Is Niklas Kronwall the best open ice hitter in the NHL.?

Question

I'm referring to active players, not all time.

Answer 1

Totally by far... I love to see them hits!

Answer 2

would his hit's be as punishing if he didnt jump into most of them?

Answer 3

He needs to keep his feet on the ground or he'll get called in game #3 - but he is good.  the best?  I don't know, a lot to choose from, but he's making a mark.

Answer 4

Love them Kronwallian hits eh!!

Answer 5

No doubt that Kronwall is good, but I think the best in the league right now may be Anton Volchenkov.  

Here's a one minute video from YouTube that are some hightlights, but many of his best hits aren't even included here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k0ZUyioX...

Answer 6

I agree with Shock and Out....he's very good at being where he needs to be, but he needs to keep his feet on the ice a lot of the time.

Answer 7

that boy is a freight train.....he's beastly

Answer 8

I don't think he's the best in the league but he's one of only a few defensemen that look to make big hits in the offensive zone.  Most are looking to hit players as they cross over the blue line into the defensive zone.  

I agree with others, he has to keep his feet down.

Answer 9

He is scary good at finding his target on the ice.

He is a game changer.

Answer 10

Like many have said, he does leave his feet a little too much.  Luckily hes short though so those hits arent usually to the head, which is the main reason I think you arent allowed to leave your feet in the first place.  He didnt show too many of these hits in the regular season, but I think hes averaging at least one HUGE hit a game since the playoffs started.  Thats pretty impressive, especially like the post a few above mine said they are in the offensive zone.

Answer 11

He's in the top 5 I'd say. He was awfully close to charging yesterday though.

Answer 12

I'll still take Dion Phaneuf over Kronwall.

The links are in the source.  The one they called a penalty on was a bad call.

Answer 13

I don't know if he's the best but he is definitely up there. He looks to for those hits right when they are by their own blue line. Those hits help keep the other team scared and forcing passes and such. I agree sometimes they could be called for charging when he leaves his feet, but not all of the are charges. I'm waiting for a Kronwall hit on Crosby.

Answer 14

this one is easy OHHHHHHHHHHH YA

Answer 15

Phaneuf is a better open ice hitter.

Answer 16

I don't think he is the best in the NHL, but he is the best still playing.