VANCOUVER, CANADA – MARCH 16: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals skates during the first period of their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on March 16, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Getty Images)
If anyone can break Gretzky’s goals record, it could be Ovechkin. But despite being one of the best goal-scorers ever, he is not in the top five overall. He deserves the honorable mention, though, and is still incredible to watch. Here are the top 5 NHL players EVER:
5. Sidney Crosby
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 15: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates with the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period at the United Center on February 15, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
An offensive juggernaut. He is one of the best to ever do it. He has the Cups, the Gold Medal, and the stats.
4. Gordie Howe
BLOOMINGTON, MN – MARCH 17: Gordie Howe #9 of the Detroit Red Wings skates on the ice during an NHL game against the Minnesota North Stars on March 17, 1968 at the Met Center in Bloomington, Minnesota. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)
Mr. Hockey. Depending on who you ask, they will tell you he is the best player of all time. He isn’t, but he is certainly in the top 5.
3. Bobby Orr
BUFFALO, NEW YORK – CIRCA 1970: Bobby Orr #4 of the Boston Bruins skates against the Buffalo Sabres circa 1970 at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Robert Shaver/Bruce Bennett Collection/Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images )
Greatest Defenseman of all time, and it really isn’t close. As much as the game has changed, there is no doubt that he would still be the best, even in today’s game.
2. Mario Lemieux
Canadian professional hockey player Mario Lemieux, forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins, pose with the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Pens celebrate their second straight Stanley Cup Championship after defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 6-5 in game four, Chicago, June 1, 1992. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)
If not for Gretzky, he’s number one for sure. He was incredible to watch, and like Crosby, he has the Cups and the Gold Medal.
1. Wayne Gretzky
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 02: Wayne Gretzky #99 of the Los Angeles Kings looks on during warm ups of a NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals on November 2, 1990 at the USAir Arena in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
