If you are a regular visitor at Notinhalloffame.com, you know that we created the Notinhalloffame NHL Cup, where in every regular season game, we award points (5-4-3-2-1) to the top five performers.  This is the third year that we have done this, and Edmonton’s Connor McDavid won the first two.

To keep everyone regularly in the loop this time, we have decided to give regular updates, starting at Thanksgiving, and tell all of you the top ten.  We were going forward with every update as the first player breaches the elevated ten-point threshold afterward, but now that we are in the home stretch, this will be the last update until season’s end.

Here is the current top ten in Notinhalloffame Cup Points:

1. David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins. 45 Cup Points:  18 Games, 12 G, 17 A, 29 P, +11, 3.8 PS.

The Boston Bruins (like last year) have been the best team early in the season, and it is David Pastrnak who has led their offensive threat.  He is not currently leading the league in any category, but is third in Points (29), is Boston’s leading scorer, and is in the top ten in most essential scoring categories.  Could he win his first Hart?

2. Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks, 35 Cup Points:  20 Games, 8 G, 23 A, 31 P, +15, 4.8 PS

The Canucks are shocking the hockey world with their unexpected start to the season and at the forefront is Norris Trophy contender, Quinn Hughes, who is currently leading the NHL in Points (31), and has already tied his best mark in Goals (8).  Can he, and for that matter, Vancouver, possibly keep this up?  Probably not, but it has been a fun ride thus far!

3. Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche. 34 Cup Points:  18 Games, 5 G, 24 A, 29 P, +16, 4.6 PS.

Never before have we had two defensemen in the top ten, let alone in the top three!  The former Norris Trophy winner is off to a blistering is topping start, and is topping the NHL in Assists (24), Plus/Minus (+16) and Defensive Point Shares (1.9).

4. Sam Reinhart, Florida Panthers, 33 Cup Points:  19 Games, 13 G, 12 A, 25 P, +10, 3.3 PS.

It is a surprise to see Reinhart as the top Florida Panther, and he is on pace to have the best season of his career.  He is currently third in Goals (13), ninth in Points (25) and fifth in Point Shares (3.3).

5.  Kyle Connor, Winnipeg Jets, 32 Cup Points:  18 Games, 14 G, 8 A, 22 P, -6, 2.4 PS.

Connor is leading the surprising Jets, who as of this writing are in a playoff spot.  The Left Wing is leading the NHL in Goals (14), Even Strength Goals (11) and Game-Winning Goals (5).  Connor has yet to light the lamp 50 times in a season (his peak is 47), but he is on pace to do it this year.

6 TIE. Mikko Rantanen, Colorado Avalanche, 31 Cup Points:  18 Games, 12 G, 13 A, 25 P, +7, 3.1 PS. 

The potent Avalanche are blessed with an assortment of riches, with Rantanen leading the team in Cup Standings.  He is currently eighth in Goals (12) and ninth in Points (25).

6 TIE. Artemi Panarin, New York Rangers.  31 Cup Points, 17 Games, 10 G, 16 A, 26 P, +2, 3.0 PS.

The Russian veteran scored over 90 Points the last two seasons, and should be able to do so again if he maintains his current production.  He is tenth in Assists (16) and eighth in Points (26).

6 TIE. Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning.  31 Cup Points, 19 Games, 13 G, 16 A, 29 P, -2, 3.2 PS.

Kucherov is in his tenth season in Tampa, and is putting forth a season that could gain him another Hart or Art Ross.  He is leading the NHL in Shots (89), and is third in Goals (13) and Points (29) and tenth in Assists (16).

9.. J.T. Miller, Vancouver Canucks.  30 Cup Points, 19 Games, 13 G, 17 A, 30 P, +10, 3.5 PS.

The Canucks are the second team (after Colorado) to boast two players in the top ten, and if you look at the statistical Points table, they should!  Miller is second in Points (30), and is first in Power Play Goals (6) and Shot Percentage (28.9).  He is also third in Goals (13).

10. Adin Hill, Vegas Golden Knights.  29 Cup Points:  12 Games, 9-2-1 Record, .932 Save Percentage, 1.97 GAA, 3.1 GPS.

Adin Hill took over as Vegas’ starting Goalie in last year’s playoffs, and the decision landed the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup.  Hill began this year as the primary Goalie, a first for him, and he is second in Wins (9), Shutouts (2) and GAA (1,97) and is third in Save Percentage (.932).  He is a bona fide Vezina contender.

Our next update will be next Friday.