When we think about the many greats that have donned the "C" such as Gretzky, Lemieux, and Orr, what made them so revered was the leadership qualities they owned.
They were the players that were looked up to in those dire moments and were always ones that showed with both their play and demeanor that they could be counted on. Captains that could lead their teams to greatness.
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Here are the top five current captains who embody such characteristics (you can vote on who you think is the best bel:
5. Joe Pavelski
Though he is enjoying just his first season as the captain of the San Jose Sharks, Joe Pavelski has already proved that he is among the league's best.
Since the 2013-14 season, only Alex Ovechkin has scored more goals than Pavelski, who has tallied 114, averaging 38 goals per season.
He is a vocal leader - especially in the locker room - something that last season's Road to the Winter Classic exposed when Pavelski went on a profanity-laced speech to pump his team up during a February game against the Arizona Coyotes.
Putting his money where his mouth was, Pavelski would go on to lead his team to victory by scoring a hat trick following his rant, proving why he was worthy of the club's captaincy.
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4. Jamie Benn
Jamie Benn is following up his Art Ross-winning season with another career-year. While he remains 15 points behind Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane for the league lead in points - still good enough for second place - he has eclipsed two personal bests.
His 41 goals mark the first time the 26-year-old has surpassed the 40-goal mark, while his 88 points are one more than his league-leading 87 from last season.
He, unlike many captains, has proved that he is not afraid to get physical and dish out devastating hits while lighting the league up offensively as well.
There is nothing Benn can't and won't do for his team.
3. Alex Ovechkin
If he can manage three goals in the Washington Capitals' final two games, Alex Ovechkin will hit the 50-goal mark for the seventh time in his 11-year career.
The 30-year-old has become the pinnacle of scoring in the NHL, tied for 34th all-time and with the fifth highest goals per game average in league history.
However, Ovechkin has been just as dangerous away from the puck. He sits 18th in the league with 225 hits through 78 games.
Ovechkin has already become the highest scoring Russian of all-time and will one day go down as one of the best pure goal-scorers to play the game.
2. Jonathan Toews
"Captain Serious."
Jonathan Toews has in large part, helped to turn the Blackhawks into the powerhouse they are now.
He earned the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2015, was named the 2010 Conn Smythe Trophy Winner, and in 2013 proved he is not just a one-dimensional player, capturing the Selke Trophy.
He has two Olympic gold medals, three Stanley Cups, a World Junior gold, and is the youngest player to join the Triple Gold Club.
He has won everywhere while always being a catalyst for his team's successes. Sure he is serious, but winning is serious business.
1. Sidney Crosby
Unless you're a goaltender in the NHL, there is no reason to hate Sidney Crosby.
The Pittsburgh Penguins captain has been the face of the league ever since he stepped on to its ice and he has carried himself as a captain should ever since.
His season got off to a horrific start this year with the 28-year-old going pointless in the first five games of the season and nine of his first 11. He has since mustered a 12-game point streak and an eight-game point streak in his last 21 games, bumping him up to third in league scoring.
He has taken his team on his back this season after the club got off to a rocky start and then-leading scorer Evgeni Malkin went down with an injury.
He has captained his country to an Olympic and World Championship gold all while being a model citizen. And yes, he is still the best player in the game.
