Datsyuk - second-best player in the NHL?

[Craig2]

In the current issue of the The Hockey News, he came second behind Sidney Crosby. I'm not a Wings fan, but it's nice to see a guy recognized for greatness even if he's not putting up 100-point seasons.

Just for fun, the top ten are:

10) Zdeno Chara
9) Daniel Sedin
8) Alex Ovechkin
7) Niklas Lidstrom
6) Evgeni Malkin
5) Jonathan Toews
4) Steven Stamkos
3) Claude Giroux
2) Pavel Datsyuk
1) Sidney Crosby

[MattDMC]

If Crosby didn't have the concussion issue I would agree he is number 1 but when he's been sidelined 99% of the season I don't see how he can be the best when he isn't even active.

WTG on #2 Datsyuk.

[centrehice]

Crosby cannot be on that list anywhere. He's not playing, period.

[Satan81]

Malkin deserves to be higher.

[MattDMC]

Honestly it should be Datsyuk, Stamkos, Malkin, Giroux as top 4.

[marekschwarz33]

Datsyuk is just an amazing all-around player. It's frustrating to watch him as a Blues fan in games against the Wings...He's certainly worthy of the #2 (or #1) spot.

[Hilfiger1975]

Overrated...Stamkos goes before him...

[earnedstripes]

best player can mean a few things... best goal scorer? best all around player?

Best all around player HAS TO BE DATSYUK.. goal scoring goes to Stamkos.. Malkin, Giroux, Toews all in the conversation.

[Craig2]

I don't really have an issue with Crosby being ranked at the top. I know he hasn't played much over the past year, but even in that short stint this season he was dominant. I think it's a sign of respect from other players, and an indication that performance over time matters more than one spectacular season.

As for Datsyuk, it's tough to find a hole in his game. Toews is my favorite player, but I can't argue for him being ahead of any of those others.

[Crater_Satori]

Hard to argue any of the players on the list except Giroux. Not sure how he makes the list before Henrik Sedin....