National Hockey League (NHL) Players with most responsibility in the Eastern Conference -Part 7
There is a player on every team which presents the opponent with a challenge due to the capability and abilities that allow that player to perform and take charge of the situation. Some players have the far sightedness abilities and eventually become a need
for the team without which they find it hard to survive.
Evgeni Malkin (Centre, Pittsburgh Penguins)
Sidney Crosby is the renowned leader of the Pittsburgh Penguins who has led them to greatness time and time over again. Being drafted as the second overall pick during round-one of the 2004 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft by Pittsburgh, Evgeni Malkin
has proved himself to be irreplaceable.
His teammate and friend, Sidney Crosby also went out of the season with a career ending concussion related problem while Malkin faced a severe knee injury which ultimately required surgery.
It is easy to give all the credit to Crosby, who is considered to be the best player in the league, but it is with Malkin that the young players combine to make an unstoppable duo of offensive power like no other.
Last season, the 25-year-old was limited to playing only 43 matchups in which he scored 37 points (15 goals, 22 assists), while finishing off with a plus-minus rating of -4. His best season came during 2008-2009 when Malkin fired an impressive 113 points
(35 goals, 78 assists) in all 82 games.
Next season is expected to have both players performing well and in full health, which just might make Pittsburgh Penguins the best team out there.
James Reimer (Goalie, Toronto Maple Leafs)
James Reimer might just be a rookie goalie but he has shown so many hopes and dreams to the struggling Toronto Maple Leafs that they do not feel like thinking about anything else.
Picked up as the 99th overall selection during round-four of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by Maple Leafs, Reimer finally got a chance to play in the major league after spending multiple seasons with minor league clubs.
Reimer performed spectacularly by participating in 37 matchups and winning 20 of them, which obviously have Toronto a reason to even consider making him a starter once the new season begins in October.
Being given such a huge opportunity at the age of 23, could have Reimer floating in the clouds if he does not get his act together. If he managed to take advantage of the situation and put Toronto back on track, it will not be surprising to see Reimer end
up in the history books.
Tags: