5 Best Hockey Players Of The Decade
Is Sidney Crosby still the G.O.A.T?
2010’s decade over, let’s make a recap. It was extraordinary. Players demonstrated their pure talent; skills increased, speed and much more were at the rendezvous. We saw an incredible number of rookies making a huge impact on the NHL, like Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews. Above all the players who showed what they were capable of, here are your top 10 of the best hockey players of the decade.
1. Sidney Crosby (C, Pittsburgh Penguins)
Sidney Crosby is a franchise player evolving for the Pittsburgh Penguins, born in 1987. Drafted first overall in 2005, he was followed by a ton of scouts since almost the beginning of his hockey career. With 727 points in 589 points, he is right behind Patrick Kane for the most points during the last decade but has the best point average with 1,23 points per game and a surreal differential of +137.
“Sid The Kid”, from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, is a brilliant playmaker who sees the ice extremely well. He can use his blinding speed to blow by opponents or challenge them using his superb stickhandling abilities. Plays with a lot of grit despite his size and is a very good faceoff man.
During his career, the 5-foot-11, 201-pound frame guy has reached an important peak. He won a ton of trophies but never looked back, winning almost all of them and being a three-time Stanley Cup champion.
2. Patrick Kane (RW, Chicago Blackhawks)
Patrick Kane is a magical forward drafted first overall in 2007. The 31-year-old forward from Buffalo racked up 754 points in 697 games since 2010; the most for any player during this decade. 5-foot-10, 176-pound frame, Patrick is really skinny but is height doesn’t matter for him because of the extraordinary talent he has. At the moment he carries the puck, you immediately see how talented he has.
Kane stands out with his terrific vision and world-class playmaking skills. The three-time Stanley Cup Champion is extremely hard to knock off the puck since his stride is so unbelievably strong. He also has superb one-on-one moves and a deadly shot.
During his hockey career, he has won several trophies, including the Hart, Ted Lindsey, Calder, and Conn-Smythe trophy. He is, of course, the player who demarked himself the most during this decade.
3. Alexander Ovechkin (LW, Washington Capitals)
Alexander Ovechkin is a pure goalscorer. Drafted first overall in 2004, the 34-years-old athlete scored 418 goals in 726 games, the most for any player. Ovechkin has one goal; surpass Wayne Gretzky's record of 894 goals. Let’s hope he plays long enough to break it!
The power forward from Moscow has a fantastic offensive arsenal and includes excellent skating, intensity, finishing, physical game, a good shot, and a strong will to win. Very difficult to stop in high speeds.
Recent Stanley Cup champion, the 6-foot-2, 236-pound frame player has many trophies, including 8 Maurice Richard trophies!
4. Victor Hedman (D, Tampa Bay Lightning)
Victor Hedman is an amazing skater with a great shape, perfect to deliver some high-quality checks. The 29-year-old athlete from Sweden reached 430 points in 655 games for 0,63 points per game, which is amazing for a defenseman with a differential of 91.
The second overall pick in 2009 is a defenseman out of the ordinary. The tall and strong defenseman has a unique combination of size and speed. He accelerates very well and at full speed, there are few, if any, defenseman of such stature that can match Hedman. Furthermore, he has a very good hockey sense which contributes to him usually being in the right place at the right moment.
Hedman’s puck skills are above average and he is very good at moving the puck into the offensive end at high speed. The 6-foot-6, 223-pound frame defenseman is also quite shifty and creative and can stickhandle through heavy traffic. Offensively, he has a good shot, including a heavy slapper that he could, however, use more frequently. His passing game is also of high caliber.
5. Erik Karlsson (D, San Jose Sharks)
Erik Karlsson is on offensive defenseman drafted 15th overall in 2008. The 30-year-old player has had 564 points in 657 for an average of 0,86 points per game, the best amongst all defensemen. From Sweden, he is definitely the image of hockey for his country. He has a unique style and never fears to contribute offensively. Teamed up with Burns, Couture, and Kane on the first powerplay, he doesn’t lack talent.
The 6-foot, 192-pound frame athlete is a defenseman blessed with excellent hockey sense, confidence and coolness. Everything looks so easy and natural when Karlsson has the puck under control in the offensive zone. He is a terrific passer and an outstanding push rusher.
The knock on Karlsson is his defensive game and size. However, his all-world skating and anticipation allow him to be alright defensively.
The fact that Karlsson likes to get involved physically and can deliver rather good hits is a big plus.
Two-times Norris Trophy winner, Erik Karlsson is a key player for the San Jose Sharks.
Highlights:
Sidney Crosby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqQeVzhrS0k
Patrick Kane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We3Rc4qwTko&t=155s
Alexander Ovechkin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxwJxkdCqYw
Erik Karlsson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPkgMQbksaA
Victor Hedman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssUc-fGDUmw
