I couldn't think of one good topic to write on, so I thought I would spawn some more opinionated questions in hopes for some more arguments from my Operation Delta Niner co-trooper, Captain Cock (Sporer)...If you were an NHL coach, WHO would you choose and WHAT would you do in these situations...
Shootout Shooting/Saving – Jussi Jokinen, common. I know y'all remember this guy. If Forsberg invented 'the Forsberg', then this guy mastered it. In goal, Hasek (we all remember Nagano don't we?) or Turco (his 76.5% is best in NHL history).
Up 1 goal, under 2 minutes... Faceoff Man – Yanic Perrault (retired) or Rod Brind'amour.
Forward on PP point? - If I could choose Malkin or maaaybe Kovi, I think they might be the only ones I would pick. Having lesser options like Jarret Stoll or Markus Naslund just don't justify the 2-0n-1 going the other way, if they mess up.
Best players play end of the game? - I'm going to say... Yes, they should. Hitchcock was able to mold Modano and Hull into a defensive system and they made 2 straight cup finals. They learned discipline and sacrifice. Maybe Vinny and Corey Perry could learn a few things...
18 year olds in NHL – Again, I'm going to say Yes. Usually it's the lottery bottom feeders with low expectations who use 18 year olds. Why not try them out with lower expectations, get a ear under their belts so they can start to re-build quicker.
Coach for New Franchise – I think Ron Wilson would be the best fit. He set the tone in Anaheim (Kariya & Selanne were 2-3 in scoring for a few years there) and he's turning heads in Toronto. I think he has proven he can work with young players in a new city...
5-on-3 PK Guys – Chara (long reach)/Volchenkov (Shot Blocking)/John Maddon (Best 2-way player in the game)
Now, just some random topics to debate over...
Which All-Star format... East/West vs. NA/World vs. Planet USA/Canada – NA/World. Hossa,
Ovi, Kovi, Malkin... Yikes. Vinny, Crosby, Iginla, Thornton... Yikes.
Best Euro Player – In today's league, I think it's Nik Lidstrom. All time... I thought about Kurri... Jagr... Sundin... I don't know enough about Stastney or Mikita to really consider them, but again, I think it just might be Lidstrom. He has the stats, the leadership AND the cups to back it up.
Headshots – KEEP THEM! Much like fighting, its just a gruesome part of the game. Plus, as long as it's not an Oiler, who doesn't like to see a guy get his bell rung every once in awhile? Like Donald S. Cherry says... KEEP YOUR HEAD UP KIDS!
Best 6th Man – I looked at 3 polls on sports websites. Montreal was #1 in all and Edmonton was #2 in all. But since im from Edmonton, and we have the LOUDEST fans, Oil fans for life. On a side note, that stupid song the Habs sing is a SOCCER SONG!
If you were Commish for a day, 1 rule change – Instigator Rule. Let the players police themselves. Sean Avery, Matt Cooke, Alex Burrows would all have been brought down a few notches already. Plus, have you seen the fans and players react during a fight? THEY LOVE IT!
Best back-up (who would accept the role) – Ty Conklin. We all saw what he did in Pittsburgh last year. Now he's been rewarded in Detroit. Could be the best addition in the off-season that no one know about...
Most Under Rated player – Adam Oates. He had more
points then anyone (expect Gretz of course) in the 90's!!! He was Brett Hull's center for Hull's most prolific 3 year span and has the most points of anyone NOT in the HOF.
Most inexcusable penalty – 4-minute high stick. Most high stick are careless as it is... adding the extra 2 is just a killer...
Goal horn – Oilers, Sabres, 'Hawks and (old-school) Caps. With Phoenix's Coyote Howl a close 5th...
'98 shootout lineup – (Theo Fleury, Ray Bourque, Joe Nieuwendyk, Eric Lindros, Brendan Shanahan), SHOULD BE Kariya, Shanahan, Gretz, Lindros, Sakic. How can they let Ray Bouraque shoot ahead of Gretz??? Even if he isn't known for his breakaways, the guy has to at least get a shot, my goodness.
Most Deserving All-Star NOT on the ballot – Tim Thomas (BOS), has his team in 2nd in the East. Where's the love?
Franchise to be Relocated and Where – Columbus (no playoffs) to Las Vegas (look at the fans they draw for stupid Boxing, surely they could sell-out a hockey game in the desert).
Batman vs. 007 – 007. Virtually the same in every way (cars, gadgets minus the costume), but Bond always get the girl...
Cheers.
-Smith
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