With the Stanley Cup Finals set to start tomorrow night, much emphasis has been made on how Alexander Ovechkin has yet to win a Stanley Cup.

I feel this would impact his legacy greatly if he is not able to do so in the remainder of his career.

Here are my Top Five Players Without a Stanley Cup.

5. Joe Thornton

’98-’06 BOS, ’06-’18 SJS:

Joe Thornton has played 1,493 games in his career recording 397 goals, and 1,030 assists.

Thornton has played in six All-Star Games, and has made one Stanley Cup Finals appearance; losing to Pittsburgh in 2016.

After being traded from Boston to San Jose in 2006, Thornton was awarded the Art Ross Trophy for points leader, and Hart Memorial Trophy for league’s most valuable player.

Thornton has had two 100 point seasons.

4. Darryl Sittler

’71-’82 TOR, ’82-’84 PHI, ’85 DET:

Darryl Sittler played in 1,096 games recording 484 goals, and 637 assists.

Sittler also played in four All-Star Games, along with having six 40 goal seasons.

In February of 1976, Sittler set the record for most points scored in a game scoring 6 goals, and 4 assists against the Boston Bruins.

Sittler was never able to make one Stanley Cup Finals appearance.

3. Jarome Iginla

’96-’13 CGY, ’13 PIT, ’14 BOS, ’15-’17 COL, ’17 LAK:

Jarome Iginla has played a total of 1,554 games recording 625 goals, and 675 assists, for a total of 1,300 points.A six time All-Star, Iginla was able to win the Art Ross Trophy in 2002 for league leader in points, along with the Rocket Richard Trophy in 2002, and 2004 leading the league in goals.

Iginla has also had two 50 goal seasons, along with eleven 30 goal seasons.

Leading the Flames to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2004 is the only time Iginla has made a Finals appearance.

2. Dale Hawerchuk

’82-’90 WPG, ’91-’95 BUF, ’96 STL, ’96-’97 PHI:

Dale Hawerchuk probably had the hardest opponent in his division for much of his career, Wayne Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers.

Despite this, Hawerchuk still played in five All-Star Games, and recorded 518 goals, and 891 assists in his 1,188 games played.

Hawerchuk also had six 100 point seasons, seven 40 goal seasons, and one 50 goal season.

In 1982 Hawerchuk was awarded the Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year.

It is interesting to wonder what Hawerchuk and his Jets could have done, had they not had to go through the Oilers.

1. Eric Lindros

’93-’00 PHI, ’02-’04 NYR, ’06 TOR, ’07 DAL:

Eric Lindros was a revolutionary player, he could hit, and score.

Due to this style of play, Lindros suffered several concussions limiting his career to just 760 games.

However, even in this short of a career, Lindros was able to score 372 goals, and 493 assists, for a total of 865 points.

Lindros played in seven All-Star Games, and also had four 40 goal seasons.

To add to his scoring stats, Lindros had a total of 1,398 penalty minutes.

Awarded the Hart Memorial for league MVP in 1995, Lindros was able to use that accomplishment to fuel a Philadelphia Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 1997; ultimately being swept by a power house Detroit Red Wings team.

In my opinion, Eric Lindros is the greatest player to never win a Stanley Cup, simply due to the fact that he was able to revolutionize a position, but yet never achieve the ultimate goal.

Photo Source:

Eric Lindros: http://www.si.com

Eric Lindros All-Star: http://www.pinterest.com

Dale Hawerchuk: http://www.winnipegjetsonline.com

Darryl Sittler: http://www.huffingtonpost.com

Joe Thornton Bruins: http://www.pinterest.com

Joe Thornton San Jose: http://www.mercurynews.clm

Jarome Iginla Goal: http://www.calgaryherald.com

Jarome Iginla Faceoff: http://www.ottawacitizen.ca

Featured: http://www.dalehawerchuk.com

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