 | Rico Rates Canada's Captains! |
 rico420 writes "It's not a case of who is the best and who is the worst, it's a personal preference really but who do you think is the best captain in Canada?
I'm going to rate them based on my personal preference and get a discussion going.
1) Mats Sundin:
Sundin plays in what is really the center of the NHL Universe (I'm a Habs fan and have to say this). There isn't a place in Toronto you can go where you won't see a Leafs jersey, flag or sign showing support for the Leafs.
He may not be the player who possesses the best leadership skills on the team (gary roberts) but he is the face of the Leafs, has led the team in scoring an unholy amount of times and carries the pressure of being the Captain of Canada's team very well, always gives great interviews to the media and does some wonderful charity work. Plus Sundin will wear the C for Sweden this year during the World Cup.
2) Saku Koivu:
Koivu, like Sundin plays in a hockey mad city, and carries the added pressure of playing in hockeys only Bilingual market, and his play in the playoffs shows that he is definately the heart and soul of his team. He plays like he is 8 feet tall and will pull unorthodox moves (scrapping with teamates in practice for example) to shake the team up.
The Big Line also showed that with the right linemates Koivu can be one of the most exciting players in the NHL to watch, the only thing keeping Koivu in my eyes from being the best captain on Canadian soil is his injury plagued past..which he seems to be turning a corner towards avoiding injuries.
Koivu like Sundin will also wear the C for Finland this year in the World Cup.
3) Jarome Iginla:
Iggy showed in his first season as the captain of the Flames that he has a strong leadership side to go along with his flashy play on the ice. There are a few other NHL players who do as much charity work as Jarome and he is by far the most popular player in his city (and possibly in Canada).
He's a charming player who always flashes a great smile for the media and seems like one of those guys who would hold up the team bus so he can sign an autograph for every kid waiting. A true test of Iggy's leadership skills will come durign the world cup this fall..if he has an A on his jersey which most of us agree he should.
4) Daniel Alfredsson:
Alfie is lucky in the fact that he replaced a player who wore the C but was by far not the most popular player in the city he was playing in, but by quarterbacking the powerplay and being one of the greatest charactors the NHL has right now (who doesn't love that hair??) Alfie shows that he is an Ottawa Senator and that he loves the city he plays in.
He's one of the few players who took what would most likely be alot less then he could make on the UFA market so he could stay in a city he loves and retire as a Senator, though maybe this year he should stay away from making bold promises like Mark Messier.
5)Jason Smith
I live in Eastern Ontario so I don't get to see very many Oilers games during the regular season, but Smith is a very good Captain for a young team. He is a hard nosed player and seem's like he is a great team player.
I am really surprised though that Ryan Smyth hasn't earned the right to wear the C in Edmonton yet on a full time basis. If Smyth gets the C in a year or two Edmonton passes the Senators for the fourth best captain in Canada.
6) Markus Naslund:
Like the Oilers I don't get to see very many Canucks games during the regular season.
Naslund is a great NHL player, and perhaps having great leaders like Trevor Linden on the team makes him a great leader...I'm not sure.
One stellar moment that showed his Captaincy was before the night of the Bertuzzi/Moore incident when Naslund urged his team to not go for revenge for the "questionable hit" that left Naslund with a concussion but that two points would be the best form of revenge. A pretty impressive statement to be made by someone who was injured.
That's my two cents. "
|
|
|
|
| "Rico Rates Canada's Captains!" | Login/Create an Account | 145 comments |
|
| | The comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content. |
|
|
|
No Comments Allowed for Anonymous, please register |
|
Re: Rico Rates Canada's Captains! (Score: 1)
by Leaf_Expert on Sunday, August 08
(User Info | Send a Message) | Sundin beats all...
You'll never see a more clutch player then that comparing against all the current NHL players.
Enough said, |
|
|
Eastern Bias (Score: 1)
by Treva on Sunday, August 08
(User Info | Send a Message) | It's clear that you live on the east coast and that your mom tucks you into bed long before the second game of the double header in HNIC. You basically listed Captains in order of your exposure to them (since Calgary makes the stanley cup final, their captain gets the nod over Alfie). I would say that Koivu isn't all that hot a leader, wasn't there some mass tension in the room between him and Robiero (not sure which guy). Generally leaders don't scrap with their own players. Naslund is a good leader, one of the best the Canucks have had, plays both ends of the ice and puts up huge numbers. Jason Smith is only the 'c' on the oil because he has the most experience on a young team, that's it.
I think you should re-evaluate. |
|
|
Re: Rico Rates Canada's Captains! (Score: 1)
by nocuphere on Sunday, August 08
(User Info | Send a Message) | None of them have won a cup, but based on consistency and statistics, and media savvy, not to mention playing in Toronto, i'd give it to Sundin.
Sundin and Naslund are pretty even actually in my opinion. Iginla obviously has the most upside with his age and all.
Then again I haven't played with any of them or know any of them, which would be required to really figure out who is the best captain. |
|
|
Re: Rico Rates Canada's Captains! (Score: 1)
by BADBANNER on Sunday, August 08
(User Info | Send a Message) | I honestly don't know why people sit there and bash Sundin. Sure he might not be the best "Leader" like say Roberts, but how can you bash a guy who has had 8-9 straight seasons of 30 or more goals, and leading in points. Sure you can sit there and say "if hes so great why havent the leafs won the cup?"....... Does it take one player to win a cup? last time i checked you needed 20 players. Like the old saying "No I in team".
Another thing that i dont get(sorry if this is maybe off topic) is why players that have good playoff years are praised so much. Just an example, look at Scott Hannan, hes all of a sudden this great defensive defenseman. Hes awarded 2.4m just for his playoff performance. Its hard to beleive but at the begining of the year this guy was 5-6 on the depth chart. Not to mention he gets a spot on Team Canada when guys like Aucoin, McCabe, Witt are not there. Another example, three forwards from Tampa Bay are on Team Canada, Richards, St. Louis, Lecavaier. Let me ask you something, if Tampa wouldnt have won the cup would any of these guys be on the roster? Like Richards for example, before the playoffs few people even recognized him, but now, all of a sudden hes being called a superstar? give me a break.. Rick Nash, Scored 41 goals this year, his second year, and you hardly ever hear of him. Not to metion all the other great players out there that never get praise just because there team never makes the playoffs.
Sorry if i offend anyone but i just think that to much "fame" is based on playoff performance. |
|
|
Re: Rico Rates Canada's Captains! (Score: 1)
by LeafyMcLeaf (Billiken_skywalker@hotmail.com) on Sunday, August 08
(User Info | Send a Message) | I like Sundin but the Captain really should be Roberts. Sundin is younger then most leafs(not saying much) and is apparently ok friends with the most hated player ever to all Toronto fans... Daniel Alfredson. (I read an article stating this a while back) Sundin is a great player and could be a good captain in a year or two when he groes a spine and doesn't hang out with the Cujo's and the Alfredsons of the world who have done nothing but tear apart this city.
Sorry Sundin but Roberts is the best leader here. |
|
|
Re: Rico Rates Canada's Captains! (Score: 1)
by eagle29 on Sunday, August 08
(User Info | Send a Message) | | Scrapping with teammates is not a sign of leadership, it's more of a sign of inability to get along with your teamates, Koivu is not outstanding but he is still a pretty good player. |
|
|
Re: Rico Rates Canada's Captains! (Score: 1)
by TheCoach on Sunday, August 08
(User Info | Send a Message) | First place has got to go to Jarome Iginla. After last year's playoff run, I don't think anybody could come up with a valid argument to dispute this. He is can score 50 goals, fight, play defense, he is well spoken and is the heart and sould of the Calgary Flames.
After that, you really can't compare the others. They are all great players, and have led their teams to no further than the 3rd round. Since we are not in the locker room, you cannot say that Sundin is better than Alfredsson, or that Koivu is better than Naslund. They all put up very good numbers, and all lead by example. |
|
|
Re: Rico Rates Canada's Captains! (Score: 1)
by PayUpSucka on Sunday, August 08
(User Info | Send a Message) | Gee I wonder what kind of responses we'll see here now.
99% of leaf fans saying Mats Sundin and all the rest picking someone else. Routine around here.
Sundin is the more consistent captain, he rarely misses a game, he ranks in the top 5 the past 4 years in game winning goals, third period points, and playoff game winning goals. His regular season numbers ofr overtime goals are up there too. His numbers are where you want your captain to be.
Call me after Iginla makes the playoffs more than once and then i'll give him his dues. |
|
|
Re: Rico Rates Canada's Captains! (Score: 1)
by NYRules on Sunday, August 08
(User Info | Send a Message) | 1.Sundin-consistency
2.Iginla- most heart
3. Koivu- heart, dedication, talent, and doesnt take crap from the young guys
4. Naslund- can single handedly reverse the outcome of a game in vancouvers favor
5. Alfredsson-talented, but havent heard anything great from him other than his "Mark Messier" prediction that he made half way through the season and he did not even pick up his game to make it happen.
6. Smith- he shouldnt even be captain of the team... Ryan Smyth deserves it |
|
|
Re: Rico Rates Canada's Captains! (Score: 1)
by Keith_Tkachuk07 on Sunday, August 08
(User Info | Send a Message) | | I'm not a very Canadian team-liking guy.. Even though I'm from the peg... I like the Oilers.. But my hands are down to Sundin.. |
|
|
Re: Rico Rates Canada's Captains! (Score: 1)
by Slavik on Monday, August 09
(User Info | Send a Message) | | Naslund the worst Captain on Canadian soil? You have got to be kidding me, you clearly are not exposed well to the canucks, you said it yourself you are not exposed well to western teams so why make a list if you won't know what you are talking about half the time? |
|
|
Re: Rico Rates Canada's Captains! (Score: 1)
by bpanther83 on Monday, August 09
(User Info | Send a Message) | | I just wanna say that I do not think Ignla is such a great captain as everyone says. Calgary made it on a TEAM effort. I admit I don't watch much of Calgary, but I always would see ignla trying to do everything himself, and captains do NOT do that. But I agree with where he is placed. |
|
|
Re: Rico Rates Canada's Captains! (Score: 1)
by cgolding on Monday, August 09
(User Info | Send a Message) | I'm a huge supporter of Iginla, but he's young in the role and really just coming into his own... time is going to tell for this guy. However, he is the only guy on this list that will lead his team in any and every situation and I think that says a lot. Sundin does a fair share of dirty work along the corners for his club, but he isn't about to go and pick a fight with the biggest guy on the other team to get his team fired up like Iggy showed in the playoffs... I think that is a HUGE thing to have in a captain.
Iggy was also the best player on the ice in tight spots throughout the Flames run, his first time in the playoffs, which puts him up there with Sundin(Sundin has a much larger body of work obviously) in terms of clutch play so far.
I'd put Iggy at no. 1 just cuz I love watching the guy play... As a Flyer fan I have more than enough playoff exposure to Sundin to know that I don't really enjoy watching him play against me in the playoffs... last year he almost single-handedly willed the Leafs to a game 7, the year before he and Mogilny were the only reason the leafs weren't swept.
i'm not going to bother ranking them, but I'd put Sundin and Iggy no. 1 and 2... until proven otherwise I'll give Iggy top spot, but that's with the qualifier that he's young to the role. |
|
|
Re: Rico Rates Canada's Captains! (Score: 1)
by Aetherial on Monday, August 09
(User Info | Send a Message) | Based on last year's playoffs, Iginla is the best, OBVIOUSLY.
Can he do it over the long haul? That remains to be seen.
For consistency, demeanour, the ability to produce under the league's brightest spotlight and despite playing most of the time without high caliber wingers (until the last 2 years)...
Sundin get the edge.
Over time, Iginla does.
Alfredsson lost credibility years ago. He only made it worse this year.
|
|
|
Re: Rico Rates Canada's Captains! (Score: 1)
by gobruins08 on Monday, August 09
(User Info | Send a Message) | | even if sundin is the best captain in canada (which I disagree with anyway), thats only six teams of the nhl. The best captain in the NHL is Joe Sackic. |
|
|
Re: Rico Rates Canada's Captains! (Score: 1)
by DandoEagle on Monday, August 09
(User Info | Send a Message) | nope nope nope nope nope you could not be more wronger on this rateing. i cant beleve you would have sundin as number one. nope nope nope nope
sundin is a joke. he is not a leader and should never be captain. it is everyone around him who leeds. sundin does nothing to desrve to be captain. his is a choker and a loser.
koivu is a slacker. he needs to pick up his game to be a gooder captain. he to is not a good captain.
iginla has only lead his team to one playoff. that doenst make him a good captain. he takes to many dum penelties to warrant being captain. what a mistake to stirip conroy of the captain that is why he left.
alfredsson is god. the sens are the bestest team inthe league. and that is because of alfie being such a grate leader. no dowt that alfie is not only the best in cananda but in the whole league. no one is more gooder than him.
smith is a good player but we all know who should be captain in edmonton. that is mike york.
naslund is almost as good as alfie. he scores, makes big plays and leads by example better than anyone else. i cnat beleve you would have him as the worst one. nope nope nope you are so so wroung on that. i cant beleve oyu owuld say that. you know nothing about hockey.
so the real ratings should be
1 alfie
2. naslund
the rest of the guys shouldnt not be captains. |
|
|
Re: Rico Rates Canada's Captains! (Score: 1)
by Showerhead (spite@wouldilie.com) on Monday, August 09
(User Info | Send a Message) | | This might have less impact coming from someone who has probably made about 10 posts lifetime, but I just wanted to applaud Rico for coming up with the idea for the article, when he knew very well that fans from each captain's respective city would come in and wonder how their captain couldn't possibly be higher on the list. I am an oiler fan, and I actually quite agree with the rankings, though I may be quick to overlook Koivu's infighting based on my awe for his cancer recovery and how his presence improves les canadiens on the ice. |
|
|
Re: Rico Rates Canada's Captains! (Score: 1)
by Showerhead (spite@wouldilie.com) on Monday, August 09
(User Info | Send a Message) | | This might have less impact coming from someone who has probably made about 10 posts lifetime, but I just wanted to applaud Rico for coming up with the idea for the article, when he knew very well that fans from each captain's respective city would come in and wonder how their captain couldn't possibly be higher on the list. I am an oiler fan, and I actually quite agree with the rankings, though I may be quick to overlook Koivu's infighting based on my awe for his cancer recovery and how his presence improves les canadiens on the ice. The last point I want to make is that Jason Smith is very underrated - have you seen anyone else block pucks with his teeth, refuse to go to the dressing room for anaesthetic, get things stitched up on the bench, and not miss his next shift? He may not be the face of the Oilers, but he plays with more than enough heart to make up for that. |
|
|
Re: Rico Rates Canada's Captains! (Score: 1)
by EmptyNetter on Monday, August 09
(User Info | Send a Message) | What makes for a great captain anyway? Is he the best player on the team or the guy who holds the team together and gets the best result from his fellow players? Here's my breakdown of the captains in question:
Sundin - great player, great in the clutch. It can't be easy for him to lead a team loaded with the most former captains in the NHL. Of course when you're surrounded by character guys, they can help to carry the burden of leadership.
Iginla - Best player on a team that was, until this year, headed nowhere. He's stated that he'd rather bring the cup to Calgary than go to a contender and win it there. Plays hard and plays hurt, but was it Iginla's leadership or Sutter's that kept them rolling through the playoffs? Time will tell.
Koivu - Since he's not the best or most visible player on the team, it's hard to describe him without mentioning the stomach cancer he fought into remission. His Habs beat two higher seeded Bruins teams in the playoffs under two different coaches. How much of that is the Habs-Bruins rivalry and how much is his leadership (and how much is Boston's lack of a killer instinct) is unknown.
Naslund - How effective a leader can you be when you and your coach aren't on the same page? In the Steve Moore incident (no longer the Bertuzzi incident as any Canucks player could have been the aggressor) Naslund asked that there be no "payback". Allegedly, coach Marc Crawford wanted the score settled. Guess who won?
Alfredsson - Most talented player on a young, talented team on the rise. Hasn't had the benefit of being surrounded by leaders like Sundin has. Stanley Cup prediction was a failed experiment, but hopefully he learned from the experience.
Smith - I got nuthin. I rarely see Oilers games, so I can't judge. |
|
|
Re: Rico Rates Canada's Captains! (Score: 1)
by Rico420 on Monday, August 09
(User Info | Send a Message) | Glad to see that the ball got rolling on this one..it was getting to quiet around here!
But seriously guys..what part of "not many" means I never watch the Oilers or Nucks play..if anything I probably watch more Canucks games then I do Senators games, mostly because I'd rather worship Bobby Clarke then see the Senators win any games :) |
|
|
Re: Rico Rates Canada's Captains! (Score: 1)
by Havlat_hasit on Monday, August 09
(User Info | Send a Message) | What qualifies as a leader. Sundin does not provide the level of leadership that lots of other leafs do. Having a large core of seasoned players takes alot of the pressure of Sundin. All he has to do is score, while guys like Dyke and Roberts carry the team.
Alfredsson on the other hand is alot like Naslund in the sense that they are top point producers on younger teams. There are few to take the leadership role over him because the lack the NHL experience.
I however like stats and the fact of the matter is Alfredsson is a more dominant player in every respect. produces more points, is younger and is a hell of alot cheaper. And you can't point to the playoffs because neither team made a significant impact. As I recall Sundin didn't play in the final games of round 1
The amont of exposure the leafs get is also indicative of what analysts write. |
|
|
Re: Rico Rates Canada's Captains! (Score: 1)
by nordiques100 on Monday, August 09
(User Info | Send a Message) | what does fighting have to do with being a good captain? Yzerman doesnt fight, Gretzky didnt either, Sakic doesnt drop the gloves. does that make them poor captains if they dont fight? does this mean that they were not able to pick their team up or inspire them in any way?? you dont have to do that to be a good leader. these 3 guys are probably 3 of the best leaders and captains ever yet fighting wasnt their cup of tea but you people seem to imply that fighting is a huge thing and important for a leader to do and that is what puts iginla at the top of the list.
Sorry for all you Iginla fans but he needs more than one season and one playoff to be considered the best captain in canada.
|
|
|
Re: Rico Rates Canada's Captains! (Score: 1)
by nordiques100 on Monday, August 09
(User Info | Send a Message) | | the most important fact remains that most of the league's best captains play for US teams like yzerman, primeau, sakic, lemieux, stevens, messier. |
|
|
Re: Rico Rates Canada's Captains! (Score: 1)
by greengiant on Monday, August 09
(User Info | Send a Message) | | First off, someone has to say it: This thread is *****ing retarded. None of us have probably ever been in even one of those dressing rooms, let alone all of them. We might as well argue which Canadian NHL team goalie has the biggest *****. Unless you've sucked them all of or some shit, you don't *****ing know. |
|
|
| |
|
