Coming in at # 5:
5. Vincent Lecavalier - TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
-Entering his 11th season with the Lightning, the all-time franchise leading scorer has a lot to prove this year. I know what you're thinking, "Is there much room for improvement considering the last 2 stellar years of play?" Well frankly, yes there is. Vinny has recently been dubbed the team's captain, which is evident that his committment to the team and the pricey contract he just signed is indication that Vinny is the face of this franchise, and will be the offensive phenom that Tampa will need to make a post season appearance (which, you read on this site, is a certainty). Vinny is going to break the 50 goal barrier for the 2nd time in 3 years. Just you wait.4. Jarome Iginl
a - Calgary Flames -Is there any doubt that Jarome Iginla will retire as a Calgary Flame? At this point, the only player in the league that would be more strange to see in another jersey is Nik Lidstrom. Iginla has it all: Scoring ability, smooth skating, he can pass to a teacup, and will not shy away from dropping the gloves to rally his team. He is a born leader, a true competitor, and a sure bet to tally 100 points this year. With added scoring talent Mike Camalerri and up-and-comer Curtis Glencross (Kindersley SK), and the grit of Andre Roy and Todd Bertuzzi, Iggy's team means business.3. Henrik Ze
tterberg - Detroit Red Wings -The reigning Conn Smythe winner and proven two-way player is without a doubt among the elite in the NHL. As the only European that made the Prairiepuck's Top 5 Sure-bets, Hank has some weight on his shoulders. This swedish star is still young in the league, and his proven chemistry with linemate Pavel Datsyuk, and potential powerplay mathcup with new teammate Marian Hossa, the Red Wings can make a legitimate run at a back to back hoist of Stanley. Expect Zetterberg to be Lidstrom's successor as team captain in the near future.2. Joe T
hornton - San Jose Sharks -Ever since the Bruins traded away their franchise player to San Jose, I certainly had my doubts, but Thornton has proved that he belongs in San Jose more than he ever did in Boston. A proven playmaker, Thornton is always a lock for 90+ points, and that's even if he gets off to a rocky start like last year. If you're doing your Fantasy Draft, you're on the clock, and Thornton is still available, put down the beer and get your head on straight.1. Sidney Cro
sby - Pittsburgh Penguins -You may be wondering why the phenom Alex Ovechkin didn't make the top 5 after destroying the competition this past year. We'll get to that in a second. First, regarding Sidney Crosby....Sid the Kid is the complete player, and he has the best hockey sense in the game today. He is still only 21 years old, so don't think a little high ankle sprain last year that limited him to less than expected point totals will slow him down this year. After a trip to the Cup Final last year, do the Penguins have something to prove? OF COURSE THEY DO!! And Crosby needs to prove that he can grow a better playoff beard than critics suggest. Penguins will not finish top of the east, but they will get 4th or 5th in the East, and will contend for a cup, although the Atlantic division looks insane this year. Crosby leads the league in points this year with over 115As for Ovechkin, I have given this some considerable thought, and my prediction that you have read first on this blog, is that Ovechkin is going to go down with an injury this year that will result in a substantial loss in games played. Ovechkin's "score no matter what I do to my body" is going to get himself hurt, especially with the new schedule this year, when guys like Pronger and Phaneuf are waiting around the corner to take the Russian pro out. The West has much better defense, and Ovechkin will not be top dog this year.
That's all for now, so stay tuned for next time!
T-O-P
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