Gaborik is too high, Richards is right where he belongs, maybe slightly higher, Staal should be in the top 15. No way are Byfuglein, Markov, and EJ better than Staal right now.
Not for nothing, but those lists are horrible and totally inaccurate. For example, on what planet are Dustin Byfuglien or Dion Phaneuf better than Tobias Enstrom?
Interesing reads, and just one person's opinion. I wouldn't get all riled up because your favorite Ranger is ranked below someone who, in your opinion, is inferior.
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Only 5 players had more points than Brad over the last two seasons combined: Daniel, Henrik, Perry, Stamkos and Ovechkin.
He's the third highest scoring center after Henrik and Stamkos.
Not sure how 10 more centers who scored less are so superior to him defensively that they are superior players.
its a coin toss...i mean, can you seriously not see how some people might not pick...for example..Crosby, Malkin, Thornton, Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Toews, Backstrom, Kopitar, or Getzlaf over Richards? I feel after Crosby and Stamkos, the center position becomes very muddy.....Richards is for sure one of the elite ones...but there are so many of them its tough to pick who is better than whom.
Horrible lists. Yahoo is worse than ESPN when it comes to hockey. Richards should be top 8-10 range, Staal should be a few spots higher, and Gaborik should not be in the top 6.
Horrible lists. Yahoo is worse than ESPN when it comes to hockey. Richards should be top 8-10 range, Staal should be a few spots higher, and Gaborik should not be in the top 6.
based on what exactly? last season?
how about the season before? only 1 RW had a better PPG than Gaborik....St. Louis...by 1 point...and he played with Stamkos, Lecavalier, etc.
How about the season before that? his PPG was by far and away the best in the league (granted in very few games)
The season before that? Only Alfredsson had a better PPG than him.
what about 2006-2007? only Marian Hossa and Martin St. Louis.
I think Gabby should be in the top 6 easily. The only question with Gabby is health this coming season. if hes healthy i fully expect an 80-100 pt season.
its a coin toss...i mean, can you seriously not see how some people might not pick...for example..Crosby, Malkin, Thornton, Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Toews, Backstrom, Kopitar, or Getzlaf over Richards? I feel after Crosby and Stamkos, the center position becomes very muddy.....Richards is for sure one of the elite ones...but there are so many of them its tough to pick who is better than whom.
That's 9 players, not 12. They are all great players, but I would definitely take Brad over Zetty, Toews and Kopitar, and probably Backstrom.
Brad is at the very least a #10 center, maybe a #6.
That's 9 players, not 12. They are all great players, but I would definitely take Brad over Zetty, Toews and Kopitar, and probably Backstrom.
Brad is at the very least a #10 center, maybe a #6.
Over Kopitar and Toews?
Not going to argue Zetterberg, as he's essentially a LW at this point, but Kopitar is definitely better than Richards, IMO. Similar numbers offensively, but Kopitar is significantly better on the defensive side of the puck; and, overall a more 'dominant' presence on the ice. He's the complete package - 'elite' offensive skills, high-end intelligence, size, and is still a few years away from his prime. His game actually reminds me a bit of Malkin's style - using his reach and size to fend off defenseman, and then threading the needle flawlessly.
In regards to Toews, I still prefer his all-around package over Richards'. Don't get me wrong, I love Richards, and I'm ecstatic to have him here, but I'm more partial to Toews' style of play. He doesn't have the elite vision of a Richards or a Kopitar, but he's a dominant physical presence, a leader, and still a pretty damn good offensive player, despite his 'shortcomings' in that facet of the game. Great hands, great release, and is among the smartest players in the league. Also, I feel the term is overused, but he certainly fits the description of 'winner'. Yes, Richards can certainly be considered as such, too, but I just love the vibe that Toews exudes on the ice. It's a 'never give up' attitude, no matter the score.
My top-10 looks like this:
Crosby
Datsyuk
Malkin
Sedin
Toews
*Gap*
Stamkos/Kopitar
E. Staal
B. Richards
Getzlaf
Yes, I have Toews over Stamkos. I feel Stamkos is given too much credit; fantastic goal scorer, but he was horrendous for the final 40 games or so of last season. I'd like to see what he does without St. Louis perfectly teeing up his one-timers.
Last edited by Brian Boyle: 07-29-2011 at 12:19 AM.
Not going to argue Zetterberg, as he's essentially a LW at this point, but Kopitar is definitely better than Richards, IMO. Similar numbers offensively, but Kopitar is significantly better on the defensive side of the puck; and, overall a more 'dominant' presence on the ice. He's the complete package - 'elite' offensive skills, high-end intelligence, size, and is still a few years away from his prime. His game actually reminds me a bit of Malkin's style - using his reach and size to fend off defenseman, and then threading the needle flawlessly.
In regards to Toews, I still prefer his all-around package over Richards'. Don't get me wrong, I love Richards, and I'm ecstatic to have him here, but I'm more partial to Toews' style of play. He doesn't have the elite vision of a Richards or a Kopitar, but he's a dominant physical presence, a leader, and still a pretty damn good offensive player, despite hi 'shortcomings' in that facet of the game. Great hands, great release, and is among the smartest league.
Yes, I have Toews over Stamkos. I feel Stamkos is given too much credit; fantastic goal scorer, but he was horrendous for the final 40 games or so of last season. I'd like to see what he does without St. Louis perfectly teeing up his one-timers.
Where were you to defend me when I posted this same thing a few weeks ago?
That's 9 players, not 12. They are all great players, but I would definitely take Brad over Zetty, Toews and Kopitar, and probably Backstrom.
Brad is at the very least a #10 center, maybe a #6.
Staal, Sedin, etc...there are a few more centers....im not saying brad deserves to be in the top 5, top 10, or top 15...im saying after the first 2 or 3 centers, it gets very confusing on who is next...imho Richards is in the 2nd teir of elite centers.
I feel Stamkos is given too much credit; fantastic goal scorer, but he was horrendous for the final 40 games or so of last season. I'd like to see what he does without St. Louis perfectly teeing up his one-timers.
