8. Claude Giroux: What a player. He had a real breakout year this year, and was up near the top of the league in points and assists. A true playmaker, he also really shines in the playoffs as he takes his game to another level. You want this guy on your team.
7. Evgeni Malkin: This guy is a true Russian powerhouse, with the speed and skill to go one-on-one with any defender out there. His skills earned him 50 goals this year and he won the Conn Smythe trophy in 2009 when the Penguins won the Stanley Cup.
6. Ilya Kovalchuk: His consistent play has earned him a spot here. He had scored 40 or more goals SIX years in a row, a very impressive feat, and is one of the premiere superstars in the game. His wicked shot allows him to score from almost anywhere.
5. Steven Stamkos: Much like Kovalchuk, his shot allows him to score from nearly anywhere. He is a MASTER at finding open ice in order to score, and had a career high, astounding 60 goals this season, one of only 10 players to hit the 60 goal plateau.
4. Jonathan Toews: His two-way style has earned him the Conn Smythe trophy as Playoff MVP, and should win him a few Selke trophies in his career. A member of the Hawks that I think will someday have his number retired as well as make it to the Hall of Fame, Jonathan Toews has every tool that a hockey player needs to be successful. He has scoring touch, passing abilities, speed, strength, passion, and drive as well as defensive prowess and the ability to be a two-way player. He is the best captain in the league: Always serious, always on task, always leading by example,
3. Pavel Datsyuk: An absolute wizard with the puck, Datsyuk is the best of theWest. His amazing hands allow him to pull off moves that other players couldn't even think of doing, much less pulling them off in a game situation. His passing ability is superb and he has a wicked, quick shot that has fooled many a goaltender.
2. Sidney Crosby: What can be said about Crosby other that the fact that he is the best playmaker in the game today. Gretzky himself commented on Crosby's playmaking ability, and to get a compliment from the Great One on what he did best is nothing to scoff at. Crosby has a tendency to be injured but when he is healthy he is near impossible to stop.
1. Alex Ovechkin: Crosby may be nearly impossible to stop, but Ovechkin is PHYSICALLY impossible to stop. From his goal in Phoenix that became famous, to his goals today, he is a force to be reckoned with. The greatest goal-scorer of this era, Ovechkin has slowed down a little bit, but still scored enough to deposit 38 goals into the net last season and lead his team past the Boston Bruins in the first round of the playoffs. Ovechkin has a passion and love for the game that is not seen anywhere else at such a magnitude. He just loves to score goals!
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