Top 20 players

[Echolalia 2,961]

collectively, at least. And just to pass the time between now and the start of the season.

edit: I realized that I could explain this alot better...

anyway, I ultimately want to compile a list of the top 20 players in the league at this moment, but because everyone has their own opinions and blah blah blah, I want to take a bit more scientific* method of compiling the top 20. So I propose that we submit a vote for each of the 20 spots on the list individually, and I tally up the votes. That way, the majority vote will be the what's expressed on the list, and not just a compilation of 1000 lists that most people just skim through anyways.

But to make it interesting (and to clear up problems that I see occurring down the road), I want voting to occur on one position at a time. That is, first we will all vote on who is the best overall player in the league right now, and after we're done voting (I'll let you know when I'm going to tally up the votes), that player will be locked in the top spot, and we can begin voting on the second best player using all the players that are still left. That means whoever gets the top spot can't be voted to be second best or third best or eighth best or any other best. I won't include votes for repeats.

Also, use whatever definition you feel best for "best player". Try to include offensive and defensive awareness, stamina, passing accuracy, shooting accuracy, shooting power, physicality, grittiness, etc etc etc etc.

Sound good?

Currently voting on 11th place

results so far:

1) Ovechkin (35.29% of votes) detailed results on page 4

2) Lidstrom (40.74% of votes) detailed results on page 6

3) Crosby (44.44% of votes) detailed results on page 9

4) Datsyuk (70% of votes) detailed results on page 12

5) Malkin (80.95% of votes) detailed results on page 13

6) Zetterberg (65% of votes) detailed results on page 14

7) Iginla (40.91% of votes) detailed results on page 16

8) Getzlaf (47.37% of votes) detailed results on page 18

9) Luongo (33.33% of votes) detailed results on page 20

10) Kovalchuk (50% of votes) detailed results on page 22

11) Parise (35.29% of votes) detailed results on page 23

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*scientific is being used incredibly loosely. Don't hold me accountable for any "science" that may or may not occur in this thread.

Edited October 4, 2009 by Echolalia

[newfy 695]

Its tough between Malkin and OV but I think OV is number one. He's a pure goal scorer with a physical edge, dirty dangles and probably the fastest release in the game.

[Broken 16 381]

Datsyuk. Skill set and defensive responsibility together are unmatched by anyone else in the NHL right now, imo.

Edited September 1, 2009 by Broken 16

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

This list will be biased towards Wings players since this is a Wings board.

So let me begin by voting Lidstrom number 1. Didn't have his best season, but he's still a machine out there and can do anything on either side of the ice. He's still the most complete player in the league.

BTW, this list will take forever to compile if we vote on each player separately. Also, I'll keep voting the same guy, and I assume everyone else will, until that person is picked. For instance, if Lidstrom isn't picked as number 1, then I'll vote for him again over and over until he is.

Edited September 1, 2009 by GMRwings1983

[Broken 16 381]

*scientific is being used incredibly loosely. Don't hold me accountable for any "science" that may or may not occur in this thread.

I expect detailed data sheets...

[tommingthepuck96 1]

I think its a close race between ovechkin and datsyuk.. Ovechkins overwhelming goal scoring ability makes up for his lack of defense skill and play making ability that datsyuk has over him. Both are arguably the best puck handlers in the game. I'd give my vote to ovechkin though, theres no one else in the league who plays the game like he does. Iv'e never watched any other team where you literally jump up in your seat every time hes about to get the puck..

As for malkin i dont see him as an over-all top 10 player at all. He just gets more ice time, including power play time than any other forward in the league. His give-away numbers are just embarrassing and defense is a joke. Good defensive teams like the ducks and the wings could (and did) shut him down easily. i'd be way more scared of guys like OV, or getzlaf... Although he is still young and immature but i'd say when he turns 26-30 he will be just scary..

Edited September 1, 2009 by tommingthepuck96

[Echolalia 2,961]

This list will be biased towards Wings players since this is a Wings board.

So let me begin by voting Lidstrom number 1. Didn't have his best season, but he's still a machine out there and can do anything on either side of the ice. He's still the most complete player in the league.

BTW, this list will take forever to compile if we vote on each player separately. Also, I'll keep voting the same guy, and I assume everyone else will, until that person is picked. For instance, if Lidstrom isn't picked as number 1, then I'll vote for him again over and over until he is.

Of course it will be biased. Sports is all about bias. Read the disclaimer.

And I intend for this to take a while. Last time I checked we still have about a month to go before any actual hockey is being played. So no issues there I hope. Besides, I think (ideally) I will be updating the list once a day, give or take a day or so here and there, provided people keep voting. My biggest worry is when we get down to the 17th and 18th spots, people just won't care to vote anymore. But still, its something to pass the time.

Also, there's nothing wrong for voting for a player repeatedly until he gets picked. By design that is expected to happen. Remember, most people will have to change their picks, because the majority vote is what is accepted. That means the majority of who voted last time have to pick a new person, so I expect things to stay relatively fresh.

edit: I'm going to throw my vote in for Dats.

Edited September 1, 2009 by Echolalia

[Lidstrom for life 20]

Just for fun (and because I can't decide between Datsyuk and Ovechkin) I am going to throw a different name out there, how about Zach Parise? 3rd in the NHL in goals scored, 5th in points, and 8th in plus/minus. Hes kind of a cross between Datsyuk and Ovechkin, not quite as good on defense as Datsyuk and not quite the goal scorer that Ovechkin is but hes among the best in the league in a lot of categories.

Edit: Ok so actually if you are seriously doing this and counting votes, I am voting for Ovechkin # 1. I guess I am just getting really excited for team USA in advance of the olympics.

Edited September 1, 2009 by Lidstrom for life

[robb himself 143]

Alex Ovechkin. He is the best player in the NHL. Period.

[skacore 2]

1. Sidney Crosby

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

1. Sidney Crosby

Who?

I've never heard of this player. I don't think the OP should tally this particular choice.

[tommingthepuck96 1]

A little off topic but how about datsyuk centering ovechkin in the Olympics? Would this be the best duo in sports history EVER? Or will their dominate game styles when put together just screw everything up?

Edited September 1, 2009 by tommingthepuck96

[skacore 2]

A little off topic but how about datsyuk centering ovechkin in the Olympics? Would this be the best duo in sports history EVER? Or will their dominate game styles when put together just screw everything up?

"just screw everything up" uhh.. doubt it

"best duo in sports history" f*** no lol

[tommingthepuck96 1]

"just screw everything up" uhh.. doubt it

"best duo in sports history" f*** no lol

A little exaggeration lol.. I thought the "EVER" part would give it away..

But its highly possible trying to force chemistry between two players could screw up the flow of a team. Ovechkin is so dominate because thats his role. Giving him a role where hes not the go to guy on every rush of every shift could have him a little out of sync.. Either way though you can't really go wrong having those 2 guys on the ice..

[Carman 387]

I'll go Ovechkin slightly over Datsyuk. Goal scoring is the hardest thing to do in the game, and he is the best at it along with the physical presence he brings.

[eva unit zero 271]

Nicklas Lidstrom.

If you have a group of players, and Lidstrom's name is included, you can automatically rank Lidstrom as the best overall player based on current ability. He is simply the best player in the world. There's no other way to put it.

[GoWings1905 2,694]

Datsyuk ahead of Crosby? Only at LGW.

For the record, I would still say Lidstrom is number one.

[under_par_00 45]

Datsyuk ahead of Crosby? Only at LGW.

For the record, I would still say Lidstrom is number one.

Cleary said it himself that both Datsyuk and Zetterberg are better than Crosby. Although he could be biased as well, but he is Canadian.

My vote for #1 goes to Datsyuk.

[skacore 2]

Cleary said it himself that both Datsyuk and Zetterberg are better than Crosby. Although he could be biased as well, but he is Canadian.

My vote for #1 goes to Datsyuk.

lol... I think the fact Cleary is teammates with Datsyuk and Zetterberg would lead to a more bias opinion than just the fact Cleary and Crosby are both Canadian.... not that I'm saying either way is actually bias but it's dumb to suggest that

all of the players mentioned so far are reasonable choices, there's no "hands down" or "ridiculous to think otherwise" and s*** like that, people think their opinion is the only thing that matters... Datsyuk, Ovechkin, Crosby, Malkin, Lidstrom, Zetterberg, Chara... just respect other poster's opinions and see how the votes tally up

[GSBrooks13 204]

Im gonna have to go with Lidstrom. Tough call comparing d-men to forwards but Overall hes still the best imo.

[Guest mindfly]

Nicklas Lidstrom

[mmamolo 287]

1. Ovechkin

Also, Datsyuk is definitely a more complete hockey player than Crosby. But it's all about your definition of best player in the league. In my definition of being the best complete player I would rank Datsyuk above Crosby. Call me biased if you want but Datsyuk's defense, faceoffs, skating, poise, and creativity are all better in my mind. The rest of their skills are up for debate.

[BigTex 1]

I'll keep the chatter to a minimum

1. Alex Ovechkin

So how many days will each spot be open for voting? one sounds about right.

[drwscc 212]

I have to go with Datsyuk, simply because my definition of best player includes more than just being exciting to watch, and firing the puck from anywhere on the ice.

OV scores alot of goals, but he takes an awful lot of shots, doesn't pass much, and doesn't play D. Dats is just an overall better player.

Wish we could see OV and Dats play a little one on one.

[kidish 0]

Martin Brodeur.

If I had to form a new team, I would want my first spot to go to strength in net. Most ice time per game. All that.

Cool idea OP. Kills off some time before the season!