You are missing the point, he is a hero (as you put it) not because he blocked a shot.
But the situation in which he did it.
In front of an open net, Diving face first.
What you are missing is that if he didn't get hit in the face we would be talking about the effort he gave, even if the puck went in.
Now if they score and he dives, it is in the game day thread as a great effort.
He dives and blocks it with his body, and the score was 4-1, or 5-2 or whatever at the time then it probably ends up still in the game day thread.
He dives and blocks the shot during a one goal game that the wings go on to dominate and win the third period after his effort, probably a one page thread with a few posts.
He dives and blocks the shot with his face, causing injury, and it is during a one goal game that the wings go on to dominate and win the third period after his effort. You end up with this thread.
You got negged and I responded because you are acting like this happens 5-6 times a game, when in all actuality when was the last time you saw a player dive face first to block a puck in the crease. Let a lone a Wings D-man, think about how skilled( or unskilled rather) wings d-men have been around the crease the last few years. People on here have bitched for years about the Wings D and clearing the crease or dealing with rebounds.
Even when Z does
SLIDE into the crease from time to time he goes in feet first, other D go down on one knee to block it.
He laid out for that one like very few players in the league do.
This was not just another blocked shot, IMO.
But don't take my word on it, take these:
"Well, he took one for the team, that's for sure," said White's defensive partner, Nicklas Lidstrom. "He saved a goal there, diving with his face first. I haven't seen him yet, but I think he got a bad cut to his face.
"But he did save the goal for us, and we were very grateful."
"I hope he's OK," defenseman Brad Stuart said.
"But that takes guts to want to do that. They're still in it at that point. So that was a big play for us.
"When you have someone kind of sacrifice themselves for the good of the team, that lifts guys."
"Obviously, you like to see guys selling out," Babcock said. "You don't like to see guys get hit in the face.
"But great message to his teammates, and he competes every night, this guy.
