Power forward (ice hockey)
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In ice hockey, 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.
[edit] Current power forwards
- Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames
- Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes
- Brenden Morrow, Dallas Stars
- Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks
- Keith Tkachuk, St. Louis Blues.
- Rick Nash, Columbus Blue Jackets
- Brendan Shanahan, NY Rangers
- Nathan Horton, Florida Panthers
- Gary Roberts, Pittsburgh Penguins
- Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins
- Tomas Holmstrom, Detroit Red Wings
- Ryan Malone, Pittsburgh Penguins
- Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
- Mike Knuble, Philadelphia Flyers
- Dustin Penner, Edmonton Oilers
[edit] Famous power forwards
- Eric Lindros, famous for his play on the Philadelphia Flyers, 1995 Hart Trophy winner
- Cam Neely, Boston Bruins, NHL Hall of Fame member
- Clark Gillies, 4-time Stanley Cup winner, NHL Hall of Fame member
- Kevin Stevens, famous for his play on the Pittsburgh Penguins, Stanley Cup winner
- Wendel Clark, Toronto Maple Leafs
- Rick Tocchet, Philadelphia Flyers
- John LeClair, famous for his play on the Philadelphia Flyers' Legion of Doom line
- Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings
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| Power forward | Enforcer | Captain | Head coach | Referee & linesman | ||||
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