GDHL: Player Power Rankings (November)

Calgary (CP) A great suggestion was brought forth by a colleague of mine that solves a big dilemma for me. The problem that I've been having is comparing impact of Forwards, Defencemen and Goalies. So for this month I'll attempt to separate them by specifying the Top 10 Forwards, Top 5 D and Top 5 Goalies with explanations for the top 3 and obviously no previous rankings listed. I'd like to collect feedback on how you like this format better than the other one since there are Pros and Cons to both. While the previous list is more of an MVP of the entire league, this one is "best in your position".

Forwards:
1. Vincent Lecavalier, TBL: A couple of months ago I wondered whether last season was an anomaly. This season he's showing that it was no fluke and when playing his game perhaps could give Crosby a good run for "Best Player in the League" title. Currently he leads the league in scoring but will probably be passed by Sid the Kid by X-mas. But out of this list, he has been the most consistent player so far this season.

2. Sidney Crosby, PIT: At this time of this post, it comes off the heels of a 4-2 PIT win over the Oil so I'm a little upset with him right now. That's the thing though, he does nothing for the first 2 periods and then sets up 3 in a 4 goal third to win. He's a superstar period.

3. Jarome Iginla, CGY: Question for all the Flamers out there... if Iggy doesn't score what is Calgary's record? I've often thought that without Kipper, the Flames are useless. I'd probably have to refine that to without Kipper OR Jarome the Flames are useless. He does everything for them... including fight.

4. Henrik Zetterberg, DET
5. Daniel Alfredsson, OTT
6. Ilya Kovalchuk, ATL
7. Mats Sundin, TOR
8. Dany Heatley, OTT
9. Rick Nash, CLB
10. Marc Savard, BOS

Defencemen
1. Chris Pronger, ANA: Placing second in overall PPts in the GDHL behind Vinny and ahead of Crosby, Chris is having an MVP type season. Over 70% of his points comes on the PP and he is 5th if defencemen scoring. He has his meanstreak again and when healthy solidifies his ranking at No.1.

2. Sergei Gonchar, PIT: There is a lot of credit that goes to Ryan Whitney being the young stud on D but without Gonchar as his partner one wonders if he'd have as much success. Almost all Whitney goals and assists have Gonchar's name attached to it... not the other way around. Without Sergei, PIT's defence would be very suspect.

3. Brian Rafaslki, DET: Being an offensive defencemen, I'm sure that Brian was relieved to get out of Jersey. What a difference a coach makes as Brian holds his own with Nic providing the Wings with a scary PP.

4. Zdeno Chara, BOS
5. Nic Lidstrom, DET

Goalies:
1. Roberto Luongo, VAN: Powered by 3 consecutive SO, he is solely responsible for the Canucks turnaround this season and the GDC Bruins. He is finally playing up to his normal standards and should earn Vancouver a second consecutive NW division crown.

2. Henrik Lundqvist, NYR: After a strong October, Henrik continued his great play. Now that the Rangers offence has finally figured itself out, the Rangers are rolling. By year's end, expect him to be another Vezina finalist.

3. Evgeni Nabokov, SJS: Not much is being written on the Sharks this season with so many other things happening in the league. Meanwhile, Nabokov has gone 7-1-3 in his last 11 to quietly park the Sharks in their usual position... near the top of the league. The Sharks made the right choice between him and Vesa.

4. Pascal Leclaire, CLB
5. Martin Brodeur, NJD

Fur Engee (CP)