With the Stanley Cup playoffs quickly approaching, TSN.ca can't help but look back fondly on a regular season that included some of the best plays in recent years. Jaw-dropping saves, brilliant passing plays and electrifying goals – the 2008/09 season has had it all.
With that in mind, TSN.ca needs you, the NHL fan, to help crown this season's NHL Play of the Year. Over the next little while, TSN.ca will unveil the top 20 plays of the season and have you choose which plays will advance and ultimately be crowned the Play of the Year.
Be sure to check out the bracket below for the complete picture and watch the video in the right media bar to check the goal that sealed Alex Ovechkin's trip to the semi-finals in the Play of the Year Showdown.
Don't forget to make your comments heard with the TSN.ca Your Call feature below.
Pool A
February 18, 2009
Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.
If Superman played hockey, would he score goals like Alex Ovechkin? With this goal against the Canadiens, the Russian sniper transcended from mere superstar to, as NHL on TSN analyst Pierre McGuire insists, superhuman. Watch the video to see how Alex Ovechkin earned a permanent place in the highlight reels.
December 21, 2008
Scottrade Centre, St. Louis, Missouri
It's always been said that there is no "I" in team, but perhaps somebody should have asked Boston Bruins rookie forward Blake Wheeler before he burned the St. Louis Blues. Wheeler takes on four Blues defenders all by himself to complete one of the best individual plays of the season.
November 2, 2008
Phillips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta might not be the biggest hockey market, but Thrashers sniper Ilya Kovalchuk is one of the NHL's biggest stars. His outstanding effort on this goal begs to be noticed and epitomizes what makes Kovalchuk one of the truly special players in the league.
October 15, 2008
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Don't make the mistake of underestimating Blackhawks' Martin Havlat. The Czech forward is one of the most skilled players in the league and when he turns it on, get out of the way because you will get embarrassed. Something the Phoenix Coyotes learned the hard way.
October 20, 2008
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
At first glance, Ryan Smyth appears to be an odd fit among the candidates for Play of the Year considering his workmanlike style. But, this emphatic "Welcome to the NHL" moment Smyth delivers on Kings rookie defender Drew Doughty deserves recognition.
