Fri Jan 02 00:30:00 UTC 2026: News Article:

USA TODAY Sports Names NHL All Quarter-Century Team, Crosby and Ovechkin Lead the Pack

In a series celebrating the best in sports over the last 25 years, USA TODAY Sports has unveiled its NHL All Quarter-Century Team, recognizing the top players of the 21st century (2000-01 onwards). The list is unsurprisingly headlined by generational talents Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, whose arrival in the league after the 2004-05 lockout provided a much-needed boost to the NHL.

First Team Highlights:

  • Forwards: Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins), Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals), Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning)
  • Defense: Nicklas Lidstrom (Detroit Red Wings), Zdeno Chara (Ottawa Senators/Boston Bruins/Washington Capitals/New York Islanders)
  • Goalie: Marc-Andre Fleury (Pittsburgh Penguins/Vegas Golden Knights/Chicago Blackhawks/Minnesota Wild)

Second Team Standouts:

  • Forwards: Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers), Brad Marchand (Boston Bruins/Florida Panthers), Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks/New York Rangers/Detroit Red Wings)
  • Defense: Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning), Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings)
  • Goalie: Sergei Bobrovsky (Philadelphia Flyers/Columbus Blue Jackets/Florida Panthers)

Crosby’s impressive resume includes three Stanley Cups, two regular-season MVP awards, two playoff MVP awards, and recently surpassing Mario Lemieux as the Penguins’ all-time leading scorer. Ovechkin, meanwhile, etched his name in history last season by becoming the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, alongside three MVP awards and a Stanley Cup. Kucherov is a playmaking machine that has won two Stanley Cups.

The list also recognizes stalwart defensemen Nicklas Lidstrom and Zdeno Chara, who were both inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The second team features current stars like Connor McDavid, Brad Marchand, and Patrick Kane, along with elite defensemen Victor Hedman and Drew Doughty. The second team goalie is Sergei Bobrovsky.

This All Quarter-Century Team serves as a testament to the remarkable talent and impact of these players on the NHL throughout the 21st century.

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