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Is Callahan the best captain in the NHL today? |
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Ryan Callahan is not the lineup today for the Rangers in their matinee against the Bruins, due to a bruised foot that has kept him for the last three games. Nevertheless, I think today is as good a time as any to ask if Callahan has become the predominant captain in the NHL.
There are many different styles of captaincy in hockey, and there is no one single "right" way to do it. Above all, a top-flight captain must be true to his natural personality but push himself beyond his comfort zone from time to time.
Callahan is a phenomenal leader by example, who cares about one thing and one thing only: the success of the New York Rangers. The team's over-achievement so far this season is certainly owed in large part to its outstanding goaltending and defense, but I think you should also look at the leadership Callahan has provided in a high-pressure atmosphere with a head coach whose intensity has been known to burn out some of his less mentally tough and resilient players.
Very few commented about this during the run of HBO's 24/7 series but one of the themes that I thought shined through the brightest was just what an outstanding young leader Callahan is -- priorities in order, incredibly hard-working and possessing a blue-collar work ethic that has helped him rise far above his natural collection of abilities. He is absolutely the perfect captain to personify the type of team that John Tortorella has forged.
Of course, the word "best" is extremely subjective. The NHL is blessed with many great captains with different leadership styles, ranging from Jonathan Toews, Jarome Inginla, Shane Doan to Brenden Morrow, Daniel Alfredsson and (a healthy) Sidney Crosby. At bare minimum, however, I think Callahan has entered the discussion about the best leaders in the game today.
WHAT'S THE BUZZ? Who is the best captain in the NHL today?
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