NHL Rankings: 50 Most Important People for the Second Half of the Season
With about 30 games per team left in the regular season and the trade deadline just three short weeks away, the most exciting part of the NHL season is quickly approaching.
There are so many questions that no one can answer, including "When will Sidney Crosby be back?" and "Can Peter Forsberg help the Avalanche make the playoffs?"
In or out of the playoffs, there are many people in the game who can have a huge impact on this season's run to the Cup. Here are the top 50.
No. 50: Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins
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When Tyler Myers fell on Evgeni Malkin's knee on February 4, he instantly changed a lot opinions about this season's Stanley Cup favorite.
While Malkin is expected to be out for the season, the salary cap space Pittsburgh has freed up will certainly be put to use by Penguins GM Ray Shero.
It's possible that Malkin could even find himself on a different team, via trade, before the next time he's healthy enough to play.
No. 49: Dustin Penner, Edmonton Oilers
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One of the few Oilers who has value, and isn't considered untouchable, Dustin Penner has been rumored to be likely traded before the deadline.
Penner has 17 goals and 33 points this season, and his experience winning the Cup with Anaheim in 2007 could be very valuable to a team looking for help up front.
No. 48: Ales Hemsky, Edmonton Oilers
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Twenty-seven-year-old Hemsky has 30 points in 35 games this season and participated in the NHL All-Star Game. He's one of the best passers in the game, but he has had trouble staying healthy. Since the lockout, Hemsky has posted 0.92 points per game, but he has missed 114 games.
If he does get traded and he can stay healthy, he could be enough to put a team over the top to win a championship.
According to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN, a GM said that Hemsky and Penner are in play, but they are wanting way too much.
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No. 47: Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks
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The Ducks' captain hasn't played since taking a puck in the face on December 28 and suffering nasal and sinus fractures, but he's set to return on February 9.
Getzlaf's return should help the Ducks solidify their playoff spot, and his time off from injury should have him refreshed and ready to dominate come playoff time.
Still just 25 years old, Getzlaf has already won a World Junior Championship, Olympic Gold and a Stanley Cup, and arguably should have won a Conn Smythe Trophy.
If the Ducks are going to go deep in the playoffs, Getzlaf will have to be dominant.
No. 46: Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings
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Anze Kopitar is developing into one of the best two-way players in the game. The Kings need him to take it to the next level and consistently dominate like he's shown he's capable of doing.
If Kopitar can do that, the Kings will be a threat in the Western Conference.
No. 45: Mike Green, Washington Capitals
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Mike Green, much like the rest of the Washington Capitals, has struggled this season.
He's trying to play a more defensive game, but he's on pace for less than half as many points, and a 24-point lower plus/minus rating.
If the Capitals are going to shed their playoff-choker reputation this season, Green has to be much, much better.
He also needs to stay healthy, which might be a problem after taking a slap shot in the head against the Penguins on February 6.
No. 44: Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings
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Jonathan Quick has been phenomenal for the Kings this season, and he is one of the reasons they've been able to stay in the playoff race.
Quick is top five in the league in goals against average and shutouts, and only two wins behind leader Carey Price.
If the Kings are going to contend, Quick has to keep doing exactly what he's been doing.
No. 43: Jordan Staal, Pittsburgh Penguins
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For a couple of years now, people have been saying that Jordan Staal is too good to be a third line center.
It's time for him to prove it. He's cooled off to one point in his last five games, but posted seven points in the five games before that.
Staal is a key player on the power play, penalty kill and even strength, and he matches up against the opponent's top line.
With Malkin out for the season and Crosby out indefinitely, Staal needs to be great if the Penguins are going to stay close to the Eastern Conference leaders.
No. 42: Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit Red Wings
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While the Red Wings have struggled badly with injuries this year, Hank has been healthy and fantastic. He's fourth in the league in assists and seventh in points.
He's already on pace for a career high in assists, and he has a reputation as a guy who gets even better in the playoffs.
If he does get better, the Wings will have a great chance at winning the Cup.
No. 41: Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks
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Captain Serious is on pace for his first 70-point season. Even though he's only 22, it's hard to believe that he doesn't have one yet.
Toews has already won a World Junior Championship, Olympic Gold (and was named best forward of the tournament), a Stanley Cup and a Conn Smythe Trophy.
Toews is a guy who finds a whole new level in crucial games, but Chicago needs him to play at that level for the rest of the regular season too.
The Blackhawks are 11th in the Western Conference, and Toews' performance will be a key factor in whether or not the defending champs can make the playoffs.
No. 40: Eric Staal, Carolina Hurricanes
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All-Star Game captain Eric Staal is one of the best power forwards in the league.
He's on pace for the second best season of his career, with 53 points in 53 games.
The Hurricanes are fighting for a playoff spot and they need Staal to be a little bit better, like he was in 2005-06.
In 2005-06, Staal put up 45 goals and 100 points in the regular season, and nine goals with 28 points in the playoffs, en route to winning the Stanley Cup.
No. 39: Shea Weber, Nashville Predators
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The Predators' captain is one of the main reasons they currently sit fourth in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.
Weber is among the top 20 in the league in hits, and is fourth in goals by a defenseman.
He's also 10th in the league in ice time, and it's almost always against the opponent's best.
Weber needs to keep doing what he's been doing, and maybe contribute a little more offensively, if the Predators are going to have a chance in the playoffs.
No. 38: Marian Gaborik, New York Rangers
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The Rangers have surprised most people this season by being one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. It's especially surprising because Marian Gaborik hasn't been very good.
The Rangers' superstar sniper has stayed relatively healthy this season, but his performance hasn't been what anyone expected.
He's on pace for 16 goals less than last season, and is putting up under a point per game (0.80) for the first time since before the lockout.
If the Rangers are going to contend with teams like Philadelphia, Gaborik has to be much better than he's been.
No. 37: Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
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The three time defending Selke Trophy winner, who also won the Lady Byng four consecutive seasons (2006-09), hasn't played a game since December 22, when he suffered a broken hand.
Pavel Datsyuk will be welcomed back with open arms this week, as the Red Wings have struggled defensively, and were shut out in back-to-back games February 4 and 5.
Datsyuk should be refreshed for for the stretch run, and will need to be great for the Wings to win the Cup.
Datsyuk's career points per game is 0.30 lower in the playoffs, than the regular season, and that won't be good enough this year.
No. 36: Brian Burke, Toronto Maple Leafs
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Leafs GM Brian Burke is once again in the headlines, as his star acquisition Phil Kessel, and hand-picked head coach Ron Wilson, are publicly fighting through the media.
Burke refuses to acknowledge how much of a problem it is, like he refused to acknowledge that the players voted Ron Wilson as the coach they'd least like to play for, and his stubbornness is infuriating Leafs fans.
Regardless, Burke holds a few players who could be very valuable to teams building up for a Cup run, such as Kris Versteeg, Mikhail Grabovski, Francois Beauchemin, and J.S. Giguere.
Also, if Burke will overcome his insistence against asking players to waive their no-trade clauses, moving Tomas Kaberle could put a team over the top for the Cup, and kick-start the Leafs rebuild with a first round pick.
No. 35: Niklas Backstrom, Minnesota Wild
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The Wild's starting goalie has been very good this season, and sits fourth in the league in save percentage.
Niklas Backstrom is a key factor in the Wild's surprising ninth place standing in the Western Conference. He has the Wild just one point out of a playoff spot.
Backstrom will have to be at least as good the rest of the way if the Wild are going to sneak into the playoffs.
No. 34: Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals
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Nicklas Backstrom is on pace for 75 points this season, which would be great for most players, but it's unacceptable for Backstrom, who's put up 88 and 101 points the last two seasons.
Whether Backstrom is struggling because Alex Ovechkin is struggling, or Ovie's struggling because Backstrom's struggling, is like the chicken and the egg debate. Either way, they haven't done enough.
The Washington Capitals are scoring more than a goal per game less than they did last season, and Backstrom is a big part of that.
Much like Mike Green, the Capitals need Backstrom to be substantially better if they're going to make it out of the first round.
No. 33: Rick Dudley, Atlanta Thrashers
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Thrashers' GM Rick Dudley finds himself in an interesting position as the trade deadline approaches. His team has been one of the biggest surprises in the league this season, and are still very much in the playoff race.
The problem is that the Thrashers have only won two of the past 10 games, and the Carolina Hurricanes have two more wins, and two games in hand on Atlanta.
If the Thrashers are going to fall out of the playoff race, it might be in Dudley's best interest to trade some of his upcoming free agents (restricted and unrestricted) such as Brent Sopel, Dustin Byfuglien, Zach Bogosian, Anthony Stewart, Niklas Bergfors, and Andrew Ladd.
If the Thrashers are going to stay in the playoff race, Dudley will likely need to acquire some help before the deadline to bolster the roster.
The next three weeks are going to be crucial to what Dudley does, but he'll almost certainly be very active either way.
No. 32: Mike Richards, Philadelphia Flyers
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The Flyers' captain is in the midst of another good season, and could likely be a finalist for the Selke Trophy as best defensive forwards.
He led the Flyers to the sixth game of the Stanley Cup Finals last season, and currently has them leading the Eastern Conference, and second in the league.
The problem for Richards last season came in the Cup Finals, when he had just two points and a minus seven rating in the six game loss to the Chicago Blackhawks.
If the Flyers are going to take the next step, and sip from Stanley's Cup, Richards can't have that kind of a series at any point, especially not in the finals.
No. 31: Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins
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The Bruins' hulking defenseman is fourth in the league in ice time, and fifth in plus/minus. Captain "Z" also broke his own hardest shot record at the All Star SuperSkills.
It's no secret that Chara is one of the hardest defensemen in the league to play against, and he needs to keep that up if the Bruins are going to be the legitimate contenders they're expected to be.
Chara's upcoming playoff match-ups against some of Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos, Alexander Ovechkin, Marian Gaborik, and Mike Richards will be deciding factors in Boston's success.
No. 30: Paul Holmgren, Philadelphia Flyers
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Flyers GM, Paul Holmgren, has a propensity for making deals that significantly help his team.
From acquiring Kimmo Timonen and Scott Hartnell in 2007, to bringing in Chris Pronger and Ville Leino last season, Holmgren always gives the Flyers a chance to win.
This season, the Flyers shouldn't need much help, but they've still been rumored to have interest in several players, including Kris Versteeg, Jarome Iginla, and Tomas Vokoun.
While it's not overly likely that the Flyers will make a major blockbuster move for an impact player like Iginla, Holmgren will almost certainly make some additions to go for the Cup.
No. 29: Vincent Lecavalier, Tampa Bay Lightning
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Lightning captain Vincent Lecavalier put up 108 points in 2006-07, then 92 in 2007-08, but hasn't come close since.
While Lecavalier has battled injuries this season, he's only on pace for 15 goals and 42 points in 66 games.
That's just not good enough for a player making $10 million this year. It's also not good enough if the Lightning are going to be real contenders for the Stanley Cup.
With the Lightning's deficiencies on defense, comparatively to Philadelphia and Detroit, they will need Lecavalier to regain his form of 2007, to outscore opponents in the playoffs.
No. 28: Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks
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The defending Norris Trophy winner certainly doesn't look like he'll be repeating this season.
Duncan Keith currently sits 20th in scoring among defensemen, and a terrible 45th in goals by defensemen. After being second in points, and sixth in goals, last season, that's not good enough for Keith.
Also, his plus/minus was plus 21 last season (good for ninth among defensemen), but has dropped down to a minus two this season.
Keith needs to be much better, both offensively and defensively, if the Blackhawks are going to even make the playoffs, far less repeat as Cup champions.
No. 27: Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings
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Probably the best defenseman of the last 15 years, the ageless Nicklas Lidstrom is arguably the front-runner to win his seventh Norris Trophy.
The most important thing 40 year old Lidstrom needs to do the rest of the way is stay healthy and well-rested.
Coach Mike Babcock has recently kept Lidstrom's ice time down a little bit–he hasn't played over 25 minutes in any of the past eight games–which will be key to keeping Lidstrom fresh down the stretch.
(If and) When Detroit does clinch a playoff spot, Lidstrom may sit out a game or two towards the end of the regular season.
If Lidstrom can be as good in the playoffs as he's been so far this season, the Red Wings have as good of a chance as anyone else.
No. 26: Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary Flames
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The Calgary Flames have gone 7-0-1 in their last eight games, and somehow find themselves back in the playoff picture.
It's hard to believe that Flames fans were ready to run Kiprusoff out of town during a slump just three short weeks ago.
Since then, Kiprusoff has gone 6-01, with a .932 save percentage, and has been one of the main reasons for the Flames resurgence.
If the Flames are going to stay in a playoff spot, Kiprusoff will need to keep up his superb play. If he does, it wouldn't be the first time Kiprusoff steals several games for the Flames.
No. 25: Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks
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Jumbo Joe hasn't been large for the Sharks this season.
Thornton has 46 points in 51 games, and even more surprisingly, a minus 12 rating.
Thornton hasn't posted a regular season points per game this low since 1999-2000, and hasn't been a minus player since 2000-01.
This is especially scary for the Sharks, because Thornton's points per game tends to fall by about 0.3 in the playoffs. He's never had more points than games in the playoffs, and is a playoff career minus 23.
Now, with the Sharks just two points away from missing the playoffs, Joe Thornton has to step up.
If the Sharks are going to win with their current core, Thornton has to be a key player. So far, he's been a huge part of why they've consistently "choked" in the playoffs.
No. 24: Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames
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Despite starting the season with just eight points in 15 games, Jarome Iginla is once again a dominant force on the Calgary Flames.
Iggy has bounced back to 50 points in 53 games, good for 13th in the league.
Iginla is widely considered one of the best leaders and power forwards in the game, and is key to the Flames' chances of making, or doing anything in the playoffs.
Iginla was involved in many trade rumors a few weeks ago, before the Flames got on their hot streak, but now it's extremely unlikely that he'll be moved.
No. 23: Kari Lehtonen, Dallas Stars
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Until this season, Kari Lehtonen, drafted second overall in 2002 (behind Rick Nash), was thought by many to be a bust.
He's finally looking like the goalie that the Thrashers thought he would be, and it's not helping them any.
Lehtonen is top 10 in the league in wins, and has been solid in helping the Dallas Stars surprise almost everyone this season, by leading the Pacific Division.
If the Stars are going to continue contending for the Cup, Lehtonen will have to be at least as good as he's been so far.
No. 22: Pekka Rinne
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The Predators goalies are 6'5" (Rinne) and 6'6" (Lindback), and really good. They're so big, and talented, that it's very, very hard to score.
Rinne currently sits second in the league in both goals against average and save percentage, and he has a Nashville team that severely lacks offense in fourth place in the Western Conference.
If Rinne falters for more than a game here and there, the Predators will have a very tough time maintaining a playoff position.
No. 21: Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings
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After finishing last season as a 20 year old Norris Trophy finalist, Drew Doughty hasn't taken the next step that most pundits thought he would.
He missed six games near the start of the season, and looked very rusty upon returning, as he tried to recover from a concussion.
Doughty is finally starting to look more like the player he was last year–very involved offensively and defensively–and the Kings need him to keep getting better.
They currently sit on the outside looking in, but if Doughty can be great, they should make the playoffs, and could surprise the top seeds.
No. 20: Ray Shero, Pittsburgh Penguins
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The Penguins GM was expected to be pretty quiet around the trade deadline, likely just making one of his shrewd pickups of a good winger on an expiring contract.
Now that Evgeni Malkin is out for the season, and Sidney Crosby has missed over a month, Shero has cap space, and won't be afraid to use it.
Expect Shero to go after a potential impact player, like Dustin Penner of Edmonton. There's even a small, outside chance that Shero could make a blockbuster deal that would see Malkin moved.
No. 19: Jay Feaster, Calgary Flames
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A month ago, the Flames' acting GM was expected to be one of the most active in the league, selling off players to the highest bidder before the trade deadline.
Now that the Flames are back in a playoff spot, Feaster will likely be looking to buy to bolster the Flames chances in the playoffs.
If the right offer comes up for a current Flame, Feaster will certainly listen, and may still make a large scale move.
No. 18: Cam Ward, Carolina Hurricanes
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Cam Ward has been busy this year–he leads the NHL in shots against and saves, and is second in games played by goalies.
He's on pace to start 75 games this season, which would be six more than he's ever played in a season before.
Ward's hasn't generally been the best regular season goalie, but when the Hurricanes have made the playoffs, he's been phenomenal, posting 23 wins in two playoff appearances, including a Conn Smythe and Stanley Cup in 2006.
If the Hurricanes can get into the playoffs, watch for Ward to potentially steal a series against a heavily favored opponent.
No. 17: Dwayne Roloson, Tampa Bay Lightning
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The Tampa Bay Lightning had a happy start to the new year, acquiring veteran goalie Dwayne Roloson on New Years' Day.
Since then, Roloson has been either phenomenal, or horrific, in his 13 games with the Lightning. He's posted four shutouts, but been pulled twice and given up seven and five goals in other games.
The Lightning are looking like a legitimate Cup contender this year, but desperately need Roloson to help them avoid the blowout losses.
Roloson has proven playoff pedigree, from leading the Oilers to the finals in 2006, before spraining his knee, but at 41 years old, does he have enough left in the tank?
No. 16: Corey Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks
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The Blackhawks' rookie goalie has been good so far this season. He currently sits fifth in the league in goals against average.
He needs to be even better for the Hawks to make the playoffs though, because despite his good statistics, he's only won 16 of 29 games, and the Hawks aren't in a playoff spot.
If they do make the playoffs, he'll have to give them a great performance to give them a chance to win some series.
No. 15: Keith Yandle, Phoenix Coyotes
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The current league leader in points among defensemen is undoubtedly the Coyotes' MVP this season. Keith Yandle has been so good that he deserves Hart Trophy consideration.
Yandle leads the Coyotes by six points, and has been solid defensively as well.
He's a primary reason the Coyotes currently hold a playoff position, and he'll have to keep it up if they're going to stay in one.
No. 14: Jonas Hiller, Anaheim Ducks
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The Ducks' All Star goalie is in the top five in games played, wins, shots against, save percentage, and minutes played.
He has the Ducks in a playoff spot currently, and if they get in, their firepower and Hiller's goaltending make them a threat.
In Hiller's only previous playoffs, he helped the eighth-seeded Ducks upset the President's Trophy winning San Jose Sharks, then force the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings to seven games.
No. 13: Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens
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The Montreal Canadiens are looking pretty brilliant for trading away last season's playoff hero, Jaroslav Halak, and handing the starting goalie position to Carey Price.
Price is in the top 10 in every major statistical category for goaltenders, and leads in games played, minutes played, and wins.
However, if Price falters in the playoffs, Habs fans will instantly forget everything he's done in the regular season, and wish for Halak back between the pipes.
No. 12: Dustin Byfuglien, Atlanta Thrashers
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Dustin Byfuglien has been better than almost anyone expected this year, and coach Craig Ramsay's gamble of playing Byfuglien back at his natural position of defense has paid off, mostly.
Byfuglien was a Norris Trophy front-runner until very recently, but just went 13 games without a single point. When he did finally break the slump, in his last game, he also committed an atrocious giveaway in his own end that robbed the Thrashers of a much needed win.
The Thrashers have fallen a point behind Carolina for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, and the Hurricanes have two games in hand.
Byfuglien absolutely has to be better, or there's a very real possibility that he'll be traded before the deadline. That could also have a huge impact on the playoff race.
No. 11: Peter Forsberg, Colorado Avalanche
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It's official! Peter Forsberg has signed with the Colorado Avalanche, and one of the best players ever will give it one more try.
Forsberg joining the team should give the Avalanche a much needed boost, both on the ice, and in their spirits. The Avs have dropped four straight, and seven of 10, and have fallen seven points back of eighth place.
If Forsberg can have the kind of impact he's had in the past, Colorado will be a virtual shoo-in to catch up and claim a playoff spot.
If not, Avalanche fans will have a chance to say a final goodbye to one of their most beloved players ever.
No. 10: Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh Penguins
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Marc-Andre Fleury is having the best season of his NHL career. He's in the top 10 in the league in goals against average and save percentage, and sits fourth in wins.
It's a good thing for the Penguins too, with Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby both out of the lineup indefinitely.
Fleury is a proven playoff performer, and has a Stanley Cup ring to prove it. Fleury will need to be at his best the rest of the way if the shorthanded Penguins are going to do much damage.
No. 9: Chris Pronger, Philadelphia Flyers
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Chris Pronger was arguably the Flyers' best player last year during their run to the Cup. He played against, and shut down, the top lines on each of the Devils, Bruins, Canadiens and Blackhawks, while putting up 18 points in 23 games.
Pronger has struggled somewhat this regular season, both with injuries, and inconsistent play. He's only on pace for 36 points, after posting 55 last season.
Pronger will need to be a beast again in the playoffs this year, as the Flyers will likely meet at least one of Sidney Crosby, Alexander Ovechkin, Steven Stamkos or Eric Staal.
If Pronger can't shut them down, Philadelphia's goaltending might not be good enough to win the series.
No. 8: Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning
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The league's leading scorer is having an incredible season, with 40 goals and 73 points in 55 games.
But, Stamkos has never played playoff hockey in the NHL, and the level of attention he'll receive from opposing teams will likely come as a bit of a shock.
Whether or not Stamkos can fight through the likes of Zdeno Chara, Chris Pronger and Marc Staal will be a deciding factor in Tampa's playoff success.
Also, Stamkos is on pace to become the only player other than Alexander Ovechkin to score 60 goals in a season in the last 15 years.
No. 7: Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
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The Washington Capitals go as Alexander Ovechkin goes. So far this season, he hasn't gone very well.
Only an incredible player could be top 10 in the league in scoring, and averaging a point per game, while having a horrendously bad season.
But, no one is arguing that Ovechkin isn't an incredible player; just wondering what's wrong with him this year?
Ovechkin is on pace for under 30 goals–he's never had less than 46 before–and 10 points less than his previous career worst.
Some people think that Ovechkin is "saving himself" for the playoffs, in an attempt to really go hard for the playoff success that's eluded him so far.
Others think that opposing defensemen and goaltenders have figured out all of his regular moves, and know how to stop him now.
Whatever the problem is, if Ovie is going to get the Stanley Cup he so desperately desires, he has to be much, much better than he's been.
No. 6: Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings`
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Jimmy Howard is tied for the league lead in wins, but isn't in the top 25 in save percentage or goals against average. Nicklas Lidstrom is basically the only reason that's possible.
Despite Howard putting up wins in the regular season, he has to be better in the playoffs because his tendency to let in a weak goal here and there could severely cost the Wings.
If Howard can perform as he did against the Rangers this week–only two goals allowed on 47 shots–the Red Wings will be one of the favorites in the Western Conference.
No. 5: Brad Richards, Dallas Stars
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The most talked about of the upcoming potential unrestricted free agents, Brad Richards has been the most important part of Dallas' surprising season so far.
Richards is sixth in the league with 59 points, and has helped linemate Loui Eriksson develop into an NHL star. His other linemate, James Neal, is another budding star who's benefited from playing with Richards.
Richards already has a Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy, and that experience will be crucial on a relatively young Stars team. Richards will have to be a leader if they're going to be successful.
Another interesting wrinkle with Richards revolves around is impending free agency. With the Stars still lacking stable ownership, Richards hasn't signed a contract extension yet, and that could be a distraction in Dallas.
No. 4: Sergei Bobrovsky, Philadelphia Flyers
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Sergei Bobrovsky might be the deciding factor in whether or not the Flyers can win the Stanley Cup.
Looking at their roster, they've got elite talent and great depth on both forward and defense, but goaltending is, as usual, the big question mark.
The rookie has been very good this season, posting a 22-7-3 record, with a .918 save percentage and 2.48 goals against average.
The worrisome factor is that he's only 22, and has essentially no significant playoff experience in any league.
Whether or not he can handle the pressure could be the Stanley Cup winning factor.
No. 3: Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins
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Tim Thomas is an intriguing story for a number of reasons the rest of this season.
He's currently on pace to demolish the record for best save percentage in a season at .945. He's also on pace to set a new best goals against average in a season, since the lockout, at 1.80.
Thomas is also perhaps the Bruins best chance to win a Stanley Cup since the days of Bobby Orr. The Bruins have great depth on forward, elite shutdown defenseman Zdeno Chara, and Thomas, and look poised to make a Cup run.
Thomas keeping up his incredible season will be one of the crucial factors for the Bruins in potential playoff matchups against offensive juggernauts like Philadelphia, Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh.
No. 2: Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks
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Roberto Luongo is first in the league in wins, fifth in save percentage, sixth in goals against average, and hasn't lost in regulation in his last 20 games.
He's on one of the most impressive streaks any goalie has put together in recent history.
But, with Luongo, like Alex Ovechkin and Joe Thornton, it isn't the regular season that means anything this season.
After back-to-back second round losses to the Chicago Blackhawks, in which Luongo gave up 30 goals in just six games at home, Luongo has developed a reputation as a playoff choker.
With the Canucks dominating the league the way they are this season, and their elite talent and impressive depth, anything less than a Stanley Cup will be a disappointment.
Anything less than at least a trip to the Cup Finals, and the cheers of "Louuuu" will quickly turn to boos.
No. 1: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
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The Penguins' captain, and the best player in the league, has missed 14 games due to a concussion, and still sits second in goals and third in points.
Crosby has been virtually unstoppable when healthy this season, including a 25 game point-scoring streak that included 26 goals and 50 points.
Now, since suffering his concussion, Crosby has become a featured voice in the never-ending headshot debate. If headshots do ever get removed from the game, Crosby will deserve much of the credit.
Also, since Crosby's been out, superstar teammate Evgeni Malkin has suffered a season-ending knee injury.
When Crosby returns, likely in March, he will have to elevate his game to an even better level than before if the Penguins are going to remain Cup contenders without Malkin.
The question is, will Sid be able to further widen the gap between he and the rest of the league?
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