Steven Stamkos, Alex Ovechkin on Twitter: 11 Other NHL Players Who Should Join

Tampa Bay Lightning players Steven Stamkos and Nate Thompson have just joined the Twitter community. Alex Ovechkin has just recently reactivated his account. Patrick Sharp has joined as well. They join a long line of NHL predecessors.

Twitter is a way for athletes to connect with their fans. Fans yearn for the chance to get closer to the players. Some athletes have had blogs or websites to interact with their fans.

Twitter allows athletes the opportunity to interact with fans easily during their busy schedules. Plus, a lot of players are already on Twitter courtesy of impostors on the site.

Here are 11 NHL players who should join Twitter for the entertainment value their tweets would provide.

Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings

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BUFFALO, NY - FEBRUARY 26: Pavel Datsyuk #13 of the Detroit Red Wings skates against the Buffalo Sabres at HSBC Arena on February 26, 2011 in Buffalo, New York. Detroit won 3-2 in a shootout. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

We've seen the sense of humor of Detroit Red Wings power forward Pavel Datsyuk (the best part comes just after 1:48).

Datsyuk should really join Twitter so that we can hear (or read, rather) his thoughts on a more frequent basis than once a year at the NHL Awards.

Datsyuk has said that his English is not good. Though I don't believe that is true, that may be the thing that's keeping him from Twitter.

It's a shame, really.

Alexander Semin, Washington Capitals

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SUNRISE, FL - MARCH 6: Alexander Semin #28 is congratulated by Matt Hendricks #26 of the Washington Capitals after scoring the winning goal against the Florida Panthers in overtime on March 6, 2011 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. The Capit

I, and I'm sure many others, would like to get a better glimpse inside Alexander Semin's head.

Semin is self-conscious about his English-speaking, so like Datsyuk, that would be a hindrance to getting him to join.

However, Semin has given some very interesting interviews in Russian in the past that were translated into English.

He could just have someone (Ovechkin, perhaps?) translate his thoughts, or he could write in Russian and we could just Google translate it because those translations are always amusing.

However, it would probably be difficult to fit Russian words into 140 characters or less.

Ilya Bryzgalov, Phoenix Coyotes

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GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 10: Goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov #30 of the Phoenix Coyotes in action during the NHL game against the Calgary Flames at Jobing.com Arena on March 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Flames 3-0. (Photo by Christian

Ilya Bryzgalov is not only entertaining on the ice, but off the ice as well.

When he was in Anaheim, Bryzgalov was asked about his teammate at the time, Chris Pronger. Bryzgalov took the opportunity to show off his sense of humor.

Plus, Bryzgalov is sporadically quoted on current Phoenix Coyotes teammate Paul "BizNasty" Bissonnette's Twitter account.

Apparently, though, Bissonnette has already asked Bryzgalov to join Twitter, and Bryz declined.

Hopefully one day he can be convinced.

Chris Pronger, Philadelphia Flyers

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 08: Chris Pronger #20 of the Philadelphia Flyers stretches during warmups before an NHL hockey game against the Edmonton Oilers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 8, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/G

I don't think anyone, anywhere gives a more entertaining interview than Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger (best parts at 0:27 and 1:27 marks).

He combines extensive hockey intellect and experience with sarcasm and one-liners. His relationship with the media is truly one of a kind.

Surely a Pronger Twitter account would provide some hilarity.

Sean Avery, New York Rangers

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NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 27: Jordin Tootoo #22 of the Nashville Predators fights Sean Avery #16 of the New York Rangers on November 27, 2010 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

It seems like the New York Rangers' Sean Avery is always upsetting someone. Everyone besides Rangers fans despise him (and some Rangers fan do as well).

Sure, just as many Rangers love Avery just as much, but it seems like they love him because he makes everyone else so mad.

Despite the hatred, Avery does actually have a good sense of humor (one of the funniest lines after 4:22 mark), infamous "sloppy seconds" remark aside. Avery could easily accumulate a good deal of Twitter followers.

Maybe that could help his reputation.

Marty St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning

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NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 02: Martin St. Louis #26 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates during an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on March 2, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

The Tampa Bay Lightning's Marty St. Louis is a lovable figure in the world of hockey.

He persevered to get into the NHL in spite of his smaller stature. He is an excellent leader and a determined player.

Oh, and he's pretty hilarious.

One of his funniest moments came during his 2010 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy acceptance speech. St. Louis explained why he owes the award to former teammate and other nominee Brad Richards.

Brent Johnson, Pittsburgh Penguins

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UNIONDALE, NY - FEBRUARY 11: Micheal Haley #59 of the New York Islanders fights Brent Johnson #1 of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the third period on February 11, 2011 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. The Isles defeated the Pens 9-3. (Photo by Ji

When people think of the Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender, they typically think of Marc-Andre Fleury.

After this season, more people will probably also think of Brent Johnson.

Johnson has been in two fights this season—more than many guys on his team. The first, of course, came against New York Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro. The second came during the infamous Pens-Isles game.

Johnson seems like a laid-back and funny guy. His tweets would be enjoyable.

Matt Bradley, Washington Capitals

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UNIONDALE, NY - FEBRUARY 26: Matt Bradley #10 of the Washington Capitals skates against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on February 26, 2011 in Uniondale, New York. The Capitals defeated the Islanders 3-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Imag

Ask any Washington Capitals fan about Matt Bradley's sense of humor. They'll understand.

Bradley helps keep it light in the locker room when it needs to be. He's also a fan favorite.

Search for Bradley and you're sure to find something good. This one is one of the best.

Ryan Malone and Mike Smith, Tampa Bay Lightning

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SUNRISE, FL - OCTOBER 1: Goaltender Mike Smith #41 is congratulated by Ryan Malone #6 of the Tampa Bay Lightning after defeating the Florida Panthers 2-1 in overtime of a preseason game on October 1, 2010 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. (P

Ryan Malone and Mike Smith are good friends. They rarely can be found without the other one close by.

Together, they are just hilarious.

One example can be found here.

Ryan Kesler, Vancouver Canucks

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ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 06: Ryan Kessler #17 of the Vancouver Canucks waits for play against the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center on March 6, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Ryan Kesler of the Vancouver Canucks has always had a charming personality.

He's shown it off lately with the Canucks' fantastic year.

Not only is Kesler funny, but he's considerate as well, offering a teammate some sustenance while in the middle of what I'm sure was a draining interview.

It turns out Kesler does have a Twitter account, found here.