While we're on the topic of pucks, I wanted to congratulate the NHL for their newest idea for the NHL All-Star game. Players will still be voted into the all-Star game by the fans, but the Captains will be able to pick the teams. So let's say that Nicklas Lidstrom and Chris Pronger are named captains. They then get to choose from Sid Crosby and Alex Ovechkin to be on their team. After those two are chosen, they will then continue to stack their teams until each player has been selected.
I think this is an amazing idea. Sure, it won't make the game any more realistic (no defense, no checking), but it has a sort of nostalgic feel to it. Picking teams is something kids do every day of their life. Where you are picked is a sign of status - studs worst, wimps last. I won't pretend to think that the same stigma will be attached to being picked last in the NHL All-Star game, but I do think that person will be forechecking just a little bit harder during that game. He will probably carry a bit of a chip on his shoulder. And you know what, that's great. Passion is something sorely missing in the world of professional sports. Leave it up to the kids to help us find it.
I vote for one of the captains to pick all D first. I would thoroughly enjoy seeing marian gaborik line up on the blue line because there are no defensemen on the team. that would be even better than watching pronger be forced to take a faceoff against crosby.
ReplyDeleteby the way, marian is a girl's name. s/he should be on your My Girls list as that's what happens when you're named after robin hood's female love interest.