#47 BOS Steven Kampfer- Ann Arbor, MI
Yes, he’s not the biggest player at just 5-foot 11 and just 197 pounds. Sure, he’s seemingly had a negligible impact for the
Bruins. In fact, he didn’t make the big club till December.
But Kampfer stunningly resembles an NHL superstar, Dan Boyle, with his play. Sure, he doesn’t have the prototypical defensive size or shot. In it’s place, however, he’s got a wealth of speed and a nasty wrist shot. He can even play physical if the need arises.
Is he the best? No.
But he’s good enough to get the last spot on this team.
#23 PHX Oliver Ekman-Larsson-Karlskrona, Sweden
Ekman-Larsson had been so hyped before the season that many expected the 19-year-old to win a job in the NHL. Not only did he win the job, he hasn’t disappointed either. He heads into the break with 10 points so far on the year, and recently tallied his first NHL goal.
OEL-his nickname-is a smooth-skating defenseman with soft enough hands that he is valuable in the shootout. He’ll be perfect as a partner with Kampfer in this lineup, as both have the speed to keep up with opponents.
Plus, the pairing can be referred to as “The Tongue Twisters.”
#76 MTL P.K. Subban-Toronto, ON.
Bob Errey had Subban perfectly pegged. He’s a wild stallion, a player whose actions are so unpredictable that he’s almost a hindrance to the Canadians when he plays. He’s also been called out by multiple players for his lack of respect,
But don’t mistake his wild nature for a lack of talent. Subban has the best skating skills in the league, a wicked slap-shot from the point, and physical prowess to physically dominate opponents. Plus, he can quarterback the power play.
He’s already a fan favorite in Montreal. Expect him to become a household name in hockey within the next decade.
#28 (4) CAR Jamie McBain-Edina, MN
Ironically, Subban’s partner might be the best rookie that no one knows. McBain has spent the entire season with the Hurricanes, and has been a solid, if understated, blue line presence.
McBain is more of an all-around player, with only his hard shot standing out from his list of talents. He’ll be the perfect complement to the wild Subban, and can cover for him if he is out of position.
He’s a solid addition to the lineup.
#74 WSH John Carlson-Natick, MA
The hero from last year’s World Junior Championship, Carlson is a big force on the blue line for the Capitals. His size-he’s 6-foot 3 and nearly 210 pounds-along with his skating ability ensure that he can be the type of defenseman that the Capitals need.
What really sets Carlson apart, though, is his laser beam of a slap shot. His accuracy and power with this shot makes him a threat every time he touches the puck on the point.
His total ability could allow him to be the best defenseman in Washington before the decade is out.
#24 (4) ANA Cam Fowler- Windsor, ON
The top defenseman in this group, Fowler has shown a poise and grace that belies his 18 years of age. Despite being a long shot going into camp this year, Fowler has been one of the top defenseman on the Ducks.
The reason? An unparalleled ability to get into seams on the ice that allow him to release his accurate shot. Though he’s not the best defensively, his main job will be to move in on rushes into the offensive zone.
Remember, he’s just 19. The sky is the limit for Fowler.
(Plus his name is Fowl…on the Ducks? Get it? Yeah, it wasn't funny to me either.)
Goaltenders-
#1 (35) VAN Cory Schneider- Marblehead, MA
The secret weapon for the Canucks this season, Schneider has been almost unstoppable in his starts this year. He’s allowed more than three goals just three times in his fourteen starts, and boasts a ridiculous 2.35 GAA this year.
In addition, Schneider is currently outscoring actual positional players-he has three assists this season-and he’s a ginger. He's a logical fit for the third goaltender position
#39 NSH Anders Lindback-Gavle, Sweden
It seemed that Nashville would have to rely on Pekka Rinne during the season after the loss of Dan Ellis to Tampa Bay. But, the Predators had an ace up their sleeve.
Meet Anders Lindback, a 6-foot, 6 goaltender who oddly resembles Rinne, right down the to the blond hair and Scandinavian background. Lindback boasts a record of 10-4, along with two shutouts on the year.
In fact, if it weren’t for next goaltender, Lindback would be a lock for the top spot.
#35 PHI Sergei Bobrovsky-Novokuznetsk, Russia
Let’s get this straight right now. Philadelphia essentially makes it to the Stanley Cup with an AHL veteran and an NHL starter from 2004. The group then proceeds to gets exactly zero goaltending help and loses the AHL veteran…only to have some 22-year-old kid from Russia suddenly steal the show and become the presence that the Philadelphia fans have been begging for since the days of Ron Hextall.
21 wins. A 2.42 GAA and .925 save percentage. Shoring up the one spot that the Flyers actually needed to improve in last year.
No one deserves this spot more than Bob.
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