Zetterberg vs. Iginla poll

[LidsFan 68]

I used to like Iginla, until last years playoffs, when he decided to try and pick a fight with Nick Lidstrom of all people. I know that he was frustrated, but that was no reason to turn into a goon.

Zetterberg is a class act, so I pick him as being better of the two.

Edited July 29, 2008 by LidsFan

[Konnan511 1,736]

"All I know is this...I've seen Zetterberg absolutely dominate Iginla the past few seasons, icluding the '07 playoffs. I've seen Iginla beyond frustrated. I've seen Zetterberg (as well as Datsyuk) be the best players on the ice almost every time Detroit plays Calgary. Is some of that because Detroit is a better team, absolutely. But let's give credit where it's due....Zetterberg is an elite, elite player. Among the best players in the game. This "ZetterbergDatsyuk is overrated" garbage is junk. Zetterberg matched up head to head and outplayed the like of Iginla, Crosby and Thornton over these last two playoff seasons. There is no fluke here."

Great post! So if Zata wins heads up against Iginla, that should mean he gets the vote. Man logic is a b*tch. Some people on there really are naive and quite ignorant.

[Coolio Mendez 7]

Dammit I have to be invited to comment, I have some valid points I want to throw out.

[Konnan511 1,736]

Dammit I have to be invited to comment, I have some valid points I want to throw out.

I know! i wish someone would invite me so I could start posting there. So many points that need to be made!!!

[Coolio Mendez 7]

I know! i wish someone would invite me so I could start posting there. So many points that need to be made!!!

Exactly!

[rage 24]

Exactly!

Thank God this place ain't like that, right guys?

[discohadestwo 0]

It comes down to this. Would you trade one for the other?

[SnipeShow 0]

the only things iginla has on zetterberg are his release and his leadership/feistiness. lets say zetterberg played on a really young team with no vets or leaders, i might have to trade him for iginla just because of those intangibles. zetterberg is still a great leader, but iginla is heart&soul.

sidenote: if zetterbergs back conks out on him, then its a no brainer, really.

[#19forPresident! 1]

What Zetterberg has over Iginla - Hands, defensive ability, vision, playmaking, skating

What Iginla has over Zetterberg - Shot, release, grit, leadership, goal scoring touch

I seriously can't say one is better than the other, because it's apples and oranges. Both players are rightfully at the same elite status in the NHL.

But those comments are ridiculous.

You just summed up exactly what I was going to respond with. You can't really compare them very well, I would want both of them on my team, and I wouldn't want to lose either of them.

[hckypete96 3]

Also, a leader does not butt end a player when he is down 5 - 0 on the road

Listen I don't love Iginla or anything I just think he's good and a great leader. I also think he's the most complete player in the NHL. However your comment about a leader does not butt end a player... did you see some of the wicked 2 handers Stevie used to throw? He used that stick like he was choppin down a tree and I loved every minute of it!

[BeeRYCE 2]

For anyone who says Iginla isn't really a great leader, I'll say opposite... He's probably the best leader in the league (of course from what WE see).

[Heaton 1]

For anyone who says Iginla isn't really a great leader, I'll say opposite... He's probably the best leader in the league (of course from what WE see).

Based on what though?

[Peleshob 0]

Much like it's been mentioned, Iginla is not all that great a leader IMO. The spearing/slashing/butt ending that he did out of pure frustration shows the opposite to me. Leaders keep their calm and rally the troops. No amount of butt ending is going to win a game.

[lets go pavel 2]

Much like it's been mentioned, Iginla is not all that great a leader IMO. The spearing/slashing/butt ending that he did out of pure frustration shows the opposite to me. Leaders keep their calm and rally the troops. No amount of butt ending is going to win a game.

Where is this idea coming from that anyone who makes the occasional questionable play or cheap shot is automatically not a leader? There are different kinds of leaders ... some seem to be quieter and calmer and let their play do the talking, like Lidstrom. Others lead with more visible passion, are more vocal, and yes, occasionally cross the line. Iginla is an empassioned hockey player and occasionally his emotions may get the better of him, but quite frankly it suits that team very well. The year they went to the finals they weren't the best team in the west, but they were the scrappiest, hardest working team and they weren't afraid to get their hands a little dirty. A lot of that was Iginla's leadership - he sets the tone for that team that it will do whatever it takes to win. He's not out there gooning it up every shift like a Tootoo, but he won't shy away from a fight or questionable play either if he thinks it will benefit the team. I have no problem with that.

[Guest GordieSid&Ted]

In my opinion Iginla's leadership is vastly overrated. I mean, if you are a leader, what are you doing picking fights in a Stanley Cup finals game? Sure go out there and let them know you won't be pushed around but if you are gonna fight in the finals, you run many risks. Also, a leader does not butt end a player when he is down 5 - 0 on the road and try to pick a fight with a non-fighter in Lidstrom. So Iginla's leadership in non existant to me. He is a dolt in that category. Z on the other hand will become one of the games true leaders as he already had the skills before he came to the Wings and it only helped he had Nick and Stevie to show him the way. So in my opinion Z is head and shoulders above Iginla in everything except fighting, which it isn't even his job so you can't really compare it.

Are you serious? You know Mark Messier was one of the greatest leaders any sport has ever seen and he did things that would make you cringe. He was a nasty sob and frankly, saying somebody isn't a leader b/c they have a temper and will pick fights when down is ridiculous.

Take off your homer glasses. They're both leaders, they just lead in different ways. You're being a candy ass about it.

[Guest Dump-N-Thump]

How can you judge 2 different players?

Do they not remember in the SC when it was 5 on 3 and Zette pretty much single handedly made it seem like it was a 5on5 for pitts..

I love Iginla, He is the Ideal player IMO, a great mixture of finesse and toughness.. But by no means is Zetterberg a lesser player then Iginla. They are both great players and saying one or the either are better is just plain stupid you cant pick a winner.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

I'll take Hank any day because I hate Iginla, but in all fairness, Hank has never had to carry a team before. Iginla has always been the lone ranger in Calgary, with no offensive help around him.

Imagine if Iginla had Datsyuk to play with him.

Edited July 29, 2008 by GMRwings1983

[seeinred 1,488]

Take off your homer glasses.

How did I know that your post would contain some variant of that phrase?

[Guest Dump-N-Thump]

Who need Datsyuk? he has Conroy.

[BigWinston 15]

One has a Cup.

And was the Selke trophy winner in winning that cup!

[DYags 0]

Most everyone has said they'd never trade Zetts for Iginla.

Do you think Calgary fans feel the same way about Iginla? Personally, I don't think you'd be able to find too many Calgary fans that'd be willing to swap for Zetts.

[Opie 308]

And was the Selke trophy winner in winning that cup!

Umm, either you mean Conn Smythe or you are thinking Datsyuk.

[ashenhigh 9]

those HFboards are "invitation only." Anyone know how to get invite so i can register?

my email is ashenhigh@gmail.com

[Opie 308]

Most everyone has said they'd never trade Zetts for Iginla.

Do you think Calgary fans feel the same way about Iginla? Personally, I don't think you'd be able to find too many Calgary fans that'd be willing to swap for Zetts.

I have to agree with the statement you are making, I really can't see a swap for the two, they are very similar skill wise players. The only reason I could ever see this trade/swap would be if they were both very unhappy where they were and wanted out unconditionally then maybe the teams would swap. But if they are both happy I see no way in hell fans, org, coaches, or players would want this trade made on either side.

So therefore I see the Flames fans defending Iginla as much as Wings fans are defending Hank, I actually think, for once, one of these polls is a valid comparison because they are both top level talent, with a little different skill set.

[Peleshob 0]

Where is this idea coming from that anyone who makes the occasional questionable play or cheap shot is automatically not a leader? There are different kinds of leaders ... some seem to be quieter and calmer and let their play do the talking, like Lidstrom. Others lead with more visible passion, are more vocal, and yes, occasionally cross the line. Iginla is an empassioned hockey player and occasionally his emotions may get the better of him, but quite frankly it suits that team very well. The year they went to the finals they weren't the best team in the west, but they were the scrappiest, hardest working team and they weren't afraid to get their hands a little dirty. A lot of that was Iginla's leadership - he sets the tone for that team that it will do whatever it takes to win. He's not out there gooning it up every shift like a Tootoo, but he won't shy away from a fight or questionable play either if he thinks it will benefit the team. I have no problem with that.

I guess I just don't view that as leadership. To me the leadership quality is maintaining composure at all times, even when the game is out of hand. Getting out there and playing your hardest until the final second ticks away. I don't think that Iginla isn't a leader, don't get me wrong. I just don't like the way he handled himself against Detroit in last year's playoffs. Just because it suits the team doesn't mean it's a good thing. I respect that the guy will throw the body. I respect that the guy will drop the gloves once in awhile. But I don't respect the antics he participated in the midst of his frustration.

Edited July 29, 2008 by Peleshob