In the NHL, it's easy not to like anyone on the other team. A sport where guys grind it out and physically check each other into the boards is sure to spawn some athletes that are universally hated.
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Several players leave a bad taste in the mouths of pretty much everyone affiliated with the sport. In a game where it's perfectly legal to get into a fight with your opponent, that's bound to happen.
Heading into the 2015-16 season, there is no shortage of players to hate throughout the league. Here's a look at five of the least popular people to lace up their skates heading into the new campaign.
5) Sidney Crosby
One could make the argument that people hate the Penguins captain because they wish they had such a difference-maker on their team. The counter to that would be that many fans dislike Crosby because he whines, bitches and moans non-stop. Crosby developed the reputation for being a "whiner" early in his career and it hasn't faded. He also is a bit of a flopper, falling to the ground at the slightest contact as though he were shot in the head.
4) Evander Kane
At age 24, he still has time to turn his image around and there is some hope that a fresh start in Buffalo will do the trick. Kane is not only rich, but he flaunts his wealth on social media, frequently posing with money on Instagram like a giant douche. Kane's act grew tired with the Jets last year as Winnipeg's Dustin Byfuglien threw his clothes in the shower to send a message to him. He was everntually dealt to the Sabres soon after.
3) Corey Perry
The Ducks star is one of the best goal-scorers in the league, but it's his post-whistle antics that get him on this list. Perry can dazzle the eyes by lighting the lamp with impressive stick work, but he can also draw the ire of fans with his stick away from the puck. Perry is known for slashing and digging into players with his stick, and he won't hesitate to hit their head with his twig if it's close to the puck.
2) Steve Downie
The Avalanche winger earned a reputation as a dirty player early on in his career and has injured a lot of players along the way. After a history of getting banned at the junior level, it didn't take long for that behavior to transfer to the NHL. Downie was suspended for 20 games in his first NHL season after leaping off the ice to check Dean McAmmond into the boards in the 2007-08 campaign. Downie served a second 20 game suspension the following season, this time in the AHL, for slashing a linesman.
1) Brad Marchand
Sometimes you can hate a person by just looking at their face, and while that's certainly the case with the Bruins forward, it's not the only reason. Marchand is known for running his mouth, but he also dives all over the place and takes cheap shots any time he has an opportunity to. Out of all of his many nicknames, "Brat" seems to be most fitting.
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