2021 NHL Player Poll: The on-ice questions

The NHLPA conducted a survey consisting of nearly 500 NHL players, on a varietyof topics.

Today, we’re looking at the on-ice questions.

First, the players were asked who the best goal scorer is. To the surprise of very few people, Auston Matthews, who potted 41 goals this season, picked up nearly 50% of the vote, with Alex Ovechkin trailing shortly behind him with 33.82%.

As for best defenceman, Tampa Bay Lightning rearguard Victor Hedman received 64.71% of the vote, with Roman Josi finishing in second with just 7.35% of total votes.

Much like his Tampa teammate, Andrei Vasilevskiy once again took home best goaltender honours, receiving 54.12% of the vote with Vegas netminder Marc-Andre Fleury picking up 8.88% of the vote.

And what’s this? We have our first tie!

When asked “Who is the most complete player?”, player opinion was split. Sidney Crosby picked up 23.78% of the vote, while Patrice Bergeron picked up the exact same percentage of the vote. You read that right. The exact same number.

Aleksander Barkov finished just shortly behind them with 14.65% of the vote. Let the debate rage on.

Much like Matthews winning top scorer, the popular answers to this question shouldn’t come as a surprise.

When asked “If you need to win one game, who is the one player (any position) you would want on your team?”, 36.47% of players selected Connor McDavid, 23.04% went with Sidney Crosby.

As for who has the best shot? The great eight reins supreme. With 48.95% of the vote, Alex Ovechkin was the popular answer for this question, with Matthews receiving 28.78% of the vote.

Patrick Kane was named best stick-handler by 49.48% of players, while 25.79% of players picked McDavid.

Nearly another tie, Nicklas Backstrom was named the best passer by 20.72% of players while 20.30% cast their ballot for Kane.

Stay tuned tomorrow, when we break down the player personality questions!