Most loved nhl players

[sharks_bazooka_joe_19 0]

[quote name=bainsstatic' date='Apr 18 2006, 02:26 PM

Imagine the Sharks if they had Ricci right now!

I wish Nabokov didn't have that no-trade clause in his contract, I'm sure Phoenix would give Ricci. Then again, can't judge Nabokov on half a season of below average play (or can I?)

I don't know, the goal-tending situation is looking good in Phoenix. And remember, the Sharks let Ricci go when he be came an UFA. As for the no-trade clause, should Nabokov's play be a result of injury, he'll be back in net as the #1 goallie by next season and back to his usual form. If not, and he's not restored to his orginial status, I imagine he would waive the "no trade" clause as he really is a starting goalie and doesn't belong sitting on the bench 3/4 of the season.

Those of us in my "camp" suspect Nabokov is still hurt - he's missing glove side shots he never would have before. They couldn't keep Shafer up for too long or they'd have to keep him in SJ (I forget what the game limit is) and move one of the goalies. Not a good place to be in. So, I suspect they have Nabby sitting on the bench recooperating while Toskala proves himself worthy of a starting position. My guess is Toskala will move on in the not too distant future for hopefully a key player and we'll see Shafer back in SJ.

[NuggyBuggy 0]

I was at all the World Cup games held in Toronto and the number of Iginla jerseys I saw was something to behold. Clearly the most popular jersey in the house by a big margin. I might even go so far as to say *at least* half of all jerseys with names on them, bore his.

[Langenbrunner15 0]

Elias, even some of my friends who are ranger fans like this guy a lot.

[BigT 4]

iggy seems to be pretty popular

[cause4alarm 7]

I think I read an article about how Doan and Ricci hated each other's guts.  Should that disqualify both?

Probably, assuming the article was correct and the writer was not just coming to their own conclusions from statements made out of context. I find it hard to believe that Ricci would have that kind of dynamic with anyone. My guess is if one of them is moved during the off-season it could be an indicator.

It also sounds like Ricci was responding to a comment regarding the team not doing well and whether someone other than Doan would make a better captain. Ricci's always backed the organization he's been with, at least in public, so I think it's more a case of Ricci giving a "stock answer". He's been around long enough to know what questions to dodge in during interviews. I've seen him dodge plenty that, IMOHO were inappropriate, putting him in an awkward position and should he have a "non-popular" opinion on the issue, to answer directly would put him into the ranks of JR & Brett Hull. A spot he would really rather not have. Mind you I love JR's frankness and I miss Hull's blunt humor.

The article actually came out at the beginning of the season. Apparently they had some heated run-ins as rivals on opposing teams, but now that they were teammates, they conceded that the other was actually a pretty decent guy.

Awww!

Still, let's disqualify them anyway.

[ponty 0]

Sakic, Bourque, Stevie Y come first to mind when it comes to respect.

Approachable NHL players from a fan perspective ... Doesnt get better than Danny Hinote. Just a normal guy that happens to play in the NHL.

[sharks_bazooka_joe_19 0]

I think I read an article about how Doan and Ricci hated each other's guts.  Should that disqualify both?

Probably, assuming the article was correct and the writer was not just coming to their own conclusions from statements made out of context. I find it hard to believe that Ricci would have that kind of dynamic with anyone. My guess is if one of them is moved during the off-season it could be an indicator.

It also sounds like Ricci was responding to a comment regarding the team not doing well and whether someone other than Doan would make a better captain. Ricci's always backed the organization he's been with, at least in public, so I think it's more a case of Ricci giving a "stock answer". He's been around long enough to know what questions to dodge in during interviews. I've seen him dodge plenty that, IMOHO were inappropriate, putting him in an awkward position and should he have a "non-popular" opinion on the issue, to answer directly would put him into the ranks of JR & Brett Hull. A spot he would really rather not have. Mind you I love JR's frankness and I miss Hull's blunt humor.

The article actually came out at the beginning of the season. Apparently they had some heated run-ins as rivals on opposing teams, but now that they were teammates, they conceded that the other was actually a pretty decent guy.

Awww!

Still, let's disqualify them anyway.

Doan was a bit of a "Shark Killer" and I figure he & Ricci faced-off against each other quite often and if Doan's scoring against Ricci's line...well....