Rank the Following former Captains of Canadian Teams
Rank in order of the following players (Iginla, Alfredsson, Sundin, Weight, Naslund, Koivu) who you would most want on your team as your Captain entering a playoff series of the 6 former or current captains of Canadian teams. I would have to say:
1) Iginla- He hits, fights, scores, does everything you want your captain to do. Plus is closing in on 500 goals and 1000 points. Plus has played in a Stanley Cup finals before.
2) Alfredsson- Closing in on 1000 points as well and has always been the leader of the Senators. Also the only other player to play in the Stanley Cup finals before.
3) Koivu- The emotinal leader of the Canadiens doesnt have the offence of the others but brings so many other things to the table.
4) Weight- Got the Oilers into the playoffs and even led the team to a couple upsets over the years.
5)Sundin- Very good for the Leafs but was unable to reach the Finals.
6)Naslund- Pure sniper was one of the best with the Cannucks for a few years, but wasnt able to get past the 2nd round with some very good teams.
I may be a little biased but what do you guys think? Where would you rank them?
I was also impressed by the heart shown by Koivu in coming back from his health issues but as you said his talent isn't up with the rest of them.
And the rest of them I could take or leave as a captain, none of them strike me as leaders with their play or as being vocal or outspoken types. (admittedly I am not in NHL dressing rooms listening in but..)
Rank in order of the following players (Iginla, Alfredsson, Sundin, Weight, Naslund, Koivu) who you would most want on your team as your Captain entering a playoff series of the 6 former or current captains of Canadian teams. I would have to say:
1) Iginla- He hits, fights, scores, does everything you want your captain to do. Plus is closing in on 500 goals and 1000 points. Plus has played in a Stanley Cup finals before.
2) Alfredsson- Closing in on 1000 points as well and has always been the leader of the Senators. Also the only other player to play in the Stanley Cup finals before.
3) Koivu- The emotinal leader of the Canadiens doesnt have the offence of the others but brings so many other things to the table.
4) Weight- Got the Oilers into the playoffs and even led the team to a couple upsets over the years.
5)Sundin- Very good for the Leafs but was unable to reach the Finals.
6)Naslund- Pure sniper was one of the best with the Cannucks for a few years, but wasnt able to get past the 2nd round with some very good teams.
I may be a little biased but what do you guys think? Where would you rank them?
Ranking them SOLELY as captains and not as players:
1. Koivu - the guy was an inspiring, gutsy player even before he amazed the hockey world with his excellent 2002 playoff after beating cancer. He has been the picture of class from the start.
2. Iginla - mr everything to the flames. Almostg always balls to the wall. Elevates his team. Can't do it all himself so has only had one season where he won a playoff round.
3. Sundin - longevity based as well, since he did it for 10 seasons. In four of those seasons his leafs were winners of at least one playoff series. A quiet, classy guy who will ultimately take heat for not taking his teams to the next level.
4. Weight - an average leader. Didn't impress or disappoint me. I saw him really take charge in the playoffs against the stars a few times.
5. Alfredsson - great player, but I don't think he has a resume as a leader. Very strong in 2007 playoffs but marred by the niedermayer incident. Other brainfart was the elimination goal in 2006 - it reeked of overconfidence and lack of urgency, and he is more at fault for that than anyone. (He was also the guy pominville stepped around) - I also think he did nothing to contribute to the maturing of two hotshot youngsters - heatley and spezza - whose attitudes and intensity are still questionable as they approach 30.
6. Naslund - never saw him as a leader. Lacked intensity and extra gear. Never took his team anywhere.
