Presents and Coal

As EP Sports looks forward to the end of 2010, it's time to look back on what is turning into an intriguing 2010 NHL season. And, since it is Christmas, the NHL has been kind enough to lend EP Sports the men who looks the most like Santa Claus.

That's right. Scott Niedermeyer, Lanny McDonald and Butch Goring are going to hand out the presents this year. Here's their list.
(Here's Scott Niedermeyer, the best beard in hockey)
(Here's Lanny, with the walrus mustache)
(And here's Goring)

(For Forwards) Patrick Sharp(Sharp has been a presence for the Blackhawks this year)

Teammates Jonathen Toews and Patrick Kane have been the superstars in Chicago since each arrived. But the two might have to make some room for Sharp, who's 18 goals currently put him at third in the NHL. His 34 points also lead the Blackhawks, who are battling for a playoff spot in the competitive Western division. In fact, his play has been good enough to erase the departure of Dustin Byfuglien to the Atlanta Thrashers.

(For Defenseman)-John-Michael Liles(Liles made major improvements to his game)

Mr. Sensitive Skin himself. Though it's not like last year was bad, Liles has been unstoppable from his defensive position this year. In 33 games, he's scored 28 points, placing him only behind converted Dustin Byfuglien in defensive scoring. With his contributions, the Avalanche have been able to hold on the 4th seed in the Western conference.

(For Goaltenders)-Sergei Bobrovsky(From unknown to a favorite of Philadelphia. That's not easy)

The year in Philadelphia began with this Russian sitting in 4th position on the team's depth chart. It's safe to say that he's nowhere near that now. A 22-year-old rookie from Novokuznetsk, Russia, Bobrovsky has 15 wins to go along with a 2.44 Goals Against Average. He's also major reason for the team's early success, as the Flyers have shot to the top of the NHL standings.

(For Coaching)-Marc Crawford(Crawford has found a new home in Dallas)

The Steve Moore incident notwithstanding, Crawford has been one of the best bench bosses the league has had to offer. He's taken a team that has missed the playoffs each of the past two seasons, and has turned it into the team to beat in the Pacific Conference. Don't be surprised if the suddenly competitive Stars make a playoff push, and become one of the lead contenders to win the Stanley Cup.

(Team)-Atlanta Thrashers-First off, they have a hysterical marketing campaign to get fans out to the arena.

But the fans should be coming in droves already. After smart moves by General Manager Rick Dudley, the team managed to land some of the key components from the Chicago Blackhawks, including Dustin Byfuglien. Andrew Ladd, another Blackhawks castoff, has fit well into his leadership role, while players like Evander Kane and Anthony Steward have accepted their roles as scorers on the team. In fact, the group is headed toward a possible playoff birth, as it currently holds the lead in the Southeast division.

That would an incredible present for the Atlanta faithful.