Madcombinepilot wrote:
1) the stomach flu was running through the entire dressingroom during those playoffs.... Remember the look on Nonis's face when Sanford came out to start that OT period, because Lu was in the lu? it wasn't just the twins that were sick, it was a bunch of them. Not an excuse for thier play, just a fact.
2) the ENITRE team shit the bed last year for the last 10 games. don't just point at the twins. Where were the 'leaders' on the team then? what did Naslund and Morrison do to ge tthe team into the post season?? for the last 10 games last year, nobody performed and finger pointing at individuals is useless. Don't let your dislike for 2 people jade your view of the past.
Few things:
1) It was Sabourin, not Sanford, that came to start that OT period. Lu wasn't in the loo....he had a skate malfunction and it needed to be addressed. To the best of my knowledge, Luongo was NOT sick during these playoffs.
2) I do NOT dislike the Sedin twins...or Naslund....or Morrison. To varying degrees, I think all 4 men are excellent additions to any team when at their best (although in Nazzy and Mo's case, perhaps their 'best' days are behind them). Having said that - I do not respect the twins and Naslund as much as I do some other players for the following reasons.
A) Lack of ability to carry the team when it matters most.
B) Lack of ability to help the team when not scoring.
C) Lack of "aura"
You cite the fact that the Sedin twins struggled last year (final ten games) "like everyone else." See? That's my point. A true leader isn't like "everyone else." A true leader gets pissed off, elevates his game, which then elevates the games of those around him. Remember in 06/07 when the Avs were *way* out of the playoff picture and then went on a 15-2-2 tear thanks largely to Joe Sakic? Remember that game in March 07 when the Avs beat Vancouver? (although at this point, the game had little meaning to the Canuck). Remember that one instance where Sakic raced back into his own end, stole the puck of Daniel Sedin, and completely dashed up with the puck the other way? THAT was leadership by EXAMPLE.
Look at Mats Sundin in Toronto the past few years. Sundin was surrounded by complete garbage but almost singlehandedly carried the leaves into the post-season (I think it was also the 06/07 season that Sundin caught on fire at season's end and elevated his play).
Look at Iginla during the 2004 playoffs. As much as I dislike the guy for being a Flame, I have nothing but respect for the guy. Iginla had an "aura" about him in those playoffs and was an absolute danger EVERY TIME HE STEPPED ON THE ICE.....not just a few shifts (like Naslund and the Sedin twins throughout their playoff history). When Iginla wasn't scoring, he was throwing hits and/or challenging people to fight. The guy was playing defense and was backchecking like crazy.
Look at Trevor Linden and Pavel Bure from 1994. Even though Bure's point production on average was less impressive than his regular season stats throughout his playoff history (if I remember correctly), the guy was another consistent nightmare for opponents. So many on-ice rushes, scoring chances, etc. Bure had an attitude problem as well....for all the right reasons. Remember how pissed he got at Shane Churla?....and knocked him on his ass? When have we EVER seen the Sedins' or Naslund do that?
Remember during the Stanley Cup when Bure got a game misconduct?....which then lead to the Rangers winning that particular game 5-1. THAT is the type of difference maker that Bure was if he wasn't playing for the Canucks.
As it relates to Linden, the guy displayed all of the traits that Iginla displayed in 04 (just to clarify - I'm not saying that Linden had the talent level of Iginla....I believe that they were of the same "mold" however). The guy could score, hit, play defense, get pissed off, lead, etc.
It's no coincidence that both Linden and Bure scored some of our most important goals that year...and in year's previous...when the team needed them the most.
Kirk McLean and Roberto Luongo.....same thing: In 94' and 07' respectively, these guys were COMPLETELY in the heads of their opponent (for both era's, Dallas were mindfucked in both instances, while Toronto got mindfucked in 94'). Do you remember how Toronto got shut out 3 straight games? In 07', look at how many times Dallas were blanked?....despite significantly outplaying Vancouver for the most part?
Bottom line? Leaders and "alpha's" LEAD. They LEAD when the team needs them the most. They INSPIRE others to be better.
Guys like the Sedin twins and Naslund are great players, but I just haven't seen any evidence of them having an "aura" or consistently striking fear into the hearts of opponents. Both guys get their points, but that consistent 'aura' and consistent 'fear' being struck into the hearts of opponents is not there.
I don't dislike the twins or Naslund. Based on what I've seen from them however, I wouldn't want THEM "leading the way." These guys are tremendous additions to any team, but there had better be another "alpha leader" or "spark plug" in that dressing room.
Guys like Gretzky, Scott Stevens, Steve Yzerman, and Joe Sakic don't have my 100% respect based on just ability. They have my 100% respect because they were great leaders. Heck - Yzerman is actually my 2nd favorite player of all-time (behind Bure) and he's not even a Canuck!