Ranking Pacific Divisions 5 Best Players (So Far)

Although the Pacific Division hasn’t exactly been the most dominant division in hockey this season, there has been no shortage of fantastic performances from elite players. Here’s a list of the top 5, so far:

Dec 18, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns (88) skates with the puck in the second period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

5. Brent Burns

Although the San Jose Sharks have been an underwhelming 3-7 in their last 10 games, Brent Burns has been having a magnificent season. The former defensemen turned-winger-turned back into defensemen has already registered 28 points in 32 games played, which ranks 1st among defensemen in the Pacific Division and 2nd in the entire Western Conference behind only John Klingberg. If the Sharks can return to their early season form, they may find themselves within grasp of a much coveted playoff spot. However, if thats going to happen, Burns will need to continue his scorching tone that he has set so far this year.

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Nov 22, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Daniel Sedin (22) and center Henrik Sedin (33) against the New Jersey Devils at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

4. Daniel/Henrik Sedin

Technically, I tried to separate the two but even their stats are similar. All jokes aside, the Sedins have been an offensive force ever since they were drafted, together I might add, by Vancouver in 1999. This season is no different as Daniel and Henrik have combined for an impressive 65 points. While Henrik has typically been the set-up man for sniping goal-scorer Daniel, either way you look at it, this is a pair of twins you don’t want to see when they’re on their game. Although the Sedins are entering the twilight of their career, both have shown that they can still score with anyone in the NHL and they seem more focused than ever after a surprising run last season. In a division where at least 3 playoff spots are up for grabs, the Sedins are certainly set up to decide the fate of the Canucks and other teams in their division.

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Nov 20, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Johnny Gaudreau (13) controls the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks during the overtime period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

3. Johnny Gaudreau
Sometimes, players get crafty nicknames and waste them on drugs and alcohol, cough cough Johnny Football. This is not the case with Johnny Hockey. The young Calgary Flames forward burst onto the scene last season, posting 24 goals and 40 assists, which was good enough to earn him 3rd place in the Calder Trophy race. This season, Johnny Ice Hockey has picked up right where he left off posting 33 points in 32 games played this season. The Calgary Flames were a pleasant surprise last season, making it into the playoffs and winning their first round series, and Gaudreau was the spark to that offensive flame, no pun intended, of course.

Dec 17, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) makes a glove save during the second period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

2. Jonathan Quick
Not only has Jonathan Quick been the best goaltender in the Pacific, he is making a case for being the best goaltender in the entire league. To be completely honest, that previous statement should come as a surprise to just about no one. Yet, all we seem to hear about is how good Carey Price is, (When was the last time he played again?) or how Henrik Lundqvist is the ‘King’ between the pipes. While I understand Price is dealing with an injury, the point is that the best goalie in the league isn’t currently on IR nor is he at MSG, the best goalie in the league is in black and silver. So far this season, the Vezina candidate holds a 17-8-1 record with a 2.19 GAA and a .920 SV%. The Kings have been a dominant Western Conference team and have reasserted themselves as perennial Stanley Cup favorites and Quick is the number 1 reason.

Dec 19, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Edmonton Oilers left wing Taylor Hall (4) calls for a pass in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

1. Taylor Hall
One of my absolute favorite players to watch, Taylor Hall is currently enjoying one of his finest seasons to date. The former 1st overall pick, Hall has had the misfortune of playing for a sinking Oilers team his entire career, otherwise we might’ve been talking about his skill-level much much earlier. With 15 goals and 20 assists, Hall sits at 4th in the entire Western Conference for points among qualified forwards. It’s easy to forget that Hall has put up numbers like this before and as Edmonton General Manager Peter Chiarelli continues to put actual hockey players around Hall, it will come as no surprise to see Hall considered among the best players in the NHL.

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