Very cool Orr4
I was just thinking that we all miss those guys who played at a "simmer not quite a boil"..........Sutter, Nystrom, Holmgren, Plett, Smyl or
Dale Hunter competing virtually every shift vs "honest" blueliners like Wells, Beukeboom or Tinordi.
Terry O anyone?
The passion they all played with. The respect they had for representing their city and "colors".
I watched my Caps go up on Ottowa yesterday and was struck by the change. The first period looked like Brashear might find a dance partner in either
Chris Neil or a young defenseman but as the score got out of reach..........what is the point in today's game? Years ago, THE SCORE DIFFERENTIAL WAS THE POINT!
The game which actually had some hitting devolved into a sloppy 3rd period where guys obviously let up when they had opportunities to deliver a hit. It was almost comical to watch Ovechkin try to relax his natural instincts. Even the commentators had to mention that it had turned into a game of "shinny" or pond hockey.
It has been said by several ex football players that guys deliberately relax and let up, trying to avoid injury when a game is out of reach while not trying to catch the wrath of their coach by being blatant about it.
It just struck me by how obvious it was and the difference between then and now. I'm suprised
Jason Smith didn't seek out
Matt Bradley or a young defenseman
Brooks Laich for example just to show the coach he cares.
Different times gentlemen.