TOP NHL PLAYERS OF OCTOBER

With the first month of the 2008/2009 season in the books, the PrairiePuck has compiled a short list of the MVP, top forward, defenseman, goaltender, rookie, and SK born player that we have seen in the past month.

Sitting a top October's greats is this month's MVP...

*MVP* LW Alexander Semin - WASHINGTON CAPITALS

-We said it back in September...the "other" Alexander needs to produce this year, and has he ever. In only 10 games, Semin has registered 8 goals and 8 assists, with a +6 rating, and a nice 24.2% shooting percentage to round off his October resume. Semin has been an excellent addition to the scoring column for the Capitals, who are keeping pace with the division leading Hurricanes. In the absence of Ovechkin for a few games and his relatively quiet start to the season (5 points in 8 games), we could see the "other" Alexander lead his team in points by the All-Star break.


*TOP FORWARD* LW Patrick Sharp - CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS

-Talk about a player on the rise. If you remember back in September, not only did we list Alexander Semin as a player to watch in the league, but Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp also made the list. Sharp has currently put up 9 goals and 7 helpers, which is good enough for 2nd to league leader Evgeni Malkin. Call us hopeful, but under the Joel Queneville era in Chicago, they have managed a 5-1-2 record under his direction, which keeps pace with the division leading Red Wings. Not only will the Blackhawks make the playoffs...they may contend for home-ice advantage if Sharp keeps playing the way he has in October.


*TOP DEFENSEMAN* D Andrei Markov - MONTREAL CANADIENS

-On a team where the expectations could not be higher on the Centennial year of the franchise, Andrei Markov has picked up where he left off last year, and has clearly established himself as the go-to blue-liner for the Habs, averaging 25:05 playing time per night, with 1 goal and 12 assists, which is good enough for 21st overall in the league in scoring. Expect Markov to be a starter in this year's All-Star game for the 2nd consecutive year. In a year where the Habs are 8-1-1 and can make this a "story book" year, why can't Markov be an All-Star in the game, which happens to be in Montreal?


*TOP GOALTENDER* G Ryan Miller - BUFFALO SABRES

-The Buffalo Sabres have shaken off the 2007/2008 hangover after a remarkable President's Trophy Season in 2006/2007, and are back among the league's elite teams. After 2 of the most significant dates in Sabres fans memories in the past year and a half, fans questioned the capability of GM Darcy Regeir, as his two superstar forwards Chris Drury and Daniel Briere were shipped off to NY and Philadelphia in Free Agency, and star defenseman Brian Campbell was traded to San Jose at the trade deadline last season. One solid move that was made was the signing of #1 goaltender Ryan Miller, and it has paid off. Last year was a "half" rebuilding year (because Buffalo only missed playoffs by 4 points), but Miller has been a solid core of this team, and his star performance has led by example on this team, and the fans now have new stars to worship in Derek Roy, Jason Pominville, Thomas Vanek, and of course, Mr. Ryan Miller. With a 7-1-1 record, a 1.62 GAA, .942 Save %, and 2 shutouts, Ryan Miller was a no-brainer for this pick.


*TOP ROOKIE* C Derick Brassard - COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

-Brassard actually played 17 games last season with the Jackets, notching a goal and an assist, but due to games played, this young 21 year-old star is back as a rookie and has started the season off with a bang, tallying 4 goals and 7 assists to lead his team in points with 11. This native of Hull, Québec has a promising career ahead of him, and makes the race for the Calder Trophy interesting, as many (including the PrairiePuck) thought it was a Stamkos vs Brunnstrom race.





*TOP SK-BORN PLAYER* C Patrick Marleau - SAN JOSE SHARKS

-One could argue that Ryan Getzlaf had a better October than Marleau, but trust me, Getzlaf's time will come. Marleau deserves the accolades, as he as played at a level that his team needs him to be, and that is a leader by example. Marleau has always had the scoring ability, but a disappointing raised many questions. This season, in only 12 games, Marleau has tallied 6 goals, and 6 assists, which accounts for 25% of his entire output last season. His elevated level of play, particularly in even-strength situations has propelled the Sharks to a Western Conference leading record 10-2-0 record. Remember when we said there is a high chance that it will be a NYR vs SJ final this year? Just figured I'd let you know that after 1 month, they are still leading their respective conferences.




PP