GMRwings1983

Why? That would be an insult to guys that are great on both ends of the ice, which is usually who wins this. For instance, Lidstrom was the best defensive defenseman in all the years that he won the Norris. It would have been pointless to give him an award for best defensive defenseman also, and insulting if someone else got it. It's basically a make believe award for non-talented defenseman who are only good in their own zone. For years I've jokingly called it the Adam Foote or Scott Stevens award. To me it's a bad idea. I like the current system of giving it to the best all-around D-man. That's why someone like Mike Green has no business winning this trophy imo.

Based on the criteria, he's obviously not too old to win it. It does, however, feel weird when he's going up against guys that are recently removed from high school for a rookie trophy. He obviously has more years and maturity on those guys. I wouldn't be opposed to the league changing the criteria in the future, but right now Howard should be the leading candidate based on the current rule.

What? I was talking about all-time great captains. I don't think Lidstrom will go down on that list. Good leader but not one of the all-time great leaders. This current poll was about current captains and is completely different than what I was referring to.

Well, longevity is important when it comes to how people look at all time great leaders. Lidstrom when he retires will likely be a captain for 5 total years in his career. That's not much compared to those other players. Maybe if Lidstrom became captain at a younger age and stayed there, he would be considered in that class. I'm not saying he's not a great leader, I'm just saying that when discussions arise amongst all-time great captains, who will mention Lidstrom? I don't think anyone will. The personality isn't really important like some people think. Sakic and Francis were quiet guys, who were well respected as captains. But the longevity is important if you want to mention him amongst those other names.

And miss the net with it.

That's nothing. There used to be an NHL player named Harry Dick. Seriously. In any case, thanks to all those who contributed to the thread, because I feel like I actually learned something and I was curious to know about this. That doesn't happen often around here.

Because he's too humble. Do you think Lidstrom is in the same class of leadership as any of the guys I listed?

I love Draper, but it's hard for me to refute anything the OP said. He freezes the puck along the boards. Hopefully he'll score some big playoff goals and show some usefulness, but yeah it's been a long time since he's done anything at all other than be a seat filler.

That explains everything! Just like Damian, he was the chosen one at birth. I bet if you shave Crosby's head, SC will be tattooed on it.

Yzerman has more longevity as captain than him, as does every other player I listed. Of course that's because they played on the same team, but still, Lidstrom will not go down as one of the greatest leaders in hockey history.

All older players. I wonder why it was so, because I always figured there was less free agency and trades back then, which is what I posted in my OP. Thinking about it now, it was more common for guys to walk off the streets back then to join a team for a tryout. That must be it. You don't see teams doing that kind of thing nowadays very often.

Wow, I never even heard of Vic Lynn. I just looked him up and he played in the 40's, so I guess I was wrong about it only possibly happening within the last 25 years. Thanks for the info. I also just looked up Downey, and apparently he only played 1 game for the Boston Bruins, which is why I can't remember seeing him in a Bruins uniform.

So should Babcock rest any players now that we've clinched a playoff spot? I'm guessing Ozzie will play another game to give Howard rest, but who else should rest? Lidstrom and Datsyuk have played every game this year if I'm not mistaken, so it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to sit them for at least a game each. Rafalski hasn't had a break counting the Olympics, so he's a guy that should definitely sit in my opinion. I know the team wants to jockey for a higher seed, but all these playoff matchups look equally tough and we don't know who will finish where. I think we have to look at the big picture and rest some vets. We won't have home ice in the first round anyway.

Where's the guy who's initials are SC? If I had to vote I'd pick Lidstrom, because I'm biased. Honestly, I don't think there are any captains now like we had in the previous era, with Yzerman, Messier, Stevens, Bourque, Sakic and Francis. Since those guys have retired, it's left the door open for lots of young captains in the NHL.

Whatever reason? There's your reason wise guy.

Madonna probably just wants his captaincy back.

Chicago. I like to live dangerously. Those of you voting for Phoenix need to realize that this is the kind of team we always struggle with in the playoffs. An untalented team that plays a defensive style of tight checking hockey and has a hot goalie. No thank you.

I think whoever we play will give us a tough matchup. I mean, the only team we've completely owned all year out of the playoff teams is San Jose, and I don't think that would be an easy series for us by any stretch. No one wants to play the Wings, but that doesn't mean we have some clear advantage over anybody.

Yep. People here just don't want to admit that what the Flyers did actually seemed to work with some of our players. We haven't played many teams all year that have tried this style against us. They had the personnel for it, and they got into the heads of some of our players with constant bullying tactics. Homer and Franzen don't usually get so angry, so you know Carcillo did his job well.

I wanted them to play together several weeks ago, but I can see now that they have no chemistry at all. They've played like 4 or 5 games together, and I don't think that line has scored 1 goal in that time. We don't have time to wait for them to develop chemistry together and I think the line needs to be split. Hank is playing like crap and Flip is afraid to shoot. Cleary and Bert both suck right now. Basically, we have no second line and haven't had it even during this 3 game winning streak.

He's always been good in the playoffs, so this will be a telling sign coming up here. He hasn't been good this year and is sadly expendable, especially with Eaves and Miller playing well this year.

The Wings have let me and mindfly down these last few games. Babcock owes us a personal apology. That sucks. Without Lilja, you can throw our 3rd defensive pairing out the window.

I just hope we can clinch the playoffs today, so that it doesn't stick in the back of our minds this week. I don't want these next 3 games to have any pressure to them. Just skate around and stay healthy. Give Howard some rest and get ready for the Hawks if need be. I'm sure they won't be too thrilled about playing us either.

This reminds me of 2004, when we went into the playoffs with an unproven Legace, with Cujo as the backup. Should be interesting.

Especially since Lebda f***ed up the game winning goal, and has looked awful with Ericsson all year.