Creating The Perfect Player

Ice Vision
SIDNEY CROSBY, Penguins

For all his attributes, it's how he sees a play developing that makes the center transcendent. Says winger Colby Armstrong, "He tells me I was open. I tell him I wasn't. I look at the film, and he's right."

Cool Under Fire
CHRIS DRURY, Rangers

No butterflies in this stomach. Drury's ethereal calm when the game is on the line helps explain why the eight-year veteran has so many clutch goals--including 15 game-winners--in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Slap Shot
SHELDON SOURAY, Oilers

No contest. His shot hit 100 mph in the All-Star skills competition, and no one's slapper is more lethal in games than Souray's. His 19 power-play goals last season set a record for defensemen.

Punching Power
DEREK BOOGAARD, Wild

They don't call him the Boogey Man for nothing. His single-blow KOs are legend, and there are few players left who will even fight him. The reach of the 6' 7" 270-pounder is as scary as his power.

Strong Skating
ALEX OVECHKIN, Capitals

The thick-thighed, 6' 2", 220-pound winger has astonishing balance: Once last season he cut a turn so tightly while carrying the puck that the rivets fastening the blade to his boot popped loose.