Quote:
Originally Posted by Goalies Rule
Wow, great debate guys.
I think Ive got to give it to Lidstrom. He has just been too darn good and now the words "greatest ever" are being thrown around. The guy is just too dominating.
Yzerman on the other had, was also great, but he has leadership skills that far exceed Lidstrom. Thats was makes Yzerman great. He had the numbers as well, but I think comparing the 2 of them, Lidstrom has now edged him out.
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Why? Lidstrom has been captain for how many years? Three seasons? In that time, he's brought one Stanley Cup and, if I remember right, 2 President's Trophies.
Some of you have short memories. There were a few seasons there in the early to mid 90's when Yzerman's teams just couldn't get it done in the playoffs. They lost to worse teams and looked bad doing it at times. YZERMAN WAS ALMOST TRADED FOR **** SAKE. Management wanted him gone but Illitch, wisely, told them that Yzerman stays put. Sportswriters and fans were calling for his head and claiming that he would never be a great leader until he could win a cup. So for as talented as he was, his "leadership abilities" were questionable (or at least questioned) for
years!
Not bashing Yzerman. He's my favorite NHL player. But let's not go off the deep end about what a tremendous captain he was. It took him years to make that team his and help it get a Stanley Cup and he didn't do it alone.