A Game of Aspects

A game is said to contain various aspects that range in degree of importance and effect that they play on the game. Hockey is very much the same in the sense that the quality of the game depends on the execution of said aspects that ultimately affect the result of the game. In the game of hockey, forwards can be broken down into five distinct categories that are different in definition but similar in the sense that each plays a role on the team.

First of all there are the guys with great hands that are able to make something from nothing by making moves to beat defenders in order to generate an offensive chance, this player is called a dangler. A player like Detroit's Pavel Datsyuk would fall under this category due to the fact that he is small and quick with the puck. Next there are snipers, who have a primary objective to score goals with terrific shots that use a combination of speed and accuracy. San Jose was lucky enough to acquire a sniper in Dany Heatley back in 2009. Then their are the playmakers who are responsible for generating offensive chances by setting up the snipers and danglers for goals, Colorado's Paul Stastny would be considered a playmaker. A smaller role in the NHL would be fighting, a fighter can be found on every team, they are simply payed to change the momentum of the game. Someone like the Rangers Derek Boogaard who stands at 6'7"and weighs in at 265 fits the definition perfectly. Finally there are the guys that are employed to play a physical game that punishes the opponent every time they get the puck, they do produce on the ice but lack the finesse of the snipers and danglers. As made clear in the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Pittsburgh's Maxime Talbot is one of the best checkers in the league.

Fortunately for hockey fans the game is by no means this black and white at any given time, their are hybrid players that seem to have the ability to do it all. A player like Pens forward Sidney Crosby is mainly a playmaker meaning he is working to generate offense. Yet some how he ended the 09/10 campaign with 51 goals! He has managed to combine the soft hands of a dangler with the mind and precision of a playmaker. Recently he displayed an aggressive side that has only been seen a mere five times throughout his professional career, Crosby fought Stars defenseman Matt Niskanen in a game last Wednesday night.  Crosby is great offensive presence on the pens and a rather weak fighter, he should stick to producing. Another hybrid player that often gets compared to Crosby is Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin. Although he is widely known for his spectacular moves and rocket shot, he has made a name for himself as a highly physical player. Many see his physical play as a negative aspect in his game that puts him at risk, what is not seen is his drive to win at all costs. These great players should leave the physical play to those who get payed for it, they get paid for point production which is done more efficiently when it has 100% of the focus.

But what happens when players defer away from their roles and take it upon themselves to accomplish the roles of another? The result depends upon the player,  rarely does a fighter become a goal scorer but if this did occur they would receive great recognition. On the opposite side of things, when a point getter becomes a hitter than there is a problem because their is a huge uproar and the player needs to be set straight. Sadly these players often learn their lesson through a suspension that is issued by the NHL which may or may not contain a small fine by Professional pay grade standards. The most recent player to fall prey to disciplinary action was Sharks forward Joe Thornton for his hit on Blues forward David Perron in a game last Thursday night. Thornton seemed to feel that it was a clean hit and was not worthy of a suspension, when asked about it he was surprised that the hit would even receive a two minute penalty.

Buffalo's Jason Pominville being taken off on a stretcher after 

suffering a hit to the head.

The issue of head shots is really starting to become a huge issue in the NHL today as more players are being placed on the injured reserve due to concussions. How does the NHL go about eliminating dangerous hits to the head without removing physicality entirely from the game? Hitting is said to be a very important aspect in the game of hockey, but would the game suffer if hitting was removed? The 2010 Olympics proved that skill makes for a more exciting game than one with hitting. When skill is displayed, the game hits new levels of competitiveness that hitting simply is unable to produce. With more skill in the NHL smaller guys would be able to crack into pro lineups which makes for a more exciting game. Anyone is able to lay a hit but skills are something that are constantly practiced and developed, their would be no need for big players that lack skill. Their would be a larger fan base for the NHL if it put a greater emphasis on talent as opposed to physicality.

"You can't have a hit like that, it's dangerous... I hope the league wakes up and set a precedent for the year" said Buffalo goaltender Ryan Miller after he watched teammate Jason Pominville get taken off on a stretcher. If the NHL wants to remove head shots, then they need to eliminate hitting altogether. By eliminating the job market for hitting more skilled players will breakthrough into the NHL making the sport more enjoyable for fans.