National Hockey League (NHL) Players with most responsibility in Western Conference –Part 3
One thing that does not matter in the making of a legendary player who can lead his steam to Stanley Cup glory in the National Hockey League (NHL) is age. Some players over time have become to be more valuable as they grew older, while some immediately began
contributing from their youth and then there is the third category, players who start in the middle.
Every player has their own set time and team with whom they will achieve their peak seasons, and whichever team that may be, it is sure to benefit. One ample example of such a player of the first category is Boston Bruins very own goalie, Tim Thomas. Not
becoming a regular goalie until now, the 35-year-old became so good all of a sudden, that he was the main contributing factor in their Stanley Cup win this year. It just goes to proves that age definitely is not a factor.
Pavel Datsyuk (Centre, Detroit Red Wings)
Even though Pavel Datsyuk was a 171st overall pick during round-six of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft by Detroit, he emerged as one of the franchises highest shooters and attained a place on the roster which just does not seem right without him.
In light of recent injuries, Datsyuk managed to participate in only 56 games last season and still contributed an impressive 59 points (23 goals, 36 assists), way less than his regular season record of 90 plus points, at the veteran age of 33.
Having led Detroit to a Stanley Cup in 2008, the team has not been able to perform the same since their victory, which raises the question, whether Red Wings will be able to function if they lose Datsyuk surprisingly?
Taylor Hall (Left Wing, Edmonton Oilers)
Edmonton Oilers had a lot of interest and hope vested in Taylor Hall, their 19-year-old, first overall draft pick of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft who did not exactly disappoint, but did not entirely impress either.
Due to an ankle injury, the top pick missed over 20 games by appearing in only 65 and still had a big first season with 42 points (22 goals, 20 assists).
Residing from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Hall must show next season that he truly is what Edmonton was looking for as they try and improve their teams overall image. They were awarded with another top pick this time around, thus making the situation all that
more interesting.
To be continued in part 4.....
(The views expressed by the writer are his own and do not reflect the editorial policy of www.bettor.com)
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