Hobey Baker watch: Week of Feb. 12

Time is ticking down before the playoffs get underway. The elite playmakers throughout the nation are taking strides to become the best at what they do just in time for the tournament.

What players are looking like the best suitors for the Hobey Baker Award?

Gabe Perreault, Forward, Boston College

There is a new king at the top of the points leaders standings. Gabe Perreault has been one of the most consistent players in the country and is showing no signs of slowing down.

With 45 points on the year, the Sultan of the Saucer can put the puck on your tape with his eyes closed if he wants to. His 32 assists sit second in the NCAA in the category, but he’s been finding his way in the goal-scoring column as well with seven goals in his last seven games.

Perreault looks like the best player on a stacked Boston College roster. Still only 18, the freshman’s development has just begun.

Massimo Rizzo, Forward, Denver

After sitting at the top of the points category for most of the season, Massimo Rizzo and his 44 points stand behind Perreault. Just like him, Rizzo is one of the best at dishing the biscuit to his teammates, leading the country with 34 assists.

The Pioneers have slipped a bit, losing three of their last four games, but the junior’s production has remained steady. Denver has a talented squad, so expect Rizzo and his teammates to get back on track soon.

Macklin Celebrini, Forward, Boston University

The freshman is constantly on this list for a reason. Macklin Celebrini’s play has shifted to an even higher level allowing him to become the nation’s leading goal-scorer.

With seven goals in his last six games, Celebrini has collected 23 goals in 26 games. His 42 points have him in the top three of all college players.

Even though he is already projected to be the first player taken in the upcoming NHL draft, his stock just keeps increasing every week. All eyes will be on the youngest player in college hockey for the next few months.

Kyle McClellan, Goaltender, Wisconsin

Last time I checked, it’s difficult to get a puck past a brick wall. Kyle McClellan is that brick wall.

The senior from Manchester, Missouri has been as good as they get from a goaltending perspective.

Helping Wisconsin become a top team in the country with his 20-6-1 record, McClellan has accumulated a whopping .932 save percentage and a very impressive 1.89 goals-against average. Along with those stats, racked up six shutouts so far, which leads the entire country.

Hot goaltending can win a team some hardware. While the Badgers look to clutter their trophy case, McClellan is in a favorable spot to add the Hobey Baker to his own case as well.

Anthony Desher is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email acd5698@psu.edu.