Continued Favorite Cup Moments

#3 - 2003: Kariya Come-back Kid

I remember it like it was yesterday: Paul Kariya, in the prime of his high-flying career, is cruising through the neutral zone... and I wouldn't say his head was "down"... but it wasn't exactly "up" either. In any case, he gets LEVELED by Scott Stevens, New Jersey's captain and who has my vote for one of the dirtiest players to ever play. Whether the actual hit was dirty is still debatable. Some say it was, others say it was clean. It looked slightly dirty to me... but anyways, as you can see, Kariya was DESTROYED by the hit. Knocked out cold on the ice.

All of sudden, Anaheim's without it's best player. Later on, as the game is ending, a roar erupts from the crowd as out from the locker room and on to the bench comes Paul Kariya. He still doesn't look all "there", but he's back! And sure enough what does he do? He goes out and scores the freaking game winning goal. Woozy looking and all. Now that's cool stuff.


#2: 2007: The Niedermayer Brothers

I like this one mostly because I have a brother who I've always played hockey with. He's a lot better than I am, but I can still beat him up if I need to. Anyways, hockey's always been something that's brought he and I together, a common bond that we'll always be able to call our own. We're excited to play on a team together once he turns 18, so I can only imagine what kind of dream come true it would be to play on the same NHL team and win a Stanley Cup with the kid. And that's exactly what the Niedermayers did. Younger brother Rob has played with the team for some time, and when Scott came to the team in 2006, it was for the primary reason of playing with his little brother and hopefully winning a Stanley Cup together. And boy, I cried UNABASHEDLY when Scott, after accepting the Grail as team captain, immediately placed the cup into his little brother's hands. That's a memory they'll never forget, and one of my favorite moments.

#1 - 2000: RAY BOURQUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The guy waits 20+ years, and finally wins the Cup after coming over to the Avs. The thing I like about Ray winning is that he truly contributed like a championship player. Many players his age would only be playing a few minutes a night, riding the backs of the teams' stars to win the Cup. Not Ray. He was a top defenseman who logged a lot of minutes, scored a lot of points, and gave every ounce of energy he had to winning that Cup. It was truly an amazing Cup run for the whole team.

Equally impressive during the Cup win was the classiness of Joe Sakic. As captain, the Cup is presented to him first to celebrate with. After Joe got the Cup, he didn't even look at it or raise it, he just skated right to Ray and put it in his hands. Look at the relief on Ray's face, it's like triumph mixed with relief. Like the weight of 20 years was just lifted off his shoulders. He retired after that season a champion.

Favorite Cup Moments

I know it's still A WHOLE FREAKING year away... but I've got Stanley on the mind. There are some moments that have come during my particular time as a hockey fan that have shown me what hockey's all about. They are moments that humanize hockey, showing us just how real and mortal and bleeding and dedicated to greatness our hockey heroes can be. At the same time, these moments have immortalized these men, ensuring their legacy at least in my mind. These are some of my favorite Stanley Cup moments.

#4 - Carolina Hurricanes winning the Cup in 2006...

Talk about a battle. There were troops going down on both sides as the 'Canes and Oilers played more of a seven round fight to the death than a Stanley Cup Final. I think there was as much blood as there was sweat in this Final. There was Dwayne Roloson's injury followed by Jussi Markkanen's stellar play in relief. There was Erik Cole's surprising return from a career-threatening injury. And there was Doug Weight. I think this picture epitomizes the 'Canes Cup run, but particularly highlights Weight's sacrifice. The guy separated his shoulder early on in the series and had a black eye, but never missed a beat. He was out there, with the crap beat out of him. When they won the Cup and he was presented with it, he couldn't even get it all the way over his head because of his shoulder. But he didn't care. The ultimate sacrifice. The ultimate warrior. I loved this Stanley Cup Final.

I actually have to bolt, but we'll continue this little discussion later. Peace.

El Capitanos, Round 4.... Will this ever end?!

First of all, a shout out to LeRoi Moore of the Dave Matthews Band, who passed away Tuesday from complications stemming from an ATV accident he was in. The music in heaven just got better with him there. A man to be missed, and a life to be celebrated.

Back to hockey captains.

LOS ANGELES KINGS

Current captain: None. The team named Rob Blake captain upon his return last year. A good move, except he bolted for San Jose during this offseason. Four words: Who. Can. Blame. Him? Last year was yet another dismal season for the Kings, who are up to their necks in rebuilding. There is a light at the end of the tunnel with youngsters like Anze Kopitar, Jack Johnson, Dustin Brown and co. A couple more seasons, and the hiring of a competent coach, should reap rewards for the young Kings. The team is too young to really decide on a captain right now. They might want to think about giving the "C" to one of their younger guys, say Kopitar or Brown. If they want to go with a little experience, they might want to think about Scott Thornton. In any case, the Kings lack a leader now that Blake's gone. If no one steps up, they'll be in big trouble.

MINNESOTA WILD

Current Captain: Ever since the Wild entered the league, they have gone with a rotating, month to month captaincy. Before this offseason I would have begged the Wild to scrap this system and just name Brian Rolston permanent captain... but then he left for the Devils during the offseason. The rotating system works, and coach Jacques Lemaire does a pretty good job of mixing it up and letting the young guys take their turn with the "C" (i.e. Brent Burns). Marian Gaborik held the "C" throughout the playoffs, but it seemed to be more of a burden to him than anything, and maybe he'd be better off without the extra responsibility. Youngster Brent Burns seemed to respond pretty well to his time as captain, as did Mikko Koivu, whose older brother Saku is a longtime Canadiens captain. I like Mikko as captain. If Lemaire did decide to name a permanent captain, I think Koivu would be the choice.

MONTREAL CANADIENS

Speaking of Koivus, who about Saku? The guy has been captain of the Canadiens for the past decade, and no one seems to be in the running to take it away from him. Although he's not the superstar that he used to be, Koivu is a quiet leader who leads by example, giving 100% every game. He has never let his size limit him, and just the fact that a FINN has stayed captain of a team that is very pro-French Canadien in a city that doesn't particularly like foreigners is a testament to his greatness.

Future captain: Tough to say. Chris Higgins would be my choice. He's a hard worker who's really rounded himself out into a leader over the past season or so. I think he's got the right personality to lead this team.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS

Current captain: Jason Arnott. If the Preds were looking for championship experience, they certainly found it in Arnott. They guy has won Stanley Cups with both Dallas and New Jersey, and has been part of some incredible teams and lines. He's getting a little long in the tooth, and size has slowed him down in the new NHL, but he's still a great leader. He's just what the young Predators need, and the type of guy a city like Nashville can lock onto. In places where hockey isn't the norm, like Nashville, Atlanta, and Columbus, the team captain is one of the most important players. He needs to be someone who can go out and get involved in the community. He needs to be that team hero that everyone recognizes. We didn't see a whole lot from that from Arnott last year, but it was his first season as a captain in the NHL. I think we'll see him grow into the role nicely, and be a good buffer for the young guys who will take the reins after Arnott hangs 'em up.

Future captain: Steve Sullivan is a good choice, but injuries and age might prevent him ever taking the "C". I think the Preds talented group of young defensemen is the place to look for their future captain. Ryan Suter and Shea Weber are both home-bread from the Nashville system, have begun their careers here, and have that aura about them. Either one, though I'm leaning towards Suter, would be a good captain.

NEW JERSEY DEVILS

Current captain: The Devils got it right in naming Jamie Langenbrunner captain. You will not find a harder worker than Langenbrunner on any team in the NHL. He's one championships, he's scored a heckuva lot of goals, and he's not afraid to take a beating. He's suited for the "C", and a good example for the youngsters.

Future captain: I like Zach Parise and can see him leading this team. Paul Martin also wore an "A" for a lot of last season, and could turn into a Scott Niedermayer type leader. We'll see what the pipeline brings.

El Capitanos, Round 3

DETROIT RED WINGS
Current Captain: Niklas Lidstrom
Remember what I said about Sakic? Ditto for Lidstrom. The only guy who has ever dared to cheap shot him is Ian Lapperriere, which isn’t a surprise (Lapperriere would take on the dudes from 300 single-handedly if he could). There is nary a more deserving player than Lidstrom to win all of the accolades he wins. He rarely makes a mistake, and his quiet, steadying presence comforts teammates, even when the situation is difficult, which isn’t often for the might Wings. First European captain to win a Stanley Cup, and he's practically owned the Norris Trophy for the past decade.
Future captain: Henrik Zetterberg: He just seems like he’s got that captain mentality. I can see them maybe giving the “C” to Kris Draper after Niklas hangs 'em up, but Draper's also nearing the end of his career. I say go with the youth, get 'em started now. Zetterberg would admirably carry on the tradition of the quiet, talented Red Wing captain.

EDMONTON OILERS
Current captain: I guess it's Ethan Moreau technically, but the workhorse is hurt so much we hardly ever see him. He's a gutsy player who gives it his all. What he lacks in talent he makes up with heart. Unfortunately his heart may be his only body part left after hockey is done with him. He's definitely been to hell and back injury-wise. And as much as I admire they guy, I think it's time for a change. And that change would be...
Future Captain: Shawn Horcoff. He's a tad inconsistent and has had his own share injury problems, but I still like him and it looks like he's in it for the long haul with Edmonton. Make the guy captain.

FLORIDA PANTHERS
Current captain: Zilch. Olli Jokinen has left, leaving a huge void at captain. They've got a few choices, none of them super-appealing. If they're going for veteran leadership, there's Cory Stillman and Nick Boynton. Both have been around the block a few times and would be good examples for the youngsters. If you're going young, you might as well start with the homegrowns. I would say Nathan Horton or Jay Bouwmeester. Horton has worn an "A" for most of the past two seasons, so he might be a good choice. Bouwmeester would be a good choice, but I think he may be on his way out of town to chase a new contract. I'd go with Horton if you want youth, Stillman if you want experience.

El Capitanos, Round 2

CAROLINA:
Current captain: Rod Brind’Amour. There are reasons this man is called a freak of nature in some hockey circles, none of them having to do with his personality. First, the man is strong as an ox. Seeing him with a shirt off strangely takes me back to my He-Man days. Second of all, he’s a clutch performer who seems to play his best when a game, season, or championship is on the line. Third, he truly does look like, well, a neandrethal. Rod Brind’Amour has to be one of the top three guys in the league I would want captaining my team, right up with Iginla and Joe Sakic. His will to do whatever it takes to win is apparent in every scar on his battle-worn face. That will and fiery determination inspires his teammates, and that’s what makes him a natural leader. I also wouldn’t want that gorilla face bearing down on me if I was a teammate who was slacking…
Future captain: Eric Staal. They’re breeding him to be captain, a position he should hold for the rest of his career. I see him as a quiet, but effective leader.

CHICAGO:
Current captain: Jonathan Toews. You knew there was something special about this kid last year when then interim-captain Martin Lapointe was already offering the “C” to Toews, who was a 19-year-old rookie. Luckily, they gave Toews the rest of the season to “mature” before handing over the captaincy to him, filling a leadership void that has been a black hole for years on the ‘Hawks roster. Naming a 20-year-old as team captain is a risky move, but it’s a step in the right direction. The Hawks have a lot of youth and a lot of talent on their roster. Letting them grow together, with Toews at the helm, will pay off big dividends in a few years. Toews does carry the Yzerman essence about him, someone who’s wise beyond his years and who players naturally follow. I think we’ll see a lot from him. We may see him become to the Hawks what Sakic is to the Avs or Yzerman to the Wings…

COLORADO:
Current captain: Joe Sakic. The man is a legend already, and the perfect leader. His style of play and classy personality simply demand respect, without Sakic ever opening his mouth. When was the last time you ever saw an opponent cheap shot Joe Sakic? That’s what I thought: Never. He’s elevated himself to such a high status through his mad skills and determined – if quiet – demeanor that players just don't mess with him. He’s become something of a hockey god. He alone convinced players like Ryan Smyth to come to his team. He’s won championships, he’s won scoring titles, heck, he even won Colorado’s sexiest man once. All this in the form of a quiet leader who gets the job done. Injuries have begun to take their toll on the aging star, but when he’s playing he still looks like he’s just pushing 30. He’s one of the number one leaders to ever play the game.
Future captain: Paul Stastny. He just has it in him to be a leader. I don’t know if it’s the Stastny blood or what, but this guy will take over Sakic’s reign in a couple years and should continue his gutsy play. I hope he always keeps that gap-toothed smile. Brilliant.

COLUMBUS:
Current captain: Rick Nash. It was only a matter of time until Nash was named captain of the franchise he is at the head of. The change in the superstar’s attitude didn’t hurt, either. The former one-dimensional scorer is nicely rounding out his all-around game under coach Ken Hitchcock, a drastic change in attitude. He is now a fixture on the backcheck and even the penalty kill, and it is no doubt due to this about-face in his attitude that accelerated his rise to the captaincy. Plan on seeing Nash at the helm for a long time.

DALLAS:
Current Captain: Brendan Morrow. Another awesome captain, Brendan Morrow is like a wolverine on skates. There is not a Dallas Star that works harder or wants it more than Morrow. And not one who will pay quite the price that he does. After the beatings he’s taken in front of the net and in defense of his teammates, his face is startingly beginning to remind me of a certain neandrathal who plays for a certain team in Carolina. Morrow is vocal to the point of obnoxious, tough to the point of enforcer, and talented to the point of superstar. All in all, a good leader. I was a little confused when Dallas brass took the “C” from Modano while he was still on the team, but now I see why. Not a knock on Modano, but Morrow has established himself as the bleeding heart and soul of this franchise.
Future captain: No real prospects for this one. We’ll have to see.

El Capitanos, Present and Future

I've some thoughts on current NHL team captains. I don't know any of these men, it is but a dream, but here's my opinions based on their play and how they portray themselves in public. I guess if I was coach of all 30 teams it would be different... but no GM is THAT stupid.

ANAHEIM
Current captain: Chris Pronger. I don't like him. I think he's an effective player, and a darn good one at that, but his career and reputation is being tainted by constant dirty play. I'm not just talking about stuff he's been suspended for (c'mon league, when Pronger's 6-foot whatever, how can McAmmond help but run into his elbow?!), but for the way he consistently plays the game: dirty. He's like the really smart kid in school who's found a way to cheat so he does, instead of using his talents the right way. But apparently he has some leadership skills I haven't seen - he was captain in St. Louis, as well as an assistant in Edmonton and Anaheim before being named Duck captain.
Future?: Well, I would have given the "C" to Robby Niedermeyer. He epitomizes work ethic and dedication. He goes about his business quietly and effectively. For the future, however, get ready for Getzlaf. With a couple more years of maturity, this guy is definite captain material, he's got all the goods, now it's just his attitude that needs to catch up. If he can focus that fiery, sometimes obnoxious temper of his, he'll be a gritty, Mark Messier-esque leader.

ATLANTA:
Currently no captain after Bobby Holik returned to greener pastures (and Martin Brodeur) in New Jersey. Slava Kozlov, Niklas Havelid, and Ilya Kovalchuk all served as alternates last year. I say give the "C" to Kovalchuk. His attitude still leaves much for wanting...but at least it's better than it was when he began. There's progress here, folks! There is no doubting that Kovalchuk is the heart and soul of the Thrashers, and all of their hopes of success rest on his talented, obnoxious, and cocky shoulders. That's why he should have the "C." Give it to him and let's see how he reacts. It may be just what the team needs. I don't know, I just can't see Kozlov, Havelid, or anyone leading this team to the playoffs.

BOSTON:
Current captain: Zdeno Chara. I don't have much to say about Chara (we'll leave that up to my brother, who whisper's Zdeno's name while sleeping). He's without a doubt one of the premier defensemen in the league and a good choice for captain. I don't see him rallying the troops with an emotional locker room address, but I do see him leading by an example that includes sticking up for his teammates. I love captains like that, who will do anything for any of their teammates, whether it's the star of the team or the new minor-league call up. Of course, Chara's 6'9. When he stands up, any other play just basks in his shadow.
Future captain(s): Patrice Bergeron. He'll be a Joe Sakic-type. After him, Milan Lucic. The kid's only 18 and has a ways to go, but man, can you just see this guy captaining a team like the Boston Bruins?! Not only is he fearless, but he's pretty darn talented as well. He's the perfect fit for a storied, legendary team like the Boston Bruins.

BUFFALO:
This one's tough after the toll free agency has taken on the Sabres. Last year, coach Lindy Ruff used a monthly, alternating captaincy much like the Minnesota Wild have done since their inception. Jochen Hecht served twice, and Toni Lydman, Jaroslav Spacek and Jason Pominville all did their time as well. The captains were picked by player vote, so it seems obvious that Hecht would be the player's choice for "C", but I can definitely see Pominville captaining the Sabres. I see in him the Chris Drury heart, even if he's still playing catch up in the talent department. If they're looking to the future, Pominville needs to be named captain.

CALGARY:
Current captain: Jarome Iginla. This guy is not only one of the league's best players, he's also one of the classiest acts and one of my favorite captains. He plays every single game like it's his last, and treats every teammate like his brother. He'll fight for them, he'll win games for them, he'll kill penalties, work the power play, call his players out when they're not performing, congratulate them when they're doing well, and he's been of huge service to the Calgary community. The players, management, and fans all love him. He's the type of franchise player team's spend years trying to find. His classy personality was epitomized after Calgary's final game against Vancouver last year. It was an emotional game for longtime Canuck legend Trevor Linden, who had all but confirmed it would be his last after a long, successful career that spanned almost two decades. After the game, while Linden was embracing his teammates on the ice, Iginla called his team back out to the ice, where they banged their sticks and embraced Linden as well. That's class folks. It's something that transcends the barrier of city and team. It's personal. Iginla has it.
Future captain: Who knows? Iginla just needs to play forever. Dion Phaneuf is the likely candidate. But he'll be around 30 by the time Iginla calls it quits. A lot could change by then.

We'll do more later.

Peace.