The Detroit Red Wings outplayed the Washington Capitals over the first three games of the 1998 Stanley Cup Final, and while they won each of those contests, they did so by a margin of one goal each time. Nevertheless, the Red Wings were on the verge of completing the sweep and capturing consecutive championships for the first time since they accomplished the feat in 1954 and 1955.
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This week, theScore's hockey editors are evaluating the best captains from each current NHL club since the 2000-01 season. The selections are based on individual and team success, as well as popularity and character.
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When the Bruins signed Zdeno Chara as a free agent in 2006, the team immediately handed him the "C." Though they missed the playoffs in his first season as the team’s leader, there’s been nearly nothing but success since.
As Boston's captain, Chara has led the Bruins to the postseason 10 times, including one Stanley Cup victory and three Cup Final appearances. While he trails franchise legend and former captain Ray Bourque in most statistical categories for defensemen, Chara's impact with the Bruins has been incredible. A towering menace on the ice who's instilled fear into opponents for quite some time, he's shown himself to be a gentle giant off of it and as good of a leader as they come.
Buffalo Sabres
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The Sabres have had a remarkable 16 captains since the turn of the century, but none brought more success than Chris Drury and Daniel Briere, who both shared the "C" from 2003-04 to 2006-07. The pair put up the best numbers of their respective careers while leading the club to back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals, highlighting a brief but exciting era in Buffalo. Their tenure ended bitterly, as both players departed as free agents in the same summer, leaving a hole that wasn't filled until the arrival of Jack Eichel in 2015.
Detroit Red Wings
You can't really go wrong when choosing between "Stevie Y" and perhaps the best defenseman to ever grace an NHL blue line, but if we're talking 2000s, Nicklas Lidstrom takes the cake for Detroit. The Hall of Fame rearguard earned the Norris Trophy three times during his run as captain and led the Red Wings to consecutive Stanley Cup Finals in 2008 and 2009, capturing the championship in the former year.
Dominant at both ends of the ice, the Swedish sensation led all blue-liners in points during his tenure with the "C," and his plus-152 rating during that span was 51 better than the next-closest defenseman.
Florida Panthers
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While the Panthers didn't have much team success with Olli Jokinen as captain, he almost takes this spot by default. Jokinen is the only Panther to serve as captain for more than two seasons since 2000, and he had some pretty impressive individual years over that span. He posted 89 points in 2005-06 and followed that up with a career-high 91 points the next season. Aleksander Barkov will likely take over this spot in a few seasons, but for now, Jokinen stands tall.
Montreal Canadiens
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Tied with Jean Beliveau as the longest-tenured captain in franchise history, Saku Koivu holds a special place in the hearts of Canadiens fans. From 2000-01 until his departure in the summer of 2009, Koivu led the Canadiens to the postseason five times.
One of the most enduring memories of Koivu was when he made an unexpected and remarkable comeback in 2002 after being diagnosed with cancer. Originally set to miss at least the entire season, he returned for the Habs' third-last game of the campaign and fans gave him an emotional eight-minute standing ovation. One of hockey's greatest moments illustrated what Koivu meant to the city of Montreal. His resilience and dedication to the Canadiens make him one of the best captains of all time for the historic franchise.
Ottawa Senators
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Daniel Alfredsson is a shoo-in choice, as he captained the Senators for the majority of the last two decades. From 2000 until his departure in 2013, Alfredsson led the Senators to the playoffs 10 times. That didn't include a Stanley Cup victory, but he got extremely close in 2007 before losing in the final.
He's the franchise leader in goals, assists, and points, while sitting in second for games played, trailing Chris Phillips by just one game. Alfredsson also became the first player in modern Senators history to have his jersey retired. He left his mark in Ottawa over his 17 seasons there and will forever be enshrined in the rafters because of his accomplishments as captain.
Tampa Bay Lightning
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Steven Stamkos has personified the perennial powerhouse Lightning since breaking out in his second NHL season back in 2009-10. The superstar forward - who was named captain in 2014 after Martin St. Louis was dealt for Ryan Callahan - has authored by far the best offensive numbers of any Bolts captain since 2000-01. He's also worn the "C" for Tampa Bay for longer than anyone else since that campaign.
While the team won the Cup in 2004 with captain Dave Andreychuk and reached the Eastern Conference Final led by Vincent Lecavalier in 2011, Stamkos helped the club reach the playoffs in five of six seasons prior to this year, including two conference final berths and a trip to the Cup Final in 2015.
Toronto Maple Leafs
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The all-time leader in goals (420), points (987), game-winners (79), and much more for the 102-year-old Maple Leafs, Mats Sundin is a lock. The towering Swedish pivot and Hall of Famer was the face of the franchise for its most successful era in a generation, and despite a lack of competent linemates, he continued to produce big numbers when Toronto entered a decline after the 2005 lockout.
Sundin served as captain for 10 seasons, and in the seven campaigns applicable to this exercise - at ages 29-36 - he ranked eighth among all players with 533 points in 539 games.
This week, theScore's hockey editors are evaluating the best captains from each NHL club since the 2000-01 season. The selections are based on individual and team success, as well as popularity and the character shown by the choices during their tenures in this era.
Selecting Jonathan Toews is a no-brainer. "Captain Serious" has been the Blackhawks' leader since the 2008-09 season, and no other player has worn the "C" for more than two campaigns in Chicago throughout the 2000s.
During Toews' tenure, Chicago has won the Stanley Cup three times while also rattling off nine straight postseason appearances before missing out in 2017-18. Toews doesn't put up monster offensive numbers, but he's been a steady presence and often elevates his game in the playoffs.
Colorado Avalanche
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Joe Sakic bolstered his first-ballot Hall of Fame credentials when he captained the Avalanche to a Stanley Cup for the second time in 2001, adding the Hart Trophy to his mantle later that summer. He led the Avalanche as captain for 16 of his 20 NHL campaigns after doing the same as a Quebec Nordiques co-captain earlier in his career.
During the era in question, Colorado qualified for the playoffs in six of Sakic's eight years as captain, including a conference final appearance one season after the aforementioned title.
Dallas Stars
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The Stars were a powerhouse at the turn of the century, but Mike Modano was their captain then for only two seasons. As such, Jamie Benn gets the nod here over the original face of the franchise, as well as grittier predecessors Derian Hatcher and Brenden Morrow.
Benn's production has fallen off over the past two seasons, but he was one of the top left-wingers in the game at his peak. His run as leader in Dallas includes three playoff appearances, three postseason All-Star nominations, a scoring title, and a Hart Trophy nomination.
Minnesota Wild
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The Wild didn’t name a permanent captain until Mikko Koivu was given the honor in 2009. But Koivu still deserves the recognition, even if he was one of the easiest choices on the list.
The franchise leader in points and games played, Koivu has devoted his entire career to the Wild since Minnesota drafted him sixth overall in 2001. He’s led the team to the playoffs in six of the last seven seasons, and although the veteran hasn't been able to take Minnesota beyond the second round, Koivu has been nothing but class during his long tenure with the club.
Nashville Predators
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Not only was Shea Weber indisputably the Predators' best captain, he's also the most important player in the club's brief history. The 6-foot-4 blue-liner quickly asserted himself as one of the NHL's top defensemen, garnering attention for the team leaguewide with his dynamic play.
Weber helped lead the Predators to the playoffs during eight of his 11 seasons in Nashville, including four as captain. That came after the Predators had made the postseason just once in six prior campaigns.
Although he never won the Norris Trophy, Weber finished among the top four in voting for the award four times as a captain, and was twice a runner-up. He also holds the franchise record for games played, goals, and points by a defenseman.
St. Louis Blues
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Plenty of worthy captains have led the Blues over the last two decades. However, Chris Pronger and Al MacInnis each only wore the “C” for two years apiece in the 2000s. Dallas Drake (two years) and Eric Brewer (four years) were noble leaders, too.
St. Louis also enjoyed plenty of success with David Backes as captain for five years, and it’s easy to forget how effective he was in his prime. However, Alex Pietrangelo is still the easy pick here after leading the Blues to a championship last season. While the impending free agent's future with the club is uncertain, he’s been a franchise pillar his entire career, and some of Pietrangelo's best seasons have come during his four campaigns as captain.
Winnipeg Jets
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Blake Wheeler is the no-doubt choice. The Atlanta Thrashers didn't experience much success in their existence, mustering just one playoff appearance. But since the move to Winnipeg, the Jets have made the playoffs three times, and Wheeler has been the captain for two of those runs, including a trip to the Western Conference Final in 2018.
Wheeler is a selfless leader, as he’s switched from his preferred position of right wing to play center on multiple occasions for the betterment of the team, sometimes for long stretches.
The Philadelphia Flyers didn't take long to make a name for themselves following the NHL's first expansion in 1967. The "Broad Street Bullies" won two consecutive Stanley Cups in 1974 and '75, and they were looking for another against Guy Lafleur and the revered Montreal Canadiens in the 1976 final.
Flyers star Reggie Leach set the record for most goals in a single postseason (19) and claimed the Conn Smythe Trophy, but the Canadiens proved to be too much, completing the sweep in Game 4 with a 5-3 win at The Spectrum for their first of four consecutive titles.
This week, theScore's hockey editors are evaluating the best captains from each NHL club since the 2000-01 season. The selections are based on individual and team success, as well as popularity and the character shown by the choices during their tenures in this era.
The hockey world has gotten a better sense for Rod Brind’Amour's leadership since he took over as head coach of the Hurricanes prior to the 2018-19 campaign. Brind’Amour the coach isn’t all that different from Brind’Amour the player: emotional, fearless, gritty, and a tireless worker.
When the leader of your team - whether it’s a coach or captain - is the hardest worker, that motivates everyone else. That's "Rod the Bod" to a tee. He wore the “C” in Carolina for his final five seasons, leading the franchise to its only Stanley Cup win in 2006. Both Ron Francis and Eric Staal were great captains too, but Brind’Amour is on another level.
Columbus Blue Jackets
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Rick Nash only served as the Blue Jackets' captain for five seasons, and he wasn't given the role until midway through the 2007-08 campaign despite blossoming into a superstar not long after Columbus drafted him first overall in 2002. However, his impact on the organization was ultimately profound.
In his first full year as captain, Nash led the Blue Jackets to their first playoff appearance, and he'd eventually become the franchise leader in games played, goals, assists, and points. He also won the NHL's Foundation Player Award in 2009 for his charitable work. Nash exemplified what it meant to be a captain on and off the ice. While his tenure wasn't long, his legacy as Columbus’ greatest player and captain of all time lives on.
New Jersey Devils
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Scott Stevens may have only been the Devils' captain until the 2003-2004 season, but the team's results during his tenure vastly outweigh those of his successors.
New Jersey captured the Stanley Cup in 2000 (with Stevens winning the Conn Smythe Trophy), lost in Game 7 of the Cup Final in 2001, and won it again in 2003. He didn't put up big offensive numbers, but no one intimidated opposing skaters like Stevens, and his leadership during the Devils' glory years was unquestioned.
New York Islanders
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Islanders fans are going to despise this choice, but John Tavares is the team's best player over the last 20 years. He donned the “C” for five seasons, putting him tied for the second-longest tenure as captain in franchise history. He’s also one of two captains since 1992-93 to lead the Isles out of the first round of the playoffs (Anders Lee is the other).
There’s a case to be made for Michael Peca, a gritty, heart-and-soul, two-way center who guided the Islanders to three playoff berths in his three years as captain. But he never won a playoff series with New York, and his tenure was brief.
Tavares is considered a villain these days on Long Island after leaving in free agency for Toronto, but he did more for the club during his time as captain than Peca.
New York Rangers
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This was the toughest pick to make, and it's important to note the era in question. Mark Messier is arguably the greatest Ranger of all time and one of the best-ever NHL players, but his glory days as New York's captain came in his first stint during the 90s. His second stint wasn't as successful for both himself and the team, with the Rangers missing the playoffs in all four seasons.
New York's lone Stanley Cup Final appearance over the last two decades came after the club traded captain Ryan Callahan to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2014. Therefore, the choice is Ryan McDonagh.
Under his guidance, the team made the conference final in 2015. He matched Messier for the longest tenure as the Rangers' captain in this era, and New York made more trips to the playoffs with McDonagh as captain (three) than it has with anyone else since 2000-01.
Philadelphia Flyers
Claude Giroux has led the charge for the Flyers since 2012-13, and while the club hasn't gone on any playoff runs in that span, he's one of the most prolific scorers in franchise history.
With one more full season under his belt, Giroux should move into second on the team's all-time points and games played lists behind only Bobby Clarke. His production ranks strongly among both Flyers greats and the best players of this generation. Since Giroux became a captain, only Sidney Crosby, Patrick Kane, and Alex Ovechkin have recorded more points.
Pittsburgh Penguins
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In just his third NHL season, a 19-year-old Sidney Crosby became the youngest player ever at the time to be named captain. By the end of that decade, "Sid the Kid" had already captured the Art Ross, Hart, Lester B. Pearson (now Ted Lindsay Award), and "Rocket Richard" trophies, in addition to leading the Penguins to a championship in 2009.
Since then, it's been much of the same from No. 87. Crosby ranks second in points and assists this decade, and fifth in goals, even while sitting 110th in games played. Pittsburgh has made the postseason in each of his 12 campaigns at the helm, and in 2017, the team became the first in 19 years to capture back-to-back Stanley Cup championships, with Crosby earning the Conn Smythe Trophy each time.
Washington Capitals
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The best player in franchise history is also by far its greatest leader. The Capitals have missed the playoffs just once during Alex Ovechkin's 11-year run as captain, and they captured their first Stanley Cup in 2018 with him leading.
In addition to the club's success, Ovi's individual accolades as captain put him in rarified air. "The Great 8" is one of just three players - along with Steve Yzerman and Mario Lemieux - to notch five 50-plus-goal seasons as captains. Had the 2019-20 campaign not been suspended, Ovechkin would have likely become the first captain to achieve that feat six times.
This week, theScore's hockey editors are evaluating the best captains from each NHL club since the 2000-01 season. The selections are based on individual and team success, as well as popularity and the character shown by the choices during their tenures in this era. The Vegas Golden Knights aren't included because they've never named a captain.
Scott Niedermayer may not have served as the Ducks' captain for as long as Ryan Getzlaf, but it's impossible to argue against the results that came with Niedermayer wearing the "C."
After winning multiple Stanley Cups with the New Jersey Devils, Niedermayer was the piece that pushed Anaheim over the top, helping the Ducks claim the title in 2007 while winning the Conn Smythe Trophy along the way. Niedermayer also posted his best individual seasons while captaining the Ducks, recording the three highest point totals of his career.
Arizona Coyotes
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Shane Doan was the Coyotes' unquestioned leader and face of the franchise for much of his career. He was the team's captain for 13 of his 21 seasons while spending his entire NHL career with the organization before retiring in 2017.
The former forward is the team's all-time leader in goals, assists, points, and games played. While Arizona didn't experience much playoff success during his time as captain, Doan helped the club make three straight postseason appearances from 2010 to 2012 (the Coyotes' only three berths since 2001-02), including a run to the Western Conference Final in 2012.
Calgary Flames
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If you created an NHL captain in a laboratory, they probably still wouldn't be as well suited for the role as Jarome Iginla.
The Flames' all-time leading scorer was everything you could ask for in a leader. If his team needed a big goal, the two-time "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner would find the back of the net. If a flip in momentum was required, the captain would deliver a thunderous hit. Mess with his teammates? Be prepared to eat some knuckles.
Calgary made the playoffs in each of Iginla's first five seasons donning the "C," with a run to the 2004 Stanley Cup Final highlighting that stretch.
Edmonton Oilers
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Some well-respected, blue-collar players have led the Oilers over the last couple of decades, including Jason Smith, Ethan Moreau, and Shawn Horcoff. However, the franchise hasn't had a leader like Connor McDavid since Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky were around.
McDavid is the new face of the NHL. He's handled some rough times in Edmonton with maturity, and his fearless work ethic was shown during McDavid's grueling knee rehab this past summer. He's the no-brainer choice.
Los Angeles Kings
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While Anze Kopitar is clearly the superior player, the Kings enjoyed their best years with Dustin Brown as their captain, claiming the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014.
Brown isn't a superstar, but he was the heart and soul of a mostly competitive squad as Los Angeles' captain for eight seasons. Meanwhile, the more talented Kopitar's production has been inconsistent during his nearly four campaigns wearing the "C," and the Kings have been one of the NHL's worst teams over the last two years, though that's certainly not the veteran's fault alone.
Conversely, with Brown leading the charge, the Kings made the playoffs five straight times from 2010 to 2014, including a conference-final berth in 2013 between their Stanley Cup wins.
All three produced remarkably similar point totals during those spans, with Pavelski registering 276 points, Thornton notching 263, and Marleau collecting 283. However, Pavelski gets the edge due to his postseason results, with the team advancing as far as the conference finals twice during his tenure, including the franchise's only trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2016.
Vancouver Canucks
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Henrik Sedin took over as captain from Roberto Luongo (remember that fun experiment?) for the 2010-11 season, beginning his run as the greatest captain in Canucks history.
Vancouver went to the Stanley Cup Final that season in its first of back-to-back Presidents' Trophy-winning campaigns. Hank posted 498 points in 602 games as captain, and his No. 33 was appropriately retired alongside his twin brother Daniel's No. 22 this past season.
After a controversial victory in Game 6, Gretzky put on a show in Game 7, potting a hat trick and adding an assist as the Kings won 5-4. With the win, L.A. punched a ticket to its first-ever final, leaving Cup-hungry Leafs fans in the dust.
Danny Briere, former star NHL forward and current vice president of operations for the ECHL's Maine Mainers, joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including:
Danny's wife Misha working on the COVID-19 frontlines
His interest in the business side of pro hockey
Going to the 2010 Stanley Cup Final with the Flyers
Living with teammates Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier
Co-captaining those dominant mid-2000s Sabres teams
