Thanksgiving in the NHL: What Does Each Team Have to Be Thankful for?

As Thanksgiving approaches, it's time to think about what you are thankful for.

Most of us will say that we are thankful for our family, friends, life...the usual stuff.

What about our hockey teams? What or who are they thankful for seven weeks into the 2010-11 NHL season?

This slideshow will consist of all 30 NHL teams, and each team slide will hold a player or "thing" that each team has to be thankful for.

Thanks for the read; hope you enjoy. Feel free to leave a comment at the end.

New York Rangers: Brandon Dubinsky-Ryan Callahan-Artem Anisimov

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NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 17: Brandon Dubinsky #17 of the New York Rangers celebrates scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during their game on November 17, 2010 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The Rangers' season seemed all but over when their superstar player, Marian Gaborik, went down with an early shoulder injury.

However, throughout Gaborik's 12-game absence there were three Rangers forwards who stepped up.

Those three players were Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov and Ryan Callahan. The three Rangers forwards combined for 18 goals during Gaborik's injury.

They were used as the Rangers' top line, and they held the Rangers atop the Atlantic Division. The Rangers have stayed afloat in the Eastern Conference, and those three forwards are a huge reason why.

Philadelphia Flyers: Sergei Bobrovsky

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PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 15: Sergei Bobrovsky #35 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates in warmups prior to the game against the Ottawa Senators at the Wells Fargo Center on November 15, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

It's another injury scenario, this time for the Flyers.

Flyers star goalie Mike Leighton was injured before the start of the season, and the Flyers were in need of a goalie.

The Flyers took a chance on young Sergei Bobrovsky, and it has paid off.

Bobrovsky has won 11 of 16 games this season, and he has held the Flyers atop the Eastern Conference.

Definitely worth being thankful for.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Sidney Crosby

Who else would the Pittsburgh Penguins be thankful for?

Once again, Crosby is leading the Penguins, and he is keeping Pittsburgh in the division and conference races early in the season.

New Jersey Devils: The New York Islanders

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NEWARK, NJ - NOVEMBER 10: Johan Hedberg #1 of the New Jersey Devils skates against the Buffalo Sabres at the Prudential Center on November 10, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. The Sabres defeated the DSevils 5-4 in the shootout. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty

The Devils have struggled like crazy so far this season, and the only team keeping them from last place in the league is the New York Islanders.

Will the Devils make a miraculous turnaround? Maybe.

One thing is for sure, and that is that the Devils have to start playing better, or else they will quickly go from one of the league's most dominant teams to one of the laughingstocks of the NHL.

New York Islanders: Their Youth

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ANAHEIM, CA - NOVEMBER 10: John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders waits for a pass against the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center on November 10, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

It's going to be another tough season for the Islanders due to injuries and coaching troubles, but one positive is the organization's youth.

How is this a positive?

Well, as the youth movement continues on the Island, the young core will develop together, improve together and in the future will win together.

The Islanders and their fans should be thankful for their young team.

I'm not an Islanders fan, but I believe that they will be a playoff contender sometime soon.

Montreal Canadiens: Carey Price

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MONTREAL- NOVEMBER 13: Carey Price #31 of the Montreal Canadiens makes a glove save on the puck during the NHL game against the Carolina Hurricanes at the Bell Centre on November 13, 2010 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Canadiens defeated the Hurricane

The often-criticized Canadiens goaltender is playing extremely well for Montreal, and he is currently holding the Canadiens atop their division.

Price had an off season in 2009-10, and many Montreal fans were upset with the trade that sent playoff hero Jaroslav Halak to the St. Louis Blues instead of Price.

Price is showing off his goaltending skills, and he may become the Canadiens' playoff hero this season.

Boston Bruins: Tim Thomas

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BOSTON - NOVEMBER 15: Tim Thomas #30 of the Boston Bruins gives a hockey stick to a fan after the game against the New Jersey Devils on November 15, 2010 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruins shut out the Devils 3-0. (Photo by Elsa/Getty

Who else would the Bruins be thankful for but Tim Thomas?

Thomas has retaken the starting role as the Bruins' No. 1 goaltender this season, and he has been fantastic.

So far this season his stats have been remarkable:

Shutouts: 4

Goals Against Average: 1.49

Save Percentage: .954

If Thomas can continue to play well for Boston, he will be a likely All-Star pick and possibly a playoff leader for Boston.

Ottawa Senators: Daniel Alfredsson

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PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 15: Daniel Alfredsson #11 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 15, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The Senators captain has led the team offensively with a team-leading 18 points on the season.

Over the last few years, the Senators have become victim to unhappy players and unhappy fans.

Two seasons ago it was Dany Heatley; he is now a San Jose Shark. This past summer it was Jason Spezza.

Spezza would remain a Senator, though there were many trade rumors.

Daniel Alfredsson has been a longtime Senator and has not once, from what I know, complained about playing for Ottawa. Still looking to win the Stanley Cup, Alfredsson has always given everything he has for the Senators, and this season is no different.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Their Hot Start to the Season

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LONDON,ON - SEPTEMBER 23: Colby Armstrong #9 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates with the puck in a pre-season game against the Philadelphia Flyers on September 23,2010 at the John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario. The Leafs defeated the Flyers 3-2 in a sho

The Maple Leafs got off to a hot start this season, winning their first four games.

But the season has gotten rough for the Leafs, and if it were not for their good start, they would have four less wins on their record and would be in last place.

If the Leafs can somehow turn their season around early and make the playoffs, they will look back gratefully at their hot start to the 2010-11 season.

Buffalo Sabres: Derek Roy

The struggling Sabres have had one strong spot on their last place team (in the Northeast Division).

Derek Roy has 23 points on the season (tied for 11th place) with a total of nine goals and 14 assists.

Without Roy, the Sabres might be rock bottom in the Eastern Conference. Their goaltending has not been strong, their defense has struggled and they have totaled 58 goals on offense.

Can Roy lead the Sabres by himself? Doubt it, but the Sabres should be thankful for their star center.

Washington Capitals: Alex and Alex

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WASHINGTON - MARCH 28: Alexander Semin #28 and Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals warm up before the game against the Calgary Flames at the Verizon Center on March 28, 2010 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

The Capitals have had another successful start to the season, especially on offense.

The Caps have totaled 74 goals this season (second place in the league), and 24 of those goals have come from either Alex Ovechkin or Alex Semin.

Ovechkin has totaled 26 points this season, 10 being goals and 16 assists.

Semin has also totaled 26 points on the season, 14 being goals and 12 assists.

Both Alexes have been top contributors for the Capitals and the NHL this season. If they keep it up, the Capitals will once again be Stanley Cup contenders.

Tampa Bay Lightning: Steven Stamkos

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PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 18: Steven Stamkos #91 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 18, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Lightning defeated the Flyers 8-7. (Photo by Bruce Bennett

Stamkos leads the NHL with 35 points and 20 goals so far this season, and he has only played 21 games!

Some NHL experts are already predicting a 50-in-50 season for Stamkos. Can it happen?

I would not be surprised to see Stamkos reach 50 goals this season, maybe even 60, but a 50-in-50 season (50 goals in 50 games)?

Not even Ovechkin or Crosby has accomplished such a goal in their careers, but can Stamkos really do it?

I will leave that up for debate in the comment section.

Atlanta Thrashers: The Trades

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OTTAWA - NOVEMBER 09: Andrew Ladd #16 of the Atlanta Thrashers celebrates his goal with teammates Nik Antropov #80 and Dustin Byfuglien #33 while Daniel Alfredsson #11 of the Ottawa Senators skates away dejectedly during a game at Scotiabank Place on Nov

The cap-stricken Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks were forced to make some moves at the beginning of the offseason.

First, they dealt star forward/defenseman Dustin Byfuglien, defenseman Brent Sopel, forward Ben Eager and prospect Akim Aliu to the Thrashers.

A week after that trade, the Blackhawks sent forward Andrew Ladd to the Thrashers to make some extra cap space for their team.

This trade has helped the Thrashers tremendously this season, as Ladd leads the team with 21 points (seven goals and 14 assists), and Byfuglien has been a key asset to Atlanta's defensive corps. If the Thrashers can pull off a playoff run, it will be due to those huge trades.

Carolina Hurricanes: Jeff Skinner

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PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 19: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins on November 19, 2010 at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

The Hurricanes' 2010 first-round pick in the NHL entry draft has been a huge help to this season's Hurricane team.

So far this season, Skinner has scored six goals and 10 assists on the season for 16 points, and he is already making his mark in the NHL.

Skinner will be a top competitor for the Calder Trophy in his rookie season.

Florida Panthers: Tomas Vokoun

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UNIONDALE, NY - NOVEMBER 20: Goalie Tomas Vokoun #29 of the Florida Panthers watches the puck at practice before a hockey game at the Nassau Coliseum on November 20, 2010 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

Though the start of the season has not been excellent for the Panthers, their starting goaltender has played very well for them up to this point.

His record may look poor at 8-7-0, but his statistics say otherwise:

Shutouts: 2

G.A.A: 2.34

S.P.P.C: .924

Those are some pretty decent stats for a very solid goaltender. The Panthers may need to rely on their goaltending to get them to the playoffs, as their offense has struggled so far this season without Nathan Horton.

Detroit Red Wings: Niklas Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk

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GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 16: Niklas Kronwall #55 of the Detroit Red Wings celebrates with teammates (L-R) Daniel Cleary #11, Nicklas Lidstrom #5 and Henrik Zetterberg #40 after Kronwall scored the game winning power play goal in overtime against the Phoeni

The Red Wings had an off year last season after a rough start due to injuries, but this season they are right back at the top of the Western Conference, which is where they belong.

But the Red Wings' success didn't come from just anywhere. Three veteran players have come up huge for the Red Wings so far this season.

Those players are Niklas Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk

All three players are tied with 20 points on the season, and their success has created wins for Detroit. As long as the Wings continue to play hard, they will once again be Cup contenders.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Rick Nash

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ANAHEIM, CA - NOVEMBER 19: Rick Nash #61 of the Columbus Blue Jackets looks on against the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center on November 19, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

The Blue Jackets' captain, Rick Nash, often comes up big for his young team, and this season is no exception.

Nash is leading Columbus offensively with 13 goals, and he carrying his young team to their best start in team history.

Can the Blue Jackets return to the playoffs after a one-season absence?

As long as Nash continues to dominate, the Jackets will be a playoff team.

St. Louis Blues: The Trade

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DENVER - NOVEMBER 15: Goalie Jaroslav Halak #41 of the St. Louis Blues looks on as he faces the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on November 15, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Avalanche defeated the Blues 6-3. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

There was a similar slide to this earlier in the slideshow with the Atlanta Thrashers.

Well, it's no different here for the Blues.

Prior to free agency of 2010, the St. Louis Blues acquired young, playoff hero goaltender Jaroslav Halak from the Montreal Canadiens.

Halak has played very well for St. Louis this season, as he holds an impressive 9-4-2 record and three shutouts on the season in 15 games.

If Halak can continue to play well in goal in St. Louis, the Blues will return to the playoffs.

Chicago Blackhawks: Patrick Sharp

Patrick Sharp has played very well for the reigning Stanley Cup champions, as he leads the team with 22 points in 22 games so far this season.

Sharp has scored 12 goals and 10 assists on the season, leading the team offensively.

I do not believe that Sharp alone will get the Blackhawks another Stanley Cup, so obviously other Blackhawk forwards will have to show up and score some goals.

But for now, Chicago can be thankful for Patrick Sharp's excellent play this season.

Nashville Predators: Cal O'Reilly

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MONTREAL - NOVEMBER 18: Cal O'Reilly #16 of the Nashville Predators celebrates his third period goal during the NHL game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on November 18, 2010 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Predators defeated the Canad

O'Reilly has been huge for the Predators this season, as he leads the team in points with 13 on the season.

O'Reilly, 24, has scored four goals and nine assists on the season for Nashville, holding them close to the playoffs.

O'Reilly alone probably cannot lead the Preds to the playoffs, but his excellent play is a plus for the young Nashville team.

Colorado Avalanche: Chris Stewart

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DENVER - NOVEMBER 17: Chris Stewart #25 (C) of the Colorado Avalanche follows through on his third period goal as Mike Moore #55 of the San Jose Sharks defends at the Pepsi Center on November 17, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Avalanche defeated the Shark

What a season for Chris Stewart, 23, as he leads the Avalanche in points with 24 on the season.

Stewart has scored 11 goals and 13 assists on the season, and he has helped the Colorado stay atop the Northwest Division.

Stewart is looking at a breakout season, and with the help of other Avalanche "young-stars," Colorado may be a contender this season.

Vancouver Canucks: Daniel Sedin

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PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 17: Daniel Sedin #22 of the Vancouver Canucks skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins on November 17, 2010 at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Last season, it was Henrik; this season, it's Daniel.

The Sedins are true superstar twins, and last season it was Henrik who dominated the league. This season, his brother Daniel is off to an extremely hot start with 24 points in 20 games.

Daniel has scored 12 goals and 12 assists on the season for the team lead, and he has kept the Canucks in the playoffs to start the season.

Will Daniel be this season's MVP?

Minnesota Wild: Martin Havlat, Mikko Koivu and Matt Cullen

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DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 19: Mikko Koivu #9 of the Minnesota Wild celebrates a goal by teammate John Madden #11 in overtime in a game against the Detroit Red Wings on November 19, 2010 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The Wild defeated the Wing

The Wild have been led by three forwards so far this season:

Martin Havlat, Mikko Koivu and Matt Cullen.

Havlat leads the team with 17 points on the season, Koivu is right behind with 16 and Cullen has 15.

If these three forwards can continue to produce goals, the Wild will be playoff contenders.

Calgary Flames: Jarome Iginla

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DENVER - NOVEMBER 09: Jarome Iginla #12 of the Calgary Flames skates against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on November 9, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Flames defeated the Avalanche 4-2. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Can the trade rumors stop now?

Iginla leads the team with 17 points (tied with Alex Tanguay), and he has led the Flames this season.

Iginla has scored nine goals and eight assists on the season.

Though the Flames have struggled thus far, they can be thankful that they still have Iginla.

Edmonton Oilers: Their Youth

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 25: Taylor Hall, drafted first overall by the Edmonton Oilers, poses for a portrait during the 2010 NHL Entry Draft at Staples Center on June 25, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Like the New York Islanders, the Edmonton Oilers have struggled so far this season, and both teams are extremely young.

The Oilers have three top prospects on their team right now with Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle and Magnus Paajarvi.

It will probably take a few more seasons, but the Oilers will improve and become a playoff team.

Los Angeles Kings: Jonathan Quick

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LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 17: Jonathan Quick #32 of the Los Angeles Kings looks for a deflected puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Staples Center on November 17, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The young 24-year-old goaltender has played extremely well for the Kings this season, as he holds an impressive goaltender's record of 11-3-0 on the season.

Quick also has an impressive goals against average of 1.90 and an impressive save percentage of .931.

If Quick can continue to play well in goal, the Kings may be Stanley Cup contenders.

Phoenix Coyotes: Ray Whitney

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EDMONTON, CANADA - NOVEMBER 19: Local product Ray Whitney #13 of the Phoenix Coyotes waves to the fans in Edmonton. after being named first star of the game with three assists against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place November 19, 2010 in Edmonton, Albe

Whitney was a key acquisition for the Phoenix Coyotes over the summer, and so far he has been the top offensive player for Phoenix.

Whitney has scored three goals and 11 assists on the season, leading the team with 14 points.

Whitney is only one player and will not lead the Coyotes through the season. He's received help from other Coyotes forwards such as Radim Vrbata, but for Phoenix to return to the playoffs there will have to be more players scoring.

Anaheim Ducks: Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Teemu Selanne

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ANAHEIM, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Corey Perry #10 of the Anaheim Ducks waits to face off against the Edmonton Oilers at the Honda Center on November 21, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

The three Anaheim players that have led the Ducks early in the season are Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Teemu Selanne.

Perry leads the team with 23 points, while both Getzlaf and Selanne are tied with 22 points in second place.

The Ducks defense has also been stellar, making for a good combination of offensive and defensive strength.

The Ducks will be playoff contenders this season, and they can thank these three forwards for that.

San Jose Sharks: The "Shark" Line

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

SAN JOSE, CA - NOVEMBER 15: Dany Heatley #15 of the San Jose Sharks is congratulated by teammates Kent Huskins #40, Jason Demers #60, Patrick Marleau #12 and Joe Thornton #19 after he scored a goal during their game against the Los Angeles Kings at HP Pa

The "Shark" line of Dany Heatley-Joe Thornton-Patrick Marleau has come up big for the Sharks early in the season.

Heatley leads the team with 19 points, Marleau is in second place with 18 points and Thornton is in third place with 17 points.

The goaltending has struggled, but the "Shark" line has played very well. If the Sharks are going to be Cup contenders, the "Shark" line must continue to play well.

Dallas Stars: Brad Richards

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LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Brad Richards #91 of the Dallas Stars warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Kings at the Staples Center on November 11, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

In 19 games, Richards has scored 10 goals and 15 assists, leading the Stars with 25 points.

There are a lot of rumors going around, but if the Stars continue to play well and stay in the playoff hunt, Richards will not be traded.

With Richards playing well, the Stars will remain playoff contenders.