The Best of the Best

So I've been pretty bored with very little hockey news to report on so I decided to get a little creative. Here are my picks for the best in each category

Best Slapshot: Chris Pronger-When Pronger really lets one rip its a thing of beauty. He gets his bottom hand well below the halfway point of the stick and just bears down on it. He seals the deal with a perfect follow through and points where he is aiming. My pick is 37 seconds in...

Best One-Timer: Alex Ovechkin-Whenever I think of a one-timer these days, this exact goal comes to mind. Ovie has one of the quickest releases and can just rifle the puck (in addition to his many other off-the-charts hockey skills). The goal is 18 seconds in but I would suggest watching the whole thing because that night was one of the single greatest performances in sports that I have ever witnessed.

 

Best Hands: Pavel Datsyuk-Enough said.

Best Dangler: Evgeni Malkin- The dude can just motor his way through the neutral zone like hes skating  by pylons. My favorite dangle is the first one from this clip but there are a few other good ones.

 

Best Hitter: Dion Phaneuf- This one is a no brainer. Phaneuf is a modern Scott Stevens. If you're coming across the blueline with your head down and Phaneuf is on the ice, you're going to be in a world of hurt.

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Best Skater: Scott Neidermayer-Another no brainer here. Watching this guy skate would make angels cry. He makes it look so effortless and smooth. This video is from his first official skate as a Duck after coming back from retirement. Even rusty he makes most guys in the show look like pee-wees. Scotty also gets my vote for best playoff beard.

Best Hockey Sense: Sidney Crosby-I doubt there will be many people on the planet that would disagree with this pick. Yes, Ovechkin is probably a better goal scorer but Crosby is the ultimate playmaker. This guy sees the ice so well and it shows in his play. Crosby not only knows where he should be at all times but also knows where his teammates are and can find them in the smallest of passing lanes. Crosby also gets my vote for best backhand and worst playoff beard.

Best Fighter: George Parros-The guy just keeps throwing punches and moving forward. He has good etiquette as well as looking like a 70s pornstar. 

*Bonus* Best Flow: Alex Kovalev-AK has dirty flow, its just that simple.