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Made By cole*
Saturday, November 19, 2005
The lockout year meant the 2005-2006 season would see a double cohort of rookies. On top of that, the 2003 draft class, featuring Dion Phaneuf, Brent Seabrook, Eric Staal and first-overall selection Marc-Andre Fleury, was a deep and talented one.With all the hype surrounding Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin, other rookies have stepped up, making this seasons rookie class one for the ages. Here's a look at the leagues top rookies.
Sidney Crosby-Pittsburgh Penguins- This is not a slight to Alexander Ovechkin, but Crosby does it all. Only 18 years old and already Mario Lemieux hails Sid as the best player on the Pens, night in and night out. The vision, hustle and suprising grit are things you can't teach a player that talented. He used to factor in on the scoring of all of Rimouski's goals, now, as he showed in Philly last week, he's going to get used to factoring in on all of Pittsburgh's.
Alexander Ovechkin-Washington Capitals- I was a skeptic. His performance at the World Junior's was impressive, but it seemed he lacked character. Since arriving in the NHL, Ovechkin has done nothing but display an all around game that is seldom seen in any teenager, not just young Russian players. His offensive game is as adept as Ilya Kovalchuk, and he even goes hard to the net. Ask Colin White if Ovechkin plays physical; he met number eight first hand and wound up on his back. Alexander has a penchant for scoring big goals, and he is one of the most dynamic players in the league already.
Dion Phaneuf-Calgary Flames- If it weren't for the two young men above him, Phaneuf would win this years Calder trophy. Just a week or so into the season Darryl Sutter proclaimed Phaneuf the teams best defenseman, on what was already the best defense core in the league. Dion is a fantastic skater, a pin point passer, and a physical demon. He's shown he can set up, score goals and will drop the gloves with anyone.
Mike Richards-Philadelphia Flyers- Richards is already logging important minutes in key situations for Ken Hitchcock. What's not to like about his leadership, toughness, and heads up play. Richards will be a fixture in the NHL, and on the Hockey Canada scene, for a long time.
Jeff Carter- Philadelphia Flyers- Carter is a big centre who got off to a slow start this season, but has scored 7 goals in his last 8 games since Hitchcock gave him some more ice time. Carter has great hands, great instincts and goes to the net which makes things happen.
Alexander Steen-Toronto Maple Leafs- Steen began the year on the fourth line, killing penalities. Then he was bumped up to form the kid line with Kyle Wellwood and Matt Stajan. From there Steen found his play had been good enough for Pat Quinn to put him on the top unit with Mats Sundin and Jeff O'Neill. Steen has registered 13 points for the Blue and White this year.
Marek Svatos- Colorado Avalanche- Svatos has a slick set of offensive skills, and he's put that on display so far this year, notching 17 points to place third in rookie scoring. He already has five GWGs.
Brent Seabrook- Chicago Blackhawks- Seabrook already has two game winning goals and has put up 11 points in his rookie campaign to date. The always steady rearguard has a +7 rating and is averaging almost 20 minutes of ice time a game.
Posted by Jon at 1:10 PM | | e-mail me