Hey Clam,ClamRussel wrote: Its not just '94 Farhan, Linden always stepped it up come playoffs...the tougher the situation the better he responded. Can Naslund say the same? Here's a great example of this taken from nhl.comColorado Avalanche center Joe Sakic and Vancouver Canucks center Trevor Linden swapped hat tricks on April 25, 1996, in Game 5 of their Western Conference Quarterfinal series, won by Sakic's overtime goal. The Avalanche wrapped up the series two nights later.
I think you are missing my main point. I'm not arguing the fact that Linden wasn't a clutch playoff performer or wasn't an absolute beast come playoff time. I agree with you wholeheartedly. Even outside of 94', Linden has always proven himself to be a clutch player during the post-season....even in 07'.
The MAIN point I'm making however, is that the guy was average/below average after 1997.....and he played until 2008. That's 11 years of mediocrity!
Another point I'm trying to make is that if the city of Vancouver is going to reward players that, as a whole, had "above average" NHL careers (based on a wholistic set of criteria including stats, leadership, clutch ability, community service, etc.), then I think a good case can be made for Markus Naslund....who contrary to popular belief, wasn't THAT bad come playoff time either.
Just for the record however - I don't think Naslund's jersey will get retired here. Unlike Linden, he wasn't a "homegrown Canadian talent that was originally drafted by the Nucks."
T