I disagree on Datsyuk because he his aging and I think his glory days of netting 90 pts seasons are over , but he could still play a responsable defensive game and manage to produce , that's why I used to place him as an elite player.
- Alexzanki

I agree that he's had a few subpar seasons (for his standards), but he's also been injured quite a bit. I also agree that he's aging....but still, in my books I'd consider him elite just because everytime he touches the puck something seems to happen. You can't say that with a lot of NHLers...

I disagree on Datsyuk because he his aging and I think his glory days of netting 90 pts seasons are over , but he could still play a responsable defensive game and manage to produce , that's why I used to place him as an elite player.
- Alexzanki

Thats why I said Datsyuk close my friend. Good point

Thats why I said Datsyuk close my friend. Good point
- BuffaloHardHat

....well my point was he used to be elite (he could again if he could tank in a good season or two) , also as a cbj fan I have to agree Nash was never really an elite player, because of the fact he allegedly needs a true number one center to produce, is he a franchise player, yes , but in my book I would never place him on the same skill as Stamkos,Ovie and coe

Thank you voice of reason .

Elite means that certain player puts fear into opposing teams fans when you hear his name being mentioned on the ice.

Kopitar, .. I mean really? Expectations must really be low now to be considered elite.
- BuffaloHardHat

Is that the official definition?

As usual you kids (its normal for your generation) try to twist things to make it look like you are the only one that knows what you are talking about.

When Crosby has been injured and visa versa , when its only one of them DRESSED DUE TO INJURY the other manages to always pick his team up and carry it!

However , I was remiss in excluding Stamkos. Stamkos can carry his team by himself (superior). That is what elite means to me. I think your younger generation just expects to do less (lazy) and then be called elite. I am from an older generation where things werent handed to you and you work hard for everything. The word elite you have to work for. Not many in todays NHL have earned the right to have that noun used with their name.

And do me a favor , dont try to engage me defending your generation. I have 6 children ages 26-13 (countless # of my childrens friends) to make this judgement. I know all about your lazy generation, the technology generation.

Remember elite is a very strong noun (to be superior) . So once again Kopitar is no where near 'elite' . Whe the Sabres play the Kings there is not ever a moment I think to myself 'oh God, Kopitar is on the ice' . Nobody on the Kings for that matter.
But when Crosby, Malkin and Stamkos are on the ice I do think that! Thats what makes themELITE ! Not Datsyuk , not Kopitar , not Giroux , not Nash just the 3 players I mentioned.
- BuffaloHardHat

So you really don't know what a noun is but that doesn't seem to deter you from using that word. You must be going senile in your old age.

Is that the official definition?
- prock

The definition of elite player expired with the CBA.

Until there is a new CBA, there is no official definition.

Obviously Fehr wants to set the bar lower than Bettman.

It's one of the biggest sticking points.

Like I said I really think the bar is soooo low that just anything will do now a days.

I have watched elite talent in my 45 years and Kopitar, Giroux and Nash are not that!!! Crosby, Malkin and Stamkos are! Datsyuk is close.
- BuffaloHardHat

So there arn't any elite defencemen?

The definition of elite player expired with the CBA.

Until there is a new CBA, there is no official definition.

Obviously Fehr wants to set the bar lower than Bettman.

It's one of the biggest sticking points.
- Atomic Wedgie

Crap, I forgot all about Exhibit X of the CBA.

I hear Fehr wants to define it as "a player who strikes worry into the opposition", and Bettman wants to keep it at fear.

Crap, I forgot all about Exhibit X of the CBA.

I hear Fehr wants to define it as "a player who strikes worry into the opposition", and Bettman wants to keep it at fear.
- prock

So what your saying is Bettman doesnt fear Crosby at the negotiation table thus not making him an elite player

So what your saying is Bettman doesnt fear Crosby at the negotiation table thus not making him an elite player
- Alexzanki

I think we can all agree BuffaloHardHat is an elite Hockeybuzz poster.

Did you see that rant?

I'm scared poopless to disagree with him on anything.

Cool article on stick manufacturing:

http://www.thestar.com/ne...lution-of-a-canadian-icon

I think we can all agree BuffaloHardHat is an elite Hockeybuzz poster.

Did you see that rant?

I'm scared poopless to disagree with him on anything.
- Atomic Wedgie

You dont understand, dont even try to argue it's useless, the simple fact that you attempt to argue is a loss by default...... remind you of anyone

Cool article on stick manufacturing:

http://www.thestar.com/ne...lution-of-a-canadian-icon
- Atomic Wedgie

Your gay link made my internet crash.

You dont understand, dont even try to argue it's useless, the simple fact that you attempt to argue is a loss by default...... remind you of anyone
- Alexzanki

MJL....

or better known as....

The American UG.

To me it goes Malkin and Stamkos , obviously Crosby when healthy and Datsyuk.

Assuming Giroux has another season like last year then I am not sure how you could not consider him elite. He can dominate a game on his own, he can control a game on his own and set the pace. I am not able , after 1 elite season to put him with those 3 but he does it again and I am hard pressed not to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s9g4BA2BUQ (First shift against Pens)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEv0M1ohI_4 (game 7 against the Bruins)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq5t6dkx4G4 (does the Datsyuk)

As a mattter of fact I think that is how I would rank the top 5 forwards in the world:
1. Malkin (109 points in 75 games)
2. Stamkos (97 in 82 games)
3. Crosby *when healthy
4. Datsyuk (67 in 70 games but has the best +/- of these 5 with a +21)
5. Giroux (93 points in 77 games)

I dont think Nash(59 points in 82 games) or Kopitar (76 points in 82 games) are anywhere near those players. I think Nash has the personal talent and now that he has some other players maybe he will explode. Kopitar is a great player that any team would take as a number 1 pick I am just not sure he is near those top 5 right now.

I think we can all agree BuffaloHardHat is an elite Hockeybuzz poster.

Did you see that rant?

I'm scared poopless to disagree with him on anything.
- Atomic Wedgie

I thought you and I were elite Hockeybuzz posters?

Or is that just in Augello's and Engels' threads?

So you really don't know what a noun is but that doesn't seem to deter you from using that word. You must be going senile in your old age.
- flamminghead

Elite is a noun son. Look it up.

I think we can all agree BuffaloHardHat is an elite Hockeybuzz poster.

Did you see that rant?

I'm scared poopless to disagree with him on anything.
- Atomic Wedgie

Me too, but only cause the boneheaded thougts of his make me want to pull my hair out.

He had waves of level headed thinkers for pages and pages laughing at his homerism, at his retarded idea tha john scott was gonna be a huge factor for the sabres and comparing pominville to kopitar!!! Etc etc.

Then he gets one or two other monkeys to kinda agree and he feels validated.
Misery certainly loves company
He was calling out the 1st line center, dominant, best forward on the cup champs!!?
Or that datsyuk isnt elite???!!!?? Giroux!?? Holy eff

Hes just an old homer whos wayy out of touch with the game today.
He lovez his sabres, he watches his sabres, and theyre the best ever. All of u be damned.

Elite is a noun son. Look it up.
- BuffaloHardHat

Actually, it's an adjective, the way it's being used here.

To me it goes Malkin and Stamkos , obviously Crosby when healthy

As a mattter of fact I think that is how I would rank the top 5 forwards in the world:
1. Malkin (109 points in 75 games)
2. Stamkos (97 in 82 games)
3. Crosby *when healthy
4. Datsyuk (67 in 70 games but has the best +/- of these 5 with a +21)
5. Giroux (93 points in 77 games)

I dont think Nash(59 points in 82 games) or Kopitar (76 points in 82 games) are anywhere near those players. I think Nash has the personal talent and now that he has some other players maybe he will explode. Kopitar is a great player that any team would take as a number 1 pick I am just not sure he is near those top 5 right now.
- opeth_pa

I say a healthy crosby is number 1. But other than that; im fully on board with this top 5

Me too, but only cause the boneheaded thougts of his make me want to pull my hair out.

He had waves of level headed thinkers for pages and pages laughing at his homerism, retarded idea tha john scott was gonna be a huge factor for the sabres and comparing pominville to kopitar!!!

Then he gets one or two other monkeys to kinda agree and he feels validated.
Misery certainly loves company
He was calling out the 1st line center, dominant, best forward on the cup champs!!?
Or that datsyuk isnt elite???!!!?? Giroux!?? Holy eff

Hes just an old homer whos wayy out of touch with the game today.
He lovez his sabres, he watches his sabres, and theyre the best ever. All of u be damned.
- hugefemale dog77

Your username says it all kid. Attack the post and not the poster. I reported your post for various COC infractions.

I'll take my 45 years of watching hockey opinion over yours and this 'levelheaded' think you know it all generation 24/7/365.
You still saying that Kopitar is 'elite' is pure hilarity. But tell me more oh hockey guru. Cant wait

Actually, it's an adjective, the way it's being used here.
- prock

It's a noun. Go to websters.

Your username says it all kid. Attack the post and not the poster. I reported your post for various COC infractions.

I'll take my 45 years of watching hockey opinion over yours and this 'levelheaded' think you know it all generation 24/7/365.
You still saying that Kopitar is 'elite' is pure hilarity. But tell me more oh hockey guru. Cant wait
- BuffaloHardHat

I did attack the post. And so did everybody else. Right from the beginning. Just like they attacked the ryan miller posts, john scott posts, pominville posts. Im seeing a pattern here.. Hmmmm

It wasnt until u started pulling out 'clown' etc when the gloves came off.

45 years??!! Wow. Well in ur case, it doesnt promote wisdom. Just means uve been clueless for a really long time

happy 100th day of the lockout BTW(how sad) and of course merry christmas

Your username says it all kid. Attack the post and not the poster. I reported your post for various COC infractions.

I'll take my 45 years of watching hockey opinion over yours and this 'levelheaded' think you know it all generation 24/7/365.
You still saying that Kopitar is 'elite' is pure hilarity. But tell me more oh hockey guru. Cant wait
- BuffaloHardHat

I disagree with you.