Never Woulda Guessed It! 2011's Breakout Seasons

Now that the NHL season is winding down, and teams are battling for those last few playoff spots, I think it's very interesting to stop and take a look at who has broken out and surpassed the expectations of everyone. With no further ado, let's start with. . . .

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Claude Giroux F, Philadelphia Flyers

Early in the season it was no secret that Claude Giroux was producing. Starting his first 20 games with 21 points, Giroux was set to produce much more than either of his previous two seasons. The hype train was massive and all were on board early in the season, but as of late it has slowed down, despite Giroux having 70 points in 75 games, good for 12th in the league. It seems we have already become accustomed to Claude producing the points, but most would be surprised to look at his totals. Although he has always had the quick release and soft hands to put points on the board, just this season Claude Giroux has become a pivotal part of a deep Philly team that has it's sights on the Stanley Cup.

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Corey Perry F, Anaheim Ducks

Corey Perry, the winger everyone hates to play against, but loves on their team, has started putting it all together. 5th in points and 1st in goals, the gritty, 212lb forward has turned it on in the most important situations, also leading the league in game winning goals. Maybe points aren't the biggest surprise, having tallied 70 points twice in his career, but the goals are undeniable. Corey Perry has a previous career high of 32 goals, and with 44 this year and 7 games left, he seems to be the front runner for the Richard trophy as Anaheim tries to hang on to one of the West's last two playoff spots.

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Keith Yandle D, Phoenix Coyotes

What can $1.2 Million buy you in today's NHL? Apparently a 60 point defenseman that can log 24 minutes every game. Keith Yandle may have the biggest steal of a contract in today's NHL, but expect that to change come contract signing time. Yandle is third in defenseman points behind only Nicklas Lidstrom and Lubomir Visnovsky with 58, and has more than any other Coyote. But he has quickly shown this season that he is more than a powerplay defenseman, Yandle has shown much improved defensive play from last season as well as throught the season. In his contract year(RFA), don't expect Phoenix to pay through the roof for Yandle, but Dustin Byfuglien's recent extension may be a slightly higher benchmark for Yandle.