NHL Power Rankings: Elite 8 Goal Scorers in the Atlantic Division

Scoring goals is an important part of hockey. Having shut-down defenders and goaltending is great, but you can't move up in the standings anymore unless you score some goals.

(At least not any more, this goes out to all the lovers of the tie.)

Yesterday, I ranked the top five starting goaltenders in the Atlantic Division. 

Today we will take a look at the dynamic forwards who have made a habit of lighting the lamp on a consistent basis.

Each scorer will be evaluated on their past success, and point predictions will be made for the upcoming season.

Who will reign supreme in this power ranking? Will it be Sidney Crosby and his lethal wrist shot? Could it be Ilya Kovalchuk and his deadly one-timer? 

Enough with the speculation, here are the elite eight goal scorers in the Atlantic Division.

8. Evgeni Malkin: Pittsburgh Penguins

Evgeni Malkin

Pittsburgh Penguins

Left Wing

Evgeni Malkin was once a great overall player but injuries may limit his effectiveness for the Penguins in the future.

Malkin's goal totals have dropped down consistently over the past four seasons. His goal totals range from 47 in '07-08, 35 in '08-09, 22 in '09-10 and 15 goals in an injury-ridden season last year.

Malkin has undergone a transition in his overall game. While his goal totals may have decreased, his assists have increased. 

Even though he is becoming more of a playmaker, Malkin has the talent and ability to still score goals like this. I predict a huge rebound for Malkin in the 2011-12 campaign.

Predictions for 2011-12:

30 Goals

7. John Tavares: New York Islanders

John Tavares

New York Islanders

Center

John Tavares is a breakout star on the cusp of greatness. Tavares had 29 goals and 38 assists for 67 points last season.

He did exceptionally well in his sophomore season for the Isles, and I can only see his point totals increasing.

Tavares is a 6'0", 202-pound center who has showcased his scoring abilities and his ability to turn on the jets when necessary.

Tavares has a cap hit of $3,750,000 and will be a RFA at the end of the 2011-12 season. His future with the Islanders, however, could be determined if the Isles fail to find a plan B for their arena.

Predictions for 2011-12:

35 to 40 Goals

6. Claude Giroux: Philadelphia Flyers

Claude Giroux

Philadelphia Flyers

Right Wing/ Center

Claude Giroux has really climbed the depth charts for goal scorers in the NHL. One of his breakout moments came in the 2009-10 season when he scored a heart-breaking shootout goal against the New York Rangers on the last day of the season.

Giroux tallied 25 goals and 51 assists for 76 points this season. With the departure of Jeff Carter and Mike Richards, Giroux is now one of the players that will lead the Flyers in this upcoming season.

Giroux is a natural goal scorer whose nimble hands are greatly completed by his lightning speed.

If Giroux continues his trend of increasing his goal totals, he should crack the 30 to 35-goal plateau this season.

Predictions for 2011-12:

30 to 35 Goals

5. Michael Grabner: New York Islanders

Michael Grabner

New York Islanders

Right Wing

Michael Grabner gives New York Islanders fans something to be excited for.

Grabner scored 34 goals and assisted on 18 others for a total of 54 points this past season.

Grabner recently inked a five-year extension and is only going to get better as long as he gains chemistry with John Tavares.

Next year Grabner will be playing for a team that wants him, a team that has faith in him and a team that has locked him up long term. With Grabner not having the additional pressure of playing for a contract, I think he hits the 65 to 70-point plateau.

Predictions for 2011-12:

37 to 45 Goals

4. Zach Parise: New Jersey Devils

Zach Parise

New Jersey Devils

Left Wing

Zach Parise has been a great goal scorer ever since making the jump to the NHL level. Over the last four seasons, he has scored 30 goals or more. His injury-ridden 2010-11 season is not counted in this statistic.

Parise is a talented young forward whose most famous goal may have been revered and immortalized if the outcome of the 2010 Winter Olympic Hockey Finals fell in the United States' favor.

Zach Parise has a great shot and great speed and may move on to bigger and better things when he becomes a UFA next offseason.

Nonetheless, many fans hope for another explosive season from Zach Parise when he returns to the Devils this fall.

Predictions for 2011-12:

35 to 40 Goals

3. Marian Gaborik: New York Rangers

Marian Gaborik

New York Rangers

Right Wing

Contrary to popular belief, Marian Gaborik is a good hockey player. He has speed, great vision and a great wrist shot. He is a natural goal scorer when he is "in the zone."

Gaborik is one of the fastest skaters in the NHL and this assists him when it comes to scoring breakaway goals.

Gaborik can be a catalyst for offense when he stays healthy, and he has done that so far during his tenure with the Rangers.

In his freshman year on Broadway, Gaborik netted 42 goals and assisted on 44 others for a career high of 86 points. Keep in mind these totals were generated while playing with Vinny Prospal as his center.

Marian Gaborik has the potential to score 45 to 55 goals with an excellent passer like Brad Richards setting him up with crisp passes.

Predictions for 2011-12:

40 to 50 Goals

2. Ilya Kovalchuk: New Jersey Devils

Ilya Kovalchuk

New Jersey Devils

Left Wing

Ilya Kovalchuk is one of the most explosive scorers of the last decade. He is currently one of the seldom players that average a point-per-game. He has scored 702 points in 702 career games of which 369 were goals.

Kovalchuk is a player who is a great skater who takes his blazing speed, his agile side to movements and booming shot and wraps it all together in a perfect goal scorers package.

Kovy, believe it or not, is only 28 years old and is just coming into his prime. At the rate Kovalchuk is headed, he could amass over 1,500 points and 650 to 700 goals when he retires 10 to 12 years from now.

Kovalchuk tops out this list because his is a pure goal scorer first and foremost, and he has one of the most feared one-timers in the entire league.

Predictions for 2011-12:

45 to 50 Goals

1. Sidney Crosby: Pittsburgh Penguins

Sidney Crosby

Pittsburgh Penguins

Center

Sidney Crosby is an interesting individual. He can practically score goals from anywhere, and I meananywhere !

Crosby was on pace for a 120 points or more before being sidelined with a concussion in the middle of the season.

Crosby scored more goals in 41 games than some players did during the entire season. He split honors with Steven Stamkos in the 2009-10 season for the Rocket Richard Trophy when he scored 51 goals.

Crosby has a lot of potential and has a lot more goals to score in his young career. The only asterisk associated with the young dynamo are the many questions on whether or not he can recover from the concussion he sustained.

He was initially compared to Eric Lindros as being one of the hottest prospects to make the jump to the NHL. Now people are comparing him to Lindros for undesirable reasons.

Nonetheless, it is expected that Sid the Kid will bounce back this season

2011-12 Predictions:

45 to 50 Goals

Comments, Questions, Concerns

The Atlantic Division certainly has some quality goal scorers.

Comments, questions or concerns,? If you felt I slighted someone, leave a comment in the section below and explain why you feel the way you do. I will then attempt to address your concern to the best of my abilities.

Tom Urtz is an NHL Featured Columnist.

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