Quote:
Originally Posted by Detroiter
Lidstrom is a top 2 at his position because of the competition. There just haven't been many good defenseman during Lidstrom's time. Pronger and Blake have been injured. Stevens is overrated. Bourque and Chelios were older. Lidstrom hasn't had competition and that's why he's been able to win the award. Look what Yzerman has gone up against: Gretzky, Mario, Messier, Sakic, Forsberg, Francis, Lindros, Jagr, Fedorov, Hull, Modano, etc. I'm sure I'm probably forgetting some names.
Lidstrom is #3 and will remain #3 no matter what he wins. Heck, Draper, Maltby, McCarty, and Holmstrom have more hardwar than Yzerman. Just because Yzerman was overlooked and didn't win the awards he won doesn't mean Lidstrom had the better career. IMO Lidstrom doesn't even come close. Let's not forget that Yzerman played alot of his career with a bad knee.
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I am not comparing them solely based on hardware but it's a bit silly to compare a forward to a defenseman directly. What do you look at - point totals or highlight reel goals?? Of course Stevie has more points. And you reference the tougher competition at forward but it some ways that makes the argument - maybe it's tougher to excel/stand out as a defensemen. The fact that Lids has dominated his era helps his argument, it doesn't make him a lesser player. Unless you are one of those that thinks that all the best hockey players play forward and the leftovers go on defense
. No way, coaches often put their most dependable and consistent players on the back end so they can play more and so they can control the game more.
And yes, Stevie was legendary for battling through that knee injury but Lids should be legendary for never having a serious injury. C'mon to play on D against the top lines for 15 years and to only miss a handful of games - now that is bringing it every night. That's part of what makes Lids special. Think if you are the coach - you know that almost every game Lids is going to be out there controlling the game, neutralizing the other team and sparking your offense from the back end. Sure makes your life easier.
And I acknowledged right now that Stevie might be considered better b/c of the leadership and intangibles but to say it isn't close is just wrong.