Top NHL Lists Archives - Hockey Reference https://www.hockey-reference.com/hr-blog/category/top-nhl-lists/ Just another WordPress site Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:30:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 Top 20 NHL Left Wings of All Time https://www.hockey-reference.com/hr-blog/2025/04/top-20-nhl-left-wings-of-all-time/ Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:30:13 +0000 https://www.hockey-reference.com/hr-blog/?p=221 When it comes to generating offense and setting the tempo, few positions impact the flow of play quite like a left wing. Renowned for both skill and tenacity, these players provide essential support at both ends of the rink. Below is an unnumbered list of 20 iconic NHL left wingers, arranged alphabetically by last name, […]

The post Top 20 NHL Left Wings of All Time appeared first on Hockey Reference.

]]> When it comes to generating offense and setting the tempo, few positions impact the flow of play quite like a left wing. Renowned for both skill and tenacity, these players provide essential support at both ends of the rink. Below is an unnumbered list of 20 iconic NHL left wingers, arranged alphabetically by last name, each one contributing to the rich heritage of the sport.

Photo of

Dave Andreychuk

Full Name: David John Andreychuk

(Chuckie, Octopus, Clyde)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Right

6-4, 220lb (193cm, 99kg)

Born: September 29, 1963 (Age: 61-159d) in Hamilton, Ontario ca

Draft: Buffalo, 1st round (16th overall), 1982 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Oshawa Generals

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2017 (Full List)

29 25 14 23 38 38 52 25
+7
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1639

G

640

A

698

PTS

1338

+/-

32

PS

124.4

PIM

1121

SH

4556

GWG

77

Dave Andreychuk enjoyed a long and productive NHL career, using his size and soft hands to dominate in front of the net. With 640 career goals and a Stanley Cup win with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004, he left an indelible mark as one of the league’s premier power forwards.

Photo of

Bill Barber

Full Name: William Charles Barber

(Swannie)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-0, 195lb (183cm, 88kg)

Born: July 11, 1952 (Age: 72-239d) in Callander, Ontario ca

Draft: Philadelphia, 1st round (7th overall), 1972 NHL Amateur

Amateur Teams: Kitchener Rangers

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1990 (Full List)

As Coach: 2 Yrs, 73‑40‑23, 169 Pts. (Full Record)

7
SUMMARY

Career

GP

903

G

420

A

463

PTS

883

+/-

312

PS

81.3

PIM

623

SH

3246

GWG

54

Bill Barber helped lead the Philadelphia Flyers to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in the mid-1970s, combining scoring touch with a relentless work ethic. A member of the 1979–80 NHL First All-Star Team, he remains among the Flyers’ all-time scoring leaders.

Photo of

Johnny Bucyk

Full Name: John Paul Bucyk

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-0, 215lb (183cm, 97kg)

Born: May 12, 1935 (Age: 89-299d) in Edmonton, Alberta ca

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1981 (Full List)

Relatives: Nephew Randy Bucyk

20 9
+1
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1540

G

556

A

813

PTS

1369

+/-

-7

PS

122.4

PIM

493

SH

3087

GWG

92

Johnny Bucyk represented the Boston Bruins with grit and grace for over two decades. Amassing more than 1,300 career points, he contributed to two Stanley Cup victories in Boston, earning respect for his durability and sportsmanship.

Photo of

Patrik Eliáš

Full Name: Patrik Eliáš

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-1, 190lb (185cm, 86kg)

Born: April 13, 1976 (Age: 48-328d) in Trebic, Czechoslovakia cs

Draft: New Jersey, 2nd round (51st overall), 1994 NHL Entry

Pronunciation: \PAT-rihk ehl-EE-ahsh\

24 22 26
+2
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1240

G

408

A

617

PTS

1025

+/-

172

PS

124.7

PIM

549

SH

3287

GWG

80

TOI

18:03

CF%

54.8

oZS%

52.5

Patrik Eliáš split time between center and left wing but excelled on the left side with the New Jersey Devils, becoming the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. A two-time Stanley Cup champion, he used vision, creativity, and steady two-way play to anchor the Devils’ offense.

Photo of

Clark Gillies

Full Name: Clark Gillies

(Jethro)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-3, 215lb (190cm, 97kg)

Born: April 7, 1954 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan ca

Died: January 21, 2022 (Aged 67-289d)

Draft: NY Islanders, 1st round (4th overall), 1974 NHL Amateur

Amateur Teams: Regina Pats 

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2002 (Full List)

Name Note: Full name Clark Paterson Gillies

9 39 90
+2
SUMMARY

Career

GP

958

G

319

A

378

PTS

697

+/-

245

PS

55.0

PIM

1025

SH

2253

GWG

44

Clark Gillies was a critical part of the New York Islanders’ four consecutive Stanley Cup wins in the early 1980s. Known for his commanding presence and unwavering leadership, he provided invaluable protection for his skillful linemates while chipping in crucial goals.

Photo of

Michel Goulet

Full Name: Michel Goulet

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-1, 195lb (185cm, 88kg)

Born: April 21, 1960 (Age: 64-320d) in Peribonka, Quebec ca

Draft: Quebec, 1st round (20th overall), 1979 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Quebec Remparts

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1998 (Full List)

16 16
+1
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1089

G

548

A

605

PTS

1153

+/-

99

PS

96.9

PIM

825

SH

3145

GWG

63

Michel Goulet spent the prime of his career thrilling Quebec Nordiques fans with his dynamic scoring. Eclipsing 50 goals in a season multiple times, he also showcased his talents with the Chicago Blackhawks, solidifying himself as one of the elite snipers of his era.

Photo of

Bobby Hull

Full Name: Robert Marvin Hull

(The Golden Jet)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

5-10, 195lb (178cm, 88kg)

Born: January 3, 1939 in Point Anne, Ontario ca

Died: January 30, 2023 (Aged 84-027d)

Amateur Teams: St. Catharines Teepees

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1983 (Full List)

As Coach: 3 Yrs, 81‑79‑9, 171 Pts. (Full Record)

Relatives: Brother Dennis Hull; Son Brett Hull

16 7 9 9 9 16
+5
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1063

G

610

A

560

PTS

1170

+/-

249

PS

136.3

PIM

634

SH

4577

GWG

98

Bobby Hull, affectionately nicknamed “The Golden Jet,” revolutionized the game with his blazing speed and lethal slapshot. A two-time Hart Trophy winner and Stanley Cup champion, he remains one of the most potent offensive forces to ever play the position.

Photo of

Paul Kariya

Full Name: Paul Tetsuhiko Kariya

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

5-10, 185lb (178cm, 83kg)

Born: October 16, 1974 (Age: 50-142d) in Vancouver, British Columbia ca

Draft: Anaheim, 1st round (4th overall), 1993 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Maine

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2017 (Full List)

Relatives: Brother Steve Kariya

9 9 9 9
+3
SUMMARY

Career

GP

989

G

402

A

587

PTS

989

+/-

31

PS

109.3

PIM

399

SH

3509

GWG

53

TOI

20:58

CF%

52.0

oZS%

52.4

Paul Kariya exemplified finesse and speed, becoming one of the NHL’s most electrifying forwards of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Known for his silky puck skills and strategic playmaking, he served as a cornerstone of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

Photo of

Ilya Kovalchuk

Full Name: Ilya Kovalchuk

(Kovy)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Right

6-3, 222lb (190cm, 100kg)

Born: April 15, 1983 (Age: 41-326d) in Tver, USSR su

Draft: Atlanta, 1st round (1st overall), 2001 NHL Entry

Pronunciation: \IHL-yah KOH-vuhl-chuhk\

17 17 17 17 17
+4
SUMMARY

Career

GP

926

G

443

A

433

PTS

876

+/-

-146

PS

103.4

PIM

544

SH

3223

GWG

64

TOI

21:15

CF%

49.2

oZS%

52.6

Ilya Kovalchuk brought a blend of size, speed, and a deadly shot, topping 50 goals three times in his NHL career. Whether in Atlanta or New Jersey, his pure scoring ability made him a feared opponent every time he stepped onto the ice.

Photo of

John LeClair

Full Name: John Clark LeClair

(Johnny Vermont)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-3, 226lb (190cm, 102kg)

Born: July 5, 1969 (Age: 55-245d) in St. Albans, Vermont us

Draft: Montreal, 2nd round (33rd overall), 1987 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Vermont

17 10 10
+2
SUMMARY

Career

GP

967

G

406

A

413

PTS

819

+/-

204

PS

98.7

PIM

501

SH

2611

GWG

65

John LeClair powered the Philadelphia Flyers’ “Legion of Doom” line, using his sturdy frame and soft hands to rack up multiple 50-goal campaigns. Also a Stanley Cup champion with Montreal, he was among the 1990s’ most dominant left wings around the net.

Photo of

Ted Lindsay

Full Name: Theodore Robert Blake Lindsay

(Terrible Ted, Terrible Teddy, Terrific Ted)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

5-8, 163lb (173cm, 73kg)

Born: July 29, 1925 in Renfrew, Ontario ca

Died: March 4, 2019 (Aged 93-218d)

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1966 (Full List)

As Coach: 2 Yrs, 5‑21‑3, 13 Pts. (Full Record)

Relatives: Father Bert Lindsay

7 7 15
+2
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1068

G

379

A

472

PTS

851

+/-

9

PS

100.2

PIM

1808

SH

209

GWG

58

Ted Lindsay was a fiery competitor and a cornerstone of the Detroit Red Wings’ success in the 1950s. Known for his pioneering role in forming the Players’ Association, he matched his off-ice tenacity with on-ice production, winning four Stanley Cups and multiple scoring titles.

Photo of

Frank Mahovlich

Full Name: Francis William Mahovlich

(The Big M)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-0, 205lb (183cm, 92kg)

Born: January 10, 1938 (Age: 87-056d) in Timmins, Ontario ca

Amateur Teams: Toronto St. Michael’s

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1981 (Full List)

Relatives: Brother Pete Mahovlich

26 27 27 10 27
+4
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1181

G

533

A

570

PTS

1103

+/-

266

PS

121.7

PIM

1054

SH

3366

GWG

82

Frank Mahovlich, “The Big M,” won six Stanley Cups between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens. A graceful skater with a lethal shot, he earned over 1,100 points in his career and maintained a reputation for elevating his performance in big games.

Photo of

Dickie Moore

Full Name: Richard Winston Moore

(Digger)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

5-10, 168lb (178cm, 76kg)

Born: January 6, 1931 in Montreal, Quebec ca

Died: December 19, 2015 (Aged 84-347d)

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1974 (Full List)

12 16 12
+2
SUMMARY

Career

GP

719

G

261

A

346

PTS

607

+/-

63

PS

65.2

PIM

646

SH

743

GWG

52

Dickie Moore brought consistent scoring prowess to the Montreal Canadiens’ dynasty in the 1950s, capturing six Stanley Cup rings. Twice leading the league in points, he excelled with deft puck skills and an unyielding commitment to team success.

Photo of

Markus Näslund

Full Name: Markus Näslund

(Nazzy, Macke)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-0, 195lb (183cm, 88kg)

Born: July 30, 1973 (Age: 51-220d) in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden se

Draft: Pittsburgh, 1st round (16th overall), 1991 NHL Entry

29 22 19 19 19 91
+5
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1117

G

395

A

474

PTS

869

+/-

6

PS

95.5

PIM

736

SH

3046

GWG

53

TOI

18:17

CF%

54.5

oZS%

60.5

Markus Näslund thrived with the Vancouver Canucks, where his slick puck-handling and quick release led to multiple 40-goal campaigns. A former Lester B. Pearson Award winner, his leadership as team captain cemented him as a franchise icon.

Photo of

Rick Nash

Full Name: Rick Nash

(Nasher)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-4, 211lb (193cm, 95kg)

Born: June 16, 1984 (Age: 40-264d) in Brampton, Ontario ca

Draft: Columbus, 1st round (1st overall), 2002 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: London Knights

Pronunciation: \RIHK NASH\

61 61 61
+2
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1060

G

437

A

368

PTS

805

+/-

-11

PS

102.6

PIM

750

SH

3624

GWG

73

TOI

18:20

CF%

51.0

oZS%

55.0

Rick Nash made a name for himself with the Columbus Blue Jackets, showcasing powerful drives to the net and a lethal shot. The NHL’s Rocket Richard co-winner in 2003–04, he later contributed his blend of size and skill to teams like the Rangers and Bruins.

Photo of

Alex Ovechkin

Full Name: Alexander Mikhaylovich Ovechkin

(Alexander the Great, Ovi, O, The Great 8, The Russian Machine, The Mechanic)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Right

6-3, 238lb (190cm, 107kg)

Team: Washington Capitals

Born: September 17, 1985 (Age: 39-171d) in Moscow, USSR su

Draft: Washington, 1st round (1st overall), 2004 NHL Entry

Pronunciation: \AL-ehx oh-VEHCH-kihn\

8 8
+1
SUMMARY

2024-25

Career

GP

46

1472

G

32

885

A

17

714

PTS

49

1599

+/-

16

61

PS

8.5

212.2

PIM

14

831

SH

176

6803

GWG

6

135

TOI

17:50

20:39

CF%

49.1

52.2

oZS%

74.0

60.5

Alex Ovechkin stands as one of the best left wingers in NHL history, boasting multiple Rocket Richard Trophies and a Stanley Cup victory with the Washington Capitals. His signature one-timer from the left circle and charismatic personality have helped redefine modern goalscoring.

Photo of

Luc Robitaille

Full Name: Luc Robitaille

(Lucky, Cool Hand Luc)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-1, 215lb (185cm, 97kg)

Born: February 17, 1966 (Age: 59-018d) in Montreal, Quebec ca

Draft: Los Angeles, 9th round (171st overall), 1984 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Hull Olympiques

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2009 (Full List)

20 20 20 20 20 20
+5
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1431

G

668

A

726

PTS

1394

+/-

71

PS

138.6

PIM

1177

SH

3961

GWG

89

Luc Robitaille is the second highest-scoring left winger in NHL history, behind only Alex Ovechkin, finishing his career with 668 goals and 1,394 points. “Lucky Luc” won a Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings, but remains most closely associated with the Los Angeles Kings, where he dazzled fans for years.

Photo of

Daniel Sedin

Full Name: Daniel Sedin

(Dank)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-1, 190lb (185cm, 86kg)

Born: September 26, 1980 (Age: 44-162d) in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden se

Draft: Vancouver, 1st round (2nd overall), 1999 NHL Entry

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2022 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \DAN-yehl suh-DEEN\

Relatives: Brother Henrik Sedin

22 22
+1
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1306

G

393

A

648

PTS

1041

+/-

147

PS

123.1

PIM

546

SH

3474

GWG

86

TOI

17:00

CF%

55.0

oZS%

64.0

Daniel Sedin excelled alongside his twin brother Henrik in Vancouver, playing a cerebral, cycle-heavy style. A two-time recipient of the NHL Plus/Minus Award, Daniel’s precise passing and accurate shot helped him lead the Canucks to multiple division titles.

Photo of

Brendan Shanahan

Full Name: Brendan Frederick Shanahan

(Shanny, Shan the Man)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Right

6-3, 220lb (190cm, 99kg)

Born: January 23, 1969 (Age: 56-043d) in Mimico, Ontario ca

Draft: New Jersey, 1st round (2nd overall), 1987 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: London Knights

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2013 (Full List)

11 19 94 14 14 18
+5
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1524

G

656

A

698

PTS

1354

+/-

151

PS

148.0

PIM

2489

SH

5086

GWG

109

TOI

18:06

CF%

50.4

oZS%

56.8

Brendan Shanahan blended power and finesse, tallying over 650 goals while amassing more than 2,000 penalty minutes. A three-time Stanley Cup winner with the Detroit Red Wings, “Shanny” embodied the hard-nosed, goal-scoring left wing so coveted in NHL lineups.

Photo of

Keith Tkachuk

Full Name: Keith Mathew Tkachuk

(Walt, Big Walt)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-2, 235lb (188cm, 106kg)

Born: March 28, 1972 (Age: 52-344d) in Melrose, Massachusetts us

Draft: Winnipeg, 1st round (19th overall), 1990 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Boston University

Relatives: Cousin Tom Fitzgerald; Sons Brady Tkachuk, Matthew Tkachuk

7 7 7 8
+3
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1201

G

538

A

527

PTS

1065

+/-

33

PS

125.1

PIM

2219

SH

3530

GWG

72

TOI

18:27

CF%

50.2

oZS%

46.2

Keith Tkachuk ranked among the most imposing players of his generation, surpassing 1,000 career points while regularly dropping the gloves. Whether with Winnipeg, Phoenix, St. Louis, or Atlanta, he was a consistent offensive powerhouse and respected locker-room presence.

These stalwarts highlight the formidable talent found on the left side. From power forwards who dominated the corners to graceful scorers who redefined offensive artistry, each has left a legacy underscoring the impact of NHL left wingers on team success. Standing among the best left wingers in NHL history, they continue to inspire future generations to push the boundaries of creativity, courage, and leadership on the ice.

Who is the best left wing in the NHL right now?

There are many great left wingers in the NHL right now including Matthew Tkachuk, Kirill Kaprizov, Jason Robertson, and Artemi Panarin.

Who is the top scoring left winger?

Alex Ovechkin is the all-time leading scorer at the left wing position.

The post Top 20 NHL Left Wings of All Time appeared first on Hockey Reference.

]]> 50 Best NHL Players of All Time https://www.hockey-reference.com/hr-blog/2025/02/50-best-nhl-players-of-all-time/ Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:55:26 +0000 https://www.hockey-reference.com/hr-blog/?p=197 Throughout the illustrious history of the National Hockey League, fans and experts alike have debated the best hockey players of all time. The following unnumbered list, arranged in alphabetical order by last name, brings together 50 individuals often hailed as part of the greatest hockey players of all time. While conversations frequently spotlight the best […]

The post 50 Best NHL Players of All Time appeared first on Hockey Reference.

]]> Throughout the illustrious history of the National Hockey League, fans and experts alike have debated the best hockey players of all time. The following unnumbered list, arranged in alphabetical order by last name, brings together 50 individuals often hailed as part of the greatest hockey players of all time. While conversations frequently spotlight the best hockey players right now, these legends continue to shape hockey’s narrative. Here, we celebrate some of the top NHL players ever to grace the ice.

Photo of

Jean Béliveau

Full Name: Jean Arthur Béliveau

(Le Gros Bill)

Position: C •  Shoots: Left

6-3, 205lb (190cm, 92kg)

Born: August 31, 1931 in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec ca

Died: December 2, 2014 (Aged 83-093d)

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1972 (Full List)

17 20 12 4
+3
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1125

G

507

A

712

PTS

1219

+/-

117

PS

138.1

PIM

1033

SH

2627

GWG

83

Jean Beliveau exhibited grace, sportsmanship, and elite skill throughout his Hall of Fame career. Captaining the Montreal Canadiens, he secured 10 Stanley Cup titles, establishing himself as one of the greatest centers in league history.

Photo of

Ray Bourque

Full Name: Raymond Jean Bourque

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

5-11, 219lb (180cm, 99kg)

Born: December 28, 1960 (Age: 64-037d) in Montreal, Quebec ca

Draft: Boston, 1st round (8th overall), 1979 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Sorel Black Hawks, Trois Rivieres Draveurs, Verdun Black Hawks

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2004 (Full List)

Relatives: Son Chris Bourque

Twitter: @RayBourque77

7 77 77
+2
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1612

G

410

A

1169

PTS

1579

+/-

527

PS

242.7

PIM

1141

SH

6209

GWG

60

Ray Bourque is the NHL’s all-time leader in points by a defenseman with 1,579 over his 22-season career, consistently blending offensive prowess and defensive stability. A five-time Norris Trophy winner, he capped his illustrious career by winning the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2001.

Photo of

Martin Brodeur

Full Name: Martin Pierre Brodeur

(Marty, Satan’s Wallpaper)

Position: G •  Catches: Left

6-2, 220lb (188cm, 99kg)

Born: May 6, 1972 (Age: 52-273d) in Montreal, Quebec ca

Draft: New Jersey, 1st round (20th overall), 1990 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: St. Hyacinthe Lasers

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2018 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \mahr-TAN broh-DYOOR\

Twitter: @MartinBrodeur

29 30 30
+2
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1266

W

691

L

397

T

154

SHO

125

PS

207.0

MIN

74439

GAA

2.24

SV%

.912

Martin Brodeur revolutionized goaltending with his puck-handling ability and uncanny consistency, finishing with an NHL-record 691 wins. His three Stanley Cup victories with the New Jersey Devils highlight a career defined by poise and innovation in the crease.

Photo of

Paul Coffey

Full Name: Paul Douglas Coffey

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

6-0, 205lb (183cm, 92kg)

Born: June 1, 1961 (Age: 63-247d) in Weston, Ontario ca

Draft: Edmonton, 1st round (6th overall), 1980 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Kingston Canadians, Kitchener Rangers, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2004 (Full List)

7 77 77 77 77 77 77 77 74
+8
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1409

G

396

A

1135

PTS

1531

+/-

298

PS

185.7

PIM

1802

SH

4389

GWG

43

Paul Coffey’s smooth skating and offensive flair from the blue line propelled him to 1,531 career points—second only to Ray Bourque among defensemen. With four Stanley Cups and three Norris Trophies, he remains a beacon of offensive brilliance on the back end.

Photo of

Sidney Crosby

Full Name: Sidney Patrick Crosby

(Sid The Kid, Sid, The Next One, Darryl, Creature, The Squid, Bing, Golden Boy, Captain Canada, Squidney)

Position: C •  Shoots: Left

5-11, 200lb (180cm, 90kg)

Team: Pittsburgh Penguins

Born: August 7, 1987 (Age: 37-180d) in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia ca

Draft: Pittsburgh, 1st round (1st overall), 2005 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Rimouski Oceanic

Pronunciation: \SIHD-nee KRAWZ-bee\

87 87
+1
SUMMARY

2024-25

Career

GP

54

1326

G

17

609

A

40

1044

PTS

57

1653

+/-

-15

202

PS

7.6

198.2

PIM

21

844

SH

152

4224

GWG

5

95

TOI

20:19

20:40

CF%

53.5

54.1

oZS%

60.1

58.0

Sidney Crosby embodies leadership and perseverance, capturing multiple Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins. A two-time Hart Trophy winner, “Sid the Kid” continues to demonstrate elite playmaking and clutch scoring on hockey’s biggest stages.

Photo of

Pavel Datsyuk

Full Name: Pavel Valerievich Datsyuk

(Magic Man, Houdini, Pasha, Dats, The Magician, The Datsyukian One)

Position: C •  Shoots: Left

5-11, 194lb (180cm, 87kg)

Born: July 20, 1978 (Age: 46-198d) in Sverdlovsk, USSR su

Draft: Detroit, 6th round (171st overall), 1998 NHL Entry

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2024 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \PAH-vehl daht-SOOK\

Twitter: @Datsyuk13

13
SUMMARY

Career

GP

953

G

314

A

604

PTS

918

+/-

249

PS

111.2

PIM

228

SH

2244

GWG

51

TOI

18:50

CF%

59.0

oZS%

55.0

Pavel Datsyuk dazzled fans with his wizardry, earning the moniker “The Magic Man” for his exquisite puck control and defensive acumen. His three Selke Trophies underscore a commitment to two-way excellence that helped the Detroit Red Wings secure two Stanley Cup titles during his tenure.

Photo of

Marcel Dionne

Full Name: Marcel Elphege Dionne

(Little Beaver, Lou)

Position: C •  Shoots: Right

5-9, 190lb (175cm, 86kg)

Born: August 3, 1951 (Age: 73-184d) in Drummondville, Quebec ca

Draft: Detroit, 1st round (2nd overall), 1971 NHL Amateur

Amateur Teams: St. Catharines Black Hawks

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1992 (Full List)

Relatives: Brother Gilbert Dionne

5 12 16 16
+3
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1348

G

731

A

1040

PTS

1771

+/-

27

PS

155.5

PIM

600

SH

5363

GWG

73

Marcel Dionne was a prolific scorer, amassing 1,771 career points and forming the legendary “Triple Crown Line” in Los Angeles. His blazing speed, quick release, and knack for setting up teammates made him one of the best offensive forces of his era.

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Ken Dryden

Full Name: Kenneth Wayne Dryden

(The Thieving Giraffe, The Thinker)

Position: G •  Catches: Left

6-4, 205lb (193cm, 92kg)

Born: August 8, 1947 (Age: 77-179d) in Hamilton, Ontario ca

Draft: Boston, 3rd round (14th overall), 1964 NHL Amateur

Amateur Teams: Cornell

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1983 (Full List)

Relatives: Brother Dave Dryden

29
SUMMARY

Career

GP

397

W

258

L

57

T

74

SHO

46

PS

98.6

MIN

23330

GAA

2.24

SV%

.922

Ken Dryden starred between the pipes for the Montreal Canadiens, leading them to six Stanley Cups in just eight seasons. Known for his cerebral approach and towering presence in net, he posted a remarkable .743 career winning percentage.

Photo of

Phil Esposito

Full Name: Philip Anthony Esposito

(Flipper, Espo)

Position: C •  Shoots: Left

6-1, 205lb (185cm, 92kg)

Born: February 20, 1942 (Age: 82-349d) in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario ca

Amateur Teams: St. Catharines Teepees

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1984 (Full List)

As Coach: 2 Yrs, 24‑21‑0, 48 Pts. (Full Record)

Relatives: Brother Tony Esposito

7 7 12 5 77
+4
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1282

G

717

A

873

PTS

1590

+/-

252

PS

163.7

PIM

910

SH

5166

GWG

118

Phil Esposito popularized the role of a power forward, using strength and positioning to dominate in front of the net. He broke scoring records with the Boston Bruins and helped usher in a new standard of offensive production in the NHL.

Photo of

Sergei Fedorov

Full Name: Sergei Viktorovich Fedorov

(Feds, FedEx)

Position: C •  Shoots: Left

6-2, 207lb (188cm, 93kg)

Born: December 13, 1969 (Age: 55-052d) in Pskov, USSR su

Draft: Detroit, 4th round (74th overall), 1989 NHL Entry

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2015 (Full List)

Relatives: Brother Fedor Fedorov

91 91 91 91
+3
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1248

G

483

A

696

PTS

1179

+/-

261

PS

125.6

PIM

839

SH

3985

GWG

93

TOI

19:51

CF%

57.8

oZS%

51.9

Sergei Fedorov was a multi-faceted superstar for the Detroit Red Wings, seamlessly transitioning between center and defense when needed. A three-time Stanley Cup champion and Hart Trophy winner, he blended blazing speed with a deft scoring touch.

Photo of

Peter Forsberg

Full Name: Peter Forsberg

(Foppa, The Great, Peter The Great)

Position: C •  Shoots: Left

6-0, 205lb (183cm, 92kg)

Born: July 20, 1973 (Age: 51-198d) in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden se

Draft: Philadelphia, 1st round (6th overall), 1991 NHL Entry

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2014 (Full List)

21 21 21 21
+3
SUMMARY

Career

GP

708

G

249

A

636

PTS

885

+/-

238

PS

98.0

PIM

690

SH

1693

GWG

43

TOI

20:26

CF%

51.9

oZS%

47.2

Peter Forsberg brought an extraordinary blend of power, finesse, and vision to the Colorado Avalanche. Winning two Stanley Cups and an MVP award, he embodied clutch performances with highlight-reel assists and fearless drives to the net.

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Wayne Gretzky

Full Name: Wayne Douglas Gretzky

(The Great One, The Great Gretzky, Brinks, Gretz)

Position: C •  Shoots: Left

6-0, 185lb (183cm, 83kg)

Born: January 26, 1961 (Age: 64-008d) in Brantford, Ontario ca

Amateur Teams: Peterborough Petes, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1999 (Full List)

As Coach: 4 Yrs, 143‑161‑24, 310 Pts. (Full Record)

Relatives: Brother Brent Gretzky

Twitter: @waynegretzky

99 99 99 99
+3
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1487

G

894

A

1963

PTS

2857

+/-

520

PS

251.0

PIM

577

SH

5088

GWG

91

Wayne Gretzky—“The Great One”—remains the NHL’s all-time leader in goals, assists, and points. With four Stanley Cups, nine Hart Trophies, and an unmatched hockey IQ, he stands atop the pantheon of hockey legends.

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Doug Harvey

Full Name: Douglas Norman Harvey

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

5-11, 187lb (180cm, 84kg)

Born: December 19, 1924 in Montreal, Quebec ca

Died: December 26, 1989 (Aged 65-007d)

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1973 (Full List)

As Coach: 1 Yr, 26‑32‑12, 64 Pts. (Full Record)

2 2 5 2
+3
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1113

G

88

A

452

PTS

540

+/-

46

PS

123.2

PIM

1225

SH

350

GWG

17

Doug Harvey revolutionized the defenseman’s role through his puck movement and anticipation. He claimed seven Norris Trophies and anchored the Montreal Canadiens’ blue line during their dominant run in the 1950s and 1960s.

Photo of

Dominik Hašek

Full Name: Dominik Hašek

(The Dominator, Hašan)

Position: G •  Catches: Left

6-1, 166lb (185cm, 75kg)

Born: January 29, 1965 (Age: 60-005d) in Pardubice, Czechoslovakia cs

Draft: Chicago, 10th round (199th overall), 1983 NHL Entry

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2014 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \HAH-shik\

34 31 39 39 39 39
+5
SUMMARY

Career

GP

735

W

389

L

223

T

95

SHO

81

PS

156.8

MIN

42837

GAA

2.20

SV%

.922

Dominik Hašek, nicknamed “The Dominator,” is widely regarded for his acrobatic and unorthodox style. A six-time Vezina Trophy winner, he repeatedly carried his teams on his back, showcasing a fierce competitive spirit and jaw-dropping saves.

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Tim Horton

Full Name: Miles Gilbert Horton

(Superman)

Position: D •  Shoots: Right

5-10, 180lb (178cm, 81kg)

Born: January 12, 1930 in Cochrane, Ontario ca

Died: February 21, 1974 (Aged 44-040d)

Amateur Teams: St. Michael’s College Majors

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1977 (Full List)

16 7 3 24 3 2
+5
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1445

G

115

A

403

PTS

518

+/-

191

PS

131.7

PIM

1611

SH

1978

GWG

21

Tim Horton was an ironman on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ blue line, combining reliability, strength, and rugged defense. Off the ice, he founded the iconic Tim Hortons restaurant chain, solidifying his legacy both within and beyond hockey.

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Gordie Howe

Full Name: Gordon Howe

(Mr. Hockey)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-0, 205lb (183cm, 92kg)

Born: March 31, 1928 in Floral, Saskatchewan ca

Died: June 10, 2016 (Aged 88-071d)

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1972 (Full List)

Relatives: Brother Vic Howe; Sons Marty Howe, Mark Howe

17 9 9
+2
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1767

G

801

A

1049

PTS

1850

+/-

160

PS

217.1

PIM

1685

SH

3803

GWG

121

Gordie Howe, famously known as “Mr. Hockey,” played professionally into his early 50s while revolutionizing the power-forward role. With an unparalleled combination of skill, physicality, and longevity, he remains a cornerstone of hockey lore.

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Bobby Hull

Full Name: Robert Marvin Hull

(The Golden Jet)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

5-10, 195lb (178cm, 88kg)

Born: January 3, 1939 in Point Anne, Ontario ca

Died: January 30, 2023 (Aged 84-027d)

Amateur Teams: St. Catharines Teepees

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1983 (Full List)

As Coach: 3 Yrs, 81‑79‑9, 171 Pts. (Full Record)

Relatives: Brother Dennis Hull; Son Brett Hull

16 7 9 9 9 16
+5
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1063

G

610

A

560

PTS

1170

+/-

249

PS

136.3

PIM

634

SH

4577

GWG

98

Bobby Hull, the “Golden Jet,” electrified fans with his blistering slapshot and breakaway speed. He became the face of the Chicago Blackhawks, tallying 610 NHL goals before taking his talents to the WHA, further raising the sport’s profile.

Photo of

Brett Hull

Full Name: Brett Andrew Hull

(The Golden Brett)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

5-11, 203lb (180cm, 92kg)

Born: August 9, 1964 (Age: 60-178d) in Belleville, Ontario ca

Draft: Calgary, 6th round (117th overall), 1984 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Minnesota-Duluth

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2009 (Full List)

Relatives: Father Bobby Hull

Twitter: @HOFBlues16

16 15 16 22 16 17 16 9
+7
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1269

G

741

A

650

PTS

1391

+/-

23

PS

154.6

PIM

458

SH

4876

GWG

110

Brett Hull inherited his father’s lethal shot and scored 741 NHL goals—fourth all-time. Known for his one-timer and sharp shooting angles, he helped the Dallas Stars claim the Stanley Cup in 1999 with timely goals and offensive acumen.

Photo of

Jaromír Jágr

Full Name: Jaromir Jágr

(Jags, Mario Jr., The Ageless Wonder)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Left

6-3, 230lb (190cm, 104kg)

Born: February 15, 1972 (Age: 52-354d) in Kladno, Czechoslovakia cs

Draft: Pittsburgh, 1st round (5th overall), 1990 NHL Entry

Pronunciation: \YAIR-oh-MEER YAH-guhr\

Twitter: @68Jagr

68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68
+8
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1733

G

766

A

1155

PTS

1921

+/-

322

PS

217.1

PIM

1167

SH

5637

GWG

135

TOI

20:19

CF%

55.1

oZS%

56.6

Jaromír Jágr seamlessly combined size, puck control, and scoring finesse across three decades of NHL competition. With over 1,900 points and a dedication to peak conditioning, he remains one of the most enduring and productive forwards in history.

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Patrick Kane

Full Name: Patrick Kane

(Kaner, Showtime, Buzz, Doc, Peekaboo, Little Peekaboo, Peeks, Lil Peeks, Kanye, Pattycakes)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Left

5-10, 177lb (178cm, 80kg)

Team: Detroit Red Wings

Born: November 19, 1988 (Age: 36-076d) in Buffalo, New York us

Draft: Chicago, 1st round (1st overall), 2007 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: London Knights

Pronunciation: \PAT-rihk KAYN\

88 88 88
+2
SUMMARY

2024-25

Career

GP

43

1273

G

11

482

A

19

832

PTS

30

1314

+/-

-11

5

PS

4.0

146.9

PIM

8

450

SH

94

4152

GWG

5

80

TOI

17:18

20:05

CF%

45.6

51.8

oZS%

56.1

63.9

Patrick Kane burst onto the NHL scene as a creative offensive dynamo for the Chicago Blackhawks. With three Stanley Cups, a Conn Smythe Trophy, and an Art Ross Trophy, he exemplifies the modern playmaker’s flair.

Photo of

Guy Lafleur

Full Name: Guy Damien Lafleur

(The Flower, Le Démon Blond)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-0, 185lb (183cm, 83kg)

Born: September 20, 1951 in Thurso, Quebec ca

Died: April 22, 2022 (Aged 70-214d)

Draft: Montreal, 1st round (1st overall), 1971 NHL Amateur

Amateur Teams: Quebec Remparts

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1988 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \GEE la-FLOOR\

Name Note: Full name Guy Damien Lafleur

10 10 10
+2
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1126

G

560

A

793

PTS

1353

+/-

446

PS

130.5

PIM

399

SH

3516

GWG

98

Guy Lafleur, the Montreal Canadiens’ icon, played at breakneck speed and amassed six consecutive 50-goal seasons. His five Stanley Cup victories and flair for dramatic goals exemplify the storied tradition of the “Flying Frenchman.”

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Jacques Lemaire

Full Name: Jacques Gerard Lemaire

Position: C •  Shoots: Left

5-10, 180lb (178cm, 81kg)

Born: September 7, 1945 (Age: 79-149d) in LaSalle, Quebec ca

Amateur Teams: Montreal Junior Canadiens

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1984 (Full List)

As Coach: 17 Yrs, 617‑458‑187, 1421 Pts. (Full Record)

Pronunciation: \zhahk leh-MEHR\

Relatives: Nephew Manny Fernandez

25
SUMMARY

Career

GP

853

G

366

A

469

PTS

835

+/-

344

PS

86.6

PIM

217

SH

3052

GWG

58

Jacques Lemaire helped define the Montreal Canadiens’ dynasty of the 1970s, winning eight Stanley Cups as a skilled and intelligent center. Renowned for his impeccable playmaking and defensive awareness, he later became an influential coach, emphasizing structured systems and disciplined hockey.

Photo of

Mario Lemieux

Full Name: Mario Lemieux

(The Magnificent, Le Magnifique, Mario the Magnificent, Super Mario, Ace, Mr. 66)

Position: C •  Shoots: Right

6-4, 230lb (193cm, 104kg)

Born: October 5, 1965 (Age: 59-121d) in Montreal, Quebec ca

Draft: Pittsburgh, 1st round (1st overall), 1984 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Laval Voisins

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1997 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \leh-MYOO\

Relatives: Brother Alain Lemieux

66 66
+1
SUMMARY

Career

GP

915

G

690

A

1033

PTS

1723

+/-

114

PS

167.9

PIM

834

SH

3633

GWG

74

Mario Lemieux, nicknamed “Super Mario,” combined size, skill, and vision to become one of the most prolific scorers in NHL history. A two-time Stanley Cup champion as a player and three-time Hart Trophy winner, he also saved the Pittsburgh Penguins franchise off the ice, cementing his legacy as both a transcendent star and dedicated owner.

Photo of

Nicklas Lidström

Full Name: Nicklas Erik Lidström

(The Perfect Human, Saint Nick, Captain)

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

6-1, 192lb (185cm, 87kg)

Born: April 28, 1970 (Age: 54-281d) in Vasteras, Sweden se

Draft: Detroit, 3rd round (53rd overall), 1989 NHL Entry

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2015 (Full List)

5
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1564

G

264

A

878

PTS

1142

+/-

450

PS

211.8

PIM

514

SH

3875

GWG

35

TOI

26:19

CF%

56.6

oZS%

52.9

Nicklas Lidström was nicknamed “The Perfect Human” for his poise, positioning, and impeccable decision-making. A four-time Stanley Cup champion and seven-time Norris Trophy winner, he is heralded as one of the most complete defensemen in NHL history.

Photo of

Eric Lindros

Full Name: Eric Bryan Lindros

(The Next One, Big E)

Position: C •  Shoots: Right

6-4, 240lb (193cm, 108kg)

Born: February 28, 1973 (Age: 51-341d) in London, Ontario ca

Draft: Quebec, 1st round (1st overall), 1991 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Oshawa Generals

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2016 (Full List)

Relatives: Brother Brett Lindros

Twitter: @88EricLindros

88 88 88 88
+3
SUMMARY

Career

GP

760

G

372

A

493

PTS

865

+/-

215

PS

101.6

PIM

1398

SH

2312

GWG

46

Eric Lindros combined the power of a linebacker with the skill of a finesse forward, redefining the role of a big-bodied center. Though injuries shortened his prime, he captured a Hart Trophy and sparked the Philadelphia Flyers’ revival in the 1990s.

Photo of

Ted Lindsay

Full Name: Theodore Robert Blake Lindsay

(Terrible Ted, Terrible Teddy, Terrific Ted)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

5-8, 163lb (173cm, 73kg)

Born: July 29, 1925 in Renfrew, Ontario ca

Died: March 4, 2019 (Aged 93-218d)

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1966 (Full List)

As Coach: 2 Yrs, 5‑21‑3, 13 Pts. (Full Record)

Relatives: Father Bert Lindsay

7 7 15
+2
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1068

G

379

A

472

PTS

851

+/-

9

PS

100.2

PIM

1808

SH

209

GWG

58

Ted Lindsay brought fierce competitiveness and unmatched leadership to the Detroit Red Wings. Instrumental in forming the NHL Players’ Association, his advocacy off the ice was as impactful as his dynamic, high-energy play on it, helping the Wings claim four Stanley Cups.

Photo of

Frank Mahovlich

Full Name: Francis William Mahovlich

(The Big M)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-0, 205lb (183cm, 92kg)

Born: January 10, 1938 (Age: 87-024d) in Timmins, Ontario ca

Amateur Teams: Toronto St. Michael’s

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1981 (Full List)

Relatives: Brother Pete Mahovlich

26 27 27 10 27
+4
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1181

G

533

A

570

PTS

1103

+/-

266

PS

121.7

PIM

1054

SH

3366

GWG

82

Frank Mahovlich, often called “The Big M,” earned six Stanley Cups and soared as a dominant scorer for the Maple Leafs and Canadiens. Possessing a fluid stride and deceptive shot, he left a lasting influence on the game during the Original Six era.

Photo of

Connor McDavid

Full Name: Connor McDavid

(McJesus, Davo, The Crane, The Chosen One)

Position: C •  Shoots: Left

6-1, 193lb (185cm, 87kg)

Team: Edmonton Oilers

Born: January 13, 1997 (Age: 28-021d) in Richmond Hill, Ontario ca

Draft: Edmonton, 1st round (1st overall), 2015 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Erie Otters

Pronunciation: \KAW-nuhr muhk-DAY-vihd\

97
SUMMARY

2024-25

Career

GP

46

691

G

21

356

A

46

693

PTS

67

1049

+/-

14

163

PS

9.2

124.0

PIM

29

278

SH

147

2358

GWG

3

72

TOI

22:07

21:44

CF%

61.1

54.5

oZS%

64.0

57.8

Connor McDavid is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic talents in modern hockey. Known for his explosive speed, unmatched acceleration, and extraordinary playmaking, he has already claimed multiple scoring titles and MVP honors, redefining the sport’s offensive capabilities.

Photo of

Mark Messier

Full Name: Mark John Douglas Messier

(Moose, The Messiah, Mess, The Captain)

Position: LW/C •  Shoots: Left

6-1, 210lb (185cm, 95kg)

Born: January 18, 1961 (Age: 64-016d) in Edmonton, Alberta ca

Draft: Edmonton, 3rd round (48th overall), 1979 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Portland Winterhawks

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2007 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \MEH-see-yay\

Relatives: Brother Paul Messier; Cousins Joby Messier, Mitch Messier

11 11 11
+2
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1756

G

694

A

1193

PTS

1887

+/-

211

PS

160.4

PIM

1912

SH

4221

GWG

92

Mark Messier, the only player to captain two different franchises (Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers) to Stanley Cup titles, exuded leadership. Nicknamed “The Moose,” he combined power, scoring touch, and an innate ability to inspire teammates.

Photo of

Stan Mikita

Full Name: Stanislas Mikita

(Stosh, Stan the Man)

Position: C/RW •  Shoots: Right

5-9, 169lb (175cm, 76kg)

Born: May 20, 1940 in Sokolce, Czechoslovakia cs

Died: August 7, 2018 (Aged 78-079d)

Amateur Teams: St. Catharines Teepees

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1983 (Full List)

Name Note: Born Stanislav Guoth

21
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1396

G

541

A

926

PTS

1467

+/-

329

PS

143.5

PIM

1264

SH

4482

GWG

84

Stan Mikita revolutionized stick design with the curved blade and led the Chicago Blackhawks as a premier playmaker. A two-time MVP, he routinely topped scoring charts and endeared himself to fans through his work ethic and creativity.

Photo of

Mike Modano

Full Name: Michael Modano

(Mo, Mikey Mo, Mighty Mo, Magic Mo)

Position: C •  Shoots: Left

6-3, 212lb (190cm, 96kg)

Born: June 7, 1970 (Age: 54-241d) in Livonia, Michigan us

Draft: Minnesota, 1st round (1st overall), 1988 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Prince Albert Raiders

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2014 (Full List)

Twitter: @9modano

9 9 9 90
+3
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1499

G

561

A

813

PTS

1374

+/-

114

PS

144.9

PIM

926

SH

4273

GWG

92

TOI

19:48

CF%

51.0

oZS%

50.0

Mike Modano holds numerous scoring records for American-born players, including 1,374 points. His smooth skating and pinpoint shot helped the Dallas Stars reach new heights, culminating in their 1999 Stanley Cup victory.

Photo of

Howie Morenz

Full Name: Howarth William Morenz

(The Stratford Streak, Mitchell Meteor)

Position: C •  Shoots: Left

5-9, 165lb (175cm, 74kg)

Born: September 21, 1902 in Mitchell, Ontario ca

Died: March 8, 1937 (Aged 34-168d)

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1945 (Full List)

Relatives: Grandson Danny Geoffrion

7 6
+1
SUMMARY

Career

GP

550

G

271

A

205

PTS

476

+/-

PS

100.6

PIM

560

SH

GWG

45

Howie Morenz, the “Stratford Streak,” dazzled in the 1920s and ‘30s with his breakneck rushes. A pioneer of speed and stickhandling, he remains a beloved figure in Canadiens history and an early cornerstone of the NHL’s legacy.

Photo of

Alex Ovechkin

Full Name: Alexander Mikhaylovich Ovechkin

(Alexander the Great, Ovi, O, The Great 8, The Russian Machine, The Mechanic)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Right

6-3, 238lb (190cm, 107kg)

Team: Washington Capitals

Born: September 17, 1985 (Age: 39-139d) in Moscow, USSR su

Draft: Washington, 1st round (1st overall), 2004 NHL Entry

Pronunciation: \AL-ehx oh-VEHCH-kihn\

8 8
+1
SUMMARY

2024-25

Career

GP

36

1462

G

24

877

A

14

711

PTS

38

1588

+/-

15

60

PS

6.6

210.3

PIM

10

827

SH

132

6759

GWG

5

134

TOI

17:31

20:39

CF%

48.5

52.2

oZS%

73.3

60.4

Alex Ovechkin dominates with a thunderous shot and a relentless drive to score, relentlessly chasing Wayne Gretzky’s goal record. A Stanley Cup champion and multiple Hart Trophy winner, “Ovi” continues to redefine goal-scoring excellence.

Photo of

Brad Park

Full Name: Douglas Bradford Park

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

6-0, 200lb (183cm, 90kg)

Born: July 6, 1948 (Age: 76-212d) in Toronto, Ontario ca

Draft: NY Rangers, 1st round (2nd overall), 1966 NHL Amateur

Amateur Teams: Toronto Marlboros

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1988 (Full List)

As Coach: 1 Yr, 9‑34‑2, 20 Pts. (Full Record)

2 22 22
+2
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1113

G

213

A

683

PTS

896

+/-

363

PS

143.5

PIM

1429

SH

2827

GWG

28

Brad Park was an outstanding two-way defenseman for the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins. Despite frequently finishing as a Norris runner-up to Bobby Orr, Park’s steady defense and skillful puck control made him an elite blueliner in his own right.

Photo of

Jacques Plante

Full Name: Joseph Jacques Omer Plante

(Jake the Snake, The Innovator)

Position: G •  Catches: Left

6-0, 175lb (183cm, 79kg)

Born: January 17, 1929 in Shawinigan Falls, Quebec ca

Died: February 27, 1986 (Aged 57-041d)

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1978 (Full List)

As Coach: 1 Yr, 38‑36‑4, 80 Pts. (Full Record)

1 1 30 1 31
+4
SUMMARY

Career

GP

837

W

437

L

246

T

145

SHO

82

PS

173.7

MIN

49513

GAA

2.38

SV%

.920

Jacques Plante popularized the use of the goalie mask, forever altering the position’s dynamics and safety. Over a storied career, he claimed six Stanley Cup rings and showcased calm composure even under intense pressure.

Photo of

Denis Potvin

Full Name: Denis Charles Potvin

(Bear)

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

6-0, 205lb (183cm, 92kg)

Born: October 29, 1953 (Age: 71-097d) in Ottawa, Ontario ca

Draft: NY Islanders, 1st round (1st overall), 1973 NHL Amateur

Amateur Teams: Ottawa 67’s

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1991 (Full List)

Relatives: Brother Jean Potvin; Cousin Marc Potvin

Twitter: @DenisPotvinFOX

5
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1060

G

310

A

742

PTS

1052

+/-

456

PS

160.7

PIM

1356

SH

3050

GWG

44

Denis Potvin anchored the New York Islanders’ dynasty of the early 1980s, capturing four Stanley Cups. With a rugged edge and innate offensive instincts, Potvin set new standards for modern defensemen.

Photo of

Chris Pronger

Full Name: Christopher Robert Pronger

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

6-6, 220lb (198cm, 99kg)

Born: October 10, 1974 (Age: 50-116d) in Dryden, Ontario ca

Draft: Hartford, 1st round (2nd overall), 1993 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Peterborough Petes

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2015 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \PRAWN-guhr\

Relatives: Brother Sean Pronger

44 44 44 25 20
+4
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1167

G

157

A

541

PTS

698

+/-

183

PS

139.4

PIM

1590

SH

2610

GWG

27

TOI

26:03

CF%

51.9

oZS%

52.3

Chris Pronger loomed large on the ice with his imposing size, punishing physicality, and superior hockey sense. A Hart and Norris Trophy winner, he led the Anaheim Ducks to a Stanley Cup in 2007, showcasing his ability to dominate at both ends.

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Henri Richard

Full Name: Joseph Henri Richard

(Pocket Rocket)

Position: C •  Shoots: Right

5-7, 160lb (170cm, 72kg)

Born: February 29, 1936 in Montreal, Quebec ca

Died: March 6, 2020 (Aged 84-006d)

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1979 (Full List)

Relatives: Brother Maurice Richard

16
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1258

G

358

A

688

PTS

1046

+/-

243

PS

98.7

PIM

932

SH

3199

GWG

53

Henri Richard, the “Pocket Rocket,” earned an unmatched 11 Stanley Cups as a key contributor for the Montreal Canadiens. Known for his speed, determination, and savvy play, he was a vital spark in Montreal’s perpetual contention.

Photo of

Maurice Richard

Full Name: Joseph Henri Maurice Richard

(Rocket)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Left

5-10, 170lb (178cm, 77kg)

Born: August 4, 1921 in Montreal, Quebec ca

Died: May 27, 2000 (Aged 78-297d)

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1961 (Full List)

As Coach: 1 Yr, 1‑1‑0, 2 Pts. (Full Record)

Relatives: Brother Henri Richard

15 9
+1
SUMMARY

Career

GP

978

G

544

A

422

PTS

966

+/-

18

PS

125.3

PIM

1287

SH

166

GWG

84

Maurice “Rocket” Richard embodied goal-scoring intensity for the Montreal Canadiens, the first player to net 50 goals in 50 games. His fiery competitiveness yielded eight Stanley Cup triumphs and a permanent legacy in hockey folklore.

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Larry Robinson

Full Name: Larry Clark Robinson

(Big Bird)

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

6-4, 225lb (193cm, 102kg)

Born: June 2, 1951 (Age: 73-246d) in Winchester, Ontario ca

Draft: Montreal, 2nd round (20th overall), 1971 NHL Amateur

Amateur Teams: Kitchener Rangers

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1995 (Full List)

As Coach: 8 Yrs, 209‑217‑75, 493 Pts. (Full Record)

Relatives: Brother Moe Robinson

19 19
+1
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1384

G

208

A

750

PTS

958

+/-

722

PS

169.5

PIM

793

SH

2332

GWG

29

Larry Robinson was a defensive mainstay for the Canadiens, blending size, skill, and leadership. Nicknamed “Big Bird,” he finished his career with six Stanley Cups and remains an enduring symbol of the franchise’s dominance.

Photo of

Patrick Roy

Full Name: Patrick Roy

(Saint Patrick, Casseau, The Wall)

Position: G •  Catches: Left

6-2, 185lb (188cm, 83kg)

Born: October 5, 1965 (Age: 59-121d) in Quebec City, Quebec ca

Draft: Montreal, 3rd round (51st overall), 1984 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Granby Bisons

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2006 (Full List)

As Coach: 5 Yrs (Full Record)

Pronunciation: \whah\

Relatives: Brother Stéphane Roy

33 33
+1
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1029

W

551

L

315

T

131

SHO

66

PS

198.3

MIN

60214

GAA

2.54

SV%

.910

Patrick Roy revolutionized goaltending with his butterfly style and unflappable demeanor, earning four Stanley Cup rings. Widely regarded as one of the best clutch performers, he captured three Conn Smythe Trophies across his illustrious career.

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Joe Sakic

Full Name: Joseph Steven Sakic

(Mr. Clutch, Super Joe, Burnaby Joe)

Position: C •  Shoots: Left

5-11, 195lb (180cm, 88kg)

Born: July 7, 1969 (Age: 55-211d) in Burnaby, British Columbia ca

Draft: Quebec, 1st round (15th overall), 1987 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Lethbridge Broncos, Swift Current Broncos

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2012 (Full List)

88 19 19
+2
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1378

G

625

A

1016

PTS

1641

+/-

30

PS

167.8

PIM

614

SH

4621

GWG

86

TOI

21:40

CF%

48.1

oZS%

52.0

Joe Sakic embodied quiet leadership and lethal scoring ability for the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche franchise. His swift wrist shot, sportsmanship, and two Stanley Cup titles solidified his status as an all-time great center.

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Terry Sawchuk

Full Name: Terrance Gordon Sawchuk

(Ukey)

Position: G •  Catches: Left

5-11, 195lb (180cm, 88kg)

Born: December 28, 1929 in Winnipeg, Manitoba ca

Died: May 31, 1970 (Aged 40-154d)

Amateur Teams: Galt Red Wings

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1971 (Full List)

1 1 24 30 30 29 30 30
+7
SUMMARY

Career

GP

971

W

445

L

336

T

171

SHO

103

PS

179.0

MIN

57156

GAA

2.50

SV%

.907

Terry Sawchuk played fearlessly in an era before advanced goaltending equipment, amassing a then-record 447 career wins. His longevity and courage between the pipes remain touchstones of an uncompromising era of NHL history.

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Teemu Selänne

Full Name: Teemu Ilmari Selänne

(The Finnish Flash, Teukka Salama)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-0, 200lb (183cm, 90kg)

Born: July 3, 1970 (Age: 54-215d) in Helsinki, Finland fi

Draft: Winnipeg, 1st round (10th overall), 1988 NHL Entry

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2017 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \TAY-moo suh-LAH-nay\

Twitter: @TeemuSel8nne

13 8 8 8 8 13 8
+6
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1451

G

684

A

773

PTS

1457

+/-

95

PS

172.3

PIM

660

SH

4540

GWG

110

TOI

18:34

CF%

49.5

oZS%

53.1

Teemu Selänne burst onto the scene with a 76-goal rookie campaign and never stopped thrilling fans with his lightning speed and accurate shot. The “Finnish Flash” concluded his career with 1,457 points and a Stanley Cup victory with Anaheim.

Photo of

Brendan Shanahan

Full Name: Brendan Frederick Shanahan

(Shanny, Shan the Man)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Right

6-3, 220lb (190cm, 99kg)

Born: January 23, 1969 (Age: 56-011d) in Mimico, Ontario ca

Draft: New Jersey, 1st round (2nd overall), 1987 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: London Knights

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2013 (Full List)

Twitter: @brendanshanahan

11 19 94 14 14 18
+5
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1524

G

656

A

698

PTS

1354

+/-

151

PS

148.0

PIM

2489

SH

5086

GWG

109

TOI

18:06

CF%

50.4

oZS%

56.8

Brendan Shanahan balanced grit and scoring prowess, surpassing 600 goals and 2,000 penalty minutes. His powerful presence helped drive the Detroit Red Wings’ success in the late 1990s and early 2000s, earning him three Stanley Cup titles.

Photo of

Darryl Sittler

Full Name: Darryl Glen Sittler

(Sitt)

Position: C •  Shoots: Left

6-0, 190lb (183cm, 86kg)

Born: September 18, 1950 (Age: 74-138d) in Kitchener, Ontario ca

Draft: Toronto, 1st round (8th overall), 1970 NHL Amateur

Amateur Teams: London Knights, London Nationals

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1989 (Full List)

27 9 27 27
+3
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1096

G

484

A

637

PTS

1121

+/-

57

PS

95.9

PIM

948

SH

3815

GWG

57

Darryl Sittler cemented his name in NHL lore by recording a 10-point game in 1976, a record that still stands. A Toronto Maple Leafs legend, he combined tenacity, leadership, and scoring savvy throughout his Hall of Fame career.

Photo of

Scott Stevens

Full Name: Ronald Scott Stevens

(Artie, Dad, Captain Crunch)

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

6-2, 215lb (188cm, 97kg)

Born: April 1, 1964 (Age: 60-308d) in Kitchener, Ontario ca

Draft: Washington, 1st round (5th overall), 1982 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Kitchener Rangers

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2007 (Full List)

Relatives: Brother Mike Stevens

3 2 4 4
+3
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1635

G

196

A

712

PTS

908

+/-

395

PS

169.7

PIM

2785

SH

3238

GWG

34

Scott Stevens patrolled the blue line with punishing hits and unwavering intensity, captaining the New Jersey Devils to three Stanley Cup championships. A pillar of defensive excellence, he instilled fear in forwards venturing into his zone.

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Bryan Trottier

Full Name: Bryan John Trottier

(Trotts)

Position: C •  Shoots: Left

5-11, 195lb (180cm, 88kg)

Born: July 17, 1956 (Age: 68-201d) in Val Marie, Saskatchewan ca

Draft: NY Islanders, 2nd round (22nd overall), 1974 NHL Amateur

Amateur Teams: Lethbridge Broncos, Swift Current Broncos

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1997 (Full List)

As Coach: 1 Yr, 21‑26‑7, 49 Pts. (Full Record)

Relatives: Brother Rocky Trottier

19 19
+1
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1279

G

524

A

901

PTS

1425

+/-

449

PS

120.2

PIM

912

SH

2841

GWG

69

Bryan Trottier was the heartbeat of the New York Islanders’ early ‘80s dynasty, providing both offense and leadership. Winning six Stanley Cups overall, he epitomized two-way play and unselfish teamwork.

Photo of

Steve Yzerman

Full Name: Stephen Gregory Yzerman

(Stevie Wonder, Stevie-Y, The Captain)

Position: C •  Shoots: Right

5-11, 185lb (180cm, 83kg)

Born: May 9, 1965 (Age: 59-270d) in Cranbrook, British Columbia ca

Draft: Detroit, 1st round (4th overall), 1983 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Peterborough Petes

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2009 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \EYE-zur-muhn\

19
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1514

G

692

A

1063

PTS

1755

+/-

184

PS

166.6

PIM

924

SH

4602

GWG

94

Steve Yzerman became the longtime face of the Detroit Red Wings, transitioning from prolific goal scorer to exemplary two-way captain. The three-time Stanley Cup champion retired as one of the most respected leaders the sport has ever seen.

As we reflect on these remarkable 50 legends, their stories underscore the evolution of hockey and the brilliance required to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Whether your passion centers on the best NHL players of the past or you’re captivated by the best hockey players right now, there is no denying the impact these icons have had in shaping the NHL’s heritage. Their commitment, skill, and ingenuity set the benchmark for future generations and solidify their places among the top hockey players to ever take the ice.

Who is the best NHL player currently?

Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers is widely regarded as the best player in the NHL.

Who is the 2nd best player in NHL?

The debate over the second-best player in the NHL is subjective and depends on individual preferences and playing styles. Some top contenders include Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche, Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers, Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche.

The post 50 Best NHL Players of All Time appeared first on Hockey Reference.

]]> NHL Top 20 Defensemen Rankings https://www.hockey-reference.com/hr-blog/2025/01/nhl-top-20-defensemen-rankings/ Fri, 31 Jan 2025 19:29:29 +0000 https://www.hockey-reference.com/hr-blog/?p=152 In ice hockey’s dynamic and physically demanding game, defensemen serve as the backbone of a team’s success, balancing defensive responsibility with offensive contributions. Positioned on the blue line, these players are tasked with protecting their own zone, blocking shots, and initiating breakouts, while also contributing to scoring with precise shots and playmaking ability. These NHL […]

The post NHL Top 20 Defensemen Rankings appeared first on Hockey Reference.

]]> In ice hockey’s dynamic and physically demanding game, defensemen serve as the backbone of a team’s success, balancing defensive responsibility with offensive contributions. Positioned on the blue line, these players are tasked with protecting their own zone, blocking shots, and initiating breakouts, while also contributing to scoring with precise shots and playmaking ability. These NHL defensemen rankings will celebrate the greatest defensemen in NHL history, highlighting their remarkable achievements, versatility, and impact on the sport. Players are listed in alphabetical order.

Photo of

Ray Bourque

Full Name: Raymond Jean Bourque

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

5-11, 219lb (180cm, 99kg)

Born: December 28, 1960 (Age: 63-355d) in Montreal, Quebec ca

Draft: Boston, 1st round (8th overall), 1979 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Sorel Black Hawks, Trois Rivieres Draveurs, Verdun Black Hawks

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2004 (Full List)

Relatives: Son Chris Bourque

Twitter: @RayBourque77

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1612

G

410

A

1169

PTS

1579

+/-

527

PS

242.7

PIM

1141

SH

6209

GWG

60

Ray Bourque is the NHL’s all-time leader in points by a defenseman with 1,579 over his 22-season career, consistently blending offensive prowess and defensive stability. A five-time Norris Trophy winner, he capped his illustrious career by winning the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2001.

Photo of

Zdeno Chára

Full Name: Zdeno Chára

(Big Z, Zee, The Letter of the Law, Zaddy)

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

6-9, 250lb (206cm, 113kg)

Born: March 18, 1977 (Age: 47-274d) in Trencin, Czechoslovakia cs

Draft: NY Islanders, 3rd round (56th overall), 1996 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Prince George Cougars

Pronunciation: \z’DEHN-oh CHAH-rah\

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1680

G

209

A

471

PTS

680

+/-

301

PS

155.1

PIM

2085

SH

3419

GWG

35

TOI

23:30

CF%

52.5

oZS%

45.9

Zdeno Chára imposed his will with unparalleled size and strength, logging over 1,680 games and winning the Norris Trophy in 2009. His leadership led the Boston Bruins to a Stanley Cup title in 2011, and he is respected as one of the NHL’s greatest captains.

Photo of

Chris Chelios

Full Name: Christos Kostas Chelios

(Chelly, Soft Hands Chelios)

Position: D •  Shoots: Right

6-0, 191lb (183cm, 86kg)

Born: January 25, 1962 (Age: 62-327d) in Chicago, Illinois us

Draft: Montreal, 2nd round (40th overall), 1981 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Wisconsin

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2013 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \CHEHL-ee-ohz\

Name Note: born Tselios

Relatives: Cousin Nikos Tselios; Son Jake Chelios

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1651

G

185

A

763

PTS

948

+/-

351

PS

168.5

PIM

2891

SH

3627

GWG

31

TOI

21:57

CF%

58.4

oZS%

62.7

Chris Chelios epitomized durability and elite play, suiting up for 1,651 games while tallying 948 points and earning three Norris Trophies. He won Stanley Cups in both Montreal and Detroit, and his longevity remains virtually unrivaled in NHL history.

Photo of

Paul Coffey

Full Name: Paul Douglas Coffey

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

6-0, 205lb (183cm, 92kg)

Born: June 1, 1961 (Age: 63-199d) in Weston, Ontario ca

Draft: Edmonton, 1st round (6th overall), 1980 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Kingston Canadians, Kitchener Rangers, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2004 (Full List)

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1409

G

396

A

1135

PTS

1531

+/-

298

PS

185.7

PIM

1802

SH

4389

GWG

43

Paul Coffey dazzled as an offensive juggernaut from the blue line, amassing 1,531 points and setting the single-season record for goals by a defenseman with 48. A three-time Norris Trophy winner, he was crucial to the Edmonton Oilers’ 1980s dynasty.

Photo of

Doug Harvey

Full Name: Douglas Norman Harvey

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

5-11, 187lb (180cm, 84kg)

Born: December 19, 1924 in Montreal, Quebec ca

Died: December 26, 1989 (Aged 65-007d)

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1973 (Full List)

As Coach: 1 Yr, 26‑32‑12, 64 Pts. (Full Record)

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1113

G

88

A

452

PTS

540

+/-

46

PS

123.2

PIM

1225

SH

350

GWG

17

Doug Harvey set the standard for the top NHL defensemen, orchestrating play and controlling games on his way to seven Norris Trophies. As a key component of six Stanley Cup-winning teams in Montreal, he dominated an era defined by the Canadiens’ excellence.

Photo of

Phil Housley

Full Name: Phil F. Housley

(Howie)

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

5-10, 185lb (178cm, 83kg)

Born: March 9, 1964 (Age: 60-283d) in St. Paul, Minnesota us

Draft: Buffalo, 1st round (6th overall), 1982 NHL Entry

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2015 (Full List)

As Coach: 2 Yrs, 58‑84‑22, 138 Pts. (Full Record)

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1495

G

338

A

894

PTS

1232

+/-

-53

PS

170.7

PIM

822

SH

3808

GWG

49

Phil Housley was one of the most prolific offensive defensemen ever, compiling 1,232 points in 1,495 games while never capturing a Norris Trophy. Despite the absence of such accolades, his point totals rank him among the league’s elite blueliners.

Photo of

Tim Horton

Full Name: Miles Gilbert Horton

(Superman)

Position: D •  Shoots: Right

5-10, 180lb (178cm, 81kg)

Born: January 12, 1930 in Cochrane, Ontario ca

Died: February 21, 1974 (Aged 44-040d)

Amateur Teams: St. Michael’s College Majors

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1977 (Full List)

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1445

G

115

A

403

PTS

518

+/-

191

PS

131.7

PIM

1611

SH

1978

GWG

21

Tim Horton exemplified toughness, reliability, and defensive stalwart play, appearing in 1,446 games and winning four Stanley Cups with Toronto. He contributed steady defense rather than gaudy point totals, earning him immense respect throughout his career.

Photo of

Mark Howe

Full Name: Mark Steven Howe

(Foggy)

Position: LW/D •  Shoots: Left

5-11, 185lb (180cm, 83kg)

Born: May 28, 1955 (Age: 69-203d) in Detroit, Michigan us

Draft: Boston, 2nd round (25th overall), 1974 NHL Amateur

Amateur Teams: Toronto Marlboros

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2011 (Full List)

Relatives: Brother Marty Howe; Father Gordie Howe

SUMMARY

Career

GP

929

G

197

A

545

PTS

742

+/-

400

PS

111.9

PIM

455

SH

2132

GWG

23

Mark Howe shifted seamlessly from forward to defenseman, becoming a three-time Norris Trophy finalist and recording 742 points with a career +400 plus/minus. His smooth skating and two-way consistency made him one of the best American-born defensemen ever.

Photo of

Rod Langway

Full Name: Rod Corry Langway

(Hot Rod, The Secretary of Defense)

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

6-3, 218lb (190cm, 98kg)

Born: May 3, 1957 (Age: 67-228d) in Taipei, Taiwan tw

Draft: Montreal, 2nd round (36th overall), 1977 NHL Amateur

Amateur Teams: New Hampshire

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2002 (Full List)

SUMMARY

Career

GP

994

G

51

A

278

PTS

329

+/-

276

PS

78.1

PIM

851

SH

1237

GWG

9

Rod Langway transformed the Washington Capitals into perennial contenders with his arrival, capturing two Norris Trophies and stabilizing their back end. Known for leadership and defensive mastery rather than scoring, he defined the stay-at-home defenseman role in the 1980s.

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Brian Leetch

Full Name: Brian Joseph Leetch

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

6-0, 185lb (183cm, 83kg)

Born: March 3, 1968 (Age: 56-289d) in Corpus Christi, Texas us

Draft: NY Rangers, 1st round (9th overall), 1986 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Boston College

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2009 (Full List)

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1205

G

247

A

781

PTS

1028

+/-

25

PS

146.6

PIM

571

SH

3640

GWG

38

Brian Leetch remains the only American defenseman to claim the Conn Smythe Trophy, leading the Rangers to their 1994 Stanley Cup win with 34 playoff points. With 1,028 career points, two Norris Trophies, and smooth skating, he was an offensive catalyst from the blue line.

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Nicklas Lidström

Full Name: Nicklas Erik Lidström

(The Perfect Human, Saint Nick, Captain)

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

6-1, 192lb (185cm, 87kg)

Born: April 28, 1970 (Age: 54-233d) in Vasteras, Sweden se

Draft: Detroit, 3rd round (53rd overall), 1989 NHL Entry

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2015 (Full List)

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1564

G

264

A

878

PTS

1142

+/-

450

PS

211.8

PIM

514

SH

3875

GWG

35

TOI

26:19

CF%

56.6

oZS%

52.9

Nicklas Lidström exemplified consistent excellence, winning seven Norris Trophies and four Stanley Cups as the backbone of the Detroit Red Wings. Amassing 1,142 points, he showcased a flawless blend of defensive positioning and offensive prowess throughout his career.

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Al MacInnis

Full Name: Allan MacInnis

(Chopper)

Position: D •  Shoots: Right

6-2, 204lb (188cm, 92kg)

Born: July 11, 1963 (Age: 61-159d) in Inverness, Nova Scotia ca

Draft: Calgary, 1st round (15th overall), 1981 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Kitchener Rangers, Regina Pats 

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2007 (Full List)

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1416

G

340

A

934

PTS

1274

+/-

371

PS

195.0

PIM

1511

SH

5157

GWG

44

Al MacInnis combined a legendary slap shot with top-tier vision, recording 1,274 points and winning both a Norris Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy. His booming shot and calm decision-making powered the Calgary Flames to the 1989 Stanley Cup.

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Scott Niedermayer

Full Name: Scott Robert Niedermayer

(Nieds)

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

6-1, 194lb (185cm, 87kg)

Born: August 31, 1973 (Age: 51-108d) in Edmonton, Alberta ca

Draft: New Jersey, 1st round (3rd overall), 1991 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Kamloops Blazers

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2013 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \NEE-dur-my-ur\

Relatives: Brother Rob Niedermayer; Cousin Jason Strudwick

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1263

G

172

A

568

PTS

740

+/-

167

PS

141.0

PIM

784

SH

2436

GWG

39

TOI

25:10

CF%

51.2

oZS%

48.0

Scott Niedermayer showcased unparalleled skating ability, winning four Stanley Cups and one Norris Trophy while amassing 740 points. Equally adept on offense and defense, he also earned a Conn Smythe Trophy, marking him as one of the most complete defenders in the modern era.

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Bobby Orr

Full Name: Robert Gordon Orr

(God, Number 4)

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

6-0, 197lb (183cm, 89kg)

Born: March 20, 1948 (Age: 76-272d) in Parry Sound, Ontario ca

Amateur Teams: Oshawa Generals

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1979 (Full List)

SUMMARY

Career

GP

657

G

270

A

645

PTS

915

+/-

582

PS

150.9

PIM

953

SH

3058

GWG

26

Bobby Orr revolutionized the position with his end-to-end rushes and extraordinary puck skills, scoring 915 points in just 657 games. The only defenseman to lead the league in scoring, he earned eight Norris Trophies and remains the gold standard among the best NHL defensemen.

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Brad Park

Full Name: Douglas Bradford Park

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

6-0, 200lb (183cm, 90kg)

Born: July 6, 1948 (Age: 76-164d) in Toronto, Ontario ca

Draft: NY Rangers, 1st round (2nd overall), 1966 NHL Amateur

Amateur Teams: Toronto Marlboros

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1988 (Full List)

As Coach: 1 Yr, 9‑34‑2, 20 Pts. (Full Record)

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1113

G

213

A

683

PTS

896

+/-

363

PS

143.5

PIM

1429

SH

2827

GWG

28

Brad Park, despite often standing in the shadow of Bobby Orr and Denis Potvin, enjoyed a Hall of Fame career with 896 points. Although he never captured the Norris Trophy, his seven runner-up finishes highlight how consistently close he was to the pinnacle of his craft.

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Pierre Pilote

Full Name: Joseph Albert Pierre Paul Pilote

(Pete, The Bantam Bouncer)

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

5-10, 178lb (178cm, 80kg)

Born: December 11, 1931 in Kenogami, Quebec ca

Died: September 9, 2017 (Aged 85-272d)

Amateur Teams: St. Catharines Teepees

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1975 (Full List)

SUMMARY

Career

GP

890

G

80

A

418

PTS

498

+/-

187

PS

93.1

PIM

1257

SH

791

GWG

17

Pierre Pilote was a rock on the Chicago Blackhawks’ blue line in the 1960s, earning three Norris Trophies and leading them to a Stanley Cup in 1961. He tallied 498 points in 890 games, showcasing steady offensive contribution in a defense-focused era.

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Denis Potvin

Full Name: Denis Charles Potvin

(Bear)

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

6-0, 205lb (183cm, 92kg)

Born: October 29, 1953 (Age: 71-049d) in Ottawa, Ontario ca

Draft: NY Islanders, 1st round (1st overall), 1973 NHL Amateur

Amateur Teams: Ottawa 67’s

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1991 (Full List)

Relatives: Brother Jean Potvin; Cousin Marc Potvin

Twitter: @DenisPotvinFOX

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1060

G

310

A

742

PTS

1052

+/-

456

PS

160.7

PIM

1356

SH

3050

GWG

44

Denis Potvin led the New York Islanders to four consecutive Stanley Cups, scoring 1,052 points and winning three Norris Trophies. His rare combination of leadership, physicality, and offensive production made him a central figure in that dynasty.

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Chris Pronger

Full Name: Christopher Robert Pronger

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

6-6, 220lb (198cm, 99kg)

Born: October 10, 1974 (Age: 50-068d) in Dryden, Ontario ca

Draft: Hartford, 1st round (2nd overall), 1993 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Peterborough Petes

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2015 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \PRAWN-guhr\

Relatives: Brother Sean Pronger

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1167

G

157

A

541

PTS

698

+/-

183

PS

139.4

PIM

1590

SH

2610

GWG

27

TOI

26:03

CF%

51.9

oZS%

52.3

Chris Pronger was a dominant force on the ice, combining size, physicality, and elite defensive skill to become one of the most feared defensemen of his era. A Hart and Norris Trophy winner in 2000, he amassed 698 points and 1,590 penalty minutes while leading the Anaheim Ducks to a Stanley Cup in 2007 and solidifying his legacy as a cornerstone blueliner.

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Larry Robinson

Full Name: Larry Clark Robinson

(Big Bird)

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

6-4, 225lb (193cm, 102kg)

Born: June 2, 1951 (Age: 73-198d) in Winchester, Ontario ca

Draft: Montreal, 2nd round (20th overall), 1971 NHL Amateur

Amateur Teams: Kitchener Rangers

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1995 (Full List)

As Coach: 8 Yrs, 209‑217‑75, 493 Pts. (Full Record)

Relatives: Brother Moe Robinson

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1384

G

208

A

750

PTS

958

+/-

722

PS

169.5

PIM

793

SH

2332

GWG

29

Larry Robinson was a dominating presence for the Canadiens, amassing 958 points and posting a jaw-dropping +722 career plus/minus. A six-time Stanley Cup champion, he blended impeccable defensive positioning with offensive flair and calm poise under pressure.

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Serge Savard

Full Name: Serge Aubry Savard

(The Senator)

Position: D •  Shoots: Left

6-3, 210lb (190cm, 95kg)

Born: January 22, 1946 (Age: 78-330d) in Montreal, Quebec ca

Amateur Teams: Montreal Junior Canadiens

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1986 (Full List)

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1040

G

106

A

333

PTS

439

+/-

462

PS

102.5

PIM

590

SH

1390

GWG

14

Serge Savard provided steady, clutch defense for the Canadiens, winning eight Stanley Cups and the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1969. His “Savardian spin-o-rama” move and composed play cemented him as a key element of Montreal’s 1970s dominance.

So, who is the best defenseman in the NHL’s storied history? With so many legends patrolling the blue line over the years, it’s nearly impossible to single out just one. The real joy lies in celebrating the contributions of these twenty defensive stalwarts who defined eras, shattered records, and elevated the game with their unmatched skills.

Who is the best defenseman in the NHL in 2024?

Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche is widely regarded as the best defenseman in the NHL for 2024. Other top contenders include Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks, who won the Norris Trophy in 2023-24, Adam Fox, who continues to produce strong offensive numbers for the New York Rangers, and Roman Josi, who remains a key player for the Nashville Predators with significant contributions on both ends of the ice.

Who is the best defenseman in the NHL?

Determining the best defenseman in NHL history is a matter of perspective, as each era and player brought something unique to the game. Bobby Orr revolutionized the position with his unmatched offensive contributions, while Nicklas Lidström’s flawless defensive play and leadership defined consistency and excellence. Ray Bourque set records for longevity and production, and players like Doug Harvey, Chris Pronger, and Denis Potvin showcased a mix of defensive prowess and physicality.

Who are the best defensemen in the NHL today?

The best defensemen in the NHL today include Cale Makar (Avalanche) and Quinn Hughes (Canucks), who lead with elite skating and offensive production. Adam Fox (Rangers) and Roman Josi (Predators) excel with high hockey IQ and consistent two-way play, while Victor Hedman (Lightning) remains a dominant, well-rounded force. Others like Rasmus Dahlin (Sabres), Miro Heiskanen (Stars), and Charlie McAvoy (Bruins) are also key contributors, showcasing the depth of elite blue-liners in the league today.

The post NHL Top 20 Defensemen Rankings appeared first on Hockey Reference.

]]> Teams with Longest Winning Streak in the NHL History https://www.hockey-reference.com/hr-blog/2024/02/teams-with-longest-winning-streak-in-the-nhl-history/ Thu, 01 Feb 2024 15:31:31 +0000 https://www.hockey-reference.com/hr-blog/?p=70 The crowd’s roar echoing off the ice after the final buzzer and the electrifying tension of a team on fire – few hockey stories capture the imagination like a prolonged winning streak. From audacious multi-game tears to the grit and determination of the win-stacking rampages, these streaks of Pro Hockey victory etch themselves into the […]

The post Teams with Longest Winning Streak in the NHL History appeared first on Hockey Reference.

]]> The crowd’s roar echoing off the ice after the final buzzer and the electrifying tension of a team on fire – few hockey stories capture the imagination like a prolonged winning streak. From audacious multi-game tears to the grit and determination of the win-stacking rampages, these streaks of Pro Hockey victory etch themselves into the annals of NHL history. But which teams have pushed the limits of dominance, rewriting the record books and engraving their names as the kings of consistency? Buckle up, hockey fans, because we’re diving into the white-knuckled tales of the teams who conquered the ice, one sizzling win at a time. In this post, we will uncover the teams who dared to rewrite the definition of “streak” and etched their names in the frozen pantheon of NHL legends as we search for the NHL record for most consecutive wins.

Multiple teams and franchises have reached double digits of consecutive League Regular season wins, which we present here.

13 Straight and Looked Great

Thirteen might not be the NHL win streak record, but few franchises have reached this milestone. Here are the handful that found the number 13 to be “lucky” and good.

1970-71 Boston Bruins Roster and Statistics

Record: 57-14-7 (121 points), Finished 1st in NHL East Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Tom Johnson (57-14-7)

Captain:

Primary Arena: Boston Garden

Goals For: 399 (1st of 14), Goals Against: 207 (3rd of 14)
SRS: 2.29 (1st of 14),  SOS: -0.18 (14th of 14)

Playoffs:
Lost Quarter-Finals (4-3) to Montreal Canadiens

The long winning streak of the 1970-71 Bruins was a thrilling display of dominance during a season already etched in hockey history. This streak, occurring between February 23 and March 20, 1971, showcased the offensive juggernaut that Boston had become and fueled their march towards a record-breaking season. The Bruins averaged an impressive 5.2 goals per game during the streak, led by Phil Esposito’s goal-scoring and Bobby Orr’s impressive assists.  

Despite their focus on offense, the Bruins remained disciplined, allowing only 2.08 goals per game during the streak. Their starting goaltender, Eddie Johnston, posted a stellar save percentage during this period.

2000-01 New Jersey Devils Roster and Statistics

Record: 48-19-12-3 (111 points), Finished 1st in NHL Atlantic Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Larry Robinson (48-19-12-3)

Captain: Scott Stevens

Primary Arena: Continental Airlines Arena

Goals For: 295 (1st of 30), Goals Against: 195 (5th of 30)
SRS: 1.10 (1st of 30),  SOS: -0.12 (30th of 30)

Playoffs:
Lost Stanley Cup Final (4-3) to Colorado Avalanche
Won Conference Finals (4-1) over Pittsburgh Penguins
Won Conference Semi-Finals (4-3) over Toronto Maple Leafs
Won Conference Quarter-Finals (4-2) over Carolina Hurricanes

Preseason Odds: Stanley Cup +600

Ah, the Devils’ fiery run of 2001! It was a blaze of scoring prowess, defensive dominance, and the undeniable magic of Martin Brodeur between the pipes. This master of the crease shut the door on opposing offenses and single-handedly stole several games, proving himself to be one of the league’s best goalies. 

It all began on February 26, 2001, against the Ottawa Senators. A whirlwind of victories followed, each igniting New Jersey fans’ hopes. The Devils weren’t just winning; they were scoring in bunches. Patrik Elias, Alexander Mogilny, and Petr Sykora each lit the lamps consistently to lead the charge, contributing to one of the league’s most potent offenses.

1985-86 Philadelphia Flyers Roster and Statistics

Record: 53-23-4 (110 points), Finished 1st in NHL Patrick Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Mike Keenan (53-23-4)

Captain: Dave Poulin

Primary Arena: The Spectrum

Goals For: 335 (4th of 21), Goals Against: 241 (1st of 21)
SRS: 1.17 (2nd of 21),  SOS: -0.01 (14th of 21)

Playoffs:
Lost Division Semi-Finals (3-2) to New York Rangers

Preseason Odds: Stanley Cup +200

How about the 1985-86 Philadelphia squad and their electrifying 13-game win streak – a time etched in Flyer’s hockey lore! The string of W’s started on October 19, 1985, with a home victory against the Minnesota North Stars. This initial win ignited a fiery run that saw the Flyers dismantle opponents with offensive finesse and defensive grit. This win streak wasn’t a one-man show. The dynamic duo of Tim Kerr and Rick Tocchet tore through defenses while goalie Pelle Lindbergh stood tall between the pipes. Ten games into these victories, on November 17, soon after a nail-biting overtime victory against the New York Islanders, goaltender Lindbergh tragically died in a car accident. This devastating loss cast a shadow over the team, but their spirit remained unbroken as they hammered out three more in honor of their fallen teammate.

2021-22 Florida Panthers Roster and Statistics

Record: 58-18-6 (122 points), Finished 1st in NHL Atlantic Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Joel Quenneville (7-0-0), Andrew Brunette (51-18-6)

Captain: Aleksander Barkov

Primary Arena: FLA Live Arena

Goals For: 340 (1st of 32), Goals Against: 246 (13th of 32)
SRS: 1.07 (1st of 32),  SOS: -0.08 (32nd of 32)

Playoffs:
Lost Second Round (4-0) to Tampa Bay Lightning
Won First Round (4-2) over Washington Capitals

Preseason Odds: Stanley Cup +2000; O/U: 101.5

The Sunshine State Cats had a wild ride that propelled them into the NHL spotlight and had fans cheering in the stands. March 29 started the party that included seven shutouts during the streak (most in league history during a winning streak) and five victories in an extra session. This occurred after Joel Quenneville’s early season resignation and Andrew Brunette’s promotion to bench boss. Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau led the charge on offense, while Sergei Bobrovsky was a wall in front of the net.

2022-23 New Jersey Devils Roster and Statistics

Record: 52-22-8 (112 points), Finished 2nd in NHL Metropolitan Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Lindy Ruff (52-22-8)

Captain: Nico Hischier

Primary Arena: Prudential Center

Goals For: 291 (4th of 32), Goals Against: 226 (9th of 32)
SRS: 0.79 (2nd of 32),  SOS: 0.00 (17th of 32)

Playoffs:
Lost Second Round (4-1) to Carolina Hurricanes
Won First Round (4-3) over New York Rangers

Preseason Odds: Stanley Cup +6600; O/U: 89.5

The Devils had an equally dominating stretch in the 2022-23 season. Rising skating stars Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and Jack Hughes showed their skills. During the streak, Hischier tallied 16 points, Bratt posted 15, and Hughes sizzled with 18 in the 13-game run.

Fourteen and Still Mean

Reaching fourteen wins in consecutive NHL contests is a BIG deal! Creating one of the longest win streaks in NHL history takes talent, skill, teamwork, and a little luck.

1929-30 Boston Bruins Roster and Statistics

Record: 38-5-1 (77 points), Finished 1st in NHL American Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Art Ross (38-5-1)

Captain: Lionel Hitchman

Primary Arena: Boston Garden

Goals For: 179 (1st of 10), Goals Against: 98 (1st of 10)
SRS: 1.60 (1st of 10),  SOS: -0.24 (10th of 10)

Playoffs:
Lost Stanley Cup Final (2-0) to Montreal Canadiens
Won Semi-Finals (3-1) over Montreal Maroons

The Bruins reached fourteen straight regular-season victories twice in franchise history. The first occurred during the early 1929-30 season.

It sprouted on November 30, 1929, with a 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, and spanned eight weeks, concluding on January 9, 1930, with a 4-3 win against the same Pittsburgh team.

2009-10 Washington Capitals Roster and Statistics

Record: 54-15-13 (121 points), Finished 1st in NHL Southeast Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Bruce Boudreau (54-15-13)

Captain: Chris Clark , Alex Ovechkin

Primary Arena: Verizon Center

Goals For: 318 (1st of 30), Goals Against: 233 (16th of 30)
SRS: 0.90 (1st of 30),  SOS: -0.14 (30th of 30)

Playoffs:
Lost Conference Quarter-Finals (4-3) to Montreal Canadiens

Preseason Odds: Stanley Cup +1200

The 14-game win streak of the 2009-10 Washington Capitals was a stretch of pure dominance, a display of offensive firepower and defensive lockdown. The streak included nine in regulation, four in overtime, and even a shootout win.

Some incredible highlight reel moments transpired during the run, like Alexander Ovechkin’s game-winning overtime goal against the Montreal Canadiens and Nicklas Backstrom’s four-goal outburst against the Florida Panthers.

2020-21 Florida Panthers Roster and Statistics

Record: 37-14-5 (79 points), Finished 2nd in NHL Central Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Joel Quenneville (37-14-5)

Captain: Aleksander Barkov

Primary Arena: BB&T Center

Goals For: 189 (5th of 31), Goals Against: 153 (8th of 31)
SRS: 0.56 (6th of 31),  SOS: -0.08 (25th of 31)

Playoffs:
Lost First Round (4-2) to Tampa Bay Lightning

Preseason Odds: Stanley Cup +4000; O/U: 59.5

Technically, the Panthers accomplished the feat of fourteen regular-season victories, hitting the plateau by stringing together six wins at the end of the 2020–21 season, coupled with eight more at the start of the 2021–22 NHL year. In the middle of the run was a first-round playoff series defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Lightning, two games to four.

15 Wins in a Row

Streaks like these place the word “legendary” in front of them. Special teams with memorable and talented people make this list.

2006-07 Buffalo Sabres Roster and Statistics

Record: 53-22-7 (113 points), Finished 1st in NHL Northeast Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Lindy Ruff (53-22-7)

Captain: Daniel Brière , Chris Drury

Primary Arena: HSBC Arena

Goals For: 308 (1st of 30), Goals Against: 242 (13th of 30)
SRS: 0.64 (6th of 30),  SOS: -0.16 (29th of 30)

Playoffs:
Lost Conference Finals (4-1) to Ottawa Senators
Won Conference Semi-Finals (4-2) over New York Rangers
Won Conference Quarter-Finals (4-1) over New York Islanders

Preseason Odds: Stanley Cup +1200

The Sabres added five 2005–06 regularly scheduled season-ending W’s along with the fast start of ten victories to initiate the 2006–07 campaign to hit the lofty number fifteen in their streak. The 2005-06 season was the first 100–point season in 23 years for Buffalo as team leaders Daniel Briere, Ryan Miller, Maxim Afinogenov, and Chris Drury helped the franchise achieve the feat.

2012-13 Pittsburgh Penguins Roster and Statistics

Record: 36-12-0 (72 points), Finished 1st in NHL Atlantic Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Dan Bylsma (36-12-0)

Captain: Sidney Crosby

Primary Arena: CONSOL Energy Center

Goals For: 165 (1st of 30), Goals Against: 119 (10th of 30)
SRS: 0.91 (2nd of 30),  SOS: -0.05 (25th of 30)

Playoffs:
Lost Conference Finals (4-0) to Boston Bruins
Won Conference Semi-Finals (4-1) over Ottawa Senators
Won Conference Quarter-Finals (4-2) over New York Islanders

Preseason Odds: Stanley Cup +700; O/U: 61.5

In 2013, the Pittsburgh Penguins unleashed an unstoppable force. Fueled by Sidney Crosby’s brilliance and Evgeni Malkin’s power, they ripped through 15 straight games, a dazzling mix of comebacks, overtime thrillers, and shutouts. The Penguins devoured opponents, from Montreal’s wild 7-6 opener to a dominant sweep of Boston’s vaunted defense. Though stopped just shy of the record, their 15-game waltz stands as a testament to their dominance and a legend whispered through the halls of hockey history.

1981-82 New York Islanders Roster and Statistics

Record: 54-16-10 (118 points), Finished 1st in NHL Patrick Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Al Arbour (54-16-10)

Captain: Denis Potvin

Primary Arena: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum

1981-82 Stanley Cup Champions

Goals For: 385 (2nd of 21), Goals Against: 250 (2nd of 21)
SRS: 1.63 (2nd of 21),  SOS: -0.05 (15th of 21)

Playoffs:
Won Stanley Cup Final (4-0) over Vancouver Canucks
Won Conference Finals (4-0) over Quebec Nordiques
Won Division Finals (4-2) over New York Rangers
Won Division Semi-Finals (3-2) over Pittsburgh Penguins

The 1981-82 Islanders unleashed a hockey blizzard, burying opponents under a 15-game avalanche from January to February. Fueled by Bryan Trottier’s magic touch and Billy Smith’s brick-wall goaltending, they outscored everyone in their path, rewriting the record books.

Above the Blue Line Wins

There are a couple of teams so far that went beyond the fifteen game win streak.

2016-17 Columbus Blue Jackets Roster and Statistics

Record: 50-24-8 (108 points), Finished 3rd in NHL Metropolitan Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: John Tortorella (50-24-8)

Captain: Nick Foligno

Primary Arena: Nationwide Arena

Goals For: 249 (6th of 30), Goals Against: 195 (2nd of 30)
SRS: 0.68 (2nd of 30),  SOS: 0.02 (10th of 30)

Playoffs:
Lost First Round (4-1) to Pittsburgh Penguins

Preseason Odds: Stanley Cup +6600; O/U: 84.5

In the frigid winter of 2017, the Columbus Blue Jackets defied expectations with a scorching 16-game win streak, rewriting franchise history and captivating the hockey world. Fueled by clutch offense and stingy defense, they climbed the ranks, silencing doubters and igniting fan frenzy. Though they fell one game short of matching the NHL record, their fiery run remains a testament to their grit and forever burns bright in Jackets lore. It was a genuine team effort, as Cam Atkinson was the only Jacket to score more than 30 goals that season.

1992-93 Pittsburgh Penguins Roster and Statistics

Record: 56-21-7 (119 points), Finished 1st in NHL Patrick Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Scotty Bowman (56-21-7)

Captain: Mario Lemieux

Primary Arena: Pittsburgh Civic Arena

Goals For: 367 (2nd of 24), Goals Against: 268 (3rd of 24)
SRS: 1.23 (1st of 24),  SOS: 0.05 (9th of 24)

Playoffs:
Lost Division Finals (4-3) to New York Islanders
Won Division Semi-Finals (4-1) over New Jersey Devils

Preseason Odds: Stanley Cup +400

In the spring of ’93, the Pittsburgh Penguins unleashed a firestorm on the ice. Mario Lemieux, healthy and hungry, led the charge as they ripped through 17 straight wins, a franchise record, and the NHL’s gold standard. Opponents withered under the Pens’ offensive onslaught from Boston to Vancouver, culminating in a record-setting 96 goals while silencing doubters and propelling them toward another Stanley Cup run. 

Other Long Streaks

Speaking of the Penguins, the Pittsburgh Club holds an NHL-record total of 14 straight playoff game wins. That streak started in the 1992 post-season and concluded in the 1993 playoffs.

A record for ties included in win streaks brings us the longest in the NHL’s over one-hundred-year history! The 1979–80 Philadelphia Flyers hold an unbeaten streak of 35 straight games.

As you can see, hockey doesn’t get much better than these ice squads reeling off win after win.

What is the longest winning streak in NHL history?

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ 17-game streak is at the top of the list right now.

Who has the longest home winning streak in NHL?

The Red Wings had a 23-game home winning streak in 2011 through early 2012

Who has the longest point streak in NHL history?

Early in Wayne Gretzky’s career, he had a 51-point streak with Edmonton.

What is the longest streak without a win to start a season in the NHL?

Two teams have had 18-game losing streaks; The Penguins in 2003-04 and the Sabres in 2020-21

The post Teams with Longest Winning Streak in the NHL History appeared first on Hockey Reference.

]]> NHL Top 50 Right Wing Rankings https://www.hockey-reference.com/hr-blog/2024/01/nhl-top-50-right-wing-rankings/ Tue, 30 Jan 2024 18:40:16 +0000 https://www.hockey-reference.com/hr-blog/?p=49 The right wing position in the NHL has been a land of scorching blades, electrifying speed, and an insatiable hunger for finding the back of the net. From skaters with effortless power to one-timer perfection, from dazzling artistry with the puck, these players have sculpted the very identity of the position. In this post, we […]

The post NHL Top 50 Right Wing Rankings appeared first on Hockey Reference.

]]> The right wing position in the NHL has been a land of scorching blades, electrifying speed, and an insatiable hunger for finding the back of the net. From skaters with effortless power to one-timer perfection, from dazzling artistry with the puck, these players have sculpted the very identity of the position. In this post, we embark on a thrilling journey through the past century of NHL hockey, celebrating the 50 greatest right-wingers ever to grace the ice. Brace yourselves for a barrage of slap shots, breakaway masterpieces, and clutch moments that etched their names into the pantheon of hockey legends. Let the puck drop on 50 Legends and how they impacted the fastest game on ice!

Here are the Top NHL RWs in Career points in alphabetical order:

Photo of

Daniel Alfredsson

(Alfie)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

5-11, 196lb (180cm, 88kg)

Born: December 11, 1972 (Age: 51-012d) in Gothenburg, Sweden se

Draft: Ottawa, 6th round (133rd overall), 1994 NHL Entry

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2022 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \AHL-frehd-suhn\

Twitter: @DAlfredsson11

11 11 11
+2
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1246

G

444

A

713

PTS

1157

+/-

155

PS

133.6

PIM

510

SH

3471

GWG

73

TOI

20:48

CF%

52.7

oZS%

55.9

Daniel Alfredsson slashed and dashed the rubber to its place beyond the crease 444 times, giving a helping hand 713 times for assists during his NHL career.

Tony Amonte

(Bones)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Left

6-0, 200lb (183cm, 90kg)

Born: August 2, 1970 (Age: 53-143d) in Hingham, Massachusetts us

Draft: NY Rangers, 4th round (68th overall), 1988 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Boston University

Pronunciation: \ah-MAHN-tee\

31 33 10 10 11 10
+5
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1174

G

416

A

484

PTS

900

+/-

96

PS

95.3

PIM

752

SH

3260

GWG

58

Tony Amonte found the back of the net 416 instances during his tenure and had 484 assists while skating in the NHL.

Photo of

Glenn Anderson

(Andy)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Left

6-1, 190lb (185cm, 86kg)

Born: October 2, 1960 (Age: 63-082d) in Vancouver, British Columbia ca

Draft: Edmonton, 4th round (69th overall), 1979 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Denver, New Westminster Bruins, Seattle Breakers

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2008 (Full List)

9 10 9 36 9 36
+5
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1129

G

498

A

601

PTS

1099

+/-

201

PS

88.1

PIM

1120

SH

3109

GWG

85

Glenn Anderson found the back of the net 498 instances during his tenure and had 601 assists while skating in the NHL.

Photo of

Andy Bathgate

(Handy Andy)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-0, 180lb (183cm, 81kg)

Born: August 28, 1932 in Winnipeg, Manitoba ca

Died: February 26, 2016 (Aged 83-182d)

Amateur Teams: Guelph Biltmores

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1978 (Full List)

As Coach: 1 Yr, 21‑37‑1, 43 Pts. (Full Record)

Relatives: Brother Frank Bathgate

12 9 9 21 9
+4
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1069

G

349

A

624

PTS

973

+/-

-60

PS

91.8

PIM

624

SH

2461

GWG

35

Andy Bathgate rocketed 349 blasts past opposing goalies while finding friendly sticks for 624 assists during his NHL brilliance.

Photo of

Peter Bondra

(Bonzai, The Special Agent)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Left

6-0, 200lb (183cm, 90kg)

Born: February 7, 1968 (Age: 55-319d) in Luck, USSR su

Draft: Washington, 8th round (156th overall), 1990 NHL Entry

12 12 10 12 12
+4
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1081

G

503

A

389

PTS

892

+/-

74

PS

104.3

PIM

761

SH

3531

GWG

78

During his NHL brilliance, Peter Bondra, the Slovakian sniper, left his mark on the NHL as a prolific goal scorer and fan favorite. Over 17 seasons, mostly with the Washington Capitals, he amassed an impressive 503 goals.

Photo of

Mike Bossy

(Boss)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-0, 186lb (183cm, 84kg)

Born: January 22, 1957 in Montreal, Quebec ca

Died: April 15, 2022 (Aged 65-083d)

Draft: NY Islanders, 1st round (15th overall), 1977 NHL Amateur

Amateur Teams: Laval National

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1991 (Full List)

Name Note: Full name Michael Dean Bossy

Twitter: @Bossy5050

22
SUMMARY

Career

GP

752

G

573

A

553

PTS

1126

+/-

380

PS

110.9

PIM

210

SH

2709

GWG

80

Mike Bossy scored 573 career NHL goals and had assists, numbering 553 during his brilliant time in the League.

Photo of

Dino Ciccarelli

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

5-10, 185lb (178cm, 83kg)

Born: February 8, 1960 (Age: 63-318d) in Sarnia, Ontario ca

Amateur Teams: London Knights

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2010 (Full List)

20 22 22 22 22
+4
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1232

G

608

A

592

PTS

1200

+/-

-4

PS

105.8

PIM

1425

SH

3706

GWG

73

Dino Ciccarelli started the pencils at the scorer’s table, moving with 608 and helping friends find the mark for 592 assists during his NHL career.

Photo of

Yvan Cournoyer

(The Roadrunner)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Left

5-7, 178lb (170cm, 80kg)

Born: November 22, 1943 (Age: 80-031d) in Drummondville, Quebec ca

Amateur Teams: Montreal Junior Canadiens

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1982 (Full List)

12
SUMMARY

Career

GP

968

G

428

A

435

PTS

863

+/-

254

PS

91.3

PIM

233

SH

2427

GWG

68

Yvan Cournoyer scored 428 career NHL goals and had assists, numbering 435 during his brilliant time in the League.

Photo of

Shane Doan

(Doaner)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-1, 223lb (185cm, 101kg)

Born: October 10, 1976 (Age: 47-074d) in Halkirk, Alberta ca

Draft: Winnipeg, 1st round (7th overall), 1995 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Kamloops Blazers

Pronunciation: \SHAYN DOHN\

Relatives: Cousin Carey Price

19 21 19 19 19
+4
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1540

G

402

A

570

PTS

972

+/-

-54

PS

96.3

PIM

1353

SH

3945

GWG

69

TOI

18:55

CF%

50.4

oZS%

51.4

Shane Doan started the pencils at the scorer’s table, moving with 402 and helping friends find the mark for 570 assists during his NHL career.

Photo of

Theo Fleury

(Theo)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

5-6, 182lb (168cm, 82kg)

Born: June 29, 1968 (Age: 55-177d) in Oxbow, Saskatchewan ca

Draft: Calgary, 8th round (166th overall), 1987 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Moose Jaw Warriors

Twitter: @TheoFleury14

14 14 14 14
+3
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1084

G

455

A

633

PTS

1088

+/-

145

PS

110.3

PIM

1840

SH

3611

GWG

67

Theo Fleury rocketed 455 blasts past opposing goalies while finding friendly sticks for 633 assists during his NHL brilliance.

Photo of

Marián Gáborík

(Gabby)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Left

6-1, 200lb (185cm, 90kg)

Born: February 14, 1982 (Age: 41-312d) in Trencin, Czechoslovakia cs

Draft: Minnesota, 1st round (3rd overall), 2000 NHL Entry

Pronunciation: \MAIR-ee-uhn GAB-uhr-ihk\

Twitter: @MGaborik12

82 10 10 10 12 12
+5
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1035

G

407

A

408

PTS

815

+/-

95

PS

108.1

PIM

492

SH

3207

GWG

71

TOI

17:43

CF%

51.7

oZS%

57.2

During his tenure, Marián Gáborík found the back of the net 407 instances and had 408 assists while skating in the NHL.

Photo of

Mike Gartner

(Garts)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-0, 187lb (183cm, 84kg)

Born: October 29, 1959 (Age: 64-055d) in Ottawa, Ontario ca

Draft: Washington, 1st round (4th overall), 1979 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Niagara Falls Flyers, St. Catharines Black Hawks

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2001 (Full List)

11 11 22 11 22
+4
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1432

G

708

A

627

PTS

1335

+/-

68

PS

121.8

PIM

1159

SH

5090

GWG

90

Mike Gartner scored 708 career NHL goals and left an indelible mark on the NHL as one of the most prolific scorers and fastest skaters ever seen. Over 19 seasons, his blistering speed and powerful shot terrorized goalies, etching his name in the record books.

Photo of

Rod Gilbert

(Rocky, Hot Rod)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

5-9, 180lb (175cm, 81kg)

Born: July 1, 1941 in Montreal, Quebec ca

Died: August 22, 2021 (Aged 80-052d)

Amateur Teams: Guelph Biltmores, Guelph Royals

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1982 (Full List)

Twitter: @rodgilbert7

16 7
+1
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1065

G

406

A

615

PTS

1021

+/-

38

PS

94.9

PIM

510

SH

3142

GWG

52

Rod Gilbert amassed 406 goals and 615 assists in 1065 games, a New York Rangers franchise record, and earned eight All-Star selections while leading the team to several playoff appearances.

Bill Guerin

(Willy, Billy G)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-2, 220lb (188cm, 99kg)

Born: November 9, 1970 (Age: 53-044d) in Worcester, Massachusetts us

Draft: New Jersey, 1st round (5th overall), 1989 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Boston College

12 12 9 13 13 13 13 13 13
+8
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1263

G

429

A

427

PTS

856

+/-

51

PS

94.3

PIM

1660

SH

3693

GWG

77

TOI

19:43

CF%

49.9

oZS%

54.2

Bill Guerin found the back of the net 429 instances during his tenure and had 427 assists while skating in the NHL.

Photo of

Bernie Geoffrion

(Boom-Boom)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

5-9, 166lb (175cm, 75kg)

Born: February 16, 1931 in Montreal, Quebec ca

Died: March 11, 2006 (Aged 75-023d)

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1972 (Full List)

As Coach: 5 Yrs, 114‑119‑48, 276 Pts. (Full Record)

Pronunciation: \JEF-ree-ahn\

Relatives: Grandson Blake Geoffrion; Son Danny Geoffrion

5 5
+1
SUMMARY

Career

GP

883

G

393

A

429

PTS

822

+/-

39

PS

97.5

PIM

683

SH

1404

GWG

75

Bernie Geoffrion lit the arena lamps 393 times and set up teammates for goals 429 times during his NHL career.

Photo of

Milan Hejduk

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-0, 190lb (183cm, 86kg)

Born: February 14, 1976 (Age: 47-312d) in Usti nad Labem, Czechoslovakia cs

Draft: Quebec, 4th round (87th overall), 1994 NHL Entry

Pronunciation: \HAY-dook\

23
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1020

G

375

A

430

PTS

805

+/-

101

PS

95.0

PIM

316

SH

2667

GWG

59

TOI

18:35

CF%

48.7

oZS%

52.4

Milan Hejduk slashed and dashed the rubber to its place beyond the crease 375 times, giving a helping hand 430 times for assists during his NHL career.

Ken Hodge

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-2, 210lb (188cm, 95kg)

Born: June 25, 1944 (Age: 79-181d) in Birmingham, United Kingdom gb

Relatives: Son Ken Hodge

14 8 88
+2
SUMMARY

Career

GP

880

G

328

A

472

PTS

800

+/-

260

PS

75.8

PIM

777

SH

2128

GWG

57

Ken Hodge lit the arena lamps 328 times and set up teammates for goals 472 times during his NHL career.

Photo of

Marián Hossa

(Hoss, Hoss The Boss, Panda)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Left

6-1, 207lb (185cm, 93kg)

Born: January 12, 1979 (Age: 44-345d) in Stara Lubovna, Czechoslovakia cs

Draft: Ottawa, 1st round (12th overall), 1997 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Portland Winter Hawks

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2020 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \MAIR-ee-uhn HOH-sa\

Relatives: Brother Marcel Hossa

18 18 18 18 81 81
+5
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1309

G

525

A

609

PTS

1134

+/-

245

PS

144.2

PIM

628

SH

4229

GWG

85

TOI

18:46

CF%

54.6

oZS%

55.7

Marián Hossa lit the arena lamps 525 times and had set up teammates for goals 609 times during his NHL career.

Photo of

Gordie Howe

(Mr. Hockey)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-0, 205lb (183cm, 92kg)

Born: March 31, 1928 in Floral, Saskatchewan ca

Died: June 10, 2016 (Aged 88-071d)

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1972 (Full List)

Relatives: Brother Vic Howe; Sons Marty Howe, Mark Howe

17 9 9
+2
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1767

G

801

A

1049

PTS

1850

+/-

160

PS

217.1

PIM

1685

SH

3803

GWG

121

Gordie Howe scored 801 career NHL goals and had assists, numbering 1049 during his brilliant time in the League. For 26 seasons, Mr. Hockey carved his name onto the NHL record books with a fearsome blend of power, skill, and longevity.

Photo of

Brett Hull

(The Golden Brett)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

5-11, 203lb (180cm, 92kg)

Born: August 9, 1964 (Age: 59-136d) in Belleville, Ontario ca

Draft: Calgary, 6th round (117th overall), 1984 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Minnesota-Duluth

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2009 (Full List)

Relatives: Father Bobby Hull

Twitter: @HOFBlues16

16 15 16 22 16 17 16 9
+7
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1269

G

741

A

650

PTS

1391

+/-

23

PS

154.6

PIM

458

SH

4876

GWG

110

Brett Hull slashed and dashed the rubber to its place beyond the crease 741 times, giving a helping hand 650 times for assists during his NHL career.

Photo of

Patrick Kane

(Kaner, Showtime, Buzz, Doc, Peekaboo, Little Peekaboo, Peeks, Lil Peeks, Kanye, Pattycakes)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Left

5-10, 177lb (178cm, 80kg)

Team: Detroit Red Wings

Born: November 19, 1988 (Age: 35-034d) in Buffalo, New York us

Draft: Chicago, 1st round (1st overall), 2007 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: London Knights

Current salary: $2,750,000

Current cap hit: $2,750,000

Pronunciation: \PAT-rihk KAYN\

Twitter: @88PKane

88 88 88
+2
SUMMARY

2023-24

Career

GP

9

1189

G

4

455

A

5

791

PTS

9

1246

+/-

-4

17

PS

0.8

139.1

PIM

2

428

SH

31

3942

GWG

0

68

TOI

19:21

20:15

CF%

50.5

52.2

oZS%

48.9

64.4

Patrick Kane rocketed 453 blasts past opposing goalies while finding friendly sticks for 790 assists during his NHL brilliance.

Photo of

Phil Kessel

(Phil the Thrill, Kess, The Legend, Philly Cheese, Hotdog Boy)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

5-11, 208lb (180cm, 94kg)

Born: October 2, 1987 (Age: 36-082d) in Madison, Wisconsin us

Draft: Boston, 1st round (5th overall), 2006 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Minnesota

Pronunciation: \FIHL KEH-suhl\

Relatives: Cousin Dave Moss

Twitter: @PKessel81

81 81 81 81 81 8
+5
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1286

G

413

A

579

PTS

992

+/-

-155

PS

105.0

PIM

402

SH

3849

GWG

70

TOI

17:42

CF%

49.1

oZS%

55.5

Phil Kessel scored 413 career NHL goals and had assists, numbering 579 during his brilliant time in the League.

Alex Kovalev

(AK-27, Kovy, l’Artiste)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Left

6-2, 222lb (188cm, 100kg)

Born: February 24, 1973 (Age: 50-302d) in Togliatti, USSR su

Draft: NY Rangers, 1st round (15th overall), 1991 NHL Entry

27 27 27 27 27 72 27
+6
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1316

G

430

A

599

PTS

1029

+/-

-31

PS

103.1

PIM

1304

SH

3585

GWG

70

TOI

21:32

CF%

49.5

oZS%

51.3

Alex Kovalev rocketed 430 blasts past opposing goalies while finding friendly sticks for 599 assists during his NHL brilliance.

Photo of

Jari Kurri

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-0, 194lb (183cm, 87kg)

Born: May 18, 1960 (Age: 63-219d) in Helsinki, Finland fi

Draft: Edmonton, 4th round (69th overall), 1980 NHL Entry

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2001 (Full List)

17 17 17 17 17
+4
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1251

G

601

A

797

PTS

1398

+/-

304

PS

117.4

PIM

545

SH

3149

GWG

72

Jari Kurri started the pencils at the scorer’s table, moving with 601 and helping friends find the mark for 797 assists during his NHL career.

Photo of

Jarome Iginla

(Iggy)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-1, 210lb (185cm, 95kg)

Born: July 1, 1977 (Age: 46-175d) in Edmonton, Alberta ca

Draft: Dallas, 1st round (11th overall), 1995 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Kamloops Blazers

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2020 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \jah-ROHM ih-GIHN-lah\

24 12 12 12 12 88
+5
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1554

G

625

A

675

PTS

1300

+/-

30

PS

157.9

PIM

1040

SH

4759

GWG

101

TOI

20:31

CF%

49.6

oZS%

52.5

Jarome Iginla found the back of the net 625 instances during his tenure and had 675 assists while skating in the NHL.

Photo of

Jaromír Jágr

(Jags, Mario Jr., The Ageless Wonder)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Left

6-3, 230lb (190cm, 104kg)

Born: February 15, 1972 (Age: 51-311d) in Kladno, Czechoslovakia cs

Draft: Pittsburgh, 1st round (5th overall), 1990 NHL Entry

Pronunciation: \YAIR-oh-MEER YAH-guhr\

Twitter: @68Jagr

68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68
+8
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1733

G

766

A

1155

PTS

1921

+/-

322

PS

217.1

PIM

1167

SH

5637

GWG

135

TOI

21:41

CF%

55.1

oZS%

56.6

Jaromír Jágr lit the arena lamps 766 times and had set up teammates for goals 1155 times for astounding 1921 total points during his NHL career.

Photo of

Guy Lafleur

(The Flower, Le Démon Blond)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-0, 185lb (183cm, 83kg)

Born: September 20, 1951 in Thurso, Quebec ca

Died: April 22, 2022 (Aged 70-214d)

Draft: Montreal, 1st round (1st overall), 1971 NHL Amateur

Amateur Teams: Quebec Remparts

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1988 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \GEE la-FLOOR\

Name Note: Full name Guy Damien Lafleur

10 10 10
+2
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1126

G

560

A

793

PTS

1353

+/-

446

PS

130.5

PIM

399

SH

3516

GWG

98

Guy Lafleur lit the arena lamps 560 times and set up teammates for goals 793 times during his NHL career.

Steve Larmer

(Gramps)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Left

5-11, 195lb (180cm, 88kg)

Born: June 16, 1961 (Age: 62-190d) in Peterborough, Ontario ca

Draft: Chicago, 6th round (120th overall), 1980 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Niagara Falls Flyers, Peterborough Petes

Relatives: Brother Jeff Larmer

31 28 28 28
+3
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1006

G

441

A

571

PTS

1012

+/-

203

PS

88.0

PIM

532

SH

2807

GWG

60

Steve Larmer slashed and dashed the rubber to its place beyond the crease 441 times, giving a helping hand 571 times for assists during his NHL career.

Photo of

Trevor Linden

(Captain Canuck, Captain Clutch)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-4, 220lb (193cm, 99kg)

Born: April 11, 1970 (Age: 53-256d) in Medicine Hat, Alberta ca

Draft: Vancouver, 1st round (2nd overall), 1988 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Medicine Hat Tigers

Relatives: Brother Jamie Linden

16 16 32 32 14 16 16
+6
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1382

G

375

A

492

PTS

867

+/-

-64

PS

73.3

PIM

895

SH

2704

GWG

41

TOI

18:15

CF%

41.8

oZS%

36.0

Trevor Linden lit the arena lamps 375 times and had set up teammates for goals 492 times during his NHL career.

Photo of

John MacLean

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-0, 200lb (183cm, 90kg)

Born: November 20, 1964 (Age: 59-033d) in Oshawa, Ontario ca

Draft: New Jersey, 1st round (6th overall), 1983 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Oshawa Generals

As Coach: 1 Yr, 9‑22‑2, 20 Pts. (Full Record)

15 15 15 15 51
+4
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1194

G

413

A

429

PTS

842

+/-

43

PS

74.3

PIM

1328

SH

3324

GWG

63

John MacLean started the pencils at the scorer’s table, moving with 413 and helping friends find the mark for 429 assists during his NHL career.

Photo of

Scott Mellanby

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-1, 208lb (185cm, 94kg)

Born: June 11, 1966 (Age: 57-195d) in Montreal, Quebec ca

Draft: Philadelphia, 2nd round (27th overall), 1984 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Wisconsin

Pronunciation: \MEL-un-bee\

Relatives: Cousin Kale Howarth

19 27 27 19 19
+4
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1431

G

364

A

476

PTS

840

+/-

-37

PS

71.4

PIM

2479

SH

2960

GWG

56

Scott Mellanby slashed and dashed the rubber to its place beyond the crease 364 times, giving a helping hand 476 times for assists during his NHL career.

Photo of

Lanny McDonald

(Mac, Machine Gun)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-0, 185lb (183cm, 83kg)

Born: February 16, 1953 (Age: 70-310d) in Hanna, Alberta ca

Draft: Toronto, 1st round (4th overall), 1973 NHL Amateur

Amateur Teams: Calgary Centennials, Medicine Hat Tigers

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1992 (Full List)

7 9 9
+2
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1111

G

500

A

506

PTS

1006

+/-

39

PS

84.2

PIM

899

SH

3445

GWG

54

Lanny McDonald lit the arena lamps 500 times and had set up teammates for goals 506 times during his NHL career.

Rick Middleton

(Nifty, Slick, Wheels)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

5-11, 170lb (180cm, 77kg)

Born: December 4, 1953 (Age: 70-019d) in Toronto, Ontario ca

Draft: NY Rangers, 1st round (14th overall), 1973 NHL Amateur

Amateur Teams: Oshawa Generals

9 16
+1
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1005

G

448

A

540

PTS

988

+/-

175

PS

82.9

PIM

157

SH

2272

GWG

59

Rick Middleton found the back of the net 448 instances during his tenure and had 540 assists while skating in the NHL.

Alexander Mogilny

(Almo, Alexander The Great)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Left

6-0, 210lb (183cm, 95kg)

Born: February 18, 1969 (Age: 54-308d) in Khabarovsk, USSR su

Draft: Buffalo, 5th round (89th overall), 1988 NHL Entry

89 89 89 89 89
+4
SUMMARY

Career

GP

990

G

473

A

559

PTS

1032

+/-

81

PS

111.5

PIM

432

SH

2966

GWG

66

Alexander Mogilny found the back of the net 473 instances during his tenure and had 559 assists while skating in the NHL. A goal-scoring machine: He tied for the NHL lead in goals in 1992-93 with 76 and remains the third-highest-scoring Russian in NHL history.

Photo of

Joe Mullen

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

5-9, 180lb (175cm, 81kg)

Born: February 26, 1957 (Age: 66-300d) in New York, New York us

Amateur Teams: Boston College

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2000 (Full List)

Relatives: Brother Brian Mullen

7 7 7 11
+3
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1062

G

502

A

561

PTS

1063

+/-

167

PS

91.2

PIM

241

SH

2787

GWG

73

Joe Mullen slashed and dashed the rubber to its place beyond the crease 502 times, giving a helping hand 561 times for assists during his NHL career.

Photo of

Owen Nolan

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-1, 214lb (185cm, 97kg)

Born: February 12, 1972 (Age: 51-314d) in Belfast, United Kingdom gb

Draft: Quebec, 1st round (1st overall), 1990 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Cornwall Royals

Twitter: @OwenNolan11

88 11 11 11 11 11 11 11
+7
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1200

G

422

A

463

PTS

885

+/-

-40

PS

91.6

PIM

1793

SH

3128

GWG

53

TOI

20:07

CF%

49.4

oZS%

46.0

Owen Nolan, the “Big Easy,” carved his name in NHL lore with bone-crushing hits, a cannon shot, and fierce leadership. In 18 seasons, he racked up 339 goals, 550 points, and countless penalty minutes, leaving a trail of fear in opponents.

Wilf Paiement

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-1, 210lb (185cm, 95kg)

Born: October 16, 1955 (Age: 68-068d) in Earlton, Ontario ca

Draft: Kansas City, 1st round (2nd overall), 1974 NHL Amateur

Amateur Teams: Niagara Falls Flyers, St. Catharines Black Hawks

Relatives: Brother Rosaire Paiement

9 9 14 99 27 11 27 9
+7
SUMMARY

Career

GP

946

G

356

A

458

PTS

814

+/-

-142

PS

59.5

PIM

1759

SH

2719

GWG

29

Wilf Paiement rocketed 356 blasts past opposing goalies while finding friendly sticks for 458 assists during his NHL brilliance.

Photo of

Corey Perry

(Scorey, Perrs, The Worm)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-3, 208lb (190cm, 94kg)

Born: May 16, 1985 (Age: 38-221d) in Peterborough, Ontario ca

Draft: Anaheim, 1st round (28th overall), 2003 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: London Knights

Pronunciation: \KOHR-ee PAIR-ee\

61 10 10 94 10 94
+5
SUMMARY

2023-24

Career

GP

16

1273

G

4

421

A

5

471

PTS

9

892

+/-

-5

46

PS

0.8

106.6

PIM

12

1392

SH

26

3304

GWG

1

73

TOI

14:39

17:00

CF%

41.7

51.4

oZS%

46.4

52.4

Corey Perry started the pencils at the scorer’s table, moving with 421 and helping friends find the mark for 471 assists during his NHL career.

Photo of

Mark Recchi

(Recchin’ Ball, Rex)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Left

5-10, 195lb (178cm, 88kg)

Born: February 1, 1968 (Age: 55-325d) in Kamloops, British Columbia ca

Draft: Pittsburgh, 4th round (67th overall), 1988 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Kamloops Blazers, New Westminster Bruins

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2017 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \REH-kee\

Twitter: @Markrecchi8

8 8 8 11 8 18 8 8 28
+8
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1652

G

577

A

956

PTS

1533

+/-

0

PS

147.5

PIM

1033

SH

3820

GWG

91

TOI

20:47

CF%

48.7

oZS%

48.6

Mark Recchi found the back of the net 577 instances during his tenure and had 956 assists while skating in the NHL for 22 seasons and with seven teams.

Photo of

Maurice Richard

(Rocket)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Left

5-10, 170lb (178cm, 77kg)

Born: August 4, 1921 in Montreal, Quebec ca

Died: May 27, 2000 (Aged 78-297d)

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1961 (Full List)

As Coach: 1 Yr, 1‑1‑0, 2 Pts. (Full Record)

Relatives: Brother Henri Richard

15 9
+1
SUMMARY

Career

GP

978

G

544

A

422

PTS

966

+/-

18

PS

125.3

PIM

1287

SH

166

GWG

84

Maurice Richard slashed and dashed the rubber to its place beyond the crease 544 times, giving a helping hand 422 times for assists during his NHL career, and he could be the best RW of all time.

Stéphane Richer

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-2, 215lb (188cm, 97kg)

Born: June 7, 1966 (Age: 57-199d) in Ripon, Quebec ca

Draft: Montreal, 2nd round (29th overall), 1984 NHL Entry

22 44 44 44 44 19 44
+6
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1054

G

421

A

398

PTS

819

+/-

76

PS

77.6

PIM

614

SH

2849

GWG

72

Stéphane Richer scored 421 career NHL goals and had assists numbering 398 during his brilliant time in the League.

Photo of

Teemu Selänne

(The Finnish Flash, Teukka Salama)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-0, 200lb (183cm, 90kg)

Born: July 3, 1970 (Age: 53-173d) in Helsinki, Finland fi

Draft: Winnipeg, 1st round (10th overall), 1988 NHL Entry

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2017 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \TAY-moo suh-LAH-nay\

Twitter: @TeemuSel8nne

13 8 8 8 8 13 8
+6
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1451

G

684

A

773

PTS

1457

+/-

95

PS

172.3

PIM

660

SH

4540

GWG

110

TOI

19:52

CF%

49.5

oZS%

53.1

During his NHL brilliance, Teemu Selänne rocketed 684 blasts past opposing goalies while finding friendly sticks for 773 assists.

Tomas Sandström

Position: RW •  Shoots: Left

6-2, 205lb (188cm, 92kg)

Born: September 4, 1964 (Age: 59-110d) in Jakobstad, Finland fi

Draft: NY Rangers, 2nd round (36th overall), 1982 NHL Entry

28 7 17 28 17
+4
SUMMARY

Career

GP

983

G

394

A

462

PTS

856

+/-

8

PS

71.4

PIM

1193

SH

2740

GWG

44

Tomas Sandström, the Swedish power forward, carved his name in NHL history with a career spanning from 1984 to 1999. This prolific scorer netted 394 goals in 983 games, reaching 50-point seasons ten times while finding friendly sticks for 462 assists.

Photo of

Martin St. Louis

(Louie, Reggie)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Left

5-8, 180lb (173cm, 81kg)

Born: June 18, 1975 (Age: 48-188d) in Laval, Quebec ca

Amateur Teams: Vermont

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2018 (Full List)

As Coach: 3 Yrs (Full Record)

Pronunciation: \mar-TAN san loo-EE\

Twitter: @mstlouis_26

46 15 26 26 26
+4
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1134

G

391

A

642

PTS

1033

+/-

37

PS

114.8

PIM

310

SH

2884

GWG

66

TOI

20:22

CF%

49.3

oZS%

55.9

Martin St. Louis scored 391 career NHL goals and had assists numbering 642 during his brilliant time in the League.

Photo of

Dave Taylor

(Stitch)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-0, 190lb (183cm, 86kg)

Born: December 4, 1955 (Age: 68-019d) in Levack, Ontario ca

Draft: Los Angeles, 15th round (210th overall), 1975 NHL Amateur

Amateur Teams: Clarkson

18 18
+1
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1111

G

431

A

638

PTS

1069

+/-

186

PS

84.5

PIM

1589

SH

2417

GWG

47

Dave Taylor started the pencils at the scorer’s table, moving with 431 and helping friends find the mark for 638 assists during his NHL career.

Rick Tocchet

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-0, 210lb (183cm, 95kg)

Born: April 9, 1964 (Age: 59-258d) in Scarborough, Ontario ca

Draft: Philadelphia, 6th round (121st overall), 1983 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

As Coach: 8 Yrs (Full Record)

Pronunciation: \TAH-keht\

Twitter: @RealRocket22

22 92 22 92 22 22 92 92 22 92
+9
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1144

G

440

A

512

PTS

952

+/-

84

PS

85.8

PIM

2970

SH

2806

GWG

50

Rick Tocchet lit the arena lamps 440 times and had set up teammates for goals 512 times during his NHL career, making him one of the best right-wingers in the World.

Pat Verbeek

(Little Ball of Hate)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

5-9, 192lb (175cm, 87kg)

Born: May 24, 1964 (Age: 59-213d) in Sarnia, Ontario ca

Draft: New Jersey, 3rd round (43rd overall), 1982 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Sudbury Wolves

12 16 16 16 17 16 16 15
+7
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1424

G

522

A

540

PTS

1062

+/-

-46

PS

94.7

PIM

2905

SH

3285

GWG

67

Pat Verbeek, nicknamed “The Little Ball of Hate,” carved out a 20-year NHL career defined by grit, skill, and an undeniable edge. He wasn’t the biggest player, but his relentless work ethic, fiery competitiveness, and potent scoring touch made him a force on both ends of the ice. Verbeek had 522 goals and 540 assists for 1062 points over 1424 games across five teams and raised the Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars in 1999.

Photo of

Jakub Voráček

(Jake, Jakey, Scoracek)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Left

6-2, 216lb (188cm, 97kg)

Team: Arizona Coyotes

Born: August 15, 1989 (Age: 34-130d) in Kladno, Czechoslovakia cs

Draft: Columbus, 1st round (7th overall), 2007 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Halifax Mooseheads

Current salary: $7,500,000

Current cap hit: $8,250,000

Pronunciation: \YA-kuhb VOHR-rah-chehk\

Twitter: @jachobe

93 93 93
+2
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1058

G

223

A

583

PTS

806

+/-

-36

PS

76.4

PIM

525

SH

2517

GWG

31

TOI

17:16

CF%

52.2

oZS%

55.1

Jakub Voráček started the pencils at the scorer’s table, moving with 223 and helping friends find the mark for 583 assists during his NHL career.

Photo of

Blake Wheeler

(Wheels, Big Wheels)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-5, 225lb (196cm, 102kg)

Team: New York Rangers

Born: August 31, 1986 (Age: 37-114d) in Plymouth, Minnesota us

Draft: Phoenix, 1st round (5th overall), 2004 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Minnesota

Current salary: $800,000

Current cap hit: $800,000

Pronunciation: \BLAYK WEE-luhr\

42 26 26 26 17
+4
SUMMARY

2023-24

Career

GP

31

1149

G

5

317

A

7

617

PTS

12

934

+/-

1

66

PS

1.1

99.2

PIM

12

753

SH

50

2922

GWG

0

48

TOI

12:23

18:17

CF%

48.1

52.1

oZS%

55.8

55.6

Blake Wheeler scored 316 career NHL goals and had assists numbering 617 during his brilliant time in the League.

Photo of

Justin Williams

(Mr. Game Seven, Stick, Willy)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-1, 184lb (185cm, 83kg)

Born: October 4, 1981 (Age: 42-080d) in Cobourg, Ontario ca

Draft: Philadelphia, 1st round (28th overall), 2000 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Plymouth Whalers

Pronunciation: \JUHS-tihn WIHL-yuhms\

Twitter: @JustinWilliams

14 11 14 14 14 14
+5
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1264

G

320

A

477

PTS

797

+/-

110

PS

89.0

PIM

766

SH

3308

GWG

44

TOI

16:53

CF%

56.9

oZS%

54.8

Justin Williams scored 320 career NHL goals and had assists numbering 477 during his brilliant time in the League.

Conclusion

The right-wing position is filled with legends and Hall of Fame NHL skaters who are amongst Hockey’s greatest and the NHL’s Best Right Wings. So what do you think? We would love to read your comments in the section provided below.

Who is the best right wing in the NHL right now?

Currently, some top RWs in scoring are Nikita Kucherov, Brock Boeser, and David Pastrňák, but you still have seasoned vets like Phil Kessel, Blake Wheeler, and Jakub Voráček adding to their career totals.

Who is the best winger in the NHL?

That is an open-ended question with many results depending on which lens you look for to determine it. For scoring goals in the 2023-24 season, Nikita Kucherov is an excellent choice for Brock Boeser. One could also throw names like Matthew Tkachuk and David Pastrnak into the mix, but many more deserve recognition. Maybe it’s a good topic for a future post.

Who is the highest-scoring right winger?

According to Stathead, the legendary Mr. Hockey himself, Gordie Howe is the answer.

The post NHL Top 50 Right Wing Rankings appeared first on Hockey Reference.

]]> Top 12 Greatest NHL Teams https://www.hockey-reference.com/hr-blog/2023/12/top-12-greatest-nhl-teams/ Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:33:33 +0000 https://www.hockey-reference.com/hr-blog/?p=40 Introduction It is a big question when someone asks who is the greatest hockey team of all time. So many worthy choices have multiple factors and stats to consider. And the legendary players that made these teams the best NHL team ever. In this post, we will take a closer look at some of the […]

The post Top 12 Greatest NHL Teams appeared first on Hockey Reference.

]]> Introduction

It is a big question when someone asks who is the greatest hockey team of all time. So many worthy choices have multiple factors and stats to consider. And the legendary players that made these teams the best NHL team ever. In this post, we will take a closer look at some of the top-flight teams with the Hockey-Reference database and examine their accomplishments in NHL history to uncover the best hockey team of all time.

For this exercise, we will only consider single seasons and view the success through a few categories.

Regular Season Victories

The objective in hockey is to defeat one’s opponent by plopping more pucks in their net than they do in yours. Some teams in NHL history have put up “Ws” more than any other. Here are some of the top teams in this category.

1995-96 Detroit Red Wings Roster and Statistics

Record: 62-13-7 (131 points), Finished 1st in NHL Central Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Scotty Bowman (62-13-7)

Captain: Steve Yzerman

Primary Arena: Joe Louis Arena

Goals For: 325 (3rd of 26), Goals Against: 181 (1st of 26)
SRS: 1.64 (1st of 26),  SOS: -0.11 (25th of 26)

Playoffs:
Lost Conference Finals (4-2) to Colorado Avalanche
Won Conference Semi-Finals (4-3) over St. Louis Blues
Won Conference Quarter-Finals (4-2) over Winnipeg Jets

Preseason Odds: Stanley Cup +300

The 1995-96 edition of the Detroit Red Wings earned a top-three place in NHL history with 62 victories during the regular season, a League record performance at season’s end. Some highlights of the fantastic season included a league-leading 131 points, the second-highest in NHL history, while the Red Wings finished first in the league in goals scored (325) and fewest goals allowed (181). Detroit also boasted a 13-game unbeaten streak from March 3rd to March 31st as they won the Presidents’ Trophy for the second consecutive year. 

Individual performances from Steve Yzerman, who led the league in assists (90) and points (155), Brendan Shanahan, finishing second in the league, scoring 149 points, and Mike Vernon, recording 38 wins and a 2.25 GAA, winning the Vezina Trophy for best goaltender, along with Igor Larionov who tallied 103 points, showcasing his exceptional playmaking abilities went a long way to winning. The team featured several other notable players, including Nicklas Lidstrom, Larry Murphy, and Paul Coffey. Despite their dominant regular season performance, the Red Wings faced unexpected challenges in the playoffs. They were upset in the second round by the St. Louis Blues, losing the series in seven games.

2018-19 Tampa Bay Lightning Roster and Statistics

Record: 62-16-4 (128 points), Finished 1st in NHL Atlantic Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Jon Cooper (62-16-4)

Captain: Steven Stamkos

Primary Arena: Amalie Arena

Goals For: 325 (1st of 31), Goals Against: 222 (5th of 31)
SRS: 1.21 (1st of 31),  SOS: -0.05 (30th of 31)

Playoffs:
Lost First Round (4-0) to Columbus Blue Jackets

Preseason Odds: Stanley Cup +875; O/U: 106.5

The Detroit accomplishment we discussed was matched by the 2018-19 Tampa Bay Lightning, which also reached 62 wins in 82 scheduled regular season games. Tampa Bay established themselves as one of the most dominant teams in NHL history by earning a league-leading 128 points, the most in franchise history. The Lightning boasted a remarkable 32-7-2 home record. The team was filled with individual achievements: Nikita Kucherov won the Art Ross Trophy with a league-leading 128 points, and Andrei Vasilevskiy won the Vezina Trophy for best goaltender with a 39-10-4 record, a 2.40 GAA, and a .925 save percentage. It also helped the cause with the performance of Defenseman Victor Hedman, who won the Norris Trophy with 65 points, and the tandem of Steven Stamkos scoring a team-high 45 goals, while Brayden Point was right behind him with 41 lamplighters.

2022-23 Boston Bruins Roster and Statistics

Record: 65-12-5 (135 points), Finished 1st in NHL Atlantic Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Jim Montgomery (65-12-5)

Captain: Patrice Bergeron

Primary Arena: TD Garden

Goals For: 305 (2nd of 32), Goals Against: 177 (1st of 32)
SRS: 1.54 (1st of 32),  SOS: -0.02 (23rd of 32)

Playoffs:
Lost First Round (4-3) to Florida Panthers

Preseason Odds: Stanley Cup +2800; O/U: 96.5

The Boston Bruins squad of the 2022-23 season reset the high water mark for regular season victories in an NHL season. The Bruins finished the season with a league-best 65-12-5 record, amassing 135 points. This shattered the previous franchise record for most wins (62) and points (128) set in 1970-71. They also boasted the NHL’s best record at home (32-4-3) and on the road (33-8-2). Boston led the NHL in goals scored (305) and boasted a balanced offensive attack. Brad Marchand led the team with 80 points (32 goals, 48 assists), and David Pastrnak with 88 points (42 goals, 46 assists). Despite playing in just 65 games due to injury, Patrice Bergeron still managed to record 65 points (25 goals, 40 assists). The Bruins shattered numerous franchise and NHL records throughout the season. They set the new record for most consecutive home wins to start a season (14), became the fastest team to reach 80 and 100 points in NHL history, and got 50 wins faster than any other team.

It was quite a surprise, though, when this team, with all their regular season accomplishments, suffered a shocking first-round playoff defeat at the hands of the Florida Panthers.

Longest NHL Postseason Winning Streak

1991-92 Pittsburgh Penguins Roster and Statistics

Record: 39-32-9 (87 points), Finished 3rd in NHL Patrick Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Scotty Bowman (39-32-9)

Captain: Mario Lemieux

Primary Arena: Pittsburgh Civic Arena

1991-92 Stanley Cup Champions

Goals For: 343 (1st of 22), Goals Against: 308 (20th of 22)
SRS: 0.52 (5th of 22),  SOS: 0.08 (5th of 22)

Playoffs:
Won Stanley Cup Final (4-0) over Chicago Blackhawks
Won Conference Finals (4-0) over Boston Bruins
Won Division Finals (4-2) over New York Rangers
Won Division Semi-Finals (4-3) over Washington Capitals

Preseason Odds: Stanley Cup +800

During the 1992 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Penguins, led by Mario Lemeiux ripped off eleven straight wins to tie the NHL record set by the Canadiens in 1993 and the very team Pittsburgh beat in the Cup Finals, the Chicago Blackhawks. Despite a strong start, the Penguins faced challenges throughout the regular season. Injuries to key players, including Mario Lemieux, hampered their progress. Finishing with a 39-32-9 record, they secured the sixth seed in the Patrick Division, entering the playoffs with doubts surrounding their potential.

Embracing their underdog status, the Penguins embarked on a remarkable playoff run. They defeated the Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, and Chicago Blackhawks in consecutive series, each victory showcasing their resilience and unwavering determination.

Mario Lemieux, returning from injury, was unstoppable. He dominated the playoffs, leading the league in scoring with 34 points (16 goals, 18 assists) and earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

Tom Barrasso provided exceptional goaltending, posting a 16-4 record with a 2.39 GAA. The team’s defensive core, anchored by Larry Murphy and Ulf Samuelsson, provided crucial support throughout the playoffs.

Top Winning Stanley Cup Champions

An even better measurement of the best NHL teams of all time is those that won the Stanley Cup and had the highest finish at the end of the season.

2019-20 Tampa Bay Lightning Roster and Statistics

Record: 43-21-6 (92 points), Finished 2nd in NHL Atlantic Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Jon Cooper (43-21-6)

Captain: Steven Stamkos

Primary Arena: Amalie Arena

2019-20 Stanley Cup Champions

Goals For: 245 (1st of 31), Goals Against: 195 (9th of 31)
SRS: 0.71 (2nd of 31),  SOS: -0.00 (15th of 31)

Playoffs:
Won Stanley Cup Final (4-2) over Dallas Stars
Won Conference Finals (4-2) over New York Islanders
Won Second Round (4-1) over Boston Bruins
Won First Round (4-1) over Columbus Blue Jackets
2-1 in Round Robin games

Preseason Odds: Stanley Cup +675; O/U: 108.5

Again, the Lightning shows up only a season removed from their previously mentioned successes. Their 18 postseason wins are more than any NHL team, including their 4-2 Stanley Cup Series Finals over the Dallas Stars.

Thirty-five teams have had sixteen NHL playoff wins and took the Lord Stanley’s Cup, but one stands out based on the number of losses they suffered in the NHL postseason.

1987-88 Edmonton Oilers Roster and Statistics

Record: 44-25-11 (99 points), Finished 2nd in NHL Smythe Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Glen Sather (44-25-11)

Captain: Wayne Gretzky

Primary Arena: Northlands Coliseum

1987-88 Stanley Cup Champions

Goals For: 363 (2nd of 21), Goals Against: 288 (8th of 21)
SRS: 0.91 (2nd of 21),  SOS: -0.03 (14th of 21)

Playoffs:
Won Stanley Cup Final (4-0) over Boston Bruins
Won Conference Finals (4-1) over Detroit Red Wings
Won Division Finals (4-0) over Calgary Flames
Won Division Semi-Finals (4-1) over Winnipeg Jets

Preseason Odds: Stanley Cup +160

The dominant 1987-88 edition of the Edmonton Oilers suffered only two setbacks in their Stanley Cup Playoffs journey: a 6-4 game three loss to the Winnipeg Jets in the NHL Smythe Division Semi-Finals and, ironically, a game 3 “L” at the hands of the Detroit Red Wings in the Clarence Campbell Conference Finals. Edmonton’s success was led by a high-powered offense that featured Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Jari Kurri, and a strong defense that Kevin Lowe and Paul Coffey anchored. Gretzky was the playoff’s star, leading the league in scoring with 43 points (16 goals, 27 assists). Messier also had a strong postseason, recording 35 points (10 goals, 25 assists). Grant Fuhr was outstanding in goal, posting a 16-4 record with a 2.38 GAA. 

1984-85 Edmonton Oilers Roster and Statistics

Record: 49-20-11 (109 points), Finished 1st in NHL Smythe Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Glen Sather (49-20-11)

Captain: Wayne Gretzky

Primary Arena: Northlands Coliseum

1984-85 Stanley Cup Champions

Goals For: 401 (1st of 21), Goals Against: 298 (8th of 21)
SRS: 1.25 (1st of 21),  SOS: -0.04 (13th of 21)

Playoffs:
Won Stanley Cup Final (4-1) over Philadelphia Flyers
Won Conference Finals (4-2) over Chicago Black Hawks
Won Division Finals (4-0) over Winnipeg Jets
Won Division Semi-Finals (3-0) over Los Angeles Kings

Preseason Odds: Stanley Cup +100

In this discussion, you could also include the 1984-85 Oilers with the same core skaters mentioned above to become one of the best NHL franchises of all time.

1976-77 Montreal Canadiens Roster and Statistics

Record: 60-8-12 (132 points), Finished 1st in NHL Norris Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Scotty Bowman (60-8-12)

Captain: Yvan Cournoyer

Primary Arena: Montreal Forum

1976-77 Stanley Cup Champions

Goals For: 387 (1st of 18), Goals Against: 171 (1st of 18)
SRS: 2.54 (1st of 18),  SOS: -0.16 (18th of 18)

Playoffs:
Won Stanley Cup Final (4-0) over Boston Bruins
Won Semi-Finals (4-2) over New York Islanders
Won Quarter-Finals (4-0) over St. Louis Blues

The Canadiens may not have won many games in their Stanley Cup quest but the NHL Playoffs were not as expanded in the 1970s as in latter years. Montreal sported a 12-2 postseason record to take home the Cup that year. The team finished with an impressive 60-8-12 record, setting a new NHL record for most wins (60) and points (132) in a season.

They boasted the highest-scoring offense in the league, led by Guy Lafleur (136 points), Steve Shutt (105 points), and Jacques Lemaire (91 points).

Anchored by legendary players like Larry Robinson, Guy Lapointe, and Serge Savard, the dominant defense allowed the second-fewest goals in the league. Ken Dryden’s Stellar Goaltending had the netminder posting a league-leading 41 wins with a 2.10 GAA, solidifying his position as one of the best goaltenders in the game. The Habs swept through the playoffs, suffering only two setbacks to the NY Rangers in the NHL Semi-Finals, showcasing their complete dominance over the competition. The Canadiens defeated the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Finals in four straight games.

Some other Top Contenders for Best Ever

1982-83 New York Islanders Roster and Statistics

Record: 42-26-12 (96 points), Finished 2nd in NHL Patrick Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Al Arbour (42-26-12)

Captain: Denis Potvin

Primary Arena: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum

1982-83 Stanley Cup Champions

Goals For: 302 (15th of 21), Goals Against: 226 (1st of 21)
SRS: 0.84 (4th of 21),  SOS: -0.11 (19th of 21)

Playoffs:
Won Stanley Cup Final (4-0) over Edmonton Oilers
Won Conference Finals (4-2) over Boston Bruins
Won Division Finals (4-2) over New York Rangers
Won Division Semi-Finals (3-1) over Washington Capitals

The Islanders finished second in the Patrick Division with a 42-26-12 record, solidifying their position as one of the league’s elite teams.

Mike Bossy led the Islanders in scoring 64 goals and 131 points, showcasing his exceptional finishing ability. Bryan Trottier remained dominant, recording 129 points (43 goals, 86 assists). Billy Smith provided steady goaltending, posting a 38-17-10 record with a 2.81 GAA. In the finals, they faced the up-and-coming Edmonton Oilers, led by Wayne Gretzky. The series was a close contest, showcasing the talent of both teams. New York bested the Oilers’ talent by winning the Cup in four hard-fought games.

1997-98 Detroit Red Wings Roster and Statistics

Record: 44-23-15 (103 points), Finished 2nd in NHL Central Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Scotty Bowman (44-23-15)

Captain: Steve Yzerman

Primary Arena: Joe Louis Arena

1997-98 Stanley Cup Champions

Goals For: 250 (2nd of 26), Goals Against: 196 (7th of 26)
SRS: 0.64 (3rd of 26),  SOS: -0.02 (19th of 26)

Playoffs:
Won Stanley Cup Final (4-0) over Washington Capitals
Won Conference Finals (4-2) over Dallas Stars
Won Conference Semi-Finals (4-2) over St. Louis Blues
Won Conference Quarter-Finals (4-2) over Phoenix Coyotes

Preseason Odds: Stanley Cup +500

The Red Wings navigated a challenging playoff path, defeating the Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars, and Washington Capitals en route to the Stanley Cup Finals. Detroit featured a balanced attack led by Steve Yzerman (69 points), Brendan Shanahan (57 points), and Nicklas Lidstrom (59 points).

1986-87 Edmonton Oilers Roster and Statistics

Record: 50-24-6 (106 points), Finished 1st in NHL Smythe Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Glen Sather (50-24-6)

Captain: Wayne Gretzky

Primary Arena: Northlands Coliseum

1986-87 Stanley Cup Champions

Goals For: 372 (1st of 21), Goals Against: 284 (10th of 21)
SRS: 1.06 (1st of 21),  SOS: -0.04 (15th of 21)

Playoffs:
Won Stanley Cup Final (4-3) over Philadelphia Flyers
Won Conference Finals (4-1) over Detroit Red Wings
Won Division Finals (4-0) over Winnipeg Jets
Won Division Semi-Finals (4-1) over Los Angeles Kings

Preseason Odds: Stanley Cup +150

Again, this core of players was a dominating force with the likes of Messier, Kurri, and Gretzky.

1993-94 New York Rangers Roster and Statistics

Record: 52-24-8 (112 points), Finished 1st in NHL Atlantic Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Mike Keenan (52-24-8)

Captain: Mark Messier

Primary Arena: Madison Square Garden (IV)

1993-94 Stanley Cup Champions

Goals For: 299 (4th of 26), Goals Against: 231 (3rd of 26)
SRS: 0.81 (3rd of 26),  SOS: -0.00 (12th of 26)

Playoffs:
Won Stanley Cup Final (4-3) over Vancouver Canucks
Won Conference Finals (4-3) over New Jersey Devils
Won Conference Semi-Finals (4-1) over Washington Capitals
Won Conference Quarter-Finals (4-0) over New York Islanders

Preseason Odds: Stanley Cup +1500

They finished the season with a remarkable record of 52-24-8. The group led the league in scoring with 299 goals, showcasing their offensive firepower. They boasted a balanced scoring attack featuring Mark Messier (84 points), Brian Leetch (74 points), and Adam Graves (52 points). Mike Richter provided stellar goaltending, posting a 42-24-8 record with a 2.57 GAA. The Rangers used their talent throughout the season to win the Stanley Cup Title.

What was the greatest NHL team ever?

There are some great arguments for the Edmonton Oilers of 1987-88 and some great Montreal and Pittsburgh teams that repeated as champions and won many regular season and post-season contests.

What is the most liked NHL team?

This question changes from year to year based on the success of a franchise, but it is hard to rule out the big city teams of the Maple Leafs, Rangers, and Blackhawks.

Who is considered the best hockey team?

This answer is in the eye of the beholder. What criteria are you using? The answers are many, and a great discussion between hockey fans of all generations for who is the best team in NHL history.

The post Top 12 Greatest NHL Teams appeared first on Hockey Reference.

]]> NHL Top 20 Wings Rankings https://www.hockey-reference.com/hr-blog/2023/11/nhl-top-20-wings-rankings/ Wed, 29 Nov 2023 15:52:10 +0000 https://www.hockey-reference.com/hr-blog/?p=32 Introduction to the Best Wings in NHL History In ice hockey’s fast-paced and exciting world, wingers play a pivotal role in generating offense and contributing to their team’s success. These skilled players occupy the left and right sides of the ice, flanking the center forward, and their primary responsibilities include scoring goals, facilitating puck movement, […]

The post NHL Top 20 Wings Rankings appeared first on Hockey Reference.

]]> Introduction to the Best Wings in NHL History

In ice hockey’s fast-paced and exciting world, wingers play a pivotal role in generating offense and contributing to their team’s success. These skilled players occupy the left and right sides of the ice, flanking the center forward, and their primary responsibilities include scoring goals, facilitating puck movement, and engaging in offensive and defensive plays. This post will examine the best wingers in NHL history to commemorate their outstanding play.

Points Galore

Wingers can be productive in multiple facets, but the metric of how many points they generate throughout their career is an excellent place to start. Here are some of the NHL wings that have been productive in this metric to help determine the best wingers in NHL history.

Photo of

Mike Bossy

(Boss)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-0, 186lb (183cm, 84kg)

Born: January 22, 1957 in Montreal, Quebec ca

Died: April 15, 2022 (Aged 65-083d)

Draft: NY Islanders, 1st round (15th overall), 1977 NHL Amateur

Amateur Teams: Laval National

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1991 (Full List)

Name Note: Full name Michael Dean Bossy

Twitter: @Bossy5050

22
SUMMARY

Career

GP

752

G

573

A

553

PTS

1126

+/-

380

PS

110.9

PIM

210

SH

2709

GWG

80

This star right wing of the New York Islanders provided some punch of the top line of NY during the franchise’s Glory years. Bossy’s 1126 career points, fueled by scoring 576 goals, make him a worthy candidate on this list.

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Teemu Selänne

(The Finnish Flash, Teukka Salama)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-0, 200lb (183cm, 90kg)

Born: July 3, 1970 (Age: 53-143d) in Helsinki, Finland fi

Draft: Winnipeg, 1st round (10th overall), 1988 NHL Entry

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2017 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \TAY-moo suh-LAH-nay\

Twitter: @TeemuSel8nne

13 8 8 8 8 13 8
+6
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1451

G

684

A

773

PTS

1457

+/-

95

PS

172.3

PIM

660

SH

4540

GWG

110

TOI

19:52

CF%

49.5

oZS%

53.1

Though Teemu played on multiple teams during his career, the Anaheim Mighty Ducks franchise is where he made his hay. Selänne’s 1457 points put him well within the top ten greatest in NHL history for this data set.

Photo of

Bobby Hull

(The Golden Jet)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

5-10, 195lb (178cm, 88kg)

Born: January 3, 1939 in Point Anne, Ontario ca

Died: January 30, 2023 (Aged 84-027d)

Amateur Teams: St. Catharines Teepees

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1983 (Full List)

As Coach: 3 Yrs, 81‑79‑9, 171 Pts. (Full Record)

Relatives: Brother Dennis Hull; Son Brett Hull

16 7 9 9 9 16
+5
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1063

G

610

A

560

PTS

1170

+/-

249

PS

136.3

PIM

634

SH

4577

GWG

98

The Chicago Black Hawks tenured former Left Wing Bobby Hull set the standard for producing his position for years. Hull was productive in his time on the ice, scoring 1170 points throughout his NHL career, including stints with the Winnipeg Jets and Hartford Whalers.

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Luc Robitaille

(Lucky, Cool Hand Luc)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-1, 215lb (185cm, 97kg)

Born: February 17, 1966 (Age: 57-279d) in Montreal, Quebec ca

Draft: Los Angeles, 9th round (171st overall), 1984 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Hull Olympiques

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2009 (Full List)

20 20 20 20 20 20
+5
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1431

G

668

A

726

PTS

1394

+/-

71

PS

138.6

PIM

1177

SH

3961

GWG

89

Cool Hand Luc had a very productive 19 NHL seasons donning the colors of the LA Kings (on multiple stints), Pittsburgh Penguins, NY Rangers, and Detroit Red Wings. Robitaille placed 668 pucks in the net to generate just shy of 1400 points in his career on the Big League ice.

Maurice Richard

Photo of

Maurice Richard

(Rocket)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Left

5-10, 170lb (178cm, 77kg)

Born: August 4, 1921 in Montreal, Quebec ca

Died: May 27, 2000 (Aged 78-297d)

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1961 (Full List)

As Coach: 1 Yr, 1‑1‑0, 2 Pts. (Full Record)

Relatives: Brother Henri Richard

15 9
+1
SUMMARY

Career

GP

978

G

544

A

422

PTS

966

+/-

18

PS

125.3

PIM

1287

SH

166

GWG

84

When Richard retired, he led all scorers in NHL history. Though multiple skaters have surpassed Richard’s astounding numbers, this man is still a legend. Known as the “Rocket”, the Quebec native skated for his home Province on the Montreal Canadiens top line for 18 seasons, burying the puck 544 times to help the Habs claim eight Stanley Cup titles.

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Dino Ciccarelli

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

5-10, 185lb (178cm, 83kg)

Born: February 8, 1960 (Age: 63-288d) in Sarnia, Ontario ca

Amateur Teams: London Knights

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2010 (Full List)

20 22 22 22 22
+4
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1232

G

608

A

592

PTS

1200

+/-

-4

PS

105.8

PIM

1425

SH

3706

GWG

73

Skating for an impressive 21 seasons on NHL ice, Ciccarelli had 592 of his shots get past the opposing goalies. Dino skated on some amazing lines with the Minnesota North Stars, Washington Capitals, Detroit Red Wings, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Florida Panthers.

Photo of

Keith Tkachuk

(Walt, Big Walt)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-2, 235lb (188cm, 106kg)

Born: March 28, 1972 (Age: 51-240d) in Melrose, Massachusetts us

Draft: Winnipeg, 1st round (19th overall), 1990 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Boston University

Relatives: Cousin Tom Fitzgerald; Sons Brady Tkachuk, Matthew Tkachuk

7 7 7 8
+3
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1201

G

538

A

527

PTS

1065

+/-

33

PS

125.1

PIM

2219

SH

3530

GWG

72

TOI

20:10

CF%

50.2

oZS%

46.2

Tkachuk wore the colors of the Winnipeg Jets, Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, and Atlanta Thrashers over his twenty seasons on NHL ice. The former Boston University Eagle put up 1065 points in the NHL from the left wing.

Photo of

Brendan Shanahan

(Shanny, Shan the Man)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Right

6-3, 220lb (190cm, 99kg)

Born: January 23, 1969 (Age: 54-304d) in Mimico, Ontario ca

Draft: New Jersey, 1st round (2nd overall), 1987 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: London Knights

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2013 (Full List)

Twitter: @brendanshanahan

11 19 94 14 14 18
+5
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1524

G

656

A

698

PTS

1354

+/-

151

PS

148.0

PIM

2489

SH

5086

GWG

109

TOI

19:57

CF%

50.4

oZS%

56.8

What Shanahan did in his 22 NHL seasons is remarkable. The long-time left-side winger produced 1354 points in his career, which saw him skate for the Devils, Blues, Whalers, Red Wings, and Rangers.

Photo of

Dave Andreychuk

(Chuckie, Octopus, Clyde)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Right

6-4, 220lb (193cm, 99kg)

Born: September 29, 1963 (Age: 60-055d) in Hamilton, Ontario ca

Draft: Buffalo, 1st round (16th overall), 1982 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Oshawa Generals

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2017 (Full List)

29 25 14 23 38 38 52 25
+7
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1639

G

640

A

698

PTS

1338

+/-

32

PS

124.4

PIM

1121

SH

4556

GWG

77

The Sabers’ first-round draft pick spent most of his career in Buffalo. Andreychuk also spent time in Toronto, New Jersey, Boston, Colorado, and Tampa, scoring 640 goals and 698 assists. 

Photo of

Frank Mahovlich

(The Big M)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-0, 205lb (183cm, 92kg)

Born: January 10, 1938 (Age: 85-317d) in Timmins, Ontario ca

Amateur Teams: Toronto St. Michael’s

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1981 (Full List)

Relatives: Brother Pete Mahovlich

26 27 27 10 27
+4
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1181

G

533

A

570

PTS

1103

+/-

266

PS

121.7

PIM

1054

SH

3366

GWG

82

The fans of professional hockey were treated to the talents of Mahovlich during his 18 NHL seasons and an additional four in the World Hockey Association. The Big M had a well-balanced career of 533 goals and 570 assists.

Assists

They may line up on the outside, but the wings on the right and left of the front lines of NHL platoons sure know how to bring the action to the net. A big part of that is setting the table for teammates to score. Here are some top assist makers who played left or right wing in major pro hockey.

Photo of

Mark Recchi

(Recchin’ Ball, Rex)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Left

5-10, 195lb (178cm, 88kg)

Born: February 1, 1968 (Age: 55-295d) in Kamloops, British Columbia ca

Draft: Pittsburgh, 4th round (67th overall), 1988 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Kamloops Blazers, New Westminster Bruins

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2017 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \REH-kee\

Twitter: @Markrecchi8

8 8 8 11 8 18 8 8 28
+8
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1652

G

577

A

956

PTS

1533

+/-

0

PS

147.5

PIM

1033

SH

3820

GWG

91

TOI

20:47

CF%

48.7

oZS%

48.6

Twenty-two years and eight different franchises proved productive for this right wing. Recchi is best known for his play as a Philadelphia Flyer and Boston Bruins skater, but he won Stanley Cup Championships with the Penguins, Hurricanes, and Bruins. Mark scored most of his 1533 career points from assisting others.

Photo of

Johnny Bucyk

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-0, 215lb (183cm, 97kg)

Born: May 12, 1935 (Age: 88-195d) in Edmonton, Alberta ca

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1981 (Full List)

Relatives: Nephew Randy Bucyk

20 9
+1
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1540

G

556

A

813

PTS

1369

+/-

-7

PS

122.4

PIM

493

SH

3087

GWG

92

Though Bucyk started his NHL journey with the Detroit Red Wings, he didn’t blossom to his full potential as a left winger until he spent a few seasons in Boston. Johnny used his 813 career assists to help take the Bruins to great heights, including two Stanley Cups.

Photo of

Jari Kurri

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-0, 194lb (183cm, 87kg)

Born: May 18, 1960 (Age: 63-189d) in Helsinki, Finland fi

Draft: Edmonton, 4th round (69th overall), 1980 NHL Entry

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2001 (Full List)

17 17 17 17 17
+4
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1251

G

601

A

797

PTS

1398

+/-

304

PS

117.4

PIM

545

SH

3149

GWG

72

Kurri was known for setting up scoring opportunities for his teammates for eighteen years on the WHA and NHL professional ice. Jari had 797 assists in his career, which saw him capture titles with the Edmonton Eskimos, feeding the Great One on many occasions. Kurri later skated with the Kings, Rangers, Ducks and Avalanche.

Photo of

Guy Lafleur

(The Flower, Le Démon Blond)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-0, 185lb (183cm, 83kg)

Born: September 20, 1951 in Thurso, Quebec ca

Died: April 22, 2022 (Aged 70-214d)

Draft: Montreal, 1st round (1st overall), 1971 NHL Amateur

Amateur Teams: Quebec Remparts

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1988 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \GEE la-FLOOR\

Name Note: Full name Guy Damien Lafleur

10 10 10
+2
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1126

G

560

A

793

PTS

1353

+/-

446

PS

130.5

PIM

399

SH

3516

GWG

98

With over 790 NHL career assists, Lafleur was a long-time member of the dominant Habs teams of the 1970s. The opposition had to always pay attention to number 10, as he loved to feed his teammates with scoring opportunities.

Goals

The most popular measurement of the perception of how good a winger is is how many times they have stuck the puck in the back of the net. Look at the top goal scorers from the left and right-wing positions.

Photo of

Alex Ovechkin

(Alexander the Great, Ovi, O, The Great 8, The Russian Machine, The Mechanic)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Right

6-3, 238lb (190cm, 107kg)

Team: Washington Capitals

Born: September 17, 1985 (Age: 38-067d) in Moscow, USSR su

Draft: Washington, 1st round (1st overall), 2004 NHL Entry

Current salary: $1,000,000

Current cap hit: $9,500,000

Pronunciation: \AL-ehx oh-VEHCH-kihn\

Twitter: @ovi8

8 8
+1
SUMMARY

2023-24

Career

GP

16

1363

G

5

827

A

7

670

PTS

12

1497

+/-

3

70

PS

1.3

198.7

PIM

4

801

SH

62

6417

GWG

0

124

TOI

20:05

20:49

CF%

52.0

52.6

oZS%

72.4

59.3

The “Great Eight,” Alex Ovechkin, has scored more goals than any other NHL winger. The thing is, his numbers are still climbing as we write this piece. Who knows where they may go from here? We know that this Russian-born Washington left wing is a very productive force for opposing defenders.

Photo of

Gordie Howe

(Mr. Hockey)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-0, 205lb (183cm, 92kg)

Born: March 31, 1928 in Floral, Saskatchewan ca

Died: June 10, 2016 (Aged 88-071d)

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1972 (Full List)

Relatives: Brother Vic Howe; Sons Marty Howe, Mark Howe

17 9 9
+2
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1767

G

801

A

1049

PTS

1850

+/-

160

PS

217.1

PIM

1685

SH

3803

GWG

121

You cannot talk about NHL scoring without the great Gordie Howe’s name coming up. MR Hockey had 1850 total career points with over 800 goals. He skated for the Detroit Red Wings and later the Hartford Whalers.

Photo of

Jaromír Jágr

(Jags, Mario Jr., The Ageless Wonder)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Left

6-3, 230lb (190cm, 104kg)

Born: February 15, 1972 (Age: 51-281d) in Kladno, Czechoslovakia cs

Draft: Pittsburgh, 1st round (5th overall), 1990 NHL Entry

Pronunciation: \YAIR-oh-MEER YAH-guhr\

Twitter: @68Jagr

68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68
+8
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1733

G

766

A

1155

PTS

1921

+/-

322

PS

217.1

PIM

1167

SH

5637

GWG

135

TOI

21:41

CF%

55.1

oZS%

56.6

Jágr skated in the NHL for almost a quarter century! His career path saw him winning Stanley Cup Championships with the Mario Lemieux Penguins scoring goals in over 50 NHL arenas and tallying 1921 career points.

Photo of

Brett Hull

(The Golden Brett)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

5-11, 203lb (180cm, 92kg)

Born: August 9, 1964 (Age: 59-106d) in Belleville, Ontario ca

Draft: Calgary, 6th round (117th overall), 1984 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Minnesota-Duluth

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2009 (Full List)

Relatives: Father Bobby Hull

Twitter: @HOFBlues16

16 15 16 22 16 17 16 9
+7
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1269

G

741

A

650

PTS

1391

+/-

23

PS

154.6

PIM

458

SH

4876

GWG

110

Brett was the son of an NHL legend, but he made a name for himself as a winger for Calgary, St. Louis, Dallas, Detroit, and Phoenix with 1391 points to his credit powered by 741 goals.

Photo of

Mike Gartner

(Garts)

Position: RW •  Shoots: Right

6-0, 187lb (183cm, 84kg)

Born: October 29, 1959 (Age: 64-025d) in Ottawa, Ontario ca

Draft: Washington, 1st round (4th overall), 1979 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Niagara Falls Flyers, St. Catharines Black Hawks

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2001 (Full List)

11 11 22 11 22
+4
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1432

G

708

A

627

PTS

1335

+/-

68

PS

121.8

PIM

1159

SH

5090

GWG

90

Gartner scored 708 career goals from his right-wing position with the Capitals, North Stars, Rangers, Maple Leafs, and Coyotes. The Ottawa native even made the 100 Top NHL Skaters list for the 100th NHL Anniversary team.

Photo of

Mark Messier

(Moose, The Messiah, Mess, The Captain)

Position: LW/C •  Shoots: Left

6-1, 210lb (185cm, 95kg)

Born: January 18, 1961 (Age: 62-309d) in Edmonton, Alberta ca

Draft: Edmonton, 3rd round (48th overall), 1979 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Portland Winter Hawks

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2007 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \MEH-see-yay\

Relatives: Brother Paul Messier; Cousins Joby Messier, Mitch Messier

11 11 11
+2
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1756

G

694

A

1193

PTS

1887

+/-

211

PS

160.4

PIM

1912

SH

4221

GWG

92

Messier had some position flexibility during his career, but he is much remembered as the left wing of the Edmonton Oilers Dynasty of the 1980s. Mark also spent many minutes on the ice as a Ranger and a Canuck having the puck find its way past opposing goalies on 694 of his shots.

Conclusion

So, who is the best winger in the NHL’s long history? As you can see above, there are many worthy candidates for left- and right-wing positions. The real question may be, why choose just one when you can relish the memories of these twenty stalwarts who graced us with their talents?

Who is the best wing in the NHL?

The choosing of the best is all in the eye of the beholder. One could make a case for many skaters on our list of twenty above deserving of the honor.

Who is the best right wing player?

There are so many good answers to this. Take your pick from Brett Hull, Jagr, Howe, Gartner, or another from the list.

Who is the best left wing?

Again, this is not a straightforward answer, but you have to include Ovechkin, Robitaille, Messier, and Bobby Hull in the discussion, as well as a handful of others.

The post NHL Top 20 Wings Rankings appeared first on Hockey Reference.

]]> 15 Best NHL Goalies of All Time https://www.hockey-reference.com/hr-blog/2023/10/15-best-nhl-goalies-of-all-time/ Mon, 30 Oct 2023 15:57:00 +0000 https://www.hockey-reference.com/hr-blog/?p=20 Introduction The NHL goaltender is the most unique position player on the ice. Their primary responsibility is to keep the puck out of the net; to do this, they wear some of the most extensive personal protection in all sports. You would, too, if you had a bunch of well-trained athletes launching hard rubber projectiles […]

The post 15 Best NHL Goalies of All Time appeared first on Hockey Reference.

]]> Introduction

The NHL goaltender is the most unique position player on the ice. Their primary responsibility is to keep the puck out of the net; to do this, they wear some of the most extensive personal protection in all sports. You would, too, if you had a bunch of well-trained athletes launching hard rubber projectiles at you at high velocity. The goalie’s task is to stand on their heads if they have to to keep pucks from getting through the pipes. We want to salute these folks in the crease by remembering the best goalies in NHL history.

We will choose different metrics that measure a goaltender’s effectiveness to do this. Then, we will use the Stathead and Hockey-Reference database to give us the top tenders from the past 100-plus years in each statistical category.

Quality Starts

This metric measures the effectiveness of a starting goaltender formulating their saves with their winning percentage. In a nutshell, it helps identify the performance of starting tenders over the long haul.

Photo of

Marc-André Fleury

Position: G •  Catches: Left

6-2, 185lb (188cm, 83kg)

Team: Minnesota Wild

Born: November 28, 1984 (Age: 38-331d) in Sorel, Quebec ca

Draft: Pittsburgh, 1st round (1st overall), 2003 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Cape Breton Screaming Eagles

Current salary: $3,500,000

Current cap hit: $3,500,000

Pronunciation: \MAHRK-AWN-dray fluh-REE\

29 29 29 29 29
+4
SUMMARY

2023-24

Career

GP

2

987

W

1

545

L

1

316

T

0

91

SHO

0

73

PS

0.1

173.9

MIN

118

57161

GAA

3.55

2.58

SV%

.868

.913

“The Flower” has been dynamic for decades, winning three Stanley Cup Titles during his career while mending the crease. This legend has been on the ice for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks, Vegas Golden Knights, and the Minnesota Wild and is in the top five goaltenders in as far as victories. He was honored as the League’s best goaltender by taking hone the 2020-21 Vezina Award and the Jennings Trophy that same season for allowing the fewest goals scored. This legend has registered 458 Quality Starts at the time of this writing and is still going!

Photo of

Henrik Lundqvist

Position: G •  Catches: Left

6-1, 182lb (185cm, 82kg)

Born: March 2, 1982 (Age: 41-237d) in Are, Sweden se

Draft: NY Rangers, 7th round (205th overall), 2000 NHL Entry

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2023 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \HEHN-rihk LUHND-kvihst\

Relatives: Brother Joel Lundqvist

Twitter: @HLundqvist30

30
SUMMARY

Career

GP

887

W

459

L

310

T

96

SHO

64

PS

173.3

MIN

51818

GAA

2.43

SV%

.918

Henrik Lundqvist spent all 16 years of his NHL career with the New York Rangers. Henrik was a two-time All-Star and the 2011-12 winner of the Vezina Award. Lundqvist was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2023 for his brilliance between the pipes. Henrik posted 447 Quality Starts during his career in the NHL. Henrik is one of the winningest goaltenders in NHL history.

Goals Saved Above Average Career Leaders

Some goalies in NHL history have shown over the long haul, they are the man. This category looks at the goals prevented by the player, given his save percentage and shots against him compared to the league average.

Photo of

Roberto Luongo

Position: G •  Catches: Left

6-3, 215lb (190cm, 97kg)

Born: April 4, 1979 (Age: 44-204d) in Montreal, Quebec ca

Draft: NY Islanders, 1st round (4th overall), 1997 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Acadie-Bathurst Titan, Val-d’Or Foreurs

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2022 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \roh-BUHR-toh loo-WAHN-goh\

Twitter: @strombone1

1 1 1 1
+3
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1044

W

489

L

392

T

124

SHO

77

PS

217.8

MIN

59878

GAA

2.52

SV%

.919

In a 20-year career in the NHL that bounced between the franchises of Florida and Vancouver, Roberto proved he could fend off shots no matter what climate he lived in. Luongo posted a 270 score for his goals saved above average. He is also in the top five for wins at goalie.

Photo of

Dominik Hašek

Position: G •  Catches: Left

6-1, 166lb (185cm, 75kg)

Born: January 29, 1965 (Age: 58-269d) in Pardubice, Czechoslovakia cs

Draft: Chicago, 10th round (199th overall), 1983 NHL Entry

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2014 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \HAH-shik\

34 31 39 39 39 39
+5
SUMMARY

Career

GP

735

W

389

L

223

T

95

SHO

81

PS

156.8

MIN

42837

GAA

2.20

SV%

.922

You knew this guy would be on the list of top NHL goalies! Hašek won the Vezina honors six times to go along with multiple Jennings, Pearson, and Hart Trophies during his brilliant 16-year career in the League. Dominik minded the nets for the Black Hawks, Sabres, Red Wings, and the Senators and hoisted Lord Stanley’s Cup three times. By the way, Hašek had a goal saved above the average of the League; that was over 412!

Wins

We have already had a few names near the top of the NHL record books for winning games. Here are a couple more that did it more times than most.

Photo of

Martin Brodeur

Position: G •  Catches: Left

6-2, 220lb (188cm, 99kg)

Born: May 6, 1972 (Age: 51-172d) in Montreal, Quebec ca

Draft: New Jersey, 1st round (20th overall), 1990 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: St. Hyacinthe Lasers

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2018 (Full List)

Pronunciation: \mahr-TAN broh-DYOOR\

Twitter: @MartinBrodeur

29 30 30
+2
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1266

W

691

L

397

T

154

SHO

125

PS

207.0

MIN

74439

GAA

2.24

SV%

.912

Brodeur laced up his skates for the New Jersey Devils and the St. Louis Blues during his outstanding 22-year NHL career and tallied 691 victories in games he started. Martin helped his teams get a Stanley Cup added to the trophy case as a winner of the Vezina, Jennings, and Calder awards. There weren’t too many opposing skaters excited when this guy was in the net, as he leads all goaltenders in the average goals scored against them (200 start minimum).

Photo of

Curtis Joseph

Position: G •  Catches: Left

5-11, 193lb (180cm, 87kg)

Born: April 29, 1967 (Age: 56-179d) in Keswick, Ontario ca

Amateur Teams: Wisconsin

Twitter: @cujo

31 31 31 31 31 31 31
+6
SUMMARY

Career

GP

943

W

454

L

352

T

96

SHO

51

PS

167.2

MIN

54054

GAA

2.79

SV%

.906

Another in the top five of NHL goalie rankings for wins is Curtis Joseph. This stalwart of the big stick helped his teams notch over 450 “W’s.” He was awarded the King Clancy Memorial for his great leadership while blocking pucks.

Tops in Goals Against Average and Save Percentage

Another key metric is to look at how many average goals were scored against the best NHL goalies, who started at least 200 games. As we stated moments ago, Brodeur leads in this category, but here are some goalies near the top in this career stat.

Photo of

Ben Bishop

Position: G •  Catches: Left

6-7, 210lb (201cm, 95kg)

Born: November 21, 1986 (Age: 36-338d) in Denver, Colorado us

Draft: St. Louis, 3rd round (85th overall), 2005 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Maine

Pronunciation: \BEHN BIH-shuhp\

Twitter: @Benbishop30

30 30 30 31 30
+4
SUMMARY

Career

GP

413

W

222

L

128

T

36

SHO

33

PS

76.4

MIN

23317

GAA

2.32

SV%

.921

Bishop made the most of his stay in the League by only allowing 2.32 goals per game on average. He played in the crease for St. Louis, Ottawa, Tampa Bay, LA, and Dallas. He played in two All-Star games during his NHL career and is in the top five of NHL career goalies with 200 starters for save percentage.

Photo of

Tuukka Rask

Position: G •  Catches: Left

6-3, 176lb (190cm, 79kg)

Born: March 10, 1987 (Age: 36-229d) in Savonlinna, Finland fi

Draft: Toronto, 1st round (21st overall), 2005 NHL Entry

Pronunciation: \TU-kah RASK\

Twitter: @tuukkarask

40
SUMMARY

Career

GP

564

W

308

L

165

T

66

SHO

52

PS

107.1

MIN

32402

GAA

2.28

SV%

.921

This Boston Bruins long-tenured netminder is right behind the leader in this category, as Tuuka averaged about 2.28 goals against him between the pipes in his fifteen seasons. He was a two-time All-Star and won a Vezina and a Jennings Award. Rask has the highest Save percentage for any goalie in the NHL who started over 200 games.

More of the Best NHL Goalies Ever

This next group may not be at the top of any stat category, but as you will see in their career data, all they did was win and block shots. Here are some top selections for the list of greats.

Photo of

Patrick Roy

Position: G •  Catches: Left

6-2, 185lb (188cm, 83kg)

Born: October 5, 1965 (Age: 58-020d) in Quebec City, Quebec ca

Draft: Montreal, 3rd round (51st overall), 1984 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Granby Bisons

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2006 (Full List)

As Coach: 3 Yrs, 130‑92‑24, 284 Pts. (Full Record)

Pronunciation: \whah\

Relatives: Brother Stéphane Roy

33 33
+1
SUMMARY

Career

GP

1029

W

551

L

315

T

131

SHO

66

PS

198.3

MIN

60214

GAA

2.54

SV%

.910

Roy took the ice for the Montreal Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche during his 18-year career, winning four Stanley Cups, three Conn Smythe Trophies as playoff MVP, and three Vezina Trophies as the league’s best goaltender.

Photo of

Terry Sawchuk

Position: G •  Catches: Left

5-11, 195lb (180cm, 88kg)

Born: December 28, 1929 in Winnipeg, Manitoba ca

Died: May 31, 1970 (Aged 40-154d)

Amateur Teams: Galt Red Wings

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1971 (Full List)

1 1 24 30 30 29 30 30
+7
SUMMARY

Career

GP

971

W

445

L

336

T

171

SHO

103

PS

179.0

MIN

57156

GAA

2.50

SV%

.907

You know he is good when you learn that he is only one of ten former skaters who had the Hockey Hall of Fame waiting period waived; he went in one year after retiring. He drank four times from Lord Stanley’s Cup, taking home hardware in multiple Vezinas and a Calder. When he retired, he was the top career goaltender in shutouts (103) and victories (447).

Photo of

Bill Durnan

Position: G •  Catches: Right

6-0, 190lb (183cm, 86kg)

Born: January 22, 1916 in Toronto, Ontario ca

Died: October 31, 1972 (Aged 56-283d)

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1964 (Full List)

SUMMARY

Career

GP

383

W

208

L

112

T

62

SHO

34

PS

90.7

MIN

22945

GAA

2.36

SV%

This legend of the crease won six Vezina Trophies in his career for being the least-scored-upon goalie in the League. Durnan was named First All-Star team as best goaltender six times and was a big factor in Montreal winning two Stanley Cup titles.

Photo of

Jacques Plante

Position: G •  Catches: Left

6-0, 175lb (183cm, 79kg)

Born: January 17, 1929 in Shawinigan Falls, Quebec ca

Died: February 27, 1986 (Aged 57-041d)

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1978 (Full List)

As Coach: 1 Yr, 38‑36‑4, 80 Pts. (Full Record)

1 1 30 1 31
+4
SUMMARY

Career

GP

837

W

437

L

246

T

145

SHO

82

PS

173.7

MIN

49513

GAA

2.38

SV%

.920

When someone has been the starting goalie on six Stanley Cup Champions teams, they are a shoo-in for a top tender’s list. Let’s also add seven All-Star games and seven Vezina titles to confirm his greatness.

Photo of

Ken Dryden

Position: G •  Catches: Left

6-4, 205lb (193cm, 92kg)

Born: August 8, 1947 (Age: 76-078d) in Hamilton, Ontario ca

Draft: Boston, 3rd round (14th overall), 1964 NHL Amateur

Amateur Teams: Cornell

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1983 (Full List)

Relatives: Brother Dave Dryden

29
SUMMARY

Career

GP

397

W

258

L

57

T

74

SHO

46

PS

98.6

MIN

23330

GAA

2.24

SV%

.922

This Montreal goalie won six championships with the Habs and was also awarded six Vezina Trophies. Dryden added a Smythe, a Calder, and six All-Star games to his resume before he was finished.

Photo of

Glenn Hall

Position: G •  Catches: Left

5-11, 180lb (180cm, 81kg)

Born: October 3, 1931 (Age: 92-022d) in Humboldt, Saskatchewan ca

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1975 (Full List)

Relatives: Grandson Grant Stevenson

22 1 1 1
+3
SUMMARY

Career

GP

906

W

407

L

326

T

164

SHO

84

PS

177.6

MIN

53449

GAA

2.50

SV%

.918

In 18 National Hockey League seasons, Hall was an eleven-time All-Star, collected three Vezina Trophies, and even Hoisted Lord Stanley’s Cup. He played on the Red Wings, Black Hawks, and Blues.

The Best Goalie in the NHL Right Now?

We will give you the chalk answer on this one.

Photo of

Linus Ullmark

Position: G

6-5, 212lb (196cm, 96kg)

Team: Boston Bruins

Born: July 31, 1993 (Age: 30-086d) in Lugnvik, Sweden se

Draft: Buffalo, 6th round (163rd overall), 2012 NHL Entry

Current salary: $5,000,000

Current cap hit: $5,000,000

Pronunciation: \LEE-nuhs UHL-mahrk\

35 35
+1
SUMMARY

2023-24

Career

GP

3

210

W

3

119

L

0

63

T

0

16

SHO

0

6

PS

0.9

42.4

MIN

180

12068

GAA

1.00

2.48

SV%

.962

.920

The 2022-23 Vezina winner has to be in the conversation as the best tender entering the 2023-24 season going into the NHL. With season numbers such as a 1.89 GAA along with a .938 Save percentage.

Conclusion

Some outstanding athletes have played this position in the NHL and accomplished remarkable stats and feats at doing their jobs. It takes a special person to be a goaltender in the NHL; these players above are the profession’s top players.

Who is the top goalie in the NHL 2022?

As stated above, the obvious choice is the Vezina winner, Linus Ullmark, but others could also be in the conversation.

Who is currently the best goalie in the NHL?

That is hard to say and a matter of opinion, but Ullmark, Sorokin, Gustavsson, Fleury, and a handful of others could be considered.

What goalie has the best save percentage in 2022?

Linus Ullmark, with a .938 SV%, was tops for goalies with more than a dozen games started on the season.

Who are the top 10 best goalies in the NHL?

Again, this is a very open-ended question, and it all depends on the criteria the evaluator is looking for in a goaltender. Try your hand and look at the stats of the top goalies on Hockey-Reference and Stathead to find them.

The post 15 Best NHL Goalies of All Time appeared first on Hockey Reference.

]]> NHL: Ranking Top 10 Greatest Coaches of All Time https://www.hockey-reference.com/hr-blog/2023/10/nhl-ranking-top-10-greatest-coaches-of-all-time/ Fri, 27 Oct 2023 17:04:52 +0000 https://www.hockey-reference.com/hr-blog/?p=9 Introduction to the Best NHL Coaches The National Hockey League is the premier professional hockey organization in the world. It attracts the top skaters, but the greatest coaches and strategists also aspire to be in the NHL. In this post, we will use the data of Hockey-Reference.com and Stahead.com to provide the statistical best NHL […]

The post NHL: Ranking Top 10 Greatest Coaches of All Time appeared first on Hockey Reference.

]]> Introduction to the Best NHL Coaches

The National Hockey League is the premier professional hockey organization in the world. It attracts the top skaters, but the greatest coaches and strategists also aspire to be in the NHL. In this post, we will use the data of Hockey-Reference.com and Stahead.com to provide the statistical best NHL coaches of all time.

NHL Winningest Coaches

Victories are an essential measuring stick to determine the success or failure of a bench boss in hockey. These individuals provide a combination of superb strategy, player motivation, and team building that convert into the all-important point totals in the standings. They say the cream rises to the top; here are the head coaches with the most “W’s” in league history.

Photo of Al Arbour

Al Arbour

6-0, 180lb (183cm, 81kg)

Born: November 1, 1932 in Sudbury, Ontario ca

Died: August 28, 2015 (Aged 82-300d)

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Builder 1996

A list of the best hockey coaches of all time would only be complete with the mention of Coach Al Arbour. Arbour’s accomplishments as an NHL coach provided his teams with 123 post-season victories and 782 W’s during the regular season. This legend guided the franchises of the St. Louis Blues (1970-73) and the New York Islanders (1973-1994; 2007-08).

Photo of Paul Maurice

Paul Maurice

Born: January 30, 1967 (Age: 56-259d) in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario ca

Being at the top of the standings has much to do with wins, but it is ultimately based on point totals. Coach Paul Maurice is one NHL Coach who is high on the point total list. Maurice led his teams to 817 regular season victories on NHL ice and accumulated 1871 points in the standings over his career as a coach. Paul served as the bench boss of the Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes (1995–2003, 2008–2011) and the Winnipeg Jets (2014–2021).

Photo of Lindy Ruff

Lindy Ruff

6-2, 201lb (188cm, 91kg)

Born: February 17, 1960 (Age: 63-241d) in Warburg, Alberta ca

Coach Ruff is currently working the bench of the New Jersey Devils and is the longest-tenured coach in the NHL. His 835 NHL victories going into the 2023-24 season as a headman stem from his time with the Devils and when he led the Buffalo Sabres from 1997 to 2013 and the Dallas Stars from 2013 to 2017.

Photo of Ken Hitchcock

Ken Hitchcock

Born: December 17, 1951 (Age: 71-303d) in Edmonton, Alberta ca

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Builder 2023

Hitchcock is currently on the top list for wins in NHL history, with 849 victories. He was named a 2019 Order of Hockey in Canada recipient. Hitchcock was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder in 2023. Known for his demanding coaching style, this legend served as the head coach of the Dallas Stars in 1995 and led the team to the Stanley Cup in 1999. He also coached the Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, St. Louis Blues, and Edmonton Oilers. Coach has been recognized as a two-time NHL All-Star Game coach and has won numerous awards, including the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s Coach of the Year in 1999 and 2012.

Photo of Barry Trotz

Barry Trotz

Born: July 15, 1962 (Age: 61-093d) in Winnipeg, Manitoba ca

Coach Trotz is the former head coach of the Nashville Predators, Washington Capitals, and New York Islanders. “Trotzy,” as he is fondly referred to, is known for his defensive-minded coaching style, which helped his teams win 914 times. He served as Nashville’s first coach in 1997, leading the Predators to their first playoff appearance in 2004 and their first division title in 2007. Trotz later led the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup championship in 2018, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final. In the Big Apple, he helped the Islanders to two consecutive Eastern Conference playoff appearances in 2020 and 2021.

Photo of Joel Quenneville

Joel Quenneville

6-1, 200lb (185cm, 90kg)

Born: September 15, 1958 (Age: 65-031d) in Windsor, Ontario ca

Joel Quenneville was a former player and was the 21st overall selection in the 1978 NHL Entry Draft, picked by the Toronto Maple Leafs. His great defensive prowess produced for multiple NHL teams on the ice. As a great strategist and technician on skates, it was easy to see the transition to coaching. Quenneville was hired as the head coach of the St. Louis Blues in 1997 and led the team to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2001. Coach later took on the same role with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2008. He led the Blackhawks to their first Stanley Cup championship in 49 years in 2010, then repeated the feat in 2013 and 2015. He also served as the bench boss of the Colorado Avalanche (2006-2008) and the Florida Panthers (2019-21). During his time as a head coach, his teams won 934 regular season contests!

Photo of Scotty Bowman

Scotty Bowman

Born: September 18, 1933 (Age: 90-028d) in Montreal, Quebec ca

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Builder 1991

What can you say about this man? Bowman has chalked up an astounding 1,244 wins in the regular season and 223 in the Stanley Cup playoffs during his many stints as an NHL head coach. This legend has guided his teams to win a record nine Stanley Cup championships: five with the Canadiens (1973, 1976–79), one with the Penguins (1992), and three with the Red Wings (1997, 1998, and 2002). Coach Bowman has repeatedly proven that his style gets the most out of his players and unites them to a common goal of hoisting Lord Stanley’s Cup, making him one of the greatest hockey coaches ever.

NHL Coaches with the Most Championships

As previously stated, Coach Bowman has the NHL coaching record with Nine Stanley Cup Championships. Here are a few others who have held the Stanley Cup almost as many times in their outstanding careers as NHL bench bosses.

Photo of Glen Sather

Glen Sather

5-11, 180lb (180cm, 81kg)

Born: September 2, 1943 (Age: 80-044d) in High River, Alberta ca

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Builder 1997

Coach Sather enjoyed, to date, the highest winning percentage of any NHL Coach in the post-season with at least 50 playoff games, with an astounding .705. His success is attributed to leading the Edmonton Oilers to four Stanley Cup championships in the 1980s.

Photo of Hap Day

Hap Day

5-11, 175lb (180cm, 79kg)

Born: June 14, 1901 in Owen Sound, Ontario ca

Died: February 17, 1990 (Aged 88-248d)

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1961

Hap Day was a former professional hockey player who played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League with the Toronto St. Patricks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New York Americans and left the ice to become a coach. Day led the Maple Leafs to five Stanley Cup championships in the 1940s  (1942, 1945, 1947, 1948, and 1949); for his great play and coaching, Day was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1961.

Photo of Toe Blake

Toe Blake

5-10, 165lb (178cm, 74kg)

Born: August 21, 1912 in Victoria Mines, Ontario ca

Died: May 17, 1995 (Aged 82-269d)

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1966

Toe Blake is an example of another legendary player who succeeded as an NHL coach. After, he played 14 seasons in the NHL with the Montreal Maroons and Montreal Canadiens, winning three Stanley Cups. He then coached the Canadiens to eight Stanley Cups in 13 seasons, the most by any coach in team history.  (1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1965, 1966, and 1968). He was also named the NHL’s Coach of the Year in 1964.

Conclusion

As you can see, this is truly a formidable list of great coaching legends! Whether it be wins, points, playoff victories, or bringing home Lord Stanley’s Cup, these coaches have earned their salt in the annals of legends through strategy, team building, and motivating their skaters.

Who is the greatest coach of all time?

The answer to who may be the best NHL Coach has a handful of answers depending on the criteria one uses to examine the facts. Some may state Toe Blake, Glen Sather, or Hap Day are the best for what they did in winning championships in a short period with a single team. Others may look to Joe Quenneville or Scotty Bowman as the top coaches in history for what they did in long coaching careers with multiple franchises.

Who is the most losing coach in NHL history?

This question is a bit complicated. The NHL coach with the most losses is Paul Maurice, with 714 regular season losses as a coach. This hardly makes him a losing coach, though, because, as we have stated earlier, he has won over 800 games.

The post NHL: Ranking Top 10 Greatest Coaches of All Time appeared first on Hockey Reference.

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