Greatest NHL Penalty Killers Ever, Ranked

Here’s the shortlist of the best all-around penalty killers of the NHL expansion era.

On any worthy list of Things That Suck, a successful penalty kill (PK) should be right near the top. See, a well-timed PK can deflate an opponent faster than a wind tunnel. How many times have you seen a drastic shift in momentum after a power play went limp? Of course, if the PK really does suck, the reverse is true as well, which is why it’s such a crucial element of the game.

Here’s the shortlist of the best all-around penalty killers of the NHL expansion era. The criteria is a combination of fundamentals (angles, face-offs and the like), instincts (namely, anticipation), puck skills (pass and shoot) and physicality or work ethic (energy, puck retrieval, blocked shots, etc.), not necessarily in that order. Anyone who had leadership ability received bonus points and a gold star.

While we like guys who can put the biscuit in the basket on occasion, we love the ones who can actually kill penalties with machine-like production. That’s why you won’t see more one-dimensional types such as Peter Bondra, Pavel Bure and Theoren Fleury here.

Start the clock…

Very Special Mention: Hakan Loob

oldhockeycards / Twitter

Position: Right wing

Career: 6 seasons (1983-89)

Teams: Calgary Flames (1983-89)

Career shorthanded points: 9 goals/10 assists/19 points

Career face-off percentage: N/A

Why Loob Is a Great Penalty Killer

OldtimeHockey7 / Twitter

Our two favorite words in hockey are Hakan Loob. We could write or say Hakan Loob all day long. Hakan Loob. Hakan Loob. Hakan Loob. Didn’t know that Hakan Loob scored eight shorthanded goals in the 1987-88 season, did you? (We wonder, did Calgarians ever refer to them as Loob jobs?)

Here’s the thing — Hakan Loob scored eight more shorties in 73 career playoff games. That’s insane — not even Wayne Gretzky did that! We hereby request that The Hakan Loob Trophy be awarded to the best penalty killer in the postseason. Hakan Loob. Hakan Loob. Hakan Loob…

30. Marian Hossa

Marian Hossa scores penalty shot against Flyers goalie

Charles Cherney / AP Photo

Position: Right wing

Career: 19 seasons (1997-17)

Teams: Ottawa Senators (1997-2004), Atlanta Thrashers (2005-08), Pittsburgh Penguins (2008), Detroit Red Wings (2008-09), Chicago Blackhawks (2009-17)

Career shorthanded points: 34/12/46

Career face-off percentage: .325*

* Statistics are for NHL games only through the first half of the 2020-21 season. Those marked with asterisks are incomplete. And those marked N/A are because the league didn’t begin to track the stat until the 1998-99 season.

Why Hossa Is a Great Penalty Killer

Marian Hossa scores past Frederik Andersen

Mark J. Terrill / AP Photo

His 6-foot-1, 207-pound measurables were foolers. Big Hoss had plenty of get-up-and-go in his game, not to mention considerable reach and puck smarts. He was a contributor on the PK even late in his career and bagged his final shorthanded goal at 37 years of age.

While Big Hoss had a nose for the net — his dozen SHGs are the most in Thrashers-Winnipeg Jets history — he played a responsible two-way game and received Selke Trophy votes in 14 seasons.

29. Dirk Graham

Chicago Blackhawks' Dirk Graham skates pasts Edmonton Oiler's goalie Bill Ranford

John Swart / AP Photo

Position: Right wing

Career: 12 seasons (1983-1995)

Teams: Minnesota North Stars (1983-88), Chicago Blackhawks (1988-1995)

Career shorthanded points: 35/13/48

Career face-off percentage: N/A

Why Graham Is a Great Penalty Killer

The Chicago Blackhawks' Dirk Graham celebrates after a first-period goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins

Charles Bennett / AP Photo

The Blackhawks made one of their better moves before the 1988 trade deadline when they sent forward Curt Fraser to the North Stars in return for Graham, 28, who was two years younger.

The team captain scored 19 shorties over the next three seasons, the last of which he won the Selke Trophy with the No. 2 PK unit in the league.

28. Anze Kopitar

Mark J. Terrill / AP Photo

Position: Center

Career: 15 seasons (2006-present)

Teams: Los Angeles Kings

Career shorthanded points: 13/9/22

Career face-off percentage: .527

Why Kopitar Is a Great Penalty Killer

Jae C. Hong / AP Photo

Darryl Sutter throws around compliments like manhole covers, so when the former Kings coach talks about Kopie, a one-time Selke Trophy and two-time Stanley Cup winner, we’ll just listen …

“He’s the best all-around centerman that I’ve coached. Period. Face-offs, last minute, first minute, penalty killer. Plays against everybody’s top player, whether it’s a defenseman, a center, a checking role or an offensive role. He plays 20-plus minutes. Doesn’t take penalties. It’s the whole deal.”

27. Mark Messier

Susan Ragan / AP Photo

Position: Center-left wing

Career: 25 seasons (1979-2004)

Teams: WHA Indianapolis (1978), WHA Cincinnati Stingers (1978-79), Edmonton Oilers (1979-2003), Vancouver Canucks (1997-2000), New York Rangers (2000-2004)

Career shorthanded points: 63/81/144

Career face-off percentage: N/A

Why Messier Is a Great Penalty Killer

Mark Messier skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning

Ron Frehm / AP Photo

Like Wayne Gretzky, his longtime Oilers homie, Mess wasn’t known for his defensive prowess. Yet his grit, physicality, consistency on draws and nose for the net translated into one of the most effective penalty killers of a shoot-’em-up era.

His 144 points while shorthanded rank second in league history. He also is the only player to rank first or second in career shorties with two teams (Oilers and Rangers).

26. Joe Sakic

Joe Sakic scores a penalty goal against New York Rangers goalie Kevin Weekes

Mary Altaffer / AP Photo

Position: Center

Career: 20 seasons (1988-2009)

Teams: Quebec Nordiques (1988-95), Colorado Avalanche (1995-2009)

Career shorthanded points: 32/17/49

Career face-off percentage: .515*

Why Sakic Is a Great Penalty Killer

Colorado Avalanche's Joe Sakic hoists the Stanley Cup in the air in celebration

Rick Bowmer / AP Photo

While Super Joe was a persistent checker, dependable face-off man and consistent threat to turn defense into offense, many a PKer fit that description over the years. So off the charts were his hockey I.Q. and innate leadership ability, he was akin to a coach on the ice.

If there was a way to quantify intangibles, he would be near the top of the list. (While we’re here, let’s also give shout-out to longtime teammate Peter Forsberg, a regular in the Selke Trophy debate.)

25. Don Luce

hockey_samurai / Twitter

Position: Center

Career: 13 seasons (1969-82)

Teams: New York Rangers (1969-70), Detroit (1970-71), Buffalo Sabres (1971-81), Los Angeles Kings (1981), Toronto Maple Leafs (1981-82)

Career shorthanded points: 26/18/44

Career face-off percentage: N/A

Why Luce Is a Great Penalty Killer

PuckJunk / Twitter

Luce and Craig Ramsey (more on him later) were inseparable for seven seasons, which is the hockey equivalent of for-ev-er. At 6-foot-2, this tenacious checker combined size and smarts.

He had four seasons of at least three shorthanded goals, not to mention a plus-168 rating over four consecutive seasons that vouched for his defensive effectiveness.

24. Mario Lemieux

Mario Lemieux fires first period goal goal past New York Islanders

Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo

Position: Center

Career: 17 seasons (1984-97, 2000-06)

Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins (1984-97, 2000-06)

Career shorthanded points: 49/22/71

Career face-off percentage: N/A

Why Lemieux Is a Great Penalty Killer

Pittsburgh Penguins' Mario Lemieux celebrates teammate Shawn Heins'

Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo

Super Mario wasn’t a big hitter or shot-blocker, largely because of back issues. Rather, it was a kraken-like presence that made him so dominant while a man down. He stood 6-foot-4, 230 pounds and played with an 8-foot stick. OK, maybe it was only a 6.5-foot stick, but seldom did a puck get past him.

And when Le Magnifique had the disk in open space, he was holy hell. Three times he led the league in shorties, and his 13 in the 1988-89 season remain the most in league history.

23. Doug Jarvis

Washington Capitals Doug Jarvis scores goal

Ron Frehm / AP Photo

Position: Center

Career: 13 seasons (1975-88)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens (1975-82), Washington Capitals (1982-86), Hartford Whalers (1985-88)

Career shorthanded points: 16/17/33

Career face-off percentage: N/A

Why Jarvis Is a Great Penalty Killer

Doug Jarvis takes spill in NHL semi-final playoff action

AP Photo

Can you imaginethis one-time Selke Award winner and four-timer Bob Gainey as options with the same team for eight seasons? Yet this iron man had his best all-around campaign while with the 1983-84 Capitals and the No. 1 PK unit in the league.

Rest management? Give us a break. He took part in 964 consecutive games, a record that might never be broken. This guy was so on time, clocks were set to him.

22. Ryan Kesler

Ryan Kesler knocks winning goal past Dan Cloutier

Chris Pizzello / AP Photo

Position: Center

Career: 15 seasons (2003-2019)

Teams: Vancouver Canucks (2003-14), Anaheim Ducks (2014-19)

Career shorthanded points: 12/9/21

Career face-off percentage: .555*

Why Kesler Is a Great Penalty Killer

Donna McWilliam / AP Photo

Every time we took this silent assassin off the list, we put him back on again. Yeah, the guy was persistent, all right. He treated every PK situation as though it was his last.

From hits to blocked shots to face-off percentage, the two-time Selke Trophy runner-up routinely was on the short list among forwards. If we had to pick somebody to secure a 50-50 puck to save Planet Earth, he just might be the one.

21. Rod BrindA’mour

Carolina Hurricanes' Rod Brind'Amour celebrates his goal

Chuck Burton / AP Photo

Position: Center

Career: 20 seasons (1989-2010)

Teams: St. Louis Blues (1988-91), Philadelphia Flyers (1991-2000), Carolina Hurricanes (2000-10)

Career shorthanded points: 28/28/56

Career face-off percentage: .594*

Why BrindA’mour Is a Great Penalty Killer

Rod Brind'Amour smiles during team practice

Gerry Broome / AP Photo

This workout warrior ranks a fraction of a point behind Joe Nieuwendyk in career face-off percentage. This didn’t come by accident — he could recite the tendencies of opponents and even linesmen like his telephone number. The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder used unmatched lower body strength to full advantage in the corners and slot area as well.

After he left the Flyers — surprise! — he spent far less time in the penalty box himself. He’s one of six back-to-back Selke Trophy winners, although some voters were no doubt swayed by his points totals.

20. Doug Gilmour

Toronto Blue Maple Leafs' Doug Gilmour watches as Chicago Blackhawks' Ed Belfour makes save

Fred Jewell / AP Photo

Position: Center

Career: 20 seasons (1983-2003)

Teams: St. Louis Blues (1983-88), Calgary Flames (1988-92), Toronto Maple Leafs (1992-97, 2003), New Jersey Devils (1997-98), Chicago Blackhawks (1998-2000), Buffalo Sabres (2000-01), Montreal Canadiens (2001-03)

Career shorthanded points: 18/26/44

Career face-off percentage: N/A

Why Gilmour Is a Great Penalty Killer

Toronto Maple Leafs players celebrate goal

John Discher / AP Photo

A fierce competitor and efficient face-off man who received as much as he gave, Dougie was the rope who dragged many a team through two minutes of hell. “He’s not a big man, but he’s got the heart of a lion,” Maple Leafs teammate Ken Baumgartner said of him.

No opponent threw a blanket over Wayne Gretzky back in the day, naturally, but this perennial Selke Trophy candidate came about as close as any on a consistent basis.

19. Jere Lehtinen

Mark J. Terrill / AP Photo

Position: Right wing

Career: 14seasons (1995-2010)

Teams: Dallas Stars (1995-2010)

Career shorthanded points: 9/12/21

Career face-off percentage: N/A

Why Lehtinen Is a Great Penalty Killer

Ann Heisenfelt / AP Photo

While this Fin didn’t possess the offensive skills of his idol Jari Kurri — then again, how many did? — he became a dominant player in his own right at the other end. His game was as well-rounded and fundamentally correct as any of his era. “He does the same things over and over and over, and he always does them right,” his coach Dave Tippett said.

In his three Selke Trophy seasons, the Stars finished second, fifth and sixth in PK success rate.

18. Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Gretzky passes Gregg Sheppard during first period

AP Photo

Position: Center

Career: 20 seasons (1979-99)

Teams: WHA Indianapolis Racers (1978), WHA Edmonton Oilers (1978-79), Edmonton Oilers (1979-88), Los Angeles Kings (1988-96), St. Louis Blues (1996), New York Rangers (1996-99)

Career shorthanded points: 73/76/149

Career face-off percentage: N/A

Why Gretzky Is a Great Penalty Killer

Chris O’Meara / AP Photo

The Great One didn’t fit the mold of the traditional penalty killer, but the guy always was the exception, wasn’t he? Unparalleled anticipation, uncommon quickness and an uncanny ability to finish allowed the all-time leader in shorthanded goals to play defense through offense, and nobody did it better before or since.

No. 99 fun fact: His career-high 12 shorties in the 1983-84 season represented nearly one-quarter of the goals that the New Jersey Devils scored on the power play.

17. Mike Richards

Steve Nesius / AP Photo

Position: Center

Career: 12 seasons (2005-16)

Teams: Philadelphia Flyers (2005-11), Los Angeles Kings (2011-15), Washington Capitals (2015-16)

Career shorthanded points: 28/10/38

Career face-off percentage: .502*

Why Richards Is a Great Penalty Killer

Mike Richards congratulated by Sami Kapanen

Charles Krupa / AP Photo

This 5-foot-11, 196-pounder was a middle linebacker on skates. The fearless captain was unafraid to stick his body in front of shots, rarely out of position and ever dependable on critical face-offs. He led the league in shorties on two occasions and was as effective in three-against-five situations as any player in recent memory.

So why did the Flyboys cast him aside in the prime of his career? The two-time champion Los Angeles Kings send their regards.

16. Butch Goring

Duane Sutter celebrates with Butch Goring

Ray Stubblebine / AP Photo

Position: Center

Career: 16 seasons (1969-85)

Teams: Los Angeles Kings (1969-80), New York Islanders (1980-84), Boston Bruins (1985)

Career shorthanded points: 39/9/48

Career face-off percentage: N/A

Why Goring Is a Great Penalty Killer

Butch Goring in action with Wayne Gretzsky

Richard Drew / AP Photo

An adept passer and face-off specialist, this 5-foot-9 dynamo was even better on breakaways. (Would he have cleaned up in shootouts or what?)

Robert Goring fun fact: He owned the record for most shorthanded goals in league history … for 15 months. Then Wayne You-Know-Who took the record and ran away with it.

15. Brian Rolston

Minnesota Wild's Brian Rolston slides puck under St. Louis Blues goalie Reinhard Divis

Tom Olmscheid / AP Photo

Position: Center

Career: 17 seasons (1994-2012)

Teams: New Jersey Devils (1994-99, 2008-11), Colorado Avalanche (1999-2000), Boston Bruins (2000-04), Minnesota North Stars (2005-08), New York Islanders (2011-12)

Career shorthanded points: 33/10/43

Career face-off percentage: .437*

Why Rolston Is a Great Penalty Killer

Ed Betz / AP Photo

Size, versatility and a slap-shot addiction set this Lake Superior State product apart from the rest. The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder could play the wing positions equally well.

He ranks 14th in shorthanded goals in league history — and that doesn’t include another half-dozen in the postseason (sixth overall). He received Selke Trophy votes in five consecutive seasons.

14. Jari Kurri

Damian Dovarganes / AP Photo

Position: Right wing

Career: 17 seasons (1980-98)

Teams: WHA Finland (1978-79), Edmonton Oilers (1980-90), Los Angeles Kings (1991-96), New York Rangers (1996), Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (1996-97), Colorado Avalanche (1997-98)

Career shorthanded points: 39/43/82

Career face-off percentage: N/A

Why Kurri Is a Great Penalty Killer

John Hayes / AP Photo

Sure, Gretzky scored most of the points while the Oilers were a man short, all right. But it was the original Finnish Flash (sorry, Teemu Selanne) who allowed The Great One to freelance but received too little credit for it.

He was easily their best penalty killer and most underrated defender, as evidenced by his four consecutive top-five finishes in the Selke Trophy race.

13. Michael Peca

New York Islanders' Michael Peca splits between Tampa Bay Lightning defenders

Chris O’Meara / AP Photo

Position: Center

Career: 14 seasons (1993-2009)

Teams: Vancouver Canucks (1993-95), Buffalo Sabres (1996-2000), New York Islanders (2001-04), Edmonton Oilers (2005-06), Toronto Maple Leafs (2006-07), Columbus Blue Jackets (2007-09)

Career shorthanded points: 25/24/49

Career face-off percentage: .514*

Why Peca Is a Great Penalty Killer

Jay LaPrete / AP Photo

Some considered Captain Crunch to be hyper-competitive. Others called him a dirty sonofa%$#@! Calm down, kids, here’s something that we can agree on — there was no more dominant defender and face-off specialist from the 1996-97 through 2003-04 seasons.

He won the Selke Trophy in 1997 and 2002, was the runner-up in 1998, finished no worse than fifth four times and sat out the other season courtesy of a Darcy Tucker cheapshot.

12. John Madden

New Jersey Devils' John Madden turns to celebrate

Julie Jacobson / AP Photo

Position: Center

Career: 13 seasons (1998-2012)

Teams: New Jersey Devils (1998-2009, Chicago Blackhawks (2009-10), Minnesota Wild (2010-11), Florida Panthers (2011-12)

Career shorthanded points: 18/11/29

Career face-off percentage: .523*

Why Madden Is a Great Penalty Killer

Tim Larsen / AP Photo

This 5-foot-11 Rottweiler by way of the Toronto projects almost never played on the first or second lines let alone in an All-Star Game. All Mad Dog could do was silence the big shooters and win Stanley Cups (three with two different teams.) “He plays with a chip on his shoulder, and it isn’t a small one,” teammate Bobby Holik once said.

The Meechigan man was a Selke Award recipient once and the runner-up on two occasions.

11. Dave Poulin

Tom Mihalek / AP Photo

Position: Center

Career: 13 seasons (1983-1995)

Teams: Philadelphia Flyers (1982-90), Boston Bruins (1990-93), Washington Capitals (1993-95)

Career shorthanded points: 39/32/71

Career face-off percentage: N/A

Why Poulin Is a Great Penalty Killer

Dave Poulin in action against New York Rangers

Ron Frehm / AP Photo

“Defense to me is like cleaning,” the one-time Flyboys captain said. “It’s hard work. If you have a willingness to learn and a willingness to do it, you can do it.”

Who would have thunk that this undrafted overachiever not only would do it, but that he also would rank No. 5 on the all-time shorties list as well? The 1987 Selke Trophy winner overcame a lack of flash and size with deceptive athleticism, keen attention to detail and ample sense of pride and team. He also was expert on draws and more physical than his 5-foot-11 frame would have one believe.

10. Ed Westfall

New York Islanders Ed Westfall shakes hands with Pittsburgh Penguins Pierre Larouche

Gene Blyth / AP Photo

Position: Right-wing defense

Career: 18 seasons (1961-79)

Teams: Boston Bruins (1961-1972), New York Islanders (1972-79)

Career shorthanded points: 26/40/66

Career face-off percentage: N/A

Why Westfall Is a Great Penalty Killer

New York Islanders Ed Westfall and Soviet Wings' Sergei Bobinov exchange gifts

Harry Harris / AP Photo

This converted defenseman was the ying to Derek Sanderson’s yang, an ideal complement whose size, smarts and deceptive speed made for one of the best pairs in puck history. While his primary role was to shadow the Bobby Hulls of the hockey world, this steady Eddie also could score himself.

For 14 seasons, he owned or shared the league record for most career shorties (eight) in the postseason. Really, did the Bruins make a big mistake when they left him unprotected in the 1972 expansion draft or what?

9. Bob Gainey

SnipeNCellyPod / Twitter

Position: Left wing

Career: 15 seasons (1973-89)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens (1973-89)

Career shorthanded points: 20/14/34

Career face-off percentage: N/A

Why Gainey Is a Great Penalty Killer

hockey_samurai / Twitter

Frank Selke won the Gainey Award a record four times. Or maybe Gainey won the Selke Award a record four times, we forget. Either way, one could argue that this all-time shutdown defender is a tad underrated in this spot, but Les Canadiens had so many accomplished PKers in his day — how d’ya do, Pierre Mondou? — the team captain frequently was saved for more critical situations.

He was fast, smart and physical, a relentless forechecker who could disrupt a power play all by himself.

8. Patrice Bergeron

Boston Bruins' Patrice Bergeron scores against St. Louis Blues goaltender Manny Legace

Kyle Ericson / AP Photo

Position: Center

Career: 17 seasons (2003-present)

Teams: Boston Bruins (2003-present)

Career shorthanded points: 18/22/40

Career face-off percentage: .583*

Why Bergeron Is a Great Penalty Killer

Patrice Bergeron scores and celebrates with fans

Charles Krupa / AP Photo

Every penalty kill begins with a face-off, and who better to take it than this team captain especially in the D zone? Check out that crazy number. The Beantown lifer is akin to a traffic cop on the ice, a leader who directs teammates, blocks shots, turns areas into no passing zones and chips in with the odd goal.

In his 13 seasons as a PK regular, the B’s ranked in the upper half in success rate in all except one of them. If a lot of this sounds like a Joe Sakic clone, then it’s no coincidence. The one-time Colorado Avalanche captain was his boyhood idol.

7. Sergei Fedorov

Detroit Red Wings center Sergei Fedorov scores winning goal

Brian K. Diggs / AP Photo

Position: Center-defense

Career: 18 seasons (1990-2009)

Teams: Detroit Red Wings (1990-2003), Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (2003-05), Columbus Blue Jackets (2006-08), Washington Capitals (2008-09)

Career shorthanded points: 36/31/67

Career face-off percentage: .558*

Why Fedorov Is a Great Penalty Killer

Sergei Fedorov celebrates teammate Nicklas Lidstrom's goal

Danny Moloshok / AP Photo

When the spirit moved him, this in-and-outer was in his own stratosphere. The guy was smoother than Captain Morgan, an effortless skater and magical stick-handler who excelled on draws. So strong was his lower body, he was rarely off balance or pushed off the puck.

Teammate Steve Yzerman said that the Russky was the greatest talent he ever laid eyes on — and the Hall of Famer was around 22 seasons.

6. Steve Yzerman

Detroit Red Wings' Steve Yzerman scores second period goal

John F. Martin / AP Photo

Position: Center

Career: 22 seasons (1983-2006)

Teams: Detroit Red Wings (1983-2006)

Career shorthanded points: 50/33/83

Career face-off percentage: N/A

Why Yzerman Is a Great Penalty Killer

Steve Yzerman lifts the Stanley Cup after Detroit swept Philadelphia Flyers in best of seven series

Carlos Osorio / AP Photo

Stevie Y. had it all — smarts, athleticism, leadership and testosterone. There was no quit in his game, and God help the teammate who half-assed it. The team captain was an elite skater whose exceptional lateral movement and instincts allowed him to clog the lanes and force turnovers.

And when he was off to the races, it was look out, Loretta. He had five seasons of a half-dozen shorties or more, and his 50 overall rank fifth in league history.

5. Craig Ramsay

AP Photo

Position: Left wing

Career: 14 seasons (1971-1985)

Teams: Buffalo Sabres (1971-85)

Career shorthanded points: 27/20/47

Career face-off percentage: N/A

Why Ramsay Is a Great Penalty Killer

MLB_News247 / Twitter

Plus-minus ratings can be tricky, but when a player is plus-324 over 13 seasons and finishes in the black in every one of them, that’s not an accident. That’s a full-blown trend.A bunch of those plusses came a man or two short, when this winger was as fundamentally sound and consistently effective as any penalty killer in hockey history.

In 13 seasons as a PK regular, the one-time Selke Trophy and three-time runner-up never played with a team that finished outside the top eight in success rate. Oh, did we mention that he didn’t miss a game in eight consecutive seasons?

4. Bobby Clarke

CEH / AP Photo

Position: Center

Career: 15 seasons (1969-84)

Teams: Philadelphia Flyers

Career shorthanded points: 32/35/67

Career face-off percentage: N/A

Why Clarke Is a Great Penalty Killer

Philadelphia Flyers' Bobby Clarke scores

Bill Kostroun / AP Photo

This Broad Street Bully had everything except exceptional skating ability and a full complement of front teeth. While the team captain was beyond tenacious as a checker and highly effective on draws, it was his piss-and-vinegar leadership and will to win that elevated him to all-time status.

The one-time Selke Trophy winner would do anything and everything to carry his team through two minutes of pummel and torment, legal or otherwise. He also knew that refs were highly reluctant to put teams two men down, which gave him a license to hack and wack even more.

3. Dave Keon

GO_H4BS_GO / Twitter

Position: Center

Career: 18 seasons (1960-75, 1979-82)

Teams: Toronto Maple Leafs (1960-75), Minnesota Fighting Saints (1975-77), Indianapolis Racers (1976), New England Whalers (1976-79), Hartford Whalers (1979-82)

Career shorthanded points: 32/16/48

Career face-off percentage: N/A

Why Keon Is a Great Penalty Killer

hockey_samurai / Twitter

Talk about magic on ice. This 5-foot-9, 165-pounder may be the best forechecker in league history, a one-man wrecking ball who could thwart a power play almost before it started. The guy was a master at cat and mouse with the puck carrier, so nimble on his feet that he could pounce in a heartbeat.

His active stick and silky mitts produced more turnovers than Tim Hortons, many of which he turned into red lights at the other end. He was no slouch at the face-off dot, either. Add nine SHGs in the WHA to his career total, and he’s No. 5 in pro hockey history.

2. Guy Carbonneau

Guy Carbonneau knocks airborne puck away from Pittsburgh Penguins

Bill Janscha / AP Photo

Position: Center

Career: 19 seasons (1980-2000)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens (1980-94), St. Louis Blues (1994-95), Dallas Stars (1995-2000)

Career shorthanded points: 33/17/50

Career face-off percentage: N/A

Why Carbonneau Is a Great Penalty Killer

Guy Carbonneau with teammates and Stanley Cup

LM Otero / AP Photo

They were among the six most-heard words in hockey for two decades. The shot is blocked by Carbonneau … Too bad the league didn’t track the category back then because his numbers would have been off the charts. Hands, wheels, grit, hockey sense … he was a PKer without a weakness.

And if there was a more consistent defender ever, the name escapes us at the moment. The three-time Selke Trophy winner finished among the top five in eight consecutive seasons.

1. Derek Sanderson

Derek Sanderson in action against Chicago Blackhawks

Fred Jewell / AP Photo

Position: Center

Career: 13 seasons (1965-78)

Teams: Boston Bruins (1965-74), WHA Philadelphia Blazers (1972), New York Rangers (1974-75), St. Louis Blues (1975-77), Vancouver Canucks (1977), Pittsburgh Penguins (1977)

Career shorthanded points: 24/19/43

Career face-off percentage: N/A

Why Sanderson Is a Great Penalty Killer

Derek Sanderson and Lou Nanne battle for puck

AP Photo

Why did we put this long-haired sexpot on top? Easy — historical significance and all-around dominance. It was Turk who elevated the PK role to that of an offensive weapon at any moment. Know who scored the most shorthanded goals per game in the regular season and postseason. Well, you do now.

By 29, he already owned the record for most shorties in league history. Yet this spit disturber could do a whole lot more. He was a shrewd forechecker and death on face-offs and liked to stir the pot. Call us crazy — thank you — but we would have paid full price to watch this guy work his magic, locks blowin’, women faintin’, foes seethin’, fans a-roarin’.