Top 5 Shoot Out Specialists

After a small hiatus in the Top Five series, we are back at it with the five best shoot-out specialists in the hockey world.

By Andrew Miller

5. Alexandre Burrows (Vancouver Canucks)

Starting off the list at number five is Alexandre Burrows. Last season he finished with a cool sixty percent conversion of shootout attempts. Often overshadowed by line mates Henrik and Daniel Sedin, Burrows lead the Canucks in both goals and conversion percentage, which, for playing on one of the most talented teams in the league, is quite an accomplishment.

4. Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks)

The lone American on the list, Patrick Kane, places fourth for best shootout scorer. Not only did he lead the ‘Hawks in total goals, but Kane showed up in the clutch, scoring four game winning goals in the 2011-2012 campaign. He’s also known for being one of the more creative players on the list and has versatile puck handling skills to complement his skills competition style.

(Reuters Photo)

3. Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh Penguins)

Grabbing the bronze and starting off the reign of Russian players in the top three spots is Evgeni Malkin. Last season, Malkin scored a ridiculously efficient eight shootout goals on just eleven attempts. It was just one more way in which he stepped up to fill the void left by Sidney Crosby, who was out with a concussion for most of the season. Penguins’ fans are especially glad to see him hit the ice at the Consol Energy Center, where he was a perfect five for five.

2. Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit Red Wings)

Always money anywhere around the net, Datsyuk is an absolute magician in shootouts. Although he only scored five shootout goals last year, he is known for abusing goalies on one on one opportunities. One of his sickest moves came against the Blackhawks, where he floated a changeup over Antti Niemi after drawing the goalie across the crease on a string. Even at age 34, the Red Wing still is a stud in shoot outs.

1. Ilya Kovalchuk (New Jersey Devils)

Everyone else on the list with the exception of Malkin is mostly known for their moves around the net. What separates Kovalchuk from the pack and places him at number one is his duel threat ability to rip a snap shot or dangle down low. Goalies are often left guessing when the Russian steps up in shootouts. He blew the field away with eleven shoot out goals, seven of which won the game for his team. His game deciding goals alone would have put him at a tie for third in the NHL. With the departure of Zach Parise, he will need to stay hot if the Devils will continue to find success, but for now he holds the title of the best shootout specialist in the NHL.