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Features
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Written by Michael Caples
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Sunday, August 08, 2010 00:00 |
All hockey players know how to shoot a puck at the net. Yet only a select few of those players can score goals in the NHL seemingly at will. They are labeled as "snipers" – as accurate with a stick and a puck as a sharpshooter is with a rifle. Here are the top ten snipers in the game today:
10. Zach Parise
Parise kicks off this list, but he might be closer to number one if he skated with a different NHL club. His 83 goals over the last two seasons with the defense-orientated Devils is remarkable by itself, and he probably would have posted even more goals in a more free-flowing offense.
9. Jeff Carter
His shot strikes fear into Eastern Conference goaltenders, but there are still questions about Carter’s game. His goal production dropped from 46 in 2008-09 to 33 last season. While Carter missed eight games, you have to wonder – is it just because defenses are paying more attention to him? A true sniper scores no matter how much coverage he’s facing.
8. Pavel Datsyuk
While he is better known for his dazzling puck-handling skills, Datsyuk also possesses a lethal wrist shot. Combine that with his uncanny ability to create space in traffic, and Datsyuk can burn you in multiple ways.
7. Marian Hossa
Just like his former teammate Datsyuk, Hossa’s other abilities hide his incredible shot. If you need some evidence, just check out this shootout goal against his future team. Hossa’s strength also allows him to fire wrist shots and snapshots while carrying defenders to the net.
6. Rick Nash
Nash has all the same qualities of Hossa when it comes to strength and shooting. But he also has shown tremendous hands in front of the crease, firing in rebounds and deking goaltenders with ease. Another player who could score more with a more talented supporting cast.
5. Sidney Crosby
As he demonstrated last season, when Crosby wants to score, he can. Crosby jumped from 33 goals in 2008-09 to a league-leading 51 last season. He also possesses arguably the best backhander in the game, an invaluable tool for any sniper. If he continues to shoot more instead of passing, he will climb this list.
4. Steven Stamkos
It may seem premature to list a 20-year-old sophomore this high, but Stamkos’ shot is too potent to ignore. Bauer’s Facebook page reported that he hit 102.2 mph on the radar gun in summer skating sessions, which is remarkable at such a young age (just imagine what could happen when he puts more weight on).
3. Dany Heatley
Despite his off-ice issues, Heatley has established himself as an elite sniper throughout his career. His one-timer from the high slot or the top of the circle is as dangerous as anyone’s.
2. Ilya Kovalchuk
Kovalchuk – wherever he ends up next season – will bring with him a full arsenal of goal-scoring techniques. If he had a better supporting cast in Atlanta, he could have led the league in goals every single season. From firing from his off-wing on the fly, to winding up for a blast from the point, to splitting the defense and picking a corner, Kovalchuk will score from anywhere on the ice.
1. Alexander Ovechkin
Ovechkin is Kovalchuk in a bigger frame, and with a better shot (as crazy as that seems). He may be the only player in today’s game to make goalies look like they have been transported back to the 1980s. His ability to fly into the offensive zone and fire a wrister past NHL-caliber netminders cannot be matched.
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Last Updated on Sunday, August 08, 2010 00:33 |
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