Ranking the NHL's 10 Most Polarizing Players
The on-ice performances of the NHL's current stars are regularly praised by fans and media. However, there are several who generate conflicting emotions among the league's followers.
Some, such as Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban (above), garner almost as much criticism as praise for their playing style and personality. Other stars, like San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton, raise hackles over their inability to carry their clubs to championship glory.
The following slideshow ranks the NHL's 10 most polarizing players, examining the factors that place them in this category. Off-ice issues were not included, as we're sticking solely with on-ice performance. Feel free to weigh in with your comments.
10. Corey Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks
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The good
Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford has backstopped his team to two Stanley Cup championships in three years (2013 and 2015). In his five years as the 'Hawks starter, the 30-year-old has put up solid goaltending numbers. He rarely gets rattled, makes clutch saves and always rebounds well from a bad game.
The bad (and the ugly)
During the 2015 Stanley Cup Final, Adrian Dater observed Crawford faces more than his fair share of criticism. His weak glove hand is frequently targeted, as is his tendency to allow bad goals. His success is sometimes attributed to his team's system. His stats are rarely among the league leaders.
Summation
While some of the criticism leveled at Crawford may be justified, his goaltending still helped the Blackhawks win two championships. While his numbers aren't among the league's elite, he comes up big when his club needs him most. That won't silence Crawford's critics, but he's made believers out of his teammates, coaches and management. Those are the opinions that count.
9. and 8. Daniel and Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks
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The good
Vancouver Canucks forwards Daniel and Henrik Sedin are two of the top players in franchise history. Since 2006-07, one or the other has led the Canucks in scoring. As per Hockey-Reference.com, the twins also hold several franchise records. Though approaching their 35th birthdays, the Sedins still rank among the league's elite forwards.
The bad (and the ugly)
The Sedins hold leadership roles on the Canucks, but they've been unable to carry the club to a championship. They're accused of being soft, peripheral players who come up short in the playoffs. In a Feb. 10 interview with TSN Vancouver 1040, Bob McKenzie observed the twins have taken unnecessary verbal abuse for years.
Summation
The Sedins' achievements remain unappreciated by some fans and pundits. Winning the Stanley Cup is probably the only way to address that. Now in their mid-30s and with the Canucks rebuilding on the fly, time is running out for the duo to finally stifle their critics.
7. Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks
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The good
Since 2000-01, San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton has consistently ranked among the NHL's offensive leaders, particularly in assists. After joining the Sharks in a 2005-06 trade with the Boston Bruins, he went on to become their all-time leader in assists and plus/minus.
The bad (and the ugly)
Despite Thornton's stellar numbers, he's never led the Sharks to the Stanley Cup Final. That failure ultimately led to being stripped last year of the captaincy and an ugly war of words with Sharks general manager Doug Wilson. The 6'4", 220-pounder is sometimes chastised for not being a more physical player.
Summary
Thornton is a supremely talented star with numbers worthy of the Hall of Fame. However, his inability to carry the Sharks to a championship still provides fodder for his detractors. Now 36, he's running out of time to silence the doubters.
6. Milan Lucic, Los Angeles Kings
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The good
Los Angeles Kings left wing Milan Lucic is a prototypical power forward. The 6'3”, 235-pounder can change the course of a game with a timely goal or a big hit. In eight NHL seasons, he's tallied over 40 points five times. The 27-year-old is also a proven playoff performer.
The bad (and the ugly)
Lucic has a reputation as a reckless, dirty player. In 2014, he speared Detroit Red Wings defenseman Danny DeKeyser and Montreal Canadiens blueliner Alexei Emelin in the groin in separate incidents. Lucic can also be goaded into taking senseless and costly penalties. Last October, the NHL fined him for making an obscene gesture.
Summary
Lucic's throwback style made him popular in Boston, a pain in the butt for his opponents and a target of derision from rival fans. It's what the Kings are hoping he'll bring to their club this season. While Lucic's aggressiveness at times gets the better of him, it's unlikely he'll change his game.
5. Dion Phaneuf, Toronto Maple Leafs
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The good
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf is a big-minute defenseman with a booming shot and a hard-hitting style. He's had five seasons with 40-plus points. Despite the Leafs' struggles in recent years, he's never shirked his responsibilities as their captain.
The bad (and the ugly)
Since joining the Leafs, Phaneuf has struggled as a top-two defenseman. His last 40-plus point season came in 2011-12. He's prone to costly defensive gaffes. Last March, the harsh judgement of his leadership and performance by the Toronto media prompted now-former teammate Phil Kessel to come to his defense.
Summary
Phaneuf might be more effective as a second-pairing blueliner without the burden of the Leafs captaincy, but that's not going to happen this season. Kessel's trade to Pittsburgh leaves Phaneuf the main lightning rod for discontent from the long-suffering denizens of Leafs Nation. The thick-skinned rearguard has withstood the criticism, but for how much longer remains to be seen.
4. P.K. Subban, Montreal Canadiens
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The good
Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban is among the NHL's elite blueliners, as well as one of the league's most personable stars. Winner of the 2013 Norris Trophy, he's beloved by Canadiens fans. Blessed with tremendous offensive skills, the 26-year-old rearguard is also evolving into a superb all-around defender.
The bad (and the ugly)
Subban's flashy goal celebrations, trash talk and tendency to dive in hopes of drawing penalties gets under the skin of opposing players and fans. Indeed, his diving earned him a fine last season. While his defense has improved, he still takes risks that can prove costly.
Summary
Subban's style might be aggravating for some NHL followers, but there's no denying it also helped him become a superstar. He's one of the Canadiens' best players and among the league's elite defensemen. Maturity might smooth out the rough edges of his game, but it won't dampen his charismatic and loquacious nature.
3. Brad Marchand, Boston Bruins
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The good
Though small in stature, the 5'9”, 183-pound Brad Marchand is a spark plug for the Boston Bruins. He's a reliable scorer, netting over 20 goals and 40 points in four of the past five seasons. The 27-year-old doesn't shy away from physical play and is also an effective penalty-killer.
The bad (and the ugly)
Marchand has a well-earned reputation as a dirty player. As per The Hockey News' Josh Elliott, the Bruins winger has received three NHL suspensions totaling nine games, two of which were for the dangerous tactic of slew-footing opponents. His antics can lead to costly penalties for the Bruins.
Summary
Marchand is beloved in Boston for his pesky play and timely offense, while his agitating style drives rival players and fans crazy. Given his role as an energy forward, Marchand remains a vital part of the Bruins roster. Despite three suspensions in six seasons, don't expect him to change his style of play any time soon.
2. Alexander Semin, Montreal Canadiens
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The good
In 10 NHL seasons, Montreal Canadiens winger Alexander Semin has had eight with 40-plus points, including three with 70-plus points. The 31-year-old is a creative offensive talent with a very accurate shot. He also puts up good enhanced stat numbers.
The bad (and the ugly)
Semin's production has declined since his career-best years with the Washington Capitals. He's also earned a reputation as a soft, moody player. His inconsistency frustrated the Capitals, then the Carolina Hurricanes. Semin's inability to play up to his annual salary of $7 million finally forced Hurricanes management to buy him out.
Summary
Semin has all the tools to be a perennial All-Star, but he's become the definition of enigmatic. Despite being a darling of the advanced-stats crowd, his inability to translate those numbers into goals and points provides ample ammuniton for his critics. Semin joined the Canadiens for the coming season on a one-year contract. It could be his last chance to get his NHL career on track.
1. Phil Kessel, Pittsburgh Penguins
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The good
Over the past seven seasons, Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Phil Kessel has been among the NHL's most reliable scorers. He's tallied 30-plus goals five times and over 50 points seven times. Kessel was the Toronto Maple Leafs leading scorer in each of his six seasons with the club and was among the NHL's top 10 scorers three times during that period.
The bad (and the ugly)
Kessel's offense tends to be streaky, leading to questions about his consistency and work ethic. His critics consider him an unmotivated floater, only interested in scoring goals and unwilling to work harder. Kessel's taciturn approach with the press hasn't helped his image.
Summary
Traded in July to the Penguins, Kessel comes to Pittsburgh carrying some unwelcome baggage. Criticism of his speed and physical fitness are unfounded, but the same can't be said about his streaky offense and reluctance to talk to the media. If his production improves skating alongside Sidney Crosby, it'll go a long way toward muzzling his critics. Still, it could take some time to fully change the perception of Kessel as soft and lazy.
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