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NHL Team Rankings
FINAL/TEAM MVP EDITION
After 1230 NHL games, the 2007-08 regular season is finally over. With that being said, I can now determine who I think each team's most valuable player was for this year. Every team has one player who performed at a level higher than anyone else on his club, and those guys will get the recognition they deserve on my rankings. When naming a team MVP, I'm looking for a combination of great production, durability, consistency, and leadership. If you have any disagreements with my picks, feel free to let me know; I have no problem defending myself. Thanks for reading, and enjoy the playoffs.
Rankings are for games played through April 6
1. Detroit (115 points, Central Division Champion, President's Trophy Winner)
Team MVP: Pavel Datsyuk
The league's best team had a few candidates for Team MVP, but to me Pavel Datsyuk was definitely Detroit's best player this season. Datsyuk led the team in several categories, including assists, points, plus/minus, and power play points. Also, he was the only Red Wing to avoid the injury bug, playing in all 82 games. He has had an outstanding regular season; now Detroit is waiting to see him duplicate this success in the playoffs.
2. San Jose (108 points, Pacific Division Champion)
Team MVP: Evgeni Nabokov
This was a tough choice because Joe Thornton had such a great season, but I went with Evgeni Nabokov because he had a historic season, from a Sharks standpoint at least. Nabokov started 77 games, a figure that tied with Martin Brodeur for the NHL lead and set a new Sharks single season record. His 46 wins also led the NHL and set another San Jose record, while his 2.14 GAA was tied for the third best in the league. Nabokov surely will be a nominee for the Vezina Trophy for best goaltender.
3. Montreal (104 points, Northeast Division Champion)
Team MVP: Alexei Kovalev
We have our first easy choice for team MVP here with Montreal's Alexei Kovalev. Kovalev led or tied for team lead in goals, assists, points, plus/minus, and power play points, and was tied for second with five game-winning goals. Kovalev was often criticized for not playing up to his potential in recent years, but nobody can say that about him this year, as his 83 points were the second best total of his career and his best output since he racked up 95 in 2000-01. That year, his Pittsburgh Penguins reached the Eastern Conference Finals; Montreal can only hope Kovalev carries the Habs to that level and beyond this year.
4. Pittsburgh (102 points, Atlantic Division Champion)
Team MVP: Evgeni Malkin
Another easy choice here, Malkin was far and away the Penguins' best player in 2007-08. Sidney Crosby missed 29 games with a sprained ankle, and Malkin made sure Pittsburgh did not fall down in the standings while he was out. Malkin led the Penguins in goals, assists, and points, and was second on the team in plus/minus, power play points, and game-winning goals, all while being one of just two Penguins to play all 82 games. His 106 points were second in the league overall, while his 47 goals were fourth. There is little question that Malkin will be a finalist for the Hart Trophy as league MVP, because he was most definitely one of the league's most valuable players this season.
5. Anaheim (102 points, 2nd Pacific)
Team MVP: Ryan Getzlaf
Anaheim had a great deal of trouble scoring this year, but that sure as heck was not Ryan Getzlaf's fault. An All-Star in his third season, Getzlaf led the Ducks in assists, points, plus/minus, and power play points. His 82 points were 28 more than anyone else on the team, further demonstrating his worth to the team and everyone else's offensive ineptness. Last postseason Getzlaf proved that he can be a big time player, and Anaheim will be depending on him to do the same this time around.
6. Minnesota (98 points, Northwest Division Champion)
Team MVP: Marian Gaborik
Marian Gaborik has had some injury problems throughout his career, but as he showed this year, when healthy he is a dominant force on the ice for the Wild. Gaborik set Wild franchise records with 42 goals and 83 points, while also leading the team in plus/minus and tying with Brian Rolston for the team lead in game winning goals with eight. Most importantly, Gaborik missed just five games this year, his lowest total since missing just one in 2002-03. That year, the Wild had their greatest playoff success in making the Western Conference Finals. Could this be an omen?
7. New Jersey (99 points, 2nd Atlantic)
Team MVP: Martin Brodeur
New Jersey scored the second fewest goals in the Eastern Conference this past season, yet still finished with 99 points. The main reason for that? Martin Brodeur, of course. Brodeur continued on his path to being the greatest goalie of all-time with his 10th straight season of 70+ games played and his third straight 40 win season, finishing second in the league with 44 wins. There is little question that Brodeur will be a finalist for the Vezina Trophy once again, as he will attempt to win it for the fourth time.
8. Dallas (97 points, 3rd Pacific)
Team MVP: Brenden Morrow
Mike Ribiero led the Stars in scoring this year, but I believe that Brenden Morrow was more valuable to the Stars on a whole. Dallas's captain finished first or second on the Stars in all of the following categories: goals, assists, points, plus/minus, penalty minutes, power play points, game-winning goals, and shots on goal. That's one heck of a season, in both the fantasy hockey world and the real NHL. After seeing this, there's no question to me why Morrow is Dallas's captain, and in my book their 2007-08 team MVP.
9. New York Rangers (97 points, 3rd Atlantic)
Team MVP: Henrik Lundqvist
Like the Devils, New York struggled to score goals this season, scoring the fourth fewest markers in the East. Also just like New Jersey, the Rangers were kept afloat by goaltending, thanks mostly to "King" Henrik Lundqvist. Lundqvist started 72 games this year and won 37, a total that could have been higher if he received more goal support. He led the NHL in shutouts with 10, and his numbers on a whole could earn him his first Vezina nomination.
10. Washington (94 points, Southeast Division Champion)
Team MVP: Michael Nylander
APRIL FOOLS! Come on, you really think that I would call a guy who missed half the season and finished with a -19 plus/minus rating the Captials' MVP? Obviously the Caps' best and most valuable player was Alexander "The Great" Ovechkin, a guy who will likely be named the league's MVP as well. Ovechkin led the team (and NHL) in goals (65) and points (112), while also posting an impressive +28 rating. Ovie had 39 more goals and 43 more points than anyone else on Washington, easily the biggest gaps between first and second on any team this year. With the Capitals making the playoffs for the first time since 2002-03, we now get to see how Ovechkin does on hockey's biggest stage.
11. Colorado (95 points, 2nd Northwest)
Team MVP: Paul Stastny
Colorado made the playoffs in spite of being very banged up in 2007-08, as only three players played over 80 games. My pick for team MVP did not, but was still the Avalanche's best this year. Paul Stastny is starting to resemble his father on the ice with his electrifying play, as he led Colorado in assists, points, plus/minus, and power play points. Stastny accomplished all of that despite missing 16 games thanks to a combination of a groin injury and appendectomy. Now healthy, he will be looking to dominate in his first postseason.
12. Philadelphia (95 points, 4th Atlantic)
Team MVP: Mike Richards
Philadelphia is another team that was banged up, with just four players playing 80+ games. Like Colorado their team MVP did not play 80 games but nonetheless was still their best player this season. Mike Richards led the Flyers in points, assists, and shorthanded goals and tied for the team lead with six game-winning goals. He was second on the team in plus/minus, power play points, and shots on goal, even though he missed nine games with a torn hamstring. His improvement was a big reason the Flyers were able to jump nine spots in the Eastern Conference standings from last year.
13. Ottawa (94 points, 2nd Northeast)
Team MVP: Jason Spezza
Ottawa's offense revolves around their big three forwards of Spezza, Dany Heatley, and Daniel Alfredsson, and it all starts with the playmaking of Spezza. A former #2 overall pick, Spezza finished first or second on the Sens in assists, points, plus/minus, power play points, and game-winning goals. He has had issues staying healthy for much of his career, having never played 80 games in a season yet, but his health improved this year as he played in 76. If Spezza plays all 82 games next year, a 100 point season is very much in reach.
14. Calgary (94 points, 3rd Northwest)
Team MVP: Jarome Iginla
Yawn, another year, another great season from Jarome Iginla. Hart Trophy voters should wake up and notice how valuable he was to his team, however, because he should absolutely be a finalist for that award. This past season Iginla not only played all 82 games for the fifth time in his career, he led the Flames in every single major offensive category, and did so convincingly. No Flame was within 20 goals of his 50 or within 32 points of his 98, with both totals ranking third in the entire NHL. Without Iginla, this team is most likely a lottery team, but fortunately for Calgary he is there every night.
15. Boston (94 points, 3rd Northeast)
Team MVP: Zdeno Chara
Boston captain Zdeno Chara is clearly the heart and soul of the team, and contributes well on offense even though he's a defenseman. This season Chara finished second on the Bruins in assists and power play points while ranking third in total points and shots on goal. Chara's defensive prowess shows in his plus/minus, a team leading +14. The B's will lean heavily on the league's biggest player in the playoffs, where he will try to lead the team to a first round upset over the hated Montreal Canadiens.
16. Nashville (91 points, 2nd Central)
Team MVP: Jason Arnott
After a 2007 offseason that saw Nashville trade away much of its top offensive talent, nobody expected the Predators to contend for a playoff spot. However, not only did Nashville contend, they made the playoffs for the fourth year in a row, and the biggest reason for that was the play of center Jason Arnott. The team's lone All-Star and captain, Arnott finished first or second on the Preds in goals, assists, points, plus/minus, power play points, and shots on goal. His play will be key if the Predators want to upset the top seeded Detroit Red Wings in the first round of the playoffs.
17. Carolina (92 points, 2nd Southeast)
Team MVP: Eric Staal
Carolina was one of the most banged up teams in the NHL in 2007-08, a situation that caused them to narrowly miss the playoffs. Neither scenario was the fault of star center Eric Staal. Thanks largely to being the only Hurricane to play all 82 games, Staal led the team in every major offensive category. Unfortunately, this was not enough to overcome all of Carolina's other problems, as they let Washington pass them in the standings and missed the playoffs for the second year in a row after winning the 2006 Stanley Cup.
18. Buffalo (90 points, 4th Northeast)
Team MVP: Derek Roy
For the first time since the lockout, Buffalo missed the playoffs. A lot of their failure can be blamed on the losses of Chris Drury, Danny Briere, and Brian Campbell to free agency and trades. The Sabres still pushed hard to try to squeak in to the postseason at the end of the year, and the player leading the charge was Derek Roy. Roy finished as the only Sabre to average a point a game, leading the team with 81 points in 78 games. He was also a very good penalty killer, tying for the team lead in shorthanded goals with three. Expect Roy to lead the Sabres back to the playoffs next year.
19. Edmonton (88 points, 4th Northwest)
Team MVP: Ales Hemsky
The Oilers came close to making the playoffs but came up short in their bid to finish in the top eight for the second time in three seasons. Ales Hemsky was the team's best player and the main reason they were able to make a late playoff push. Hemsky led the team in assists, points, and power play points, finishing as the only Oiler to score over 70 points. In fact, nobody else on the team even scored more than 50 points, which is probably why they missed the playoffs.
20. Chicago (88 points, 3rd Central)
Team MVP: Patrick Sharp
A former Philadelphia castoff, Patrick Sharp emerged as, in my opinion, Chicago's best all-around player in 2007-08. Sharp finished with a team-high 36 goals, becoming the Blackhawks' first 30+ goal scorer since Eric Daze netted 38 in 2001-02. He also led the team in both power play and shorthanded goals, with his 7 shorties tying for the NHL lead. If that isn't enough, Sharp was also tops on the Blackhawks in game-winning goals and shots on goal. Considering the not so impressive haul the Flyers got for trading Sharp two years ago, they should certainly regret getting rid of him.
21. Vancouver (88 points, 5th Northwest)
Team MVP: Roberto Luongo
Vancouver was in the hunt for a playoff spot most of the season despite finishing as the fourth lowest scoring team in the West. The main reason for that was most definitely goalie Roberto Luongo. Luongo was his usual consistent self, starting over 70 games for the fourth straight year and posted a save percentage over .910 for the seventh straight year. His efforts were not quite enough when all was said and done, as the Canucks faded down the stretch and lost their hold on the final playoff spot to Nashville. I think it's a crime that Luongo has only appeared in the playoffs one time; Vancouver needs some offense to make it two next season.
22. Florida (85 points, 3rd Southeast)
Team MVP: Nathan Horton
I was ready to pencil in Olli Jokinen as Florida's team MVP, but I could not do that after seeing his appalling team worst -19 plus/minus rating. Instead, I went with former #3 overall draft pick Nathan Horton. Horton finished second on the Panthers in goals, assists, plus/minus, and power play points, and was a physical force who led Florida with 85 PIM. If he can elevate his game even more next year, perhaps the team will not fall short of the playoffs yet again.
23. Phoenix (83 points, 4th Pacific)
Team MVP: Shane Doan
Once again, the Coyotes' best player was right wing Shane Doan. For the fourth season in a row, Doan led the Coyotes in scoring, thanks to leading Phoenix in both goals and assists. Fellow RW Radim Vrbata appeared to be on his way to a 30 goal season, but was somehow unable to score in the team's last 22 games, allowing Doan to take over the team lead. Poor Shane Doan has yet to win a playoff series, something he will definitely want to change next year.
24. Toronto (83 points, 5th Northeast)
Team MVP: Mats Sundin
Just like Shane Doan above, Mats Sundin has led his team in scoring for the fourth straight season. He has actually seen some playoff success before, but not since the lockout, as the Maple Leafs have yet to make the playoffs during that time. Sundin pulled off the trifecta in leading Toronto in goals, assists, and points, while also finishing with a team best +17 rating. He will now want at least one more playoff appearance before he retires, which might not be too long from now.
25. Columbus (80 points, 4th Central)
Team MVP: Rick Nash
The Blue Jackets' captain led the team in scoring for the second time in his career. He led the team in both goals and points, with his 69 of the latter setting a new career high. Nash is also proving to be a decent defensive player, scoring four shorthanded goals while finishing with a positive plus/minus on a team with a -25 goal differential. Nash led Columbus to their best season ever this year; next up, the playoffs? We shall see.
26. New York Islanders (79 points, 5th Atlantic)
Team MVP: Mike Comrie
It's tough to pick a team MVP on a squad that did not have even one guy finish with 50 points. I'll go with the player who was closest to that total, Mike Comrie, who scored 49 in 2007-08. Comrie led the team in scoring, power play points, and PIM despite being the smallest skater on the roster. He's gonna need to do a lot more next year if he wants the Isles to have any shot at making the playoffs.
27. St. Louis (79 points, 5th Central)
Team MVP: Brad Boyes
St. Louis was tied for being the second lowest scoring team in the NHL, but that certainly was not Brad Boyes' fault by any means. Boyes scored 43 goals, in the process becoming the Blues' first 40+ goal scorer since Scott Young tallied 40 in 2000-01. His 65 points tied for the team lead, and his 9 game winning goals were at least triple the total of anyone else on the team. He also managed to post a +1 rating, which is impressive on a team that had seven guys finish with ratings of -10 or worse. He'll need some more help if the Blues want to improve next year.
28. Atlanta (76 points, 4th Southeast)
Team MVP: Ilya Kovalchuk
Once again, Atlanta did not have a very good season, finishing with a league worst -56 goal differential. Things could have been even worse if Ilya Kovalchuk was not in the picture. Missing just three games this season, Kovalchuk led the Thrashers in ever major offensive category, and his -12 was actually matched or topped (in terms of being worse) by seven other players. One can only imagine how bad Atlanta would have been without Kovalchuk's 52 goals and 35 assists . . .
29. Los Angeles (71 points, 5th Pacific)
Team MVP: Anze Kopitar
After residing in the league's basement for most of the season, Los Angeles moved out in the final week of the regular season thanks to having more win than the Tampa Bay Lightning. The team's top player in a mostly awful year was lone All-Star Anze Kopitar, their leader in assists, points, and power play points. Kopitar, who played all 82 games in 2007-08, is the leader of a group of good young forwards who will help this team get better next year.
30. Tampa Bay (71 points, 5th Southeast)
Team MVP: Vincent Lecavalier
This is no surprise here, as Lecavalier is arguably the best player in Lightning history. This season he was either first or second on the team in goals, assists, points, power play points, shorthanded goals, game winning goals, and shots on goal. His -17 was atrocious, but that's almost expected on a team that led the league in goals allowed. Vinny will make sure these guys get better next year, and that should be easy since there's nowhere to go but up from here.
Statistics, standings, and images courtesy of
Past statistics courtesy of
After 1230 NHL games, the 2007-08 regular season is finally over. With that being said, I can now determine who I think each team's most valuable player was for this year. Every team has one player who performed at a level higher than anyone else on his club, and those guys will get the recognition they deserve on my rankings. When naming a team MVP, I'm looking for a combination of great production, durability, consistency, and leadership. If you have any disagreements with my picks, feel free to let me know; I have no problem defending myself. Thanks for reading, and enjoy the playoffs.
Rankings are for games played through April 6
1. Detroit (115 points, Central Division Champion, President's Trophy Winner)Team MVP: Pavel Datsyuk
The league's best team had a few candidates for Team MVP, but to me Pavel Datsyuk was definitely Detroit's best player this season. Datsyuk led the team in several categories, including assists, points, plus/minus, and power play points. Also, he was the only Red Wing to avoid the injury bug, playing in all 82 games. He has had an outstanding regular season; now Detroit is waiting to see him duplicate this success in the playoffs.
2. San Jose (108 points, Pacific Division Champion)Team MVP: Evgeni Nabokov
This was a tough choice because Joe Thornton had such a great season, but I went with Evgeni Nabokov because he had a historic season, from a Sharks standpoint at least. Nabokov started 77 games, a figure that tied with Martin Brodeur for the NHL lead and set a new Sharks single season record. His 46 wins also led the NHL and set another San Jose record, while his 2.14 GAA was tied for the third best in the league. Nabokov surely will be a nominee for the Vezina Trophy for best goaltender.
3. Montreal (104 points, Northeast Division Champion)Team MVP: Alexei Kovalev
We have our first easy choice for team MVP here with Montreal's Alexei Kovalev. Kovalev led or tied for team lead in goals, assists, points, plus/minus, and power play points, and was tied for second with five game-winning goals. Kovalev was often criticized for not playing up to his potential in recent years, but nobody can say that about him this year, as his 83 points were the second best total of his career and his best output since he racked up 95 in 2000-01. That year, his Pittsburgh Penguins reached the Eastern Conference Finals; Montreal can only hope Kovalev carries the Habs to that level and beyond this year.
4. Pittsburgh (102 points, Atlantic Division Champion)Team MVP: Evgeni Malkin
Another easy choice here, Malkin was far and away the Penguins' best player in 2007-08. Sidney Crosby missed 29 games with a sprained ankle, and Malkin made sure Pittsburgh did not fall down in the standings while he was out. Malkin led the Penguins in goals, assists, and points, and was second on the team in plus/minus, power play points, and game-winning goals, all while being one of just two Penguins to play all 82 games. His 106 points were second in the league overall, while his 47 goals were fourth. There is little question that Malkin will be a finalist for the Hart Trophy as league MVP, because he was most definitely one of the league's most valuable players this season.
5. Anaheim (102 points, 2nd Pacific)Team MVP: Ryan Getzlaf
Anaheim had a great deal of trouble scoring this year, but that sure as heck was not Ryan Getzlaf's fault. An All-Star in his third season, Getzlaf led the Ducks in assists, points, plus/minus, and power play points. His 82 points were 28 more than anyone else on the team, further demonstrating his worth to the team and everyone else's offensive ineptness. Last postseason Getzlaf proved that he can be a big time player, and Anaheim will be depending on him to do the same this time around.
6. Minnesota (98 points, Northwest Division Champion)Team MVP: Marian Gaborik
Marian Gaborik has had some injury problems throughout his career, but as he showed this year, when healthy he is a dominant force on the ice for the Wild. Gaborik set Wild franchise records with 42 goals and 83 points, while also leading the team in plus/minus and tying with Brian Rolston for the team lead in game winning goals with eight. Most importantly, Gaborik missed just five games this year, his lowest total since missing just one in 2002-03. That year, the Wild had their greatest playoff success in making the Western Conference Finals. Could this be an omen?
7. New Jersey (99 points, 2nd Atlantic)Team MVP: Martin Brodeur
New Jersey scored the second fewest goals in the Eastern Conference this past season, yet still finished with 99 points. The main reason for that? Martin Brodeur, of course. Brodeur continued on his path to being the greatest goalie of all-time with his 10th straight season of 70+ games played and his third straight 40 win season, finishing second in the league with 44 wins. There is little question that Brodeur will be a finalist for the Vezina Trophy once again, as he will attempt to win it for the fourth time.
8. Dallas (97 points, 3rd Pacific)Team MVP: Brenden Morrow
Mike Ribiero led the Stars in scoring this year, but I believe that Brenden Morrow was more valuable to the Stars on a whole. Dallas's captain finished first or second on the Stars in all of the following categories: goals, assists, points, plus/minus, penalty minutes, power play points, game-winning goals, and shots on goal. That's one heck of a season, in both the fantasy hockey world and the real NHL. After seeing this, there's no question to me why Morrow is Dallas's captain, and in my book their 2007-08 team MVP.
9. New York Rangers (97 points, 3rd Atlantic)Team MVP: Henrik Lundqvist
Like the Devils, New York struggled to score goals this season, scoring the fourth fewest markers in the East. Also just like New Jersey, the Rangers were kept afloat by goaltending, thanks mostly to "King" Henrik Lundqvist. Lundqvist started 72 games this year and won 37, a total that could have been higher if he received more goal support. He led the NHL in shutouts with 10, and his numbers on a whole could earn him his first Vezina nomination.
10. Washington (94 points, Southeast Division Champion)Team MVP: Michael Nylander
APRIL FOOLS! Come on, you really think that I would call a guy who missed half the season and finished with a -19 plus/minus rating the Captials' MVP? Obviously the Caps' best and most valuable player was Alexander "The Great" Ovechkin, a guy who will likely be named the league's MVP as well. Ovechkin led the team (and NHL) in goals (65) and points (112), while also posting an impressive +28 rating. Ovie had 39 more goals and 43 more points than anyone else on Washington, easily the biggest gaps between first and second on any team this year. With the Capitals making the playoffs for the first time since 2002-03, we now get to see how Ovechkin does on hockey's biggest stage.
11. Colorado (95 points, 2nd Northwest)Team MVP: Paul Stastny
Colorado made the playoffs in spite of being very banged up in 2007-08, as only three players played over 80 games. My pick for team MVP did not, but was still the Avalanche's best this year. Paul Stastny is starting to resemble his father on the ice with his electrifying play, as he led Colorado in assists, points, plus/minus, and power play points. Stastny accomplished all of that despite missing 16 games thanks to a combination of a groin injury and appendectomy. Now healthy, he will be looking to dominate in his first postseason.
12. Philadelphia (95 points, 4th Atlantic)Team MVP: Mike Richards
Philadelphia is another team that was banged up, with just four players playing 80+ games. Like Colorado their team MVP did not play 80 games but nonetheless was still their best player this season. Mike Richards led the Flyers in points, assists, and shorthanded goals and tied for the team lead with six game-winning goals. He was second on the team in plus/minus, power play points, and shots on goal, even though he missed nine games with a torn hamstring. His improvement was a big reason the Flyers were able to jump nine spots in the Eastern Conference standings from last year.
13. Ottawa (94 points, 2nd Northeast)Team MVP: Jason Spezza
Ottawa's offense revolves around their big three forwards of Spezza, Dany Heatley, and Daniel Alfredsson, and it all starts with the playmaking of Spezza. A former #2 overall pick, Spezza finished first or second on the Sens in assists, points, plus/minus, power play points, and game-winning goals. He has had issues staying healthy for much of his career, having never played 80 games in a season yet, but his health improved this year as he played in 76. If Spezza plays all 82 games next year, a 100 point season is very much in reach.
14. Calgary (94 points, 3rd Northwest)Team MVP: Jarome Iginla
Yawn, another year, another great season from Jarome Iginla. Hart Trophy voters should wake up and notice how valuable he was to his team, however, because he should absolutely be a finalist for that award. This past season Iginla not only played all 82 games for the fifth time in his career, he led the Flames in every single major offensive category, and did so convincingly. No Flame was within 20 goals of his 50 or within 32 points of his 98, with both totals ranking third in the entire NHL. Without Iginla, this team is most likely a lottery team, but fortunately for Calgary he is there every night.
15. Boston (94 points, 3rd Northeast)Team MVP: Zdeno Chara
Boston captain Zdeno Chara is clearly the heart and soul of the team, and contributes well on offense even though he's a defenseman. This season Chara finished second on the Bruins in assists and power play points while ranking third in total points and shots on goal. Chara's defensive prowess shows in his plus/minus, a team leading +14. The B's will lean heavily on the league's biggest player in the playoffs, where he will try to lead the team to a first round upset over the hated Montreal Canadiens.
16. Nashville (91 points, 2nd Central)Team MVP: Jason Arnott
After a 2007 offseason that saw Nashville trade away much of its top offensive talent, nobody expected the Predators to contend for a playoff spot. However, not only did Nashville contend, they made the playoffs for the fourth year in a row, and the biggest reason for that was the play of center Jason Arnott. The team's lone All-Star and captain, Arnott finished first or second on the Preds in goals, assists, points, plus/minus, power play points, and shots on goal. His play will be key if the Predators want to upset the top seeded Detroit Red Wings in the first round of the playoffs.
17. Carolina (92 points, 2nd Southeast)Team MVP: Eric Staal
Carolina was one of the most banged up teams in the NHL in 2007-08, a situation that caused them to narrowly miss the playoffs. Neither scenario was the fault of star center Eric Staal. Thanks largely to being the only Hurricane to play all 82 games, Staal led the team in every major offensive category. Unfortunately, this was not enough to overcome all of Carolina's other problems, as they let Washington pass them in the standings and missed the playoffs for the second year in a row after winning the 2006 Stanley Cup.
18. Buffalo (90 points, 4th Northeast)Team MVP: Derek Roy
For the first time since the lockout, Buffalo missed the playoffs. A lot of their failure can be blamed on the losses of Chris Drury, Danny Briere, and Brian Campbell to free agency and trades. The Sabres still pushed hard to try to squeak in to the postseason at the end of the year, and the player leading the charge was Derek Roy. Roy finished as the only Sabre to average a point a game, leading the team with 81 points in 78 games. He was also a very good penalty killer, tying for the team lead in shorthanded goals with three. Expect Roy to lead the Sabres back to the playoffs next year.
19. Edmonton (88 points, 4th Northwest)Team MVP: Ales Hemsky
The Oilers came close to making the playoffs but came up short in their bid to finish in the top eight for the second time in three seasons. Ales Hemsky was the team's best player and the main reason they were able to make a late playoff push. Hemsky led the team in assists, points, and power play points, finishing as the only Oiler to score over 70 points. In fact, nobody else on the team even scored more than 50 points, which is probably why they missed the playoffs.
20. Chicago (88 points, 3rd Central)Team MVP: Patrick Sharp
A former Philadelphia castoff, Patrick Sharp emerged as, in my opinion, Chicago's best all-around player in 2007-08. Sharp finished with a team-high 36 goals, becoming the Blackhawks' first 30+ goal scorer since Eric Daze netted 38 in 2001-02. He also led the team in both power play and shorthanded goals, with his 7 shorties tying for the NHL lead. If that isn't enough, Sharp was also tops on the Blackhawks in game-winning goals and shots on goal. Considering the not so impressive haul the Flyers got for trading Sharp two years ago, they should certainly regret getting rid of him.
21. Vancouver (88 points, 5th Northwest)Team MVP: Roberto Luongo
Vancouver was in the hunt for a playoff spot most of the season despite finishing as the fourth lowest scoring team in the West. The main reason for that was most definitely goalie Roberto Luongo. Luongo was his usual consistent self, starting over 70 games for the fourth straight year and posted a save percentage over .910 for the seventh straight year. His efforts were not quite enough when all was said and done, as the Canucks faded down the stretch and lost their hold on the final playoff spot to Nashville. I think it's a crime that Luongo has only appeared in the playoffs one time; Vancouver needs some offense to make it two next season.
22. Florida (85 points, 3rd Southeast)Team MVP: Nathan Horton
I was ready to pencil in Olli Jokinen as Florida's team MVP, but I could not do that after seeing his appalling team worst -19 plus/minus rating. Instead, I went with former #3 overall draft pick Nathan Horton. Horton finished second on the Panthers in goals, assists, plus/minus, and power play points, and was a physical force who led Florida with 85 PIM. If he can elevate his game even more next year, perhaps the team will not fall short of the playoffs yet again.
23. Phoenix (83 points, 4th Pacific)Team MVP: Shane Doan
Once again, the Coyotes' best player was right wing Shane Doan. For the fourth season in a row, Doan led the Coyotes in scoring, thanks to leading Phoenix in both goals and assists. Fellow RW Radim Vrbata appeared to be on his way to a 30 goal season, but was somehow unable to score in the team's last 22 games, allowing Doan to take over the team lead. Poor Shane Doan has yet to win a playoff series, something he will definitely want to change next year.
24. Toronto (83 points, 5th Northeast)Team MVP: Mats Sundin
Just like Shane Doan above, Mats Sundin has led his team in scoring for the fourth straight season. He has actually seen some playoff success before, but not since the lockout, as the Maple Leafs have yet to make the playoffs during that time. Sundin pulled off the trifecta in leading Toronto in goals, assists, and points, while also finishing with a team best +17 rating. He will now want at least one more playoff appearance before he retires, which might not be too long from now.
25. Columbus (80 points, 4th Central)Team MVP: Rick Nash
The Blue Jackets' captain led the team in scoring for the second time in his career. He led the team in both goals and points, with his 69 of the latter setting a new career high. Nash is also proving to be a decent defensive player, scoring four shorthanded goals while finishing with a positive plus/minus on a team with a -25 goal differential. Nash led Columbus to their best season ever this year; next up, the playoffs? We shall see.
26. New York Islanders (79 points, 5th Atlantic)Team MVP: Mike Comrie
It's tough to pick a team MVP on a squad that did not have even one guy finish with 50 points. I'll go with the player who was closest to that total, Mike Comrie, who scored 49 in 2007-08. Comrie led the team in scoring, power play points, and PIM despite being the smallest skater on the roster. He's gonna need to do a lot more next year if he wants the Isles to have any shot at making the playoffs.
27. St. Louis (79 points, 5th Central)Team MVP: Brad Boyes
St. Louis was tied for being the second lowest scoring team in the NHL, but that certainly was not Brad Boyes' fault by any means. Boyes scored 43 goals, in the process becoming the Blues' first 40+ goal scorer since Scott Young tallied 40 in 2000-01. His 65 points tied for the team lead, and his 9 game winning goals were at least triple the total of anyone else on the team. He also managed to post a +1 rating, which is impressive on a team that had seven guys finish with ratings of -10 or worse. He'll need some more help if the Blues want to improve next year.
28. Atlanta (76 points, 4th Southeast)Team MVP: Ilya Kovalchuk
Once again, Atlanta did not have a very good season, finishing with a league worst -56 goal differential. Things could have been even worse if Ilya Kovalchuk was not in the picture. Missing just three games this season, Kovalchuk led the Thrashers in ever major offensive category, and his -12 was actually matched or topped (in terms of being worse) by seven other players. One can only imagine how bad Atlanta would have been without Kovalchuk's 52 goals and 35 assists . . .
29. Los Angeles (71 points, 5th Pacific)Team MVP: Anze Kopitar
After residing in the league's basement for most of the season, Los Angeles moved out in the final week of the regular season thanks to having more win than the Tampa Bay Lightning. The team's top player in a mostly awful year was lone All-Star Anze Kopitar, their leader in assists, points, and power play points. Kopitar, who played all 82 games in 2007-08, is the leader of a group of good young forwards who will help this team get better next year.
30. Tampa Bay (71 points, 5th Southeast)Team MVP: Vincent Lecavalier
This is no surprise here, as Lecavalier is arguably the best player in Lightning history. This season he was either first or second on the team in goals, assists, points, power play points, shorthanded goals, game winning goals, and shots on goal. His -17 was atrocious, but that's almost expected on a team that led the league in goals allowed. Vinny will make sure these guys get better next year, and that should be easy since there's nowhere to go but up from here.
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Past statistics courtesy of
