans will miss out on an entire season of action.

With regular-season games canceled through Jan. 14 and the NHL Players' Association voting to allow the executive board to disband the union whenever it chooses to do so, things on the lockout front look bleak.

The only good news is that many of our favorite NHL stars are still putting their talents on display overseas. 

Let us offer up some holiday cheer with these top plays from our locked-out NHL superstars. 

5. Ovechkin Scores on a Wild Wrister

Although it came in a losing effort against Sibir, this awesome wrister from Alexander Ovechkin for Dynamo Moscow has to make its way onto our countdown of the top plays of the week.

Sure, he makes it look easy, but there's nothing simple about shooting the puck past the goalie from that angle. Something tells me we haven't seen the last of Ovi in these top plays picks.

4. Seguin Dekes and Finishes

Boston Bruins fans surely have to miss watching Tyler Seguin bring the puck up the ice.

The 20-year-old is lighting it up for EHC Biel in Switzerland this season, and plays like this one against SC Bern show just how endless Seguin's potential really is. 

This goal has it all: the balance, the well-timed deke and the perfect finish.

3. Ovechkin's Incredible Individual Effort (begins at 6:55)

It's no secret that Ovechkin is a rare specimen out on the ice, or that his knack for scoring goals is unrivaled. Here, Ovi scores after a sensational individual effort against Metallurg Novokuznetsk. 

The goal put Dynamo Moscow ahead comfortably, and they went on to win the game.

2. Datsyuk Goes Off, Scores Hat Trick for Russia

Pavel Datsyuk showed up in a big way for the Russian All-Star team in a Euro Hockey Tour matchup against the Czech Republic on Dec. 15, scoring three goals and even adding an assist to come away with four of the squad's points in a 6-0 victory.

There's no doubt Datsyuk can light up the scoreboard from time to time, but the star center is probably best known for his unselfishness and ability to set up others. 

1. Malkin Scores Hat Trick, Racks Up 4 Points

Anything Pavel Datsyuk can do, Evgeni Malkin can do better, apparently. 

The reigning NHL MVP went off in Metallurg Magnitogorsk's win over Atlant on Dec. 19, netting three goals and assisting on another to rack up four points in total.

Malkin may be playing overseas, but he's right at home in the KHL. This gem of a highlight is more than deserving of being our top play of the week.

Locked out NHL Leaders Overseas

The reigning Hart Memorial Trophy winner is setting the KHL on fire this season. Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin has nearly 50 points in just over 30 games played with Metallurg Magnitogorsk.

In Switzerland, Tyler Seguin has continued his tear. He has netted 25 goals already for EHC Biel and shows no signs of slowing as the new year approaches.

Below, you can see the Top Five leaders in all three major statistical categories overseas this season.

*Statistics include NHL players who are playing in the KHL or Switzerland's National League A.

Top Five Point Leaders

Player	Points	Current Club	NHL Club
Damien Brunner	53	EV Zug	Detroit Red Wings
Evgeni Malkin	49	Metallurg Mag.	Pittsburgh Penguins
Linus Omark	45	EV Zug	Edmonton Oilers
Tyler Seguin	40	EHC Biel	Boston Bruins
John Tavares	39	SC Bern	New York Islanders

Top Five Goal Leaders

Player	Goals	Current Club	NHL Club
Tyler Seguin	25	EHC Biel	Boston Bruins
Damien Brunner	24	EV Zug	Detroit Red Wings
Evgeni Malkin	17	Metallurg Mag.	Pittsburgh Penguins
John Tavares	16	SC Bern	New York Islanders
Alex Ovechkin	16	Dynamo Moscow	Washington Capitals

Top Five Assist Leaders

Player	Assists	Current Club	NHL Club
Linus Omark	32	EV Zug	Edmonton Oilers
Evgeni Malkin	32	Metallurg	Pittsburgh Penguins
Damien Brunner	29	EV Zug	Detroit Red Wings
Pavel Datsyuk	23	CSKA Moscow	Detroit Red Wings
John Tavares	23	SC Bern	New York Islanders

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