2011-2012 National Hockey League Mid-Season Review: Top Players at the Break -NHL Special Part 1
The 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season is passing by so fast that it is not easy keeping up with all of the happenings around North America as some teams have dedicated themselves towards reaching the playoffs after a number of ousted years continue to haunt them.
Teams playing as a whole are certainly the only way to guarantee they will progress ahead in the rankings but on every line-up, there is always a player that boosts the confidence of his teammates despite whatever the competition in front of them may be.
Some franchises are missing their top level players, resulting in them having to put their confidence in those backup people, who have also shown some great performances in keeping their teams stable.
Discussing our top ranked players, some might surprise you while some seem to be obvious, but the best part is talking about how they have managed to lead their respective clubs while teams with a healthy roster have even dropped lower than ever before.
Evgeni Malkin (Center - Pittsburgh Penguins)
Without a doubt, the top ranked player as the season comes to the halfway point is none other than the Pittsburgh Penguins center player and former second overall draft pick, Evgeni Malkin.
In the absence of Sidney Crosby, the team’s captain, Malkin has managed to step up his game tremendously
He not only has managed to keep the Penguins above the playoff line but has also boosted their position, with not only Crosby absent, but a number of other crucial positions as well.
Despite the injury scares that Malkin could also have due to a nagging knee that caused him to miss nearly half of last season nearing the playoffs, the 25-year-old has managed to stay in form and continue leading his team towards postseason greatness.
"I have great confidence now, you know?" Malkin said, after their Sunday night, January 22, 2012, game against the Washington Capitals, which they won, 4-3. "You win six games, I think everyone has great confidence now. I just am enjoying the game, you know, and having fun".
At the moment, Evgeni Malkin is preparing for his appearance in the 2012 NHL All-Star Game in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, with a league leading 58 points (26 goals, 32 assists) performance behind is back in the past 42 games.
Daniel Alfredsson (Captain – Ottawa Senators)
Due to various injuries, Ottawa captain, Daniel Alfredsson, managed to play only 54 games last season, which certainly showed as the Senators ended the year as one of the lowest ranked teams and obviously out of the playoffs, but with his rejuvenated performance in this time so far, has shown a different person altogether.
Ottawa Senators are currently sitting strong and comfortable in the sixth number spot in the Eastern Conference with 60 points, tied with fifth place Pittsburgh Penguins, which is certainly surprising comparing their two year performances.
The entire team including the management and players, cannot deny the fact that having the 39-year-old captain active on the team has made all the difference.
At the moment, Alfredsson has 38 points (17 goals, 21 assists) in 46 games, already more than the previous one already, showing his level of dedication this time.
It is not clear how many seasons Daniel Alfredsson has left in him, but until he stays healthy, the Ottawa Senators can expect some good results.
To be continued.....
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