AmericanDream
Thank you Elon!
There is no possible way that Staal belongs on the list over Kopitar. This year, Kopitar has been a major impact player on the Kings, who've had little else to smile about, all things considered. Stastny too has played a huge role in the Avs' success.
It's tough to leave such a great prospect like Staal off the list, but this year's simply had an amazing crop of rookie forwards.
I agree with you that Kopitar is a great player, but sometimes outside factors can be at play. I look at the Kings year and the Canes year, and you talk about Kopitar being a major impact player, but what has he majorly impacted besides having a horrible record?
Staal on the other hand, is on a playoff bound team. How much of that has Staal had to do with that? I think some, the Canes are deeper, there is no question, but I also look at on a deeper team then the Kings, Staal still gets his ice-time over many talented vets, and still is putting up huge numbers. That alone puts his accomplishments on par to even higher then those of Kopitar who many nights has been a one man show there.
Who does Kopitar have to compete with for ice time????
I am not saying that going to the playoffs should impact a decision for an mvp, cy young, rookie of the year, etc.. I am saying that sometimes people look at those things as well as to what impact they have on their team, and how good that team is.