Mats Sundin made franchise history last night, as the Toronto Maple Leafs smashed the, so far, overperforming New York Islanders by 8-1. With 390 goals and 917 points he now holds both records, held by Darryl Sittler for so long. For his efforts he recieved all three stars of the game, and was also offered the larger media centre for his post-game interviews, which he declined. He would much rather stay in the looker room with his teammates. I guess, true to his usual gentleman manors he didn't want to make a fuss.
It has been almost twenty years since I first saw the Stockholm native play for the first time, and it's hard to imagine this is the same guy. He always had enough skill to compete with the best, but I think what has made the biggest impression on me over the years is how his leader ship has developed. He has an incredible work ethic and he leads his team by it, following such greats as Steve Yzerman and Mark Messier. Way to go Mats!
***
Has anyone missed Paul Stastny's sensational start of this season? In case you have, here's a recap. He has 4 goals and 4 assists for 8 points and a +4 rating in only three games. All of the goals, of which one was a game winner, have come at even strength, and he has a shot percentage of 66.67 (6 shots). I can't wait to see what happens when this kid starts to shoot more.
***
Before last night there where three winless teams, Calgary, Buffalo, and Atlanta. Since the Sabres, and epecially Ryan Miller, woke up and shut out the Thrashers 6-0, they have now left this unflattering club. The Calgary Flames will get a chance to do the same tonight as they face the Dallas Stars. My prediction is it will still be a club of two tomorrow.
4 comments:
Excelent!!!
Thanks!
A nice tribute to stalwart Sundin (and he's earned it)!
There was a lot of talk about Sundin and his accomplishments in Toronto yesterday and I caught a very interesting discussion between Jim Kelly, Bob McCown, and some other dude who's name I missed. They all agreed on the following in regards to Captain Sundin:
He's had a great career and his talent and leadership skills are undisputed. But the truth is that the Sundin-saga in Toronto also has a sad side. Inspite of his skills and accomplishments, history will not remember him as one of the true greats simply because he never won anything and this is because of the team his has represented the past thirteen seasons and NOT due to himself. If the Nordiques never would have traded him away in mid-90's, then he would probably still be riding shot-gun with Joe Sakic in Colorado, raking in 100+ point seasons, with his name plastered on the cup. Apart from a few seasons in Toronto, Sundin has never had a supporting cast. To that end, they all agreed that such a loyal and unselfish guy like Sundin deserves better and he should have played for a better team years ago.
On a TOTALLY different note I would like to thank the Red Wings and Blackhawks for dressing up in the old home/away shirts last night. The Blackhawks wore the reds last night whilst checking in at the Joe.
Thanks!
He really does deserve all the credit being tossed his way right now. However, I agree with point about his unfortunate situation being stuck with a team going nowhere. But coulds and ifs.. if Eric Lindros hadn't been a baby and chosen to play with Quebec and then maybe they would have traded Sundin off for some reason to perhaps Minnesota, then he would be playing in Dallas now riding shotgun with Mike Modano.. but hmm, he would still have his name on the cup. Your right. He was pretty much guaranteed a cup had he stayed.
About the colors, I like the new way better. Home wears dark, like it's always been in Sweden.
Post a Comment