Mats Sundin has been pissing off a lot of people lately. Why? Indecisiveness, of course! But before we all go pick up our pitchforks and torches let me try to put this in perspective. You come home after a long day at work and you’re starving. You open up your freezer door to see Stoufers frozen Meat Loaf and Potatoes. Then you glance to the other side and see a Hungry Man Meat Loaf and Potatoes. You think…. hhhhmmmmmm. Ten minutes go by and you’re still starving. Which one will be better? Stoufers or Hungry Man? Finally, after 20 minutes of deliberation you pick the Hungry Man (fine choice by the way). For Mats Sundin the gravity of the situation is much heavier than picking a frozen meal after work. This choice will affect the rest of his life and the rest of his families life. How would you feel if people kept telling you that “you have 10 seconds to pick out the Meat Loaf you want” and then started bitching at you when you didn’t make up your mind by then. Stop with the time lines people! Let the man take as much time as he needs to get things figured out. It’s not like hes going to come to camp out of shape for whatever team he decides on — It’s SUNDIN for crying out loud!! The mans been getting it done for years now.
I wanted to use my piece today to show some love for a couple of players as well. I would like to start with one of my all time favorites, Detroit Red Wings goaltender Chris ‘The Wizard of OZ’ Osgood. For years I have cheered this man and for years I have had to defend him against naysayers. Osgood is Hall of Fame in my book and always has been. The case is clear — 363 career regular season wins, 59 career playoff wins, once named to the NHL Second All-Star Team, twice an NHL All-Star (even though he should have been named many more times, IMO), two William M. Jennings Trophies, and yes… THREE Stanley Cups. Everybody said he was done a few years ago, said that his time was up and that he would be a backup to finish his career. He didn’t look like a backup this season, especially not in the playoffs. In this years playoffs he went 14-4 with a 1.55 GAA, a .930 SV%, and 3 shutouts… spectacular! I am really looking forward to seeing him start next season.
The other player I wanted to throw some love at is Sidney Crosby. Good god… everybody hates him! Not quite sure why either. I know he gets called a whiner but so did a lot of the other greats. This guy is a great hockey player and I appreciate his game. I am not going to be afraid to shout, “I like watching Crosby play!” He’s a ton of fun to watch. Very smooth skater, great hands, deceptive shot and man alive he has awesome vision on the ice. One of my good friends, Chris, who I grew up playing hockey with absolutely DESPISES him. I just don’t get it. Great players only come around so often, you may as well take the time to enjoy them.
Finally I wanted to touch on the return of Joe Sakic for his 20th NHL season. Way to go Joe! For the last 8 seasons you have made me miserable. Watching you go all “snipeshow” on every goaltender that has ever entered the Wild’ crease hasn’t been all that fun. Now I have to suffer through one more season of watching you pick top corners with ease…. and at all the worst moments of course. But seriously, Joe is a great player and deep down in my heart I am glad he has decided to comeback. The NHL just wouldn’t be the same without him.
*THIS JUST IN*
Stu Barnes has just announced his retirement from the National Hockey League. I was always a fan. Good luck in whatever you decide to do. I wish all the best for you and your family. You had a very solid career. Man, I am going to miss Rick Jeanneret’s goal call for him….. “goal scored by SSSSTTTUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU BAAARRNNNEESSS!!”
(www.TheScoreBoards.com)
