Eric Lindros and His Career As Seen On Twitter

Twitter is the new big thing on the internet nowadays. It lets people post what is on their mind and what they are doing at anytime, these updates are known as Tweets. That’s pretty much it. As useless as Twitter may sound, millions of people around the world are doing it. So we at the NHLEF thought it would be cool to see what a hockey players Twitter updates would have been throughout their career. You've already seen Alexander Daigles' so, here are Eric Lindros' Twitter updates throughout his eventful hockey career.

January 6, 1989- Wow, people are calling me “The Next One” I am so good at hockey.

June 19, 1991- I am the projected 1st overall pick in this years Entry Draft by a land slide!! I am so awesome!

June 20, 1991- Crap, the Nordiques have the 1st overall pick.

June 21, 1991- I will never play for the Nordiques!

June 22, 1991- Crap, I got drafted by the Nordiques.

June 23, 1991- Screw you Nordiques, I am playing in the OHL again until you trade me.

April 29, 1992- 97 goals and 119 assists for a total of 216 points in 95 games played in my career for the Oshawa Generals, I am pretty proud of myself, I am larger than life.

July 4, 1992- Finally got traded, heading to the New York Rangers for Doug Weight, Tony Amonte, Alexei Kovalev, John Vanbiesbrouck, three first round draft picks and $12 million!!

July 5, 1992- Wait, I got traded to the Philadelphia Flyers for Peter Forsberg, Ron Hextall, Chris Simon, Mike Ricci, Kerry Huffman, Steve Duchesne, two first round selections and $15 million cash!

July 6, 1992- I don’t know what team I am on, Quebec, Philly, or New York?!?! The Nordiques do not know how to do anything.

July 14, 1992- I am a Flyer, finally! Have fun in stinky Quebec Peter Forsberg, Ron Hextall, Chris Simon, Mike Ricci, Kerry Huffman, Steve Duchesne!! HAHA

July 20, 1995- Hart Trophy Winner!! I don’t care if the season got cut short, I am still awesome.

September 2, 1995- The Nordiques are moving to Colorado?!?! I would have played there!! Oh well, the team is still brutal. I’ll win I Cup before them.

December 6, 1995- Avalanche acquire Patrick Roy! He is a good goalie. Still won’t help that joke of a team.

May 28, 1996- Eliminated from the Playoffs again. Next year is the year.

June 21, 1996- Crap! Avalanche win the Stanley Cup. That could have been me. I’ll get mine soon.

June 5, 1997- Stanley Cup Finals!! Only four more wins until my Cup!

June 20, 1997- We got swept, there is always next year. Congrats Detroit.

January 5, 1998- I am ranked number 54 on The Hockey News' list of the 100 Greatest Hockey Players of all time!!

February 6, 1998- Bobby Clarke is starting to really grind my gears.

February 23, 1998- Eff you Darius Kasparaitis for giving me a concussion. My head hurts.


April 1, 1999- Ouch my ribs!

April 2, 1999- I had a collapsed lung caused by internal bleeding, Flyers, I really shouldn’t play hockey for awhile. Stop telling me I should. These team doctors are useless.

October 2, 1999- Flyers took my “C” away for bad mouthing the team doctors. I am beginning to dislike this franchise.

November 5, 1999- Ouch my head. Another concussion.

Feburary 7, 2000- Another concussion.

April 27, 2000- I think I need a new helmet…another concussion.


May 20, 2000- I am going to return from my concussion and help beat the New Jersey Devils!!

May 21, 2000- Eff you Scott Stevens!! You gave me another concussion!! I guess I wasn’t ready to return to game action.

May 23, 2000- Eliminated from playoffs, I think my days with Bobby Clarke and Philly are over!!

October 5, 2000- I am sitting out this season until I get traded to Toronto preferably!

June 21, 2001- Crap! Colorado won the Cup, again! I may have made the wrong decision 10 years ago.

August 20, 2001- Traded to New York Rangers!! Not Toronto, but better than Philly. Seeya Bobby Clarke!!


February 23, 2004- Eighth career concussion. Helmets do nothing.


June 25, 2005- I will never win a Cup with the Rangers, I am out of here!

August 5, 2005- I finally get to play for the Leafs!

April 7, 2006- That was a crappy season. I am done with the Leafs.

August 2, 2006- I am going to be playing in Dallas this upcoming season! Comeback and Cup, here I come.


May 1, 2007- Out of the playoffs. Stanley Cups are hard to get. But hey, at least I nailed Kate Hudson!

November 8, 2007- I am done with hockey. I should have stuck with the Nordiques.

NHLEF OUT

Toews or Kane? A New, More Serious Article, by the NHL-EF

Marian Hossa was perhaps the biggest free agent signing this off-season when he inked a 12 year, $62.8 million contract. For the purposes of next season, this is a great signing and makes the young team from Chicago instant Cup contenders, if they weren’t already. Hossa is by far a more superior player than the talented, yet, injury prone, Martin Havlat, who they chose to let walk away. This was even the case when they both played for the Ottawa Senators. Therefore, it is an instant improvement for Chicago.

However, as most people have figured out, after the 2009/2010 campaign, the Blackhawks will have some decisions to make in terms of who stays and who goes. Chicago’s top two young guns, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane are up for restricted free agency. Both will want long-term contracts that will pay them at least $6 million a season, but probably closer to $7 million. With all of the young talent on Chicago being signed this summer and with all of the other contracts they must stick with for awhile, such as Cristobal Huets and Brian Campbell’s *cough* ridiculous *cough* contracts, they won’t be able to keep them both.

We have all heard who would you rather have, Crosby or Ovechkin, but now the new and realistic debate should be: Would you rather have Toews or Kane to lead your team for the next 10-15 years? Let the NHLEF begin the debate for you.

Winnipeg native, Jonathan Toews was drafted 3^rd overall in 2006 by the Hawks and has had two successful seasons under his belt already. His career stats are admiral with 146 games played, 58 goals, 65 assists, for a total of 123 points. His career +/- is +23, which isn’t too shabby. Toews is a skilled centre who can both set up and score goals. He is currently the captain of the young Blackhawk team and led them to Western Conference Final in 2009 racking up 13 points in 17 playoff games, which isn’t terrible for a players’ first time in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Buffalo native, Patrick Kane was drafted 1^st overall by the Hawks in 2007. He is a skilled winger who has had immediate success in the NHL. He won the Calder Trophy in 2008 for being the leagues top rookie player. His career stats over two seasons are impressive with 162 games under his belt and notching 46 goals and 96 assists for a total of 142 points. His career +/- is not as impressive at -7. He, like Toews, also performed well in his first experience with Playoff Hockey notching 14 points in 17 games. Kane has been more of a playmaker, than a sniper, so far in his NHL career.

So those are the facts. Now it’s time to determine who Chicago should keep and who they should part ways with. Kane is indeed a great offensive power and can contribute points at key times, in key games. Toews is also a great offensive power who can also play under pressure. Both have yet to reach their full offensive potential thus far in their NHL careers, but they surely will soon. As mentioned, Toews can shoot and pass, so he is a double threat. Kane on the other hand, is more of a playmaker, and therefore benefits from having skilled snipers to play with, and without that, he can become quite ineffective. In terms of offensive attributes, you have to give the edge to Toews.

Defensively speaking, both players need work in their own zone, which is the case with most young, skilled players. For what it is worth Toews has by far the better +/- compared to Kane, which can support the argument that he more defensive minded than Kane. Therefore, you can give Toews the defensive edge as well.

In the new NHL, marketability is key for a franchise (and the league) to be successful. Therefore, examining which of these two young stars is more marketable is important. Toews is a quiet, genuine, Canadian. He is not seen as the top player in the game, but he is very good. In Canada his marketability is sufficed, especially after his heroics in the shootout against the Americans in the World Junior Championships, which every Canada enjoys watching. Other than that, his marketability in the USA is pretty much non-existent, which is not good if that’s where your trying to expand you fan base. Kane on the other hand has marketing in his veins. He is a fun loving kid who fans love to connect with. He is one of the top American born players in the game today. And he is the new cover boy of EA Sports NHL 10, an honor that he can share with Alexander Ovechkin. So if marketability is the way to go, you would be best suited to keep Patrick Kane.

Leadership is probably the most important item to take into account when comparing these two, since who ever will be chosen to stay, will lead the Hawks for the next 10 years or so. Toews and Kane have both been leaders and captains on teams that they have played for in their hockey careers before the NHL, so it is nothing new to them. Toews currently holds the captaincy for the young Hawk team, and the team has performed well under his leadership. Many people, including myself, feel that this insures that Toews is the man of the future and Kane will be looking for a new home after next season. However, as trivial as this argument may be, Kane is American and Toews is Canadian. Canadians are generally seen as captains on NHL teams, it’s just a fact. However, the argument I am going to try and make is that Kane can be a next generation Mike Madano, an American captain, leading an American based team. Kane would probably excel under this opportunity if he was given the “C” in Chicago. But nevertheless, Toews has already proved he is a leader and could most likely become a next generation Steve Yzerman, a Canadian leading an original six team. In leadership, Towes also takes the cake.

So there you have it, Toews should stay and Kane should go. And if this indeed happens, look for the Maple Leafs to try hard to get Kane, although Brian Burke would rather have Toews. But that debate is for another day. I think most people would support this point of view that I have put forward, but I am sure there are plenty of people who want to see Patrick Kane playing with his mouth guard in a Hawks uniform. So let’s hear it NHLEF readers! Would you rather have Jonathan Toews or Patrick Kane? NHLEF OUT

Alex Daigle's Twitter Roll

With apologies to Wikipedia, who have compiled an impressive list of Daigle’s accomplishments, I will attempt to summarize, using entries from Alex’s personal Twitter feed.

February, 1993
Super_Alex: The Sens are losing games on purpose in order to draft me! God I’m so hot right now.

May, 1993
Super_awesomealex: The Nordiques just offered the Sens Peter Forsberg, Owen Nolan and Quebec remaining a part of Canada for the right to draft me! The boys running the country declined! They’re so smart and I’m effing unreal!

July, 1993
Unreal_Alex: Just got home from the draft, went to Ott, obv. Take that Pronger and Kariya, you guys suck, I don’t even try and I’m way better. Go Sens go, thanks for the 5-year $12.25 contract. (thats million, not my hourly salary)

January, 1994
RichAss_Alex: I’m so famous, and I don’t even have to try. They put me on posters of everything here, even though Yashin is way better than me in every bit of the game. Screw hockey, I loooooooooveeee accccccccciiiidddd.*0-9rguj803n










Alex on acid. This is a picture provided by one of his close friends.


July, 1995
Daigle_Masta: Yashin holds out ‘cause he isn’t gettin’ paid as much. What a meatball, I’m the big cheese and I’m on the 4th line. Sucka!











Alex and Alexei, two superstars in the making

August, 1997
Logo_Daig: I’m on the Sens 3rd Jersey! No big deal or nuthin’, picking up the ladiezzz at da barzzz is a joke, kind of like me playing hockey.

January, 1998
Dead_Alex: Hmm, 74 goals in 4.5 seasons? Pretty much the next Wayne G right here, Philly knows it, and Ott just gave up on me. For Vaclav Prospal, what a gongshow, but I’m still getting dumptruck loads of money. Texted Pam last night, shes down for a good time.

April, 1998
Waived_Alex: Flyers, screw them! Oil? Who cares about that freezing dead end city! TBay – no one ever knows what hockey is! The Rangers – I’m the best dude on the team! Eff this noise, I’m the next Woody Allen. Or Bruce Willis! Or Marilyn Monroe! Got sloppy with Pam last night – think I managed to hook that fish.







Pam Anderson without Alex Daigle


June, 1998
Actor_Alex: Only played hockey cause i was sick-as at it - ***k you guys!

July 2002
burnout_D: I have no idea where i was the last 4 years - any1 got an idea?? Looking for: NHL team paying money to smack-addicted self-obsessed no-talent garbagomanic to pwn in pre-season and then fall flat on his face. Msg me.

July 2003
Wild_Daigle: The Pens fell for it last year, and the Wild this year. Yeaaaaah aycheques for nothin'!

April 2004
Sniper_Alex: Just led the Mild in points! 51! Tied career high! I don't suck afterall, even though this team does! Ohgodwheresmyacid.,.,oeingjieugb

March 2006
Waived_Alex2: Waived again. FML. But I'm not done yet!!! Europe doesn't know I'm a waste of space!!



As you can see, Alex Daigle led a very healthy, fantastic, yet chaotic life. He is an example to be followed, revered and possibly even worshipped. Now, the NHL-EF has taken a new turn, one with more serious articles - is this one of them?? Only the readers will tell... NHL-EF OUT!

A New Direction for the NHL-EF

If you check the NHL-EF page regularly, you will have noticed a lack of new articles in general. Truth be told, there is a real good explanation for this. The NHL-EF is expanding and taking on a whole new attitude towards sports journalism! Also, working full-time in the summer, playing soccer, and drinking large amounts of alcohol also contributed to the lack of articles, but we like the first excuse better. Therefore, you can expect a new look, new articles, new media, and new contributors to the NHL-EF world. This post is merely to prepare you, the reader, what you can expect in the weeks to come. So in typical list format, here is what you can look forward to from your favorite source for hockey related articles.

- The NHL-EF will be taking a more serious attitude towards the articles that are produced. Subjects such as; was the Marian Gaborik signing a good signing? And; why the heck is Alex Tanguay still available? Now you may say, “But hey!! I love reading the funny articles about Pierre McGuire, potential Habs owners, and the funny names of the NHL; I want to keep reading stuff like that!!” Not to worry you immature readers, the NHL-EF will continue to produce funny articles, but now you can expect the same amount of funny articles along with numerous, slightly more serious articles. This just means more new articles for your reading pleasure.

- We are going to be taking on a new look. None of us are sure what this new look will be or how to do it, but we agree that in recreating the NHLEF, we must have some kind of new look. Maybe a fancy logo is in the works? Maybe some kind of slogan will be created? You’ll just have to wait and find out for yourself.

- We are expanding our staff. You may have noticed a classified ad posted on the NHL-EF site recently for new contributors. Not many people applied, which is kind of a let down, but it’s there. We already have one new contributor lined up and ready to go, making our staff from a measly 2 dudes to an impressive 3 musketeers. All of whom don’t really agree on what teams and/or players are good and/or bad. We are still looking for an office space however, so if anyone knows of any wicked office going for about $0 per month, let us know ASAP.

- New types of articles. Now, we at the NHL-EF have realized that reading large blocks of text can get tiring, annoying, and create confusion between schoolwork and leisure, so we are going to implement new types of articles that incorporate different types of media. We have been toying with ideas about articles that include photo, video, and audio, which we steal from the web and post here. Personally, I would love to see the wives of NHLers article with photos and I am sure many others would as well. Also, you never know, we might not steal media from the web, we might make our very own little video or photo shoot to post. That might sound a little weird and sketchy, but who cares.

So those are the changes you can expect to see upcoming for the insanely awesome blog that is the NHLEF. If you guys out there have any ideas for us to implement, we want to hear them, then reject them, and laugh at your face. With these new improvements we at the NHLEF hope to become the next big thing in NHL journalism and rival the Hockey News itself and maybe one of us can replace Pierre McGuire on the NHL on TSN panel. Just putting that out there. NHLEF OUT!

2010 Team Canadas

Since projections for the 2010 Team Canada roster are all the rage nowadays, I thought I would get in on the action. But with so many great players to choose from, I just couldn’t stop at one team. If we were allowed to bring three teams to Vancouver, these would be the Gold, Silver, and 4^th Place teams, respectively (Sweden would obviously beat the “C” Team, right?). So here they are, with players in the order in which I thought of them.

 

A Team	B Team	C Team
Forward	Forward	Forward
Sidney Crosby	Joe Thornton	Mike Ribeiro
Eric Staal	Marc Savard	Ray Whitney
Jarome Iginla	Jason Spezza	Corey Perry
Rick Nash	Dany Heatley	Brad Boyes
Ryan Smyth	Steve Stamkos	Andy MacDonald
Shane Doan	Patrick Marleau	Paul Kariya
Vincent Lecavalier	Patrick Sharp	Jason Pominville
Martin St. Louis	Johnathon Toews	J.P. Dumont
Milan Lucic	Simon Gagne	Jason Arnott
Mike Richards	Derek Roy	Scott Hartnell
Jeff Carter	Jordan Staal	Paul Stastny
Ryan Getzlaf	Mike Camalleri	John Tavares
Defence	Defence	Defence
Scott Niedermayer	Mike Green	Ed Jovanovski
Chris Pronger	Brian Campbell	Bryan McCabe
Rob Blake	Duncan Keith	Ian White
Dan Boyle	Jay Bouwmeester	Drew Doughty
Shea Weber	Kevin Bieksa	Luke Schenn
Dion Phaneuf	Brent Seabrook	Dennis Wideman
Goal	Goal	Goal
Martin Brodeur	Steve Mason	J.S. Giguere
Roberto Luongo	Cam Ward	Mike Smith
Marc-Andre Fleury	Chris Osgood	Carey Price

 

For my “A” Team I decided to go with players with proven track records of winning. Altogether there’s about 16 Stanley Cup rings, 10 World Championships, and a few Olympic Gold medals in there, and that’s just Scott Niedermayer. For this reason some players who may be more skilled but with reputations for shitting the bed when it counts the most (cough Joe Thornton) were left off to my “B” Team.

So let’s see the comments pour in from all you people who disagree with me saying who I should have put where and whose name I might have spelled wrong. I welcome your efforts to prove you’re smarter than I am, no matter how futile those efforts may be.