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Greg Smith
Rookie
Canada
158 Posts |
 Posted - 12/07/2007 : 15:26:10
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Which player is the best power forward in the NHl right now. I have to say Erik Cole. He has speed and talent and he can take the other guy out once in an while. Thoughts?
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PuckNuts
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2414 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2007 : 15:47:34
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I will have to say Jarome Iginla...He can score, hit, and fight...
I don't necessarily agree with everything I say.
- - Marshall McLuhan
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Guest7007
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Posted - 12/07/2007 : 19:40:50
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quote:
Originally posted by Greg Smith
Which player is the best power forward in the NHl right now. I have to say Erik Cole. He has speed and talent and he can take the other guy out once in an while. Thoughts?
What's your definition of a power forward. In NBA it is pretty easy. Big guy 6'9"+who is not a centre, muscular (or some cases heavy at around 250+lbs), can score, rebound and block. Ususally good for 20point, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks per game. If he can pass and/or play defense, even better. When you say NBA power forward, I think Karl Malone, but then Garnett and Duncan are considered PF too.
What is hockey's equivalent? Greg, maybe you can create a short list?
Of the younger generation are Lecavlier, Heatley, Fisher, Antropov, Vanek, Getzlaf, Kopitar, Frolov, Kovalchuk, Hossa, Horton, Jokinen, Thornton, Marleau, Michalek, Nash, Cole, Iginla, Bertuzzi, Arnott (I'm probably missing a bunch of others).
Old school and still playing, Tkachuk, Guerin, Modano, Sundin, Shanahan, Smyth, Murray, Knubble (again missing a bunch).
All those guys are ~6' and 210+lbs. They are fast (or were at one time), can score, tough to handle physically and highly skilled. Usually good for 70+ points, ~50 minutes in penalty (though their coaches yells at them for taking penalties so they have less than this number).
From the above my pick is Vinny right now. Iggy is a close second. |
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Pasty7
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2312 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2007 : 00:41:35
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i can name my top three Iginla is hands down the best,, and in my opinion the most complete player in the nhl, Lecavalier a close number two but lacks a few qualities Iginla has,, and Rick Nash is still young and i think good coaching can make him one of the most dominant power forwards of his generation
Pasty |
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Greg Smith
Rookie
Canada
158 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2007 : 07:13:52
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| Wow, I Blanked out on Lecavelier and Iginla. |
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Jeremy12
Rookie
Canada
105 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2007 : 09:55:25
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Joe Thornton
[IMG]http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x49/Jeremy12_24/spezza_sig21.jpg[/IMG] |
Edited by - Jeremy12 on 12/08/2007 09:56:02 |
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Alex
PickupHockey All-Star
Canada
2816 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2007 : 16:40:14
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I like to think of Power Forward synononymous to gritty player. Everyone has size and power these days, doesn't make you a power forward. Iginla I'll buy, but I wouldn't include Lecavalier Thornton or Heatley on my list. I go with Holmstrom.
Habs get number 25 this year |
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Greg Smith
Rookie
Canada
158 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2007 : 16:56:10
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| Smyth is another great power forward any team would be lucky to have. And he's Canadian like the rest of them. Anybody else notice there are no good American power forwards? |
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Alex
PickupHockey All-Star
Canada
2816 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2007 : 17:36:18
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Jeremy Roenick and Keith Tkachuk arent good?
Habs get number 25 this year |
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Jeremy12
Rookie
Canada
105 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2007 : 19:29:42
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quote:
Originally posted by Greg Smith
Smyth is another great power forward any team would be lucky to have. And he's Canadian like the rest of them. Anybody else notice there are no good American power forwards?
There are plenty of good American power forwards.
[IMG]http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x49/Jeremy12_24/spezza_sig21.jpg[/IMG] |
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willus3
Moderator
Canada
1948 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2007 : 19:58:40
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I still like Shanahan.
"I'm a man of principle... or not. Whatever the situation calls for." - Alan Shore |
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Gostarsgo12
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
437 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2007 : 20:13:48
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Eric Cole isnt even one of the top 5 power forwards in the league and he gets injured way too much.
Go Stars |
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Alex
PickupHockey All-Star
Canada
2816 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2007 : 20:16:10
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Yeah, but A) he isn't one of the best right now, obviously in his prime is a different story and B) I don't think he can really be counted as a 'power forawrd'
Habs get number 25 this year |
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Guest5630
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Posted - 12/08/2007 : 21:00:25
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| Erik Cole is an american...Oswego, NY, USA... |
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willus3
Moderator
Canada
1948 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2007 : 21:55:28
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quote:
Originally posted by Alex
Yeah, but A) he isn't one of the best right now, obviously in his prime is a different story and B) I don't think he can really be counted as a 'power forawrd'
Habs get number 25 this year
Who are you talking about?
"I'm a man of principle... or not. Whatever the situation calls for." - Alan Shore |
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leafsfan_101
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1530 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2007 : 06:59:33
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Iginla is a power foreward?? I always thought of him as a goal scorer. He isn't the guy that is in the corners batteling for the puck or the guy infront of the net. He is the guy that gets the pass takes a wicked good shot and scores. And he is great at doing that. But power foreward, nope, not Iginla.
In today's NHL there really are no good power forwards to be honest. That time in NHL history has come and gone. Guys like Eric Lindros and Todd Bertuzzi (before the lockout) are not in the NHL. Instead they are replaced by small, speedy wngers.
So now when I think of power foreward, I think that he has to use his body alot more, has to be physical and gritty and has to overwork the other team. Three main guys come to mind:
In Order From worst to best:
Darcy Tucker
On most nights Tucker can outwork any other defensive team. He is a goalie's nightmare infront of the net and is not afraid to use his body. Although he is small, his grit makes up for it.
Dustin Penner:
Penner is an up-and-comming power forward. His size and physicality are the signs of a new, possibly great, power forward. I can't comment much on him since I don't watch many Edmonton games but if an Edmontonion wants to go for it.
Tomas Holmstrom:
Holmstrom exemplifies everything a power forward should be. Difficult infront of the net and in the corners, playing with Zetterberg and Datsyuk, he has to be good. |
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Alex
PickupHockey All-Star
Canada
2816 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2007 : 09:35:47
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Leafs Fan 101, I agree with you on the definition of a power forward. Can you please toss out a few more names that you think are notable mentions for argument's sake?
Habs get number 25 this year |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2007 : 10:04:17
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A power forward is a forward who possesses above average offensive skills and plays a tough, physical game. Most of the time, power forwards are physically large, but some players are referred to as power forwards despite being no more than six feet tall. Power forwards tend to be proficient stickhandlers and skaters who shoot the puck well and, at the same time, are capable of delivering crushing body checks and may also fight occasionally. Many power forwards plant their bodies in front of the opposing team's net and use their large frames to screen the goaltender. Power forwards also tend to be very difficult to knock off possession of the puck, hence their ability to "power through" opposing defenders.
Power forwards are desirable because of their well-rounded skill set and physical play. Smaller skilled forwards, who are talented offensively but lack the strength of power forwards, are often easier to defend because they can be pushed around, knocked off the puck, or are more susceptible to intimidation. Power forwards do not tend to have any of those liabilities.
Some on here either live in a bubble or are completely ignorant. Jarome Iginla is a prototypical power forward. All you have to see is one shift and you will know how gritty he plays. He's always in the corners in front of the net. Maybe not a 'la Holmstrom or Smyth, but that doesn't make a power forward. With all due respect, if you disagree that Iginla is a power forward, I have little to no respect for your knowledge of hockey.
Today, Iginla is the best, hands down. Others are Shanahan, Nash, Tkachuk, Bertuzzi, Holmstrom, Penner, and Smyth. Could be others, but those are the one's that come to my head.
Best all time, that's tough. Neely is mine for sure, but Lindros, Shanahan, Tocchet, Leclair, Stevens, and Wendal Clark were pretty good themselves. Some say Forsberg fit the mold of a power forward. If you ever watch someone "try" to knock him off the puck it's pretty impressive.
Wayne or Bobby?? How about both!!! |
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Alex
PickupHockey All-Star
Canada
2816 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2007 : 12:16:09
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Beans, by you, that would make a very large percentage of the NHL power forwards? Is this not using the term too liberally? Is the only thing that seperates power forwards from others size?
I agree that Jarome Iginla and the likes have an above average physical dominence and intimidating aspect to them. But they aren't signed to be rockem sockem players. They aren't signed to battle in the corners and come up with the puck, or to take goalies constant abuse in front of the net. They aren't signed to be able to stay with the puck for more than ten seconds.
They are signed for their ability to make plays, their uncanny hockey sense, and ultimately, get the puck in the net.
Yes, most of the guys you mentioned are power forwards, I can see that. But I don't see Shanahan being a power forward, nor do I see Heatley or Lecavalier, as somebody mentioned, a power forward either.
Habs get number 25 this year |
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willus3
Moderator
Canada
1948 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2007 : 12:38:39
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quote:
Originally posted by Alex
Yes, most of the guys you mentioned are power forwards, I can see that. But I don't see Shanahan being a power forward, nor do I see Heatley or Lecavalier, as somebody mentioned, a power forward either.
Habs get number 25 this year
Shanahan is the very definition of a power forward.
Every guy Beans mentioned with maybe the exception of Smyth definitely fits the power forward mold.
Getzlaf could probably be added too.
"I'm a man of principle... or not. Whatever the situation calls for." - Alan Shore |
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leafsfan_101
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1530 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2007 : 12:47:22
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quote:
Originally posted by Alex
Beans, by you, that would make a very large percentage of the NHL power forwards? Is this not using the term too liberally? Is the only thing that seperates power forwards from others size?
I agree that Jarome Iginla and the likes have an above average physical dominence and intimidating aspect to them. But they aren't signed to be rockem sockem players. They aren't signed to battle in the corners and come up with the puck, or to take goalies constant abuse in front of the net. They aren't signed to be able to stay with the puck for more than ten seconds.
They are signed for their ability to make plays, their uncanny hockey sense, and ultimately, get the puck in the net.
Yes, most of the guys you mentioned are power forwards, I can see that. But I don't see Shanahan being a power forward, nor do I see Heatley or Lecavalier, as somebody mentioned, a power forward either.
Habs get number 25 this year
I agree with Alex here. If the definition is what Beans gave us, a large majority of nHL players would be deemed "Power Forwards". To me, a power forward can play a gritty offensive game, strong on the puck and is a pain in the a** in the corners ad in front of the net. A guy from NHL history that, I think is maybe the best off all time, is Phil Esposito. Now compare Espo's game to that of Iginla and you will see many diffrences.
**Edit** I saw willus' post about Kevin Stevens. Thats who you must have been talking about. |
Edited by - leafsfan_101 on 12/09/2007 14:29:57 |
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karacter
Top Prospect
20 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2007 : 13:28:14
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| wait...so we are arguing that penner is a top power forward?? lol he is the biggest wuss in the world. As a Duck fan i was very upset to see him go, but the fact is half of is shifts he is a lazy ass. Mopes around when he doesn't get the puck and was the product of playing w/ Getzlaf and Perry as Kunitz will be this year. Penner is a bust as of now, saying that he does have incredible size so if he gets a more physical aspect to his game then he could be a possible 35 goal scorer, until then, he would be lucky to be a consistent 25 goal scorer. |
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willus3
Moderator
Canada
1948 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2007 : 13:53:09
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quote:
Originally posted by leafsfan_101
[quote]
And BTW, how was Scott Stevens a power forward?? He wasn't even a forward.
Look up Kevin Sevens...
"I'm a man of principle... or not. Whatever the situation calls for." - Alan Shore |
Edited by - willus3 on 12/09/2007 13:54:23 |
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wyntyre
Rookie
Canada
185 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2007 : 15:00:30
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Iginla.....nothin' more needs to be said
Can't go...The Roads Are Dirty |
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Guest9983
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Posted - 12/09/2007 : 15:08:48
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quote:
Originally posted by Jeremy12
Joe Thornton
I agree. Why hasn't Big Joe been mentioned? |
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Antroman
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
537 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2007 : 16:47:11
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| Antropov is the consumate power forward. Sorry guys, but I couldn't lay off this post any longer. He is big and strong, can score pass and knock people on their collective asses. He is a plus every year and takes no prisoners going to the net or standing in front of it. He is extremely tough along the wall and kills penalties to boot. I am biased of course but I don't think anybody in the NHL wants to play against this guy. Next time you see the Leafs try concentrating on watching this guy play. Except for a little lack of speed which he makes up for with reach and smarts, he is the best power forward in the league at the moment. Great hands for a guy this big and barring injury he is a seventy pointer. Just in case somebody has not noticed, 29 pts in 29 games thus far and Maurice jacked him around for 12 games trying to make him a center. |
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Guest7007
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Posted - 12/09/2007 : 18:04:09
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quote:
Originally posted by Alex
I like to think of Power Forward synononymous to gritty player. Everyone has size and power these days, doesn't make you a power forward. Iginla I'll buy, but I wouldn't include Lecavalier Thornton or Heatley on my list. I go with Holmstrom.
Holmstrom is too small to be your prototypical power forward. I left him off my list initially for that reason. Also Morrow is a shorter than 6' but wide at 210lbs, so could have been added to the list.
Maybe if we could use the basketball definition to help us define the power forward position. They can't be a centre. That woul limit some of the named players. If that is the case then Iginla followed by Kovalchuk. |
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karacter
Top Prospect
20 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2007 : 19:50:50
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| im a little biased but i say getzlaf is the pure definition of a power forward. And how can you say holmstrom is not? he hits, he fights, he i always in front of the net taking a beating, always battling in the corner, and can score skilled goals.also, i would buy ovechkin as more of a power forward than kovalchuck, that russian can hit! |
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PuckNuts
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2414 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2007 : 21:56:28
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Sorry to tell you this, but Antropov is not a power forward.
If he gets into more that 3 fights this season, and lays out some big hits, then maybe he would fit the mold.
Because you are tough to move does not make you a power forward.
With his size if he laid some guys out I would maybe think about it, but for now...NO...
I don't necessarily agree with everything I say.
- - Marshall McLuhan
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willus3
Moderator
Canada
1948 Posts |
Posted - 12/10/2007 : 06:42:20
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Maybe this will help clear things up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DodJan46E5M
The term 'power forward' was invented for this man. A power forward is a talented goal scorer who would just as soon go through somebody than around them and loves to lay out huge hits.
"I'm a man of principle... or not. Whatever the situation calls for." - Alan Shore |
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Guest8372
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Posted - 12/10/2007 : 07:03:23
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quote:
Originally posted by willus3
Maybe this will help clear things up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DodJan46E5M
The term 'power forward' was invented for this man. A power forward is a talented goal scorer who would just as soon go through somebody than around them and loves to lay out huge hits.
Thanks Willus, but that is one man. As previously stated, using the NBA as an analogy, Karl Malone is the prototypical power forward. But Bosh, Garnett and Duncan are called PF too.
By your definition, Messier or Howe was the greatest power forward of all time. |
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Antroman
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
537 Posts |
Posted - 12/10/2007 : 09:08:27
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| Hey Pucknuts, Referring to Antro, Did you mean laying some guys out by fighting or from body contact? He lays somebody out just about every game by driving through them. No, he doesn't fight too much. The last I seem him pretend to fight was back in the Quinn area and somebody reached into the melee and popped him pretty good in the beak. I think that was the end of that experiment for him. I guess we all have our own definition of a power forward and fighting never really entered my mind when I was offering my post? Antropov is simply a very hard guy to play against, especially down low. |
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PuckNuts
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2414 Posts |
Posted - 12/10/2007 : 09:26:09
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I believe that he has had only one fight.
The way a power forward plays the game, hard hitting, scoring goals, and the odd fight. When you are dishing it out chances are you are going to get someone upset, and have to defend yourself in the odd fight.
Antropov may have bumped into players, and knocked them down, but did he actually throw a body check...not often.
I don't necessarily agree with everything I say.
- - Marshall McLuhan
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 12/10/2007 : 10:43:37
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Using the NBA as an example is a bad one as Power Forward is an actual position, not a style of play. Also known as a post or 4 Spot, the Power Forward can be anyone playing that specific position. There may be different styles such as Malone as a power player or Garnett who is more finesse, but it's still a position.
And just to clear some stuff up, the definition of Power Forward I previously posted was found on the internet. It is not my specific definition. However, I agree with the majority of it. Let's not forget that a power forward does not "prototypically speaking" have to stand in front of the net or dig in the corners. I believe the original definition of a power foward was designed to describe a offensively talented player who used physical strength over speed an finesse.
That being said, I would say that close to half of the forwards could be classified as physically focused players, meaning power foward, while the other half could be described as finesse players who use speed, elusiveness, and stick handling to play thier game.
Finally, if there are so few power forwards in the game, what classification or catagory would you put a forward who does not stand in front of the net, fight or lay big hits but is also not fast, elusive, or an amazing stick handler???
Wayne or Bobby?? How about both!!! |
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LeafsFan4Life
Top Prospect
Canada
65 Posts |
Posted - 12/10/2007 : 11:40:52
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i would think ovechkin would fit the bill of a power forward and also lecalvier and probably would have to say kovlechek sorry on the spelling they seem to all be 2 way players and they are very strong on both sides of the ice.
that is my humble opinion
Long Live Hockey |
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Alex
PickupHockey All-Star
Canada
2816 Posts |
Posted - 12/10/2007 : 15:37:47
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quote:
Originally posted by Guest9983
quote:
Originally posted by Jeremy12
Joe Thornton
I agree. Why hasn't Big Joe been mentioned?
This is where I have my problem. Because the guy is big and strong, please explain me how you can call him a power forward?
Habs get number 25 this year |
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Alex
PickupHockey All-Star
Canada
2816 Posts |
Posted - 12/10/2007 : 15:39:02
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quote:
Originally posted by Antroman
Antropov is the consumate power forward. Sorry guys, but I couldn't lay off this post any longer. He is big and strong, can score pass and knock people on their collective asses. He is a plus every year and takes no prisoners going to the net or standing in front of it. He is extremely tough along the wall and kills penalties to boot. I am biased of course but I don't think anybody in the NHL wants to play against this guy. Next time you see the Leafs try concentrating on watching this guy play. Except for a little lack of speed which he makes up for with reach and smarts, he is the best power forward in the league at the moment. Great hands for a guy this big and barring injury he is a seventy pointer. Just in case somebody has not noticed, 29 pts in 29 games thus far and Maurice jacked him around for 12 games trying to make him a center.
Antro, I was saying to myself 'when will he say it!' In my mind he is the guy who makes the Power Forward into a glorious position. Not the best at it. But he makes it look like SO much fun, I gotta say!
Habs get number 25 this year |
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Best Power Forward 
