Sunday, March 25, 2012

Claude Giroux Should Win the Hart








                There is no doubt that Evgeni Malkin and Steven Stamkos are greatly talented players, but Claude Giroux has the best case for the Hart. Over the summer Flyers General Manager Paul Holmgren took this Flyers team and put it on the back of Giroux after trading away captain Mike Richards and Jeff Carter.
                Last season Claude Giroux had a breakout season tallying 76 points in 82 games which placed him at 13th in the point totals tied with 3 other players. The season he had showed the emergence of one of the next young superstars in the NHL. This season Claude Giroux is currently 3rd in points with 86 behind Steven Stamkos and Evengi Malkin.
                Giroux's biggest reason for Hart is his linemate, Scott Hartnell. He may have helped save Hartnell's career as a Flyer after a disappointing start for the left winger. Hartnell has now hit a career high in goals and points and is tied for the league lead in powerplay goals with 15. Giroux was placed on a line with future HOF forward Jaromir Jagr ,who spent his previous 3 seasons in the KHL, who he clicked well with early in the season after scoring his first goal of the season against Boston in the first game of the season.
                Claude Giroux makes whoever he plays with better, whether it be on his line, power play, or penalty kill he boosts other players skills. He has been a huge part of the penalty kill and has played well defensively all season. 

Clade Giroux (left) and Jaromir Jagr (right)

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

My Interview With Ian Laperrière

Today I got the chance at something I've always wanted to do, interview a professional sports player, and today I got to do just that! I want to thank Ian Laperrière for taking his time to do this. Enjoy!


How old were you when you knew you wanted to pursue hockey as a career?
All my life I wanted to be a NHL player but I realize that I had a shot when I start to play Jr ( 16 )

Did hockey come easy to you or did you have to practice more than others to make it to the NHL?
Always took pride by working harder then the guy next to me , specially in the summers . I believe I had a long career because of that .

Throughout your career did you enjoy the offensive side of the game or the defensive side of the game?
Well my role was more on the defensive side of the game , I took pride on every p.k and defensive assignment i had.

What current flyer do you think has a playing style most like yours?
Claude Giroux :) kidding , I like to think a little mix of Zack Rinaldo and Max Talbot

Would you consider taking up coaching in the NHL?
I'm trying everything right now to see where I can fine a second passion , coaching is on that list .

Is being a sports analyst on that list?
I like it but I think I need to be closer to the game right now ... But you never know

Do you think wearing visors in the NHL should be made mandatory?
No I think guys know the risk and consequences and the players should be able to make that chose .

I have one last question, Who is your favorite line mate you most liked to play with?
Well I enjoy playing with the guys I kill penalty with , Dan Bylsma, Ben Guite , Blair Betts ... I have a Lot of respect for those guys .

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