Sidney Crosby is the favourite less than halfway through the season, but the race for the Art Ross Trophy is basically wide open.
Heading into last Friday’s action, the Pittsburgh Penguins superstar led the NHL with 41 points (15G, 26A) in 30 games.
But seven other players were within 10 points of Sid the Kid, including Penguins teammate Evgeni Malkin with 37 points (7G, 30A) in 29 games.
Patrick Kane of the Blackhawks was very much in the race with 33 points (16G, 17A) in 30 games.
Alexander Steen of the Blues, Ryan Getzlaf of the Ducks and John Tavares of the Islanders were tied for fourth in league scoring with 32 points apiece.
Corey Perry of the Ducks and Joe Thornton of the Sharks came with 31 points each.
Meanwhile, just 11 points separate the league’s top 15 teams. Talk about parity.
The Blackhawks led the way with 44 points, but the Sharks were right behind with 43. St. Louis, Pittsburgh and Anaheim were tied for third overall in the league with 41 points apiece.
Among Canadian-based teams, the Edmonton Oilers continue to underperform. They ranked 27th of 30 teams.
Calgary was also far out of playoff contention, and things aren’t looking good for Winnipeg.
But you know what they say: it’s a long season and anything can change.
