The Leaders

Added on Oct 19, 2010 by J Merrill in

NHL

Here is a quick break down of whats happening with the top three teams in the NHL. The one thing you can not argue with in hockey is how well the Leafs have started off the season, and it seems even with the some what drastic player changes the Blackhawks seem to have picked up where they left off. Surprising everyone with the start has been the Dallas Stars who have playing exceptional hockey after mediocre seasons the last two years.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The leafs came out swinging this season, and I know its early, but if they find a way to stay healthy this year they will make it far into the post season. When you look at the NHL leader board its no wonder why the Maple Leafs are where they are today. Phil Kessel and Clarke MacArthur both have 5 goals in as many games, and goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere has the lowest goals against average with the most playing time. They just lost their first game after a 4-0 start tot he season.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Stanley Cup champions have picked up where they left off. After dropping there first two games they are on a three game winning streak, and they don’t appear to be slowing down. They juggled some players in the off season, and that had Hawks fans nervous. Marian Hossa is leading the league in goals and points, and Patrick Sharp is right behind him. People also questioned goalie Marty Turco, but so far he has been playing as good as they good expect. With a 92% save percentage, and the way the team has been able to manufacture points, the Hawks should have a successful year.

Washington Capitals

The Capitals dropped their first game and won the next four. When you note that forward Alex Oveckin has four goals and four assists, and Michal Neuvirth has a 93% save average, its easy to see why they are where they are. The defense has been a huge role in their game as well, as they have held 5 teams collectively to under 147 shots.

The Tampa Bay Lightening, and the Dallas Stars round out the top 5. Brad Richards from the Stars and Steven Samkos from the Lightening, happen to be two and three behind Marian Hossa on the points board. They have been really getting it done on offense, and will continue to make defenses pay extra attention to them. The lightening have been able to hold their oppoenets to 140 shots on goal, and have really kept them in the game in their wins. The Stars goalie Kare Lehtonen has been outstanding as well. With a goals against average of 2.88, and a save percentage of 92.1%, team ares going to have to work extra hard to defeat them.