St. Louis Blues lifer Brian Sutter was not afraid of confrontation- his 1,786 penalty minutes prove that. He played in an era of hockey goons and wandering high sticks. As a result, he also took more than a few punches to the mouth. One of the quintessential tough guys, he always had a teammates back… even if it didn’t work out for him every time.

#9 – Rick MacLeish

Another epic set of hockey teeth belonged to retired Broad Street Bully Rick MacLeish, although with that moustache you might not have seen his mouth too often. The long haired winger skated alongside the likes of Bobby Clarke, Andre Dupont and Ed Van Impe, all guys who were *ahem* dentally challenged. He’s also the first Flyer to score 50 goals in a season (1972-73, which also saw him tally 50 assists) and a guy you definitely wouldn’t want to meet by the boards.

#8 – Alexander Ovechkin

While Sydney Crosby might be the face of today’s NHL, Ovechkin is the smile. His run-and-gun style of play, which more often than not makes it seem like he has no regard for his personal safety whatsoever, puts him in some sticky situations (pun intended). While the speedy Russian winger was facing Atlanta a few years back, he took a high stick to the mouth and, well, the inevitable happened: goodbye tooth. The interesting thing about Ovie is, unlike some players, he embraces his missing chomper. Hockey seems like old-fashioned fun with Ovechkin, and his missing tooth is just another badge of honor.

# 7 – Matthew Barnaby

If Ovechkin embraces his missing teeth, Matthew Barnaby outright flaunted it. A journeyman who spent the better part of his career with Buffalo, the scrappy winger was known for two things: penalties and his tooth. In 15 NHL seasons, Barnaby racked up an astounding 2,562 minutes in penalties (and he still managed to score 300 points!). In his stay with the Sabres, he went through several sets of bridges and false teeth until he finally found one that stuck: a gold front-tooth etched with the Sabres “B” logo. This instantly made him a fan favorite and didn’t do much to help his penalty trouble- opposing players lined up for a chance to get a nice golden souvenir.

#6 – Paul Kariya

Paul Kariya parted ways with his front teeth during the 1996-97 season, the same year he won his second straight Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (awarded to the player who exhibits the best type of sportsmanship and conduct along with a high standard of play). He’s relatively short for NHL standards and a choppy play though the neutral zone resulted in a face-height crosscheck and a visit from the Tooth Fairy. Five teeth were sacrificed in the effort, but he netted the game-winning goal so the story isn’t all bad news.

#5 – Eric Belanger

After taking a high stick to the mouth in a post-season game against Montreal, Capitals center Eric Belanger pulled his own loose tooth from his mouth. I’m sure there are people that are going to say “Well, big deal- they used to do that all the time back in the day.” Yeah, but now we can watch it in HD. The VIDEO says it all.

#4 – Chris Pronger

No one says “Hockey Goon” in today’s NHL like Chris Pronger. Well, maybe that’s not an accurate statement since I can think of quite a few other guys, but at least no one LOOKS the part better than Pronger does. His trade to Philly got East Coast fans fired up for fisticuffs in 2010 and #20 didn’t do much to disappoint. Known for his ability to do more than just ruffle a few feathers, Pronger racked up 79 penalty minutes and helped push the Flyers to the Finals for the first time in almost over two decades. The difference between Pronger and the rest of the guys on this list isn’t that his teeth are missing (although they are in rough shape), it’s that he’s been responsible for more missing teeth than any current hockey player on the ice today.

(Eeleus/Flickr)

#3 – Ken Daneyko

You knew retired New Jersey defenseman Ken Daneyko, who was a Devils lifer by the way, just had to make this list. On top of holding the record for games played as a Devil (1,283), which earned him the moniker “Mr. Devil” (although I assume his playing tactics may have also played a hand in this nickname), Daneyko has three Stanley Cup titles with the team. One mean D-man by anyone’s standards, Mr. Devil was always quick for a hit, but quicker to throw himself in front of the net, sometimes face first. You have to admit though, seeing him hoist the Cup with his two front teeth missing is a memorable sight.

#2 – Mike Ricci

Sheesh! Just look at those teeth… or what’s left of them anyways. A memorable mug to say the least (he’s been voted ugliest hockey player on lists all over the web), I think this excerpt from an article posted on theeastcarolinain.com says it all about Ricci:

“Former Shark Mike Ricci even managed to make his toothless appearance very cool. In 1997, a Denver columnist described a bar encounter where a woman was hitting on the hockey player. Ricci dropped his false teeth into her glass of beer, grinned like a jack-o-lantern and said ‘What do you think of me now?’ the columnist wrote.”

Bobby Clarke's million dollar smile

#1 – Bobby Clarke

I absolutely had to put Clarke at the number one spot because he is one of the dominant faces of 1970’s NHL hockey. That toothless grin led the Broad Street Bullies to two Stanley Cup wins and he is regarded as one of the greatest play-makers and all around hockey players ever. But those teeth! Say the name Bobby Clarke to any hockey fan and they’ll immediately see that toothless mug of his. His relentless play (and disregard for the rules sometimes- I’m sure Valeri Kharlamov would agree) was all the motivation his teammates needed to dominate 1970’s hockey. A true hockey legend (1,210 points in his 15 year career), Clarke had the most memorable “hockey teeth” ever.

]]> http://thehockeywriters.com/top-10-hockey-teeth/feed/ 4 http://thehockeywriters.com/top-10-nhl-nicknames/ http://thehockeywriters.com/top-10-nhl-nicknames/#comments Tue, 06 Jul 2010 18:21:52 +0000 Mike Kamrowski http://thehockeywriters.com/?p=19673 Most nicknames in hockey are pretty basic; teammates call Buffalo netminder Ryan Miller “Millsy,” while the boys in Chicago refer to Patrick Kane as “Kaner.” But over the years, hockey has given us a lot of memorable alternate (and more elaborate) monikers for some of our favorite players, from Maurice “The Rocket” Richard to Alexei “The Ukraine Train” Ponikarovsky. Here’s a list of some of the best nicknames in the NHL.

#10 – Ed Belfour – Eddie the Eagle

Eagles personify majesty and grace, and the play of goaltender Ed Belfour certainly earned him this clever nickname. A staple for years with Chicago, Dallas and Toronto, Eddie the Eagle finished his NHL career with 484 wins and 24,750 saves. Belfour also has the hardware to back it up; he is a four time William M. Jennings Trophy winner (awarded to goaltenders who have played 25+ games for the team with the fewest goals scored against), a two-time Vezina Trophy winner (awarded to the best goaltender in the NHL), first in 1991 and again in 1993, and the 1991 Calder Memorial Trophy winner (rookie of the year). He also nabbed the Stanley Cup with the Stars in 1998, putting on an epic 53 save-performance (not to mention triple over-time game) in Game 6 against the Buffalo Sabres and his former Chi-town back-up, Dominik Hasek.

#9 – Derek Boogaard – The Boogie Man

Currently with the New York Rangers, Derek Boogaard earned his handle with the Minnesota Wild by being… well, frightening. He is considered one of the most intimidating players in the NHL (even in NHL player polls) and his hits can be devastating (anyone remember the Boogaard-Fedoruk tussle?). This guy is so into his job as a heavy weight that he, along with his brother Aaron, has his own camp for fighting- The Derek and Aaron Boogaard Fighting Camp for children ages 12-18. The 6’8” winger is an enforcer to say the least, and he plays his part well: the Boogie Man has racked up an impressive 544 penalty minutes in five NHL seasons. Just scary.

#8 – Francis Bouillon – Frank the Tank

Playing for most of his career with the Montreal Canadiens, defenseman Francis Bouillon earned his somewhat ironic nickname by playing with intensity. Standing 5’8”, Montreal fans have also referred to him as “le petit guerrier” which is French for “the little warrior.” Regarded as one of the strongest players in the NHL, Frank the Tank plays physical hockey, which can lead to penalty trouble (421 minutes in his NHL career). He still manages to produce points (113) and more often than not, you can find him blasting howitzer-type shots from the point. Those poor opposing goalies…

#7 – Pavel Bure – The Russian Rocket

Not to be confused with “The Russian Bottle Rocket” (Maxim Afinogenov), Pavel Bure earned his nickname from his blazing fast speed, similar to that of a rocket. The Moscow native spent 12 seasons in the NHL, tallying goals for Vancouver, Florida and the New York Rangers. A former Central Red Army forward, the Russian Rocket took home the Calder Trophy in 1992 and is a two-time winner of the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy (awarded to the player finishing the regular season as the leading goal scorer). He finished his NHL career with 779 points (437g+342a) in 702 games, combining speed and skill to dazzle opposing defenses.

#6 – Alexei Kovalev – AK-27

This is a pretty clever nickname, almost as good as the Little White Russian line in Atlanta, which consists of Bryan Little, Todd White and Salva Kozlov. Kovalev derives his nickname from three things: his initials, his number, and the word-play on the Russian assault rifle (AK-47). His quick puck release has been attributed to that of a bullet, and he often stuns opposing goalies with a barrage of shots. He has 412 goals and 578 assists to date, and a Stanley Cup title (Rangers) under his belt. More often than not, you can find him at the point acting like a one-man firing squad.

Niklas Lidstrom (Maureen Flanders/Flickr)

#5 – Nicklas Lidstrom – Saint Nicklas

Nicklas Lidstrom is the gift that keeps on giving. All 17 of his NHL seasons have been spent in Detroit, and he is the current captain of the Red Wings. He has a Conn Smythe Trophy, is a six-time James Norris Trophy winner (awarded to the leagues best defenseman) and has four Stanley Cup wins. He’s a frequent sight on NHL All-Star game rosters (10 times) and continuously gives Detroit fans exactly what they want: a playoff run. 237 goals, 809 assists… what else would you want for Christmas?

#4 – Dominik Hasek – The Dominator

Dominate [verb]: 1.) to control, govern, or rule by superior authority or power, 2.) To exert a supreme, guiding influence on or over, 3.) To enjoy a commanding, controlling position in. I’d say this last definition suits Dominik Hasek and the role he played in the crease best. Being a Sabres fan, I can remember going to games as a youngster and being terrified, thinking “No way… he’s upside down for God’s sake! He couldn’t possibly stop that shot!” But he did stop that shot, and 20,219 others, and he did it well for 16 NHL seasons. He paved the way for European netminders, winning an impressive SIX Vezina Trophies, three William M. Jennings Trophies, two Lester B. Pearson Trophies, and two Hart Trophies, a rare feat for a netminder. He also has two Stanley Cup wins and brought Gold to the Czech Republic at the 1998 Winter Olympic Games, the country’s first ever Gold medal. 389 wins and 223 losses prove that “The Dominator” earned his alternate name (and continues to with Spartak Moscow of the KHL), and then some.

#3 – Gordie Howe – Mr. Hockey

Gordie Howe has got a lot of nicknames. “Mr. All-Star”, “The Great Gordie”, “The King of Hockey”, “Mr. Elbows” (we’ll get to that in just a minute) and “Mr. Hockey”. All of these names are fitting, but “Mr. Hockey” seems to suit Howe the best. For 25 seasons, Howe laced up with the Detroit Red Wings, and another additional season with the Hartford Whalers, tallying 801 goals and 1,049 assists. He is a six-time Art Ross Trophy winner and a six-time Hart Trophy winner. He has four Stanley Cup titles and possibly the coolest statistical category named after him. “Mr. Elbows” is also the name-sake of “The Gordie Howe hat trick”, which is when a player scores a goal, records an assist, and gets in a fight in one game (Brendan Shanahan is the current “GH hat trick leader” with 17). Howe was also (in a bigger way than I can explain here) responsible for the World Hockey Association, which gave us teams like the Winnipeg Jets and the Quebec Nordiques.

#2 – Wayne Gretzky – The Great One

Just how great do you have to be to have a nickname like “The Great One”? In Gretzky’s case, pretty damn great.  He capped off his 20 year NHL playing-career with 894 goals (1st overall), 1,963 assists (1st) and had a +/- of 518 (4th). “The Great One” also has 73 regular season short-handed goals, and 382 playoff points, good enough for first overall in each category. He is a nine-time Hart Trophy winner (awarded to the played voted most valuable to his team), a 10-time Art Ross Trophy winner (awarded to the player that leadsthe league in scoring at the end of the regular season), a two-time Conn Smythe Trophy winner (awarded to the playoff MVP), a five-time Lady Byng Memorial Trophy winner (awarded to the player that exhibited the best sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct), and a five-time Lester B. Pearson Trophy winner (awarded to the NHL’s outstanding player, judged by members of the NHL Player’s Association). He won multiple medals in international play (Canada Cup, WJC) and has four Stanley Cup titles with the Edmonton Oilers. He remains the only player to ever be inducted into the NHL Hall of Fame immediately after retiring and he also played the role of head coach for four seasons with the Phoenix Coyotes. A nickname well earned if you ask me.

#1 – Nikolai Khabibulin – The Bulin Wall

In my opinion, this is the greatest hockey nickname ever, and I’ll explain why. The NHL has been around for a very long time, 93 years to be exact. A lot has happened in that timeframe, including war and conflicts with other countries, and that comes over to the world of hockey as well. The point I’m trying to make is: do you really think a nickname like “The Bulin Wall,” donned on a RUSSIAN player would have passed in the 1980’s? What about the 1950’s, during the era of McCarthyism and the intense US hatred of Russians? Not likely, and that’s another good reason the Cold War is over. Players from Russia and the Soviet territories could finally come to North America and the NHL now had better relations with the Eastern European market. Nikolai Khabibulin’s nickname both reflects his play (yeah, he’s wall-like with his goaltending abilities, ha-ha-ha), but the fact that it plays on where he comes from, and that fact that it never would have flown in the world of old-time hockey, makes it that much better.

# 10 – The Atlanta Flames 1973-80

In the team’s brief eight year history, the Atlanta Flames captivated the fans of opposing teams with their rich, red sweaters, accented with gold and white stripes along the bottom hem. While reminiscent of the Detroit uniform, the Flames’ red-white-gold color scheme was topped by the classic flaming “A” logo, which can now be seen on current Calgary Flames jerseys- but only if the player is an assistant captain, of course. A classic jersey and a fan favorite even today.

#9 – The Boston Bruins 1957-58

The Bruins franchise has gone through a lot of uniform changes in its 86 year history… a LOT of changes. Out of the 29 different match-ups (many of which were considered some of the ugliest in the NHL) the most interesting had to have been the 1957-58 lineup. Eliminating the third, black jersey, the away sweater was now yellow and the home was the standard white. The pants were black with a gold stripe going along each side of the leg and the traditional Boston “B” crest graced the front of the sweater. However, the arms of the jersey, as well as the socks, kept the striped black-white-gold pattern of the squad’s previous uniform, giving the Bruins an almost jail-house look. If they were going for a “rough” image, it didn’t help- they were still crushed by Montreal in the ’58 finals.

# 8 – The Buffalo Sabres 1983-87

There’s a saying in Buffalo: Blue and Gold never get old. And as a life-long Sabres fan, there’s nothing more true when it comes to Buffalo uniforms. Believe me, no one needs to be reminded of those awful 1996-2006 black-red-white sweaters with that ridiculous bison logo, or that dreadful alternate red jersey issued in 2000; those are dark shadows on an otherwise great jersey history. That’s why the 1983-87 sweater was the best the boys from Buffalo have ever donned. A royal blue sweater with rich, gold stripes on the sleeves, hem and socks, joined by the bison/dual-sabre crest on the chest and each shoulder make it a one of a kind jersey and one of the best selling throwback sweaters to date.

#7 – The Calgary Flames 1998-2006

Borrowing a bit from the jersey introduced to the hockey world by the 1978-79 Vancouver Canucks, the alternate dark jersey introduced to the Flames-nation in 1998 came on like gangbusters. With the “V” design on the front, back, and sleeves, the dominantly black and red jersey was accented with a yellow stripe and a yellow horse logo with red flames shooting from its nose. The tried and true Calgary “C” still made an appearance on the jersey, sitting atop each shoulder, just above the player’s number.

#6 – The Chicago Blackhawks 1955-present

Starting in 1955, the Chicago Blackhawks changed its logo from the Indian head-dress in a circle to the stand alone logo we know today. Other than that, the uniform has remained generally the same for the past six decades- minus the relentless changes in the stripe-scheme that is. Chicago proved that a team can have a great, classic jersey and not have to change or add anything. The deep red and bone white home and away jerseys, with the addition of the black alternate jersey in 1996, are about as good as you can get in the NHL.

#5 – The Colorado Rockies 1976-82

After a move from Kansas City, the Colorado Rockies suited up with one of the most colorful (and arguably ugly) jerseys to ever hit the ice. The deep blue away jersey, with red and gold stripes on the sleeves and hem was topped by the “C” inside the mountain logo and another “C” crest on each shoulder. One of the most sought after jerseys today, the Rockies abstract color scheme made this one a real favorite of hockey fans the world over.

#4 – The Edmonton Oilers 1979-96

Who doesn’t love that blue and orange sweater? Well, maybe not Flames fans, but the deep blue, topped with the great Oilers crest on the chest just screams hockey (particularly 1980’s hockey thanks to Gretzky). The traditional Edmonton jersey is completed with white and orange stripes on the hem and sleeves. Unfortunately, 1996 brought about the era of the copper and dark blue color scheme, which gave the uniform a dull look. Thankfully, the concept of throwback jerseys came to the NHL in 2008, so fans began to see the old blue and orange once again.

#3 – The Montreal Canadiens 2007-presenth

The Reebok Edge uniforms, the standard in the current NHL, introduced the hockey world to a re-vamp of many classic sweaters, including the everlasting Habs jersey. Another sweater that’s stood the test of time, 100 years in Montreal’s case, the Canadiens current jersey is the standard red, with the classic C/H logo set upon a white-blue-white stripe across the center of the chest; numbers on each arm are set above the same white-blue-white stripe. One of the most popular teams in the NHL, Montreal jerseys sell through the roof and this one is no different.

#2 – The Quebec Nordiques 1980-95

Jumping over from the World Hockey Association in 1979, the Quebec Nordiques’ jersey remained relatively the same over its short 15 year history. The home white and away light blue jerseys each had three fluer-de-lis on the bottom hem and one on each shoulder, just above the player’s number. While a bit boring, the sweater’s logo was just the exclamation point the jersey needed. The big red “N” logo with the hockey stick and puck gave color to an otherwise uninteresting jersey. A fan favorite even today, the Nodiques jersey gave the hockey world another unique uniform.

# 1 – The California Golden Seals 1970-73

Originally the Oakland Seals, the club was bought out in 1970 and renamed the California Golden Seals. Along with the name change, the Seals received new jerseys and a new color scheme: gold, white and green. The deep green and rich gold instantly became an NHL classic, with the logo changing from a drawing of a seal to simply the word “Seals” in a diagonal pattern across the chest. The sweater also had white-gold-white and white-green-white stripes on each sleeve and the bottom hem of the jersey. While the green eventually became teal in 1974, the classic gold, green and white, mixed with the simplicity of the jersey itself makes this one of the best hockey jerseys of all time.

Christopher Ralph is a sportswriter with a focus on hockey prospects, the entry draft, as well as occasional Flames coverage here at THW.

NHL GMs and their respective scouting teams made a mockery of the most brilliantly done mock drafts – my Three Round Mega Mock Draft included. I did manage to tie Bob McKenzie of TSN in correctly naming 25 out of the 30 prospects taken in the first round.

The Ducks look to be the big winners on Day 1, committing grand theft larceny in nabbing Cam Fowler in the 12^th slot – I had him ranked 3^rd overall. He will make the retirement of Scott Niedermayer an easier pill to swallow. Picking up my 7^th ranked prospect, Emerson Etem, at 29^th was shear brilliance, with a splash of luck, bringing the Californian kid home.

Emerson Etem {Photo: Chris Ralph}

The following are 10 players are key players to watch on Day 2 of the draft. Some should be snatched up early, while it will be curious to see where some will land. The first five were the leftovers from my Top 30 and you can click on name to view detailed Full Potential Prospect Profile:

1. John MacFarland – Plays well in International play, but underwhelming OHL season. He was, however, a monster at the Scouting Combine.

2. Kirill Kabanov – Who wants to play Russian Roulette?

3. Tyler Toffoli – With his NHL ready elite shot, how long will it take announcers to coin the phrase “Holy Toffoli goes top shelf!”

4. Jordan Weal – Will the Blackhawks (See Paint It Blackhawks for a great review of Chicago’s Day 1 with a look ahead to Day 2 by Co-conspirator Jim Neveau) use one of five second round draft picks to nab the Patrick Kane, albeit somewhat slower, clone?

5. Tyler Pitlick – The top two-way forward remaining. I will already proclaim him a second round steal.

6. Calvin Pikard – Who thought Chet’s brother would be picked after Mark Visentin, who was perhaps the biggest surprise pick of the first round, by the Coyotes.

7. Jon Merrill – I had him ranked 31^st in my Top 100 Prospect Rankings, but other scouting services had him much higher – ISS had him at 11^th.

8. Justin Faulk – Some might think he’s undersized as a blueliner, but he has been described as a “pitbull on ice.” He has perhaps the best slapshot in the draft.

9. Johan Larsson – He had an unbelievable WJC-U18s; 2-way smooth talented center.

10. Teemu Pulkinnen – Injury-riddled season was somewhat redeemed by outstanding WJC-U18s in which he was the top scorer. Will the Wild be able to snag him to match him up with partner-in-crime, Mikael Granlund, who he excels playing with.

Follow along with the draft today by referring to my Top 100 Prospect Rankings.

As a bonus, here are some of my personal favourite dark horse prospects, who might just be available beyond the first round:

- Mackenzie, Matt – D

Tyler Toffoli {Photo Copyright: www.DustinHall.ca}

- Kuehnhackl, Tom – F

- Gauthier-Leduc, Jerome – D

- Silas, Stephen, D

- Rutkowski, Troy – D

- Macek, Brooks, C

- Bunz, Tyler, G

- Bournival, Michael, F

- Thomas, Christian – F

- Ohman, Victor – F

Who and when (will they move up, that is) will the Calgary Flames and Toronto Maple Leafs finally select in the 2010 Entry Draft?

*For all the latest prospect and draft news and Day 2 coverage,  follow me on Twitter: The Hockey Spy

The Chicago Blackhawks have won the Stanley Cup four times in their long NHL history since 1926. Some spectacular individual playoff performances by Blackhawk players have led to hockey’s ultimate reward. Some have not. Ranked here are the top ten all-time playoff performances by Blackhawk players, Cup win or not.  Enjoy.

Don’t agree with my selections or the order of ranking? Let me know.

10: Alfie Moore, 1938.

In the eight seasons between 1933 and 1940, the Toronto Maple Leafs went to the Stanley Cup Final six times and lost them all. Just about every other team in the NHL of the 1930’s took a turn at beating the Leafs for the Cup. The most embarrassing final series came in 1938 when the Chicago Black Hawks, with a dreadful regular season record of 14-25-9 and the least goals-for total in the league upset Toronto to win the Cup. In the first game of the Final, the Hawks were without a healthy goalie and team captain Johnny Gottselig went to town looking for a minor league netminder named Alfie Moore. He found him after searching a local tavern. Alfie had already consumed a few, but he was sobered up as best as possible in time for the opening game. Miraculously, he stoned the Leafs, giving up just one goal in 60 minutes of play. Chicago won the game 3-1 and went on to win the best-of-five series 3 games to 1 for the Cup.  Alfie Moore became the legendary Hawks’ Cup hero of 1938.

9: Denis Savard, 1985

Denis Savard ranks second to only Stan Mikita in all time playoff points for the Chicago Blackhawks. Savard and the Hawks reached the Conference Final five times during the 1980’s, but 1985 was by far his best contribution with 29 points in 15 post-season games.  Like every good team of the decade, the Hawks eventually had to face the unstoppable Edmonton Oilers. Savard still shares the team record with Jonathan Toews for most points in one playoff season.

8: Bobby Hull, 1965

The Golden Jet led the league in playoff scoring in 1965. His 10 goals and 7 assists propelled the Hawks all the way to Game 7 of the Finals. Had it not been for a disappointing 4-0 shutout at the hands of the Montreal Canadiens in the deciding game, Hull may well have been the first ever winner of the Conn Smythe trophy.

7: Bobby Hull, 1971

Bobby Hull’s indefatigable play throughout the 1971 playoffs contributed greatly to the club’s march all the way to Game 7 of the Finals. His 25 points in 18 games were second only to Frank Mahovlich of the Canadiens. Hull’s dramatic 1971 playoff season was complete with game-winning goals and overtime heroics. Once again, had the Hawks been able to defeat the Canadiens in Game 7 of the finals, Hull would have most assuredly been named winner of the Conn Smythe.

6: Stan Mikita, 1962

The Stanley Cup champions of 1961 returned to the Finals in 1962 and a brilliant playoff season by Black Hawk “Stan the Man” was wasted. Mikita’s 15 assists and 21 points were playoff records, all accomplished in just 12 post-season games.  He led all other playoff scorers by a large margin. Mikita was recognized as the 1962 playoff MVP even though the Conn Smythe trophy was only to be first presented three years later in 1965.

5: Patrick Kane, 2010

Patrick Kane’s 28 playoff points this year was third best in team history. Playing alongside Jonathan Toews didn’t hurt his numbers. Scoring the Cup-winning goal in overtime will add to his legacy in time. Kane, a first overall draft choice in 2007, came through when it counted. At 21 years of age, he has already accomplished so much and this playoff year was the crowning pinnacle, so far.

4: Glenn Hall, 1961

Mr. Goalie was, without argument, one of the best goalies of all time and 1961 was his moment of absolute glory. In backstopping the Black Hawks to their first Cup victory in 23 years, Hall bested his legendary opponents Sawchuk and Plante with a sparkling 2.02 GAA in the playoffs. His magnificent 3-0 shutout in Game 6 of the semi-finals against Montreal officially ended the Canadiens’ 5-year Stanley Cup dynasty. With a Stanley Cup victory under his belt, Glenn Hall ruled.

3: Charlie Gardner, 1934

Goaltender Charlie Gardiner died of a brain tumor at the age of 29 only two months after he guided the Black Hawks to their first Cup victory in 1934. The story of his outstanding playoff performance in 1934 has been passed down through generations. Gardiner had won the Vezina as the NHL’s top goalie in 1933-34. Recognized for his leadership, he was team captain at the time. Through failing health, he only lost one game during the 1934 playoffs, putting up a dazzling 1.33 GAA and recording two shutouts. Before the Cup-clinching game, he told his teammates to just get him one goal. The game went into double overtime before Mush March ended it with the only goal of the contest. The Black Hawks were champions. Soon after, Charlie Gardiner left this world as the very best at what he did.

2: Jonathan Toews, 2010

Like his teammate Patrick Kane, young team captain Jonathan Toews has already achieved the ultimate goal. His playoff performance this year was tremendous and he became the very-deserving first Blackhawk in team history to win the Conn Smythe trophy. His 29 points in 22 games tied an all-time team high. He was one of only three centers in this season’s post-season to exceed a 60% faceoff success rate. It’s tough to argue with the selection of “Captain Serious” as MVP. He’s on top of the world right now.

1: Pierre Pilote, 1961

A few years ago, a SIHR research committee, reinforced by prominent hockey historians Brian McFarlane and representatives from The Hockey News voted on a retro Conn Smythe trophy list. In other words, they picked playoff MVP’s for each year from before the Conn Smythe was first presented in 1965. For 1961 when the Chicago Blackhawks last won the Cup, the clear choice was defenseman Pierre Pilotte and for good reason. Pilotte set playoff records for points and assists by a defenseman in one playoff season. His 15 points tied Gordie Howe for the 1961 league lead. He had points in every game but one and assisted on an incredible six of eight game-winning goals. In 1961, Pierre Pilote actually outshone superstars Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita. His just reward, apart from the Cup, was team captaincy for most of the 1960’s. Pierre Pilotte, 1961 – Number one.

#10 – 2006 Stanley Cup Finals: Carolina Hurricanes (4) Edmonton Oilers (3)

A bizarre and unpredictable run by the 8th-seeded Oilers was culminated with a 7-game defeat to the Carolina Hurricanes, who became North Carolina’s first major pro sports team to win a title. The series is recognized for ear shattering crowds in both arenas, the cause of Fernando Pisani’s ridiculous contract with his fine play, and for a Game One gaffe by Edmonton goaltender Ty Conklin (replacing Dwayne Roloson, injured in that same game), when he played a puck right onto the stick of Canes captain Rod Brind’Amour in the dying seconds of a tie game.

#9 – 2010 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals: Montreal Canadiens (4) Washington Capitals (3)

Nobody gave Montreal any credit coming into this series, and even after surprising critics with a Game One OT win, the Habs still found themselves down 3-1 after four games. Montreal goalie Jaroslav Halak took over, allowing just three Washington goals the rest of the way, on 130 Capital shots. After dispatching one of the top two NHL stars in Alexander Ovechkin, the Habs would go on to eliminate Sidney Crosby’s Penguins in the second round.

#8 – 2004 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals: Toronto Maple Leafs (4) Ottawa Senators (3)

Rivalries are made in the playoffs, and after three years of the Leafs eliminating their provincial rival Senators, they met for a fourth consecutive year. After a terrible effort in Game Five, Ottawa captain Daniel Alfredsson guaranteed a Senators win in Game Six. Mike Fisher scored in double OT at home in one of the franchise’s finest moments, sending the series to the Air Canada Centre for Game Seven. Unfortunately for Ottawa, they could not recover from two bad first period goals from goaltender Patrick Lalime, and the Leafs won their fourth straight series against the Senators. They have not won a playoff series since.

#7 – 2003 Stanley Cup Finals: New Jersey Devils (4) Anaheim Mighty Ducks (3)

Anaheim goalie JS Giguere fully earned the Conn Smythe Trophy with his play to send the Mighty Ducks to the Finals after losing just two games in the first three rounds. But he ran into future Hall of Fame goalie Martin Brodeur. The home teams won each game in the series, but Game Six was when the series came alive. After being knocked out on the ice by Scott Stevens, Duck legend Paul Kariya came out on his next shift and fired a slapshot past Brodeur, the eventual winning goal. A less likely hero, Michael Rupp, would score two goals in a Game Seven 3-0 shutout, giving the Devils their third Stanley Cup.

#6 – 2009 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Pittsburgh Penguins (4) Washington Capitals (3)

On their way to his first Stanley Cup, Sidney Crosby ran into his rival Alexander Ovechkin in the first playoff series between the two. Both superstars scored eight goals in the series, with the most memorable game being Game Two, when the players traded hat tricks in a 4-3 Capital victory. Unfortunately, the series ended anti-climatically, with Washington goalie Simeon Varlamov laying an egg in the seventh game as Pittsburgh cruised to a 6-2 win on the road.

#5 – 2010 Stanley Cup Finals: Chicago Blackhawks (4) Philadelphia Flyers (2)

The one series on this list to not go the full seven games, this one is on the list based on the pure interest the series received, as well for the two high-powered offenses going at it. The teams combined for 47 goals, the most in any series since 1980. There were two overtime finishes, one being Patrick Kane’s soft shot along the ice which eluded Philly goaltender Michael Leighton, as well as hockey commentators everywhere, with nobody seeming to notice the puck went in the net.

#4 – 2002 Western Conference Finals: Detroit Red Wings (4) Colorado Avalanche (3)

In Game Six of this meeting between hockey’s greatest rivals during the late 90s-early 00s, with Colorado up 3-2 in games, there was no score in the dying seconds of the first period. Avalanche goalie Patrick Roy made a great glove save off of Steve Yzerman, but he lifted his hand up to show everybody the puck. In what is known as the ‘Statue of Liberty’ goal, the puck fell out of his glove and Brendan Shanahan tucked it away, giving Detroit a 1-0 lead. They would win the game 2-0, and dismantle the Avalanche in Game Seven by a 7-0 score.

#3 – 2010 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Philadelphia Flyers (4) Boston Bruins (3)

The Flyers would become the third NHL team to rebound from an 0-3 series deficit. After a lacklustre performance in Game Three, Flyer fans were trying to give away their tickets to Game Four. But that game turned it all around. Simon Gagne, who missed the first round due to injury, scored in Game Four overtime, and Philly took Game Five on Boston ice, won a close 2-1 decision at home in Game Six, and then rallied from a 3-0 game score in the seventh game, again, with Simon Gagne providing late heroics.

#2 – 2004 Stanley Cup Finals: Tampa Bay Lightning (4) Calgary Flames (3)

This series had it all. Lightning captain Vincent Lecavalier and Calgary captain Jarome Iginla fought in Game Three. Lecavalier responded by checking Flame forward Ville Niemenen from behind in the next game, seeing a suspension. The Flames, Canada’s first team in the Finals since 1994, took Game Five in overtime and had a chance to win at home in a Game Six that went to triple overtime. Former Flame Martin St. Louis scored on a bad angle to beat Mikka Kiprusoff, sending the series back to Tampa Bay. In Game Seven, Lecavalier put together one of the finest assists in Stanley Cup history, setting up Ruslan Fedotenko for the winning goal in the last hockey game before the lockout.

#1 – 2001 Stanley Cup Finals: Colorado Avalanche (4) New Jersey Devils (3)

If, for nothing else, all this series gave us was the image of Joe Sakic handing Ray Bourque the Stanley Cup, and the eventual Hall of Famer lifting it into the air for the first time, then so be it, it’s Number One on the list. The fact that this happened after a hard-fought seven game series between the two best goaltenders of the era in Patrick Roy and Martin Brodeur. Roy won his third Conn Smythe Trophy, who rebounded with a puck handling gaffe in Game Five. Alex Tanguay scored two huge goals in Game Seven, along with one of the finest wrist shots coming from the stick of Joe Sakic.