2. Alexander Ovechkin Washington, left wing

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Alex Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby and Nicklas Lidstrom were the brightest stars on this year's preview list.

Photograph by : Getty, Reuters, Ottawa Citizen

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A Cup appearance is likely all that separates Alex the Great from Crosby. He collected four major awards at the end of last season (Hart, Pearson, Richard and Ross), and is the single most exciting player to watch. His passion is proving contagious for his Capitals teammates.

3. Nicklas Lidstrom Detroit, defenceman

Lidstrom might be 38 years old, but he seems to be in his prime. He has won six of the last seven Norris trophies, and was the runner-up the three previous seasons. Some worried about the Wings' leadership when Steve Yzerman departed. Lidstrom has answered any doubts.

4. Jarome Iginla Calgary, right wing

The man most likely to lead Canada at the 2010 Olympics can still score (50 goals and 98 points last season), and still fight (five majors) when he feels he has to. The Flames captain is a modern-day Gordie Howe. All that is missing is a parade on Calgary's Red Mile.

5. Henrik Zetterberg Detroit, left wing

The Swede's fortunes are often tied to that of his Russian linemate Pavel Datsyuk (they combined for 189 points last season), but a 27-point playoff effort en route to the Stanley Cup--and the Conn Smyth Trophy as the postseason MVP--helped create some separation.

6. Vincent Lecavalier Tampa Bay, centre

He was once heralded to be hockey's version of Michael Jordan, and while Lecavalier has not quite lived up to that hype, the former No. 1 draft pick knows how to drive to the net. He's big, fast and coming off a pair of 40-plus goal seasons (52 in 2006-07, 40 in 2008-09).

7. Pavel Datsyuk Detroit, centre

How is it that the man who led his team in scoring (97 points), assists (66) and plus/ minus (plus-41) gets ranked below two of his teammates? It is a problem only the Red Wings could have. The consistent Datsyuk has 271 points in 236 games since the NHL lockout.

8. Martin Brodeur New Jersey, goaltender

Pick a goalie, any goalie, to build your team around. For many, that has long been Brodeur. He has won three Cups and an Olympic gold medal, and been named the league's top goalie on four occasions. With a big game on the line, Brodeur's name is at the top of everyone's list.

9. Roberto Luongo Vancouver, goaltender

The NHL won't allow Luongo to be captain, but that doesn't mean he's not a leader. He finished in the top five in games played, shots against, shutouts and saves last season, and was in the top 10 in wins on a non-playoff team. Vancouver is no longer a goalie graveyard.

10. Joe Thornton San Jose, centre

When Thornton managed only 67 assists last season, it seemed like an off-year, but only by his standards. It was the first time in three seasons he had set up fewer than 90 goals. Thornton still led the league, and he finished in the top five in scoring for the fourth time in five years.

11. Evgeni Malkin Pittsburgh, centre