Don Gadway writes:
WOW…….. I am not real sure how you guy’s come up with the 3 stars of the game sometimes, but I think there was some other game that I was watching.
That said here were my 3 stars,
#3 – I agree with you, Holtby – Kept Saskatoon in it, Zemlak might have given up 20. Gendur’s backhander goal may have been the slowest shot he has ever let go. ( 5mph ?)
#2 – (It almost hurts me to say this one) Graham Potuer – If he had gotten into a scrap he could have had the ole Gordie Howe Hat Trick, A BIG night for ole’ Potsey who actually didn’t let too many guys fly by him with the Olay D he is so famous for.
#1 – Shane Harper – Give the kid a little love, that was a beautiful goal (reminded me of Bobby Orr) from my seat it looked as if Holtby took out his feet and his momentum carried him to the far post where he slid it in while horizontal to the ice. Game winner, time running out, and a highlight reel goal.
Crowley did have a good night also but he was chasing down guys that could/should have been stood up at the line most times.
Ellington? Your bobble head night and you get a star?
I enjoy reading your blog immensely but I don’t always agree.
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Here’s my response:
First, as someone who did not grow up around hockey, let me say that I’ve always been baffled by the three stars thing. Perhaps someone can enlighten me as to where and why the tradition originated. Personally, I’m of the opinion that the fans are intelligent enough to know who played well and don’t need anyone telling them that the goalie who stopped 32 shots for a shutout had a good game. But I digress.
As to the more specific issue regarding last night’s stars, let me begin by saying that the stars in my blog are the ones awarded at the rink, not my personal selections. My opinions often differ from the players chosen, which is why I always have an honorable mention selection. However, I’m accepting of the fact that I don’t see everything that happens out there, so I honor the consensus.
Theoretically, I’m part of the selection process, as I’m one of the voters. How much my vote counts is subject to debate. Oftentimes it seems the votes are used more as a guideline than a tabulation. And it’s particularly difficult when the outcome is still in doubt late in the game. Votes are collected with five minutes remaining, and last night the game was 3-3 at that point, so in those instances there’s always a certain degree of improvisation (and it didn’t really matter last night anyway as I misplaced my ballot and never got a chance to vote).
However, that being said, I have no problem with last night’s selections, particularly with the selection of Crowley as the No. 1 star. He had to have logged 30-plus minutes of ice time and basically won all his battles along the boards. In my book that’s getting the job done defensively. But, as my honorable mention suggests, I would have given Harper credit, too.
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