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01/29/2017

Apr 20, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) celebrates after scoring a power play goal against the Florida Panthers during the second period of game four of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Florida Panthers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

5. John Tavares, Center, New York Islanders

If that overtime goal against Florida didn’t cement John Tavares’ status as one of the premier players in the Big Apple, I’m not sure what will. This season, with 19 goals and 19 assists, he is being his usual brilliant self. However, he loses points because the Islanders, at the time of writing, have the lowest point total in the entire NHL.

However, Tavares has been among the NHL’s best centers for years, and remains a generational talent for this Islanders team. He is still, by a distance, the best non goaltender player in New York hockey, and he edges Henrik Lundqvist as the best overall hockey player in New York as well.