Are you looking forward to Crosby playing alonside Ovechkin at the All-Star game?
913369
That is going to be awesome.
655940
I would say that its a safe bet he will return next season.  He hasn't been the healthiest of NHLers this season, but he definitely worked his booty off and proved he can still play.  He may not be as bright a star as once he was (who is...) but his play down the stretch in the regular season coupled with his effort (one of the few given by the Red Wings) in the first round series against the Oilers proves that he may have enough juice in the tank for one more go at it. \n\nHe didn't often play back to back games, and needed a breather in the middle of the first round series, but he still feels very much that this is HIS team (as well he should feel like that) and he doesn't like to go out in a way that they did.\n\nThat being said, if he chooses to hang em up, he'll go down as one of the greatest players of this generation and the Red Wings would be foolish NOT to retire the "C" along with his number 19.  The longest serving captain of any major sport (20 years as the face of the organization) and a career that spans three decades with the same team in an era of free agency and deserting teams for more cash makes Steve Yzerman a special player and leader.  \n\nI would keep a place on my team for him until a year after he dies, if he wanted it.
679304
It's a possibility.  If you look at the numbers from past seasons.  He won the All-Star Challenge and the Cup in the same season 3 times.  So I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that he wins Saturday night and better his chances at winning the cup.  I'm a superstitious person.  LOL
781463
Right now he's not because of his style of play. He's more of a passer, and relies on teammates more. Ovechkin and Kovalchuk are more "do-it-self" kind of players. He can become a very good player, better than he is right now, by harnessing ALL of his skills. He's very similar to Crosby, in the way that they're both pass-first guys, and patient with the puck. So yes, I think he can eventually become a great, great player.
313941
i say there are too many greats still playing but i will name a few based on their skills and leadership: steve yzerman(great leader, in top 10 list with points), lidstrom-great 2 way defenseman, crosby (future star with great potential), jagr- pure scorer, joe sakic- great leader, chelios- oldest defenseman in nhl today, mario lemieux-great scorer and leader, and gretzky- top point leader of all time.  some of thoese players will be retiring soon so i thought i mention them as greats.
823217
All of the Staal kids---saw one of the younger ones at a Petes/Knights game last spring.\nThe obvious suspects, Crosby Ovechkin....\nI also like Stajan, but will admit I'm biased because he's a Leaf.
595405
i dont know but i know carlos arroyo will be there as PG!!
177042
Yes... Jaromir is absolutely incredible this year... don't forget other player will be close to win this award... Eric Staal is one of my favorite pick
953839
Yes he resembles them both!  He is very good defensively which alot of people don't realize; like Francis.  He can obviously skate like Mario.  Always remember one thing though, Mario scored at least 100 highlight reel goals!  This kid's shooting percentage is incredible.  With the size of the goaltenders nowadays, it's amazing how he and Crosby are doing it.  Francis was a great, quiet player.  He was not a great skater but was good positionally.  Notice Malkin will sneak up at the right time and has a tendency to know where the puck is going to end up.  It's sad in a way that Mario didn't get the chance to skate alongside these 2 hall of famers.  THey would be unfreakingstoppable!!!
512586
I personally think the new NHL rules changed the way games are played.  Therefore, it's not necessarily true anymore to rely so much on old, experience veteran players.  The rules today demands younger, faster players/skaters whom are hungry to win!\n\nI personally think the Western Conference Finals will be the Sharks and Oilers.  The winner of this match will take the CUP!!!
543167
I asked Gary Thorne (ESPN commentator and USA Today columnist) a couple of weeks ago regarding this on a USA Today chat.  He mentions Daniel Briere but goes on to say it was way too early to determine the Conn Smythe winner.  It's probably still a little early to guess until we have the finals set this evening (or tomorrow morning).  If I had to give my answer right away, I'd go with either of the following:  Daniel Briere, Eric Staal, Cory Stillman, Cam Ward, Dwayne Rolosson or Ryan Miller.
456558
Yes!! I fell in love with him the first game that I went to this season. I've been to four games and I'm going to the Playoff game this Saturday when the Canes play Montreal.  I'm going with one of my friends who is obsessed with him. He plays excellent hockey and I think he is just gorgeous. Finally, someone on here who loves Eric! :)
88711
He said possible in an interview last night with some reports before the game started that he would most likely be back this  comming weekend. He is suppost to start practing with the team this week. So i would say this weekend or before the all star game.
524665
Sounds GREAT! And we can do it, too! Ottawa is on the ropes awaiting the knockout punch -- and it's coming! Carolina is likely next and we can and will destroy them too! The Stanley Cup Finals will be a mismatch as we can skate with and crush ANY of the Western Conference teams. The beauty of the 2005-06 (and beyond) Buffalo Sabres is that the combination of youth, speed, skill and work ethic is unrivaled in the NHL. This is the winning formula and it means the long-suffering fans of Buffalo are about to experience euphoria when our proud Sabres bring home the Cup!\n\nLET'S GO BUF-FA-LO!!!\n\nP.S. Does anything top loser Leafs fans trying to mock our successful Sabres when their embarrassment of a team is out on the links? ;)
346458
Good point, this rookie class this year was the best for a long while. The Calder Trophy is given to "the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the National Hockey League." \n\nIn my opinion, Crosby should be second best for a couple reasons. \n\n1) He was one of 7 players that reached 100 points this season, and keep in mind that he played 131 minutes less than Ovechkin throughout the whole season, more than two games. \n2) Each player did not have as great a supporting cast as Lundquist and Phaneuf, who excelled with teams including Jagr, Straka, Iginla and Kiprusoff. \n\nCrosby was labelled the whole year as the next Gretzky, facing the best defenders every night. Veterens got udner his skin, he often lost his temper, and was on one of the worst teams in the NHL playing in the worst arena in the NHL, but still managed to produce. \n\nCrosby definately deserves to be the second best rookie.\n\nHope that helps.
329368
It was a fantastic hit!  Reminded me of the hits Scott Stevens use to do!!  It was great.  The Sabres are making the Flyers look like idiots!!  I love it!
813302
He's a pretty good player. I can't wait to see where he goes. Maybe the NHL should look for some more players from Slovenia, since he's this good!!!