I am sorry to see this guy go…Joe Sakic is certainly one of the best players to ever step on the ice. I think what I will remember most is the class. Joe has more class and professionalism than all the NBA, MLB, and NFL players combined. Nobody can touch this guy…
My favorite image of Joe Sakic is after winning the 2001 Stanley Cup. Joe took it from the commish, turned around, and immediately handed it to another class guy, Ray Borque. Ray was the first guy on the team to raise it over his head. I was at that game and remember the roar of the crowd as he did it…it still gives me chills.
Number 19 will hang in the rafters in Denver. Joe, thanks for the memories…thanks for the great games, great goals, and great leadership.
How appropriate for Martin Brodeur to break Patrick Roy’s record on… St. Patrick’s Day?
I’ve always been a fan of Marty Brodeur….hell of a goalie. Three Cups, four Vezinas, a Gold medal, and a slough of other trophies (but no playoff MVP). Now that he’s the leader in all time wins, the questions begin to fly….” is he the greatest ever?”
I’m a hockey fan, have been my whole life. Specifically, I’m an Avs fan…but, after my hometown St. Louis Blues, the Devils have always been a favorite. Hard work, simple play….although some people hate the trap. The trap is the asterisk on Marty’s record.
The day Patrick Roy came to the Avs, I was jumping up and down running around the house. My wife thought I was insane…his accomplishments speak for themselves, four Cups, three Vezinas, three playoff MVPs, amongst a pile of other trophies. When Patty set the new record, there seemed to be a resounding, “yup, greatest ever.”
Brodeur has played 70 to 80 games a season, for a team that has been “defense first” since the early 90′s. This play style works…period. It also holds down the opportunities for opposition shooting and scoring. This makes a huge difference.
Roy didn’t play as many games per season and didn’t have the advantage of defensive play. Hell, the 95-96 season for the Avs was…outscore everyone, screw defense. There were a lot of games stolen away.
So, is Marty the best ever? I can’t decide. Don’t care really…I just love to watch ‘em play.