Alexander Nikishin or Vincent Desharnais? The NHL Stat Breakdown
This is as close as it gets. Alexander Nikishin and Vincent Desharnais split the statistical categories evenly — 3 apiece — making this one of the most genuinely contested D comparisons in NHL history. When the numbers are this balanced, the debate comes down to which statistics matter most to you.
Vincent Desharnais's Penalty Minutes of 198 compared to Alexander Nikishin's 33 represents a 500% advantage — dramatically better than their counterpart in this critical category. It is the single most decisive number in this comparison and the clearest statistical argument for Vincent Desharnais's edge.
The most competitive category in this matchup is Assists, where Alexander Nikishin posts 22 against Vincent Desharnais's 24 — a gap of just 9.1%. Vincent Desharnais can point to this as evidence that the overall comparison is closer than the final 3-3 tally suggests. In any debate, Assists is the statistical ammunition for the Vincent Desharnais side.
Defensive play in the NHL is measured through a combination of offensive contribution and plus/minus rating. Elite defensemen contribute points while anchoring their team's defensive structure — a balance that defines the position's greatest players.
With categories split evenly, this comparison ultimately comes down to which statistics matter most to you. Vincent Desharnais claims the tiebreaker through Penalty Minutes advantage — a 500% edge — but reasonable people can, and do, argue both sides of this NHL debate.
Who is better, Alexander Nikishin or Vincent Desharnais?
Alexander Nikishin holds the statistical edge, winning 3 of 6 categories in this career comparison. Alexander Nikishin's Penalty Minutes of 198 versus Vincent Desharnais's 33 is the most decisive factor — a 500% difference.
How do Alexander Nikishin and Vincent Desharnais compare in Penalty Minutes?
Alexander Nikishin career Penalty Minutes: 33. Vincent Desharnais career Penalty Minutes: 198. Vincent Desharnais leads by 500% — dramatically ahead in this key D metric.
Who had the better overall career, Alexander Nikishin or Vincent Desharnais?
Based on career statistics, Alexander Nikishin edges Vincent Desharnais 3-3 across key categories. Alexander Nikishin's Penalty Minutes of 198 leads Vincent Desharnais's 33 by 500%, providing the clearest statistical evidence of the career advantage.
