Pwnasaurus
Registered User
That's a great question, but I think that if there is one no-brainer, it's Hasek at No. 1. The reality of Dominik Hasek is he's one of the few players in NHL history who truly is one of a kind. I think we've seen goalies come along in recent years who are as quick and as agile as Hasek (Roman Cechmanek had Hasek's ability and Martin Brodeur's size, but just didn't have what it takes mentally to succeed long-term). But nobody was better at getting in their opponents head than Hasek. He had that presence about him that very few had. While he's had moments over the years in which he's been somewhat of a negative presence, he's a very tough nut to crack mentally. And let's face it: there are few goalies better at working the rules than Hasek. He'd throw the stick. He'd put the water bottle right up against the crossbar, making it difficult for cameras to see the puck cross the goal line in the event of a video review.
Hasek's a defining player in his generation, and one could even argue a revolutionary player. We've never seen another player like him, and for decades to come, people will be looking for the next Hasek.
I'd take Chelios ahead of Lidstrom. I'd say they're even as far as two-way play is concerned, and while Lidstrom is certainly the more pleasing individual to be around, I'd take Chelios for two reasons: the physical dimension, and the ability to carry his team on his back for extended periods of time. The latter is the one thing Lidstrom has never done in the playoffs. Chelios has. I certainly don't blame those who would take Lidstrom ahead of Chelios. I just don't agree with them.
So the question now becomes: where do you slot Yzerman. I would put him at No. 2. Why? Leadership. Best leader to enter the league since Bobby Clarke and Phil Esposito. In terms of overall talent/performance/accomplishments, you could rate Lidstrom and Chelios ahead of Yzerman. But when you take leadership into account, it's what pushes Yzerman over the top. Watch him in the 1996 and 2002 playoffs. He put that Detroit team on his back. In 1996, pretty much the entire Red Wings team underperformed, except for Yzerman. He was brilliant, and the reason Detroit beat St. Louis in the second round, even though St. Louis was playing their back-up. In 2002 against Vancouver, he again put that Detroit team on his back, controlling the games despite his wonky knee.
Quoted for truth
