Top 5 Best Forwards in the NHL

This is a list of the best of the best. The top five best forwards currently in the NHL will be examined. They will be judged not only on pure scoring talent, but also the ability to be a team player and provide solid production. Criteria for these players include goals, assists, points, and leadership. Let's get it started.

Sidney Crosby- By far the stand out star of the 2006-2007 season. He leads two of the most important categories in hockey. Sure Crosby can score pretty goals, but he can also provide scoring for others. Crosby has 21 goals and 44 assists, this makes for a league leading 65 points. The penguins are playing well right now, and Sid the kid can seem to do no wrong. With players like Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal next to him, look for Crosby to continue this into the years to come.

Joe Sakic- Although not having a huge year, Joe Sakic has always been a large part of the Colorado Avalanche's scoring. As the captain of the Avalanche, Sakic has 18 goals and 27 assists in 42 games. Sakic currently has 592 NHL goals so look for him to break the 600 goal mark this season. In his 18^th season in the NHL, Sakic is by no means new to the game. He has played over 1,200 games and shows no signs of slowing down.

Peter Forsberg- Here's a tricky one. No one can deny Forsberg's pure talent. He is one of the best players in the NHL when he is healthy. He provides leadership as the captain of the Flyers, and when he plays he can make or break the team. Half way through the season Forsberg has only played 27 games, with 7 goals, 16 assist, and 23 points. Sure he is not having a great year, but if he can remain healthy, he is among the NHL's elite.

Teemu Selanne- In his 16^th year in the league, Selanne is playing fantastically. In 45 games he has produced 25 goals and 29 assists for 54 points. Teemu is a key player for a young Ducks team. He battles for loose pucks, makes beautiful passes, and never ceases to amaze. If he can keep up his play, and the Ducks can get Chris Pronger back from injury, the Ducks have a big chance of making it deep into the playoffs this year.

Alexander Ovechkin- Similar to Crosby, Ovechkin is having an awesome sophomore year in the NHL. No one can deny that Ovechkin is a pleasure to watch on the ice. He always makes plays that amaze and keep even the casual watcher entertained. In 43 games Ovechkin has 28 goals and 31 assists for 59 points. Last year Ovechkin scored 52 goals. Look for him to break 60 as the season closes.