GDHL: Player Power Rankings (December)

Calgary (CP) After much whining from many GMs on their players not appearing on previous iterations of the Power Rankings, note that I don't take the approach "What have you done lately" to judge. If I did that, you could just look at the NHL monthly awards. This list also takes into account impact to their respective GDHL team along with statistics. In addition, it is a cumulative ranking, so just because some players have a mediocre month doesn't necessarily warrant them dropping out from the rankings.

Forwards:
1. Vincent Lecavalier, TBL (N/C): Where would Tampa be without Vinny? He is involved in just over 50% of all Tampa goals, highest in the league. Combine that with the Art Ross lead and he is right now the best player in the league.

2. Ilya Kovalchuk, ATL (+4): A streaky player that is probably one of the most fun to watch. Re-asserting himself this season as the star of the team and has been the reason for the Thrashers turn around in the standings.

3. Jarome Iginla, CGY (N/C): The Flames only had 1 regulation loss in December and the combination of Iggy and Huselius has been the reason why. Jarome netted 14 G in December, which was most in the NHL, and next to Vinny has been the most consistent forward in the league.

4. Sidney Crosby, PIT (-2)
5. Henrik Zetterberg, DET (-1)
6. Jason Spezza, OTT (NEW)
7. Dany Heatley, OTT (+1)
8. Alexander Ovechkin, WAS (NEW)
9. Daniel Alfredsson, OTT (-4)
10. Pavel Datsyuk, DET (NEW)

Defencemen:
1. Chris Pronger, ANA (N/C): With the return of Scotty to the lineup, the ducks boast the best D-corp in the league. Pronger's value shouldn't dip at all since he'll still be playing the same minutes and PP time. The second best PPt total and a killer on the PP.

2. Dion Phaneuf, CGY (NEW): A young Pronger with similar numbers, Dion has had a huge December with his improved defensive play help the Flames challenge for the NW crown. We can definitely see why Ken wanted him so badly.

3. Brian Rafalski, DET (N/C): Has the most PPP amongst defencemen in the league and is only 2 points behind his teammate, Lidstrom, for the D scoring title. Shows amazing creativity and has proved to be an upgrade over Schneider for the Wings.

4. Sergei Gonchar, PIT (-2)
5. Nic Lidstrom, DET (N/C)

Goalies:
1. Evgeni Nabokov, SJS (+2): The top PPt getter also has the league lead in wins and had a huge December posting 10 victories. Right now, there is not much separating Luongo and Evgeni, but Roberto missed some time with an injury that has hurt his ranking.

2. Roberto Luongo, VAN (-1): Missed 5 games due to a sore hip but you wouldn't notice it the way he's been playing. Best goalie in the league and needs to be with the Canucks one line offence.

3. Tomas Vokoun, FLA (NEW): With the prospect of facing 30+ shots a game, Tomas has managed to keep the Panthers above .500 despite the teams offensive woes. Did the Preds pick the right guy? Me thinks not.

4. Martin Brodeur, NJD (+1)
5. Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (-3)

Fur Engee (CP)