NHL Feature: The Most Underrated Players of the 2010-2011 Season –Part 1
The National Hockey League (NHL) 2010-2011 season was full of achievements, excitements and disappointments. Many players led their teams to post-season glory, while many were unable to continue due to their franchise's inability to reach the playoffs.
Whatever the situation was, there are a number of players who did not receive the proper recognition that they should have, based on either official appreciation or off the record credit from media sources and fans around the world through socialization
and other ways of communication.
Making the playoffs was not the primary way of showing how hard these players worked for the club's success, but it was the game-to-game performance that really counted and improved all the little aspects which we do not notice but are of monumental value
in the end.
This is not a countdown to the most under-appreciated player, but a list without ranking of players who deserve to be mentioned one way or another.
Cam Fowler (Defenseman, Anaheim Ducks)
Upon hearing Cam Fowler’s name, fans remember him from the back of their minds as a player who really counted throughout Anaheim’s regulation and post-season, but they did not seem to notice his hard work. He helped the Ducks into the playoffs near the final
moments of the season as Anaheim finished in fourth place of the Western Conference.
For a defensive player, Fowler made a surprising 40 points, which include 10 goals and 30 assists, and this being his first season as a professional NHL player, the achievement seems all the more significant. Probably the best thing for General Manager Bob
Murray is the fact that he has Fowler for two more years for only an entry level $2.7-million contract.
Brad Marchand (Centre, Boston Bruins)
Probably one of the most surprising turn of events this time was Brad Marchand’s ability to play in tense situations. Currently, he is one of the top players for Boston, who are ready to eliminate the Tampa Bay Lightning in game six of the NHL Playoffs Eastern
Conference Finals, and being a rookie is an addition to that already paramount shock. His consistency has led the Boston Bruins to where they are right now, which just shows why fans nominated him to receive the annual NHL 7th Man Award.
Brendan Morrison (Centre, Calgary Flames)
Brendan Morrison was the backbone for the Calgary Flames during the past regular season. He may not have been in the spotlight much, but his contribution to the team was great in terms of opening up plays and opportunities for his fellow teammates. Unfortunately,
the Flames were unable to make the playoffs by a hairs length, but during the regular season, Morrison picked up nine goals and 34 assists in 66 games which is more than enough for a centre player like him.
With over 15 years in the NHL, Brendan Morrison might never become a Wayne Gretzky like player, but that does not matter because for whatever team he might play, those little contributions he makes really add up in the end. He might suffer if the Flames
do not re-sign him for next season as he will become an unrestricted free agent for the fourth straight year which is never an ideal position in NHL.
Continued in Part-2...
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