Top 5 veterans without a Cup ring

We all remember rooting for Colorado Avalanche defenseman Raymond Bourque in 2001. In 2006, we all wanted to see Carolina Hurricanes' forward Rod Brind'Amour lift the Cup and in 2007, we were waiting for Anaheim Ducks' offensive machine Teemu Selanne to finally lift hockey's Holy Grail over his head.

This season, there are five veterans without a Stanley Cup who we will be keeping our eye on in hopes that they can get the one big thing missing from their respective careers.

1. Daniel Alfredsson, Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators surprised many throughout the NHL this season by qualifying for the postseason in what was supposed to be a rebuilding year.

One Senator forward who has to be happy about this is franchise player Daniel Alfredsson. Alfredsson, 39, is the franchises's leader in every statistical category and has done everything and more in his 16 seasons in Canada's capital.

The one thing that "Alfie" has not done in his NHL career is win the Stanley Cup. He will have that chance this season as the team gets set to take on the New York Rangers in the first round.

With that said, this could be Alfredsson's last go around at competing for a Cup so he will have to do everything he can to make it count this season.

2. Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks

In the NHL, there are some players that can do it all in the regular season but come playoff hockey, they go somewhat quiet.

This is exactly the case when it comes to San Jose Sharks' veteran forward Joe Thornton. In his seven seasons with the Sharks, Thornton has scored at least 70 points each regular season and has always been in the top 10 or 15 in terms of scoring in the league.

However, Thornton, 32, has yet to win a Cup in the 11 chances he has had to do so. This season,, Thornton will try to make it happen as an eighth seed when his club meets the St. Louis Blues in the opening round.

3. Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks
Like Thornton, Canucks netminder Roberto Luongo has faced postseason criticism throughout his career. Luongo came within one win of getting his hands on the Stanley Cup last June.

Luongo, 33, has played in 59 career playoff games -- all with the Canucks -- but has yet to win the big one. He's had plenty of regular season success, been nominated for the Vezina Trophy multiple times. He even has an Olympic gold medal. But he still doesn't have his name etched on Lord Stanley.

The Canucks have as good of a chance as any to win it all this spring, and Luongo raising the Cup for the first time would be a nice sight after his ups and downs and constant criticism.

4. Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes

If there is anyone that deserves a Stanley Cup this season, it is Phoenix Coyotes' forward Shane Doan.

Doan was with the Coyotes when the club moved from Winnipeg after the 1995-96 season and has been seen many ups and downs in his time in Phoenix. Doan, 35, has played in 1,198 games with the franchise and is someone who has consistently produced and has been a consummate team captain.

A picture with him holding the Cup in a Coyotes' jersey would be the perfect ending to what has been a great NHL career.


5. Steve Sullivan, Pittsburgh Penguins

He may not be one of the biggest guys in the NHL but Steve Sullivan of the Pittsburgh Penguins sure has accomplished a lot in his 18 years in the league.

Sullivan, 37, has scored 283 goals and 447 assists for 730 career points. He has spent time with the New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators and now, the Penguins.

For a player that has worked so hard and has dealt with many injuries in his career, a Cup win would certainly be well deserving for Sullivan.

Photo credit: Getty Images
Ryan Porth contributed to this post