Ranking the top 25 NHL players of the 21st century

Jul 26, 2024, 08:28 AM ET

We have spent the past week counting down our list of the top 100 athletes of the 21st century and three NHL players made the list, starting with Sidney Crosby at No. 22 overall. We also voted on an overall top 25 just for the NHL.

Who else makes the list of some of the greatest NHL players of the 2000s?

1. Sidney Crosby, C

Key accomplishments: NHL 100 Greatest, two-time Richard Trophy, two-time Ross Trophy, two-time Hart Trophy, three-time Lindsay Award, three-time Stanley Cup champion (two-time Conn Smythe), 1,596 points (10th all-time)

Crosby’s teammate Kris Letang recalled how, in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final against San Jose, Crosby vowed he and Letang would team-up on the “biggest goal” of the night. They wound up connecting for a game-winner that secured Pittsburgh’s fourth Cup in franchise history. Letang was understandably stunned by Crosby’s fortune-telling prowess on such a large stage. But Crosby impresses in the smaller moments, too. Former linemate Conor Sheary recalled Crosby assuring him when they were paired together that Sheary was “there for a reason and to play my game.” It was the sort of calming presence Sheary needed and a gesture from Crosby he’s never forgotten. — Kristen Shilton

2. Alex Ovechkin, RW

Key accomplishments: Key accomplishments: NHL 100 Greatest, Stanley Cup champion (Conn Smythe), 2nd all-time w/ 853 goals, NHL-record 312 PPG, nine-time Richard Trophy, three-time Hart Trophy and Lindsay Award, ’06 Calder, ’08 Ross.

Editor’s Picks

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There isn’t a player in the NHL that’s commanded a slapshot like Ovechkin in his career. Even if Father Time has begun catching up in some areas, the pure power behind his signature shot remains. Ovechkin’s success scoring 853 goals (to date) has come in large part because of how he uses a big frame (6-foot-2) to add velocity and power behind a shot that can exceed 100 miles per hour. When Ovechkin puts his weight behind a puck — particularly from his favorite…

Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/40568433/ranking-top-25-nhl-players-21st-century

Author : ESPN

Publish date : 2024-07-26 13:34:19

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