Niklas Backstrom-Again, I can't help but feel good whenever I pull a card from my "other" team. He would be the center piece of an organization if he wasn't overshadowed by Ovechkin. He's going to benefit from playing on Washington for a long time, since other teams top defensemen won't be able to focus on him as often as they should.
Eric Staal-Unfortunate that he had to leave to the team recently due to family issues. Can't blame him for that. He has been and will be for years to come the top guy on the Canes. Recently named to Team Canada in the upcoming Vancouver Olympics too.
Marc-Andre Fleury-Marc will most likely be playing third fiddle behind Brodeur and Luongo during the Olympics. But the experience of being around winners like them, and the other guys in the locker room for Team Canada, will pay dividends down the road for himself and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Ryan Miller-The go to guy for the Sabres and Team USA. He's my favorite to win Vezina (top goalie) and Pearson (league MVP). Expect him to keep up his great performance after the Olympics. Especially if Buffalo expects to make the playoffs.
Devin Setoguchi-I will admit to not knowing a whole lot about Devin. Since he plays on the west coast, I don't get to see him play much, other than the times my Hawks are out that way. From what I've seen though, he looks like he could be another great player and learn much from Jumbo Joe.
Steven Stamkos-Last years most prized pick up for any collector. He started off slowly in 2008-09 and picked it up in the later half of the season to finish with respectable numbers. He started this season right where he left off and will put up numbers that are closer to what we all thought he would be putting up.
Jay Beagle-Still hasn't proven himself at the NHL level, but that's OK. It usually takes defensmen a little bit longer than forwards to get accustomed to the size and speed of the NHL. Another year or two down in Hersey won't hurt him.
Matt Carle-He's been in the league since 2006-07 when he broke in full time with the Sharks and was named to the NHL's All Rookie Team. Since then he has moved teams twice. He was once traded to Tampa Bay for Dan Boyle and again traded to Philadelphia for Steve Eminger and Steve Downie, where I think he fits in nicely playing along side Chris Pronger. He is starting to be recognized for his abilities in the NHL.
All in all, I would say it was a good break. I could have used some of the fiance's luck, but I'm not complaining. The rest of the base cards that I pulled from this box can be purchased through Sportsbuy.com. And don't forget to checkout some of my other cards listed through Checkoutmycards.com.
I will be continuing my Player of the Day entries beginning on Monday.
