In the fast-paced and electrifying world of hockey, players often become celebrated for their prowess in either offensive or defensive aspects of the game.
Yet, there exists a remarkable breed of athletes who transcend conventional boundaries, mastering both the art of scoring goals and the finesse of defensive play: two-way forwards.
What is a two-way forward in hockey?
A two-way forward in hockey is a player who excels both offensively and defensively, contributing effectively at both ends of the ice.
What Is A Two-Way Forward In Hockey?
In hockey, a two-way forward is a player who excels in both offensive and defensive aspects of the game.
This term is used to describe players who contribute effectively at both ends of the ice, making them valuable assets to their team.
Offensively, a two-way forward is skilled in:
- Scoring goals.
- Setting up plays.
- Generating scoring opportunities for their teammates.
They can be strong skaters, have good puck-handling abilities, possess an accurate shot, and demonstrate excellent vision and passing skills.
Defensively, these players are responsible and reliable in their own zone. They are capable of:
- Backchecking to disrupt the opponent’s offensive plays.
- Stealing pucks
- Blocking shots.
- Maintaining excellent defensive positioning.
They are also proficient at playing a strong defensive role during penalty-killing situations.
Two-way forwards are often used in key situations, such as crucial defensive face-offs, last-minute plays, and on special teams (power plays and penalty kills). They can provide a balanced presence on the ice and help their team maintain control of the game by contributing at both ends.
Some of the best two-way forwards in history have been known for their ability to dominate the game in various aspects, earning them a reputation as complete players.
Some of the best two-way forwards in NHL history include:
- Patrice Bergeron
- Pavel Datsyuk
- Anze Kopitar
- Jonathan Toews
- Ryan Getzlaf
What Is The NHL Best Two Way Forward Award?
The Frank J. Selke Trophy is an annual award presented by the National Hockey League (NHL) to the forward who is considered to have best demonstrated the most skill in the defensive aspects of the game during the regular season.
The trophy is named after Frank J. Selke, a former NHL executive who played a significant role in building and managing the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens.
The Selke Trophy was first awarded in the 1977-1978 NHL season and has since become one of the most prestigious individual awards in the league. It is voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association (PHWA) at the end of the regular season.
To be eligible for the Selke Trophy, a forward must excel in defensive responsibilities such as:
- Backchecking
- Penalty killing
- Face-offs
- Overall defensive play
Players who consistently show strong two-way abilities and contribute significantly to their team’s defensive success are often considered front-runners for the award.
Is Crosby A Two-Way Forward?
Sidney Crosby, the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, is indeed considered a two-way forward.
Throughout his career, Crosby has showcased exceptional offensive skills, with his scoring, playmaking, and hockey IQ being among the best in the game. Additionally, he has proven to be a responsible and reliable defensive player, making him a well-rounded and complete player on the ice.
He has never won a Frank J. Selke Trophy, but he has demonstrated consistent defensive ability throughout his career, recording only two, negative plus-minus seasons ever in his career.
When comparing Crosby to legendary two-way forwards like Patrice Bergeron and Pavel Datsyuk, it’s essential to acknowledge that each player has their own unique strengths and style of play:
- Patrice Bergeron
- Bergeron, the long-time center for the Boston Bruins, is renowned for his defensive prowess, face-off skills, and overall hockey intelligence. He has won 6 Frank J. Selke Trophies as the league’s best defensive forward and is considered one of the premier two-way centers in NHL history.
- Pavel Datsyuk
- Datsyuk, who played the majority of his NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings, was known for his exceptional stickhandling, defensive acumen, and ability to create turnovers. He earned 3 Selke Trophies in his career, and his defensive skills were often compared to those of a magician, earning him the nickname “The Magic Man.”
When comparing Crosby to Bergeron and Datsyuk, all three players are considered elite two-way forwards, but they do have some differences in their playing styles. Crosby is perhaps more offensive-minded and known for his leadership, while Bergeron and Datsyuk are often associated with their defensive prowess and ability to shut down opposing players.
However, it’s important to note that each player has had a significant impact on their respective teams and has earned immense respect within the hockey community for their exceptional two-way abilities.
What Does Top 6 Forward Mean In Hockey?
A “top 6 forward” in hockey refers to a forward player who plays on one of the top two lines of a team’s forward group.
These lines typically consist of more skilled and offensively talented players. Top 6 forwards are expected to produce a significant amount of points and contribute to the team’s scoring efforts. They usually get more ice time and play in critical situations, such as power plays.
Players who are both a “top 6 forward” and a “two-way forward” are considered really valuable to a team. Here are some examples of two-way forwards who have been considered top 6 forwards in the NHL:
- Patrice Bergeron – Known for his exceptional defensive play, face-off skills, and offensive production, Bergeron is one of the best two-way forwards of his generation.
- Pavel Datsyuk – A highly skilled forward with remarkable stickhandling and defensive abilities, Datsyuk was a dominant two-way presence for the Detroit Red Wings.
- Jonathan Toews – The former Chicago Blackhawks captain, Toews, is respected for his leadership, offensive skills, and responsible defensive play.
- Anze Kopitar – The Los Angeles Kings’ center, Kopitar, is known for his strong two-way play and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.
- Ryan O’Reilly – O’Reilly’s defensive prowess and face-off abilities earned him the Selke Trophy, showcasing his status as a top 6 two-way forward.
- Joe Pavelski – A versatile forward who has played for the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars, Pavelski is known for his scoring touch and responsible defensive play.
- David Backes – A former captain of the St. Louis Blues, Backes was recognized for his physicality, leadership, and two-way contributions.
- Mikko Koivu – The former Minnesota Wild captain, Koivu, was respected for his defensive play, face-off skills, and leadership.
These are just a few examples of previous two-way forwards who have been considered top 6 players in hockey. The list is not exhaustive, as there have been many other great two-way forwards in the history of the NHL.
What Is A Playmaker In Hockey?
In hockey, a playmaker is a player who excels at setting up scoring opportunities for their teammates rather than being primarily focused on scoring goals themselves.
Playmakers are often known for their exceptional vision, passing skills, and hockey IQ, allowing them to read the game and make creative plays that lead to goals.
Playmakers are key assets to their teams because they can effectively control the flow of the game and create offensive chances. They are skilled at making accurate and timely passes, threading the puck through tight spaces, and anticipating the movement of their teammates. Playmakers are often found at the center position, but they can also play as wingers.
Some of the best playmakers in the NHL include:
- Connor McDavid
- Nikita Kucherov
- Erik Karlsson
- Mitch Marner
- Alexander Barkov
- Cale Makar
- Johnny Gaudreau
A playmaker’s role is not limited to setting up goals; they also contribute to puck possession and offensive zone time, which are critical aspects of a team’s success. Playmakers work in tandem with goal scorers, using their playmaking abilities to feed the puck to players in prime scoring positions.
Some of the greatest players in hockey history have been renowned playmakers, leaving a lasting impact on the game by elevating the play of their teammates and helping their teams achieve success.
Was Wayne Gretzky A Playmaker?
Wayne Gretzky, in addition to his exceptional scoring ability, is considered one of the greatest playmakers of all time.
Hypothetically, even if Gretzky never scored a single goal in his entire career, he would still be the all-time leader in points, just based on assists. He recorded 1,963 assists in his career.
What Is A Grinder In Hockey?
In hockey, a “grinder” is a player who excels at hard work, physical play, and grinding it out along the boards and in the corners.
Grinders are often known for their tenacity, determination, and willingness to do the dirty work to create scoring opportunities for their teammates or to disrupt the opponent’s plays.
The role of a grinder is different from that of a skilled playmaker or a goal scorer. While playmakers focus on setting up scoring chances and goal scorers excel at putting the puck in the net, grinders contribute in various ways that don’t always show up on the scoresheet. They are crucial to a team’s success because they provide energy, physicality, and a strong forechecking presence.
Typically, grinders are found on the third or fourth lines of a hockey team’s forward group. They are often relied upon to bring energy to the game, create momentum shifts, and wear down the opposing team’s defense through their aggressive style of play.
While grinders may not be the highest scorers on the team, their contributions in terms of grit, physical play, and hard work make them valuable assets, and they are highly respected by their teammates and coaches for their selfless style of play.
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