Season so far (after 11 games)...Nothing really controversial here, but I hope some debate will erupt anyway.

1. Koivu

-yes, he's small, and sometimes that hurts him. But overall, our best player so far this season. Gritty, smart, quick, skilled, consistent. Remember Detroit (and that was in clutch and grab days) and Yzerman (and Larionov). Now if only Bonk could be Fedorov...Begin would certainly have fit in well with that awesome 4th line (Draper, Maltby, etc...)

2. Markov

-He wasn't skating as well last night, but it was his only bad game. He could be our best player, really. Maybe he is and I just like Koivu more.

3. Kovalev

-Yes, he's maddening, and bad about a third of the time. But he's great a lot of the time, and easily our most talented player. It's clear he wants to win badly and enjoys playing for Montreal. People complain about his crap defense, but he helps Koivu get space, scares the opposing team and makes them take penalties, etc...

4. Begin

-Oh, if he was only more skilled. What a great player.

5. Bouillon

-Bouillon? Yes, Bouillon. He may wear down this season, but right now he's one of our best players.

6. Rivet

-I've never seen him play so well. For once I think he belongs. Never would've expected this in the post-clutch-and-grab NHL.

7. Zednik

-Not much evidence to work with, but last night it was clear he's back. An intimidating presence.

8. Dandenault

-Improving quickly, and I think a player who will do well with the new rules. I'm probably overrating him because he was our best defenseman last night.

9. Perezhogin

-Looks like a future star.

10. Bulis

-sometimes he makes you wonder if being a hard-working great skater is really worth all that much. Other times you love the way he flies...

11. Higgins

-looks like a future captain, but still up-and-down rookie type stuff here and there.

12. Plekanec

-maybe I'm overrating him, but I like what he brings.

13. Ryder

-he's back, and about time.

14. Bonk

-I disagree with And-o about him; he still seems to lack confidence. You can tell he's frustrated, but he does provide solid defensive play most of the time. I'm still confident he has the goods though. I always liked him in Ottawa.

15. Ribeiro

-Up and down...I like the idea someone had that his inconsistency is actually a trick to lull other teams into complacency. How else is he going to get the puck? Should probably play with a big and fast forward who can make room for him. Perezhogin doesn't seem like he would be the right guy.

16. Komisarek

-This is a conscientious young player who is clearly working on his game. He still does very dumb things quite regularly. But he will be a solid top four for sure.

17. Sundstrom

-A boring, but useful player.

18. Danis

-obviously he's young, and probably will make a lot of mistakes, but he's doing well so far. No big mistakes in last night's game. (well, maybe one goal was a little tiny bit soft...he was late getting down - the comparison to make would be Lundqvist...he was stopping shots like that all game)

19. Theodore

-right now he's the big worry....well him and Souray. He probably deserves a higher ranking, but I can't put last night's game out of my mind at the moment.

20. Souray

-bench him now...get his head examined...send him to Hamilton if necessary.

21. Dagenais

-I was surprised the other night how many times he got involved. And he still has that wicked shot. But all is not forgiven.

I didn't rate Streit or Ivanans, since I still don't think they will play a big part this year.

The amazing thing is that most of our players are really playing well. Sundstrom is ranked 17th, but he's been great so far, really. So the goats remain, for now:

-Dagenais, Souray, and yes...Theodore