Talk Hockey

1. Evgeni Malkin- Before the season, I told you guys to watch out for Evgeni Malkin, didn't I? Well, as we are passing the first half of the season, Evgeni Malkin has been the best player in hockey. The injury riddled Penguins needed Malkin to step up this season, and he has done just that. Malkin has 51 points in 37 games this season and is fresh off a five point night (3 G, 2 A). In the last month, over a span of 11 games, Malkin has produced 20 points. On pace for 95 points (could have been more if he wasn't injured), it's likely that Malkin may record a new career high in points by the seasons end.

2. Steven Stamkos- Steven Stamkos is on pace to be the only player in the NHL who will have a 50 goal season. He has 30 right now, and is on pace for 56 goals. He's 3rd in the NHL in points. His all-star season has probably been the lone highlight of the Bolts disappointing season.

3. Claude Giroux- When Mike Richards and Jeff Carter where traded in a shocking deal this off-season, this told us that Claude Giroux will have a chance this season to shine. He's done that and has been one of the games rising stars. The young right winger has been the Flyers best player, and to some, he's even the leagues best player. He's posted 49 points this season which ranks him 5th in the NHL.

4. Phil Kessel- Brian Burke always envisioned Phil Kessel as a 40 goal scorer. With 24 goals so far this season, he's on pace to reach Burke's expectations, and hit the 40 goal mark. If Kessel can do it, it will be the first time in his career he has ever reached 40 goals in a season.

5. Marian Hossa- Marian Hossa has been quietly having an all-star season. He has 48 points and a +23 rating which is the 5th highest in the league. He's on pace for his eighth season with 30 or more goals.

6. Henrik Sedin- I'm getting accustomed to seeing a Sedin at the top of the NHL's point leaders every year.  With 52 points, Henrik leads the league. He's also got a solid +13 rating. Wanna guess who's next on this list.......

7. Daniel Sedin- Daniel, like his brother Henrik is having yet another amazing season. Daniel has 49 points and him and Henrik are each tied for the league lead in powerplay goals with Claude Giroux.

8. Joffrey Lupul- Another Leaf on the list! I could get used to this.... Joffrey Lupul has been one of the game's most surprising players this year. The combo of him and Kessel have been a very dominant duo. Lupul has 47 points and only needs 7 more points to shatter his career high of 53 he had with the Ducks in 2005-06.

9. Pavel Datsyuk- With 46 points, Datsyuk has returned back to his old form after a disappointing 59 point campaign last season filled with injuries.

10. Jonathan Toews- Captain Serious is 10th in the NHL in points 46. At a point-per-game pace, Toews has been just unbelievable for the Hawks and is leading by example.

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