Legend Week Continues Hakan LOOOOB

Legend week continues. I hope you have enjoyed reading about these legends as much as I have enjoyed writing them. This week's nominee is Hakan Loob of the Stanley Cup champions Calgary Flames. Hakan Loob is my favourite Flames player of all time. 

I love his speed as he created havoc in the offensive zone. Defencemen would be intimidated by his speed, automatically backing up as he entered the zone. His stickhandling was immaculate, along with his passing, which was among the league's best. He was in on the last goal of Lanny Mcdonald's career.

Hakan was the kind of player who goes about his game without anyone noticing him. Hakan played in all aspects of the Flames game, especially the penalty kill because of his speed. He took pride in his defensive game and was an all-around solid player for the Flames. 

Hakan Loob Scores 50

Hakan Loob was the first Swede to score 50 goals in a season. In the 1987-88 season, Loob led the Flames with 106 points, including 50 goals. He would end his career with style as a Stanley Cup Champion. Hakan had a shortened NHL career, as he chose to finish his career playing at home in Sweden. 

Legend week Continues: Darryl Sittler

I continue to go with my Legends Week blogs this week and write about my idol, Darryl Sittler.  

Sittler was a terrific number one centre on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Darryl was the heart and soul of these Leafs. For twelve years, Sittler bled blue and white.  

Leader in the Dressing Room

There was little doubt that Sittler was a leader in the dressing room. He was captain of the club 1975-79 and 80-82. Darryl led by example; he would do everything to win 

The Ten Point Game

To this day, Darryl Sittler is still known for his 10-point game. He scored six goals and added four assists in the Leafs over the Bruins. If memory serves me correctly, Dave Reese was in the net for the Bruins. Nothing could go wrong for Sittler that night. February 7, 1976—the night went down in infamy. 

https://www.nhl.com/video/darryl-sittlers-10-point-game/t-277350912/c-40278303

Canada Cup Goal

Darryl's moment of international hockey for Canada. A terrific do-si-do by the Czechoslovakian defencemen. Then a deke by the goalie who is still looking for his shorts. I especially remember this goal—one of my favourite players scoring the winning goal was Christmas for me. 

Darryl Sittler was my favourite player. I always had to be Darryl Sittler when I played road hockey. All my friends were huge Maple Leaf fans in the seventies, so we all wanted to be either Lanny or Darryl. 

Legend Week Kick-off

I am doing a "legend" blog for the teams that I am covering. For this week, it is the New York Islanders' turn. A friend of mine asked me to write a blog on legendary goaltender Billy Smith. 

A fact on Billy Smith I didn't know

Billy Smith did not start with the New York Islanders. Smith started his NHL career at Lalla Land, known as Hollywood. In the 1970-71 NHL Season, Smith started five games for the Kings. In his debut, the Kings lost to the Habs 6-5. If it were not for Smith, the game could have been a lot worse, as he faced 48 shots in the tilt; Smith yielded the winning goal with just 22 seconds left. The legend himself, Guy Lafleur, scored the goal. The Islanders acquired Smith in the '72 expansion draft. 

Billy Smith Moments

Game 1 - 1983 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Billy Smith was outstanding in a 2-0 victory. He made 35 saves, many of them of the exceptional variety. Smith to the rescue again and again as the Oilers had their chances. 

November 28, 1979 

This date will be remembered in infamy, as Smith got credit for an empty-net goal versus the Colorado Rockies. He was the first NHL goalie to score a goal.

Billy Smith was no angel

You either loved or hated him. Billy Smith was well known for his stick swinging athletics. I would watch an Islanders game every chance I got to see Smith losing it with his goal stick. In all honesty, that was part of his charm; there was no other goalie who could get in an opposing player's head like Smith. You meathead, get out of my crease!

Awards  

Bily Smith was arguably the best New York Islanders goalie. He provided that in the 1982-83 season, taking home the Conn Smythe trophy. A most valuable player in the playoffs.

Billy Smith also won the Vezina and William H Jennings trophies. He was elected into the Hall of fame in 1993.

Leafs Not Meeting Fans' Expectations?

Most people who I have talked to about the Leaf's offseason have been feeling a little underwhelmed. There are two major concerns with the losses of Freddy and Hyman. The Maple Leafs did not fill the holes adequately. I get that Maple Leafs can't fully address the issue of losing Andersen and Hyman due to the hindrance of the Salary Cap. The problem is how the Leafs addressed the issue.

Losing Zach Hyman really hurts. His speed and offensive production will be hard to replace. The young guns will have to step it up.

Nicholas Robertson

Nicholas is a top prospect who has tons of offensive skills. He is a shifty forward who can score from anywhere. Nicholas is known for his shot; he is an elite scorer. Robertson has been the man in the past, but can he produce with the big boys? The Maple Leafs are betting that Nicholas can step it up and replace Hyman, filling the goal with pucks. And Robertson does not quit. He has a ton of heart.

Michael Bunting 

 

Michael can fill offensively. He is a steady player who can add a goal now and then. He has more offensive power than Robertson and is more established. He has the potential to score twenty goals in a season, put in the right situation. 

Freddy Andersen

Losing a number one goalie and replacing him with a backup or a 1A goalie is a red flag for me. The Maple Leafs lost Andersen mostly because they would not guarantee him a starting position. Andersen picked the number one job somewhere else; more power to him. Toronto is a firm believer in using both of their goalies, which Mrazek is already used to having played in Carolina. Most teams are going with the two-goalie system, hoping to keep their goalies fresh for the playoffs. Will it work? Only time will tell.

PS I am not sure how the Leafs can do this cap-wise, but they have inquired about PK Subban.  

Randy

What Does Parise Bring?

Many reports are saying Zach has signed with the Islanders. If the rumors are true, Parise coming to the Islanders is like the prodigal son coming home.  He is a perfect fit for three reasons. 

1. Leadership

The Isles really need a leader with some talent. Parise will become an instant leader. He will do everything that is asked of him and more. Parise will help Barzal develop his game to become a complete player. No one can question his heart. He may not be the same player, but he has the same spirit. 

2. Isles Powerplay

Zach Parise can still stick handle with the best of them. His stickhandling skills will not diminish with age. Zach will be a welcome addition to a powerplay that lacks skill and imagination. Barzal will become twice as effective. 

3. Added offense in the bottom six

The Isles lack offensive punch. Zach brings the offensive playmaker the Isles so desperately need. Zach and Pageau on the third line will be a nice touch; I look forward to seeing them work together. 

Conclusion

Zach Parise is an excellent addition to the Islanders. He will become a fan favorite this season and just might be the missing piece of the puzzle.