Top 15 NHL hitters

[SweWings 45]

I've seen some crazy hits from Clutterbuck and Exelby, if these guys were a tid bit more popular, they'd be right at the top.

With a name like Clutterbuck he'll become very popular indeed.

[Guest micah]

But I thought Euros were soft *******.

You thought that because, for the most part, they are. Few of them are willing to play the game the way it's always been played. Scott Stevens was a big hitter. He wasn't one to start a lot of fights. He new and understood that when you lay big hits, legal or not, people might want you to answer for them. He did, well over 100 times, often to the league's best fighters. I don't know of any European players who both hit to the best of their ability and answer the bell consistantly the way guys like Stevens and Neely did.

The reason that European players have the reputation they do is that all hockey fans aren't 17 years old. Some remember the days when players were larger than life, unflappable, unafraid. Once this leage had men who were confident - they would outscore you, outhit you, and beat you up if you didn't like it.

Thankfully, we have Milan Lucic and others of his ilk. All hope is not lost. Although professional hockey did, for a time, trend towards the Euro-weaklings who were afraid of their own shaddows, the pendulum appears to be swinging back. Fighting is trending up, instigator penalties are trending down. The game is getting better. This year we will see several tough teams that are also very competetive. Teams that are not just braun or just pretty passes, teams that are true, complete hockey teams. That's what the league needs, and that is what will resonate with the fans. We are on the crest of something big - it's a great time to be a hockey fan!

[jollymania 162]

A poster on this page said this. I hate when people say these things "Ohhhhh, he always leave his feet"... Yes he leaves his feet, but AFTER contact. Virtually everytime he connects with somebody for a hit, he feet are always on the ground at the point of contact, he leaves his feet because he's a rather short guy and the momentum and power forces him to leave his feet... AFTER CONTACT.

A few times he has left his feet before, but I think that is the right way to hit somone, you want that upward motion to knock them on thier ass. The retardation in that comment is where he bashes Kronwall for being dirty while glorifying Tootoo who may be the cheapest hitter in the league.

[jollymania 162]

You thought that because, for the most part, they are. Few of them are willing to play the game the way it's always been played. Scott Stevens was a big hitter. He wasn't one to start a lot of fights. He new and understood that when you lay big hits, legal or not, people might want you to answer for them. He did, well over 100 times, often to the league's best fighters. I don't know of any European players who both hit to the best of their ability and answer the bell consistantly the way guys like Stevens and Neely did.

The reason that European players have the reputation they do is that all hockey fans aren't 17 years old. Some remember the days when players were larger than life, unflappable, unafraid. Once this leage had men who were confident - they would outscore you, outhit you, and beat you up if you didn't like it.

Thankfully, we have Milan Lucic and others of his ilk. All hope is not lost. Although professional hockey did, for a time, trend towards the Euro-weaklings who were afraid of their own shaddows, the pendulum appears to be swinging back. Fighting is trending up, instigator penalties are trending down. The game is getting better. This year we will see several tough teams that are also very competetive. Teams that are not just braun or just pretty passes, teams that are true, complete hockey teams. That's what the league needs, and that is what will resonate with the fans. We are on the crest of something big - it's a great time to be a hockey fan!

Fighting does not automatically equal toughness even though you wish it did.

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

some corrections.

You thought that because, for the most part, they are. Few of them are willing to play the game the way it's always been played in North America. Scott Stevens was a big hitter. He wasn't one to start a lot of fights. He new and understood that when you lay big hits, legal or not, people might want you to answer for them. He did, well over 100 timesabout 80 times in his career, often to the league's best fighters, at least early in his career. I don't know of any European players who both hit to the best of their ability and answer the bell consistantly the way guys like Stevens and Neely did.

The reason that European players have the reputation they do is that all hockey fans aren't 17 years old. Some remember the days when players were larger than life, unflappable, unafraid. Once this leage had men who were confident - they would outscore you, outhit you, and beat you up if you didn't like it.

Thankfully, we have Milan Lucic and others of his ilk. All hope is not lost. Although professional hockey did, for a time, trend towards the Euro-weaklings who were afraid of their own shaddows, the pendulum appears to be swinging back. Fighting is trending up, instigator penalties are trending down. The game is getting better. This year we will see several tough teams that are also very competetive. Teams that are not just braun or just pretty passes, teams that are true, complete hockey teams. That's what the league needs, and that is what will resonate with the fans. We are on the crest of something big - it's a great time to be a hockey fan!

I get that you don't like the way the Europeans play the game. That doesn't make them *******. They played a different style of hockey there, so these guys grew up playing that style and brought it with them to the NHL. Speed and skill were cultivated in those leagues, not hard hitting or fighting. Now that there's more euros in the NHL, more kids grow up playing more of an NHL style.

Looks like your euro-hate has reached Cherry-like proportions. Don't get me wrong, I like physical hockey. But Wings fans should be more thankful than anyone for the bias like yours against Euros, as it's whats allowed them to remain dominant for so long. After all, who would want a skinny Swedish defenseman who doesn't play physical, no matter how good his hockey sense is?

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

A few times he has left his feet before, but I think that is the right way to hit somone, you want that upward motion to knock them on thier ass. The retardation in that comment is where he bashes Kronwall for being dirty while glorifying Tootoo who may be the cheapest hitter in the league.

It is not the right way to hit someone. It's charging if it's before contact. Kronwall has definitely been guilty of it several times, even when he hasn't been called.

He's a great open ice hitter, but he needs to get better at keeping his skates on the ice and his elbows in.

Stevens was one of the most devastating hitters I've ever seen, and only a couple of his biggest hits were even questionable.

EDIT: More on topic, I'd put Brown over Kronwall. Kronner has had a few highlight reel ones, but on a nightly basis, Brown is a much bigger hitter.

Edited September 13, 2009 by haroldsnepsts

[jollymania 162]

It is not the right way to hit someone. It's charging if it's before contact. Kronwall has definitely been guilty of it several times, even when he hasn't been called.

He's a great open ice hitter, but he needs to get better at keeping his skates on the ice and his elbows in.

Stevens was one of the most devastating hitters I've ever seen, and only a couple of his biggest hits were even questionable.

EDIT: More on topic, I'd put Brown over Kronwall. Kronner has had a few highlight reel ones, but on a nightly basis, Brown is a much bigger hitter.

Well then don't do it before contact, it is a timing way of hitting and usually only works for big pinches or open ice hits but when it works it really works ask havlat or malone. Its not the "right" way, I misused my words but it can be highly effective.

I like Clutterbuck now over Brown, who still hits hard but not as often. I think T.J. Oshie is a sleeper here.

Edited September 13, 2009 by jollymania

[BeeRYCE 2]

A few times he has left his feet before, but I think that is the right way to hit somone, you want that upward motion to knock them on thier ass. The retardation in that comment is where he bashes Kronwall for being dirty while glorifying Tootoo who may be the cheapest hitter in the league.

Tootoo has little man's syndrome.

[dat's sick 1,002]

The reason that European players have the reputation they do is that all hockey fans aren't 17 years old. Some remember the days when players were larger than life, unflappable, unafraid. Once this leage had men who were confident - they would outscore you, outhit you, and beat you up if you didn't like it.

I know, I miss Forsberg too.

[Guest micah]

I know, I miss Forsberg too.

Who wouldn't? Dude was an amazing hockey player. Note that - as indicated by the very first sentance in my post, I was speaking generally.

[Guest micah]

some corrections.

I get that you don't like the way the Europeans play the game. That doesn't make them *******. They played a different style of hockey there, so these guys grew up playing that style and brought it with them to the NHL. Speed and skill were cultivated in those leagues, not hard hitting or fighting. Now that there's more euros in the NHL, more kids grow up playing more of an NHL style.

Looks like your euro-hate has reached Cherry-like proportions. Don't get me wrong, I like physical hockey. But Wings fans should be more thankful than anyone for the bias like yours against Euros, as it's whats allowed them to remain dominant for so long. After all, who would want a skinny Swedish defenseman who doesn't play physical, no matter how good his hockey sense is?

Euro-hate? Come on now. I don't dislike any players because they're European. I dislike some players because they are unwilling to risk their health, fists and faces for the good of the team (and sometimes just for the good of the game) like my heroes were. If Franzen were a compete powerforward, willing and able to throw down the way the smaller and more skilled Cam Neely was, I would be all over his jock....but he isn't. He is a coward and a diver, and I don't have to like it. I don't blame it on his Sweedish upbringing, this isn't his 2nd year in the league. He's had time to learn to not be a coward, he's elected not to. I don't blame Sweden for Franzen's pussiness anymore than I blame North America for Maltby's.

The game did, for a time, swing to favor swift, skilled players who generally refused to fight. Now it's changing again. Fighting is trending up, while refs are opting to call the instigator penalty is being called less often. Fans, players, officials and owners have all seemingly taken notice that the game had gottend ridiculously soft. Times are changing. Thanks to all the guys who helped bring the Wings Cups

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

Well then don't do it before contact, it is a timing way of hitting and usually only works for big pinches or open ice hits but when it works it really works ask havlat or malone. Its not the "right" way, I misused my words but it can be highly effective.

I like Clutterbuck now over Brown, who still hits hard but not as often. I think T.J. Oshie is a sleeper here.

agreed. I think we're talking about the same thing here. Often Kronwall explodes up into his hits at contact, which can look like a charge, but he doesn't go flying until after he's hit the guy.

There are, however, times where he's left his skates well before the hit.

[Guest Lidstromboli]

2. nobody compares to Stevens

the guy who wrote the article did

kronwall does leave his feet a lot too, sometimes even before impact

all the people that don't think so are delusional

Edited September 13, 2009 by Lidstromboli

[Guest Shoreline]

Scott Stevens was a good hitter, but the comparisons to Kronner is that he often was able to find the moment the player was prone, i.e. unaware, to take advantage of this and send their target a devastating hit. These hits wouldn't be so devastating had the receiver been paying attention. That being said, I agree with Kronner being at #2, and with Lucic at #1, as the numbers don't matter to me as much as the recognition. I am worried, however, about Lucic having a very short career with how recklessly he throws himself around. I also wouldn't put Stevens at #1 because this list is obviously concerning active players, and last I checked Stevens retired years ago, thanks to the players and Gary Doucheman.

Edit: Phaneuf is also one of my favorite hitters, but like Lucic, he throws himself around too much and, even worse, leaves himself prone to hits.

Edited September 13, 2009 by Shoreline

[newfy 695]

some corrections.

I get that you don't like the way the Europeans play the game. That doesn't make them *******. They played a different style of hockey there, so these guys grew up playing that style and brought it with them to the NHL. Speed and skill were cultivated in those leagues, not hard hitting or fighting. Now that there's more euros in the NHL, more kids grow up playing more of an NHL style.

Looks like your euro-hate has reached Cherry-like proportions. Don't get me wrong, I like physical hockey. But Wings fans should be more thankful than anyone for the bias like yours against Euros, as it's whats allowed them to remain dominant for so long. After all, who would want a skinny Swedish defenseman who doesn't play physical, no matter how good his hockey sense is?

I don't hate euros but I have to chime in here. Lets be honest here, Europeans 90% of the time play the game like *******. You're right they grew up playing differently over there, but that doesn't mean they aren't sofft players for the most part. They grew up playing soft and it translates in the NHL. Thats fine if they want to use speed and skill but that isn't the way hockey was made to be played. Its great they got to the NHL that way and everything but come on to say that most aren't ******* is a little far fetched.

[esteef 2,679]

I don't blame Sweden for Franzen's pussiness anymore than I blame North America for Maltby's.

[Nhurdi 42]

1. havlat says otehrwise 2. nobody compares to Stevens

I always liked Konstantinov for his hits/hip checks. Stevens was great too of course.

[Doc Holiday 0]

Micah with another rant. And I thought that this thread was missing something....

Honestly, if you can't be entertained enough by the game itself, then perhaps hockey isn't the sport for you.

[Guest micah]

Micah with another rant. And I thought that this thread was missing something....

Honestly, if you can't be entertained enough by the game itself, then perhaps hockey isn't the sport for you.

The regular season hasn'tstarted yet - what game should I be being entertained by? And don't get me wrong, I find the cowardly diving and such that guys like Maltby and Franzen provide to be plenty entertaining. It's like, I never think they could top their last act of visible brick-s***ting, but then they do. I don't like it, but that doesn't mean it'snot kindof entertaining. It's a lot like that Japanese tenticle porn stuff I guess.

Also, guys like Lucic, Stevens and Neely did (or do) play " the game itself", and they're entertaining and not cowards. It ius possible, lest you forget. Diving is a choice. Nobody is holding a gun to Franzen's head, he freely chooses to be a coward. My dislike for cowardly acts has nothing to do with my oppinion of the game of hockey, silly.

[Doc Holiday 0]

The regular season hasn'tstarted yet - what game should I be being entertained by? And don't get me wrong, I find the cowardly diving and such that guys like Maltby and Franzen provide to be plenty entertaining. It's like, I never think they could top their last act of visible brick-s***ting, but then they do. I don't like it, but that doesn't mean it'snot kindof entertaining. It's a lot like that Japanese tenticle porn stuff I guess.

Also, guys like Lucic, Stevens and Neely did (or do) play " the game itself", and they're entertaining and not cowards. It ius possible, lest you forget. Diving is a choice. Nobody is holding a gun to Franzen's head, he freely chooses to be a coward. My dislike for cowardly acts has nothing to do with my oppinion of the game of hockey, silly.

I'm talking about the "fighting" for the good of the game comment.

The game is hockey. Fighting is not the game, and though it is entertaining it should not be the determining factor in if the sport is enjoyable. The whole "NHL has gotten soft and we need to change it" mantra has gotten old.

[jollymania 162]

The regular season hasn'tstarted yet - what game should I be being entertained by? And don't get me wrong, I find the cowardly diving and such that guys like Maltby and Franzen provide to be plenty entertaining. It's like, I never think they could top their last act of visible brick-s***ting, but then they do. I don't like it, but that doesn't mean it'snot kindof entertaining. It's a lot like that Japanese tenticle porn stuff I guess.

Also, guys like Lucic, Stevens and Neely did (or do) play " the game itself", and they're entertaining and not cowards. It ius possible, lest you forget. Diving is a choice. Nobody is holding a gun to Franzen's head, he freely chooses to be a coward. My dislike for cowardly acts has nothing to do with my oppinion of the game of hockey, silly.

You'll first have to wake up to the reality that all players dive, and choose to dive. Some look dumber than others while doing so but everyone embellishes or dives at some point.

[Guest micah]

You'll first have to wake up to the reality that all players dive, and choose to dive. Some look dumber than others while doing so but everyone embellishes or dives at some point.

Even IF all players do dive and embellish, it is still wrong. Divers will recieve my scorn. Repeat, obvious divers recieve more. Repeat obvious divers on my team recieve still more.

[jollymania 162]

Even IF all players do dive and embellish, it is still wrong. Divers will recieve my scorn. Repeat, obvious divers recieve more. Repeat obvious divers on my team recieve still more.

A certain amount of diving is ok I don't know why you're so against it, it doesn't make you a ***** unless you get tappedon the sholder and fall like a sack of brick, when I play the game (hard nosed syle) I embellish from time to time, mostly to aggravate the opposition which is highly useful. If im Thomas Holmstrom I have to dive in order to compensate for the amount of slashes and holds I receive.

[Guest micah]

A certain amount of diving is ok I don't know why you're so against it, it doesn't make you a ***** unless you get tappedon the sholder and fall like a sack of brick, when I play the game (hard nosed syle) I embellish from time to time, mostly to aggravate the opposition which is highly useful. If im Thomas Holmstrom I have to dive in order to compensate for the amount of slashes and holds I receive.

You and I subscribe to a different code of ethics, no biggie. I prefer to surround myself with those who say "I will be honest at all costs and I will work harder than everyone else and I will win." than "I can lie a little bit, afterall, everyone else does and besides, I got called for a penalty when I shopuldn't have ealire in the game and if you look at it that way I'm really just making it right".

Also,I'm not real clear on what you're saying here: "it doesn't make you a ***** unless you get tappedon the sholder and fall like a sack of brick". Can I extrapolate from that that it does make you a ***** if you get tapped on the shoulder and fall like a sack of bricks? If so, will you call Pavel Datsyuk a ***** if I can provide a video of exactly that happening?

[Doc Holiday 0]

Can you?