Even in a poll of broadcasters and analysts, the field was wide open.<\/p>\n
NHL Network\u2019s Mike Rupp said he would pick Celebrini right now, but he had no argument against Kucherov, who is tied for second in the League with 104 points (34 goals, 70 assists) in 59 games with the Lightning, who are second in the Atlantic Division behind the Buffalo Sabres.<\/p>\n
Boucher\u2019s initial choice was \u201cMcDavid slightly over MacKinnon, I suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n
McDavid leads the League with 110 points (36 goals, 74 assists) in 65 games. MacKinnon is tied with Kucherov with 104 points (43 goals, 61 assists) in 62 games.<\/p>\n
The Oilers are tied for second place in the Pacific Division. The Avalanche have been the top team in the League all season and remain the leading contender to win the President\u2019s Trophy.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a tough call,\u201d\u00a0Boucher said.<\/p>\n
Brian Boyle, who does work for\u00a0NHL Network and MSG Networks, said he agreed with the voting done by the NHL.com panel with Kucherov ever so slightly ahead of McDavid, who was ever so slightly ahead of MacKinnon.<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2018Kuch\u2019 is my pick, usually,\u201d Boyle said. \u201cMacKinnon was running away with it early.\u201d<\/p>\n
But Boyle, too, has his eyes on\u00a0Celebrini, who is fifth in the NHL with 90 points (33 goals, 57 assists) in 62 games.<\/p>\n
The Sharks were not expected to be anywhere near the playoff race. They\u2019re one point behind for the second wild card in the Western Conference.<\/p>\n