This is not meant to be a list of the best players in the NHL - though you could do a lot worse. Consider it a roster of the National Hockey League's most exciting players and interesting personalities. Call them the Entertainers.
Money Player:
Among the most consistent players in sport, Mike Modano of the Stars turns in his best game no matter what's happeneing around him. Runners-up: Steve Yzerman (Red Wings), Scott Stevens (Devils).
Improviser:
Lots of guys have moves, but Alexei Kovalev of the Rangers can match any of them and do it at top speed or while turning on a dime. Runners-up: Ilya Kovalchuk (Thrashers), Ziggy Palffy (Kings).
Masochist:
Some forwards shy away from the corners and the goal crease. But Edmonton's Ryan Smyth appears happiest when opponents are beating him black and blue. He gets bonus points for his classic hockey player look: bad hair, glassy eyes, crooked nose. Runner-up: Darius Kasparaitis (Rangers).
Freight Train:
The Capitals' 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 makes his hip checks look graceful and, unlike some other physical players, is almost never accused of a dirty hit. Runner-up: Scott Stevens (Devils).
Jerk:
Bobby Holik of the Rangers picks up his share of penalties. But he's also smart enough to get away with a lot, which makes him one of the league's most infuriating opponents. Runners-up: Darcy Tucker (Maple Leafs), Chris Chelios (Red Wings).
Deadeye:
Whether it's passing or shooting, nobody threads the needle like Pittsburgh's Mario Lemieux. If he can stay healthy, he tops several other categories on this list. Runners-up: Chris Pronger, (Blues), Jason Allison (Kings).
Sharp Shooter:
He's in the final years of his career, but if I needed a goal and had only one chance to create it, I'd pass it to Detroit's Brett Hull for a one-timer from the faceoff circle. Runners-up: Markus Naslund (Canucks), Brendan Shanahan (Red Wings).
Enigma:
The New York Rangers' Pavel Bure occasionally decides to be the most exciting player in the game. Would easily top categories related to skating and scoring if he showed up more often. Runner-up: Jaromir Jagr (Capitals).
Hornet's Nest:
Colorado's Peter Forsberg may be the strongest and most skilled forward in hockey. When angered, he adds a bulldozer mentality and the best elbows since Gordie Howe. Runner-up: Todd Bertuzzi (Canucks).
Gazelle:
They keep him on a short leash in New Jersey, but when Scott Niedermayer heads for open ice it is a sight to behold. Runners-up: Pavel Bure (Rangers), John Madden (Devils).
Marathon Man:
The Red Wings' Steve Yzerman missed most of last season. But he's probably the only guy not named Mario who can step in and dominate a shift after a lengthy layoff. Was a key contributor to Detroit's '02 Stanley Cup and Canada's '02 Olympic gold, and did it all on one good leg. Runner-up: Ron Francis (Hurricanes).
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