Annoyance Might Make Me..

[Scott]

you yourself have called Perry and Toews the best... they're right there too.

They're personal favs of mine. My 2 favourite players in the NHL actually.

[Robin Hood]

i like to watch them more. well, not Ovy, but maybe that'll change.

Who doesn't like to watch OV play lol.

[Nick]

I don't like watching the caps a huge amount, and Ovy, although exciting, is not a player I'd have in my top 10 to watch. Yes, no doubt when he has the puck or is going for a big hit he's wicked awesome, but the rest of his game leaves a fair bit to be desired, IMO at least. His body language, positioning without the puck, some antics, too much floating, end of shifts, etc just isn't me. Love his drives to the net, and effort level when he is engaged.

[Robin Hood]

I don't like watching the caps a huge amount, and Ovy, although exciting, is not a player I'd have in my top 10 to watch. Yes, no doubt when he has the puck or is going for a big hit he's wicked awesome, but the rest of his game leaves a fair bit to be desired, IMO at least. His body language, positioning without the puck, some antics, too much floating, end of shifts, etc just isn't me. Love his drives to the net, and effort level when he is engaged.

I hear what you're saying from an analytical standpoint. But IMO, OV is the most electrifying player to watch in the NHL. Sid, Malkin, Stamkos, Datsyuk etc. all do amazing things too but OV is the best at making you jump out of your seat. Closest is Datsyuk in that department.

[Nick]

Once again, if you LOVE the 1 vs 1 stick skills Dats is better then Ovy, however for me I prefer watching Iggy, Getz, Benn, Toews, Richards, Staalx2 (although Eric had some bad tendencies last year IMO), Koivu, Kesler (when not diving or lipping), Kopitar, Nash (for Canada, don't really ever watch CBJ), Kulemin, etc. Hockey doesn't need to be fancy; great skating, good size, smart play and most important, a whole $hit load of hard work is my preferred recipe.

my one weird player that I like to watch who is out of line with the rest of my fav's is Kovalchuk, in terms of sheer offensive 'get out of your seat' excitement he's #1 IMO.

[MSP4LYFE]

OV and Sid are the two most exciting players to watch IMO, the way in which they can take over a game is unparalleled. After those two I enjoy watching Stamkos. Defensively it is Dion Phaneuf for me, and it is not even close.

[Nick]

On D I love Weber, Dion and Jaybo, Keith chasing a guy down or Fowler with the puck is neat too.

[Robin Hood]

Defensively it is Dion Phaneuf for me, and it is not even close.

For me it's Lidstrom. Most great defenders are very physical. I.e. Pronger, Chara, Weber. Lidstrom does it with positioning and his stick. It's amazing.

[Robin Hood]

Lol Lidstrom is +429 on his career. Anyone know where that is on the list in the last two decades? I'm having a tough time finding it on Google.

[Robin Hood]

Found it:

http://www.nhl.com/ice/careerstats.htm? ... AllSeasons

Lidstrom is #9 all time.

[shooker]

Defensively it is Dion Phaneuf for me, and it is not even close.

For me it's Lidstrom. Most great defenders are very physical. I.e. Pronger, Chara, Weber. Lidstrom does it with positioning and his stick. It's amazing.

What's even more amazing is that lidstrom does everything without taking penalties. I would honestly say lidstrom is the best player I have ever watched in his prime. Sadly I wasn't old enough for gretz and don't remember Mario. I wouldn't say lids is my fave to watch I just can't think ofa player I've watched who has controlled the game as much as he has for so long. The guy really is a generational talent and will be used as a benchmark for years to come. I am going to enjoy him this year as surely it is his last. I don't think I am exaggerating at all with these statements lol his career accomplishments speak for themselves.

[shooker]

My personal faves are toews, parise and e staal up front and without a doubt is DD on the backend, the kid has just scratched the surface of what he'll be.

[Robin Hood]

Defensively it is Dion Phaneuf for me, and it is not even close.

For me it's Lidstrom. Most great defenders are very physical. I.e. Pronger, Chara, Weber. Lidstrom does it with positioning and his stick. It's amazing.

What's even more amazing is that lidstrom does everything without taking penalties. I would honestly say lidstrom is the best player I have ever watched in his prime. Sadly I wasn't old enough for gretz and don't remember Mario. I wouldn't say lids is my fave to watch I just can't think ofa player I've watched who has controlled the game as much as he has for so long. The guy really is a generational talent and will be used as a benchmark for years to come. I am going to enjoy him this year as surely it is his last. I don't think I am exaggerating at all with these statements lol his career accomplishments speak for themselves.

The penalty minutes are honestly a god like number. He doesn't hit a lot either. People talk a lot about how Detroit has been such an amazing franchise for more than a decade and how their organization is solid top to bottom. Lidstrom IMO is the main reason why.

[Nick]

Lack of penalties is impressive, and disheartening. There are times when it's the right play, or when you need to stand up for a teammate. Weber had some stupid low # (like 6) penalties aside from fights and coincidental roughing one year, and that's as one of the most physical players in the NHL, he's gotta average the fewest minor penalties per hit in the NHL.



I think it's wrong to say Lidstrom is the MIAN reason... he's the very very good piece (elite) that has been there his entire career. But seriously Federov, Stevie Y + Shanny, seamless transition to Dats and Zetty, he's never lacked for elite all-start teammates. They're one of if not the best managed teams in hockey, yes he is a BIG reason why, but the quality of team influences his # too. Actual impact is hard to measure w/o trades and the such, no doubt one of the best in the most recent generation (well, last generation). His longevity is also beyond impressive.

[Scott]

Defensively it is Dion Phaneuf for me, and it is not even close.

For me it's Lidstrom. Most great defenders are very physical. I.e. Pronger, Chara, Weber. Lidstrom does it with positioning and his stick. It's amazing.

What's even more amazing is that lidstrom does everything without taking penalties. I would honestly say lidstrom is the best player I have ever watched in his prime. Sadly I wasn't old enough for gretz and don't remember Mario. I wouldn't say lids is my fave to watch I just can't think ofa player I've watched who has controlled the game as much as he has for so long. The guy really is a generational talent and will be used as a benchmark for years to come. I am going to enjoy him this year as surely it is his last. I don't think I am exaggerating at all with these statements lol his career accomplishments speak for themselves.

Spot on with Lids.. the guy is just as steady as they come! Not a flaw to his game imo, especially during his prime years.

Lemme tell you, Mario and Gretz were amazing. Nobody saw the ice like Wayne and nobody dominated a game like Mario. Sid and Ov don't even come close to these 2 guys, imho.

[Chris]

I feel like im pointing out the obvious, but Luke Schenn is bar-none the most physically engaging defenseman in the league and takes very few penalties. It's a bit frustrating because unlike Weber, he doesnt really have a mean streak. But for the most physical shutdown defenseman in the league, Schenn's 34 PIMS is just ridiculous. What i find amazing is that Schenn never really needs to sacrifice his body to make a hit - he's usually in superb/advantageous position when he plays the body.

But let's be clear; Lidstrom's longevity is due to using his stick and brain rather than his body. Few defensemen have been as prolific as Lidstrom has in his own end since Bourque.

Phaneuf's bruising style will catch up to him though. Look at guys like Jackman, Greene, and Orpik - their combative styles aren't conductive to a long career.

[Shep]

Phaneuf sucks.

[Nick]

Phaneuf sucks.

While this clearing isn't true. I don't believe the comparisons to Jackman, Greene and Orpik are valid either.



Chris your broner for Schenn is a little beyond the regular fantasy. No doubt he's insanely physical along the boards though.

[The BBKL Insider]

Defensively it is Dion Phaneuf for me, and it is not even close.

For me it's Lidstrom. Most great defenders are very physical. I.e. Pronger, Chara, Weber. Lidstrom does it with positioning and his stick. It's amazing.

What's even more amazing is that lidstrom does everything without taking penalties. I would honestly say lidstrom is the best player I have ever watched in his prime. Sadly I wasn't old enough for gretz and don't remember Mario. I wouldn't say lids is my fave to watch I just can't think ofa player I've watched who has controlled the game as much as he has for so long. The guy really is a generational talent and will be used as a benchmark for years to come. I am going to enjoy him this year as surely it is his last. I don't think I am exaggerating at all with these statements lol his career accomplishments speak for themselves.

Spot on with Lids.. the guy is just as steady as they come! Not a flaw to his game imo, especially during his prime years.

Lemme tell you, Mario and Gretz were amazing. Nobody saw the ice like Wayne and nobody dominated a game like Mario. Sid and Ov don't even come close to these 2 guys, imho.

I couldn't agree more,

IMO Mario is the best player to ever play hockey. No one could dominate a game like he could. Big, strong, soft hands, and amazing vision.

[Scott]

I couldn't agree more,

IMO Mario is the best player to ever play hockey. No one could dominate a game like he could. Big, strong, soft hands, and amazing vision.

Absolutely. The thing people forget about Mario was that he was one of the best defensive centres as well. The guy could literally do it all. I'd be willing to bet, if Mario was in his prime in this league he'd be the best BBKLer lol... he hit, PKed, obviously PP & incredible ES, elite FOWs, and huge +/-. Mario, imho was the greatest ever too. He could do anything.