Brophy on NHL: Still play in Mr. Gray
The NHL is a young man’s game but there are some older players keeping up with the kids.
When the National Hockey League returned to action following the lockout of 2004-05, it was obvious that with the changes in the game, namely a proposed reduction in obstruction, it was becoming a young man’s league.
No more hooking…holding…interference meant there would be a greater emphasis on skating. In most cases, young legs would have a decided advantage. The return of hockey brought a couple of instant teenage superstars in Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. Kids have become the league’s most dominant players. Think Steven Stamkos, Drew Doughty, Tyler Myers, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, the Staal brothers, Bobby Ryan, Matt Duchene, Taylor Hall, John Tavares and Jeff Skinner.
And yet, when you look at last season, older players – the blue rinse set, if you will – made quite an impact. Nicklas Lidstrom, 41, continues to be an impact player and, thankfully, has decided to extend his career. Teemu Selanne, also 41, was the second-leading scorer for the Anaheim Ducks last season with 31 goals and 80 points in 73 games. Tim Thomas, 37, was the NHL’s best goaltender while his teammate, Mark Recchi – who is 43 – played a huge role in helping the Boston Bruins win the Stanley Cup.
So yes, it is a young man’s league, but that does not mean older players cannot have an impact. Selanne has not yet decided if he’ll return for an 18th NHL season or if he’ll, as they say, hang ‘em up. Nevertheless, here’s is a list of the NHL’s 10 best players 36 years old or older:
1. Nicklas Lidstrom, defence, Detroit Red Wings: Lidstrom bounced back from what seemed like a step-back season the year before by winning his seventh Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenceman. With 16 goals and 62 points in 82 games, Lidstrom ranked second in defenceman scoring in the league to Anaheim’s Lubomir Visnovsky who had 68. Never an overly physical player, Lidstrom continues to get it done using his high level of skill and unbelievable smarts. If the Red Wings are to make a charge at winning the Stanley Cup next season, then Lidstrom will need to continue to play at the same high level that has made him a sure-fire Hall of Famer.
2. Chris Pronger, defence, Philadelphia Flyers: Last season wasn’t kind to the 36-year-old veteran blueliner in terms of injuries. Knee, hand and back injuries limited him to just 50 regular season games and three playoff appearances and he continues to rehab in an effort to be ready for the start of the 2011-12 season. When he is healthy, Pronger is the NHL’s best shutdown defender and, thanks to his amazing physical conditioning, one of the league top minute-munchers, often playing more than 30 minutes per game.
3. Tim Thomas, goaltender, Boston Bruins: Thomas, 37, is one of the NHL’s great all-time feel good stories. He didn’t make it to the NHL until he was 28 years old and against all odds has become one of the best goalies in the league. Thomas won the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top stopper in 2009, lost his starting position with the Bruins the following year, but rebounded to win the Vezina again last season.
4. Martin Brodeur, goaltender, New Jersey Devils: At 39 there is no question Brodeur is not the stopper he was in his prime. However, when the Devils made a late-season surge toward the playoffs, it was Brodeur making the saves. He won 10 of 11 games between Feb. 1 and March 15. His six shutouts increased his all-time record to 105.
5. Ray Whitney, left wing, Phoenix Coyotes: One of the all-time best small players in the game, at 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, Whitney continues to put up good numbers on a team that places a huge emphasis on defensive play. His 17 goals and 57 points last season placed him third in scoring on the team and marked the 11th time he has produced in excess of 50 points.
6. Daniel Alfredsson, right wing, Ottawa Senators: Injuries hampered Alfredsson last season, but he had back surgery in the off-season and has vowed to come back strong next season. As the Senators embark on a youth movement, their 38-year-old captain will play a massive role in setting a positive example on how to be a true professional.
7. Jason Arnott, centre, St. Louis Blues: Arnott may not put up the numbers he did in his youth now that he’s 36, but he can still produce at a decent level and he is a much better two-way player. He was a solid acquisition for the Washington Capitals last season and now, having signed with the Blues, will use his veteran leadership to try to get his new team back to the playoffs after two years on the sidelines.
8. Saku Koivu, centre, Anaheim Ducks: The 36-year-old isn’t quite in the spotlight as he once was as the captain and No. 1 centre with the Montreal Canadiens, but he remains a significant contributor with the Ducks playing behind the likes of young studs Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Bobby Ryan. Koivu has always played bigger than his 5-foot-10, 178-pound frame would suggest he could and he continues to give the Ducks 20 minutes of responsible action nightly.
9. Mike Knuble, right wing, Washington Capitals: After a slow start to his year last season, Knuble found his game and once again delivered a workmanlike 24 goals and 40 points. At 39, he will continue to be the consummate professional as his Capitals try to find the elusive formula for playoff success. If they find it, you just know Knuble will be a big part of their success.
10. Dwayne Roloson, goaltender, Tampa Bay Lightning: At 41, Roloson continues to be one of the game’s most competitive individuals. Lightning GM Steve Yzerman understands the value of veteran leadership and that’s the main reason why he decided to bring Roloson back for an encore performance.
Tags: ice hockey, national hockey league, nhl