Who is the best hitter in the NHL? Currently

doesn't look like anyone now, with the lockout :gripe:

Actually, Bettman hit us all with his arrogance.

For 2004-05, no one... ;-)

I'd have to go with Stevens although he was mentioning retirement last I heard...

The problem is that some guys on your list USED to be hitters. Some hardly ever hit anymore, others used to never hit. For instance, Forsberg doesn't really hit often, but when he does, it's usually good. Blake, meh... Back in his LA heyday, he was great, nowadays not so much a hitter. Same with Peca. Ruutu & Cooke are just cheap and dirty. I wouldn't even put them on a 'hitter' list. Bertuzzi... Does he hit much? Maybe, I don't know. He has the size but seems like he doesn't use it as much as he could, ala Keith Primeau & Eric Daze. Meh. Who cares. Damn the NHL and all it's kin to Hell. Worst run sport ever, shot itself in the foot, all over money.

Stevens definately has the rep ;) , especially in Carolina :eek: , but he is
way past his prime. He plans his hits well mostly at mid-ice, and will catch
you with your head down and :hammer: . I have also seen Darcy Tucker
land some real stunners and he is also a fighter. Others I don't know so much
about but ones like Foote and Jovo don't really slam people as much as use
their great size advantages.

Interesting that three on the list were from my team--the Toronto Maple Leafs!

Interesting that three on the list were from my team--the Toronto Maple Leafs!

You're the only Leaf fan I know who accepts Marchment as a Leaf.

Depends on what you mean by hitter. I.e. do you mean someone who gives someone a good knock to keep him out of the play (in which case I'd say Scott Stevens) or one who distributes to most amount of physical damage like Todd "No really I'm sorry!" Bertuzzi?

If you're going by just a punishing hitter consistently with no flashy flying hits, then we'd have to duke it out between Robyn Regehr and Adam Foote. If we're counting big hits, then it's Scott Stevens with Todd Bertuzzi close behind.

You're the only Leaf fan I know who accepts Marchment as a Leaf.

I was happier than a pig in you know what when the Leafs signed him.