Not a list of the best players in the NHL, but the most exciting and interesting players for fans to follow. Call them the Entertainers.
Money Player:
Consistently among the best in the game, Colorado's Joe Sakic stands head and shoulders above the pack because he plays his best when his team needs it most. The MVP of the 2001 Stanley Cup playoffs and the 2002 Winter Olympics. Runner-up: Patrick Roy (Avalanche).
Sniper:
He won't win the scoring title, but when he gets on a roll Jeff O'Neill of the Hurricanes creates his share of highlight reel goals. Runners-up: Milan Hejduk (Avalanche), Patrik Elias (Devils).
Masochist:
Some forwards shy away from the corners and the goal crease. But Edmonton's Ryan Smyth appears happiest and most effective when opponents are beating him black and blue. He gets bonus points for his classic hockey player look. Runner-up: Darius Kasparaitis (Avalanche).
Freight Train:
The Oilers' Anson Carter remembers an early encounter with Rob Blake: "I saw this big ass coming at me and I didn't think much of it. Then it pretty much broke me in half." The Colorado All Star defenseman has the best hip check in hockey. Runner-up: Scott Stevens (Devils).
Enigma:
The New York Rangers' Pavel Bure occasionally decides to be the most exciting player in the game. Would easily top the Sniper category if showed up more often. Runner-up: Keith Tkachuk (Blues).
Jerk:
Bobby Holik of the New Jersey Devils picks up his share of penalties. But he's also smart enough to get away with a lot, which makes him the league's most infuriating agitator.
Gazelle:
They keep him on a short leash in New Jersey, but when Scott Niedermayer grabs the puck and heads for open ice it is a sight to behold.
Tank:
Jaromir Jagr is perhaps the most skilled hockey player in the world. But when he is on his game, Washington's $88 million man is a physical force as well, shrugging off defenders and protecting the puck, creating room for his hands to work their magic. Runner-up: Mats Sundin (Maple Leafs)
Puck Hog:
Colorado's Chris Drury isn't really a puck hog. He picks his spots, and when he goes for it he can stickhandle through rush hour.
Survivor:
Joe Nieuwendyk's battered knees would have condemned a lesser player to oblivion years ago. But the Devils' centreman compensates for fading speed with his hands, poise and instincts. Runner-up: Ron Francis (Hurricanes).
Nutter:
Now that he finally has a powerhouse team in front of him, we'll see if Dominik Hasek can challenge Patrick Roy as the great playoff goaltender of their generation. But the best reason to watch the Red Wings' dominator is to witness his occasional tantrums. He can lose it on a moment's notice, throwing haymakers and flinging equipment far and wide.
Buzz Saw:
Mike Ricci of the Sharks plays every shift as if his life depended on it. Runner-up: Gary Roberts (Maple Leafs).
The Complete Package:
Steve Yzerman: Born to be a hockey player.
The Complete Package, blueline edition:
Chris Pronger: The prototype of the modern NHL defenseman.
The Future Made Real:
When Calgary's Jarome Iginla wins the Art Ross trophy this spring, it will mark the first time since 1980 that the NHL's top scorer was not named Gretzky, Lemieux or Jagr. Runners-up: So many candidates ... Thornton, Gagne, Comrie, Jovanovski, Kovalchuk and their peers are set to take over this list in the next few years.
