BeeRYCE

Actually with the exception of Crosby and maybe a couple others, a strong majority of these guys would have played in 04/05. I think 04/05 would have been quite the rookie year myself.

Not an Avs fan, but I do like Forsberg, and would rather refer to him as Foppa. Yeah, I'm sorry... I do... I just love his style.

I don't know the answer, but his nickname is FOPPA... Not FLOPPA.

Opposite of the other thread, who are the players in the NHL that basically proved all critics wrong? It doesn't necessarily have to be a draft steal, or an undrafted player... But also players who were criticized for being picked high in the draft but turned around and proved everyone wrong. I'll name some players off the top of my head... Martin St. Louis Brian Rafalski Pavel Datsyuk Theoren Fleury David Perron (He was initially cut from the OHL draft in his draft year) Cory Murphy (Nobody knew he was, and people thought Yzerman was crazy for having him play for team Canada in the Senior Championships last spring... Turned to be a pretty big part in Canada's win. Now he plays for Florida and isn't doing bad at all. Good for him) Now... The main event... SIDNEY CROSBY. Yes, first overall pick, yes, under the media microscope constantly... BUT, for every person who said he was going to excel at top level in the NHL, there was a person out there saying he'd be another Alexander Daigle. Now he is probably the best player in the world, accomplished some NHL records, and most people are (or at least should be) doubting themselves for ever saying he wouldn't succeed. He is a surprising player, and I say that from a standpoint where I, MYSELF, was a doubter.

Well we can't trade for him NOW seeing as the deadline is overwith. However in the summer if we could get him for next to nothing (which would probably be the case), I'd take him.

They're are not suprising, because our scouting is notoriously good.

I agree with what you said, but pretty much half of the losing streak did happen with Lidstrom in the lineup. It was losing Kronwall and Cleary that did a number, whether it was coincidentally or whatever, when them two were out was when we started the streak.

There's THE player I forgot! When I was done my initial post, I knew I forgot someone significant, and that would be the one.

Not too surprising though. He was selected 8th overall, and labelled a next big thing by many. He better do well.

I don't know, there was a period where the transfer agreements were all fine and dandy, but even nowadays it's a problem. If there wasn't a transfer agreement problem, we would see more Russians in the first round. Alexei Cherepanov would have maybe been a top 5 last summer, and Nikita Filitov will go in the low first round this year also when he should be a top 3. The point I'm trying to make is, transferring players from overseas is still an issue, and unless the European player is a nationally known standout, they won't even get a smell of the first 3 rounds. The issue mostly deals with Russians I realize but there is a slight issue with other European nations as well.

Brodeur is a top 5 in every major goaltending category, and he is on a team with a fairly mediocre lineup. They don't really have defense anymore either. He is really holding his team together, and quietly at that. He is THE reason that the Devils are a good team, same can be said about Thornton and the Sharks. If the Caps don't make it to the playoffs, you might as well hand Brodeur the Hart trophy. That's the way I see it anyway.

That's about as embarassing as Backstrom against Pittsburgh. (Does Family Guy-esque flashback)

Yep, totally agreed. That's why I didn't mention any Alfredssons, Zetterbergs, Fedorovs, etc. The reason I did mention Datsyuk though is because even in the Russian leagues, he was constantly scratched because of his size and inconsistant effort. The thought of him moving up to the NHL was a huge laugh at one point, and now he is one of the best players in the NHL.

It would be an exciting series to watch.

I really wish Crosby didn't get injured. I truly believe he'd be #1 in points right now, a candidate for Hart and Art Ross, and it wouldn't be an argument to say who the best player in the game is. For most of the first half of the season, Crosby and Lecavalier were battling for #1 in points, and last season, it was undisputed that Crosby was in a league of his own. Now he's hurt, isn't the talk of the town, so therefore he is a "disappointment." Some only consider Crosby a disappointment because they were expecting him to be one before his career started, too scared to admit they were wrong.

The next Mike Dunham? I mean he had a decent career of being a backup or a 1B goalie at best, but why would it be such an accomplishment to be considered the next Dunham?

I've been able to grow a beard since the year after the Wings won the cup in '02. Yeah, that has been working well for me.

You know who actually has been a disappointment until like last season? Vincent Lecavalier. His draft year, he was hyped just as much as Sidney Crosby. Expected to be another Lemieux in terms of his size and style of play, and was expected to tally about as much points as Mario too. His first 7 seasons were a fair disappointment, he couldn't even reach 80 points. Now he's one of the league's best, but it took longer than anyone could expect.

Crosby got all this hype and managed to win Hart, Art Ross, and Pearson as a 19 year old. Is it any wonder he got all this hype though? I mean, did you see his stats in junior?

As did Hagman in 05/06.

I'm with you there.

It's the 21st century, for the last little while, the cliche look of a hockey player has been a pretty boy. But yeah, even though I hate the team he's on... I love Parros, and I love the late 70's look for sure.

Nice research. I want to know though, who holds the record for most percentage of goals scored? Is it actually Bure?

Nobody has this anymore, and it's like his "gimmick." If George Parros didn't have a moustache, he wouldn't play in the Ducks' regular lineup. It's a gimmick.

Agreed. At one point in the 05/06 season, Ovechkin came into consideration for Hart, completely out of playoff contention.