wprager wrote:Actually, I'm probably not disagreeing as much as it comes across. My "personality" shining through, I'm sure
There are three things Semin said:
1. He didn't think there was anything special about Crosby when compared to other skillful players in the league. Specifically, he brought up Kane as an example of a more interesting player.
I disagree with this a bit, since I do think that Crosby is special. But, OK, that's an opinion. He thinks Kane (maybe others?) is a more interesting player.
2. He criticized how Crosby is being promoted.
Can't argue with that. I can't stand it either. Although when he says "dead wood" I really don't think he was referring to Crosby directly, but that's how it came across. I think he really was saying that if you hype a not-so-good player to an unreasonable extent you would have a "start". Possibly true, especially in non-hockey markets.
Then, when he adds "Especially if he gets 100 points". Well, he lost me right there. If someone gets 100 points he's not dead wood. But I see his popint about relying too much on stats. In the RSL (now KHL) and other European leagues, you don't get a point for the second assist, so players who get tons of assists are not leading the scoring race like they do here. There is a much higher emphasis on goals and skill, not just points.
So you have to project what he is saying through that "lens" to better understand his point.
3. His last poinr about someone scoring 50 goals by deflecting them in front of the net certainly was not aimed at Crosby. I actually don't agree with that point, but, again, think of what that would mean in Europe.
Over here, in the NHL, it takes a certain skill and determination to stand in front of 100+ MPH slapshots, while being hooked, slew-footed, hacked and cross-checked by both defensemen and goalies. Much of that is probably not happening over in Europe, and this young kid obviously doesn't understand that the Espositos, Bertuzzis (earlier) and Tocchets don't grow on trees.
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